Arena Group is thrilled to support a new initiative lead by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and London Marathon Events Ltd with a competition for aspiring young architects to design the Mile 18 marker for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 28 April. On the evening of 7
A school for children with special needs in Orpington has received a nice donation which will help it to transform its outdoor play area. Riverside School, which offers support to children and young people with a range of complex needs, received a cheque from Bellway Thames Gateway to help kickstart
From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the
The players at London Irish faced their biggest challenge yet when their principal sponsor, waste management company Powerday, brought a selection of skips, some healthy competition and just one question to the pitch: who would come out on top in the Rugby Kick Challenge? On a sunny July day at
The Bognor Regis branch of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants will be supporting the Pagham Pram Race 2018 as a corporate sponsor for a third consecutive year. Pagham’s traditional Boxing Day pram push – the oldest in the world – spans back more than 70 years and regularly welcomes visitors
Street cabinet camo! The pioneering housing development adding innovation and style to broadband boxes by SEAMLESSLY blending them into the background Now you see them…and soon you won’t! At least that’s the case at an innovative Tees Valley housing development where street cabinets are looking a little different. Wynyard Park
Losing your hair is quite a common thing for many people as they get older. In the past there has been very little that could be done about it, and in the more recent past it was only the rich and famous that could afford to have it done. But
As part of a fundraising initiative to benefit the Alzheimer’s Society, Johnny Rhodes, the Yorkshire Housing Independent living officer, is set to have his head shaved by elderly residents at Rye Court in Helmsley. Johnny has worked in care and support for 10 years, working with many people living with
In a bid to raise vital funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation charity and the other charities it supports, a team of eight cyclists have conquered a gruelling 3000-mile endurance race across some of the toughest terrain Europe has to offer. Taking part in the Race Across Europe (RAC), the
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has teamed up with iconic BBC television show Blue Peter to offer children the chance to design and engineer aspects of their very own music video for British pop-rock band New Hope Club. Winners will get to meet the band, as well as actively participate
Arena Group is thrilled to support a new initiative lead by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and London Marathon Events Ltd with a competition for aspiring young architects to design the Mile 18 marker for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 28 April. On the evening of 7 February 2019, the winning team were revealed at the Stephen Lawrence Centre in South London: Ayanna Blair-Ford, Shreeya Radia and Quincy Haynes – all Part 1 graduates from separate London architecture practices. The design, which celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, who was 18 when he died, will form an inspiring focal point for runners and spectators during the marathon. The competition has provided a rare opportunity for young architects to have their design built and seen by the 41,000 runners in the marathon and millions more around the world watching the race on television. The competition also reflects Stephen’s own aspiration to pursue a career in architecture as well as his love of running – he was a member of the Cambridge Harriers running club, and competed in the Mini London Marathon in 1988. Before submitting their final designs, ten shortlisted teams were invited to the Arena workshop in St Ives, Cambridgeshire to observe how the marker is constructed, and to demonstrate the need to be practical with their design concepts. For over two decades, Arena Project Director, Martin Clark has supported the Marathon with temporary structures, as well as seating for the start and finish lines. He was also invited to be part of the competition judging panel, alongside Baroness Lawrence, representatives from London Marathon Events Ltd, and the Trust’s architecture advisory board. “We are delighted to have supported the London Marathon event for 24 years. It is one of my favourite events to deliver,” said Clark, who has spent over 30 years working at Arena Group. “We organise a skilled team to tackle the logistical challenges of installing over 50 structures in just 48 hours before the event and removing them only several hours after the runners have passed, which is a pretty impressive accomplishment given we are working in the City of London, alongside open roads. “This year is very special and significant. The #BecauseOfStephenWeCan Mile Marker is going to look awesome and we can’t wait to build it with the winning designers!” Clark adds: “We are so proud to be partnering with the Trust, London Marathon Events and the winning team. Together we will be a real driving force behind this inspiring and ground-breaking initiative. “We feel incredibly privileged to be part of the competition and to have responsibility for overseeing the build and delivering the Marathon Mile 18 marker with the winning team.” The winning concept was praised for the creative way it celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, and will form an inspiring focal point for runners and spectators on the day of the event. The Mile 18 marker will incorporate brightly coloured plaques with quotes from young people describing the personal impact that Stephen Lawrence’s life and legacy has had on them. The structure will also project a mix of music and brief audio clips of people describing Stephen’s impact. The design is also being developed to ensure that it meets health and safety requirements which is crucial for such a major sporting event. Quincy Haynes, a member of the winning team, said “We wanted our design to acknowledge the tragedy of Stephen’s death, but also to celebrate his legacy and the work of the Trust. We are incredibly excited to see it built and hope that it will motivate runners as they reach one of the toughest miles of the Marathon.” The winners will return to the Arena workshop next week to undertake a working at height training course so they can assist with the build, and to support their career portfolio. The shortlisted designs are currently on display in a public exhibition at the Stephen Lawrence Centre until Friday, 15 February 2019.
