24 Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, February 10th, 2005


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


I will make sure Ultraframe gets back on track!


THE last 12 months have proved a rollercoaster ride for Ultraframe managing direc­ tor Vanda Murray OBE. Not only has the Salthill-


based company been forced to weather increasingly competi­ tive market conditions and a 28% first quarter reduction in turnover against the previous year, it also witnessed share prices plummet to an all time low of 46p recently and the announcement of further redun­ dancies. But despite this volatile cli­


mate and frequent Press reports of the company’s imminent demise, Ms Murray, who has somewhat of a reputation for turning companies around, is confident she can put Ultra­ frame back on track. “We are working our way


through our short-term issues and are fully confident that we


^ o u 1’^ sta rs with


FOLLOWING the announcement of job losses at one of Clitheroe’s main employers conservatory giant Ullraframe last week, reporter JULIE MAGEE speaks to the company’s managing director about its future.


are taking the right decisions for the company. It’s right that we’ll have to make tough decisions. “We’re not sajdng everything


will be rosy, but we are confident about our long-term strategy and the way forward,” she com­ mented. “We are investing millions in


product development, and although this investment could be causing us pain at the moment these are the right deci­ sions for the future success of our business." This confidence already seems


to be pa^ng off, with the group forecasting improved trading in the second half of the year. The cornerstone of the company’s long-term strategy is a whole


^ ; Russell Grajiit'ly


I Coll m y M i ir l in n fa r m o in : 0 9 0 5 2 3 2 6 0 5 1


Are you working too hard? Do you need to cut yourself a litde slack? You may find your energy levels dropping o r be filled with a restless feeling that you should be doing more and more. Friends and colleagues have some sound advice to offer and you should listen carefully to what they say before you make any fer reaching decisions under this week I s skies. Cash flow might get a little bumpy, but an unexpected opportunity could soon reverse the trends.


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You're feeling more settled and contented with your world of work, so you don It have to worry so much about saying or doing the wrong thing and putting your foot in ic Later in the week you will feel confident enough to confront people about issues that have been bothering you: this discussion will go better than you expect if you keep It free of accusations and stick to facts. The weekend brings an unexpected Invitauon that puts a smile on your face.


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Enjoy this time of gentle pleasures and tranquil pastimes in the comfort of your own home with those closest to you. Workaday worries could give you some pause for thought, but they are not so crucial that they can It be put on hold for a wee while and cash considerauons needn 11 take up too much of your time either. Instead just enjoy relaxing at home. Just one word of warning; try to avoid overdoing the food and especially the drink, it might disagree with you.


You’re always quick to pick up on sensiuve situations and atmospheres and this week your skill at reading between the lines is working overtime.This will help you when dealing with friends or colleagues who seem troubled, but don 11 want to share their worries and woes. With a little supportive sympathy you can help them unburden and work out ways to put things right.Watch out for someone who wQnts to involve you in their plans later this week.lt might not be a good idea.


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Being helpful and accommodating could land you In trouble if you offer to help someone you donit know very well.While it may seem Interesting at first, later you’ll think you’d have been just as happy not to have been involved. Lend a hand when you’re asked to train a new colleague; though you think you I re not in the mood, you III have a great time passing on your knowledge and know how and it will keep you mentally sharp and free to explore other possibilities,


M vJisp Aij34-5ipj31 You’ve been overdoing it and need to catch up on your rest,


so turn down any invitations In favour of spending quality time with yourself. If you make your personal health a priority you’ll find you’ll gather the energy and stamina you need to take care of your daily dudes and routine responsibilides at work. When a friend accuses you of ignoring them, you’ll svant to argue the point, but if you think about it you’ll see that they might just have a point.


Libra new product range to comple­


ment Ultraframe’s more tradi­ tional line. Ms Murray explained:


“Although the company is still committed to its loyal client base - people in their 40s and 50s who can afford to buy a con­ servatory as a lifestyle choice - the company has also taken on board the findings of research into shifting buying patterns and has developed products for the younger end of the market, those who might need a conser­ vatory for extra living space, as an office or as a play area for their children. “Our aim is to develop a range


that will suit everyone’s lifestyle and budget.”


DISCOVER WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU! TAROT 1-2-1


PERSONAL READINGS, CALL TO SPEAK TO A PSYCHIC.


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i Cut! m y & ta r im o fo r rnoio: 0 9 0 5 2 3 2 6 0 5 1


D o n t overreact to problems at work just because you I re feeling tetchy and touchy; it wonit go down well with colleagues if you cause complicaUons where there aren 11 any. This is a good time to repair damaged relationships, not cause new rifts. If you I re in need of some drama spend a night out at the theatre o r cinema, as this Is the best way to distract yourself and break out of your involvement with yourself. Romandc matters are on hold at the moment and must wait till the end of the week.


