Bath-Knight

90 Years of Heroes- Sergeant Henry Tandey

November 11, 2011 at 2:13 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 11/11/11, 90 Years of Heroes, Arnistice Day, Bath-Knight, Poppy Appeal 2011, Sergeant Henry Tandey, The Royal British Legion

A strong supporter of The Royal British Legion I believe that the Poppy Appeal is as important now as it was back in 1921. So forth for each sale which Bath-Knight receives during Monday 7th November to Friday 11th November 2011 a donation from Bath-Knight will be made to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

This week I’ve shared a selection of spectacular stories of war heroes, taken from ’90 Years of Heroes’, to commemorate Armistice Day.

On the 11/11/11 I’ve decided to feature the astonishing story of World War I’s Sergeant Henry Tandey. Recognised as ‘the most highly decorated private soldier of the First World War’, he received the Victoria Cross- the highest award for bravery- in September 1918.

Born in 1891 Henry joined the pre- war British Army in 1910 and spent some time in South Africa before the breakout of war in 1914.

During the Battle of First Ypres in 1914 and the Somme in 1916 Henry served with the 2^nd Battalion. In Somme Henry became wounded, upon recovery he returned with 9^th Battalion at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, where once again he suffered an injury.

Finally returning to health and the forces, Henry joined The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which remained his regiment until the end of the war. It was here that Henry earned his astounding honours and recognition for outstanding service.

In August 1918 Henry was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal after leading his bombing party forward and successfully capturing 20 prisoners. Only a couple of weeks later in September 1918 Henry Tandey was awarded the Military Medal for a similar incident which lead to the successful capture of prisoners.

However, it was in late September 1918 that Henry Tandey truly shone. In an operation to force a crossing on the Canal Di Nord with his battalion Tandy and his fellow comrades came under intense machine gun fire. Henry scuttled forward to silence the gun fire, whilst under fire he went onto a repair the plank bridge so that his platoon could cross safety.

Upon crossing Henry and a number of others came across a counterattack from Germans, surrounded and outnumbered Henry Tandey took charges and co-ordinated a bayonet style charge. Forcing the enemy back resulted in 37 been captured. Successfully ensuring that his fellow troops were safe and the enemy was captured Henry spared little thought of his own safety and was in fact wounded during the incident.

A highly distinguished soldier Sergeant Henry Tandey displayed the upmost courage of which credited him the honoured of receiving the Victoria Cross for is bravery in combat. A great story, which I felt was incredibly appropriate today, Armistice Day.

90 Years of Heroes – Warrant Officer Mick Flynn

November 10, 2011 at 2:50 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 90 Years of Heroes, Bath-Knight, Poppy Appeal 2011, Remembrance day, The Royal British Legion, Warrant Officer Mick Flynn

A strong supporter of The Royal British Legion I believe that the Poppy Appeal is as important now as it was back in 1921. So forth for each sale which Bath-Knight receives during Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November 2011 a donation from Bath-Knight will be made to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

For the last 30 years modern day conflicts have called upon our troops to be sent to war. The Falkland War, trouble in Northern Ireland, conflict in Bosnia and most recently wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are all events which I remember happening. I can recall reading about them in the newspapers and watching footage on the television.

As I recall these events through media resources Warrant Officer Mick Flynn was there on the front line of each battle. Serving for his country in some of the most dangerous and intense battles of modern day history.

Born in 1960 Mick joined the army aged 16 and despite taking 10 years out in the 90’s he rose up the ranks. In 2003 Mick Flynn was honoured with the ultimate accolade for his bravery receiving the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his actions in Iraq.

Flynn was commanding a Scimitar- a reconnaissance vehicle which was exploring territory upon suddenly finding the entire Iraqi 4^th Armoured Division, adding to the discovery it was noted that Flynn’s vehicle ‘called down more artillery fire than any other in the war’.

Further, Mick successfully held back enemy tanks, allowing wounded troops who had been caught up in friendly fire to be evacuated. For seven days Warrant Officer Mick Flynn was in the midst of a deadly ‘cat and mouse’ game with Iraqi forces, upholding no thought for his own safety he fired attacks whilst been outnumbered and in an incredibly dangerous position.

A force to be reckoned with only a couple of years later, whilst on tour in Afghanistan, Mick showed an enormous amount of courage once again. Whilst leading four armoured vehicles they were suddenly ambushed. Mick’s Scimitar was under heavy fire but not destroyed. However, the carrier behind was not so lucky.

