With Halloween just around the corner and many households prepping for an inundation of trick or treaters.

 

With Halloween just around the corner and many households prepping for an inundation of trick or treaters, we thought it might be a good time to look back at some of the history behind the tradition to show how much the chilling holiday has changed from its inception:

It Was New Year’s Eve for the Celts

Halloween’s roots can be traced all the way back to Samhain, the ancient Celtic celebration which marked the end of summer and the beginning of their New Year. As their year’s revolved around the harvest and the New Year began with dark and cold winter, the Celts believed that on the night of October 31st the world of the living and the world of the dead crossed over, and the ghosts of the dead caused damage to crops.

The Romans Mix It Up

The Roman Empire was spread far and wide by 43AD, and this included across all Celtic lands. Being an inclusive empire, the Romans combined their festival, Feralia, which commemorated the passing of the dead, with the traditional Samhain celebration of the Celts. By 1000AD, Christianity was well established and, in an attempt to replace Samhain with a church-sanctioned holiday, they introduced All-hallows Eve which featured bonfires, parades and costumes of angels and devils.

Who’s Under The Mask?

As the Roman’s and Celts believed that ghosts came back to the living world on All-hallows Eve, they would wear masks when they left their homes so they would be mistaken for other spirits and avoid being recognised by these ghosts.

Trick Or Treat!

During All-hallows Eve parades in England, poor citizens would often beg for food. This lead to the introduction of Soul Cakes as part of the celebration which people would give in return for a prayer. This practice was originally called ‘going-a-souling’ and over the decades was taken up by children who would go from door-to-door in their neighbourhood asking for ale and food.

Coming To America

With the flood of immigrants to America over the course of the nineteenth century the celebration grew in popularity, with immigrants dressing up in costumes and going door to door asking for food or money – cementing the trick or treat tradition. With this growing popularity of the holiday, efforts were made to turn Halloween into a community holiday with parties featuring games, food and festive costumes being celebrated throughout the country.

Running a small business is a fantastic opportunity to develop an idea and provide the business owner(s) with an income for all their hard work and investment.

 

Running a small business is a fantastic opportunity to develop an idea and provide the business owner(s) with an income for all their hard work and investment. Further, it may create opportunity of employment for individuals who have the skills to help further develop the business. As with any process, sometimes things will not go as smoothly as they could. It is therefore sensible to consider certain factors that should not be avoided and tackled to ensure the business goes from strength to strength.

Business partnerships.

If you have a business partner it is sensible to have a written agreement in place detailing who has responsibility for certain activities and what fees will be apportioned to each of the activities. It may be that there is an equal split, if this is case and any money/profit is shared equally then this is fine. If not, problems will undoubtedly occur.

Protecting your brand/IP.

Following all the hard work researching and preparing/securing new products, it is important to ensure that appropriate security is put in place to stop competitors for immediately copying or stealing your identity or products. This is a huge challenge for small businesses who may find larger organisations are able to muscle in and cherry pick what they see as a ‘good idea!’.

Legal disputes with competitors/employees/suppliers.

Following on from the point above, you may also require advice on how to resolve disputes as quickly and as effectively as possible without it costing the earth. Having Contracts of Employment in place for employees is a must to ensure they understand the rules of the organisation. With regard to competitors, this is trickier, having appropriate insurances/trademarks/copyright etc. will certainly help. With your suppliers, make sure you understand their terms of business – always read the small print!

Dissatisfied customers.

If it is wholly justified, give them their money back as quickly as possible in order that the problem goes away. If it is not justified, say it is not and seek legal advice as necessary. Keep your eyes on social media/reviews in case anything is being said about your company that is derogatory. Challenge for the removal of any negative comments as appropriate.

Compliance issues.

Pay your bills on time along with your taxes, ensure that pension auto-enrollment is arranged as per employer’s obligations, maintain up to date insurances. Seek legal advice, whist it is a cost, it can pay dividends. Joining an organisation such as a Chamber of Commerce could be a good option for obtaining advice.

Suppliers/customers.

Make sure that you pay your suppliers on time and that your customers are paying for their goods/services within a suitable timeframe. Try to find a compromise, only take legal action as a last resort, if you do, you could end up needing new suppliers and new customers. Also, what seemed like a good deal (or the best deal you could achieve) at the outset may not be as good a deal a year or two later. Ensure that you are able to change suppliers if the need arises and that you do not have all your eggs in one basket. If supply is turned off for whatever reason, you need a fall back plan. Spreading the risk with a couple of suppliers can be helpful even if one supplier is charging slightly more.

