IW Gazette 67

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NOW EVEN BIGGER: 56 PAGES - STILL ONLY 30PFriday July 16, 2010 Issue 67 www.iwgazette.co.uk 30p

FIRE CHIEF - NO VENDETTA

Chief Fire Officer Paul Street

CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, Paul Street, spoke exclusively to The Gazette about the Council Cabinet’s decision this week to close Shanklin Fire Station, with the creation of 13 new full time firefighter positions at Sandown fire station.

Although the final decision was taken by the council it has followed consultations and planning through a fundamental review that has being ongoing for several years since the Fire Authority decided to keep the service

under Island control.“Any Chief Fire Officer has

to provide a safe and efficient service,” said Paul Street. “I was tasked to restructure the service to ensure a safer place to live on the Island and to provide a sustainable and resilient fire service,” he stressed.

“I totally empathize with

concerns from the public and firefighters in Shanklin but we have to be realistic – we are struggling to keep firefighting resources available on the run at certain times. But having three full time crewed pumps, one at Newport, one at Ryde and one at Sandown in due course, will provide much better fire cover.”

At present both Shanklin and Sandown have retained fire crews who have to be

Continued on page 5

BY JASON KAY

Shanklin Fire Station

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, July 16, 20102

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, July 16, 2010 3

NEWS

WOMAN IN RESCUE DRAMAA WOMAN was pulled out of the sea safely and taken back to shore at Ryde after reports that she was in distress near the pier shortly before 8.00pm on Tuesday June 13.

Four police officers from the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) responded to the scene where a member of the public, a man aged in his 40s, was already attempting to rescue the woman, who is aged in her 20s. One of the officers, PC Stuart Pearson, gave advice and support to the man and woman from the shore.

Another officer, PC Ben Magee, entered the water to assist with the rescue alongside a second member of the public, a man who was known to the woman. This officer and the two members of the public then helped to escort the woman back to the shore safely.

The woman was later detained by police under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital by paramedics under police escort. No criminal offences were identified, and no police officers were injured.

JOE DUCKWORTH, who quit as chief executive at the Isle of Wight Council to take on a £241,000-a-year post with Newham Council in East London, has suddenly quit ‘the dream job’.

When Mr. Duckworth left the Island to take on the best-paid job in local government, his decision to move on less than two years into his post surprised and angered many Islanders.

He arrived in 2006 promising to turn around the Island’s fortunes. But the council, which had been awarded only two out of four stars in quality ratings for 2005 and 2006, received the same low grade in 2007. Only one in six councils have two stars or lower.

In its report for 2007, the Audit Commission said Isle of Wight Council was “improving well” overall but

also found that it was the only council in England that had worsened over the year in the key performance area of “financial standing”.

When he was appointed to Newnham in April 2008, Mr. Duckworth was paid even more than then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and claimed: “It’s a dream job, the best job in local government.”

In a statement Mr. Duckworth said: “The past two years have seen a step change in the delivery of services with improved performance shown through enhanced resident satisfaction ratings and assessment by the Audit Commission.

“I have enjoyed my time with the council but after two hectic years I have decided to take my career in a new direction and to seek new challenges.”

DUCKWORTH QUITS


NEWS

A SUNDAY morning practice session quickly turned into the ‘real thing’ for the crew of Cowes RNLI lifeboat, as they answered a call to go to the aid of an ocean racer.

Solent coastguards reported that the Arcona 37 class, Arcadian, had engine trouble in the Solent. At the time Cowes lifeboat, with Simon Hawkins at the helm, was exercising just inside the River Medina.

The lifeboat found the yacht,

with six men and a woman aboard, near Browndown Buoy, off Stokes Bay. It was slowly drifting helplessly astern in the Force 4/5 south-westerly. The mainsail was still up and the spinnaker had become entangled at the top of the mast. To further add to the yacht crew’s woes, the anchor was failing to hold on the sea-bed, and later became entangled in a lobster pot rope.

Lifeboat crew member Steve

Price went aboard to assist bringing down the mainsail and help winch one of the yachtsmen up the towering mast to free the spinnaker. Eventually the yacht, which had earlier been in a race, was able to return to its Hamble base under its own engine power, escorted by Cowes lifeboat.

Since the start of the year Cowes lifeboat have attended 18 ‘shouts’, involving the rescue of nearly 40 people.

REAL PRACTICE FOR RNLI LIFEBOAT CREW

WOMAN SPARKS SEARCHTHE SUPPOSED disappearance of a woman from a cross-Solent ferry sparked a major air and sea search before it was later reported she was safe and well.

The emergency began when it was thought the woman walked on to one of Red Funnel’s ferries as a foot passenger, but there were no signs of her when passengers disembarked an hour later.

Cowes RNLI lifeboat spent over three hours taking part in an intensive search of the Solent and the River Medina, after fears she had fallen overboard as the ferry from Southampton was about to enter Cowes Harbour.

Solent coastguards alerted Cowes lifeboat, and eventually a total of seven boats were involved in a painstaking search, including Calshot’s two RNLI boats – the larger one carrying out a co-coordinating role. With the tide running to the east, much of the search was concentrated in the eastern Solent.

The boats were joined overhead by the Coastguard rescue helicopter, while Coastguard rescue teams from the Island searched the shore from East Cowes to Wootton. Cowes lifeboat also searched the River Medina, up to Kingston.

The search was eventually called off without any sign of the woman. Solent coastguard later reported that a woman answering the description provided by a passenger was eventually found to have been among passengers on a coach that was driven off the ferry to a destination on the Island.

Simon Hawkins, helm of Cowes lifeboat, said it was the longest time the lifeboat had spent on a ‘shout’ this year.


NEWS

IN THE SUMMERTIMEMUNGO JERRY, who had a No1 chart success with ‘In the Summertime’ 40 years ago, will be performing at Cowes Yacht Haven during this year’s Cowes Week.

The venue, which is at the heart of the international regatta, will welcome Mungo Jerry to The Gill Stage on Friday, August 6. Mungo Jerry rose to fame with ‘In the Summertime’ which spent 20 weeks in the charts, and he later had a second No1 with ‘Baby Jump’.

More minor successes followed, the last one being ‘Long Legged Woman in Black’ back in April 1974. Mungo Jerry will join a bevy of other stars performing at Cowes Yacht Haven during Cowes Week, including Doctor and the Medics, R&B star Aaron Soul and Navi and the world’s top Michael Jackson tribute.

Events Centre Manager, Ian Gregory, said: “I’m really excited to have Mungo Jerry performing at the Yacht Haven this Cowes Week. We’ve worked incredibly hard to put together a great line up this year and I’m confident that visitors are going to have a fantastic time here.”

Access to Cowes Yacht Haven’s entertainment, bars and shops will be free every day other than fireworks night on Saturday, August 7, when there will be a £10 entry fee.

To find out more visit www.cowesyachthaven.com or follow Cowes Yacht Haven on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CowesYachtHaven.

GIANT TODDLE TIMERYDE Inshore Rescue are getting in step to prepare for “The Giant Toddle” in Appley Park, Ryde, which will take place on August 14.

The sponsored walk for toddlers and young children is one of the charity’s most successful fundraising events of the year, and this year they hope to exceed the 100 entrants of last year.

Families from all over the Island have turned up in an array of fancy dress costumes in the past to carry out the mile walk along with children’s TV characters and the lifeboat crew.

The event is free for all to enter and all registered children who attempt the walk will receive a prize, medal and certificate. All that is asked is that the sponsorship form that is included in the registration pack is put to good use!

So if anyone fancies taking a stroll around Appley at 11am on Saturday August 14 they should contact the event organiser on 812178 to register or for more information.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR US?

Send your news and pictures to us at [email protected]

or call 402599

NO VENDETTA

A 47-YEAR-OLD man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after more than a dozen car windscreens were smashed in Newport.

Then incidents took place in the Pyle Street and Town Lane area, with the man allegedly hitting cars with a large metal pole as shoppers and pedestrians watched on in amazement.

The rampage took place just before lunch time on Wednesday before police moved in to arrest the man. One eye witness said: “I couldn’t believe what was going on. This man was just walking down the road randomly hitting the windscreen of every car he could find. It was quite frightening to see. Fortunately no one appeared to be hurt, but he caused an awful lot of damage.”

MAN ON RAMPAGE

Continued from front page

paged from their day jobs to attend the fire station. When Shanklin fire station closes, Sandown will gain 13 full-time crew and keep around ten of their retained firefighters.

Sandown will then have two pumping appliances - one with a full time day crew and one with retained fire fighters. They will also have one primary day-crewed special appliance – previously these vehicles had to come from Newport.

“One of the appliances will also be a dedicated rescue pump with cutting equipment to improve road traffic accident response times in the Bay area,” he explained. “At present we struggle to give the retained firefighters the training hours to crew this type of dedicated appliance and associated equipment to the standard we would like.

“We crew with five riders on each appliance for the safety of firefighters and an improved service to the public,” he explained. This is mainly due to the concern that as part of a safe system of work required under health and safety we can’t always guarantee the ‘back up’ of supporting crews due to unavailability to support crews who have entered a building on fire who may get in difficulties.

“I have the greatest respect for retained firefighters, they are dedicated and give a fantastic community service and try very hard to always be available but many employers will not release them to us any longer and some need to find employment outside of the station area for example by working on the mainland.

“The impact of this is that fire cover suffers and puts at risk our response standard to ensure we get to any incident as quickly as possible.

“I have acknowledged that Shanklin normally has one pump available most of the time but they do struggle particularly with their second pump, but this unavailability can be also be said for Ventnor and Sandown. In fact there is patchiness across the Island – sometimes improving and sometimes worsening.

“The main reason for the decision being taken to close Shanklin fire station rather than Sandown is that it is the older station. It was built in the 1950s and Sandown was built in the 1990s.

“The whole project looked at the risk profile and the need to balance protection, prevention and response. We started looking at day crewing to make it more efficient, firstly in Ryde and next in the Bay area.

“The money hasn’t come forward for the new station planned for Lake at this stage, so we’re continuing to implement Phase one through option 5 and getting on with day crewing at Sandown. But although the money for Phase 2’s building of a new fire station is not currently available, I am aware the Authority is looking at all ways that this new build could be afforded as soon as practicably possible amongst all the other priorities within the Council.

“In the cabinet paper it discusses the risk assessment. There is a slight increase in timings at certain times, but it’s tolerable in my professional judgment. Overall the balance of risk is better.”

“We will have to make some redundancies, which will help to pay for day crewing in Sandown and some additional resources will come from the local authority. We liaise with firefighters in Shanklin and keep in touch with them about developments and will continue to keep them informed of all steps along the way.”

“Closure will be phased, moving from two pumps to one and then closure, but not until migration and the day crews are fully operational. It will take between nine months and a year to ensure safe transition for the community and firefighter safety.

“The balance of risk as stated will be better across the piece not worse. This restructure and review has been a two and a half year project working with the fire brigades union, professional officers Councilors and backed

up by independent heath and safety consultants who looked at our strategic fire cover and further consultants to review our risk modeling.

“A fast response is important but so is fire education and prevention. More firefighters on days will allow for much more advice to be given. However our trained response drivers will get through traffic as safely as possible to meet the times needed for an effective attendance time.

“I am confident of our capability to improve the service throughout the implementation of various phase of to ensure the community and fire personnel get the best service from the significant investment of resources this Authority has and is providing for a modernised and sustainable fire and rescue service within the Authorities resources.”


NEW WALKWAY A YOBS’ HAVENYOBBISH behaviour has become the norm in Meaders Road since a walkway was opened in April between the cul de sac and the newly built Oakfield Estate according to local residents.

The level of anti-social behaviour by people using the cut-through become absolutely intolerable, the police regularly attend incidents and one resident is moving out because of it.

“I was attacked outside my home,” said a man who does not wish to be named. “I moved into Meaders Road 12 years ago and it was a very quiet and peaceful existence. But when they opened the walkway it was as if they’d turned on a tap or extracted our house and put it on a sink estate.

“We’ve had a catalogue of incidents. Drunken yobs ‘f’ing and blinding. I run a business and wear a suit and tie for work and I get abuse coming and going from my house. We’ve seen litter: tin cans, dog mess, syringes, broken glass – a constant stream. Three or four of us pick up this stuff.

“We’ve had six thefts since April, including a bike, a mattress and a garden ornament.

“One night I was walking home and two blokes and a girl were in front of me. I kept my distance and was just outside my house when one turned

and said: “You are f***ing following us.” I had to beg them to let me go home.

“Then they attacked me and I had six blows to the head and was given a kicking. I shouted, “Help! Help!” and they legged it and my neighbours came to my assistance. I had to go to A&E and had severe bruising and a

minor fracture to my wrist.“Life has become terrible. We had

to move everything out of our front garden that could be stolen and put blinds in the front of the house and were effectively living in the back of our home. One neighbour had two young girls go up to her window and say’ “What are you f***ing looking at!”

“We decided that we can’t go on living like this and we’re moving out and letting our house. We’ve been driven out of our home and

the walkway has wiped £20k off of the value of our house. We’re in the process of buying a house out of Ryde.

“We’re heading towards nervous breakdowns – life is intolerable. The most recent example is last Friday when a pitbull dog was loose, walking down our road towards the

new estate.“Another time I witnessed

an argument between a man and woman with the guy saying, “Give me my f***ing crack (crack cocaine).

“On Saturday we came back from a wedding to find that our For Sale and For Let signs had been vandalized.

“The police have increased their presence but the basic problem is minor offences, which collectively are a huge problem.“The residents of Meaders

Road are a closely knit bunch and we’re sad to leave them, but we can’t see a solution unless the walkway is closed.”

Mattress Stolen

Jayne Clews has lived in Meaders Road for three years, having moved down to the Island from Birmingham. Her house is next to the walkway and she has a petition signed by all 49 of the Meaders Road residents to get the walkway closed.

“There were six incidents in Meaders Road in the year before it opened and now we’re having 22 a month,” said Jayne.

“I’ve had someone urinating up against my wall, and a couple were arguing in the street. They were pushing each other and then he took a bottle of beer out of his pocket, took one swig and then smashed it against Morey’s wall next to my house.

“A large fight started on the estate and worked its way down the road. A van got punched several times, the police were called and they just carried on fighting and kicked off at the police. A dog handler got her dog out and they faced up to her. They were all arrested.

“They’ve threatened my life – one said, ‘I know where you live and I’m going to stab you.’ The police know about it.

“I can’t fault the police – they have responded when we’ve phoned. One night the police were coming round to my home at midnight to see what it’s like.

At 11.55pm my gate went and I thought it was the police. Then I heard it again and thought it strange that no-one had knocked the door.

“When I opened the door I saw that a mattress I had left in the pathway by my house had gone. I ran upstairs and looked out of the window and saw the mattress going up the road – then it went down the walkway and into the estate.

“When the police inspector arrived he ran up the road but they had vanished. I’d wrapped the mattress in my new mattress’s plastic covering so maybe they thought it was new.

“It’s been awful since they opened the walkway – even within a couple of days. Between 8.30 and 9.30am you get the mums taking their kids to school and then it’s quiet for while and then you start getting youths coming down with cans, drinking during the day. I thought it was illegal to drink on the streets.

“When it gets to Thursday we

Jayne Clews with Sgt Andy Gill

Sgt Andy Gill talks to the Oakfield Stores owner

Mattress goes walkabout


NEWS

dread the approaching weekend. Your privacy is gone. Further up the road they peer into the kitchen windows and give verbal abuse.