A school for children with special needs in Orpington has received a nice donation which will help it to transform its outdoor play area. Riverside School, which offers support to children and young people with a range of complex needs, received a cheque from Bellway Thames Gateway to help kickstart the refurbishment of the school’s playground facilities. Members of staff at the developer’s divisional office, off New Mill Road in Orpington, raised £1,000 through auctions, raffles and dress down days. Their efforts were then matched by the housebuilder, resulting in a donation of £2,000 for the school. Sue Crane, School Business Manager at Riverside School, said: “We are so grateful that Bellway has chosen to make this generous donation to our school. “The money will help to fund brand new equipment for our outdoor learning area, which will be extremely beneficial to the children. “The children love learning in the outdoor environment, and they are already looking forward to using the new equipment when the refurbishment is complete.” Emma Hamlett, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We are so pleased to be able to help kickstart the refurbishment of the school’s new playground facilities. “At Bellway, we are committed to support the communities in which we build, so when we found out that Riverside School was in need of a funding boost, we were delighted to help.” Bellway Thames Gateway is building homes across London, Essex and Kent. More information on the homes available can be found at bellway.co.uk. CAPTIONS Getting behind Riverside School – left to right – Lynda Garwood, of Bellway, Sue Crane, Riverside School’s Business Manager, and Bellway’s Jemma Livesey
From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the Linden Homes South and Eastern teams have been collecting and delivering gifts to local children who may be spending their Christmas in either a hospital or a hospice this year. Employees from Linden Homes South dug deep and donated a range of gifts to the children at the Shooting Star Chase Hospice in Guildford. Speaking of the donation, Jenny Pearman, corporate relationship manager at Shooting Star Chase said: “The gifts donated by Linden Homes will help make our Christmas celebrations extra special at our two hospices and means our hospice at home team can deliver gifts to children and siblings throughout December.” For the fifth-consecutive year, the staff from Linden Homes Eastern played Santa and delivered sacks full of goodies to the children at the Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. The hospital’s fundraising manager, Charlotte Jefcoate said: “We would like to thank Linden Homes for once again visiting the children and making their day with these wonderful gifts.” Further North, the Linden Homes East Yorkshire division has been supporting the Doncaster Homeless Outreach Service, a charity that helps rough sleepers across Yorkshire take the first steps towards finding a home, whilst offering emotional support and practical advice. The team from Linden Homes collected ‘Christmas bags’, with the contents including basic but essential toiletries. Developments operated by Linden Homes Western also became home to food bank collection points, which will remain open throughout January. Local schools, businesses and residents have been invited to donate food that can be then distributed to people in a time of crisis. Linden Homes communications manager, Naomi Burrell commented “It’s fantastic to see the Linden Homes business units pulling together to help out and give back to the communities nearby to our developments up and down the country. Our staff have gone the extra mile to bring some Christmas cheer to children and families. It’s so heartening to see the donated gifts and items coming in and even more heartening to see how much pleasure these generous gifts give.”
