Isle of Wight Observer 14

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Sea eagles set for Island return 18

BBC captures Floating Bridge woes 11

Friday 9th November 2018 Issue No.14

Please pick up your copy

Phoenix from the flames: pet centre will rise again Charlie Moore, aged 3.

Island ready for a special weekend Charlie Moore and his mum, 22-year-old Chloe Wallace, from Newport, were sporting their poppies after contributing to the Royal British Legion appeal in Morrisons.

“He has been desperate for me to buy him a poppy,” said Chloe. “And it’s for such a good cause.”

The IW Observer today features some of the best of the preparations to mark the centennary of the 1918 Armistice which got underway in the days before Sunday’s official commemoration.

Poppy Special Pet centre staff Amy Brewer, left, and Becky Wall with Sooty the rabbit and Cleo the chameleon. A fish tank destroyed in the blaze (inset).

Full story

In your Observer...

Jobs

Your life changing career move could start here 39

Going Out

Your guide to Theatre, Cinema, Eating out & more 30

2,3

See pages 23 - 25

Sport

All the Island’s up to date coverage 48

9th November 2018

Inside your Observer...

News

Island court special 4

Totland manhunt 12

Features

Focus on Island adoption 20

Lifestyle

Walking with dinosaurs 32

Entertainment

Essential info for days out 30

Jobs

Plot your next career move 39

Brolly, the much loved cockatoo, perished in the fire...his blackened cage, right.

Services

Vital numbers on tap 37

Sport

Lee Probert’s week of hell 48

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on: 01983 214264 Email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk Facebook: @iwobserver Twitter: @iwobserver YouTube: Isle of Wight Observer

Address: Suite 4, 17 Thomas House, St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: Isle of Wight Observer Ltd. News Editor: Joe Burn Online Editor: Sandy Clarke Sport & Features: Peter White Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper Production: Ian Read Photography: Jon Sheath

The IW Observer is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of the Press. For more information on the IW Observer complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: iwobserver.co.uk/make-a-complaint/

Devastated interior: tanks cracked and exploded in the blaze.

Brolly has staff mourning

With cockatoo Brolly’s cage charred in the centre of the smoke-blackened animal room at the Isle of Wight Pet Centre, staff vowed to clear the ashes and reopen the business as soon as possible.

Fish were still being discovered alive in their soot covered tanks on Wednesday morning (November 7), less than 48 hours after fire devastated the Watergate Road pet store, suffocating all of its birds and charring some reptiles.

Monday’s blaze is now being investigated but it is most likely the fire started in the area around the aquarium and fish tanks.

Thankfully, the front of house had escaped lasting damage and could be reopened soon to get the business going again selling dry products.

The cafe to the rear of

the building was largely unscathed too, with volunteers scrubbing down and a new coat of paint needed in order to reopen.

But the heart of the store, where the animals had been kept, was almost completely destroyed.

The ceiling had been burnt away, leaving charred insulation on the ground, tanks had seemingly exploded in the heat and there were no familiar smells or sounds of the pet shop.

There was some consolation though, as the bird and mammal manager Amy Brewer told the IW Observer about the “incredible” community response.

The 25-year-old said: “It’s been literally incredible.

One of the customers set up a GoFundMe and I think the owner Paul almost fainted when he first saw it was at £200 - you can imagine his

reaction when he saw it had risen to £2,000.

“We’ve had shops, pet shops, someone over in Shanklin, Pets At Home, they’ve all offered help, food and supplies.

That’s the nice thing about being on the Island, even if people haven’t been here they know someone who has been affected by it.

“We’ll get back on our feet, it’s a local business people have been coming here for years.

They’ve known Brolly for god knows how many years.

So we are all going to pull together and work together to get it back on its feet.”

Brolly, a white umbrella cockatoo aged between 40 and 50, had been the store’s mascot and took pride of place in the centre of the animal room.

Many Island and mainland residents knew the bird and

he will be sorely missed by staff and customers alike.

“The only good thing we are taking from it is knowing the birds were probably asleep and passed out quite quickly and didn’t suffer, but everyone has been hit

by Brolly, bless him,” added Amy. “We’re just trying to take the positives from how bad it could have been and how many have been saved, like a litter of 15 baby rats - they’ve all made it.”

Owner Paul Collins had been a firefighter himself and managed to ventilate the burning store with fire crews until it was safe for the staff to enter the next day.

“They blasted clean air through so the animals could breathe until the morning when we were allowed to enter,” said Amy. There is no doubt the centre has a future.

9th November 2018

Inside your Observer...

News

Island court special 4

Totland manhunt 12

Features

Focus on Island adoption 20

Lifestyle

Walking with dinosaurs 32

Entertainment

Essential info for days out 30

Jobs

Plot your next career move 39

Brolly, the much loved cockatoo, perished in the fire...his blackened cage, right.

Services

Vital numbers on tap 37

Sport

Lee Probert’s week of hell 48

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on: 01983 214264 Email: newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk Facebook: @iwobserver Twitter: @iwobserver YouTube: Isle of Wight Observer

Address: Suite 4, 17 Thomas House, St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: Isle of Wight Observer Ltd. News Editor: Joe Burn Online Editor: Sandy Clarke Sport & Features: Peter White Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper Production: Ian Read Photography: Jon Sheath

The IW Observer is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of the Press. For more information on the IW Observer complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: iwobserver.co.uk/make-a-complaint/

Devastated interior: tanks cracked and exploded in the blaze.

Brolly has staff mourning

With cockatoo Brolly’s cage charred in the centre of the smoke-blackened animal room at the Isle of Wight Pet Centre, staff vowed to clear the ashes and reopen the business as soon as possible.

Fish were still being discovered alive in their soot covered tanks on Wednesday morning (November 7), less than 48 hours after fire devastated the Watergate Road pet store, suffocating all of its birds and charring some reptiles.

Monday’s blaze is now being investigated but it is most likely the fire started in the area around the aquarium and fish tanks.

Thankfully, the front of house had escaped lasting damage and could be reopened soon to get the business going again selling dry products.

The cafe to the rear of

the building was largely unscathed too, with volunteers scrubbing down and a new coat of paint needed in order to reopen.

But the heart of the store, where the animals had been kept, was almost completely destroyed.

The ceiling had been burnt away, leaving charred insulation on the ground, tanks had seemingly exploded in the heat and there were no familiar smells or sounds of the pet shop.

There was some consolation though, as the bird and mammal manager Amy Brewer told the IW Observer about the “incredible” community response.

The 25-year-old said: “It’s been literally incredible.

One of the customers set up a GoFundMe and I think the owner Paul almost fainted when he first saw it was at £200 - you can imagine his

reaction when he saw it had risen to £2,000.

“We’ve had shops, pet shops, someone over in Shanklin, Pets At Home, they’ve all offered help, food and supplies.

That’s the nice thing about being on the Island, even if people haven’t been here they know someone who has been affected by it.

“We’ll get back on our feet, it’s a local business people have been coming here for years.

They’ve known Brolly for god knows how many years.

So we are all going to pull together and work together to get it back on its feet.”

Brolly, a white umbrella cockatoo aged between 40 and 50, had been the store’s mascot and took pride of place in the centre of the animal room.

Many Island and mainland residents knew the bird and

he will be sorely missed by staff and customers alike.

“The only good thing we are taking from it is knowing the birds were probably asleep and passed out quite quickly and didn’t suffer, but everyone has been hit

by Brolly, bless him,” added Amy. “We’re just trying to take the positives from how bad it could have been and how many have been saved, like a litter of 15 baby rats - they’ve all made it.”

Owner Paul Collins had been a firefighter himself and managed to ventilate the burning store with fire crews until it was safe for the staff to enter the next day.

“They blasted clean air through so the animals could breathe until the morning when we were allowed to enter,” said Amy. There is no doubt the centre has a future.

9th November 2018

‘Why we have to reopen’

News

3

Art for beloved bird

Roz Thompson.

Becky Wall with Biffy the snake.

Amy Brewer with Sid the monitor.

The Isle of Wight Pet Centre is to rise again as staff and volunteers rally round to rebuild it after the fire.

All of the store’s birds perished in the November 5 blaze, with some reptiles losing their lives or being badly traumatised. Some fish also survived and a lot of the centre’s mammals escaped the flames and fumes that

devastated the business in the late-night inferno.

The rescued critters are now being housed in one of the centre’s other buildings, where reptile manager Becky Wall explained some reptiles were still covered in soot and smelled of smoke, but weren’t able to be bathed yet as they were too traumatised from the fire and needed

The scene at the pet centre on Wednesday. time to adjust.

Becky, 27, was “pleasantly surprised” to find that Cleo the chameleon had survived the blaze.

She explained that the species aren’t the toughest of reptiles and was glad to see she was doing well, even if she was slightly soot covered.

Sid, the monitor lizard, and

Biffy, a large snake, were also brought out of their enclosures, still slightly blackened and smoky but chirpy enough.

Sid had apparently been rather grumpy when he was being rescued, tired and oblivious to what was going on.

Although, he seemed happy enough in the arms of Amy.

Bunnies and rats rustled in their temporary enclosures too, a host of staff and volunteers around them, looking out for their well being.

Now they are waiting to reopen the pet centre and send the animals off to their new forever homes.

The Isle of Wight Pet Centre will return.

A Newport-born artist plans to paint a picture of a much loved cockatoo who sadly perished in a pet shop blaze.

Brolly, the well known umbrella cockatoo died with many other animals and reptiles after the Isle of Wight Pet Centre caught fire on Monday night (November 5).

Roz Thompson, 24, is a watercolour pet portraiture artist who specialises in photorealistic work.

Brolly was a very fond part of her childhood and her family always made time to see him on trips to the Island.

She said: “My favourite memory is holding my hair up above my head and bobbing up and down, and him enthusiastically dancing in response with his wings out and his head feathers raised.

“Even in his older years when he was a little less rambunctious, he would perk up as we approached his cage, and by the time we had to leave he would scream the place down if we tried to walk away! He was a feathery friend.”

The artist hopes to auction the finished product off and donate a portion of the funds to the pet centre.

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News

News in brief East Cowes remembers

9th November 2018

Two-page focus on Island court news

Members of East Cowes Heritage Centre spent Tuesday morning, November 6, putting up information sheets at each end of 28 roads in the town.

On each is a list of the men from that street who died during WWI. Some include photographs of the soldier or sailor.

This is the culmination of the efforts of Jenny Kendal, who over the last four years has researched all the East Cowes men who died serving their country.

An exhibition at the Heritage Centre shows some of them, and there are three files full of information on the subject. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am – 1pm and Wednesdays until 4pm.

Book launch in Bembridge Launching of a new anthology of poems from the Great War is being held at Bembridge Community Library, Friday, November 23, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

The Lord Lieutenant will read a poem.

Entrance is £5 including refreshments.

Bembridge Community Library will receive all proceeds from tickets.

The event is sponsored by Gresham Books Ltd.

Folly Inn Christmas Craft Fair Looking for that extra special gift this Christmas?

The kind that’s handmade, unique and guaranteed to make that special someone smile?

Then the Folly Inn has exactly what you’re looking for.

Starting on Saturday, November 10, from 12pm until 4pm there will be plenty of handmade gifts on sale designed by local papercraft designer Sarah Jackman-Read and other Island designers.

Flux lunged at the No 9 bus driver after the pass he was attempting to use to travel was confiscated.

Flux confined after theft and fight A heroin using dad has been sentenced after admitting assaulting a bus driver and stealing high value clothing to fund his habit.

Simon James Flux, 36, of St Swithins Crescent, Bouldnor admitted assaulting Southern Vectis bus driver Anthony Sharpe in Newport bus station on September 29.

Oscar Vincent, defence counsel to Flux, told the court his client had been attempting to visit his two children aged 11 and seven as he had promised to. He used an Islander Card he had found on the ground to

try and get on the bus with.

Flux had put his thumb over a woman’s picture on the card and tried to board the bus when he was stopped by Mr Sharpe who took the card off him - at this point Flux lunged at Mr Sharpe causing reddening and scratches to the driver’s face.

Mr Vincent said of his client’s actions: “His motive being that he didn’t want to let his children down.”

A witness statement from Mr Sharpe was read by the prosecution, claiming the bus driver had to take three weeks off work to get over

Bari denies biting An inmate at HMP Albany has denied biting a prison guard and drawing blood when entered his plea at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.

Abdul Bari, 28, an Afghan national, appeared via video link on Tuesday (November 6) to enter his not guilty plea to one count of actual bodily harm.

The prosecution alleged that Bari threatened prison officer Jason Lane on May 4 claiming he would find him on the outside and hurt him.

The two then became involved in a struggle and allegedly Mr Bari bit Mr Lane

on the hand, drawing blood.

There were initial concerns that Mr Bari could be HIV positive and the prison officer was treated with antibiotics.

Mr Bari’s defence counsel, Barry Arnett, told the court his client had not attacked Mr Lane but had himself been restrained and attacked.

No bail application was made for the defendant as he is serving a custodial sentence until 2020.

The case will now be sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for trial on December 17.

the incident and still felt affected by it.

Flux admitted that he had suffered a relapse and was using heroin again - a sentiment echoed by his probation case worker who said he stopped engaging with addiction services and had stopped receiving his methadone prescription.

The court also heard that Flux had stolen five jackets belonging to the Henri Lloyd store in Cowes High Street worth £845 on October 30.

A store employee witness statement read out in court claimed “the quickness of

the theft has shaken me up”.

The prosecution intended to seek compensation for the jackets which Flux admitted he had sold in exchange for heroin.

However, upon passing sentence, magistrate Ann Evans said it would not be possible for Flux to pay back any compensation as he would be serving a custodial sentence of 26 weeks in total.

Therefore, Henri Lloyd and Mr Sharpe would not receive any financial compensation for the crimes committed against them.

Flux was not ordered to pay

any costs or surcharges as part of his sentence.

He received four weeks for assaulting the bus driver, four weeks for breaching a conditional discharge order that was also for an assault and 26 weeks custody reduced to 18 weeks for a guilty plea for the theft of the jackets.

Mr Vincent told the court his client had accepted that he needed to engage with addiction services and was open to liaising with IRIS, mental health teams and whatever the probation service had to offer.

9th November 2018

Judge Melville bails Richie in imitation Mauser handgun case A man accused of having an imitation mauser handgun and beating a woman in Newport has pleaded not guilty.

Sam Richie is accused of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and assault by beating Seraphina Kay in a domestic incident on September 9 in Lugley Street, Newport.

The court heard Mr Richie plead not guilty to both

charges and he will now be sent for trial on April 1, 2019.

The defendant was bailed conditionally with Judge Richard Melville QC setting conditions that he should not contact Miss Kay or attend her address.

Mr Ritchie will have to prepare a case for his defence and four witnesses will be called including Miss Kay, her mother, and two police officers who are connected with the case.

Former barman Finnis denies theft from his employer The former barman at a Shanklin pub has denied stealing £1,004.93 from his employer.

Reece Anthony Finnis, 23, of Belvedere Street, Ryde denied one count of theft by employee on Tuesday (November 6) at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his not guilty plea, confirm his name and request trial by a judge and jury at crown court.

The court heard that Mr Finnis had called his employer in early January during a shift to say he couldn’t find the keys for the safe at No. 64 Bar in High

Street, Shanklin.

The prosecution alleged that the keys could be seen on CCTV and that Mr Finnis approached the keys, covering their location with his back to the camera, and when he moved the keys were gone.

The CCTV evidence will have to be submitted to Mr Finnis’ defence counsel before his trial on December 17 at 10am in the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

Barry Arnett, of Roach Pittis Solicitors said in his client’s defence: “He didn’t steal any money - simple as that.”

The incident occured in Lugley Street, Newport, the Crown Court (below) was told.

News

5

News in brief Aspire delighted by generous Josie

Aspire Ryde were delighted to receive a cheque from the TK Max charity fund, TK Max worker Josie Clarke had heard so many great things about the Aspire charity from her good friend Kayleigh who volunteered at Aspire and sadly died earlier this year.

She was determined to get her company to offer much needed support.

During the cheque presentation a photograph was taken next to the commemorative cherry tree planted to remember Kayleigh, Josie said that Kayleigh was a brilliant ambassador of Aspire and that she knew about all the great work happening on their site, about how much it was doing for the community and that it was much needed.

