Isle of Wight Observer Issue 58

Observer

27th September 2019

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Carry on

chaos!

‘People will die’ says Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox Controversial work to convert St Mary’s Roundabout, Newport, into a trafficlight controlled junction, starting on Monday, is set to cause chaos for the next 15 months. Last minute attempts to get the IW Council Conservatives to delay the work failed at a stormy meeting on Wednesday. Cowes Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox predicted ‘total chaos’, with councillors queuing up to say that

Coppins Bridge is the real problem, and work should start there first. Most Conservatives defended the plans, but one voted against amid claims from opposition councillors that some Torys didn’t turn up because they weren’t prepared to support the position.

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Hit and run driver given just a 22-week prison sentence A 31-year-old driver who fled the scene of a hit-and-run car smash that left an Island mother in a coma, has received just a 22-week prison sentence.

Benjamin Entwhistle drove into young mum Becky Wall on Briddlesford Road in June, leaving her severely injured. Originally from Lake, Entwhistle was arrested on the mainland a fortnight after the horrific crash, following a nationwide search, Isle of Wight Magistrates heard.

Entwhistle, already in jail for other offences, pleaded guilty to eight offences that took place between June 24 and 27, including three counts of driving a BMW 330 while disqualified, three of driving without insurance, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. He also received a five-year driving ban and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £115 surcharge.

Friday 27th September 2019 Issue No.58

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Cyclists raise £6,000 for hospice

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Find Bob, our friendly squirrel!

Find Bob somewhere in this weeks paper and one lucky winner will receive two free programmes for Beer and Buses (Oct 12 & 13).

Tell us what page number Bob appears on (not including this). You can e-mail the page number and your name to spotbob@ iwobserver.co.uk or text 07749 591550. Good luck finding Bob this week. The deadline is 5pm on Thursday.

On the 13/09 the winner of the book was Amy Parker.

27th September 2019

More troubles for Floating Bridge - out of the water Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart is blaming the previous administration for ongoing problems with the Floating Bridge.

Cllr Stewart said he disagreed with East Cowes Cllr Karl Love, who wants the bridge ‘sent back’ but admitted there were ‘challenges’ with the service.

He said: “When I say to people it is good and reliable, I do believe it is good and reliable. If people say to me, ‘yes, but it breaks down,’ I say, ‘so does the Red Jet.’ “People need to understand we, as an administration, inherited the floating bridge the previous administration had ordered and, in my view, not kept a tight handle on, with lots of debate about the design we are dealing with legally. “”I could sit here and say I would like the bridge to never break down, but it has and we have times when we need to fix it. I think 199,000 people using it in four months isn’t completely useless, as Cllr Love would say.

He may not like it, and I know people feel it is frustrating. But there is more work planned and we will get to a place where I am satisfied it is not just good and reliable, but it is good and reliable pretty much most of the time.

“To Karl Love I say this, you can’t send the bridge back Karl. We didn’t order it, but we have got it, we have paid for it and now we have to make it run.”

Floating Bridge 6 cost £3.2 million and was launched in May, 2017, it broke down the following day, with passengers wading through the water to reach the shore.

A report published by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership in November revealed that, due to the cost of fixing problems with the vessel, and providing replacement services, the cost had spiralled to more than £6.4 million.

The bridge was designed and ordered under the leadership of the Island Independent administration led by Cllr Ian Stephens.

Ryde house in balance The Isle of Wight Council has met the families of people with learning disabilities who face losing their residential places at Ryde House in Ryde. The Council says it is trying to resolve contractual issues with Ryde House and is urging the withdrawal of a notice giving them 14 days’ warning of the private providers intention to serve seven days’ notice on 12 residents.

The Council funds 62 people at Ryde House at an average weekly cost of £1,538, annually £4.96 million. Ryde House are seeking an increase in fees of over 25 per cent for 36

residents, in addition to the annual fee uplift.

A Council spokesman said: “The Council has not reduced the current level of funding for anyone at Ryde House. This, in our view, is still an open issue for further constructive discussion with Ryde House.

“We sincerely hope Ryde House will continue to recognise the necessity for our discussions to continue, and to withdraw the period of notice which has resulted in such understandable alarm for the people concerned and their families.”

Cyclists who took part in the End2End event on the Island helped to raise more than £6,000 for Mountbatten.

Challenging weather did not deter more than 250 people from taking part in the ride from Culver to the Needles Old Battery and back.

It was the first year the event was organised by Mountbatten, with support from End2End founder member and doctor at the Island’s hospice, David Isaac. Mountbatten major events fundraiser Hannah Joyce said: “It was wet, windy and cold, the cyclists were covered in mud but all still smiling at the finish line. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making it a day to remember.

“We still have some more sponsorship money to come in but to have raised over £6,000 is fantastic. Every penny we receive helps us support people living on the Isle of Wight who are experiencing death, dying and bereavement, so we are hugely grateful to everyone.”

Cyclists could choose to ride the full 92km or finish at the Needles Old Battery, while a shorter 23km route ended at Gatcombe, where David Isaac and his wife, Jane, provided food for all riders.

Mountbatten’s IT technician Dale Millward was among the cyclists who completed the full distance, raising more than £350.

Dale and other Mountbatten staff will continue their fundraising efforts this weekend when they take part in the Muddy Bull Run at Three Gates Farm, Shalfleet.

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Controversial roundabout to cause havoc The controversial St Mary’s Roundabout works in Newport are to go ahead after the majority of Isle of Wight Conservative Councillors voted in favour of the scheme to start as scheduled on Monday.

The decision was made at a badtempered Council meeting on Wednesday evening.

The only Conservative to vote against the plans was Newport North representative Cllr. Matthew Price. All opposition councillors present voted for the plans to be paused. The Council eventually passed by 16 votes to 12 an amendment from Leader Dave Stewart, which asked the Council’s cabinet to urgently review the timings of works and traffic lights at Coppins Bridge. The vote was advisory but not binding.

At one point the meeting was briefly adjourned by Chairman George Cameron, who left the chamber as members of the public were cleared from the gallery, after one man repeatedly interrupted by shouting his opposition to the plans, claiming the public had not been consulted.

The meeting resumed and the public readmitted after the protestor had been removed, and left the building.

The extraordinary council meeting saw Cllr. Andrew Garratt, in whose ward the works will be taking place,

claim that leader Cllr. Stewart was asking to be instructed to talk to himself, and Cllr Ian Ward, cabinet member responsible for transport, accuse opposition councillors of ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ to moan about the scheme, despite failing to turn up to earlier briefings when their input could have made a difference.

Probably the most impassioned speech of the evening was made

by Cowes Medina Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox (pictured), who said that the scheme had been ill-thought through and invited those present to ‘look out of the window’ and they would see that the real problem was the blockage on the left lane turning towards Sandown from Coppins Bridge. She said that anybody who supported the motion would be ‘voting to support the death or serious injury of residents on our Island’.

Cllr. Vanessa Churchman, who represents Havenstreet, Ashey and Haylands said that if Newport didn’t want the money to upgrade its road networks then Ryde would welcome it.

Speaking after the meeting Dave Stewart said: “I truly believe that this scheme needs to go ahead. It is all about future proofing the Island’s

The signs of hell to come...

road network. We have been awarded this money to prepare for 1,400 new homes on the former Camp Hill site and that is what we must do.”

Cllr. Julie Jones Evans, who originally put forward the motion for debate, pointed out the risks to residents in her Newport Central ward and complained that she had been told that she could not make any significant amendments to her own motion, but an amendment had been accepted from Dave Stewart by his Tory colleague George Cameron which ‘completely and utterly changed the meaning’.

A diagram showing planned traffic flows for the first five weeks of the scheme is shown on today’s front page.

Further details including changes to the scheme until Christmas can be found on pages 24 and 25.

Junction meeting to answer concerns Islanders concerned about the major works to remodel St Mary’s junction are being invited to find out more after work get underway from Monday. The 15-month scheme will replace the existing roundabout with two, linked traffic light-controlled junctions.

A public information evening is being held at Medina Theatre on Thursday, October 17 at 7pm.

Parkhurst representative Cllr. Andrew Garrett has requested an additional meeting

for Camp Hill residents who will be particularly affected by the scheme.

Councillor Ian Ward, cabinet member responsible for transport and infrastructure, said: “The scheme is the largest project to date to improve current and predicted future traffic volumes and traffic flow in and around Newport. The scheme is particularly complex because we need to complete the work while keeping this busy junction open to traffic.”

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Tickets to the public information event must be obtained in advance by visiting iow.gov.uk/theatrebookings/ or from the theatre box office.

One resident certain to be there is Parkhurst resident Michael Smith, who set up a petition to have the works halted which has been signed by almost 3,000 people. He said: “I’m happy there is going to be a public meeting, but it should have happened earlier.”

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27th September 2019

Towns must work together with regeneration plans

By BBC Local Democracy Reporter: Louise Hill

Hinge problems keep Floatie out of action The Floating Bridge has been out of action for more than two weeks after it was expected to return into service last Friday (Sept 20). The bridge was taken out of service on September 10 to repair the prow hinge on the Cowes side of the vessel, but the 10-day extension will allow the Council to replace the prow hinges on the East Cowes side as well, so the bridge can keep running while the St Mary’s Roundabout works are ongoing from Monday.

Ferry Road in East Cowes has been closed to traffic to allow access for a crane being used in the repairs.

A spokesman for the Isle of Wight Council said: “The improvement works to the vessel are part of our strategy to maintain a good and reliable service for the Floating Bridge, as reflected in recent figures of use.

Approximately 200,000 foot passengers and 78,000 cars used the bridge over the last four months.

“Both prows will be tested and the foot passenger launch will remain in place in the meantime, offering a shuttle service for pedestrians between 5am to 11pm daily.”

However, local councillor, Karl Love says the vessel should be decommissioned and sent back because of the costs of keeping it afloat and the damage it is doing to the East Cowes economy. He said: “The Floating Bridge has devastated businesses and imposed costs on our entire community. Ferry Road is currently closed to traffic and vehicles exiting GKN are having to compete and go head-to-head with Red Funnel traffic entering their yard.

“There isn’t even a traffic management scheme in place to address the huge health and safety issues which occur. Neither East Cowes Town Council nor I were informed in advance and were therefore unable to warn the public or anyone else about these problems.”

Final phase of Fishbourne Lane resurfacing on way The final phase of major work to improve Fishbourne Lane is set to begin at the end of the month. The night-time work by Island Roads will see further sections of Fishbourne Lane reconstructed to address weak foundations and the entire length between Elenors Grove and the Wightlink Terminal resurfaced.

The work is scheduled to start on Monday (Sept 30) and last an estimated five weeks, during which time night-time road closures will be in place.

Island Roads has liaised closely with residents, Wightlink and Fishbourne Parish Council and will be working reduced shifts in order to keep disruption to a minimum. As

a result, working shifts will be between the later start time of 9pm and the earlier finish time of 3.30am Monday to Thursday and 10pm to 3.30am on Fridays. There will be no work on Saturday or Sunday nights. During the project’s work hours Fishbourne Lane will be closed to traffic but pedestrian access will remain.

Wightlink has consequently amended its timetable to reflect the closure of Fishbourne Lane during these night-time project work hours and is providing extra sailings on its Yarmouth to Lymington route. You can read more about Wightlink’s services during this work on wightlink.co.uk/information/ fishbourne-lane-roadworks/

Historic England has supported the regeneration of Newport, Ryde and East Cowes, but says the towns must work together for it to succeed.

In a report published on Monday (Sept 23), a number of recommendations are made to help restore and build on the Island’s ‘remarkable’ architecture.

This news follows the publication of the Isle of Wight Council’s regeneration strategy, aimed at breathing new life into the Island’s towns and communities, and the announcement that Newport and Ryde are two of 69 towns across the country that have won funding from the Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zones. Ryde has been awarded £480,000 and Newport £700,000.

Members of the Historic Places Panel were invited to the Island in June to offer advice on proposals for the towns as a key focus of regeneration on the Island.

Recommendations for Ryde include the urgent development of a strategy targeting high-profile problem buildings in the town, with top priority given to the town hall, followed by the Royal York Hotel. It is also planned to produce a masterplan for the Esplanade, reducing the amount of traffic, promoting walking and cycling and looking at the possibility of relocating the bus station away from the seafront.

Continual growth of the Medina Valley was a key recommendation for East Cowes regeneration, as well as dealing with the landslip along the Esplanade.

In Newport there is a landscape-led plan for Newport Harbour to be developed, with building repairs carried out along the High Street and the reduction traffic in the town centre.

As a wider issue, the Historic Places Panel pointed out the need for the towns to work together rather than in competition. Panel chair Peter Studdert said: “It was a delightful visit and we were really interested and impressed by how engaged local community groups are with the Isle of Wight Council’s regeneration plans.

“The communities have a vital role to play in helping to shape the Island’s future prospects by working with the council and each other.”

Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: “Along with our town council partners we are delighted to be able to tap into the expertise available from Historic England in addressing our ambitions for the future of our high streets on the Island.

“The Heritage High Street fund announcement is a major boost to realising the value of the fantastic hidden heritage in Newport and Ryde.”

Ryde business park expansion plans A planning application submitted as part of the Ryde Regeneration Strategy by the Isle of Wight Council would significantly expand Ryde Business Park with 15 new homes, a gym, a café and doctor’s surgery. The

proposals for the Nicholson Road site would create new jobs according to the application, which will be decided by the planning committee in December. You can comment on the proposals on the website iwight.com

27th September 2019

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Island MP is still backing PM Boris on Brexit plan

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely last night (Thurs) reassured his Island constituents that he will continue to back Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s efforts to get Britain out of the EU

by October 31.

Mr Seely said he was also pleased the Prime Minister reaffirmed in the Commons his commitment to deliver an Island deal.

The Island Deal is an award of more Government money, to reflect the extra challenges that come with being an island, rather than part of the mainland. Several other UK Islands are already awarded more funding because of their remote locations. The fight for the Isle of Wight to be considered in the same way has already taken several decades.

On Brexit, Seely told the IW Observer: “As I stated in the Commons on Wednesday evening, the more that Islanders see obstacles being put in Boris Johnson’s way, the more they are willing him on, and the more that they want him to stick the course to deliver Brexit on October 31 and restore trust in our politics.

“Like the Prime Minister, I disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but respect it. Now that Parliament is sitting once again, it gives us the opportunity to continue making the case for delivering Brexit by October 31, ideally with a deal.

“Islanders voted overwhelmingly in favour of leaving the EU, and I will continue to do all I can to support that happening without further delay. I will also continue to support calls for a General Election, so that the Commons has a fresh mandate to take this issue forward, along with domestic agenda with bold policy commitments.”

Mr. Seely added: “I was also pleased that the Prime Minister reaffirmed in the Commons his commitment to deliver an Island Deal. It is important that this happens sooner rather than later, and I will continue to make the case to Government for continued investment and support for the Isle of Wight, and building on our recent successes.”

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DECADeANCE turns to Hollywood glitz Fans of DECADeANCE at Cowes Yacht Haven, now in its 10th year, may miss out if they haven’t yet realised that it has moved from its usual end of November slot to next Saturday (Oct 5). This year the event goes all redcarpet, turning to Hollywood for inspiration. There will be an amazing light and laser show, cocktail bar, makeup artists and lots more on the blockbuster theme.

Be papped by a roving photographer, discovered by a talent scout, or capture yourself on film in the photo-booth.

The fun starts at 7pm and goes right through the night until the closing credits at 2am.

Dress for glamour, as decadent as you dare.

