The Constantine 125ers have made a brave new start in Division 5 of the Sunday Metropolitan League. After a slow start drawing the opening games 1-1 & 0-0, Caribb Constantine emphatically brushed aside the next two opponents, both score lines reading 5-1.
However, Caribb Constantine’s cup exploits have not reached these same heady heights and serve as a reminder that greater tests are to come, starting with the trip to Russeller’s Reserves, who sit comfortably at the top of the table with 18 points after 7 games played. Russeller’s Reserves knocked us out of the first cup competition, but they only managed it on penalties after extra time, surviving a flurry of late shots in normal time from Caribb Constantine’s forwards. One particular fast-flowing move saw first the left post, then right post and finally the crossbar hit in consecutive shots! The bitter taste of defeat still tingles on the tongue, a taste the team will endeavour to wash away with a third consecutive league win courtesy of Russeller’s Reserves this coming Sunday.
In the other cup competition Caribb Constantine saw off a team from the division above with a 5-0 win. The game was played in third gear (much to the annoyance of Mr Stan Hunter, manager of Caribb Constantine) and against nine men for the last thirty minutes! The second round saw the team pitted against a side from two divisions above, and after two weeks without a game the rust on our boots might well have been noticeable from space, helping to explain the 8-1 score line against Caribb Constantine. In fairness the opponents were good on the ball, strong in the air and seemingly possessed a greater desire for a run in the cup.
All in all it’s been a solid start to the season. Caribb Constantine is a young side, eager for the glory of promotion at the first time of asking. The coming weeks will demonstrate whether that is a credible goal or not.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
The British Museum ‘International Curatorial Training Program’ Student Day
On Friday 23rd July 2010 Constantine hosted students from the British Museums ‘International Curatorial Training Program’ (ICTP) for a day of insight into how an Art Logistics company contributes to the world of museums and galleries. The day incorporated a trip to Heathrow Airport to experience our airport operation, a tour of our state of the art facilities, a presentation on packing by Mark and Ben Sparkes and perhaps most impressively a beautifully presented lunch laid on by our Constantine catering branch (aka Lyn, Emily and co).
The British Museum arrange the ICTP on an annual basis, and they invite curators and directors from around the world, from countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, China and Iraq. The British Museum says the ICTP ‘seeks to expose curators, exhibitions designers, archaeologists and education specialists to various aspects of museum work, develop skills and to create a global network of colleagues around the world’. The students spend up to 6 weeks in Britain experiencing every angle of museum life. It truly is a great opportunity for them, and one that Constantine are very happy to be part of.
Throughout the day, the students interacted and showed genuine interest in our operations (even with our very uninteresting airport reps). At Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Heathrow, our ICTP guests were able to experience what it would be like to courier their works of art through a cargo warehouse. We staged a ‘mock’ palletisation with two empty crates and demonstrated what would happen at every stage of its journey. We also explained the role of a courier. After lunch, the group were shown around the warehouse and then given a very interesting presentation on packing and case making. They would all like to thank everyone who was involved at our end, please see attached link about how this years ICTP participants have enjoyed the training programme… http://bmtrainingprog.wordpress.com/
The British Museum arrange the ICTP on an annual basis, and they invite curators and directors from around the world, from countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, China and Iraq. The British Museum says the ICTP ‘seeks to expose curators, exhibitions designers, archaeologists and education specialists to various aspects of museum work, develop skills and to create a global network of colleagues around the world’. The students spend up to 6 weeks in Britain experiencing every angle of museum life. It truly is a great opportunity for them, and one that Constantine are very happy to be part of.
