gazette the isle of wight
REPORTING ISLAND NEWS
FATAL CRASH CLAIMS TWO
AN ISLAND schoolteacher and a young motorcyclist have died after a tragic road accident on the Military Road. West Wight schoolteacher Emily Buley, 23, was a passenger in a Volkswagen Polo that with was in collision with a
Suzuki motorcycle, being ridden by 22-year-old Andrew Newnham, just before 1pm last Sunday (January 24). Paramedics fought to save the pair, but Emily died on arrival at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport. Factory operative Andrew, 22, was airlifted
by the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance and taken to Southampton General Hospital, but died on Tuesday morning (January 26). The driver of the car, 23-year-old John Hoath from Freshwater, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital with minor injures. Mr
Please take one
FREE! Friday January 29, 2010 Issue 50
NEWS Getting Pickled
Hoath was arrested on Monday (January 25) on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and questioned at Newport police station, before being bailed until March 29, pending further enquires.
The great pickled onion contest at the Woodvale Pub
Continued on page 3
Page 10
NEWS
Wish comes True
Andy Newnham
Emily Buley
IW Radio and Hovertravel grant Christmas wish
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CRIME FIGURES FALL AGAIN
CRIME on the Island is continuing to fall, after recent figures released by the police showed that recorded crime has dropped by 12 per cent. Between April 1, 2009 and January 25, 2010, there were just over 7,600 recorded crimes - 1,067 less than the previous nine months. Reports of house burglary, criminal damage, vehicle crime, public disorder and assaults, and rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour have all gone down. IW District Chief Inspector Paul Savill said: “Police always aspire to provide an excellent service with an active presence in every neighbourhood. Co-operation with the community is essential to ensure our combined efforts are effective in dealing with the issues that matter most to residents. “Our Targeted Patrol and Safer Neighbourhoods teams apply their local knowledge to prevent potential problems escalating into offences and work closely with partner agencies to solve the underlying causes of crime in a community. “Isle of Wight CID and specialist units have demonstrated their nationally renowned expertise and persistence in pursuing complex cases through the courts to show the most serious offences will never be tolerated on the Island. “Our biggest challenge is to keep crime down and deal with people’s perceptions of anti-social behaviour so more residents can feel confident they are living on an Island that is safe.”
CURTAINS CAUSE FIRE IN COWES
FIRE FIGHTERS were called to an apartment on The Parade in Cowes this week (Tuesday) after a report of a pair of curtains having caught alight. Crews from Newport and Cowes fire stations attended but found the fire was out on their arrival. Fire fighters treated a woman with oxygen therapy and treated burns to the lady’s hands whilst waiting for ambulance crews to arrive. The woman was taken to St Mary’s hospital for further treatment.
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BLOWING HOT FOR BBC
MASTER Glassmaker Timothy Harris from Isle of Wight Studio Glass will have his 15 minutes of fame, as coined by Andy Warhol, this Monday, February 1, at 6.30pm. But in Timothy’s case it will actually be only six minutes, although it will be on the prestigious BBC2 in a programme called ‘Priceless Antiques Roadshow’. Part of the show will feature the presenters of the regular Antiques Roadshow engaging in a challenge related to their specialist subject. The first will feature Andy McConnell, the show’s glass expert, being challenged to make hot blown glass in one session. This normally takes years of skill and practice to achieve. As one of the country’s most innovative and prolific master glassmakers, Timothy Harris from IW Studio Glass was chosen to be Andy’s mentor for the task. Timothy and Andy began by studying a wide selection of the world famous studio’s range of designs, one of which was chosen for the challenge. After a lesson in glassmaking from the maestro, it was in at the deep end for Andy. But he was closely supervised in
his attempt to make a piece from one of the studio’s most successful, but luckily not too complicated, designs called ‘Summer Fruits’. It proved to be a worthy
challenge competently achieved by a worthy participant. To highlight how strenuous an art form this is Andy, really feeling the heat, leapt into the studio’s swimming pool at the
end of the session. The whole team of film makers agreed that it was one of the most enjoyable assignments they had engaged in for a long while.
Andy McConnell with the film crew
TOURISM FIGURES ON THE UP
THE NUMBER of people visiting the Island last year was up 16 per cent on 2008 with 88,000 coming here for their main holiday and a further 137,000 visiting for an additional holiday to their main holiday destination. Also domestic day trips to the Isle of Wight increased significantly over the peak season in 2009 - up 11 per cent to just under a quarter of a million. Figures released by the Passenger Shipping
Association (PSA) show a rise in the number of ferry passengers travelling within the UK, with 11.4 million journeys taken in 2009, an increase of 1.4 per cent compared with 2008, indicating the staying power of the ‘stay-cation’. The number of cars also showed a slight increase, with 2.078 million ferry journeys in 2009, a rise of 0.7 per cent. The news is supported by the latest UK Tourism Survey, from the Office for National Statistics, which
shows that trips taken by UK residents in England between June and August increased by 22 per cent compared with last year, with the amount spent by travellers up 20 per cent. UK holidays are expected to be popular again this year and holidaymakers can still get the feeling of going abroad by taking a ferry trip to some wonderful corners of Britain and Northern Ireland. Hopefully the Island will have as good a season as last year or better.
TELL US TRUTH SAYS TITCHMARSH ALAN TITCHMARSH, the former High Sheriff of the Island, has called for the truth to be revealed over the delicate issue of world climate change. Alan, a popular figure on the Island during his 12 months in office, claimed it was about time people should be treated as grown-ups and got to know the whole truth about climate change,
rather than matters being constantly swept under the carpet. “I am desperate for someone to talk in a reasonable fashion about climate change, rather than running around like a headless chicken saying we are all going to hell in a handcart, and it is all our fault,” he said. Alan, who still owns a house on the Island, is
fronting a campaign for B&Q to encourage people to go out in the garden. He continued: “We all know what we shouldn’t do, like drive unnecessarily and waste energy. “Now we want to know the positive things we can do like planting things and improving the environment. I am not a climate change denier, but we just need the full story.
“There is a denial that this type of thing has ever happened before, and as if we are children we cannot be told the full facts. They are almost swept under the carpet because they are inconvenient truths. It annoys me when people do not tell the full story. We need a full grown-up discussion.” Alan’s term of office ended nearly a year ago
when he was succeeded by Gay Edwards, who still remains in the post of Island High Sheriff. When he stepped down he pledged to stay out of issues relating directly to Island matters. However, he continues to be a highly successful TV chat show host, and also presents the recentlyintroduced programme Pop Star to Opera Star.
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NEWS
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HORROR CRASH IN CHALE TWO YOUNG people have died in an horrific road accident in Chale. Exeter University graduate Emily, of The Square, Freshwater, had only been teacher at West Wight Middle School since October. her as a “very gentle, caring Her parents Ian and Kim young woman.” They said: “Emily was left a poignant floral tribute a much-loved daughter. at the scene of the crash. She started her career as a science and technology teacher at West Wight Middle School in September 2009 after teaching science at Carisbrooke School. “She graduated from Exeter University with a 2:1 in biology in 2007 and achieved her Postgraduate Certificate in Education the following year. “She spent her school days A handwritten note attached to the bouquet in Witney, Oxfordshire, at of yellow flowers read the Wood Green School ‘Dear Emily, our beautiful where she worked hard, daughter - we will always enjoyed playing clarinet on remember you. Good night tour with the school band, sweetheart. God Bless. Love took part in the Duke of from Mamma, Dad and Edinburgh award scheme and got involved with the sea Matt.’ In a moving statement, scouts. “She loved nature and the Emily’s parents described
BY JASON KAY
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends through this difficult time.”
they may take some comfort from the kind wishes we send them.” Over 330 wellwishers have posted tributes on a Facebook memorial page created by Emily’s brother Matt, a student at Aberystwyth University. Tributes have also poured in on a memorial website for Andrew, known as ‘Pandy’ to his friends, who had put his Suzuki motorbike up for sale because he was planning to buy a new one. A friend wrote on the Facebook page: ‘Have a good sleep Andy. Gonna miss you so much mate. I can see your face right now and remember the time we were having water fights and you told us you were allergic to water! Just can’t believe it. Love to all your family. Thinking of you all. Love ya and miss ya very much xx’. Another wrote: ‘I can’t believe it but you will never be forgotten. I have known “Our thoughts are with her you and your bro since we family and friends through were kids and we had years of this difficult time. We hope fun as the Fairlee Road crew. outdoors and particularly enjoyed mountain biking on the Island’s tracks. “She was a very gentle, caring young woman and always gave 110 per cent to everything she did.” West Wight Middle School spokeswoman Caroline Richards said: “The staff, governors, pupils and parents were shocked to hear the sad news of the tragic accident involving Miss Buley. “Emily only joined the school in September, but she was a well-liked and valuable member of our team. Her teaching was inspirational and engaging; she was an asset to the profession.
‘I can’t believe it but you will never be forgotten.”
You’ll be missed by a lot of people matey :( xxxxxx.’ Police today renewed their appeal for any witnesses to the crash to come forward. Sergeant Alyson West, of the Road Death Investigation team at Eastleigh, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two young people whose lives have been tragically cut short. “The focus of the police investigation is to discover what caused this incident and the moments leading to it. “The Polo was heading out of Chale and turning right onto Southdown, a minor road leading off the Military Road, when it collided with the oncoming motorcycle. “As part of our inquiries, I’d like to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle driving prior to the collision. “All information, no matter how small you might think it is, could prove useful and will be treated in the strictest confidence.” Anyone with information
is asked to contact Sgt West at the Eastleigh Road Death Investigation team, quoting Operation Triad, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Above: Emily Buley Below: Andy Newnham
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
SAFER SANDOWN
SANDOWN residents are being asked by police to give their views on the main issues affecting the town. The Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team is taking the IW mobile police office to Sandown High Street between 11am and 4pm tomorrow (Saturday). Residents will have an extra opportunity to speak directly with police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). PCSO Stuart Woods from the Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “Feedback from residents is essential to tell us about the community’s most important issues and concerns so their local police can put in place the right measures at the right times. “We’ll be giving updates on how we’ve listened and responded to public feedback over the past year. This includes our work with the community to reduce reports of anti-social behaviour, public disorder and criminal damage. Overall crime in Sandown is going down. There were 201 fewer crimes between April last year and January this year compared to the same ten months a year earlier. “I would welcome as many residents as possible to speak with us, but for those who cannot attend, the team are always keen to hear your views on the issues affecting Sandown.” The Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted by phoning 101 or e-mailing sandownbay.snt@hampshire.pnn. police.uk. For more information about the team, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode.
