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Strathmore School
THE BACKGROUNDCase Study: Strathmore School Strathmore School is a Special Educational Needs School that aims to provide a happy, safe, supported and structured environment in which students will flourish. As an organisation, the school strives to meet both the...
Expo 2020 Dubai: Accessibility and Changing Places Toilets
Astor Bannerman are extremely proud to have installed four Changing Places Toilets at Expo 2020. The globally important event was postponed last year due to Covid, and it finally opened its doors in Dubai this Autumn, showcasing world-changing innovations from around the world.
Astor Bannerman: 27 Years of Going Beyond Routine
In 1993, two friends from Oxfordshire with a passion for technology and mechanics were asked to make a height-adjustable kitchen table by Muscular Dystrophy UK. This challenge developed into a vision of producing solutions which would help support disabled people and...
Dementia: A Hidden Disability
Today is an important day in the disability awareness calendar for two reasons.
Firstly, it is International Day of People with Disabilities today, and the theme this year is ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’.
Secondly, it is Elf Day, a day to support those living with Dementia, run by the Alzheimer’s Society.
To commemorate these two important days, we spoke to our Marketing Manager Jane Fraser-Hook, who has brought her passion for helping those with Alzheimer’s to Astor Bannerman, about her experiences and how this sometimes hidden disability needs to be taken into account when thinking about accessibility.
Sainsbury’s Installs a Changing Places Toilet in New Aylesbury Gatehouse Store
We recently installed a Changing Places toilet at the newly built Sainsbury’s store in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, which is due to open this week.
The 50,000 ft2 Aylesbury Gatehouse Store is due to open its doors on 24th November, and as well as a Changing Places Toilet, it will also feature an Argos store, and electric vehicle charging points with additional space for disabled customers.
Dorset Hotel Becomes First to Open a Changing Places Toilet – on World Toilet Day!
The family-owned Marsham Court in Bournemouth has become the first UK hotel to install a Changing Places toilet, supplied and installed by Astor Bannerman, celebrating its completion on World Toilet Day 2021 (November 19).
Scottish RSPB Nature Reserve at Loch Leven Installs Changing Places Toilet
A transformation of the visitor facilities at Loch Leven’s precious woodland and wetland reserve has recently been completed, with an Astor Bannerman Changing Places toilet being installed as part of the ambitious project.
Spirits Sky-High at Opening of New Changing Places Toilet at RAF Museum Cosford
RAF Museum Cosford, one of the premier tourist destinations in Shropshire, officially opened its brand-new Astor Bannerman Changing Places Toilet last week. Staff at the museum were joined by carers from City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services and Aveso CEO Nick Kent for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Military Veteran Installs Hotel’s Changing Places Toilet in Building Heroes Project
Following the announcement of the partnership between Astor Bannerman and Military Veteran Training Charity Building Heroes in September, ex Royal Marines Commando Dylan Demetrious-Wilde was involved in a collaborative project last month, his company installing a Changing Places Toilet at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.
The Astor Invincible: How we Created the First Changing Table Specifically Designed for Public Changing Places Toilets
Astor Bannerman has been designing, manufacturing and installing equipment for people and families living with a disability for more than 27 years. That experience, combined with on-going customer feedback and consultation, has taught us a lot and continues to challenge us to expand our product range with ever improving and innovative products.
Historically, changing tables have been developed primarily for use in private homes, usually in a single-user situation, not high-use, public settings such as a Changing Places Toilet. With our commitment to Changing Places, and through learned experience of extensive installations over the years, we began to question the suitability of the equipment for the job. We decided it was time to develop a Changing Table specifically for use in a multi-user public environment like a Changing Places Toilet, addressing the very specific needs to overcome the challenges thrown up by public Changing Places toilets.
The result: The Astor Invincible Changing Table.
ITV Sports Presenter Unveils New Premises
ITV sports presenter Jill Douglas cut the ribbon to unveil new offices for Astor Bannerman. The official opening of 'The Elephant Works' marks a continued phase of expansion for the us as a company. As well as being a presenter, Jill Douglas is CEO of motor neurone...
A Beautiful Changing Places Toilet for a Stunning Location – Pentire Glaze
We recently installed a Changing Places toilet at the stunning Pentire Glaze in Cornwall, run by the National Trust. Over the Winter and Spring of 2020/21, the North Cornwall National Trust completely re-developed the facilities at the popular Cornish coastal...
Historic Bath Abbey Gets New Changing Places Toilet
We recently completed a Changing Places Toilet project at Bath Abbey, a magnificent historic building in the heart of Bath. The vaulted ceiling and aged structure gave the team a few challenges to overcome, but they were determined to make it work. It just goes to...
