IW Gazette 61

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GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

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Page 4

NEWS

Page 34

Fire at Godshill

THATCHED Godshill was under threat as fire ripped through roofs

‘30 Injured’ in Rail Crash

ISLE OF WIGHT Railway stage a crash on the line to prepare rescuers for the real thing

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Friday April 23, 2010 Issue 61 www.iwgazette.co.uk 30p

ISLAND FUTURE:USE YOUR VOTE

ISLAND voters will have the choice of 11 different parliamentary candidates when they go to the polls on May 6 for the 2010 General Election.

When the deadline for nominations closed on April 20, the three main parties of Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats were joined by eight more hopefuls in the race to represent the Island at Westminster.

Sitting Tory MP Andrew Turner, who romped to victory in the 2005 General Election with a majority of nearly 13,000 votes, is looking to serve another term, but this time he will be hoping to be a member the Government ruling party rather than the opposition.

However, recent national opinion polls have seen a surge in Liberal Democrat interest since leader Nick Clegg’s televised debate with MP Gordon Brown and opposition

Continued on page 7

AndrewTurner JillWareham MarkChiverton

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, April 23, 20102

NEWS

COACH CAUSES VENTNOR CHAOSA BROKEN down coach that tried taking the scenic route, brought chaos and traffic jams to Ventnor Cascade on the afternoon of Wednesday April 14.

The 52-seater coach packed with holidaymakers had just completed its tour when it became stuck halfway up the

winding road above the haven in Ventnor.

The vehicle managed half the ascent before becoming stuck on a hairpin bend outside the Harbour View hotel blocking the Cascade.

The driver tried to reverse back but grounded the vehicle. Police were called in

to try and help direct traffic as the drama unfolded.

A police spokesman said: “There are width restriction signs on this road. Coaches can’t negotiate this bend in either direction.”

Police had to call in a team of vehicle removal experts to help recover the vehicle.

PET IN DOG HOUSEA PET DOG was rescued by firefighters after it inadvertently started a kitchen fire in North Road, Shanklin.

Crews from Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde attended the fire, and were able to rescue the dog trapped inside the home and quickly extinguish the blaze.

Two adults and one child were reported to have left the home to go to the shops about 20 minutes before the fire was discovered. The family only found out that their property was on fire

after telephone call from a neighbour who had already raised the alarm.

When firefighters arrived the occupants of an upstairs flat had already made their way outside, but the family pet in the ground floor building, a 10-month-old Staffordshire-collie, was still inside.

The house was heavily smoke-logged so two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using a high pressure hose, and were able to rescue the dog.

Dean Hayward for IW Fire service said” The fire was caused by a baby seat in the kitchen. The dog had jumped up and accidentally turned on the cooker. A neighbour in the flat above smelt smoke and heard the recently-changed smoke alarm sounding in the property.

“The man who called us did the right thing by getting out and dialing 999. The family had also closed the doors in the property and that stopped the fire in the kitchen from spreading.”

AdamandDesWoodwithKiathedog Neighbourslookonasfiremenattempttorescuethedog

ThecoachstuckonVentnorCascade

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, April 23, 2010 3

NEWS

AN ISLAND MAN is thought to have become the first person in the UK to be arrested on suspicion of dealing in mephedrone, The Gazette can exclusively reveal, just hours after the party drug became illegal to possess.

Island police officers cordoned off a children’s play area in Ryde on Friday April 16.

Three teenage men were detained shortly after 4pm after officers in an undercover sting cordoned off Simeon Street recreation ground in Ryde.

Seven police officers swooped in on the park.

Police with specialist drugs dogs also searched a further area near to the recreation ground in West Hill Road, Ryde.

A large quantity of drugs believed to be mephedrone were found and seized.

A 19 year old local man from Ryde was arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs with intent to supply and has been taken to Newport police station for questioning.

One local mum who did not want to be named and who was in the park at the time of the undercover swoop by police said: “I

was out with my children and they were playing when I saw a police car and a van draw up. The police started to speak to the lads and search them. One of the blokes was taken away in handcuffs. It all happened so fast. It’s bad to think that this goes in a children’s play area.”

A police source said that the man, believed to be in his teens, had not been charged and was released on bail.

He went on to say: “We think this may be the first arrest since mephedrone was banned.”

Police across the country were told to crack down

on mephedrone dealers rather than users as the ban was brought in.

The Association of Chief Police Officers has urged forces to concentrate efforts on those selling the drug, adding that it had “no intention” of criminalising young people in possession.

But it said that users of mephedrone still run the risk of arrest and prosecution after its reclassification as a class B drug, with the decision being made on a case-to-case basis.

Those caught in possession of the party drug could face conviction

and a possible five years in prison.

The maximum sentence for dealing or trafficking the substance is 14 years.

In the days leading up to the ban, retailers of the drug – which had been legally sold over the internet as plant food – were urged to hand in their stocks to police.

But efforts to clamp down on its distribution are to be increased after the new law came into force.

Calls for mephedrone to be made illegal followed a series of reports linking it to deaths across England and Scotland.

ARREST OVER MEPHEDRONE

WITH FIVE young children, Alison Ingram has her hands full and she had a big surprise when she got home from a day out last Tuesday. All of her rubbish bags had been covered in blue stickers informing her that they were in the wrong place to be picked up.

Alison, who lives just down the road from Chale Primary School, used to leave her rubbish outside her front gate, but will now have to walk down to the main road with the nine or more bags of rubbish her family produce weekly.

Alison has twin boys of four months, a three-year old daughter, Phoenix, an eight-year old son, Jamie and nine-year old daughter Leona.

“I just stuck the rubbish outside my gate because I didn’t realise (about the new regulations) and they left it there covered in blue stickers,” said Alison. “As they came up to the gate they might as well have collected it and put a notice through

my door for next week.“I hadn’t had any

notification that the rubbish collection was going to change. Now I have loads of rubbish inside my gate and the rooks have got inside it already – I’ve had to re-bag them.

“I have about 12 bin bags in my front garden including dirty nappies – I hope the foxes don’t get into them.

“I went out that day and to come back and find the rubbish still there was horrible. I don’t think they leafleted around this area – I didn’t get any notification.

“I rang the council and they said they’d ring me back and they didn’t – but I was quite angry at the time. Then I rang them back and they said they couldn’t do anything. But they did say I might be able to get assistance until the twins get bigger if I apply for it, which I am.

“Every morning is a race for time,” she explained. “The twins are grisly until they’ve had their breakfast, I have to

get Leona on the 7.45am bus to Ventnor and then at about 8.45 am we all have to walk up to Chale Primary with the double buggy to take Jamie to school.

“I could get up at 5am in the morning and I still wouldn’t be ready to take Jamie to school. And I don’t want to leave the twins alone while I carry bin bags down to the roadside.

“Jamie and Leona have been helping with the rubbish bags but I don’t want them walking down to the main road. It’s a busy main road and a lot of buses and tractors use it. I don’t want my children getting hurt.”

Alison’s neighbours also use the drive down which she has to walk to the main road. “It would be dangerous for the children if my neighbours turned in or out of the drive and didn’t see them too,” she thought.

“Helping with the bags is how the children have earned their pocket money, but I don’t want them to take them down to the road. Kids

tend to drag bags rather than carry them and then they get holes in them.

“My bin bags are always full of nappies too – the twins have to have a nappy change every couple of hours. Also you get dirty when you carry bin bags, which is very unhygienic for the children.”

Alison moved to the Island

around four years ago and to Chale last August. “On the mainland you get wheelie bins free of charge – they’re great. If I had them I could wheel the bags down to the roadside,” said Alison.

“But I don’t want to put my bins down by the road. They may fall into the road and get run over.”

The collection of bin bags in Alison’s front garden is now growing by the day and she will have to get them to the roadside next Tuesday morning for collection – at least eighteen bags.

“I don’t know how I’m going to get them all down to the roadside on Tuesday morning.”

A LOAD OF RUBBISHOfficerswiththearrestedman

AlisonIngram,holdingtwinsOliverandReilly,withJamieandLeona

Gazette Exclusive


NEWS

OVER 50 fire fighters from around the Island spent Thursday evening battling a thatch fire in Godshill. Fire crews desperately battled to save the roof of the grade two-listed building known as Stonecross Cottage and the connecting family run business Cider Barn on the High Street Godshill.

The fire that broke out just after 6pm (Thursday April 15) is believed to have been started by a stray spark from a wood burner.

Police and Fire crews were at the property for much of the evening, fighting the fire. Station Manager Trevor Moyce,

incident commander at the fire, said the owners did not realise the fire had started until it took hold.

Because thatched roof fires tend to smoulder rather than burst into flames, he said it can often take some time for people inside the property to become aware there is a problem.

Mr Moyce praised the fire fighters who worked in extreme conditions to bring the fire

under control. He said: “The initial crews were confronted with a really, really difficult situation because of the ferocity of the fire and they worked quite tirelessly.”

Chief Fire officer Paul Street explained that the operation was “labour intensive” because of the nature of the fire and the fact that it had fully taken hold by the time fire fighters arrived.

At the height of the incident eight appliances from across the Island were in attendance as well as the aerial ladder platform from Newport. Trevor Moyce said the family was taken to a neighbour’s

house before spending the night with friends. He said the roof was totally destroyed by the fire, while 50 per cent of the upper floor was damaged by the blaze. The rest of the house was damaged by water.

Fire Chief Paul Street also paid tribute to the fire fighters for the salvage operation they carried out while the fire blazed. He said they managed to save almost everything in the building from damage or destruction.

Fire fighters remained at the scene for many hours damping down before the owners were finally able to return to their home to assess the damage.

USERS of mobility scooters on the Island could soon face stricter regulations about their use.

It follows concerns from a group of MPs about the number of accidents involving scooters. A 90 year old woman died last year when she was hit by one as she walked along a path in Sandown, but at present there are no hard and fast rules on whether anyone is fit to drive one.

Rob Horton, managing director of Island Mobility in Newport, has echoed the concerns of the MPs. He said: “You can order a scooter off the internet, and could be registered blind, yet legally drive it down a duel carriageway. I don’t think the rules have changed for decades.”

The Department for Transport claims it is consulting on mobility scooters and whether regulations need to be changed, even though the MPs accept scooters provide independence for users.

NEW REGULATING OF MOBILITY SCOOTERS

AN ISLAND police officer has been cleared by a jury in Reading of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving.

PC John Wright, from Freshwater, faced the charges after the patrol car he was driving was in collision with Archibald McIlveen, a grandfather from Hersham.

PC Wright was cleared of all charges after jurors heard he could not have avoided the accident. Defence witness Douglas Bolton, said there would have been “no opportunity whatsoever” for PC Wright to have done anything to prevent the collision.

It was revealed in court that PC Wright was driving at 93mph on the 40mph limit dual carriageway when Mr. McIlveen stepped out onto the road, and the officer braked to 77mph just before impact.

Mr. Bolton, an independent forensic accident investigator and a retired police officer, said that Mr. McIlveen should have seen the police car’s lights flashing and the sirens sounding.

PC Wright, of Colwell Road, Freshwater, was responding to an emergency call about an intruder at a property. Mr. McIlveen, 75, from Islington, was on his way to Hersham railway station when the crash happened.

Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh, of Surrey Police, said later: “This was an unfortunate case for both the family and the officer involved, which has highlighted the dilemma faced by officers responding to an emergency call. At this time our sympathy is with Mr. McIlveen’s family and friends.”

OFFICER CLEARED

VISIT THE GAZETTE WEBSITE AT WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS

AROUND THE ISLAND

FIRE RAVAGES

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

AFTER watching the home go up on flames as fire-fighters battled to save her family possessions nurse Vicky Haworth spoke to The Gazette.

She said: “We have lived in the cottage for eight years, and had only opened the new candy store two weeks earlier.

“To see how bad the damage is very upsetting. At first we thought it was going to just be a bit of damage on the roof, but we are homeless at the moment. My parents are away so we are going to stay at their house for a few days, but then I don’t know what we are going to do.

Everyone in the village has been really good

and amazing. Everyone pulled together when the fire first started. One man tried to climb up onto the roof and put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. I was in the house at the time, sitting on the sofa watching television.

“Rob my partner was upstairs having a bath when a passer-by knocked on the door and said that our roof was on fire. We came outside and called 999. The fire brigade turned up within minutes. Luckily my mother in law has the children on a Thursday so they weren’t in the house.

“As the fire engines where turning she returned with the children. We are all still

very much in shock, but we plan to restore it to how it was before the fire. The most important thing is no one was hurt. The dogs are all right, the children are safe and the two teddy bears have been saved.

“Rob came back late into the night to find the children’s teddy bears because the children could sleep. I know the fire fighter recovered a lot of things from the house but we haven’t even had chance to see if they are all right.

“I managed to get into the house and take a look upstairs. It’s just covered in straw and a lot of mess. We have been told it will take at least six to eight months put right.”

GODSHILL COTTAGE


NEWS


NEWS

Continued from front page

leader David Cameron.So Jill Wareham, who is fighting the

Island seat on behalf of the Lib Dems will be hoping to push Mr Turner much closer on this occasion. But Labour candidate Mark Chiverton will also be eager to have his say in the eagerly-awaited contest. Mr Chiverton finished third behind Mr. Turner and Lid Dem Anthony Rowlands five years ago, and will be looking to buck the trend that has seen Labour finish third in Elections on the Island for the past 26 years.

There are three Independent candidates – Edward Corby, Pete Harris and Paul Randle-Jolliffe – and for the first time the Island has a BNP candidate in Geoff Clynch. Others who are standing are Ian Dunsire (The English Democrats – Putting England First), Rob Keats (Green Party), Paul Martin (Middle England Party) and Mike Tarrant (UKIP).

Many Islanders will be voting for the first time, surprisingly some of them having been in their early teens when the last General Election was held back in 2005.

All the candidates will be anxiously waiting to see if their policies and plans for the Island’s future have captured the imagination and the votes. Just like the battle for supremacy nationwide it promises to be an interesting contest – so don’t waste YOUR opportunity to vote on May 6.

PETER KINGSTON, Isle of Wight High Sheriff and Returning Officer for the Isle of Wight at the forthcoming General Election, has officially received the Writ from the Clerk to the Crown.

This is a crucial part of the electoral process. As parliament is dissolved, writs are hand delivered by Royal Mail managers to every constituency in the UK. Once the count is complete following the election on May 6, and in order to formalise the result the Returning Officer must write the name of the winning candidate on the Writ and return it to the Clerk to the Crown who is based in the Houses of Parliament.

THE RACE TO WESTMINSTER


NEWS


NEWS

‘BARBARA ANN’, one of the Greyhound fleet, made a special appearance at Hover- travel’s pad at Ryde, flanked by one of Southern Vectis’ buses and the hovercraft, to promote a new cut-price ticket for travelling to London.

From July 1, Greyhound UK, Southern Vectis and Hovertravel think they will be able to deliver the perfect solution to the costly problem of travelling to London by providing an ‘all in one’ ticket from anywhere on the Island to London from just £8, plus 50p booking fee.

They pledge to provide reliable and quick journey times, carrying customers from Newport to London in under three hours. To quicken journey times Greyhound has designed its timetable alongside Hovertravel and will provide up to 12 daily services to and from the Hovertravel

Terminal at Clarence Pier, Southsea, Portsmouth to London from 5.40am to 6.05 pm. Greyhound’s services also stop at the Hard Inter- change, Edinburgh Road and Rudmore Roundabout.

Hovertravel provides daily services between Ryde and Southsea, Portsmouth every 30 minutes between 6.30am and 8.30pm. Hovertravel will further improve its timetable from June 1 to provide even better links with Greyhound.

As Southern Vectis already drop and collect bus passengers at its interchange next door to Hovertravel’s terminal, passengers will be delivered door to door throughout their journey.

“Our unique partnership with Southern Vectis and Hovertravel is good news for the Isle of Wight,” said Alex Warner, Managing Director of Greyhound UK.

“From May 1 residents will

have a reliable, more inte- grated, cheaper and quicker service to London available from anywhere on the Island. In addition, we think the £8 ticket will encourage lots of tourists and day-trippers out of London to visit the many attractions on the Island and provide a boost to the local economy.

