IW Gazette 69

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‘OUR MUMMY AND DADDY ARE ASLEEP’RESIDENTS in Shanklin are still trying to come to terms with the tragic events that resulted in two young boys playing in their flat while their parents were lying dead just feet away.

A horrified friend of the family has told how she discovered the deaths of the married couple, after the two young boys, aged five and three, told her ‘Mummy and Daddy are asleep’.

The dead couple have been named as Barry and Amanda Harrison, who were both in their 30s. Friend Pat Cannon, who works nearby, found Mr Harrison hanging from a noose attached to the loft in his children’s bedroom.

After Ms Cannon summoned help, she found Mrs Harrison dead in a bedroom. It is believed that she had been strangled. Their two sons were unharmed, and were discovered playing in the hallway of the two-bedroom apartment.

Police are continuing their investigations after being called to a flat at Regal Court, High Street, adjoining Shanklin Conservative Club. They believe Mr Harrison, who worked for a food firm, hanged himself after killing his wife.

The couple had been having marital problems according to Ms Cannon, whose sister is now looking after the two boys. Ms Cannon said: “I went round because I knew the couple were going through a rough patch with their marriage and I had not heard from them for a day or

Continued on page 2

BY JASON KAY

HARROWING TALE AFTER DOUBLE DEATH

Amanda Harrison Barry Harrison

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, August 13, 20102

Continued from front page

so, which was unusual. I wanted to make sure they were all right.

“I knocked on their door and the elder boy opened it to me. Everything seemed normal. The boys were playing in the hallway. He said ‘Hello Pat’. I said ‘Where are Mummy and Daddy?’ They said ‘Mummy and Daddy are asleep’.”

Ms Cannon soon realised something was wrong. She said:

“I could see the loft hatch open and some cord. I pushed the door to the room and it felt like a dead weight. When I realised what had happened, I nearly collapsed from the shock of it. At that point, I did not even know Amanda was in the flat.”

Ms Cannon works for Sunny Bay Apartments, the company that owns the

Harrisons’ flat. She called a male colleague and the police were alerted.

The dead couple met some years previously while working at a car factory in Coventry. Ms Cannon said: “They were a normal couple, who had their ups and downs.

“They had been going through a rough patch but I did not expect this to

happen. I am devastated. As far as I know, neither of them was seeing anyone else. They were just having marital difficulties.

“They were a nice couple, a decent hard-working family. They are very sweet little boys. I don’t think the children fully understand what has happened.”

Bob Dalton, managing director of Sunny Bay Apartments, said: “My worker went into the flat and saw that something was badly wrong. The couple who lived there were both dead. He had a noose round his neck and was hanging from a rafter.

“It is only conjecture because the police are investigating but it looked as

if he had hung himself after killing her.”

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Police are continuing to investigate the discovery of two bodies inside a flat at

Regal Court, High Street, Shanklin.

“Officers were called by a member of a public at 6.27pm on Monday and went to the address where a man and a woman, believed to be a married couple aged in their 30s, were pronounced dead.

“Detectives from Hamp- shire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department and Isle of Wight CID are involved in enquiries to contact next of kin so the bodies can be formally identified.

“A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today by a Home Office pathologist. The death of the man is not being treated as suspicious. The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are believed to be suspicious.

“The flat remains sealed off to allow for ongoing forensic examinations by specialist scenes of crime officers. Whilst retaining an open mind, detectives are not looking for anyone else suspected of being directly responsible for the deaths.

“Detectives remain keen to speak with anyone who believes they may have information about the circumstances surrounding these deaths.”

The spokesman said that speculation among neighbours that the woman had been stabbed was incorrect.

Osteopath Kiron Patel was working in his clinic next door to the apartment block. He said: “There were so

many police there just after 6pm that I thought it must be a drugs bust. When I found out this morning about the deaths I was shocked.”

Teams of forensic officers have visited the cordoned-off flat looking for clues while a uniformed police officer stood guard outside.

Detectives have also carried out door-to-door inquiries.

Another resident, Carol Rolfe, said: “It’s a surprise. They were just a normal, ordinary, quiet couple.”

Detective chief inspector Dan Snuggs, of Hampshire Police, said: “It is very early stages in this investigation

and our inquiries are focused on the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

“We will be in a better position to comment further once these inquiries have taken place.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“I said ‘Where are Mummy and Daddy?’ They said ‘Mummy and Daddy are asleep’.”

PARENTS FOUND DEAD AS SONS PLAY IN FLAT

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, August 13, 2010 3

NEWS

FAMILY and friends of the woman killed by her husband yards from their two young sons have been paying tribute to her as a “loving and devoted mother”

Barry Harrison, 47, is believed to have strangled wife Amanda, 34, before hanging himself at their flat in the seaside resort of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.

It emerged today that Mr Harrison had been depressed after losing his job at a car plant and having money troubles.

He had apparently taken time off from his latest job at a food firm to try and save his marriage.

The couple’s bodies were found by a female friend after the boys, aged three and five, told her: “Mummy and Daddy are asleep”.

In a statement issued through police, Mrs H a r r i s o n ’ s closest relatives – her mother Lynda, sisters Tracy and Paula and brother Karl - told of their anguish.

They said: “The family are deeply shocked and devastated at the death of Amanda.

“She was a loving, hard-working and devoted mother to her children.

“We need time to come to terms with our loss and would request privacy at this time of great sadness.”

Friends also posted tributes to Mrs Harrison on Facebook today.

Sophie Riley wrote: “RIP Amanda, you were a lovely woman and I can’t believe you have been taken like this.

“My thoughts are with

your family and your two gorgeous boys.

“Pleasure knowing you babe. Sleep tight.”

Another friend, Claire Moore, wrote: “To our very special, good friend Mandy xxx

“We will miss you so much and love you forever xx

“We are still in shock and are taking it in xx

“We will never forget you and the memories we shared xxxxxx”

Mr Harrison’s eldest son,

meanwhile, today defended him as a “devoted family man” despite the deaths.

In a statement, Lee Harrison, 19, from Coventry, Warwickshire, said: “My dad was one of the nicest men you could ever meet, a devoted family man,

“His family meant everything to him, and he meant everything to his family.

“His death is a massive and devastating loss to everyone that knew and loved him.”

Family friend Pat Cannon found Mr Harrison hanging from a noose attached to the loft in his children’s bedroom.

After she summoned help, his wife was found dead in the couple’s bedroom. It is believed that she had been strangled.

Post mortem examinations have been carried out and the results are expected to be announced when inquests open at Newport Coroner’s Court on Friday.

Mrs Harrison had recently been telling one male

friend about her family’s financial difficulties.

Last month, she was apologising

to the friend on Facebook for failing to meet up with him.

S h e e x p l a i n e d : “Money is so tight right now”, adding: “Miss you more than you know xxxxxxx”The couple

met several years ago

while working at Peugeot’s plant

in Ryton, near Coventry.

The plant closed in 2007 with the loss of 2,300 jobs.

The Harrisons had been living in a modest three-bedroom semi in nearby Bedworth, Warwickshire.

Former neighbours said that Mr Harrison grew depressed after being made redundant and having to give up the family home.

One female neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “They bought the house about four years ago and did a lot of work on it.

“They got it really nice but one minute they were there - and the next they were gone.

“The first we knew about it was when we got a card from them saying ‘Thanks for being good neighbours’.

“I saw them in a chip shop a bit later and they said they had money troubles.

“He said they had lost the house. I know he got quite depressed about it.

“They were a really nice couple with two little boys just trying to earn a living.”

It is not known why the couple moved to the Isle of Wight but they have friends there who also used to work at the Peugeot plant.

They began renting their £150,000, two-bedroom Regal Court flat around a year ago.

Mr Harrison had been working for a tomato producer on the island while his wife worked in a supermarket.

Ms Cannon said that their marriage had been in trouble and that he had taken time off from the food firm to try and sort out differences with his wife.

She said: “They were having personal problems in their relationship.

“I thought it was just a normal couple having their ups and downs but it must have been more serious than that. I am absolutely gutted by what has happened.”

Police are still appealing for information about the deaths.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs said: “The focus of our enquiries is on building an accurate picture of Amanda and Barry’s lives.

“This will help us to better understand what has led to these tragic events.

“The investigation team would like to thank family and friends for their co-operation at such a difficult and upsetting time in their personal lives.

“I also appreciate the support of people across the country and the local community who have contacted the police with information.”

Last night, the couple’s cars were taken away for examination.

On the front passenger seat of one of the cars, a blue Ford Fiesta, was an empty vodka bottle from the supermarket where Amanda Harrison worked.

Next to it was a plastic cup containing traces of a white powder.

A photo that appeared to be some sort of family snap was also on view.

The Fiesta and the couple’s other car, a black Peugeot, were winched onto a low loader before being taken away.

DEBTS DESPAIR LED TO DOUBLE TRAGEDY

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR AMANDA

The couple’s car taken away from their Shanklin flat


NEWS

TRAFFIC GROUND to a standstill in Newport after police closed off Medina Way following an accident.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene last weekend after a Harley Davison motorbike and a Grey BMW convertible collided. The crash blocked both lanes of the dual carriageway, causing chaos for drivers who were caught in jams tailing back to Northwood. The closure also had an effect on public transport.

A 52-year-old man was treated by paramedics for a suspected broken wrist and collar and was taken to St Mary’s hospital for further treatment. A 72 year old Cowes pensioner, the driver of the BMW Z3, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving.

The road was closed for over an hour while police dealt with the recovery of the vehicles, after the BMW came to rest on the central reservation.

CARRIAGEWAY CRASH CHAOS

MORE THAN 6,000 Islanders have now signed the petition to try to ensure we maintain just one seat in Parliament, and are not coupled with mainland constituencies.

But Island MP is urging that more Islanders back the campaign before he delivers the petition to the House of Commons on September 6.

Shadow Justice Secretary Jack Straw is supporting Mr. Turner, and although a final decision on boundary changes may not be finalised until early next year, they have stressed the need to keep the momentum going.

A OneWight bus has been

touring the Island, and a OneWight RIB, loaned to the campaigners by UKSA, was out in the water for Cowes Week to secure further support, which included the signature of Cllr Alan Wells, the Mayor of Cowes.

Mr. Turner said: “I am very pleased with how the petition is going and people are also taking the opportunity to sign the OneWight bus to show their opposition to these plans. On September 6 the petition will be taken up to London on the bus – and I expect that will attract some attention before I formally present the petition to the House of Commons that

evening.I am a member of the

Political and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee and during an evidence session on July 15 the Deputy Prime Minister said to me ‘You are known as an outstanding constituency MP with an electorate of 109,000’. He got the number wrong of course, but he says he is committed to cutting number of MPs and the cost of politics.

“It does beg the question how he has decided that the average constituency should have 76,000 voters. If I can look after over 100,000 voters why can other MPs not do the same? We would then need just over 400 MPs not 600. I have written and asked him how he reached the figure of 600 MPs.

Jack Straw, Labour Party Member of Parliament for Blackburn since 1979, said: “I’m delighted that the Isle of Wight, alongside other constituencies across the UK, is united in its determination to stop this Bill – which proposes a top-down, undemocratic and partisan distortion of the electoral landscape that undermines community cohesion by elevating rigid mathematics above all other considerations, including natural and historic boundaries.”

Cllr. Ian Ward, the Mayor of Sandown, is the campaign co-ordinator, and anyone

wanting further information can contact him on (01983) 244244.

Petitions have been placed in shops and offices across the Island, and they can also be downloaded from www.onewight.org.uk. Access is also available through ‘OneWight’ on Facebook and Twitter. Organisers

are urging that anyone who collects signatures should ensure the petitions are returned by the end of this month.

Mr. Turner will head for Westminster on September 6 to coincide with the second reading of the bill in the Commons. It then has to go to committee for amendments,

and have further readings on the Commons and the Lord’s before it would become law. That whole process could take another four or five months, but The Gazette, which is backing the campaign, urges Islanders to add their names to the petition as quickly as possible to keep the Island as OneWight.

TURNER URGES ISLANDERS: BACK ONEWIGHT CAMPAIGN

MP Andrew Turner with OneWight campaigner Becky Hunns


NEWS


NEWS

PROBE AFTER BARN BLAZEISLAND police have launched a probe after an empty stable block was destroyed in a raging blaze at Bullen Cross in Ryde in the early morning of Friday July 30.

Bullen Road was closed at the junction of Great Preston Road by police. Four pumping appliances and 15 fire fighters from Ryde and Newport attended the incident after a homeowner raised the alarm when smoke started billowing in through an open window.

Fire crews attempted to save the 90 by 30ft single-storey stable block, but it was engulfed in flames.

A number of unidentified cylinders were discovered but evacuation was not needed in the rural location as four hose-jets were directed on the flames from a dwindling water supply.

A concerned horse owner was assisted by fire fighters in checking on two horses that were loose in a field near to the raging flames.

IW Fire service duty officer Jeff Walls said the cause would be investigated and they are working with police to see if the fire is suspicious. He went on to praise crews for quickly gaining control and stopping the spread of the blaze to nearby hedges and a house.

A 72-YEAR-OLD man and a 49-year-old woman were arrested following complaints that they were involved in a sexual act on an Island beach packed with holidaymakers.

Isle of Wight police are appealing for witnesses after they were called to Shanklin Esplanade at 3.50pm on Sunday, August 8, following concerns expressed by members

of the public about two people who appeared to be involved in a sexual act.

A woman from Redhill, Surrey, and a man, originally from the Derby area, were both arrested on suspicion of being involved in an act of outraging public decency. They were taken to Newport Police Station for questioning and bailed until September 26, 2010 pending further

enquiries.Investigating officers

would like to speak with members of the public who had been on Shanklin beach on Sunday afternoon. Several witnesses left the scene without passing on their contact details to the police.

One witness who did not want to be named, said: “No one could believe what was happening.

Eventually the police were called, but it seemed to take them a long time to come.”

Anyone on Shanklin beach at the time who has not given a witness statement to the police yet is asked to phone Shanklin Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

‘SEX ACT’ ON THE BEACH


NEWS

A DOZEN community groups from across the Island have received a share of almost £28,000 from the Isle of Wight Community Fund.

