Businesstraveller.com compiles stories from the lighter side of business travel. This week: Bristol airport, Flybe, American Airlines, BAA Stansted and Galvin at Windows.
Adge Cuteler International?
A facebook campaign has been launched to rename Bristol airport after local hero Adge Cutler, the late singer of cult band The Wurzels. Citing Liverpool John Lennon and George Best Belfast City as examples of airports named after iconic local figures, the group had 580 followers when last we looked. Cutler fans should beware though, as a rival group - claiming the airport should be renamed after Bristol-based TV presenter Justin Lee Collins – has 141 members and counting.
Taking flight
Regional carrier Flybe had a bit-part in ITV’s soap Emmerdale this week, as two of the show’s characters Val and Eric Pollard boarded a Flybe flight from Leeds Bradford to London Gatwick. Apparently the plot involved Val trying to trick Eric into thinking she had emigrated to Australia, although we’re not sure Flybe’s Q400 aircraft have quite enough range for a flight Down Under.
A corking idea
American Airlines has begun a programme to recycle the used wine and champagne corks at all of its US executive lounges. The carrier says that more than 13 billion natural corks are produced for the wine industry every year, and claims that the 70th anniversary celebrations of its Admirals Club lounges means there will be more popped corks than ever in its lounges this year.
Getting shirty
On the subject of recycling, a security officer at BAA’s Stansted airport is doing her bit by collecting hundreds of shirts formerly worn by her colleagues, to be transformed into patchwork quilts for injured British servicemen and women. The cosy quilts are being made by the Lutterworth Ladies sewing group, in support for the Help for Heroes charity, and are given out at Headley Court, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey.
Food for thought
Hot on the heels of the Mayfair Park and Tower Race (see online news June 18), Chris Galvin and Fred Sirieix of Hilton’s Galvin at Windows restaurant in London are taking part in the Medoc Marathon in south western France next month, a race which combines 26 miles of running with the tasting of fine wines and food along the way. The pair are running (at least until the first food stop) in support of Galvin’s Chance - for information on how to donate, visit justgiving.com/Fredsirieix-ChrisGalvin-Marathon
By Mark Caswell
