IW Gazette 63

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

THE NEW 52 PAGE IW GAZETTE - ONLY 30PFriday May 21, 2010 Issue 63 www.iwgazette.co.uk 30p

WAYNE’S WORLD IS BACK!

SECRET DEAL TO LAND MACCA

Paul McCartney Jimi Hendrix

See full story page 2

JOHN GIDDINGS, organiser of the Isle of Wight Festival, has exclusively revealed to The Gazette how he struck a secret deal with pop icon Sir Paul McCartney to bring him to this year’s music extravaganza at Seaclose.

Giddings spent five years trying to persuade ‘Macca’

to perform at The Festival, but only last December the former Beatle again said ‘thanks but no thanks’.

Then Giddings came up with the idea that ‘Macca’ should take part in a tit-for-tat tribute involving the late music legend Jimi Hendrix.

Now, 40 years after Hendrix went on stage

to perform a tribute to The Beatles’ album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, in front of McCartney, this summer’s Festival headline act will return the compliment. He will give his own special tribute to Hendrix, who also wowed hundreds of thousands who gathered at Afton Down back in 1970

at one of the first Isle of Wight Festivals.

We can also reveal that a new contract has been agreed with the IW Council that will secure the Festival’s future for the next 10 years.

Read The Gazette’s exclusive interview with John Giddings on page 5.

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, May 21, 20102

NEWS

A HOMEOWNER who was carrying out home improvements in Shanklin had to call out the fire service after setting fire to his house.

The red faced homeowner from Spring Road, Shanklin was using a blowtorch to remove paint from a porch way attached to the front of the three bedroom semi. It is thought rotten wood caught alight after being hit with a naked flame from the torch.

Two fire appliances attended from

Shanklin and Sandown. The small fire was put out with

a hose reel. Fire crews used a thermal imaging camera to

check for hot spots within the roof area of the porch.

DIY ENDS IN BLAZE

WAYNE: I CAN’T THANK EVERYONE ENOUGH

across his head. But he has no plans to cover it up.

“I shave my head and I’m not going to change anything,” he explained.

Wayne’s arm also took around ten hours of surgery to fix and there is likely to be more to follow. “I still have a lot of pain in my arm,” he said. “I’ve got one scar from shoulder to elbow and two more on my forearm, one on top and one on the bottom, from elbow to wrist.

“I have full sleeve tattoos and Mr. Hobbs who operated on my arm has even lined up the tattoos.

“The care from the doctors and nurses and everyone has been second to none – I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Wayne can’t remember anything about the accident. “I had been on holiday to

Florida and put my car into the garage for a full service while I was away. All I can remember is picking it up from the garage and the next thing I remember is waking up in Southampton Hospital with all my family around me.

“I thought I was still in

Florida. My mum told me what had happened and I said, “Am I all right?” and she said, “No,” and she talked me through what had happened.

“If it had happened to someone else in my family or friends it would have been different, but because it was

me I just got on with it. I just took it in my stride.

“I had 20 hours of surgery to put me right. Ten hours in Southampton to do my head and ten hours in St Mary’s to do my arm.

”The brain surgeon said that it was good that I had so

many fractures to my skull because it allowed my head to swell. Otherwise I might have had brain damage.”

Before the surgery on his skull, Wayne even left the hospital for a few days whilst waiting for his operation. “There was diarrhea and

“I was in a coma for six days, had over 26 fractures in my skull and nearly lost my right arm.”

WAYNE CHILD has spoken to The Gazette about his horrendous brush with death in a car accident. Wayne, 28, from Cowes is well on the way to recovery. He is very grateful to the medical staff who helped to rebuild him, and the fire service who were first on the scene.

After the crash in Smallbrook Lane in January

when Wayne’s car left the road and hit a tree, he was in a coma for six days, had over 26 fractures in his skull and he nearly lost his right arm.

“The whole of my right eye socket had to be restructured, but I now have sight back in that eye and I’ve been discharged from the eye hospital,” said Wayne.

It took over ten hours in surgery in Southampton to rebuild Wayne’s skull and he now has some impressive scars including one that reaches from ear to ear

BY JASON KAY

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, May 21, 2010 3

NEWS

sickness in the hospital and I still had many broken ribs and being sick would have been very painful so I asked if I could go home until my operation day and they let me,” said Wayne.

Since coming home Wayne has even acted in a local play at Trinity Theatre in Cowes. “I auditioned before I went to Florida and got the part, but obviously had to pull out. But one of the guys in a smaller part couldn’t get back from Florida (co-incidentally) because of the volcanic ash cloud so I stepped in.

“That was brilliant – it did me the world of good,” said Wayne who is finding that filling his time is one of his greatest problems, although he is teaching himself to write with his

left hand. “The hardest thing is

losing my independence – not being able to drive,” said Wayne who is very keen to get behind the wheel again. “I work in Southsea as a bank manager and I used to drive up to London some weekends and I miss that.

“I can’t even drive to Ventnor seafront or up Culver Down. I’ve got some really good friends who are really supportive but I don’t always like to ask.”

Another problem is that Wayne has totally lost his sense of smell and taste although he is hoping that these will return. “I’ve completely lost my appetite and three and a half stones since the accident, but at least I had it to lose,” said

Wayne pragmatically.Wayne really is a miracle

of modern surgery and his attitude towards his injuries and recovery is admirable. He has even taken time to star in the Stay Alive video produced by the police force to warn youngsters of driving dangers.

“I’m just getting on with what I can do, and trying to keep myself occupied,” explained Wayne stoically.

Wayne made a visit to Ryde community Fire Station this week for an emotional reunion with Trevor Moyce, Senior Duty Officer, who happened to be on his way back from lunch when he came across the crash scene only seconds after it had happened. Luckily Trevor

has 25 years experience in the fire service and knew what to do.

“I adopted the actions of a first aider, helping him to breathe,” said Trevor. “I was pleased that I had been going by because due to my training I was able to hold his airway open and keep him conscious and call the emergency services. Being able to tell my control officer exactly where we were helped too.

“I handed over to ambulance staff when they arrived and to the fire service when the duty officer arrived. I could see that he was in a bad way and I’m just pleased that the hospital staff have given him back his life. Any fire officer would have done the same thing.”

WAYNE: I CAN’T THANK EVERYONE ENOUGH

Station manager Trevor Noyce and Wayne Childs with the fire crews involved in the rescue

Wayne Child, trapped in his car


NEWS

THIS SATURDAY, May 22, Whitwell Church is hosting another Jazz and Blues evening, following on from their highly successful one last year. The event is to raise money for much needed church funds.

Three bands will be playing, including The Hillmans (with Dick Taylor) and Tzigane, the gypsy jazz trio, with Paul Armfield on double bass, JC Grimshaw on various instruments and Donal on fiddle.

Tickets are £6 only, to include food and there will be a bar with licence to sell wine. The evening starts at 7pm for 7.30pm. The acoustics in the church are wonderful and it should be a great evening.

Tickets are selling fast but are still available from Jon and Selina at the Old Rectory, Whitwell. Telephone: 731242.

MORE JAZZ ‘N’ BLUES

SIX ISLAND police officers have completed their challenge of taking on Britain’s longest river, The Severn, and have raised around £1,000 for two Island-based charities.

Sergeant Cliff Jones, PC Matt Wilford, PC Simon O’Dea, PC Rob Power, PC Paul McPartlin and PC Tom Gamble raised funds 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 took six days to walk to the river’s source, cycle to the primary navigation point and then kayak along the river to the sea at Gloucester. All the officers gave up leave for the challenge and have trained in all weathers to prepare.

It was the latest charity challenge taken on by Island officers who had previously completed the Sport Relief mile in full riot kit and the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for island-based charities.

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.”

St. Catherine’s School year 11 group followed the team’s progress as part of its geography coursework. 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.”

You can still donate to the team through the Just Giving web page. http://w w w . j u s t g i v i n g . c o m /SevernChallenge2010.

COPS CHARITY KAYAKING

POLICE are renewing appeals for witnesses to come forward after an alleged assault near Newport.

Officers are continuing to investigate a dispute between a man and woman in the car park of SCATS Countrystores off Blackwater Road at approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 13.

The woman received bruising during the dispute. A 23-year-old man from Rookley was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

Investigating officer, PC Ben Mitchell, from the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “We understand there were potential witnesses in the SCATS car park at the time of this dispute. The brief description of a van and a driver has been mentioned. I’m appealing for this motorist or anyone with further information to contact the police.”

The motorist and other witnesses are asked to contact Newport Police Station by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

WITNESS APPEAL

ISLAND POLICE want possible victims of fraud to come forward.

Officers from the Island’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) are investigating several reports of money being obtained from members of the public by deception.

Investigating officer, PC Sam Burrows, said: “A number of Islanders have lost money by paying hundreds of pounds in cash in advance on the promise of discounted electrical goods, which are then never delivered.

“We believe more people could have been affected by similar frauds on the island so far this year. I’m appealing for anyone who thinks they are a victim of this type of deception to contact us.”

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

FIGHTING FRAUD

THE SANDOWN BAY Safer Neighbourhoods team are continuing their regular tours with the IW Mobile Police Office.

Residents and visitors can discuss policing and community safety issues with their local police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on the 14th of each month.

The times and places for the mobile police office’s tour have now changed to the following in the Sandown Bay area:

Perowne Way, Sandown (at the shop): 9.00 - 10.00am. Sandown High Street (near the library): 10.10 - 11.00am. Brading Bull Ring: 11.20am - 12.20pm. Sherbourne Avenue, Bembridge: 12.30 - 1.20pm. St.Helens Green: 1.30 - 2.10pm. The Roadside Inn car park, Nettlestone: 2.15 - 3.10pm. Seaview Esplanade: 3.20 - 4.20pm.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Ken Payne said: “We strive to provide an excellent service to residents by offering opportunities for them to meet their local Safer

Neighbourhoods team every month. All members of the community can influence our policing priorities.

“There have been 33 fewer victims of crime in the Sandown Bay area since the start of April compared to the same time in 2009. We will continue to act on people’s concerns and feedback so they feel safe about where they live. This is part of our commitment to spend most of our time visibly working in your neighbourhood, tackling your priorities under the Policing Pledge.”

Read more about the Policing Pledge online at www.hampshire.police.uk

For those who cannot attend police beat surgeries, the Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101 or e-mailing [email protected]. . 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 ON TOUR

Jools Holland with Sgt Cliff Jones


NEWS

JOHN GIDDINGS, organiser of the Isle of Wight Festival feared he had again failed in his five-year quest to bring Sir Paul McCartney to Seaclose.

Then Giddings came up with suggestion that ‘Macca’ decided he simply could not refuse, and the deal was clinched.

John explains in this exclusive Gazette interview how he pulled off arguably his greatest Festival coup. He said: “Paul said ‘no’ originally. Then I reminded his representatives that when the album “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” band was released on the Friday back in 1970, Jimi Hendrix learned it on the Saturday, and played it on the Sunday at the Savoy Theatre when Paul was in the audience.

“So I said it would be nice to play a tribute to Jimi 40 years later, and they thought that was a great idea. It took Paul another six weeks to come back and agree to it. He had heard of the Festival and was interested, but the Hendrix idea was the extra factor.”

Former Beatle McCartney once sang in “When I’m 64” from the Sgt Pepper album ‘Every summer we can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear’. Now he will be returning to the Island for the first time in 40 years to headline this year’s Festival, just a few days short of his 68th birthday.

Hendrix, of course, was the headline act at the IW Festival at Afton Down in 1970. The Beatles were reported to be at the festival as onlookers. Now Macca’s tribute is set to span all those years.

“I have no idea what Paul is going to do it, but I understand he will make ‘a nod’ to Jimi Hendrix and to what happened 40 years ago,” said John.

The Festival campers’ night on the Thursday will open with a Hendrix tribute act, and after ‘Macca’ has been on stage the finale will be the fireworks to Hendrix music.

John continued: “I have been trying to get Paul to the Festival for the past five years. It takes longer than a year to persuade artists of the calibre of McCartney or The Rolling Stones to turn up on the Isle of Wight.

“Since I confirmed him in January, I have been obsessing about who I am going to get for 2011, because this will take some beating. But if I didn’t like the challenge I would just walk away and sit in my garden and watch the roses grow...if I had any roses.

“I have spent every single penny of ticket money this year to get the best line-up ever. Luckily I am in the music business, so I spend my life going to gigs, meeting people and talking to them. I see support acts, and invite them along because I like them. It is about being in the centre of it all. I think it just gets better and better.”

The Festival takes place on June 11, 12and 13, and takes virtually all year to plan. John said: “The biggest problem for me is the production line when you are trying to change over from Pink to Paul McCartney in half an hour when they both have their own stadium shows on the

road.“The Festival has 12 heads of

department, and if you add in the likes of catering bar staff and security, there are probably about 3,000 people involved in the whole production. And I couldn’t do it without the help of the people around me.”

Then he revealed: “We have just finished the original 10-year contract with the IW Council. Now we are finalising a new deal, so Festival-goers can look forward to 10 more years at least – it’s just a case of finding 10 headline acts! In the end you have to end up repeating yourself, because some artists have been here and put on such great shows.”

He added: “We appreciate the continuing support of fans, and we strive for excellence. I just want people to enjoy the Festival and go away knowing they have had a great weekend.

“They have also discovered the Isle of Wight, which is a by-product that I am very pleased to have happen. I would never have done a festival anywhere else. It is only here because I love the Isle of Wight so much.

“The Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 was the ‘Woodstock’ of Europe, and I think the biggest gathering for music in Europe ever known. Hopefully we have gone some way towards continuing the tradition.”

THE IW FESTIVAL will be going World Cup crazy this year with the introduction of the BT Vision Field of Dreams which will play host to special screenings of every match across the weekend.

The thousands of festival-goers will be treated to some incredible live music from artists including the legendary Paul McCartney, global superstar Jay-Z and the mighty Strokes without missing a second of the action from South Africa.

In a festival first, the BT Vision Field of Dreams will be dominated by a massive 7m x 5m screen meaning that every handball, free kick and questionable offside decision will be seen in minute detail.

Over the weekend England will take on the USA in their first group match of the tournament and other great footballing nations, including this year’s hosts, South Africa, as well as Germany, Argentina and France will begin staking their claims for honours.

The hopes of a nation are once again resting on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch et al to bring the World Cup home.

The full list of matches that will be screened in the BT Vision Field of Dreams are: June 11, South Africa v Mexico. Uruguay v France

June 12, England v USA. Argentina v Nigeria. Korea Republic v Greece.

June 13, Germany v Australia. Serbia v Ghana. Algeria v Slovenia.

IW FESTIVAL ON THE BALL

MACCA’S TRIBUTE TO LEGEND HENDRIX

John Giddings Exclusive

MERSEYSIDE’S finest, The Coral, are set to join Paul Weller, Brand New Heavies, Imelda May, The Bees, Twisted Wheel and The Chords for Summer Madness at Carisbrooke Castle Fields on August 29.

The Coral are riding high after the success of their sixth album, Butterfly House, which won praise from fans and critics alike reinvigorating the band after the release of their Greatest Hits collection in 2008. Hailed as the first English band of the ‘guitar group revival’ the band released the acclaimed EPs Shadows Fall, The Oldest Path and Skeleton Key in 2001. Their eponymous debut album, The Coral, released in 2002, reached number five in the UK album charts and was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize the day after its release. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength with their own distinctive musical style.

Tickets are priced at £40 and are available at www.seetickets.com - 24 Hour Hotline - 0871 2200 260 as well as the Tourist Information Centres and HMV Stores in Newport.

CORAL SET FOR CARISBROOKE

Paul MacCartney


NEWS

A MAN received severe burns to his hands and face in a gas explosion that ripped apart his kitchen in Newport.

Two people were taken to hospital, a man suffering from burns and a woman with breathing problems. Drill Hall Road in Newport was cordoned off following the explosion.

A member of public reported hearing a loud bang just before lunchtime on Sunday May 9. Fire, police and ambulance services attended the scene and the two injured people received treatment. There is also extensive damage to a property.

Fire crews from Newport fought a blaze

in the kitchen using a high-pressure hose and fire fighters evacuated neighbours while they extinguished the blaze and sealed off the gas supply.

Retired bus mechanic, Alan Barlow (65), received flash burns to hands and face. He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital and then airlifted to the specialist burns unit at Salisbury District Hospital. His condition is described as satisfactory.

Police said that they are investigating the cause of the incident, which is thought to have been a gas explosion. Officers said the explosion is thought to have been caused by a gas leak and that foul play was not suspected.

Group Manager Mark Deacon for IW Fire Service said, “The Kitchen of the house, in the Carisbrooke part of the Island, was very badly damaged in what is thought to be a gas explosion.”

A neighbour of Mr Barlow who lives in Drill Hall Road said: “I heard the explosion and I thought it was something in my own house. It was absolutely deafening, like nothing I’d experienced

before.“You could smell this

awful smell of gas and there was this guy outside

the house calling for help. You could see he was in pain. He had all burns to his hands and face.”

ALAN’S LUCKY ESCAPE

STUDENTS at Christ the King College will be able to tinkle the ivories on a baby grand piano, thanks to a generous donation by an ex-pupil.

The piano, which has been placed in the chapel on the Upper College site, was donated by Sarah Coetzee, who was a pupil at Newport C of E Middle School.

Ms Coetzee says of the piano, which is valued at around £2,000: “It was doing very little at my parents’ house so it is a pleasure to be able to pass it on. I have especially happy memories of my time at Middle School.”

The College has also been given a brand new Yamaha keyboard from a local Carisbrooke parishioner, which will be based in the Chapel on the Lower College site.

Head of Music, Jeremy Gray, says: “We have recently received two wonderful and very generous donations of musical instruments. The students of Christ the King College will certainly benefit from these donations for many years to come - in public performances, classroom activities, personal practice, composition and study.”

A GROUP of enthusiasts, dressed up as doctors and nurses, will be turning to pedal power this weekend to raise money for charity.

A group of 10 – four adults and six children – will be attempting to cycle around the Island to raise funds for the Retinitis Pigmentosa Society which is currently looking for treatment and a cure to blindness.

Steve McArthur, one of the organisers, said: “This charity is close to home and to our hearts and hopefully one day will help my dad and thousands of others to see again.”

They cyclists will set off from Brading Station at 8am on Saturday (May 22) and hope to be returning there by 6pm, with the schedule likely to include the Sandpipers Hotel, Freshwater at noon and The Sloop in Wootton by around 4pm.

