All posts by Macfivenews

Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick
Lifestyle, News

Daredevils are walking in the air

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Gauntlet thrown down on St Giles wing-walking challenge

Sutton Coldfield daredevils with a head for heights can now take on the ultimate aerial challenge by wing walking on a plane in aid of St Giles Hospice when the lockdown is finally over.

St Giles is joining forces with events company Life Changing Challenges to offer thrill seekers a brand new fundraising experience they’ll never forget in the skies above Gloucestershire.

Everyone who takes part will enjoy a wing walk at a private airfield in Cirencester, with full training and a safety briefing, flying overalls provided and support from the hospice fundraising team.

Elinor Eustace, Income Generation Director at St Giles Hospice said: “Our fundraisers have told us that they love these adrenaline-fuelled experiences and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to offer people the chance to enjoy one of these amazing flights.

“We’re looking for over-18s who want to test their nerve by trying a different kind of charity challenge – taking their bravery to new heights as they raise the funds we need to support patients living with a terminal illness and their families.”

One St Giles supporter who would love to do a wing-walking flight is 58-year-old Peter Norman who jumped out of a plane for the hospice in 2018, raising more than £500 through his fundraising parachute jump.

HGV driver Peter, who lives in Rugeley, enjoyed the experience so much he did another skydive in 2019 and was due to jump again last year until his flight was cancelled during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He said: “I really enjoyed skydiving for St Giles – it was a big adrenaline rush, far better than any rollercoaster ride you can go on and the views are simply phenomenal. It’s just a massive buzz.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to go wing walking – I’d do it tomorrow. Maybe I’m nuts but I think it would be a great experience! It’s so satisfying to challenge yourself with such a unique event – especially when you’re doing it in aid of a great cause. That’s the icing on the cake, because you know that you’re pushing yourself and helping so many people at the same time.”

Peter signed up for his first jump in memory of his dad Watty (corr) Norman, who died at home with lung cancer in 2003 supported by St Giles Hospice at Home nurses. 

Peter Norman during his first tandem parachute jump and wing-walkers enjoy the challenge

He added: “St Giles staff were amazing – the nurses came and stayed with us at the house and it allowed Dad to be at home with his family right to the end, which made such a difference to him and we’re all really grateful that he got that opportunity.

“I visit the hospice each year on the anniversary of Dad’s death to read his name in the memorial book. I always leave a donation and we play the hospice lottery throughout the year.  My nephew’s wife Jemma Norman passed away at St Giles in 2017 and they looked after her so well – and you hear lots of stories like that in the area. 

“So many people have friends or family who have been supported by St Giles, so it’s really important that we support them in return.”

Anyone interested in taking part in a wing-walking challenge can sign up for a flight on weekdays between March and October and selected Saturdays between April and September. The event is fully COVID-secure.

There is a registration fee of £50 and fundraisers must pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £800. All St Giles wing walkers will get a fundraising pack, an orange hospice T-shirt and full support from a dedicated member of the St Giles fundraising team.

To learn more about the wing walking challenge or sign up for the event email Fundraising@Stgileshospice.com  or visit www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/our-events/wing-walk/

Motoring

MG bounces back with style

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Icon just gets better

MG ZS 

By Bill McCarthy

THE return of the iconic MG in the last few years has not been plain sailing, but despite this, the brand has made steady sales progress, with MG becoming the UK’s fastest growing car brand.

Originally launched three years ago, the MG ZS has become MG Motors biggest selling car to date, tapping into the ever popular and growing SUV/crossover market and packed with standard equipment that adds eye-watering extra cost to some competitors. Now, the refreshed model aims to build on that success, while the brand has now embraced the growing electric market with the MG5 EV and hybrid technology.

I said a couple of years ago there are three good reasons why the original model was a potential winner: Quality, price and warranty.

Price, well it speaks for itself and starts at £15,495, with the comprehensively-equipped range topper coming in at £17,795. Quality? This is the best of the new MGs yet with top notch styling and improved interior comfort. Warranty? It’s seven years and 80,000 miles, how’s that for peace of mind.

