Isle of Wight Observer Issue 83

Observer

3rd April 2020

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Isle of Wight

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County Show free for NHS workers

FREE STAY HOME SAVE LIVES

The Island’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper Friday 3rd April 2020 Issue No.83

Volunteers given vote of thanks

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Our amazing community Graham Reading Photography / clapping for carers

Susie Sheldon, Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight

By Susie Sheldon Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight

There is no doubt as we face this invisible enemy, Corvid 19, we are lucky to be living in our amazing Island community.

These are worrying and lonely times but the work that is being done all over the Island, to look after the vulnerable and help those in need, is outstanding. I would urge everyone to join in the community effort. If you are isolating at home, pick up the phone and ring someone you know is on their own. Human contact is vital to us all. If you are out on your

Graham Reading Photography / clapping for carers

daily exercise, keep your distance but wave and smile at those you see. We are all in this together.

We have celebrated our NHS and Care workers with our communal applause sessions and these have been deeply moving. We can not thank them too much.

In addition, totally outside the NHS and Care structure, local groups have appeared in every part of the Island to care for their own communities, shopping, collecting prescriptions, providing vital services. And the speed with which these Community Support Groups have been formed and services put in place has been an amazing example of an efficiency

under pressure. The hours of voluntary service those involved are giving is truly magnificent Our medical services, emergency services, IW Council, service providers, local businesses, transport, and indeed all those who serve our community, are continuing to work to get us through this period and are adapting to completely unprecedented circumstances.

I thank them for the flexibility they are showing and their ability to adapt.

Local businesses face a difficult time but are working in any way they can to help. Locally produced food has never been so valuable and I know the producers are doing their

utmost to get it out to all sectors of the community.

We can all help at this time by taking the responsibility to look after our own health in order not to put others at risk. Follow the guidelines and remember that at present that recommends one period of daily exercise. Please use it wisely and responsibly.

We are privileged to live on a beautiful Island and, however difficult these next few months may be, what I am seeing in our community is inspiring. We will emerge at the end of this as a strong caring community.

Our offer to help local businesses on Island Like every other small business up and down the country, the IW Observer is facing difficult and worrying times, but just like other independent Island companies we are not going to let the current situation beat us.

We have been working hard to make sure we weather the current uncertainty and financial challenges and we will come out the other side, bigger, brighter and better than ever. But this is not just about our own business.

We truly believe we are all in this together. The Island’s business community is predominantly made up of small, locally owned businesses; we want them all to survive this crisis as well.

Today we are launching our new campaign ‘Supporting Island Businesses together’.

To all the independent and family-owned small companies on the Island, we make you this offer. If you are still trading through this crisis, please let our readers know what you can do for them. We will promote your company and services in our newspaper and through our website COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE, and we will encourage our readers to shop locally and use truly local companies whenever they can. We know how amazingly Island businesses Continued on page 3

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Address: Suite 6, 17 Thomas House , St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: IW Observer Ltd. Digital Editor: Sandy Clarke Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper, Wendy Willmott Layout & Production: Jade Honey Photography: Chris Cornford, Sharon Cornford Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC The IW Observer is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of the Press. For more information on the IW Observer complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: iwobserver.co.uk/make-a-complaint/

Crossword Answers - P.24 Down: 1. Wetherby, 2. Stops, 4. Cerise, 5. Tinge, 6. Trample, 7. Cosy, 8. Attlee, 13. Attacker, 15. Require, 17.

Hamper, 18. Assist, 20. Adore, 22. Faith, 23. Echo.

Across: 1. Wasp, 3. Ecstatic, 9. Trotter, 10. Nears, 11. Easel, 12. Sleepy, 14. Barrel, 16. Threat, 19. Equals, 21. Mafia, 24. Chico, 25. Ice rink, 26. Omelette, 27. Char.

Find Bob, our friendly squirrel!

Bob our friendly little squirrel usually sits quietly on the windowsill in our office until he decides where he wants to hide in the paper. This week the IW Observer team are all working from home and Bob went missing. He sent us a note which said : “I’m going home and staying indoors until it’s safe to come out. I know lots of our wonderful advertisers who put up the prizes for finding me are having a difficult time at the moment, so I’m going to have a bit of a rest. Once things are sorted out I’ll be back to hide in the paper every week. In the meantime, stay safe everybody and see you soon.”

Supporting people with cancer ‘more important than ever’ Wessex Cancer Trust has evolved its support services in response to Covid-19, but has told clients: “We’re still here for you.”

While its support centres are closed, the charity is live streaming therapy sessions, carrying out weekly calls for vulnerable clients, offering phone counselling, as well as providing extensive remote support via online articles, videos and a Facebook support group.

The charity has also set up a phone helpline from each of its centres, and, in just four days, helped more than 100 people with its online and telephone support.

Meanwhile, Wessex Cancer Trust’s Daisy Bus services remain in operation, with increased precautions.

However, the financial effects of Covid-19 are hitting the charity hard, with a big drop in retail

income from its charity shops and the cancellation or postponement of many of its fundraising activities and events. “We exist to support thousands of local people at a time in their lives they most need it. Now, they need us more than ever.

“All of us are adjusting to a new way of living, but cancer doesn’t stop and you may be feeling particularly anxious and isolated if you have it.

You might also be worried that your treatment is being delayed or that you’re at a higher risk of infection.

“Because we’ve had

to temporarily close our support centres we’ve been working extremely hard to introduce new ways of helping as many existing and new clients as possible, but as a charity we’re in a vulnerable position.

“Almost all of our planned fundraising and events have been postponed or cancelled, our corporate friends are not at work to support our fundraising and we’ve closed our charity shops for the foreseeable future. These are worrying times for all of us and I would urge you to please continue supporting us if you can.”

To donate, go to www. justgiving.com/campaign/ StillHereForYou Visit https://www. wessexcancer.org.uk/ remote-cancer-support for details of all the support available.

New business support fund A new Rural Business Resilience Fund for Isle of Wight businesses has been set up by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The fund, managed by Natural Enterprise on behalf of the LEP, looks to support the Island’s economy by providing grants to rural small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to develop alternative ways of working, delivering products and services to the marketplace, marketing expenditure and other resilience initiatives.

The fund is now open for applications with grants available for capital expenditure of up to £2,500. The grants must be matched with private funds (50 percent of total costs) and the funding will be provided in advance with full evidence of expenditure having to be provided within three months.

The projects which businesses choose to undertake must safeguard jobs to be eligible and must also demonstrate how they will benefit the Isle of Wight’s rural economy.

Graham Biss, Managing Director from Natural Enterprise, said: “We are grateful to the Solent LEP for this additional support for the Island’s rural business sector at such a challenging time. The application process

for this new Fund has been streamlined to ensure these monies can be easily applied for and quickly received.”

For more information on the Isle of Wight Rural Business Resilience Fund and to download the application form visit naturalenterprise.co.uk or contact graham. biss@naturalenterprise.co.uk

Graham Biss

3rd April 2020

Business ratepayers grant funding The Isle of Wight Council is now in receipt of government grant support amounting to £62.8 million to help qualifying Island business ratepayers during the coronavirus crisis.

The council is preparing to make payments to those eligible businesses as swiftly as it is able. It is envisaged this will begin from next week, but is dependent on businesses checking if they are eligible and then providing their relevant details to ensure direct payment.

This can be done via a form on the council’s website, accessed via www.iow.gov. uk/covid19_businessadvice, which also gives details of eligibility criteria.

To date, more than 1,730 Island business ratepayers have completed the form since it went online nearly two weeks ago.

Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: “It is excellent news that this much needed funding has now been received from the government, and we are working urgently to get the payments made as soon as we are able. We fully appreciate the severe pressures many businesses are under at this time.

“It is essential we have the latest up to date details to achieve direct and swift payment for each business, so I would urge those businesses who believe they qualify to complete the form on our website."

Details of all areas of government support for businesses, employers, employees and the selfemployed are on website at www.iow.gov.uk/covid19_ businessadvice.

3rd April 2020

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St Mary’s gearing up for increase in cases St Mary’s Hospital has announced it is making plans to gear up to dramatically increase the number of beds available, and that could mean as many as 200 additional beds to care for the expected increase in people with covid-19.

The IW NHS Trust, supported by military planners, is finalising its plans and will announce the detail over the coming days.

There were 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight as of yesterday (Thurs) evening, but that number is almost certain to increase quite dramatically over the next few days. There are also believed to be many more unconfirmed cases on the Island with people self-isolating if they think they have mild symptoms of the virus.

At the time of going to press, there had been two deaths from coronavirus on the Island. The two men, one in his 70s and the other in his 80s, both passed away at St Mary’s Hospital, and had underlying health conditions.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: “Our thoughts will be with the friends and family of the two men who have passed away. This sad incident is a reminder to us all of the potentially fatal effects of this virus. I urge all Islanders to continue to follow the health guidelines to reduce the likelihood of more deaths on the Island. By doing so we will reduce infections on the Island and keep Islanders safe and there will be fewer fatalities. I would like to reiterate our deep thanks to the NHS staff on the Island.”

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‘We want to help’ Continued from page 1 have responded to this crisis.

Many have diversified and are offering new services to their customers, others are still in business – but their customers think they will be closed. We want to help promote them. Why should the supermarkets and multinational companies be the only winners in the fight against this dreadful virus?

If you are a genuine Island business and would like to take advantage of this offer then please send an e-mail to sales@iwobserver. co.uk. If you know any small businesses, whatever sector they are in, please make sure they know about our offer.

We will feature as many small businesses as we can over the coming weeks.

We want to do this, but we also need help. If you would like to show your support for Island businesses, then become our partner in this campaign. Weaver Brothers

Independent Funeral Directors of Bembridge – who are regular advertisers with us - jumped at the chance to help other Island companies.

Caroline Weaver said: "Weaver Brothers Independent Funeral Directors are pleased to support the IW Observer's free advertising offer for local businesses.

We recognise that, like us, these independent companies are at the heart of our Island community, and their priority first and foremost is you, the customer. What's more by buying locally you are directly supporting the Island's economy through these difficult times".

If you would like to get involved, either as an individual or a company, then call us on 214264 or email business-support@ iwobserver.co.uk to find out more.

Police deal with postal van attack in Brighstone An incident in Brighstone, in which a young male was filmed appearing to kick a Royal Mail van and shout at a postman, has now been dealt with by police. The exchange, last Thursday, was posted on Facebook by a local resident who watched from her window. The post was widely shared and commented on and even featured in some national papers over the weekend.

The postman apparently told a group of three youths that they should be observing the current rule that only two people should be out together, which triggered the antisocial response from one of the youngsters.

Hampshire Constabulary issued a statement this week which said: “A young person has been identified, interviewed and has fully admitted their involvement in the incident. We will be providing no further detail on either the identity of that young person or the eventual outcome they may or may not receive.”

The statement went on to say that they were unable to give further details on the outcome of the incident because of the age of the youth involved and urged the public not to speculate as the matter is ‘considered as closed’.

Ferry services slashed to a skeleton footing

Island Roads suspend all but important work Island Roads have announced all their resurfacing of both highways and paths has been suspended for the foreseeable future, with the exception of St Mary’s roundabout, which will continue in line with current government advice.

They will also continue to undertake important tasks such as repairing road defects, keeping the streets clean and bins emptied, cutting the grass so that it does not reduce visibility and keeping the traffic signals and street lights working will also continue.

An Island Road spokesman said: “We will also continue to deliver other maintenance and improvement tasks as these all contribute to a safer network for vehicles and pedestrians. We recognise these are

unprecedented times and very difficult for everyone. Now, as always, safety remains our absolute priority and we continue to take our responsibilities to managing the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak very seriously.