PEDAL POWER AIMS TO HELP

THE BLIND

KINGS COLLEGE IN TUNE WITH

PIANO GIFT

THE GAZETTE published in issue 61 a article relating to Fat Harry’s Fish and Chip shop in Sandown. The Gazette would like to make clear after receiving further information from the landlord that there was no fire within the building as stated in our article. We would like to apologise for any misunderstanding.

FOR THE RECORD

Alan Barlow

The remains of the kitchen

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

VISITORS to Yaverland beach were surprised to see a whale, a dolphin and a seal being rescued by a group from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

Luckily the sea mammals were only models and no sea life was in danger this time. But the BDMLR was running a special training course on May 9 for new mammal medics to learn how to save a whale if it did become stranded.

“During this training course we have trained nine new marine mammal medics from Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Kent and Dorset,” said Dr Stephan Voigt, who with Nigel Dove and Dale Evans co-ordinates the BDMLR on the Island. “Six already trained Isle of Wight BDMLR medics did help to run the course and took part in the refresher course as well, and it was

run by national co-ordinator Trevor Weeks.

“The training course consists of a theory and a practical part. The theory sessions consist of lectures about anatomy, physiology and pathology of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and pinnepeds (seals). It addressed different options regarding rescue, rehabilitation, euthanasia and release of the animals concerned.

“Another part of the theory lectures focused on the assessment of the animal at the scene, first aid, manual handling and health and safety whilst working with marine animals.

“The practical on the beach focused on first aid procedures, different re-flotation techniques of whales and dolphins as well as first aid and capture techniques of seals.

Life-sized dummies (seal, bottlenose dolphin and pilot whale) will be used to teach different techniques how to recover and re-float the different types of animals.”

Members of the BDMLR helped with the Northern Bottlenose Whale that became stranded at Hayling Island in August 2008. Unfortunately teams were unable to save this whale and it had to be put to sleep, but other Island incidents can be viewed at www.iow-bdmlr.co.uk/incidents/

British Divers Marine Life Rescue is an organisation dedicated to the rescue and well being of all marine

animals in distress around the UK. They are a network of trained and professional

marine mammal medics who

r e s p o n d to call

o u t s from the general

public, HM Coastguard, Police and RSPCA.

“In fact, we are the primary marine animal rescue organisation in the country and are not only called upon by the other emergency

services, but also train their staff,” said Dr Voigt.

“Our rescue teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have a wide range of equipment

strategically placed throughout the country to deal with strandings of marine animals, oil spills, fishing gear entanglement and in fact any type of marine animal in trouble. This includes rescue boats, equipment trailers, whale

and dolphin pontoon sets, a whale disentanglement kit and each area has a medic kit with essential supplies. In 2008 BDMLR moved from being a purely rescue organisation and opened a specialist seal hospital in the remote Scottish highlands which wasn’t being covered before.”

British Divers Marine Life Rescue is a registered charity no 803438 (Lime

House Regency Close, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22

1DS, UK), is entirely funded by donations and can only run the emergency service for marine animals with the support of the public and BDMLR supporters. For more information see the national BDMLR website: http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/ or the local IoW BDMLR website: http://www.iow-bdmlr.co.uk/

A WHALE OF A TIME

Nigel Dove with the whale


NEWS

FORMER telecoms consultant Ian Stephens is the new chairman of IW Council.

Councillor Stephens, who represents the Ryde West ward, was elected to the authority’s most senior position at the annual meeting of the council on Wednesday May 19.

The Independent councillor was first elected to the IW Council in 2001.

Newly elected chairman Mr Stephens said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to chair this council and to serve the people of the Isle of Wight.

“My wife Sandy and I look forward to a busy and rewarding year and we will be proud to represent this highly successful council.”

Ian paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman and his consort, Councillor Arthur Taylor and his wife Doreen, who had completed a remarkable

two year term in the Civic Office. Reference was made to various shared experiences between the former Chairman and Vice Chairman, which resulted in the promoting of the Island in such positive ways.

Councillor David Williams, who represents

the Shanklin central ward, was elected to be the council’s deputy chairman in the coming civic year.

Council leader councillor David Pugh thanked outgoing chairman Arthur Taylor for his work over the past year.

A cheque presentation was made in front of

council members to the former chairmans nominated charities, the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the Haylands Farm Project for 8,000.

Chairman Stephen’s chosen charities for 2010 - 2011 are Friends of Beaulieu House and Age Concern.

ISLAND MONOPOLYIT’S OFFICIAL – the Island is a monopoly, or it will be, all thanks to Oakfield Primary School in Ryde.

The school pitched the idea to Winning Moves UK, the company who license the Monopoly game from Hasbro. Amazingly they were successful and this week Winning Moves were at Oakfield Church of England Primary School to announce that the Island is to get its very own Monopoly game.

Mark Marriott from

Wining Moves and David Pugh, Leader of the IW Council, donned top hats and held monopoly money and giant green dice to announce a new election to vote for the local landmarks and institutions to replace the celebrated London Monopoly streets.

The idea to produce a customised Monopoly: Isle of Wight Edition all came about because Oakfield Primary pitched the concept to Winning Moves.

“It was like something

off TV,” explained Eileen Eaton, a teacher at Oakfield Church of England (aided) Primary school in Ryde, Isle of Wight, who first approached Winning Moves with the idea nine months ago.

David Pugh said: “Well done to Oakfield Primary for showing tremendous initiative. Thanks to their efforts it appears that, once again, the Island and some its most iconic features will be given a well deserved international profile.”

Local residents are being asked to vote for the local landmarks and institutions to replace the celebrated London Monopoly streets in the new Isle of Wight Edition.

The new game will see more than 30 Isle of Wight landmarks swap places with the likes of ‘Mayfair’ and ‘Whitehall’ and a frantic four-week campaigning period is planned.

The spirit and shape

of the board will remain the same as with the traditional Monopoly game - including the prices. It will be mainly the streets that change to take on an Island flavour and feel.

Ideas for Chance and Community Chest cards suggested by the pupils include: “Sponsor a Tiger, pay £20,” “Enter a sailing race at Cowes, pay £50 entry fee” and “Win a Festival ticket, go

to the Festival site, if you pass go collect £200.”

The top slots of Mayfair and Park Lane are likely to go to defining landmarks and Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle have already had votes. Other suggestions have been Oakfield Primary School (of course), and the ferry and hovercraft companies.

Voting opened on Wednesday May 19

and polls will close at 10am four weeks later on Wednesday June 16, 2010.

Mark Marriott said: “The race to Whitehall - and Mayfair - starts all over again today. We are very excited and are looking forward to public input for the game in general and the top ‘Mayfair’ slot in particular.”

To vote just email your suggestions

to [email protected]. Businesses who would like to be included on the board are asked to email [email protected] to discuss availability.

The Monopoly: Isle of Wight Edition will be available on the High Street and virtual shop shelves later this year (October/early November 2010), in time for Christmas.

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR COUNCIL

Karen Eeles, Arthur and Doreen Taylor and Nicki Cooke

Mark Marriot and Council leader David Pugh

Cllr Arthur Taylor handing over thechairmanship to Cllr Ian Stevens

The children of Oakfield Primary School with Eileen Eaton, Mark Marriot, Cllr David Pugh


NEWS

THERE WAS a good turnout for the Macnaughton-Howe art and craft exhibition at Ventnor Winter Gardens this year, the first for new chairman Sandra (Sandy) Fraser.

“It was a very successful year and we had between 200 and 300 people through the doors,” said Sandy. “There was a very high quality of craftsmanship this year.

“The hall didn’t look quite as full with tables, but this was because we were able to use the stage to exhibit some of the children’s work this year. We had about 11 tables booked to schools and various associations such as the Townswomen’s Guild, Lake Craft and Chatter group, and Ventnor Wednesday Club.”

Stitches Coven from Shanklin had a table and was selling and demonstrating embroidery work, Ventnor Community Art and Culture group had an eye catching display of fused glass from workshops run in their premises and Ethel Rose was demonstrating spinning wool with a spinning wheel.

St Wilfrid’s Primary had a display of work based on Renoir’s Les Parapluies (The

Umbrellas), Ventnor Middle had brought some of their Peace Posters and St Boniface Primary had a mixture of self-portraits and topical pictures of volcanoes.

As there was only one actual entry in the under 7s category from Sophie White, aged only 18 months, she was the bemused recipient of the award for ages up to seven. “I’m working on getting more entries in this category next year,” said Sandy.

“Thank you very much to everyone for entering, not forgetting all the members of the Macnaughton-Howe committee for helping to run the event,” she added.

“If there was a section that you felt was missing or you have any suggestions for new sections please get in touch.” Ideas to Sandy on 857383 before September.

The Macnaughton Festival took its name from a generous benefactor who in 1955 bequeathed money to be used in Ventnor to foster cultural activities. Later Rene Howe also left the association a very generous legacy and her name was incorporated in the title.

The previous chairman (for 14 years) was Brenda Lawson, who sadly died at the time of the festival last year, and it has been decided to name the chairman’s cup in her honour.

HIGH QUALITY FOR SANDY

TWIST AT THE THEATREOLIVER is on its way to Ventnor! A Shanklin couple have spent the last three months working hard to bring the ever popular musical to the Ventnor Winter Gardens.

Back in February, when the Ventnor Theatre Group secured the rights to perform ‘Oliver’, which famously charts the story of Charles Dickens’s young orphan boy, Oliver Twist; the task of ensuring the show would be ready to perform in just 15 weeks fell on Karen and Steve Trasler.

Having been members of the Ventnor Theatre

Group for a number of years, appearing in various musicals and pantomimes, the chance to produce and direct the prestigious show was an irresistible challenge. With an enthusiastic cast, determined production team and 14-piece orchestra, it is now ready to be performed over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Trasler family’s involvement does not end there. The couple’s eight-year-old son William will be appearing as Oliver Twist, alternating in the role with newcomer to the group, 10 year old Samuel Mabey,

and the couple’s 11-year-old daughter, Kimberley is also taking part, as is Karen’s mother Eileen.

The group’s two award winning actors Laura Groves and Steve Jones, who won Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor at the 2009 Amateur Theatre Awards, return to the Ventnor stage to take on the roles of Nancy and evil Bill Sykes.

Many new, younger members have been attracted to join the group, with some children appearing for the very first time on stage and relishing the chance to be cheeky young thieves in

Fagin’s gang. Performing favourite tunes Be Back Soon, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, and It’s a Fine Life, ‘Oliver’ is certainly turning out to be a family show in every way, promising to be first class entertainment for all ages and a perfect family treat for the Bank Holiday weekend of the 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th May at 7.30pm, plus a matinee performance on Saturday 29th at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available in advance from the Winter Gardens Box Office on 857581, or on the door. Ventnor Winter Gardens

Entries for the Macnaughton Howe exhibition

St Wilfrid’s Primary School display inspired by Renoir’s Les Parapluies.

House by Kimberley Drew (gold award), pagoda by Jonathan Barrett (silver)

Left to right: Angela White and Sophie White (age 18 months), Angela Mackness, Joan Hogan, Emily Purser, Gwen Henley, Geraldine Moore, Frances Moore, Kimberley Drew

Glass fusing from workshops at VentnorCreative Activities Centre

BY JOMACAULAY


NEWS

MUM’S GEM SAVES PEARLA BRAVE young mum came to the rescue when pensioner Pearl’s airing cupboard set alight and clouds of choking smoke began filling her flat in Niton.

Pearl alerted her downstairs neighbour Nicky Whittle when her flat began to fill with smoke and the new mum rushed upstairs.

“I went up there and her airing cupboard was full of clothes and thick black plastic-smelling smoke,” said Nicky who had only given birth to her daughter Summer five weeks previously.

“I suffocated the fire with a plate and a pan lid that I put on top of the electrical boxes to contain the flames. Then I got rid of the clothes.

“I didn’t think about the pan lid being metal – I could have electrocuted myself. It was very scary, but I had to do it or the whole house would have gone up.

“I pulled the electrical boxes off of the wall and threw them in the sink – they would have caught

everything alight. It was such a bad area. The cupboard would have just gone ‘Whoosh’.

“I was scared but I was thinking logically that if I didn’t put this out the whole house would have gone up. It was so quick – it’s not until you see a fire that you realise just how fast it is.”

Pearl had called the fire brigade but the fire was out by the time they arrived. “They were taking the Mickey out of me saying, “Do you want us to hang your cape up for you,” laughed Nicky.

“I used to be a carer for the elderly and went on a fire awareness course, which helped me. All that was damaged was the wood surrounding the cupboard but it could have been so much worse.”

Pearl was treated at the scene by ambulance staff who gave her oxygen as she’d breathed in the plastic smoke fumes. The housing association that owns the building fixed her electricity boxes and wiring the following day.

ASHES TO ASHES CAVALIER FINISHFANS of the BBC’s Ashes to Ashes series will be glued to their televisions for this Friday’s final episode, but Annie Ruecrost from Brading will be have more reasons that most to be watching – her 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier is starring in the show.

The lead character Alex Drake, or ‘Bolly’ as she is dubbed by her co-star Gene Hunt, will drive Annie’s gold Cavalier; with its distinctive DL number plate. It will be an unmarked CID police car and will feature in several scenes – it even appears in the trailer to the episode.

“You’ll see it thundering down a runway behind Gene Hunt in an arrow formation,” said Annie. ‘We filmed that at RAF Northolt, although it won’t be there in the programme I don’t suppose. We had several days of shooting and I had to ship the car from the Island to South London in February.”

Annie, who works on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry as a bar tender, runs the biggest Ashes to Ashes fan group, which is at www.luigis.org.uk - the

name of the restaurant where the police meet in the series.

“Members of the cast knew that I had several old cars of the period and I got a phone call asking me to bring the Cavalier up for the filming,” said Annie. “They’ve been very good to us, giving us lots of autographs and we’ve had parties at the beginning and end of the series that cast members have attended. The next one is on July 3.

“I got given a police radio that belonged in Gene Hunt’s Quattro

and some script pages were left in the car. It’s nice to be involved and to watch it come together.

“The car was my dad’s and he bought it new in 1982. It’s got sentimental value for me and it’s also in the Vectis Historical Vehicle Club.”

But Annie was keeping mum on the outcome of the time travelling plotline. “I was glad that I didn’t find out what happened at the end of the episode. It will still be a surprise on the night,” she claimed.

Annie Ruecrost with GeneHunt (Philip Glenister)

Pearl after the fire


NEWS

Island with each group. The first ‘leg’ was from Cowes to Jersey Camp, Porchfield using the Coastal Path where possible.

Waiting for them at Jersey Camp were the Army Cadets from ‘C’ Company who completed their ‘leg’ to Yarmouth in good time and arrived smartly marching down the High Street. Cadets from Cowes High School Combined Cadet Force were there to take over the Baton having collected for Help for Heroes and SSAFA whilst they were waiting.

From Yarmouth the cadets followed the disused railway line into Freshwater where cadets from Ryde School CCF and Cowes High School CCF were collecting for the two charities. Cowes CCF cadets continued walking their ‘leg’ to Freshwater Bay and then followed the coastal path to Brook Chine.

The baton was then taken over by Ryde School CCF who made good time to reach Whale Chine three quarters of an hour earlier than anticipated. It was at this point that the heavens opened and the rain came down. The next ‘leg’ was undertaken by a combined team of cadets from Cowes High School CCF and Ryde School CCF who despite the rain completed the ‘leg’ from Whale Chine to Ventnor in very good time and remained in good spirits. It was now 8pm and the end of the first day.

A new day and a new team from the Air Training Corps began at 8am from Ventnor Esplanade. They completed their 5 miles on time and marched very smartly along Sandown Esplanade to hand the Baton on to the Sea Cadets from Ryde. It was a long cross-country ‘leg’ of 7.75miles using the Nunwell Trail taking in the

breathtaking views from Arreton Down. They arrived in Ryde on time for the combined team of two cadets from the CCF, SCC, RMCC, ACF and ATC to set off on their 7-mile walk from Ryde to Newport.

At 4pm the final team arrived in Newport in St Thomas’ Square to be greeted by all the cadets who had taken part and the High Sheriff. All the Cadet Unit Banners were there as well as the RBL County Standard.

The High Sheriff gave a short speech in which he congratulated the cadets for their efforts. He also asked for a minute’s silence in remembrance of the young Sea Cadet who had recently

tragically died. Following the minute’s silence the High Sheriff presented each cadet with a commemorative Cadet 150 Round the Island Relay medal.

When the formal presentations were over all the cadets went back to the Drill Hall for a well-earned burger and chips, which had been cooked for them by the TA Chef.

All the cadets seemed to have enjoyed the experience and it has forged contacts between all the different cadet units on the Island, which hopefully will last beyond 2010. During the Relay the cadets collected £1,300 for Help 4 Heroes and SSAFA charities.”

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MUCH HELP 4 HEROES

CADETS taking part in an Island relay walk raised around £1,300 for Help 4 Heroes and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association).

As part of the Cadet 150 celebrations, cadet companies from around the Island joined to undertake a two-day relay walk around the Island. Sqn Ldr E Mead RAF VR(T) takes up the story: “The grey skies and cold temperature over the weekend of May 8/9 did not dampen the cadets’ spirits as they began their two day round the Island relay.

The High Sheriff, Peter Kingston and his predecessor Gay Edwards nobly set the first group of cadets off at 0700hrs from the Royal Yacht Squadron on Cowes Parade. They presented the Sea Cadets from Cowes with the special Cadet 150 Baton, which was to travel around the

THE ISLAND’S award-winning pub, the Yarbridge Inn has closed.

Owners Paul and Sharon Jenner have called time for the last time at the Yarbridge on the outskirts of Brading, after failing to find a buyer, even at auction.

During his time as landlord, Paul offered customers more than 2,000 different types of real ales, and the Yarbridge was CAMRA Island Pub of the Year no fewer than five times, and was twice runner-up in the whole of the Wessex region.

PUB CLOSES

Sam Evett, Dan Dudley, WO Mandy Priceand Staff Sgt Tom White


NEWS

ISLAND POLICE have warned that anyone organising an illegal rave could face a prison sentence or heavy fine.

Their comments follow information that an illegal rave is due to be held on the Island soon. Officers say they will be working closely with the IW Council to crack down on unlicensed events this summer.

Sergeant Mark Voller warned: “Anybody who gets involved in organising one of these unlawful raves could

face up to six months in prison or a fine of £20,000.