There is no doubt it is a fine looking car, attracting some curious gazes from passers-by and would not look out of place adorned with one of its prestige competitor’s badges

The latest version, launched this year, is now a real upgrade in quality and while there is no major overhaul, cosmetic changes are significant with the slimmed down two version option available.

There is no doubt it is a fine looking car, attracting some curious gazes from passers-by and would not look out of place adorned with one of its prestige competitors badges.

While looking like the SUV/crossover that it is, it has some neat new design touches and the large and still famous MG badge adorning the large grille.

 Revisions include a new hexagonal grille, with newly-shaped full LED headlamps which sweep back towards the wings and it features aluminium-effect lower grille and fog-lights on this range-topping Exclusive.

Striking 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, new design tail lights and silver roof bars add to a muscular road presence.

There are  two models, Excite and Exclusive. The entry level, if you can describe such a well-equipped model in such a way, is generously equipped, with  alloys, air con, cruise control, USB connectivity with Bluetooth, electric windows and door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and a host of other goodies.

 This Exclusive model adds a couple of grand to the price and more bells and whistles with updated 10.1 inch floating colour touchscreen featuring navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth telephone and music streaming through six-way speaker system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus digital information display and 360 degree reversing camera.

The interior is much more upmarket, with this model offering heated, leather-style powered front seat and mutli-adjustable front passenger seat, new  piano key buttons  arranged beneath the floating colour touchscreen, and better quality trim, fixtures and fittings. 

Seats are supportive and there is excellent head and legroom for a car of its dimensions. The vehicle provides around 55mm additional rear shoulder room and 80mm rear headroom than the segment average.

All round vision is also good, while stowage space is cavernous with a deep split-level  boot offering 448 litres of capacity and when seats are folded, provides plenty of room for prams, luggage, outdoor leisure equipment or the weekly shop. Other oddment holders and cup holders add extra practicality.

Engine choice should not be a problem with a single 1.5 litre VTI-Tech petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with an auto box option available.

With 106PS available, it does not sound like the most powerful, but is a refined unit and has enough grunt to hit 60mph in just over 10 seconds, has a claimed real world economy  of 41.4mpg, pretty impressive for a car of this size. However,  CO2 emissions of 155g/km are on the high-ish side.

It is a pleasant car to drive, a smooth and comfortable ride, with passengers well insulated from road, engine and wind noise. The car belies it high-off-the-ground profile with decent handling, dismissing all but the most potholed of roads and the suspension works well on corners where it feel stable and well planted.

For a more individual drive, both models come with three power assisted steering modes – Urban, Normal and Dynamic – which are designed to give the driver complete control over their ride.

There’s no doubt that MG’s growing success will continue with an ever improving range and more models coming on stream. Add to that a hugely attractive price tag and that seven-year warranty.

Factfile

MG ZS 1.5  Exclusive 

Price: £17,795

Mechanical: 109bhp, 1498cc,  four cylidner petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 109mph

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 41.4

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 155g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles’

Opinion

Opinion – Sutton Park under threat from these mindless fools

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  • Bottles and cups strewn over the pool
  • A not-very-timely warning
  • The ponies should be left in peace
  • The natural beauty of Sutton Park

Sitting virtually in the heart of landlocked Birmingham, Sutton people are privileged to have one of the finest beauty spots in the country. Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, at 2,200 acres, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has been a National Nature Reserve since 1997.

Bracebridge Pool is a particularly picturesque spot and an oasis for many during troubled lockdown times. But these pictures show how mindless cretins who gather in large groups treat it, scattering beer bottles, coffee cups and other human detritus across the frozen pool. Why? There are bins nearby. Answer: They don’t give a toss.
Good to see the pub has taken action though, with a few random notices, which even now are out of date as we go back into lockdown. The pub provides a welcome takeaway service, but it could do more to discourage the shocking behaviour and has finally removed seating near the takeaway.

It’s not just the mindless drunken yobs though. Throughout the rest of the park there is a certain breed of dog owner. I am ambivalent about dogs, neither loving nor hating them.

They have their place in people’s families, but those people also have a responsibility for the behaviour of their pets, which are, after all, dumb animals. The pets I mean. Then there are the mountain bikers, racing past without warning and putting life and limb at risk with their reckless riding, not to mention spraying walkers with mud. You know, the latex-clad supercilious Tour de France wannabes who think it’s all about them and if you complain, or berate them in any way, use their helmet camera videos to threaten you with the police.

