The first piece of electronic equipment I was given was my Mum and Dad’s old record player and radio. It was  large bit of seventies kit with a variety of dials and knobs that were loosely contacted to two large speakers introducing me to the concept of stereo. Luckily for me my dad had some very old “sound test albums” that were brought out to emphasis the power of stereo. All they basically were was a selection of tracks that illustrated how sound would travel from one speaker to another. The first track was an audio lecturer tinking a glass for 10 minutes and the last one was a song called “The Outlaws” and featured a galloping posse of Cowboys thundering across my small bedroom from one speaker to the other whooping and shouting whilst a Shadowsesque band supported them with guitars. Vinyl records were, and still are great. In fact you can see some Vinyl Records at https://www.vinylrecords.co.uk/. Thankfully they are coming back in a big way.

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My record player to take anything, it was built to last and it soon took the full brunt of my eight year old mind. I had two records to my name. One was Abba Gold and the other was an audio episode of Thunderbirds. As I said before my Mum and Dad owned alot of records and I was able to purloin them for my use. The record player wasn’t always used to play records though; many of my toys were taken on little trips at 23 revolutions until I got bored and whipped it up to 78 revolutions and watched them fly off to be forever lost somewhere in my room. This was of limited appeal and I soon began to sue the record player for what it was intended. It was a skill setting it up and the sound quality was wonderful. The most fun I had was playing a record at the wrong speed. Even now I find it one of the funniest things that you can do or hear. My Dad took great pleasure in playing my Smurf album to slow as the high pitched Smurfs sounded vaguely human. There was some controversy in the late 80’s when it was discovered that if you played Kylie Minogue’s 45 inch hit single “I should be so Lucky” at 33 and a third then it sounded like Rick Astley was singing it. As they were on the same label at the time it was suggested that Stock, Aitken and Waterman’s Hit factory was little more than that and it was all the same person.

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When my Dad bought a stereo tape player I was delighted but I soon found out that the charm and the fun was gone and the process of playing became a little soulless. It is even more pronounced now in the age of downloads and Spotify. Perhaps this is why vinyl is coming back. I hope so.

For time the Forest of Dean had quite a burgeoning industry of coal production that had a dramatic effect on its countryside and environment. The main use of coal was for powering the power stations and heating homes and industry, but we now use central heating over this fossil fuel. Nowadays we have much more sophisticated systems, and a Boiler Installation Forest of Dean company like greenplanetheating.org can ensure that you needs in that area are covered. The history of coal mining in the region is the usual fraught affair as you would expect but the inclusion of the free mining movement makes it a little different.

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The Coalfield of the Forest of Dean is very small compared to the rich huge seams of South Wales to the near west and the Yorkshire fields to the far north. Nevertheless the ground has proved fruitful to the Forest and has aided its economy and growth. This is not to say that the winning of the coal was easy. As it is a given the area was quite densely populated with trees and the removal of these was quite a task bringing into question the cost effectiveness of extraction. Not only that, but the area also suffers from large collections of water below the surface hampering any operation. The stone above is extremely porous as can be seen when visiting one of the few working mines left open such as the caves at Clearwell. There are a series of geological faults that do not help matters and the use of pumps and the control of nearby water course was a given treatment.

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The real difference in terms of the mining conditions was the granting of the free mining licences. Unlike other parts of the control where companies or coal board a would control production the local populace were granted the chance to mine the coal and iron ore for profit. This was granted to the people of the forest following there celebrated actions in the battle of Berwick on Tweed dating back to the early thirteen hundreds when Edward the first was campaigning. Their skills of undermining brought down the walls of the town. The law for free mining stood, only applying to men it should be added, but the advent of the Industrial revolution so saw that right impinged upon. The large corporations wanted the coal and getting to it was restricted due to the fact that you had to be born in the Forest to get the right to start a mine or gales as it was called locally. Determined to bring completion the free mining was revoked to much outcry and public anger.  A Royal commission looked into the laws of free mining and brought about a new act in 1838 to shore up the free mining position.

