BLOODHOUND SSC IS GO...

Standby for action...
 The Bloodhound Project is Go!

Andy Green

RAF Fighter Pilot Andy Green made history by breaching the Sound Barrier at 763.035 mph on Black Rock Desert on October 15 1997 when he drove the iconic Thrust Supersonic Car (SSC). Now he hopes to do it again in project BLOODHOUND SSC and I've been lucky enough to gain media accreditation for when the team undertake trial sessions in Cornwall on Thursday.


BLOODHOUND SSC will make its first ever public run on 26 October 2017 at Aerohub Enterprise Zone, Cornwall Airport Newquay. This will be part of a series of key development tests for the jet engine, Car and team, and takes place 20 years after Thrust SSC set the current World Land Speed Record.


Eventually the team hope to take BLOODHOUND SSC up to 1000mph, although this won't be happening for a while yet as the vehicle will need to undergo a series of further tests to ensure the safety and capability of this magnificent piece of machinery.

Richard Noble

Project director Richard Noble was once the holder of the land speed record between 1983 and 1997 when he took Thrust 2 to a speed of 634.051mph across the Black Rock desert in Nevada, USA. He's no stranger to developing high risk ventures but The Thrust 2 programme and the Thrust SSC programme are his best known.


Be sure to bookmark this page and keep in touch with all of the latest developments as they happen throughout the day with photos and interviews of the team as they take part in this monumental and historical event.


Be part of the fun, feel the excitement and join in!

Thrust SSC creating a shock wave as it breaks the sound barrier October 15th 1997

Live update feed...

08.30 BLOODHOUND SSC has been wheeled out of the hanger and is on display to the worlds press. The test runs are due to start later today but at present the weather is looking pretty awful with heavy mist / light rain.

Early morning the car is shown off to the press

09.00 The car is taken into the hangar as the weather has taken a turn for the worse.


09.45. The team have jacked the car up and placed it onto a four point set of scales. This is to take measurements required for fuel calculations.


10.00 Out of the hangar once more. Driver Andy Green is at the wheel as the car is towed down to the end of the runway.

Andy Green is towed out of the hangar

The car is wheeled out onto the runway

11.30 The weather is brightening up here at Newquay airport and we've just been told that all systems are go!

12.00 Final round of interviews are taking place before the first test run at 13.00

13.10 Andy Green is now in the cockpit and about to start up the engine.

13.30 The first test run has started and took everyone by surprise as it was all over so quickly. However, we were all prepared for the second attempt and as such I managed to get this shot of the car as it sped at 200mph down the runway.

Second test run at 200mph

Click here for the official Bloodhound SSC website

Click here to watch a live feed via You Tube.

Early morning press gathering

Inside the hangar

One of the team members looks on as the car is filmed

Moving the car onto the scales for weighing

Andy Green climbs into the cockpit

The long tow starts

Team members ensure all is kept clear from behind

The car is too long to steer onto the tarmac so is jacked up...

And pushed round into position

Andy Green giving interviews

On display before the testing begins

Now on the runway

Lining up before a run

And he's off...

About the interviewer

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.





To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

Click here to see other cool jobs in this blog.

#1000mph, #200mph, #Andy Green, #Bloodhound #SSC, #Cornwall, #David Walker, #Fastest Car, #Jet, #Jet engine, #Newquay, #Richard Noble, #Supersonic, 

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Nissan has suspended production in Japan

Car giant Nissan is expected to halt production in Japan for two weeks after the company's flawed vehicle quality inspection process was exposed. This is in addition to around 1.16 million vehicles which have also been recalled.

Local authorities who were carrying out checks across Nissan's six manufacturing plants in Japan, have discovered that some unqualified workers were carrying out quality checks for vehicles being sold in the country.

The manufacturing plants produce approximately 1000 vehicles daily between them. A media report also suggests that Nissan may have been carrying out improper inspection processes for up to 20 years but as of yet this has to be properly substantiated.

