THE ROAD USER SUPPORT SERVICE IS A UNIQUE DEVON ORGANISATION THAT CAN HELP YOU TO A SPEEDY RECOVERY AFTER A ROAD TRAFFIC INCIDENT

Last year 1850 people were killed on Britain's roads and 22,660 seriously injured...

 Even a minor knock can deeply affect those involved emotionally and a major crash often causes concerns about using the road again.  The aftershock of a road traffic collision (RTC) can last long after any external scars have healed.

Glen King meets Rosemary Pell, Manager of The Road User Support Service (RUSS), a unique and professional service in Devon, known locally as the most effective post road crash trauma specialists.  The independent organisation is fully endorsed by Devon County Council, Road Safety Groups and Devon Drivers’ Centre.  RUSS provides a tailor made approach offering clients psychological, emotional and practical support to help them through this traumatic time and get their life back on track...



Rosemary Pell, Manager of The Road User Support Service (RUSS)



The team of qualified Counsellors and Advanced Driving Instructors, including an Advanced Motorcycle Instructor, offers complete rehabilitation assistance. The highly trained professionals help anyone involved in an RTC to regain their confidence and lessen anxiety following a traffic incident.  It is the only organisation of its type in the UK to offer this full service. 

Rosemary Pell says: 'RUSS creates a treatment plan specific to each client’s needs, which rebuilds driving confidence and resolves any emotional impact caused by a road incident.  We are able to provide assistance to anyone affected or involved in a collision, including witnesses and family members, irrespective of blame. RUSS has always worked independently and honestly, embracing strong ethical and professional values.  The team is 100% committed to helping people recover from their ordeal by dealing with clients face to face, treating them with the utmost respect, sensitivity and consideration.”

Although each person responds differently, according to their personality and past experiences, a wide range of common reactions can occur after being involved in a traumatic event, even if you were not the driver or in the vehicle at the time.

Our reaction will depend on a number of factors; how we were feeling at the time; any physical injuries incurred; how other people involved behaved plus our own personality and support system. 

Some characteristic and normal symptoms and reactions:

·         shock and disbelief

·         a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness

·         poor/disturbed sleeping patterns

·         flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

·         anger and irritability

·         social withdrawal

·         relationship problems

·         carelessness

·         guilt

Following an RTC it is usual to have a physical and emotional reaction that can last for a long time. Some post-crash symptoms may be overwhelming, distressing and disturbing so it is important to talk about the incident and express your emotions.

Advice and coping strategies following a road traffic incident:

·         ask for help from family, friends and professionals

·         writing a daily diary of your thoughts can be helpful

·         use relaxation techniques

For further details and the latest resource information visit: www.roadusersupportservice.co.uk or Tel: 01647 253264

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HAINES WATTS SPONSORS EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN FOR THE SIXTH YEAR RUNNING

Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector based in Southernhay has sponsored the Overall Award at the Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 hosted by Exeter Phoenix for the sIxth consecutive year. The annual exhibition at the Phoenix Gallery in Gandy Street, features new work of emerging and established contemporary artists from the UK and beyond which this year runs from 15 September – 2 November. Over the last six years it has become a significant opportunity to see work by some of the most talented emerging contemporary artists working today. 

This year’s exhibition represents a broad range of artistic practice, including and sometimes combining elements from across the disciplines of painting, sculpture, print, video, photography and performance based activity. Prizes are awarded including a £1000 Overall Award, two £500 Additional Awards and a £200 Audience Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the exhibition.



After receiving hundreds of submissions and short-listing fifteen artists, the judges of Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 announced at the opening that the overall winner of the £1000 prize sponsored by Haines Watts is Laura Philips whose work intersects performance, sculpture and film. The panel of expert judges included Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix.

Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix says: “The invaluable and ongoing support from Ben de Cruz and the team at Haines Watts has allowed this exhibition to grow in its reach and stature, year on year. It’s a pleasure to welcome them and their guests from the business community to be part of this exciting and creative event.”

Over 100 visitors attended the private opening preview of the exhibition including guests of Haines Watts who received personal guided tours by the partners and staff.



Ben de Cruz Senior Partner of Haines Watts says: “We always enjoy being part of this annual exhibition and by offering our commitment as a main sponsor since its inception means that we continue to help support the wonderful arts culture in the City for all to enjoy.  It also offers the opportunity for us to invite clients and associates from the local business community to join us for an event that is different, and which for some is a totally new experience.  The feedback from our guests is always complimentary and this year we had the added and unexpected attraction of a live snake which I am relieved to say was accompanied by a very competent handler!”