Obesity is an increasing problem in the western world with obesity being one of the leading causes of cancers, heart disease and other serious, life-threatening conditions. Many people hate the thought of spending hours on end in a gym surrounded by people who are in the peak of fitness. But there are many other ways that you can exercise to help both lose weight as also benefit your mental wellbeing.

If you are a dog owner your pet is your best workout buddy. Once you have made sure that you have suitable Dog Collars and Leads like those you can find at iwoof.com you can start you exercise regime with your doggy friend by your side. It is important that you both stay hydrated out on your walks so you should take some water both for yourself and your companion.

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Here are a couple of suggestions for you.

Walk it off

Walking is one of the best exercises that you can do, and you can mix up the location and pace depending on your strength, time available and the weather. Your dog will enjoy a nice long walk with your through woodland areas and perhaps taking a nice stroll across a dog friendly park where you can stop and play catch with a frisbee or tennis ball. It is amazing how simply talking your dog out for a couple of walks a day and perhaps a longer walk on the weekends will soon see you increasing your daily steps and you will notice the difference in your energy levels and in your body. It is important to remember your dogs’ limits though as small breeds and those with short fur will start to feel the effects of the outdoor temperatures much quicker than bigger, fluffier breeds.

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Watch the treats

Many dog owners use treats as a way of rewarding their dogs for good behaviour, however doing this too often can see your dog start to put on weight, especially if they don’t get much exercise. This is just the same for us. Too many high sugar and high fat treats and not enough movement lead to obesity in the long run. You can reward your dog with your affection just as effectively as you do with treats or perhaps break a treat in half on your daily walk and have half of it on the way and half on the way back. That trick also works for the treat you take for yourself!

There are many new technologies and feats of engineering that appear almost on a daily basis and each one brings along with it many new benefits and improved ways of working. CNC Milling is one such technology. It is provided by companies like https://www.parallelprecision.co.uk/cnc-milling  and is not something that you hear about everyday but it is (like most new technologies) very interesting.

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CNC or Computer Numerical Control to give it its full title is used in conjunction with lots of different, relatively new technologies with one of these being CNC Milling. This process is remarkably similar to drilling or cutting and uses a cutting tool that is usually cylindrical in shape that rotates in a variety of different directions to cut out a specific item. This makes it more flexible than a drill that can essentially only move in up and down directions. The cylinder can move in multiple directions meaning that it can create highly accurately cut products and the shapes and holes that can be created with the CNC mill are virtually limitless.

If you think of movement in terms of axis with A being across or horizontal, B being up or vertical and C being diagonal, a CNC mill can operate across all of these axis’ where as a drill can only operate in B – the vertical axis. Other technologies can be incorporated with the CNC to further enhance the shapes that can be cut and most of the machines will have a device fitted that pumps fluid to the cutting whilst it is in production mode so as to keep the elements lubricated.

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The possibilities, in terms of the materials that can be cut using a CNC mill are endless and the machinery can cut through wood, metal, concrete and anything else that you can think of. There are different bits that are added to the CNC tool depending on the material that is being cut. Much like there are different drill bits depending on what you are making a hole in. In reality the CNC mill is primarily used for cutting metal.

As mentioned there are a number of items that can be made with this type of machinery but they tend to be used for items that are produced in vert short batches and also for those items that need to be cut in high detail or into complex shapes.

Our world is full of products that are made, or packaged, or both, through the use of vacuums that form the finished items. Also known as thermoforming, this production technology is incredibly widespread.

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In fact, as the British Plastics Federation confirms, this is one of the most common and longest established ways of processing plastic to create products –http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/processes/vacuum_forming.aspx. And there’s a reason for this – forming methods using vacuums have a number of advantages over other production techniques. Let’s take a look at these advantages.

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Precision delivers quality

Products that are made from multiple different parts, then joined together, are less accurate than vacuum formed objects, which can faithfully reproduce a design specification with fine tolerance. The reduced level of error, and enhanced accuracy, when thermoforming is used, mean that quality levels can be met and maintained throughout the production run.

A cost-effective production method

Tooling up for a forming production run using vacuum technology, is relatively low cost. Using low pressure only, the forming process doesn’t need very sophisticated tools. So the moulds can be made from relatively low-cost materials.

