Veterans turn old uniforms into art form

Soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are known to have high levels of adjustment problems and emotional stress, trauma, including posttraumatic stress syndrome. Many have difficulty relating their experience to others.

Soldiers participate in making Combat Papers, a printmaking program in which veterans transform their old utility uniforms into paper. Here a veteran cuts up his uniform into hundreds of pieces.The pieces of the uniform are fed into a beater where they are mulched. Then they are pulled out and placed on a frame called a deckle and sifted out into sheets. The finished paper is separated and dried. Here a veteran used the finished piece of paper to draw a picture.

“These young people come home from the war and disappear into society. Often they don’t have anyone to talk to who really speaks their language and shares their experiences,” said Teaneck resident Walter Nygard, a Vietnam War veteran and one of the organizers of the Wednesday afternoon peace vigils in front of the Teaneck Armory.

 

Read More – http://www.northjersey.com/news/137649763_Vets_turn_old_uniforms_into_art_for_healing.html

Soldier’s new uniform is a ‘fashion faux pas’

Soldiers have described their new fatigues as a “fashion faux pas” which is shapeless, too American and more akin to an Action Man costume.

When the Ministry of Defence introduced new combat fatigues for troops in Afghanistan it was hoped they would be welcomed for providing more comfort under body armour and creating better camouflage.

The new Multi Terrain Pattern uniform has been rounded upon for being ill fitting, poorly designed and made of poor material.

The criticism is an embarrassment for the Ministry of Defence which has spent £40 million to rapidly get the kit into frontline service.

It was rushed into service across the Army in the last year to assist troops in Helmand, making it safer and easier on patrols. It will eventually be issued to all 100,000 soldiers in the Army.

But the condemnation has come to a head with a barrage of complaints sent by men to Soldier, the Army’s in-house magazine.

Read More – http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8965351/Soldiers-new-uniform-is-a-fashion-faux-pas.html

 

Cosalt secures short-term loan

Cosalt has secured a short-term £5m injection of working capital from the investment vehicle of non-executive chairman and takeover suitor David Ross.

The beleaguered safety and workwear business said Oval has made a £5m unsecured facility available for drawdown with immediate effect.

The money is repayable by 22 December, the date by which Ross’ offer becomes unconditional. Repayment is also required if the Grimsby business refinances, is taken over or put into administration.

However, the company added that if Ross’ £400,000 bid is not declared unconditional by 22 December it will seek an extension.

Last month (November), the Carphone Warehouse co-founder’s offer was recommended for acceptance by Cosalt’s board.

Read More – http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/63053-cosalt-secures-short-term-loan/

 

Workwear and corporate clothing show opens new trade opportunities

COVENTRY: The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show 2012 is preparing to host the largest trade delegation from China to ever attend an industry event.

The China Workwear Association (CWA) has already booked out 50 stands at the workwearshow, which takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, on April 17 and 18 next year.The unprecedented level of interest from China underlines the ambition to develop new business links and the WCCS event will provide the perfect platform for the Chinese to explore European markets.Their presence at the show represents a fantastic opportunity for buyers and suppliers attending the show because while China is renowned for manufacturing and supply, there has also been a significant demand for importing product lines from Europe.Read more – http://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/5099/Workwear_and_corporate_clothing_show_opens_new_trade_opportunities.html

PAUL CROWE SCORES BIG IN 2011 UK WORKER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

SHREWSBURY TOWN FC HEAD CHEF IS NAMED UK WORKER OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP FOR 2011

Paul Crowe has been named as 2011 UK Worker of the Year Runner Up in the nationwide competition organised by leading workwear manufacturer, Dickies to recognise and reward excellence in the British workforce.

In a gala awards finale, at Marlow’s Crowne Plaza hotel, the Shropshire Chef, who is Head Chef at Shrewsbury Town FC was given the award and a prize package that includes his choice of holiday up to the value of £2000.

“The whole thing is absolutely unbelievable,” commented Paul. “Every single one of the other people who has made it into the final is fantastic. I didn’t even think I would make it into the last six, so to actually receive the Runner Up award is so unexpected, I can’t explain how great it feels.”

Charity Support Worker from Buxton, Anna Simpson took the title of UK Worker of the Year and North West England Lollipop Lady of the Year, Emily Jones was third. Highly commended were Newport electrician, Sam Gibbon, Jason Lawrence – an AV sales manager from Abingdon and Liverpool teacher, Jen Whelan.

“Choosing a winner from the six finalists we had was an enjoyable, but really hard task,” enthuses Maurice Morton, European Sales and Marketing Director for the world-renowned workwear firm. “The standard of entries was notably higher this year than last and each of our finalists immensely impressed me.”

UK Worker of the Year is now in its second year of looking to recognise, reward and promote excellence in the British workforce and the word has spread wider than ever before about both the competition.

Read more – http://www.cisionwire.com/chicane-marketing/r/paul-crowe-scores-big-in-2011-uk-worker-of-the-year-competition,c790701

Crackdown call on police uniform sales

Calls were made today for tighter regulation on  the sale of items of  police uniforms. Police helmets from the Staffordshire and  West Midland  forces are freely available on the bidding website ebay.

Meanwhile, fluorescent jackets and other items of police clothing are also  available to buy on a series of websites. But the sale of uniforms has led to  calls for tighter regulations because of fears that clothing could be used to  commit crimes such as distraction burglaries.

