#over the road transport Surrey

[empirelogistics]

Efficient Over-the-Road Freight services in Surrey, BC. Trusted carrier providing reliable transportation solutions. Get your cargo moving today!

[approved-autoloans]

Navigating Low Credit Car Loans in Surrey: Your Ultimate Guide to Approved Auto Loans

Securing a car loan with a low credit score can feel like trying to climb a mountain with a heavy backpack. The financial world often feels unforgiving to those who have faced credit challenges. If you're in Surrey and struggling with a low credit score, you might think that getting a car loan is out of reach. But here's the good news: it's not impossible. By understanding your options and taking strategic steps, you can navigate the path to securing a low credit car loan and getting back on the road.

Impact of Low Credit on Loan Approval

How Lenders View Low Credit Scores

Lenders see low credit scores as red flags indicating potential risk. This perception can lead to higher interest rates or, in some cases, outright denial of loan applications. The reasoning is straightforward: a lower credit score suggests that the borrower may have had trouble managing debt in the past.

Potential Obstacles in Loan Approval

The primary obstacles include limited loan options, higher interest rates, and stringent approval criteria. Lenders may require additional documentation or a co-signer to mitigate their risk.

Low Credit Car Loans: An Overview

Definition and Purpose

Low credit car loans are designed specifically for individuals with less-than-perfect credit. These loans come with tailored terms to help those who have struggled with credit issues in the past. The goal is to provide access to auto financing while offering a chance to rebuild credit.

How They Differ from Traditional Car Loans

The key difference lies in the terms and interest rates. Low credit car loans often have higher interest rates and may require a larger down payment compared to traditional loans. However, they are more accessible to those with poor credit histories.

Finding Low Credit Car Loans in Surrey

Local Lenders Specializing in Low Credit Car Loans

In Surrey, several local lenders and credit unions specialize in offering loans to individuals with low credit scores. These lenders understand the unique challenges faced by this demographic and provide customized solutions.

Online Resources and Platforms

Numerous online platforms can help you find low credit car loan options. Websites like AutoTrader, CarGurus, and LendingTree allow you to compare different offers and find the best fit for your needs.

Benefits of Low Credit Car Loans

Access to Transportation

One of the primary benefits is, of course, access to a vehicle. Reliable transportation can open up job opportunities and improve overall quality of life.

Opportunities for Credit Improvement

Regular, on-time payments on a low credit car loan can help improve your credit score over time. This improvement can make it easier to obtain better loan terms in the future.

Steps to Improve Your Chances of Loan Approval

Checking Your Credit Report

Before applying, check your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies. Correcting these can sometimes boost your score and improve your chances of approval.

Paying Off Existing Debts

Lenders look favorably on applicants who are actively managing their debts. Paying off existing obligations can increase your creditworthiness.

Saving for a Down Payment

A larger down payment can reduce the lender’s risk, making them more likely to approve your loan. It also means you’ll need to borrow less, which can result in more favorable loan terms.

Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions

Interest Rates

Expect higher interest rates with low credit car loans. However, shopping around can help you find the most competitive rates available.

The Role of Co-signers

How Co-signers Can Help

A co-signer with good credit can significantly improve your chances of loan approval and might even get you better terms. The co-signer agrees to take on the responsibility of the loan if you default.

Responsibilities of a Co-signer

It’s important to note that the co-signer is equally responsible for the loan. This means their credit will also be affected by your payment behavior.

Approved Auto Loans in Surrey

What Are Approved Auto Loans

Approved auto loans are pre-approved loans provided by lenders, indicating that you meet their initial criteria. This pre-approval can speed up the buying process and give you a better negotiating position with car dealers.

Key Features and Benefits

The main advantage of approved auto loans is the certainty they provide. Knowing that you have financing ready can make the car buying experience smoother and less stressful.

Comparing Different Loan Offers

Factors to Consider

When comparing loan offers, look at the interest rate, loan tenure, monthly payment amount, and any additional fees. Each of these factors will impact the total cost of the loan.

How to Choose the Best Loan Offer

Choose a loan that offers a balance between manageable monthly payments and a reasonable total cost of borrowing. Sometimes, a slightly higher interest rate with lower fees can be more affordable in the long run.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

High-Interest Rates

While higher interest rates are expected with low credit loans, avoid rates that seem excessively high. Always compare multiple offers before making a decision.

Hidden Fees

Read the fine print to ensure there are no hidden fees that could increase the overall cost of the loan.

Unfavorable Loan Terms

Be wary of terms that seem too restrictive or unfavorable. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to walk away and explore other options.

Tips for Managing Your Auto Loan

Making Timely Payments

Always make your loan payments on time to avoid late fees and negative impacts on your credit score. Set up automatic payments if possible.

Refinancing Options

If your credit score improves, consider refinancing your loan to get better terms. This can reduce your interest rate and monthly payment.

Building Better Credit

Use your auto loan as a stepping stone to rebuild your credit. Consistent, on-time payments can lead to higher credit scores and more favorable financial opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of low credit car loans in Surrey can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. By understanding your credit score, exploring various loan options, and taking steps to improve your financial health, you can secure a car loan that meets your needs. Remember, persistence and preparation are key. Don’t let a low credit score stand in the way of your mobility and financial progress. Click Here For More Details…

[fraserabode]

SHOULD I MOVE TO SURREY ?

Surrey is currently the 2nd largest city (by population) in British Columbia, right after Vancouver. Surrey offers its diverse and ever growing population a lot of opportunities in new and growing industries. With this in mind, more people are considering a move to Surrey every day.

As a result, the market value of properties in Surrey has achieved a steady climb over the past few years. According to Century 21, the average selling price of a home is $876,000, while the average price of a condo is $412,000. Surrey is a fast paced city, and it offers a lot of opportunities for anyone who can keep up.

If you’re planning a move to Surrey, you might want some information on what your new city has to offer. For someone who has lived in a different city in Canada, or even a different country, the change could cause a big culture shock. So before you pack up your bags and buy a one-way ticket out, here is everything you should know about living in Surrey, B.C.

TAXES AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Like every other city, Surrey collects property taxes to maintain the city and pay for its running services. Each property owner is taxed using information from their property. Basically, the type of home you live in and the other residential and commercial properties in your name determine how much tax you will pay. The total amounts to be raised by the province are based on the yearly funds the city must provide for itself. These taxes are used to fund services like:

Road construction and maintenance Other public city infrastructure Waste collection and road cleaning Local recreational facilities (e.g. parks) All emergency services Public safety

PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND DRIVING The City is connected to Vancouver and other cities by the SkyTrain Expo Line. Transportation within Surrey is very flexible, and you can choose to walk short distances, ride a bicycle, take a bus, or take the train. The major mode of transportation within the city is the bus. There are about 1,300+ bus stops in Surrey, B.C. The transportation fare is dependent on which of the three zones you will be travelling to. During the work hour rush, passengers pay according to their zone of destination. However, evening and weekend trips require a flat fee. Frequent commuters have the option of buying and funding a monthly FareCard to save time and money.

LIFESTYLE IN SURREY Surrey is a very large city with a growing population. Stats show that about 1,000 people move to Surrey every month. This suggests that there are a ton of people from diverse cultures, creating new ones in their new environment. Regardless of who you are or what you’re into, you can always find a community in Surrey. With SkyTrain and bus stations littered across the city, it’s easy to make plans with friends and travel across the city.

The activities you eventually engage in depend on what is important to you. If you enjoy music festivals and concerts, there are more than enough being organized yearly. If you love to shop and visit the mall, there are several malls such as the Central City Mall littered around the city. They also make great hangout and meeting spots for friends. If you love visiting libraries, there a few gems such as the Central City Library with expansive collections. To bond with nature and experience solitude in the fresh, open air, reserves such as the Green Timbers Nature reserve will amaze you. One of the best parts of Surrey is the city’s commitment to maintaining its beautiful parks. Wherever you are in the city, there’s a close by park where you can go to stretch your legs, play with your dogs, or just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

POLICE SERVICES Before moving to a new city, you should want to ensure that it is safe for you, your children, and your properties. The police force in Surrey is a detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and they are tasked with the duty of keeping the city safe. Just recently, the city made a move to change to a local police force, but that change will only come after a long process which will probably take years. The RCMP claims to work with the people to enhance the livability of the state. If you ever have any concerns about your safety, you can call them on 9-1-1 in an emergency, and 604-599-0502 in a non-emergency situation.