PC Jamie Howden and PC Derek Heam
DRINK DRIVE SHOCK TACTICS
SHOPPERS on the Island got what to expect if you risk driving to see first-hand the potential under the influence of alcohol or devastation caused by drink or drugs. “If you’re foolish enough to drug driving, when officers from Island’s Roads Policing Unit do so, you’re more likely to be (RPU) visited several locations involved in a serious collision that could kill you or someone else. with a smashed up car. As part of Hampshire Even if you survived, you could Constabulary’s winter drink and be fined, banned from driving or drug-drive campaign, police have jailed, so drink or drug-driving been touring town centres with can still ruin your life.” While the car wreck was on the damaged vehicle and officers took the wreck to Newport last display, officers handed out weekend to hammer home their leaflets on the dangers of drink or drug driving and the devastating strong message. Sgt Paul Bailey from the effect it can have. Meanwhile, Hampshire Police Island’s RPU said: “We want have unveiled their latest figures people to see for themselves A SECTION of walkway in Cowes is set for a makeover thanks to students at Cowes High School. The Art students and the IW Council’s Parks and Countryside department and Environment and Neighbourhood officer Jacqui Darby, have provided artwork to be put up inside a shelter at the bottom of ISLANDERS are being last week from East Cowes Watchouse Lane. The parks and countryside reminded that there is help by one of the other on-call department also provided three mounting available for people who are dog wardens. We have boards for the artwork, as well as upgrading struggling to look after their had him for a week and the shelter which features a marine theme, pets. unfortunately because he and will give the piece a coat of varnish to Every week, IW Council hasn’t been claimed, he will protect it from the elements. Dog Wardens patrol the go to the RSPCA,” said Colin. Cowes Town Council supplied paints and Island keeping an eye out “It was found by a also a commemorative plaque. The artwork, for stray dogs that have member of the public and which is spread across three boards, was either escaped or have been we responded. We don’t unveiled this week in Watchouse Lane where abandoned. know if he’s escaped or been it will remain for people to enjoy. The dog stays in the abandoned. He hasn’t got a IW Council Cabinet member with occupancy of the dog warden microchip, so we can’t trace responsibility for community safety, Barry department for a week, and where it’s come from. Abraham, said: “The shelter and artwork if the owner can’t be traced, “There is always help look very good and do help improve the then the animal goes to available if you can’t look appearance of the area. the RSPCA until it can be after your pet, just contact “The art students have completed the re-housed. Colin Schooling, the RSPCA. Rather than painting as part of their studies while IW Senior Dog Warden for just leaving or abandoning Council and Cowes Town Council have IW Council, spoke to the the animal, just make a call provided resources to ensure the artwork Gazette about a dog that was or visit the RSPCA and they is put on display, while at the same time picked up recently. will be able to help you out.” improving the shelter on the path. This project If you would like to contact “The dog, affectionately is a great example of organisations working named Sweetpea by one of the RSPCA then you can call together to achieve a positive outcome.” my colleagues, was collected 840287.
WALKWAY MAKEOVER
for drink driving in the south with disappointing results. A two month winter driving campaign showed that 4,747 breath tests were carried out by the across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by the RPU, territorial and specialist officers. A total of 309 people were arrested for being over the alcohol limit or refusing or failing to provide a sample. The comparative arrest figure for December 2008, was 307. As part of the force’s clampdown on drug-driving, 60 Field Impairment Tests were conducted, resulting in 10 arrests.
RPU Acting Inspector, John Dainton, who co-ordinated this year’s campaign said: “We are disappointed that 309 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight failed to heed our messages that driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not safe. “We have a year-long campaign to make the roads safer for everybody. Clearly there is a hard core of drivers who do not appreciate or do not care about the risks to themselves, their passengers and other road users and we will continue to target these persistent offenders throughout the year.”
SWEETPEA SEEKS HOME
Dog warden Samantha Kinnard with Sweetpea
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ETHAN ON THE MEND Ethan Turner
A STUDENT who suffered a heart attack while taking part in an indoor football match will begin his first week back at school on Monday (February 1). Ethan Turner, 16, was taking part in a match at Ryde High School on November 10, 2009, when he suddenly collapsed after his heart stopped beating. Quick-thinking teacher Ian White spotted Ethan was in trouble and immediately asked two of his colleagues, Melanie Thomas and School M a t r o n L i n d a Chalkley, to help. They gave him CPR
BY JAMIE WHITE while they awaited the arrival of an ambulance, while other members of staff informed his parents and ensured the ambulance had quick and direct access to the sports hall. It is thought that the teenager’s heart stopped beating several times and he was kept alive by the actions of Melanie and Linda and any potential brain damage was prevented by a supply of oxygen they gave him. Doctors treating Ethan at St Mary’s Hospital said that if it not been for the quick actions of the staff and the assistance of the school, Ethan may not
have survived. He has since made a full recovery, and during his time at home, he has continued his studies through virtual learning using the Internet. Meryl and Derek Turner, Ethan’s parents, believe that the quick-thinking say the quick thinking actions of the staff at Ryde High School meant their son survived. Meryl said: “Had it not been for the swift actions of the staff, in particular Linda and Melanie, we may have lost our son. “Words are not enough to express our gratitude to not only them, but the doctors and paramedics who also helped save his life. We are eternally grateful for what they did.” Ryde High School Headteacher, Rob Hoddle,
said: “Both Melanie and Linda are qualified first aiders and when it became clear Ethan was in trouble, their training just kicked in. “They kept him alive performing CPR while the ambulance arrived which undoubtedly saved his life. I want to publicly thank the teachers and other staff whose actions helped prevent a tragedy.” IW Council Leader, David Pugh, said: “It is only right that the staff at Ryde High School who helped save Ethan Turner’s life get the public recognition they deserve. “It is great to hear Ethan has made a full recovery and I am sure he is looking forward to getting back into the classroom and seeing his classmates.”
CROSS COUNTRY SKI CHALLENGE
WOOTTON ROBBERY WITNESSES SOUGHT “Robberies of this nature are extremely unusual on the Isle of Wight.”
investigation by detectives A MAN appeared before from Isle of Wight CID. Island magistrates on Detective Sergeant Gary Wednesday (January 27) in Lyons, from Isle of Wight connection with an armed CID, said: “I would like to robbery at a convenience thank those members of store in Wootton. the public who have given Dean James England, 28, of information to the police. Duke Street, London faced a “We remain aware of a charge of stealing £625 from the Spar convenience store No application for bail was number of people who were in the High Street, using made and Mr England was in the area around the time of the robbery, either walking force against worker Jessica remanded in custody. Lilley and possessing a knife. The charges follow an along the High Street
or travelling on passing buses. They may have witnessed what happened, or seen a man matching the description either before or after the robbery. “Robberies of this nature are extremely unusual on the Isle of Wight and crime is going down here at the moment. I would ask anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”
AN ISLAND businessman who has battled cancer twice, is taking part in the gruelling Marcialonga 70km cross-country ski race in Italy, this weekend. John Despard, who is a company director of Wight Coast and Country Cottages, was first diagnosed with Mantle cell Lymphoma – a rare type of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma - six years ago, aged just 40 years old. Having undergone two transplants at Southampton General Hospital, John decided to compete in the race to raise money for the Red and White Appeal, which is a cancer charity linked to the Southampton General Hospital, that is aiming to raise money for a new cancer wing and equipment. John said: “It’s now four years since my second Bone Marrow Transplant and having got this far, I think it is time I did something to help other Transplant patients and Cancer sufferers get the benefit of better facilities. “I am hopeless at things like running and swimming so thought I should try something a little different. I have done a little cross-country skiing before, but never a race and nowhere near as long as this.” John has been training for six months at Gurnard Pines, with the help of qualified
trainer Steve Baskett. “I’ve been a personal trainer for over five years and worked with many different people, but this is the first time that I have worked with someone doing something so completely different. “I had to really get to grips with what John was aiming to achieve and focus his training accordingly. Having said that, I have every confidence he will complete the course and in a good time,” said Steve. Over 6,000 people are expected to participate in the race, from all parts of the world. The 70km course is expected to take about eight hours to complete in sub zero temperatures. If you would like to sponsor John then you can go to www.justgiving. com/john-despard
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NAME YOUR FAVOURITE WELL DONE MEADOWSIDE
Dear Sir,
We are calling on the people of Isle of Wight to nominate their favourite Lottery-funded projects for The National Lottery Awards 2010. The Awards are the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and recognise the dedication of the people behind them. Every week Lottery players raise £25 million for projects all across the UK, making a difference to people, places
and communities. We want to hear from your readers about any Lotteryfunded projects that have had a positive impact on the local area, made a real difference to people’s lives or anyone who is personally involved in transforming their community with the help of Lottery funding. The Awards have seven categories, each reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts; heritage; sport; health; environment, education, voluntary and charity projects.
The projects that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will appear on a star-studded prime-time BBC1 TV show later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize. So if you want to see a local winner visit www. lotterygoodcauses.org.uk to find out more. Entries must be received by 5pm on Friday 12 February. Yours faithfully, Lisa Quinn The National Lottery
To the readers of the Gazette, Home and the Isle of Wight Forum site and this is just New Disability Support/ the sort of initiative we like to Pressure Group ‘Diversi-TIES’ share with members. I (Alan Davies, founder says well done to Meadowside Mobility, following the launch member of Diversi-TIES) (page 16 of The Gazette dated would like to hear from other January 15) of their mobility private, public and third sector providers of goods and scooter hire initiative. The foresight shown by services who take steps Meadowside is just the sort towards the inclusion of all. These initiatives could range of initiative needed, aimed at individuals with a physical from a simple temporary and/or sensory impairment. ramp to the provision of a We have our own dedicated full Changing Places toilet. A website, www.wight-access- Changing Places type facility group.webs.com, are present is being installed in the on Facebook, Ventnor Blog Riverside Centre, Newport.
So again, well done to the Centre. These toilets are another much needed facility needed on the Isle of Wight, in fact thorough the UK. I hope the initiative shown by these two providers will be taken up by others. Diversi-TIES aims to bring together disability groups on the Island, allowing them to speak as one, promoting equality of opportunity for people with an impairment. Alan Davies, 8 Fortunes Way, Upper Lane, Brighstone, PO30 4AP.
