Small business public relations & marketing

Jack Smink at The Henegar Centre

2009-02-27T07:30:00.001Z

Jack Smink and the LST Band and Vocalists
Invite you to experience
A Tribute To Elvis

Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Henegar Center for the Arts
625 E. New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, Florida 32901
(321) 723-8698

All Seats $28.00
Also Visit: http://www.henegar.org/

New internet radio station for Bracknell and the Royal County of Berkshire (UK)

2009-01-01T18:53:00.003Z

Community internet radio station, Radio Bracknell, launches on 1st February 2009.

Bracknell, Berks, 01 January, 2009:

Radio Bracknell, a new community internet music radio station, launches on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe.

The radio station, founded by marketing and public relations consultant John Hicks, who has close family connections with Bracknell, seeks to involve local people by encouraging them to share their passion for music by presenting their own shows or, in the case of local musicians, facilitating them showcasing their work to a larger audience.

Listeners can enjoy the programmes on their computers at work, PC’s at home, wi-fi radios, many models of mobile phones, Playstation PSP’s and in-car entertainment systems through Bluetooth enabled hands-free mobile phone kits.

John has been involved in several internet and local radio stations previously including being co-founder, along with international country music radio and television personality Lee Williams, of the very successful country music station, CMR Nashville (http://www.cmrnashville.net/) which had a global listening audience of 2 million people in the year ending September 2008. But he says Radio Bracknell will be different.

“We will be at the heart of the local community, despite also being listened to by people around the world. Enabling young people, local DJ’s and music enthusiasts to produce and broadcast their own shows is only the first element of that community involvement.” John said.

Elsewhere, John has worked with schools and youth groups to enable young people to produce programmes so time has been allocated in the Radio Bracknell schedule for such programmes.

“Our website will have comprehensive links to sources of “what’s on” and job vacancies information. It will also support local retailers, venues and outlets by facilitating local businesses offering our listeners special promotions through membership of our RBXclusive listener club.” John added.

Local people who would like to be involved can volunteer to help by maintain and developing the websites (including MySpace, Facebook and Next2Friends presence) or promoting the station in the local area. John said: “Volunteering enables local people to become part of a small team supporting a local project whilst having fun at the same time as gaining new skills”.

The choice of music is very wide, from pop and dance through to jazz and country. Some shows are being syndicated from the United States with some stations there taking Radio Bracknell programmes on a reciprocal basis.

“Some people ask why I am proceeding with the launch in the current economic downturn here in the UK. Having weathered the economic storms over many years in business, I know these things are cyclical. Like all businesses, radio stations take several years to gain credibility so launching now means that we will be established by the time the UK economy shakes off the recession. Besides, we all need cheering up and Radio Bracknell will be fun, interesting and useful so perhaps the timing is perfect.” John says.

The Radio Bracknell website, where further information can be obtained, is at http://www.radiobracknell.com/ and John can be contacted at john@radiobracknell.com.

Basingstoke security fencing contractor extends product offerings

2008-11-22T18:23:00.001Z

PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
Basingstoke, UK
November 20th 2008

Basingstoke security fencing contractor extends product offerings

Hampshire’s Asset Fencing, specialist security and perimeter fencing contractors operating nationwide, have extended their portfolio of products by the addition of automated gates, bollards and barriers from leading European manufacturer BFT.

BFT Automation (UK) Limited are the UK subsidiary of BFT S.P.A., an Italian manufacturer of access automation technology who specialise in gate and door automation for the home and commercial markets as well as providing a range of technology solutions for car parking systems.

Stuart Davies, Operations Manager of Basingstoke-based Asset Fencing said “We are constantly seeking to widen the range of choice offered to a commercial and domestic customers and the addition of the quality BFT range does that. They offer cost-effective solutions to our customers’ needs who will receive the same high level of service whether they are buying a budget kit to automate a gate or a fully functioning parking revenue system.”

For swing gates, Asset Fencing offer a selection of swing gate equipment classified under the headings: ‘Electro-Mechanical’ and ‘Electro-Hydraulic’.

Electro-Mechanical equipment is generally designed for the domestic user and has a duty cycle which suits family residences and entrances that are not busy throughout the day.

Electro-hydraulic equipment is generally designed for a higher duty cycle and is suitable for busy entrances and prestige gates. Our hydraulic gate equipment is fully serviceable and, if properly maintained, will give many years of reliable service.

As an alternative to swing gates, sliding gates offer a number of advantages over swing gates and are generally the more popular choice in mainland Europe. Why ..?

A sliding gate does not need the space that a swing gate requires to open. This leaves the full length of the driveway usable for parking vehicles (useful where space is restricted.). A closed sliding gate offers better resistance to being forced than a pair of swing gates and therefore higher security. Additionally, sliding gates will work across an upward sloping driveway where a pair of swing gates would not open inward.

"Other products from the BFT range include rising bollards and car park barriers” added Stuart. “These extend our current offering of wooden and steel fencing, window grilles, CCTV installation, monitoring and maintenance, crash barriers, car park and building access control solutions, anti-ram raid barriers, security lighting and window hoardings as well as temporary event security fencing.”

Asset Fencing offer free site surveys and further details which can be found on the Asset Fencing website (http://www.assetfencing.com) or by calling 01256 329742.

Asset Fencing is a subsidiary of Facilities Resource Limited (http://www.facilities resource.com) which manage outsourced facilities and security management for blue chip and smaller companies in the UK.

USA TODAY leads rave reviews of "Love Won Out"

2008-10-30T07:30:00.000Z

USA TODAY LEADS RAVE REVIEWS OF "LOVE WON OUT"

Tokyo Rosenthal's new CD, "Love Won Out", received the latest in a series of rave reviews today from USA TODAY.

The review, written by acclaimed BNN music reviewer Simon Barrett, was published on USA TODAYS web site and joined many other positive reviews in the short time that the CD has been released.

Rosenthal, fresh off a tour of The Netherlands, was ecstatic over Barrett's comments. "It's not often that a reviewer takes the time to analyze a CD the way Simon did", said Rosenthal. "And I'm glad that after listening so closely he liked what he heard. So far, while it's only been several weeks, the experts seem to like what I've done and for me that's the 'acid test'. I thank them all for their time and consideration."

To read Simon Barrett's review go to http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Places,+Geography/Towns,+Cities,+Counties/Tokyo/016l1ZTaYh5Jq/1.

Additional reviews are available on Toke's web site(http://www.tokyorosenthal.com/)

To purchase or sample Tokyo Rosenthal's new CD "Love Won Out" go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/tokyorosenthal3.

For further information on Tokyo Rosenthal or where to catch a live performance visit http://www.tokyorosenthal.com/

Maximising the impact of your marketing in the credit crunch

2008-10-28T09:15:00.000Z

Ten Ideas for Marketing in a Recession
by John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press and Public Relations

Even the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is now using the “R” word. Yes, Recession is here! I fully believe that, because of it, just about every business and organisation out there is having to cut back on expenditure in some areas of activity, become more efficient, and more effective with their spend.

It’s nothing new, we are always being asked to do that, but this time it’s serious. It hasn’t been this serious since the 2001 Dot Com bust.

I was with a client earlier this week and we were brainstorming a marketing strategy for this recession and I was asked for my top ten ideas for marketing through these stormy seas. I thought I would share them with you.

1. Existing customers are key: In times of economic uncertainty, when budgets are getting cut back, people buy from who they know. This means you’ve got to engage with the customer base more frequently and deeply than ever before. Look at your communications strategy for customers remembering that it is far more expensive to attract new customers than it is to retain existing ones.

2. Supplier relationships. You will have already looked with your suppliers at ways of cutting costs and/or improving service. You will have already reviewed your purchasing policies and procedures to ensure maximum value. Now look for opportunities to work with them on joint promotions, joint marketing and advertising including newspaper and radio advertorials, links to and from their website or other ways in which you can help each other. These other ways might include attending trade fairs together or setting up regional/local seminars, workshops or exhibitions. Now is the time to be creative whilst limiting exposure to costs!

3. Joint ventures. Try and look for new working relationships. I was talking to a manufacturer who was seeking marketing advice. I talked myself out of the job because the solution was actually to go out and license the product to an existing High Street retailer who has the outlets and sales volume. I was lucky enough to develop a working relationship with a management consultancy and they introduce clients to me, and vice versa. No cost to either of us!

4. Measure Everything: Know what works, and what doesn’t, and stop what doesn’t. We do this in normal times but the pressure is now on to do it as effectively as we possibly can. I was working with my client Sunset Lingerie http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ and during the last few months we found that 36,000 hits were from people in the US. Result? We established a US mirror image site with US graphics, US sizes and priced in dollars. A low cost attempt to capitalise on the reality of who is using their website meant that they have an additional income stream.

5. Invest in Communications: Communications becomes a high ROI tactic in tough times. Use it! Make sure your PR firm is using all the social media tools at your disposal to get your message out. If you don’t have a PR firm then start a FaceBook page, start a blog, brand a You Tube channel, create a corporate page on Next2Friends http://www.next2friends.com/ and develop some viral content. Its low cost and it works. Use your PR firm to also push out some articles across the web to help raise your profile and make it easier for people to find you. And, do not forget to get out there! Be seen at trade fairs, have a stand at the local xmas fayre, donate a prize to the childrens ward xmas party, whatever is appropriate. It needn’t costs much money at all. Look at the Chicago Rock Cafe promotional car in the photograph above, this cost nothing! Yet, the profile of the venue was raised significantly over the twelve months of the sponsorship deal from the local Chrylser dealership!

6. Data is king. Review both your data and the way it is collected and maintained. Ensure that the collection system is comprehensive and that it is kept up to date. Unless you are a government agency or department, where it is normal to lose confidential data on a train or left in a highly visible briefcase on the back seat of our car ready to be easily stolen by the first thief walking past, you must ensure that we comply with the strict requirements of the Data Protection legislation. Do not abuse that data. If you need more data, for direct mail shots or telesales campaign, buy some in. It is not that expensive and is an invaluable tool.

7. Your website. Increasingly, customers are using websites to find suppliers and find the best deals. Look at your website with fresh eyes, does it work, does it say what you want it to say, do you need special offers at this time, are your Unique Selling Points prominent? Also review with your webmaster is the Search Engine Optimisation is working its best. Check if you have plenty of links to and from your site. Look at opportunities to generate new income from affiliate scheme or advertising. I sold some adverts on some of my websites for $30 a year, not big bucks but that is money I didn’t have before and it took me five minutes to drop them into my sites. In addition, I now have another new business contact that I might be able to develop a new working relationship with.

8. Internal communication. When senior managers are under pressure, it is too easy to stop listening to colleague or communicating back to them. Make sure that your internal communications, even if just using simple email systems, are working. In particular, make sure you are listening to customer facing staff so that you are hearing the feedback they are getting from your customers.

9. Have a Strategy. Strategy is about sacrifice and if everything is a priority then nothing is a priority. Make it a living, breathing, document that you share widely with colleagues even if some commercially sensitive areas are withheld. Let the staff feel part of this process. Revisit it regularly and update it in the light of practical experience.

10. Business networking. I hate business networking events, even the better ones from Business Link, as I have never met anyone either sensible or someone I really would like to business with. They wasted my time. The best forum for meeting like minded business people that I have found is online at We Can Do Biz http://www.wecando.biz/ and membership is free. I guess what I like about it most is that the business people on there are friendly, helpful and business community minded!

And remember to create your own networks. The photo above was taken at a Recruitment Fair for Chicago Rock Cafe in Yeovil. I simply went round the town inviting retailers and other employers to have a free stand at a recruitment open day. The local newspaper sponsored it and gave us plenty of free advertising as a result. The exhibitors put out flyers in their stores or factories so Chicago Rock received plenty of positive PR. I made new business contacts. Chicago Rock also won some Christmas party bookings from the exhibitors. Cost? Nothing!!!

I’m sure there are lots of ideas about marketing in a recession. Please share a few with me as I surely could use all the help I can get, and let’s share it with others!

But, more importantly, have the faith to remember that these things are cyclical. Those of us with grey hairs have seen this before and prudent financial and business planning now will put us in good stead to be there at the end ready for the upturn.

You can read John’s blog on marketing for small businesses at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com or visit his website at www.headlinepromotions.co.uk

An outstanding example of a community based PR, helping our friends the honey bees

2008-10-22T10:31:00.000Z

By John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press and Public Relations

I admire a brilliantly produced and executed public relations campaign, especially when it has social worth. Let me tell you about one of the best examples I have come across, from across the pond in the US.

We know of the plight of the modest honey bees that are responsible for pollinating more than 100 different crops, $15 billion worth annually over in the U.S., and they play a critical role in the agricultural industry’s ability to provide food products to the rest of the world.

But, honey bees are dying at an alarming rate. Over the last several winters, a substantial percentage of the honey bee population in the United States and Europe has vanished, many under mysterious circumstances.

This is a new phenomenon. I remember back in the early 1960s going with my father to visit his hives in the rural English countryside and the bee population was thriving. Honey was abundant and we spent many happy hours spinning the handle on some sort of antiquated contraption to extract the honey from the comb. And, oh, was that taste wonderful.

For Häagen-Dazs ice cream, the reality of this threat has spurred the superpremium ice cream maker to launch a national campaign in the US to protect these tiny unsung heroes. Everything from poor nutrition to invasive mites to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) – a phenomenon where bees from a colony abruptly desert the hive and die – is affecting the bees.

This disappearance has scientists stumped and has the potential to affect many of our favourite nuts, fruits and berries – key ingredients in some of the most popular Häagen-Dazs flavours. In fact, more than 40 percent of Häagen-Dazs all-natural ice cream flavours include ingredients dependent on honey bees for pollination.

To discover and prevent what’s killing our honey bees, the US Häagen-Dazs brand is launching the Häagen-Dazs loves Honey Bees™ campaign to fund sustainable pollination and CCD research at Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Davis.

“Häagen-Dazs ice cream is made from the finest all-natural ingredients, and the plight of the honey bee could mean many of the ingredients used in our top flavours, like Vanilla Swiss Almond and Strawberry, would be difficult to source,” said Häagen-Dazs brand manager Josh Gellert.

Putting all its marketing might behind the issue, the Häagen-Dazs brand has launched an amazing website, supported by print, television and online advertising, dedicated to educating Americans about the problem and seeking their help to spread the word and join the campaign. The effort includes information in retail stores and Häagen-Dazs® Shops and a full public relations campaign.

To further spotlight the issue, the Häagen-Dazs brand launched a new honey bee-dedicated flavour – Vanilla Honey Bee which I must go and try just to check if I can recapture that flavour I remember from my childhood. The brand is also tagging all of its honey bee-dependent flavors – from Häagen-Dazs Wild Berry frozen yogurt to Caramelized Pear and Toasted Pecan ice cream - with a HD loves HB™ icon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the new flavour and all HD loves HB tagged flavours will be used to fund the $250,000 donation to UC Davis and Penn State.

Häagen-Dazs has recruited prominent university researchers and beekeepers to serve on a Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bee Board to provide insight and consultation on the complex honey bee situation.

“Honey bee health and sustainable pollination is a major issue facing American agriculture that is threatening our food supply and endangering our natural environment,” said Diana Cox-Foster, Ph.D., leading CCD researcher at Penn State and Häagen-Dazs Bee Board member. “Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream’s generous donation to Penn State’s research programmewill provide immediate funds for research, outreach and student training to help find a CCD solution and preserve our natural food supply.”

“The Häagen-Dazs brand and UC Davis have a shared goal of preserving our local natural ingredients in a sustainable future and their donation to the UC Davis Laidlaw facility will help us reach our goals through advances in research and community awareness programs,” said Michael Parrella, Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bee Board member and associate dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis.

There are several ways consumers can help save our pollinator allies upon whom we depend:

Create a bee-friendly garden with plants that attract honey bees.
Support the Häagen-Dazs loves Honey Bees program – a portion of the proceeds of the sale of all bee-dependent flavours will go toward helping the honey bees.
Educate neighbours, schools and community groups about the severe situation the honey bees and our food supply are facing which is why I am penning this article.
Buy local honey, never a hardship!

You can see how the Häagen-Dazs brand is helping honey bees by visiting http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/. and be impressed how marketing and public relations, community relations, business interest and consumer awareness can be sometimes neatly combined for the common good.

In my view, this is one of the best PR campaigns I have ever seen. Gosh, I wish I had thought of it!

Author details – John Hicks is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR established in 1996 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to provide PR, promotions, event management, marketing and web design support for small business in the UK.

John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, brings together many years of experience across a wide range of business sectors in the UK and Far East. John and his small team's particular speciality is in the manufacturing, retail, internet radio, security, professional services, hospitality, leisure & entertainment sectors but are well-versed across many sectors.

John writes for a number of journals worldwide including the Californian Chronicle, Los Angeles Chronicle, the EzineArticles article resource website and the UK’s Daily Telegraph Newspaper blogsite. He is also an occasional consultant to City financial institutions, advising on the leisure and entertainment sector in the UK.

John is a complementary partner of Ambiance Consulting - one of the UK's leading change management consultancy practices.

During his career, John has operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously having been a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer. He has also worked in newspapers, local radio, the education sector and a substantial manufacturing sector advisory body in the UK.

Valuing social networking sites in terms of my valuable time

2008-10-18T12:42:00.001Z

Popular social networking sites, including the giants of these, MySpace and Facebook, have undoubtedly changed the human fabric of the Internet.

Largely the domain of a predominantly youthful user base, they are also well supported by older users. There is also a firm base of professionals using it for business purposes also - from advertising to networking.

You will know the names: LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, Next2Friends, FastPitch, Ecademy, Photobucket as well as the plethora of blogging and photo sharing sites.

Time is precious to everyone, none more so than to a small business owner like me. Over the past few years I have joined many, often following an invitation by a friend, colleague or business acquaintance.

The trouble is that I now find that I do not have the time to use them to full advantage and my inbox is inundated every day, especially as those creative geniuses at Facebook devise ever increasingly obscure ways to persuade members to spend time not only theirs but, by spreading the web, encouraging me to spend my time too.

This week alone, I received two more invitations to join new social networking sites! So, I have decided to cull my memberships of these sites. It was an interesting exercise so I would like to share this experience with you.

My interests divide into four key areas: business (networking and blogging), personal and music (live music being my passion).

Music was easy. Of all the memberships I have, MySpace is the most dynamic and user-friendly. I have maintained old relationships and made lots of new ones through MySpace and, especially as I rarely get e-mails from them, I am keeping my page (www.myspace.com/headlinepromotions).

Business more difficult to weed out. Of all the networking sites I belong to for networking, only one has actually generated any business contacts - either suppliers or customers. That is WeCanDoBiz (http://www.wecando.biz/). I do like this site and it has proved successful business-wise. It was very simple to register and is free.

Blogging was not an issue. Blogger dotcom (hhtp://www.blogger.com) is no useful and so easy to understand that I would not for one moment consider changing. Some of my blogs are well read (such as my Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations blog site: www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com) so that speaks for itself. Others are actually the website content for my domains (e.g. my world record attempt resource http://www.worldrecordattempt.co.uk/) so are effectively free hosting sites and, because of their ease of use, avoid the employment of webmasters to maintain them!

For personal contacts, because of the sheer number of contacts I have on there, I have to remain with Facebook, annoying though that is. It is peoples’ obsession with inviting me to play bingo, or poker or hangman that cheeses me off. Just recently, spammers have got in there and I now receive misspelled invitations to see myself on friends videos; clicking on the link reveals that it is spam with viruses so I hope that Facebook take urgent action to stop this. I am aware that I can reduce the volume of daily e-mails by changing some of my notification options and I am going to do this very shortly to ease the burden on my inbox!

I did actually look at Facebook for advertising but the sheer volume of targets and the time it took to try and work out what and how to maximise the impact of any campaign outweighed any advantage over my existing and effective PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns on Google.

Somewhere in between business and pleasure is a relatively new social networking platform called Next2Friends. I have not yet fully grasped the full potential of this site either for business or pleasure but I am sure it is huge.

I have created a corporate page for Headline Promotions, Press & PR and am working my way through the site to try and grasp how I can use it best. But the ability to video events (whether business or personal) and share them in real time or as video for later access by people I choose to allow, is enormous.

Take, for example, Sunset Lingerie (http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/) for whom I am organising a fashion show. I could video that on my mobile phone and it will appear in real time on Next2Friends and be retained for people to see later. I could, in fact, have it showing live on their website or mine. Similarly, if one of my world record attempts is taking place, then I can show that live or recorded. This is something I definitely wish to explore further.

So, will it save time? I think it will. This means I can focus my attention on the sites I have chosen to continue to support to my advantage and theirs!

Personal memories contain marketing lesson

2008-10-18T09:18:00.001Z

I received a letter this morning from Premier Travel Inn at Yeovil. It thanked me for leaving a feedback form and expressing their thanks for making positive comments about the Travel Inn and the Airfield Tavern pub next door.

The feedback I gave was very positive. The standards in both the hotel and the Airfield Tavern were superb and the staff in the pub and hotel were very hospitable. The food, from their extensive Table Table menu, was excellent both in terms of quality and price.

All this made the weekend very enjoyable. Yeovil holds such fond memories for me even though I haven’t been back there for years.

Working with some fantastic people - from the wonderful Dudley and Aileen Miller at The Foresters’ Arms in East Coker in my younger days through to that larger than life character, Adrian Hopper (now Marketing supremo at Yeovil Town Football Club and whose hospitality, when I popped in, was up to his usual standards) who rather foolishly encouraged me to be the editor of the business and the leisure & entertainment sections of his Clarion Newspaper.

It was in this beautiful country market town in rural Somerset that I first got the buzz from marketing and public relations, that buzz still giving my life a sparkle even today.
Yeovil has given me some amazing memories. Let me reminisce for a few moments.

I was so lucky to work with the legendary Bruce Welch of The Shadows. Bruce had just come back from Cliff Richards’ birthday cruise with some wonderful tales of that trip and “the good old days” when he and Hank Marvin established the band. We put together a charity Shadows reunion show at the Westland’s Sports and Social Club, a magnificent live music venue, well worth visiting if you are down that way. The sponsors were Vale Motors of Wincanton, the local Subaru and Hyundai dealer. It was a magnificent show and Bruce was brilliant to work with.

Another of my memories was holding a motor show for, coincidentally, Vale Motors in the aforesaid Westland’s Sports and Social Club. It was a terrific event and Bryan, the Dealer Principal, pulled off real coup when he persuaded Hyundai to let us launch the new Hyundai Sonata at the event. It was well supported and the bottom line was that cars were sold as a result! I would mark it as an eight out of ten. It would have been a ten out of ten if two little mistakes had been avoided.

Firstly, the Mayor of Basingstoke - a wonderful man called Councillor John Cruddas, well loved by the townsfolk - unveiled the new Hyudai Sonata. Bryan’s guests included the government Trade & Industry Minister and a senior executive from Hyundai. It was unfortunate, therefore, that the Mayor announced that he was unveiling the new HONDA Sonata. An “oops moment“!
The second “oops moment” came when the fanfare sounded. Imagine the scene. The lights in the main hall were dimmed and the spotlight fell on the car on the stage which was shrouded in a cover. The whole room went hushed and then the big fanfare sounded - it was the Space Odyssey theme tune - one of those nerve tingling moments.

Sadly, the track was from a cheap CD I had picked up in Woolworths for a few pennies. It sounded fine on the car CD player. Imagine my horror when it went out at ten thousand watts through the house PA system as the most awful crackly and unmelodic offering ever heard. The strobe lights flashed all round the building as the wires lifted off the cover to unveil this magnificent car. But the sound was awful and, still reeling from the Mayor’s mis-branding, I was just wanted to go in a corner and fade away. Luckily, the client saw the funny side of it and no harm was done!

