IW Gazette 64

Gazette THE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND’S PEOPLE PAPER

Friday June 4, 2010 Issue 64

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PETER ON WAY FROM ‘HELL’ ISLAND

TERROR ALERT IN WOOTTON

EMERGENCY services raced to a house in Wootton after a man feared he had been sent an envelope containing the potentially deadly anthrax. Roy Richards, 68, made a 999 call to Hampshire police after discovering the suspicious white powder.

See full story – Page 7.

AN ISLAND man was caught up in the controversial attack by Israeli troops on aid boats making a mercy trip to Gaza.

Peter Venner from Ryde set off with emergency rations, building materials and medicines, on a flotilla bound for the Middle East Strip. However the convoy members were intercepted and nine were killed in the hell attack which has brought international outrage and condemnation.

Peter’s partner Rachel Bridgeland, from Bembridge, has been waiting all week for news of his health or wellbeing following the attack. It is thought he was among hundreds of the captured that were later transferred to Turkey, and he is expected to be back on the Island within days.

Read about Rachel’s anxious wait for news – See Page 3.

DRUGS SWOOP

AN ELABORATE plan to traffic more than £8million of illegal drugs into the country through the Isle of Wight was dramatically foiled after a carefully organised sting.

Three men were arrested in a swoop at Yarmouth, and were later charged with conspiracy to import drugs.

The three men detained were Jamie Peter Green, 42, of Newport Road, Yarmouth, Veljko Protic, 34, of no fixed address and Daniel Payne, 35, of Albert Road, East Cowes.

They were taken to Fareham Police Station for further questioning, before appearing in Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court.

The sting, involving around 40 officers, was launched after a fisherman accidentally uncovered the 300kg stash of Class A drugs, thought to be cocaine, after he pulled out a lobster pot two miles off Freshwater Bay. He found a number of rucksacks attached to it.

The fisherman from Yarmouth tipped off local police, who mounted a joint operation involving the Serious Organised Crime Continued on page 5

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

DIVER SAVED IN DRAMA

A DEEP-SEA diver was winched from a dive boat off the Needles and air lifted to hospital after a close call out on the water in the middle of the Channel.

A distress call was made to Solent coastguard for urgent medical treatment and the coastguard rescue helicopter “Rescue 104”, with four crewmembers, was then scrambled from Lee-on-the-

BY JASON KAY

Solent.

Upon arrival at the scene a dramatic rescue was carried out. A winch man was lowered from the helicopter to stabilize the sick diver. The diver was then rescued via a basket stretcher and flown

for urgent medical treatment to St Richard’s Hospital in West Sussex.

The diver, Tony Grant, from Gloucester, reached the surface of the water at approximately 12.30pm on Saturday May 22, after diving on the wreck of the Spyros, a popular wreck site about three miles south of the Needles. But experienced skipper and dive leader, Dave

Wendes, back on board the Wight Spirit, realised there was something wrong.

“Tony came up far too quickly,” said Dave. “I was not sure if it was an equipment malfunction.

He’d spent 28 minutes out on the wreck at a depth of 30 metres, so decompression stops were needed at 9m, 6m and 3m, but he came up rapidly from about 24m.

“There was no medical reason for his quick ascent – we think there may have been a malfunction in his buoyancy compressor, it’s like a lifejacket that divers wear.

“Once he was in the boat I made sure what the situation was, got his kit off and insisted that he went on to pure oxygen – the best treatment I could have given him.

“Under water, when you are under pressure, the gas you breathe has to be at the same pressure as the air in your lungs. As you come back up you have to ascend at the correct rate to ensure that the absorbed gas in your bloodstream can be exhaled from your body.

“If you don’t do this you can get a gas embolism – a bubble of gas can force its way into your bloodstream, which is called Forced Lung or Pulmonary Barotrauma.

“At a depth of 30 metres when you inhale a lung full of gas the volume is about four times the volume it would be on the surface,” he explained.

“Tony came from about 24 metres to the surface in 10 to 20 seconds. I did a quick assessment, getting the story from the other divers, and the fact that he came up quickly meant he was outside the decompression window.

“I called the Coastguard and asked to speak to the diving

was telling me and at the same speed. It’s very noisy and you have to steer a steady course at the same bearing as the helicopter.

“The helicopter arrived within 15 minutes and he was lifted off by 1pm – it was all very quick. Any delay in treating decompression sickness and it’s only going to get worse.

Andy Peters was another of the divers on the boat that day and he took these photographs of the rescue.

“It was just one of those unavoidable accidents,” said Andy who has over 30 years diving experience. “If you push the button to inflate your buoyancy compressor, and it sticks on, you just pop up to the surface like a cork.”

Tony was taken to St Richard’s Hospital and spent about five hours in ‘the pot’ (recompression chamber).

His dive partner, Steve Jakeway, who was on the boat, drove to Chichester to pick him up after Dave and his party docked at Lymington.

“I’ve had the helicopter out about eight or nine times in the past ten years that I’ve been doing dive chartering from Lymington,” said Dave who has 40 years of diving experience. “It’s an occupational hazard.”

“There was no medical reason for his quick ascent – we think there may have been a malfunction in his buoyancy compressor, it’s like a lifejacket that divers wear.”

Dave Wendes

doctor and he recommended that he be lifted off and assessed at a recompression chamber. Then I got all the other divers back on board, cleared the decks for the winch man and asked one diver to help at the stern.

“I also had one of the divers in the wheelhouse to tell me what was going on in the back because I had to concentrate on steering where the helicopter pilot

TWO INJURED IN NEWPORT CRASH

TWO PEOPLE were taken to hospital suffering from whiplash and neck injuries after a fourcar crash in Newport.

Emergency services were called to Fairlee Road, Newport just after 11am on Saturday May 29). The road was blocked for over an hour whilst fire crews stabilised the vehicles so Paramedics could remove the injured passengers from their vehicles on spinal boards and collars.

A 38 year female

from Somerset suffering with pain to her neck and a 42 year man from Newport suffering from whiplash injuries were strapped to spinal boards before

being transported to hospital by ambulances.

Watch Manager Nigel Probert from IW Fire service said” Crews stabilised the vehicles using

blocks to stop any further movement.

This helps so that Paramedics can remove the casualty which out causing any unnecessary movement.”

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WAITING AND HOPING

A Gazette Special Report

Rachel Bridgeland and Peter Venner PARTICIPANTS in the humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza are now on their way home. However, Rachel Bridgeland has still received no news of her partner, Peter Venner, who runs a wood yard near Ryde and was among the 700 people attacked by the Israeli navy last Sunday. At least nine of Peter’s fellow passengers on the Mavi Marmara were killed by Israeli commandos and scores were injured.

The Israelis claimed that the commando attack was in response to live fire and petrol bombs thrown by passengers. However, Rachel

BY JASON KAY points out that the six ships participating in the flotilla had been checked meticulously by customs authorities at every port along the way, to ensure there was nothing on board that could be considered a weapon.

Rachel doubts that there will be any real political change as a result of the Israeli action. “Why should the Israelis not think they can get away with murder?

They do so on a regular basis.

The most our politicians ever do is express regret.

William Hague has called for the blockade to be lifted and an independent enquiry.

However, I think we can be fairly sure that it will soon be back to normal as far as our government’s relationship with Israel is concerned.”

Peter took personal luggage of £500 worth of books for Al-Aqsa, as books and school supplies are among the items that Israel has banned from entering Gaza. On board the Mavi Marmara, the day before the flotilla set off, he said, “It does seem to me that Israel is

behaving more and more like a psychotic patient.”

Another boat is on it’s way to Gaza from Ireland.

People from the IW donated money towards buying the boat, which has been named the ‘Rachel Corrie’ after a young woman who was killed while standing in front of an Israeli bulldozer, trying to prevent it from demolishing a Palestinian family’s home.

Rachel Bridgeland says “The boat is around the size of a trawler and it’s a bit of an old tub. The crew intended to join the recent flotilla, but problems developed with the steering among other things.

They’ve patched it together since and are now on their way to Gaza, despite the fact that Israel has promised to respond even more harshly.”

On Tuesday, a top Navy commander told The Jerusalem Post “Israel will use more aggressive force in the future to prevent ships from breaking the sea blockade on the Gaza Strip.”

There are reports that some of members of the flotilla who were imprisoned in Israel are insisting on staying behind.

They intend to challenge Israel through the courts for piracy and the deaths of their fellow passengers and have

been banned from contacting the outside world.

Having heard nothing from Peter, Rachel has considered the possibility that he is still in Israel.

However, she adds “when Peter travelled with the land convoy, taking aid to Gaza last January, the drivers were attacked by Egyptian police and later kept in buses on boiling hot tarmac for 48 hours. On that occasion, the first I knew of Peter’s arrival in England was when I received a telephone call from him saying he was in the café at the ferry terminal in Ryde!”

PARTNER’S PERSONAL APPEAL TO ALAN

A MISSING man’s loved one believes he could be on the Island after they spent a week’s break at a cottage within the grounds of Osborne House, East Cowes, days before he went missing.

Helen Wells, partner of missing Beckenham man 46 year old Alan Park, thinks Alan may have sought the Island as a safe haven.

Helen spoke to The Gazette this week and has written a personal appeal for Alan, who has now been missing for over three weeks, to get in contact: Dear Alan I love you so deeply and I don’t want to lose you. I have to get a message to you to explain my feelings. I realize that you were in a situation that you just couldn’t see a way out of. I wish you hadn’t tried to second guess how I would react to finding out about your situation, because you got it wrong, no matter the extent of the problems, you haven’t lost me

and you won’t have to live without me. We can be together (if you still want me). Please contact your family or me.

You say that you can’t live without me. If you feel that you can’t come back, then I could come to you.

There is nothing to keep me here, I have no ties. I’m sure that we can find a way out of your situation (please just accept help and don’t try to do it all on your own). I know that we can get through this episode in our lives, that we can come out the other side and be so much stronger for it. We can be good again. Please have faith in ‘us’.

Regarding the financial problems, help is available.

Regarding relationship problems, I still stand by you and defend you. I’m sorry if I let you push me away when what you really needed was more physical and emotional support from me. I thought I was doing the right thing and regret it if I made you more vulnerable.

You keep saying that you can’t look after me in the way you would

like to, but I don’t want money or things. You looked after me brilliantly. No one has ever cared for me like you have and it didn’t take money. You so love and we have been so close, you truly are the best thing that ever happened to me. You have been supportive to me, given me confidence and you’ve taught me how to enjoy life. I love to just ‘be’ with you. I need you. I so long to have you wrap your arms around me again. I never want to let you go.

I hurt so much, not knowing what has happened to you. I’m in a living hell. It feels like there’s a fist clenched around my insides constantly. I yearn for you. I just hope that if I can get this message to you, that you will consider everything I’ve said and hopefully still want us to be together.

I’m sorry if I’ve remained a bit emotionally guarded in the past, maybe I didn’t express how deeply I love you. Now there just aren’t words enough to tell you how much I love you and want to be with you.

Each time I use the laptop I see the woodland picture and think of our cycle through Clumber Park, when I fell off in the mud - happy times! And remember the other mud treatment at the spa? Do you remember the old lady who said we looked good together ‘like young lovers’? We’ve had some amazing times and not only the ones that cost money. The best times were just being with you, so close, as one, as ‘us’. I’m still your PH, and you’re still my BT. Please be with me again.

I love you.

Helen Alan is described as white, about 5ft 6ins in height, of slim build, and has short light brown hair. He wears black-rimmed spectacles and was wearing a dark jacket and a light top when he was last seen. Anyone with any information should contact Bromley Police’s Missing Persons Unit on 020 8284 8766 or Missing People on 020 8284 8766.

Alan Park

Helen Wells

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

CARAVAN WRECKED IN BLAZE AT COWES A FAMILY were left devastated after their caravan was destroyed by fire at a scrapyard in Little Whitehouse Road, Cowes.

Island fire crews fought in vain to try and save the caravan following an emergency call by the yard owner, who also tried to contain the blaze with a

small hose.

Fire crews removed a number of gas bottles while yard owner Ashley Stone pulled the caravan out using a chain and a tractor.

The caravan contained two precious rugs that had been given to the owner’s daughter from her grandfather. They were lost

along with some chainsaws.

Mr. Stone explained that he had just gone down to see a friend who rents part of the yard from him after seeing smoke at the bottom of the yard. He said: “When I got down there loads of tyres that were alight with thick black smoke.. My first thought was to try

and get the caravan out. I thought that I had saved it after pulling it out with a chain, but the window had caught light and there was a massive bang, like a bomb going off.

“Ironically, one of the only things not to be destroyed was a fire extinguisher, which I thought would have definitely exploded.”

Crews from Newport and Ryde were called to tackle the blaze, but by the time they got there the fibre glass caravan was already destroyed. Duty officer Jeff Walls said “Crew managed to contain the fire very quickly on arrival, but were unable to save the caravan.

“There were a number of gas bottles removed to a safe area by the crews.

We had to call in a water carrier to ferry in water as there was no water supply nearby.” The fire was not treated as suspicious, and no one was hurt.

ZERO TOLERANCE IN NEWPORT

ISLAND police plan to use extra lawful powers to prevent crime in Newport this summer.

For the next six months part of Newport will be subject to a dispersal order under section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Section 30 contains powers for police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to disperse groups of two or more people. In certain circumstances, the police can return young people aged 16 or under, who are unsupervised in public places after 9pm, to where they live.

The police work within the IW Community

Safety Partnership alongside the local authority to take swift and appropriate action against a small minority of all ages who commit anti-social behaviour.

Officers in Newport are carrying out targeted patrols and supporting responsible community events following a similar campaign last summer when there were 677 fewer reports of anti-social behaviour across the whole island between July and September 2009, compared to the same three months in 2008.

IW Community Safety Inspector Mark Bell said: “Overall levels of crime

in Newport have fallen over the past two years thanks to combined efforts involving the community, the town’s dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods team and partner agencies.

We want this trend to continue by using tactics that have proved successful in other areas such as Ryde.

“Anti-social behaviour in Newport is an issue that residents tell us is affecting the community’s quality of life. We appreciate this information and co-operation so the police can tackle these problems effectively and ensure people feel safe.

“We are also grateful for the support of licensees, businesses, transport operators, Isle of Wight Council’s CCTV controllers and Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers (ENOs), and independent Street Pastors who are all playing key roles in preventing crime and disorder in Newport town centre.”

Southern Vectis Service delivery team leader Steve Roscoe said: “We are happy to work with the police and local authority in their bid to counter all forms of anti-social behaviour, and will actively support

them up to and including prosecution. We have extensive CCTV facilities on our vehicles and premises, and these will

be made available upon request. It is hoped that by working together we can combat anti-social behaviour to ensure

a safer and enjoyable environment for all whether it be our staff, customers or any other members of the public.”

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THREE REMANDED IN DRUGS HAUL Continued page

from

front

Agency (SOCA), the Metropolitan Police and the UK Border Agency. They patiently waited for the three to return to Yarmouth before arresting them.

Officers later visited a location off Tennyson Point, near Yarmouth, and recovered 11 rucksacks attached to an orange buoy.

Each contained approximately 30kg of cocaine.

They also removed a 30ft fishing vessel “Galwad Y Mor” from the harbour to a secure compound at the Royal Naval dockyard in Portsmouth, where officers carried out a finger tip search to see if the vessel contained

BY JASON KAY further of drugs.

A search of Payne’s home in East Cowes was also carried out by officers who recovered a number of rounds of ammunition, a CS gas canister and a quantity of cannabis plants. All three men were remanded into custody to appear before Fareham Magistrates Court.

Police confirmed: “While on patrol in international waters on Sunday May 30, the UKBA cutter HMC Vigilant observed the Galwad-Y-Mor SU116 acting suspiciously. Over the course of the bank holiday

weekend, considerable surveillance was conducted in the area. Later that Sunday, the same vessel was observed acting suspiciously, this time in Freshwater Bay off the coast of Isle of Wight.

“The vessel docked at Yarmouth, and three men were subsequently arrested by officers from the joint SOCA-Metropolitan Police Middle Market Drugs Partnership (MMDP) on suspicion of conspiracy to possess with intent to supply Class A drugs. This followed a prolonged operational deployment by officers from MMDP, UKBA and Hampshire Police.

A search of Payne’s home in East Cowes was also carried out by officers who

recovered a number of rounds of ammunition, a CS gas canister and a quantity of cannabis plants.

All three men have been remanded into custody to appear before Fareham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police also revealed: “A warrant was executed at an address in Quay Street, Yarmouth, on Tuesday, June 1. A total of ten Hampshire Constabulary officers from the Isle of Wight’s CID, Priority Crime Unit (PCU), and Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) were involved in a search of the premises. The warrant was related to an investigation into a suspected conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

“This operation is a

collaboration of the joint SOCA-Metropolitan Police Middle Market Drugs Partnership, the UK Border Agency and Hampshire Constabulary.”

Doug McLellan, assistant director for the UK Border Agency’s maritime and

aviation operations, said: “This was a great job from the Vigilant team, demonstrating how well we work with colleagues in other agencies and showing what a vital role the cutter fleet plays in protecting our border.’

The Galwad Y Mor

SHAKEDOWN IN SANDOWN MAN ESCAPES JAIL

A GUNMAN who armed himself with an imitation pistol has escaped jail with a suspended sentence the gazette can reveal.

Maxwell Davies 41 of High Street, Sandown sparked a major armed shakedown on Sandown High Street last November where a dramatic armed arrest took place after a disagreement with a fellow drinker.

IW targeted patrol teams, tactical firearms support unit, dog support unit and priority crime unit cordoned off the High Street and kept

drinkers in the King House bar whilst armed officer arrested Davies.

A trial that was held in April at Portsmouth Crown court before a jury found Davies guilty of two charges of possession of an imitation firearm and threats to cause violence towards Robert Kirby. The court heard that on the night of November 7 Davies had been drinking in the Kings House when a dispute arose over a woman between the two men. Davies stormed out of the pub and returned to his home shortly

after he returned to the bar and threatened Kirby with the firearm. A worried member of the public who witnessed the threat called police.

Armed officers attended and recovered a firearm from Davies High Street Property, Judge Ian Pearson sentenced Davies to a nine-month jail term suspended for two year.

Davies was also ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work the judge ordered that he also pay prosecution costs of £500.

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POLICE APPEAL AFTER COWES ROAD CRASH

POLICE are appealing for information to find a driver who failed to stop after a road traffic collision in Cowes.

At approximately 8,00am on Thursday May 27 the driver of a blue saloon car carrying registration plates starting with the letter N drove out of Church Road and turned into Lower Church Road.

Investigating officer PC Adam Hinkley of the IW Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “Police were informed that the car appeared to go out of control and collide with a brick wall separating the pavement from the front garden of an address in Lower Church Road.

It’s alleged the motorist failed to stop at the scene and drove away in the direction of Solent View Road.

“No one was injured but I’m appealing for the driver or anyone with information about their identity and a damaged blue saloon car to come forward and contact police so we can establish the exact circumstances.”

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

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

RESIDENT’S ROUNDA

THE NORMALLY peaceful annual Lambretta scooter rally on the Island ended up with handbags at twenty paces after one Brading resident saw red over traffic hold ups.

The Gazette can reveal safety marshals involved in the scooter rally had stopped traffic to allow the convoy of scooters to use the roundabout near to the former Brading Experience on the High Street on Sunday (May 30) .

However, one Brading resident, known as Eddie, who was waiting to catch a bus into Ryde saw red. The irate builder came to blows in the middle of the roundabout with marshals.

In an exclusive set of pictures The Gazette captured the incident. The unnamed resident, claiming to be a black belt in Karate, said “I’m waiting for a bus, this is stupid. Why should they be allowed to do this? They think they own the road.”

FERRY’S BERTH BASH

FOR THE RECORD CONTRARY to last issues article on Jubilee Fireworks, they do not use gunpowder mixed with petrol in their work. We would like to apologise for any misunderstanding.