Throughout the day, the students interacted and showed genuine interest in our operations (even with our very uninteresting airport reps). At Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Heathrow, our ICTP guests were able to experience what it would be like to courier their works of art through a cargo warehouse. We staged a ‘mock’ palletisation with two empty crates and demonstrated what would happen at every stage of its journey. We also explained the role of a courier. After lunch, the group were shown around the warehouse and then given a very interesting presentation on packing and case making. They would all like to thank everyone who was involved at our end, please see attached link about how this years ICTP participants have enjoyed the training programme… http://bmtrainingprog.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Race for Life
From left to right - Lucy W, Isabel, Gemma, Sian, Eloise, Lucy F, Jacqui and Nicola (before photo)
Left to Right - Valentina, Jacqui, Nicola, Lucy F, Lucy W, Sian, Eloise, Isabel and Gemma (after photo)
Dressed in bright pink t-shirts, with the Constantine logo proudly printed on our back, the past and present Constantine girls headed to Blackheath to take part in the 5km Race for Life. Prepared or not, we all met early on the sunny Sunday morning of 4th July to raise lots of money for the worthy cause. We were not overly coordinated when it came to the warm up, but no one disappointed and all of us managed to run the whole way – no wimpy walkers with us!
The event itself couldn’t have gone better – the weather was beautiful and everyone was in high spirits. We had some fantastic support, with many of our partners cheering us on and Constantine’s own – Paul, Francesco, Robert, Sarah, Ben Sparkes and Ben Adams were there to support us as well. So far, we have managed to raise a grand total of £1,500.00 and still counting! We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored and supported us, especially to Constantine who funded our initial enrolment into the run.
There is a rumour flying around the office that the Constantine men are planning a similar expedition, but will they do as well as the girls … watch this space …
The event itself couldn’t have gone better – the weather was beautiful and everyone was in high spirits. We had some fantastic support, with many of our partners cheering us on and Constantine’s own – Paul, Francesco, Robert, Sarah, Ben Sparkes and Ben Adams were there to support us as well. So far, we have managed to raise a grand total of £1,500.00 and still counting! We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored and supported us, especially to Constantine who funded our initial enrolment into the run.
There is a rumour flying around the office that the Constantine men are planning a similar expedition, but will they do as well as the girls … watch this space …
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Volcano Trouble!
On Sunday 21st March, the UK (along with the rest of the world) awoke to news that the Eyjafjallajoekull Volcano, in southern Iceland, had begun erupting after laying dormant for over 200 years..
On 14th April the Eruption became much more powerful and the ash cloud drifted south, causing UK and European airspace to be closed down on an unprecedented scale, which meant travel chaos for thousands of passengers who were stranded worldwide.
Unfortunately, four unlucky couriers also got stuck. In Venice.
On Friday 16th April, with no news on the flight ban being lifted anytime soon, Constantine launched ‘Operation Courier Rescue’ – to save the four stranded couriers from Venice and bring them back to the UK, where they would otherwise have been stuck indefinitely, and without clean socks! Constantine worked late into the night to coordinate a spectacular rescue – the couriers were transported by barge and Minibus to Paris, where they enjoyed a night in a hotel, then they were picked up by the lovely Raffaele in his trusty Courier Mobile, and all brought safely back to London.
Volcano? What volcano! We had all the couriers at home with a mug of horlicks and a biscuit, ready to be tucked up in bed nice and early on Sunday night, after their epic journey home. It may have been an unusual turn of events, and not the fastest route home, but home they got (and a lot sooner than some, who were stuck in Venice for two weeks with only two changes of clothes!).
It’ll be very interesting to see how the rest of the year pans out, with the volcano still highly unpredictable! This may not be the only time Constantine have to attempt ‘Operation Courier Rescue’ … but lets keep our fingers crossed on this not being the case. At least it must have been a courier trip to remember..
On 14th April the Eruption became much more powerful and the ash cloud drifted south, causing UK and European airspace to be closed down on an unprecedented scale, which meant travel chaos for thousands of passengers who were stranded worldwide.
Unfortunately, four unlucky couriers also got stuck. In Venice.
On Friday 16th April, with no news on the flight ban being lifted anytime soon, Constantine launched ‘Operation Courier Rescue’ – to save the four stranded couriers from Venice and bring them back to the UK, where they would otherwise have been stuck indefinitely, and without clean socks! Constantine worked late into the night to coordinate a spectacular rescue – the couriers were transported by barge and Minibus to Paris, where they enjoyed a night in a hotel, then they were picked up by the lovely Raffaele in his trusty Courier Mobile, and all brought safely back to London.