Immersed in flames the chances of Mick’s colleagues surviving were low, relentlessly Mick went back. Having to defend himself and the crew against Taliban, a troop was pulled to safety. Although suffering terrible burns the soldier survived thanks to Warrant Officer Mick Flynn’s decision to return.

For his fighting spirit and determination to secure the safety of his colleagues Mick was awarded a Military Cross, another honour to highlight him incredible courage.

It’s wonderful to see a soldier who has experienced conflicts which have played out in my life time to be so highly thought after. Warrant Officer Mick Flynn is not only recognised for his wealth of experience but for his ability to fearlessly take control. These attributes have cemented him into a position of admiration by his fellow servicemen and women and the general public alike.

90 Years of Heroes- Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman

November 9, 2011 at 4:21 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 90 Years of Heroes, Bath-Knight, DFC, Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman, Heroes, Poppy Appeal 2011

A strong supporter of The Royal British Legion I believe that the Poppy Appeal is as important now as it was back in 1921. So forth for each sale which Bath-Knight receives during Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November 2011 a donation from Bath-Knight will be made to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

A firm believer in the power and ability of women I have chosen to share the incredible story of Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman who is the perfect example of a modern day war hero.

Described in Matt Croucher’s 90 Years of Heroes book as a ‘skilful and courageous pilot’ Michelle Goodman became the first woman in the history of the Armed Forces to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2008.

As a youngster Michelle always knew that she wanted to fly and studied a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Upon graduating Michelle enrolled for training in 2000 going on to becoming a flight lieutenant in 2004.

It was in 2005 when Michelle and her Squadron were first sent to Basra Air Station in Iraq. Michelle flew what was considered to be the ‘workhorse’ in the Forces- Merlins- a multi-role helicopter, which are day and night, all weather craft requiring the skill of a great pilot.

A Merlins’ role generally involved transporting troops and casualties to base. Whilst also been the eyes for troops on the ground, they are well established ‘deterrents in the face of the enemy’ and are able to quickly respond to incidents.

In June 2007, on Michelle’s third tour of Iraq the team were called to a high risk call-out, which would shape Michelle’s future and be fundamental in her honour of becoming the first female to receive the DFC.

At 23.15 a serious casualty was called in, Merlin responded with Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman as pilot. A high risk operation, which positioned the aircraft as an open target to enemy fire, Michelle tackled heavy dust, flying at a low altitude whilst wearing night goggles to increase her visibility.

Despite being in the face of the enemy Michelle skilfully deposited the medics who located and retrieved the casualty. Within 14 minutes the team and injured serviceman were back to base safely and receiving lifesaving treatment.

The incredible skill which Michelle displayed on that evening is breath taking. However, it’s the calm and poised work of Michelle which is so admirable. Without Michelle’s brave decision to continue the mission the injured soldier, who only had 15 minutes to live would have died.

Michelle has since become a figure of inspiration for women in the Forces. She is proof that anyone can be an excellent and highly thought after pilot. A brilliant story which I’m so happy to see featured in 90 Years of Heroes.

The Royal British Legion, 90 Years of Heroes- James ‘Ginger’ Lacey

November 8, 2011 at 4:19 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 90 Years of Heroes, Bath-Knight, Battle of Britain, James Ginger Lacey, Matt Croucher GC, Poppy Appeal 2011, The Royal British Legion

A strong supporter of The Royal British Legion I believe that the Poppy Appeal is as important now as it was back in 1921. So forth for each sale which Bath-Knight receives during Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November 2011 a donation from Bath-Knight will be made to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Matt Croucher’s 90 Years of Heroes is filled with heroic tales and stories that truly are a pleasure to read, which makes picking a handful to feature here on my blog extremely difficult. So I’ve thought about stories which somehow relate and represent aspects of my own life.

In 1989 I began a new venture and created Bath-Knight. Having never experienced running my own business before it was a period of trepidation. I didn’t know what to expect so quickly realised that I had to learn quick and be as efficiently as possible.

Armed with a good work ethic and ever growing knowledge, 1989 turn out to be a great year, and one which marks the beginning of a business which continues to bring success. With this in mind I decided that I should look into 1989 in the book.

In 90 Years of Heroes 1989 is represented by James ‘Ginger’ Lacey a Royal Air Force pilot whose contributions and achievements were truly heroic.

Known as Ginger, James Lacey was a gifted Yorkshire man who many believe was destined to be pilot. Having become the highest scoring Hurricane pilot during the Battle of Britain and the second top scoring RAF pilot in the Second World War, Ginger was ranked highly amongst his colleagues and the general public alike.