Aspire’s Heath Monaghan was thrilled to receive the cheque for £2,000 that will help with the numerous great things they are doing in the community and wanted to thank everyone at TK Max, with out donations such as this our range of work would not be able to continue.

He also issued a plea does your company or organisation offer financial support to charities could you help Aspire by nominating it for your companies giving schemes or for their chosen charity of the year?

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News

9th November 2018

Newport parking plans slammed

Bill McComb thinks the council don’t understand the consequences of the parking plans.

IW Council 2019 budget Plans for additional onstreet paid for parking in Newport have caused controversy among business owners who look to be affected.

A proposal to introduce additional on-street parking in Crocker Street to the north of Newport town centre is hoped to raise the council £17,000 in revenue next year.

The council say the introduction of charges will support a higher turnaround of spaces and increase parking availability and may also encourage drivers not to park on the street and help to improve traffic flow.

There also plans for more on-street parking charges in Upper St James Street which the council hope will raise £31,000 in revenue to go towards their planned saving

of £5.5 million for 2019.

They hope the changes will “further regularise parking charges across the Island”.

Bill McComb, owner of Crock Shop and Ralph’s Health-foods in Upper St James Street, isn’t quite convinced of the council’s plan.

He said: “We went through this five years ago and I wrote to several councillors then, they were fairly sensible.

“But you see this lot here, I don’t think they understand the laws of unintended consequences, they want to charge for people to park out here, what that will mean is, the people that have paid to park will use this as a car park.

“At the moment it’s a convenience for our customers and people in the town.

“Most of the shops here are

small shops, they can pop in, do their 10 minutes or so shopping, who’s going to pay whatever they are going to charge to buy a newspaper?

“If I’m going to pay for parking, I am going to get the full extent of the parking I’ve paid for.

“They reckon their going to retain or save £30,000, now to my mind, that just about pays for one parking attendant. Is that what they are trying to achieve?

“This lot, in my opinion, really couldn’t run a bath.”

Newport Central ward Councillor Julie JonesEvans couldn’t comment on the Upper St James Street parking changes as she owns a business in that area, but could comment on the Crocker Street plans.

She said: “Part of the rationale is to increase the turnover of parking there,

but I don’t think they’re going to achieve that as the minimum stay for paid parking in Newport is an hour now, so you can’t pay for half hour parking. It’s an hour free in Crocker Street at the moment, so there is no benefit there.

“It’s also a very residential area. When you have parking meters in the street where you live you can apply for parking permits which is about £50 per year so the council might find people aren’t paying for parking in car parks but are choosing to park outside their houses for less than they were in the car park.”

A spokesman for the IW Council said: “It’s important to stress these are proposals and that the council has published these months in advance to allow people to give their views.”

Time to rethink? Ryde parking petition passes 2,200 signatures A petition against parking charges in Union Street, Ryde, has nearly reached the amount required to ensure Isle of Wight Council

OFFICIAL NOTICE

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL THE GAMBLING ACT 2005/THE LICENSING ACT 2003 The Isle of Wight Council is reviewing its Statement of Licensing Principles in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 and its Statement of Licensing Policy in accordance with Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Gambling Act provides for a system of licensing and regulation for commercial gambling in England and Wales and licensing authorities have responsibility for the licensing of gambling premises within their area. The Licensing Act provides for the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of entertainment and late night refreshment.

Both consultations run from 8 November to 30 December.

Both of the draft revised policies can be viewed via the consultations tab on iwight.com. For a paper copy, write to the Licensing Section, Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2EH or tel: (01983) 823159. Comments should be emailed to licensing@iow.gov.uk or sent by letter to the above address.

have a rethink about their proposal.

Following reports from the IW Council that they intend to introduce parking charges to the length of Union Street, a petition was started to gather signatures for those who oppose the plans.

The online petition (www. change.org/p/isle-of-wightcouncil-no-parking-feesfor-ryde-town) has now attracted more than 2,200 supporters and signatures and the organisers are hoping the total could soon reach 2,500.

Once that target is hit, the IW Council will have to debate their decision again.

Ryde Town Council Independent, Cllr Karen Lucioni, who organised the

petition said: “The impact of introducing parking charges to Union Street will be detrimental to our town and to the shops that strive to remain open there.

“The petition already shows there is great support among residents and businesses alike for not bringing in parking charges.”

The proposals from the IW Council are part of their draft budget proposals that were published last week and will go forward to the final budget-setting Council meeting in February, 2019 if approved.

In the government’s autumn budget statement, the Chancellor announced reductions to small business rates for shop owners to

sustain and boost the local shopping streets and high streets in our towns.

Parking charges along with out of town stores and internet shopping are seeing a decline in local high streets across the country.

Councillor Lucioni added: “It seems a complete contradiction to have Government help local high streets with reduced business rates whilst the Isle of Wight Council discourages people from shopping in the high streets by introducing parking charges.

We’re encouraging as many people as we can to sign the petition and we intend to bring this to Ryde Town Council for their support in this matter at the earliest opportunity.”

9th November 2018

News

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News

9th November 2018

Remember a loved one this Christmas with Mountbatten Hospice Mountbatten’s annual Light up a Life campaign (formerly Lights of Love) has launched this week with thousands of Islanders receiving a personal invitation to dedicate a light on the Mountbatten Remembrance Tree.

Islanders are being urged to take time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died and make a donation in memory of someone who will not be with them this Christmas.

Light up a Life is for everybody – not only for patients and families

supported by Mountbatten.

All are welcome to dedicate a light and attend Mountbatten’s Light up a Life service at 4pm on Sunday, December 2, at Mountbatten Hospice.

Last year, over £15,000 was raised to support Mountbatten’s work in caring for Islanders facing death, dying and bereavement.

Other Light up a Life services are being held throughout December in churches and venues across the Island. These include a new Carol Service being held

at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 19, at All Saint’s Church, Ryde. Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said: “We are, as always, incredibly grateful to our community for giving Islanders the opportunity to come together and remember those who have died. If you are missing someone this Christmas, Light up a Life offers a way to remember them and show that just because someone is gone, they are not forgotten.”

“Due to the rise in popularity of the service

at Mountbatten and the decline in attendance at the service normally held at Newport Minster, the team at Mountbatten are focusing their efforts on the service at Mountbatten. We have responded to feedback from our community who wish to attend a bigger service in church and this year, we are offering the opportunity for everyone to attend a Carol Service at All Saints’ Church, Ryde. We hope many of you will join us at any of these events to remember our loved ones together”.

Smoke and mirrors’ budget slammed by mental health service user “At least one person referred in recent months was rescued from the brink of suicide by timely intervention. That person was myself!”

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on 01983 214264

Fears have been raised over the “reconfiguration” of mental health day centres on the Isle of Wight.

The plan to shake up day centres at Freshwater, Cowes and Ryde has been criticised by service users who fear they will close altogether.

The council’s 2019 budget plan is to save £142,700 through the reconfiguring process which they say is justified as one centre has as few as three clients attending per day.

A total of 87 people use the centres on the Island and each of them will have a review of their needs during the budget consultation process.

According to the council, this will include a plan for

alternative community provision that will reduce social isolation and depression, allow them to gain access to alternatives such as the Serenity service which is police and NHS lead.

One service user who wished to remain anonymous said: “While the council claims they will put in place other measures to cover the loss, the wording in their budget document is simply smoke and mirrors as any other provision would surely cost as much as they wish to save, if it is to be of any real benefit.

“It is important to note that service users pay £3 a session to attend many activities, such as card making, which are self funding. A lot of the

cost of the service is paid for by service users the council forget to mention that.

“The council claim that the service is under used, but this is highly misleading as the numbers using the centres fluctuate a lot.

“Even when smaller numbers are attending the importance of the service provided is immense, as individual users get a lot of help with complex issues and support needs.

“It is the only facility available that provides a place that users can feel safe and secure, within a caring and non judgemental environment.”

According to the centre user, service users often have problems such as speaking

up for themselves and being sociable.

They also require help claiming benefits, budgeting and dealing with housing issues.

The service user finished: “At least one person referred in recent months was rescued from the brink of suicide by timely intervention. That person was myself!”

The council say they are working with the Clinical Commissioning Group to find “better value for money and desired outcomes”.

A council spokesman said: “It’s important to stress these are proposals and that the council has published these months in advance to allow people to give their views.”

News

9th November 2018

Pan Country Park nature pond has seen better days.

Brodie slams Barratt in Pan pond scandal The Isle of Wight Council is investigating Barratt Homes after a councillor claimed they had “practically destroyed” a longstanding wildlife pond.

The pond in Pan Country Park was a popular destination for dog walkers but photos show it has been affected by a nearby housing development.

Councillor Geoff Brodie (Newport East) said he was bombarded with complaints after residents went walking in the area on Saturday (November 3).

He likened developer Barratt as akin to a marauding army devastating the countryside after seeing the damage for himself.

He said: “On Friday last,

Barratts practically destroyed a longstanding wildlife pond in Pan Country Park as part of a drainage scheme.

“The Pan Meadows development will ultimately extend nearly as far as this pond, but the country park is supposed to provide a buffer against urban creep.”

Cllr Brodie complained to senior IW Council officers who released a statement which said: “The Isle of Wight Council is investigating, as this work was not part of the agreed schedule with Barratts.”

Cllr Brodie added: “It seems to me that the only consideration Barratts give is to their shareholders.

“In this instance it seems a bit like a marauding

army devastating the countryside.”

A spokesman for Barratt Homes said: “This work is to facilitate surface water drainage for the consented development and we have been working closely with the Isle of Wight Council officers.

“Together we agreed to close off the informal path around the pond because of health and safety concerns.

“Signage and fencing has been installed and work involves creating a new land drain and headwall along with an overflow pipe to the existing stream.

“This area has been inspected for wildlife and a visual inspection was carried out before work started.”

‘The Pan Meadows development will ultimately extend nearly as far as this pond, but the country park is supposed to provide a buffer against urban creep’

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News

9th November 2018

All aboard: Row as council slammed as floating bodge costs soar to £6.4m

Breakdown of total costs so far: Professional Fees (naval architect, owners reps etc): £328,764

Noise mitigation works: £31,441

Replacement Launch Costs

S u p e r s t r u c t u r e (construction, fit out, approvals: £3,031,249

Project manager: £65,000 Other £205,307

Replacement Launch Costs (2017 and 2018): £439,281

expenditure:

Superstructure (contract variations): £431,412

Known additional works £169,200

Ticketing: £160,282

Extended £65,000

Slipways: £683,149

Warranty:

Slipway design: £49,029

Remedial options design work: £500,000

Chain survey, fees: £114,603

Contingency:£100,000 Total £5,931,936.

works,

Passenger

Operative Employment costs: additional £114,000 Other operating incurred costs: additional £33,000 Savings in Floating Bridge 6 out of service: £47,000 Total £539,281

‘Will the IW Council finally realise that they can save money by getting rid of this floating bridge and designing a new one properly that will once again make money for the IW Council, rather than costing Island residents more tax money, and will help, not hurt, local businesses?’

by Joe Burn The Floating Bridge Stakeholders group have slammed the Isle of Wight Council after the true cost of the service came to light in a recent report.

The floating bridge has cost the council more than £6.4 million, with around £500,000 of that money being spent on remedial option design works to the bridge since it came into service in May, 2017.

A further £539,000 has been spent on the Jenny Lee replacement launch service, according to a report published by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The stakeholder group, which is made up of marine engineers and concerned residents, say they told the council in June last year to sell the bridge while it still had a good resale value.

The Floating Bridge Stakeholders group said: “When will the council stop throwing our money

at this design failure? The floating bridge used to make extra money for the council’s coffers, now it is haemorrhaging literally millions of pounds.

“Our engineers pleaded to meet with the council free of charge to explain that these problems were not simply ‘teething problems’ or ‘snagging issues’ but fundamental design flaws, but the council steadfastly refused to meet.

“Which IW Council senior staff employee recommended to continuously put expensive sticking plasters on a known money pit, and who authorised it?

“Why did the council make a decision to keep funding this floating bridge without knowing whether it was fixable or not?

“Why did the council not immediately do a risk assessment in summer 2017 when it was clear from the beginning that there were

big problems that would cost us millions of pounds with no guaranteed resolution?

“A year and a half later, cars are still scraping, the noises are extremely loud, and a massive barge is needed to push the floating bridge sideways so it can land on the slipway, keep yachts from catching their keels on the chains, and prevent the bridge from hitting the piles and GKN wall.

“And these aren’t the only problems.

“Nothing has changed, and we need our floating bridge to work as well as a road.

“Will the IW Council finally realise that they can save money by getting rid of this floating bridge and designing a new one properly that will once again make money for the IW Council, rather than costing Island residents more tax money, and will help, not hurt, local businesses?”

The council has been contacted and asked for a response.

A floating bridge employee takes his equipment away after wading in to assist berthing.

No Love lost as floaty steals show The ill-starred floating bridge’s latest embarrassing hiccup came in the glare of the BBC TV’s news cameras on Thursday morning (November 8).

As a crew from BBC South Today filmed an interview with Councillor Karl Love about the new bridge - hit by a string of controversial failures since its introduction last year - the cameras turned to a worker wading into the River Medina to work on a chain on the craft as it struggled to dock

with passengers and cars on board. Cllr Love said on camera the bridge was an “absolute disgrace”.

He added that “any suggestion these are teething problems is a joke”.

Cllr Love once again called for the resignation of Cllr Ian Ward who is responsible for transport.

An IW Council spokesman insisted the floating bridge had not “failed” and the intervention of the worker, wading into the river, was a contingency always available

to the service.

“The service was delayed but it has not failed,” the spokesman said. “When there are high tides, as we have today, the floating bridge can require help to park. That is what happened and that worker is always on hand to perform that duty if assistance is required.”

The BBC item was scheduled to air on South Today’s lunchtime and evening bulletins at 1.30pm and 6.30pm with reporter David Allard.

12

News

9th November 2018

Totland Pier: Saturday’s manhunt ended with one of the men going into the sea.

Dawn drama: police manhunt shatters the peace in Totland

By Bill Bradshaw It was a start to the weekend that rocked the peace and tranquility of the West Wight as dawn broke on Saturday.

The rhythmic beating of a helicopter’s blades shattered the silence and woke hundreds of residents in Freshwater and Totland as the NPAS helicopter hovered just a few hundred feet overhead, its strobe light searching the terrain in the half-light below.

What had occurred? Why was the dawn chorus of the local birdlife drowned out in such a cacophony of very different aerial activity?

The answers became

apparent as the morning hours unfolded. The police had been alerted to a disturbance involving two men in a house on Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

And it ended with a dramatic search - involving both ground police units and the Bournemouth-based chopper - with the police arresting one of the men, aged 37, in nearby Totland, while a 31-year-old was found in the sea at Totland’s mostly derelict pier.

The Coastguard at both The Needles and Ventnor were also alerted and Freshwater Independent Lifeboat attended after being called at

Police had been called to a house in Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

So...why did so many police descend on a man lying in the road?

A NPAS helicopter hovered over houses in Totland.

6.06am. Police spoke to the man at the pier, where he was treated before being taken by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport. He was also arrested, the police said later, “on suspicion of using violence to secure entry to a premises”.

Hampshire Constabulary told the IW Observer in a statement: “We were called at 5.17am this morning (November 3) to a report of two men causing a disturbance at a home on Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

“Officers were deployed and conducted a search of

the area after it was reported the men had left.

“A 37-year-old man was located at Totland Bay and arrested on suspicion of harassment...a 31-year-old man went into the sea. He was later taken to hospital for treatment.”

It later emerged that both men were subsequently released from custody.

Hampshire Constabulary later confirmed: “No further police action is to be taken against them.”

So we can all sleep easily in our beds? Perhaps - until the dawn chorus changes again.

A large police presence in Newport on Saturday (November 3) has been explained as an incident of a man lying in the road.

The man in his 50s was lying in St James Street with reports of him being assaulted.

An ambulance was called to the scene but the man had no “significant injury”.

A 21-year-old man from Newport was arrested at the scene but was released without charge.

Police explained why so many vehicles were sent to the scene.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We respond based on the circumstances and information provided to us in the first instance.

“Deployment decisions are made based on a threat, risk and harm assessment which is conducted in accordance with the situation presented to police at that given time.

“We received a report of an assault so units were deployed based on the information we were given, to conduct enquiries in the area and to also facilitate an arrest.

“A man was lying in the road and reported he had been assaulted.

“An ambulance attended as a precaution but the victim, who is in his 50s, had no significant injury.

