Page 1: Month: September 2019

Many of us are guilty of enjoying lazy mornings spent binge-watching the latest new series. As a result, it has become somewhat of a ceremonious occasion when a long-awaited season makes a return to our favourite streaming services. The Crown follows on from the proud legacy of the period drama, following the phenomena which followed programs such as Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders, and Call the Midwife. Well, it’s time to recap season one and two, as we eagerly await the third instalment of the hit production.

What happened in seasons one and two?
The first season began at the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in 1952, initially portrayed by British actress Claire Foy. She married Prince Philip Mountbatten. Elizabeth, the heir to King George VI, and her husband moved to Malta where she gave birth to her two children Charles and Anne. Meanwhile, Philip re-joined the British Royal Navy.

King George’s health began to decline, and this was followed with a terminal diagnosis. He provided guidance for his daughter ahead of her ascension to power, and he later passed away in 1952.

The first season also documented the progression of the Commonwealth of Nations, nuclear testing in the Soviet Union and the relations between the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill (John Lithgow) and US President Dwight E.Eisenhower. The season ended with Churchill leaving office, replaced by Anthony Eden (Jeremy Northam), and the origin of the Suez Canal dispute.

Season two saw Foy’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II resume, with notable historical points leasing the plotline further. These included the unfolding of the Suez Canal dispute to the retirement of Harold Macmillan in 1963, and the birth of her son, Prince Edward, in 1964. Elizabeth gets entangled in the publicised backlash originated from Lord Altrincham (John Heffeman), amidst a trail of her own person qualms surrounding the state of her marriage to Philip. Philip is crowned and given the title ‘The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’ in February 1957.

Viewers learned more about Elizabeth’s familial circle, specifically regarding her sister Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (Victoria Hamilton). From The Marburg Files scandal and the exile of the Duke of Windsor (Alex Jennings) to a presidential visit from John F. and Jackie Kennedy prior to his assassination in November 1963, Elizabeth steered the country through a decade of rapid changes and political unrest. The second series ended at the birth of Prince Edward, her fourth child.

In line for the throne: What should we expect from season 3?
Of course, we are all eagerly awaiting the already iconic production to return to our screens. Famous British Oscar winner Olivia Coleman taking over for Foy, and Tobias Menzies picking up his duties as the Duke of Edinburgh. We expect to enter a new ear of Elizabeth’s reign when the series resumes on Sunday 17th November. The third and fourth instalments are set to delve into the years 1964-76, and viewers can expect to be introduced to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. Viewers will also witness the disintegration of Princess Margaret’s marriage to Lord Snowdon. In terms of historical points of interest, the moon landing and the decolonization of Africa look set to dominate the plotline of the third series.

Images of Coleman have been released as a teaser ahead of the big return — and we believe that a classic birdcage umbrella wouldn’t look out of place in the striking shot! Keep your eyes peeled for the trailer and get ready to binge watch the UK’s acclaimed regal drama!

From wind tunnels to blind-testing popular cola beverages, brands must put their product through its paces. How else will they know if they can go toe-to-toe with their competitors? After all, consumers are looking for quality, especially when it comes to everyday essential products. Testing processes have to be innovative in order to give a brand something to shout about. Fulton Umbrellas are keen to explore a few brilliant product testing methods!

The Pepsi Challenge
The ’Pepsi Challenge’ was a straightforward testing process in which the company sought to prove that their product was the favourite choice amongst customers. Participants blind tested two products, one of which was Pepsi and another was Coca Cola. After tasting both, the drinkers were asked to decide which one they preferred. Unsurprisingly, Pepsi reported more than 50 per cent of tasters were said to favour their drink over Coke. The testing initiative dates back to 1975, and in 2018 the brand revived the concept in their Pepsi Max campaign.

Fulton Umbrellas Wind Tunnel
We’ve all been caught out by an umbrella that has fallen victim to the elements, and it is never a fun challenge to be stuck in! Umbrellas have to withstand a lot in order to make it as a daily essential. Fulton is committed to ensuring that their products are always picked up from the porch on a day when the forecast is looking rather inclement. A sudden rainstorm is sometimes only half the battle, and an umbrella which gives way and reverses in the wind is never ideal. Fulton put their umbrellas to the test to assure quality performance in the harshest of conditions.
Fulton took products from their collection to be tested at the Imperial College in London, in the wind tunnel facility. Every element of Fulton’s innovative product range was tested in the process. The Fulton Cyclone golf umbrella was tested at a wind speed of 78mph, and the super strength durable structure will allow you to complete every round of the course even in adverse weather! The high-performance polyester fabric and lightweight aluminum frame of the products lived up to their function and disaster was averted —a Fulton success!

Tesco’s School Uniform Guarantee
Parents with children heading back to school for the new term will want to know that they are getting quality uniform essentials that last. After all, the playground can be a challenging place for new school trousers and polo shirts. We all know that kids like to use their curiosity and explore everything, and sometimes a bit of wear and tear on school uniforms can leave parents looking for replacement items far sooner than they would’ve liked! Tesco came up with a solution for this, and their annual campaign coincides with the start of the new school year: put the product testing process into the hands of the child wearing the garments! Tesco offer a ‘100 Day Quality Guarantee’ on their school uniform range at selected stores, meaning that garments can be tested under the exact conditions that they’d need to endure. From hands-on art lessons to a bumps in the playground at lunchtime, the garments experienced it all. With scuff-resistant shoes to reinforced trouser knees, each uniform innovation was well and truly put to the test. Parents can return products when proof of purchase is presented, up until the 100-day deadline has passed.

It certainly seems like ‘tried-and-tested’ is one of the best approaches to take!