Tickets are only £20 and are available from Cowes Yacht Haven, Master of Disguise in Newport, the Bagel Wrap

in Ryde or the Party Shop in Shanklin.

All profits go to Mountbatten. More details are available from decadeancenight@gmail. com

Unlucky 13 for Sweetcorn Fayre For the first time in its 13-year history, the annual Sweetcorn Fayre at Arreton Barns has been cancelled. Due to predicted adverse weather conditions and public safety the decision has been taken not to hold the event.

Not to leave visitors too disappointed, a Beer and Live Music Festival will take place over this weekend at the Barns’s traditional onsite pub, The Dairyman’s Daughter.

Beer will be flowing and live music playing as the pub’s conservatory is transformed into a pop up bar. You’ll be able to sample a whole host of real ales including some from local breweries.

Jane Gibbs of Arreton Barns said: “The decision to cancel the Sweetcorn Fayre was not taken lightly. We’re especially disheartened not to be able to raise money for local charities as we have done in previous years. It seems 13 was unlucky for us.”

Entry will be free of charge, but donations are welcome with money raised split between Island charities, Beaulieu House Respite and Way Forward.

Tony Wake of Beaulieu Respite said: “We look forward to welcoming as many people to the Festival as possible and please give generously.”

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27th September 2019

There’s lies, damn lies and funding statistics Figures from NHS England seem to show that funding for Island patients is significantly higher than in the South East or England as a whole. However, the picture is not so clear cut according to the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), responsible for planning and buying healthcare services for Island residents. It appears that the CCG receives £1,528 per person this year. The average award in England is £1,318 and in the South East £1,256.

The highest amount is handed to Knowsley CCG in Merseyside, who receive a whopping £1,742 per person, while the lowest is for Oxfordshire CCG at a miserly £1,091. The reason for the differences is that a formula is used so that areas with elderly populations or are more deprived receive more per head than others.

The CCG received over £222m for the registered population of just over 145,000 which leads to the figure of £1,535. But once the additional ‘weighting’ is stripped out the figure is much closer to the average at £1,359.

Dr Michele Legg (pictured), clinical chair for the CCG, said: “The NHS on the Island, like all other NHS systems on the mainland, would always welcome more money to help provide and deliver the best care. And delivering this on the Island undoubtedly can be more expensive and challenging than on the mainland due to a number of factors.

“Because we are an Island with a small population, we do not benefit from the economies of scale that other health systems on the mainland do. We need to provide

24/7 services regardless of our population size which has a significant cost implication.

“Although we have a small population, our demographics mean we have an older population, a high proportion who live alone. Many of whom have a range of longterm health conditions and complex needs, requiring a number of health interventions.

“While funding is important, we also need to focus on delivering the best outcomes with the funding that we do have, ensuring it is being spent in the right way whilst providing good results. Being a holiday destination, our population can double during the summer months and we have to ensure our services are able to cope with the increased demands that this presents.

This includes working closely with social care and exploring greater use of technology and digital solutions to aid diagnosis and treatment. Recently we have published the Health and Care Plan, which sets out a joint three-year vision for us, Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Isle of Wight Council, to work closer together and deliver improved care.”

Drumming up funds in Ryde Six-year-old Connie Jackson, on the drums, was joined by her grandparents Viv and Garry Willis when they performed a mini pop concert for charity outside their Appley home. More than 50 people, including Mayor of Ryde Cllr Michael Lilley, watched and listened as singer Garry, keyboard player Viv and Connie belted out hit covers from the 1970s and 1980s, plus other songs.

The event, held as part of Isle of Wight Day,

raised £115 for Ryde Inshore Rescue. Little Connie, who got her drum kit as a present, is being taught to play by grandad Garry.

Garry said: ”Connie was brilliant. This was the first time she’d played in public and everyone loved it.”

He and Viv played in the 1970-80 pop group White Satin, which was very successful on the pub and club circuit on the mainland.

Red Funnel picks up top Maritime Award Ferry operator Red Funnel was awarded the ‘Maritime 2050 Award’ at the Maritime UK Awards, held at a glittering ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

The prestigious award, sponsored by the Department for Transport, recognised Red Funnel’s contribution to supporting the British shipbuilding industry and championing the UK Government’s Maritime 2050 strategy, which seeks to maintain and strengthen the UK’s position as a global maritime leader.

Of Red Funnel’s existing fleet of seven ferries, six have been built in the UK. Most recently, Red Funnel awarded a £10 million contract to Cammell Laird, based in Birkenhead on the River Mersey, to build its new state-of-the-art, freight-only ferry, Red Kestrel. This marked the third successive UK-based ship order for Red Funnel in recent years, and specifically generated over 3,000 hours of apprentice work and supported 45 UK supply chain business. Red Funnel’s newest high-speed catamarans, Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7, were built even closer to home, at Wight Shipyard in 2016 and 2018.

The orders amounted to a £13million investment into the UK economy, with much of that staying on the Island. Some 85 skilled Island craftsmen were employed during the Red Jet builds, including several apprentices.

In addition to supporting UK shipbuilding, Red Funnel is helping to keep maintenance jobs within the UK. In April 2019, the company signed a three-year agreement with A&P Falmouth to service its vehicle ferries for routine maintenance.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel said: “We are extremely delighted to receive this prestigious award as we continue to do our part to support the British maritime industry.

We believe in the UK Government’s Maritime 2050 vision of keeping the UK as a leading, global maritime nation, so we’re particularly honoured to receive this accolade.

“Supporting the UK maritime economy is strongly embedded in the present day ethos of Red Funnel, has been since we were founded back in 1861 and will continue to guide our actions in the future as we look to embrace new technologies towards a greener future.”

Local schools create traffic chaos?

By BBC Local Democracy Reporter: Louise Hill Heavy traffic outside schools in Carisbrooke has caused safety concerns, with one school claiming it was left in the dark over changes to school hours.

Carisbrooke Primary School said it was left out of a consultation by the other two Wellington Road schools, Christ the King and Carisbrooke Colleges.

After the secondary schools changed their hours, all three schools now close within a five minute window, between 3.10pm and 3.15pm, leaving more than 2,530 pupils, aged between five and 18, to converge outside as they wait for buses or a lift home.

Parents have raised concerns about the behaviour of older children around the younger ones.

Carisbrooke College headteacher Matthew Parr-Burman said: "It was always a potential concern. We find it's less of a problem for us because we are further up from the schools and we have fewer pupils, who go two different ways. We have increased our staff duties at the end of the day and I went down to speak to concerned parents and look at the situation.

I didn't see any bad behaviour but it was very, very busy."

A Christ the King spokesperson said its building works should be partly finished by Christmas, and completed by Easter.

Interim executive principal Matt Quinn said the college had implemented measures to address the situation, including staggered departure times and using an overflow car park.

"The building work will relieve some of the congestion at the end of the day," he said. "The underlying issue of the

large number of students on a narrow pavement at one time will remain, irrespective of the school departure time.

"Once the building work is completed, it appears the bus bay outside both schools will no longer be required. If this could be made a pavement again, this, along with traffic calming and management, would increase the area for students considerably."

In a letter to parents, Carisbrooke Primary's head of school, Lloyd Watkins, said the decision made by the other schools to change their hours was potentially dangerous — and the primary school had not been consulted. He said: "This will result in a much busier and more congested leaving time, and potentially making the end of day more difficult and dangerous to negotiate for parents and children.

"We agree with any parents who are disappointed by these changes and would actively encourage as many as possible to contact the schools to complain. A strong and large parent voice from Carisbrooke CE Primary would add considerable weight to the formal letters of complaint already sent."

Cllr Paul Brading, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children’s services and education, said the council was aware of the issue: "We are concerned about it but there are more staff on duty to help. This is a short term problem as we believe once the Christ the King College building is complete, the problem will stop. But if this is a long term problem, we will look at a plan B." Carisbrooke Primary School is considering changing its hours to finish at 3pm to avoid the rush when the secondary schools close at 3.15pm — given 'the lack of response or responsibility' the colleges have shown.

27th September 2019

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News in brief Havenstreet road closure From Monday (Sept 30) the main road through Havenstreet will be closed in both directions until Friday (Oct 4). Traffic will be diverted over the Downs or through Wootton.

Newport junction closed

Broadcast from Cowes on Kitchen Cabinet Jay Rayner’s popular Radio 4 programme, The Kitchen Cabinet will be broadcasting a show from Cowes on Saturday, October 5. It was recorded on Wednesday

(Sept 25) at Northwood House.

The programme travels around the country to interesting food locations and an expert panel answers audience questions.

The

culinary programme is wellknown amongst foodies for its witty and irreverent approach.

It starts at 10.30am.

Police warning to beware scammers

Motorists will not be able to turn from St Mary’s Roundabout into Forest Road towards Newport for five weeks after work in the area starts on Monday (Sept 30).

Help for Thomas Cook staff Sunshine Recruitment are offering staff affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook this week free help and advice to help find alternative employment. The firm went into liquidation in the early hours of Monday morning (Sept 23), with the loss of 21,000 jobs, nationally and up to ten in the Newport branch.

Sunshine can be contacted on 215777.

Yarmouth emergency Emergency services worked together in Yarmouth on Wednesday to rescue a female casualty following a medical incident.

Freshwater fire crew and Co-Responders, Newport fire crew and the Isle of Wight Ambulance all attended and worked together to get the extricate the patient and take her to St Mary’s Hospital.

Police are investigating an allegation of fraud by deception after a woman in her 80s was charged £2,000 for less than an hour of gardening work in the Sandown area.

It was reported that three men in a van, who were not known to the victim, carried out the work. Police are asking anyone aware of similar incidents in the area, or has seen anyone approaching their elderly neighbours or loved ones in suspicious circumstances to contact police on 101.

Most door-to-door scams involve selling goods or services that are either not delivered or are very poor quality. You won’t get value for money and you may get billed for work you didn’t want or agree to. Some scammers

conduct surveys just to get your personal details or as a cover to sell you goods or services you don’t want or need, such as roofing work or patio replacement.

Unscrupulous employees sometimes still act illegally even when selling a genuine product by a genuine business. If someone knocks at your front door claiming to be from a company, first check their ID. If you’re not happy, don’t let them in.

Never call the phone number on their ID card to check them out. Ask the salesperson to wait outside, shut the door and find the company number on the internet. If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.

Wightlink appoints Islander Wightlink have appointed Islander Martin Gulliver from Newport as head of Island port operations.

The former Royal Mail manager will oversee day-to-day operations at Yarmouth, Fishbourne and Ryde.

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Knitted bears helping children to feel safer

Knitted police officer teddy bears are being handed out to children involved in incidents of domestic abuse.

The bears, which are knitted by volunteers, are given out by officers to help communicate and break down barriers with youngsters when police attend after a domestic incident.

Sergeant Deborah Ashthorpe said: “We want to make children safer, we want to give them a voice, and ensure they are included when we have to attend a domestic abuse incident in their home.

“Domestic abuse can have devastating effects on children and they need to be properly spoken to and safeguarded. We also don’t want them to think we’re scary or be afraid of us now, or in the future. The bears give us something tangible to handover and talk about, to break down barriers, and engage with the young child.

“These bears are designed to be given to children living with domestic abuse, but there have been occasions where officers have used them to help children involved in other distressing incidents.

The more we have, the more they can be put to good use to help a child.”

PC Aaron Shale, who recently gave out his first bear, said: “I gave out my first bear earlier this year and it worked really well. The little girl I gave it to was so proud and really opened up as a result.

“I told her about using her bear to be brave and that if officers attended again then she should get her bear and they would know to speak with her. When my colleagues revisited the following morning, the little girl ran upstairs to get her bear and show them.

Instantly they had something to talk to her about and they had a nice chat about the bear.

This helped lead on to another conversation about what happens at home meaning they could gather more information.”

Neighbourhood Policing Teams are continuing to engage with local knitting groups to gather more bears.

Officers give them the knitting pattern and they send their finished bears in to their local station.

If anyone would like to get involved with knitting these bears, they can find the pattern on line at hampshire.police.uk putting 'bear pattern' into the search box.

Planet Aware run volunteer beach clean day As part of the Marine Conservation’s Great British Beach Clean, Planet Aware ran a beach clean and survey at Grange Chine Beach. Volunteers collected 8kgs of litter in the 100m survey area representing 706 items of litter. The

main items on the beach were bits of fishing net and rope and pieces of plastic between 2.5cm and 5cm.

Plastic caps and wrappers were also found. After surveying the group cleaned further along the beach and

collected another 16kg of litter.

Sarah Marshall from Planet Aware said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers; it was great that even people on holiday at Grange Farm Camping came along to help.”

27th September 2019

‘Faith in humanity restored’ says mum

A mother's faith in humanity was restored when two people replaced her son's scooter which was stolen from outside Sandown Library. Michelle Churches posted on the Isle of Wight Community and Emergency Information Facebook page how ‘lovely lady Steph from Sandown’ had given Callum a scooter her son didn't use any more. But there was more good news to come as they found a brand new scooter left in the porch from an anonymous well-wisher. She said: “You should have seen how happy he was.”

The happiness was spread even wider when Steph said that Callum could pass on the other scooter to his sister.

The responses to the post showed how touched people were and praised the acts of kindness from strangers.

27th September 2019

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Shepherd’s huts plan for high-end tourism

News in brief Solent Forts for sale Three of Palmerston’s four Solent forts are up for sale. No Man’s Fort and Spitbank Fort are now luxurious hotels on the market through international property agents Colliers. Horse Sand Fort is a museum and is up for sale for auction through Clive Emson with bids starting at £750,000.

Stabbing in Ryde Vicki Louise Neilson aged 49, was charged of wounding with intent after a stabbing in Winton Street, Ryde last Friday (Sept 20). The Isle of Wight Magistrate’s Court adjourned the case until October 14, when she will appear before the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

Field fire in Brighstone An application on behalf of the National Trust has been submitted for four new shepherd’s huts at land off Hoxall Lane, Mottistone, by local planning consultants Hepburns.

The huts are to be used for tourist accommodation and are part of a drive by the National Trust to put small parcels of their extensive land to a better use, by providing niche and upmarket holiday accommodation in rural areas, according to the planning application. A similar application has been made for two huts to be located at Wydcombe Cottage in Whitwell.

Hepburns point out that the National Trust have extensive experience in the high end

tourism market and do not cater for the mass market.

The units proposed are manufactured by specialist supplier Blackdown Shepherd’s Huts and cost almost £50,000 each. They would be similar but not identical, with each hut having its own quirks. They will sleep two by way of a fold-down bed concealed behind a fake wall, and will have a shower room and shaker style kitchenette. It is proposed to install two huts initially, with two further units installed at a later date.

The application can be viewed on the council’s website iow.gov.uk/planning under reference 19/01012/FUL

Shanklin songs for church roof Phoenix Choir sang from the cliff tops of Shanklin at St Saviour's Church to help raise funds to pay for their new audio system. To an appreciative audience of around 150 they sang a wide variety of songs including 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight', 'The Goodbye Song', 'Love Changes Everything' and 'The Impossible Dream'. Gwen and Paul Stevens performed a duet 'The Prayer', whilst other soloists were Pam Attrill with 'The Rose', Ian Attrill with 'I Can't Stop Loving You', and

Paul Stevens with 'American Trilogy'. The evening raised a total of £635.

Phoenix Choir's last concert of 2019 will be on Saturday, October 26 at the Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge at 7.30pm in aid of Restoration of the Church Windows Stonework.

The Choir has now raised over £53,000 for local charities and good causes over the past 10 years and thanks all those who have supported their efforts.

