B&Q search for best builder’s whistle

...and Dobcross’s champion whistler shows how it’s done!

SPRING may have brought back the delightful sound of birdsong — but a certain Saddleworth world champion is seeking the return of another siren call.

Whistling grand master David Morris is involved in a nationwide search for the UK’s best builder’s whistle.

It’s all part of a campaign launched by TradePoint, a new trade counter from B&Q that features in its Oldham store, to get Britain’s builders wolf-whistling again.

The Whistle While You Work campaign aims to find the best whistlers in the building trade and give all builders the confidence to give it a go.

The retailer has linked with Mr Morris, a professional whistling artist, who has already been giving tradesmen a few tips.

To kick-off the search, whistling heats are being held within TradePoint. And tradesmen will be asked by staff if they would like to enter the competition when they visit their local store, including the B&Q warehouse on Westhulme Way.

Staff will judge who they think is the best in six categories — volume, range, creativity, etiquette and tunefulness — plus, of course, the builder’s wolf-whistle.

The best entrants will then compete in the national final at a London store in June, which Mr Morris will judge, for the honour of Britain’s Best Whistling Builder and a £1,000 prize.

Mr Morris, from Dobcross, performs as a soloist with orchestra, concert and brass band and has won the title of Grand Master World Whistling Champion at the global event in the USA.

He said: “I’m really excited about working with TradePoint on this campaign. It sounds like great fun and I’m always keen to get the nation whistling.

“I would love to teach our builders an alternative to the wolf-whistle.”

Trade director Ian Herrett said: “With our TradePoint stores opening up across the country, we’re meeting builders and tradesmen from Peterborough to Paisley.

“One thing they all seem to have in common is the ability to purse their lips and belt out a great wolf-whistle!

“With David’s help, we’re hoping to find our best whistling builder.

“We also want to add a few new songs to the repertoire of Britain’s building community!”