“A 21-year-old man from Newport was arrested at the scene but was released with no further action.”

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14

News

2nd November 2018

‘The lack of affordable housing on the Island is a big issue’ Could there be more streets like this earmarked for social housing?

Council house plan for Pan Councillors are considering plans to take delivery of 24 properties from Pan developer Barratt to kick-start a supply of new affordable homes available for Island residents.

The move would see the Newport housing come into Isle of Wight Council control in lieu of the land value of the site, ahead of the development’s projected completion in 2028, a cabinet report has said.

One option in front of councillors is to set up a company to build and manage homes long-term to meet local needs, and also for sale at market value, with the Pan properties the start of that

process. This suggests some homes will be for rent.

This would involve developing existing council sites to address affordable housing needs as the opportunity arises.

The report will come before the council’s cabinet on Thursday night (November 8).

The report states that deciding to take action would “help the council begin to address the urgent housing needs of the local community”.

Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart said: “The lack of affordable housing on the Island is a big issue and this report looks at a variety of

Housing affordability remains an issue on the Island.

options for the council to really intervene in the market to develop and manage affordable homes. Initially we will have to invest the council’s money in each scheme on a case-bycase basis, but now that the government has removed the borrowing cap for councils that build and manage their own homes, we need to look closely at accessing this extra source of funding to speed up our rate of delivery of new homes.

“The idea of taking those 24 houses at Pan would very much start this process and means we have homes available quickly, if it is agreed by cabinet.

We could then develop this approach or others to ensure we really do see more affordable homes built in the years to come.”

Housing affordability remains an issue on the Island with the average house price around £215,000 and an average salary of £25,000.

More affordable homes would also cut down on the use of temporary accommodation, which is costing the council on average £1.4 million a year.

The report said at least 222 affordable homes are needed each year on the Island up to 2026, with around 65 per cent of those needing to be one and two-bedroom properties.

A report says 222 affordable homes are needed every year until 2026.

16

News

9th November 2018

Hale the rail: Richard is the new commercial boss at IW Steam Railway Isle of Wight Steam Railway has appointed Richard Hale as its new commercial manager.

Richard will work with the company’s commercial team to maximise opportunities and build upon the railway’s sustained growth and recent successes.

Recruitment for the position began back in April and 16 applicants were considered, but it was Richard’s enthusiasm and creativity that really impressed the interview panel.

Richard brings with him a wealth of experience and

a solid understanding of how a preserved railway works, having formerly worked in a similar role at Kirklees Light Railway near Huddersfield, and with a previous background in retail management.

With family already living here on the Island, Richard was keen to relocate with his partner Rachel and their two young children.

In a statement Richard said: “I’m very proud and excited to have been appointed into this role, it has been a long held vision to relocate to the Isle of Wight and I’m thrilled to have successfully

Magic of steam: the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

demonstrated my abilities to the panel.

“I very much look forward to making a positive contribution to the future of the railway.”

General manager Peter Vail said: “The railway’s progress over recent years has been particularly pleasing.

“To sustain this level of growth, it has been essential to increase our resource. In Richard we have recruited a manager with an ability to drive us to another, higher level. These are very exciting times.”

The railway is now gearing up for the Christmas season.

Richard Hale, new commercial manager, is delighted with his switch to the Island.

Yarmouth lights up the sky on November 5th Families from across West Wight gathered in Yarmouth Square on Monday for the traditional Guy Fawkes competition and torchlight parade to the common, organised by Yarmouth Carnival Committee.

Bonfire night food and drink was on hand for the revellers, including favourite fare such as hog roast, hot chestnuts, toffee apples and mulled wine.

The festivities culminated

Yarmouth carries the torch for the Island.

with the burning of the guy; firing the beacon on the common and, of course, a firework display from a barge moored in the Solent.

The rest of the Island’s November 5 revellers no doubt did their own thing and there had been organised displays elsewhere during the weekend.

But when it came to the allimportant Guy Fawkes date, it was Yarmouth carrying the torch for the Island.

Prize guys: Mr Fawkes would have been impressed.

News

9th November 2018

17

Was shredder Banksy an Island Digital Disrupter?

Was the Banksy shredder prank triggered from the Isle of Wight?

Former Robot Wars judge Dr Lucy Rogers is one of the speakers at the forthcoming Digital Disrupt event at Cowes Yacht Haven next Thursday (November 15).

She will be explaining her controversial suggestion that new technology could have set off the infamous Banksy shredded artwork prank...from somewhere on the Island.

There might even be a practical demonstration from engineer Lucy - the woman involved in giving the famous Blackgang Chine dinosaurs their interactive roars.

Other speakers include local entrepreneur, surfer and Rapanui co-founder Mart Drake-Knight; and Professor Andy Stanford-Clark,

Throwing money away: was the Island the source of this prank?

IBM Master Inventor and developer of the ‘twittering ferries’ interactive artwork.

Andy will be talking about how digital connectivity inspired his work to create warm beds for the popular nyala antelopes at Marwell Zoo. The evening event, starting at 6.30pm, is organised by a group of volunteers from tech and digital businesses across the Island, and supported by the Isle of Wight Council.

Co-organiser Carl Crawley, of Made by Hippo, Newport, said: “Technology conferences are often a whole day, focussed on big announcements and long speeches, but for many, it’s really about the chatting and mingling in the bar afterwards as that’s where the real magic happens.

“So for Digital Disrupt we’ve changed it around

- it’s in the evening after work, we have some short, fun talks, and a lot more time for networking.”

Co-organiser Matt Chatfield, of Ryde-based Pinkeye Graphics, said: “The Isle of Wight is a great place to work in the technology industry.

“You get all the benefits of living on a beautiful, laidback island, and yet with good internet access you can be working for companies all around the world.

“We wanted to share some of that excitement and innovation - and it does us good to meet up and have a chat in real life.”

Digital Disrupt: Venue Cowes Yacht Haven, tickets are £10 and available at https://digitaldisrupt2018. com

Row over Local Area Co-ordinators as ‘cradle to grave service’ faces the chop Local Area Co-ordinators (LAC) could soon be a thing of the past as cabinet look to save £400,000 by axing the service.

Scrutiny committee councillors grilled cabinet members on Tuesday evening (November 6) over the plans to cut the service in March and stop accepting referrals from November 8.

Some 600 people use the service across the Island which was described by scrutiny committee member Councillor Debbie Andre as a

“cradle to grave service” for people in need.

Cabinet produced plans for a transition to other services with a review of each individual user’s needs to be carried out.

The service aims to help people who could be in need of further adult social care intervention if they were not helped - effectively taking the strain off the adult social care system.

Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart said only seven per cent of councils used

the LAC service nationally but scrutiny member Cllr June Davison said those council’s had found funding from outside sources to keep the service going, so why couldn’t cabinet do the same?

Cllr Stewart added: “There is not a vacuum of need here.

We are able to deal with this, we will make sure that the bodies we need will remain on the Island during the period of transition.”

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care,

County Hall saw a fierce debate over the proposed axing of the LAC service.

said: “We are not saying we are going to close the service and nothing will be done in the future.”

She explained that no money would be pulled out of the public health budget which funds the LAC, but the money saved from cutting it would be put into other services like drugs, alcohol and sexual health services.

Scrutiny Cllr Ian Stephens said: “No one has complained about them, the LACs are performing well...if you wanted to keep the LAC, you

could keep the LAC.” Cllr Stephens added that the council could “tweak the finances” to find the money.

Cllr Mosdell replied: “I don’t think you can tweak a half a million pounds.”

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Stephens added: “[This is a] false economy, because a saving of £400,000 comes at a cost of £1.6 million in extra work for GPs and hospitals.

“However, it is not only the money saved that is of importance, but this may

actually cost lives.”

Scrutiny members voted to recommend that the proposals had not been drawn up based on full evidence, and the decision should be put on hold.

The plans go before cabinet on November 8 - and are expected to be approved.

A petition launched by Vix Lowthion of the Green Party to save LACs reached over 1,000 signatures before the cabinet meeting.

18

News

9th November 2018

Sea Eagle set to return to Island after 230 years

The Sea Eagle in full flight - public meetings on the Island this week will hear of plans to reintroduce this magnificent bird to the IW.

By Bill Bradshaw Plans are in place to reintroduce Britain’s largest bird of prey - the Sea Eagle - to the Isle of Wight.

Sea Eagles, or Whitetailed Eagles, were once widespread along the whole of the South Coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by relentless persecution that began in the Middle Ages. They were last found on the Island in 1780.

If the scheme goes ahead, the plan is for juvenile Sea Eagles to be collected from nests in Scotland and translocated to the Isle of Wight in late June next year.

And this week public meetings will be held in Shanklin, Ryde and Cowes

when the man who has inspired the project - famed ornithologist and wildlife consultant Roy Dennis - will detail the proposals.

The last pair of Sea Eagles bred on Culver Cliff on the Island back in 1780. Now a partnership project involving the Forestry Commission and Roy Dennis’s Wildlife Foundation - and possibly local partners - wants to bring birds back after more than 230 years.

Many parts of southern England remain highly suitable for the species.

The Island plan follows the reintroduction of Whitetailed Eagles to Scotland – where there are now over 130 breeding pairs.

The Sea Eagle is Britain’s biggest bird of prey. Photo: Roy Dennis

Roy Dennis, who is based in Scotland, believes that an English reintroduction on the Island would be equally successful and the best way to re-establish these magnificent birds in their former haunts.

Restoring a population of White-tailed Eagles on the South Coast would help to link populations in Scotland and Ireland with those in the Netherlands and France.

Roy Dennis said: “Together with the Forestry Commission we have identified the Isle of Wight as a potential location for a reintroduction, and are currently working on a feasibility report.

“It is the last known breeding site of the species in southern England, The Solent and surrounding estuaries will provide a rich food supply, there are numerous potential nesting sites in woods and cliffs, and also good loafing areas for young birds.

“It is also a highly strategic location that would enable the birds to spread east and west along the South Coast.

“Dutch researchers studying White-tailed Eagles have found that any disturbance to wading birds by the eagles is similar to

that of Peregrine, and species get used to their presence; while breeding colonies of gulls and terns are effective at mobbing and driving off the eagles.

“In addition to the conservation benefits, we believe that the project would give a significant boost to the Isle of Wight economy, including in winter. In Scotland eagle tourism is extremely popular and recent reports have shown White-tailed Eagles generate up to £5 million to the economy of the Isle of Mull each year, and £2.4 million to the Isle of Skye.”

The proposed project is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, with potential for other local partners to join.

This week’s public meetings: Monday, November 12: Shanklin YMCA, 6ppm-8pm; Tuesday, November 13: Ryde Scout Hall, 11am-1pm and Cowes Yacht Haven, 6pm-8pm.

“We have already had some very encouraging support but we would not want to do anything if people were violently against it,” said Roy. “There has been

Culver Down: Last known Island haunt of the Sea Eagle. concern about the Island’s red squirrel but they are safe - they are too quick for the sea eagle.

“And research in the Netherlands tell us that sheep or lambs are also safe. These birds feed on wild water fowl and fish and anything already dead they can pick up.”

If the project was to go ahead juvenile White-tailed Eagles would be collected from nests in Scotland and translocated to the Isle of Wight in late June.

They would be held in special cages in a quiet location for approximately three-four weeks before being released. Food would be provided close to the

release site during the autumn and winter before the young eagles become independent.

Up to 60 birds would be translocated in this way over a five-year period. The project requires a special licence from Scottish Natural Heritage to collect eagle chicks from Scottish nests, and permission from Natural England to release them on the Isle of Wight.

Young White-tailed Eagles do not breed until they are four or five years of age.

It is hoped that a small population would become established on the Island, with birds spreading east and west along the South Coast thereafter.

News

9th November 2018

19

In 40 years time, 37 per cent of Islanders will be over 65

If the Island were a nation-state it would have world’s oldest population

By Bill Bradshaw The Isle of Wight is an island of grey tops – ageing people – and a new report warns that its reputation as a refuge for the elderly will only intensify in the years ahead.

Put it this way, the Island is similar in size, geographically, to the island state of Singapore. But if the Isle of Wight were a country in its own right – like Singapore – it would have the oldest population in the world.

The Isle of Wight was recently highlighted by the Office for National Statistics as being eighth in a top ten list of UK areas with a soaring ageing population.

Their findings showed that by 2037, almost four in 10 – a staggering 37 per cent of the Island’s population - will be over 65.

At present, the figure is already sky-high, with more than a quarter, or 26.6 per cent of the Island’s population, over 65.

That current figure is higher than the world’s “oldest” nation, Japan, which has an over-65 population figure of 25.9 per cent.

But Age Uk Isle of Wight, along with many other partner organisations, has

been aware of this ongoing trend for some time, and have been putting a huge amount of resource in place to address the situation.

And it is determined to accentuate the positives, not the negatives, in the Island’s demographic drift to a more venerable profile.

Nicola Attfield, the Age UK IW’s head of charitable services, is determined to make the Island a good place for people to live out their later years.

“We have long been aware of these statistics and we are determined to tackle issues such as isolation and loneliness,” she says. “It has to be a top priority.

“We want to make this an area that is a great place to grow old so people can carry on living well where they want to live in later life.”

One of the key projects driving forward this work is Age UK IW’s Age Friendly Island project, part of the Ageing Better Programme, funded by Big Lottery until 2020.

At the heart of this project, the work is led by the voices of older people living on the Island.

Older people are given the opportunity to attend

quarterly public forums and address their areas of concern; this has proven to be a vital source of input for moulding and shaping decision-making on the Island.

For example, transport has been a regular topic.

One initiative evolving from the forums has been the development of Age Friendly training.

Bus drivers at Southern Vectis have received this accredited training on how to better support not only their older customers but people who have a range of access needs.

Southern Vectis are part of the wider “Go South Coast” company who have subsequently elected to deliver this training to all their drivers.

This well-received training has reached over 200 professionals from a range of organisations, empowering front line staff to better understand and support the needs of our Island residents.

Nicola says they could always do with more funding.

“We could have three times the funding and still not have enough to do everything. If people are going to live to be 100 in reasonable health and

enjoying life, that’s great.

“But now as we grow older rather than facing two or three years of failing health, it may be more like 10 years.

We have to aim to be as well as we can for as long as we can.”

Helping change attitudes towards the growing elderly population is another challenge.

Age Friendly Island’s Intergenerational project has engaged with over 2000 young people to help them better understand the issues the older generation could face and promote relationships through the young volunteers programme.

In June, the team launched their ‘Age Friendly Island Charter’ which had been developed by a task and finish group of professionals and older people.

This Charter lays out what older people feel constitutes an Age Friendly Island. Organisations have been invited to sign up to the Charter showing their commitment and how they will demonstrate the ways in which they will support older people through their work on the Isle of Wight.

Sarah Coates, from the

Centre for Ageing and Demography at the Office of National Statistics, said: "The UK population has doubled over the last 140 years, reaching a new high of 66 million people in 2017.

"As well as growing, the population is also ageing.

From looking at past patterns, we project that more than a quarter of UK residents will be aged 65 years or over within the next 50 years."

For Nicola and her colleagues at Age UK IW, it is a challenge they are determined to meet. She cites Hollywood star Jane Fonda’s approach to making

the most of greater life expectancy.

“She said it was about celebrating later life because it was something our ancestors did not experience," said Nicola.

"Why? Because by 65, most of them were gone.

“We have to accept that many younger people by 25 will be looking to leave the Island whereas the population is ageing and still more older people move on to the Island to retire.”

It’s a mix that means the Island’s demographic time bomb is ticking. Turn up our collective hearing aids and we might just hear it.

Check the UK areas forecast to be the oldest and youngest by 2037 Ten areas with the most pensioners by 2037:

Ten areas with the fewest pensioners by 2037:

West Somerset: 44 per cent West Dorset: 40 per cent Rother: 40 per cent North Norfolk: 40 per cent East Dorset: 39 per cent Christchurch: 39 per cent Powys: 38 per cent Isle of Wight: 37 per cent Eden: 37 per cent South Lakeland: 37 per cent

Tower Hamlets: 10 per cent Hackney: 11 per cent Newham: 12 per cent Barking & Dagenham: 12 per cent Manchester: 12 per cent Wandsworth: 13 per cent Southwark: 13 per cent Lewisham: 13 per cent Lambeth: 13 per cent Islington: 13 per cent

20

News

9th November 2018

Mission of our time: finding more Island homes for Island children

By Bill Bradshaw

Today is World Adoption Day and, coming hard on the heels of the UK’s National Adoption week in October, the IW Observer highlights the largely unsung work of the Isle of Wight Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service.