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The fire service was called to a freshly cut field fire in Hulverstone Lane near Brighstone last Saturday afternoon (Sept 21). The incident was dealt with and crews returned to their stations just after 2pm.

Cash stolen in Sandown Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglar stole cash from a house in Lower Road, Sandown between 12.20am and 8am on Thursday, September 19.

A blue bandana was found in the rear garden, which may have belonged to the suspect.

If you know anything about this crime, call 101, quoting 190335082 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

50 attend Rookley meeting A recent meeting in Rookley Village Hall about plans to build over 30 new houses in the village attracted around 50 residents. The meeting was organised

by Island MP Bob Seely who thanked those who attended.

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Income hit by problems too!

Broken prow hinges are not the only technical issues the troubled floating bridge faces according to an internal review of onboard income collection. A report published in May says that transactions recorded by the handheld devices used by staff do not consistently appear on the online database, making it impossible to reconcile the sales data with the cash collected.

The highest monthly discrepancy was in September 2018 at over £2,200, with the lowest in December at just over £50. The report states that the ‘known issue’ may be due to connectivity, although that ‘is not fully established’, but the devices used should work off-line in any event. There are discrepancies every day, which is a ‘fundamental control issue’ that could be ‘disguising error and fraud in the ticketing/ cash collection procedures’, although it notes that a spot check found one attendant had £15 more cash than sales were recorded.

Other irregularities in cash handling were

also found.

The TransIQ system used for the service had been accepted and fully signed off in a separate review of contract monitoring.

The report recommends that the supplier is contacted to ‘determine whether the current performance of the system is in line with the agreed requirements of the signed contract’. The report goes on, ‘If the system supplier is not providing the level of service contracted by the Council then the Council should require the supplier to remedy the connectivity issues’. It is recommended that the contract should be reviewed to see if it is fit for purpose at the next opportunity.

The target date for action is June 2019, but papers published for the Audit Committee meeting on September 30 do not make clear whether any progress has been made in rectifying the problems.

The report also covers income collection at the Crematorium and Shanklin Cliff-Lift, no serious errors are found at either location.

27th September 2019

Sandown shows it is bloomin’ lovely!

BBC Radio Sussex ‘Dig It’ presenter Joe Talbot presenting the Best Small Coastal Resort Award to Ben Holbrook and Christine Jackson of the Sandown Green Town Volunteers The South & South East in Bloom results were good news for Sandown. On their first time of entering Sandown was declared South & South East in Bloom’s Small Coastal Resort of the Year 2019, with a Silver Gilt Award.

Ben Holbrook, Deputy Chairman of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, said: "We were especially pleased that, while noting that some areas of the town are in need of improvement, the judges recognised the hard work, pride and enthusiasm shown by the children, volunteers, individuals and civic members they met on their tour of Sandown."

The judges commented in particular on the diverse and broad community activities they were shown, from the work of the Bay CE School Community Kids at Sandown Station, the School and the Briars Nursing Home, to the varied activities of Sandown Green Town Volunteers which included Christmas tree decorating with recycled materials as well as

flower bed and street maintenance.

The opened-up green space at the back of Browns Golf Course and ‘the Men in Sheds’ initiative was also praised. Highly commended were the horticultural achievements of local businesses including Glory Arts, the Montpelier Guest House and Sandown Bowls Club.

In the South & South East in Bloom’s ‘Its Your Neighbourhood’ category Sandown Green Town Volunteers were awarded an ‘Outstanding’ for the Pier beds and Eastern Gardens, the highest level achievable.

Ben Holbrook added: "After such a huge amount of hard work in the build up to judging and throughout the year we are so pleased that our hard work has paid off and that our work has improved the town for residents and all those that come and visit. It is especially pleasing after Sandown Bay won the Country File Beach Of the Year earlier in the year."

Kebab house could have licence revoked

By BBC Local Democracy Reporter: Louise Hill A kebab house could have its licence revoked following a spate of violent incidents, including allegations of staff attacking customers.

Police have asked the Isle of Wight Council to review the premises’ licence for the Kebab House, Ryde, raising concerns about public safety, crime and disorder. A meeting of the licensing sub-committee was due to take place today (Sept 27).

Police have provided details about several violent incidents at the High Street takeaway since late 2016, including staff being violent towards customers, shown on CCTV inside and outside the premises.

Concerns have also been raised that the takeaway has stayed open later than it should have.

Police have said the licence holder, Seyit Cal, had ignored officers’ advice.

The sub-committee will now consider whether the licensing objectives are being

upheld. It has options to take no action, alter the licence, suspend the licence for three months or revoke it.

27th September 2019

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The Black Country ‘tairsters’ call time in Ship and Castle!

A Midlands man has finished a 35-year pub crawl on the Isle of Wight. Retired engineer Peter Hill from West Bromwich started a charity pub crawl back in 1984, prompted by a map of 300 pubs released by Bank’s Brewery.

Since then he admits his hobby of visiting pubs got slightly out of control, as once the first 300 were ticked off his list, he and a group of friends turned their sights in 1991 to visiting every hostelry in 13 Midlands counties. That achieved, seven years later they hit their next target of having a drink in every pub in Wales.

The Ship and Castle in East Cowes was their very last destination at number 21,779 for the Black Country Ale Tairsters – Black Country dialect for tasters – who proudly list various other achievements. They have toured pubs in every county and around the coast of mainland Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and over the last five years have had a drink in every island off the coast of the United Kingdom that has a pub, bar or hotel on it. In total they have visited 69 islands.

Although there are a number of other Tairster members, Peter was the only one who has visited every pub on the list.

Peter and the Tairsters have travelled more than 320,000 miles in their quest to visit as many pubs as possible in 35 years, making them almost certainly Britain’s most committed pub crawlers.

Their mission took them away from home every weekend without fail, but Peter says he’s not a big drinker, often just having a pint in each pub he visits. He smiled: “My hobby is pubs, not

drinking”.

There was another side to their unique hobby. They asked for a £1 donation from every pub they visited, and raised over £30,000 for various charities, the last being the Midlands Air Ambulance.

It’s not the first time Peter has been to the Island, he said: “I was here in March when I came on a whim. I loved the welcome and the beer was good. There are cracking pubs and lots to do. I love it.

“It cost me all my money, this project,” but ever since the Sun brought out the £9.50 holidays, I used them. People call me Mr Sun Holidays as I’ve had 110.” For this visit he was staying in Thorness Bay Holiday Park using the scheme.

During each visit he collected a menu, made a note of the décor and asked the landlord to sign a book. All that information is filed away at home, in what has become a collection of 220 lever arch files. As the marathon pub crawl came to an end, he says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his long-suffering partner Dawn and his two children, not entirely convincingly!

Landlady of the Ship and Castle Fliss Prosser said: “It was an honour that they should finish their marathon journey at my pub. It was a really fun time and they were a friendly, lovely group of lads”.

There’s no doubt that Pete and his Tairster pals have given their all to their unusual mission. Perhaps they’ll go for a sober October!

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27th September 2019

Kia taken by Police

Mary Rose among ships on new stamps issue King Henry VIII’s favourite warship which sunk off the Isle of Wight in 1545 appears on a newly-issued first class stamp.

The Royal Mail have unveiled a series of eight stamps, all depicting notable Royal Navy ships.

The Mary Rose was lost on July 19, 1545, as she led an attack on a French invasion fleet. Her wreckage was discovered in 1971 and in 1983 she was raised in a unique salvage operation by the Mary Rose Trust. She is now on display in Portsmouth’s Naval Dockyard in a dedicated museum.

In an announcement for the Royal Navy Ships stamps a Royal Mail spokesman said: “The oldest of Britain’s armed forces, the Navy is known as the ‘senior service.’ As an island nation, Britain’s prowess in ship design innovation and navigation has been instrumental in its history.”

The name of the ship and the year it was launched appear at the bottom right on each stamp. Other ships in the series include HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first in a class of modern aircraft carriers which entered active service in 2017, and warship HMS Victory, best known for its role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. She is also on display in Portsmouth Dockyard and holds the distinction of being the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world. Also included is HMS Beagle, the ship that carried 22-year-old Charles Darwin on his voyage around South America when he chronicled the natural history and geology he encountered in his book The Voyage of the Beagle. A first-class stamp now costs 70 pence.

Stag Lane Motors were called out to Briddlesford Road last Friday night to collect a blue Kia Sportage which had been impounded. The Police took to Twitter saying the driver had no insurance or driving licence and the vehicle’s road tax and MOT had run out in 2016.

They added the hashtags #NotWorthTheRisk and #TellUsAndWeWillHuntThem. To report an uninsured or untaxed vehicle call 101. If you know the name of the driver concerned you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to crimestoppers-uk.org

Yacht in trouble towed to Cowes A leaking yacht taking on up to 15 litres of water a minute on a pitch-black Solent last Thursday night led to an urgent distress call via the Coastguards to Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

The 25-foot yacht was at anchor in Osborne bay and on arrival the lifeboat crew set to work with their portable salvage pump. It was found the leak was due to an unplugged hole-fitting. After a temporary repair the yacht and two crew were towed to Shephards Marina.

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The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has just celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a tea party for its local volunteer watchkeepers and their partners at their lookout above the Needles, with the Island’s Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon joining the party.

The NCI is dedicated to preserving life at sea and around the UK’s coasts. They have 56 stations around the country, with over 2,600 watchkeepers giving their time to be the local eyes and ears for helicopter, lifeboat and landbased assistance. They scan the water for kayaks, jet-skis, dinghies, yachts and fishing boats in difficulties and report problems to the Coastguard who coordinate rescues.

Locally, NCI volunteers have been helping to keep people safe on the Solent for just over seven years. It all started when Jim Scott began looking into the possibility of opening an NCI station on the Island. He roped his wife into walking the Island’s coast to find a suitable site, eventually settling on the Needles Coast Guard Station, owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. After a series of meetings and extensive negotiations a licence for the NCI to operate from the remote building overlooking the Needles was granted.

After fundraising, clearing, cleaning and painting the station it was finally opened on Saturday, August 12, 2012.

Initially it was open only on weekends with a team of around 10 volunteers.

The official opening took place on

November 28, 2012 by Dave Kennett MBE, former coxswain of the Yarmouth Lifeboat. By this time the number of people keeping watch over the Needles coastline had doubled and Friday was added to the rota for watchkeeping.

By their first anniversary the team had 32 members. Membership now stands at around 70 volunteers, who keep watch every day of the week, 365 days of the year with two or three watchkeepers on duty for four-hour shifts. Tony Stables, Station Manager said: "We are proud to serve all those who use the waters of the Western Solent and those who walk and visit the Needles headland by providing

a continuous day time visual watch and responding to those in difficulty.

Indeed, we have been described as ‘the guardian angels on the cliffs.’”

Terry Riddett, Rota Manager added: “We are always looking for voluteers; the training is fun but will give you what you need to play an important part in our work. You don't need a nautical background just a good pair of eyes, the ability to concentrate and not panic."

You must be able to commit to at least two shifts a month and be fit enough to climb the 8ft entry ladder into the watchtower. For more details call (01983) 754231.

27th September 2019

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Helping to fight dementia with a walk along Ryde seafront

Maths project may bring Island up to UK average Island primary school children taking part in a special targeted initiative have achieved a 15 per cent improvement in their Key Stage Two maths performance, provisional figures show.

Around half of the Island’s primary schools were involved in the project over a fourterm period, and it is now planned to roll the scheme out to all Island primaries.

The Isle of Wight Council, in partnership with Hampshire County Council, devised the project in 2017 and won funding of £155,000 from the Department for Education (DfE).

Starting in summer 2018, it focused on devising and reviewing teaching strategies, supported by external experts to help pupils boost their understanding of maths.

Cabinet member for education, skills and children’s services, Councillor Paul Brading, said: “This is a magnificent achievement and credit should go to all the children involved, their teachers and those who masterminded

this project.”

The provisional 15 per cent improvement in maths goes towards the children’s overall ‘age related expectations’ (ARE) grading for reading, writing and maths. The maths improvement will lead to an uplift of nine per cent in the proportion of pupils achieving ARE in the schools involved in the project and Cllr. Brading believes the increase will bring the score for Island primaries ‘broadly in line’ with the national average for maths, even though only half of the schools took part. He said: “It is vital now to secure these improvements for future years.”

Official DfE figures show that 14 of the Island’s primary schools were below or well below average for maths last year, with only one above average, St Saviour’s Catholic Primary in Totland. There were no schools well above average. The statistics for this year will not be published until provisional figures are confirmed.

Lib-Dems name Nick Stuart as their new Island candidate The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have selected Nick Stuart of Brighstone as their new Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

He won a contested selection contest against Nicholas Belfitt who fought the seat for the party in 2017 when he gained 2,740 votes.

This was only 3.7 per cent of the votes cast so the party lost its deposit.

A deposit of £500 must be paid by anybody standing in a general election. It is returned if the candidate gets at least five per cent of votes. In 2015 the Electoral Commission called for the deposit system to be scrapped calling it ‘out of date’ and ‘unreasonable’.

The commission said it had received a range of views about the need for deposits in elections. In general the larger parties were in favour as they claimed it deterred non-serious candidates, but smaller parties and independent candidates said it restricted their ability to participate in elections.

A report by the watchdog concluded: ‘We do not think that the ability to pay a specified fee is a relevant or appropriate criterion for determining access to the ballot paper.’

Red Squirrel awarness day to be held at Ryde Trust Hub It’s Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Awareness Day tomorrow (Sat) at the IoW Red Squirrel Trust Hub, 138 High Street, Ryde from 9am to 4pm.

Beth Greaves Jones, Hub Manager, said: “Red Squirrels were embedded in our hearts by the infamous Nutkin in Beatrix Potter’s eponymous Tale of Squirrel Nutkin and we are so fortunate to still have them in the UK. But our overall UK red squirrel population is thought to be fewer than 140,000 so it is vital that we, on the Isle of Wight, pull together to understand and nurture our Red Squirrel stronghold.

“The IoW Red Squirrel Trust’s charity manager, Helen Butler MBE is a leading authority on Red Squirrels and we are extremely lucky to have her to spearhead our work in both education on and conservation of these beautiful island residents.”

Celebrations at The Hub are set to include refreshments, and an adopt a squirrel scheme.

The Isle of Wight Memory Walk takes place on Sunday, with registration starting from 10am at the Barracks Cafe, Puckpool Park in Ryde, which is also where the walk starts at 11am and finishes. The three-mile level walk along the Ryde seafront, is free to take part in and is family and dog friendly.

The walk raises money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society, which conducts research into dementia and campaigns and cares for people living with the condition.

The route will head along the seafront paths, past Appley Tower and the boating lake to Ryde Superbowl, continue back along the far side of the boating lake and finish back at Puckpool.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, with symptoms that include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. One in six people over the age of 80 suffer from dementia and 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.

If you’re looking for information, support or advice about dementia you can call the helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit the Alzheimer’s Society website at alzheimers. org.uk, which includes links to local services and sources of help.

You can make a donation in support of the Isle of Wight Memory Walk at justgiving. com/fundraising/iw-memorywalk

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27th September 2019

THE OBSERVER GUIDE

Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band head to Strings Bar & Venue Geno originates from Evansville in Indiana, USA and first came to England in the 1960s as part of the US Air Force. His love of Blues and Soul music soon found him jamming with local bands in and around Ipswich and eventually led him to London where he caused a sensation singing with top R&B acts Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band at the legendary Flamingo Club in Soho. The rest, as they say, is history.