The players at London Irish faced their biggest challenge yet when their principal sponsor, waste management company Powerday, brought a selection of skips, some healthy competition and just one question to the pitch: who would come out on top in the Rugby Kick Challenge? On a sunny July day at Hazelwood, the Exiles stepped up to an out-of-the ordinary training challenge to see who could earn the highest score by kicking rugby balls into different sized skips and bins. The rules were simple: each player had three shots to get the ball in one of six targets. The smaller the skip, the higher the score; so would they risk it all to hit that magic 100-pointer wheelie bin, or play it safe by aiming for larger, less valuable goals? One by one, the boys attempted to dropkick their way to the top of the leaderboards. Curious to see who was the most accurate on the day? Follow the action one kick at a time in the full competition video here – https://www.powerday.co.uk/news/london-irish-rugby-kick-challenge/ After the final scores were tallied, Powerday took the challenge online, asking fans if they could beat the pros at their own game with the official Rugby Kick Challenge game! Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC, you can choose your favourite London Irish stars to see how well you can do with just ten kicks of the ball and three targets to aim for. Shoot for the golden skip for maximum points, then share your top score for ultimate bragging rights. Will you be able to kick the perfect game? Visit the Powerday website and Play the Rugby Kick Challenge today to find out. See here – https://www.powerday.co.uk/rugby-kick-challenge/
The Bognor Regis branch of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants will be supporting the Pagham Pram Race 2018 as a corporate sponsor for a third consecutive year. Pagham’s traditional Boxing Day pram push – the oldest in the world – spans back more than 70 years and regularly welcomes visitors from all over the world in an effort to raise funds for local causes. The three-mile route, which sees teams in fancy dress pushing decorated prams around a race course, starts at the Mill on Pagham Road and finishes at The Lamb pub car park, passing other local pubs along the way. Paul Allwright, who is Depot Manager at Covers Bognor Regis, said: “The Pagham Pram Race is a real highlight of the festive season. We are delighted to be part of this much-loved event and we can’t wait to see all the fun, novel and creative entries from the competitors.” Andrew Goodwill, who is the Treasurer of the Pagham Pram Race, added: “We would like to thank Covers for their continued support and look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to another successful Pagham Pram Race in 2018.” The Pagham Pram Race takes place at 11am on Boxing Day. Full details about the event, including how to take part, are available at www.paghamprace.com.
Street cabinet camo! The pioneering housing development adding innovation and style to broadband boxes by SEAMLESSLY blending them into the background Now you see them…and soon you won’t! At least that’s the case at an innovative Tees Valley housing development where street cabinets are looking a little different. Wynyard Park has teamed up with graphic design experts at Shutter Media to blend street furniture into its surroundings by wrapping them in a range of clever designs – from brick, rendering and landscaping through to the woodland animals commonly seen on the development. Sixteen Virgin Media street cabinets are to get the wrap treatment – with plans to eventually hide the majority of the development’s street cabinets in plain sight. The project was the brainchild of Wynyard Park Development Manager Craig Pinder who teamed up with Steve Hale of Shutter Media to initially lessen the impact of two street cabinets with a deer and stag design. Work is currently underway to wrap a further 14 boxes. Craig said: “I saw an opportunity to add a bit of imagination and colour to some of the cabinets that have to be installed as part of the infrastructure and that’s when we decided to wrap the initial two. “The residents’ garden is a nice, relaxing area adjoining some of our woodland. “We wanted residents and guests to focus on the beauty of the garden rather than the cabinets. “The new graphics will certainly add a unique feel to the estate.” He added: “We get people stopping and taking photos with the first two boxes we trialled.” The reaction has been so positive that the idea was also picked up in other areas of the country – with Steve’s company, which is based at Durham Tees Valley Airport, wrapping street cabinets in Manchester and London. Wynyard Park and Virgin Media have co-funded the pilot project which may be rolled out to other developments if successful. Steve said: “We were certainly one of the first locations to do this. “The feedback has been great.” The vinyl used to wrap the cabinets is the same that Steve uses to decorate shop shutters as it adheres to galvanised steel. Graphics are then printed onto the material with latex and given UVA protection. The wraps have a seven to ten-year lifespan. “Our company started putting images onto shop shutters,” explains Steve, “hence our name Shutter Media. “But we have now used the material for so many different applications. It works on brick walls, we can wrap concrete up and once it’s on, it’s on. “The demand for these wraps is now rapidly increasing – and it all started here at Wynyard Park.” Luke Pattison, Head of New Business Development at Virgin Media, said: “This is a great project and we are always open to hearing about new and innovative ways in which we can do more with our cabinets. We hope local residents like the designs on the development.” For more information about the properties and self-build plots currently available at Wynyard Park please visit http://wynyardpark.com. Picture caption: Street cabinets at Wynyard Park