The money is from the Grassroots grant programme which, since its launch in 2008, has seen £190,000 going to community and voluntary groups on the Island.

South West Wight Churches received £5,000 towards the costs of funding a youth worker who will work in five villages including Brighstone, Shorwell and Chale.

“This project has come from a wider desire to put the heart back into the villages” says Roy Bromley from the group behind the project. “We want to provide positive support for the young people and reduce the necessity for them to have to travel to Newport to ‘have their fun’”.

Families and youngsters struggling to come to terms with difficult situations such as separation or bereavement will be able to

receive help through a new project run by support group Seeds 4 Change. Part of their £5,000 grant will be used to train volunteers so they can deliver a range of beneficial services including parenting workshops, play clinics and therapeutic family support.

The IW Canoe Club was one of three sports groups who were successful in getting vital funding. At present a lack of equipment means many members are limited in the types of activities and training they can undertake.

The cash boost from IWCF will be used to develop the clubs paddle pathway programme which aims to enable members to develop their skills, provide them with opportunities to try different disciplines and gain nationally recognised awards.

Hitting the high notes were the Medina Marching Band who received £5,000 for new instruments and venue hire. With a list of youngsters wanting to join they can now start up a training band on

an additional evening. A lack of equipment has meant Medina Community Choir have always been limited to where they can perform, but their £2,000 grant means they can now afford to buy new equipment so they can stage events across the Island including open air venues.

Others groups to benefit from much needed funding at the final panel for this grant programme were Ventnor TV, Pan Junior Wardens, Ventnor Table Tennis Club and the Lions Day and Community Centre Association.

The Isle of Wight Community Fund was estab- lished by the Hampshire and IW Community Foundation and the IW Charitable Trust. It is managed by local people and aims to encourage local giving for local needs. By 2011 it hopes to build endowment funds of over £1 million which will benefit Island communities for generations to come. Local organisations that have donated money include Red Funnel,

Wightlink, Cowes Week Ltd and Brian Gardener, founder of Newclose Cricket Ground.

More information on giving to local needs, setting up a fund and grant programmes

run by the IW Community Fund is on website www.hantscf.org.uk/iwcf.

COMMUNITY FUND BOOST


NEWS

ANGER OVER LACK OF TRAINS IN PIER CHAOSIRATE commuters are demanding to know why South West Trains have not put on extra services to help cope with the closure of Ryde Pier to vehicles.

And this week there were reports that the pier could be closed until at least Christmas, while repairs to its structure are carried out, causing further chaos and inconvenience.

Islanders returning to Ryde from the mainland late at night are being forced to walk the length of the pier because the train service has already shut down.

Many believe the service should continue much later

while the pier remains closed. One commuter said: “It is a ridiculous situation. When I got off the Wightlink catamaran the last train had gone, and obviously there were no taxis because of the closure.

“Some people had children with them, and found themselves having to walk along the pier to get back to their cars.”

Trains have been operating with extra carriages to try to alleviate the problem. But currently the last train to travel all the way back to Shanklin leaves Ryde Pierhead at 9.45pm, with the one an hour later travelling

only as far as Ryde St John’s.A spokesperson for South

West Trains said: “We are already providing additional capacity on our services and are currently working with Wightlink to look at improving connections into their catamaran service.”

The pier was closed by Wightlink when rusting steel work was discovered during a routine inspection. It means that all vehicles, including taxis and even bicycles, are not allowed on the pier, although the trains continue to operate.

Kerry Jackson, Wightlink’s marketing manager, said: “It was closed immediately as a

precaution to vehicles because of the weight involved, but it is safe for pedestrians.”

No date has been given for the pier to re-open to vehicles, but it is feared it could be at least until the December, or even into the New Year. Season ticket

holders for the pier can use them to park in car parks in Quay Road and St Thomas’s Street until Monday (Aug 16).

Wightlink extended its arrangement with the IW Council after the pier was closed to vehicles. Further details are due to be

announced.Meanwhile, Wightlink’s

former catamarans, which were due to be used for a service across the Bristol Channel, are back in Southampton Water, berthed at Marchwood and awaiting new owners.

WOMAN SAVED BY LIFEGUARDSEAGLE EYED IW Council Lifeguards rushed to the aid of a woman who had drifted over a mile off of Sandown beach in an inflatable dinghy.

The holidaymaker had taken no oars, no lifejacket and no mobile phone and was luckily rescued by vigilant council lifeguards, Andrew Robinson and Kyle Draper, who were on duty on Sandown beach.

The pair spotted the woman in trouble over a mile out to sea on Wednesday 28 July.

Andrew swam out with his board to the woman and attached a rope to the dinghy before swimming back to shore, whilst being constantly watched from the beach by Kyle.

The woman, who was visiting from Africa, was unhurt and expressed her thanks to the lifeguards for helping her. After her rescue the lifeguards reminded her of the safety tips that should be observed before going out to sea in a small inflatable craft.

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the environment Edward Giles said: “Yet again our lifeguards have demonstrated their professionalism and dedication by rescuing this lady, who was caught out by the tide and had no way of calling for help.

“All our lifeguards are highly trained and spotted the woman in trouble even though she was over a mile out to sea.

“Had they not been so alert, the lady could’ve been in serious difficulties.”

ST CATHERINES SEEKS BIKERS

ARE YOU an avid cyclist? If so St Catherine’s school in Ventnor is seeking eager cyclists to take part in the first City to Solent Bike Ride Challenge on September 26.

In doing so you will be supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication disabilities at the school.

St Catherine’s new patron, Christopher Biggins is backing the event, which is being sponsored by Wightlink. Participants will follow an 85-mile route from London to Portsmouth.

Places are filling up fast so make sure you get your entry in as soon as possible – the charity anticipates

that around 50 cyclists will take part.

To register your interest for the challenge please contact Susan

Graves on 01983 857209 or [email protected].

Susan Graves, Development Officer, said:

“St Catherine’s is looking to expand its service provision to enable the

charity to work with more children and young people with c o m m u n i c a t i o n

disabilities. Each cyclist who participates can be assured

the money they raise will make a real difference to the services we provide and the children and young people we help. We would like to thank Wightlink and Christopher Biggins for their support.”


NEWS


NEWS

EMERGENCY services were called to a house fire in Pan Lane, Newport, when a woman set fire to clothing on her cooker.

Neighbours tried to gain entry to a terraced house, when smoke was seen in the kitchen. Three fire engines and two police cars and CID descended on the house. Police then tried to talk the woman out of the house, and eventually a 25 year old woman was arrested under suspicion of criminal damage.

A IW fire brigade spokesperson, Lee Venier, said: “Fire crews from Newport and Cowes attended the property but the fire was out on arrival.” He went on to confirm that only an inspection had been carried out by crews.

A spokesman from Hampshire and IW Police said: “We can confirm a 25-year-old woman from Newport, has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.”

WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER HOUSE FIRE

TEENAGERS HIT TROUBLE AT COWES WEEKFIVE YOUNGSTERS out to prove themselves at Cowes Week had to instead call on the help of Cowes RNLI lifeboat when their seven-metre Sonar open keel boat was involved in a collision with another Sonar.

The incident occurred at the mouth of Southampton Water when the Sonar ‘Geronimo’ received a gash on the port side, just above the waterline. Eventually the crew, all from Shoreham, decided to use their mobile to seek help vthrough Solent coastguards.

After a considerable search in driving rain Cowes lifeboat eventually located the boat in the yacht-crowded Solent and towed it to Cowes Corinthian Sailing Club’s

pontoon for on-shore repairs. Oliver Beaney, Geronimo’s

navigator, said later: “Considering the terrible visibility, probably down to 100 metres, the lifeboat did really well finding us so quickly. Although the hole was above the waterline we feared we would take on water once we tacked, and there was really nothing for it but to retire.”

Although Richard O’Callaghan was in charge of the lifeboat he handed the helm to experienced crew-member Kirsty Walker for the tow to Cowes. “She performed brilliantly, not only with the tow but in bringing the boat alongside the Cowes Corinthian pontoon,” he added.

MOTORIST HITS ROOF AFTER KINDNESS ACT

A MOTORIST who kindly stopped to help after a crash in East Ashey has vowed never to stop again after he ended up having the roof of his car removed by fire crews.

Two people were taken to hospital with neck and back pain after the head on crash in Ryde, shortly after 5pm on Friday August 6.

Robert Lidbury, 67, had stopped to help and had given the young driver shelter in his car after the accident.

But when paramedics arrived, they said the victim might have spinal injuries – and that fire fighters would have to remove the roof to get him out.

Robert Lidbury spoke to The Gazette and said: “I can’t believe the nightmare I went through, when all I wanted to do was help a motorist who’d been involved in a terrible

accident.“One of the paramedics

said that the only way to get him out of my car without injuring him would be to cut off the roof and put him on a spinal board.

“When they told me they would have to cut him out of my car I thought Jeremy Beadle was going to appear.

“I just watched in horror as the fire-fighters started smashing the windows in, and then they moved on to the roof. They dissected it at the sides and the back and then folded the roof back on to the bonnet.”

I’ll never stop to help ever again after this experience.”

Robert said his insurance company would pay out so he could replace the car. He had hopes the victim’s insurers might pay up for the damage.

Fire crews from Ryde and Newport were called to the crash in East Ashey Lane. The

IW Fire service rescue tender from Newport supported the crews in removing one of the drivers, after two cars were involved in a crash.

“Fire crews had to remove the roof of a vehicle using hydraulic cutting equipment to free the driver who had been given shelter and was suffering from neck and back pain,” said an IW Fire Service spokesperson.

“The male was removed from the vehicle and placed on a spinal board before being removed to hospital for treatment. A female driver of the second vehicle was also taken away to St Mary’s hospital.

“In situations like this, we have to remove the injured person horizontally for safety purposes.”

The road was blocked for an hour whilst Emergency services dealt with the incident.


NEWS

RESIDENTS HAVE A SAY

ELLEN MACARTHUR TRUST GIVES KIDS SPECIAL DAY OUT

YOUNGSTERS from all over the country joined the Ellen MacArthur Trust for their first ever longer cruising week, which set off from Yarmouth on Sunday August 1,and finished the following Friday.

It proved a huge achievement for the young people, who have all previously sailed with The Trust whilst in recovery from cancer or other serious illness. This was the first time the Trust had run a longer cruising week as part of their “Return to Sail” programme, which saw the youngsters aged between 12 and 19, spend six days onboard the boats.

The group set off with the intention of sailing wherever the weather, time and tides would allow. They started in Yarmouth before heading to Weymouth, the venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing, where they were treated to a fireworks show in the evening.

The next day they headed to Brixham, beating into the wind the whole way meaning a bumpy ride for the crew.

They were rewarded for their efforts with a Barbeque on the beach, before finally heading to Poole, and back to Yarmouth.

James Kemp,17, from Kent, was one of the youngsters on the trip. James was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma on New Year’s Day 2006, and was treated at the Royal Marsden. This was the third

trip that James had joined the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

He said: “I was really looking forward to sailing with The Trust again, as every time I do it boosts my confidence. I get to meet new friends and it The Trust have given me experiences which I could only have dreamt of before.”

In 2010, James say’s the thing he would like to achieve the most is to become a more experienced sailor. The Ellen MacArthur Trust was set

up by Island round-the-world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur in 2003 to inspire young people’s cancer recovery through sailing.

The trips provide a unique experience for the young people, where they get the chance to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment on their way to recovery from cancer and

leukaemia.On the new trip,

Ellen said: “In 2009 the Trust ran the Round Britain Voyage which was a big success. Following on from that we have decided to run this longer cruising week for the first time, and

I am really excited that The Trust is embarking on this new chapter. It is great to be able to welcome the young people back in this way and to see how they have moved on since treatment.”

There are many ways to support The Trust with time, money or services. To become a friend of The Trust and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit: www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org.

“I was really looking forward to sailing with The Trust again, as every time I do it boosts my confidence.”

SPEED cameras across the Island could be among the next to be turned off as part of Government funding cuts.

IW Council members are expected to discuss the situation shortly, and that could ultimately see them following the route that many other councils on the mainland have been forced

into because of a lack of cash. Money normally used

to fund speed cameras and maintain them, as well as funding other road safety schemes, has been significantly reduced by Government.

Edward Giles, IW Council Cabinet member responsible for Environment and

Transport, said: “At this stage no decision has been made to suspend or discontinue the use of speed cameras on the Island. However, in light of the reductions in grant this will have to be reviewed over the coming months and any decision made will feed into the budget setting process for next financial year.”

SPEED CAMERAS MAY GO

AS WORK begins at Pan Meadows, Barratt’s new 846 home development at New- port, they’re making sure that local residents are heard above the background noise of construction.

Barratt has introduced a newly appointed community liaison manager to ensure Islanders have a voice.

50 year old Anthony ‘Dee’ Dimmick is already making a big impact at Pan Meadows. Anthony is playing a key role in improving the commun-ication between Barratt and the local community – liaising with the residents of Pan Meadows to ensure everyone is kept up to date with the latest happenings and answering any queries.

In addition to this role, ‘Dee’ has also been visiting schools in the area to educate youngsters on the dangers of playing on building sites.

Kerrie Gulliver, a warden in the local Pan community, said: “We are involved with all the residents during the week so it really matters to us that they are happy.

“We are extremely pleased with the positive changes that Barratt is bringing to the area. The close liaison between Barratt and the local residents will ensure a smooth integration with the new development.”

Kerrie’s colleague, Kim Rosecoe, added: “The current residents were pleasantly surprised at how informed they have been kept. Barratt has made sure they have involved the community every step of the way through open days and with the help of their dedicated community liaison officer. Dee Dimmock is a valuable asset to the project.”

Pan Meadows is being built

by Barratt in association with IW Council and Spectrum Housing Group. A third of the homes available will be built to level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes, making them some of the most environmentally friendly homes on the Island.

Barratt has already experienced success on the Isle of Wight with Hawthorn Meadows in Whippingham.

