IW Gazette 38

A MENTALLY unfit teenager has been blamed for the death of a holidaymaker he pushed off a sea wall near Shanklin, writes Jamie White.

An inquest heard this week that Valerie Rhodes (pictured), from Stoke-on-Trent, died in March, more than two years after she was pushed from a 12ft high wall.

Mrs Rhodes was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, after the attack in September 2006 and transferred to Southampton General neurological unit, regaining

consciousness several days later.

The 63-year-old was transferred to Haywood Hospital, in Stoke-on-Trent, for rehabilitation, but showed little improvement. Mrs Rhodes later died at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, on March 22 this year.

Assistant deputy coroner Hugh Calloway gave a narrative verdict stating Mrs Rhodes died as a result of injuries from the assault.

Her attacker, 20-year-old

Lucas Newell, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, but found mentally unfit to plead. The inquest heard that in 2000 Mr Newell suffered a serious head injury after a fall and was left severely disabled.

In January 2007, a judge ruled that Newell pushed Mrs Rhodes and caused her injuries. Mr Newell, detained under the mental health act, remains in a secure unit in Essex.

A post mortem concluded Mrs Rhodes died of multiple

organ failure with pneumonia and persistent vegetative state as contributing factors directly linked to the attack.

A police spokesperson said: “The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which must consider whether it is in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution when there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

“As the defendant had already been detained under

the Mental Health Act and was deemed unfit to enter a plea in court, the CPS concluded that it was not in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution for the death of Valerie Rhodes, due to the defendant’s health.

Shanklin came to a standstill to remember the fallen

gazettethe isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

Friday October 23, 2009Issue 38

NEWS

THE GAZETTE: READ US ONLINE AT WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK

NEWSBus Museum

2

Clippies reunion at Newport Bus Museum open day

Page 8

Poppy Parade

Cats in TroubleNEWS

Page 23

Stop breeding more cats plead the cat rescue centres

NO CHARGE FOR TOURIST’S DEATHPC Spreadbury making enquiries

MYSTERY MAN STILL CRITICAL

A MAN is still in a critical condition after being found seriously injured while out walking in Ryde last Sunday afternoon (Oct 18), writes Jason Kay.

Police are appealing for information to find out what happened to the 50-year-old who was found at around 12.15pm in Upton Road, near the junction of Windmill Close.

Police corned off Upton Road for four hours whilst scenes of crime officers carried out a search to try and establish how the man, who was found in a pool of blood, came to be there.

The man, who is from Ryde, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, where he received emergency treatment before being transferred to S o u t h a m p t o n Neurological Unit,

where members of his family are keeping a bedside vigil.

One shocked Ryde resident who did not want to be named, said: “I was out in my garden and I saw lots of police cars and officers putting up police tape. Normally it’s quite a safe area. Everyone keeps themselves to themselves and go about there business. I hope that the man is alright.”

Police Sgt, Steve Goodier, said: “We urgently want to hear from anyone who saw him some time between 11.30am and the time he was found at 12.15pm. Clearly he has suffered serious trauma, but whether he was in collision with a car or fell is unclear at this point.”

Anyone with information should call Hampshire Police on 0845 045 4545 or 101.

FREE!

Pleasetake one

www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, October 23, 20092

NEWS

To the Editor

Of course Geraldine, Felicity and Angelica should be returned to Mr and Mrs Mills. I really feel they have been duped by Charlie and Cheryl Cole of the Donkey Sanctuary. The donkeys were only signed over by Sonia and Steve so they could receive medical attention should they need it without waiting for the couple to sanction it, and I know those forms would never have been signed had they realised the true reason why Charlie and Cheryl wanted them signed.

Sonia and Steve really love those donkeys, their “girls”.

They specifically asked that they not be used as part of the Sanctuary’s publicity because they were not going to be there forever. However, at the very first opportunity they were used in the Beacon as part of a publicity stunt, directly against their promise. Furthermore, Charlie and Cheryl don’t care one iota about them, otherwise they would ensure they get their names right in all publicity.

I have seen the girls at the sanctuary, and to be quite honest I am appalled at the conditions they are being kept in. When it became obvious that people were not pleased they were being kept

in a small concrete based enclosure which ensured they were in optimum sight to encourage viewing, they were eventually moved to a field of their own. However, the girls, along with all the other poor donkeys at the sanctuary, are not very well looked after, their coats are in terrible condition. All because Charlie is too engrossed in driving his little tractor to shovel donkey poo rather than groom the animals he so professes to love. When they were with Sonia and Steve they were kept clean, brushed and played with. Even toys that Sonia and Steve have taken

to them in the past have gone missing and the girls are bored. They were never bored when they were at home in Chillerton. It is very plain to see that Geraldine in particular is depressed.

Send the donkeys home where they belong, with their loving owners. Stop exploiting them at the donkey sanctuary. Do the right thing for once, Charlie and Cheryl. Send them home where they will get the proper care and attention they need from people who will ensure they get it.

Maria Johnson,Ryde

Your letters...‘Sonia and Steve really love those donkeys’

Think of the good publicity you could have had but for a principle, you condemn the 3 little donkeys to a life of boredom. Being stabled for the most of the time and kept away from those that love them, how is that a preferable existence to being at home, with 2 people who clearly care deeply for these animals and can provide a far better and happier way of life with constant care, attention and love.

Can you really live with that on your conscience, shame on you I say.

(by e-mail)

Condemned to life of boredom

When i visit my nana i liked seeing the donkeys at Chillerton. Now there at the donky sanctuary they dont look happy anymore. Please send them home.

from Shenice, age 8

Send them home

The donkey sanctuary are out of order keeping those donkeys, send them home to Mr and Mrs Mills.

From Laura Johnson

Send them home 2

SCORES of cross-Solent commuters were left high and dry yesterday (Thursday) after Red Funnel were hit by another mechanical breakdown.

Red Jet 5, the newest of the company’s high-speed passenger ferries suffered engine problems early yesterday morning.

And with Red Jet 4 already out of service for maintenance work, it cut the company’s journeys to and from Cowes and Southampton down to just one an hour.

But the problems did not end there. Although it meant only Red Jet 3 was operating, disgruntled would-be passengers were left standing on the slipway while the vessel set sail for Southampton barely three-quarters full.

When the 10.45am sailing was cancelled because

of the breakdown, many commuters were issued with boarding passes so they did not have to queue for more than half an hour.

But when other passengers later arrived they were not given boarding passes. And what amounted to something resembling a scrum, commuters pushed forward trying to get on board, but were left frustrated if they had not been handed a pass.

One irate Islander said: “It

was absolutely ridiculous. When we bought our tickets there was no indication that we needed a boarding pass, so we just took our place in the queue.

“Then staff told us we could not board without a pass, and in the end the craft left with many seats still available.”

Fortunately, the commuters who were left behind did not have to wait too long because Red Jet 5 was repaired and was soon back in service.

A Red Funnel spokesperson explained: “We are never allowed to sail with Red Jet 3 completely full because of health and safety and insurance reasons, due to a weight capacity. If the vessel is below the load line then the Captain could be fined by the MCA and even arrested.”

Now Red Funnel are hoping there will be no more disruptions before Red jet 4 is back in the water, which should be early next week.

BREAKDOWN CAUSES CHAOS

THE IW Festival has been shortlisted for the best major festival at the UK Festival Awards, 2009.

Voting is now live in the final round to decide the overall winners. Any votes from the first round will still count, but voters can now place a second vote for the IWight Festival, if they so wish.

Voting closes on the November 4, and the winners will be announced on at the UK Festival Awards ceremony at the O2 Arena

in London on Thursday, November 19. More details are on the Isle of Wight Festival website.

Meanwhile, The IW Festival and the Bestival have both been given ‘Outstanding Greener Festival’ awards following this summer’s music extravaganzas.

The nominations are in conjunction with AGreener Festival.com and every festival that gets a coveted award is well on the way to being one of the greenest festivals in the world.

The awards will also be handed out at the UK Festival Awards. AGreenerFestival co-founder Ben Challis said “We were worried that in a year when the recession bit hard we might see Festivals shying away from their ongoing commitment to green issues, but we have been generally pleased with the efforts of festivals around the world to keep sustainability high on their own agenda and to promote environmental awareness to fans. We had more

‘outstanding’ winners in 2009 and a 20 per cent rise in applications.

“In particular this year our independent auditors were really pleased by the number of festivals that were expanding on their environmental policies and talking to fans. The Hive chill out zone at the Isle of Wight caught our attention.

“The other thing we noted was just how many festivals have now adopted souvenir cups for alcohol and soft drinks.”

AWARDS FOR FESTIVALS

A FISHING trip off Thorness Bay could have turned into a major tragedy if the boat, carrying three passengers, had not been equipped with rescue flares.

A red flare was spotted at around midnight last Friday from the Lymington River and was located in the Thorness Bay area. The Needles Coastguard Rescue team turned out and immediately alerted other sea users.

Within minutes the Coastguard received a report of three men having been picked out of the water by the crew of the yacht Mange Tout midway between Lymington and Yarmouth.

The occupants of the boat, Peter and Paul Magwick and a friend of theirs from Hythe, were wearing survival suits and told their rescuers they had been in the water for about 40 minutes.

David Williams, Watch Manager at

Solent Coastguard said: “Undoubtedly these flares saved their lives. To be adrift in mid-Solent at midnight on a dark night, albeit in a survival suit, is not the best place to be.

“They also lost all their personal belongings when the craft turned over. Fortunately the crew of the Mange Tout saw their flare and we’re grateful to the others offers of help that came in after we broadcast the alert.”

The anglers, all from Hythe, were in a 14ft dinghy which turned over as they were attempting to free a fouled anchor. They fired two flares which alerted passing vessels and were seen ashore.

After their lucky escape they were met by an ambulance crew and the Needles Coastguard team, but did not require hospital treatment. Their vessel was later recovered Freshwater Inshore Rescue boat.

LUCKY RESCUE FOR FISHERMEN

www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, October 23, 2009 3

NEWS

CATS MUCH TOO LOUDWIGHTLINK’S new fast cats have had their fair share of rattles since they were introduced on the Ryde to Portsmouth route.

But now they have come up against noise problems of a different kind. The safety announcement, played on board before each sailing, has been blaring out so loud that there have been complaints from travellers and as well as residents living near the Portsmouth terminal.

Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II have subsequently come under the microscope from health and safety officials, who are eager to bring the volume down to acceptable levels.

Wightlink spokesperson

Kerry Jackson said: “A health a safety group have been on board to look at the problem, and hopefully it will be rectified shortly.”

Mark Clark, MCA media manager confirmed: “We have been informed that the company regularly receive complaints from nearby residents to the Portsmouth Terminal.”

He explained: “Rules state that under the Merchant Shipping (Emergency Information for Passengers) Regulations, 1990 ships of Classes IV, V, VI and VI (A) the passengers shall be informed by means of an announcement at the commencement of each voyage of the action they should take in the event of an emergency which could lead to the ship

being abandoned.“In ships of such Classes

notices providing emergency instructions for passengers shall also be displayed in each passenger compartment. The Wightlink vessels in question are of class IV.”