Volcano? What volcano! We had all the couriers at home with a mug of horlicks and a biscuit, ready to be tucked up in bed nice and early on Sunday night, after their epic journey home. It may have been an unusual turn of events, and not the fastest route home, but home they got (and a lot sooner than some, who were stuck in Venice for two weeks with only two changes of clothes!).
It’ll be very interesting to see how the rest of the year pans out, with the volcano still highly unpredictable! This may not be the only time Constantine have to attempt ‘Operation Courier Rescue’ … but lets keep our fingers crossed on this not being the case. At least it must have been a courier trip to remember..
Monday, 29 March 2010
World Cup Draw!
Hot off the press: Constantine’s 2010 World Cup draw has taken place!
Thirty-two countries, represented by their national flags on tiny pieces of paper, were one by one selected from the official ‘hat’. Isabel Escudero agreed to officially draw the teams, and the process was chaired by Chris Webbe and Tom Rayner.
Those who cared were probably hoping for one of three teams: Spain, Brazil and England. However, if you selected a smaller footballing nation, all hope was not lost. Two prizes out of the pot favoured these nations, with a prize for the least amount of goals scored in the tournament by a single team, and a prize for the most goals conceded by a single team in a single match.
As the draw approached the tension was palpable. To avoid rioting, it was decided that the draw should take place in a corner of the office under the watchful eyes of a few select officials. Only a couple of teams had been pulled from the ‘hat’ when a big name surfaced….BRAZIL….and the name put next to the five-time world champions was Robert Thompson.
The draw continued apace, with a few selections raising eyebrows. Francesco Donadio snaffled up ITALY, and then Eloise Quere was handed FRANCE! Questions were raised at the legitimacy of the draw, later to be quashed by an independent enquiry.
It wasn’t long until ENGLAND came out, and Adrian Cole was the lucky man. Agonisingly SPAIN, the tournament favourites, had still to be picked. With two teams left, only Lucy Walker and Sarah Jury remained without a team by their names. The two teams available: SPAIN and NEW ZEALAND. And the team for Lucy Walker is…..NEW ZEALAND. Sarah Jury gets SPAIN, and looks odds on to triumph again, having selected Italy in the last World Cup draw four years ago.
A full list of the teams selected can be seen below. Good luck to everyone!
GROUP A
Mexico – Emily Hall
South Africa – Phillipa Hayward
Uruguay – Cafer Huseyin
France – Eloise Quere
GROUP B
Argentina – Raffaele Calise
Nigeria – Des O’Loughlin
South Korea – Colin Prince
Greece – Caroline Davoren
GROUP C
England – Adrian Cole
USA – David Brown
Algeria – Jacqueline Patterson
Slovenia – Steve Richards
GROUP D
Germany – Dawie Venter
Australia – Peter Grove-White
Serbia & Montenegro – Ben Sparkes
Ghana – Tim Sutton
GROUP E
Netherlands – Nicola Magdalinis
Denmark – Mike Love
Japan – Sian Williams
Cameroon – Paul Williamson
GROUP F
Italy – Francesco Donadio
Paraguay – Mark Hunt
New Zealand – Lucy Walker
Slovakia – Tom Rayner
GROUP G
Brazil – Robert Thompson
North Korea – Duncan Capp
Ivory Coast – Gemma Busby
Portugal – Chris Webbe
GROUP H
Spain – Sarah Jury
Switzerland – Valentina Candian
Honduras – Lucy Findley
Chile – Ben Adams
Thirty-two countries, represented by their national flags on tiny pieces of paper, were one by one selected from the official ‘hat’. Isabel Escudero agreed to officially draw the teams, and the process was chaired by Chris Webbe and Tom Rayner.
Those who cared were probably hoping for one of three teams: Spain, Brazil and England. However, if you selected a smaller footballing nation, all hope was not lost. Two prizes out of the pot favoured these nations, with a prize for the least amount of goals scored in the tournament by a single team, and a prize for the most goals conceded by a single team in a single match.