The development nestles near the River Medina and a local mooring site and, because it lies on the eastern edge of Cowes, offers the perfect retreat for yachting enthusiasts. There is also easy access to the rest of the Island and to the mainland.

For more details and avail- ability on the Isle of Wight, call the sales team, open from 11am to 6pm Thursday to Monday, on 0844 811 1877 or visit barratthomes.co.uk

Left to right: Pan community warden Kerrie Gulliver, Anthony ‘Dee’ Dimmock and community warden Kim Rosecoe


NEWS

POLICE SEEKING WITNESSES AFTER MAN ARRESTED

POLICE are appealing for additional witnesses after a man was accused of an indecent act in Newport.

A woman raised concerns about a man acting suspiciously in bushes close to the Matalan store car park in the St. George’s Way and Shide path area of Newport at approximately 8.20pm on Friday, July 23.

Police officers from the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams attended the scene and arrested a 63-year-old man from Newport on suspicion of gross indecency. He was taken to Newport Police Station for questioning and later bailed until September 16, pending further enquiries.

Investigating officer PC Sam Burrows said: “I would like to thank the woman for reporting her concerns to the police. Officers responded swiftly to investigate this allegation and interview a suspect. We remain keen to hear from any other potential witnesses who may have noticed a man acting suspiciously near the Matalan car park or on the footpath between Shide and St. George’s Approach on the evening of Friday, July 23.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Sam Burrows by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.

JANE REACHES FOR THE SKY TO HELP SCHOOL CHARITY

A ST CATHERINE’S parent has taken to the skies by taking part in a skydive for the charity.

Jane Thompson from Ryde, whose son attends the school, completed a 10,000 feet skydive and hopes to raise £500. Jane said, “I have always wanted to do a parachute jump but never thought I would. It was an amazing feeling and I would definitely do it again”.

St Catherine’s is a national charity working with children and young people, aged nine to 19 years of age. The learners come from the Island, from across Britain and sometimes abroad to attend the school and further education centre.

Each learner has his/her own individual educational programme integrating learning and language therapy. This work is supported by the care, occupational therapy and medical teams. St Catherine’s holistic approach ensures each and every learner has access to high quality learning and personal development opportunities relevant to their needs.

St Catherine’s holds a number of events throughout the year. Anyone interested in taking part in a challenge event should contact Susan Graves on 01983 857209.

For more about St Catherine’s and the work they do, contact Susan Graves on 01983 857209 or 07879 898605.

ASBESTOS SCARE AT FIRE

STAR GEOFF TAKEN ILLGEOFFREY HUGHES, the Island’s much-loved television actor, is battling serious illness again.

Geoffrey, 66, the deputy-lord-lieutenant for the Island thought he had beaten prostate cancer, but collapsed in his Newport home.

He was found by his wife Sue and was rushed by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Portsmouth for intense radiotherapy.

His spokeswoman Meg Poole confirmed: “Geoffrey is in hospital and having radiotherapy. His wife has asked for privacy at this difficult time.”

A popular figure on the Island, Geoffrey played Vernon in the Heartbeat series, and was also known to millions as dustbin man Eddie Yeats in Coronation Street during the 1970s and 1980s.

The actor, who also starred as slobbish Onslow in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances and as Twiggy in The Royle Family, fought off prostate cancer a year ago.

Hughes first appeared on TV in 1960s classics such as Z-Cars and The Likely Lads and was the voice of Paul McCartney in the Beatles film The Yellow Submarine.

His other roles have included Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins. A source close to the star said: “Geoffrey is not in a very good way. He is undergoing heavy radiotherapy and is in terrible discomfort. He thought he was over the worst after his treatment last year so it was a massive shock to find out it had returned.”

“But he’s a fighter and he is doing his damndest to try to beat it again.”

FAMILIES were warned to close doors and windows as a fire at a derelict builders yard sparked an asbestos scare.

More than ten firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control at the former builders yard on The Mall near Yarbridge (Brading).

Police officers went out on to the streets to advise residents to close their doors and windows because of unconfirmed reports that the burning building may

have contained asbestos.Traffic was diverted away from

the area and roads were closed both sides of Brading Village, whilst fire fighters dealt with the blaze that is believed to have started in a large shed.

Local hotelier of 40 years Joan Rawley from the Oakfield House hotel said: “The police came round and knocked on all our doors. “They were telling you to make sure you close the windows in case there’s anything

in the air. The police have put up a scene tape to stop any of the guests coming out.”

Smoke could be seen as far as the Tesco superstore as fire fighters from Sandown station fought the blaze.

Jan Dixey who lives on The Mall said “My husband was about to go out and play golf when he opened the front door and we could see flames shooting up in the air. They were about 20 foot in height, glowing orange and yellow.”

A resident who didn’t wish to be named said “Normally it’s very quite on the road apart from the traffic. The yard has been empty for about 20 years. We are always saying it’s a matter of time before something like this happens as there are always kids messing about in there.”

A spokesman for Hampshire and IW Police confirmed to The Gazette that a probe had been launched into how the fire had started.


NEWS

A DOLPHIN, a seahorse, a turtle and a magnificent horse were seen on Lake Beach recently – all the work of local artist and animation designer, Hamilton Russell, aka ‘H’.

Amazingly H, aged 24, has only been making these sand sculptures on the beach for a couple of weeks. He’d experimented with making dolphins but the other animals are all new creations.

Although he has been good at art related subjects since he was only three years old, he has only done a couple of sculptures when he’s visited the beach on sunny days.

But if you look at his 2D and 3D work on his website at http://hamiltonrusselldesigns.weebly.com you will see that designing characters is something for which he has a great talent.

“My understanding of designing characters and proportions of figures does help towards the sand sculptures,” said H.

He said that he would “need more time between the tides and a little

more experience,” before attempting to copy his 2D and 3D designs. “But who knows maybe this time next year I will have a few more tricks up my sleeves,” he added.

“The best time I find to make the sculptures is after the tide has gone out so the sand is still moist enough to form shapes with,” he explained. “The only tools I use are my hands and an object on the sand that I might find like a stone with a flat end or a shell. But I mainly use my hands to get a feel for the smooth sand.”

Hamilton has just achieved a BA(Hons) degree in Computer and Video Game Design from Southampton Solent University.

“I am always working on my portfolio to send to game design companies and hope to get my foot in the door to start my career,” he said. “I must admit I’m not a good animator but I really enjoy the design process and creation of characters, which you can view on my website (see above).

“I hope to use my skills

and knowledge to hopefully become part of a successful game developing team, creating characters for video games.”

If you’re lucky enough to

see H at work on the beach, you will see how precise and clever his work is – if you’re lucky he may even make you a sculpture by request.

LIFE’S A BEACH FOR ISLAND SCULPTOR

THE ISLE OF WIGHT Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Combat Grappling Academy has recently opened at Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre, becoming the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club on the island.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be trained for self defence, fitness, and competition and it is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. BJJ is a grappling art which relies on neutralising an attacker by taking them to the ground and controlling them using correct body mechanics, positional dominance and submission holds.

BJJ is a martial art which first came into popularity after the first Ultimate Fighting

Championships (UFC). This is where martial artists, representing their own style were pitted against each other in no holds barred competition to see which style would reign supreme.

The competition was dominated and won by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert named Royce Gracie. Royce, who was the smallest contestant in the UFC, won the championship beating all bigger and stronger opponents. He did this by utilising the movements of BJJ which rely on leverage, technique and knowledge of human anatomy.

For more details visit www.iowbjj.co.uk for more details or call Martin Dell on 07791 987 412.

JU JITSU CLUB OPENS

TIME TO TAKE ON CHALLENGEIF YOU’RE stuck for something fun to do this summer with your family then you might like to take up the The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society (Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society) Challenge to go walk about this summer.

With Shanklin and Sandown both home to one of the Society’s large collecting box mines, the Challenge has been set to walk between both, and back again.

Beginning at the mine in Sandown, walkers will follow the promenade for the outward route, and return along the upper coastal walk.

The walk is approximately four miles long and takes in the cliff lift at Shanklin for those who don’t want to climb a lot of steps.

“With the school summer break and warm weather just around the corner, the

Isle of Wight Challenge is an ideal fun day out for the family,” said Chief Executive of the Ship- wrecked Mariners’ Society, Commodore Malcolm Williams, CBE RN.

“The Challenge can be taken at any time during the year and once completed all Challengers who have raised money for the Society will receive a certificate.

“Each mine features a unique reference number which should be recorded by the Challenge as proof it has been visited – and if it has become obscured a photograph will suffice as proof.”

Now in its 170th anniversary year, the Society has set a series of Challenges to walk, run, cycle or even sail around as many of its decommissioned WWII MK17 collecting box mines as possible along the coast. Each mine has

been painted bright red and situated along, or close to the sea front, however finding the exact location of each is part of the Challenge.

The more adventurous Challengers can further test their endurance by visiting all 16 mines along the South West coastline, or even take up the extended Challenge to include Jersey and Alderney in the Channel Islands.

The Shipwrecked Mari- ners’ Society aims to provide relief to the sea-

faring, and ex-seafaring community. As well as helping in the event of a shipwreck, its main function today is offering financial support to retired or incapacitated seafarers and their widows who are suffering hardship and distress. Last year, the Society made grant payments totalling over £1.7 million to beneficiaries in one off or regular grants.

Taking part in the Challenge is free and easy to enter. To request an entry pack call 01243 789 329.


NEWS

TEENAGER CHARGEDA TEENAGER has been charged after the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team responded to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Oakfield area of Ryde..

Tyler Michael Nichols, 18, of St. Johns Road, Ryde, was charged with four counts of causing criminal damage to cars. He was bailed to appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.

SUNGLASSES STOLENTHIEVES who broke into the ‘Discount Designer Sunglasses’ shop in Shanklin High Stree stole 18 pairs of French Connection sunglasses and a Samsung mobile phone.

The break-in took place between 5.30pm on Thursday, August 5 and 9.30am on Friday, August 6, 2010. Police have been carrying out forensic and house-to-house enquiries in the area.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed people acting suspiciously in the Shanklin High Street area during the reported time of the break-in.

People who are offered French Connection sunglasses for sale second hand in suspicious circumstances are also asked to contact the police. Anyone with information should phone Shanklin Police Station on 101.

AWARD FOR SCHOOLSFIVE MORE Island schools have achieved national recognition for the way they promote healthy lifestyles.

Primary schools at St Helens, St George’s, Dover Park and Chillerton & Rookley, as well as Nodehill Middle School, have been awarded the National Healthy School Standard.

The government scheme covers four key themes which are PSHE - personal, social, health education - healthy eating, physical activity and emotional health and well being.

To obtain the award, all schools must meet 41 criteria, which includes everything from increasing the amount of pupils having school meals, to developing a sustainable school travel plan. The latest figures released mean a total of 54 Island schools have been awarded the Healthy School Standard since the scheme began. The latest ones will receive an official certificate and plaque.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR US?

Send your news andpictures to us at

[email protected] call 402599

CHARGE FOLLOWS COWES ASSAULT

A YOUNG man was assaulted in Cowes High Street and taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

The man of 18 was left temporarily unconscious on after being assaulted by another young man aged 17. The assailant has been arrested and charged with actual bodily harm (ABH) and bailed to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, August 11.

Police can confirm officers attended a report of an assault in Cowes High Street on the Isle of Wight at 1.25am on Tuesday, August 3.

The victim, an 18-year-old man from the Isle of Wight, was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. He had been unconscious temporarily after the alleged assault.

Police cordoned off a section of Cowes High Street at the junction of Terminus Road while officers made initial enquiries at the scene of the assault.

A 17-year-old youth from the Isle of Wight, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged with actual bodily harm (ABH). He was bailed to appear at the Isle of Wight Youth Court on Wednesday, August 11.

A second 17-year-old youth from the Isle of Wight and an 18-year-old man from the Isle of Wight were also arrested in relation to the alleged assault. They were both bailed until September 1 pending further enquiries.

GET SET FOR ISLE OF PINK

THE ISLE OF WIGHT will become the Isle of Pink for the third year running in September and Breast Cancer Campaign is calling on the support from helpers to make the pink month a complete success and raise funds for breast cancer research.

This year the charity wants the Isle of Pink to be even pinker than before, but to do this Campaign needs volunteers to help with collections throughout the month, distribute the charity’s pink ribbon pin badges to local shops and businesses and help with the myriad of events planned.

There will be a sponsored Pink Aerobics event to celebrate the end of the pink month, so lots of support is also needed to make sure the event runs as smoothly as

possible.Debra Merrett, 28, from

Ventnor, has joined Team Pink and will be getting involved in this year’s activities such as charity collections and helping at events. Debra said: “I’m really excited to be part of Team Pink and want to get involved in everything to help raise vital funds for breast cancer research. I lost my mum to breast cancer last year and hope to raise awareness in the community about the disease; if I can save just one life than it will all be worth it.”

Lauren Baskett, Breast Cancer Campaign’s Community Development Manager said: “We have lots of activities planned to make this year’s Isle of Pink the best one yet but we cannot

do it without the support of volunteers like Debra across the Island. So if you can spare even just an hour or two of your time, join Team Pink now and help make a difference for the 46,000 people that are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.”

There are no restrictions on who is eligible to volunteer and there are a number of tasks available to suit every skill set and ability. All you need to do is decide how you want to help and Campaign will provide you with all the information you need to get you started.

If you would like to volunteer for Campaign, or for more information, please call 020 7749 3708 or email [email protected]

LOITERING WITH IN’TENTA WHOLE MARQUEE disappeared from the Garlic Festival site last Saturday in broad daylight.

The large 18’ by 12’ marquee was stolen between 1pm and 3pm, only hours after it had been erected for this weekend’s festival.

The thief or group of thieves must have driven into the field, dismantled the marquee, which was just next to the main road, and loaded it onto a vehicle.

Festival organiser, David Holmes, is offering a £500 reward for the marquee’s safe return. It is clearly marked ‘Gray’s of Newport’.

