Isle of Wight Observer Issue 68

6th December 2019

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Lionel Richie booked for IW Festival

Sad farewell to Snowy the donkey

Friday 6th November 2019 Issue No.68

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Harry steps in to help cancer trust 17

Pictured: Local Charity Shop which will be affected

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Former football manager and popular TV personality Harry Redknapp (pictured) has put his support behind trying to save the Wessex Cancer Trust from closure.

The Trust, a selffunded charity which provides free emotional and practical support to anyone living with cancer on the Isle of Wight, and in Hampshire and Dorset, has launched a crisis appeal to raise £600,000 by January 31, or it could be forced to close.

Redknapp was in charge of both Portsmouth and Southampton during an illustrious managerial career, and was also last year’s winner of popular TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’ He has now become Patron of the fund-raising campaign, and on a visit to the Wessex Cancer Centre this week, he said: “People don't do anything until it affects them. Let’s get as many people on board and see what we can do, and make the effort.”

The charity, which has

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6th December 2019

Concerns over dramatic fall in Wessex Cancer Trust funding

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Address: Suite 6, 17 Thomas House , St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: IW Observer Ltd. Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper Online editor: Sandy Clarke Photography: Chris Cornford, Sharon Cornford Business Administration: Jade Honey 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-acomplaint/

Crossword Answers - P.29 Down: 1. Dead Ends, 2. Moped, 4. At Last, 5. Newer, 6. Bad Luck, 7. Sure, 8. Bridge, 13. Uncle Sam, 15. Gorilla, 17. Palace, 18. Usurer, 20. Lapse, 22. Below, 23. Etna Across: 1. Damp, 3. Cannabis, 9. Apparel, 10. Wider, 11. Ended, 12. Sirius, 14. Degree, 16. Spoken, 19. Drills, 21. Label, 24. Tulip, 25. Recalls, 26. Amateurs, 27. Swim

Find Bob, our friendly squirrel!

Find Bob somewhere in this week’s paper and one lucky winner will win two of W.W Woodford & Son’s famous sausage rolls recommended by British chef and TV presenter James Martin.

Tell us which page number Bob appears on (not including this one). You can email the page number and your name to spotbob@ iwobserver.co.uk or text 07749591550. Good luck finding Bob this week. The deadline is 5pm on Thursday.

Last week he was on page 17. On Nov 22, the winner of the pair of Star Wars VIP tickets was Simon Bowden.

Pictured: Harry Redknapp visiting the Wessex Cancer Trust. A group of clinicians set up the Wessex Trust 40 years ago.

Credit: ITV Meridian

Continued from front page been supporting local families for almost 40 years, has seen a 30 per cent increase in demand for its services this year. It has also been hit by a 65 per cent reduction in people leaving a gift in their will, and the decline in the High Street which has seen its shop sales fall by 15 per cent. A large, previously notified gift has been delayed and together these factors have tipped the charity into a crisis situation.

Every year, Wessex Cancer Trust supports around 11,000 people through its four cancer support centres, which provide a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses.

It also provides transport on its Daisy Buses, outreach services and a popular Sing for Life choir.

The Isle of Wight’s newly refurbished centre in Newport, which provides support for more than 1,000 Islanders each year, recently re-opened its doors following a successful £100,000 fundraising appeal. Meanwhile, the

charity’s Daisy Buses complete more than 20,000 passenger journeys each year, providing a vital link for IW patients going to their mainland hospital appointments.

Barry Rinaldi, Wessex Cancer Trust’s Chairman, said: “Since 1981, Wessex Cancer Trust has been there for local people at a particularly tough time in their lives. Being told you have cancer is devastating. Living with it can be incredibly lonely and affects all aspects of your life. We work tirelessly to give people a safe place to get support regardless of age, gender or type of cancer, away from a hospital environment. We do not receive any Government funding and rely on voluntary donations and fundraising to run our services.

“One in two of us will get cancer and an increasing number of us are living longer after a cancer diagnosis meaning more and more people will need us in the future. Throughout 2019, we have been working hard to ensure we can continue to meet the growing and diverse needs of people living with

cancer in the future. We have recently launched a new strategy which outlines how we will evolve our services to care for every single person in a way that best meets their individual needs. In the long term, this will enable us to help more people and improve our financial sustainability. But we’ve been struggling to stabilise our financial situation. We have worked tirelessly to explore all income sources and make cost savings, but now have no other option than to ask for urgent help.

“This is not a Christmas appeal or a planned campaign, it is a last resort. We have never needed to run a crisis appeal before but now urgently need to raise £600,000 by 31 January 2020. If we fail, we will not be there for the 165,000 people who will be facing a cancer diagnosis by 2030 and their loved ones.

This would be a heartbreaking end to almost four decades of crucial support and it is particularly upsetting given our plans for the future of local cancer care. For almost 40 years we have supported

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Terry turns on his lights for charity

local families through their toughest times. Now we are facing ours and urge you to help us if you can.

“We know the Isle of Wight community has already worked tirelessly to sustain and improve our services over the past 18 months.

Both the Daisy Bus and Isle of Wight support centre appeals were an incredible success and we hope Islanders will stand by us in our time of need to ensure these services can continue to help local people affected by cancer for many years to come.”

Newport resident Terry Ramplin has turned on his spectacular Christmas lights in Long Lane. The lights are an amazing colourful festive display Over the past 20 years Terry has raised over £30,000 for charities. This year local charities Wight Brainy Bunch and John’s Club will benefit.

To help: *Text ‘SAVEWESSEX’ to 70085 to donate £10. This costs £10 plus a standard rate message *Donate online by visiting www.justgiving. com/campaign/ savewessexcancertrust *Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #SaveWessexCancerTrust *Organise a fundraising event or activity For more information about the appeal visit www.wessexcancer.org. uk/savewessexcancertrust

Sandown help for Chance to make difference to an elderly person’s life disabled Sandown Town Council has recognised the International Day of Disabled Persons by increasing its disabled car parking spaces at the Broadway Centre.

The increase is in conjunction with the installation of fully accessible toilets, a hearing loop system, within a fully accessible Community Centre.

Care Home Friends, a faith inspired project, dedicated to improving the lives of older people, is coming to the Island. and plans to put together a team of trained volunteers to build friendships with care home residents.

Over a quarter of the Island’s residents are over 65-years-old, and admissions to care homes are significantly higher here than on the mainland. Research shows that older people in care homes are twice as likely to feel severely lonely as those

living in the community, as often they can be overlooked and ignored when it comes to assessing the needs of local communities.

Care Home Friends are seeking volunteers that may be interested in supporting this new venture. You will be trained to spend time and build relationships with care home residents. This can be anything from simply chatting with residents, playing games, going for a walk, gardening together or helping with IT skills. In fact anything that a

resident would enjoy that a volunteer can safely help with and provide companionship. We know our volunteers make a huge difference by these simple activities.

They have a tried and tested model that has been running in the Borough of Richmond for the last 5 years and have learnt a huge amount over that time and are trusted by care home managers. Their ethos is not one of criticism, but of supporting and valuing the care home staff, with the understanding that their volunteers

have time to do one to one activities with residents that they simply don’t.

They are looking to recruit a parttime volunteer co-ordinator to help establish Care Home Friends on the Isle of Wight and organise volunteers.

If you would be interested in getting involved please contact: barbara@embracingage.org. uk or www.carehomefriends.org.uk for an application form.

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6th December 2019

Driving home for Christmas Passengers will find it easy to travel across the Isle of Wight this Christmas Day, thanks to special services from Southern Vectis.

The operator has announced its festive timetable, including extended services to help get local people and visitors into town for celebrations, to reunite families on Christmas Day, and even to get them home on New Year’s Day. Southern Vectis general manager Richard Tyldsley, said: “As ever, we are keen to encourage people to leave their cars at home and really enjoy Christmas and New Year with their friends and family.

“So, we are once again running routes 1,3,5,7 and 9 on Christmas Day, with a special

timetable.

“All fares will remain the same over the festive period, allowing our customers to put their pennies towards those extra special presents.

“Access to bus services on Christmas Day is still a rarity across the UK, even for those living in London, so we’re very proud to offer one of the nation’s most comprehensive bus operations.”

Southern Vectis is introducing a number changes to its regular services throughout the festive period, from Christmas Day to New Years Day inclusive, and the full timetable is now available to view online at www.islandbuses.info

Company B-UK back at Ventnor where it began The Isle of Wight group, Company B-UK comprising Thea Callaghan, Natalie Aghajanian and Harriet Back, are excited to bring their first Christmas party to Ventnor Winter Gardens, Jingle Bell Jive. The closeharmony trio formed in May 2015 when they created a 1940s act for a musical production for Ventnor Theatre Group. They do their own take on 1940s swing, hugely influenced

by The Andrews Sisters. On December 21 the Ventnor Winter Gardens will host an evening

of live music, mulled wine and festive cheer.

Company B will supply the Christmas entertainment, with their signature vintage twist, along with performances from London-based jazz musicians, pianist Callum Mazzella Hart and saxophonist Linus Fuge. A prize will be given for the best vintage themed costume. Tickets are £7.50 in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk/company-b-uk or £10 on the door. Last entry is 8.30pm.

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TJs Gym crew build school water tower

assistants.

Judy served as a Liberal Councillor in the former Medina Borough Council in the late ’70s. She was a former chairwoman of Ladies Circle and an organiser of East Cowes Carnival Committee.

She later took an active role in Friendship Force, and was a regular member of the congregation at Northwood Parish Church.

Judy passed away peacefully at Mountbatten Hospice on November 26, in the company of her husband David and other members of her close family. Her funeral service will be held at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Carisbrooke on Monday, December 16, at 12 noon.

Mourners are invited to give donations to Mountbatten Hospice.

Very happy bees!

Busy Bee Garden Centre in Ryde have won the accolade of Best Christmas Display in the South of England. They took to social media to thank the hard-working team that put it together and to their customers that continue to support the family owned business.

Picture: Busy Bee Facebook

News in brief Northwood Crash Emergency services attended a collision between a white Range Rover and a motorcyclist in Chawton Lane, Northwood on Tuesday afternoon. A female motorcyclist in her 20s was injured at was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Obituary: Eleanor Judith ‘Judy’ Whitmore Judy Whitmore, the former headmistress of Sandown Church of England Primary School, has passed away at the age of 80 after a long period of poor health. Judy was born in Birmingham, and moved to the Island in 1961 after meeting her husband, David, then working as an engineer at Saunders Roe, East Cowes.

She began her teaching career at Holy Cross Primary School in East Cowes, before leaving to join Grange Road Primary and then Binstead Primary. She became deputy head at St John’s Primary in Ryde (now Dover Park), before being appointed headmistress at Sandown C of E Primary. After retiring as headmistress, she returned to education as a teacher trainer for teaching

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Vandals in Ventnor A number of cars in South Street, Ventnor were vandalised overnight on Tuesday and windscreen wipers removed. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police on 101.

A crew from TJ’s Gym, Lake, travelled to Cambodia to build a water tower for a small school in Siem Riap Province. The water tower was essential in providing clean water to the children

and their families.

Various charity events were held throughout the year, at TJ’s, to pay for the materials.

It struck home to the team how beneficial this was when the whole school turned out

at 7am on a Sunday morning, in uniform, to greet them and to say thank you (See picture)!

The week was followed by a charity cycle through Cambodia.

Make it a roaring good Christmas!

While you are busy getting ready for Christmas, the Isle of Wight Zoo has come up with a novel way for people to help finish a special new lion house built for rescued brothers Vigo and Kumba. The zoo is appealing for donations towards muchneeded items as a socially conscious gift for a loved one or friend this Christmas.

Veronica Chrisp, the Zoo’s CEO, said: “It’s a terrific way for people to treat the lions while letting the recipient know that money that might normally be spent on mass produced material gifts is instead helping a unique and

worthy cause. There will still be something lovely for the recipient to open on Christmas Day; a special thank you card from the lions and an invitation to visit them for free in 2020.”

Vigo and Kumba have a long wish list this Christmas so there are plenty of items that lionhearted gifters can help with. For example £50 would buy a feeding bowl, £60 a water fountain, and £100 would ensure one of them is fully vaccinated. To find out more call the zoo on (01983) 403883 or email enquiries@isleofwightzoo.com.

East Cowes Christmas Fair East Cowes Christmas Fair takes place tomorrow (Sat) organised by the East Cowes Business Association. It runs from 11am to 6pm with festive entertainment in Kings Square, Well Road, and in the Red Funnel car park.

Crash causes traffic delays There were major traffic delays in and out of Cowes yesterday morning (Thurs) when a crash between two cars happened on Nodes Road. The cars were later moved, allowing traffic to start flowing again.

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Here are some of the views of our six Election candidates The IW Observer invited the Island’s Parliamentary hopefuls to give a brief insight into their campaigns. We asked some serious questions alongside a few more light-hearted ones to give readers a bit of an insight into their personalities. We wanted to know who they would vote for if they (or

6th December 2019

Isle of Wight

Election 2019 Thursday 12th December 2019

their parties) weren’t standing and asked them to tell the office a joke.

Bob Seely was the only candidate who couldn’t make it into our office due to ‘campaign commitments’, so his interview was conducted over the phone.

CARL FEENEY

INDEPENDENT NETWORK

Carl is standing because of the poor standard of representation in Westminster and is certain he could do a better job.

When asked if he is enjoying the campaign his answer is non-committal, saying he has put himself out of his comfort zone.

He is scathing about some other candidates, particularly Bob Seely, but has some good words for Richard Quigley who ‘wants the best for the Island’, but couldn’t vote for him because of Labour’s manifesto. It is not news to hear that all roads lead to a fixed link for Carl. The NHS, education and life opportunities for young people are issues Islanders are raising with him and all would be transformed with affordable, unscheduled, 24hour access to the mainland.

He is scathing of Boris’s Brexit deal which he believes

would leave us with another decade of negotiations while we carry on paying into the EU. Another deal he dislikes is the LibDem decision to stand down for the Green Party, which he describes as a cynical ploy to gain power.

A vote for Carl shows that you are in favour of a fixed link, which will help further the cause, even if he doesn’t win. Like the other independent candidates, he is putting his own money on the line and says he would consider giving a large chunk of his MP salary to charity.

As part of the Independent Network he would have no party whip and would vote according to the best interests of the Island. His joke? ‘What makes me cross?

Lollipop men’.

KARL LOVE

INDEPENDENT

Karl describes himself as a community worker with a lot to offer. A cancer scare caused him to re-evaluate life, and he decided the time had come to stand up for the Island he loves and its residents. Passionate about equality, inclusion and diversity he will put people before politics.

Strength areas are health, the environment and education.

Due to his dyslexia he has known struggles and his message is ‘Never give up, if I can do it, you can do it’.

Surprised at the number of people fed up with Brexit, Karl thinks local issues are more important, those being raised with him are the environment, mental health and cross-Solent transport.

He will prioritise fighting for more funding from Westminster.

As County Councillor for East Cowes he worries £4.5million will

be wiped off the Council’s budget next year ‘with nowhere left for it to come from’. He wants to make the Solent work for us, with a toll of £1 charged to cars coming from the mainland to provide a fund to pay for Islanders that need to travel to the mainland for health treatment and green community initiatives. The ‘magic money tree’ that the main parties talk about is not infinite, so we need innovative thinking to help ourselves.

Although he voted to remain, Karl believes it is the duty of an MP to carry out the will of the people on Brexit.

He wants Islanders to know that he knows their vote is precious and every single vote he gets he will value personally. He says he is no good at telling jokes.

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Take your pick!

Continued from page 6

VIX LOWTHIAN

GREEN PARTY

DARYLL PITCHER

INDEPENDENT

RICHARD QUIGLEY

LABOUR

BOB SEELY

CONSERVATIVE

Vix has found this campaign nastier than previous ones, although she puts that down to the Green Party doing well. The Island is one of only three national target seats which explains the surfeit of her leaflets, ‘some seats have none at all’. The only way to defeat the Conservatives is to work together, so although Vix is ‘not keen’ on electoral pacts, she thinks the Liberal Democrats are justified in standing aside. The main issue Islanders are raising with her is the NHS, including mental health and GP services, and she regards this as proof the two main parties have ‘failed spectacularly’. On Brexit she is concerned that even if it happens in January, it will still go on and on as the difficult details haven’t been agreed.

