VW Camper Van chosen over a wedding limo for one couple’s 70’s inspired big day

October 31, 2009 By Kate Owen
VW Camper Van provides the wedding car hire for one Scottish coupleVW Camper Van provides the wedding car hire for one Scottish couple

Forget your usual wedding day with white chauffeur driven limos and meringue dresses, there’s nothing traditional about this couple’s wedding. Bride-to-be Annette from Greenock, Scotland, was so taken with the smash hit film of last year Mama Mia that she decided to have a 70’s Abba theme for her big day.

Luckily for Annette her future husband George McQuaid was game for the idea and snapped up a lime green suit from the internet straight away. The bride ditched the conventional ivory gown and instead opted for a thigh-skimming hippy-chick mini dress complete with white knee high boots for the full Abba effect.

The wedding guests were also keen to get in on the action and all turned up in their 70’s inspired attire. The bride’s mother said everyone embraced the idea, admitting that she thought it was because “we all have a bit of madness in us.”

Instead of the usual Rolls Royce complete with ribbons and flowers, this couple rolled up to their wedding ceremony in a traditional 70’s vehicle; the iconic VW Camper Van. The wedding party certainly drew some attention when they pulled up outside Greenock Town Hall with many workers from nearby offices coming out to have a better look at the novelty wedding gang.

Most importantly a great time was had by all as the blushing bride said “Everyone got right into it, from my son, Ross, who’s 11, to my Gran Lena, who is 77.”

Image supplied by Lisa Dawn Photography http://www.lisadawn.co.uk

Filed Under: All News, Chauffeur News, Limo News, Transport News Tagged With: , , ,

George Michael to join the race for Christmas number 1

October 30, 2009 By Kate Owen
George Michael joins the race for Christmas Number 1
George Michael joins the race for Christmas Number 1

George Michael joins the race for Christmas Number 1

Former Wham front man George Michael is to release a single this December in a bid to clinch the Christmas number 1 spot. It’s been confirmed that Michael has signed a one-single record deal which will see him release a remix of a Christmas song he gave away for free on his website last year.

This will be the 46-year-olds first attempt at achieving a festive hit in 25 years when he released the now classic Christmas song, Last Christmas, with Wham. Despite selling over a million copies of the track, they only made it to number 2 in the charts having been held off the top spot by the epic Band Aid hit, Do They Know It’s Christmas.

The new single from George Michael, rumoured to be entitled December Song, is co-written with Michael’s writing partner of many years, David Austin. Although the single will come into direct competition with the eventual winner of the X-Factor, insiders are saying that the Careless Whisper singer could appear on the show.

Other hopefuls vying for chart success this Christmas include Sting, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Robbie Williams and of course the X-Factor winner – oh and Cliff Richard will surely have a go too, so George will have his work cut out if he’s to bag the coveted Christmas Number one spot this year.

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Leona Lewis to return to the X-Factor stage

October 30, 2009 By Trudi Johnson
Leona confirmed to perform on the X-Factor

Leona confirmed to perform on the X-Factor

Leona Lewis has confirmed this week that she will be returning to the X-Factor, the show which catapulted her to fame when she won the series in 2006. The singer from Hackney will appear on the results show on November 8th to perform her single, Happy, from her forthcoming new album, Echo, which is due for release on November 18th.

The Bleeding Love singer has also spoken out this week for the first time about the attack which took place a fortnight ago. Leona was punched in the face by fan at a book sighing in London, Piccadilly. The 29-year-old man who carried out the attack was arrested by police and has since been detained under the Mental Health Act. It has since been revealed that the man in question was a former contestant on the X-factor.

Despite her ordeal, Leona remains upbeat and philosophical regarding the incident conceding that the positives of fame far “outweigh the negatives.” Speaking about the assault she said, “It could have been worse. I’m still alive.” Obviously not one to let things get her down, the star is back on the promotion circuit for her new release at the end of the month.

Another big name act signed up by the X-Factor is the chart-topping band the Black eyed peas who will also be performing their new single Meet Me Halfway on the Novemeber 8th show.

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Cost of Car Hire in US airports increased by 50%

October 30, 2009 By Dez Rowley

A survey conducted this week by Abrams Consulting Group (ACG) showed some startling changes to the cost of car hire in comparison to last year. The results showed that on average the price of car rental has risen by more than 50%.

car rental prices increased by 50% in US this year

car rental prices increased by 50% in US this year

As part of ACG’s findings they revealed that the cost of hiring a standard small car for one week, booking a week in advance would set the customer back $298. When ACG delved into the rental costs of the same vehicle for August of this year, they found that the price had risen to $430 for a week’s hire.