It has not been plain sailing for Wightlink since the two vessels were put into operation, with latest reports suggesting problems with the gangways for boarding as well as further mechanical problems.

But according to Kerry Jackson, the company have Plan B to fall back on. She said: “We still have our two old fast cats, ‘Shanklin’ and ‘Ryde’ which can be used as back-up vessels if one of the new fast cats has to be taken out of service for repairs or maintenance.”

On a brighter note for regular users, especially those who travel from the Island to Portsmouth for hospital treatment, there could soon be a special fare rate.

Ms Jackson added: “We shall be meeting with hospital authorities soon to see what we can do with regard to concessionary fares for patients who have to go to Portsmouth. This is not going to happen overnight, but hopefully it will not be a long process.”


NEWS

THE IW council’s Community Safety Services will be holding another event where people can get their bicycles security marked or their dogs microchipped.

A team will be visiting various places in the east area of the Island on Saturday, November 7.

Council Dog Wardens and Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers will be at Havenstreet Community Centre from 9.30-10.30am before moving onto Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne from 11-11.45am.

The team will then set up at Wootton Bridge Help Centre from 12-1pm and then visit Binstead Community Centre from 1.30-2.30pm.

The final stop will be Newchurch Village Hall from 3-4pm.

Microchipping will cost £10 per dog while there is no cost for bicycles to be security marked.

DOGS BOOK FOR

CHIPS

gazettethe isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

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PUBLISHERThe Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd.

Supporting the Earl Mountbatten Hospice through your generous donations when you pick up a copy

CONCERNS ARE PASSED ONFOLLOWING on from last weeks article in The Gazette on motability scooter rider Joan Hutton, Bill Murphy, Head of Planning

at IW Council, has said: “Mrs Hutton raised issues with the council’s highways department concerning a section of pavement along Green Lane in Shanklin.

“Her concerns were passed to the planning department and a member of the planning enforcement team is investigating. An update on the council’s investigations will be given to Mrs Hutton soon.”

A BBC roadshow was at Newport Library this week to recruit storytellers for the My Story competition. From a tent erected outside the building, members of the BBC project and Andy Walker, Development Librarian/ Operations were encouraging local people to come in and tell their stories.

Rick Diment from Godshill was one Islander who had a tale to tell. He and his wife Judie live in The Old Bell in Godshill, one of the thatched cottages near to the church that always feature on postcards of the village.

“I spoke about our house and how it used to be a pub, but the license was taken away in around 1920 because it was too bawdy,” said Rick of the home he moved to in 1945.

“It was also used as a location in the series ‘Rocket to the Moon’, he added.

Interviewed by Judy Goodlet from Radio Solent, Rick’s short story went out live on the radio. “It was quite interesting to do it but it would have been nice to have had a bit more warning,” said Rick who later recalled more details. “They had police raids and they would come in the front door and the customers

would nip out the back door and across the fields,” said Rick

who remembered getting a lot of information from an elderly neighbour when he was younger.

“Towards the end of the war my father went into a bar in Egypt and there was a picture of Godshill, including the house he’d just bought on the wall,” said Rick. “When we moved in the name of the house had been changed but my mother said “I don’t like that” so we changed it back to ‘The Old Bell’. An artist called Bramwell lived here before my family, and I have a plaque he made.

“It hasn’t changed much where we live although the rest of the village has become more commercialized,” noted Rick who spent all of his working life with Saunders Roe in Cowes right through British Hovercraft, Westland Aerospace and GKN.

My Story is gathering the nation’s true stories and publishing them online at www.bbc.co.uk/mystory along with offering the chance to win a book deal to five lucky winners. Storytellers do not have to have good grammar or perfect spelling – it is the story that is important.

If you have a story to tell you can either send it online or post it to My Story Competition, PO Box 65655, London, W12 2BG, although those sent by post will not be published online.

RICK’S 15 MINUTES OF FAME

Storytellers at the BBC Roadshow

Joan Hutton on her scooter


NEWS

FIRE GUTS DIGGER

POLICE are investigating a report of suspected arson attack on a dumper truck and digger at the Fairway Holiday Park in Sandown.

It’s alleged that someone set light to both vehicles sometime between 8.30am on Sunday, October 18 and 8.30am Monday, October 19.

Andrew William, who is a site and ground worker at the Fairway Holiday Park, spoke to The Gazette about

the incident.He said: “The digger and

the dumper truck had been brought in to help clean out the pond and clean up the area for the local wildlife and the visitors to the holiday park.

“We left the diggers on Friday and I came down and checked them on Sunday morning. We are now going to have to do things by hand now so it is going to cause a

lot of delay and a lot of hard work. It has caused loads of extra work that we didn’t really need.

“We have got to take apart the damaged machines to have them removed because of the state they are now in.

“We didn’t even know about the fires until I come back down to use the digger on Monday morning. I feel very disappointed and gutted that it has happened.”

Police are appealing for information or any witnesses who may have noticed people acting suspiciously in the area of The Fairway in Sandown during Sunday or the early hours of Monday morning.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Kevin Parry at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

WHICH WINDOWS DO THEY WANT?AN APPLICATION to try and restore a property’s windows to their original state was refused by the Isle of Wight’s planning department this week.

The owners of the building in Lansdown House in Ryde had wanted to replace existing steel single glazed windows and upvc double glazed windows with double glazed timber sashed windows that would have been more in keeping with the original windows.

Bill Murphy, Isle of Wight Council head of planning said: “When assessing an application for Listed Building Consent, the Local Planning Authority has to consider whether proposed changes are of an acceptable design to protect the character of the building.

“In respect of the application

to replace windows at Lansdown House in Ryde, officers had a duty to consider whether the proposed double glazed windows would reflect the fine detailing and proportions of traditional single glazed timber windows to ensure that the special character and elegance of the building would be protected.

“Although the property currently features upvc and metal windows, the upvc windows are unauthorised and enforcement action could be taken to replace them with windows of an appropriate design. The timber double glazed windows proposed by the applicant would have been out of proportion with the building and appear visually heavy, overly dominant and false when looking into or out from the building.”


NEWS

POLICE are investigating a road traffic collision in which a cyclist was injured in Newport.

At approximately 9.45am on Thursday, October 15, a small silver car was involved in a collision with a cyclist at the mini-roundabout junction between ‘Riverway’ and ‘Hunnycross Way’.

The cyclist, a 22-year-old man from East Cowes, received minor injuries. The motorist in the silver car is alleged to have driven away from the collision along Hunnycross Way.

PC Lucy Critchlow said: “I would like to thank members of the public who stopped at the scene to help the injured cyclist. Police are now appealing for any more witnesses who saw the collision or the small silver car either before or after. “I would also appeal directly to the driver of the car to come forward and contact police.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Lucy Critchlow at Ryde Police Station by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CYCLIST INJURED AT ROUNDABOUT NOMINATE YOUR FAVOURITE LOLLIPOP

THE ISLE of Wight Council is encouraging children, parents and teachers to nominate their favourite Lollipop person for the prestigious Lollipop Person of the Year Awards 2009.

Now in its seventh year, the annual award recognises the hard work and dedication of the men and women who patrol the UK’s school crossings to ensure children’s safety on a daily basis, whatever the weather.

The Island has 40 school crossing patrols who each play an important role in making roads safer for children. Last year, Madeleine Wray who works in Newport Road, Ventnor came third in the regional Lollipop Person of the Year and it is hoped that the Island will be able to replicate or even surpass last year’s achievement.

At Lake Middle School, lollipop man Brian Webb posed for photographs with his charges and

wondered if he had been nominated. Brian has worked here since October 15 1996, both on the Lake Middle crossing at and the Broadlea Primary School crossing further down the road.

“When I came for the job, the deputy head at the time asked, ‘What’s your status at home,’ and I said, ‘grandfather,’ and he said, ‘You’ve got the job,’ said Brian. “The teacher said, ‘fathers instruct but grandfathers gently manoeuvre children,’” he remembered.

Brian has only had two spells off from work in the last 13 years. He had a heart attack and was off work for six months and the children made him a large card with six A4 pages of their best wishes. Tests at the time also revealed a tumour on his spine, which was taken out in early 2008, but Brian was back at work within the year.

Most of Brian’s career was spent at the Temperature factory, now Spithead Business Centre, just down the road from the school. “I do enjoy my job,” he

said of his crossing duties. “But I enjoy it even more because I’m now seeing the children I used to cross at the middle school who are now taking their children to Broadlea Primary School.”

The only day that you won’t see Brian is a Tuesday afternoon. “I go to a heart club at the Heights – a gym and health club for those who have had

heart problems,” explained Brian. “But a very good lady stands in for me.” And that lady is Brian’s wife Sheila.

Cllr Barry Abraham, IW Council Cabinet member for Fire and Community Safety said: “Our school crossing patrols play a crucial role in ensuring that children cross our roads safely to get to and from school each day. If you feel your Lollipop person deserves special recognition

I would encourage you to nominate them for this special award.”

The award organisers are looking for people who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the school journey safer for children. Nominations can be made at www.bestlollipop.co.uk. The closing date is Friday October 30 and the overall winner will be announced in December.

“I’m now seeing the children I used to cross at the middle school who are now taking their children to Broadlea Primary School.”

FIREFIGHTERS were called to Spithead business Centre, Lake, after reports of a fire at Sunlight Textile Services.

Two appliances from Shanklin attended the scene after black

smoke was seen coming from the roof of the building.

Staff were evacuated from the premises, before firefighters extinguished a small tumble dryer fire.

FIRE IN A DRYER


NEWS

Could you have a fortune in your own attic?

Valuation Roadshowreturns to the Isle of Wight

Sun 25th, Mon 26th and Tue 27th Oct 2009BARNES JEWELLERS AND FINE ART of Bond Street, London invite you to their 4th Valuation Roadshow at the Ryde Castle Hotel.In almost every home in the country there is a dark corner where something of value lies hidden which could be turned into cash.That is the message the organisers wish to impart as the company visits selected venues in the South of England.Often these items have been hidden away for security reasons, but now lie forgotten, no longer of use to their owners.Rising insurance costs coupled with increased crime rates in the UK mean that people are no

longer prepared to wear or display valuable items.There are nonetheless, collectors and enthusiasts willing to acquire such items and paying handsome prices to do so.There has never been a better time to search out any items you have and bring theme along to the Roadshow at Ryde Castle Hotel where their panel of valuers will be happy to give you an appraisal free of charge.Recently a retired couple had a lucky day when they visited one of these selected venues. Arriving with a trinket box of bits and pieces that had belonged to an elderly relative they were hoping to realise £100 or

thereabouts for the items they presented. They were astonished to find that the things that they thought were of such little value totalled over £2,500.This example is an everyday occurrence at the Roadshow.Everyone is familiar with the BBC programme ‘The Antiques Roadshow’ where items are valued, but now you have the possibility of receiving a free valuation for your items or an immediate cash settlement should you wish to sell.The Ryde Castle Hotel is a venue that is well known and easy to find being situated on Ryde Esplanade. There is free car

parking in front of the hotel, and there are bus stops nearby. The Roadshow is easily located on the ground floor where their staff will be waiting to greet you with complimentary refreshments.The advantage of a 3 day Roadshow is that you will not have to wait long before seeing one of the valuation staff.Selling to a London based business ensures that you will receive high prices for all your items and save the possible embarrassment of seeing them displayed in a local shop window.It

is also worthwhile considering that auctioneers may take up to 30 per cent of the value of an item when selling it for you.Furthermore it is advisable to avoid the temptation of surrendering your personal and financial details to strangers on the internet.

