IW Gazette 39

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REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

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

Friday October 30, 2009Issue 39

NEWS

Bonkers at Balcony

See page 10 for your free trick or treat poster

NEWS

Page 32

Did you go bonkers at the Balcony last week? Check out our photo spread

A TEACHER who had an affair with a pupil has been jailed today - and left a ‘broken man’ after the relationship cost him his wife, home and career.

Father-of-three Terence Anthony Bell was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years after pleading guilty to inciting a sixth form girl to engage in sexual activity.

Bell, who left his post as head of English at Stonyhurst College when the details of the affair emerged, had been giving additional tutorials to the girl to help with a university application when an ‘affectionate’ relationship began.

Bell, 46, of no fixed address but who had been living recently in Shanklin, Isle of

Continued on page 4

SHANKLIN TEACHER JAILED

THE ISLAND’S MP, Andrew Turner, has stated that Britain’s projected population rise to over 70 million by 2029 is ‘dangerously unsustainable’, and could have serious knock-on effects for the Island, writes Jamie White.

Mr Turner is concerned that the increase would mean an extra 15,000 living on the Island, roughly the same amount of people currently living in Sandown and Shanklin.

Mr Turner said: “The average population density of the UK is currently 637 people per square mile. A population of 70 million would mean 740 people per square mile. To put that in context – it would mean an extra 15,000 people here on the Island.

“There is simply not the capacity or resources to support a population

of 70 million by 2029. England is already the most crowded country in Europe.”

The Office for National Statistics projects that the population will reach such a level by 2029. This would represent the fastest rate of growth since post-war levels.

Mr Turner added: “To allow such a rise would increase the already massive pressure on public services, infrastructure and the environment. This in turn would have negative consequences for the quality of life – both for those already living in Britain and those seeking to move in. Allowing the population to rise so quickly, and over such a short period of time, is dangerously unsustainable.”

Mr Turner has also said that a cap must be put in place for people entering Britain, that want to stay to live and work.

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Pleasetake one

“While this country should be a haven to those who are in danger, migration for employment and opportunity must not be disproportionate to what we can sustain. The Office for National Statistics projects that 45 per cent of the population growth would come from immigration.

“The current points

based system - restricting people entering on the basis of certain skills - is not up to the task of managing such growth. Instead, a yearly cap must be placed on those seeking to live and work in Britain. Such a limit would allow this nation to better deal with the pressure on public services and foster greater social cohesion,” said Mr Turner.

THE GAZETTE GOES PINKSUPPORTING ‘WEAR IT PINK DAY’ FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

ISLAND MP FEARS OVERCROWDING

www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, October 30, 20092

SUNDAY’S JUST GOT HOTTERTURNING the traditional Sunday lunch on its head the Tamarind in Newport is now offering an Indian and Thai buffet with all you can eat for only £9.99.

The special buffet will be on offer from noon until 10pm with different dishes featuring every week. Instead of going out for a roast dinner why not see what is on offer at the Tamarind this Sunday.

A new chef from London’s Soho area has joined the well established team at the Tamarind and he wanted to launch this buffet experience as he’d seen it working well up in the capital.

With a choice from starters, main courses, rice, noodles, naan bread and fruit salad for dessert you can eat as much as you like for £9.99 or only £5.99 for children.

The licensed bar offers all your favourites including Tiger and Cobra beers and there is free parking in its Upper St James’ Street location, where it has now been for four years.

Full menu is also available plus take away and delivery. The Thursday Special offers a special menu for two people at only £23.90 for each person.

ANY 2 STARTERSANY 2 MAIN COURSE1 SIDE DISH & RICE

1 NAAN BREADONLY £23.90PER PERSON

www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, October 30, 2009 3

NEWS

A GODSHILL couple who breed rare horses, have paid thanks to the IW fire service, the RSPCA, veterinary surgeon Charlotte Sheppard and their neighbours for their efforts after two of their horses became trapped in a ditch.

Paul and Michaela Heathcote received a phone call just after 9am on Tuesday (October 27) saying that two walkers had noticed that their rare breed horses had fallen into a deep drainage gully.

Fire crews from Shanklin and Newport rushed to

the scene and used specialist equipment and rope packs to carefully pull the pair out of the cold muddy water.

A 15-year-old ‘Cleveland’ horse called Monnie, that used to pull carriages and had been with the Heathcote’s for 10 years, was pulled out first and was sedated by Endell veterinary surgeon Charlotte Sheppard. Members from the RSPCA, along with Charlotte, fought to save

Monnie, but sadly she passed away as a result of her injuries.

A two-year-old filly called Gloria was then pulled to safety by firefighters, and she simply shook off the dramatic rescue, before trotting off in to the field.

Michaela went on to praise the fantastic hard work of the 16 firefighters that attended and the efforts by Charlotte and the RSPCA members to save the horses.

It is thought that something may have scared the horses, making them leave the field and ending

up in the ditch.Dean Haward,

Station Manager at Newport Fire Station said: “We deal with quite a few animal

rescues. Part of my new role in the fire service is to deal with situations like this, but there is always a risk factor involved.”

ROAD DEATH WAS NATURAL CAUSES

SAD END TO HORSE FALL

POLICE have confirmed that a Sandown man who crashed his car in St Helens died of natural causes.

John Rhodes, of The Fairway, Sandown, was driving a grey Mercedes A160 along the B3330 heading towards Brading from St Helens, on Monday (October 26) when the car slowed and veered off the road.

The incident happened at about 3.54pm, and police closed the road for several hours while they initially investigated the cause of the crash.

It is thought that as the 77-year-old neared Rowborough corner, one of the car’s wing mirrors

collided with a hedge before the vehicle came to a stand still. A member of the public found the pensioner slumped at the wheel and immediately dialled 999. No other vehicles were involved.

All emergency services attended, but Mr Rhodes died at the scene. Following a post mortem, police have since confirmed that Mr Rhodes died of natural causes and therefore, an inquest will not be taking place and police will not be investigating the incident further.

A neighbour described Mr Rhodes as “a man who kept himself to himself,” who was active for his age.”

Two-year-old Gloria who was rescued

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

gazettethe isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

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A VOLUNTEER lifeboat service was unable to offer support to a 44ft yacht that had ran into difficulties off Ryde sands on Monday (October 26).

The crew at Ryde Inshore Lifeboat were paged by Solent coastguard, but were left helpless after a Land Rover owned by building contractors working nearby, had parked across the slipway entrance to the

station.Frantic attempts by the

crew were made to trace the owner of the vehicle to get it moved. The police were also called to help try and get the vehicle moved. With time against the crew and the fact that they were unable to launch, the coastguard had to launch another lifeboat.

Spokesperson for Ryde Inshore Rescue, Andy Parnell, said: “We were left

in a position of not being able to offer assistance to someone in the sea, because of some thoughtless parking from someone who just didn’t think.

“People need to understand that the lifeboat station may be unmanned, but we can be called out at anytime. The vital minutes added in launching the boat could lead to a total different outcome to a job.”

RYDE UNABLE TO RESCUE

YOUR NEWSAddress: Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH Tel: (01983) 409928 Fax: (01983) 404189 Email: [email protected]

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THE NEWS EDITORWrite to: Jason Kay, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, IW, PO36 9PH. Tel: (01983) 409928. Email: [email protected]

THE FEATURES EDITOR

Write to: Jo Macaulay, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport

Road, IW, PO36 9PH Tel: (01983) 409928 Email: [email protected]

OUR NEWS TEAMJamie White. Tel: (01983) 409928. Email: [email protected]

Richard Collins. Tel: (01983) 409928. Email: [email protected]

Peter White. Tel: (01983) 409928. Email: [email protected]

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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

THE ISLE of Pink Friendship Walk was a great success last Sunday with over 60 people taking part. Everyone made an effort and dressed in pink for the four-mile circular walk around the Western Yar.

This walk formed part of the Isle of Wight Autumn

Walking Weekend along with 57 other walks (which catered for all ages and abilities) and was also part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Isle of Pink month.

The walk started and finished at the Yarmouth Institute where a pink

themed tea party was laid on for hungry walkers by the local WI on their return.

Walk organiser Elaine Cesar said: “Lots of people came over from the mainland and it was very successful. Ten minutes before we set off the sun came out and the rain held off for the whole walk.”

PINK FRIENDSHIP WALK

Continued from front page

Wight, admitted to touching the girl’s breasts under her clothing and her buttocks over her clothes, kissing, cuddling and making trips to the girl’s home during the summer holiday.

Sentencing at Blackburn Magistrates’ Courts yesterday, District Judge Peter Ward described Bell’s actions as ‘completely wrong’ and said ‘prison is the only appropriate punishment’.

He said: “If any pupil makes an approach to a teacher the duty of the teacher is to actively discourage and approach and stop it from happening if you’re in a position of trust.

“A pupil shows some affection to a teacher, the teacher has not got to take advantage.

“These pupils need to be protected from themselves because they are youngsters.

“It is completely wrong to take advantage of this.

“It is completely wrong when you are in a position of a teacher and pupil and

you must have known it was completely wrong.

“Prison is the only appropriate punishment.

“One has to consider the expectation of parents who send their children to school that they should not be taken advantage of.”

Philippa White, prosecuting, said they were discovered by a male pupil, who ‘had a lot of respect for him’.

The pupil had seen a light on in a room and discovered the girl sitting astride him. Bell’s shirt was unbuttoned and his glasses had been removed.

Prosecuting White told the court the girl tried to hide in the room when they were spotted. Police interviewed Bell and seized computers and mobile phones.

He initially failed to hand over a secret phone where he sent a text saying ‘The game’s up isn’t it. Love is a powerful thing’.

Defending Simon Farnsworth said: “I understand through him that it was a consensual relationship. If this had been a relationship outside this environment, it would have

been lawful in other respects.”Mr Farnsworth said: “He

has absolutely no intention of returning to teaching at all. He was a man of previous good character.

“He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He has expressed remorse.

“He has lost his home, family, job and career, forever probably. He is effectively a broken man and has nothing left in his life at this time.”

Bell previously resigned from Stockport Grammar School in 1994 when he tried to initiate a relationship with a fifth form pupil by writing to her, the court heard.

The school’s reference recommended Stonyhurst employ Bell but said he would be best placed in a boys school.

Isle of Wight Council Head of Human Resources Claire Shand said “We can confirm at no point has Terence Bell, the former Head of English at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, ever been employed by the local authority in any schools on the Isle of Wight”.

SHANKLIN TEACHER JAILED


NEWS

PRIZED GUITARS GONE

A MAN who went on a wrecking session around Ryde after a drink-fuelled evening, has been arrested by police. The 21-year-old from the Ryde area rampaged around the streets in the early hours of Friday morning smashing car windows with bricks and boulders, slashing a car roof and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The Gazette exclusively spoke to several of the victims who discovered the catalogue of damage early on Friday.