Premises/Equipment lease deals.

Taking on a lease against a property/equipment that is suitable today and may not be suitable tomorrow can be a problem. Businesses need to be able to able to expand and contract, based how they are doing in the marketplace. Starting in flexible rented accommodation such as serviced offices can overcome this problem. Having a good relationship with an equipment supplier, likewise.

Staff/talent.

As the business grows it is likely that new staff will need to be hired. Try and recruit talent rather than staff as this will help to grow the business more effectively.

IT infrastructure.

In today’s ecommerce world, it is vitally important that your IT infrastructure can keep pace with the changes and demands of business. Added to this, ensure that your IT security is as up to date as necessary to limit the amount of unscrupulous individuals who take pleasure in disrupting business for their own ends.

Capital reserves.

Don’t spend all the reserves, save some for a rainy day, it’s obvious!

Business terms and conditions.

Make sure you are reviewing what the business costs are against the sales to ensure that the margin remains appropriate. Update your terms and conditions periodically and inform your customers/suppliers in accordance with the agreements you have in place.

If you are interested in learning more about starting a business or would like to gain further knowledge of exactly what would be required, why not study our Business Start-Up Course? This course covers all the main areas involved when starting up a new business.

These days, it seems everyone is using social media to boost their company profits. Big businesses receive hundreds of thousands of ‘likes’, ‘comments’ and ‘retweets’ on their posts.

 

Social Media Tips for your Start Up Business

These days, it seems everyone is using social media to boost their company profits. Big businesses receive hundreds of thousands of ‘likes’, ‘comments’ and ‘retweets’ on their posts, however you may feel as though the things you post as a start-up business (link to start ups) are seen by no one.
While social media is definitely a clever way to boost your profits, it won’t make a difference to your profits if you aren’t using it correctly. Follow the tips below to boost your online profile.

1. Use the right platform

There are many different social media websites, from Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn and Pinterest. The key is finding the right social media platforms for you! If you are looking to entice other companies into using your product or service, you may find more success if you target your clientele on a predominantly business based platform such as LinkedIn. Alternatively, if you are looking to market food based items or more crafty services, you may find it easier to showcase your items on a picture-based medium such as Pinterest.

2. Be active

Many businesses create a wide range of social media accounts for their company, and then wait for the customers to roll in of their own accord. We all wish it were that simple, unfortunately there is a lot of legwork involved with building your online presence. It is important that you are always active – make sure you find time to not only reply to customer enquiries, but to engage yourself in discussions that are relevant to your business and target client base.

3. Practice good online karma

You may be producing some of the best information to share on your chosen outlets, however you may find yourself frustrated that no-one is taking the time to share your work. Online, it is important to build relationships with others, and it is good practice to share good work of others that is relevant to your client base. Not only will your clients appreciate the interesting content you share, people whose work you have shared will be more likely to look at yours and share yours too!

4. Understand the limitations

In relation to businesses, social media can be a goldmine for reaching out to your customers. As the use of different platforms has grown exponentially over the years, the people in charge of the platforms have found themselves with the opportunity to cash-in and make money. This means that there are often limitations on businesses using social media – for example Facebook now only shows your posts to a small percentage of those who have liked your page, unless you pay to boost posts. Before you pay to use services – make sure to do your research and find the most cost-effective solution for you!

Today, the staff at NCC are joining thousands of people across the country by wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness!

 

 

Don’t our office staff look great wearing it pink?

Today, the staff at NCC are joining thousands of people across the country by wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness!

Wear It Pink is an annual day of awareness, where people in schools, colleges and places of work all endeavour to wear pink for the day, whilst raising money for the charity.

The first Wear It Pink event was held in 2002, and since then over £27 million has been raised to help in the fight against breast cancer.

The money raised funds research into finding the best possible means of tackling the disease, whether that be through prevention, detection or treatment.

The event was launched by Breast Cancer Now, the largest breast cancer charity in the United Kingdom. Their aim is to prevent anyone dying from breast cancer by the year 2050.

This year, our staff in the office raised over £80 by dressing in pink!

Today, October 21st, is World Reptile Day, a day where we celebrate and raise awareness for our cold-blooded friends.