The Mighty Pen

Since the advent of the Biro, the fountain pen is no longer the popular writing instrument that it once was. The good news, however, is that old fountain pens have

become a field of interest for collectors.These stylish and elegant pens by makers such as Dunhill, Parker, Shaeffer, Conway-Stewart, Waterman and Mont Blanc have often survived, and many old fashioned pens and pencils still remain hidden in bureaus and drawers waiting to be rediscovered and perhaps end up in someone’s collection.Should you have an old fashioned pen or pencil, do take it along to the roadshow where their buyer will be glad to make you an offer.

NEWSLINEIs this your lucky day?THERE HAS never been a better time to search through your attic, boxes and drawers. For THREE DAYS ONLY you have the chance to see if you have been unknowingly sitting on a fortune. Have a look now and if you have any unusual items, it could be your lucky day. Take anything old or interesting to The Roadshow and you will have the chance to turn them into cash. The panel of buyers purchase many items, including diamonds and gem set jewellery, old time pieces, water colours, oil paintings, oriental items, celebrity autographs, coins, postcards, medals and cigarette cards, in fact, most things that a collector would find of interest

20th Century Art?IN THE 1930s Woolworths sold brightly coloured china by Clarice Cliff often for as little as one shilling per item. Although it is still possible to find items for under £100, rare patterns can fetch thousands and there are collectors urgently seeking such pieces. Moorcroft is another 20th century potter who has become immensely popular today

The Antiques Valuation Show is on the road and in RYDE next week offering highest cash settlements for all items of GOLD & SILVER, jewellery, watches, cigarette cards, collectables, objet d’art. Broken or not! We offer immediate cash payment for:-• DIAMOND and GEM jewellery (even damaged)• Signed jewellery by ASPREY, CARTIER, VAN CLEEF, TIFFANY, FABERGE & LALIQUE sought for private collection• Fine English and Continental FURNITURE• Good quality oil PAINTINGS and WATERCOLOURS• 3rd Reich Medals & Badges, World War 1 & 2 Souvenirs• OLD LEATHER BOUND BOOKS, antique TOYS and DOLLS• CERAMICS by Clarice Cliff, Moorcroft, Fairyland Wedgewood, Minton, Worcester and Royal Doulton• Old GRANDFATHER, MANTLE and WALL CLOCKS

FULLY QUALIFIED GEMMOLOGIST (FGA) IN ATTENDANCE

For enquiries, large items or home visits call

Freephone 0800 9179626Organised by Barnes Jewellers and Fine Art139a New Bond Street, London, W1S 2TL

HIGH CASH PRICES FOR GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM

VICTORIAN AND EDWARDIAN JEWELLERY ESPECIALLY SOUGHT CLOCKS FINE FURNITURE

MEDALS LALIQUE GLASS

3 DAYS ONLYRYDE CASTLE HOTEL

Ryde EsplanadeSunday 25th OctoberMonday 26th OctoberTuesday 27th October

DAILY10am - 5pm

WE REQUIREGOLD, Jewellery, watches, SILVER, furniture, paintings,

militaria, clocks, china, glass, pottery, sporting memorabilia, celebrity AUTOGRAPHS, scientific instruments, old leather

BOOKS, antique DOLLS, teddy bears and TOYS

OLD CUFFLINKS DIAMOND RINGS VINTAGE WATCHES

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

What’s hidden away at home?MANY people are unaware of the value of unusual items they have around the house. Family heirlooms are often sold, but only when their true value is realised. Today RECORD PRICES are being paid and often valuable items can be left in a drawer or box for years, forgotten and waiting to be stolen

FashionMANY items of old jewellery are no longer in fashion, but there are collectors desperate to buy them. The mens WRISTWATCH market has never been better, and antiques and old furniture are being bought by overseas clients for record amounts. Have a good look through your chest of drawers or jewellery box. There is often a demand for damaged items as well

OffersThe Valuation Roadshow will be in the Ryde Castle Hotel from Sun 25th to Tue 27th October offering free professional valuations or instant cash offers on unwanted items. So take a look through drawers, in the attic or almost anywhere.You may find it is well worth you while. Visit Ryde Castle Hotel on Sun 25th and daily until Tue 27th October between 10am and 5pm


FEATURE

POPPY

THE SHANKLIN branch of the Royal British Legion officially launched this year’s Island Poppy Appeal last weekend with a march through the town.

Members of the legion set off from Collingwood Road at 10.45am, before marching past Falcon Cross and onto Regent Street for a service.

The Island’s High Sheriff, Gay Edwards and Major General Martin White also attended the event, along with county RBL president David Langford.

Several events are taking place across towns and villages on the Island in the run up to Remembrance Sunday, on November 8.


FEATURE

PARADE


NEWS

‘Go Yellow Day’ a massive success!

THE FIRST ever “Hospice Go Yellow Day” was a roaring success, and we couldn’t have done it without your support!

As those of you who took part know, Go Yellow Day was a riot of colour, fun, crazy ideas and, most of all, fundraising for an excellent cause. From people dressed as anything from Bananas to Gorillas’, to people in baths of custard, downing pints of jelly, climbing walls, giving away ice-creams and covering every surface in different shades of yellow from Amber, through Saffron and firmly into Golden Yellow territory, everyone pitched in and had an excellent time.

We want to thank everyone who took part, donated, sported Yellow and provided a lot of laughs and fun throughout the day, without your support we simply couldn’t have done this. We hope everyone had an excellent day and is looking forward to a bigger, better “Hospice Go Yellow Day” next year!

Have a look through our hundreds of photos from the day (see if you can spot yourself!) on our website www.iwhospice.org.

Dogs walk the wight fundraising dog walk: Sunday

October 25JOIN the Hospice in Parkhurst Forest on Sunday October 25 for a charity dog walk in aid of the Island’s Hospice.

Any dog owners already signed up for Dogs Walk the Wight come along and rack up some more miles. If you’re not signed up then come along and meet our Fundraising Team and find out more about this fun event for you and your dog. All walkers are asked to make a small donation to the Hospice.

The walk will begin from

the car park in Forest Road at 10am and will take in the beautiful surroundings of Parkhurst Forest.

For more details please call our Fundraising Team on 528989.

Thursday November 12 - huge

hospice quizTHIS year’s Huge Hospice Quiz will take place at Lower Hyde Holiday Village in Shanklin and starts at 7pm. Teams of 4 people can be entered for £20 per team. There will be a Raffle and Auction on the night.

Please call Hospice Fundraising on (01983) 528989 for more information.

Sunday November 15 - Wight Hot Pipes THE PIPING Hot Doc & Friends bring their own contemporary mix of bagpipe music with everything you can think of... There will be a selection of old and new favourites each given the Wight Hot Pipes twist giving everyone a show to remember!

Tickets are £7 and are available from The Medina Theatre. The show starts at 2pm.

Saturday November 28 - DECADeANCE

DECADeANCE is a big birthday bash, taking place at Cowes Yacht Haven, to celebrate 30 years of the Tony Martin Music Show in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the Barely Born charities. With music played from all decades 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and the noughties, so something for all ages!

Dress code: Dress to Impress and be as decadent as you like!

The party runs from 7pm to 2am. Tickets are £10 and are available from www.tmmusicshow.co.uk or call Fundraising on (01983) 528989 for other outlets.

Hospice NewsHospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 A TEENAGER who stole a

boat and had to be rescued by the crew of Ryde Inshore Rescue has had the chance to redeem himself after his actions.

Earlier this year, 15-year-old Jack (pictured) and his brother and another young person stole a boat and took it into the Solent. After just a few minutes out in the water, the trio found themselves in difficulty underneath Ryde Pier.

Ryde Inshore Rescue was called out help the three youngsters, putting themselves at risk due to the notoriously dangerous structure of Ryde Pier.

The lifeboat crew managed to pull the boys to safety, and Jack was arrested and given a six-month referral order.

As a result, his case was referred to the young people’s charity ‘Catch22’, that aims to bring communities in the South of England together and heal the damage done by crime. It also gives those affected by crime the opportunity to discuss what has happened with the offenders and seek to find a way to repair the damage.

Catch22 contacted Ryde Inshore Rescue and set up an opportunity for Jack

to visit the station and do a day’s work helping out and raising money for the charity.

On this placement Jack met those who had rescued him, learnt about the important work they do and the risks they take to save others.

When asked how he felt about the process Jack said: “Ryde Inshore Rescue saved me, my brother and a friend when we got into difficulties at sea in a stolen boat. I was given the chance to help raise money for Ryde rescue to pay them back for helping me.”

Michaela White, from Ryde Inshore Rescue, said: “The second time we met Jack was very different from the first. When he came to us to help he was very enthusiastic and we soon had him dressed up as one of us, shaking a tin and bringing in valuable funds to keep us afloat.”

“Having Jack along on the day enabled him to see our side of the story - the actual people who saved him, and made him realise how much time and hard work goes into putting a lifeboat to sea. We feel that this is a fantastic way to make young offenders realise the consequences of their actions and hope that

in the future they will think twice before offending again.”

Helen Boxall, Catch22 Wessex Youth Justice Manager, said: “Jack’s story shows that although people can make mistakes - given the chance, they do want to make amends.

“It’s no good to simply

arrest and punish young people who commit crime. We need to give them the opportunity to understand what they have done and make things right. The most effective way to tackle low level crime is to bring the community together and deal with it face to face.”

JACK’S SECOND CHANCE

RESIDENTS in West Wight will help decide the latest priorities for policing and community in the area next week.

People are invited by the police, to a public forum at the West Wight Community Centre and Youth Club in Moa Place, Freshwater on Wednesday, October 28, from 7pm.

Sergeant Mark Lyth, PC Matt Rumsey, PC Andy Fidler and Police Community Support Officer, PCSO Mike Thornton, are organising the meeting to discuss policing matters and answer questions.

IW council environment and neighbourhoods officer, Bob Nelson, will also be there to ensure non-policing issues and priorities raised by the residents are dealt with by the council and other agencies as appropriate.

Sergeant Mark Lyth, who leads the West Wight safer neighbourhoods team at Yarmouth Police Station, said: “This is one of many opportunities

for residents to tell us about the community’s most important issues and concerns so their local police can put in place the right measures at the right times.

“My team and I will be giving an update on how we’ve listened and responded to public feedback from previous forums. This includes our work with the community to reduce reports of anti-social behaviour, raise awareness of cycle safety, prevent speeding, plus investigations into burglaries and suspected rogue traders.

“I would welcome as many residents as possible at the forum, but for those who cannot attend, the team are always keen to hear your views on the issues affecting the West Wight community.”

The West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted at Yarmouth Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing [email protected].

RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS ISSUES

POLICE are appealing for a witness to come forward after a teenage girl’s purse and mobile phone was reported stolen in Cowes.

The 16-year-old girl from Newport left her handbag unattended for a short time in front of the Co-Op supermarket in Terminus Road, Cowes.