Unsurprisingly Vix wants a fairer voting system as whoever wins the election

nationally it will be with a minority of votes cast. She worries that Parliament is very out of touch, people think it is for the elite, but it should be for all of us. In this election you are voting for an ambassador and somebody who will fight for the Isle of Wight, not a party representative. More surprisingly if she really had to vote for one of her opponents it would probably be Daryll Pitcher; he’s wrong on many things but at least he’s consistent and has grafted for years, ‘unlike the Labour Party candidate’.

When asked to tell us a joke: ‘What’s long and sticky? – a stick’, drew groans around the office, but overall Vix was positive and upbeat.

With ‘no real Brexit candidate’ standing, Daryll decided to give people a proper Brexit option. A seasoned campaigner from his 10 years with UKIP he is finding his lastminute decision to stand has left him with not enough time to do the job properly. The withdrawal deal on offer from the Tories has many problems, ties us into the European Court of Justice and doesn’t take back control of our foreign policy and fisheries, to name just a few. His command of technical detail is impressive, as you would expect from someone who has worked in Brussels.

He doesn’t repay the compliment Vix paid him by saying he would vote for her; he would probably spoil his ballot paper, but he clearly gets on with some of the other candidates personally. The issues being raised on the doorstep are NHS, ferries and

education as well as Brexit, which properly done would enable Parliament to address them. He wants to secure extra local powers from Government so that local communities can direct their own future.

Standing as an independent is ‘hard work’, and he is ‘realistic’ saying it is not necessarily about winning, but giving people the option to vote for what they believe in. He has kind words for the IW Observer, saying he supports a genuinely local paper. Questioned about his fairly new moustache he claims it is useful as a talking point. His favourite joke is ‘Just before my grandfather died, we covered his back in lard. He went downhill very quickly’.

Richard’s family are political, but as both parents were Conservatives, standing for the Labour Party is a departure from family tradition. Growing up during the miners’ strike and watching people struggling to decide whether to heat or eat has shaped his political views, but there are few ‘right’ answers; he believes we always need to try to find a common way forward.

He is loving the campaign and feels privileged to be taking part, admitting it will be an uphill struggle to win, but believes it can be done. Richard loves talking to people and finding out about their lives, so campaigning is right up his street. He would find it difficult to vote for anything other than Labour, but under duress would choose Karl Love because he is ‘passionate about the Island’.

Brexit is not coming up when he talks to

Islanders; the big issues are the NHS and education. He voted Remain, but now feels we must get on with Brexit for the sake of the country. His first act as MP would be getting the ferry companies regulated, ‘as we can’t have two private companies holding the Island to ransom’.

He believes that the LibDems not standing may rebound on the Green Party because people don’t like being told how to vote, and Bob Seely’s Island Deal will never happen as there is no incentive for a Conservative Government to help a safe seat. His joke about Basque Separatists was well delivered - he has done stand-up comedy and it shows.

Perhaps a good training for our MP.

In the blue corner is Bob Seely, seemingly the clear favourite, although he insists he is taking nothing for granted. Subject to party ratification he always wanted to seek reelection, ‘to complete unfinished work in the interests of the Island’.

He wants to continue delivering to the Island, and get Brexit done. During canvassing, many residents have raised ‘why haven’t we left the EU?’ as one of their main questions. He is adamant he will vote for Boris’ Brexit deal until we are out, saying that with a Conservative majority there’s a good chance it can still be achieved by January 31, allowing Government to get back to important matters, including health and education His priorities if re-elected will be working to improve the Island Plan, prioritise housing for Islanders and protect green fields from

development; deliver a better deal for public services, and improve higher education and work prospects.

He wants to get the Island deal in place, see greater funding for the NHS and more money for education. He can’t see a Fixed Link evolving, because of the cost and length of time involved, but he wants to improve ferry services, saying bad weather should be the only reason for cancellations, not staff sickness! As for the opposition he ‘respects Richard Quigley and thinks Karl Love has fought a great race’.

He refutes suggestions he spends too much time abroad rather than on the Island, saying his priority is always to champion the Island in Whitehall, ‘putting it first over everything else’. He also says his main address has been on the Island for nearly a decade.

Don’t forget to VOTE on December 12th

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Care in the Garden needs your help A social enterprise is fighting back after Island Roads closed Park Lane in Wootton for eight weeks leading to a massive drop in income.

John Goodenough and Gill Smith set up Care in the Garden eight years ago to offer work placements and training in horticulture to people with extra support needs.

The organisation has grown so much that they now have almost 80 people working on site every week, including staff, volunteers and 49 people facing various challenges.

Initially making a name for themselves as suppliers of competitively priced plants for the home and garden from their Palmer’s Brook Community Nursery site, they now offer floristry, handmade wooden products, refurbished garden tools and even have their own jewellery shop.

When Park Road closed in early September, they noticed an immediate drop in takings. As time passed people started to avoid the area because of the traffic queues.

Traffic lights on Lushington Hill made things even worse and some days they made only around 30 per cent of last year’s takings.

While John accepts that roadworks are needed, he believes compensation should be payable to businesses and organisations such as his who rely heavily on passing trade. He said: “It’s hard to see how any small business can cope for eight weeks. It doesn’t seem right that Island Roads can simply close a road for that length of time. They

have their targets to meet, but they don’t seem to take account of the impact on others. The law should be changed.

“Much of our Christmas trade takes place in November, we’ve now lost the opportunity to have a really cracking Christmas.

We’re struggling, but we’re also determined to get through it.”

However, on the brighter side, the ordeal has given John lots of hope for the future. He pays tribute to local councillors Barry Abraham and Karl Love, whose support he says has been ‘brilliant’.

He also wants to thank Wootton, Whippingham and East Cowes parish councils, and Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council: “They’ve all been amazing and tried to find us a little extra work to help us bring in some income. We just wouldn’t have survived without that.” He’s also been touched by some of his loyal customers who’ve made a real effort to support them.

One lady came in and insisted on paying double the ticket price for hanging baskets and others have come from all over the Island.

John just hopes that now that the road is open again there will be support for the nursery that helps so many Islanders who would otherwise face a bleak future. They’re not looking for hand-outs, just for you to pop in and have a look at what Care in the Garden has to offer. He says: “This is a life-line for some of those we support. Every pound you spend allows us to give help to people who would otherwise struggle to find meaningful opportunities. It that’s not worth supporting at Christmas, I don’t know what is.”

James, Team Member

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News in brief HTP receives ‘good’ rating Ofsted have rated HTP Apprenticeship College to be ‘good’ in all areas of their provision, including the quality of education, leadership and management, in their latest inspection. A team of eight inspectors visited the Newport-based college over a four-day period and carried out an in depth inspection.

Rachel Randall, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely pleased that we have had such a good result and are grateful for all the hard work that our learners and apprentices, our teachers and trainers and team have put in. We also appreciate the great support we have had from Island businesses.”

Auditions for ‘The Mask’

Light-hearted look at who to vote for next week...

The country once again prepares to take to the old, cold and underfunded town halls and libraries across the nation to cast their ballots in Thursday’s General Election.

Yet as the wider game of Red v Blue, with annoying tinges of Yellow and Green, plays out across the country, what does the whole thing mean for residents of our fair Isle?

Does it make a difference who we vote for here? What do they stand for? Let’s be honest, barring Spanish flu or an epidemic of euthanasia we will be stuck with Bob Seely for another five years. I decided to take a look at the candidates vying for your vital votes next week.

This of course also assumes that the losers actually accept the result of this vote and won’t be asking for a re-run in a ‘peopleselection’ ad infinitum.

Carl Feeney – Independent Network Carl wants his freedom tunnel!

Unsurprising given 75% of his name is car.

With a cry for ‘FREEDOM’ atop his leaflet you’d be forgiven for thinking his campaign was a local remake of Braveheart, but no!

Dig deeper and you’ll find that a vote for Carl is not independent at all as he’s part of a network, and he promises you complete transparency and lots of improvements to the Island via his tunnel. Hopefully he can get a decent graphic designer through there too.

Karl Love – Independent Not to be confused with freedom Carl, this Karl is also independent, but like ‘proper’ independent... especially from the other Carl. I’m not sure what he stands for, but he has ‘Love’ for a surname so he can’t be that bad.

Vix Lowthion – Green Party Who is Vix Lowthion? Her surname googled only gives 20,000 results, mostly all about her. It’s like she beamed into the Island in 2005 and is now everywhere, yet comes from nowhere and didn’t exist before then.

Yet here she is as the Green Party candidate, campaigning firstly to reverse Brexit, then to end the so-called climate chaos, and finally for a ‘Fairer Britain’ – all mostly irrelevant to the Island. Likely not to win or to go away afterwards either.

Daryll Pitcher – Independent Not to be confused with Daryll Pitcher of UKIP, this is independent Daryll and he now has a moustache. He wants a real Brexit and is annoyed there isn’t a genuinely pro-Brexit candidate he could vote for after the Farage party stood down. So, he’s voting for himself as a ‘vote against the system’. I expect Daryll’s challenge to the establishment won’t much challenge the establishment.

Richard Quigley – Labour Party Richard is like the Island’s Jeremy Corbyn.

He’s warm, friendly, approachable, has a beard and glasses, and is someone who doesn’t look out of place serving fish and chips. Like Jeremy he also promises lots of free stuff and is going to fix the ferries, hospital, schools and do our bit for the environment. He’s not clarified how all of this will be paid for yet, but like Jeremy isn’t likely to get too close to power for it to matter.

Bob Seely – Conservative Party Bob was in the army don’t you know?

Bob has his ‘vision’ for the Island which is as impressive as it is egotistical, given he asked next to no-one what we wanted and instead decided what we should have.

Unsurprisingly Bob is a Tory and was MP for the Island until this election was called. Bob’s leaflet contains a collection of headlines, which is ironic given that’s mostly all he achieves. The bookies favourite and, barring something completely unforseeable, it’s expected David Pugh’s horse should romp home safely.

Submitted by an Isle of Wight Observer reader.

Auditions for ‘The Mask’, a play written by Kevin Wilson, will be taking place at the Riverside Centre in Newport on Thursday December 12.

Spectrum Autism Festival is working in collaboration with Origins Theatre Company to hold auditions - acting experience not essential.

The cast needs four people, ideally a mix of age and gender who can bring the play to life, and one or two to help backstage. Spectrum Festival comes to Sandown Airport April 25.

Fun Sunday for a good cause Daisy Chains charity is holding a Festive Character and Craft Fayre on Sunday, December 8 at 11am until 4pm at Lower Hyde Holiday Park.

Entertainment includes stalls, Toy story show, Frozen show and Mary Poppins show. Entrance for adults is free and children cost from £2 to £3. All proceeds go to Daisy Chains IW, which helps children who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness, any long term health condition or disability. They also support families with premature babies.

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A month-long campaign starts to halt drink and drug drivers Irresponsible and dangerous drink and drug drivers are to be targeted in a month-long campaign against the destruction and distress caused by collisions involving those under the influence.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police's Joint Operations Unit are encouraging drivers to know ‘It’s Not Worth the Risk’ and not to drink alcohol and/ or take drugs before they get behind the wheel.

Throughout December officers will be carrying out breath tests, drug tests and field impairment test at every opportunity. This is to raise awareness that they are proactively able to identify those that drive whilst impaired.

On average 20 per cent of all fatal collisions involve somebody driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Sgt Scott Kerr, Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police said: “Every year officers deal with cases of drink or drug driving that directly result in families facing Christmas without loved ones. Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect your ability to drive safely.

“Friends, colleagues and family members can positively influence those around them. So we are calling on them to stop potential drink or drug drivers from getting behind the wheel and risking tragedy this Christmas.

“We’ll be running targeted operations across the region to enforce the law on drink and drug driving. If you drive under the influence, you can face a fine of up to £5,000, disqualification from driving, and a lengthy prison sentence.

“I am urging people to plan ahead during the festive season to think about how you’re going to get home and don’t forget about the impact alcohol & drugs can still have the morning after. The message is simple. Don't drink or drug drive - it's not worth the risk."

The public are encouraged to report drink and drug drivers with as much information and detail as possible so they can be targeted. If you know someone who drink or drug drives you can report them on 101 or via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

If the person is an immediate risk to the public themselves you should call 999.

Motorbike crash leaves rider in hospital with serious injuries Police and ambulance crews were called to a serious accident involving a young motorcyclist in Freshwater.

A Suzuki GSXR 1000 crashed on Tuesday just before 4pm on Heathfield Road, Freshwater.

The 27 year old motorcyclist from Freshwater was taken to Southampton

General Hospital where he is being treated for life changing injuries. Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who saw the motorcycle being ridden in the area prior to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 44190435011.

6th December 2019

Parliamentary hopefuls face student questions

BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill Students have quizzed Isle of Wight General Election candidates on climate change, asking how, as the future MP, they would tackle environmental issues that will affect their future.

Organised by the Cowes Enterprise College Eco Council, a student body, the event was attended by five of the six parliamentary candidates, Carl Feeney (Independent Network), Karl Love (Independent), Vix Lowthion (Green Party), Richard Quigley (Labour) and Bob Seely (Conservative).

They faced around 1,200 students in one of the country’s first school-time hustings, where it was revealed Mr Feeney kept his own chickens, Mr Love had a reusable water bottle and Mr Seely mended his clothes instead of buying new ones.

The college has been supporting the ‘global strike 4 future’ movement by taking students out of lessons to discuss how to tackle climate change. They have also written letters to politicians. The hustings was held so the students could

find out where the candidates stand.

College principal Rachel Kitley said: “We are really delighted our school community shared in this experience.

It is essential students are engaged in politics and equally essential they are engaged with the community, so it was good to hear from the candidates.”

The candidates were given a minute to reply to the students’ questions, they asked about individual changes the candidates had made to their lifestyles, whether they would reduce bus prices and which global warming issue would be prioritised if they became MP. Ms Lowthion said fossil fuel extraction had to be stopped. She said: “We cannot declare a climate emergency and still allow fossil fuels to be exploited.”

Mr Quigley said behaviours, and laws, needed to change to ensure action was taken on climate change, starting with free bus travel for under 25s and handing back responsibility for public transport to the Isle of Wight Council. He said: “We are hypocrites.

We fit energy saving lightbulbs on the weekend and then fly to Dubai for a holiday. We should invest in wind, solar and tidal energy and look at creating green apprenticeships and jobs for the Island.”

Mr Love said changes should be made locally to give students a better future, and every government policy should take the environment into account.

When asked how much plastic would be needed to build a fixed link, Solent Freedom Tunnel campaigner Mr Feeney said it would be mostly concrete, with almost no plastic, and promised more job opportunities for the students when it was built.

Mr Seely said the first thing he would do, when he was returned to parliament, would be to pass the Environment Bill, making the country one of the world leaders in transforming society to be more eco-friendly. Students will now hold their own mock election on December 12.

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Island charities suffer after cancellation of Arreton Barns events Many visitors and Islanders were disappointed that the Sweetcorn Fayre and fireworks display were cancelled but Island charities have also suffered. The decision to cancel the events was not taken lightly. A great deal of planning and work goes into making these events a success. Heavy rainfall meant the carparking field was waterlogged and

unusable and winds approaching 70 miles an hour meant marquees and fireworks would not have been safe.

The owners of Arreton Barns, the Gibbs family have raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years and look forward to next year’s events being more successful than this.

Memory stars for Christmas Greetings cards with popout stars have been sent to families supported by the Co-operative Funeralcare, who have lost a loved one this year, to let their memories shine bright this Christmas. They are also available free in-store for others to place a star on their

trees.

The trees will give everyone the opportunity to write a personal message to someone who is no longer with them this Christmas.

Residents are being invited to hang their stars on memory trees being put up in branches of The Co-

operative Funeralcare throughout December.

There will also be a special event held in East Cowes, Freshwater, Lake, Ryde, Newport, Shanklin branches on December 11 between 1pm and 3pm for people to gather to share stories and mince pies.

Carewatch awards their staff Carewatch staff, who look after elderly and disabled residents, allowing them to stay in their own homes have

been recognised for their work. They were nominated by the people they care for and their relatives. Emma

Holdcroft, Kathy Bunting, Joanne Wickham, Amy Winsor and Brahim Mootaz all were commended.