Geno teamed up with some of London’s hottest musicians and Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band very quickly became established as the most exciting live band in Britain, regularly topping the bill over World famous artistes, as nobody in their right mind wanted to go on stage after a Geno show!

His live shows were immortalised in two of the biggest selling albums of the ’60s - “Hand Clappin’ Foot Stompin’ Funky Butt Live” and “Hipsters Flipsters and Finger Poppin’ Daddies”. His status as the undisputed “King of Soul” was cemented forever by Kevin Rowland and Dexy’s Midnight Runners in the 1980’s with the World-wide No.1 smash hit single “Geno”, which paid homage to the great man himself and is still played regularly today on national radio and at Geno’s live gigs both before and after shows.

Throughout the years Geno and his band have continued to tour extensively all over the World and have released several highly acclaimed albums and singles. His latest live double album simply entitled “It’s Geno Time”, recorded at the legendary Half Moon in Putney, is widely regarded as his best work to date: you only have to listen to the audience reaction to know that Geno has lost none of his magic as he and the band deliver a blistering set of Soul classics to a wild crowd who wouldn’t let them off stage!

Geno’s life long love of Blues and R&B has led to yet another chapter in his illustrious career with the formation of “Geno and the Yo Yo’s” which features the long standing rhythm section of the Ram Jam Band (Geoff Hemsley on drums, Steve Bingham on bass and Stuart Dixon on guitar) which is a hard hitting, fastmoving show of R&B / Blues / Soul classics that has audiences on their feet from start to finish and is receiving rave reviews wherever they play.

Whether it’s Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band or Geno Washington and the Yo Yo’s you can be sure of one thing and that is a barnstorming live show that never lets up in intensity or excitement and delivers the goods every time!

Advance Tickets £16 and on sale now Strings Bar & Venue Newport, PO30 1LL 23rd November // Doors 7.30pm // 16+ www.stringsbarandvenue.com

Island-born showbiz writer John Hannam launches his fourth book After completing his trilogy of planned books Island-born showbiz writer and broadcaster John Hannam decided to add a fourth to his series of The John Hannam Interviews.

More Wight Connections is now all set to be published on Friday October 4 and will be available from Island shops and online.

John told the Observer: “My 2018 Wight Connections book sold out quickly and I had to have a reprint.

I was also aware there were many Islanders I still wanted to write about and so 100 more are featured in this latest book.”

There are so many diverse characters in this new publication which has a foreword by Mark King.

These include local musicians like John Wroath and Brian Sharpe, former Ryde gang leader Lord Morris, darts superstar Henry Barney, cancer fundraiser June Ring, lorry driver Dave Woodford, legendary Ryde Harriers runner Eddie Leal, Premier League footballer Gareth Williams, broadcasters Ian Mac, Charlie Brook and Alex Dyke, dance teacher Hilary Hall and local characters like Bob Humphray, Olly Hamilton, Reuben Abbot, Derek Ohren and Ian Dockray.

Among the local sports personalities are Chris Cheverton, Adam Hose, Tony Grimwade, Jenny and David Ball and Roger North. Famous people include Geoffrey Hughes, Jennie

Linden, Jet Harris, Marius Goring, Craig Douglas and Jeremy Irons.

An added exciting feature in this new book is the section of rare photographs of past local groups and entertainers. There are over 60 in total. These include rare photos of the Cowes Concert Band, the Gloria Roberts Dancers, seven Island magicians, the Castle Jazz Band and groups like the Knights, Bobby I Can Fly, Invaders, Five Alive, Garage Band, Blue Moon, Yorkies and Skyline.

Confirmed book signings are to be held at the County Press office on Friday October 4, from 10am to noon, and Glyn Morgan’s of Shanklin on Saturday October 5 from 10am to noon.

Others are currently being planned.

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THEATRE AND EVENTS

EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND Death in High Heels The Pepperpot Players are bringing a ‘whodunnit’ with a touch of class, “Death in High Heels” to Shanklin Theatre from the October 7 - 10. Spend an evening immersed in the murder mystery story, and bring along your friends and family to figure out ‘whodunnit’ together!

It’s only £10 per person for a fun, intriguing evening out with friends and

family, in one of the Island’s finest theatres. For more information, please visit Shanklin Theatre at shanklintheatre.com.

October 7 - 10 @ 7:30pm Shanklin Theatre, Shanklin, PO37 6AJ

Isle of Wight Festival of the Mind IW Festival of the Mind is back for the 2nd year at the Riverside Centre on Sunday, October 6. Residents of the Isle of Wight can attend the free event as a celebration of all things that make them happy!

Islanders can try out different activities, have a nose around the stalls which are giving out information and guidance and watch performances from different Island

groups on stage. Bring someone along who needs a reason to smile!

October 6 @ 11am - 4pm Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR

Oktoberfest at Puckpool Park Puckpool Park will be hosting one of the most famous Bavarian Beer Festivals in October where you can try some traditional food and drink including authentic German beers, freshly made pretzels, bratwursts, roast chicken schweinshaxe and lots more! Enjoy the Bavarian DJ’s music and entertainment and have a good old Friday night with

friends and family!

For more information and tickets, visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/oktoberfest-isle-ofwight-tickets.

October 4 @ 6pm - 11.30pm Puckpool Park, Puckpool Hill Seaview, PO34 5AR £4 - £22.50

Island Heritage Train Days import. Visitors may also be transported back to the 1950s and 1960s and see an early British Railways’ era ballast train.

October 6 at the Steam Railway The Railway Station Havenstreet Ryde, PO33 4DS

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Head back to the past to discover how the Island railways provided our daily transport. This included not only taking people to work or school, or to the shops, but also taking livestock and farm produce to market and shops. Goods were also distributed around the Island, often having been imported via one of the Island’s ports. Coal was the Island’s largest

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27th September 2019

Photo of troops in Newport prompts more information Photographs we published on September 6 of troops marching through Newport, kindly submitted by John Pullinger of Gurnard, has prompted Alan Williams to get in touch with further information.

He says the photos are of the Isle of Wight and Tidworth Regiment, formed in 1959 with the amalgamation of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and the Wiltshire Regiment.

The amalgamation parade took place at Albany Barracks, Parkhurst when Field Marshall HRH Prince Philip, Colonelin-Chief of the Wiltshire Regiment, presented Colours to the 1st Battalion of his new regiment. Many of the 'old and bold' from the former regiments were present.

The regiment amalgamated again in 1994 with the Gloucestershire Regiment to become the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.

Alan doesn’t know exactly when the pictured march through Newport took

Cider and cheese go down very well place, but the absence of batons on the rifles indicates it may have been a ‘freedom march’. He is a keen re-enactor and the photo above shows him in a 1959 uniform of the regiment with his wife Sylvia in A.T.S. uniform. It was taken at the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment at Hayling Island.

Get your tack marked for free Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police will be holding a ‘Tack Marking’ event on Monday, October 7.

The Country Watch team will be available at Mole Country Store in

Blackwater, Newport from 10am until 2pm and will tack mark any leather or synthetic items free of charge. Why not take advantage of the service and help ensure that

your valuable tack is safe, or if stolen can be returned to you if recovered? There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.

Few things go together as well as cider and cheese, and when you add a group of friends and vintage steam trains into the mix then you are assured of a great day out. The third Isle of Wight Cider and Cheese Festival at Havenstreet Steam Railway was a resounding success, even though the weather turned from summer sunshine on the Saturday to autumn showers the following day.

With a wide variety of both staple ingredients, visitors were keen to revisit old favourites and also to sample new flavours.

Rhubarb cider was particularly popular.

The weekend is growing in awareness and popularity with more visitors attending than last year and the popular attraction is planning to hold the event again next year.

IW Lottery all grown up and ready to play

Way back in 2001, something called the Isle of Wight lottery was born.

Unlike other lotteries, this one not only gave its players a far better chance of winning, but was also designed to give back to the Island community that supported it.

Since its inception, the Isle of Wight Lottery has given away more than £2 million in prize money to support local businesses, with over £100,000 being won each year. Now, 18 years later, the Isle of Wight Lottery is growing up!

As a player you can still win the £1,000 main prize or one of 10 £100 prizes each week. You can also still be entered into the monster £5,000 and £10,000 draws before Christmas, a handy time to have some extra cash. But you need to be in it to win it, and it only costs

£1 a week to play!

The Isle of Wight Lottery, run by the Island’s Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, has provided interest free loans to almost 100 companies, providing almost a £1million for Island businesses. It’s helped start, grow and sustain many businesses, some of which are household names to Islanders and beyond nowadays, while also creating and sustaining thousands of jobs.

With a new website under construction, easier ways to play and more great prizes coming up, the Isle of Wight lottery is progressing to adulthood looking better than ever. For more information and to sign up to play visit isleofwightlottery.com.

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Crowds turn out to celebrate IW Day Record crowds were drawn to Carisbrooke Castle for the Family Fun Day and to celebrate the fourth annual Isle of Wight Day. With an entrance fee for Islanders of only £1, up to 4,000 visitors turned up to enjoy a day of fun, food and glorious sunshine. Castle staff conducted guided tours of the English Heritage attraction and the resident donkeys and Nipper, the 7ft crab mascot of Isle of Wight Day were on hand to greet visitors old and young.

Special events laid on included face painting, human table football and historic figures in fancy dress.

PHOTOS CHRIS CORNFORD

Hundreds of Islanders took part in the beach clean-ups around the island and the annual Songs of Praise concert at Cowes Community College was a sell-out.

Robin Courage, who founded Isle of Wight Day during his year as High Sheriff, said: “This fourth Isle of Wight Day lived up to all expectations and it was wonderful to see so many families entering into the spirit of the day and coming together to celebrate all that is so great about our wonderful Island” The next Isle of Wight Day will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020.

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Ploughing match victory for ‘country lad’ Ricky!

Class 6 Winner - Sid Brown with Rachael Burrows

Class 7 & Reserve Champion - Glen Draper

Class 4 Winner - Ricky Attrill

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Class 4 & Overall Champion - Ricky Attrill with Rachael Burrows

IWPA Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Class 3 Winner - Gary Kimber

Class Winner - Stuart Slocombe

Class 5 Winner - Dan Reynolds

The 120th Annual Isle of Wight Ploughing Match attracted nearly 40 competitors, slightly down on last year but still a good turn-out, according to Maurice Flux, Vice Chairman of the organising committee.

He described it as one of the most popular events in the agricultural calendar, attracting a large crowd and a good number of trade stands. The raffle included prizes donated by local producers. There were seven classes including young competitors, vintage ploughs and reversible ploughs.

Maurice said: “The quality was high again this year, although some competitors are used to doing it on a commercial basis and others are hobbyists. We were really helped by the weather, which was absolutely fantastic.

The overall winner was Ricky Attrill, who’s a country lad – well he’s in his 60s, but you know what I mean!”

The event was held at Manor Farm, Wellow and Maurice thanked owners Mr and Mrs Tony Holmes for their hospitality adding: “Some people think farmers host it and get their field ploughed into the bargain, but it’s not like that at all. In fact, they have to replough the whole area as there are strips of land left untouched. The ploughing match couldn’t happen without the kindness of our hosts each year.”

Entry is by donation which is passed on to charities each year. This year the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Prostrate Cancer were the beneficiaries.

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Help Kumba and Vigo move home

Island poet makes appearance at Literary Festival Island poet and performer, Sandy Kealty, will be appearing at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival next month, performing poems from her first published collection of poetry called ‘The Mermaid is Unimpressed’ published by local publisher, Beachy Books.

Sandy will be reading, along with other Island poets, in the ‘Island Voices’ slot between 2-3pm on Thursday, October 10.

Tickets are only £5 and there will be a chance to buy signed copies of ‘The Mermaid is Unimpressed’.

With a cover illustrated by Island designer Shaun Cuff, aka The Constant Doodler, ‘The Mermaid is Unimpressed’ contains 29 poems, many inspired by the Isle of Wight, where Sandy has lived for the past 17 years.

She said: “I found the place an inspiration.

I’ve been fortunate to have the time to concentrate on writing poems. This book is not just a collection of verse, it is the story of my progress through a fairly long life.

The Mermaid poem herself came out of the realisation that we’re all using far too much

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stuff and destroying the planet, but others are tales of my past.”

To book tickets to see Sandy or find out the programme for the Literary Festival visit the website: isleofwightliteraryfestival.com.

Long-awaited resurfacing for Monkton Street to go ahead Monkton Street in Ryde, which has arguably the worst surface in the town, and possibly anywhere on the Isle of Wight, is finally to be upgraded by Island Roads. The project to resurface the busy route through Ryde will be undertaken in three phases.

Work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday (Oct 1) and last for nine days between 6.30am and 6pm. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times as long as it is safe to do so.

The three work sections will be from the St John’s Road junction to Park Road, the Park Road junction to Melville Street and from Melville Street to the Strand.

Businesses and residents will receive letters explaining the scheme and how it will affect them including information on alternative parking while work is underway. The Tower House GP practice has also been informed and visitors are reminded that the building can be accessed via West Hill Road.

Keith Gourlay, Island Roads construction manager, said: “By phasing these works we hope to reduce disruption in what is a very busy residential road. However, it is impossible to undertake work of this nature in a location like this without causing some inconvenience and we thank residents and businesses in advance for their understanding.”

An evening event at the Isle of Wight Zoo last Thursday (Sept 19) led to a number of corporate sponsorships to help kit out the new lion house built for Kumba and Vigo.

The two lions had spent their lives boxed in a small trailer with a travelling circus before arriving at their new Island home in February. They had been beaten and cruelly and painfully declawed. The ill-treatment didn’t stop them growing though. These two lads are much bigger than normal lions, so needed a home that befits their size.

When construction company Wilmott Dixon heard what was needed, they decided to get involved using their corporate sponsorship

programme and donated labour and skills towards building a new lion house for Kumba and Vigo to call home.

A home is more than just a building, and the zoo needs to fit out their new pad and build a spacious enclosure before the lions can move in. There are opportunities for businesses to get involved and donations that individuals can make to help these two lions live the happy life they deserve. The list of items needed for the new enclosure start from just £50 and £60 for feeding bowls and water fountains. You can find a full list at justgiving.com/campaign/kumba-andvigos-new-pad.

Cowes club helps victims Cowes Sailing Club stalwarts Dave and Sarah Ross are currently based in the Bahamas, and suffered at first hand the terror wrought by Hurricane Dorian. However, their experience was nothing compared with the horror and total loss for those less fortunate all around them.

The Grand Bahama Children’s Home, with which Sarah and Dave are involved, was completely gutted. Dave wrote: “We have been at the children’s home. Everything,

and I mean everything, is lost. It is heartbreaking pulling these young people’s lives out of the buildings. These are kids that had very little to start off with. Now they have nothing. Words can’t describe it.”

Cowes Corinthian Club’s social team swung into action, organising a fundraising day.

Over £1,400 was raised and donations to the refit fund continue to pour in. Donations can be accepted by credit card, BACS or cheque by contacting the Club on (01983) 296333.

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News in brief Crash diverts traffic

The road from Blackwater to Rookley was closed late on Sunday morning (Sept 22) and diversions put in place when a car rolled on to its side at Blackwater Hollow. Emergency services attended but nobody was seriously hurt in the incident.

Fire goes out!

Church coffee morning St Boniface Church in Bonchurch will be joining Macmillan’s ‘Biggest Coffee Morning in the World’ campaign next Tuesday (Oct 1). Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which supplies health care, advice and financial support to cancer patients, it

will take place from 10am to 12 noon. As you would expect there will be coffee and tea, with savoury and sweet treats, but there will also be a tombola, raffle, cake stall, books and lots of friendly chat. Everybody is very welcome to join them for the event.