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Your head is buzzing with brilliant brainwaves and inventive ideas making you the potenUal packed problem solver of the week. So it I s noijurprise that people turn to you for answers o r that you pick up on unresolved issues at work that you find easy to solve while others arc still scratching their heads. A message from someone youlve not seen in ages throws up lots of new questions that will be tricky to resolve, but you 111 get there In the end.


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Coll m y s t a r l in o fo r moru: 0 9 0 5 2 3 2 6 0 5 1


If you remember the things you do and say will be remembered and not lighdy forgotten, you’ll be more likely to want to leave a favourable impression. When you feel yourself boiling over you should let off steam in private and not let people see o r hear that you are hot under the collar. A new reladonship appears to be going in a direction that makes you


uneasy; you hang on because you think this is a passing phase, but dme wilt tell!


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There’s no need to get all critical when someone dose tells you about somediing personal. Though you tend to assume things will turn out badly, you'll be surprised that you can put a posidve spin on news you get this week. A chance encounter when you I re out and about is the springboard for a new friendship wid> the possibility of a business partnership down the road.Together you can pursue the projects and pasdmes you have a true passion for.


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Use the coming week to brighten up your home and add special touches to make your working surroundings more congenial.You can also make a favourable impact on the world around you by sharing the ideas, views and values that motivate you personally, you might even make a few converts. Finally there Is some great news coming your way from someone close to your heart that means you will soon be planning a celebration together.


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The aggressive approach of people you have to w o rk with or deal with at work sends you running for cover. A t the same time, you I re feeling argumentative, so watch that you I re not picking fights with friends o r colleagues over things which have little o r no relevance in the wider scheme o f things.Thls is a fine time to get started on a project around the house: tackle the jobs that will take time and attention to detail, as you’ll find they are gently distracting and satisfying.


3^jiy09Q5 calls CQst €l/min from a landline at all times. Horoscope service provider: JMediaUK. London S E r 8EZc The company is also commit­


ted to finding new ways to mar­ ket its products, this week announcing that its innovative new product Litespace is now available from DIY superstore B&Q. Ms Murray and her manage­


ment team are also committed to improving the company’s communication channels both internally and externally. Since taking over as MD, Ms


Murray has endeavoured to implement measures to boost staff morale, a factor that has become increasingly important with a backdrop of redundan­ cies, which she explained were essential to reduce the compa­ ny’s cost base.


Ciitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) \ \


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) :g


History group is told tale of Alice


Ti-ivr';. r j' ■/ .................. “As a company, it’s been a


tough 12 months for us, but we’ve been very open with all our customers and employees,” Ms Murray commented. One of the many positiv'e ini­


tiatives introduced at the com­ pany include long service awards. In December, a total of 269 employees were presented with these awards and in anoth­ er morale boosting move, the company has improved staff consultation via new initiatives, such as a monthly employee team briefings and performance and development reviews. Externally, the company is


also focusing on working more dlosely with customers, sharing product development news and


looking at how to improve cus­ tomer service.


Ms Murray added that


although there was still a lot more work to be done, she was confident that the company was on the right track. “We are in the position that


all we can do as a management team is focus on taking this company forward. We are investing for our future and making the best decision we can for the long term success of Ultraframe our staff, customers and shareholders,”said Ms Mur­ ray. Our picture shows Mrs Mur­


ray (left) and marketing direc­ tor Linda Doughty. (B260105/4a)


Brand new website is helping to seek out more customers


ULTRAFRAME has launched a ■state-of-the-art interactive website which allows customers to create their own 3D conservatory design on screen.


Customers can browse a cata­


logue of cutting-edge designs before interactively creating a 3D image to find out how different styles will


suit their own home. The site also enables customers to find a fully- qualified installer in their own area through the Ultraframe Registered Conservatory Installer Scheme, which has been approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Customers just have to type in their postcode to receive a list of


local installers, which have all been approved by Ultraframe and vetted through homeowner references. This ensures that any work car­


ried out will be of the highest qual­ ity.


To take a look at the new web­


site, log on to www.ultraframe-con- servatories.co.uk


A range to suit all budgets


ULTRAFRAME can now boast a diverse range of new products to suit all age groups and budgets. One of the company’s


newest innovations is Litespace, a walk-in, bay- style extension with a cli­ mate-controlled glazed roof. It is designed to replace patio doors or ground floor windows. This proves an ideal


product for homeowners wanting to extend a ground-floor room, but who maybe do not have the space or money for a large conservatory. It is also now available


from D IY superstore B&Q and its website www.diy.com Meanwhile, Conserva-


glass Optimum, the flag­ ship glazing system of Ultraframe's Conserva- glass range, should prove a market leader. The system has been


specifically developed for conservatories in this country’s changeable cli-


mate, with its unique invisible microcoating


keeping conservatories cool in the summer and warm during the winter. Another major techni­


cal innovation is the brand new Sunroom sys­ tem, which Ultraframe


claim IS the most then-.. with the usual nut.and. , • .