 

Today, October 21st, is World Reptile Day, a day where we celebrate and raise awareness for our cold-blooded friends. In conjunction with this awareness day we have decided to do some research on reptiles and see just how unique some species really are!

In this blog we will look at 10 different facts related to reptiles and how these make reptiles unique in the animal kingdom!

1. Most reptiles are cold blooded

Don’t mistake this for the common saying meaning that they have no emotions or are deliberately cruel! No, this time the term means exactly what it says on the tin, reptiles have cold blood: well sort of! A reptile’s temperature depends on their surroundings rather than maintaining a constant body temperature as humans and other mammals do. In a warm environment a reptile would take on the heat of their surroundings, in a cold environment a reptile would be cold. This is in contrast to ourselves as we maintain our heat by converting food to energy, because reptiles don’t need to do this they are able to survive on far less food, some snakes for example can go five or six months between meals, now that’s a dedicated diet!

2. Crocodiles sweat through their mouths

Okay, so this isn’t strictly true: crocodiles don’t have sweaty breath, however they do use their mouths to stay cool. Crocodiles don’t have sweat glands on their bodies like you or I, so to stay cool they release excess heat through their mouths. This is one of the reasons we see pictures of crocodiles relaxing with their mouths open, they are trying to cool down. Crocodiles have also been known to pant like a dog to release heat too – I wouldn’t recommend trying to take one for a walk though!

3. Nearly all reptiles lay shelled eggs, but not all of them!

As I’m sure you are already aware, most reptiles lay eggs, much like birds, rather than giving birth to live offspring like humans. There are however some reptiles that actually give birth to live young. There are two different types of this birth, one where the reptile would retain the egg inside their own body and one where the reptile would transfer nutrients through a placenta much like mammals. Some examples of reptiles that give birth to live young are Skinks (a species of small lizard), boas (a large, heavy bodied snake) and even the Adder (a medium sized venomous snake found around the world) which is native to the UK. Good to know if you were thinking of searching for Adder’s Eggs to go with your Sunday fry-up!

4. Chameleons don’t change their colour to camouflage themselves

I will admit, this one kind of disappointed me! I loved the idea of chameleons changing their colours to hide against predators or sneak up on their prey, so I felt a little let down when I found out this was not the case! The main reason that chameleons change colour is due to changes in their mood, some chameleons for example will change to a shade of red or yellow as a warning or when they feel under threat. Another reason for the colour change is temperature, some chameleons will change their colour to a light reflecting shade when in bright sunlight, that would be a handy trick and would save us a lot of money on our factor 50’s!

5. Venomous Snakes

I could have picked one of about 100 different facts about venomous snakes, the choice was so difficult. So I have cheated and will list a few different facts under this heading to make it easier for me and more interesting for you! The most venomous snake in the world is the Inland Taipan, a snake native to Australia. The fastest, and probably the most famous venomous snake is the Black Mamba, a snake native to Africa. Out of the 3000 species of snake in the world, only 700 of these are venomous and out of this 700 only 250 of these are considered deadly to humans meaning that only around 8% of snake species are deadly to humans. Hopefully this will make you feel safer the next time you encounter one of our slithery friends.

6. Snakes and Lizards smell with their tongue

Lizards and Snakes do not use their nose to smell. They do have nostrils however they use these primarily to breathe. To smell they flick out their tongue then pass it something commonly called the Jacobson’s Organ. This tells the snake or lizard what the chemicals picked up by the tongue are and therefore how to react in certain situations. Some snakes use their tongues to pick up pheromones in the air to locate a mate, I’m not too sure this would work for humans on the pull though!

7. The gecko’s defensive tail

Geckos have developed an ingenious way of defending themselves against predators and it involves wagging their tail! Most lizards have the ability to regrow a limb that they have lost, whether this be a leg or their tail. Some species of gecko have turned this trait into their advantage. When a gecko feels threatened by a predator they will start to wag their tail in the air from side to side. This is aimed at distracting the predator and enticing them to attack their tail. If a predator were to then target the tail, the gecko would break off their tail and make a run for it, hoping the distraction would aid in their escape. Pretty impressive behaviour with the gecko running away with no tail between its legs!

8. Tortoises circled the moon before astronauts did

This is probably the weirdest fact on the list and one of the most interesting. During the space race in the mid-20th century the Soviets sent an unmanned craft into space to sling shot around the moon and return to earth. Named Zond 5, the craft contained tortoises as well as some insects, seeds and bacteria. The tortoises survived their trip into space and returned to the Soviet Union for study. Not only did the tortoise beat the hare, but it also beat the human to the moon and back!