Roxy Vaughan said: “I got up in the morning to go into work and found the remains of a boulder in the back of my car. My boyfriend and me slept right through it. It has really messed up my day. I was due in work but now I am going to have to spend the time phoning round to get my car repaired because I only have third party insurance. I have lost a day’s work and I’ve had to pay out over £300 to get my car back on the road. All because someone can’t handle their drink.”

Local restaurant manager Sam Staples also fell victim having three windows smashed and every panel dented on her car. She said: “It might only be an old banger but I use it to get around and get into work. I’ve spent the morning trying to protect my car from the rain with black bin liners. I didn’t know anything about it until

my friend told me my car had been trashed. I’m glad nothing was taken. My coat and a disco ball that my dad bought were in there and that has sentimental value. The police have said not to hold out much hope of getting the damage paid for. So I’m well out of pocket losing a day’s money having spent it up at the police station making a statement.”

A guest staying at Yelf’s Hotel had a window smashed on his Mercedes, which cost over £600 to repair. An MG soft top was roof was also slashed and the bodywork was dented.

Police can confirm they are investigating reports of criminal damage to vehicles parked in Ryde, Isle of Wight: “A number of cars were damaged in the Union Road and Union Street area of Ryde during the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2009.

“A 21-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage shortly after 6.00am on the same day. He was taken to Newport Police Station for questioning, and bailed until November 17, 2009 pending further enquiries.”

RAMPAGE IN RYDE

Roxy Vaughn and Sam Staples with a vandalised car

POLICE are trying to trace two prized guitars reported stolen from an address in Lake, after a suspected burglary.

It’s alleged the musical instruments were taken from inside a house on Sandown Road sometime between 7.30pm on Saturday, October 17 and the following morning, Sunday, October 18.

The guitars are described as a black and white Fender Telecaster lead guitar and a light brown EKO six string jumbo acoustic guitar.

The owner of the guitars, Mr Denzil McNeelance, aged 50, of Sandown Road, Lake, said: “I’ve had both guitars for over 30 years since I was a teenager. It was a massive, horrible feeling when I found they had gone. I’m contacting fellow musicians to ask if they have noticed

someone trying to sell these guitars.

“I would ask anyone who may know something to tell the police. These guitars mean so much to me.”

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have suspicions about second hand sales of guitars, which match these descriptions.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed people behaving suspiciously near the junction of Newport Road and Sandown Road in Lake on the evening of Saturday, October 17.

People with information are asked to contact Isle of Wight CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or e-mailing iow.cid@

hampshire.pnn.police.uk. Information can also be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FIREWORK SAFETY PRAISE FOR VENTNOR BUSINESSESIW COUNCIL Trading Standards Service is praising businesses in Ventnor and surrounding areas following a test purchase exercise.

In the build up to Bonfire Night, many shops are selling fireworks for which the legal sale age is18 years. In a sting operation supervised by undercover Trading Standards officers, a 16 year-old boy attempted to buy a packet of sparklers from four different shops. But in each shop visited he was asked for ID and was refused service.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety Barry Abraham said: “It is very encouraging to see businesses being proactive and checking the age of consumers who try and buy

age restricted products.“Fireworks can cause

damage and serious injury if they are misused and this is one reason you have to be 18 to buy them.

“While we are happy with the results of this exercise in Ventnor, Trading Standards officers, with the support of the police, will continue

to carry out test purchase exercises across the Island for a variety of items”

Age restricted items include alcohol, fireworks, knives, cigarettes and certain types of aerosols. Shops that sell items to underage customers could be liable for large fines, and in some cases could even lose their trading license.

Some of the damaged windows

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

IF YOU plan on having a spooky time this Halloween, spare a thought for the planet and go green- as well as orange!

By reducing, reusing and recycling your rubbish this Halloween you can save money and do your bit for the environment. Why not make the most of your scooped out pumpkin flesh by making tasty pumpkin

tarts, soup or ravioli.Laura Kay, IW council

waste minimisation and recycling officer, said: “It’s easy to forget about the rubbish we produce during parties but taking a few simple steps towards reducing, reusing and recycling waste can really make a difference.”

Try and reduce your waste by sourcing Halloween treats with minimal

packaging, buy loose apples for bobbing and try to buy in bulk rather than individually wrapped multi-packs.

Reuse what you have by making costumes from items around the house. Why not visit charity shops to source clothes and items for a hauntingly good costume. Try to avoid buying disposable plates and cutlery for

parties, reusable ones will considerably reduce your waste.

Remember to recycle as much as you can, your scary pumpkin head can be chopped up and put in your compost bin but keep the seeds to try growing your own for next year and put newspapers and magazines, glass bottles and jars kerbside in your black recycling box.

GO GREEN FOR HALLOWEEN

CELEBRATED entertainer, Christopher Biggins, hosted a reception for St Catherine’s charity at a recent event in London.

The comedy actor, who also won the 2007 series of ‘I’m a Celebrity - Get me out of Here’, spoke about the importance of speech and communication in people’s our lives and the challenges children with communication disabilities face every single day.

Mr Biggins was joined two learners from St Catherine’s Further Education Centre, Matt and Charlie.

The pair spoke about St Catherine’s School and their classes, residential activities and how they have

progressed. They explained: “It was a brilliant evening. Christopher Biggins was very funny and made everyone laugh.”

St Catherine’s is a national charity and has a school in Ventnor, working with children and young people with communication, language and speech impairments. Although one in 10 young children have a communication disability in the UK, the challenges they face are not widely recognised and St Catherine’s is working to raise awareness.

Suzanne Hudson, Director of Development, explained: “We approached Mr Biggins because of his remarkable ability to

communicate through TV, film or the stage.

“Charities very rarely get the opportunity to work with the individual of their choice. Fortunately for St Catherine’s, Mr Biggins is an exception to the rule and immediately expressed an interest in assisting us to raise awareness of this spectrum of disabilities.”

Mr Biggins was so impressed with Matt, Charlie and everything he heard about St Catherine’s, he agreed to join the charity as a patron.

He explained: “St Catherine’s is an amazing charity and I feel very privileged to be part of the team going forward.”

BIGGINS HELPS ST CATHS

SEVERAL Island businesses have scooped awards at the recent Tourism ExSEllence Awards.

The high-status awards recognise quality, excellence and innovation across all sectors of the tourism industry, over the past 18 months.

The winners were announced at a glittering gala dinner at the exclusive Wentworth Club, Surrey,

hosted by former tourism minister Gyles Brandreth and John Williams, Chairman, Tourism South East.

Seaview Wildlife Encounter picked up a silver award in the Best Tourism Experience category, while the Old Mill Holiday Park, St Helens also received a silver award for caravan/holiday park of the year.

A silver award also went to the Isle

of Wight Walking Festival in the Tourism Event of the Year category and Mersley Farm, Newchurch for Self Catering Holiday of the Year.

Bedford Lodge, Shanklin, Sunny Bay Apartments, Shanklin, The Garlic Farm, Newchurch and The Orchards Holiday Park, Newbridge all received Highly Commended Awards.

TOURISM AWARD BOOST FOR ISLAND

CARNIVAL season has been extended this year in Sandown as a bumper illuminated carnival and firework display is planned for Thursday November 5. Rain in August led to the cancellation of the summer’s illuminated carnival so the procession was postponed until next week and it promises to be a fantastic finale to the season.

Sandown Carnival Committee hopes that many carnival floats and entrants will be able to join them for an evening’s entertainment culminating in a grand fireworks finale at 8pm.

The carnival assembles for judging at 6pm - pedestrian entrants in Grafton Street and floats in Royal Street. Live music from the 14 Inch Remotes also kicks off at 6pm on the Kings Bar terrace overlooking the seafront and there will be food stalls along the esplanade too.

At 6.30pm the carnival leaves

the town hall and there is an amazing fire show on the beach outside the Carlton Hotel. Then at around 7pm the carnival parade arrives on the seafront, featuring the stunning costumes of Mas Fusion, bands, floats and dozens of lanterns made in local groups.

In the parade will be the Greenmount Samba Band who will stop to perform on the seafront. Then make sure that you’re on the Esplanade by 7.30pm when a fire and pyrotechnics show by MasExodus will amaze and enthrall the crowds.

Fireworks from the pier at 8pm will then light up the skies. Sandown Carnival committee is hoping for a good turnout with over 6,000 people expected. This will be the biggest free event on the Island in November, although they hope that you will make a donation to the carnival committee during your visit.

FIREWORKS AND CARNIVAL


NEWS

GRAHAM PERKS has now left the building. On Wednesday morning Mr Perks packed the last of his possessions into his old London taxi and left the Winter Gardens where he has been the holder of the food and drink concession for the past three years, writes Penny Newnham.

Up until the eleventh hour Mr Perks was still waiting for confirmation that he would be compensated for the fixtures and fittings he was leaving behind at the venue. These included carpets, curtains, tables, chairs, catering equipment and other items of furniture.

Alan Kelly, an independent valuer, had set a value of £7,500 on the fixtures and fittings and under the advice of his solicitor Mr Perks had spent the night in the premises and was awaiting the outcome of negotiations when The Gazette arrived at

the venue.Alan Kelly said: ‘They (the

Winter Gardens committee and Mr Perks) were aware that someone was going to be here to value the fixtures and fittings. But there was a communication breakdown. The whole amount was valued at about £7,500. My company is going to issue a valuation certificate after the stock take has been taken and then the keys will be handed back over to the council.”

Mr Perks said: “I spent the whole night the Winter Gardens because I thought that the new owners weren’t going to buy the fixtures and fittings. I have worked in places before where they have just come in overnight and changed the locks on the doors and you’re out.

“The Winter Gardens is here to stay even though I am sad to leave and I wish it well. It was great here this last

weekend that I worked here. We had a full restaurant and there was jazz band playing in the car park.

“The place isn’t going to close down and be sold on. There are too many people in the town looking at the place now. I’m glad that it has all gone through. I am very disappointed because it’s a really good venue. I’m moving up to a new place in the High Street selling good old English food.”

Chris Welsford, Ventnor

Town Mayor said: “We wish Graham well in his new business venture. The Wintergardens is now under the management of Liz Whishaw. She’s employed by the Town Council and was formerly an administrator but she holds a Designated Premises Supervisor’s Licence. We are now going to spend the next four months planning the future. The building and the staff are staying the same. I feel this is a good opportunity to move things on.”

CALLOUS SMASH AND GRAB

HEARTLESS thieves stole cash raised for a cancer charity when they broke into a seafront cafe at Ventnor.

The Beach Hut Diner and the Ventnor Bay Cafe were both raided, and police are appealing to anyone with information, or who may have seen suspicious behaviour on Ventnor Esplanade during Monday night or the early hours of Tuesday, to contact them.

A grill was removed from a rear window at the Beach Hut Diner, and cash raised for charity by the proprietor Carol Parks at a swim as part of the town’s V-Bay Festival was taken, along with a small cash float from the till and beer from the refrigerator.