“I am delighted to bring our luxurious coach travel to the table. We’ve promoted Greyhound’s services on the Island before and have been quite overwhelmed with the positive reaction. Collectively we have made travelling to London as easy and as affordable as possible. I therefore expect demand from Islanders to be high.”

Loretta Lale, Commercial & Marketing Manager of Hovertravel said:

“Pricing has long been an issue for Islanders wishing to travel to London. We

have been looking for an opportunity to partner with another transport operator in order to try and address that problem. The offer that we have in place with Greyhound and Southern Vectis is unlike any other, in that we will literally be providing quality door-to-door transport to and from central London at rock bottom prices. It’s an exciting venture and one

that we cannot wait to kick off. From June 1 we will look to improve our timetable further so that it better connects with Greyhound, thus providing passengers with an even better service offering.”

Tanya Simms, Projects Officer from Southern Vectis, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners, Hovertravel and Greyhound

UK. An £8 single fare to London is an unbeatable offer. We have worked hard to provide our customers with this all in one ticket and is yet another example of how we try to add value for our passengers.”

The ‘all in one ticket’ is available at www.greyhounduk.com only and it is not available for purchase on board any of the services.

THREE-WAY ROUTE BRINGS TRAVELLING AT CUT PRICE

FIRE CREW CALLED TO OSBORNETHE ISLAND’S fire service were called to the Swiss Cottage within the grounds of Osborne House, East Cowes earlier this month (Sunday April 11).

Staff called the fire service after a report from a member of the public that they could smell a strong burning smell from within the building just after 1.30pm.

Fire Crews from East Cowes, Newport, Bembridge and Yarmouth with the Ryde Water Tender and

Command and Control unit from Yarmouth attended.

Fire crews isolated the power supply going into the playhouse that is located away from the main house.

Crews worked with the estate staff electrician to trace the fault.

Assistant Chief Fire officer Steve Apter said “The smell of burning was traced to a faulty transformer unit located within the roof space. Crews helped removed this. There was no fire within the building”.

AlexWarnerandNeilChapman

TanyaSimms,AlexWarnerandLorettaLale

Afirefightershowsthefaultytransformer


NEWS


NEWS

THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS FOR EDWARD

TWO ONE-BEDROOM flats in a seafront building were sold at the latest regional land and property auction by Clive Emson.

Both leasehold properties at The Strand sold for £59,000 to private buyers. More than 100 people attended the auction, held at the Rose Bowl near Southampton.

Two Island lots are back on the market are narrowly missing the reserve guide price.

Bay Cottage, a three-storey residence at Newport Street in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, which last sold at auction in 1897, was on from £100,000 while one of the Island’s best-known pubs, the Yarbridge Inn between Sandown and Ryde, was listed from £280,000.

Rob Marcant, the Clive Emson auctioneer, said: “There was keen interest in both lots, with bidders entering the fray, and the reserve price was shy in both cases by only a grand or two. It may well be that individuals privately come forward at a later date.”

Clive Emson’s next auction is at the same venue on Wednesday, June 9, from 11am.

PUB STAYS UNSOLD

ASSAULT IN RYDETHE GAZETTE can reveal that police have launched an investigation after a man was assaulted in Ryde on Sunday night (April 11).

Police were called at 11pm on Sunday to reports of an assault at a house in George Street, Ryde. IW Ambulance Service and police attended to find a male suffering from stab wounds. The 37-year male was taken to St Mary’s hospital in Newport for treatment and later discharged.

An IW police spokesman said: “A 33-year-old woman from Ryde area has been arrested on of suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH). She is currently in custody at Newport police station.”

Detectives from Island CID are investigating reports of the assault and are currently questioning the woman.

A spokeswoman for St Mary’s hospital confirmed that a 37 year old man had been treated in the A & E department for stab wound like injuries and later released.

ISLAND police are appealing for information to help find the owners of jewellery that is suspected of being stolen.

A number of items were found by officers at an address in Shanklin earlier this month. Officers from the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) are investigating the possibility these items were stolen recently.

Photographs of the jewellery are being released in the hope someone will recognise their property and contact police with more information about where they came from. Officers are keen to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed, and return these items to their rightful owners.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Shanklin Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

JEWELS APPEAL

NEW-LOOK public toilets at Ryde Esplanade have been officially re-opened following a major refurbishment.

The facilities, near Ryde Waterside Pool, were closed for the four-month scheme.

Included within the new conveniences are energy efficient lighting and natural ventilation, as well as artwork on the walls.

The toilets were opened by IW Council Cabinet member

for Environment and Transport Edward Giles. The finished facilities are the penultimate ones to be completed as part of IW Council’s major project to refurbish or rebuild public conveniences in popular areas. The scheme began in 2007 and was carried out as a result of public feedback about which services they would like to see improved.

The public toilets in Eastern

Gardens, Shanklin, which will be the final project, are currently being rebuilt and are scheduled to be completed in late May.

To date, upgraded facilities have been provided in Brading, Wootton, Newport, Sandown (Yaverland), Ryde, Ventnor and Freshwater. Many of the toilets include environmentally friendly technology such as rainwater collection, motion activated lighting and natural ventilation.

Individual examples include Sandown which features a wind turbine, and Ventnor which includes a hydro-turbine, both of which generate electricity. Ventnor also features a ‘living’ sedum roof.

All projects have incorporated artwork that has been developed by artists working closely in conjunction with local communities including town and parish councils.

PeterWhiteman,EdwardGiles,SteveBoswell,AndrewTalbot,MikeCesar,RydeDeputyMayorBrianHarrisandGrahamPearce

SUPERMAN SWIM CASH FOR KIDS

CHRISTOPHER HAYTON was delighted to be able to donate £135 to Children in Need following his latest fundraising swim.

You may have seen Christopher, 35, in his Superman or chicken outfit when he travels around the Island encouraging businesses and individuals to sponsor him in his endeavours.

Completing 5,000 metres or 432 lengths in just over two weeks, Christopher would swim around 500 metres, around 43 lengths, per session.

The swim was completed November last year but it has taken Christopher, from College Road in Newport, quite a while to collect all of his sponsorship money because he has been working at Merrie Mead Residential Home in Newport.

This was the tenth time that Christopher has raised money for Children in Need, and he has raised £820 in his sponsored events, only missing his swims in 2005

and 2006 due to ill health.He would have swum the

distance in his Superman costume but heath and safety at the Heights Leisure Centre won’t allow this, not surprisingly.

His next swim will be around November of this year, so look out for him in one of his outfits with

his sponsorship form. “I just like to put a smile on people’s faces,” said Christopher.

HALF A DOZEN police officers from the Island are taking on the challenge of Britain’s longest river in support of two island-based charities.

Sergeant Cliff Jones, PC Matt Wilford, PC Simon O’Dea, PC Rob Power, PC Paul McPartlin and PC Tom Gamble are raising money for the Island Youth Water Activities Centre in Cowes and St. Catherine’s School in Ventnor for children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.

The team will walk to the River Severn’s source, cycle to the primary navigation point and then kayak along the Severn to the sea at Gloucester between April 24 and April 30. All the officers have given up leave for the challenge and have trained in all weathers to prepare.

Sergeant Cliff Jones said: “PC Matt Wilford came up with the idea after an unsuccessful attempt at drowning his Sergeant last December. I believe that despite the 172 miles to be covered in six days, it is still safer to agree with

Matt when he comes up with something like this.

“There is fantastic support from many sponsors including Trespass clothing, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Vics Stores, Morrisons and Wightlink. The Island Youth Water Activities Centre has provided the kayaks, St. Catherine’s School has given us a minibus, and the Ryde sea cadets have supplied a trailer. We wish to say a massive thank you to all of these organisations.

“We’ve visited St. Catherine’s School for a day, which was a brilliant experience with the young people. Their determination to overcome their difficulties is a huge motivation for what we are doing.”

Community Fundraiser for St Catherine’s Kim Fry said: “It was lovely to welcome the police officers to St Catherine’s so they could see first hand the amazing work here. We are very grateful for their support and wish them all the best of luck with their slightly crazy but exciting challenge.”

POLICE TAKING ON RIVER CHALLENGE

ChristopherHayton


GENERAL ELECTION EXTRA

HAVING previously contested the seat in 2005, I am proud to have again been selected as Labour candidate on the Isle of Wight in the forthcoming General Election. This is a great honour for me and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build on the excellent result achieved last time.

I have worked in public services on the Island, and as a local and regional trade unionist, for more than 35 years. Throughout this period I have sought to work hard in the interest of people in the workplace, as well as on behalf of service users and the wider community.

If elected as MP I am committed to representing the interests of Island people in a similarly robust and energetic way.

As in 2005, I remain convinced that a Labour MP working with a Labour Government would bring enormous benefit to the Isle of Wight in terms of developing our local economy, significantly boosting our essential public services and eliminating poverty.

This General Election is vital for the interests of all Islanders and it is increasingly clear that voters face a very stark choice. The recent period has called for tough decisions, with our Labour Government having to deal with a worldwide economic crisis of almost unprecedented proportions.

Despite this, Labour has continued to prioritise spending on front line services and will not engage in a Conservative led competition to see which party can be most savage with their cuts.

Investment in health, schools, childcare and services for the elderly is essential for a civilised society. All of this would be put at risk by the Tories and Liberal Democrats.

Despite the attempt by David Cameron to disguise their true nature, it is evident that the Tories would embark on massive cuts in public spending with the inevitable result that vital services would be devastated. Such an approach would plunge the country straight back into deep recession.

Sadly, the Liberal Democrats appear to be following suit with their leader, Nick Clegg, recently boasting about the need for savage cuts.

Only Labour can be trusted to continue the rebuilding if our public services to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of society are protected. Labour can also be relied upon to manage the economy in a way that prioritises full employ-ment – as well as opportunity for the many and not the privileged few.

Thousands of Islanders have been helped since 1997 by key measures such as the national

MARK’S LABOUR PLEDGEBy Mark Chiverton

minimum wage, the winter fuel allowance, concessionary bus fares, tax credits, the New Deal and free part time nursery places. In addition, Island industry has been assisted by Government support through the Regional Development Agency which the Tories plan to scrap.

I firmly believe that Labour can win on the Island this time if people ignore the misleading and opportunistic appeals of the Liberal Democrats for tactical voting against the Tories and have the confidence to vote for me as a strong local candidate pledged to represent their interests.

MarkChiverton

THE ISLAND has been home to me, my husband and our three children for twenty five years. Our children all went to school locally and we know the importance of having a good education. I am involved in a wide variety of organisations including the Maternity Services Liaison Committee (Chair), Friends of the Earth, League Against Cruel Sports, British Red Cross, RNLI, Christian Aid, EMH, West Wight Nursery. I was an Isle of Wight Councillor for 12 years and Parish Councillor for 8 years and during that period represented the Island on a number of environmental and educational national committees.

The Isle of Wight will be one of the “battleground” seats in the election – between Lib Dem and the Conservatives. Labour have come third in the seat for the past 36 years.

I believe the Island needs an energetic and active MP who will work with colleague MPs and MEPs to fight for funds

and resources the Island rightly deserves.

I am optimistic and hopeful as we put the strong case for the Liberal Democrats on the Island. If elected I will work as hard as possible for the people of the Isle of Wight. Campaigning to safeguard and attract jobs: making sure that we get a fair deal for our schools and hospital; speaking up for our armed forces; getting a better deal for pensioners and working for better animal welfare.

I will be campaigning for a fair deal for Islanders. Fairer taxation with no tax on the first £10,000 earned; Fairer chances for children in smaller class sizes and the abolition of tuition fees; Fairness in jobs – a “green road” out of the recession through investing in renewable energy and energy conservation; Fair deal for you from politicians — make politicians more accountable and give you the right to sack

corrupt MP’s.My current campaigns include

‘Save the Military Road’, which has been well supported by nearly 4000 people through petitions and a facebook group. The need to provide support for elderly and vulnerable groups is also an issue that I feel strongly about. A number of people have contacted me about the effects the cuts in Supporting People budget is having, the difficulties of travelling to and from Southampton for cancer treatment, the shortage of some health care specialists and end to back door rubbish collections. We don’t need to look far to see how a Conservative Government might run the country - the Tory-run Isle of Wight Council has made swingeing cuts to the most vulnerable of our residents.

I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks, knocking on doors, listening to people’s views and explaining our Liberal Democrat policies of fairness for all.

LIB-DEM IN ‘BATTLEGROUND’

POLICE on the Island are warning people to avoid a scam involving a fake company making allegations about illegal use of the internet. There have already been four reports received about fraudsters sending letters to Islanders about the sharing of copyrighted music and video files online.

The scam uses the fake company name ‘HSE Business Support’, which falsely claims to be based in Newport High Street. People who receive a letter are told that a computer linked to their internet account has been monitored as sharing copyrighted music online unlawfully.

The company demands the payment of a £35 service charge within seven days. If this money is not paid, the company claims the person to whom the letter is addressed will have their personal details given to the BPI, which is a genuine music industry trade organisation, with the bogus threat of further investigation and possible prosecution.

Staff from the Isle of Wight Volume Crime Resolution Unit (VCRU) at Newport Police Station and Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service are in contact with people who have reported receiving a letter so far. No money has been reported lost to the police so far. A joint police and Isle of Wight Council investigation into the scam is continuing.

Anyone who receives a letter matching this description is advised not to pay any money and report the matter by phoning either the police on 101 or Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service on 821000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

SCAM WARNING

ISLAND Police are investigating a ‘road rage’ incident and are appealing for information after a driver was assaulted in Shanklin.

A 45-year-old man from Newport was a passenger in a white camper van with his family when they were overtaken by a man driving a dark coloured Audi convertible car.

Police have been told the Audi stopped in Church Road, Shanklin in front of the camper van. The Audi driver and the camper van passenger left their vehicles and were involved in a dispute at approximately 1.50pm on Thursday, April 8.

It’s alleged the man was assaulted by the Audi driver who then drove away in the direction of Ventnor. The Audi driver was described as: White, 6ft aged approx 50 years old. He also had a female passenger in the car.

Investigating officer, PC Mark Radford of the IW Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “The man who’d been travelling in the camper van was not injured seriously in the dispute, but he and his family are clearly upset. Police are appealing for witnesses to the dispute, and for the driver of the Audi to come forward so he can give his account of what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Mark Radford at Shanklin Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

SHANKLIN ‘RAGE’

JillWareham

By Jill Wareham



‘ENGLISH PETE’ STANDSMY NAME is Peter Harris and I will be standing as an Independent Candidate at the 2010 General Election. Listeners to Isle of Wight Radio in years gone by and more recently Ian Macs internet based Vectis Radio, may recognise me as ‘English Pete’. The bloke with the big mouth that never tires of slamming incompetent politicians and the dysfunctional ‘system’ they preside over.

In the absence of an agent of my own generation, my 22 year old daughter Katie Harris has stepped up to the footplate. I’m pleased about that because the young of Britain are getting a seriously raw deal, a situation we should be addressing as a matter of urgency. This election should be all about the young of our country, and the securing of their future within it. Therefore I am honoured to have my daughters support and pledge to do all I can for her generation and those to come. As for my own age group and above? It goes without saying that I will strive to work hard for the entire community, with a view towards generating and then maintaining a stable society.

I’m standing because all I can see stretching before us under another Labour / Tory / Lib-Dem regime is more of

the same. Broken Britain is in desperate need of being repaired. The three main parties that are between them responsible for our national malaise however, plainly have nothing to offer where putting the country back to rights is concerned. And because that is a factual statement, matters are set only to worsen.

Whether we’re talking about national issues such as our broken education system that has ceased to serve the country adequately. Teachers mired in bureaucratic red tape and politically correct doctrine. Also bullying and disruption rife, to the point that so much negativity has sabotaged

an entire generation’s education. Whilst meanwhile our competitor nations streak ahead, leaving Britain ever further behind. Or local issues such as the recent closure of the Vestas factory, when 600 Islanders were tossed aside like they counted for nothing. A graphic example if ever there was one, of

the sort and standard of management that blights and handicaps Britain now. Both examples demonstrate how useless and ineffective our politicians are, where protecting the community is concerned. What was the best the sitting MP could manage at Vestas? A lot of hand wringing at photo opportunities and diddlysquat else. That’s not good enough.