“These are serious penalties and I really want to make anybody thinking of getting involved in these events fully aware of the possible consequences of doing so.”

Sergeant Voller added: “From time to time police receive information about planned illegal outdoor parties or ‘raves’. As the nights get warmer, it is timely to warn that decisive enforcement action can be taken against anyone

involved in organising a rave. Where any entertainment is provided for the public, a premises licence under the Licensing Act is necessary, though certain small scale events may be held under the authority of a temporary event notice.

“Because rave events cause nuisance, disruption and environmental damage, the penalties are severe. In addition to our powers under the Licensing Act, police can in certain circumstances seize vehicles and sound equipment and prevent partygoers gathering.

“A warning to anyone heading to a rave: Organisers of legal events must take steps to prevent crime and disorder, ensure public safety and the protection of young people, and to minimise nuisance to others. To make personal gain, the individuals behind illegal events avoid these obligations; it follows that a safe environment cannot be assured for anyone at an illegal rave.

“From now on, and throughout the summer months, police licensing officers will be on duty

to respond to reports of unlicensed events. To ensure public safety and to prevent public nuisance, we will intervene to stop these events wherever possible, and take enforcement action against the organisers.

“Anyone planning to hold an outdoor party event may seek advice from the Police Licensing Unit as to the legal position.”

Police on the Island will be carrying out targeted patrols and supporting responsible community events to combat anti-social behaviour. Following a similar campaign last summer, there were 677 fewer reports of anti-social behaviour on the island between July and September 2009, compared to the same three months in 2008,

People of all ages can become involved in anti-social behaviour and the island’s local Safer Neighbourhoods teams are dedicated to working together with local residents to ensure they feel safe in their communities. If anti-social behaviour is affecting anyone’s quality of life or making them fear

for their safety or the safety of others contact the local police station or call 101.

Sergeant Julie Cocks of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “As well as encouraging young people to be aware of the consequences of their actions, the police are also asking residents to allow children and teenagers to play safely in their local neighbourhood. The police regularly support responsible events and activities for young people on the island.

“The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team responded to a report of a party being advertised by a teenager on the

social networking website ‘Facebook’ for Gurnard Beach in April 2010. The organiser and his family were visited at home by the police and an IW Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO). We gave advice about the risks of staging a beach party where there was potential for uncontrolled consequences caused by hundreds of extra people attending at short notice as a result of internet advertising.”

The Isle of Wight Police Licensing Unit at Jubilee Stores on Newport Quay can be contacted by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.

COPS ARE RAVING MAD

A FULL-SCALE air and sea rescue operation was mounted at a historic Island fort – after a fire started by builders having a barbecue.

Two RNLI lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter and a police launch with eight firefighters on board were scrambled to Horse Sand Fort in the Solent shortly before 5am.

The Queen’s Harbour Master in nearby Portsmouth sounded the alert after smoke was spotted coming from the building, which was built as a gun fort between 1865 and 1880.

But by the time the emergency services reached the fort at a cost of several thousand pounds, the ‘blaze’ had already been put out by the three workmen.

The farcical false alarm arose after the men went to do cleaning work on the fort, which is being redeveloped into luxury apartments.

The Hampshire fort has been derelict for 50 years but is now being marketed as ‘a rare chance to reside off- shore on one of Britain’s few

man-made islands’ in apartments ‘offering residents the ultimate in seclusion’.

The builders apparently failed to put out their barbecue properly, which ignited a large pile of wood.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman Fred Caygill said that the dramatic response by the emergency services had been needed to ensure lives were not at risk on the fort.

He said: “We had a call from the Queen’s Harbour Master in Portsmouth at 4.45am to say that Horse Sand Fort was on fire.

“Information came in saying that there were persons at the fort, so we had to assume lives might be at and mobilise the resources to save those lives.

“It turned out that there were three workmen at the fort doing some cleaning work for the owners. They had had a barbecue at some point and did not put it out properly. It ignited some wood. They managed to

extinguish it themselves and all units were stood down.

“Their indiscretions caused a huge false alarm but if we had done nothing and the place had burnt down with loss of life, we would have been damned.

“They have been re-educated as to their catering arrangements and have said that they will not be having a barbecue again.”

Horse Sand Fort is one of Britain’s largest sea forts, measuring 240 feet (73 metres) across. General manager Heather Saville said: “Our guys have been cleaning the site ahead of a marketing day for corporate clients.

“They cannot easily get on or off the Island, so they stay there and they were having a small barbecue for food.

“They get up early and may have been doing sausages for their breakfast. I haven’t been able to speak to them yet. Some smoke has gone up and people have thought the place was on fire. I am sure we will be popping along to the Queen’s Harbour Master to thank them for looking out for us.”

WE ‘FORT’ IT WAS A FIREBY JASON KAY


NEWS

I hope all your birthday dreams and wishes come true.

Not just a year older, but a year better. Here’s to another year of experience.

A simple celebration, a gathering of friends; here is

wishing you great happiness, a joy that never ends.

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.

Love from mum, daddy and bobbie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU CHARLIE!

EVER wondered whether those groups of people wandering around in fields looking at the ground and carrying metal detectors actually find anything?

Make your way to the Isle of Wight Council’s Museum of History at the Guildhall in Newport and you’ll be able to see the fruits of their labours as many of the people who have found items have donated them to the museum.

The latest archaeological finds acquired by Isle of Wight Council’s Museum of Island History are now on display, including some that have a very important historical value and are very rare.

Amongst the finds is a 13th century silver brooch that was donated by a lady member of the Isle of Wight Metal

Detecting Club and a silver spoon.

The quirkiest item is a 16th or 17th century toothpick and ear scoop, with a little dragon’s face, which would have hung around the neck from the attached hoop (see pic).

A Bronze Age rapier or dagger is included in the display. “The rapier was found in the sea off Bembridge in 2000. It was reported to the Receiver of the Wreck and valued,” said Corina Westwood, Curator Human History at Isle of Wight Heritage Service.

“We purchased it in 2009. It is a Bronze Age Sword dating circa 1400-1250BC. It is called a rapier rather than a sword because it has been designed for thrusting rather than cutting.”

Members of the public were able to visit the museum

in Newport free of charge for one day only, as a celebration of Adult Learners Week. Both the museum and Newport’s Roman Villa were open for free between 10am and 4.30pm on Saturday May 15.

HISTORY IN THE DIG

Above: 17th century ear

scoopRight: 13th

century silver brooch

THE GAZETTE can reveal that Island police have arrested two men after they attempted to break into the Albany site of HMP Isle of Wight, while carrying what appeared to be a firearm and dressed up as Snoopy, the canine hero of the Peanuts cartoons.

Prison sources said that a sidekick, who wasn’t dressed as any kind of cartoon character, also accompanied him.

They had planned to storm the staff entrance of the jail and break out a family member. The family member was in fact located in another part of the prison complex.

The gun toting snoopy failed to gain access to the prison so resorted to throwing missile and rocks at staff cars parked in the car park.

A spokesman for Hampshire police confirmed that two males were arrested and have since been detained under the mental health act. The spokesman went on to confirm that the gun

was actually a water pistol.Stunned staff members on duty

were lost for words. One officer who was working at the time who did not wish to be named said “It’s not every day you see a giant cartoon dog go on the rampage after trying to break into a prison.”

‘SNOOPY’ IS CAUGHT OUT


NEWS

IT’S HOLY SMOKE!

WOMAN HURT IN ACCIDENT

IW FIRE CREWS from Shanklin and Sandown were called to a fence in St Paul’s Crescent, Shanklin. The 6ft fence was fully alight when fire crews arrived and they spent 45 minutes putting it out with a high pressure hose reel and a jet.

The Gazette has learnt that the blaze has also damaged the edge of a roof of the nearby Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.

A spokesman for IW Fire service stated that they believe the fire was started accidentally.

FOREST BLAZE AT BRIGHSTONEFORTY Firefighters from stations around the Islands battled to stop a forest fire from spreading on Wednesday (May 19).

Crews using beaters and four hose reel jets spent several hours tackling the woodland blaze in Gammers Common near to Strawberry

Lane, Brighstone.At the high of the fire five

pumping appliances’ and a water carrier were called in to gain control.

Station Manager Graham Orchard praised the crew who were first in attendance. Speaking to the gazette he said” The main priority

was to stop the fire from spreading any further, crews worked well in early stage to gain control as efforts were hampered by the remote location. The water carrier helped overcome this obstacle. He went on to say that they do not believe the fire to be suspicious.

AN ISLAND woman, named locally as Iris Price, is still in hospital after a road accident last week The Gazette can reveal.

The 65 year old pensioner who has a broken collar bone after being hit by a White Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 near to the Hale Common junction, Arreton on Wednesday (May 12).

Emergency services battled for more than an hour to cut free Iris from a crushed Ford Fiesta after the crash.

Fire crews used specialist

spreaders and cutting equipment to remove the roof of Mrs Price’s vehicle to free the trapped woman, and paramedics treated the pensioner at the scene.

Officers from Hampshire police closed the road and diverted traffic whilst specialist traffic officers from the RPU Shanklin (Road Police unit) carried out an investigation into the accident.

A 29-year-old man was also treated at St Mary’s hospital for minor injures, but later released after treatment,

LOCALS are set to make a big step forward for people with Downs Syndrome on Sunday June 6, when they take part in a sponsored walk in Steyne Park, Steyne Road, Bembridge.

The walk is organised by The Rainbow Club support group in association with the Down Syndrome Association. Called The Big Step Forward, walks are held across England to raise funds; In Bembridge the walk will take place around the perimeter of Steyne Park and consist of three laps making roughly 3km.

Clare Williams is the founder of the Rainbow Club and has helped to organise the walk.

“The Rainbow club Down

Syndrome support group was formed in 2007 after my son was born with Down syndrome in 2006 and I was surprised to find no local support group for Down Syndrome,” said Clare.

“I sent messages out to health visitors and early years workers and hoped people would turn up to the meetings. The message got round and people did make contact and I have met some great people.

“The club has steadily grown and we now have meetings every two weeks at Haylands Primary School and West Newport children’s centre. We have weekly pre school swimming sessions, a weekly dance class and we organise family days out.

“The Rainbow club also has a library of books, leaflets and DVDs for our members and professionals to borrow. The club helps with the costs of courses and travel for parents and carers.”

Everyone to join in the Big Step - for a sponsor form please call Clare on 568601 or email [email protected] or you can enter on the day for a £2 donation.

“The money raised from the walk will go towards getting extra speech and language support for our children with Down syndrome as this is a particular weakness in people with Down Syndrome, and also expanding our resource library,” said Clare.

WALKING FOR CHARITY


NEWS

PRESIDENT PAYS A VISITTHE BRITISH Red Cross Isle of Wight president, Dr Charles Mobbs, toured the Island to personally thank volunteers and supporters who were out and about shaking their buckets and donning their daring red wigs for Red Cross Appeal Week.

Beginning his day at the Co-Op in Terminus Road to meet the staff who had been dressing in read for the week, Dr Mobbs then moved to Newport. In Sainsbury’s he met Red Cross volunteer collector Bill Watt and at M&S he met Red Cross collector Audrey Rann.

Every year, people from across the Isle of Wight unite to raise thousands of pounds at loads of fun events during Red Cross Appeal Week. Whether it’s selling cakes,

shaking a bucket, or dressing from head to foot in red for a day, local supporters help raise money that brings life-changing and life-saving support to vulnerable people in crisis.

Dr Mobbs said: “With the Red Cross you can be sure the money you raise, or donate, will go directly to providing help where it’s most needed.

“The £40 raised through a street collection could buy 40 tarpaulin sheets to help those who have had their homes destroyed in Haiti following the January earthquake. The £100 brought in through a company dress in red day could train 10 people in lifesaving first aid skills.

“We rely on the generosity of the public to fund the services we provide right

here on your doorstep – including providing practical and emotional support to victims after a fire or other emergency, teaching humanitarian education to schools and youth groups, providing medical equipment loan to people with an illness or disability, and much more.”

Last year, Isle of Wight Red Cross volunteers raised more than £5,000 during Red Cross Appeal Week and the money was used to support vital work in the UK and overseas, providing unconditional care for vulnerable people in crisis.

To get involved, contact Lesley on 01983 537816, email [email protected] or visit www.redcross.org.uk/appealweek

POLICE are appealing for information after a children’s playground in Ryde was damaged by a suspected arson attack.

Officers were called to Puckpool Park shortly after 9.45am on Friday, May 14, 2010 after reports of a suspicious fire affecting new play equipment.

Flames melted piping that forms a tunnel in the playground. The damaged tunnel was sealed off as the structure is not safe.

A Hampshire Constab-ulary spokesman said: “Initial inquiries suggest this fire was started delibe-rately by someone who entered the playground

overnight between last Thursday evening and Friday morning.

“Police are appealing for anyone with information about who was involved

to contact officers directly or the Crimestoppers charity if they wish to remain anonymous. We would also like to appeal directly to those responsible to think about how their actions have affected the community, and come forward to admit what they have done.”

IW Council Community Leisure Development Officer Lee Matthews said “The council is absolutely appalled at this incident as the playground is part

of the national Playbuilder scheme and the local authority has only just opened it to the public.

“It’s already proved very popular with parents and children alike commenting on how modern and exciting the playground is as it’s not like your traditional see-saw and swings facility.

“Now, young children are going to be denied the opportunity to use a large part of it because we’ve had to close the damaged section while we assess the damage and see if we can repair it. It will probably be weeks before we can even look to try and re-open the whole facility, which is a great shame and upsetting for many people.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Ryde Police Station on 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

TOO MUCH ARSON AROUND

“Police are appealing for anyone with information.”

Kevin Bawels, Leanne Slade and Louise Randell

Sara Mitchell and Becky Bawels Red Cross president Dr Charles Mobbs with a volunteer

The burnt out remains of the damaged playpark


FEATURE

RIBEX SAILING HIGH

Wonder if the chief will let us get

one of these...

entrance gate. Appropriately positioned so as not to miss, the first thing you would have seen on entering was Portsea Rescue’s Lifeboat along with a mannequin dressed in full drysuit, lifejacket and rescue equipment... Welcome to the I-Lifeboat stand!

Manned by the volunteer crew that operate in the Solent area the Independent Lifeboats were chosen by show Organiser Hugo Montgomery Swan to be this year’s nominated charity.

“The stand provided

information on all the lifeboat stations in the UK that operate outside the auspices of the RNLI and also had equipment on display showing what donations are spent on,” said Chairman of Ryde Inshore Rescue Michaela White. “Running throughout the three days was a competition to guess the number of marbles in the jar, with the closest guess winning a Nintendo DSi donated by an anonymous donor.

“Whilst collecting on site the lifeboat crews spoke to the public making them aware of our existence and managed to ensure that 95 per cent of every person

at Ribex left wearing the I-Lifeboat sticker; including Bear Grylls!” said Chairman of Ryde Inshore Rescue Michaela White.

“Twice a day various units from the area put on a waterborne display, demonstrating the practi-calities of their craft and also giving safety advice on how to stay safe should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of ending up in the water.

“I am pleased to say that we have been invited back next year and would like to thank the organisers and compares’ for continually promoting us throughout the event,” said Michaela.

THE ANNUAL Ribex Exhibition at Cowes Yacht Haven attracted thousands of people from all over the world looking for a new boat, equipment or to simply drool at the variety on offer.

TV Personality Bear Grylls opened the event and despite the cold, windy weather the public started flocking through the

Venture Rescue Sea Cadets

BY JOMACAULAY


FEATURE

IT’S NOT OFTEN that you see the organiser of a festival playing on stage with his band but Hugo Montgomery Swan, organiser of RIBEX, wowed the crowds when he supported Seth Lakeman at RIBFEST.

Hugo’s rock band Swans In Flight took the slot before folk rock star Seth Lakeman on Saturday May 8, with Island band Lucid opening the evening’s entertainment.

In the past 12 – 18 months Swans In Flight have played venues such as London Excel, Earls Court and Birmingham NEC where they opened for two members of Iron Maiden. Several live festivals are planned for the summer and they are to be the special guests for “a well known rock band” too. Check their website www.swansinflight.com for details.

A musician, before he became involved with RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats). Hugo not only publishes RIB Magazine, the only British title dedicated to RIBs, but also four music titles: Acoustic Magazine, Guitar Buyer, Drummer Magazine and Bass Guitar Magazine.

“I think the idea of an evening concert is a

good one and that they complement each other,” said Hugo after the event. “The response has been very good and very positive.

“I think it went very well for a first one. It was bitterly cold but we sold quite a few tickets and we learnt a lot from staging that first evening event. Next year we will need ticket outlets on the Isle of

Wight.“I think Seth Lakeman

appealed to a broad age spectrum and is a popular festival artist. His music is nautical based too.” This was certainly endorsed by the audience – teenagers and septuagenarians were singing along with him, the latter in yachting gear, in the front row.

Hugo first got involved with RIBs in the early 90s when very few people knew what they were. “I was living in London with my wife Michaela and bought an inflatable boat to zap up and down the river. Then I read an article about RIBs and it looked fascinating.

“I’d just decided not to

pursue my music career and started a property company. I bought a RIB, got to know people who were doing interesting things with them and in 1984 I started the magazine in my dining room,” he explained.

“In 1998 I started the first RIBEX in Weymouth and I took it to Cowes six years ago. It’s a pretty unique

powerboat show – it’s the only one where you can sea trial the powerboats.

“This year’s RIBEX went very well and we had a good turn out in terms of exhibitors and a good number of sales. Coastline RIBs secured five sales and C RIBs the same. Suzuki said they did more business in terms of large engine sales than they did at the Southampton Boat Show.

“It was difficult to find a location for RIBEX because most marinas have berth holders who don’t want to move and don’t have a land side base. But Cowes fits the bill. We had over 150 visiting boats along

with the exhibitor’s RIBs. All sizes from a beginner’s boat at around £7,000 to some that were over £100,000. Last year we had an expeditionary boat that must have cost around £500k.”

The Independent Life- boats had a stall at the event and were fundraising for the Island’s Inshore Life- boats. “Next year we plan to have an International Lifeboat Conference in tandem with the RIB Festival,” said Hugo.

Hugo also took the opportunity to launch his new book, Heavy Weather Power boating, at RIBEX, which was endorsed by Bear Grylls. On the Friday Hugo and Bear raced across the Solent to the event in just under 20 minutes with Bear winning the closely run race.

“Bear spent the day at the show, but left at the end of the day to fly off to film somewhere,” said Hugo. Bear Grylls was born on the Island in Bembridge and often returns to visit family and friends.