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TWO PEOPLE were treated for bruising and shock after a Wightlink car ferry hit its berth while docking at the Gunwharf terminal, Portsmouth.

The passengers were onboard the ‘St Faith’ ferry’s 1.00pm sailing from Fishbourne last Friday (May 28) when the accident happened.

Mark Clark from the MCA said “The ferry operator reported the incident

to the coastguard and we sent a marine surveyor to Portsmouth to inspect the vessel.”

Kerry Jackson, spokeswoman for Wightlink, said: “St Faith encountered a heavy landing.

Paramedics were called to treat the two passengers who suffered minor injuries.” The vessel was temporarily withdrawn from service as standard procedure.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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ABOUT RAGE AT BRADING!

WOOTTON TERROR ALERT A RETIRED officer administrator from Wootton has revealed how he was at the centre of a major alert amid fears that an envelope he received contained potentially deadly anthrax.

Emergency services dashed to the home of Roy Richards, 68, at Downsview Gardens after he made an emergency call to Hampshire police stating he had received an envelope containing a

suspicious white powder.

Officers cordoned off the two-bedroom semi-detached house in Wootton for over three hours on Wednesday.

A fire fighter wearing a chemical protective gas tight suit removed the suspicious envelope from the kitchen of the house.

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette pensioner and keen historian Roy explained that he had collected the post and

gone into the kitchen to open it.

“One of the letters was a brown envelope, it was very light and it had a weird looking 97 pence stamp on it. The address label was typed on a piece of paper and stuck to the front, not like a normal letter. I didn’t really pay that much attention to it” explained Roy. “As I opened the letter with a knife, white powder started to spill on to the floor. I had visions of the IRA as the address on the front had my name on it, but it didn’t say the Isle of Wight, it said Northern Ireland.

“I read a little bit of the letter and it said ‘Put this into water and a 100 dollar bill will appear.’ It had a telephone number on the bottom to contact. When I saw the powder I was worried about what it might be. I think it’s some sort of Nigerian money scam. It was all very worrying.”

Roy continued: “I called the police and they phoned

me back to explain that they were sending over a team of officers to look at the powder.

They told me not to touch it, but to leave it where it was.

“The phone operator told me to go around the house making sure all the windows and doors were closed. Five police officers turned up and they told me to turn off the water supply and said not to go back into the kitchen.

“They explained that they had called in a specialist chemical officer from the fire service.

“One of the police officers said they had set up an area near the community centre for police, fire, ambulance and a chemical incident unit.

“When the fire fighter turned up in the chemical suit at the front door I started to worry about how dangerous the powder really could be.

The fireman removed the envelope and put it into a plastic jar.

“The policeman told me I had to go upstairs have a shower and to bag up

the clothes that I had been wearing. I spent three hours confined to my front room, spending most of the time reading and watching the television.

“The paramedics arrived after the fire fighter left, to check me over, they gave me a clean bill of health. “The response by the emergency services was very good, especially the way that they

treated the incident and me.”

A spokesman for Hampshire and IW said “Emergency procedures were activated, but tests proved that the powder was harmless.

Investigations are currently ongoing into the origin of the letter. We are currently working with the fire service to establish the origin of the letter and precisely what the substance is.”

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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TEENAGERS’ LUCKY ESCAPE

Driver Emilie Rose, TWO TEENAGE girls had from Newport, a lucky escape following a 18, freak road accident near was accompanied by Aimee Adams, 19, from Calbourne.

Emilie Rose and Aimee Adams

Emergency services Freshwater, when she was forced to swerve to avoid rushed to the scene an animal, believed to be following reports that Emilie’s Ford Ka was a rabbit. on its side with the pair still trapped inside on the Middle Road near Calbourne. Fire crews from Newport and the rescue tender were called to free the pair.

Police closed the road and set up diversions whilst fire crews assisted the pair from the vehicle and made the area safe by righting the car. The teenage girls who escaped with minor injuries were hanging upside down in the vehicle by their seatbelts.

Passenger Aimee Adams said “We were unbelievably lucky to walk away with minor bruising. Emilie swerved after seeing the rabbit in the road.”

She went on to say the vehicle spun round hitting a tree and the verge before it rolled on to its side.

“The next thing I knew I was hanging upside down in the vehicle and couldn’t get out of because of the seatbelt. My friend Emilie had her foot trapped under clutch pedal. It was all very scary. The fireman got to us really quickly and they were brilliant freeing us,” she added.

AIRCRAFT COMPANY: WE ARE STAYING ON OUR ISLAND SITE

AIRCRAFT manufacturers Britten-Norman have promised they are to keep their factory headquarters at Bembridge, despite a major shift in operations to the mainland.

Following two years of discussions with the various stakeholders at Lee-on-Solent, BrittenNorman are to launch two new facilities at the former military aerodrome, also referred to as Daedalus Airfield.

In addition to securing agreement from the land-owner,

SEEDA, the company also required agreement from the owner of the runway to allow access to its aircraft.

Britten-Norman will continue to manufacture and maintain the popular Islander aircraft from its Bembridge headquarters, and will focus its Lee-onSolent operation on the manufacturing and maintenance of the Defender.

The move marks a significant change for Britten-Norman, which has been manufacturing

aircraft for more than 45 years and has, since 1968, outsourced the manufacturing of its sub assemblies to an Eastern European sub contractor.

Against the common trend, the company has chosen to take the manufacturing of its Defender product line back onshore with the aim of allowing for product improvements and a streamlining of the manufacturing process, thus reducing its cost base.

David White, Britten-

MAN HELD FOLLOWING COLLISION

ISLAND police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a road traffic accident in Ryde.

A Nissan Sunny car was involved in a collision with a Red Fiat Panda in Queens Road sometime between 3.30pm and 4.00pm on Monday, May 24. The silver D-registration Nissan was involved in a second collision a short time later with a wall at the junction of Dover Street and Ryde Esplanade.

A 65-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop. He was bailed until July 6, 2010 pending further inquiries.

Police are keen to speak with two pedestrians who may have witnessed the first collision in Queens Road, and anyone else who saw the Nissan being driven in the Ryde area on Monday, May 24, 2010.

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

from its manufacturing core into a more holistic, multi-site aerospace services led business.

“The company sees Lee-on-Solent as a great opportunity to combine its own aspirations for growth with a strong desire to take a leading role in the regeneration of the airfield as an aerospace centre of excellence. We shall be starting that process right away with the introduction of more than 60 new skilled and semi-skilled positions on A DRUNK-DRIVER who led police on a site.” high-speed chase around the Island has been arrested The Gazette can reveal.

Police officers spotted the 20-year-old man from Ryde at the wheel of a Citron Saxon at Coppins Bridge roundabout in Newport at about 11.40pm on Sunday (May 23).

The unnamed man drove off and was A TRAINING exercise by Sandown and pursued by several police vehicles for 13 Shanklin Lifeboat crew turned into miles in a 40-minute chase along Island major alert when a family of four got roads, including the Pan estate and over into difficulty in an inflatable dinghy the Brading Downs. Police tried to set up a near Culver Cliff. number of road blocks, to deploy a stinger Coxswain Mark Birch was undertaking device to stop the drunk driver but this failed. a routine trip with his crew when they Police supervisors called off the chase at spotted four people frantically waving one point after the drunk hit speeds of over at them from the small rubber dinghy.

80mph and it became too dangerous for The family, two adults and two officers to follow. children from the Midlands, were Shortly after police abandoned the chase transferred to the lifeboat suffering the vehicle pulled over and the drunk was from shock after an engine failure. arrested and taken to Newport Police station.

They had with them only a mobile A spokesman for Hampshire and IW telephone. The Lifeboat crew helped Police said, “The driver was pursued by recover casualty boat to back to officers after he failed to stop. The driver Yaverland slipway, Sandown. was followed by a number of marked police Bembridge auxiliary coastguard team vehicles. After we managed to establish the also attended the incident and gave identity of the driver we called the chase off advice to the family. as it had became too dangerous.”

The family later returned to offer The spokesman went on to confirm that their thanks with a donation to help the man was arrested and is now in custody fund the independent lifeboat station. awaiting interview by officers.

Norman Aircraft’s Production Director said: “In addition to providing greater business resilience, the additional site will allow scope to increase capacity and, through the restructuring of manufacturing, will promote better value for money for our customers through the introduction of best practice.”

William Hynett, BrittenNorman’s Chief Executive, commented: “The facility at Daedalus is an exciting new development for the Company in its transition

FAMILY SPARKS MAJOR ALERT

The family packing away after being rescued

NEWS

9

HIGH SPEED CAR CHASE

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NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

A COOL IDEA FOR WALK THE WIGHT

Gary Hall, Tom Goldbourne and Nick Orry

BUILDERS BOMB BOOB

THE BOMB SQUAD descended on Castle Street in East Cowes after a suspected unexploded bomb was found by workmen.

The world war two bomb was found by builders who’d been carrying out works on the new Waitrose supermarket site just after 6.20pm on Thursday (May 20).

Police attended and kept the area secure until the arrival of the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from Portsmouth who arrived

shortly after 8pm to deal with the ordnance.

The building contractor thought it was a foot long pipe bomb and believed it to be from world war two.

The object was contained within the surrounds of the building site.

Navy experts summoned a digger to dig a six-foot deep hole within the site to carry out a controlled explosion.

No one was hurt or evacuated during the incident.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: “Specialist police officers and the Explosives Ordnance Disposal team attended the address to identify the object.”

The spokeswoman confirmed that a controlled explosion was carried on site to ensure the safety of people living in the local area.

After ensuring the safety of everyone in the area by exploding the item, it was found to be a garage door opener.

CREAMING the profits from their ice-cream sales during Walk the Wight, Plaza Ices were able to donate a massive £605 to the Hospice.

Parked at the end of the flat walk in Shide and at the Freshwater Bay checkpoint, the vintage Plaza ice cream vans were busy all day supplying tasty Beechdean Farmhouse ice creams to walkers and supporters.

Pictured here in front of his 1966 Bedford CA ice-cream van, and outside the Plaza Ice Cream Parlour in Cowes are Gary Hall, owner of Plaza ice-creams, Tom Goldbourne his ice cream van driver and Nick Orry from IW Hospice accepting the cheque.

“We have raised funds for the

hospice on Walk the Wight day for the last three years and this year’s total beat lasts years £545.

Our target this year is to raise £1000 and we hope to reach this by doing the Great South Run later in the year and taking part in the Go Yellow day. Our ice cream vans will also be at The Barton Manor open days in aid of the hospice,” said Gary.

“We handed the cheque for £605 to Nick on the May 22, as we realise how important it is for the hospice to get the money in for Walk the Wight quite quickly.”

Gary is also competing in the Great South Run in aid of the Hospice and donations can be made to him at www.justgiving. com/gary-hall.

PRISON IN STEP TO HELP HEROES

A 52 MILE walk around the Island by prison officers and their families is planned to mark the consolidation of the three prisons, and to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Members of the armed forces will also be taking part in the mammoth trek, which takes place this Saturday, June 5.

Starting from the Territorial Hall in Drill Hall Road at 4am, walkers are expected to take an average of 16 hours to complete the route. All walking is on public highways, taking the route Newport, Forest Road, Yarmouth, Freshwater, Military Road, Niton, Ventnor, Shanklin, Sandown, Brading, Ryde Seafront, Wootton, Newport (6th Newport Scout Hall).

“Parkhurst Prison Officers used to stage an annual walk, but the last one held was in 1995,” said prison officer Ron Yeates who has resurrected the walk this year. “It was at one time the foremost endurance test on the Island and attracted walkers from each of the three Island prisons as well as many from further afield. The walk consisted of a 52-mile road walk and was completed in one day starting (4 a.m.) and finishing at Parkhurst Social Club. Families of staff could take part but had to be a minimum of 14 years of age.

“Due to competition from other organisations, reduction in staffing numbers and logistical problems such as a lack of

sponsors and helpers the decision was made to end this very worthwhile charity fundraiser which over many years had raised thousands of pounds for local charities including a contribution to the MRI scanner at St Mary’s.

“But with the clustering of the Island prisons I have organised a one off walk on the June 5, 2010 with the purpose of raising funds for ‘Help for Heroes’ whilst consolidating the bonding of the three establishments,” she explained.

A total of 25 walkers from the prison as well as family members and members of the armed forces will be taking part and a lunch stop will taken at the Buddle Inn, who are supporting the

If you would like to donate walk along with Sainsburys supermarket who are towards the walk or offer supplying some food for assistance on the day call Ron Yeates on 522390 or breakfast.

554367. Car drivers would be especially welcome. Walkers will be carrying buckets and tins for donations.

Tracey Yeates, Terry Benstead, Corinne Perks, Ron Yeates, Steve Bulpitt, Gavin Downham, Paul Simpson, Alan Miselbach

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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RNLI LAUNCH COWES SHOP

THE RNLI was involved in a launch with a difference at Cowes, with the new shop given an appropriate send-off.

The shop, in the High Street, was the fourth to be opened by the life-saving charity on the Island. Like the others, its task is to raise funds through the sale of specially made items.

“The shop is excellent, looking really smart,” said Cowes RNLI Guild chairman Sally Pengelly.

“It will be a great asset to both the RNLI and Cowes, and a good way for RNLI helpers to both raise funds and communicate with the public.”

The shop’s interior is a prime example of how to display a bewildering range of goods in premises best described as bijou.

Everything, from mugs to lifeboat tea and teddy bears, has somehow been given a prominent position on counters and shelves; their often bright colours contrasting with the mostly white décor.

Special to the shop are magnets, postcards and mugs featuring the Cowes station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, ‘Tabbycat’.

The task of setting out all the items was taken by James Thompson, the RNLI’s acting national retail manager, and Tiny Maher, the organisation’s

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NEWS

TRAPPED IN MUD

A WATER taxi raised the alarm after a man became trapped in mud on the River Medina on Bank Holiday Monday.

The driver of the water taxi “The Folly” spotted a boat owner up to his waist in the mud and in some distress.

Solent coastguard launched the Cowes RNLI lifeboat with Simon Hawkins at the helm.

Crews dragged the man free before returning him to shore to a waiting ambulance.

The man who had been trapped for over 45 minutes was treated for shock at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport and later discharged.

An RNLI spokesman said “It was a good job the tide was going out and it was still daylight, otherwise his situation could have been a more serious.”

south-eastern retail advisor.

An army of volunteers will be taking turns to man the shop, although Sally Pengelly said there was still a need to recruit more men and women, even if they can spare just a few hours a week. It was envisaged the shop would be open daily between 10 am and 5 pm.

The ceremony, to mark the shop’s first trading day, was marked by long serving guild member Mrs Mary Jones cutting a tape, watched by many of the shop’s volunteers and two members of the local lifeboat crew. An official opening ceremony, probably performed by a VIP from the RNLI’s Poole

headquarters, is planned for June 28.

The shop actually belongs to the nearby Island Sailing Club who last year also co-operated with the RNLI to purchase the nearby Customs House due to become, after extensive alterations, the new Cowes lifeboat station.

JUST HORSING AROUND

Jake with his owners

A HORSE was rescued safely after it became trapped in a swimming pool at Shorwell.

The 15-hand piebald cob called Jake had to be rescued by fire fighters from Newport.

Crews spent an hour carrying out the rescue operation to help free the horse, after the animal had escaped from its field and fallen into the pool at its owner’s house in the Old Rectory, Shorwell. Station Manager Mark Deacon of IW Fire Service said: “The horse suffered no after-effects.”

The horse had got into the area near the pool through a gap in the fence and had stepped onto the covered pool. Mr. Deacon said fire

fighters found the horse up to its shoulder when they arrived.

He continued; “We decided to get a line around its neck and try to lead it out. The horse didn’t move until we removed the swimming pool cover.

“The horse got a little disturbed by the sound of the cover being removed and started thrashing around. We had a local vet who attended and she was happy that the horse wasn’t in any distress.”

Jake’s owners praised the crews for carrying out the rescue, and said the horse was fine and back galloping around its field.

PLUTO ON SHOW AT ISLAND ZOO THE FOCUS of the Isle of Wight Zoo won’t be the animals, but the fort itself this Sunday (June 6). The fort helped secure an allied victory in the D-Day landings, but due to the secrecy of the project very few people know how crucial it was.

The Pipe Line Under The Ocean project (PLUTO) was set up in order to supply the allies with fuel for D-Day and beyond. Pipes were laid between England and France, with the Isle of Wight being a key part of a project.

The zoo housed 11 of the 16 Sandown pumps, with the five remaining ones at Browns and the Grand Hotel.

Although most of the pumps were broken up and dismantled at the end of the war, a few survived. One went to the forerunner of the National Grid, and for many years was used to wash their insulators. However, with the closure of the station a new home was sought, which is when experts on the Island were contacted, who helped trace the original positions of the pumps under the fort’s gun arches. The return of the pump to the zoo was the culmination of years of work from many sides.

Over the last few years staff at the zoo have been restoring the interior of the fort to create a World War II themed lounge in sympathy with the fort’s history. It seemed only fitting the official opening of the area should be on the anniversary of D-Day, Sunday June 6.

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NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

BESTIVAL ALREADY SELL-OUT THE BESTIVAL has sold out! Four months before the festival is to be staged and all the tickets have now been sold.

This comes in the week that Bestival have announced their full line up details for the Thursday ‘Back to the Phuture’ night with Heaven 17, Howard Jones , La Roux & Dead Guy (DJ Set), Villa Nah, Kids On Bridges and Mark Jones (DJ Set) topping the bill.

They have also announced their final wave of acts with Uffie, Philip Selway , Caribou, Toro Y Moi , Washed Out, Visions Of Trees, Frisky And Mannish, Yuck, Kassidy, Belles Of London City, Bikini Beach Band, Black Mountain, Council Estate Supermodels, Dengue Fever, Dulwich Ukulele Club, Lulu And The Lampshades, Naive New Beaters, O Children , South Central , Sunday Girl, Think About Life and Wax Tailor now joining the bill.

This year there are 14 stages of live music and DJs, over 200 artists and new arenas including the Wishing Tree and Tomorrow’s World.

There is a new main stage position, Afterburner Rave Up, and The Castle in The Sky Bonfire Extravaganza.

With just four months to go until Bestival opens its gates for the Year of the Fantastic,

the countdown is on and it’s all go for the Bestival crew who are putting the final touches to plans for what is destined to be another legendary weekend of music, madness and mayhem featuring The Prodigy, Dizzee Rascal, Flaming Lips, Roxy Music, Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem and Fever Ray. Rob da Bank took time out from mission control to say: “Bestival is really gonna get off to a flyer on the Thursday night with our new partnership with Back To The Phuture, one of the most

four days, with the Big Top being the place to on Thursday night as Back To The Phuture take residence with a sublime electro extravaganza. The brainchild of Wall of Sound head honcho Mark Jones and inspired by his BBC 6 Music show, Back To The Phuture is all about joining the dots between legendary synth-pop pioneers and today’s cutting edge electronic upstarts.

Headlined by Sheffield’s sharp suited electro-soulsters Heaven 17, whose return to the live arena has been making all the right sort of waves, Back To The Phuture’s residency will also feature Bestival forum favourite Howard Jones, a very rare DJ set from La Roux & Dead Guy, glacial pop from Nordic new wave synth-poppers Villa Nah, dirty filthy electro from the hotly tipped Kids On Bridges and a welcome peek into the record collection of the man himself, Mark Jones.

As well as opening the festival in some considerable style, Back To the Phuture also has an extra-special Back To The Phuture At Bestival launch party lined up for Tuesday May 25. Reclaiming legendary early 80s venue La Beatroute for one night only, Back To The Phuture will be taking over the basement of 17 Greek St in London (currently the site of Moonlighting) for a

“This year there are 14 stages of live music and DJs, over 200 artists and new arenas including the Wishing Tree and Tomorrow’s World.”