To get to the bottom of it all, Nissan will suspend domestic production in all of its Japanese plants for an initial period of two weeks whilst further investigations are undertaken. Although it is understood that cars currently being made for export will not yet be affected.

With an estimated cost to the company of around 25 Billion Yen (nearly £168M GBP) Suppliers to Nissan witnessed a drop on the stock exchange, including their strategic partner Renault SA which saw it's shares fall by 1.9 percent in it's stocks in Paris. 

Help Required - First Dates

Credit: Big Bang Theory

I was in a restaurant the other day and a couple sat down at the table next to me, obviously on a first date. After a few moments it became clear that this was never going to get to a second date, let alone third base. And if it ever did, then I'll pay for the wedding myself!


After their initial pleasantries the conversation started to turn hard and become stifling. As the couple desperately tried to think of something to say, they covered a multitude of topics in quick succession including traffic lights, bread crusts and dead relatives. This was a cringe-worthy date and it was rapidly going southwards. 


Their food arrived and silence descended upon the table. Each second was a minute, each minute was an hour until one of them eventually spoke out by asking the other what time was it? Slowly they began to converse again until all of a sudden she starts to cry. She was upset because he made a comment she wasn't eating a lot. It turns out that she had been ill for some time and was not able to process food very well. At first he sat and listened but then tried to make light of her illness by laughing at her and making inappropriate remarks. She became angry and made it clear he was crossing the line. The silence descended once more. 


Sadly I then had to leave to attend another appointment so wasn't able to see the outcome, although I'm pretty sure we can guess how it ends. But it got me thinking, finding love all starts with a first date and I want to know about yours. Did it go well or was it horrible? Did you know straight away that the person sitting opposite you was "the one", or was it a slow burn?


I'm looking to write this as an article for a national magazine, so If you've got a great story to tell about a disastrous first date then I want to know about it. Have you ever been brave enough to go on a blind date and if so, how did it go? Have you met your perfect partner, or are you still looking? You can leave your answers in the comments below, or if you wish to remain anonymous then email me direct at davidwalkerfj@gmail.com 


David.

Irish Lights

Name

Gerald Butler

Profile name

Gerald Butler

Occupation

Former Lighthouse Keeper

Is this your own enterprise?

No I was employed by the commissioners of Irish Lights. 

How many years have you been doing this job?

I was a light keeper for 21 years.

How did it all start?

Light keeping is a very remote life / occupation and you needed to be good with your own company. My family are generations of light keepers and so the son's of light keepers like me, are people who live within the vicinity and know what the life was like. However, it wasn't always that easy. My twin brother and I grew up under the same umbrella of the lighthouse. Just like me he had always wanted to do the job but he found the isolation very difficult so after 5 years he retired. 

What does the job involve?

There were usually three of us that worked on a station which involved going out onto a rock for a month at a time. We would do 4 hours on duty and then 8 hours off duty watch keeping. This included making sure the light was turned on a night and ensuring that the lens keeps revolving at all times. Some lenses could be up to 8 tonnes in weight and float on a bath of mercury which is operated by a gear side motor. The motors were powered by generators so you had to make sure they were always working or fix any faults that may have happened.

If the fog closed in you would have to start the fog signal such as a Diaphone which used compressed air of 30psi pressure. The sound would then amplified amplified through a huge big trumpet. It was a continuous drone until the air had run out and then pumps would fill up the units again to carry on the next cycle. Some modern systems produce a siren type noise but they would still work on a similar effect. Up until 1972 we had explosive fog signals which were a 4oz of "Tonite" (direct opposite to Gelignite) They were charged like a battery with a hole in the centre which you would then put in a detonator and hung it off a firing jib. 

What qualifications do you need?

First of all you needed to have a basic second level education or if you qualified for a trade. You needed to have some kind of education that was satisfactory to the commissioners when you did your interview. If you were lucky enough to get an interview you then had to sit a basic English, Maths and Geography exam. You then had to do a swimming test and need to be able to save yourself plus undertake a medical exam. 