“We have a good line up for next year and will possibly do two nights with more possibilities for Island bands to play,” said Hugo. Dates for next year’s RIBEX and RIBFEST are May 13 – 15, 2011.

Seth Lakeman

Swans in Flight

WOW! HUGO TICKLES THE RIBS

“I think it went very well for a first one. It was bitterly cold, but we sold quite a few tickets.”

THE WEATHER couldn’t dampen what turned out to be a stomper of a night down at Cowes Marina on Saturday the May 8, at Ribfest’s live music event at the Ribex Powerboat Show.

Dashing Devonian Seth Lakeman and his band, one of the most popular folk-acoustic acts around, played his first Isle-side gig, surprisingly seeing as coastal themes weave throughout many of his songs. He was also introduced by the support of Swans in Flight and Lucid.

Lucid who were winners of the County Press Live Wired at Ribfest competition, were voted to play by music fans and then a music industry panel. These winners eased off the night with smooth renditions of classics including ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’, with heart-warming vocals but also an intense edge. Electric Violin gave a special adornment to the ensemble of guitars, keyboard, drums and bass. They announced that their next big appearance will be at Havenstreet’s FolkStation in July.

Next up were Swans in Flight fronted by organiser of the event Hugo Montgomery-Swan (complete with a guitar decorated with swans) who really rocked it with powerful,

soulful vocals, badboy riffs and strutting rhythms. After the sun had set the winds crept in and everyone waited in waterproof coats for the main event.

Seth and his band kick-started their set with some fresh songs from newly released album ‘Hearts and Minds’ then moved on to some older favourites such as ‘Ye Mariners All’.

This quietened down by leading on to a particularly touching song ‘Changes’ where Seth played minimalist pizzicato plucking on the fiddle, with gentle double bass and drums backing, creating an eerie and riveting effect.

His unbelievable solo version of ‘Kitty Jay’ was a spectacle in itself where he picked up momentum on the violin gradually while singing then ending in a mean bow frenzy.

The band finished off with some hoedowns to keep the cold out for the crowd and offer a climax for the evening. ‘Blood upon Copper’ and ‘Race to Be King’ were good old country style dance tunes to jig around to and swing with a partner, stomping boot sounds included.

Overall a folk-ing brilliant night in an apt setting, we can only hope a similar occurrence for next year.

By Mhairi Macauley


NEWS

BLUE THE COLOUR AT SHANKLIN

EXPLORING SHALFLEETSHALFLEET Little Explorers pre school open day was a great success with many new prospective children and parents dropping in to see what is on offer.

The pre-school has an open day every year to promote the services they are offering.

“For the short term we are the only pre school providing full day care for ages birth to four years, 50 weeks of the year,” said manager Linda Harrop.

“We also offer a holiday club from birth to 14 years and a breakfast club and after school club. All are housed

within Shalfleet Primary School but in our own unit.

“The open day was to promote the pre-school and enable parents to see what is on offer. During the day we had activities such as water play, Play-do and lots of outdoor activities such as a traffic area, big sand pit play

and dinosaur land. There was also the garden area on show where the children are growing strawberries, carrots and beans and an herb garden and story time under the gazebo.

“Children sat around with their parents and food was provided by existing parents, the management

committee and the child care practitioners. It was a lovely social event when we all had lunch with lots of chat and social interaction.

“Five parents were very, very interested and some have signed up. The feedback we got was fantastic and everybody enjoyed themselves.”

“The open day was to promote the pre-school and enable parents to see what is on offer.”

David Pugh, lifeguards Dan Field andNathaniel Wheatley and Cllr Edward Giles.

SHANKLIN has joined Ventnor and Sandown in being able to fly their Blue Flag high on their beach this summer.

The Island is again leading the way for the quality of its beaches in the latest Keep Britain Tidy Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards (QCAs). As well as three

prestigious Blue Flag awards, the Island has also received 11 QCAs, giving it a total of 14 awards.

Shanklin joins Ventnor and Sandown beaches in being awarded both a Blue Flag and a QCA while Colwell, Cowes, East Cowes, Gurnard, Seagrove,

Springvale, Totland and Yaverland retained their QCAs. The Island’s 14 awards again puts it joint top in the country alongside Torbay.

The criteria beaches must meet to win the award includes good access, facilities including lifeguard provision, litter free and clean bathing water. To win a Blue Flag, similar criteria is required but with far more stringent water quality testing.

John Metcalfe, IW Council Deputy Director for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, said: “Once again we have demonstrated that the Island is a high quality visitor destination; nowhere in the UK can better the Island for top quality beaches and we are no doubt the envy of many other UK destinations.

“Over the last year the council has strived to further improve the quality of our beach facilities, for example by introducing this season innovative new access paths for less able visitors, and the refurbishment of several beachside toilets. Other regular work continues to maintain

existing standards such as daily beach cleaning, the introduction of new dog control orders and maintaining the provision of our highly trained lifeguards.”

George Brown, IW Council Cabinet member responsible for Tourism, said: “This type of recognition is extremely important and brings the Island national and international recognition. Our ongoing tourism marketing campaign is well underway to attract visitors from across the UK and there is the continuing popularity of the so-called ‘staycation’. We know that potential visitors will be impressed by these awards.

“We have stunning award winning beaches, vast areas of outstanding natural beauty and many famous events and attractions. What more could you ask for in one destination”

The council did not enter Ryde East for a Blue Flag or QCA this year because following public consultation, dogs are not banned on the whole beach. This meant the beach did not meet the necessary criteria to be entered.


FEATURE

RYDE SOCIAL Heritage Group (RSHG) and Living Links recently launched the innovative “Ryde Heritage Audio Trail”.

The trail is a guided walking tour of Ryde. It has taken two years to complete and is one of the creative outputs of the Living Links project.

Living Links is a three-year Heritage Lottery funded project, supported by the IW Record Office and Hampshire Archives Trust, to help local groups access archives and to tell the stories of their places. The project has also provided training and advice to groups across H a m p s h i r e and the Isle of Wight. Sarah Speller from Living Links worked closely with RSHG throughout the creation of the Ryde Heritage Audio Trail.

RSHG started researching and documenting the history of Ryde in 2002 and has built a good reputation for the quality of their exhibitions and displays and reliability in completing projects.

An Open Day was held at St Thomas Heritage Centre, Ryde on Saturday 15 May with an exhibition about the Audio Trail. The Ryde Heritage Audio Trail takes the listener on a walk around Ryde starting at Lind Street, down Union Street to the Pier, along the Esplanade to the Canoe Lake, then back along the Esplanade and up

St Thomas Street ending at St Thomas Church.

To walk the trail takes about two hours and there are 17 stops along the way where people can listen to the audio and learn some interesting facts about Ryde’s past. It is also possible for people to devise their own shorter route and select the appropriate stops. The trail

is accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as there are dropped kerbs at all the road crossing points. Historical information about the town has been selected by researching archives; the trail contains many fascinating, funny and informative stories about Ryde.

In addition to the Open Day, there was a private viewing of the exhibition for invited guests on the evening of Friday 14 May; during the course of the weekend well

over 200 people visited the exhibition which, as well as display boards and research folders, included a manikin dressed as a Coastguard, a specially created model showing how the Ryde tramway used to run through the ground floor of Holywell House, and a restored ‘penny-farthing’ bicycle (kindly loaned by Charlie Henderson). Mr Henderson

and the Town Cryer gave the event extra publicity

when they wheeled the bicycle through

the town on the Friday afternoon.

J a n e t t e G r e g s o n , c h a i r m a n of RSHG, said, “Our aim was to use modern

technology to engage people

with the past. By using MP3 files

downloaded for free from our website there

is no need to hire and return expensive listening equipment; people can walk the trail in their own time. We have discovered some fascinating facts about the town and are sure people will enjoy walking the trail and listening to the audio files.”

Ryde Heritage Audio Trail is available as free downloadable MP3 files from Ryde Social Heritage Group’s website www.rshg.org.uk and also from www.talking-guides.com/ryde. For those without MP3 players text versions of the audio files are also available from the RSHG website.

HERITAGE GUIDES WAY TO RYDEVisitors on Saturday David Earle, Katie MacDonald, Carol Strong, Janette Gregson, Ann Barrett, Shelagh Gaylord

Katie MacDonald

Carol Jayne and Jo Turke


NEWS

BEMBRIDGE lifeboat station has been given a massive cash boost thanks to the efforts of a Mayor from the mainland.

During his term of office, the Mayor of Bracknell Forest, Councillor Bob Ward picked the RNLI as his chosen charity and between May 2009 to this May 2010,his appeal raised more than £31,000,towards the refurbishment of the Bembridge lifeboat station. Originally Cllr Wade had hoped to raise just over £22,000 for the charity.

Charity events included concerts, shows, flag days and a golf day at Downshire Golf Complex. A cheque was presented to representatives from the RNLI, before the full council meeting on earlier this month.

Throughout the year Cllr Wade attended more than 400 functions and events and met many of Bracknell Forest’s residents, volunteers and business people.

Cllr Wade said: “I’d like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my mayoral year, especially everyone who gave so kindly to my charity appeal. I’m pleased that thanks to the generosity of so many, the much-needed refurbishment of Bembridge lifeboat station is one step closer.

BEMBRIDGE LIFEBOAT BOOST

BUCCANEERS AND BELLES will soon be out in force in West Wight to celebrate the 14th year of the ever-popular Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival.

The event begins on Friday, June 4 to herald a weekend of spectacle and entertainment, with this year’s theme chosen as ‘Buccaneers and Belles’.

On the quay at noon on June 4 the opening ceremony will be performed by Rob da Bank, the Radio One DJ and organiser of the Island’s music and entertainment extravaganza The Bestival.

The Gaffers Festival attracts many thousands of locals and visitors alike who are able to enjoy the attractions in and around this historic town. Filling the harbour will be around 100 gaff rigged vessels dressed overall, creating a colourful sight.

There will be free non-stop entertainment with a variety of styles of music and singing, continental market stalls in The Square, art/craft and food stalls, beer tent, Big Boy’s toys field (with an array of veteran and classic vehicles), flower festival in St. James Parish Church, RLNI Lifeboat launch and display with

the Search and Rescue Helicopter, Children’s fun fair and entertainers, Racing in the Solent and River Yar, a dog show… and much more.

On Friday and Saturday evenings there will a chance to dance the night away, but this is a ticket only event as numbers are limited, and at £8 each are available from, Yarmouth Tourist Office, Royal Solent Yacht Club, Wightlink Booking Office and the Festival Information Centre (in Town Hall over festival weekend).

Rob da Bank will be fronting the Friday evening entertainment, promoting two bands, Correspondents and The Cuban Brothers. It is anticipated many of the revellers will join in the fun and dress as Buccaneers or Belles to fit in with the theme of the event. It is planned to have a fancy dress competition during the evening.

There will a chance for children to enter a similar competition at 2.15pm in the Square. On Saturday evening the Festival welcomes two tribute bands, Abba Fever and The Silver Beatles.

Committee member Debbie Cotton, who oversees the running of the Gaffers points out that the Festival is

almost totally reliant on sponsorship, and costs more than £65,000 to stage. And only last year it was put in jeopardy when the IW Council not only withdrew their financial backing, but announced they were going to charge for using their land, and hand all the stallholders a licence fee.

However it has survived with Debbie saying: “The committee members are fantastic and devoted volunteers who do an amazing job. We wanted something different this year so we have recruited Rob Da Bank and the Abba and Beatles tribute bands, which should be a lot of fun.”

Full details with times are contained in the Festival programme, and during the event. There is a lucky programme competition with prizes donated by local businesses and a window ‘flag spotting’ competition.

A Park and Ride scheme will be in operation from two sites just outside the town. In addition there will be Festival parking on the Green.

For further details, visit the Festival website www.yarmouthold gaffersfestival.co.uk or telephone 01983 761704.

ALL ABOARD FOR GAFFERS’ FEST

Pictures by Marion Hemming

THREE more councillors resigned from Ventnor Town Council on Monday, bringing the total number of councillors to resign since this council came to power to six, along with one town clerk.

At around 6.30pm former town mayor, Susan Scoccia, stood and gave her concerns about the way in which things were being conducted before saying she could no longer continue as a Town Councillor. Cllr Buster Bartlett and Cllr Graham Perks also resigned at this point and left the table.

A member of the public called for the remaining councillors, Chris Welsford (mayor), Debbie Robinson (deputy mayor), Chris Bonney, David George and Steve Stubbings to stand down and for another election to be called.

Following this comment the meeting was closed before the completion of the business on the agenda.

Concerned local residents called a Town Meeting in April, attended by over 300 local people, at which a vote of non-confidence in the current council was passed. The AGM of the Town Council is to be held next Monday, May 24, at the Winter Gardens.

IT’S A WALKOUT AT VENTNOR!

Mayor of Bracknell presenting cheque to Bembridge lifeboat crew


NEWS

FED UP with waiting for politicians to do anything to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza, Peter Venner has left his wood yard in Ryde for a second attempt to deliver aid to the stricken area.

Gaza is around the size of the Isle of Wight and is home to 1.5 million Palestinians, most of whom are refugees and under the age of 16.

Following the Israeli attack on Gaza last year, in which thousands were killed or maimed, IW Friends of Palestine sent two vehicles to join the humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza. Clothes, bedding, books, toys, toilet paper and everything other than limited medical supplies and foods are banned by Israel’s blockade, but the aid convoy managed to get through with most of their supplies.

Three months later, Peter is setting off to Gaza once more – but this time by sea. He will be joining others on eight boats that are attempting to take building materials and school supplies to Gaza. These items are among those banned and so the Gazans have no way of rebuilding the homes, schools and hospitals that were deliberately targeted when thousands were killed or maimed by the Israeli attack on Gaza last year.

The crew of the boats will be risking their lives.

On previous occasions, despite being in international waters, the Israeli navy has fired live rounds and rammed boats attempting to carry aid to Gaza. On the last occasion they forcibly removed the crew and imprisoned them in Israel.

Organiser Rachel

Bridgeland said: “We hoped Andrew Turner would ask for naval protection for this humanitarian aid flotilla, but all we’ve heard is that

the Foreign Office does not recommend travelling to Gaza. When Peter and the other drivers were attacked by Egyptian police during the land convoy, and then held at Cairo airport for several days, the Foreign Office did nothing to help.

“As David Cameron is

a self-confessed Zionist and - according to Conservative Friends of Israel - 80% of Conservative MPs are members, I don’t

think we can hope for anything better from the Conservatives. Whichever of the main parties is in power, the Israelis are literally allowed to get away with murder. Since the state of Israel was formed in 1948, by Jews who had settled in Palestine and then

ethnically cleansed the land of Palestinians, the Israeli government has received support, weapons and other aid from the British government. So

far the Israelis have taken 87% of the Palestinians’ land and more is lost each year. Whatever government we end up with, it seems unlikely that there will be any change in policy towards Israel, so all that is left to us is grass roots action - brave individuals like Peter, who are prepared to face Israeli warships in order to deliver much needed school supplies and building materials to Gaza.”

A 50kg bag of cement costs £3. If anyone would like to donate money for a bag of cement, or school supplies, please contact Rachel on 872997.

DEFIANT PETER IN RETURN TO GAZA

“Whichever of the main parties is in power, the Israelis are literally allowed to get away with murder.”

A SHANKLIN man trying to run from police ended up falling into a drainage gully and had to be rescued by the Island’s fire service.

The chase started after a man out walking spotted youths damaging fencing panels near to the Somerfield store in Languard Road, Shanklin and called the police.

Officers from Hampshire Police West Wight Safer Neighbours’ team attended and arrested two men on suspicion of criminal damage. A third man ran off but ended falling some 20 feet into a drainage gully.

Two fire engines from Shanklin fire station, part of IW Fire Service, were called to rescue the man who had become trapped. Fire crews spent 20 minutes freeing the man using a triple extension ladder and a rope before he was pulled to safety.

Paramedics treated the man at the scene after he received injuries to his leg, sustained during the fall. The man was arrested and taken into police custody, along with two others.

WHO’S A GULLY FOOL

HOVERTRAVEL, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, teamed up with the Hovershow 2010 to carry passengers from Southsea and Ryde to the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent.

On Saturday 15 May 2010, the Hovercraft museum opened for Hover fans all afternoon and evening as part of a campaign to attract more visitors. The museum lit up their wide range of hovercraft for the first time ever with the event continuing past dusk until 10pm.

Warwick Jacobs, one of the Hovercraft Museum’s trustees said: “Hovertravel provided an excellent service for those travelling to the museum. We welcomed record numbers of enthusiasts and their families. As the longest operating commercial hovercraft service and the only passenger service offering a special charter to our show, we were delighted that Hovertravel helped so many of our visitors to arrive on an operating hovercraft.”

FAR LESS BOVER WITH A HOVER

ISLE OF WIGHT Radio is still the Island’s favourite radio station and is delighted to welcome new listeners who have now added to the audience that figures show are listening for longer.

According to the latest industry figures, Isle of Wight Radio remains the most listened to commercial station broadcasting to the Isle of Wight.

Data from RAJAR also show that listeners are

keeping tuned in to Isle of Wight Radio throughout the day. Over the last 12 months, listeners are turning in for over 60% longer.

Isle of Wight Radio Station Director, Claire Willis, said: “Since becoming independent, we have taken the opportunity to update and refresh our output. We are delighted that this has appealed to new listeners and that our loyal following are also enjoying our new

sound. “The most important

feedback any station can receive is from its listeners and we are really pleased that their endorsement is reflected in such strong growth across the board.”

Programming Director, Paul Topping, said: “Over the past few months, we have worked hard to strengthen our links with the community, through projects including Studio B and greater interaction

with our audience. “We are delighted that

Islanders are clearly re-connecting with their local radio station and finding us an enjoyable listen. During the exceptionally bad weather over the winter, listeners became dependent on our coverage for the latest information and it is really encouraging to see so many new listeners staying tuned to the station once the snow had subsided.”

IW RADIO TOP OF POPS

Front: Claire Willis, Paul Topping and Michael Coombes. Back: Tom Stroud, Heather McCallum and John Williams


FEATURE

GET YOUR car in tip top condition for the summer at Sandown Garage. Or you could opt for a newer car from their used car sales.

Sandown Garage has full diagnostic equipment to locate any faults you may, or may not, have noticed.

This might save you a costly breakdown if you’re planning to take your car on holiday with you.

