We have been asked to take measures to advise our customers of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in tents.

Witton Castle have received a visit from environmental health officers, it appears they are doing a tour of campsites warning them of incidents as described below.

This Bank Holiday (5th – 7th May 2012) saw the tragic but avoidable death of another teenage camper.
 
Earlier Saturday afternoon this teenager had been enjoying watching the FA Cup Final with her family in the pub to which their campsite belongs. After the match they left the pub and the family barbecued at the families tents.
 
Sunday morning, family members from other tents realised their relatives had not yet stirred and approached their tent. Horror struck as they realised the family were almost unwakeable. Two adults, the girls mother and stepfather, stirred as did her 11 year old brother, sadly the young girl could not be revived despite the efforts of a doctor on site and paramedics arriving shortly after the discovery. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her parents were very ill and her brother still recovering in hospital.
 
Why did this happen? A disposable barbecue, the kind in a foil tray costing around £3, was found in the tent and the carbon monoxide fumes emitted from this are believed to have been responsible for the incident.
 
All Fossil Fuels emit carbon monoxide when burned. They continue to emit carbon monoxide for may hours after they cease to be of use for cooking. Campers are tempted to take the residue of the burning embers in the foil tray, in to their tents to make use of the warmth it is still generating. Then, disaster strikes! The odourless carbon monoxide released increases the already tired occupants drowsiness and sends them off to sleep. Sadly for some, never to wake up again.

The UK side of Hein Gericke has been placed into administration this week, with hopefully a new buyer found.

It is hoped a new buyer is found as a matter or urgency and that they may continue to serve a dedicated customer base and keep the staff employed in the 49 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Separate from the German based parent company, the UK motorcycle clothing and accessory retailer trades under a license agreement.

THE BIKER GUIDE are pleased to be associated with a new forum for the Biker Community - www.biker-forum.co.uk

The IAM is calling the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly. While crash barriers have saved the lives of thousands of drivers, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of rider deaths.
 
When they hit a crash barrier, riders are 15 times more likely to be killed than car occupants. In a crash, barrier support posts can worsen injuries by five times.1
 
Most UK crash barriers are designed to protect car drivers and passengers when a car hits a barrier; it will redirect a car away from a hazard and slow it down over a short distance. The car, seat belts and air bags help to minimise injury. For motorcyclists, hitting a crash barrier can mean serious injury or even death as the rider’s body takes the full impact.
 
Writing in the summer issue of the IAM members’ magazine Advanced Driving, IAM chairman Alistair Cheyne OBE said: “Roads in general and crash barriers in particular are largely designed with four or more wheels in mind. The needs of more vulnerable motorcyclists must become a priority.
 
“Britain leads the world on road safety, but lags behind on this issue. Existing standards and guidelines for road infrastructure – and barriers in particular – must be changed so they take proper account of motorcyclists.”

www.iam.org.uk

Saturday 11th August, 9pm - 2am, Ace Cafe London

Make a date in your diary for our annual Elvis Tribute Party Night with multi-award winning tribute artist Ben Thompson with TCE (Taking Care of Elvis Band), plus Rockin' DJ Bill Guntrip.
 
Free prize draw raffle, just keep hold of your entry ticket to be in with a chance of winning a selection of Elvis CDs courtesy of Vee-Tone Records - Volumes 1,2 & 3 "The Memphis Jukebox", together with pairs of tickets to attend three great events:
 
Outlaws Picnic, Twinwood Festival, Kustom Kulture Blast Off

Entry £10. Sorry no under 18's.