But there is that air of exceptionalism with certain dog owners. They let their animals do pretty much as they please, including harassing the Exmoor ponies roaming in the park. Just last week I saw dogs worrying these creatures on three occasions in the space of 10 minutes.

Then there was the oaf who had his dogs swimming in Little Bracebridge, coming out and shaking themselves dry all people sitting at nearby benches. When one complained he was told to fuck off. Nice, and a great advert for dog owners.

On another occasion I saw a huge Great Dane bound out of the bushes to knock a child over. The owner’s reaction. Indifference, but gurning with: “he’s really lively today.” They might as well be on the Planet Tharg. They give responsible dog owners a bad name.

Get them on a lead, the dogs that is. The park is special, the wildlife is special and while dogs are special to families, they should not be allowed to roam free in the park. It should’t be necessary with extendable leads.

We are lucky to have Sutton Park. Shame the morons want to spoil it for everyone.

Motoring, News

Staggering £70,000 cost of drink-drive conviction for motorists

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Drivers facing severe financial consequences with stiff fines and ban from roads

Drivers in Sutton Coldfield, who may have taken a chance with having an extra one for the road over the festive season, have been warned of the severe financial consequences of a drink-drive conviction.

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has calculated that the personal financial cost of drink driving could be as high as £70,000 or more when taking into account fines, legal fees, higher car insurance premiums, alternative transport costs and potential loss of earnings following conviction.

IAM RoadSmart’s research team found that costs following a drink drive conviction now include: fines of £5,000, although since these are now unlimited this could be much more; legal fees of £11,000 which is the average following conviction after a not-guilty plea; increased insurance premiums of £13,500 over five years after a driving disqualification; £2,000 for taxi and public transport costs for alternative transport during a ban; and £38,500 loss of earnings for 15 months following a conviction, based on an average UK salary.

Drink-drive infographic image

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “In the run up to Christmas this year, many people’s drinking habits will have changed as a result of the coronavirus. So, whether you’re raising a glass for the festive season at home or, where you’re able, in a restaurant or pub, it’s important to remember that an extra drink comes with a huge hidden cost if it pushes you over the limit.”

Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “Drink driving kills, so during the festive season don’t be tempted to have a drink before getting behind the wheel – it’s irresponsible and incredibly dangerous. We are working tirelessly, through schemes like our award winning THINK! campaign, to tackle attitudes and behaviours that could lead to people drink driving, and we continue to invest in policing and enforcement on our roads.”

Neil continued: “Drink driving wrecks lives and is totally unacceptable in any circumstance. However, some people still think they are safe to drive when they’ve had just a couple of drinks or are using home measures, which can quickly push them over the limit.

“The £70,000 impact of being convicted of drink driving is very sobering. This should be more than enough, let alone the thought of causing any other suffering for yourself, your family or the other people you put at risk on the road, to stop those drivers who are tempted to have an extra drink and get behind the wheel.

“Our advice is therefore quite simply to always stick with ‘None for the Road'”.

For further information visit www.iamroadsmart.com/drink-drive.

Lifestyle, News

Join Evie and go those extra miles for hospice

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Evie Deeley raised more than £1,200 with her Miles 4 St Giles effort in the first lockdown.

Give it up – or bring it on – to support St Giles

Sutton Coldfield resident are being urged to wave goodbye to bad habits and feel fitter for 2021 by giving it up – or bringing it on – to support St Giles Hospice in the New Year. The charity has launched two fundraising challenges to inspire anyone who wants an added incentive to stick to their New Year’s resolutions in the months ahead.
People can Give it up for St Giles – sacrificing something they want to shake off with the added
incentive of sponsorship – or they can test themselves with a new exercise challenge by joining Miles 4 St Giles to kick-start their healthier lifestyle. Youngster Evie Deeley, aged nine, from Armitage, led the way in the first lockdown when her activities raised more than £1,200 for the hospice.
Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “Everyone thinks about changing their lives for the better as New Year comes along, and our two challenges could be just the incentive you need to make a vow and stick to it! Whether you wave goodbye to gaming, or cut out your coffee and cake, you can give it up for St Giles in 2021 and help to raise much-needed funds for local people living with a terminal illness.
“Or if you want to take up a new exercise challenge you can give yourself a great target to aim for with Miles 4 St Giles by pledging to run, walk or cycle 30, 60, 90 or 120 miles or your own set
distance over 30 days.”

