Sunday 10 January 2010

Looking Back - Safety Concerns Over Electronic Trike


On this day in 1985, an electric tricycle, capable of a top speed of 15 mph, drove into a safety row on its first day on the road.
The Sinclair C5 - launched by the computer millionaire, Sir Clive Sinclair - is designed for short journeys around town and can be driven by anyone over the age of 14.
But the £399 vehicle, driven by a battery-powered motor, only 2 ft 6 in high and six feet long, raised safety concerns.

The British Safety Council says the vehicle is too close to the ground and the driver has poor visibility in traffic.
He sits with his legs outstretched and the controls are beneath his thighs.
With a top speed of only 15 mph, safety experts say the C5 could be vulnerable to knocks from other cars.
The vehicle is open-topped and the driver is not obliged to wear a crash helmet or even have a driving licence.
Dr Murray MacKay head of the Accident Research Unit at Birmingham University said: "It's a sort of milk float you're putting into the traffic stream and that sort of dislocation is going to cause conflicts, particularly turning right."
Sir Clive claims his new vehicle will be a perfect runabout: "It's ideal for shopping, going to the office, going to school, any trip around town."
BBC News asked British motor racing legend, Stirling Moss, to take the C5 for a spin around town. His verdict: "I think it's safe if you drive it realising it isn't a car... ride it just like a bicycle and I think you should be alright."

The Sinclair C5 was a commercial disaster. Only about 12,000 were ever produced.
However, it has since achieved cult status and in 2002, a vehicle in mint condition could fetch up to £900 - compared with an orginal retail price of £399.
Prior to the C5, Sir Clive Sinclair had chalked up significant successes - the first pocket calculator, the first pocket television and the best-selling British computer of all time.
He was awarded a knighthood by Margaret Thatcher.
Now in his sixties, Sir Clive still controls Sinclair Research.
His recent inventions include a device which propels bicycles without the need for pedalling and a radio the size of a 10p coin, designed to fit in the ear.

Who Am I?

Today's Who Am I? puzzle, features someone very famous. However, the clues are heavily disguised and I think it may prove difficult to solve. See how you get on!

01 I was born 17 April 1974.
02 My place of birth was Harlow, Essex.
03 I was raised in Goffs Oak, Hertfordshire.
o4 My father, Anthony Adams, an electronics engineer, married my mother Jacqueline.
05 I attended St Mary's High School, Cheshunt.
06 I was bullied at school.
07 I was inspired to become famous after watching the musical 'Fame'.
08 At the age of 17, I attended Laine Theatre Arts College in Epsom, Surrey and studied dance and modeling.
09 In 1994, I joined a girl band called 'Touch'.
10 I am married to another famous celebrity and have three sons.

Do you know who our mystery celebrity is? Answer in tomorrows Journal.

Awesome Wildlife

Can ewe believe that?

Church Bulletin


Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
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The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter who laboured the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
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Today's sermon 'How much can a man drink' with hymns from a full choir.
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Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.
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Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist Church. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

A Matter Of Convenience

Must be a male driver - the lids up!