La Roux

forward looking backwards respecting nights out there!

From the 80s to the 21st century its gonna go off. As ever Bestival is the festival with the most new bands playing from every genre and I’m delighted that we’ve got a whole raft of new music from Uffie and Washed Out to Toro y Moi, Philip Selway and The Very Best.

For the third year running Bestival will be rocking for

Howard Jones

Heaven 17 future-retro shindig featuring Heaven 17’s Martin Ware (DJ Set), Kids On Bridges (Live), Mark Jones (DJ Set), Howard Jones (Live) and a DJ set from 80s scene stalwart and New Romantic authority Rusty Egan. It all kicks off at 7.30pm and runs until late, entry is free and tickets are available from here or, if you’re lucky, on the door. Make sure you get down there early and don’t forget you can also catch an electro special on Mark’s BBC 6 Music show on May 31.

Kicking off the final wave of acts for the Year of the Fantastic is banging electro-crunk chanteuse Uffie whose lyrical twists are not to be missed, and Bestival are also extremely pleased to announce Radiohead sticksman Philip Selway will be making his way to the Isle of Wight for a rare solo appearance in support of his forthcoming solo album, plus there will be sun-kissed electronic pop from Caribou.

The cream of the chillwave scene including Toro Y Moi, Washed Out, Visions Of Trees and Frisky And Mannish will be present and correct, Cajun Dance Party offshoot

Yuck will be demonstrating their dream pop tendencies and Kassidy will showcase their incredible indie-rock harmonies. Plus there will be live appearances from Belles Of London City, Bikini Beach Band, Black Mountain, Council Estate Supermodels, Dengue Fever, Dulwich Ukulele Club, Lulu And The

whose dub love knows no bounds and Secousse will present The Very Best Soundsystem featuring Radioclit + Hackney Empire (live) and live dancers.

There’s going to be plenty of action in the all-new Tomorrow’s World field with Babybird, Jo Worricker, The Fonatanas, Lucid, Dawn Kinnard, The Rebs, The Family, Martin Harle, Mathew P, King Size Slim, The Half Sisters, Jay Carter, Charley Macaulay, The Moon Music Orchestra, Wight Light Orchestra, The Monitors, Guy Page Trio, Hugo Frusslinky, The Shutes, Born In A Barn, Blank Beats, Cooly Haste, The Chancers, Sun Down City and Jamie Moody, Revenge Of The Lawn all playing on the Bandstand. Plus the Gazebo in the Woods will be playing host to Cheviot Hill, Dance Preachers, Me And My Sister, Holly Kirby, Strange Days, Edric Man, Platform One Presents, The Adventurists, Big Hairy Band, Matthew Pearson, JC & Angelina, Santa Spirita, The Gramophone, Tankus The Henge, Miss Cecily and Simon Shelley.

“Back To the Phuture also has an extraspecial Back To The Phuture At Bestival launch party lined up for Tuesday May 25.”

Lampshades, Naive New Beaters, O Children, South Central, Sunday Girl, Think About Life and Wax Tailor.

There’s also a host of newly announced DJs stepping up to the platters that matter including the inimitable Justin Robertson (who will be dropping some techy vibes), the peerless Jon Carter who will be smashing the bass, Mathew Hawtin (Richie Hawtin’s younger brother) who will be supplying ambient goodness, the Trojan Sound System

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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BABY ANTEATER IS NEW AMAZON WORLD STAR

THE FIRST Giant Anteater to be born in the UK this year and only the sixth in Europe, makes this new arrival at Amazon World on the Island very special.

Only a few days old and sporting a snout that would make any mother anteater proud, the little baby weighs only 1.5kg. The little boy or girl will spend all day clinging to its mother’s back for about four months until he or she is ready to walk, explore and find food on his own.

There are 104 Giant Anteaters in captivity in Europe and 243 in zoo’s around the world recorded on the ISIS database (international species information system) and these unusual looking mammals are classed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List so this birth is an important addition to the Giant Anteater population.

“We have been closely monitoring the behaviour of the anteaters over the last month and we have been expecting mother Kliene to give birth over the last week. As we’d predicted, on the morning of the May 26 she didn’t let us down. We are very happy that both mum and baby are doing very well” said Rachel Patrick, the Head Keeper at Amazon World.

The parents, Ernst and Kliene arrived at Amazon World in 2005 and 2007 from Germany and became part of an international breeding programme. They produced their first young ‘Ishak’ back in August 2008 and he has now moved to Aalborg Zoo, Denmark. And once this little anteater reaches adulthood he will also leave the Island to join a mate at another animal collection.

AN AMAZING array of prizes was up for grabs at the Isle of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club and Synchronized Skating Team’s Grand Auction at Sandown and Shanklin Golf Club and over £3,000 was raised for the club.

Auctioneer was Warren Riches and toast master Peter Tautz kept the proceedings in order.

Tickets for £10 included a meal,

the auction and a raffle.

A pair of Bestival tickets was snapped up for £310 along with LDN Wrestling tickets, IW Steam Railway tickets Sandown Zoo tickets.

Ice skating related items included a six-week skating course with Galaxy Riders, a half hour skating lesson with Matthew Russell and a unique package of ice skating memorabilia.

ICE AUCTION IS HOT For adrenaline junkies there was a tandem paraglide, a ten minute pleasure flight over the Island, waterskiing, wakeboarding or a boat trip.

For a more sedate experience a chauffeur driven ride in a Jaguar with afternoon tea was one lot.

Red Funnel’s invitation to be wined and dined whilst watching the Round the Island Race later this month went for £210.

Megan Wood, Hannah Barfoot, Archie Bicknell, Sarah Baldwin, Samantha Allen, Hanna Brookes, Cam Probert and Keelin Scholes

A hamper of beauty products from Liz Earle reached £200.

Precious items included glass from IW Glass, a gold pendant, bracelet and earrings and a copy of one of Jackie Kennedy’s bracelets by Camrose and Kross.

Two watercolours of ice skaters in the rink and on the swan pond

by Maria Ward were auctioned along with a signed copy of Dame Ellen MacArthur’s book ‘Taking on the World’.

For fitness freaks, a golf lesson with Peter Hammond, a one card from IW Council and a Vancouver 2010 winter Olympic jacket or Olympic hockey puck drew bids.

“It was an amazing evening.

We never thought we could raise this amount of money,” said chair Becky Daley. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the first time we have done an auction.

“A big thank you to everyone who donated items and helped us on the night,” said Becky.

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CAMPAIGNERS WANT BETTER WC FACILITIES

A CAMPAIGN group has been formed on the Island to try to help people with learning disabilities who have trouble using public toilets. The group is concerned that people of all ages with severe disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets.

A statement points out: “They need support from one or two carers to use the toilet, and standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person.

“Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety changing their child/youth/ spouse on a toilet floor.

This is dangerous, unhygienic and undignified. It is now accepted and expected that everyone has a right to live in the community, to move around within it and access all its facilities. “Government policy promotes the idea of ‘community participation’ and ‘active citizenship’, but for some people with disabilities the lack of a fully accessible toilet is denying them this right. “There are almost no public Changing Places toilets in the UK. Providing these toilets in public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities.”

An online petition, www.ipetitions.com/ petition/diversi-ties_no_barriers_to_ disability/, has been set up and the campaign is gaining support daily. Hard copies of the petition can be obtained from The Isle of Wight Branch of Carers UK in the Riverside Centre, Newport, The Village Shop in Brighstone, WENDY’s of Ventnor and the offices of Community Spirited, Bridge House, 1 Ferry Road, East Cowes and The West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater.

Campaigning group ‘Diversi-TIES’ can be found on Facebook as Diversi-TIES, on iwight.com - Forums (user name Alan_ Davies) and Isle of Wight Forum (user name Diversi-TIES).

Alan Davies, founder member of the Group can be contacted in writing c/o The Isle of Wight Branch of Carers UK, Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight.

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NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

VENTNOR CARS SHINING! Louie and Maie Smith CARS were gleaming in Ventnor after Ventnor Boxing Club and Rew Valley Football Club took up sponges and had a marathon car wash in the Central Car Park, raising £506 for their clubs.

Ventnor Fire Station supplied a tender full of water and the youngsters worked from 10am till 3pm in the heat of Saturday May 22, to make sure the coffers of their clubs were filled.

Choosing a day when many people were visiting Ventnor for Jazz on the Meadow, parking in the Central Car Park for the Park and Ride Bus, helped to swell the number of customers. The money will be spilt between the two clubs and used to purchase new equipment and kit for the coming season.

“A big thanks to Ventnor

Fire Brigade, the coaches, the kids, their parents and everyone involved,” said Steve (Skinny) Conway of Ventnor Boxing Club. “And especially to everyone who brought their cars down.

“The new boxing season starts in October and we need some new blood and new challenges. Come and have a go and see what you think.”

The boxing club is based at the Methodist Church, opposite the British Legion in Ventnor High Street. Sessions for ages from 7 to 11 are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and for ages over 11 on Mondays from 6.30pm to 8pm and Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Boxercise on Thursday nights is from 6pm to 7pm. Call Darren Green on 852749/07855 44519 for further details.

RED CROSS APPEALS FOR HELP

THIS VOLUNTEERS WEEK (1 - 7 June 2010) the British Red Cross on the Island is inviting you to join their team.

The volunteer-led humanitarian charity is appealing for help to keep a vital community service running.

The medical equipment loan team serves not only individuals, but also supports the local hospitals and other Island charities such as the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Volunteering with the Red Cross gives people not only the chance to join a busy social environment, but also to gain some vital work

experience for their CV following a break from work, or for young people starting their working lives.

Lesley Tuppen, 54, from Sandown volunteered with the Red Cross to gain administration experience before she secured full time employment.

She said: “I started looking into volunteering when I had to resign from my last job due to health issues. After looking at several vacancies I decided to volunteer because I hadn’t done any office work before and didn’t feel I could apply for jobs without the

experience or without knowing what I was letting myself in for. I did have some computer skills, but I was also given the opportunity to improve these through volunteering.”

Lesley now works as a receptionist at the Isle of Wight College, but remains a Red Cross volunteer in her spare time. She added: “Volunteering for me was about getting back to work, but also a really enjoyable experience. I feel I am giving something back to a charity which does a lot for the local community.”

The medical equipment loan service based in Newport and Freshwater helps those with health issues to lead a full life by issuing free, short-term loans on items, such as wheelchairs to vulnerable people in crisis.

Medical loan service manager, Jenny Smart, explained: “For a person with mobility problems, having a wheelchair or walking aid can mean the difference between staying in hospital or being independent in their own home. We desperately need more volunteers to help us keep this vital service running five days a week. We like to have two volunteers on each shift for safety, as well as the social pleasure they can gain from volunteering.

“Without our dedicated volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others in their local community.”

Could this be you?

How can you help people?

As a medical equipment volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping to bring a little extra freedom and independence to people’s lives. Your role could include: • Demonstrating how to use and maintain our wheelchairs and other items.

• Helping monitor the delivery and collection of

equipment.

• Checking equipment on its return.

If you can give just a few hours a week, telephone Mel England on 537828 or email mengland@redcross.org.uk.

Jenny added: “It’s a great feeling when you have helped someone who needed the service. They walk away happier and so do you.”

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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BEMBRIDGE NAKED TRUTH

IT WAS T-shirts off for the Rapanui boys and girls in Bembridge when Naked Office came to film a week in the eco clothing brand’s business life.

In fact it was everything off for the Friday’s filming when all the staff had to come into work naked.

“It was the talk of the village,” said Martin Drake Knight who founded the company with brother Rob. “Rob and I drove into work naked, except for a sock each to cover our modesty, in our bio diesel van.

“As we drove into the yard people were doing double takes, and they were also coming to peer in the windows of the office.”

Darren Warren cycled into the office naked and Simon Light wore nothing but a bow tie. All this was done during the week before Easter when the weather was pretty chilly.

“Naked Office approached us and said it would be a really good way to promote our traceability – a first for the clothing industry, we bare all,” explained Martin.

“The idea was to spread the message of Rapanui clothing – we’ve achieved all we can from the eco point of view and now we need to take our range to the mainstream market,” he added.

“We felt that they were looking for problems that weren’t there, but the experience did have more substance – we did get some valuable experiences out of it. Naked Office made us more aware of the interpersonal side of business sales.

Pam Stubberfield, the only woman in the office, has found

fame since filming the episode.

“Real People magazine and the News of the World have hailed her as a legend and an inspiration,” said Rob of their more mature employee who sportingly joined in on Naked Friday.

“I was petrified but I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Pam. “It was a week like no other and it was all done in the best possible taste,” she joked.

Rapanui’s episode of Naked Office will be shown on Virgin 1, June 22 at 9pm.

VEHICLES SET ON FIRE

ISLAND police began an arson probe after two vehicles were set alight in the rear of garden in Ryde.

Fire crews from Ryde and Newport attended whilst police cordoned off the top of Edward Road just after 11.40pm last Friday (May 28).

Flames were seen coming from the roof of a derelict building that is due to be demolished. The fire spread to a fence and a nearby shed. Residents of a nearby block of flats were evacuated for a short time while fire crews brought the fire under control.

Incidents commanders called in the support of an aerial ladder from Newport as it was thought the fire had spread to the roof of the building. Fire fighters used breathing apparatus and two hose-reels to put out the blaze and prevent any further damage to neighbouring property, and no one was hurt.

A spokesman for Hampshire and IW police said they were working with the Island’s fire services to establish a cause, but confirmed the fire was being investigated as arson.

15

NEWS ISLAND VOLUNTEERS WIN QUEENS AWARD

FISHBOURNE Sailability Club, Cowes has been named as one of 103 volunteering groups in the country to win this year’s The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.

Fishbourne Sailability Club has received the award for providing affordable water sporting activities for disabled residents of the Island.

Winners of this year’s Award were selected from 341 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

Fishbourne Sailability Club will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented

by Her Majesty’s representative in the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White, at a special ceremony.

Brian Gay, Commodore of Fishbourne Sailability Club, said: “We are delighted to have received this prestigious honour for the work we do with disabled people on the Island and to have had the efforts of our volunteers recognised at the highest level. Following our move to Cowes we plan to develop and extend our services for disabled people.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said: “Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together. It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of Fishbourne Sailability Club with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.”

ISLAND DAY NURSERY TO CLOSE AN ISLAND nursery is to close in July because the holiday village it is situated in has decided to use the space for an alternative use.

Island day Nursery have run the nursery and crèche facility at Gurnard Pines in partnership with the management of the resort, but following a full business review between both parties it has been decided to close the facility on July 23.

A number of local families used the facility and considerable regret has been expressed over its closure. In a statement issued this week, the owners expressed

regret over the closure, but have offered families alternative child care at their Newport and Sandown nurseries.

‘We have places in both, especially as we have recently extended the Newport nursery,” said Roseleen Cullin of Island Day Nurseries.

“Our main concern is that people who need childcare will be able to get it. We’ve also given parents details of the Family Information Zone run by the local authority and will do everything we can to help everyone get suitable alternative childcare.”

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NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

PIXIE HAS FULL-BODIED TALK DR PIXIE MCKENNA, star of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, was a guest speaker at the Island’s fifth annual Sexual Health Conference held at the Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa. Speaking to The Gazette from the ferry, after her flying visit to the Island on May 27, Dr McKenna was sad that she hadn’t been able to spend more time here. “I’ve never been to the Island – I must come back,” she told us.

She also thought that the Island would be a great place to come and film for the Embarrassing Bodies series, which features some of the more visually unpleasant and taboo illnesses and conditions that affect our population.

Sexual health is an area that Dr McKenna has not only covered in the helpful, although voyeuristic programmes, but also in her practice as a GP in London.

“There is a very high rate of Chlamydia and HIV and yet many people don’t know they have it,” she explained. “We need to make people aware of these diseases and to get them to take tests for them.

People who work on the programme do a lot of sexual health promotion.

“There has been national campaign to raise awareness of Chlamydia, particularly aimed at young people. The age group from 16 to 25 makes up only 11 per cent of the population and yet has 68 per cent of Chlamydia cases.

“The issue is that is it asymptomatic (has no symptoms) in 70 per cent

of females and 50 percent of males. And if it’s left untreated it can cause infertility in both males and females.”

Dr McKenna approved of the move to train young people to pass on the message about Chlamydia testing. “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she said.

On the subject of having implant contraceptives, Dr McKenna was supportive and yet saw the obvious down side with regard to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). “The NHS initiative is to get down the rate of teenage pregnancies, but unfortunately having an implant means you’ll be indifferent about using condoms,” she said.

“You could have your implant out and then be unable to have children.

Untreated Chlamydia has an effect like throwing chewing gum into your ovaries – they stick together and you get adhesions and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage your ovaries.

“Some warts can cause cervical cancer, so not only are we talking about STDs but about saving lives – you could pay the ultimate price.

“In the treatment of STDs we now have a population on their second time around – with divorce rates so high – and there’s a high increase in sexually transmitted diseases in the over 50s,” she added.

So be warned – get yourself tested whether or not you’ve had symptoms if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new

Kane Marriot, Russell Ball, Jennifer Smith, Pixie Mckenna, Sarah Stringer, Felicity Young, Patrick Willis partner would seem to be the message.

During her speech at the conference Dr McKenna spoke about her convent school education and how the first time she saw a penis was when she had to dissect one in a science lesson.

“Naples gave us more than pizza - they passed on treponema (the bacteria that causes syphilis amongst other diseases),” she explained and told of how five inch syringes were found on the Mary Rose for injecting mercury into sailors with the disease.

Dr McKenna was interested to hear that Embarrassing Bodies was particularly popular amongst our prison population. “It’s good that they’re watching it – there’s something for everyone.

If we get it out there we’ve achieved something,” she said.

“Ten per cent of the population are cyber-chondriacs now,” she said on the subject of hypochondria. “You can check up on your symptoms on the internet while you’re at work.

“But what fascinates me the most is the length of time people wait before asking for help– sometimes 20 years. I find that fascinating – how people accept things.

I admire people that do that and yet I wonder why.”

And why do people choose to unveil their problems on national television? “People recognise what we do for other people and sometimes relatives and friends of someone who has a problem will put them forward for the show,” she explained.

“People can also go online

and get feedback – a lot of our job is reassurance.

“We’re making another 26 shows, so there’s definitely a chance that we’ll come to the Island,” said Dr McKenna. “I think it would be fantastic to come to the Island because it’s a microcosm of the rest of the country – a snapshot of the population. Smaller places are much more receptive.

“I would never have come to the Island if I hadn’t been invited but it was very calm getting off the boat. I felt as if I was coming on holiday.”

BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN IN HELPER HUNT BREAST Cancer Campaign is calling on all enthusiastic fundraisers on the Isle of Wight to become volunteers to help the charity beat breast cancer, during this National Volunteers Week (1 – 7 June).

The charity’s Isle of Pink initiative will be returning to the Island for the third year running this September and Breast Cancer Campaign is looking for the support from handy helpers all across the Island so is using National Volunteers Week as the perfect time to call on you for

help.

Anyone can volunteer, no matter how old you are or where you live and there are a number of tasks available, meaning there is a job for every skill set and ability. All you need to do is decide how often you want to help and Campaign will provide you with all the information you need to get you started.

If you would like to register as a volunteer, or for more information, please call 020 7749 3708 or email lbaskett@ breastcancercampaign.org

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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NEWS

RYDE BLOOMIN’ LOVELY Linna Ewbank (Islandwide Ground Maintenance), Andrew McIntyre (Parks Officer IWC), Anita Reilly (Islandwide Ground Maintenance), Ann Gustar (Islandwide Ground Maintenance), Kevin Scovell (Owner Drainmaster), Barry Hutchings (Drainmaster), Graham Pearce, Deputy Mayor Brian Harris, Mayor David Woodward, Town Crier Steve King and Cllr Ivor Warlow

RYDE TOWN COUNCIL has launched ‘Ryde in Bloom 2010’ in partnership with its own planting contractor, Islandwide Ground Maintenance and its watering contractor, Drainmaster.