9. Bearded dragon – defensive chin

 

We have included this on our list as Liam, our IT apprentice, has his own bearded dragon named Basil! Along with looking like a modern day dinosaur and having an uber-cool name, the bearded dragon also has another interesting trait in that it can enlarge its throat, causing spikes on its head to push out resembling a beard! It does this this when it feels threatened to make it seem bigger to potential predators and put them off attacking. – This is one hipster lizard that puts its beard to good use!

10. They live everywhere

It has been estimated that in total there are over 8,200 different species of reptile in the world, with more being discovered every year. What’s even more astonishing is that reptiles have found natural habitat on every continent except Antarctica where it is too cold for them. Often thought of as being an exotic animal, we can even find reptiles native to the UK such as the grass snake or sand lizard. Reptiles truly are natures Swiss Army knife!

If you are interested in learning more about reptiles or other species in the animal kingdom you may wish to study our Zoology Diploma. This course explores different species of animals and the different traits they have as well as looking at environment, evolution and relationship with humans.

Mystery is one of the concepts that makes the world go around – it is the essence of you checking out every great film or book, trying out new flavours.

 

Mystery is one of the concepts that makes the world go around – it is the essence of you checking out every great film or book, trying out new flavours, and can evoke a whole range of emotions from fear and intrigue to hope and obsession.

The mystery, and lack of any definitive answers, is why this list of unsolved murders remains in the public consciousness decades after they happened. The reasons for this are tenfold – gruesome details, the high profile of the victims, and continual public awareness via film, TV, and books ensure that we are constantly forced to remember and think about what has gone unsolved for so long.

Below we list some of the most famous unsolved murders to happen in recent history, looking at the reasons they remain such an active part of the public imagination. Could you help solve any of the mysteries?

The Jack The Ripper Murders

Perhaps the greatest unsolved murder in history, and one that continues to intrigue and influence the public to this day, Jack The Ripper’s reign of terror lasted throughout 1888 in the Whitechapel district of London as he murdered five female prostitutes in an increasingly gruesome manner. Due to the fact all of the victims had their throat slit and then their abdomens mutilated and organs removed, theorists and investigators have long believed the murderer had some sort of anatomical knowledge and was a doctor or butcher.

In the 100+ years since the murders, a variety of speculations on the identity of Jack The Ripper have been made, with one of the most popular and intriguing theories being that the serial killer was Sir William Gull, Queen Victoria’s royal surgeon, and that the murders were perpetrated to conceal the birth of an illegitimate royal baby fathered by Prince Albert. Just a couple of months ago the Daily Telegraph ran a story wondering if the identity of the serial killer had finally been revealed as Francis Spurzheim Craig, a court reporter who was married to one of the victims. The previous year, the Daily Mail mused on his identity as that of Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski after DNA extraction from a shawl found near one of the victims. The intrigue goes on and on…

The mystery of the serial killer, as well as the location and time period of the murders have proved to be a great source of inspiration for everything from graphic novels, films, computer games and TV shows, ensuring that Jack The Ripper remains in our minds to this day.

The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia murder took Hollywood by storm in 1947, when Elizabeth Short – a 22 year old struggling actress – was found cut in half, mutilated, and drained of blood in the streets of LA. With a whirlwind of press coverage, Short’s murder became the epitome of a media circus as several people came forward to confess to the murder hoping to gain some sort of publicity before all being released due to lack of evidence. This ensured the LAPD task force became overworked and overwhelmed, and due to Short’s promiscuous private life it became impossible for them to identify potential suspects, and eventually the enthusiasm and furore for the case quietly died down and to this day remains unsolved.

Much like the Jack The Ripper case, the Black Dahlia has proved to be a source of inspiration for a variety of films and books, with the most famous being James Ellroy’s crime noir novel which draws from the murder to explore themes of obsession and revenge.

The Zodiac Killings

Want to make a series of murders more intriguing and mysterious? Add encryption to the mix. Throughout 1969 the Zodiac terrorised San Francisco, beginning with the murder of a couple who were sitting in a car and making out. Zodiac would strike again and again throughout the year – shooting a couple in a park, tying and stabbing a couple who were picnicking lakeside and shooting a taxi driver point blank, all while toying with the police and reporters after every killing.