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6th December 2019

More houses planned for Gunville BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill

Public meeting to Save your loved ones discuss oil drilling from novelty socks! plans for Island UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) have announced they will be holding a public engagement event to discuss the details of their planning applications to drill for oil outside Arreton and Godshill before submission to the Council in the New Year.

Islanders are invited to hear an explanation of UKOG’s plans on December 16 at Newclose Cricket ground, Newport between 1 and 8pm

Brian Alexander, Head of Communications for UKOG, said: “There will be information boards and a presentation and representatives of the company will be present to answer questions.”

The Green Party held a meeting at Riverside Centre, Newport on Tuesday December 3 to plan a protest, parliamentary candidate Vix Lowthian spoke.

The ‘amazing’ supporters of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) raised over £630 during the first day of their Christmas campaign, Give Life Not Socks.

The flying start to the campaign saved over 200 people from the ordeal of finding novelty socks in their Christmas stockings this year.

The charity is encouraging people to give them a donation of £3 instead of gifting socks to your nearest and dearest.

They even have a gift voucher on their website (hiowaa.

org) that you can e-mail to your family and friends explaining why they will not be receiving festive footwear this year.

A spokesman for the charity said: “It is super easy to get involved: instead of buying novelty socks for your friends and loved ones this year, donate that money to your Air Ambulance and help keep us flying and saving lives.”

Last December the air ambulance was called out 140 times, including four times on Christmas Day.

Plans for almost 150 new homes in Gunville have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, in an area where two other applications for 72 houses have already been approved.

Outline plans for 113 dwellings with fully formed plans for 36, totalling 149 houses on a 6.4 hectare site on the edge of Gunville, have been proposed by DN Associates, Island building contractors.

The first phase of works would see 36 houses built, a mixture of two and three-bed houses, adding two roads and extending cul-de-sacs on Arthur Moody Drive and Forest Hills. The second phase of a further 113 houses will wrap around the previous ones, but the development would be sandwiched between two others, extending the existing Gunville Estate from Alvington Manor View to Ash Lane.

The development falls in the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area, an area the council said needs housing growth. In the design and access statement for the development, it is proposed that 35 per cent of the homes will be affordable, roughly 52 of the 149.

Comments for the application can be made via the council’s planning portal until December 16.

Nina raises money for Island charity IW Observer reader Christopher Jackson was pleased to bump into ventriloquist Nina Conti

on the Wightlink ferry on Sunday morning (Dec 1). The night before the big-hearted star had been performering

her Humour4Tumour show at Shanklin Theatre to raise money for the Wight Brainy Bunch.

Driving school makes way for homes P. 15

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The Roisin Mullins Dance Academy in the Quirky Elf Selfie Booth

Dancing treat for festive shoppers A group of 15 twinkle-toed Irish Dancers from the Roisin Mullins Dance Academy in Brading performed at the Ventnor Winter Gardens Christmas market to entertain Christmas shoppers at a twoday festive fayre.

As well as toe-tapping performances from the talented troupe, the event also included the Quirky Elf Selfie booth, a visit from the Grinch and traditional

Christmas carols.

Full of festive fun and Christmas spirit, the Winter Gardens certainly warmed up inside as the dance troupe got tapping and the mulled wine flowed.

Dance Captain Roisin said of their fancy footwork: “Our dancers gave an amazing Christmas display, stunning shoppers into silence on one of the year's busiest shopping weekends.

Free food scheme for needy in Sandown A Free Food for Sandown initiative has begun, aimed at helping the homeless, needy and vulnerable in surrounding communities.

It is called Project Donate it, Don’t Dump it.

On Mondays the railway station’s Gaslight Café is offering a lunch with soup, various meals and cake, with the café allowing visitors to pay how much they want to and what they can afford.

There is no set price - it is up to the individual. All work is done by volunteers and any funds received are to pay for

tea, coffee, milk, sugar, gas and electricity.

A special free lunch for 30 diners has been arranged for December 15 at Sandown Community Centre. Food is provided by Co-op and Tesco with presents are from Wight Fibre and entertainment and carols from Ali Smith.

Founder Dott Perrett said: “I am so grateful for the help given by the companies and the volunteers. Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and I hope this may add some happiness.”

Bah Humbug Mr. Scrooge at Newport fire station A festive sight at Coppins Bridge in Newport will be missing this year. The Newport fire brigade, who have hoisted a Christmas tree to the top of their training drill tower and decorated it with lights for the last four decades, will not be doing it this year.

A spokesman for the Isle of Wight Council said: “The organisation of the tree is undertaken on a voluntary basis by the firefighters

from one of the watches at the station and not under the direction of the Council.

“Although the Council shares the community’s view about the iconic nature of the tree, it respects the choices made by the firefighters about its provision this year.”

No one was available from Newport fire station to comment.

They continue to amaze me with their skill, stage presence, and wonderful spirit”.

The Roisin Mullins Dance Academy can be seen again giving a festive fundraising show at Brading Town Hall on Saturday, December 14. For further information visit www.roisinmullins. co.uk/irish-dance-academy.

Vandals remove Christmas balls The Christmas tree in St Thomas’ Square, Ryde had all its baubles removed on Monday. The hand decorated baubles were made by the children at Greenmount School and the young people who attend the Youth Café.

A spokesperson for Ryde Town Council said: "It is such a disappointment that their hard work was disrespected by such a mindless act."

The police have been notified and are making enquiries.

Freshwater fire brigade helping Santa deliver Freshwater Fire Station is asking for donations and Christmas presents. Please drop them off at the fire station tomorrow (Sat) from 10am to noon or Tuesday, December 10 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. They have elves to wrap them

and Father Christmas will distribute them on Christmas Day at 10am with his two Fire Fighter helpers ‘Elf’ and ‘Safety’. The fire brigade will be driving Father Christmas around Freshwater and Totland in their fire engine on Christmas Day.

Freshwater & Totland Archive Group inundated with material Due to the volume of donated archive material a change of location has become necessary and Freshwater & Totland Archive Group is grateful to Freshwater Parish Council for the allocation of space at The Memorial Hall. There will still be a presence in Freshwater Library on Friday mornings approximately 10am-noon, when appointments should be made via our emailarchiverescue@hotmail.co.uk website: http://www.fatafg.co.uk

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6th December 2019

Protection order policing for dogs is still unclear BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill

Fort Victoria wall collapse The partial collapse of a sea wall has led to warnings to visitors to avoid the damaged area, ensure children are safe and make sure dogs are kept on leads.

Slabs forming part of a concrete walkway

at Fort Victoria Country Park near Yarmouth have collapsed rendering the path unsafe.

Barriers have been erected, but staff at the park have asked people to take extra care when visiting.

Questions have been raised about how the Isle of Wight Council plan to enforce the new dog rules, after it is revealed only 20 penalties have been issued since 2014. New Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been announced by the Council, combining the no longer enforceable dog control orders that state where dogs can run off leads, general fouling laws and exclusion zones on the Island including beaches and recreation grounds.

Currently dogs are allowed to run free at a number of areas where new restrictions could be introduced, including St Helens Duver, Clatterford Recreation Ground in Carisbrooke, Wootton Recreation Ground and East Cowes Esplanade. However, clarification of the proposed changes will not be released until the consultation begins in January, so the true effect of changes remains unknown.

The Council has said any possible alterations have stemmed from comments made by key stakeholders and concerned residents.

However since 2015, only 20 penalties have been issued by the council’s Enforcement Team, 19 dog fouling and one dog off the lead offences. In the last year no penalties have been issued by the five full-time environment officers who patrol the Island, compared to three in 2018, five in 2017, seven in 2016 and four in 2015.

A ‘fixed penalty notice’ is given to anyone

who commits an offence, that can be issued on the spot or by post and fines the recipients £50. An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: “The dog control orders and the PSPOs that will replace them let dog owners know what is expected of them and their pets.

Because the vast majority of dog owners are responsible people who comply with the law without needing to be fined, the number of penalties issued does not have any direct link to how people are behaving, for example whether people are picking up after their dogs or not.”

The council has also said no significant staffing changes will be required to continue to monitor and enforce the orders in the same way, despite more potential areas to patrol.

Environment officers also conduct health and safety inspections of public facilities, including parks and toilets, and monitor and resolve waste management issues.

Mark Chiverton, Unison representative at the Council, has said that while most of the changes remain unknown, they will be watching carefully as it develops. He said: “The environmental officer has a busy job with vast responsibilities so we will be watching carefully.”

A consultation on the proposed orders will start in January, but no official date has been announced yet.

Bay CE School receives leading science award

Jacqueline Stay receiving the award in London

The Bay CE School Primary site is celebrating after being awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) award. The prestigious award is given to schools that demonstrate how effective science leadership is beginning to have an impact on science teaching and learning across the school.

The PSQM assessors were impressed with the science curriculum at The Bay and commented that the profile of science has clearly risen within the school over the last 12 months.

Schools receive the PSQM through a year-long process of internal audit, followed by action and reflection.

This is a nationally recognised award and a proud achievement for all at The Bay CE School.

The school was awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark in May, and

now Jacqueline Stay, Science Lead at school has travelled to London to officially receive the award. She said: "The award application required a lot of hard work and so I was delighted to receive the news that The Bay had been awarded the PSQM. This was a team effort and is a fantastic achievement for the school," Duncan Mills, Executive Headteacher at The Bay CE School, said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Mark is a significant achievement for the school. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom and developing positive attitudes towards science. Our Science Leader Jacqueline Stay deserves great credit for driving the development of scientific teaching and learning.”

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Driving school goes to make way for homes The former driving centre in Medina Avenue, Newport, has been demolished to make way for six new houses. Planning permission was granted for the site in March but work was delayed because of badger activity in the area. A timeframe for the project initally hoped the six three-bedroom semidetached homes would be built before Christmas. Work has started in the last week, dismantling the driving test centre that had been on the spot since the 1980s.

The planning application for the development was submitted on behalf of PSP Isle of Wight LLP, the joint venture between the

Isle of Wight Council and Public Sector PLC, more commonly known as iWight Developments. iWight Developments are behind the controversial Crossways plans in East Cowes with plans to build ‘better, more affordable and modern housing for all Islanders’ by modular construction, building elements of a house in a factory and linking the parts together on site.

However, the six homes, five to be privately rented and one affordable, may not be built by iWight Developments although the option has not been ruled out. An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said:

“The site at Medina Avenue is owned by the Isle of Wight Council and at present the Council is working to remove the redundant buildings in preparation for future development as housing, this work should be complete shortly. Planning consent exists for six small semi-detached houses on the site and at the moment the council is considering options for building the houses. Working with iWight Developments is one such option, and it may be possible to use modular housing on the site, but no decision has yet been made on the detailed timing or materials for the development.”

Hover and bus to Christmas market If you want to visit an awardwinning Christmas market in the delightful surroundings of the city of Bath, Hovertravel has two great options.

Working together with Lucketts, the Fareham-based coach operator, Hovertravel has organised a day trip to the Bath Christmas Market, giving customers almost five hours to enjoy this seasonal shopping extravaganza.

The Christmas Market HoverDay to Bath is tomorrow (Sat) and the Lucketts coach pick-up is directly opposite Hovertravel’s Southsea terminal.

For customers who are looking for more flexibility with their travel times, Hovertravel sells great value discounted train and hovercraft fares. These tickets include the hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea, the HoverBus to Portsmouth The Hard

Interchange and a Great Western Railways train to Bath.

The coach trip can be booked by calling (01983) 717700 and all combination rail bookings can be booked in both terminals.

The Bath Christmas Market is on until December 15.

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Island organ transplants wanted for Christmas

Head chef Bruce Theobald returns to Seaview Hotel Bruce Theobald has returned to the Seaview Hotel as head chef, following a spell in a similar role at Danesfield House, a prestigious country-house hotel located in Marlow.

Under Bruce, the Seaview Hotel secured a culinary first for the Isle of Wight when the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Now he has brought his culinary expertise back to the Island, and said: “It’s been a fantastic learning experience working at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa which has over 90 rooms, but I just felt the time was right to look for a position back on the Island to spend more time with my family and to the hotel that has meant so much to me.”

Bruce fell in love with the Island five years ago when he moved down and has been commuting to Marlow

rather than relocate. He added: “I take my chef’s hat off to Tom Bull who has done a fantastic job moving the food operation in the right direction and retaining the Michelin Bib Gourmand. It was a pleasure to meet the new team and it felt very lovely to receive such a warm welcome back.”

Hotel Operations Manager, Diana Chiverton said: “Bruce was instrumental in transforming the food offering at the Seaview Hotel.

He has vision, determination and a big heart. I really look forward to the next stage and pushing the hotel forward.”

There’s only 132 Michelin Bib Gourmand venues in the UK. The Restaurant at the Seaview Hotel was the first and so far only venue on the Isle of Wight to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Car crashes into pole A BMW collided with a telegraph pole near Ryde, with no other vehicles or people involved. Police were called to Upton Road, near Ryde after 9pm last Friday but the driver had left before they arrived.

6th December 2019

No clean getaway for prolific offender A 'prolific offender' was arrested for stealing bottles of washing detergent from a Co-op store in Newport on Monday (Dec 2).

Despite hoping for a clean getaway, Neighbourhood Officers caught Paul Smart attempting to steal five bottles of Ariel detergent gel with a value of around £5 per bottle.

Isle of Wight Police posted on their social media page saying: “OpDonkey started early this morning with one

prolific offender in custody before breakfast. Newport Neighbourhood Officers caught the male stealing goods from the Co-op; he has been remanded to court this afternoon.”

It's hoped that this should be a strong detergent for any one thinking of committing such a grime in future.

Paul Smart was found guilty at Isle of Wight Magistrates and a previously imposed suspended sentence of four months was activated.

Fifteen people on the Isle of Wight are facing Christmas on the waiting list for an organ transplant. They join more than 6,000 people across the UK, including over 180 children, awaiting a life-saving gift.

From spring 2020 in England the law around organ donation is changing. All adults will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate, known as ‘opt out’, or are in one of a number groups not covered by the new law. Similar arrangements came into force in Wales in December 2015 and will come into effect in autumn next year in Scotland.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Christmas is an incredibly busy time of year, however away from the rush and bustle of preparing for the holiday it should also be a time for family and thinking of others. We are urging everyone in the Isle of Wight to take a moment to think about the people who will spend their Christmas hoping for just one thing; a life saving organ transplant.

“Families will still always be involved in organ donation, so it is vital that they know your choice. In the lead up to the change in law, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families in the Isle of Wight to talk and share their decision. If the time comes, families find the organ donation conversation much easier if they already know what their relative wanted. Please let your family know what your organ donation decision is so that more lives can be saved. Every precious organ donor allows more families to spend special times together. A quick chat can save lives, and even at a time of grief families take enormous comfort and pride from their loved one’s donation.” You can find out more at organdonation.nhs.uk.

6th December 2019

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Lionel Richie and Duran Duran among top acts at IW Festival Lionel Richie, Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol, The Chemical Brothers and Duran Duran are among a host of top acts named for next summer’s Isle of Wight Festival.

They will be joined by the likes of Becky Hill, Dido, Example, Happy Mondays, James Arthur, JC Stewart, Kaiser Chiefs, Maisie Peters, Primal Scream, Sam Fender, Shed Seven, Sigma (DJ set), Supergrass, The Manor and special guest Pete Tong.

Multi-award winners Duran Duran began their path to world stardom performing in former Birmingham night club Rum Runner in the late 1970s, and fronted by Simon Le Bon they had a string of smash hits including ‘Hungry like The Wolf’,

‘View to a Kill’, ‘Girls of Film’ and ‘Rio’.

They played the Island as headline act at Bestival four years ago, underlining that Lionel Ritchie after more than 40 years in the business, they can still captivate audiences with their unique style. can't think of a better way to start They will be on the Main Stage on the summer! It's a festival steeped the Sunday evening of the Festival, in music history - Jimi Hendrix, which runs from June 11 to 14 at Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones have all headlined and I'm honoured to Seaclose Park, Newport.

It will be a first appearance here be joining the esteemed list.”