Gardening enthusiasts and those with a concern for the environment will now have an opportunity to be rewarded for brightening up their gardens, schools and community spaces. Leading the judging panel will be Mike Fitt OBE, former Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Parks and now a Ryde resident, and Andrew McIntryre, Parks Officer at the IW Council and lead for Wight in Bloom to which Ryde is affiliated.

Entry to Ryde in Bloom is free and you can pick-up an entry form by downloading it from the Town Council’s website, www.rydetowncouncil.gov.uk, collecting it in person from the reception at Ryde Library or at Ryde Tourist Information Centre or by telephoning 01983 811105/811196.

Closing date for entries is June 8. Ryde Town Mayor David Woodward who helped launch Ryde in Bloom said: “The Town Council is keen to encourage the community to help to continue to make Ryde a wonderful place to live and visit - Ryde in Bloom is an excellent way to encourage pride in a beautiful Ryde.”

THREE HURT IN CRASH

THREE people were taken to St Mary’s hospital strapped to spinal boards after a road smash in Eddington Road, St Helens on Sunday, May 23.

Police closed the road for over 2 hours and launched a probe to discover the cause of the smash.

Fire crews using specialist cutting equipment removed the roof from a grey Hyundai vehicle.

A pensioner was removed on a spinal board with a neck collar to an awaiting ambulance. The driver and a passenger of the second vehicle, a green VW Golf that also contained a young baby, were also taken to hospital, strapped to spinal boards.

Approx 15 fire fighters from Newport and Ryde and the rescue tender dealt with the incident.

PC1908 Martin Norman from the Hampshire and IW Police (RPU) Roads Policing Unit at the scene appealed for witnesses.

He said “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or who stopped to help, or who may have seen any of the vehicles involved before the crash. Contact me on 0845 45 45 45 or 101.”

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FEATURE

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POLICE ISSUE SCAM APPEAL

ISLAND Police have renewed an appeal for people to come forward with information about a scam involving a fake company making allegations about illegal use of the internet.

Two people were arrested after a number of Islanders reported receiving letters from fraudsters about the sharing of copyrighted music and video files online.

Sergeant Andy McDonald of the Isle of Wight’s TPT said: “People who receive a letter are told that a computer linked to their internet account has been monitored as sharing copyrighted music online unlawfully.

The scam uses a fake company name, ‘HSE Business Support’, which falsely claims to be based in Newport High Street.

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

A 34-year-old man from Cowes, and a 26-year-old woman from Cowes were both arrested on suspicion of fraud offences during May. Anyone who receives a letter matching this description is advised not to pay any money and report the matter by phoning either the police on 101 or Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service on 01983 821000.

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

BIG CONCERN AT NORTHWOOD

COWES Heritage’s Management Committee have expressed ‘grave concerns’ at the way the IW Council plans to divest itself of all responsibility for Northwood House and its park.

Heritage chairman John Groves said: “Whatever the legal niceties appertaining to this property, the fact is that for 80 years the park and, to some extent the house, have been regarded as a much-appreciated community facility, its management entrusted to successive councils.

“For the latest local authority to unilaterally cut all its ties within the next few months,

with no indication of any further funding, places quite an intolerable burden on the handful of volunteer trustees.”

It was quite clear, said Mr Groves, the trustees needed time and medium-term financial aid if they were to properly marshal all the help to restore the house and to find viable new uses.

He added: “While the council at long last recognises the trust’s right to operate Northwood Car Park, it is regrettable another valuable income stream is being denied them by the shock decision to remove from the house the Registry Office.

“With the trustees facing crippling expenditure, not least

in insuring and maintaining this extensive property, it is hard to see just where all the necessary funds will come from.

“As a non-political group dedicated to recording and exhibiting the history of Cowes, Cowes Heritage cannot but remain fearful about the future of this Grade 2* Listed house and its beautiful grounds. Can it really be true that the momentous decision to prematurely cut ties with Northwood House was left to a senior officer without a full debate with the Cabinet?”

Mr Groves said it was ironical that the council’s uncaring axe fell in the very year when the history of Northwood House was

the subject of Cowes Heritage’s annual exhibition in October and November. Already members’ research had uncovered some quite fascinating facets to the story of the property and the Ward family.

“It is time for all those Islanders who share Cowes Heritage’s grave misgivings about the council’s actions to make their feelings known to their councillors. Cowes is being grossly short-changed where it really hurts. Such an abrupt severing of all ties is no way for a local authority to behave towards a much cherished public amenity, whatever its financial problems.”

A FITTING TRIBUTE TO TIM

TWO MAGNIFICENT Shire and Clydesdale horses took Timothy Murphy on his final journey upon a 1914 brewer’s dray.

Timothy (48) lived in Haylands, Ryde and was a telecoms salesman on the Island and the mainland.

Arriving in style upon the beautifully restored horse drawn carriage at Newport Crematorium, it was a surprise to many of the 300 plus mourners who were waiting outside.

‘We kept it quiet from everyone – only five or six people knew,” said Steve Redfern of Windmill Farm in Ryde who owns the dray and horses with partner Sam Tetlow. The couple has been family friends of Timothy and his wife Gina for over 30 years. “It was mentioned to Tim before he died and he loved the idea,” added Steve.

“It’s a 1914 brewer’s bottle dray which was built by JW Thompson in Durham with build number 107. It is used extensively around major County Shows in Britain from Devon to Kent, Abergavenny to Peterborough and anything in between,” said Steve.

The eleven year old shire and Clydesdale horses are called Bob and Jeff, and this was only their second outing for Windmill Farm who have seven shires, with all being champions in different ways.

“Timothy was a very good people person. He enjoyed life and thought the world of his family,” said his brother in law Gary Barton. “He worked for Eurotel and was their top salesman for eight of the past ten years.

“He supported Portsmouth FC all his life and followed them all around the country.” Timothy and Gina have two sons, Dean (29) and Danny (19).

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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FEATURE

BACK TO THE SIXTIES

Andy, Jodie and Megan Lacey MINI SKIRTS and kaftans were all the rage at Havenstreet Steam Railway on Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, at the first 1960s themed event to be staged at the attraction.

Centrepiece of the event was the band, ‘The Five O Clock Shadows’, who played throughout both days and had visitors dancing in the station yard.

Sprinkled around the site were stalls selling 1960s clothing and other items along with a selection of

well-loved 1960s cars, and, of course, there was 1960s style travel – on the steam trains.

Phil and Catherine Upshall brought their 1967 Mini Max for the day and Andy Lacey, his wife Jody and daughter Megan brought their 1965 split screen VW microbus, ‘Ethel’.

“We call her that because of her number plate, ETL 57C,” said Andy. The family had brought her to ‘Pride and Joy’ at IW Steam Railway the precious week

Phill and Catherine Upshall

and won the best in show.

The candy apple red and lotus white VW bus and her hippy crew was very popular, with many people wanting their photos taken with her and the Lacey family.

Andy has done all of the restoration on Ethel himself over the past three and a half years, although he hasn’t finished yet. She will be at the Old Gaffers this weekend and at other events throughout the summer.

Quite a few of the staff

dressed in the style of the decade as well as people visiting on the day. Events officer Liz Taggart even sported a kaftan for the festivities.

Haven falconry also provided some timeless entertainment with their birds of prey.

“It was a huge success,” said Steven Oates, chair of the IW Railway trustees board. “Overall we were about 75% up on takings for the same weekend last year and we’ll definitely do it again next year.”

Paul and Sally Martin of Haven Falconry

The 5 0’ Clock Shadows

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

A TIME FOR KIDS T

A FUN vehicle afternoon at Arreton Primary School raised £200, which is to be put towards funding a new construction themed after school club.

Organised by the school’s ‘Parent Development Group’, children were able to get up close to a variety of vehicles, pretend to drive them, beep the horns and take part in a quiz. Arreton parents and friends were able to bring in tractors, diggers, lorries, sports cars, steam engines and land rovers.

Martin Poynter from Newport Fire Station arranged for fire engines to attend on the day and Shanklin Police brought a police car and all were available for the children to explore.

Extended Schools put on a remote control car course for children to try and a colouring competition was also held with six great prizes donated by local businesses (Scatts, R Hunts, Arreton Barns and some parents).

“There was a huge response from the children all keen to win the top vehicle prizes,” said Rosie Boullin-Barrett whose husband Andrew Barrett brought in a steam-roller for the day.

“School parents made fantastic homemade cakes to sell with refreshments on the day,” she added.

“The newly formed Parent Development Group identified that parents wanted afterschool clubs, with construction equipment a favourite, so decided to put on the vehicle day to raise funds for this,” said Rosie who is one of the members of group which has two parents from each year in the school.

Priced at £3.50 per family, £200.00 was raised from the event and families had a super time in the sunshine and great relaxed atmosphere.

Kaidan Cutts

Isobella Green

Jared Tims- Mayhew

Grace Poynter

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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TO EXPLORE

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FEATURE

Oliver and Sophie Frost

Oliver Bradshaw

Jake Waterman with retained Firefighter from Newport Kenny Wilson Robert Groves, Jessica Weed

Megan Lightbrown, Ella Hurell

21

Grace, Lani and Martin Poynter

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

GRACIE MAY FUND IS G JUST OVER £5,000 was raised toward the Help Gracie-May Walk appeal at a dinner dance and auction at Languard Manor, bringing the total raised to £29,000 - £40,000 is needed for her operation in America on July 21.

Dressing in their finery, 125 diners paid £25 each for a three-course meal and entertainment from Kelly Burke, Shuffles’ casino tables and a disco until midnight.

Dinner was followed by an auction of items donated by generous companies and individuals. Items auctioned included a family ticket to attend the first game of the next season at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground with hotel accommodation for the night in London, which sold for £400. A Steve Gerrard signed shirt raised £300 and Disney on Ice tickets for four people reached £120.

“It’s been amazing – everyone’s been so kind and generous,” said Gracie May’s mum Mandy Fuller who organised the dinner dance with Kellie Lawrence.

Gracie-May was born with cerebral palsy and cannot walk.

“After she was born she was poorly for a long time,” said

Mandy. “She was in Southampton neonatal unit for three weeks and in St. Mary’s for a further seven weeks. Then we discovered about a year ago that she had cerebral palsy.”

A selective dorsal rhizotomy is the operation needed and it is only performed at one American hospital, the St Louis Children’s Hospital, in Missouri, by Doctor T.S. Park. The operation involves cutting some of the sensory nerve fibres that come from the muscles and enter the spinal chord.

During the operation each of the dorsal roots is divided into 3-5 rootlets and each rootlet is stimulated electrically. By examining the electromyographic responses from muscles in the lower part of the body the surgical team can identify the rootlets that are causing the spasticity.

Gracie-May will need to stay in the hospital for about a week after the operation and then attend three weeks of physiotherapy and the family will have to stay nearby in order to take her to her appointments.

The operation is identical to the one recently performed upon Charlotte Wakefield, from Corfe Mullen, as portrayed on local

Claire Willis and Georgina Mitchell

Louise Escandell and Claire Rayner, Tina Marsh, Susei Carter, Kelly Addison

Laura Stone and Rachael Ranson

Monique Knight (centre), Rachel Griffith, Tanith Griffith

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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FEATURE

GIVEN £5,000 BOOST

Elyse Rose, Amanda Brocke, Kathy Holden, Kirsty Lane, Sharon Bulter, Kelly Way and Faye Courage television. Charlotte and her family travelled to St Louis for Dr Park’s operation and she can now stand on her own feet.

“It’s a worry now that we need to get the last of the money because we haven’t got that long,” said Mandy.

“We’ve got some guys doing the Great South Run on June 5/6 and IW Radio are doing the round the Island Yacht Race for Gracie-May. At the Summer Fair at Sandown C of E Primary School Mandy will have a stall and will be doing a balloon race – balloons will be £1 each and there will be a prize for the first balloon.

“I’m putting my thinking cap on,” added Mandy. “We have to wire over £29,000 at the beginning of July and the rest has to be paid when we get there.”

If you want to donate to the appeal or do anything to help call Mandy on 867231, or email her at mand3102@ aol.com or check the website at www.helpgracie-maywalk.co.uk or the facebook page ‘Please Help Gracie-May Walk’.

This Saturday a team of eight cyclists from the Isle of Wight will be pedaling along the south Downs Way to raise money towards Gracie May’s operation.

The cyclists, all fathers, saw the opportunity to come together with a sense of community spirit to help out this local young girl and her family.

The keen offroad cyclists are teachers from across the Island, a Police Officer and an ex Marine.

The South Downs Way is 100 miles long and several of the riders have ridden it before. The elevation climbed during the 100 miles is 4000 metres and they will ride from West to East, from Winchester to Eastbourne.

The cycle ride will be this Saturday June 5, 2010. It will take a fit rider approximately ten to twelve hours of riding to complete, but the journey could last for around fifteen hours including all stops and breaks. They intend to make a start at 6am.

You can sponsor at this website: www.sponsorformsonline.co.uk/ southdownsbikerunforgracie-may.asp

Dougie, Tina Boon, Mandi May, Tanith Griffith, Ria Warby, Kara Williams and Eric Kess

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

CALBOURNE IN HARMONY

Ren Yuan and Emma Vallender

LACE CELEBRATION

LACE MAKERS of the Wight celebrate their 30th anniversary this September and to mark the event 30 members have made a tablecloth to raffle for the Hospice.

This Saturday (June 5) the group will hold their annual Lace Day at Wootton Community Centre, and during the afternoon Pat Perryman, who made the lace for the speaker of the House of Commons, will be giving a talk.

Members of the group were lacemaking at the 60s event at IW Railway with the tablecloth on show. They will be demonstrating their art and showing the tablecloth at 30 venues throughout the summer with raffle tickets on sale for £1 each. The raffle will be drawn in September.

“Thirty people worked on the tablecloth and it took 3,500 hours between them,” said secretary of the Lace Makers, Ann Bloomfield. “We started on it at the end of August

Anna Bloomfield last year and it was years ago,” said Ann. Lace bobbins are finished in January.”

Ann learnt lace making quite collectable items at the IW College about nowadays and some 20 years ago. The group members have beautiful has several teachers for antique examples. “These new members and meets are not often used in lacemaking on the third Thursday actual and first Saturday because they can be quite of the month at the fragile,” explained Ann. Riverside Centre. One “Often they are inset with of the original members, pewter and it can break Margaret Smith, is still in down and fall out.”

The Lacemakers of the group.

Lacemaking is not Wight will be at Wootton a pastime you might Community Centre from traditionally link with 10am till 4pm tomorrow the Island but you’d (June 5) and if you would be wrong. “There was just like to pop in to see a machine lacemaking the tablecloth, or buy a factory in Newport at raffle ticket, you will be Broadlands House many most welcome.

A CONCERT at All Saints Church in Calbourne by pianist Ren Yuan and oboist Emma Vallender was well attended and very much enjoyed.

“Around £700 plus gift aid was raised towards running costs at All Saints,” said the rector Rev. David Bevington. “They were brilliant performances by the two soloists and around 50 to 60 people came to the recital.”

The two talented performers were former William Smith International Performance Scholar at the Royal College of Music, Ren Yuan, who performed a piano recital, and Island born oboist Emma Vallender. The two played together on Saint Saens Sonata and Gabriels Oboe from the film ‘The Mission’.

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

she studied with Nigel Clayton.

Ren Yuan has performed in Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Beijing and, most recently, at New York’s Carnegie Hall. She also performed at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gala Concert at the RCM in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex. Yuan is currently studying for the prestigious Artist Diploma at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami.

Emma Vallender was born on the Isle of Wight and began her musical studies, aged eleven, under the tuition of Wendy Banks and, later, with Elizabeth Courtney.

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

In 2006 Emma won a place to study at Trinity College of Music in London and has studied with the renowned oboists David Thomas and Chris O’Neil. She has since moved to the Royal College of Music and is currently in her final year of a BMus course where she is studying with David Theodore and Christopher Cowie.

Emma was a finalist in the 2007 Harold–

Clarke Woodwind Competition and in August 2008 Emma was selected to attend the Charterhouse International Music Festival.

Emma is currently recording for Naxos record label with Trinity College of Music Wind Orchestra. She has recently gained a place at the Tchaikovsky Institute in Moscow to study for a year.

“I thought it went very well,” said Emma. “It was really good to play with Ren because she’s really amazing. We met when we played together at a wedding at St Paul’s cathedral.

“I’m hoping to play another recital on the Island at the end of August. I’d like to do something before I leave for Russia.”

Emma’s former music teacher Wendy Banks was at the concert.

“I thought it was absolutely wonderful and I did cry I have to admit,” said Wendy.

“She’s carrying out her dream.

“At the age of 11 she told me she was trying to succeed as an oboist and she really, really wanted to do well. She was a lovely pupil to teach and she was very determined from the very beginning showing real promise.

“There were only a couple of times I caught her out and I left messages in her oboe case saying that she hadn’t practiced that week which I think jollied her along.

I taught her for five years, to grade six.”

“The church is very grateful to William Smith for arranging and presenting the evening,” said Rev Bevington.

William Tudor-Smith, Emma Vallender and Suzie Tudor-Smith

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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LIFE SO MUCH QUIETER NOW FOR CHARLIE

POSING with his penny farthing at the recent launch of Ryde Heritage’s Audio Trail was ex sapper Charlie Henderson, but it was all a far cry from his days in the army when he took his life in his hands on a daily basis.

Charlie was one of the brave army boys who risked life and limb to make sure that mail from ‘our boys’ in the Middle Eastern Land Forces (MELF) got through from Egypt to England. Although it was 1948, and WWII had finished, Egypt, where he was posted, was far from tranquil and the army ‘postmen’ had to work undercover.

“After serving about nine months with 42 Survey Engineers Regiment in Fayid I had a GHQ posting to the Army Post Office at Moascar, Ismailia where I was issued with civilian clothes, had my photo taken and issued with an Egyptian driving licence to allow me to drive in the delta zone, which was out of bounds to British Forces,” said Charlie of his initiation into his undercover role.

“I was issued with a 4x4

dangerous at times – I had to drive through some very bad villages and was always hoping to get through without stopping as they would try and remove your spare wheel, jerry cans or toolbox.

“Once when returning from Cairo we had to stop at a level crossing and five Egyptian soldiers armed with rifles asked me for a lift, which I refused. When the train had passed through I drove forward over the crossing

“As I knew that their rifles were single load I stood my ground, pointing my empty revolver at him and hoping that his rifle was also empty.”

Bedford three ton truck painted dark blue which had Egyptian number plates fitted to it and my job was to take the air mail for England to Farouk Airport BOAC cargo office. I also had to call in to Armaszer Airport Heliopolis and pick up and drop mail off.

“To do the job I had two sappers with me, one to guard the mail in the back of the truck and one to guard me in my cab. Each one had a revolver and only five rounds for each gun. I was issued with a sten gun and had one magazine, but when I got to the military checkpoint at Tel-el-Bebir I had to hand it in. I wasn’t allowed to take it into the delta zone.

“The job was very

and turned right heading for Sagazig and Tel-el-Kebir.

It was then that Charlie realised he had picked up some excess baggage in the form of the five Egyptian solders. “The mail guard in the back of my truck signalled that he was in trouble by hammering on the side of the truck with the butt of his revolver.

“I pulled over, stopped, got out and went round to the rear of my truck only to see that the five Egyptian soldiers had climbed into my truck. I asked them to get out but they refused and then went back to my cab and got my guard to give me his revolver – which was not loaded. Then I went back round, pointed

the revolver at them and ordered them to get out.

“Four of them got out but the last one pointed his rifle straight down at me.

As I knew that their rifles were single load I stood my ground, pointing my empty revolver at him and hoping that his rifle was also empty.