Calling in to confess to the murders and sending in coded letters to various newspapers in San Francisco, the killer used a crosshairs symbol as his sign and though the investigation went on for years, with many suspects detained and questioned, no one ever confessed or was arrested. Of the four cryptograms sent to the newspapers only one has ever been definitively solved and the obsession with decoding the letters and uncovering the murderers identity drove Robert Graysmith, a former cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle, to devote 13 years of his life to attempting to solve the mystery, leading to the eventual publication of a best-selling book on the subject.

As with the other unsolved murders on the list, the intrigue and mystery surrounding the facts of the murder and the identity of the murderer have led to a variety of mentions and adaptations in pop culture – from being the basis for the first Dirty Harry film to mentions in song by metal band Machine Head, and an intense look at the men behind the initial investigation in David Fincher’s film, Zodiac.

As today is World Food Day, we decided to have a look at the origins of some of the most famous foods from different countries around the world.

 

As today is World Food Day, we decided to have a look at the origins of some of the most famous foods from different countries around the world.

Italy: Spaghetti Bolognese

With the earliest dated recipe for a tomato sauce containing meat dating back to the 18th century, Bolognese sauce has been a staple of Italian life for over 300 years. Originating from Imola, a town in Bologna, the sauce originally contained veal fillet, with pancetta, butter, onion and carrots – a far cry from the beef and tomato sauce we are used to today. The sauce is often served with tagliatelle, however in the UK we tend to serve it with spaghetti and cheese.

Spain: Paella

Widely regarded as the national dish of Spain, paella is a dish which can contain a wide variety of ingredients. Whether you prefer seafood, chicken, a combination of both or even a vegetarian option, you can rest assured that you can order a type of paella that suits you. The common ingredient in each different style is rice, with a special type of rice that absorbs flavour. It originated in Valencia in the mid-19th century, and Valencians today count paella as one of their identifying symbols.

Wales: Welsh Rarebit

Although often mistaken for a meat dish containing rabbit, this is one dish that is meat-free. Instead, the dish consists of toasted bread, covered in a sauce made of melted cheese, or it can also be served fondue style. The first time that the dish can be found is in 1725, and sadly the origin of the dish’s peculiar name is unknown. There are different variations of the dish, with onions, tomato soup, bacon being added – one variation even adds an egg on top, changing the name to a ‘buck rabbit’!

Germany: Bratwurst

With origins dating back as far as 1313, the bratwurst is a sausage, derived from the word ‘brat’ meaning ‘finely chopped meat’. The sausages can be made with a large variety of meat, including pork, beef and veal, and are normally larger than the sausages that we are accustomed to over here. The varieties vary greatly by region, with some lists containing more than 40 different types! They are most often served in a white bread roll and topped with mustard.

Japan: Sushi

Many people don’t like the idea of sushi, due to the fact that one of its ingredients is different types of uncooked fish. Whilst there are vegetarian options available, the most popular types are the ones that contain different types of seafood. Originally, it was developed with fermented rice, and the name it carries today originates from these first flavours: ‘sour-tasting’. The type of sushi that we know today was developed in the 19th century, as an early form of fast food that could be prepared quickly and eaten on the go.

Interested in food and want to learn more? Why not take a look at our range of food related courses?

 

With the price of a degree now ranging from £6000 – £9000, many are turning to home learning to further their knowledge without a degree, and for a fraction of the price.

 

With the price of a degree now ranging from £6000 – £9000, many are turning to home learning to further their knowledge without a degree, and for a fraction of the price. When you choose distance learning, it gives you the option to study wherever you like. You can squeeze in half an hour during your lunch at work, or you can choose to work on your studies during long commutes. If you travel a lot, the work can even be completed from abroad.

Studying from home prepares you for your chosen career by developing your basic skills. These skills, such as planning, research and sticking to a proposed schedule are all transferable to a wide range of jobs. They are a great way of boosting your CV when applying for jobs, as these are the requirements many employers look for at an interview. The fact that these accomplishments can be backed up and referenced to the time spent studying a course from home boosts your credibility and suitability for a role.

Many people find themselves struggling to complete further training at a local college, whether they are busy parents or have a busy job. Rather than having to attend a college a few times a week, home learning allows the person to complete their studies at a time that suits them. It can be worked on at any time throughout the day and night, and with no regular schedule of lessons to attend it is the most adaptable and flexible way of learning.