Richie will take to the stage, along for American superstar Lionel Richie, who said: “I'm excited to be with Lewis Capaldi, on Friday, with playing at the Isle of Wight Festival Pete Tong bringing the spirit of next summer. It's the first time Ibiza to Seaclose Park, as he closes I've performed at the festival and I the Main Stage on Friday night

Jarvis Smith from the P.E.A. Awards, in association with Octopus Energy, presents Wightlink’s Keith Greenfield with the Travel Award

Wightlink wins award Jarvis Smith, in association with Octopus Energy, presented the People, Environment, Achievement trophy for the travel category to Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield at the company’s Portsmouth car ferry terminal.

The award was for Victoria of Wight, England’s first hybrid ferry, which uses both batteries and conventional engines to run efficiently and cut emissions. Latest statistics from the European Maritime Safety Agency show Victoria of Wight is the most energy-

efficient passenger ferry in the UK. That means she is burning less fuel and releasing less carbon dioxide into the environment than all other ferries around our shores.

Mr Greenfield said: “We were delighted to be recognised for our achievements up to now in progressing Wightlink’s green agenda. We have pledged to do all we can to protect the sea, land and air around us by keeping the Solent clean, recycling as much as possible and reducing waste and emissions. We will announce more initiatives in 2020.”

with his Ibiza Classics.

Lewis Capaldi said: “Buzzing to be playing the Isle of Wight Festival next year! Going to try and keep the other day clear so I can get a few scoops in after I play!”

Snow Patrol, Chemical Brothers and James Arthur will be among those on the Main Stage on the Saturday at a Festival that many are already predicting will the the

best for some years.

Tickets are on sale from today (Friday) 6th from 9am at www. isleofwightfestival.com/tickets.

Fans can keep up to date with the Festival by using the hashtag #IOW2020 on Twitter and Instagram. Follow the festival on Twitter @IsleOfWightFest and on Instagram @isleofwightfest

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Wight Shipyard is going from strength to strength UK shipbuilder Wight Shipyard Co. is continuing its success in the fast ferry sector securing an order for four vessels from Malta’s tourism leaders, Captain Morgan Holdings, a subsidiary of Fortina Investments. The order consists of four new-build vessels, two 20-metre and two 33-metre catamarans, all to be designed by One2Three Naval Architects.

Peter Morton, CEO, Wight Shipyard, said “We have been working with One2Three to develop lighter, more fuel-efficient ferries with the subsequent reduction of fuel costs. The operators see the long-term benefits

in using less fuel and thereby reducing carbon emissions. We are also working to integrate the boarding design for the ancient wharves and docks of the towns of Malta.”

Fortina Investments CEO Edward Zammit Tabona said: “We are very excited about this venture and collaboration with Wight Shipyard, which is renowned for its high standards and attention to detail. We are looking forward to launching these vessels in Malta’s seas in May 2020, which will see Captain Morgan Group take its sea and land transport services to another level.”

Wight Shipyard Co. has recorded exceptional success in the fast ferry sector since its inception, and this latest order will take the yard to 13 new builds in just over four years.

Previous notable builds include the renovation of the historic motor yacht MY Shemara, Red Funnel’s Red Jet 6 and 7, three MBNA Thames Clippers, the Jacobite Maverick in Scotland, the Twin City Liner commuter and sightseeing vessel on the River Danube, and most recently two fast ferries delivered this summer for Mexico’s largest ferry operator Ultramar.

Networking night in Cowes

A reinvigorated Cowes Business Association teamed up with Linked-In Local to create a memorable night of networking, hosted by the Sir Max Aitken Museum.

Over 100 business people from the Island, Portsmouth, Southampton and London descended on the Museum for a fabulous bit of informal

networking.

Northwood House offered free parking for early arrivals.

In naval tradition, guests were welcomed with a tot of Isle of Wight Distillery's HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum which was followed by superb wine from Wine Therapy and amazing food from French Franks and

Rosalies of Cowes.

Following an introduction from Linked-In Local IOW curator Chris Court there was a short talk from Cowes Business Association chair Jeremy Pocock about their mission to support, encourage and promote their members.

Cowes Mayor Lora Peacey-

Wilcox also shared her vision for Cowes which included a plan to make the High Street an all weather venue.

For more information on Cowes Business Association, please go to www. cowesbusiness.org.uk

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Sad farewell to Snowy a much-loved donkey

Gurit wins two awards, twice!

Gurit, based in Newport, is a leading manufacturer of advanced composite materials, production tools and select composite components.

At the Composites UK Awards, Gurit UK won two awards, the Environmental and Sustainability Award for the use of bio materials to lower environmental impacts and the Innovation in Composite Materials award for its new

One of the original donkeys at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary when it was taken over by the current owners has sadly died after being nursed through a neurological condition which affected his spine. Snowy was diagnosed around three years ago but was given a new lease of life with medication and specialised care.

Snowy was one of the sanctuary’s most popular donkeys, with more adopters than most of the other sanctuary’s donkeys put together, and he was much loved by the staff and volunteers. He had a distinctive ‘whitish’ coat which made him very recognisable, although he loved to roll in the fields, especially muddy ones. He loved human interaction, enjoying cuddles and strokes, and seemed to appreciate all the extra care and attention he was given during his final few years of life, although he remained determined not to take his medication without a struggle.

Although Snowy is sadly gone there are still lots of donkeys who will be enjoying the Sanctuary’s Christmas Carol Service, a two-day event which will be held next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15. You are warmly invited to join them from 2.30pm in Paddy’s Penthouse barn. The Wight Accordion Group will be performing Christmas carols along with a light-hearted re-enactment of the Christmas Story led by Revd. Keith Adlam and licensed Lay Reader Rita Goddard.

Santa and his little elf helper will be there in his grotto with some special donkey gifts.

Free seated tickets are available from https://bit.ly/33G6uJl, and there will also be plenty of standing room.

Ampro range.

Gurit locally also won two awards at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, the Technology and Innovation Award and the Green Initiatives Award.

The Newport site uses solar energy, encourages biodiversity in its grounds and recycles both office and production waste.

Parkdean Travel Award winners celebrate Parkdean Resorts, who own four holiday parks on the Island, won the Best UK Family Holiday Company (large) at the British Travel awards. The owners of Landguard, Lower Hyde, Nodes Point and Thorness Bay also scooped a bronze award for being the best UK Holiday Parks and Lodges Company.

Operation Holly targets drink and drug drivers A 34-year-old man was arrested in Lugley Street, Newport at 10.30am on Monday morning and charged with drink-driving as part of the Operation Holly campaign which will run until January 1. Irresponsible and dangerous drink and drug drivers are to be targeted in a month-long campaign against the destruction and

distress caused by collisions involving those under the influence.

Officers will be carrying out breath tests, drug tests and field impairment test at every opportunity. If you drive under the influence, you can face a fine of up to £5,000, disqualification from driving, and a lengthy prison sentence

A slice of cake makes everything seem better Louise Hart and Jenny Simmons of Calbourne Classics celebrated National Cake Day by supporting not one but two good causes on the Island. Following their cake photography session for 2020 they donated all the cakes, around 50 of them, to the Hospice. The delicious treats were served to patients, staff and visitors to Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre in return for a donation towards the hospice.

They also used the day to launch their support for the Issoropia Foundation, who provide mental health services on the Island. Calbourne Classics will now be providing tea, coffee and cake for patients to enjoy during their courses

and workshops which help them ‘get back on track’.

Louise told the IW Observer: “Jenny and I have lost our parents in the past few years and relied heavily on the hospice.

We have also had other issues and now fully appreciate the importance of a good local mental health system. The new Issoropia Foundation are changing lives.”

Hundreds of new trees for Sandown P. 20

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6th December 2019

The donkeys are comfortable now what about the humans?

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall has announced that work has begun on their new visitors’ café. The stone barn will be transformed into a welcoming area with over 100 seats. A new patio area at the back will enjoy stunning views over the Wroxall valley and stream. There will also be a new purpose-built toilet block between the café and the shop. It is hoped that it will be open by next May, and then next winter work will start to upgrade the shop and adoption facilities.

A spokesman said: “This is the biggest investment we have made in the sanctuary, even though we are keeping costs to a

minimum by creating a rustic barn with a minimalist decor. We have worked hard to improve living conditions for our animals with a new barn extension, a new sand barn, a new stable block and new field shelters; it's now time to look after our visitors a little better so that they can enjoy warmth, shelter, some nice hot and cold drinks and food, all in a rustic, farm environment.

“During the build, we will still be open and we need you all to continue supporting us. Our shop and existing café will continue trading, though the stone barn next to them will be sealed off. Entry to the shop will be through the marquee and will be signposted.”

Sleeping rough to Hundreds of new trees for Sandown help homeless Jade Light, 29 from Cowes, and Debbie Oakes 30, from Newport, who study Social Work at Southampton University, slept rough for one night to raise money for the homeless.

The girls slept on the street in Newport on Wednesday. Debbie said: “It was cold, you can’t sleep, it’s noisy, people walk by all through the night, we were glad it was just for one night.”

They visited Newport’s shelter for homeless at the Barton Primary site and wanted to do something to help the homeless on the Island.

Sandown Green Town Volunteers celebrated National Tree Week by planting over 200 trees in the hedgerows around Sandown. This event, organised by the Tree Council, takes place annually, at the start of the winter tree planting season. The trees were donated by The Woodland Trust and included bird, bee and bug friendly native species: dogwood, dog rose, silver birch, hazel, crab apple, blackthorn, elder, rowan and hawthorn.

The trees were used to fill in the

gaps in the hedge going in Sandown at Yaverland as well as a new green gateway on Morton Road. Ben Holbrook, Deputy Chair of SGTVs said: "It was hard work, often in rain-soaked or weed filled ground, but will enhance Sandown, increasing biodiversity and create and improve habitat for wildlife. The trees will help support insects, birds, small mammals and reptiles. We had a dozen volunteers working at one time, and despite the mud they commented what fun the planting up had been, we look

forward to seeing the saplings growing and making food, shelter and much need homes for our wildlife for years to come. “Thanks to the Woodland Trust for the free trees and to the team at Arc Consulting for their continued support.”

SGTVs usually have an open meeting on the second Wednesday of the month, at 6.30pm at the Broadway Centre. To learn more about their activities check out their facebook page, or e-mail: sandowngtv@gmail.com

Several job losses are Pieces of eight, confirmed at Liz Earle but only at 6.30 Beauty brand Liz Earle has confirmed 13 job losses on the Isle of Wight and one in London. Last month it emerged that up to 35 staff faced redundancy following a restructure of the business, but following consultation and some redeployments the total of job losses was minimised and announced last Friday. A spokesman for the company said it was a difficult decision and thanked staff for their support at a difficult time.

The company is still recruiting with vacancies in Ryde for a lead designer, service desk technician and quality manager advertised on their website, as well as inviting speculative applications.

The First Act group, for adults with additional needs, is busy rehearsing Treasure Island. The production is loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story, Treasure Island, as Goodies and Baddies compete for the treasure.

Jim and pirate Long John Silver and a parrot feature. The show takes place at Shanklin Theatre on Monday, December 9, and Tuesday, December 10 at 6.30pm

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Waste not, want not for new IW food trial

Newport Christmas tree lights hit by vandalism Mean-spirited vandals targeted the Christmas Tree in St Thomas' Square in Newport, shortly after the lights were switched on last weekend.

Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council posted on Facebook: "The Christmas tree in St Thomas' Square was unfortunately vandalised after

Saturday's lights switch-on and the lights are sadly not working at the moment.

"We are awaiting a replacement part, which should be arriving soon, and hope to get the lights back on ready for Newport's late night shopping evenings."

In just six months, more than 600 boxes of bread, pastries, fruit and vegetables have been diverted from waste and transformed into hundreds of meals on the Isle of Wight. A new trial partnership between the Cooperative Food in Freshwater and The Real Junk Food Project IOW has already made a significant difference to the community.

Organiser of The Real Junk Food Project IOW, Faith Stickland said that the food donations have been turned into hundreds of three-course meals, filled dozens of lunch boxes and supported a number of struggling families via the foodbank. The project with a number of food stores and local producers to prevent useable products going to landfill including food, toiletries and cleaning products.

Organisers use the donated products in three different ways - in a monthly community Meet and Eat at St Saviour’s Church in Totland run by Timebank volunteers, to make daily collections of products available to the public on a ‘pay as you feel' basis at the West Wight Sport and Community Centre, and through a new lunchbox scheme during school holidays.

Faith said: "None of this would have happened without the Southern Coop store in Freshwater being prepared to do extra work helping sort food out that would otherwise have been thrown away. The Store Manager Neil has been exceptional. He has come to our Meet and Eats on two occasions bringing a colleague with him to show how the

food is being made good use of.

"I'd also like to say a big thank you to Sally from Timebank who initiated the Meet and Eat cook ups and covers the costs. We are a very caring community.

It becomes infectious! Thank you for your part in all this."

Other supporters include Sainsbury's Local, Freshwater, and the Village Store, in Brighstone, which all supply food that can safely be offered to the community.

Neil Riley said: "From a store perspective it has been a big success.

The processes are very well embedded and the communication is very open and honest.

"We understand that this is a team effort. The social implications of the food we donate have been far reaching. From the occasional involvement I have had with some of the programmes, I think it's obvious to see the great success this partnership has been. I'm immensely proud to be a part of the Real Junk Food Project Isle of Wight network and especially proud we have been able to support Faith in her endeavours. She truly is an inspirational woman with a passion for doing good in her community."

The store currently donates around nine boxes and tubs of fruit, vegetables, pastries and bread three times a week which works out more than 700 in the first six months.

To find out more about the projects run by the real Junk Food Project IOW, email faithstickland072@gmail.com.

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News in brief TSB in Newport to stay TSB are closing 82 branches across the country, affecting hundreds of jobs but the Newport branch on the Isle of Wight will not close.

Driver injured in Newchurch Police, ambulance, fire service and air ambulance crews attended an accident in Winford Road, Newchurch last Saturday. Only one car was involved and it struck a tree causing the road to be closed temporarily. The young male driver was injured and being assessed by the air ambulance, but was later dealt with by an ambulance crew.

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Local Events

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Santa Special at Steam Railway Havenstreet Steam Railway is entering into the Christmas spirit.

Visitors wander through winter wonderland, listening to Christmas music, seasonal fayre is available in the refreshment rooms and the gift shop is packed with ideas for unusual Christmas gifts. There is a seasonal Christmas market, children’s playground and magic shows to enjoy before you board the North Pole Express.

Your nostalgic steam train

will take you on a ten mile round trip through beautiful countryside whilst you can enjoy a complimentary mince pie and a juice (or glass of sherry for the adults!). On return to the station each child will receive a quality gift from Santa and his elves. Santa Specials run on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Trains run at 10.30, 11.50, 13.50 and 15.00.

Booking is advised as some services may be fully booked.

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Victorian Christmas at Osborne House Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the Osborne House Victorian Christmas celebrations, following in the footsteps of its most famous residents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

In the spirit of times past, staff at Osborne were dressed in traditional costumes.

Cowes Town Band performed and Father Christmas turned on the Osborne lights. Stalls selling Christmas gifts and mulled wine were in the

Christmas courtyard.

Fairground carousel rides, and swing boats, Victorian toy makers and fire eaters entertained the children.

An abridged version of the ‘Christmas Carol’, ghost stories and Christmas Carols entertained everyone. It was wonderful to experience Christmas amid such grand surroundings, where Victoria spent every Christmas after Albert died in 1861 until her on passing 40 years later.

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LOCAL EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND SHANKLIN THEATRE

By

6th December 2019

Jade Honey

POLAR opens at Robin Hill

Big Girls Don’t Cry Christmas Special

The Eastcoast Boys will certainly get you in the party mood with their new Christmas Special.

All your favourite Frankie Valli hits including Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll, Big Girls Don’t Cry and many more... You’re never more than a song away from another classic hit.

December 8 @ 7.30pm

Spotlight (IOW) Ltd presents Aladdin

It’s that time of year again everyone...oh yes it is! Christmas is just around the corner and with that comes another fantastic Pantomime season at Shanklin Theatre. This year we are presenting ‘Aladdin’, a fun filled retelling of the classic story with action, laughter, music and plenty of special effects!

Dec 22 - Jan 2 @ 2.45pm & 7pm

Michael Portillo - Life, A Game Of Two Halves

It took Michael Portillo little more than 10 years to get a seat in the Commons. Listen to his story, told with a “parliamentary standup” wit, and then feel free to question him about it.