“We’ve had people jumping on to a mini, causing quite a bit of damage, and frequently have drunks on their way out and then back home. A man was walking his dog and the dog made a mess. He then picked it up and put it on s o m e o n e ’ s m o t o r b i k e seat.

“We get a lot of bikes and motorbikes using the walkway – it’s just an access point for everyone.

“Apparently they could have built a bridge over the railway track but decided to build the walkway instead.

”We visited the road at all different times of the day and night before we bought our house and the walkway didn’t show up on the search,” said Jayne. “Our

next-door neighbour moved in 12 months ago and it didn’t show up on theirs either.

“We’ve been keeping logs, exchanging information and calling 101 or 999 if it’s more urgent. I’ve given copes of the petition we’ve all signed to our councillor Gary Taylor and the police and the environmental officers, Katherine Arblaster

and Linda Shorter.

“ I t ’ s going to be d i s c u s s e d

at a meeting on August 4 and if the police and council don’t do something the residents will, although the police want it shut.”

Sergeant Andy Gill of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “Oakfield has its own local Safer Neighbourhoods team of PC Mike Giddens and PCSO Karen Allen. They are dedicated to providing an excellent service and an active presence in the neighbourhood to catch criminals and protect communities.

NEW WALKWAY A YOBS’ HAVEN

“I had to beg them to let me go home.”

Against path closureIF THE WALKWAY was to close residents of the Oakfield Estate would have to use Oakfield High Street instead and this is worrying people living on the High Street too.

One man who wished to remain anonymous said that problems in the High Street had escalated over the past two years since the new estate was built.

“If they close the pathway we’ll have more trouble on Oakfield High Street,” he said. “They’ve put cameras up in Meaders Road but we’ve had none down here.

“It used to be fine here on Friday and Saturday nights but now it’s any night, although weekends are worse. It’s got a lot worse since the estate was built a couple of years ago.

“I’ve had my car scratched and my wing mirror broken off. Last week six or seven people had their wing mirrors kicked off and it’s the abuse we get too.

“The police don’t seem to care. The estate residents have Space E parties during the day – the drugs need controlling down there.

“When you confront them they’re in your face and the police take so long to get here.

‘My mum confronted them when she was walking her dogs and a 13 year old girl pushed her into the hedge. What happened to coppers on the beat? We’ve had stuff taken out of our shed too and my brother had his motorbike stolen two years ago.

“If they close the walkway it will only make it worse for us.”

“There were 165 fewer victims of crime in the Oakfield and Elmfield areas of Ryde between April 2009 and March 2010, compared with the same period a year earlier. Police are determined to keep crime levels low and maintain Oakfield as a safe place to live.

“We appreciate the support and co-operation of the Meaders Road community in reporting their concerns to us. Between January and April 2010, there were five reports of anti-social behaviour in Meaders Road. Since April, that number has increased to 22. The mindless actions of a few individuals will not be allowed to disrupt the quality of life for residents in an area that saw a reduction in crime last year.

“As part of the community’s campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour this summer, police have increased foot and mobile patrols in the Meaders Road, Oakvale Estate and Oakfield High Street areas to address the concerns of residents. Our actions have resulted in several arrests.”

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with being drunk and disorderly in Meaders Road on May 14.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on July 12 in relation to an alleged assault on a 51-year-old man in Meaders Road on May 22. The suspect was bailed until August 3 pending further inquiries.

A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with a public order offence in Meaders Road on June 11.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with a public order offence in Meaders Road on July 2.

Investigations continue into

reports of criminal damage to vehicles in Meaders Road and Oakfield High Street on June 23 and July 3.

Sergeant Gill added: “Police have received positive feedback from residents who have seen officers and PCSOs on their extra patrols in Oakfield during the past month. These patrols will continue to ensure the problems reported do not spread to other parts of Ryde.

“We are working closely with partner agencies to find the best long-term solution to the problems highlighted with the new footpath linking Meaders Road and Oakvale. Information is being passed to the local Council and Housing Association about how the closure of the new footpath could help to reduce crime in the short term.

“More police ‘street mapping’ surveys of residents’ opinions in Oakfield took place this week so I would encourage people to continue reporting their concerns to us so they can be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

If you have concerns please phone Ryde Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Email [email protected]. People who wish to remain anonymous can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, phone 999.

The Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team is part of the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership, which has made a commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour across the island. For more information, go online to www.saferwight.org.uk/antisocialbehaviour.aspx and www.hampshire.police.uk

Jayne Clews with Sgt Andy Gill

The controversial walkway


NEWS


NEWS

LEVEL BEST AT BESTIVALMARK KING, lead singer of Level 42 – the Island’s most successful ever group – admits he is ‘chuffed to bits’ they will be the opening this year’s Bestival.

It will be the first time in 20 years that Level 42 have played on the Island, and Mark smiled: “This really is the cherry on the cake for us.”

Level 42’s appearance at Robin Hill on September 9 will come just before they kick off their 30th anniversary tour with 18 dates in the UK followed by concerts in Holland Germany and Switzerland. And in a hectic schedule their appearance at the Bestival will follow a 10-venue tour of the United States, which will end in Las Vegas on August 1.

But he just cannot wait for the Bestival appearance. He said: “I had been hinting to organiser Rob Da Bank that I would like to play the event, because all my family go to that one.

“It is the one that seems the most family-friendly, and of course you want to show off in front of your kids! Rob told me he had this year set up, but we could do it next year.

“Then I mentioned I

really wanted to do it this year because it is the 30th anniversary of the band, so it means that little bit more. So he has pulled all the stops out, and I’m so chuffed that we are going to open it. I am sure everyone is going to have a good time.”

Level 42 shot to fame in the 80s with such classics as ‘Lessons in Love’, ‘Something About you’ and ‘Running in the Family’.

Mark has already promised the sell-out crowd all the favourites as well ‘a few surprises and pressies’ when he takes to the stage with fellow members Mike Lindup (keyboards and vocals), brother Nathan King (guitars), Sean Freeman (saxophone) and Pete Ray Biggin (drums).

He said: “This is the first time we have played together on the Island since about 1990 when we did Planet Ice in Ryde when it first opened. I have played a couple of shows at Ryde Theatre as myself, but this is the first time back for the band 20 years.

“We haven’t been on the Island because the promoters haven’t put us on. It is not about ‘I want to play there’ it is about the promoter saying

he would like us there. It has taken a while to get 10 promoters to come up with the tour we are doing in the US.

“I’ll play anywhere, I want to keep going. But it is all down to a promoter. We play festivals everywhere in Europe. But I can’t wait for the Bestival, and I have a few surprises up my sleeve. There will be a few ‘pressies’ being thrown into the crowd. As I said I am just chuffed to bits to be there.

He added: “I would like to think there will be more on the Island after this, like the Carisbrooke Castle concerts. We tend to go out on tour bi-annually, because I am 51 now, and there is a lot of golfing and fishing to do as well as signing!”

Only this week a new Level 42 four-CD box set has been put out by Universal Music. Mark explained: It is called ‘Level 42 – Living It up’ which is every single we ever released from 1980 to 2006 on CDs one and two.

“On CD three there’s live stuff and other songs previously unreleased, and on the fourth CD are 10 acoustic versions of some of our songs, and I am very pleased with them.”

Level 42

GAZETTE readers have the chance to win the new Level 42 four-CD box set, signed by lead singer Mark King.

All you have to do is answer this simple question:

In the 1980s Level 42 had a massive hit with which of

these titles:A: Walking in the Family.B: Running in the Family.C: Golfing in the Family. Send your answers to:

Level 42 Competition, IW Gazette, B18 Spithead Busi- ness Centre, Newport Rd,

Sandown, IW, PO36 9PH or you can enter on line by emailing [email protected].

Entries must reach us by July 27, and the winner’s name will be revealed in our next edition on July 30.

Name:

Address:

E-mail:

Question: In the 80s Level 42 had a massive hit with which title? (see above)

Answer:

Tel no:

The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Friday July 27, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Universal Music and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

WINWIN A LEVEL 42 CD BOX SET


NEWS

THE ISLAND’S emergency response times are among the best in the country, according to recently published national statistics.

The figures for 2009/10, published by National Statis-tics and The Information Centre for Health and Social Care, show that:

The service attended 17,500 emergency incidents in 2009/ 10 compared to 17,300 in 2007/08. Of the emergency incidents, 4,900 calls were Category A, classed as immediately life threatening. There were also 7,000 calls of Category B – serious but not life threatening – while 5,600 calls were Category C – urgent but not serious or life threatening.

Of the 4,900 calls requiring an emergency response, 77.2 per cent were responded to within eight minutes, placing the Island in second place out of 12 ambulance services in England.

The figures, published by National Statistics and The Information Centre for Health and Social Care, also revealed 97.1 per cent of the Category B calls were responded to within 19 minutes. The aver-

age for England is 96.8 per cent, the Island came fourth.

Of the 5,600 calls which were judged to be less urgent (Category C) 96.7 per cent of ambulances arrived within 19 minutes. The average for England is 91.0 per cent and the Island came top in the country. In 900 cases calls to the 999 service were resolved with telephone advice.

Ambulance spokesperson Ian Yeo said: “Although we are the smallest Ambulance Service in England the latest national figures show once again that Islanders receive a fast service. In an emergency a first responder, a paramedic or emergency care practitioner in a fast response car or an emergency ambulance will be on the scene within minutes.

“Even with an increase in the number of calls we have maintained our fast response times. The support of both frontline staff and those who take the calls in the emergency call centre is essential and we couldn’t achieve our excellent performance times without their hard work and dedication.”

The Ambulance Service

including non-urgent patient transport services has an annual budget of £6m. The Ambulance Service fleet of 30 vehicles includes 10 emergency ambulances, 10 fast response vehicles and 3 co- responder vehicles. The Ser- vice employs 132 staff including 70 paramedics, 18 emergency vehicle operatives, 2 technicians, 16 High Depen- dency or Patient Transport staff and 23 call centre staff.

Head of the Island’s Ambu- lance Service, Chris Smith said: “The team effort of all staff, both operationally and in the Control Centre, contributes to us achieving these targets. We may be a small service but we have proved year on year that we can deliver an excellent service for patients. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who contributes to this achievement.”

Chief Operating Officer for NHS Isle of Wight’s provider services, Karen Baker added: “This is a tremendous achievement by the Ambulance Service. We can all be proud of the service and confident that they will be there when we need them.”

ISLAND AMBULANCES TOPS


NEWS

A PACKING GOOD IDEATHERE WILL be plenty of volunteers for bag packing duties in the Lake store of Morrison’s this weekend (July 17 and 18).

The 1st IW (1st Sandown & Lake) Scout Group is taking part in a bag packing session for customers, in order to fund the group’s future. They will be helped by leaders, helpers, parents, cubs and beavers between 10am-4pm,

Spokesman Wayne Flowers said: “We aim to raise funds to help purchase a number of new kayaks to replace our outdated fleet, grow group funds and money for the Island Scouts who are going to Jamboree in 2011.”

RAPANUI EXPERIENCERAPANUI, the ethical and eco friendly surf clothing company in Bembridge are offering some work experience placements.

They are looking for enthusiastic people interested in gaining some work experience in the fashion industry to help them with online marketing and market research. The placements will be for one week each with six placements running back to back. The positions would be suited to anyone interested in fashion and developing skills in online marketing and market research.

Anyone who is interested can get in touch with [email protected] or just give them a ring on 873430.

NIGHT AT THE OPERATICKETS are still available for A Victorian Night At The Opera, an open air concert being staged in the grounds of Osborne House, on Saturday (July 17).

Set within the wonderful grounds, with the majestic house as a backdrop, the evening will feature the great works of Mozart, Rossini, Bizet, Verdi and Puccini as well as lighter repertoire from the world of operetta, including the ever popular Gilbert and Sullivan by the renowned London Festival Opera.

London Festival Opera will appear in authentic Victorian evening dress to recreate the atmosphere and grandeur of times past, with performances accompanied by an instrumental chamber ensemble. Tickets are priced £15.00, gates open at 6.30pm and performances run from 7pm until 9pm. Ticket line: 0870 333 1183.

POLICE, investigating a skip fire believed to have been started deliberately, are looking into reports that a group of youths was seen in the area shortly before.

People living near the site at Northbourne Avenue, Shanklin, were urged to keep their windows and doors closed in the early hours of the morning of July 4 after asbestos was found in the burning skip.

A specialist Hazmat officer was also called to the scene after neighbours in the road alerted the Fire service and Police to the blaze. Fire crews from Shanklin and Newport attended. Police were also called to the incident and officers are trying to trace a group of youths seen near the skip just before the fire started.

A building firm clearing derelict land ready for redevelopment was using the industrial waste skip. A spokesman for IW Fire Service said “ It was low-grade asbestos, so it wasn’t a major danger, but we needed to be careful. As well as going through the decontamination process, we spoke to residents in neighbouring properties.

“There was a little bit of wind and we had to tell them to close their windows until we had finished damping down because the asbestos particles were in the air.”

The skip was sealed and cordoned off as a precaution to prevent people getting close to the asbestos. Anyone with information should call Hampshire and IW police on 0845 0454545 or 101 or Crimestoppers, which is free and confidential, on 0800 555 111.

SKIP FIRE PROBE

A YOUNG holidaymaker was saved by the quick-thinking actions of an IW Council beach lifeguard after getting into difficulties while swimming off Ventnor beach.

Beach lifeguard Eddie Cole spotted Alex Deboeck, 14, struggling in the water some distance from the shore. Using his rescue board, he paddled out to the teenager who was becoming increasingly distressed as he drifted in the current. After hoisting him to safety the pair paddled back to the beach, much to the relief of Alex’s mother, Fay Debeock, who watched events unfold from the shore.

She said: “I am very grateful to the lifeguards for their work. They were very prompt and reached Alex before things could have taken a turn for the worse.”

Life guard Eddie, 27, from South Africa said:

“The beach was busy with people enjoying the good weather. We keep a constant watch on the water and I spotted the swimmer while out on Esplanade Patrol.

“He was trying to swim towards a marker buoy but as he approached it, he clearly became tired and got caught out by the current.

“I would advise beach users to swim within their abilities and talk to the beach lifeguards who are always on hand to provide advice about tides and currents.”

Cllr Edward Giles, IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport, praised the efforts of the lifeguard. He said: “Once again our lifeguards have demonstrated their professionalism and ability to deal with rescue situations quickly and calmly. Well done to everyone involved.”

BEACH GUARD PRAISED

Lifeguard Eddie Cole


NEWS

SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE (SAS) will be having a big beach clean on July 30 to ensure that Compton Beach is ‘Barefoot Friendly’.

The SAS beach clean crew is joining forces with Barefoot Wines for the 3rd instalment of their popular ‘Barefoot Friendly’ beach clean tour. They will be visiting five beaches across England and Wales between July 28 and August 1 and on July 30 Compton Beach will be the focus of their litter removal.

They are calling for volunteers so you are welcome to join in – meeting at Hanover Point car park at 3pm.

The beach cleans will take two hours from 3pm – 5pm and all beach cleaners will get a free Barefoot/SAS Volunteers t-shirt. And, as a thank you for their time, there will be a free BBQ on the beach, washed down with samples of the Barefoot Wines.

They ask that all volunteers to come dressed in appropriate clothing, including footwear, for the weather on the day of their beach clean, and that they make sure to protect themselves

from the sun, rain or wind.“Studies show that each year our tide

lines are flooded with ever-increasing amounts of marine litter,” say SAS. “Over 70 per cent of this litter is plastic, which sadly causes the deaths of over a million marine mammals and seabirds each year.