[boyengateam-blog]

The Hidden Gem of Los Gatos: A Guide to Surrey Farm

Surrey Farm is a charming and historic neighborhood in Los Gatos, California, located in the western part of town near the Santa Cruz Mountains. Originally part of the Forbes Mill Annex, the land was subdivided in the 1920s and sold to individual landowners who built homes, farms, and orchards. The neighborhood is named after the Surrey horse-drawn carriage, which was popular in the early 1900s and often used for transportation in the area. Surrey Farm is a relatively small neighborhood with just over 200 homes, located off of Kennedy Road on a few streets including Longmeadow Drive, Blueberry Hill Drive, Clover Way, Olde Drive, and Twin Oaks Drive. The homes in Surrey Farm were built in the 1950s and 1960s, with most starting as ranch-style homes between 2000 and 3000 square feet on lots of about 1/4 to 1/3 of an acre. Over the years, many homes have been remodeled, expanded, or completely rebuilt, resulting in a range of sizes and styles. Some of the larger homes sit on parcels of more than one acre. Surrey Farm is home to a variety of ranch-style homes, which are known for their single-story layout and simple, functional design. These homes are a popular choice for families, as they offer a comfortable and practical living space that is easy to maintain. One of the defining features of ranch homes in Surrey Farm is their spacious and open floor plans. These homes typically feature large living areas that flow seamlessly into dining areas and kitchens, creating a sense of space and unity throughout the home. Many ranch homes in Surrey Farm also feature large windows and skylights, which provide plenty of natural light and help to bring the outdoors inside. Another common feature of ranch homes in Surrey Farm is their emphasis on outdoor living. Many of these homes feature large, landscaped yards that are perfect for gardening, entertaining, or simply relaxing in the sun. Some homes also feature outdoor patios or decks, which offer a comfortable and private space for outdoor dining or lounging. Ranch homes in Surrey Farm also come in a variety of styles and finishes, depending on the individual home and its history. Some homes feature classic ranch-style architecture, with low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and simple geometric shapes. Other homes may have been updated or remodeled over the years and may feature more modern finishes and amenities, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors. Overall, ranch homes in Surrey Farm offer a comfortable and practical living space that is ideal for families, retirees, or anyone who enjoys the ease and convenience of single-story living. With their spacious floor plans, emphasis on outdoor living, and variety of styles and finishes, these homes are a popular choice for those looking to settle down in one of Los Gatos' most desirable neighborhoods. One of the unique aspects of Surrey Farm is its rural feeling. The neighborhood does not have sidewalks or street lamps, and many yards continue to use the original horse fence as part of their landscaping. The area is close to downtown Los Gatos but feels farther away, offering a peaceful atmosphere with open spaces and hills nearby. Surrey Farm is part of the Los Gatos Union School District, which includes several highly-rated public schools, including Blossom Valley Elementary School and Fisher Middle School. The neighborhood is also located near several private schools, including Hillbrook School and Mulberry School. The neighborhood is known for its natural beauty, with many homes offering stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The nearby Vasona Lake County Park and Lexington Reservoir County Park offer residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Living in Surrey Farm does come with some challenges, including the potential for wildlife encounters such as possums, skunks, raccoons, deer, bobcats, and mountain lions.  Overall, Surrey Farm is a special and unique neighborhood in Los Gatos, offering a rural feel, proximity to downtown, and a range of beautiful homes on large lots. Its natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and ideal location make it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Los Gatos, and a great place to call home for those who can afford it. Read the full article

[londiniumlundene]

Lost London: Walking the Covent Garden Drainage Ditches

With apologies for the slightly unappealing title – the watercourses that drained the area we now know as Covent Garden may not have ever been rivers or streams, hence it feels inappropriate to definitively categorise these as lost rivers. However, they definitely carried water to the Thames, may once have been streams that have been rechannelled, and still exist in a culverted form, with some small traces to be found at street level.

This is a walk in three parts, starting and finishing at the Thames, following first the Bloomsbury Ditch, followed by the Cock and Pye Ditch, and finally the St Martin’s parish sewer.

Part 1: The Bloomsbury Ditch

This drainage channel, also referred to in some sources as the Southampton Sewer, took water from the Cock and Pye Ditch and other surrounding marshy areas between Covent Garden and the Thames. Its outfall is no longer visible, having been channelled into the main sewer of the Victoria Embankment, which was completed in 1870. The closest one can get to it nowadays is Temple Place, the original line of the riverbank. A good place to start the walk is the rooftop section of Victoria Embankment Gardens, above Temple tube station; this has recently been transformed into an outdoor art space, but it also provides a good view out over the Thames.

Leaving the Thames behind (for now), the route of the Bloomsbury Ditch can be traced along Strand Lane, a dead-end road that cuts between buildings of King’s College London’s Strand campus. Strand Lane climbs steadily upwards, bringing the walker to the fake “Roman” baths (previously featured on this blog), which are supposedly managed by the National Trust, though have never seemed to be in particularly good condition on any of my previous visits. The (gated) steps up to Surrey Street by the baths show how much lower Strand Lane is, suggesting this was indeed once the drainage valley.

Doubling back and then around to Surrey Street (due to the aforementioned dead end and gated steps), passing the closed Aldwych station, and crossing the Strand by St Mary-le-Strand church, the best way forward here is Melbourne Place, as the ditch runs under Bush House, which formerly belonged to the BBC, and is now also inhabited by King’s College. The route then takes the walker across Aldwych, which was recently changed over to two-way traffic, the latest chapter in the saga of transport improvements associated with Aldwych and adjoining Kingsway.

Getting back on track, the course of the Bloomsbury Ditch can be picked up again along Drury Lane, which rises gradually uphill towards Covent Garden. Drury Lane is probably best known for its theatres and/or as the erstwhile residence of a muffin man, though this walk passes a few other places of interest, including the former burial ground of St John’s Church (now a children’s playground) and the Peabody Building, once the Lambert and Butler tobacco factory.

Sources are vague on where the Bloomsbury Ditch and Cock and Pye Ditch meet (some even treat them as the same ditch). However, a good place to stop with this leg of the walk would seem to be outside the Gillian Lynne Theatre, looking across to a dark alley that leads into the heart of Covent Garden…

[vintage-london-images]

You cant park that there sir! The Royal Docks 1950.

The Royal Victoria Dock, which was opened in 1855, was the first dock built expressly for steam ships and the first to be planned with direct rail links onto the quay. The Royal Albert Dock was opened in 1880 by the Duke of Connaught after whom the modern swing bridge is named. The Albert was equipped with hydraulic cranes and steam winches to handle vessels up to 12,000 tons and was served by the Great Eastern Railway. The two docks were linked by the Connaught Passage.

By 1886 there were 7 enclosed dock systems within the Port of London, namely the London and St Katherine's Docks, the Surrey Docks, the West India Docks, the Millwall Docks, the East India Docks, the Royal Victoria Dock, the Royal Albert Dock and Tilbury Docks. By this time there was over-provision of dock facilities and this gave rise to financial difficulties for the dock companies, and the East and West India Docks Company went into receivership in 1886. Low financial returns led to a lack of investment in new facilities and, at a time of rapid advances in technology, the ports' facilities became increasingly obsolescent and inefficient.

A Royal Commission was appointed in 1900 to look into these problems and as a result the Port of London Act was passed in 1908. The Port of London Authority (PLA) came into being the following year and took over the powers of all the existing companies. The PLA began an immediate programme of modernisation, including the construction of a new dock able to take ships of up to 30,000 tons. Following a considerable debate on the merits of enclosed docks as opposed to deep water berths the PLA decided to build an enclosed dock south of the Royal Albert Dock. The King George V Dock was opened in 1921, completing the Royal group of docks which, as a whole, formed the largest area of impounded water in the world. Marsh land to the north, which is now Beckton, was earmarked for further expansion of the dock system but this was not to be. Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Docks handled bulk grain. The great mills on the south side of the Royal Victoria Dock - some now demolished – remain as a reminder of this.

The period from 1910-1950 the Royal Docks were relatively prosperous. The docks' layout permitted trans-shipment of break bulk cargos from ship to rail, to road and lighter transport or into warehouses for storage. Most of the cargo passing through the dock group was from deep sea trades, particularly with the British Commonwealth.

As refrigeration methods improved, they started handling frozen meat as well as fruit and vegetables. During the 1926 General Strike, the threat was posed of some 750,000 frozen carcasses in the Royals rotting when electrical power was cut off, but two Royal Navy submarines sailed in to save the Royals' bacon by connecting up their generators to keep the freezers going.

