UK seal slaughter provokes call for improved legislation to protect seals

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
20th September 2006.


UK seal slaughter provokes call for improved legislation to protect seals

A total of thirteen UK organisations are calling for legislation to better protect seals following another slaughter of seals on the UK’s coast.

At the Point of Vastray on the Island of Orkney, four Grey adult seals, all female and pregnant, and one juvenile have been found dead with gunshot injuries to their heads. The area was left covered in blood in what can only be described as an indiscriminate act of slaughter. The images of the scene are graphic in their detail.

A member of the public came across the terrible scene and reported it to Ross Flett, Director of Orkney Seal Rescue. The incident has now been reported to the local Police.

Mr Flett said: “Once again seals have been slaughtered indiscriminately. I have seen many incidents similar to this and sadly they are on the increase. In Orkney, this year, I have noticed an obvious decrease in the number of Common seals around our coastline and this is not the first indiscriminate shooting of Grey seals I have seen this year. These animals were clearly no threat to fishing equipment where they were shot. There were 4 pregnant females - so that's 4 more grey seals that were killed because the pups didn't even get the chance to be born. In the pupping season, they come into the shallow waters and it just makes them easy targets. It's horrible, there's absolutely no need for it.”

Currently the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (CSA) allows anyone with a high velocity rifle and an endorsement on their firearms certificate to shoot seals for the majority of the year. The CSA does limit the shooting of seals during their moulting and breeding periods (June 1 - August 31 for Common seals and September 1 -December 31 for Grey seals). However, shooting is still permitted either with a licence from the Scottish Executive or using the ‘netsman’s defence’ that allows seals in the vicinity of fishing gear to be shot [3]. Apart from shooting under licence there is no requirement to report the number or species of animals shot.

The CSA has many shortcomings from both conservation and animal welfare perspectives and was described by one MP at the time as the ‘Destruction of Seals Bill’ [4]. There are currently no estimates of the numbers of seals shot each year and no measures to prevent the depletion of local populations. Seals may also suffer a long death if injured but not killed through poor marksmanship. Nursing female Common seals may also be shot using the ‘netsman’s defence’, leaving their pups to die of starvation. Recent news [5], from the Government funded Sea Mammal Research Unit also shows that the number of Common seals around some parts of the Scottish coastline have in fact declined by more than 30% since 1997.

Often it is claimed that the seals are the cause of the decline of fish stocks and damage to salmon fisheries but there is no proof that seals adversely affect the total numbers of fish around the UK coast. However Margaux Dodds of the Marine Connection comments “It is important to note that the species most frequently targeted for this reason are in fact common/harbour seals whose diet consists mainly of white fish not salmon, therefore their impact on salmon stocks is minimal”. In 2002 BDMLR commissioned a report entitled ‘Seal Fisheries Interactions’ [6] by Susan Wilson PhD, LLM. The report traces research and debate from the 1960s to the present from seal researchers and fisheries scientists from across the world and aims to dispel many of the myths surrounding the actions of seals and their impact of the commercial fishing industry around the UK.

Much loved and much maligned, the need for better protection for seals is clear. As well as preventing the senseless deaths seen in the Orkney incident, seal populations in Britain are so important internationally that we have a duty to ensure their conservation.




- ENDS -
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References in article:

[1]
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) - http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – http://www.ifaw.org.uk/
Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) – http://www.wdcs.org.uk/
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – http://www.rspca.org.uk/
Marine Connection - http://www.marineconnection.org/
Advocates for Animals - http://www.advocatesforanimals.org/
Seal Conservation Society – http://www.pinnipeds.org/
Tara Seal Research Centre – http://www.sealresearch.org/
Save Our Seals Fund - http://www.saveoursealsfund.org/
Animal Concern - http://www.animalconcern.com/
International Animal Rescue – http://www.iar.org.uk/
Orkney Seal Rescue – details HERE