“Almost 90 per cent of floating marine litter is plastic and it is estimated that 5 per cent of all post production plastic has entered the worlds oceans (this equates to roughly 100 million tonnes).

“A plastic bottle takes at least 450 years to break down and they account for approximately 21% of all marine litter. Marine plastic litter is responsible for the deaths, through entanglement and ingestion, of over 1.5m marine mammals and seabirds each year.”

SAS Campaign Officer, Dom Ferris, said: “Every time we do a beach clean, wherever it is in the country, we are blown away by the support we receive from the general public. People really value their beaches and

want to do their part to protect them, just like the whole team at SAS. We are delighted to have the continued support of Barefoot Wines to help us clean up even more beaches. Please join us to make more beaches ‘Barefoot Friendly’ this summer.”

Chief Barefooter, Ali Feest, said: “It’s great to be able to support such a worthwhile campaign and we are honoured to be working with the SAS again for the third year in a row. The tour is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to get together and show their support for British beaches. We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck into the 2010 tour and of course, to raise a glass of delicious Barefoot wine at the end of each day.” Please note that you will have to be 18 years of age to sample the wine on offer.

If you would like to attend the beach clean email Dom on [email protected], with the date & location (Compton, July 30) or call 01872 555 953 as they need to make sure there are enough t-shirts, food and drink.

SAS ON PATROL AT COMPTON BEACH

ANDREW TURNER gave out awards at a recent ceremony celebrating the achievements of Filipinos who have been living and working on the Island for more than twenty years.

The Pinoy Sports Association conducted an Induction of Officers and Awards Programme at the St George’s Football Club in Newport - the first major event of this newly established non-profit organization. The President, Mr. Mazen “Ting” Abeto, along with his fellow officers, thought up the rousing idea of recognizing Filipinos who have been living and working in the Island for more than twenty years.

Ms. Miranda Clewley received a special recognition award for being a pioneer on the Island for more than twenty years from MP Andrew Turner. Ms Clewley has established nine care homes in Ryde House LLP since 1986 and her homes are considered one of the principal providers of services to people with learning disabilities in the Isle of Wight.

Other awardees were Ms. Eden Nichols, Ms. Joyce Hutchings, Ms. Dorcas Harris, Ms. Aquila

Read, and Ms. Amelita Hoare. The Citation read was as follows: “This certificate of recognition is awarded to the following for settling in the Isle of Wight for the past twenty years or more, giving importance to the value of service and helping promote the economy of the Philippines.” The certificate was signed by the PSA President Ting Abeto, Ambassador of the Philippines to the United Kingdom Mr Antonio Lagdameo, and Member of Parliament Representative Andrew Turner.

Highlights of the evening included the very creative performances of some members of the YVA (Youth Voice Association). MP Andrew Turner gave an inspiring talk while Ms. Josefina Cabanero, the official representative of the Philippine Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, animated the Filipinos with her speech as well. The night was concluded by a sumptuous dinner donated by generous members and served to some two hundred guests who were present to grace this memorable occasion.

FILIPINOS HONOURED

AN INVESTIGATION by Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) and IW Volume Crime Resolution Unit (VCRU) led to the charging of a man for fraud offences this week.

Howard Roy Wolsey, 34, of Warrior Avenue, Cowes, was charged with four counts of fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006. He was bailed to appear before the IW Magistrates Court on Tuesday (July 20).

FRAUD CHARGEISLAND police have

issued a fresh appeal for a man to come forward after an alleged assault in Newport.

Two youths are alleged to have been damaging cars parked in West Street at approximately 10.30pm on Friday, May 14. It’s then alleged youths assaulted several members of the public in West Street.

Police were called to the scene and two 17-year-old youths from the island were arrested minutes later on suspicion of

criminal damage and assault by beating. They were taken to Newport Police Station and bailed pending further inquiries.

Investigating officer, PC Kris Thon, of the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “Our inquiries and appeals within the community have established that several witnesses saw another man who was assaulted in West Street at around 10.30pm on May 14. This man was not recognised by others

in West Street at the time. Police are keen to trace this man because he is a witness too, and could have further information that is important to this investigation.”

This man or anyone with information about his identity, is asked to contact PC Kris Thon at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

LAUNCH OF FRESH APPEAL


NEWS

GALA FOR ANNIVERSARYTHE CHARITY ‘Foyer for the Island’ celebrated its 10th Anniversary by holding an Anniversary Gala at the Cowes Yacht Haven on Thursday July 1, 2010.

The event was a huge success and was attended by residents and staff, (past and present), partner organisations, trustees and representatives from the parent organisation, Medina Housing Association.

Martyn Pearl, Managing Director of Medina Housing Association welcomed everyone to the event and praised the good work and positive impact the Foyer has had for

young people on the Island. A short film produced by StratCats, covering the last 10 year’s achievements, illustrated the valuable work that has been done at the Foyer.

Julie Adams, Project Manager, spoke of the highly experienced and committed staff. “Along with the staff from Island Security and Top Mops, they complete a strong and united team that the residents benefit from and is a pleasure to be part of,” said Julie.

John Bentley, Chair, closed the formal part of the Gala

acknowledging and giving thanks to the many partners that the Foyer works closely with on a day to day basis who all have the focussed aim of doing the best they can for young people.

The presentations were followed by a buffet and disco by Tony Martin Music Show.

The Gala was sponsored by Stratcat Productions, Top Mops, Ian Scovell Photographic, That’s Service Party Shop, Cowes Yacht Haven, Medina Housing Association and Spectrum Housing Group.

AROUND 100 families from across the Island attended the IW Council’s Annual Family Learning Awards.

The event, at Brading Roman Villa, provided an opportunity to celebrate Family Learning activities that take place in Island schools throughout the year. It also aimed to acknowledge and thank the schools and partners including Extended Services and 0-7 Partnership Pilot for participating in Family Learning which provides parents, grandparents and carers with an opportunity to return

to learning whilst supporting a child’s education.

Colin Peak, IW Council Director of Children and Young People opened the event and certificates were presented to each of the participating schools by Cllr Dawn Cousins, IW Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the IW Council and Steve Beynon, the council’s Chief Executive.

Chrissie Blow, Skills for Life Development Officer presented certificates to some of the parents who had taken literacy qualifications

as part of their programmes.The special Laura Groves

Award for Community and Family Involvement was awarded to Helene Allen from Oakfield Primary School. This award is supported by the Community and Family Learning Service and Pan Neighbourhood Partnership and recognises staff who enable, encourage and support families and members of the community in school life.

Helene Allen from Oakfield Primary School was nominated by Laura Fairhurst, the school’s head

teacher, for her exceptional work in supporting family learning within the school.

Helene has set up healthy living events, carnival workshops and started a ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ club in her own time. She works closely with teachers at the school to ensure Family Learning is an integral part of the school day.

The award is presented in memory of Downside Middle School Teacher, Laura Groves, who died suddenly in 2009. Her parents Pete and Glyn Groves presented Helene with her award.

Cllr Pugh said: “It was a pleasure to present the schools with their awards. Family Learning plays an important role and helps to raise achievement in schools by presenting learning as a family activity. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Colin Peak, IW Council Director of Children and Young People, said: “The day really showed the commitment of the staff and the great impact that the Family Learning programmes have made to a large number of people’s lives. It never

fails to move me to see the growth that is so apparent, particularly for those parents and carers involved for whom this represents a step back into learning.”

The schools to receive Family Learning awards were Nine Acres Primary School, Newport CE Primary School, Gatten & Lake Primary School, Downside Middle School (Furrlongs and Kitbridge Campus), West Wight Middle School, All Saints Primary School, Summerfields Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

FAMILY LEARNING CELEBRATIONS


NEWS

NOVA LIFESTYLES will celebrate their First Birthday with a ‘Summer Sanctuary’ Health and Lifestyle Day at the Riverside Centre this Saturday.

One year on from their Launch Party at the Quay Arts last July, Nova Lifestyles – the Island’s very own Health and Wellbeing company - celebrates its first birthday by holding the Network’s next Health and Lifestyle Day, ‘Summer Sanctuary’, at the Riverside Centre, Newport on Saturday, July 17, from 1pm to 4pm.

Taster sessions will be available at this free event, which is now held every 3rd Saturday in the month. “We aim to help raise awareness of the many different ways we can improve our

wellbeing without costing the earth, and to showcase the diverse range of services available from practitioners within the sector here on the Island,” said founder Sara Mousley. “From complementary therapies, interesting forms of exercise, healthy eating, and beauty treatments to promoting eco-friendly ways of life.” For more information on these events, check out the website at www.novalifestyles.co.uk

Nova Lifestyles’ latest initiative is to provide its services within the workplace. Sara Mousley, Director, says: “We are currently in discussion with a number of local major employers on the Island and have plans to provide ‘in-house’ Lifestyle Days for staff in

the very near future. So far, this has been extremely well received by both staff and management, as well as our local practitioners.”

Some could have considered setting up a new business during a recession a little risky - but one year down the line, the Nova Network continues to grow with new initiatives developing all the time. “If you can provide the quality services that people want at the right price, then your business can only succeed,” said Sara

For further information on Lifestyle Events in the Workplace or any other services offered by Nova Lifestyles, contact Sara Mousley, Director - Tel:07773 014438 or email [email protected] of the Nova Lifestyles event of May 2010

NOVA PLANNING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

THERE was a big treat for lovers of country rock in Cowes Community Centre when Australian singer Nicki Gillis took to the stage to raise money for Island scouts.

Hailed as Australia’s biggest country rock singer, Nicki was making a stop over on the Island during her six-week tour of Great Britain, to visit her manager’s brother who lives in Ryde.

Whilst she was here she very kindly offered to help out with the scouts appeal to fund a trip to Sweden for a jamboree – 18 are hoping to go from the Island.

Nicki also dropped into St Vincent’s care home in Ryde to perform an acoustic set for the residents – she has also entertained the troops in Iraq in 2006 and other work for the forces coalition.

Winner of the International Stur Award, with which she was presented in 2009 by Frank Ifield, Nicki has recently released a remixed version of his famous hit, ‘I Remember You’ using Frank’s original recording and her clear strong vocals. To hear the single go to www.nickigillis.com

Nicki sang quite a few songs from her album Lucy’s Daughter along with many popular covers. “It was lovely on the Island and I even got a bit of a tan,” said Nicki of her weekend break. “I managed to see a bit of the Island while I was there, which I enjoyed very much.”

COUNTRY ROCK HITS COWES


NEWS

HOW WE LOVED OUR DUSTMEN

HOVER AIDS CHARITYHOVERTRAVEL will be offering free travel across the Solent to any women wishing to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events in Portsmouth or the Island.

In order to take advantage of the free travel offer, ladies simply need to be wearing their official Race for Life running number on event day – with Portsmouth taking place on Sunday (July 18) and Island on Sunday July 25. A 20 per cent discount for any accompanying spectators will be applied at the same time.

Natalie Max, South Marketing and C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Manager for Race for Life said: “We know that due to prior commitments, it is not always possible for

ladies to take part in their local Race for Life, so this offer provides a fantastic incentive for them to attend a nearby event! We are very grateful for the support of Hovertravel and hope women crossing the Solent to attend our events will take up this incredibly kind offer.”

Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels are invited to come together to walk, jog or run 5km to raise money to help beat cancer.

Neil Chapman, Managing Director of Hovertravel, said: “With Hovertravel being the quickest way to travel

between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, we feel it is important to offer passengers a hassle free journey to this charity event. We know that people from the Isle of Wight Race travel to Portsmouth and vice versa for the Race for Life events so we wanted to reward all the people who are helping raise money for Cancer Research UK by offering free travel for participants and discounted travel for spectators.”

Natalie added: “Race for Life is a fantastic experience, with local women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes coming together to make a positive difference to the lives of people touched by cancer. We hope that the free ferry crossing

will encourage even more women to sign up to these two events. By taking part, they will be sharing in a day full of amazing moments and helping to hit a fundraising target of over £700,000.”

When Race for Life started in 1994, many people diagnosed with cancer did not survive. But over the last 16 years, money generated by Race for Life has supported Cancer Research UK’s work and now the overall death rate for the disease has dropped by 15 per

cent. Natalie added: “One-in-

three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. But the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before. Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that progress. By helping to raise money through Race for Life, our supporters are turning hope into reality.”

Women in the south can enter Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.

RYDE INSHORE RESCUE have been kept busy over the past few days, with the recent good weather thought to have has contributed to an increase in the number of call outs.

The Coastguard tasked the crew to a broken down speed

boat just west of Ryde pier. Ryde Rescue 1 was launched and took the vessel under tow to Fishbourne.

Ryde beach was really busy, and the crew were asked to assist in locating a total of four children who had become separated from their

parents or guardians. All of the children were found safe and well.

Then Solent Coastguard paged the crew on Tuesday evening to the incident off Ryde pier to assist in the recovery of a member of the public who was in the water.

BUSY DAYS FOR RYDE RESCUE

MY MUM burnt my house down! When I was a lad we lived in Twickenham, seven kids, two adults and a large dog in a small but nice 1930’s end terrace with a single bathroom.

The neat houses in our long avenue all had back alleys with garages, most of which contained lawn mowers and junk rather than cars. Every week the dustmen would come along and retrieve our metal bins from behind the house. They would throw them effortlessly up on their shoulder, using their free hand to open any gate that stood between them and the cart crawling along the road.

This was impressive to a small boy, they provided a good service, working for the council of course, almost all dustmen did in those days, long before anyone thought of starting a global waste management corporation. At Christmas, my Mum left them a little envelope with a fiver in, this small act of generosity was the norm then, it meant they didn’t drop anything on your path or garden for 52 weeks of the year. It also meant they would take

away any non household rubbish you needed rid of, garden stuff, old furniture and junk. Of course they wouldn’t do any of that now. Now we’re told, they can’t even lean over your low wall and pick your black sacks up. ‘Elf n safety’ is of course the excuse. Bloody mindedness some might call it. Once the council trims the budget, the contractors will justifiably try and find a way of giving less service for less money. The solution at our Totland house is a wheelie bin. Without it, my rubbish would be strewn all over the Island, because the West Wight is home to hundreds of scavenging foxes and badgers, looking for a free meal.

Back then we all loved our dustmen, apparently nowadays they get assaulted! Nationally, over 200 of them were attacked last year. I would bet all of these attacks were simply a direct result of failure to pick up whatever was left out for them. Perhaps the householder used the wrong colour sack, or hadn’t completed

a proper risk assessment? I’m sure it all makes perfect sense to someone.

The new Government has to spend less, we all understand that. The incompetence and false promises of the Labour lot had to be addressed urgently. One in four pounds spent was being borrowed when Dave and Nick took over. It couldn’t go on. Gordon, Tony, Alastair, Peter and Co. were fighting like ferrets in a sack while our economy burned out of control. They bankrupted the present and the future and because of that, all of us are nervously eyeing our future. Will it be your job that has to go? Will it be your pension? Will your son or daughter find a job after university? Inflation, will it soar or fall, will interest rates rise, forcing repossession and ruin, or fall, leaving retirees in poverty? I don’t envy Nick and Dave, there is no quick fix.