There are apparently 10 candidates standing, a measure if ever there was one, of just how unhappy the community is with current ‘representation’.

Should I be the one to be rewarded with the trust of my peers, I make two pledges. The first is that I will defend the interests of

Islanders to the utmost of my ability. I will bang the drum for Isle of Wight tourism, agriculture and creative industries. For protection of the environment and for safe schools and streets. And to maintain and revitalise the community atmosphere that still exists on the Island, but which is beginning to dissolve due

PeterandKatieHarris

to the multitude of negative pressures now rife. And by that I mean the mistrust that has arisen between the generations in recent times and has therefore pushed them apart, amongst other destructive forces.

My second pledge is to utilise the office of MP in order to demand that all of our politicians should take their responsibilities to their constituents seriously, and address meaningfully, the major issues wrecking the British way of life. We must deal with uncontrolled migration,

the wholesale destruction of British Industry, our out of control benefits culture, the development of a vast feral underclass, the forces driving ordinary but frightened Brits into the clutches of extremists and other such quality of life defining issues.

All of these matters can be dealt with in my opinion, and in any case they have to be. There’s only one way though to start the process. Elect some decent and courageous MP’s. People that is, whose loyalty is to their peers not a party and who’ve got the bottle to stamp about and

force the powers that be to act, in the name of the populous.

For chapter and verse regarding my attitudes and intentions, please view my website www.sheepnomore.co.uk There you will also find a downloadable A4 window poster, a blog, and a face book page.

I appreciate that not all have access to the internet and pledge to get around as many areas as time allows in person.

Please whatever else you do this year; don’t waste your precious vote. Make it count.

“I’m standing because all I can see stretching before us under another Labour / Tory / Lib-Dem regime is more of the same.”

By Peter Harris

TURNER FOR TORIESANDREW TURNER has been the Island’s MP for nine years, and knows his way around Westminster and Whitehall. In these difficult economic times, we need an experienced and effective representative fighting our corner. He has an impressive speaking and voting record at Parliament. He lives in the centre of Newport.

• Andrew believes in working with people of all political persuasions, and of none. With the WIs, the Townswomen’s Guilds and the local press he gathered over 70,000 signatures for his ‘Hands off our Hospital’ campaign, saving hospital services at St Mary’s (including A&E and Maternity). He spearheaded the submission about our ferry services to the Office of Fair Trading, working to get the support of local political figures and mainland

MPs from all parties. Fares are now more transparent, and detailed information is available to help any future investigation. Under the next government, Andrew will try to change the rules which govern competition. Concessionary fares have been introduced for people who travel regularly for health reasons and their visitors, thanks to Andrew’s work - but there is still more work to be done.

• Andrew voted against joining the Common Market in 1975, and has a track record of fighting EU interference and integration. He will continue to oppose the EU.

• Conservatives will restore the link between pensions and earnings, and keep some of the good things that Labour have done, like bus passes, winter fuel payments and free TV

licences for older pensioners.• Immigration has changed

the face of this country – 200,000 legal migrants from outside Europe this year alone! There should be strict annual limits and control should be in the UK. Only people who will benefit the country should be allowed to be here. That will mean a drop of at least 75% - tens, not hundreds of thousands. The LibDem policy of handing out citizenship to illegal immigrants would send a disastrous message around the world.

• The future of the Military Road is a thorny issue and Andrew is working to find a solution - and the money to pay for it. He does not believe that the estimated cost of £10m - £170 per family! - should fall on local council-tax payers.

• Vulnerable people need our

support and protection. MPs of all parties support the principle of giving people cash to buy the services they want, rather than simply accept what they are given. Andrew is working hard to ensure that the changeover to the new system will not disadvantage those who cannot fight for themselves.

• Conservatives are in favour of English MPs deciding, at Parliament, matters affecting England – Scots recognize that it’s only fair!

• MPs of all parties have paid tribute to Andrew as an effective champion for Islanders. In the words of David Cameron ‘The Island needs Andrew as a powerful voice in Westminster. He is one of our hardest working MPs who represents the largest number of constituents in the UK’.



IAN DUNSIRE is the Parliamentary Candidate for English Democrats Party on the Isle of Wight. The rapidly expanding party is fielding over 100 candidates across England on 6 May. Look out for their TV political broadcasts on St. George’s day - Friday 23 April.

Ian is aged 60, a former management consultant who retired to the Island nearly 5 years ago having visited regularly since his schooldays. He has been married to Barbara for 38 years and has two sons & two grandchildren. He is a volunteer fireman on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and also drives a minibus for a care home in East Cowes where his mother is a resident.

His motivation for standing is caused by intense frustration with the performance and behaviour of both government and opposition parties. He has an intense dislike of political correctness and feels that the public’s anger with the behaviour of “career politicians” in the traditional three parties has opened the door for real change. The English Democrats have increased his awareness of the unfairness of the current parliamentary system to the

English voter and taxpayer who subsidise the rest of the UK (and EU!) yet receive inferior services. Scottish, Welsh & Northern Irish MPs happily vote on laws that only apply in England whilst English MPs have no say on what happens in the devolved assemblies. He is not against Great Britain and is equally proud to be English and British – he is simply fighting for a fairer

deal for England and the Isle of Wight within the UK.

Del Tilling, English Democrat Electoral Agent for the Island said:

“We are delighted that Ian is representing the English Democrats in the forthcoming election. His extensive business experience with companies of all sizes makes him an ideal candidate for the Island. He gives our electorate a chance to vote for a common sense alternative to the mainstream parties that seem incapable of steering this country effectively. Once elected, Ian will put the Island

on the political map and challenge incompetence and dishonesty in Parliament, making proper use of the privileges that previous MPs used to mask their expenses scams.”

A leaflet covering the manifesto that Ian is fighting for should have been received by every Island household – feedback and support from Islanders has been fantastic. Policies include

taking firmer action on getting Labour’s debt mountain under control, fairer treatment for those that have saved for care in their old age, far stricter controls on immigration, immediate expulsion

of illegal immigrants, early exit from the EU, continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions, improved educational standards and full support for our armed forces. In particular he wants to see open debate on all issues (as opposed to political correctness), repeal of the “criminals’ charter” Human Rights Act and a return to traditional English values at the heart of our society – “don’t let anybody make us ashamed of our history or stop us celebrating traditional English events such as Christmas and St. George’s Day”.

IAN STANDS FOR THE DEMOCRATS

IanDunshire

“His extensive business experience with companies of all sizes makes him an ideal candidate for the Island.”



CLYNCH BATTLES FOR BNPAPART from the National Policies published in our Manifesto, in each area of the country our candidates will be campaigning on various Local issues, The Island has some of it’s own, If elected I will be, were legally possible, seeking to solve and put to rights for the British inhabitants of our Island especially the indigenous citizens who originate from this area.

There are other areas of concern which I will be seeking to change by using proper British common-sense of which I will put down a brief outline below, But first I would like to say that for 13 years or more the great suffering British people have been living under the nightmare of a Communist Dictatorship, both from our own home grown traitor quisling politicians, Brown, Blair, Clegg, Cameron, Farage, who are nothing but Hand-Puppet-Enforcers for the Communist head quarters in Brussels.

D e m o c r a c y , Christianity, Self Determination. Free- dom of Speech and all our other Hard won Freedoms that countless numbers of our generations have fought and died for, are exactly what the Lib/Lab/CON/EU pact want to destroy, and if we stay in Europe much longer that is exactly what will happen, so unless you wish to live in a Communist Dictatorship, then I plead with you to say NO! to all the lying-cheating-frauds

now in power and instead, Vote for the only true Patriotic Party that wishes our future generations to be able to live without fear or indoctrination in their school, with communist idealogy and repression of our great pride in our nation.

Wind farms and Global Warming/Climate Change, is and has been proven to be one huge SCAM to be able to con people with Green Taxes out of most of their hard earned wages. The Island would be desecrated with these monstrosi t ies , I and the

British National Party do not believe there is a need for them, and even if we did then we would advocate WAVE-Power, so as to conserve the natural beauty of our island for future generations to enjoy.

Schools and Education, by reversing Immigration we

will not have need of huge new indoctrination centres so to make it easier for this government to despoil our childrens minds with their foul form of brainwashing, we would then revert back to our traditional forms of education and enable our children to have a proper ENGLISH balanced education were they taught to be Free Thinkers and be able to make up their own minds and not forced to only think

what the government want them to think, To train our children with the skills needed for traditional careers so as to build up the future trades work-force and

manufacture base.As for ferries/

r o a d s . . .T h e r e

must be a way

t o c u t

the prices of ferries, the size of charges for these must be stopping a lot of, both business and visitors from coming to the Island, this will of course rebound on the Islands economy, especially tourism, and as this Island depends on tourism then this problem

must be of importance to sort out quickly, roads and infrastructure must also be a priority, especially the potholes that will cause accidents soon if not sorted out.

Unwanted, unneeded and harmful waste and corruption tied up in ridiculous Quangos such as Health and Safety nonsense, Human and Equal Rights unequal organisation and other such EU money wasting communist organisations must be got rid of. Health and Safety should concentrate their energies solely in making sure that workers are safe at their place of work and not try and branch out into peoples personal lives, this is just another communist invasion of the thought Police, to make you think the way they want you to think.

Refuse collection, to again

cut out all this nonsense of spying and other Gestapo like crimes, bins should be emptied once a week that has traditionally been done for generations, all these senseless new laws are just money-making scams for the councils and Green Taxes for the EU and Foreign-Aid, Yes! We should have recycling but it should not be enforced by government, it should be a matter of personal pride in your surroundings and in your country.

Policing, Crime, Corruption ...etc, etc are of many other issues that we need to change, but most importantly we must re-instate democracy, where by the MAJORITY rule over the minority not the other way around. The inhabitants of an area must be given their say, they should be asked their opinion legally

before any major decisions are made that will affect their lives and the lives of their children and grand children and great grand children, It should not be left solely to the minority to decide, such as the criminal denying of the people a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty...etc...etc.

If we stay in the EU and continue to allow the Lib/Lab/CON pact to govern us, then the immigrants within 50 years will outnumber the British people, we will be a minority in our own country and you can be sure that as a minority we will not be given all the benefits and preferential treatment we accord them now, say NO! enough is enough, say NO! to the EU, say NO! to the Lib/Lab/Con pact and vote YES! To a truly Patriotic Party, Vote BNP on May 6th.

By Geoff Clynch

GeoffClynch

THE COPSE Lane/Pixley Hill Action Group are claiming council officers used misleading information to brief a safety inspector.

A road safety audit of Pixley Hill was undertaken by an independent inspection in February. West Wight residents have long protested the width restricted lane unsuitable for large buses. A full safety assessment together with council officers’ Delegated Decision Report was made available to the Group earlier this month.

However on scrutinising the audit the Group found the inspector had been briefed by

a document the Group had comprehensively discredited to the council Highways Department in December 2009.

Although many of the observations and recommendations made by the inspector concurred with concerns of residents these were inadequately represented in the council officers’ report. For example the inspector witnessed eight bus movements of which six resulted in conflict with other road users, nowhere was this frequency reflected in the report.

In addition the Action Group protested to council

members that the period allowed to respond to the Delegated Decision Report was inadequate to circulate information to the 1,242 people who signed the March 2009 petition against large buses using Copse Lane/Pixley Hill.

Also the 300 dwellings along the lane of whom 80 per cent are against large buses using the lane and the 150 people who attended the Freshwater Community Forum last October who voted abuse of width restriction and bus routes their first and second priorities. Also Freshwater Village Association and

Freshwater Parish Council.The Action Group was denied

the opportunity to provide its own evidence to the inspector. Those residents who spoke with him at the time of the inspection had their comments noted without prejudice.

In 2008 council officers informally and without following correct procedure granted permission for Southern Vectis to regularly ply Copse Lane/Pixley Hill.

The Action Group have now written to council members requesting that a decision on the Delegated Decision Report be deferred until all these issues are resolved.

PIXLEY HILL BUS CLAIMS


NEWS

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FIVE experts from the British Museum sat round a table on national television seven years ago to decide which British archaeological find was our greatest treasure.

The experts rated the Sutton Hoo burial as our most important treasure followed by something that most people had never heard of - The Vindolanda tablets.

The Vindolanda Tablets are personal letters and military accounts written in ink on thin wooden sheets at the roman garrison Vindolanda on

Hadrian’s Wall in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. When the garrison left they discarded the tablets and by good fortune these fragile sheets of wood were preserved by the peat.

Personal records such as the Tablets are invaluable from both the historical and cultural points of view. They give an insight into how society is shaped, influenced and changed, in much the same way as famous diarists such as Pepys, Anne Frank have been studied.

Diary writing is a personal record much the same as the Vindolanda Tablets. Over the period of time, the diaries give us something that is just as important and fascinating as the Vindolanda Tablets. They give us insight to what was important to one individual in their own lifetime.

In the short term this may be of little interest but in the long term diaries can be “Our Greatest Treasure” to understanding

society as it was.Sadly the modern diarist is fast

becoming a dinosaur as social websites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter become the chosen medium for jotting down our daily thoughts.

The pen has been overtaken by the keyboard and with the pressures of modern life. The younger generation is not inclined to record their daily thoughts on permanent media like diaries. There are fewer diaries now than ever before.

When we lose someone close to

us the dilemma is what to do with his or her diaries. Keep them or throw them away? The latter choice is heart rending but more often as not they are discarded to the bonfire or become landfill.

There is now another alternative. Recently there has been a co-ordinated effort between the Isle of Wight Public Record Office and the British Museum to rescue diaries for long-term storage. The scheme is known as the National Diary Repository and the objective is to save diaries for future study regardless of their language, date or content. Directly associated material such as letters, photographs or address books is also accepted and housed with any given diaries.

Some people may be concerned about the content being too personal which may offend people still alive. In these cases the donor can place a caveat on the diaries ensuring they will not be accessed for a period of time.

This may be several decades, which would still be acceptable, as the diaries are of interest only in the long-term.

Diaries really can be our Greatest Treasure and it is possible for each donor to contribute to this unique record of our time at the same time preserving the memory of someone who is close to them. All diaries and associated material

will be stored locally on the Isle of Wight and be catalogued for future reference.

You can contact Frederick Fisher at [email protected] for further information.

Donors of diaries may contact the County Archivist and Island Heritage Manager, Mr. Richard Snout on 01983 823820 or 01983 823821 or by email at [email protected].

RESCUE FOR DIARIES

FrederickFisherwithsomeofour‘GreatestTreasures’

“The objective is to save diaries for future study regardless of their language, date or content.”

FOOTPATHS, a fort, trees and children are the winners in the latest round of grants awarded by the West Wight Landscape Partnership.

The IOW Ramblers Association will receive more than £7,000 to improve access to the Freshwater Way, one of the West Wight’s most popular walking routes. The award will enable replacement of stiles with pedestrian gates along a two-mile stretch of the route on the western side of the Yar.

Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth, has been awarded £8,700 to help

conserve the Island’s only native stand of small-leaved lime trees.

Fort Redoubt, Freshwater Bay will receive up to £15,000 towards the reinstatement of a platform bridge across the moat to help reinforce the historic character of the Grade II listed building.

The Hants and IW Wildlife Trust will receive up to £15,000 to extend its fantastic Forest Schools programme in West Wight.

Sue Poston, Chair of the WWLP Board said: “The West Wight is blessed with a

fantastically diverse landscape and a rich heritage. These projects will help to reinforce these characteristics and allow more people to understand and enjoy them.”

The West Wight Landscape Partnership (WWLP) is a three-year programme of projects that are helping to conserve and enhance the important habitats of the Isle of Wight’s western

area and encourages people to explore and celebrate its rich culture and heritage. It is funded primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund with smaller contributions from local organisations.

CASH BOOST FOR WEST WIGHT

THE WORLD CUP finals in South Africa this summer are looming large.

So as a taster for the extravaganza, it’s perhaps worth trying to recall what has happened in previous World Cup finals from its origins through to Germany 2006, and even a bit more.