One of the main reasons cited for the dramatic increase in rates is the dwindling numbers of hire vehicles. Due to the economic recession car hire firms have found it difficult to find finance for new vehicles this year, so the old cars have not been replaced which results in a much few number of vehicles being available for hire.

However the car hire bosses don’t want to see their profits take a nose-die despite the smaller fleet, and are instead raising the prices of the vehicles they do have to cover the shortfall.

Car hire customers are being advised to shop around before sighing up for car rental. Price comparison websites are recommended for exploring your different options as many companies have special offers and discounts which could save you a considerable amount on your car hire.

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A1 Stretch Limo Hire get the go-ahead to start COIF conversions

October 30, 2009 By Carl Wheeler
A1 limousine Hire offer VOSA approved COIF conversions

A1 limousine Hire offer VOSA approved COIF conversions

A1 Stretch Limo Hire have been awarded the stamp of approval by transport authorities to begin Certificate of Initial Fitness conversions of stretch limousines.

Since the introduction of new regulations on October 1st, all limos carrying over 8 passengers must have a COIF if it is to operate legally. The move was brought about to increase passenger safety and VOSA are forcefully imposing the new regulations by carrying out spot-checks and impounding any limos which fall short of the guidelines.

Now A1 Limos can offer you a comprehensive and professional service to get your limousine into tip top condition just in time for the festive party season. All work is carried out at the limo company’s base in Hemel Hempstead. The price to have your Hummer H2 limo converted for full COIF approval is just £18,000. A1 limos and Pinnacle Engineering have teamed up to offer all limousine operators this complex but vital procedure at an affordable rate.

If alternatively, you would like to invest in a limo which is already fully COIF’d then A1 have an extensive range of vehicles in stock which are primed and ready for immediate delivery. They also have some very appealing finance options and with prices starting from just £69,950 for a COIF approved Hummer H2, it’s a very tempting offer.

A1 Stretch Limo Hire have a long and respected history in the luxury transport industry and are an approved agent of Limo Broker.

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Lady Ga Ga’s Monster Ball tour to hit the UK next year

October 29, 2009 By Kate Owen
Lady Ga Ga announces UK tour dates

Lady Ga Ga announces UK tour dates

The irrepressible Lady Ga Ga has bounced back with her own brand new event after her planned joint headliner tour with Kanye West was shelved. The Monster Ball is expected to be a jaw-dropping extravaganza with Gag Ga herself branding it a “post apocalyptic house party.”

The tour kicks off in North America this November before moving over to the UK in February and March 2010. She will be supported on her mammoth tour by the rapper Kid Cudi.

Lady Ga Ga will also be releasing a deluxe repackaged version of her smash hit album The Fame, under the new title The Fame Monster, to coincide with the start of her tour. As well as a bonus disc featuring 8 new tracks, including a duet called Telephone with Beyonce, Ga Ga is also giving away a lock of her hair with each of her new albums.

Music fans can expect to see something truly original when they come to see the Monster Ball. The lady herself has hinted at the style of the show which she describes as being, “multimedia artistic experience in the style of the first-ever ‘pop electro opera.’ ”

The Paparazzi singer also revealed that she’s been training extra hard in order to get in top shape and give the tour her all saying, “I’ve been training for two hours a day to get ready for this. I sing on the treadmill! I do cardio and weights on top of my rehearsals. I want to get my whole body in prime condition so I can carry the show.”

If you’re a fan of the Ga Ga grab your tickets now while you still can.

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Gordon Ramsey in cosmetic surgery confession

October 29, 2009 By Trudi Johnson
Ramsey says he has tried Botox

Ramsey says he has tried Botox

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey has this week owned up to having undergone plastic surgery, but he claims he did it on the advice of music mogul, Simon Cowell.

The hot-headed chef said the X-Factor judge suggested he have Botox filler injections, which cost approximately £400 a jab, in his chin to plump out the deep crevices after making it big in America. However it seems Gordon wasn’t prepared for just how painful the procedure was and admitted that it really hurt.

The admission comes after a spokesperson for Gordon denied he had undergone any kind of cosmetic surgery in May of last year. The official comment from Ramsey’s people was ‘Gordon would be the first person to mercilessly take the p*** out of anyone that has had surgery.’

Gordon Ramsey is known for his well-lived-in-face but he said he could no longer fool himself into believing that his wrinkles were “laughter lines” as his mother had told him and instead, decided to do something about it.