Sorry, let me tell you about the fire. Back in the 70’s my Mum worked nights, she slept while we went to school. Unknown to her, one morning, an electric

blanket smouldered beneath her. Miraculously the ‘phone, sited near our front door, rang. She woke and went down to answer it. Once downstairs, she heard the noise. Whoosh! The bed and room she had been in just seconds before, was ablaze. She hung up the call and dialled 999. Thankfully within a few minutes, the fire brigade arrived. The house was destroyed by fire and water. My Mum and the dog were safe, although we lost all our possessions. In the years that followed, we have remained grateful that our local firemen were close by. The experience was deeply shocking. If you ever have the misfortune to need them, the closer your firemen are the better. I know I am getting old, because I can think of how many things in our daily lives have changed and may change. Council’s up and down the country charge us far more but seem to do a lot less. Reorganisation, cost-cutting and change is fine, maybe essential, provided it’s fire-fighters not politicians who get to choose the station locations.

By David Holmes


FEATURE

GODSHILL Primary School was transported back to the war years for their summer fair this year, falling in line with Year 4’s studies of the period.

Land girls and Wrens mingled with women in 40s style tea dresses, headscarf wearing ladies and others in aprons and curlers and there was a lot of red lippy in evidence. Most of the stallholders dressed in period style as did many of the children.

Digging for Victory had also been happening at children’s homes since around Easter as over 60 of the children entered their homegrown flowers and vegetables in a competition run by Godshill Horticultural Society. Geraniums, sunflowers, runner beans, marrows, tomatoes and cucumbers were among the many entries in the contest.

Overall winners were: 1st prize,

Sally-Ann Banks, 2nd prize Paul and Marie Dragou and 3rd prize, Harry Gough.

An old fashioned Punch and Judy Show entertained

the children who also competed in traditional games in the arena such as tug o’ war, an egg and spoon race, a sack race and a three legged race.

IW Tai Kwondo put on a display and there was a Tag Rugby workshop with Paul Johnson.

In a ration tin tombola all of the labels had been peeled from the winning cans and there was home

made lemonade on sale. “Party Kids played 40s

music throughout the day and compared the day,

which really added to the atmosphere,” said Catherine Starkey of FROGS (Friends of Godshill School). “We raised around £1,000, which will be put

towards school trips. “Last year we went to

Carisbrooke Castle, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Amazon

World and IW Steam Railway. The money also pays for Martin the puppet man to put on a show once a year.

“It was a gloriously sunny day and everyone had a wonderful time,” she added.

TO SEE MORE PICTURES LIKE THESE VISIT THE WEBSITE: WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK


FEATURE

CELEBRITY CHRISTOPHER - GET ME INTO VENTNOR

LAUGHTER was on the curriculum at St Catherine’s School, Ventnor, this week when their new patron, Christopher Biggins, made his first visit to meet the pupils.

Firstly the ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ winner had a tour of the school and had the children in stitches as he moved from class to class. Then after what he described as a ‘delicious’ meal, Biggins gave a question and answer session in the main hall.

Headmaster Grenville Shipley introduced the comedy actor to pupils and teachers and explained how he and pupils from the school had met Christopher at a reception given by the school last October in London.

“I’m thrilled to be here today, and to stay in Ventnor. I’m here because of Matt and Charlie,” said Christopher referring to Matt Randall who sat to his right and Charlie Riley who had cheekily asked him to become a patron at the reception.

“I’ve never known so many steps,” he said referring to the way in which the school perches on the steep Ventnor hillside. “I’ve been so impressed today and there’s an incredible atmosphere. It’s important to have that and be happy. I think it comes from having good staff and leaders,” he declared.

He asked the children about the up coming performance of James Bond, the play they are putting on next week. “Two and a half hours – it’s an epic!” he exclaimed and joked with Ella about her part as a maid, and others who were starring in it.

Many of the questions children asked were about his days in the jungle on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ “I was amazed to win it and to come out and find so many people had fallen in love with me,” he said. “The worse challenge was eating the kangaroos balls and the witchetty grub,” he told them. “It was cheesy and wriggling a bit.

“You do things you think you could never do to get the points for your team. I had to eat three cockroaches

and as I bit into one the other two were running around in my mouth. When I had to eat a kangaroo’s penis I chewed on it for about 30 minutes. I wanted to be sick.

“The nicest celebs in the jungle were Gemma Atkinson and Jay from Five,” he explained. “But the chef was horrible, John Burton Race and Janice Dickenson was weird.”

Had he wanted to walk out? “There are huge burly men in green make-up who stop you from walking out,” he explained. “There are 90 cameras and 700 people work on the show, but the cameras are in little caves so you only see the lenses.

“The camp area was very small, about the size of this area,” he said indicating the table and chairs where he, Matt and Mr. Grenville Shipley were sitting. “We had to keep the fire burning and go down a very steep hill and back to collect wood for it.

“I was euphoric to win – it was one of the most exciting parts of my life.”

When asked if he had done any other shows, Christopher was far from thrown. “I’m very old you know – I’ve done thousands of shows,” he laughed. “ I did a show called Poldark in which I played a sex-crazed vicar. Mrs Parsloe loved it,” he said to applause from the children.

“I love doing Porridge – Ronnie Barker was a great comedy actor. I was on £90 per episode and now I get £1000 per episode when they’re repeated.

“I’ve been on the Weakest Link – she’s terrifying Anne,” he told them. “You actually want to wet yourself but at the end she’s lovely. I lost to Basil Brush – isn’t that humiliating.”

He told the children that he loved all sorts of music but particularly Broadway musicals. “Yes I love Mama Mia,” he replied to one child. “And my favourite film is the Wizard of Oz and I love that programme Glee.”

He told the children that he lived in Hackney, off Victoria Park, “where Eastenders is supposed to be,” and that he drove a Peugot 206 coupe. “I’d love Rolls Royce Candardly – rolls down hills and can ‘ardly get up

the other side,” he joked.“I have a great life. I like travelling

and going to restaurants,” he declared. “I go to hot places like Mauritius and the Seychelles. I went to an underwater restaurant at the Hilton in the Maldives. There was a wedding there once and the bride said she was going to the loo and the next thing she was stark naked and swimming with the fishes,” he told them to much laughter.

“Thank you very much and I hope I haven’t shocked you too much,” said Christopher at the end of the session when he was presented with a card made by the students and a painting of a Union Jack, which said “Keep Calm and Carry On Performing.”

“It’s going in my downstairs lavatory, where I’ll look at it every day – sometimes twice a day,” he exclaimed before posing with the children for photographs and signing autographs.


FEATURE

STYLISH PROM FOR SANDHAM


Mollie Loaman andDominic Perez

Lauren Schofield, Emily Linzmaier, Abbie Howard,Stephanie Smith and Karen Austin

SANDHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL’S Prom at Languard Manor was a great success and the school was very proud of all the pupils who attended.

A total of 140 staff and Year 8 children attended, many arriving in style by limousines, horse and carriages, motorbike, hummer and various vintage cars.

On arrival everyone had their photographs taken on the red carpet followed by non-alcoholic cocktails on the lawn.

“This year was the school’s 4th Prom and was absolutely fabulous,” said Penny Freeman,

bursar of Sandham, who organised the event. “As usual our Year 8 made so much effort with their outfits and looked absolutely fabulous including the boys who mainly wore tuxedos.”

A three-course meal was served in a marquee on the lawn, which was beautifully decorated in the school colours of Sandham’s logo, which are lilac, purple and silver.

Beginning with a starter of melon, prom goers tucked into a hearty meal of roast beef and

Continued on next page


FEATURE

STYLISH PROM FOR SANDHAM


Alice King and Lewis Riley

Julia Bonnect and Sophie Watran

roast potatoes with a medley of vegetables or a vegetarian option. Dessert was a De Luxe chocolate fountain provided by the company Shuffles. “This was a major hit with the children and no one got it down their beautiful outfits!” exclaimed Penny.

“We had a table magician/illusionist, Aaron Isted who kept the children entertained throughout the meal courses and staff and children danced the evening away to the sound of Steve and Ben Rue’s disco, which was fantastic.”

The prom started at 7pm and finished at 10.30pm, when all the children were collected by an adult.

“Comments made by the children included: “I have never been to anything so posh Miss,”“ This is like a dream come true,” “ This is the best thing I have been too in my life,” and “I don’t want it to end,” said Penny Freeman.



FEATURE


Claire Skeels, Sam Powell, Katie Walters, Katie Bridgeman, Eloise Price,Sophie King, Holly Wood, Graham Smith and Steve Freeman

Melanie Reddington, Lindsey Sherman, Lewis Bishton, Emily Linzmaier, Ella Payne,Chloe Botton, Charlie Grant, Shannon Roberts and Sam Kewell

Chris White, Liam Freemantle, Stephanie Smith, Louis Riley, Tommy Bayliss, Angie Silcox, Amy Durrant, Darren Skeels,

Kirsty Walker and Abbie Howard

“Every child on leaving said thank you Miss. It was great, which meant a lot to me. I was presented with a beautiful flower arrangement for my effort and organisation of the evening,” she added.

“The weather was perfect

which added to the ambience of the evening and it certainly will remain a wonderful memory for all who attended.

“Next year is our last prom when Sandham closes due to the re-organisation, so watch this space for a spectacular finish!”


FEATURE

QUEEN’S NEW AWARD

THE FATHER of an Island soldier killed in the Northern Ireland conflicts has received a commemorative emblem presented on behalf of the Queen to mark the sad loss.

Private Peter Stephen Grundy was just 21 when he was killed by an IRA booby trap while serving with the Second Battalion, the Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland in 1979.

Pte Grundy, from Alfred Street, Ryde, died after a bomb exploded while he was on patrol at Forkhill. Now his father, Robert Grundy, has received the Elizabeth Cross at a ceremony at Osborne House.

Mr Grundy said: “I will never forget what happened; it is with me every day.”

The presentation was made by Major General Martin White, the Island’s Lord Lieutenant, who

also honoured Rifleman Richard Duggan, who died in 2005, following injuries he received in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s. He was cared for by his wife Elaine, of Binstead Road, Ryde, for 21 years, and she was also presented with the Elizabeth Cross.

The Elizabeth Cross award was instituted by the Queen in July last year. As directed by the Royal Warrant, the names of all those who are commemorated with the award are recorded in a registry kept by the Ministry of Defence.

It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to an award since the George Cross was instituted by King George VI in 1940. Prior to that, the Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.


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WAR BREAKS OUT AT HAVENSTREET


THE ISLE OF WIGHT Steam Railway at Havenstreet was once again taking a nostalgic trip back to the 1940s, with a record-breaking event that drew crowds from far and wide.

The event followed a similar format to previous years, but with a few new additions. For example ‘Allo, ‘Allo from amateur dramatic group Wavy Navy was moved from Wootton station to the entertainment area in the main show field, next to the Spitfire marquee and bar.

Usual favourites included the Cinq Ports Lindy Hoppers, the Spitfires Trio singing songs from the era and Viv the Spiv offering all the sorts of goods, which were available only on the black market.

New to the event this year was a Royal Air Force operations room which re-enacted action that happened over Ventnor radio Station. At one point during the war this was housed in the waiting room at the station. There were also talks on ‘The Case for Evacuation’ in the AV room.

The 4th Wiltshire’s from Swindon brought a brilliant display of a captured German bunker on their first trip over to the Island, although the group have been re-enacting for about six years.

Rob Abbott, from the group, was very impressed with the weekend. “It was a very nice friendly show and very well attended,” he said. “The weather was so good and everyone seemed genuinely interested with the things to do and see. We thoroughly enjoyed it and will come back again.”

The Wiltshire’s seven ‘soldiers’ were all in 1944 British Infantry uniforms and the bunker had a flysheet attached and an officer’s tent to the side with camp accoutrements. Inside the bunker were German machine guns: an MG42 and an MG34, along with helmets and equipment scattered to look as if the bunker had just been captured.

Luckily the Western Front Battle Group 181 Field Ambulance, from Weymouth, brought their re-enactment front line field hospital to tend to any casualties. A dummy was bandaged on a stretcher and a table displayed the instruments that would have been used.

They also had radio equipment from WWII and children were able to learn Morse code and send messages using the vintage radio equipment.

“It’s all interactive,” said Wendy Smart who has been a member of the group for around six years. “We explain what would have happened – I’ve learnt a lot as you have to answer questions all the time.

“We had a doctor visit and she had recently retired from the army. She said that they still use a lot of the equipment even now, and have the tents that have to be packed away. It was really interesting, as we hadn’t heard from anyone who had worked in a contemporary war zone.

“Nurses often come in and we can ask what things were used for – you’re learning all the time. We’ve come every year since the

1940s weekend started – it’s really friendly and well organised. My husband Brian even dressed up on the Sunday – it was his first time as one of the group.”

Other groups included German motorcyclists and a German aircrew who were captured by the Home Guard. There were also land girls and many civilians

attending the event dressed in 1940s style.

Mark Flynn was one of the

organisers and arranged for all the vehicles to attend the weekend – around 40

of them i n c l u d i n g lorries and

jeeps. Peter Taylor from the Island’s

t r a c t i o n engine


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WAR BREAKS OUT AT HAVENSTREET


club brought a steam engine with threshing box.

Tony and Ann Hayter from Thorley had brought their 1936 vintage Hillman Minx and their border collie Ted posed in the front for photographs.

Continues on next page


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Ann was in 40s dress with a flowered frock, buckled shoes and lace gloves and Tony sported a long white sleeved shirt, waistcoat and trilby.

Tony found the car in a barn in 2004 and spent three years restoring it. He also owns an Austin 7 and is a member of the IW Austins group who meets every Sunday at Godshill.

Stalls sold vintage wartime American uniforms, medals, badges, wartime clothing and prisoner of war art along

with other bric a brac from the period.“With all other events in 2010 being

up on previous years I hoped that our 1940s would not break the pattern and I am pleased to report that the 1940s was another record breaking event,” said events officer Liz Tagart.

“This event has grown nicely over the last few years. We have to be careful when timing the events so that our visitors can get to see as much as possible throughout the day.”


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RYDE PARADE HITS NEW HEIGHTSEVERYONE agreed that Ryde Regatta and Arts Parade was the best yet, with loads of activities on offer, brilliant music and a fabulous parade along the seafront.

Ryde Regatta Family Fun Weekend was held at Eastern Gardens, Ryde over the weekend of July 2, 3 and 4, with Ryde Arts Parade on the Saturday evening followed by a fantastic firework display.

This year the weekend was organised by Ryde East Community Association (RECA) who run the Park Centre, on behalf of Ryde Town Council. Ryde Rotary Club ran the bar and Ryde Lions held a barbecue on Eastern Gardens, each for their respective organisations.

On the beach were sports day activities organised by Ryde Inshore Rescue (RIR) such as egg and spoon races and sandcastle competitions. “They all proved really popular,” said Michaela White of RIR. “A lot of the public commented on the lovely traditional family events so we’ll do it again.”

RIR also provided all of the marshalling over the weekend, safety cover for the fireworks and missing children – only two children were separated from their parents over the weekend and were quickly re-united.

On Sunday Hovertravel supplied a hovercraft and Ryde Inshore Rescue did a display to

show how to evacuate a casualty, which was Michaela strapped into a stretcher, from the hovercraft.

Over the weekend RIR collected £280 towards improvements to their headquarters. “We really enjoyed it and were glad to support the Park Centre in organising it” said Michaela. “It was a really successful regatta and we hope to be involved next year.”

The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain brought nine of their mini two-seater hovercraft over from Lee on Solent with which they did demonstrations and took some of the organisers out on trips. On Sunday Ollie and Jordan, both 15, came over from the mainland to do a sand sculpture of a monster coming out of the sand.