This well established company has been in its present site for four years - at the bottom of the Broadway opposite the

Texaco petrol station as you leave Sandown for Brading.

Offering used car sales, servicing on all models, MOTs on site and repairs, Sandown Garage offer everything you’ll need to get your car ready for the summer months.

H a v i n g trouble starting your car? It might be the battery and

Sandown Garage has these in stock too. They also have exhausts and tyres.

The used cars on sale range from £1,000 to £10,000 with a wide spectrum of makes and styles. All cars are Island sourced and used cars are purchased too – part exchange is also welcome and finance can be arranged.

IT’S A TIP-TOP GARAGE


FEATURE

CARAVAN owners beware because Islanders Nikki Hill and Angela Harrison have just passed their level 1 British Pyrotechnics Association (BPA) exams. They could be blowing up a caravan near you, although they’re more likely to be setting off a firework display.

When you look up at the amazing firework finale of this year’s Pop Festival think of these two plucky women from Ryde who helped to make it all happen. They may even have pushed the button that sets the skies alight.

Jubilee Fireworks, Isle of Wight is the company Nikki and Angela work with, which includes Nikki’s husband Martin Hill, Mike Crookes and Kev Goddard. During the day Nikki (44) has her own holiday accommodation business and Angela (40) is a self- employed hairdresser, and the lads all have day jobs too.

Nikki, Angela and Kev have just taken their level 1 exam and Martin and Mike have taken their level 2 qualifi-cations and can blow up almost anything.

It was a case of “You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off,” when the team blew up a caravan for a children’s Madcap murder mystery weekend. “It was very spectacular,” remembered Nikki. “Especially as the kids weren’t expecting it. We used a large container of dried powder flame effect with a couple of maroons thrown in to make loud bangs.”

It was through Nikki and Martin’s daughter Christi’s old school that they first got involved with fireworks, when the couple were members of the PTA (Parent Teachers Association) of Hayland’s Primary. Mike

Crookes and Kev Goddard were also members and from letting off small fireworks in the beginning, they became great friends and Jubilee Fireworks IOW was born 12 years ago. “The head asked if someone could put on a firework display and all the men went and let them off and it’s progressed from there,” said Nikki.

“Now we do the Isle of Wight Pop Festival finale, Shanklin Regatta, Ryde Regatta and many weddings. We’ve also done Goodwood. We aspire to doing Cowes – that’s the one we really want to do. That would be the icing on the cake and we could do

it for a fraction of the price.Christi will be taking her

level 1 exams next year when she is 18. “She’s been at every display since we started and

just missed her level 1 because she doesn’t turn 18 until June,” explained Nikki. “But she still comes on site and helps with the setting up, although she always has someone who is qualified with her.

“On the course we had to go through a whole day of learning health and safety, site plans, wiring and firing the different fireworks, the

reasons why they might malfunction and a little bit of the law.

“Next morning we had to go over everything we’d been taught and then went outside to let off a few fireworks to

see the effects. It’s basically about how a firework works and what can go wrong with them, the different types of firework that you can use in each area and the minimum crowd distances from the fireworks.

“I used to come on site with Martin and you get bitten by the bug, especially when there’s a fantastic display,” said Nikki. “Now I’ve been part of the team for the past five years.

“I enjoy doing the lance work – when you do someone’s name in fireworks or a picture. They’re done with port fires that you stick on, which are connected up

with Black Match – a strip of gunpowder encased in paper that is attached to the ports. That’s my forte. It’s quite a fiddly job and it’s a good thing for a woman to do.

“The Pop Festival finale is probably our biggest display – the amount of racks that go up is mind boggling. This year just short of 1000 shells will go up and last four minutes. It’s all fired from a Fire One system – it’s all computerized, you just wire it up to a box and press the button.

“We haven’t been allowed to push the button yet, but hopefully the Pop Festival may be our first time.”

CARAVANNERS BEWARE!

“We used 3-4lbs of gunpowder and a gallon of petrol with a couple of maroons thrown in to make loud bangs.”

A CONSERVATION charity has warned that plans to open a footpath around the coast of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could damage wildlife.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said that the creation of a continuous path around England presented a “difficult challenge”.

But Natural England, which is tasked with creating the trail, has said it would be aligned to avoid impact on wildlife.

The Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trusts’s warning follows the publication of a report on the scheme.

The Coastal Access Scheme report, published by Natural England in April, outlines how it plans to implement the 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act, which allows for the creation of a continuous path around the English coastline.

Debbie Tann, chief executive of the trust, said: “Whilst the

trust welcomes initiatives that promote responsible access to the countryside, we are concerned that the Act could potentially damage the very thing that it wants people to enjoy.

“The implications of recreation disturbing wildlife where so far it has been limited could be significant. This is particularly the case for vulnerable and sensitive shore birds but also for some of the coastal vegetation and

other species.”Wanda Fojt, Natural

England area manager, said: “The Hampshire coast is one of the most valuable assets of the county. Not only has it got the most amazing wildlife which is internationally recognised, it has major multi-million pound earning ports.

“The Coastal Access Scheme explains how we will avoid harmful impacts on wildlife through the sensitive way in

which the trail is aligned and managed.”

Isle of Wight Council Parks and Countryside Manager Matthew Chatfield said: “We are closely monitoring the proposals as set out by Natural England.

“The Isle of Wight has over 70 miles of coastline and although we have a popular existing coastal path this does not follow the coast along its entire length, so the new proposals could mean

significant changes. There will be many issues to address including biodiversity and careful planning would be needed to ensure sensitive species and habitats are not damaged.

“Full details of how the proposed coastal path will work have yet to be announced, but we suspect it will be some time before this proposal comes to fruition either here on the Island or elsewhere.”

‘DIFFICULT CHALLENGE’ FOR PATH

Mike Crookes, Angela Harrison, Martin Hill, Kev Goddard and Nikki Hill


FEATURE

WALKING ALL WIGHT ON THE DAY

Numbers 10766 and 10767 Roger and Karen Roper

A MASSIVE 12,000 walkers, many in fancy dress, joined Walk the Wight last weekend to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

There were 11,733 registered walkers last Sunday May 16, with 9,811 hailing from the Island. Many walked the whole distance of 26 and a half miles from Bembridge to Alum Bay, although others dropped in or out at the halfway stop behind Carisbrooke Castle.

The first walkers set off at 6.30am from Bembridge Airport and the last finisher crossed the line at the Needles Park just before 7.30pm. A bus service was laid on to ferry walkers to the start point and from the finishing point.

There were 60 portaloos provided along the route with 600 toilet rolls. Eight sets of traffic lights were installed for walkers’ safety along with 150 direction signs.

Five pallets (2,400) 2 litre bottles of water were given out along with 3,500 bottles of Lucozade Sport and 36,000 plastic cups for water at the various refreshment points.

There were 250 marshalls and 37 Walk the Wight advertising banners along the route. Fifteen Southern

Vectis buses, five Wight buses, Four Morey’s lorries and two hospice vans used to ferry people and provisions on the day.

Amongst the walkers was Andy Dingle, manager of Lake Morrisons Stores, who was celebrating his 41st birthday too. ‘Help the Hospices’ is Morrisons’ charity this year and the Lake store raised around £1,200 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

“I started at 6.30am and finished at around 3pm and was walking with a couple of mates from London,” said Andy. “It hurts more than it should do but I did end up doing a sprint at the finish for about 400 metres.

“A few people from the store did the walk and in a few weeks time, on June 20, some of Morrison’s staff will be walking from Lake Store to the Newport Store and back again.”

Quite a few more sporting activities are planned by Morrisons’ staff to raise money for the Hospice throughout the year. Clare

Early, café manager, will swim for an hour, Rob Anderson, frozen manager will be cycling from John O Groats to Land’s End and Andy will be running a marathon.

Last year Andy ran three half marathons and did the Great South Run and raised around £2,000 for the Hospice.

“Thanks to all our customers for their support and the staff who sponsored us too,” said Andy.

Bringing up the rear of the walk was Mike Hayward (65) from Newport who was a Back Marshall for the event. “We have to stay with the last walkers until the very end,” he explained.

“About 15 members of my family came on the walk, some doing the whole walk, some one of the half walks and some the flat walk.

“Although I’ve done the walk for about 15 years, we lost our daughter at the Hospice just over seven years ago, which is why all of the family now get involved.

“Myself, Keith Griffin and Jeff Venables arrived at the Needles at 7.30pm with the last walkers. It was absolutely excellent – it was a bit cloudy but good walking conditions and there were very few injuries.”

HARDY SOULS REAL HEROES

BY JASON KAY


FEATURE

WALKING ALL WIGHT ON THE DAY

No. 11252 James Metcalf

Numbers 9762 Janice Grist and 9763 Kathleen Keane

Numbers 10091 Denise Reid and 10092 Margaret Raymond

Numbers 9726 Tim Harris, 9725 Paul Fox, 9732 Bradley Simpson,9744 Julie Green with Karen Spiers, Hospice volunteer

IW Radios dynamic duo Michael Coombes and Paul Topping


FEATURE

WALK THE WIGHT EXTRA

Catherine Browne

Number 10243 Sophie RickettsNumber 2140Mike Bravery

Numbers 11272 Tyler Buddenand 9735 Nicholas Morey Numbers 13965 Erin Wakes and 13966 Chloe Courage

Number 286 Reginald Sargeant


FEATURE

Numbers 13891 James Snell and 13892 Emily Aldridge

No. 6485 Theresa McHugh Dr Keiron Cooney

High Sheriff Peter Kingston awarding medals


FEATURE

THE PASSPORT TO DISASTERHAVE YOU renewed your passport lately? Take it from me, if you suffer from high blood pressure or are already stressed, I do not advise it. And let’s face it, between British Airways cabin staff recreating the industrial strife of the 1970’s and the volcano spewing ash on a weekly basis, foreign travel is inadvisable. Didn’t the Chunnel close last week too? I can’t remember why, but something messed it up. ‘Holiday at home’ is the message of the moment, and just in case you don’t get it, they have made getting a passport so hard, any attempt to obtain a new one will be frustrated.

First there is the form. My local post office was axed, so I tried another one nearby. The helpful man there told me they no longer do them, ‘try Freshwater’ was his cheery reply. So I did. Once I had the form, I waded through the thick ‘how to’ booklet enclosed in the application pack. What a comprehensive document, I hate instructions, but reluctantly made an exception in this case.

I wanted a new passport

for my youngest son. Next job was dragging the little blighter off for a photograph or two. Predictably, this meant persuading him to remove the hair from his eyes, to comply with the strict posing regulations. Also predictably, he hated the photograph they came up with. ‘Tough’ I told him, we all hate our passport picture, you have to get over it.

So, armed with the pictures,

I thought about who I knew that could and would countersign my form? The luckless individual I chose lives in Newport, so I drove in and got him to complete the form. I then took it to the post office, for a fat extra fee they make sure your application has every I dotted, T crossed. they rejected my form - because the boy looked ‘too different’ at age 12 from his now 5 year old image in the old passport. Great, so back to my counter signatory for an endorsement on the reverse of the photograph and return to post office.

The second attempt failed too. The date on the picture signature differed from the date on the form. Ha! Ha! We had to try all over again.

Back to the post office for a new form, then back to counter signature bloke and return to post office, again. I waited anxiously. ‘No’ was their response. A huge sigh was mine. My counter signatory had made an error with his telephone number this time, he’d then corrected it and, according to the expert at the post office counter, that meant the form was now ‘unreadable by the scanner at Passport HQ’ wherever the hell that is. Grrr! Why can’t the person scanning the form just note the minor alteration and over-ride the process?

By now I had invested five days in all this to-ing and fro-ing. Worse, I discovered my counter signatory bloke had now left for work on the mainland for a few days! I needed a new person, teacher, policeman, magistrate, MP, Bank official, Doctor? Ahh, my doctor. Great, simple. I phoned to ask. ‘Bring it down’ said the helpful receptionist. At this point I felt I was on

to a winner. Surely doctor’s do this all the time? They are reputable and know their patients and the blasted forms, easy! On arrival I was directed to the doctor’s secretary. ‘Wait outside, she’ll be here in 5 minutes’ said the frosty receptionist. So I waited, clutching my form expectantly. After 5 or 10 minutes, the secretary appeared, shooting me a silent look as she passed silently into her office, closing the door firmly behind her.

Hmm, I knocked. Nothing. I waited. And waited. After some time passed, I heard her say ‘Come!’ So in I went, and politely, apologetically asked her if Doctor X could sign my form? ‘You should’ve left it at reception’ was her terse opening gambit. ‘And It’s £19’ her concluding remark. £19! For a minute or two of pointless bureaucracy? Blimey, these doctor’s have got very inflated ideas of their worth since new Labour doubled their wages. Mind

you, they charge £73.50 to confirm you are dead, and you have to pay two of them to do that. Ash cash it’s called in the trade. A nice little earner is what I call it.

I was so flustered - and cross, I forgot to ask how long would it take? As I write, I am now waiting for them to make contact to confirm the form is complete. To pass the time, and just in case, I’m looking at holidays in Cornwall. Does anyone know if the A30 is a problem these days?

David Holmes’ Latest Blog


FEATURE

SATURDAY NIGHT SHENANIGANS

AT THE BALCONY


FEATURE


FEATURE

QUAYSIDE PULLS ‘EM INNEWPORT’S historic quayside was the setting for the third Annual Riverfest with a whole host of stalls and activities.

Many of those represented at the festival were organisations or pastimes related to the sea. The Royal Naval Association (RNA) is the association for serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Navy (RN), the Royal Marines (RM), Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS) and the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS) as it used to be called, including their reserves. Formed in 1950, RNA members refer to each other as ‘Shipmates’.

“We got three new recruits and raised £27 for our funds, which was quite good considering the items were selling were about only £1 each,” said secretary Mike North.

“In the mid 80s when I joined there were only 14 members but we had a big recruiting campaign and the Island branch of RNA now has 67 members. The organisation has around 90,000 worldwide and is run from headquarters in Portsmouth Dockyard.

“We organise socials and a black tie dinner for Trafa- lgar Night,” added Mike. Interested ex-naval person- nel can contact Mike on 01983 812184.

Also on the quayside were the Maritime Volunteer Service, a registered charity that specialises in the training and practice of maritime skills. Hoping to attract new members, the MVS is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 and no maritime skills are required, although those who are experienced mariners are able to pass on their skills to other members. Check the website at www.mvs.org.uk.

IW Council had a stall to promote recycling and educating people about its benefits. The IW Council is responsible for the collection, recycling, and disposal of waste from over 67,000 domestic properties on the Island. There are also 60 mini recycling sites and three household waste recycling centres for use by local residents.

The IW Real Nappy Network, a voluntary organisation, was spreading the word about the benefits

of reusable cloth nappies. The organisation aims to make choosing, using and buying cloth nappies easy and enjoyable.

Stockists and suppliers of virtually all cloth nappy products and accessories currently available in the UK, the IW Real Nappy Network offer a delivery service anywhere on the Isle of Wight.

All the products sold have been tried and tested by members and their children and they were offering independent advice based on their wealth of experience of nappy products from a whole range of different suppliers.

The IW Real Nappy Network is run by mum Niki Broadsmith, who is available to give you hands-on advice and demonstrations with no obligation to buy.

Niki’s Nappy Network also offer a free nappy trial service for babies and toddlers and a new born nappy hire service from just £6 a week.

Visit them at www.iownappies.co.uk or give Niki a ring on 01983 882108 or on the mobile at 07833 371 144.

Jess Burton Liam Kimbler Darren Axton

Niki Broadsmith and Laura Kay, recycling officer Kirstie Barrett and Lucinda Billinger


FEATURE

DON’T MOVE... IMPROVE!

MAXIBAGS SO HANDY

access needs to be four metres (13 feet) wide for the collection lorry.

Next you fold down the sides making a rigid box and start to fill the bag with your waste pulling the sides up as you go. There is a slip inside the MAXIBAG that will give you further information.

Once the MAXIBAG is full simply call 863358 to arrange for collection and payment, which will be within three working days with collection costs from £35 with a reduction for multiple collections. There is no need for you to be present for the collection.

“As an authorised waste carrier we are committed to a duty of care and have a proven track record in our responsibility to waste management and aim to recycle from all our collections,” said Wilmax Grab Services who operate the MAXIBAG collection on the Island. “Please note that we do not accept any plasterboard in our collections.

“Just fill them, call us and we’ll take them away. And as a special offer we are offering a free returns service on undamaged MAXIBAGS.”

The 26 ton grab lorry is also available for hire.

GETTING rid of rubbish, but not enough for a skip? Then why not try a MAXIBAG. First you purchase your MAXIBAG which comes flat packed, from your nearest stockist. Bags cost from

£8 each.You fill it up by placing the

MAXIBAG four metres (13 feet) from the public highway, making sure there is no obstruction by trees or overhead cables. The

X


FEATURE

JUST ON the edge of Wootton, the Woodman’s Arms has the best of both worlds – a loyal band of locals from the surrounding area as well as those who travel from all over the Island to visit. But as it is also on one of the tourist routes the pub picks up quite a lot of holiday trade too.

Andy Newnham took over the pub in November, returning to his roots on the Island after 24 years in the Royal Navy as a Physical Training Instructor, followed by work as a professional boxing coach in Blackpool and Peterborough.

“I couldn’t stay away from the Island,” said Andy who was born and bred in Newport. “I always had a house on the Island, even when I was in the armed forces.”

His first move was to redecorate throughout the bar and restaurant, brightening the pace up with raspberry, mocha and walnut

Bonnie, Lou (Assistant Manager) and Andy Newnham, Landlord

CHEERS AT WOODMAN’S ARMScolours. Pictures of local Island views, sailing pictures and hunting and woodland scenes add to the ambiance.

Now with a new menu with cheaper prices the pub offers traditional pub food with a daily specials board. Curry night is on Tuesdays with all you can eat for only £8 – booking is advisable. Real Ales are on offer with London Pride and Sharps Doonbar on tap.

There’s a monthly quiz in the bar and he is hoping to have live music in the future.

An extensive beer garden leads from the pub and barbecues are planned for the summer. Children and dogs are welcome and there is ample parking.

The pub can also cater for private parties and functions – it is very near to the crematorium for funeral parties.

With its pleasant outlook over the fields towards Newport, the Woodman’s Arms is the ideal place to drop in after a summer evening drive or a lunchtime snack after visiting one of the local attractions.