That is when it is best to turn to a book recently published by Island author Adam Pearson, entitled The World Cup Quiz Book.

There are plenty of teasers in the 151-page edition – like who is the only player to have played World Cup qualifying football and World Cup cricket?

If you want to find the answer, then this book is for you. There is a foreword from England World Cup winner Martin Peters MBE, and it is on sale for £9.99.

WORLD CUP XXX


NEWS

POLICE have published a spoof hotel pamphlet aimed at cutting drink-related crime. The leaflet - advertising the Lock ‘Em Inn - promises revellers “convenient accommodation with lots of bars”.

More than 10,000 of the flyers have been distributed to pubs, clubs and restaurants around the Island.

The glossy publication states: “The Lock ‘Em Inn is conveniently located within easy reach of Islands pubs, clubs and criminal courts.

“We never turn anyone anyway. When demand is high, we have branches in all major towns in Hampshire if Island stations are full”.

“Built in the 1960s, the atmosphere is truly unique,” the leaflet says. “The accommodation is ‘minimalist chic’ with economy in mind.” A picture of a cell door has the caption: “Your security is our top priority”. And a picture of a microwave meal boasts: “Warm food lovingly reheated in seconds.” A photograph of the exercise yard states: “Exercise and relaxation - take a stroll in our beautiful paved grounds”.

The Lock ‘Em Inn adds that minimum stays are available for between four to six hours, but suggests: “Why not make

a long weekend of it? Get arrested on Saturday and stay with us until court on Monday.”

The leaflet adds: “The Isle of Wight has a vibrant nightlife with something to offer for everyone. Our services are tailored towards those who overdo it and spoil a good night out. We have a zero tolerance approach to fighting, swearing, shouting and drunken behaviour. Behave like this and you will stay with us.”

Posters for the Lock ‘Em Inn are also going up round the town with the message: “Your night out. Your choice. Don’t spend it with us.

Officers, who helped

produce the pamphlet, said: “The leaflets are cheeky but we want people to realise that being locked up in the cells is not a pleasant experience. It is not worth overdoing it through drink and spending your night with us.”

Superintendent Norman Mellor from Islands Police said: “Our aim isn’t to spoil anyone’s night out, far from it, we want people to come to the town and have an enjoyable evening, but not when it is taken too far and their drunken behaviour spoils someone else’s night.

“Alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder is illegal, disrespectful and will not be tolerated on the Island.”

DON’T VISITLOCK ‘EM INN

A CRACKDOWN of loan sharks is underway on the Island.

The IW Council and the Trading Standards South East illegal money lending team are joining forces to tackle the scourge of loan sharks. The specialist team has been authorised to operate in the area and will investigate and prosecute loan sharks for illegal lending and related criminal activity.

The government-funded team will work closely with partners such as credit unions, housing associations, the health sector and voluntary groups to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and how to spot the warning signs. They will work closely with victims to help them

understand and regain control of their finances and support witnesses through court cases.

IW Council Trading Standards manager Richard Stone said “While there is no evidence to suggest that there is a problem with loan sharks on the Island, the team will be ready to investigate any allegations and if there is an issue, they can take action with support from the council’s Trading Standards Service.

“People often start by borrowing a small amount but have to pay excessive interest rates and end up paying back far more than they imagined. In fact, they are often not aware of how much they pay as loan sharks

rarely provide paperwork or repayment plans or explain what interest rates they are charging.

“It is also unfortunate that loan sharks have been known to resort to violence and intimidation to get back what they think they are owed. Having the illegal money lending team available to investigate allegations on the island will act as a deterrent to any loan sharks while also providing reassurances to the local community”

To report a loan shark: Call the 24/7 confidential hot- line 0300 555 2222. Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003. E-mail reporta [email protected]. Log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks

LOAN SHARK ALERT


FEATURE

SATURDAY NIGHT SHENANIGANS

AT THE BALCONY


FEATURE

AND SUNDAY NIGHT ROCKS

AT THE BALCONY


NEWS

THE VOTING lists for the prestigious What’s On 4, 2010 awards have just been announced and Maggie Carberry of Caterpillar Music is once again among the nominees.

The award programme, supported by Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, is now in its fourth year and celebrates the best activities across the UK, as nominated and voted for by parents.

This year the awards are bigger than ever, covering 13 different categories ranging from Best National Pre-Schooler Activity to Most Outstanding Community

Group Volunteer for children.Over 2,500 nominations in total

were made this year and Maggie, who runs the popular Caterpillar Music classes on the Island, is a nominee in the Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s category meaning that she received enough nominations from parents to go through to the voting stage.

Maggie said: “I’m thrilled to have been nominated again this year. I know the children really enjoy the classes I hold Islandwide but it is very

rewarding to be recognised by the parents. It is clear that they not only see their children having fun but also recognise the huge benefits of coming along to a Caterpillar Music class. The combination of movement and music, supported by captivated puppets and instruments, has such a wide appeal to both children and parents alike, which makes the approach to learning

so much fun.”Until the end of April 2010

parents can log onto the award winning online directory www.w h a t s o n 4 l i t t l e o n e s . c o . u k /awards/asp. To vote for their favourite clubs, groups and classes from all of the nominees that have qualified. All parents, past and present, can vote for Maggie via this online process.

The winners will be announced on June 27, 2010, at the Baby Expo Brighton and presented with their awards certificate by Phil Gallagher from CBeebies

CATERPILLAR NOMINATIONBY JOMACAULAY

Mister Maker and the winners of the community awards will also receive prizes for their groups including £500 for the Most Outstanding Baby and Toddler Group award sponsored by Halos N Horns. And everyone who nominates or votes has a chance to bring their family to the awards

ceremony to meet Mister Maker in person.

Every children’s activity and party entertainer in the UK has had the chance to be nominated, making the awards a true representation of how parents feel toward what is on offer for their children.

What’s On 4 founder, Sam Willoughby said: “I’m so excited about our 2010 awards. Everyone through to this stage should be very proud that parents feel strongly enough that they have taken the time to nominate, but I can’t wait to see the results of the voting.”

“I’m thrilled to have been nominated again this year. I know the children really enjoy the classes I hold Islandwide but it is very rewarding to be recognised by the parents.”

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE DANCING ON ICE FINALISTS LIVE!

To win tickets to see Dancing on Ice live simply answer the question below and send your entry, along with your name, address and daytime telephone no to:Dancing on Ice Competition, The Isle of Wight Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Park, Sandown, PO36 9PH.

The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Wednesday April 28, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Planet Ice and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Name:

Address:

E-mail:

Question: In which town is Planet Ice on the Island?

Answer:

Tel no:

THIS YEAR’S Dancing on Ice show attracted over 10 million viewers in its first week and included celebrities such as Eastenders’ actress Daniella Westbrook, Olympic swimmer Sharon Davies and Heather Mills, who all risked life and limb in a bid to be crowned skating champion.

But the celebrity who walked away with the top spot was actress Hayley Tamaddon with her ice skating partner Daniel Whiston.

Now here is your chance to win VIP tickets to watch the finalists thanks to Planet Ice. We have tickets to give away to see them live on May 1 in Birmingham.

MaggieCarberrywithsomeofthechildrenatCaterpillarMusic


NEWS

ART SALE IN GURNARDIT WAS plain sailing at Cowes Art Group’s exhibition at Gurnard Village Hall, April 3, with around £700 of paintings sold by members.

Although many of the paintings are inspired by the sea and sailing there were also landscapes, portraits and abstract paintings.

Carly Dawkins sold one of her local scenes – a thatched cottage in Brighstone painted on location.

“I work in oils, mainly local scenes and I’ve just started painting on location,” said Carly, 36, who has been a member of the art group for 15 years. “I’ve been painting since I left school.”

Carly’s father Ian

Dawkins is also a member of the group and sold a watercolour of a cafe in Cornwall.

Cowes Art Group meet at Gurnard Village Hall, the venue for the exhibition and also have another show at St Mary’s Church Hall in Cowes during Cowes Week.

Chris Gillies sold four of his smaller oil paintings of local scenes. He paints seascapes and landscapes.

“I’m gradually moving inland,” laughed Chris. “It was quite a good little show – the standard was quite good.

“I joined the group a year ago. I thought that if I could carry all of my painting equipment down to the hall it might encourage me to go outside to paint,” he

explained.Chris puts together

his paintings from photographs and sketches. He was an engineer until retiring in December 2008, and has painted professionally ever since. His first solo show will be at Regatta House in Cowes over the weekend of May 22, 23.

A previous winner of the IW Landscape Exhibition, and runner up last year, Chris will also be exhibiting with Carly and four other artists during the Open Studio Week. Sally Pengelly, Jill Roe, Tony Westmore and Frank Jacobs will join Chris and Carly at Gurnard Village Hall for the Open Studio weekend from July 24 – 27.

THE FUNDS are continuing to roll in to try to make a better life for Shanklin cerebral palsy sufferer Gracie-May Fuller.

A sponsored walk was organised from Sandown Pier to Shanklin along the

seafront, and children aged between three and 15, and parents raised money to help a very Gracie-May who needs an operation in the United States to help her walk.

The event was extremely

successful, and a massive £1,600.00 was raised. Even passers-by helped by donating into walkers’ buckets, which raised £67.72. Children wore T-shirts that were supplied by Isle of Wight graphics,

which also made another £35 for the fund. A competition was held for the family with the most raised funds. The winning Family was The ‘Eve’ Family which raised a massive £400.

An Auction/Grand Raffle

is being held at Flanagan’s Pub, Pier Street, Sandown on May 8 All proceeds will go to the Gracie May fund. Gracie-May is due to have her operation in July, but the total cost will be around £40,000, and fund-raising is

ongoing.Visit www.helpgracie-

maywalk.co.uk or the Help Gracie May walk Facebook page for more information on Gracie May’s operation, up-coming events and details on how to donate.

GRACIE-MAY CASH BOOSTSomeoftheparticipantsintheSsponsoredwalkforGracieMayFuller


NEWS

FORMER William Smith International Performance Scholar at the Royal College of Music, Ren Yuan, will be performing a piano recital accompanied by Island Oboist Emma Vallender. The concert at All Saints Church in Calbourne will be on Saturday May 29 and will include canapés and a drinks reception.

Yuan is an extremely talented young pianist from Dalian, China with a passion for Chopin and Schubert. After graduating from Shenyang Conservatory Yuan joined the Dalian Huaxia Song and Dance Troupe. She performed with them in Japan and Russia before coming to London to study at the Royal College of Music (RCM) where she was awarded a William Smith International Performance Scholarship and where she studied with Nigel Clayton.

Yuan has performed in Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Beijing and, most recently, at New York’s Carnegie Hall. She also performed

at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gala Concert at the RCM in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex. Yuan is currently studying for the prestigious Artist Diploma at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami.

Emma Vallender was born on the Island and began her musical studies, aged eleven, under the tuition of Wendy Banks and, later,

with Elizabeth Courtney. She attended Ryde School and toured with its orchestra and choir to Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany and Switzerland.

In 2006 Emma won a place to study at Trinity College of Music in London and has studied with the renowned oboists David Thomas and Chris O’Neil. She has since moved to the

Royal College of Music and is currently in her final year of a BMus course where she is studying with David Theodore and Christopher Cowie.

As well as the oboe Emma has a strong interest in singing. Emma was last year a Choral Scholar at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, is a member of the London Symphony Chorus and was

alto soloist for Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Southampton Sinfonietta and Chorus. Recently Emma has recorded music for use in films with the Purcell Singers. Past films include blockbusters such as King Kong. In the summer of 2008 Emma was performing in France for two and a half weeks with Opera De Bauge.

Orchestral tours have taken Emma all over the world, including a visit to China with the London Amadeus Orchestra. She performed with St. Etiennes for the celebrations of the re-opening of the Royal Festival Hall, and was invited to join members of the London Symphony Orchestra on the Millenium Bridge where they played a new Alvin Curran score as part of the UBS Openings for the Tate Modern.

Emma was a finalist in the 2007 Harold–Clarke Woodwind Competition and in August 2008 Emma was selected to attend the Charterhouse International Music Festival. Emma is currently recording for Naxos record label with Trinity College of Music Wind Orchestra.

To reserve tickets for the concert contact William Smith at [email protected] or call 404045. All proceeds from the concert go to All Saints Church in Calbourne.

CALBOURNE RECITAL

A NEW brewery has been launched on the Island. Island Ales have revealed its opening, and it will be known simply as ‘Island Brewery’.

The brewery is the brainchild of Tom Minshull, who was formerly involved with Burt’s Brewery, and has recruited Chris Coleman as his brewer.

The first beer to come out of the brewery is Nipper Bitter, a modest 3.8 per cent abv, based on the old Burt’s recipe. Other tipples to tickle the taste buds of real ale enthusiasts will be Wight Gold (4 per cent), Yachtsman’s Ale (4.2 per cent), Wight Knight (4.5 per cent) and Vectis Venom (4.8 percent).

COASTGUARD ‘COPTER IN

MERCY DASH TO WARSHIP

BREWERY GETSISLAND LAUNCH

FANS of Nick Clegg might be interested to know that he practises Transendental Meditation, (TM), as does IW Festival headliner Paul McCartney.

For those who would like to follow in their footsteps, Islander Will Trend is hoping to get at least 1% of the Island’s population using TM and runs classes at his Adgestone home. He can be reached on 404560

JUST LIKE NICK!

THE COASTGUARD helicopter 104 was called to assist the warship HMS Albion on Thursday April 15, in the middle of the English Channel whilst she was undergoing sea trials.

The Helicopter 104 was called to the HMS Albion to transfer a sick 43 year female who required urgent medical attention at a hospital.

Doctors on board the warship recommended she urgently seek medical attention onshore. IW Ambulance Service struggled to find an ambulance to

send to the landing site at Sea Close to meet the sick Wren.

The Island’s fire service from Newport were also in attendance

C o a s t g u a r d spokesman Fred Cayhill said “The warship HMS Albion contacted the coastguard just after lunchtime on April 15 to ask if we could assist with the medical evacuation of a sick crew member on board who required medical treatment at the nearest hospital.

“We tasked the rescue helicopter 104 based at Lee on

Solent. The warship was 20 miles south off of St Catherines point. The casualty was transfered by the rescue helicopter to St Mary’s hospital.”

NHS Isle of Wight Spokesperson said: “All ambulance calls are prioritised, with life threatening emergencies (known as Category A calls) always taking priority.

“The IW Ambulance Service are contin- ing to receive a high volume of calls. An ambulance was desp- atched to Seaclose Park, Newport as soon as one became available.”

RenYuanEmmaVallender

“Yuan is an extremely talented young pianist from Dalian, China with a passion for Chopin and Schubert.”


NEWS

ISLAND children who have been bereaved are set to benefit from a major lottery grant.

A group of children’s professionals have been working with YMCA on the Island to establish a bereavement service for children and young people. Their hard work has now been rewarded by a Big Lottery Fund grant of £457,523 from the Reaching Communities scheme.

The award will allow the bereavement service, called ‘help2grieve’, to be established. The service will be based at YMCA Winchester House in Shanklin and will launch in

late autumn, working with babies through to 18 year olds.

Help2grieve will provide therapeutic services to young people and families. It will also provide assistance to schools and community groups to help them to recognise and meet grieving children’s support needs, or where there is a community loss impacting on children.

“We intend to develop help2grieve as a service offering high quality information, support and training, group work and events, along with 1-1 and family support for children utilising professional bereavement counsellors.”

said Kath Smith, retired health professional and a key driving force for the set up of the service.

Emma Corina, YMCA Area Director for the Island and South East Hampshire, said: “This is an extremely important provision and exactly the type of service that the YMCA is dedicated to supporting. I am delighted this funding has been secured so we can get help2grieve up and running. This grant is exactly what we need to get started but continued support will be essential to our future and there are lots of different ways that people and organisations can help.”

HELP2GRIEVE BENEFIT FROM GRANT HELP

A RYDE MAN is furious about the way in which he has been treated in respect of his property in Simeon Street, which burnt down earlier this month.

Roly Rigby, 42, has lost everything in the fire that destroyed a 115ft long building in which there were two flats, two static caravans – one of which was in the building - and 23ft boat.