It is believed a man witnessed the bag being stolen outside the Co-op sometime between 11.55pm on Friday, October 16 and 12.20am on Saturday, October 17.

The bag was later found but a purse and mobile phone, which had been inside, were missing.

PC Ben Mitchell of Hampshire Constabulary’s IW Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “Police are keen to trace the possible witness to this reported theft. It’s understood he caught a bus from the Co-op in Cowes at approximately midnight on Saturday.

“We would like to hear from this man as he could have first hand information about what happened and who may have been responsible for the theft.”

This witness or anyone else with information is asked to contact PC Ben Mitchell at Newport Police Station by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

HANDBAG STOLEN


NEWSLUXURY NIGHT WINNER

THE WINNER of the night of luxury at Ralph’s Spa Barn on the outskirts of Newport is Ms M C Saunders from Sandown.

Ralph’s Spa Barn is a superb private barn conversion sitting in the centre of the Island with far reaching views through the Medina valley to the southern downlands.

With tropical gardens and ample parking, the Spa Barn is in beautiful rural countryside, on the outskirts of Newport, and offers luxurious self-catering accommodation with those little added extras!

To book a stay at Ralph’s Spa Barn call 529905 and for further details see ralphsspabarn.co.uk

THE OFFICE for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has praised the Isle of Wight’s Graduate Teacher Programme after a recent visit to the Island.

Inspectors viewed ten partnership schools and spent a week at the IW Partnership Training Centre at Sandown High School, before rating it as ‘good’.

The detailed inspection lasted for two weeks and the programme was found to be good in all areas for the overall effectiveness of the programme, with the capacity to improve.

The IW Partnership is an organisation working with schools to educate graduates via the graduate teacher programme and overseas trained teacher programme towards qualified teacher status.

The Ofsted report commented on the consistently strong professional attributes of trainee teachers who demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of teaching and learning strategies and behaviour management techniques.

School-based training was singled out as being consistently good, with some training being outstanding and making a significant contribution to trainees’ progress.

The report also highlighted the partnership’s record of developments and improvements, which has ensured trainees fulfil their potential as indicated by their high levels of completion and employment.

The partnership was also commended for the effective training in both the primary and secondary phases complemented by a well devised central training programme.

This includes consideration of a range of relevant general professional studies and subject topics that provide a good foundation on which school-

based training can build.Dominic Coughlin, from

the training centre at Sandown high School, said: “It is particularly pleasing to be deemed good in these circumstances, demonstrating that we show parity with other training providers.

“We take responsibility for the training, support and quality assurance of the NQT induction process for those teachers in their first year of teaching. The IW Partnership has a strong tradition of supplying teachers for schools on the Island, and this would not be possible without the support and expertise of professionals from all partnership schools on the Island and in Portsmouth.”

Open Evenings for entry onto the course for September 2010 will be on Monday, November 9 at Ryde High School, Tuesday, November 10 at Sandown High School and Wednesday November 11 at the City of Portsmouth Girls’ School, all between 6-8pm.

OFSTED PRAISES SCHOOL


FEATURE


FEATURE

AT THE IW Bus Museum’s Autumn Running Day last weekend there was a special anniversary being celebrated – 70 years since the first lady ‘clippies’ on the buses.

At the outbreak of WW2 ladies were recruited to work on the buses to replace the men who had gone off to fight in the war. Many left after the war finished but a few stayed “on the back” until they retired and many were at the bus museum to meet old friends – both the buses and their work colleagues.

The recruitment of women continued in post war years but the first lady drivers on the Island did not appear until the late 70s. Six wartime conductresses had trained as drivers in 1945 but because the war ended they never took their tests.

Three 70-year-old double

deckers were in attendance and took part in a cavalcade conveying some of the conductresses who worked on the Island from the war until the 1970s. Conductress on the leading bus was Mary Penn of Ryde who worked for 26 years for the bus company. The route taken was that of the number 1 bus to the 1939 timetable between Newport, Cowes and Gurnard departing at 1.45pm.

Buses and coaches from the mainland joined those from the museum collection to operate frequent trips from Newport Quay between 10.30am and 4.30pm while a shuttle service ran from Newport Bus Station. The museum is using funds raised at the event to restore another old Bristol open-topper which has recently been repatriated from Holland.

SPECIAL DAY FOR BUSES


NEWS

THE CHIEF Executive of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), Peter Marsh, paid a visit to South Wight Housing Association (SWHA) to see first-hand the exemplary care given to residents and customers.

Mr Marsh toured a range of schemes on the Island accompanied by Southern Housing Group Chief Executive, Tom Dacey, and SWHA Executive Director, Margaret Wright. The tour included visits to Learning Disability schemes at Argyle Street and West Thorpe, an Extra Care scheme at Furze Brake and mental health and continued support unit, Hannah House.

While visiting the award-winning schemes, Mr Marsh took the opportunity to reward staff for their care service achievements this year. SWHA was rated three star ‘excellent’ for its Learning Disability care, and has obtained the highest level of achievement from the Communities and Local Government’s Supporting People programme for all six of its services: Young People, Mental Health, Older People, Teenage Parents, Homeless Families and Learning Disabilities.

Mr Dacey said: “We were

pleased to welcome Peter and show him around our schemes, which support people aged 16 years and above. We’re proud of the first-rate service provided by our staff and facilities and will continue to give care tailored to support the specific needs of our residents and customers.”

Mr Marsh said: “It was a pleasure to visit SWHA’s schemes and to meet staff dedicated to supporting the communities’ most vulnerable people. The

needs of vulnerable people are embedded in the TSA’s regulatory framework to help ensure that services are delivered appropriately to tenants needing care and support.

“The services provided to residents and customers are a great example of effective co-ordination between SWHA’s residents and stakeholders. This joined-up approach ensures that residents in the housing association’s care receive the best service possible.”

SCHEMES PROVE BIG WINNER

Left to right: Resident Chris Johnston from Learning Disability scheme, West Thorpe; Member of staff Felic-

ity Ruff; TSA Chief Exec Peter Marsh

MEDINA High Community Choir is enjoying spectacular success this year and they are practicing hard for the forthcoming Christmas concert at Medina Theatre on Tuesday December 15.

Hannah Brear, the choir director, thinks that the increasing popularity of choirs and singing may be due to the success of BBC programmes such as ‘The Choir’ and ‘Last Choir Standing’.

“We are a Community Choir with members ranging from eight to 80, we have raised thousands of pounds for charities, won awards at music festivals and have had sell out concerts at Medina Theatre,” said Hannah. This

summer’s sell out concert in July, ‘Thank You for The Music!’ featured a mix of some of the best songs from Abba and The Beatles.

The Choir was formed in October 2006 with six members to enable students at the school to sing with their parents and carers but three years later the Choir has opened its doors to the whole of the Island Community, irrespective of links to the school, and their numbers have now swelled to over 80.

Jan Brownsword and her daughter Lorna have been with the choir since it started. “In the last 18 months the choir has really grown,” she said. “We’re a

good choir and there’s such good camaraderie between the members. There’s a really good atmosphere and we come in willing to learn and sing every week. Hannah has a way of making every member count and every voice important.

“I hadn’t sung before and I haven’t got the best voice in the world but I’m still singing,” added Jan. Her daughter Lorna Brownsword also has singing lessons with Hannah and has interviews with the Royal Colleges of Music in Manchester and in Cardiff shortly.

Next summer the choir embarks on their first ‘tour’ of Brittany during the first week of August.

COMMUNITY CHOIR SUCCESS

TWO firefighters from Ryde fire station early Friday (16) morning in breathing apparatus and a hose reel extinguished a vehicle that had caught light at Ryde railway station. No one was hurt, the fire is being treated as suspect.

FIRE CREWS CALLED TO BLAZING CAR

POLICE have confirmed they are investigating a report of a theft from a vehicle parked in Sylvan Drive, Newport.

A pink JVC CD player with its original box packaging, and an iPod lead were reported stolen from inside a Vauxhall Corsa.

It’s alleged the theft took place sometime between 10pm on Saturday, October 10 and the

morning of Sunday, October 11.Anyone who noticed people

acting suspiciously in the Sylvan Drive area of Newport late on Saturday October 10, or during the early hours of Sunday October 11 is asked to contact the police by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

THEFT FROM PARKED CAR


NEWS

BEMBRIDGE RNLI has received a financial boost thanks to customers of the Shanklin Co-operative store in Regent Street. Staff from the shop presented a £900 cheque to the crew of Bembridge RNLI after they

arranged a ‘Lifeboat Day’ with the help of the lifeboat crew volunteers.

Members of the crew brought their ‘D class’ rib boat to the store and customers were able to find out about the valuable work they carry out.

Youngsters enjoyed trying on the specialist clothing and equipment used by the crew and had the opportunity to see inside the boat. A raffle and tombola were also held in store.

CO-OP HELP LIFEBOAT

DARK HORSE was the choice of name for Jerrie Mallon and his fiancée Hayley Stevenson’s new pub in Brading because they had previously run the White Horse in Whitwell.

For twelve years Jerrie ran the popular Whitwell pub and Hayley joined him four years ago. But now they have chosen to take the winning formula of good local food and fine local ales to Brading’s High Street in the pub that was known as the Smart Fox.

A total refurbishment sees the walls now predominantly cream against the lovely old oak beams and stripped wood tables with attractively upholstered chairs. Large photographs of Island scenes from Island Visions adorn the walls along with large blackboards offering daily specials.

A relaxed pub atmosphere with good quality food – the menu has over 100 options along with a range of Island steaks. In fact you can see exactly where your food

was sourced on annotated maps of the Island within the menu.

Wednesday night is steak night and the speciality is a 68oz steak – at the White Horse the largest steak was a 64oz and they had to go bigger and better. A whole variety of homemade sauces can accompany your steak too.

Sunday roast with Island meats will be a pull and the menu also has dishes of the world, fresh fish dishes, home made vegetarian options and homemade sweets.

The Christmas menu is also ready and the pub are taking bookings. The pub seats around 90 people and the room through to the back of the pub can seat 40 for work Christmas parties.

In the front window the round table is actually over the top of a well. You can look down into the depths through a reinforced glass window.

A freehouse, the ales on offer include Goddards local and Ringwood best along with Hobgoblin especially for Halloween.

BRIGHT NEW DARK HORSE

THIS SATURDAY October 24 is Driftwood beach bar ‘n’ grill’s ‘Almost Legendary’ end of season close down party night. This is for all customers new and old to enjoy one last night of fun at Driftwood.

This is a huge thank you to all their loyal customers for making 2009 another fantastic summer and they look forward to seeing as many of you that can make it.

This year’s theme is Heroes

and Villains (fancy dress) and to help your night be a merry one all drinks are £1.50 (pint, bottle, shot with mixer) while stocks last.

The party starts at 7.30pm and goes on till late or until they have run out of drinks (this happened last year).

If you can not make this night, Driftwood will reopen in March 2010 - check website for details www.driftwoodbeachbar.com

WINTER CLOSE UP


NEWS

AFRICAN PARTY AT SPYGLASS

MAKING a triumphant return to the Boathouse at the Spyglass last Saturday was Thabani Nyoni with his Afro Beat sounds and joining him were a host of Island talent.