He gave in and got out of my truck and we then headed back to the canal zone.

“This was only one of many instances we encountered on our daily run to Cairo and back,” explained Charlie.

“We never reported them when we got back to the post office depot at Moascar.

On this job we were on our own after we left the canal zone and got back to the delta zone, without any way of getting in touch until we reached Cairo.

“I feel that my job was like being in the SAS and I did it for about one and a half years,” said Charlie. “I was in Cairo on the night Neguib overthrew King Farouk and as a member of the British Embassy I had to drive around Cairo that night rescuing British families and others and taking them back to the Embassy for their safety.”

Eventually the trucks became too well known and the mail was brought in and out via RAF Fayid, but Charlie remembers his days as a postman well. He was posted to Fanara Post Office as the c/o driver and stayed there until his tour of duty in Egypt was over (three years.)

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Charlie Henderson on his penny farthing

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

A SK8 DAY OUT!

SK8 10 at Cowes Skate Park was a great success and featured contests not only in skateboarding skills but BMX riding, blades and the newer stunt scooter riding.

The third annual event to be held at ‘Kimpos’ skate park at Northwood Recreation Ground was organised by Cowes Youth Forum with Scott Russell (28) in charge of the skills competitions.

Live music was on offer from NPT and DNB Legend with DJ Krooks on the decks

and there was a bouncy castle and face painting.

Hampshire Constabulary, Cowes Town Council, Connexions, Island Tyres, Play Rangers, Wight Mountain, Wight Trash and Skin Trade supported the event.

Sergeant Julie Cocks of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “As well as encouraging young people to be aware of the consequences of their actions during our anti-social behaviour

campaign this summer, the police are also asking residents to allow children and teenagers to play safely in their local neighbourhood.

The police regularly support responsible events and activities for young people with Cowes Youth Forum. PC Mark O’Sullivan presented prizes at the latest SK8 event at the town’s skate park near Northwood. Hundreds of children and teenagers have taken part in this event in recent years when they have

(Left to right) SK8 organiser Scott Russell, Joe Armour (BMX 16 years and over winner), Darren Tate (16s and over boards winner), Ryan Whitehall (Under 12s boards winner), PC Mark O’Sullivan

enjoyed themselves safely whilst demonstrating their impressive and intricate skills.

Creating more facilities for young people remains one of the top three priorities for community safety in Cowes.”

Results were as follows: Boards: Under 12 yrs, 1st Ryan Whitwell, 2nd Rich Hayward. 12 to 16 yrs, 1st George Cray, 2nd Jesse Pellin, 3rd Dan Smith. 16 yrs and over, 1st Darren Tate, 2nd Ash Gulliver, 3rd Gary Rimmer.

BMX: Under 12 yrs, 1st Niall Jackson, 2nd Ryan Salter, 3rd Cain Tuckwell.

12 to 16 yrs, 1st Callum White, 2nd Tom Reed, 3rd Luke Spary. 16 yrs and over, 1st Joe Armor, 2nd

Jake Cotton, 3rd Chad Powell.

Blades: 1st Sam Dickinson, 2nd Kalvin Overy.

Stunt Scooters: 1st Curtis Alphic, 2nd Kalvin Overy, 3rd Issac Rudge.

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FEATURE

MERRY WAY TO £2K A WHOLE host of medieval mirth and merrymaking was on offer at the second annual Renaissance Festival last weekend and just under £2,000 was raised for local charities.

The Ryde Town Crier opened the event in a fitting style and was followed by Becky Rice on the piano. Compared by the inimitable Marc Tuckey, who is famous for his Ghost Walks around the Island, more live music was provided by Smoke and Mirrors and the Lost Years Trio.

“They turned into the Lost Years Light Orchestra though because about ten musicians turned up,” laughed Cora Wade who organised the event with Marcelle Edwards and Barry Kemp with artist liaison from Susan Martin.

Dancing was on offer from Eastern Promise belly dancing, the Oyster Girls and Bloodstone Morris group. Gina Shore from Isle of Hula gave hula-hooping

lessons to young and old and Wight Falconry gave fantastic flying displays.

Re-enactment sword fighting was on offer from Marc Tuckey’s band of brigands along with top class bowman ship from Wight Archery.

In the Kids Kingdom Island Creations provided art workshops and a renaissance puppet show was performed by Glenys Lloyd-Williams and her friends.

Mas Exodus taught circus skills and Helen Butcher performed a fantastic human marionette.

Ad Lib Theatre Company performed the Canterbury Tales throughout the day and buskers played recorders and flutes in the marquees.

Helen Davenport’s beautiful silk flags made the whole arena look gorgeous.

“We wanted that hustly bustly medieval feel and I think we achieved it,” said Cora. “Around 200 people worked voluntarily on the

day – all free of charge.

We did raise a fabulous amount of money, which will be split between IW Lions Groups, Ryde East Community Association and people in need in the local community. The IW Hospice also sold sunflowers on the day.

“Smallbrook Stadium gave the venue free of

charge and Award for All gave money for marquees, licences, first aid and other essentials. But we do need to find sponsorship for the event next year.

“Thank you to everyone who got involved, especially all those who turned up on Saturday to help set up and got soaked to the skin.”

Anna Chisolm, Richard Spencer, Havina Shite

Liz Hennessy, Jan Young, Steve King (Ryde Town Crier), Phil Young, Mark Nordey

Ye Olde Monty

Sarah Guymer, Ruby Guymer-Parker, Mary Shore

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Marc Tuckey, Russell Moul, Ben Rideley, Phillip Barker, Tom Ferguson, Natalie Harrison “Stocks”

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

PARTY TIME FOR VIOLET

Violet Symmons, June Emmett, Josh Hopkins, Trudie Hopkins and Gemma Hopkins

IT’S PARTY time up at Polars Residential Home today as Violet Symmans is celebrating her 100th birthday.

Violet will be joined for her birthday on June 4, by her daughter June Emmett, June’s daughter and Violet’s granddaughter Trudie Hopkins and Trudie’s two children Joshua (18) and Gemma (16).

“They’re going to give her a nice party at the home in Staplers and I believe there may be some entertainment,” said June. “My mother’s old school friend, Betty, is coming over from Eastleigh for the occasion – she’s in her nineties.”

About 40 family and friends will be dropping in throughout the day. The youngest addition to the family will be June’s cousin’s new grandson Stanley who is only one month old will be coming all the way from Brighton.

“We’ll have the oldest and the youngest in the family there for a while,” said June who is a nurse at St Mary’s Hospital although she retires

on June 26 when she will be 64. June’s daughter Trudie (42) is a classroom assistant at Hunnyhill Primary School.

Violet was born in 1910 to George and Ellen Plumbley and was one of seven children, including two sets of twins and was a twin herself. She left school at 14 on a Friday and began her life ‘in service’ on the Monday. Her last job was as a cleaner at Newport Police Station.

Violet moved to Newport in her early teens and married Leslie Symmans from Rookley in 1942 at St Paul’s Church in Staplers – she still has her wedding dress, which featured in an exhibition at Gatcombe Church last year.

Leslie was a caretaker at Nine Acres School and a part time fireman and they made their home in Harvey Road in Newport.

Leslie died in 1995 aged 74 and Violet lived in the house until the death of her sister Mabel in 1996 when she went to live with her daughter June. In 2006 Violet moved to Polars Residential Home where she has been very happy.

WOMAN UNHURT IN NEWPORT FIRE AN 87 YEAR OLD pensioner was led to safety by a member of the public after a teapot on an electric cooker caught light in her kitchen.

It is thought that the woman had turned on the cooker to make a drink, but was distracted by a knock at the door.

Fire fighters were called to Mountbatten Drive, Newport and used a hose reel to extinguish the small fire. The elderly lady was treated at the scene by paramedics and was

taken to St Mary’s hospital by ambulance to be checked over.

Community Fire Safety Manager Jeff Walls said “There was minor smoke damage to the kitchen area after a smoke alarm fitted in the hallway alerted the elderly lady.

“The Island fire service offer free home fire safety visits where a smoke alarm can be fitted for free. Any household interested is asked to contact the Community Fire Safety Department on 533 834.”

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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IT’S A FLORAL AFFAIR

MAKE sure you pay a visit to St Boniface Flower Festival in Bonchurch this weekend, which along with the beautiful flower arrangements has a concert every night and an organised walk to the old St Boniface well.

The Flower Festival runs from Thursday June 3 to Sunday June 6 and is entitled ‘A Village Affair’.

Both the quintessentially Victorian Parish Church and the Old Church (rebuilt in 1070) are decorated with floral arrangements depicting different aspects of village and church life.

As you enter the Parish Church the porch has been transformed into a nautical grotto, with blue thistles, fishing nets, seagulls, shells and driftwood.

Bonchurch Pond has been painstakingly reproduced on the floor of the church and even has a duck on one of the Islands.

A beautiful peacock made with feathers and flowers represents the Peacock Vane and a fountain of bejeweled pink roses rise from the font to commemorate those on the accompanying scroll.

Graham Potter at Bonchurch Forge specially made the ironwork trough which holds a stunning array of red gerberas and Bonchurch Pottery is depicted in blue and white with two of their hand made fish dishes.

A tall display of stunning pink lilies in memory of Gwen Newnham stands before the sanctuary, which is decorated in wedding style with a white and green theme.

Charles Dickens’ stay in the village is commemorated with a cobweb festooned wedding cake made by Mary Gobat – his character of Miss Haversham is reputed to be based on a lady

view the recently re-discovered St Boniface well on the downs. The walk will commence from the terrace of the Hillside Hotel, next to the tennis courts, and coffee will be on offer. David White will lead the walk and will explain all the folklore surrounding the well.

At 3pm on Saturday a play about Algernon Swinburne will preview.

This will start at East Dene and move on his grave in the churchyard. There will also be another performance of the play at 3pm on Sunday.

On Sunday you are invited to meet at 10am at the grotto in the village, which is fed by water from St Boniface Mary Gobat - Coffee Morning well, for a blessing by Archdeacon Caroline Baston. followed by a barbecue lunch.

Worshippers will The churches will open for Saskia and Rhett Godley then process to the a final viewing of the flowers Parish Church for at 2pm with cream teas being is actually the old Victorian the Patronal festival Eucharist served from 3pm. The festival service at which Archdeacon will finish with a candlelit service school.

There will be a concert every Caroline will preach. This will be in the Old Church at 8pm. night starting at 7.30pm. On Thursday night James Halsey, Frances Mason and Sally Halsey’s recital will include Faure, Beethoven, Frank Bridge and Rachmaninov. Tickets will be £5 and refreshments will be available to purchase in the interval.

On Friday night the Bonchurch Village Singers will be presenting a selection of favourite songs, also for £5 per ticket, with refreshments available in the interval.

On Saturday night Hannah Brear will be giving a solo concert of both classical and jazz songs.

There will be an option to have a pre-concert supper at East Dene and the supper/concert ticket will be £25. Other tickets will be available at £10 and £5 in the choir stalls.

On Sat 5th (St Boniface Day) at 10am a walk has been arranged to Sally Fitzgerald - Bonchurch Singers who lived at Madeira Hall who was jilted at the altar.

The churches will be open for viewing from 10am – 5pm on June 3, 4 and 5, and on June 6 from 2pm-5pm. Coffees, teas and light lunches will be served in Bonchurch Village Hall, which

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

A REAL SCARE AND NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS

A 13FT ALIEN, Dr Who with Dalek and Tardis, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix were visiting Chillerton and Gatcombe this week.

Posh and Sporty from the Spice Girls even put in an appearance in their scarecrow forms as the residents really went to town, producing 95 individually designed people and creatures for the new scarecrow competition.

“We did Posh and Sporty on a Wimbledon theme although Sporty ended up being a multi-sports scarecrow with Posh watching her from her deckchair,” said Kate

Wells who made them with husband Pete.

The parish only has 250 homes, so 95 scarecrows was a mammoth effort although some households produced more than one.

Chillerton and Rookley Primary School made two, but another four wandered into the school garden from properties that could not easily be seen by visitors.

Mr. and Mrs Peplow were perhaps the most prolific scarecrow designers with copies of each of themselves and their three children. “But there will be six next year,” said Mrs Peplow who is expecting her fourth child.

Unsuspecting drivers passing through the villages were very surprised to see the crowds of scarecrow personalities. Outside Gatcombe’s St Olaves Church were a young couple being married by a vicar, a ghostly presence was appearing from a flower trough further down the road and lady Chatterley and her lover were rendezvousing by the gates of a farm.

Tim Burton’s Jack from a Nightmare Before Christmas was out uncharacteristically early in the day and Toad of Toad Hall was taking in the sunshine with his friends Ratty and Badger.

One home had a builder

with his barrow and bricks, at another a lovely lady with pink hair was trimming her bushes and at the school a beekeeper was tending his hives, complete with bees.

First prize went to Postman Gat (short for Gatcombe) made

by Christine Heal from Gatcombe. Second prize went to Jack and Jill go Fishing, who were sat by the side of the ford in Chillerton with their fishing rods. Third prize went to Chillerton Tales, a lady who was lying in bed under her patchwork blanket reading a book, on the verge on the left as you enter Chillerton from the North.

Postman Gat, 1st Prize

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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DOUG BARBER came up with the idea for a scarecrow competition after a visit to the Wirrel, from where his wife Sue originates. “We saw a scarecrow competition in Thornton Hough and then last year there was a plea in our parish newsletter for an event to brighten things up and I thought of it,” said Doug.

“I went down to the village hall to explain what it was and they said, “When are you going to organise it?

I had a lot of help from one of my neighbours, Felicity Barnham.”

Doug and Sue made a scarecrow called ‘Upsy Daisy’, a character from the well-loved children’s book

‘The Night Garden’ and she was in the grounds of the village hall.

“A lot of kiddies have had their pictures taken with her,” said Doug.

There are about 95 scarecrows on display in Chillerton and Gatcombe and they’ll be up until next Saturday (June 4).

“We’ve had calls from as far away as Sussex and two television companies have been in touch about coming to film them.

“It was absolutely brilliant and now that people have seen what we’ve done we could do so much more with a team of people. To get 95 exhibits is really fantastic, and we also had

Mermaid: Annabel, June and Paul Hutchins

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sponsors from local businesses to pay for posters and to donate prizes.

‘We had a prize giving in the village hall at 3pm on Sunday (May 30) and a raffle and we’ve made some money that will go towards repairs of the village hall.

“We’ve had hundreds of people coming through this weekend – it’s much bigger than I thought it would be. We did knock on every single door, which is why we got the response we did – we had to use a lot of persuasion,” he admitted. “I can see it being much bigger in the future – people who’ve done one may do two next year.”

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THE DECISION to make a Dolly Parton scarecrow came to Helen Shaw as she had a particular item of Dolly’s physique left over from a hen party.

Helen and Barry’s son got married last year and for the hen party all the girls dressed up as different characters with Helen drawing Dolly Parton for the night.

“That’s why we had the boobs,” said her husband Barry, a chief engineer in the navy, who came home on leave to find that he had to help make a scarecrow of the famously well endowed country singer.

“I made one out of a boiler suit to start off with but it looked like the wife of Shrek. When I realised that the publicity literature said people had to come and see Dolly Parton I thought I’d better make more of an effort,” said Barry.

“I stuffed some fishnet tights with straw and put them in jodhpurs for her legs.

Then I went into a shop in Newport and asked them for something they couldn’t sell that was bright and garish and they found me a bright pink polo neck. My wife had a blond wig and we made the head out of a football. The microphone was made out of a broom handle, a polystyrene ball and some onion netting – all spray painted black,” explained Barry.

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Dolly Parton: Jill and Nigel Shaw

Sporty and Posh: Paul and Kate Wells

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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JILL SHAW and Elizabeth Taylor made Lou, aka Lewis, who was named because he was sat on Jill’s old bathroom toilet (loo).

He was dressed in his pyjamas and reading the Chillerton Chronicle, which had the headline, “Thieves Steal Front Wall of Resident’s House”.

“It was Doug Barber’s idea to do the scarecrow festival last year and it’s been nice to be part of the community,” said Jill who edits the Gatcombe and Chillerton News, which comes out quarterly.

“It’s been fabulous the way people have got involved and I feel sorry for the ones who didn’t,” she added.

“I chose to do Lou because in the last six months I’ve had a new bathroom suite fitted. I was going to paint a woman on the shower screen and have ‘psycho scarecrow’ but I didn’t have enough time.

“My favourite one is the man up a ladder with a chainsaw. People thought it was a real person.

“Lou had to be moved three times because he kept falling off of his toilet. There were lots of jokes about him having been out on the town the night before.”

Lewis Lou: Jill and Nigel Shaw

The Hunt: Charlotte Payne, Lilly Bartlett

Humpty Dumpty: Steve Hoyle

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

CARISBROOKE GARDEN CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR C A R I S B R O O K E CASTLE’S Edwardianinspired garden, once the ‘privy’ garden of Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Beatrice – is one year old. To celebrate, the castle is offering visitors a week of discounted entry with a first birthday buy ‘one’ get ‘one’ free promotion.

From Friday June 4 June 11 visitors will be able to buy one ticket and get a second ticket free to take a look around the garden and enjoy the castles many other attractions too.

Just one year on from opening and despite enduring the extremely harsh and prolonged winter, Head Gardener at Carisbrooke Castle, Charlotte Lock reports that the garden is becoming is positively blooming! “We have several stunning iris varieties - Iris ‘Ruffled Velvet, Iris ‘Teal Velvet’ and Iris ‘Bel Azure’ and a rose, Rose ‘Canary Bird’ all blooming beautifully.

Several foliage plants are also doing well, especially

the Euphorbia’s which are drawing admiring comments from visitors Euphorbia mellifera the Honey Euphorbia, and Euphorbia x pasteurii’, said Charlotte.

The Princess Beatrice garden, designed by award-winning garden designer and former BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Chris Beardshaw, contains just about every seasonal element of a fashionable Edwardian garden, including colourful themed flower borders, formal clipped hedges,

an orchard of fig trees contained in huge planters, flower meadow planting and a fountain as its centrepiece. It celebrates the time when the Princess lived at the castle in her role as Governor of the Isle of Wight. She held this position from 1896 until her death in 1944 and from 1913 the walled garden became her private or ‘privy’ garden which she enjoyed during regular visits to the Island.

The ‘buy one get one free’ offer runs at the site from June 4-11

inclusive. Buy one ticket and get a second ticket from the same or lower price band free. Normal admission is just £7.00 for adults and £6.00 for concessions and £3.50 for children. English Heritage membersare admitted free.

Carisbrooke Castle, Castle Hill in Newport is open daily from 10am-5pm.

For further information on Carisbrooke Castle or other English Heritage properties on the Isle of Wight call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.englishheritage.org.uk.

DO YOU FEEL FENCED IN?

By John Russell of JRR Fencing

JRR FENCING LTD has been established for over 17 years, and in that time we have fenced in or out, dogs, horses, deer, ostrich, rabbits and people to name just a few.

We pride ourselves on doing a top quality job and making

sure that the customer comes first. We have built a strong reputation, not just for the work but also for the reliability and friendliness of our service, offering free quotes and free advice. We are fully insured, trained and Health and Safety certified.

No job is to small or big.

We have fenced all over the Island from the Needles to Culver Down and St Catherine’s to Osborne House.

Our work consists of Domestic panels fencing, commercial site fencing and Stock fencing.

We also cater for equestrian needs, ranging from post &

rail, horse netting or electric fencing to building stables and sand school and fit rubber mating for the stables.

We are the Islands stockists of willow panels, we also erect decking, build driveways and other concreting work.

Our customers vary from the National Trust, IW Council, Flamingo Park, The Donkey Sanctuary and hundreds more, to the domestic householder.

Our primary aim is to achieve customer satisfaction, taking our time to get it right, with many of our recommendations being word of mouth and customers returning to us time and time again.