[2]
Images of the dead seals are available for use from this link :
www.bdmlr.org.uk/deadseals.htm
low res at this page, high res from Orkney Photographic.
Contact Ken Amer
Tel: 01856 873574Mobile: 0708961780

Video available from Grampian Television
Contact Scott Mitchell: 01224 848848

[3]
The CSA allows the killing or attempted killing of any seal to prevent it from causing damage to a fishing net or fishing tackle, or any fish for the time being in the fishing net, provided that at the time the seal was in the vicinity of such net or tackle. However, neither actual proof of damage or that the damage would be serious is required and ‘vicinity’ is not defined(see McGillivray, D. 1995. Seal Conservation legislation in the UK – past, present, future. International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law, Vol 10 (1);19-51.

[4]
John Pardoe MP, House of Commons Debates Vol.799 col.1723

[5]
Call for shooting ban as seal numbers plummet by a third.
The Independent on Sunday. 13 August 2006.
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article1218891.ece

[6]
Seal Fisheries Interactions report – download an electronic copy at this link - http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/pages/SealFisheries.htm



Contact details for interviews:

Orkney Seal Rescue
Ross Flett
Tel - 01856 831463
Mobile - 07721 073868

BDMLR
Tony Woodley
Tony Woodley – Director & PR Officer
Office – 01825 765546
Mobile : 07723 054020
Email : tony@bdmlr.org.uk

International Animal Rescue
Lis Key - PR Officer
Office – 01825 767688
Mobile - 07957 824379
lis@iar.org.uk

Advocates for Animals
Director Ross Minett
ross@advocatesforanimals.org
T: 0131-225 6039
M: 07946 517585

Save Our Seals Fund & Animal Concern.
John F. Robins - Campaigns Consultant
Mobile: 07721-605521
E-mail: animals@jfrobins.force9.co.uk

Marine Connection
Margaux Dodds – Director
T : 020 7499 9196
E-mail: margaux@marineconnection.org

Media Enquiries:
Media enquiries to:
John HicksHeadline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/


Further information and images available
Liz Sandeman
Director of Operations
The Marine Connection
PO Box 2404, London, W2 3WG
Tel: 020 7499 9196 fax: 020 7409 2133
liz@marineconnection.orgwww.marineconnection.org


Notes for Editors
The Marine Connection (registered UK charity 1062222) is a London-based charity, established in 1997. Over the last few years, the charity has progressed from a small voluntary organisation to one of the UK’s established international conservation charities. One of the charity’s main aims is to ensure as many people as possible realise and understand the importance of protecting dolphins, whales and porpoises and their natural habitat. One way they achieve this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research.Through the charity’s informative website and quarterly magazine, Seventh Wave, the charity encourages supporters worldwide to participate in helping to protect dolphins and whales and support various projects.In the UK, the Marine Connection carries out vital educational project work in the Moray Firth area of Scotland, which is home to the most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins in the world. Through the charity’s Adopt A Dolphin project, people learn more about how to help conserve these marine mammals and their fragile eco-system.

Disasterous world record attempt by Richard Hammond

Tragedy of world record attempt by Richard Hammond
By John Hicks
www.wordrecordattempt.co.uk



The UK’s popular “Top Gear” presenter Richard Hammond was in a critical condition in hospital tonight (20th September, 2006) after he was involved in a high-speed car crash while filming for the programme.

Richard, 36, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary after a "rocket-powered dragster'' he was in crashed at Elvington airfield near York.

It is widely rumoured that he may have been travelling at speeds close to 300mph before the crash. It is believed that he was attempting to set a new land speed record.

Inspector Mike Thompson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "At 5.45pm this evening we received a report via the fire service of a male person trapped in what was described as an overturned jet car which had been driven on the airfield.

"The male occupant has received serious injuries and has been airlifted to hospital at Leeds.''
A hospital spokesman said Hammond, who is being treated in a neurological unit, was in a "critical'' condition.

Richard, who often drives high-performance cars as part of presenting Top Gear, was born in Birmingham but lives just outside Cheltenham with his wife and children.