Kieran Tarrant, Jackie Raven, Yvonne Millmore, Dawn Cousins and Edward Giles
COUNCIL EMISSIONS DOWN THE IW COUNCIL have shown they are doing their bit to go ‘green’, after they unveiled six new eco-friendly cars that will be used to support home workers based across the Island. The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion vehicles will be used by the workers for various parts of their everyday duties, such as visiting clients. They will also help staff reduce the
“The council is looking at investing in further eco-friendly pool cars”
need to use their own vehicles, while the council will save money through the cars being more fuel
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efficient. Peter Bingham, IW Council Cabinet member for resources said: “The council is looking at investing in further eco-friendly pool cars across other services as well as part of its improvement programme.” It is estimated the cars will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12,000kgs per year and they have been acquired as part of the
council’s aim to improve the efficiency of its services. IW Council Cabinet member with responsibility for social care, Dawn Cousins, said: “Currently support workers use their own cars or public transport to visit clients across the Island. The six new eco-friendly pool cars will provide a very good alternative to this while also cutting down on emissions and fuel costs.”
Councillor Edward Giles
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CONCERNS AIRED ABOUT BRADING RESIDENTS of Brading have expressed concerns that the heart is being ripped out of their community. Their worries come following the closure of ‘Brading – The Experience’ waxworks which has been a popular tourist attraction in the town for many years. Following the closure of the attraction, there is unrest that Brading Town Council are ready to buy the building and convert it into a Heritage Centre. The Gazette also understands that the Town Council would like to use the finances in the 112-year-old Town Trust to help secure the deal, and even move its offices into the building at a later date. Now a Brading Residents’ Action Group, known as BRAG, has been formed to voice concerns, and members were expected to be at last night’s (Thurs) Brading Town Council meeting to lobby councillors and Town Clerk David Bartlett about the plans. The Town Trust was set up with property and finances to be held in trust for the people of Brading. Projects
that have been paid for by the Trust in recent years include the purchase of Beech Grove Playing Fields, work on the frontage of the school and an upgrade of Brading Railway Station. Now residents are worried that if the Town Council
“People who come to the Island on holiday want to be entertained, not educated” takes over the Town Trust, finances could be used to set up a Heritage Centre. One Brading resident told us: “We have lost the wax works, and they want to replace it with a Heritage Centre, which would not attract any tourism. “People who come to the Island on holiday want to be entertained, not educated, and there are real concerns that a Heritage Centre would be a total waste of time and money.” A member of BRAG
NEW SPENDING PLANS
AFTER much discussion, issues that will help shape the next IW Council budget are to be discussed by the authority’s overview and scrutiny committee. A paper outlining the current financial situation and spending priorities will be presented to committee members and their recommendations will help the council decide next year’s budget on Monday (February 1) - which in turn will decide the amount of council tax that residents will have to pay. The views of the overview and scrutiny committee will be relayed to Cabinet that meets on February 9. Cabinet will propose a budget to the Full Council meeting of February 24. At the forthcoming overview meeting, the current financial situation will be outlined to panel members by IW Council director of resources Dave Burbage and Cllr Peter Bingham, cabinet member for resources. The key priorities that will
be looked at are schools re-organisation, roads/ highways PFI, transforming social care, regeneration and economic development, fire service modernisation,
“I hope that the wider picture and the future for the Island’s economy and residents will be kept in mind.”
local housing, and delivering better services. Committee chairman, Jonathan Bacon, said: “I welcome the chance for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the budget and make recommendations prior to the Cabinet meeting. “There are a lot of serious issues to be considered. However, we must take care that cuts are not made for the
sake of it, which rebound on the council and community and cause greater expense in the long run.” Mr Bacon continued: “While the need to deal with current situation must be recognized, I hope that the wider picture and the future for the Island’s economy and residents will be kept in mind throughout the budget process.” IW Council leader, David Pugh, said: “There will be difficult decisions to be made as part of this year’s budget setting and the views of our overview and scrutiny committee will help the budget process. “I also repeat my appeal to other political groups to publish their own budget proposals well in advance of full council so we can give all opinions, ideas and solutions proper consideration. “This is indeed going to be a challenging budget and some big decisions are going to have to be made – it is important this is done in an open and comprehensive manner.”
claimed: “Many people in Brading are becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of the town. “Concerns centre on the loss of a major tourist attraction for Brading, let alone the Island, as well as the Town Council’s enthusiastic involvement and possible vested interest in the proposed development prior to consulting local residents. “There is also the Town Council’s apparent desire to secure the considerable assets of the highly regarded Town Trust in order to fund plans to house a heritage centre in the Rectory Mansion. The fear is that the Town Trust will no longer be able to function for the good of the town the way it has for over a hundred years. “There are also concerns over the implications of the proposed development plan on the town, including traffic congestion, parking problems, access difficulties, loss of character, and possible impact on the town precept because of the need to fund the repair and upkeep of Rectory Mansion.”
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CAMP BESTIVAL HEADLINERS
CAMP BESTIVAL have announced that Friendly Fires will be headlining on Sunday night at the Lulworth Cove family-orientated festival. Madness will headline on Friday and Human League on Saturday. Other acts joining the bill include Marc Almond, The Blockheads and Billy Bragg.
CHARITY AUCTION A SIGNED boxing glove from Amir Khan, signed football shirts from Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Southampton and Charlton and a ride over the Island in a military helicopter, are among the items up for grabs in a charity auction and raffle being held in Shanklin. The event is being held at the Mad Cow Pub on Saturday, February 6 and all monies raised will be split directly between the Breast Care Unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, and to help fund an operation for two-year-old Cerebral Palsy sufferer, Gracie-May Fuller, (featured in The Gazette last week). Music and entertainment for the night will be provided by the popular duo ‘The Mix’. Anyone wishing to make a telephone bid on any of the items can call the Mad Cow Pub on 864111.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
PREVENT NOT PROVOKE LISA’S LETTERS HOME
POLICE are investigating a recent series of walk-in burglaries on the Island. Five burglaries have been reported in the last three weeks prompting a reminder to residents about crime prevention measures that can deter thieves. IW Crime Prevention Officer Michala Bailey said: “The risk of being burgled here is small as the number of house burglaries on the island has fallen by 40 per cent over the past five years. Police are committed to keeping crime down by working with the community. Two suspects linked to previous burglaries were arrested by officers last year, and we are calling on residents to support our efforts by maintaining good habits to deny opportunist thieves access to your home.” Officers with specific local knowledge from dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods teams patrol residential areas regularly to provide crime prevention advice and technology. The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s ‘Lights On’ burglary prevention campaign has seen more than 300 timer
switches given to residents who are making their homes safer. Phone the police on 101 for a timer switch to help deter burglars targeting your property when you’re out. Police are also reminding homeowners of other simple and innovative security steps to help make homes safer. · SmartWater: a nonhazardous liquid, which can be used to mark property, or as a spray to shower intruders when they enter premises protected by the system. Each batch has a unique ‘DNA-type’ forensic code, tying its use to a specific location or item of property. Once a suspect has been sprayed, the SmartWater will fluoresce brightly as offenders walk under ultraviolet lights when they’re brought into custody at police stations. For more information, go to www. saferwight.org.uk. · Keep valuable items out of view – if you have electrical equipment worth hundreds of pounds, don’t keep it by the window where passers-by can see it. · Never leave a key under a doormat, or on a string through the letterbox – it’s the first place any burglar
will look. · Make sure tools and ladders are kept in a secure place – burglars will happily use your own garden equipment to break into your home. · If you’ve taken extra security precautions, let would-be burglars know. If you have an alarm, make sure the box can be clearly seen. If you take part in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, display a window sticker, and if you have a dog, put up a sign. · Hide financial documents and keys – if someone does break in, you don’t want them to also steal from your bank account, or take your car. · Make sure you secure all your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you are ‘just popping out’. · If you are in the garden or upstairs, make sure your downstairs doors are locked at all times – burglars can often just open the front door and help themselves. Log onto www.hampshire. police.uk, and click on the ‘Safer Homes’ section for more information, or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams by phoning 101.