Fight against knife crimes

Emergency services were called out to a fire in a kitchen in Gurnard on Wednesday evening, but the fire was out before the fire engines arrived.

New theatre trustees Michael and Sally Beston have been unanimously elected as trustees to the Board of Shanklin Theatre. Owners of the Snowdon Hotel, Michael is the IW County Councillor for Shanklin Central and Sally is a Director of Visit Isle of Wight. The board welcomed them, saying they are always on the lookout for members who can bring useful skills and knowledge to the team.

Cheeki Monkey sale As part of Operation Sceptre, the national week of action against knife crime and local police campaign Never Choose Knives, schools on the Isle of Wight have been visited by ex-gang member Omar Sharif, for pupils to hear his experiences and inspire them to make positive life choices.

Growing up in London, Omar (now 27) became involved in a gang when he was 16 years old. But when three of his friends died as a result of knife crime it was a horrifying wake-up call.

Omar moved to a different part of the city, despite pressure from gang members, to start again. However, when the business he set up didn’t take off, he became homeless. Omar then made the decision to move outside of London. He says it was the fresh start he needed to find confidence and new sense of direction.

Omar joined officers from the Island’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams to speak about his experiences to more than 2,000 pupils at Priory School in Whippingham, Medina School in Newport, Ryde School, the Island Learning Centre in Newport, Christ the King College in Newport, Carisbrooke Primary and Carisbrooke College in Newport and Island Free School in Ventor.

Omar said: “It's important for teenagers to understand the consequences of carrying a knife and that there is an alternative, even if they are feeling pressured by their peer group.

“A lot of (young) people caught carrying a knife aren't carrying a knife with the intent to hurt someone; they carry a knife because they think it'll make them feel safe. That's why I started carrying a knife, the problem with that is... it doesn't protect you.

“I fully support the #NeverChooseKnives campaign, the focus is on those vulnerable people living within our communities who could be targeted by others connected with drug and knife-related crime, which can have a devastating impact.”

Chief Inspector for the Isle of Wight, Rob Brind said: “Whilst the Isle of Wight is not considered a hot spot for knife crime, Operation Sceptre has enabled officers and partners to emphasise preventative measures with young children by educating them early about the risk and consequences of carrying a knife. This information has equipped them to realise that they are more at risk than if they were unarmed, we have been able to signpost them to the help that is available through a trusted adult or speaking to us on 101, or anonymously through www.fearless.org.”

If you are a young person, parent or teacher worried about knife crime find out more about the #NeverChooseKnives campaign at safe4me.com If you notice unusual activity in your street, or you are concerned about someone carrying a knife, please let us know, either by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cheeki Monkeys nearlynew baby sales will hold their first Island event at Ryde Academy next Saturday (Oct 5) from 12 noon until 2pm. Islanders can buy and sell used babies and children’s toys clothes and equipment on the day. Stalls are £12 and entry is £1, children are free. Further details available on cheekimonkeys.co.uk.

Governors agree to move Yarmouth Primary School governors agreed in principle for the school to be closed and moved to Freshwater.

The information was disclosed in a letter to parents which explained that the decision had been reached after ‘frank conversations’ and ‘a very painful meeting’ with Isle of Wight Council representatives.

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Nine family homes for Sandown hotel?

Responsible fishing makes Ben a winner Young Isle of Wight fisherman Ben Calder has been rewarded for his responsible approach to fishing.

Ben, 14 and from Shalfleet, has been named winner of this year's Wightlink Trophy for Most Responsible Angler in an annual contest run by the ferry company, in conjunction with the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club (VBFC).

Each year Wightlink awards the trophy to the young angler who has impressed the club with their commitment to responsible angling. Colin Webb of VBFC said: “Ben was by far the most polite junior this year. He was also happy to be fishing for fun and not too fussed about the competitive nature

of some of the others. He just got on, fished in an extremely tidy manner and enjoyed the moment.”

Colin also thanked Wightlink for allowing Ryde Pier to be used for junior fishing. Ben’s mother, Victoria Calder, said: “Fishing is a part of the family really. Ben likes to go fishing with his father Simon and we all enjoy spinning for mackerel in the boat off Yarmouth.

We are really pleased that he has been chosen for his award. It is important that fishing is done in a responsible manner.”

Ryde School pupil Ben added: “Thank you so much for the award. The fishing competition is amazing; I've been going

for the past three years and I've enjoyed it every single time. Colin is really kind to give up his time to organise the event.”

John McBride, Wightlink Port Operations Lead at Ryde Pier Head, said: “We are really pleased to see that the young anglers who fish from Ryde Pier do so in a responsible manner. Ben is a worthy winner and we are delighted to award him the 2019 trophy.

“We look forward to continuing our support for the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club and to promoting responsible angling from the Pier.”

Rubbish cleared from Ryde beach

Around 40 volunteers, along with some four-legged friends, joined a Wightlink-led beach clean as part of Isle of Wight Day. A dozen sacks full of rubbish were collected from the area around Ryde

Pier and the beach to the east towards Appley. Unusual items found included a toy gun, a bowling pin, diving mask, goggles and various items of clothing.

Wightlink PR and brand manager Louise Lea said: “It was a beautiful

morning and it was really nice to have so many Wightlink people, many with families, coming together to do a bit of good for the environment.”

By BBC Local Democracy Reporter: Louise Hill Plans to demolish a Sandown hotel, to make way for flats and houses, have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.

The application sets out plans to knock down the Cygnet Hotel, at the junction of Carter Road and Broadway, and build three pairs of semi-detached houses and a three-storey block of flats containing six two-bedroom apartments, giving 12 homes in total.

The current owners of the hotel, which was put on the market in 2014 and ceased trading in 2017, said it was not financially sustainable.

“The hotel has had its day and is not working anymore, it needs a lot of work,” they said in a letter included with the planning application. “We feel the whole building needs to be demolished as it is not very nice-looking. Family homes will be more suited to the area with the schools and nurseries.”

New town map to help visitors

Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council (NCPC) have unveiled a new town map in order to help visitors and local people discover their way around Newport.

The map, jointly funded by NCPC and a £3,000 grant from the IW Chamber of Commerce, was manufactured by Newport-based company AJ Wells from a hand drawn map by Alan Rowe of Carisbrooke. Situated opposite the Guildhall in the High Street, it features a time-line of Newport's history, for instance the Treaty of Newport between Charles I and Parliament 1648 and the Luftwaffe air raid of 1943. In future the map will highlight local businesses, encouraging people to seek them out.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chairman of NCPC, said: "I'm overjoyed at how this map has turned out. It's a wonderful interpretation of a part of our county town, which is not only a beautiful legacy, but a practical guide, which the Shaping Newport report highlighted as an issue.

"Alan Rowe and AJ Wells have produced a stunning piece of public art and we are proud to have a prominent example of world class enamelling in the town it is made."

The map will tie in with the Newport Living History project which is gathering information about Newport in the last 100 years through face-to-face interviews and photographs.

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Students add their weight to climate change protest walk Pupils from schools across the Island joined a ‘climate change protest’ walk to add their backing in trying to save the planet from further pollution and destruction, before it is too late.

Students from many schools were were spotted, including The Bay School in Sandown, Cowes Academy and Lanesend Primary in Cowes, the Island Free School in Ventnor, and from Newport, Christ the King College and Newport C of E Primary. They were joined by representatives from other groups including Amnesty International, Frack Free Island and Extinction Rebellion with their silent Red Rebels, who moved through the crowd with slow, meditative movements.

Nicola Scivier from Newport Primary School was attending with all the pupils from years 3 and 4, whose curriculum this year is focused on the environment and how they can make a difference. She explained why they had attended, saying: “They should be in school, but we’ve done a lot of work and they agree that it’s more important that we give them their future.”

Veteran environmental campaigner Hugh Waldren was pleased to see so many young people present, saying that in his view it was ‘self-evident’ why people had turned out, adding: “We’ve only got one planet, and if we muck it up there’s nowhere to go.”

Alfie Pettifer, 15, from The Bay School, spoke eloquently to the crowds and was very pleased with the turnout, but afterwards admitted that he had been very nervous.

He said: “I reiterated an important speech from Greta Thunberg. I think she gets the urgency of the situation and the crisis very well.

“Climate change is the most important issue facing us all now, and in particular greenhouse emissions which can’t be dealt with by individual actions. We have to go for the corporations producing methane, carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions.”

He felt that the demonstration drew younger people into the debate adding: “It showed older generations that we are both willing to work with them and to push them to take action.”

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It’s just singin’ and dancin’ in the rain

Guides have fun at Urban Sands camp Hundreds of Girlguiding IW members attended an all-Island camp at Urban Sands, Ryde, led by joint Island Commissioners Lesley Gifford and Shirley Saunders.

Visitors to the event included Isle of Wight Council Chairman George Cameron, Ryde Town Councillor and Mayor, Michael Lilley, Councillor John Hobart and President of Girlguiding Isle of Wight, Mrs Gioia Minghella-Giddens. All enjoyed seeing the various areas of activities and speaking with the leaders and girls. Gioia MinghellaGiddens said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Girlguiding members to get out into the countryside whilst learning new skills and having a lot of fun.”

There were plenty of exciting activities for everyone to join in, including camp-fire lighting and toasting marshmallows, making boats of tree bark, recognising tree species, den building, painting with mud and camping skills. Leaders were on hand to help with activities and some of the Rangers ran the activities for the younger members.

With a theme of Four Elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water all activities were based on the environment and science sections

of Girlguiding’s New Programme. Lesley Clifford said: “How great it is to enable girls from across the Island to join together for this All Island Camp giving them a chance to meet with girls from areas of the Island other than their own.”

Shirley Saunders added, “All the volunteer leaders have given up their time over this weekend to enable the girls to experience a large camp on the Island. Everyone has had a wonderful time and it is fun to have outdoor activities.”

Two Brownies from the Wroxall Unit were quick to say how they were enjoying the experience with Kaitlyn Starling, aged eight, saying, “I liked the dot printing the best and I am really looking forward to the sleepover.”

Elizabeth Wray, also eight, added. “I am really looking forward to the sleepover and I have enjoyed the activities.”

Annabel Barber, who is 10 and a member of Newport Guides said: “Making the slime and swimming were really fun and it was my first time sleeping in a tent. I shared with four others from Newport and before the night in camp we sang my favourite songs around the camp-fire.”

Eleven dancers from the Roisin Mullins Dance Academy turned out despite the severe weather warning last Sunday, to support the Brading 1940s Vintage Day. The event, created to raise funds for Brading Railway station, was set to be a wash out, but the local Irish dancers stepped in with a river dance to save the day. The toe tapping performance drew the crowds and got the day back on track. Aged two to 15 years, the talented troupe were resilient to the weather, not wanting to let event organisers and locals down. Brading dance teacher Roisin Mullins, said: “I am so proud of my pupils, who made their mark as true performers. Not only did

they turn out despite the bad weather, they drew a crowd, and brought life back into what was a very important event.

“Brading Station is a vital part of the local community. It gives Brading a link to the mainland, and to other towns on the Island. I am delighted to be able to say we have helped to raise funds for our station, which is reliant upon the work of volunteers, and the support of the local community. We are looking forward to the arrival of the new trains, which will be used by our dance families.”

Youngsters wishing to join the river dance line should visit www.roisinmullins.co.uk/ irish-dance-academy

Grant support for women and girls Grants of between £5,000 to £10,000 are now available through the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), from the Tampon Tax Community Fund.

Local community groups on the Island can apply for grants to support women and girls of all ages and backgrounds to overcome the barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential.

The funding is for projects and services that directly benefit women and girls to build skills, confidence and self-esteem or make a long-term difference to health and wellbeing Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive

at HIWCF said: “We are delighted to be distributing the Tampon Tax Community Fund once again, directing funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products towards projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls across our region. HIWCF has an in-depth understanding of need in our local area, and we are passionate about supporting the smaller, locally rooted organisations working directly with women and girls, to help make a big difference to their lives.”

Groups can apply online fon the HIWCF website, hiwcf.com. Applications close on October 11.

Neutering ‘blitz’ to end suffering Cat charity Feline Welfare Isle of Wight is encouraging Islanders to ensure their cats don’t add to a growing problem in a cat neutering ‘blitz’ which runs to the end of the year. They have entered into a scheme with Pet Doctors to offer families on a low income, not just those on benefits, the opportunity to get their cat spayed or neutered for just £30.

They say that on average 1,000 cats and kittens are taken into care on the Island each year and, with all rescue centres full most of the time, it is vital to take action now to stop even more animals suffering in the future. A female cat can get pregnant again while still nursing a litter of kittens.

If you have a cat or kitten of four months old or over and need help with the costs of getting your pet spayed or neutered then give them a call on (01983) 521778 or e-mail

felinewefareiow@hotmail.co.uk. They also offer microchipping at a very reasonable rate if undertaken at the same time.

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IW branch of Rifles seek new members

Cheque for HQ work Alex Landels and George Mortimore of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association (RFAA) have presented Chief Petty Officer Linden Softley with a cheque for £250 towards the refurbishment of the headquarters of Ryde Sea Cadets at The Old Fire Station.

The cadets have recently had 24 hours on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Lyme Bay

at Bournemouth Air Show, taking part in firefighting, damage control, first aid and forming part of the ships company. The visit from the RFAA complimented this recent experience with cadets having the opportunity to chat to members who have served in the RFA.

The Isle of Wight Branch of the Rifles are looking for new members to join them for their meetings which take place in Newport Conservative Club every two months. If you were in any light infantry or infantry

regiments that are now defunct you would be welcome to join them. They follow their meetings with a social lunch. If you are interested then please give Alan a call on (01983) 296810 for further information.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Ensure your future peace of mind with Assured Wills

New launch service for Buses and Beer A group of Cowes pubs are working with Solent and Wightline Cruises to provide a half-hourly launch service over the Buses and Beer weekend on October 12 and 13. The boat will carry passengers between Cowes Parade, vintage bus routes N & P, and The

Lifeboat, East Cowes Marina between 12 and 4pm on both days. A return ticket will cost £5 and passengers travelling on the launch will be able to redeem £2.50 off a pint of real ale in either The Lifeboat, The Anchor or The Pier View over the course of the weekend.

CAMRA’s great reason to visit pub Those looking for an excuse to pop out for a pint can say it’s all in the interests of research if they give feedback to the Isle of Wight’s branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). Their website has

recently updated links on it’s ‘Find a Pub’ page and Tim Marshall is keen to make sure the information is up to date and accurate.

He is asking Islanders to let him know if they find any

discrepancies in the write up on their local hostelries.

Landlords can also check that their detailed listings and facilities are correctly presented at whatpub.com.

As an Island family business, we appreciate that making sure your wishes are properly observed in the event of your death, or if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions are not the easiest of subjects to discuss with your loved ones. But the consequences of not putting plans in place can leave those you love and care for with massive issues to contend with at an already difficult time, when they are also coming to terms with losing you or trying to cope when you are ill. The challenges of dealing with practical issues at such a time are magnified when they involve your home.

These are things you really ought to think about. It’s a bit like insuring your car. Do you not bother at all? Very naughty! Do you get third party only cover? Or play it safe by going fully comprehensive? But unlike car insurance it is all too easy to put off such decisions because of the emotions inevitably involved.

We all know that it can be easier to talk through sensitive issues with somebody not emotionally involved with a situation.