He first appeared on British television screens on cable and satellite channels presenting motoring programmes before switching to the BBC's Top Gear in 2002.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that an accident has happened while filming an edition of Top Gear at an airfield near York.

"The presenter Richard Hammond has been taken to hospital. The incident happened quite recently and the focus of our attention is on Richard at this stage.''

Top Gear magazine editor Michael Harvey told BBC News 24: "I've heard stories Richard was touching speeds closer to 300mph then 200mph, and clearly at those kinds of speeds the tiniest little thing has to go wrong and the speed obviously massively exaggerates the consequences of anything going wrong.

"This wasn't a high performance car, this wasn't a road car, this was a rocket powered dragster which bears absolutely no relation to the kind of cars which are the main fodder of the Top Gear programme - this was a car that clearly contained its own risks.''

He added: "I know every single precaution will have been taken but something clearly absolutely unaccounted for has gone wrong, and Richard has unfortunately suffered the consequences.''

I know that the BBC will have undertaken full health & safety risk assessments before this project was allowed to proceed. Now, many of the world record attempts I have been involved in have not been so inherently dangerous as Richard’s attempt but it is a reminder that we must all conduct a risk assessment.

My next project is working with Andy Kyriacou of 80’s pop legends “Modern Romance” (www.modern-romance.co.uk) who is seeking to set a new 120 hour world record for drumming, DJ Danny Dee who is attempting to set a new world record for dee-jaying continuously for 120 hours in a nightclub and Colin Stocking who is seeking to set a new nine-ball pool record.

This is a fundraising event for Children In Need Week (13 – 18 November 2006) at The Academy, Basingstoke, England (www.academyclubs.com). The Academy will conduct a risk assessment in terms of the building but, as they are already open 24 hours 7 days a week, but I will need to review the special considerations for people who will be trying to stay awake and perform continuously for considerable periods of time.

The primary considerations are medical issues – starting with the need to have qualified medical support available for those 120 hours.

I am currently developing a website, www.worldrecordattempt.co.uk, as a resource for budding record breakers and would welcome hearing from people who have undertaken, or who are considering, world record attempts with your experiences so that we can share them widely with each other.

Please send them to me at Headline Promotions, Press & PR via e-mail at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Student guide to Public Relations (PR)

PR: the basics
By John Hicks M.IDM
Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Recently, I had the pleasure of giving a lecture to some business studies students to introduce them to public relations for small businesses. Here is my handout:

There is an old saying: “There’s no such thing as bad publicity. All publicity is god publicity”. I am sorry to disabuse people but that just isn’t true!

PR, public relations that is, is about getting people to talk and think about your business in a positive way. It can be a vital weapon in your business' armoury.

It's a way to get good publicity without advertising. And if there's ever a problem facing your business it helps you to deal with it effectively.

You can use PR to attract and impress key partners such as customers, suppliers, distributors, banks and other lenders, potential employees and possible business partners.

And PR isn't just for big companies using national newspapers or television. Even the smallest business can use publicity opportunities to catch the eye of its local audience.

My guide will help you generate positive media coverage and identify the media you should target. I will also tell you how you can go about writing a press release and give you tips for dealing with bad publicity.

Identifying your target media
The first step to getting media coverage for your business is to decide on your target outlets. Ask yourself who will be interested in your story:
· your local paid-for newspaper
· your local free paper
· your local council newspaper
· the free county magazine
· local radio and television
· trade, technical and professional magazines covering your business or expertise
· national newspapers
· consumer and lifestyle magazines
· national radio and television - but usually your local station will feed your story to the network if it's good enough

Get details of publications in directories such as BRAD, Willings Press Guide or Hollis Press & Public Relations Annual - have a look in your local reference library.

How to get media coverage
You could send out press releases on the same story to a number of outlets. But you'll need to tailor each release to the audience.