“It is important we keep the roads and surrounding areas properly maintained so that the key people who need to get to work, especially our NHS staff and emergency services, are able to do so without delay or increased road risk. Island Roads employees undertake a key role for the Island by keeping the highway network safe and free flowing.”

“We will continue to keep our website updated with the latest relevant information, and appreciate your support and understanding during these times and hope you all keep safe and well.”

The Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Board has announced that a huge drop in demand for both passenger and freight ferry crossings has led to a dramatic reduction in services from both Wightlink and Red Funnel, leaving just a skeleton service.

The Board claimed in a statement that the revised car ferry schedule would ensure the ‘demand for cross-Solent travel by emergency services, freight operators and other essential travellers will be met’.

Wightlink immediately announced that it was completely suspending the Ryde to Portsmouth Fast Cat Service on Monday (April 6) and cutting the Fishbourne to Portsmouth car ferry service to a two-hourly service from Tuesday. The company has already suspended the Yarmouth to Lymington service.

The cuts announced by Red Funnel were less extensive, but off-peak sailings on the Red Jet have been axed, leaving just four crossings each way in the mornings and five in the evenings, which the company said is in line with the needs of NHS staff and other key workers. The Red Funnel vehicle ferry will continue to run to its published schedule.

Hovertravel did not announce any cuts to its 10-minute crossing, which not only carries foot passengers, but is also used by the Royal Mail and brings all pharmaceuticals to the

Island. If the hovercraft service is unable to run due to weather or technical reasons the number 9 service from Southern Vectis will run via Wightlink’s Fishbourne terminals providing a foot passenger connection between Newport and Ryde.

Christopher Garnett, chairman of the Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Board, said: “These measures have the full support of the Board and will ensure essential, effective and robust cross-Solent ferry services can continue at this very difficult time. The Board and operators are working closely together to ensure full resilience for the Island is maintained in all key areas.

“These are lifeline services for the Island, bringing in all our supplies and freight – including food and fuel – and providing key connectivity in areas such as mainland travel for hospital appointments, whether on foot or by ambulance.

“Each of the operators continues to put in enormous efforts to maintain these services in these unprecedented times, including the promotion of ‘essential travel only.”

Southern Vectis has also announced cuts to its timetabled bus service, but said they were protecting key worker journeys.

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Isle of Wight County Show free to Island NHS workers The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon has announced that all NHS workers on the Island will be welcomed to attend the next County Show free of charge.

The first show was held in 1833 and during its long history the County Show has taken place during many different and, challenging times. After a period of decline it is now the largest one day event in the Island’s event calendar.

Mrs Sheldon said: “I am delighted to be able to make this announcement and to take the opportunity to recognise all the hard work and dedication of the NHS team on the Island.

“We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. We all need to work together for the safety of all members of our community. I would ask everyone to look out for the vulnerable and those in need. We are privileged to live on a beautiful Island and however difficult the next few months may be, I believe we will re-emerge at the end of it as a strong caring community”.

The County Show was recently postponed until August 30 in the hope that the current restrictions will have been lifted and the Island will be able to safely come together for a right rural celebration.

Graham Biss, County Show Chairman, said: “When the time is right the County Show team ofvolunteers are determined to hold this year’s show. We hope that it is something everyone can look forward to as we emerge from the current challenges.

The show celebrates everything that is good about the Island and therefore we hope this offer is a fitting tribute to the work being undertaken by the Island’s NHS staff.”

3rd April 2020

Majority of car park charges suspended Parking charges across the workers in the NHS and social Island are to be temporarily care during the Covid-19 suspended by the Isle of outbreak.

"However, let me be clear, Wight Council.

All council car parks and the the message remains: "Stay majority of on-street parking at home, protect the NHS, spaces will be free of charge save lives" — you should until further notice, although not leave your home unless residents must adhere to absolutely necessary. I would parking time limits. also ask residents to be Esplanades are not included considerate and leave spaces and charging remains in free next to pharmacies and place to deter people from supermarkets to allow people travelling long distances to get in and out quickly." to the coast during the In a further move to coronavirus (Covid-19) support Island residents, the crisis. At the same time, the authority has also announced authority is encouraging it is to freeze direct debit Islanders to use council payments for all parking car parks to free up much- permits for three months. needed on-street spaces for Residents do not need to visiting key workers. contact the council or cancel Council leader, Councillor the direct debit at their bank.

Dave Stewart, says the The council will advise permit authority recognises the holders in advance of the recommencing. severe financial strain payments Islanders are currently The expiry date of all other under. He said: "That is paid for parking permits will 2019we Royal Wight County automatically Show champion why areIsle going beyond be extended bullgovernment's led by Dave Thurman the offer of by a further period of three free car parking for critical months.

Countryside rules in force Social distancing and restrictions on movement announced by the Government in a bid to prevent the further spread of coronavirus, now apply to public rights of way and the countryside access network across the Isle of Wight.

Many people still want to enjoy the countryside, especially now it is spring – especially for exercise. However, people must adhere to government rules and advice for the safety of all.

Islanders are reminded that some people live in very close proximity to public rights of way, a common example being farmers and farm workers. Also consider their need for social distancing, treat each other with respect and be aware that some of these people may be in self-isolation because of illness or other vulnerabilities.

The rules to adhere to are: *Only use your local public rights of way network for lawful access which is to exercise once a day and for routes to food

shops or when essential for work. *Do not drive or travel to sites/car parks. *Keep two metres (six feet) spacing between yourself and others you may meet on the paths. *Don’t arrange to meet other families or form groups larger than two to share your exercise, walk or ride. *Carry, use and take home all rubbish including tissues and other health products. *Although there’s no evidence of human-animal transference of coronavirus, avoid contact with other families’ dogs and farm livestock as part of social distancing.

People can continue to use the public rights of way network for exercise and essential journeys responsibly.

But, the best advice is to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

If you encounter any problems, email rightsofway@iow.gov.uk

Contactless payment is increased to £45 Islanders can now spend more money through contactless card payment, as the limit for such card payments has increased from £30 to £45. The limit increase is in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis and follows moves by other countries in the past week.

The increase was already

being discussed but has now been expedited to reflect the growing desire to use contactless payments to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

From Wednesday of this week, Islanders should now begin to see an increasing number of retailers accepting contactless card payments up to the new £45 limit.

3rd April 2020

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Volunteers given vote of thanks by Council leader

The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has sent a heartfelt message of thanks to volunteers and community groups working around the clock to support vulnerable residents during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

Councillor Dave Stewart said an army of volunteers had mobilised to help and support vulnerable people to stay safe and at home during the pandemic.

So far, a staggering 600-plus Islanders have answered the government's 'call to arms', stepping up to do what they can to fight the virus and help those on the front lines.

Councillor Stewart said: "On behalf of the Island community, I want to say thank you for what you are doing. You are the lifeblood of our community at this time and without the tremendous

work you are putting in, many of our vulnerable people would be at immense risk from this dreadful virus.

"We know this battle will take weeks and probably months to overcome but we will remove this blight from our community and now is the time for us all to do everything we can to protect our future."

A new dedicated Covid-19 website www.iowcoronavirus.co.uk provides information on the local support and community efforts available across the Island.

The council has also set up a dedicated helpline for vulnerable people who do not have a local network of friends or family to support them while they are self-isolating or social distancing.

People can call (01983) 823600 seven

days a week, 9am to 5pm, for support.

Councillor Stewart said: "I look at you all and from the depths of my heart I want to thank you for coming forward and helping - you are all true Island champions, everyone of you.

"The time will come when this emergency will be over and we will all be able to look back with pride at what you and many others will have achieved for our Island."

Do you think you might be able to help our Island during the Covid-19 pandemic by becoming a volunteer? If yes, please complete this form www. iowcoronavirus.co.uk/form/ You are not committing yourself to anything, simply saying you are happy to be contacted by organisations who are looking for volunteers.

New guidelines for allotment holders Allotment holders on the Island are being given new guidance about accessing and tending to their plots during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Isle of Wight Council has said plot holders can continue to undertake their daily exercise and visit their allotment – but with some new restrictions.

Requirements to keep plots cultivated will be relaxed until further notice.

So people who cannot visit their plot to cultivate it will have no action taken against them.

New instructions for plot holders include the following: Spend a short time on your plot, not all day.

If you are self-isolating you must not visit the allotments at all.

Work alone. No groups are allowed on site and only family members that live with the tenant can enter the site if the tenant is also present.

Stay two metres (six feet) away from everybody else.

Do not share tools or enter anyone else’s plot even if you have had prior permission.

Visit the allotments to work on your plot, but not to socialise. Sheds and greenhouses must not be used for social gatherings but only for storage.

Keep hand sanitiser with you and wash your hands regularly.

Use hand sanitiser or gloves before opening and closing any gates and handling padlocks.

Wipe your own tools after use.

Minimise the contact with other people, for example no handshakes.

Do not wash your hands in water troughs.

West Wight parents given two days for school option BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill Parents of children at a West Wight school were given only two days notice to decide which school to send their child to, despite being told they would have until June.

In a letter sent to parents of All Saints’ pupils last week from the Isle of Wight Council, the application process for parents to ‘express a preference’ for a school place for September 2020 was instigated. Parents were told to make their preferences known as soon as possible but at least by midday last Thursday, March 26.

Carly Wyre-Nock, whose children attend All Saints’, said: “Some parents are feeling angry that we were given two days to indicate our school choice for September, particularly as we have been told it would be June, and

have had no support to make a real informed choice."

All Saints’ CE Primary School in Freshwater will close at the end of August, to make way for a modern, one-form entry school in the West Wight to help reduce the number of excess places in the area, forcing current pupils to move to a different school.

The council has secured £4.5 million in funding from the government to rebuild 95 per cent of the school, which is likely to be ready for use in spring 2022.

In the interim, the council has said it will operate provisions across both Yarmouth School sites, including the former All Saints’ School in Freshwater, something Yarmouth parents supposedly found out before those at All Saints’.

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News in brief Information from MP on website Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has posted information and answers to questions about the coronavirus crisis on his website at bobseely.org. uk. It will be updated and additional topics added as they arise.

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3rd April 2020

Island has a new team of Girlguide Commissioners

Town Council condolences East Cowes Town Council wish to send their sincere condolences to the family of a muchloved husband, father and grandfather from East Cowes, who sadly passed away at St Mary’s Hospital from Covid-19 this week.

Wootton appoint coordinator Wootton Bridge Parish Council have appointed Cllr Daryll Pitcher as their Covid-19 coordinator and they are working with other organisations to bring relief and help to the people of Wootton.

Anyone who requires assistance should contact Cllr Pitcher on either 07511 045 145 or at daryllpitcher@ woottonbridge.org.uk.

Covid-19 related roles NHS Jobs have released new features to allow applicants to search, filter and apply for vacancies specific to Covid-19 in the NHS. Applicants are able to easily identify these roles by the unique Covid-19 icon displayed next to the job titles.

Applicants can find Covid-19 specific roles by visiting NHS Jobs on https://www.jobs.nhs. uk/.

Carnivals cancelled Shanklin Carnival Committee have announced that due to the current circumstances they will not be holding any Carnivals for 2020.

L-R Donna Sanders, Anne Watson, Linda Stone.

Following a five-year term by joint Island Commissioners Shirley Saunders and Lesley Clifford, Girlguiding IW now has a team of three Commissioners to head up the Island’s leaders and support the 1,000 young members.

Linda Stone from Carisbrooke has been appointed Island Commissioner with Anne Watson and Donna Sanders as Assistant Commissioners.

Between them, they have a total of 80 years of volunteering.

Linda, who was a Queen’s Guide prior to becoming a leader works at IW College. She became a Young Leader with 16th Bromley Brownie Unit in 1970 before moving to 2nd Portsmouth (St. James) Brownie Unit in 1974. By June 1975 she had moved to the Island and was the Leader of 2nd Northwood Brownies where she remained until 1980.

