Southport student takes Gold at ACR Trainee of the Year Awards

A talented apprentice from Southport, Merseyside has been awarded 1st place at the ACR and Heat Pump Trainee of Year Awards 2024.

Alex Forkings, who is employed full time at Climarite Refrigeration in Skelmersdale and studies at the City of Liverpool College, beat fierce competition to scoop gold in the:- "refrigeration" category at the prestigious awards dinner and ceremony at the Leeds Marriott.

Alongside the stunning trophy and certificate, Alex received an impressive cash prize, training voucher and one-year free membership at the Institute of Refrigeration.

At the event Juliet Loiselle, awards chairperson, said judges had been impressed with Alex highlighting several key factors:- "this trainee is a fast learner, typically one step ahead of his supervisors and quickly impresses seniors by the standard of his work. His practical ability already exceeds most fully qualified engineers."

Alex said commented on his award win immediately after:- "I honestly couldn't believe it when my name was called out, it took a few seconds to register. I do feel really proud. I'm grateful to my company for the nomination, as well as the rest of the team and my tutors for providing great training and advice."

In addition to Alex's on the job training at Climarite Refrigeration, Alex also attends City of Liverpool College where he is studying a three-year Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps engineering course.

Alex also reached the 2024 finals in the RAC Cooling Awards and BIBA Awards in the apprenticeships category earlier this year.

For more information about Climarite visit:-:- Climarite.Com.

Care home delights residents with new interactive Rainbow table

SUTTON Grange Care Home in Banks, near Southport, has recently brought a new splash of colour to residents' lives by installing a digital Rainbow Table which brings with it a whole new world of interactive possibilities.

The Rainbow Table is a versatile digital platform that uses all kinds of interactive games and apps to connect people with each other, their family members and friends, all while stimulating movement and cognitive activity. The Rainbow Table can be used individually or as a group, residents are invited to play all kinds of games, take part in activities and classes, quizzes, brain training and sensory apps, connect with others via Zoom, watch films and TV programmes, listen to music, the possibilities really are endless. It is a great way to spark discussions, get everyone up and dancing, debating, reminiscing, the Rainbow Table is rapidly becoming everyone's favourite piece of kit.

The new table is particularly effective for people who are living with dementia because it helps to spark conversation and reminiscence through the different colourful, eye-catching games and apps which encourage residents to play and interact with each other and with the home's team members. Residents are starting to develop their own favourite games they love to play.

Fran Lally, General Manager of Sutton Grange, said:- "We're excited to see the impact the Rainbow Table is having on our residents, they have really embraced it and are using it in all kinds of new ways. The Rainbow Table is making a big difference for residents who might not be able to join in conversations, or who perhaps are not so fond of group activities. We're finding the table helps to connect people through the enjoyment of a shared activity, and it's wonderful to see. We have already had quizzes, board games, card games as well as painting, and singalongs. It is such a versatile tool; it is constantly in use!"

Jean, a resident at Sutton Grange, commented:- "The new table is fantastic, it can go everywhere in the home, into people's bedrooms if they can't get up. We have been playing dominos and solitaire, colouring, and even travelling to forests and into space! It is amazing; we all love it!"