The fire began in a big camper van outside the building, spread to a pine tree on the neighbouring Simeon Street Park, which then fell onto the building.

“My partner’s father having cancer saved our lives because we were staying in Binstead to be near him. We would have been there otherwise,” said Mr. Rigby.

“And my son, who lived in the top floor flat, was staying at his mother’s because he didn’t like being at the property when we weren’t there.

“The fire brigade were told that it was a scrapyard, but it wasn’t and never has been – we are registered as a dwelling with the council for council tax. If the fire brigade had been told it was a dwelling they might have looked after my property, but instead they just made sure that surrounding properties were protected.

“My insurers are now saying I’m a scrapyard and won’t pay out. But it has

been my home for the last eight years.

“After the fire I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the place. The council sent in contractors to clear my land without my authority and now because of that my insurers are refusing to pay for making the site safe too – they say I should have got two quotations and forwarded details to them.

“The building had to be taken down to 6ft high for the fire brigade to do their assessments. A 12ft snooker table on which Ray Reardon played was in that building along with another snooker table, a fruit machine and computers and now all trace of them has disappeared.”

Mr. Rigby claims that he has had a catalogue of harassment since buying the property nine years ago. Some has been from local youngsters, particularly those using the neighbouring Simeon Street Park.

“I’ve had to replace 22 new double glazed windows with reinforced plastic like that used in bus shelters,” said Mr. Rigby.

“And I’ve also had problems with kids throwing lit pieces of paper into the trees in Simeon Street Park

next to my property. I asked the council to cut them down and they cut down four of them, leaving the one that caused the fire to my property.

“Two years ago, armed police broke into my property with battering rams in the pursuit of a fugitive from the law.

“They got the address wrong and I had no association with him,” said Mr. Rigby. “But they came back again and smashed the place to pieces.

“When the police came in they demolished a fortified door, damaging the frame and the door. I had to patch the door to make it fit, but it meant that I couldn’t stop people getting into the property.

“I left the place with holes in the ceiling as the police had left it because I wanted the police to apologise. My insurers have said they will give me £30k to take the police to court for the damage to my property,” he claimed.

“Now I’ve been intimidated into leaving my property. It’s totally uninhabitable and they’ve dumped a big pile of rubble on it.

“Anonymous callers have said that as it’s going to cost a fortune to take all the rubble away, and if I agree to hand over the property there will be no bills to pay.”

RYDE BLAZE MAN SPEAKSBY JASON KAY


FEATURE

GEMS BRIDALWEAR IS JUST STUNNING

The shop in Scarrot’s Lane in Newport also has lots of stunning bridesmaid’s dresses in adult, teenage and tiny tots sizes – all in complementary styles and colours.

New colours for bridesmaids this season are coffees and creams, purples and blues although pinks, burgundies and reds are always popular. Gems also have a wonderful collection of coloured wedding dresses.

One of the new wedding dresses is a princess styled dress with tulle overskirt by

Veromia in a brown and pink colourway with matching bridesmaids’ dresses. Veromia also has a pink version of this beautiful dress, again with matching bridesmaids’ dresses.

The new White Rose Collection is aimed at the curvier bride and the shop stocks sizes 20 to 26, although all of Gem’s ranges can be ordered in up to size 30. Reduced priced gowns are available at the shop on the upper floor.

Outfits for the mother of

GEMS have some lovely new creations from Mark Lesley, Maggie Sottero, Veromia, Alexia and Romantica for this season’s brides and the new September collections are just arriving too.

the bride or mother of the bridegroom along with special occasion wear are also available and many dresses are suitable for prom wear too.

A lovely range of shoes includes those with platform heels and Gems have a wide range of tiaras.

The full range of dresses can be viewed at www.gemsbridal wear.co.uk and includes gowns from the

following design houses: Alexia Designs; Alfred Angelo; Angel; Benja- min Roberts; Bonny Bridal; Cymberline; Mon Cheri; D’Zage; Emmer- ling; Eshenda Moda; Eternity; Eva Jordan; Forever Yours; Holly- wood Dreams; House of Nicholas; Justine Mireil; Maggie Sottero; Phil Collins; Raylia; Romantica; San Patrick; Stevie Gowns; Tracy James; Venus; Veromia; Hillary Morgan.


FEATURE

RUMOURS are rife that Hollywood’s best looking couple could be about to become husband and wife. The gazette can reveal.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reportedly planning to tie the knot after coming under pressure from their own children.

It emerged yesterday that the actors, couple’s oldest children have been instrumental in Brad and Angelina’s plans to walk down the aisle. 8-year-old Maddox, the eldest of the Brangelina clan, is said to be insisting upon playing the role of ring bearer on the big day.

Hollywood’s golden couple

met on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith in 2005 in which they starred opposite each other. The union caused controversy at the time as Brad was married to the popular Friend’s actress, Jennifer Aniston, when he met Jolie. It caused a backlash from some fans with many deciding to wear “Team Aniston” T-shirts to protest at the Brad/Angelina romance.

The couple have 6 children between them, three of whom are adopted. It appears the main reason for the possible nuptials is to keep their brood happy.

However both Brad and Angelina have been married

before. 46-year-old Brad and Jennifer Aniston were together for 5 years, and Angelina has notched up two ex-husbands namely Johnny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, both marriages lasted 3 years. Will it be third time lucky for 34-year-old Oscar winner Angelina?

BRAD AND ANGELINA TO TIE KNOT FINALLY


FEATURE

DON’T MOVE... IMPROVE!

A BRAND new floor covering is flying out of Islandwide carpets and it’s not a magic carpet.

The Eleetile range of vinyl, which is a contract vinyl that doesn’t need to be stuck to the floor, can be used on top of existing vinyl and comes in a whole range of finishes.

Don’t spend hours stripping your floorboards because Eleetile can cover your floors in a fantastic wood finish. This floor covering is taking the flooring industry by storm and the sole suppliers of Eleetile on the Island are Islandwide Carpets in Ryde.

Signature hairdressers in Ryde have recently fitted the

MAGIC VINYL IS HIT AT ISLANDWIDE CARPETS

Eleetile throughout the salon and the pale Canadian Cedar colour is proving a hit with staff and customers alike.

One of the leading hotels on the Island, who are currently undergoing refurbishment, is also fitting Eleetile in several locations. The vinyl has a ten-year guarantee for commercial use and a twenty-year guarantee for domestic use.

“We’re enjoying a level of business we haven’t experienced in a number of years at this time of the year,” said owner John Keyworth. “Apart from the fact that

our customers know they get good service and good prices with us, people are certainly improving, not moving.”

“Several of the carpet manufacturers have brought in new spring colours and there is a movement away from beige to a hint of colour with the beige. Colour is making a comeback, slowly but surely.

“New spring rugs are also in – we have one of the most comprehensive ranges of rugs on the Island.

“Surprisingly we’re finding that our word of mouth recommendation is growing

exponentially and for the first time we have now served the grandchild of one of our first customers.

“Islandwide have been carpeting the Island from coast to coast for the last 37 years,” laughed John. “All our staff are employed, including our fitters, which is a major plus as far as I’m concerned and as far as our customers are concerned too.”

Islandwide Carpets are open from 9am till 5pm, Mon to Sat, and are at 4, Star Street, Ryde next to the Commodore Cinema.

Ryde’sSignatureHairdresserswithEleetilefloorcovering

RichardBarton-SmithofIslandwideCarpets


FEATURE

ISLAND Country Cookers supply and service all Aga cookers – the traditional cast iron range cookers that not only have versatile cooking facilities but can also supply all of your hot water.

The company has been providing all aspects of heating and plumbing for the last 30 years and can supply landlord certification, boiler changes and all central heating systems. They offer a domestic plumbing service from a dripping tap to a complete bathroom installation at very competitive rates.

ICC offers a discounted rate it multiple appliances are serviced at the same time. They are Gas

Safe and Oftec registered. For more information call 531755 or 07814559155 or email [email protected]

TO ADVERTISE IN A GAZETTE FEATURE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 402599

AGA LOVE!

ISLANDWIDE Grounds Maintenance are a family run business who are proud of their reputation.

They are devoted to providing their clients with a very high standard of service, tailored to their needs, exploring the best value for money.

With over forty years experience in grounds maintenance, tree works, and landscaping, they have undertaken many projects awarded by the IW Council, working on the highways and at schools. They have also worked with supermarkets, industrial estates as well as in the private sector.

“We are a company who are committed to our clients and have been awarded many school contracts for many years,” said IGM. “We have been able to show our commitment to our

clinets by aintaining their school grounds to a high standard, proving that we go one step further to enhance the school’s outdoor space.”

Ground Maintenance services include grass, hedge and tree cutting, border maintenance, ground clearance, pond c l e a r a n c e , sports markings, fencing and landscaping.

Tree work is one of their spec- ialities with staff working to a high Health and Safety P r o g r a m m e backed up with comprehensive risk assessments. They offer free quotations, a reliable and c o m p e t i t i v e service, £10m public liability

insurance and have a 24m reach access platform lift/cherry picker.

A complete garden landscape could be provided by IGM with decking, patios, ponds, concreting, fencing, drives, brick wall and grass and hedge planting and maintenance on offer. All

green waste is recycled.Island Grounds

Maintenance have been awarded the Environment Agency Isle of Wight Flood defence contract and work along side them to maintain the Islands rivers, streams and structures.

For more information see www.islandwide.co.uk

MAINTAINING YOUR GROUNDS


FEATURE


FEATURE

KIDS HAVE A FUN DAY

EASTER DENE fun day was a resounding success again this year with over 3,000 eggs hidden in the grounds for children to find and other traditional Easter activities inside the house.

East Dene is a beautiful stone built mansion in Bonchurch set in around 10 acres of woodland, gardens and play areas, which looks out over the sea below at Monks Bay. Chocolate eggs of all different sizes were hidden in the woodland and grounds of this holiday and activities centre.

“It’s a traditional day with egg and spoon races, egg painting and an Easter bonnet competition,”

said managing director Dee Wright.

“Despite pessimism about the weather, a huge crowd turned up. There were also lots of stalls such as guess the weight of a cake and guess the name of a bunny,” she added.

There was also a tombola put on by 1st Ventnor guides who were also the chosen charity this year. They raised £217.25 on the tombola and £26.30 on a card matching game making a total of £244.05.

“The money goes towards trips,” said Guide Leader Julie Hudleston. Last weekend we

went to PGL at Little Canada where we did canoeing, kayaking, trapeze, quad biking, zip wire, tunnel trail, fencing and went on the giant swings. It was a jam-packed weekend.

“Next will be our centenary camping trip to Bembridge in July – proper camping under ridge tents. We’re also going to Paulton’s Park in July for the Big Bash for brownies and guides from the Island.

“We’re a very active group and we have spaces for people to join. At the moment we’re doing our Adventure badge, Community Action badge and

Performing Arts badge, putting on performances at Ward House for residents.”

The 1st Ventnor Guides meet in Ventnor on Wednesdays – call Julie for further details on 854016.

“On Good Friday Norris’s of Niton let us go bag packing in their shop and we raised £131.86.

Spirit of the Drum were in the dining room, encouraging visitors to try their hands at African drumming.

Founded by Lorraine Osborne and Roma Jacques, the group of eight has been together for about two years.

TheEastDeneeggandspoonrace

KaelwynandBreannMcGrath

AustinandSamuelPhelpsVictoria,Emily,Kathenne,Geraldine

RyanandJulieHuddlestone JulianandEdwardCook


FEATURE

THE SUN shone down, the buses sparkled and the dotto train tootled its way around the Bustival last weekend, showing everyone the resplendent collection of buses that lined the field.

‘Beatrice’ the orange and yellow ‘Vectis Road Train’ had been brought out of hibernation for the day and was a great hit with both children and adults as she made her way from outside the bar marquee, around the site and back.

This year there was more to see and do with stalls and children’s games to complement the collection of

over 30 buses for enthusiasts to see, including one of Greyhound’s new coaches and the most up to date models on our roads. Older buses were from the bus museum, others were from Southern Vectis’ fleet and a few were from private collections.

One of the oldest buses was the French Renault TN4F, which ran in Paris from 1935 to 1970, which is when Mr. Robert Jowitt bought her.

“I bought her to the Island ten years ago when we moved here,” explained Mr Jowitt who spoke of his labour of love in keeping her on the road.

“We usually come here for the steam show and we quite often go to the bus running day on Newport Quay,” he explained. Harvey on the accordion and Margaret Jowitt on the fiddle played French music on the open platform at the back of the bus, giving a Gallic air to the day.

One big attraction was the option to have your name/s written on the front of a single decker bus – a great photo opportunity that Andrew Turner and his partner Carol Dennett couldn’t resist.

Helen Cunningham had brought her vintage chrome

caravan ‘Doris’ who forms one of her fleet of airstream caravans at vintagevacations.co.uk. Doris is used as an extra bedroom for those hiring one of the bigger caravans or can be hired for functions. She has wonderful vintage interior with patchwork knitted covers, china tea service, period maga- zines and games such as Flounder.

Amazon world had brought three of their beautiful birds of prey; Woof the eagle Owl, Pilli the Harris Hawk and a new American Kestrel who sat preening themselves on their astro-turfed tuffets.

Visitors had the opportunity to hold the birds and be photographed

with them, with Education Officer Sian Sayers and Keeper Sarah Gilmore’s help. Promoting the new Lemur Walk, Amazon world were selling badges and asking for donations to the Lemur

Conservation Association.The Hospice Lottery were

signing people up in a sunflower festooned gazebo and there were a couple of craft stalls selling children’s toys and other items and a face painting stall.

The bouncy trampoline was particular favourite with

children and there was also a coconut shy and magical displays.

Scrapmymotor.com were at the event, promoting the free year’s bus travel scheme to anyone who scraps their

car between now and October. All vehicles have to have an MOT, be driveable and have been registered for at least six months to the person who gets the free travel pass.

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre had a stall to promote membership of their organisation. Chairman Mr. Barrie James was resplendent in his 115-year-old top hat and 110-year-old frock coat, looking as smart as they would have done in the late 1800s.

“One of the oldest buses was the French Renault TN4F, which ran in Paris from 1935 to 1970.”

JamieandMollieDowsett

MarcMorganHuws,AndrewTurnerandVanessaChurchman


FEATURE

Membership of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre starts at only £5 per year. “There were only 40 members when I became membership secretary last Novem- ber,” said Mike Crowe. “Now there are over 240 and the number is growing every day.

“The aim is to get the theatre open again and we will very soon. The Friends are supporting the Trust who are hoping to take it over.”

Members of the Footprint Trust were also on hand to give helpful advice about green solutions to your power consumption and the opportunity to take a free energy saving light bulb.

Many took the opportunity to

take a trip on the steam trains that regularly left from the Havenstreet railway platform next to the Bustival. People were also taking advantage of the park and ride scheme to the nearby Scurry at Ashey.

BarrieJames,TonyandJeanCompton,KarenBartonandMikeCrow LeonaraandJamesAisher,CharlotteTuplinandBen LouisePriorandEmmaCunningham

DelCurtis KarenSplersandDianeWood NadineLamplough

SusanCullvanandSianSayers LauraCoxandRonaSullivan


FEATURE

BLUEBELL CAFÉ at Briddlesford Lodge Farm has just celebrated its first birthday and is a big success story for the Griffin family.

The café is in a converted barn on the working dairy farm, and produce from the farm is always on the menu. You can even pet the baby calves, which are right next-door, and see them from the windows in the café.

Briddlesford Lodge Farm has around 160 milking Guernsey cows, and the milk and cream is used in the café. The rich gold top milk makes lovely cappuccinos,

lattes and milkshakes.The three chefs in the café/

restaurant use fresh Isle of Wight Produce in their dishes as much as possible, with all meals cooked to order. Whether you want breakfast, a light lunch, a filling meal or a delicious cream tea, Bluebells Café will fit the bill.

Chris Griffin took a major career change from teaching to become manager of the new cafe last year. Her husband Paul runs the farm with his father Richard and Paul’s mum Judi Griffin runs a b&b in the farmhouse and

makes all of the fresh scones for the café.

