The children were joined in the record bid by Team GB athletes including Rachel Cawthorn (kayaking), Abigail Edmonds (kayaking), Sophia Warner (athletics) and Adelle Tracey (athletics). Teachers and local councillors from Surrey County Council also took part.

They rings were formed on the George Abbot School playing field, in Guildford, at 12.45pm.

The previous record was set on June 24, 2008, in Beijing, China, and featured 1,202 people.

The Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville and 1948 Surrey Olympic torch bearer Austin Playfoot also attended the celebrations.

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: “It was fantastic to see so many children making a piece of Olympic history. There was a thrill of excitement in the air during the build up and it was spectacular to see everyone forming the Olympic rings. It started to rain just as the record was broken but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits. There were smiling faces everywhere you looked.”

“I hope today’s event will encourage more children to get involved in sport. By doing this we can help them stay healthy throughout their lives. Taking part in competition also teaches young people that through hard work and dedication they can achieve their goals.”

High Level arrived on site at 11.30 and selected the best position to take the photograph. Just as the record started and the photograph was being taken the heavens opened and many people got wet but it did not dampen the spirits.

More info and some additional photographs can be seen on the High Level Photography site

Olympic Rings Geaorge Abbot School Image copyright High Level Photography Ltd

At the same time BBC news were suggesting there were rumours that Microsoft has bought Skype. Reporting figures of around $ 8.5 dollars

On takeover chatter the following is being reported

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) is close to buying web video conferencing service Skype, for $8.5 billion including debt, a source familiar with the situation said. The deal would rank as the biggest for the software company. A deal is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday morning, the source said. The source declined to be named because the talks are not public. Microsoft and Skype declined comment. Skype, which had delayed plans for an initial public offering, had recently been looking at other options.

Interesting times ahead. Are we moving towards more .com floatations and fund raising.?

To object to Surrey County Council’s proposals to introduce on-street parking charges throughout the county please sign this online petition.

It only takes a couple of minutes and you could help retain the vitality of our Surrey towns and save hundreds of local shops and businesses who are already struggling to survive in this fragile economic climate.

If 20,000 signatures are collected before 23rd March, SCC will have to take the escalating protests seriously because they will then be compelled to hold a formal debate. Don’t delay; this petition merely demands a formal debate, a democratic right to which we should feel entitled with or without a petition!

http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/ParkingCharges/

The petition is organised by Miss Caroline Salmon Deadline is 23rd March 2011

Surrey County Council has a responsibility to ensure a sustainable local economy in the county. The introduction of on-street parking charges in our market towns and larger villages would have a negative impact on their vitality and viability. Introducing new charges on well used, existing free parking areas, will disadvantage local retailers and commerce at a time of economic difficulty. The new charges are also often higher than those in off-street car parks at nearby locations. These proposals will seriously effect passing trade. They will inconvenience local people seeking a visit to the cashpoint, collecting a parcel or prescription or making a quick visit to a shop for a simple purchase, and they will increase car parking congestion on residential roads close to town and village centres. The cost of installing meters and enforcement would be a major charge on any funds raised by the scheme. We demand that the council abandon its proposals for these new on-street parking charges

Daimler DB 18 Drophead Coupe at Brookalnds

This rare vehicle (a Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe) is due to be auctioned at Brooklands on 4th December 2010. It was used by Winston Churchill in his 1944 and 1949 General Election Campaigns. The vehicle has recently been completely refurbished ready for sale. It is expected to be sold for around £250,000.

The irony is this car was re-furbished in Germany!!!

Don Wales Holder of UK land Speed Record for an Electric Car | image copyright Ian Leslie / Medius

Don Wales holder of the UK Land Speed Record for an electric car, who is the nephew of Donald Campbell – another famous record breaker, announced earlier this that he will attempt to break his own electric record and exceed the outright record set by his grandfather, Sir Malcolm Campbell, in 1925 in the early spring of 2011.

Don Wales has clearly inherited the quest for speed. In May this year he twice broke the world land speed record for a lawnmower leaving it at 87.833mph. He also holds the world record for a steam powered car (148mph) as a member of Charles Burnett III’s British Steam car team at Edwards Airforce base in August 2009.

Speaking after successfully completing the RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge in a hybrid car, Wales said: “I have held the record for over ten years and it’s now looking very vulnerable. I want to set the UK record well beyond 150mph – the speed Sir Malcolm clocked in 1925. Ideally, I’d like to match his record of 1927 – 175mph.”

The attempt is part of the Campbell family celebration year of the centenary of Sir Malcolm Campbell first christening a car Bluebird at Brooklands in 1911.

Don Wales and the Bluebird Electric Team set the current record of 139mph in August 2000 on Pendine Sands, Wales. They will return to Pendine Sands in the spring of 2011 – the venue for Sir Malcolm’s successful land speed record attempts in the 1920s.

Wales also has plans to attempt a new world land speed record for a battery car and has his sights set on 500mph, and is currently evaluating several design options. He says: “At last the world is making real progress with electric vehicles as a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. Ten years ago electric vehicles were unheard of in the news, and people couldn’t understand the importance of electric car technology. Now there’s a whole new generation of electric road cars in production. The UK is a world leader in automotive technology, particularly in the cutting edge and highly competitive field of motor sport, and Land speed record projects have a history of boosting technological developments which is why I’m planning a world beating battery car”.

Project Director Martin Rees said “Don’s ambition to be the fastest in the world is a goal we are all working hard to achieve and his recent speed record breaking exploits, and those we achieved in the electric Bluebird ten years ago, are testament to his undoubted dedication and commitment to excellence”. Rees added, “Taking the car back to Pendine next spring with improved drive and bodywork will be another chapter in the Campbell and Wales and Pendine story.”