Ginger Lacey pictured

Rising the ranks Ginger began his career as a RAF Reserve in 1937 and was called up as a sergeant pilot on the outbreak of the Second World War, committed to the Battle of France Ginger saw his first bout of success. However, with success came danger as he crashed his own plane nearly drowning.

Cementing his status during the Battle of Britain Ginger was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Medal in 1940 for his work, having shot down 18 German aircrafts whilst been forced to land his own plane nine times.

In 1944 after a spell as an instruction at a specialised operation training unit, Ginger returned to the front line for the final time. As a flight lieutenant he again saw great victory shooting down a Japanese Ki 43 ‘Oscar’.

A phenomenal career Ginger achieved undeniable success scoring a total of ‘28 enemy aircrafts destroyed, five probably and nine damaged’ making him a true hero and credit to the British Armed Forces.

In 1989, as I was staring my flight into the world of business, James ‘Ginger’ Lacey passed away aged 72 leaving behind a legacy of flying. For many, including myself, Ginger’s tale is one of true passion and dedication. He devoted his life to something which he loved –flying- and in doing so made a remarkable impact.

Rosemary Powell in ‘The Royal British Legion 90 Years of Heroes’

November 7, 2011 at 4:05 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments
Tags: 90 Years of Heroes, 90th anniversary, Bath-Knight, David Cameron, Matt Croucher GC, Poppy Appeal 2011, Rosemary Powell, The Royal British Legion

A strong supporter of The Royal British Legion I believe that the Poppy Appeal is as important now as it was back in 1921. So forth for each sale which Bath-Knight receives during Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November 2011 a donation from Bath-Knight will be made to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

90 Years of Heroes, the book complied by Matt Croucher GC has been described as a ‘fitting tribute’ by Prime Minister David Cameron and I couldn’t agree more.

I was delighted when the book arrived this weekend, filled with beautiful imagery of war heroes past and present the book celebrates 90 heroes who have played important roles within the Armed Forces and The Royal British Legion.

Rosemary- First Poppy Appeal

With so many incredible tales I plan on sharing a story from the book every day this week, as a tribute to Remembrance Day right here on my blog.

The story which immediately struck a chord with me was the tale of Rosemary Powell aged 96, the oldest and most loyal poppy seller in the Legion’s history.

Rosemary’s story began back in 1921 at the very first Poppy Appeal. With close connections to the First World War, her own father was a serviceman and fought in Indian Army during the war. Rosemary and her mother were happy to volunteer as poppy sellers in what would become a true tradition for many, many years.

Aged 6 it was on Twickenham Bridge, London that Rosemary started to sell poppies, a symbol of remembrance for all those who had fallen. With astounding support Rosemary recalls how supplies quickly ran out, forcing her mother to buy crepe paper to create more.

More recently outside 10 Downing St

Since that day Rosemary has continued to sell poppies and represent the Legion. Her connection with the Forces have also reminded strong as her own husband served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, bringing Rosemary ever closer to the Legion and its purpose.

Rosemary’s story provides an astonishing link with The Poppy Appeal and its history. As she has seen the appeal and its success grow in front of her own eyes.

Personally the story of Rosemary Powell offers tremendous inspiration whilst also triggering many questions which we often forget about. What impact has The Royal British Legion had on Poppy sellers’ lives? And what significance does the Poppy have to them? Furthermore Rosemary is proof that anyone can be a true and valued hero with enough dedication, effort, love and support for a great cause.

Purchase 90 Years of Heroes from the official Poppy Store here.

Annette’s Websites of the Week 26th-30th September 2011

September 30, 2011 at 3:13 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Annette's Websites of the Week, Bath-Knight, Diesel Head, Petrol in a diesel, Web design, Zizzi restaurant

www.bath-knight.co.uk – Usually I try to take remain as impartial as possible when selecting my favourite websites, ensuring that I use a wide variety of my favourite sites from lots of different brands and businesses.

However, this week I couldn’t resist including www.bath-knight.co.uk because it looks so great since we re-launched the revamped site earlier this week.

The site still included all of the quality information which helps customers decided if our products are right for them. But now has a fresher feels, great product photographs, a streamline finish and extra special touches which make it really up to date; I love the roll over imagery on the home page.

What’s extremely important is customers contacting us about what they’ve seen online. With that in mind the new site makes getting in touch incredibly easy as we’ve invested in many different ways to get in touch. Additionally my blog, Bath-Knight’s Facebook and Twitter sites are all accessible via the new site and new customers can get to know our happy customers through the many testimonials featured throughout.