Of course, my introduction to the nightclub and leisure scene, which stood me in good stead for the rest of my career, was leaving The Clarion to join Chicago Rock Café Yeovil as its Marketing Manager. General Manager Lynn Bowler and Area Manager Abbie Bassir gave me the freedom to try all sorts of initiatives and develop new skills. They made marketing and PR fun - but they were results orientated and I have never forgotten the lesson that there has to be a “bottom line” outcome of all the activity we undertake.

But, boy, did we have some fun. We had some great parties at Chicago Rock. An Elvis Night with sixteen Elvis impersonators all on stage at the same time making me cry with laughter, terrible local bands in a “battle of the bands” contest emptying the building making me cry in despair, Yeovil Carnival childrens’ parties, YDRfm local radio parties - they are all fond memories.

Two events there stick out in my mind though. Firstly, was the world record attempt by DJ Danny D. playing the longest live DJ set in a nightclub using only vinyl records. The photo above shows Danny and I, covered in champagne, after he reached 120 hours non-stop playing. DJ Tony Temple of YDRfm and I stayed up all week with Danny (I couldn’t do that now!).

We gained some good media coverage and Alex of AFH Web Design broadcast the whole 120 hours live on the internet (apart from the inevitable little hiccups when service went down for short breaks) and attracted 11,000 listeners from across the globe. In those early days of the Internet that was a staggering number!

Secondly, YDRfm launched a promotion night at the club. The theme was “cops and robbers” and customers were invited to come in fancy dress for free admission. I was there with my camera waiting for the radio station presenters to arrive dressed as cops so I went outside at the agreed time only to find policemen and pretend drunken revellers struggling on the pavement. The police were outnumbered so they were handcuffing people to the railings outside the club. I was busy snapping away taking photographs, dashing between all the actors, thinking how realistic they all were and impressed that Tony T had laid on such an elaborate show for the onlookers.

Imagine my horror when Tony and his colleague Rob Denslow appeared around the corner wearing silly plastic imitation police helmets and carrying water pistols. They were dumbstruck at what was going on and I suddenly realised that this was no publicity stunt. It was the real thing! And at that moment, a riot van arrived and out piled a team of officers followed by a K-9 unit.

Drunken revellers from some event in the town were involved in a real-life fracas with the police. Another “oops moment”! I really wish we had then the technology we have today - wouldn’t it have been awesome to have video’d all that on my mobile phone and posted it on Next2Friends like I could do today!

There is a third of my two memories. I persuaded J2O to sponsor the launch of a Christmas anti-drink drive campaign at the club. I also persuaded the actor from The Vicar of Dibley of (“No, no, no, yes” fame) to endorse it. The PR and marketing success came when the regional bus company kindly agreed to take the poster and put it in every bus! The impact was huge! TV coverage was wonderful because they managed to get the Mayor of Yeovil to be filmed being breathalysed outside the club by traffic cops! What a wonderful image that was!

Well, the real point of this article was to congratulate Premier Travel Inn on taking the trouble to write to me. It was a good marketing ploy as I was delighted to receive it. If they were my client, which sadly Whitbread plc are not, I would have recommended enclosing a voucher for a discount on my next visit. I would have certainly used it!

I guess that had my response to the feedback form been negative then I would have received a different (apologetic?) letter. Either way, the lesson for marketers and PR people is, firstly get that all important data, and, secondly, never to waste a good opportunity to communicate a positive message to existing customers.

Crisis management: handling bad publicity in the credit crunch

2008-10-10T09:24:00.000Z

Barclays Bank spending half a million pounds on a three day jolly for well-heeled clients would not attract media during normal times, but these are not normal times, we are in the throes or a recession caused by, and exacerbated by, banks.

So, Barclays taking 320 executives and customers to Italy for a lavish banquet on the shores of Lake Como, with an evening of music from Milan’s world famous Scala Opera, may be viewed as a PR gaffe particularly as, days earlier, the media had slammed the bankers for taking executives on a lavish trip to Monte Carlo.

The story featured heavily on TV and radio news, egged on by full page coverage in The Sun newspaper under the heading “Credit Crunch Hasn’t Hit Fatcats”.

So, if you were handling the PR for Barclays, how would you respond?

Well, The Sun quotes a Barclays spokeswoman as claiming Sun readers would not be interested in the trip. She is quoted as saying: “This is an event for bankers and clients. It’s not a story for your readers.”

That isn’t an opening line I would have recommended. However, perhaps it gets better.

She is then quoted as saying: “You can’t stop doing business just because of the credit crunch. This is not a jolly going to dinner, it’s an educational seminar. It’s more important than ever to keep this kind of thing going in the credit crunch.”

Personally, I think she almost got it right. Emphasising that any company must do their utmost to keep their business together in this tough economic climate is the right thing to do. Stressing that it is an “educational seminar” is, quite frankly, fruitless.

I guess that, invitations having gone out, Barclays could not have cancelled but I suspect the executives in charge, caught up in the excitement of packing their best bib and tucker, did not give cancellation a moment’s thought.

Equally, they would not have thought about the PR downside of this trip. That should have been the starting point but, as the event has gone ahead, what would be the best way to handle the negative PR?

Barclays’’ spokeswoman was correct in saying that there is a sector of the market which is still capable of generating business for the bank. The target customers are used to being treated in a special way and, if they do not work in this way, it opens the door for their competitors to step in. I would have added, if it were true, that these events are being scaled down and that more opportunities to use UK facilities are being explored.

The media and the public might not like this but they would accept the reality.

In truth, in a matter of weeks this will be “old news” and forgotten - until some over-enthusiastic bank official heavy-handedly seeks to evict a family from their home for being late with repayments, or they hike up bank charges still further!

Prince Andrew’s helicopter goes on display

2008-10-07T14:50:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE
Prince Andrew’s helicopter goes on display

During the 1982 Falklands conflict, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, flew a Westland Sea King helicopter which will take pride of place in a special exhibition next year.

The Prince’s Sea King, XZ574, was built by Westland Helicopters of Yeovil in the UK and first entered service with the Royal Navy on 6th October 1976. The aircraft was finally retired from service on 7th October 2004 having flown 9,168 hours and then held in reserve until it was decided that it could no longer be returned to active service.

AgustaWestland, the successor company to Westland Helicopters Limited, have fully supported a restoration project by completing a re-spray of the aircraft, restoring it to its original 1982 colour scheme.

It is planned to display the aircraft within the Fleet Air Arm Museum, at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, next year when this icon of Naval Aviation History will add to the Museum’s new exhibition celebrating one hundred years of naval aviation.

However, there is an opportunity to have a sneak preview as the internationally-acclaimed Museum will open the doors of its extensive reserve collection at Cobham Hall, opposite the main site, from 10.00am - 4.00pm on Thursday Oct 23rd. Entry price is just £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children

The reserve collection includes over thirty historic aircraft, including one of the largest collections of Westland Helicopters in the world so there is plenty to see, especially the Prince’s Sea King for those impatient ones of us who cannot wait until next year!

Ends

Note to Editors

The UK’s Fleet Air Arm Museum is located at Ilchester, Somerset adjoining the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

It’s mission is “To collect, preserve, interpret and make accessible, material relevant to all aspects of the history of naval aviation and the operations of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft they have flown, the people who have served with them, and the ships and stations where they served, in the context of the development of aviation at large."

For more information about the Museum and this event please contact
Jon Jefferies, Head of Marketing
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Tel: +44 1935 842638 (International)
or 01935 842638 (UK)
http://www.fleetairarm.com/

Photo of the helicopter available – please e-mail John Hicks (below) for jpeg

Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Telephone: +44 1256 329742
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Lingerie fashion trends dictated by changing breast sizes

2008-10-07T08:30:00.000Z

Fashions and trends in lingerie retailing are not just about changing tastes and style. Here in the UK, womens’ breasts have jumped a cup size in just five years requiring lingerie retailers and underwear wholesalers to reflect on their product ranges.

In these times of boom and bust, there really is only one statistic that looks certain to keep on growing. As new figures revealed this week show, British women are now boasting bigger breasts than ever.

In the past five years alone, the average bra size in the UK has increased by an entire cup size, following a global trend for increasingly ample cleavage.

The average bra size in Fifties Britain was a modest 30B. But factors such as better diet, cleverer cup measuring and even, it has been claimed by some, the increase in female hormone oestrogen in our water supplies, have all contributed to a massive increase in the size of British women’s busts.

A mere five years ago the average woman sported a bra size of 34C. But now she’s had to increase the size of her underwear to a 36D.

Of course, it isn’t just around the chest that women are expanding – they are also slightly taller today at an average of 5ft 4in and even weigh more, too, at an average of 9st 6lb.

Modern women also have larger waists, now 34 inches, and bigger hips, measuring 40 inches. It’s a trend being echoed throughout the world, too, as shown by our statistics of the average woman aged between 20 and 40.

But in this global economy of ours, are the British ladies alone?

In China in the Eighties, the average bra size was 34A but in the past two decades this has increased by two cup sizes to 34C, just like actress Bai Ling. Canadian women too have proved that breasts are getting bigger, moving up from an average B cup to a C cup.

But busts are not heaving voluptuously throughout the world. Actress Milla Jovovich is a typical svelte Russian and her waif-like figure reflects the trend among her countrywomen. They are on average 5ft 6in tall and have smaller chests.

At 5ft 7in Milla herself may be taller than most of her female friends at home in Russia but her fashionable washboard chest at 32B is similar to that of the average Russian woman, although considering that Milla works mainly in America she would often be surrounded by women with much more ample bosoms.

American ladies are known for being that little bit rounder thanks to their more calorie-laden diets. Curvaceous Mariah Carey, for example, has an ample 36C bust, as does former Cheers star Kirstie Alley.

UK on-line lingerie retailer Sunset Lingerie’s spokesperson, John Hicks, says that the larger cup sizes it sells, in sizes from D and above, now represent 40 per cent of sales and that, increasingly, hits to its website http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ are for their “plus size” ranges.

But John says that women often go up several cup sizes when they are properly fitted for a brassiere. UK television shows such as BBC1’s “What Not To Wear” and ITV’s “How To Look Good Naked” are encouraging customers to ensure they have correctly sized bras.

“So, Sunset Lingerie’s Plus Size model, Laura Leigh West, whose 36D chest will feature in a new range to be launched in 2009 will be “normal” whereas she would have been exceptional just a few years ago.” John added.

Article first published in October 2008 by on-line publisher SearchWarp.

Photo courtesy of Sunset Lingerie http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/

Back-to-School Retailers Target Young Consumers Online

2008-08-27T18:50:00.001Z

Article Summary:
In a tough economy, more retailers are turning to social media as an attempt to reach their target audience. With a shaky economy expected to impact the amount of money consumers spend on back-to-school shopping, retailers are using social media to capture the attention of younger consumers, drive brand recognition, and develop market awareness. But one UK social networking company has, according to John Hicks of Headline Promotions Press & Public Relations, come up with a novel idea to capture our imagination as parents.

At this time of year, clients in the consumer market often ask about how they take advantage of the return to school trade. I am particularly interested in the use of social networking sites to help them do this.

Jupiter Research, a leading authority on the impact of the Internet and emerging consumer technologies on business, has found that an increasing number of retailers are using social media to target teens and young adults during the 2008 back-to-school shopping season.

As a result, social media has emerged as an important marketing platform as many retailers use the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook to carry-out their marketing campaigns.

“The back-to-school season has grown in importance for retailers and leads into the all important fourth quarter sales period,” explained Patti Freeman Evans, Research Director and Online Retail Analyst at JupiterResearch. “With the shaky economy expected to impact the amount of money consumers spend on back-to-school shopping, retailers are using social media to capture the attention of younger consumers.”

Retailers are experimenting with a variety of Web 2.0 technologies to host their back-to-school marketing campaigns, including the use of virtual worlds, social networks, social shopping sites, visual search engines, interactive video content, and widgets.

To promote its two new clothing lines, department store J.C.Penney created an online game called "DorkDodge" in which a girl has to navigate through a number of undesirable boyfriends to find her dream date. The retailer also launched an integrated marketing campaign showing teens how they can “get that look” with an array of clothing brands sold at J.C.Penney stores, featuring the theme of “The Breakfast Club.”

A similar campaign by Sears features actress Vanessa Hudgens, from the TV movie sensation “High School Musical”, playing characters who represent different styles that can be recreated from clothing sold by Sears.

Retailers like Apple also value relationships with universities as college-aged consumers are a key demographic. As part of Apple’s US back-to-school promotion, students and faculty of an accredited university receive a free iPod with the purchase of a computer.

According to David Schatsky, President of JupiterResearch, “Retailers experimenting with Web 2.0 experiences will largely find benefit from them in the form of branding and awareness building rather than direct sales as social media has shown little direct impact on actual online retail sales.”

But for those of us who are also parents as well as marketers, the impending return to school brings the opportunity to capture some images we can share with others and keep for a lifetime. But how?

Do you grab the digital camera? The camcorder? Extra memory cards? Batteries? It’s dizzying the number of choices you have. And then what if you want to share those precious moments with grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends? You’ve got to spend all that time uploading or sending individual pictures and videos. After all is said and done, we’re talking at least a couple hours of time, and probably more.

I have come across a unique offering from a UK company. Next2Friends has a simple solution to all these problems. All you need is a compatible mobile phone. Gone are the days of storing a bunch of photos on a camera. You can snap and upload photos of your beaming child to the web for anyone to see instantly using Next2Friends Snap Up.

And gone are the days of transferring video to your computer for hours. You can stream live video of those first cautious steps onto the school bus directly to the web using your mobile phone, viewable by others in real time, with Next2Friends Live.

And the best part is that you can share those photos and videos so easily by either directing people to your profile or generating a recommendation email with a link. So go ahead, give it a try! All you stand to lose is a few cameras and camcorders!

Next2Friends brings together a range of great mobile services under one banner. Whether it’s live video streaming from mobile to web, finding people with similar interests while out and about, or snapping pictures to share with those who couldn’t make an event, Next2Friends helps people share real life, as it’s happening, and in all its glory. Backed up by a full social networking service online, Next2Friends is the easiest way to get connected to interesting people, places, parties and content around the globe. You can find them at http://www.next2friends.com/

I have started by creating a corporate page on the Next2Friends website: http://www.next2friends.com/users/headline. I haven’t yet fully worked out the full potential of this commercial opportunity to expand further into social networking but I reckon it’s going to be fun anyway!

As they say, “watch this space”.

This article first appeared www.SearchArticles.net - August 2008.

Please click here to view it.

How to become a lingerie model

2008-08-04T22:30:00.001Z

If you are looking for an opportunity to become a model you need to ask yourself a question: “Do I really want to be a model”.

Despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the modeling profession, it's hard work. It's boring (sometimes) and it can be tedious. Prepared to be constantly rejected, get ready for some major ups and downs. Modelling is a lifestyle, not a 9-5 job. Not all jobs pay well. Unless you are seriously committed about modeling, willing to work at it on your own time, live a healthy life style, etc., you will not succeed as a model.

You have to understand that there are lots of other people who want to be models, it's a very competitive business. Are you willing to put the time and energy into competing with pretty much everyone you meet, 24 hrs a day?

But it can be great fun and you can earn some good money. I think one of the great things is that you make many friends.

So where do you start? You'll need a modeling portfolio, I'm sure you'll all know what one of those is but for those that don't it's basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you'll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you're only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Make sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, also get a couple of black and white shots in there. Avoid using pictures of the same shot.

It can be very advantageous to have photographs from different photographers in a portfolio. This will show the versatility in terms of styles and it will prove that a model can work with a variety of different people. Obviously, the cost of hiring different photographers for a portfolio is prohibitive, but there are many excellent photographers out there who will do prints for time - and of course many more bad ones. If you research what's on offer well, it can be an excellent alternative.

Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographer’s portfolio to see if you like his style of photography. No doubt if you go to the photographer’s studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you've never done modelling before this will also be an excellent practice run for you. Avoid photographers wanting to take nude shots and, if possible, take a friend with you to the shoot.

From then on, it’s the long haul round the agencies. It’s a bit like traipsing round the recruitment agencies and signing on to get onto their books. Same information each time but it’s a chore you have to live with to get on. Do not sign exclusive deals, you need to be able to accept work from a variety of agencies.

If you particularly want to model lingerie – and many do because there are opportunities to develop into catalogue and calendar work as well as promotions activity – one UK company is offering a new opportunity.

Sunset Lingerie offer an extensive yet quality affordable range of sexy & exotic lingerie, adult fantasy costumes, designer glamourwear, clubwear, prom outfits, plus size lingerie, babydolls, pvc & fetishwear, sexy shoes & boots, dance wear and bridal underwear or honeymoon lingerie.

They are looking for models to work with Playboy model Candice to represent the brand, appear in the on-line catalogue and to host nightclub lingerie parties. You can see the range at http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ which is pretty extensive.

But if you are not a size 0, do not despair as Sunset Lingerie are looking for attractive ladies over 18 and of all sizes. For those with a UK dress size 16 or more, the company is developing a new specialist shop called Sunset Lingerie Plus. I can exclusively offer you a sneaky preview of the forthcoming site, just visit http://www.freewebs.com/lingerieplus.

That site is hosted by Laura Leigh West (pictured above), herself a plus size model, who will be introducing a wide range of plus size, sexy and exotic lingerie, underwear and adult fantasy or fancy dress costumes. Plans are in hand for Laura to join Candice in having her own label marketed through the site and in retail outlets across Europe.

Well, I hope this has helped you to decide if the hard work is worth it for the rewards, financial and lifestyle. If so, enjoy it and take all the opportunities that come your way!

Keywords:

Lingerie modeling & modelling, plus size lingerie models, plus size lingerie modeling pics,
Plus size lingerie, sexy lingerie, exotic lingerie, adult fantasy & fancy dress costumes, Babydolls, Bikinis, Bras, Bridal Lingerie, Bustiers, Clubwear, Corsets, Dancewear, Fantasy Lingerie, Fine Lingerie, Leather Lingerie, Lingerie Accessories, Nightwear, Plus Size Lingerie, Pvc Lingerie, Stockings, Swimwear, Sexy Underwear, Fancy Dress Costumes, fetishwear, dance wear, pole dancing outfits, seductive plus size underwear, bridal & honeymoon lingerie, Laura Leigh West, Candice

Marketing and promoting shopping malls to generate additional footfall

2008-07-07T19:08:00.001Z

Marketing and promoting shopping malls to generate additional footfall

Here John Hicks shares some ideas from his years at Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations here in the UK:

· Place yourself at the heart of the community and partnered up with all the local schools & colleges by offering a fraction of a percentage of the proceeds of receipts from your shops back to the schools through a rebate programme. Work on some strong marketing materials for the schools to use.Offer new computers to the school that has the most receipts. I did a similar exercise for an IT company and we had huge PR from this and business from the schools.

· Street entertainment such as fire eaters or magicians etc will give people who come out something to remember for ever. Live music or karaoke in the street, can also be successful parts of an overall campaign.

· In school holidays, lay on plenty of children’s entertainment including face painting sessions, story telling and model making.

· In the UK you normally have to pay a fortune to park your car before you go shopping to spend more. At Brent Cross the parking is free and you find people will travel to it. Negotiate with local car parks to get free off-peak parking and cheaper peak time rates – or offer a refund on parking if they spend more than £50 in one day.

· One of the most successful of my projects was for a garden centre complex that encouraged shoppers to save their receipts. For every £100 in mall receipts, they received 1 entry in an annual drawing for a new car. The winner had to be present to win, so that day the centre was unbelievably crowded. We ran the project jointly with a local car dealership who, in turn, received dealer support from the manufacturer.

· Create events:
Health fairs with free screenings, health information, etc.
Craft fairs highlighting local artists
Fashion shows
Cooking demonstrations
Events tied into various holidays or causes
Record launches

· If you can increase the number of woman visiting your mall the men will follow automatically and your footfall will increase dramatically. Have special women oriented events like beauty workshops, events, have a special women's day where they are given 10% off their purchase.

· A good TV celebrity which appeals to a wide age group will be expensive but my experience shows that it has always, and I mean always, paid dividends!

· At Christmas time, help busy employees of local firms by providing personal shopping assistants before work, during lunch breaks and after work.

· Last, but certainly not least, think about establishing your own on-line radio station. UK Internet Radio Developments can create one for you in 24 hours with music programmes 24/7 – visit their website at http://www.ukird.com/

Do you need practical advice on marketing, PR and promotions for shopping centres and malls in the UK? The contact John Hicks at Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/ or by e-mail at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Keywords: how to market shopping centres, how to promote shopping malls, marketing, promotions, public relations, PR, advertising retail, Christmas offers, xmas shopping, shopping for gifts, gifts, marketing, internet advertising, target marketing, press releases, press release distribution, search engine linkings, selling online, malls, promotion, outlet centres, uk pr agency, increasing mall footfall

Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

2008-07-04T22:15:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
July 7th 2008

Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

Europe's newest lingerie on-line retailer has appointed Basingstoke’s PR, marketing and promotions agency, Headline Promotions, Press & PR, to handle the campaign for the recent launch of their new shop at http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ which is expected to attract substantial orders during the summer and autumn wedding season and in the run up to Christmas.

Richard Davies of Luxembourg-based Sunset Lingerie said: "Our PR and marketing agency, Headline Promotions Press & PR, will undertake the website search engine optimisation, media relations and an on-line advertising campaign across Europe. The team came highly recommended and presented a credible campaign strategy."

Headline Promotions Managing Director, John Hicks, said: “We will be working with photographers in the region to build a portfolio of models to help present the products in the on-line shop and at events. Negotiations are progressing with a major glamour model for the design of her own-label range to be retailed exclusively through the website. This is on top of our web marketing and advertising campaign so we have a busy time ahead.”

With the UK economy struggling, is this a good time to launch a new retail outlet? John Hicks said: “In a recession, people will still want quality lingerie for special occasions, including weddings, and to give as presents. We will use the next couple of years to develop the brand name Sunset Lingerie into a household name in time for when the economy recovers.”

Part of the launch campaign includes a celebrity launch party in Windsor in a few weeks when some new inclusions in the range of sexy underwear and lingerie will be unveiled. Demand for invitations is expected to be high!

Further details of the Basingstoke PR agency can be found at http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/

ENDS

Photo: John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Notes to Editors:
Headline Promotions, Press & PR was established in 1996 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to provide PR, promotions, event management, marketing and web design support for small business in the UK by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, bringing together many years of experience across a wide range of business sectors in the UK and Far East.John and his small team's particular speciality is in the manufacturing, retail, internet radio, security, professional services, hospitality, leisure & entertainment sectors but are well-versed across many sectors.

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

Keywords: Sunset Lingerie, sexy nighties, glamour models, on-line retailers, bridal wear, autumn brides, summer brides, Christmas presents, xmas presents, Richard Davies, Headline Promotions, John Hicks, Basingstoke, retailing in a recession,

This press release was issued and distributed by the UK’s
Press Release Writing Service
http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/

More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

2008-07-02T10:12:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE
London, UK
July 2, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

A further 12 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have recently been captured and are waiting in sea pens to be exported to marine parks.

This comes nine months after the controversial exports of 28 wild caught dolphins from the Solomon Islands to Palm Atlantis in Dubai last year, and by further captures of dolphins by local fishermen who wanted to start a “dolphin business”.

As a charity working for the protection and welfare of dolphins worldwide, the Marine Connection has huge concerns for not only the welfare of the captured animals but, also, any further captures and exports as the number of dolphins around the Solomon Islands is unknown and any further taking of animals could have a devastating effect on local populations if the government allows captures to escalate.