For example, a marine charity plans a protest outside the Japanese Embassy. The press release for the environmental and marine media highlights the campaign and asks other organisations for support. The press release for the local papers and regional radio stations talks more emotively about the issues and asks the public to travel to London to make their voice heard.

There are many natural PR opportunities:
· a new product launch
· new premises
· new members of staff
· an important new order
· involvement with a charity
· significant anniversaries, eg your 1,000th customer
· business partnerships

And you can create publicity opportunities:
· submit articles for publication
· commission a survey on serious or fun issues and send the results to the press
· suggest a newspaper competition with your product as the prize
· give expert opinions and volunteer quotes
· send letters to the editor on business topics using your business address

Building contacts with the media
News editors decide on the news stories written by their reporters. Contact the news editor with a story, particularly if you don't know any of the reporters.

The features editor decides on the longer analytical or background articles. The press release is one of the key points of contact with news and features editors.

Introduce yourself to editors of local papers and trade magazines - perhaps at a reception or an organisation's annual dinner.

Put journalists on your mailing list for background information they may find interesting, such as your business' newsletter.

Note that journalists work to tight deadlines - find out the deadline and supply your story well in advance. If a journalist is trying to get hold of you - respond quickly before their deadline.

Journalists' news agendas are different from yours. Provide what's interesting to them and their audience, not to you. But they're always looking to fill space. Putting facts down in writing - including quotes from you - helps before a conversation with them. Emails are good for cutting and pasting.

Dealing with bad publicity
Disgruntled employees and customers, crises and accidents can all generate negative news stories.

Make sure employees know who to refer journalists' enquiries to and ensure that only employees who are authorised to do so respond to enquiries.

If a journalist contacts you, check their deadline, carefully construct a written statement, and respond in time. It doesn't look good if you refuse to comment.

Show you've done everything you reasonably could to correct any problems.

If there's a tricky follow-up question, take time to put your case forward and restate it by written communication if possible.

It's not a good idea to go off the record when there's bad news. Answer truthfully the questions put to you. But it's not your job to volunteer every detail.

Be aware that any response you give may carry legal implications. In the worst case scenarios it might be worth seeking legal advice before making any response or making statements for the media through your legal representatives.

For a more detailed discussion, please see the links below.

Writing an effective press release
What's important to you may not grab the media. They may be less interested in the product than the fact that it brings environmental benefits, for instance.

News is typically:
· controversial, new or surprising
· amusing or funny
· directly important to the audience
· confidential or secret - until now
· linked with famous people or places
· linked with conflict, romance or mystery

You can write a press release yourself and seek to distribute it. If you would like advice, see the links below.

Alternatively, why not try a Press Release Writing Service such as the Press Release Writing Service (http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/) which offers a fixed price service!

Distribution of your press release
Once you've written your press release, your aim is to get it covered by your target media organisations.

Find out their copy deadlines. Send the release to the editor, news and features editors and possibly the reporter who might write the piece.

Journalists are lazy (I know, I was one!). We love to have press releases e-mailed to us so that we can cut and paste it to save time and effort.

Check the release has been received and if further information is needed.

Photographs (such as the one I used with my marine protest - see above) can boost your chances of getting your story covered. If appropriate, try to include at least a head-and-shoulders shot of the person quoted in the press release. Or get an agency to take a picture of the person at its premises. If you're lucky, a publication might send along a photographer.

Non-media PR
Don't see your PR as just something that's directly targeted at the media. You can influence and impress people - including the media - in many ways, not just by getting a mention in a news story.