“It wouldn’t have been easy to take,” said David. “It’s almost unbelievable!”

A YOUNG man who had sustained a suspected broken ankle after slipping on coastal protection boulders was rescued by the Coastguard helicopter at Reeth Bay, Castlehaven Lane, Niton.

In a race against the incoming tide the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter winched the young man from the rocks as the small beach rapidly disappeared beneath the waves.

During the rescue on Aug 5 the young man and one other required prompt attendance by ambulance and coastguards.

Many beach visitors have to use the boulders to return to the road when the beach is cut off by the incoming tide. Locals have been lobbying the Council to make them safer, more stable and with less deep voids between each rock since their installation.

The injured man was fortunate that he was not alone as there is no mobile reception at the location.

RESCUE AT CASTLEHAVEN


NEWS


NEWS

DURING the Victorian era, collections of curiosity - natural specimens, fossils, artefacts, and oddities - were all the rage.

Carisbrooke Castle visitors have the chance to take a peek into that freaky world when the extra- ordinary Lord Holkham and his Travelling Museum of Curiosities and Wonder-ment pulls into the historic site on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 17 and 18).

Families can meet his troop of intrepid explorers, including Dr Daniel Dagg- Winnit who will amaze with his tales of the FeeJee Mermaid, his hunt for the Himalayan mountain Yeti and the pygmy tribes of deepest darkest Africa.

Lady Clarissa Flinders-Caltroppe will unwrap a mummy before unbelieving eyes to reveal all about the mummification process and the passage of death.

The greatest discovery of the age will be unveiled when Lord Holkham exhibits finds from his dig in America, including the skull of a new type of dinosaur - Triceratops Horridus!

Incredible inventions – including Leonardo De Vinci’s flying machine and the marvel of the new photographic process – will keep visitors enthralled, plus presentations on Victorian flora and fauna will be on offer from Lily Smigeon as she flits around between butterfly catching expeditions.

Musical entertainment will also be on offer during a whistle-stop musical ride through the complete history of music…in 30 minutes!

This fun family event runs from 10am until 5pm each day. It is part of the exciting English Heritage Time Travellers Go… programme, running around the

country throughout the year. Participating children are issued with a passport to use at each event they attend, collect a sticker and chart their progress towards becoming a fully fledged Time Traveller.

Normal admission prices apply: Adults £7, Conce- ssions £6, Children £3.50, Family Ticket £17.50. English Heritage Members free. All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non-member, to help English Heritage fund this entertainment activity. Entrance to the event provides access to the castle’s attractions, including the chance to meet the castle’s four-legged ‘famous five’ – donkeys, Jack, Jill, Jimbob, Joseph and Jigsaw.

VICTORIAN ERA COMES BACK TO CARISBROOKE

SHANKLIN Rotary Club have £25,000 to hand to local charitable organisation, to used for some section of the community.

The Dragon’s Gold award has now been narrowed down to a shortlist of four, following 11 initial serious enquiries.

The finalists are The Friends of Shanklin Theatre, St Catherine’s School, Ventnor, John’s Club, based in Shanklin and the YMCA Fairthorne Group, in association with the Bays Children’s Centre, at Winchester House Shanklin.

Friends of Shanklin Theatre want the funds to form a youth centre in the basement of the theatre to serve 14-17 year olds, currently not catered for. The idea is to provide a ‘Cavern Club’ type environment.

St Catherine’s School would use the funding to expand their Worx Project, which provides training for

young people with disabilities in various practical skills, including bricklaying, computer repair and photography.

John’s Club is a voluntary organisation which provides a range of services and support to vulnerable adults and teenagers with learning disabilities. They want to provide a drop-in centre and IT training room.

The YMCA Fairthorne Group hope to create a sensory room for use by a range of children, young people and families with disabilities and other problems. The room would be a safe environment fitted with equipment that stimulates or calms the senses.

Final bids are to be submitted by September 15, and then an event is being planned for early October, based loosely on the Dragon’s Den TV programme, to select the winner, and provide a platform for those who do not win.

ROTARY CLUB SPLASH CASH

RESIDENTS ARE QUIZZEDRESIDENTS of Meaders Road in Ryde are to have their concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area investigated this month.

Cllr Gary Taylor, IW Council member for Ryde South, will be undertaking a survey of all of the residents immediately affected by the cut through from the Oak Vale Estate and Meaders Road throughout the month of August and the results will be available in early September.

In a letter drop he will invite all residents in these communities to express their views as to whether the cut-through has had an impact on their quality of life (and if so, how), and also ask whether they would support its closure.

The decision to make this survey was made at a meeting held on Wednesday August 4 between Cllr Taylor and representatives of the IW Council Planning Department, Southern Housing Group and the Hampshire Constabulary. It was called to discuss the concerns over anti-social behaviour and crime taking place in and around the area of the cut-through between Meaders Road and the new Oak Vale estate.

As reported in The Gazette, the cut-through between these two residential areas is considered by a number of residents, and the local police, to have led to this increase in anti-social behaviour, and there have been demands for it to be closed.

The meeting on August 4 considered the options for management of the link in order to reduce anti-social behaviour, whether closure of the link is in the

interests of the wider local community, and how this would be achieved if deemed to be an appropriate course of action.

The police raised a number of concerns about the recorded incidents that have taken place since the cut-through was opened in April.

Taking all of this into account, the local member Cllr Taylor agreed to undertake a survey all of the residents immediately affected by this issue. – namely those in Meaders Road and Oak Vale.

This survey, which will be undertaken with the support of the police and Southern Housing, will inform a further consideration as to whether a planning variation could be achieved to close this cut-through.

This process is necessary to ensure that any future decision on whether to close the cut-through is appropriately evidenced and can therefore be justified. The police will also contribute to this process by submitting a formal representation about the impact they consider the cut-through to have had on crime and anti-social behaviour levels.

Cllr Taylor urges local residents who feel strongly about this issue to be patient, recognising that whilst there may continue to be some disruptive behaviour in the interim, a proper process must be followed to ensure not only the right decision is made, but also that it is one that can be justified and upheld.

Any residents who do experience anti-social behaviour in the meantime are asked to contact either the police or Cllr Taylor, depending on the nature of what has occurred


NEWS

‘CALBOURNE’ BACK ON TRACKBACK ON the rails at IW Steam Railway and looking resplendent in her early British Railways lined black livery is the ‘Calbourne’ locomotive, which dates from the time when Victoria was on the throne. A special weekend of celebrations is planned in October to welcome her back.

The new star of the show, the No. 24,1891-built LSWR O2 Class No. W24 ‘Calbourne will head a train of former London Brighton & South Coast Railway (LBSCR) and South-Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) bogie coaches, recreating a typical Island railway scene from half a century ago.

This means that there will be two Victorian Island locomotives in service together: the newly repaired flagship locomotive ‘Calbourne’ and the IW Steam Railway’s oldest locomotive, the 1876-built ‘Terrier’ class engine No.8 ‘Freshwater’.

The Steam Railway’s oldest locomotive, the ‘Freshwater’ will head a train of Victorian four-wheeled coaches recreating a typical Southern

Railway scene from the inter-war years.

The two-train service will enable visitors to ride behind two different trains, both of which will comprise only former Island railway rolling stock.

A celebration weekend is planned to welcome her, which will take place on Friday 8 Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October. A two-train service will be in operation featuring the two former Island locomotives in steam together for the first time in eight years.

In announcing the celebration weekend, the IW Steam Railway’s General Manager, Peter Vail, said, “There is a genuine delight in seeing Calbourne back in steam. She is our original locomotive and helped get the IW Steam Railway underway when we started running trains nearly 40 years ago in 1971.

“Couple this with the strong interest we’re already seeing among the public wanting to come and take a ride behind her, we felt we should stage a

proper celebration weekend in her honour!”

Several other attractions are still being firmed-up for the weekend, but are likely to include a formal dedication ceremony for the locomotive, photo opportunities, and a special photographic

display of Calbourne through the years, a preview of the Railway’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2011, workshop tours, commemorative memorabilia, and a real ale bar.

The Railway will also

be inviting Calbourne’s driver from BR days, Ken West, as a guest during the weekend. Evening events may be staged in the Railway’s function room, the Calbourne Room, and, for Mainland visitors wishing to come across for the weekend,

the Railway hopes to be able to offer special travel and accommodation packages with local ferry operators and Island hotels.

Updates and confirmed details on the weekend will be published on IW Steam Railway’s website.


FEATURE

FLOATS ON SHOESTRING

THE VICTORIAN Weekend at IW Steam Railway proved to be another big attraction at this growing venue with visitor numbers up a massive 50 per cent.

Over 500 people per day visited the event, which for the third year running offered visitors a trip back to the era of Queen Victoria. Workers and volunteers at the Railway donned Victorian dress for the day and a couple from East Cowes, who are members of the Victorian Strollers, pitched up with a full Victorian picnic, which they laid out in the station yard.

Attractions included Victorian stalls selling items such as soap making and wood turning and carving. Traditional Punch and Judy entertained the

little ones and ‘Beatrix Potter’ visited the event to tell her popular stories and tales about her life in Victorian times.

Trains over the weekend were hauled by two of the Railway’s Victorian locomotives – the 1876-built ‘Terrier’ class loco ‘Freshwater’ which headed a train of carriages each of which date from the 19th century, and the 1891-built O2 class loco ‘Calbourne’ which has just returned to steam after eight years of major boiler repairs.

Music from the music halls of the day was provided by Fiona Harrison, who performed in authentic Victorian costume, while Railway staff were also suitably attired, with ladies in bustle gowns, Victorian maids, pearly

kings and even Sherlock Holmes all spotted over the two days!

The weekend also saw the final two days of the Railway’s Cuneo Exhibition – a week-long exhibition showcasing the paintings of the respected railway artist, Sir Terence Cuneo. Peter Collins from The Cuneo Society joined in the Victorian theme for the weekend, dressing as the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“Our Victorian Weekend continues to grow in popularity and allows a little escapism from the modern world”, said IW Steam Railway Events Officer, Liz Tagart. “While not one of our major events, there’s definitely a keen interest in the era. To increase visitor numbers

by 50% is terrific, and we can see that there’s room to grow this event in future years”.

The Railway’s next major events include the Island Steam Show, staged over four days from August 27 to 30, this year featuring Medieval jousting, a court jester, traction engines, traditional fairground, vintage vehicles and many other attractions. In

September the Railway hosts the annual Island Morris Minor Rally, a Model Railway Exhibition, a Wine Festival, and in October there will be a special ‘Calbourne Weekend’ to mark the return to steam of the Railway’s flagship loco ‘Calbourne’.

Next year for the Railway’s fortieth anniversary, 40 events are planned throughout the year!

VICTORIAN STEAM WEEKEND PULLS IN RECORD CROWDS

MANY of the Island’s carnival floats are put together on very small budgets and we spoke to the organisers of the St Helens’ Carnival Queen’s float about how they manage to put the whole tableau on the road.

This year the St Helens’ Queen and two Princesses, dressed in blue with furry white hats, are in a sled being pulled by two huskies, on a snow-covered float – perhaps in memory of last winter!

In St Helens the Queens float was separated from the main carnival committee and a separate group was set up just to build and run the Queens float. Brian and Margaret Cope run the group, son Simon is the artist and other family members and various parents of the Carnival Queens help them.

“The idea behind this was that the float could go into all of the Island carnivals in case anything happens on our own carnival day such as heavy rain,” explained Brian. “It leaves the others to concentrate on St. Helens Sports and Carnival Day,

which is on August Bank Holiday Monday every year.

“My wife has an idea around Christmas time, and we begin basic float maintenance - brakes, tyres, structure, electrics as soon as possible. Here we are helped by various members of St. Helens who have the necessary skills,” explained Brian.

“We try to organise the Carnival Queens in March, mainly to get ideas for dress design and how many girls to choose as this also dictates seating on the float,” he added.

“The girls are picked by judges from outside of St. Helens so that there is no bias. Being a village means that the age range is seven to 13.

“My Sister-in-law, Janet Cooper, makes the dresses, with my wife choosing design and colours, etc. Material cost is therefore very low.

“Insurance is our biggest cost, and this, hopefully, comes from the Sports and Carnival Day (programs, raffles, adverts, etc). If it

rains, we are going to be in big trouble next year,” worried Brian.

“Wood is scrounged from looking around to see if any buildings are being demolished - we hate to see good wood being burnt! Paint is supplied free because we have a good friend in the trade, and all the paint is un-saleable and would otherwise be thrown away.

“Spinnaker Chandlery in Embankment Road, Bembridge, run by Marty Coombes, help us with odds and ends in return for advertising. Lights are reusable, as are a lot of the decorations. Anything else we find at car boot sales.

“We are very lucky to be able to keep the float, and work on it, at Fakenham Farm in St. Helens, run by Julie & Clive Preston. Details and photos of the float design are on their website. We have to keep the Float covered over with tarpaulins, a bit of a bind, but we haven’t found anywhere to keep it under cover as yet.

“One of our biggest headaches has been the

transport to and from carnivals around the Island. This year we are lucky in that we can borrow Julie and Andy Toogood’s, of BMS fame, Shogun, which can pull a house if needed! I am trying to persuade them to let us buy it, no success in that yet,” he laughed.

“We belong to the Island Carnival Federation, and meet regularly to discuss Carnival issues such as Health & Safety. Our pleasure comes from the comments of the crowds who come to watch at the carnivals, and it is usually very positive.

“Our Queens are usually excellent, and wave and smile like mad. Our only wish is that more Villages would join in,” he pleaded.

“You don’t need a committee to run a Carnival Queen Float, so let us hope that they too can build and run on a shoestring like us.”


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NAUTICAL BUT NICE FUN DAYIT WAS all aboard me hearties for the nautically themed annual fun day for St John’s Church’s at Bishop Lovett School where £800 was raised towards church funds.

Compared by Adrian ‘Blackbeard’ Searle, complete with a parrot called Poseidon on his shoulder, the day’s entertainment was to the backdrop of music from duo Barjon (Barry and John), with many sea shanties and sea themed numbers.