Family and work commitments followed until May 1994 when Linda became the Assistant Leader of 1st Carisbrooke (Princess Beatrice's Own) Guide Unit, a position held until 1998 when, as well as becoming the Leader of 1st Carisbrooke (Princess Beatrice's Own) Guide Unit, a position she still

holds today, Linda took on an Isle of Wight County role.

Linda has undertaken other IW County roles and has been involved with Newport Ranger Senior Section Unit, 1st Ventnor Rangers Senior Section Unit and was South Wight District Commissioner from 2005 to 2009. Until her appointment as Island Commissioner she held several positions on the IW County team including Commissioner responsible for the Guides Section.

Linda’s great love is of the outdoors and camping and she has organised the off-Island camping trips to international camps as well as camps on the Island. She has been the Leader of the IW contingent for the regular trips to Girlguiding’s ‘Big Gig’, the national pop-concert for Guides which sees 10,000 girls bopping along to the latest pop hits.

Linda said: "Girlguiding has just launched its new strategy ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ and we are looking forward to leading Girlguiding on the Island for the next five years. We always have vacancies for new volunteers who would be

warmly welcomed.

"Many opportunities are available with full support and training. Some units also have spaces available for girls. Girlguiding offers girls that valuable ‘girl only space’ which allows them to flourish, have fun and gain confidence."

Anne and Donna have been Brownies, Guides and Young Leaders on the Island and have also been very involved with the trips to the ‘Big Gig’ as well as running Island units with Anne specialising with Brownies (ages 7-10) and Donna with Rainbows (ages 5-7).

After their appointments all three are looking forward to leading the Island members for the next five years. However, at this time of national crisis all Girlguiding meetings and activities have been halted but being the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK Girlguiding has introduced ‘AdventureAtHome’ on-line activities which are available to all via the national Girlguiding website.

All enquiries via: https://www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved

Funds desperately needed for local animal charity to survive Local charity ‘Friends of the Animals’, like so many more on the Island, is appealing for donations to help them continue their work during the Covid-19 emergency.

All fundraising activities including collections, quizzes, sponsored walks and a dog agility day have had to be cancelled and with fewer Islanders at the shops, donations of pet food have dropped dramatically.

Founder Helen Sinclair MBE said: “Just over

three weeks ago we were celebrating the charity’s 30th birthday. Now our ability to raise the funds we so desperately need has vanished, virtually overnight.

“Despite our ability to raise money having been absolutely decimated, life and death calls continue to roll in. I understand how difficult these times are for all Islanders, but I also know how kind and generous they are. If IW Observer readers can help us

to reduce suffering and save lives I urge them to consider making a donation, however small. Nothing happens without money, and at this time ongoing fundraising is crucial to our very survival.”

You can make a donation at friendsoftheanimals. co.uk, click on the Paypal button in the large pink square, you do not need a Paypal account. You can also send a cheque to 17a Riverway, Newport, PO30 5UX.

3rd April 2020

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Free support sessions available for dancers With Islanders following government guidance to stay at home, help the NHS and save lives the creative industries have been hit hard by the closure of theatres and other entertainment venues.

One former professional ballet dancer, who now runs a successful psychotherapy practice in Newport is stepping up to offer some help for dancers during this challenging time.

Terry Hyde, who danced with the Royal Ballet and in West End musicals, is campaigning for honest, proactive discussion and understanding of mental health and wellbeing in the UK dance industry. He is offering all dancers, who are not existing clients, two free video-link therapy sessions. He hopes

that these sessions will help them to cope better over the coming weeks and months when there is likely to be very little, if any work.

Terry said: “As a retired ballet dancer I know from experience how mental health issues such as anxiety or depression can affect a dancer’s performance, so for a dancer to be out of work and facing an unstable future the effects can be devastating.

“I am offering these free video link or telephone counselling sessions at a very unprecedented time when dancers will need someone to talk their thoughts and feelings through when money is very tight.”

You can find out more by emailing terry@counsellingfordancers.com

Terry Hyde

CRAB pulling together to support Niton community Niton has launched a Community Response and Back-up Group (CRAB) to help the community cope with the pressures imposed by the coronavirus lockdown.

The group is already providing vital support, services and resources to the local community and to business, with more than 30 volunteers stepping forward to help.

Spearheaded by a dedicated website and helpline, the volunteers are helping residents to access the provisions, prescriptions and essential services they need and live more comfortably in their homes at this time of enforced isolation.

The initiative is also helping residents navigate their way around the health system to find out the latest developments relating to the virus and to stay connected.

The CRAB website www.crabniton. org is bringing a constant feed of news, hints and tips for keeping well, active and connected - as well as information about accessing essential goods and services.

For the local business and the selfemployed, it is providing a lifeline of support with information about how to manage current problems of credit liquidity, staffing and the latest information on Government support packages available.

The website is being supported by a helpline which is open seven days a week. Manned by a team of volunteers, it enables residents and businesses to get live and bespoke advice and information. A minibus service will enable volunteers to deliver people and services. The helpline number is (01983) 730748.

Will Thurbin, Coordinator of the CRAB Group, Niton, said: “We, like the rest of the Island, have many older and vulnerable people living in Niton. We feel it is our collective duty to look after and protect them.

In the coming days we will be introducing a number of additional services that will support them and the community as a whole.”

Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact the group directly.

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Well, well! This old London jar has Island connections

Edward Pink Shanklin man Dennis Murphie became inquisitive when he was given an old jar found in a well in the garden of a Lake home. With an interest in the history behind old objects and where they come from, Dennis researched the words ‘E&T Pink London’ which were engraved on the jar. He discovered it was almost certainly made in a factory in South London, probably in the 1800s, but by a strange quirk of fate it also has a strong Island connection.

In Merstone, Fiona Pink is at the helm of Pinks, a small operation which makes jars of chutneys, chilli jellies, pestos and peanut butters, with all her produce on sale at a number of Island outlets including Farmer Jack’s at Arreton.

Fiona’s great great grandfather Edward Pink

Fiona Pink founded E & T Pink’s in the 1880s in Bermondsey, South London, which was later taken forward by his son Thomas, to become one of the most successful and dominant quality food producers of the Victorian and Edwardian times.

E&T Pink was the largest manufacturer of jam in the world in 1894, with an average production of 40 tons per day. Pink controlled one-twelth of the British tapioca market. E & T Pink also claimed to be by far the largest manufacturer of marmalade in the world by the late 19th century. The Bermondsey factory was demolished in 1935, and replaced by a housing estate.

Dennis said: “I used to go what I call 'bottling' on the Island when, at low tide, I would go down to a specific place on where I

E&T PINK jar found in the well knew I would find old bottles and pottery. As it was very muddy I would have a large pole with a nail on the end which I used to lean out and hook the bottles.

“I collected quite a few over time and kept a lot of them. The person who found the jar in Lake knew I did this and offered it to me for my interest and collection. Before the lock down I was hoping to contact Fiona Pink and offer to reunite her with the artefact. I thought she might appreciate this piece of family history.”

When the IW Observer contacted Fiona on Dennis’ behalf, she said: “This is a wonderful find and very kind to offer it to me. I look forward to meeting up with Dennis after the lockdown, as I only have two and not in such Dennis Murphie with the ancient jar lovely condition."

Life at Tapnell Farm helping with home schooling for KS1

Head Keeper, Lucy Cousins, with kunekune pig, Frankie With Tapnell Farm Park currently closed and children home from school, the team at the popular attraction have created a new online resource, Life at Tapnell Farm, a free, fun and educational series of videos, photos and worksheets that can be used by families to keep their children entertained and assist with home schooling.

Activities are being posted daily at 10am on social media (Facebook and Instagram) with video accompanied by downloadable worksheets suitable for Key Stage 1 and up.

These can be adapted by parents to use as they wish. There is also a story session at 6pm on Sundays.

Tom Honeyman-Brown, owner of Tapnell Farm Park, said: “We’re really missing our visitors! It feels strange not having them in the Farm Park! We know how much they love our animals and will miss not coming to see them. We also appreciate that parents can probably do with a bit of help in entertaining the children at home over coming weeks.

That’s why we’ve introduced these daily doses of fun and educational content online, supported by downloadable resources; it’s our way of doing what we can to help families during these challenging times.”

You can find out more at tapnellfarmpark. com.

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Appeal to help Age UK IW support the elderly Age UK Isle of Wight has put out an appeal for people to help with shopping and collecting medication or befriending elderly residents either by phone or using digital media. Chief Executive Jo Dare thanked Islanders who had already been in touch and asked those who had already volunteered but had yet to hear back to ‘bear with us’, saying that co-ordinating responses was not easy when guidelines are ‘ever-evolving’.

She said: “We really need anyone able, but who’ve not already done so, to register your support and please do not feel disheartened if you are not enlisted immediately. This is a marathon not a sprint and as the pandemic continues, your help will be even more crucial in a few weeks’ time.”

The charity is working with other organisations, including pharmacies and supermarkets to build local networks to deliver support in the most effective way.

You can register to help at bit.ly/volsupport. You will be asked to complete a simple application form and once you are volunteering you will be provided with a Letter of Authorisation confirming that you are working with the organisation.

If you are self-isolating and need support, or if you’re worried about a friend or family member you can contact Help the Aged IW on (01983) 525282 or email info@ageukiw.org. uk.

Eye care continues for those in need Specsavers' teams are classed as key workers to provide urgent and essential eye care to those who need it. This includes supporting other key workers who couldn’t function without their help and people who would come to harm without their health expertise, especially where the usual hospital services and NHS facilities are being prioritised for the fight against Covid-19.

The team at the Newport store have been going above and beyond to help the community, conducting many home emergency visits for repairs, delivering glasses, hearing aids etc.

They even found a 'thank you' note

left on a porch by a lovely patient who had his hearing aid repaired by them.

They are also hosting emergency eye care appointments with the aim to relieve the pressure on the NHS eye department as their services are being deployed.

One customer, a man in his 90s, became worried after realising that he could not read or see the TV as clearly as he could a couple of weeks ago.

After filling out a Covid-19 triage, the store identified that he had previously suffered from a detached retina.

Following this, the team at Ryde immediately booked the gentleman in for an EOS appointment free of charge

to investigate the issue further.

The Newport team also received a message from a mother whose son had broken his glasses. As the boy is registered blind, he relies heavily on his glasses to go about day-to-day life, meaning that he needed a replacement pair as soon as possible. The team at the Newport store were able to successfully replace and deliver the boy’s glasses to him in two hours.

For any concerns about your hearing or essential eye care, visit the Specsavers website: https://www.specsavers. co.uk/stores/iow.

IA workshop deliveries to help wellbeing Island charity Independent Arts is used to delivering workshops to communities and residential homes across the Isle of Wight as part of their programme to improve health and wellbeing using the arts. Government regulations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 has stalled their work but not for long.

The team of staff and practitioners supported by their team of volunteers began planning how they could do things remotely to help reach some of their participants. This has involved looking at how technology can bring their practitioners to the people who need them most.

Hannah Griffiths, Operations Manager, said: “We are pleased to announce that we are now running virtual Anxiety Café sessions via Zoom, we are planning

to start virtual SingAbout next week and virtual DanceMakers sessions very soon. Our care home workshops are also going digital with our practitioners being beamed from their home into the care home. We are also putting daily content on our YouTube channel including poems, talks and songs that anybody can watch and enjoy.

“We will meet again, we know where, we just don’t know when. Hopefully we can see many of our regular participants and some new faces online very soon.

