Gordon Blake, currently a Facilities Manager with Carillion, popped into Brunton Park last week with a collection of photographs that demonstrate, yet again, the truly global appeal that this football club of ours has.

Gordon is on a two-year secondment in Oman and is working with a local and European workforce on major construction projects, including the development of a Grand Royal Opera House for the Sultan.

He explained: "Many of the workers are from southern India or from Oman itself, and they are fantastic to work with.

"They are very friendly and will do anything for you, so we try to repay that with regular gatherings and events that bring everyone together in a relaxed social environment."

Traditional displays at the social evenings

Ever-conscious of Health and Safety issues, both in the work-place and in the living areas, Carillion have instigated a series of 'Don't Walk By' initiatives that reward vigilant workers for taking proactive measures to prevent accidents and near misses.

Mr Blake said: "If something that is deemed to be potentially hazardous is reported, the person who makes the report is handed a certificate.

"We can then reward anyone who gathers a number of these certfificates with a prize at our social evenings, and hopefully encourage more of the same kind of safe living and working behaviour."

Gordon Blake with some lucky winners

As well as rewards for work-related activities, a steady flow of competitions at the get-togethers see much sought after prizes like DVD players and televisions up for grabs ... but by far the most popular prize of the last few months was the eye-catching Carlisle United deckchair top.

Gordon told us: "My wife Julia popped into the Blues Store last Easter and purchased some of the tops specifically as competition prizes.

"The girls in the shop were extremely helpful, and the tops went down a storm when they went on display. The lads actually wanted them more than they wanted the electrical stuff, and they were very proud to put them on when they collected them on the night. An added bonus for us is that the colours of the top match the colours of the national flag, so that was excellent."

A much sought after prize

Mr Blake returned to Oman last Monday, with another batch of CUFC related gear to add to his prize list.

Up the Blues ... all the way from Oman!