Friday APRIL 17 2009
3
the gazette
gazette news
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Food group’s funding axed THE FUTURE of Taste of the Wight, the organisation that champions local food producers on the Island, looks in doubt as a substantial chunk of its funding has been cut by the IW Council. According to a council spokesman, the IW Council spent over £135,000 supporting Taste of the Wight projects and the associated Green Island Awards last year, which was nearly double the original budgets set aside for both initiatives. The council claims that it had expected Taste of the Wight to have attracted sufficient funding from the private sector by now to survive without public money, but that this had not proved to be the case. Cllr George Brown, IW Council cabinet member for economy, leisure, planning and property, said: “We will investigate whether any
individual elements could continue without direct council support and we would be happy to explore any such possibilities with interested parties.” Taste of the Wight is probably best known for its quarterly magazine, a lavishly produced publication which carried little advertising. Its editor, Alix Robinson, said: “It is true the council have cut their funding but the Taste team are working hard to find alternative solutions to maintain Taste of the Wight’s key projects, including the magazine.”
Appley celebration planned for Armed Forces Day PREPARATIONS are being made for the Island’s contribution to Armed Forces Day, a new national day of celebration that has been introduced by the Ministry of Defence this year to honour Britain’s armed forces of the past, present and future. The celebrations will take place in Appley Park, Ryde on Saturday June 27. The day will not only include the traditional Veteran’s Parade but also an afternoon of musical entertainment, military displays and activities for all the family. The day will conclude with evening proms in the park with the Trident Concert Band followed by a fireworks display. Armed Forces Day is intended to honour not only those who have served their country in the past but also those who are currently doing so and those who plan to do so in the
future. The Cadet Services will be heavily involved in the day, taking part in displays and sporting competitions. There will also be an opportunity for young people to find out about careers in the armed forces, with representatives from all the services present on the day. Chairman of the Veterans Committee, which is organising the event, Cllr Roger Mazillius, said: “We hope people will come together to show their appreciation and support of our armed forces and enjoy the full day of events we have planned. “It is hoped the day will not only honour servicemen and women but will also inspire a new generation and raise awareness of the wide range of career opportunities the armed forces can offer.” The event is being led by the Royal British Legion Isle
Eight hurt in road crash POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a road accident in Apse Heath left eight people needing hospital treatment. The accident happened on Newport Road near to the entrance of Sandown Airport, and involved a red Citröen C3, a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Peugeot 206. A 50-year-old woman from Sandown had to be cut free from the wreckage of the Peugeot by firefighters, and was treated for a suspected neck injury. The passenger in the Peugeot, an 18-year-old woman from Sandown, received whiplash and bruising. Both were released from hospital after treatment. The driver of the red Citröen C3, a 71-year-old man from West Sussex, received chest and whiplash injuries. One of the passengers, a 60-year-old woman from West Sussex, was believed to have suffered a broken sternum. Other passengers including a 36-year-old woman from Wales, and two girls, aged eight and 11, all received minor whiplash injuries. The driver of the blue Ford
Fiesta, a 52-year-old woman from Wiltshire, also received whiplash injuries. All three emergency services were called to the scene and the road remained closed for two
Armed Forces Day: the schedule 10am: Military vehicle display opens (North Walk)
12.30pm: Cowes Royal British Legion Band (Appley Park Stage) 2pm: Parade commences (North Walk)
3pm: Start of Cadet competition (Appley Beach) 3.30pm: Wight Diamonds Marching Band (Appley Park Stage)
4pm: 165 Regiment Territorial Army beach landings of Wight County and Ryde Branch with the support of the IW Council and various sponsors, including Ryde Town Council and Wightlink. Local businesses are also contribut-
Sea rescue display by Ryde Inshore Rescue (timing tbc) 4.30pm: Vectis Corps of Drums (Appley Park Stage) 7.30pm: Proms in the Park with the Trident Concert Band (Appley Park stage)
10pm: Fireworks finale (approximate time) Flypasts by various RAF formations will take place throughout the day.
ing to the event in a variety of ways. It is requested that all armed forces personnel attending the event wear full uniform and medals.
Men charged after hotel thefts
DETECTIVES working as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation hours while the area was cleared. Nemesis have charged two men after non-related burglaries at hotels in Anyone who witnessed the Sandown and Ryde. collision is asked to phone Mark Anthony Cording, 30, of FairShanklin Roads Policing Unit on 101 or 0845 045 4545, or call field Gardens, Sandown, was charged Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. with one count of burglary, plus two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and one count of vehicle interference. The first charge follows an inves-
The crash scene at Apse Heath. Picture by Jamie White
(timing tbc)
tigation by the IW Priority Crime Unit (PCU) into a burglary at The Friends Hotel, Hill Street, Sandown in February. Detectives have also charged James Robert Haigh, 29, of George Street, Ryde, with one count of burglary. The charge follows an investigation into a burglary at the Royal York Hotel, George Street, Ryde, in March.