There have been examples across both force areas of vulnerable and elderly  people being targeted by distraction burglars pretending to be police  officers.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said he was going to raise the issue  with policing minister Nick Herbert when the pair meet next week.

Read more:  http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/10/15/crackdown-call-on-police-uniform-sales/#ixzz1cSFGAoia

New Awards To Reward Innovation In Workwear

SATRA has announced the launch of the SATRA PPE Innovation Awards which will form a major part of the Professional Clothing Awards 2012, organised by the Workwear & Corporate Clothing Show.

To reflect the major growth market of personal protective equipment (PPE), the Professional Clothing Awards 2012 will contain the brand new SATRA PPE Innovation awards. These awards will recognise the designers and manufacturers of PPE products, components and processes that push boundaries in technical innovation. They are open to anyone in the supply chain, which could include an individual inventor or entrepreneur, an SME or a large multi-national corporation.

Event organiser, Yvette Ashby commented “SATRA’s brand is recognised and respected in over 70 countries and we look forward to working with SATRA on these exciting new awards, which we are opening up to international businesses from all over the world.”

In an earlier format in 2009 and 2010, the Professional Clothing Awards rewarded buyer-supplier partnerships for their exceptional dedication and innovation displayed in the development of top-to-toe uniforms for corporate clothing, workwear and PPE.

 

Read more – http://www.safetyonline.com/article.mvc/New-Awards-To-Reward-Innovation-In-Workwear-0001

Hospital volunteers get new uniform and new status

 

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is bolstering its links with its small army of volunteers by giving them a uniform which recognises the unique and important contribution that volunteers make in complementing the services it provides.

The UHB has around 400 volunteers who provide a wide range of support in a variety of areas. In recognition of their important role and to raise the profile of their volunteering the UHB has developed a Volunteer Strategy and Framework.

This strategy outlines the Health Board’s support and encouragement of the efforts of individual volunteers and voluntary organisations for the benefit of service users, their relatives and carers.

This is being achieved by raising the profile of volunteering within the Health Board and the community, one aspect of increasing the profile is the introduction of a unique volunteer brand. This will provide a clear identity for volunteers as individuals and as part of a team that recognises the value of their contribution, it will also ensure that volunteers are easily recognisable by the introduction of a uniform and identity badges.

Michelle Fowler, from the Health Board’s Volunteer Services, said “The new volunteer uniform gives the volunteer an identity which highlights they are part of a valued team and provides a sense of belonging.”

 

Article source – http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=22536

Become a tangerine temptress

Spring and summer fashion will pack a serious citrus punch, with one of the most delicious shades being tangerine.

Juicy tangerine pieces are worn together for a show-stopping vibrant look, or teamed with other solid brights to achieve a colour-blocking effect.

Either way, spring looks optimistic as wardrobes are transformed from drab to fab with the simple addition of this zesty and vivacious hue.

With everything in this colour, from workwear high- waisted skirts to beachy cover ups, becoming a tangerine temptress this summer couldn’t be simpler.

http://www.corporate-connection.co.uk/

Article sourced from: http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/lifestyle/fashion/become-a-tangerine-temptress-1.1131787

Thieves masquerade as workmen in street lighting thefts

Brazen thieves posed as workmen and donned high visibility jackets in Drumsurn where they stole several metres of street lighting cable along the main road in the village.

The thefts of the cable happened just over a week ago. However it’s emerged that 60 metres of cable were taken from Dunlade Road in Greysteel at the weekend.

Sinn Fein councillor in Drumsurn, Brenda Chivers, said the gang behind the recent theft in the village reportedly donned yellow jackets and placed a sign on the road alerting residents to work as they carried out the theft. It is understood the theft took place mid Sunday afternoon.

“They were brazen to do that,” said Colr. Chivers. “Everyone would have thought they were legitimate because of the workwear they had and the sign on the road. It also shows how people are that desperate they would do anything and stoop that low. Nothing is safe anymore.”

Colr. Chivers said the theft left four to five lights out, some of which have been repaired. However, some parts of the road remain in darkness.

“It’s dangerous because people do walk along there and now with the dark evenings closing in, it’s dangerous. I contacted the street lighting division who said they were working to address the problem as soon as possible, but because there were so many they had to prioritise their work.”

Colr. Chivers said it was a worrying development.

“People in Drumsurn were shocked because nothing like this happens in Drumsurn, but it shows we shouldn’t take anything for granted just because it looks legitimate. If people see something they think is suspicious they should call the police. I do think that there must be some measure put in place to trace where the stolen material goes.”

The theft of street light cabling was also reported in two separate incidents over the weekend in the Greysteel area.

“Around midday on Sunday police were notified about the theft of underground cables on the Sheskin Road,” said a PSNI spokesperson. “Also around 60m of cable was taken from the Dunlade Road sometime during Saturday night/early hours of Sunday. Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw suspicious vehicles in the area. The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Sinn Fein councillor in the area, Dermot Nicholl condemned the incidents and urged residents to report anything suspicious, day or night.

Police say metal thefts are on the increase “and police are working with scrap dealers to make it harder for criminals to sell on stolen material. Replacing cables is both timely and expensive therefore we would encourage the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious activity immediately to police”.

http://www.corporate-connection.co.uk/

Article sourced from: http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/thieves_masquerade_as_workmen_in_street_lighting_thefts_1_3030324