February 1 @ 7.30pm

BOOKINGS & INFO

01983 868000

www.shanklintheatre.com Sponsored By Wightlink

Robin Hill’s new Christmas extravaganza POLAR opened on Friday, December 29.

Running on selected dates until December 21, the event features a stunning new Amphitheatre production that will delight audiences of all ages, plus a host of other festive activities as part of the awardwinning event series at Robin Hill.

Step outside this festive season and experience the thrill of a Christmas dream come true!

Take the Winter Woodland Walk through sparkling ancient forests, enjoy the festive atmosphere of the POLAR Village while you warm up with traditional hot food and

drinks, hop on board the Big Red Express, where Father Christmas himself takes the wheel, and tip-toe into the POLAR Hollow where you can meet Pippa, the life-sized cuddly polar bear.

Robin Hill’s rides have even been given a winter makeover, with the Cows Express Junior Ride perfect for the little ones, and the 4D Motion Cinema exclusively showing ‘Santa’s Sleigh Ride’ during POLAR. The park is covered in beautiful, sparkling Christmas trees, projecting the real Christmas feel.

The magical experience features giant illuminated presents, marshmallows for

toasting, beautiful lights and even carol singers to top off the festivities!

Pippa the polar bear is around for the children to meet and they were even able to find out more about her in the finale, the show that featured singers, circus-skill artistes and young actor Oliver Back who featured as the boy who lost his favourite polar bear teddy.

With an exciting, surprise twist at the end, this is bound to warm the hearts of the audiences!

For more information and tickets, please visit robin-hill.com/polar - tickets are still available!

You’d be crackers to miss Monkey Haven’s Christmas shopping!

You’d be crackers to miss Monkey Haven’s Christmas shopping!

Monkey Haven are holding a late night shopping event where you can pick up the perfect presents for all your family and your friends. Plus there will be little gift for you too - a lovely hot drink of your choice and a mince pie!

The shopping events will take place from 6pm - 8pm on: Tuesday, December 3, Tuesday, December 10, Tuesday, December 17.

It’s free to visit their Shop and Tea Room, and although the monkeys will be tucked up in their beds, you’ll still be able to meet an owl, reptiles and their jolly keepers.

There are many great gifts to pick up and enjoy, including an annual membership to Monkey Haven, animal

adoptions, keeper for the day experiences, plus cute cuddly toys, palm oil-free hampers and lots of wonderful stocking fillers. You can also buy online, if you can’t make one of their events.

They will be getting out the tinsel, digging out the Christmas jumpers and really getting into the festive spirit. Their Christmas elf will be doing glitter tattoos and face-painting, to amuse the kids while you shop! So pop along and join them the proceeds from anything you buy will go towards caring for the animals.

Make sure you visit Monkey Haven in general when the monkeys are awake, they are open every day from 10am subject to the weather and have special seasonal entry prices of just £8.

DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? LET US KNOW BY EMAILING NEWSDESK@IWOBSERVER.CO.UK

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THEATRE, LOCAL EVENTS & CINEMA The Battle for Santas Grotto Island Recon and 4D Sports present ‘The Battle for Santa’s Grotto’. Santa’s elves have been infiltrated by the rebellious and less productive elves of the south...

This of course puts Christmas at risk of being called off. Choose your side - Elves or Santa’s? And let the battle for Santa’s grotto begin. Just £25 for this unique year’s end event. From ages 12 and up and

ladies pay half price. For more information and to book, please call 07964 751 047 or visit 4dsportsclubs.co.uk

SHANKLIN THEATRE

December 22 @ 10am Studio 1, Newport, PO30 2EH £25

Arreton Barns’ Elf Tea Party Bring the little ones along to Arreton Barns’ Elf Tea Party on Monday, December 23 from 3pm - 5pm. Father Christmas is even making an appearance from 4pm!

Get into the festive spirit with a magical buffet where the kids can play along with party games and meet the man himself.

Each child will receive a special gift from him too! You can pop into The Dairyman’s

Daughter to book your place today! For more information, please call 01983 539361 December 23 @ 3pm - 5pm Arreton Barns Newport PO30 3AA £10

Christmas at the Isle of Wight Zoo Join the IW Zoo over the Christmas period, spending the day with the amazing animal residents. Santa will be there in his special winter grotto made from up-cycled and recycled materials. Activities at the Zoo include roasting chestnuts, visiting the jingle bell ponies and donkeys and creating some Christmas crafts! Capella singers Harmonix and The Boogie Woogie

As well as being the all-round entertainer we all know and love from the telly, Count Arthur Strong is also a lifelong fan of astronomy, since having been given a microscope, or whatever it is they use, for Christmas when he was a small precocious baby. In fact, it’s said the first word he spoke was ‘Uranus’.

February 15 @ 8pm

Sisters will be performing on December 14 with a carolling treat. Kids aged between 3-14 go free! For more information, visit isleofwightzoo.co.uk Various dates & times Isle of Wight Zoo Sandown PO36 8QB

Spirit of Seaview Seaview will be enjoying the Spirit of Christmas on Tuesday, December 17 where shops will be open until 8pm. There will be deals for eating and drinking, carol-singers will be in the High Street, and Father Christmas will join them at 6.30pm. You can take a picture with him in the snow; come and join the fun! With offers and discounts from the following

Count Arthur Strong - Is There Anybody Out There?

Old Fort, Seaview Art Gallery, Seaview Beauty Clinic, Seaview Hotel, and more!

December 17 until 8pm Seaview High Street, Seaview, PO34 5EX FREE

Revenge by Robin Hawdon

“A taut thriller full of twists and turns!” The Stage “Bill Crayshaw MP leads a charmed life, hailed in the corridors of Parliament, lauded in business, and loved at home. That is until he returns from a business trip to find his party agent has been killed in a terrible, tragic accident – or was it?

Various dates & times

WHAT’S ON AT THE CINEMA? RYDE

NEWPORT

SCREENING

SCREENING

21 Bridges

Last Christmas

An embattled NYPD detective (Chadwick Boseman), who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him.

After a series of bad decisions in the build-up to Christmas, Kate is ready to give up on the holiday season. But things could yet turn around when a handsome shopper crosses her path. Emilia Clarke, and Henry Golding star in this festive rom-com.

Frozen 2

Charlie’s Angels

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey.

Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally.

Knives Out

Jumanji: The Next Level

Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.

They thought their time in Jumanji was over, but when the gang get sucked back into the game, they realise nothing is the same and the nightmare has only just begun.

The Fureys

Legends of Irish music & song The Fureys, renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc return on Friday 28th February.

February 28 @ 7.30pm

BOOKINGS & INFO

01983 868000

www.shanklintheatre.com Sponsored By Wightlink

DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? LET US KNOW BY EMAILING NEWSDESK@IWOBSERVER.CO.UK

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6th December 2019

Hovertravel announces HoverRewards winners

Picture shows: HoverRewards Winners (from left to right) Mary Toms, Kerry Wherry, Dean Long, Lorry Middleton, Terri Frost, Chris Wood and Marie Armstrong.

Hovertravel has announced the winners of its internal awards scheme at a prizegiving ceremony at their Ryde headquarters. Thanks to the efforts of its staff, Hovertravel’s customer service has been recognised externally through independent reviews and awards schemes.

The HoverRewards scheme invited Hovertravel staff to nominate their colleagues and explain why their chosen team member deserved to be recognised.

These submissions were then assessed by a panel of third party experts who decided on three awards (Bronze, Silver & Gold) in each category. The results were: Unsung Hero Award, Gold – Chris Wood, Silver – Terri Frost, Bronze – Annie Harrison/Deb Ash (joint winners). Service Star Award, Gold – Lorry Middleton, Silver – Marie Armstrong,

Bronze – Dean Long. Graham Snow ‘Over & Above’ Award, Gold – Pat Sowerbutts, Silver – Mary Toms, Bronze – Kerry Wherry Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said: “Hovertravel is proud of the service provided by its staff and the reputation we have created for ourselves as the friendliest cross-Solent operator. We constantly monitor customers’ feedback given directly to ourselves and indirectly via review sites such as Trip Advisor, Google and Facebook. These results are discussed and acted on across all departments, including engineers, pilots, cashiers and crew.

"Our internal awards recognise and reward our star performers, re-enforcing our customer-focused culture and highlighting those individuals who are at the forefront of our customer service delivery."

Support for talented athletes available for 2020 season The Talented Athlete Programme sponsored discount scheme is now open for budding Island sporting stars. The Council’s sports unit is now accepting applications for the 2020 scheme, aimed at helping gifted sports people reach their full potential and achieve further success by providing discounted access to a whole host of services.

Talented athletes who meet the scheme’s criteria will also be able to use the Council’s leisure centres free of charge and receive discounts in selected local retailers, physio and chiropractic services, as well as discounted travel on Wightlink. Last year’s programme helped more than 70 athletes,

aged from eight to 80 representing 21 sports.

Lee Matthews, the Council's recreation and open spaces manager, said: “The scheme seeks to give support and encouragement to our home-grown sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages so they can achieve the very best they can without having to worry about the costs of using leisure facilities or travelling around the Island and to the mainland. I would urge our home-grown stars to take advantage of the scheme and I would also like to thank our sponsorship partners for coming on board again and helping us to continue to support Island future athletic stars.”

The Council is able to offer discounted Wightlink travel, free access to the council's 1Leisure facilities and discounts off sports equipment.

For young people currently competing at a Hampshire county level or above, the scheme provides support to access and train for top level competition within their chosen sport. The scheme offers the same support for adults who are representing England or Great Britain, and those who are recognised by their sport governing body as a potential talent.

The scheme has benefitted a number of sporting stars in the past including athletics

10,000 metres star, Jessica Andrews (now Martin), who competed at the Rio Olympics; hammer athlete Andrew Frost, who competed in both 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and Nicholas Percy, discus athlete who is currently Britain’s number two.

To check your eligibility against the current criteria and to obtain an application pack, please visit: www.iwight.com/sportsunit The application process closes on 2 February 2020 and the successful applicants will be notified in February. The scheme is applicable to Isle of Wight residents only.

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Ventnor visit for TV expert Former Bargain Hunt presenter and narrator of Antiques Road Trip Tim Wonnacott tweeted a picture of himself during a quick visit to 'wild, windy and wonderful' Ventnor.

The high profile 68-year-old TV presenter is also a chartered auctioneer, chartered surveyor and an antiques expert. He has also been a director of Sotheby’s, one of the world’s oldest auction houses.

Island Roads staff at the Needles Old Battery

Old Battery looking like new following smart paint job A team of Island Roads volunteers armed with paintbrushes headed to the Needles Old Battery to help the National Trust with their annual winter maintenance programme. For the fourth year running, Island Roads staff donated their time through the company’s volunteering scheme to support the National Trust in maintaining one of the Island’s most important historic sites.

The Needles Old Battery was built in 1862 to defend the western Solent from feared invasion by the French. This never materialised and the battery became known as one of ‘Palmerston’s Follies’, a reference to Lord Palmerston, the then Prime Minister, who ordered a major expansion of naval defences. The battery was however active during both World Wars before acquisition by the National Trust in 1975.

To keep the battery in good order and open to the public between March and October each year, the trust carries out a comprehensive maintenance programme and welcomes extra help from Island Roads. The team painted the Cartridge Store, Shell Store entrance, Royal Engineers Room and Northern Position Finding Cell. They also tackled the narrow underground tunnel leading to a searchlight room overlooking the Needles and as far away as Dorset on a clear day.

David Metcalfe, Property Operations

Manager for the National Trust, said: “We have a long list of jobs to do to preserve the fort’s history and keep it open to the public, so the support we receive from Island Roads is really welcome. Thousands head to the Needles Old Battery each year to learn about its fascinating history – and enjoy the spectacular views - so it is important we keep the site in good order. We would like to thank Island Roads for their continued support and hard work of their volunteers. We hope to see them again next year when we celebrate 125 years of the National Trust!”

As part of the Island Roads volunteering scheme, the company encourages employees to take two paid days off each year to support local good causes. Iain Thornton, Streetworks Manager at Island Roads, said: “Having visited the Old Battery as a paying customer in the past it was satisfying to return as a volunteer to support part of the Island’s heritage which is loved by visitors and residents alike. We’re lucky to be able to donate our time through the Island Roads volunteering scheme - it’s very rewarding to support organisations in our community in need of help.”

Although the Battery is currently closed to visitors, their 1940s-themed tea-room remains open throughout the winter, Thursday to Sunday 11am to 3pm and every day from Boxing Day to 5 January.

University of the third age comes of age on Island The new Isle of Wight University of the third age (U3A) will be open for people to sign up on General Election day, next Thursday at 2pm at St.John's Church Hall, St John's Road, Newport.

It is open to everyone who is retired or mainly not working. U3A is a selfhelp Educational Charity to encourage older people to continue to learn and to promote life long learning, their strap line is 'Learn Laugh Live!' Social interaction has proved to be a powerful weapon against loneliness and isolation.

This group facilitates social interaction.

Members can form groups to learn about anything that particularly interests them and resources are available to support this. Members meet in their own homes to keep the costs down. At a monthly meeting a Speaker is invited to address members. The first one is January 9, 2020, at 2pm at St.John's Church Hall, St. John's Road Newport when Mary Case will talk about bee keeping.

Dementia lecture at Drop-in Café The Island Neurological Network (INN) Drop-in Café is hosting a talk about neural imaging and dementia on Monday (Dec 9) from 2-3.30pm at the Newport

Methodist Church Hall, Quay Street, Newport.

The speaker will be Dr Angus Prosser, from Southampton University, talking about his research into neural imaging

and dementia. The INN is a peer support organisation that provides information and support to groups and individuals with neurological conditions. It is affiliated

with the Hampshire Neurological Alliance. The Café runs several times a year and is open to all. Free entry and refreshments.

Rotary thank supporters

Happy ending! Fishy

West Wight Rotary would like to thank all those who contributed to the Shoebox appeal.

They collected 273 shoeboxes that are being sent to Moldova, Romania and Montenegro for disadvantaged children.

Street collections are

Coastguard rescue teams from the Needles and Ventnor went to assist two people and two dogs who were over the cliff at Niton Undercliff on Monday evening. All were found safe and needed no assistance, so the Coastguards stood down.

being held in December in Yarmouth and Freshwater, and on Sunday (Dec 8) there will be a Lights of Love service at St.Agnes` Church, Freshwater Bay, at 6pm, with a Retiring Collection in aid of Mountbatten.

Free entry to military museum P.30

evening quiz A fish supper and fun quiz at the Old Fort pub in Seaview raised £145 for Age UK IW.

Crash in Lake Police and ambulance services were called to assist after a car crashed into a parked vehicle in Lake on Monday evening. The driver was unhurt and did not need to be taken to hospital.

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6th December 2019

Aldi and Home Bargains closed on Boxing Day

Novice rower completes 10-mile challenge

Home Bargains have announced they will be closed on Boxing Day as well as Christmas Day allowing their staff to enjoy a family day and they would not be losing a day's holiday. Aldi have now said they will

also be open until 6pm on Christmas Eve and be closed on Boxing Day, reopening on December 27 at 8am.

Shoppers commented on twitter, approving of the decision to be closed on Boxing Day.

Aspire to double celebration

Tom Wilkinson is 68 and has been rowing for less than a year, but to raise funds for Shanklin Age Concern he took on a 10-mile challenge. Ellen Robinson a personal trainer introduced Tom to indoor rowing at her fitness studio in Shanklin.

For months before he undertook his challenge, Tom trained on the rowing machine and with weights. The indoor rowing machine was transported from the Fitness Studio to Shanklin Age Concern and a number of friends and supporters took their seats to watch and cheer him on, clapping and singing rousing choruses of Row Row Row your Boat! He completed his row in less than an hour.

Aspire Kingdom Play at Dover Street, Ryde have opened a new soft play community facility. Trustees, volunteers and staff welcomed the charity patrons and children from Dover Park Primary School, and the ball pool, slide and three-storey soft play area were enjoyed by all the visitors. The Aspire Ryde patrons are Lady Sally Grylls, the

Bishop of Portsmouth, Michael Lilley, Ryde Mayor, and Gioia and Richard MinghellaGiddens.