As the draw approached the tension was palpable. To avoid rioting, it was decided that the draw should take place in a corner of the office under the watchful eyes of a few select officials. Only a couple of teams had been pulled from the ‘hat’ when a big name surfaced….BRAZIL….and the name put next to the five-time world champions was Robert Thompson.
The draw continued apace, with a few selections raising eyebrows. Francesco Donadio snaffled up ITALY, and then Eloise Quere was handed FRANCE! Questions were raised at the legitimacy of the draw, later to be quashed by an independent enquiry.
It wasn’t long until ENGLAND came out, and Adrian Cole was the lucky man. Agonisingly SPAIN, the tournament favourites, had still to be picked. With two teams left, only Lucy Walker and Sarah Jury remained without a team by their names. The two teams available: SPAIN and NEW ZEALAND. And the team for Lucy Walker is…..NEW ZEALAND. Sarah Jury gets SPAIN, and looks odds on to triumph again, having selected Italy in the last World Cup draw four years ago.
A full list of the teams selected can be seen below. Good luck to everyone!
GROUP A
Mexico – Emily Hall
South Africa – Phillipa Hayward
Uruguay – Cafer Huseyin
France – Eloise Quere
GROUP B
Argentina – Raffaele Calise
Nigeria – Des O’Loughlin
South Korea – Colin Prince
Greece – Caroline Davoren
GROUP C
England – Adrian Cole
USA – David Brown
Algeria – Jacqueline Patterson
Slovenia – Steve Richards
GROUP D
Germany – Dawie Venter
Australia – Peter Grove-White
Serbia & Montenegro – Ben Sparkes
Ghana – Tim Sutton
GROUP E
Netherlands – Nicola Magdalinis
Denmark – Mike Love
Japan – Sian Williams
Cameroon – Paul Williamson
GROUP F
Italy – Francesco Donadio
Paraguay – Mark Hunt
New Zealand – Lucy Walker
Slovakia – Tom Rayner
GROUP G
Brazil – Robert Thompson
North Korea – Duncan Capp
Ivory Coast – Gemma Busby
Portugal – Chris Webbe
GROUP H
Spain – Sarah Jury
Switzerland – Valentina Candian
Honduras – Lucy Findley
Chile – Ben Adams
Staffordshire Hoard - 23rd March 2010
Please see attached ... as handled by our wonderful airport representatives, Duncan Capp and Steve Richards, last week!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8583162.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8583162.stm
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Constantine125's Second Match of the Season
Oh what a difference a week makes! Having lost the opening fixture, Constantine 125 bounced back in style; literally, as the team donned its new blue & white kit and beat Peninsula 2-1 in a cagey affair.
John Vernon sparkled up front, as he slotted two goals to put us into a comfortable lead, but defensive lapses allowed the opposition back into the game, and the win can be credited to Colin “The Cat” Prince, who made a string of classy saves. The game became somewhat stretched in the second half as legs tired, and both John and Abel Pais could have bagged a couple more goals each if it wasn’t for the athleticism of the opposition keeper.
Most of the team hadn’t played the week before, so it was a case of acclimatising to the conditions. Overall it wasn’t the best team performance I’ve seen. Our passing needs to be tighter, our shots a bit more savvy, and our positional sense needs some fine-tuning. However, the rust is beginning to flake away; we’re back in the dockyard working hard at re-modelling the behemoth that will be Constantine 125.
Some might say that the journey should have begun on the training pitch rather than the kit shop, but we believe looking stylish is the first step towards getting the panache back into our play. Once we’ve had the front and backs of the shirts printed a team shot will be uploaded to the blog, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Personally I’m hoping for a Tottenham scout to spot me, but if the team gets a shot at the catwalk, I’m sure most of us, and without a doubt Colin Prince, will seize the opportunity with both hands!
John Vernon sparkled up front, as he slotted two goals to put us into a comfortable lead, but defensive lapses allowed the opposition back into the game, and the win can be credited to Colin “The Cat” Prince, who made a string of classy saves. The game became somewhat stretched in the second half as legs tired, and both John and Abel Pais could have bagged a couple more goals each if it wasn’t for the athleticism of the opposition keeper.