SingAbout practitioner Hanna Nixon is helping to spread the message, with her signed and sung rendition of We’ll Meet Again. Visit the Independent Arts Website to see the video https:// independentarts.org.uk/ “Everyone is welcome to come along

to our virtual sessions. To find out more about any of our virtual sessions or book a place, please call (01983) 822437 (between 10am and 3pm) or visit our website independentarts.org.uk.”

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Citizen science project to help save our red squirrels While stuck at home, how about some science to pass the time and help get an accurate picture of our red squirrel population? Islanders lucky enough to see red squirrels are being asked to take part in a citizen science project, which is the catchy name for public involvement in this type of data collection. If you have children at home this could help keep them busy and engaged in what is going on outside.

Helen Butler MBE has been monitoring red squirrels on the Isle of Wight since 1991, for local charity Wight Squirrel Project. The general public has played a huge part in this monitoring process by telling Helen when and where they see a red squirrel. Whether it is dead or alive an obvious red squirrel or an odd coloured squirrel which may look like a grey, all are of interest. There are currently no grey squirrels on the Isle of Wight and we must keep it that way for our reds to survive.

It helps if you are able to identify individual squirrels, which come in a variety of colours, anything from silver through to virtually black as well as shades of ginger or brown. This is just genetic variation and has nothing to do with age or gender.

They may have light or dark tips to their tails or even racoon like rings. Some have a dark line down their back or light ‘bleaching’ which is the guard (top layer) hairs. Eartufts range from whispy to magnificent, with most squirrels losing their tufts altogether in the summer.

Occasionally you will see a squirrel with a missing digit or other physical difference which makes it easy to identify.

There are ‘stumpy tail’ squirrels on the Island which is a genetic anomaly, passed on to young. Some have shortish tails whilst others have unusually long tails.

Their personalities are as different as ours, ranging from dominant to very timid, and they are also right or lefthanded. They also have different ways of accessing food.

If you manage to get a glimpse of their underside, it’s pretty clear whether they are male or female during the breeding season – look for the obvious! Young squirrels are harder to determine from a distance.

Look carefully at the shape of the head; it does vary slightly between animals. Even in fully grown adults there is a size

difference, just as in humans.

Results and the ongoing story on how our reds are getting on will be posted on the Wight Squirrel Project’s Facebook page.

If you are not on Facebook, the page can be reached via the website – wightsquirrels.co.uk.

Helen has drawn up a questionnaire which can be downloaded from our website at iwobserver.co.uk/squirrels.

If you would like to join the survey please contact Helen on (01983) 611003 or by email wightsquirrels@hotmail.com.

Have fun and don’t forget to give them all a name!

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Mountbatten Community Choir all in tune for online practice Undeterred by the current coronavirus crisis, members of Mountbatten’s Community Choir have taken to technology to keep on practising.

Unable to meet for their usual Wednesday night practice in the John Cheverton Centre at Mountbatten Hospice, 43 members of the 100 strong choir were led in song online by leader Fraser Simpson. In the first attempt at using webcams and microphones as a group, they practised a number of songs including ‘That’s what friends are for’.

Fraser Simpson, Mountbatten Music Therapist, said: “Singing together feels like an amazing way to combat the isolation and anxiety that we are all experiencing at the moment in

this extraordinary time. The choir community has become a closely knit group of friends and last night showed that the power of music to hold our community together can withstand just about anything that life throws up.”

Feedback from members of the group has shown how invaluable the choir community has become. Comments included:“It was very novel to see more than one person at at a time, and with me living on my own and also working from home, it gave me immense pleasure seeing you all again!”

“The online meeting is as social as the actual one. Great fun as people get to understand the technology.”

“I found it really moving, and it’s just

so lovely to connect with others at the moment - probably even more so for people on their own.”

“I so enjoyed seeing you and other choir friends again. Feel we all lifted one another’s spirits.”

Anyone who would like to join the online choir can email Fraser at fraser.simpson@mountbatten.org. uk Practices are taking place online at 6:30pm every Wednesday evening.

Music therapy at Mountbatten is provided through a partnership with Nordoff Robbins, the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK.

True Island Spirit at work in community

Kirsty Gwilliam (Café Assistant); Rachel Thomson (Community Centre Manager); and Wendy Parsons (Café Supervisor) - and a five litre 'flagon' of the hand sanitiser at the centre which is labelled 'True Island Spirit'.

One of the first deliveries of hand sanitiser made

by Isle of Wight Distillery was put into action in the kitchen at Pan Together. The organisation is working as part of Downside Community Centre's support services to vulnerable people in Pan, Pan Meadows and Barton

as part of the coronavirus response.

Rachel Thomson, Community Centre Manager, said: "We want to send a really big thank you to Xavier Baker and the whole team at the Isle of Wight Distillery for having the great idea of turning their gin-making

equipment into a not-forprofit hand gel production line. This is really going to help us in these most difficult of times with our meal delivery service, essential shopping provision and prescription-collection offer for local residents in need.”

She continued: "If anyone from the area would like to know more about how we can help them, their friends, their families and their neighbours, please ring 248170 or email enquiries@ pantogether.org.uk.”

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Extra safety measures put in place for blood donors

Extra safety measures have been put in place for Isle of Wight blood donors during the current restrictions. They include triaging on session. An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need people on the Isle of Wight who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak. We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority. We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.

“A lot of people have called us asking if sessions are still going ahead. We need them to know that our sessions

and donor centres are still open and that travel to blood donation sessions is essential for the NHS. Blood donation is a reason to do something amazing.

Blood donation saves lives.

“We’re asking donors on the Isle of Wight to follow the latest advice on our website and app, and the advice from the Government. We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services. Donations have dropped, though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations. We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood

hospitals need in the coming weeks and months. Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there.”

To make appointment to donate or for more information, call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit www.blood.co.uk Questions being asked include: Can you get coronavirus from donated blood? Do you test for coronavirus?

There is no requirement to test for SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. There is no evidence of any type of coronavirus being transmitted through blood donation.

No blood donation services are testing blood donations for the virus.

Southern Water introduce Priority Service Register Southern Water, which provides water and wastewater services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has always offered an important Priority Service Register - a way for those who require water a little more urgently or extra help with getting bottled water during an outage to register themselves for support. It also allows Southern Water to tailor its services to customers' individual needs.

Previously individuals had to register themselves however, due to the current situation the company has changed its policy to allow family members and trusted third parties, such as support agencies or charities.

Rachel Ryan-Crisp, Southern Water's Vulnerability Lead said: "This list is an extremely important service for Southern Water and one we are keen for everyone to be aware of. It is our duty to provide all residents within our regions with a supply of fresh drinking water and this list allows us to ensure this remains the case for the most-in-need at times when supply may be compromised. If supply is cut off then the people on this list will receive bottled water straight to their door - and not be required to collect from a collection point. It also allows to look after our customers if they have any additional needs.

"We want to take this opportunity to urge people to check that their friends and family are aware of this list and, if they require a little bit of assistance, are registered, and if not then they can now help them do so."

It is worth noting that there are many reasons why people may qualify to be on the list, those with medical needs, underlying health conditions or the immobile or the elderly.

There are also a number of reasons why people may wish to temporarily be added to the list - such as people who have recently been in hospital, have had an operation and parents of young children.

Ryan-Crisp adds: "We sometimes find people feel reluctant

to be thought of as vulnerable, and therefore we wish to make it clear that this list isn't about the individual being vulnerable. It is about allowing us to provide them with any additional assistance they may need, whether that is a constant supply of water, tailored communications or just a little bit of extra understanding when you are speaking to us.

If you think you might need a little extra help, please ensure you're on the list."

Southern Water customers can find out more and register on line at https://www.southernwater.co.uk/register-forindividual-needs Southern Water understands that many of their customers have been affected by the measures taken to tackle COVID-19.

Customers who are struggling can get in touch via their online form (www.southernwater.co.uk/contactus) and request a Payment Break or if they prefer to speak to someone they can call on 0330 303 0277.

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IW COMMUNITY BOARD You can ONLY leave the house for the following reasons:

Biffa Waste Services IW

Business is running with some limited services.We are still servicing / supporting our key businesses and, emergency services. Our Office opening Hours are fluctuating day by day. If you cannot get hold of the office by phoning 01983 821242 then please email us on Medina.services@ biffa.co.uk.

see: islandbuses.info

1. To shop for basic necessities like food and medical supplies for people in your own household or for someone vulnerable; this includes shopping for pet food. You are also able to shop for supplies needed to keep your home maintained (where absolutely essential), or to obtain money.

2. To take exercise either alone or with other members of their household. This does not include travelling in a motor vehicle, or taking public transport, to a location away from your home. Exercise is running, walking or cycling. Working on your allotment plot is also included as exercise.

3. To seek medical assistance.

4. To provide care or support to someone vulnerable, or provide emergency assistance.

5. To donate blood.

6. To travel for the purposes of work only where it is not possible to work or provide services from home, including voluntary or charitable roles.

7. To attend a funeral, but only when they are a member of your household or a close family member. If the deceased doesn’t have any family attending, you are able to attend as a friend.

8. To fulfil legal obligations, like attending court hearings or to take part in legal proceedings.

9. To access critical public services. You can visit childcare or educational facilities where they are still available or social services. You are able to access services provided by the Department of Work and Pensions, or services for victims (of crime, for example).

10. To co-parent. Parents who are separated can continue their existing parenting arrangements.

11. To go to a place of worship, but only if you are a minister of religion or worship leader.

12. To move house, but only where this is absolutely necessary.

13. To avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm.

Something we should add? email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

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IW COMMUN LOCAL FOOD DELIVERY Free Shopping service

Socialising Buddies are offering a free shopping service to the elderly and vulnerable, and have a supply of toilet rolls they are giving away in pairs to anybody who needs them. Staff are all practising safe social distancing, are DBS checked and covered by insurance.

All that is asked in return for help is a donation to cover staff mileage. If you require any support, or feel that someone you know could benefit from the help offered

by Socialising Buddies, you can contact them on 07960 194888.

Isle of Wight Meat Co

HELP AND SUPPORT IW Volunteers

Age UK IOW would like to thank all those that have been in touch, offering to volunteer. They have had hundreds of people lending their support and they are truly grateful to everyone for expressing an interest to be involved as we face this national, and very local, emergency.

If you are self-isolating and need support, or if you’re worried about a friend or family member during this time, please contact us on (01983) 525282 or email info@ageukiw.org.uk

The Isle of Wight Meat Co have pulled together some more mixed freezer boxes of Island beef, lamb & pork.

Lucky dip on sausage seasonings. Limited numbers.

See https://www.isleofwightmeat.co.uk/productcategory/meat-boxes/ for latest boxes. Free Islandwide Delivery.

Busy Bee Cafe

Due to many requests from our customers we are now able to offer takeaway meals from our daily menu. Call 01983 811096 for more details and the latest updates.

Farmhouse Fayre

We are now offering a home delivery service to anyone across the Isle of Wight £20 minimum spend with a £2.50 delivery charge. Telephone the shop on 01983 525836 for more information.

Easyweigh

“We shall still be providing our home delivery service on orders of £10 or more, phone orders payable by card payment only. If you are having difficulty getting through to the store phone (523228) or email an order to Easyweigh@care4free.net and leave your order, name, contact number and we will get back to you.”

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS Proms Delayed

The Wight Proms’ has been delayed by five weeks due to coronavirus. Organisers say the four-day festival will now hopefully take place on August 20-23.

Jack Up the NHS

Organisers of the hugely popular Jack Up The Summer festival are offering Isle of Wight NHS frontline staff free entry to the event once the outbreak is over.

Isle of Wight NHS staff will be able to register their attendance via the festival’s website in the lead up to the event.

Daffodil Show

The annual Isle of Wight Daffodil Show at Busy Bee on March the 28th and 29th has been cancelled.