Once again, these captures were authorised despite no adequate peer reviewed scientific surveys being undertaken to assess that the removal of the animals from the wild will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in these waters. This is a basic requirement of international legislation as outlined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Under CITES law, no captures should be allowed until a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) has been issued by the exporting country. The Solomon Islands have issued this declaration due to methodological flaws of the study the charity is challenging the effectiveness of this NDF.

Unfortunately the cruel market for wild dolphins is fuelled by the popularity of marine parks and tour operators that promote them. Marine Connection allege that holiday giants Thomson (a branch of tour operator TUI) are promoting excursions to the Palm Atlantis resort in Dubai, the facility that purchased and imported the dolphins from the Solomons last year. Ironically, TUI are also partners of 2007 “Year of the Dolphin” an initiative launched by the United Nations which aims to highlight the many dangers dolphins face in the wild and has been extended into 2008.

The charity has concerns over the inclusion of TUI, as one of the major threats to wild dolphins today is their direct capture and trade to supply marine parks. “Captures are most likely not sustainable and may have significant conservation implications” – these facts were acknowledged by all “Year of the Dolphin” partners and TUI should prove its commitment by pledging to cease sales of this type of excursion.

A spokesperson for the Marine Connection, said: “Tour operators such as Thomson and Virgin who promote and profit from captive dolphin facilities have a huge responsibility today - environmentally, socially and ethically. Excursions to captive dolphin facilities, artificial enclosures which confine these socially complex and predatory animals, are an inherent contradiction to this tremendous responsibility. As long as tour operators promote these facilities and people continue to visit them, wild captures will continue.”

Further information can be found at www.marineconnection.org

ENDS

For media-related inquiries, or images contact:
Janja Novak, Campaigns Development Officer, Marine Connection
Tel 00 44 (0) 20 7602 1574 email: janja@marineconnection.org

Notes for Editors
The Marine Connection is a London-based charity, working both nationally and internationally for the welfare, protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises - from the smallest to the largest species, they all need protecting. One way the charity achieves this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research. The Marine Connection has achieved, or contributed to, many important victories for dolphins and whales. However, whilst an actively campaigning organisation, education and research also play a vital part of the charity’s conservation work. One of the charity's main objectives is to ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their natural habitat.

Press released issued through the UK-based Press Release Writing Service
(http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/)

John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
25 Basingfield Close
Old Basing
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG24 7BGUnited Kingdom
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Fleet Air Arm Museum Veterans' Day "A huge success"

2008-07-01T19:28:00.001Z

PRESS RELEASE
Yeovilton
1st July 2008

Veterans young and old thronged to the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Sunday 29th June 2008 to be awarded their Veterans badges.

The presentation of badges was officiated by Admiral Terry Loughran and David Laws MP supported by veteran CPO Stu Rainsbury, WO1 Julie Halford and 22 year old Marine Chris Turner who has recently returned from serving in Afghanistan .

The presentations took place under Concorde accompanied by Musicians from the Royal Marines Association Concert Band.

Elsewhere throughout the Museum, surrounded by aircraft spanning almost 100 years, exhibitors and Museum staff encouraged visitors to reminisce and record their memories related to bygone days. WW2 memories were brought sharply into focus by AsOne Theatre Productions who performed a programme of nostalgic wartime classics.

Says Museum Director Graham Mottram . “We were delighted to see so many families, often spanning three generations, as grand children watched their grand parents receive their badges. The day was a huge success and much enjoyed by all.”

Helping to receive visitors and answer their queries throughout the day were children from Bucklers Mead School in Yeovil.

ENDS

Caption 1: Veterans badge
Caption 2: David Laws MP presenting Veterans badge to WW2 veteran

ENDS.

Media Enquiries: Jon Jefferies Head of Marketing. 01935 842638

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
25 Basingfield Close
Old Basing
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG24 7BG
England
Tel: +44 7771 575 654
www.headlinepromotions.co.uk
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Distributed through the Press Release Writing Service www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk

Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand

2008-06-25T09:34:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE
26th June 2008
Basingstoke, England

Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand

Nightclubs, late night bars and restaurants, cue sports bars and live music venues are all facing a difficult time as the UK economy falters.

Basingstoke Public Relations consultant, John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/), deals with this particular sector and is confident that effective marketing and promotions will enable them to keep their head above water until times get better.

Back in 1969, John established an on-line resource site for owners, operators and managers in the hospitality and entertainment industry. This offers advice and information about all aspects of the business sector, from marketing through to the use of celebrities for special events.

John’s background is that he has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, internet radio broadcasting, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and a promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.

Now, John has re-launched the Nightclub Marketing website with a new-look design, in the format of a book with chapters on specific topics including new developments such as “running your own radio station”.

The re-launch coincides with the introduction of his new Mentoring Scheme.

The mentoring programme, allows for a venue management team to have in-depth support from John for a week. During that time, they will work together to devise a SWOT and competitor analysis, a marketing and PR programme, training needs analysis and a customer relations strategy.

After the week, John will remain available for telephone support for a period year for the management team. This transfer of knowledge will enable the team to manage their own destiny and help prepare newer staff for future management roles.

Of course, effective marketing and promotions will not ensure business success on their own. They have to accompany high standards of customer care and service. The new website and John’s unique mentoring service will give them the edge however.

Further details can be found on John’s re-launched website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/

ENDS

Further information can be obtained from:
John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
Basingstoke, England
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
Mobile: 07771 575 654

You can read John’s occasional blog at: http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

John has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, local radio broadcasting, manufacturing and entertainment sectors. He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.
John also writes for several UK and US newspapers and blog sites as well as having contributed to a number of published works. He has also acted as an occasional advisor to City funds and investment banks with interests in the UK leisure sector.
His principal business is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR but he is also heavily involved in internet radio, a performer management agency and leisure property development. Not much time then for his passion for live music!

Keywords: nightclub marketing, late night bars promotion, John Hicks, advertising restaurants, promoting cue sports clubs and live music venues, internet radio stations, mentoring for nightclub managers, Headline Promotions

This press release has been distributed by the Press Release Writing Service

Top ten tips on how to create free publicity for company anniversaries

2008-06-11T14:56:00.003Z

A client asked me for small business public relations advice for his retail store in relation to their 10th anniversary of trading. I thought that I could usefully share my thoughts with you.

Whatever the nature of your organisation, company, small business or retail store the fact that it is celebrating its 5th, 10th or 20th anniversary it is important to you so, naturally, you want the world to know. But if all you do is call the reporter at your local newspaper and announce the anniversary, don’t be surprised if the reporter says, “Who cares?” You need a clever hook to get free publicity if you're celebrating an anniversary.

Here are several ideas to get you started:

1 Sponsor a contest in honour of your anniversary. A men’s clothing store can have an Ugly Tie Contest, put the entries on display and ask customers to vote for the ugliest tie. Create your own day, week and month of the year.

2 Call the local radio station and donate prizes for their presenter to give away. Tell them they can have the prizes to give away however they wish, as long as they mention your store and your anniversary.

3 Take a poll or survey and announce the findings on your anniversary date. A bookstore, for example, can poll readers on the one book they would most like to have with them if they were stranded on an island.

4 Sponsor a free class at your store. A gourmet food store can invite patrons to a free class on cooking with wine. You might even invite a local celebrity chef to be the teacher. Be sure to hand out free samples of the food.

5 Ask customers to explain in 50 words or less the most unusual or outrageous way they have used one of your products or services. The winner gets a cool prize.

6 Team up with a local school or charity such at the homeless shelter, and donate products or services they can use. Ask them if they will work with the media to try to get free publicity for the donation.

7 Try and tie-in any anniversary announcement with news of a successful bid for new work, or get a testimonial from a long-standing customer (especially if that customer was with the business right from the early days!).

8 Ask your local newspaper if they will feature a competition for which you will supply the prize. If you are a club or bar, call a party! That is what you are good at so invite your regulars and get a supplier to sponsor some product to give away. It always worked for me!

9 One of my favourite stunts was to celebrate the anniversary of a restaurant. Chef baked an enormous cake and iced it in the shape of the company logo. We then took large chunks round to the local elderly persons' homes - the press loved it and we received great newspaper and local radio coverage

10 Invite a celebrity in to sign a few autographs. It costs a little but is worth every penny! There are loads of agencies you can contact or I can always put you in touch with one (see my e-mail address below).

In terms of free space in the local newspaper, you could always consider a special feature where your suppliers are all contacted and asked to support an advertising feature. The newspaper then provides you with editorial coverage and a photo. I am sure you have seen the sort of thing I have in mind. Newspapers call these “advertorials” and, basically, the suppliers pay the costs. A good photo and a good supporting photograph can make these very readable and interesting. Poor copy and a poor photo will consign your advertorial to the dustbin of history so consider spending a few pounds with your local PR consultant to make sure this is a success.

One final pointer is to remember to plan well ahead. You need to talk to suppliers well in advance, especially if they want to be involved in launching one of their new products in association with your event. Also, you need the time to make sure your advertising and marketing budget allows for special initiatives and special offers to tie-in with your anniversary.

I hope this is helpful. You are welcome to send me further ideas and, maybe, copies of your media coverage for your latest anniversary. My e-mail address is john@headlinepromotions.co.uk and you can read my blog at http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

This article was first published on the Amazines dotcom article database - June 2008

Aviator Steve Wood receives Royal recognition

2008-06-09T23:01:00.001Z

Congratulations to Headline Promotions, Press & PR client: Steve Wood.............

Our congratulations to record-breaking aviator, the irrepressible Steve Wood, who went to St James' Palace last week to be presented with The Air League's Scott-Farnie Award by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The FAI has just ratified another 35 records giving him 64 world records at present - with another 14 pending!

We have been looking at how many world records he could have claimed using the official start / finish times submitted to the FAI for the records he has claimed.

It gets complicated as the FAI Has changed its rules three times in recent years to stop ridiculously slow speeds being claimed. Up to 2006, any speed could be claimed which is why some records are down to just 8 km/h (5 mph). From 2006 to 2008, speeds below the clean stall speed of the aircraft (or 100 km/h if the stall speed was not known) could only be claimed if other records were claimed on the same route which were above the stall speed. From 1 March 2008 the FAI has simplified the rules and now only speeds above the clean stall speed (or 100 km.h) can be claimed.

We have also been researching the records set by Sheila Scott - who is generally regarded as having set the most aviation records of any British pilot up to now. In the Encyclopedia Britannica she is reputed to have broken "more than 100 light-aviation records" between 1965 and 1972. However, she claimed only 77 official FAI world records (which is why Steve has claimed 78 records) and of those 77 records 30 were duplicate 'Feminine' records which have been superseded by the FAI as no longer valid as there is now no 'feminine' category.

It seems that Sheila Scott may have set more than 100 aviation records but only claimed the 77 world records. Based on the same rules as existed when she set her records, Steve actually set a massive total of 320 world speed records, but of course has only claimed 78 world records.plus another 5 British National records.

Under the 2007 rules which applied during all but his last flight, Steve could have claimed 197 FAI world records, plus the 5 British National records. Under the 2008 rules he could have claimed 161 FAI world records, plus the 5 British National records.

I hope you are keeping up! But let me summarise.

All of Steve’s 78 claimed records meet the 2008 rules and, if you apply the 2008 rules to other pilots records, the situation changes dramatically.

Based on claimed records:

Steve become no. 1 in the world for the number of records ever set in a homebuilt aircraft as the previous 'top scorer' (H G Schmid) claimed 168 records of which only 61 records would be valid under the 2008 rules. This compares with Steve’s 78 claimed, and still valid, records!

Sheila Scott's total of 77 records would reduce to just 38 valid records. Another British pilot, Victor Davies, claimed 62 records and this would reduce to 28 records. Judith Chisholm originally claimed 56 world records but 29 of these were 'feminine' and her total would reduce to just 16 records under the new rules. Interestingly the number of records set by a British pilot in a single year back - 27 records set in 1952 by T W Hayhow - stays unchanged, but, in any event, Steve smashed this total by setting 78 world records in a single year.

Of course, irrespective of the changes in the FAI rules, Steve is now the top scoring British aviator in the history of aviation presently holding 64 FAI world records with another 14 world records pending ratification.

We are all very proud of Steve. On the same day that Steve received his prestigious Scott-Farnie Award medal, another Yorkshireman was there. Her Majesty The Queen knighted Sir Michael Parkinson – we think she might have put the royal sword to Steve in recognition of his amazing achievements.

SEO Top Ten Tips to maximise the impact of your Press Release

2008-06-07T08:17:00.001Z

SEO Top Ten Tips to maximise the impact of your Press Release on the web
By John Hicks

If you have gone to the trouble of writing a press release and want to maximise the on-line potential then think about how search engine optimisation can help you.

I was recently consulted by a client, Asset Fencing (http://www.assetfencing.com/) who specialise in protecting UK businesses’ assets with perimeter systems - through physical deterrents, detection and monitoring systems with the supply, installation & maintenance of industrial, commercial and security fencing, barriers, CCTV, access controls and the like.

They wanted to initiate a press release campaign on the web over a number of months. Their question was how to maximise the impact of a press release on the Internet.

Here were my top ten suggestions to help them and I thought it would be useful to share my thoughts.

1. Choose and use your keywords. Think like your reader. What words are most likely to be searched for by people looking for what you want them to find in your release? Choose/use those words multiple times. By the way, do remember to name your images on your website and in press releases after one of your keywords; a simple tip often forgotten.

2. Use bold, italics, headlines and subheads to make key phrases and keywords more visible. Emphasised text may help your release stand out and can positively impact search engine results.

3. Keep your headlines short. Google recommends headlines between 2 and 22 words for optimum visibility and search results. And Google results display only the first 63 characters of each headline.

4. Keep it readable. While your goal is to appear high in search engine results, don't miss the mark by writing copy that's overly repetitive, spammy or unreadable. You want search engines to find you and for readers to click through to your text. Strike a balance.

5. Be careful with puns, innuendo and double meanings. Search engines, spiders and robots have no sense of humour. Keep this in mind when trying to attract their attention.

6. Write timely content that provides useful information to readers. Provide tips, advice, or analysis in your press release that is relevant to your industry or your customers' interests. Search engines are more likely to include releases that are honestly useful in their results.

7. Utilise hyperlinks and anchor text, but don't overdo it. Too many links can flag your release as spam and get you kicked out. One link max per 100 words is recommended. Choose relevant links that direct traffic to the specific pages you are promoting rather than generic company links.

8. Be consistent. Some words have multiple spellings— such as "t-shirt" and "tee-shirt," or "email" and "e-mail." Stick with one spelling to avoid appearing illiterate, preferably choosing the more frequently searched spelling.

9. Keep it fresh. As releases age, they tend to drift lower in the search engine results pages. A campaign of several releases is more likely to drive results than a single press release.

10. Publish on your own website. Be sure to publish releases to your own website also. Since links are like votes, link to them. And work with your web team to make sure your site is optimized. Make sure you copy them to your local media – newspapers, radio, internet radio stations and TV stations.

I would wish you “good luck” but, in business, you make your own luck.

Finally, if you are struggling to produce a professional press release then ask a professional PR consultancy but ask for a price first. Many, like my own company (Headline Promotions, Press & PR) have a fixed fee – ours is £99 which represents value for money and just a small investment as part of your overall marketing strategy.

About the author: Award winning PR and media relations consultant, John Hicks is a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing and writes for several US & UK journals and magazines. He is a Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/) which specialises in “PR with a marketing edge” for UK businesses, especially those in the leisure & entertainment, facilities management outsourcing, nightclubs, retail, local & internet radio, manufacturing and security sectors.

John can be contacted direct at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Nightclub marketing opportunity for sale

2008-03-30T11:42:00.000Z

An exciting website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/ is an uncompleted project and it is a shame to see it go to waste.

Conceived originally as a resource for UK nightclub, late bars and leisure businesses, venue operators and their staff would have immediate access to suppliers of relevant products and services, artist and performers, recruitment opportunities, advice and information on marketing and promotions plus the latest industry news. The public could find their local venues, to see what's on and gain VIP access or discounted admission.

Whilst work has been done on developing some content on it’s accompanying blog, other business priorities mean that it has not reached its true potential. Headline Promotions, Press & PR are, therefore, offering the domain name for sale.

This can be an outright purchase of the name or, as we have a fully operational website design almost ready for launch, we would sell the name and the website.

If you require a fully operational website for marketing to nightclub and late bar personnel and/or customers but do not wish the hassle of maintaining the site, Headline Promotions Press & PR would be pleased to quote for supplying the content and promoting the site for you, at modest monthly fees.

For an informal discussion without obligation please call John Hicks on 07771 575 654 or e-mail him at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Headline Management’s Steve Wood receives international media coverage

2008-03-21T11:50:00.000Z

Steve Wood featured in EAA journal

Following world record breaking aviator Steve Wood’s confirmation from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) that he set a total of 29 world speed records in his GlaStar, during the second "four corners" flight around America in 2007 media coverage has been secured around the globe.

That achievement breaks the record for the most FAI world records ever made in a U.S.-registered homebuilt aircraft, exceeding Bruce Bohannon's 28 achieved in his modified RV-4, the Flying Tiger. Steve, whose airplane is affectionately known as GOOFY (N-600FY), flew his first four corners flight in 2005 and continues to set new records.

Headline Management issued a press release through Headline Promotions, Press & PR announcing the FAI recognition. This was picked up by a whole host of media but Steve was particularly pleased that the US’s premiere aircraft association’s magazine, the EAA featured him in this month’s issue.

Steve is represented in Europe by Headline Management of Basingstoke, England http://www.headlinemanagement.co.uk/

Read the article on-line: http://www.eaa.org/news/2008/2008-03-20_goofy.asp

Resort of Okinawa brings death to its golden beaches

2008-02-17T16:02:00.000Z

Drive hunts return to Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It occupies the southern part of the Nansei (Southwest) chain of islands which stretches over 1,200 km from the southern tip of Kyushu to within 100 km of Taiwan. Okinawa prefecture consists of around 160 of these islands, 46 inhabited.

The prefecture takes its name from the largest and most populous of the three groups of islands that form it, the other two being the Miyako and Yaeyama group. The Okinawa group is centered on the largest island in the prefecture, Okinawa Island; the Miyako group on Miyako Island; and the Yaeyama group on Ishigaki Island.

But don’t be misguided by the tourist guide image.

The city has recently re-commenced dolphin hunting. Nago hunted dolphins 20 years ago but the barbaric practice was stopped due to opposition by conservation groups and bad publicity the city received for allowing these hunts. However, the practice is still alive, as a small percentage of fishermen still retain licences to kill dolphins.

A few days ago, around 100 dolphins appeared off Nago Bay which resulted in six boats setting out to sea and the fishermen driving the dolphins into the bay, where they were slaughtered. This is a sad reflection on Japan’s attitude towards the continued and rising international condemnation of drive hunts in the country.

Despite the fact that the number of dolphins killed in this instance was lower than the hunts conducted in Taiji where the number of dolphins slaughtered reaches in excess of 20,000, the practice is equally inhumane and unnecessary.

Yet the world stands by and does nothing. One marine conservation charity has spoken out. The Marine Connection (www.marineconnection.org) condemns this expansion of drive hunts in Japan and is calling on the authorities at Nago abolish the hunt with immediate effect. But will the world listen?

Just don’t go there on your holidays!

Further information can be found at www.marineconnection.org

For media-related inquiries, contact The Marine Connection:
Janja Novak
Campaigns Development Officer
Marine Connection
00 44 (0) 20 7602 1574
Email: janja@marineconnection.org

The Marine Connection is a London-based charity, working both nationally and internationally for the welfare, protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises - from the smallest to the largest species, they all need protecting. One way the charity achieves this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research. The Marine Connection has achieved – or contributed to – many important victories for dolphins and whales, however whilst an actively campaigning organisation, education and research also play a vital part of the charity’s conservation work. One of the charity's main objectives is to ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their natural habitat.

Internet radio hits the mainstream

2008-02-06T03:45:00.000Z

Internet radio hits the mainstream, so says an article published on guardian.co.uk on Monday January 28 2008.

The article says that more than 8 million people in the UK listen to web-based radio services every week and nearly 2 million download podcasts on a weekly basis, according to a survey that suggests internet radio has hit the mainstream.

Commissioned by the industry's audience research body Rajar, the Ipsos Mori survey last autumn found that more than 12 million people have listened to the radio online and 8.1 million listen every week either through live streaming or "listen again" services.

Ipsos Mori found that 75% of users do not listen to less live radio as a result of listening again online, with 50% tuning into new shows as a result.

The same was true of podcasting, with one-fifth of respondents saying they now listen to more live radio and nearly one-third saying they listen to new radio shows after sampling them via podcasts. Only 8% of those surveyed said they listened to less radio because of the availability of podcasts. Of the 4.3 million who have downloaded podcasts, around 1.87 million people listen to at least one podcast each week. Two-thirds of podcast listeners subscribe to their favourite shows through iTunes, with nearly half tuning in during the evening. Of these, 80% listen through their computers and 61% copy the podcasts to their MP3 players.

Music and comedy are the most popular genres, with each user subscribing to more than three podcasts, on average, and listening to 53 minutes each week.

"This survey is very much a toe in the water," said the Rajar research director, Paul Kennedy. "Although we already knew that listen again, personalised online radio and podcasting had many advocates, we knew nothing of their standing in the mainstream.

For Headline Promotions, Press & PR client CMR Nashville Radio, this is good news. Station Manager Lee Williams said: “This survey proves what we in the radio industry already knew! We have had over a million hits over the last 12 months and the rate of increase in our listenership shows no sign of diminishing.”

PR template for events and launches

2008-02-05T17:18:00.000Z

Communication Plan & Event Exposure

I was recently asked to advise on devising a communications plan for a major event.

You would need to consider how the profile of the event is to be addressed, with marketing and public relations activity highlighted and costed as necessary, which will ultimately feed into the projected revenue figures.

An event PR plan should be written down and should include:

* A description of the “market” for the event, for example:
Who is the target audience? The profile of the target audience/potential attendees. For instance, are they already dedicated fans, enthusiasts, or casual participants? The geographical elements of the target audience. For instance, are they local, regional, national or international?

* A marketing plan outlining the objectives on pricing policy, advertising and promotion and target audience for the event;

* Sources/requirements for sponsorship – financial or services (from hair stylists for photo-calls to host venues)

* A public relations plan for raising the profile of the event locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as applicable; design of a media kit for quick response to enquiries;

* The image of the event that is to be portrayed to the public including the involvement and use of celebrities;

* The communication campaign in detail – from advertising and press releases through to social networking e.g. Facebook and MySpace;

* PR input into corporate or event website(s) and links to news coverage worldwide;

* How public awareness will be monitored;

* How media opportunities will be identified - and the anticipated exposure from all media outlets - television, radio and press incorporating:
.....National broadcasters – likely provider and extent of coverage incorporating any minimum requirements (such as free-to-air exposure/peak time programming etc.)
.....Overseas broadcasters – source, guarantees to be (or already) provided to the event organiser and/or hosts; and
.....Requirement for broadcasting sponsorship rights including the impact on event exposure and other anticipated partners;

* Detailed PR management “on the day” of events;

* PR budget with accountability and authorisation processes for budget lines.

Photos: Headline Promotions team out with the VK Balloon Team

What’s On in Basingstoke on New Year’s Eve?

2007-12-27T20:25:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
27th December 2007.

What’s On in Basingstoke on New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve is a family affair at The Academy Basingstoke when adults will be treated to a disco and a performance live on stage by a top party band, 60’s pop legends Marmalade. But children are not forgotten as there is a childrens’ disco in the Function Room.