Carol said: “When I came in I saw the till hanging open and the takings from the weekend had gone. I have owned the property for just

over seven years and nothing like this had happen before.

“I can’t believe these low people can break in and steal money from a charity box and the till especially after the hard work we have put in over the weekend. The damage they caused to the iron grilling and the window to get access is going to run into a few hundred pounds.”

The thieves also smashed a glass door at the Ventnor

Bay Cafe and left with a small amount of money. Michael Spink, who along with Alan Best owns the property, said: “I came down on Tuesday morning and found that the door had been forced and damaged. I am gutted and have never known anything like this to happen on the sea front before.”

Police were quickly on the scene and have confirmed they are investigating reports

of two burglaries on the Ventnor Esplanade.

A spokesman said: “Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight-based Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) and Scenes of Crime teams are carrying out forensic and house-to-house enquiries in the area.”

Anyone with information, or who may have noticed suspicious behaviour on Ventnor Esplanade during

Monday night or the early hours of Tuesday, is asked to contact PC Rob Power at Newport Police Station by phoning 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 0454545.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Graham Perks

8


OPINION

To the Gazette readers

Firstly, I speak on behalf of the other Trustees and Management of the Charity by saying, we deeply regret that the relationship between Mr & Mrs Mills and ourselves has deteriorated to this low ebb, and so I will deal with each turn of events in an honest and sincere manner.

At the outset back in January 2008 when Mr/Mrs Mills signed the relinquish forms thus transferring the legal ownership of the Miniature Donkeys over to the Sanctuary, they must surely have read and understood the conditions, stating ‘into the permanent care and ownership of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’.

We don’t set these rules and conditions as they are strictly laid down by the Charity Commission, and anything else which was alleged to have been said in conversation at the time was unfortunately misunderstood or ill informed.

We have written to Mr/

Mrs Mills explaining in great detail our position, by stating that we could not go against the Charity Commission’s ruling document and in addition, we sought legal advice before a final decision was made.

Having considered all of the facts and advice received, we came to a unanimous decision that it would had been wrong to have set a precedence for other would- be requests of a similar nature in the future.

We have to stress that we do not run a Livery Stable where-upon animals are taken in for the owners convenience short term.

We had very much appreciated Mr/Mrs Mill’s monthly donation of £30 towards all donkeys, but for every donkey at the Sanctuary the cost runs nearer to £70 per month, which includes feed, farrier and vet visits and of course staff wages.

So during the time between the three miniature donkeys coming into the care of the

Sanctuary and the time Mr/Mrs Mill’s requested them back, we are talking a considerable amount of costs involved.

As regards to meeting with them personally, knowing

what we know now, this would not had altered their unfortunate response, nor the predicament we were in and so our decision was to write.

I will dispute Mr/Mrs Mill’s claims that we have used the miniature donkeys deliberately for publicity material, as when a professional photographer came to take photographs, it so happened that these animals were snapped and used in their material making this a pure coincidence.

As regards to their claims

that the donkeys are bored and are confined to a barn, this is untrue as apart from having the best attention possible and a nice dry barn, they are often put out into a paddock of their own where they can graze happily for many hours a day.

As we have stated before, if Mr/Mrs Mills had been prepared to have understood and gracefully accepted all of the circumstances, we would not be in this unfortunate position today. Incidently, being a charity, we are

NOT accustomed to conning anyone, despite their unfair accusation against us.

Everything had been arranged for their convenience. It was agreed that they had access to seeing the Miniature Donkeys anywhen during open hours in the summer months, and provided they liaised with Charlie the farm manager, they could visit the donkeys during the winter months

also. That is until Mrs Mills abused this arrangement and later was witnessed in public spreading malicious statements to visitors about the Sanctuary and Management.

I trust and hope that there is an element of readers who can understand that we could not sit back and allow this sort of behaviour to continue right under the noses of the staff and members of the public.

Following this and other incidents, the management politely asked Mr/Mrs Mills to leave the premises, which they refused to do, but instead left on their own accord and in their own time. This left us with no other choice, but to seek legal

advice leading to Mr/Mrs Mills receiving a letter from our solicitors.

This letter was unfortunately immediately refuted by Mr/Mrs Mills thus leading to a ban on them visiting the Sanctuary of which to date they are still ignoring and visiting the donkeys.

We have to say that this sort of response does not hold out for sympathy or further cooperation with Mr/Mrs Mills unless they are prepared to withdraw and stop intimidating the charity and the important work we do in giving these loving, peaceful animals the life that they deserve.

Derek Moore. Trustee

LOOK WHO’S BEEN READING THE GAZETTE

Your letters...

To the Editor

A friend of mine is related to Steve & Sonia Mills and I have been asked to comment on your article (which is excellent). There now you did not expect me to say that. The area I would like you to look at is whether the Charity is entitled to pay the Trustees what seems to be a considerable amount of money considering they are only entitled to expenses.

As far as the donkeys go it is obvious to anyone seeing them that they are not happy at the Sanctuary. One of them has its neck falling over and their hooves look like they could do with a good look at. As a regular visitor to Chillerton the area that they would live in is far superior

to that at the Sanctuary. The love and attention they would receive would be passionate compared to now and they could enjoy the grass with the Alpacas without being bullied.

Of course the Sanctuary want to keep them because they are the best three donkeys that they have and are far more picturesque than most of the others. Good looking donkeys mean more funds for the Clarkes to do what they want with. I wish I could earn that sort of money out of my business. The Clarkes have conned the Mills with the help of the Trustees and should do the right thing and hand the donkeys back.

RegardsGraham Pearce

Hand the donkeys back

Send in your pictures of you reading The Gazette and see yourself in print in this spot. Email newsdesk@iwgazette.

co.uk or post it to us at B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Rd, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS!Let The Gazette know what’s going on around the Island

Call us on 409928, email [email protected] or write to Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Rd, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH

To the Editor

Regarding the saga of the three donkeys at the Wroxall Sanctuary.

In my view your publication is not representative of all the facts. I consider there are two sides to this dispute therefore why don’t you print the sanctuary’s side of the story as well in order that your readers would have a clearer picture of the situation.

I consider the general manager of the sanctuary is dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of all the donkeys therefore I am sure that he and the other trust members have a bonafide reason for not returning the donkeys to the claimants. Therefore why not let the solicitors bring closure to this dispute.

G.A.Needham

Let the solicitors decide

Donkey Sanctuary Trustee bites back...

“Incidently, being a charity, we are NOT accustomed to conning anyone”


NEWS

STRANDED? SHIRLEY NOT!

SANDOWN and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat came to the rescue of two men that became stranded in the Solent last Saturday (October 24), after their catamaran capsized.

The independent inshore crew were paged by the Solent Coastguard to a 999 call that they had received from the owner of a sailing boat. It said they had capsized and one person onboard had been throw overboard and had drifted away and could not make his way back to the vessel with conditions worsening.

SSIL coxswain, Mark Birch, explained: “We launched in a force seven gusting to eight and found the vessel one and a half miles off Shanklin Bay. On

arrival the skipper told us the direction his crewmate had gone and we made a search and found him. We returned to the catamaran and managed to re-right it and guide it back to shore at Hope Beach.

“These guys were extremely lucky that they had a mobile phone they could use, as the current and wind was not in their favour.

“When I spoke to them after the rescue, they told me they had read an article about two other people that we had rescued three weeks earlier and wondered why they could not re-right. After this experience, he could understand the difficulties in heavy swell and gusting

wind,” said Mark.One of the rescued men,

who said his name was John Williams and that he was a member of Shanklin Sailing Club, spent around 30 minutes treading water in the sea after being thrown off the boat.

The men seemed quite reluctant to discuss how the man actually ended up in the water, but John said that after going out the night before, the captain of the boat was refusing to give back his high heels and purse. “He refused to give them back to me, so I started getting all stroppy about it and I said I‘m going to get off here.”

When The Gazette asked for the captain’s name, he called himself Shirley

Bassey and said he worked as a roofer. He admitted that there was a lot of wind out on the sea and he’d been sailing for about nine years. When asked how he felt about the rescue, he replied: “Would you go away, as I’m trying to clean my boat!”

Coastguards talk to John Williams and Shirley Bassey


NEWS


NEWS

HOW I ALMOST LOST MY HOMEAN ISLAND man alleges he has been the innocent victim of a planning conspiracy launched against him after he built a new house in Cowes, writes Peter White.

Richard Scoble reckons he has needlessly suffered two years of anxiety, and pushed to the brink of bankruptcy after being told his smart, detached home in Denmark Road may have to be demolished.

He feels he was ganged up on by Cowes Town councillors and members of the IW Council planning committee, even though the development had been given the green light by Island planning officers.

Now Mr Scoble, 44, has now been told that Pilot House can stay, but only if he makes changes to make it look more like a Victorian building.

He insists: “None of this was necessary. Even now it is going to cost me another £20,000 to change the windows, put a balcony on the front, render what is immaculate brickwork, and even reduce the parking space at the front of the house.

“Yet when I look out of my front window I can see a block of modern flats in Denmark Road. How is that in keeping with Victorian houses?. Cowes is a mix of old and modern houses, so it is beyond me why I still have to make these changes.”

The saga began in 2007 when Mr Scoble bought a plot of land in Denmark Road will full planning

permission, but with a slightly different facade to the house he built. But he spoke to planning officers about the change to the window, and the fact the interior would be turned round to put the kitchen upstairs and the bedrooms downstairs.

“They said that was fine, and it would be treated as an amendment to the original planning permission,” he explained.

After the house was built, planners decided decking at the back of the property overlooked a neighbour’s garden, so that was removed. Even so, Mr Scoble was asked to re-submit a full planning application, which was supported by planning officers.

But that was when his problems really began. Mr Scoble said: “Cowes Town Council members didn’t like it, and recommended refusal. And even after planning officers did a presentation to the IW Council planning committee, they voted 10 to two against the application.

“When officers told them it could result in the property, that originally had full planning permission, being knocked down, their reaction was ‘ok, knock it down’!”

An appeal was rejected, but at least there was a glimmer of hope when Mr Scoble was requested to re-draw plans so the house had a bay at the front, even though the new plans cost him £3,000.

With several changes of personnel on the planning committee, and at great cost to Mr Scoble, the new plans it was unanimously given the thumbs-up.

“But the daft thing was that it was initially rejected because of the position of the house was not neighbourly, and had nothing to do with the frontage of it,” said Mr Scoble. “It seemed the original committee members were coming up with feeble excuses to block the application.

“It is what I call ‘designed by committee’, and to my mind was a clear case of the tail wagging the dog. The planning officers, professional people who knew what they were doing, recommended it for approval twice, but each time it was overruled by the planning committee.

“They removed all planning permission and put a 12-month enforcement notice on it to be knocked down. I was told I couldn’t move into the house, and basically it was unauthorised development.