Castle and Royal Visits

English Heritage took the decision to close all its staffed historic sites and cancel all public events during the closure period. To compensate, they’re offering everyone the chance to experience historic sites from home, and learn about them in new ways. For more information: https://artsandculture.google.com/ project/english-heritage

IW Festival

This year’s Isle of Wight Festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. If people who purchased tickets would like a refund, then organisers will do that. Alternatively, if they want to carry the ticket over to next year, then they can do that too.

Domestic abuse

If you’re already living with domestic abuse and you are worried about being isolated in the house with your abuser, you can still get help and support. These local and national organisations are working hard to ensure they can still support you: • You Trust (Isle of Wight) – 0800 234 6266 • Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service – 03300 165112 • Stop Domestic Abuse (Portsmouth) – 023 9206 5494 • Aurora New Dawn – 023 9247 9254 • Yellow Door (Southampton) – 023 8063 6313 • PIPPA (Southampton) – 023 8091 7917 • National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 • Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 • LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 • Call Childline on 0800 1111 if you’re a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home • Please remember that you can still call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.

Alone & Need Help?

People who do not have a local network of friends or family to support them while they are self-isolating or social distancing can call the Isle of Wight Council for support on 01983 823600.

Scam Alert IWASP is reminding people that in times of crisis when fear of the unknown is heightened, people – particularly the vulnerable, become more susceptible to trickery. Unfortunately, there are plenty of malicious individuals out there. Please stay vigilant against scams.

Free businesses advertising IW Observer are offering free advertising to locally owned small businesses. Call 214 264 or email business-support@iwobserver.co.uk

Something missing from the community noti

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NITY BOARD PUBLIC TRANSPORT Hovertravel Service

Hovertravel is carrying key workers between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, as well ensuring vital supplies of medicines and the Royal Mail continue to flow across the Solent. They are operating a revised timetable, operating hourly from Ryde at 0615 until 1930 from Southsea to keep the lifeline for essential travellers open. The best way to contact Hovertravel is to email info@hovertravel.com.

Ferries Suspended

The Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Board has supported the decision to suspend the YarmouthLymington ferry service and the Ryde to Portsmouth Fast Cat service. Chairman Christopher Garnett said: “The board has been meeting regularly with the cross-Solent ferry operators to review the current and developing situation.”

BUSINESS UPDATES Business Support

In order to support businesses across the region during these highly challenging times, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has established a new Solent business support task force. The LEP is bringing together local authorities, business representative organisations (BROs) and other relevant bodies to work together to find ways to sustain business continuity as much as possible.

To find out more about the support available go to https://solentlep.org.uk/coronavirus-support-hub/.

Community

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL Tip closed to public

Isle of Wight Council and Amey have agreed that the #StayAtHome instruction from government requires the temporary closure of: Afton March HWRC (closed to the public) and The household lane at Lynnbottom HWRC. The commercial lane at Lynnbottom, Asbestos disposal and Hazardous Waste store for emergency services will remain open to support business and for emergencies only.

Waste collections

Household waste and recycling collections will continue as normal and you need to remember to put your waste and recycling out on the usual day.

Allotment holders

The Isle of Wight Council has issued guidance to allotment holders to reassure them that they can continue to use their allotments during the coronavirus crisis, but with some significant restrictions. This guidance is for allotments run by Isle of Wight Council.

The most important thing everybody can do in the fight against coronavirus is to stay at home. Staying at home helps protect the NHS and saves lives. So plot holders can undertake their daily exercise, they will still be allowed to visit their allotment. Requirements to keep plots cultivated will be relaxed until further notice. So people who cannot visit their plot to cultivate it will have no action taken against them.

Ryde Castle Hotel

“Our windows are now boarded up for at least 8 weeks until we can beat the Coronavirus! A big thank you to all of customers and an even bigger thanks to my team who have been amazing through all this!

We will re open with a hell of a party (no fireworks).

Look forward to seeing you all again soon! - Sean and The Ryde Castle team.”

Pet Doctors

Pet Doctors have announced that they are closing their Lake and Ryde branches for at least 1 month.

From 1st April, vets will be based at Pet Doctor’s hospital in Newport for phone call triages and emergencies only. If you have any urgent concerns regarding your pet’s health, contact the hospital on 01983 522804.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Vectis Security Group Council Support Age UK IOW Socialising Buddies IW Foodbank Citizen Advice Salvation Army The Samaritans HMRC’s helpline Wight DASH National Gas helpline Power Cut helpline Southern Water

01983 533 582 01983 823 600 01983 525 282 07960 194 888 01983 292 040 01983 823 898 01983 526 312 116 123 0800 024 1222 01983 300 423 / 825981 0800 111 999 105 0330 303 0368

Benefit Claims

The Council’s Benefits Service is working very hard to deal with the unprecedented number of claims on your behalf at this current time. Staff are working additional hours to keep on top of the workload, and aim to deal with cases as swiftly as we can.

Island residents needing to provide supporting evidence for a benefit claim for housing benefits and local council tax support are asked to email this to housing.benefit@iow.gov.uk. Or upload into the citizens’ access portal when applying for one of these benefits. For more info visit www.iwight.com/ revsandbens

Garden Bonfires

The Isle of Wight Council is asking Islanders to be considerate neighbours when lighting garden bonfires which can aggravate lung conditions and cause a nuisance. If residents must have a bonfire, then they should: only burn dry material; never burn household rubbish, recycling, rubber tyres, plastic paint or foam; do not burn when the air is damp and still, or when it is too windy (as roads and neighbours may be badly affected); keep fires under control and be mindful of trees, fences and buildings; never use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to light a fire; and never leave a fire unattended, put it out when you leave. The council said it recognised the closure of its household waste recycling centres at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh was an inconvenience but urged residents to act responsibly.

ice board? email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

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IW COMMUNITY BOARD

SUPPORT FOR UTILITIES

SOCIAL PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Energy Action!

Don’t worry about your energy bills during the current Pandemic, if you have had your income cut or are self-isolating help is at hand.

Here is what to do: Contact your energy company by phone, text, email or direct message via your online account. Explain that you will struggle to pay your bill and ask for help. If you have a prepayment meter, tell them if you can’t get out or have no money. Nominate a friend or family member to top-up your ‘prepayment card’ or ‘key’ or act on your behalf.If you don’t know who your energy supplier is, you can look up gas here: www.findmysupplier.energy or call 0870 608 1524. You’ll need to tell them your postcode and the first line of your address. For electric you need to call 0345 026 2554. In both cases ask for the contact details of your supplier..

Big Splash!

If your household is struggling to pay your water charges during this time due to lOW income, disability or illness, having three or more children under 19, or someone requires more water due to a medical condition, or if you haven’t made a payment for a while, then contact Southern Water. Email payless@southernwater.co.uk or call 0800 027 0363 or on line www.southernwater.co.uk/account/help-paying-your-bill

Priority Service Register

If anyone in your home is over 60, has a disability or long term illness, are pregnant or have children under 5, then ask to be put on the free Priority Service Register.

In the event of external power or water failure, someone will get in touch to make sure you are safe. Ask your energy and water company to be added. This can be done online www.ssen.co.uk/psr/SouthernWater or by phone 0800 294 3259 or Text phone 0800 316 5457

Credit: facebook.com/IOWightPolice

Cut your bills by £300!

If you need guidance on cutting your energy and water bills, or using your appliance to best effect, or further info on any of the above, then contact the Island’s Footprint Trust charity by email info@footprint-trust.co.uk call or text 01983 822282.

PRE PAYMENT METERS Customers with prepayment meters who are self-isolating or unable to leave their home can now speak to their supplier on the options. This may include: someone being sent to top up your prepayment card or token, having funds added to your meter credit, or having a preloaded gas or electricity card sent to you in the post.

No credit meters will be disconnected during the outbreak.

Suppliers must tell you what customer service support is available, particularly if you are vulnerable and how you are supported if you can’t top up or could go off supply.

If your meter is outside, it may be helpful for you to leave your meter box unlocked if it’s safe to do so, and if you need someone else to top it up. You may also want to arrange for a trusted person to take your top-up card to the shop if needed.

If your local top up shop closes, contact your supplier who can help. www.paypoint.

Credit: facebook.com/IOWightPolice com and www.payzone.co.uk list alternative vendors online, and the Post Office also provide top ups for some suppliers. If you are a smart meter customer, you should be EMAIL YOUR PICTURES TO NEWSDESK@IWOBSERVER.CO.UK able to top-up remotely, such as by phone, mobile application or online.

Something we should add? email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

3rd April 2020

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3rd April 2020

Get wild about wool and join the Big Knit

Time to dig out those knitting needles for Age UK Isle of Wight! It’s the return of The Big Knit campaign and Age UK Isle of Wight is calling for Islanders to join in and get knitting.

Whether a knitting ninja, purling pro, crochet connoisseur or a complete beginner who is simply keen to keep busy and have a go, then it’s time to get wild about wool and join the Big Knit.

Now in its 16th year, the campaign is recruiting knitters to help create as many hats as possible to support Age UK Isle of Wight. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, Age UK Isle of Wight receives 25p, and that money helps the Charity to support older Island residents, who are isolated not only in these uncertain times, but in their whole later life.

Elisha Leachman, Fundraising Manger,

said: “We need our Islanders to join us and help knit as many miniature hats as possible, this is a fun way to keep busy whilst giving something back to a great local cause. It’s such a fun campaign to get behind and it does so much to help older people on our Island.

The money raised will make a big difference to the lives of older residents by helping to fund our befriending services. These, for many, are a lifeline, a relief from loneliness, and help our older Islanders to stay connected.”

For more information on the Big Knit and to download our knitting and crochet patterns visit: bit.ly/bigknit20 call (01983) 525282 or email fundraising@ageukiw.org.uk with your name and address and they will pop one in the post.

Pan Together cash boost from Festival organisers Isle of Wight Festival organisers Caroline and John Giddings have made a significant donation to Pan Together, the Isle of Wight charity which exists to support and provide a community hub for the residents of East Newport.

Caroline Giddings said: "I heard about what's happening at Downside Community Centre to provide essential support services to local people in the wake of the coronavirus emergency. Sadly there isn't going to be an Isle of Wight Festival this year but we wanted to contribute in our own way."

Rachel Thomson, Pan Together's Community Centre Manager said, "We can't thank Caroline and John enough. Their substantial donation is a tremendous boost

and will really help us to continue to support people within Pan, Pan Meadows and Barton at these most difficult of times".

She continued: "If you or anyone you know locally would benefit from our support services - meal deliveries, essential shopping and/or prescription collections - please ring (01983( 248170 between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week or email enquiries@pantogether. org.uk".

Our picture shows a drawing of hope by nine-year-old Jasmine, the daughter of Downside's café supervisor, one of many such images and messages she's created which are being displayed on the community centre's windows.

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Online trips to Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle English Heritage has highlighted 30 of its historic buildings, monuments and sites, including Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle, available to visit online.

The stories of 29 English Heritage sites around the country, from Osborne and Carisbrooke to Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, are brought to life and shared via the Google Arts & Culture platform.

English Heritage took the decision to close all its staffed historic sites and cancel all public events during this period.

English Heritage Curatorial Director Anna Eavis said: “As we join together to meet the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak, we are all looking for ways to continue doing the things we love while observing the necessary limitations of social distancing or selfisolation.

“English Heritage is offering everyone the chance to experience our historic sites from home, and learn about them in new ways.

“We are proud to be the guardians of more than 400

places around the country which together tell the story of England. If members of the public enjoy visiting online and want to support us through this difficult time, the best way to help is to join English Heritage at www.english-heritage.org. uk/join.

Osborne House: take a 360 video tour of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s palatial holiday home, including the Italian terraces with views over the Solent, which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples, and the Indian-inspired Durbar Room, designed to reflect Queen Victoria’s position as Empress of India.