The team and I are really happy www.bath-knight.co.uk and hope that our customers find their online experience with Bath-Knight as enjoyable as possible.

www.dieselhead.co.uk –Supporting family and friends in their ventures is of great importance to me because I’ve has so much support throughout my career.

My brother, Lee Steadman has used his inventive mind for many years to come up with different ideas and wonderful creations. His latest ‘Diesel Head’ is extremely special because it’s a device which is so beneficial to consumers.

The Diesel Head is a misfulling prevention device which has a clever ‘fit all’ design, helping thousands of people to prevent the dreaded mistake of putting petrol into a diesel tank.

When I spoke with Lee I was startled to hear that an estimated 1000 misfuel mishaps happen every day. Comparing this with the charge to repair a misfuel totals a pretty hefty bills, which is why I really am behind Diesel Head as a product.

Retailed at an affordable price the Diesel Head been praised by motor journalist Quentin Wilson for its quality and concept. It’s a great product which could save a small fortune.

Visit – www.dieselhead.co.uk for more information on misfuel prevention.

www.zizzi.co.uk – I receive lots of promotional e-mails and have to honestly say that I don’t always get around to reading them. However, in an attempt to organise my inbox earlier this week I stumble up www.zizzi.co.uk – the website to Italian restaurant Zizzi.

I’ll confess to not having eaten at Zizzi but their website alone has enticed me to along and experience their food, atmosphere and ambiance- I just need to find a suitable branch now.

Filling the screen with beautiful imagery in a collage style the landing page most definitely has the wow factor. Beaming with bright colours and interactive details it flaunts a variety of fonts, styles and patterns with lots of links to explore.

zizzi website

Clicking on each link viewers are treated to another overhaul of great website design which is brilliantly creative whilst still being practical and informative.

I love the online menus and ‘A Zizzi Christmas’ displays their Christmas menus with such festive loveliness that I’m considering which menu I would most like to taste.

This website is one which I accidently landed on but I’m so glad that I did because it really is lovely to browse. Perfecto!

Diesel Head – The misfuelling prevention device

September 27, 2011 at 2:03 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Bath-Knight, Diesel Head, Lee Steadman, Petrol in a diesel, Petrol pump mistake, The misfuelling prevention device

There seems to be lots of exciting projects to share lately. Last week we were all very excited as a Bath-Knight was installed into a ‘Grand Designs’ home, yesterday I revealed the newly designed Bath-Knight website and today I’d like to introduce ‘Diesel Head’– a new misfuelling prevention device invented by my brother, Lee Steadman.

The Diesel Head was born after Lee used his creativity to solve the costly problem of misfuelling (or putting petrol into a diesel car to you and me).

Lee’s creation cleverly makes the dreaded mistake completely avoidable. As the Diesel Head is simply designed to prevent putting petrol into a diesel tank thanks to its precision design which only allows a diesel nozzle to fit into the pump.

Like many I’m fairly blasé about motor vehicles and the problems which often occur with them. As you can imagine I was completely unaware of costly repair work which a petrol pump blunder can cost, which is why for those who are likely to make the easy mistake of putting the wrong fuel into your car the Diesel Head really is worth the money.

The best thing about the Diesel Head is you simply purchase it online (it’s advised that customers quickly check to make sure that the Diesel Head will fit the model of car by using Diesel Head’s online guide) and fit the device yourself, ultimately meaning that you don’t need to visit a mechanic to get the Diesel Head installed.

Of course I’m a huge Diesel Head advocate and that’s partly because the concept reminds me very much of the notion which my father worked from when inventing the Bath-Knight. Much like our father, Lee identified a simple problem and created an efficient and effective device which diminishes such. The Diesel Head purely irradicates misfuelling- what more could you ask for?

The Bath-Knight website re-launch!

September 26, 2011 at 3:01 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Bath-Knight, Happy Customers, user friendly website, Website design

It’s a great pleasure for me to reveal that the newly designed Bath-Knight website is now online, live and ready for our customers to explore.

The new look website, which was designed by our in-house team, is a delight to browse through and a website which I am extremely proud of. It’s brilliantly visual featuring images, which shows off the great range of products which we offer. Alongside the same quality information which was featured previously.

new bath-knight home page

We decided to work along a simple and modern design approach, ultimately making our website accessible for all. With simple ways to navigate around the site including roll over images and click down menus, the site is very precise, clean and easy to use.

As well as featuring our products we’ve made our customers another focal point. With thanks to our happy customers who write to us, email us and telephone us we have lovely feedback to flourish the site with. These great testimonials are featured throughout our site as well on the dedicated ‘Happy Customers’ page.