Over the last year, the Worting Road venue has seen an amazing array of celebrities –including household names such as Paul Young, Toyah Willcox, Spike Edney and George Hamilton IV – performing at the family entertainment venue. There have also been some of the top tribute bands performing the music of an equally wide range of stars, from George Michael and Madonna through to Queen and Meatloaf. Plus, of course, local bands and upcoming pop singers such as Natalia have also been given the opportunity to showcase their work.
So, it is only fitting that they end the year with original stars who will treat the audience to a polished performance including some of their top ten hits such as ‘Ob La Di Ob La Da’, ‘Falling apart at the seams’, ‘Reflections of my life’ and ‘Cousin Norman’.

The show starts at 8pm with a disco from DJ Ivan Axford taking it through to 2am close. The childrens’ disco is for 8 years of age and older.

Tickets are available priced £15 for the show, £25 for VIP tickets to include a full Chinese buffet and glass of Champagne, and £5 for the childrens’ disco are available from the club.

Further information is available at http://www.academyclubs.com/ or by telephoning 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/

This press release was distributed through PRESSBOX: http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Entertainment/What_s_On_in_Basingstoke_on_New_Year_s_Eve__163782.html

Taxation specialist in Indian sub-continent appoints Europe PR consultancy

2007-12-18T21:43:00.000Z

TaxAcademia of India has announced the appointment of UK-based Headline Promotions, Press & PR as its European marketing and public relations consultant.

Mr V.M.R.Vincent (pictured above) is the proprietor of TaxAcademia offering professional management & advisory solutions in indirect taxation of India. Mr. Vincent has a statutory qualification as ‘Authorized Representative’ to represent clients before the Departmental authorities and the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunals in the whole of India.

Mr Vincent, a leading indirect taxation expert in India, made the announcement in Bombay following discussions with John Hicks, Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR.

In view of the complicated taxation problems faced by the UK & European multi-nationals in respect of their operations in India on account of constant changes in Policy and Law, the firm has now decided to offer its expert management & advisory services to the global clients. Mr. Vincent has the benefit of over 20 years of intense professional experience in implementation of Central Excise, Customs & Service Tax laws in most part of India viz. Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Union Territories.

Mr Vincent’s expertise will be of particular benefit to :

i) Manufacturing industries
ii) Service and Financial Industries
iii) Marketing & Distribution entities
iv) Import-export clients
v) International Traders
vi) Policy makers on international taxation
vii) Legal Advisors and Consultants

The expert services are provided in respect of independent and ancillary manufacturing units, 100% Export-Oriented Units, Free Trade Zone Units, Hardware & Software Technology Park, Bio Technology Park, Special Economic Zone units, prescribed under the Foreign Trade Policy of India from time to time.

The management & advisory services embrace the following areas amongst others:
1. Assistance in initial setting up of business units in India
2. Facilitation in obtaining statutory registration from respective Tax Departments, maintenance of statutory records, filing of periodical returns, CENVAT and VAT credits scheme, special permissions and representation to Government on specific issues
3. Professional advice for adoption of correct Transaction Value for the purpose of tax assessment along with statutory abatements, if any, and latest case laws
4. In respect of import-export activities, expert advice in respect of the most beneficial scheme under Advance Licence, Advance Authorization, Duty Exemption Entitlement Scheme, Duty Free Replenishment Scheme, Duty Exemptions Pass Book Scheme, Export Promotion of Capital Goods Scheme, 100% Export-Oriented Units Scheme, prescribed under the Foreign Trade Policy of India from time to time as well as Special Economic Zone units
5. Comprehensive Revenue Risk Assessment Audit and statutory compliance
6. Day-to-day monitoring of changes in laws, notifications, policy, procedure, and dynamic evolution of case laws
7. Training package to the management professionals for critical compliance and assimilation
8. Complete handling of dispute resolution by representing matter before the departmental authorities with defence submissions, filing of Appeals and arguing the case before Commissioner (Appeals), Appellate Tribunal, Settlement Commission, Central Board of Excise & Customs, etc
9. Special study on industrial problems and effective representation

The role of Headline Promotions, Press & PR will be to raise the profile of the practice and to facilitate easy access to their specialist advice. It is hoped that Mr Vincent will be a regular visitor to Europe during 2008 to undertake personal consultations and to speak at important import-export business events.

Mr Victor Vincent may be contacted direct at: vmrvincent@rediffmail.com. The website www.TaxAcademia.com is under construction presently.

All media enquiries to john@headlinepromotions.co.uk. Invitations to speak at conferences or seminars should also be addressed to John at this e-mail address.

Press release published through Pressbox

Michael Jackson live at The Academy

2007-12-18T21:19:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th December 2007.

Michael Jackson live at The Academy

The performer Navi, who has appeared alongside the legend himself, will bring his Michael Jackson tribute show back to The Academy Basingstoke this Saturday evening.

This is not Navi’s first visit to The Academy as he entertained at the venue earlier in the year and was so well-received that he was invited back for a Christmas special.

Navi has travelled extensively around the globe performing in over 100 major cities, his show is truly world class. He has received global exposure on many TV networks and his involvement in this field has ranged from interviews to adverts, pop videos to film appearances and magazine front covers.

In the VH1/MTV documentary “The fabulous life of Michael Jackson”, Navi was credited as Michael Jackson’s ‘clone’, this was aired across their global network.

Navi’s greatest achievement was being a decoy for Michael Jackson on several occasions. He has also performed in front of Michael Jackson in New York (2002) and had the honour of being the opening act at Michael’s 45th birthday party in Los Angeles (2003) in which he received a standing ovation from the man himself. After being invited as a guest, Navi visited ‘Neverland Ranch’ the following day.

Tickets are available priced £10 on the door (over 18’s only); there is a discount of £3 for members of the club. Further information is available at http://www.academyclubs.com/ or by telephoning 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/).

Navi’s website can be found at: http://www.kingofpop.co.uk/

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/

Christmas Eve treat for Windsor clubbers

2007-12-12T13:09:00.000Z

Okay, so it's not a Wednesday, but WOW! Wicked on Wednesday season at Chicago Rock Cafe Windsor ends the year with news that hearthrob PC Will Fletcher from The Bill, is to see his Christmas Day in at the popular nightclubs and bar.

Well, actually it is actor Gary Lucy, a firm favourite with fans who have followed his TV career right from "Hollyoaks" through "Footballers' Wives" to his current success in ITV's hit series "The Bill".

He will be joining customers at Chicago's on Christmas Eve to help everyone get into the festive mood, complete with a disco through til 2am.

We hope to see you there!

Media enquiries to Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Gary Lucy to see Christmas in at Windsor venue

2007-12-04T04:01:00.000Z

Hearthrob PC Will Fletcher from The Bill, is to see his Christmas Day in at Chicago Rock Cafe Windsor.

Well, actually it is actor Gary Lucy, a firm favourite with fans who have followed his TV career right from "Hollyoaks" through "Footballers' Wives" to his current success in ITV's hit series "The Bill".

We hope to see you there!

Media enquiries to Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Snooker legend Willie Thorne takes to the road

2007-12-01T23:06:00.000Z

Snooker legend, Willie Thorne, is to offer sports venues the opportunity to participate in his unique "WT-UK Tour 2008".

Sports venues can take the opportunity to build customer loyalty, raise their public profile in a very positive way and to reach a new audience by engaging in Willie's UK Tour next year.

It is planned as a series of day long events - limited to 12 in number across the UK - where Willie will spend time through an exhibition and tricks shots, coaching Masterclass sessions and acting as the after-dinner speaker at evening dinners (possibly as charity fuindraisers to support the venue's favourite local cause).

He would be available for media interviews prior to the day to give publicity to forthcoming events and pre-event PR would be handled by Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations.

All events would all be listed on Willie's website: http://www.thegreatwt.co.uk/.

Don't miss out - to book your special event with the living legend that is Mr Willie Thorne please call John Hicks 07771 575 654 or e-mail him john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Headline Promotions goes global with Dr Planet

2007-11-25T21:22:00.000Z

Steve Hennessy is Dr. Planet and he has always had his head in the stars!

An entertainer of international experience for 38 years Steve has developed "Dr. Planet" - a combination of musical culture and curriculum-based information on the solar system.A parent and former school board member he is keenly aware of the need to supplement the subjects taught in school with material that is innovative and fun.

Dr. Planet captures the children's imagination with cleaver lyrics, catchy songs that combine useful information with having fun. Music is a common denominator that can be used to convey subject material as well as the pure enjoyment derived from listening and participating.

As a world traveled and now, interplanetary musician Steve has found the response to music is the same everywhere, creating an impact that has no bounds or limitations. Music presented in a variety of styles and forms also enhances the discovery of the art itself.

Combined with curriculum based subject matter makes it all the more special.

Steve lives with his wife and family at his spaceport nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He is currently planning a tour of Europe in 2008 and has enlisted the support of the well-respected Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations agency in the UK to pave the way for that exciting new development in the exposure of Dr Planet to a whole new audience.

John Hicks, Managing Director of Headline Promotions said: "Dr Planet plans to continue to update his travels through the solar system on his website which Headline Promotions, Press & PR will help promote across Europe! We are delighted at this opportunity to work with such a renowned, globe-trotting, educator and entertainer".

Further details about Dr Planet can be found at http://www.dr-planet.com/

This article first appeared in Basingstoke Business News - November 2007

Award Winning US Comedian Don Barnhart appoints UK Management

2007-11-22T16:15:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
November 21st 2007.

Award Winning US Comedian Don Barnhart appoints UK Management

Basingstoke-based performer management and representation agency, Headline Management, has been appointed by the 2007 winner of the American Idol Comedy Contest to trailblaze for a planned tour of Europe in 2008.

A resident of Las Vegas, DON BARNHART JR is an award winning comedian, author and filmmaker.

He is the 2007 winner of the American Idol Underground's Big Push 2 Comedy Contest and recently wrote, directed and stars in the independent film, "China Dolls".

Don is also a contributing author on the book , "I Killed: True Stories of the Road from America's Top Comics". He can be heard regularly on The Bob & Tom Show, XM and Sirius and was seen frequently on MTV, Friday Night and An Evening at The Improv.

He is a regular headliner at the top comedy clubs across the country like The Improv and Punchlines.

Don also tours regularly for The USO and Comics On Duty entertaining the troops around the world. He has also been a guest speaker for such top corporate clients as DARE, Prudential, PartyPoker.Com and Alanon.

A graduate of the infamous Second City Conservatory Program in Los Angeles, Don has written, produced and directed several sketch shows and comedy DVD's along with writing several original sit-coms and feature films.

Venues wishing to book Don are invited to contact Astrid at Headline Management (www.headlinemanagement.co.uk) on 07881 708975 or e-mail her on astrid@headlinemanagement.co.uk

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Check Don out at:
http://www.donbarnhart.com/Don Barnhart's Website Don Barnhart on MySpace Don Barnhart's Company - Chucklehut Entertainment Don Barnhart's Feature Film - China Dolls

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/
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
http://www.headlinemanagement.co.uk/

Headline Promotions negotiates special deal for radio advertisers

2007-11-13T22:16:00.000Z

Advertising and Sponsorship on CMR Nashville Radio
– across Europe, the US and Canada

Headline Promotions, Press & PR are pleased to announce a special deal for clients’ campaigns booked with CMR Nashville Radio by 21 December 2007.

The promotion is suitable for performers wishing to promote new albums or businesses wishing to reach audiences in Europe and the US/Canada.

CMR Nashville recently celebrated its first year broadcasting 24/7, featuring the best mix of Country Music from over 20 presenters from around the world, by welcoming its millionth visitor to their ever-popular website.

They pride themselves in covering all styles of Country Music and reflect the popularity from various parts of the world with programmes from our studios in the USA, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Brazil and Scotland.

To celebrate their first Birthday they have extended schedules and included four new shows from the USA, and the UK.

Take a minute to look at their new schedule on their home page, and see the vast variety of shows to suit all tastes. They have today’s Country, Classic Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Texas Music, Indie Country, Irish Country, and Australian Country along with so much more. We also make it possible for most shows to be repeated at different times to suit various time zones around the world. CMR Hot is their other 24/7 service broadcasting non-stop country hits without presenters.

Internet Radio listeners have increased world-wide and Internet Radio is now globally accepted by the industry and public alike. The growth of stand alone Internet Radios have also increased in sales, with over 20 models available with prices as low as £40 UK for some basic models.

We have just been invited by Nokia Phones to have both CMR Nashville and CMR Hot added to their Internet Radio network of stations that are now available world-wide to their mobile phone users. This also means that with the use of Bluetooth you can listen to your favourite radio station in the car. This will again increase the listeners to Europe’s #1 Country Music Service.

CD Promotion for Artists and Labels
Budgets can be tight for promoting a new CD with various media outlets available. So, we are offering a month’s promotion for £300 ($600). You will receive the following…

· A 30 second commercial played at least 100 times
· A banner on the site with the album sleeve with a click through to your site.
· Album of the week featured in the Album Zone show, with a full track played each weekday of that week. The album sleeve featured on the home page as part of the 3 albums picked for that week.
· Interview with one of the presenters to back up the promotion

Sponsorship of a Programme by commercial sponsors
CMR Nashville Radio have a wide range of various programmes each week of various styles of Country Music and now some of the programmes come from other countries including Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Germany and soon Spain and France. Current sponsors include The Tennessee Tourist Board, Just Tennessee, The Americana International Festival, Guilfest, Acoustic Energy, Mad Gold, FM Footwear, and Paragon Associates

The cost is £100 ($200) per hour per week with a minimum contract of 13 weeks. You will receive the following…

· A 30-second commercial made or we will use one you may already have, and this will be played a minimum of 100 times in each month.
· A banner on site, with a click through to your site for the duration of the contract.
· Your name will be associated with the programme and will be added to all schedules with a click through to your site. The presenter will talk up your company or product within the programme and refer to the sponsorship at each junction. Competitions or promotions can also be included in the shows.

All commercials will also be played on their other radio service CMR Hot, which will mean you will get a further 100% plays included in the price. CMR Nashville and CMR Hot have just been added to the Nokia Mobile Phone Internet Radio Service available on all Nokia Phones.

Each package will include a press release announcing the promotion. This will be distributed across the music industry and the worldwide web by Headline Promotions, Press & PR free of charge!

Destination Basingstoke for Dutch singer from the US

2007-11-13T11:27:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE:

Tuesday 13th November 2007

Basingstoke UK

Destination Basingstoke for Dutch singer from the US

She is beautiful. She is a singer. She is hugely popular. She is from Holland. She currently works in the US. She has a new CD on sale now. And she is on her way to Basingstoke.

Dutch singer Shannah has really found her mission by performing, writing, and singing having worked with several rock’n’roll, 60’s music and country bands since she was 17 years old but a passion for country music has brought out her song writing skills to great effect.

Shannah has appeared in a number of DVD recordings, major shows, radio/magazine interviews and now her new CD "Don't Move” from which she is hoping that "Mi Destino" will be released as a single later this year. In the meantime, this popular singer will appear on the stage of The Academy in Worting Road, Basingstoke on Saturday 24th November when she makes a special guest appearance.

Shannah’s website is a huge hit on the worldwide web and can be viewed at Shawn Harvey from the US and blind Christian singer Tony Frost from the UK are also making guest appearances.

This spectacular show is a fundraiser for The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the only charity in the UK dedicated to defeating lung cancer which is surprising considering that lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of both men and women. Despite this, they receive neither government nor lottery funding for their research and, therefore, rely very much on the goodwill and support of the public, including support from events such as this special event.

The Academy Basingstoke, on the Moniton Trading Estate in Worting Road, is the area’s only 24 hours, 7 days a week, Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball centre and live music venue. The doors open at 8pm and goes on til late with live DJ entertainment from special guest DJ and MC, Lee Williams. Admission is a £5 donation to the charity. Further details are available on the Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/).

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of the charity are available at: http://www.roycastle.org/

Tickets are available on-line at www.academyclubs.com

Media enquiries to: John Hicks M.IDM

Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Mobile: 07771 575 654Fax: 0707 520 9717

john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Author Greg Waggett appoints media consultant

2007-11-12T02:51:00.000Z

Author Gregg Waggett is pleased to announce the publication of his first book "In My Blood".

A true story, this book is about a man drawn into the world of private security and logistics after he is forced to quit his business. He encounters different cultures, searing temperatures, bombs, menacing officials, and the threat of expulsion.

An erstwhile warlord in Africa becomes an unlikely ally. At one point, he is arrested, escapes – but is then faced with an agonising dilemma.

There are many lighter moments, too. His fascinating and vivid accounts are written with verve and pace. They take you not just to Iraq, but also to Libya when it was a rogue state, Kuwait, East Africa and the Sudan. In summary, ‘a rich account, skilfully blending a life in security with military tactics, political commentary, travelogue and high comedy’.

Much more than a ‘bang-bullets-and-blazes’ story, this book is a must-read with broad appeal.

Greg Waggett’s enthusiasm for experiences abroad was kindled by an overland trip to Nepal in 1970, a time when going through places like Afghanistan and Iran was comparatively staightforward.

Following this, he joined the British army, firstly as a rifleman, then as an infantry officer. He left after eight years which saw six tours in Northern Ireland, and worked in Libya in agri-business operations for another eight years. (He was in Tripoli, the capital, when the US carried out punitive bombing raids in 1986 – a dramatic and terrifying event which is described in one of the book’s chapters.)

After his time in North Africa, he set up and ran a design and advertising agency in Cambridge.

Two fundamental changes in circumstances led to him working overseas in the insecure world of private security in 2004.

The book, published by Oak Publishing, is a compelling read and is available from them or direct from Greg's website.

Media relations for the publication are being handled by Headline Promotions, Press & PR of Basingstoke.

Read about Greg's book in The American Chronicle - November 2007

RASASC - PR and media relations for a not-for-profit organisation

2007-11-11T08:48:00.000Z

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre is a charity, founded in 1992, with the aim of helping male and female survivors of rape or sexual abuse across Surrey. Clients can talk in confidence using the Helpline or through attending individual counselling sessions or same sex group self-help meetings.

Guildford-based RASASC provide a confidential and caring range of services to anyone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past. Sexual abuse can affect people in many different ways. Often there is no one for the abused person to turn to, no one with whom to share their feelings. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a skilled helper. Someone who can be relied upon to listen carefully and sympathetically, without making judgements.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR are delighted to support the admirable work of this invaluable charity by providing PR and media relations support.

Our initial work has been to come up with a ten-point action plan for 2008 which we are steadily working our way through with the help of staff, volunteers and management.

No faking it for rock fans in Basingstoke

2007-11-06T22:33:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
2nd November 2007

No faking it for rock fans in Basingstoke

The Academy Basingstoke is featuring rock music’s current talking point, “NEVER THE BRIDE”, live on stage on Saturday 17th November 2007, back by popular demand.

Never the Bride's Nikki Lamborn and Catherine Feeney first met on stage at a jam session in a London pub.

Instant rapport and a similar taste in music and direction, lead to more jamming before Nikki from Bristol and Catherine, better known as Been, from Glasgow, formed a song writing collaboration.

Nikki commuted to write, gig and busk in Covent Garden. Never the Bride was born and the duo built up a core following around the capital.

Their live reputation went from strength to strength and big support slots followed from The Who, ZZ TOP and The Pretenders. After successfully supporting The Who, a personal call from Roger Daltrey lead to Nikki and Been joining Daltrey, Alice Cooper, Paul Rodgers, Peter Frampton and a few more rock gods on The British Rock Symphony Tour. The band toured the UK, Europe and Australia with the Orchestra, making a huge impression with their interpretation of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir and Stairway to Heaven.

Their first performance at The Royal Albert Hall is a key moment in Nikki and Beens' lives. Roger held up both their arms and said to the audience who were going crazy, "What d'ya reckon then? Nikki Lamborn has the best female rock voice since Janis Joplin and I know what I'm talking about, I knew Janis."

"After The Rock Symphony Tour ended in Australia, we decided to stay awhile and write some songs," explains Been. "We did a Thelma and Louise, rented a car and drove across the country drinking tequila in small bottles.”

"The money had run out by the time we reached Sydney, but luckily it was around the time of The Olympics and there were lots of people to entertain. Our busking skills paid for the song-writing trip and some of those songs are on our album, Surprise!"

Nikki's powerful presence and strong vocals has been described as Tina Turner and Robert Plant rolled into one. Her incredible voice came under the spotlight while coaching a Cambridge choir girl in the ways of rock for Channel 4's “Faking It” series.

Been, keyboard player and occasional guitarist, is the main composer behind the songs that, together with Nikki's voice, make Never the Bride unique.

Other band members include Murray Gould on guitar, who has played with Elton John, Dido and Faithless, and Greg Harwood on bass, who has played with every one from Ronan Keating to James Brown. Drummer John Tonks repertoire includes Steve Winwood and the Sugarbabes.
As a response to their growing fanbase worldwide, the band have recorded a DVD rockumentary, entitled For Richer For Poorer, highlighting life for a rock band on the road both at home and abroad.

The band may have been one of rock’s best kept secrets but, following widespread exposure as Dame Shirley Bassey reached the charts at number 10 with a cover of their song “The Living Tree” and they appeared with her at Glastonbury earlier this year, they are playing selected dates across the UK, including The Academy in Worting Road Basingstoke. Visit www.neverthebride.com for details.

This event is sponsored by Mad Gold Barbados Rum which is a firm favourite amongst rock fans but is growing in popularity generally as more and more bars and venues across the UK are putting it on their shelves.

Full details of this event and other original artists appearing live at The Academy in 2007, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly or by telephoning 01256 327273.

Tickets are priced £10 on the door.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of “Never The Bride” can be found at http://www.neverthebride.com/
Photographic images are available on this site.

Further details of Mad Gold Barbados Rum can be found at http://www.mad-gold.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/

Charity fundraising tribute to Cliff Richards and The Shadows

2007-11-02T00:24:00.000Z

Charity fundraising tribute to Cliff Richards and The Shadows

“Stars In Their Eyes” contestant Jerry Richards followed up his television performance by appearing at Sir Cliff’s 60th birthday party at the Dorchester Hotel in London and will shortly appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke together with The Evening Shadows to raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Foundation.

This spectacular show, on Saturday 24th November, also includes, direct from the US, rock’n’roll and country singer Shannah (pictured above) who was born in Holland but who is pursuing her career Stateside. Shannah will be performing tracks from her recently-released album.

Also supporting the main act is singer/songwriter Tony Frost who managed to progress through several stages of television’s “X Factor”. His repertoire is endless and he has entertained many different audiences with R&B, New Age, Jazz and Soul and his mentors, the great Terry Callier, Josh Groban, Marti Pellow and Michael Buble.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the UK dedicated to defeating lung cancer which is surprising considering that lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of both men and women. Despite this, they receive neither government nor lottery funding for their research and, therefore, rely very much on the goodwill and support of the public, including support from events such as this special event.

Jerry’s musical career started at the age of 8 when his father taught him some guitar chords. Later an aunt asked him to sing Cliff’s ‘The Next Time’ - no doubt feeling he would be able to make an impressive rendition. These events helped to set Jerry on the way to many years of music and singing and, of course, with his natural voice being so like early Cliff.

Jerry’s first band was State Patrol which saw him singing and playing guitar. In 1994 he appeared on Granada TV’s ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ as Cliff singing ‘The Young Ones’. Around the same period he was with a Shadows band called The Reflections alongside ex. Shadow Alan Jones (coincentally, with whom I worked in the 90's when I organised a cancer charity gig with the legendary Bruce Welch).

He later teamed up with The Evening Shadows, and during this time appeared at many venues including a Shadows event at The Bonnington Hotel in London playing to an appreciative audience which included some members of The Shadows past and present.