Passenger cargoes also became big business. King George V Dock could berth the biggest liners of the time. Passengers could travel from mainline London stations by rail, some staying overnight in the now Grade II listed Gallions Hotel.

Traffic through the Royal Docks reached its peak in the 1950s and early 1960s. After that containerisation and other technological changes, and a switch in Britain's trade following EEC membership, led to a rapid decline. By 1978 the financial losses incurred by the upper docks, and the Royals in particular, had brought the PLA to the brink of insolvency. On consulting the Government the PLA were told to prepare restructuring proposals with a view to achieving commercial viability. The PLA's initial solution, known as the Radical Approach, was to close the upstream docks which were losing £9m a year without any prospect of paying their way. From then on it was a down hill struggle and with the decline in trade the docks were used for the storage of laid up ships.

But by 1982/83 it was all over.....

[allfiredupproject]

PETER BLAKE’S ARTICE IN DORSET LIFE EXPLORES CARTER’S TILES!

Peter Blake’s Article in Dorset Life on Carter’s Tiles! A fantastic read!

Carter’s Tile Manufactory

Peter Blake looks at the origins of the company that would become Poole Pottery

Published in August ’16

The famous ‘Welcome to Poole’ sign at Sandbanks

How many of the millions of commuters and tourists who use the London Underground every year give a thought to their surroundings, in particular the countless tiles which line the tunnels and decorate the stations? Very few, I am sure. If any do, perhaps they would be surprised to know just how many were produced in Dorset, a county not always considered to be in the forefront of manufacturing output. However, a small part of Poole was a major player in the production of tiles and other ceramics used in the building trade for nearly 100 years. This is the story of Jesse Carter and his family, and their impact on Poole from the 1870s onwards. Dorset clay has been used for pottery for thousands of years. Indeed, some of the earliest fragments of fired pottery which have been found locally go back to the Neolithic period, c. 3000 years BC. The clay was mainly used by local potters until the 18th century, when improving transport links led to an increased demand for the fine white plastic ball clay from potteries all over the country. The following century saw a massive building boom, with the associated demand for ceramics for the building trade, such as roof tiles, chimney pots, drainpipes, and floor and decorative tiles. To meet this need, a number of potteries sprang up around Poole.

Lovely detailing on this corner building at Julian Terrace in Southbourne, Bournemouth

One such was the Patent Architectural Pottery Company, founded in Hamworthy in 1854 to supply high-quality goods for the better class of builders. James Walker, an employee of this company, decided to branch out on his own, and around 1860 set up the Walker Patent Encaustic and Mosaic Ornamental Brick and Tile Manufactory on East Quay, Poole. He fairly quickly got into financial difficulties and came to the attention of Jesse Carter, an enterprising businessman who visited Poole often in the course of his work as a partner in an ironmongers’ and builders’ merchants in Weybridge, Surrey. He saw the potential for the ailing business and acquired the site, by now derelict, in 1873, renaming it Carter’s Industrial Tile Manufactory, later to become Carter & Co, with a subsidiary company called Carter Stabler and Adams being established in 1921, which eventually became the worldwide success that was renamed Poole Pottery in 1963. Born in 1830 in Abbots Worthy, the son of a bricklayer, Jesse Carter benefited from the building boom of the 19th century. A journeyman bricklayer in 1851, by 1861 he was a builder employing 49 men and five boys. There are records in Hampshire Record Office of a number of land sales involving Carter in the Winchester area during this period, and it is likely that he did well out of the growing demand for land in an area which was developing rapidly, with a big increase in the demand for housing following the opening of the railway station in 1839. In 1871 he was living in Weybridge, but moved to Poole soon after acquiring the pottery site, living first in Market Street, then later in West End House, a very imposing Georgian residence, which still stands. He began to expand the range of tiles produced at the pottery, alongside the old ‘Carter’s red’ floor tiles, producing more decorative glazed, modelled and painted wall tiles for the growing interior design market. By the middle of the 1880s, the business was thriving, and Jesse took three of his sons, Charles, Owen and Ernest into the company, Ernest sadly dying in 1887 of rheumatic fever at the age of 27. With the involvement of his sons in the business, Jesse started to take a less active part in the day-to-day running of the pottery and moved to West Cliff Road in Bournemouth, Owen taking up residence in West End House.

The Norton Free Library (now a Wetherspoons pub)

Owen was the driving force behind the introduction of decorative pieces and tableware into the repertoire of the pottery, in his capacity as Art and Technical Director. A friend and admirer of William de Morgan, who designed tiles for William Morris, Owen set up a potter’s wheel in a stable at the rear of West End House, where he started experimenting with the development of ornamental wares. In 1912, production of the more straightforward floor and wall tiles was shifted to the Hamworthy sites owned by the pottery, with the East Quay site concentrating on the more artistic end of the spectrum. Owen’s involvement with what became the world famous Poole Pottery ended with his death in 1919. Carter and Co produced their tiles over a period of nearly 100 years, from 1873 until the company was merged into Pilkington Tiles Ltd in 1964. In 1962, production was estimated to be 100,000 tiles per week, with the tunnel ovens on site using more gas than the whole of Salisbury.

The Poole coat of arms on Poole Bridge

Although the ornamental ware received more attention, the plainer output of the pottery was vital to the continuing success of the business. Carter’s supplied many of the tiles which line the London underground tunnels. They also produced relief tiles for the decoration of the stations, for example Bethnal Green, depicting London scenes. Carter’s was also responsible for the platform tiling for the Victoria line. The company produced blue plaques put up by the LCC, and later the GLC, for many years until they stopped making them in 1981. Other bread and butter work was also important, if unglamorous. The supply of glazed bricks and ceramic tiles for commercial premises such as pubs, butchers, cinemas and the like provided a lucrative business, allowing the more decorative side of the pottery to develop and flourish. Fortunately, a number of examples of these ornate frontages and signs still exist in our area, for example: the Branksome Arms, Commercial Road, Bournemouth, which is Grade II listed; the Goat and Tricycle in Westhill Road, Bournemouth (previously the Pembroke Arms); Westbourne Cinema (now Westbourne Club Grand Bingo); Jenkins and Sons, a 1920s butchers and fishmongers at Penn Hill, Parkstone (still called Jenkins and Sons, but now a café bar, with the facade preserved); the Welcome to Poole signs such as the one situated at Sandbanks; the Swan Inn and Poole Arms pub, both in Poole; and the Poole town coats of arms, displayed on Poole Bridge. Other examples can be found fairly close at hand, for example New Milton, Salisbury, Romsey and Portsmouth. Poole Museum would also be a good starting point for anyone interested in finding out more about Carter and Co’s output. For more detailed information, please look at the Facebook page of the Tile Lady, a local expert who provides illustrated talks and undertakes guided tours giving information about noteworthy buildings and tiled features in the Bournemouth and Poole area. If visiting any of these sites, try to do so on a sunny day, just after rain if possible, as the coloured tiles will be seen to their best advantage then, taking on jewel-like qualities.

The front of Jenkin and Son in Parkstone

The Carter family had a long-lasting impact on the life and times of Poole, continuing right up to the modern day. As well as employing people at Carter’s and later Poole Pottery, another of Jesse’s sons, William, took over the ailing Kinson Pottery in 1884, making it a going concern. His son, Herbert Spencer Carter, OBE JP, went on to be Mayor of Poole five times, the first time in 1912 at the age of 32. In 1946, Herbert Carter Secondary School was opened, named in his honour. Still operating, now as Carter Community School, this establishment has educated many thousands of Poole’s children. Poole Pottery has attracted well-deserved fame for the innovative design and use of colour in its ceramics, spreading the name of Poole throughout the world and attracting countless visitors to its premises. Although the bulk of the manufacturing is now carried out at Middleport pottery in Staffordshire, new designs are still created, fired and painted in the Studio Pottery on Poole Quay, continuing the tradition going back over a century.

The Swan Inn in Poole

Jesse Carter died in 1927 at the grand old age of 96. Little can he have thought when he first saw a derelict and failing pottery in 1873, that the company he founded would have such a profound effect not only on his own family, but on the town of Poole as well. www.poolepottery.co.uk

[ghostofthefourforest]

You’ve all known the story of Harry Potter. A magical child who lost his parents way too soon, then stay with his aunt Petunia, uncle Vernon and cousin Dursley. Its a pretty dark and sad story. It wasn’t until Harry was 11 and receive a letter from Hogwarts School of Witch and Wizardry that this story began to have spots of lightness and joy, even though there’ll be much tragedy along the way before it finally does have a happy ending.

