When visionary inventor Sir Clive Sinclair introduced the Sinclair C5 electric tricycle in the 1980s, he was utterly convinced that his 15mph one-person vehicle would fundamentally reshape road transport across the nation. His ambitious dreams, however, were met with stark reality when public derision and poor sales saw only 5,000 units sold from an initial production run of 14,000, leaving the revolutionary project in tatters.
A New Generation of Innovation
Undeterred by this familial history of bold yet commercially challenging inventions, Sir Clive's son, Crispin Sinclair, is now stepping into the spotlight with his own transformative device. He claims his latest creation will radically alter how infants and young children travel alongside adults, promising a significant leap forward in safety standards.
The Conker Safety Trailer
'I have just invented the 'Conker' – a groundbreaking new high-speed children's bicycle seat,' Crispin Sinclair reveals. 'This innovation is poised to change the future of child safety on our roads and has the potential to save lives.'
Conceived in the academic hub of Cambridge and manufactured within Yorkshire's industrial heartland, the Conker Safety Trailer represents a sophisticated fusion of automotive safety principles and cycling practicality. The design incorporates a robust car-style children's safety seat, which is then enveloped by a protective aluminium shell and fortified with an integrated roll-bar system for maximum impact protection.
Remarkably, according to specifications listed on the official website, these trailers have undergone rigorous testing at speeds reaching up to 71mph. They are currently being offered to consumers at a premium price point of nearly £3,000. For those wishing to trial the product, a rental service is available within a 20-mile radius of Cambridge.
Confidence and Legacy
'My conviction in this product is so absolute that I am even prepared to appear on Dragons' Den to discuss it and seek investment,' adds Crispin Sinclair, aged 59, who operates the transport manufacturing firm Conker of Cambridge.
This new venture emerges against the backdrop of his father's complex legacy. Sir Clive Sinclair, who amassed a fortune through pioneering home computers and the world's first slimline electronic calculator, passed away in 2021 at the age of 81. His final will proved controversial, as he chose to snub his three children and two ex-wives, instead bequeathing his £2.6 million estate to his five grandchildren.
Sir Clive and Crispin's mother, Ann Trevor-Briscoe, divorced in 1985. The inventor later married former Miss England Angie Bowness, who was 36 years his junior, after the pair met at the famous Stringfellows nightclub in London's Covent Garden district.
Other Notable Stories
Gallery Backlash Over Trump Portrait
Esteemed photographer Phil Lewis has expressed fury after a portrait he took of former President Donald Trump was deliberately downgraded and moved to a less prominent position within an exhibition of his work. The decision came after multiple visitors voiced strong displeasure, with some vowing not to return to the gallery until the image was removed entirely.
'The gallery ultimately relocated it due to the volume of negative comments,' Lewis explains. The exhibition, titled From Lens to Reality, is currently being hosted at the Click Clock Gallery within Croydon Town Hall in South London.
Sam Claflin's Broody Ambitions
Following his split from American model Cassie Amato, Hunger Games star Sam Claflin has not hesitated to re-enter the dating scene. The 39-year-old actor, originally from Suffolk and father to two young children from his previous marriage to actress Laura Haddock, is openly expressing a desire to expand his family.
'Becoming a parent has given my life profound purpose, and I would absolutely love to have more children,' Claflin shares. 'I want to spread that love further, because I feel that is what I was made for.'
Tigerlily Taylor's Poetic Pursuits
Model Tigerlily Taylor, daughter of Queen drummer and songwriter Roger Taylor, is now seeking acclaim for her own lyrical endeavours, stepping out from the shadow of her father who penned anthems like Radio Ga Ga.
'I used to be a poet in the past, and I am now returning to that craft,' she reveals. 'I possess a secret collection of poems that I share with nobody except my father.' Speaking at an event at London's Rosewood Hotel, the 31-year-old added, 'My poetry tends to be quite emo and melancholic, but that is the style I am drawn to and why I enjoy writing.'
She addresses the 'nepo baby' label directly: 'I never wanted to appear as though I was simply copying my dad, but I am not shy about my background. It is simply a part of who I am.'
Gary Barlow's Airport 'Bomb Scare'
Take That star Gary Barlow experienced a tense and explosive departure from Tokyo during the band's last tour, when routine airport security checks triggered a major alert.
'At check-in, they told me they needed to swab me,' Barlow recounts. 'Suddenly, six police officers surrounded me. They said, 'There's gunpowder on you – and not just a small amount, a significant quantity.' I thought, 'Oh my God, they're all armed.' I had to quickly explain, 'Wait, I've just come from a stage show,' which featured a pyrotechnics finale.'
The singer eventually resolved the situation by showing officials online footage of the concert. After extensive swabbing and searches of his belongings, he was permitted to proceed.
Lord McFall's Humble Beginnings
Peers in the House of Lords learned yesterday that the recently retired Speaker, Lord McFall, once worked for his local council. To this day, he maintains a tradition of visiting a convent in Dunbartonshire. His arrivals there still cause a degree of confusion, as one of the elder nuns persists in referring to him fondly as 'the wee laddie from the council sent to catch the rats.'
Dominic West on Drama School Lessons
When asked what his drama school training imparted, actor Dominic West, famed for portraying King Charles in The Crown, offered a candid response: 'It teaches you how to work effectively with people you might not necessarily want to work with.'
The 56-year-old elaborated: 'That training genuinely instils patience and provides strategies for dealing with individuals with whom you have strong disagreements or creative differences.'
Ronan Keating's Grandfatherly Title Dilemma
Pop star Ronan Keating became a grandfather at the age of 46 when his elder son Jack's former partner, Keely Iqbal, gave birth to a daughter named Maya in 2023. However, the Boyzone singer remains somewhat reluctant to embrace the traditional 'Grandad' moniker.
'My mother has fully embraced being called 'Granny' – she adores it,' explains Jack Keating, 26, whose mother is Ronan's first wife, model Yvonne Connolly, 51. 'My dad absolutely loves being a grandad, but he isn't fond of the title 'Grandad'. He prefers 'Pops' or 'Papa'. I believe the former makes him feel a bit too old.'