A NEW exhibition ‘Letters Home’ by Lisa Traxler and Portsmouth Grammar School runs in the Learning Curve Gallery at Quay Arts until Saturday February 27. Islander Lisa Traxler was Artist in Residence at Portsmouth Grammar School from January to April 2008. Researching archives of the school enabled her to work with a unique collection of school photographs, which inspires Letters Home. Accompanying the artworks is a collection of poems written and recorded by Portsmouth Grammar School Pupils, in response to the archival photographs
and pupils from the English department used the photographs to develop poetry for the annual Leonardo Poetry competition. This work and poetry was first shown at Portsmouth Cathedral in June 2008 and has been part of a touring exhibition from the Eldon Gallery, University of Portsmouth to The Link Gallery, University of Winchester, and here at Quay Arts throughout 2009/10. Lisa is a practising artist living and working on the Isle of Wight and is a studio holder at Jubilee Stores. Her work combines painting, photography and collage
incorporating layering, stitching and texture with acrylic and mixed media. Lisa studied B.A. (hons) Fashion/ Textiles at Birmingham University and worked for many years in the fashion industry as a fashion editor, costume designer and stylist. She has exhibited widely in the U.K with recent work at The Mall Galleries, London, a solo show at Portsmouth Cathedral, 2008, awarded for her work at the NAPA Exhibition, Obsidian Gallery, Buckinghamshire, 2008 and a solo show at GASP Gallery, Art Space Sponsored Studio Award Exhibition, Portsmouth in 2009.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ISLANDER Julia Richards has won a £2,500 grant from the Vodafone foundation to promote the Hospice Lottery. In November 2009 the Vodafone Foundation advertised that they had 500 grants available to enable people to work for a charity of their own choice in the UK in order to ‘Make a Difference’ and Islander Julia Richards was one of those chosen to represent the charity of their choice. Julia had applied as she wanted to continue her association with the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which started many years ago. Whilst working for Robert Stigwood she had made the original call to Julie Clifton offering the grounds and facilities at Barton Manor for the popular annual ‘Four Special Sunday Open Days’. Over 1100 people applied to Vodafone and Julia was thrilled to be chosen as one of the 500 winners to take up their placements in January for two months. Vodafone gave a grant of £2,500 to enable Julia to promote the Hospice Lottery. “Despite the snow, most
of the winners managed to attend the Vodafone Induction Day in London on January 11,” said Julia. “A long, tiring and exciting day, the winners came from all walks of life and from all sorts of places, some as far afield as Belfast, Inverness and all places south - but we got there! “I am now on a mission to promote the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Lottery which has 51 prizes, including a top prize of £1,000, every week and to encourage as many people as possible to join so that we can raise the much needed funds to carry on their sterling work. “We were at Tesco on Wednesday, January 27, encouraging people to join the Lottery and claim their free bear. Big thanks to the Tesco shoppers, and Tescos, for making it such a successful day,” said Julia. “Karen Eeles, Senior Fundraiser at the Hospice commented: “We are delighted to have Julia join the fundraising department for a while to help us, especially with promoting
Julie Richards our Hospice Lottery. She has already made a tremendous difference by signing up 25 new players in one day at Tesco with one of our volunteers.” Follow Julia on her mission at: Facebook – http://tinyurl. com/ybtqt5h,Twitter – http://tinyurl.com/y85d4f8, Vodafone – http@//tinyurl. com/vcj7fu2 or Earl Mm – http://tinyurl.com/yaqyfu3 If you would like to help Julia to Make a Difference you can download an application form for the lottery, add a reference of “Julia” and return it to the Hospice. Look out for Julia and her sunflower ‘Earl Mm’ on her leaflet drops in East Cowes during the coming weeks.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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NEWS
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Hospice News Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 Football and music quiz on Saturday January 30 A FOOTBALL and music quiz will take place this Saturday January 30 at 7.30pm at Northwood Cricket Club. It’s just £4 to enter a team of four and there will be a raffle on the night with the bar will be open throughout the evening. Feel free to wear your club colours! All money raised on the night will come to the Hospice. THIS is a new quiz and if football as a subject is popular the organisers will hold another quiz on the same subject nearer to the World Cup. Emily Hayward
George Hayward
SAND/SNOWMEN FUN
THE ADDITION of real snow made this year’s Sandman Snowman event a little bit more special than usual. Snow cleared from the IW College’s car park was transported to Hope Beach in Shanklin for youngsters to use in their sandmen snowman making along with the sand. “We had one snowman which was pristine, beautifully clean, and other sandmen snowmen that were hybrids,” said Ian Boyd from Island 2000 who organise the annual event in support of the Gift to Nature charity, which looks at wildlife conservation. “We had around ten families and lots of artistic
people. The idea is just a bit of chaotic fun and the premise is to get people out in the Island countryside in the winter enjoying themselves. “We get people coming prepared with their kits: spades and scarves and bits – people bring their own specialist stuff. We supply carrots, coal and hot chocolate and always have spare spades. “Some people just turn up and wonder what’s going on and join in. It’s a bit of a spectacle as so many people are out for a walk and you can see the beach from the cliff top and the road down to the beach. We had quite a crowd just standing watching and
Parachute places available for June 19 THE HOSPICE will once again be taking a group on intrepid fundraisers up to Salisbury airfield this year to take part in a sponsored tandem skydive. The event will take place on Saturday June 19. There are still places available and if you are interested in doing a jump please call the fundraising team on 528989 for more information.
Music Quiz at the Football Club on Friday February 12
there must have been 100 people walking by.” This was the fourth year for the event, which began at Steephill Cove. It’s not a competition but people
are encouraged to drop in between 10.30am and 1pm to build their sandmen/ snowmen. See more of them at www.island2000. org.uk
THE HOSPICE’S regular music quiz will take place in February at Newport Football Club at 7.30pm. It’s £10 for a team of four. There will be prizes on the night with a raffle. The bar will also be open. There is no need to book, simply turn up with your team and play.
Valentines Hop at The Buddle Inn, Niton Saturday 13 February
Valentines Day music at Ventnor Wintergardens, February 14 FRANCES MASON and Jennie Broom are due to perform at Ventnor Wintergardens on Valentines Day afternoon, with violin and Harp starting at 3pm. The concert is free to attend and a closing collection will be taken in aid of the Hospice at the end of the performance.
Don’t forget the Frock Exchange – Isle of Wight Pearl April 16 THE HOSPICE shop in Lugley Street, Newport has started collecting clothes for the Frock Exchange at Isle of Wight Pearl on Friday April 16. The idea is very simple. Donate a high quality summer dress, evening gown,handbag or pair of shoes together with £1. You will then be given a voucher. Go to Isle of Wight Pearl on April 16th and exchange your voucher for another high quality garment. Donations are also being taken directly into Isle of Wight Pear.
Good quality everyday wear still urgently needed in shops PLEASE consider donating your unwanted good quality clothes to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Our shops rely on donations for resale and supplies are rather low at present. Ideally please could you take your donations to our Hospice Warehouse on Newport Industrial Estate, it is opposite the Royal Mail Offices. You can call the warehouse on 244230.
If you have clothes, shoes, belts or handbags, that are “DANCE Until You Drop” rather tired or a little worn at The Valentine’s Hop on and are therefore not suitable Saturday February 13 at The for resale in our shops you Buddle Inn, Niton from 8pm. can still support the hospice Tickets are £4 each and are by taking these worn goods to available from The Buddle one of our recycling collection Inn and from the Hospice Fundraising Office. It’s a Period points across the Island. For a full list of places and a detailed Fancy Dress event, (optional) and there will be a prize for the account of how recycling old clothes can help the Earl best outfit. Music will be from Mountbatten Hospice please go 1949 – 1971. The bar will be to www.iwhospice.org and look open all evening and there will in our “Latest News” section. be a raffle on the night.
Kerry Taylor
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
John Dedman, Paula Dedman and Terry Ashdown at The Woodvale Pub
PICKLE OVER ONIONS DRINKERS at the Woodvale got pickled for charity last weekend and raised over £3,500 for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. The ninth annual pickled onion wars attracted 38 entries from far and wide, but were won by local man Pete Booth from Thorness. Second prize went to Will Glasbey’s ‘Taste the Difference’ onions and third was Richard Green. Pete’s ‘Popular Peppered Precious Pickles,’ named by his son Chance (11) took the prestigious first prize of half a lager, a regal cape to wear and a trophy bearing the names of previous winners. “This was the first year I’d entered,” said Pete who works as a barman at the Traveller’s Joy in Northwood. “I made them about a year ago and I got my wife, Samantha, to run them in quick. Someone who came into the Traveller’s Joy said that the winner hadn’t left their name and that they (the onions) were called ‘perfect’ or
‘precious’ and I realised it was me. “I’m going to do the same ones next year and my wife and boys Chance (11) and Dalton (16) have another idea.” Peter didn’t even get a chance to try his onions as they had all gone by the time he arrived at the pub to claim his prize. “I tried a couple a month ago and they were nice with a tang at the back of the tongue,” said Pete. It was Terry Ashdown who was one of the first combatants in the Pickled Onion Wars. He brings his own (rather hot) pickled onions into the pub and nine years ago a contest was called between Kevin Parkin (bar manager at the Woodvale), Julian Badenoch and the late David Trott against two of Terry’s special recipes and the pub’s own onions. Kevin explained that the onions have to be topped and tailed and then put into pickling vinegar, which can also include spices such as chilies
and ginger. “Some people put in food colouring to get their friends to vote for theirs,” said Kevin. “Loads of people turn up to vote but it’s massively haphazard and not everyone tries every jar. Our chef Chris Vain does chop all the pickles up and makes sure it’s all above board.” Terry Ashdown likes to include Dorset Naga Chilies in his pickled onions. “I believe they’re now the hottest in the world,” he explained. “They’re a really lovely flavour. “Our MP, Andrew Turner, turned up but he wouldn’t try an onion and Tom Stroud and Michael Coombs came. Coombsie tried one and he was a bit speechless for a moment. We stitched him up really – we knew they were hot. “We had some coloured green ones and red ones but we try not to encourage it. Some people do take it seriously. But apart from that it was a
brilliant day. We had people from all over – we even had an entry from Barry Norman of the film programmes at the BBC. “One entry this year was stuffed with Stilton and others had aniseed and star anise. Some entries were pretty novelty.” Even youngsters have a go. Hannah Barfoot (14) put in orange juice and icing sugar and Peter Barfoot (10) also entered –
both grandchildren of Terry. There were over 50 raffle prizes and ten main prizes for the raffle including a weekend at a hotel in Poole, a day’s game shoot and a day out on a classic yacht. The event started raising money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation after Terry’s grandson was born with a genetic liver problem and in the past six years has raised over £27,000.
Winner Pete Booth with son Chance
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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CHIPPING & WRAP SESSIONS
Dog warden Samantha Kinnard with ENO Harry Dea and PCSO Justin Keefe
ON SATURDAY January 23, Isle of Wight Council’s dog wardens were offering a reduced rate for dog micro chipping of £10 and free bike wrapping, where a permanent sticker is put on a bicycle giving it a security number. The service was available at Rookley Community Pavilion, before moving on to Arreton Community Centre. The same two services will also be available next weekend in four towns and villages. But there are several more opportunities coming up for Island residents to get their bicycles security marked or their dogs microchipped. On February 6, the team will be available at Nettlestone School Hall from 9.30am to 10.30am. They’ll then moved to The Vine in St Helens from 11am to 12pm, before going to Bembridge between 12.30pm to 2pm at the Youth and Centre in Steyne Park. The team will finish in Brading at Brading Centre from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Isle of Wight Council is a member of the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership who are organising the days. For more information residents can call 550980.