Click on our product ranges and you’ll find key features helping you decide whether the product is suitable for you. Alongside a gallery of images and ways to tell us if you’d be interested in more information about such- simply click ‘request a free brochure’ and we’ll send you relevant material.

Of course www.bath-knight.co.uk includes ways to contact us. However we now offer more ways to get in touch including traditional telephone numbers and e-mail addresses but also newer features such as, ‘request a call back’ service and social media methods such as Facebook and Twitter, which we hope our customers will utilise.

If you’re looking to request a free brochure, watch a video of myself demonstrating the Bath-Knight or looking for the latest news, charity events and what’s happening on the blog it’s all easily accessible through the brand new Bath-Knight home page. I’m really looking forward to hearing how our customers adjust to the new site and hope you enjoy it as much as me

Bath-Knight installed in Channel 4 Grand Designs home

September 22, 2011 at 4:25 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Bath-Knight, Bromley, channel 4, demolishment, Grand Designs, Kent, Keston Park Kent, Kevin McCloud, Penny and Paul Denby

Earlier this year I received a telephone call from a pre-existing Bath-Knight customer who was planning on moving house and would therefore need a new Bath-Knight installed. Such calls aren’t too out of the ordinary as lots of customers’ circumstances change and go on to affect their bathing needs, which we are more than happy to assist with.

However, this specific call was somewhat different as it came with a surprising story. The lady who called was Mrs Penny Denby from Keston, Kent. With a decision to change the family living arrangements Penny had invited her mother Jean to live with herself and husband Paul, ultimately offering Jean more company and a family orientated space to enjoy life in.

Along with understanding Jean’s desire to remain as independent as possible, Penny knew that her mother was an enormous fan of her Bath-Knight and would struggle without it. So Penny called on Jean’s behalf and also explained the extraordinary home which her mother would soon be enjoying.

Interestingly the Denby’s home and its story was picked up by Channel 4 who decided to feature it in their famous property design programme ‘Grand Designs’. As Penny and husband Paul had actually decided to demolish their previous home of 23 years to rebuild a modern, efficient family home that would fulfil the needs of the whole family in its place.

For Penny’s mother the house had to be accessible and offer her a space of her own, and of course included the essentials which make her life more comfortable and enjoyable. On the top of Jean’s list was a Bath-Knight which allowed her to enjoy a long soak in the bath.

Working around a host of architectures, construction workers and designers the Bath-Knight fitters installed a Bath-Knight Deluxe to the delight of the Denby’s as now Jean could look forward to a relaxing bath in her spectacular new home.

As a thank you gesture the team were invited to visit the Grand Designs home during a trade show in early April of this year. Bath-Knight’s Digital Marketing Assistant Katie went along to view the Bath-Knight Deluxe and tour the house.

I’m told by Katie of how fantastic the properly is from its modern architecture, magnificent open spaces and contemporary finishes. She continued to explain how the property has been thought out extremely well to ensure that it’s beneficial to everyone, quite impressively including an elevator which easily transports people from upstairs to down- a true Grand Designs home!

Katie was also lucky enough to speak with Penny and Jean who graciously spoke of the sheer pleasure which her Bath-Knight has provided over the years, ‘I love to have a bath, I hate showers, which is why I get so much enjoyment from the Bath-Knight. It’s like enjoying a normal bath again; you can’t even notice that the Bath-Knight is there’. Jean also went on to declare her delight to see such a tidy installation in her new bathroom.

grand designs bromley

The Sylvan Glade Grand Designs home has been a fantastic project to be involved with and it’s a true testament to the Bath-Knight for the Denby family to use our service once again in their new home. I’ve personally found that this particular installation offers a great chance to boast of how discreet the Bath-Knight truly is, sitting so beautifully inside a contemporary designed home (it’s such a pity that it we didn’t catch a glimpse on last night’s show) which I am sure the Denby family will enjoy greatly.

Watch Grand Designs featuring Penny, Paul and Jean’s home on 4OD now- click here.

Excitement for Bath-Knight as seen on Grand Designs

September 21, 2011 at 12:56 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments
Tags: Bath-Knight, Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud, Penny and Paul Denby

There is an air of excitement in the office today as the Bath-Knight could possibly be seen on Channel 4’s Grand Designs this evening.

As earlier this year we worked on an installation in Kent, where the customer’s home was to be featured in the show hosted by Kevin McCloud.

The house’s transformation from a Georgian home to a contemporary, modern piece of art which is truly original will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm this evening -fingers crossed we’ll catch a glimpse of the Bath-Knight!