Some people find that story too light. Others find it too dark. And so, stories of Harry Potter grew faster than fungus. In some, he will find happiness sooner. In others, he never really did. Some had him placed with different people, some had him met and angel (and a demon), and some had him transported to a different time or different worlds.

 In another story, he simply got transported to a different place, and in turn, found happiness a whole lot sooner

  Another Harry Potter What If

 What if, once, at the age of 5, after one awful first day at kindergarten where Dudley yelled at Harry, and Harry yelled back, and yelling turned to brawls and the teacher called Petunia to school, a day that end up with Petunia hit Harry with a pan and Vernon practically threw him into the cupboard under the stairs, Harry did not end the day with crying himself to sleep. Instead, what he did was crying so hard, crying and begged to every Powers That Be so he would be taken away from this awful, wretched family and got a new, kinder, happier family.

What if the Powers That Be heard, and granted that wish, that in the morning Harry woke up, still in his ratty previous day’s clothes, at a bench in a park, 300 miles away from Surrey.

What if the first person he ran to was a kind milkman, a married-man, father-of-two who had just finished his delivery. And this milkman was both outraged and concerned that a young child in inadequate clothes was alone in the park with split lip and half his face bruised.

What if the milkman is friends with the closest pediatrics and in good relationship with half of the policemen on town (partially because he’d been delivering their milk for years), and so when he came to them with a wounded, half-emaciated boy, they believed his story without question.

What if, partly due to the concussion and part by having his relatives calling him derogatory names for years instead of his real name, when asked for his name, Harry immediately answered with ‘freak’. An answer that at first confuse but then with further explanation enraged everyone who heard, milkman, doctor, nurses and policemen alike.

What if, when gently persuaded to give the names of his relatives (in good intention, mind you, the policemen did meant to investigate these individuals and have them charged with child abuse) Harry panicked and burst into tears and tell them “I don’t want to go back please don’t make me” that they eventually give up on questioning.

What if said milkman was so worried about this poor, poor thin child who was only a smidge larger than his eldest 4 years old kid a that he discussed with his wife whether they could foster said child for a while than letting him stay in an orphanage.

What if said wife agreed, and the milkman brought the boy home, and the sight of this kind red-haired lady offering him warm soup, bath and pyjamas nearly made him cry.

What if said milkman was a John Creevey who lived in Allendale Town, UK with his wife Bethany and two sons, Colin and Dennis.

What if Bethany had an Evans somewhere on her family tree although the family had fallen out of contact with the Evans side sometimes after the second world war.

What if, in the morning, Colin Creevey enthusiastically welcome the kid his father brought home. After all, his mom was busy with Dennis and cooking and cleaning most of the time, therefore, someone to play with *in the house* is very welcome. Chores were easier with four hands, he’ll gladly found.

What if, after nearly three months living with the Creeveys, Harry found himself *never* wanted another family. Authorities had placed him oficially with the Creeveys, he’d started to attend year one at local school (and Colin *finally* want to go to pre-school now that Harry has to go).

What if, after months of evading questions of Harry’s whereabouts, Vernon and Petunia Dursley finally told their neighbours that they’d sent Harry away to stay with Vernon’s sister in order to ‘fix his abhorrent attitude.’

What if, finally, after wondering and then hearing from the Dursleys, Arabella Figg finally report Harry’s whereabouts to Albus Dumbledore.

What if magic, while in most part, constant, it can also be fickle; and blood magic is no exception. While Albus Dumbledore had altered Lily Evan’s protection over her son and tied it to her sister Petunia, the magic had transferred to Bethany Creevey; slowly, gradually as love grew between Harry and the Creeveys. It had completed its transfer so thoroughly in quite short amount of time for such a complicated nature of magic that when Dumbledore checked on Harry magically, the protection was in such perfect condition he refrained from visiting to see Harry’s condition with his own eyes. Something he will come to regret in later years.

What if, five years past and not a single word heard about Harry’s relatives. No one had came forward with information either. He’d forgotten his name Harry and had gotten used to being called Arthur (Artie) for five years. Compared with his previous life with the Dursleys (whose names he still has not mention to anyone) recent years had been a walk in the park, minor improbabilities aside, ones that John and Bethany (and sometimes Colin) disregard as ‘minor miracles’ while looking fondly at an oblivious Dennis. Artie privately think that it wasn’t all Dennis but he kept quiet.

What if, finally, John and Bethany finally got approval to adopt Artie and they talked to him about it. Artie cried and hugged them and agreed wholeheartedly. Not long afterwards, Arthur Smith officially became Arthur Creevey.

What if, at July the next year, a letter came to the Creevey’s residence, delivered by a brown owl, addressed to

Harry James Arthur Potter-Creevey

2nd bedroom,

11th Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge

Northumberland

[empirelogistics]

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[quickandeasymoving]

Moving Companies - An Overview

Relocating from one place to another is always a very stressful and expensive experience with all the packing and handling. That's where the moving companies come in. These companies not only provide services in the relocation of homes, but also businesses and international moving. Surrey Movers

Choosing a moving company isn't easy. When relocating, there are a number of things one has to keep in mind when deciding on a company. The safety of items is an extremely important factor which is why an unreliable set of movers is not a good choice. The higher the quality of the service, the more money you pay for it. These moving companies also provide tips on how to start packing belongings at home by providing packing boxes for items like paintings and china. Pianos and grandfather clocks are usually moved by professionals with special trolleys that ensure there are no damages to the finish or excessive force being applied to the item. They also give tips to pack using labels, cartons, plastic bags, etc so it is easier to unpack when you reach the new location.

Moving companies offer various solutions to transporting your belongings to the new place. Some companies provide full service including packing and transport. Some provide truck and equipment services where the customer does the packing themselves. There are also companies which provide movers which provide the physical labor services of moving heavy objects. In the past few years, most people order a container, and once the container is packed, it is moved to its destination place. The services by moving company are far less expensive compared to those companies which offer full service. The only difference is that the responsibility of damages falls on the customer in the former case from improper packing or loading. The carrier is liable for damages only in the case of traffic accidents. Movers Langley

The price estimates depend on what kind of moving it is depending on whether it is intrastate, interstate or international together with the mode of transport being used for the moving; via road, airplane or ship. For moving locally, the cost depends on the number of hours it takes to move the items while for moving over long distances, the cost is determined by the distance and the size or weight or size of the items to be moved.

People move during all times of the year but it is during spring and early summer when moving traffic is at its peak. People who plan to move should be careful in choosing the moving company of their choice in order to avoid moving scams. Choosing the right, reliable moving company is also a dilemma for most people because if precautions are not taken, it can turn into a complete nightmare. Legitimate moving companies are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which is a part of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).

Visit Here: Vancouver to Kelowna Movers

[wetsteve3]