“We pride ourselves on the top quality of our fencing”.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

FESTIVAL PLAN TO BEAT TOUTS

ISLANDERS will be given the chance to buy tickets ‘on the door’ for this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.

John Giddings, the Festival organiser, has announced he has again held back 1,000 tickets for purchase just before the event begins at Seaclose, in an effort to beat the ticket touts. It is the second year running that he has put the scheme into operation.

He said: “The one thing I hate is driving along Fairlee Road and seeing touts selling tickets for the Festival at inflated prices, and making money out of me. So I have decided to hold back 1,000, which will be on sale near the site entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Paul McCartney, this year’s headline act, is the latest in a host of mega-music stars who have performed on the Island since the Festival was re-launched in 2002. The former Beatle will close the show on Sunday evening on the main stage, after

Giddings finally persuaded him to appear after five years of trying.

The first Festival to be held on the Island was, of course, way back in 1968 when the one-day event in a field near Godshill saw Marc Bolan headlining. The following year Bob Dylan was tempted out of retirement, and then in 1970 Jimi Hendrix performed at East Afton Farm, just three weeks before his death.

On its re-launch in 2002 former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant sang a tribute ‘Hey Joe’ to Hendrix, and it is anticipated McCartney will perform his own tribute to the tragic legend this year.

The 2003 Festival saw Bryan Adams and Iggy Pop on the Island, and a year later Giddings came up with arguably his strongest ‘double’ of The Who and David Bowie. Travis and REM were among those appearing at Seaclose in 2005, while Coldplay headlined in 2006, before rock icons The Rolling Stones played their first

Festival in more than 20 years in 2007.

The Police and the Sex Pistols stepped on stage in 2008, while last year it was left to Canadian Neil Young to try to captivate the audience – a headline act that even Giddings admits he misjudged in the eyes of fans.

Now it’s McCartney, heading towards 68 years of age, who will take centre stage on the Sunday, following the likes of Pink and Spandau Ballet. The Festival is already a sell-out – unless you happen to snap up one of those 1,000 tickets that are being held back.

Here is the must-see guide for this year’s IW Festival.

Location: Seaclose Park, Newport.

Gates open: Friday: 2pm.

Sat / Sun: 11am. Camping opens on Thursday June 10 at midday. Strawberry Fields opens on Thursday June 10 June at 6pm.

The Festival line-up in full: The Main Stage: Friday

June 11: Jay-Z, Florence + The Machine, Calvin Harris, Doves, Mr. Hudson, Hockey Saturday June 12: The Strokes, Blondie, Biffy Clyro, Vampire Weekend, Crowded House, Paloma Faith, The Hold Steady, Melanie, Detroit Social Club, The Bluebyrds.

Sunday June 13: Paul McCartney, Pink, Editors, Spandau Ballet, Friendly

Fires, The Courteeners, Suzanne Vega, The Coronas.

The Big Top: Thursday June 10: Squeeze, The Members, Semi Precious Weapons, Are You Experienced?

Friday June 11: Suzi Quatro, Juliette Lewis, Marina and the Diamonds, Shakespears Sister, Wonderland, Woman, Daisy Dares You, I Blame Coco.

Saturday June 12: Orbital,

La Roux, N-Dubz, The Saturdays, Noah and the Whale, Devendra Banhart, Bombay Bicycle Club, Semi Precious Weapons, Arno Carstens, The Brilliant Things.

Sunday June 13: James, Ocean Colour Scene, Local Natives, Reef, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, The Big Pink, O.A.R, The Alarm, Saint Jude. Stage times to be advised on site.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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COOL TIME AT PLANET ICE

MORE THAN just ice-skating was on offer at Planet Ice this half term, as Wednesday was fun day at the popular local venue.

Outside the front of ice rink were a bouncy castle, a hockey shootout, tombola and face painting with everything priced at just 50p.

Horse riding proved popular, when some of the workers at the rink brought their horses into work for the day and led youngsters along the green to the side of the rink.

Hungry holiday-makers and locals alike tucked into barbecued food and home made cakes from the cake stall.

“It was just something for the kids to do at half term,” said Planet Ice manager Lorna Cotton. “It was a great success so we’ll be doing another one in the school holidays – on the first Wednesday.

“The next one will have more of a fairground feel and we’ll also have a foam party.”

Staff of Planet Ice with the visiting horses

BEATLE - HOW GOOD’S THAT

ROLL UP, roll up! If you’re lucky, you may still be able to get a ticket for this year’s Isle of Wight festival. If you’re skint, use your credit card! Dozens of great acts and Paul Mc flipping Cartney as the Sunday night Headliner, you’d be mad not to, an actual Beatle, here, on our Island, how cool is that? You can’t not be there can you?

On my occasional long-haul travels, I confess few people I fall into conversation with ever have a clue where the Isle of Wight is. I patiently go through my ‘It’s just off the South Coast of England’ routine and when that’s met by blank vacant stares, as a last resort I ask them if they’ve heard of the festival and The Beatles ‘When I’m 64.‘ This hasn’t failed

me yet, Mr McCartney’s witty song about renting a cottage in the Isle of Wight is instantly recognised worldwide, when I’m feeling daft enough to sing it.

Before I go much further, I must point out that according to last weeks Sunday Times, no less, I am related to the Isle of Wight festival.

It’s my ‘big brother’ said the Times. OK, what I actually mean is they said the Garlic Festival, (of which I’m Chairman) is the globally famous festival’s cool but less familiar little brother.

That’s fine by me, I see their point! Yeah, I know, we don’t have the multi-million budget for the planets biggest rock stars, but we do have a stage featuring the best of British chart-toppers from the 1970’s! We have side shows, stalls,

marquees full of arts and crafts and various great entertainers giving their all from dawn til dusk. We have a fun fair, great hot food and terrific local produce as our centrepiece, which brings me to my real point.

This year represents the best opportunity in years for the English seaside to fight back against the cheap foreign holiday.

The dire world economy, volcano, BA strike, rip off exchange rates and security issues will make staying at home the preferred option for millions of UK tourists.

Can the Island step up to this challenge? I believe we can, but only if we all recognise what must be done and pull together.

To misquote Paul Weller, the best, most successful Island

business people know that the public gets what the public wants.

Build the temple and they’ll come, is what I say, make something good enough and the rest should take care of itself. We should keep this in mind. The Island can easily compete with Newquay, Brighton, Padstow, or any of those trendy British holiday locations. We have outstanding; scenery, beaches, wonderful waters, great hotel and rental accommodation, hospitality and attractions. Our events are among the worlds best, honestly, they are! The publicity and exposure we get from them is worth more than we could ever afford to buy. Last week alone, as well as the Times and Telegraph, I noted during a break in

David Holmes Britain’s Got Talent, ITV were plugging their IW Festival telly coverage.

Do you have any idea how much just that one plug is worth to the Islands economy? I’ll tell you, up to £300,000, for a single Saturday night prime-time TV

spot, thank you John Giddings.

We have so much going for us, forget the negatives, we can capitalise on this outstanding opportunity. In my view it’s the only way we will ever really grow our

Island economy. With good links to motorways, we are easily accessible to perhaps a third of the UK population. If we can’t succeed with all that we have going for us, then quite honestly we have no-one to blame but ourselves.

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

PINE HAS ‘EM JUMPING

COURTNEY PINE had the whole audience jumping by the end of his set at Jazz on the Meadow.

Literally.

“One, two, three, four, jump!” commanded Courtney, who was really enjoying himself by this point, having just joined the audience for an impromptu conga through the crowd, playing his saxophone throughout.

There was no room for shirkers during Courtney’s set – if you were down at the front you had to be dancing and everyone was on their feet by the end of the evening. The catchy improvised jazz numbers were infectiously motivating.

One of the most beautiful days of the year so far, the sun beat

down as jazz fans arrived at the stunning venue of Ventnor’s Botanic Gardens on May 22.

Benedict Branca supplied a mellow backdrop to the arriving guests as they lazed in the sunshine.

Next was a surprise interlude of Morris dancing, not only from Island Morris groups but also a visiting German troupe.

Recent American import to the Isle of Wight, Keri Highland, then gave the audience a selection of her hypnotic songs of heartbreak and then the Ric Harris trio brought their ambient jazzy blues to the mix.

And as the sun sank lower in the sky, Edana Minghella lent her smoky vocals to the piano

Keri Highland

playing of Quay Arts curator, Mick Smith, for some memorable jazz blues classics and soulful love songs.

Before the main man hit the stage, Cuban violinist Omar Puente gave a Latin flavour to the proceedings, coaxing sounds from his selection of violins that defied description and got people on their feet.

Everyone agreed that the day had been a resounding success with excellent artists, superb weather and a venue that was absolutely ideal. Having superb jazz back in Ventnor had been long overdue and very much appreciated.

Omar Puente

Courtney Pine

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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39

FEATURE

SATURDAY NIGHT SHENANIGANS

AT THE BALCONY

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

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VENTNOR GETS INTIMATE

Holly Kirby

vast body of work is known mostly by fans of the innovative ‘Take Away Show’.

Vincent’s music videos have filmed artists such as Arcade Fire, REM and Mumford & Sons performing spontaneously across the world in unique places such as lifts, cars and road sides.

Festival Director Jack Whitewood from Ventnor said, “Vincent Moon is without doubt my favourite short film and documentary maker in the world and with this specially created Picture House seating no more then twenty audience members at a time it will be a unique opportunity to get to know the man and his work first hand.” The cinema will be located in an old shop in the town, which will be prepared for the four day festival this summer.

Vincent Moon described his intentions as “Opening a space

for four days; screening films, our images made on the road, and the images which made us. Playing music, creating sounds and even making films in the same room.

Welcoming anybody to enter the space, to exchange, share, ask, discuss, play, show. A space as an improvised laboratory, a little caravan on an island.

A moment in time where as soon as you are in, the rules are different. A poetical experience, troubadours getting their own house for a short period in time.

Let’s try something new, for us and for you.”

Entry to the cinema will be completely free of charge and open throughout the festival, presenting a truly special opportunity for audiences not to be missed.

Other acts announced in the past few days have included renowned British Accordionist Karen Tweed and local Island

INSPIRED by Ventnor, a concert and competition at St Catherine’s Church, attracted a total of 17 different musical compositions and was hailed as a great success.

Entries included two very professional contemporary pop pieces on electric guitar from Jamie Thorpe and a solo piano composition from Katina Hockey named ‘Spirit of Ventnor’.

Steve Parkes, resident pianist at the Rex Piano Bar in Ventnor, gave two very professional jazz recitals and Mick Smith played a lovely jazz piano piece inspired by creative endeavours in Ventnor.

Hugh Verey, the Rick Wakeman of Merston, gave his very first public performance with two stunning digitized compositions on a three separate keyboards.

Hugh’s brother Harry Verey had written a classical guitar piece, ‘A Reflection of summer clouds over the sea’, Chris Parsonson also chose classical guitar for his ‘Ventnor Sonatina’ and Jordan Strobach Morris

(13) gave a lovely rendition of his ‘Ventnor Diamonds’, also on classical guitar.

Anne-Marie Robinson sang her folk song ‘Heaven Sent’ inspired by a day on the beach and The Seafarers sang a hearty folk song, ‘The Sailing of the Flowersbrook’ written by Donna Cafferky and Jamie Macaulay, about Ventnorians sailing to the new world.

Keith Strobach Morris sang his unique song ‘Over the Brow of the Hill’ whilst playing the guitar and Mark Innocent accompanied himself on guitar whilst singing his jaunty ‘Walking Shoes’ about coming home to Ventnor.

Andrew Pellow accompanied Andy Chilton’s beautiful baritone performance of ‘St Boniface’ and Richard Benger on piano and Siobhan Cosgrove on flute played three inspired pieces: ‘On Boniface Down’, ‘A Botanic Stroll’ and ‘Around the Spyglass’. Ann and Ted Chance gave an amusing and spirited performance of

‘Elgar at the Tapas Bar’ on Horn and Flute.

Organised by local resident Anthony Churchill in aid of the Ventnor Piano Fund, the judges were Dick Taylor, Brian Lucas, Christine Benson and Gillian Langton. Winner in the amateur category was Keith Strobach Morris for ‘Over the Brow of the Hill’. Richard Benger and Siobhan Cosgrove won the professional section and Anne-Marie Robinson won the inspiration category.

Two television companies were filming the concert and there are plans to use the music in a promotional film about Ventnor in the future.

VENTNOR Fringe Festival have announced the first of a series of unique ‘spaces’ within the first fringe festival that will take place from August 11 to 14, 2010 to coincide with the 121st Carnival Celebrations in Ventnor.

‘The Picture House’ will be an intimate cinema space created and delivered by French Improvisational Cellist Gaspar Claus and prolific Parisian filmmaker Vincent Moon, whose

HOLLY KIRBY PACKS ‘EM IN

By Mhairi Macaulay

Karen Tweed talents Holly Kirby and Groovecat.

Tickets are now on sale through their promoter ‘Vaguely Sunny’.

Applications are still open to artists from any creative discipline to perform at the festival and they are keen to welcome as much diversity in artists as possible. For more information and application forms visit www.vfringe.co.uk.

VENTNOR INSPIRATION

Anne - Marie Robinson

Ted and Ann Chance

Richard Benger and Siobhan Cosgrov

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

The Seafarers

THE QUAY ARTS’ Minghella Theatre was packed to bursting for the album launch of 19-year-old singer, Holly Kirkby.

The night focused on the showcasing songs from Holly’s first album ‘A Woman You Don’t Know’, which she has been working hard on during her gap year before taking a place to study music technology at Surrey University. Holly’s music has been described as sounding like Joni Mitchell crossed with Enya but with a twist, though a definite hint of Dido could also be detected as well.

The whole event was wonderfully sweet and personal to Holly with little touches like thank you notes for all attendees and a welcome banner projected on stage proclaiming Thank yous.

Holly sang heartfelt songs of love and loss to begin with interwoven traditional Celtic songs, for which she expressed, had a special significance with. There were also plenty of covers to keep variation during the night including ‘Paint it Black’, ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’, ‘Zombie’ of the Cranberries and the epic ‘Hallelujah’ based mostly on her love of Jeff Buckley’s version. There was also a more obscure German version of 99 red balloons thrown in which accompanied an interesting story involving Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher linking a video of her performing it in a twitter post, supposedly making all her girl friends very jealous.

Apart from considered guitar accompaniment Holly had the ukulele out for a reflective tune called ‘My Little Ukulele Song’ and then a lap guitar in true Joni Mitchell style. There were also some backing track numbers, which really varied the mood from slow, haunting songs to uplifting pop pieces, although along with others I hope that a band can step in for full effect soon! Holly held the floor for her first solo gig and captivated the audience with her dusky yet delicate vocals and romantic tales. She also mentioned one of her upcoming appearances will be a show at the Ventnor Fringe Festival, which runs from 11th-14th of August around the town. You will probably see Holly popping up around the island in venues this summer including the Kashmir Café at Isle of Wight festival. Don’t miss her and her voice that some say ‘will latch on to your soul’...

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

ISLAND NEWS

BY SWANMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

THE THREE POSSIBLE MP’S

MARK CHIVERTON, Jill Wareham and Andrew Turner all visited Swanmore Middle School on Friday May 14 and Monday May 17. Andrew Turner was the winning MP with 32,810 votes.

He talked to us about how he got into becoming a part of politics, also what he is going to do and change. He said he wanted to keep nuclear weapons, but Jill Wareham disagreed with it.

Jill Wareham was the only lady running for MP on the Isle of Wight, she did not win, but she had a staggering vote of 22,283. Jill Wareham would have preferred to work with the Labour party, she had a lot of good ideas and she was very straightforward about what she wanted! She stated that she didn’t think there was any difference between the two-tier and three-tier school system.

Mark Chiverton visited our school on Monday the May 17.

Sadly he came third with 8,163 votes, but at least he had the

By Shona Parnell and Poppy Jones

courage to go for it. He also had really good ideas to keep school systems as they are, promote ‘green’ issues, talk to hospital staff, care workers and teachers.

Also about attracting industries to the Island and adequate funding for education. There were loads of great questions from classes 7A and 7C who listened well. After the talks on Friday we had an assembly for the whole of year 7 which had Jill Wareham and Andrew Turner in.

We think that these three people are very good at their jobs. They all gave great speeches and it was very interesting. We interviewed Eli Hudson and asked him how he thought the speeches went.

He said “ It was very boring and I don’t like politics.”

We interviewed Michael Foulkes though and he said “They were very interesting and gave me a lot of information on politics!”

HOUSE OF COMMONS MPS BACK AT SCHOOL MOVED TO SWANMORE

SWANMORE had a fantastic opportunity on Friday May 14. We got to meet Andrew Turner (the new MP for the Island) as well as Jill Wareham and Mark Chiverton (the other two candidates). The three candidates had a fiery head-to-head debate.

Jill Wareham (Liberal Democrats) is a 59 year old and has been interested in politics since she was 18 years old. We spoke to her first. We asked her ‘do you like your job?’ She replied in a soft voice “I love my job, but it is hard work, you have to be thick skinned.” Jill also said “we need more young people in politics.” We asked Mark Chiverton if he was sad that he didn’t become MP for the Island, he said “I

By Eleni Dove

am sad not to be the MP” Finally we spoke to the new MP for the Island, we asked “Would you have liked to be Prime Minister.”

He replied in a cheerful voice “No, because it is too big a responsibility.”

I didn’t really know anything about the election until they came in. I was surprised that politics wasn’t as boring as it seems.

All the candidates were trying their hardest to help the Island, and then in assembly they had an argumentative debate about some of the political issues.

But can politicians be trusted?

ON FRIDAY May 14 Swanmore had an amazing opportunity to meet three different candidates running for MP on the Island. These candidates were Andrew Turner, Jill Wareham and Mark Chiverton who volunteered to come into Swanmore and talk to us about the election.

Andrew Turner, the current MP, who started in parliament in 2001 and is a Conservative, is quite happy with David Cameron being Prime Minister and very much hopes to cut taxes so jobs can continue to be created.

Jill Wareham, a candidate that was running for the roll of MP, who is a Liberal Democrat, said she was sad not to be elected as MP, she thinks there should be younger candidates

By Demi-Lee Perkis

running for that position.

Mark Chiverton, another candidate running for MP, who is a part of the Labour party, says he is privileged to have the opportunity to build on last times excellent result.

Near the end of the day, we had an assembly, Jill Wareham and Andrew Turner were there.

There was a bit of an argument about different opinions on the election and how things are going to change. After a long while and an interesting debate, their visit came to a close.

My opinion is that the talk was very interesting and the election was fascinating to find out more about.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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ISLAND NEWS

43

FEATURE

BY SWANMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

TURNER TURNS IT AROUND

CONGRATULATIONS to the Conservatives for winning the Island election. Mark Chiverton (Labour) said that he would keep the school system as it is, where as the Liberal Democrats would prefer it if the Island would change the school system.

Andrew Turner has the final say and he said that he doesn’t mind if the three tier system changed.

By Michael Foulkes and Stuart Jones

The Conservatives had 32,810 votes and the Liberal Democrats were behind on 22,283. Labour didn’t have a great year for votes with an unfortunate 8,163 votes.

Andrew Turner would like the voting system changed!

SCHOOL POLITICS ‘A GREAT TALK’

LAST Friday (May 14) Swanmore Middle School had a great talk from the Islands three main party candidates, Jill Wareham, Mark Chiverton and Andrew Turner. The pupils in year 7 learned all about what it was like to be a politician and what sort of things they got up to.

The pupils were very excited about the talk and took lots of pictures with the candidates. Jill Wareham, the Liberal Democrat candidate, talked all about nuclear weapons and how she wanted to stop using them, the two-tier system and all about working with Nick Clegg.

Jill also said “I would probably rather work with Labour then the Conservatives.”