Losing your hair is quite a common thing for many people as they get older. In the past there has been very little that could be done about it, and in the more recent past it was only the rich and famous that could afford to have it done. But things are changing and more and more people are winding back the clock by bringing back the hairline of their younger selves Before you embark on your hair transplant journey it is well worth doing a little research to make sure you are well prepared for what will happen. It is a surgical procedure, but it isn’t really surgery The general principle of hair implants is simple. Hair follicles are surgically removed from the donor site, and implanted in the recipient site that has suffered hair loss. From this perspective it is surgical in nature, but it is carried out under local anaesthetic meaning the patient is awake and conscious the whole time. This carries far less risks than putting someone under general anaesthetic, yet the patient will feel nothing. The usual technique, known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is minimally invasive, almost bloodless and is considered to be ‘non-surgical’. Together with the patient the doctor will locate a donor site in agreement with the client. Prior to the transplant the hairs need to be shaved down to around 1-2 mm in length, and once the anaesthetic has taken effect they are ready to be moved. A small tool that looks a little like a punch is looped over the follicular unit and pushed into the skin just enough to allow removal with a small pair of forceps. Each unit contains 1 to 5 hours and is laid to one side to await implantation in the new location. Small incisions are the made and the units inserted one and time, and will be done thousands of times so that the new growth will be dense enough to look natural. Once healed it can have huge impact on your confidence Hair loss is fairly common in men, less common in women, but for both it can have a huge impact on your emotional well being. After the procedure has finished healing and started to grow, it can really boost your confidence and change your look completely to how you looked 10, 20 or 30 years ago. There are a number of celebrities who have undergone the procedure, and before and after photographs are easy to see across the internet. Check out the results for yourself and imagine how it would look on you. It can be expensive in Europe and the US It can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be if you choose to go abroad for the procedure. For example, in Turkey some of the best hair transplant surgeons from around the world are flocking to Istanbul to set up hair transplant clinics with the latest modern techniques. And yet it costs so much less than in other countries. This doesn’t mean there is any loss of quality, in fact it is far from it. There is a wide list of low cost hair transplant clinics in different countries that are worth looking into. The best clinics are regulated, and the procedures carried out in brand new accredited hospitals. Yet the price of the procedure will often come in under €2,500 compared with around €12,500 in the UK, and as much as €25,000 in the US. This is mostly down to the currency exchange rate, the Turkish Lira does not perform well against the euro, dollar or sterling. Add this to the fact that salaries and running costs are cheaper in Turkey, and as the world centre of excellence is in Istanbul and the competition is fierce. The price is simply a lot more affordable for people. You can be treated to a 5 star stay as a client Not only is the price lower in Turkey, but the patient care is second to none. And all the extras are included. For example during the days you are there, you will be chauffeured to and from the airport and appointments. You’ll also stay in a 5* hotel, and allocated an interpreter to look after you and answer the questions you may have. Some people decide to turn it into an extended holiday. The transplanted hair is permanent, but it has to be the right treatment for you Hair implants is the only permanent and effective treatment for baldness. But the timing and treatment has to be right. If you notice that you are suffering from hair loss the first thing you should do is visit a dermatologist, to make sure it is clear what the cause is. Also the symptoms need to have stabilised, this is rare in the under 25’s so it may be that other treatments are more appropriate initially before progressing to implant. This way you can be sure to get the best results.
As part of a fundraising initiative to benefit the Alzheimer’s Society, Johnny Rhodes, the Yorkshire Housing Independent living officer, is set to have his head shaved by elderly residents at Rye Court in Helmsley. Johnny has worked in care and support for 10 years, working with many people living with Alzheimer’s during this time. He has found that it can be hard for them to find local support groups and by doing this event for the Alzheimer’s Society, he hopes he can increase awareness of the condition and let people know what support is available. “I am really pleased that this sponsored head shave will help to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s. The residents who are living with Alzheimer’s will shave a bit of my hair off first, then the hairdresser will be finishing the job off,” said Johnny Rhodes, Yorkshire Housing independent living officer. “Residents have been really busy making cakes and events like these show how the residents at this Yorkshire Housing sheltered scheme can pull together,” he added. So far Johnny has raised £120 and if you would like to contribute to Johnny’s campaign, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johnny-rhodes. Yorkshire Housing is a charitable housing association that owns and manages more than 18,000 homes, while developing thousands more across Yorkshire. The association also provides a range of services to help people live independently.
