Page 16 - Stories

Whistles are a deceptively simple invention that can be used in a huge range of situations and scenarios. From whistles used by train conductors, to those blown by referees and coaches on the pitch, to safety and survival whistles, these small pieces of equipment are remarkably diverse and useful.

More effective than the human voice, especially in loud conditions and over long distances, whistles have found extensive use among people who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. Their use as a safety and survival tool is considered essential by many, and they have saved plenty of lives over the years.

If you are in the market for a safety or survival whistle you need to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Some whistles are poorly made and can be unreliable which can be deadly in an emergency situation so you should always go for a quality whistle that will not let you down.

Our whistles are known worldwide for their build quality and attention to detail and we know that

While we are huge fans of all kinds of sports, the footy really does have a special place in our hearts and that’s why the FIFA World Cup is an event we look forward to with keen interest. Of course we like to support our national team, but it is also excellent to see other nations put their best foot forward and show the world what they are made of.

It’s not uncommon for the FIFA president to make a comment on the quality of the competition, and this year was no different. FIFA president Gianni Infantino predicted that 2022 would be the best competition ever, and while this is a bold claim it turns out he wasn’t mistaken despite the controversies that plagued the tournament from the offset.

Despite this, the performances we were treated to throughout the competition were stellar and made the World Cup of 2022 a real treat for football fans and sports lovers all over the globe. There was plenty to keep us all on our toes, from some shocks in the group stages to unexpected results in the

In the chilly depths of winter, the summer sun can feel like a distant memory. It’s at this time of year that many people find themselves thinking about what they plan to do once the weather starts to warm up again. There is nothing quite like spring and summertime in England and we are lucky to have access to some of the most beautiful countryside and coastlines in the world that give us thousands of reasons to head outdoors.

Walking, hiking and camping are all favourite summer pastimes, but there is another that we feel should be up there among the top family activities in summer: boating. There are so many reasons to give boating a try that it would be impossible to cover them all, so we will keep this one brief. If you have ever thought about giving boating a try, or are looking for new ways to spend time in nature in the spring and summer of 2023 this is your sign to book those family boating lessons or buy that kayak you’ve always wanted.

Something for the whole family

Nothing brings

We love to complain about the weather here in the UK, but all in all we are quite an outdoorsy nation even if that only extends as far as family picnics or some hiking in the summer. As winter draws in we often retreat indoors to avoid the worst of the weather and this means we often aren’t as active as we should be throughout the colder months. Watching the Winter Olympics and other winter sports from the comfort of our homes might be enough for some, but for those who want a first-hand piece of the action there are lots of ways to join in with winter sports and activities.

Snowfall in the UK may not be quite enough to rival that in the French Alps, but if you know where to look you can find all the thrills and spills of the ice and slopes right on your doorstep or just a few hours away. ACME Whistles has long been an advocate for getting everyday people to be more involved with sports, especially young people, and is proud to be a supporter of many different sporting initiatives in England.

We may currently be in the midst of the Fifa World Cup and this is deservedly taking up a lot of focus in the sporting world at the moment. Here at ACME Whistles, we feel it is worth taking a moment to reflect on and celebrate the successes and progress made throughout the Women’s Rugby World Cup of 2023. England’s Red Roses are truly a formidable force as they have demonstrated time and time again on the playing field.

It isn’t often that England’s teams are given the chance to truly shine, but this year has seen some incredible performances from the Lionesses at the Women’s Euros and then at the Women’s Rugby World Cup by the Red Roses. With such a lot of world class talent on show it’s no wonder that interest in women’s sport has skyrocketed this year and this momentum is expected to have a knock on effect for women and girls in sport in the coming years.

A bright future for the sport

It is truly remarkable to think that the England team’s victory over Canada at the semi-finals was the

Christmas is a special time of the year for many of us, and here at ACME Whistles we are particularly partial to a mince pie or two to get us into the festive spirit. The streets around our Birmingham factory are filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas throughout December and that always makes us think about how we can incorporate the spirit of the season into our designs.

We may be a little biassed but we believe our whistles have all the makings of a wonderful, thoughtful Christmas present. They are an unexpected choice, perhaps, but that is part of their enduring appeal. All our whistles are made using traditional techniques in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and we treat every single piece with the care and attention you would expect from a high end jeweller.

To reflect the superior quality of our British-made whistles we have introduced a special line of luxury gifts that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas. Not only are our whistles beautiful

Here in Britain we are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, with sand and shingle beaches, rolling hills, verdant woodland, and pastoral farmland to be enjoyed. Walking and cycling are all excellent ways to explore the countryside, but you truly can’t beat a trip on one of Britain’s most famous and best loved scenic rail journeys to truly soak in the serene, picturesque surroundings.

Whether you are a locomotive enthusiast or simply want to cross a famous rail journey off your bucket list, you’ll be spoiled for choice when looking at heritage rail routes in Britain.

ACME Whistles has long been associated with rail and locomotion and to this day, you can spot our locomotive whistles being used by rail staff up and down the country. The ACME Thunderer is the most popular among conductors and railway guards because it has a distinct, shrill call that makes it easily heard over the hectic sounds of the railway. A commemorative engraved whistle bearing the name

In the past few years ACME Whistles has celebrated reaching a milestone that any company in the UK would be proud of. With a pedigree spanning over 150 years, we have learned a thing or two along the way and are proud of our British manufacturing history. We firmly believe in the quality of British craftsmanship and demonstrate this with every whistle that leaves our factory floor.

It is said that the best ideas stand the test of time, and this is certainly true. Our oldest designs are some of our most popular and enduring, setting the benchmark for how a finely crafted whistle is supposed to look and feel. To this day we test every whistle by hand to ensure it meets our highest standards, before sending them off to be shipped around the world.

Creative beginnings

Joseph Hudson was an inventor. In 1870 his curious mind set him onto a path that would see his company become an integral part of British history. The story goes that, as he was busy in his workshop, his violin was dropped onto