Chris’s sister-in-law Louise runs the farm shop and sources all of the vegetables for the café, locally whenever possible. The shop’s butcher Paul Woodward provides the meat used in the café, including veal from the farm.

“It’s exceeded all of our expectations,” said Chris. “I think it’s because people like to know where their food is coming from. We pride ourselves in being a friendly place to visit – we have a wide range of customers

from across the Island, as well as holiday makers.”

The café also has an education centre where schools and other interested groups can come to visit the farm – these tours are usually in the autumn, winter and spring.

The café is open from 9.30am till 5pm daily and is open in the evenings once a month at present – call for details. In the summer they will open from 7pm till 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays often with live music. It is licensed and can cater for private functions.

CELEBRATIONS AT BLUEBELL CAFE


FEATURE

from five breweries.The Island’s own Yates’

Brewery will be offering Wight Old Ale, Holy Joe, Wight Winter, a Special Draught and Blonde.

Oakleaf Brewery has Pompey Royal and Hole Hearted to tempt the real ale fan. Stumpy Brewery is bringing Hot Dog and Tumbledown and Vale Brewery have their Best Bitter.

Milestone Brewery is well represented with Dark Knight, Bishop’s Hat, Black Imp, Black Pearl and Rich Ruby.

Several groups including Black Daniels, Poppy and Jake and Jack and Aaron will provide live entertainment over the weekend. Resident DJ Carl will be leading Saturday night’s

entertainment and the bar will be

open until 1am.The courtyard styled beer

garden will have a mobile catering vehicle for those needing to soak up some of the beer.

FIFTEEN GUEST ALES will be on offer at the Castle Inn Beer Festival from April 30 to May 3. This popular Sandown watering hole also has five resident ales, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The beer festival will be held in the function room in the courtyard and will feature ales

CASTLE INN BEER FESTIVAL

WHAT a yawn, where’s Barack ‘Yes we can’ Obama when you need him? The politicians tell us this is a vital election and reluctantly, I think they’re probably right. Maybe like me you think it’s all a total turn-off, but wonder where you can sensibly cast your vote. It’s easy to say stuff the lot of them – with duck houses, wisteria pruning and a new damp course on a third home. The LibDems claim to be whiter than white but Nick Clegg has a house worth a million and a half, that didn’t stop him thinking we should buy his kitchen.

Let’s think for a moment where we are; We’ve got two and a half million on the dole, 10% of us on the sick and a debt mountain so daunting it would send Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tensing running for the hills.

On the Island no-one is talking about why our school system is ranked among the worst in the entire country, and that’s despite a lot of people thinking the rest of Britain has a rotten school system too. The now Tory council is working on fixing ours, but at a snails pace.

One of the candidates, Canadian born Jill Wareham should be riding on the crest of a Nick Clegg wave so strong, it would wash away the the last of the Military Road! However she seems to be dissing Nick on her flyers, opting instead for a more local pitch. Perhaps she’s a little confused, re-running her failed local campaign for Brighstone? This is all the more strange since

for 17 years she helped run the local council with her no nukes/ let ‘em all in LibDem mates – and she was responsible for education!

Mark Chiverton is standing for Labour. He’s the beardy Union bloke the Council wanted to suspend for the election but didn’t. Island born, we can assume he’ll do well, despite Labour making a pig’s ear of everything, even the volcano crisis. (I wonder when my mother-in-law will make it back; she’s eating up our inheritance faster than she would in a private care home.) Mark is a decent chap, he must have helped a lot of council staff over the years, and surely many of them will back him, even if they too have had a gutful of Labour?

I haven’t got enough space for the English

Democrats, UKIP, The BNP or the others. They’re either mad, bad or sad aren’t they? Those that have got something sensible to say should

THE DOC IS BACKBy David Holmes

rejoin the major parties and fight for whatever irks them. Independent ‘English Pete’ is on the right lines, but having read his web-site, he too should be backing the Tories. The Green party want me out of my car and out of the sky. Obviously the volcano was supporting them, but like Labour, it’s run out of steam.

So I’m left with the Tories. Andrew Turner is a nice bloke and quite frankly, more identifiable as the Island’s MP than hard nosed Tory. Surely he’ll do an even better job if they end up running the country? He isn’t Barack Obama, but does know that Britain and the Island really can do a lot better – so Andrew – ‘Yes we can’!


NEWS

30 INJURED IN ‘TRAIN CRASH’

A MAJOR EMERGENCY practice was dealt with by Island emergency service at a real-life situation at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

It involved 30 passengers, including some number with ‘injuries’, being successfully dealt with. The exercise involved a situation where a train, carrying passengers, hit a falling tree. Tackling the incident required the combined work of the police, ambulance service, fire and rescue service, coastguard, and the local authority. Resources included the use of the police spotter plane, the IW Fire & Rescue Service Control Unit, the fire service’s t e c h n i c a l rescue unit, and specialist facilities from the coast guard. The Railway Accident Incident Branch was also involved. Overall the ‘incident’ lasted around three hours.

The scenario unfolded with the 10.35am passenger train from Havenstreet to Smallbrook consisting of a Diesel loco and three coaches hitting a fallen tree 450 yards east of the station.

The location of the accident was in open country on an 10ft high embankment. There was also a small culvert, which carries a stream under the track. At the bottom of the embankment was barbed wire and concrete fencing; the slope to the track is grass with trees.

The Diesel and coaching stock remained upright but sustained some damage. The shock wave of the impact through the carriages caused several injuries, some serious. Luckily all of the train crew sustained only minor injuries and were fit to continue their duties.

The initial call to the Emergency Services was at 10.40am by a person on the train via mobile

phone stating that there had been a crash at Havenstreet. With this the phone went dead. By 10.42 am the Police had contacted the IW Steam Railway’s office to inform them of the call and ask for information.

At 10.40am the train Guard contacted the Signalbox at Havenstreet and reported the accident and asked for Emergency Services assistance.

From this point on the train crew, the IW Steam Railway’s staff and the emergency services treated the incident as a real-life situation. Initially the train crew and railway operating personnel, including the signalman, guard and duty officer, began assessing and dealing with the situation prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

With 30 volunteer passengers on the train, four of whom were ‘seriously injured’, it took

around two hours to carry out the rescue, under difficult circumstances.

The incident was coordinated by IW Steam Railway Operating Manager Alan Doe and his deputy Terry Hastings. Alan explained: “We wanted to create a challenging real-life situation to test our own procedures and personnel, and to examine the problems and issues which the emergency services would face. From the point when the train ‘hit’ the tree, none of our staff or the emergency service personnel knew what they would be facing. I’m very pleased to say that the incident was tackled successfully, and both ourselves and the emergency services gained valuable experience should we ever need to deal with a similar real life emergency”

IW Steam Railway General Manager Peter Vail said, “It is very clear that this exercise has provided training that is vital for us, the RAIB, and the Island’s emergency services. We’re very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with these other agencies and to have played a central role in this major combined exercise”.

“We wanted to create a challenging real-life situation.”

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

POLICE have made a fresh appeal for information to identify a man after the alleged theft of two mountain bikes from a shop on the Island.

The Dunlop Interceptor and Dunlop Signature bikes were reported stolen from ‘Sports Direct’ in South Street in Newport on Thursday, December 31, last year.

A man was identified on CCTV footage in the shop at around the same time the mountain bikes were stolen.

He is described as: White; aged in his 40s; medium build; short, brown, receding hair. He was wearing a brown suede jacket, blue jeans and brown shoes.

Investigating officer, PC Rob Clarke of the Isle of Wight’s

Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “We have followed several lines of inquiry with the assistance of businesses and the community in recent months. I would like to thank all those people who have given information to officers so far. We are now renewing our appeals for this man or anyone with details about his identity to make contact with the police.”

Anyone with information should phone PC Rob Clarke at Newport Police Station on 101. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call 0845 045 45 45.

POLICE APPEAL OVER BIKE THEFT

ACCIDENT CLOSES ROAD

A THREE-VEHICLE accident at Apse Heath sent one person to the hospital on Saturday April 17.

Weekend traffic snarled on the busy Sandown Road, as police worked to clear the scene.

The accident on the Wilsford Road and the junction of Sandown

involved three vehicles. One of the cars collided with the rear of another car that was trying to turn into the junction. The third was shunted into the kerb.

Police closed the road briefly whilst IW Ambulance treated the driver of one of the vehicles.

Policearelookingforthisman


FEATURE


FEATURE

80s NIGHT 80s NIGHT


FEATURE

SANDOWN Youth and Community Centre held an Easter fun event for the local community.

It was attended by many young people and their parents and with several activities being held from sports games, arts and crafts to face painting, there was fun for everyone.

Many enjoyed learning to face paint each other with their own truly amazing designs while some young people preferred to compete in a friendly football match.

Sandown Youth Centre opens five nights a week for young people and often has some fun event being held.

FACE PAINTING PROVES A HITHollyWesterman,HannahVassallo,SashaElkin,LucySullivan,LizSmith.

Frontrow:NicoleSwainsburyandHayleySheaf

HannahVassallo,LaurenJames,Krystal-BlueWells,CourtneyParker,SashaElkinandLizSmith

MassieMaise

LaurenJamesandCourtneyParker

BabySophie Lauren,Ellie,MassieandAsa Eggtime!


FEATURE

CAMP BESTIVAL HQ have announced some new additions to this year’s line-up including the famous Zippo’s Festival Circus and the introduction of Boutique Babysitting at the family orientated festival on July 30,31 and August 1 at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

The final line up has also been announced to a bill that includes Madness, Friendly Fires, Human League, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic and Calvin Harris.

Rob da Bank said: “I’ve taken the da Bank juniors to see Zippo’s twice this year and I couldn’t drag them out of there at the end. Roll up, roll up for the classic old school circus experience!”

With 12 shows spread across the weekend, space is limited to 500 people per show, tickets for performances will be £7.50 each (under-2s are free). You can pre-order your tickets from http://

w w w . t i c k e t l i n e . c o . u k / z i p p o s -festival-circus-tickets

Boutique Babysitting is a “Kids Club Under Canvas” service, offering fully qualified, CRB checked childcare professionals to look after your little ones, set in a secure, fenced off ‘camp’ in beautiful giant tipis. They will be offering four-hour babysitting sessions children will be able to explore and experiment with their own music studio, production, wardrobe and stage areas, make even more new festival friends, play games or just kick back and chill out. More info can be found at www.boutiquebabysitting.com.

More brilliant live acts kick off in the shape of the magical force that is Gruff Rhys vs Tony Da Gatorra. Tony Da Gatorra is a Brazilian TV and VCR repairman, musical freedom fighter and the inventor of his own unique ‘Gatorra’ instrument. Also playing live are poetry-fuelled electro funksters dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip,

razor-edged rhyme purveyors Sound of Rum, gutsy American acoustic upstart Lissie and the darkly funny and beautifully melodic folk singer The Widowmaker.

The Tate will be presenting Rude Britannia: British Comic Art. This informal lecture by Tate curator Cedar Lewisohn will explore the links between art and humour past and present. Check out www.campbestival.net for all the latest news as and when it happens.

MEDINA MARCHING Band and the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary joined forces to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease.

The concert at Medina Theatre last Sunday (April 18) was spilt into three sections. In the first section Medina Marching Band, conducted by Maria Nicolson, played a selection of eight pieces, beginning with the National Anthem and including ‘Musket Fife and Drum’ and music from the film Mary Poppins.

After a short interval, during which a raffle was held, the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary, conducted by Major General Burcham M Mus PG Dip LRSM Royal Marines played a selection of nine pieces. These included excerpts

from Over the Rainbow and Orpheus in the Underworld, music from the musical Oliver and concluded with the ‘Hamphire Hog’.

Both bands then played together, conducted by Maj Gen Burcham executing pieces from Les Miserables and the Pirates of the Caribbean along with sea shanties, the Britanic Salute and concluding with the Royal Salute.

This was the first time that these two well-regarded bands had played together on the same stage.

Medina Marching Band is a military styled marching band, now in its 34th year. One of the country’s foremost youth marching bands, based on the style of the UK’s armed forces, they have red jackets and white

helmets and caps.They are a familiar sight at

parades, shows and events the length and breadth of the country as well as at many local events.

The Band of the Hampshire Constabulary was established over 100

years ago and is a military style band with a successful reputation, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The internationally travelled band has visited many European countries from France and Belgium to Holland and Denmark.

ALL BANDING TOGETHER

MORE AT BESTIVAL

GruffTony DanleSacvsScroobiusPip


FEATURE

SOPHIE PIPPED AT ASHEY

SOPHIE SHELDON just failed in her bid to win the IW Grand National for a third successive year at Ashey Farm.

Sophie, riding Shalcombe Skyline, was beaten into second place by William Grant on Foxgrant Ferrari, with Asa Wingate on Jester taking third place.

The popular annual event finally got under starting orders after being postponed from its original date because of a waterlogged course. There were no such problems second time around, with hundreds of spectators making their way to the course, many of them using the Steam Railway service from Havenstreet.

Puffing Billy Stakes Results. Sponsored by Island Webservices

1) Madeleine Hughes Khaya Angelica2) Lilly Bartlett Ashurst Wondergirl3) Ellen Tosdevin Beau Visage4) Sophie Colson Brambles5) Sydoney Johnson John John6) Katherine Turner Gwynisle Water LilyBest turned out Madeleine Hughes, Khaya AnglicaRuth DaniellsMemorial Trophy Sophie Colson - BramblesIW Steam Railway Trophy Madeleine Hughes, Khaya AnglicaShield to highest placednative pony Lily Bartlett - Ashurst Wondergirl

Hunt Ride Best Turned Out Anna Marie Owen -

Killinkere Millie

Ashey Scurry - Junior Division Results. Sponsored by HY Duke and Sons

1) Alex Hall Harlie2) Edward Panek Blaze3) Gabrielle Turner Irish Blazing GloryBest turned out Edward Panek – BlazeHonour Bound Trophy Alex Hall – Halie

IT WAS a beautiful day for the Grand National Scurry last weekend after it was previously postponed because of waterlogged ground earlier in the year.

Organised by Susie Sheldon, from Kings Farm Shop, the Scurry at West Ashey Farm attracted a record number of spectators

and five races were run.“Sunday’s scurry was one

of the best I can remember,” said Sam Biles of main sponsors Creasey Biles and King. “The ‘going’ was excellent and a large crowd of racegoers enjoyed some competitive races in glorious spring sunshine.

“It was a surprise for me that

the CBK Grand National was won by an old college friend of mine. Creasey Biles and King are very pleased to sponsor this event so closely connected to the Island’s country community – as are we. ”

Commentators were Howard Johnson of Little Upton Farm and Sam Biles’ father David Biles, ex leader

of the IW Hunt. Goddards brewery provided beer and refreshments were done by local volunteers – this year June Butchers and Andrea George organised the food.

Winner of the Grand National race was late entry William Grant on Fox Grant Ferrari, who came over from Salisbury for the race.

“I was a college with Sam Biles, whose company are the primary sponsors of the event,” said William who is also a country house and farm estate agent and auctioneer like Sam. “I have a lot of friends on the Island and I’m mad keen on these old fashioned point to points,” he explained. My horse is a

beautiful big red horse and fast, hence the name Ferrari. He’s an eight-year-old 7.2 chestnut gelding.Second in the Grand National was Sophie Sheldon on Shalcombe Skyline and third was Asa Wingate on Jester. Asa and Jester also won the Havenstreet Cup for the highest placed heavyweight.