Don Wales at Brooklands Museum, Surrey Collecting Bluebird for a new Land Speed Record in 2011 – 16th November 2010 Images Copyright Ian Leslie / Medius

His son, Donald, continued the record breaking tradition and broke the 400mph barrier in a turbine powered Bluebird.
Don Wales holds a World Land Speed Record, two American National Records and eight UK records.

Pictures by Ian Leslie of High Level Photography Ltd, available from High Level Photography Ltd or Rex Features.

See More pictures here

Cement Lorry on railway track

I have detailed their release here for info but do check the Toyota site for up to date info.

Please see below more information we have received today from Toyota Motor Europe:

“‘Toyota Motor Europe announced today the recall of 8 Toyota models in Europe, to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue. The involved models and production periods are as follows:

- AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
- iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
- Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
- Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
- Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
- Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
- Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
- RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

The precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to 1.8 million vehicles. No Lexus models and no other Toyota models are affected.

“Toyota’s policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances”, said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers.”

For subject vehicles, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

This issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.

Toyota has identified a remedy for this issue, and is currently pursuing a final evaluation and confirmation procedure. As soon as the countermeasure is confirmed, Toyota will communicate to all customers and other concerned parties the details of the corrective action and of the implementation procedure.

A running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model for the models on sale in Europe, as part of Toyota’s continuous quality improvement policy. Therefore there is no need or intention to stop production in Europe.

Only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and Toyota Motor Europe is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Toyota is making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.’

Whilst this condition is rare we advise customers who have concerns to contact Toyota GB Customer Relations (0800 1388744) for assistance ahead of the recall instructions being issued.

We’ll continue to post further information as we have it.”

THIS IS FROM THE TOYOTA SITE AS AT 6:40pm GMT 29th January 2010.  Check For update on the Toyota Site Here

Medius photography have been commissioned by Sarah Roles of Genie Events to photograph the Grand relaunch of the The Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden on the 22nd October 2009. Genie are producing the event for the Principal Hayley Group.

The Grand Connaught Rooms are re-launching in style. The iconic venue will be transformed: bustling with performances, exhibitions, cocktails and nibbles.

Themed Rooms
Covent Garden market stalls and waiters offering champagne will keep you occupied while you explore our themed rooms.

Stroll through our Wine Casino or sip a cool cocktail.

Performances
The main stage will host performances throughout the evening. We’ve selected a choice of fantastic entertainment for you to enjoy:

Weapons of Sound
Bowjangles string quartet
Show Girls
Gandini Glow Show
Streets UTD

Date: Thursday 22nd October
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Location:
61 – 65 Great Queen Street,
London,
WC2B 5DA

Grand Connaught Rooms Relaunch 22nd October 2009 – Make a date in your diary PDF

Grand Connaught Rooms Web Site

Philip Hammond MP shaking hands with Alan James Partner of Alan James & Co formerly opening their new offices on Friday 27th November 2009

Alan James & Co Chartered Accountants were delighted to welcome Mr Philip Hammond MP to their new offices in Quantum House, Chertsey last Friday.

Mr Hammond addressed around sixty local businesses during the official grand opening of the office building, before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

Alan James, who established the business some twenty one years ago, said “Quantum House had been neglected by previous occupants and refurbishing the building was quite a project. Having completed it, we are delighted to be moving into Chertsey and look forward to offering our services and expertise to the businesses around us.”

Mr Philip Hammond MP

Mr Hammond was positive about the prospects of new business in Runnymede, explaining that the high density of businesses meant it suffered less than other boroughs during the recession. Giving the impression that Runnymede will go from strength to strength, Mr Hammond said “I am delighted to welcome another successful business into the borough of Runnymede.”

“The evening was all about announcing our arrival in Chertsey” said Simon Dawkins, the audit manager at the firm. “We are different from most other firms of accountants in that we actively help our client’s to succeed. We want the businesses around us to realise that and come onboard.”

Alan went on to say “ultimately our firm’s success hinges on the success of the business around us; we genuinely want to help Chertsey businesses to grow and prosper.”

One way in which the firm stands out from others is by conducting seminars on useful topics such as ‘understanding accounts’ and ‘topical tax tips.’ Mr Hammond remarked “I would certainly be interested in attending the seminar on understanding accounts, particularly if it will help me unravel the present government’s accounts!”

Quantum Leap Club

The launch of a regular business networking event named the ‘Quantum Leap Club’ was also announced that evening. This will be hosted by Alan James & Co at Quantum House and is another example of a way in which Alan James & Co are looking to pro-actively help businesses.

Alan James said “the Quantum Leap Club provides an ideal forum for local businesses to meet each other and exchange ideas, contacts and referrals, not to mention do business with each other.”

Surrey County Councillors for Chertsey, Cllr Chris Norman and Cllr Richard Edis were amongst a number of County Councillors attending the event. They were enthusiastic about the launch of a business networking club in Chertsey, saying “this sounds like exactly what Chertsey needs at the moment” and “such a thing can only be good for Chertsey, it has our full support.”

Antonio Falco shaking hands with Alan James

Antonio Falco, (www.antiniofalco.com) a leading local business advisor and advocate of business networking said “I shall go straight to the website and sign up for this; it will be a straightforward way to win new business and it’s totally free of charge”

For more details on Alan James & Co or Quantum Leap Club, please contact the offices of Alan James & Co on 01932 579790 or visit the websites www.alanjames.co.uk and www.quantumleapclub.co.uk.