The service is constantly sweeping the Island for

parents to adopt or foster children who are in need of loving homes, whether on a short-term basis or life-long commitment.

The stereotypical image of adoptive or foster parents taking on new-born or infant children can be misleading often the children desperately in need of family

care are a little older, or maybe teenagers.

The council’s service is about to join Adopt South in 2019, a new regional adoption agency to form a broader partnership with the aim of delivering the best of outcomes for children.

So while November 9 is World Adoption Day, for services such as the IW Fostering and adoption Service, every day is just as important.

Most recently, during the October 15-21 National Adoption Week, the Island service held two drop-in sessions.

They reported a “good response” with the aim to “drip feed” information... giving those potential

parents who express an interest time to consider their next moves.

So what are the aims of National Adoption Week and what is involved?

• Overall aim is to recruit more adopters for Island children.

• Adoption process takes around six months – support and training provided by IWC. • Adopters for children of all ages are wanted...but particular emphasis on older children, those with learning needs and sibling groups.

• IWC to join Adopt South on April 1, next year, a new regional adoption agency going live on April 1 2019. It is formed through the partnership between

Hampshire County Council, IW Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, with support from voluntary adoption agencies, Adoption UK, Barnardos and PACT. * To find out more, call

823081 or e-mail adoption. service@iow.gov.uk An online enquiry form for adoption, is available via www.iwight.com/ fosteringandadoption

Cute: This image is the symbol of World Adoption Day.

‘I did not realise how many children were out there that were in need of a loving family, even on the Island. I will champion it, as the experience has changed our lives’ THE IW Observer was put in touch with two families who chose to adopt through the Isle of Wight Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service.

Both chose, understandably, to remain anonymous and we have given them pseudonyms for the purpose of this article.

Their testimonials” are uplifting.

First Oliver describes his experience - and how being a dad it has changed his family’s life for the better.

“Our adoption journey was excellent, we have gone through the process twice with my son five years ago, and with my daughter 18 months ago.

“I can’t say it wasn’t stressful as the process has its own stresses, but the support we received from IW Council and the social workers was excellent.

“The process was straightforward and quite short in the grand scheme of things - it took just under a year for us both times. We were very lucky, and were matched quickly after being approved.

“The process has changed our lives...it’s hard to put into words, I can’t describe it, it has been amazing. Both children were very young, around six months old and

have been - as it should be accepted without hesitation into our family unit.”

Oliver admits the process has opened his eyes to the need for more and more parents to come forward and choose to adopt.

“Until we started the process, I did not realise how many children were out there that were in need of a loving family, even on the Island,” he admits. “I will champion it, as the experience has changed our lives.

“The unknown can be a little daunting, even once approved, you do not know any more until you are matched - and it’s a very personal process, you have to be ready to share lots of information.

“But it is 100 per cent worth it. I have two healthy, happy children and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Next, Mandy admits the road to becoming an adoptive mum was “intense” but the support of the IW Council helped make it so rewarding Mandy likens it to a university course...and she has certainly graduated.

Here is her account: “It is an intense process, they go through everything, “ she said, “your childhood, if you had a good childhood, your past relationships, and past jobs. You have a social

worker who visits every week.

“But I have felt supported by the council...you have the same social worker from the beginning on the IW, and you do build a bond with them – they know you really well, and you get to know them really well.

“I started my journey in 2017, and was approved within six months.

“If you are approved at stage 1, and move to stage 2, a report is written about you, references are asked for and they visit your family and friends. You then attend a panel of between eight and

14 people who ask questions about you, and how you would cope.

“I can only liken it to doing a university degree – the studying, and the reading.

It doesn’t stop after the adoption has been approved, as there are training courses. I wasn’t aware of

the support available until I started the process. “It is a big community but it can be a secret community.

It’s an emotional process but I would do it again, 110 percent.

“It’s been hard, it’s been long, but very rewarding.

You get out what you put in.”

The perfect family: a lot of hard work and patience goes into creating an image like this.

News

9th November 2018

Mike was delighted and surprised by his nomination.

Royal date for Mike’s prestigious RYA award Bembridge sailor Mike Samuelson, a former Royal Marine, will be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards

by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of commitment to the RYA’s South Region.

He has been nominated for an RYA Regional Award by the RYA’s South Region Volunteer Team and has been selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. He will receive his award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on November 16.

Mike said of his nomination “I was very surprised but of course delighted - when I heard that I had

been nominated for an RYA Volunteer Award.

I have always enjoyed being involved in training and being able to pass on my boating knowledge and experiences to others.

“The East Wight is a brilliant sailing area and I have always felt very privileged to have settled so happily in the area.”

Mike joined Bembridge Sailing Club in 1960 as a cadet and after a distinguished career in the Marines took over as the club secretary in early 1996. He has fulfilled many key club and Island roles, and has been the East Wight RYA South Region Representative for more than six years, providing in particular, valuable local

knowledge to the RYA on Marine Conservation Zone issues.

As the Hon Secretary of the Bembridge Harbour Users Group since its formation 15 years ago, he has helped to preserve access for boaters to Bembridge.

As Bembridge SC’s secretary, he introduced and ran training courses, and engaged instructors.

He ensured sufficient RIBs and support boats safeguarded young sailors and insisted that all sailors, however experienced, wore buoyancy aids when necessary.

He was the club’s chief instructor from 2000 to 2014, as well as the race coordinator and regular race officer for the club’s keelboat

and Illusion racing.

Mike also found time to be a deputy launching authority for Bembridge Lifeboat from 2004 to 2012, and lifeboat operations manager from 2012 to 2017. He is currently the Lifeboat press officer, a member of the local Visits Team, Education Team and Community Safety Team.

As a new task this year he has also become a visitor guide at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes. Mike’s endeavours have helped countless people to learn to sail safely and enjoy the sport at all levels.

For more information about how to get out on the water in the South region visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ startboating

‘The East Wight is a brilliant sailing area and I have always felt very privileged to have settled so happily in the area.’ - Mike Samuelson

21

22

News

9th November 2018

Briddlesford Cheddar takes gold at World A Budget thought: why Cheese Awards not privatise the police?

Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

Hurrah! Phillip Hammond has presented his budget, austerity is over and there’s cash to burn, it’s like the return of New Labour and Viv Nicholson combined!

However, public opinion dictates that all available dosh goes to ‘our’ NHS, Mrs May has given up on all other departments, which is fine by me; I’m a huge fan of privatisation... in principal that is. I can’t write about all the things that should be privatised, (lack of space) but never a day goes by when we’re not reading about another police failure, so let’s start there.

E m b a r r a s s i n g moments this week included the broadcaster Paul Gambacini’s 4.30 am arrest by a squad of eight (yes eight) police officers. They forensically searched his home, before removing both him and most of his possessions.

Gambo collected a huge cheque from the CPS, and awaits a similar payout from the Met. He says that a quick Google search could have prevented his misery, and just like Cliff and others, no amount of money will ever compensate for the stress.

Also in the news, Suzi Lamplugh, who after 32 years may be found buried in the garden of the prime suspect’s mother. The senior officer in charge, a detective superintendent

- now retired – admits the garden was never properly searched, despite knowing decades ago that the suspect frequently used the house as a bolthole.

“There was no specific evidence that she was there’ he said on the radio this week, using grammar so poor, I had difficulty believing he

you might get caught by a sneaky cop, lurking in a bush with a speed gun. It was enough to keep most of us on the straight and narrow.

Then, only out of control alcoholics drove over the limit, such was the fear of capture, a big fine and a lengthy driving ban. Nowadays, we have just one traffic car on the island, although a couple of times a year, they do bring in reinforcements for the day, but that’s it.

So it’s no wonder the roads have become lawless. Drivers are a huge potential revenue stream, so why have police chiefs all but abandoned roads income?

We’ve seen how privatised parking works, zero tolerance and an army of wardens, covertly patrolling the island day and night for money. So can you imagine what a private traffic police squad might achieve?

Behind every tree could lurk an officer out to get you, and forget about a caution, tickets would shower upon us all like confetti – easily covering the cost of patrol cars, fuel, wages and huge corporate profits for shareholders.

The idea is a sure-fire winner, safer roads, fewer accidents and all at no cost to the taxpayer.

I commend it to the house.

“So can you imagine what a private traffic police squad might achieve?

Behind every tree could lurk an officer out to get you”

ever held high rank. Met Commissioner Cressida Dick also reminded us the police can no longer do everything. We knew they didn’t ‘do’ burglaries and stabbings, now it’s online fraud - so if you’re an online fraudster, fillyour-boots!

Let’s just privatise the police? In the film Robocop, the private sector runs it, employing some morally questionable tactics to keep the streets crime free.

These days the police have all but given up on traffic duties. Back in the day, you never knew when

More cash needed for care

by Nick O’Donohue, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands Your readers may have heard recently of the £240m of extra money being allocated to the social care system to ease pressure on the NHS this winter.

We now know this will mean that over £766,000 will be made available on the Isle of Wight.

While it’s important that the Government has recognised that social care underfunding lies at the heart of our hospitals’ winter pressures, the amount committed is a let-down – less than 10 per cent of what’s needed to fix the social care crisis now.

The social care system is ‘not just for Christmas’ and people with dementia, as

Social care: it is a worry. its biggest recipients, are experiencing the emotional and economic cost all year round.

To actually turn the tide for the 2,600 people with

dementia on the Isle of Wight we need to plug the current funding gap and offer them the chance to access the good quality social care they have a right to.

Winning team: Izzy, Debi and Julie with the gold medal-winning cheddars Briddlesford Lodge Farm’s Cheddar was awarded a Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards in Bergen, Norway.

They scooped the honour last week after a recordbreaking 3,500 cheeses from six continents were judged in the huge arena at the Grieghallen in the city.

International teams of technical experts, buyers, retailers and food writers from 29 nations were on hand to pass judgment.

Judges worked in teams of three or four, identifying

any cheeses worthy of a gold, silver or bronze award.

They looked at the rind and body of the cheese, its colour, texture, consistency and, above all, its taste.

And with anticipation mounting, Briddlesford’s Cheddar was awarded a Gold Medal.

Head cheesemaker, Debi Pidgeon, said, “This is a dream come true for me.

I am lucky enough to work with probably the best milk in the world, from our cows here at Briddlesford. We

have worked hard to create a recipe that turns quality milk into quality cheese. “We have the most beautiful herd of award winning pedigree Guernsey cows, and I am thrilled that we have now been recognised as producing one of the best cheeses in the world.

I think the Gold Medal should be dedicated to the cows! “It’s all about them – and trying to sustain one of the Island’s most long established, and still surviving, dairy herds.”

Year 8 Amelie is British squash champ Amelie Haworth has been on a whirlwind sporting journey in just six years since starting out as a novice squash player with no experience whatsoever.

She now wins major tournaments, such as the British Championships which she lifted at just 12 years old last weekend.

The Godshill girl found herself on the podium in Nottingham after winning the championships without

so much as dropping a single game.

After going through the first round without having to play due to a bye, Amelie eased through the tournament to reach the semi-final.

Here it got interesting as the Year 8 Ryde School pupil had to step up her game but did so in such style she won straight games.

Her final score were as follows: 11-2, 11-4, 11-4.

Champion: Amelie Haworth.

Do you have a news story to tell? Call us on 01983 214264

23

News

9th November 2018

Tel: 07402 121085

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Claire Grant with her father, Percy Williams’s legion d’honneur medal.

Remembering Ventnor’s reluctant hero Percy Williams and the ‘ghastly mistake’ of the Great War

By Bill Bradshaw

Percy Williams, a World War One veteran who ended his days in Ventnor, once said he was carrying a “satchel one day and a rifle and bayonet the next” as he was conscripted to serve in the Great War. This Sunday, Percy’s service will be remembered by his daughter, Mrs Claire Grant, 83, who wears the white “peace poppy” rather than the traditional British Legion’s red petals.

“I’ll remember Dad and all the countless others in my own way,” said Claire, at her home in West Street, Ventnor.

“I don’t like a lot of the hypocrisy that goes with the traditional services.

The poppies come off and they are forgotten about for another year.

“My dad, Percy, was awarded the Legion d’honnaire, by the French government, so of course I am proud - but he wasn’t a great fan of all the fuss,

either. I have been a supporter of CND since the days of the Cuban Missile crisis back in 1962.”

Percy, who was born in 1899 in mid-Wales, lived through three centuries before he died, aged 100, in 2000.

Interviewed 20 years ago, on the 80th anniversary of the Armistice, he revealed that he was not aware of the end of hostilities until a fortnight after the guns fell silent in November, 1918.

He had been hit by shrapnel, taken prisoner and was in hospital in Bremen on November 11.

Then he was moved for treatment in Halsinborg, southern Sweden, where he was finally told the war had ended.

“We were prisoners and no-one told us anything about what was happening,” said Percy, who was in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

“I think it is important to remember Armistice Day because nearly a million men

were lost on the Western Front.”

Asked what he thought of World War One, Percy who had moved to Ventnor in later life to be closer to daughter Claire - summed it up rather succinctly: “It was a ghastly mistake.”

In 1998, Percy received the legion d’honneur - France’s highest award - as part of a scheme to present all surviving British veterans of the 1914-18 conflict with the honour. He had been called up in September, 1917, just after his 17th birthday.

He also featured in a 1998 book by military author Richard van Emden: Veterans: The Last Survivors of the Great War. “One day I was a schoolboy with a satchel and then I had a rifle, bayonet, ammunition, gas-mask and a tin hat,” he recalled.

His war effectively ended after he was wounded and then captured in the Aisne Basin in 2018. After returning

to Britain he became a clerk in a chandlery before later moving with his family to Gloucester.

Later, after becoming a widower, he joined Claire in Ventnor.

Claire said: “He enjoyed life on the Island and would often pop down to the British Legion for a half pint. He did not like to make a fuss.”

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24

Features

9th November 2018

Marking 100 years since the Armistice, the Island is clothed in a sea of red as

From those Flanders Fields to Bembridge...a sea of poppies The poppy is a familiar symbol reborn for this most special of Remembrance Sundays, marking the centenary since the 1918 Armistice brought The Great War - the “war to end all wars” - to an end.

The poppy worn by millions, a symbol of the bloom that inspired John McCrae’s famous poem “In Flanders Fields”, has become so commonplace that perhaps it needed a reboot. Recent tweaks to the traditional British Legion design has helped, along with subtle, new enamel varieties - but it is the centenary that has launched a tidal wave of fresh interest.

And nowhere moreso on the Island than Bembridge, where Rev Dr Amanda Bloor, priest in charge at Holy Trinity Church, has encouraged parishioners to cover the village with

thousands of handcrafted poppies to mark the anniversary.

She has worked alongside the parish council to encourage local people to knit, crochet and sew poppies for what is set to be an extraordinary display unveiled today (November 9).

Dr Bloor was happy to give the IW Observer a sneak preview of the overall effect by staging a sample of the propogating poppies linked into a stream outside the church and photographed here by IW Observer’s Jon Sheath.

Today all the poppies will be strung together to hang along walls and fences, linking Holy Trinity Church with the village war memorial and the churchyard at St Luke’s, where there are Commonwealth War Graves.

“It’s caught the imagination

of everyone in the village, not just churchgoers,” says Amanda. “I’d seen similar art projects in other villages using wool and fibre, and thought it seemed like a great idea. It’s ecologically friendly, it’s creative, and it gets people talking.

“But the reaction of everyone in Bembridge has surprised and delighted me.

Of course, Bembridge is a close community and there are lots of names on our war memorials - names from families who are still in the village. And we also have a lot of people in the village who are ex-military.

“It all started at the turn of the year and I wondered what we could do to mark this most special of Remembrance Sundays. I’d seen before how beautiful knitted poppies can look so I thought why not put the two together at Bembridge?

“So we will have a team putting up the poppies through the village, linking the church, the war memorial and St Luke’s Cemetery at the other end of the village.

“The parish council has been a great support and the effort has had an overwhelming response. We have literally hundreds and hundred of poppies being made.”

On Sunday all Bembridge’s churches will hold their regular morning services before moving on to the war memorial for the service there at 10.45am, joined by other community groups such as the scouts and guides. The names of the fallen will be read out.