On the Green were children’s activities in the Family Area with Mas Exodus teaching circus skills and Island Creations offering classes in making masks and tutus for the Arts Parade along with face painting and hair braiding. Up-close magician, Kyle Newton, 16, who is hoping to join them magic circle, entertained people throughout the day.

On Sunday arena events included Eastern Promise Belly Dancing and the Masta martial arts demonstration. “It was lovely and it did pull the crowds,” said Cora Wade of RECA. Kathy Humphries brought her Wight Wizards rescue dogs agility



FEATURE

RYDE PARADE HITS NEW HEIGHTS

display and the IW Council were on hand to microchip dogs. “They were really pleased as they chipped 15 dogs during the display – it was all totally free of charge,” she added.

Ian Davidson from Strings Guitar Shop in Ryde ran the stage and organised the sound systems.

“He did a blinding job of doing the stage and the bands,” said Cora. “One of the highlights of the weekend were Ska’d for Life who were lots of fun with really upbeat Ska

music.”On Friday music was from

Steam Machine, Off the Wall, Protection Racket, Soul Lounge and Vanzatti. On Saturday the Medina High School Ukelele Band kicked off the day’s entertainment followed by, Alex Mountford, Rachel & Raif, JC & Angelina, The Risk, Gareth Icke, Dead Perrys, Revenge of the Lawn, Ska’d for Life and X-Directory. Sunday’s music was from Wild Oats, Mac & Jack, Raw Deal, Apple Beatles and

Folsom Prison Blues Band. DJ’s Headfunk and Global Psychedelic Soundsystem entertained throughout the weekend.

On Saturday evening the Arts Parade of between 500 and 600 people set off, with the theme ‘Amazing Journeys’. This was a dress rehearsal for next year’s Island Games procession, which will be around twice the size, and there were 20 different groups, all in beautiful eye catching costumes.



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FEATUREEuropa, the enormous white bull,

which was made with a grant of £26k from the UK’s Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton, took pride of place. The technique to make him was learned by Island carnival students from artist Umberti Cinquini who came over from Viareggio, the carnival capital in Italy.

The bull has starred in a couple of carnivals, in Luton and Bridgewater, but this was his Island debut with 40 dancers, including one upon his back.

This was a trial run for opening ceremony of the Island Games in 2011, which will be at Ryde Seafront on June 25, 2011 and will have the theme of the history of the Isle of Wight.

“It went incredibly smoothly and


had a wonderful atmosphere and augers well for next year,” said Frankie Goldspink from the Carnival Centre in Ryde. “Next year will be huge, at least 1000 people, and will pick up 3,500 athletes who will join the parade.

“This year is was predominantly Ryde schools and groups but next year will be and Islandwide representation. This year we had two visiting groups from Portsmouth and Horsham in W. Sussex – the Horsham drummers are partners in our Blue Touch Paper carnival project.”

At the end of the parade Jubilee Fireworks were lighting the blue touch papers – or pressing the buttons – for an amazing display. “ It was probably the best I’ve ever seen, said organiser Cora Wade. “They were lovely, absolutely professional and I was bowled over by the display.

“We felt it was a huge success,” said Cora of the Regatta and Parade. “And we would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a wonderful weekend. It was a true community effort on behalf of Ryde Town Council, who were very helpful, especially Saskia and Ady.


Ryde Mayor Brian Harris and Cllr GrahamPearce judge sandcastles

Ryde Mayor Brian Harris judge sandcastles


FEATURE

GOOD KIDS GET THEIR REWARDSIT WAS off into the unknown for West Wight Middle School as they made their way to Little Canada for an exciting day at the PGL outdoor activity centre.

Founded as a fun day to reward pupils for their good behaviour and attendance, it was the brainchild of Sgt Mark Lyth of West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the third year that the event has been organised.

“I visited West Wight Middle about three and a half years ago and watched as one child

was put into an inclusion room and it took five members of staff. It struck me that the other children were not getting nearly as much attention and I felt they ought to be rewarded,” said Mark.

“Kids who come have to be well behaved throughout the year, turn up at school and do the best they can rather than be high achievers. It’s for those kids who don’t get the attention they deserve.

“We choose six kids from each academic year. The only stipulation is that if you’ve been picked once, you are not selected again, and no child who has come to the attention of the police can be included.”

“Kids who come have to be well behaved throughout the year, turn up at school and do the best they can rather than be high achievers.”


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Originally funded by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership the day is now funded by the community. Hooke Hill Co-Op provide finance, packed lunches and water for the day, Southern Vectis lay on a free bus to and from the school and further support is given by Freshwater and Totland Parish Councils and Yarmouth Town Council.

Last year the school visited UKSA but the school council picked PGL for this year’s trip. “At the centre they did archery sessions, which was something they wouldn’t ordinarily do, and the zip wire got the adrenaline pumping,” said Mark Lyth. “They also did rock climbing on a 20m high wall and used the giant swing, which was a team activity as the rest of the team have to pull the swing up.

“Four police officers took part; myself and my three PCs, four PCSOs, three teachers, Tony McGuinness, manager from the Co-Op and Mrs Tracey Castle the Extended Schools Officer for the WW cluster, who were also very helpful.

“At lunchtime the kids

played the adults in a traditional game of football – there’s nothing better as a leveller than getting everyone together on a football pitch. It was the one thing that they really did

enjoy.“Because we do career

aspiration talks and other work with the kids we engage with them. If they know me as Mark, not as Sgt Lyth, hopefully when they

come to their career choices they won’t choose crime. There has been a significant reduction in calls to the police about youths involved in anti-social behaviour in the area since the scheme

began three years ago,” he explained.

“We took kids out of their comfort zones and the barriers between the age groups were broken down as allowing the teachers and us

to be seen as human beings.“I’d like to say thank you to

all the partners – we couldn’t do it without them –and a big thank you to the kids. They were an absolute credit to the school and to themselves.”

GOOD KIDS GET THEIR REWARDS


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BROTHERS BOOMINGIT WAS agricultural machinery that was the backbone of Stubbings Bros business back in 1981 when they began trading. Operating from their premises in Chale Green, the business has grown from humble beginnings into a large scale agricultural and grounds machinery supplier and servicing company.

Three brothers formed the family firm of Stubbings Bros, beginning in 1981, although all four of the brothers are now involved. Amazingly there is only a year between each of them. Andy, the second eldest, started the business with a van, repairing tractors and repairing farm machinery, after serving his apprenticeship at JH Liningtons. The first building, a workshop, went up at Chale in 1985.

Around 1987 Tim, third in line, who had been on the agricultural contracting side of the business, joined the firm and Si, the eldest brother, came on board in 1989. Dave Stubbings, the youngest, is also employed in the business as Marketing and Finance Manager and he joined in 1990.

Stubbings Bros have recently added the Makita outdoor range of equipment to their portfolio of suppliers, which includes Kubota, Toro and Hayter, three of the most respected brands in the lawn cutting market and the Clubcar golf buggies and Polaris and Arctic Cat quad bikes. “We aim to sell only the brands that we know we can stand by and avoid the cheaper makes because of their questionable reliability and parts availability,” said Andy Stubbings the Sales Manager.

COUNTRY TREE CARE is a friendly and reliable company run by Mike Ripley, who is a well qualified, conscientious tree surgeon.

The business deals with all aspects of tree care from tree felling, fruit tree pruning, crown lifts, crown reductions and crown thins to tree planting.

Mike can also provide general garden maintenance or clearance and is able to access rural and off road locations.

Any enquiries please don’t hesitate to call Mike on 618874.

TAKING CARE OF TREESMakita Tools


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SATURDAY NIGHT SHENANIGANS

SEE MORE BALCONY PICTURES ONLINE AT WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK


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GET ME TO THE BUS ON TIME

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FOR US?Send your news and

pictures to us at newsdesk@

iwgazette.co.uk or call 402599

TRAVELLING in style from the church to their reception, the newly married Mr. and Mrs Marshall took the Southern Vectis ‘Old Gal’ open top bus from St John’s Church in Sandown to the Dark Horse in Brading.

The wedding party also made a detour to Ventnor Park for a photo call, and the opportunity for a sightseeing trip upon the beautiful old bus.

The bride, Natasha Chard works at Jungle Jims on Shanklin Esplanade and the groom, Darren Marshall is a driver for Southern Vectis.

Darren began working for Southern Vectis last March (2009) after spending seven years working for First Hampshire and Dorset Bus Company in Portsmouth. In 2003 he bought a single-decker bus from First, with his best man, retired head teacher John Sherwin, and she was also used for the wedding.

Ken Chard, the bride’s grandfather, gave her away and her bridesmaids were Rebecca Greenhan and Connie Poynter-Chard. Roxy Chilton was flower girl and Issac Poynter-Chard was pageboy.

The couple met through a friend and their first date was a trip to London in January 2008. A few days later Darren visited the Island and they began dating, moving in together in March 2009 when Darren took the job at Southern Vectis.

The bride’s mother is Maria Day and the groom’s parents are Paulette and Bernie Marshall.

The wedding gown was a corset lace-up dress with gem and flower patterns from Gems Bridal wear. Her bouquet was by Mon Cherie.

The honeymoon will be spent in San Francisco and Florida at the end of the year and the couple have made their home in Sandown.


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MOORFIELDS Alpaca Farm held their annual open day last weekend and raised around £600 for charity.

Entrance to the farm was £3.50 and included a homemade cream tea, with many of the scones and cakes being baked by local

people. “The cream teas were being eaten throughout the gardens,” said owner Robert Gordon who runs the farm with wife Rosemary. “Anywhere that people could find shade – it was a very hot day.

“The day started as a fundraiser for the guides, brownies and Rainbow club and as they now have a new scout hut they have high rates and insurances to pay. This year we split the proceeds between them and the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance so they’ll just about be able to pay the insurances,” he explained.

The St Mary’s Brighstone Handbell Team played through-out the afternoon. They have a repertoire of 20 pieces, which they played in two sections. They’ve been working on these for around two years and they were specially written for the group.

“Just over three years ago when the previous Rector left and took his set of handbells with him St Mary’s Church Brighstone PCC agreed to purchase a replacement set,” said Musical Director, Michael Camps. “Today we have 31 handbells with a range of 2.5 octaves and there are eleven regular members of the team.

“Playing handbells is an enjoyable ‘team’ effort, and an excellent way of introducing people to become involved in learning to play an ‘instrument’, which can also be appreciated by an audience too,” he explained.

Michael’s wife Petrena has written a book about alpaca and there were copies on sale at the open day – fresh from the printers.

‘Let’s learn about Alpaca’ features Moorfields Alpaca herd, and has been produced as a means of introducing young people to these endearing creatures. “At present there is very little

hard copy material available, so this is aimed at filling the gap and assisting youngsters with research for their project work,” said Petrena who has worked in local schools.

“As there is a steady rise in

the alpaca population they will become a more familiar sight to families travelling through the English countryside whilst on holiday; so this book will also be a useful introduction to families asking the questions “are they llamas?” or “what are these strange looking animals?”” she explained.

The alpaca were, as always, a great attraction on the day. “We went into Alpaca farming as a hobby and we’ve had them about 14 years, and now have 70 animals,” said owner Robert. “We’ve done the open day for six or seven years and it’s very popular.

‘The alpaca are shorn once a year, this year in the second week in May so that they have a good coat back by the winter, and they prefer to live outside – they’re happier out than in.

“Alpaca are native to the high Andes in South America and are used to harsh conditions. Some

are tamer than others – the ones that we take to shows.

‘They’re camels really – they have the same feet as camels. They are the ones that went to South America and evolved there.”

ALPACAS ‘R’ US

The St Mary’s Brighstone Handbell Team

“‘Let’s learn about Alpaca’ features Moorfields Alpaca herd, and has been produced as a means of introducing young people to these endearing creatures.”

“The day started as a fundraiser for the guides, brownies and Rainbow club.”

Owner Robert Gordon


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WILDLIFE NOSE TO NOSEIT’S ALMOST summer holiday time - great weather for a day out – and time to link up with family and friends. Get nose-to-nose with nature at Seaview Wildlife Encounter – open 7 days a week until the end of October.

Are you a friend of Dippy’s on Facebook yet? Dippy now has friends all over the Isle of Wight – and all over the world! All you need to do is enter ‘Dippy Seaview’ and you’ll go into the wonderful world of a real, live penguin! Take a look on seaviewwildlife.blogspot.com.

Why not meet Dippy face-to-face? His home (when he’ not out and about!) is at the Penguin Pool at Seaview Wildlife with all his penguin clan. You can help feed Dippy and his friends at 11.30am and 3.30pm every day – it’s great fun, no matter how old or young you are!

There are some exciting new arrivals and happenings going on this summer at Seaview Wildlife. There are the amazing alpacas who recently had their annual shearing – and are looking slim-lined and extremely handsome.

Then there’s the tiniest, cutest little harvest mice who only arrived at the park in May and have already had their first litter of babies –

FANCY copying Pink at the Pop Festival by having a go in a Zorb orb? She surfed the crowd in her specially designed see-through ball, but you could race down Yaverland Hill harnessed inside a Zorb.

Dave Whiteman has brought the ‘extreme’ and adrenaline pumping sport of Zorbing to the Isle of Wight with his company Wight Zorb. Based at the foot of Culver Downs, above the Council car park at Yaverland beach, it’s a fantastic experience for all ages.

Inside the transparent 3.2metre plastic orb is a smaller sphere, suspended by approximately a thousand nylon strands, and it is inside this sphere that riders are harnessed for their journey.

The orbs are released, with the rider safety attached, and roll down a gentle slope. But world records for zorbing (or sphering) are held by Kevin Kolver who reached a speed of 32.3 mph.

Come and see the Island from a different perspective – the experience of a lifetime!

ZORB IT!


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WILDLIFE NOSE TO NOSEthey’re out and about and ready for you to see!

Not forgetting the tropical leaf-cutting ants that can be seen marching along a stretch of rope carrying huge pieces of leaves towards their nest .

Perhaps you’re looking for a special present or gift idea? Or you want to help look after your favourite animal? Why not adopt an animal? The perfect gift for any animal lover! Have a look on the Seaview Wildlife website for full details – www.seaviewwildlife.com.

Or how about experiencing something completely different during the summer holidays? The ultimate treat for any animal lover is to ‘Be a Keeper for a Day’. This is the gift of a lifetime – for anyone aged 12+ who would like to go behind the scenes assisting an experienced Keeper in looking after Penguins, Meerkats, Alpacas, Wallabies and many other birds and animals! Take a closer look at the Seaview Wildlife website for full details and to book your special day! www.seaviewwildlife.com.

Follow the daily happenings with the animals, birds and keepers at the Park by logging on to seaviewwildlife.blogspot.com.

Dippy the penguin


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Nine Acres Community Primary School South ViewNewport Isle of WightPO30 1QP

Friday 9th July 2010Dear Amazon World

I’m telling you that we had an amazing trip last Wednesday. Just looking at the beautiful sloths. It’s really amazing how sloths move. I enjoyed the penguins when they made a circle.I found out that lemurs are only found on the island of Madagascar. And Sloths eat sweetcorn and leaves. Sloths sleep up to 18 hours a day.

Inside the gift shop there are a lot of gifts. I had a lovely time at Amazon World. Thank you for having us.