Whatever you say farewell to after Christmas is over, be sure to get support from your friends, family or colleagues – your sacrifice deserves sponsoring


Miles 4 St Giles was first launched last summer to encourage people to keep fit safely during the Coronavirus lockdown while raising money to help fund vital care services at St Giles in a year when the hospice’s shops were forced to close and fundraising events had to be cancelled.
The new Give it up for St Giles campaign offers another opportunity for people to help St Giles while taking steps to strengthen their physical and mental health at a time of year when many can struggle to motivate themselves.
“Whatever you say farewell to after Christma, be sure to get support from your friends, family or colleagues – your sacrifice deserves sponsoring,” Chloe added. “And every penny and pound you raise, will make a huge difference to St Giles Hospice and the services we provide to local people and their families when we need it most.
“So if you’re already thinking: ‘New Year, new me’ then why not join #TeamStGiles for the commitment and motivation to achieve your goal this January.”
Just £28 could pay for an hour of one-to-one nursing care for a patient at St Giles, and £40 could fund one hour of running the hospice’s Advice and Referrals line where dedicated clinical staff are at the end of the phone to help patients and their families 24 hours a day.
A donation of £202 could pay for home visits to a patient by St Giles community nurses and £676 could pay for 24 hours of hospice care for a patient at the end of their life.
For further information about Give It Up for St Giles visit http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Giveitup4StGiles and to join Miles4StGiles, visit
http://www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/miles-4-st-giles/

Business, News

Honour for charity boss Karen

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Buddy Bag founder wins recognition for helping child victims of domestic abuse

A Sutton Coldfield woman who founded a Midland charity that helps children fleeing domestic violence at home has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
Karen Williams, CEO of the Buddy Bag Foundation, was recognised by the Queen for her services to victims of domestic abuse.
The foundation provides buddy bags – back packs filled with home comforts and essential items – to children living in emergency accommodation. That can be refuges, hotels or B&Bs.
Since its launch in 2015, the foundation’s volunteers have packaged and delivered over 30,000 bags to children after raising more than £750,000. 
Karen, 59, who lives in Sutton Coldfield with partner Sean, said: “I am both honoured and humbled to have received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

My dream five years ago was to set up a charity that could and would make a real and meaningful different to children in emergency care.
“With the assistance and support of all our volunteers we have realised this dream.
“We have packed over 30,000 Buddy Bags, far exceeding our initial target and look to the future with optimism at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.


“Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters – together we have achieved and are continuing to achieve something truly special.”
The idea for the foundation came about in 2014 when Karen, a mother of three and grandmother of four, was in Australia visiting her son.

“The bags go to children who have to flee the family home because of violent situations and often arrive at centres in the middle of the night with nothing.

She read about an Australian charity that helps children who have encountered violence and abuse.
“Reading the piece stirred a deep emotional reaction within me and as a mother I just had to do something for children in emergency care back home in the UK,” said Karen.
“So I set up the Buddy Bag Foundation in 2015.


“The bags go to children who have to flee the family home because of violent situations and often arrive at centres in the middle of the night with nothing.
“Bags cost £25 to fill and contain essential items such as toiletries, pyjamas and underwear and comforting items including books and teddy bears.”
Earlier in December, the foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary. Karen added: “What an amazing journey we have found ourselves on.

“The plan to make a difference to children by supplying our bags has totally exceeded by wildest dreams.
“With the support of our trustees, ambassadors and volunteers, we have raised over £750,000, with 100 per cent of all donations going towards supplying the buddy bags.