In a bid to raise vital funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation charity and the other charities it supports, a team of eight cyclists have conquered a gruelling 3000-mile endurance race across some of the toughest terrain Europe has to offer. Taking part in the Race Across Europe (RAC), the team consisting of Neil Prescott, Steve Hall, Darren Harrison, Ewan Dowes, Kevin Humphries, Phil Ellison, Gareth Ellis and Steve Hampson, all part of Boulting Ltd, managed to cover 3000 miles in just six days and raised more than £30,000 for charity. Split into two teams of four, riders were rotated meaning the team could cycle 24 hours a day to complete the challenge. “Neil and the team should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished,” said Josh Groarke, deputy group managing director at Boulting Ltd. “It is through their determination and that of similar groups, that vital funds are raised to support research for curing this diabolical disease.” The riders part of the once in a lifetime event reached heights of 3000m above sea level and battled all manner of weather conditions, including wind, rain and hail, as well as temperatures of up to 40°C. The track started in Boulogne sur Mer, then up north through the French Ardennes and crossed the Rhine into Germany. From there they climbed briefly into the Black Forest and then moved east across Germany and Austria, before heading south into Italy and Slovenia and over the Vršič Pass. The route then descended back into Italy, heading due west, crossing the Colle dell’Agnello back into France. They crossed the Alps twice and the Pyrenees once. The final gruelling push saw the group climb over Mont Ventoux and head south into Spain, where they reached their final destination. The extreme endurance challenge was completed in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation. Established in 2007 by Steve Prescott MBE, who was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a form of terminal cancer, and passed away in 2013, the foundation raises much needed funds for The Christie, Try Assist Fund and Oxford Transplant Centre.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has teamed up with iconic BBC television show Blue Peter to offer children the chance to design and engineer aspects of their very own music video for British pop-rock band New Hope Club. Winners will get to meet the band, as well as actively participate in engineering the music video; from designing the storyboard for one of its key scenes to receiving mentorship from industry experts to perform the roles of lighting, video and production engineers on set. New Hope Club has been one of the UK’s most hotly-tipped bands since releasing their debut EP Welcome to the Club in May 2017. Fresh from headlining this summer’s CBBC Summer Social and supporting The Vamps on their recent world tour, eager fans will now get to join their idols, Blake, George and Reece, on set as they shoot the music video for a special exclusive festive song. Despite the breadth of sectors that the engineering industry supports, research by the IET[1] has shown that children view engineers in ‘Bob the Builder’ form, donning hard hats (44%), high vis jackets (40%), using protective eyewear and carrying a toolbox (37%). In reality, this couldn’t be further from the image of a 21st century engineer, working in sectors from aerospace to computing and music production to motorsports. This incredible competition is set to break down these stereotypes and misconceptions of engineering roles and show children just how thrilling the industry can be. Children aged 6-15 can enter the competition by submitting a storyboard for a short scene for the upcoming video where New Hope Club will be seen decorating their Christmas tree, and describing the key camera, lighting and design elements involved. Entrants are also asked to write about their favourite engineer and the impact they have had on the world. Elements of the winning storyboard will be incorporated into the final video, with the winner and two runners’ up joining New Hope Club on-set to receive mentorship and perform key roles in its production. Reece Bibby from New Hope Club said, “We’re incredibly excited and proud to be working with Blue Peter and the IET to offer children the chance to design and engineer our surprise Christmas song. Engineers play a key role when it comes to developing a music video and this is an incredible opportunity for fans to learn more about what these ingenious people do when on-set. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!” It is well documented that the UK faces a nationwide skills shortage. 203,000 people with engineering skills will be required each year to meet demand through to 2024, but it’s estimated that there will be an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers and technicians to fill these roles[2]. Through initiatives like this competition, the Institution of Engineering and Technology is continuously working to excite and motivate young people about the industry and to inspire a new generation of engineering enthusiasts. Orla Murphy, former IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to see the variation that the engineering industry offers and to educate them about the impact and influence that engineers have on the world today. As an engineer and musician, I combined my two passions into a rewarding career at Jaguar Land Rover. Engineers support many of the world’s biggest industries, from computing and construction to sports and entertainment.” “Music video sets are usually reserved for artists and industry professionals only, so it is an enormous privilege to be able to offer young people this unrivalled access to help design, engineer and direct New Hope Club to bring their fantastic new Christmas track to life. I hope it inspires young minds to consider studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and the exciting possibilities engineering careers present.” The competition, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, is open for entry from now until 12 noon on 3 October. The prize for the winning entry is the inclusion of the winning storyboard in the final music video, attendance at the video shoot with New Hope Club and mentorship and coaching from industry professionals to perform key engineering roles on-set. The winner will be joined by two runners’ up at the video shoot who will also experience and carry-out the roles of engineering professionals during the shoot. For more information on how to enter, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/bluepeter. New Hope Club will perform the song exclusively for the first time live on Blue Peter on 20 December 2018.