Yours sincerely Joana Caya

Nine Acres Community Primary School

South View

Newport

Isle of Wight

PO30 1QP

Friday 9th July 2010

Dear Amazon World

I am writing to you to tell you what a fantastic time

I had last Wednesday. I think that you have built an

amazing place and I had a really nice time.

I think the thing that I enjoyed the most is when

some ladies came out with a green Iguana and a

Snake and let us feel them! I also enjoyed watching

the sloth move about in the branches with its baby

on its belly!

I also learnt a lot of things and I never knew that

some animals could move so fast. I didn’t know that

sloths carry their babies on their bellies. Sloths also

move slower than I thought.

I had a lovely time and spent the whole day saying

how cute the animals are. I had a lovely time thank

you.

Yours sincerely

Jodie McCreadie


Friday 9th July 2010Dear Amazon World

I am writing to you because I want to say thank you for the amazing trip when I visited Amazon World last Wednesday.At Amazon World I really enjoyed the fantastic spectacled caiman because they are really still and I learnt a great fact about them. I thought the poison dart frogs were fantastic because they were much smaller than I thought.I have learnt that Black footed penguins shake to digest the small fish they eat. I also learnt that Flamingos eat shrimps and prawns so the chemicals in them turned the flamingos pink. Amazon World was great, I loved the day, I hope I come back.Yours sincerely Jared

AMAZON WORLD JUST AMAZING SAY PUPILS


South ViewNewport Isle of WightPO30 1QP

Friday 9th July 2010

Dear Amazon World

I am writing to tell you what a fantastic time I had at Amazon World on

Wednesday. I enjoyed the animals very much, everything was brilliant and

the cane toad was very big. The poison dart frog was very small, and the

meerkats were funny. The loudest animals were the penguins and I really

liked the pink flamingos. I loved watching the sloths they were fascinating.

Yours sincerely

By Thomas

NINE ACRES Community Primary School from Newport recently visited Amazon World, near Arreton. Here are some of their letters about the visit.


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Friday 9th July 2010Dear Amazon World,

On Wednesday the whole of year 3 went to Amazon World it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the Lemur walk through because the Ring Tailed Lemur jumped all over the fence. There were two red ruffed lemurs too. I found out that the red bellied toucan can fly 100 m, (330 ft) at a certain time. I found out that some penguins can live in hot climates. The penguins there are black footed but one is special; it’s a white footed penguin.

The visit to Amazon World helped me because we are learning about the Rainforest.

Yours sincerelyEloise Richard


South View

Newport

Isle of Wight

PO30 1QP

Monday 12th July 2010

Dear Amazon World

I am writing to you because I want to tell you what I enjoyed

when I was at Amazon World and watching the Sloth climbing

over us was one of my favourite things. I also enjoyed the

lemurs because one nearly jumped on my shoulder.

At Amazon World I found out that a certain type of fox likes

the desert and that it has got such big ears to hear well.

Right at the end when I went in the gift shop, I bought a

bookmark and it had all the different types of animals on it.

Yours sincerely

Mitchell Ricketts


FEATURE

DANCING DAY AWAY AT FOLKSTATION

Wight Bells Morris dancers

The Island Cloggies

Eastern Promise belly dancers

Icknield Way Morris Men

Cotillion

THE SUN shone down, the Morris dancers were out in force and everyone agreed that Folkstation at Havenstreet Steam Railway was a great success from start to finish.

There was a wide range of music from traditional country folk singing to more contemporary folk/rock with headliners Spiers and Boden going down a storm on Saturday night.

Marquees housed the main stage and the acoustic stage with more traditional singing and workshops in on-site building the Haven and a concertina workshop and children’s activities in the small Waiting Room next to the tracks.

A chill out tent provided a welcome relaxation zone in the shade, with occasional poems and stories from Kathy Wallis, Ann Lister and anyone who wanted to join in

A Craft Village was housed in another marquee and there were stalls selling country style wares such as woodturning, driftwood items, hand made lace and original hand knitted bags and hats.

Hand drawn temporary tattoos

were particularly popular as was the bar that sold real ale, cider and soft drinks. Many regular folk festival aficionados had brought their own tankards, made from pewter, wood and even leather.

Morris and traditional dancing was in the station yard and on the green in the centre of the main field, and there were ten different dancing troupes or ‘sides’ from across the Island and the country.

Island groups were Men of Wight, Morris Mynahs, Mr. Baker’s Dozen, The Island Cloggies, The Oyster Girls and Wight Belles. On Saturday there was an appearance by Eastern Promise, the Island’s very own belly dancing troupe, who also gave taster workshops in the station yard for would-be belly dancers.

Weekend ticket holders had the opportunity to take one return train ride on the beautifully restored steam trains, which chugged their way to Wootton and Smallbrook throughout the day.

Haven Falconry were giving displays of their birds of prey and the results of the project the


FEATURE

DANCING DAY AWAY AT FOLKSTATION

Joe Cauldwell

Holly Kirby

Lucid

Oyster Girls

Jonny Dyer and Vicki Swan

Ducklington Morris

steam railway recently ran with Mayfield Middle School were on show in the Waiting Room.

We couldn’t cover the whole weekend but here are a few of the acts that featured over the weekend, although there were many more.

FridayOn Friday the main event was

the Ceilidh on the main stage starring the Caulkheads with Brian Reeves, Capella, Andrew McKay and Carole Etherton. By this time most people had arrived for the weekend and pitched their tents in one half of the main field.

SaturdaySaturday heralded Acoustic

Originals on the main stage including Joe Caldwell of Cephlodidge playing his two didgeridoos and Cajon boxes, all handmade by Joe. He also had a round Eclipse drum, and played a selection of his own individual pieces written for these instruments. You can catch Joe at the Didgeridoo Festival, Rhythm Tree, this weekend too.

Islanders the Scores took to the

main stage at noon with their powerful vocals and smooth harmonies. Next up was Holly Kirby, who at only 18 is fast becoming famous for her lyrical style and soulful clear voice. Her latest CD ‘A Woman You Don’t Know’ is particularly memorable and her voice has been compared to Joni Mitchell’s. Holly will be performing at Ventnor Fringe in August.

Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer were on next with their more traditional folk style, Jonny on the acoustic guitar and Vicki with her melodious Northumbrian pipes. Their pieces also featured the low whistle, also known as an Irish whistle, and the Swedish Nyckelharpa – a sort of Hurdygurdy played with a bow. The duo also taught workshops in the Haven for pipes and guitar playing.

Great Island favourites Last Orders completed the afternoon’s entertainment with a rousing set of Irish folk tunes. The line-up for Folkstation was Kevin Flux, flute and uilleann pipes; Ben Hickman, bodhran and fiddle; Mark Hickman,



FEATUREguitar and vocals; Sue Mason, whistle and Donal O’Riain on fiddle.

Saturday evening kicked off with Lucid who were in excellent form, playing a mixture of their own songs and a few covers, including some folky instrumental numbers. Their version of ‘While My Guitar Weeps’ by George Harrison was particularly good and their cover of ‘Comfortably Numb’ by Pink Floyd was fantastic. ‘Voices Calling Me Home’, a number about coming back to the Island was another powerful number and ‘Run With Me’ went down very well. Their set finished with ‘So Real’ a jiggy set of tunes.

Lucid have recently been signed to leading music publishers MCS, won a slot to support Seth Lakeman at Ribfest and another to play at Bestival this September. It seems likely that we will be hearing good things about them in the future.

Highlight of the day, and the weekend, had to be Spiers and Boden and around half the marquee was full of dancers by the end of their set, which included two encores.

SundayMusic on the main stage kicked

off at 11am with Capella, a blend of harmonies from Tony Petty and Lesley Massey from Sittingbourne in Kent. These were followed by unaccompanied folk singing from the Island-based Dollymops: Virgil and Dorana Philpott and Justin Smith.

Everyone eased into Sunday afternoon with another set from Lucid followed by the beautiful singing from Deborah Hodgeson on numbers such as ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’.

“When you’re on the Isle of Wight lots of magical co-incidences

happen,” said Deborah of meeting up with two friends during her visit. Her encore was in homage to Tennyson, as ‘Love Will Find a Way’ is an adaptation of a poem in an anthology he put together. “I visited Farringford last year during the 200th anniversary,” said Deborah, “and I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to visit again before I leave.”

The afternoon’s entertainment moved seamlessly into the evening as bands on the main stage dovetailed with those on the Acoustic stage. Side Orders took to the Acoustic stage after Deborah’s set, a band who formed especially for Folkstation last year with a strong English Celtic and transatlantic influence.

Cotillion then played the main stage with their traditional ballads and a lovely rendition of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Clouds’. Bonnie, Anne and Alan have sung together at local events for around 20 years.

Bloodstone Morris then took to the grass in the main arena for their more menacing Morris routines – black and red make up and clothing with more than a hint of the macabre, and quite a lot of stick bashing and grimacing.

Another set from Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer on the Acoustic stage and the Bloodstone boys and girls were back, entering the arena to the sound of the raggle taggle gypsy band. These Morris dancers are not for the faint-hearted. They take their

name from the site of a bloody battle between the Saxons and Danes in Bloodstone Copse in Ashey, where the stones were said to have run red with blood.

Bringing the festivities to a close were Island Band ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ who mixed old with new, including many Fairport Convention inspired numbers and folk classics.

The whole atmosphere was laid back and very friendly. This was the third year for Folkstation and the biggest and best so far.

Spiers and Boden

FOLKSTATION revellers gathered on Saturday night for headliners Jon Spiers and Jon Boden, who have been described as the best traditional duo on the folk scene currently and the boys definitely did not disappoint. They were deceivingly entertaining for just two individuals on fiddle, melodeon, and guitar and stomp box.

The festival leans towards traditional music so they fit the bill perfectly with contemporary versions of old English songs and instrumental sets of Morris dancing tunes. The pair’s musicianship was truly impressive with wonderful sometimes-haunting vocals from Jon Boden.

Many were dancing in front of the stage in Ceilidh fashion

with linked arms and clapping of hands. A few Morris men took centre stage for some numbers when Spiers called to the audience, “Are there any Morris dancers in the house?’” Something one can only guess does not normally get an enthusiastic reply was met with a huge roar from the audience and then a flurry of handkerchief waving and top hats.

The night was a lot of fun and Jon Boden described Folkstation as “A great little festival,” and said that they should keep up the good work, what a vote of confidence. We hope the duo can return to the Island soon with their contemporary twist on traditional music liked by all!

By Mhairi Macaulay

JON AND JON GREAT DOUBLE

Bloodstone Border Morris

Deborah Hodgson

Essential Folkstation garb!

The Saturday Big Sing


FEATURE

AN INTIMATE solo performance by rising folk star Johnny Flynn is among a host of new events to be announced by the Ventnor Fringe Festival this week, which will run from August 11 to 14 to coincide with the annual Carnival celebrations.

An actor, poet and multi instrumentalist, Johnny’s unique storytelling ability is demonstrated in his second album ‘Been Listening’ which has been released to critical acclaim following the

huge success of his debut ‘A Larum’, with influences from American, British and African history.

He is currently touring as the support act for Mumford & Sons in a sell out tour across the UK and Europe and will be playing alongside Laura Marling, who features as a guest vocalist in his new album, in an Australian tour prior to his appearance at the Ventnor Fringe.

The performance will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday August 12 at St Catherine’s

Church and tickets are now on sale through the Ventnor Music Shop on 856200 priced at £10.00

Other acts to be announced in the last few days include London theatre collective The Circuit Project who will be offering free workshops in writing, directing and acting, site specific company Dash Theatre and a host of busking performers who will be bringing the streets of Ventnor to life. More information can be found at www.vfringe.co.uk.

FLYNN AT FRINGE

YEAR OF FUNK

THE LEGEND that is Paul Weller will be heading to the spectacular Isle of Wight for some Summer Madness as he tops the bill at this year’s exclusive all day gig at Carisbrooke Castle Fields on Sunday August 29 and The Gazette have five pairs of tickets to give away.

In addition to the Mod- father, this star-studded summer Sunday will also feature The Coral, The Brand

New Heavies, Imelda May, The Bees, Twisted Wheel and The Moons. Now in it’s second year, Summer Mad- ness, is renowned for its eclectic line-up and relaxed, boutique vibe. Set against the stunning backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, this exclusive event is the perfect way to spend the bank holiday weekend - as along with the first class music comes top-notch bars, catering and

facilities that are a million miles away from the run-of-the-mill festival norm!

Send this entry form to: Madness Competition, IW Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH.

Be sure you celebrate the final throws of British summertime in style, purchase your tickets now - www.iowsummermadness.com.

Name:

Address:

E-mail:

Question: With which band did Paul Weller achieve stardom?

Answer:

Tel no:

The prize will be awarded to the first five correct entries opened after Friday July 30, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Homegrown Events and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

WINWIN FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO SEE PAUL WELLER AT

SUMMER MADNESS

ROB DA BANK was on his way to see Gill Scott Heron at Somerset House when we caught up with him this week.

“Camp Bestival is going well and we should sell out this week,” he told us. So get your tickets now if you’re intending to go.

This is the third year for the family festival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. “It’s a different type of affair to the Bestival, because it’s more family orientated, and it’s difficult to know what to programme for kids and adults,” he admitted. “It’s a bit more fun and jolly.

“ I ’ m l o o k i n g f o r w a r d to loads of things – the line up is funky and has worked out really well with people like George Clinton and Friendly Fires. We’ve got lots of new things like Ellie Goulding and Madness will be a big Saturday night knees up.

“Around 6pm

people disappear, to have their tea and maybe put the kids to bed. I’m still getting the hang of what to programme and when. And adults want kids to see some of the acts, like Madness for example.

“The kids field is bananas this year – twice as big as last year and there’s a big top in there. Kids will not be bored.

“River Cottage are coming back – Hugh Fearnley-

Whittingstall is flying in from his family holiday to be there. And the East

Lulworth Literary Institute will be g o o d with film directors a n d loads of

people to interv iew,”

said Rob.The organisers

now have growing families of their own – Rob and Josie Da

Bank have three little boys. How cool can it be to have your parents

starting and running a festival aimed at children and their parents?

CAMP BESTIVAL ON COURSE FOR SELL-OUT

THE WINNERS of the competition to win a pair of tickets to see the Will Young Concert or the1980s Concert at Osborne House are below:

The winners of the Will Young tickets are: Janine Archer of Carpenters Road, St Helens; Mike Earley of Ash Lane, Gunville, Newport; Dina Parker, of Esplanade, Ryde; Alistair Drover of Ashbridge Lane, Kingston,

Ventnor; Mary Jones of Noke Common, Parkhurst, and Mandy Nash of Osborne Road, East Cowes.

The winners of the 1980s concert tickets are: Sarah Lashley of Tennyson House, Ryde; Miss L.Thatcher of Grove Road, Ventnor; Mr J. Clark of Napoleons Landing, Sandown; Mrs Crimplin of Colenutts Road, Haylands; Alison Joynes of Castle

Street, Carisbrooke and Alison Taylor of West Hill Road, Ryde.

The answers to the competition were: Will Young won Pop Idol in 2002.

John Giddings is the organiser of the concerts and the IW Festival.

Thanks to all those who entered. The winners will receive their tickets direct from Solo Productions.

OSBOURNE WINNERS

HEADFUNK celebrated their first birthday at the Black Sheep Bar with a bumper night of mayhem.