Carisbrooke Castle: has been a central place for power and defence on the Isle of Wight for over 1,000 years.

During that time it has been a Saxon fortress, and a castle of the Norman conquest. Most famously Charles I was held prisoner there during the Civil War, shortly before his execution.

To experience for yourself, visit g.co/EnglishHeritage or https://www.englishheritage.org.uk/skyscape/

WightAID and IW Council working together to help the most needy

HoverBus for essential travel

Hovertravel’s HoverBus timetable has been revised to match the hovercraft’s new hourly timetable, ensuring that customers can transfer directly from

the craft on to the HoverBus, which will be waiting for each arrival outside the Southsea terminal.

Loretta Lale, Head of Commercial at Hovertravel, said: “Hovertravel has a critical role to play in keeping key workers moving across the Solent as they provide much needed services to the general population, and ensuring the HoverBus remains an integral part of their essential travel is vital.“ Stagecoach, which facilitates the HoverBus service, already has well-

established and rigorous cleaning regimes for their buses and is continuing to enhance the measures in place in response to the developing situation with more regular cleaning of the main customer touch-points such as hand poles and grab rails. The new timetable has taken into account the extra time required for the driver to clean the bus between each circuit.

Visit https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/ hoverbus/ for more details.

Hullabaloo bringing fun to your home

The Isle of Wight Council and the local charity WightAID have joined forces to ensure frontline charities to the coronavirus response receive the support they so desperately need.

At a time when everybody is being asked to stay home, help the NHS and save lives, WightAID will focus its grant giving to those in the most critical need.

This includes, but is no way limited to, the Isle of Wight Foodbank as well as homelessness, mental health and bereavement charities working on the Island.

Geoff Underwood, WightAID chairman and High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, said: "As we enter a period of considerable difficulty, it is even more important than ever for us to stay together and support those most in need.

"Hopefully, this pandemic will reduce to manageable levels within a few months, but we have a fight on our hands.

"Now more than ever, we need the people of the Isle of Wight to dig deep and support those less well off.

Even though times will be difficult, now is the time for everyone to do their bit.

"Businesses, both large and small, are being asked to show their resolve and put something towards their community via WightAID. Every penny that you give will go straight to those charities and organisations working with those most in need in the community.

"With your help, we can weather this situation together. It's a daunting time, and cash will be in short supply, but please do something, no matter how small."

IW Council leader Dave Stewart added: "The council is delighted to be working alongside WightAID in delivering crucial support to charities working at the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis.

"While recognising the enormous strain being placed on our business community at this time, I would implore you to give what you can to this important appeal."

You can support WightAID at wightaid.org

Wight Proms postponed

Sandown Bay spectacular Hullabaloo, a community celebration of discovery and exploration, fun and wonder is back, but this year bringing the Bay, and the Isle of Wight Biosphere’s first birthday, straight to your home.

Hullabaloo is an outstanding mix of science, nature, art with live music, madcap carnival and seaside tradition. Each year, over 12,000 people join organisers Shademakers and The Common Space by the sea in Sandown to explore all

that’s extraordinary on their doorstep. This year, because of the lockdown, they will be bringing everyone the tools to create a right proper Hullabaloo at home!

Simply tune into the Hullabaloo website, Facebook page and YouTube Channel for a whole host of ideas, projects, workshops and tutorials between now and ‘Hullabaloo at Home’ weekend on Saturday and Sunday June 20 and 21.

All this will take place inside your own two metres

and it’s free! This year’s theme is extra-special too, celebrating all it means to live and work in a UNESCO Biosphere and you can join in the Biosphere birthday celebrations on Friday, June 19 too.

Here’s just a taster of what to look out for...

Artistic Director at Hullabaloo, Sharon George said, “Thanks to a grant from the Arts Council, Hullabaloo was set to bring international arts team Captain Boomer to the Bay. Despite Coronavirus

limiting our collective landscapes, Hullabaloo is all about creating opportunities to discover and explore our local environment and this year is no different. We’ve decided the show will go on, just in new ways.”

Visit https://www. hullabalooiw.com/, subscribe to the Hullabaloo YouTube Channel and keep an eye on the Hullabaloo Facebook page for details on how to participate.

Organisers of The Wight Proms have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event, originally due to take place in July until August. The four-day festival of comedy, musical theatre and classical music, now in it's third year, has been

rescheduled to take place on August 20 to 23. The festival will take place as usual in the house and grounds of Northwood House.

For further information visit www.wightproms. co.uk.

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Academy and Aspire join forces to help students

As with all schools across the country, Ryde Academy has now been partially closed to most of its students. However, it was business as usual for nearly 50 students whose parents and carers work on the frontline, so that they are able to continue working to provide vital support and services to the community.

As well as providing lessons and activities for students of key workers, they have organised online resources and guides for students at home to access. They have also provided information for parents who are understandably anxious about their children learning from home.

In addition to learning resources they have been working hard to help those students who are eligible for free school meals. Lunches are available for collection to students on free school

meals from Aspire’s High Street hub between 12pm and 2pm every day. For students who are unable to collect, staff have volunteered to drop them outside their house.

The Academy is in the process of looking at plans for an Easter Holiday Club for a limited number of students so that again key workers can continue working and will remain open at weekends for those families where childcare is vital.

Many students will be feeling the impact of the school closure. Some will be more seriously in crisis and needing our help to ensure that they are supported while they are out of school.

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money to help Ryde Academy students and their families in crisis during lockdown. To donate please visit

this link https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ryde-academy-82?utm_ term=KaaY5b2GE Joy Ballard, Academy Principal, said: "We are naturally devastated that it has come to this but of course understand that these measures are essential to help prevent the spread of the virus. These are very difficult and strange times but we are determined to do everything we can to support all our students, parents, staff and the wider community who help to support our students and their families.

"We recognise the importance of our role in this and are grateful to our partners at Aspire Ryde for allowing us to use their community hub as a collection point for packed lunches."

NHS frontline staff given something to sing about Organisers of the Jack Up The Summer festival are offering Isle of Wight NHS frontline staff free entry to the event once social distancing and other measures are relaxed – and the coronavirus outbreak is over.

While public events, family celebrations and gatherings may be on the back burner for now, the team behind the event have decided to show their appreciation for those NHS angels battling the virus on all of our behalves by giving them something to look forward to.

Sarah Moss, Event Manager, said: “It’s important to retain a sense of hope and optimism for brighter times ahead, and none more so than for those who are out there risking their own

health to help others during the pandemic.

“We want to give them a party they’ll never forget and enable everyone to join in thanking them for their hard work and dedication.”

Jack Up The Summer is scheduled to take place on August 7-9.

Isle of Wight NHS staff will be able to register their attendance via the festival’s website in the lead up to the event.

Organisers have advised that they are monitoring official guidance from the World Health Organisation and working closely with all of the relevant agencies, including the local authority, Public Health England and the NHS.

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24

Puzzles

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Crossword Across

Down

1 Stinging insect (4) 3 Over the moon (8) 9 Pig’s foot (7) 10 Approaches (5) 11 Painting stand (5) 12 Drowsy (6) 14 Cask (6) 16 Hatter (anag) (6) 19 Peers (6) 21 Cosa Nostra (5) 24 One of the Marx Brothers (5) 25 Skating arena (3,4) 26 Cooked egg dish (8) 27 Cleaning woman (4)

1 Yorkshire racecourse (8) 2 Ceases (5) 4 Cherry-coloured (6) 5 Slight colouring (5) 6 Crush underfoot (7) 7 Cover for a teapot (4) 8 Postwar prime minister (6) 13 Assailant (8) 15 Need (7) 17 Picnic basket (6) 18 Aid (6) 20 Revere (5) 22 Belief (5) 23 Reflected sound (4)

For the answers to the crossword, see page 2.

Sudoku

Wordsearch

3rd April 2020

Chess puzzle

Spot the winning move? White to play - Mate in 3 moves. Puzzle kindly supplied by John Wrench. To join a club email: chessplay@mail.com. Last weeks solution: 1. Rh8+ Kxh8, 2. Rh1+ Kg8, 3. Rh8+ Kxh8, 4. Qh1+ Kg8, 5.

Qh7++

Find the following list of words covering the many bones of the human body.

TEMPORAL MANDIBLE MALLEUS SCAPULA CLAVICLE STERNUM HUMERUS RADIUS ULNA

SCAPHOID COCCYX FEMUR TIBIA FIBULA TALUS STAPES HAMATE

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

Spot the differences

Difference see the Isle of Wight Observer website

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures of Carisbrooke Castle below?

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Please think before you light bonfires

Residents on the Isle of Wight are being urged to limit and reduce their lighting of bonfires - which can aggravate lung conditions and cause a nuisance.

Multiple bonfires have been reported by residents across the Island during the coronavirus lockdown.

Recently, firefighters from Freshwater were called to tackle a large bonfire in Yarmouth which had been left unattended.

Afterwards, the Friends of Freshwater Fire Station posted on Twitter: "Please stay home to help save lives and please don't light huge bonfires and leave them unattended because we want to stay home too as much as possible."

The council said it recognised the closure of its household waste recycling centres at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh was an inconvenience, but it urged residents to act

responsibly. Lynnbottom does remains open for business use for essential services.

Anyone with excess waste that needs collecting is reminded to only use a licensed waste contractor.

The local authority has added that people must: Only burn dry material.

Never burn household rubbish, recycling, rubber tyres, plastic paint or foam.

Do not burn when the air is damp and still, or when it is too windy (as roads and neighbours could be badly affected).

Keep fires under control and be mindful of trees, fences and buildings.

Never use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to light a fire.

Never leave a fire unattended, put it out when you leave.

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Nature Notes Willows provide perfect haven for much wildlife

Of the many willow species, probably the most familiar is the largest one, the white or weeping willow salix alba, used to make cricket bats. White willow has long, catkin-like flowers unlike the goat or ‘pussy willow’ which has furry-like flowers that look like cat’s paws. They’re great trees for wildlife, providing food for bees and moth caterpillars, shelter for bats, small mammals and birds.

Large willows are not suited to small gardens but smaller ones like ‘Kilmarnock ‘, a goat willow grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, will attract bees too. It can even grow in a pot if well-watered.

There should be plenty of pussy willow furry catkins about right now which also sustain rarities like the purple emperor butterfly. This is the time they are seen developing, the male and female flowers hanging from different trees, the male

ones being grey, oval and on the fat side, yellow when ripe and carrying pollen, the females green and longer.

The wind does the pollination and the female flowers grow white woolly seeds.

Like most willows, they can also lower their branches to the ground where they take root. Our pussy willow is found in scrubland and hedgerows as well as in woods and open ground of the damp sort and beside streams and lakes.

Once associated with celebration, later willow became a symbol of mourning. It may be the origin of words like ‘witch’ and ‘wicked’. Medicines made from willow are recorded on Sumerian clay tablets and Egyptian papyrus. Hippocrates used salicylic tea around 400BC and they crop up in western medicine from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages.

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Letters

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Holmesy!

by David Holmes

one man against the world david@iwobserver.co.uk

Who's making up some of these new rules Captain Mainwaring?

3rd April 2020

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.

Bonfires inconsiderate and harm health Dear Editor, The sun is out, people are off work. Cutting grass, trimming hedges, clearing out the garage or loft etc. etc. So, would someone please explain to me, the logic in closing public access to the household waste disposal area at the Lynnbottom site?

In my many visits to the site, I am sure that it would not have been a problem keeping a distance of two to three metres from anyone.

If that had been thought a problem, why not limit the numbers to say, 10 people at any one

time? It seems to work in Aldi.