Do you feel you really should think about these things, but need a little bit of expert help? Would you like to understand in plain every-day language, the choices available to you without any pressure? If so then we at Assured Wills would be delighted to help you with an initial day time consultation in the comfort of your own home with no cost or obligation at all. You can then make an informed decision about what is in your best interests.

Once you have decided what you want to achieve, any costs that would be incurred will be fully discussed and explained before any instructions are taken.

My wife Sue, my daughter Claire and myself are passionate about giving our clients total peace of mind. We are always here to help.

Please do give us a call on (01983) 301137 to organise a free home visit. Paul Martin

27th September 2019

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Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

Greta’s doomsday script was OTT

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Island Soapbox

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 250 words please.

Confused? I am!

Dear Editor, Wightfibre have taken roads, footpaths and traffic delays on the Island to a new level, but at least the many 'Road Closed' signs were clear.

Despite driving all around Europe for 40 odd years, I could not make any sense of these signs and when I drove up Quay Street

following the diversion sign into the High Street, a driver coming the other way told me: "it's a one-way street." Clearly I am not the only one confused by the signage, because when I went back to take the photo three other drivers drove up the 'one-way street'!

Sam Clarke, Ryde

It’s only us, cleaning up!

Dear Editor, You may have seen on the way out of Hamstead Road as you head towards civilisation our beautiful Japanese Akita dog. The breed is a delight but can be unpredictable and they require exercise befitting an eight stone dog, which is why I take him off the lead around our lanes at 4am each day when you are all still asleep.

He has a preference to do what dogs do in or on Little Greta Thunberg was hard to miss; did you see her tearful address to the United Nations? It was a well-rehearsed attack, I think on you, me and anyone over 40.

Greta spoke in a monotone pleading voice, with dread and fear in her eyes. She spoke of a coming fire that would punish us for our eco-sins and she urged us to panic! I confess I did find her alarming; in fact I became so concerned that the world will end soon, I booked a long-haul holiday while I still can. Despite my haste, I managed to avoid Thomas Cook.

With adults pulling the strings, Ms Thunberg has become ‘a spokesperson for her generation’. I confess until the UN speech I was barely aware of her. I did hear that rather than fly to New York, she crossed the Atlantic by boat. Inevitably this meant someone analysed the construction of her £4 million superyacht and probably meanly, concluded that all things considered, it wasn’t a very green journey at all, the whole exercise was little more than a childish stunt.

Young Greta claims the apocalypse is already upon us.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood; how dare you steal my future” was the gist of her furious admonishments.

It was powerful stuff, but the doomsday script seemed way OTT. This climate lark is more divisive than Brexit, selfrighteous middle-class extinction rebellion demonstrators hold the rest of us in contempt. The two people I know who’ve got involved, definitely fly (often) and use the latest tech, they have nice cars too. Public preaching is a lot easier than holding yourself to a high standard of ecorighteousness. If you didn’t already know, flying is just plain wrong now – for you and

me, not them.

Anyone can wave a placard or block a bridge while dancing with amiable policeofficers, but supressing your desire to fly, eat, buy the latest fashions, cars or an iPhone isn’t quite so easy. That’s probably why they don’t bother curbing their own consumerism when it’s so much easier to lecture the rest of us. These people always go vegan and yell angrily at determined carnivores. Restricting meat, motoring or flying means imposing higher taxes hitting ordinary people, not the rich who have deep pockets.

I don’t agree with Greta that the planet is on the brink of doom, but I do see we have problems. Some species are already extinct with more to follow, because mankind can be grossly irresponsible, dumb even. There is evidence of climate change, but the extent to which you and I are in control of it is in doubt. Limiting our population is an obvious answer and some of the people with the most extreme views already tell young women that they shouldn’t have a child because putting more demand on limited natural resources is irresponsible.

That’s just sad isn’t it?

Humans are an amazing species; we created a wonderful world on this beautiful blue planet. We’re far from perfect, and most of us know that our lifetime is strictly limited. Thanks to Brian Cox, we know too that the earth will end, thankfully not for several million years’ yet. While we wait, we must continue to enjoy it, while innovating and adapting, just as we always have. We will find new ways to make all of our lives work, so young Greta Thunberg can tone it down, lighten up and yes, get back to school.

“This climate lark is more divisive than Brexit”

anything that takes his fancy, albeit in a ditch or on a tree stump. He did once reverse onto a bucket left outside a property which was one of the funniest yet mortifying things I have ever seen, however, I digress.

I will always clean up after him which is the point of this letter as occasionally he will catch a scent from a night creature and enter a property if the gate isn’t closed. It is not in my nature to trespass

but as the alternative is an unsuspecting householder finding their garden gnome with an added extra on his hat, I will follow him. So, should you wake and see an eerie green light (his luminous collar) or hear my footsteps tip toeing on your gravel drive please don’t be alarmed and reach for the blunderbuss, it is only us.

Lynnette True, Cranmore

Let’s go independent Dear Editor, In for a penny, In for a pound. After reading last week’s IW Observer page 8, I feel it’s time for me to put my two-pennyworth into the ring.

What with road works at St. Mary’s that nobody wants, County Hall and PFI contracts, let alone Newport or Ryde to receive grants to improve them. I consider it a time for a change at County Hall, remove all the dead wood and put in people who understand the Island, like the lay people who have to use the

roads or the floating bridge on a daily basis.

As for the PFI contract with Island Roads to re-surface all 818km, where has all the money gone? The alternative is to go back in history to the time when the Island proposed to go independent of Hampshire and mainland Government and set up its own initiatives on the likes of Isle of Man or Channel Islands. Maybe it’s time for a modern Island referendum?

R Richardson, Ryde Let’s go independent

Escalating costs may be to blame Dear Editor, I read articles, ‘Patient safety day at St Mary’s’, and, ‘Sell-off screening by NHS campaigners’, in last week’s IW Observer with interest.

Neither explain the reasons behind the current NHS crisis. Might it be the self inflicted escalating hidden costs which are driving the Government’s privatisation agenda for our NHS? We know that years and years of cuts upon cuts have undermined many NHS hospitals to the point where key services are collapsing

and/ or being deemed unsafe

by CQC inspectors.

Annual payouts in respect of Medical Negligence claims now make many Trust’s deficits pale into insignificance. These costs, which are borne by the UK taxpayer, do not readily appear in individual NHS Trust accounts, they are met by a different entity, NHS Resolution, previously known as The NHS Litigation Authority.

Passing the liability and growing financial burden of escalating Medical

Negligence claims onto the shoulders of the Private Sector is a major driving force behind privatisation of our NHS, it enables Government to escape blame for a crisis they have created, while simultaneously appearing to respond to public anxieties by supposedly offering higher quality care delivered by alternative providers. By abrogating responsibility in this way this, when things go wrong, politicians can claim it’s nothing to do with them.

Hans Bromwich, Cowes

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27th September 2019

Ex-political heavyweights at IW Literary Festival Political pundits are in for a treat at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival being held from October 10 to 13.

Labour’s Former Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon Jack Straw will be interviewed by former Conservative MP and Cowes resident Sir Richard Ottaway on Thursday (Oct 10) about Britain’s often troubled relationship with Iran.

Those not so enamoured of our democratically elected representatives may wish to attend the session presented by award winning journalist Isabel Hardman.

Her talk entitled ‘Why we get the wrong politicians’ begins shortly after the two political heavyweights finish. Isabel will lift the lid on Westminster antics and ask why we no longer trust our political representatives and how they could restore our faith in them.

You can find out more

PUBLIC NOTICES

Jack Straw and book tickets for these and many other sessions on the festival’s website isleofwightliteraryfestival. com

27th September 2019

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Sport

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Sport Observer

By Peter White

33

Island pair are best of British in Belgian rally

Cowes Golf Club Tuesday Coleby: 1, Len Kelly net 28 ocb; 2, Terry Asdown 28; 3, Ernie May 30. Best gross: 1, Viv Jenkins 38. Thursday Coleby: 1, Mike Alexander net 29 ocb; 2, Brian Pursey 29; 3, Mike Tanser 31.

Best gross: Len Rowley 38.

Ladies sixes: 1, Jean Priddle, Sandra Scourfield, Netty Smallman 75 points.

Pyrah Stableford: 1, Alan Rock 43 points; 2, Paul Hayward 41; 3, Keven Arnold 40.

Autumn Rose Bowls, Mixed greensome: 1, Paul and Wendy Young 39 points; 2, Ian and Jackie Graham 36; 3, Pete Bradshaw and Sally Exell 35.

Pictured: Paul and Wendy Young

Newport Golf Club Nine-hole Stableford: 1, Roger Knight (29) 22points; 2, Adrian Vaughan Dixon (26) 19; 3, John Pevreall (21) 18.

Thursday Stableford: 1, George Ringer (7) 39; 2, Chris Hedgecox (24) 36; 3, Theo Mitchell (27) 36.

Watkins Par: 1, Tom Caddy (6) +2; 2, Chris Ridett (18) +1; 3, Tony Coombes (27) +1; 4, Steve Johnson (8) +1; 5, John Currie (4) +1.

Ryde Golf Club Seniors Medal competition, Division One: 1, Chris Jasper (16) 71; 2, John Kerr (11) 73; 3, Barry Englefield (12) 74. Division Two: 1, Will Merwood (22) 68; 2, Steve Evans (20) 73; 3, Maurice Keat (22) 73.

Osborne Golf Club

Midweek Stableford, Division1: 1, Robert Lee 42 points; 2, Clive Beard 38; 3, Derek Wright 37. Division 2: 1, Bob Kennovin 35; 2, Charles Edwards 34; 3, Trevor Maidment 33. Division 3: 1, Brian Grace 40; 2, Deryck G Jones 37; 3, Roger Salmon 34.

Saturday Stableford, Division 1: 1, Darren Gleeson 43; 2, Dave Street 37; 3, Mike Blow 34. Division 2: 1, Richard Couse 39; 2, Nigel Bowden 38 ocb; 3 Darren Arnold 38. Division 3: 1, Bob Streets 38; 2, Michael Turner 36; 3, Tony Lake 35.

Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club Open Stableford: 1, Lawrence Tolfrey 42 points, 2 Keith Taylor 39 .

Saturday Open Stableford, Division 1: 1, John Richards 40 points ocb; 2, Brian Dyer 40; 3, David Bell 39 ocb; 4, Lawrence Tolfrey 39.

Division 2: 1, Ashley Palmer 39 points; 2, Paul Cock 38.

Island Vecta Billiard & Snooker League Newport Con. 13 v Newbridge 2: Terry Phillips (16) 200 (4) Trev Rider (107) 154 (1). Rob Smallman (83) 200 (4) Kev Whillier (-44) 170 (1).Dave Cox (-17) 200 (5) Trev Whillier (-6) 69 (0) Chillerton 11 v Ryde B.L. 4: Jamie Sprake (81) 200 (3) Tian Sleight (87) 179 (2). Roger Packer (81) 200 (5) Tony Worsfold (62) 127 (0).

Andy Potts (4) 200 (3) John Barnes (68) 186 (2).

Highest break – Kev Whillier 41

The Isle of Wight Go Internet rally team of Richard Weaver and James Pink tackled the Aarova Rally, finishing best of the British entries, as they battled it out with local West Flanders drivers, in scorching conditions on the tricky Belgian roads.

The first day saw the crews making a reconnaissance of the stages, with two passes of each stage in normal road cars, and making pace notes describing the route in detail, corner by corner. A ceremonial start took place that evening in the packed market square of host town Oudenaarde, with cars driving over a podium.

The competition got underway the following morning with dry roads, glorious weather and four legs of special stages on closed public roads to tackle flat out against the clock. The start of leg two was curtailed after a car caught fire in the stage, but resumed shortly afterwards. As the day wore on, many cars fell by the wayside through mechanical failure, evidenced by the

many stricken cars occupying ditches and fields along the route.

Weaver and Pink were among the first on the scene of an accident in stage six with a car blocking the road.

This stage was cancelled as a result, and crews directed to the final stage of the day.

Notwithstanding a trip into a field having vaulted a ditch, Richard and James managed to complete the rally with no significant damage to their car. Finishing 20th overall of 104 starters, they were satisfied with the result on unfamiliar terrain.

Richard said: “After a three-year break since our last visit to Belgium, to be in the top 20 overall against stiff competition and local knowledge is pleasing. We hope to be back to Belgium as soon as possible. The atmosphere and fan turnout never ceases to amaze me.

The local people love rallying.

I hope that the sprint event at Sandown seafront next year, will be equally embraced by our own community here on the Island.”

Cass in complete control at Grand Prix In front of 40,000 fervent speedway fans at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as well as international television audience, Isle of Wight speedway start marshal Chris Cass turned in a faultless performance as 16 of the world’s best riders went to tapes for the 2019 British Grand Prix.

Unruffled by the cacophony of noise raining down from the stands, Cass (pictured with his chequered flag) maintained complete control of 25 clean race starts as the riders fought for World Championship points in the penultimate round of the 2019 Grand Prix series.

Denmark’s Leon Madsen won the meeting to consolidate his third place in the series and keep alive his hopes of catching overall leader Bartosz Zmarzlik from Poland and second placed Emil Sayfudimov of Russia.

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27th September 2019

Family affair leads busy spell for Ryde Harriers

It has been a busy spell for Ryde Harriers members, led by father and daughter duo Bob Somers and Rachel Powell who competed in the Lytchett Relays. Teams of five runners each ran a 5k distance, and Rachel clocked 0:24:41, and Bob 0:27:10.

Meanwhile, Tom Brading, Sasha Levrier and Laurie Woodford took part in the Crafty Fox Half Marathon in Dorset as part of White Star Running’s Wyvern Series.

Times were: Tom 02:38:55, Sasha 03:00:38 and Laurie 03:23:46. Further south was the New Forest Half Marathon for Andrew Hedgecox, who clocked 01:43:27 and Jo Stevenson 01:48:52, while Louise Carver took on the Thames Path 100k Challenge in an outstanding time of 21:18:00.

Ultra runner Les Cupis completed the epic Snowdon Skyline Race in Wales, comprising 22 miles with over 10,360ft of ascent. Les secured the first Vet 50 position with an impressive time of 08:10:00.

Back on the Island, the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Fell Running Championship Series attracted runners from across the country, with three races over two days across the Ventnor Downs.

Race 1: The St Boniface Fell (AS), 3.8k, 235m ascent. Race 2: The Ventnor Horseshoe (BM), 12k, 443m ascent.

Race 3: The Wroxall Round (CL), 21k, 487m ascent. The series was started in 1995 by Ryde Harriers Eddie Leal, and then Mayor of Ventnor Brenda Lawson.

Eddie was a founder member of the Fell Running Association (FRA) having membership No2. The races are run

McEwan first Vet 55 in Solent Half event Andrew McEwan from Ryde Harriers took part in the first Hampshire Road Race League half marathon of the season. The Solent Half, organised by Hardley Runners, has been going for over 30 years and Andrew completed the event in a time of 01:26:36 earning him the first Vet 55 position.

Team mate Diana Swyers (pictured) ran in the Winchester Half Marathon and secured a time of 02:08:01, while back on the Isle of Wight the fast, flat Sandown to Shanklin 10k was staged. Jake Brougham took first overall position in a time of 0:35:18 followed closely

in second place by fellow Ryde Harriers members Adam Tuck (0:35:24) and Dave Hunt (0:35:28). Fourth overall was Charlie Metcalf who also took the first female position. Niall Powell and Lisa Robertson also put in superb performances at the event.