The soundsystem crew are Tom the Hat and The Duke, both from the Island, who “emerge monthly to destroy the dancefloor of the Blacksheep Bar in Ryde with a selection of handpicked dancing classics from 1920s Jazz to Hungarian Hoover Hardcore to Bad Boy Badger Breaks to Freak Out Funk,” according to their website at www.headfunk.info

Headfunk usually have a different theme at their nights at the Blacksheep on the first Saturday of every month and you have to sign

up to their facebook group to find out what the next one will be. But for their birthday night fans could choose from any of the previous year’s themes, which included ‘stars and stripes’, ‘shimmer and sparkle’, ‘beards, bunnies, bows and bells,’ and ‘uv’ (uv lights were supplied).

The night has regulars such as Monkey Boy who always goes to town on his fancy dress and Gazzerino, a DJ on Vectis Radio, who also interviews the duo on air. They also have their own show on Vectis Radio where they often plug local bands.

The Headfunk Ladies follow the lads and have contests with the Headfunk Boys for the best costumes

– meeting up to buy outrageous items for next month’s do. “Everyone there has lots of fun, dresses up and has a great time,” said a Headfunk Lady.

Headfunk played at the IW Festival and are waiting to hear if they will be at the Bestival this September. Catch them at the Rhythm Tree Festival or at Pozfest in Newchurch.

“We love dressing up as well as making an effort with our homemade decor and live visuals. No guestlists, no VIP’s, just a basement, a soundsystem and good vibes. Dance, laugh, fall over, dance some more..” said Headfunk who give out badges, t shirts and other prizes at their gigs.


FEATURE

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS

JOB TITLELOCATIONDESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION

JOB CENTRE PLUS REFERENCE NUMBER. HOW TO APPLY

Café Waiting Staff

Cowes

Duties to include taking orders, making drinks, clearing tables, serving customers and any other associated general duties. This will include weekends and evenings during the Summer period. Successful applicant must be able to run small beach cafe on own initiative.

£6 per hour. 40 hours per week, 5-6 days out of 7, between 8am-8pm. Permanent

NIW/10726- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


WAGES DURATION


Room Attendant

Sandown

Previous experience is preferred. Duties include servicing rooms on a daily basis, making beds and ensuring rooms are clean and tidy at all times.

Wage meets national minimum wage 24 hrs per week – 6 days from 7 8.30am – 2pm flexible.

Permanent

RFM/6507 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Bingo Operator

Shanklin

Communication skills and an aptitude for figures is essential, you will be dealing with keeping records up to date and cash handling.Previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided. References will be required.

£6 per hr. 12 hrs per week. Fri and Sun 7-10pm. Thurs and Sat 1-4pm. Permanent

RFM/6465 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Senior Care Assistant

Ryde

Must be aged 18 plus due to personal care provisions. Previous experience is essential. The position will involve providing personal care and looking after the well being of up to 24 elderly residents, some having mental health problems.

£6.44 per hour. 30 per week, 5 days from 7, between 8am-9pm. Permanent

RFM/6484 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


WAGES DURATION


Kitchen Porter

Ventnor

Experience preferred but not essential as full training given. Duties include, cleaning surfaces and floors, assisting the Chef, emptying bins and other duties as required.

£6 per hr. 15-40 hrs per week Tues – Sun between 10am – 1am. Permanent

NIW/10815 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOBS

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Breakfast Chef

Bembridge

Must have some experience. However training can be given. Duties include preparing breakfasts in a busy hotel and preparation for other meals. Vacancy to start asap until 1st November.

Meets National Minimum Wage Competitive Rates of Pay.

Temporary to 1st November 2010


JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Tailor/Tailoress

Ryde

Previous tailoring experience is essential. Must have excellent customer service skills. Duties include aspects of tailoring and any other associated tasks as required.

£6.00 per hour plus commission. 14 hours per week between Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Permanent


JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Solar Specialist

Isle of Wight

The UK’s leading and fastest growing companies within the renewable energy sector, we are looking for talented sales professionals who will provide a first class sales experience to our customers and potential customers. Initially the Company’s sales focus will be on domestic solar PV. To engage with prospective customers. Duties include maximise sales, meet customer needs, deal with customer queries, financial transactions, administration tasks , achieve targets and all associated tasks

£14,000 up to £15,000 per annum plus commission OTE 40K.40 hours per week, 5 days over 6between Monday to Saturday

Permanent



FEATURE


WAGES DURATION


Service Engineer

Newport

Service personnel required for fault finding and repairs on a complete range of materials handling equipment. Experience preferred in engines- transmissions, hydraulics and electronic control systems. Product training will be given.

Wage is negotiable depending on experience. 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.

Permanent

NIW/10856- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


General Maintenance Person

Shanklin

Basic knowledge of plumbing and electrics and general DIY is required. Duties will include general maintenance duties within a hotel which will involve plumbing, electrics and painting as well as any other duties as required.

£6.50 per hr. 8 hrs per week Mon and Fri 9am-1pm. Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Beauty Therapist

Newport

You must have NVQ level 3 in beauty therapy or equivalent. Duties include waxing, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, tinting, massage, taking payments, booking appointments, basic cleaning and stock control and any other tasks as required. Employer flexible re working hours. Previ

Wage is negotiable depending on experience. 2 Days a week Between Wed – Sat between 10am – 4.30pm.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Sales Business Developer

Newport

Previous experience in sales or kitchen joinery would be an advantage. The role will be to establish and grow the established customer base, using your skills to identify and approach potential customers over the telephone, building up a friendly rapport whilst making appointments and generating leads for the external representatives, you will also be involved in a variety of sales administration and marketing tasks.

£7,000 per annum. 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm however the employer will be flexible as regard to this.

Permanent

NIW/10842 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Cleaner

Islandwide

Driving licence would be an advantage, as will be visiting properties all over the Isle of Wight. Must be flexible regarding duties, days and times worked. Experience is an advantage but is not essential, as full training will be provided. Main duties include all aspects of domestic and commercial cleaning as required.

£6 per hour. 16 hours per week5 days over 7 , times to be arranged Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Elector Mechanical Assembler

Ryde

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

£5.93 per hr. 37 hrs per week over 5 days between 9am -5pm.

Temporary for 13 weeks



WAGES DURATION


Cleaning Operative

Newport/East Cowes /Cowes

You must have a car due to driving between locations in the working day. Experience would be preferred but not essential as training can be provided. Applicants must be trustworthy as will be working in an confidential environment. Duties will include the thorough cleaning of an office, toilets, showroom floor and all other general cleaning duties.

£6 per hour. Hours and times to be discussed at interview.

This position is temporary for 6 months but may lead to permanent.



WAGES DURATION


Housekeeper

Shanklin

Previous experience in a similar role would be an advantage. Applicants must be able to provide references. Duties will include cleaning hotel bedrooms and bathrooms, making beds, cleaning communal areas, and general hotel housekeeping tasks.

Meets national minimum wage. 18 – 22 hrs per week between Mon – Sat.

Temp to October approx


JOBS


WAGES DURATION


Laundry Assistant

Shanklin

Must have driving licence. Required to deliver linen packs to holiday caravans, collect dirty linen and count and put into roll cages, and other duties as required. The work will involve moving heavy roll cages, moving beds to clean and some furniture on occasions.

£5.80 per hr. 24 hrs per week Fri, Sat and Mon – 8.30am -5pm.

Until 31st October 2010



FEATURE


WAGES DURATION


Kitchen Porter

Chale

Own transport essential due to rural location. Applicant will be required to wash and dry dishes and maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen. All associated tasks as required.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16 - 48 hours per week Monday to Sunday between 8am and 10pm.

Permanent

NIW/10885 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Cleaner

Newport

Experience is an advantage but not essential for this position as training can be given. You will be involved in general cleaning in a retail store to include staff areas. Duties will include mopping, vacuuming, emptying bins and any related tasks. You will also be cleaning checking toilets.

£6 per hour. 12 hours per week, Monday to Saturday 8am to 10am Permanent

NIW/10868- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number


WAGES DURATION


Head Chef

Sandown

Must have NVQ level 3 and above or equivalent. Relevant qualifications applicable. 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.

From £375 per week – live in optional. 48 hrs per week 6 days from 7, 7am -11am and 4-8.30pm (split shifts).

Until 02/01/2011

RFM/6412- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Chef

Chale

Own transport essential due to rural location. Applicant will be required to have had experience of working in a busy pub kitchen and hold a Food & Hygiene certificate. Ideal candidate must be prepared to work under pressure. Some training can be provided. Duties will be to cook using fresh ingredients, providing a range of meals from set menus.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 16-48 hours per week. Monday to Sunday between 8am & 11pm.

Temporary position until September 2010 however could lead to a permanent post.


JOBS


WAGES DURATION


Café Supervisor/Assistant Manager

Newport

We are looking for a supervisor with a can do attitude, who are successful through the team, the main objective for the position is to help and support the unit manager in supervising the team and delivering high standards of service. You need to work well as part of a team be friendly and have a positive attitude, communication and good conduct are key to working effectively, have a passion for food and quality service, standards driven with a hands on management style.

£6.20 per hr. 30 hrs per week 4 days from 7 between 7.45am – 5.15pm. Permanent


WISED UP FOR OPEN DAY SUCCESS

Hannah Bryan, Paul Crisp, Manager Adrian Earle, Ben Busby, Colin Peak,Overall winner Jack Morley, Lewis Rowe, Gina Hoff and Aaron Freeman

W.I.S.E (Workshop Initiative Supporting Education) held its annual open day and invited councillors, students, parents and professionals in children’s services.

The open day is an important opportunity for the students to show people what they have accomplished and the success that they have and can achieve. This year the open day, on Thursday

July 8, was well attended and the students were able to display their work proudly to supportive viewers.

W.I.S.E offers alternative provision for all Island schools, often for pupils who have difficulties adjusting to the social or academic demands of mainstream education. They provide the students with training and opportunities to fulfil their

potential in more practical disciplines and the chance to work in a smaller, more structured environment.

“Our main aims are to assist pupils to achieve success through supervised practical activities that have a tangible outcome that the student can own,” said Claire Yeo from W.I.S.E. “Small group settings are provided, where students can explore practical

tasks and are given individual attention to achieve something they, their family, school and friends see as worthwhile and meaningful in their everyday life.

“We work hard to encourage appropriate behaviour through clear boundaries and expectations with appropriate role modelling from the instructors. Our sessions encourage improved attendance at school by

building on the pupil’s self-esteem and integrating attendance,” said Claire.

Application for a placement is made through the school and attendance at the workshop is on a part-time basis running alongside attendance at mainstream school.

W.I.S.E has two premises: 24 Daish Way, Dodnor Indus- trial Estate, Newport, PO30 5XB and Old Town Hall,

Grafton St, Sandown, PO36 8JL. The Newport workshop provides activities based on Woodwork, Motor Mecha- nics, Art & Craft, Gardening and Boat Building & Marine Engineering. They have just received centre approval to teach City & Guilds Motor Vehicle Mechanics and this will start from September. The Sandown Workshop offers Woodwork or Painting and Decorating.


FEATURE


FEATURE

FULL SERVICE HISTORYIT’S ALWAYS hard to let go of a car when you buy a new one, so the Jones family decided to keep their old car – for fifty six years.

Not only that but they flew their Ford Zephyr Zodiac all the way from Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) when the family decided to finally relocate here. The almost pristine 1954 Mark 1 model now has its own garage within which to languish in Luccombe – it hasn’t been driven since 1989.

“Have you come to see the churry?” asks Noreen Jones when we arrive at their home. Churry is the word for an old car in Africa, and although she is undoubtedly a vintage model, she certainly looks very good for her years.

Erle Jones is now thinking about restoring the car to its former glory, although her paintwork in the original colours looks pretty good for such an old gal. She’s been garaged for 19 years, and Erle’s neighbour even helped to build a special garage just to keep her snug and dry.

“When we left Northern Rhodesia the exchange rate was so low that it was only £250 to fly the car over,” explained Erle. “I had only been offered £60 for it in Africa and we had to spend our money before we left and I thought I’d kick myself if I didn’t bring it over with us.

“I was three years old when it arrived at our home in the bush – my father and a friend flew down to pick it up from Salisbury and had to drive it back to Kitwe at 50mph. It took two days because they had to stop and have it serviced half way in Lusaka and they were entertained to lunch by the director of Ford in Northern Rhodesia. It was one of only two in the country at that time.

“Although it was my mother’s car for everyday use such as shopping, we had many wonderful

trips in it out in Africa. One was up to Lake Tanganyika and we had to drive through the Congo to get there. Another time went to a game reserve in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with my mother Noreen, my father Erles and my older sister Margaret.

“One gloomy day my father decided to take us fishing, but the stream we crossed earlier in the day became engorged with the rain when we returned. I remember my sister and myself waking up in the back of the car with the river running under the car, and beginning to come into it.

“My father had to go out in the dark to get help and left us in the car. He walked to the Rhodes Hotel and they said, “My gosh, you’re lucky.” Leopards had been sighted in the area just a couple of days before. They came with a Land Rover and pulled us out.”

On another trip Erle’s father decided to paddle a canoe across a crocodile infested lake to photograph some elephants with his Rolleiflex. “He fell out of his canoe and my sister had to take a little boat to rescue him, which wouldn’t start at first – it was nail biting for those few minutes,” he remembered.

“It was the first car in the world to have Macpherson strut suspension, which gave it very good road holding abilities,” Erle explained. “The same model car won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1953 – driven by Gatsonides who invented the speed camera.

“My aunt and uncle had the same car as did two of their relatives – it became the most popular car. Channel Four did a programme on the British car industry and in 1955 two out of five cars were Ford Consuls or Ford Zephyrs.

“We still have the original HP

agreements, which were done through my father’s company – he was the MD of an engineering company on Northern Rhodesia’s copper belt and did contracts for the mines,” said Erle.

“In 1964 he bought a new car and put this one in the garage, where it remained until 1989 when we flew it over here. I would love to find someone to help and advise me with it,” he wished. “My father would have known about these things but unfortunately he died in 1996.”

One thing is for certain, this car won’t be crowded out by other Ford Zephyrs or Consuls if Erle ever does get her back on the road. Are there even any other models on the Island?

“I’m hoping to make a start on it next summer – or maybe this summer,” said Erle. Maybe Noreen will get to do her shopping trips in her again one day?

Erle and Noreen Jones with their 56 year old Ford Zephyr Zodiac


SPORT

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GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPERTHE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

BOWLS Isle of Wight’s Middleton Cup team are due to play their third and final match in this year’s series against Buckinghamshire at Cove Bowling Club in Hampshire.

Following their disappointing start to this year’s competition, changes have been made to the squad, which is: Adam Clark, Bertie Everson (both Cowes Medina). Paul Barker (Plessey) and Paul Dickinson (Cowes Medina), John Pearce (Plessey), Steve Crockett (Totland Bay), Ian Morey (Shanklin), Phil Turner (Ventnor), Derek Deacon (Shanklin), Fred Rylands, Chris New and Peter Furmidge (Cowes Medina),

Ryan Trigg, Robbie Hayes, Keith Beckett and Richard Jeffrey (all Shanklin), Sam Lines Ventnor), Chris Noble (Warner), Paul Attrill (Westland), Alan Best (Ventnor), Simon New (Cowes Medina), Travis Meller (Shanklin), John Crews (Plessey) and Darren Griffith (Cowes Medina). Reserves: Martin Butchers (Plessey) and Jack Berry (Shanklin).

The National competitions are now coming to a conclusion, with Bowls IOW having the following players still involved.