In the later 90’s when The Evening Shadows ‘retired’, Jerry got a new Shadows band together known as The Shadz.

Along the way Jerry has often guested with other bands and musicians, and has been asked on numerous occasions to do guest and solo spots at a variety of functions and events.

Now back with the recently re-formed Evening Shadows the future’s looking busy for Jerry as one of the finest early Cliff performers.

The Academy Basingstoke, on the Moniton Trading Estate in Worting Road, is the area’s only 24 hours, 7 days a week, Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball Hall and live music venue. The doors open at 8pm and goes on til late with live DJ entertainment from special guest DJ and MC, Lee Williams.
Admission is a £5 donation to the charity. Further details are available on the Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of the charity are available at: http://www.roycastle.org/

Tickets are available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/

Country music radio station is selling ice to Eskimos!

2007-11-01T22:56:00.000Z

I do like success stories, especially English businesses doing well in this adverse economic climate so the success of internet radio station, CMR Nashville, led by the human equivalent of a cat with nine lives, Lee Williams, is a tale worth telling.

A year ago, Lee (pictured left, with me) and I shared a coffee and doughnut (neither of us had started our diet then, and the truth is, we still haven’t!) and he told me of his plan to establish the world’s leading country music radio station. I was sceptical as I knew that Lee had worked on several projects to develop a country music radio station and they had never quite worked out.

So, what was different this time? Well, it was the internet. Previous projects had to bear the huge costs of either hiring analogue radio frequencies or renting space on satellite TV platforms. These huge costs made making money a huge nightmare. The increasing sophistication of the internet meant that broadcasting costs were slashed.

So, I wished Lee well and, because we share a passion for live music, especially country music of all genres, we have kept in contact. My only query was whether or not listeners in the US and Canada would like to tune in to country music on a European radio station.

CMR Nashville, available on www.cmrnashville.net, is now celebrating its first year of broadcasting 24/7, featuring the best mix of Country Music from over 20 presenters from around the world. They rightly pride themselves in covering all styles of Country Music and reflect the popularity from various parts of the world with programmes from their studios in Tennessee, London, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Brazil and Scotland.

The play the best of today’s Country, Classic Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Texas Music, Indie Country, Irish Country, and Australian Country along with so much more. They also make it possible for most shows to be repeated at different times to suit various time zones around the world.

So, how have they done? Remarkably, CMR Nashville has recently reached its first millionth visitor, with the monthly figures steadily rising each and every month. That is impressive by any standard.

The fact that a large proportion of listeners are in the US and Canada is equally impressive. It’s like selling ice to the Eskimos but the proof is there in the listener statistics!

Lee is excited about the future. Internet radio listeners have increased world-wide and Internet Radio is now globally accepted by the industry and public alike. The growth of stand-alone Internet Radios shows little sign of slowing with over 20 models available at prices as low as £40 UK ($80 US) for some basic models.

For CMR Nashville there is a new and exciting development opening up new opportunities for listeners and advertisers. Nokia Phones have added CMR Nashville and CMR Hot, their sister country releases show broadcasting 24/7 without DJ’s, to their Internet Radio Service. This is a network of stations that are now available world-wide to their millions of mobile phone users. It also means that, with the use of Bluetooth, people can listen to their favourite radio station in the car. This will again increase the listeners to Europe’s #1 Country Music Service.

David Allan, a hugely respected UK journalist, TV and Radio Broadcaster is quoted as saying: “CMR Nashville offers the most satisfying all-round programming. It’s my idea of a good country radio station, hugely enjoyable and entertaining (Country Music People magazine November 2007).

Congratulations to Lee and his team. I look forward to another successful year of broadcasting American music back to America!

This article also appears in John's blog in The Telegraph newspaper, London.

and in the American Chronicle syndicated series

Freddie Mercury & Queen: The legend lives on!

2007-10-26T20:52:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
October 20th 2007.

The legend lives on!

After almost a decade on tour, Mercury is now established as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

With a dynamic stage show that fully emulates the true charismatic appeal of rock’s most flamboyant front man, backed up by superbly crafted harmonies and intricate guitar work, Mercury faithfully and accurately recreate the distinctive Queen experience.

On Saturday November 10th, The Academy Basingstoke, in Worting Road , plays host to Mercury supported by DJ Ivan Axford who will take the show through to 2am with his distinctive disco show.

Mercury's first gig was played in humble surroundings at the George and Dragon pub in Derbyshire on 19th February 1999. Tolo Pomar of Romantic Corporation in Spain was in England searching for a Queen Tribute Act to play a summer season in Mallorca - so in stepped Mercury.

Mercury were catapulted into the limelight and won "Best show in Spain Award 1999", returning to Mallorca for two further seasons gaining hundreds of loyal fans who now follow them across the UK.

Mercury's performances have been televised live from Holland to Hungary . A New Year's Eve concert in Dubai was broadcast live by MTV Asia to millions of homes. But perhaps Mercury's most memorable moment was being invited to perform a live gig for Roger Taylor and his friends.

Today, Mercury are enjoying success worldwide, filling large venues and leaving audiences feeling fully entertained by the kind of show Queen themselves would have been proud to deliver.

Tickets for 10th November are available priced £10 on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ or over the counter at the venue. Further details may be obtained by telephoning 01256 327273.

The Legend Lives on......... at The Academy Basingstoke !

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/).

Further details of Mercury are available at: http://www.mercuryworld.co.uk/

A hi-res photo is available upon request.

Media enquiries to:
John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

John Hicks honoured for contribution to live country music

2007-09-30T11:11:00.000Z

One of the highlights of 2007 has to be last Saturday evening when the legendary International Ambassador for Country Music, George Hamilton IV, joined CMR Nashville Radio's Lee Williams to present my CMR Award 2007 for my "contribution to country music" through promoting and facilitating live performances by US and UK performers.

It was such an honour to receive the CMR Nashville Radio Award from Europe's leading country music radio station but to be presented with it by George Hamilton IV was the icing on the cake.

Natalia: Elvis meets young talent

2007-09-18T18:32:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th September 2007

Elvis meets young talent

The Academy Basingstoke brings a unique show to the north Hampshire on Saturday 6th October when their Elvis stage show features a personal appearance by rising star NATALIA, fresh from supporting the UK Girls Aloud Tour.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “From Denmark to Dubai, Suspiciously Elvis is respected around the world for his amazing vocal quality and performance skill. He faithfully and brilliantly re-creates those memorable early seventies Las Vegas concerts when The King was at the height of his reign.””With first rate production values and supported by his own rock band, with the Nevada Horns and Memphis Belles backing vocals, he never fails to provide the most fantastic evening of high energy rock'n'roll!” John added.

As if that is not enough of a draw, John has announced a special treat for all music lovers, as upcoming singing sensation, Natalia, is making a personal appearance to give everyone a taste of her forthcoming album launch.

Pop on the rocks - shaken, stirred and uncontrollably intoxicating! That’s the phenomena of the awesome Natalia, a highly spirited, spanking fresh talent who literally grabs pop by the scruff of the neck and customises it with her own personal expression of rocky/soul. Natalia’s debut single, ‘Pretty Like Me’, kicks loose on February 4 2008 from the Upper Eleven Records stable and promises to smash the boundaries of pop as we know it.

With her alluringly seductive vocals chiselled onto a bed of sassy, confident pop-rock beats, most could be forgiven for assuming that this stunning new artist comes from a US stable of highly preened rock/pop wonders. But, born and raised in Wales, with Christian Lebanese and Greek roots, Natalia is a unique UK gem who’s sure to command special attention from her US counterparts.

Natalia will also smash all rule books as her debut album – set for release in Spring 2008 - presents an unusual cocktail of musical genres from edgy pop/rock to passionate ballads and club tracks. Natalia’s dance background exposed her to many styles of music, teaching her how to adapt her wonderfully textured voice to almost any genre. Add this to her ethos of, “If it feels good…it must be good, regardless of what the rule book says!” and you’ll understand how the album takes the listener on a synthesis of exciting moods, emotions and sounds. The album production team is almost godly too, including names such as; Andy Marvel & Peter Zizzo (Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, Chaka Khan), J Remy (Kelly Rowland, Fat Man Scoop), Lil Eddie (LL Cool J & P Diddy) ….the almighty list just goes on and on.

Winning a full scholarship to study ballet at Elmhurst, one of the UK’s leading dance schools, Natalia is a classically trained ballerina who’s enjoyed massive success in theatre, TV and music videos. But her true talent was unleashed when she teamed up with producer, K Warren, to create a handful of experimental tracks, the best of which were launched onto MySpace.

Rarely does a new talent attract such a mammoth fan-force as that bubbling behind Natalia. As an unsigned artist last year, Natalia’s tracks reigned supreme at the top of the MYSPACE unsigned artists charts for 6 months, receiving nearly 150 thousand hits between March – December of that year.

At the end of 2006, Natalia signed a major deal with Upper 11 Records under the presidential eye of Mark Shimmel – formally Senior Vice President of Marketing and Artist Relations at Arista and Chief Operating Officer at LaFace Records (TLC, Usher, Tony Braxton, Pink etc).

John Hicks proudly said: “Impressed? We should be! With her debut single and album both set for release at the start of 2008, Natalia is pop dynamite simply waiting to explode. Produced by Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Joss Stone, Annihilator), ‘Pretty Like Me’ is set to add a new raw-cut dimension to pop that’s gotta be heard to be believed. The young starlet has also been kicking it live on stage throughout 2007 as she’s toured with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Girls Aloud, Timbaland and McFly, as well as performing at Amerie’s star-studded launch party.”

To find out more about Natalia’s single & album and her live dates check out http://www.nataliaofficial.com/ and why not visit http://www.suspiciouslyelvis.co.uk/ to learn more about the treat on offer at The Academy on the 6th.

The show starts at 8pm with DJ Danny D. taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests.

Admission is £10 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue are available.

ENDS

Note 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/).

For further details of Natalia, or to request pictures or an interview, please contact Cat Hockley at Fifth Element on 0207 287 0008 or email cat@fifthelement.biz

Media enquiries regarding this event or The Academy Basingstoke 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/

Basingstoke venue honoured for its contribution to country music in the UK

2007-09-17T20:57:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th September 2007.

Basingstoke venue honoured for its contribution to country music in the UK

On Friday 28th September, a Basingstoke venue’s contribution to country music here in the UK will be recognised when the legendary George Hamilton IV presents a special award to The Academy live music venue on Worting Road at his live concert.

The award, sponsored by the leading country music radio station across Europe CMR Nashville Radio, and voted for by musicians themselves will be presented by Mr Hamilton, the International Ambassador of Country Music, “in recognition of The Academy’s development of an enviable live music venue at which country music artists from around the world are proud to perform”.

The Academy has hosted performances by leading UK artists such as Easy Rider, Henry J Smith’s Country Dreams, Cathy McManamon, Rachael Warwick and Brendan Quinn. In addition, top US country stars Hal Ketchum, Lisa O’Kane and Bobby D Sawyer have graced the stage of this unique complex which boasts a snooker & pool centre, sports bar as well as a popular Chinese restaurant.

CMR Nashville Radio station controller, country music TV and radio presenter Lee Williams, said: “The Academy’s support for country music has been received enthusiastically throughout the industry worldwide and is demonstrated by the ability of the venue to attract major acts such as Brendan Quinn, Hal Ketchum and Lisa O’Kane.”

“This was undoubtedly a result of the passion for live music held by The Academy’s General Manager, John Hicks. CMR Nashville Radio is delighted to have been part of this development but the award stems from the buzz within the industry which has generated considerable interest and excitement amongst performers who wish to support the work of the venue.” Lee added.

The presentation will be made at George Hamilton IV’s concert where he is being supported by one of the top UK country band led by Tony Goodacre, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Radio Awards ceremony in 2007 for his contribution to country music. Tickets are available at the venue or its website.

The next big country music event at The Academy is scheduled for Friday 30th November with blind singer David Whitemore. Excerpts from the show will be broadcast on Christmas Day on CMR Nashville Radio across the globe on http://www.cmrnashville.net/ and Basingstoke fans are being offered a unique opportunity to record greeting messages to friends and family around the world. These messages will be broadcast during a special programme “Live from The Academy Basingstoke”.

Full details of these and other forthcoming events are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Photo: George Hamilton IV

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.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams on 07956 888587. E-mail: lee@cmrnashville.net

Further details of Tony Goodacre are available at: http://www.countrymusic.org.uk/tony-goodacre/index.html

Local rock band headlines at The Academy

2007-09-17T18:53:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
September 14th 2007.

Local rock band headlines at The Academy

This coming weekend, 22nd September, popular local rock band “Phoenix”
appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke as part of the Worting
Road venue’s innovative live music programme.

Following last weekend’s well-supported blues night, local 60’s/70’s
covers band, "Phoenix” (http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixrock) will
perform the music of the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd and
many other classics on Friday evening in a show starting at 8pm and
going on to 2am, supported by popular local DJ team “Diamond Disco”.

Tickets are priced at a modest £5.00 on the door.

Full details are available on The Academy website
(www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/).

Photo supplied: Phoenix at their last gig at The Academy Basingstoke
May 2007)

Media enquiries to:
John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk&YY=6821&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Nightclub Marketing: New UK regulations from October 2007

2007-09-17T17:16:00.000Z

Operators of nightclubs, bars, pubs, clubs themed bars and late night venues in the UK are reminded of imminent changes to the law

Raising the minimum legal age for tobacco sales:

From 1st October 2007 you must not sell cigarettes, cigarette papers or any other tobacco products to anyone younger than 18.

To comply with the law, signs must be displayed which are at least A3 in size and with lettering no less than 36mm in height.

In retail premises: “It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18”

On vending machines: “This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over”

From October 1st 2007, selling tobacco products to someone under 18 from could lead to a fine of £2,500 and failing to display the statutory notice could result in a fine of £1,000.

John Hicks, operator of a major live music venue in the south of England, suggests "Staff training is essential to ensure compliance with the regulations as even the sale of cigarette papers to under 18's will now be illegal. I also recommend that you check that your cigarette vending machine is close to the bar so that staff can observe it's use; if there is a risk that under 18's can use it without being noticed by staff this could expose you to prosecution."

New national minimum wage rates

From October 1st, eligible workers must be paid the following;£5.52 an hour to adult workers aged 22 and over£4.60 an hour to workers aged 18 – 21£3.40 an hour to workers below 18 who are no longer of compulsory school age

John Hicks reminded operators that where accommodation is provided for employees, the maximum amount you can offset against the national minimum wage is a total of £30.10 a week.

Increase in statutory holiday entitlement

From October 1st 2007 the statutory minimum holiday entitlement will be 4.8 weeks (24 days) which can include bank and public holidays. (This will increase to 28 days from April 1st 2009).

Employees will not have to work a qualifying period to be granted this entitlement but you can restrict the rate at which they take leave in their first year.

Part-time workers must receive annual leave equal to 4.8 times their usual working week.

Coming soon, the resource for all nightclubs, late bars and venues: www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk

Upcoming artists and performers given headline treatment

2007-09-15T15:26:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
September 15th 2007.

Upcoming artists and performers given headline treatment

Basingstoke-based public relations and marketing consultants, Headline Promotions, Press & PR, are well used to placing their clients in the public eye but are currently grabbing the headlines themselves with the launch of a specialist artist management agency.

Headline Promotions’ Managing Director, John Hicks, has formed an alliance with established live music agent, Astrid Haigh-Smith, to form Headline Management (www.headlinemanagement.co.uk).

John Hicks explained: “Astrid has a strong background in managing and arranging bookings for musicians and artistes. Her passion for live music led her to focus on giving new acts a good start on their career path. That shared passion for live music has led me to working with performers from local bands through to international artistes at the top of their game. It just seemed natural for us to work together on a business footing.”

John also operates a major live music venue in the south of England, is a partner in an internet radio station and an international music publishing company. He said: “Headline Management will offer musicians, performers and entertainers an integrated management, representation, public relations and promotions service on a "pick and mix" basis so that individual artistes can select the level and type and support they require. This might be as little as having their publicity material written, designed and printed - or can be full management service!”

Venues wishing to book acts or, entertainers looking for representation, are invited to contact Astrid now on 07881 708975 or e-mail her on astrid@headlinemanagement.co.uk

ENDS

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/
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
http://www.headlinemanagement.co.uk/

The dilemma of Facebook for marketeers as private individuals

2007-09-14T00:18:00.000Z

I was intrigued by an e-mail invitation from an old friend to join her as one of her “friends” on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/), the on-line social networking website.

At the very least, it was an opportunity to catch up with an old friend so I readily registered and joined the network. After all, I already enthusiastically support FastPitch (http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/) which is a business networking site, one of the fastest growing business networking communities in the world. Their online network provides me with a one-stop shop to network and market my marketing & PR business, make business connections, post & distribute press releases, market my company (and myself), promote my blog and more.

FastPitch necessarily contains much personal and business information so that other entrepreneurs have sufficient information to decide if they want to do business with me. So I had little reservation about recording lots of details about myself in Facebook.

However, the word on the street is that Facebook is preparing to introduce a new advertising plan that will let marketeers like me customise advertising for its more than 37 million customers. When you consider the amount of personal information we Facebook members have put into their pages, the potential for advertisers is unparalleled.

Here is the dilemma. I am happy for my business, and some personal, information to be recorded and being made widely available on FastPitch and welcome being contacted by business prospects across the globe. As an individual, I am happy for personal details to be available to my friends across the Facebook network; after all, since joining my initial friend on Facebook I have enjoyed being contacted by many old friends and renewed many former acquaintances.

However, with the Internet becoming a key component of our daily social experience, and people sharing more and more of their personal information, protecting one’s privacy has become that much more of a challenge.

The reality is that those using sites like Facebook and MySpace (rumoured to be following in Facebook’s footsteps) can now be very easily targeted by marketeers like me with very specific offerings. Heck, they even know that I have a 3 year old dog that I brought home from a rescue centre; just think of the marketing opportunities that creates. But I didn’t join Facebook to be a commercial target.

I will be watching this new development very carefully over the coming months. I will be disappointed if I have to pull the plug on my Facebook but, as someone who already suffers from huge volumes of spam mail every day, I do not want to be a further marketing target!

This article was first published in my Telegraph small business blog - September 2007

Safe use of Christmas decorations in nightclub and bar marketing

2007-09-13T23:13:00.000Z

It’s that time of year when late night bars, nightclubs and restaurants, having started their Christmas and New Year promotions, think about decorating their venue ready for the festive season.

Many businesses make more profit over Christmas and New Year than they do over the whole of the rest of the year so this is critical to their profit and loss account!

Decorating your venue is a key component to customer satisfaction, generating business and upselling. Yet so many managers will leave this to new and junior members of staff with little or no guidance.

I cannot help with the artistic guidance but I can share some practical health and safety tips to ensure that this experience does not lead you into insurance claims!

As always, the exercise must start with PLANNING. Walk round the venue and sketch out your ideas on paper and ensure that you make good use of the materials you have; this saves you problems later when you find the fixings are in the wrong place or electrical power can only be supplied by using extension leads. I always then take out all my decorations and place them around the venue before I start putting them up. Remember for maximum impact it is best to block all your displays together rather than spread them round sparsely!

Inevitably, it seems, staff will try and put up decorations at height using the nearest available chair or bar stool rather than get out the stepladder and work with a buddy for safety. As a manager, cover yourself legally by reminding all staff that they must take care when working at heights; insist that they work in pairs and use a stepladder. Tell them that if it is too difficult to fix a display at height do not do it because not only will it be unsafe now but it has to be taken down next January when it will be just as difficult or unsafe!

Tell them not to fix decorations near naked lights or other sources of heat, over air intakes or ventilation and air con grilles or over Emergency Exits which must remain clear at all times. In particular, no emergency signage should be obscured.

From an operator’s viewpoint, walk round to see their handiwork when completed. Ensure that the decorations do not obscure your promotional signage or product displays. Also, I have found over-enthusiastic staff plaster the back bar with displays which causes problems when serving on busy nights so check practical issues.

They are also keen to use extension leads for lights which are okay by themselves but check that the leads are not wound up so they can overheat. I always use external lighting kits even indoors as my gut feeling, rather than scientific fact, is that they are safer in an environment which can get very dusty and, maybe, wet sometimes. Make sure that trailing leads are secure and taped down if necessary to avoid trip hazards. Make sure that all lighting decorations and disconnected from the mains at closing time.

Come January, make sure that staff take down decorations in a safe manner and store them in their boxes in a dry store. A lot of money is wasted by businesses every year when careful storage will render the decorations good for many years service!

In the meantime, have a busy and profitable Christmas and New Year. For my part, I have planned a tremendously busy period of Christmas and New Year parties with a vibrant programme of live music in my venue so am taking a couple of weeks off before kick starting my intense promotional programme!

This article was first published in John's Telegraph blog - September 2007

Blues night at The Academy Basingstoke

2007-08-30T21:37:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
August 28th 2007.

No need to be blue at The Academy

Direct from this year’s Woodstock Festival come “Blue Touch” to launch a series of Blues Nights at The Academy Basingstoke on Saturday 15th September.

Supported by the Howlin’ Blues Band, Blue Touch are a well-established acoustic blues 5 piece band with the irrepressible Andrea Maria using, in her words, her tongue and tonsils in a way which comes naturally to her. The result is an amazing sound which reflects the superb musical talents of the musicians who make up this band.

The band plays a range of blues and rock arranged to provide different interpretations and a dynamic stage show featuring the vocal and guitar talents of Neil Sadler and Alan Cleaves. Alan has been playing for longer than he cares to remember but his fingers still fly across the fretboard and produce some breathtaking moments in the band’s output. Neil joined Blue Touch in the summer of 2004 and has a firm belief in the use of valves to help create the right sound. Supporting Hugh in the rhythm section is Merv Griffin on bass, who seems to have the wrong number of strings on
one guitar and lost the body of another yet he still seems to make the right sort of noise!

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “A large number of customers, who enjoy the wide range of live music we offer, have asked for some quality blues bands. Blue Touch have a reputation for being passionate about their music and for being one of the best blues bands in the UK. We were delighted that they accepted our invitation to perform here in Basingstoke. To have the Howling’ Blues Band on stage as well was a terrific bonus and this promises to be a great evening’s entertainment.”

Full details are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning 01256 327273. Tickets are £5 on the door on the night and the show concludes with a disco through til 2am.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/).

Further details of Blue Touch are available at: http://www.bluetouch.co.uk/

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/

Both BLUE TOUCH and the HOWLIN' BLUES BAND are available for your events through Headline Management (www.headlinemanagement.co.uk)

Cue to fundraiser for Red Cross

2007-07-29T13:28:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
July 20th, 2007

Cue to fundraiser for Red Cross

Snooker players of all levels of skill are invited by The Academy Basingstoke, north Hampshire’s largest snooker and pool centre, sports bar, restaurant and live music venue, to support a charity snooker tournament to raise money for the Basingstoke branch of Red Cross.

Competitors are asked to donate £10 to the Red Cross and invited to take part in the snooker competition to be held at The Academy in Worting Road on Sunday 19 September 2007 commencing at 10am (10.30am draw).

Competitors will be given handicaps and the competition will operate on a knockout basis. Referee is Mr Chris Bone of Cuestars.

The overall winner will win a prestigious cup and £100 cash. Second prize is £50 cash; the two runners-up will win £25 each with a plate competition for the first match losers; the prizes were donated by the Left Hand Drive Place dealership in Basingstoke. But, all competitors will enjoy free snooker for the tournament courtesy of The Academy.

Andrea Hicks, Deputy Manager of The Academy said: “Red Cross volunteers helped thousands of stranded passengers throughout the night following the 30 June terrorist attack at Glasgow airport. Volunteers provided emotional and practical support to more than 3,000 people who had been taken to the Scottish Exhibition Conference Centre, which was used as a rest centre, following an evacuation of the airport.”