“It took officers three weeks to tell me why it had been turned down, because they listened to recordings of the committee meeting, and struggled to find the reasons it had been rejected. It was absolutely bizarre!

“At least the demolition enforcement order has been removed, so it is not going to be knocked down – and in truth they

probably never were. But it didn’t help when a headline in one local newspaper screamed out at me: Home faces demolition!

“It is stressful enough dealing with professional people who advise you, but it becomes even worse when people who are not qualified overruling the professional – just

because they can. It beggars belief.”He added: “I have won and lost.

The house can stay, but I have had it designed by a committee who simply do not know how to do such things.”

At least Mr Scoble still has a roof over his head- even if it has come at a huge emotional and financial cost.


NEWS

Sam Kewell, Julia Bonnick, Jodie Brown, Hayley Seat, Tessa Kewell, Gabby Brown, Lewis Cavaliero and Josie

Lillywhite, senior youth and community worker

LANTERNS TO LIGHT SANDOWN CARNIVAL PARADETOP Island carnival specialists Mas Fusion have been helping a group of young people from Sandown Youth Centre to create lanterns for this year’s Sandown lantern parade on Thursday 5 November.

Sharon George of Mas Fusion has been working with a group of 12 young people who all wanted to take part in the illuminated carnival organised by Sandown Carnival Association next week. Making lanterns and carrying them in the parade was an ideal way for them to get involved.

The young people pictured here who are aged between nine and 16 and are putting the finishing touches to their colourful paper lanterns during an evening session

at Sandown Youth Centre.Josie Lillywhite, senior youth and

community worker at Sandown said: “We encourage young people to take part in a wide variety of activities within the community. This helps them become active within their local community while also supporting local events, and teaching them skills they may not otherwise have regular access to. They also get to make new friends which helps with their social wellbeing.

“By working with Sharon George of Mas Fusion we have been able to provide our young people with an opportunity to learn new skills and take part in the illuminated carnival, which should be great fun for them.”

AN ALL Hallow’s Eve Masquerade Ball is being staged by Blunt Events this Halloween, Saturday October 31, at Ventnor Botanic Garden between

8pm and 2am.Live magic, live music,

fire spinners, DJs, and a midnight Ghost Walk (available to both Ball attendees and the

general public) will all be based in the beautiful and extremely haunted Ventnor Botanic Garden, site of the old Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest.

Island based magician Aaron Isted will be performing stunning illusions during the evening to keep your spine tingling, and all manner of weird and wonderful Halloween creatures will be in attendance in the heated starscape marquee.

DJs Cheryl Chong, Roni Blunt, Mixmaster Mikee and DJ A will be spinning tunes throughout the evening, and live music will be provided by Island music legend Duncan Jones, performing a specially designed set with his band Dr Jones and The Blunt Instruments.

Hot Halloween food will be available onsite from Brownrigg’s and White Horse Catering, and the

marquee will feature a stunning laser light show throughout the evening.

Ball attendees are encouraged to wear their most stunning masquerade ball outfits, or their very best Halloween fancy dress, although this is optional. Costumes can be purchased or hired from Masqueryde, Lind Street, Ryde or you can get masks from Black Orchid, High Street, Ryde, who will also be selling masks on the night.

Tickets are on sale across the Island from Music Central and Switch in Newport, Masqueryde in Ryde, The Local in Ventnor (formerly Threshers), Whitwell Garage in Whitwell, and Norris Stores in Niton, as well as from Ventnor Botanic Garden itself, priced at £10. Tickets will be available on the door for unlucky £13.

Isle of Wight ghost wrangler Marc Tuckey

HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE IN VENTNORwill be running a special midnight Ghost Walk for ball attendees, and the general public too, at Ventnor Botanic Garden priced at £7 per person. Tickets for this are available in advance from Ventnor Botanic Garden, or on the night.

Magician Aaron Isted


NEWS

COUNTRYSIDE ways and traditional crafts were celebrated at the Festival of Traditional Skills at Afton Farm last weekend and there was a particularly good turn out on Sunday when the sun came out.

Irene Fletcher of the West Wight Landscape Partnership (WWLP) who organised the event was demonstrating fruit tree pruning and ex champion hedge layer Dick Pulleine was showing people how to make their own traditional hedges.

Richard Bolwell was demonstrating how to weave willow structures both large and small and George Thompson was demonstrating the tools he uses to carve his beautiful wooden walking sticks. Paul Heathcote of China Shop Rare Breeds, who also own Afton Farm, gave a talk on rare breed livestock animals.

Arthur Weller was using a pole lathe. “It was what the old chair makers used to use going back to mediaeval times,” said Arthur. “I have an electric powered lathe but I use the pole lathe to show people how they were used.

‘It makes your leg ache after a while,” he explained. “People used to use them in the forests – basically you’re going back in time.”

Arthur makes small wooden turned items such as knife handles, candle lamps and lucets that are used to make braiding along with items for re-enactment groups such as small bobbins and needle

holders.Peter and Marcus Matthews

who are from an old Island family of wood workers and timber merchants were demonstrating traditional carpentry techniques. They also presented the partnership with a ‘Wonderful West Wight’ engraving.

Debbie Robbins supplied a demonstration of internal techniques such as gilding, trompe d’oeil, scagliola and decorative plasterwork – she restored the wonderful ceilings at East Dene in Bonchurch.

Arts partnership Eccleston George were demonstrating sculpture techniques with

their special stone-like medium that is very similar to Pulhamite, which was used extensively in Victorian times. The cascade in Ventnor is made from this type of medium.

The WWLP was awarded £1.73m in lottery funding to inject into the West Wight area. “The Festival of Traditional Skills was one strand of our many projects which include a grants programme, an education programme and physical improvements to the landscape to allow greater public access and understanding,” said Irene Fletcher.

MEMBERS of the Vectis Philatelic Society were treated to a presentation by John Woodford at their October meeting recently.

Two frames of Isle of Wight mail entitled a ‘mixed bag’, were presented, followed by early Persia, Islands South of the Equator, mixed postal history and early Isle of Wight postcards.

The displays were competently written up and showed members how interesting exhibits can be made with a small amount of material.

The second part of the evening consisted of a bourse with six members selling a mixture of items. Details of further meetings can be obtained from Mr Littledale on 293964.

WONDERFUL WEST WIGHTMIXED BAG AT SOCIETY

Peter and Clifford Matthews

Above: George Thompson.Below: Richard Pullaine

Arthur Weller


NEWS

QUARTERMASTER KEEPS GURKHAS GOING

CHALLENGESFOR CHARITYHOLIDAY PARK entertainer James Matthewman has been providing entertainment of a different kind this week – and all for a good cause.

James, who works at the Fairway Holiday Park, Perowne Way, Sandown, was asked by boss Chris Williams to take on 101 different challenges in the space of just seven days.

The deadline runs out at 10pm tomorrow night (Saturday) and if James completes all the challenges, Chris will hand over a cheque for £1,000 to the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.

By last night (Thursday) James, 42, still had more than 20 challenges remaining, and he said: “I’ve been on the go since last Saturday, so I’m getting a bit tired, but I’m determined to see it through.”

He does not know what the next challenge is until just before it takes place, and so far his tasks have included a timed car wash, a trolley dash around Morrisons store in Lake and eating a bar of chocolate with a knife and fork.

But he reckons the most challenging so far was his trip to the Isle of Wight Zoo yesterday afternoon. He explained: “First I had my face painted like a tiger, then I was given a list of nine names.

“They were the ‘pet’ names of different animals in the zoo, which I had to find and then have my photograph taken with them. One was a snake, and I have a massive phobia about snakes. But I had my picture taken with it, because like I said, I am determined to complete all the challenges.”

MATT DI ANGELO, former Eastenders actor and Strictly Come Dancing runner up, was at Cowes to present awards to Island youngsters who are in the care of the local authority were last Saturday (October 24).

The Star Awards recognise the achievements of the children at school, not only in respect of their educational achievements and qualifications, but also in their attitude and effort. The ceremony is a prestigious annual event, which began six years ago.

Over 100 youngsters aged between five and 19 were nominated for an award by their social worker, foster carer or teacher.

Isle of Wight Radio DJs acted as compares for the two award ceremonies, at which awards were given to children in care of primary and middle school age. After receiving their awards they enjoyed entertainment workshops, such as hoola-hooping, belly dancing and giant games. Singing and dance was also performed by children and young people.

The Isle of Wight High Sheriff Gay Edwards also supported both award ceremonies by taking part in the event.

A silver service dinner was provided for high school age and

post 16 young people and the evening closed with a performance from SWITCH, a local band.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for children and young people Dawn Cousins opened the evening event and said: “Recognising the achievements of children in care is very important. It is not only a celebration about how well they are doing in school, but also recognising that they are overcoming difficulties in their lives to succeed. It is wonderful to see the children enjoying the day and they all fully deserve their moment in the spotlight.”

STAR STUDDED NIGHTFOR CHILDREN IN CARE

Left to right: Sapphro Matteson, Sharon Sampson, Reg Clous, Karen Garnett with James Matthewman in front

AN ISLAND man, who followed in the footsteps of his grandfathers in becoming a soldier, has spoken about his role in the British army serving in Afghanistan.

Major Mark Lavers, 41, of Newport is serving with the Gurkhas in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

A former pupil of Cowes High School, Mark joined the Army 25 years ago, and is now serving as the Quartermaster of 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (10 QOGLR).

Whatever the Regiment needs, it’s Major Lavers’s job to get hold of it. If you need it, he’s normally got it. If he hasn’t got it, he can find it. And if he can’t find it, he knows someone who can.

Major Lavers is responsible the life support of 400 British and Gurkha soldiers based in Camp Bastion. He ensures that there are spares parts for a 300-strong fleet of mission essential vehicles while at the same time maintaining the largest stores of ammunition and communication systems in theatre.

“The kit and equipment that the soldiers of today have is second to none, and

is the best it has ever been. It is continually evolving, and it is a full time task keeping up with all the developments,” said Major Lavers.

With a team of only 20 soldiers, he manages to achieve all of this, as well as tracking the movement of all the regiment’s equipment in and out of Afghanistan, reaching all the way back to the United Kingdom.

Speaking from Camp Bastion, he said: “In all my 25 years in the army, this is the most challenging and rewarding operational tour that I have been on. The scale of my job is much bigger here than it is back in Aldershot.

“Working 24 hours a day, my team is permanently on the go, ensuring that the regiment is ready to go on its next mission to re-supply the forward operating bases on the frontline. I have an excellent Gurkha team working for me to help ensure we achieve this.”

Managing a number of locally employed civilians on the camp is another important part of Major Lavers’s day-to-day jobs. They provide invaluable support, providing services

from laundry to tailoring and equipment repair, and catering support.

Major Lavers said: “The locally employed civilians have really warmed to the Gurkha culture. They understand each other very well, and this has helped forge a close working relationship.”

Major Lavers has served with the Gurkhas for the last two years and talks passionately about his working relationship with the soldiers.