ENO Harry Dea, Rose Clark, PCSO Justin Keefe and Mike Thornton from West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods
RECYCLING BLUES FOR IGLOO
Miss Edmunds, Mrs Osdler, teaching assistant with pupils Samuel Archer, Rafferty Boyd-Kerr, Finley Cowey, Madison Curtis, George Downer, Jamie Dowsett, Jack Dyer, Brooke Foster, Chloe Frampton, Ella Gully, Emma Hayles, James Hughes, Sanna Keen, Ella McCutcheon, Amelia Milford, Athene-Star Mitchell, Emma Ostler, Amelie Potts, Amy-Rose Snow, Sophie Stant, Lily-Rose Warren, Myer Watkinson, Solomon Wells, Hugh Westmore, Scarlett Willis, Harry Woodward-Parker, Matthew Woolford and Cameron Younie YEAR One at Nettlestone Primary School built an igloo in their classroom last term using 800 plastic milk bottles. But now they’re looking for a way to recycle the bottles. Last term the topic they studied was the Arctic and polar bears. They adopted a polar bear with money from a cake sale and made the
giant igloo. Teacher Emma Rouse found the idea on an American website where a teacher had made an igloo using huge plastic jugs. “The children were so inspired by the photos on the website that they wanted to have a go,” said Emma. This half term the topic is
‘Recycling’ and ‘Toys’. So far they have organised a very successful toy freecycle at school where the children bought in a toy and swapped it with someone else. “Now we are just left with the big issue of what to do with the igloo,” said Emma. “It fell apart over the Christmas holidays and after giving the
milk bottle tops to a parent for a charity, the bottles are starting to smell slightly. Yuk! “For homework last week, I set the challenge of recycling the milk bottles. The children have come up with some excellent ideas and suggestions e.g. slug catcher, ball catchers and bird feeders etc and some wrote to the Council
and IOW radio to ask for help with ideas after finding out that there is not a plastic recycling centre on the Island. “A parent that works at Gurit has said that we could send the bottles over to them and a company will pick them up and take them to the mainland for recycling. Another parent has offered
to take some with him in the car to the mainland when he goes to work. “The children are really keen, wherever they go, to know what happens to them so we are hoping for photos to be taken of their journey to the recycling plant and possibly of the process of recycling,” she explained.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
Sharon Atter receives the award from Debbie Harris from Best-Care-Homes.co.uk with sponsor Keith Arscott
ST VINCENTS WINS BEST CARE AWARD
ST VINCENT’S Care Home in Binstead has won best care home in the South East in a recent ballot by users of care homes throughout Britain. Best-care-home.co.uk is an independent website that enables care home users, relatives and visitors to choose the country’s best care homes. Voting took place from July to December 2009 and the results were announced this week. The criteria for entry was that the care homes had to be three star ‘excellent’ rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. Homes did not pay to be listed and over 100 were nominated for the award.
England was divided into which the dignity, care, our 60th year and SSAFA four regions, each with a well-being and comfort of Forces Help its 125th year. winner and two runners up our residents is of prime We feel that this landmark year has been started in a very special way and we wish to thank all who support us, best-carehome and Equity Care.” Debbie Harris, founder of Best-care-home.co.uk and St Vincent’s won the importance. We aim to said: “The 2009 Best create an open and friendly Care Home Awards are a award for the South East. Manager of SSAFA approach to the running of resounding success. Not (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen the home, maintaining a only do t hey tell us which and Families Association) professional and friendly are truly the best care Forces Help St Vincent’s, atmosphere. By achieving homes, and reward them, Sharon Atter, and her staff this award we feel we are but they also tell us where the users are genuinely and residents were elated succeeding in our quest. “Our residents were happy, comfortable, well to be the recipient of the delighted with the news cared for and delighted award. “My staff and I work and have stated that it to recommend their care extremely hard to comes as no surprise to homes to others. It proves ensure that we provide them and that the award is you can find an excellent a secure, relaxed, and well deserved,” she added. care home if you know “This year we celebrate where to look.” homely environment in
“The dignity, care, well-being and comfort of our residents is of prime importance.
Ernie Shepherd, Vicky Beddington, Sid Dawson and Debbie Gregory
Tracey Coleman, Wally Stewart and Tasmin Matthews
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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DIAMONDS KEEP ON SHINING Woodford and presented to Jon Kilby, Band Musical Director. This award is voted for by the band’s playing members, and is presented to the person who they think has contributed most to the band during the season. Following the presentation of the annual awards, each current member was presented with a souvenir scroll and a presentation memento of not just the evening but also the first ten years of the
MEMBERS, supporters, families and friends of the Wight Diamonds Marching Band gathered at the Newclose Cricket Club last Saturday for an Anniversary Ball to celebrate the first ten years of the band. Although the annual awards are normally made in the autumn, at the conclusion of the band season, this year the opportunity was taken to combine the 2009 awards presentation with a special event that would recognize the efforts and successes of the whole band over the past ten years. Musical Director, Jon Kilby hosted the evening
and he opened by giving a brief history of the band and their achievements over the years. Special thanks and presentations were given to band supporters who had given the band invaluable support. These included Mr Peter Breach the Band President and Mr George Worrall of GSW Travel who has helped the band with coach travel for five years. A particular thank you was given to Judith and Arthur Downer who have tirelessly worked to help the band’s fund-raising efforts running tombola stalls and raffles for the full ten years and Jane Kilby who over the last
couple of years has spent many hours sewing stripes on 65 pairs of band trousers! The awards which were announced by Pete Woodford, band chairman, and were presented by Peter Breach and George Worrall were as follows:– Percussion Player of the Year Award (voted for by the band’s instrumentalists) went to Dan Smith (side drum). Instrumentalist of the Year Award (voted for by the percussion section) went to Andy White. Most Improved Percussionist Award went to Aaron Hall (side drum).
Most Improved Instrumentalist Award was awarded to Ilona Rayner (alto saxophone). Drill and Deportment Award, nominated by John Sivier, Band Drum Major went this year to Marie Knapp, flute. The final award for 2009, the Diamond Award, was announced by Pete
band. Included in this presentation were members of the Wight Diamonds Carnival Float team whose 2009 Magic Roundabout float entry won numerous awards at the Island’s carnivals. The ‘official’ presentation was concluded with thanks to all who have helped the band during the season and the past ten years and the unveiling of the band’s Ten Year badge, which is to be added to all uniforms.
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PROPERTY
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
CHEQUE FOR HEROES
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NEWS
A CHEQUE for over £600 has been presented to the ‘Help for Heroes’ campaign, after a series of fundraising events. The fundraisers took part over Christmas and New Year at the Bembridge Coast Hotel. Manager of the hotel, Tom Canosa, presented a cheque for £652 to ‘Help for Heroes’ representative Geoff Giles.
BE ON GUARD
PEOPLE in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to remain alert but not alarmed as the possibility of a terrorist incident is increased nationwide. On Friday, January 22, the UK threat level from international terrorism was raised from substantial to severe. Hampshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson said: “The current threat level indicates an attack is highly likely. “However, there is nothing to suggest one is imminent nor is there anything to indicate there is a particular target or intended
location. “We’d asked everyone to be alert to the danger of terrorism, but not alarmed. You can play your part by keeping an eye out for suspicious bags on public transport or other possible signs of terrorist activity. “Ultimately, the risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack is very low and we mustn’t let the fear of terrorism stop us from going about our day-to-day lives.” To contact the police, always dial 999 in an emergency. When it’s not an emergency, you can dial 101 from inside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
RECORD DINOSAUR VISITORS
DINOSAUR Isle Museum in Sandown has had its highest amount of visitors since its first full year after opening in 2001. The museum, owned by the IW Council, attracted over 76,000 people in 2009 to experience the vast range of prehistoric finds and fossils on display at the museum. Dinosaur Isle is Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur museum and attraction,
and had previously recorded its biggest ever number of customers in 2002, when almost 86,000 people visited the site. The busiest month in 2009 was August when 20,008 people visited the attraction. More than 10,000 of these were school children from the both the Island and the UK, as well as many from overseas. The facility also has an education room where
visiting school parties learn about prehistoric finds and fossils, while the museum also runs regular fossil walks on several Island beaches known to hide fossils. IW Council Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, George Brown, said: “The museum is an excellent facility that continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. It is also a valued
educational resource both locally and nationally. “It is very pleasing to see the museum continuing to be enjoyed by tens of thousands of people and I am sure next year will prove even more popular.” The Island is well known for prehistoric finds and is regarded as being the world’s third most important site for dinosaur remains behind China and the USA.
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
THIS WEEK has been Farmhouse Breakfast Week and Isle of Wight producers and invited guests, including the Lord Lieutenant, Martin White, and Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Arthur Taylor, came together to enjoy a full ‘Isle of Wight’ breakfast on January Wednesday 27. Organised by the IW Economic Partnership and supported by the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation the event attracted over 50 guests to Bluebells Café at Briddlesford Farm who were served a breakfast made solely from local Isle of Wight produce; from the flour in the bread to the honey still in the comb. Brian Friend, Chairman, IW Economic Partnership said: “This morning’s event was a great opportunity to promote the wealth of Island breakfast produce and to demonstrate the importance of breakfast as a meal.” He continued: “The food sector is a growth area and this is at a time when there is increasing interest in where our food comes from, the need for a healthy diet – not forgetting food miles”. “The Home Grown Cereal Association’s (HGCA) Farmhouse Breakfast Week provided a perfect opportunity to promote
Lord Lieutenant Martin White, High Sheriff Gay Edwards, Brian Friend, Council leader David Pugh, Judi Griffin of Briddlesford Farm, Alick Jones and Council chairman Arthur White. the wealth of wonderful breakfast produce available on the Isle of Wight,” said a spokesperson from the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership. “From farmer’s bacon and sausages to specialty breads and cereals, there is a fantastic choice
to benefit the start of the day. Health professionals all agree, we should start the day with a healthy, balanced breakfast. Breakfast really can benefit your energy levels; concentration, mood and can even help you manage your weight.”
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR PRIORY SCHOOL
THE PRESTIGIOUS Good Schools Guide, now in its 23rd year, has just singled out an Isle of Wight School for one of its awards, featuring Priory School in Shanklin out of over 30,000 schools in the country among the 800 listed with an award for GCSE teaching. In the Good Schools Guide GCSE Awards 2009 Priory School, Isle of Wight, had the best point score at an English School for Boys taking Biology GCSE. The Biology teacher who gained this award was Mrs Glynis Bates, who taught at Upper Chine before joining Priory School when it was founded in 1993. She is Head of Science and was appointed Head of the Senior School earlier this year, and will also be teaching A
Level Biology from September 2010. Priory School is the only Island school to be awarded in 2009 by the Good School Guide for mainstream GCSE subjects; an accolade not just for the school but also for the Island as a whole. The Good School Guide describes its selection process and itself as follows: “Each year we explore the English A Level and GCSE exam data looking for schools where the results in individual subjects shout out that here is some really special teaching – and then we give them awards. “We take no advertising or other inducements from schools, so we can be totally independent in our comments.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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FEATURE
OPEN MIC FOR STUDIO B
ISLE OF WIGHT Radio is opening up the airwaves and looking for the next generation of radio talent. From next month, the station launches a new show called STUDIO B, that is dedicated to providing youngsters in the Island with a chance to broadcast their own show from Isle of Wight Radio’s studios on Dodnor Park in Newport. Programming Director, Paul Topping, said: “As part of our 20th birthday celebrations and our commitment to the Island, we are launching a new programme to involve as many local school and college pupils as possible. “Isle of Wight Radio is now locally owned
“Isle of Wight Radio is now locally owned and it means we can really do what we do best and that is be local.”