Selfish and inconsiderate people - there are plenty of them on the Isle of Wight - never needed an excuse to light a bonfire in the past, but they certainly have a good excuse now. Some of course are just fly-tipping, but at least fly-tipping is not harming the health of the many children enjoying the fresh air, or they would, if it were not for all that smoke from the bonfires.

Mike Stone, Ryde

Please give retail staff respect

The episode of Dad's Army last Saturday had eerie echoes of our current predicament. The wonderfully pompous Captain Mainwaring took charge, issuing permits before you could do anything, even run a bath or consume alcohol.

In the current crisis, some people are channelling their inner Mainwaring, snitching on neighbours or condemning anything they disapprove of; social shaming is now a thing. Have you been told off yet?

A British police officer arbitrarily prohibited the purchase of chocolate eggs last week. The majority of us may tolerate virtual house arrest, but take away our Easter eggs, and they’ve gone way too far. Whatever the justification we don’t allow police officers to make up laws, nor can they decide which items in our shopping trolley are essential or not.

I’m from a police family and usually support the thin blue line, until one PC in Devon told a man he shouldn’t be shopping at Sainsbury’s, because Morrison’s was closer.

One of my mates was even chased off Culver Down last weekend, even though he’d walked there for his daily exercise.

It’s not just the police, I spotted someone online furiously drawing attention to an advert she’d spotted for temporary accommodation on the Island. The text said, ‘rentals from 3-6 months,’ she thought that was ‘evidence’ that contagious mainlanders were being encouraged to come here.

Sensibly someone asked how she knew the properties were not intended for temporary St Mary’s staff?

The current draconian government stay-in policy is undoubtedly saving lives, but some of the rules being imposed are nonsensical.

Some seeing the crisis as a chance to impose rules on the rest of us that bear little relation to common sense. I’m a key worker, level 2 and I’m needed at work. On Monday, I caught the 6.25am ferry from Yarmouth. As

I presented my season ticket, I was asked ‘what is the purpose of your journey?’ Woah!

It seemed a chilling echo of a world I am thankfully too young to remember. So what next? ID cards or ‘papers’, for the common good of course.

Captain Bob even popped up briefly to speak about something other than a Chinese communication company. Less than a fortnight ago he was defending the right of second-home owners to come on down for the duration if they wanted to. As soon as he realised that was hugely unpopular with Islanders concerned about the capacity of the NHS he performed a swift ‘about turn'! What about those that only rent second homes here Bob? Should they be allowed to come too? Oh, um, er, well...

Bob also decided that our ferry operators should work in cahoots. As soon as it was agreed Wightlink promptly shut down the Yarmouth ferry route, followed by the FastCat and cut down to a two-hourly car ferry service to Portsmouth. For those of us in the West Wight totally reliant on ferries to get to work in Lymington and beyond it’s a disaster.

It’s great news for Wightlink though – while business is quiet, they’ll save themselves a fortune.

It’s worth comparing their response with that of Red Funnel and Hovertravel.

Several of my fellow commuters work for the NHS in Lymington, as do other key workers. Wightlink must know that, but crass as ever, they blithely say we can ‘use the Fishbourne route to get to and from Lymington’. That’s a three-hour journey, twice a day. Even more worrying, if you are a foot passenger, their alternative offer is ‘at the master’s discretion’. Wow, who gave Wightlink the power to pick and choose who comes or goes from the Island? After this epidemic is over there needs to be some serious questions asked, but doubtless the MP will be keeping schtum!

‘One of my mates was chased off Culver Down, even though he’d walked there for his daily exercise’

Dear Editor, I read with interest as always David Holmes’ ‘One Man Against The World’ article in last week’s IW Observer. While he quite rightly praised the medical, funeral, pharmacist etc professionals during this crisis there was no mention of the thousands of retail workers who are risking their health and that of their families every day by continuing to work.

I work in the retail sector here on the Island and in the last few weeks, along with my colleagues, have been subjected to abuse, ridicule and have been spoken to like we are second class citizens. We have to serve people who are openly ignoring the Government’s advice of only going out for essential food and medicines and have made trips out as couples/families for non essential items.

Staff trying to stock shelves have had to disperse groups standing in aisles. One

elderly lady customer told me that we are ‘selfish’ for not working through the night to ensure shelves are stocked up for first thing in the morning.

We are all tired and scared that we will catch the virus but it we still go to work everyday to ensure some very ungrateful and unpleasant people at times can buy food etc. So please ask people out there to give all retail staff the respect and appreciation that we deserve.

Caroline of Ningwood (full name and address supplied) Comment from David Holmes: “That’s the problem with naming some workers! Of course all of our key workers are playing a vital part in keeping the country going and helping the whole community through this dreadful pandemic. I pay tribute to them all.”

Foxy, have you been framed?

Dear Editor, while we are all struggling a bit with self-isolation, supermarket queues and delivery slots, this current situation does give us all time to sit and enjoy nature. Spring is on its way; there are buds breaking on the trees and blossom is bursting. It also seems that our planet and wildlife are taking a deep breath and enjoying the fresh air, less traffic and peace and quiet. No aircraft overhead, the roads are empty, the Solent is empty of sails and there are no motor boats crashing around the Solent and Medina.

We live in a residential area in East Cowes, not far from the Norris Castle and Osborne estates, so have always enjoyed quite a range of visiting wildlife. Our small, enclosed garden is full of birds and an occasional red squirrel, and we have nocturnal visits from foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, and a very handsome tabby cat.

Wildlife seems to be increasing. Last week a neighbour found a pheasant on her patio, and we were woken in the early hours by two young badgers having a very noisy bundle

in the middle of Hefford Road, before being disturbed and scampering off towards New Barn Road like a couple of naughty children.

Interested in knowing what is currently visiting and digging up the borders, we occasionally put out a wildlife camera and have seen our various visitors enjoying the night time. But we now have a mystery. I put the camera out last week, tucked in the bushes in the back garden, went out next morning to find the camera had disappeared.

We have a six-foot fence, locked gates and no obvious access. So the only conclusion is that the fox has picked up the camera and taken it off over the fence and home. I’ve known foxes take shoes, gloves and even wellington boots, but a camera seems a bit unlikely!

We’ve searched the garden and checked with neighbours to no avail. So if anyone in the Hefford Road, Old Road, New Barn Road area finds a wildlife camera, please let me know. There could be some interesting foxy home movies on it!

Chris Barringer, East Cowes

Sound of Mallard Dear Editor, I wonder if the whistle Paul Scott referred to on your letter page last week is the sound I think of as mournful - but different? I associate it with the streamlined LNER A4s, of which only 35 were produced including the "Mallard". They were very beautiful,

and the streamlining gave some benefit, but during the war the covers were stored away to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. I have heard that the hooters were reused on the Island trains.

J Gibbons, Ryde

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Check on loved ones with free photograph A professional Ryde-based photographer was asked by a friend to take photos of some elderly Islanders to let their relatives know they are safe and well and have some contact. Graham Reading, who lives in West Street has now offered to take photographs whilst taking his daily walk, from a safe distance of course, and post the pictures on his Graham Reading Photography Facebook page or accessible from a link from his blog.

Graham said: “I know many people are worried about how their loved ones are managing, particularly if they are elderly or live alone. I am taking a daily walk around Ryde and thought this may help people keep in touch.

Some may want to write a message and hold it up to their window, or I can take a picture from across the street. I’m happy to do what I can to help put people’s minds at rest.”

He has trialled the idea successfully on a few friends, and it has helped to lift spirits and alleviate boredom. It is not only the young interested, but also parents wanting to see children they are separated from.

You can see photographs Graham has already taken at grahamreadingphotography.com If you’d like a photo taken of yourself or a loved one please email graham@grahamreading.com or call 07931 324220. There will be no charge and you can be as creative as you want. He doesn’t mind long walks and is willing to take photographs elsewhere if they can be fitted into his other essential journeys.

Ray and Steph Edwards

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Sport

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3rd April 2020

Round the Island Rowing Race set for September

An exciting new rowing race has been launched by the organisers of the Round the Island Race, the Island Sailing Club and the Bubbleheads Rowing Team. The rowing teams will set off on Thursday, September 24 from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line in their ocean rowing boats, circumnavigating the 65 nautical miles around the Isle of Wight, in a bid to be the fastest.

There will be five or more teams competing, including the Bubbleheads, Minds Matter,

Atlantic Titan, Team HPF and Emergensea Girls. The Bubbleheads crew is made up of four saturation divers, all of whom have an insatiable desire to challenge themselves physically, mentally and emotionally to raise money for a charity close to their hearts, the Wessex Cancer Trust. They will use the Round the Island Rowing Race as part of their training for an Atlantic crossing at the end of the year.

Andrew Taw, the Bubbleheads navigator

said: “The Ocean rowing teams feel privileged and honoured to be invited to one of the greatest yachting regattas in the world. We hope to share our passion for the sea with the yachtsmen and women participating in the Round the Island Race.”

Dave Atkinson, Round the Island Race Director, said: “The Round the Island Race and the ISC welcome the rowers to our event this year. It’s been clear to us during our conversations that they share our enthusiasm

for our iconic event. It will be interesting to see how quickly they can complete the course and try to set a record for it.”

The world-famous Round the Island Race has now been rescheduled to Saturday, September 26. Organisers are optimistic that over 1,000 yachts will compete, and it will be the first time in its 89-year history that the race is being held so late in the sailing year.

Roller training only for young Harrison Young Isle of Wight cyclist Harrison Hendy is trying to keep himself in trim during the enforced lay-off from racing, by combining training with school work.

Harrison, who is still only 10 years old, is a regular on the youth cycling circuit, and normally spends most weekends on the mainland, competing at events all around the country.

The youngster, who is a member of the IW Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme, and is supported

by Wightlink, enjoyed a highly successful season last summer, showing his exceptional ability in the saddle, often against riders older than himself.

But for the time being, he is having to make do with roller training in the spring sunshine while brushing up on his English, among other subjects, and adhering strictly to the Government advice to stay at home.

Cowes Spring Classics to be held later in year The Cowes Spring Classics event has been rescheduled from its May date to September 4 to and the Regatta, for wooden classics, have secured Henri-Lloyd as their official race clothing partner. Henri-Lloyd became famous in supplying protective clothing to the early pioneers of global circumnavigation and is seen as one of the premier brands for yachtsmen and sailors around the world.

As part of its sponsorship of Cowes Spring Classics, there will be a Henri-Lloyd Regatta

Collection for competitors and supporters.

They will also be providing each entry with a gift plus donating a hi-tec sailing jacket for the winner of the Henri-Lloyd Spirit of the Regatta Trophy.

Entry for the Regatta is now open and more details on how to enter can be found online www.cowesspringclassics.com or contact Mary Scott-Jackson on (01983) 245100 or mary@msjevents.co.uk Pictures by Chris Brown

3rd April 2020

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Bembridge Illusions on hold - but will be back!

Bembridge Illusions’ Winter Series of sailing races had to be curtailed because of the current restrictions. Here, club official Mike Samuelson gives an insight into how the popular racing began, and reviews the season.

The Illusion is a 12-foot scaled version of the British 12 Metre Class yacht Lionheart designed by Olympic bronze medallist Jo

Richards and Neil Graham in the early 1980s, to not only look like her but also to react in the same way so as to give match racing practice for the crew of the America's Cup challenger.

These performance single-handed keelboats offer superb racing for sailors of all weights and ages, and have been known to race in Bembridge Harbour in winds in excess of 30 knots as well as in blinding blizzards!

Boats are equipped with a standard main, roller furling genoa and spinnaker, plus running rigging. In the United Kingdom, there are active fleets at Bembridge Sailing Club, West Kirby Sailing Club (Wirral), Aldenham Sailing Club (Herts) and most recently at Middle Nene SC (East Midlands).

Illusions can also be found in Scotland, Canada and the United States.