“Working with Gurkha soldiers on operations is a real honour and privilege. They have adopted me as part of their family, including me in their cultural activities and celebrations. Fiercely loyal and brave, I could not think of a finer body of men to serve with.”

Prior to joining 10 QOGLR in 2007, Major Lavers has seen active service in Northern Ireland, Gulf War 1, Kosovo, Gulf War 2 (Operation TELIC), and last year in support of the United Nations in Cyprus.

Major Lavers joined the army cadets on the Island when he was growing up.

His real inspiration came after hearing war stories from both his grandfathers who served in the Second World War. One was in Royal Pioneer Corps and the other in the Royal Artillery.

Straight out of school, aged 16, Major Lavers joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (a founding Corps of the Royal Logistic Corps), and

has never looked back.Major Lavers’s parents,

Brenda and Ian Lavers, still live in Carisbrooke and his brother, Robert, is a warrant officer with the Adjutant General’s Corps currently based in London. He has recently returned from Operation TELIC in Iraq, where he was involved in the drawdown of the forces

there. Due to return from tour in

March 2010, it will not be long after that before Major Lavers gets married. He is currently saving hard on tour so that he can whisk his bride-to-be off to an exotic location for their honeymoon. However, the destination remains ‘Top Secret’.

James shows his melons to Sylvia Bartlett


NEWS

WILD IN FRESHWATERSPONSORED by the League Against Cruel Sports, the annual ‘Wildlife Day’ at the Memorial Hall in Freshwater was hailed as a great success by the organisers Jo and Julian Tisdale.

Guest of honour was Dave Williams, Chairman of the Badger Trust UK who came to launch the new Badger Trust IOW group, which is to be run by Alma Butcher MBE. The new

group will fight for the rights of badgers who are a protected animal in Great Britain.

Christina Bengston, a representative from the League Against Cruel Sports gave a talk on all of the latest League campaigns. It was also a chance for speakers from across the Island to talk on their areas of expertise including the RSPCA Welfare Officer Mark Buggie and the Island’s newt

conservation expert Mark Earp. Graham Street from the IW Bat Hospital brought some of his bats and gave a talk and Alma and John Butcher brought some of their rescue ferrets.

Animal welfare organisations such as Feline Welfare, Pedigree Cat Rescue and the Cat Protection League had stalls at the event.

“It was a very successful day – one of our best so far,” said Julian

Tisdale. “A lot of people made a special effort to come along. The hall is lovely and it was a really nice atmosphere with lots of like-minded people swapping information. There are a lot of issues that cross over, especially the welfare of badgers.”

For more information on the new Badger Trust IOW go to www.badgertrust-isleofwight.co.uk

Left to right: Alma Butcher, Tina Cutting, Joan Tisdale, Julian Tisdale and Pat Hayden of the Badger Trust

Huge Hospice Quiz November 12

IF YOU haven’t already registered your team for the annual Huge Hospice Quiz now is the time to do it.

Entry forms are available online at www.iwhospice.org or by calling the fundraising team on 528989 and the cost is a suggested donation of £20 per team.

This year’s Huge Hospice quiz will take place on Thursday November 12 at Lower Hyde Holiday Village, Shanklin. Doors open at 6.30pm for a prompt 7pm start, so please be sure you are there in time for the start. Car parking is available.

Last year 80 teams took part in the quiz and raised £4,000 making it truly HUGE...we hope to make it just as big this year so please register your team.

Wight Hot Pipes at Medina Theatre

ON SUNDAY November 15 at 2pm Wight Hot Pipes will be performing their album launch concert at Medina Theatre.

Tickets are £7 each and proceeds will be going towards the Earl Mountbatten Hospice ‘Cassie’s Wheels Appeal’ to purchase a customised vehicle for the ‘Hospice at Home’ team.

Billed as “A unique blast from the pipes like you’ve not heard before”, tickets for Wight Hot Pipes can be obtained by calling the Medina Theatre Box Office.

Priory Bay Hotel Christmas Fayre

THE PRIORY Bay Hotel in Seaview is once again hosting a Christmas Fayre to raise funds for the Island Hospice. This year the event will take place on Tuesday November 17 from 5 – 8pm.

Council Chairman’s Charity Coffee Morning

COME and join the chairman of the IW Council, Arthur Taylor as he hosts a charity coffee morning on Saturday November 21 at Dinosaur Isle between 10am and 1pm.

Entry to the attraction will be free and refreshments will be available for £3. Monies made will be split between the Island’s Hospice and Haylands Farm.

Corporate Christmas Cards Now Available

IF YOU would like to send out Christmas cards from your company with the added touch of them being personalised and raise money for the Hospice at the same time, now you can. To receive a leaflet detailing all the cards available please give the fundraising team a call on 528989.

Our full range of 2009 Christmas card packs are now available in all of our charity shops as well as our 2010 calendar. You can also buy your cards straight from the Hospice fundraising department.

Hospice Fundraising:Telephone - 528989

Hospice News

Jan and Roy Atkins Graham Street


FEATURE

DAVE WILLIAMS, Mammal Officer at the Surrey Wildlife Trust and Chairman of the Badger Trust UK gave this talk on badgers at the Wildlife Day:

“Many people get hours of enjoyment by feeding badgers in their own gardens. There are some who make up their own recipes and will watch their antics for hours. But care should always be taken, do not feed them too much.

Badgers should not rely on being fed artificially. If something should happen to the house owner then the badgers will not know where to find their natural food, which is much healthier for them anyway. However a bit of a helping hand can help wild animals through times of drought or frosty weather.

This can be applied to all wildlife including feeding birds. I know a gentleman who feeds badgers regularly, and he is so careful not to overfeed. He is also concerned if he goes away and has managed to

construct a feeder system on a timer, that puts out a given amount of suitable food when he is not at home.

When he is at home he sits in his lounge and waits for the badgers to arrive. He knows when they come as he has fixed up an electronic device with a sensor, set at badger height, so the warning bleep goes off in his house and he knows the badgers will be waiting.

As you can see, badgers can get very used to some humans. They are usually very timid, but where they are fed regularly and feel secure one can get very close to them.

It is not so easy to watch badgers in the wild, they will be more aware if anyone is around and their strong sense of smell will soon catch your scent if you are upwind of them.

Occasionally lactating sows will get killed and leave orphaned badgers starving and in danger of dying. If they can be found then orphaned cubs can be

hand reared, but you need to be a specialist and have the correct type of food for them, and have the time needed to bring them up.

Orphaned cubs are collected together and usually released when they are nearly mature, together, back in the wild in specially selected locations.

Badgers can suffer badly from persecution. One of

the worst problems is the snare.

Snares are legal; anyone can use them with no proper training. The results are horrific. There is also the danger of the wrong species getting caught such as protected species: otters and badgers or dogs, cats and even small children. Badger Trust and League Against Cruel Sports would like to see snares banned.”

BEAUTIFUL BADGERS

A badger snare


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Your Health –Your Social CareEver wanted to speak up about health or social care on the Isle of Wight but not known how to? Well, now you have the opportunity to do so.

You may have wanted to offer an opinion about health and social care on the Isle of Wight, on how things could be improved or tell someone about your experience - good or bad. Now you have the chance to express your views and help make a change .

The Isle of Wight LINk (Local Involvement Network) is a network of local people and groups. It listens to what people like you have

to say about health and social care services on the Isle of Wight and tells the local council and NHS what it has discovered. They are then legally obliged to give the Isle

of Wight LINk any information it asks for and to respond to any recommendations the Isle of Wight LINk makes.

Islanders can help shape health and social care services simply by sharing their views and taking the opportunity to make their voices heard. The Stewardship Group, who represent the Isle of Wight LINk members, is comprised of 15 publicly elected volunteer members who have put together a consultation questionnaire as part of their campaign to reach the community and find out what you think.

Paddy Noctor, chairperson of the Stewardship Group said, “We need to know what matters most to local people. For far too long we have been told what should matter to us and now the LINk lets us tell the Council and NHS what really does work. The consultation questionnaire has been put together

to gather local people’s views, opinions and experiences and to let them know that they have the power to help make changes. We can work with them so services improve.”

The Stewardship Group meet regularly to deal with all issues raised by the public. Some of the issues currently being looked at include investigating the time it takes to put in a disabled parking bay and concerns over how patient hospital discharge is dealt with. They have most recently reviewed the service provided to patients on the Stroke Unit at St Mary’s hospital following issues raised about the standard of care provision.

Ian Vale, Isle of Wight LINk Development Officer stated, “This is a fantastic opportunity both for the people of the Isle of Wight and the commissioners and providers of services to work together to make sure we have better services now and into the future.”

“We need to know what

matters most to local people.”

Contact us now for a Consultation Questionnaire or to simply share your views.

• Rural Transport - how has the availability of transport affected your access to services?• Discharge from hospital - was this well planned, did you feel ready to leave?• Accident and Emergency - how long did you have to wait? Were you satisfied with the service?• Medical assessment for benefits - have you had any problems?• Standards of care for those with a mental health need - do you think this could be improved, if so, how?• Have you had any difficulties with hearing aid services?• NHS dental care - are you happy with the dental care you and your family receive from the NHS? Have you had any difficulties in obtaining the service?

Nancy Ellacott, elected Stewardship Group memberof the Isle of Wight LINk

Whatever you

Want to say,

make a change-

say it noW!

You can help make a change.

www.makesachange.org.uk

Your local LINk wants to know about your experience of health and social care on the Island so that we can raise the issues that are important to you with the people that plan and provide services. To get you started we’ve listed some topics for your consideration but contact us with any comment you wish.

FREEPOST, RSAC-KLKC-GGHL,Suite 2, 30 Quay Street, Newport, IoW, PO30 5BA

Email: [email protected],uk

CONTACT US:

*03 phone numbers are charity numbers that are charged at a local rate

Tel: 0300 111 0102


FEATURE

V BAY opened with an amazing display by Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat crew and the Coastgurad Air Sea Rescue Helicopter from Lee Aon Solent. Organised by Ventnor town mayor, Chris Welsford, who is also a volunteer coastguard, the helicopter and rib arrived shortly after 4pm.

Volunteer lifeboatman Steve Woodhams jumped into the water and let off an orange flare to symbolise the opening of V Bay. He was then rescued from the

water by the lifeboat crew and another member of the crew was winched up into the coastguard helicopter.The display lasted about

half an hour and had people lining the seafront and cliff top

and dashing down from the town to watch.

ALL OUT TO PLAY AT V BAY

Mark Birch, Chris Welsford, Steve Woodhams, Martin Macca

WinchmanJohn Spencer on the wire

Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat crew member Steve Woodhams with flare

Martin Macca, John Spencer


FEATURE

A PUMPKIN, a belly dancer, a ‘has bean’ and several pirates were amongst those taking a dip in the sea on Sunday for V Bay. The sponsored swim at around noon attracted around a dozen brave swimmers and a whole host of onlookers.