Stallholders made a great effort to dress in the nautical theme with many pirates and sea captains hawking their wares. Manned by church members the stalls sold children’s toys and books, nearly new clothing, cakes and teas and coffees and there was a barbecue throughout the afternoon.

Side shows included two tombola’s, a raffle, pick a duck, lucky dip and throw and lid onto the Island – again all with connections to the sea.

Traditional sports were held such as skipping, egg and spoon and sack racing, hula hooping and a fancy dress competition.

Tilly and Molly Graham were dressed as mermaids and visitors had to guess where they had swum from to

be at the Fun Day. Had they come from ‘Golden Cove’ or ‘Treasure Island’? The answer was ‘Peace Ocean’.

Members of the public had a chance to walk a very short plank that was only a few inches from the ground in a special display by Ryde Sea Cadets.

“Building the ‘walk the plank’ rig was a playlet that the Navy call ‘evolutions’,

which are based on an aspect of the training,” said Lt (SCC) Jeff Reid, Commanding Officer of Ryde Sea Cadets.

The Cadets had also brought a kayak and open canoe into the arena so that everyone could see one aspect of their boating activities, and their kayaking trainer was on hand to give advice.

“We are fortunate on the Island that we have the Southern Area Boatwork Station in Portsmouth who run a lot of courses for sea cadets – they stay on HMS Bristol at Whale Island while they do the courses,” said Lt Reid.

Cadets have the chance to go all around the country to do training in a variety of boats including a square-rigged ship and powered boats.

Junior cadets range from age ten to 12, seniors from 12 to 18 and Royal Marine Cadets from 13 to 18 and all are based at TS Royal George in Ryde. Around eight sea cadets attended the fun day

to demonstrate their seamanship, teamwork and leadership.

“They all enjoyed themselves – everyone thought it was a good afternoon,” said Lt Reid. “They all did very well, especially the junior cadets who did everything that was asked of them and

behaved very well.”The cadets will be at the

Drum Head ceremony at Brighstone this Sunday (August 15).

Although the fun day was dampened slightly by a rain shower just after the gates opened at midday, the weather picked up as did the numbers attending the afternoon’s activities.

“The weather to start with stopped people coming but I was very pleased with it in the end,” said Mary Searle, Chair of St John’s fundraising committee. “We had a lot of very nice and encouraging comments.”

“They all did very well, especially the junior cadets who did everything that was asked of them and behaved very well.”


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NAUTICAL BUT NICE FUN DAY


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PASSENGER PRAISEFOR HELPING TO STOP DRUG RUN

PASSENGERS and staff on Wightlink cross-Solent ferries have been thanked by Island police for their support in preventing the supply of illegal drugs across the Solent.

Latest figures for the past year show drugs with a street value of approximately £9,000 were seized by police officers and search dogs on dedicated operations at ferry ports. Substances found included heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis with 20 people arrested.

Sgt Dave Steele of Hampshire Constabulary’s IW Dog Support Unit said: “We can prevent drugs coming to the island at the earliest opportunity by working at the ferry ports. Officers have received terrific support from Wightlink. I would also like to thank the majority of law abiding passengers for their patience and co-operation during these operations. The Isle of Wight is a safe place and we want to stop drugs misuse affecting the community.”

IW Community Safety Inspector Mark Bell added: “These operations take place thanks to a combined effort involving the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership and the Drug Action Team, which are committed to work that demonstrates drugs will not be tolerated on our Island.”

MARATHON RESCUE FOR YARMOUTH LIFEBOAT CREW

THE RNLI Yarmouth Lifeboat was engaged in one of its longest ever rescues when along with Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) was called to assist a 32 ft. sailing school yacht ‘Hakuna Matata’ with four people on board.

The yacht had suffered a steering loss and was drifting helplessly in mid-channel, some 26 miles South of the Needles and already had the tug ‘MV Vengeance’ standing by pending the arrival of the lifeboat.

The lifeboat immediately took the yacht in tow and started for home at 11am, arriving in Yarmouth at about 3pm making this one of their longest rescues.

BANDAGES WANTEDDO YOU have any out of date bandages that you would have thrown away? If so the IW branch of St John Ambulance would be very grateful to have them for first aid practice by their Badgers, cadets, schools, Guides, Brownies, Scouts and Cubs.

Please check your first aid kits and the expiry dates of your bandages and give St John’s Ambulance a call on 822794 if you have any bandages they can use in their training sessions.

COLIN STEAMING ALONG WITH NEW VENTURE

HE HAS driven a passenger hovercraft and a catamaran, piloted a glider, a plane and a lifeboat.

Now blind man Colin McArthur from Sandown has taken the controls

of a steam locomotive at

the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet.

Colin, 59, said, “These challenges have been a great way to raise funds

and awareness for ‘RP Fighting Blindness’, and I have enjoyed each one. I am grateful to the IW Steam

Railway for allowing me to take part in this challenge.”

Colin, who is a trustee of the charity, went blind through retinitis pigmentosa some 20 years ago. The Eye Love Sight Appeal of ‘RP Fighting Blindness’, which is using the beauty of the Isle of

Wight to ram home to the public that by donating to this cause, www.justgiving.com/eyelovesight), those

who are blind or partially sighted due to retinitis pigmentosa will one day be able to share and appreciate the views around the Island and beyond.

A project at Southampton Hospital will benefit from cash raised through

this appeal, to look at using adult stem cells from the iris to re-grow photoreceptor cells which have been wiped out by defective genes.

Commenting on the challenge, Steam Railway General Manager Peter Vail said, “It’s a real pleasure to be able to support Colin and the ‘RP Fighting Blindness’ charity in this unusual way.”

During the day, other blind and partially sighted people with RP took over some of the jobs at the railway, such as signalling, guarding, and ticket collection.

“These challenges have been a great way to raise funds and awareness.”

RESIDENTS URGED HELP STOP THEFTS

ISLAND residents are being urged to take simple steps to protect their homes and property following a spate of burglaries where opportunist criminals exploited insecure windows or doors.

The appeal comes from Island polce following three incidents that occurred overnight between Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4.

Police explained: “At 2:20am on Wednesday, August 4, in a house on Arthur Street, Ryde, a woman disturbed an intruder in her home. He had entered through an u n l o c k e d front door and ran from the house when he was discovered. The man was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up.

“In Priory Road, Seaview, a house was entered through a ground floor bathroom window some time between 3am and 7.30am on Wednesday, August 4. Two laptops and a camera were taken from the house and two sat navs were taken from unlocked cars outside the house.

“Some time overnight between Tuesday, August 3, and Wednesday, August 4, a house in Upton Road, Ryde was entered through an unlocked back door and money was taken from a wallet and a purse in the property.” Detective Sergeant John Walton,

from the IW Intelligence Unit, said: “We don’t yet know if these crimes are linked, but it is a worrying spate of incidents that could have been prevented. The Isle of Wight is a safe place to live and work, but residents should not become complacent and there are simple tips to follow to protect your home and valuables.”

Here are some tips to protect your home and valuables: • Before you go to bed, make sure all your doors and windows are

secure.• Make sure your car is locked and you have no valuables on display.• Put car keys and house keys out of sight, but somewhere where you could easily

get hold of them in an emergency.• Downstairs, move valuables out of sight, where they cannot be seen through windows or doors.• Lock bikes and garden equipment away in a shed or garage. If you don’t have a shed, bring your bike inside the house at night.

More crime prevention advice can be found on the constabulary website at www.hampshire.police.uk in the campaigns section under Safer Homes. You can also ask your local Safer Neighbourhoods team for advice – find them on the website by clicking the map or entering your postcode.

“We don’t yet know if these crimes are linked, but it is a worrying spate of incidents that could have been prevented.”

POLICE have released photographs of kayaks reported stolen on the Island as part of a fresh appeal for information.

Officers from the Ryde and Rural East Safer Neighbourhoods teams are continuing to make enquiries into the alleged thefts, believed to have taken place between 9.15pm on Monday, July 5 and 9.00am on Tuesday, July 6.

Five single seat kayaks left secured on Lower Woodside beach at Wootton Bridge were reported stolen. Three of the kayaks are described as ‘Dagger Infrared’ models. They carry the individual numbers: 0791, 0792 and 0795.

The other two kayaks are

described as ‘Dagger RPM’ models. They are both numbered individually: 0793 and 0796. These individual numbers and ‘PGL Travel’ are written and stamped on the kayaks.

Police are renewing an appeal for information about anyone seen acting suspiciously near Lower Woodside beach over the past month or details about the possible whereabouts of these kayaks as they may have been offered for sale and used elsewhere on the water.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ryde Police Station by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45 quoting crime number 44100 280806.

The Dagger Infrared Kayak

The Dagger RPM Kayak

APPEAL TO FIND STOLEN KAYAKS


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CHALE SHOW PULLS IN CROWDSTHE 84TH Chale Show was a great success with crowd numbers up on last year and all sites were sold meaning the field was at full capacity.

The Horticultural Marquee, which is the centrepiece of the whole show, had a record number of entries beating last year’s record by 28, at 1446.

“This is absolutely wonderful – in particular the fact that the Horticultural sections were up,” said Chale Show organiser Andy Woodford. “All judges

reported a very high standard of exhibits.

“Also in this tent we introduced the Schools Section, whereby schools who had previously benefited from money to help their gardening clubs/activities were then invited to stage a small display of produce they had grown.

“Eight schools entered, winning cash prizes and certificates and this was extremely well received and it was so wonderful to see schools taking part in these

type of activities. We now hope to expand this in the future.”

The Royal Artillery Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team were very popular with the crowd who were about six or seven deep around the 300 ft arena during their show. Their death defying display also included jumping up and over three cars – all donated by Whitwell Garage, who had a large stall at the show. The Flying Gunners

Continued on page 23


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CHALE SHOW PULLS IN CROWDS


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First prize for two cabbages - Mr P Masters

First prize for collection of vegetables on a tray - Mr G Spragg

‘IT’S FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY’


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‘IT’S FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY’


The scarecrow collection included Mr Chale Show, a Lehman brother, Spider-man and a BP man

Continued from page 20

were set up to the seaward side of the arena and people could meet the riders and inspect the bikes.

Chale show is promoted as a ‘Fun for all the Family’ show and entry is free for children. “Because of this we introduced a joint tent of Extreme Performers and a children’s workshop alongside the Island’s well known magician David Randini, and we also we had the Wacky Tumblairs

comedy trampoline act,” explained Andy.

New for 2010 was the Sunflower Stage, supporting the Island’s Hospice, featuring local Island bands – this was extremely popular and provided a relaxed environment alongside catering outlets and the beer garden.

The Farmers market was increased by about a third this year to accommodate the extra sites inside and was sponsored by Chale Green stores.

“We are extremely grateful to all who help at the show, all of whom are volunteers,” said Andy. “Without their hard work and determination we would not have the show we have today.

“The weather was perfect over the weekend and the new traffic management plan worked extremely well.

“As I always say to everyone we don’t want to be the biggest show on the Island but instead we want to be the best.”


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SMILES OF FUN GREET SHANKLIN CARNIVAL


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SHANKLIN CARNIVAL celebrated its 120th parade in style this week with a wonderful array of entries.

A large pink flamingo, a scary monster, an oyster shell, a man-eating shark and a jack in the box were among the colourful entries.

Ryde Carnival Association’s Christopher Columbus

themed entry even had the man himself with the Santa Maria atop of his head.

The most humorous entry went to Sandown Rotary Club with their ‘Allo ‘Allo float and assorted cast members of the popular sit com.

Best overall float was won by the Sandown Carnival

Queens, which was styled as Ayers Mill in memory of Alan Ayres, past president and chairman of Sandown Carnival who died earlier this year.

Time and effort award went to Ventnor Carnival Queens for their Holland themed float, complete with windmill.


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Results:Carnival Queens (towns): 1st – Sandown,

2nd – Ventnor, 3rd – Newport.Carnival Queens (villages): 1st St Helens,

2nd West Wight.Children in Fancy Dress: 1st – Bird and

Price families with Wizard of Oz, 2nd – Lacey Gammage and Emily Aldridge-Snell with Wurzel Gummage and Aunt Sally, 3rd – Callum Churches with jack in the Box.

Pedestrian in Fancy Dress: 1st – Ann Abe and friends as Gothic Fairies, 2nd – Bembridge Shed Club with Toy Story, 3rd – Kathy Clifford and friends with Dem Bones Floor Fillers.

Decorated private cars and wheeled entries: 1st – Moody Family with Little Wagon in the Prairie, 2nd – Amelia Churches with Mummy’s Little Flower, 3rd – Sandown Youth and Community Centre with Tigger’s Picnic.

Tableaux on Wheels (Local clubs, schools and associations): 1st Broadlea Primary School with Charlie and the Chocolate factory, 2nd – Wight Diamonds Marching Band celebrating ten years.


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Tableaux on wheels (charitable organisations): Ryde Carnival Association with Ryde’s Fantastic Journey, 2nd – Shanklin Rotary Club with ‘Allo ‘Allo.

The Moody family won Andrew Cunningham cup for best-wheeled entry with Little Wagon in the Prairie.

Shanklin Town Council Cup for best Shanklin entry was won by Shanklin Rotary Club for ‘Allo ‘Allo, who also won the most humorous entry.

Best time and effort was won by Ventnor Carnival Queens for their Holland styled entry and best overall entry was awarded to Sandown Carnival Queens for Ayers Mill.


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CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN

IF THERE’S one thing you must do with the family before September 2 it is to go and see Jay Miller’s circus at the Racecourse between Newport and Wootton.

With their wonderful selection of very polished, professional and astounding acts - you’ll either be laughing or entranced for the entire performance, whatever your age.

The ‘Viva Jay Millers!’ Las Vegas style introduction gives a taste of what is to come followed by a set of amazing acrobatic feats from Duo Sila to ‘A Little More Action’ from Elvis Presley.

Later in the show the duo are

back with one more to make up the Trio Lyphcak - one of the three performs amazing somersaults from a bar held on the taller lads shoulders. These three acrobats from Kiev in the Ukraine are all absolutely perfect, precise and impeccably turned out and have incredible strength and agility.