The charity also formally accepted the keys to the building from the Bishop of Portsmouth following its transfer from the Church of England. Chief Executive Trevor Nicholas accepted the keys.

6th December 2019

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1. Slightly wet (4)

1. Going nowhere (4,4)

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9. What you wear (7)

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How to play

Sudoku

Chess puzzle

Crossword

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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.

4. Eventually done (4,2) 6. Whistling on stage (3,4) 7. Definite (4) 8. Platform used for crossing (6) 13. American that wants you (8) 15. Ape in the mist (7) 17. Buckingham (6) 18. Unethical money lender (6) 20. Lets go of or forgets (5) 22. Underneath (5) 23. Active Italian volcano (4)

Spot the winning move? White to play & mate in two moves. Puzzle kindly supplied

by John Wrench. To join a club email: chessplay@mail.com. Last weeks solution: 1. Bf8 Rxf8, 2. Ne7++ (if 1... Kxf8 then Qh8++)

Wordsearch Find the following names of lunar craters, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backwards and forwards ARISTARCHUS BAILLY CLAVIUS COPERNICUS FRA MAURO HUMBOLDT JANSSEN

For the answers to the crossword, see page 2.

Spot the differences

29

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures of Cowes Concert Band below?

LANGRENUS MAGINUS METIUS PICARD SELEUCUS STADIUS TYCHO

30

News

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6th December 2019

Free entry to Military Museum Nature Notes - so spice up your Christmas! Holly berries in abundance a big bonus for the birds If you are looking for something both interesting and educational to do during these dark December days, then you should be considering a trip to the Wight Military and Heritage Museum on the main Cowes to Newport Road.

It is not unusual to hear Islanders saying that they never visit any of our attractions, but until December 21 you’ve got no excuse, as all entrance fees will be waived and entry into the museum is totally free of charge.

The museum holds a wide range of tanks and other vehicles, small arms and uniforms from the 19th Century right up to the present day. Learn about what life was like on the front, and as you wander down their replica wartime street scene you can find out more about what life was like for ordinary people left at home and how human strength of spirit triumphed over adversity.

Guided tours are usually available from their ex-service volunteers, who with their

varied experiences and anecdotes, can really contribute to your enjoyment of the exhibits and displays.

When you’ve finished your tour you can enjoy refreshments in the on-site vintage tearoom Churchills.

And for a slice of history that is a little more up to date Spice Girls fans can get a selfie on the original Spice Bus from the 1997 Spice World movie.

In the film, the brightly-coloured, Union Jack-painted tour bus transported the Spice Girls around London, driven by a character called Dennis, played by Meat Loaf. At the end of the film, the bus was destroyed by a bomb, but as this was only heard off-screen, the real bus was thankfully unharmed.

Take advantage of this seasonal offer, so that next time Island visitors ask you what attractions are worth visiting you’ll be able to share some first hand experiences about this unique museum.

Carpentry project boost for College

Christ the King College in Newport has renovated its playground, thanks to a volunteering programme between home improvement retailer, Wickes, and social enterprise VIY (Volunteer It Yourself). A first for Wickes and VIY, 60 students from Years 8, 9 and 10 completed a carpentry project over three days.

The project improved an outdoor playground by building and painting new seating areas, including benches made out of recycled tyres, as well as creating planters. The programme was supported by the Wickes stores in Fareham, which donated all the tools and materials required, together with covering the cost of professional tradespeople to act as mentors on the ground.

Alan Dalton, Lead VIY Mentor said: “It’s been fantastic to work on our first

project on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The new outdoor playground looks fantastic and it’s been great to work with the students who have all been extremely driven on this task.

Plus they’ve all developed skills they’ll be able to use in the future.”

Eimear Fitzgerald, Head of Careers, at Christ the King College said: “We’ve been delighted to be the first project for VIY and Wickes on the Isle of Wight. We’re really grateful for all their help creating a lovely new outdoor space for students and teachers to enjoy.

It’s also given these students a chance to learn practical

skills they wouldn’t usually learn in the classroom.”

It’s a bumper year for holly berries, though Meridian TV’S eponymous weather girl Holly Green has been quick to dismiss the idea of this signalling a cold winter as ‘tosh’. Robins as well as blackbirds, redwings, fieldfares and thrushes eat them, but they are poisonous to people and pets, causing diarrhoea and drowsiness.

Many birds nest in holly as its prickly leaves provide protection. Since these are also slow to rot, hedgehogs, toads and slow-worms find they give excellent cover to hibernate in.

The Holly Blue butterfly is so called because holly is generally its favourite host plant on which to lay its eggs. And as it’s easy to trim holly is useful as a hedge plant, growing to such a density as to be quite impenetrable.

Holly may be firmly linked with Christmas (it also symbolises Jesus’s crown of thorns so ties in neatly with Easter too) but it is part of a winter tradition going much further back. In fact with holly as a decoration at this time of year we are mostly following pagan superstitions.

It used to be brought into the house, not to celebrate the birth of Christ but to guard it against ill-disposed faeries. Or at least allow them to take shelter within without causing too much trouble.

For extra protection you hung it around the door to trap malevolent spirits and it was not considered a good idea to fell a holly tree; just coppicing it to provide cattle fodder was allowed. Later on it

was unlucky to bring it indoors before Christmas Eve. Then there was the idea of holly (representing the male) and ivy (female) burnt together at the Celtic festival of Beltane which heralded the start of summer and involved fertility rituals and others to protect crops and cattle.

These observances lingered on until the mid-19th century, being taken over

by May Day revels, but have lately been revived in a few places as cultural events.

Judging from coins found in the South Wight Hoard and at Shalfleet, in the late Iron Age the Isle of Wight was occupied by the Celtic Durotriges tribe; since the Island is often said to have been the last outpost of paganism in the UK it would seem to be an ideal place to stage one of these.

The Romans had a lot of strange ideas about holly. Pliny said it’s flowers would freeze water and that if planted nearby repel poison and defend the home from lightning and witchcraft. Thus evolved, presumably, the old belief that a holly tree was a safe place under which to shelter from a storm (it isn’t).

Fusions of holly leaves were once given to sufferers of pleurisy, smallpox and rheumatism, while the juice of fresh leaves was said to be efficacious against jaundice. The famous 17th century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper reckoned the berries could cure colic, but they are a powerful purgative and swallowing just a few causes vomiting. So don’t try this at home.

Latest sport news P. 33

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Letters

@iwobserver

Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

31

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.

Fears for future of NHS Dear Editor, As an increasingly disillusioned Conservative and successful small business woman, I was very much a supporter of Margaret Thatcher and latterly Theresa May with her Brexit deal; however my fear is the way Boris Johnson wants to, ‘get Brexit done’, will result in us all being ‘done for’.

The only real winners I foresee will be the extremely wealthy and large multi-national corporations who are poised to exploit every commercial opportunity when the Party is returned with an overall majority.

Our Country’s financial reserves will be plundered, our money, taxpayers’ money siphoned out of the country by a series of

Where have all the General Election candidates been?

I’ve not seen a single General Election candidate out and about and we’ve had no-one of any national importance visit the Island. I didn’t even bother with the hustings last night; they’re pointless unless you heckle. If I had of gone, I’d have been the bloke at the back asking shouty questions.

I’m furious with Bob; it’s his fault that I can’t vote for the party of my choice at this election. I firmly believe that he’s incapable of understanding what the Island needs from its MP. Entitled Bob won’t care what I think, nor even that I won’t be voting for him because he knows that enough other people will.

Infuriatingly some will do so convinced that their vote is a vote to secure Brexit. In reality a Tory vote in this safe-seat constituency has no influence on Brexit, nor will it keep Jeremy Corbyn away from Downing Street. It won’t stop Jo Swinson cancelling Brexit either. If the Captain doesn’t win, I’ll eat my hat while dancing naked in St Thomas’s Square.

The thought of five more years of Seldom-Seen-Seely could make your heart sink; if so, you must vote for someone else, your voice can still be heard! A large Seely majority would be disastrous for the Island, because it will mean Bob concentrates on what he wants, not what we need.

When this election is over, people need to get to work on replacing him at the next election and, oddly, they could do so by joining the few hundred existing members of the IW Conservative Association. When the crusty’s hold their next AGM, members are able to do to Bob what some did to Andrew Turner; that is try and deselect him.

OK, I get it if people can’t stomach joining the Tory party - even to subvert it, so the alternative is to join another party and help someone build a reputation as MP in waiting.

Only party candidates have a realistic chance of success; Independents, however good, just don’t get the votes. This ‘getting to know you’ process is called ‘nursing the seat’ and it worked well for Bob, who for a few years had been a largely absent IW councillor. Vix Lowthian did a similar thing while living and working here too: she spoke to any issue and was widely reported.

Vix set a good example for any prospective parliamentary candidate but the Green party doesn’t yet command sufficient support to get over the line. In five years’ time, who knows, some of us could be underwater and inevitably far more receptive to her climate emergency message?

The Lib-Dems had the best chance of unseating Seely because only they have won here previously.

Sadly, their failure to pick a candidate and stick with him has been a disaster and their last-minute decision not to stand any candidate at all virtually assured the Tories victory.

As for the others, my best guess is that Jeremy Corbyn will pass quietly into political history on Friday the 13th; the far left of the party never could persuade enough people of their cause to win power.

That said, Julian Critchley can be proud of a good effort here. Darryl Pitcher is the man for real Brexit, while Karl Love seems a decent bloke too. Since you ask, my own vote this time will be for Carl Feeney’s feasibility study, because it needs doing.

“The thought of five more years of Seldom-SeenSeely could make your heart sink”

desperate trade deals.

I am extremely worried for our NHS, and how it will be adversely impacted by profit based health care companies swooping in to provide what inevitably will eventually become paired back care models in order to maximise company profits.

As someone who has worked hard all their life, now retired and living off finite savings I anticipate become considerably worse off with Boris’s post Brexit plans and the cost of services and produce going through the roof.

Austerity, yes is over, but I fear much worse is yet to come. It is a real worry.

Sue Prichard, Shanklin

Buy local - if you can!

Dear Editor, As a child in the 1960s I spent summer holidays on a dairy farm in Ryde.

There were over 300 of them here then, now there are less than a dozen. Our cows still produce around 20 million litres of milk a year, but most of this is transported to the mainland.

So the initiative of Paul Griffin and Mark Read to jointly market their output under the Wight Marque banner (November 29 issue) is welcome as it will encourage local people to buy local produce.

While you'll be able to find it at the Coop, much of the blame for the decline in dairy farming is down to the supermarkets which nationally have 85 per cent of the market share of food. Because of this virtual

monopoly farmers have had little choice but to accept lower prices and this has forced them out of business. As one remarked to me recently, it is ironic that milk is now cheaper than bottled water at these stores.

Buying locally makes sense for the ecologically-minded though - almost as much greenhouse gas is generated by moving food around than by all the power stations in the country. In that regard another source of local pride is the fact that over half the UK's organic tomatoes are IOW-grown.

Which is a step in the right direction as I heard last week on the radio that you have to eat 10 tomatoes today to obtain the amount of nutrients just one would provide in the 1950s.

D.V. Beardsley, Freshwater.

Police number promises just pie in the sky Dear Editor, I view the Tory promise to increase police numbers by 20,000 with a certain amount of incredulity, considering that they themselves have been responsible for the loss of just that number since coming to power nine and a half years ago. Bear in mind that most of these officers lost were rich in experience and were just not replaced when they retired.

Here is a quotation; not mine but from a reliable source: “Every year 10,000 Police Officers retire or resign and have to be replaced. Recruitment is problematic as only one in every ten applicants actually

becomes a Police Officer. The recent Police Superintendents Conference heard that in order for the government to get their 20,000 new police officers up to 500,000 people need to apply! Last year Staffordshire Police had a recruitment campaign which cost £3.3million. Their target was 69 new Constables but the result of the campaign was a net loss to the force of 44 officers! I notice that all the main parties are promising more police officers - that can only be achieved if in future our new police officers are underqualified and untrained.”

Yours Allan Neil, Shanklin

Remember community as you cast your vote Dear Editor, I fondly recall growing up as a child in the East End of London. My family, like many, were relatively poor, but we were happy living in a rich community where people supported and helped one another.

In the late 60s and 70s, stepping out into the world of work, I don’t recall hearing the word ‘unemployment’. If you didn’t like your job, you simply changed it, there was plenty of opportunity. I don’t recall food banks, and whilst one occasionally heard tragic stories, there certainly wasn’t an epidemic of young people self-harming, or increasing numbers committing suicide because they sadly saw little future.

Today’s ‘Me’ society, fed with numerous self indulgent virtual technologies, has led many to become disconnected from the real world, with human, and humane values. That said, a large proportion of the silent majority of my generation know in their heart of hearts what is important in life.

A largely thoughtful and generously spirited community, who despite what one might be led to believe, are not at odds with many of the aspirational values our younger generation hold, and who I hope, with reflection, will be casting their vote in the forthcoming General Election wisely and unselfishly.

Hans Bromwich, Cowes

newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

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Sport

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33

Sport Observer

By Peter White

Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club Scratch Knockout: Winner Les Webb; runner-up Ben Guy. Fox Cup Singles Knockout: Winner Robert Wheeler; runner-up Andy Warren.

Paul Hann Trophies Knockout: Winners Clint Bingham and Tony Williams; runners-up David Ames and Robert Gray Diamond Jubilee Foursomes Knockout: Winners Tony Williams and Shaun Williams; runners-up David Oldham and Graham Burgess.

Ladies nine hole Stableford: 1, Brenda Keyte 14; 2, Hazel Smith 12.

Open Stableford, Division 1: 1, Darren Wood 38 points; 2, David Oldham 38; 3, Tony Williams 36.

Division 2: 1, Kevin Stevenson 34; 2, Steve Barnes 33.

Monthly Medal, Gross: 1, George Foreman 77; 2, Tony Williams 80.

Net: 1, Derek Brown 72; 2, Tony Williams 73; 3, Andy Steel 73.

Osborne Golf Club Midweek Stableford: 1, Andy Taylor 39 ocb; 2, Peter Wright 39; 3, Les Snow 37..

Saturday Stableford Division 1: 1, David Cotton 37; 2, Nick Hunter 35, 3, Graham Daish 34.

Division 2: 1, Nigel Bowden 35; 2, Stephen Legg 32 ocb; 3, Lee Danson 32.

Division 3: 1, Paul Cates 36; 2, John Molyneux 35 ocb; 3, Bob Streets 35 Sunday Stableford: 1, Leigh Lipscombe 39 ocb; 2, Glenn Hall 39; 3, Andrew Hallam 37.

Newport Golf Club Thursday Stableford: 1, Mark Hancott (5) 38 points.

Saturday Stableford: 1, Yolande Farrer (6) 39 points.

Sunday Medal: 1, Simon Groundsell (27) 68net; 2, Matt Brailsford (7) 68; 3, Billy Makepiece (22) 70.

Cowes Golf Club Coleby: 1, (joint) Brian Rockliffe, Mike Ribeiro net 35; best gross: Viv Jenkins, Dave Rapley 44.

Pyrah Stableford Division 1: 1, Don Ventress 36points (ocb); 2, Paul White 36 (ocb); Andy Waters 36 (ocb).

Division 2: 1, Jonathan Butt 37 (ocb); 2, Sean Harrison 37; Chris Harris 35.

Ron Ryder Medal Round Two: 1, Keith Arnold net 66; 2, Ian Hobson net 68; Paul Young net 69.

Ryde Golf Club Ladies’ section Shortened Greensomes: 1, Lesley Whitter and Margaret Emans 29 points (ocb); 2, Sue Harrison and Trish Pitts. 29; 3, Brenda Reynolds and Lyn Brown 25.

Cowes & District Snooker League

Week 8

Ron Leleux and Bob Mortlock (centre) of the IW team

IW bowlers reach next round of National over 60s doubles The Isle of Wight Indoor Bowls Club took on Chawton Park from Alton in the second round of the Men’s National over 60s Double Rink, and comfortably reached the next round.

The rink playing at home of Alan Cawdell, Brian Taplin, Ron Leleux and Bob Mortlock led from the outset and never looked back to finish comprehensive winners by 19-7.

The rink playing away of Richard Jeffery, John Attrill, Peter Furmidge and Ian Morey made a good start and led by six shots to 0. The home four came back strongly, and went on to record an 18-15 win with Morey on the last two ends playing vital woods to keep the IW deficit to a minimum. The next round is on Tuesday at 10am against Victory, with an unchanged team.