FEATURE

Puffed Out Billy Stakes Results. Sponsored by Priory Bay Hotel 1) Lucinda Wilkins Penstrumbly Push Pop2) Jodie Newey Wootton Moonbeam3) Nicola Hayden Maverick4) Elaine Bissell My Irish Boy5) Jessica McBurne Maurnal Marianne6) Jodie Bircham Beaulieu BandaideBest Turned Out Lucinda Wilkins - Penstrumbly Push PopShield to the highest placed registered native pony Jodie Bircham - Beaulieu BandaideFairfields Farm Riding Stables Cup Lucinda Wilkins - Penstrumbly Push Pop

Ashey Scurry - Senior Division Results. Sponsored by FH Winter and Sons

1) Caroline Taylor Millenium Way2) Jodie Bircham My Mr Mercury3) Alison Judge Carnival Topaz4) Lindsey Burt Harley5) Georgina Leewold Mr Jingles6) Colin Boswell TornadoBest turned out Alison Judge - Cornwal TopazClaire Hicks Trophy Caroline Taylor - Millenium WayTrumor Feeds Shield to highest placedpony 14.2 hh and under Jodie Bircham, My Mr Mercury

Isle of Wight CBK Grand National Results 1) William Grant Foxgrant Ferrari2) Sophie Sheldon Shalcombe Skyline3) Asa Wingate Jester4) Morgan Curtis Lepard Pepard5) Caroline Taylor Change the Plan6) Fergus Slinger Mighty CurtisBest turned out Morgan Curtis - Lepard PepardBlackgang Chine Cup William Grant - Foxgrant FerrariHavenstreet Cup for highest placed heavyweight horse Asa Wingate - Jester


FEATURE


FEATURE

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description Wages Duration Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:Deputy Head Chef

Skipper

Cook

Waiting Staff/Chamber Person

Bar Staff

Housekeeper

Medicines Counter Assistant

Beauty and Holistic Therapist

Chamber Person

Community Care Workers

Cleaner

Waiter/Waitress

Freshwater

Yarmouth

Cowes

Sandown

Newport

Ventnor

Freshwater

Sandown

Sandown

Sandown

Newport

Sandown

This position would suit someone wishing to live in or live out With City & Guilds 7061/ 2 or equivalent and some similar experience you will be responsible for assisting the management in the running of the kitchen, preparing quality meals from fresh ingredients. Areas include menu planning, training kitchen staff and maintaining a high standard of general hygiene. As part of our recruitment process suitably qualified applicants will be invited to spend one or two days with an experienced chef at our house. Immediate Start.

Must have Boatmaster 1 certificate. Must be able to take a boat out with up to 50 passengers. To start immediately. Will be taking tourists around the local waters, mainly The Solent.

Health and Hygiene would be an advantage, but not essential, as training will be provided. You must have good cooking abilities. You must be able to prepare and cook high quality nutritious meals from a set menu. Duties involve cooking for 8-10 residents within sheltered housing accommodation. You must be flexible to cover for holidays and sickness when required.

Previous experience is preferable but not essential as training will be given. Must have good customer service skills. Must have a friendly, outgoing personality. Evening working will only be required for 6 weeks in the height of the summer and will only be between Mon-Thurs evenings.

Must be 18+. Must have previous experience. Must be able to provide a reference. Duties include; serving customers, operating till, handling cash, keeping area clean and tidy and stocking bar.

Applicants should be aware that some heavy lifting and moving of bedroom furniture may be required, for which training will be provided. May also be required to use a 3 step ladder. Duties to include vacuuming bedrooms, cleaning of bathrooms and any other cleaning tasks as required.

No experience is necessary as training will be provided. Must have good customer services and interpersonal skills. Duties will include dealing with customers, ordering stock, cash handling and restocking the shelves.

Previous experience preferred but not essential as full training will be given. Must be qualified to a minimum NVQ level 2 and 3 or equivalent and holistic’s.

Experience/qualifications are not essential but are an advantage. Working in a busy 30 bedroom hotel and spa, duties involve cleaning guest bedrooms and public areas etc.

Must be able to commit to 7.30am starts and have a driving licence and own vehicle. Experience is preferred but not essential as full training and supervision is provided.

Cleaner required in Dairy Crest, Newport, Isle of Wight. Duties include cleaning the floors with scrubber dryer machine, emptying bins and cleaning staff toilets.

Previous experience is preferred but not essential as full training can be provided. Duties to include customer service, taking customer orders, setting and clearing tables, serving meals and keeping work area clean and tidy.

£295 per week. 39 hours per week, 5 days over 7

Negotiable depending on experience. 30 hours per week. 5 days from 7, between 7am and 11pm.

£6.88 per hour. 23.5 hours per week. 4 days over 7, Split shifts. 9am to 2pm & 4pm to 6pm. More hours could be available

£6 per hr. 12-24 hrs per week. 4 - 6 days from 7. Mainly mornings – evenings in height of summer.

12 per week. Fri and Sat. 9pm - 3am.

£6.75 per hr. 5 or 6 days from 7. 8am – 1pm.

Meets National Min Wage. 22 Hrs pw – 5 days from 6. Between 9am – 6pm.

£8 per Treatment Hour. 30 hrs per week. 5 days from 7. Between 10am – 6pm.

£6 per hr starting rate. Min 15 hrs per week. 6 days from 7. Between 9am – 2pm

Part time or full time hrs. £7.35 per hr - £8.35 per hr at weekends.

£6 per hour, 6 hours per week, 2 hours per day. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2-4pm

£209 per week. Shifts over 6 days between 7.30am-10.30am & 5.30pm- 8.30pm

Contract running from early April to late October,

Permanent

Permanent

Seasonal to October 2010

Permanent

April – end of October. Poss- ibility of some work during winter months.

Permanent

Permanent

6 month contract to cover maternity leave.

Permanent

Permanent

ASAP until Jan 2011.

NIW/10382- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.



RFM/6310 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

NIW/10385 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.



RFM/6322- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.



NIW/10410-- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS


FEATURE

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description Wages Duration Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:Aluminium Curtain Walling Installers

Housekeep-ing Staff

Sleep-In Night Care Assistant

Cleaner

Gardener

Nanny

Housekeeper

Sign Maker/Fitter

Chef/Cook

Cleaner

Head Chef

Breakfast Chef

Newport

Shanklin

Freshwater

Newport

Shanklin

East Cowes

Cowes

Ryde

Cowes

Cowes

East Cowes

Shanklin

Must have a CSCS card and some experience is preferred. Driving license preferred as is own transport, although transport is provided for the majority of the time. Duties to include assisting in curtain walling installation and fitting/installing glass.

Previous experience is preferred but not essential. Duties include cleaning guest bedrooms to a high standard, making beds, vacuuming, dusting polishing and cleaning the public areas of the hotel and laundry.

Must be 18+ Previous experience is preferred but not essential as training can be given. This position will be working with clients with a learning disability/mental health condition. This is a sleep in position and the duties will include all aspects of care such as giving medication under supervision and personal care as required.

Previous cleaning experience is not essential as full training provided. Must be reliable and flexible and have the ability to work as part of a team. Duties to include cleaning offices, toilets, canteens and all other associated tasks as required.

Gardening experience would be preferred. Duties include sweeping leaves, keeping garden tidy, mowing lawns, and general garden maintenance.

Family looking for a nanny at least 3 days a week after school term time & full days in the holidays for 2 girls aged 9 years & 5 years. The 9 year old is very lively, has a speech impediment & has a reading age of five.

Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by applicant but will be reimbursed by employer. No previous experience necessary, training will be given. Duties to include upkeep of bedrooms, hallways, lounge and any other related duties.

You must have a full clean driving licence. You must have experience in laying vinyl and fitting fascias onto shops. Duties involve preparing digitally printed/cut vinyl to be fitted onto various signs including shops and vans. Company van provided for work use only. Working within local friendly industrial unit.

NVQ level 2 preferred, but not essential as is food and hygiene certificate, employer willing to train. Duties include cooking for 25 residents in a care home, ensuring the kitchen is clean and tidy, rotating and ordering stock and any other related duties. Will be running kitchen so must be able to work on own initiative.

Must have experience of general cleaning methods and techniques and an awareness of health and safety requirements. Attention to detail and the ability to work on one’s initiative are prerequisite. Additional experience in the use of cleaning equipment such as Buffers and Carpet Cleaners would be advantageous.

Previous experience is preferred. Must have a Food Hygiene Certificate and be enthusiastic. Duties will include designing a menu, working in a busy kitchen, food preparation, cooking breakfast and evening meals, managing kitchen staff, keeping the kitchen clean and tidy and any other related tasks as required.

Previous experience is essential. Health and Hygiene Certificate preferred. No live in accommodation available. Your duties will involve preparing cooking breakfast for hotel guests up to 50 covers, some vegetable preparation for the evening meal and lunch time short order work.

Negotiable depending on experience.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 20 hours per week. 5/6 days over 7, between 9am & 2.30pm.

£38 per night. 33 hours per week, Friday to Sunday, 9pm to 8am.

£6.00 per hour. 10 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 5pm to 7pm.

£6 per hr. 2 hrs per week between Mon-Fri 10am -4pm.

£6.55 - £7.21 per hr. 9+ per wk over 3 days.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16 hrs per week. 4 from 7 days between 9am -5pm.

Meets National Minimum Wage.40 hrs per wk. Mon – Fri 9am -5pm.

Negotiable depending on experience. 28 hrs per week. 5 days from 7. Between 7am – 5pm

Meets National Minimum Wage.Full time hours.

Negotiable wage depending on experience. Split shifts over 7 days – between 7-10am and 6.30pm -9.30pm.

Negotiable wage depending on experience. 40+ hrs per week 7.30am – 2.30pm 5 days and 1 day to cover breakfast/lunch and dinner shifts.

Temporary for 3 Months, which may be extended

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Season vac from May to mid Sept

Seasonal until October 2010









NIW10423 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

NIW/10453 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

NIW/10427- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

RFM/6355 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS


NEWS

CASH FOR TRAINING

THE IW COUNCIL has pledged their support to disabled children and their families by signing up to the Every Disabled Child Matters Charter.

The Charter sets out nine commitments that the Council will deliver in the next 12 months. They include:

Making sure that families who access more than one service have a key worker to help them.

Giving parents up to date information and advice on available services.

Training staff who work

with the children, so that they understand the specific needs of disabled children.

Involving disabled children and their families in planning services for children.

Cabinet Member for

Children’s Services, Social Care, Public Health and Housing, Councillor Dawn

Cousins, said: “With this Charter, the council and its partners can do more for disabled children and their

families. It will take a lot of hard work, but we know parents support the aims of

the Charter,” she said.Colin Peak, Director of

Children and Young People’s Services, added: “Parents have the best understanding of the needs of their children, and the Charter will help us to work more proactively with them.”

The Charter supports two other initiatives the council is pursuing. The first is the re-launch of the Disabled Children’s Register, which

helps all services locally to plan services for disabled children and to give up to date information to their parents.

The second is the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme funded by the government, which the council is using to increase short breaks for disabled children giving them opportunities to enjoy themselves and also providing respite for their parents.

COUNCIL PLEDGE FOR DISABLED“Parents have the best understanding of the needs of their children, and the Charter will help us to work more proactively with them.”

A TABLE TOP sale at Yarmouth raised £315 for the local branch of the RNLI, with members and the general public donating a selection of bric a brac to sell.

“The money will be put towards crew training,” said David Cox who helped arrange the sale. “The lifeboat goes out every Thursday evening for crew training and we think it’s a vital part of having a routine that will work. This is why we need funds – for equipment and fuel.

“An average launch costs around £3,000 when we’re called out to

a rescue,” he explained. “Although this is running the boat at high speed, which uses a lot more fuel. On training sessions we go slower and use less fuel.

“We practice getting people out of the water, boarding other boats, rope work and launching the Y Class rubber dingy, which is used to get nearer to the cliffs.”

The RNLI lifeboat is moored permanently in the harbour at Yarmouth, plugged in and ready to go at a moment’s notice. The RNLI offices and shop are just opposite the ferry terminal.

POP SENSATION, Little Boots, will be dropping in on the Isle of Wight Festival for a very special one-off performance on the Acoustic Stage on Saturday June 12. One of her few live gigs this summer, festival goers will be treated to an exclusive, stripped back set giving a new twist to her synth-soaked melodies.

Victoria Hesketh, aka Little Boots, burst onto the scene with the release of her highly acclaimed debut album, ‘Hands’, which spawned hits including ‘New In Town’ and ‘Remedy’, making her pop music’s most talked about new star and a welcome addition to the Isle of Wight Festival’s already impressive

line-up.In the heart of the festival’s

peaceful arboretum, the Acoustic Stage will play host to some surprise guests over the weekend, making it the perfect location to see some truly original music while taking in the festival’s unique atmosphere.

Little Boots joins the raft of superstars who will be journeying to Seaclose Park in June including Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Orbital, Florence + The Machine, La Roux, James, Crowded House, The Saturdays, Marina and the Diamonds, Noah and the Whale, Editors, Biffy Clyro, Vampire Weekend and many more.

LITTLE BOOTS AT FESTIVAL

A SHOP OWNER was left counting the cost after a vehicle smashed through the front window of her Ventnor bric a brac shop.

A rare 1950s bone china set was on display in the window at the time and was completely destroyed. A transit van smashed into one side of the listed building’s double bow fronted windows demolishing the curved wall and destroying the convex window.

The van had lost its power steering after turning from Albert Street into Pier Street at about 6.30am, and ploughed into the little shop about half way down Pier Street.

The business was in the process of being handed over to Debby Robinson and had previously run as Suze’s Room selling vintage goods and clothing.

SMASH BREAKS CHINA

JunePeggandLindaHunt


NEWS

WITH ONLY four weeks until the fantastic Jazz on the Meadow in Ventnor’s Botanic Gardens, tickets are selling fast so make sure you don’t miss out on this showcase jazz event of the year.

Not only is jazz legend Courtney Pine headlining the day’s entertainment on Satur- day May 22, but he is supported by the excep- tional jazz violinist Omar Puente, American song- stress Keri Highland, and exciting young saxophonist Benedict Branca, alongside The Ric Harris Trio and the smokey vocals of Edana Minghella. Accomplished musician and Quay Arts curator, Mick Smith, will perform on the day with Edana Minghella as well as hosting the event.

Promoter Roni Blunt said, “After seeing the great work the old Ventnor Jazz Festival did bringing quality acts to the IW, and knowing of the disappointment jazz fans on the Island

faced when it looked unlikely to return as an event this year, we decided to step in and run our own event - something a bit different that would still cater for that jazz-loving audience.

“We are so proud and excited to be bringing an artist of Courtney Pine’s calibre to the Isle of Wight and we are thrilled with the complete line-up for Jazz on the Meadow. We really feel there is something on the bill for everyone. Omar Puente is a simply stunning musician, Keri Highland broadens the appeal of the bill with her heart-wrenching songs and pure vocals, and when we first heard Benedict Branca we knew we’d found

something very special indeed.”

Organisers will be running a park and ride bus service from Ventnor Town’s Central Car Park throughout the event day to make it easier to park. Concert-goers are advised to park in Ventnor, or use the existing Southern Vectis services to get to Ventnor, where they will be able to get on the park and ride event bus, a shuttle service to the Botanic Gardens at approximately 20 minute intervals.

Tickets are available from www.SeeTickets.com, Isle of Wight Tourist Information Centres, Ventnor Botanic Garden, by phone from Wightlink on 08713761000 or in person from any of

their IW ticket offices, or from Red Funnel on 08448449988 or at www.RedFunnel.co.uk/jazzmeadow.

The public can buy special VIP tickets to Jazz on the Meadow for just £60 a ticket. This includes prioritised parking, a drink on entry to the exclusive VIP and Artist area, a separate bar, covered area, chairs and tables, and posh toilets. VIP ticket holders also have the option to purchase a hamper for the day from chosen supplier, Goodman’s Delicatessen, details of which are available on purchase of a VIP ticket.

VIP tickets will be exclusively available from Ventnor Botanic Garden in person or by calling 01983 855397. CourtneyPine,picturebyGaryWallis

KeriHighland,picturebyJulianWinslow

JAZZ TICKETS SELLING FAST

THE discovery of unexploded WWII shell forced the closure of Rew Lane in Ventnor earlier this month.

A dog walker made the discovery at about 10.30am and police closed both ends of Rew Lane at Ventnor and Wroxall - just 70 metres from the 25lb shells - to allow for an Army bomb team to

investigate.The Expert Explosive

Ordnance Disposal squad from Aldershot turned up around 2pm to deal with the shell that had been discovered after it was exposed when a tree uprooted on a piece of farmland.