Front: Claire Willis, Paul Topping and Michael Coombes. Back: Tom Stroud, Heather McCallum and John Williams
NEED TO SAVE RACE FOR LIFE
ALMOST 800 people have joined a Facebook group venting their disappointment that this year’s Cancer Research ‘Race for Life’ won’t be taking place on the Island. It was announced earlier this month that the national
event has been scrapped on the Island, because the number of competitors has dropped and it needed to be more ‘cost effective’. The Facebook group, entitled ‘Reinstate Race for Life for Cancer Research on the Isle of Wight for 2010’ has attracted
hundreds of members in a bid to get the popular event back on the Island. Claire Howarth, who created the group, said: “I started the group because I thought it was unbelievable that such a worthwhile event could be pulled
from the Island. “So many people have been affected by cancer in one way or another, and I hoped that the fantastic community spirit on the Island could do something, to either change the decision or organise another event.”
and it means we can really do what we do best and that is be local. We’re using some of our airtime to give local people the chance to get on the radio and maybe we will find our next generation of presenters. “We are very proud to be the local radio station for the Island and we’re excited about getting more local people on the air.” The new programme is designed to introduce local children and students to the world of radio and the academic skills that are needed to put it all together. The team at Isle of Wight Radio will work with pupils on structuring the show, what music to choose and how to present. Studio B will be broadcast on Sunday afternoons from 4pm, replacing the networked chart show. If you are part of a community group, school or youth organisation and would like to have the chance of getting on the radio you can contact John at the station on 01983 822557.
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CHINESE NEW YEAR FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
YEAR OF THE METAL TIGER On February 14 a new Chinese New Year is celebrated and 2010 is the year of the Tiger. In particular, this is the year of Gēng-yín (Metal Tiger). Gēng is the seventh of the ten celestial stems and Yín (Tiger) is the third of the twelve terrestrial branches, thus February 14 2010 marks the year of the Tiger with its association to bravery. Chinese New Year often involves people giving each other presents. The Eve of Chinese New Year is a feast with families with firecrackers at the end of the evening to send out the old year. One superstition is that on the stroke of midnight, every door and window in the house has to be opened to allow the old year to go out. It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune and
to make way for incoming good luck. But on New Year’s Day you shouldn’t do any cleaning for fear that good fortune may be swept away. You’re not even supposed to wash your hair or use knives or scissors on New Year’s Day as this may wash out or cut off good fortune. Windows and doors are decorated with red colour paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. Red clothing is preferred during this festival as the colour is considered bright and happy and sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. Early on New Year morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and they will receive
money in red paper envelopes. Many people abstain from eating meat on the first day of Chinese New Year because it is believed that this will ensure a long and happy life. Some people will eat a whole fish, which represents togetherness and abundance, or a chicken with its head and feet intact, which symbolizes prosperity. Any noodles in your bowl should be left uncut, as a sign of long life. All debts had to be paid by this time and nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. If you cry on New Year’s Day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not chastised in case they cry. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should
be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning. Plants and flowers also play a significant role in symbolizing rebirth and new growth. A home is thought to be lucky if a plant blooms on New Year’s Day, as this foretells the start of a prosperous year. Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the number four, sounding like the Chinese word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-coloured birds or swallows.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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FEATURE
WELCOME TO HOVER SCHOOL
Luke Lockwood from Gurnard Primary School was able to fly a hovercraft yesterday, January 28, on the 11am sailing, after winning an IW Radio ‘Christmas Wish’ competition. He also got to take all of his classmates from Turquoise class on the hovercraft whilst he spent the journey on the flight deck. IOW Radio ran a ‘Christmas
wish.’ campaign throughout December where pupils of IW Primary schools were able to voice their Christmas wishes on radio. Seven year old Luke from Gurnard Primary School, received an unexpected early Christmas present on December 17 when IOW Radio became messengers, on behalf of Hovertravel, to make his Christmas wish come true.
Luke’s wish was to ‘Fly a Hovercraft’ and upon hearing Luke’s wish on the radio, Commercial & Marketing Manager, Loretta Lale decided to offer him a gift of a ‘Flight Deck Experience’ from Hovertravel. Michael Coombes and Paul Topping from IW Radio felt this was a fantastic offer and decided to visit Luke’s classroom to announce
the gift to him. Plus, Hovertravel invited all of Luke’s classmates to travel on-board the Hovercraft whilst he was in the Flight Deck. Luke had the opportunity to sit next to the Captain and learn about flying the hovercraft from the controls, to navigation and responsibility for all passengers on board, during
the hovercraft service operation. “`The children thoroughly enjoyed it and Luke was full of it,” said Turquoise class teacher Ros Avery. “He was on the bridge for the whole trip and he told us that he zoomed in on a warship and that he steered the hovercraft for a second or two. He also said he pressed a button with a K on it and the hovercraft
went faster.” “Luke was presented with a hat and a captain teddy and all the children got pencils and keyrings. “We’d like to thank Hovertravel for organising for the whole class to go because they were so excited by it. Some had never been on the hovercraft. A couple were nervous but they did go in the end.”
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FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
WIZARD OF WROXALL Tin Man - Ian Dockray, Scarecrow - Carol Hutchings, Dorothy - Alice Lindsay and Lion - Helen Lindsay The yellow brick road leads to Shorwell this week as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is in residence at Shorwell Village Hall. The Shorwell Drama Club, who reformed around ten years ago, is staging this popular play. In a twist to the original story Dorothy is transported not from Kansas but from Wroxall and it is back to Wroxall that she returns. The cast ranged from children aged ten playing the munchkins to those in their seventies. “Alice Lindsay (13) has done exceptionally well as Dorothy,” said treasurer Julie Russell.
“The whole group is made up from local people from Shorwell and the surrounding area. They’re all amateurs who pull together to put on the show and paint the scenery. “It has a real village feel and is great family entertainment,” she continued. “It’s always a sell out as the hall only seats between 70 and 80 people.” For the past two years they have raised money for Naomi House, Hampshire Air Ambulance and the Hospice, although the charities for this year have not yet been decided. Tin Man - Ian Dockray
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
Dorothy - Alice Lindsay
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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FEATURE
FUN ZUMBA AND MORE AT TJ’s
It’s Super 8 Sunday this weekend down at TJs Exercise Studio on Spithead Estate in Lake (opposite Morrisons). This Sunday from 11am till 5pm you can try out a studio session in zumba, rpm, bodypump or bodybalance completely free or have a free gym session. For a fun workout, dance your way to fitness in a Zumba class. A mixture of salsa, samba, reggaeton, merengue, flamenco and belly dancing, with a nice blend of Latin and international music, Zumba is for everyone. All ages and all fitness
! N I W
TJ’s Gym and Exercise studio is equipped to get you fitter and lose a few pounds. And by simply filling in the competition entry below and handing it in to the Gym at Lake, you will receive a free gym/ studio session, win or lose. To win a years full membership answer the question below and either hand in or send your entry, along with your name, address and telephone no to:
levels can benefit from this newest fitness craze to hit the country. Zumba is very much in demand at the moment and at TJs it is taught by Tina Marsh who is a qualified and professional dancer. “There are only two or three fitness moves per track which makes it easy to follow and it’s fantastic for toning up tummies, thighs and bottoms,” said Tina. “It’s also a really big calorie burner.” Sessions for this new addition to the TJ timetable are Monday to Thursday at 8.10pm, Tuesday at 11.35am and Friday at 9.15am and
A YEAR’S FULL MEMBERSHIP AT TJ’s GYM Gazette Gym Membership Competition, TJs Gym, Unit D6, Spithead Business Park, Lake, PO36 9PH. The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Friday March 12, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of TJs Gym and Exercise Studio and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
Question: How much fat will be lost by the first 20 people enrolled in the inaugural boot camp at TJs, which ends in eight weeks. Answer: Name: Address: Tel no: E-mail:
BRING THIS VOUCHER WITH YOU FOR A FREE GYM/STUDIO SESSION (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)
Unit D6 Spithead Business Park, Lake, PO36 9PH. Tel: 406123. Mob: 07976 638419. Email: studio@tjs-gym.co.uk. Web: www.tjs-gym.co.uk
are held in the spacious sprung floor studio. Boot Camp has been another big hit – so much so that the Saturday morning sessions filled quickly and another Monday boot camp will begin this week from 12 noon till 1pm. There are still spaces but they will fill up quickly so be sure to ring up and book a space on this 10 week programme. “The boot camp is a varied regime based on good old fashioned circuits,” said Steve Marsh who runs the classes. “It incorporates kick boxing, step, circuits, rpm
bikes and keeps the intensity going. “I’m also looking to add a boot camp class on Saturday mornings at 10.30am on a pay as you go basis. Each week we challenge different parts of the body.” Steve will monitor you and make sure you work on the areas that need it. He also has someone who comes in to offer nutritional advice and the gym has a large stock of CNP supplements from protein powder to energy drinks. The gym also does the popular bodypump and bodybalance classes, rpm studio cycling classes
and has a large fully equipped gymnasium. Ages from young teenagers to those in their 80s use the gym and disabled access is good – the MS Society come to the gym one day a week. Inductions are free and there is no joining fee either – something of a one off in the gym world. Personal training, sports massage and sport injury treatments are all available at the gym and you can always pop in for chat about your specific requirements – there’s even free coffee for all members in the foyer area.
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VALENTINE’S DAY FOOD & DRINK FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Every February 14 cards, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who was St. Valentine and how did he become the patron saint of lovers? One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were
discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was
one of the most popular saints in England and France. While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘christianize’ celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called
spelt throughout their In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all the social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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VALENTINE’S DAY FOODFEATURE & DRINK
SIMPLES FOR VALENTINE’S
It was celebration time for the four boy meerkats at Seaview Wildlife this week – they found themselves a bit of female company. Two young ladies have joined the ‘gang’ after the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire kindly donated them to the Park as the former matriarch of the Meerkat family sadly passed away last summer, so it’s now time to introduce new life into the group. The Animal Care Team are hoping the new social structure of the group will be
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worked out without too much squabbling regarding who will be the Alpha Male and the Alpha Female and the Park is looking forward hopefully to the pitter-patter of tiny ‘pup’ feet in the future! The name ‘Meerkat’ means ‘marsh cat’ although in the wild they do not live near marshes and are not cats! Meerkats are members of the Mongoose family and inhabit the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. They have become immensely popular attractions following a television advertisement which highlights them.