Natalie is not only a deft and agile rope artist, dangling, soaring and somersaulting up and down and around the rope hanging from the centre of the arena, but she also presents the circus in her red top hat.

Jenny is an accomplished fire artist – as she

extinguishes each flaming torch a plume of smoke shoots from her mouth and she has other tricks to share.

‘Buccaneering Beauty’ Zsofi (pronounced ‘Sophie’) flounces on in a pirate style costume and proceeds to whirl, spin and fly from the roof of the big to. First from a ‘ship’s wheel, then from straps, as if flying in the rigging, and lastly from an anchor by just her neck. Ouch!

Alex was in the final five of ‘Russia’s Got Talent’ and his act is truly mesmerizing – the shapes he balances and spins appear to change and reform in front of your eyes.

Jodi Miller is the youngest of the Miller daughters, and at only 14 she is an amazingly versatile and accomplished performer – firstly with hula-hoops, which seem to whirl around her effortlessly as she adds more and more.

Later Jodi is back with a superb high wire act and soars around the ring from every angle imaginable.

Henrik has a stunning juggling routine, set to the music of Michael Jackson and with more than a hint of his style. From two to seven balls are gradually added and he even juggles with nine balls ‘especially for the Isle of Wight’.

Miss Nora is one of a kind – a butterfly who flies through the air, supported only by her hair, which is attached to the high wire. That must hurt!

Duo Antonio has a unique ‘clown’ act that crosses between magic and slapstick. Who is that clown? Could it be Miss Nora?

And throughout the spellbinding


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CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN

show, it is Peppi the clown who keeps the laughter flowing with his unique slapstick and comedy routines. He’s even joined by a female accomplice for ‘Decorators Unlimited’ – foam and water go flying and beware any bald men in the ringside seats!

This really is a fantastic show and well worth seeing – and it’s great to find a circus that doesn’t exploit any animals too.

This is a chance to see top of the range performers who push their bodies to be the best they can be. These are entertainers who love their art and it really shows – you cannot fail to be impressed.

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy this circus – but it will bring out the child in everyone. That sense of wonder at seeing something amazing that you’ve probably never seen before – and the chance to laugh of course.

It’s a good all round family show, put on by a really talented extended family – you will love it.


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ALL ABOARD FOR VFRINGE!VENTNOR’S answer to the Edinburgh Fringe, VFringe, kicked off on the town’s carnival day with singing, dancing, films, talks and, of course, the carnival parade.

With the generous loan of a red London Route Master, number 38 bus, and ex London bus driver Danny climbing into the driving seat, the gang were off on a ‘Summer Holiday’ in the true style of the classic Cliff Richard film. Peddle pushers, pork pie hats, clinched waist dresses were in evidence

and many revellers had their suitcases packed for the trip.

Earlier in the day author David Yates had given a talk on his two published books. ‘Bomb Alley’ is now one of the definitive accounts

of the Falklands War from the viewpoint of a participant in the

Author David Yates gives a talk about his books

Filmmaker Vincent Moon welcomes youto the Fringe Picture House

The Fringe all go on a ‘Summer Holiday’ for the carnival

“Pianos have sprung up in various locations about the town and are on offer for anyone to play.”

event – David was a sailor on board HMS Antrim. His account of the war was both poignant and entertaining.

His smaller diary style book, ‘Beaches, Bars and Blisters – of the Isle of Wight’ has been a popular seller since it was published last

year. David also spoke about his trials and tribulations when trying to get his books published.

Up at the Fringe’s Picture House – a converted shop that even has lovely old red velvet cinema seats for viewers – Vincent Moon was

showing his unique ‘guerilla filmmaking’ style of films. Vincent has made films for mainstream artists such as REM, Tom Jones and Arcade Fire and will be showing his individual and unique work at the venue every afternoon over the festival.

Busking was in evidence at venues throughout the town and will be throughout VFringe, which continues until Saturday night. Pianos have sprung up in various locations about the town and are on offer for anyone to play.

Line Up for the remaining two days of VFringe – although acts may be added as the festival progresses:

Friday: 10.30 – 4pm – Patchwork Picnic in Ventnor

Park. Loads of activities for families and a large picnic - Bring your own rug and food and become part of the patchwork.

11 – 12pm – IW Film Network Showcase at the Picture House

11.30 – 12.30pm – Tony and Friends busk at No 1 Alexandra Gardens.

12 – 1pm – ‘Carisbrooke Castle’ by Felicity Fair Thompson at the Picture House.

12.30 – 8pm – Music on the bandstand in Ventnor Park – see programme for details.

From 1pm – The Moon Sessions at the Picture House.

6.30pm – Dash Theatre present ‘Forget Lapse’ in Bonchurch Churchyard.

8pm – Comedy on the big red bus – old bus station, Pier Street.

8pm – Blunt Events host ‘Chill in the Park’ at Ventnor Park

8.30pm – Goose Island Syncopators at the Spyglass Inn

Late night music lounge ‘The Lantern Lounge’ at the Winter Gardens

Saturday:10am – 4pm – The Hidden Library – see

programme for details.10am – 4pm – Art in the Park, Ventnor

Park.10.30 – 8pm – Live music on the bandstand

in Ventnor Park.6pm till late – The Lantern Lounge at the

Winter Gardens.6.30pm – dash Theatre present ‘Forget

Lapse’ in Bonchurch Churchyard.7pm – Vaguely Sunny present Holly Kirby

and Groovecat in St Catherine’s Church.8pm – Blunt Events host ‘Chill in the Park’

at Ventnor Park.8.30pm Dick Walters at the Spyglass Inn.9pm – Illuminated Carnival Procession.There are also workshops on offer

throughout the festival – see programmes for details, which are available at various outlets around the town. Or check the website at www.vfringe.co.uk


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IT’S CARNIVAL CAPERSIT WAS ALL aboard for the 121st Ventnor Carnival, which boasted two double- decker buses – a green Island bus from the bus museum in Newport and Ventnor Fringe’s red London double-decker party bus, which was off on a ‘Summer Holiday’.

Winner of the best Carnival Queen Float was Sandown’s Ayers Mill, built in memory of past president of the carnival committee, Alan Ayres, who died earlier this year.

Ventnor’s Carnival Queens were resplendent on their Holland themed float, and have won many prizes at Island carnivals already this year.

Best Tableau went to the Wight Strollers who have been sweeping prizes from across the Island’s carnivals with their ‘Bad Habits’ group of very well co-ordinated nuns.

This year the Spyglass Inn and Ventnor Yacht Club had themed their ship as Ventnor Buchaneers and they sailed a tight ship around the course.

Ventnor Comic Jazz band were also in fine fettle, with their ever-expanding number of accomplished and amateur musicians and took their usual detours around the town after the ceremony, raising a smile wherever they wandered.

Fireworks were from the haven this year and watched by a huge crowd from the seafront, Ventnor Winter Gardens and the hills above.


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DRILLING DANDOINFORMED that it would cost between five and ten thousand pounds to connect her land to mains water, one woman decided to dig for it instead.

With a piece of land that she could not grow crops on, nor keep animals, because it had no water, it seemed the perfect answer to ask Peter Hanley of West Wight Drilling to try out his new Dando 220 top drive rotary drilling rig and see if there was water below the chalk on which her land was situated.

Most of the boreholes from which we get our water on the Island are on chalk as it is the substance most likely to hold it, although it can also be found elsewhere. Water collects in between the fissures in the chalk, in aquifers, and because the water is filtered by making its way through the chalk it is usually very pure.

Obviously having your own water source does not take care of any waste-water and sewerage you produce, but once you’ve found water on your land it belongs to you – and you can extract up to 20,000 litres of it per day without a licence.

To put this into perspective, the average house uses up to

1,500 litres per day. So you could supply around seven houses with water totally free of charge. Or you could irrigate your fields – as long as you don’t exceed the 20,000 litres per day limit.

Ironically water is needed to drill for water, but with the very kind generosity of her neighbour this was problem was solved with four conjoined hoses.

A 20mm diameter pipe and drill bit was used for the first six metres and Peter’s drilling mate George Morris helped to heave the extremely heavy poles into position. Although they are hollow, these poles are extremely heavy.

Next the poles and drill head were changed and 150mm pipes were used to drill the rest of the borehole with a tricone rock roller drill bit on the end comprised of three moving ‘teeth’.

An air and mist flush is pushed through the drilling pipes by a compressor, and it is this that pushes up the little bits of rock and slurry that are bored out by the head. The water and shards of rock shoot out of the top of the hole and hit a plate before falling around the top of the hole. The water also cools the drill head and keeps

it lubricated.A trench was dug to take

the water away from the immediate area – but in a domestic environment this water and the little bits of rock, can be collected and filtered, and the water can be re-used, which is much less messy.

As each three-metre section of pipe grinds its way into the hole, another has to be added. A cage around the area where the poles are added ensures that the driller cannot be injured during this process – if the cage door is open the drill stops rotating.

The poles are very heavy and each end has to be cleaned and greased before it can be used. Inserting a fresh pole takes around five minutes.

Watching the poles descend into the hole is quite a mesmerizing process – is this the one that will find the water?

By the end of the first day the hole was around 36 metres deep and the water gauge that was lowered into the hole registered water at about 33 metres – unfortunately this was likely to just be the amount left from the day’s drilling.

Day two and the process began again. Avidly watching the water and mess coming from the hole to

gauge if the amount of water was increasingly becoming a spectator sport. Because you are drilling with water it is difficult to ascertain when you have actually found any down below.

At several points it would turn slightly grey and at others it became slaked with black – no not oil, but the flint layers in the chalk.

By the end of the day the amount of water coming out of the hole did seem to have increased – but it was difficult to tell so we decided to leave the depth reading until the following morning when it would be more accurate. At this point the hole measured around 50 metres deep.

The moment of truth came the following morning. After anxiously dropping the water gauge into the

h o l e we encountered water at 42 metres – eight metres higher than the depth of the hole. We’d found water!

When the drill was inserted

into the hole, without turning on the air and mist, water came gushing out. This was the eureka moment – water at last and we could see it.

Peter decided to carry on drilling in order to give as much depth of water as possible. The water table goes up and down during the year and the greater the depth of water the more reliable the supply will be.

By the end of the day we were down to 60 metres deep and each time a rod was added and the drill went back into the hole you had to run for cover as the water spurted out and covered everything within around 20 metres.

O n c e t h e

drilling was finished the poles had to be taken out of the borehole, one by one. Once they’d been removed the water level was checked again it was found to be at around 41metres in the 60metre borehole – a depth of 19metres.

The next step is to cap the wellhead and to install a pump – a submersible pump is the most efficient for the job according to Peter. For more information on drilling your own borehole contact Peter at West Wight Drilling on 754005.

We hit water!

George Morris and Peter Hanley moving the drilling pole into position Slurry emerging from the Borehole

Above: The 150mm drill bit. Below: Slurry from

the drilling


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SATURDAY NIGHT SHENANIGANS AT THE BALCONY


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ANIMAL LOVERS were out in force for the fifth annual Fun Day at Bohemia Corner’s RSPCA animal centre as over 3,000 people attended.

With a bouncy castle, stalls, a psychic giving readings, a reflexologist and vets from Green and Foster giving advice on animal care, there was something for everyone.

At the information stall people could find out about the RSPCA and the home and how they operate and there were animal sundries on sale.

In the arena was Kathy Humphries with her rescue dog agility display ‘Wight Wizards’. All of the dogs have been residents at the animal centre before being adopted by their owners who take them to classes run by Kathy and her team.

Dogs from all over the Island, including some who have been adopted from the centre,

competed in a fun dog show, with classes such as ‘the most affectionate dog’.

There were big prizes for the winners of the raffle that included a 19inch flat screen TV, a Sat Nav and an IPod.

In one competition a dog picked a numbered ball from a pool, after entrants had ‘bought’ a number. “But most of the dogs were drinking the water as it was such a hot day,” laughed Ken Rivers, chair of the IW RSPCA.

“The weather was excellent and it was very successful,” added Ken. “It’s got better and better every year.

“The beefburgers ran out by 3pm. We had sandwiches, cakes and scones all contributed and made by volunteers. The team did an excellent job.

“The car park was bursting at the seams – it opened at 11am and the three-acre field was full by midday. Parking is our limiting

DOGS HAVE THEIR DAY

factor,” said Ken. “If we had more parking we would have had a lot more people – it was one in and one out for most of the time.

“It’s useful to us that the event is now held in the home as people can look around and visit the cattery and the rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and small mammals. It’s a big PR exercise,” added

Ken. “We need £1,600 to run the home at Bohemia Corner.”

The Fun Day is a big contributor to the RSPCA’s funds as legacies have been thin on the ground. The charity now has eight shops on the Island – two each in Newport and Ryde, and one in Ventnor, Lake, Sandown and Cowes.


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FEATURE

CHLOE HUME’S colourful design for a market stall caught the eye of the judges and Peter Whiteman, Chairman of Newport Parish Council, recently awarded her first prize for her picture at a small ceremony at Newport Quay.

It was on the day of Riverfest 2010, when twelve year old Chloe, from Newport, entered the ‘design your own market stall’ colouring competition organised by the IW Pannier Market team.

The team at IW Pannier gave a successful presentation of their vision for a permanent market place for Island traders at Riverfest.

“We were very grateful to Ray Harrington-Vale of the Footprint Trust who organised Riverfest, for giving us the opportunity to present the Pannier vision to the general public,” said Nuala Grandcourt of IW Pannier.

“The concept was very well received and we are currently in talks with IW College regarding short training courses for potential traders. We are also working on setting up a ‘buddy system’ for producers who don’t have the time to man their own stalls – and of course we’re talking to the producers themselves.

“Newport Parish Council has been enormously supportive in terms of advice and help with our planning so far and we hope to have a presence at their Christmas Fair this November, in addition to hopefully setting up ‘pop-up’ Christmas markets in a few other towns round the Island.”

For more information on the IW Pannier Market project see iwpanniermarket.org.uk.