Catherine Strigner – Partner WBW Solicitors says: “It was a fascinating evening; however I missed the snake which was a shame as I quite like them.  My favourite exhibit surprisingly was the one with three people with buckets on their heads! It was also good to catch up with some familiar faces and it has very much become a firm date in my calendar.”



Caroline Thomas partner at Haines Watts and Ben de Cruz senior partner at Haines Watts
 pictured with Hanna and the snake



http://www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

QUEENSTREET CARPETS & FURNISHINGS ROLLS OUT 'THE RED CARPET' TO LAUNCH THEIR NEWLY REFURBISHED FLOORING DEPARTMENT

Wayne Handford, Gary Dixie and Steve Button of Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings
rolling out 'the red carpet' for customers

Long established independent retailer Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings based in Exeter announces completion of its extensive refurbishment of their carpet and flooring department.  The company has invested over £50,000 in the newly designed and designated flooring area situated within their large showroom at Alphington.  It boasts a larger range of flooring and includes updated lighting to make it easier for customers to select colours and textures.

The family run business founded in 1967 by husband and wife team Malcolm and Nikki Dixie is well known in the local area for building a reputation of trust, reliability and high quality products.  Originally based in Queen Street in Exeter, the business quickly expanded and moved to substantially larger premises in Alphington where it remains to this day. The company has been passed down through the family and is now operated by brothers Mark and Gary Dixie, who continue to run the business with the same traditional values whilst bringing the showroom and products bang up to date.

Gary Dixie Director says: “Although the shop frontage looks deceptively small, customers are constantly amazed when they enter the extensive showroom with 12,000 sq ft of retail space including three large departments of beds, furniture and flooring all under one roof. To ensure we are ahead of the pack in terms of development, we have now invested a substantial sum in refurbishing the carpet and flooring department. Customers can now expect an even larger choice of flooring and it will now be easier to browse through the mind boggling choice of flooring products, with help and guidance from our friendly team of experts.  We want to make it a much more pleasurable shopping experience for our loyal retail and commercial customers and to try and attract new ones.”

There are also plans to make further investment throughout the remaining bed and furnishings departments over the next 12 – 24 months. In the last ten years the team has grown to 12 employees with significant experience in product knowledge, delivery & installation and flooring fitting.  The company has expanded their offering in many areas including luxurious carpets from Axminster, hard flooring from Karndean and Natural floorings from Crucial Trading.

Says Gary: “We remain focused on providing quality flooring at great prices and still hold a large stock of carpets on display in the centre of the new showroom; this means customers will have quick delivery on many products. We are also major stockists of Persian and Modern rugs so we can accommodate all tastes and styles, whether traditional or contemporary.  We believe no other local retailer offers the flooring choice we now have at Queenstreet, as well as the ability to choose furniture and beds at the same time all under one roof in a friendly and relaxed environment.”

www.queenstreet.co.uk

DEVON IN SIGHT MEMBERS ARE BOWLED OVER!

Devon in Sight (formerly known as Devon County Association for the Blind) is continuing its run of unusual activities for local visually impaired people with a successful game of bowls afternoon held at Topsham Bowling Club founded in 1928.

John Chamberlain participating in the day's event

Charity member Eric Greenaway who regularly visits the new Resource Centre based at Station House in Topsham was one of the first members to sign up to this event.  He says:  “I wish to thank Devon in Sight for organising an afternoon at the Topsham Bowls Club which I enjoyed immensely. I have watched Bowls on the television for many years and have always wished to have a go. Everyone was so kind and full of understanding; the instruction was excellent and I was able to settle down very quickly. I  returned home tired and with a few aches but so happy with the afternoon’s events and the wonderful people I met – it was great to live my dream at last.”

Keith Woolgar, Adrian Elson, Margaret Brealey and Eric Greenaway getting tips from
England bowls coach David Nicholls

Carol Horgan Topsham Bowling Club Secretary says: “We were delighted to be part of this wonderful series of activities for the visually impaired people in the local area.  Having smaller numbers at the first event worked very well as we could assist each person on a one to one basis. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience and hopefully we can repeat the day at the beginning of next season, perhaps early on in May or at the end of April when the weather is usually quite good.”

The afternoon concluded with tea and cakes for the members to relax after their fun-filled afternoon.



Hilary and Keith Woolgar enjoying tea and cakes after the bowling session



The computer courses have also proved popular with the charity working in association with the British Computer Association for the Blind House under the EyeT4All programme.  The series of training sessions at Station House are designed to help participants with writing letters and emails; shopping; reading; entertainment and using the web.  The free workshops will run from 10 am – 3.30 pm with refreshments and lunch provided.  The Charity is asking for a small £3 contribution towards the refreshment cost.