FEATURE

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

Assistant Manager

Carer

Telesales Role

Web Design/IT Consultant

Waiting Staff

Children’s Centre Manager

Sessional Play Worker

Assistant Sessional Play Worker

Kitchen Assistant

Nursery Assistant

Solderer

Newport

Newport

Ventnor

Ryde

Ryde

Sandown

Newport

Newport

Newport

Shanklin

Newport

Ryde

The ideal candidate will have previous sales experience in a similar role. Full training will be provided. You will assist the management team to achieve store sales targets. The candidate must be commercially aware, have attention to detail and outstanding customer service skills. Duties to include customer service, cash handling with use of the till, stock replenishment, merchandising and general house keeping tasks. You will be flexible with regards to times and hours worked, be self motivated, and able to comply with the company dress code.

Must be fully flexible. Helping to drive sales to achieve maximum profitability, a strong communicator who is customer focused with attention to detail and a flair for visual merchandising. With experience of working with KPIs, you may be an established Assistant Manager seeking a change or an experienced supervisor. Delivering excellent levels of customer service, merchandising, cash handling, general administration and processing deliveries.

Previous experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be given. Duties will include all aspects of caring for residents and any other related tasks as required. Employer is very flexible with regard to work hours and expects the applicant to be also. Will consider full time and part time hours to suit needs of applicant. Training to NVQ3 in Care will be provided which is funded.

Previous experience is preferred however full training will be provided. Must be computer literate. Duties will include using the internet, calling existing customers, data entry and any other duties as required. Must be aged 18+.

Applicant must have knowledge of web updating database, graphics and optimising. Proven track record in a previous role is preferred, and the work should be of a high standard. Duties; updating website, adding and deleting on database, dealing with faults, networking, any other IT support required. Previous experience is preferred but training can be given.

Duties to include serving customers, general cleaning of your area. You will be working 2 shifts 7.45 - 10am and 6 - 8.30pm. Must be able to get to the hotel for 7.30am.

To manage West Newport Children’s Centre and complimentary services, as opportunities arise. Must have direct experience with children and families. You’ll take the lead for delivering the core offer and when necessary, deputising for the Programme Manager.

NVQ level 3 or equivalent is essential. To deliver the core offer through development of play, childcare and early learning. You will deliver to the Early Years Foundation Stage and support parents in developing opportunities for play.

NVQ level 2 or equivalent is essential. To assist the Play Worker to deliver the core offer through development of play, childcare and early learning. You will assist the Play Worker to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage and support parents in developing opportunities for play.

Previous experience is preferred but not essential. Unique opportunity for an applicant with an interest in cuisine and food preparation to join a busy and happy team at one of Shanklin’s most popular restaurants. Duties include preparation of salads and sandwiches, assisting the chef and all related tasks as required.

NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent), or above, in Childcare is essential. Must have experience in working with children age 0-8 years in a childcare setting. A knowledge or awareness of the Early Years Foundation stage is essential. Pre-school experience, First Aid, Food Hygiene along with child protection and behaviour management training is desirable. Duties will be to manage a group of children; catering for their needs, keeping up to date observations, daily records, to plan/organise activities and be prepared to work flexible hours.

Experience is required. Experience of soldering circuits would be preferred. Duties will involve soldering circuits in a factory

Meets National Minimum Wage. 6 hours per week, 1 to 2 days over 7.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 37.5 hours per week5 days over 7. 8am to 6pm

£6 per hour starting wage, negotiable if qualified. Various hours per week, Full time or part time hours.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 40 hrs per week Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm.

Negotiable wage depending on experience. 20 hrs per week Mon- Fri. Times negotiable to suit.

36 hrs per week. 6 days from 7Split shifts.

£26,309 - £29,969 per annum37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

£8.30 - £9.46 per hour. As and when required basis – no set working pattern.

£6.09 - £6.74 per hour. As and when required basis – no set working pattern.

£6 per hr. 18+ hrs per week Days and hrs to be confirmed.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 40 hours per week, from a 7 days rota. Shifts between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

£6.10 per hr. 38 hrs per week Mon – Fri. Between 8am - 6pm.

This position is to cover maternity leave.

This position is to cover maternity leave.

Permanent

Possibly permanent following 3 month trial period.

Temporary position – may lead to permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Position open until at least Oct 2010 - possibility of extending through winter.

Permanent

Temporary for up to 2+ weeks -

NIW/10537- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.



RFM/6407 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


RFM/6384 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference no.

NIW10538- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


NIW/10540- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

RFM /6404 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


RFM/6414 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS


FEATURE Job title Location Description Wages Duration Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:

Horticultural Worker

Conveyancing Secretary

General Stores Person/Handyperson

Cleaning Team

Telesales Assistant Order Picker

Beauty and Holistic Therapist

Chamber Person

Head Chef

Carer

Various

Female Care Worker

Lifeguard

Solderer

Sign Maker/Fitter

Electro Mechanical Assembler

Hale Common

Ryde

Cowes

Cowes

Cowes

Sandown

Sandown

Sandown

Sandown

Shanklin

Sandown

Gurnard

Ryde

Ryde

Ryde

environment. Candidates will be required to attend an assessment prior to selection.

Must be prepared to start at 6am, therefore own transport is essential. No experience is required, as full training will be provided. Duties to involve working within an industrial glasshouse with temperatures ranging from 18 to 34 degrees. You must be able to distinguish between the colours, red and green as you will be required to pick tomatoes. Plus any other related general horticultural duties.

Must have previous experience in conveyancing. Must also have good typing skills and a good telephone manner. Duties include audio typing, answering telephone calls, offering general support to management, and all other associated tasks.

A full clean driving license will be required. Duties will include the receiving, rotation, storage and movement of stocks on resort, maintaining a goods received record, along with some very basic and general maintenance. A keen eye for detail is required in this challenging role as is a desire to get things right first time. Previous Cellar management experience would be advantageous however full training will be given to the right candidate.

This role requires early starts 5:30am so your own transport would be essential. Duties will include cleaning and setting up of a large holiday park entertainments centre on a daily basis, including, hovering all areas, tables cleaned, toilets cleaned, wooden floors mopped, high and low level dusting and chrome polished. A keen eye for detail is required to be successful in this role as is a desire for perfection, be proud of what you do. This role is seen as incredibly important in our organisation and as such you will report directly to the Retail Manager on resort. Experience in a similar high volume and high footfall venue is preferred but not essential. Training and uniform will be provided. CRB required, employer to meet cost.

Must have computer knowledge and a full driving licence in order to move vehicles. The ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience of the food industry is preferable. Duties are taking calls from the customer and inputting data onto the system, picking orders to a high standard, loading vans and general store room duties.

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. Duties include beauty and holistic treatments to clients and administration duties. Applicants must be aware that you will be expected to work the majority of weekends.

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 involving vacuuming, dusting, polishing, cleaning bathrooms and toilets and any other associated areas as required.

Must have NVQ level 3 and above or equivalent. Full knowledge of a working kitchen is essential. You will be responsible for the day to day purchasing, cooking and presentation of food for all outlets of the hotel. Relevant qualifications applicable.

Must be 18+. Previous experience is not essential, as full training can be provided. NVQ 2 health and social care qualification or equivalent would be advantageous. Will be required to provide social, personal and emotional care to elderly residents.

Various positions available for a new store opening in Shanklin. Looking for Sales Assistants, Senior Sales Assistants and Warehouse Persons.

Female Care Worker required. 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.

Duties to include ensuring that poolside is operating to strict health and safety guidelines. Carry out relevant pool tests and maintain poolside with regular cleaning duties and to deliver our brand standards. To be responsible for the H&S of bathers within the pool area and ensure that all poolside activities are promoted and run effectively. Applicants to hold valid NPLQ / RLSS qualification, have good communication skills and the ability to be flexible in their working hours; the role includes working weekends, school holidays and early mornings/evenings.

Experience is required. Experience of soldering circuits would be preferred. Duties will involve soldering circuits in a factory environment. Candidates will be required to attend an assessment prior to selection.

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.

You will be required to carry out mechanical assembly to diagrams, and precision soldering to a high standard. The work is work and is very repetitive. Candidates must have soldering experience and have worked in a busy manufacturing environment.

£5.81 per hour. 39 per week Monday to Saturday, between 6am & 2pm.

Negotiable wage depending on experience. 20 hrs per week Mon – Fri between 9am-5pm

£6 per hour. 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.

£6.25 per hour. Approx 21 hours 5/6 days per week. Early Mornings starting 5.30am.

£7.50 per hour. Night work between 8pm and 4am. 48 hours per week Sunday - Friday.

£8 per treatment hour. 30 hrs per week 5 days from 7.

£6 per hr starting wage. Min 15 hrs per week. Between 9am -2pm

Negotiable wage depending on experience. 48 hrs per week. 6 days from 7. Split shifts

£6.09 per hr. 20 hrs per week. 5 days from 7. Between 8am -8pm.

Meets National Minimum Wage. Various hours from 16 – 35 per week over 7 days.

£7.35 per hr £8.35 per hr at weekends. Part time or full time hours. Sun – Thurs or Tues – Sat.

Meets National Minimum Wage.35 -40 hours per week, over 5 days, between 7am and 9pm

£6.10 per hr. 38 hrs per week Mon – Fri. Between 8am -6pm.Immediate start.

Wages meets National Minimum Wage. Mon – Fri 9am -5pm

37 hrs per week over 5 days. Meets National Minimum Wage

immediate start.

Temporary until December 2010.

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Temporary – 6 month contract to cover maternity leave.

Vac available until Jan 2nd 2011.

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Temporary

Permanent

Temporary for approx 4 months

quoting the reference number









RFM 6393 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

RFM6424- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

RFM/6392- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


RFM/6414- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

RFM/6350 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

RFM/6429 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


FEATURE

ISLAND NEWSBY SWANMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

HERE is a fun filled day out for all the family, just go to the Isle of Wight zoo in Sandown.

If you don’t know where it is just go to Yaverland Road near the beach. The cost for an adult is £7.45, for a child it is £6.45, for a child under 3 it’s free and for a senior its £7. For a family (2 adults + 2 children) it is £24. For a Island resident (with proof) it’s £5.00, for a disabled adult it’s £6.45 and for a disabled child it’s £5.45. An adult group member (prebooked only, 10+ in a group) and for a children group member (prebooked only, 10+ in a group) In the summer it’s open from 1st of April - 31st September 10am - 6pm.

Things you can do at the zoo are walking round and seeing the animals from big cats to porcupines. In one bit you can even play with certain animals,

it’s called pets at home. You can go to the café if you are feeling hungry where there is lots to choose from for food. There’s sandwiches, crisps, salad and cake and the drink choice is tea, coffee and kids drinks. There’s a gift shop where you can buy a souvenir or a canvas.

I think the zoo is a really fun filled day for the family. Children will enjoy the experience with playing with the rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs and goats in pets at home. The bad things are that if you want to feed a tiger you have to pay £100 just to feed them milk.

In conclusion I think the zoo is a good family day out that all children will enjoy, even adults will enjoy the day.

By Paul Symmans and Eli Hudson

FUN-FILLED ZOO DAYTHE ISLAND is well known for its great music festivals, which are held every year at Seaclose Park, Newport. This year the date for this mind-blowing festival is the 11th of June to the 13th, but there are also performances on the 10th. It’s a great experience for all music lovers from all over the UK. People of all different ages and all tastes of music come to the Isle Of Wight Festival.

The Isle Of Wight Festival has been going since 1968. It was held on the 31st of August to the 1st of September, and its starring acts were T-Rex and Fairport convention; times have changed! Now you can do a lot more than just listen to music. There’s shopping (you’ll be amazed at the unique items!) camping, meeting acts, buying food, playing

games, going into the kids’ zone, rides, make-up trials, festival buses, and loads more!

“I can’t wait until the Isle of Wight festival 2010, this year’s line up is great! Vampire Weekend are going to be amazing hopefully I will be able to

elbow to the front” said Shona Parnell. This year the special guests for Friday are Jay-z and Florence and the Machine, on Saturday it’s The Strokes and Blondie, and on Sunday it’s Paul McCartney and Pink!

This great event attracts many people not from just the UK, but from all over the world. Last year there was a whopping 65,000

people attending and that number is still growing, this year we are hoping for it to be more!

Every year the festival is a great hit and is great for the Island. The acts at the festival just get better and better. Many people are really looking forward to it and I am sure they will keep coming back for this great experience.

By Omi lane & Caitlin Smith

FESTIVAL IS JUST GREAT

ARE YOU looking for some fun to put into your summer holidays?

If you are why not go down to Robin Hill, the place that you can take all the family because there is something for everyone! Robin Hill is based on nature and has a variety of rides and attractions for people of all ages and is a great way for all of your family to have fun! Also the park has a falconry show, where you can watch a variety of birds perform; such as Hawks, Owls, Falcons and Kestrels.

The opening and closing times for Robin Hill vary during the year from 10am - 6pm. During half term it’s 10am - 4.30pm, but from 6th - 18th September the park will be closed due to the Bestival.

HILL IS ALIVE

AT THE L.A Bowl you can go bowling with your friends and family. It is open all year round from 10am - 10pm. It only costs £19.95 for six people.

There is also a restaurant where you can order from the bar and take advantage of free lane service. It also has disabled facilities. You can contact LA Bowl on 617070 or at www.thebigapple.co.uk/locations.php?location=Ryde.

BOWLING ALONGBy Jack Rowan

SIMEON skate/play park is in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. It is aimed at kids, teenagers, and young adults.

You can either go into the play park or the skate park. In the skate park there is a box, a grinding pole and lots of ramps you can 360 over.

Simeon is really good because

you have somewhere to go and get better at bmxing.

I think Simeon is really good place to go in the holidays and after school.

Simeon could be improved if it was made bigger and had more stuff in the skate park.

By Perry Gregory

ROOM TO IMPROVE

IN THE holiday I will visit the Speedway in Ryde, Isle of Wight.

The price is £10 for adults, 16 and over. Teenagers £5, if they are 10 to 16 years old and under 10s go free. It is aimed at the whole family. You can get food and drink from the bar. You can watch and have fun! It is good because it is fun for all the family

and hopefully you will enjoy yourself.

Speedway is racing dirt bikes riding around a track. I like it because I ride trials bike and motocross bikes. Personally I like to watch the bikes going fast.

SPEEDWAY IS ROARING

By Bruce Penny


FEATURE

ISLAND NEWSBY SWANMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

WHY NOT go to the wonderful Carisbrooke Castle. Come and enjoy the historical facts going back to 1110.

There is so much to see. There’s the

donkey centre, all the donkeys were adopted and rescued and then brought to Carisbrooke Castle. You can also enjoy

the beautiful gardens and facts.

So many people every year come and visit the wonderful Carisbrooke Castle.

We asked some people what they thought. Ellise Horn said she loves it and finds it interesting especially the beautiful gardens. I also asked Tammy Mahoney who said her whole family was amazed by the beautiful gardens and the use of facilities and they really enjoyed their day there. So why not get yourself to Carisbrooke Castle and have an enjoyable day out with all the family.

Personally I think this is a great day out for all the family.

It’s open all day, £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

SO MUCH HISTORY AT CARISBROOKE CASTLE

By Alice Elphicke

AT ROBIN Hill you can see lots of exciting rides and a lot of entertaining parks for little kids. If you are under 4 you are lucky because you can go for free, but if you are older you have to pay £8.95, that’s people who are 4 to 59 years old.

If you don’t know where Robin Hill is, it’s just outside of Newport or you could just ask someone nearby. There is a woodland

garden with nature and history. You could buy a ticket to go to both Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine at Robin Hill.

I like Robin Hill because it is a family day out with my Nan and Grandad, Mum and Dad, brother and sister and cousin. Like going on a time machine there’s a long queue, but it is worth waiting for.

By James MooreWORTH THE WAIT

IN THE holidays I will visit Head Hunters. It is at 62 Fairlee road Newport, and costs £10 per person for ages 10 to 70.

What you can do is go around with laser guns. You get put into teams and you go into the woods. You have 2 hours, but you have two rounds to go around the woods getting as much points as you can for your team.

If you run out of ammo, you have to go back to your base and put your hat

in a box and press the red button and you’ll hear a noise. If you get killed you go to the graveyard until a guy presses a button and then you will be alive!

Whats good about Head Hunters is that it’s a lot of fun. It keeps you active and it makes you feels like you’re in a war zone. You are all around people you don’t know and you can have a

great time getting along together. Whats bad about it is that there no

facilities for drinks or a bathroom. Some people who are playing with you can be annoying and can shoot you if you’re on the same team. As well if you accidentally get the wire caught on a twig, it automatically sets off a siren and then you’re dead.

So if you’re going somewhere on the Island in the summer go to Head Hunters. It’s amazing!

HEADHUNTERS LETS YOU TAKE AIMBy Tim Green

IN THE holidays you could go to Ryde Ice Rink. If you’re trying to find it, it’s on Quay Road, Esplanade, Ryde. If you want to go with a family then it costs £15.00 for 2 adults and 2 children, £18.25 for 2 adults and 3 children and £11.25 for 2 adults and 1 child. When you go to the Ice Rink you get to borrow ice skates and there is a restaurant so you could go there for your lunch if you really wanted to.

When you go you can get great offers like kids go free or half price. The only thing that could be improved is the size of the restaurant and for the ice rink to give better offers.

I think the ice rink is good for children because it keeps you and your children active. I like the ice rink because it is fun and you learn new things.

IT CAN BE A HOLIDAY ON ICEBy Ellise Horne

IN THE holidays I visit Jolly Roger’s. It is in Newport on the Industrial Estate. To go there for a party it would cost for 10+ guests - £7.95 each, and for 20+ guests - £6.95 each. That includes reserved seating, unlimited squash, food, jelly and ice cream, a cake ceremony (but you have to bring your own cake and candles), a party bag, mini bubble disco and framed group photograph of the party.

If you go there you will see slides, ramps to climb, a football area for the sporty boys, a ball pool and many more things to do.

They do amazing food and drink they have a wide range of choice so you won’t be stuck.

The opening times are Mon - Wed: 9.30am - 3pm, Thu - Sun 9.30am - 6pm. Holidays: Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 6pm, Sat

- Sun: 10.00am-6pm. Price list: £4.45 (non member), £3.45 (anytime member), Free (unlimited membership)

I interviewed Alice, who said “I love it. It’s fun especially when they have a disco and lasers out”

I also interviewed Rosie Nash, she said: “I think Jolly Rogers is a good place to let your youngsters run free and have fun”. I then interviewed Lewis Summers and he said “It is

quality place to go, but they won’t let me in any more because I am too big”

I think that Jolly Rogers is a great place to let your children run free and have fun with their friends and let of some steam. There is lots to do there so they won’t get bored of going on the same thing over and over again.