This

season’s National Championships are in the early stages in the various competitions, with plenty of rounds for competitors to play to qualify for the National finals.

In the Men’s Pairs Darren Griffith and Jack Berry progressed to the next round by winning away 18- 6 against M. Asher’s duo but Bill and Allen Best did not do so as they were defeated at home by 24-6 by J. Garner’s pair. In the Men’s triples there were successes for the trios of Alan Cawdell, Darren Griffith and Jack Berry and also for Ryan Trigg, Paul Attrill and Allen Best. The former went through with a 26-5 home win over Gary Snook’s triples from Victory and the latter recorded a comfortable home win by 24-11 against Geoff Johnson’s triple from

Fixtures & match officials for Saturday (Kick-off 2pm unless stated) Wessex League, Premier Division Cowes Sports v Solent University (3pm)

Match of the week: J. Brett (-15), WC Con 111 v P. Brining (45), Con C 63

Wessex League, Division One Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Newport (3pm) East Cowes Vics v Romsey Town (3pm)

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

Hampshire FA Trophy Third Round

Highest break: R. Green (WC Con), 61 (twice).

BTC Soton v Northwood St John’s – Mainland Referee Brading Town v Winchester Castle – Matt Sainsbury Fawley AFC Reserves v West Wight – Mainland Referee Frimley Select v Binstead & COB – Mainland Referee Shanklin v Folland Sports Reserves – John Hopkinson Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Hayling Island – Brian Hayward

Lib A WC Con Con C Lib C Con B Con A

P W

L

F

8 8 8 8 8 8

24 25 27 29 29 34

2940 3200 2952 3025 2854 2750

32 31 29 27 27 22

Gold Cup draw

A 2693 3124 3084 2884 3003 2933

Diff

Pts

247 76 -132 141 -149 -183

32 31 29 27 27 22

The IW Senior (Gold) Cup second round draw, sponsored by Harwoods DACIA: Northwood St John’s v East Cowes Sports Binstead & COB v Bembridge Byes: Brading Town, Pan Sports/ West Wight Dates to be announced.

Hampshire FA Vase Third Round Bishops Waltham Dynamos Res v Whitecroft & Barton Res – Mainland Referee Burrfields v Adgestone – Mainland Referee Carisbrooke United Reserves v Compton Reserves – Richard Mcfarlane FC Strawberry v Seaview – Mainland Referee Newchurch v Wymering – Andy Doncaster Newport Reserves v Hook – Keyson Colebrook Northwood St John’s Reserves v Niton Community – Chris Cass

Chawton Park.

In the Men’s fours Alan Cawdell, Paul Dickinson, Darren Griffith and Jack Berry played away against Snook’s quartet. It was a close match until the final stages when the Island rink took command and finished with a 16-9 victory. In the Men’s singles Griffith, playing away from home took on Chris Daniels of Bournemouth, with the home player who progressing 21-13.

In the Ladies’ National Singles Anne Bernard went through to the next round with a 21-15 home win over J. Williamson. The Ladies’ A and B play their second round matches in the Mason Trophy today (Fri) at noon. The A team take on Dolphin, and the B side play Bournemouth.

West Wight Reserves v Oakfield – Ian Gordon Hampshire FA Plate Second Round Cowplain v Brading Town Reserves – Mainland Referee Horndean United v Niton Community Reserves – Mainland Referee Osborne Coburg Reserves v CK Andover Reserves Andy King Renegades 1 v AFC Wootton Reserves – Mainland Referee Ryde Saints Reserves v Silchester Village or AFC Berg – Ben Orton Sandown Reserves v Osborne Coburg – Stephen Todd IOW Challenge Cup First Round Bembridge v Carisbrooke United – Arron Tree Harwoods Renault League Division One Pan Sports v Sandown – Dave Jukes Ryde Saints v East Cowes Sports – Referee TBA Ventnor v Cowes Sports Reserves – Steve Raybould Division Two Vectis v AFC Wootton – No Referee Yarmouth & Calbourne v East Cowes Vics Reserves – No Referee Combination One East Cowes Sports v Binstead & COB – No Referee Oakfield v Shanklin – No Referee

34

Sport

www.iwobserver.co.uk

Pratt leads charge as Ryde stay top Ryde continue to dominate Division One of the Leslies Motors Indoor Cricket League as they easily overcame Brading in their latest game at Cowes Enterprise College, with a reminder this Sunday’s action switches to Rew Valley Sports Centre, Ventnor.

Brading’s bowlers could not prevent another Ryde batting onslaught as Dave Pratt (42 no), Mark Oatley (32 no) and 33 from Josh Proctor took Ryde to 147-4. A stubborn 33 from Rob Holdcroft put up some resistance but Brading, 76 all out, fell to a 71-run defeat.

EPP hit the highest Division One score of the season so far as they overcame bottom side Island Bakeries by 51 runs. Ali Wheble (53 no) continued his fine form with the bat as EPP smashed their way to 177-4, Matt Webb the IWfought Observer: takingE-mail 3-27. Bakeries hard with not out scores for Ellis Ridett (25), Tom Wells (25) and Tony Cook (28) sport@iwobserver.co.uk but tight bowling at the end of the innings kept them to 126-2.

With no game for Ryde 2, Ryde School took over top position in Division Two following a comfortable 71run win over Prison Officers. The School struck 151-4, mainly thanks to Will Mew 35 and Ali Wheble (39 no).

Chris Earley (3-38) bowled well but his Officers side could then only score 80 all out in reply.

Cowes are also in contention as they maintained their unbeaten run with a comfortable 83-run victory against Shanklin & Godshill 2. Josh Rice and Jack Summers both hit 26 not out, with 25 not out from

Family affair as Joel and David lift trophy David Tarry and Joel Tarry were Westridge Golf Club’s December Trophy 2019 winners with a score of 54 net. They finished just ahead of Jeff Foster and Barry Harbert (55 net) with Geoff and Rose Budd (56 net) in third place. Father and son David and Joel are seen with the Westridge Club captains.

Other results: Stableford, Division 1: 1, Chris

Royal 33 points; 2, Bob SinghBansi 33; 3, Gareth Jones 32 Division 2: 1, Derek Allen 38; 2, Clive Martin 34; 3, Tony Jennings 33.

Medal, Division 1: 1, Gordon Debenham 55; 2, Rob Hodgkinson 58; 3, Sam Rogers 60.

Division 2: 1, Christine Hodgkinson 60 ocb; 2, Dennis Wilson 60; 3, Alan Harnett 62.

Jason Heap took Cowes to 161-2. Jason Heap took 3-10 as Cowes restricted the Westhill side to just 78-5 in reply. Northwood 2 hit 145-3 to gain their first win of the season when they overcame the Cricket Board’s Disability Team (78-2) by 67 runs. Dave Cooper hit 25 not out for Northwood 2 and Jaydon Frankling was undefeated on 26 for the Disability side.

Leading Positions: Division One Ryde 1 EPP Brading Northwood 1

P 4 4 4 3

W 4 3 2 1

Pts 77 54 42 38

Division Two Ryde School Ryde 2 Cowes Shanklin & Godshill 2

4 3 3 4

3 3 3 2

60 55 54 42

On Sunday (Dec 8) at Rew Valley Sports Centre, Ventnor the games are: 5pm, Northwood 2 v Cowes (Div 2); 6pm, Northwood 1 v Ryde 1 (Div 1); 7pm, Ventnor v Ryde 2 (Div 2) 8pm, Island Bakeries v Shanklin & Godshill 1 (Div 1); 9pm, Prison Officers v Newport (Div 2).

Hilliam star as Vics A grab draw with Raiders The Isle of Wight Table Tennis League match of the week saw Division One rivals Newport Vics A and Ryde Raiders share the points from a 5-5 draw. The three Premier League players of the Raiders, Martin Johnstone, Tim Giles and Rob Smith, met their match against Newport’s top team. Newport’s David Hilliam was player of the match as he managed three wins out of three, but his game against Ryde’s Martin Johnstone went to five sets, and was a nail biting thriller full of long rallies and superb attacking and defensive play. Johnstone was the unluckiest player of the night losing another

6th December 2019

five setter against Newport’s Paul Freeborn by the narrowest of margins.

In Division Two, second placed Havenstreet Locos drew with Rookley A, with Rookley’s Carl Rye on top form, defeating Havenstreet’s Ian Loosemore in five sets, pushing Loosemore down to second place in the players’ averages. There was also a close match between Ryde teams Red Kites and Rascals which ended 6-4 to the Rascals, with the Rascals’ John Featherstone player of the match.

In the Division Three battle at the top, Ryde Revellers met favourites for the title St Lawrence Lizards, and

it was a thrilling tight match which ended 5-5 and put the Revellers to the top of the table with one more match to play in the first half of the season. Results: Division One: Ryde Royals 8, Havenstreet Hooters 2; Newport Vics A 5, Ryde Raiders 5.

Division Two: Rookley A 5, Havenstreet Locos 5; Ryde Red Kites 4, Ryde Rascals 6; Newport Vics C 10, Newport Vics D 0; Ryde Raptors 1, Shanklin B 9.

Division Three: Ryde Revellers 5, St Lawrence Lizards 5; Ryde Rustics 9, Wootton Wombles 1; Ryde Rockets 3, Ryde Rebels 7; Ryde Rackets 10, Ryde Ramblers 0.

Turner’s smart actions give Elsa line honours The Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s frostbite cruiser race proved dramatic, with a near miss as a gust nearly forced Elsa onto the race box, only missed by quick actions from Elsa’s skipper Chris Turner.

Meanwhile, Nigel Talbot’s trimaran, Sanity snagged a line which destroyed her rudder, which left her at the mercy of the wind and sea.

The Trimaran was brought under control and back to the Creek, with a despondent crew adjourning to the bar. The cruiser class showed fine seamanship with Elsa taking line honours.

The Squib class had their fair share of drama with forestays (Lizwhizz) and outers (Firestreak) working loose or breaking. The start line looked good for Rhapsody (Steve Warren Smith and crew) but Osprey (Chris Gear and Sue McLaughlin) eased off and powered through the waves to a lead which they kept the whole race.

Teenagers Charlotte Andrews and Charlotte Osborne were ready to race in their Feva in but as the dinghy race was cancelled, they were asked to help race officer, Martin Harrison out on the Start Box. The final race of this year’s Frostbite series on Sunday, December 15, followed by RVYC’s annual prize-giving event, and mince pies and mulled wine, with carols from 6pm.

6th December 2019

iwobserver

Sport

@iwobserver

Bubbly and mince pies for Graeme

35

Beards bristle to see off 3 agents Yarmouth Sailing Club’s end-ofseason Bubbly and Mince Pies race saw six Scows, a Feva and a Laser start virtually line abreast.

Niall Wallace rounded first as inside boat but a gust retarded the gybe, letting Graeme Bowen and John Smith through to vie for the lead.

Alan Toms and Derek Morris were also in close contention, but at the

finish it was Graeme, then John and Alan. Brian Locke in his laser was fifth on corrected time.

Six scows, a feva and a Seastart braved the chilly easterly breeze for the November Winter Series. In race one, Niall got the best start but was out-manouvered by Graeme and John, and Graeme held first position with John second and Niall third.

In race two, Niall initially led but was soon overhauled by Derek. John led the beat back with Derek second until overhauled by Graeme and finally by Niall. The final order was John, Graeme and Niall. The Seastart, with Issac Sullivan, Joy Mowles Anette and Kirsty Scivier, did well coming seventh on corrected time.

The game of the week in basketball’s Little 3 League saw the 3 wise beards defeat the 3 agents by seven points, 33-26, despite being without a couple of their regular players. They were helped by some fine shooting from young Jack Evans.

Tom Porter of 3 agents began the match hot, hitting a few layups and a three-pointer to match the more experienced beards.

As the game progressed the extra hustle of Callum Graham of 3 wise beards took its toll on their younger opponents, as

he disrupted play with steals and offensive rebounds which led to extra opportunities for his team. Jack Evans made the most of these opportunities by hitting outside shots with the extra possessions, and finished with 19 points. Gideon Flack top scored for the 3 agents with 10 points.

Results: Tres amigos 33, triple aged spread 18. 3 rising reds 33, 3upbobbyshmurda 22. Try Hard Trilogy 33, Three-Bound 11. 3 wise beards 33 - 3 agents 26.

Mixed fortunes for Ventnor Bowling Club with Ladies B promoted but C relegated Ventnor Bowling Club had a mixed season with the Ladies B team gaining promotion to Division One and the Men’s B team and men’s E team just missing out on promotion in their respective leagues. The Ladies C team were relegated to Division Three.

At the recent annual Dinner and Presentation evening the following players were successful:

Morris; runner-up Susan HeatonWatts.

Veteran’s Cup: winner George Gray; runner-up Roger Smith.

Centenary Cup: winner John Walker; runner-up Roger Booth.

Australian Pairs: winners Sheila Arnott & John Biddle; runners-up Liz Pearce & Roger Booth.

Summer

Mixed Triples: winners Liz Pearce, Tony Hornby & John Biddle; runners-up Richard Wyatt, Pauline Smith & David Stead

Mens Club Champion: winner Tony Morgan; runner-up Derek Venier.

2018/2019 Indoor Winter Mixed Competitions and Leagues:

2019 Outdoor Competitions:

Ladies’ Club Champion: winner Liz Pearce; runner-up Annie Morris.

Men’s Pairs: winners Keith Bishop & Derek Venier; runners-up John Hutchinson & Geoff Holmes.

Men’s Two-woods: winner John Hawkes; runner-up John Walker.

Ladies’ Two-woods: winner Susan Heaton-Watts; runner-up Rose Holmes.

Men’s 100-up: winner David Stead; runner-up Derek Venier.

Ladies’ 100-up: winner Susan Heaton-Watts; runner-up Carol Venier.

Men’s Handicap: winner John Walker; runner-up Roger Smith.

Ladies’ Handicap: winner Annie

Singles: winner Colin runner-up David Stead.

Beavis;

Pairs: winners John Walker & Richard Wyatt; runners-up Liz Pearce & John Hawkes.

Triples: winners Angie Parsons, Colin Beavis & John Walker; runners-up Liz Pearce, Bette Wearing & Roger Smith.

Australian Pairs: winners Liz Pearce & John Hawkes; runnersup Susan Heaton-Watts & Martin Hatton.

Daytime Triples League: winners Liz Pearce (Capt.), Phil Pearce, John Hawkes & John Biddle.

Evening Fours League: winners John Walker (Capt.), Keith Hockney, Nick Parsons, John Arnott & Mark Morris.

Ventnor ‘B’ men’s team. Back row, (left to right): Jim Simpson, John Hawkes, Roger Booth, Keith Bishop, Wayne McClure (Vice-Captain) & John Wright. Front Row, (left to right): Richard Wyatt, John Lines, John Hutchinson, Colin Beavis (Captain), Duncan Gayler & Ted West. (The other member of the 13-man squad this year was John Biddle who was on holiday).

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6th December 2019

Isle of Wight Road Runners out in force at Portsmouth A group of Isle of Wight Road Runners competed in the Victory 5-mile race at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth. It was the fifth race of the season in the Hampshire Running League with over 850 athletes taking part.

The IW Road Runners Men’s A team were Simon Pilcher 26th in 27.26 (personal best); Ross Wilkes 36th in 27.38 (also personal best); Gary Sharp 205th in 33.49 and Simon Paul 218th in 34.02 In the Ladies A team Jodie Wilmott was 20th female in 33.25 (personal best); Judy McCabe was 125th female in 40.32 and Karen Phillips was 144th female in 41.32.

There were also PBs achieved

by James Shoulder 38.16, Bridget Keyte 46.31 and Sue Hunter 46.49.

Hurricanes all smart and ready for action A new sponsor has emerged from the pack to fund new kit and training gear for Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club.

The Hurricanes have been enjoying success on pitch this season, and now the players will be looking the part too. The new kitwear has been funded by new Isle of Wight company, Outdoor Living Solutions (OLS).

Wayne Williams, who runs OLS, has been connected to The Hurricanes since joining the club aged seven, going on to play rugby in national leagues across the country.