Playing tracks from his new album, T-Bone Afrika, Zimbabwean born Thabani had people dancing in the aisles and spaces between the tables with his happy upbeat music. Some had even turned up in

traditional African dress and he welcomed them onto the stage during the second half of the evening.

‘Too much trouble’ the new single from the album had the whole audience joining in with the response “No, No, No,” with Thabani egging on the crowd with,” C’mon get your hands in the air,” and “Let’s given these guys an African party.” And an African party was exactly what he provided – straight from the shores of his native Bulawayo.

Opening the evening were the Ventnor based African drum group ‘Spirit of the Drum’ led by master drummer Lorraine Roger. Paul Butler of the Bees joined the drummers for a set that lasted almost two hours.

Joining Thabani’s band for the evening were Mick Smith, director of Quay Arts, with cool keyboard action and Kris Birkin and Tim Parkin from the Bees on guitar and trumpet.

During the interval Platform One students entertained the audience;

guitarist Jamie Thorpe and drummer Rob Berry with their jazz fusion compositions and Leila Mizani and Faber Cunningham with some afro funk styled singing to popular numbers, which

all went down extremely well.

“By the end of the evening almost all of the large audience were on their feet and dancing,” said Geri Ward of Sigma Events who organised the gig.

DON’T FORGET THE CLOCKS GO BACK THIS SUNDAY,

OCTOBER 25


FEATURE

goods we can buy in the shop here. But prisoners have not had a pay rise in 10 years.

“Eventually our wages will pay for one packet of tobacco if it carries on like this. Mr Greenberry wanted us to discuss something else, even though we said pay was more important. Just because we are prisoners doesn’t mean to say we don’t have a brain. Some of us are well educated, and have good ideas and answers to questions.”

He warned: “If prices go up but not wages, then prisoners will try to find other ways of getting money in prison.”

Billy, 30, serving four years for robbery in Camp Hill, reckons: “I gave up on the council because I can get really stressed over it. I want things to happen right away.”

Dominic, 32, in prison for robbery, and Clive, 53, serving nine years for violence, echoed the views of Darren, questioning the validity of the council, and admitting they no longer wanted to be involved in it.

Jez Collier, head of community partnerships at Camp Hill, points out: “The problem here is that prisoners tend to be on shorter sentences, so someone could be on the council, and then be released next week, whereas at Albany and Parkhurst they are more long-term and that is where the council can work.”

Governor Kneeshaw said:

“The feeling is that because the council is running well, having an election would de-rail the council. I think

what the governor is doing is a good idea, but I think we need to adapt it slightly at Camp Hill.”

PRISONERS inside the Camp Hill complex of IW Prison have been allowed to express their outspoken and controversial views on a scheme set up by governor Barry Greenberry.

When Mr Greenberry was appointed six months ago, one of his first tasks was to introduce a council inside Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill, comprising officers and prisoners, where key issues could be discussed.

Matters debated include community and environment, housing and employment, and education and training following release, and prisoners’ pay, which has a basic of around £7.50 a week.

The council meetings have proved successful in both Parkhurst and Albany, where ‘council elections’ even took place recently. According to Mr Greenberry there was a 58 per cent turn-out in Albany and 50 per cent in Parkhurst.

He explained: “Instead of voting for individuals there was voting for groups. It was a fantastic day, and people in Parkhurst were saying it didn’t feel like Parkhurst any more. Prisoners and staff combine as a council. These things are brilliant and have never happened before on the Island.”

Although Camp Hill has a council, no elections have yet been held, and the inmates expressed their concerns about the idea, and its limitations in an exclusive interview with The Gazette from inside the prison.

One of the four prisoners we interviewed was Darren, 38, who is serving six-and-a-half years for bank fraud. He has responsibility for co-ordinating all the voluntary services in Camp Hill, including the Samaritans, violence reduction, and the prison council.

Darren told us: “We have some great plans and great ideas as prisoners, but we feel we are being rail-roaded into the way the prison wants it to be run, rather than them

listen to our ideas. It is very frustrating, because there have been some great guys on the council.

“Mr (John) Kneeshaw (Camp Hill governor) has bent over backwards to keep the council alive, but we feel we are being rail-roaded by the senior governor (Mr Greenberry) into having elections and all these sorts of things. As a council we don’t want it, but we are being told ‘well, this is the way it has got to be, so like it or lump it’.

“The guys in here are thinking if we are being told how to run the council, and we have no say on it ourselves, how can we see what can be achieved. So a lot of inmates have said ‘forget it, there is no point in being on it’.

“If we are not going to be listened to what is the point of being on the council. It is very hard when you are coming up with constructive ideas and being knocked. We feel we are being listened to,

but we are not being heard.“When it was started a lot

of people were coming up to me and saying they wanted to get on the council. Things were going really well for the first few months, and we all realise nothing happens overnight. What we are doing might not even benefit us, but it will benefit others coming into the prison in future.

“Things were being talked about like a family day which has now happened, and is great. Families can come for the day on a regular basis. But then suddenly we are being told it has to be done differently. It’s the old saying; if it is not broken then why fix it. Just because it works at one place doesn’t mean it is going to work somewhere else.”

Darren continued: “We feel we are press ganged into the subjects we are going to talk about. As prisoners we know the key subjects that need to be discussed. The main issue is low pay. Every quarter we have a price increase in the

POSITIVE VIBE FROM CAMP HILLCAMP HILL, now part of HMP IW, is a Category C prison, but has had a reputation for being a tough and miserable establishment to serve any sentence.

But Darren, a mainlander

inside for bank fraud, went some way towards dispelled those myths when we spoke to him.

He said: “Before I came here I was in Lewes Prison, and people were saying ‘don’t

let them take you to Camp Hill’. I was fearing rape, drug dealings, stabbings and all the worst things you could ever imagine. But it is nothing like that. A lot is what you make it, but it isn’t

a bad prison, even the food.“No one forces us to come

to prison. Offending was our choice, our decision. Things are not going to change overnight, but the staff still need to try to get rid of the

bad name that Camp Hill has.”

Camp Hill governor John Kneeshaw said: “If people come here and think they can muscle their way around the place, it’s the worst

prison they could come to. But if they are social rather that anti-social it is a good prison to be in. But that message seems to stop at the perimeter of Camp Hill.”

THE GAZETTE invited HMP IW Governor Barry Greenberry to respond to the views of prisoners, put forward by their spokesman Darren, who is serving time for bank fraud.

Mr Greenberry said: “I have successfully run prison councils for five years in a prison similar to Camp Hill. They provide a legitimate forum for prisoners to be given the

responsibility to improve the community they live in, but the first rule offenders need to recognise is that they have to work within the system and not keep wanting to make their own rules up. This is what got them into jail in the first place.

“Accepting that the prison wants to try new things to help reduce re-offending should be seen as a positive

thing, getting offenders to operate within given rules is for many the first but most difficult step but it is a step in the right direction. “Wanting more pay is less important than discussing family links, improving employment skills or addressing addictions. Being part of the council will enable prisoners to adopt a wider and less egocentric perspective.”

PRISONERS HAVE THEIR SAY

BENEFITS OF PRISON COUNCIL

Prison Governor Barry Greenberry


FEATURE

B E M B R I D G E ’ S bustling High Street is where you will find the Island’s finest village shopping…and due to on-going requests the shops are now opening every Thursday for late night shopping until 7.30pm from October 29.

The pretty coastal village of Bembridge is now quite unique, being one of the only villages to offer excellent shopping for locals and holidaymakers and wonderful food shops with lots of homemade and local Island produce. With excellent

customer service which always makes shopping a better and more enjoyable experience, late night shopping will now offer busy families and commuters the opportunity to browse around the village for their weekly shopping, gifts, luxury food, eating out, hair and beauty every Thursday evening.

The village also offers a daily free delivery service - simply phone through your order to your specific shop and they will deliver the same afternoon!

Our Thursday

evening Shoppers will also be offered a free raffle ticket with the opportunity to

win a fabulous luxury hamper contributed to by all the village shops.

LATE NIGHT SHOPPINGCOMES TO BEMBRIDGE

Shops participating in this new scheme include:The Bembridge Deli 873555W. W. Woodford Butchers 872717Captain Stan’s Fish Store 875572Lottie’s Café & Bakery 872644The Farm Shop 874236Bembridge Emporium 873898The Bridal Room & Changing Room 875115Bembridge Flower Shop 875500Café Maya 07745 017614Chi Chi Hair & Beauty 07766 445446Bembridge Barbers 07511 164801

SUNDAY lunch at the Bembridge Coast Hotel has just been re-launched with new head chef Bruce Cole from South Africa at the helm. The Four Tides restaurant with its massive picture windows facing the sea is the beautiful setting for your Sunday lunch.

The carvery range has been increased to a choice of four meats and seven vegetables

with a vegetarian option on offer too. Main course and dessert are only £10 in this spacious restaurant overlooking the Solent.

Few hotels anywhere offer a finer setting than the Bembridge Coast character hotel at the Eastern most tip of the Island. So close to the sea, with so much friendly luxury, you could easily think you’re on a cruise.

After lunch you might take in the grounds and the sweeping sea views. Or you might like to have a look around the Spanish Gardens or take a look at the leisure club.

Remember that the Bembridge Coast Hotel is exclusively for adults only – you’ll have a pleasant child-free meal at this tranquil location.

RELAUNCH AT BEMBRIDGE COAST


FUTURE ENERGY

THE FOOTPRINT TRUST are organising two Future Energy events to help Islanders find out more about energy efficiency on Wednesday October 28 at Riverside Centre and Friday October 30 at Shanklin Primary School

This will be the third year that the Footprint Trust has organised these helpful events and on both dates they will be joined by other specialist organisations giving information about renewable energy for the home, including solar power.

Those attending

include Revenues and Benefits who will be offering help with fuel poverty and benefits available for insulating your home. Age Concern will offer further advice and benefits and Trading Standards will also be on hand.

Sponsors of the event, New World

Solar will be demonstrating their solar alternatives along with Solent Solar. Pure Green Energy can offer ground heat source energy solutions amongst others and Engenius have wide experience in solar, wind and hydro power systems.

Wight Heat

produces briquettes for wood burning stoves and fires made from reconstituted waste wood and Wight and Green Ltd has the wood burning stoves you need to burn them in.

Those attending the Newport event, at the Riverside Centre

on Wednesday October 28, can also have a go in a car simulator to test their green driving skills, courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust.

The Fire Service will also be at both events promoting free testing of smoke detectors and home safety visits.

FIND OUT ABOUT FUTURE ENERGY


FUTURE ENERGY

TAKE the Smarter Driving Challenge and save up to a month’s worth of fuel a year by talking to the Energy Saving Trust advice team at the Footprint Trust’s Future Energy Event. Their driving simulator will be at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay on Wednesday October 28 between 11am and 4pm and will teach you how to drive the ‘smart way’ to save you money and fuel.

Did you know that, on average you can save a month’s worth of fuel a year by adopting ‘Smarter Driving’ techniques and most people see 15% saving in their miles per gallon. As fuel prices rise and the credit crunch grips what better time to learn these new skills.