Three Ryde Harriers took part in the West Wight Triathlon held at West Wight Sports and Community Centre. The swim, bike, run event saw Trevor McAlister finish in an overall time of 01:53:02, Tom Hill in 02:08:44 and Sasha Levrier in 02:33:37.

Brading looking to extend 100 per cent run at Binstead & COB under FRA rules and incorporates the SEAA Fell Running Championships. Ryde Harriers Ladies Captain Rosie Eldridge won silver in the FV40 category for the SEAA Championships while son Jimi won the U18 category for the St Boniface Fell Race. Full results can be found at www.rydeharriers. co.uk/fell-results-2019/

Joy and despair!

There were mixed emotions this week for the hundreds of loyal Island football supporters who make regular trips across the Solent to watch either Southampton or Portsmouth.

Premier League Saints and League One Pompey locked horns for the first time in seven years when they met in the third round of the Carabao Cup - the latest name for the League Cup. And it was the Saints fans who went marching home triumphant as their side beat Pompey 4-0 at Fratton Park to progress to the next round. Underdogs Pompey were hoping to cause an upset, and started brightly enough. But they were stunned on 21 minutes when Danny Ings shot Saints ahead, and Ings grabbed a second on the stroke of half time.

There was no way back for Pompey as Saints scored two more late goals through Cedric Soares and Nathan Redmond to complete the emphatic 4-0 victory. So it was joy for Saints fans but despair for Pompey followers on the late trip back to the Island.

Brading Town go into this weekend’s latest round of Isle of Wight Harwoods Renault Division One games, looking to extend their fine 100 per cent record.

Brading remain top of the table, having secured a maximum 27 points form their first nine games, as well as building a goal difference of 40. They visit Binstead and COB tomorrow (Sat) a side tucked comfortably in mid-table after a satisfactory 13 points from nine outings. Kick off is at 1.30, as is the ECS home game against Cowes Sports Reserves, the latter being the big 7-2 winners over

Ryde Saints’ last weekend.

In other games, Northwood St John’s took the points off Binstead and COB with a 4-1 result; Ventnor edged out Pan Sports 3-2; Carisbrooke won by the odd goal of three at West Wight, and local rivals Sandown and Shanklin shared four goals and the points.

Oakfield are the pace setters in Division One with a seven-match 100 per cent record, while Whitecroft and Barton Reserves are the 100 per cent leaders in Combination One, with Pan Sports Reserves and Vectis Reserves sharing top spot in Combination Two.

Wight Tri trio see off Nottingham Outlaw!

Wight Tri members Martin Goodall, Kev Winchcombe and Gill Bushell who kept her appearance a secret, competed in the Outlaw X Half Iron distance triathlon. The event was a 10-year anniversary of the Outlaw Events, in the grounds of Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire.

The 1,900m swim was in a fresh water lake; the bike was a single 57 mile-lap, and the run was a three-lap course, half marathon distance, with rain on the day bordering on torrential.

Martin completed the swim in a PB time of 35:1.5. Kev had a steady swim, and although Gill struggled to control her breathing at the beginning of the swim, managed to get through.

All three had good bike times setting

them all up for the final matter of completing the 13.1 miles run. Martin completed the run in under two hours to finish in 5:44:27 to earn himself a 70.3 PB. Kev finished in 6:49:37 followed by Gill in 7:47:51 to complete her first 70.3 event with her big smile on her face.

Martin said: “I managed to execute my race day plan to perfection, swim well, be sensible, eat and drink lots throughout the bike, and run steady.”

Gill said: “Once I had sorted out my breathing in the lake, I absolutely loved it and being able to run down the carpet and finish with Albert, her grandson, was the icing on the cake.”

27th September 2019

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IWRFC looking forward to home game after road trips

Southampton University Hospitals 58 Isle of Wight 21

IWRFC took on Southampton Medics at Wide Lane, their third consecutive game on the road. There was some fast paced rugby played, which inevitably played into the young Southampton Medics hands. However, IW started well and working through their phases, engineered an opening try, with Andrew Brown crossing the line.

An error in the IWRFC 22 gave the home team an opportunity to kick for the posts, securing three points. Further pressure and a few warnings from the referee saw Lewis Murray sent to the bin, allowing the home team to make use of the extra man and further their lead. The remainder of the first half was frustrating for IW, with missed tackles allowing the home team to use their pace in their preferred conditions, with the

score reaching 34-7.

IW had some promising passages of play after half time, with Rouse Ltd Man of the Match Luke Chandler making several barrelling runs. A quick tap and go penalty in the home 22 led to Biffa Man of the Match Luke Blackman scoring in the corner.

With the clock running down, IW focussed on trying to secure the four-try bonus point, but came up one short. Their third score came from a series of rumbling slow ball phases and Martin Newnham getting his token try of the season.

IW have had a difficult start to their league campaign, but arguably now have put their two hardest fixtures of the season behind them. They open their home fixtures tomorrow (Sat) against Romsey, in a bid to secure their first league win. Kick-off at Wootton Rec, 3 pm.

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Lottie flies the flag as GB reach final

IWRFC Seconds show spirit but lose at home IWRFC Second XV 34 points Chineham 56 IWRFC’s second team opened their Hampshire Two campaign with honourable defeat at Wootton Rec. Now operating in a higher league than ever before, they had to parade a scratch side with many players out of position. However, they more than played their part in a game featuring 90 points and 14 tries.

Chineham found themselves two tries down inside five minutes, as Alex Cole and Cameron Browne touched down for the hosts, Dan Ward converting one.

Chineham soon wiped out the deficit with two tries, and a penalty goal saw them 15-12 up after 20 minutes.

IW fielded some inexperienced new players but also welcomed back some older faces after lengthy absences. Alex Smith was one of the latter and, though in unaccustomed surrounds at fly-half, he was soon on the

scoresheet to give IW the lead back, Cole this time converting. Chineham were stung by this, and scored twice before the interval to lead 27-19.

The visitors then appeared to have momentum, but IW were determined to keep battling and Rouse Ltd Man of the Match Jayme Bishop finished off a great move to narrow the deficit to three points and secure IW at least a four-try bonus point, though Chineham responded in kind immediately.

The home back row of Ian Puzey, Keith Wallace and Alex Hay got through Trojan work, and Hay was next to score, but again Chineham extended their lead.

Smith added his second and IW trailed 3934, but now sustaining injuries and tiring, the gallant hosts began to fade. Chineham’s flyhalf orchestrated another score, followed by a penalty and then a further score which left the Islanders denied a further bonus point for losing by 15 or less.

Scows in battle for honours at Yarmouth Sailing Club Yarmouth Sailing Club’s first day of latest races saw six scows and two mixed fleet taking to the water. On the Scows start, Niall Wallace got off best and held on in the tacking duals up to E mark where John Smith eased in. But Niall had rounding rights and continued to hold the lead.

Halfway on the beat to B mark, Martin Palmer squeezed alongside Niall to get obstruction rights on moored boats and subsequently passed giving Niall dirty wind and a heading to the mud bank.

Having to tack out allowed Graeme Bowen and John Smith to pass. By the upwind B mark Martin led with Graeme then John chasing.

Downwind Alan Toms showed considerable speed and progressively closed on Niall but just failed to catch him before the downwind A mark. On the beat back to E mark in Mill Creek Niall got a few fortunate wind shifts and again reached E mark with rounding rights over John and eased ahead in a race to

the finish. First was Martin then Graeme and Niall. In the mixed fleet, Andre Usborne in a feva was first with Patrick Tate second.

The following day seven Scows and three mixed fleet lined up for the start. Graeme Bowen sailed up the line on port and tacked to starboard to get the best start at the upwind end of the line. Graeme slowly eased clear on the upwind beat to B mark but was hotly pursued by Martin Palmer and Niall Wallace.

Downwind to A mark John Smith and Chris Parsloe showed pace and narrowed the gap on Niall to a boat length. Niall managed to pull clear again on the beat back to B but could not close the gap to Graeme or Martin who were fighting hard at the front. Back downwind to the finish, Chris again closed up on Niall but at the line it was Graeme then Martin and Niall.

In the mixed fleet Patrick Tate in a feva was first with Max Newman (Pico) second and Bryan Locke (Laser) third.

Lottie Laidler from Ryde captained the Women’s Great Britain Flag Football team, as they reached the final of the European Flag Football Championships.

Flag is the non-contact sport of American football where tackles are made by pulling off a flag which is worn by all players.

Lottie led Britain against nine other nations in the event, which took place in Israel. The British team won all but one game in their journey to the final, where they lost to Spain by just a couple of points in a very close match.

Lottie, supported by Wightlink through the IW Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme, said: “It was a great honour to captain the Great Britain defence in this international tournament.

The team performed amazingly throughout the championships, and although disappointed not to win, we are proud to have done so well amongst a strong field of competition, and are very happy to come away with second place.

“The championships were an opportunity for me to develop as a player and it was a

great experience ahead of the Flag Football World Championships next year.”

The British Team have qualified for the World Championships for the first time, and the tournament will take place in Denmark next year.

Ben double for Hants Isle of Wight athlete Ben Holdsworth competed for Hampshire in the South of England Athletic Association Under 20 Inter County Championships in Oxford, where a total of 19 counties were represented.

Only one athlete from each county is selected for the individual events, and due to Ben’s achievements at the Hampshire

Athletics Track and Field Championships in May, he was picked to compete in the 400 metres and the 400 metres hurdles. He finished sixth in both events with a personal best in the 400m hurdles. His efforts helped the Hampshire Men’s team finish third, and the Hampshire team finish fourth overall.

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Impressive Hurricanes too strong for Bognor Sandown & Shanklin RFC 62 points Bognor RFC 7 Sandown & Shanklin RFC welcomed Bognor to the Fairway for their second league fixture of the new Hampshire Premier campaign, and blew away the opposition with a fine all-round team display.

The opening exchanges were physical, as both sides probed each other to find a way into the game. A short line from Wayne Williams saw him puncture the Bognor defensive line and sprint away to score in the corner. Flux lined up the conversion, but it slid wide.

Excellent pressure from the young duo of Hopper and Seder at the lineout continuously put pressure on the Bognor set piece. Sandown & Shanklin turned possession over at the breakdown and flanker Harry Hopper evaded numerous tackles before being bundled over the try line for the host’s second try of the game, to increase Sandown's advantage.

Unfortunately, young prop Ben Shannon had to be carried from the field with an ankle injury and looks to be out for a couple of weeks. But with the home forwards working play into the Bognor half and the backline outmanoeuvring the defence to create the space, Carew charged in to increase the advantage, before Bognor fired back, to make it 17-7.

From the restart, winger Michael Barrett did exceptionally well to read the Bognor attacking play to then intercept the pass and sprint in to score for the Hurricanes fourth try of the game and secure the bonus point, before flanker Williams grabbed his second try of the game as Hurricanes went into the half time break 29-7 ahead.

Another strong catch and drive and the line out saw the home side take play up to the visitors 22, and when space opened up, some quick handling allowed Man of the Match, Matt Miselbach to score for the Hurricanes. Moments later, Wayne Williams

Bembridge feel Shanklin force Bembridge Bowling Club members wrapped up the season with the Men’s A team travelling to play the highly successful Shanklin A, more in hope than expectation.

The runaway league champions have dominated Division One, and needed a final win to go through the season with an unprecedented perfect record of 22 games played and 22 victories.

In the event, Bembridge’s hopes were dashed as Shanklin showed no signs of relaxing. Colin Vines with David Brown,

Chris Brown and Alan Coleman got off to a bad start and despite a morale boosting win on the last end, went down 11-29.

John Pearce with Gerald Rees, Jack Liddiard and Alan Scovell made a promising start and were ahead after three ends, but could not maintain their form and were steamrollered 10-26. Chris Emms with Norman Cooper, Ken Davis and Alan Cox battled in a more even contest before losing 16-28. Final result: Shanklin 10 points Bembridge 0.

Men’s A team lead the way in a fine season for Shanklin bowlers scored again, and then quick handling from fly-half Owen Williams created space for centre Tyson to step his way through the defence and to sprint to the try line.

The visitors still looked to play to get something from the game, yet when their forwards looked to play just outside their 22, a missed pass was collected up by the impressive Frenchman, Richomme, who sprinted in and evaded two defenders to score an opportunist try. The try was converted, and the Hurricanes broke the 50-point barrier.

A phase later, Owen Williams used his impressive pace to weave past defenders and accelerate away from would-be tackles to go in under the posts to secure the Hurricanes 10th try. Flux converted to push the score past the 60-point barrier.

Pictured: Hurricanes Man of the Match, Matt Miselbach

Rose and Judi claim President’s Trophies in closest of finishes

The current President of Ryde Golf Club, Mick Timms treated all participating ladies to a drink in the clubhouse after they had played in perfect conditions for the most attractive glass trophies donated by past President Peter Hunt. Winning on count back with 33 points was Rose Green and Judi Matthews, with runners-up Lynne Backshall and Pauline

27th September 2019

Kilty, also 33 points close, on their tails.

Result: President’s Trophies Stableford : 1, Rose Green and Judy Matthews 33points (ocb); 2, Lynne Backshall and Pauline Kilty 33.

Pictured: (left to right): Judi Matthews, President Mick Timms and Rose Green

It has been an excellent season for Shanklin Bowling Club’s teams and for their individual members. The Men’s A team have done particularly well, and remained undefeated in all this season’s Island competitions, the first team to achieve this feat.

The squad is Phil Brooks (captain), Keith Beckett, Jack Berry, Allen Best, Dave Boulton, Darren Griffith, Steve Hamblin, Robbi Hayes, Ron Leleux, Chris and Tony Lloyd, John Marsh, Travis Meller, Martin Tasker-Poland and John Wilkins.

They comfortably won the First Division League title for the fifth time in the last six seasons by winning all their matches. In the KO Cup final they dominated the game from the early stages and scored a convincing win in the final against Plessey A, succeeding on each of the three rinks. Later they were involved in a good match against Cowes Medina A in the Colin Ridett Memorial Trophy final. Meller got them off to a good start by winning the singles 21 shots to nine.

A five scored on the last end saw Hayes and Berry victorious in the Pairs, while in the triples Brooks, Leleux and Lloyd pulled away in the final stages to record a good win. The opponents recorded their only win in the fours against the quartet of Tasker-Poland, Lloyd, Beckett and Marsh, to leave Shanklin A 3-1 victors.

Shanklin D will gain promotion to the First Division, providing Cowes Medina C do not gain maximum points in their final game of the season, and do not do so by a very substantial number of shots.

Meanwhile, the Ladies’ D team have won their league gaining promotion to the Ladies’

First Division where they join two other Shanklin teams.

The club were represented in five of the six finals of the six Men’s Isle of Wight County competitions. All finalists qualified for the National Championships, played at Leamington Spa. In the Men’s National Pairs, Griffith and Berry, having qualified as runners up on the Island, performed excellently to win their first five rounds to gain a place in the National Final against a Kent duo. All four players performed well, but an outstanding performance by the Kent skip gave them the edge and the title.

The quartet of Tasker-Poland, Hamblin, Beckett and Leleux won both the Isle of Wight Fours and the senior fours, defeating Bob Mortlock’s Sandown quartet in the former and Martin Butcher’s defending title holders of Plessey in the latter.

In the Singles, Best took the Island championship with a win over Viv Jenkins of Plessey. Griffith took the two wood singles with victory over John Pearce of Bembridge.

In the fours Leleux’s rink won their first round match against Gloucester but lost in the next game to Suffolk. The other qualifiers all met defeat in their first round matches.

