Flags and Flagpoles donate Shepshed Flag

After being approached by Shepshed Town Council to print a Shepshed Town flag, we decided that being a local company we would donate the custom printed flag to do our bit for the community.

Adam Sim (centre) of One Stop Promotions/Flags and Flagpoles.co.uk handing over the flag

Universal flagpoles

Are you looking for a semi permanent outdoor display? The Universal flagpole could be the perfect solution. Up to a 6 metre aluminium flagpole can be displayed on almost any ground types using the Universal flagpoles base constructed of a heavy steel base and a water fillable millstone base. Perfect for an outdoor event such as a garden fete, wedding or golf event, Universal flagpoles are sectional for ease of transport and storage.

Portable flagpoles are a must for outdoor advertisers

Portable flagpoles are an ideal product for every outdoor exhibition, retail site or car forecourt requiring that little extra something. Flags and Flagpoles, part of the One Stop Promotions group have a wide range to choose from but are excited about the launch of the most recent addition to our flagpole range, the AdFlag. This is a smaller telescopic flagpole extending up to approximately 3 metres. It comes complete with a water fillable plastic base and can fly a flag of 60cm x 175cm. The whole unit is the cheapest portable flagpole available and offers fantastic value for money. One of these poles complete with a flag is just £85 reducing to £65 for larger quantities. We have many smaller garden centres and farm shops placing these at the front of their premises to attract the passing trade. We have Estate agents using them for auctions in the car parks of the pub where their property auctions are held as a visible easy way of advertising their presence. Estate agents are also using them to put outside of properties having open days. The usual trade shows and outdoor events where space is more limited is ideal for this product. One Stop Promotions are continually looking to introduce new products to further their product portfolio and are proud to launch the new AdFlag. The verstaility and portability of this new product make it such a hit.

Flag Etiquette

There are no international regulations governing flag etiquette. Some of the general guidelines are detailed below:

• Display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. The flag may be displayed for twenty-four hours if illuminated in the darkness.

• Do not display the flag in inclement weather.

• Do not let the flag touch the ground.

• The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• Before flying a flag at half, hoist to its peak for an instant before lowering it.

• The flag needs to be positioned 1/3^rd of the way down the pole not halfway. Similarly, when lowering the flag it should again be hoisted to the top of the flagpole then reverently lowered to the ground.

• If more than one flag is flown they should all be raised at half-mast or not flown at all. Flags of foreign nations should not be flown unless their country is observing morning.

• As a sign of mourning the flags on flagpoles should be flown at half mast. A black ribbon is attached to flags hoisted on shorter outrigger staffs, and a black cravat to military parade flags.

• It is not good practice to fly two flags on the same halyard. This signifies the top flag has captured the lower flag.

• The national flag should not be displayed in a position inferior to any other flag. It must be flown on the highest flagpole (senior flagpole).

• If displaying more than one flag, the national flag of the country should be hoisted first and taken down last at the end of the day.

• A guide to the order of precedence of more than one flag in the UK is as follows:

• Union flag
• Any other national flag
• Flag of Europe
• Flag of England/Scotland/Wales
• Regional/City/Council/County flag
• Corporate/House/Club/School/Organisation flag

• When flown with other national flags, all flags should be flown on separate flag poles of the same height. The other national flags should be flown in alphabetical order according to the official language of the country.

• When two flags are displayed the national flag should be on the left of the observer, facing the staff. If the National flag is crossed with another flag, its staff should be in front of the other flag.

• When three flags are flown the national flag should be flown on the centre flagpole.

• When four flags are flown the national flag should be on the observers left.

• When five flags are flown or more a national flag should be placed at each end of the line.

• In a semi circle arrangement of flagpoles the national flag should be in the centre.

• In an enclosed circle, the national flag should be centred and flown immediately opposite the main entrance of the building, or if placed externally should be flown next to the entrance of the main building. The order of the flags should be clockwise in alphabetical order, either in official language of the country or in English.

• A flag used as a coffin drape should be placed so that the hoist is at the head and top edge is over the left shoulder.

• When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle, the canton should be placed at the peak of the staff.

• When a flag is displayed from a staff on a speaker’s platform, it should be on the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.

• A flag carried in a procession should be free flying, if a national flag it should be the first in the procession. If carried in line with other flags it should placed on the right hand side facing the direction of movement. However, if it is carried with two or more flags it should be placed in the centre, or, two national flags should be placed at the end of the line.

Getting the most out of your flag

Life expectancy of a flag
The life expectancy of a flag is impossible to predict, as it is entirely dependent on the climatic conditions and hours of flying. We would advise that since most flags are either an act of courtesy (national flags) or advertising (company logos it is best to have them in top condition by changing them regularly. Flags are an inexpensive and highly visible means to advertise your company.

Wind and Rain
In winds exceeding 30mph flags should be taken down. Remember that if it is windy at ground level it is much worse at the top of the flagstaffs. Heavy rain will increase the weight of the flag which will cause unecessary wear, especially in high winds. The dyes used in our manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability however salt and direct sunlight an have an adverse effect on colour.

Damage
Damage to flags is often caused by objects that the flag beats against in the wind or by old style wooden flagstaffs which do not have a smooth finish. To reduce the risk of damage, ensure that the halyard is taut at all times, and that there is no risk of the flag snagging.

Washing and repair
Air pollution will cause white flags to become grey over time. Flags can be washed in a normal household washing machine set at a 40 degree wash with normal detergents. Avoid the use of soad or bleaching alkali. If the flag starts fraying it can sometimes be trimmed back and re-hemmed.

