Isle of Wight Observer: Issue 005

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7th September 2018 - Issue 5

Isle of Wight

THE ISLAND’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER

IWC pension fracking investment

Page 7

Complaint lodged against Mayor

FREE

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16 page pullout on Island events inside

Jobs lost at GTI Glazing GTI Glazing Systems Limited has gone into administration a business advisory firm has said.

In business for almost 26 years, the large employer closed its doors on Wednesday (September 5) and stopped answering the phones.

Its current assets and affairs are being handled by Quantuma - a business advisory firm.

The Somerton Industrial Park business still has some installers out working.

A former member of staff who didn’t want to be named explained they had received a letter informing them they had lost their job, and that the company was in administration.

A spokesman for Quantuma said: “The company is in the process of ceasing to trade and is going into liquidation - likely at the end of the month. The liquidation has been planned for several weeks.”

‘Dry docked’

Full story on page 6

From L to R: Yetta Elkins, Tiena Eccles, Jackie Joyce, Gloria Crouch, Colin Midmore, Jane Cresdee Midmore, ex-Cllr Eric Lawson, Stephen J Parkes.

‘Apologise or resign’ says Rev Williams

One of Wightlink’s ships is experiencing a mechanical issue - forcing a change in their timetable for the weekend.

Wightlink did not specify which ship in their fleet is experiencing issues or what the issue is but Victoria of Wight can be seen docked at Portsmouth Harbour using an online tracking service.

The “temporary timetable” will be in operation from Friday (September 7) until Monday (September 10).

A source who wished to remain anonymous said: “Victoria of Wight needs to be dry docked

as they over pressurised a tank which failed. It’ll be out of service for a while.”

A spokesman for Wightlink said: “Due to a mechanical issue with one of the ships in our fleet, we are operating a temporary timetable this Friday (September 7), Sunday (September 9) and Monday (September 10) on our Fishbourne to Portsmouth route.

“All customers that have been impacted by the timetable change have been contacted and can be accommodated over this busy weekend.”

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Icke against regeneration CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

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Call us now on 216111 or email: newsdesk@ iwobserver.co.uk Address: Suite 6, 17 St Thomas House, St Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL.

Tel: 01983 216111 Email: newsdesk@ iwobserver.co.uk Sales: sales@iwobserver. co.uk Web: iwobserver.co.uk Facebook: @iwobserver Twitter: @iwobserver Youtube: Isle of Wight Observer Publisher: Isle of Wight Observer Ltd News Editor: J Burn Online Editor: S Clarke Sport & Features: P White Sales: N Labelle Gardening: M Noyce Production: C Clarke/J Falconbridge Photography: J Sheath

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By Warren Whitmore

A celebrity author and former sports broadcaster has come come against plans to regenerate Ryde.

Isle of Wight Council organised a drop-in session for Ryde residents regarding regeneration plans for the town on Wednesday (September 5).

The council wanted to listen to new concerns and ideas on the regeneration draft strategy that won’t be finished until October 12.

Matthew Chatfield, communication engagement officer for the council, stressed the council wanted to hear the views of those who were “challenging”.

One resident present, whose views of the Ryde regeneration plans might be described as “challenging”, was author David Icke.

The former BBC sports presenter claimed that, “the more people who come to the Island, the more expensive services would be”.

Mr Icke said: “When will this end? When there is concrete from Ryde to Freshwater?

“People love this town. Is the plan to abuse and destroy the thing they love? And who benefits? Developers?”

The most frequent comment left by members of the public present at the meeting was concern that Smallbrook Lane would be unable to cope with the increase in traffic that would

be caused by the proposed doubling in size of the industrial estate at Nicholson Road.

A number of people expressed a desire to see the reuse of boarded up retail outlets in the town, and wondered why they couldn’t be let out to new businesses at peppercorn rents.

Isle of Wight and Ryde town

councillor, Wayne Whittle, declared the evening a success, “because everyone is relaxed and leaving their comments”.

Chris Ashman, council director of regeneration, stated that from previous meetings, he had learnt that the community had identified three priorities: “More green space in the

urban area, the re-use of empty buildings, and a greater voice for youth in the town.”

Comments can be made here: https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/iowregenstrategy The plans can be viewed here: https://iwightinvest.com/thewight-we-want/

Police are appealing for witnesses after a young girl was touched inappropriately by two strangers.

The incident happened in Snowberry Road, Newport, on August 24 between 4.30pm and 5pm.

The 11-year-old victim ran from two men who made inappropriate comments and

touched her on her bottom over her clothing.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Officers in Newport are investigating a suspicious incident on Snowberry Road on Friday (August 24) between 4.30pm and 5pm.

“An 11-year-old girl was inappropriately touched over

her clothing on her bottom by two men she did not know who made inappropriate comments to her.

“She was not hurt and ran away.

“Members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been regularly patrolling the area. If you have any concerns or saw anything

suspicious please speak to one of these officers. We have not received any other similar reports in the area.”

The victim described the first man as, white, in his forties with short blonde hair, wearing black glasses, a grey t-shirt, and black trousers.

The victim described the XX CAPTION XXwhite, in his second man as also

forties, with short brown hair, wearing a grey t-shirt and black trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Scott Carine at Newport Police Station on 101, quoting 44180321489 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Vile act on 11-year-old girl

‘No confidence’ in BPC CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

Parishioners voted “no confidence” in several parish councillors at a meeting in Bembridge on Wednesday (September 5).

The meeting was chaired by Sir Paul Kenny, former general secretary of the GMB Union and saw a turnout of over 150 people.

The aim of the 7pm gathering was to air public concerns about the actions of Bembridge Parish Council.

Four agenda items were established; the sale of 5/7 High Street, parish finances,

transparency and openness of the parish council and respect for the democratic process.

Bembridge resident Joe Curry said: “I have heard both sides of the argument. This has become a bitter pointless tirade, it’s like we have our own private Brexit.

“What I suggest is that this council resigns, beginning with it’s chairman and that we have a general election for fewer councillors.

“Unless the lot go, and we have a new smaller, efficient council it will go on like this for a very long while.”

A vote of no confidence in Councillors Keith Fagan, Margaret Donlon, Marianne Sullivan, Ray Widger, Sheila Weedall and Grant Stillman was called by resident Chris King and passed 140 to 7 with 7 abstentions.

Hugh Boynton, resident and business owner said he had been to every council for the past two years since the issue began and called the whole meeting “pointless”.

Mr Boynton said: “I totally 100% support the integrity of the parish clerk and her

assistant. I would actually like to put on record that I support the democratic path this council have taken.

“Nothing you do is binding, nothing you say will actually count. Tomorrow will be no different in the parish office.

Everything will carry on as normal.”

The overwhelming tone of the meeting except for Mr Boynton’s remarks were that the parish council needed to be more transparent with their business case for selling 5/7 High Street - most people present did not

3 Hugh Boynton

BRIEF Bembridge Chess Club want the council asset sold.

None of the councillors that were named in the no confidence vote came to the parishioners meeting.

Bembridge Parish Council have been contacted for comment.

Teacher crisis brewing

By James Falconbridge

The cabinet member for education has said the Island is “not suffering” from a national teacher shortage.

A national report published in late August claims England is struggling to retain teachers in key subject areas.

The report from think tank Education Policy Institute (EPI), found that many teachers are quitting in the early stages of their career.

Teacher retention rates in England are continuing to decline as the EPI found that just 60% of teachers stay in statefunded schools for five years after starting.

Worse still for “high priority” subjects, as the report says half of all new maths and physics teachers left their positions at state-funded schools within five years.

Councillor Paul Brading, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills

says the report’s findings are not affecting the Island.

Cllr Brading said: “I have read the report and recognise that teacher recruitment is a big national issue. Thankfully, the Island is not suffering from this at the moment, but we cannot be complacent.

“Certainly our partnership with Hampshire helps us in attracting teachers to come to the Island as well.

“Our policy has been, and will continue to be, on recruiting the right quality teachers for our schools, alongside a strong focus on continuing to focus on our retention strategy.”

Vix Lowthian the Green Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Island, education spokesman for the party and teacher said it was “dangerous for Cllr Brading to be so complacent”.

She said: “If he’s basing his opinion on the number of vacancies in September he’s mistaken - as schools start a new year they are always at their best

staffed time. Ask again in April.

“It’s very clear we are facing a national crisis of retention of teachers. This is a huge waste of time and resources.

“Anecdotally, teachers and pupils on the Island will tell you of their science teacher who is now working in a supermarket, and of talented school leaders who have handed back responsibilities - leaving vacancies in school management [that are] still to be filled.

“It is dangerous for Cllr Brading to be so complacent. As director of children’s services he should be supporting schools in reducing workload, improving behaviour and making our schools happy, positive places not only for pupils but also our valuable teachers.

“Teachers are the best resource we have to encourage and inspire the next generation of islanders. We cannot assume that the Island is immune to a national shortage of qualified and experienced staff.”

NEWS IN

Vix Lowthion

Do you love chess? Are you board to tears with your usual opponents? Well, have the boys and girls of Bembridge Chess Club got a surprise for you. An Island chess club meets in Bembridge every Thursday evening at 6pm in the Village Hall on the High Street.

All are welcome and you can also find the club on Facebook by searching for “Isle of Wight Chess”.

CO poisoning cases increase Cases of suspected carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have risen by 48% within the South East in the last year alone, research by campaign group Project SHOUT has uncovered.

NHS Trusts reported that recorded cases of poisoning by the deadly gas showed a marked increase when compared to last year, with cases in England alone rising 27%.

The elderly and the very young are particularly vulnerable to CO poisoning along with pregnant women as the symptoms are so similar to those many experience during pregnancy. Common symptoms include dizziness, tiredness, headaches, nausea and generally feeling unwell.

Along with pregnancy, symptoms of CO poisoning are also often mistaken for the effects of the common cold and the flu.

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Deputy says no to petition

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NEWS IN

BRIEF

What other Councillors have said about the ferry petition

Spate of break ins A classic Mini has been broken into outside of Warren Motors in Lake Industrial Way overnight on September 4/5, both front seats and the radio have been stolen, the front seats were aftermarket Cobra bucket seats.

The boot lock has also been “attacked quite aggressively” to get to the rear speakers on the parcel shelf.

A Subaru Impreza outside Lake Automotive also had a set of wheels stolen and it was left on pallets, as was one of their customer’s Volvos.

Anyone with information relating to the incidents is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference 44180334363 for the Mini incident or 44180334363 for the wheels incident.

Mary Ellis is remembered A memorial service for former WW2 Spitfire pilot, Mary Ellis, will be taking place later this month in Cowes.

Sadly Mary passed away on July 24 - she served as a First Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the Second World War. All are welcome to attend the service at St Mary The Virgin Church, Church Road, Cowes, on on Monday, 24th September 2018, at 2pm.

Confirmation of attendance would be appreciated.

A fly-by of Spitfires is expected to take place in Mary’s honour.

Cllr Geoff Brodie

Cllr Paul Brading

Cllr Steve Hastings

“Of course I have [signed the petition]. Though I would prefer it to be taken into public ownership.”

“Absolutely yes I have. Great idea and glad to see so many signatures so far.”

‘As we rely so heavily on tourism on this Island it is not exactly encouraging people to return any time soon when they are faced with the kind of ferry prices charged.”

Cllr Karl Love

Cllr Micheal Lilley

“The bottom line is that it’s cheaper to by a flight to Europe than it is to travel to the Island in peak periods in the summer months. My own business guests complain about the ferry pricing and say how they love to visit the Island but it’s becoming way too expensive and can see how prices rise during the summer.”

“I personally would like the ferries owned in some way

by Islanders through some form of nationalisation. In the meantime I would like the ferry companies out of their profits, establish a fund to help people on low income or benefits with ferry costs and other social causes so they and their families have more equity with others more well off.”

Stock Image The deputy leader of Isle of Wight Council has explained why he won’t be signing the ferry petition.

The petition entitled, “Empower the UK Government or Parliament to regulate ferry prices”, reached 10,000 signatures on August 26, triggering a government response.

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in parliament.

Deputy council leader, Councillor Stuart Hutchinson explained why he hasn’t signed the ferry petition and doesn’t intend to.

The cabinet member for resources said: “It’s received over 16,000 signatures and has already crossed the threshold which guarantees a response from government.

“That response will be that the government has no proposals to bring in subsidy - which is really what the petition seeks to achieve.”

The deputy leader said that more signatures are “irrelevant” until it gets above 100,000 which could trigger a debate in parliament.

However, any debate would have to pass through the Petitions Committee which “usually only recommends a debate if the matter is new, or has not been considered recently”, explains Cllr Hutchinson.

“The matter is not new, it’s been raised many times before and ferry subsidy was debated in parliament only last year.

Prior to that debate a research briefing was prepared. If you read it, it gives an insight into the government’s view. A small petition with no new basis of argument but simply desire, won’t change it.”

Cllr Hutchinson believes the petition is unlikely to reach 100,000 as the only two Islands affected are the Isle of Wight and Scilly.

The Scottish Islands and the Isle of Man already have separate arrangements.

“Small petitions generally are ineffective - look at the success rate,” added the councillor.

“Petitions which have no new basis of argument but merely desire, such as this one, are unlikely to achieve change.”

Cllr Hutchinson would prefer to work with ferry companies to persuade them to adjust their fare structure to deliver lower costs for frequent travellers.

In contrast, Cllr Wayne Whittle, cabinet member for regeneration and business development said: “I signed it because I feel the Isle of Wight is as deserving as other UK Isles for ferry subsidy and see this process as a start along that journey.”

Cllr Andrew Garrett

“There needs to be a debate at the very least. Government should set out how it sees the role of ferries, catamarans and hovercraft as part of our national transport infrastructure. For the Island, in particular, the government must accept that the cost of crossing the Solent is a significant problem for Island residents and businesses.”

