The North West Apprenticeship Awards

Last night, seven of us attended the North West Apprenticeship Awards to support John Pinske with his nomination for Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

John was nominated by System Training Ltd and ourselves to recognise the hard work and effort he has put in since commencing his employment with us whist studying for the Association of Accounting Technician qualification.

John reached the final stages and out of the North West region there were three finalists in his category. This is a fantastic achievement for John and something this firm is very proud of. The evening was very well organised at The Midland Hotel in Manchester where we enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal and great entertainment in good company.

The Awards commenced for the eight categories and a film for each nominee was shown to outline why they were nominated for an award.

John did really well and was a runner up in his class. He took away a framed certificate, a lovely bunch of flowers (for his mum) and a nice cheque for himself.

All in all, we all had a fantastic evening and are very proud of John's achievement.

Kirstie Somerville

Our Friday Fitness Feeling

On Friday, myself, Sarah Reilly, Jamie-Lee Johnstone and Tash (David’s personal trainer) attended the opening of Vibralife fitness clinic, which is on Kingmoor Road, Carlisle.

Vibralife is not a gym but a new concept in fitness and health promotion and has spa capsules, vibroplates and facilities for massages and beauty treatments.

Firstly, we were given a demonstration of the vibroplates by Kevin Barclay-Webb who is the former personal trainer & coach to Sylvester Stallone, Gerri Halliwell, Annie Lennox and many celebrities across the world.

Kevin explained that you burn 400 calories in 10 minutes training on the vibroplate, the equivalent of a 3 mile run and that cosmanauts use the equipment in the Russian space programme.

We all had a go on the vibroplates and he got us to do certain exercises to show how difficult they were. I was shown how to do press ups on the vibroplate and to start with it wasn’t too bad until he increased the vibrations, (I’m not yet at the standard of Rocky – but with a few more training sessions who knows!?!).

Some footballers from Gretna FC attended and Kevin demonstrated how vibroplates could improve their posture which in turn would benefit their game.

For those people who hate going to a gym this may be the perfect thing for you. Twenty minutes on a vibroplate rather than 2 hours pumping iron in the gym!

Lana and Stuart Brown introduced themselves (the owners of Vibralife) - two very nice people who definitely have brought a different health and fitness experience to Carlisle.

We were shown around the rest of the facilities and provided with a posh healthy drink.

We also had a trial of the spa capsules – something I never thought I would ever do! These aim to reduce stress, pain and give you more energy. To explain the experience of the spa capsules – it is like a full body massage, while watching and listening to relaxing music while oxygen is pumped into your face.

It certainly worked and 2 minutes felt like 10 seconds.

There has been no expense spared on the facilities which creates a top quality ambiance. They offer a free trial to potential members, so I suggest you use it and go and see for yourself!

You can take a closer look at their website www.vibralife.co.uk
Graeme Seavor

An Explosive Work Experience

When my daughter Emma was asked what Work Experience placement she wanted to do recently, she just had no idea. She knew what she didn't want to do, for example office work like her mum or teaching like her dad. What she really does enjoy doing is the singing and dancing she gets involved in through StagedRight drama. So, with our permission, she decided to give our clients Explosive Productions Limited a call to see if they would let her go and do her work placement with them.

Company Directors, Sid Sims and Andy Cope were more then happy to let Emma come and see what they get up to.

Day 1 and Emma was a bit nervous about what she would be doing but she didn't need to be as Sid and Andy made her very welcome and she spent most of the day with the dancers and singers who were in rehearsals for a show coming up.

Day 2 and today she was getting involved in the wardrobe department, sorting out all the sequined dresses and tutu's. On Wednesday, Emma had to be at Centre Parc's, Whinfell Forest in Penrith. The cast were putting on a show for the guests there. Of course, someone had to get her to Penrith, so I volunteered to drive her there and we got front seats for the performance which was absolutely fantastic. We also got to go back stage and meet all the cast and crew

Thursday, she was back up to Kingmoor Park in the morning and kept herself busy making tea and coffee before being transported back to Centre Parc's with the performers, for an afternoon pantomime they were putting on. This time Emma got to sit in the lighting and sound box and saw how this side of the production worked.

Friday and the last day was spent back up at Explosive Productions Kingmoor Park Units for more show rehearsals.

Emma had a fantastic week. Sid and Andy were great fun although she did say that they make sure that everything is exactly right for each show and make the cast work hard to get the best performance.

And for Emma who is still not sure what career path to take... well what a brilliant week to see that hard work can be enjoyable and fun.

JulieCampbell