Category: Articles

Thermal imaging cameras set to tackle heat loss this winter

By on 21st December 2018in Articles

According to The Energy Saving Trust, a quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home and investing in proper loft insulation could save you up to £215 a year on energy bills. Even homes that are insulated could be racking up large bills this winter if the Beast from the East makes a return. Heat loss, through chimneys, lofts, badly sealed doorways and more, can account for up to 50% of all energy consumption in a home.

New innovative technology can now tackle this problem. Thermal imaging cameras can detect heat loss in properties by detecting missing insulation, air flow and equipment issues, compromised roofing and more. They are able to quickly detect sources of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye. This new technology will ensure homeowners are not paying more than they should on their energy bills this winter.

The state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras can also detect the source of rising damp and leaks in homes, with minimal disruption and no damage to the property. These cameras can accurately detect leaks hidden under floors, ceilings, flat roofs and behind walls.

thermal imaging

Findley Roofing & Building are the first roofing company in the North East to invest in six state of the art Flir thermal imaging cameras and offer an innovative way to tackle heat loss and detect the source of leaks quickly. This winter they are offing free 120-point roof MOTs that includes a thermal imaging camera inspection – regular price £299.

Grant Findley, the company’s Managing Director said: “If we have a winter like last year, many homeowners could be paying over the odds on their heating bills if their home is not energy efficient. This year, we are offering free thermal imaging surveys to homeowners to ensure they are prepared. We can now offer superior MOT’s and give extra diagnostics that should be the absolute minimum available to everyone.”

To find out more about Findley Roofing’s free MOT roof inspection, visit their website findleyroofing.co.uk/winter-deal/ or call their office on 0191 417 3422.

North East Optometrist’s invention set to have a national impact

By on 18th December 2018in Articles, Business, Inspiration, Lifestyle, What's New?

Simon Berry, North East based Optometrist, has invented a simple, yet effective way to make eye tests less frightening and intimidating for those with learning difficulties.

Working with Durham University, Simon Berry has created the VFS (Visual Fixation System), which allows patients to watch a video while their eyes are being tested. For many children with learning difficulties, a trip to the opticians can be stressful, but this invention gives them a chance to watch their favourite video while having their eyes tested. The VFS works by splitting a beam of light reflecting the image from a phone to the patient, allowing the Optometrist to examine their eyes.

Simon Berry has been an Optometrist for over 20 years, having worked in a hospital paediatric clinic throughout his professional career. Over 16 years ago, he set up his own independent optometry practice in Gilesgate, Durham and he also works at Sunderland Eye Infirmary as a specialist Optometrist. This week, Berry appeared on BBC’s Look North discussing the success of the device and his plans to take it nationwide.

Berry sees a lot of children and adults with learning disabilities and keeping these patients engaged whilst trying to complete the various clinical measurements required can be challenging. The VFS was specifically designed for this reason. These are a very important patient as they have an increased risk of having eye problems, with one in ten having an eye disease and 40% will need glasses, a far higher percentage than the general population.

Simon has been working on the device for over three years and hopes it will help a wide range of patients. In particular, it has been used on Autistic patients who may find eye contact uncomfortable, as it hides the Optometrist’s face as they complete the test. It is also useful for young children and babies who find it hard to sit still, and he predicts it will be useful for patients with dementia, too.

The initial prototype was made in collaboration with Durham University and the technology is now licensed to Optimec, a UK company based in Malvern, specialising in the design and manufacture of optically based instrumentation and devices. The VFS is already an invaluable aid in helping examine children and patients with a learning disability in his own practice, since its launch in September. The product is now being tested by Optical Specialists around the UK.

Great Ormond Street Hospital has expressed interest in the device and it is currently being trialled by Aston University, Cardiff University, ABDO (Association of British Dispensing Opticians), and SeeAbility (a national charity). Berry hopes it will be used by Optometrist’s nationwide.

To find out more about Simon Berry’s Visual Fixation System, call their office on 0191 375 7544.

Red House Secures Top Spot In School League

By on 11th December 2018in Articles
Red House School

Red House School, Teesside’s high-flying independent school, has been revealed as the top school in the whole of the North, and fifth in its category in the UK in the Sunday Times 2019 ‘Parent Power’ list.

Judged on 2,000 schools in the UK, Parent Power is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s best schools. It assesses academic results as well as the performance of a given school compared to others in the same town, local authority and nationally.

Built on an ethos of encouraging children to develop their interests and talents, and fully participating in the life of the busy school, Red House offers a very personal and unique family atmosphere. Being a small school, teaching staff know all pupils individually and work with them to achieve their best – something evidenced by the school’s incredible GCSE results in 2018.

Mr Ken James, headmaster at Red House School, said: “Achieving the top position in the whole of the North in our category really is a testament to the great work of our staff here at Red House.

“Our school is going from strength to strength and we’re looking at waiting lists for some year groups. After the incredible GCSE results achieved during the last school year, and our continued programme of refurbishment and development, we’re seeing an upsurge in interest in our school.”

Red House is investing heavily throughout its school and facilities including a Zen Den (to encourage the importance of mindfulness), an enchanted outdoor classroom and a new IT suite in the junior school. The senior school has benefited from a new Learning Hub, extension of design facilities, indoor sports flooring and an all-weather Astroturf pitch.

To find out more about Red House School or to arrange a tour please contact Claire Bellerby, head of admissions, on 01642 558119 or email claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk.

The school is also holding an open morning on Saturday January 26th, 9am – 12 noon for prospective families to tour the school, and experience life at Red House.

For more information about Red House School see www.redhouseschool.co.uk, Twitter: @RedHouseSchool, Facebook: @redhouseschooluk and Instagram: @redhouseschool

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