Andrew Turner, the Conservative party MP, and the winner of the election also talked about the school changes and said “I lots of shouting going on think the schooling system would at the same time and is work either way.”

He talked about the fact that sometimes very confusing!

Our school is probably the only school on the Isle of Wight that can say that we have been visited by these great people. So we are really lucky and have had an inside view of their stories. As you probably know Conservatives did win the election but did not get enough seats to do it alone so David Cameron asked the Lib Dems to join them in parliament. There’s going to be a better future for all of us with these great leaders, but do you have a different opinion?

CONSERVATIVES? LABOUR? LIB DEMS?

MARK CHIVERTON is the Isle of Wight representative for Labour, he got 8,163 votes, but it wasn’t enough to beat his rivals Jill Wareham and Andrew Turner. Andrew Turner beat Jill by only 10,527 votes.

On May 14, these three competitors visited Swanmore Middle School and spoke their views on the election. The first to visit was Andrew Turner, who told us his ideas for the Island. Some of his ideas included wanting to help poorer schools instead of making the good schools better. He was in favour

By Jasmine Taylor and Omi Lane

of nuclear weapons. He sounded dedicated to his job and spoke to us quite informatively.

Jill Wareham had a very different opinion as she talked to us later on that day. She was not in favour of nuclear weapons and didn’t think there was any difference between having a two tier or a three tier school system, as they both work as well as each other.

Also, she told us that she’d rather have been in Labour than the Conservatives if

she had the choice.

On Monday May 17, Mark Chiverton came to talk to us. He talked with us with great respect and an informal tone to his voice. He explained that he would like to promote ‘green’ issues and would give adequate funding for education. Mark wanted to keep the school system as it is because he thinks it’s best as it is and thinks its not worth the hassle and money to change the schools. But he did not just tell us about ideas, but also what its like to be in parliament; he said its really loud and much like a classroom, there is

By Caitlin Smith & Maeghan Craig

he wanted to improve poorer schools, that he wanted the voting system to change, and that he was in favour of nuclear weapons.

Mark Chiverton, the Labour candidate, talked about how he wanted to promote green issues and talked about how he wanted to attract industries to the Isle of Wight.

We spoke to Rachel Lawrence and she said “I found it was a very interesting day and I learnt quite a bit about politics.

However, I found it quite hard and complicated to understand.”

Overall we think it was a very interesting and exciting day and we all appreciate the time the time Jill Wareham, Andrew Turner and Mark Chiverton gave up to come and speak to us and a big thank you to Miss Snook for organising it.

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

ELECTION TAKES PLACE IN SWANMORE MIDDLE

MARK CHIVERTON, Jill Wareham and successful candidate, Andrew Turner, came in to Swanmore Middle School in Ryde on Friday May 14.

They volunteered to explain to us about the election and their jobs.

Jill Wareham was the first person to talk to us about her job. She thinks David Cameron will be a good Prime Minister to lead the country and do well.

Mark Chiverton has been a

By Ruby Simon

prospective MP for 9 years and he stood for the IW seat in 2005 and 2010. His Labour colour is red. He wants more green jobs on the Island and believes it should be a centre for promoting green issues. He’s been into politics for over 30 years.

Andrew Turner, the third and final candidate for MP, started parliament in 2001. He moved to the Island for 6

weeks then there was an election. He said “David Cameron should be the Prime Minister for about 5 years”.

He is pleased that he got 32,000 votes from the IW. At 12 years old, he voted for the Conservative party and has ever since. He was very pleased to win.

Andrew hopes to cut taxes so jobs will continue to be created.

I think that the election is an interesting big fight in England.

POLITICS PALAVER AT ANTAGONISING DEBATE SWANMORE MIDDLE

MP Andrew Turner

ON FRIDAY May 14 at Swanmore Middle, two candidates came in to talk to year 7 and answer some challenging questions.

These candidates were Jill Wareham and the Island MP Andrew Turner.

Firstly they gave year 7 a speech about politics and then answered the questions from the children afterwards.

These are some of the questions they asked.

Firstly Dan’s question “Were you devastated when you lost the election?” Jill Wareham replied “Yes, I only

By Jake Aldric, Kaylon Downer and Luke Tyers

entered the election to win!” Shannon asked “Will you be in the election again?”, “No because I will be too old when the next election happens.”

Later that day there was an assembly. Both candidates attended this.

During this assembly there was a furious argument when Jill Wareham disagreed with Andrew Turner.

That day for year seven was a magnificent one!

ON FRIDAY May 14 Andrew Turner the (Conservative MP) for the Island and Jill Wareham (Liberal Democrats), had a fiery discussion over the Islands welfare in the middle of a year 7 assembly.

At the end of the school day the year 7s only, were called to the dining room to see what the two MP’s had to say when we asked questions.

When all of a sudden, a raging debate kicked off between Andrew Turner

COMING FACE TO FACE WITH POLITICS

ELECTIONS

answers on their paper eager to learn more about politics. Jill Wareham said “I am a bit disappointed but glad I’m not the MP because the MPs job would come with a lot of responsibilities and I would not be able to cope!”

Andrew Turner entered the room excitable and enthusiastic to get started.

First he told the children about how he became interested in politics and how he has always believed in himself. After that the children asked him lots

TWO POLITICIANS, Andrew Turner, Conservatives, and Jill Wareham, Liberal Democrats, entered Swanmore Middle School to speak to the pupils in year 7.

They told us about themselves, and they had very interesting lives.

Then the students asked questions about their jobs, what their lives are like and much more. They answered the questions as they would in an election.

Next there was a fiery argument about the voting system during the year seven assembly. Then Callum stood up and gave a speech: “I hope you enjoyed your visit and remember Swanmore Middle School.

votes.

Andrew Turner was asked: “Are you pleased that you got most of the Islands votes?”

Andrew said: “Yes I am, because we got over 32,000 votes.”

Andrew’s other question was: “Are you happy the you won the election?”

Andrews answer was:

“Certainly, there’s no question to it.”

Sadly, Mark Chiverton couldn’t make it on Friday May 14 so he came Monday May 17, but we didn’t get any questions off of him.

Swanmore Middle School had an assembly with Andrew and Jill. At the end before Jill and Andrew went

WHEN ANDREW TURNER, Jill Wareham and Mark Chiverton came to Swanmore Middle School they were loaded with questions that Swanmore children had written. The lucky Swanmore pupils had the privilege to be able to talk to the Conservative, Liberal Democrats and Labour prospective MPs for the Island. Their heads were overloaded with information!

When Jill Wareham entered the room and started talking the children immediately started writing new questions and

By Seren and Ria

of questions which he answered truthfully to all of them.

Mark Chiverton came in front of all the year 7 children, He seemed eager to get started and they kept on going with their questions. He was always enthusiastic answering all the questions and always told the children the important information.

Swanmore said a big thank you and we hope they all enjoyed it. They did a small assembly for the year 7 children, and they all enjoyed it. It was a great day and a big success.

and Jill Wareham about the Islands welfare and an unfair voting system. When time ran out Callum Piper put an end to the assembly by saying to the two candidates “On behalf of Swanmore middle school I would like to thank you all for coming here today.”

Our personal opinion is that there should be a fairer voting system.

SWANMORE MEETS THE ISLE OF WIGHT MPS

ON FRIDAY May 14 2010 we met the candidates to be MPs of the IW, Jill Wareham, Andrew turner, and Mark Chiverton. We met Jill Wareham first the candidate for the Liberal Democrats. We asked her some challenging questions about her job. But she will not be running in the election next time because she thinks someone younger should take her place.

After we met Jill Wareham we met Andrew Turner, the MP for the Conservatives.

He was voted in as the new MP for the Island. We asked him some questions about how he feels about being the new MP for the Island. He was pleased with all the votes he got from the voters on the Island.

Jill Wareham

Reported by Callum Piper and Alfie Pearce

By Conner Freeston

Callum had to stand up and do a speech (he really embarrassed himself).

To sum up, it went really well and we had a great time learning about the candidates and how the election works.

So a big thank you from Swanmore Middle School and the people who helped organise it, thank you.

The final candidate for MP we met was Mark Chiverton for Labour. He was disappointed that he did not win the job of the MP for the Island. We asked him if he likes his job and he said he likes it and said it was challenging.

Finally we went to an assembly and asked more questions. Then there was some arguing about the voting system. Jill Wareham said this is for the children.

At the end of the assembly Callum said thank you for coming.

I am happy that the Conservatives won the election and are in government with the Liberal Democrats.

SWANMORE GOES MAD OVER POLITICS

Last Friday, three election candidates descended on Swanmore Middle School. Andrew Turner a Conservative, Jill Wareham a Liberal Democrat and Mark Chiverton who was running for Labour.

We asked them a few questions, and we got very good answers. Jill Wareham

By Dan and Charlie

came to 7/B first, here are her questions and answers: Jill Wareham was asked: “Did you feel sad when you lost?”

Jill Wareham said: “Yes! Because I would liked to be PM or even Deputy PM” Jill Wareham other

question was: “Do you think David Cameron will do a good job?”

Jill Warehams last question was: “Yes! Because he’s got a chance to change the welfare of the country.”

After Jill Wareham left Andrew Turner the Islands MP came in. In the election Andrew got just over 32,000

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

Job title Location Description

Wages

Duration

Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:

Housekeeper /Cleaner

Chale

Access to transport is essential due to location of role. Previous experience an advantage. Duties will be mopping, vacuuming, dusting and polishing. Also cleaning rooms and dealing with the linen.

Meets National Minimum Wage.

16-32 hours per week, between 8am and 6pm.

Permanent

NIW/10583- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Sales Assistant

Newport

Previous retail experience preferred but not essential as training can be given. Duties include serving customers, ear-piercing, operating the till and all other related tasks as required.

Meets National Minimum Wage.

4 hrs per week over 7 days, more hours are available.

Temporary for unknown length, possibly permanent

NIW/10589- Visit www.direct.gov. uk or call 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference no.

Cleaner

East Cowes

Applicants must have previous cleaning experience. Must have good communication skills both written and verbal. Duties to include general industrial and office cleaning, to include kitchen and toilets.

£6 per hour. 20 hours per week.

Monday to Friday 6am to 10am.

Permanent

NIW/10591- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Cleaner

Newport

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

£6 per hour. 16 hours per week, 5 over 7 days. Times to be arranged.

Permanent

NIW/10254 - Visit www.direct.gov. uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Cleaner

Sandown

No previous experience necessary as full training will be provided. Duties general cleaning duties including vacuuming, mopping, dusting and any other associated tasks. You may be required to work on a till so you must be able to count money.

£6.02 per hr. 18 hrs per week 3 days from 7 – mornings and evenings.

Permanent

RFM/6415 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Kitchen Porter

Ryde

Experience would be preferred but is not essential as training can be provided. Some manual work is involved carrying heavy pots etc. Duties to include washing up and any other tasks as required.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16 hrs per week, 5/7 days between 9.30am -9pm.

Permanent

RFM/6422- Visit www.direct.gov. uk or call 01983 273747 quoting the reference number.

Bar/Restaurant Staff

Ryde

Must be 18+ as will be serving alcohol unsupervised. Experience in a pub/restaurant background is essential. Must be willing to undertake NVQ level training in hospitality. Duties include serving customers, handling cash, stock replenishment, taking restaurant and bar orders and cellar tasks.

Exceeds National Minimum wage. 20 – 35 hrs per week 3-5 days from 7. Between 11am midnight.

Permanent

RFM/6433 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Cleaner

Ryde

Previous cleaning experience is required. Duties include cleaning of a high standard on commercial premises.

£5.80 per hr. 6-10 hrs per week.

Over 5 days between 6.30am – 8.30am.

Permanent

RFM/6435 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Bar Team Members

Cowes

Friendly, outgoing people with a real passion for quality service and the highest standards required for a busy quality holiday park.

Previous experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be given. Attitude over experience is essential.

Meets National Minimum Wage.

6 days from 7 with varied shifts.

Temporary

NIW/10604- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Lifeguard

Cowes

NPLQ qualified lifeguards needed for a busy holiday park leisure operation. Duties will include supervising the pool, running sports activities, sales, and cleaning.

£6 per hour. 6 days over 7.

Temporary

NIW/10605- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference no.

Security Officers

East Cowes

Must be age 18+.Must have SIA licence. Will accept either licence.

There is a shift system in place. Which are 12 hours shifts on a rolling roster of nights and weekends. Hours to be agreed at interview.

£6.40 per hour. 12 -48 hours per week, rolling roster, nights

Permanent

NIW/10565- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Sales Assistant

Shanklin

Duties include serving and assisting customers and sorting and displaying goods. Candidate must be numerate as some very light paperwork is required. Previous retail experience is preferred but is not essential.

£5.80 per hr. 7 hrs per week flexible.

Permanent

RFM/6446- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Guest Service Manager

Cowes

You will work as a Duty Manager of the holiday park & leisure club to deliver high standards of services to all guests and drive profit from the business and focus on quality. To assist in the daily operation of the holiday park and be responsible for the smooth running of the shift. You will ideally have experience of working in a holiday park, hotel or health club. Would suit someone who has a passion to work and is a self-motivated and enjoys working with people. You are a flexible, hands-on person that can work well within a team with excellent inter-personal skills. You are motivated and excited to come to work everyday.

Your ability to deliver business results and drive performance

Wage negotiable. 5 days out of 7, including evenings and weekends.

Permanent

NIW/10616- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599

Job title Location Description

Wages

www.iwgazette.co.uk

Duration

47

FEATURE

Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:

from your colleagues is key to the success of the operation.

Telesales Assistant Order Picker

Cowes

Must be aged 18+ for night work. Must have computer knowledge, a full driving licence in order to move vehicles and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience of the food industry is preferable. Duties are taking calls from the customer and inputting data onto the system, picking orders to a high standard, loading vans and general store room duties.

£7.50 per hour. 48 hours per week, Sunday to Friday night Work between 8pm and 4am.

Permanent

NIW/10567- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Head Chef

Sandown

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

This post is temporary until January 2nd, although this may be permanent for the right candidate.

Wage is negotiable depending on experience. 48 hours per week, 6 days over 7. Split shifts 7am -11am, 4pm to 8.30pm.

Permanent

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

Cleaner

Sandown

No previous experience necessary as full training will be provided. Duties general cleaning duties including vacuuming, mopping, dusting and any other associated tasks. You may be required to work on a till so you must be able to count money.

£6.02 per hr. 18 hrs per week.

6 from 7 days. Mornings or evenings.

Permanent

RFM/6415 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

TV 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+ hrs per week over 5/6 days from 7 – days and evenings.

Permanent

RFM/6448 -Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Dual Practice Manager

Ryde

To manage two busy NHS dental practices on the Isle of Wight.

Day to day duties include dealing with patient enquires, ordering of materials, cash handling and ensuring the practice runs smoothly offering excellent customer care.Wage negotiable depending on experience.

Wage negotiable depending on experience. 40 hrs per week Mon – Fri.

Permanent

RFM/6444- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Waiting Staff

Ventnor

Experience preferred but training can be given. Duties include, serving food and drinks, clearing tables and other duties as required.

£6 per hour. 15-40 hrs per week, Tuesday – Saturdays, some Sundays, evenings/days.

Permanent

NIW/10628- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Housekeeper

Ventnor

Previous experience required. Duties include, cleaning rooms, hallways, landings, cleaning bathrooms and toilets and general housekeeping duties as required.

£6 per hour. 15-30 hours per week. 9am- 1pm, 4 days out of 7.

Permanent

NIW/10629- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Kitchen Porter

Ventnor

Experience preferred but not essential as full training given.

Duties include, cleaning surfaces and floors, assisting the Chef, emptying bins and other duties as required.

£6 per hour. 15-40 hours per week Tuesdays- Sundays days/ evenings.

Permanent

NIW/10630- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Chef

Shanklin

Must have experience. Duties include helping main chef with food preparation and maintaining standards. Vacancy to start asap until end of season - approx Sept/Oct.

£6.00 per hr. 18 hrs pw. 3-6 days from 7. Between 7.30am -10pm.

Temporary – asap until Sept/ Oct.

RFM/6452 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Relief Customer Sales Assistant

Islandwide

Must have own transport. Must be 18+ as will be serving alcohol unsupervised. Experience is preferred, but full training given.

Must have a flexible approach to work. Duties include till work, merchandising, serving customers, temperature and date checking, cash handling and delivery checking, and other related tasks as required. Immediate start.

Meets National Minimum Wage.

Minimum 30 hours per week, 6 days over 7. Between 7am and 10.30pm.

Permanent

NIW/10634- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Sales/ Training Person

Rookley

The successful candidate will have a proven sales track record.

They will be required to visit our existing customers and grow our customer base through sales of SAGE accounts and SAGE associated products and offer recommendations for updating customer IT requirements. You will also be required to offer advice and resolve customer accounting queries.

Negotiable wage depending on experience. 40 hrs per week.

Mon – Fri 9am -5pm.

Permanent

NIW/10646- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

Waiting Staff

Yarmouth

Required for a busy seafood restaurant in Yarmouth. Must be 18+. Must have experience at waiting on tables and bar work.

Duties to include greeting customers, taking orders, pouring drinks, serving food, using a cash shifts, weekends and under pressure.

£5.80 - £6.50 per hr. 25 – 30 hrs per week over 5/6 days.

Some split shifts.

Permanent

NIW/10513 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

Trainee Chef

Yarmouth

Full time Trainee Chef Required for a busy seafood restaurant in Yarmouth. Must have minimum NVQ level 1 and have a passion for seafood and cooking in general. We can offer further on the job training if required.

£5.80 - £6.50 per hr. 25 – 30 hrs per week over 5/6 days. Split shifts.

Permanent

NIW/10512 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

Female Care Worker

Sandown

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

£7.35 per hr, £8.35 at weekends.

Part time or full time hours.

Permanent

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

Customer Service Adviser

Ryde

Previous experience is preferred however full training will be provided. Must be computer literate. Duties will include using the internet, calling existing customers, data entry and any other duties as required. Permanent contracts are available for suitable applicants following a successful 3 month trial period.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. Mon – Fri 5pm –8pm plus optional Saturdays. (Full time positions also available Mon – Fri 9am -5pm).

Permanent

RFM/6461 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

General Maintenance Person

Shanklin

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

£6.50 per hr. 8 hrs per week Mon and Fri, 9am – 1pm.

Permanent

RFM/6395 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

Chef

Chale

Own transport essential due to rural location. Applicant will be required to have had experience of working in a busy pub kitchen, and hold a Food & Hygiene certificate. Ideal candidate must be prepared to work under pressure. Some training can be provided.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 16 – 48 per week Mon – Sun between 8am – 11.30pm.

Temp until Sept 2010

NIW/10638 - Visit www.direct.gov. uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

48

FEATURE

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www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599

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NURSERY IS TOPS

TOPS DAY NURSERY is the flexible day nursery, pre-school and play club for children aged 3 months – 11 years, suiting the hours you need even at short notice. Tops offers you the opportunity to book per quarter of an hour as opposed to session rates so that you save money paying only for childcare you need.

See how flexible we can be for you! · Care available for babies as young as 6 weeks. · Play club during school holidays for children aged 5 - 11. · Long opening hours all year round. · Baby sitting service outside of hours. · Créche team for your private events. · Purpose built nursery with

large garden available to hire for children’s parties. · Hot healthy meals cooked on college site. · New, improved modern learning facilities.

Tops are launching Mini Beasts Play club for the summer holidays! Mini Beasts is the play club designed by children for children. · Sports facilities on college site. · Team games with your friends. · Themed activities. · Exciting trips. · Crafts & learning new skills.

All children aged between 5 and 11 welcome and the first 10 people to book for Mini

Beasts holiday fun will receive a free baseball cap!

Visit www.minibeastsplay club.co.uk for more holiday club information and www. topsdaynurseries.co.uk for nursery details, or call the nursery on telephone 01983 520334.