Rushing into the crashing waves, it was all a bit too much for Lesley Hughes in her green belly dancing outfit who had come to the Island especially to take part in the swim with her friend Carole Parks who was dressed as a pumpkin.

“I don’t like water to start off with but I did it to keep Carole company,” said Lesley. “But I went under twice and I went into shock and I had to be helped by a paramedic who was one of the

swimmers.”Nick Wright, one of the Wight

Pirates re-enactment group, is actually an army medic and he noticed that Lesley was having trouble and went to her rescue. After a few hot drinks back at her friend Carole’s beach side restaurant The Beach Hut Diner, Lesley was feeling much better.

Lesley actually is a belly dancer and has been for over five years. She works as a nurse in Basildon and belly dances after work.

V BAY GOES SWIMMINGLY

Andrew Alexander

Pirate Nick Wright

Debbie De Silva and Gary Saunders

Carole Parks

Lesley Hughes

Jack Marshman, Chloe Stewart, Matthew Barber

Cameron Bleakley, Lousie Williams, David Williams

BY JOMACAULAY


FEATUREVENTNOR’S first V Bay festival was hailed as a great success by the organisers. Jackie Milne, co-ordinator of the event, was shattered after the weekend but very happy that it had gone well.

“On Sunday we got to the point where all the car parks were full,” said Jackie. “But we’re hoping to do a park and ride next year.

“Saturday was a bit of a washout but all the stalls from the seafront set up in the old bus garage,” she added. “It was a great success – the music on Sunday was particularly good and went down very well.

“I’ve had so many complements about the music – it kept people moving through the town. We’re hoping more of the shops will open next year.”

Local musicians played at over a dozen venues throughout the town and along the seafront in a programme that stretched from 11am until after 7pm on Sunday.

The Speakeasy at the Winter Gardens on the Friday night was done very professionally with

four ex professional croupiers offering their services and non-cash prizes being donated by local businesses. Around 300 attended the 50 Years of Mowtown night on the Saturday and music, comedy and magic on both nights was enjoyed by all.

Linda Chester, Chair of the Ventnor Business Association, said: “Special thanks to Jackie Milne who back in last October came to Ventnor Business Association with her idea of this Festival for Ventnor and then took on the job of co-ordinator to see it through.

“Well done guys – job done! The feedback, so far has been fantastic. Ventnorians who “have had the time our lives”, great comments from Islanders who “haven’t been to Ventnor for years” and who will be back and from mainland visitors too who are saying the same. Early positive reports too from businesses – some of which are reporting that their takings are up by 40% on this time last year!

Jazz at the Winter Gardens

Theo and Hugo Tudor Smith playing the gnome racing gamewith Master of Ceremonies David Yates

Pirates FightingMark Innocent

Lewi and Jay Ireland


FEATURE

DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE

IF YOU are renovating your property then Ryde Demolition is an Aladdin’s cave of items that will help you to achieve an authentic finish. All items at their yard have been sourced from buildings that they have demolished or renovated on the Island.

Building materials such as old fashioned style bricks in red and orange and over 500 tons of original building stone are presently in stock. They also have cut stone window surrounds, entrance-ways and fancy stone copings and cappings. These are often hand cut period pieces and are not items that you will be able to buy at builder’s merchants.

For roofing there are ridges and hips, Welsh slate and m a n y d i f f e r e n t

types of peg tiles along with cast iron guttering.

Interior items include wooden staircases and a stunning spiral staircase that came from a property in Freshwater. They also have a whole set of around 16 heavy internal pitch pine three panel doors.

Lovely old fireplaces and chimney pots could be matched to your home. Bathroom furniture both old and new including roll top Victorian baths and older types of taps and fittings are also in stock.

For your garden they have a range of furniture and railway sleepers; both the original and the new oak treated style. Various stone garden items are also on offer.

If you have problems with asbestos, Ryde Demolition have a lot of experience in this area and will test

the substance to see what it is before deciding on a safe course of removal. They are also just beginning to get into civil engineering and can lay groundworks and driveways if you wish.

Ryde Demolition also offer a matching service – if you bring in a tile or brick they will match and source others from the mainland if they do not have the same ones in stock. It’s always worth calling in to see if they can find what you need.

The only demolition firm on the Island who also sell their reclaimed items, Ryde Demolition are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. A family run business by Neil Harrison (who is known as Harry), the yard is open to customers from 8am till 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am till 1pm on Saturdays.

If you’d like to be featured in our next “Don’t Move, Improve” feature,

Tel Sam Smith on 402599 NOW!

RE-USE OLD TREASURES


FEATURE

INSULATING and rendering in one – that’s what you get from Insurend although you also get a great deal more. Their miraculous material can cover practically any surface, with any finish and doesn’t need painstaking preparation work before application.

If you are thinking of replacing your tired old concrete or flagstone drive you would usually have to remove the old one. But not with Insurend – the Flex-C- Ment is laid over the existing surface and then imprinted with the pattern of your choice.

You could have a paving stone, brick, slate or cobbled surface and it could also be coloured to resemble the finish you require. Twenty base colours can be mixed to produce exactly the colour and effect you require.

No ground works will be required in most cases as

the material can be applied over the existing finish and external ground levels and drainage remain unaffected as it is applied at a thickness of 20mm.

Flex-C-Ment overlay mix is a cementious dry mix designed for the most severe wear applications, interior or exterior. Formulated to resist trowelling air blisters and shrink cracks it is balanced with additives to enhance curing in temperature extremes.

And it’s not just for drive, path and patio applications as they also have a wall mix for producing brick, stone, slate or almost any design you would like in your home. Flex-C-Ment wall mix is formulated to give a sculpture like performance. It is a cementious dry mix designed specifically for deep wall textures creating a realistic 3D appearance of various

stone and brick patterns. Both products are suitable for interna land external applications and once sealed will give a matt, soft sheen or gloss finish which will last for years to come.

Fireplaces, internal/external walls, driveways, pool decks, internal floors and patio areas are all areas that can benefit from this material. It can also be used to create interesting water features and other landscaping installations at a fraction of the cost of stone, slate or other aggregates.

Insurend, a family run business, is new to the Island, although this material has been used widely in the US and European markets for over 20yrs – particularly in theme parks. Renovation is another area in which this material is particularly useful as it can be matched to almost any finish.

INSUREND’S MIRACULOUS TRANSFORMATIONS BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER


FEATURE

FLOOR DESIGN BEAT PRICESFLOOR DESIGN are a family run business based in Sandown with over 40 years of experience in the flooring trade.

Specialising in both contract and domestic carpets and vinyls they are the Island’s largest stockists of Altro safety vinyls, Karndean luxury vinyl tiles and Flotex contract carpets.

The design showroom covering a massive 5000 sq ft is located on the Faulkner lane industrial estate and is the Island’s only Karndean Luxury vinyl tile show room offering exclusive ranges of tiles. They have an extensive range of contract and domestic carpet and vinyl samples available to take away before placing orders. Any of the three sales advisors are on hand to offer a professional and polite service Mon-Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm and Sat 9.00am - 12.30pm

Their client portfolio consists of local schools, hospitals, prisons, holiday parks, large housing developers, housing associations, many Island builders

and residential homes. No job is too big or too small ranging from a recent 16 classroom extension block at Christ the King College Newport, to a small domestic bathroom vinyl.

With their team of five fully trained floor layers they are suppliers and installers of a wide range of flooring products including Tarkett, Gerflor, Marmoleum, Armstrong, Westex, Polyflor, JHS, Gradus, Telenzo, Abingdon, Burmatex, Rawsons and Heckmondwyke.

Take advantage of their free estimates and free delivery services as well as the ‘BEAT ANY WRITTEN PRICE PROMISE’


FEATURE

NEW RIG FOR WEST WIGHTWEST WIGHT Drilling & Piling Ltd has taken delivery of a lorry mounted rotary drilling rig capable of drilling up to 200m below ground level. The rig will be used for water wells and geothermal loop installations for ground source heat pumps as well as site investigation drilling and sampling.

The rig will be based

at West Wight Drilling’s depot in Freshwater, managing director Peter Hanley says: “Initial drilling costs often put people off considering ground source heat pumps; it is our intention to reduce these costs by having the equipment based on the island, thus greatly reducing the mobilisation charge.”

Planning committees look favourably on projects that include renewable energy schemes and you can draw up to 20,000 litres of water a day from your own well for domestic use without the need of a license. So with your own water supply and a ground source heat pump that is two boxes ticked.

BUILDING A GREAT REPUTATIONWPM PROPERTY has developed a glowing reputation as one of the leading up and coming building and refurbishment companies on the Isle of Wight, working with a wide range of clients on both commercial and residential properties.

The business is based in Sandown and employs a dedicated team

of experienced professionals to cover every aspect of building and maintenance. That means WPM can assist with everything from a leaky tap to full renovations, even on listed properties requiring specialist building skills and materials. Among their specialities are damp proofing, timber treatment, basement tanking,

wall cracking repairs, eco driveways and treatment for dry rot and wet rot. WPM insist on the highest standards of customer service from all their staff, starting with your first contact until your final approval of the works carried out. Whatever your requirements, they work with you to create the specifications

of the job and enforce rigorous quality control procedures to ensure you are totally satisfied.

For more details of what WPM Property can do for you, call (01983) 400828 or click onto www.wpmproperty.com.


XMAS FEATURE

Book for three - get one FREE!

Place your Christmasadvert with The Gazette

and have a Merry holiday season

Call 402599

A TUDOR CHRISTMASYOU CAN be transported back to Tudor times for your Christmas party at King Harry’s Bar in Shanklin’s picturesque Old Village. This thatched cottage also has Henry VIII’s restaurant and bed and breakfast rooms upstairs if you want to dine and stay.

Through the lobby and into the small cosy bar, you can opt for a

table by the open fire. Or you could have your party in the castle themed function room with its crenelated battlements, castle walls and shields with the dark night sky ceiling lit by fairy lights.

Party nights are at weekends and a buffet and disco are offered with a choice from three different menus, starting at £8 per head. The function room seats up to 60, and has a pretty garden overlooking the Chine, which is illuminated at night. Here there are heated smoking areas and you might even catch sight of a red squirrel.

In Henry VIII’s restaurant the a la carte menu is served in the snug surroundings that echo the Tudor times and has its own bar area.

Bar snacks are served at lunchtime in the bar and Christmas party bookings are taken for evenings only. Booking though all of December for Christmas parties there is also a New Year’s Eve disco until 1am.

Real cask ales are sold here and King Harry’s is included in the 2010 Good Beer Guide. The beer mats covering the ceiling’s oak beams are all of beers that have been sold in the bar.


XMAS FEATURE

CELEBRATE Christmas and New Year at Ventnor Towers Hotel and enjoy something a little different. In keeping with the 70th anniversary of the war the hotel are offering 1940s themed party nights from the outbreak of war on December 5 leading up to the celebration of VE Day on New Year’s Eve.

