Story of the folding bike

A couple of my colleagues regularly cycle to the University and they have been tempting me to give it a go. Besides saving me loads of money on fuel, I should be able to get a regular workout as well. The only problem is the distance to the University from my house - a distance of 5.2 miles. Anyway, I am seriously considering it and I might try it out this summer.

Of course, the choice of the cycle is very important as well. On my frequent trips to London, I often see people carrying little folded cycles, getting off the tube and then riding off after unfolding them.

Andrew Ritchie

I was quite amazed at the engineering and ingenuity that goes behind the bike. Later found out that it was called the Brompton cycle. Andrew Ritchie, who was trained as an engineer, came up with the idea in the mid-70s while working as a landscape gardener. He wanted to design a bike so small “it could fit in your pocket”. He formed the Brompton Bicycle company in 1976, named after the Brompton Oratory church opposite his home.

The unique"Brompton fold" allowing you to fold the bicycle both vertically and lengthwise while keeping all of the parts attached together.

Like many Undiscovered Business Entrepreneurs, his idea was ignored by other bicycle manufacturers, many of which have disappeared today and he had to go into production for himself.

Starting off with just 50 bicycles in the beginning, the company now has a turnover of £10million and is growing about 25% a year. Though the bikes are still manufactured in London (the only bicycle company in fact to do so), it has a worldwide following with about 70% of the bikes being sold abroad. An amazing British manufacturing success story.

Introducing Raja Rahawani and Precious Times

A few Malaysians have settled down here in Coventry and now call it their home. One of them is Raja Rahawani. She has been here in Coventry for nearly 14 years now.

Affectionately known by the younger Malaysians here as Kak Raja, she is a really really talented lady. A fully qualified professional practitioner in holistic therapies, she offers reflexology, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, thermo auricular therapy and holistic living lifestyle.

She also works as a Mobile Therapist and offers 'Home Visits' especially for ' Post Natal clients and vulnerable clients who needed treatment in the comfort & convenience of their own home and familiar surrounding (e.g especially referral cases such as post rehabilitation MS client, post rehab stroke/ bypassed, etc). However, it's for Lady Clients Only .

In 2008, Kak Raja offered Remedial Massage, Reiki & Reflexology to Multiple Sceloris (MS) patients at the Neurology Unit (L:4), University Hospital in Walsgrave, Coventry for more than seven months. It was specially funded by a charitable organisation based in London called 'Life For 4 Living'.

If you are interested you might want to try out the taster sessions / workshops in health and beauty as well as pampering and relaxation sessions. I also learnt recently that she is a qualified perfumer and makes her own perfumes. That's so amazing.



She recently launched her website, Precious Times and I wanted to help create some buzz about her business. The premises are located at 146, Walsgrave Road, Coventry CV2 4AX.

Now for the best part. Kak Raja has agreed to give reader of my blog an Exclusive Offer (June, July and August 2009). You can choose from:

• Up to 5% discount on initial treatments or
• a mini holistic facial or
• a taster back massage or
• a hand massage.

All you have to do is mention my blog to Kak Raja.

Please refer to the Precious Times website for more information.