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NEW YEAR NEW YOU FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
HEALTHY SOLUTIONS
AS
Maggie Currie from Creedence The Island Health and Wellbeing Network held its first awareness event, ‘New Year, New You’ on Saturday, January 23. Exhibitors attended from across the sector, offering taster sessions and assessments along with information on their particular service. Entrance was free and options ranged from aromatherapy, chiropractic, reiki, massage and nutrition to organic skin care products. Sharon Morris of Health 2 Wealth Partners, who had a stand at ‘New Year New You’ said: “It was such a fantastic day. I made so many new contacts - from
new customers to meeting other practitioners - which I also found very beneficial.” The event was organised by Nova Lifestyles Director, Sara Mousley and is the first in a programme of promotional days planned for the future. Nova also publishes a quarterly heath and wellbeing directory. “Nova Lifestyles’ mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the Isle of Wight as well as promoting the diverse range of services available on the Island, within the sector,” said Sara. “By holding these health and lifestyle days on a regular basis, people will be able to find out
Zelie Gordon with Kiron Patel more about these different services, as well as promoting all the well known ways of achieving a healthy lifestyle - with practical hands-on demonstrations, information and displays.” Around 16 different practitioners had stalls at the event including Maggie Currie of Creedence Training Academy, mobile therapist Maria Johnson, the LittleJohn Clinic and nutritionist Jan Thwaites. It was such a success that Nova have decided to run another event on Saturday, March 13 (the day before Mother’s Day) at the Riverside Centre from 1.00 - 4.00pm.
Community chefs Paul Rogers with Jenny Haims
Zelie Gordon with Claire Draper
Yoga with Emma Spencer
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
YOUNG INITIATIVE
TO HELP HAITI
YOUNGSTERS from Brading Methodist Church’s youth group raised a total of £123 for Haiti last weekend. The groups was so moved by the tragedy in Haiti that
they organised a coffee morning and bring and buy sale to raise money for the earthquake victims. The young people produced posters and leaflets, which they
delivered to houses around the area. They also served teas and coffees with cakes donated by parishioners. People from the church and the village donated items to sell and a total
of £123 was raised towards the cause. The money will be given to the Barnabas Trust, a Christian organisation who is working in Haiti at the moment.
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FEATURE
BIRTHDAY BOXING A boxing tournament is being held at Ventnor Winter Gardens tomorrow (Saturday) to celebrate the club’s second birthday. There will be 12 Islanders, including Danny Harper, Danny Green, Callan O’Hearn, George
Borrott, Rob Smith and Connor Black, competing against boxers from the mainland. Doors open at 2pm and boxing will commence at 3pm and tickets will be available on the door priced at £10 for adults and £5 for U16s.
Youngsters from Brading Methodist Church’s youth group
BANDS REFORM TO ROCK THE CASTLE
IT WAS a case of ‘Lets do the time warp again,” down at the Ryde Castle last Saturday when three bands reformed for the first time in at least 25 years to raise money for the hospice and in memory of Sue Oxford. Cats Like Plain Crisps were first on stage with a clutch of the original acapella numbers they used to sing in the early eighties. The quartet had particularly lovely harmonies and sounded very good together - especially given the fact they claimed to have only rehearsed once, amazingly on the night before the gig. Next up were the Mechanixs with their great cover numbers
BY JO MACAULAY who had the audience on their feet. The band does still regularly play but ex frontman/vocalist Terry Preen joined the band for this one off gig. ‘Shake Some Action’ by the Flaming Groovies was particularly good with Phil Oswald, aka SG Coolbridge from the Pumphouse Gang joining the band on lead guitar. But it was the Pumphouse Gang who took top billing and rightly so. From their opening number ‘Motorcity Fantasy’ to
their third encore number ‘Hard Driving Man’ the old gang had the audience transported back to 1981/82 with their hard-edged gritty numbers. Bassist John Little, aka Ralph von Wau Wau, had even died his hair green for the occasion and was sporting a Sex Pistols inspired T shirt. All the old favourites featured including Beg, Steal or Borrow, Judy Turn Out The Light, You’re Making Me Nervous, Stay with Me Little Girl, Speed Up The Heartbeat, Cocaine and the one about stars – which had everyone in the audience participating (not literally obviously). By the end of the gig the walls
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around the stage were dripping and almost everyone was on their feet and dancing. The venue was clearly too small. “I could have sold it out twice over,” said organiser Phil Jones, aka Dread (Family Man) Jones, drummer with the Pumphouse Gang. Singer and frontman John Edwards, aka Ricky Wreckage, summed up the feeling of the night after singing “I Feel A Little Bit Legless, How About You?” when he said: “Doesn’t that remind you of when we were all young and beautiful?” But for just that night we could all make believe we might be if we shut our eyes. It was magic.
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INTERIOR DESIGN FEATURE
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
SUPER TILES AT SUPERSTORE Tile Superstore has 10% off all tiles at the moment with no VAT increase. Some ranges are even at 20% discount such as the new flagstone floor tiles in natural or sandstone finish and others have an amazing 50% off. Whatever the size of project you have, Tile Superstore will have the tiles you need. Not only this but with access to over 250,000 different styles of tile you can’t fail to find just what you’re looking for at this well-established company. It’s 25 years this year since Tile Superstore opened a small shop in Newport’s Orchard Street. Now they have a large showroom in Crocker Street in Newport and an even larger one at Lake Business Centre, which they moved to in 2003.
It was the Lake branch that supplied the stunning cappuccino light and dark polished travertine tiles with matching mosaic tiles for the 15 ft square bathroom pictured (below). The bathroom also has a stone resin egg bath, solid walnut vanity units with honed Zimbabwe granite tops, a rain shower and underfloor heating. Designed by Chris and Lynda Sandell, the bathroom is an aquadec wetroom and is tiled floor to ceiling with mosaic tiling in the shower. Chris has CJ Chartered Surveyors and wife Lynda has her own interior design company and together they work on bespoke one off new builds and refurbishments. This bathroom was part of a £250,000 refurbishment on a 17th century
farmhouse. Kris Iona, manager at Lake Tile Superstore, was able to source exactly the tiles the Sandells needed for this project. But even if you have the smallest project Kris and his assistant manager Nick Jewell will be able to help you, suggesting suitable tiles for the job you have to do. From wall to floor, mosaic, slate, marble, travertine or glass, Tile Superstore’s range of tiles is getting bigger and start from only £8 per square metre. Also in stock are tile cutters and accessories such as nippers and files. Stock wall tiles always have matching floor tiles and surplus tiles can be returned for a full refund. Delivery is free Islandwide.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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JOB SEARCH
FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description Wages Duration
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Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:
Support Worker
West Wight
Experience of working in the community, good communication skills and an empathic of the needs of vulnerable families are essential. Experience of working with young children desirable.
£8.50 per hour. 5 hours per week, Term time only
12 Month Contract
NIW/9881 - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 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. Will be working Tuesday - Saturday.
£5.80 per hr. 6-10 per week over 5 days between 6.308.30am. Working Tues –Sat.
Permanent
RFM/ 6052. Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
In - Store Cleaner
Newport
No previous experience required as training will be provided. Duties will involve general cleaning of the store to include vacuuming, dusting, mopping and cleaning of toilets.
£5.80 per hour. 12 hours per week, Monday to Saturday between 6.45am & 8.45am
Permanent
NIW/9936- Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
Greetings Card Merchandiser
Ryde
No experience is required as training will be provided. Duties will include re-ordering of greetings cards and merchandising fixtures and any other duties as required. Overtime may be available over the holiday/seasonal periods.
£6.02 per hour. 4 hrs on a Friday and 3 hrs on alternate Saturdays.
Permanent
RFM/ 6105. Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
General Assistant
Ryde
Previous experience is not essential as training will be given. Must have excellent customer service skills. Duties include counter service, taking payments, ironing duties, keeping store clean and tidy and all other associated tasks as required.
Meets National Minimum Wage. 16 hrs per week Between Mon – Sat 9am -5pm.
Permanent
RFM/ 6106. Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
Tailor/ Tailoress
Ryde
Previous tailoring experience is essential. Must have excellent customer service skills. Duties include aspects of tailoring and any other associated tasks as required.
£6 per hr plus commission. 14 hrs per week Between Mon – Sat 9am -5pm.
Permanent
RFM/ 6107. Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
Cleaner
Newport
Previous experience in a similar role essential. Duties to include emptying bins, vacuuming floors, cleaning toilets, cleaning kitchens and all other associated tasks as required. Vacancy is for an hour each day which can be either early am or after 5pm.
£6 per hr. 3 hrs per week Mon, Weds and Fri
Permanent
NIW/9832 - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
Welder/ Fabricator
Brading
Applicant must hold a full driving licence. Previous experience in MIG welding is essential. Applicant must be able to work on own initiative. Duties include fabricating steel work, railings, fire escapes and any other duties as required. Temporary for 13 weeks leading to permanent.
Negotiable wage depending on experience. 40 Hours per week , Monday -Friday, Between 8am-4.30pm.
Temporary leading to Permanent
RFM/6100 - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.
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SPORT
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The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
HURRIES BOUNCE BACK
Sandown and Shanklin rugby team returned to action after a month without a game and recorded their second win of the season against Andover. The teams started brightly with both defences being tested early on, with several high kicks being swapped. The hosts took the lead on 16 minutes, after a long kick to the visitors 22 was very casually gathered by an Andover player. He lost the ball and Wightlink man of the match, prop Chris Skelley, quickly the ball
out to Captain Joe Rees who made the extra man and Dan Robinson scored a try, converted by Alex Howard, 7-0. The Visitors started to apply more pressure, pushing play to the Hurries line, but their defence held out, turning over both loose and tight play. Robinson was then taken out with a high tackle, leaving Howard to add a penalty 10-0. Vikoma man of the match Mat Jones, warmed up with a solo effort from the half way line, but was stopped on the visitors’ five-metre line. Kern Wales then
ran blind after a scrum and chipped the defence, before Danny Thomas kicked on and won the race for an unconverted try, 15-0. Hurries then placed another long kick chased by Robinson, it was gathered and kicked into touch. Hurries took a quick throw in and the ball was kicked up field again hitting a visiting player and falling to Robinson, who scored a try, converted by Howard, to make it 22-0. The Hurries extended their lead early in the second half, when Dan
Muir evaded two tacklers to run in a superb try, converted by Howard, 29-0. Andover recorded their first points of the day when they worked their way up to the Hurries’ line, before turning over for a try. Hurries made substitutions, with Todd Eldridge coming on for Ricky Harris and Will Baxendall for Luke Chandler. Soon after, with the visitors again playing possession rugby near the Hurries line, they crashed over for a converted try to make it 29-12. Hurries extended their lead, when
RAIDER RETURNS By Jamie White The Wightlink Raiders have announced Steve Slater as their latest signing, in a bid to make the English National League play-offs. After several years away from the Island, Steve has returned to try and help the Raiders in their quest for glory. Steve started playing ice hockey in 1994 for the IW u16s and made his Raiders debut two years later at the age of just 18. While playing for the Raiders, Steve was selected for the IW u19s, before transferring across to Gosport with player Toby Cooley, where the team came second in the league and he finished third top scorer. Steve’s career then saw him play for other mainland teams, including Oxford and Haringey, before heading out to Las Vegas to take part in the North American Championships. But after several years playing ice hockey away from the Island, Steve decided that he had unfinished business with the Raiders and it was time to return. “I broke my leg back in 2003 when I was playing for the Raiders and struggled to get my fitness back. I also had work commitments that limited the amount of ice hockey that I could play. I wanted to come back and hopefully help the Raiders move forward and prove myself in the ENL,” said Steve. “We want to make the play-offs
after missing out for so many seasons and hopefully continue to get a good squad of players together and build for next season. We have several young British players and a fantastic quota of young Island players, which is a testament to the junior development programme,” he added. Steve’s career has seen him play alongside many great ice hockey players, but he admits former
Raiders players Dan Sweeney and Martin Jeneway have had the biggest influence on his career. “Dan and Martin were both fantastic players and great leaders in their own way. The Raiders is my home club and I have missed the passionate fans and the amazing atmosphere at home games that you just don’t get anywhere else in this league. I am looking forward to success over the next few years with the Raiders,” said Steve.