Most of the team hadn’t played the week before, so it was a case of acclimatising to the conditions. Overall it wasn’t the best team performance I’ve seen. Our passing needs to be tighter, our shots a bit more savvy, and our positional sense needs some fine-tuning. However, the rust is beginning to flake away; we’re back in the dockyard working hard at re-modelling the behemoth that will be Constantine 125.
Some might say that the journey should have begun on the training pitch rather than the kit shop, but we believe looking stylish is the first step towards getting the panache back into our play. Once we’ve had the front and backs of the shirts printed a team shot will be uploaded to the blog, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Personally I’m hoping for a Tottenham scout to spot me, but if the team gets a shot at the catwalk, I’m sure most of us, and without a doubt Colin Prince, will seize the opportunity with both hands!
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
World Cup Draw!
At the time of writing we’re just weeks away from World Cup fever! And maybe England could be lifting the cup! Just wait until J….….Rio Ferdinand gets his mitts around the gleaming Jules Rimet! England, and in particular Rio’s birthplace, will erupt! The blue plaque, which rests on the side of a house will become a site of pilgrimage. Sir Rio, a national hero. I’m keeping the faith.
I’m also hoping to make a bit of money on the side. The Constantine World Cup draw should see to that. Within the next week, the employees at Constantine will have found out who they’ll be cheering all the way to the podium, as thirty-two teams, represented by their national flag, are drawn out of a hat by my able assistant Tom Rayner. Those who enter into the fray will be encouraged to purchase fake replica shirts of the team they’ve been blessed / cursed with. The office will become an exhibition of colour to rival the street carnivals of Brazil.
If you’re reading this and you haven’t planned a similar sweep-stake, I suggest you start printing some national flags and ringing round your friends. For those who hate football it’ll make the whole event just that little bit more bearable. For those who love it, it’ll hopefully make it just slightly less disappointing if/when England get knocked out…depending upon the participation of one Wayne Rooney.
A full list of who got which team will follow after the draw.
I’m also hoping to make a bit of money on the side. The Constantine World Cup draw should see to that. Within the next week, the employees at Constantine will have found out who they’ll be cheering all the way to the podium, as thirty-two teams, represented by their national flag, are drawn out of a hat by my able assistant Tom Rayner. Those who enter into the fray will be encouraged to purchase fake replica shirts of the team they’ve been blessed / cursed with. The office will become an exhibition of colour to rival the street carnivals of Brazil.
If you’re reading this and you haven’t planned a similar sweep-stake, I suggest you start printing some national flags and ringing round your friends. For those who hate football it’ll make the whole event just that little bit more bearable. For those who love it, it’ll hopefully make it just slightly less disappointing if/when England get knocked out…depending upon the participation of one Wayne Rooney.
A full list of who got which team will follow after the draw.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Constantine Football Team
The Constantine 6-a-side football season limped into action on Monday, with a threadbare side up against the mysteriously named Dark One team.
Re-named Constantine 125, in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary this year, the team is hoping for a dramatic improvement on last year’s showing. Whilst narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon, the team actually only had one official victory to its name, the rest of the points tally being made up of no-shows by the opposition! Pride was at stake though, and avoiding the embarrassment of ‘last place’ gave us the impetus to move forward and strive for even greater glory.
Once we set foot on the hallowed (astro) turf of the former David Beckham Academy, inspiration will be all around us. For the younger members of the squad, dreams of professional football, playing for one’s country, and starting up perfume ranges could yet be a reality, as the aura of David Beckham continues to ooze from a building that once housed the aspirations of so many.
Francesco Donadio, ‘The Terrier of the Turf’, has again lined up as captain (and potentially coach), and he’ll be looking for a feisty start, with plenty of hustle and quick breaking play. Movement off the ball will be key, especially with the pace attack up front. However, with a new season comes a new dawn, and with competition for places already reaching a frenzied pitch, no-one is guaranteed a starting spot.