“Leaders in Care” Finalist
We are extremely proud to be able to share the news that we are a finalist in this year's "Leaders in Care" awards for our innovative solutions in the care sector. This is a result of a huge team effort from everyone at Astor Bannerman and a great achievement. Astor...
We have been nominated for “Leaders in Care” award!
We are proud to be able to share that we have been nominated for the "Leaders in Care" award! A result of tremendous team work from all at Astor Bannerman who continue to go "beyond routine" everyday.
Military Veterans to Install Changing Places Toilets Nationwide
We are incredibly proud to launch a joint venture with the charity Building Heroes, to train and employ Military Veterans to install Changing Places toilets throughout the UK.
Building an Accessible Future: Trafford Centre’s Legoland Changing Places Toilet
We worked with the team at the Legoland Discovery Centre to install a fully compliant Changing Places Toilet (CPT), which included equipment from the Astor Bannerman’s Changing Places product range.
Accessible, Beautiful and Very Popular: The Deep’s Changing Places Toilet
In 2018 we worked with the team at Hull’s spectacular aquarium The Deep, to install their Changing Places Toilet (CPT).
The fully accessible facility was opened in March of that year, and helped the tourist attraction become one of the most accessible in the UK, winning Gold in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category of the White Rose Awards in 2019.
£30m Funding for Changing Places Toilets: Local Authority Applications Now Open!
The Government has confirmed today that Local Authorities can now apply to opt in to receive a portion of the £30m Government funding pot for new Changing Places toilets in England.
Euston Station opens a new Changing Places Toilet
A Changing Places toilet was opened at London Euston station last week, and Astor Bannerman equipment was used in the new facility.
Two Changing Places Toilets at Wimbledon? ‘You Cannot be Serious’!
This year’s tennis Championships at Wimbledon start this Monday, and in a big win for toilet inclusivity, disabled visitors will have access to two Changing Places toilets on site. Astor Bannerman equipment was used in both accessible toilets, the first installed in 2018, the second the following year.
From Changing Places Toilets to Changing Babies’ Nappies at Worthing Hospital
After working with Worthing Hospital on their nearly-completed Changing Places toilet project, Dan Brice, part of our Changing Places sales team for the South, visited the Maternity Unit with his wife Hayley for a very different reason recently – to give birth to their baby son Albie!
Kate’s Story
It is estimated that 3 in 5 people will be carers at some point in their lives. The vast majority of care in the UK is provided by family and friends, who make up the UK's 6.5 million...
Dementia Action Week – Customers at the heart of our product design
As a leading designer and manufacturer of specialist bathing equipment our customers are at the centre of what we do. This is visible across our whole product range, but especially in products that we have adapted with a specific group in mind. “Our agile, user...
Finsbury Park premieres the New Astor Invincible Changing Table in a first for Changing Places in Public Parks
Astor Bannerman has worked with Haringey Council to install a brand-new Changing Places toilet in Finsbury Park, North London, boosting the accessibility of green space in the borough. It is the also the first installation of the Astor Invincible, a changing table...
Mental Health Awareness Week – How we were affected as a company and the changes we have made
It has been a testing time for everyone over the last 15 months, and as we take this week to reflect on the impact this has had on our customers, we thought we would wrap up the week with a look internally as to how we have been affected and the way we have had to...
National Mental Health Awareness Week – How have you been affected by Covid-19 and the events of the past 15 months?
We caught up with busy mum of three, Heather Phillips to understand how Covid-19 and the restrictions of lock down affected her and her family. Heather is mum to Emily (19), George (15) and Tom (13). “Emily has Cerebral Palsy so at the beginning of the first lockdown...
National Mental Health Awareness Week – How have you been affected by Covid-19 and the events of the past 18 months?
To show our support for National Mental Health Awareness Week we have "downed our tools" and taken time out to catch up with some of our customers to find out how their mental health and the mental health of those around them has been affected by the events of the...
Astor Bannerman donates nearly £70,000 worth of slings to neighbouring charity organisation, National Star
A highlight of our month was to personally deliver our donation of 675 slings to National Star, our neighbouring charity organisation. Making a difference to people’s lives is at the heart of what we do, and to be able to support a local charity at this time was...
Local Councils to Distribute £30m of Funding for New Changing Places Toilets in England
The Government has confirmed today that £30m of funding to increase the number of Changing Places toilets in England will be distributed by local authorities. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a press release today confirming the plan to...
Choosing the right equipment for your Changing Places Toilet
Choosing the correct equipment for your Changing Places Toilet can be tricky. Understanding how your facility is used is the best place to start, and selecting equipment to match these needs is then easy …
Incorporating Therapeutic Design in Hospitals
When considering design, vision and philosophy in a Hospital, thoughts should be centred on achieving the most therapeutic and functional buildings for patients. Specific targets around artwork, the therapeutic...