Storage
Never store your flag when wet, always hang it up and allow it to dry fully before storage. When storing flags, keep them in a dry and ventilated place.

Giant Flag shows support for Leicester's World Cup Bid

On Saturday 8th August 09 Leicester City's fans took to their seats twenty minutes early to show their support for Leicester's bid to become a host city for the 2018 World Cup Finals in England.

Passing around a giant "We're backing the bid" flag (supplied by FlagsandFlagpoles.co.uk) and a great turnout from the fans, proved to be an impressive show of support which will show the FA how much we want to bring the FIFA World Cup to Leicester in 2018.

Leicester will find out in December, if it has been chosen as one of the host cities that will form part of England's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

For more information and to back Leicester's World cup host city bid please visit www.backleicesterbid.com.

Flagpole terminology

Are you a complete novice when it comes to Flagpoles? Here are a few keywords and definitions that you might come across.

Finial - The decorative "top" affixed to a flagpole - usually mushroom shaped, onion shaped or round, white or gold.

Halyard - The rope used to hoist the flag to the top of the pole.

Cleat - Where the halyard rope is tied off to keep the flag hoisted.

Ground Sleeve - The sleeve that the pole slots into when erecting a standard flagpole.

Hinged base plate - The base plate used with a single piece pole. It has a hinge on one edge of the base plate to allow for easy maintenance and installation.

Rotating arm - A metal arm at the top of the pole which keeps the flag taught at all times. Normally used for portrait flags.

Installing a Value Flagpole

Just a quick guide on how to install one of our value flagpoles:

Each set includes:

• White plastic finial with integrated halyard guide,
• Solid braided 10.5m polypropylene halyard,
• Two cast nylon flag clips,
• Rope cleat with two screws,
• PVC Ground sleeve,
• *Pole sections with 50mm outer diameter aluminium pole.

Assembly

Slide pole sections together, with the swagged ends extending upwards into the next section. The top section will always be the un-swagged section. The bottom section will always be a swagged section drilled for the cleat. The remaining sections complete the flagpole. Attach the cleat using the self-tapping screws supplied.
Attach the finial to the top section. Thread the rope halyard through the guide in the finial, clip each flag into place at the end of the halyard.
To fly your flag, attach each clip into the eyelet/D-ring of the flag to form a continuous loop. When not flying a flag, clip the 2 clips together.

Construction/Assembly

Prepare a hole in the ground 650mm deep and 650mm wide sq.
Fill bottom with gravel and sand to a depth of 150mm. Place PVC ground sleeve into hole, the pour concrete into the hole around the sleeve to within 25-40mm of top. Be careful to keep the inside of the sleeve clean and free of concrete. Re-plumb setting tube before concrete sets, by temporarily inserting bottom section of pole and plumbing it inside the sleeve. Allow concrete to cure for 24 hours before installing the flagpole.

Flag Flying conditions

In winds exceeding 35 mph (Beaufort force 7), flags should be taken down. Remember that if it is windy at ground level it is much worse at the top of the flagstaff. Heavy rain will increase the weight of the flag which will cause unnecessary wear, especially in high winds.

For more information information regarding flagpole installation please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk or call 01509 50 11 80.

Flag and Flagpole terminology

Rope & Toggle - The traditional way of finishing a Flag. Consists of a wooden toggle at the top of the Flag and a length of rope at the bottom.

Applique - A Sewn woven Flag.

Anti Fray - A piece of heavy duty Nylon netting sewn onto the edge of a flag to protect it.

Badge - A coat of arms or simple heraldic symbol, such as a shield.

Canton - Any quarter of a Flag, but commonly means the upper.

Charge - A figure or symbol appearing in the field of a flag.

Emblem - A device often used as a charge (see above) on a flag.

Field - The background of a Flag

Fimbriation - A narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a flag to separate two other colours.

Fly - The half or edge of a flag furthest away from the flagpole. This term also refers to the horizontal length of a Flag.

Length - The span of a Flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole.

Width - The span of a Flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.

Half staff/Half mast - A style of flag display in which the flag is flown at half of the potential height of the available flag pole.

Distress - Flying the flag upside down.

Vexillological Symbol - Used to indicate certain characteristics of national flags, such as where they are used, who uses them, and what they look like.

Flag will fly at Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle is flying high on the generosity of a regional company following their donation of a new flag. One Stop Promotions specialist flag division - Flags and Flagpoles, read how the historic site’s Union Jack was stolen during an act of vandalism in August and stepped in to help. Their donation will enable a flag to fly once more over the city’s iconic building, as the pulley system, damaged during the theft, has also successfully been mended.

It’s a great relief for the site that holds many events which feature the ceremonial raising of a flag. Dave Green, Manager of Nottingham Castle said: “The generosity of this local company illustrates the extent of feeling towards civic pride in the region and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Their donation will enable a flag to fly high over Nottingham Castle a lot sooner than initially anticipated, and more importantly means money we would have had to spend rectifying the vandalism can now be put to much better use – supporting customer initiatives”.

Tim Turner, Director of Flags and Flagpoles was more than happy to come to the aide of an iconic East Midlands building: “We were so disappointed when we heard about the act of vandalism. It’s fantastic for residents and visitors to see the national flag flying above landmark buildings. We enjoy doing our bit for the local community, so to ensure a flag could be seen over Nottingham Castle again we have donated a replacement Union Jack”.

The new flag will be able to be seen flying above the site from Wednesday 8 October.