We have managed to pack over 30,000 buddy bags and engaged with over 400 volunteers.
“Reading the thank you cards from the children and testimonials from the mums and refuge centres have touched the hearts of so many.”
In 2017 Karen was given a Points of Light award by then prime minister Theresa May, and in 2018 she was a finalist in Lorraine Kelly’s Woman of the Year contest.OBE

News, Schools

Sutton head teacher honoured

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Head teacher Rachel Davis has been awarded and MBE for services to education

School delight at MBE for Rachel

By Bill McCarthy

A Sutton Coldfield head teacher’s achievements has been recognised in the the Queen’s New Year Honours List. The honours recognise the incredible achievements and service of people across the whole of the UK.

Rachel Davis, headteacher at Little Sutton School and from Sutton Coldfield, was awarded an MBE for services to education.

Staff members at the school, rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors, praised Mrs Davis on their Twitter account saying: “Congratulations to our Headteacher Rachel Davis on being awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours. We are all so proud of her.”

Parents also praised Mrs Davis’ for her work. Clare Macphail, has three children who spent happy years at Little Sutton.

She said: “All three of my children enjoyed time at Little Sutton and that was down to the warm and friendly learning environment created by Mrs. Davis and her staff. Her MBE is well deserved.”

Mrs Davis has been head teacher at the Worcester Lane primary school since 2004 and is both a National Leader of Education (NLE) and an Ofsted inspector for the West Midlands.

National Leaders of Education provide focused support to under performing schools to enable rapid improvement.

According to her LinkedIn profile,  in 2014 she supported a school in challenging circumstances to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ in 12 months.

The following year she then helped a school to move from Ofsted category of ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Good’ in 15 months and in 2015-2016 supported a school to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ .

Little Sutton Primary School has more than 400 pupils and is designated one of the government’s new English Hubs – one of just 34 schools nationwide recognised for their excellence in teaching and learning.

The hub aims to support schools to achieve excellence in early literacy teaching through an initial focus on developing early language and closing the word gap, developing early reading through systematic, synthetic phonics. It also promotes a love of reading.

Her work was acknowledged by a Tamworth school she supported, who congratulated her for her award on Twitter: “Congratulations from all at Coton Green Primary School… Your help from the English Hub has had an enormous impact.”

Professor Colin Diamond, CBE and Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Birmingham, added: “Warmest congratulations to headteacher Rachel Davis on being awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours. Always the head who goes that extra mile to help others in Birmingham. So well deserved.”

Business, News

Sutton Coldfield businessman’s international mission of mercy

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Funeral director Edward sends Vietnamese lorry death victims back to their homeland
By Bill McCarthy

‘The hardest part was seeing the 16 coffins lined up at the airport ready to be flown
home.”
Those are the words of Edward Cutler, a Sutton Coldfield funeral director who is well
used to dealing with bereavement. He probably thought he had seen it all in his 14 years in the business. But he became a key part  of a huge international story when 39 Vietnamese migrants died in Kent, after they were transported across the Channel sealed in an airtight container on the back of a lorry.

It happened on October 23 last year,  as it was transported from Zeebrugge inBelgium to Purfleet in Essex.
People smugglers subjected the 39 victims to unbearable temperatures for almost 12 hours after loading too many people into one container, starving them of oxygen and exposing them to deadly carbon dioxide fumes. Two men have since been convicted of manslaughter over the tragedy.

The container lorry where the victims died

The migrants, 10 of whom were teenagers, travelled in a refrigerated unit, but the refrigeration was not turned on.
For Edward, known as Ed, a young man well used to death, after starting out in the funeral business at the age of 16 before building a successful business, those coffins lined up at Heathrow Airport before being flown back to Vietnam, had a profound effect.
After the tragedy, he was contacted by the Vietnamese embassy which had heard of his firm’s expertise in repatriation and wanted the victims to be taken back to their homeland.
It all started for Ed back in 2009 when he became possibly the country’s youngest funeral director, starting Cutler Funeral Service, aged 19, and going on to build a successful business that included sites across the Midlands and, most recently, London.
Sitting in his newest business in Royal Town Funerals in Sutton Coldfield, the 30- year-old comes across as an assured and confident businessman and someone dedicated to his trade.
He has an innovative view on the funeral business, with a brightly but tastefully decorated office a world away from some funeral parlours.
He said: “My clients, despite being bereaved, appreciate a more airy, more modern and less gloomy place to arrange funeral for their loved ones.”