Jones intercepted a pass and ran the full length of the field for a try, converted by Howard. Jones then fi=ound a gap in the Andover defence and released Howard who in turn set up Joe Rees for a try to make it 41-12. Finally, as the visitors were passing the ball along their backs, Jones chased the ball forcing an error, before slipping it to Muir, who added the final try converted by Howard to a final score of 48-12 to the Hurries. Hurries are away to Old Wimbledonians next week.
LIGHTNING STRIKE It was the first time this season that IW Lightning U14s had faced the Oxford U14s, with an added incentive for the Islanders that a win would put them in third place in the table. Lightning took the lead inside the first minute through Rory Julian. The lead was doubled just a minute later when Brandon Wright scored his first of the night. Captain Sean Molloy completed the first half scoring with a well worked goal that was assisted by Harrison Brown and Eden Holton. Oxford did pull a goal back as the period finished 3-1. The second period was much the same as the first, with the Lightning adding a further five goals to their tally through
Julian, Wright and Alexander Trendall and a first goal for George Niemiec. The period ended with a very commanding scoreline of 8-2 going into the third and final period. The Lightning had to play the third period a man down after Julian was ejected from the game. But this made the team more determined and the third period was by far the best of the game. Just the one goal was scored by Brandon Wright to complete his first ever hat-trick and walk away with the match puck and a comprehensive 9-2 win for the Lightning. The result leaves the team in a good position to fight to make the play-offs at the end of the season.
Raiders new signing Steve Slater
TOTTONIANS TOO STRONG FOR SECONDS Sandown and Shanklin rugby second team travelled to top of the table Tottonians, to see if they could get close to inflicting a first defeat of the season on their hosts.
The Hurries travelled with a strong side, but were hit with a late hitch when the returning Al Morey pulled a hamstring in the warm up and was unable to start. The home side hammered
away at the Sandown line right from the start and good defence from the Hurries led by the Wightlink man of the match Paul Laidler kept the half time score down to 15-0.
Sandown could have scored on a couple of occasions, with Josh Wetherick and debutant wing Tom Baker both causing problems for the hosts. Tottonians started the
second half strongly, applying much of the early pressure. Once again, the Hurries just fell short when they broke clear on occasions, with Jo Dove, Lawrence Edmonston, Joel
Carey and Steve Routledge just failing to take advantage. Totts ran in a couple of late scores to make it a final score of 27-0 and keepo their unbeaten run going.
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 402599
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MIXED FORTUNES
It was mixed fortunes for the Wightlink Raiders as they took on the Oxford City Stars in back to back games. The home fans of both teams were however prevented from celebrating as Oxford clinched the game at Ryde Arena on Saturday before the Raiders travelled to Oxford to take the road win against the Stars. In a close first game, the Raiders were unable to find that much needed second goal as they fell 2-1 to the Stars at the final whistle. Two ex-Raiders bagged the goals for the visitors. Alan Green opened
the game with an early strike on Toby Cooley in the Raiders net, with Andrew Shurmer securing their game-winning goal mid way through the second period. Raiders Captain and top goal scorer Danny Hughes scored for the Island side, assisted by Dan Scott and Stewart Tait, but sadly it was to be the Raiders only goal of the game despite firing 27 shots on Oxford netminder James Skaife. Disappointed with the home loss Coach Jeremy Cornish rallied his troops together for the return fixture. The in-form James Udell
was the first to hit the back of the net with an unassisted marker to put the Raiders deservedly in the lead. A holding minor penalty on Alex Murray allowed Oxford to beat Matt Colclough in the Raiders net with a powerplay goal to level the game at 1-1. The Raiders were handed a set back in the final minutes of the second period as American John Sarno was assessed a match penalty for an alleged gesture while lining up for a face off, gifting the Oxford side a five minute powerplay. Aggrieved by the decision
against their team mate, the Raiders started the third period playing their best hockey of the game, killing off the remainder of the penalty and going on to score a powerplay goal of their own through Alex Murray assisted by playmaker Stewart Tait and defenceman Damon Larter. The Raiders maintained their one goal advantage for the next ten minutes before adding some security to their lead with another goal from Alex Murray again assisted by the eventual man of the match Stewart Tait. This was the final goal of the game as the
Raiders came away with the 3-1 victory and the all important two points to aid their continuing quest to climb the league table. The Raiders face another tough weekend ahead, starting tomorrow (Saturday) when they host the second placed Chelmsford Chieftains, before travelling to Essex for the return leg on Sunday (January 1). There will be an auction in the Raiders Bar at Ryde Arena tonight (Friday) from 7.30pm. There are several items up for grabs and members of the Raiders team will be the auctioneers.
INVICTA VICTORIOUS PERRY AND BURKE The IW Wildcats suffered a 10-5 defeat at the hands of Invicta, despite a spirited performance by the young Islanders. The game started in a fast and frenetic pace and at the end of the first period the visitors had a 2-0 lead. Invicta opened the scoring in the second period with three goals in quick succession to take control of the game. The Wildcats first goal was
scored by Danny Welch, assisted by Jordan Ricketts and Luke Bontoft, after 27 minutes. Four minutes Welch added his second and the Wildcats’ second of the night. Invicta increased their lead on 33 minutes, but with 30 seconds left on the clock, Matt Wilks scored for the Islanders to make it 6-3, assisted by Aaron Edwards and Stephen Indge who was returning after a double hip
operation. The thirs period saw Invicta increase their goal tally by scoring a further four times. Matt Wilks scored his second goal of the game in the 46 minute, assisted by Jordan Rickets and five minutes later Wilks achieved his hat trick assisted by Danny Welch and Jordan Ricketts. Player of the Match was awarded to Danny Welch and the Spirit of the Match awarded to Stephen Indge.
SHOW THEIR CLASS Brian Perry and Lucy Burke combined to win Westridg Golf Club’s Hiden Partners’ Medal competition by just a single sot. Brian carded a nett 55 and Lucy 56 for a score of 111, just one better than Tony Ward (54) and Dan Mew (58). Third palce went to
Chasd Wright (53) and Sue Cox (64) with a combined score of 117. Brian Smyth, playing off 16, won Division One of the Stableford event with 42 pointgs, two ahead of Gary Cox, playing off 10, with Chas Wright, a 12-handicapper, third also
with 40 but losing to Chas on countback. The Division Two honours went to Chris Robson, off 23, who berat Steve Hull (21) on countback after both scored 41 points. John Hollidge (26) took thirsd place, just a point back.
TIGERS SHOW LIONS HOW IT’S DONE
The Wightlink Tigers roared back to life as they took apart the Lee Valley Lions in a comfortable 8-1 victory. The game got off to a shady start as only half the lights were working, but this didn’t phase the Tigers, who were determined to get their first win of the year. Richard Nembhard netted first
for the visitors, from Jamie Lee and Paul Sanderson, as the Tigers were handed a power-play opportunity just six minutes into the game. This was to be the only goal of the period as the net minders for both teams were tested relentlessly. Graham Macfarlane put the visitors 2-0 up in just over two minutes of the start of the
second period, assisted by Lee and Nembhard. Lee added a third for the Tigers, with Aaron Edwards & Richard Gutteridge grabbing the assists. The home side were made to pay again when the Tigers used their man advantage to go in four up at the break, as Nembhard netted his second with Sanderson and Tony
Blaize assisting. With the Tigers now playing with belief and confidence, Nembhard got his hat-trick, assisted by Lee, to earn himself the man of the match. Just over 20 seconds later, the Lions managed to squeeze the puck over the line to deny Aaron Knight a shut out. The Tigers replied with a strike
from Joe Osborne, with assists going to Nembhard and Tom Eklund and two further goals from Chris Randall from MacFarlane and Blaiz. Lee, from Nembhard and Edwards, secured the two points to give the Tigers a 8-1 win and their first win of the year. The return leg takes place this Sunday (January 31) at Ryde Arena.
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SPORT
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Sport
The Gazette, Friday, January 29, 2010
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FIRST WIN FOR UNDER 12s The IW Tornadoes U12s recorded their first win of the season as they beat Oxford Stars 6-4 in a thrilling encounter. After 10 minutes of great end to end hockey from both teams, the Tornadoes found the back of the net with a great goal from Keelan
Walsh assisted by team mate Blayne Pugh. But the celebrations were short lived for the Island side, as Oxford swiftly turned the puck over and scored twice within the next minute. Keelan Walsh then drew the Tornadoes level, scoring unassisted
to bring the score level at 2-2. Oxford started to lose their cool, as James Lindley got a two minute penalty for holding and a 10 minute misconduct penalty for arguing with the referee. Two minutes later, John Jeatsch also received a 10 minute misconduct leaving
Oxford short of two important players. After the break the Islanders proved what great talent they have in defence with Ben and Oliver McLoughlin, and brother and sister duo Oliver and Joanna Orlik. Owen Moore then got on the score sheet
for first time, proving defencemen can score goals as well. Things just got better and better in the second period as the Tornadoes scored three more goals, two by Kieran Tavener and one by Owen Treadwell, giving a final score of 6-4.