Large parts can simply be made from one large sheet of plastic, reducing waste. This method is increasingly being used for vehicle parts, such as engine hoods on agricultural equipment. And small or specialised businesses, that may only want a short production run, have an effective and economic way to achieve this. Vacuum forming experts https://www.bridgewooduk.com/production-assembly/vacuum-forming are able to advise companies on how to achieve their designs within price, quality and time constraints.

Zero waste to landfill

The offcuts and discards from plastic sheets being used for forming can all be fed straight back into the production of new plastic sheets, so there’s a 100% recycling rate, and zero waste.

Flexibility

Moulds can bring a product designer’s vision to life. They’re able to accurately portray brand graphics and logos, both on products and on packaging.

Speed

Thermoforming is a quick way to prototype, adjust and finalise a design, then a rapid way to produce the finished item. The time to market is reduced, and the time efficiencies often mean that the whole process costs less.

All of these advantages add up to a robust business case for using forming techniques in production processes.

Choosing the Perfect Garden Room

If you have the space to extend out into your garden, then a garden room or summer house can give your house a dramatic new dimension. This addition will provide a tranquil bolthole that can boost your house price.

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Use a designer to create a beautiful space that complements your existing structure – whether a modern conservatory or an extension that opens on to a patio.

Make it a space you can enjoy all year round with appropriate heating, ventilation and blinds.

As for furnishings, use wooden and rattan furniture and floral textiles for a rustic feel. In a modern glass conservatory, basic furniture like a simple glossy dining set is best.

Make the Most of an Aluminium Frame

A contemporary glasshouse can be either an extension or a detached garden room. Why not create a conservatory-living-room-diner with a glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows?

Aluminium may be used where weight matters. As it is light and strong, longer spans will support larger glass panels.

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Create an Outdoor Garden Room

Try trailing vines over a canopy on a terrace. An attractive dining room with porthole windows below might provide shelter. Green crockery will reflect the colour of the foliage.

Install Opening Roof Lights

You could create a kitchen extension with a high pitched glass roof and double doors offering garden views. When glass is used, allow for adequate ventilation to stay cool during the summer. Opening roof lights can let air flow without having to open the doors.

Wall-to-Wall Glass Doors

A glass wall studded with doors lets light through and enables a broad garden view. Potted palms will supply a colonial feel. Having flagstones both inside and out can unite the two spaces.

Stay Snug with a Stove

In a contemporary garden room extension, bi-folding doors streamline the approach to the garden. A wood-burning stove and throws guarantee that the room may be enjoyed all year round.

In Worcester summer houses are available from http://worldofsmile.com/summerhouses-and-sheds.

For more advice on garden rooms see: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/a20661344/designing-planning-outdoor-garden-room/.

Maintain a Good View

Your garden room might be minimal in size, with bland floors and walls: this will suit a simple glass dining set. Round tables in and out introduce a sense of unity between the interior and garden.

If you’re sexually active, then it makes sense to be tested for STIs to safeguard your health and wellbeing. And the good news is that you can now take your tests at home with the latest easy-to-use kits. Here are some of our favourite benefits of choosing a home STI test.

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Private and Convenient

The prospect of sitting in a busy GUM clinic does tend to put people off the experience. After all, no one really wants to see someone they know in the waiting room. But with a home STI testing kit, you can test wherever you want and at any time. It’s also a great option if you struggle to get to your local clinic, as the times can be inconvenient. You’ll find that there are home kits for every need, and they are sent directly to your door with low-key packaging that doesn’t mention the contents.

The Same High-Quality Results

The results that you’ll be sent with your kit are lab-certified and offer the same high degree of accuracy as you’d get from a clinic test. In just five minutes you can take your test at home without any stress by following the clear and simple instructions. Send them back in the post and your sample will be immediately analysed at the clinic.

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Care from Test to Treatment

If you do need treatment for an STI, then you will be sent the treatment that you need and given access to healthcare professionals who can give advance and answer questions over the phone or even online. You can also take your test results to your own doctor or clinic if you prefer. Find out more about options for STI testing London wide at https://www.checkurself.org.uk/plus/.