Thank you for reading my article about Jolly Rogers, I hope to see you there soon.

IT’S A JOLLY TIME IN NEWPORTBy Courtney Medd

IN JUNE the Isle of Wight Festival is being held at Medina on the Island as usual.

The cost this year will be starting at £100 per ticket.

At the Isle of Wight Festival you have a large variety of rides and music. There are some stalls which will sell clothes and much more. There are tents where you will be able to buy food and drinks.

However, the food and drink is rather expensive and there is not

a lot of shade when the weather is hot. Also it is very important that they improve the toilet facilities.

I have been lucky enough to go to the Isle of Wight Festival myself. I had a great experience and hope I will be able to go again one day.

I personally like it because of the atmosphere and you can dance, go on the rides or get something to eat.

LOT MORE THAN JUST MUSICBy Lewis Summers


FEATURE

MANY LOCAL Islanders know that Fort Victoria is great, whether it is walking, fishing, picnicking or just beach lazing by the sea. Even if it’s not fine you have a variety of attractions that are both entertaining and educational and the parking is free.

Everyone loves a model railway and here is one of the largest and model rich layouts in the UK. New this year is the model fairground. Also there is a shop for the railway modeller

The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, who have made many marine discoveries around the Island, have their extensive exhibition and gift shop, here also running many children’s events during the year.

The Marine Aquarium is a wonder of local sea life with many exhibits provided by local divers and fishermen. There is also a tropical section and walk over pond.

The Island Planetarium has a new totally immersive projection dome this year and new exhibits have been added to the Robert Hooke Exhibition, our Freshwater ‘local hero’. New is the Solar Trail walk. Stargazing and evening shows run all the

year.There is Verdi’s Café at Fort

Victoria and along the road, The Boathouse; both have tasty snacks and meals and both have licences. Also there is a dog free picnic area and ‘do it yourself” barbeques, if you bring your own

food and fuel.Here you have 50 hectares of

wonderful country park and coastland to explore. There are various paths, some are wheelchair/buggy friendly but other parts need additional care and foot sureness.

FORT A MODEL SUCCESS


FEATURE

family adventure ad.indd 1 20/5/10 10:17:15

IT’S A SPECIAL ENCOUNTERSEAVIEW Wildlife Encounter has lots of special happenings going on over the end of May Bank Holiday weekend. Take your Mum, Dad and friends and have the best day ever – it’s fun for everyone, kids and adults of all ages!

There are nine wildlife events daily. Come and enter the Wildlife Quiz Trail. You can help throw fish to the Humboldt Penguins (and watch the Penguin chicks being fed); stroke the gentle Wallabies and their baby Joeys; pop a peanut to the parrots; and hand-feed the ducks and geese that roam freely around you. Pets corner includes soft rabbits, guinea pigs and ducklings, and you’ll hear the otters calling out for their feed as it approaches 3.00pm.

Did you know that Basil the Pygmy Goat now has a little friend called Olly – he’s great fun and would love to meet you. For those of you who like making

friends with bugs and reptiles there’s an area of the Tropical House just for you.

Have you met the new arrivals yet? Come and see their awesome Alpacas (in their new paddock), the two new furry female Meerkats and in the Discovery Zone you might be lucky enough to see the cutest, tiniest Harvest Mice in amongst Poppies and ears of wheat; and don’t forget the Leaf-Cutter Ants who carry pieces of leaves many times bigger than they are!

When your tummy rumbles they’ve got hot and cold light lunches, cream teas and their famous soft-whipped delicious ice-creams (and new, speciality Italian coffees are now available for the grown-ups too!)

Bring your camera, there’s loads to photograph - beautiful scenery as well as all the animals and birds you could ever wish to get nose to nose with.

See you this weekend!


FEATURE

THIS EXOTIC WORLDTHE MULTI-AWARD winning Amazon World Zoo Park has the largest collection of exotic animals on the island with over 200 species on display. As you walk through the tropical surroundings you can see and feel the owners’ passion for rainforest conservation and the animals that make this habitat their home. You will come face to face with some of the world’s most unusual and rare inhabitants, some of which you will not see in any other UK zoo.

During your journey through the zoo don’t forget to look up to experience the many species of birds free flying above your head, see endangered Golden Headed Lion Tamerins, admire the beautiful Ocelots and

watch the inquisitive Meerkats going about their business. The latest brand new exhibit to be opened in 2010 is soon to be home to a group of Spectacled Caiman and like many of the other animals at Amazon World Zoo Park these impressive reptiles are native to Central and South America. Growing up to 2.5 metres these crocodiles take their name from a bony ridge between the front of the eyes, which makes them look like they’re wearing a pair of spectacles. They will share their new home, which incorporates a large water pool, with Rhinoceros Iguana and several bird species.

The collection is continually being expanded and redeveloped so every

visit brings new experiences. New for this year is the redeveloped Secrets of Xenartha section where you will meet Armadillos as they scurry around the floor, Tamandua and Pygmy Marmosets foraging in their enclosure and free roaming Sloth sleeping above your head.

And if all that isn’t enough to whet your appetite you can also walk with the Lemurs in Wild Madagascar. The Island’s first and only lemur walkthrough enclosure opened over Easter and visitors can now enjoy a really wild experience as they walk among the Ring-Tailed and Red Ruffed Lemurs.

Other animal encounters allow you to get hands on

with reptiles and mammals and you can watch daily penguin feeding and falconry displays. If the kids have any energy left after all of that then a large Jurassic themed adventure playground will allow them to burn it off.

The attraction prides itself on an excellent breeding record; the latest youngster born at the beginning of April can be seen clinging to her mum in the walkthrough lemur exhibit. The baby Ring-Tailed Lemur was born on Tuesday April 6. Amazon World Zoo Park is also proud of their involvement in conservation projects around the world, which help protect the planet’s endangered animals.


FEATURE

YOU’LL BE surprised at the changes at Coleman’s Animal Farm this year, which now offers three separate attractions in one: the Straw Fun Barns, the Petting Farm and the new Tractor Driving Experiences for youngsters over 12 years.

For only £6 you can learn to drive the little red tractor and even pull your family behind you in the trailer. But a remote control device ensures that the tractor can be stopped if there are any problems and it is all strictly supervised.

Tractor and trailer rides for £1 are also offered throughout the day to visit the animals such as Blondie and Berry the little Shetland ponies, Bianca and Charlie the llamas and Iggy the Kune Kune piggy, but watch out for the grumpy green frogs!

The Petting Farm has numerous fluffy bunnies and cute guinea pigs, goats of every shape and size,

Ronnie the Kune Kune pig and Hazel the Ankole cow with her magnificent horns. You can bottle feed the lambs or help to collect the chicken’s eggs and stray ducks from the pond wander around. All the animals are very friendly and ideally suited to young children.

But it is the Straw Fun Barns that always very popular with children and they have been extended and improved with three very large connected play areas. A toddler play area has tractor tyres and a seated area for watching adults, another area has slides, a straw house and lots of nicely rounded straw bales for sliding on.

There is also a large area aimed at older children with a zip wire and hayloft

playhouse in the rafters. Between two areas there is even an escape tunnel with pull along trolley.

Coleman’s Animal Farm has changed its Frequent Visitor Scheme with one accompanying adult being able to visit the Straw Fun Barns free for the whole year and their accompanying children being offered a discounted rate of only £4.50. And from this month only one additional adult is charged with the rest of the adults getting in free.

The farm can record the number of visits you make and, for every fourth combined Petting Farm and Play Barns visit will

let you, as a family group, in for free. And if you introduce a friend to the farm it can count towards your next free visit.

If you just want to visit the 16th century barn café for a light meal, or the picnic area outside the barns, it is free all of the time and there’s a pedal car and tractor area for toddlers to use.

Coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits are offered in the book and gift shop along with good quality second hand children and adult’s books and farm themed gifts.

With a combined Play Barns and Petting Farm family ticket (2 plus 2) for only £24 you could spend many happy hours at Coleman’s Animal Farm and the special offers this summer make the prices even more affordable – be sure to ask about them when you visit.

COLEMAN’S FARM MUSTARD

“But it is the Straw Fun Barns that always very popular with children and they have been extended and improved.”


FEATURE

GRAB a great deal at UKSA for this summer/autumn. Try watersports for free on Saturday June 5.

UKSA are offering one and half hour taster sessions in keelboating, dinghy sailing and kayaking. Ages eight plus welcome, BBQ and drinks available. Register your interest at www.uksa.org/trysailing

For anyone aged 8-16 living locally, UKSA are running weekly training programmes as part of

their H20 club activities for just £15 for a three hour training session. Structured in six week blocks, each training track will enable you to master and improve in either dinghy sailing, kayaking, or windsurfing.

Membership of the H20 club also entitles you to up to 1/3rd off UKSA’s leisure training programmes. With a whole host of half term and summer holiday activity programmes planned, that can add up to

some great savings.For anyone looking for

activities for their school or youth group its not too late to grab a fantastic deal to get youngsters outside and onto a range of fantastic residential water based activities with up to 45% discount on specified weeks throughout the summer and autumn.

UKSA have a range of yachting training programmes to help anyone looking to improve

or expand their nautical knowledge, offering a full range of RYA training programmes from beginners taster weekends through to theory and practical programmes for Day Skipper and Yachtmaster.

All training programmes offered at UKSA’s 3.5 acre training campus. Anyone interested in finding out more about any of the above should talk with UKSA on 203034.

UKSA OFFER GREAT DAYS OUT

WIGHT OFFICE Equipment is currently celebrating its tenth year of trading. The business started out as a ‘one man band’ trading from a spare room at home but became a busy high street shop within two years.

“When we opened the store in Sandown High Street we were made to feel very welcome,” said Justin Gordon. “We felt that the

area really needed its own computer shop to serve the people in that area. However since opening we have a large amount of customers from outside Sandown, such as Shanklin, Ryde and Bembridge after their local stores closed. “Our most popular requirement is our fixed price computer repair. For a fixed price of only £20+ vat (£23.50) we will repair your computer or laptop, and whether it takes us an hour or a whole day the price stays the same - you only pay more if you authorise us to fit any required parts.

“We now repair over a thousand computers a year. For those of you that can’t wait we offer a queue jumping service at extra

cost. Some laptops require specialised circuit board repairs at extra cost.

“Another of our main attractions is the price of our ink cartridges. We supply both genuine and compatible inks. People are always very surprised - they expect us as a small shop to be expensive, but in most cases we are a lot cheaper than the large stores. We supply inks and toners to many businesses and schools who are also pleased with the savings they make.

“The shop is open from 9.30am till 5pm, six days a week, and we also offer a service where we come out to your home if you are unable to bring your system in to us.

We look forward to seeing you.”

WIGHT OFFICE CELEBRATION


FEATURE

SEAN COLSON and Mike Parsons formed PC Consultants in 1993 but the foundations go back another six years.

The Queen was coming to open the then new Ryde Heritage Centre and their presentation was not working. The duo had 48 hours to fix the problem, but managed it in time for the Queen to launch the new venture.

The company swiftly outgrew its offices near Ryde Esplanade and moved to its present premises in Ryde Business Park in 1998. The firm has spawned related firms that concentrate in specialist technology and an army of associated and

freelance consultants. PC Consultants exists

to provide a service to any individual or firm that needs to handle data: to collect it, store it, process it or analyse it. They can supply PCs and all standard peripherals and teach the user how to operate them. They can maintain equipment to perform to full specification and can turn out in an emergency to restore capability.

Their expertise extends beyond PCs to communication systems in radio, microwave and fibre optics, to

Network Infrastructure, to electronic design and manufacture and to management and network administration. They design and install

Networks, from the pulling of wire to the

final commissioning and aim to provide a full engineering and science service to their clients.

The permanent in-house team has experience

and qualifications in Electrical

E n g i n e e r i n g , Physical Science, C o m p u t e r

Science, Education, Management, Radio Communications, Satellite Commun-i c a t i o n s ,

M i c r o w a v e s , E l e c t r o n i c Product Design, ASIC design,

PC Architecture, Data Communication, and Microsoft Networking Products.

PC Consultants have provided their service to major players not only on the Isle of Wight but also on the UK mainland and beyond. They also support medium and small businesses, the backbone of any community’s commercial survival.

One of the company’s first clients was Wight Salads – finding ways to automate tomato production using computer to control light, heat and irrigation across two sites separated by a busy road.

Current projects include a complete network refresh of servers and over 50 PC desktops for a local firm of solicitors.

PC REPAIRS FIT FOR A QUEEN


FEATURE

STYLISH DAY AT NOVA

ESSENCE in Ryde’s Union St are pleased to be welcoming Sam Stanton to the salon. Sam is a qualified beautician from Bem- bridge with seven years experience.

Sam had taken a rest period after getting married and having time off with her daughter but is now back working at Esse- nce. Formerly Sam Mason before she

married, she had worked at a well- known salon in Ryde for six years before taking some time off.

Vanessa, the salon owner, is pleased to be reunited with Sam and to be working with her again. Essence has been established for five years at number six, Union Street.

“I’m really looking forward to working

with Vanessa again in her lovely salon,” said Sam who is well known for being a perfectionist and has a high reputation for her eyebrow waxing only £5 and pedicures only £22. “I’m looking forward to welcoming old and new clients,” she added.

Sam is currently offering a full body massage for only £24, a manicure and

pedicure for £35 and a back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage with an organic facial for £45. All products used are Oe products, which are 100% organic and natural, and they can also be bought from the salon.

Essence’s holistic and beauty therapist Emily came from a well-known spa in Sandown and has many special offers at the moment. Larissa, who is their nail technician, has an amazing reputation for her gel nails and free hand nail art.

The salon also has two juniors, Nicola and Karen, who are currently looking for models and these treatments would be half the usual price. Call 611180 for further details.

“COACHING and training are the keys to transforming your life, whether it be your personal or professional life,” said Maggie Currie of Creedence Training Academy and Consultancy.

“For you coaching and training is about becoming the very best version of yourself through the assistance of someone who will challenge you, stimulate you and guide you to keep growing.

“In the absence of clearly defined goals, you become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia and ultimately become enslaved by it. You have a dream; have you set your goals to make it happen? Don’t let it sit in your imagination or your heart forever...trust in you... let it out..let it come to life... The more things change, the more YOU can’t afford not

to.”Coaching and training

sessions will be fun but focused and forward thinking, allowing you to get the results you need quickly and enjoyably and ensuring you get great value for money as Maggie is an expert in her field.

If you are stuck at any point by fear of the unknown, she can help with various techniques, such as NLP and Thought Field Therapy to rid you of the anxiety associated with fears and thus help you to move forward with your life.

Corporate coaching and training involves working towards your organisational goals. Just as a football coach works with a football team, a corporate coach works with your organisation, focusing on the corporate team and corporate vision, mission,

values and strategy. Results are measured against the performance requirements of your organisation.

Maggie Currie, owner of Creedence Training Academy & Consultancy,is in the top 10% of coaches in the UK. She is an International Coach, Group Trainer, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker & published Author. Maggie has appeared on TV, was interviewed by Mike Powell on BBC Radio, Ian Mac on Vectis Radio and by Coach Erwin de Grave on Radio Coaching.

Maggie has hundreds of hours of experience has worked successfully with a huge range of clients, both male and female, each with their own unique lifestyles and challenges. All her clients have benefited from her input.

SAM AIMS TO BE THE ESSENCE OF SUCCESS THE GUIDE TO

NEW GROWTH

IN SUPPORT of Walk the Wight and the Island’s Walking Festival, Nova Lifestyles Network held a Health and Lifestyle Day at the Riverside Centre.

With the RiverFest taking place close by at Medina Quay, people were dropping in for taster sessions on Saturday, May 15 from 1pm till 4pm.

Treatments on offer included reflexology from Lisa Hammerton, beauty from Zelie Gordon and body stress and relief from George Millard.

Cowes Chiropractic clinic were offering taster treatments and Liz Gray was demonstrating her naturopathic therapies.

Dr Detox was promoting the infra red detox boxes they sell and Wikaniko had samples of their eco friendly products.

Cowes Quality Cakes had lemonade and gluten free goodies along with special Isle of Wight shaped ginger biscuits for which a special metal mould had to be made.

The Utilities Warehouse Discount Club was signing up new members to their money saving schemes.

Maggie Currie of Creedence Training Academy and Consultancy was also at the event to promote her life coaching courses – see adjoining article.

Nova Lifestyles were launching their latest directory of health and beauty practitioners on the Island, which is now available Islandwide. The next Nova Lifestyles event will take place as part of Carers Week on June 19 and is called ‘Caring 4 All’. Maggie Currie of Creedence with Sarah Mousely

Liz Gray


FEATURE

SHANKLIN BARBEQUE JUST TOO HOTA BLAZE broke out in Shanklin after a gas barbecue got out of control.

The fire began in the rear garden of a house in Duncroft Gardens and then set fire to a nearby fence, the fire brigade said.

Crews from Shanklin fire station arrived within minutes of the call. A spokesman said crews had to isolate a gas bottle. A hose reel was used to extinguished the fire. There was slight damaged to the fence and no one was hurt.

Jeff Walls Community safety manger from IW fire service said” Barbecues can get out of control if you’re not careful. By following a few simple fire safety rules you can enjoy a safe barbecue and prevent accidental fires.”

Here are some pointers to summer barbecue users:• Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over.• Keep barbecues away from your home, sheds, fences, garden furniture and overhanging trees or shrubs.• Don’t put the barbecue

where people have to squeeze past it.• Only use approved barbecue fuel or firelighters. Never use petrol or paraffin.• Keep children and garden games well away from the cooking area.• Never leave the barbecue unattended.• Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling on to the coals will cause flames to flare up.• When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.• Empty the cold ash onto bare garden soil – never put it in the dustbin.• Make sure the controls and the gas cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.• Change the gas cylinder in the open air.• If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles.

If you have a leaky joint, try to tighten it but don’t over tighten it and test for bubbles again. If unsure do

not use the barbecue – seek specialist advice.• When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.• Store your gas cylinders outside and protect from frost and direct sunlight.• Don’t keep more spare cylinders than you need.

Cowes Quality Cakes Mandy Kendall and Phil Milner

Lois Prior and Lyn Blackledge


SPORT

SPEEDWAY KINGS!