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NEWS IN

BRIEF Trust offers therapy Wessex Cancer Trust is hosting its first writing-astherapy course to help Island people affected by cancer.

The free six-week course, called Write For Me, is designed to encourage people to use the written word to express how they are feeling, in a safe and nonjudgemental environment.

Sessions start next Wednesday (September 12), and take place at the charity’s centre in Lugley Street, Newport.

Sessions take place between 2pm and 3.45pm.

To book your place, call 524186 or e-mail isleofwight@ wessexcancer.org.uk

Surveying first time buyers

Pictures by Ryde Fire/Sandown Hub

Questions remain over fire cause

The cause of the fire between the Tarvic 2 and St Moritz hotels has not yet been discovered by fire investigators.

Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Arson Task Force were on the scene in Culver Parade on Monday (September 3) following the blaze that tore through both hotels the day before.

The damage appears to

be extensive from aerial photographs taken by Firefighters from Ryde Fire Station.

The early stages of the fire were caught on camera by tourist Tania Gordon who was visiting the Island with her family. Mrs Gordon shot a short video at 10.52am, almost 10 minutes before fire crews responded to the shout at 11am on September 2.

She said: “There was a small amount of smoke like a barbecue – then all of a sudden it went ‘woosh’ and took off as we slowed to see what it was.”

“I left quick as it was right by our car and I had the kids with me.”

No one was injured in the fire that around 50 Firefighters tackled.

Councillor Debbie Andre, representative for Sandown

North said after the fire: “I am incredibly proud of the way in which the whole Sandown community came together in such a public-spirited way to provide a constant supply of refreshments to the crews involved in getting the situation under control both the Firefighters themselves and the ancillary services.

“Also, the proactive approach of the Sandown Carnival

Association in opening up their shop and the provision of clothing, shoes and other items to those who had left all their belongings behind, both hotel guests and staff, whose accommodation formed part of the hotel complex.”

Isle of Wight Council are leading the operation to establish the cause of the fire and have confirmed there is “no update on cause”.

A survey of 2,150 potential first time buyers was carried out to find out just how small a space they would be willing to put up with – that is, the minimum floor space they’d be willing to accept in order to get on the property ladder, and made some surprising discoveries: mainly that, on average, first time buyers on the Isle of Wight would be prepared to buy and live in a property that is just 34.6 square metres.

That is almost 1/3 of the size of the average property size in the UK (90 square metres), and below the average of the survey which was 34.7 square meters. The survey was carried out by furniture retailer MADE.

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BRIEF New system for patients Patients on the Isle of Wight will now get faster confirmation of their outpatient appointments after IW NHS Trust moved to 100 per cent for electronic referrals to Consultants from September 1st 2018.

The changes mean patients can choose an appointment at a time and date that suits them. Doctors and patients can see in advance what services are available and how quickly the patient can be seen.

Patients can now book or change their appointment online at www.nhs.uk/ referrals using their mobile phone or tablet which will save the GP practice time and cut the NHS’s phone bill.

The electronic referrals system helps to relieve the burden on GPs by cutting down on their paperwork and reducing the number of patients who go back to them to find out what is happening with their hospital appointment. The system also cuts down on the risk of letters going missing and doctors will be able to track their patients’ referrals better.

It is also estimated that the system could reduce the rate of patients missing appointments by half and will save £50 million across the whole NHS.

Serious concerns raised

By Joe Burn

From front page...

The Reverend of Christ Church Sandown has asked a councillor to “apologise or resign” after the police were called to a council meeting.

Minutes after the meeting opened at 7pm on Wednesday (September 5) – several councillors left after questions were asked of the council and mayor’s conduct regarding the junior skate park issue by coReverend Mark Williams

founder of Sandown Hub Colin Midmore and former councillor Eric Lawson.

The exodus was lead by the Mayor Jacquie Mereweather and Clerk Tina Bailey who cancelled the meeting and left the hall of the Broadway Centre with Cllr Raj Patel and Cllr Connie Cowley in tow.

Cllr Gary Young left after demanding that attendees leave, which they didn’t - police were then called.

Outside the meeting, Reverend Mark Williams, who

had been present at the start of the meeting was confronted by Cllr Young.

Mr Midmore said Revd Williams was “in a distressed state” after the encounter with the councillor.

Speaking after the meeting Revd Williams explained Cllr Young threatened to lock the car park and prevent people from leaving before informing constituents that he had called the police.

“Which I thought was a bit drastic,” said Revd Williams.

“So I went and spoke to him - at which point he accused me of having it in for the town council and said that I was ‘unChristian’. It’s not the end of the world - but it wasn’t what I would expect from an elected councillor.”

The vicar added that the police being called was an “overreaction” and it could be argued that it was “wasting police time”.

Revd added: “Cllr Young, given the way he spoke to me, if he apologised then I would draw a line under it, if he can’t do that - given he holds a public position I think Cllr Young should resign.

“As a Christian minister, I don’t hold grudges and I would continue to work with him, but I think the honourable thing to do would be to apologise or resign.

“I think a public apology coming from the mayor to the residents of Sandown on behalf of the council could rectify the situation.”

Mr Midmore described the meeting’s atmosphere as one of “disbelief and good humour” from the resident’s perspectives.

He said: “As police arrived, everyone peacefully left the hall and continued the debate outside. Some time later the mayor, clerk, Cllr Cowley and Cllr Young emerged from the building and left to jeers from the crowd.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We were called at 7.27pm, to reports of people refusing to leave the building. The next entry in the log was at 7.41pm, saying group leaving the building.

No offences, people left upon request.”

Mayor Mereweather said: “In accordance with my powers as chairman of the meeting I did close the meeting as those attending would not be quiet when asked to do so and the business on the agenda could not be discussed. This was a town council meeting to which the public are invited to attend.

It was not a public meeting.

“There was only one item on the agenda which has been deferred to another meeting.”

Cllr Young, Clerk Bailey and Sandown Town Council have been contacted for comment.

Body found The body of a man has been found in Portsmouth Harbour after he jumped from a car ferry.

The man jumped from the St Cecilia at 10.30am on August 29, a large scale search effort returned nothing until 7.16am on Monday (September 3) when officers found the body of a man located in the water near Haslar Wall.

A spokesman from Hampshire

Constabulary said that the body recovered was the same man that jumped from the ferry on August 29 and his next of kin have been informed.

The body was recovered by the Ministry of Defence Police and has been identified as a 58-yearold from Southsea.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Portsmouth Harbour

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IWC cash in on foreign fracking Council pension fund invests £30.4 million into overseas fracking firms

The Isle of Wight Council (IWC) Pension Fund has invested £30.4 million into overseas fracking.

IWC ranks 9th out of 99 local authorities that were tasked with Freedom of Information requests by environmental activists 350.org, Platform and Friends of the Earth.

The data shows that 5.4% of the council’s total pension fund has been invested directly or indirectly into overseas fracking through BP, Shell and BHP Billiton.

IWC say they have a duty to pay pensions and therefore don’t restrict investment managers from choosing certain stocks, like oil and gas.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Deirdre Duff says Many UK councils have opposed fracking in their own area. Ms Duff said it is “shocking” as this data shows councils “still support the global fracking industry”.

Ms Duff added: “We should remember too, that the climate change caused by fracking will affect us all - no matter where the fracking is conducted.”

An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: “The Isle of Wight Council Pension Fund has a fiduciary duty to ensure it has sufficient funds available to pay pensions.

“In light of that obligation, and in order to maximise investment return, the fund has a diverse range of investments and does not restrict investment managers from choosing certain stocks including oil/gas/coal companies as well as renewable energy opportunities.

The investment strategy is regularly monitored.”

ff mpaigner Deirdre Du Friends of the Earth Ca

Fracking site stock image

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NEWS IN

BRIEF BoRo in UK top ten list Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Island’s BoRo Beach Bike was listed among the top ten coolest things to do in the UK by the Independent. The world’s first 17-seater BoRo Beach Bike arrived on the Isle of Wight on Wednesday (July 18).

The so-called BoRo Beach Bike is completely ecofriendly and is designed to get people chatting, collaborating and making friends with each other.

Riders sit face-to-face across a table and travel sideways. They can pedal hands-free, allowing them to sip drinks, play games, write, draw and shake hands.

The bike is essentially a replacement for the old Dotto trains.

For more information, please see the website, www. borobeachbike.co.uk.

Skate park hours change Ryde Town Council have changed the opening hours for the seafront skatepark.

The council will now close the skatepark from 8pm to 9am every day.

“UK councils should know better than to invest in fracking companies”.

The council say this is “due to antisocial behaviour and criminal damage in the park”.

They warn skatepark users that anyone found in the park after hours could face police prosecution or a dispersal order.

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Holmesy!

THE DAVID HOLMES COLUMN

Extension for lifeboat station

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The world has changed When I heard The IW Observer was being launched, I confess my first reaction was to wonder why they were bothering. After all, the circulation of the other Island paper was believed to have been in freefall for the past decade; perhaps that’s why the previous owners sold it.

I’m not knocking the opposition, certainly not attacking the people who produce it, I think it’s been excellent, and they reported almost everything that happened on the Island, even if most stories can already be found online for free before publication. The real problem for printed papers is that people under forty don’t buy them because they can easily find news online for free. My bosses got around this by making this one available for free!

Let’s face it, anyone younger than 65 owns a smartphone, enabling an instant news fix; whenever, wherever - it’s no wonder we’re all so hooked. A friend in the public eye died abroad; just minutes after he slipped away, I received the

shocking call. I sat feeling all woebegone, but fairly soon the thought occurred to me, how long will it be before this private grief becomes public news? I checked my phone a few times, and the answer was, around 30 minutes.

I read this week that we’re spending up to two hours of our precious time every day dipping in and out of online news and social media, that’s staggering isn’t it?

When something happens, we expect to know about it online instantly. Back in 2001, the World Trade Centre horror was live on TV. Those of us watching knew more about what was going on than the poor souls whose job it was to deal with it on the ground. Those were terrible live images, yet the firefighters going in, couldn’t

even properly communicate with each other by radio let alone see what we could see.

The world had changed, and most of us hadn’t even noticed, and now it’s changed again, because we don’t even need to be at home in front of a TV set to see what’s happening anywhere in the world, it’s all in our hands.

Radio and TV news seems very out of date, their output dominated by politics and celebrities to the exclusion of all else. Local TV news is dumbed-down; only devoting a few minutes to the serious stuff, because they want a fluffy watchable show at tea-time one that doesn’t frighten their (mostly) older audience.

And so we need newspapers!

Our day-to-day lives would be much poorer without them, because they inform, stimulate and educate, but most importantly, they also let us know what’s really going on, they give us a feel for our local area, what everyone is doing and achieving, what’s going well, what’s going wrong.

They’re the best place to find jobs; things for sale, which local retailers have the best offers, and where to turn for things like carpets, curtains, kitchens and even screen repairs, so that when we drop our phones, as we all inevitably do, we can get back online as quickly as possible.

Mark Birch

By Peter White Work is finally underway on a much-needed extension to the Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat station after a painstaking fundraising campaign.

The £155,000 development was first discussed as long ago as 2000, with planning permission granted three years later.

Since then the crew, friends and volunteers have been desperately trying to raise funds to get the project off the ground.

Even though there is still a shortfall of £25,000, the foundations of the new build, and a reinforced concrete back wall, to combat any threat of a cliff fall, are now in place. Ongoing work to build the shell of the extension

adjacent to current Lifeboat HQ on the revetment between Sandown and Shanklin, is likely to take until early next summer to complete.

Mark Birch, Operations Manager and First Coxswain of Sandown and Shanklin IL said: “We have now completed the foundations, which is the most expensive part of the project, with 62 cubic metres of concrete being poured in to give us an extra floor area of 160 square metres.

“When complete, the extension will be used to house our new boat. This whole extension area will be all on ground level, and will enable crew to change into their special clothing, and for launches to take place much

quicker, which is vital when lives could be at risk. The boat will be coming straight out of the station, down a ramp and into the water. Extra space is also a key factor, because it will also give us more room for training, and doing any maintenance work on the boat.”

This has been one of the busiest summers on record for the crew at Sandown and Shanklin, with 11 call-outs in July alone, underlining the need for the upgrade of station and lifeboat.

The Sandown and Shanklin Independent lifeboat have a Virgin giving page where people can donate, or visit website sandownlifeboat.com for further details.

Council spends £11k on repairs The council has spent £11,497 on the latest round of upgrades to the Floating Bridge service.

The bridge was out of service on Tuesday (September 4) for a few hours during the evening while efforts were made to “reduce noise and vibration issues”.

Composite mesh matting, costing the council £3391, was fixed to the Cowes concrete slipway in the first stage of the works.

The installation of a “shoe” follows next week, costing

£8,104 - the council are paying for both installments, supplied by two different companies, Dura Composites has supplied the matting and Wight Shipyard has developed the shoe.

Both the matting and the shoe – a device covering the end of the ramp to provide a flat landing point with the Cowes slipway – aim to reduce noise and vibration levels.

Isle of Wight Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart, said the works are part of a pledge to improve the service in all areas.

“We remain determined to make the necessary improvements to the Floating Bridge and these latest projects demonstrate our ongoing commitment,” said Cllr Stewart.

“We recognise its importance to the communities of Cowes and East Cowes and this work is the next stage of our plan.”

Further key works to help remedy noise and vibration issues with Cowes’ Floating Bridge are to be carried out this month, say the council.

Council leader Dave Stewart

Composite mesh matting, costing the council £3391

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Complaint lodged against the Mayor

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An official complaint has been lodged against the conduct of a town councillor.

The complaint has been made to the Isle of Wight Council’s (IWC) monitoring officers concerning the Sandown Town Council Mayor’s register of interests.

The complaint was lodged against Mayor Jacquie Mereweather on August 30 and confirmed by IWC on August 31.

Mayor Mereweather resigned from her role on the Sandown Community Partnership on August 22.

At the time she said: “I admit an error in not including membership of the partnership in my register of interests, this shall be rectified.”

The Mayor received an administrative allowance from the partnership last year.

A spokesman for IWC said: “It is the policy of the monitoring

officer whose role it is to deal with such complaints not to comment on any issue that may be referred to her until such time as an initial assessment of the complaint has taken place, a decision has been made on how to deal with the complaint and this has been conveyed to the relevant parties.

“The initial assessment will determine whether the matter needs to proceed to investigation or can be dealt in some other way; like an apology or training.”

Failing to register or disclose a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI), can result in a fine of £5000 and disqualification for five years from local council and from other local authorities.

When asked if she had been notified of the complaint Mayor Mereweather said: “I have no knowledge of this.”

Sandown Town Council have been contacted for comment.

Mayor Jacquie Mereweat her

Calls for patient ferry funding Local councils on the Island have joined growing calls for more financial help for patients needing treatment in mainland hospitals.

The Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) has collected data on discounts available from the ferry firms but has echoed a demand made

by Island MP Bob Seely in parliament for equal treatment with the Scilly Isles.

Scillies residents pay just £5 for medical travel under special NHS rules.

IWALC, which represents a large majority of Island town and parish councils, felt parishioners were confused about available subsidies. It said plans to move some of St Mary’s services to the mainland meant that even more patients would be affected in the future.

Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel offer varying discounts, of up to 50 per cent, for NHS patients. There is also an NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) for those on certain benefits or with low income.

IWALC county officer, Maxine

Warr said: “Even with these concessions, which are probably the most that can realistically be expected of the ferry firms in the absence of regulation, there are still large and increasing numbers of Islanders for whom mainland hospital treatment is a financial burden as well as a traumatic personal experience.

“With the planned migration of more services to Portsmouth and Southampton, this burden can only increase.

“Bob Seely recently told parliament that a £5 cap, to bring us in line with the Isles of Scilly, would be a fair and reasonable gesture for the Government to make, and we agree.

“He is also on record as calling for the Isle of Wight Council to be given powers to impose a public service obligation on the ferry firms. IWALC sees this as a possible way forward.”

In recent weeks Mr Seely has also written to ministers attacking the “effective duopoly” of Wightlink and Red Funnel.

Speaking later, he also raised the prospect of the IWC raising finance to buy one of the ferry firms.

World Suicide Prevention Day CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

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Jed and his family this summer

Daniel riding the sand dunes of Dubai

By Jed Dwight My big brother was a happy go lucky kind of guy. He’d do anything for anyone, had a heart of gold as well as the warmest of smiles.

That’s why it came as such a shock when I woke up on an April morning five years ago, at the age of 22, to my mum asking me to look at Daniel’s Facebook post which simply read, “I’m sorry”, with a location of the Needles. Hours later, the police confirmed that they had found a body, and it was believed to be his.

My dad was on the mainland and my brother-in-law was in Wales at the time. I can’t even

begin to imagine how awful their journey back to the Island, knowing that they had both lost a best friend, and my dad his eldest son, would have been.

Meanwhile, we gathered with friends and family at my sister’s house where we supported each other through what would become one of the most difficult days in our lives.

As the days, weeks, months and eventually years passed, we have learnt to carry on with our lives, but have never forgotten Daniel. If I am asked how many siblings I have, I always say I had two sisters and a brother, as challenging as that can be at times. Sure, every now and then we have a little cry, but we also have fond memories too.

According to the Samaritans, In 2015 there were 6,639 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland. While this year suicide rates hit a 30 year low, as too many of us know all too well, every death is one death too many.

And so as we mark World Suicide Prevention Day (on September 10), take a minute to remember that even those who appear strongest from the outside, can be the most fragile on the inside.

Start up that conversation with your neighbour, chat to the person you see every day at the bus stop, make sure those nearest and dearest to you know they have someone to talk to.

I lost my brother on an April

morning five years ago, but other brothers, sisters, mums, dads, friends and neighbours could be saved. It’s up to all of us to make that a reality.

If you are struggling to cope, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of the nearest branch.

Jed Dwight grew up on the Island with his family. He now works for an MP in Westminster and was elected as councillor in the London Borough of Sutton in May. He uses both roles to improve mental health provision and to tackle stigma around suicide and mental health.

CALL US WITH YOUR STORIES

01983 216111

Wight Pride in BBC documentary 12

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

This year, the Isle of Wight was chosen to host the annual UK Pride extravaganza, beating off competitors from across the country. During one of the hottest summers on record, organisers worked hard to transform the seaside town of Ryde, stage the huge parade, create the biggest Pride flag ever and host a 15,000 strong party on the beach.

This high profile national event marks a sea change for the Island, often perceived by some to be stuck in the past.

Now, a BBC documentary has been made to tell the story of the Pride event and how attitudes are changing. Characters young and old from the LGBT community, share their experiences of growing up on the Island. As Pride trustee Yve White said: “If you love someone, you love someone, and people should be able to accept that.”

Featured in the film is poet Peter Woodnutt of Ryde, 77, who ran a popular men’s clothing store in Union Street,

By Joe Burn

Pictured: Peter Woodnutt and feared coming out as gay for most of his adult life until he was 55 years old.

The documentary, Island Pride, will air on BBC South’s Inside Out programme at 7.30pm, September 17 on BBC 1.

Solent Productions (part of Solent University in Southampton) was commissioned by BBC South to make a film about UK Pride, giving a voice to Islanders across the generations, to change hearts and minds. Campaigner Peter Tatchell, singer and gay icon Conchita and police inspector Scott Johnson also lent a hand.

Producer Tony Steyger said: “This project was important to put the record straight about how the Island, my home, has become a far more tolerant place, largely through the efforts of ordinary people. If that transformation can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”

Say a prayer to start the day, Thank God for all his plenty.

Seeing life as a cup half full, but never a cup empty.

Believe in everything you do, heed not the ‘voice’ of doubt.

Fight every negative thought, only ‘you’ can win each bout.

Reinforce our every thought, for in life we must be strong.

Guilt will keep reminding us, of the times we got it wrong.

If you suffer mental anguish, never traumatise your heart.

Allow your mind to meditate, distribute love to every part!

Memories in the mist of time, are gathered, along the way!

Images from the distant past, may haunt our dreams today!

The love that rules the heart, shall beat in time with fate!

The smile we give the world, can vanquish, fear and hate!

Consign the ‘past’ to history, for that’s where it must stay.

In the now, of every moment, live the joy of ‘life’ each day!

You are that valued traveller, you existance shall unfold.

Then your cup will overflow, with a love and joy untold!

A poem by Peter Woodnutt©

Text to support IW NHS It’s now even easier to support local health and care services, say the NHS. Just text donate to 70070 - anyone wishing to make a donation to support local health services can now do so from their mobile phone.

Donations to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust can be made by simply texting IOWH05 followed by the amount you would like to donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

A reply will be sent linking the donor to a gift aid form which, if you are a taxpayer, enables the charity to receive 25p extra for every £1 you donate.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charitable Fund receives 100% of the money donated.

The Trust’s Charitable Funds registered charity (1049606) works in partnership with the Friends of St Mary’s to enhance the work of the NHS by providing the “extras” which are not automatically funded by the NHS for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff.

Recent donations to the charity have helped to fund a specialist trolley for critical care transfers, a birthing couch and training aids for maternity staff, refurbishment of the outdoor gym, complimentary services for

breast care patients, additional pressure relieving mattresses for ambulance and specialist oximetry pumps and toys and games for the Children’s ward.

It has also enabled enhancements to the gardens for mental health, chemotherapy, stroke and rehabilitation and helped to make Christmas brighter for patients in hospital.

Caroline Spicer, non-executive director and chair of the IOW NHS Trust Charitable Funds Committee said: “These are just some examples of how donations have been used and we are incredibly grateful, however large or small the

donation, every penny makes a difference and benefits our patients and staff working across the Island. Text donate is an instant and convenient way to make a donation and a lovely way to say ‘thank you’ to the local NHS and its staff.”

In addition to the text donation service, donations can also be made online to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charitable Funds through Just Giving at the website www.justgiving.com/ iow-nhs or paid in person to the Cashiers Office, Main Entrance, St Mary’s Hospital.

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111 Pictured: Mini Peppi and Peppi the Clown

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Mini Peppi steals show

By Joe Burn

An Island boy has been inspired

by Jay Miller’s Circus after being invited to open the final show with his hero - Peppi the Clown.

Freddy Cooke is a 6-yearold from East Cowes who loves dressing up and does so whenever he can.

His mother Nicky Symmonds describes him as a “confident little boy” who loves any event where he can join in.

Last year Freddy asked to dress up as Peppi the Clown. He did, and the family visited Jay Miller’s Circus several times.

He got to know all the performers and was able to go on stage and have pictures taken.

Miss Symmonds said: “It was such a lovely experience. They were so happy that he had put so much effort into dressing up especially. All year he has been looking forward to going again.”

This year, Freddy rocked up to the circus dressed as his idol Peppi once again, to say his goodbyes to his performer friends - only this time bearing gifts in the form of homemade biscuits.

“They all recognized him,” said Miss Symmonds. “They were really excited to see him and took the time to talk to him. He went on stage with Peppi for photos and had an amazing time.”

Then on Friday (August 31), Freddy’s mum received a message from Mitchell Pitch the ringmaster.

He said the team would like to invite Freddy and his mum to their last performances and they would like Freddy to open the show as Mini Peppi with Peppi on stage.

Miss Symmonds reflected: “We were so excited! We arrived on Sunday (September 2) at 1.30pm. Freddy went backstage and chatted to some of the performers and was given some direction from Peppi.

“At 2pm he went on stage with Peppi and he was fantastic! He got lots of claps and cheers. He was so confident. The place was packed and he said he didn’t feel nervous at all. Afterwards we were able to stay and enjoy the final show.

“It was the most incredible experience for Freddy. It’s inspired him to want to be a performer on stage in the future.

“He said he felt like he was The Greatest Showman (from the film). Jay Miller’s are really special. They put on first class shows, but are also very kind and lovely people too.

“To make a little boy’s dreams come true like that. He will never forget it.”

Freddy will return as Mini Peppi.

Pictured: Mini Peppi

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ISLAND SOAPBOX

Send your letters into us at newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or post them to IW Observer, Suite 6, 17 St Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL

Disclaimer: Views expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff. They belong to the author and the author alone.

‘Build in Britain’

By Julian Critchley

Öresund Bridge

Beds

By Hans Bromwich

Build a tunnel

The very latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data reveals a stark reality. Germany has 8.1 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants, France 6, the UK, out of the 36 OECD countries ranks 31st, with 2.6... And, wait for it, the Isle of Wight is particularly disadvantaged with a staggeringly low 1.7 beds, or put another way, two thirds the UK average.

You do not have to be Einstein to realise that if you don’t have sufficient hospital beds then you can’t treat patients, and yet the UK is supposedly the 5th richest economy in the world!

One could be forgiven for thinking the Isle of Wight has been singled out to be part of some social experiment.

By Carole Bailey

The Island needs Fair Fares for All. I think I need a degree to make sense of booking a ferry.

For a start where’s the price list? There isn’t one.

How do we know what the benchmark price is to judge any discount against? We don’t.

Until you start to make a booking you don’t know what you’ll be charged, unless of course you are one of those lucky groups of people whose employers, or travel agents, or accommodation providers have negotiated a consistent discount.

People who get a discount don’t want to tell you about it in case they lose it, they literally don’t want to rock the boat. The

rest of us scrabble about for a discount code.

The Island community has been very cleverly divided and in high season it can cost an independent traveller three or four times more to cross the Solent than someone within a discounted group.

This puts many Islanders and visitors at a disadvantage, including smaller, independent businesses that just can’t then compete with the ‘big guys’.

There is currently a government petition in progress to regulate ferry fares.

Considerable doubt exists about whether private ferry companies can legally be either nationalised or regulated as the MP Bob Seely, has suggested. What the petition does show is the

By Paul Smith

The patient shouldn’t be caught in the middle of the dispute between the NHS and government.

I would like patients, all over the country, to be invited to put their comments to the government, as it is them who rules the roost in the NHS, they make the decisions. I would like to see millions of signatures from patients to 10 Downing

Street. Doctors and nurses go on marches, downing tools, m‑etaphorically speaking, let’s have the patients down tools and say, ‘we have had enough of all this’. You’ve got the pressure from the nurses and doctors - now you’re going to have pressure from us patients. I don’t know how to go about this, but someone has to pioneer this and kick it off.

NHS patient action I’ve had reason to complain to do with my hospital treatment since I moved to the Island three years ago, I’m a very frustrated 75-year-old.

I’ve been passed from A to B to C to D, appointments cancelled and no reasons given, this is what really makes a person ill.

strength of dissatisfaction that exists with the current system.

The ferry pricing system places those that live here at an economic and social disadvantage compared to our neighbours across the Solent.

If you search for prices on toll roads and bridges you get a list and a price, it doesn’t differ depending on the time of day, year or who you work for.

The Island’s politicians need to stop dancing around the elephant in the room and get on with building a tunnel!

My party, Labour, has a “Build it in Britain” campaign, which is unashamedly in favour of the government using its spending power to support companies who employ British workers based in British towns, so that our taxpayer cash continues to circulate in this country.

For example, the Royal Navy currently requires three new support ships - costing over £1bn. To me, there’s no question that those government contracts should be awarded to British shipyards. Then our money will be paying British workers’ wages, and supporting not just the shipyards, but the businesses who serve the workers in those shipyards. Yet the government is offering that contract to foreign yards.

It’s possible that the overall cost might be a few million cheaper, if we use yards paying their workers much less than British workers could live on.

But it’s a false saving, because the total value of the contract will leave these shores, and that money is no longer circulating in our economy.

Which brings me back to the Isle of Wight. The biggest issue of the day is the ferry companies.

There is an issue about whether those companies are exploiting a lack of competition to keep prices artificially high in order to maintain their extremely generous profits.

Certainly those profits, much of which goes in dividends to overseas shareholders, are being directly extracted from the

island economy.

Every sky-high summer fare is less money those visitors can spend in our businesses.

Likewise, gaps in the timetable, or high daily fares, prevent islanders from working on the mainland, earning a wage there, and bringing it back here to spend. It is no exaggeration to say that the ferry companies’ profit is our Island’s loss.

However, the ferry companies will argue that they must make the profits in order to reinvest in better services. So let’s look at that.

This summer, Wightlink brought into service a new ship, Victoria of Wight. This ship was paid for by the money raised from Islanders and our visitors.

And it was built in Turkey. To me, that’s unacceptable. Are there no British shipyards which could build a ferry to serve our Island? Would it not have been better for our national economy if the hundreds of millions of pounds taken from our island economy and spent on Victoria of Wight had been ploughed directly into a British town?

A private company is responsible only to its shareholders. If Wightlink and Red Funnel can push prices up higher, or save a few million pounds by building their ships overseas, then they not only will, but it’s their duty to their shareholders to do so.

That’s why I believe we need to take back control of the ferry companies, alongside the railways, so we have companies which truly put the wider interests of our island and our country first.

MP meets tech firm CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely has met with Island technology company Innovative Physics.

The company responsible for bringing £15 million of investment to the Isle of Wight through their export business based around the use of artificial intelligence and sensor solutions.

The company, founded ten years ago by Mike Anderson and David Prendergast, works predominantly in the nuclear, homeland security and medical sectors providing solutions to complex problems using sensor technology, artificial intelligence and pattern recognition.

The small team of highly qualified people based at Landguard Manor in Shanklin, work with foreign governments and business leaders across Asia, Europe and the USA and have been involved in many significant and wide-ranging projects.

During his visit Mr Seely heard about one such project involving work to assist the decontamination following the catastrophic Fukushima tsunami and the subsequent nuclear accident in Japan in 2011.

Radioactive material was

released when the plant reactors exploded following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, leading to the mass evacuation of the area. He saw first-hand the equipment developed by Innovative Physics which is enabling those working on the ground to rapidly and accurately detect radioactive sources in the area.

The MP also heard about how similar software applications are also being used by the company to help in the faster detection and medical diagnosis of lung cancer and prostate cancer, working with the pharmaceutical market together with other business engineering solutions to help with border, airport and large-scale event security.

Bob Seely said: “The Island is a hot-bed of companies with technological prowess and I’m extremely keen for this to expand and develop further.

I will encourage national and local government to do more to help businesses like these to thrive - ensuring they have the right infrastructure, finance and employment support to enable them to flourish.”

Mike Anderson, chief executive officer at Innovative

Physics said: “It was a really useful meeting with the MP, we were able to share with him some of the major challenges we face as an export business, but to also talk about the great many successes we have had working

from our Island base with business leaders around the world. We are very proud of our Island roots and of the impact we have been able to make on the local economy.”

MP Bob Seely

Cowes Harbour competition

The Cowes Harbour Landmark on the 350 metre long manmade Design Competition launched Cowes Breakwater. on Monday, (September 3).

Competition entries will be The competition seeks to find judged by Alan Titchmarsh, an inspirational design idea for well-known gardener, presenter, an iconic “welcome” landmark poet, and novelist, Louise to be sited on the detached Giblin, an award winning Cowes Harbour Cowes Breakwater at the mouth sculptor, originally from the Isle of Cowes Harbour on the Isle of of Wight, Wight.

Paul Armfield, Head of Organisers Cowes Harbour Quay Arts, and Captain Stuart Commission have created this McIntosh, Cowes Harbour free-to-enter competition for Master. students across the Isle of Wight Capt. Stuart McIntosh said: aged between 14 and 18 years “Cowes Harbour Commission old. Students are being asked is thrilled to be launching to come up with an exciting this competition for Island design idea for a prominent students. We are hoping to find and striking piece of artwork, an innovative design idea for sculpture, installation, or the Cowes Breakwater that will architectural fabrication to go provide a local point of interest

at the entrance to the harbour, to welcome all seaborne visitors and vessels to Cowes and East Cowes.

“Cowes Harbour is rich in maritime history and we are looking for designs that communicate a connection with the port’s historic maritime past, its internationally renowned sailing reputation, marine industry, the natural coastal environment, and indeed a vision for the future of Cowes.”

Entries to the competition should be submitted to Cowes Harbour Commission by 5pm on January 11, 2019. An exhibition of the shortlisted entries is due to be held in Cowes, prior to an Awards Ceremony in March

2019 where the final winners will be announced. Prizes will include a day trip to the London Design Museum, art materials, and a boat trip around Cowes Harbour.

There are plans for the winning design or designs to be re-worked by an art, design or engineering team for a semi-permanent or permanent installation (finance dependent) on the Breakwater in the future.

To find out more, and to download the Cowes Harbour Landmark Design Competition entry documents, please go to: cowesharbourcommission. co.uk/competition.

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Winning Ales CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

Breing team- Chris Coleman, Ashley Colman and Tom Leman

A Shalfleet brewery has won a global award for two of its island brewed and bottled ales.

Island Ales’ Wight Gold and Wight Knight won the Bronze Award at the the recent World Beer Awards - meaning that all their bottled beer can now

be accredited with World Beer Awards.

Wight Gold is a 4% lager described as “crystal malt, golden brown, with rounded malt and hops throughout, creating that characteristic refreshing after-bite of a

true craft brew that makes a favourite,” by the brewery.

Whereas Wight Knight is a classic strong English ale at 4.5% and previous Bronze Medal Winner at the SIBA South East Beer Festival in 2015. Island Ales say this brew is “refreshing and full of body”.

Brewer Ashley Coleman said: “It’s a great feeling to know that we’ve won. We were up against beers from all over the world including big brands like Budweiser and Coors. It’s a day’s work to make it, then it stays in the fermenter for a week, then we rack it into the casks, leave it in the cauldron for another week - then after that it goes out Brewing equipment

to the pubs. Vectis Venom is my favourite one here.”

An Island Ales spokesman said: “All of our bottled ales now have received awards in the World Beer Awards, with both Earls and Wight Christmas awarded Gold. The Wight Knight is stocked on the P&O cruise ship Britannia too.”

“Our Earls R.D.A has won the I.O.W Camra beer of the year for the last five years.

We produce the only real ale (Yachtsman’s ale) to be sold at the Isle of Wight festival. We brew all of our own beers and distribute them ourselves both here on the Island and along the South coast.”

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

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YOUR

WEEKEND SORTED!

What’s On - Where to go - Theatre Music - Arts - and much more...

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SHANKLIN THEATRE Shanklin Theatre, Prospect Road, Shanklin, PO37 6AJ. T: 01983 868000. www.shanklintheatre.com

Big Girls Don’t Cry ft.

The East Coast Boys Fri, 14/09/18 With hits such as Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry, you will experience the iconic sounds that propelled Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons into super stardom during the 60s and 70s as they sold an incredible 100million records worldwide.

Drawing from a repertoire that includes Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back to You, Beggin’, and Who Loves You... you’re never more than a song away from another classic hit.

An unmissable musical spectacular that’s taking the world by storm!

To get your tickets - call Shanklin Theatre or visit their website for further information.

the greatest musicals and toe tapping tunes from stadium filling performers.

So, what can you expect from our new show, Beyond the West End, for 2018? A noisy cockney wedding, a raucous country barn dance, a celebration of 100 years since Leonard Bernstein’s birth, a romantic cruise, songs from Queen, Rogers and Hammerstein, Elvis, Carole King and many, many more.

And let’s not forget, by popular demand, the return of the hilarious ‘Full Monty Strip’.

MEDINA THEATRE

Beyond The West End Weds, 12/09/18 Thurs 13/09/18

Medina Theatre, Fairlee Road, Newport, PO30 2EW. T: 01983 823884. www.medinatheatre.co.uk Lee Mead – 10 Years The Anniversary Tour Fri, 28/09/18

For nearly 10 years Spotlight IOW have produced the most entertaining musical variety show on the Isle of Wight. Every summer, we have been selling out Shanklin Theatre with our fast-paced show packed full of songs and routines from

It’s been ten years since Lee Mead first donned the coat in the west end production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

So join Lee and his amazing band as he takes you through the last ten years of his life.

Featuring songs from the classic shows he has starred in, such as the Phantom Of The Opera , Miss Saigon, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Legally Blonde, Wicked and many more. Including songs

from from his previous albums, and his brand new album Lee Mead Ten Years.

So come along for a fantastic evening of songs and stories and you never know Lee might don the coat once more!

Gonzalo Bergara set for Quay Arts European audiences are set to be thrilled this autumn, as Argentinian guitar virtuoso Gonzalo Bergara hits our shores with his unique concept show “Django Meets Piazzolla”.

Two musical styles, two cultures, and two different ways of expressing music.

This passionate and explosive musical experience takes the Hot Club Gypsy Jazz sound of the legendary Django Reinhardt and fuses it with the harmonic legacy of renowned Argentinian Nuevo Tango composer Astor Piazzolla.

Original compositions and new arrangements interpreted by the lightening-fast hands of Gonzalo Bergara, the result is a truly original and intense musical style.

Gonzalo Bergara is one of Argentina’s most renowned virtuoso lead guitarists and composers. He has emerged in the last ten years as a significant talent, merging the passionate sounds of his home country with the gypsy swing of 1930s Paris. Harmonically unique and artistically breathtaking, his music has already taken Argentina and the USA by storm, and is set to do the same in Europe. For this unique tour celebrating the music of Django

and Piazzolla, Gonzalo Bergara will be joined by his brother Maki Bergara – Cajon and three of some of the most sought after and accomplished jazz talents in the UK: Andrea Todesco rhythm guitar, Matt Holborn on violin, Pete Thomas - double bass.

“Django Meets Piazzolla” is a music and cultural project created, organised and financed

by Natascia Perrini, committed freelancer event planner based in London, who has been working exclusively as the music booking manager of “Le QuecumBar – Hot Club of London” - The

iconic London venue inspired

by Django Reinhardt, which for years has been hosting the most influential and significant Jazz Manouche musicians and composers. Here Natascia has developed and nurtured her passion and music knowledge working not only as a Booking

manager and PR but also as an event organiser and tour producer for established bands across any musical style and genre.

Taking in multiple venues over four countries, each night of the tour will be a unique experience, due to the

spontaneous style of the music, rich with improvisation, energy and passion.

This is a show not to be missed!

November 12 - Quay Arts Tickets: www.Quay-Arts.org

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Hellfire Arthur celebrates festival The All Wight Now/Afton 50 event which was held at The Cow on September 1st, was arranged to celebrate the heritage in the 50th anniversary of the original 1968 Isle of Wight Festival.

The night featured a host of memories from the event and was entertaining for those who may not even have been born

before 1968.

Everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and the night culminated in a big finish with a great duet from Phil May of The Pretty Things and Arthur Brown, who had great fun between themselves while singing Hoochie Coochie Man.

Lyn Blackledge and Liz Allen

Photo of Roger Simmonds and Dick Taylor

by Anna Mustchin

Photo of Arthur Brown

by Anna Mustchin

Your weekly horoscope with Russell Grant ARIES (March 21st - April 20th) You’re putting a lot of energy into routine tasks because you want to get as much as possible out of the way.

These chores aren’t difficult but they will demand a fair amount of your precious time and attention. Another area of your life that needs some attention is a close relationship. Someone near and dear to your heart is starting to feel you’ve lost interest in them. The flames of love will falter and fade unless they are fed and nurtured. It’s time to spice up your romance.

TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st) Keep conversations light if there is tension in a friendship or working relationship. Arguments could break out with someone who has very different views to yours. Leave political, religious and cultural issues well alone and don’t get too personal. You might be struggling keeping up with everyday expenses. Bills are pouring in so keep your spending to a minimum. Although the offer is there, it won’t be a good idea to borrow money.

Make do with what you have.

GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st) You are easily distracted. It will be best to turn off your mobile and keep your mind on what you’re doing if you are working on anything complicated or serious.

Daydreaming could easily lead to careless mistakes. You might find yourself puzzled by a family member’s strange behaviour.

No matter what you do or say, they will object to your ideas. Since you won’t be able to change their mind, it might be better to keep some of your thoughts and plans to yourself.

CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd) If one of your priorities is to follow your own path, it may be necessary to break away from the crowd and take a different road. Be brave and follow your impulses.

You won’t regret it and events later in the week will confirm you were right to go with your instincts. There may be a clash with someone close. Whether it is private or social plans that come between you, the least said, the sooner it will be mended.

Use your powers of diplomacy to promote harmony.

LEO (July 24th - August 23rd) Are you getting value for your money? ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’. It would be better to get a quality product than a shoddy one. You might be tempted by an offer that could cost you a lot. It will be very difficult to refuse but consider this carefully and think about the consequences of your actions. Embarking on a new romance will be thrilling. You and a partner find each other irresistibly attractive and this will keep you out of commission socially for a short while.

VIRGO (August September 23rd)

24th

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There aren’t too many demands on your time and this should make for a pleasant

change for you. When you find yourself with time to spare, don’t start looking for things to do. Take this chance to relax and unwind. Evenings will be spent in the quiet comfort of your own four walls. Later, you will feel ready to venture out of your shell to mingle with friends and neighbours. A low key social event on Saturday evening will round the week off perfectly.

LIBRA (September 24th October 23rd) In work, money and legal matters you will leave no stone unturned. Some people will not be keen to get too deeply involved but you need to know all the ins and outs.

This will put you at an advantage when dealing with those in authority. If you are preparing for a test, examination or interview, your concentration will be good and you will make a good impression on the people who matter. It’s a good time for research, study and writing papers.

SCORPIO (October 24th November 22nd) If a friend offers to lend you some support, accept it. If it is money they are willing to give you, think twice. This isn’t a good time to be careless with your cash.

Making an expensive purchase with a credit card could well be cause for later regret. Also, before throwing your energy into a possible careless venture, stop and think about what you are doing. Do you realise what you could be letting yourself in for? An impulsive decision could land you in hot water.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st) An older relative will try to persuade you to change your plans to fall in with some family arrangements. Your natural reaction will be to rebel against their suggestions. If you stop and think about it, you might realise they do have your best interests at heart. Don’t think that admitting you don’t understand something is a sign of weakness. Should you need help or advice, ask, and it will be given. This is how we all learn and this is how you can move forward again.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th) You’re the one who must constantly engage someone in conversation whenever you get together. You aren’t normally very talkative but the only way to break long silences is to discuss anything including the weather. If this is a new relationship, you might wonder whether you’re actually destined to be together. There are some interesting things going on in your neighbourhood. Keep up to date with what your friends and neighbours are doing. Something they are arranging will be just up your street.

AQUARIUS (January 21st February 19th) You may have to take some time away from your own work to help other people finish jobs they are struggling with. Later, you will need to be firm with people who can’t seem to think for themselves. Make it clear they can’t rely on you all the time. Get together with your partner to discuss what you’re

hoping to achieve by the end of the year. If you both agree on joint aims now, you can look forward to a happy and successful few months to come.

PISCES (February 20th March 20th) A difference of opinion will bring about a confrontation you have been trying to avoid. You sensed this was going to happen but this doesn’t make it any easier. If someone you love is getting on your nerves, pause for a moment and remind yourself of all the wonderful things they bring to your life. Volunteering to help at a charity or social event will be rewarding. Helping those who are less fortunate will make you feel you are doing something useful. You are starting to feel more in control of your life.

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Literary Festival line up announced The line-up for this year’s literary festival (October 11 – 14) has been announced and includes a wide range of writers combining the best of local and nationally known authors.

On this year’s list is Islander Josh Barry whose autobiography ‘Adapted’ charts his struggle of

getting to know his own identity, whilst living with Cerebral Palsy.

Among the local authors will be former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s father - Stanley Johnson, Dominic Minghella and Classic FM’s John Suchet.

The Sunday afternoon will see in addition to the host of authors

holding sessions, a politics panel featuring Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, Bob Seely MP and former labour parliamentary candidate Julian Critchley.

For details on the full list of attendees and details on all the sessions visit isleofwightliteraryfestival.com.

Bob Champion

James Bloodworth

John Suchet

Stanley Johnson

‘Wicked Nights’

at Blackgang

Dance for research Headlining Saturday nights (September 15) stage at Cancer Research UK Relay for Life Isle of Wight 2018 is Wyld Parties presenting party anthems!

Wyld Parties are well known for holding great events and some in the most unique locations including Spinnaker Tower.

They will be bringing the tunes to Relay For Life so you can dance the night away and keep the re-layers up beat whilst taking on the challenge to walk round the track for 24hrs.

There’s still time to register or just come along and support the teams.

Everyone is welcome to this free charity event on September 15 - 16 at Smallbrook Stadium with all proceeds going to Southampton General & Oncology unit.

Relay For Life is a team fundraising challenge bringing communities together to beat cancer. Teams of family and friends fundraise for life-saving cancer research throughout the year. Everyone then unites and

joins a 24-hour celebration, taking turns to walk around a track.

There are Relay For Life events taking place across the UK. Entry is FREE. You can join your local Relay by starting a team, joining a team or by taking part as a survivor.

Take part in Relay For Life and show that together we are stronger than cancer.

You can sign up for the fundraising event here: http:// relay.cancerresearchuk.org/

‘Wicked Nights’ are coming to Blackgang this Halloween.

The brand-new horror event is set to make its home at Blackgang Chine from October 20 to November 3, between 6pm – 10pm and should you be courageous enough to brave the curse, you’ll be able to take part in the latest attraction to hit the classic Island theme park.

A high intensity experience which includes The Cursed Mill: A Terrifying Tour, will be a hair-raising, blood curdling experience that will leave you

full of fright - it’s really not for the faint hearted.

You can also join a ‘Live Action’ tour through a demolition site, designed to terrify unexpecting guests.

Expect sudden loud noises, strobe lighting, audio and visual effects, darkness, close encounters and ghastly odours.

Wicked Nights will bring a whole new level of horror, making its home at Britain’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine… the land of twisted imagination, on the Isle of

Wight. The event will be an unforgettable experience… if you survive to tell the tale!

Tickets start from just £15.00.

Don’t wait for the reviews, be one of the first to experience Wicked Nights by booking your tickets at www.blackgangchine. com/wickednights. Will you be able to tell the tale of Wicked Nights?

For full terms and conditions, age limits and restrictions, please see www.blackgangchine. com/wickednights

Eklectica is back!

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This weekend Pixie Lott, The Fratellis and Scouting for Girls to name just a few will be among the acts appearing at this year’s Eklectica Music Festival at Robin Hill Country Park.

Starting up last year as a replacement for Bestival, this year promises to be even bigger and better with huge strides

having been made to recruit leading artists for a wide range of music.

The three-day event has a Tropical Party rave theme lined up for the Saturday festivalgoers.

Organisers want everyone to dig out their brightest clothing, get creative with neon paint and experiment with colour.

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But Eklectica is not just all about music. The unique festival has a big focus on wellbeing with morning awakening yoga sessions and other activities available for you to re-charge and get ready for the day ahead.

Visit www.eklectica.live to get your tickets.

Vyne! - A 5-piece modern rock band, Vyne are influenced

by Jeff Buckley, Muse and Nothing But Thieves.

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Wolverton raises over ÂŁ200,000 The Wolverton Garden Fayre returned for its 19th year over the weekend.

The annual Wolverton Garden Fair is the largest garden event on the Island and once again supported Age UK Isle of Wight.

Over the last 10 years of supporting Age UK Isle of

Wight, Wolverton has raised over ÂŁ200,000 - helping Age UK to offer services to local older people that help to improve their quality of life, whatever their situation.

Over the weekend there were a wide range of amazing nurseries on display from both the Island and mainland, a

chance to watch Elizabethan dancing with Passamezzo, dog agility displays, classic cars and bikes, military vehicles and engine displays, magic from magician David Randini and a climbing wall - the event was wrapped up with music from Last Orders.

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Better for the weather

A crowd of around 5000 people headed to Fairweather Festival at Sandown Airport over the weekend as the festival celebrated its second successful year.

With performances from some amazing acts such as the nostalgic indie rockers Razorlight, and outspoken rapper come mental health activist Professor Green

taking to the stage.

The gates opened on Friday (August 31) with the opening day seeing sets from Fatman Scoop and Example.

The festival was set up last year with just one aim – to make a difference.

Professor Green, well known for his role as an ambassador for

mental health, topped the bill last year too.

The weekend was filled with a vibrant and positive atmosphere made all the better by fortunate weather. A huge success and a welcome continuation to the Island’s festival scene - let’s hope it goes from strength to strength.

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Lighting up Ryde CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

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Ryde Illuminated Carnival took place last weekend, celebrating not only its 130th Anniversary, but also having been voted the UK’s Most Popular Carnival 2018 and, as usual, huge crowds gathered to see the amazing spectacle of the Island’s final

carnival of the summer.

Among highlights for the crowd were Disney’s Toy Story, Zombies from Park of the Dead and a celebration of Queen Victoria.

Liz Allen chair said: “Our carnivals this year were

better than ever and we hope demonstrated to the thousands of spectators who came out to watch our carnivals and see why we were voted the UK’s Most Popular Carnival in 2018”.

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What’s On at the cinema

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Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again On Screens Now Five years after meeting her three fathers, Sophie Sheridan prepares to open her mother’s hotel. In

1979, young Donna Sheridan meets the men who each could be Sophie’s biological father.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post Released September 7

Based on the celebrated novel

by Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz) as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy centre after getting caught with another girl in the back seat of a car on prom night. Run by the strict and severe Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle) and her brother, Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr.)—himself an example of

how those in the program can be “cured”—the centre is built upon repenting for “same sex attraction.”

In the face of intolerance and denial, Cameron meets a group of fellow sinners including the amputee stoner Jane (Sasha Lane), and her friend, the Lakota Two-Spirit, Adam (Forrest Goodluck). Together, this group of teenagers form an unlikely family as they fight to survive.

The Nun Released September 7 When a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate.

Together they uncover the order’s unholy secret. Risking not only their lives but their

faith and their very souls, they confront a malevolent force in the form of the same demonic nun that first terrorized audiences in ‘The Conjuring 2,’ as the abbey becomes a horrific battleground between the living and the damned.

COMMODORE 2 Star Street, Ryde, PO33 2HX | Telephone: 01983 564064

Hurricane

Friday 15.15 20.05 12.45 20.05 Sat & Sun Monday 20.05 Tues-Thurs 15.15 20.05

The Children Act

Fri - Wed 20.05

The Nun

Friday 15.00 17.30 20.05 Sat & Sun 17.30 20.05 Monday 17.30 20.05 Tues - Thur 15.00 17.30 20.05

Christopher Robin

Friday 17.40 12.30 17.30 20.05 Saturday Mon - Thurs 17.40

Hurricane Released September 7 The story of the Polish airmen who found themselves fighting for the freedom of their own country in foreign skies.

Seen through the eyes of Jan Zumbach, fighter ace and adventurer, it tells how the Poles, driven across Europe by the German war machine, finally

made their last stand.

Flying Hurricanes for the RAF over Britain, they became a key component in the legend of ‘The Few’. Up against the might of the Luftwaffe they hoped that, by saving Great Britain from Nazi invasion, they were keeping the dream of a free Poland alive.

The Predator Released September 12 From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home.

Now, the universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves

with DNA from other species.

When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again Friday 14.45 17.25 Sat & Sun 14.45 17.25 Monday 17.25 Tues - Weds 14.45 17.25

The Predator Thurs

14.45 17.15 20.05

Luke’s live and local

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Last weekend saw the return of Fairweather Festival, an event I was very humbled to be involved with this year. The Sandown Airport event saw performances from international stars like Fatman Scoop and Example, as well as local talents Lauran Hibberd, Lucid and more.

One thing that I’ve taken from the weekend is that there is an incredible demand for Drum ‘n’ Bass on the Island. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the bassline-heavy ‘Den’ stage was busier than the Main Stage of Fairweather for the majority of the weekend, despite it hosting largely local artists.

Of course, this genre attracts a crowd that has sometimes been associated with violence and drug abuse, but for the vast majority of the festival the crowd were energised, having a good time and enjoying each other’s company. There were a few incidents of fighting, but these were few and far between and dealt with quickly by the security team on site. I hope that the police and licensing continue to support these kind

By Luke Joynes

of events as there’s clearly a huge love for it on the Island.

This weekend, we look forward to Eklectica at Robin Hill who, after a tough first year in 2017, they are looking pretty strong this year. After putting out a line-up of tribute acts and poor attendance last year, the Vectis Ventures team look like they’ve learned their lesson with booking family favourites like Scouting For Girls, Pixie Lott and The Fratellis.

It’s also great to see that they’re once again supporting loads of local talent. Teenage trio Freazy will be playing before The Hoosiers after winning a talent show and bands from Platform One College of Music are being showcased throughout the weekend. I sincerely hope the weather holds out for them and they don’t have a repeat of last year’s washout.

With festival season coming to an end, it means we can start looking forward to touring season. Strings Bar and Venue

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are once again hosting some fantastic touring bands this year, including alt-country trio Wildwood Kin, who play at

the Newport venue on Friday (September 14). I was lucky enough to promote a sold out show in Portsmouth last year

and so am delighted that venue owner Claydon Connor has managed to get them to play on the Island after telling me that

he’s a big fan. It’s a show certainly worth buying tickets for if you love discovering quality new music.

Isle of Wight Day

Please don’t pick on the Banjo!

By Folkonwight

Abacus Duo are often found at the Dairyman’s Daughter Tuesday Folk Night in Arreton and similar events.

Songwriter and Worzels fan George Major is another banjoplaying regular. Popular local groups such as The Hooleys and Grizzled Skipper feature them too.

Only brave people play the banjo. This is the instrument everyone in the music world mocks. One joke in circulation goes: “What’s the difference between an onion and a banjo?

Nobody cries when a banjo is cut in half!”

And another: “How can you tell it’s a banjo player at the door? They can’t find the key.”

One website lists 271 such quips.

It is a mystery why banjos gained this reputation. Unlike some instruments, violins for example, banjos tend to sound quite pleasant in the hands of an inexperienced player. Also, like ukuleles, banjos sound rather jolly even if accompanying a sad country song.

Perhaps banjo players are just fun-loving types who enjoy a good laugh and write all their own jokes!

Isle of Wight Day features a carnival of events across the Island to celebrate all that is good and magical about the Isle of Wight. Live entertainment, parades, food and drink and parties across the Island, you’ll want to make sure you’re here for this celebration. Special offers in restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions and some fabulous accommodation and travel deals too. Created in 2016, this will be the third year we’re celebrating, and events promise to be bigger and better than ever before.

With its golden beaches, beautiful countryside and historical background the Island also has a wonderful community of talented, interesting and diverse people. Isle of Wight Day is about bringing them all together and having one big Islandwide party, covering the Island in bunting to show the world what a fabulous place the Isle of Wight is, this is the weekend show people and join in the fun.

If you want to take part, or are looking to hold your own great event to be part of the big day, you can find out more information by visiting the website www.isleofwightday.com.

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

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How to play

SODOKU

Place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the digits from 1-9 once.

CROSSWORD

Can you find all eight differences between the pictures of Wolverton Garden Fayre?

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Six Women, One Voice

Immerse yourself in a brand new nonstop hit fueled production touring the UK throughout 2018. From the producers of A Night of Dirty Dancing & Rock For Heroes.

One Voice celebrates the beautiful voices & powerhouse songs from iconic woman in music through the years.

Performed by a divine cast of 6 strong woman, who have performed in London’s West End, UK & European Tours.

Backed by a incredible live band, as they perform hits from legends such as Tina Turner, Carol king, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Celine Dion, Whitney

Houston & so many more. With slick choreography, stunning vocal arrangements & dazzling costumes, it’s a night you won’t forget.

One Voice is at Medina Theatre tonight (Friday September 7), for further info or to buy tickets, - contact the box office.

Island artists work on display at Quarr The Quarr Abbey Art Gallery will be showing a collection of distinctive and unique, handmade, hand-carved studio ceramics and painted wall art by island artist Andrew Dowden.

Andrew draws inspiration for his work from many sources including: archaeology, architecture, machinery, engineering and nature. The

wheel is central to the work from which many forms develop, including composite slab-built pieces. Using a limited glaze palette, he strives to achieve complementary forms and surface textures, hand-carving being a primary interest, the colour of the clay body being integral to the surface design.

Andrew will be in attendance

at the exhibition and will be happy to discuss work with visitors. All pieces are for sale and Quarr Abbey, a registered charity, will receive a percentage of all exhibition sales. (Most credit/debit cards taken.) Open 10am to 5pm, Thursday, 13th to Tuesday, 18th September.

Osborne Run 2018

Open air cinema

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 8) at Mottistone Gardens, bring along a picnic and join us for an open air showing of spectacular musical film ‘The Greatest

Showman’, being shown into the late summer’s evening.

As the stars come out, sit back and enjoy watching the hit movie take on P.T. Barnum’s

amazing circus story against the backdrop of magical Mottistone Gardens. Meet at Mottistone Gardens. PO30 4ED, the film will start at 7.30pm.

This Sunday (September 9) Mountbatten are holding a run in the grounds of Osborne House.

The run will start at 10am, and registration on the day is open between 8am and 9.45am and people can still register on the day by going to The Old Reception at Osborne.

Spectators are also welcomed along to help and cheer on friends and loved ones as they navigate either of the 3 or 5k routes around the Osborne Estate and to encourage people to attend, Osborne are offering a 20 per cent discount on standard admission.

The run will start at 10am sharp with the finish line being closed at 12pm.

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Alex shares birthday cash with foodbank

Accessibility scheme Alex King with his donation An 11-year-old boy has spent his own birthday money on donations to a local foodbank.

Alex King celebrated his birthday on September 1, just two days later he decided to spend some of his birthday cash on food supplies for the Trussell Trust’s Isle of Wight Foodbank.

The random act of kindness came as his mum, Lucie McMahon was queuing to pay for a few bits at Cowes Aldi when she remembered she had

forgotten something and asked son Alex from Cowes to retrieve the items.

Alex, who attends Lane End Primary School, replied: “That’s alright mum, I’ll pay for it, because I want to get some bits for the food bank as well.”

Miss McMahon said: “He understands what it’s for and what they do, but it’s the first time he’s ever done anything like it.”

A spokesman for the Isle of

Wight Foodbank said: “We’d like to extend a huge Thank you to Alex, who used some of his own birthday money to buy food for the IoW Foodbank.

“How wonderful it is to see such kindness from our local young people. You’re a superstar! Thank you.”

Asda Newport have heard about Alex’s kind gesture and have donated him a £15 voucher.

The Isle of Wight Liftshare community has launched on the Island on September 6.

The tailored scheme, set up for businesses and residents, aims to improve accessibility to employment and other services, reduce travel costs and minimise local congestion.

It is completely free to sign up to the car share scheme at www. iowc.liftshare.com. You can then match your journey with others using it.

The programme is a great opportunity for businesses to benefit from addressing key issues as associated with car parking and congestion while also contributing to corporate social responsibility targets.

Isle of the Wight NHS Trust deputy chief executive, Frank Sims said: “We know how congested our roads can get, and many drivers take the same journeys so it makes a lot of sense to bring people together to share journeys and help to reduce the number of vehicles on the Island’s roads.”

Individuals signing up to the scheme can expect to save money by sharing travel costs, as well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and congestion on local roads.

The car share community is managed by transport consultancy SYSTRA, in partnership with the council, which is delivering the project

as part of the Access Fund for Sustainable Travel - a £1.3 million three year sustainable transport programme which was secured competitively from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The aim of the DfT’s Access Fund for Sustainable Travel is to support the local economy by supporting access to new and existing employment, education and training; and actively promote increased levels of physical activity through walking and cycling.

If you would like some further information, or are a business interested in promoting this to your employees, go to iowtravelnetwork@systra.com

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ADVERTORIALS

Myth busting pets Wight Vipers is an Island based company dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding the much maligned animals reptiles - in a fun, informative, relaxed way.

The experts here have a zoological background having worked in several major UK, Irish and Australian zoos and have kept and bred reptiles and amphibians for over a decade,

including dartfrogs, treefrogs, woma pythons, hognose snakes and panther chameleons to name but a few.

They have, in the past kept and bred a few species of venomous

snake and although they no longer keep these species, they named the company after one of their favourites, the White Lipped Viper!

A spokesman for Wight Vipers said: “Reptiles have an undeserved reputation and we aim to bring a few of our handtame animals to you to allow yourself, children, friends to come up close and personal with some of these amazing animals!

“We are fully insured for public liability just in case someone is swallowed by a giant snake, although this has never happened as yet!”

If your child is inquisitive about reptiles and wants to learn more, why not contact the exotic pet store to inquire about their parties, events and educational programmes.

The spokesman added: “Here at Wight Vipers, we want to help reverse this trend and make it fun and exciting for people, especially children, to engage with nature and even to encourage wildlife to their gardens, no matter how small they may be.”

Wight Vipers are located 185 High St, Ryde - you can call them on 01983 716 240

Cherished pet memories There comes a time in every loving pet owners life when they must reluctantly and respectfully say goodbye to their fondest companions.

To show your beloved companion maximum respect after their life, choose Pets At Rest.

Their fine establishment was founded in 1986 and they guarantee to offer only the highest standard of pet funeralservices.

A spokesman said: “At Pets At Rest we have a beautiful cemetery set in peaceful tree filled surroundings, a garden of remembrance with stone landscaping and seating, and chapel of rest where your loved one will lay and you can spend time together.

“We have books of remembrance and a wonderful selection of caskets, urns and other items of remembrance.

“Our burials are carried out with fully lined wooden caskets, in individual marked plots, ground stone with an inscription or choice of headstone and surrounds.

“Our cremations are

individual.

Which means only one pet is placed into the crematorium at a time, with all ashes gathered before any subsequent cremation, from the smallest mouse to the largest domestic pet.

“We collect from the home or vets in our flower filled pet hearse offering care and attention throughout their final journey - or you may bring them

along. Please phone ahead for an appointment.”

Pets At Rest is fully licensed and a member of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria, abiding my their code of practice, which is available on their website www. appcc.org.uk Sue Hemmings is a registered animal bereavement counsellor with the BlueCross and the

Society for the Companion Animal Studies.

They do not deal with mass incineration or with clinical waste.

To contact Pets At Rest, visit their website: www. petsatrestisleofwight.co.uk.

Alternatively you can call 01983 525335 - you can also email info@ petsatrestisleofwight.co.uk

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ADVERTORIALS

Pet Centre cafe boasts ‘best views in Newport’

Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Newport the Isle of Wight Pet Centre are ideally located to pop into on your way to or from your trip to the town centre for all your pet needs and a meal or snack in PC’s cafe.

They have plenty of free parking a children’s play area and “probably the best views in Newport”.

Established over 17 years, the pet shop at Isle of Wight Pet Centre can supply all your pet needs including food, kennels, clothes, cages, tropical fish, exotic birds and all accessories.

With over 2,000sq ft of shop space you are guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.

Owner Paul Collins said: “We have every type of fish you can imagine, reptiles, bunnies, chinchillas.. You can expect excellent service from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We are independent, have the best selection on the Island, free parking, a cafe and probably the best views in Newport.”

The store is located at Watergate Road, Newport and they can be contacted by telephone on - 01983 524543. Visit their website at: iowpetcentre.com/

Charity tweets Feathered Friends of Pyle Street in Newport is a warm and welcoming charity shop offering a wide variety of different Bric A Brac and goods.

Owner Samantha Morgan encourages people to pop in and have a browse, whether they are looking for something or not, as

the shop offers more than your average shop.

Among the items available are an array of clothes, toys and games for all the family as well as furniture and even electrical items for all around your home.

There are great bargains to be found in the store which is staffed

by volunteers who will not only help you find the item you may be looking for, but are also on hand to offer advice and help to those people who care for birds and may have any questions.

Feathered friends are a nonprofit organisation with all proceeds raised from the shop

being donated to sustain and support the bird rescue.

The shop is located at 44 Pyle Street, just passed McDonalds and you can also find them on Facebook or call 01983 523415.

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Good show What a great, sunny weekend we had to blast away those ‘end of summer holiday’ blues. Me and my brood were out enjoying the best of what the Island has to offer before my boys went back to school.

It’s always a nice treat to take a well deserved break from your patch and where better than a good show found in the heart of the Island.

We decided to visit the Wolverton Manor Garden Fair and it continues to be a must on the Island horticulturist’s calendar. To be honest, even if you’re not that green fingered, it wouldn’t matter, as there really was lots to do and see besides the gardening theme. With a higgledy pigledy layout (in a good way) the show keeps you wondering what’s round the corner and kept the children intrigued too. It was great to see people walking off to their cars with armfulls of plants, carefully picked and just what they were after, to fill those spaces in their borders. The atmosphere was one of fun and everyone seemed to be having a jolly good time. Perhaps the ale tent had something to do with that?

I was asked recently about the best way to be rid of an exceptionally bad slug problem.

It seemed that the presence of slugs and snails was seriously lacking over the hot spell this summer but, as I suspected, they were just biding their time until the weather changed. Now, many of us are faced with a barrage of slug damage. As time goes on, more and more people are aware of the drawbacks of using garden pesticides such as slug pellets containing metaldehyde and ferric phosphate. These can prove to be dangerous to wildlife, pets and children if not applied very carefully.

Always in a bid to tackle things naturally, I note that there are many other ways of fighting back against these slimey pests which won’t affect the wider environment. Biological control is now readily available in the form of microscopic nematodes, or eelworms. These infect the

gastropod and cause it to keel over. Other alternatives are gel and copper barriers and creating traps such as ‘beer traps’ (bit of a shame to waste it on slugs if you ask me) or shade traps where you create a not-so-safe haven for them to hide, where you can then just collect and dispose of them during the day. A visit to your garden to collect the gastropods at night can also be a wise move but also a harrowing experience. It is only then you sometimes realise how prolific the problem can be!

Looking around, the leaves seem to be dropping a bit earlier this year. Possibly due to the stress of the drought this summer. It’s worth keeping on top of them, clearing them little and often at this stage.

Don’t forget to get in touch with any of your gardening stories, queries or with any plant suggestions that have really worked for you in your plot or allotment this year. Contact me at m.noyce@iwobserver.co.uk Can do list this week: • Continue to deadhead flowers to prolong plants floral displays.

• Now is a good time to plant out new perennials as the soil is still warm and soil moisture levels will soon increase.

• Continue to regularly harvest your tasty crop. Harvest often to keep your produce fresh and tender.

• Start to collect falling leaves and compost them if you can.

• Transplant spring brassicas (cabbages and greens) that are ready to be planted out under netting or fleece to protect them from eager beaks.

Pictures by Matt Noyce

By Matt Noyce

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

The best walks in southern England The Isle of Wight is known as a paradise for walkers. Whether you’re heading out for a stroll with your family, having a jaunt down to the beach, or perhaps a more serious hike along the Isle of Wight coastal path. The Island provides some of the best walking routes in southern England and over half the Island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!

There are over 500 miles of designated footpath on the Isle of Wight. Walks include beautiful meanders over chalk downs, clifftop hikes with stunning views, winding lanes through historic villages, trails through forests and wetlands, or simple paths taking you pubto-pub through the countryside!

Whichever path you choose to tread, you’ll be amazed by the ever-changing views and the clean, fresh air.

Walking is not only good

for the body, it’s also good for the soul. Combined with the undeniable benefits of spending time outdoors in beautiful places, you absolutely cannot beat a good walk on the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight coastal walks stretch over 64 miles of glorious footpaths, which give walkers access to some of the most incredible natural sights the UK has to offer. Some stretches are gentle rambles over flower-strewn chalk downs and soft, sandy dunes. Others are more challenging clifftop hikes, offering panoramic views over the Island and the sea. For those who fancy an Isle of Wight walking challenge, it is possible to walk around the Isle of Wight in just a few days. Alternatively, you could simply go for a quick potter by the shore, or blow the cobwebs away with a clifftop stroll.

Photo from National Trust

Photo from National Trust

Discover Chillerton Walk.

Take the G13 bridleway to the base of Chillerton Down, ignoring a path to the left.

Immediately after passing through a gate, follow the curving upward path along the right hand side of the chalk pit in front of you. When level with the top of the pit, carry straight on up the hill to the fence visible on the skyline, just to the right of the mast. This is the perimeter fence of Chillerton transmitting station.

Turn right and follow the fence

line. Cross a stile close to the and follow the path through a boundary corner and, aiming copse. Go straight along G8 at just left of straight ahead, head the signpost and around a field Borthwood Copse.ofPicture

by National towards a group trees by a gate Trust to reach a crossing track. fence corner where there is a Turn left and follow the track wooden bench and viewpoint. as far as a minor road, then Follow the top of the ridge to a stile 110yds (100m) down from the top field corner. Cross the stile to leave Open Access land, and continue onwards along a defined path, descending gently then steeply close to the fence to the far lower corner of the field. Cross the stile and turn immediately left for 25yds (25m) then over another stile

turn left. Leave the road just to the left of Newbarn farm and follow an uphill bridleway, part of which is a sunken lane.

Bear right just after a signpost indicating G22 Dunkem Down, and after a short rise bear left just before the gate at the top.

Now the path rises more gently, passing a dew pond on the right.

Shortly after this, go through a

gate to reach a crossing track in the conifer belt.

Turn left and follow the ridgetop bridleway signed N146 to Shorwell. Pass the Chillerton Down Transmitting Station to reach its concrete and tarmac access road.

Cross the access road and go through a gate. Take the downwards sunken path straight ahead. Curl left-wards round the hill, pass through two gates and rejoin the outward path back to the start.

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Long Island OPENING SOON

24 HOLYROOD STREET . NEWPORT . ISLE OF WIGHT . PO30 5AZ

SALADS.PASTAS.STEAKS.BURGERS.RIBS.CHICKEN VEGAN.VEGETARIAN.COCKTAIL BAR.MUSIC

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CONTACT US ON: 01983 216111

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Jobs

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CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

Part-time Sales Assistant required for busy Cowes newsagents Sunday working required plus variable weekdays / shifts as well as cover for holiday, sickness, etc.

Retail experience an advantage, but not essential.

Apply in writing to Caroline at Chivertons of Cowes, 4-5 Shooters Hill, Cowes, IW, PO31 7BE

Due to growing demand and business growth D&S Carpets are hiring We are looking for an outgoing, friendly and very personable individual to join our team.

The full-time position available is for Sales administration with a good salary depending on experience. 5 day working

week with weekend work included.

The right candidate must be well presented, have relevant customer facing experience and a good telephone manner.

Industry knowledge preferable but not required as full training will be provided.

Please send a CV and covering letter to: D&S Carpets 12 Hurstake Road, Newport Isle of Wight, PO30 5UU Or email: sam@dscarpets.co.uk

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

CONTACT US ON: 01983 216111

25

Jobs

CHEF DE PARTIE

The Chequers are currently seeking a Chef De Partie. You must have experience.

This is a salaried full time role of 45 hours per week and will include evenings and weekends.

CHAMBERMAID/CLEANER

We also require a Chambermaid/Cleaner.

Hours of approximately 10/15 per week. Experience would be beneficial. Any age considered. Good rates of pay. Evening and weekend work will be required.

Contact us on info@chequersinn-iow.co.uk. Tel: 01983 840314

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS FOR FREE

For the next 11 weeks advertise your job vacancy for free. Sorry first come first served.

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CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

27

Local Services

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MAN & VAN Removals

Any job undertaken From whole house moves to single items Full mainland coverage 10 Years experience Ring Ben for quotes

07500 253334

AQUIUS PLUMBING SERVICES

BEN SUMMERS

Friendly reliable services for installations of bathrooms, boilers & kitchens, repairs to pipework, taps etc.

Team includes electricians, carpenters and plasterers.

Rubbish & House Clearance.

Fully Licenced.

Same day callout.

07500 253334

IW- 282936 07891 703945

LOCAL SERVICE ADVERTISING

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BUY 12 WEEKS, PAY FOR 6

*Call now for more details. Yearly bookings at this rate are possible

TEL: 01983 216111 salesiw@icloud.com

JUNGLES CLEARED - make your garden manageable.

Clearance, layout, patios, concrete, bases, fencing, turfing.

07514 045355 KEVINS GARDENING Leylandii, hedge, shrub, grass cutting, tree work, felling, pruning, jungles cleared and removed. Fully insured with free estimates. Tel: 01983 609390 ALAN’S GARDENING Turfing, hedgecutting, small tree work, stump grinding, power washing, fencing.

Mob: 07963 451653, IW: 857499 HOUSE CLEARANCE AND RUBBISH REMOVAL Reliable friendly service with competitive prices, items recycled whenever possible.

Tel: 01983 532424 Mob 07967 914038 ARTEX SMOOTHED OVER - Tape and Jointing. Damaged walls and ceilings repaired. Call Mike on 07783 911 611 ACCOUNTS PREPARED Tax returns completed & submitted for fixed fee. £95. Ring Ashey Associates. 01983 638317 GENERAL HOMEHELP/ CLEANER - Offering a friendly, reliable service at good rates.

Debbie - 07921 921495 DOMESTIC CLEANING - Jenny Wrenn. 25 Years experience. Domestic cleaning services, Islandwide. Call Jenny on 07742 404743

Island Imperial Roofing Ltd For all of your roofing needs.

Where quality and excellent service come as standard.

Call now for a free and immediate quote:

01983 58 00 48

Wight racers take on rally

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28

By Kevin Richardson

The Island’s motorsport rally racing team attended the Abingdon Carnival Rally Stage on Sunday (September 2) just outside Oxford.

Two rookie teams from Wight Motorsport, comprised of Islanders Dean Long in his Subaru Impreza; Wayne Hole in his mk1 Escort Mexico, Jon Barrett (Dean’s co-driver) and Joe Moore (navigating for Wayne) tried their luck at the iconic rally championship.

They were joined by fellow Islander Richard Weaver, campaigning his Nissan Micra.

Richard has been rallying internationally for years and has approached this event calm and relaxed with a high level of preparation in a way only decades of experience can teach.

Richard’s navigator for this event was James Pink.

Unfortunately, despite all the preparation both rookie teams were again plagued with setbacks.

Even on Stage 1, the Subaru had a turbo boost issue. Luckily this was later diagnosed as a simple mistake of the ignition map being still set in road mode and not race mode.

Several rally navigators competing were suffering with extreme motion sickness, the violent breaking, accelerating and cornering forces at this venue were punishing and Joe

was experiencing severe nausea reading his notes at speed.

Dean’s Subaru started to suffer electrical issues, this time it was a coil pack issue and Sod’s Law, Dean chose not to bring any spare packs to the event and neither did any other Subaru.

Due to this Dean and John found the lack of power frustrating but were determined to continue.

On Stage 2, the throttle jammed open at full throttle on the Escort sending driver and very ill navigator off the track and into the long grass, Dean controlled the car as best as he could to finish but had to park the car and get a tow back to the pits where it was diagnosed the linkage had got itself hooked up.

It was an easy fix to be ready for the next round.

The 1 litre Nissan Micra of Richard and James did not miss a beat; however, they were a little concerned about the wear of their tyres.

At the end of Ssstage 3, Joe had to throw in the towel as his motion sickness had become so bad he was unable to relay his notes to Wayne and the sick bag had to be deployed.

Both Wayne and Joe asked the event organisers if they could swap navigators with a member of their pit crew, however, it is normal rallying procedure not to allow this to happen. With Joe unable to continue they had to retire from the event.

On Stage 6, the Subaru made such a loud noise both driver

Joe Moore suffering from motion sickness

Rally cars in the pits

and navigator were initially convinced the engine had expired but with no drop in power they assumed it was an exhaust issue and had to finish within the stage’s maximum time.

Back in the pits, the mechanics removed the sump guard and found that the link pipe had snapped clean off at the welds and it was only the sump guard that stopped them from losing it during the stage.

Frantic attempts were made with old bean cans, wire and gum tape, until another competitor was found with a generator and welder, who was kind enough to tack the link pipe together just enough and just in time for the environmental officer to give the car a bill of clean health and make the start of Stage 7.

However, with the combination of a leaking exhaust and ignition problems they found the lack of speed very frustrating and limped the car through the remaining stages to finish 66th overall and 5th in class.

Richard and James on the other hand had no issues and were often commended by other Nissan Micra teams. Richards smooth driving style had produced much quicker times.

Resulting in a final position of 53rd over all.

The teams have been working hard to fix and prepare their rally cars ready for the next event on September 9 in Essex.

Top left to right - navigator Joe Moore, driver Wayne Hole, driver Dean Long, navigator Jon Barrett bottom left to right - chief mechanic Brian Robbins, mechanic Brian Critchlow, logistics manager Tony Long, mechanic and PR Kevin Richardson

Trying to fix the ignition problem on the Subaru left to right Jon Barrett, Brian Critchlow, Dean Long, Tony Long

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

Sport Islander finishes top 10 roundup Island rider, Georgia HedleyWard from Shanklin, took two horses to the Dorset County Show to compete on September 1 - 2.

Jumping at her first county show was her horse Alvescot Expressive, also known as Star.

The five-year-old mare was brought to Miss HedleyWard’s home in November and started her British show jumping career in May of this year.

The 24-year-old said: “County shows are always a big ask of a young horse due

to the atmosphere and all the attractions, the showjumping ring was next to the stalls and police department displays.

She competed up to 1.10m and came home having jumped clear all weekend and placed 5th, 6th and 7th.”

The rider’s other horse, Indira VH Exelhof Z, affectionately known as Indi, was offered to her in March of this year to compete alongside Star.

Indi is a nine-year-old and more experienced than Star, however due to their short time together hasn’t

quite bonded with the rider competitively.

“We took her to compete in the Foxhunter 1.20m classes and to have a go at our first 1.30m,” said Miss HedleyWard. “We had a few lovely rounds, not without the odd mistake. Our step up to the 1.30m was never going to be an easy step as the fences are big and the courses are technical, despite practicing at home, sometimes these things have to be learnt at shows, it’s called ring craft.

“I would also like to

commend another Island rider, Hayley Webster, who attended Dorset County and had a fantastic show with numerous placings in the higher classes and the novelty classes including the 6-bar class and the stick and twist stakes.”

Next in the diary is the local British Show jumping event at Little Kennerley Farm, Godshill (September 16). Following that they hope to visit Crofton Manor on September 22.

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Ryde golf results The results from the Vice Presidents Cup at Ryde Golf Club last weekend.

1st Steve Tutt 40pts 39pts 2nd Rob Hull 3rd Colin McComb 38pts 4th Rich Harrison 37pts

Tim Ashwell (left) presenting the trophy to winner Steve

Georgia Hedley-Ward competes on ‘Indi’

Newport Golf results The latest results from Newport Golf Club.

August 28th 9 hole Stableford (q);- 1 James Cheek (9) 21pts,2 Chris Riddet (23) 19.

August 30th Thursday Stableford;- 1 Adam Wilson (17) 37, 2 Thomas Wilson (12) 33, 3 George Ringer (5) 33.

September 1st Haywoods Cup over 50s Medal;- 1 Benj Jervis (11) 66nett, 2 Andy Wheeler

(4) 68, 3 George Ringer (5) 69, 4 Rex Ringer (10) 70, 5 Mike Greenwood (10) 70.

September 1st Medal;1 Nick Matthews, 2 Daniel Howarth (21) 3 66, Paul Williams (17) 66.

September 2nd Sunday Medal:- 1 Neil Griffin (23) 55 nett, 2 Thomas Wilson )12) 61, 3 John Lee (6) 68.

Osborne Golf Clubs results were as follows; Division 1; John Poingdestre 40, Clive Beard 38, Paul Clarkson 37: Division 2; Shane Cates 39, Adrian Newbold 38, Richard Holmes 35; Division

3; Michael Turner 38, , John Cooper 37, Sean Thrippleton 36.

2nd September Stableford All Men; Derek Wright 39, Derek R Jones 38, Barry Geary 38.

Yarmouth sailing results Osborne Golf Club

Saturday (September 1) was a delightfully sunny day with 7/10 knts of shifty southerly breeze - nine Scows took to the water with three mixed handicap dinghys.

In the Scows a long beat to B mark was led by Martin Palmer from the start initially with a close pack in pursuit. By D mark, Martin started to break away but Niall Wallace stayed with him up to B where a substantial gap to the pack had established. Martin maintained his lead to the end but Niall was slowly caught and

overhauled by Roger P E in the headers after A mark. Melinda Measor was also pressing hard down to the final E mark but Niall held on. Martin 1st then Roger then Niall.

In the handicaps Lucy Kate Conisbee was 1st on corrected time, with Simon Beaumont 2nd and Patrick Tate 3rd Sunday (September 2) was a glorious day to be out on the Solent but the wind was patchy at best. Six Scows and one Pico ventured out. Those who tried the inshore route to avoid the

tide got it wrong. The offshore route proved the winner despite having to wait for cats paws to blow in from Cowes.

First home was Niall Wallace

followed by Chris Jones and Derek Morris. Derek having collected the perseverance prize for most attempts to round the windward mark.

Contact our Sportsdesk with your news - e mail p.white@iwobserver.co.uk

30

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

New campaign for Island RFU squads

By Kieran Leahy

The Island’s rugby clubs are on the brink of a new campaign and all will be in competitive league action this weekend, hoping to set the tone for a successful season ahead.

Hampshire RFU have restructured their league system for this season and beyond, creating a new Hampshire Premiership consisting of the top half of last season’s Hampshire One, plus second string teams from the bigger Hampshire clubs. Furthermore, the former Solent Merit leagues have been remodelled and merged into Hampshire Leagues One-Four.

These measures are aimed at guaranteeing more regular fixtures for second and third teams in particular.

Sandown and Shanklin are rewarded for their fifth place in Hampshire One last year with a berth in the new Premiership, hosting Portsmouth II in their opening fixture on Saturday.

1st XV captain for the 2018/19 season is Sam Flux, who is hopeful of a strong start to the season.

He said: “The attitude in the camp at the moment is brilliant.

There will be a few of the younger lads stepping up to the fore this season and I expect them to make big differences when it really matters. The likes of Harry Hopper and Damian Seder in the back five impressed last year, and will want to push on again. Again, in the back line, I look forward to seeing new signing Owen Williams in action alongside Jack Wedderkop who was impressive last year.”

A coaching change has also occurred in the off season.

Damion Marriott, former head coach at Ventnor, has become Continued from back page...

IW did not let up on the resumption, and as Kingsclere wilted in the heat, found space and tries easier to come by.

Andy Rann helped himself to a hat-trick on his return after a season’s hiatus, while

director of rugby, he said: “I couldn’t be more excited by the start of the new campaign.

Having competition for places will bring the best out of the squad, and also give us that depth which will be crucial in a busy season of league and both cup competitions.”

Isle of Wight finished ninth in last season’s Hampshire One, so remain in Hampshire One but with intentions of contending for honours this time around, starting by hosting Andover II at Wootton Rec on Saturday (September 8). They have lost some players from last season’s squad, as Alex Smith has signed for higher league United Services while Dan Stirrup and Mike Wood have relocated. However, the return of Alex Augustus, Andy and Angus Brown plus new recruit Kevin Blackburn give cause for optimism.

Chairman Ollie Boulter stated: “We believe that we have the offfield infrastructure to support a really successful season on the field. Having a new footpath to make the club more accessible during those winter months is a big step forward for us, and will help make our award-winning clubhouse even more welcoming.

“We are also pleased to continue to support the growth of the women’s game on the Island through the Wight Wolves. I’m sure with a new coach and some exciting plans in place, we will see the Wolfpack go from strength to strength this year.

“I look forward to us putting out two competitive teams on a regular basis, with the players enjoying their rugby. We will, of course, continue to look to win on the field and in the third half in clubhouse afterwards.”

Ventnor have managed to gain both fresh faces and returning

players all adding up to what should be a great season.

Off the field, Ventnor RFC are delighted to announce that Red Funnel have agreed to sponsor them for the cost of the ferry fares when travelling to away games. Both teams will now be travelling with Red Funnel across the Solent on their 20 away fixtures this season.

Chairman Ed Blake said: “Such a significant sponsor as Red Funnel, along with our longstanding sponsors in AJ Wells and numerous other local businesses, shows how much Ventnor RFC is being seen as the credible outfit we know we are.

“We want to provide a place not only for good rugby but also to be a community asset; a platform for development. We have spent the past few years increasing the professionalism of the club and that will continue this year with a new sports therapy team to aid the players.”

Meanwhile, Sandown/Shanklin and Isle of Wight second teams will each compete in the new Hampshire Three this season, Ventnor seconds campaigning in Hampshire Four.

braces were registered by Tom Marriott, James Webster, man of the match Sam McQueen, David Blackman. Grant Smith and the returning Andy Brown also touched down, and captain Lewis Murray scored a try and kicked 12 conversions for a 29 point haul.

IW look forward to the Plate quarter-final next month, but more immediately to their opening game in Hampshire One this Saturday, where they host Andover II. The second team entertain Andover III in Hampshire Three. Both matches kick off at 3pm at Wootton Rec.

Fixtures Saturday (September 8) fixtures all 3pm kick-offs Sandown & Shanklin v Portsmouth II, The Fairway Isle of Wight v Andover II, Wootton Rec Isle of Wight II v Andover III, Wootton Rec Ventnor v Alton, Watcombe Bottom Ventnor v Alton II, Rew Valley

End of season win for Ventnor On Saturday (September 1), Ventnor Cricket Club ended their 2018 campaign with a two wicket win over already relegated Hartley Wintney in North Hampshire, their sixth victory in six successive games.

Their win earned Ventnor nineteen points, sufficient to secure third spot in the Southern League 1 table.

Hartley Wintney won the toss and elected to bat first. The bottom-of-the-table side—who had narrowly defeated Ventnor by one wicket at Steephill in June—were restricted to 137 runs in 32 overs. Will Ross— with 37 runs—was top scorer for the home side. The damage by the Ventnor attack was initially caused by the most

economical Ventnor bowler— Chris Russell—who clean bowled both opening batsmen.

Hugh Calloway then inflicted further punishment—taking five wickets—and returning his best haul of the season: five wickets for thirty-seven runs.

Rob Snell and Tom Friend also chipped in with a wicket apiece, before Martin Blackman removed Hartney top scorer— Ross—clean bowled with his first ball.

Ventnor took just 24 overs to overcome Hartney’s modest first innings total. However, they had a few scares along the way, losing eight wickets in total.

Rhys Batcup returned the best bowling figures for the home side: three wickets for twenty-

five runs. Hugh Calloway led the charge for Ventnor with sixty-nine runs, his best knock of the season.

1.9.2018 Ventnor beat Hartney Witney by two wickets.

First innings: Hartney Witney: 137 all out (Tom Ross 38, Hugh Calloway 37–5) Second innings: Ventnor: 140 for 8 (Hugh Calloway 69 not out, Rhys Batcup 25–3) Ventnor: Friend 17, Cheek 5, Fletcher 0, Blackman 16, Calloway 69 not out, Woodhouse 8, Leon 2, Snell 0, Russell 4, Cotton 4 not out, Flood (did not bat) Ventnor bowling: Russell 10–2–45–2, Snell 7–3–17–1, Calloway 10–1–37–5, Friend 5–0–29–1, Blackman 1–0–0–1.

Henry takes national title Henry McLuckie from Carisbrooke represented Southern Schools at the UK School games held at Loughborough University.

Competing against athletes from the Midlands, the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland Henry produced a dominant performance to claim the gold medal in the 3,000 metres.

Henry and the athlete representing the North broke clear of the pack with 800 metres to go. With 550 metres to go Henry kicked again and established a gap. Henry maintained his pace to the finish line winning the National title by six seconds.

This race concludes a successful track season for Henry which has seen claim podium places at 3 different national championships.

Henry will now have a week off training before he starts to prepare for the cross country season.

Henry McLuckie

Hampshire Plate tie 1

Westbury sink the Yachtsmen

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

By Warren Whitmore

In a game packed with incident and controversy, Cowes snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, going down to two extra-time goals after taking the

lead three times over the ninety minutes of normal time.

The Yachtsmen, lying 2nd in the Wessex Premier, faced formidable opponents in Westbury United, who currently lie 2nd in the Western Premier, having been unbeaten

in 2018 so far.

Cowes drew first blood in the 4th minute, with a dipping James Wykes cross-come-shot that flew over the Westbury keeper.

The Wiltshire side then equalised through Jamie Jordan

after a dubious penalty decision by the referee, when the ball struck Callum Chase’s arm.

The Yachtsmen regained their lead in the 23rd minute, with a bullet header from Ewan Cranwell, which connected with a curling free kick.

Again, Westbury equalised, with a 32nd minute Callum Denkiv header. In the 34th minute, the prolific John McKie gave Cowes a 3–2 half-time lead, converting a cross for his fifth goal of the season so far.

The game became fractious in the second half, with a slew of bookings for the away side. At one point, Westbury substitute, Josh Ferguson appeared to kick Cowes’s Wykes in the head, and the Westbury coach was sent to the stand after attempting to instruct his team from behind the goal.

There was also a moment of comedy, when Westbury’s Demkiv contrived to hit the Cowes crossbar from two yards

31

out. Westbury began to show their class and control the game, drawing level in the 86th minute from Ricky Hulbert. The Western league side proved too strong for Cowes in extra time, goals from Denkiv in the 96th minute and Hulbert in the 110th minute ending the Yachtsmen’s interest in the 2018/19 FA Vase.

Controversy and incident continued up to the final minute: Cowes’s Gareth Bricknell and Westbury United’s Ferguson both being given their marching orders towards the end of the game after clashing with each other near the halfway line.

Final Score: Cowes Sports 3–5 Westbury United.

Vics v Navy IW Football in brief

On Tuesday (September 5), East Cowes Vics crashed out of the Hampshire Senior Cup in the first round, beaten by a strong Royal Navy side at the Victory Stadium in Portsmouth, in the first ever encounter between the two sides.

The Royal Navy scored their first goal in the nineteenth minute, when Shea Saunders sent a low shot past Vics keeper, Will Hunt. A few minutes later, the Navy’s impressive Danny Earl broke through Vics’s offside trap, but Liam Newbold prevented what appeared to be a golden opportunity with a superb tackle. The strong and pacey Earl continued to be a thorn in the side of the Vics defence, but he failed to convert three further chances in the first half: two saved by Hunt and one narrowly missing the post.

Newbold came to Vics rescue again shortly before half-time, when he cleared the ball of the

line from an Alan Sneddon shot.

Vics showed greater attacking intent in the second half. In the 46th minute, Vics youngster Jacob Reynolds was roughly bundled off the ball on the edge of the Navy penalty area, but no penalty was awarded. In the 57th minute, Jordan Chapman shot narrowly over the bar. However, it was the Navy who were to score in the 66th minute, when Danny Earl finally hit the target with a low shot, after having broken through the Vics defence on a number of occasions. Vics pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute, with an acrobatic diving header by Jimmi Burton in the 77th minute. However, there was to be no late comeback for the Vics, as a screaming 85th minute shot from Alan Sneddon made the game safe for the senior service side.

Full-time: Royal Navy 3–1 East Cowes Vics

By Warren Whitmore

On Tuesday (September 4), champions Whitecroft and Barton consolidated their lead at the top of the 1st division, with an emphatic 5–1 victory at home against second placed Pan Sports.

On Saturday (September 2), Whitecroft & Barton beat home town rivals, Newport Reserves, 0–7 at St George’s Park. In the 2nd division, top-of-the-table Ryde Sports completed six wins in six games, with a 1–2 away win at Wootton. Spare a thought for Yarmouth & Calbourne at the bottom of the table, who now have a goal difference of minus 51 after just six games, losing 1–10 away to Niton on Tuesday, after having already lost 0–12 at home to Carisbrooke United on Saturday.

Wessex League Weekend Games

All three of the Island’s senior football sides will be in action on Saturday, (September 8). In the Wessex Premier, high-flying 2nd place Cowes face mid-table Portland United at Westwood Park. East Cowes Vics have an away fixture on an artificial pitch against fellow Wessex League One side, Alton, in the Wessex League Cup. Newport—unbeaten in the league so far—travel to north Hampshire for a Wessex League One fixture against bottom-ofthe-table Andover Town, a team that has conceded 27 goals in their six games this season. All fixtures start at 3pm.

Sport 32

CALL THE NEWSDESK ON 01983 216111

IW smash Plate

The Vics team celebrate as full time is called on the game

Vics snatch Vase after seven goals

By Warren Whitmore

After twice falling behind, Vics ensure their advance to the second qualifying round of the FA trophy after a seven goal thriller.

A Jimmi Burton hat-trick and a dramatic Jordan Browne extratime winner sealed the deal.

The Vale broke the deadlock after 19 minutes, with a shot into the top left corner of Will Hunt’s goal from Ethan Fishlock.

At the other end, Joe Butcher was a constant menace for the Vics, and Elias Ahmed was muscled off the ball in the penalty area in the 34th minute, with no foul awarded.

Then disaster struck the Vics for a second time in the 40th minute after the ball was saved off the goal line, only for it to be dispatched into the back of the Vics’ net from five yards by Josh Fowler to give the Vale a 0–2 advantage.

The Vics struck back immediately, with Browne laying on Burton, to send a low shot past Wes Clark in Vale’s goal in minute 41 to reduce the deficit to one goal before half-time.

Vics’s manager, Steve Brougham, appeared none too pleased with what he had witnessed in the first half, and was not shy to communicate his feelings to the players.

The Vics came onto the field

determined to make up the deficit, and did so within two minutes, after some good work

by Ahmed, who laid on Burton in the 47th minute to level the score at 2–2.

Vics continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 63rd minute, Ahmed was caught in possession by George Plank, the Vale wingback put the ball into Hunt’s net to give the away side a 2–3 lead.

No doubt, at this point in the game, Pewsey Vale were confident of returning to Wiltshire victorious, but Burton and Browne had other ideas.

In the 77th minute, Browne laid on Burton again for him to score his seventh goal in six

competitive games with a low shot.

Just when it appeared the game would be going into extra-time, Browne rose above the Vale defence to divert a Vics corner into the Vale goal with his head in the first minute of injury time, to give the home side a 4–3 lead, ensuring Vics advance into the next round of the FA Vase and earn a welcome £550 in prize money.

FINAL SCORE: East Cowes Vics 4–3 Pewsey Vale Vics have been drawn against fellow Wessex League 1 Totton & Eling in the second round of the FA Trophy on Saturday (September 15).

In glorious conditions at Kingsclere, IW ran out facile winners in their first match of the 2018-19 season, a first round Hampshire Plate tie.

Though several players from last season’s squad were unavailable to the Islanders, their experimental line-up showed great promise in this encounter. Their opposition’s lower league status was painfully evident at times, but IW will be pleased at how they converted pre-season training patterns into the reality of a

competitive match, scoring some excellent tries.

The opening try after three minutes was arguably the pick of the bunch, as upwards of 20 phases of accurate breakdown work and slick handling resulted in a great try for fly-half and player-coach Alex Augustus.

Kingsclere spent little time in IW territory, being forced on the defensive repeatedly by the victors, who built a 47-0 lead by half-time.

Continued on page 30

Shanklin shooters hit their target Dom Cowen and talented supported athlete Richard Wilson of Shanklin rifle and pistol club travelled to Andover, Hampshire on Sunday (September 2).

As part of a team of 12 from across the county the pair from the Island competed in the national smallbore rifle association inter county’s postal shooting competition

representing Hampshire. The course of fire was 20 match shots to count at both 50 metres and 100 yards. An early start saw perfect conditions for the competition.

Dom scored 394 and was top individual shooter for the team and Richard scored 391.

On whole the team shot quite well and now await the results near the end of the year.

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