The Last Post will be played by former WRAF bandswoman Irene Burrows, from Bembridge. Two ponies will represent animals who went to war.

Rev Amanda Bloor.

Afterwards, the parish council has organised a social gathering with refreshments and entertainment including music from the World War One era.

Bembridge is marking the centenary of the Armistice by bedecking Holy Trinity Church (inset) and much of the rest of the village with handcrafted poppies.

‘The reaction of everyone in Bembridge has suprised and delighted me - it’s the culmination of months of work’ - Rev Bloor

Features

9th November 2018

25

towns, villages and hamlets embrace the symbol of remembrance...

WI members in front of their bedecked Carisbrooke Road office.

WI’s county office transformed by so many special blooms

The Women’s Institutes on the Island officially unveiled their stunning Remembrance display this week at their Carisbrooke Road office in Newport, transforming it into a sea of poppy-red blooms.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Anne Longford led a short service on Tuesday to mark the occasion. The display is the culmination of thousands of hours of work by the WI’s Island members.

The WI said they had bee approached by some members who wanted to create this project to mark

the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. They asked members from across the Island to make hundreds of handmade poppies, in a variety of different sizes and mediums.

As the photograph shows, they have been crafted together in a vibrant display to adorn the WI county office in Newport.

Sue Biss, County Federation chairman, said: “Members wanted to create a visual display as a mark of remembrance for the 100 years since the end of World War One. We have

35 WIs on the Island with 1,100 members and every member’s family will have been touched in some way by the war.

“We are absolutely delighted how amazing it looks and hope anyone who passes by will agree that it is very fitting tribute to the sacrifice of all those who fought.

“In addition, some of our WIs have made beautiful tapestry panels as a memorial to the Island’s involvement in World War One. We are displaying these at WI House.”

Tapestry panels displayed inside WI House.

Poppies inspire fundraising art at Gurnard

Cowes Art Group’s artworks will raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

Members of Cowes Art Group have painted poppythemed pictures for a fundraising exhibition this Remembrance Sunday, November 11, at Gurnard Village Hall, to mark the 100th commemoration of the end of World War One. All paintings and other crafty creations are priced between 50p to £20 and can be purchased by visitors.

All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

The exhibition is open to the public between noon-

3pm. There will be tea and homemade cakes on sale.

Some of our artists had relatives who served in the Great War and so have put their stories on paper to create an additional interesting display.

Other events happening in Gurnard Village on Sunday include poppy-themed yarn bombing, a parade through the village and a service at All Saints Church.

There is also the symbolic lighting of a beacon at Gurnard Bay.

26

Letters

9th November 2018

Island Soapbox

Plans nodded through As our Council ‘nods’ through the Sustainability and Transformation Plan, let’s stop and think about some of the implications for Islanders.

We are led to believe it will improve health care on the island, but is this really true with the demise of many services provided by St Mary’s and more and more patients needing to travel to the Mainland, often for relatively simple treatments, or sometimes spending a whole day travelling for little more than a 15 minute consultation?

So what does STP actually mean?

‘Sustainability’ translated means ‘Cost cutting’, ‘Transformation’, ‘Change’. One shouldn’t be adverse to saving money nor change, but they need to be

for the better, not for the worse.

Over recent years St Mary’s has been deliberately led into a perilous position by a succession of Trust Leaders following a political agenda on behalf of the Government that Is solely fiscally orientated.

Initially it was about saving money through cuts and efficiencies, now it is about abrogating responsibility and making money through privatisation.

The Plan is to effectively rid itself of our hospital due to its isolated island location and associated high running costs.

Whether the Island actually requires a hospital bears little consideration, everything is driven by money.

What can’t be shifted to

This is Chapman’s cursed confusion

Vernon Strike, Cowes

the mainland will be sold off to private health providers.

This is going to have serious consequences for many islanders employed by the NHS, and their families. It is difficult to see how many of the STP objectives will actually improve care, indeed

there is every possibility our island community, particularly our elderly, will be increasingly abandoned by a second rate service.

Hampshire has already illustrated that when it comes to the needs of its community it will always

prioritise the Mainland.

Witness Policing, an ever increasing council tax precept for a lesser service here on the island.

If Bob Seely genuinely believes in making the Island a better place to live, he needs to step up to the mark as our local MP and secure more support and funding for our IW Health Services generally, not roll over and simply follow the Governments agenda, which is destroying our NHS in all but name as a prelude to opening the door to a fully blown, profit orientated, American health care model, post Brexit, with the quiet roll out of IPCs, NHS Integrated Care Providers.

Going on a bear hunt

Malcolm Watson, Ryde

It does not instill any confidence to read that Hovertravel has been set on a new course when the managing director cites “bad luck” and the company being “cursed” for its woes - these are not factors in the technical world. This is also borne out by Neil Chapman’s confusion between reliability and availability. Simply put availability (not reliability) is a measure of the per cent of time the equipment is

in an operable state while reliability is a measure of how long the item performs its intended function.

Generally speaking a reliable machine has high availability but an available machine may or may not be very reliable. I hope that the answer given to MP Bob Seely’s letter asking for an explanation of this summer’s performance is couched in the correct use of these terms and is understandable to Islanders.

Drastic plastic?

P. McFarlane, Newport

When the experts came across plastic, Its uses were simply fantastic, Now we call learn, To our gravest concern, Its effects are just totally drastic.

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on 01983 214264

Maggie Nelmes, Ventnor

What is going on at the Isle of Wight National Trust? It doesn’t add up!

On the one hand, they are holding public exhibitions in the West Wight to discuss their admirable plans to restore farmland they have purchased there, in order to bring back wildlife.

On the other hand, two recent management decisions have shocked and alienated wildlife enthusiasts across the Island.

First there was the decision to hold ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ children’s activities at the Newtown National Nature Reserve, one of the last remaining unspoilt estuaries in the whole of Southern England.

Volunteers at the Reserve

raised the alarm, saying that the Trust should not be turning Newtown into a tourist attraction to make money, while driving the wildlife away.

Fortunately all the adverse publicity persuaded the management to cancel the ‘bear hunts’.

The second management decision to shock many wildlife enthusiasts is the invitation to trail hunters to use National Trust land on the Island for their sport.

Do the management really believe that people who have indulged in bloodsports all their lives, a tradition passed down in families and in some rural communities for generations, are going to suddenly act responsibly and

humanely towards wildlife now that foxhunting is banned?

I want to know how the National Trust is going to monitor this trail hunting to ensure that no wildlife is harmed, either physically or mentally.

Being chased and terrorised by dogs constitutes psychological harm, even if there are no physical injuries.

Foxhunting was banned because it is so cruel, not only to foxes, but also to other animals, such as badgers.

How can the National Trust have such double standards?

Could the reason be the offer of a substantial sum of money from the trail hunters?

A letter to Bob on the LAC Richard Steel, Shorwell

Dear Mr. Seely, I would be most grateful if you could prevent what seems to be yet another act of vandalism perpetrated by the Isle of Wight Council.

I refer to the Committee report to the Isle of Wight Council Cabinet recommending the closure of the Local Area Coordination scheme which was started on the Island in 2015. Since that time the scheme has helped hundreds of people in need and reduced the demand on other services.

Without this scheme, the people currently supported will either be abandoned or impose a greater burden on health and social care.

The report which aims to “farm out” care to voluntary organisations like Age UK is flawed and one wonders about the vested interests of one of the authors of the report.

Indeed it starts out with a conclusion and provides no evidence to support it. If you are on the Island and have the time you should visit “Our Place” at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre (itself under threat due to withdrawal of Council funding) where many people with diverse needs are helped.

There is also the fact that the current Care Coordinators will lose their jobs. We are told that “austerity” is over but the Conservative Party on the Island remains the “Nasty Party” dragging the Island back into some Dickensian dystopia.

Please help to avert this looming tragedy. I believe the decision to withdraw support will be made at a cabinet meeting next Thursday.

Red ink shortage explained P. Parsons, Ventnor

Browsing through the 190 pages of November’s IW NHS Trust Board Papers I now know why there is an islandwide shortage of RED Printer Ink.

Letters

9th November 2018

27

Send your letters into us newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or post them to us IW Observer, Suite 6, 17 St.Thomas Square Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff. They belong to the author and the author alone - Letters must be no longer than 500 words please.

Newport, IW, PO30 1SL

Four reasons for a fixed link from an Island mother of five Dawn Jones, Whippingham

I’m married to an Islander and moved to the Island 36 years ago.

We have five children and I have never regretted coming here to live and have no desire to move and nor do I see that I should even consider it just because I am a progressive.

I love the Island, its beauty, the sense of community and the fact that it’s not a concrete jungle.

These are the positives which we all value but these don’t close my eyes or blinker my thinking regarding the many negatives which affect our lives on a daily basis.

Approximately thirty years ago there was a lot of debate and opinions expressed regarding whether we should have a fixed link. At that time

I was very much against it.

However in the intervening years there have been many changes to almost every aspect of Island life. i) Health - Our demographic of over 65s is one of the highest in the country partly because many people have chosen to retire here.

There are consequences though, in that as people age and perhaps lose their partner they can then experience social isolation which in turn affects their health.

Our hospital is transferring services to the mainland, resulting in patients having to undertake timeconsuming travel.

Recruitment of medical staff proves difficult as, lovely as it is, the Island can

be considered a retrograde step career-wise. It’s not just health providers who experience recruitment difficulties but other sectors also. ii) Education – Although a lot of our young people do well, there are many who fail to meet targets in core subjects and then struggle to find well paid employment.

The lack of aspiration and attainment has an adverse impact on the Island economy overall. We NEED to keep young people on the Island for the sake of the future.

They will only stay here though if there is opportunity and while we still choose to prioritise keeping the Island “separate” that opportunity is obviously limited.

iii) Traffic - One of the reasons put forward against a link to the mainland is that the Island could not cope with any increase in traffic. Can I ask everyone to consider: • Traffic OFF the Island would increase with a fixed link.

• An improved public transport system at the exit and entrance portals. together with park and ride facilities would actually see an improvement to existing traffic management.

• As part of the proposal, a bridge over the Medina would alleviate a lot of the problems at Coppins Bridge and St. Mary’s roundabout.

• No more bottlenecks of traffic in East Cowes and Fishbourne as traffic to and

from the Island would be free-flowing.

• Heavy freight could use the tunnel during night time hours thus reducing traffic during daylight hours iv) Economy – in recent years, the cost of getting to the Island via our expensive ferries has seen a lot of holiday providers go out of business.

This doesn’t just affect them – it affects all of us because there is a knock on effect for other local business, employment etc.

I’m sure there are many other factors which both the “for” and “against” camps can think of but my plea to everyone is please open your minds to possibilities and look for positives rather than negatives.

It’s not so very long ago that trains, cars and planes were new ideas. If people don’t have “vision” there would be no progress in the world. Imagine being able to travel freely without having to plan and then wasting great chunks of your time just to get to work, an airport, hospital, shopping, visiting friends or family?

The Viability Study for which crowdfunding is sought will provide answers to both for and against camps and could pave the way to a much brighter future. We don’t have to accept the status quo!

Bob has excelled himself Harry Bowe, West Wight

Any moron can buy fireworks Emily Keyweigh, Cowes

Any moron over the age of 18 can buy fireworks, as long as it’s a certain time of the year.

We’ve entered that time of year when people will be setting them off to celebrate almost anything or have any excuse to invite over friends to see them.

Shopkeepers need to take some responsibility for their part in the trauma that they go on to cause, whether it is to people or animals.

What exactly do they think it is that they are achieving?

Boosting their failing profits by a small percentage?

Bringing joy to people whose lives are otherwise empty?

Or just joining in and keeping up with what other larger chains are offering?

I know there are some loosely enforced laws as to when you can buy them, when you can set them off and the surroundings in which you can use them, but that’s the problem with loosely enforced laws – no one follows them.

The one and only rule which they follow is that the buyer has to be over 18. Yes of

course, you can handle these highly dangerous explosives, so long as you’re old enough.

What kind of regulation is this?

Any locally owned shop selling fireworks on the Isle of Wight should be closed.

You are not fit to run a business and should know better than the idiots who are buying them.

If people want to see fireworks, the Island has a selection of professional displays, some of which are free and provide better entertainment than blasting out whatever noise that Capital or Kiss FM are offering to your neighbours at nine o’clock at night.

What is the belief that gathering round a shoddily put together bonfire, on a freezing night to watch some fireworks now passes as a ‘good time’.

Fireworks aren’t like technology; they don’t vastly improve every year.

The manufacturers don’t find exciting new ways to create them – they are today more or less as they were

when they were accidentally discovered, as a side effect to the massive damage they cause.

And the people who buy them to set off in their back garden, remain as idiotic and unintelligent as they ever were.

So what’s the big fuss?

We live on an Island which in the height of summer has no end of impressive firework displays – quite frequently. So why the desperation? Not seen any for a few weeks? Forgotten what they look or sound like, or do you just have so little going on in your life and so little in common with the people who are your friends that you’re unable to have them round your house for anything else?

For the love of god, if we must endure this every year – surely it should be more regulated or controlled.

Add some checks and balances, not only to the dullards who feel compelled to buy them, but to the shopkeepers and chains who sell them.

The man has the same skill as our previous Tory MP at being astoundingly bad for the Island. The recipients of his letter will no doubt send him replies, he may even get a token meeting where they’ll assure him that they are working on it, it won’t happen again and they’ll get a lovely photo opportunity to be seen with him all smiles.

However it will achieve nothing. In fact, it’ll probably even work to the ferry companies’ benefit, they can be seen to be apologising, showing penance and giving the MP some valuable face time to show how seriously they are taking the matters.

Bob is a backbench MP, in a government fighting to keep its hold on power. He is a man who is very good at being seen, but saying very little of substance and managing to balance on the fence, avoiding coming down on any side and trying to keep all happy at the same time.

All his letter will actually do is get him noticed – he is

a master of spin. What he actually needs to do is take action, demand results and threaten that he’ll take it as far as he can to make sure that they have to up their games and stop being so unreliable.

Why did it have to get this far before he wrote his insipid letter?

These companies are failing us – whether it be personally, professionally or financially, it is a categorical failure and the most worrying thing is that it’s not a small, insignificant part of their business making mistakes which don’t affect anyone or more or less go unnoticed.

They are ferry companies, whose primary aim is to transport people between the mainland and Southampton.

Their ferries are failing. Their service is poor.

If these were another type of business such as a restaurant and the kitchens were constantly closed – it would be closed down or taken over by people that could actually open the

kitchen.

Quite clearly there are massive failings within all three companies. Usually when a company fails so publicly, so openly and so blatantly, the chief exec will do the decent thing, come forward, admit their failings, explain what’s happened and accept that these problems happened under their guidance and fall on their own sword.

New leadership, management and monitoring is key – dynamic, fresh thinking is needed. If you are a ferry company which can’t actually seem to run ferries then you have in no uncertain terms fallen short and screwed up.

Bob’s letter will achieve very little, calls for action are required. Islanders need to start objecting and being vocal in their complaints.

Go to the regulatory bodies, make your complaints known and in writing – otherwise we’ll be heading for these new failures becoming the way of life hear.

28

News

9th November 2018

Souvenirs of summer Our lovely summer is gone, walks on Arreton Down escorted by dancing Chalkhill Blue butterflies now just a memory.

In autumn and winter it is another of our blue butterflies that comes to mind as I walk and see the evergreen holly tree sporting its bright red berries, and the ivy-covered walls and trees in our hedgerows and gardens.

The Holly Blue butterfly emerges from hibernation in spring; we glimpse it as a flash of sky blue. The upperwings of females have black wing tips with the male being all blue.

The underwing on both is a beautiful pale blue with small dark spots.

As its name suggests, it favours the holly tree flower buds on which to lay its eggs in spring. These eggs produce a second generation of Holly Blue butterfly which lay eggs on the flower buds of ivy in August.

The second brood hibernates as chrysalises, near or on the ground around

the ivy, from September, producing adults, in favourable weather, the following April.

So as we prepare for our seasonal activities and gather traditional greenery for our homes, think of the Holly Blue that may be hibernating somewhere around the ivy and remember the part it played in producing the red berries on the holly we so admire.

Grow some holly and ivy in your garden, leaving the loose leaf litter below them - it could be home to hibernating Holly Blues for the winter.