Top, Edward Cutler with colleague Alan Webb-Moore at Vinh International Airport, located in Vinh city of Nghệ An Province in northern Vietnam, above, in a group with Slater international colleague Matthew Stevens and their translators and chatting with Van Soderlund


After his first business was acquired by a large corporate firm, he went on to open offices in Cannock, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Kings Heath and Barton under Needwood. After a change in personal circumstances, Ed returned to having one local office situated in Pype Hayes.
Ed explained after the initial family business was sold, he could no longer trade as Cutler, so he used his mother’s maiden name of Slater and expanded into the business of international repatriation, opening Slaters International Funeral Directors, in London, near Heathrow Airport.

Ed and his team meet with bereaved families, lay tributes and even hug grieving relatives

 Ed explained: “I was at a crossroads,” he said. “Slaters started as a normal funeral home offering repatriation as an ancillary service, but I wanted to do more with repatriation, so we set up a new business called Slaters International, still based at Pype Hayes, but as recommendations escalated, we naturally evolved into a specialist in the field”
“The majority of business repatriation clients were in London which drew us to seeking premises in the south. We started by working from another funeral director’s premises in Pinner which we outgrew within a matter of months, at which point we had no choice but to secure our very own premises in London”, he said.

He selected a site at Isleworth, near Heathrow, a strategically placed site for flying the deceased from the UK to their homeland.
But for him, a was a bit of a risk. He said: “It was quite a big risk as it was very expensive, five times more expensive than a comparable premises in the Midlands. But it went really well and was important to get our own name above the door on our own premises.
The gamble paid off and his reputation grew, and having carried out a previous repatriation to Vietnam, he was contacted by the Vietnamese embassy to undertake the hugely complicated logistical operation of moving the container lorry victims back to their homeland.
Ed said: “We got a call in October last year call from Vietnamese embassy who had heard good things and wanted to work with us to get their people home.
“I was invited to embassy put a plan together, but as the case was being treated as a murder probe, the bodies were not released until the police and coroner had concluded their investigations.
When the call came things moved rapidly. He was called on a Friday to initiate the first stage of the operation, transferring the first 23 victims from Essex, which began on the following Monday.
He explained the timeline: “On the Monday we collected 24 of the deceased from Essex. We carried out cremations for seven and repatriated the remaining deceased persons on Tuesday. 
He added: “Two days later on the Thursday the final group were transferred to be repatriated on Friday together with seven  sets of cremated remains. Altogether 32 coffins were returned together with seven sets of cremated remains.”

Praising his team, including Nikki Taylor, Matthew Stevens and Alan Webb-Moore for the operation, which ran like clockwork, he said: “With our experience, we turned it around, but the logistics and dealing with that volume in the space of one week was a big deal, whilst managing to repatriate an additional nine deceased that week around the globe from the UK. Each repatriation client  was an individual with their own documentation, and which all have had to be dealt with separately.

Memorials and tributes and sharing meals with some of the 39 victims’ families in their home towns


“Was it harrowing, yes it was. The most difficult part was when we conveyed the first 16 victims to the airport and saw coffins. When you see 16 coffins lined up ready to be loaded onto the aircraft, you pause you realise the enormity of what you are actually doing.”
Altogether 39 individual bundles of documents were prepared and sent along with the remains to Vietnam.
 “We were prepared  to turn it round in less than seven days. We had a coffin supplier on hand, ready to provide 39 bespoke coffins, and four  members of staff to deal with the whole process, as it was extremely important the procedure was kept under wraps.

“We were successful in keeping all of the arrangements private, limiting the press coverage to after the arrival of the initial 16 Coffins.
“Me and my team flew out to Vietnam about this time last year to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. We criss-crossed the whole country with our translator Van Soderlund a Vietnamese woman who had her son repatriated by us a couple of years earlier, and her husband Thomas Soderlund, meeting all of the 39 families. It was a moving experience.” he said.