1934 ISDT; ex-'Dad's Army' and 'George & Mildred' 1933 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp Combination Registration no. ATO 574 Frame no. 8/1251 Engine no. LTZ/Z 31972/SD• 1934 ISDT Gold Medal winner • One of only 308 built • Present family ownership since 1965 • Formerly on display at the London Motorcycle Museum • Offered for re-commissioning 'ATO 574' has an unusually rich history: not only did it appear in two hit TV series - 'Dad's Army' and 'George & Mildred' – it started life as a Brough Superior works entry for the 1934 International Six Days Trial (ISDT). A 1934 model manufactured in 1933, this machine is believed to be one of the earliest 11-50s extant. It is believed that this 11-50 was first used by the factory team. Previously carrying the works registration 'HP 2122', it was registered 'ATO 574' on 1st August 1934 and, attached to one of Brough's famous banking sidecars, was used by Freddie Stevenson to compete in the 1934 ISDT held in the Bavarian Alps. One of the most gruelling of motorcycle competitions, the ISDT tested competitors and their machines to the limits. Despite leaving the road and overturning the outfit, Stevenson came away with a coveted Gold Medal, demonstrating the abilities and durability of George Brough's rugged 11-50 workhorse. A photograph on file shows Stevenson astride the Brough at the Nottingham factory. By 1939, 'ATO 574' was owned by Brough Superior works frame builder Bill Oliver, and by October 1948 was in the ownership of William Eric Cousins of Croydon, Surrey. The accompanying old-style logbook (issued 1952) lists three further owners up to 2nd April 1965 when 'ATO 574' was registered to John Gibson Whale of Stanmore, Middlesex. Mr Whale then advertised the machine for sale in the Brough Superior Club newsletter of £50! In May 1965 the Brough was purchased (for £40!) by the late owner, who together with his father ran Stan Gilks Ltd, a motorcycle dealership in Ickenham, Middlesex (purchase receipt on file). The Gilks dealership would regularly loan classic cars and motorcycles to television production companies, which is how 'ATO 574' came to feature in 'Dad's Army'. It first appeared in this much-loved comedy series in 1971, featuring in the Christmas Special, 'Battle of the Giants' (Episode 40) which was first broadcast on Monday 27th December '71 at 7.00pm. In this famous episode Captain Mainwaring's Walmington-on-Sea Platoon takes part in an initiative test against their old rivals, the Eastgate Platoon. The contest is umpired by Warden Hodges, the Vicar, and the Verger using Hodges' Brough Superior 11-50. 'ATO 574' made its second 'Dad's Army' appearance the following year in Episode 52 - 'Round and Round Went the Great Big Wheel' - first broadcast on Friday 22nd December 1972 at 8.30pm. In this episode the Platoon is chosen for special duties (peeling potatoes, digging trenches, etc) during the test of a secret weapon (The Big Wheel), which runs amok. The Brough Superior is borrowed from a gardener by Private Walker and used by the Warden, Captain Mainwaring, and Private Pike to lure The Big Wheel into a trap to deactivate it, with Lance Corporal Jones hanging upside down over a bridge with the gardener's shears to chop off its aerial! In 2008 the cast and crew of 'Dad's Army' ('Granddad's Army') were reunited with 'ATO 574' and appeared in the Daily Mirror (press cutting on file). 'ATO 574' later featured in the TV series 'George & Mildred' (1976-1979), serving as George's primary transport and featuring in each episode's opening sequences. Some years later the machine was loaned to the London Motorcycle Museum. It is not known when it acquired the sidecar currently attached, though it was in place prior to the first TV appearance. The aforementioned documentation may be found in the accompanying history file together with Brough Club correspondence and newsletters, etc. Launched in 1933, the 1,096cc 11-50 was the largest Brough Superior to enter series production. In his book 'Brough Superior - The Complete Story', Peter Miller states: 'It (the 11-50) had been produced in response to requests from abroad, particularly from overseas police forces, for a machine with SS100 levels of performance but with the simplicity of the side valves and at a lower price.' Powered by a sidevalve v-twin (of unusual 60-degree configuration) supplied exclusively to the Nottingham factory by J A Prestwich, the 11-50 fitted into the Brough price range between the SS80 touring and SS100 super-sports models. Facilitating its sale abroad, the 11-50 featured sidecar mounts on both sides of the frame. It had been conceived as a long-legged, effortless tourer and was claimed by its maker to offer 85mph performance in solo form and pull a heavy sidecar at a comfortable 70mph; indeed, in the latter role it was one of the finest sidecar mounts of its day. Production lasted until 1939, by which time the 11-50 was the only JAP-powered machine in the Brough Superior range. Only 308 Brough Superior 11-50s were produced between 1933 and 1939. How many survive today is not known but it is likely to be significantly less than those manufactured. 'ATO 574' is offered in 'as last run' condition and will require some re-commissioning before returning to the road having been on static display at the London Motorcycle Museum for many years. As one would expect of a machine of this age, it has been serviced and maintained over the years, including several repaints; if anything, the resulting patina only adds to this TV icon's appeal

[dulwichdiverter]

The life of Leslie Howard

Words Mark Bryant

The actor Leslie Howard, who went to school in Dulwich and who lived in the area for nearly two decades, is probably best known as the gentlemanly Ashley Wilkes in the Hollywood blockbuster Gone with the Wind, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

But he was also a wartime radio broadcaster of British propaganda and the director and star of a number of patriotic wartime films, notably The First of the Few, about the designer of the famous Spitfire fighter plane – which itself has links to Dulwich.

He was born Leslie Howard Steiner at 31 Westbourne Road (now Westbourne Drive), Forest Hill, on April 3 1893, the first child of Hungarian-born stockbroker’s clerk Ferdinand “Frank” Steiner, and his English wife Lilian.  

Shortly after his birth the family moved to Vienna, where a sister Dorice and a brother, Alfred, were born. Dorice later founded Hurst Lodge School in Ascot, whose pupils included the actress Juliet Stevenson and the future Duchess of York.

On their return to London, Frank anglicised his surname to Stainer and soon afterwards Leslie and his two siblings were baptised at St Chrysostom’s church in Peckham.  

In 1903 another sister, Irene (later a celebrated casting director for MGM and others) was born and, in 1904, Leslie attended Belvedere House preparatory school in Upper Norwood.

The family  eventually settled at 45 Farquhar Road by Crystal Palace Park – only a short distance from Dulwich – and lived there from 1907 (when Leslie was 14) to 1910. It was a convenient location as Leslie’s widowed maternal grandmother ran a lodging house at “Woodbury”, 2 Jasper Road, close by.

In September 1907 Leslie was sent to Alleyn’s School. Here he was a near contemporary of the future novelist CS Forester (1899-1996), who was at Alleyn’s around this time.

As his daughter, Leslie Ruth Howard, says in her book A Quite Remarkable Father (1959): “The young Leslie went to school, which he loathed and at which, due to shyness and his afflicting near-sightedness, he was never much good.”

However, he began to write short stories and one-act plays and dreamed of becoming a writer. He later said: “As a boy the possibility of being an actor never even occurred to me... I wanted to write.”  

Unfortunately, when he announced that he wanted to be a full-time writer his father had other ideas. Unlike fellow Old Alleynian CS Forester, whose father supported him for six months to get him started, Frank wanted Leslie to get a proper job and took him out of school in April 1910, shortly after his 17th birthday.

As a result, after a brief spell as a junior clerk in the purser’s office of a Thames steamboat company, he commuted daily by train to central London to work as a bank clerk for Cox & Co.  

By this time the family had moved to “Allendale”, 4 Jasper Road, next to Leslie’s grandmother. Leslie’s uncle Wilfred Noy, a film director working for the Clarendon Film Company in Croydon, lived next door.

According to Leslie’s daughter, “It was a peaceful neighbourhood of large, ugly red-brick Victorian houses mostly set back from the road, with short carriage drives and pleasant gardens.

“Jasper Road, where the family found themselves, looked over a green valley where trees hid similar houses,  and circled a hill on whose summit stood the Crystal Palace.”

Leslie’s mother, who had always been interested in the theatre, set up the Upper Norwood Dramatic Club (UNDC), for which  Leslie was honorary secretary as well as playwright, actor and musician. By 1912 the UNDC was appearing regularly at Stanley Halls in South Norwood.

While working at the bank, Leslie continued writing and performing in his spare time with some success. In 1913 his story The Impersonation of Lord Dalton appeared in  The Penny Magazine, and his play Deception was reviewed in The Stage. The following year, after the outbreak of World War One, he appeared in a crowd scene in his first film, The Heroine of Mons, directed by his uncle Wilfred.

When he was 21, he volunteered for the army and was commissioned in 1915 as a second lieutenant in a cavalry regiment stationed in Essex. Here he met and married a local girl in the spring of 1916 and was dispatched to France shortly afterwards. However, in May that year he was sent back home suffering from shell-shock.

Deemed unfit for military service, he decided to become a professional actor and changed his name to Leslie Howard. His uncle Wilfred also helped him get a role (his first credited film part) in The Happy Warrior and after acting in various provincial theatres he made his first appearance on the London stage in February 1918.  

At about this time his parents and siblings left south-east London and settled in a large house in West Kensington. As a result, Howard, his wife and their young son, Ronald (who was born in Norwood in April 1918), also left and moved in with them.

In the 1920s Leslie went to the USA and began appearing in films, notably Berkeley Square, which earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor. In 1934 he was in an  NBC radio play, Without Benefit of Clergy, with another Old Alleynian, Clive Brook, and starred in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Of Human Bondage.

Two years later came The Petrified Forest with his friend Humphrey Bogart (Bogie and Bacall named their daughter Leslie Howard Bogart), followed by Pygmalion in 1938, which earned him another best actor nomination. Leslie’s youngest brother, Arthur also appeared in this film.

Leslie’s last Hollywood film, Gone with the Wind (1939), was ironically greatly admired by Goebbels, and Hitler himself was a fan of Leslie’s co-star Clark Gable, later even offering a reward for his capture and transportation to Germany alive.