In the Isle of Wight Ladies’ County competitions, Diane English and Carol Thomas were the runners-up in the pairs, thereby qualifying for the Ladies’ National Championships at Leamington Spa, where they were involved in a very close first round match against Sussex before going down by just two shots.

27th September 2019

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Riding events to help Little Princess Trust A long distance ride, a spider ride and a clear round jumping event were held at Lower Rill Farm, Loverstone Lane, Chillerton, to raise donations for the Little Princess Trust.

The distance ride and spider ride took place in the morning, with three long distance ride routes to choose of one-and-a-half miles, three miles or six miles, clear round jumping provided lots of cakes for the eager competitors.

Organiser said: “It’s our aim to raise the £550 it costs the charity to make a wig for an ill child. Please help us reach that goal so it can make an ill child smile again.”

The link to the just giving page is: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/jennywilkins4 Pictures by Keith Pollard

Do you have an equestrian event you would like covered? Give us a call on: 01983 214264

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27th September 2019

Hannah in top gear as IW Car Club members enjoy thrills!

Team GB finish fourth in inaugural Sail GP as Aussies take the honours The inaugural year of the SailGP racing series, which held one of its five events during this year’s Cowes Week, has ended with overall victory for Australia.

Thousands of spectators lined Egypt Point, Cowes, in August to watch the high-speed sailing event, but unfortunately for home supporters Team GB crashed out in the second race, and were unable to compete in

the final two races of that weekend.

However, they were back in action off Marseille at the weekend, with Dylan Fletcher and his British team taking fourth place overall, behind Australia, Japan and China. It meant Team Australia picked up the $1million dollar first prize. The SailGP event will be back in the Solent next August, once again opening Cowes Week in spectacular fashion.

Local football fixtures and match officials for tomorrow (Sat) Kick-off: 2pm unless stated Hampshire FA Vase First Round Brading Town Reserves v Adgestone - Brian Hayward Northwood St John’s Reserves v Renegades 1st - Richard Mcfarlane Harwoods Renault Division One Binstead & COB v Brading Town (1.30pm) - Andy Doncaster East Cowes Sports v Cowes Sports Reserves (1.30pm) - Matt Sainsbury Pan Sports v Bembridge - Dave Jukes Ryde Saints’ v Carisbrooke United - Steve Raybould Sandown v Ventnor - Ian Gordon West Wight v Shanklin - Keyson Colebrook Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Northwood St John’s - John Hopkinson Division Two AFC Wootton v Newchurch (1.30pm) - Chris Cass East Cowes Vics Reserves v Seaview - Dale Smith Newport Reserves v Niton Community - Keith Ruth Oakfield v Yarmouth & Calbourne - Stephen Todd Osborne Coburg v Vectis (1.30pm) - Andy King Combination One Binstead & COB v Oakfield (4pm) - Andy Doncaster East Cowes Sports v Carisbrooke United (4pm) - Matt Sainsbury Ryde Saints’ v Whitecroft & Barton Sports - Chris Beard Seaview v Sandown - no referee available Shanklin v West Wight - no referee available Combination Two AFC Wootton v Pan Sports (4pm) - Chris Cass Newchurch v Niton Community - no referee available Osborne Coburg v Bembridge (4pm) - Andy King Vectis v Ryde Saints’ A - no referee available Yarmouth & Calbourne v Ventnor - no referee available

Atherfield is a fantastic introduction for Isle of Wight Car Club members of both sexes wanting to dip their toe into driving on an unsealed surface. This slippery but safe grass venue always puts a smile on competitors’ and spectators’ faces alike, and 19 competitors enjoyed a glorious day, including several new members.

Marion Brett threw down the gauntlet in round one with a time over a second faster than anyone else, and she was set to have a great battle with the other ladies competing at the event. Louise Taggart in her Suzuki Swift, Laura Parry and Louise Wren in their Ford Fiesta and Hannah Thomson in her Clio are not only showing the lads how it is done, but also demonstrating that motorsport is one of the few sports in the world where competitor are not decided by gender or age.

At the end of the day it was Hannah Thomson who took the honour of being the fastest lady, while Ricky Sheppard claimed the class one title. New member George McFarlane put in a great drive to win class two in his 4-WD Cavalier.

Steve Brett not only won class two but also finished second overall and Josh Finch drove his single seater special to stand on the third step of the podium and won class five in the process. But the event and class four

winner was Jo Moore in his Subaru. Everyone agreed that driving on an unsealed surface can be amazing fun. The Isle of Wight Car Club’s next event is also another unsealed surface venue, this time at the very dramatic Knighton sand pit this Sunday (Sept 29).

If anyone would like to participate in the event, please register your interest by telling a member of the club committee or via email or one of the club's social media sites.

Unfortunately, if there is not enough interest the event may be cancelled.

Pictured (l to r): Ricky sheppard, George McFarlane, Steve Brett, Jo Moore, Josh Finch and Hannah Thomson.

Yachtsmen’s defensive resolve finally breached AFC Stoneham 1 Cowes Sports 0 A last-minute goal by Matthew Bainbridge denied Cowes Sports a point when they visited Stoneham in the Wessex League, Premier Division, and played nearly half the game with 10 men.

Yachtsmen skipper Gareth Bricknell (pictured) picked up a second yellow card just a minute into the second period, to be given his marching orders, and at one stage the Island side were down to nine men when Jimmy Wykes was sin-binned for 10 minutes.

Rutter said: “In the first 45 minutes I had concerns because we never really looked as if we were going to score.

We didn’t put their keeper under enough pressure, and that was always going to make it difficult for us.

“We didn’t take the game to them, and were very conscious about defending, which we did well. Then Gareth got sent off, and I have no complaints about either booking.

“The lads defended brilliantly in the second half, and even when we had only nine players on the pitch they held on. We never looked like scoring in the first half, and we definitely were not going to in the second period, so it was a case of just trying to hang on.”

But just when it appeared the determination and defensive resolve of the Yachtsmen had

paid off with a precious point, their hard work was undone with time running out. It was a bitter blow for Rutter and his players, against a side who now sit fifth in the table.

The Yachtsmen will be hoping for better fortunes tomorrow (Sat) when they play hosts to Shaftesbury, who are just two places and one point above them in the Premier League, but with the campaign still very much in its infancy.

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27th September 2019

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Newport aim to keep pressure on leaders Newport 3 Andover Town 0

Lucky 13 for triumphant Plessey Ladies’ A team Plessey Ladies’ A team finalised the 2019 Bowls Isle of Wight Ladies’ County League season in great style, winning their last nine games to become champions of Division One for a record 13 years running.

After experiencing a somewhat mixed start to the season the team settled down and managed to maintain the momentum to claim the title when playing Shanklin A away and winning their final game playing Bembridge A away. They accumulated a total of 74 points, after playing 16 games, winning 12 and losing 4, with a shots

difference + 266.

Over the 13-year period the A team squad has numbered 11 players, and squad has remained the same over the last three years. The squad members, pictured (l to r) are Captain Val Stevens, Barbara Herbert, Joyce Utteridge, Margaret Arnell, Mo Lockyer, Irene Geraghty, Shireen Augustus and Brenda Ensor. Other members of the team, not pictured, are Pat Clayton, Margaret Hall and Margaret Hendey.

Plessey Ladies’ B team finished a very creditable second in Division One for the second year running. After experiencing

such a close contest in 2018, only losing out to the A team on shot difference, this year was not quite a repeat, but the team played well, winning 11, losing four and drawing one, gaining 63 points with a shots difference +145.

Plessey Ladies’ C team managed to win their last two games out of three to maintain their Division Two status.

This was very rewarding as there were several new lady bowlers experiencing league bowls for the first time.

The C team played 16, winning five and losing 11, gaining 38 points with a shot difference of -117.75.

Newport maintained their impressive early-season form as they picked up their fifth Wessex League, Division One win in nine outings, to stay fourth in the table.

Andy Sampson’s side will be looking to extend their run tomorrow (Sat) when they visit Downton, the team immediately above them, and currently having suffered only one league defeat.

Sampson (pictured) was satisfied with the victory over Andover Town, and the work that is being done behind the scenes to strengthen his squad. He said: “We had to shuffle the pack a bit because some players were not available, but it was another good win for us. We started with three 16-yearolds, and brought another one on as a sub, which is credit to reserve team coaches Stuart Simmonds and Marc Sheerin.

We are reaping the rewards of the hard work they are doing.”

Port were ahead on 14 minutes when Charlie Urry set up Jake Wright, and they held the slender advantage until just past the hour mark when Liam Triggs added a

second after Urry’s free kick was parried by the Andover keeper.

On 89 minutes Newport brought on young striker Bradley Thompson for his first team debut in place of Jordan Browne, and he made an immediate impact by scoring in the third minute of injury time to complete the victory.

Sampson added: “The game at Downton is a big one. Ideally we want a full squad to choose from, but sometimes availability is a problem for us. We have had three key players go back to university recently, so that is why it is important to have youngsters coming through the ranks.”

Vics looking to secure first league success

Ventnor braves run out of steam Gosport and Fareham 45 points, Ventnor 33 Unfortunately, due to injuries and absences, Ventnor were only able to travel to Gosport and Fareham with 13 players, two of whom were in their 50s.

However, this did not deter them, and it proved to be one of those games the players will be talking about for years.

Due to the very hard playing surface, Ventnor decided to lighten the pack up so that there was more defenders out for defending expansive play that the fast track would help. With six, and sometimes only five, in the scrum, Ventnor did not lose one once against the very large eight-man pack of Gosport. In fact, the Island side even won one against the head with five players. It was a truly heroic display from them, especially front rowers Tristan Price, Ben Savill, and captain for the day Adam Pratt.

Normally a team turning up

undermanned is a licence for the stronger team to turn the game into a cricket score, but Ventnor were keen for this not to be the case. Gosport’s score was kept relatively low, with their only scores coming from driving mauls out wide.

Ventnor got on the score sheet when George Finan intercepted and ran half the pitch to score under the posts, making an easy conversion for Ed Blake. The defensive display was impressive with strong tackling from Harry Colson, Ben Atkins, and Warren Riches, and the team turned round at half time with Ventnor trailing 20-7.

Ventnor were then running into the wind but this was not to stop them, and Sam Lines scored two identical tries in very quick succession. Tapping a couple of penalties and side stepping the defenders, he made the score 20-19.

Gosport answered with three more tries, using their maul as the main attack weapon. But as Ventnor had pushed

them wide, the wide conversions were being missed, keeping the score to 3519.

Brave defending from all was starting to take its toll, and two players were forced to retire injured. But this only strengthened the resolve of the travelling side. Another tap and go penalty saw Ed Blake score, followed

by Jake Babington sliding in for his first of the season, making the score 35-33 with nine minutes to go. But Gosport refreshed their pack with plenty of substitutions for the final assault and two more unconverted tries pushed them further ahead.

AJ Wells Men of the Match: Jake Babington and Harry Colson.

Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Ed Blake.

Ventnor 1st XV host Tottonians 2nd XV tomorrow (Sat) and Ventnor 2nd XV host Winchester Knights with both games kicking off at 3pm.

Andover New Street 5 East Cowes Vics 2 East Cowes Vics manager Steve Brougham is hoping his side can finally secure their first Wessex League, Division One victory of the season when they entertain Totton and Eling at Beatrice Avenue tomorrow (Sat).

Despite some excellent cup results, it has been a difficult league start for Vics, but Brougham remains confident that once that first elusive win is under their belts, they are capable of moving into a secure mid-table position.

Brougham (pictured) said: “I wasn’t at the Andover game because of a family commitment, and I’m not making excuses but we did have a number of regulars missing as well.

I have been told by my assistant Gary Todd that overall the performance wasn’t good enough, but onwards and upwards.

I think the fact we have been playing two tough games a week recently has left some of the lads a bit tired.”

Brougham added: “The game against Totton and Eling is a big one for us, and one we are really looking to win. They have won three of their first nine games, but we have a game in hand over them, so it is important we close the gap.”

Alex Przespolewski and Liam Newbold scored Vics’ goals in the defeat at Andover New Street, a result which moved the home side into the top seven of the table.

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Equestrian Riding events help trust

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By Peter White

27th September 2019

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Yachtsmen down Port in dramatic tie

Cowes Sports 3 Newport 2 Cowes Sports just got the better of arch rivals Newport in a dramatic midweek Wessex League Cup tie that saw five goals, three dismissals, 11 yellow cards, and a sin-bin offence.

But both Yachtsmen manager Steve Rutter and Newport boss Andy Sampson agreed that although it was a fierce, competitive match, with a few niggles, it was never a dirty contest, played out in front of a crowd approaching 250.

Rutter even admitted Newport’s second sending off, when Mark Taylor was given his second booking, was a harsh decision.

Rutter added: “It was always going to be a lively affair, but strangely the game went a bit quiet at times.

It was quite a weird atmosphere, especially in the first half. There was a lot of apprehension in the whole ground, although we had a couple more chances in the first period, which we didn’t take.”

Sampson said: “It was a competitive game, but a

disappointing result for us. We can play better, but credit to them.

They didn’t let us play, and were the better team on the night.”

Newport were in front after only 10 minutes when a cross by Ryan Hughes was sliced into his own net by Yachtsmen defender Dom Sexton. The home side were level within three minutes through Jez Conway, but the remainder of the first period was very much ‘cat and mouse’ as the sides weighed each other up, determined not to make unnecessary errors, even though

Port’s Charlie Urry was sin-binned for 10 minutes.

Ashley Brett edged the Yachtsmen in front six minutes into the second half, but shortly afterwards they were down to 10 men when Michael Mcenery was shown a second yellow.

Newport’s one-man advantage lasted barely three minutes before Ben Trimbell was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and on 74 minutes the visitors were reduced to nine men as Taylor was somewhat harshly shown his

second yellow.

Jimmy Wykes produced the moment of the match, as he shot Yachtsmen into a 3-1 advantage with a screaming effort from 25 yards, but as Newport rallied, Neo Lamb gave them a glimmer of hope of taking the tie into a penalty shoot-out when he scored in the 87th minute.

Sampson said: “At that stage, with time added on, there were still more than five minutes to play, and I thought we might nick another goal, but it was not to be.”

Vics edged out but boss Brougham full of praise Brockenhurst 2 East Cowes Vics 1 Vics boss Steve Brougham was full of praise for his side, despite their narrow midweek defeat to Brockenhurst in the Wessex League Cup. It wasn’t just on the pitch, but also off it, that the Vics players impressed their manager. He said: “We had to travel over to Brockenhurst, and got there only half an hour before kick

off, so we had no time to even warm up. Then at the end of the game, the lads had to get straight into a mini-bus in their kit and rush back to catch the 10pm ferry, which we made with just three minutes to spare. It is not easy to do things like that, and I felt all the players showed tremendous commitment.”

He added: “Everyone did so well for me, and that is the third time we have performed admirably against a Premier Division side. If

we could do the same in our league matches, we would soon be moving up the table.”

Despite facing a Brockenhurst side who are second in the Premier Division, Vics took an early lead through Jimmy Burton, and held onto it until 20 minutes from time when Brockenhurst equalised with a harsh penalty.

A close range shot hit Yachtsmen defender Ollie West on the arm, and although the referee didn’t give the penalty initially, he

changed his mind when the assistant referee flagged for the offence.

Brockenhurst then grabbed the winner late on, with Brougham adding: “They are a good side, and I was looking at our performance rather than the result, and I couldn’t fault any of our lads. I asked them for total effort, which they gave me, so I want to see that again tomorrow (Sat) against Totton and Eling.”