“When I read all this in the newspapers, it reminded me of the invaluable work that the local and national Red Cross undertake on behalf of the community, not just in times of crisis but throughout the year. I believed that it was a charity that we should support. Then the unforgettable pictures of local Red Cross teams helping people in distress as a result of the flooding reinforced my determination to help them.” explained Andrea.

To enter the competition, players are invited to register at The Academy in advance or on the day.

Further details can be found on The Academy’s website at http://www.academyclubs.com/ or by telephoning 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Photo: Andrea Hicks with the prestigous Red Cross Cup and prize money

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/

Basingstoke teenager hip hops to The Academy!

2007-07-20T20:09:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
20th July 2007

Winklebury teenager hip hops to The Academy!

He is aged 19, from Winklebury in Basingstoke, has lived in the town all his life and for the last eight of those years has written his own lyrics! Firstly as an MC to old school, garage, house etc. but then got into the grime scene!

Now, this amazing music talent, who was a great hit at the recent Basingstoke Live Festival, is to be the support act for East 17 when they appear at The Academy in Worting Road on Saturday 28th July.

Richard Reece, aka “the Author”, started to concentrate on hip hop and has stayed with it for the last 3 years since he has been producing his own beats! He makes all kinds of beats but mainly Hip Hop, Grime, D'N'B & his speciality '160's'!

He says his influences are Eminem, Kano, Ludacris, Nas, Dr.Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay-Z, Method Man, Timberland, 50, Sway, Kanye West, Drum Runners and Raz Brothers

Sponsored by Basingstoke-based http://www.outwise.co.uk/ as an upcoming local talent, Richard, who is currently unsigned, has been looking for opportunities to perform in Basingstoke (or anywhere) and work his way to the very top!

It was the sponsor who contacted The Academy to ask if they would give Richard the opportunity to showcase in his home town; this was agreed and now the teenager has a fantastic opportunity to showcase with a band that is a household name.

Admission is £15 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists, including local bands, appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.

ENDS

Note 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/

Leading US folk-rock singer to perform in Basingstoke despite terrorist incident

2007-07-12T20:34:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
12th July 2007

Leading US folk-rock singer to perform in Basingstoke despite terrorist incident

Los Angeles-based recording artist Lisa O’Kane will be supported by leading American folk-rock singer Kenny Edwards at the official launch party for her brand new CD, IT DON’T HURT, at The Academy in Basingstoke on 21st July.

Kenny was co-founder of The Stone Poneys along with Linda Ronstadt and Bobby Kimmel and they became chart toppers even before Kenny and Linda teamed up with Andrew Gold to make more hits.

Kenny has performed with such household names as Art Garfunkel, Brian Wilson and Hal Ketchum who appeared live on stage at The Academy earlier this year. He has also written TV and film scores working with such directors as Beau Bridges and Dianne Keaton.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “We are so delighted that Kenny is joining the extensive list of world class musicians who regard our venue and Basingstoke as the place they wish to visit. To host Lisa’s European Tour was terrific news but for her to choose to host her CD launch party at The Academy and to invite Kenny Edwards is wonderful.”

Lisa herself hit the headlines in the US on her way over to the UK when her flight was marred when a suspected terrorist was arrested in-flight and her plane had to be diverted to New York from Los Angeles. She is now safely in Basingstoke for her rehearsals and media activity.

IT DON’T HURT will make its debut at The Academy on July 21 during a special CD-launch bash, a full 10 days before its “official” street date. The Roots/Americana diva can rely on her loyal U.K. fans to fill the room, as those fans have followed her since the 2002 release of her debut CD, AM I TOO BLUE, and the 2005 issue, PEACE OF MIND.

The show starts at 8pm with country music radio and television presenter, Lee Williams of CMR Nashville radio, playing old favourites and the latest releases across the whole spectrum of country music and taking the night through to 2am with audience requests.

Admission is £10 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Kenny’s website is at: http://www.kennyedwards.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/

The Academy rocks!

2007-06-25T20:12:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007

The Academy rocks!

Following the success of recent rock shows at The Academy Basingstoke with bands such as “Never The Bride” who will perform at Glastonbury this year, a further rock concert, albeit a lighter middle-of-the-road style of music, is being held on Saturday 14th July 2007 at the Worting Road live music venue.

The “Sock Monkeys” are a 5-piece band of experienced musicians who got together because they love playing great rock music, past and present. They have evolved over the last couple of years into a tight, professional-sounding unit covering a range of classic and contemporary rock and pop songs with the energy of the originals, and something of their own passion thrown in!

Their support band are “Stealers Bluff” and the show starts at 8pm with DJ Ivan Axford taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests. Admission is £3 on the door, over 18’s only.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of the Sock Monkeys can be found on-line at http://www.thesockmonkeys.co.uk/ - they are on stage 10.45/11pm. Stealers Bluff www.myspace.com/stealersbluff are on stage from 9pm to 10.15pm

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/

US country music star Lisa O'Kane launches CD in Basingstoke

2007-06-19T09:10:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007

US country music star Lisa O'Kane launches CD in Basingstoke

Los Angeles-based recording artist Lisa O’Kane, has dubbed her sixth tour of Britain the "Heart On My Sleeve Tour" and The Academy in Worting Road Basingstoke is not only a venue on the Tour but is hosting Lisa’s official launch party for her brand new CD, IT DON’T HURT.

A soul-baring reflection packed with powerful emotions, the disc is not for the faint of heart as the album’s songs address some very real, very deep feelings. “My fans know that I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve,” says Lisa. “It’s been a year of change for me and thus the name of this tour.”

IT DON’T HURT will make its debut at The Academy on July 21 during a special CD-launch bash, a full 10 days before its “official” street date. The Roots/Americana diva can rely on her loyal U.K. fans to fill the venue, as those fans have followed her since the 2002 release of her debut CD, AM I TOO BLUE, and the 2005 issue, PEACE OF MIND.

Lisa’s 15-day itinerary encompasses 11 performances and includes an interview/acoustic performance with BBC Radio 2 host Bob Harris which is scheduled for broadcast August 2.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “Lisa is an amazing performer. Her “Peace of Mind” album has been a permanent part of my in-car CD collection ever since I first heard it a year ago. It is so powerful and we are so excited that we have managed to persuade Lisa to not only perform in Basingstoke but to allow us to host the official launch party for her new CD.”

“She’ll be travelling with a cracking band that includes fellow American Kenny Edwards (Karla Bonoff, Stone Poneys) on acoustic guitar, mandolin and background vocals. Joining them are Brits Steve Curtis of Brentwood, Essex (recording artist and 2004 finalist in Guitarist Magazine’s Acoustic Guitar Competition) who plugs it in and goes electric for Lisa; Andy Peek of Shoeburyness (The Directors, Tony McPhee’s Groundhogs) manning the drums and percussion, and rounding things out on bass guitar is Nevil Kiddier of Chelmsford (Glyder, The Pinkees, No Idea).” John added.

“For those who would like to find out more about Lisa, it is well worth a visit to her website at www.myspace.com/lisaokane “

The show starts at 8pm with country music radio and television presenter, Lee Williams, playing old favourites and the latest releases across the whole spectrum of country music and taking the night through to 2am with audience requests.

Admission is £10 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Schedule your interview now by contacting martha@somuchmoore.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/

UK faces devastating migration legacy of Tony Blair

2007-06-18T14:41:00.000Z

I voted Labour back in the 1997 General Elections for the first time in my life and it was because I was so impressed with Tony Blair.

He was full of enthusiasm and energy, he had vision and he looked and sounded like a Prime Minister should. Tony Blair was the man of our times.

So how does it feel ten years on as Prime Minister Blair spends his last few days in Downing Street and travelling the globe saying farewell to the world’s leaders? Of course, he has made mistakes and had his fair share of successes but will history be kind to him?

At the moment people are focussing on Iraq as his biggest legacy. Of course, as our soldiers and UK civilians die on Iraqi soil, it is a common topic of conversation and in the news. In general, it is not favourable towards the Prime Minister or President Bush. The topic has been discussed at such length that it will serve much purpose in doing it to death here; suffice to say that only time will tell how that part of world history unfolds and enable future generations to judge the decisions made.

How do I feel here and now? I want to believe that U.S. and UK deaths have not been in vain. I want history to judge Tony Blair kindly. But, I fear that the ends have not justified the means and that it was a huge mistake. Time only will tell.

But I fear that the huge legacy left by Tony Blair’s term in office is not yet part of the public’s consciousness. I think that the biggest mistake he and his government made was to abandon common sense for socialist idealism when they deliberately under-estimated the huge numbers of immigrants who would pour into the UK from Eastern Europe.

This morning, I was shopping in town. My local newsagent put up a poster for me for one of my events and commented on some advertising postcards, offering rooms and lodgings, he was displaying. He told me that, until recently, an en-suite room in a nice house was costing people £50 a week. Since my home town of Basingstoke was “invaded” by Polish and other Eastern European migrants, they have now shot up to around £100 a week. This is leaving local people either unable to find or unable to afford their own accommodation.

In the shop was a sales representative. He told us that he had been to a city recently to visit a corner shop but found two men blocking the road. These Eastern Europeans came to his car and asked where he was going; he explained that he was visiting the local shop but they said this was not permitted as the shop only bought items “suitable for the local population”. He was turned away so rang the shop owner only to be told that the area was saturated with foreigners who were dictating what he sold and who he bought supplies from. He dare not buy from anywhere else as he would have no trade.

He reported this to his head office who investigated. They found that there are some 20,000 Eastern Europeans in that city and there are “no go” areas for English people. They have swamped some areas and made them into some form of ghetto.

This reminded me that I was contemplating running a monthly Polish night to enable the local Polish community to get together. On informal advice from local officials I abandoned the idea; their concerns were that gangs of Polish workers have already been banned from town centre bars because of their violent actions.

My local authority licenses taxi drivers and have recently had to introduce English tests because of the complaints from passengers who have had to deal with drivers, to be fair not just Eastern Europeans, who were unable to operate effectively due to an inability to communicate in English.

These issues are causing ordinary local people to complain quietly to one another as it is part of our English culture to not complain too loudly unless provoked. I believe that the migration issue will provoke common folk to complain loudly and, quite probably, to react violently in the medium to long term.

My fear is that cultural unrest is going to be Tony Blair’s lasting legacy and that his idealism will have caused future generations to face a difficult and violent future. It raises all sorts of concerns for businesses and communities and I am not sure what the future holds for us.

This article first appeared as a blog on the My Telegraph website (UK) - June 2007

EAST 17 stay another day in Basingstoke

2007-06-12T19:53:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007

EAST 17 stay another day in Basingstoke

The Academy Basingstoke has announced the latest addition to their “Original Artistes” programme with EAST 17 performing on Saturday 28th July 2007 at the Worting Road live music venue.

Back in 1991, four friends from Walthamstow, London E17 got together to make music and soon came to the notice of manager Tom Watkins who had already had success with Bros and the Pet Shop Boys.

Taking their name from the area of London in which they lived, EAST 17 was born and in August of 1992 their first single “House of Love” was released and went straight into the Top Ten.

From then on, a succession of 17 other singles and 6 albums followed including the million selling single “Stay Another Day” which hit the Christmas number one spot in 1994 and stayed in the charts for 16 weeks.

The band went from strength to strength with arena tours around the world and even sold more records than Take That outside of the UK.

Tony left the band in 1997 but Brian, Terry and John continued to release songs and still perform around the world to this day.

Brian has kept the profile up by appearing on TV shows like “I’m a Celebrity” in 2004 and had a much publicised car accident in 2005 that nearly took his life.

2007 will be the bands 15th year so they will be performing a greatest hits show throughout the UK, including The Academy Basingstoke, and are even looking at releasing new material to their army of adoring fans who, although a little older, have not lost any of their passion.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “I worked with EAST 17 during their heyday and have fond memories of delighted audiences enjoying a terrific night out. I am delighted to have this opportunity to not only bring the guys back to Basingstoke but also to introduce them to a new generation of music lovers.”

Their support act is yet to be announced but the show starts at 8pm with DJ Danny D. taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests.

Admission is £15 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.

ENDS

Note 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/

Nuts Magazine Pub Pool Challenge 2007 cancellation

2007-05-29T17:57:00.000Z

How can the Nuts Pool Challenge for pubs and clubs suddenly be cancelled without refunds of monies paid?

The Academy in Basingstoke supported the NUTS Pool Challenge 2007. This involved pubs and clubs paying £45 for the opportunity to host local pool competitions; this involved a lot of organisation and time committment on the venues' part but there was the opportunity for them to secure £1000 if their player won the national prize and their name would be on the backs of the shirts of the televised finals.

Players entered the contest by texting a premium rate number costing them £3 each. They were promised a NUTS Magazine pool cue if they won the local competition and the opportunity to compete in a regional final. The winner of the regional final would go through to a televised national final where the overall winner would win £50,000 cash.

The Academy ran 6 week's competitions and so six finalists were to go through to the regional finals in Reading.

Last week, all our winners received a text saying that the competition had been cancelled. No other details were available.

The website has now been pulled and last week it was just saying it had been cancelled. Today it says that it has been cancelled due to lack of entries but that local winners can e-mail their details to receive their complimentary NUTS-branded cue.

It is possible that, in the small print, there was a clause allowing them to pull the competition if there were not enough entrants but, as the website has been pulled, we cannot find out. Even if it were put back on-line they would, sure as hell, add that clause in now!

As a venue, the Academy has received no information so I tried posting a question on the NUTS Magazine Forum (http://www.nuts.co.uk/) but they have not published it. I tried to ask the question through someone else's thread on the Forum but, again, they have refused to accept it. The pubs and clubs have not received their contracted bargain so there is a case for a full refund.

Competitors I have spoken to also wish a refund. As a commentator on the Basingstoke & District Pool League web forum says: "Surely everybody who has entered would be entitled to a refund???? Surely you cant take hundreds of thousands ( guesstimate) of pounds off people for a competition then decide you're not going forward with it for whatever reason without giving a full refund to everybody!!"

I would love to hear from other venues who hosted the NUTS Pool Challenge and would wish to press for a refund.

Photo: Michael Hewitt, winner of one of the Basingstoke rounds of the Nuts Pool Challenge

UPDATE 30th May 2007:

Thanks to Andi for sending me a full set of the rules and "terms & conditions". I cannot see any provision for the cancellation if insufficient entrants.

It is interesting though that Nuts Magazines, IPC Media and the sponsors The Money Gaming Corporation, accept no liability for the contest. Maybe we all need to look to boycotting these companies and generating adverse media interest in the story will be required to achieve a refund. What are your thoughts?

Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

2007-05-15T10:06:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007

Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

The Academy live music venue in Basingstoke is hosting a rock extravanganza on Saturday 15th June.

The headline act is Aldershot-based “Vibracore”, an intense four-piece rock band that plays its own brand of swaggering, hard-edged, funked-up, psychedelic, voodoo-blues sleaze.

Their debut album, ‘The Emerald Sessions’ was released to universal acclaim. Simon Bradley of Guitarist magazine said of the album “…forty-a-day vocals from Daniel Card and excellent six string flashes from beardy guitarist John Moline all add up to a totally English experience. ‘Seen the Light’ has a great groove as well as an awesome phat Strat tone.”

The Venue magazine’s Dave Trott said, “In Vibracore’s world a Texas blues riff becomes a rocking mantra as ‘Hard Work, Worry and Pain’ takes a stretch and takes its time to show you what it can do. They juggle (successfully) with Rock, Blues, Soul and Funk… but the main deal is that they are themselves. If I had heard them when I was 14 it would have become a pivotal moment. Is the youth of today safe?”

By gigging extensively and playing at major London venues including three headline shows at the Mean Fiddler, London, Vibracore have forged a reputation as a great live act. Comparisons with Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Foo Fighters are not without merit. The band is currently recording their second album due for release late 2007.

Vibracore’s website is www.myspace.com/vibracoreuk

The support act is south west rock gods “APE” from St Austell in Cornwall whose unique brand of rock music is rapidly bringing their talents to the attention of the music world. Ape’s website is: www.apemusic.net

Full details of this event and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly.

Tickets priced £2.50 will be available on the door.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

2007-05-14T19:48:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007

Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is featuring pop legend Neville Staple and his band live on stage on Saturday 20th October 2007 for what is likely to be a sell-out concert.

Best known for his work writing & composing, the lead singer from The Specials, and as one of the founding members of Fun Boy 3, Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.

Neville's biography and past projects read like a who's who of rock. He has worked with such legends as Elvis Costello (“The Specials” 1979 – Chrysalis Records), David Byrne (Fun Boy 3 “Waiting” 1983 – Chrysalis Records), and Ali Campbell (“Today's Specials” 1996 - Kuff Records/Virgin), to name only a few.

His talents are found on the unique tribute album, “Searching For Jimi Hendrix” (1999 - Capitol Records) a project that Neville is personally quite proud of. In addition to having recorded with some of rock's most famous, he has also shared the stage with such icons as Ranking Roger (English Beat) forming Special Beat. Although this line-up never actually recorded an album they successfully toured the U.S. with Sting and Steel Pulse, which ultimately lead up to their own headline tour.

Some of Neville's recent projects and collaborations include hooking up with Roger Lomas, in Coventry, to record “Skinhead Girl” and “Conquering Ruler” for Trojan Records, and co-producing with John Avila (Oingo Boingo) “The Best of The Specials & Fun Boy 3” performed for Cleopatra Records in Los Angeles, CA.

In America, Neville was also in the studio with Unwritten Law recording on tracks for their release, “ELVA” for Interscope Records. Desorden Publico the Venezuelan ska band met up with Neville in Miami in 2000, to record the track, “Black Market Man” on their album “El Diablo – Guerra Sound Rounds 2000” (Venezuela). The band has also released this song as a video and is found in heavy rotation on MTV Espanol. You’ll find some of Neville’s newest solo work on VANS, “Off the Wall Volume IV” compilation CD. In 2002, released on Cleopatra Records “Special Ska Au Go Go”, the CD features Neville’s own original tracks with some old skool songs in the mix.Since 1998 Neville has been on a mission to entertain, successfully touring Japan, South America and extensively touring North America with his own band. Above all he is a performer. It is worth seeing Neville’s live performance; his captivating stage presence and distinct voice are well worth it. Catch his show these days, and you’ll get a mix of old favourites plus loads of his brand new original solo material.

Before the 20th October gig in Basingstoke, Neville’s busy schedule takes him on a series of US tours, Canada and, unremarkably for someone of this level of talent, Glastonbury.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly. Tickets will be on sale via the website soon and are expected to be in heavy demand.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of Neville Staple can be found at http://www.blogger.com/www.nevillestaple.co.uk

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/

Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

2007-05-11T21:48:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th May 2007.

Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

Basingstoke Boxers are all hoping to be matched for the Open Show to be held at The Academy snooker & pool hall, sports bar and live music venue on Worting Road on the evening of Saturday 26th May.

Due to the success of the boxing hosted at Carnival Hall it was decided that a second show would be hosted before the end of the Season for 2006/2007.

This is a charity fundraiser to support youth boxing development in north Hampshire and the club has been well supported by local businesses placing advertisements in the show programme.

Young local talent will be on show for a series of challenging bouts.

Stuart Third has been boxing for Basingstoke ABC over the past 3 or 4 years. As a senior, he entered the novice championships this season but, unfortunately, was defeated. Stuart is lucky this year to have gained individual sponsorship by W. S. C. Scaffolding of Basingstoke.

James McIntosh, also a senior, manages to fit his boxing into a very busy schedule. James plays football for Thatcham; he also coaches and plays tennis for Totally Tennis in Basingstoke.

Grant Neale (15), grandson of Charlie Neale who founded Basingstoke ABC, has had his first time at championship level travelling to Liverpool for the Golden Belt Championships, where he was defeated by the champion for 2006/2007.

Archie Hutchins who has been boxing for two seasons now, was also unlucky in the Golden Gloves, travelling to Stoke-on-Trent to be stopped in the second round. Since then Archie has bounced back winning 3/3, also managing a second round stoppage in Portsmouth.

Joey Clarke, a promising junior, is looking forward to boxing on home ground. Joey travelled to East Ham in London, where he fought a more experienced boxer for a skills round and demonstrated good endurance and great courage.

Xander Stagg made his debut performance at Carnival Hall in Basingstoke back in October 2006. He attends Costello Technology College and hopes to become a Doctor when he’s older. Xander also plays football for Down Grange under 12’s which won the league this year.

Special guest on the evening will be local boxer Jon Honney, recently crowned Southern Area Light-welterweight Champion.

Advance tickets (£10) are available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/; contacting The Academy, telephone 01256 327273. Anyone wanting further information or to reserve tickets on the door can do so by calling 0784 0947864.

Under 16’s can attend this event. Tickets priced £5 are available on the door or by calling 0784 0947864. There will be a dedicated soft drinks bar for under-18’s.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Photo: Contender Stuart Third

Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Keywords: Basingstoke ABC, The Academy Basingstoke, Boxing, Headline Promotions

Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

2007-05-07T22:34:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.

Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

This coming weekend, 11th & 12th of May, upcoming rock bands “No Sax Please” and “Fat Chance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke as part of the Worting Road venue’s innovative live music programme.

Following last weekend’s sell out tribute to Bon Jovi, local 60’s/70’s covers band, “Phoenix” (http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixrock) will perform on Friday evening in a show starting at 8pm and going on to 2am, supported by popular local DJ team “Diamond Disco”. Tickets are priced at a modest £2.50 on the door.

On Saturday 12th, 'No Sax Please' a pop/rock/r'n'b 4 piece covers band with a female vocalist will entertain with 'Fat Chance', who describe themselves as “a blues/r'n'b with a sprinkling of rock 5 piece band”, will perform live on stage. Ticket prices are, again, modest at £2.50 before 9pm and £4.50 after.

These shows will surely appeal to all ages and all generations (but admission is for over 18’s only).

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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.
(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
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Photo: Basingstoke band "Phoenix"

Modern Romance in Basingstoke

2007-05-07T20:44:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.

Modern Romance in Basingstoke

1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Saturday 2nd June to bring their special brand of music to a new generation as well as to fans from across the decades.

When the band first exploded into the charts in the summer of 1981 with their infectious rhythms and tailored glamour, you could be forgiven for thinking they were an overnight success.

In fact, the roots of the group could be traced far back to the mid ‘70s when “The Leyton Buzzards” began life in 1976 as a college band consisting of long time friends Geoffrey Deane (vocals), David Jaymes (bass), Kevin Steptoe (drums) and Dave Monk (guitar). After building up a considerable following on the London pub circuit, the group signed a small record deal with an independent label, and in 1978, released their debut single, “19 & Mad”. Both the record, and success in a music competition backed by Radio One, attracted the attention of the majors and the band signed a deal with Chrysalis soon after. The result was a minor hit in 1979 with “Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees” and an album “From Jellied Eels To Record Deals”. Further singles for Chrysalis failed to capitalise on the initial flush of success, and in 1980 the band changed their name to The Buzzards, signing a new deal with Warner Brothers in the process.

A cover of the Andy Williams’ “Can’t Get Used To Losing You” proved a commercial failure and The Buzzards subsequently disbanded, but Geoffrey Deane and David Jaymes remained with Warner and began developing a new sound and a new brand that was to become Modern Romance.

The pair were accompanied on this new journey by a versatile collective of musicians; John Du Prez (trumpet), Robbie Jaymes (keyboards), Paul Gendler (guitar) and Andy Kyriacou, whose drums and percussion became the backbone of the Modern Romance sound.