And before you clear that ivy, consider that there may be another lover of winter ivy, the Brimstone butterfly, hiding there. They hibernate as adults, folding their wings together, and hang in crevices, behind bark and ivy stems until on a sunny day in spring emerging to delight us all with a flash of yellow as they search for an early source of nectar - very often a clump of primroses.

Now that's another story.

Holly Blue female.

The Holly Blue cuts a fine figure.

Brimstone.

So, this is Christmas - are you ready to party?

Your guide to seasonal menus and venues on the Island

30

Entertainment

9th November 2018

Spot the differences

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures from this centenarian’s birthday?

Your weekly horoscope with Russell Grant ARIES

(March 21st - April 20th) Relationships are changing.

It might feel as if you and a partner always sit away from each other now and there is very little to talk about.

You and a friend are drifting apart as you no longer share the same goals. Aries is a sign of leadership. The realisation you have taken on too much will bring a moment of incredible clarity. Suddenly you can see the need to delegate some of your responsibilities. Make a point of relaxing whenever and wherever you can.

TAURUS

(April 21st - May 21st) Although you always take your responsibilities seriously, it should not always be all work and no play. You need to balance your personal and professional lives. You have a great capacity for hard work and you can also be creative. Find an outlet for your talents, like writing, poetry or painting.

If there are problems in a relationship, it’s because you aren’t truly talking to each other. Take this opportunity to show your love and affection. Spend some quality time with your amour.

GEMINI

(May 22nd - June 21st) You need to start from the bottom up to build strong foundations in relationships. If you have just started dating, wait a while before you start telling everyone you have found your perfect partner. It will take time to strengthen friendship bonds but the results will make this worthwhile.

Outstanding problems in the workplace will soon be resolved as there is plenty goodwill on both sides. You have a way of dealing with issues without making anyone feel harassed or hassled.

CANCER

( June 22nd - July 23rd)

Accepting a loan from an older relative might be the ideal way out of a short term problem.

Your first reaction will be to refuse their offer, but don’t be too quick to turn them down. You will be able to repay the money when you have your own affairs under control. At home and in the workplace, you need to stop skirting around issues and be honest about what is on your mind. Be prepared to discuss important matters openly and honestly.

LEO

(July 24th - August 23rd) Emotions are high and there’s some excitement in the air. You are full of energy and high spirits. You’re looking forward to joining friends in a fun event which is always a huge success. It will live up to your expectations. Work projects will run smoothly and more efficiently if you are patient with people who are easily discouraged. Keep your cool and be patient with anyone who is a slow learner. They will appreciate your help and support.

VIRGO

(August 24th - September 23rd) You aren’t the only person who is putting their imagination to work. Youngsters in the family will bring some exciting ideas to conversations. It will feel good to give and receive creative stimulation. Take this opportunity to decorate drab rooms.

A friend of a friend might suggest you meet up some time. They didn’t make a good impression on you at your first meeting but first impressions may not hold true. Once you get to know each other you might feel differently.

LIBRA

(September 24th - October 23rd) Someone is starting to mean more to you than you are brave enough to admit. You aren’t even ready to admit your feelings to yourself. Look deep into your heart and you will see that this is the relationship you have always dreamed of. Your social life will keep you on your toes but private matters also need attention. There is something you don’t want people to know and if anyone asks you a personal question, tell them it is none of their business.

SCORPIO

(October 24th - November 22nd) Stay with tried and trusted methods, early on. Any departure from the norm will seem like a waste of time. You will feel more confident and you’ll see most progress when working with familiar tools and materials. Money, career and domestic matters will generally run smoothly.

On the surface everything appears to be going well but later, you could start to feel restless and in need of a change. If you let an impulsive friend take the lead, you will soon experience something new.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23rd - December 21st) A relationship or arrangement has long passed its sell-by date. There is no sense in dragging this on any further.

Find a way of letting go of anything that is holding you back. Once you have cut the cord, you will be making room in your life for new beginnings. Someone who is behaving like a child will test your patience. Whether their age is nine or ninety-nine, they will try to force you into making a hasty decision. Don’t take the bait.

CAPRICORN

(December 22nd - January 20th) Everyone makes mistakes. If something has gone wrong, the moment will pass and life will get back to normal. Admit to the error of your ways, apologise if this is necessary, and move on. If an investment shows signs of loss, don’t be tempted to try to salvage things by throwing good money after bad. If you you’ve been deceived in any way, the injustice of this matter should not be your main focus. Write it off as a loss and put it behind you.

AQUARIUS

(January 21st - February 19th) A number of areas are set to bring good fortune your way.

Career, friendships and private interests are all favoured. If you’re looking for work, don’t hesitate to ask a wellconnected friend for a reference. When you go on job interviews, be sure to stress your creativity and compassion.

A positive outlook brings interesting people into your life and they will encourage you to check out new ventures. Experimenting with new ideas will help you flourish and prosper.

PISCES

(February 20th - March 20th) Listen to your intuition regarding a spiritual matter.

Taking up a course of study is the best way forward. If you’ve been thinking about studying a spiritual subject or donating your time to a volunteer effort, do this now. It is important to build your inner resources as well as your material ones. Spending time at home will relax you. This is because your family life helps to balance your social and professional lives. Making time for a home improvement project will be good too.

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

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

Entertainment

9th November 2018

Folk craic and much more

31

A scene from Voices Over Passchendaele.

The final curtain The Hooleys dispense their craic.

Isle of Wight folk music fans have an action-packed week to look forward to. November is certainly not dull here!

Quay Arts Centre in Newport regularly attracts high-quality acts from over the water.

Singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah

McQuaid brings her velvety vocals, thoughtful lyrics and virtuoso guitar to the stage on Tuesday (November 13).

Just three days later, on November 16, Shalfleet Village Hall opens up for a rollocking singalong charity evening with The Shalfleet Shanty Singers, starting at

7.30pm. Tickets are just £7, including supper.

And on the very same day, large numbers of Lucid fans will be flocking to Shanklin Theatre to enjoy their annual concert.

Saturday (November 17) also offers choices, with comic poet Les Barker

performing at Quay Arts at 7.30pm. £12 entry is very good value at around 0.5p per giggle.

If Irish is your music of choice, however, pop along to hear local band The Hooleys dispense a bit of the craic at Wroxall Community Centre, from 8.30pm.

Front row guide: Theatre Listings

Medina Theatre Call: 01983 823884 Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: TRIBE Wed, 07/11/2018 This autumn, the UK’s original touring taiko Tribe returns to the road with a brand new show.

Shakespeares Schools Festival Thu, 08/11/2018 Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival.

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers Fri, 09/11/2018 This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok .

Opera Boys Sat, 10/11/2018 Leading men from London’s West End combine in a powerhouse of vocal harmony.

Think Floyd - Live in Concert Sun, 11/11/2018 This extraordinary band, dubbed the Definitive Pink Floyd Experience, renowned for their stunning celebration of the bands music.

Los Pacaminos feat Paul Young Fri, 16/11/2018 One of the UK’s most popular Live touring bands, Los Pacaminos play the very best in Tex Mex Border music.

Shanklin Theatre Call: 01983 868000 The Stylistics - 50th Anniversary Tour Thu, 08/11/2018 The Stylistics are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New. Royal British Legion Shanklin Festival of Remembrance Fri, 09/11/2018 All are welcome to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.

Dr John Cooper Clarke Mon, 12/11/2018 John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.

Lucid Fri, 16/11/2018 Popular Island group Lucid return to Shanklin Theatre along with a select ensemble of talented musicians.

One Night Of Queen Gary Mullen and The Works Sat, 17/11/2018 In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.

The Island Savoyards Present A Christmas Carol, Thu, 22/11/2018 This fantastic version written by the Award winning Alan Menken will really get you in the festive mood!

If you are in the market for laugh-out-loud theatre then head to Bembridge next weekend for Quartet, staged

by Bembridge Little Theatre at the village hall.

Ronald Harwood’s play is rib-ticklingly funny with moments that bring a lump to the throat.

It’s a charming tale of four ageing opera singers that will make you laugh, sigh and cry as they take us into the world of facing up to age and mortality.

It’s staged on November 15, 16 and 17 with an added matinee on November 17.

Tickets £8 on the door.

Don’t forget this weekend, at Northwood House, Cowes, you can see Voices Over Passchendaele, the dramatised story of Peter Eckersley, one of the unsung heroes of World War One, staged over this weekend centenary of the Armistice.

Friday and Saturday, doors open 7pm and show starts at 8pm; some tickets still

available on the door.

Meanwhile, Trinity Theatre in Cowes is the venue for the first panto of the season - oh yes it is! Jungle Book, the Panto

by Cheryl May, is staged from November 30 until December 9.

The very funny To Hell in a Handbag will be staged at Quay Arts in Newport for one night only on November 28.

This production follows the lives of two minor characters from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest tickets and more information from Quay Arts.

Shanklin Conservative Club hosts Last Night of the Cons on Sunday, November 11, featuring the wonderful voices of Victor Michael and The Sopranos.

Watch this space next week for a round up of December’s theatrical offerings, ranging from The Vicar of Dibley to two different Christmas Carols.

After all, it’s almost Christmas.

Clarice comes to Cowes for Project Opera Soprano Annalisa Vaughan and celebrated local Pianist Richard Benger will be joined by internationally acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano Clarice Williams, rising star Roman Tenor Yuri Sabatini and Bass Adam Leftwich, will perform at Holy Trinity Church, Cowes on December 1 and at Bembridge Village Hall on December 2.

The team will perform the quartets from Mozart’s Requiem Mass: Tuba mirum, Benedictus and Recordare; Pergolesi’s Salve Regina and a contrasting second half of secular arias, such as La Danza, by Rossini, songs by Copeland and arias from Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Samson et Delilah and Die Fliedermaus.

Annalisa and Yuri gave a concert at Bembridge Village Hall earlier this year and

tickets sold out weeks in advance, so early bookings are a must!

Project Opera aim to bring Opera to the community by performing at venues around the Island, such as local churches, so that elderly and disabled people may have the opportunity to attend professional concerts close to home and at affordable prices.

Bookings are available on www.ticketsource.co.uk/ project-opera or to book by post, please email annalisa. vaughan@gmail.com or call Project:Opera on 07757 965339.

You can keep up to date with future events by following www.facebook. com/projectopera/events.

32

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

Walking with dinosaurs on the Island

Yaverland boasts views of some of the richest dinosaur beds in the country.

The Isle of Wight is known as Dinosaur Island, the UK’s dinosaur capital, and one of the best places in the planet to find fossils.

So in association with visitisleofwight.co.uk, this week the IW Observer brings you an insight into what wonders you might find here if you go out walking in the right places.

Indeed, who knows what you might find in a day... a bone? An entire skeleton? A new species? This walk will enable you to see the most striking geological features of the Isle of Wight, including sweeping Compton Bay and dramatic Culver Down.

Morning - Dinosaur hunting in Yaverland Start at the car park opposite The Isle of Wight Zoo. Follow the signposted coastal route up the steep grassy hill until you reach the top of the landslip.

You’ll get great views over some of the richest dinosaur beds in the country. Look for the dark seams in the cliffs, as this is where the dinosaur remains are usually hidden,

before they’re washed onto the beaches.

At the very top of the hill, you’ll find a kiosk for coffee and cake, and a pub with a garden that has one of the best panoramic views on the Island. Reward yourself appropriately, and then head back the way you came, down the hill to the car park.

If you feel like foraging, then venture on to the beach for a spot of beach combing – you may be able to pick up some fossils from the dinosaur age.

The Island’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’ stretches for 20 glorious miles, from Yaverland in the East, to Compton Bay in the West.

The first Isle of Wight specimens were discovered here in the 1820s and new varieties are still being picked up today by holidaymakers and locals just pottering around on the beaches. You don’t need tools – just a good eye, and a lot of luck.

Look for heavy dark stones with a shiny surface, regular ridges, a ‘bubbly’ looking interior or glinting crystals.

And go hunting at low tide,

and after rough weather or a storm. Then get your finds identified, because if you discover a new species, it could be named after you!

You can walk your way around the Dinosaur Coast – and indeed, the entire Island – using the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. This is a fantastic way to explore around the dramatic coastline with breathtaking views over some of the best beaches in the world.

Afternoon - In the footprints of dinosaurs at Compton Bay You’re now off to Compton Bay, to explore one of the best beaches in the world.

Start at Shippards Chine car park. This is a National Trust site with toilets and usually a van serving ice creams, drinks and snacks.

Now go on a ‘footprint safari’.

We recommend taking the Isle of Wight Official Dinosaur Safari Guide with you (available from the Guildhall for £5).

Follow the coastal path, walking with the sea to your left. Then go down the steps,

and walk with the sea to your right.

You can see a huge number of dinosaur foot casts at the base of the cliffs.

They look like giant 3D footprints and were formed when heavy dinosaurs left their prints in soft mud. The footprints then filled with sand, which later turned to rock.

Enjoy them, but please don’t take them home, as they’re protected and belong to the National Trust. Head for the bit of land that juts out.

That’s Hanover Point and at very low tide, you can see dinosaur footprints and the ‘fossil forest’ of petrified tree trunks. Return the way you came.

As you’re combing the beach, look out for small bits of fossilised wood with glinting ‘gold’ seams – this is a sign that you’re hunting in the right area.

Go with an expert – a guided fossil hunt with a local expert is safe and fun. For more info, go to visitisleofwight. co.uk/inspiration/ dinosaurisland

Fossilised dinsosaur foot at Compton Bay.

Entertainment

9th November 2018

What’s on at the Cinema

33

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

Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice features in The Grinch.

Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch U - 90mins For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to

have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

Academy Award nominee Benedict

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-today needs.

Bohemian Rhapsody

PG - 99mins

12A - 134mins

Welcome to Slaughterhouse, an elite boarding school where boys and girls are groomed for power and greatness, and they’re about to meet their match. This ancient and ordered world is about to be shaken to its foundations - literally - when a controversial frack site on prized school woodland causes seismic tremors, a mysterious sinkhole, and an unspeakable horror to be unleashed.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their near-implosion as Mercury’s lifestyle spirals out of control.

Widows 15 - 129mins From Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and co-writer and bestselling author Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) comes a blistering, modern-day thriller set against the backdrop of crime, passion and corruption.

Widows is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities on their own terms.

9th November 2018

For last weeks Puzzle answers visit iwobserver.co.uk

36

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

In the Garden

November in the garden: It’s a time for preparation November can be a difficult time for gardeners - it is rarely an uplifting time - but there are plenty of worthwhile jobs to do this month.

Gardening experts suggest lifting parsnips after the first frosts when their flavour will have sweetened. You can also divide mature clumps of rhubarb once they are dormant.

Prepare a bed for planting autumn garlic.

Improve heavy soils with organic matter before planting. Now is a great time to prepare a perennial vegetable bed which can be planted up with rhubarb crowns and asparagus crowns.

Now is an ideal time to invest in mushroom kits.

It’s surprisingly easy to grow your own mushrooms.

Preparation in life is a good thing and especially for the green-fingered. If you have access to fresh manure, now is the time to spread it across the surface of your vegetable beds to rot down over winter.

Stake top-heavy brassicas and draw up some soil around the base of the stem to prevent wind rocking the plant and causing damage to the roots.

In the fruit garden Now is the ideal time to plant currant bushes whilst they are dormant.

And it is a perfect time to plant raspberry canes for a delicious home grown crop.

With an eye on berries, tidy up your strawberry plants cut off any dead leaves and remove runners.

Apply glue bands or greasebands to the trunks of fruit trees to prevent wingless female winter moths climbing the trunks and laying their eggs in the branches.

Prune pear and apple trees anytime between now and February. But don’t be tempted to prune your plum trees now as they will be susceptible to the silver leaf fungus...wait until midsummer.

Remove the top netting from fruit cages as snow in winter can make it sag.

Check fruits in storage and promptly remove any showing signs of disease or rotting.

In the greenhouse Now is the right time to replace damaged glass before the worst of the winter weather sets in. Insulate the greenhouse with sheets of bubble wrap attached to the inside of the frame, to reduce heat loss.

Install solar lights in the greenhouse so that you can still get out there on dark winter evenings to check your plants. Clean out the

greenhouse thoroughly.

Wash the glass, the floor and the staging with horticultural disinfectant to kill any overwintering pests and diseases.

Don’t forget to ventilate the greenhouse, particularly after watering and when paraffin heaters are used at night.