Wayne, who still plays for The Hurricanes and set up OLS last year, said: “My dad played rugby and that got me into it as a youngster. I have always supported The Hurricanes and I want to help the club as much as I can become established in the higher leagues. I feel it brings even more professionalism to the club, which it deserves.”

OLS have provided 45 new tracksuits, warm up gear kit and playing kit.

League action returns tomorrow (Sat), with Sandown & Shanklin 1st XV making the trip over to Havant RFC 2nd XV, while the Sandown & Shanklin 2nd XV host Winchester Knights at The Fairway, Sandown.

Late Cole try earns Vectis excellent win Vectis under-14 RFC round off their 2019 matches, showing they can match Hampshire’s finest with a last-gasp 1712 victory over Kings School, Winchester.

They began well with McCann marshalling the pack and the tight five of Giemza-Pipe, Takel, Mundell, Damp and Lawal-Rieley in dominant mood. A neat offload to man of the match Jeffery enabled plenty of yardage as Vectis found themselves in the Kings 22. But Kings rallied and heroic defending by Lucy, Jackson, Rollason and Douglass nearly

kept them out, but a flowing set piece switch enabled their large pacey fullback back to split the defence and touch down for a converted score before half time.

The second half started off poorly as Vectis conceded another score for 12-0 down. But a great turnover by Rollason, which earned the play of the day award, allowed the ball to land to Giemza-Pipe who powered over to get Vectis onto the scoresheet 12-5.

Vecos went toe to toe with Winchester, emphasised by constant pressure

enabling T Cole to pick up at the base of a five-metre scrum and power over down the blind side. This was converted from a tight angle by Martin to bring the score back to 12-12. Winchester always looked dangerous and it took constant tackling by the whole squad to keep them at bay, however it was left to the last minute for the winning score. Another Vectis scrum superbly controlled by the pack, allowed T Cole to burst off the back and cover the last few metres.

Six of the best for Mark to retain Bailey Bowl A fleet of 23 Bembridge Sailing Club Illusions had some great racing for this season’s Bailey Bowl. However, despite best efforts, not even his wife Jo could stop Class Captain Mark Downer retaining the Trophy by winning all six races.

On opening day the first race got away to a clean start. Mark led through the gap and was soon well ahead by the windward mark; Mike Toogood was second with Robin Ebsworth and Jo Downer not far behind. Downer extended

The Downers (centre and right) with Bill Daniels

his lead over the next two rounds leaving the chasing fleet to battle for places. Bill Daniels, out for his first race of the season, found some extra pace and took second, ahead of Jo Downer.

The second race started with Downer again powering himself into the lead and never looked under any pressure. Toogood was second after the first round and despite pressure from Jo Downer and Colin Simonds, also out for the first time this season; he held his nerve to finish second.

It was gusting around 19 knots at the start of the third race so credit to the beginners at the back of the fleet, who all managed to get over the line safely. Downer again led throughout with Daniels closest behind.

The following day saw a brisk North-Easterly breeze which again ruled out racing outside the harbour. Downer rapidly climbed up to second and began to hunt down his wife Jo, who had established a comfortable lead. She was still ahead after two and a half rounds but he was just too strong on the final short beat and finished half a boat length ahead.

In the fifth race Downer’s white spinnaker was first to appear, but the chasing fleet thought that they

might be in with a chance when it became clear he had a problem and would be limited to him using his genoa for the second and third runs. However, it was not to be and Downer took his fifth win ahead of Daniels.

The final race followed a similar pattern, with Downer ahead, and having sorted out his spinnaker between races, he soon established

an unbeatable lead. By the time they reached the windward mark for the fourth time to finish, Jo Downer took second and Daniels was third.

After two excellent days racing, the Downers were one and two with Bill Daniels third and Mike Toogood fourth. It’s the club’s Christmas Cracker event on December 14 and 15.

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Dressage to music as tribute to Peggy Lake Farm played host to a fun evening of dressage to music in memory of Peggy Vanassche who sadly passed away in July. All the usual dressage rules were thrown out of the window and competitors were encouraged to do whatever they wanted!

The standard was really high and a lot of time had been spent on floor plans, music and costumes. Themes included Mary Poppins, Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs, an 80s team mix, Frozen, Harry Potter, Shrek and the Greatest Showman, to name but a few.

A lively judging panel awarded marks to each entrant and rosettes, sponsored by Wight Motors, were awarded to everyone.

All proceeds are to be donated

Peggy Vanassche to the Mountbatten Hospice and it is hoped this amount will exceed ÂŁ500.

Pictures by Keith Pollard

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Brading maintain pressure on league leaders W&B Whitecroft & Barton and Brading continued their battle for the IW League, Division one title, by collecting three more points apiece.

But leaders W&B did not have it all their own way against Shanklin before goals from Ash Gulliver and Josh Appell earned them a 2-1 win. It was far more comfortable for Brading who knocked five without reply past Bembridge.

Despite their defeat, Shanklin remain third, but are coming under pressure from Northwood St John’s who beat Ryde Saints by the odd goal of five. There were also Division One wins for Cowes Sports Reserves, 7-1 against ECS; Sandown, 6-0 over Carisbrooke, and Binstead and COB, 3-0 at Ventnor.

Oakfield continue to set the pace in Division Two with their 100 per cent record still intact. They secured a 4-0 success over Newport Reserves whose youngsters finished the game with just eight players after late withdrawals and injuries, including Caleb Charlesworth going off with a head injury.

W&B Reserves have ECS Reserves breathing down their necks at the top of Combination One, while Vectis hold a one-point advantage over Pan Sports Reserves at the top of Combination Two.

Woodburn picks up positives despite disappointing defeat East Cowes Vics 0 United Services Portsmouth 3

Sean battles to second place at Corfe Castle Wight Tri member Sean Williams took on the Rempstone Roast MTB off-road triathlon, held near Corfe Castle, Swanage. It was a cold chilly start, for the two 2.3 mile runs and 11.5 mile bike course, with the bike course taking place on exposed heathland.

Sean completed the first run in 15:38 and in fourth position, 43 secs behind the leader, even with taking it easy with a calf strain. Using his new 29er MTB bike, Sean posted the second fastest bike split of 35:23 and was soon into second place on the final run. A solid run of 16:40, saw Sean finish in second place overall, just 61 secs behind the winner, in 1 hour 7mins 40 secs.

Cowes bow out of Hants Senior Cup Cowes Sports 1 Totton and Eling 4 Cowes Sports bowed out of the Hampshire Senior Cup in midweek to a team languishing near the bottom of the Wessex League, Division One. But manager Max Draper will not be too dismayed at the defeat, as he opted to give some of his younger players an opportunity to feature in the tie, and he is still concentrating more on lifting the Yachtsmen away from the Premier Division relegation zone. Without regular keeper Ed Hatt, Draper put Fraser Law in goal, and despite conceding four, he performed well.

Totton and Eling went in at the break leading 1-0, and they scored twice more early in the second period to put the tie out of reach. Conor White scored a consolation for the home side, who also suffered a penalty miss by James Wykes.

Vics manager Richie Woodburn reckoned a 3-0 scoreline in favour of a US Portsmouth team that are now top of the Wessex League, Division One table somewhat flattered the mainland outfit.

Woodburn admitted: “We conceded a sloppy goal in the first five minutes which did not help our cause, but overall I don’t think it was the comfortable ride they were perhaps expecting. We had chances in the first half that we should have taken, then right on the stroke of half time, they scored again with a deflected shot that went into the top corner, with our keeper helpless.

“But, as I said to the lads, in matches like this you either win or learn. We have a very young side, so I need to see if they do learn. There were a couple of times we looked to be in a threatening position, and play was pulled up for offsides, even though they didn’t look it to me. You need those marginal calls to go for you, because you know you are going to be up against it against a team like that.”

He added: “To be honest, they are going for the title and we are scrapping for out lives, and after about an hour their physicality and fitness levels told, and we were hanging on. Their play and inter-changing did run us ragged at times.

“But all our lads know that is an aspect of our game we need to work on. Even so, until they scored a late goal we were still in the game. If we had scored that third goal rather than them, we could well

have taken something from it.

“But I am not too disappointed because they are the top scorers in the division, and until a couple of weeks ago we had conceded the most goals. We just need to be more clinical, but there were some positives to take.”

Vics are at home to Romsey Town tomorrow (Sat), a side currently 12th in table, and Woodburn said: “I am looking to take something from this game, because if we can get a couple of wins under out belts we could jump up four or five places in the table.”

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Yachtsmen take a point as Hatt sees red - and black!

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Fleet Town 2 Cowes Sports 2 Cowes Sports continued their steady climb towards safety in the Wessex League, Premier Division with a valuable point from a game steeped in controversy, which saw them down to nine men at one stage.

Keeper Ed Hatt was sent off in the dying minutes when he retaliated after being punched in the face by a Fleet player.

Both were shown a straight red, but Yachtsman manager Max Draper said: “I felt it was very harsh on Ed. He just seemed to be trying to get the player away from him, and even ended up with a black eye, but it is what it is.”

Central defender Morgan Perrin had to take over in goal for the Yachtsmen, who also lost Conor White, when he was sin-binned late on for 10 minutes for a separate offence. Despite Perrin’s determination between the posts, Fleet equalised barely a minute before the final whistle.

Draper admitted: “I was a bit gutted, because I felt we should have won it, but then they grabbed an equaliser deep in stoppage time. However, a point is still good away from home, and I have to say our young central defender Mitch Ricketts had an outstanding game, as did Morgan Perrin and Ashley Brett. Mitch is only 17, and was playing his first Wessex League game against a giant striker, and he was superb.”

The Island side went ahead through Nash, and after Fleet got back on terms Mcenery’s effort looked to be good enough to secure all three points, before the hosts scored their late leveller.

The Yachtsmen take on Solent University at home tomorrow (Sat) and victory would see them open up a fivepoint gap over their opponents. Draper added: “We have positivity in the squad at the moment, and we have to keep that going. We know we need to win the games against teams around us in the table, and if we can open up a gap over Solent it could see us on our way to securing the mid-table position I have been talking about.”

Picture by Paul Wyeth

Record breaking Sharp raises awareness Continued from back page

Yachtsman goalscorers Ji Nash (above) and Michael Mcenery (below)

Newport fourgoal burst keeps them on track Whitchurch United 1 Newport 4

Chance to become Island football ref The Hampshire FA are to hold an extra referee training course on the Island in the spring, recognising the acute shortage of officials for local junior matches.

Each week a number of matches are without qualified referees, and sometimes as many as five or six games go uncovered.

The dates for the course are Wednesday, February 12, 6.30pm

to 8pm; Saturday, February 15, and Sunday February 16, practical from 10am to 4pm; Saturday, February 22 practical from 10am to 4pm; Wednesday, February 26, workshop from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Wednesday April 22, exam from 6.30pm.

The venue will be the Isle of Wight Community Club rooms, Park Road, Cowes. The course fee is £120-00,

climate change targets.

“We need to start introducing these technologies and replace fossil fuel systems in order to reduce harmful air pollutants.

Inshore and commuting ferries would be a good start, and where levels of air pollution such as in Southampton are too high and hazardous to the health of local communities. Clean technologies exist now that can improve the quality of the air we breathe, change can and needs to happen now.”

Renowned specialist in low carbon shipping and Associate

Professor at UCL Energy Institute Dr Tristan Smith said: “Zero emission technology and fuel is an inevitable and rapidly approaching future for shipping.

This voyage and this design effort is an excellent example of our need to put zero emission power and propulsion systems in ships and boats, so that experience can be gained about how to further optimise weight, space, safety and cost, and bring these solutions closer to implementation across all ship sizes.”

The World Sailing Speed Record Council’s official confirmation of the record will be announced in the coming weeks.

but the IW Saturday League will reimburse £50 on completion of seven 11 v 11 adult games, and a referee’s ‘all in’ match fee is £33 per game.

All interested should contact Andy Moisey or Declan Hellyer at Hampshire FA Referee Dept, or John Hopkinson, Andy King or Callum McFarlane of the IW Area Referees Committee.

Having seen their Wessex League, Division One position drop following the withdrawal of Pewsey Vale from the league, Newport wasted no time in reasserting their push for a top six place.

Port beat Pewsey earlier in the season, but those three points have been taken away, as have all the points gained by other clubs against the Wiltshire club.

But this comprehensive win against Whitchurch certainly lifted Newport spirits, with manager Andy Sampson saying: “The lads played really well and in the end it was a comfortable win.

We went in at half time 2-1 up, and then added two more goals quickly, which helped us cruise to victory. Every time we went forward we looked threatening, and we might have had a few more goals.

“We had a few players unavailable, so we went over there with only 12 in the squad,

and although Jacob Reynolds picked up an injury, we still had out only substitute available, which was fortunate. But with any more injuries we could have been struggling.”

Sampson added: “Overall it was a good win, but now we have go to do it again this weekend at Bemerton Heath Harlequins, which will be a tough one. They have a lot of players with Southern League experience, so it is going to be a big test.”

Newport were in front against Whitchurch inside nine minutes when Connor Kelly’s cross was converted by Jared Cousins.

Although the home side levelled in the 39th minute, Port restored their lead just before the break with Reynolds heading in from close range.

The Island outfit put the game virtually out of reach in the opening minute of the second period thanks to a fine solo effort from Liam Triggs, before Connor Kelly scored the goal of the game, flashing in a superb shot from well outside the penalty area.

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This week’s highlights...

By Peter White

Cricket

Pratt leads charge as Ryde stays top

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Bowling

Mixed fortunes for Ventnor 35

Darts ace Keegan warms up for shot at World title!

Isle of Wight darts ace Keegan Brown will be stepping up to his ‘home oche’ tonight (Fri) for The 1Leisure Isle Of Wight Professional Darts Masters, at Medina Theatre, Newport, in association with Isle of Wight Radio.

Keegan, 27, is hoping it will be the perfect warm-up for his tilt at glory in the PDC World Championships at Alexandra Palace which start on December 13. His first match in the prestigious event will on December 21.

Meanwhile, tonight’s event promises to be a stern test for Keegan, with Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, former Players Champion Paul Nicholson, PDC title winner Jonny Clayton and legendary darts entertainer Bobby George among the opposition.

Keegan, from Newport, is a former World Youth Champion, is now ranked number 26 in the PDC Order of Merit. Speaking about tonight showdown, he said: “It’s great that we are able to have professional darts here on the Island.

It’s sure to be another fantastic night. It will be great to play against some of the local crowd - no heckling allowed though - and then the competition with the other professionals.”

Keegan combines his professional darts playing with his job at Newport’s St Mary’s Hospital, where he works in the Blood Sciences laboratory. He said: “I love playing darts and I enjoy my day job at the hospital so I have the best of both worlds. It can be tough at times, especially with the travelling I have to do, but I love working for the NHS.” With one eye already on Alexander Palace, he added: “There will be a lot of practice and long hours on the dart board making sure I am ready to go for the PDC World Championship.Who knows, this year could be mine!”

For tickets for 1Leisure Isle of Wight Professional Darts Masters, call (01983) 823884.

Sharp breaks record and raises awareness for maritime clean energy Picture by Paul Wyeth

British yachtsmen Phil Sharp has set a new record for single-handed monohull up to 40-ft for the Around Isle of Wight aboard Class 40 race boat OceansLab, subject to ratification by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, Sharp, now a triple world-record holder, crossed the start line for the record attempt off the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes and completed the circumnavigation, subject to official ratification, in a record five hours, five minutes and four seconds, averaging a speed of 9.8 knots, or 18.1 kilometres per hour.

The time to break was established in 2017 at six hours, 29 minutes and 32 seconds by Alex Alley aboard Class 40 Pixel Flyer. Sharp adds this to his two existing records, the crewed Around Great Britain and Ireland, and the single-

handed Cowes-Dinard.

The 38-year-old said: “It feels fantastic to now have three world records. This was a very cold, fast, adrenaline packed sprint. My objective was to aim for five hours, which was always going to be tricky when dealing with gusty conditions solo and at times today the gusts really were quite severe, which kept me on my toes.

“This record was about raising awareness for the need to accelerate clean energy innovation in the maritime sector. OceansLab is a platform demonstrating vital and scalable clean technologies like solar, battery, electric and fuel cell systems that can be embraced to decarbonise the sector. Industry targets need to be accelerated to better fall in line with

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