Prediction for the season? Considering the amount the team has played together in the last six months (absolutely none), we could probably rival the Titanic when it comes to rust, so a slow start would be a fair bet. If we can keep a fairly consistent side, and we play like the cultured art agents we know we can be, then I think we’ve got a good chance at mid-table obscurity. Improvement is improvement after all. Watch this space.
Re-named Constantine 125, in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary this year, the team is hoping for a dramatic improvement on last year’s showing. Whilst narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon, the team actually only had one official victory to its name, the rest of the points tally being made up of no-shows by the opposition! Pride was at stake though, and avoiding the embarrassment of ‘last place’ gave us the impetus to move forward and strive for even greater glory.
Once we set foot on the hallowed (astro) turf of the former David Beckham Academy, inspiration will be all around us. For the younger members of the squad, dreams of professional football, playing for one’s country, and starting up perfume ranges could yet be a reality, as the aura of David Beckham continues to ooze from a building that once housed the aspirations of so many.
Francesco Donadio, ‘The Terrier of the Turf’, has again lined up as captain (and potentially coach), and he’ll be looking for a feisty start, with plenty of hustle and quick breaking play. Movement off the ball will be key, especially with the pace attack up front. However, with a new season comes a new dawn, and with competition for places already reaching a frenzied pitch, no-one is guaranteed a starting spot.
Prediction for the season? Considering the amount the team has played together in the last six months (absolutely none), we could probably rival the Titanic when it comes to rust, so a slow start would be a fair bet. If we can keep a fairly consistent side, and we play like the cultured art agents we know we can be, then I think we’ve got a good chance at mid-table obscurity. Improvement is improvement after all. Watch this space.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Gemma's Half Marathon
I had the crazy idea of doing this back in January. Basically, I was doing the typical "new year, new healthy start", and I signed up for the Milton Keynes Half Marathon. I had completed a couple of 5K runs and thought ... well ... how hard could it be?! 2 months of hellish (but extremely rewarding!) training later and I completed the whole 13.1 miles in 1:46:48, raising over £600 for the charity CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood). A charity that is very close to my heart.
The race day itself was fantastic, with a great atmosphere, which certainly helps when you reach the 10th mile and want to collapse into a ball! Although the race was mainly flat and on roads, the organisers did "kindly" end the run with a steep mile long incline! However, the support from the crowd near the finish line was uplifting, even encouraging me to sprint the last couple of hundred yards. I would definitely recommend anyone with a bit of self-motivation to take on a challenge like this, as it is so rewarding. Also ... if I can do it ... anyone can!
So, I'll finish where I began, by thanking everyone so much for their help and support. The money that we have raised is helping some very poorly children and their families, hopefully making their situation a little easier, as it did my family.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Constantine remove Monumental Sculptures from County Hall, London.
In late January this year, during the darkest, coldest part of winter, Constantine was engaged to remove three “Monumental” Salvador Dali Sculptures from public display. They had been in residence on the river walkway outside County Hall for many years, and these large Bronze sculptures were almost as famous as the London landmarks that surrounded them – the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
A complex planning process included visits to the site at various times of day, detailed inspections of the sculptures, submissions of risk assessments and method statements, point load calculations and crane lifting plans. We even visited the vaults underneath the footpath to inspect the support beams that were holding everything up.
Due to our concern for the thousands of tourists and locals who daily use the narrow pathway that they were situated on, we undertook to work very early in the morning (we were usually on-site by 5am!), to lessen our contact with morning joggers and cyclists!
The Constantine sculpture team, and Technical manager Mark Hunt, worked in freezing temperatures for four mornings in a row. We erected safety barriers and boarded out the pavement each day so that our HIAB crane could drive directly up to each sculpture. Our qualified slingers attached slings and controlled the lift of each section of sculpture as it was dismantled. Other technicians, meanwhile, acted as banksmen.
The bronze sculptures, in their component parts, were taken back to our storage warehouse, to be prepared for the next leg of their journey.
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Hello. Following the update and re-design of our web-site, we have decided to start a new blog. Look forward to hearing from you...
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