mally efficient roof on the market. It features inte­ grated ventilation, which keeps air circulating for maximum comfort and minimal condensation. It also boasts revolu­ tionary clicklock technol- ogy. which does awav


■ l i 1^:*; i i WM by Natalie Cox


FIVE refuse collectors from the Ribble Valley have “bin” really clever. After eight months study,


LOCAL history enthusiasts heard an intriguing talk entitled “Alice in Downunderland.” At the January meeting of


the Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society Ribble Valley branch, the guest speak­ er was Barbara Riding. After reading an article in a


Cambridge church magazine about Alice, Barbara decided to research her life. Born in Cam-


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


bridge in 1836, Alice was the youngest of 11 children born to Charlotte and Edward Bell. In 1855 she married Charles


Todd, an astronomer at Green­ wich Observatory. Shortly after their marriage the couple left for Adelaide, Australia, to enable Charles to set up an observatory for the Australian government. The couple spent the rest of


their lives in Australia. Charles was responsible for overseeing the laying of a large section of the telegraph cable linking Ade­ laide with Darwin through cen­ tral Australia. He also had some involve­


ment in the construction of part of the Stewart Highway, which follows almost the same route as the telegraph cable, opening up the centre of Australia.


Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, February 10th, 2005 25 The town of Alice Springs


was named after Alice and the Todd River after Charles. The couple had six children


and in 1893 Charles was knight­ ed and Alice became Lady Todd. She died in 1898 at the age of 62 never having visited Alice Springs. Barbara described her


research and showed pho­ tographs of Alice and her fami­


They’ve bin really clever! r


■


loaders John Knight and Peter Dewhurst, together with drivers John Shears, Peter Shears and Peter Mercer, have each success­ fully secured an NVQ work- based award. The quintet, who work


for Ribble Valley Borough Council, have been working towards the qualification in conjunction with Accring­ ton and Rossendale College. Their success now means


they are some of the first cleansing operatives in the county to gain an NVQ in Waste Management. Graham Jagger, the bor­


ough council’s engineering manager, said he did not know of any other local authority in the area where employees had gained a similar qualification. He added that the bor­ ough was keen to improve


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the qualifications and skills of all its direct employees by offering optional training opportunities. Mr Jagger said it was also the council’s intention to support anyone who wanted to further their qualifications. He said: “As far as I


know, our lads are some of the first in Lancashire to


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gain this awards, so it is a brilliant achievement. We do appreciate the commit­ ment staff have given to achieve this qualification.” Our picture shows the


successful workers, John Knight, Peter Shears, Peter Mercer, John Shears and Peter Dewhurst. (G040205/2)


Chocolate treat trip for Young


im


Farmers MEMBERS of Clitheroe Young Farmers’ Club enjoyed a trip round the Choco­ late House, Black­ burn. Hazel Lons­ dale and Oliver Bristol expressed thanks to the pro­ prietors. Members are


Exhibit! Sunday 13th February


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bolt construction - halv­ ing installation time and reducing the cost of a new conservatory. These utilise more contempo­ rary designs appealing to the younger buyers. Our picture shows one


of the Litespace conser­ vatories. (s ), ■ .


The Oaks Hotel,


Colne Road, Burnley ^o-,, ' ^ 11:00am - 5:00pm


free admission, for details cail 01706 710413


lo^lSO 90011 guarantee of quality I K T E R K A T t O I I A l •V ^:.J:


New 2005’ Brochure^


involved in 10-pin bowling and quiz competitions and are making prepa­ rations for their annual presenta­ tion night in February. Since the Christ­


mas break, mem­ bers have enjoyed an evening of 10- pin bowling and a talk and demon­ stration by a mem­ ber of St John Ambulance. The next meet­


ing will be a talk by Mr Russell Bury on game­ keeping. Members are asked to meet in Pendleton Vil­ lage Hall for a 7-45 p.m. prompt start.


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Breakfast in


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ly. She had also been in touch with Alice’s great-great-great- granddaughter, who has written a book about Alice’s life called the “Singing Line” . The next meeting of the soci­


ety is on Tuesday, February 8th, at Clitheroe Cricket Club at 7-30 p.m. when the speaker will be John Aspin on “My Ancestor was a Whisky Spin­ ner” .


Su^arecC J^Cmonds ^riddE/^outure


e w ^ o l l d ^ o n Stockists of


Maggie Sottero Sasha James Estes


Marylise plus


Proms Dresses Open Tues-Sat 10-5pm


12 Skipton Road, Earby 01282 844800


Bring this advert along for a complimentary


necklace and earring set on all wedding dresses booked before 28th February 2005


--^4 *


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