After carefully assessing the shell, it was suggested

that it could have ended up in the location after the area was used as a military dumping ground following the Second World War. A Hampshire and IW Police control spokeswoman said: “A controlled explosion was carried out by the Army and the road has now been reopened.”

BOMBSHELL AT VENTNOR FARM


NEWS

A FISH and chip shop in Sandown was left damaged by a fire.

The blaze broke out at Fat Harry’s on the High Street, Sandown. Fire crews from Sandown, Shanklin and Newport spent two hours dealing with the incident.

Police cordoned off the High Street whilst crews dealt with the blaze. Neighbouring properties were evacuated

along with the flat above the chip shop.

Mark Deacon, Crew Manager from Newport, said: “When we first arrived there was thick black soot. Crew managed to locate the gas and electric supply and isolate them. First reports show that the fire may have started in a rubbish bin.”

A spokeswoman from IW fire station service said:

“Crews were called at 6.16am. We sent four appliances along with a Bronte aerial ladder.

“Crews with four hose reels and six firefighters in breathing apparatus fought the blaze. No one was injured, but there was a lot of smoke damage to the property.”

The shop remained closed today whilst members of staff clean up the smoke damage.

FIRE AT FISH SHOP

THREE people trying to head home to Sweden in a motor cruiser were rescued by Ryde Inshore Lifeboat after running aground in the Solent.

The Solent Coastguard called on Ryde Inshore Rescue go to the aid of a 47ft motor cruiser. Ryde Rescue 1 was launched to assist the vessel “Eternity”. Once on scene, it was discovered three people were on board, having collected the vessel from Poole, and were heading back to their home town in Sweden.

The crew of Ryde Rescue 1 were able to persuade the skipper not to try to continue his journey, but to wait for the tide to rise, and then moor up in Ryde Harbour overnight, and re-evaluate their plans in the morning. Assistance was given in laying the correct length of anchor, before Ryde Rescue1 returned to the lifeboat station. Once the tide had risen, the lifeboat was re-launched and escorted “Eternity” in to Ryde harbour, where members of HM Coastguard offered some strong words of advice.

Andy Parnell, press officer for Ryde Inshore Rescue said: “This highlights some of the dangers when people are not fully familiar with the equipment on board. The vessel had a state of the art GPS system with charts and sonar equipment which could have prevented this incident.

“This was a new boat to them, and to collect a boat and then commence a long voyage without familiarising yourself with the characteristics of the vessel, is asking for trouble”

RYDE COME TO RESCUE

A £1MILLION programme to improve sections of the Island’s roads and protect them from future weather damage is underway.

Following an unusually cold and snowy winter which has caused widespread damage to the Island’s road network, the IW Council is undertaking an extensive programme of work which will seal the road surface to prevent water seeping in. As well as sealing the highway, the process will improve grip and anti-skid properties and prevent the need for costly reconstruction work which we have carried out in the

past.The work needs to be

carried out during dry and mild weather conditions, so has been scheduled to take place before the main summer holiday season. It is expected to take up to six weeks to complete the work.

Roads are being swept and then sprayed with a bitumen emulsion before new chippings are laid on the road surface. These chippings are then compacted into the bitumen to seal the road from future water ingress. Immediately after roads are treated, motorists will be required to travel at low

speeds until the road surface has hardened to reduce the risk of chippings becoming loose.

Peter Hayward, IW Council head of Highways and Transport said: “This is an economic and quick surface treatment specifically designed to seal the road surface and prevent the incidence of potholes in the future. It also reduces the need for more costly reconstruction work. Although the works may cause some disruption to motorists, we hope they will appreciate the long-term benefits the work will bring.”

£1M ROAD PROJECT


SPORT

MORE THAN 100 members, including 15 past captains turned out to watch new Shanklin and Sandown captain John Hart carry out the traditional drive-in.

The new Ladies’ captain, Mira Brochocki, was unable to carry out her driving duties due to injury, but two respectable drives from John and Ron Prentice (Seniors) were followed by a spectacular 288-yard drive down the middle of the first fairway by Conner Knight, the new junior captain.

A shotgun stableford completed the day’s celebrations with the highest score submitted by the mixed team of Frances Harrison, Wendy King, Paul Cock and Simon Bligh.

The ladies’ category was won by Julie Miller, Chris Gould, Jani Dear and Lorrie Hawkins with the best in the men’s being Alan Winter, Tyler Roberts, Mark King and Clive Robinson.

Shanklin and Sandown results: Ladies: EWGA Medal Nett

Silver: 1, Nicky Ledger 72. 2, Pat Metcalf 75. 3, Christine Smith 76.

Bronze: 1, Brenda Keyte 67. 2, Christine O’Brien 74. 3, Jean Robertson 75.

Alternative Stableford: Winner, Pauline Atkinson 31.

Open Stableford Division One: 1,Conner Knight 40. 2, Chris Reed (Jnr) 39.

Division Two: 1, Ryan Oatley 35. 2, Aidan Calder 34.

Junior Stableford: 1, Ryan Oatley 43. 2, George Hill 41.

Purple Heather Cup (stableford): 1, Dave Buckman 44. 2, Vince Eccott 41. 3, Simon Bligh 41. 4, Steve Taylor 40. 5, Andy Steel 40. 6, Marino Zanti 40.

Ladies: Monthly Stableford, Silver: 1, Jenny Domoney 37. 2, Deborah Richards 33. 3, Nicky Ledger 32.

Bronze (1): 1, Wendy King 36. 2, Anne Fisher 33. 3, Pat Attrill 32.

Bronze (2): 1, June Westmore 36. 2, Pauline Atkinson 3. 3, Christine O’Brien 27.

Open Stableford: Division One: 1, Alan Frame 4. 2, Tony Wray 39. 3, Steve Ambrose 38.

Division Two: 1, Alan Parker 43. 2, Colin Ratcliffe 37. 3, Tony Cole 36.

Monthly Medal & London Pride Winter Warmer: Scratch Gross, 1, Matt Barnicoat 71. 2, Matt Mew 75. 3 Kim Johnson 75.

Division One nett: 1, Kim Johnson 64. 2, Garry Moody 67. 3, Phil Ledger 68.

Division Two: 1, Tom Davies 63. 2, Henry Martin 66. 3, Richard Pardey 68.

Westridge Golf Club: Stableford Division 1. 1, Malcolm Prouten (16) 47pts

2, Chris Royl (16) 44pts. 3, Dan Mew (12) 41pts.

Division 2: 1.Joe Goddey (28) 40pts.ocb. 2, Walter Mallinson (21) 40pts.

3, Helen Metcalfe (25) 38pts. Ladies PAR Qualifier: 1, Amy Lacey (28) +8.

2, Jo Taylor (29) +4. 3, Helen Metcalfe (25) -1.

JOHN HAS THE HART FOR CAPTAIN’S GOLF DRIVE-IN

CYCLE the Wight 2010, on Sunday May 2 is a new cycling event that will raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This is the first year of an annual event that aims to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us or who are currently suffering, by getting out and doing something fun and healthy to help raise money to support cancer care. Funds raised will go to a dedicated cancer charity and this year that will be Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Starting and finishing at The Sun Inn at Hulverstone, cycling will commence between 9am and 10am and there is a £5.00

fee to register for the event payable on the day (under 15’s free). Everyone will receive a t-shirt at the start and a medal on completion.

Two trophies will be awarded: One for the most sponsorship pledged on an individual’s sponsorship form, and another for the best fancy dress, which is optional.

Register for free at www.cyclethewight.org to receive your sponsorship forms, but make it snappy as registration closes on 14th April 2010. You can register on the day but this may mean that you won’t get a t-shirt or medal – and don’t forget your list of

sponsors.The full route is 24 miles

long through some of the south Wight’s most beautiful countryside with refreshments provided half way round at the Blackgang viewpoint.

There is also a shorter route of approximately six miles for children and the less energetic. All competitors will be briefed at the start.

More fun and fundraising for all the family is going to be laid on at the Sun Inn throughout the afternoon and evening with barbeque and jazz band. Further details will be available on the website in the near future.

CYCLING FOR CANCER CARE

JohnHart,centre,congratulatedbyoutgoingcaptainNeilJackson,left,

andformercaptainsofSSGC


SPORT

FORMER Wightlink Islander speedway rider Paul Fry has died at the age of 45.

Reports indicate that Paul, who made so many friends at the club when he rode here in 2008, was found dead at his home in Hereford last week.

He was described by those who knew him as an out-and-out hard racer on track with a full-throttle, and an all-action style that swiftly established him as a huge favourite.

But at the same time he was a perfect gentleman off track who always found time to

talk to fans both young and old alike.

Paul, who first rode speedway in 1984, was also a top performer on the grass track circuits both in the UK and across Europe and was something of a surprise signing by the Wightlink Islanders management prior to the start of the 2008 season at the age of 43. But he proved to be an inspired signing. He leaves a widow and two teenage children. PAUL David FRY: DATE OF BIRTH: 25

October 1964, Hereford, Herefordshire. BRITISH CAREER: (1984) Newcastle, Cradley Heath, Arena-Essex; (1986-87) Cradley Heath; (1988) Stoke; (1989-90) Long Eaton; (1991) King’s Lynn; (1992-96) Exeter; (1997-98) Newport; (1999) Stoke; (2000-02) Swindon; (2003) Swindon, Peterborough; (2004) Somerset, Belle Vue; (2005-06) Somerset; (2007) Mildenhall; (2008) Isle of Wight; (2009) Newport, Poole.

TRAGIC DEATH OF ISLAND SPEEDWAY RIDER

FORMER Warwickshire and England pace bowler Gladstone Small will be the guest speaker at Newclose’s pre-season dinner on Friday April 30.

Since retiring in 1995 he has been involved in many projects away from cricket, but in 2005 he became a director of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Tickets for the event will cost £35 per person of £320 for a table of ten including vat and are available from Newclose by calling 01983 824575 or emailing [email protected].

The new cricket season gets under way for Ventnor this weekend (April 10-11) with Steephill staging two friendly fixtures. Southampton Community are the visitors on Saturday at 1.30pm while on Sunday, Portsmouth University provide the opposition with a 1pm start.

ENGLAND BOWLER IS GUEST SPEAKER

ISLANDERS TRIUMPH

VENTNOR Cricket Club’s season is now in full swing, but their opening game proved disappointing against Worcester under 17s.

Chasing a total of 206-7 (James Cheek 3-68, newcomer Henry Bartlett 2-45, Scott Wheeler 2-34) only Ben Woodhouse with 56 challenged the target as Ventnor slipped to 108 all out.

In the next outing visitors Southampton Community batted first and made 146, Charlie Freeston with 3-23 and debutant Tommy Barton (3-29) doing the damage. Ventnor had little trouble in knocking off the runs with Neil Westhorpe (53 not out) and fit again Mark Holmes (52 not out) ensuring a seven wicket win.

Ventnor lost by 24 runs in the fixture against Portsmouth University at Steephill. David Beven took 5-36 and Henry Bartlett 3-36 as the visitors totalled 236 from their 40 overs, a target only just beyond the home team who closed on 212-6. James Cheek hit a fine 69 while there were also impressive contributions from Ali Cotton who hit 43 and Mark Fletcher with 50.

VENTNOR SLIP TO DEFEAT

THE WIGHTLINK Islanders speedway team travelled to Weymouth Wildcats for the second leg of the Pete Redfern Memorial Trophy and came away with their first piece of silverware of the season by clinching a 99-87 aggregate victory.

Having won the home leg by 56 points to 38, Islanders’ skipper Nick Simmons and his side were always confident of clinching the trophy in the return which they did with ease despite going down to a 49-43 defeat on the night.

While happy enough with that, especially as they were without Brendan Johnson who was riding in the British Under 21 Final at Purfleet in Essex, team manager Kevin Shepherd is convinced a bizarre refereeing decision cost his side victory on the night to go with their aggregate win.

“The decision of the referee to exclude Nick Simmons puzzled not only myself,” said Shepherd, “but the majority of people in the stadium I’ll wager and turned the meeting on it’s head but thankfully didn’t affect our aggregate win.

“We went into the race a point up, Ben Hopwood was leading and Nick was looking to join him for a maximum 5-1 heat win when he had a coming together with Wildcats’ No.1 Byron Bekker in an incident that was clearly caused by the latter but, sadly, the ref didn’t see it that way and inexplicably excluded Nick!

“Needless to say the home side got a 5-1 of their own in the re-run to rub salt into the wounds as it were but we won on aggregate which was what we set out to do and I was extremely

touched when Nick and the lads dedicated the victory to the memory of my mum Eileen, who sadly passed away 48 hours before the meeting in Dorset.”

Once again the Wightlink Islanders team produced a solid all-round performance and No.8 Rik Mullins showed how hard he’s pushing for a team spot with a well taken six points that came via two heat wins.

He’ll have to wait just a little bit longer though as Johnson returns to the side this Saturday for the Islanders first away league match of the season at Newport who look to have assembled a pretty strong squad for 2010. Nick Simmons and his men will be travelling to South Wales with every intention of getting their league campaign off to a winning start.

Wightlink Islanders Scorers:

Ben Hopwood 9, Nick Simmons 8, Dan Blake 7+1, Danny Warwick 7, Rik Mullins 6, Dean Felton 5+2, Tom Hill 1.

While his team mates were racing at Weymouth, Brendan Johnson was competing in the British Under 21 Championship Final at Arena Essex, but sadly he could not repeat the meeting victory he achieved in his semi-final of the competition at Mildenhall.

He scored three points from his five rides, his best race coming in heat 10 when he claimed second place behind Sheffield’s Josh Auty who, like Brendan, was out in Australia during the winter months.

The meeting was won by 18 years old Joe Haines ahead of the two pre-meeting joint favourites Tai Woffinden and defending champion Lewis Bridger.


SPORT

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

SportRYDE ROWING Club represented the Island in the Southampton Coastal Fours Head of the River Race on Saturday.

The event was a processional race over a four and a half mile course on the River Itchen with crews starting at approximately ten second intervals.

The club, sponsored by Wightlink, had two senior fours competing

– the “A” crew of Russell Page, Mick Jenner, Nick Pike and Ian Hayden with Dale Buckett finished the race in a time of 17 mins 47 secs to finish in the second fastest time of the day, missing winning the Head Pennant by just three seconds. The “B” crew of Stu Johnson, Tom Clark, Sam Cocker and Ben Ade with Max Reeve coxing, racing for the first time in a new format

finished the race in fifth place in a time of 18 mins, 8secs.

This weekend (April 25) the club has four of their junior squad representing the Wessex Region at the GB Junior Inter Regional Championships, at the National Water sports Center, in Nottingham.

After extensive trials over the last few months Dale Buckett and Sam Corney have been selected

to compete in the boys’ J14 coxed quad, Holly Evans has been selected for the Girls J15 coxed quad and Bryony Reeve has been selected as one of the team coxswains. The Ryde junior squad has consistently provided members for the Wessex team over many years, but having four members selected for the team is one of the club’s best selection performances.

RYDE ROWERS IN TOP FORM

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THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

RAIDERS ARE PIPPED

THE WIGHTLINK Raiders just failed in their bid to be crowned league champions after being narrowly pipped on goal aggregate by Bracknell.

Raiders’ extended season saw them pick up a well deserved win against the Hornets at Bracknell in the back-to-back play-off final games.

The mini-series ended with both teams level on two points after the Hornets took the win at Ryde Arena before the Raiders turned the tables against the 21-man strong

Bracknell side the following night.

The single win however was not enough for the Raiders hopes of being crowned champions as Bracknell secured the title 6-4 on aggregate over the two games.

The result however put no shame on the Raiders, who headed into the Playoff group stage as underdogs and battled through setback and injury to arrive in the finals as the only undefeated team from either group.

The Raiders team, management and supporters

club hope as many people as possible will join them on Saturday (24th) in the Raiders Bar at Ryde Arena for their End of Season ‘Do’. The event is free entry, with a small contribution from anyone wanting to take full advantage of the well stocked buffet!

The Raiders Shirt Auction will kick off proceedings on Saturday with the first shirt going under the hammer at 7.30pm sharp, also on the night the Raiders Player awards and the End of Season Raffle will be drawn.

IW Gazette 61

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