There they attended funerals, memorial services and socialised with families while at the same time taking in the breathtaking sights of Vietnam.
Ed, who lives locally and grew up in the Sutton area, now runs his operation from his new business, Royal Town Funerals in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, with the repatriation business growing year on year. 
“We still have our purpose built premises near Heathrow, but I work personally from here Four Oaks, with a team of operatives on the road taking care of the physical repatriation work. Here, I conduct all funerals myself.”
Asked who are his main customers for repatriation.  “Most often repatriations are to
Nigeria,” he said.

Having a drink during their epic criss-crossing of Vietnam, taking in some of the sights and landmarks

“It is a big country with a population of nearly 200 million people, but second is the Philippines, Jamaica and Commonwealth for obvious reasons, but Africa is our busiest destination.
He said people from Hong Kong, Eritrea, Greece, Italy, Romania, Iraq and Vietnam were among current clients.
“We generally average around 26 clients for repatriation at any one point in time. This became important when the coronavirus pandemic struck. At the time of the first lockdown in March, we had 45 repatriation cases to deal with but no outgoing flights from the UK. Luckily at our funeral home in London , we had the mortuary space to cope.”
Like most funeral directors, he has seen noticed an increase in funerals as a result of the the Covid 19 pandemic. But like many other businesses, margins have been hit by lockdown restrictions on
funerals.
“We have been affected he said. With numbers cut for attending funerals, people are
opting for simpler, lower cost funerals,” he said.

A veteran in his industry at 30, it seems unlikely that a mere pandemic is likely to cause this businessman problems for too long as he plans for a bigger more successful future.

© Bill McCarthy

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Less is more for County of Good Taste

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Rutland has so much to offer

By Bill McCarthy

They say, whoever they are, that good things come in small packages. They also say less is more. In England’s smallest county, it prefers to go a bit more upmarket with its Latin motto, Multum in Parvo, or ‘ much in little’ in English.

Small it may be, but it is favoured by the likes of TV presenter Julia Bradbury, known for her work on BBC’s Countryfile and who has travelled across the UK and many parts of the world, who believes the county offers something for everyone.

It is known as The County of Good Taste due to the plethora or fantastic local producers and providers and, for lovers of the great outdoors, Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe which serves the area as a reservoir.

 Rutland Water also offers leisure pursuits including watersports, cycling, fishing and bird watching, while Rutland’s many attractive villages are home to picture postcard cottages, traditional country pubs and a host of different kinds of accommodation, from camping to swish hotels.

Whatever you put on your waistline, you can soon walk it off, cycle it off, run it off, as there is a lot of countryside to go through where social distancing is effortless.

Bordered as it is by the four counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, it does offer a unique spread of places to visit, including quaint market towns, including the county town of Oakham, plus excellent cuisine with an abundance of locally produced food and drink.

  • Take a relaxing cruise on the Rutland Belle
  • Enjoying the sunshine in a Rutland country pub
  • A spectacular sunset over Rutland Water
  • Have fun on the inflatables at Aqua Park Rutland
Pictures courtesy of http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk

Whatever you put on your waistline, you can soon walk it off, cycle it off, run it off, as there is a lot of countryside to go through where social distancing is effortless.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, head for the spectacular inland lake, a dominant feature in the tiny county.

If you feel the need for something more relaxing or cultural, you can visit quaint country pubs where you can spend time sampling the famous Rutland Ale while the county also boats its own Rutland gin. Alternatively, try tasting specialist local delicacies include the award-winning Hambleton bakery a regional baker specialist in arstisan breads and pastries.

The Grainstore Brewery has a large variety of beers, ales and ciders, brewed right in the heart of Oakham, while Multum Gin Parvo produce a range of gin flavours inspired by Rutland, including ‘Strawberry & Rutland Lavender’ and ‘Earl Grey & Rutland Honey’. 

Outdoor sports are extremely well catered for with plenty of walking and cycling routes available, plus fishing, golfing and the huge choice of watersports that take place on Rutland Water.

There are two nature reserves around the reservoir, with many hides providing a great opportunity to spot a rare bird to two – or you can visit one of the many stunning gardens open to the public. Treat yourself to a trip to the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens – explore the gardens, take a gardening course and buy stunning plants to take home with you for a lovely reminder of happy memories in Rutland.