The Energy Saving Trust also offer free and impartial advice on energy saving in and around the home.

The team of advisors will be giving advice on a range of areas including: transport, grants and funding, energy efficiency, renewables, waste and water.

So do come along and talk to one of their friendly advisors to find out more, call free on 0800 512 012 or visit the Energy Saving Trust website atwww.est.org.uk

GAZETTE’S WINTER WARM helping you save hundreds of £££’sTHE GAZETTE in conjunction with Island charity, The Footprint Trust, have produced this easy to understand guide on keeping warm this

winter and fighting off those high fuel bills….

Everyone is dreading their first winter fuel bill, but there is some good

news regarding energy. Most people can get their home insulated for around £400. This small investment can repay for itself in two cold winters.

Modern cavity wall insulation can help prevent damp and help you stop throwing warmth away through your walls. The material used is safe and the procedure is over in day and is injected from outside the property. Most small homes can get the walls insulated for about £200.

A trip to a local DIY store or builders merchant can be all you need to insulate your loft. Various materials are available including fibre boards and fleece materials made from recycled

or natural materials. Alternatively you can pay to have it done from about £190.

Many people in receipt of allowances such as Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit or War Disablement Pension get energy efficiency measures for free and in some cases a new heating system.

Thanks to funding from the Big Lottery the Footprint Trust’s Warmahome project can do free home visits and give guidance on energy saving measures and arrange for insulation of Island homes. To get some help ring them on 82-22-82. Replacing old inefficient electrical appliances is good way of saving money in the longer term. A modern A rated fridge/freezer

will cost about £22 a year to run compared to over double that or one that is ten years old.

Other measures are more expensive but still worth looking into. Double or even triple glazing can reduce your fuel bills by at least 10%, depending on the state of your current windows. They also add extra security to your home.

Old electric blankets can be very dangerous and should be replaced after 5 years use. Trading Standards offer free checks of these blankets and will be at the forthcoming future events at Riverside Centre on Wednesday October 28 and Shanklin Primary School on Friday October 30.

Here are some other low or no-cost tips to get you going...PULL TOGETHER – closing curtains in the evening prevents heat loss through the window. Buy some thick curtains from a charity shop or line your current ones. SAVE PER YEAR: £15

DRY NATURALLY – dry clothing on line or airer – instead of using tumble dryer. SAVE PER YEAR: £25

LOAD UP YOUR WASHING MACHINE – a full load is best, but don’t cram it in as it won’t wash clothing. SAVE PER YEAR: £15

KEEP IT COOL – keep your fridge

and freezer full – use food, clean polystyrene or closed food containers. SAVE PER YEAR: £25

KEEP IT COVERED – keep saucepan lids on, turn down heat, use the right size pan for hob. SAVE PER YEAR: £15

STICK AT 50MPH – Driving at 50mph instead of 70mph can reduce fuel use by 30% SAVE PER YEAR: £200

BOIL WHAT YOU NEED – always cover element. Keep unused hot water in thermos flask. SAVE PER YEAR: £5

USE LOW ENERGY BULBS – don’t leave them in the cupboard, put them in today! SAVE PER YEAR:£10

FIX DRIPPING TAPS – a hot dripping tap could cost you a fortune. SAVE PER YEAR: £70

STOP THAT WIND – seal up gaps in doors. Draughts make you feel colder than you actually are. SAVE PER YEAR: £15

TOTAL SAVING: £395 a year!

CHANGE YOUR DRIVINGTO SAVE THE PLANET


FUTURE ENERGY


PROPERTY


NEWS

THERE Are just too many cats and kittens about at the moment and rescue centres across the Island are full, with waiting lists of more animals that need rehoming.

But there are still kittens on sale as well, although prices are beginning to fall. Kittens were fetching upwards of £50 each and people were cashing in on this new source of funds, but the downturn in the market has led to cats being left on doorsteps, more calls to the rescue centres and even an increase in feral cats too.

Feline Welfare, in Parkhurst, who have been going for 30 years, report that they are full with more kittens waiting to come in. “When I first started it was like this but this summer has gone completely haywire,” said proprietor Nickki Hazelgrove. “People get stuck with kittens, particularly those which are black and black and white.

“There’s a particularly big problem at the moment and it’s adding to the feral population on the Island – we’re trying to track a mother with her four kittens at the moment. We were beginning to see less leukemia because there has been a vaccine since 1992, but it’s getting more prevalent along with other health worries.”

Feline Welfare offer a

special deal to get your cats spayed or neutered for only £20 – you need to apply to them for a special voucher to take to the vet. Cats from Feline Welfare are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered or spayed and cost only £40. Call Nikki on 521778 or check the website at www.felinewelfareiow.co.uk

Pedigree Rescue has been full for the last few months and Rosemary Jelley has the most cats she’s ever had. “People have been trying to get £30 or £40 for kittens but they’re not getting the prices and they realise they can’t sell them,” said Rosemary. “They then want to get rid of them and that’s where the backlog comes in - when they go on to 10 or 12 weeks old.”

The RSPCA has more kittens than ever and less people wanting them, although over the past five or six years there were long queues for

kittens. They currently have 62 cats of which 25 are kittens from eight litters and more waiting to come in and a surfeit of black and black and white cats and kittens.

Unemployment and people losing their homes are among the reasons people have for giving up their pets. Adoption fee from the RSPCA is £45 and all cats are neutered or spayed, or supplied with vouchers for the operations if they are too young, and microchipped and vaccinated.

Cat’s Kingdom near Wootton also report that they are back to where they started when the centre opened 10 years ago. “The rescue centres cleaned up over the past few years and then there was a kitten shortage so people decided to breed them,” said Carol Thorpe.

“People are not vaccinating their kittens and cats and we’re seeing more feline leukemia which is

airborne and causes tumours, draining the lifeblood of the

cat. It can lie dormant for three years and cats with

leukemia have to be put down,” warned Carol.

On a more positive note, Cats Protection in Ryde report an increase in adoptions since recent publicity and their open day last weekend, which was very successful but they still have cats and kittens on their waiting list.

RESCUE CENTRES STRUGGLING TO FIND HOMES FOR CATS

A BLIND Island man took the controls of one of the new £3m passenger catamarans yesterday in a bid to raise awareness for the stem cell research that might restore his sight.

Father of five, Colin McArthur, whose blindness is caused by a genetic condition, took the controls for the hour-long return trip to Portsmouth and back. He has previously flown a Britten-Norman Islander plane and piloted a 130 seat hovercraft.

The Wight Link ferry left Ryde, Isle of Wight on Thursday at 1045 BST bound for Portsmouth and returned at 1115 BST. Many of the passengers on board were unaware that Colin was piloting the ferry and remarked on the smooth crossing.

Colin said that he’d enjoyed every minute of the experience. “Luckily enough the captain guided me through and told me

which way to steer and how fast to go,” he said. “It was a fantastic experience when you think that for a craft that carries that amount of people, the controls are just a small steering knob about two or three inches long. It was a really smooth ride.”

Colin McArthur, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited disease, is a trustee of the charity RP Fighting Blindness. He wants to raise around £250k for a newly launched research project, which is trying to discover whether stem-cells from the iris and cornea can be re-grown in the retina to restore the sight of people with retinitis pigmentosa. “These challenges have come along nicely and we are open to anyone who wants to challenge us for the next one,” said Colin.

Andrew Lotery, professor of ophthalmology at the University of

Southampton, who is heading the research project, said: “We are now able to take tissue from the front of the eye and isolate stem cells, which ultimately we believe can be turned into the cells needed to restore sight. This research should lead to new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa and so is worth supporting.

David Head, the charity’s chief executive, said: “RP Fighting Blindness has been working for many years towards a cure for inherited blindness and this project is a really important stage.

“Our trustees are proud to support Professor Lotery’s work in Southampton and we know our members will be excited by the potential of the science he is taking forward.

“We want to invest further in this particular laboratory and the launch of this fundraising campaign will help us.”

BLIND MAN AND HIS CAT

Smudge

Three month old kittens looking for a home

Roxy


FEATURE


FEATURE

CARLTON RD, RYDE - £165,000

A Victorian semi-detached house which offers accommodation to include living room, dining

room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom with separate shower

and garden. Located close to Ryde St Johns station, the

Esplanade with bowling ally, ice rink and six miles of beautiful

sandy beaches.

• Three Bedrooms • Garden • Off Road Parking • Fitted KitchenOpen Plan • Gas Central Heating

NEW ROAD, LAKE - £155,000

A semi-detached house which has undergone a complete make-over with a luxury bathroom and quality kitchen, two bedrooms, two reception rooms, garden

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local shops and schools.

• 80ft Garden • Period Features • Convienient Location • Off Road Parking • Completly Refurbished • Garden Workshop • Chain Free

HILLERDALE, BRADING - £160,000

A recently renovated character home comprising of three

bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, garden and off road parking. Located in

the historic town of Brading, the property is within a short walk of

the Downs and Brading village with shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs & a local primary school.

• Three Bedrooms • Two reception Rooms • Dining Terrace• Village Location • Enclosed Garden • Driveway Parking

WHITESMITH RD, NEWPORT - £169,950

A spacious semi-detached family home, convenient for Newport

and Cowes with three bedrooms, three reception rooms, sun

room, ample parking, & gardens.

Located close to Parkhurst Forest and near to walks on the Medina River. Cycle paths link

Cowes to Newport and extends throughout the Island.

• Three Bedrooms • Garden • Sun Room • Patio • Shower RoomOff Road Parking


FEATURE

www.iwgazette.co.uk

MOTORINGThe Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009 27

SUZUKI EXTENDS 0% OFFER UNTIL END OF OCTOBER ‘09

TO help credit-conscious motorcyclists who want to purchase a new Suzuki machine but are keen to cut costs, can take advantage of the extended zero per cent finance offer. Isle of Wight Motorcycles Ltd in Newport have been able to extended the 0% offer on six mid-range Suzuki models, all are available interest free for three years until the 31st October 2009 with minimum deposit

of just £500.00. Models on offer are Suzuki GSX-R 600 and 750, SV650 Sport, award winning GSX650F, V-Strom and Bandit 650 ranges.

Island bikers have been keen to take advantage of this promotion during the summer months along with the two percent typical APR offer on the Hayabusa, B-King and Burgman 400 also running until the end of October. The B-King is available at its new

lower recommended retail price of just £8,116 including government charges, with a low deposit of just £1,000.

If those deals aren’t enough for you, Isle of Wight Motorcycles Ltd is having a sale of ex-demo and pre registered models, with substantial savings on new models, so visit the showroom in Daish Way, Newport and see the range of machines on offer, but hurry as stocks are limited.

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FEATURE

TO MARK the beginning of the law year 2009-2010 a procession left the law courts on Monday October 19, and made its way to St Thomas’s Church for a special service.

Led by the Chief Constable of Hampshire and the Superintendent of the Isle of Wight, the procession included members of the National Probation Service, The President of the IW Law Society, Crown Prosecution Head of Trials Unit Isle of Wight and members of the bar and solicitors.

Following these were the deputy coroner of the IW, SE Hampshire magistrates bench chairman, the IW magistrates bench chairman, magistrates and the area clerk to the justices.

