DEATH IN PARAD A LOST LIFE REDI
Stylish, eco-friendly and, of course, super-safe, Volvo’s XC90 hybrid SUV is a recipe for success
Jennifer Hyland
A British diplomat in Mauritius discovered the grave of a sailor belonged to a fellow Scot... then tracked his family down with the help of social media.
Keith Allan, the UK High Commissioner to the Indian Ocean island, started his investigations after coming across the resting place of John Fairfull – a seaman from Airdrie who tragically drowned, aged 21, in 1952.
The Scot had been en route to the Monte Bello islands, near Western Australia, to help conduct the first British nuclear bomb tests. Glasgow-born Keith managed to reach out to John’s family on Twitter to help shed light on their loved one’s life and death.
Civil servant Keith, 52, said: “The family has taken a great deal of comfort from discovering more of the story behind their uncle John’s life and death. “I’d spotted this dark and dirty headstone and when I started reading that he was from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, I thought, ‘Oh gosh, that’s near to where I was brought up.’
“I did my school work experience with Airdrie Savings Bank and played football for Airdrie under-15s so I have great memories of the town.
“And when I posted the picture of the grave on Twitter, pointing out he’d served aboard HMS Campania, the family responded. It proved to be a crucial part of the jigsaw to helping them finally learn more about his life.
“They not only discovered exactly where he is buried but knowing the ship that he’d served on for the first time has opened up all number of records to help them find out more about his service and life.
“I’ve been able to find some original photographs of the HMS Campania crew on Mauritius and have sent them to a relative now living in Canada.”
Keen war historian Keith arranged for John’s grave to be professionally cleaned in time for last year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
He said: “I’ve always been hugely impressed at how the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for the graves of those who served and help families trace their relatives.
“I saw that at f irst hand while serving in Russia and supporting visits by veterans of the Arctic Convoys, many from Scotland.”
The investigation into the Scot’s grave on Mauritius has become very much an international affair, with many members of John’s family now living in Canada.
Keith’s research has helped the family discover that he was travelling with 85 scientists aboard the command ship for Operation Hurricane – the test of the first British atomic bomb.
The sailor’s nephew, John Dorman, said: “My
GRATEFUL
Maggie Barry
“Apples for sale,” proclaimed the sign – of course they were, this was Bramley country, famous for those large green cooking apples.
And here I was in a large green car – the Volvo XC90 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid with al l the luxury and presence we have come to expect from the Swedish manufacturer.
Yet, at the same time it gives between 83.1 and 100.9mpg – yes, that’s not a typing error – with emissions at only 63 to 76g/km. Those are amazing figures for a car of this size and power.
The XC90 PHEV combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor driving the rear wheels to deliver a total power output of 390hp. Phew, what a PHEV.
And while it is the top-of-the-range SUV in the Volvo stable, it doesn’t drive big and also doesn’t feel overwhelming to manoeuvre and park – even for a small person like me.
It is responsive, smart on its wheels and simple to move in and out of the various driving modes that accompany it, so you are always in the right frame – be it town, country or even off-road as this is also an all-wheel-drive car. It comes with six modes.
Pure is the all-electric mode which you can save in a touchscreen feature on the big iPad- like screen on the centre of the dash.
This means that in a town or city you can breeze quietly through without emitting any nasty substances.
There is an Eco mode which helps save power, and you can recoup energy on the move by braking and coasting.
The default mode is Hybrid, where the petrol and electric engine work together for the optimal use of the power sources.
Then there is Individual, tailoring your requirements, and Off- road, which rather speaks for itself, with hill descent control.
This is a delightful big beast to drive, silent and capable, exuding confidence.
The seats are tremendously comfortable – and that’s not just for the driver.
This is a seven-seater with heated front seats but, for a few dollars more, you can get the rear seats on the outside of the middle row heated, too. The ride height is high, with a delightful Head Up Display offering al l the latest information necessary.
Indeed, as tech goes, there is very little missing from this particular model.
There is Volvo On Call, sat nav from Sensus, which allows access to a range of web apps, two-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and a rear parking camera and sensors.
It’s a Volvo so safety is paramount, with a whole raft of passenger and pedestrian systems for protection including front collision warning, fully automatic emergency braking and pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection.
But, most of al l , this car has impeccable manners on the road.
It is exceptionally well-balanced and its agility is matched by a terrific capability to be exactly where it should be at all times – with no faltering or hesitation ever.
That means a happy and enjoyable drive – whether you are on your own or with the family, nipping out to buy some apples or heading home to enjoy the pie.