Hi Everyone,

I usually like keeping up to date with our blog, posting something every week, however on 17th August 2013 @ 15:48 my first son, Noah Scott Robert Richardson was born. He weighed 7lb 10oz and is the most beautiful little boy in the world (obviously that is my biased opinion, but I have added a picture so you can take a look yourself).

Noah didn’t have the best start, having been born in St Michaels Hospital in Bristol on the Saturday, he was transferred to Gloucester Royal Hospital overnight and neither Mum or Myself were allowed to travel due to restrictions in the ambulance. We eventually arrived early the next morning and were, very kindly, put up in a suite for our 3 night stay called the “Ronald McDonald Family Suite”. It was only a basic room, but anything was better than travelling the 36 miles to see Noah everyday so we were really greatful for that.

After 5 days of antibiotics and 3 days on a glucose drip, amongst other issues, Noah was allowed home.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength and is doing fantastic.

Our Instructor Vince and Administrator/Accountant Maria finally took their vows and became Mr and Mrs Hueston. It has been a long 18 months of planning, but the day finally commenced with only a few minor hiccups. Never the less, it was a truely beautiful day and we all wish them a very happy future together.

This year is the 35th year anniversary of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and is, by far, Europe’s largest ballooning event. It is FREE entry for all, and there is some spectacular evening with night glows (Thursday and Saturday), and Red Arrows. If you get there early, parking is available but is chargable so our advice to you is to find a side road nearby and walk, it will only take you 5 – 10 minutes but it makes the day more enjoyable.

The Balloon Fiesta lasts for four days, with fun fairs, a huge variety of food and bars and other amazing features available for the whole family. This event is starting on 8th August, until 11th August 2013 and will see over 150 hot air balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate at 6am and 6pm.

Here is a brief summary of the events over the weekend; (taken from Balloon Fiesta Website)

Balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off over the City of Bristol as well as taking part in various ballooning competitions including who can reach the furthest point in a set time or landing challenges.

Fairground rides

Delicious food stalls and bars

Face painting

Arts and craft fair

Dance stage

Arena entertainment

The world famous Red Arrows

Local talent music bandstand.

This morning, whilst travelling to work we all noticed that preparpations are well and truely underway – take a look at some of the snaps we managed to take. Our favourite is the green dragon.

If you need information on the HSE lift truck law, including advice on who to train, what training should include, the different types of training including refresher and conversion training, or just to find out more information on the HSE law – why not view a copy of the HSE document HERE, or download a copy HERE