Once you had covered all the basics and were offered a position you then learned on the job by doing relief duty where required for the first 12 months. Part of this included learning Morse code (by light) and Semaphore and basic seamanship practices such as how to splice ropes. After your probation you then had to undertake a different exam based on what you had learned. If you passed then you were promoted to be a keeper and filled in where needed. Then, after around 4 years you were appointed to your own lighthouse and worked one month on one month off. 

What’s the best part of the job?

I loved every moment I was in the lighthouse but equally I loved coming ashore. You had a lot of freedom and time to do whatever you wanted. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

If you were stationed with someone who you didn't get on with, then you had to learn how to get on with them and get over it. If someone was unhappy in any way then the effect would knock on to everyone and suddenly time would then drag on. There is a huge amount of psychology attached to it. 

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

This isn't really relevant now because the automation of Light houses came into place around the late 70's and early 80's but I would have encouraged people to have or develop a hobby. You do have a lot of time on your hands so having a skill such as craft work would be very relevant. I used to know one chap who had three books on the go at any one time. 

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

Click here to see other cool jobs in this blog.

C'mere, there's more...

Name

James Mulgrew

Profile name

Jimmy Cricket

Occupation

Comedian

Is this your own enterprise?

Yes

How many years have you been doing this job?

Well let's see... About 44 years. 

How did it all start?

I was a Redcoat at Butlins It was a great PR exercise and you learnt how to be friendly and engage with everyone you meet. 

What does the job involve?

Doing your act is the big thing but there are lots of background work which you normally don't get to see such as rehearsing and practising. You have to keep your act fresh. At the moment I'm doing The Jimmy Cricket Show. It helps to be married as Mrs Cricket helps out with the Lighting and Sound, otherwise I couldn't afford it. 

What qualifications do you need?

You have to have a natural talent that shows it's'self really well. I used to sing and tell jokes as a young child which can give an indication to family and friends about who you are and what you want to do. When I was young I used to hear a radio show called Workers Playtime which was done by the BBC. I wish there was more of that as it was great for morale and a fabulous idea. I would hear the jokes during dinner time and then tell everyone in the afternoon at school. In fact it was dinner times that prepared me more for my career than school ever did. But of course you have to learn things for yourself and develop the act as you progress. 

What’s the best part of the job?

I love to bring so much happiness and really love it when the the crowd enjoy themselves, It's a great feeling. I'm currently performing at The Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool and really enjoy it when you are with a live audience. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

I don't like doing the travelling but then having said that it's not too bad as Mrs Cricket and I share the driving. There's places we know and stop off so we try and make it as enjoyable as possible. The Winter's not too great but it's still nice to look all around at the scenery and now of course we are in Spring so everything is starting to bloom. 

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

If your heart's in it and you have the talent then persevere. Hang in there. Start by getting your first 10 or 20 minute routines in front of an audience and go for it. 

And as you are someone who is in the public eye, you get an extra special Question… What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted someone to ask you but they never have? And what would be your answer?

(At this point Jimmy pauses and looks away from the camera for a second) Hmmmmm, he says, After 44 years I've pretty much covered everything. I play the saxophone so like to play my own songs in the act. In the early days I used to squeak a lot and it sounded terrible but it's getting better. I played Happy Birthday down the phone to Tim Vine for his 50th birthday and said it was to help me practice. I think he appreciated it. 

The official Jimmy Cricket website which includes his tour dates, Tweets and copies of the Cricket Times can be found here.

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible. 

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com 

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

Click here to see more interviews with really interesting people.

Actor and Voiceover Artist

Name

David Wayman

Profile name

David Wayman

Occupation

Actor and Voice over artist.

Is this your own enterprise?

Yes

How many years have you been doing this job?

I've been doing voice over work since graduating drama school which is about 8 years now. 