As the winter approaches, take special care not to over water plants that remain in active growth. Little and often is the key.

Looking after your lawn If you haven’t already aerated your lawn, there’s still time to do it before winter sets in. You can use

either a lawn aerator or simply insert a garden fork at regular intervals and lean it back slightly to let air in.

Continue to clear fallen leaves off the lawn to keep it healthy. And do remember to set your lawn mower to a higher cut-height for winter.

Now your beds are clear, try edging your lawn. Lawn edging creates a neat and tidy appearance and makes maintenance easier.

Try gathering your leaves on to the lawn and mow them with a rotary mower that has a collection box on the back.

They will rot down quicker in your compost bins.

Happy gardening...

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

37

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

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38

Entertainment

9th November 2018

The installation follows the highly successful street art of The Ventnor Giant by Phlegm.

New art coming to the Island in 2019 A multi-channel film installation, a piece of community theatre and the launch of a community lecture series will all be created to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of three towns on the Island in 2019, as part of Lift the Lid. This follows the highly successful street art of The Ventnor Giant by Phlegm, commissioned in partnership with Ventnor Exchange and launched at the Ventnor Fringe in August 2018.

Quay Arts and the Cultural Education Partnership are now announcing the three artists that will be producing new and exciting works on the Isle of Wight, as part of the two year project to Lift the Lid on Island Culture.

As part of a rigorous process, led by a selection panel of renowned curators - Jo

Bushnell from Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth, Stephen Foster from John Hansard Gallery, Southampton, Quay Arts, Newport and Lucy Day from A Woman’s Place at Knowle, the following artists have been chosen.

For Totland, International artist Julie Myers - www. juliemyers.org.uk - a lecture series, Live from the Parish Hall.

For Newport (Pan estate), BearFace Theatre CIC www.bearfacetheatre.org a community theatre piece, We that breathe For East Cowes, Dmitri Galitzine - www. dmitrigalitzine.com a multi-channel film installation, Back and Forth, and Back and Forth Again.

A combination of Arts Council England, Artswork and Isle of Wight Council

funding will enable these projects to go ahead, resulting in community art works that can be accessed by a wide range of people.

Julie Myers explained her proposal for Totland: “Live From The Parish Hall - Totland is a series of thematic performance events. Inspired by the format of the Victorian popular science lectures the series presents current social and environmental concerns through the stories and experiences of local people, including, a child’s fossil collection, a walk with an astronomer, a slide show about light pollution, a set of old postcards, pin hole cameras, forgotten songs, a cup of tea at the old lifeboat house. Hosted by local residents the talks combine video, photographs, personal

artefacts, archive material, music and refreshments.

The inaugural event: LIGHT AND DARK will be presented and broadcast live from the Parish Hall in May 2019.”

BearFace Theatre CIC will be developing a co-created piece of theatre with the communities of Pan that will focus on its layered heritage.

BearFace Theatre said: “Using participatory arts based workshops to discover and co-develop narratives as well as make material for the performance, we will be delving into Pan’s past, its present and importantly its future and our part within it... with our new project we that breathe. With a mix of playful interaction, puppetry, original soundtracking and live music and a Dragon thrown in for good measure, BearFace Theatre will bring

the finished performance collaborated with all who we have met to a space near you in Pan in September 2019.”

Dmitri Galitzine will present a new multi-channel film installation, shown in an old shipyard in East Cowes, during Heritage Open Days 2019 (from 13 to 22 September 2019). The film will be based around the Red Funnel Ferry and East Cowes dockyard.

Working over several months, the artist will document all aspects of the ferry’s day to day crossings, the harbour, passengers and crew. And in doing so, he will attempt to unravel what the ferry means to the people of East Cowes and the symbiotic relationship between them.

Mr Galitzine writes: “The ferry has been the island’s

gatekeeper for over a century. And it is part of the fabric of East Cowes, its history and heritage.

The identity of any islander depends upon the body of water which engulfs them.

And it’s the Red Funnel that can get them across it, in East Cowes. For some, every day back and forth. And back and forth again.”

Lift the Lid Project Manager, Sarah Girling said: “The hope is that all of these new artworks will excite and inspire the people of the Isle of Wight to find out more about their cultural heritage.

There is opportunity for lots of local people to get involved through schools and community groups, let alone being audience members. 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for arts and culture on the Island.”

IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

39

COPING WITH REDUNDANCY Sad news this week as Michelin closes its tyre factory in Dundee leaving 845 workers jobless. A story which hits a nerve on the Isle of Wight where we’ve been victim to major mass redundancies over the years.

Redundancy is a brutal life event up there with bereavement and divorce in terms of stress and emotional pressure.

With redundancy everything takes a hit, self-esteem, finances, family and mental health, nothing escapes the cloud that descends when you are ‘let go’ from your job.

It can be difficult to see a way forward but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

If like the workers in Dundee you are currently facing the loss of your job, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact.

Know your rights. There are strict guidelines around staff redundancies.

Employers must follow the rules and if they don’t, you may be entitled to an appeal or even a legal case against your employer. You can get free advice on your rights via your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Job Centre Plus.

If you’ve been employed with a company for 2 years or more, you should be entitled

to statutory redundancy pay (calculated for each year in service). This provides a substantial buffer in some cases, but if not, how can you financially prepare with redundancy on the horizon?

Martin Lewis from m o n e y s av i n g e x p e r t . c o m suggests the following precautions: • Do a debt audit. Loss of income means lenders can be less keen to give you credit. Seek out good deals on balance transfers, loans and mortgages before redundancy happens.

• Pay off debts. If you have spare savings, use them to clear outstanding credit cards or loans. Having debts hanging over you during redundancy is a nightmare. But, keep access to some emergency funds.

• Do a money makeover.

Run through your finances now to see what bills you can cut completely and where you can cut back.

Start living as if you’ve already lost your job.

If the worst has happened and you’ve already been made redundant money expert Martin Lewis has sound advice for you too.

• Check if you are entitled to benefits?

Benefits and tax-credits spread further than you think; it’s important to ensure you’re getting all you’re entitled to.

• Deal with your debts.

Don’t ignore red letters.

Contact creditors and discuss the problem with them as soon as possible.

They may be able to help.

• Check for hidden insurance. Do you have hidden insurance to help with mortgage or credit cards? This is one case where you may be a lucky victim of mis-selling • Share the burden. Losing your job can add stress to any relationship. Don’t be afraid to tell family and friends your news. You will need support and they can’t help if they don’t know.

When speaking with people

who have faced redundancy in the past, the majority will tell you that it was one of the worst experiences of their life, and one of the best things that ever happened to them. Quite the oxymoron, but it is true. Losing your job can be a catalyst for large scale change, new job, new home, new life, and although not everyone feels ready, those changes CAN be incredibly positive.

Remember, you are not alone there is a lot of guidance for people going through redundancy.

If you accept support, the process will be gentler and you can move through to a better brighter future.

Don’t forget to update your CV now, ready to apply for new jobs and make sure you get registered on jobsites like www.iwjobfinder.co.uk so new jobs can start coming directly to you.

For more advice on redundancy visit gov.uk/ redundant-your-rights

40

IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

We are looking for a level 3 practitioner to join our team.

Full time permanent position Excellent rates of pay

Working with children from birth to 4 years.

If you would like to be considered for a role in our fantastic team of childcare professionals, please send your current CV stating your availability and why you feel Chatterbox Childcare is the setting that could suit you.

If you would like a confidential discussion regarding this vacancy, contact Amanda on 01983 616779 or email amanda@chattytots.com

#

KITCHEN ASSISTANT Basic food hygiene certificate would be advantageous as well as understanding health and safety procedures

Email your CV and covering letter to jobs.kingswood@inspiring-learning.com

LEGZIRA BARBERS in Newport

REQUIRES A FULL TIME OR PART TIME BARBER

07979 979 062

ADVERTISE YOUR ISLE OF WIGHT JOB VACANCY HERE

216200 Chefs & Kitchen Assistants We will teach you everything you need to know by offering you full training and also the opportunity to gain a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Food Safety.

Hours will be full time across 5 or 6 days each week working 40 hours a week or more if needed.

Due to the Hotel’s location, having your own transport would be an advantage.

Email your CV to nikki.white@bourne-leisure.co.uk LOOKING FOR WORK? UPLOAD CVS, BROWSE JOBS & GET MAIL ALERTS - FREE! VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK

EMPLOYEE PROFILE IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

41

When you think of careers guidance, most people think of school / university leavers or return to work parents. However, there is a growing need for services supporting the over 50’s. Pat Burley runs a contract helping this group find work, whether unemployed or just looking for a change in direction.

Company: Learning Links Role: Delivery Manager What made you apply for this job I joined back in 2016 because I enjoy helping people and with being in the over 50’s age group myself, experiencing issues with finding a job first hand, I knew I could help pass on my experience to others.

How have you changed since joining the team?

Since joining I have progressed from being a tutor to managing the contract. I don’t think that I have changed as a person... apart from getting older, though my colleagues would probably say I’m a tyrant... hopefully they are only joking?

What are the challenges of working in this sector?

Trying to convince our customers that they can do a job, lack of self-confidence is a big

issue for some of them, especially if they have to change direction due to health issues. It can be challenging to get someone to believe in themselves.

What are the best things about your job?

Seeing somebody increase their self-esteem and then get the job they want is immensely rewarding.

What does your working day look like?

It varies, no 2 days are the same. I can be delivering training to a group of people; sitting with someone to create their CV; or showing them how to use a computer for the first time. Delivering an Outreach Job Club Service in Freshwater or being in our Newport base.

What skills do you need to succeed in your industry?

You need a lot of patience to get the best out of people, an awareness of

the needs of the local job market so you can provide relevant advice and understand what other support is available in the community.

What advice do you have for anyone looking for work right now?

Keep on trying, there are jobs out there, don’t be afraid to take on a temporary or voluntary role to gain experience.

Volunteering goes a long way in showing an employer that you are willing. They will look at it and think, “if they are willing to do all that for no pay, how much would they be willing to do for me if I pay them a wage?”

FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the “Ageing Better” Over 50’s Employment Support Programme at http://learninglinks. co.uk/learn/ Pat Burley, Delivery Manager at Learning Links

ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL JOB VACANCY IN THE NEXT ISSUE. VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK OR CALL 01983 216200

42

Sport

9th November 2018

Sport Observer

Fixtures & Results

Cowes & District Snooker League Week 5 Results: Lib A 3, Lib C 4. Con C 4, Con B 3. WC Con 4, Con A 3.. Highest Break: G. Brown (Con C), 40.

Pl W L Con C 5 22 13 WC Con 5 19 16 Lib A 5 17 18 Con A 5 17 18 Lib C 5 16 19 Con B 5 14 21

Dif Pts 241 22 61 19 105 17 -121 17 -26 16 -260 14

Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club latest results Ladies: England Golf Medal, Silver Division: 1, Dawn Hodge 79; 2, Stephanie Hart 80; 3,Joyce Petrie 81. Bronze Division: 1,Brenda Keyte 76; 2,Hazel Smith 79; 3, Alix Goddard 83.

Open Stableford: Division One: 1,Brian Porter 36pts; 2, Keith Taylor 36; 3, John Liddlelow 36.

Division Two: 1,Tony Bird 38; 2,Keith Wickham 33.

Seniors: Stableford: 1,Ron

Borham 41pts, 2nd Gwynn White 37; 3, Steve Brewer 35.

Austin Cups 4BBB: 1, George Foreman and John Moorman 44pts; 2, Mike Ward and Dave McGee 44; 3, Dave McToldbridge and Steve Collins 43; 4, Robert Gray and Andrew Westhorpe 42.

Monthly Stableford: 1, George Foreman 40pts; 2, Jason Smith 40; 3,Andrew Warren 39.

Latest results from Osborne Golf Club Midweek Stableford Division 1: 1, Leigh Pragnell 40 pts; 2, Paul Haward 40; 3,Dereck Wright 37. Division 2: 1, Les Snow 41; 2, John Elliott 39; 3, David Ramsbottom 38. Division 3: 1, Brian Morey 41; 2, Hugh Fowler 39; 3,Martin Marshall 37.

Saturday Stableford Division 1: 1,Michael

Jacobson 38; 2, Brian Wright 36; 3, Derek Wright 34. Division 2: 1,Nigel Bowden 35; 2, Stephen Legg 35; 3, Robert Holloway 32. Division 3: 1, John Cooper 34; 2, Roger Cooper 34; 3, Benjamin Dyer 33.

Sunday Stableford All Men: 1, Chris Hayward 42; 2, Kieron Little 40; 3, Brian Wright 40.

In brief: Second spot for Liz Wight Tri member and IW Talented Athlete Liz Dunlop rounded off her season with a second place finish in her age category at the Ironman 70.3 Turkey, held in Belek, near Antalya.

Liz was delighted with her performance, posting an overall time of 5:40:03 to clinch second in the

60-64 category, in only her second 70.3 Ironman Distance.

Even though she missed out on a World Championship qualification slot, as only one is given for her age category, she ended the campaign satisfied with her efforts.

Career hightlight: Lee Probert, centre, prepares to take charge of the 2014 FA Cup Final.

Lee caught on wrong side of law

Isle of Wight football referee Lee Probert has this week been at the centre of a heated debate involving former players and officials, as well as TV pundits and thousands of fans on social media.

Ex-Sandown High School pupil Probert was the Premier League referee who showed a yellow card to Demarai Gray, after the Leicester City player scored the first goal for the club since the death of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash.

Gray scored against Cardiff City, then took off his shirt in celebration to reveal a T-shirt with ‘For Khun Vichai’ printed on it as a tribute to the chairman.

TV footage showed that Probert seemed reluctant to book Gray, but in doing so he adhered to the laws of the game. Within minutes fans from many clubs were criticising the action on social media, describing it as ‘a disgrace’, and in many instances much stronger words! But Leicester City manager Claude Puel was

among those who backed Probert’s actions. He said: “We played like professionals and it was important for the referee to be professional too. He knows the rules and it was important for Demi to take this yellow card. It was the one time I accepted a yellow card from my player.

It was very emotional.”

Probert, 46, came to the

A young Lee Probert.

Island from Aylesbury as a five-year-old when his parents moved to Sandown to run a guest house.

Although he has now moved back to the mainland, his mother Sharon still lives in Shanklin, and he is a regular visitor here.

Although Probert himself has made no comment about

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 214264 @iwobserver

@iwobserver On the way up: Lee Probert, centre, has risen to the top.

the booking, former Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher insisted it was the right decision - as did many other people writing on Facebook and Twitter.

Gallagher said: “That is the law. It was very unfortunate circumstances, but Claude Puel said the referee acted professionally and I fully endorse that, and really that is all I can say.”

But former professional footballer Darren Bent said: “I understand that the law is the law but I just think in that situation when it is so sensitive, when something has just happened, it would have been nice for the referee to be a bit more sensitive.

“On certain occasions when something so tragic has happened, he could have turned a blind eye and maybe let it go. But I understand both sides of it.”

Leicester fan and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, on his Twitter account, called it a “silly law, always has been but not the day to get worked up about something so insignificant”.

Probert, who attended Sandham Middle School and Sandown High, began officiating schoolboy matches on the Island on Saturday mornings when just 15. He once said: “One day my sports teacher asked me what lessons I had that afternoon, and I told him ‘double French’. He said we were going off to Cowes High School for a game which he wanted me to referee, adding

‘forget about double French, you will never be any good at French, but you might have a chance as a referee’.”

He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2014 when he officiated the FA Cup final at Wembley between Arsenal and Hull City. He recalled: “My mum was in the Royal Box with my wife Melanie, and all my close friends were there as well watching. It was superb.

“It really was a dream come true, being asked to take charge of the biggest game in English football.

As an Island boy I used to watch the whole build-up to the Cup Final on TV, from

Lee with Arsene Wenger.

9am until it finished, and then go and ‘replay’ it with mates at Ferncliff Gardens in Sandown afterwards, using jumpers as goalposts.”

- Peter White

Sport

9th November 2018

43

Academy events jump into action The first Friday night jumping, hosted by the Island Equine Academy and the brainchild of leading Island equestrians Sarah Holmes and Hayley Webster, was well supported.

The academy supports Island riders to achieve their goals in their chosen equestrian discipline.

Holding regular clinics and an annual camp, the Island Equine Academy provides a great support network. The Academy’s next show is on Friday, November 30, clear round 6pm until 6.30pm, classes starting at 6.30pm.