With the outbreak of World War Two, Leslie returned to the UK. He joined a Ministry of Information “ideas committee” for propaganda projects and made National Savings films with Noël Coward.

He also bought a house in Surrey and, helped by  his friend and neighbour Jonah Barrington, the radio correspondent of the Daily Express, he listened to radio broadcasts from Poland as the Nazis invaded.  

By coincidence it was Barrington who coined the nickname “Lord Haw Haw” for the infamous former Dulwich resident William Joyce, who by this time was broadcasting Nazi propaganda to the UK.

By a further coincidence, not only was Leslie later mentioned by name in some of these broadcasts, but the house he lived in when at Alleyn’s School (45 Farquhar Road), was only two doors away from Joyce’s own home (41 Farquhar Road) before he left for Germany in 1939.

Leslie broadcast propaganda himself, notably  appearing on the novelist JB Priestley’s popular BBC weekly programme Postscripts, and later alone on Britain Speaks. These talks were broadcast to north America throughout the London Blitz, in an effort to persuade the (then neutral) USA to support the Allies.  

In addition, he acted in the Ministry of Information’s first full-length feature film, 49th Parallel and produced, directed and acted in a number of  patriotic anti-German propaganda films himself.

These included “Pimpernel” Smith, which was set in Nazi Germany and allegedly inspired Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg to mount his real-life rescue operation in Budapest that saved thousands of Hungarian Jews from Nazi concentration camps. The casting director was Leslie’s sister, Irene, and his son Ronald, by then 23, also appeared in the film.

Another film, regarded by many as his best, was The First of the Few, whose title (suggested by Leslie) refers to a line in Churchill’s famous speech about the RAF’s role in the Battle of Britain: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. In the film, which has a number of Dulwich links, Leslie plays RJ Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire fighter plane.

Mitchell’s wife is played by future Dulwich resident Rosamund John (1913-98) who, from 1950, would live in Alleyn Park with her second husband, Old Alleynian  politician John Silkin (the third son of Lewis Silkin, 1st Baron Silkin, and a younger brother of another Old Alleynian politician, Samuel Silkin, Baron Silkin of Dulwich).

In addition, one of the real-life test pilots involved with the development of the Spitfire (and on which David Niven’s role as the fictional RAF squadron leader Geoffrey Crisp was partly based), was Old Alleynian wing commander George Hedley Stainforth (1899-1942). Sadly Stainforth was killed on active duty the year the film was released.    

Leslie started shooting The First of the Few in the summer of 1941. The following year the Ministry of Information commissioned him to direct a recruitment film, The Gentle Sex, about women serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). Leslie was also the narrator.

Once again future Dulwich resident Rosamund John starred, as one of seven girls from different walks of life who join the ATS. In Leslie’s final film, The Lamp Still Burns, John was cast in the lead role as an architect who becomes a nurse.

In April 1943, shortly after his 50th birthday, Leslie was sent to Lisbon on a British Council lecture tour of neutral Spain and Portugal, which some claimed later was really a top-secret mission for Churchill to dissuade General Franco from joining the Axis powers. Some even thought that he had been mistaken for Churchill himself.

Whatever the truth, when flying back to Bristol from Lisbon, the civilian airliner he was travelling in was shot down on June 1 1943 by Luftwaffe fighters over the Bay of Biscay, and he and all the other people on board were killed.

.......................

Dr Mark Bryant lives in East Dulwich and is the author World War II in Cartoons and other books.

[segwaytoursofseattle-blog]

How hard is it to ride a Segway?

Until last week, when a humble, trundling scooter took out the fastest man in the world. At the World Athletic Championships in Beijing, cameraman Song Tao interrupted Usain Bolt’s 200m victory lap, knocking the world’s greatest sprinter clean off his speedy feet with a misjudged lean against an unseen barrier. The Segway was everywhere, again, for the wrong reasons, again. It looked as if Tao’s battery-run vehicle had careered out of control. It looked painful. But how hard can it be to learn to ride the world’s most talked-about gyroscopic balancing machine? I went to Segway Unleashed to find out.

It’s hard to say Segway Unleashed without sounding like you’re doing the voiceover for a disaster movie trailer. On the way to one of its two centres – where we are promised “the most exciting Segway experience in the south east and Milton Keynes” – I asked my friend what she thought of when I said “Segway”. She thought about it for a minute, then said, with certainty: “fleece”. To Segway is to trundle, in a fleece. Clearly we have preconceptions.

The branch of Segway Unleashed that I visit is just off the M25, in the grounds of a beautiful farm near Godstone in Surrey. I stick my head into the workshop and say hello to Ben Morling, founder and MD of both branches, who got into the Segway business after some success with a sphering, or zorbing, company. (You’re strapped into a giant, inflatable ball and rolled down a hill. Ben shows me the shape of his broken fingers, all sphering-related injuries, and I can see why he got into Segway instead.) Ben is reassembling a Segway, which came back from the repair shop this weekend, with a £1,000 bill.

I thought they might cost around £1,000, which is twice as much as the car I arrived in, so I ask him exactly how much a Segway would set me back. Six thousand pounds, he tells me, immediately dashing my dreams of zipping around Guardian HQ using only my natural balancing skills and the scientific might of gyroscopic sensors. Can’t you get one cheaper? “That’s why a Ferrari is a Ferrari,” he tells me. “It’s not the cheap, plastic crap. I went to the Gadget Show and I tried them, and nah.” He shakes his head. There will be no cheap, plastic crap at Segway Unleashed. “We’ve never taken out an Olympic runner on one of these. We’ve taken each other out, but not a runner!”

Ben is pretty sure it wasn’t a Segway that took out Usain Bolt. Not an official one, anyway. He shows me a still from the incident on his phone, and zooms in for forensic analysis. The rubber footplates that distribute the rider’s weight were absent. He thinks the mudguards were too small. The charge port is the wrong colour. There is no red line on the battery. It just wouldn’t happen at Segway Unleashed.

The price tag is one of the reasons people think Segways haven’t really taken off – even though other companies have brought out cheaper versions costing a few hundred pounds. That, and the fact that in many places, you can’t just jump on one and use it to nip to the shops, or for your daily commute. In the UK, they are banned from pavements (though only one man has ever been prosecuted – Philip Coates, from South Yorkshire, who was fined £75 under Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835). In Germany, they must be licensed. In Canada, they are banned from public roads and sidewalks. Legislatively, they are confusing, at best.

But here, on private land, seven of us are ready to learn exactly how far these two-wheeled mean machines will take us. We have signed to accept that there is some risk of a broken bone. I agree that I am not under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, and do not have any medical conditions that might impact my ability to control the unit. I am given a red motorcycle helmet that I decide makes me look like a Power Ranger, though when I say this to my friend, she has a look that suggests she is thinking, “Power Plonker, more like”.

We are ready. To be. Unleashed!

The Segways are in beginner’s “turtle mode” and will go at a maximum speed of 4.5mph.

Our group – me, my friend, a couple in their 20s, and a father and his two kids – begin the session in Zone One: a field in which we learn how to balance and lean. Our instructor, Kieran Richards, is on his third season at Segway Unleashed. He got into Segway after a couple of seasons of sphering, where he met Ben, who introduced him to the harder stuff. Confounding my notions of fleece, Kieran is a laidback skater who says he falls off the Segways all the time, but only because he’s trying to do tricks on them, which even he admits can be foolish. Leaning, he says to the group, is the key to everything. “Be consistent with your leaning,” he tells us. “Don’t be too aggressive with your leaning.” Usain Bolt has made his life a whole lot easier, because people didn’t really think you could fall off a Segway, and then suddenly, a video went around the world proving that you could, and how. Poor Song Tao, I think. Once a noble cameraman, now a “how not to” punchline in an off-road Segway experience on a farm in Surrey. Kieran says that people only fall off when they catch their wheels, like Tao did, or when they get too cocky.

I resolve not to get too cocky. 4.5mph sounds pretty slow, until you’re standing on a self-balancing scooter controlled by a gyroscope that relies solely on your ability to lean forwards and backwards with just enough oomph to make sure it moves.