A photography course is also commencing this autumn. The aim of the participatory photography workshops is to provide a means of empowerment and engagement to the service users of Devon in Sight by engaging them in creative photography workshops. 



To find out more about the activities or to book your place please telephone 01392 876666 or visit http://www.devoninsight.org.uk/

The Queen's official portrait to celebrate her 85th Birthday now unveiled. Read Glen King's interview with Royal Artist Darren Baker when she met him at his exhibition at Triton Galleries, Torquay, Devon in 2010

Anne Craib Commercial Director & David Phelps owner of Triton Galleries - Royal Artist Darren Baker and Glen King

Glen King visits Triton Galleries in Torquay and gains an insight into this talented young artist about to embark on his biggest commission to date.  Darren is due to paint Her Majesty The Queen to commemorate her 85th Birthday in association with The Royal British Legion celebrating its 90^th anniversary which is to be unveiled in September 2011.   The Darren Baker exhibition at Triton Galleries includes a collection of never seen before stunning originals in oils, pastels and charcoal.

At the tender age of four, artist Darren Baker can vividly remember people crowding around him as he sketched Big Ben... it was from that moment on that he has been fascinated by detail.

To date, 34 year old Darren has painted notable public figures such as Prince Charles and former Prime Minister Tony Blair which hang in St. James’s Palace and 10 Downing Street respectively. He’s collected numerous coveted awards including best artist at the Fine Art Trade Guild ceremony in London, the Garrick prize, Christies and specially selected more recently by Senior Royal Academician to exhibit at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition.

When asked if he’s always wanted to be an artist, without hesitation Darren replies “I’ve never thought about being anything else. I was just born an artist.” Originally from Bradford, he explains how his talent doesn’t stem from anyone else in the family, “I’m just a freak of nature really.” Now living in the Cotswolds, Darren shares a character cottage with his wife Abigail and their 13-month-old Pug puppy called Albert, specially bred for them by an art lover as a wedding present. Describing the area as a ‘beautiful part of the world’ Darren is currently renovating his home studio to create his perfect working environment.  

At the age of just 23 Darren was appointed official artist for the Professional Footballers Association painting such famous faces as the late great George Best, Stephen Gerrard and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

How did you get involved with the PFA?

I wrote a letter to the Chief Executive Gordon Taylor saying how much I like football and asked whether they’d like to commission me to do some artwork. They loved the idea and the rest is history!

And when you were first starting out you received a grant from the Princes Trust?

Yes, after I graduated they introduced me to a business mentor who helped in putting my name forward for various fairs, getting me networking and raising my profile as an artist. I owe them a great debt.”

You’re about to follow in the footsteps of artists like Rolf Harris and Lucien Freud.  Painting the Queen is in celebration of her 85th birthday, how did this come about?

I was on tour about four years ago at The Windsor Horse Show. I’d been commissioned by the British Legion and when they saw my work they put my name forward.

Painting such a well-known and recognised face has proven rather controversial in the past with artist’s interpretations dividing critics. It must be rather daunting, how are you planning to approach the piece?

Well, once I’ve had the sitting I’ll have a better idea of how I feel about painting the Queen and what my take on her will be, so that will affect the style and size of the portrait.  That’s a kind of pivotal moment really. I might introduce some poppies as a nod to the Legion.

What medium will you be working in and why?

The portrait will be in oil. I just love the versatility of it and the colours you can create and the textures. It takes longer but the results are worth it.  Like anything, good things come to those who wait!

Darren says his true admiration in the art world is for the grand masters including Rembrandt and Vemeer, admitting he would love to paint the Queen astride a horse like traditional Royal portraiture.

In addition you are working in association with Lloyds Private Banking who have commissioned you to create portraits of various athletes leading up to a big exhibition in 2012 as part of their Olympic programme.    

There are quite a few things in the pipeline which I can’t mention at the moment but it is going to be a really exciting year.

Embarking on perhaps the most prestigious commission of his career to date, he casts his mind back fondly to the first ever paid commission when his Godmother gave him £25 to paint her cottage in Huddersfield. The price of that painting today would no doubt have extra zeros added with most of his works starting from £1,000.  Ever modest and humble about his work, the pieces closest to Darren’s heart are those of sentimental value including those of his family and one of his personal favourites; the church window at St. Bartholomew’s in Meltham which brings back fond memories of visits as a boy. 

www.tritongalleries.co.uk