Try out some of these ideas for raising awareness of your business in your locality or your industry sector using non-media and activity-based PR. For example, you could try:
· giving talks on business and other subjects to organisations, schools and colleges
· joining an organisation and become a figurehead, their publicity gives you publicity
· sponsoring events such as a school fête or exhibition
· sponsoring a local sports team
· organising competitions, initiatives & surveys, possibly working with a newspaper
· meeting and talking to other business people, just being seen around
· helping with, or donating products to, charity
· teaming up with suppliers or customers to work on attracting joint publicity

Useful resources:

Get details of local radio stations at the radio-now website
http://www.radio-now.co.uk/main.htm

Find details of newspapers in your area from the Newspaper Society website
http://www.newspapersoc.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=3

Read about handling bad publicity at my blog
http://headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/2006/05/pr-crisis-management.html
http://headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/2006/05/pr-crisis-management-how-to-ensure.html

Read advice on organising a successful business event
http://headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-plan-for-successful-business.html

Read a PR glossary of terms
http://headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/2006/04/pr-glossary.html

World Record Attempt resource launched

Inside us all there is a world record, it needs determination and opportunity to bring that out.

The range of records is enormous - from small, personal, challenges through to the incredible Steve Fossett with his huge budget, global profile, attempts (who can forget some of the remarkable images, such as his flight around the world in the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer, pictured above).

Of course, some are downright crazy as the UK newspaper “The Mirror” recorded in 2004 when Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary. These ranged from the fastest talker to the most consecutive pogo stick jumps!

You may wish to do this for charity as a fundraiser, to help you publicise your business or simply to get yourself in the globally famous Guinness Book of World Records or, maybe, you just want to do it for fun!

Here in the UK, Headline Promotions, Press & PR have been involved in many world record events – from Danny D’s “longest live DJ set in a nightclub using vinyl” at Chicago Rock Café Basingstoke and pulling a Harrier Jump Jet down the runway at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton through to DJ Casper’s world record for “the largest number of people dancing the Cha Cha Slide” at Jumpin’ Jaks Harlow.

John Hicks, Managing Director of the Basingstoke-based small business public relations and marketing consultancy, has been involved in them all. Has he a favourite?

Well, setting a new world record for pulling historic Field Guns from Yeovil to Greenwich to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Gulf War veterans must be near the top of the list because, in those rare moments he can relax and be “casual”, he sports his trademark field gun crew sweatshirt. We reckon is getting so threadbare that he will have to run another event soon just to get himself some new leisure wear!!!

To be fair, in a press interview at the time, John said: “It was a privilege to help raise money for Gulf War veterans and their families. It was a tiring week for me and I was merely handling the media side of things, goodness knows how the crew must feel. But the highlight of the week must be the Parade in front of the Admiral of the Fleet at Greenwich; it was such an honour to be there and to see Petty Office Dave Roberts hand over a significant cheque for money so generously and freely given by the public on our route.”

In terms of media coverage, Danny D’s event was a spectacular success. This attracted national coverage on breakfast television – and, with John’s son Alex at the computer for hours on end, the whole show was also broadcast on the Internet (during the course of the 100 hours continuous event, the site attracted 11,000 hits from all over the world – mainly the US but from as diverse places as Paraguay and Vietnam!).

To provide support and resources for people or groups attempting to set a new world record, Headline Promotions Press & PR have launched a new website – http://www.worldrecordattempt.co.uk/.

This site is available free-of-charge to help budding record breakers to promote their event across the web. It contains information, articles and news plus a photo gallery which, along with the site itself, will be developed further over the coming months.

Record breakers can upload their own web page onto the site and, if they wish, have e-mails forwarded to their own inbox. If they do not have a web site then AFH Website Design of Yeovil will design and host one for a nominal £100 to get the “show on the road”!

Through our associate press release and press release distribution service, the Press Release Writing Service (http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/), budding world record holders can have press releases drafted and distributed free of charge. Details are available through Headline Promotions, Press & PR.

As John says: “There’s no time like the present! Achieve your ambitions! If we can help, please feel free to use this new resource at www.worldrecordattempt.co.uk. Headline Promotions, Press & PR will also be pleased to advise businesses who wish to support such events gain maximum advantage from such sponsorship.”

Congratulations to AFH Website Design

Congratulations to our friends at AFH Website Design of Yeovil on the launch of their new website: www.afhwebdesign.co.uk (Alex, their Managing Director is pictured above).