Affordable

ou’d think that at-home STI testing kits would be expensive, but they are actually affordable and mean that you can take your health and wellbeing into your own hands without breaking the bank. It’s vital to take care of your sexual health because STIs can affect your fertility and other health markers – and if you aren’t diagnosed yourself, then you risk passing them on.

So if you’re keen to know the facts, get tested and treated quickly, easily and affordably in your own home, then try out at-home STI testing kits and experience the latest health and wellness trend for yourself.

You’ve committed to the idea of buying that residential park home, and now you’re looking for some tips for kitting it out. We’ve made a list of five more great ways to decorate your home.

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1. Use different layers of lighting

We previously mentioned using mirrors to create the effect of more space by using the light, but that’s not all you can do. Don’t just rely on the main light and windows to create the effect you want; you should also consider investing in lamps and even candles. Some will enlarge the appearance of your room, whilst others might make it feel a little cosier. Play around with the height and placement of your light sources to see what effect it will have.

2. Get your gardening gloves on!

This tip is great for decorating any home, not just a park home. Adding some greenery around your house will help bring a touch of the outdoors in. Not only does it add an interesting focal point, but it can also purify the air if you choose the right plants. What’s more, it can add new scents and texture to the room, really bringing it to life.

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If you’re ready to find out more about owning a park home, companies such as www.parkhomelife.com can offer advice and support. They have Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire Park Homes for sale and they really do know what they’re talking about.

3. Use soft colours

Softer colours will make your rooms lighter and more modern in appearance. It will also make it considerably easier to find matching accessories and furniture for the room you’re decorating.

4. Think outside the box

When decorating a home, the temptation to decorate every room using the same theme is strong. After all, by using the same materials and buying in bulk, you’ll effectively save money. However, for a touch of innovation in your room, consider scrapping this idea and decorating each room a little differently.

5. Mix up your accessories

Don’t feel like you need to have all matching furniture! If you’d like to match an onyx living room table with some antique chairs, go right ahead. When furnishing your rooms, you have the opportunity to pour your personality and quirks into it.

If you’ve never been to Gloucester, it’s well worth a visit. Not only is it home to a stunning cathedral, the longest river in Britain and the country’s inner most port. But there’s a lot more than that to see in the ancient Roman city of Gloucester, so let’s find out some more:

1. Outstanding Beauty

You don’t have to travel far outside of the city to find yourself enveloped in beautiful countryside. The Cotswolds are found in the county and are recognised by UNESCO as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. The landscape is protected by law and it’s clear to see why when you visit. Rolling hills, stunning picture postcard villages and abundant wildlife await you.

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2. Landscape Variety

The other thing you’ll notice is that the county features a wide diversity of landscapes. From the pretty Cotswold stone villages to the mysterious wooded hills of the Forest of Dean. From Roman ruins in Gloucester to the 19^th century Regency majesty of Cheltenham. There is much diversity in the county of Gloucestershire. To see for yourself, consider a visit to Park Homes Gloucestershire.

3. Tewkesbury

Your visit must include Tewkesbury where you’ll discover the black and white Tudor buildings of the medieval period, an abbey with a fascinating history and lots of family-friendly activities.

4. Famous People

Believe it or not, Gloucester has a glamourous list of previous residents, including Kate Moss, Alex James and Kate Winslett. J.K Rowling also spent time in her childhood growing up in the county.

5. Cheese Rolling

Gloucester is also world-famous for being the home of the dangerous annual cheese rolling competition. This event takes place in May on Coopers Hill, which is incredibly steep. Contestants hurl themselves downhill after the cheese.

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6. Cathedral

Not just for history buffs, this magnificent 12^th century cathedral was used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies and attracts fans of the film franchise to come and walk the cloisters like Harry, Ron and Hermione!

7. The Docks

Gloucester was once a busy and important port, being the furthest inland port in the whole country. Today, the warehouses have been renovated and turned into contemporary apartments, antique stores, the National Waterways Museum and a large shopping centre. You’ll find waterside dining in the many restaurants available, a bustling entertainment centre and lots of top name stores offering great discounts.

8. Perfect Location

Gloucester is in an ideal location to act as a base for exploring the region. With easy access to the M5, nearby places include Bath, Cardiff, Swindon, Bristol and Birmingham.