Next came the district judge and the circuit judges followed by the Under Sheriff of the IW and the High Sheriff’s from Dorset, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire.

High Sheriff of the IW Mrs Gay Edwards, attended by her son and sword bearer Piers Edwards and her Chaplain the Rev Canon David Low followed next.

His Honour Judge Richard Price, the Honorary Recorder of the City of Portsmouth and resident Judge of the Portsmouth and the IW completed the parade with Major General Martin White her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the IW.

The procession to the Minster is to emphasize the importance of upholding the Law for the well being of the community and to dedicate the work of the courts to God. Prayers were offered that judges and all those whose business it is to administer the Queen’s justice might be given wisdom and discernment.

The Venerable Caroline Baston, Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, the Rev Canon David Low and the Very Reverend David Brindley, Dean of Portsmouth, conducted the service. The High Sheriff Mrs Gay Edwards and His Honour Judge Richard Price gave readings and Head Girl and Head Boy from Carisbrooke High, School Lucy Edwards and Alex Hoather-Blaus, led prayers.

After refreshments the Legal Procession returned to the crown court.

A NEW YEAR FOR THE LAW COURTS


FEATURE


FEATUREALCOHOL AWARENESS

Over 1400 pupils at the Island’s high schools have been shown the possible consequences of drinking too much alcohol.

A theatre production called ‘Last Orders’ put on a series of plays at schools warning students that drinking too much alcohol could seriously damage your health.

The project is supported by the IW council’s Trading Standards service and the IW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership who are working with the high schools to educate pupils on the effects of drinking, as a part of national ‘Alcohol Awareness Week’.

The 60-minute play saw a cast of three students and a doctor re-enact an evening of binge drinking, which was based on real life events.

The three young characters suffered a series of mishaps as a result of drinking, highlighting potential problems, including

having sex while under the influence of alcohol and other life changing situations.

Students were also told about the penalties they face if they attempt to buy or drink alcohol in the street if they are not aged 18 or over. They were also reminded that asking an adult to buy alcohol is breaking the

law and could result in a fine of up to £80.

Following the ‘Last Orders’ performance, the audience interviewed the characters in a TV talk show style format and students discussed the lessons they learned and explored how the situations could be avoided.

You may not be aware that this week is alcohol awareness week and that we are all being asked to look at our drinking patterns.

The outcome of such an exercise may be that you just decide to cut down or you may be happy with the levels you consume. But for one woman this was not the case and she decided that giving up was the only answer.

Anne Alexander said: “I was the victim of a traumatic domestic abuse experience situation. Alcohol set the pattern of the abuse, and I started drinking heavily to numb my physical and emotional pain.

“Society can have a specific stereotype in mind when the term ‘alcoholic’ is mentioned. People think of a man on a park bench with a bottle in a brown paper bag, but my family was from an affluent, middle-class background.

“I had taken refuge away from an abusive partner, and my drinking was out-of-control. I had become alcohol dependant without realising. I had not been a regular social drinker. I drank heavily at home by myself.

“The realisation of my problem came when my children were taken into temporary foster care. I was offered six months of residential rehabilitation. This led to a complete change in my life.

“Realising that I could not drink again was a blow to me. I’m not able to drink again now because I know it would control me. I have gone more than two years without a drink, which I believe is a miracle.

“Some people are in denial. They don’t realise it’s a problem or an unhealthy lifestyle. Some people feel they must drink to cope with or escape from their problems. For other people, alcohol is a routine, and they do not realise when they are dependant. You don’t see alcoholism creeping up on you.

“Alcohol takes you over. It’s all consuming and all-powerful. It’s the first thing you think of when you wake up, and the last thing on your mind when you go to sleep or pass out.

“If you’re feeling low and unhappy, don’t use alcohol because it is depressant. It will numb your emotions temporarily, but when the alcohol wears off, your problems

are still there. “You don’t realise how alcohol

is affecting your body because the effects are so gradual. My muscle tissue started to break down. If I knelt down, I could not get up. I was also unable to do regular tasks such as taking a bath.

“I now work with IDAS (the Island Drug and Alcohol Service) and the charity Cranstoun to educate others about the harm that alcohol causes. I’m using my experience to help others to overcome their alcohol addiction. I work with the RESULT service users group on the Isle of Wight to prepare people for alcohol detox, and help them realise they have problem.

“I know how embarrassing it can be for mothers in particular to come forward and admit they have an alcohol problem. They

have the fear of their children being taken away permanently, but this is not the case. I was reunited with my children after my rehabilitation.

“Early intervention is the best way to deal with the issues. Education to raise awareness of the risks, and help people avoid them.”

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK

IF DRINKING IS COSTING MORE THAN MONEY

Anne Alexander

Jill King, Jack Young, Ryan Hill, Elle Bird, Pc Kelly Thorne Shanklin Neighbours Team, Sue Hudges, Julie Woodhouse, Emma Vickery, Holly Benjamin, Dylan Tate, Dan Avery


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FEATURE

Throughout half term the IW Zoo will have a Halloween theme running through the whole attraction. The animals will have Halloween-style enrichment (food), and they will be opening up the craft hut for themed activities for which a small extra charge will apply.

Then on October 31 they will be having a Pink Halloween in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign. Staff (and hopefully visitors) will dress up in pink costumes, the

animals will receive pink themed enrichment and the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital will be visiting with their bats.

Last year’s event is pictured in these photographs. The boxes are piñatas for the animals, filled with tasty treats and the other photo shows one of the ring-tailed lemurs with a pumpkin as enrichment. Opening hours will be 10am-4pm and Islanders with proof of residence get in for £4.

FUN AT THE ZOOHALF TERM


FEATURE

Brading Roman Villa is offering free admission for children this half-term. During the holidays (Oct 24 – Nov 2) all children (5-16yrs) are entitled to free admission to the Villa excavations and exhibition hall when accompanied by a paying adult, a saving of £3 per child.

As well as the award-winning exhibition with interactive displays and some of the best preserved Roman mosaics in Europe, children can take part in some great activities. Daily drop-in workshops will take place throughout half-term in which children can make spooky Medusa masks or a beautiful glass tile mosaic coaster to take home, a small charge will be made for materials.

While the children are entertained with the craft activities, parents can

unwind in the Forum Café and enjoy fresh fair-trade tea and coffee, great cakes, homemade meals and choose from a selection of wines and beers. There’s something for everyone this October at Brading Roman Villa.Anne Frank: A History For Today

During November 2 to 13, Brading Roman Villa will host this award-winning exhibition from the Anne Frank Trust. It is the first time the international touring exhibition has visited the Island and they are extremely proud that the Villa has been chosen as hosts.

Anne Frank exhibitions have been visited by over 2.8 million people across Britain and provide a unique experience for visitors to learn more about

the story of Anne Frank and the history of the Holocaust. The life of Anne Frank, the rise of the Nazi party, the history of the Second World War and the consequences of the Holocaust are the threads that run through the entire exhibition.

By placing complex historical events against the backdrop of the life of one young person, the exhibition enables visitors to gain a greater understanding of the human consequences of persecution and war. The exhibition challenges us to consider the contemporary relevance of these issues and leads the visitor to a greater understanding of the steps that we can all take as individuals to prevent the rise of prejudice and discrimination in our own communities and is suitable for adults and children aged 10 plus.

VILLA PROVES A WINNERHALF TERM


FEATURE

SPOOKED AT THE CASTLEHALLOWEEN

A spooky castle is just what you need for Halloween, and the Castle Inn in Sandown’s Fitzroy Street is absolutely perfect. A spookier destination would be hard to find as this pub has been transformed into the Halloween Arms for the duration of the bewitching season.

A witch stands guard at the doorway and all manner of ghoulish characters are inside: skeletons, spiders, bats, and creepy crawlies – there’s scarcely a space to sit between the macabre display.

It takes a whole week to put together the decorations in the pub and your hosts Dave and Jo Radcliffe have a whole host of events planned for next week with all of the proceeds going towards local

charities. Dave and Jo are members of the Lions for whom they raise money and Sandown carnival is another beneficiary.

Sunday October 25 is the fundraising fancy dress pub crawl and Wednesday October 28 heralds the Dave Rook charity darts competition. “Dave was a good friend and a local of the pub and every year we hold a competition to win a bottle of Jamesons’s which was his favourite, and the winner has their name engraved on a shield,” said Jo.

Friday October 30 is the Chainsaw Massacre Meat Draw – a variation on the weekly draw with an amazing £500 worth of meat up for grabs –and a yard of ale competition.

But it is Saturday October 31 when

the witching hour commences and it kicks off with the children’s fancy dress Halloween disco from 5pm till 7pm. A few freaky games and a goody bag then set the children off on their trick or treating.

The main event is after this with a DJ playing spooky sounds, a Spirit Raffle and a Name the Knight competition and you are encouraged to wear fancy dress or glad rags for a really good night out.

Sunday November 1 is the Castle Halloween Quiz at 8.30pm – arrive early for a good seat. Even if you can’t make any of the events you really ought to pop in for a drink in this popular traditional local pub to see its amazing Halloween transformation.


37

SPORT

Sandown and Shanklin 2nds recorded their third victory in a row as they edged out Portsmouth 3rds 12-10, in a hard fought encounter.

The home side elected to kick up hill in the first half and defended superbly throughout. Misselbach, Fletcher, Todd Eldridge and the young second row of Dave Wolfenden and BJ meats man of the match, Sam Flux, constantly turned over Portsmouth possession allowing

skipper Edmonston to clear the ball.

Most of the first half was spent defending, with the odd break away from Sam Falk, Steve Routledge and Richard Henry relieving the pressure. The only real chance of a score came from the boot of Edmonston as he placed a penalty the wrong side of the posts. Portsmouth kicked a penalty just before half time to go in to the break 3-0 up.

The second half saw the Hurries push the travelling

side back and from a high clearance Wightlink man of the match, Andy Gough, collected and sprinted away for Edmonston to convert. This spurred Portsmouth on and they scored a converted try with ten minutes remaining putting them 10-7 up.

The home side pressed and pressed, but Portsmouth defended well and when they were awarded a scrum 25 metres from their own try line they only had to win the ball and kick it dead for a victory.

But remarkably, hooker Ben Kullick won the ball against the head and the impressive Gough picked the ball up at the back of the scrum and ran through the cover defence to give the jubilant home side a superb win.

Again good performances on the day by some of Sandown youngsters but the older contingent of John Buckingham, John Misselbach, Andy Fletcher and Steve Crooks also turned in superb performances.

THREE IN A ROWFOR SANDOWN AND SHANKLIN

SKATING SUCCESS IN SCOTLAND

The Island skated to success at the Scottish Synchronised Skating Championships last weekend, with two of the three teams coming top in their classes.

Wight Crystals, the juvenile team, and Wight Jewels, the junior team, both retained the Scottish Championship titles they also won last year. And this year the Island also took a new preliminary team, Wight Gems, who came fourth in their class. The Gems were formed at an ice skating synchro camp at Ryde back in August this year.

Another synchronized skating camp had been arranged at Dumfries but some of the children could not afford to stay. “It would have been good if they could

have stayed up in Dumfries for the camp because we need practice on full sized ice – on the Island we only have a ¾ sized rink,” said Sarah Danzig who manages the teams with Sharon Buckman and Janet Marsh.