Success for the new group didn’t come immediately, but it would have been hard for the public not to have seized upon the fusion of faux-disco and big band that was “Everybody Salsa”. Entering the charts at number 71, the song quickly took hold and within a month was sitting comfortably in the top 20, eventually peaking at a respectable number 12. Follow-up “Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey” went two better and landed in the top 10, remaining in the charts over the festive period and no doubt graced the turntable of many an office party.

January ‘82 witnessed the release of the wondrous “Queen Of The Rapping Scene (Nothing Goes The Way You Plan)”, which featured Bev Sage of the Techno Twins on guest vocal. A hugely memorable appearance on BBC Top Of The Pops helped the record become their third top 40 hit in less than six months.

Debut album, “Adventures In Clubland”, surprisingly failed to register on the UK charts, although it did perform extremely well across Europe and made Gold in Latin America with number one rankings in several countries. It also proved successful in the USA where “Can You Move” had become a significant dance chart hit.

Two more singles followed in quick succession. First up, the lush “By The Way (I’m Still In Love With You)”, which appeared on the 2006 Warner’s Platinum Compilation on a Modern Romance album for the first time. Follow-up “Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White” proved perfect for the UK summer market and sizzled its way up the charts, giving the group another top 20 hit.

In late 1982 Geoffrey Deane quit the group to pursue a solo career, leaving the way for Michael J. Mullins to be promoted from a supporting role on the sidelines to be the bands new lead singer. His arrival signalled a dramatic move towards a more pop oriented sound, clearly evident on the perennial hit, “Best Years Of Our Lives” (as featured more recently on the soundtrack of the movie “SHREK”). This upbeat anthem rocketed to number 4 in the charts over Christmas 1982, and was even supported by a special Yuletide remix.

The new look Modern Romance had a blistering year in 1983, racking up three more major hit singles. “High Life” and “Don’t Stop That Crazy Rhythm” both retained the party feel of their earlier hits, whilst “Walking In The Rain”, a beautiful ballad, showed the group in a new light previously unseen on earlier recordings. These tracks appeared on the chart album “Trick Of The Light”, alongside standouts “Lets Go”, “She’s So Fine” and “After All This Time”.

A career retrospective in late ‘83, aptly titled “Party Tonight”, gave the group another chart album and included their final single for Warner, “Good Friday”. This album also included a brilliant interpretation of the Motown classic “Just My Imagination”, which demonstrated the versatility of this great band.

During these years the band had massive hits around the world and undertook a number of sell-out tours including a massive concert in Tokyo.

In 1984 the group signed a new record deal with RCA and released their final album, “Burn It!” Subsequent singles, including the memorable “That’s What Friends Are For” made little impression on the UK charts and Modern Romance finally signed off in 1985 with a cover of the Baltimora hit “Tarzan Boy”. The beat wasn’t quite ready to quit however and drummer Andy Kyriacou resurrected the group in 2001.

A tour in 2007 is currently underway to coincide with a new album and kicks off with a show at The Academy Basingstoke (http://www.academyclubs.com/) on Saturday 2nd June. The band will perform as an acoustic set to reflect the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the venue.

The show brings together the very finest moments from the group’s career. Twenty five years after “Everybody Salsa” first sashayed its way into the charts, this is your chance to remember why that crazy rhythm still cannot be beat!

And if you belong to a newer generation, then see the people perform songs you hear on the dance floor today and appreciate that the music was created back in the 1980’s.

Full details are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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 Sport 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/).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at http://www.modernromance.com/

Media enquiries and interview requests with Mr Kyriacou 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/

PHOTO: Andy Kyriacou (left) with John Hicks on Andy's recent visit to The Academy Basingstoke

Modern Romance - discography

2007-04-21T19:22:00.000Z

Modern Romance - 80's mega band

In answer to a number of questions about the band's discography, I am pleased to list some of their highlights!

Discography – Listing of Territories & Hits

Worldwide - 2001 "Best Years of our Lives" features in the movie "SHREK"

Venezuela No.1 album (gold) ("Adventures in Clubland")

UK – Gold Album – Party Tonight

UK - 8 Top Twenty hits

UK - 2 Top 40 albums

UK - 2006 Warner Bros released a Platinum Album compilation CD

New York Award for Best New Dance Track ("Can You Move")

Thailand No.1 Single (Walking In The rain") Album (Unknown Position)

Spain Various hits Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)

Italy Various hits Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)

Germany Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Holland Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Sweden Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Belgium Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Norway Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Cyprus Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Greece Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Also other territories, but research on sales/position etc is in progress. All of the above European countries visited repeatedly during 3 tours of Europe. Also, the Far East was visited at a time when the band were No. 1 in Thailand, and a video of the live show was recorded in Japan, where the band also had a huge following. The video was released as Modern Romance - "Live in Tokyo".

I am looking forward to renewing old acquaintances with the band when they appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on 2nd June 2007. I hope to see you there! I first saw them perform live on stage at Butlins in Bognor Regis and they had the audience eating out of their hand - we had a fantastic night and I remain an avid fan to this day. During that time, of course, Headline Promotions Press & PR were given the honour of handling the UK and European media relations for the band and it's lead singer - Andy Kyriacou.

John

Pool opened up to young people at The Academy

2007-03-08T12:05:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
March 7th, 2007

Pool opened up to young people at The Academy

Young people of all skills levels and who are interested in the sport of pool are being invited to a special open day at The Academy in Basingstoke on Bank Holiday Monday, 9th April from 2pm – 6pm.

For those who have little or no experience of the game, enjoyed nationally by around 9 million people of all ages every week, there will be some introductory lessons.

Where the youngsters have some skills and would like some coaching, there is a Youth Pool Master Class with former World Champion and England player, Michael Piper, and the current World Ladies Blackball Champion, Amanda Watson. Michael was recently awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Mayor Basingstoke & Deane for his contribution to sport in the Borough in recognition of his coaching of the sport locally.

At the end of the afternoon, there will be a knockout tournament with the winners and runners-up being awarded cups by Rob Hall, current County under-18’s captain and former County under-18’s champion. Rob, a member of staff at The Academy, is attending to scout for new County players so there is a chance for Basingstoke youngsters to progress further in the sport.

The sessions are for 9 – 16 year olds and are free of charge but places must be pre-booked by calling into the Worting Road pool & snooker hall, sports bar, restaurant and live music venue in person prior to the day. It is first-come first-served.

Full details of this and forthcoming sports and live-music events, and on-line ticket sales, are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning Andrea Hicks, Deputy General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Pictured: Former World Pool Champion and England Team Player, Michael Piper

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/

Pool players go NUTS at The Academy

2007-03-08T12:00:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
March 7th, 2007

Pool players go NUTS at The Academy

Pool players from around the region are competing at The Academy in Basingstoke for the opportunity to progress in the national Nuts Pool Challenge 2007 where the first prize of £50,000 is up for grabs.

The Nuts Pub Pool Challenge is a nationwide singles, one frame, knock out 8ball pool tournament with £50,000 to the winner, £1,000 to the winner’s licensee and the finals televised on Sky Sports.

Players are invited to enter by SMS mobile text. This innovative entry system enables players to choose their own pub or club or be directed to the nearest participating venue. The Basingstoke and north Hampshire area is served by The Academy in Worting Road.

The weekly preliminaries, which contestants can enter on more than one occasion, are being held at The Academy snooker & pool hall, sports bar and live music venue every Monday evening until 2nd April.

The winner of the first week’s round was Winklebury resident, Mark Hewitt (photographed) who was presented with a Nuts-branded cue and his entry into the regional final.

Full details of this and forthcoming sports and live-music events, and on-line ticket sales, are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning Andrea Hicks, Deputy General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

For more information on the Nuts Challenge phone 0870 167 0731 or visit www.pubpoolchallenge.co.uk

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of Nuts Pool Challenge can be found at www.nuts.co.uk/pubpool or phone 0870 167 0731

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/

Congratulations to Jon Honney

2007-02-25T01:56:00.000Z

Congratulations to our friend, and client, Jon Honney in securing the Southern Area Lightweight Championship belt in his hard-won title fight. This is long overdue and look forward to his eventual World Title Belt.

Jon Honney can be e-mailed at jon@jonhonney.co.uk

www.jonhonney.co.uk

The relevance of the Internet to Small Exporters in Uganda

2007-02-11T11:02:00.000Z

The relevance of the Internet to Small Exporters in Uganda
By John Hicks
UK Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Exporters seeking information or business contacts in their overseas markets may find it a difficult and time-consuming challenge.

The Internet is an invaluable tool for both finding businesses potentially interested in alliances, distribution or purchasing products - and in communicating with them to build and maintain necessary relationships.

An observer of the growth of the Internet in its earlier days prophetically noted: "The Internet, like television and the print media, is yet another resource developed in the emerging new media to promote products and/or services. The similarities end there. The Internet also adds the ability to communicate quickly, and with less cost. It also allows firms with a need for information to find it quickly and easily. The Internet can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your business internationally".

Exporting, even that accomplished with the assistance of the Internet, still follows the same basic rules. Before the Internet was a greatly important factor in export marketing, several areas were identified as critical to success in exporting.

One such factor was businesses’ ignorance of foreign laws and customs, either of which can negatively affect potential success in any foreign market.

Other factors identified in various studies of successful export marketers included developing and strengthening competitive advantage within target markets.

Maintaining an efficient distribution network and marketing techniques were a top priority after a firm is in the export markets.

Government assistance in locating and developing relationships with companies in foreign markets was generally seen to be essential but goldmine of information now available on the Internet means that we are all less-dependant than we were.

In the early part of my career, physical travel to potential markets was seen to be absolutely critical in developing the export markets, but at a huge cost. The first innovation to help us was cheaper flights but, with the advent of the Internet, even that travel is not so critical an issue now, allowing many more small businesses to enter export markets than when extensive (and expensive) international travel was required.

The object of much of that formerly-required foreign travel often was the seeking-out of both governmental and private-sector sources that could supply us with information on regulations, market research expertise and introduction to firms likely to be interested in acting as distributors or retailers of the firm’s goods or services. Sources such as local chambers of commerce, trade associations and governmental data on specific industry and commodity sectors have been available for years, but generally only through individual subscriptions or libraries.

Several years ago, there was great hope for the possibilities of direct Internet commerce. With only relatively few exceptions, success in direct sales over the Internet has been elusive for most not involved with business-to-business transactions. However, the Internet does provide a wealth of information applicable to more standard methods of achieving "international" status and should be considered an integral part of establishing and maintaining relationships with foreign distributors and retailers.

What is critical to export success, I suggest, is the ability to create websites to market your products, give credibility to your business and make it easier for customers and potential customers to locate you and communicate with you. Your website can be as grand or as simple as you wish; it will largely be determined by your budget but remember that you can, with a little time and thought, create your own at little or no cost. If you want a quality site then it will cost and you need to see the work of several consultants before you settle with one to create your site.

The advent of new technological advances, such as the video sharing sites such as YouTube, gives you access to a new generation of web users to help develop your brand but you will need to get the basics of your Internet marketing strategy right first before you venture into these arena.

What is available to you immediately, and at no cost, is the ability to create blog sites. A blog was originally a web-based diary (web log). I have been experimenting with my occasional marketing and public relations blog with articles for small business at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com and have attracted a large number of visitors. It costs nothing to create, except your time, but it offers you an immediate free showcase and public relations tool. As long as you include the promotion of your blog site address in your marketing strategy then this will be an invaluable tool for you.

I hope these brief thoughts are useful but I would welcome your feedback and suggestions for any future articles on the European perspective of marketing for export.

John Hicks, is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR based in Basingstoke in the south of England. With many years experience in marketing, business promotion and Public Relations (including time spent working with the UK Manufacturing Advisory Service for the South East and Engineering Employers’ Federation South Region), John specialises in the manufacturing sector and leisure industry. He is also a contributor to a number of UK and US journals.

John is always happy to give free informal advice by e-mail; contact him by e-mail at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk – please mention this Newsletter. You can read his occasional marketing and public relations blog with articles for small business at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

This article was written for the Ugandan Export Advisory Agency newsletter - February 2007

Appeal for help from UK citizens worldwide to support occupied Cyprus

2007-02-05T22:08:00.000Z

Appeal for help from UK citizens worldwide to support occupied Cyprus

British citizens in the UK, and expatriates abroad, are being urged to sign an on-line petition, addressed directly to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, asking that there be no direct flights to occupied Cyprus.

Its’ promoters insist that the supporters of the Turkish occupation regime have deceived 6000 people into signing an on-line petition in support of direct flights to occupied Cyprus and that this must be countered.

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus, referred to by euphemism as the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation by Turkey was the heavily condemned military action against the independent, sovereign, island nation of Cyprus by Turkey that resulted in the partition of the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey argues that it was a consequence of tensions between the Junta in Greece and Turkey, and of internal unrest within Greece. It took place during the final months of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974, at which time Greek Army officers stationed in Cyprus launched a coup d'état against the President of Cyprus, Makarios III.

Turkey's position was that such action was allowed under the provisions of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. The Treaty provided that Greece, Turkey and United Kingdom would ensure the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey, taking advantage of political unrest in Greece that expanded to Cyprus, announced that the invasion was a peace-keeping operation to restore the constitutional order in Cyprus.

Turkey, however, invaded Cyprus in two waves on the 20 July and 14 August and still occupies 37% of the island despite UN Security Council Resolutions. After the first wave of the invasion the constitutional order had been restored Makarios III returned to power, the Junta in Greece collapsed but the Turkish military continued with the second wave.

The result of the invasion was the creation of an internationally unrecognized Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in the areas under Turkish occupation and the displacement of 210,000 ethnic Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Today, although Turkish Cypriots have full free movement rights throughout the island as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots have not been permitted to return permanently to the Turkish-occupied north.

You must be a British national or residing in the UK in order to sign on-line at: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/occupied-cyprus/

The text of the petition to Mr Blair says:
We the undersigned, petition the Prime Minister to act in accordance with Britain's treaty obligations with the Republic of Cyprus and to take decisive action to prevent direct trade and direct flights between Britain and Turkish occupied Cyprus and to prevent the illegal sale and advertising of Greek Cypriot property to British nationals.

According to the Treaty of Guarantee, Britain, Greece and Turkey undertook "to prohibit, as far as lies within their power, all activity having the object of promoting directly or indirectly either the union of the Republic of Cyprus with any other State, or the partition of the Island."

The promoters of the petition, which is part of a UK government project to make it easier for groups to petition through the Internet, remind the public that the 1974 Turkey invasion of Cyprus was illegal.

UN Security Council resolutions 541(1983) and 550(1984) declare the self-proclaimed "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" "legally invalid" and call upon all states not to assist this illegal secessionist entity in any way.

All ports and airports in occupied Cyprus have been declared illegal points of entry and closed to all traffic and trade by the Cyprus government. Civilian flights to any airport inoccupied Cyprus violate the Chicago Convention.

Watch this space!

This article was syndicated by The American Chronicle series: February 2007

Hal Ketchum on stage in Basingstoke

2007-02-04T22:26:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th February 2007

US country music recording star on stage in Basingstoke

Country music star Hal Ketchum’s show, live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Wednesday 14th March, is looking like a complete sell-out show.

The event, in association with the new country music radio station across Europe, CMR Nashville Radio at http://www.cmrnashville.net/, features Hal Ketchum and his American Band supported by leading Irish band, Brendan Quinn and his band.

Hal Ketchum... poet... songwriter... painter... carpenter... singer... actor... author... a true modern day artisan. Born in New York, Hal was introduced to music as a child by his musical parents. He was the sought-after drummer in high school band circles. He made his way to Texas in the early eighties where he made his mark with future pals Lyle Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Willie Nelson, and Asleep at the Wheel, among others. It was a hot bed for these young talents and they were making history.

Hal landed his record deal with Curb Records in Los Angeles in the early 90's and his first single off his first record went straight to number one scoring Hal his first Gold record. The song of course is his now famous, "Small Town Saturday Night."

Since then, Ketchum has had 15 top ten hits, countless songwriting awards, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Hal's release, Lucky Man, scored the top 40 hit, “She Is”, written for his muse, Gina. Hal and Gina were married on Valentines Day 1998 and have three children, Fani, Ruby and Sophie. The couple have finished their children's picture book and have signed on with a literary agent in New York.

"The King Of Love" was released in the UK to an overwhelming positive response. On this project Hal has produced his own music for the first time. "It's an exciting time for me," says Ketchum. "I'm enjoying my life, my work and my art more than ever."

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “Securing the opportunity for Basingstoke to host this show was an amazing coup. We released the tickets on the on-line shop on our website on the Sunday lunchtime and a substantial number had been purchased by that evening. People are amazed that we only charged £21.50 when venues normally command £30 or more but my intention is to widen access to as many people in the region as I can.”

“We have the internationally acclaimed Red Sox band booked for April but that is already a sell-out performance and no tickets are now available. My best guess is that Hal’s only date in the south of England this year, here at The Academy, will all be sold out soon” added John.

The Academy in Worting Road already hosts a weekly Country Music Night every Friday evening. The DJ is country radio & TV presenter Lee Williams who established the original CMR Nashville radio station in the US with leading country personality Ted Randall.

CMR Nashville is broadcasting online from its various studios in Nashville, London, Greece, Ireland and Australia. Now, a new studio is being constructed at The Academy in the style of a coffee lounge so that guests on the show can be interviewed in the relaxed atmosphere of Basingstoke’s premier family entertainment venue. Shows will be recorded in this new studio and customers of The Academy will be able to see what is going on. Their new lunchtime show will go out live from The Academy on weekdays and record labels will be encouraged to bring new artists down to the venue to be broadcast live on air.

Why Basingstoke Academy? As Lee Williams explained: “The venue’s claim to be the regional home of country music has some credibility. With acts like Henry Smith’s Country Dreams and The Man In Black tribute to the late great, Johnny Cash. I am particularly delighted that The Academy has signed the legendary George Hamilton IV appearing in September, I do not know of any venue like it. CMR Nashville are proud to be associated with The Academy and will do all it can to support them. This will be an exciting year for country music in the south of England and The Academy will be at the very heart of it especially as they now host monthly singer/songwriter workshops with the very best of the UK and US country music talent.”

Full details of forthcoming events, and on-line ticket sales, are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams 07956 888587 lee@cmrnashville.net

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/

Elvis supports local Breast Cancer unit

2007-01-30T12:31:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
27th January 2007

Elvis supports local Breast Cancer unit!

A leading US performer, Jack Smink who takes his Elvis tribute show to major venues in the States, is breaking into his holiday in the UK this weekend to help The Academy Basingstoke raise money for the North Hampshire Hospital’s breast cancer unit.

General Manager of The Academy, John Hicks, explained: “Jack Smink is highly regarded in the US for his outstanding stage shows which delight Elvis fans and bringing Elvis to a new generation of music lovers. He is on holiday this week and kindly agreed to support our fundraising efforts to support the Basingstoke Breast Cancer Care Group in their amazing project to purchase new equipment at the Hospital.”

“I have seen Jack live on stage and he is brilliant. But, if further proof were needed, I have just received an e-mail from a former Basingstoke resident now living in the US.” John added. Former Abbey Road residents, Bev and Dave Moore, have been to see Jack at the Stage Door in Kissimmee and e-mailed to say that he is very talented, has a great sense of humour and well worth the admission price!

Full details of Jack are available on his website at www.lstproductions.com along with a photo of him with one of his greatest fans, Jimmy Saville.

The venue has already raised over £3,000 for the Breast Cancer unit and, with a charity auction on the evening, hosted by local radio presenter Mark Watson from Kestrel FM, they hope to raise even more!

The Academy in Worting Road is Basingstoke’s only 24 hours, 7 days a week, Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball Hall and live music venue. The doors open at 7pm and goes on until 2am with live DJ entertainment from special guest DJ Danny D who set a new Guinness World Record for the longest live dee-jay performance last November at The Academy.

Advance tickets (£6) and restaurant bookings are available by contacting The Academy, telephone 01256 327273; admission is restricted to over 18’s. Further details and the on-line ticket shop are available on the Academy website (www.academyclubs.com).

As John explained: “This is a major coup for The Academy and for North Hampshire. We are already selling tickets to people from across the region and beyond. It is good for the town to host major events such as this. Tickets are selling like hot cakes so if you want some then do not delay!”

ENDS

Note 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.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of Jack are available at: www.lstproductions.com

Tickets are available on-line at 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
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Reflections on life in the UK in 2006

2006-12-27T14:52:00.000Z

Reflections on life in the UK in 2006

I recently wrote an article on the PR disasters in the UK in 2006 which prompted me to reflect on how 2006 affected the UK population generally.

Several things occurred to me as key issues: the ongoing saga of the war in Iraq, Muslim terrorists in our midst, water shortages and the unwelcome invasion by Poland. Here is a brief reflection of those issues – I will keep if short because otherwise it might be seen as some rant by a deranged left-winger, which I certainly am not!

Let me start by underlining what an amazing place the UK is to live and work. But, our tolerant and genuinely welcoming nature has been taken advantage of.

Our politicians took us into a war in Iraq largely to support our American cousins. The talk of weapons of mass destruction was a smokescreen for securing oil long term so as to stabilise the global economy; but there is even a case to make for that it was just that lying is not our way of life.

It is possible that the Americans actually had intelligence that those weapons existed. But, if so, then their incompetence is staggering. If not, then they lied. Either way, they dragged the UK into the war with them.

But, from a UK citizen’s perspective, the inefficiency of government departments of getting us into an unwelcome war is overshadowed by the fact that we sent our troops into the field with equipment that wasn’t readily available, didn’t work or was unsuitable. Stories of soldiers being killed, whose lives could have been saved had they not had to lend their safety equipment to others going out on patrol, beggars belief.

This war has sparked off a major menace here in the UK. The Muslim terrorist is a well known phenomenon world-wide, 2006 saw the development of home-grown British Muslims training to be bombers and suicide bombers. This has resulted in a deep mistrust of the whole Muslim community by ordinary people and intolerance.

The courts have had to try cases where Muslim women wanting to go about their work covering themselves completely in black, except for an eye slit. I have to say that I do not want my child being taught by someone dressed like something out of “Star Wars”.

Even in my home town on Basingstoke, a lovely town in which to live, there was a fire bomb attack on the local mosque. This would have been unimaginable just a few years ago!

Let’s now turn to water shortages. Readers from abroad who have visited our green and pleasant land will now that the green fields and hedgerows stay green because of the regular rain. So, the government sit back and let the water supply companies, now largely owned by foreign corporations, put our prices up at the same time as turning a blind eye to them letting thousands and thousand of gallons pour away in leaks in the pipe work. Because global warming is changing our climate, we are having less rain so instead of sorting out the leaks, the water suppliers threaten to cut off supply and put up stand pipes in the street. In the meantime, they ban us watering our gardens or washing our cars. There is no national grid of water pipes to transfer water from areas well supplied to those less adequately supplied, but the authorities talk about piping in water from abroad!

Finally, I come to the Polish invasion. I voted for Tony Blair’s government in each of the last two elections so I feel particularly let down by them. Many people warned them that, when Poland was admitted to the European Union which then allowed their citizens free access to any member country, we would be deluged by Polish immigrants seeking work. Germany, for example, realised this and set limits on the numbers coming into their country,

Our incompetent government assured us that this wouldn’t happen here. 345,000 of Eastern Bloc immigrants have piled over the border.

345,000!

Yes, this is a staggering number. So, what is the impact? It is horrendous. The Polish are in huge numbers in every town. Every shop you go in has Polish staff serving you; some have a reasonable command of English but many just scrape through and you have to struggle to make yourself understood. In factories, many are employed who speak no English at all and cannot mix with their fellow English workers making for divided groups of employees.