It’s a bit like stepping onto solid ground if you’ve been on water for hours. It should be the easiest thing in the world to stand still and upright, but suddenly my legs are untrustworthy, and I rock back and forth. The trick is to relax, apparently. I am glad I don’t have a chest full of camera equipment to carry with me. Once balance is established, it’s fairly easy: forward to go, back to stop. Don’t be aggressive with your leaning. The seven of us zip around the training field, at 4.5mph. I avoid the bumps. After five minutes, I seek out the bumps. I wonder how hard it would be to do Segway tricks.

Zone Two: the woods. In the woods, we learn to use our knees as shock absorbers, and Joe Hammond, another skater-turned-instructor, starts “catching air” from a tree root that acts as a launching ramp. “You will not catch air,” he reassures us, though I start to think I would like to catch air. The woods are fun. They’re muddy and bumpy and even though the Segway is still going at 4.5mph (maximum), it no longer seems like a trundle. This is what extreme sports must feel like! If you’re doing them very slowly! I go over a root and feel my Segway lifting at least 2mm off the ground. I wonder if I could get sponsorship. Perhaps Nike would like to see their logo on my raincoat as I amble around a track in a wood. Maybe Vans would pay me to wear their trainers, as I lean forward into the unknown. An Adidas helmet. A Red Bull jumper. Perhaps, perhaps. I am ready for the final step. Zone Three: the time trials.

The time trials are the most dangerous part of the session. “This is where the psychology kicks in,” Ben tells me. Simply, he says, people are desperate to be the fastest, even though “there’s no prize or anything.” I am desperate to be the fastest. We get a practice run around the track, after a final lesson in leaning. Here, Kieran explains, you can actually put your weight on the sideplates, like a parallel turn if you’re skiiing, or like taking a corner on a motorbike. Joe does some leans that say: I mean business. None of us quite pull it off, but it’s getting serious.

Turtle mode is switched off. We are about to enter maximum Segway speed: 12.5mph. “I’ve come off at that before,” says Joe, like a man who has known trauma. We line up for the time trial. I lean forward as hard as I’ve ever leaned, except on the corners, which are muddy, and look as if they could be slippy. Then I lean some more. I whizz – no more trundling – across the finish line, and wait for our times to come in. I am not seventh! Applause. I am not sixth! More applause, this time for my friend, who fell off taking the corner a little bit too keenly, proving that I was right not to go feral. I am not … hold on. I am fifth. I am only marginally faster than someone who stacked it and had to get back on before she could continue the time trial. I get my applause. The sponsorship dream dies. We were all beaten by an 11-year-old, who managed the track “with a very quick time indeed, very fast”, according to an impressed-looking Kieran. Kids are fearless, we agree.

It does not look like Segways are going to take the UK by storm, but Joe thinks a version of them may become mainstream yet. The “new, smaller, cheaper things” he refers to have yet to adopt a common name, but are called swegways by some, hover boards by others. They are, essentially, Segways without handles, made more cheaply. Segway Unleashed has had people bringing their swegways to the farm, to see if they can be repaired. “I tell them, send it back to who made it,” says Ben. They are more of the “cheap, plastic crap” of which he does not approve. “You’re saying it’s a Segway like you’d say Hoover for a vacuum,” he says. His Segways are metal, not plastic. They are built to last.

Down and out: Segway’s other celebrity victims George Bush: Of course George Bush has had a Segway fail. The former president could no more stay away from a two-wheeled transporter than a Thanksgiving turkey could keep out of his trousers. In 2003, while visiting the family house in Maine, the then president stepped on to a Segway and went down instantly. Being Dubya, he got back up and proceeded to cruise up the driveway with his father, George Bush Sr, bringing up the rear on, yep, another Segway. One wonders if the company slogan – “simply moving” – was inspired by this very scene.

Piers Morgan: After Bush’s fall from grace, Piers Morgan’s Daily Mirror ran the gleeful headline: “You’d have to be an idiot to fall off, wouldn’t you Mr President,” adding that “if anyone can make a pig’s ear of riding a sophisticated, self-balancing machine like this, Dubya can.” However, Segways have their own way of redressing the gyroscopic balance of power and soon enough the another powerful white man was beckoned on to the bucking bronco. Four years later Morgan had an epic fall off a Segway while cruising along the promenade at Santa Monica beach, breaking three ribs. “Since only [Bush] and I appear to have ever fallen off one,” he later said, “I think the makers of the Segway can probably still justifiably claim the machines are ‘idiot-proof.’”

Joe Previtera: Aussie cameraman Joe Previtera provided a foreshadowing of Usain Bolt’s fate when he catapulted off his Segway during the 2011 Australia v India Test match in Melbourne. The culprit this time was a helmet on the ground, which Previtera drove over. The commentators burst into laughter and Previtera, who was helped to his feet by the wicketkeeper, confessed he had earlier bragged: “No way, I will never crash this thing ever.” Fact: sports cameramen cannot shoot and Segway at the same time. They would be safer, cooler (and possibly faster) gliding about the pitch in kids’ roller shoes.

Ellie Goulding: It’s not just world leaders and cameramen who are cocky enough to think they can tame the 12.5mph Segway. Pop star Ellie Goulding hopped on one on holiday in Miami, at first “taking off effortlessly along the pavement by the beach”, according to the tabloid who captured the tumble frame by mind-numbing frame. Disaster (OK, sand) struck, Goulding went flying, then got up and took a bow. In beachwear. You can see why this made the news.

Ellen DeGeneres: At the start of 2010 the US talkshow host did a monologue on the Segway X2 that Portia de Rossi had just bought her for Christmas. During the skit she rode the machine around the studio, then admitted: “I’ve already hurt myself on it twice.” The first time was on Christmas morning when, heading for a flowerbed, she threw herself off and split her shin open. The second was rehearsing the monologue and falling off while demonstrating her ability to go backwards. Cut to a clip of the fall and DeGeneres shouting: “Did we get it on tape because that’s the most important thing?” What a pro (or ego).

Jimi Heselden: The Segway falls into the tragic category of inventions that have killed its inventors or owners. In 2010, less than a year after taking over the company, millionaire businessman Jimi Heselden was driving his off-road Segway X2 when he fell off a cliff and into a river near his West Yorkshire estate and died. The coroner later said the 62-year-old reversed the machine to make way for a dog walker and died as a result of this ‘act of courtesy’. Less than 48 hours after Heselden’s death, research was published indicating that accidents involving Segways are on the rise. Chitra Ramaswamy

Find Original Post Here

[college-girl199328]

Unusual cold in store for B.C.'s north, Lower Mainland this weekend: Environment Canada

Environment Canada is expecting unusually cold temperatures and frigid winds across northern B.C. and the Lower Mainland this weekend, warning conditions up north could decline to extreme cold and "dangerous" wind chill in the next week. A series of special weather statements on Friday said Arctic air, blasting wind, and plummeting temperatures would settle over the far north and stick around for several days.

"Temperatures will remain extremely cold through next week," said meteorologist Derek Lee, adding that wind chill values could be "dangerous."

"The coldest temperatures are likely to be from Monday to Wednesday," Lee said, adding that the area from Peace Region to Fort Nelson could see overnight lows of -40 C. Overnight lows of -35 C are possible in Prince George and the Cariboo.

The weather statements cover Haines Road, Atlin, Teslin, the Cassiar Mountains, Dease Lake, Watson Lake, Muncho Lake Park, and Fort Nelson in the far north. Similar alerts are also in place further south, where cold winds are expected to hit the Williston and Peace regions. Prince George could see temperatures as low as –28 C over the weekend.

Further south, snow is in store for the Lower Mainland over the next few days. Vancouver is expecting a combination of rain and snow over the weekend and throughout much of next week, with a daytime maximum of –5 C on Tuesday. Environment Canada said precipitation will fall Saturday as light flurries or showers. The amount will depend on temperature and elevation, but the agency said residents can expect roughly two to four centimeters of snow on average.

An Arctic front from the B.C. Interior will bring "a period of heavy flurries" to the South Coast on Sunday. "The cold will linger up to midweek next week," said Lee.

"The daytime temperatures don't really make it above freezing, and even colder are the nights, so any precipitation that falls during this time, beginning this weekend, has a high chance of being flurries or snow."

The province said drivers on the South Coast should stay off the road in poor conditions. If they must travel, they should pack an emergency kit and make sure their vehicle has proper snow tires. "Drivers are reminded to plan ahead and drive according to weather and road conditions." "Commuters should be prepared for delays and potential service disruptions on transit routes," it said Friday in a statement.

The statement said health authorities should be sharing information on shelters and warming centers across the province.