Trainer Terri Marsh stayed up for the camp and will be teaching the children what she has learned. Although Wightlink sponsor the team’s travelling costs they are desperate for more sponsorship in order to move forward.

The teams will compete in the British Championships on February 18 and 19 next year and Terri is hoping to take the juvenile and junior teams to France in February and on to the Junior World Championships in Sweden next March.

Above: Wight Gems synchronised skating team

Wight Crystals synchronised skating team Wight Jewels synchronised skating team


38

SPORT

Freshwater Bay’s Summer Eclectic was won by Pete Bryan. He took home the hard fought trophy with an excellent nett 52.5. Taking second place was James Sanders on count back from Kasey Tuckey with both players returning 53.

The Midweek Medal saw the a first place. In Division 1 for Peter Cooper (16) who carded a 62 ahead of Richard Couse (15) with 64 while John Veal (15) took third with 66. Division 2 saw Tony Hammonds (24 return a nett 62 in spite of a seven at the par 3 first hole,

Graham Ellis (24) finished second with a 67 narrowly holding off Justin Clayton (17) on count back.

The Trafalgar Scramble was won by Steve Orchard, Mike Black and Peter Cooper wth 54 points. Three teams tied with 50 points and had to be separated on the back six holes. Second went to Steve Cooke, James Brett and Barry Crook, ahead of Richard Frost, Dave Morey and Rick Penn. Simon Smith, John Crosbie and Dean Capel were fourth. Dave Morey also carried off the prize for nearest the pin on the 14th.

There were 50 entries in the Monthly Medal, combined with the Jacom Trophy Qualifier in which the top 16 in the medal go forward to a match play knockout. Steve Cooke (12) added another Medal to his collection shooting an excellent 61 but only managing to hold off Stephen Mew (24) by the narrowest of margins on count back. Derek Wright (4) came in third on handicap with a nett 64 and picked up the lowest gross prize with 68 with James Brett (19) also carding a 64 but losing out on count back.

BRIAN TAKES WINAT FRESHWATER

RUNNERS MARCH FORWARD

Sandown & Shanklin have moved up to third in the London South West Divison 3, after a thrilling one point victory against Andover.

The team travelled up in high spirits after their comprehensive demolition of Old Alleynians. Despite a much changed line up in the backs, the Hurries were confident they could secure a first away victory of the season against a team that played two leagues above them last year.

Buoyed on by the support of a large home crowd, it was Andover who had the better of the early exchanges. After a series of rolling mauls their open side

flanker crashed for a converted score.

Playing against the slope and wind the Hurries found it difficult clearing their lines and spent much of the first 20 minutes in their own half. From a rare scrummage on the opponents ten metre line, Captain Roe Rees picked up from the base and out sprinted the covering defence before smashing his way over for an unconverted try, 7-5.

The Hurries soon found themselves on the back foot again. Good positional kicking from the Andover scrum half was compounded by the referee consistently penalising the

dominant Hurries pack. This culminated in the sin binning of Captain Joe Rees. With Vikcoma Man of the Match Sam Rees temporarily taking over the captain duties from his brother, the visitors got to half time 10-5 down.

The Hurries started the second half with renewed enthusiasm, but quickly lost prop Ricky Harris to the sin bin in yet more bizarre refereeing.

Despite being a man down, the away side’s backs led by returning full back Kern Wales and Wightlink Man of the Match Matt Jones, started to find space. Luke Chandler replaced the excellent Josh Wetherick and

Daniel Robinson made way for Alex Howard in the centre. Almost immediately the Hurricanes produced the best move of the game running 80 metres only to be thwarted by an excellent tap tackle deep in Andover territory.

The Hurries managed to keep up the pressure on Andover and got in range for a penalty kick, which Howard calmly slotted over. The Hurries piled on more pressure and were rewarded in the sixth minute of injury time, when the impressive Howard fired over a penalty kick earning the Hurries a well deserved win.

WHIRLWIND HURRIESEDGE OVER ANDOVER

A group of enthusiasts who compete under the banner of The Isle of Wight Road Runners are taking great strides to further enhance their fast-growing reputation.

Not to be confused with other clubs on the Island, such as the IW Athletic Club and West Wight Road runners, The IW Road Runners describe themselves as ‘a very friendly bunch’ with over 50 members.

They meet at the Medina Leisure Centre each Thursday evening for what they claim is ‘the common purpose to enjoy running’. A few years ago the club was down to half a dozen hardy members, but

now it has grown almost beyond recognition.

The club enters races both on the Island and mainland, and in the recent past members have competed in Sicily, Australia, Germany and the US. The club also re-joined the Hampshire road race league last year after a gap of over ten years.

Their first year back proved a huge success, with both ladies’ and men’s teams gaining promotion. One of Hampshire’s leading runners, Paul Cameron, is a member of IW Road Runners and in winning the recent IW marathon became the first person to win every road race on

the Island in one year. He also won a bronze medal in the half marathon at this year’s Island Games in Alland.

Six Road Runners travelled to the mainland to compete in the Solent half marathon, which is the third league race of the season. With a good field of 402 finishers the team came home with some impressive performances.

Just a week after achieving a personal best time in the Island marathon, Richard Bruce led the team home in 90th place with another P.B. of 1 hour 32 mins, 26 secs.

Rich Whittington produced a strong run

for 142nd in a time of 1:38:12, with Dave Khan close behind in 160th with 1:41:18. Kev Fry is running quicker with each performance & was pleased to finish in 182nd in 1:45:56. Simon Wray ran over five mins quicker than the recent New Forest ‘half’ in coming home in 213th place in 1:52:29. Tom Martin brought the team home in 228th place, and his time of 1:54:11 was an amazing ten minutes quicker than in this year’s Island half marathon.

The IW Road Runners are always on the look out for new members, and anyone interested should contact Kev on 291351.

By Jamie White

By Jamie White


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SPORT

Bookings are now being taken for the IW Council’s ‘Return to Sport’ scheme.

Starting in November, four new courses are being held across the Island from a variety of sports or activities.

A seven-week badminton course gets underway on Tuesday November 3, at West Wight Sports Centre between 7.30-8.30pm.

On Monday, November 2, The Riverside Centre in Newport hosts Yoga evenings between 6-7pm

Two courses start on Monday, November 9, at Westridge Golf Centre near Ryde, a six-week golf course gets underway at 6-7pm.

For those wanting a more physical workout - a gym and fitness course takes place at the Pavilion Gym in East Cowes on the same day between 10-11am.

Return to Sport is an IW Council Sports Unit scheme for people aged 16 and over who want to try a new sport or activity or are looking to get back into sport.

All abilities are welcome and spaces on each course must be booked in advance.

To book a place on a course, or to ask for more information, email [email protected] or call 823818.

CHANIE TO GETBACK INTO SPORTNO FURY FOR TIGERS

A first half goal from Adam Shepherd gave Newport all three points against Hamworthy United.

The visitors, sporting orange shirts and black shorts kicked off and had a chance after just three minutes, when Stuart Cannie broke through Newport’s defence, but his shot went wide of the goal.

Hamworthy continued to apply the early pressure, forcing Newport ‘keeper Gary Streeter to produce two excellent close range saves.

But Newport soon got back in to the game and took the lead on 28 minutes, when Matt Evans played the ball in low and the ball broke to Adam Shepherd, who drove it into the net from the edge of the penalty area.

The second half saw Hamworthy trying to get back into the game but Newport kept the visitors at bay.

Newport had a chance to double their lead when an Iain Seabrook corner fell to Charlie Smeeton, who played the ball back into the goal area, only to see Darren Powell’s header loop inches over the bar.

Hamworthy came close to equalising, three minutes from the end when a cross from James Merrett found Steve Llewelyn unmarked in the penalty area, but his header rebounded off the crossbar before being scrambled away.

Newport’s Freddie Knowles then outpaced a defender before playing the ball from the by line to Seabrook, who appeared to have an open goal but somehow put the ball wide.

Hamworthy couldn’t breakthrough the stubborn home defence, as Newport held out for well deserved a 1-0 win.

SHEPHERDLEADS FROMTHE FRONT

It was back to league action for the Wightlink Tigers, as they hosted Romford Fury at Ryde Arena.

The Fury have had a good start to the season and are currently league leaders but have recently lost two of the leading players to their senior side.

The Tigers were in control of the game from the drop of the puck as Niall Bound fired the puck into the back of the visitors net with only 20 seconds on the clock, assisted by Jason

Coles. Four minutes later, Coles was on the score sheet again as he and line mate Mike Palin stretched the lead to two with a well worked shorthanded goal.

Three quarters of the way through the period and their lead was further extended when Palin netted again, with the assists going to Coles & Graham MacFarlane. When Ricky Attrill added to the tally with four minutes to play in the first period assisted by Richard Nembhard & Adam Rich, the game

was all but over for the Fury and it was going to be a long game for their short bench.

As the second period got underway, within two minutes the Tigers were lighting the lamp at the other end of the rink as Nembhard grabbed a goal with assists to Nembhard and Attrill. The sixth Tigers goal came with under have the game played with Coles netting his second of the night.

The Fury did manage to get on the score sheet just before the

halfway marker as they capitalised on the man advantage as the Tigers sat out a slashing call.

The last goal of the period came from veteran Tony Blaize assisted by Jamie Lee and Chris Randall. This may have been the last goal of the period, but unbelievably, Niall Bound was ejected from the game for boarding.

Despite protests and further statements from the player concerned and the Romford coach that he’d simply lost his footing, the pleas were

ignored.The third scoring was

opened by the visitors and then saw the Tigers have another player ejected, although this time fully justified as an altercation between Adam Rich and Chris Lawes saw Rich sent for an early shower.

Final goal of the game came when Blaize grabbed his second of the night, assists going to Coles and Paul Sanderson in his debut game this season. Man of the match went to Richard Gutteridge.


40

SPORT

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TOUGH TEST FOR RAIDERSThe Wightlink Raiders returned to home ice in a confident mood, after two recent good wins on the road.

Their opponents, reigning English National League One South champions Invicta Dynamos, always promised to be the Raiders’ toughest home test to date.

The home side started brightly and dominated the opening 10 minutes, before the visitors settled in to the game and took the lead through Johan Stenvall.

The lead was doubled again on the powerplay by Jack Tarczycki, before the Dynamos moved out of sight with a fine team goal scored by their captain Karl Lennon.

The Raiders rallied after the period break but the fast skating champions never allowed them back into the match. Counters from Jeremy Cornish were matched by two from

Nicky Lewis. In the final period the

Raiders kept plugging away, but the Dynamos always seemed a step ahead. Nicky Lewis completed his hat trick before Jeremy Cornish matched that feat two minutes later. Karl Lennon extended the visitors lead again before John Sarno then scored with a penalty shot.

Referee Rene Ross appeared to disallow a Raiders goal in order to award the penalty. However it transpired that the puck had been covered by a Dynamos defender in the crease and not actually entered the net, before Peter Vaisenen completed the scoring.

Sadly for the Raiders it was a match they would like to forget as the visitors left the comfortable 8-4 victors, in what proved to be their toughest test of the season so far.

IW Gazette 38

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