Recreate the atmosphere and nostalgia of those patriotic days with ration books, sandbags and broadcasts of the era. Dance to the sounds of the big bands and enjoy entertainment provided by Martin Hoy or Cool Connection – dependent on dates. Tuck in to a sumptuous evening

meal – the organiser dines free when a table of ten is booked.

The forties theme continues to the end of the war with a VE Day street party on New Year’s Eve. Re-live the celebrations of victory and join in the singsong at midnight with a glass of Champagne, of course. The gala six course meal, incorporating some tasty British classics and traditional desserts, will be sure to set you up for an evening of dancing and celebration.

Roger Holmes and Martin Hoy provide entertainment during the evening. Overnight packages are

available for those who wish to hang the car keys up for the night and include brunch on New Year’s Day.

There will also be New Year’s Eve fundraising events for Help For Heroes. SRW photography will be taking photographs on the night and for £10 you can purchase a mounted and bagged 8”x6” print with a donation going to the charity. Ventnor Towers Hotel will also be staging a raffle with proceeds to Help For Heroes.

Short breaks are available over both the Christmas and New Year period – please phone the Ventnor Towers Hotel on 852277 for further details.

FORTIES THEMEAT THE TOWERS


XMAS FEATURE

WINNING POINTERTHE PRETTY little village of Newchurch is the ideal location for your Christmas party and luckily it has one of the best gastropubs on the Island – The Pointer Inn.

Now even bigger and better than before, the Pointer’s has a new lounge area seating around 24 people along with the restaurant that also seats another 24 covers.

But you’ll need to book soon as they’re filling up fast.

Decorations go up at the beginning of December and have a sophisticated feel with a real Christmas tree outside the pub and fairy lights outside as well as in. Everyone booking a Christmas meal gets a cracker with a quality gift inside.

Main course dishes include beef bourguignonne, plump local Godshill duck, Royal crown of local pheasant and roast pork loin along with the traditional dish of roast turkey with all the trimmings. Fish dishes include a dish of the day and home made crab cakes.

The new homemade sweet menu includes a selection of the best Movenpick Swiss icecreams and you can choose from a range of liqueur coffees or freshly ground Italian coffees.

Starters can be ordered as lighter lunches if you wish and include pan-fried pigeon, chicken livers on warm toast and hot French Camembert. Traditional Christmas lunches can be ordered as an alternative to Sunday lunch throughout December too.

Winner of the Island Life Dining Pub of the Year in both 2007 and 2008, you’re in for a treat if you choose to have your Christmas party at the Pointer Inn. And you won’t be rushed through your meal either – your table is yours for the entire evening.


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Ryde

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Applicant must have previous experience of driving a 360 degree machine. Must have a current CPCS card.

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Duties include preparation of salads, making sandwiches, salads, veg prep, general cleaning, putting stock away checking deliveries and all other related tasks.

Previous experience is preferred for this position. Duties to include, to ensure the safety, comfort, personal dignity and general well being of residents.

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RFM/5955. - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


FEATURE

BONKERS AT BALCONY


FEATURE

ALLENDALE students came recently shining through in the Stage One BHS professional examinations held at the stables recently. All of the seven candidates taking the exam passed with flying colours.

It was the first time that these exams had ever been held on the Island as Allendale is now not only a BHS approved Where to Train Centre but a BHS Exam Centre too.

“We were asked by the BHS if we wanted to become an exam centre – it was quite a privilege,” said proprietor Lynn Mills. “All the

candidates studied for a year with a weekly training plan, although you do not have to train at Allendale – you can just come here to take the exam.”

Allendale is an approved centre for Stage One and Stage Two exams and the students are likely to go on to take the second stage. “But we need the Island community to come on board and take advantage of this opportunity,” said Lynn.

“To do your Stage Two exams you have to have your Riding and Road Safety qualification which we can now offer as our

BHS registered instructor Nicky Saunders is the only qualified trainer for this on the Island,” added Lynn who taught the BHS Stage1 Exam with Nicky.

The seven candidates were Tania Hutchings, Catriona Macaulay, Richey Tomlin, Sophie Benjamin, Gemma Harding, Joanna Stuiver and Oliver Tatton.

Areas covered included flat work, jumping pole work, theory on stable management and on the job daily training in all areas of the daily routine of keeping a horse.

FULL MARKS FOR ALLENDALE

Mounted from left: Tania Hutchings, Catriona Macaulay, Richey Tomlin, Sophie Banjamin, Gemma Harding, Joanna Stuiver and Oliver Tatton. Front standing:

Lynn Mills and Nicky Hargreaves.

A SERIES of fundraising events are taking place at the Mad Cow Pub, Shanklin, to raise money for the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.The first fundraiser kicks off tomorrow (Saturday) with a female crazy golf challenge at Shanklin Esplanade, with competitors asked to meet at the pub at 2.30pm. On Sunday an Oldies v Young Guns football match is taking place at Ventnor FC starting at 11am. Throughout the week there are also pool and darts competitions.

Next Saturday (November 7) there is a men’s pro-am golf tournament at Westridge Golf Centre, followed by a Texas Hold’em poker tournament starting at 3pm and a karaoke competition in the evening.Next Sunday (November 8) sees the climax of the fundraising week, with raffles and the infamous bar dash taking place and a school days theme fancy dress. In the evening, an auction will take place with the chance to bid for two weekend VIP tickets to the IW festival, two

VIP tickets to the Osborne House concert 2010, two weekend passes to the Bestival and other ticketed events which have all been kindly donated. Many thanks to John Giddings, Rob Da Bank and Annie Horne, for their contributions to the auction.Then at 9pm, the internationally renowned, Matt Byrne sings his fantastic Robbie Williams tribute set in the Mad Cow, to round off the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat fundraising fun.

MAD FUN AT COW

SORRY that I haven’t been writing my column for the past few weeks but I wasn’t feeling myself (ho ho). But people have actually been asking me where it’s gone – which has been strangely comforting. So just for you, here’s an attempt at something thought provoking…and since I’ve been feeling a bit low I’ll aim up at a higher target.

People who think they know everything – or that they absolutely know best. Where do they get off?

Well obviously they get off on being so completely right and superior to all of us mere mortals who cower beneath them hoping that a bit of their sparkly wonderfulness will alight upon us.

We ought to be feeling sorry for them really you know because it must

be incredibly lonely in ‘I am perfect land’. I mean obviously they can’t possibly have any type of meaningful relationship with anyone because nobody can possibly measure up to their high standards.

And why do they insist upon telling us how wonderful their lives are and how happy and fulfilled they are? Or how we should live our lives in their superior opinion.

“You don’t want to do that, you’re stupid. You ought to do what I do.” Words I don’t believe I have ever used in my entire life, but then I’m obviously doing it wrong. Because to be a success in life you have to make sure everyone knows about it and that they are absolutely doing the wrong thing in comparison to

wonderful, amazing and miraculous you.

Or do I come a c r o s s as one of these irritating s e l f o b s e s s e d monsters? I do so hope not. If I ever do, kindly slap me.

My life is not perfect – it’s not even as I would like it. But it’s mine and it’s a lot better than a great many other people’s. Or so I keep telling myself at the moment.

And I do have lovely shiny bits and great happy pieces and funny intervals. And the showers break

and the sun comes out from time to time.

I’ve always said that you can’t be happy without going down into the really sad bits. After all how can you climb to the heights of true happiness if you’ve never known the depths of despair?

Time to strap the crampons on.

JO BLOGSMANY residents on the Island have noticed an increase of the amount of ladybirds in their gardens - and even in their homes.

The current swarm of ladybirds, known as ‘Harlequins’ are slightly bigger than the traditional ones we are used to. The ones we are seeing at the moment are invading homes, emitting awful smells, staining

surfaces and damaging walls and curtains across the country.

The insects, which only arrived in southern England from Asia around five years ago, eat other young ladybirds and other insects.

The Harlequins like to force themselves into tiny spaces and produce a foul yellow chemical when threatened, which stains any surface and can smell like nail varnish.

LADYBIRDS CAUSE STINK


FEATURE


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MOTORINGThe Gazette, Friday, October 30, 200936

AUDI SHINESRECENTLY we have enjoyed the spell of warm weather, but the days are getting shorter; this gives a stronger reason than ever for wearing high visibility clothing. Isle of Wight Motorcycles have a range of jackets with florescent panels, so there is no need to wear reflective over-waistcoats or sashes, although this is still a very good affordable option.

If you’re not dressed suitably for biking it can be an uncomfortable experience, but there’s no need with the wide range of weatherproof materials on the market, which retain heat and provide good protection.

Thicker gloves are also advisable at this time of year.

Safety is the priority, but we all want to look good as well. With the wide range of clothing available everyone should be able to find a style that suits them. With the ladies range of clothing at Isle of Wight Motorcycles, women can have a stylish feminine look, without compromising comfort or safety.

How old is your headgear? Safety helmets can have a hard life, it is recommended that if you have had yours for some time or if you have dropped your helmet, it is advisable to replace it, as its construction may have degraded. Isle of

Wight Motorcycles stocks a wide range of helmets.

Today’s motorcyclists and scooterists can enjoy the benefits of comfort, visibility and fashion, with a basic kit from Isle of Wight Motorcycles costing around £150 for helmet, jacket, gloves and waterproof trousers.

SEASONAL CLOTHING ADVICEAFTER having taken the Audi A5 cabriolet out for a spin in the summer, I thought it was only right that I took the new 2009 hard top 4-door version to compare.

There are more differences between the two than I imagined. Instead of being sporty, the A5 follows a more sophisticated style commonly associated with much of the new brand of Audi cars.

The particular model I took out was the Audi A5 Sportback, 2-litre, TDI, S-Line version, (I think I’ve got that right), with a 0-62mph of just under nine seconds and a top speed of 141mph.

The new A5 is the slightly bigger version of the A4, but to the naked eye, there are not many differences to be seen.

Inside, Audi continues to sharpen up its interior design and finish. It certainly feels luxurious and has plenty of attention to small design details. The seats are comfortable, with good support and generous padding.

The new A5 isn’t particularly exciting to drive, since it is designed more for ride quality than its race handling capability. The steering is

firm and responsive to the 18” alloy wheels the car rides on. But on hard acceleration you have to grip tightly to the steering wheel as it fights to veer off sideways.

The car is quiet and well isolated from road noise, with a secure feel and the brakes are powerful. The S-Line option package, which this one had, brings stiffer suspension settings and upgraded wheels.

Standard features on the 2009 Audi A5 include automatic climate control, an intelligent key system, and a 10-speaker sound system with music player input.

The A5 also have the option

of a 14-speaker premium audio system, a sat-nav system, and a technology package that includes adaptive headlamps, rear parking sensors, and a keyless ignition system. Other new options for 2009 include adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, and voice control for the navigation system. Electronic stability control, knee airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain bags are also standard on the A5.