CHLOE’S COLOUR SHOW

NEW HOVER ROUTEIT TOOK Hovertravel only 17 minutes to take one of their craft from Ryde to Gunwharf Quays, and the company took the opportunity for a photo shoot to help promote the speed of the hovercraft’s journey across the Solent.

Hovertravel operate the fastest route to and from the Island, with a trip from Ryde to Southsea taking just under ten minutes and the Hoverbus, which departs from outside the terminal taking approximately four minutes to reach Gunwharf Quays.

Neil Chapman, Hovertravel Managing Director, said: “The hovercraft has never entered Portsmouth Harbour before so we thought this was a great occasion for a one off photo opportunity to support our service which enables customers to travel between Ryde and Gunwharf Quays in well under

twenty minutes.”Gunwharf Quays is Hampshire’s

premier shopping outlet and biggest entertainment complex, with over 95 designer outlets, 30 bars and restaurants, a health and fitness centre, Vue cinema, Bowlplex, Holiday Inn Express and the famous Tiger Tiger nightclub.

With Hovertravel providing the fastest service between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, getting to Gunwharf Quays is a quick and easy experience for anyone looking for a fun day out.

Hovertravel was launched in 1965, is the only scheduled hovercraft operator in Europe and the longest running commercial hovercraft operator. For more information visit the Hovertravel website on www.hovertravel.com.


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

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. To start asap.

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


Nanny/Housekeeper

East Cowes

Applicants must be NVQ L2/3 qualified in Childcare & hold Early Years/Paediatric first aid (To enable OFSTED Registration). Driver with Car, an animal lover & strong swimmer Fun & active, firm but fair & consistent, kind & gentle, very flexible, discrete, hard working & reliable.

£7.51 per hr. 30 hrs – per week to be arranged – occasional weekends/evenings/nights.

Permanent

NIW/11012- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Television Editor/Camera Person

Bembridge

Previous experience in television editing and camera work is essential. Duties will include editing of television programmes and camera work on location, mainly based on the Island.

£15,000 per annum. 40+hours per week. Permanent

RFM/6616- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Scaffolders

Shanklin

To start as soon as possible. Qualified Scaffolder required. CISRS scaffold card holder. Lorry driving (7.5 ton) experience an advantage. Self employed also available.

Negotiable depending on experience.40hrs per week, 8am – 4.30pm. Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Waiting Staff

Shanklin

Previous experience would be an advantage but training will be provided. Duties to include setting up and clearing tables, taking orders, cash handling and keeping the work area clean and tidy.

Wage is negotiable depending on experience. Approx 35 hrs per week, 6 days from 7. Between 7.30am & 11pm

Temporary


JOBS

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Chamber Person

Sandown

Previous experience is preferred but training is given. Must be presentable with good team working skills. Duties to include cleaning guest bedrooms and communal areas. Immediate start.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16+ hours per week, 4 days over 7, between 9am- 12 noon.

Permanent


JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Hairdressing Stylist

Newport

Must have previous experience and be fully qualified to NVQ Level 3. Duties to include cutting hair, colouring, blow drying and any other associated tasks.

Competitive Rates of Pay apply.20-40.5 hours per week. 5 days over 7, between 8.30am -7pm.

Permanent


JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Sales Assistant

Newport

Must have retail/customer service experience, and be enthusiastic and passionate about gaming. Previous supervisory experience is advantageous. You will be working mainly weekends. Duties primarily include serving customers, processing and maintaining stock, merchandising and other associated tasks as required. Minimum 4 hour contract, with plenty of overtime available to cover long-term sickness. There could be the possibility of training a suitable applicant to supervisor level with longer hours contract.

Wage meets National Minimum Wage. 4 hrs per week. 1 day from 7 Between 9am -6pm.

Permanent

NIW/11003 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


FEATURE


WAGES DURATION


Welder/Fabricator

Brading

Applicant must hold a full driving licence. Previous experience in TIG and MIG welding is essential. Applicant must be able to work on own initiative and be able to read drawings. Duties include fabricating steelwork, railings, fire escapes and any other duties as required. Will be working in a small team.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage – Negotiable. 40 hrs per weekMon – Fri between 8am-4.30pm.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Chef

East Cowes

To work in our busy kitchens producing quality fresh food daily, you will need to be able to work under pressure achieving high standards for a busy 120 seated restaurant, tea room and high volume café. Experience of similar catering operations is preferable. A basic Food Hygiene Certificate is preferred, but not essential.

40+ hrs per week over 5 days between 7am – 9pm. Negotiable wage depending on experience.

Asap until end of October 2010



WAGES DURATION


Chef

Wootton

At our Little Canada Centre in Wootton PGL are looking for a dedicated person to join our team of chefs in our busy kitchens. Working for the Head chef and alongside our other chefs, we are looking for someone with either experience or qualifications in large scale catering. We are a residential childrens centre can catering for up to 800 guests per mealtime.

£6.20 per hour. 42 per week over 5 days.

Temporary. The successful candidate would initially be offered a 4 month contract.



WAGES DURATION


Salesperson

Seaview

Must have experience in selling property, preferably holiday property. Must have a proven track record. References must be provided to substantiate experience. Duties will include selling property as required. Good basic salary plus excellent commission. Immediate start available so please call for immediate interview.

Wage exceeds National Minimum Wage. 37.5 hrs per week. 5 days from 7.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


General Catering Assistant

Newport

Skills required: the ability to work alone or in a team, good communication and interpersonal skills, good customer service skills, the ability to follow written instructions. Reliable, able to work on own initiative with good customer service skills.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 20-30 hours per week over 7 days, between 9am and 5pm.

Temporary. This is a seasonal position until the end of October 2010.



WAGES DURATION


Room Attendant

Yarmouth

Previous experience would be ideal, however training can be given. Duties to include bed making, cleaning of bathrooms, vacuuming, polishing and all other associated cleaning tasks.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 22 hours per week, Monday to Saturday, Between 8.30am and 2.30pm. Hours can be flexible to suit successful applicant, also job share could be considered, employer is happy to discuss.

Temporary till 2nd January 2011



WAGES DURATION


Sales Assistant

Ryde

Previous retail clothing experience, preferably in a charity shop, would be advantageous. Training provided to cover the shop in managers absence. Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work well within a team and on own initiative. Duties include serving customers, cash handling, replenishing stock and any other related tasks as required.

Wage meets National Minimum Wage. 21 hrs per week 5 days from 6 between 9am – 5.30pm.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Car Sales Executive

Newport

Highly motivated and enthusiastic Sales People are required to work for a highly profitable dealer group with retail outlets all around the country selling new and used vehicles to retail customers. Applicants should be confident, well presented, hold a full driving licence and be motivated to sell in a target driven environment. Full training and support will be provided to every successful candidate.

Wages Exceeds National Minimum Wage. OTE £25 - 35k. Full Time hours over 6 days.

Permanent


JOBS


WAGES DURATION


Kitchen Assistant

Freshwater

You will be responsible to the Chefs, assisting in the preparing of quality meals from fresh ingredients. Your other duties would include, pot wash, preparation of garnishes, sweets and picnic lunches. This position will suit someone living local to the house. Suitable candidate may return for subsequent seasons. Working with a small but friendly team.

Meets national Minimum Wage. 39 hours per week Split Shifts, 5 days over 7.

Temporary



FEATURE

The Isle of Wight’s leading quote comparison website for finding self-employed Tradespeople and suppliers, Wightquote was designed by mums entrepreneurs for self-employed tradespeople an suppliers with the emphasis on ‘keeping our work on the Island’. The business is a web-based business and is simple to use. Customers can put jobs on the website for FREE and

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FEATURE


SPORT

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GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPERTHE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

THE 56TH ANNUAL Cowes Open Bowling Tournament has again proved a big success at Northwood Park bowling green.

The opening ceremony was carried out by Cllr. Ian Stephens, Chairman of the IW Council, Cllr. Alan Wells, Mayor of Cowes and Sandra Aldridge representing Hovertravel, the main sponsor of the event.

The finals were held the last day of the tournament, with the trophies being presented afterwards by Cllr Stephens, Cllr Wells, and Mr. Henry Game, Chief Executive of Hovertravel Limited.Results:Men’s Singles: Semi-

Finals Martin Butchers 21 Kieran Clark 16, Roger Payne 18 Paul Dickinson 21.

Final: in a rain soaked final both players played well with a very close result Paul Dickinson winning for the first time by 21 shots to 19 against Martin Butchers.

Men’s Pairs: Semi-Finals Colin Worsfold and Martin Butchers 19 Tony Partridge and John Crews 11. Paul Dickinson and Travis Meller 16, Brian Blenkinsop and Mark Griffith 10. Final: Worsfold & Butchers 20,

Dickinson & Meller 10.Men’s Triples: Semi-

Finals: Colin Worsfold, Dave Gustar & Martin Butchers 9, Steve Lewis, Roger Payne & Ray Byham 18. Brian Blenkinsop, Tony King & Terry Webb 24 Reg White, Peter Clayton & George Kirkhope 14. Final: Lewis, Payne & Byham 12, Blenkinsop, Paul Dickinson (Sub) & Webb 18.

Ladies Singles: Semi- Finals: Val Stevens 21, Ronnie Berry 13. Deborah Crews 20, Denise Butchers 21. Final: Val Stevens 21, Denise Butchers 12.

Ladies Pairs: Semi- Finals: Margaret Hendey & Joyce Utteridge 15, Margaret Haynes & Margaret Wallace 13. Pat Black & Val Stevens 15, Sandra Aldridge & Audrey Abraham 12. Final: Margaret Hendey & Joyce Utteridge 19, Pat Black & Val Stevens 15.

The winner of the G J Banks Cup for the best local entry in the tournament was awarded to Martin Butchers.

The County Executive match was the first to include lady players when President Allan Timbrell took the executive to play against his own club, Camp Hill Bowls

Club.The result was a win for

Camp Hill by 111 shots to 101, the executive winning on only two rinks. The top rink was that of the president whose rink won by 29 shots to 13. The rink consisted of Tony Bray, Phyl Taylor, Jean

Sorbie and Allan Timbrell.The County Veterans Day

was held at Camp Hill Bowls Club with 48 players, all over 70 years of age. The players were split into two teams, the red team and blue team. The red team came out victorious, by 114 shots to 87.

The top rink for the Reds were George Stevens, Tony Clark, Terry Thorner and Barry Simpson who won by 26 shots to 12. The Blues top rink was Brian Blenkinsop, Jack Young, Brian Ould and Allan Timbrell who won by 17 shots to 12.

County President Allan Timbrell who was for several years President of Camp Hill Bowling Club, has presented the club with a new flag. He presented it to the current President of Camp Hill, Terry Thorner during a short ceremony.

JUST BOWLING ALONG AT COWES

The trophy winners of the Cowes Tournament

Cllr Ian Stephens Chairman starts the bowls rolling at the Cowes tournament The opening party left to right: Cllr Ian Stephens, Derek Stevens Chairman of the Tournament, Sandra Aldridge of Hovertravel, and Cllr Alan Wells Mayor of Cowes


SPORT

ISLE OF WIGHT speedway star Brendan Johnson is the new British under 18 speedway champion after a dramatic meeting at Somerset.

Johnson qualified for the semi finals scoring 10 points from his qualifying races. In his semi final he made a jet propelled start clamping Kyle Howarth to the inside line, opened the throttle and sped to victory to make the final.

In the grand final, Johnson again made a fast start from Howarth, with Mildenhall’s Joe Jacobs and Buxton’s Jason Garrity. As Howarth pushed Johnson wide, Jacobs cut back up the inside of the Bournemouth man, allowing Johnson to pull away.

Despite a determined challenge from the Fen Man, Johnson held on to comfortable take the prestigious title in a time of 60.32 seconds.

‘PORT IN A STORMERTHERE were opening day victories for both Newport and Brading Town as they kicked off the new campaign in the Sydenhams Wessex League, Premier Division.

It proved to be a landmark win for Newport, who chalked up their first three-pointer on opening day in 24 years, as they saw off Fawley 4-1.

Brading also got off to the best possible start, winning 2-1 at Laverstock and Ford, while in Division One East Cowes Vics were in fin form, winning 4-2 away to Fleet Sports, while Cowes Sports picked up a point from a 1-1 draw at Warminster Town.

At their St George’s ground Newport took the lead on 13 minutes when Darren Powell set up Ashley Wright who shot low into the corner.

Three minutes later Newport doubled their advantage when

Wright turned provider, pulling the ball back for Charlie Smeeton to score.

The home side added a third inside two minutes of the second period when Tom McInnes converted Sam Hart’s cross, and it was 4-0 as Smeeton hammered home his second. Fawley kept plugging away though, and scored a consolation in stoppage time when a speculative shot by Alex Hibbard hit Scott Sampson and wrong-footed home keeper Gary Streeter.

Brading came from behind to secure victory over Laverstock and Ford, thanks to goals from Jason Ince and Alex Prezpolewski.

East Cowes Vics were always too strong for Fleet and eased home as Casey Tyrell (2 pens), John Mckie and Alex Harvey found the net. Sports’ goal in their draw at Warminster was scored by Craig Thomas.

RYDE ROWING CLUB represented the Island at the Christchurch Regatta.

But with no small boat events at the event there was a limited entry from the Wightlink sponsored Club who are traditionally not at their best over the shorts course on the River Stour, which is limited to two boat racing.

However, there was a

good performance from the Club’s senior crew of John Gedling, Stuart Johnson, Ben Ade, Sam Cocker and cox Bryony Reeve who fought through several heats before meeting this year’s Hants & Dorset Champions and eventual winners BTC Rowing Club in the semi-final.

Ryde lost out by two lengths, but earlier they set

a fastest time of the day of seven mins, two secs which was only beaten by the BTC crew in the final in the last race of the day.

The Clubs also had two J16 crews racing - the “A” crew of Sam Corney, Charlie Gedling, Dale Buckett and Max Reeve with Bryony Reeve coxing, and the “B” crew of Andreas Hicks, Harvey Kirkby, Christian

Lacey and Holly Evans, with Graham Reeve coxing.