Lee said meteorologists aren't sure exactly when that snow will arrive, but up to five centimeters of fresh snow is possible for Metro Vancouver and up to 10 centimeters in the Fraser Valley. Temperatures will drop to five or 10 degrees below the seasonal average, the agency added.

People who live in any of the affected regions should continue to monitor alerts and forecasts, Environment Canada advised.

A bigger dump of up to 25 cm blanketed the south coast and Vancouver Island at the end of November, leading to rush-hour crashes that blocked major roads. Surrey County Councilwoman Linda Annis was one of those trapped in the Nov. 29 gridlock. She says it took her 9.5 hours to get from Vancouver to South Surrey.

"A very, very long, frustrating trip." And for me, I quickly realized that I had no way to get home. "All the access points for going over the Fraser River were closed or stuck with vehicles,'' she said.

Annis and New Westminster City Councilman Daniel Fontaine are calling for a "snow summit'' to come up with ways to avoid a repeat. They want to involve the province, Metro Vancouver, municipalities, first responders, and road maintenance contractors. Annis and Fontaine wrote to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming and the chair of Metro Vancouver's regional district pitching the idea last week but have yet to hear back.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says in a statement that it is aware of the request, but neither it nor Fleming have been formally invited to participate. The ministry says it reviewed its response to the November snowfall and has worked with Lower Mainland contractors to improve the deployment of plows and tow trucks.

"Ministry staff have also already reached out to their counterparts in Lower Mainland municipalities to discuss winter weather response, strengthen communication lines, and share information on our level of preparedness based on available weather forecasts,'' it said.

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Travelers #308 “Archive”

Missing information leads a Traveler to arrive in serial killer host forcing Grant to take drastic action to help complete the mission. Meanwhile, Jeff's solo mission comes to a head with a threat to the local Archive.

Andrew Graham burns his latest victim’s possessions at 14128 Colebrook Road and then is overwritten after a crash to the west on Colebrook.

Marcy trains David in self defense at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club while Carly has coffee with Jeff at Portal Park.

Two researchers are celebrating their new project in the Cedar Building at Capilano University but later the team brings Andrew Graham to show them how their research is dangerous to the future.

Jeff is forced to kill another undercover Traveler to keep his cover with the Faction at the 104th Avenue Centre, an abandoned office complex in Surrey.

Joanne transfers Andrew Graham into a police van in the parking garage of the same building.

The team ambushes the police transport and takes Andrew Graham at the corner of Fellowes Street & North Boundary Road.

They drive down Bridgeway Street and through the Skeena Street Tunnel where the police drive past looking for them.

David is brought to Rollerland at the Pacific National Exhibition with Jeff and the Archivist where he finds a strange vault full of blood.

Joanne and Grant take Andrew Graham to one last meal at the Corner Cafe before handing him over to police custody.

Philip is walking through Oceanic Plaza with Carly when he has a vision of a nuclear blast in the distance.

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Wheelbarrows For Children Reviewed In 2019

o here goes the rundown of the best children's work carts. Endeavor to pick the one that coordinates your conditions like your children's age, shading decision and so forth.

Radio Flyer Kid's Wheelbarrow

A handcart that is utilitarian and fun. Arriving in an adorable and famous red shading, this hand truck is a charming method to have a great time for your little one. The credible wooden handle makes it resemble a bona fide handcart. What's more, the lightweightness makes it perfect for children.

Radio Flyer is an old player in the toys and youngsters' embellishments industry that has an inheritance of over 100 years. They have huge amounts of experience which encourages them to turn out with the best toy arrangement without fail.

This current children's push cart from Radio Flyer is appropriate for a long time or more seasoned children'.

The primary convey plate of this work cart is produced using lightweight, solid material which accompanies a pleasant notable red shading wrapping up. Radio Flyer gave a durable steel undercarriage to quality, strength and included wellbeing.

One of my most loved thing about this push cart is the adjusted no-scratch edges, forestalling most incidental scratches and wounds that will in general happen frequently. Enormous alleviation!

Radio Flyer children's handcart includes genuine wooden handles that give them a real look of an ordinary push cart. Your little one will really feel 'some portion of it', the genuine cultivating work.

The wheels on this apparatus are produced using plastic. These are tough shaped wheels that roll effectively.

An annoyed from this push cart is its get together. It's harder than anticipated. You're going to put some continuous on it before the principal use. Radio Flyer should've done, or ought to take care of this.

Abridging the Radio Flyer Kids' Wheelbarrow:

A fun and useful, eye appealing handcart.

Children's security estimates are well dealt with.

Tough and strong.

Real looks with the genuine wood handles.

Get together is a vexed, could be better.

Melissa and Doug Giddy Buggy Cart

A great push cart cum toy for children matured three and up that will help enhance their engine abilities and coordination. Being a work cart that is ideal for both indoor and open air use, it gives incalculable long periods of real fun!

Melissa and Doug is such a toy producer, that has an endeavor to convey a grin to each child's face with engaging and instructive toys, including train sets, ride-on toys and so on. They're for the most part known for assembling reasonably evaluated toys and frill for children all things considered.

The Giddy Buggy truck is an adorable looking push cart from them that kids are going to cherish. The brilliantly hued plastic truck looks appealing and the splendid stripes and Giddy surrey character adds more allure to it. It's a sort of truck that each child experience passionate feelings for on their first sight.

The truck has a lightweight yet truly tough plastic development. The plastic used to make it, I found sufficiently strong. It's unquestionably isn't the sturdiest children's handcart out there. However, so far as that is concerned, how regularly does your child need to convey substantial stuff?

The wheels on this truck are likewise I however a bit on the milder side. It isn't so much that unbending like numerous different handcarts, however it's more than alright for the reason.

Discussing lightweightness, this truck pushes the breaking point. It's solitary 2.5 pounds, making it excessively simple for your little one to move this around.

The Giddy surrey truck is anything but difficult to clean and store. It's a decent favorable position to have since your little one is relied upon not to abandon it clean for long.

The truck is anything but difficult to gather also. It will require insignificant investment for your to collect this. There's hardly any holding up before the primary use from its entry.

At long last, with regards to amusement esteem, this truck without a doubt invigorates your child's creative energy. Your little one will appreciate transporting their toys, making sand or water recreations or moving blossoms or plants with it.

eymour WB-JRB Kids' Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

On the off chance that you need your child to participate in genuine yard work, Seymour WB-JR Lightweight is the one you're searching for. It's the littler adaptation of a grown-up push cart. Each one of those attributes, just in littler scale.

The maker, Seymour makes an assortment of planting and finishing apparatuses, particularly work carts, in various sizes.

On the off chance that you are a normal nursery worker, there's a high possibility that you've run over Seymour's items beforehand and realize how great are them. This current child's work cart from them is the same.

The plate of this cart is made utilizing a lightweight children safe polypropylene plastic. The plastic is a high-thickness one that is fit for pulling overwhelming materials.

Like I said before, it resembles a grown-up work cart, on a littler scale. The plate is additionally erosion and rust proof. The plate can endure mileage with insignificant harm. The truck is additionally quite appealing with the notable red shading.

This push cart accompanies strong elastic tires and a sturdy metal ball smooth wheel that makes it ideal for doing errands around the greenhouse, in various territories.

The apparatus highlights ergonomic hardwood handles that have smooth non-aggravation surfaces. Hardwood handles are known to be anything but difficult to utilize, notwithstanding for little children.

The work cart is quite lightweight also, weighing around five pounds. Along these lines, simple to move for your youngster.

Request that he transport plants, blossoms, toys, sand adornments, anything with the push cart, it'll handle.

Morgan Cycle Junior Size Steel Garden WheelBarrow

A work cart that is perfect for transporting charming teddy bears in style, for two to four-year-old saints.

The maker, Morgan Cycle is particularly prominent for making fantastic ride-on toys, trucks, push carts and the sky is the limit from there.

Since they work in ride-on toys, they have a wide assortment of such toys accessible available to be purchased, including little planes, autos, road racers, retro vehicles, and that's just the beginning. However, how about we adhere to the truck produced by them that we ought to discuss.

Morgan Cycle's Junior Size Steel Garden WheelBarrow arrives in a wonderful green shading with hardwood handles. The green shading mixes in extraordinary with the greenhouse condition and gives your children's eye a fulfillment. The shading feels pleasant to the eyes, genuinely!

The plate is made of strong steel that makes the truck tough and equipped for pulling substantial burdens. Fortunately, the edges of the steel plate are made adjusted to guarantee your kid's wellbeing, to counteract wounds.