49

FEATURE

50

FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

HAIR RAISING TIME

Natalia King, Kimberly Large, Holly Brewer and Sophie Brewer

Winner Yr 10 Shannon Morgan, Connor Lane, Kate Hig

Winner Yr 11 Emily Camm, Charlotte Allard, Billy Rowell

THE ‘STRICTLY HAIR AFFAIR’ hair show at Medina High School raised over £1,100 for charity whilst stunningly showcasing the work of Hair and Beauty students at Medina High School.

To raise extra money, teaching staff learned dances for the entertainment as part of the theme, with

winners of the coveted glitter ball trophy being English teacher Rebecca Davis and Woodcraft teacher Dave Dargon.

Strictly Hair Affair was organised to show off the skills and talents of the Year 11 Hair and Beauty students as well as the Year 10 students who are halfway through their courses. The

girls chose a dance and styled the whole look around their chosen theme with styles as diverse as rock and roll, punk, street dance and traditional ballroom.

There were 15 Year 11 girls showing their work and 12 girls from Year 10. Year 11 winner was Charlotte Allard and Year 10 winner was Shannon Morgan.

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

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51

FEATURE

E AT MEDINA HIGH

Josh Stratton, Natalia King, Kimberly Large, Amy Hose, Alice McClean, Backy Hulme, Lucy O Bryan, Holly Brewer and Sophie Brewer The Year 11 entries counted towards the final NCFE (National Certificate of Further Education) Extended Level 2 exam, which gives the equivalent of five passes at GCSE. This is the third course to be run in the school’s new ‘Shimmer Salon’ based within the schools Practical learning faculty under the guidance of

qualified hair stylist Rachel Ridley. All-girl group Hope and pop festival promoter John Giddings opened the salon in 2008.

The girls have steadily been progressing towards this celebration, and for many of them the next step on the career path will be an apprenticeship or further course at college in the

Hair and Beauty industry. working life skills about who are now working as They have been learning customer care, running a apprentices in Island salons, came back to help judge the competition.

Posh Frocks supplied dresses that the models wore for the evening. These not only included the beautiful evening dresses for the styled models but also about style, colours and salon and Health and Safety. the ballroom and dancing enhancements as well as Some of last year’s girls, dresses worn by the teachers

“This is the third course to be run in the school’s new ‘Shimmer Salon’ based within the schools Practical learning faculty”

in the ‘Strictly’ styled dancing competition.

“I would like to say thank you to all the Island businesses who donated prizes,” said Hair and Beauty Instructor Rachel Ridley.

The Barely Born appeal and Help for Heroes will benefit from the money, which was raised through ticket sales, donations and a raffle.

52

SPORT

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The Lacy Family from East Cowes in front of their 1965 restored Split Screen VW camper van, winner of the ‘Best Car in Show’ award.

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

VINTAGE PRIDE A JOY

OVER twice as many proud owners than had been expected, gathered at the IW Steam Railway to show off their vintage and unusual cars at the ‘Pride and Joy’ car show.

From a Model T Ford to ‘His & Hers’ Smart cars, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s first Pride & Joy show on Sunday May 23, presented a wide range of much loved modes of transport in the beautiful late spring sunshine.

Over 70 vehicles were on display at Havenstreet Station with every vehicle being someone’s ‘pride and joy’.

“The concept was really very simple”, said IW Steam Railway Events Officer Liz

Tagart, “Anyone owning a vintage or classic car, or even something contemporary but a little unusual, was invited to come along and display

just about every car marque represented. The Steam Railway presented the ‘Best Car in Show’ prize to the Lacy Family from East Cowes for their 1965 restored Split Screen VW camper van. They were presented with a print of the Steam Railway’s own ‘pride and joy’, steam locomotive No. 24 ‘Calbourne’.

Also among the exhibits were a pair of ‘his & hers’ Smart Cars exhibited by the Railway’s General Manager, Peter Vail and his wife Sandra.

A handful of vehicles from the Mainland also swelled the numbers - The Kent Morris Minor Group who were visiting the Island, had a range of Morris Minors

“Anyone owning a vintage or classic car, or even something contemporary but a little unusual, was invited to come along and display it for others to see.” it for others to see. We didn’t mind whether it was in pristine condition or still needed lots of TLC – if it was your pride and joy you were invited, and we certainly had a wide and varied selection!”

With the Railway expecting about 30 cars, over 70 were on the show field by 10am, with

Two Morris Minors from the Kent Morris Minor Group either side of steam locomotive No 37 ‘Invincible’ in the station yard at Havenstreet.

A classic ‘Oldsmobile’ presented by Clive Miller of Newport

on display in the station yard and on the show field.

Elsewhere around the site, there was an autojumble, and of course steam trains operated throughout the day for visitors and exhibitors to enjoy.

“Each year the IW Steam

Railway stages around 25 special events alongside our normal steam railway service, but this was our first Pride and Joy Show and proved to be a hit among vehicle owners and the visiting public”, said Liz Tagart. “We will certainly be

repeating the event in 2011 and we have already fixed the date as Sunday May 22, 2011.

The IW Steam Railway’s next special event is this coming Bank Holiday weekend – The 1960s Event will be held on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 May.

Even a Dalek turned up! (Presented by Geoffrey White from Linden Rd, Newport)

The Model T Ford

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599

The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

www.iwgazette.co.uk

53

SPORT

LITTLE BRITAIN SAILS BACK THE 2010 LITTLE BRITAIN Challenge Cup, Europe’s largest annual construction industry regatta, will be held at Cowes from September 16 to 19.

Little Britain is now in its 23rd year and the regatta promises the usual blend of challenging sport and serious fun. Since the first event in 1988 the event has grown from three to 250 entries and to include more than 3,000 competitors, making it the biggest regatta in the UK after Cowes Week.

LBCC continues to attract more and more new companies to join the regulars that have been taking part in the event since 1988. All available berthing in Cowes Yacht Haven, Shepards Wharf Marina in West Cowes, and Venture Quays in East Cowes, is taken to accommodate the boats, and there’s an action-packed social programme to complement the racing.

Entrants should submit details via the Entry Brochure or online at www.littlebritain. co.uk. As before, there is no need to know boat details straightaway, but entries can be booked by paying the deposit of £600 plus VAT. The three day programme includes five races and an action-packed schedule of live entertainment.

VIKING FORDHAM DARTS TO ISLAND

DARTS ace Andy Fordham, known as The Viking, will be visiting the Island for two exhibition matches on June 9 and 10.

Fordham was the 2004 World Darts Champion, and generally known as the Peoples Champion. The first exhibition will take place at Shanklin Conservative Club on June 9 (8pm for an 8-30 start). A number of players have already been selected to play The Viking but anyone wanting to play Andy will be given a free to enter raffle ticket and two winners will be selected to play him on the night. Tickets will be issued to all interested until 8-15pm.

All are welcome players and spectators.

On Wednesday June 10 Andy will be playing at the Falcon in Ryde again 8pm for an 8.30pm start. More information can be obtained from the Falcon.

Andy Fordham

MIXED RESULTS FOR ROWERS FROM RYDE

WIGHTLINK sponsored Ryde Rowing Club had their largest team of the season so far competing at the Newport Regatta, on the the River Medina, where they had mixed results.

There was a return to form in the Men’s Senior Sculls with the Ryde Club providing both the finalists - with Ian Hayden claiming victory over Matt Allsopp.

There was another good performance in the Men’s Novice Sculls where Stuart

Johnson wsas runner-up. In the same event Sam Cocker reached the semi-final and RRC Junior member Sam Corney, competing in his first Novice Sculls event put up a good performance although he failed to qualify from his heat - a similar fate experienced by Ben Ade in debut in the Senior Sculls event.

The Men’s Senior Four of Russell Page, Simon Saunders, Matt Allsopp and Ian Hayden with Cox Bryony

Reeve failed to make the start line on time - a fate that befell many crews on this tide restricted straight course.

There were encouraging performances from the Men’s Novice crew of Sam Corney, Dale Buckett, Charlie Gedling and Max Reeve with cox Gary Burch and the Ladies Novice crew of Holly Evans, Emiley Page, Becca Coleman and Bryony Reeve with Dale Buckett coxing although both were defeated in their respective heats.

IT’S ANDOVER AND OUT FOR VENTNOR! VENTNOR’S Southern Electric Premier League clash at St Cross Symondians was washed out without a ball being bowled.

But Ventnor second team’s visit to Andover III survived the wet weather with the Islanders clinching a six wicket win at London Road in Hampshire League Division 3.

Mark Woodhouse invited Andover to bat and the Ventnor skipper saw teenagers Henry Bartlett and Arthur Halsey vindicate that decision with fine bowling performances as the home team crashed to 53-9. A tenth wicket partnership of 38 gave the score a little respectability before another teenager, Gary Cooper, polished off the innings for 91. Bartlett, returning to Hampshire League duties after playing for the Hampshire Academy in the Southern League in recent weeks, finished with 5-26

while Halsey claimed 3-21.

Chasing a rain reduced target of 86 from 34 overs, the Ventnor reply began uncertainly with Ben Woodhouse and Richard Wilson dismissed with only 11 runs on the board. Kyle Sharp with 23 and Alistair Cotton helped steady the ship before Phil Baldwin with a match winning knock of 32 not out, guided his side home with more than 15 overs to spare.

Ventnor produced a dominant performance to defeat Sarisbury Athletic by 95 runs in the first round of the Southern Electric Twenty20 Cup at Steephill.

After Sean Nowak had fallen in the first over, Neil Westhorpe cracked a fine 59 from only 47 balls to get the innings back on track. Ian Hilsum contributed 25 before Ben Woodhouse (38 not out) and Charlie Freeston (23) helped hammer 90 runs from the final seven overs to lift the

score to a formidable 198-7.

In reply, the visitors lost an early wicket to quick bowler Sean Nowak but worse was to follow as Mark Holmes took charge. The paceman took three successive wickets in his second over to claim a coveted hat-trick and the orange match ball as a souvenir.

Holmes finished with 5-14, Nowak 2-12 and David Beven 3-21 as Sarisbury collapsed from 46-2 to 103 all out.

Ventnor defeated The Cricket Society by 39 runs in the Bank Holiday Monday friendly. The Woodhouse brothers, Ben and Mark, impressed with fine knocks of 84 and 66 respectively as Ventnor rattled up 244-9, James Cheek contributing an excellent, unbeaten 55.

Rob Humphries’ splendid innings of 102 led the visitors’ response but David Beven (3-17) and a late blast of 6-10 from Sean Nowak saw the innings subside from 190-3 to 205 all out.

54

SPORT

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010

TENNIS IS SMASH HIT

THE SECOND annual Ryde Area Primary Schools Tennis Championships took place at Ryde Mead Tennis Club, attracting over 50 entries, double that of last year. But St Mary’s maintained their 100 per cent record by repeating their efforts of 2009 to take the honours overall.

St Mary’s were joined by two teams from Nettlestone, two from Oakfield, two from Haylands and four from Bembridge. The competition pitted the teams of four in two round robin groups.

Each group, made up of six teams all playing each other, with the two group winners going forward

to battle out the final.

It was clear from the start the standard of tennis throughout the competition had greatly improved from last year, with players coming from various tennis clubs across the Island.

Recent Island tournament winners Dexter Collins, Jevon Dry and Jake Scrimshaw all involved in the action.

In Group A St Mary’s were the dominant force throughout, the strong team of Nicole Haddon, Lacey Matthews, Dexter Collins and Jevon Dry all in imperious form.

Despite determined performances from Nettlestone

A ,especially Charlie Bligh, and Bembridge C, St Marys won through, topping the group with the maximum 20 points from their 20 matches.

Group B was much closer with both Haylands A, St Mary’s B and Oakfield A all looking to impose themselves at the top of the group. Haylands put in a great show to beat St Marys 4 – 0.

However two great performances from Oakfield A against Haylands A and St Mary’s B (both 3 – 1) meant Oakfield A, comprising of brothers Michael and Morgan Hendey, Scott Penn and Ewan Hallett came out worthy winners.

The final, Oakfield A against St Mary’s A was a great show of tennis from both sides, St. Mary’s took the early advantage and from then on in there was little stopping them, despite Oakfield producing some gutsy performances it was not enough to stop St Mary’s being crowned champions for the second year running.

A special mention to Oakfield B’s Connor Venn, Connor not only played some great tennis for a player with relatively little experience but also, without prompting, kindly packed up a whole host of tennis balls and equipment.

WIGHTLINK Islanders were pipped 49-41 by Suffolk side Mildenhall in their National Speedway League match at Smallbrook.

A fall for Brendan Johnson in his opening ride on the last bend of the final lap while in second place behind team mate Danny

Warwick, signalled the start of the home side’s misfortunes.

New reserve Danny Hodgson also suffered a fall in heat 6 before retiring from the race, and engine problems for both Ben Hopwood and Danny Warwick later in the match whilst both were in points scoring position

saw an Islanders two point lead dwindle to a four point deficit in just two races.

Islanders scorers (in programme order): Nick Simmons 12, Dean Felton 5+1, Danny Warwick 8, Brendan Johnson 3+1, Ben Hopwood 3, Danny Hodgson 3+1, Tom Hill 7+1.

THE DAYS AHEAD: The Wightlink Islanders are back in league action at Ashey Road on Tuesday when the opposition will be provided by the Buxton Hitmen who include teenage Aussie sensation Nick Morris in their line up. First race is 7.30pm.

ISLANDERS ARE BEATEN

Nick Simmons inside Mildenhall’s Barrie Evans

Gazette THE ISLE OF WIGHT

GOLF PAIR AIM FOR PORTUGAL FINALE SHANKLIN and Sandown Golf Club pair Tony Williams and Julie Miller have taken the first step towards what could be a golfing trip to Portugal.

Tony and Julie teamed up in the Rolling Pin Greensomes Stableford event, a qualifier for the Bader Cup. They scored 44 points to beat husband and wife team Stuart and Pearl Robinson, with John and Deborah Richards taking thirds place on 42.

The victory means Tony and Julie will now play in the regional finals of the competition at Piltdown, Sussex, in August, and if successful will go through to the grand final in Portugal.

Poor weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of Mike Ward in the Monthly Stableford, Division One. He scored 42 points to finish in front of Lee Scrimshaw (41) and Scott McDonald (41). The Division Two winner was Keith Bolton (39), followed home by Alan Hughes-Thomas (37) and John Richards (35) The Ladies Monthly Stableford Silver winner was Jenny Domoney with 33 points.

Carole Bingham (32( was runner-up with Nicky Ledger (31) third. The Ladies Bronze 1 winner was Wendy King (44) The runners up spot went to Tina Woodward (40) with Jean Robertson (39) third.

Ladies Bronze 2 honors went to Christine O’Brien (37), followed by Alix Goddard (36) and Pauline Atkinson (31).

Other recent Shanklin and Sandown GC results: Ladies Spring Bowmaker: Winners Lillian Bushby, Pat Attrill, Pearl Robertson 88 points. 2nd Joyce Petrie, Joy Bushby, Lorrie Hawkins 85 points. 3rd Beverley Carroll, Wendy King, June Westmore 83 points.

Open Medal (Whites): Division 1 Net, Winner Luke Jeffrey 65. Runner Up Jason Kwan 65. Division 2, Winner Andy Freeman 71. Runner Up Tony Theakston 72.

Musgrave Cup: Winner Alex Messing 63.

2nd Peter Brooke 65. 3rd Peter Rush 65. 4th David Ames 66. 5th David Bell 66.

Tetlow Salvers: Winners John Richards and Deborah Richards 41. 2nd John Hart and Stephanie Hart38. 3rd David Ames and Carole Bingham 38.

Open Stableford Div 1: Winner Joshua Oddy 42. 2nd Conner Knight 41. 3rd David Bell 40.

Div 2: Winner Keith Wickham 42. 2nd Stuart Robertson 42. 3rd Paul Cock 40.

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SPORT

SAILING THE WIGHT Gazette THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Sport

THE ANNUAL East Cowes Sailing Club’s Sail the Wight will take place this Saturday (June 5).

The event started in 2005 in response to one of its members asking that they did something to help the Earl Mountbatten Hospice

after one of his relatives had been cared for there.

The result of this request after discussion with the now Commodore was to organise a fund raising race/cruise round the Isle of Wight in association with the Westerly Owners

Association and East Cowes Sailing club.

The event has grown over the years with more boats taking part in this fun event and as a result more funds being raised for the Hospice.

Last year the total amount

raised was £5,400 and it is hoped to better that figure this year.

After the fun on the water a social evening is planned at the East Cowes Sailing club where there will be a bar two live bands. an auction and raffle.

RYDE RUGBY PLAYERS RUN RAGGED

THE VERY Old Rydeians, a mixture of old boys, staff, parents and friends of Ryde School, led by John Mitchell participated in the largest 10 a-side Rugby tournament in Europe.

It was the 10th consecutive year that the Old Boys of Ryde School have competed in this prestigious event in Dendermonde, Belgium.

Sixty teams from as far afield as South Africa, U.S.A., Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, Israel and Russia took part in the events for men, women and veterans.

The first match was against the hosts Dendermonde on a dust bowl of a pitch with 1980 Olympic 100m winner Alan Wells officiating. The

Very Old Rydeians started well and held their opponents to only one try at half time.

The team continued to play sublime rugby at times but were beaten eventually by a much younger, faster and fitter team 0-25. Unfortunately this seemed to set the trend for the rest of the Tournament.

The second match against French side Touquet Paris Plage was marred by a bad injury to Danny Nicolaou who had the misfortune to dislocate his knee cap. This left the Very Old Rydeians with the bare minimum of 10 players including the coach driver. Visibly affected, the Very Old Rydeians tried to play their usual free flowing, enterprising rugby but too

many uncharacteristic errors resulted in a disappointing 5-25 defeat.

The final match of the day saw the Rydeians take on another French side, Hainault. This was probably the Old Rydeians best performance as they raised their game to new heights scoring two excellent tries through Lofty Higgens and Karem, a guest from Dendermonde.

The O.Rs lost again 10-50 but impressed many with their adventurous style of play and good natured sportsmanship.

The second day saw a very stiff Old Rydeians team take the field against Touquet Paris Plage for the second time due to a quirk in the results from the previous

day. Unfortunately too many tackles were missed in the opening few minutes and an incredible inability to catch any kick offs led to a disappointing 5-40 defeat.

The final match was against another French team Touch’ a Tout and by this stage the O.Rs were beginning to feel the strain. Superior fitness took its toll as a much younger team from the South of France tried to move the ball wide on every occasion.

The O.Rs tried to counter this by playing a more forward orientated game and managed to take rugby back 20 years to when they had all been at their peak.

Despite this the O.Rs still managed to create a sublime try involving all 10 players

to finish the tournament in style. They may not have won any matches but certainly attracted many new admirers and friends. A further loss 10-55.

At the Award Ceremony John Mitchell was invited on the stage to be presented with a special award for 10 years at the Tournament. The President of Belgium Rugby Kris Van Damme went on to thank the Old Rydeians and Ryde School in particular for their support and help for Belgium Rugby in the past 20 years.

Danny Nicolaou was afforded the honour of accepting the award of fifth place in the plate competition.

The main tournament was won by The Godfathers, a

team from Bath Academy and Exeter University, who donated their winners’ cheque for £1500 to Cancer Research. The Veterans was won by the Royal Logistics Corp and the women’s event

by Dendermonde.

As usual the organisation

by Dendermonde Rugby Club was outstanding and The Very Old Rydeians are looking forward already to next year’s event. Ryde School 1st XV will again be touring Belgium in October.

Squad: John Mitchell, Adam Higgens, Andy Brown, Jon Coleman, Ian Payn, Paul Wickes, John Harris, Glen Hepburn, Danny Nicolaou, Chris White, Dil Dhillon (water boy) and Pete Dickinson (coach).

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The Gazette, Friday, June 4, 2010