With 350lbs of lead to keep the boats upright, Illusions are sufficiently robust to be sailed through the winter months inside and when conditions allow, outside Bembridge Harbour. The Bembridge fleet's season starts in early October and normally finishes at the end of April.

Following their initial design in 1981, the first open meeting was held in January, 1983 for the Bembridge Icebreaker, a beautiful painting of the Class by Cavendish Morton.

Regattas normally consist of six races over a weekend; the courses are generally upwind/ downwind legs with each race lasting for about 25 minutes, normally 3 rounds. Regatta reports are posted on Yachts & Yachting online.

Entry is open to all and racing is invariably extremely close and competitive. The largest entry to date was for the 2012 Stratton Memorial Regatta when there were over 45 starters on the line. There are two loaner boats which are available to hire on a daily basis for a small fee.

In addition to fleet racing, there is an annual Inter Club Team Racing Championships in late November or early December with eight two-boat teams. The first day is a round robin with each team racing against the others and the second day normally has the top four competing in the semi-finals and finals.

This season’s Championships were over

the weekend of November 16 and 17 with husband and wife team Mark and Jo Downer beating Graham and Julia Bailey by inches in the fifth and final race.

The annual invitation Match Racing Championships takes place in late January/ early February; now in its 22nd year and with 16 competitors split into two groups for the first day's round robin and second day’s finals, the Race Officers have their work cut out with nearly 90 races over the two days.

This season’s Championship was over the weekend of January 25 and 26 and saw one of the closest results for many years with Bruce Huber beating Mark Downer 3-2 in the final.

The inaugural National Championships were sailed in very windy conditions in early February, 2005.

The 2019-2020 Championships were programmed for March 28 and 29 2020 but have been postponed to early October because of Covid-19.

The Bembridge Fleet's Admiral is Robin Ebsworth; the Commodore is Bruce Huber and the Class Captain is Mark Downer.

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A look behind the scenes of the Island’s first Shotokan Karate Club

Newport Club still thriving after more than 50 years Newport Shotokan Karate Club was the first Shotokan Karate Club on the Island. It first started in the late 1960s at Newport Youth Club, and in the early ‘70s moved to a larger Dojo – training place – at Carisbrooke High School. This was because the membership had increased with all the new martial arts films that were out at that time in the cinemas – the Bruce Lee era. In 1996 the club moved to its present Dojo at St Georges School, Newport.

Over the years there have been many members from the club who have been successful in their various black belt

gradings, also some club members who had achieved their dan grades at the club have ventured out and started clubs of their own.

Also club members have won 30 medals in various competition categories both locally and nationally over the last two years.

Shotokan Karate is an empty-handed fighting art that has been developed through long years of history and tradition. Its ultimate goal lies not in winning or losing, but in fostering spiritual and physical strength through serious practice, and in trying to achieve an overall balance as individuals.The emphasis is, therefore, one of dedication and

hard work rather than physical ability.

Some benefits of practising karate are improved reflexes and coordination, strength and stamina, flexibility and balance. It also improves concentration, stress reduction, confidence, positive attitude, respect and the ability to defend yourself.

The club has separate classes for beginners, intermediate and advance grades. Each class provides a structured programme so that students can learn at their level of fitness and experience.

The club instructors have more than 44 years experience training and teaching at the

Club.

Malc Bradley 5th dan black belt started, training in 1976 and started teaching at the Club in 1978 when he was a brown belt and achieved his 1st dan in March, 1983.

Mick Lambert, 4th dan, started training in 1979 and started teaching at the Club in 1981 and also achieved his 1st dan in March, 1983.

For more info contact: newportiowkarate@ gmail.com call 07773535613 or 07887518207, or visit website: newportiowkarate.co.uk

1st degree black belt grade for dedicated Dan Moss

Dan Moss in action

Instructor Malc Bradley; centre Dan Moss; right instructor Mick Lambert

Newport Shotokan Karate club member Dan Moss successfully graded for his 1st degree black belt (ShoDan) at a recent Shotokan of England Karate Union black/ brown belt course and dan grading at Portsmouth.

Dan, who is 33 years old and lives in Wootton, first started training at the club in 2015. The grading consists of basic techniques (punching, striking, kicking and blocking) and combinations of any techniques, 2 Kata (set moves) and also JiyuIppon kumite (pre-arrange fighting) and Jiyu kumite (free fighting) against numerous opponents.

The black belt grading is not just about performing in front of a grading panel it is also about the five years of hours of training, and without this discipline and commitment Dan would not have achieved his grade.

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Brothers in arms - from back page

Stuart Moore: I really enjoyed playing with my mates at Brading

Simon Moore: Football has its perks - the hardest part is being away from family Talented Island goalkeeper Simon Moore took his first steps to footballing stardom at Brading Town, before joining Southampton youth academy. But he was released by the Premier League club for being too small.

Now standing nearly 6ft 4in tall, Simon has been with top flight outfit Sheffield United for nearly four years, following successful spells with Brentford and Cardiff City.

Talking about the enforced lay-off from football due to the coronavirus pandemic, Simon said: “It has been very strange not training with the rest of the lads for the past few weeks, but people’s health is far more important, not just in football but in everything. We continued going into the club for training initially, but were then told to train on our own for a couple of weeks, and as yet no one still doesn’t know when we will be playing again.

“We are all in limbo, but the club has given us fitness programmes to work with at home, along with diet sheets, so when we do return we will be in the best possible condition. There is a lot of self-discipline in the game anyway, but probably the worst thing has been sitting around, rather than be out there keeping more active. I’m not one for computer games, I prefer the golf course, and I get bored very easily. I see a few players have put videos on social media doing ‘keepy-uppies’ with a toilet roll, but being a keeper I’m not sure I could do that sort of thing! But the bottom line is that if we have to stay in for a few weeks to help save lives, then obviously it is well worth doing.”

Simon continued: “I managed to get back down to the Isle of Wight to see my family for a few days before the ‘stay at home’ policy, and that was important for me, because at times like these, it is good to be close to your family. Being a footballer has a lot of perks, but the hardest part is definitely being away

from your family for long spells. The most important thing is to make sure your loved ones are all right. I still keep in touch with a lot of people on the Island, including Steve Lawton, the Brading manager, to see how they have been doing this season.”

Sheffield United, known as The Blades, are back in the Premier League after gaining promotion last season, a feat which Simon describes as ‘a massive achievement’. They have exceeded all expectation by moving into seventh place in the table before the lay-off. Simon said: “I know a lot of people had us as favourites to go straight back down, but I think we’ve proved them wrong. The lads have put us in a brilliant position to chase a place in Europe, and that would be an incredible achievement.”

But he admitted: “Personally it has been a bit disappointing for me because I’ve not had a lot of game time. It was a proud moment to make my Premier League debut against Manchester United, which is something you can only dream of as a kid. I’m sure I will look back on that many times in years to come.

Unfortunately I’ve been injured for the last couple of months, but I’m back in training now and getting back to full fitness.”

Simon has one more year left on his contract with the Blades, and is currently understudy to first choice Dean Henderson. He said: “As a keeper you know there’s only one position on the pitch, and it’s just my luck that I have potentially England’s No1 in front of me.

Everyone wants to be playing every week, and I’m no different, so we shall just have to see what happens when the new season begins. A lot could change in the summer, but whatever happens, inside four years I’ve had two promotions with Sheffield United, and played in the Premier League, so that can’t be bad.”

Stuart with parents Phil and Beverly Just like his elder brother Simon, goalkeeper Stuart Moore began his rise to football prominence in the youth system at Brading Town. He then joined Portsmouth for a short while before signing for Championship outfit Reading in 2013. Initially as a raw 17-yearold, he went on loan to a number of nonleague clubs over the following four years, then had loan spells with Peterborough and Luton before joining Swindon.

He signed for MK Dons in 2018, but his contract at the League One club expires in June, and with the current football season not expected to be completed before then, he is one of numerous out-of-contract players around the country who does not know what the future holds.

Recalling his early years on the Island, Stuart said: “I always went to watch Brading when my dad was manager, and I looked up to Steve Lawton, the current manager, who was a great keeper. He was also my youth team manager for a while, so I’ve seen the best and the worst of him!

“I really enjoyed those days playing with my mates at Brading, probably more than anywhere else, and Steve really kick-started my career.”

During the ‘stay at home’ restrictions, Stuart has spent time back on the Island at his parents’ house while trying to keep himself as fit and active as possible with rigorous training programmes provided by his club.

Speaking about the lay-off, he said: “It’s a pain training on your own, but you have to stay very disciplined. At least I’m not having to do as many long runs as the outfield players, which is some consolation. Going out on a run is my daily exercise, so that suits me quite well, especially being on the Island.

There are far worse places to train!”

Stuart admits this has been a frustrating

season for him, with restricted first team appearances for MK Dons. He said: “I would like to be playing more, and I thought I might go out on loan in January, but then I broke the little finger on my right hand during training, and that took longer to heal than expected. I wasn’t really back in full training when this postponement came along, but at least it has given my injury time to heal properly, and it feels a lot better and stronger.”

Stuart has not discussed any new contract with MK Dons as yet, and said: “Because no one knows when the season is going to end there is a lot of uncertainty. It depends whether my contract ends in June as planned, or it is extended if the season goes on longer than that.

“It is more difficult in the lower leagues, because clubs do not have the income of Premier League teams, so wages might have to be cut for some players, but no one really knows. I am still only 25, which is young for a goalkeeper, but I just want to play as many games as I can. I feel I have become a better keeper over the years, but I just want to gain more experience as my career continues.

“Wherever I am playing next season I want it to take me further in my progress. My aim is to play as long as I possibly can, and then be able to look back and have no regrets.”

Stuart’s first senior game was on loan from Reading for non-league Hungerford Town in an FA Cup tie against Weymouth. He added: “I never minded going out on loan because I was playing games, and learning my trade.

I’ve made mistakes, and keepers are always in the spotlight as the last line of defence, but I have been strong enough to come back from them. The whole experience has been a great learning curve. Hopefully next season will be the settled season I’ve been waiting for and I’ll be playing plenty of games.”

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3rd April 2020

This week’s highlights...

Karate

Sailing

Spotlight on Newport Club

By Peter White

Illusions will be back

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Brothers in arms!

Simon and Stuart just want to play - the Moore the merrier!

Simon Moore

Young Simon and Stuart Moore Isle of Wight brothers Simon and Stuart Moore are among the hundreds of professional footballers across Britain trying to keep themselves fit and active until the threat of coronavirus has disappeared, and life can hopefully get back to normal.

Both Simon and Stuart are hoping that, once football becomes an everyday occurrence again, their personal fortunes will also turn for the better. The Moores are both top flight keepers; Simon with Premier League Sheffield United and Stuart with MK Dons of League One. Before they moved into the professional game they learned their trade at Brading Town, where their father Phil was a former goalkeeper, and later became the club’s manager. As kids they looked on former Romans keeper Steve Lawton, now Brading’s manager, as their goalkeeping inspiration, and although their visits to the Island are now a lot more restricted because of the nature of their professions, they still

hold Steve, and the club in general, in high esteem.

Simon, who is 30, and Stuart, 25, have been frustrated by injury setbacks in recent months, and both agree they wished they were playing more often than they have been. At Sheffield United, Simon finds himself deputy to Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, and generally reckoned to be England’s current No1 keeper. Down at MK Dons, Stuart has found himself understudy to first choice keeper Lee Nicholls this season, and any hopes of displacing him in recent months were ended when he broke the little finger of his right hand, which has only just fully healed.

Both brothers took time out from their strict but isolated training regimes to speak to the IW Observer about their careers so far, and their hopes for the future once football, and life in general, returns to normal.

Full story, Page 31.

Stuart Moore