THE Island women’s football squad had a double setback when they took part in a tournament in the Isle of Man.

Competing in the Inter-Island Challenge trophy against teams from the Isle of Man and Jersey they lost both games – and then found

themselves stranded by the volcanic ash cloud.

So the 23-strong party of players, helpers and officials were left to look anxiously at the skies at Manx Airport to see when their return would be possible by air, with the ferries already fully booked.

IT’S DOUBLE TROUBLE

THE BOWLS Isle of Wight under 25 team had a very successful trip to Bognor Regis to play in a three-rink friendly against the Sussex Under 25’s.

Over the first five or six ends it appeared that the Islanders were in for a hard time. However, from this point in the match they began to stamp their authority on the match, and went on to win by a very respectable score of 62 shots to 24.

The rinks and scores were: Josh Berry, Keiron Clark and Travis Mellor 20 shots, Sussex 9. Jack Berry, Peter Wheeler, Sam Lines and Robbi Hayes 22 shots, Sussex 5. Ryan Trigg, Paul Attrill, Bertie Everson and Adam Clark 20 shots, Sussex 10.

The next challenge for the under 25’s is on May 25 when they play Hampshire in the National County Double Fours at Atherly Bowling Club in Southampton.

The Ladies Johns team had a practice match against Devon County at Weymouth,

winning 139 shots to 80, successful on five rinks and drawing on the sixth. The top winning rink was Ann Rance, Shirley Stubbs, Brenda Ensor and Joyce Wilson who won by 37 shots to 4.

Rinks and Scores: Norma Turner, Maureen Lockyer, Margaret Arnell and Pauline Proud 24, Devon 14. Diane English, Linda Bell, Auriol Ash and Val Newton 24, Devon 14.

Gill Gambling, Sally burton, Chris Gallop and Margaret Haynes 16, Devon 16. Hazel Vickery, Brenda Collard, Barbara Sleep and Jan Green 17, Devon 14. Elsie Barnes, Ann Day, Maureen Harden and Elsie Young 23, Devon 18. Anne Rance, Shirley Stubbs, Brenda Ensor and Joyce Wilson 37, Devon 4.

Men’s County Selections:Bowls Isle of Wight v Surrey

to be played at Shanklin Bowling Club on May 26:

David Brown (Camp Hill), David Chester (Westland), Allan Timbrell (President - Camp Hill), Barry Rodwell (Ryde Marina), Brian Barrett (Ryde Marina), Ian Morrill (Ryde Marina), Phil Brooks (Shanklin), Peter Clayton (Plessey), Tony Hendey (Plessey), Jim Maish (Sandown), Mike Bradford (Shanklin), Phil Turner (Ventnor), Alan Bugby (Bembridge), Jack Young (Totland Bay), Colin Ayres (Shanklin), Alan Bell (Shanklin), Norman Lockwood (Shanklin), Simon Gibb (Ryde Marina), Dave Fredericks (Ryde Marina), Richard Lovell (Shanklin), Malcolm Addison (Newport), Brian Newburyn (Cowes), Roy Smith (Plessey), Derek Deacon (Shanklin).

Reserves:Brisn Coulson (Shanklin),

Brian Wallace (Newport) Bowls Isle of Wight v

Middlesex to be played at Shanklin Bowling Club on June 3: George Stevens(Newport), Brian Newbury (Cowes), Paul Barker (Plessey), Barry Rodwell (Ryde Marina), Norman Lockwood (Shanklin), Ian Morrill (Ryde Marina), Phil Turner (Ventnor), John Attrill (Sandown), David Brown (Camp Hill), Clive Milford (Westland), Roy Dicker (Ventnor), Keith Beckett (Shanklin), John Edwards (Totland Bay), Ken Hamblin (Shanklin), Phil Brooks (Shanklin), Derek Venier (Ventnor), Guiseppi Cretella (Ryde Marina), Brian Wallace (Newport), Derek Deacon (Shanklin), Barry Simpson (Ventnor), Tony Hendey (Plessey), Brian Coulson (Shanklin), Aland Timbrell (President - Camp Hill), Alan Bell (Shanklin). Reserves: Terry Thorner (Camp Hill), Richard Foyle (Shanklin).

BOWLING TO SUCCESS

THE WIGHTLINK Islanders erased memories of their defeat at Buxton as they demolished Kings Lynn Young Stars by 56 points to 39 in their opening home National League match.

Skipper Nick Simmons and Danny Warwick led by example with both recording maximum scores from their five rides, each winning their opening four races and Simmons following Warwick home for a maximum 5-1 advantage in the final heat.

The victory saw the Islanders gain all three league points available to them and that sees them immediately leap above both Weymouth and Scunthorpe in the table.

Simmons set the tone in the opening heat as he scorched to a tapes-to-flag victory over Kings Lynn’s No.1 Simon Lambert and Dean Felton typified the fighting spirit that was clearly prevalent throughout the home ranks all night long as, recovering from a poor start, he forced his way through from the back to claim third place.

It mattered not in the final analysis that Islanders No.6 Tom Hill slid off somewhat less than gracefully entering the third bend of heat 2 allowing the visitors to secure a 5-1 advantage from the race and move

into a 7-5 lead as that proved to be just a small hiccup in his team’s march to victory.

Danny Warwick and partner Brendan Johnson put that right by securing maximum points in the next heat, Warwick’s winning time of 68 secs being a mere 0.3secs outside the existing track record, and the Wightlink Islanders never looked back from then on.

The visitors had no answer to the Islanders’ all-round firepower amply demonstrated by the fact that home riders finished last in just three of the 15 races.

Islanders co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said: “we had warned that we were expecting things to improve after Sunday’s heavy defeat and Nick and the team responded instantaneously.

“A few more nights like this between now and the end of September will suit me, and I’m sure all our supporters, down to the ground!”

Match Details: Wightlink Islanders 56, Kings Lynn Young Stars 36.

Wightlink Islanders scorers: Nick Simmons 14+1, Dean Felton 6+1, Danny Warwick 15, Brendan John- son 8+2, Ben Hopwood 8, Luke Chessell 3, Tom Hill 2.

Under 25s in form at BognorTHE WEST WIGHT Netball team is celebrating after receiving a £500 donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund.

The team has around 20 members, ranging in age from 14 to 60. Some play in matches, while others choose to participate in training only. Susannah Jennings, team member, explained: “We all love playing for the club and have created a fantastic sense of team spirit.

“However, our kit is more than five years old and doesn’t reflect the pride we have for

our club. The donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund is amazing because it means we can kit out every member without asking them to contribute financially.”

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund aims to help sports clubs and individuals to play sport for longer. The 2010 fund is accepting applications until May 31.

Further information can be found at www.marsrefuel.com. You can also check out the facebook group at http://bit.ly/MarsRefuelDrinkFund.

NETBALL TEAM CELEBRATION


SPORT

MINI-TENNIS players arrived from as far as Guildford for Ryde Mead Tennis Club’s Summer Mini-Tennis Tournament.

The tournament saw 28 children contest for the under-8’s, under-9’s and under-10’s titles, although the number of children participating was not quite as high as usual, the level of quality was the highest ever seen at the club.

The Mini-Red competi-tion saw just eight entries; four from Ryde Mead, two from Ryde Lawn and two from Portsmouth. The quality of play was great throughout, with every child showing fine ability and a great deal of experience for children under eight years old.

Dexter Collins (Ryde Mead), Oscar Boyle (Portsmouth), Henry McLuckie (Ryde Mead) and Rory Buckeridge (Ryde Lawn) progressed to the semi-finals. Dexter

and Henry both won their semis in straight sets to set-up an all Ryde Mead final. Initially Henry matched Dexter, however as the final went on Dexter showed a greater level of consistency winning the final 10 – 8, 10 – 5.

Having won the Mini-Red competition Dexter decided to take on the older children in the Mini-Orange competition - all this, having Walked the Wight in the morning!. The orange competition saw great performances from Lacey Matthews (Ryde Mead) and Elliot Glaysher

(Guildford).However Dexter and

Jevon Dry (Ryde Mead/Portsmouth) came through unbeaten to contest the final. Jevon produced a wonderful performance in the final, showing great progress from the Spring competition, beating a slightly tired looking Dexter in straight sets.

Another child showing true endurance and determination was Jake Scrimshaw (Ryde Lawn). He came straight from a victorious man-of-the match performance in an IOW Football Cup Final

to play. Jake showed why he regularly wins tournaments, progressing to the final unbeaten. Where he played Elias Ahmed (Ryde Mead).

Elias was also unbeaten going into the final, a great effort for a child who has only been playing tennis for 12 months. However Jake mustered up enough energy to beat Elias 10 – 5, 10 – 6.

The IOW Mini-Tennis Championships will be held on Sunday July 4th, entry forms are now available, please contact Tom Lyons on 07788 984 333.

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THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

THE YOUNG Tornados ice hockey team made their trip to Bristol for their last league game of the season.

With the excitement of the epic battle between the two sides just a week before everyone was looking forward to another good game. With the long stair climb with all the equipment, the novelty of the rink gave way to the sheer size of the ice.

The Tornados have found their away games challenging, especially on bigger ice, and it has taken a while to get into the swing of away games.

Bristol started stronger than they had on the Island, and were commanding the game. At 3.21 Kieran Tavener opened the Tornados scoring account with a good strong goal assisted by Keelan Walsh. Just over two minutes later Bristol restored their two goal cushion by scoring their third. Just before the half way point in the first period Keelan Walsh scored a wonderfully taken solo effort to give the Tornados some hope.

Four unanswered goals were then scored by Bristol before the

end of the first to really show their desire to win. The start of the second half was very similar to the first, with two quick Bristol goals followed by a solo effort from Blayne Pugh at 22.53.

Owen Moore showed his grit as he refused to be bossed around by the Bristol players and was once again solid in clearing the puck from the danger zone. Tyler Moore and Justin Apps both had promising breaks, but both times the Bristol defence were just that bit quicker at getting to the puck.

The big difference in the size of the defensive zones just added to the difficulty for the team to get the puck out, and the decent number of shots on the Tornados goal reflected that.

The first season playing hockey for the majority of the team, only one having previously played in a game before, proved a great learning experience, and with a full season under their belt. the players can confidently start the new season with hopes of more success.

Final score 16-3. Shots on goal 63 on IOW, 8 on Bristol. MOM: Levi Coles. SOG: Oliver Orlik

TORNADOS BATTLE PROVES IN VAIN

VENTNOR Cricket Club produced a superb performance to shock reigning champions Havant in their ECB Southern Electric Premier Division clash.

Charlie Freeston’s side didn’t just defeat Havant, they outplayed them in every department on their way to a highly impressive seven-wicket win with more than 11 overs remaining.

Havant, who have won the Premier League for the past three seasons, batted first on winning the toss and were rocked by a fiery opening spell from Sean Nowak. Ventnor’s South African quickie accounted for Mark Miller and Ben Walker and when Freeston trapped Chris Morgan leg before,

the hosts were struggling on 14-3. Danny Briggs, free of Hampshire first team duties since the arrival of Sri Lankan left arm spinner Rangana Herath, took 3-37 to remove the Havant middle order and although Richard Hindley (52) and Jarrad Daniells (31) provided resistance, Andy Whyte’s spell of 2-28 helped nail the champions for 168.

The visitors were given in fine start in pursuit of their target with openers Mark Fletcher and Danny Briggs impressing in an opening partnership of 60 before the England under 19 all-rounder was dismissed by Roger Miller for 33.

After Matt Compton departed cheaply, Ian Hilsum joined Fletcher in a match winning combination

as Ventnor raced to victory. Hilsum hit ten fours in a splendid, run-a-ball 72 while Fletcher’s knock of 53 from 104 deliveries provided fine support.

Adam Hose, Ventnor’s highly promising 17 year old, cracked his maiden first team century to lead his side to a convincing nine wicket win over Fareham & Crofton in the first round of the ECB National Club Championship at Bath Lane.

The teenager thumped 11 fours and 5 sixes in a fine unbeaten knock of 129 from just 102 deliveries. Neil Westhorpe lent support with 52 not out as Ventnor overhauled a Fareham total of 221 with 11 overs to spare. Ventnor visit Havant in the second round on June 6.

Meanwhile, Ventnor maintained their unbeaten start to the Hampshire League campaign but only after a hard fought win at Steep.. Darren Taylor hit 46 while Ben Woodhouse (31) Richard Wilson (22) Rob Snell (35) James Cheek (17) and newcomer Kyle Sharp (16) all made starts without going on to make a big score as their side were dismissed for 189.

As Steep replied, Mark Holmes, easing his way back to fitness after shoulder surgery, made two early breakthroughs to reduce the home side to 39-2. Mark Preston got his side back into the game with 62 but at 138-7 (James Cheek 2-37), the match looked to be turning Ventnor’s way. However, an

eighth wicket partnership of 45 set up a tense finish with Steep requiring eleven runs to win from the remaining three overs. It was the return of Snell to the attack which

was to prove decisive, the all-rounder claiming 2-34 to win the match for his side as the home side were dismissed for 181. Mark Holmes took 4-30.

VENTNOR OUTPLAY CHAMPS

TICKETS TO RYDE


SPORT

THE REPUTATION of Ryde and Shanklin Rowing Clubs for staging an enjoyable IW Rowing Regatta weekend was further enhanced when hundreds of rowers, coaches, officials and supporters travelled to the Island for this year’s events.

With a record entry of over 130 crews Ryde RC were forced to withdraw two events because of the limitations caused by the tide, but were still faced with a challenging programme of 20 races, more than had ever been attempted before over Ryde’s restricted course, all to be crammed into the four and a half hours of available water.

All 13 Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Clubs took part including all three Island based clubs plus Bexhill and Folkestone from

the Coast ARA, with races every ten minutes, over the 1,820m Ryde Course, which starts from Appley Beach and heads towards Ryde pier where the crews make a racing turn before heading back towards Appley.

There was racing for men and ladies in Coxed Fours, Coxless Pairs and single sculls in all statuses from novice through to senior, including racing for veterans of age 40 and above, and 50.

Following the completion of the Ryde Regatta the prizes were presented by Mike Ward, of the Regatta’’s main sponsors, Ward House Financial Services.

There was local success for Ryde Rowing Clubs scullers - Nick Pike winning the Men’s Senior Sculls and Stu Johnson the Men’s Novice Sculls along. There

was further success for the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Club at Shanklin with wins in the Men’s Senior Pairs - for Tom Clark and Ben Ade - and for Ian Hayden in the Men’s Senior Sculls - continuing the domination of this event in recent years by the Ryde Club - where they have not been defeated in the last sixteen Hants & Dorset Championship Regatta’s.

Ryde and Shanklin Regatta Results:

Men’s Senior Fours. 1st Coalporters. 2nd Christchurch. 3rd Ryde. Men’s junior Senior Fours. 1st. Westover. 2nd Coalporters. 3rd Poole. Men’s Junior Fours. 1st Lymington. 2nd Bexhill. 3rd. Poole. Men’s Novice Fours.

1st Christchurch, 2nd Itchen. 3rd Westover.

Ladies’ Senior Fours. 1st Coalporters. 2nd Worthing. 3rd Poole. Ladies’ Junior Fours. 1st Lymington. 2nd Bexhill. 3rd BTC. Ladies’ Novice Fours. 1st Christchurch. 2nd Poole. 3rd. Poole. Veteran “A” 40+. Fours. 1st BTC. 2nd Poole. 3rd Poole. Veteran “B” 50+ Fours. 1st Christchurch. 2nd Coalporters. 3rd Lymington.

Men’s Senior Pairs. 1st Itchen. 2nd Bexhill. 3rd Southsea. Men’s Junior Pairs. 1st Worthing. 2nd Poole. 3rd. Bexhill.

Ladies’ Senior Pairs. 1st Itchen. 2nd Bexhill. 3rd Southsea. Men’s Senior Sculls. 1st Pike/Ryde. 2nd. Riceman/Itchen. 3rd Allsopp/Ryde. Men’s Junior

Sculls. 1st. Browne/Southsea. 2nd. Leelodhary/Itchen. 3rd. McCorry/Bexhill. Men’s Novice Sculls. 1st Johnson/Ryde. 2nd. Fuccio/Itchen. 3rd McCorry/Bexhill.

Ladies’ Senior Sculls. 1st McMurtry/Coalporters. 2nd. McGregor-Ritchie/Itchen. 3rd. Comerford/Coalporters. Ladies’ Junior Sculls. 1st. Fry/Christchurch. 2nd. Bull/ Itchen. 3rd. Cottrell/Coal- porters. Ladies’ Novice Sculls. 1st Nightingale/Christchurch. 2nd. Maxwell/BTC. 3rd. Simmons./Southampton.

Aggregate Trophy. 1st. 25points. Christchurch. 2nd. 22points. Coalporters. 3rd. 17 points. Itchen. Ryde Rowing Club earlier represented the Island at the first Hants & Dorset Championship Regatta of the season

travelling to Southampton for the Coalporters Regatta. Injury and illness led to a depleted squad but there were good performances from the Men’s Senior Four and the Senior Scullers.

The Senior Four of Russell Page, Mike Jenner, Ben Ade and Matt Allsop with Bryony Reeve coxing comfortably won their heat to claim a place in the twice round the course final where they were narrowly beaten by host Club Coalporters in to 2nd place.

In the Men’s Senior Sculls, reigning Hants & Dorset Champions Mick Jenner and Matt Allsopp both reached the final from which Mike Jenner emerged with a comfortable win over a Christchurch Sculler after Matt Allsopp had suffered from some steering difficulties.

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

SportRYDE CORMORANTS are celebrating their first birthday. The club, which meets each Saturday at The Waterside Pool in Ryde has now completed a successful first year.

The club held a gala with many of the children taking part in races for the first time. They competed in

25m and 50m races hoping to beat their personal best times.

They all received a mini kickboard for their efforts, to use when they go swimming, as well as a certificate showing their place and time for each race.

Their hard work was

rewarded with a half-hour fun session after the gala.

Claire and Sev, the volunteers who run the group, are very proud of the children’s achievements and the excellent progress they have made with their technique, stamina and overall fitness.

When they were not in

the pool the children also helped out with timing their friends. Thanks must also go to the Isle of Wight Council Sports Unit for the loan of the stopwatches.

More information about Ryde Cormorants is available by emailing [email protected] or tel: 01983 615878.

A HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY

REGATTA DOUBLE SUCCESSRyde and Shanklin show their colours

IW Gazette 63

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Transcript of IW Gazette 63