They have designed some prestigious sites including the CMR+ Radio website, Airfield Tavern (Brewers Fayre) and the NHS Forum sites - and our very own new Headline Promotions, Press & PR site.

Pastor Eugene Edwards website launched

Congratulations to Revd. Eugene Edwards on the publication of his first book: Destroyed by the wind, restored by love.

To coincide with the publication, Eugene has launched his new website at www.restoredbylove.co.uk sponsored by Headline Promotions, Press & PR and designed by AFH Website Design of Yeovil.

The book is published by Tate Publishing and can be ordered on-line.

The Rollin’Stoned at The Academy

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th September 2006.




The Rollin’Stoned at The Academy


The Academy venue in Basingstoke is hosting another of its monthly live music nights on Saturday 7th October with a Rolling Stones tribute show.

Endorsed by Keith Richards’ mother, who enthusiastically described the band as “outstanding” and suitably fit “stand-ins for the Stones” and “it was eerily like watching my dad” was the comment from his daughter, Angela, The Rollin’Stoned (http://www.rollinstoned.com/) promises something very special.

One “Times” reviewer – who claims to have seen them all – recently said “In my view the nearest thing to the real article”, “About as true to the originals as you can get” raved another and “Just like the real thing” enthused rock star photographer Gered Mankowitz at his recent private view.

So, it’s not just the thousands of enthusiastic fans who rate the Rollin’Stoned so highly, it is the people in the know from the Stones inner circle.

The costumes are shamelessly camp gaudy and fab, the instruments genuinely vintage and the wit irreverent. However while the tongue is never far from the cheek with the Rollin’Stoned, it is never at the expense of the music.

This band is not to be confused with the grotesque parody on parody bands that abound, nor a bunch of seasoned old pros opportunistically hitched on to the “Tribute Bandwagon” for an easy ride.

What clearly comes across, when seeing this band at work, is the passion they all have for the music. Their shows include not only all the classic crowd pleasing hits, but are spiced with enough eclectic selections from the deeper recesses of Stones album archives to satisfy the most demanding of “buffs”, all performed with the same vibrantly authentic attack and raw energy that characterised the original Stones shows in their prime.

For those who witnessed the Stones - Brian Jones et al - in their hey day (and if you recall it you probably weren't there), this is a chance to revisit lost youth. For the rest, now is a good chance to see what all the fuss was about.

The show begins at the Worting Road venue at 8pm, and goes on until late with live DJ entertainment, for those who either want to chill out in the bar or dance the night away on the superb dance area.

Admission is £7 on the door with one month’s complimentary membership of the 24/7 snooker & pool hall and live music venue (£5 to Academy members).

For further details please visit The Academy website at http://www.academyclubs.com/ - or you can telephone 01256 327273.



ENDS



Notes to Editors:

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/




Keywords: The Academy Basingstoke, Rolling Stones, Rollin’Stoned, Headline Promotions

San Fernando Valley Wine Festival appoints UK PR agency

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th September 2006


Basingstoke PR agency to represent California exhibition

Headline Promotions, Press & PR of Basingstoke has been appointed to represent the media interests of the international San Fernando Valley Wine Festival of Los Angeles, California.

The first annual festival on Saturday 11th November is a showcase for trade and consumers to enjoy the very best of Californian Wines and microbrews in one location.

In addition, a select group of exhibitors and vendors will offer gourmet foods, specialty coffees, kitchen accessories, food and wine publications and gift baskets for sampling and sale. A new feature of this year’s event will be a Cigar A Rama who will provide consumers with the opportunity to interact with Los Angeles’ Number 1 Cigar Retailer.

The San Fernando Valley Wine Festival will be held at the all new City Art Gallery in Van Nuys, California with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation charity.

Festival organisers, Barcelona Marketing, said: “John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR is well known in California as a regular Contributor to the Los Angeles Chronicle newspaper. His articles are always a fascinating read and many business readers here now enjoy his internet marketing and PR blog (http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com)/.”

“We expect a number of UK and European visitors to come over for the festival. This will include trade representatives as well as fans of the wonderful wines and microbrews California has to offer. We felt we needed a UK representative and are delighted that Headline Promotions accepted the invitation.”

The City Art Gallery is a major new attraction in Los Angeles. Designed by an award winning Architect, City Art’s new facility consists of two art museums and 7,000 square-feet art gallery. It is generally regarded as Los Angeles’ “Jewel in the Crown” and will provide a stunning backcloth to this festival.

UK businesses, wishing to receive an information pack on sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities at the Festival are invited to contact John Hicks on 07771 575 654, email john@headlinepromotions.co.uk or visit http://www.valleywinefestival.com/

ENDS


Notes to Editors
Further information is available at http://www.valleywinefestival.com/

Media enquiries to:
John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
John@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotionsblogspot.com/


This press release was syndicated by the American Chronicle series and appeared in the Los Angeles Chronicle - September 2005


Keywords: San Fernando Valley, Wine Festival, City Art Gallery, Barcelona Marketing, Los Angeles, Californian Wines and microbrews, Los Angeles Chronicle, John Hicks, Headline Promotions

From book-keeper to book author

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th July 2006.


From book-keeper to book author

Basingstoke Accountant, Pastor Eugene Edwards, is currently undertaking a book promotion tour in the United States but has taken time out to appoint Headline Promotions, Press & PR to represent his UK media interests and promotion of his UK signing tour later this year.

Pastor Edwards, a prolific writer across a wide range of subjects, is waiting for the publication of his first book "Destroyed by wind - restored by love" which is based upon his intriguing life history but also combines his Christian philosophy on life.

"I hope that people will enjoy the story but then go on to use the book as a reference book to help them steer a course though life" explained Pastor Edwards. "I want to share this message with as wide an audience as I can in my adopted home country, the UK. Headline Promotions, Press & PR will be assisting to promote this and future titles (“Stress Kills – Beware of it”, “Too Much is as Dangerous as Too Little”, “Me & My Finance”, “Single Women in Business”, “The Other Personalities in Our Lives”, “Why men and women become gay - and what are the Bible’s views on this?”) to be published over the coming years".

John Hicks, Managing Director of the Basingstoke-based marketing, PR and promotions consultancy welcomed the news that Pastor Edwards had chosen his company. He said, "I admire the work Pastor Edwards has undertaken in the community and am looking forward to promote this important first work of his".

"Following his last US tour, when President George Bush and the office of the US Secretary of State invited him to The White House. Eugene has been commissioned to write a biography of one of the most powerful women in the world when she leaves office. This will undoubtedly put Eugene in the international spotlight and we are honoured to represent him here in the UK." John added.

Pastor Edwards is well known in Basingstoke. Not only is he the minister of a local community church but is a manager of the popular Market Square McDonald’s Restaurant.

Headline Promotions are currently working with AFH Website Designs of Yeovil to construct a website to enable people from around the globe to learn more about Pastor Edwards and to more easily obtain a copy of the book. This site, www.restoredbylove.co.uk, has been launched to coincide with the publication of the book.

To book Pastor Edwards as a guest speaker for public events, enquiries should be made in the first instance to John Hicks at Headline Promotions, Press & PR on 07771 575 654 (International +44 7771 575 654) or by e-mail john@headlinepromotions.co.uk



ENDS

Eugene C. Edwards is a minister of religion and a schoolteacher for the past 20 years. He is the fourth of seven children of his mother, Doreen Browne, and father, Oscar Edwards (deceased). He was born in the small but yet beautiful island where land and sea make beauty, Antigua, West Indies.

Further details at: http://www.restoredbylove.co.uk/

A photograph of Eugene is available. For jpeg please e-mail John Hicks (below) – to view click here.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR was founded by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, in 2005 to provide marketing, public relations and promotions support for small to medium sized businesses in the south of England.
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Photograph of John Hicks available. For jpeg please e-mail John - to view click here.


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com