They have taken a hold of the rented accommodation making it difficult for local people to find places to rent. They have taken most of the lower paid work leaving English people struggling for work. And, because their way of life is so different – they have no concept of customer care or saying “please” or “thank you” they can be so rude. And they drive round in untaxed and uninsured cars because the driver cannot be charged as it would not be possible to enforce fines or convictions when they give their address, which who knows might even be fictitious, in Poland.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR which my PR consultancy here in the UK, was asked to arrange a series of events for a nightclub for the Polish community. The local Council, aware of problems with the large numbers of Polish immigrants in the area, promised to put some money into this to try and get them together. But, the Police advised against the idea. They said that large groups of Polish men already get together in town centres, drink excessively and then either fight amongst themselves or pick fights with innocent groups of English party-goers. Nice!

So, what is the UK government’s solution to this problem? They are opening the floodgates for hundreds of thousand of Bulgarians to come into the UK when Bulgaria enters the European Union. Other countries are imposing limits but ours isn’t. Yes, you could not even make this up.

If I were a betting man, I would put a few pounds on a civil backlash, for sure, before the Polish flag (pictured) is flying over much of the UK!

Even Christmas is a PR opportunity

2006-12-26T13:51:00.000Z

In my Christmas e-mail inbox, was an electronic Christmas card from David Seall of EEF South (formerly known as the Engineering Employers' Federation Southern regional office).

You can view this by clicking here.

This was accompanied by a personal e-mail from David, EEF South's dynamic Chief Executive, which said that the organisation was sending this personal greeting with the electronic Christmas card. The money saved was being donated to the local childrens' hospice.

What a great PR coup with social benefits thrown in! It was such a good idea that I wished to share it with you.

And, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers the very best for 2007.

With all good wishes,
John

John Hicks
Managing Director
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Basingstoke
England

Your chance to break into the music scene

2006-12-24T19:04:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th December 2006.

Your chance to break into the music scene

Hampshire songwriter Matt Elwood is inviting local singing talent to audition for the opportunity to record some of his extensive collection of songs at an open audition to be held at The Academy Basingstoke on the evening of Saturday 27th January.

John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “We are excited about this opportunity to not only help a young songwriter who clearly has a future in the music industry but maybe help someone to launch their singing career.”

“On the evening of Saturday 27th we will be also hosting our monthly cash prize karaoke competition. That is a lot of fun but the cash prizes attract some great local talent so that, even if customers do not wish to sing along, this is a great evening’s entertainment. Admission is a nominal £2.” added John.

However, the open audition adds a new dimension to the evening, as Matt is seeking to find some raw talent with whom we can develop a good working relationship to enable him to promote his songs to the music industry.

As Matt explains “This is will be a great experience for any singer I can work with. As well as being paid for the sessions, their voice will be heard within the industry as I work on developing opportunities for my songs to be recorded by established and upcoming artists”. Matt describes his work as introspective, reflective songs.

Full details of the venue are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/ or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

Aspiring singers who are unable to make the 27th are invited to submit a demo CD to Matt Elwood, c/o The Academy, Worting Road, Basingstoke RG22 5EE or they can contact John to arrange a separate audition.

ENDS

Note 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. 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 Sports 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. Live music forms an integral part of the entertainment at Basingstoke with live bands and/or DJ entertainment every Friday and Saturday 8pm – 2am.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Matt Elwood lives in Petersfield but works as a Property Developer throughout Hampshire. His passion for songwriting goes back to his youth and he has an extensive portfolio of work. Public reaction to his work has been very favourable and he is encouraged by the response. Having taken professional advice, he now seeks a singer to take record some demonstration tracks for him to present to the music industry.

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

Photo of Robert Lamberti at his George Michael Tribute Show at The Academy Basingstoke, December 2006. Photo courtesy of Simon Harbinson

New Year means great new line up at The Academy Basingstoke

2006-12-24T13:23:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th December 2006.

New Year means great new line up at The Academy Basingstoke

Basingstoke’s premiere over-25’s sports and live entertainment venue, The Academy in Worting Road, has announced an exciting programme of events for January ‘07.

The popular Country Music Nights hosted by CMR Nashville’s Lee Williams, which are steadily attracting larger numbers of customers, are moving from its Wednesday nights slot to Friday nights. John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “Because the country shows feature a wide range from country rock through to gentle ballads, they appeal to a wide audience who may not even realise they are listening to country music. Add in some regular bands and Friday nights makes The Academy the place for over-25’s to find some terrific entertainment.”

On Tuesday 2nd January, The Academy is hosting a New Year’s Eve II Party for staff of local pubs, clubs, restaurants and taxi companies who had to work all over the festive season. Their opportunities to party would have been restricted and The Academy is inviting them to a late New Year’s Eve party of their own. Admission is £2.

On Saturday 6th, a Robbie Williams tribute show, with “Millennium” who have been featured on many television shows, will be live on stage. This will attract many Robbie fans but will appeal to anyone who loves live music. Tickets are £5 and are available on-line at www.academyclubs.com.

Saturday 13th sees the venue’s first “Northern Soul Night” with special guest DJ Danny Dee who recently set a new world record for the longest continuous live DJ performance in a club. His 120 hour record will seem miniscule as he entertains people from 8pm to 2am, a mere 5 hours! Admission is only £2.

Local DJ Ivan Axford joins the line-up on Saturday 20th when his ever-popular Motown, Soul and 70’ & 80’s music show will be featured. Admission is £2 and the show runs from 8pm to 2am.

Friday 26th January sees a very special band on stage when Alan Tyler and “The Lost Sons of Littlefield” are live on stage for the launch of their new album. There has been considerable interest from the country music industry in this event and their show at The Academy is being recorded for later broadcast worldwide on CMR Nashville Radio (www.cmrnashville.net).

“On the evening of Saturday 27th January, we will be also hosting our monthly cash prize karaoke competition. That is a lot of fun but the cash prizes attract some great local talent so that, even if customers do not wish to sing along, this is a great evening’s entertainment.” added John.

“However, this month the karaoke night includes a unique opportunity for local singing talent to break into the music industry, as local songwriter Matt Elwood is seeking to find some raw talent with whom we can develop a good working relationship to enable him to promote his songs to the music industry.”

“As Matt himself explains, this is will be a great experience for any singer he can work with. As well as being paid for the sessions, their voice will be heard within the industry as Matt works on developing opportunities for his extensive portfolio of songs to be recorded by established and upcoming artists. Matt describes his work as introspective, reflective songs.” John said.

Full details of the venue are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Matt Elwood lives in Petersfield but works as a Property Developer throughout Hampshire. His passion for songwriting goes back to his youth and he has an extensive portfolio of work. Public reaction to his work has been very favourable and he is encouraged by the response. Having taken professional advice, he now seeks a singer to take record some demonstration tracks for him to present to the music industry.

To hear some tracks from Alan Tyler and The Lost Sons of Littlefield, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/alantylerandthelostsonsoflittlefield

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

PHOTO OF RECENT GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE SHOW NIGHT AT THE ACADEMY BASINGSTOKE IS COURTESY OF SIMON HARBINSON

80's pop legends "Modern Romance" announce Basingstoke live show

2006-12-15T20:07:00.000Z

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

80's pop legends "Modern Romance" announce Basingstoke live show

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is featuring the 1980’s pop legends MODERN ROMANCE live on stage on Saturday 2nd June 2007.

Andy Kyriacou, lead singer of Modern Romance (pictured left with John Hicks) said, “We are excited about coming to Basingstoke. The Academy is a unique venue with snooker, pool, sports bar, restaurant, functions room, DJ entertainment and live music, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But, for us, it is one of the most exciting live music venues in the south of England and we are pleased to be part of the 2007 line-up.”

The 1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” had hits with such songs as “Everybody Salsa”, Don’t Stop That Crazy Rhythm” and “Best Years of our Lives” which was featured in the movie “Shrek”.

They had huge success around the world. Andy explained: “In Thailand, where they had a number one in the charts for 6 weeks, and Japan our music was extremely well-received and videos of live shows were huge hits.” In the UK, Modern Romance had eight Top 20 hits and two Top 40 albums.

Andy has featured in a number of TV shows in recent years and the Band have been shown in the popular Top of The Pops II series. When it was announced that the BBC were axing the TOTP Show, Andy was in great demand for radio interviews regretting the BBC’s decision and the BBC themselves used his quotes on their website.

Modern Romance have yet to announce their full 2007 schedule which will undoubtedly include holiday camps 80’s revival shows and the band are in discussion with a show promoter interested in a UK Theatre Tour. In the meantime, contracts have been signed for the appearance at The Academy Basingstoke.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 alongside their popular tribute band shows are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager, on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at http://www.modern-romance.com/ – we are researching details of their worldwide hits in advance of publication of Andy Kyriacou’s book, based on his 1980’s diaries, but the interim results are as follows:

Discography – Listing of Territories & Hits
Venezuela No.1 album (gold) ("Adventures in Clubland")UK – Gold Album – Party Tonight.U.K. - 8 Top Twenty hits
UK - 2 Top 40 albums
UK – Warner Records released a “Platinum Collection” compilation CD October 2006
New York - Award for Best New Dance Track ("Can You Move")Thailand No.1 Single (Walking In The rain"). Album (Unknown Position)Spain - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)Italy - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)Germany - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)Holland - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Sweden - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Belgium - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Norway - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Cyprus - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)Greece - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)All of the above European countries visited repeatedly during 3 tours of Europe.

The Far East was visited at a time when the band were No. 1 in Thailand, and a video of the live show was recorded in Japan, where the band also had a huge following. The video was released as Modern Romance - "Live in Tokyo". We have yet to ascertain how well it sold, in this or any other country. We are presently following this matter up.

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/

CMR Nashville Radio announces Christmas schedule

2006-12-13T19:45:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE:

CMR Nashville Radio announces Christmas schedule

Now after only two weeks from officially launching, CMR Nashville & CMR Hot are pleased to announce their special Christmas broadcast schedule for the festive period.

A full schedule is available on their website http://www.cmrnashville.net/

Highlights for the Christmas Holidays include …..

Christmas Day - Lunchtime special with Sir Cliff Richard interviewed by CMR Nashville’s Paul Davis and playing his favourite Christmas songs. Noon – 1.30pm (GMT) and repeated 6pm, 12 midnight.

Christmas Eve – Christmas with Reba McEntire – 6 hours of the best Xmas Country songs hosted by one of the top female country singers at 6pm, repeated at midnight and again on Christmas Day at 6pm.

Boxing Day – The legendary Pat Boone joins Paul Davis with a 2 hour special talking about Christmas and playing his favourite music. This is at 12 noon and is repeated 6 pm and midnight.

Boxing Day – Another legend George Hamilton IV + Tony Goodacre, who will both be appearing live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Friday 28th September 2007, join Stuart Cameron for an hour special talking about their 50 years in the business and playing their favourite songs. This is at 2 pm and repeated at 8pm and 2 am.

Boxing Day – “Dolly Parton at home” – an hour of great Christmas music and chat 4 pm and repeated 10pm.

Other Christmas shows include specials from Wes Davis, Lee Williams, Colin Roke, Richard Alen, Gail Comfort and Brigid Coady. For full schedule visit http://www.cmrnashville.net/

On Wednesday 27th December CMR Nashville are holding their Christmas Party at The Academy Basingstoke from 8pm with Easy-Rider + guests, Lee Williams and other CMR Nashville DJs. Tickets priced only £5.00 are available at the door.

All times quoted are British GMT.

CMR Nashville and CMR Hot available 24/7 on the Internet and now Internet Radios just a click away. For more information contact Lee Williams lee@cmrnashville.net Tel: 0845 8901 913 or 07956 888587

Nightclub marketing at the sharp end!

2006-12-07T10:04:00.000Z

Nightclub marketing at the sharp end!
By John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Sometimes, if you want to promote your business, you just have to throw a shed load of money at a PR event.

Recently, a nightclub and sports venue wishing to re-invent itself, did just that. They hosted a show with Spike Edney and his SAS Band supported by an amazing array of stars – Paul Young, Madeline Bell, Jeff Scott Sotto and Tom Robinson.

The SAS band itself comprises some of the finest musicians from some of the greatest bands of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s from Genesis to Whitesnake and 10CC. Spike himself was Freddie Mercury’s keyboard player from “Queen” and performed at “Live Aid”.

The venue, The Academy Basingstoke, is creating a reputation as THE home of live music in the south of England. It’s current licence gives it a capacity of 580 but actually has sufficient space to expand to at least 1,200 and more. The owners have already some a lot of money refurbishing it but have exciting plans for 2007 – this is a huge venue and it will take time and investment. The niche market it is aiming at is the over 25’s on a night out. The nightclubs, themed bars and down-market pubs cater for the under 25’s but they bring the problems of binge drinking – fights, drugs and social disorder – with them.

But there is a problem for The Academy. Estate agents say that the three prime factors with buying and selling property are: location, location and location. All other factors are secondary.

The Academy is located at the back of an industrial estate down an uneven road on the outskirts of Basingstoke. Basingstoke itself is a brilliant location being strategically placed near to the main M3 and M4 motorways only twenty minutes from the M25. But being on an industrial estate does not create the ideal image. The cost of taxi fares across town will not help either.

Having said that, it isn’t in the town centre where all the fights and social problems are to be found at the end of the evening. Not that I want to leave you with the image that Basingstoke is any worse than many large towns – this is a social problem which affects British society and is one that will not be cured until a government finds the courage to put the minimum drinking age up to 21 – it is the under 21’s who are the problem!

So, from a marketing and PR point of view what is the prime objective for the venue? It is to encourage people to come and see what you have to offer and why they should travel out of the town centre for a night out. This is nightclub marketing at the sharp end!

The Academy has a vibrant programme of live music events as well as its core business of being a pool and snooker hall. This attracts a number of people and, as word of mouth spreads the message, the numbers are growing. But that is a slow process so they went for “big bang”.

Spike Edney, the SAS Band, Toyah Willcox, Paul Young, Madeline Bell, Chris Thompson, Jeff Scott Sotto, Tom Robinson is, by any definition, big bang! Big bucks too!

So, did it work? Yes it did. The media coverage was superb with radio and newspaper coverage being extensive. This created a buzz around town as people were talking about the event in coffee shops, McDonalds and in the shops. Staff at The Academy would have people come up to them in the street asking what was happening and people were phoning in for details whilst the website, www.academyclubs.com, was receiving massive numbers of hits every day.

We have an expression in the UK: “You have to speculate to accumulate”. Put simply, sometimes you must risk some money to try and secure a return in the long term. The Academy have put their money and energies into this event to put themselves on the map.

Luckily, the event planning and execution was superb. That was the biggest risk. The huge drawing power of the musicians was enough to attract people’s attention but it would have failed if the event was poorly organised and delivered – but it wasn’t.

Details - like having road signs on roundabouts for people out of town and car park attendants to direct people to parking spaces through to having enough staff on duty to keep the bars running smoothly and glasses off the dance floor – made this a memorable event.

Poor planning would have ruined this event but it didn’t happen that way and I am sure that the reinvigorated Academy Basingstoke will be a huge success.

I cannot wait for the next event but, from a sneaky look at their calendar of events for 2007, my highlights for next year are Jack Smink in February with his tribute to Elvis show, 80’s pop legends “Modern Romance” in June and the legendary country music star George Hamilton IV in September.

In the meantime, I have my memories of meeting Toyah, Paul Young and the lovely Madeline Bell, whom I remembered from “Blue Mink”, but whose stunning performance on the stage at The Academy will be etched on my memory for ever!

Basingstoke is the new home of country music

2006-11-24T14:04:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
24th November 2006.

Basingstoke is the new home of country music

On Wednesday 29th November, a Basingstoke venue is hosting a celebratory party, to which everyone is invited, to celebrate its key role in the recent launch of a new country music radio station across Europe, CMR Nashville Radio at http://www.cmrnashville.net/

The Academy in Worting Road already hosts a weekly Country Music Night every Wednesday evening. The DJ is country radio & TV presenter Lee Williams who established the original CMR Nashville radio station in the US with leading country personality Ted Randall.

Lee has now brought to life a new European station broadcasting on the internet 24 hours a day at ww.cmrnashville.net and is syndicated through Australian and Greek country music stations. His Wednesday show at The Academy is broadcast on the following Sunday evening.

CMR Nashville is broadcasting online from its various studios in Nashville, London, Ireland and Australia. Now, a new studio is being constructed at The Academy in the style of a coffee lounge so that guests on the show can be interviewed in the relaxed atmosphere of Basingstoke’s premier family entertainment venue. Shows will be recorded in this new studio and customers of The Academy will be able to see what is going on. Their new lunchtime show will go out live from The Academy on weekdays and record labels will be encouraged to bring new artists down to the venue to be broadcast live on air.

As Lee explained: “Every programme has a leading DJ (presenter) with every style of country music being featured including Today’s Country, Traditional, Bluegrass, Americana, Alt Country, Irish Country, Classic Country, and Country music from around the world.”
But one big attraction will be the facility to view the shows being broadcast via a webcam being set up in The Academy’s new studio.

CMR Nashville claims to host the most informative web site for country music outside the USA. Visitors to the site can read the latest news from the world of country music on a daily basis with the latest CD releases, artists’ news, tours, festivals, media, and in fact anything about country music. The Ranch is a free membership area, for another experience whilst visiting the site. As a member, visitors have many benefits including a forum to talk to other members around the world, take part in competitions and receive regular newsletters about CMR Nashville with special opportunities and discounts plus so much more.

The Academy is hosting a special launch party this coming Wednesday, 29th November, to celebrate their new relationship with CMR Nashville and the public are invited!

Henry Smith’s Country Dreams Band, probably the top UK country music band, will appear live on stage and Lee Williams will be dee-jaying from 8pm to midnight. The show will be broadcast live on http://www.cmrnashville.net/ as it happens so at least everyone has the chance to listen in. Admission is only £5 and is for over 18’s only.

There will be some special guests from the world of country music in the venue, to wish the station well with its new venture, and to support the development of The Academy as the regional centre for country music. These include some top celebrities including Dave Sheriff, recently nominated at The Radio Awards and whose new album is already topping the country charts, and the beautiful Rachael Warwick who was a massive hit at the International Country Music Festival.

But Lee is delighted to say that there is one very special guest – Cathy McManamon – “Anita” from the smash hit West End & touring show “Girls Night Out”. Not because she is bringing along her brother, a leading light with The Pogues, but because Cathy has kindly agreed to share her passion for country music by singing her forthcoming record release live on stage! Why the Basingstoke Academy? As Lee explained: “The venue’s claim to be the regional home of country music has some credibility. With acts like Henry Smith, Easy-Rider coming in December and even down to having the legendary George Hamilton IV appearing next year, I do not know of any venue like it. CMR Nashville are proud to be associated with The Academy and will do all it can to support them. Next year will be an exciting one for country music in the south of England and The Academy will be at the very heart of it.”

Full details of forthcoming events are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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/).

Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams 07956 888587 lee@cmrnashville.net

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Join Lee Williams and his special guests at The Academy at 8pm on Wednesday 29th November for photographs and to enjoy the show courtesy of The Academy. RSVP to John Hicks.

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/

From “wild thing” to angry man - Pete Staples releases Iraq War protest song

2006-11-19T18:26:00.000Z

From “wild thing” to angry man!
by John Hicks
Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

I attended a charity fundraising event for BBC Children In Need (“Pudsey Bear” campaign) at The Academy Basingstoke at the weekend and who should come on stage but the legendary Pete Staples.

Pete was guitarist with THE TROGGS whose international hits of the 1960’s, songs such as “Wild Thing” and “Love is all around” (featured in the award-winning film “Love Actually”), are still massive favourites on the dance floor today.

Music is still Pete’s passion and he spends much of his time penning new songs. His latest song I DON’T KNOW WHY has been recorded by his protege Karen-Ana and he introduced her to an enthusiastic audience at the south of England’s principal 24/7 snooker & pool hall, sports bar, Chinese restaurant and live music venue.

Karen-Ana (pictured with Pete Staples) sang it beautifully but this lovely ballad has a hard edge and may well become an anthem for the anti-Iraq war movement.

So what motivated this “wild thing” of the 60’s to become involved in a war thousands of miles away? This is the question of particular interest to people who know Pete - one of the nicest, gentlest, people in the pop music industry.

As Pete explained: “To be caught up in a war that never seems to end must be one of the most depressing situations imaginable; especially when you were led to believe that the end was in sight.”“This is the plight of the Iraqi people. These thoughts led me to compose this song in sympathy.”“My emotions were intensified last year when I lost both my mother and sister six weeks apart. At the time I was half way through composing a Christmas Carol and I just never had the will to complete it.”

“After watching and listening to all the awful events that the Iraqi people were experiencing and the huge loss of life, it occurred to me, that I had found a ‘home’ for my tune and set about composing the words and completing the song.”“What more can I say, it’s been written with a sense of loss on my part and also in recognition of all the Iraqi people who have also lost their love ones.”“I am proud of the finished product and owe a great deal to Karen-Ana who is one of the finest female singers I have ever heard. Chris Holland’s talent on the arrangement, keyboard and engineering has made for a first class production. This, combined with Andy Jones superb guitar skills, all go together to produce one of the most haunting songs you will ever hear. Iraqi people – my thoughts are with you.”

I DON’T KNOW WHY was released on 20th November in the UK and available as an Internet download on 5th December. Further details are available at www.uniquefeelings.co.uk where a haunting clip of the song can be heard.

So why Basingstoke? Pete explained: “Not only are Karen and I residents of Basingstoke but so are Andy and Chris who is a local teacher. In addition, the recording studios are also located in Basingstoke. There is a huge amount of musical talent in Basingstoke and we chose The Academy to host our launch party because it is a leading live music venue in the region.”

It was fascinating to meet Pete and Karen-Ana; she is a wonderful singer so I am delighted that they have teamed up.

This protest song will have its political dimension but my DJ friends say that they will play it for the melody rather than any message it sends.

This article first appeared in the Los Angeles Chronicle - November 2006

Andy Kyriacou pulls out of world record attempt

2006-11-15T08:55:00.000Z

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th November 2006.

Andy Kyriacou, of 80's pop legends "Modern Romance" (pictured centre), had to retire from his Guinness World Record attempt to set a new continuous drumming record after 12 hours with an injured hip.

Andy's attempt was part of The Academy Basingstoke's fundraising week for Children In Need which includes Yeovil-based DJ, Danny Dee, seeking to set a new 120 dee-jaying marathon record and a pool team trying to break the current record for a pool marathon.

During the course of the attempt, Andy's hip became very sore and he reached a point after 12 hours where, reluctantly, he felt that he could no longer continue.

Andy said: "I am very disappointed, but the pain became too much to handle. I am very grateful to my principal sponsors Yamaha who loaned me some amazing kit, to Dawsons Music for their support and to The Academy Basingstoke."

"On the up side, I have helped The Academy to raise money for Pudsey Bear and I am discussing with Guinness World Records if I have still set a new record as I was playing unrehearsed to music. That will take a while to negotiate so we are in suspense! In the meantime, I hope the good people of Basingstoke will come along to support Danny Dee and the pool record breakers in their terrific efforts to get into the record books whilst raising money for Children In Need" Andy added.

The Academy's fundraising efforts reach a climax on Saturday 18th November at 8pm when Danny should reach his 120-hour goal. After the celebrations, local singer Karen-Ana will launch her new CD written by Pete Staples, formerly of the 60's mega-band The Troggs. Pete and Karen-Ana will then judge a karaoke competition in aid of Children In Need.

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

ENDS

Note 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.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at www.modernromance.com

Further details of DJ Danny Dee can be found at www.dannydee.co.uk

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