How did it all start?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor and never really grew out of it. I love performing to a live crowd. I applied and got into East 15 Acting School and then graduated 2009. I've now got an agent Patrick Hambleton who helps me get work. 

What does the job involve?

In general it's a case of showing up, delivering your lines and crying on cue. The real work however is trying to find work as it can be incredibly difficult. You have to be able to prove what you can bring to the table over other actors in order to get a job. I also do a large amount of production work but It’s taken me until around about now where I start to have work come to me.

What qualifications do you need?

You don’t technically need any qualifications but it helps if you have some form of acting qualification as you need to be taken seriously. Anyone with a phone can now make films but I would strongly argue the case to become a trained actor and get a degree. doing the course gives you a huge amount of discipline especially if you are tired but have to get up and do a full day's training. However, it's worth it to go out and take the three years and do it. Talent gets you a long way but training really is the key. With the voice over work you may only get a script ten minutes before you read it, so having to sight read is an advantage. I have my own studio and can work remotely so that helps turn things around quickly which is very much the way in which the industry is going nowadays. 

What’s the best part of the job?

For me it’s the process and I love working with actors and film crews. I love technology and gadgets so I get a real buzz talking to the crew.

What’s the worst part of the job?

Not working and waiting for the phone to ring. Especially when you have just finished a job. It can be a very scary concept not knowing when your next paycheck is coming in.

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

The best thing I was told is never take your foot off the pedal and never do anything by half. It’s very uncertain profession and lots of people say no but if you can rise above all of that then you are in the right job. 

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

Helping others where they need it

Name

Lucy Duffy

Profile name

The Trussell Trust

Occupation

Salisbury food bank Manager

Is this your own enterprise?

No – I work for the Trussell Trust

How many years have you been doing this job?

I've been here for just over a year but Salisbury food bank has been going for twenty years.

How did it all start?

I’ve always worked in communications and dealing with the public and I used to organise and manage volunteers. I was a manager of a community centre and coffee shop where I worked with people who had lifestyle difficulties / low income or difficult home lives. They used the coffee shop and facilities which helped me to gain more experience in these areas. Ultimately it led me to be interested in this job which offered the same service but being more proactive. I like it because I was attracted to being able to support and educate people with cooking and budgeting as well as help them out by offering holiday clubs.

What does the job involve?

On a day to day basis I manage around 50 volunteers in the food bank centres and warehouse, overseeing the practical day to day operation of food banks. I liaise with various agencies who act as referrals for the support that we give and help promote what is available for clients. I run cooking on a budget courses which are held over 6 weeks for clients to learn how to budget and cook from scratch. As well as help them to manage their money. It's a very busy and full time occupation as we also run holiday clubs for children and parents, provide hot meals and work with councils and welfare organisations. They help to promote our services and equip the community to support each other. Then I have to liaise with the media and produce newsletters to keep the public updated. Finally I organise collections of food from supermarkets and local groups in order to distribute to those who need it. 

What qualifications do you need?

You need less of a formal qualification and more of an experience. You have to have good public and IT skills and be quite organisational. It helps if you are able to speak in public as I usually give around thirty assemblies. You do however need to be good at budgeting and financial management.

What’s the best part of the job?

The ultimate goal of the job is to support the needs of the community. To be able to do that and see how people’s lives can be changed - if only for a short time, is what keeps you going. Knowing the impact you have on individuals and families in a positive way and the relationships you build are fantastic. In the last financial year we provided over 3000 emergency three day food supplies of which from that figure, more than a 1000 went to children. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

Unfortunately you get to hear all too often the stories of people living in cars or without basic provision that most people take for granted. It can be quite heartbreaking. 

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

Take up voluntary work and get experience on the ground as well as making the operation work behind the scenes. Work with charities who support the community. Get used to talking with an audience. Or help organise events with charities and get involved. 