For those feeling like a hike, the 23-mile circuit is enough for anyone, but can be split up into a number smaller walks over a longer period of time. There are pay car parks at several points around the lake. Each one has a cafe and toilets and at least one had a children’s playground. Cycle and boat hire are available as an alternative Shanks’ Pony, but take binoculars to see some of the spectacular wildlife inhabitants.

If you prefer to stay indoors there are plenty of places for you to explore including theatres, art galleries and shopping in the two market towns that offer a huge variety of boutiques, farm shops and family run stores .

There is no end of accommodation across the county, catering for tourist from all parts of the world, but if your carbon footprint is important to you or the environment his high on your priorities, handily placed on the edge of Rutland Water itself in Whitwell Village is a novel state-of-the-art B&B accommodation.

The impressive Passivhuas in Whitwell has a modern luxury bathroom and stylish self contained double bedroom

A detached super insulated house designed to the carbon neutral Passivhaus Standard, it offers a self-contained, wheelchair friendly double bedroom with shower room and entrance separate from that of the main house. Parking is provided as is tea and tea and coffee. The hosts offer continental breakfast croissants, butter, jams and that hambleton’s bread, toaster plus fridge in the room downstairs.

The whole property, constructed in 2014, is a certified Passivhaus that it is super insulated and air tight with mechanical ventilation heat recovery.

While it may seem in the middle of nowhere, that is not the case, with Rutland Water literally over the road and with the county town of Oakham just over four miles away with short drive or take the public bus, which stops almost directly outside the property. The hosts are also happy to give an introduction to designing and constructing to the Passivhaus Standard.

For nature lovers, just across the road, the giant reservoir has other attractions. It is a 1,555 hectare area of lake and shore is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds and Nature Conservation Review site.

If the physical activities around the lake leave you needing to relax, a cruise aboard the Rutland Belle allows you to enjoy the sights of Rutland Water whilst having a relaxing drink and listening to commentary highlighting points of interest.
The Rutland Belle can carry up to 110 passengers, with 60 places in the under-cover saloons and is open from April to October. Drinks are available on board.

Alternatively, if you fancy a carefree day out with the kids where super-soaking immersive experience is promised, try Aqua Park Rutland – the UK’s biggest inflatable watersports challenge operating at Rutland Water.

So much, packed into so little, the tiny county deserves it Latin motto.

For information on the Passivhaus visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/37854877?source_impression_id=p3_1609228115_pM5A984SAI2FhRN9&guests=1&adults=1

For more information on where to go and what to see visit https://www.discover-rutland.co.uk

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Best feet forward for Suttonians

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  • People are being challenged to take the 10,000 step challenge to support Cancer Research UK

Sutton Coldfield 10,000 step challenge

PEOPLE in Sutton Coldfield are being challenged to kick start the New Year by taking steps to support Cancer Research UK.  

The charity is urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to take 10,000 steps every day for a month.

By raising vital funds, people across the region could help to get life-saving research back on track after the impact of COVID-19 – while burning off any excess Christmas calories. As well as helping towards a healthy body weight, taking part could take a little weight off the mind too. Regular walking is a great stress-reliever and can help with mental wellbeing by improving mood and sleep.

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “Fundraising has fallen and right now, future research is at risk – that’s why we’re urging as many people as possible to make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ their New Year’s resolution.

“We all hope that 2021 has a more positive outlook. So why not give yourself a boost by committing to get more active and having an achievable goal to aim for – all in aid of a good cause. 

“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps.

“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve. Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”

Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.

That’s quite a challenge for some, but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks. 

Keeping check on the number of steps taken each day is a great way to create a sense of achievement and it’s easy to do with smartphone apps, pedometers and wearable activity trackers available to help. Walk All Over Cancer is now integrated with FitBit, so that participants can automatically publish their step count on their fundraising page throughout the month.

Paula added: “With around 32,100 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the West Midlands region, we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

“The truth is COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments for tomorrow. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need everyone to step up to Walk All Over Cancer.” 

Before the outbreak, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £10 million in the West Midlands last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover.

About Cancer Research UK

  • Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.
  • Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
  • Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.
  • Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.
  • Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
  • Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook