Isle of Wight Observer: Issue 010

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Ex-Christ the King pupil speaks out 3

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Friday 12th October 2018 Issue No.10

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Porkpie hat and axe no match for Mr Norris

Man, 69, in axerobber ordeal Full Story

2 Pictured: Tony Norris

Cabinet votes in fire changes The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet has approved plans to change the Island’s fire service, despite Fire Brigade Union and scrutiny committee concerns over safety and job losses.

The Island’s Fire Brigade Union secretary Spence Cave said the plans were likely financially motivated and could result in the loss of eight jobs.

His comments came after a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday (October 9) in which members voted to defer the plans amid safety concerns.

Mr Cave explained his concerns were not just about the proposed shift changes, but about ensuring appliances had a safe amount of riders and keeping island jobs.

Councillor Tig Outlaw (Lake North), cabinet member for public safety, delivered a presentation to the scrutiny committee ahead of the cabinet meeting outlining shift pattern changes and a possibility of fire engines being crewed with four riders.

The now approved plans ensure more firefighters work on evenings and weekends and 12 firefighters are available for 12 hours a day, everyday.

Continued

In your Observer...

Jobs

Your life changing career move could start here 31

Going Out

Your guide to Theatre, Cinema, Eating out & more 22

Sport

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All the Island’s up to date coverage 34

Inside your Observer...

Current News

12th October 2018

Main story continued from front page

Child arrest rate halved 4

Community News

Link around the rink 10

Features

Autumn walks 29

Lifestyle

Gardening 28

Entertainment

Luke’s Live & Local 22

Jobs

Job finding features 31

Services

Find all your local services 33

Sport

Island pair play for England 34

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on: 01983 216111 Email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk Facebook: @iwobserver Twitter: @iwobserver YouTube: Isle of Wight Observer

Address: Suite 4, 17 Thomas House, St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: Isle of Wight Observer Ltd. News Editor: Joe Burn Online Editor: Sandy Clarke Sport & Features: Peter White Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper Gardening: Matt Noyce Production: Ian Read Photography: Jon Sheath The IW Observer is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of the Press. For more information on the IW Observer complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: iwobserver.co.uk/make-a-complaint/

Tony Norris has been running Harvey’s Pet Store in Ventnor High Street for a decade, and has always joked with his two sisters who work in post offices that he’s the only one in the family who hasn’t been a victim of armed robbery.

But on a quiet Thursday afternoon (October 4) on the Isle of Wight, Mr Norris joined his sibling’s exclusive club.

The 69-year-old said: “A bloke came into my shop at 3.50pm and came up to the counter. Luckily my wife had just gone to the toilet, otherwise she would have been at the counter. So I went to the counter and he said to me, ‘I want the money out the till’.

“With that he pulled an axe out from under his jacket and held it up in the air threatening me. I just looked at him and I’m thinking, ‘how am I going to disarm him?’.

“I said, ‘how much do you want?’ this put him off guard. I put my hand toward the till drawer with no intention of opening it, but as I did that he leant forward as if he was going to grab the money once I had opened it.

As he did that, the axe came within grabbing reach of me.

“And that’s what I did. I grabbed the axe. He grabbed it with both hands. I had it with both hands. He’s pulling, I’m pulling. When I

got to the end of the counter, he pulled and I pushed which put him on his arse.

“It took me 20 minutes to get the axe actually out of his hand. I was laid on him and my friend Pete was there, I said to him ‘jump on his legs’. So now he’s got 16 stone sat on his legs. I’m laid across his chest and his legs, I’ve got hold of the axe, he’s still got hold of the axe.

“We were waiting for the police, they took 30 minutes to get there.

“I was holding his wrist that tight that his hand went blue, so he had to let go and I threw it across the shop floor. Then the coppers come and cuffed him and took him away.”

Mr Norris’ wife was on the phone to police throughout the shop-floor showdown and was informed that one police car broke down in Wroxall whilst rushing to the scene.

Mr Norris claims the police took their time to park when

they arrived, with one officer leaving the vehicle to guide the driver into a tight spot.

“For attempted armed robbery they should have just abandoned the car outside the shop and come in. I did let my feelings be known when they walked through the door,” said Mr Norris.

The man in his 30s had allegedly tried to rob the Premier store and Post Office before brandishing the axe in the nearby pet store.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “While en route to the incident, a police vehicle sustained a punctured tyre and had to stop responding at 3.49pm.

“However, eight minutes later the man was detained at the scene by police when other units attended.

“A man was arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted robbery.”

of five on an appliance.

He added: “However, we have eight temporary contracted firefighters at the minute and they could possibly be let go.

Obviously there won’t be any redundancies because they’re on a temporary contract. This is eight island firefighter posts, eight jobs for the Isle of Wight - that money goes back into our economy.

“We still believe that this view is around finances, we were told it wasn’t to start with.

These firefighters

may not be replaced and the money could be put back in the council budget.

“It just seems to be an exercise in potentially cutting some firefighters, to save some money, and put in less firefighters on shift at any one time.”

The council are taking on more retained firefighters.

Cllr Outlaw said the FBU’s claims were “irresponsible” ahead of the cabinet vote.

Continued from front page column Mr Cave shook his head throughout the presentation, seemingly in disagreement with some of the points raised.

The secretary’s main concern was the suggestion that four riders on an appliance, instead of five, would be safe and could even provide a “greater community response” in Cllr’s Outlaw’s words.

The scrutiny committee had passed a recommendation saying there was not enough evidence to make a decision at this stage, and it should be

deferred until Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report is published in six weeks time.

Despite the recommendation and concerns, the council passed the motion at the cabinet meeting on Thursday evening (October 11) in Ventnor Winter Gardens.

Island Fire Brigade Union secretary Spence Cave said that the FBU doesn’t want to see any loss of employees and are concerned about the safety of four riders instead

Current News

12th October 2018

Ex-Christ the King pupil speaks out

News in brief Shanklin reading challenge launched Stock photo

Christ the King College

A former pupil of Christ the King College in Newport has spoken out about bullying, racism and fighting at the council-run institution.

In an Ofsted report published on Thursday (October 4), Christ the King College’s overall rating fell from “good” to “inadequate”.

Councillor Chris Whitehouse (Newport West) believed the rating was due to “unbelievably bad” timing and called the results “unfortunate” as the schools leadership was restructuring when Ofsted visited.

Of particular concern in the report was the extent of bullying in the school, some of which was described as “casual racism”.

The IW Observer spoke to Emily*, who left recently but attended Christ the King up to year 11 about her The offending experiences at the rock school:

Is bullying a problem at Christ the King?

“I experienced some personally, and I know of some things that happened to my friends, which included physical, cyber, and emotional bullying.

“Girls would make unkind comments about other girls’ physical appearance and those bullied would sit alone at break-time. I saw about half-a-dozen physical fights, between both boys and girls. I saw girls pulling each other’s hair, slapping and kicking each other, and their friends cheering them on.

“When this happened with the girls, it only got broken up by a cleaner, not a member of staff. I got bullied myself. Some other students would take my lunch and throw it somewhere.”

Have you seen any racist bullying?

“Nearly all the students are white. There were racist comments about a black teacher who was nicknamed ‘Malteser’.

“I experienced some racist comments myself, but would rather not comment about this as I would not like to be identified.”

Did you ever report bullying and what happened when you did?

“Yes. Twice.

When I reported it, it got even worse.

I wanted to avoid going to my form room, but I wasn’t allowed to.”

How was behaviour in class?

“Some teachers were good and kept strong discipline, but others were poor and couldn’t control the classes.

It was particularly bad in science lessons and in classes that were mainly boys.

“One of the boys would sing in the lessons, others

would watch Youtube videos.

There was a total lack of respect. This was just before our GCSE examinations.”

Did bullying affect examination results?

“One thing I noticed after the GCSE examinations was that the bullied children tended to get the best examination results, whereas the bullies did badly.”

Is there anything good you would like to say about Christ the King?

“Yes. There are some very good teachers at the school.” *Emily’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

Councillor Paul Brading (Lake South), cabinet member for education said: “From what I’ve read there does appear to have been in the past, a culture of bullying, but I would not necessarily say it’s worse than other

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schools. To me the important issue is the way any bullying is dealt with by the school.

All staff should never walk past bullying they should deal with it immediately, and they should have a policy as a school as to how they deal with it - especially the racism side of things.

“I am reassured that such a policy is now in place with the new leadership at Christ the King. Many of the issues raised in the report have already addressed in the period between the visit and the report being published.

“I hope this reassures parents that issues at being addressed quickly, to ensure students at Christ the King school continue to receive a high level of education, in a safe environment.”

Friends of Shanklin Community Library are running two new Reading Challenges which will run from now until Christmas.

The challenge for adults is to read 10 books from 30 plus categories from which they pick out one or two at a time. There is a reward along the way and entry to a prize draw on completion and the cost is only £3, all profits made will go towards purchasing new books.

The Children’s Challenge ‘Read to Win’ is free to enter and runs along the same lines, there are stickers, rewards and a prize draw on completion.

Call in or phone 01983 717184 for more details.

Paint a Poppy for WW1 A fundraising exhibition to mark the 100th Commemoration of the end of WW1.

Sunday (November 11), Noon - 3pm, Gurnard Village Hall.

All welcome, free admission, refreshments.

A collection of original Poppy paintings and creations of £20 and under can be purchased.

All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

There will also be a small interesting display of World War photographs and stories.

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Current News

News in brief World Restart a Heart Day World Restart a Heart day is a designated day of action with the aim to teach vital lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills to as many people as possible. And this year we intend to be bigger and better by aiming to teach 1000 people in how to save a life!

Invitations have been sent to schools for years 6, 9 & 10 and to home educated children to attend our free, interactive CPR training.

These sessions will be delivered

by Isle of Wight NHS Trust staff, supported by our Community and Co First Responders.

We are also offering free sessions to the public at St Mary’s Hospital throughout the day and thanks to the IW Fire & Rescue service, we have different venues to offer between 15:00-17:00 at these eight fire stations: Cowes, East Cowes, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor.

Warship in the Solent

The giant US warship, Harry S Truman, clearly visible from Ryde, has delighted Isle of Wight sightseers and amateur photographers. The 1096 Nimitz class aircraft carrier, with a crew of 5000, was anchored off Stokes Bay, Gosport, from October 6, to October 10.

The warship will now be taking part in the naval exercise Trident Juncture off the coast of Norway at the end of October.

12th October 2018

Child arrest rate cut in half

A Freedom of Information request has revealed child arrest rates on the Island have dropped by half since 2014.

The number of arrests involving children aged 17 and under was 153 last year, compared to 306 in 2014.

Police say it follows efforts to use alternative options to arrest, including community resolutions, which officers can use for less serious crimes.

Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart, a former police detective, said: “Police don’t want to be arresting children, so it’s good the numbers have really come down.

“Upholding the law is

essential but through the work we’ve done together, we know fewer children in custody is right in many cases.”

The drop in child arrests has been consistent over the last four years, with 215 in 2015 and 161 in 2016. Isle of Wight District Commander, Superintendent Sarah Jackson said: “Hampshire Constabulary is committed to finding the most suitable outcome for children and young people who come into contact with police.

“We welcome the reduction in child arrests on the Isle of Wight as we know the importance of not treating children as criminals

unnecessarily.

“We encourage our officers and staff to consider the widest range of options and only to use arrest and custody as a last resort.

“We know custody can be an intimidating and frightening place and seek to use a range of out of court and out of custody methods to tackle offending and ensure our communities are kept safer.”

In contrast, Hampshire’s child arrest rate has risen since 2014 when 3192 children were arrested. In 2018, the rate had increased to 3960, according to figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform.

MCA seeks witnesses in ferry bump The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are appealing for witnesses following the collision between a Red Funnel car ferry and a motor yacht on last month.

The accident took place on September 29 at 4.35pm in the Solent. Nobody was injured in the collision.

Simon May, lead investigator with the MCA’s enforcement team said: “We’ve heard from a number of people who were on scene but need to hear from anyone else who was in the vicinity

and may have information that will help with the investigation.”

This incident is separate to the incident on September 27 in which Cowes RNLI were tasked to rescue yachts that had been cut adrift from their moorings after the Red Eagle car ferry left East Cowes on a foggy morning.

Anyone with information should contact Paula Evans on 020 381 72574 quoting reference ‘RedFunnel Yacht Incident’

12th October 2018

Ability Dogs artwork competition

Volunteer Jon and his dog Sheriff

Ability Dogs 4 Young People are asking the Island community to help come up with two works of art to adorn their Newport store, inside and out.

The competition is open to Islanders of all ages and all you have to do to enter is send in your ideas, in whatever format you feel like, to the charity by email or post.

Entries must incorporate the Ability Dogs 4 Young People branding and including the Island Paw design is a plus.

The wooden door outside

the Pyle Street charity shop is in need of a mural, as is the right-hand wall inside the store (pictured).

Participants can enter designs for both the spaces in order to maximise their chances of winning. The inside wall is approximately 6m x 6m and the outside area is approximately 6m x 2m.

IW Observer readers will be asked to vote for their favourite designs and a shortlist will be made up of your choices.

The closing date for entries is November 9, when voting will begin for the shortlist

before it closes on November 21.

The Shortlist will be announced on November 23, then Ability Dogs 4 Young People will choose the two winners on November 30.

All production costs for the artwork will be covered by the charity and you’ll also be invited to attend a puppy training class on a date to be decided.

Carol Court, founder of Ability Dogs 4 Young People said: “Our Newport charity shop offers us such a wonderful space from which to sell the fantastic items

that are kindly donated to us. Unfortunately, as anyone who has been there will know, it lacks ‘kerb appeal’.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for budding artists to have a huge blank canvas to design, which, in turn will provide the shop with a distinctive, fresh and appealing look.”

The competition is open from Friday (October 12) and you can send your submissions via email to info@abilitydogs4yp.org. uk or by post to: 3 Howard Close, Niton, IoW, PO38 2EB Ability Dogs 4 Young People

IoW is an Island charity which trains assistance dogs to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight.

If you think you can help in the shops, by fundraising or are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent please get in touch.

Visit www.abilitydogs4yp. org.uk, email info@ abilitydogs4yp.org.uk or phone 01983 216246.

Current News

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News in brief Sing for joy Every Wednesday morning at 11am in St John’s church hall, Ryde, a free music therapy session takes place.

The Wellbeing Singing Group is aimed at people who suffer from anxiety or depression, but everyone interested is welcome.

They open each session with a meet’n’greet, a warm drink and a chat, then the class is taken through a series of breathing and vocal exercises, which aim to relax the head and strengthen the core muscles (abdominal and pelvic), improve posture and, most of all, relax the mind.

They usually end with a song or two, for extra fun!

There will be a demonstration of the class at Aspire, 12pm on Sunday (October 14) as part of The Festival of the Mind.

Updates on the group are available on www.facebook.com/ projectopera/events, any enquiries may be made either through the Facebook page or by calling Annalisa Vaughan on 07757 965339.

Charity band

The Wight Diamonds Marching Band are kindly holding a charity concert in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch. Please come and join them for a wonderful night of entertainment Saturday (October 13) at The Trinity Theatre, Cowes.

Tickets cost £6 per person and are available in advance by contacting Kathryn at The Wight Brainy Bunch on 07850255984 or John from Wight Diamonds by emailing: wdmb15@gmail. com

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Current News

12th October 2018

RYDE CAR BOOT SALE Next to Ryde Superbowl every Sunday, weather permitting Sellers from 9.30am Buyers and set up time 11.00am No catering or refreshment stalls. For further information and pitch fees

Mob 07923 489289

From Left to Right: Andy Greenwood, Tony Russell and Cheryl Greenwood

Living the pub dream for 40 years Tony Russell dreamed of working at the Wight Mouse Inn since he was around five years old and attended a nearby primary school.

He would look at the great stone structure from his school across the street and think, “I’m going to be in there” - a thought many of us have likely had about their local pub.

Luckily for Tony, his dreams became a reality and he began working at the Chale institution at age 13, collecting glasses and the like.

He’s now a manager and celebrated 40 years of working in the Wight Mouse

on Tuesday night (October 9). “The turnout was just honestly amazing, the pub was severely packed. I walked in the doors and was overwhelmed by everyone. It was just spot on,” said Tony.

Tony has worked at the pub throughout a number of different owners, including Brad and June, who made the pub known throughout the country for its selection of 365 whiskeys.

In fact, Tony was present on the trip up to London with Brad to collect some 800 varieties of whiskey from a lady’s flat.

Tony went to visit Brad after his 40 year celebrations

with another former staff member from the Brad and June days.

“It was really nice as he was a big chunk of my life, as was June,” said Tony.

“They made it what it was.

I’m not a big drinker, but I just love the place at the end of the day, fantastic views and all the lovely customers.

I’ve just got a good bond with them at the end of the day and I treat everyone special and that’s it.

“I’m just so impressed that all my life I’ve been able to work there - I’ve always wanted to. To this day, 40 years on, it’s still quite amazing.”

Tony was treated to an engraved grandfather clock, a Wight Mouse ornament, a knitted Mr Mouse (the pub’s mascot) and a beautiful spread provided by the pub’s owners, Andy and Cheryl Greenwood.

Tony wished to thank everyone at the Wight Mouse Inn who makes his job such a pleasure, he thanks the organisers, guests, landlords and his excellent team of work colleagues for all the memories over the years and his spectacular 40 year celebrations.

12th October 2018

Devon firm wins Newport Harbour job

Plans to transform Newport Harbour have moved a step closer with the appointment of architectural firm, Kay Elliott.

The Isle of Wight Council will work with the Devonbased company to take forward the regeneration plans for the flagship site.

The ambition is to generate economic growth with new homes and improved harbour facilities.

Reniera O’Donnell, assistant director for regeneration, said: “Kay Elliott has a brilliant track record and huge experience in working on sites like Newport Harbour.

“This is a big step, as this masterplan will not only shape future development along the quay but also generate many opportunities to increase footfall and encourage Islanders to reengage with the harbour.”

A masterplan is expected to be delivered by April 2019, before it’s written into the Island Plan and promoted to investment partners.

Kay Elliott director Tanya Griffiths said: “We are looking forward to working with the team and the community to set out a plan, which provides clear development guidelines to encourage the right

investment for local needs and the special character of the place.

“This masterplan is an opportunity to visualise and provide a framework for a waterfront reinvigorated by mixed use development, reinforcing Newport’s role as a county town and a visitor destination.“ Darren Street, an island business owner who plans to run as an Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Ryde or Newport in the future told the IW Observer he would have preferred an island architecture firm to forward the plans, rather than a mainland contractor.

He said: “As I understand the IW Council put out to tender for this and the award criteria was ‘the most economic tender’ so in layman’s terms this appears to be a tender that will be awarded on the basis of a fight to get the cheapest price and not in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance Policy compiled by Rt Hon Eric Pickles in 2011.

“Surely Islanders have already experienced that the award of tenders on this basis does not prove to be successful, just look at the Floating Bridge. Whilst this may have been awarded on price since the delivery of this

in May 2017 it has cost the IW Council on rectification and I am confident it will cost island residents and island businesses long term.

“I am pretty sure on the Isle of Wight we would have an architecture company that could deliver the service that the IW Council are looking for not forgetting this would

be a win win situation, it would be £150,000 of local investment, I frankly would be surprised if we did not.”

Residents, business owners and other interested parties will have opportunities to share their views on the vision in the future, say the council.

Darren Street plans to run for council

Current News

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Community News

12th October 2018

Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

‘I don’t like ferries’ I don’t like ferries. But since I chose to live on the Island and work on the mainland, my options are limited, just like my swimming ability. Luckily I do usually sail from Yarmouth; which is by far the prettiest crossing, and I benefit from the friendliest shore staff and boat crews. Using this route also means arriving in the New Forest, not some congested polluted city centre. The cause of my monomania is reliability, or lack of it.

Wightlink’s terminal posters proclaim 99% plus reliability – for August that is. Have you seen the piecharts? Our service is impressively dependable they cry: “Hurrah, rejoice, trebles all round!”

Back in the real world, those astonishing statistics only relate to the boats that sailed within 20 minutes of the advertised time, and if they cancel altogether, it can no longer be recorded as late or unreliable. You’ll note there’s a nice little wangle here, when they know the ferry won’t be sailing, they quickly change the timetable and the service you booked or hoped for just disappears into the ether and their overall reliability sails on at 99%.

It’s the oldest public transport service trick in the book; although we

must remember that our ferry operators are not actually a public service, there is no obligation whatsoever, they only run the boats they want to run, when they can manage to run any at all that is.

The operators are experts at cloak and dagger too. When their engines explode, or the ships collide with several moored vessels, or they break down midchannel, or even catch fire, they quickly play-

“I am a nosey person, I want to know the who, when, where, what and why” down the event as a mere “operational reason”.

They ignore the fact that if you may happen to be on-board or be waiting expectantly at the terminal, plus you can see ship movements on AIS, or smoke billowing from an engine room. Of all the strange policies they pursue, this is my least favourite. I am a nosey person, I want to know the who, when, where,

what and why. To avoid wasting valuable time twiddling my thumbs at the terminal; I have been reliant on Wightlink sending text or email status alerts. You can sign up too, but I wouldn’t bother.

Some months ago, they suddenly stopped arriving, so I emailed asking why.

The cheery response I got said: “We’re sorry that your feedback has not resulted in a positive change.”

Adding: “They are reviewing the communications process and hope to have these changes in place shortly.” Think about it, how many other businesses would just stop communicating with you and not bother letting you know?

I’ve never met Carl Feeney, nor do I know how he became spokesman for the Solent Freedom Tunnel. I do know that he’s crowd funding a feasibility study because no-one else is prepared to. Our elected representatives should be doing it, but sadly they’ve let us down. So all we have is Mr Feeney and his scheme, which granted may be potty, but I’m chipping in some cash anyway, because I think we all need to know if it’s not. I urge you to do the same please.

Sandown October roadworks Ian Ward on Perowne Way with Island Roads

A number of key roads in the Sandown area are set to receive an upgrade over the next two months as part of the PFI Highways Improvement Programme.

Following road improvement works at Perowne Way during the summer, work is scheduled to begin shortly in Fitzroy Street to upgrade the road, between its junctions with Station Avenue and Grove Road, over two days from October 11 between the hours of 6.30am and 6pm.

This will be followed in mid-October by works over five days to The Fairway.

This work will be completed during half-term week to minimise disruption and improve safety for staff,

pupils and parents who would otherwise be using the road as a route to school.

Towards the end of the month, this will be followed by road improvements to a stretch of Culver Parade between Avenue Road and Dinosaur Isle over a threeday period.

This work has been scheduled outside of the main holiday season to limit the impact on local businesses and attractions in the area, but ahead of more wintery weather which might otherwise extend the duration of the scheme on this exposed section of road.

Diversions will be in place during these works with appropriate signage in place and residents and

businesses will be contacted in advance with more detail and instructions regarding access, waste collections and parking.

Councillor Ian Ward (Sandown South), cabinet member for the PFI: “I’m pleased to see yet more of the roads being improved in the Sandown area which will ultimately bring benefits to both residents and visitors and that work has been sensitively timed taking into account the needs of local businesses and schools.”

The council’s programme to improve the Island’s roads is financed in the main through a grant of £477million awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

10 Community News

12th October 2018

The Hayles family

Link around the rink The event saw concerned locals, Island MP Bob Seely and Isle of Wight councillors join hands and hockey sticks in solidarity against the closure of Ryde Arena.

Two years ago, residents found the skating rink doors had been padlocked after owners AEW UK closed the arena without warning or reason.

Mrs Hayles and her family were present at the demonstration, she explained that they had been to the original protest and nothing was done so they came again to tell AEW that “we want our rink back”.

She said: “It was something for all the family to enjoy

and we need it back. We [are big hockey fans], we had season tickets and we came regularly. It was brilliant.

“They shouldn’t be allowed to knock it down, perhaps the powers that be can do something to get it open.”

Mrs Hayles from Seaview remarked that “actions speak louder than words” when asked what she thought of Mr Seely’s appearance at the protest.

“It’s all very well being here, he needs to do something,” she finished.

Cameron Palin, from East Cowes said: “As a community we’re here to show AEW that we still care and that this ice rink is a massive part of

the community - not just in Ryde, but for the whole of the Island. We have to keep fighting, as a skating community we need to stick together and that’s not just on the Island as we’ve had support from all over the country. We have to get it back.

“I think it’s great Bob is here, and the council. Even if I have my differences with them I cannot fault their support in this cause.”

Councillor Wayne Whittle (Ryde), cabinet member for business and regeneration was present at the event handing out free breakfast sandwiches to those who had braved the wind and rain.

He said: “I’m here to support this group that I have supported since they started. The council has been working diligently to bring this to a conclusion, I can’t say too much because it will probably end up in a legal wrangle, but it’s all coming to a head and there should be a nice press release from the council by December.”

MP Bob Seely addressed the crowd at the start of the protest from atop an ice resurfacer, speaking to the IW Observer afterwards he said: “I think it’s a good turnout there’s a hardcore of supporters for whom the arena is really important.

“I don’t like AEW and I think they’re bullying and behaving in a bullying way and I don’t like it. They’re not listening to the Island, they’ve shut people out.

They have no respect for our local community because they’ve shut a valuable local asset and I suspect they’ve tried to get a change of use.

It’s a fight I’m going to try to win.”

Island Labour has campaigned to re-open the rink since the doors were first locked. Island Labour chair, Julian Critchley, was at the rink along with fellow Ryde Town Councillors.

Mr Critchley said: “It’s so impressive to see the dedication and persistence of the people here, fighting to re-open their rink. None more so than the young skaters who still travel miles and give up hours to pursue their dreams, which AEW’s outrageous action threatened to take away.”

A spokesman for AEW UK said: “As the owners of the long leasehold interest in Ryde Arena, we were obliged to terminate the lease with the ice rink operator, Ryde Arena Limited, after it failed to make rent and insurance payments of in excess of £200,000. As an investment manager, entrusted with capital from, among others,

local authorities and private pension schemes, we have a fiduciary duty to act responsibly with our clients’ capital.

“Since repossessing the property in October 2016, we have actively sought a solution to the closure of the property. We have also met key members of the Isle of Wight community including the Isle of Wight Council, Bob Seely MP for the Isle of Wight, and Ryde Arena Community Action Group. These discussions have determined that there is currently no party in a financial position to continue operating the property as an ice rink and the council does not wish to assume this role.

However, AEW continues to have a dialogue with the CEO of the Isle of Wight Council, in the hope of finding a satisfactory resolution, potentially as part of the council’s longer term plans for the regeneration of the sea front.”

12th October 2018

Community News 11

12 Community News

12th October 2018

Ferry helpful to RNLI challenge The final leg of an intrepid charity drive around the British Isles and Ireland by a motoring-mad couple was given a boost by ferry operator Wightlink.

London-based couple James and Belinda Richardson have, since the end of August, been undertaking a unique fundraising challenge - to drive anti-clockwise around the British Isles and the whole of Ireland visiting all 238 Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat stations in a Porsche 911 within 911 hours!

The trip - the first ever national car challenge in aid of the RNLI - was inspired both by the couple’s ardent support of the maritime charity, which started when they owned their own inflatable on the Thames over 20 years ago, combined with their enduring passion for the Porsche 911.

Their journey has included the Isle of Wight’s three RNLI lifeboat stations at Bembridge, Yarmouth and Cowes as well as the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes and Wightlink was

delighted to send them on their last lap – the trip to the capital – with a free crossing.

James said: “We wanted to set ourselves a unique challenge in a unique car supporting a unique charity that would benefit many others. Since retiring and at long last being able to finally own a Porsche 911 of our own, we felt the timing was right for us to be able to do this. We are very grateful to Wightlink for helping fund the final leg of our journey back to the mainland to help us reach our finishing post in

London.”

Belinda adds: “We are always at our happiest when visiting the British Isles coastline – come sun, wind or storm and we know how lucky we are to have organisations like the RNLI who rescue thousands and save hundreds of lives at sea each year. This has been our way of giving something

back and helping to raise awareness of the amazing work that they and their volunteers do.”

It all started at 9.11am on August 23 from Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station in London and they reached the chequered flag within the target 911 hours when they arrived at the Tower RNLI Lifeboat station in London at

8.11 on September 30.

It is hoped that the RNLI911 Challenge will raise in excess of £56,644 (£238 per lifeboat station) and increase public awareness, support and donations for the RNLI. Donations can still be made via the special fundraising website www. rnli-911challenge.co.uk

Learn to fight light pollution at free event

Calling all veterans Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) has opened a new drop-in centre in Newport.

In 2018 and in response to the rising number of service users seeking help from the Isle of Wight, VOS began to run a weekly mental health clinic in Ryde.

In May this year, following a generous award of military covenant funding, VOS opened a second monthly drop-in in Newport. Held in the Community Action Centre at the Riverside in Newport, the VOS DropIn takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12pm to 5pm.

The monthly VOS DropIn provides a welcoming and relaxed place where UK veterans and family members can come for confidential welfare advocacy or psychological support, or simply to meet socially.

It is a unique meld of public, private and charity sectors offering one-

stop assistance including legal, housing, financial, employment, spiritual, alcohol and mental health support.

The attending agencies benefit enormously from VOS, giving them access to clients in a non-threatening environment alongside complementary services.

A spokesman for VOS said: “This is a chance for veterans to meet up and get help in all areas from psychological problems to improving their education and managing their finances.

The need for social support is the strongest.”

VOS is also able to deliver weekly therapy sessions to individuals needing mental health support. VOS has an in-house clinical team which includes psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists who come with a wealth of experience in mental health services and experience

of working with veterans (and current serving armed forces). All psychological services are free to the service users. The VOS InHouse team offer a variety of services including; triage, psychiatric and psychological assessments, medication reviews for mental healthrelated prescriptions, evidence-based, individual psychological therapies, referrals on to specialist services, including combat stress, local NHS services and liaising with GPs. Former members of all British Armed Forces and Reserves, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy are all welcome.

For all enquiries, please contact: Tel: 023 92 731767 or email admin@vosuk.org or visit www.vosuk.org or find them on Facebook here: facebook.com/ veteransoutreachsupport

The International Dark Sky Campaign on the Isle of Wight, led by the AONB, the CPRE and the Vectis Astronomical Society (VAS) is supporting the national Big Dipper campaign. The focus of the campaign is to encourage the “dipping” of outdoor lighting.

They are not asking people to struggle in the darkness, but, by taking a simple step, namely to dip our lights, we can reduce light pollution and retain the sense of wonder when we look up to the night sky. Poorly installed outside lighting can be detrimental to the quality of our dark skies. Many of the newer security lights being installed emit a very harsh blue-white light, which scatters further into the sky, blotting out our view of the stars. The impact is often made worse by the fact such units are angled outwards to increase the spread of light. A single, poorly installed floodlight can be seen for miles around.

The night time environment is a crucial natural resource for people, wildlife and for the rural visitor economy which benefits from increasing public interest in astro-tourism.

With the nights drawing in, the campaign aims to

encourage property owners with outside lighting to assess how much lighting they have and to ensure, where possible, that lamps are suitably aligned. The campaign is asking people to, ensure lights point down and are fully shielded, only illuminate areas you need to and don’t leave lights on all

and below produce a warm white colour, and are less intrusive to the night-time environment than higher rated fittings.

In support of this campaign and that of the Island International Dark Sky Campaign organisers are holding an open evening event at the VAS Observatory

night - use a timer or motion sensor, employ lighting that is no brighter than necessary, if possible use warm colour lights. These are usually sold as “warm white” or have a colour temperature of 3000K or lower.

The power of a light is best characterised by its output, usually listed on the packaging. About 500 lumens is ample to illuminate a back garden. Many LED products also state the light’s colour temperature. Those with a colour temperature of 3000K

and Pavilion, Watery Lane Newchurch on Friday (October 26) from 7.30pm.

This is a family event and children and young people are welcome.

The move is backed by Sir Martin Rees, astronomer royal, who said: “It’s important that efforts are sustained to cut light pollution further so we can all marvel at the night sky wherever we may live. This campaign deserves wide support.”

Community News 13

12th October 2018

Dark Skies AONB inspires book

Island companies recognised for constructing wins for wildlife Construction sites, and housing developments, concrete port walls and sea defences, roads and rail infrastructure aren’t perhaps the obvious places you’d expect to find wildlife.

But as the world looks towards addressing species extinction and creating sustainable coasts and cities, things are changing and the construction industry is increasingly recognising that

building for biodiversity is the business!

Given its size, the Isle of Wight has more than its fair share of examples of best practice in this field. Three Isle of Wight companies, Artecology, Arc and ferry operator Wightlink were recognised for teamwork supporting wildlife in the built environment at national industry awards in London this week.

Artecology’s ecological design product, artificial rockpools or ‘Vertipools’ have received a Highly Commended Award for Innovation in the Built Environment, and this collaboration with Wightlink and ABPMer at the Fishbourne terminal was also shortlisted for best Client Award.

Man thanks Cowes RNLI

The important environmental issue of light pollution and the campaigning work of Wight AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are the inspirations behind the latest rhyming picture book by local children’s author and illustrator, Peta Rainford.

Jacob Starke Loves The Dark tells the story of a little boy who hates the night, until he gets to meet The Dark face-to-face and shares an amazing adventure through the nighttime world and on, into the wonders of the night sky. It a fun, funny story, but it has a serious message at its heart.

“Light pollution is a serious environmental issue throughout the world,” explained Peta. “But I also think it’s a problem that even young children can understand. My book touches on lots of things, like fear of the dark, protecting wildlife, and stars and planets, that are close to many children’s hearts. So, although my book has a serious message, I hope it’s wrapped up in an adventurous, funny story, that children and parents will both enjoy.”

Dark Skies are special areas where there are low levels of light pollution. When there is an absence of light pollution thousands of stars are revealed at night. This is beneficial to the wildlife and tranquillity of an area.

The Isle of Wight has a high quality of night sky; this is especially apparent within the half of the Island

designated Wight AONB. Chair of the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Jonathan Bacon, said: “Peta has written another great book for children which highlights a major issue for the Isle of Wight AONB which, in partnership with the Vectis Astronomical Society and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, is seeking formal recognition of the quality of the Isle of Wight’s night time skies from the International Dark Skies Association I hope that

children who read the book, and parents who read it to their children will, like Jacob, realise how important it is to limit light pollution and learn to love the dark and support the Dark Skies campaign.”

Peta will be reading Jacob Starke Loves the Dark, and doing some associated craft activities, at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival (IWLF) Youth Zone at Northwood House on Saturday (October 20). Tickets can be bought in advance from www. isleofwightliteraryfestival. com.

Asda Bling Bras for breast cancer

A man who said he would have died but for prompt emergency treatment he received in Newtown Estuary over the summer paid a “thank you” visit to Cowes RNLI lifeboat station.

Jack Cameron-Wallace, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, MarieAnne, had been working as assistant harbour master at Newtown last June when he collapsed with a heart attack in his boat, hitting his head, while collecting mooring fees.

After being initially treated by medically trained staff who just happened to be on a nearby yacht, he then received urgent resuscitation

procedures on the yacht from a paramedic, winched down from a Coastguard helicopter.

Because the yacht was located well up the creek the lifeboat then conveyed the man out of the estuary to be winched into the helicopter and taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth.

Anne-Marie told lifeboat members at the Cowes station that her husband, who spent two weeks in Queen Alexandra Hospital, owes his life to all those who so quickly and expertly came to his aid.

The couple presented two tins of luxury biscuits for

the crew, a cheque for the RNLI and a bottle of fizz to be auctioned for funds.

Lifeboat operations manager Mark Southwell said: “It is lovely to see you are on the mend, and it is such a kind gesture to come and visit us like this.”

Mark Harker, helm of the lifeboat on the call-out, said: “It makes all our efforts so worth-while when we learned at first hand of such an excellent outcome.”

Jack said they had already visited those manning the yacht and would soon be visiting the helicopter crew at Lee-on-Solent.

Back row left to right: Denise Robinson, Ellen McHardy, Tim Wardle, Shaun Shape, George Butt, Kenny Farrell (Store manger) Front left to right: Tina Cliff, Clare Jones (Community Champion)

Asda are spending October raising money for Tickled Pink a breast cancer charity.

There are lots of events all month that the Asda team in Newport are organising like on Saturday (October 6) the

colleagues entered a ‘Bling a bra’ competition.

They had some very creative bras and they can be seen displayed in the foyer.

On Saturday (October 13) the team are doing a 24hr

row-a-thon for Tickled Pink in the foyer. Colleagues are really getting behind the fundraising and are enjoying dressing up in pink tutus and wigs.

14 Community News

12th October 2018

New business has really taken off!

John and Roz Langley started Wight Flight Hovercraft Experiences this summer on the Island - and business has really taken off!

The new venture affords kids and adults (big kids) the opportunity to fly a hovercraft yourself!

For kids and adults, at a very affordable cost of £10 for a taster flight, you can feel the exhilaration and

excitement that comes from flying eight inches above the ground at up to 30 miles per hour.

In addition to the taster flights which last around eight minutes, they also do children’s parties, one-toone hour long experiences, corporate events and can even bring the craft to you if you have a suitable site.

Now you have the chance

to win flights for a family of four in their competition.

To enter, go to Wight Flight Hovercraft Experiences on Facebook, join the group, if you haven’t already, and like the post relating to the competition.

Alternatively you can email info@wight-flight. co.uk with your name and contact number. All names received by the closing date

of midnight on Thursday (October 18) will be entered into the draw and the winner notified on Friday (October 19). The prize can be taken any time up until December 31, 2018 on available flying days.

Wight Flight also have special offers available throughout October. Book

an hour long one-to-one session for £85 instead of £99, for a flight experience to be taken by end of November 2018.

Also, book a child’s party during the month of October and receive a 10% discount.

The party doesn’t have to be in October, it can be any time through to April 2019,

but the deposit needs to be paid by October 31 for the discount to apply.

Wight Flight is located at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde and is open over the weekend in the winter months, to book call 01983550575 or visit the website at: wightflight.co.uk.

Feel safer with new charity service A new project which aims to work closely with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the island has been successfully launched at an event in Ryde.

Age UK Isle of Wight’s new ‘Neighbourhood Watch Plus’ project sets out to provide volunteers with free support and training on crime and scams prevention.

Trained volunteers will visit households within their communities, to carry out Crime Prevention surveys, and will offer useful advice and information on how to improve the security of their home, boundaries and property.

The local charity is working alongside Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight Council, Trading Standards and Resilient Communities Group to develop training packages, which will help to establish local experts

in crime trends, scams, safeguarding, hate crimes and other aspects of crime and vulnerability. The new service was launched at an event held at Ryde Police Station on September 26, which was attended by Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators and local police.

Steve Howes, development officer for the Neighbourhood Watch Plus project commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who already runs or would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch group in their community, as we are providing free support and training to make island communities a safer place to live and work”.

“We recognise that many agencies provide much of their crime prevention information online, which can leave those without digital skills feeling excluded.

By replicating our Digital Inclusion project, we can ensure that people receive face to face help and advice, to help them feel safer in their homes.”

Householders will be provided with a copy of their Crime Prevention Survey, in order that the results can be discussed with family and friends, before taking the advised actions, enabling the client to have full control over when and how they implement any improvements.

If you would like to learn more about the Neighbourhood Watch Plus project, or you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the scheme, contact Steve Howes at Age UK Isle of Wight on 01983 525282 or steven.howes@ageukiw.org. uk

Island art film seeks your pictures and videos Submit your own photos and video clips for a promotional ‘Day by Day’ Isle of Wight art movie installation.

An on going ‘Day by Day’ movie made up of video clips of the Isle of Wight is being compiled by artist Tim Bristow (BB Bango) in Bembridge.

The intention is that this

changing movie like ‘The Clock’ 24 hour movie by Christian Marclay, now showing to huge crowds at Tate Modern in London, will become a movie that helps promote, the Isle of Wight to the world as a fantastic, quirky, edgy and warm holiday destination all year round!

The aim is to get a video clip for every day of the year, put them together with original music and other older clips and make an original movie art installation which can be shown online, all over the Island and overseas.

A 23 minute demo version covering ‘50 Wight Days’ has been put together using clips

from the last 120 years and could provide the basis for the 365 day version.

This demo, in four parts, can be seen in the ClayClay Shop in Bembridge or online at www.Vimeo.com (use search term ‘Wight 365 Days‘ to find it) and uses movie clips

from video streaming sites, home movies, actual movies and TV programmes made in or featuring the Isle of Wight.

Original music is by The Espada Rolls Band from their ‘Abstract Music’ Album.

Please send in your photos or up to ten minute clips, on USB stick preferably, with a

date and caption, to ClayClay 15 High St, Bembridge PO35 5SD or via the web site www.

IsleofWightFilmBoard. co.uk and they will edit and incorporate in the movie which is being updated all the time.

Community News 15

12th October 2018

A cottage fit for a princess The story-book home of Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter is up for sale in East Cowes.

Princess Beatrice resided in Osborne Cottage after her mother’s death in 1901.

The princess lived at the residence that is part of the Osborne estate, until 1913 when she set her sights on a more humble abode and moved into Carisbrooke Castle. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the Osborne estate, which includes the coveted Osborne House, in 1845, as it was to be their summer residence away from London.

The cottage is on the market for £625,000 and stands in its own private garden.

The four bedroom property still has its magnificent period features including a domed atrium over the stunning cantilevered

staircase.

The grand dining room has a granite fireplace and parquet flooring, while the entry hall has original Minton geometric tiles.

The cottage has a library with the original faux bookfronted cupboards, and double doors leading to the grounds. The bright drawing room has a set of French doors and scrolled classical plasterwork to the walls and ceiling, and another grand fireplace.

Bembridge-based estate agent Biles & Co say the current owners have carried out restoration work while maintaining the cottage’s many spectacular period features. However there is some further restoration work to be carried out.

The two storey property has a drawing room, dining hall, kitchen, library, cloakroom

and study on the ground floor, and four bedrooms, a family bathroom and a dressing room upstairs.

Princess Beatrice sadly died in her sleep at the age of 87 in 1944. Following a funeral service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, her coffin was placed in the royal vault, before being transferred to

the Island where she was buried next to her husband in the grounds of the St Mildred’s Church where they married.

Osborne Cottage is being sold through Biles & Co call 01983 872335 orvisit bilesandco.co.uk for further details.

16 Community News

12th October 2018

Three cheers for Victoria of Wight

A brand new ale has been exclusively brewed for Wightlink to celebrate the arrival of its state-of-the-art hybrid energy ferry, Victoria of Wight.

Also named Victoria of Wight, the new ale has been crafted by experts at Island Brewery, who worked with Wightlink to perfect the tipple which is now available to purchase onboard Wightlink’s ferries and at its

Camber Café in Portsmouth.

Victoria of Wight is a 3.8% light golden, easy drinking bottled ale. John Nicholson, the chairman of the Isle of Wight Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch took place in an official tasting at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Wightlink’s neighbour in Fishbourne.

CAMRA chairman John Nicholson said: “We are fortunate to have some

excellent brewers on the Isle of Wight and I am delighted with this latest creation from Island Brewery.

“Victoria of Wight has a refreshing taste and aroma which is enhanced by the British Cascade and Bramling Cross hops. These provide a touch of citrus which is complimented by a slightly malty and bitter feel on the palate. It’s a great addition to Wightlink’s Taste

the Wight range and in my view a very fitting way to welcome Victoria of Wight to the fleet!”

Chris Mousley, sales director at Island Brewery, added: “We have supplied Wightlink with our locally bottled beer for some time and were very excited when they suggested the idea of a special ale to celebrate the arrival of Victoria of Wight.

Brainy Bunch takes on the GSR In just over a weeks time, The Wight Brainy Bunch will have a 14 strong team taking on this years Great South Run. Ryde firefighter Mark Grimes, who founded The Wight Brainy Bunch in 2015 following his diagnosis of a brain tumour will be joined by 12 other runners in the main event on Sunday (October 21), as well as one entrant in the Junior Great South Run on the Saturday.

The Wight Brainy Bunch is a small Island charity providing emotional support and financial assistance to families on the Isle of Wight affected by brain tumours.

The Great South Run

is especially close to the charity’s heart as it is where all the fundraising started in 2015 and is particularly poignant this year, with one of the runners having sadly lost their father to a brain tumour earlier this year and another’s mum currently undergoing treatment.

Our team consists of: Mark Grimes; Rachel Grimes, Vince De Carteret; Gary McFarlane, Robbie McFarlane, Deb Joy, Elaine Harris; George Sprack; Cailemb Wolsey; Benjamin Smith; Claire Brown, Sammi Suitor, Rachel South and Savannah Smith who is just 9 years old running the Junior race.

“We worked closely with Wightlink to create an ale to be proud of and are pleased to see it onboard Victoria of Wight being enjoyed by customers or being taken home as a gift from our beautiful Island.”

Simon Lewis, head of retail at Wightlink, said: “The ale is a great addition to the range of local products that we offer through our Taste the Wight outlets.

“We thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at Island Brewery to create this special ale and hope our customers enjoy it as much as we do. As well as nondrivers wanting a refreshing drink onboard, we are finding people are buying bottles as gifts for people with Christmas coming up it makes a great stocking filler for the ale lover in your life!”

Folly Good Show A charity night is being held at The Folly Inn, Whippingham on (Friday October 19).

The night promises superb music from DJ’s The Revolver Jukebox who will be playing everything from The Beatles to Bowie, via Motown, Soul, funk and Northern Soul.

You can request a song for the charitable and very reasonable donation of £1.

Two Folly Inn locals are

running The Great South Run in aid of Cancer Research and Wessex Cancer Trust.

Sarah Jackman Read and Richard May will be receiving your generous donations on the night ahead of their monster 10 mile run on October 21.

If you’re doing something amazing for charity, get in touch by emailing newsdesk@iwobserver. co.uk

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on 01983 216111 Sarah Jackman Read and Richard May

Community News 17

12th October 2018

Show your support for Mountbatten

Cowes RNLI rescue Frenchman A French yachtsman who was badly injured in the choppy and rain-swept Solent on October 6 caused the launching of Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

The alarm was raised by the French crew of the 38foot Canberra Star, reporting that a member had injured his back when the boat was in the Osborne Bay area. The

yacht duly made its way to Trinity Landing, off Cowes Parade, where it was quickly joined by the lifeboat.

Members of the lifeboat crew went aboard to carry out a full assessment of the injured man, found to be wedged in the cockpit.

Then began the timeconsuming process of trying to extract the

injured yachtsman, who had apparently fallen in the galley and was going in and out of consciousness.

Involved in the evacuation were members of the lifeboat and the station’s shore-crew, together with harbour staff and the crew of an ambulance.

Finally, the man, thought to be in his early 40s, was

eventually lifted on to a stretcher-board and carried to a waiting ambulance, which took him to St Mary’s Hospital.

The Canberra Star was on charter from Gosport. The lifeboat returned to station just after 1pm.

Islanders are being urged to get involved with the work of Mountbatten during an annual national campaign to raise awareness of hospice care.

The theme of this year’s Hospice Care Week, which takes place October 8 - 14, is ‘Heart my hospice’.

Organised by national umbrella organisation, Hospice UK, the week is an opportunity to talk about the work hospices do at the heart of their communities.

Mountbatten will be educating people about the care services provided to Islanders and addressing the misconceptions and fears many people have about hospices.

Islanders can get involved during Hospice Care Week by pledging to volunteer, fundraise, take part in an event, visit a Mountbatten shop or make a donation to help Mountbatten continue to provide vital care to our local community.

Support could even be as simple as sharing why you ‘heart’ Mountbatten on social media and using the hashtag #HeartMyHospice to show your involvement.

Among those showing their support is Steve Jones, 55, of

Newport, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 11 years ago. He was recently admitted to St Mary’s Hospital in severe pain.

Steve was later transferred to Mountbatten, where the medical team controlled his symptoms sufficiently well that he could attend his daughter’s wedding.

Steve said: “Everyone knew about the wedding the minute I got here and, although it had nothing to do with my medical treatment, the immediate focus was to get me to the wedding; they knew it was very important to me. That night, for the first night in years, I slept for about ten hours.”

As part of Heart My Hospice week, Mountbatten will be sharing short videos of supporters telling their stories about why hospice care is important to them.

You can view these videos on Mountbatten’s website www.mountbatten.org.uk or via Facebook and Twitter @MountbattenIW Islanders are encouraged to show their support by sharing the videos and telling their own stories about how Mountbatten has been at the heart of their own lives.

18

Letters

12th October 2018

Island Soapbox

'Island schooling is critical for our future generations' Nick Stuart, Island Lib Dems As a former teacher this appalling Christ the King Ofsted report shows a School undermined by poor management, destructive council, and government funding cuts. Who suffered? children, the families, and the Island community.

The new school leadership will reassure parents and the rest of us and I anticipate they are drawing up plans to improve and deliver new channels for concerns. but there are points to make and lessons to be learned.

The report makes shocking reading but unfortunately is no surprise. Bullying in the school and the bad behaviour of a small minority has been evident for several years and was dismissed by previous senior management who denied it was a problem!

The long term funding issues and effective undermining by the current council led to a siege mentality and a complacent approach on results compared to other island schools. Although best in a struggling bunch is no serious accolade. This was the school of choice for many island parents and on incoming pupil levels they should have been doing better.

Teachers and team leaders have been poorly supported, badly led and put under severe strain by the many failings detailed in this report.

But we can’t just blame the school management.

Conservative government funding cuts, and the lack of support and attacks by the Council all damage

our children’s education.

The local Conservatives unrealistic promises of massive improvement in Island schools, and continuing push for a single 6th form centre shows their ideology beats real evidence.

I’d give the national and local Conservatives a Completely Inadequate rating.

Let’s also remind ourselves that Ofsted have admitted their policy focus on academic success to the exclusion of much else was wrong. Not a surprise given Gove’s push to bring back the 1950s so a modern school supporting the rounded pupil and the less academic is hardly recognised. Something the Liberal Democrats have been pointing out for ages.

Ofsted praise of the new senior leadership and new

Economy before environment

No such thing David Millar, Cowes

Tanja Katarina Rebel, Cowes Recently the Isle of Wight Council stated that they strongly oppose a Southampton Clean Air Zone as it would harm tourism and business on the Isle of Wight.

Apart from the bizarre situation where the Island Council seems to think it is OK for polluting vehicles coming to the Island to continue endangering Southampton’s residents’ health, am I right in concluding that the Island Council - despite all the nice words at its Environmental Conference is still putting Economy before Environment?

If not, then I would like to see the following action urgently implemented: 1) A comprehensive Island wide, separate, commutable Cycle Network 2) An Island Clean Air Zone, including car free town centres 3) Chemical and pesticide free + less frequent verge and grass cutting enshrined

in the PFI contract 4) A change to warm (maximum 2700K) lighting across the Island, also enshrined in the contract 5) Declaration of Frack/ Acidation and Drill Free Island 6) Encouragement of local Food Production up to 70% or beyond 7) Encouragement of Hemp growing for plastic, paper, clothes and food as well as house building material.

8) Energy Conservation

and insulation in the form of carbon neutral housing stock with compulsory green roofs and/or solar panels.

The above would show that the Council walks its environmental talk and that it starts putting the Economy in an ecological context, where it belongs.

It would also finally make David Green’s Eco Island Dream come true. We owe it not only to him, but to future generations and non-human beings.

Governors is reassuring and gives Christ the King the chance to build on its real strengths and to support its whole student body. Let’s hope that the current council assist, rather than hide their own failings and undermine the 6th form.

The Liberal Democrats believe that good Island schooling is critical for our future generations, our Island economy, and our community future. This crisis must be used by the Council to bring in all interested parties as a springboard for a new island education approach.

For transparency I have recent and continuing connections to the school.

‘Quite deliberately, misinformed’

Arun Baksi, Ryde

It was good to read the ‘Brexitometer‘ (October 5).

It is worth recalling that all of us were badly, and quite deliberately, misinformed when we were asked to vote in 2016. We now know the truth. Brexit has not been easy as predicted. The NHS will not get £350k per week.

Indeed, the government now refuses to guarantee any further money after Brexit, travelling for all of us will be difficult, more expensive

and involve applications for visas. There are many other more serious consequences that we had not foreseen.

Our politicians too are divided. At the end of the day, when they have had their say, we should be allowed a second vote, a people’s vote. What had prompted the politicians to invite us to vote in the first place? I sincerely hope the IW Observer will keep alive the call for a people’s vote.

In response to Mr Grahame Smith’s unanswered question in the letters of October 5.

The UK transport infrastructure comprises private companies - bus, train, ferries and planes.

As such the IOW ferries are simply part of the system, not outside them. A fixed link would be another part of the same system and would presumably also be privatised. There is no such thing (any longer) as a state run infrastructure.

His question is meaningless.

Letters

12th October 2018

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

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff. They belong to the author and the author alone - Letters must be no longer than 500 words please.

‘90 is the new 70’

Hans Bromwich

As a compassionate Conservative I look on with increasing dismay. Many of my younger friends tell me they believe my Party, ‘The Party for Business’, sees the electorate as a commodity, to exploit within a low wage economy and then discard when it becomes unproductive, or needy.

Frankly, I find this opinion a little disingenuous.

Up until recently fiscal policies were predicated on the assumption life expectancy would be three score years and ten. Now, 90 is the new 70. This places’s a huge monetary burden on both our NHS and State Pension.

In many cultures it is family who look after their elderly, not the State. Are we all expecting way too much from our NHS and Social Services?

It must seem to many that St Mary’s, our only hospital on the island, has thrown in the towel. Many services are either being downgraded or transferred to the Private Sector.

We are seeing increasing numbers of patients being referred to the Mainland for treatment, closure of Wards, hospital bed reduction, elderly patients unable to be discharged vilified and demonised as ‘bed blockers’, Elective Surgeries cancelled, appointments rescheduled, and now we are informed medical staff will be screening the public at the front entrance of A&E, turning away many seeking treatment. Yet, there is still plenty of money for new senior managerial posts, a ‘Deputy’ Director of Human Resources, and a ‘Deputy’ Director of Acute Care.

Running parallel with all this is Mountbatten, which recently dropped the word ‘Hospice’ from its title, and intends providing care for the elderly and terminally ill in their own homes.

Is hospital based treatment effectively being withdrawn for our elderly in favour of a soft form of assisted dying?

Will there be a cut off point, or age, when hospital treatment will be denied?

Will hospital treatment for our elderly become dependent on the ability to pay privately?

As IW NHS Trust Executives ratchet up and implement the vision of their paymasters, are we heading towards an NHS that is effectively an NHS in name only? Is this a good thing and in keeping with the electorates wishes?

Frack Free fires back

By Sylvia May - frackfreeisleofwight.org In response to Roy Rigby’s letter headlined ‘God Help our hapless descendents if the NIMBYs get their way’.

First some assurance contrary to Mr Rigby’s belief that we are NIMBYs or “People who think little further than the mental boundaries set by their own narrow experiences and beliefs which are often based on hearsay and on what has recently become known as ‘fake news’.”

Frack Free Isle of Wight are a group of over 2000 individuals, many of whom have dedicated thousands of hours researching the subject and networking locally, nationally and globally with other groups and individuals, scientists, politicians, people with experience of working in the industry or living with the effects of it.

It is worrying that local people engaging with the democratic process seems to have caused Mr Rigby more distress than corporate and vested interests influencing national policy, however our demonstration was to raise awareness of the current government consultation on Permitted Development for Shale Gas Exploration

which was on the agenda for the IW Council meeting that evening. If we alerted Mr Rigby to the consultation we succeeded, but we do not claim to have influenced the decision.

We hope to allay at least some of Mr Rigby’s fears for our ‘hapless descendants if we don’t frack and blindly continue to be reliant on Mr Putin’, so he can enjoy many happy years to come.

Mr Rigby is not alone having those fears, understandably as we are so bombarded with government rhetoric and media bias designed for that very purpose. So let’s dispel a few common myths with some facts.

We are NOT reliant on Russia for gas. Of UK gas imports, well over half is piped from Norway, entirely independent of Russian supply. Around 17% is shipped in LNG, mostly from Qatar.

Remaining imports come via The Netherlands and Belgium pipelines so whilst Russia supplies around 36% of total European demand, the total estimated amount of UK gas from Russia is 1%.

Fracking would NOT make us self reliant for gas. It’s

widely acknowledged the UK’s unstable geology and lack of vast unpopulated areas cannot replicate the US shale boom. Hypothetically (but unrealistically) 1.1 wells would need to be drilled and fracked every single day between 2021 to 2035 to replace even half of imports for that period.

The government admitted last year that their previous estimate of 150 wells by 2020 was outdated. (They haven’t successfully fracked one yet.) Too little, too late and completely unnecessary.

We do NOT need it. Jerome

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Ferrier, President of the International Gas Union at the World Gas Conference in Paris 2015 said it was a pity not to explore the possibility of shale development, but the future of gas does not depend on shale gas, there is enough conventional gas to meet demand for more than a century.

Viable alternatives HAVE already been suggested.

(CEID)/(UKERC) policy briefing ‘Unlocking Britain’s First Fuel’ sets out how investing in energy efficiency in homes can be cost effective and play a key

role in delivering energy affordability, sustainability and security.

Imagine what could be achieved if instead of wasting time, energy and resources on clinging on to what is by anyone’s standards a dying industry, the government implemented true energy security by supporting and investing in clean, sustainable renewables, energy efficiency, updated energy infrastructure and storage.

We should demand nothing less for our descendants.

Brading shares his view Cllr Paul Brading

Like many in the Island community, I was deeply disappointed by Christ the King College’s Ofsted report last week.

The school has been high performing for a long time, with results above the national average, so therefore students have always benefited from good quality education.

This strong performance has also been delivered over a sustained period of years.

It must be stressed that the new interim principal and new chair of governors, who had only been in post just weeks before the Ofsted inspection took place, are already doing an impressive job of turning the school around and addressing the issues they inherited. The council also continues to give the school all the support it needs. However, one thing really saddened me when reading the IW Observer and that was Vix Lowthion's comments about the school.

She jumped on the report to shamelessly use the students as political footballs for a cheap shot, which considering that she’s a teacher is frankly appalling.

I have said numerous times that the best education for our young people is my absolute driving force, and young people should not be used politically. I hope Vix reflects on this.

I’m very confident that Christ the King will be rated as a ‘good’ school again in the near future, and as a council we still remain firmly committed to getting all schools rated good or better

by Ofsted by 2021.

The writing is on the wall in Yarmouth 20

Lifestyle

12th October 2018

Are you streetwise? Do you take note of what may appear to be mundane but holds fascinating secrets? IW Observer looks at signs of past times in Yarmouth Familiarity breeds contempt and everyday objects can pass us by without a passing thought.

High on any list of ubiquitous objects that don’t warrant a second glance is the assorted street furniture that populates most towns nationwide and, indeed, here on the Island.

Street furniture includes run-of-the-mill items such as benches, traffic barriers, bollards, post boxes, phone boxes, streetlamps, traffic lights, traffic signs, bus stops, public lavatories, fountains, public sculptures and waste bins. Most, let’s be frank, rarely warrant further inspection.

In addition, there are advertising hoardings – often ugly, overblown affairs, apparently, gathered up in the modern collective description of OOH or outof-home media, to give it its Sunday name. They can be huge posters on the gable ends of houses; massive timber hoardings propped up on the edges of fields or illuminated backdrops in bus stop shelters.

But in Yarmouth, there are two fabulous examples of OOH (not that such a description had been coined when this pair first appeared) that are not only worthy of a second glance but much, much closer inspection.

Both companies advertised here have long gone they won’t be plying their wares anywhere in Yarmouth or the West Wight. And anyone trying to call the phone numbers displayed will not get very far.

There, on the Pier Street wall of The George Hotel, are two concrete panels with chamfered corners extolling – on the left - the virtues of A. Cooper, of High Street, Freshwater. It advertises “charabanc tours daily” plus “cars and carriages of high quality”.

And there are signs of diversification as the advert also boasts “saddle horses for hire” and “funeral

equipment”.

And although the contact is surely worthless, in these days when everyone is required to memorise countless passwords, codes or numbers, A.Cooper’s advertisement simply suggests anyone responding should “Phone 32”. Imagine it, a phone network so tightknit and exclusive that only two-digit numbers were required.

To the right is the second advertisement. This one is for “James Blake & Co”, apparently established back in 1790. Blake, at this time, was a coal merchant based at The Quay, Yarmouth, and with two other depots at

Yarmouth and Freshwater railway stations.

The sign advertises “Best Durham Wallsend Coals” –

odd as Durham is in County Durham and Wallsend some 20 miles away in Northumberland – plus “Best

Lifestyle

12th October 2018

Household Coals – Kitchen Coals” and “Steam Coals, Briquettes, Coke, Firewood”.

If that were not enough, Blake & Co offered “Francis Portland Cement”.

If all that info was not enough, passers by checking out this sign are invited to “Phone 20”.

Simpler days. Wonderful days, no doubt, but these signs are living history of a slice of Island life largely forgotten.

So who were James Blake and Co and A. Cooper?

Cooper’s charabanc operation sprang out of mounting competition to offer carriage or transport in the West Wight early in the 20th century.

Alfred Cooper was a Royal Mail contractor and ran his business from High Street in Freshwater.

He was industrious and eventually

took over contracts to meet the railways’ boats at Yarmouth Pier and also at Freshwater railway station.

He initially ran horse-drawn buses from Yarmouth to Totland and Alum Bays, with another service connecting Freshwater Station with Freshwater Bay, for railway company passengers holding through tickets.

All this was done with horse-drawn conveyances until 1920.

In that year, Frederick Pink and his brother Arthur arrived in Totland from the Hampshire/Surrey borders with their 14-seater Ford motor bus and decided to set up in competition, running over the same routes as Cooper but without the benefit of the through booked ferry passengers.

This forced Alfred Cooper to modernise and within a short time motor vehicles

were required to meet the competition.

Coopers are believed to have also run a Saturday evening service to Newport for shoppers, taking advantage of late opening and discounted prices offered

by butchers and grocers on their perishable stock before closing on Sundays.

The catalyst for Blake’s operation as a coal merchant in the West Wight seems to have been an agreement sealed on October 10, 1899

- held by the County Record Office, Newport - between James Blake, merchant of Yarmouth, and Alan Bradbury, coal merchant of Southampton. This was for “the lease of a further part of Yarmouth Mill for six months and for the purchase of the stock in trade of the mill”.

James Blake’s company appears to have been the owner of the Yarmouth Mill, known also as the Tide Mill, for some time around the turn of the century. The adjacent gas works had been built in 1859. A further document dated March 19, 1900, concerns the transfer of the legal estate, including the mill, mortgaged by James Blake for £1,641.

In the 1901 census the mill is shown as unoccupied.

But earlier, back in 1875, a history of Yarmouth

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records that Mr. J. Blake, the miller, “entertained his workmen and their wives in his commodious steam mill.” Steam power had been introduced to supplement the tidal stream and the mill was then still working.

It was unoccupied by the time of the 1901 census and by then, it seems, Blake was embracing the 20th century and coal.

So, next time you park up outside the The Bugle, in Pier Street, and wander towards The George or Gossips Café, take a look at the OOH on the wall. Conjure up the ghosts of Messrs Blake and Cooper.

They are most certainly worth a second glance. Just don’t try to get them on the telephone.

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Entertainment

12th October 2018

Lukes

LIVE & LOCAL

Friday (October 12) marks the highly-anticipated new single release from local indie-pop artist Lauran Hibberd, What Do Girls Want? It’s been a while since the triumphant release of her previous single, Call Shotgun, so it will be interesting to see how this latest playful masterpiece performs on the streaming sites.

Speaking about the new single, Hibberd explained: “For me, What Do Girls Want? is a good punch to the mouth. It’s sarcastic, and bleakly honest. It highlights what it feels like to be young, and obsesses over the ideas that come with being just that.”

Away from new music releases, there’s plenty of live music offerings on the Island this weekend, with many tying in with the Classic Beer and Buses Weekend. Performing at the Quay Arts Centre on Saturday (October 13), is father and son Irish-folk duo Toototalers, comprised of Donal and Charlie O’Riain. Providing an authentic Irish musical experience, the duo are the perfect accompaniment to the real ales offered by Quay Arts over the weekend.

Although not associated with Beer and Buses, another decent, and somewhat different, musical offering

this weekend is Westival of the Dead at Strings Bar on Saturday (October 13).

Raising money for Cancer Research UK, the big kneesup will feature top quality dance entertainment in the form of DJ’s Miles Metric and Rumpsteppers, as well as local outfit Blonde Bombshell. It’s always a busy affair this one, so buying tickets in advance from Visual Impact for £10 is advised.

Following a sell out start to their season last month, West Wight Arts Association return to Freshwater Memorial Hall on Saturday (October 13), this time hosting internationallyacclaimed pianist Ke Ma. Born in 1994, Ke is currently

studying at the Royal Academy of Music with Professor Christopher Elton for a Masters degree. Most recently, Ke won the first prize in the 18th Concours International de Piano de la ville de Maisons-Laffitte, in France.

She will play Beethoven’s last Piano Sonata Op.111 and two Etudes by Debussy, which will be followed by Brahms’ Paganini Variations.

The second half will start with Lili Boulanger’s Three Piano Pieces and the concert will end with Chopin 24 Preludes op.28. This is sure to be a breathtaking spectacle and tickets can be purchased in advance from Totland Parish Office by contacting 756028.

Heave Ho Me Hearties!

Lauran Hibberd

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: Tribe come to Medina

It is a weekend to savour the salt sea air, fill your lungs with O-zone and join in a hearty sing song when Songs of the Sea sails into Ventnor on Saturday Sunday October (20-21). The Boathouse at the Spyglass Inn is decorated with sailing-related memorabilia which give just the right atmosphere to this event. Two days of live music feature a selection of local

bands and singers.

Saturday's headline act is The Crew. They are a popular group of performers with a jolly, tuneful singalong set and more than a touch of theatrical fun.

On Sunday, the top spot is claimed by The Dance Preachers.

Their highenergy, toe-tapping, rootsy music with folk and blues influences comes from a

wide variety of instruments.

The Songs of the Sea line-up announced so far includes traditional shanties and songs about Island history from Guith. Ben and Mark Hickman add Irish flavour and Abacus bring an American-themed act.

However, if the music does not float your boat, the pub also promises a special beer festival!

Indian Dance rarity

This autumn, the UK’s original touring taiko Tribe comes to the Medina Theatre with a brand new show of skill, stamina & red-hot rhythms to stir your soul!

As Mugenkyo approach their 25th year as Europe’s

longest established taiko organisation, they celebrate the growth of their Tribe of performers from across the globe, with the latest captivating performance of sharp synchronisation, dramatic choreography and

sumptuous soundscapes, all wrapped up in a breathtaking display of high energy and powerful rhythms on huge taiko drums. November 7, 7.30pm Isle of Wight Medina Theatre

An Indian Classical Dance performance by the Living Legend of India Padma Bhushan Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and her disciples will take place on Sunday (October 28) at 11am in Wootton Bridge Community Hall.

It is a very rare and unique opportunity for an Isle of Wight audience to witness the performance by the most prominent Guru and dancer of India coming especially to the Island. More information about Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan is available on www.sarojavaidyanathan. net.

Entertainment

12th October 2018

All aboard for a weekend of beer and buses The fifth Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend takes place this weekend and once again it is keenly anticipated.

A collaboration between the Island’s branch of CAMRA and the Isle of Wight Bus Museum, the event will be supported by more than 100 classic buses and coaches.

This year, over 90 pubs, clubs and other licensed premises are participating.

No less than 19 special bus services will be operating over the weekend, using classic buses spanning more than half a century in terms of age. The buses will operate from the Bus Museum in Ryde and Newport Quay, linking as many real ale pubs as possible.

The services also offer options for those who like

to walk, using the island’s network of footpaths. Last year’s event attracted over 12,000 visitors, with large numbers of people from the mainland joining island residents.

Now an established and significant event in the Island’s tourism calendar, it is only possible because of the substantial input of volunteers.

The preserved buses and coaches coming from the mainland do so at the owners’ expense, with some travelling considerable distances.

The Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA was one of the earliest to be formed and its members provide vital voluntary support to the bus services by acting as marshals and information

points. No fares are charged on the special bus services, but users are encouraged to purchase a timetable and guide for £7, the presentation of which will attract discounts or special offers at some participating venues.

All of the proceeds go towards the upkeep of the museum and its expanding collection of vehicles.

Further information can be found on the dedicated website at www. iwbeerandbuses.co.uk.

Shanklin celebrates a decade since saviour Shanklin Theatre celebrated its 10th Anniversary of saving the theatre from closure and possible demolition on October 2.

This milestone celebration marked a decade since a small band of dedicated volunteers saved Shanklin Theatre from closure. Since then, the theatre has grown exponentially, and is now fully recognised as a major venue on the UK touring circuit. The theatre also supports many local dance, drama and music groups from across the Isle of Wight.

This includes the Island Savoyards, First Act, the

Pepperpot Players, Spotlight IOW and the Footsteps Dance Studio; all were proudly invited to perform at this special and unique nonprofit show.

The performances on the evening ranged from, ‘A Ruff Guide to Macbeth’ humorously performed

by First Act, ‘Putting on the Glitz’ from the superb Footsteps Dance Studio, and the Island Savoyards treating us to some great ‘Favourite Musical Moments’.

The Pepperpot Players delighted the audience with a hilarious rendition during their performance entitled ‘If I

was not Upon the Stage’ (balls to you Sir!).

The penultimate performance of the evening came from Spotlight IOW, entitled ‘Songs from the Shows’, this included a spine chilling and exceptional vocal performance adaptation of the song ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ from the musical originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. All groups performed magnificently and with eloquence to a full and sold out house.

The audience was also gifted with various messages of support and

congratulations from past performing artists that have donned the theatre’s stage, these included; Jimmy Osmond, Danny Baker, Jimmy Jemain, Joe Pasquale and John Suchet. Theatre Patron Raymond Allen delighted us with hilarious outtakes of his attempt to give a sincere message of appreciation, only to be distracted by a boxing puppet under the control of a certain Mr Pasquale!

The theatre thanks everyone for their continued support.

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Entertainment

12th October 2018

Spot the differences

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures from Cowes vs Christchurch Football Match?

Your weekly horoscope with Russell Grant ARIES

(March 21st - April 20th)

There are dozens of things for you to do and you will cram as much as possible into your days. You want to do it all yourself but you will learn too through observing other people’s methods and listening to advice from those who are more experienced. A chance to improve your professional prospects may come your way soon and this could involve an educational or training course. Meetings and appointments will go a lot better than expected so long as you are well prepared.

TAURUS

(April 21st - May 21st) A perfect relationship is something you might often dream about but the reality is that most partnerships and friendships aren’t likely to meet our high expectations. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and since no one is perfect, there are going to be highs and lows. Any attempts made to improve your lifestyle are likely to meet with success. Somehow you will find the stamina to keep going and you will achieve the outcome you are secretly hoping for.

GEMINI

(May 22nd - June 21st)

It might look as if you have exhausted all possibilities of a joint project but look again. Turn to something else and when you return, you will see it from a different perspective. This will give you extra mileage out of past joint efforts and new rewards from this partnership. You’re in touch with your spiritual side when dreams, heightened sensitivity or a feeling of dejavu makes you more aware of your intuition. Trust your instincts, particularly regarding your work.

CANCER

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

Colleagues are helpful and friendly. Someone will offer to do you a favour without you even having to ask.

Make the most of this sociable mood by mixing and mingling with people from other departments. It will be good for you to know what is going on elsewhere.

A housemate will be slightly touchy but you can’t have it all. A decision you make could cause a rift in the family but eventually others will understand your reasoning. So remember: any conflict in the home will be temporary.

LEO

(July 24th - August 23rd)

A big party will be lots of fun and will attract romantic interest.

Cupid is working hard both on and off stage and it will be right there where a romance of substance is in the making.

Confessing your feelings will trigger a passionate response. A neighbour or workmate will show interest in something you are working on and this could lead to a new joint commitment.

Two heads are better than one and you will feel lucky you have each other to rely upon.

VIRGO

(August 24th - September 23rd)

Someone you’re working with is too quick to jump to conclusions and their biased opinions are starting to annoy you. Their unwillingness to compromise could cause problems in the workplace. Don’t get drawn into a row. You could do with some time away from it all. A close relationship is on your mind and you need to give special consideration to changes you are thinking of making. Once you have decided what you want to do, you can discuss your thoughts with others.

LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd) You’re planning well into the future and you’re excited about ideas you have come up with. Discuss your thoughts with your partner. Taking their views into consideration will go a long way towards achieving romantic happiness. A skill you use in your job needs updating. You might be asked to enrol on a training course or to repeat a learning program to gain updated certificates. Keep your frustration under wraps if you feel this will be a waste of your valuable time.

SCORPIO

(October 24th - November 22nd) You aren’t sure about where you are going next and this makes you anxious. A work situation feels unsettled and there is talk of reduced hours or redundancies. Whatever the issue, there will be some good opportunities ahead. Someone will apologise after a recent argument. You might forgive them for hurting you but you will never forget their words. You have learned something from this experience and will feel more aware, too, of the impact of your own behaviour.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23rd - December 21st) Be certain to follow through on commitments and promises. If you are making plans with a Taurus or Capricorn, they will take joint responsibilities very seriously. This person will be good at sticking to a schedule but this shouldn’t mean they are left to do all the work. Stepping into new areas will be quite unnerving but you can count on your Guardian Angel to lead the way. It won’t take long before you get accustomed to new situations.

Excitement is in the air.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th) Your best friend is taking it for granted that you will go along with their ideas. You feel they are presuming too much but are you getting hold of the wrong end of the stick? If you rarely push yourself forward, what else can they do? Why don’t you make some arrangements for a change? Whenever you start wondering whether you made the right choices, stop and listen to your inner voice. You will know instinctively that what is happening now is important for your future.

AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th)

You might get the impression someone is hiding something from you.

If you feel they haven’t been honest about an aspect of their past, do you really want to know the truth? It’s up to you to decide whether or not to ask more questions. You’re doing your best to reach a personal goal. Criticism from someone whose backing you had been hoping to receive isn’t helping. You will fare better by keeping out of this person’s way and working on your own.

PISCES

(February 20th - March 20th)

You should take advantage of an unexpected opportunity. At the same time, this may mean postponing arrangements you had made with friends. If you feel you are letting someone down, explain your reasons.

They will understand why you need to rearrange your priorities. Friendships and work relationships are getting better and better. You will never underestimate the importance of good social connections.

Russell John Dammerall Grant (born 5 February 1951) is a British astrologer and media personality. He has written several books on astrology, provides syndicated newspaper horoscopes and operates premium rate astrology phone lines.

In March 2010, he began offering a “Pet Psychic” service. He is also the author of The Real Counties of Britain, and founded the Association of British Counties in 1989. In recent years, Grant has participated in the ninth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and Celebrity MasterChef in 2014.

Entertainment

12th October 2018

What’s on at the Cinema

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This weeks films at The Commodore in Ryde - Call:01983 564064 - leoleisurecommodore.co.uk/ryde

Ryan Gosling

First Man 12A - 2h 21mins

On the heels of their six-time Academy Award®-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar®winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures’ First Man, the

riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, firstperson account, based on the book by James R. Hansen,

Small Foot U - 96mins An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, Smallfoot turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist - a human. News of this Smallfoot throws the simple Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in an all new story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.

the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost on Armstrong and on the nation of one of the most dangerous missions in history.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween

Johnny English Strikes Again

PG - 90mins

PG - 1h28mins

While collecting junk one day, best friends Sonny and Sam meet Slappy, a mischievous talking dummy from an unpublished “Goosebumps” book by R.L. Stine. Hoping to start his own family, Slappy kidnaps Sonny’s mother and brings all of his ghoulish friends back to life, just in time for Halloween.

Rowan Atkinson returns as the much-loved accidental secret agent in Johnny English Strikes Again. When a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, the country’s only hope is called out of retirement. English’s new mission is his most critical to date: Dive head first into action to find the mastermind hacker.

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Entertainment

For last weeks Puzzle answers, scan the QR Code or visit iwobserver.co.uk

12th October 2018

Happy Hour

Long Island NOW OPEN!

A bottle of Prosecco 15.00 or any bottle beer 2.75 *6.00 cocktails for 5.00 WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 5-7PM

OUR AUTUMN OFFERS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT IS BURGER NIGHT

BuyIncludes onestealth of our tasty burgers, get one free! fries and slaw This offer applies to all burgers purchased on Wednesdays only.

Offer expires 31st October 2018 - Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer

Ian Jackman Read Everything about Long Island is beyond good, food, atmosphere, music, staff, cocktails etc etc etc...had the best steak I’ve ever eaten. Can’t wait to go back again and will spread the word, soon to be the hippest place on the Island 11/10

THURSDAY NIGHT IS DESSERT NIGHT Buy a main meal and get one dessert free!

Offer does not include Frozen Mountain - This offer applies to Thursday evenings only.

Expires 25th October 2018 - Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer

Katie Bartlett Amazing food, amazing service, couldn’t fault a thing. Best ribs ever! Will be back to try the rest of the menu.

FRIDAY NIGHT IS RIBS ‘n’ BEER NIGHT Full rack of ribs and a bottled beer £13 Offer includes either one bottle of beer or one glass of house wine (125ml) - This offer applies to Friday evenings only.

Expires 26th October 2018. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer

Joy Bruce Another great food we had last night full rack of ribs & burgers and a few cocktails and we had a great service with their lovely staff. Well recommended!

Katie Johnson Was super excited to try this place out after seeing the menu. Lived up to all expectations and more...homemade coleslaw...amazing burger and the best fries ever....topped off by a free pudding!! Be sure to check out their deals through October!!! Highly recommended and can’t wait to come back in a few weeks.

Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 5pm to 11pm - Saturday Midday to 11pm

longislandiow 24 Holyrood Street, Newport, IW

longislanddining.co.uk - Tel: 01983 716281

(Opposite Visual Impact above Newport Ale House)

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Lifestyle

12th October 2018

In the Garden with Tony Ridd

Not just a hedge

Native hedgerows in our countryside are possibly one of the most valuable landscape and wildlife features that we have today.

Not only do they help define our patchwork field system, they more importantly provide food, cover and shelter for a near infinite number of animals and plants, as well as the occasional harvest to assist in the production of sloe gin and elderberry wine.

We pretty much take hedgerows for granted nowadays, especially as there are more economic ways of defining a boundary and retaining livestock such as wooden fencing and barbed wire.

Throughout the Island you can see many wonderfully shaped hedges due to the harsh coastal conditions.You will often see damaged and broken fences after a strong

wind but I’ve yet to see a blown down hedge.

Our hedge history goes back many centuries and over the years the hedge has established itself as an important food source for an abundance of animals, and habitat for wild flowers.

The hedge sparrow, hedgehog and hedge garlic are all named through their association with the hedge.

The majority of our Island hedges are made up predominately of hawthorn and blackthorn. They may have a scattering of other species that have arrived naturally when birds or animals drop the seed when feeding.

Preparing the ground for a new hedge is important, as established grasses are the main inhibitor of early growth. Over the years we have planted many miles of hedges across the Island

and we like to prepare the ground by either spraying off the grass with a glysophate based chemical or removing the turf before planting. A young hedge plant is called a ‘whip’ and looks just like a stick with a few roots at one end. We recommend planting a double staggered row of five whips per metre.

Why wait hundreds of years for a mixed hedge, when you can plant one straight away?

Depending on location, soil and type of hedge required, we suggest 80% is made up of hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple or a mix of all three. The balance being dogwood, spindleberry, guelder rose, hazel and crab apple. I like to see hedgerow trees and the occasional oak, ash, horse chestnut or sweet chestnut could be planted every 20-30 metres to offer shade or shelter in years to come. Livestock may be

a consideration and some horse owners prefer to leave out the more poisonous berried plants.

Protection against rabbits and in some cases hares is vital, which is why we see rows of plastic spiral guards supported by bamboo canes, not the most attractive countryside feature but essential all the same.

The hard work isn’t over yet. Your new hedge must be nurtured for at least the next three years.

Mulching is best, but if this is not possible or cost effective, spraying at least once a year and light pruning to encourage growth is essential.

Flowers and creepers will enhance the appearance and it won’t take long before you have created a landscape masterpiece.

Lifestyle

12th October 2018

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Enjoy the autumn colours on the invigorating Downs Walk

Even at this time of year, when the nights are drawing in, and there is that familiar autumn chill in the air, there are still so many walks to enjoy across the Isle of Wight This week, in association with the National Trust, the IW Observer spotlights a walk that is already popular with many but remains unseen by many others, the Ventnor Downs walk.

Luccombe and the Landslip in October allows you to enjoy the autumn colours of heather and bracken on this invigorating walk in the south of the Island, with splendid far-reaching views to Culver Downs in the east.

Isle of Wight Countryside Manager, Robin Lang, said: “If you fancy a jolly good walk, head for the Ventnor Downs. I love the colour of bracken as it changes to russet, contrasting with the rich dark brown of the heather, and on sunny days this is set against blue sea and sky with wonderful views out to the multicoloured Culver cliffs.

“Many birds migrate over the downs, heading south to warmer climes. It’s always wonderful seeing the last silent swallows of summer, knowing they will return the following spring with their lively chatter. I love looking out for autumn migrants like cliffchaffs and flycatchers.

But as autumn progresses there’s still the chance of spotting the rare Dartford warbler on top of gorse bushes, as this is one of our wintering birds. And there’s never more thrilling a sight than soaring buzzards and hearing the noble ‘cronk’ of the raven.”

To begin the walk head to

Luccombe Down car park at the end of Down Road Ventnor, grid ref: SZ573787.

Start from the bench and National Trust plinth just beyond the car park. Turn right for 20 yards, then bear left along the top of the ridge. Start to descend and pass through trees. Go through the memorial gate by the interpretation panel and go down the steep and grassy Nansen Hill to the gate onto the main road.

Cross the road and take path V65 towards the back right of the car park by the interpretation panel. When you reach a wall turn right.

Do not descend, but keep to the immediate right of the wall and bearing left at a fork.

The path crosses the lower end of the Smugglers Haven tea-rooms, then returns to the wall.

Follow the wall past a stone shelter, then take the steep steps downwards through the Devils Chimney, a narrow cleft in the cliff. Bear right and continue down two more flights of steps to the remains of a seat. Bear left and up four steps then down many more to reach the coastal path. Handrails are provided where the steps are steepest.

Bear left and follow the twisty path through The Landslip, following the coastal path signs where there is a fork. Soon after a kissing gate you reach Rosecliff Lodge.

Carry straight on the track, ignoring all left turns, and

follow the coastal path past a few houses in Luccombe, eventually reaching a tarmac road after passing more houses and going through a garden and a gate.

Turn right and cross the stile 65 yards after the big house to visit the Haddon’s Pits interpretation panel.

Follow a meandering path parallel to the road through this open area, rejoining the road at the stile at the top left corner. Turn right and follow

the road downwards towards Shanklin. Turn left into Priory Road opposite a large white block of apartments, known as The Reach.

After 165 yards take footpath SS91 on the left into Vaughan Way. Follow the road into the estate, and after a left hand bend follow the grassy track to its end at the main road. Cross the main road with care and pass through the lych gate of St Blasius church signposted SS10. Take the tarmac path to the left of the church and cross over the boundary wall.

Continue over two fields and three memorial gates to reach some trees. Climbing all the time, more steeply and with some steps past Holme Copse, cross a stile by a gate, and finally another stile leading into a meadow.

Turn sharp left keeping the fence on your left, pass through a gap at the lower end of the crossing fence and then head diagonally right

Turn left onto the crossing track, and pass through two gates to reach the Luccombe Down interpretation panel

up the hill to the trig point.

There are fine west-east views from Tennyson Down to Culver Down. Continue onwards crossing a pair of stiles in the hedge in front.

Follow the wide ridge-top track. When the main track starts to bend right towards the radar station, take the smaller left track to return to the car park.

Clockwise from top: Looking down the path towards the Tennyson Monument, A Raven, A Buzzard and the view from Luccombe Down Photos: National Trust

30

Services

12th October 2018

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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.

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31

Employers uncover the worst questions to ask in a job interview A national survey of 2600 employers and prospective candidates uncovers the top five questions NOT to ask at your next job interview.

A national survey of 2600 employers and prospective candidates uncovers the top five questions NOT to ask at your next job interview.

Right up there with going to the dentist and sitting an exam has to be the great tradition of going for a job interview.

You sit there, and are asked probing questions by someone you’ve never met, trying hard to impress them and make them think you’re the perfect person for the job, while hoping they haven’t noticed how sweaty your armpits are.

But if you are one of those unfortunate candidates who never quite manages to get that elusive job offer, you probably wonder what it is you could be doing wrong?

Video interview company Shortlister carried out a national survey of 2600 employers and prospective candidates. They found that Brits said they spent around 30 minutes on average researching a company before an interview, and 38.4% of potential employees say they often forget some of the questions they want to ask in an interview.

Adding to this, employers were quizzed as to the worst

questions candidates could ask in an interview. Over a quarter of employers said that they would be put off by a candidate during an interview if they asked an inappropriate question. The survey uncovered the five worst questions you can ask, according to employers: “How many sick days do I get?” Which, frankly, smacks of a candidate wanting to skive off.

“Can I work from home?”

This question may give employers the impression the candidate isn’t totally committed to the job.

“Will I have to work overtime?”

Could come across like an unwillingness to have to do so.

“What is the salary?” Is a classic that some may assume is necessary to ask but can seem like too much emphasis is being placed on your earnings.

“What does your company do?” Is a dead giveaway that the interviewee hasn’t done their research for the role.

On the other hand, job seekers who do their research and asked the right questions at interview found many employers failed to provide feedback on how they did.

Feedback from a company

after they’ve interviewed a candidate isn’t necessarily a priority, or even a given - but you should always ask, this way you’ll know where you went wrong, or what you did well.

A recent study by Virgin Media showed that unhappy, rejected candidates would actually go as far as to cancel their service with the company.

They found that 18% of their rejected candidates were Virgin Media customers. Not only would they cancel their own service, they would go on to communicate their bad experience to others.

The result was a potential loss of millions of pounds of revenue*.

The job seekers were also surveyed by industry, to find out which one is worst at providing feedback. The worst performing was the retail industry, where over half of candidates reported not getting any feedback following an unsuccessful application.

The most considerate industry is the legal sector, where only 10% of applicants never received any feedback.

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32

IW Jobfinder

12th October 2018

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216111 CUSTOMER SERVICES

COORDINATOR Required to join Kingswood Activity Centre in Bembridge.

jobs.kingswood @inspiring-learning.com

THE CEDARS Wootton Bridge ------------------BAR PERSON -------------------

Permanent Position Experience Preferred

Please call in for more information

LOOKING FOR WORK? UPLOAD CVS, BROWSE JOBS & GET MAIL ALERTS - FREE! VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK

12th October 2018

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Oliver Minshull is the brewery representative for Island Ales, we spoke to him about his role Company: Island Ales Role: brewery representative

IW Jobfinder

33

IWJOBFINDER Christmas Help Needed

Oh So Cherished has been manufacturing personalised gifts for the past 12 years. As a busy team of 13 we pride ourselves on creating and delivering innovative and quirky gifts for special occasions, we love to inspire gift giving. We are currently looking for staff to support our full-time team with our seasonal increase of orders.

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Permanent

When did you join the team?

I always wanted to work in the family business, but I officially joined back in 2011.

This role will cover a variety of disciplines, from site management to staffing, procurement and quality control.

Due to the diversity required for this role, we are seeking an individual with experience of running more than one function in their previous management roles, someone who can proactively identify operational issues across the company and then work swiftly and efficiently to resolve problems.

I really enjoy meeting new people and building long term relationships.

We work with a really diverse group of clients, getting to know them is really rewarding.

CARE ASSISTANT: Totland

What does your How have you working day look progressed in like? your career?

In terms of professional training, while I’ve been at Island Ales, I have gained my level 1 and level 2 qualifications in wine and spirits. In terms of experience, I have been instrumental in expanding Island Ales business across the south coast.

What are the challenges of working in your role?

It can be challenging keeping up to date with all the changes in the industry and staying on top of new trends and fashions within the drinks business, but that’s what makes it interesting.

We have a highly professional, caring team already in place, and we are now looking for an additional Care Assistant to join us in providing exceptional care throughout the home.

It is our aspiration to provide homes where staff can feel pride in their work and service users can receive a holistic approach to their care with the highest possible standards.

No day is ever the same, some days have early starts and some days have late finishes, you have to be flexible to be a rep in this industry.

Red Funnel Customer Advisor

Are you looking for a customer services role where no two days are the same, where you have the opportunity to ‘wow’ customers though sharing your passion, enthusiasm and drive for delivering excellent customer service with millions of customers every year

What other skills do you need to succeed in your industry?

Architectural Technologist

We have an incredible opportunity for a skilled Technician or Technologist to join this busy, well established and respected practice on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Offering an enviable work life balance, this role will allow the successful applicant to work across local and national projects with a focus on bespoke, private residential developments.

You need to be a ‘people person’, be willing to talk to anyone and you need to be resilient, being able to accept that there will be good days and bad.

It’s important to stay motivated.

What advice do you have for anyone looking for work right What do you love now? most about your Be honest about yourself, job? be willing to step out of

for more information on these island job vacancies please visit our website

www.iwjobfinder.co.uk Oliver Minshull is the Brewery Representative for Island Ales

your comfort zone.

Driver/Warehouse Assistant

Solent Beds is currently recruiting for a Driver/Warehouse Assistant at our Lake Warehouse We are a small team, so you need to be reliable, flexible and a fitting team member.

The work involves heavy lifting, so you should be physically fit. A full and clean driving licence is required and you should have experience in driving a large van.

Tasks include:

Picking and packing of orders Dispatching of orders Warehouse organisation Quality control Excellent communication skills

Please email your C.V and a covering letter to david.sparkes@solentbeds.co.uk

Have you got initiate?

A sense of humour?

Good at multi-tasking?

If you said yes to all three…… then give us a call or drop me a line

01983 524058 or lfraser@actioniw.org.uk

We are looking for part time and casual team members – working in the heart of Newport & to work in Godshill Post Office and Store

EMPLOYER OR AGENT? POST YOUR JOB ONLINE & YOU COULD FEATURE HERE! VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK

34

Sport

12th October 2018

Sport Observer

roundup

Pair from Ryde beat Ryde pair!

A pair of Ryde golfers won the Isle of Wight Golf Union foursomes by beating a Ryde pair, and all at Ryde Golf Club!

Mark Johnson and Steve Tutt were victorious, beating the father and son pairing of Calum and Tom McInnes 2&1.

Perfect conditions saw a closely contested match, with neither team taking any more than a one hole lead. That was the story right up to the 14th hole, then Johnson made easy par but Calum missed par to put Tutt and Johnson one up.

Initial conservative tee shots on the 15th brought the best out of Tom, who took on the big hit and cleared all trees, just falling short of 15th green.

A delicate second saw the ball roll beyond the hole, leaving a difficult uphill putt, but he made an easy par. A sand shot recovery to two feet saw Johnson maintain the one hole lead going to 16. With pressure building Johnson put

Steve Tutt, Tim Ashwell (Capt) and Mark Johnson with the IWGU trophies.

Island pair play for England at Tag Rugby World Cup

Tim Ashwell and Harry Lythgoe, the Winnipeg Trophy winners

his tee shot into the left sand trap, Steve fell just short, Tom putting his tee shot into the right sand trap and Calum also just short. Tom’s sand shot hitting the flag stick and just lipping out, put Mark and Steve under pressure again mark responded a recovery sand shot to two feet resulted in a par save.

The 17th saw Tom take on the big hit which he did comfortably, but after the sound of ball hitting timber he thought the inevitable had happened.

But Lady Luck was shining on him, and he found the ball with no harm done.

Tom made a great birdie but Johnson closed out the match with a par for the 2&1 victory.

In Ryde Golf Club’s Winnipeg Trophy, there was success for Tim Ashwell and Harry Lythgoe with a score of +7. Phil Miles and Steve Linington were runnersup with +6, while third place went to Colin McComb and Chris Jasper on +5

Snooker results Cowes & District Snooker League Week 1

Results: Con A 5, Lib A 2. Con C 5, Lib C 2. WC Con 3, Con B 4.

Pl W L Dif Pts Con A 1 5 2 99 5 Con C 1 5 2 18 5 Con B 1 4 3 12 4 WC Con 1 3 4 -12 3 Lib C 1 2 5 -18 2 Lib A 1 2 5 -99 2 (Highest Break) G. Brown, 40.

The England Tag Rugby team: Flo is back row, extreme left, and Michael is back row third from left

Isle of Wight friends Flo Hudson-Tuck and Michael Booth, both former Ryde School pupils, are jetting off to Australia later this month as part of the England men’s team taking part in the Tag Rugby World Cup. Tag Rugby is a fast-growing, non-contact sport that helps eliminate the injuries many rugby players suffer, but with the same competitive spirit.

Flo Hodgson-Tuck, 29, who lived in Freshwater, and fellow-Islander Michael Booth, will be part of the England squad taking on nations from around the world at the showpiece event of the popular and fastgrowing sport.

The tournament will be staged in various age group divisions of men’s, women’s and mixed teams. England are sending four teams to the event and both Flo and

Michael are in the Men’s open squad. There are also England men’s 30s for 30 years and over; a mixed team, and a ladies senior team, for 27 years and over, in the competition.

Tag Rugby is a minimal contact team game in which each player wears shorts with velcro patches with two tags attached to them.

The play is similar to Rugby League or Touch Rugby with attacking players attempting to dodge, evade and pass a rugby ball while defenders attempt to prevent them scoring by ‘tagging’ - pulling a velcro attached tag from the ball carrier. Tries are worth one point and there are no conversions. In mixed Tag Rugby, female tries are worth two points.

Michael Booth played rugby for Vectis at under 7s up until Colts then joined Sandown and Shanklin Hurricanes,

Flo, played for Ryde School, before moving to the mainland. He said: “I first got into Tag Rugby about four yeas ago. My sister played the sport to meet new people and to socialise, and I played a few social games, and it went from there.

“One of the guys who played in my sister’s team ran Tag Rugby’s governing body, and they were looking for people to help promote the sport, so I got in touch with him. After going travelling I started work for them about two and a half years ago and began getting more involved, both playing and refereeing. That eventually resulted in being called up for the international team.”

He continued: “The World Cup takes place every three years, so I just missed out on the last one. But we had two tours to Ireland last year, and we also played home

friendlies against Australia.

The sport is very big in Australia, and is developing in this country. The standard is going up each year, with a lot more people getting involved.

“I picked up a few injuries in my days playing ordinary rugby, but Tag Rugby is a high level skilful game, without the fear of being taken out by a guy a lot bigger than yourself!”

The World Cup tournament is being held at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales from November 1st to 4th, with the squad flying out on October 25th. England are able to travel Down Under to take part, thanks to generous sponsorship by BitMEX. Nearly 200 teams from around the world and across Australia will attend the event, taking in around 3,800 players and officials.

Why not feature YOUR sport in the Isle of Wight Observer!

If you have a sports story, and possibly photographs, that you think would look good in our pages, then please let us know.

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Sportsdesk now on 01983We216111

Sport

12th October 2018

Sanders jubilant as Conway seals victory for Yachtsmen Cowes Sports 1 Christchurch 0 Cowes Sports secured their first home win in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division under manager Vic Sanders thanks to a vital goal

by Jez Conway.

Both teams were down to 10 men before the end, but it was the Yachtsmen who secured maximum points to move them up into the top half of the table.

Sanders said: “It feels very good to win your first home game as manager. All the supporters were behind us throughout the game, and afterwards, I thanked them for their support.”

After taking over as boss from Steve Hunt earlier in the season, Sanders knew it would take time for him to make his mark at Westwood Park, and he admitted: “I had three or four regular players missing for this game, so overall I was really pleased with this result. To be honest, because we were not at full strength, I would have settled for a draw, so it was a great result.

“I always felt we were moving in the right direction, but it would just take a bit of time. Everyone put a shift in for me which was all I could have asked. We haven’t had a settled side because of injuries, suspensions and

Local results Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup first round AFC Petersfield 1 East Cowes Sports 7 Sandown 0 Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4 Athletico Romsey 1 Osborne Coburg 4 Pan Sports 4 New Milton Town Reserves 3 Brading Town 4 Hedge End Town 1 Ventnor 4 Sholing FC Reserves 1 IW Harwoods Renault League Division One Shanklin 1 Northwood St Johns 2 West Wight 3 Cowes Sports Reserves 0 Division Two Bembridge 6 East Cowes Vics A 2

Newchurch 2 Niton Community 1 Ryde Saints 9 Carisbrooke United 1 Seaview 3 Brighstone 0 Yarmouth & Calbourne 1 Adgestone 12 Combination One Binstead & COB Res 2 Brading Town Res 4 East Cowes Sports Res 0 Shanklin Res 0 Northwood St Johns Res 5 Ryde Saints Res 4 Osborne Coburg Res 0 Ventnor 7 Combination Two Bembridge Res 2 Ryde Saints ‘A’ 1 Niton Community Res 4 AFC Wootton Res 2 Seaview Res 2 Newchurch Res 4

W&B Inter Cup win at expense of Sandown Several Isle of Wight teams fared well in the Hampshire Intermediate Cup, although Whitecroft & Barton Sports’ place in the second round came at the expense of Island rivals Sandown.

Matt Evans continued his scoring spree, and the other W & B marksmen were Sam Yelland, Fred Knowles and Jack East as they wrapped up the game 4-0. East Cowes Sports chalked up an impressive 7-1 victory at Petersfield to reach the next rounds, and there were also pleasing results from

Osborne Coburg, who won 4-1 at Athletico Romsey; Pan Sports who accounted for New Milton Town Reserves by the odd goal in seven; Brading Town who saw off Hedge End 4-1, and for Ventnor who went through 4-1 against Sholing Reserves.

Jayson Smythers scored for Shanklin in the 2-1 home defeat to Northwood St Johns in the IW Division One clash at the County Ground. The Northwood win kept them just one point behind leaders W & B, who have a game in hand.

unavailability, but those who came into the team did exactly what I asked them to do, and worked their socks off. We rode out luck a bit in the opening 25 minutes, but that bit of good fortune was with us for a change.”

The only goal came in 35 minutes when Gareth Bricknell’s free kick was met by Conway, whose first effort was saved by the Christchurch keeper, but he seized on the rebound to slam home. Christchurch went down to 10 men 20 with minutes remaining, following a straight red, but 10 minutes before the final whistle Yachtsman’s Jimmy Wykes, who had

35

been booked in the first half, was dismissed for a second yellow card, although both decisions looked fairly harsh.

Sanders said: “I told Jimmy at half time to be careful, and to be fair he was. But then he just jumped up in a challenge with one of their defenders, who slumped to the ground holding his head, and the referee deemed it to be another booking.”

The Yachtsmen will be hoping to add to their points tally tomorrow (October 13) when they visit Andover New Street, a team next to bottom in the table, with just one victory from their opening nine games.

Romsey prove too strong for inexperienced Port Newport manager Andy Sampson admitted his young side paid the penalty for inexperience in their Sydenham Wessex League Division One clash at Romsey.

Port’s only experienced campaigners were Gary Streeter, Darren Powell and Mark Taylor, and the absence of Scott Sampson, Spike Pearce and the injured Martin McDonough meant that no experienced centre

half was available.

Sampson said: “To be fair we were without a lot of regular players, so I had to field a very young side, and it just caught up with them a bit. Romsey are a decent team, and are physically quite strong, and that is where we lacked it a bit.

“We had to reshuffle the team, so overall it was disappointing. He made a list up before kick off and we had nine players who were not

Local fixtures for Saturday October 13th

Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League Division One: (Kick-off 2.30pm unless shown) Binstead & COB v East Cowes Sports (1.30pm) Cowes Sports Reserves v Northwood St Johns Pan Sports v Osborne Coburg Sandown v Newport Reserves (2.0pm) Ventnor v Shanklin Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Brading Town No Fixture: West Wight Division Two: AFC Wootton v Yarmouth & Calbourne Adgestone v Brighstone Bembridge v Ryde Saints (1.30pm) Niton Community v East Cowes Vics A (1.30pm)

Oakfield v Carisbrooke United (1.30pm) Wroxall v Seaview No Fixture: Newchurch Combination One: Binstead & COB v Ryde Saints (3.45pm) Brading Town v Northwood St Johns East Cowes Sports v Ventnor Oakfield v Osborne Coburg (3.45pm) Shanklin v Sandown West Wight v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Combination Two: Bembridge v AFC Wootton (3.45pm) Niton Community v Seaview (3.45pm) Yarmouth & Calbourne v Ryde Saints A No Fixture: Carisbrooke United and Newchurch

available for selection. So it was always going to be a big ask for the 16-year-olds who came in to step up to that level and perform against a strong side.

“We are all right when we have just a few younger players in the side with some more experienced lads alongside them, but this was an occasion when we didn’t have enough to cope.”

Sampson added: “Romsey’s first two goals

came from crosses, and we have not been the greatest at defending those this season, and then to make matters worse we missed a penalty.

Lewis Wright hit the spot kick well enough, but in fairness their keeper made a very good save.”

The Port trailed 3-0 at the break, and although they showed ability, and plenty of effort, in the second period there was no way back for them.

Vics fail to recover from Alton’s early goal burst Alton 4 East Cowes Vics 2 East Cowes Vics never recovered from conceding three goals in the opening 20 minutes in their Sydenhams Wessex League game at Alton.

Despite a spirited fightback, the Island side’s hopes of taking a point were dashed when they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Keelan Walsh was sent off.

Vics manager Steve Brougham said: “Our problem is that we cannot seem to be able to play a settled defence, and that is costing us. After going three down, we showed some good fighting spirit. We managed to pull one goal back before

half time, and I knew the next score would be vital.

“So when we scored again, in the second period, I thought we had a chance, but following the dismissal, it was always going to be tough. Their fourth goal came after our keeper looked to be fouled, but the referee allowed play to continue, and they put the ball into the net.”

After Alton’s early goal burst, Vics responded on the half hour with a goal from Joe Butcher, and on the hour Jimmy Burton further reduced the deficit. But then came the hammer blow of Walsh’s dismissal, with Alton capitalising, albeit in dubious circumstances, to seal the victory.

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 216111

36

Sport

12th October 2018

IW Seconds extend lead at the top of the table The Isle of Wight RFC 2nd XV were in sparkling form in successive weeks, notching up more than 50 points in games against both Kingsclere and US Portsmouth 2nd XV. Their latest win was at home to Kingsclere, when the Island side amassed 56 points without reply.

Teeming rain and a strong breeze did not affect the rampant IW team, who went nine points clear at the top of Hampshire Three after this clearcut victory.

Taking up where they left off at US Portsmouth, IW brought the key ingredients of defensive aggression and line speed once again, up in opposition faces at every opportunity. This led to three of their eight tries, as

Kingsclere handling errors were seized upon. The first came after only two minutes, as a foot rush was finished

by Luke Margham. By the seventh minute, IW were 14-0 up as full-back James Fitton sidestepped over after a flowing move.

Kingsclere made little progress against a committed Island defence, where scrum-half Harry Elsom stood out and earned himself the Rouse Ltd Man of the Match award. IW scored three further tries before the break, a combination of forcing opposition errors and their own flowing running play. Margham completed his hat-trick, while Fitton scored his second before being forced off injured, giving IW a 35-0 lead at half-

time. The second half was a little scrappier and lacking in rhythm, as the conditions took their toll. Eventually IW mined out three further tries. Tom Turtle scoring the first with a powerful drive then George Miles came off the bench to touch down, while Joss Spence scored the final try after an outrageous flicked pick-up by Margham, who converted all eight tries for a tally of 31 points. The latter was awarded the Biffa Player of the Day accolade.

Credit also to Jayme Bishop and Chris Ormerod who came on as replacements for Kingsclere.

Meanwhile, Luke Margham led the charge as IW seconds beat US Portsmouth. After an opening try by Adam Peckham IW always looked

the more likely in the wider channels.

After IW’s second try, the hosts scythed through for their sole score. The Islanders responded well, as Peckham scored a second, but the star of the show was Biffa Man of the Match Luke Margham, with a remarkable 34-point haul made up of four tries and seven conversions.

Debutant Tom Blowers also scored to leave IW leading 28-5 at half-time.

Along with further tries by the irrepressible Margham, there was a debut try for Karl Davey who squeezed over in the final play. IW now have some breathing space at the top of the league before they travel to Lymington on October 20th.

Father and son Adam and Tom Groves, who played together for the 2nd team for the first time!

Your help needed as youth club rent doubled The Rew Valley Youth FC has seen it’s pitch rent doubled by the Island Free School.

The Upper Ventnor-based club’s pitches and training sessions have been held on the school fields and AstroTurf owned by The Island Free School for years.

Sadly over recent years the costs to hire out the AstroTurf for the winter months has been rising.

Last year they paid £3400 during the winter, a cost they struggled greatly with.

This year they have been told the costs have risen again, this time to an estimated £6000.

A spokesman for the club said: “Unfortunately, the time has come now where we can no longer sustain paying

Shanklin Ladies unlucky to lose at Alton Alton 3–1 Shanklin Ladies On Sunday (October 7), Shanklin Ladies travelled to fifth place Alton, in their Southern Region Premier Division fixture.

Having gone into half-time 0–1 down, Shanklin then equalised through Lucy Scholes, who hit the ball into the back of the net at the far post from a corner. However, Alton were then awarded a

controversial penalty in the 70th minute, which they converted. A defensive lapse then allowed Alton to sneak a third. Shanklin created a number of chances towards the end of the game, but were unfortunately unable to convert these into goals.

After the game, joint manager Shannon Killcullen told the W: “The team ethic and work rate was fantastic

from the ladies, and I could see that the hard work they’ve been putting in at training is really starting to pay off. We’re moving positively in the right direction and with two home games coming up, one in the league and one in the Hampshire Women’s Challenge Cup, I’m confident their hard work will be rewarded.”

that amount for winter training and we’ve had to make the very difficult decision to find somewhere else for our 122 boys and girls to train and play matches.

“It is hugely difficult finding facilities for our teenage players due to the space and the lighting needed and that is where the most help is needed now.

“We have been deeply saddened by The Island Free School’s decision to raise prices again and the effect it has had on our club.”

The club say they feel really let down by school and added: “The raising of costs for the facilities we have used for so many years until the point where our local children, mainly boys, have

been forced to leave feels like an attack on the very target group the school claimed to be aiming at.”

The club has come to the decision to raise money for their own lighting at Ventnor Football Club so they can train adults and children there instead. However they need help with the cost of lighting, and fast, as the nights are drawing in and they could have to suspend training.

The club has started a crowdfunding page at: www. gofundme.com/lighting-upthe-community The Mill Bay have also offered to hold a fundraising quiz night for their cause.

IW Football News in brief AFC Stoneham 1–1 East Cowes Vics On Tuesday (October 9), East Cowes Vics, travelling with a makeshift squad and no outfield substitutes, drew with top-of-the-table AFC Stoneham in Wessex League 1. Vics took the lead on 20 minutes with a goal from top scorer Jimmi Burton, and Stoneham equalized in the 47th minute.

Fawley 0–2 Newport IoW On Wednesday (October 10), Newport, featuring 8 youngsters in their starting line-up, knocked two

past ‘the Oilers’, the goals coming from top scorer, Jared Wetherick in the 86th and 90th minutes, both shots from outside the penalty area.

Non-League Day at St George’s Park Saturday (October 13) is national Non-league football day. Newport IoW FC are offering free admission to members of the armed services, members of the emergency services and NHS employees on proof of identity. A collection will be made for prostate

cancer research. Yarmouth & Calbourne reserves reach second round of cup Every cloud has a silver lining.

The unfortunate demise of Newport ‘A’ team, left Yarmouth & Calbourne without opponents in the first round of the Hampshire Junior B Cup. Yarmouth & Calbourne, who have not won a competitive game in any competition this season, will face Michelmersh & Timsbury Reserves in the second round.

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12th October 2018

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Ryde Knock Nine Past Carisbrooke In a game marred by appalling conditions (strong wind and driving rain), Ryde Saints put on a magnificent display of shooting from outside the penalty area against Carisbrooke Utd, in a top-of-the-table Island League Division Two clash, to extend their remarkable run to eleven straight wins.

Most of the goals came in the first half when Ryde, with the wind behind their backs, blasted in seven without reply. Man-of-the match, Sam Cant, scored a hat trick, all from shots from outside the penalty area. 16-year-

old Keir Ramage managed a brace in his first senior start. Khi O’Neill also scored a brace, with Luke Colyer and James Tilbury chipping in with a goal apiece.

Carisbrooke pulled a second-half consolation goal back from J. Piper.

After the game, Ryde Saints manager, Andy Brown, was pleased to have put six points between his team and his opponents. He described the Saints as: “A good young side who have improved throughout the season.”

Ryde Saints 9–1 Carisbrooke Utd.

Ryde Saints: Williams, Brown, Adric, Dunnett, Sweet, O’Neill, Cant, Vaughan, Colyer, Ramage Subs: Lowe, Tilbury, Blanchard.

Carisbooke Utd: Ballington, Gulliver, Manton, Adinson, Newey, Taylor, Piper, D. Moul, Brotherton, R.Moul, C. Richardson Subs: White, Wood, Richardson.

This Saturday (October 13), Ryde Saints face Division Two leaders, Bembridge, away. Carisbrooke United will return to Ryde to face Oakfield.

IW Indoor Bowls fixtures On Saturday (October 20) at 10am the Club is to play the 1st round of this seasons top national competitions for clubs for both men and ladies. The men take on Worthing in a match consisting of 2 home rinks and two away. The Ladies take on Dolphin of Poole in the same format..

The mens team is HOME Simon New, Bertie Everson, Darren Griffith (Captain) Alan Cawdell, Andrew Nightingale, Richard Jeffery, Ian Morey and Bob Mortlock.

AWAY John Pearce, Ian Ball, Peter Furmidge, Ron Leleux, Ryan Trigg, Brian Wells, Paul Attrill and Jack Berry.

UMPIRE Vernon Findell.

The Ladies team is HOME Sandra Atkins, Phyl Fredericks. Barbara Sleep, Sue Green, Ronnie Berry, Sandra Aldridge, Peggy

Evans and Pauline Proud (Captain) AWAY Annie Morris, Steff Ball, Shirley Stubbs, Gay Allen, Judy Eynon, Jane Kilby, Carol Jones and Anne Bernard.

The club took on Witney Bowling Club on the 6th and 7th October in friendly games which have been taking place over very many years. It is now played for the Ralph Tooley Trophy presented in memory and honour of Ralph following his death.

Ralph was responsible by initiating the fixture and even when he was no longer able to participate in the game he always came with the team. The Island club retained the Trophy by 133 shots to 75. In the first game the rink of Terry Lidington, Simon Gibbs, Ted West and Barry Rodwell won 17 shots to 10. The quartet of Terry

Humber, Mike Davidson, Craig Williams and Roy Jemson (Captain) enjoyed a 21 to 12 success, whilst a one shot defeat (17 – 18) was sustained by Bob Stubbs, Pat Hartigan, Bob Powell and Peter Furmidge. In the second game there was a 27 to 11 victory for Seamus Morris, John Hutchinson,

Mike Bradford and Roy Jemson. The rink of John Grindley, Simon Gibbs, Ted West and Barry Rodwell had a 27 to 18 shot victory and George Stevens, Mike Davidson, Mark Morris and Peter Furmidge succeeded 21 shots to 10.

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 216111

Ellingham’s late burst secures win over IW IWRFC 18 points Ellingham & Ringwood 29 In a game affected by wet and windy conditions, the Island went down to an Ellingham side who showed a little more awareness of the conditions at vital times in the game.

The Island pack dominated at the scrum, regularly driving and disrupting the visiting pack. Playing with the wind proved advantageous as Lewis Murray slotted the first of his six penalties. Ellingham responded as tackles were missed and took a 7-3 lead.

Murray then slotted over from 49 metres and from 40 metres.

Ellingham’s response was a further try, before Murray again kicked the Island to a 12-12 score. He then cleared the posts from the half way line for the Island to take a 15-12 half time lead.

Ellingham drew level with a

penalty of their own, before Murray added his sixth to put IW 18-15 in front.

This was by no means a one-man performance as debutant Connor Grant, James Reed, starting at scrum half for the first time, James Webster and Rouse Ltd man of the match Ollie Boulter, who was also Biffa Player of the Day, were all to the fore in driving the Island forward.

However, the visitors were quicker to pounce on a loose ball caused by the conditions and added two further tries to wrap up the game.

This weekend the Island’s 1st XV have a week off, while the 2nds play Ventnor away.

IWRFC: C Grant, J Sweetman, M Smith, L Blackman, A Rann, L Murray, J Reed, E Lynch, I Bennett, J Webster, O Boulter, G Smith, M Newnham, S McQueen, I Puzey. A Raunigger, K Blackburn, M Joyce.

Edwards leads Ventnor charge with hat trick Trojans 2ndXV 5 Ventnor 1stXV 29

points

Ventnor Rugby Club enjoyed their first playing experience against one of the newly introduced second teams of some of the bigger clubs in Hampshire. These second teams have to play with their own registered players, as part of Hampshire’s experimental new league structure.

Despite a large number of players unavailable for selection, and travelling with a bare 15, Ventnor gained a bonus point win over at the Southampton-based club.

Trojans made a strong break and looked like they were going to put the first points on the board, but winger

Ben Atkins was able to track across the field to make the tackle allowing Ventnor to steal the ball back. Soon afterwards Ventnor put points on the board through Calvin Edwards. Then a second try was scored by Edwards, but the kick was put wide making the score 0-10. Ventnor put more points on the board straight from kick off, with some excellent running lines and quick hands leading to James Green popping the ball to Sam Lines to score under the posts. This time the conversion was successful.

Ventnor carried on their strong display in the second half, and captain Sam Dawson broke away to cross the line to score Ventnor’s

fourth try. The kick was successful putting the score at 0-24. Ten minutes later Edwards completed his hat trick, scoring Ventnor’s fifth try.

Ventnor then had Trojans knocking at the door and defended well, but did give up penalties meaning they were unable to get out of their own half. With eight minutes remaining Ventnor went down to 14 men, after Sam Lines received a yellow card for batting the ball down off a Trojans pass while trying to intercept it. Trojans were soon able to capitalise on their extra man and scored their first and only try, but were unable to convert. There were some real positives to

The Ventnor team after the win

take away from this game especially with many players stepping up and playing out of position.

AJ Wells Man of the Match - Simon Blow. Red Funnel

Moment of the Match Calvin Edwards.

Team: Pratt, Jones, Keyes, Green, Savill, Edwards, Hill, Colson, Blake, Lines, Turner, Dawson, Urbonas, Atkins,

Blow.

Ventnor head into their first cup game of the season against Cranleigh tomorrow (Sat), with a 2.0pm kick off at Watcombe Bottom.

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12th October 2018

British Showjumping stars at Lake Farm

On Sunday (October 7) British Showjumping returned to Lake Farm for the first indoor event of the season.

Karen Begley won the British Novice class riding her own horse, Ramiros Fortune and came second in the 1.20m riding another of her horses Dubai Star, she spoke to IW Observer about the event.

Karen said: “Everyone did well for the first indoor show, all the horses jumped really well and there were no major issues at all. We had a course builder from the mainland who built some really interesting tracks for us as well - it was good.

“Ramiros Fortune rode really well, he’s a youngster but I’m really pleased with him. He’s just got his four double clears to go to the second round with the British Novice. He’s

home-bred from a mare and stallion that I had, he’s now seven and I’ve done everything with him.

“Dubai Star is in his 20s, again a home-bred from a horse that came home from Dubai with us, hence his name. He was good, a bit fresh, he’s just come from jumping fields to jumping indoors at Lake so it makes it more interesting.”

Other riders of note were Kelly Read who won the 1.10m, Sharon Waghorn who had a number of wins in the 80cm and 90cm, managing some first and second place finishes, Georgia HedleyWard won the Foxhunter 1.20m.

Next in the horse community calendar is the Isle of Wight Riding Club show at Lake Farm this weekend and the next British Showjumping is on November 14.

Clockwise from top: Georgia Hedley-Ward, Kelly Read, Hayley Webster , Robert Booth, Karen Begley, Sharon Waghorn Photos: Kev Cant

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A busy day for Sail Training in the Solent In between the thick fog and the gale-force winds the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) managed to fit in its 15th annual Small Ships Race on Saturday (October 6).

This Cowes based event saw 22 sailing vessels crewed by 190 trainees aged between 12 and 24 race West from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line, down to Lymington, and back. Fresh north westerly winds made for some active sailing.

New additions to the fleet this year were the ferrocement ketch Tenacity of Bolton and the junk rigged wooden yacht Boleh. Both had young people from the Isle of Wight on board, as did UKSA Ambition.

At the prize giving ASTO Chairman James Stevens said: “The wind today was force six and sailing in that is an achievement; huge

thanks to the Skippers and Mates for getting you all back safe.” This prompted a very loud cheer from all the trainees in the room.

Winners in Class D for boats flying spinnakers were the yacht Amaryllis, crewed by the Combined Cadet Force. Class C2 was won by Solent Hero, from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, based in Cowes; class C1 was won by Rona II, who also won overall. Class B winner (gaff rigged vessels) was the ketch Maybe, crewed by cadets from the Trinity House Academy, who also wore the smartest uniforms at the prize giving.

The Richard Langhorn trophy, which is voted for by all vessels who take part and is for the ‘spirit of the race’, was won by the all girl crew of Merrilyn from the Rona Sailing Project in Hamble: when not dancing to ‘Girls

Just Wanna Have Fun’, they lined up on the side deck of their ketch and sang when any other boat got near enough to hear them.

As a backdrop to all this Small Ships sailing, 3 masted barques Lord Nelson and Tenacious operated by Southampton charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust, started their first ever Cator Trophy in the same waters. And if there weren’t enough Tall Ships to be seen under sail, they were joined by the Sea Cadet brig Royalist which chased them down the Solent and out past the Needles lighthouse.

ASTO is always looking for more young people from the Isle of Wight to take part. If you work with a local school or youth group that would love the opportunity, please contact us on office@asto. org.uk.

A weekend full of weather

Will senior Football ever return to Ryde?

By Warren Whitmore

Saturday (October 6) started out grey and gloomy with a good breeze and very quickly ramped up to rain romping in sideways on a series of wicked force six gusts.

Driven on by the good breeze the whole fleet made a brisk start and there was plenty of jockeying for position.

No one gave ground or made a mistake during the first half of the race so the boats were still close together as they creamed out of Mill Creek on the strengthening wind and turned south.

Blasted on by a sustained gust, there were a series of edgy jibes as the fleet changed direction.

Andre Usborne in a Pico and Joy Mowle and Patrick Tate in a Quest lead the way back up King’s Manor Reach. Hit by another rampant gust Andre was seen disappearing in a ball of spray and then tossed into the water as his boat did a spectacular capsize.

Further up the River, the Quest was taken out by the same gust but Patrick, with some aplomb, managed, at Joy’s expense, to complete a dry capsize. Meanwhile, the Scows were having a tight and sometimes tense battle. Gradually, Graeme Bowen eased away from Roger P-E and Bill Ford with Alan Toms and Derek Morris some distance behind them.

The Quest won on the water but after the handicap was applied keeping their boats upright paid off for the Scows who took the top five slots.

Sunday was a glorious contrast with bright sunshine and a very pleasant force four wind. Again, there was a tight start but, by the first mark, Bowen had squeezed ahead. Benefitting from clear air he was never challenged and, although Brian Locke in his Laser won on the water, Bowen took the race comfortably.

Behind him there was some very close racing. Liz Mead is really getting the best out of her new sail and led the following pack until Bill Ford slid past. Martin Palmer is in good form and then eased past both the other Scows into second. Further down the fleet, Roger P-E found himself in a contest with Alan Toms, Rob Selby and Derek Morris but Roger is a wily old campaigner. He avoided a big hole in the breeze, found a couple of helpful shifts and threaded his way through to third.

October Saturday Allcomers’ Series Race 1 1st Graeme Bowen 2nd Roger P-E 3rd Bill Ford October Sunday Allcomers’ Series Race 1 1st Graeme Bowen 2nd Martin Palmer 3rd Roger P-E

With 18,800 inhabitants (2011 figures), Ryde is the largest town on the Island, beating Newport (17,300), Cowes (14,800) and East Cowes (7,600). It also has the stadium with the largest stand in the Isle of Wight, Smallbrook, which seats four hundred. However, since the demise of Ryde Sports in 1997, the Island has been represented in senior football by just three teams: Newport (IoW), Cowes Sports and East Cowes Vics.

For over a hundred years, from 1896 to 1997, Ryde had a senior football side of distinction. Ryde Sports were founder members of the Hampshire League. In 1898–99, they came second in the Southern League and, in more recent times, they came third in the Wessex League in 1995–96. Between 1935 and 1939, the Ryde team won the Hampshire Senior Cup five years in succession.

In 1936–37, they reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, losing 1–5 to Gillingham.

During the nineties, Ryde Sports played host to famous professional sides such as Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Southampton. The Isle of Wight’s most famous footballer, centre-forward Roy Shiner (who scored 93

A successor club, Ryde ’98, then played in the IOW league, but they folded in 1994.

Ryde Saints were founded in 1995, from a youth club at St Mary’s church. This season, they started playing

goals in 153 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday) started his career at Ryde.

Ryde Sport’s decline began in 1990, when they sold their town centre ground at Partlands, moving to Smallbrook stadium. Whilst there, they ran into financial difficulties, before folding in 1997.

in Smallbrook stadium (for a second time). Could IOW 2nd Division Saints one day take the place of Ryde Sports in the mainland leagues?

Did you play for Ryde Sports? Were you a fan of the team? Can senior football return to Ryde? Let’s have your opinions to newsdesk@ iwobserver.co.uk.

Cale catches up in Cornwall Islander Archie Cale continued his superb grasstrack motocross season with a 4th placed trophy at the Mid Cornwall Championships on Sunday (October 7).

Up against many of the country’s top youth riders

including the British Champion, 12-year-old Archie scored a whopping 25 points meaning he finished just shy of the podium. He was beaten by three riders who rank in the top five in the country for 2018.

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Current News

Observer

British Showjumping stars at Lake Farm

By Peter White

38

Cowes Ladies fight back in eight goal thriller

By Warren Whitmore After a few weeks of turmoil, in which a number of players and the manager departed from the club, Cowes Ladies began their campaign in Hampshire County Women’s League Division Two with a highly credible 4–4 draw against Fordingbridge Turks, in which they fought back from being 0–3 down at halftime.

The goal scorers for Cowes Ladies were: Norwegian exchange student, 16-yearold Hanneke Velthoven, Charlie Pepper, Chloe Seager and Christina Cave.

Jo Cook scored a hat-trick for Fordingbridge Turks, with their other goal coming from Ashley Slone.

After the match, manager Laurence Chick told the IW

Observer he was “extremely proud of the performance”, which he thought was “phenomenal for the first game of the season”. He added that “normally when you go into the second-half three-nil down you come out with the wrong mindset, but this game was an exception”.

Right: Back Row - Left to Right Charlotte Skeggs, Angelika Tatchell, Chloe Seager, Christina Cave, Natasha Thornton, Charlie Pepper, Katie Morris & Laurence Chick. Front Row - L to R Malandra Lily Reed, Aime Brown, Mandy Hayles (Captain), Ellen Bridges, Danielle Coombes, Hayley Field, Hanneke Velthoven & Michelle Tonks

Meg Lyth winning the 70cm class in her farewell event before going to jockey school in Newmarket next week - Photo: Kev Cant

This weeks highlights...

Sport IW Seconds extend lead at the top of the 36 table

Sport

Pair from Ryde beat Ryde pair!

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