The A5’s main rivals are probably the Mercedes C class and the BMW 3 Series, which both have their own attributes. But there is a certain elegance about the new range of Audi cars, and the A5 is no different.

BY JAMIE WHITE


37

SPORT

NEW SAILING SCHEMEA NEW Optimist Sailing Academy has been created on the Island to try and develop talent for the 2010 World Island Youth Games and beyond.

The IW Council has developed the scheme to enhance the sailing skills of talented sailors aged between eight and 15. The Academy has been designed to create a pathway from club sailing and racing to national events and competitions.

Training sessions start on Saturday, November 7 and will be held monthly at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Fishbourne. Optimist sailors with at least a basic sailing knowledge are invited to apply.

Each sailor will receive tuition from Royal Yachting Association qualified coaches and follow the

International Optimist Class Association (IOCA) scheme and receive a personal development programme. This will detail personal goals set by coaches throughout the summer months and details of events the coach feels the sailor should enter as part of their sailing development.

Susie Moore, IW council watersports development officer said: “The Island has many talented young Optimist sailors and we aim to bring them together to develop their skills during the winter months in preparation for top competitions next summer.”

A password secure training area has also been developed, containing training material and information on sailing techniques,

background theory, nutrition, forthcoming sailing events as well as links to useful articles.

As well as time on the water, the academy is an opportunity to make new friends within the sailing community and attend social events.

Cllr George Brown, IW council cabinet member for the economy, tourism, leisure and planning said: “This scheme will give talented young Island sailors access to top coaching and support to develop their sailing skills.

“It will also prepare them to compete in top competitions such as the World Island Youth Games and maybe even the Natwest Island Games, the next of which takes place here on the Island in 2011.”

YOUNG GUNS KEEP FIRINGIN ONLY their second game of the season the IW Thunder U16s were hosts to Haringey U16s.

Having played them several weeks earlier and coming away with a slender 2-1 defeat, the Thunder knew that this would be a tough game between two very even teams.

The early exchanges went the way of the Thunder and the visitors net minder was called on early to make two fine saves. However, after just four minutes Aidan Doughty scored a top corner goal with an assist from Archie Bicknell.

This was unfortunately short lived as Haringey swung the advantage in their favour with two goals to give them the advantage.

The sign of a good team is how they react when they are losing, and after a stern interval talk the Thunder came out of the blocks for the second period as if they were on a mission.

The equalising goal was

scored by captain and man of the match Luke Bontoft, who scored his first ever goal with an unstoppable rocket. The Haringey defence was caught napping and Bontoft powered a shot into the bottom corner.

The Thunder then upped the pace and scored two short-handed goals both involving Doughty and Bicknell. The first was an

unassisted goal by Doughty and the second was a well worked team goal which started with Netminder Elliott Powell and ended up with Doughty passing across face of goal for Bicknell to slot home from two yards.

However Haringey refused to give up and with just six minutes to go scored to cut the deficit to just one.

The nerves needed to be settled quickly and this was done with U14 player Alexander Trendall who slotted home for his first U16 goal on his debut game just 30 seconds after the Haringey goal. This restored the two goal advantage and allowed the clock to run down for a very hard, well earned 5-3 win for the IW Thunder.

SANDOWN and Shanklin swept aside Old Wimbledonians 34-3, as the home side put in another solid performance.

Within seconds of the kick off, the Hurricanes made their mark from taking the first scrum against the head. On just three minutes, Mat Jones passed out to winger Luke Chandler for a try in the corner, 5-0.

The visitors tried putting the Hurries under pressure with high kicks, but then missed a penalty attempt. However, Joe Rees countered and ran over for the second try of the afternoon, converted by Sutton.

The confident visitors made their way up field with back play and managed to score a penalty.

The second half started frantically, and a missed penalty attempt led to confusion and Wightlink man-of-the-match Dan Robinson nearly got the

touchdown. Hurries won a line out

on the 22 metre line and a maul took them to the line and Zeta pdl man-of-the-match Ricky Harris went over for the try converted by Richard Booth, 19-3. From another lineout, 30 metres out, the ball was spun out and Robinson chose an excellent line to run in a try.

The visitors never gave up and with slick passing moved up to the Hurries line on several occasions, only to be halted by good defending, or self infringements. The wind added to the pressure on the visitors, and after a hurried clearance kick, Robinson caught the ball and out run the defence to score a try in the corner, 29-3.

Luke Hunter picked up a loose ball in the centre before finding Joe Rees who scored another try, making it an emphatic 34-3 victory for the Hurries.

IT’S A BREEZE

NEWPORT followed their 1-0 win against Alton Town last weekend with a win in the Wessex League Cup against Moneyfields.

A late Darren Powell goal sent the Port in to next round of the cup after he headed home Iain Seabrook’s free kick in the 78th minute.

Newport now meet local rivals Cowes Sports in the next round in November, who suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Romsey Town in the Wessex League Premier League on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Brading Town’s poor run of form continued, as they lost 2-1 at home to Winchester City on Wednesday night.

CUP WIN FOR PORTMEMBERS of Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club took part in the Ladies’ Captain’s Autumn Meeting, with 52 golfers competing in the Bowmaker event.

In first place with 78 points were Lillian Bushby, Liz Jolliffe and Alex Ludin, followed home by Jean Munds, Lorrie Hawkins and Pat Attrill.

In third place were Sandie Gallard-Jupp, Joy Bushby and Barbara Butler, who had the bonus of a hole-in-one on the ninth, right in front of the clubhouse balcony.

Various stalls in the clubhouse raised £380 for the joint Captains’ Charity ARC (Arthritis Research Campaign) and a raffle.

The winning team of Liz Jolliffe, ladies captain Lesley Ismail, Alex Ludin and Lillian Bushby

TREMENDOUS TRIO


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GREAT TURNOUT FOR RUN

EUROPE’S premier 10-mile road race, The Great South Run, took place around the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea in fantastic weather conditions.

For the last three years conditions have been atrocious, but for the first time in three years the sun was shining. Although the wind remains an almost permanent fixture of the event, 13,633 runners of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities competed in the run.

There were some amazing costumes, ranging from Paddington Bear to Top Gear’s The Stig, who on this occasion was Galaxy FM DJ Ben Glover, as in featured recently in The Gazette.

Even the elite runners commented on the strength of the wind along the seafront in the last two miles, which was testing for many competitors. Tens of thousands of vocal enthusiasts lined the course.

Amongst the thousands of runners were 11 IOW Road Runners, who returned home with some great performances and wonderful memories of the day.

The ladies were real stars, with some competing in their very first races and a number of personal best performances achieved.

Just a few weeks after finishing the New Forest marathon and an illness thereafter, Rachel Stainer led them home with a wonderful performance for 2,907 place in a personal best time of 84 minutes 56 seconds. Close behind was Clare Jones, who ran an amazing 15 minutes quicker than last years race. Her time of 88 minutes 13 seconds gave her 3874.

Karen Philips is proving to be a real asset to the club and ran another personal best of 91 minutes 27 seconds for 4,835. Sara Kalcher and Julie Ray ran together, with Sara, returning from injury

finishing in 93 minutes 5 seconds for 5,348 and Julie running yet another personal best of 93 minutes 6 seconds in 5,358.

Three new members running all achieved wonderful times in their first races. Carol Martin ran 1:40:20 for 7,717, Helen Lindsay ran

1:52:48 for 10735 and Sue Hunter ran 1:52:49

for a commendable 10,737.

The three men running also put in

strong performances. Simon McMorran was pleased with his 99th place in a time of 62:56. Delight turned to concern as he was initially credited with second vet 80, although this was later altered slightly to fifth vet 45 (out of 1,414).

Rich Whittington put in another solid performance with a time of 76 minutes 2 seconds, which gave him 1,024th. On the back of a massive half marathon personal best at the recent Solent race, Tom Martin

put in another wonderful performance with 83:41 which gave him 2,612.

Simon from the IOW Road Runners commented on the event. “This really is a wonderful club to run for. We all met up before and after the race, with some of the girl’s deciding to run together.

“This was my third Great South Run and this year I was running to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research.

“As I approached the final straight I was confronted by a group of paramedics, who were dealing with a poor chap who had collapsed. They helped him up and the cheer he got as they wheeled him over the line was just so inspiring. It was a great day.”

MARIA SEXTON, from Ventnor, pounded the streets in Portsmouth to take part in the Great South Run, to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Maria (pictured right) took part for breast cancer research to support a close friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the year and completed the race in one hour 43 minutes.

Maria said: “I took part in the Great South Run in place of my sister Lindsay who initially decided to run for the charity but then had to drop out due to relocating to Holland.

“I’m so glad I chose to run in her place and I’m thrilled to have raised more £500 for Breast Cancer Campaign. I definitely want to run the race for the charity next year.”

If you missed out on the Great South Run, Campaign has places available on its running team for the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Places are issued on a first-come-first-served basis and minimum sponsorship is £175, so if you’d like to join the race to beat breast cancer you can call the events team on 02077 493 700.

BY JAMIE WHITE


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Dame Kelly Holmes The Mayoress of Portsmouth with David James


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RAIDERS THUNDER PAST MILTON KEYNES

THE WIGHTLINK RAIDERS got back to winning ways as they stormed past Milton Keynes Thunder at Ryde Arena, writes Jamie White.

After a delayed face off due to a late arriving official, the Raiders were keen to get on the ice and put the troubles of last weekend behind them. The Raiders came out on top

in the tough battle, which saw the home team fire 65 shots on visiting net minder Mark Woolf. Raiders shot stopper Matt Colclough looked in control throughout match.

It was Kent Johnson who opened the scoring for the Raiders with a powerplay goal assisted by regular line mates Stewart Tait and coach Jeremy Cornish.

With the opening goal in

the bag, the team sprang to action with Jeremy Cornish netting the next three goals for his second hat trick is as many games, taking the Raiders to a comfortable 4-1 lead at the start of the third period.

However the hard hitting squad were not finished yet. Kent Johnson then slotted home for his second goal of the night and logging his

third point on the gamesheet. Island trained and fans

favourite Steve Gosset closed the Raiders account for the evening with a well taken unassisted marker with what was to be the last goal of the game.

Head Coach Jeremy Cornish commented on Saturday’s game. “I think the game started slowly and we found our groove after the

first ten minutes or so.“Milton Keynes maybe

aren’t the most skilled team, but they work hard and I thought they had good goal tending and some solid young hard working players.

Cornish continued: “I think my line with Johnson and Tait is on form at the moment and the same goes for Gosset’s line. The Sarno, Hughes and Robo line is

working hard at the moment, but the puck doesn’t seem to be bouncing their way. I think come Sunday, they will be back to producing the way they did at the start of the season.”

This weekend will see the Raiders travel to Essex for the team’s first meeting with fellow ex-English Premier League team, the Chelmsford Chieftains.

IW Gazette 39

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