The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation
The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation: a Publication that outlines the best practice and ideal solutions when considering an inclusive guest environment. Working in an advisory capacity, Astor Bannerman are very pleased to have offered our technical expertise to...
Ceiling Hoist Fixings and Considerations
In the thousands of installations we have completed, we have very rarely come across a project we could not create a fixing solution for. With over 20 years industry experience our specialists can ensure Ceiling Track is installed safely into every...
Why we use an Elephant in our logo
Why do Astor Bannerman love Elephants? At Astor Bannerman an elephant is an integral part of our logo… but why? Is our favourite holiday destination on safari in Africa? Was Dumbo our favourite film when growing up? Did we just think the logo was cute? No! We chose an...
What is LOLER? A simple guide to lifting equipment regulations
Who does LOLER apply to? People who have responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the equipment and it’s use. This includes employers who have responsibility for the health and safety of their staff as well as the condition of the equipment that they use....
A 1st for Changing Places Toilets
The Astor Invincible Changing Table is the first height adjustable changing table designed specifically for use in Changing Places Toilets. The Astor Invincible has been designed to address the very unique requirements of a public toilet & changing venue with...
Tesco raises the profile of the UK’s Changing Place campaign with a national advertising campaign
Tesco has significantly raised the profile of the UK’s Changing Place campaign with national advertising celebrating the installation of 100 Changing Place toilets in its network of stores. Last week the supermarket giant released press and tv advertising highlighting...
Future-proofing a care setting with ceiling hoist tracks
A Gloucestershire based independent care provider has recently completed a 46 bed extension on their care home for clients with dementia and nursing care requirements. Having worked with the contractor on a similar project, Astor Bannerman were recommended to the...
Aveso welcomes Helen to the Marketing Team
Astor Bannerman is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Evans to the position of Changing Places Marketing Executive. Helen will be working within the Aveso team; supporting their mission to increase the availability of Changing Places toilets in the UK and...
Chloe’s 50miles in 30 days for Alzheimer’s Society
Chloe, who is a part of the Astor Bannerman customer service team, is planning to run 50 miles in 30 days to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society after her grandfather sadly passed away just before Christmas. The run will see Chloe having to clock up nearly 5km every...
Astor Bannerman work together with waterways charity Safe Anchor Trust
Astor Bannerman was approached by the charity Safe Anchor Trust to install a changing table in their newly refurbished vessel, the Safe Anchor Lady.
What is an XY Ceiling Hoist System or H Track Ceiling Hoist System?
We often get asked what is an XY Ceiling Hoist System or H Track Ceiling Hoist System? (also known as an XY Overhead Hoist or an XY Hoist). XY or H Frame Systems are the most common means of mounting a Ceiling Hoist. Consisting of two fixed lengths of track running...
Review – Moving and Handling Advisor – Dec 2020
I hear that you are looking to buy a new couch for your pool. I have copied Anthony in. he works for Astor Bannerman and was so helpful when they were making purchasing decisions… he could not have done more. He actually came to our last Link worker event at the Hub…...
100th Tesco Changing Places Registered
Astor Bannerman as part of Aveso has installed 100 Tesco Changing Places Toilets to help those with severe disabilities use toilets safely and comfortably.
The supermarket’s 100th Changing Places toilet was officially opened today, 3rd December, in its Watford Extra store. Changing Places toilets are larger than standard facilities and include special-ist equipment such as an overhead hoist, height adjustable adult-sized changing table, height-adjustable washbasin, centrally placed toilet and privacy screen.
Astor Bannerman takes over the OpeMed brand and UK Operations
Astor Bannerman is delighted to announce with immediate effect, its take over the OpeMed brand and UK operational control. Mark Colebrook, Astor Bannerman MD shared the news: "OpeMed is a very strong ceiling hoist brand with a great reputation in homecare, long-term...
Covid-19 Measures – 2nd Update 2020
Astor-Bannerman remains fully open for business as usual and we intend to remain open as we are essential to supporting the care industry. At Astor-Bannerman we have ensured we have stocks of finished goods so we have sock baths available for Care Homes on short lead...
Covid-19 Update
Covid-19 Measures Astor-Bannerman are working as hard as we can to ensure we can continue to support all of you through this Covid-19 crisis. We are open for business and intend to remain open as we are essential to supporting the care industry. I wrote to you last...
Covid-19
Covid-19 Measures At Astor-Bannerman we are as concerned as the rest of the community about Covid-19 and we are looking to put in place best practices to minimise risk both to our customers and to our staff as we complete our essential works. We have no reported cases...
New Product: Astor Aquba – Height Adjustable Wash Basin
Designed & made in our UK factory, the Astor Aquba is our latest innovation in height adjustable basins. The wash basin is the smallest completely integrated unit on the market, ensuring it is the perfect solution for wheelchair access and ideal for under window...