Recent Results:Men’s 0ver 55 singles: John Pearce

(Plessey) 21, Peter Knight (Plessey) 4. John now plays Michael Beales of Knyverton Park B C in Bournemouth

Men’s over 55 Pairs: Barry Simpson and Ron Sleep (Ventnor) 24, David Jones and Fred Rylands 14.

Barry and Ron now play Jim Heard of Fleming Park B C in Eastleigh

Club Two Fours: Cowes Medina A 46, Shanklin A 26. Cowes now play Bournemouth B C in the next round.

Top Club: Ventnor A 3, Plessey B 2. Ventnor went on to play Atherley B C of Southampton and lost 5 – 0.

All of the Men’s County Competitions have reached the semi-final stages. The semi finalists are:

Singles: Myles Farrington (Plessey) v John Marsh (Shanklin), Simon New (Cowes Medina) v Travis Meller (Shanklin).

Pairs: John Crews & Martin Butchers (Plessey) v Adam Clark & Paul Dickinson (Cowes Medina). Phil Brooks & Alan Bell (Shanklin) v Barry Bridgeman & Phil Turner (Ventnor).

Triples: Guiseppi Cretella, David Fredericks & Alan Coleman (Ryde Marina) v Jack Berry, Ian Morey & Bruce Marks (Shanklin). Adam Clark, Paul Dickinson & Darren Griffith (Cowes Medina) v Tony Partridge, Chris New & Peter Furmidge (Cowes Medina).

Fours: Travis Meller, David Jones, Keith Beckett & Richard Jeffery (Shanklin) v Simon New, Ben Mackett, Chris New & Peter Furmidge (Cowes Medina). Andrew Nightingale, Tony Augustus, Fred Rylands & Dave Gustar (Cowes Medina) v John Wilkins, Jack Berry, Phil Brooks & Robbie Hayes (Shanklin).

Under 25 singles: Robbie Hayes (Shanklin) v Travis Meller (Shanklin), Adam Clark (Cowes Medina) v Jack Berry (Shanklin).

MIDDLETON CUP SQUAD CHANGES

RYDE ROWING CLUB’S veteran squad competed in the Henley Veteran Regatta, held on the week following Henley Royal Regatta since 1994.

It is hosted and run by Upper Thames Rowing Club over 1000m of the Henley Royal Regatta course. The regatta has grown into an internationally recognised event for veterans or masters crews and competitors come from all over the world to compete making the standard very high.

The Wightlink sponsored Ryde Club competed in the event for the first time last year and had a quad and two scullers reach their respective finals. They travelled to Henley this year with high hopes of doing better, but in spite of a strong performance from the squad, racing against some of the best Veteran oarsman in the world, their results were a little disappointing.

The quad - Russell Page, Mick Jenner, Nick Pike and Ian Hayden - racing in the Veteran/Masters “C” event fought through several round to reach the semi-final of their event

where they missed out on a place in the final by just two feet.

A similar fate befell Russell Page and Nick Pike in their Veteran/Masters “C” single sculls event - where they also missed out in the semi-finals, with Mick Jenner losing in an earlier round.

But Ian Hayden, racing in the Veteran/Masters “B” event went one better reaching the final of his event before losing once again to Praed of Auriol-Kensington R. C., who beat him in last year’s final.

Ryde Rowing Club had a number of its member competing at the Henley Royal Regatta, albeit racing for their mainland clubs or universities.

They included Ashley Maitland competing for London Rowing Club and John Gedling competing for Durham University. The best performance from a Ryde Oarsman came from Ollie Bottrell who was part of the Nottingham and Union Rowing Club coxless fours which came from behind in the final to beat London Rowing Club to win the won the Wyfolds Challenge Cup by 1 1/4 lengths.

HAYDEN REACHES VETERAN FINAL

WIGHTLINK FERRIES have ensured there will be another year of plain sailing for Ryde Rowing Club.

Wightlink have agreed to sponsor the club for a further year taking the agreement through to May, 2011. They provide the Club with considerable assistance in transporting their competitors, coaches and equipment to and from the Island for mainland competition throughout the

year.Their support allows the Club

to compete on the mainland on a regular basis in the Hants & Dorset ARA Coastal Regatta programme during the summer months and inland in River events during the winter. Their support has been especially useful to the Club’s successful and expanding Junior Section enabling them to attend competitions and training camps on the mainland.

WIGHTLINK KEEP ROWERS AFLOAT

The IW under 15 football team line up at their recent presentation evening. Pictured Back left to right: Dean White, Jack Wedderkop, Olly Mosely, Luke Flux, Mike Peake (coach),

Lewis Murray, Will Hurrell, Dan White, Rai Higgins, Ollie Dolby. Front: James Fretwell,Jordy Galsworthy, Alex Wright, George Turner, Harvey Smith, Phil Read, Jack England


SPORT

GEORGE FOREMAN is the new Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club champion.

Foreman delivered the knockout punch over two days of competition, carding rounds of 70 and 72 to win by four shots.

With reigning champion Chris Reed away on the mainland and not defending his title, it proved to be a wide open tournament this year. But Foreman seized the initiative to hold a one-shot lead at the halfway stage, and then pull away to claim the victory.

Conner Knight was runner-up with rounds of 71 and 75 for a gross 146, followed by Jordan Sundborg who carded 75 and 74.

S u n d b o r g won the Roger Matthews Salver for the best nett score. Playing off a handicap of 11, hit total of 127 was five better than Conner Knight, with Dave Maidment (nett 61 and 72) finishing third.

Sundborg also won the Melville Hall Cup, run in conjunction with the Club Championship, his 63 just one better than second placed Tommy Robinson, third placed Mark Trueman and fourth placed Michael Mitchell who all shot a nett 64.

Results: Club Championship: Winner George Foreman (142). 2nd Conner Knight (146).3rd Jordan Sundborg (149). 4th Stef Brochocki (152). 5th Gary Meszynski (152). 6th Paul Lassey (157). 7th Rob Turrell (158). 8th Ian Miller (158). 9th Roy Truman (159). 10th Tommy Robinson (160)

Roger Matthews Salver: Winner Jordan Sundborg (127). 2nd Conner Knight (132). 3rd Dave Maidment (133). 4th Stef Brochocki (134). 5th George Foreman (134). 6th Paul Lassey (135).

7th Tommy Robinson (136). 8th Rob Turrell (136). 9th John

Harding (136). 10th Roy Truman (139).

Melville Hall Cup: Winner Jordan Sundborg 63. 2nd Tommy Robinson 64. 3rd Mark Trueman 64. 4th Michael Mitchell 64. 5th David Coleman 65.

Other recent results: Ladies Par Silver: Winner Liz Jolliffe 4. 2nd Stephanie Hart 1. 3rd Pat Metcalf 1.

Bronze (1): Winner Gill Robinson 6. 2nd Lynn Guy 3. 3rd Jane Abbott 3. Bronze (2): Winner Pat Rowe 4. 2nd Christine O’Brien 4. 3rd Alix Goddard 1.

Open Medal: Division 1 Nett, Winner Paul Sundborg 67. 2nd David Bartlett 68

Division 2, Winner John Salter 66. 2nd

Peter White 68.Ladies Centenary Vase (Pts)

Winner Debbie Berry 40. 2nd Anne Fisher 40.

Ladies Monthly Stableford Silver: Winner Debbie Berry 40. 2nd Sarah Hammond 38. 3rd Lillian Bushby 37. Bronze 1: Winner Anne Fisher 40. 2nd Liz Jolliffe 39. 3rd Lorrie Hawkins 37. Bronze 2: Winner Christine O’Brien 34. 2nd Sonya Sutton 27.

Open Stableford Division 1: Winner Keith Wickham 40. 2nd Richard Donn 36. Division 2:

Winner Tony Cole 36. 2nd Mike Cooper 33.

Monthly Medal Scratch Gross: Winner Gary Meszynski 68. 2nd Tony Williams 72. 3rd George Foreman 73. 4th Steve Collins 74.

Division 1 Nett: Winner Gary Meszynski 63. 2nd Steve Collins 66. 3rd Tony Williams 67. 4th Christian Zanti 67. Division 2: Winner Roy Butler 66. 2nd Andy Groves 67. 3rd James McClelland 67. 4th Steve Hargreaves 68.

Junior Medal Nett: Winner Conor Richards 72. 2nd Matt Mew 75.

Junior Stableford: Winner Tom Gould 39.

FOREMAN PROVES A REAL KNOCKOUT VENTNOR BEATEN

IN T20 THRILLER

VENTNOR CRICKET CLUB bowed out of the Southern Electric Twenty20 Cup on Sunday but not before giving national Champions Bournemouth a real scare in a thriller at Steephill.

Batting first, the hosts suffered an early blow when Hampshire’s Danny Briggs departed cheaply but rallied to eventually total 128 from their 20 overs, Neil Westhorpe (36) Sean Nowak (29) and Roger Miller (36 not out) top scoring.

The talented visitors looked to be on their way to a comfortable win at 58-1 but the introduction of spin duo Briggs and David Beven gave the Islanders hope, the pair conceding just 27 runs from eight overs.

Bournemouth got back on track before the game took a further twist as Sean Nowak began the final over. With the Dorset side needing six runs with six wickets in hand, the South African quickie accounted for Nick Park for 66 and Chris Cahill from his opening two deliveries before a no ball yielded three runs.

Ed Denham then struck the next ball to the boundary to clinch victory in an exciting finish.

Ventnor’s hopes of building on the previous weekend’s victory over Totton & Eling were dashed by a 58 run defeat at South Wilts.

In their latest Southern Electric Premier Division ‘time game’, the Islanders were undone by South Wilts paceman Simon Branston who blasted out the top order in fine spell which reduced the visitors to 71-6.

Only Rob Snell with a battling, unbeaten 48, held up the home side’s victory charge with the left hander and David Beven adding 42 for the 10th wicket, pushing the score from 139-9 to 181 before the latter became Branston’s seventh victim.

Earlier in the day, Ventnor stuck to their task well to restrict the second placed hosts to 239-9 from 57 overs, skipper Freeston returning a season’s best 5-64. James Hayward with 80 held the innings together after an uncertain start but ultimately the home team were comfortable

winners. Mid-table Havant are the visitors to Newclose on Saturday (July 17) with an 11.30am start.

In-form James Cheek crashed a fine 88 as a strong Ventnor batting line up totalled 262-9 at Vospers in Hampshire League Division 3.

Young Cheek thumped 16 fours in his 101 ball knock with Mark Fletcher (48), Ben Woodhouse (28) and Martin Blackman (21) providing support.

Ventnor’s teenage attack of Henry Bartlett (3-30) Arthur Halsey (3-21) and Gary Cooper (4-35) then made short work of the task after tea, dismissing Vospers for just 104. The unbeaten league leaders take on second placed St Cross at Steephill on Saturday (1pm start)

Meanwhile, a terrific innings of 130 not out from Jack Bartlett was the highlight of GKN’s 255-5 in the Harwood’s League Cup at Steephill.

Ventnor’s third team responded spiritedly but despite a splendid knock 98 from 16 year old Billy Clarke, fell 19 runs short.

“It proved to be a wide open tournament this year.”

NEIL’S RAV STOPS PLAY!NEIL CUTTS decided enough was enough when his house on the green at St Helens kept being bombarded with cricket balls.

Father of two Neil wanted to make sure he was not going to be caught out again, so he delivered his own Yorker to make his point.

He swung in from the boundary ropes, dashed through extra cover, failed to get trapped leg before, and promptly parked his 4 X 4 Rav on the pitch inbetween the stumps. A

clear case of Rav stopped play!

He explained “I have been having trouble for the past couple of years. One day we were sitting outside in our back garden when a ball landed nearby. In the end we thought it was safer to sit there wearing tin helmets.“On the latest occasion it wasn’t so much the balls being hit at us, but the cricketers didn’t even have the decency to apologise. I don’t really want to upset anyone, because this is a small, friendly community,

but I just felt it was time I made a point.”Peace has been restored in the sleepy village, with cricketers having promised

to put a net up in front of Mr Cutts’ house for added protection when they play their games on the green in future.John Hart and George Foreman


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Johnson repeat the dose after another lightning start.

But in the next heat the home crowd saw just how good Plymouth’s Mark Simmonds still is as he raced away to his first of five straight wins, but with Ben Hopwood and Tom Hill holding the minor positions the eight point lead was kept intact.

Stephens made a fast start in heat five, but Warwick blasted past him on the back straight with Johnson taking a comfortable third as the lead was stretched to 20-10. Simmonds was introduced as a tactical ride in heat six and duly produced a six-point.

Any thoughts they may have had a reducing the seven points further were immediately squashed as Hopwood raced away for a easy win, however the action was going on behind him as Felton blasted around the outside of Devils Starke to follow his partner home for a

5-1.Home confidence was high and

another 5-1 looked on the cards in heat eight as Scarboro and Hill team rode to keep Plymouth’s Matt Bates at bay. However a lapse of concentration on the third lap saw the visitors pass both the home riders to split the heat.

Simmonds then took his third win, this time keeping Warwick and Johnson at bay for another split heat. The tenth heat was also split, rather fortunately for the visitors as another 5-1 was on the cards until Scarboro’s machine ground to a halt on the final lap. Stephens then held off a stern challenge from Ben Hopwood in a re-started heat 11 after Felton was excluded after a nasty tumble on lap two of the original staging.

At 39-30 all was still to race for, but Warwick eased any nerves with a win in heat 12, Tom Hill who had been penalised for touching the tapes produced

a master ride from a 15 metres handicap to take third for a 4-2 and a 43-32 lead.

Simmonds and Stephens looked on course for a Plymouth 1-5, before first Hopwood and then Simmons past the latter to share the heat and maintain that 11-point lead. The Islanders looked on course to seal all the points in heat 14, that was until visiting reserve Ben Reade went down as if he’d been tackled by a Dutch footballer, there was no red card from the referee Mick Bates, just a red race stopped light followed by the yellow exclusion light.

Felton raced away to win the re-start with Johnson just failing to catch Starke, but that 4-2 was enough to make sure of the win. Simmonds completed a great personal night by easily winning heat 15 although chased all the way by Warwick, but with Stephens taking third the 2-4 only added respectability to the final score.

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

SportJOY AS BEMBRIDGE MEN BOWL ALONG TO VICTORY

BEMBRIDGE Bowls Club’s annual Men versus Ladies Match for the Bembridge Urn was played at the Mitten Road green.

In a competitive afternoon of bowls, the Men’s team,

led by Club President Jack Liddiard ran out eventual winners for a second year against the Ladies, captained by Club Vice President Gay Allen. The event raised £100 for the

Earl Mountbatten Hospice at Newport.

Preparations are now well underway for this year’s Bembridge Bowls Week, which runs from Sunday August 29 through to Finals

Day on Friday September 3. Spectators and supporter are welcome. Places in the event, which is one of the most popular in the Island’s Bowls calendar were quickly filled this year.

ISLAND RIDERS IN SUPERB VICTORY

THE ISLE OF WIGHT speedway team produced their best performance of the season so far as they raced to a comfortable 52-41 victory over South Coast rivals Plymouth, at

Smallbrook.The scene was set as

skipper Nick Simmons pawed past the fast starting Seemond Stephens on the last turn of the opening heat to stop

the visitors taking an early lead. Then in heat two the home side went in front as Dean Felton and Tom Hill sped to a 5-1 flag win. And heat three saw Danny Warwick and Brendan

Ben Hopwood celebrates a win Nick Simmons and Mark Simmons battle for the lead

IW Gazette 67

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