Some people are not able to attend a college due to physical circumstances, such as a disability, if they are elderly or if they live too far away from any education centres. Home learning gives them the opportunity to further their studies in a suitable method for them.

Many people wish to develop skills that are necessary for them to progress in their chosen career path. However, as they already have a job, they are stuck in a catch-22 situation. This means that they are in a situation where they don’t have the time to study and develop their skills, but the skills they require are essential if they wish to progress.

With online learning, you are awarded the possibility of furthering your knowledge and developing your professional skill set in your own time, away from work. This means that there is no need to sacrifice an existing career for the chance to further it, as you can complete your course in your own time, wherever you are.

Some people may find that they require a certain certification within a short amount of time, and some learners are in no hurry to get through the work. With a home learning course, there is no specific schedule of work to stick to. Whether you want to complete your course in a matter of months, or really take your time to work through it, it’s up to you! With the option of extensions on your tutor support, you can even spread your learning out over more than a year. As long as you have the time to work on your course, the length of time it takes is in your hands.

Whilst many look back at their time in school fondly, many are not so keen to remember their school years. Unfortunately, it is not a positive experience for every learner, and some people may be put off by the thought of returning to a classroom setting. Those who choose to learn at home have the advantage of furthering their skills and knowledge, without the added stress of returning to a school or college classroom.

If you are interested in studying from home, why not take a look at our range of courses?

We all know about Stonehenge and the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, but what are some of the lesser known historical sites around the UK?

 

We all know about Stonehenge and the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, but what are some of the lesser known historical sites around the UK? Find out some of our tips for hidden historical gems around the UK:

Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker, Essex

Straight from the Cold War and designed to hold 600 civilians and military personnel in the event of nuclear attack, this privately owned museum is an enormous subterranean shelter and former operations centre in Brentwood, Essex. At 27,000 square feet and extending 100 metres below ground, the Kelvedon Hatch is complete with a variety of Cold War equipment as well as its own BBC studio and dorms.

http://www.historvius.com/kelvedon-hatch-nuclear-bunker-1642/

Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe

Leading down from the town of Ilfracombe to the stunning Devonshire beaches, this jaw-dropping network of hand-carved tunnels were made by miners in the 1820s and give a unique chance to see some rare corals. Rated highly by BBC Wildlife Magazine for rock pooling, you can sit back and admire the outstanding scenery of the rugged coastline while your children explore.

http://www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk/

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

There are few chances to see a genuine medieval moated castle these days, so taking a visit to East Sussex to see Bodiam Castle is worth going out of the way for. With spiral staircases, archways, and portcullis, the castle offers the perfect glimpse back into medieval splendour, allowing you to bask in surroundings once guarded by true knights.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/

Highgate Cemetery, London

With Halloween coming up, Highgate Cemetery is a perfect addition to our list. This spooky graveyard in the heart of North London is crammed full of some of the most interesting and unique headstones and architecture, offering a unique look back into the 19th Century. With guided tours giving you the full history of the place and insight into some of the cemetery’s most famous residents, you can discover the secrets Highgate holds.

http://highgatecemetery.org/

New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire

For a truly unique opportunity to step back in time, take a visit to this town which has been painstakingly restored to its 19th Century appearance. Telling the fascinating story of the little cotton mill village, this living museum gives you an overview of village life from the time period and manages to be at both times informative and eerie.

http://www.newlanark.org/visitorcentre/index.shtml

Do you have any hidden historical gems near you? We’d love to hear the stories behind them!

Worldwide, around 285 million people live with poor eyesight, with 1.7 million of these people located in the United Kingdom.

 

Worldwide, around 285 million people live with poor eyesight, with 1.7 million of these people located in the United Kingdom.

Today is World Sight Day, a day of awareness held to increase the knowledge of blindness and different visual impairments.

On this day, people around the globe work together to improve public knowledge on different conditions, demonstrate the issues that come with having a visual impairment and also work to educate people on how best to prevent the risk of developing an impairment in the future. With around 80% of visual impairments being classed as avoidable, through treatment or prevention, more and more people will be safeguarded against visual impairments

NCC have partnered with Christopher Grange, a care establishment who also run an award winning visual rehabilitation centre, to develop a course which provides information and understanding to sighted people so that they can better understand and assist visually impaired people.

How many of the following myths about Visual Impairments did you believe?