Both crews also reached the semi-finals but were both defeated. The A crew also competed in the Men’s Novice Fours event but lost in the first round, and Bryony Reeve also raced in a composite Novice Ladies crew with Poole Rowing Club but again they went out in the first round.

RYDE SENIORS OAR-SOME!

THE DISNEY XD Beach Soccer Road show is coming to Appley Beach, Ryde on Saturday (Aug 14) from 10am to 4pm.

After the success of last year, members of the England Beach Soccer Squad and Coaches will be on hand to assist children, giving them tips, coaching skills and drills and organising games.

There will be competitive matches available for kids aged 8-14 to play in at different opportunities throughout the day, along with music and freestyle demonstrations, making it a really exciting day for children. There will be prizes and gifts on hand for the competitors. Further more the whole day is completely free! Teams/players need to email [email protected] to register.

As popularity for the sport in the UK gathers momentum, the hunt is now on for the next generation of talented youngsters that England Beach Soccer can nurture and help rise up through the ranks. Contenders for this event will be chosen on a first come, first served basis, and with the demand for places expected to be high, teams are encouraged to register early.

John Hawkins, Chief Executive of England Beach Soccer, added: “It’s no coincidence that some of the world’s best football players and teams have a strong background in skills developed through versions of the game, such as beach soccer. For nations like Spain and Brazil, playing on sand and having to constantly adapt gives players the confidence and flair that can make all the difference later on in their international careers. Federations around the world are realising this and Beach Soccer is becoming a more important tool to develop the footballing skills of their youth players.”

BEACH SOCCER AT APPLEY

VENTNOR CRICKET CLUB face a real battle to retain their Premier Division status after a four wicket defeat at fellow strugglers Lymington.

With just three games to go, Ventnor need a victory to haul themselves clear of the bottom placed New Forest club who edged closer to the Islanders after their hard won success.

Ventnor were indebted to Roger Miller whose fine innings of 94 ensured the visitors had a competitive total to defend. The former Havant all rounder cracked ten fours and two sixes in a 115 ball knock with only Sean Nowak (22) and Charlie Freeston (13 not out) providing support in a total of 215-8 from 50 overs.

Lymington were given a excellent start in reply, as Tommy Barton (59) and Morgan Rushbrook (33) led them past 100 for the loss of only Glyn Treagus.

The home side, chasing a reduced target of 208 from 46 overs after rain, were then pegged back by Roger Miller whose spell of 3-21 from an impressive ten over spell got Ventnor back in the game. Ian Hilsum and Nowak then made further breakthroughs and at 172-5 the match was in the balance.

However, crucial knocks from Khan (31) and Pain (21no) proved decisive and although Ventnor took a sixth wicket, the hosts eventually got home with

nine balls to spare. Ventnor’s second team clinched

promotion from Hampshire League Division 3 after a nine wicket win over Highfield. The aim now is to win the remaining three games and finish the season as undefeated champions.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Jack Nicolaou hit a fine 41, Andy White 35 and Barney Tyler 30 as Ventnor totalled 225-8 in the Harwood’s League Cup at Smallbrook on Saturday. The visitors ran out 40 run win winners after restricting the home team to 184-8.

A terrific innings of 120 from Mark Fletcher was the highlight of Ventnor’s 191 run win over St Helens in the final of the Island Webservices Cup at Newclose.

Fletcher smashed 19 fours as Ventnor scored at almost seven runs an over. Chris Early did his best to stem the flow to finish with 6-56, but was unable to prevent Charlie Freeston’s side reaching 277-8 from their 40 overs.

The St Helens’ response hit the rocks as the pace of Nowak (4-17) ripped out the top order inside the opening eight overs. Lee Brown hit seven fours in an impressive 37 but lacked any support as David Beven (4-38) and Mark Holmes (2-5) wrapped up the innings for 86 to give Ventnor their third successive Webservices Cup final victory.

VENTNOR IN DANGER OF

GOING DOWN

SPEEDWAY ACE BRENDAN NEW BRITISH CHAMP


SPORT

THE ISLANDERS’ hopes of picking up a National League speedway win on the road went out of the window as they suffered a heavy 55-39 defeat by Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire.

Ben Hopwood was kept in hospital overnight after a nasty crash during the match. Hopwood’s crash happened in heat 13 when he went through the special air fence only to hit a steel stockcar post situated behind it.

Team manager Kevin Shepherd said, “Ben went completely through the fence collecting the steel post the other side. Amazingly he managed to get up and took his place in the re-run of the race, although he was clearly in some discomfort.”

When he returned to the pits he was in agony and it was obvious there was a problem. Upon returning to his Manchester base Ben was taken to hospital, for medics to check out the full extent of his injuries.

Hopes were high for the Islanders going into the match after

the crushing defeat of Bournemouth, but this was a disappointing performance and one that allowed the Saints all three league points and left the Islanders looking back over their shoulders as the gap below them was closed tight.

The first heat was won by Islanders Nick Simmons, but with the home riders taking the minor positions the heat was split 3-3. The home side took the lead in heat two with a 4-2 from their high scoring reserves and heat three was split 3-3 as the gap remained at just two points,10-8.

The home side hit a 5-1 in heat four, but the Islanders responded well with a 1-5 of their own in heat five from Simmons and Smethills. The saints increased the lead with a 4-2 in heat six and then a 5-1 in heat seven as Irving and Worrall picked off Warwick and Johnson.

The Islanders looked good for a 2-4 in heat eight, but Birks and Richardson turned in round to a home 4-2 and at ten behind, team

manager Chris Hunt brought in Hopwood for a tactical ride in heat nine, but Worrall held his line and recorded the

win for 33-23. Another 4-2 followed

before Simmons came in for a tactical ride, but like

Hopwood, he could only manage a second place. Heat 12 looked like a 1-5 as Felton shot away with Warwick behind him,

but an engine failure for the Islanders saw him eventually run a last, and heat 13 was also shared

3-3. With the points in the bag Scunthorpe rubbed the Islanders’ noses in the dirt with a 5-1 in heat 14 from

Worrall and Compton for a 52-36 lead.

The final heat saw Simmons take Irving

with Birks keeping Smethills at the back for a shared 3-3 and a disappointing final 55-39 score line.

Scunthorpe = 55 1. Mark Burrows R/R 2. Scott Richardson 2, 1, 1, 1 = 5 3. Gary Beaton R, 0, 1’ = 1+1 4. Benji Compton 3, 1, 1, 2’ = 7+1 5. Gary Irving 3, 3, 3, 3, 0, 2 = 14 6. Steve Worrall 3, 2’, 3, 1, 3, 3 =

15+1 7. Ashley Birks 1’, 1, 2’, 3, 3, 2, 1’ = 13+3 8. Richie Worrall DNR

Isle of Wight = 39 1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 4!, 1’, 3 = 14+1 2. Lee Smethills 0, 2’, 2, 0, 0 = 4+1 3. Danny Warwick 1’, 1, 0, R = 2+1 4. Brendan Johnson 2, 0, 2, 1 = 5 5. Ben Hopwood 1, 2, 4!, 2 = 9 6. Dean Felton 2, 0, 0, 3 = 5 7. Tom Hill R, 0, 0, R = 0.

HOPWOOD INJURY BLOW

Lee Smethills and Nick Simmons lead Dan Halsey

ROSEBOWL ROBINSONS

SHANKLIN & Sandown Golf Club held their Saunders Rosebowls mixed foursomes competition, with 28 pairs taking part and producing some amazing scores.

The winners were Clive and Gill Robinson (pictured) on countback with a net 67. In second place, also with a score of 67 were Tony Williams and Julie Miller and 3rd (also on 67) were Brian Price and Jani Dear. There were also two net 68s and four net 69s.

Scunthorpe 55, Wightlink Islanders 39

“Ben went completely through the fence collecting the steel post the other side.”

THE ISLANDERS turned in a brave and battling perfor-mance against the Buxton Hitmen before going down 51-41.

The first heat saw Nick Simmons hold on for a victory with Smethills taking third after being passed by the Hitmen’s Guest Tony Atkin on lap three for a 2-4 lead.

The scores were soon level after Tom Hill bit the dust and was excluded, but Dean Felton on one of his old stamping grounds was stalked for the whole race and eventually passed by the spectacular Garrity.

A tough turn and dive by Garrity in heat three saw Johnson bit the dust and be excluded and the home side took a comfortable 5-1 and the lead in the re-run. Hill won heat four but Felton ran last in a shared heat. The scores were level after heat five when Simmons and Smethills took the spoils.

Johnson, not having the best of afternoons, fell and was excluded from heat six and the home side took full advantage to strike a 5-1 and regain the lead. Smethills and Felton kept the fast starting Adam Allott in last

place but home star Garrity won with ease after powering under Smethills.

The lead went to ten with a 5-1 in heat 9 as the home side began to take control. But Johnson who had three lasts up to this point won a re-run heat ten after the two home riders had tangled, with Warwick third the gap was back down to eight at 34-26.

Simmons suffered his first

defeat in heat eleven and once again the gap was ten at 38-28. When the Hitmen hit a comfortable 5-1 in heat 12 the result was almost cast in stone.

Simmons came in for a tactical ride in heat 13 which

he duly won for 6 points but Hill was again a faller and the 3-6 meant the Islanders were 46-35 down with just two heats remaining. Johnson then won the penultimate heat with Hill once again falling and being excluded, but home rider Dalloway also fell and

despite remounting on his machine was also excluded much to the dismay of the crowd.

Simmons duly completed a great personal performance taking the final heat for an excellent 17 point haul, but with Johnson this time having to follow home the two home riders a 3-3 final heat gave the final score of 51-41.

ISLANDERS WELL BEATEN

“A tough turn and dive by Garrity in heat three saw Johnson bit the dust and be excluded.”


SPORT

GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

SportJOHN AND ANDY SEAL VICTORY

AT OSBORNE INVITATIONALOSBORNE Golf club’s Men’s invitation was a high scoring stableford event.

The honours went to John Siviter and Andy Hicks who totalled 47 points, to beat John and Daniel Jupe on countback.

Just one point adrift were Martin Goodall and Mike Black, who claimed third place on countback from Nigel Bowden and Wayne Matthews. Glynn Taylor and Spencer Simpson took fifth place, a further one

point adrift.Osborne Golf Club Mid-

week Stableford. Division 1: 1st Neil Hallett (12) 42 pts: 2nd Keith Williams (10) 39 pts: 3rd Andy Taylor (12) 39 pts.

Division 2: 1st Mark Step-

hens (14) 37 pts: 2nd Les Snow (13) 36 pts: 3rd Graham Daish (13) 35 pts.

Division 3: 1st Stephen Chiverton (23) 41 pts: 2nd Pedita Potter (19) 39 pts: 3rd Alan Bayes (18) 38 pts.

SAIL OF THE SUMMER

EVEN THOUGH Cowes Week was again unable to unveil a main sponsor, this year’s regatta proved a huge success.

Now plans are already underway for next year’s Cowes Week, a event that began 184 years ago, and will be held in 2011 from August 6 to 13.

Cowes Week 2010 proved a thrilling event with exciting racing for the 896 entries and around 8,000 sailors who were competing.

The largest class racing at the regatta was the XOD fleet with 88 boats battling for honours. That made victory all the sweeter for the winning boat, Catherine, who not only won her class but also took the glory as the overall winner of the White Group.

The youngest skipper to race at Cowes Week this year was 14-year-old Fred Warren-Smith who enjoyed a cracking Cowes Week winning the Squib class in Aquabat and also taking the 2010 Young Skippers Trophy.

The 1851 Cup saw some exciting match racing between the British America’s Cup sailing team and current America’s Cup holders BMW Oracle Racing. The competition included a race clockwise around the Island following the original historic course of the America’s Cup in 1851. While Ben Ainslie and his crew on TeamOrigin lost out on the race around the Island, the team came up trumps overall to win the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s Trafalgar Cup.

Having narrowly missed out on the overall Black Group Trophy in 2009, Neville Upton racing in the Sunsail fleet with The Listening Company was back to better this performance with an overall victory; this goal was successfully achieved with a Sunsail class win topped by the winning of the Overall Black Group Trophy.

The newest class the Longtze class which competed in Cowes Week as part of its European circuit. The class included a number of European boats to the world’s best-known sailing regatta and it is hotly tipped to be a growing addition to Cowes Week in the next few years.

Cowes Week was delighted to play host to a number of championship events

this year, with the Tacktick Suunto Sigma 33 Class championship,won by Whippa Snappa, and the J/92 national championship, won by Just in Time.

The week set off to an exhilarating start with the Extreme 40s racing in the second leg of the Extreme Sailing Series. Paul Campbell-James, the youngest skipper in the Series, on The Wave, Muscat secured his first win in the event.

A fleet of six Simon Rogers-designed Artemis 20 keelboats, helmed by qualified UKSA skippers and crewed by novice sailors from a mixed background of disability and disadvantage competed for the Artemis Even Keel Challenge Trophy. In first place was Craig Rose,

from the Island, who won alongside Rob Greenhalgh, offshore yachtsman and veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race and the Extreme Sailing Series.

The fourth Artemis Challenge was a battle for £10,000 awarded to the winning skipper to donate to their chosen charity. The event was held as a pro/celeb race with Zara Phillips, Amy Williams, Martin Bayfield, and the Phelps twins all taking part.

The winning skipper, Mike Golding, and his team donated the prize money to the RNLI; the official charity of Cowes Week.

The Ladies Day Trophy was awarded to Louise Morton, an accomplished local sailor who has spent the past five

years reviving the Quarter Ton class and is a great advocate for Cowes, Cowes Week and women’s sailing.

There was a breathtaking display from The Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team, the Black Knights, who jumped from a helicopter hovering over the Solent and glided down in a stunning formation proudly flying the Union Jack before dropping into the water just off Cowes Parade.

The poor weather near the end of the regatta forced the cancellation of the Red Arrows display but did not stop the spectacular fireworks display bringing Cowes week to a glittering finale.(With assistance from cowesweek.co.uk and cowes online)

IW Gazette 69

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Transcript of IW Gazette 69