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

A Real High Flyer

Photo credit: 
www.neo-falcon.ch

Name

Emily Guilding

Profile name

Aerosuperbatics

Occupation

Wingwalker

Is this your own enterprise?

No, the company is owned by Vic Norman who's been doing this for 30 years. 

How many years have you been doing this job?

I'm now going into my fourth year

How did it all start?

My sister joined the team 6 or 7 years ago and I was amazed with what she did. She joked that I would never have the guts to do it. So I applied and got the job. 

What does the job involve?

On a show day we go to the air show and do press activities, meet the organisers and other participants. We then take some time to do all of the advance preparation we need and then do the display which takes just under 20 minutes. After that we then go and meet the crowds and chat with the children. Some people like us to sign their programs or have a picture taken with us. 

What qualifications do you need?

You don't need to have any official academic qualifications but you do need to have a gym or dance background. Doing wingwalking requires lots of upper body strength as the display is very physically demanding on your body. When you are up there you are travelling at 150mph so core strength and neck strength are also required. It helps if you are a small person as that assists the pilots to make good tight manoeuvres. You also need to have good balance, be level headed and safety conscious as a lot of training goes into place before you can go and do a display. And of course you need to be bubbly and friendly so you can talk easily to people and in front of cameras. 

What’s the best part of the job?

Getting to travel and see new places from a unique perspective as you fly across various different cities. Since doing this job we've done displays in China, Japan, Dubai and Europe and it's awesome. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

The Great British weather. Flying in the rain is an awful experience, the pain is terrible but that wasn't as bad as a hail storm we had in Ireland. As I said, when you are travelling at 150mph and you are hit from all angles with the hail it was horrible. The weather was fine when we took off but it started when we were half way through the routine so we decided to carry on. 


What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

Get involved in lots of sport, especially gymnastic and dance. Keep an eye out on the website www.aerosuperbatics.com and follow our social media on twitter and Instagram pages. We accept applications from all over the world so you don't just have to come from England to be a wingwalker with us.

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.

Down on the Farm

Name

Sandra Palmer - Snellin

Profile name

Farmer Palmers Farm Park Ltd

Occupation

Director

Is this your own enterprise?

Its a family run business

How many years have you been doing this job?

Since January 1998

How did it all start?

My Dad and brother came up with the idea of a visitor attraction in the kitchen one day as a way of keeping the family farm stable for the future. 

What does the job involve?

The learning curve was huge when I first started. I did a small job in advertising at the age of 18 which is now one of the favourite parts of my job  My brother Phillip and I work intuitively well together but he is not a fan of the paperwork so I do all of that with my team. I've had to learn how to do everything from  setting up a shop, right through to Accounts, Marketing, running the Restaurant, health and safety, legal, planning and all HR related matters. We are still a farm and we work with DEFRA with all the animals and movement licences. It's a very long list that never seems to end. We grew from humble beginnings to a family brand in Dorset.

What qualifications do you need?

You don't always need academic qualifications, but they definitely help. The first and foremost thing you need is confidence and Life skills People learn by experience, however, you do have to have a good personality which is a real must Good customer service skills will enable you to engage with everyone around you. Running a business is so diverse so you really need to wear a lot of different hats ranging from legislation through to project management. As things grow you can then delegate which does make things easier.

What’s the best part of the job?

Being able to have the flexibility to do many different jobs within the business is what I see as important. I love to see the smiles on children's faces and know that we are helping to create great memories to both parents and children alike. Children are so dynamic and I enjoy that Farmer Palmers is part of their growing milestones as they go on in life e.g. such as saying tractor for the first time or learning how to walk. It's an awesome feeling inside. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

My lack of work / life balance. Because I do so many jobs at once I'm always on the go and trying to think of ways to help push and promote the business. I think most business owners struggle to switch off and try to give everything. I need to improve my delegation skills.

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

Get involved with as many things as possible to get different life and social skills. Make sure you are comfortable and able to interact with the public. If you are happy in what you are doing you will be very good at it. 

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.