The revelation came after an interview with Radio Times were Gordon spoke openly about the last 12 months which he described as “a year from hell.” His restaurants came in for a kicking from the media after it was revealed that some of his ingredients were not prepared in his restaurants, plus he came under attack himself after rumors began circulating that he’d had an affair. He admitted himself that he’s taken quite a beating but says he plans to “come back twice as strong.”

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The Queen’s limo is up for sale

October 29, 2009 By Kate Owen
The Queen's black Daimler limo goes up for auction this weekend
The Queen's black Daimler limo goes up for auction this weekend

The Queen's black Daimler limo goes up for auction this weekend

A 1989 Daimler Limousine that was once used to transport the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on official visit has been put up for sale. Despite having 17000km on the clock the exclusive limo is expected to fetch in the region of $30,000.

Turners Auctions who are selling the limo suggest that the vehicle could have a very successful career ahead of it as a high class wedding car.

This limo has been used to transport many a distinguished face from the Queen herself through to members of the royal family in Belgium and Holland. In 2001 the limo was bought by the Internal Affairs Department where it has been used to ferry dignitaries around including heads of state from Ireland, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Finland.

Craig Doherty of the International Affairs Department explained the process the limo underwent when it came into their hands: “As soon as the limousine was purchased restoration work got underway. This included stripping down the vehicle and rebuilding from bare metal. New seats covered with New Zealand leather were added and the original wood veneer was re-lacquered. The engine was replaced and brakes upgraded.” The limo has been replaced by a more fuel efficient and energy friendly BMW.

Mr Doherty added that the limo was so highly regarded at the Department that only “designated drivers” were allowed to take charge behind the wheel.

The black limo will go under the hammer at auction at Penrose Cars on October 31st.

Filed Under: All News, Celebrity Watch, Chauffeur News, Limo News, Transport News Tagged With: ,

Ricky Gervais named as the host of next year’s Golden Globe Awards

October 28, 2009 By Trudi Johnson
Gervais will host the Golden Globe Awards 2010
Gervais will host the Golden Globe Awards 2010

Gervais will host the Golden Globe Awards 2010

Ricky Gervais has been announced as the host of the Golden Globes 2010. The glittering ceremony, which has a reputation for being a big party event, has not had a set host for the past few years and instead invites different celebrities to take up the role. Gervais is said to have been singled out after his appearance at the ceremony this year when he presented an award to Kate Winslet.

The 48-year-old comedian is said to have been wooed into the idea of hosting the ceremony after producers at the Golden Globes offered him a “free rein” in his role as host. Ricky is excited at the prospect of his big gig and has already started to create some hype for the show saying “Everyone is sitting around and drinking. I’m going to be drunk, and I’m not going to rehearse. So, it’s the perfect gig for me,”

The nominations for the 67th Golden Globes will be announced on December 15th with the ceremony itself taking place on January 17th in Los Angeles. The Golden Globes are often cited as a good indicator for predicting who will win big at that other prestigious Hollywood ceremony, the Oscars.

Ricky has been a big name in the US since his hit mockumentray The Office, which he starred in and co-wrote with Stephen Merchant, was imported to the US. He’s gone on to appear in a number of Hollywood films including Night At The Museum and Ghost Town.

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Peggy Mitchell actress Barbara Windsor to leave Eastenders

October 28, 2009 By Kate Owen
Babs Windsor to exit Eastenders
Babs Windsor to exit Eastenders

Babs Windsor to exit Eastenders

Show biz legend Barbara Windsor has announced her plans to leave the popular BBC soap where she’s played Peggy Mitchell for 15 years. Babs looks set to exit Albert Square sometime next year however it’s too early to say whether the door will be left open for a possible return.

The 72-year-old actress, who is famed for her roles in the Carry On films, joined the cast of Eastenders in 1994. Barbara admitted that the soap “changed my life all those years ago” and succeeded in endearing her to a whole new generation. During her time in the Square she’s been at the centre of many a cliff-hanger ending, and had her fair share of meaty story lines including some explosive run-ins behind the bar at the Queen Vic.

The diminutive star said she’s decided to leave so she can spend more time with her husband, jokingly saying “he’s not getting any younger” of her partner who’s 26 years her junior.

However we certainly haven’t seen the last of Babs, her agent Barry Burnett confirmed that the actress will continue to perform and is certainly not bowing out of the world of show biz, as he said “Oh no, absolutely not, can you imagine that?” when asked about the possibility of the star going into retirement.

Barbara, who picked up a lifetime achievement award at the British Soap Awards earlier this year, said she’s very much “looking forward to the future” although she said she’ll be very sad to say goodbye to Peggy who’s been a “wonderful character to play.”

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