Results: Class 1: 1,Ruby Lord & Tiggy; 2, Natasha Lord & Tiggy.

Class 2: 1, Alison Hill & Murphy; 2,Tanya Potter & Electra.

Class 3: 1, Clover Clevett & Tommy; 2, Amy Webster & Benjamin Button.

Class 4: 1, Alison Hill & Rambo; 2, Jess Morris & Lockley.

Class 5: 1, Shannon Cox & Belle; 2, Bumble Pike & Lara.

Class 6: 1, Shannon Cox & Belle; 2, Holly Whyte & Celeber.

The first of Sarah’s Lake Farm Winter jumping series hosted by Lake Farm has

also taken place. The series encourages riders to build confidence, with plenty of support on hand. Sarah Holmes can be regularly found in the arena helping riders get round the course.

The next series is on Sunday, December 23, classes starting at 9.30am. Christmas attire is encouraged.

Results: Class 1: 1, Connie Jeffery & May; 2, Elizabeth Waghorn & Smokey.

Class 2: 1, Ruby Harper & Bertie; 2, Nicholas Waghorn & Little Al. Class 3: 1, Tanya Potter &

Electra; 2, Amelia Morgan & Harry.

Class 4: 1, Freya Rann & Ruby; 2, Cally Jo Dawkins & Leo. Class 5: 1, Lydia Buckeridge & Homer; 2, John Waghorn & Chevvy.

Class 6: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Ramiro’s Quest; 2, Yaz Brown & Portia.

Class 7: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Ramiro’s Quest; 2, Alan Stay & Darcy.

Class 8: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Harlequinn; 2, Karen Begley & Ramiro’s Fortune.

Photos: Kev Cant

Sophie Szydlowski on Pixie.

Sharon Waghorn on Harlequinn.

Cally Jo Dawkins on Leo.

Tanya Potter on Electra.

Ellie Humpherys on Anton China Blue.

Bethany Murthwaite on Gracie.

44

Sport

9th November 2018

New signing boost after Port go out of FA Vase ‘Their first goal seemed to deflate our players - but I thought we did well’ - Andy Sampson A sea of yellow-shirted Newport players close down Cribbs in the FA Vase.

By Peter White Newport 0 Cribbs 2 Newport’s hopes of a sustained run in the FA Vase came to an abrupt end at St Georges Park, as Cribbs scored two late goal to secure their place in the next round.

Newport never had quite enough to threaten the Western League outfit seriously, even though they carved out a few decent chances.

However, manager Andy Sampson has been boosted by the signing of Jared Cousins from Cowes Sports, and he is hoping the striker will add more fire power up front in future games.

Commenting on the Vase defeat, Sampson said: “When we conceded the first goal in the 68th minute it

was disappointing, because although they had a few chances before that, we managed to keep them at range.

“After they scored I was just hoping we would get an opportunity to draw level, but I think their first goal seemed to deflate our players a bit.

“But overall we had a fairly young team, and I thought they did well. Unfortunately, though, we didn’t really cause them enough problems when we got around their penalty area.”

Cribbs, kicking with a strong wind in the opening half, had the majority of the play and Gary Streeter, replacing Ryan Hall in goal for Port, did well to keep them at bay. Port finally

had their first clear chance in the 38th minute, but the Cribbs keeper pushed a Lewis Wright free kick over the bar.

The second-half began with Spike Pearce clearing off the line, but the Cribbs pressure finally paid off when Dan Spicer pounced after Streeter was unable to control a cross.

Then the visitors put the game beyond Port’s reach in the 81st, Jason Vincent scoring with a low shot from inside the area.

Port travel to Whitchurch tomorrow (Sat) in the Wessex League, Division One, with Sampson adding: “A few of our players who have been unavailable are back now, and I feel that when we can put our full side out we are looking quite strong.”

A Newport attack is repulsed by Cribbs.

Defiant Sanders: We can improve on last season!

Bashley 7 Cowes Sports 1 The difficulties of trying to compete with mainland clubs who have strong financial backing was highlighted as depleted Cowes Sports conceded six goals in the second half of their clash at Bashley.

Yachtsmen manager Vic Sanders was without eight players due to illness, injury and family commitments, including six who have figured in virtually every

game for him this campaign.

He said: “We simply don’t have the resources to go out and bring in players to strengthen the squad like many of the clubs on the mainland can, because they have the cash to do it.”

But defiant Sanders is refusing to get downhearted, and firmly believes that come the end of the season he will improve on the Yachtsmen’s placing of last season, when they

finished fourth from bottom of the Wessex League, Premier Division.

He said: “The priority is to stay in this division, and then see how much higher we can get.

Remember, this time last year, the manager was Steve Hunt, who played top level football and was an England international.

If the job was easy, someone with his experience would have had the team at

the top of the table, rather than finish one place above relegation.

“So I knew what I was taking on, and I knew it was not going to be easy. This is a learning curve for everyone, and if I thought it was an impossible job, and I could not improve on last season, then I wouldn’t have taken it on.”

After conceding in the opening half, the Island outfit had a couple of

opportunities to draw level before the interval. But they conceded again early in the second half, before Bashley ran away with the game as Daniel Mundey stepped off the subs’ bench to plunder a hat-trick in 24 second-half minutes.

Bashley were below the Yachtsmen in the table before kick off, but their victory lifted them into the top half, while the Sanders’ boys slipped to 14th place.

But the boss is hoping to have all his players available again for tomorrow’s (Sat) home game against Tadley Calleva, including striker John McKie, who has missed the last few matches with a hamstring injury.

With many mid-table teams within a few points of each other, a win for the Yachtsmen at Westwood Park would take them above Tadley, who are currently in 10th place.

Sport

9th November 2018

Local football round up

Mosely hits hat-trick as Shanklin ease through to third round Sam Mosely grabbed a hat-trick to help Shanklin reach the third round of the Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup. Peter Wilson, Olly Fleming and Phil McDonald were also on the scoresheet as the IW League, Division One side accounted for Lymington Town Reserves 6-2.

There was a tight battle for honours between Island rivals Binstead & COB and Pan Sports in the same competition, with Pan going through after a penalty shoot-out, with the sides level at 2-2.

A penalty shoot-out was also needed in West Wight’s trip to Hayling United, and it was the Island side that progressed after 2-2 deadlock on 90 minutes.

Whitecroft & Barton Sports were comfortable home winners against Nyetimber Pirates Reserves, and in an another all-Island clash, Brading Town proved too strong for Osborne Coburg, running out 5-1 victors.

In the only game of the IW League, Division one, Cowes Sports Reserves eased further away from the foot of the table with a 1-0 win over Sandown.

Results Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup second round Binstead & COB 2 Pan Sports 2 (Pan won on pens) Brading Town 5 Osborne Coburg 1 Fleetlands 4 Northwood St Johns 0 Hayling United 2 West Wight 2 (West Wight won on pens) Infinity 10 Ventnor 2 Shanklin 6 Lymington

Town Reserves 2 Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4 Nyetimber Pirates Reserves 0 Hampshire Junior A Cup second round AFC Wootton 10 Testlands Saturday 0 Blue Anchor 1 Ryde Saints 2 Carisbrooke United 2 Bournemouth Manor Res 2 (Carisbrooke won on pens) Gotham 3 Bembridge 2 Herriard Sports 2 Niton Community 5 Meon Milton 5 Brading Town Res 4 Mudeford Mens 3 Oakfield Res 4 Ventnor Reserves 3 East Cowes Sports Res 8 West Wight Res 4 Talbot Rise Utd 1 Whiteley Wanderers 15 Sandown Reserves 0 Wroxall 2 Tadley Calleva A 2 (Tadley won on pens) Hampshire Junior B Cup second round Coal Exchange 7 Carisbrooke United Res 1 Compton Reserves 3 AFC Wootton Res 3 (Compton won on pens) Ryde Saints A 0 Bishops Waltham Dynamos Res 5 Yarmouth & Calbourne Res 0 Michelmersh & Timsbury Res 15 Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League Division One Sandown 0 Cowes Sports Reserves 1 Division Two East Cowes Vics A 2 Brighstone 3 Oakfield 7 Adgestone 0 Combination One Osborne Coburg 1 Ryde Saints 2 Combination Two Bembridge 4 Seaview Res 4 Niton Community Res 1 Newchurch Res 1

Vics face keeper crisis after five-goal defeat Follands Sports 5 East Cowes Vics 0 Vics manager Steve Brougham was honest enough to admit there was not enough commitment from his players as they slumped to defeat in their Wessex League Division One on the mainland.

Now Vics are facing a keeper crisis after first choice Will Hunt suffered a bad back injury early in the first half that could keep him out long-term.

Brougham has spent

this week looking for a replacement, but if he is not successful then he will have to throw in a youngster with no first team experience for the game at Laverstock and Ford tomorrow (Sat).

Commenting on the latest defeat, he said: “You can’t expect just to turn up to win a game, you have to put more into it.

“I normally defend the lads, but this was an occasion when we weren’t at it all game, and you just cannot afford to be like that.

“We lost our keeper at half time, but we were already 2-0 down, so no excuses.

“Ironically, we had as many scoring chances as they did, but didn’t put them away.

But as long as they come back for the next game and give it a good go, then it will be fine. This is an experience we have to learn from.”

Brougham thinks all three Wessex League clubs on the Island are suffering through a lack of experience in their squads.

He said: “The Isle of Wight

Intense Hurricanes pick up fine victory on the road New Milton RFC 18, Sandown & Shanklin 41 The Hurricanes travelled to the New Forest to play old foes New Milton RFC, and got off to an intense and purposeful start.

Scrum half Jacob Jordan gathered the ball and sniped, and finding a gap in the defensive line, gave Sandown & Shanklin a perfect start, with Sam Flux converting for a 0 - 7 lead.

Hurricanes soon scored again, after gathering the ball from the restart and then out flanking the defence. Tyson found his centre partner in crime, Jack Wedderkop on a short line and cut through the defence for the Hurricanes second score, again converted by Flux. Moments later Flux converted a penalty for 0 – 17.

The home side were fired into action, but could not stop the momentum of the

Sandown & Shanklin play.

With great handling from the forwards and Man of the Match Matt Miselbach, the visitors were soon threatening the New Milton 22 again.

Cameron Mitchell released the charging Rob Newton, who barrelled his way through three tackles to touch down. Flux again converted, before the home side scored a converted try to make it 13 - 24 at the break.

Around 10 minutes into the second half the hosts had two quick yellow cards, one for bad language, the other pulling Damian Seder’s hair.

Following a poor clearance kick from the hosts, the ball popped up into Cameron Mitchell’s hands.

With some work still to do, the fly half stepped the final defender, and scored in the corner.

Ben ‘Goosey’ Sanderson scored his second try in

as many games, capping a great performance from the stand in fullback, which also notched up the 50th try of the season for the Hurricanes.

A similar position as Cameron’s previous try, this time Flux converted for 13 36.

Then Wedderkop dived over in the corner for his second of the game. The conversion grazed the post, but Hurricanes had an unassailable 13 - 41 margin.

New Milton did manage to gain a reward for their efforts with a try late.

The Hurricanes 2nd XV fixture against Fawley 2nd XV was awarded as a Home Walkover (HWO) as the opposition could not raise a side to come to the Island.

Sandown & Shanklin now turn their attention to Purley John Fisher RFC in the last 32 of the RFU Junior Vase, tomorrow (Sat).

IW Seconds snatch dramatic victory Millbrook & Stoneham II 39 points, Isle of Wight II 42 Isle of Wight RFC’s second team’s maintained their 100 per cent record in Hampshire Three in an incredible game at Millbrook.

Seemingly on course for a severe beating after an abject first-half display, the Islanders were transformed in the second period, and just overhauled the stunned hosts in a dramatic finish.

Under pressure at the scrum and lacking quality possession, IW struggled

to get their attacking game going, but it was in defence where the Islanders were really found wanting.

Captain and Biffa Man of the Day Matt Hallam was also forced off through injury early on.

The hosts built a 22-0 lead in the first half-hour, the one bright spot for IW in the half was Luke Margham racing clear for a converted try.

Millbrook/Stoneham finished the half in the ascendancy to take a 29-7

45

lead. A key moment came straight from the kick-off as replacement Matt SpencerBrading pressurised the catcher, who spilled the ball and allowed the young IW flanker to touch down.

IW improved in the scrums and defending, yet it was the home side who scored next, taking a 34-14 lead.

IW were indebted to Margham, who scored an outrageous individual try to bring them back into the game, and with 20 minutes remaining IW were within

two scores.

They soon scored again courtesy of Rouse Ltd Man of the Match Harry Elsom, and the conversion brought them within a converted try of the lead.

IW began running everything from deep, and a flowing move eventually led to a try from a close-range drive by Tom Turtle.

With the kick, IW led 35-34 with only a few minutes to play.

The hosts roared back and forced an overlap to score

in the corner, seemingly deflating the young IW side.

But there was one more twist, as the ball was moved right from their own 22, and Tom Blowers sliced through for the winning score, with Margham adding his sixth conversion.

IW: Browne, Hooper, Hallam, Spence, Peckham, Margham, Elsom, Metcalfe, Turtle, Davey, Harrison, Biles, Guy, Bettum, N Joyce.

Replacements: Blowers, Corney, Spencer-Brading, J Bishop, Jones, Leahy.

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 214264

is struggling for players who have been around a while, and can provide some leadership to the youngsters - not just at our club, but at Cowes Sports and Newport.

“There seems to be an age gap. When I played there were a few older players in the team who you could learn off, but that doesn’t seem to be happening now.

“We have some good players coming through, but the ‘older heads’ on the Island just don’t seem to be playing any more.”

Riches leads the Ventnor charge Ventnor 1XV 63, Southampton 1XV 22 In-form Ventnor gave their supporters another big win to cheer about, as they completed a comprehensive victory over depleted visitors, Southampton.

The game started hesitantly from Ventnor as the mental challenge of playing against a side short of full numbers took some overcoming.

The key to the game was their unselfish expansive play, and this came through after only 10 minutes with Ed Blake scoring from the wing.

Tries soon followed from Max Wheeler and Todd Riches.

However, it wasn’t all oneway traffic as Southampton’s well-drilled pack gained a couple of scores from set plays to keep the game interesting.

The second half saw the game fully swing in Ventnor’s favour with Wheeler and Blake completing their braces, and Chris Hill and Justinas Urbonas getting on the score sheet too. Todd Riches had a 100 per cent kick rate, that with his try, gave him a personal haul of 21 points. The final try for the home side came from scrum half Andy Gough, which when converted by Ricky Keyes took the Ventnor total to nine converted tries.

AJ Wells Man of the Match: Max Wheeler. Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Gough Ventnor (match sponsored

by Crab and Lobster Tap, The Bistro, Northwood Garage, The White Horse, and The Garlic Farm): Stemmet, Keyes, Pratt, Teague, Savill, Marsh, Hill, Colson, Gough, Riches, Turner, Urbonas, Wheeler, Blake, Babington.

Subs - Edwards, Noyes, Annadale, Green, Jones

46

Sport

9th November 2018

Indoor bowlers win Denny Cup clash Backing for Bembridge Bembridge Football Club are celebrating their position at the top of the Harwoods Renault IW League, Division Two, with a new strip and new sponsor.

Star Insulation, a new

Simon New’s delivery heads for the jack.

The Isle of Wight Indoor Bowls Club men’s team reached the third round of the Denny Cup when they defeated Worthing Pavilion by 88 shots to 81.

The match was close throughout with the Island team leading by five shots at five ends, by a single at the halfway stage, by four threequarters of the way through and by only one entering the final stages. The two rinks playing away were responsible for the overall success, both winning their games.

Paul Attrill, Brian Wells, Allen Best and Jack Berry were behind seven shots to 12 at the halfway point but overturned the deficit to win 22-16. The four of John Pearce, Ian Ball, Peter Furmidge and Ron Leleux led 12 shots to six after 10 ends but the opposition came back to take a one shot advantage at 15 ends. But the Islanders went on to record a 21 shots to 18 win with Leleux sinking the jack in the ditch on the final end to score a four and wrap up victory.

The home rinks fared less well both losing by a single

shot. The Four of Simon New, Phil Brooks, Darren Griffith and Alan Cawdell scored fives on two of the first three ends, but the opposition settled down and recovered to win by one shot.

The rink of Andrew Nightingale, Richard Jeffery, Ian Morey and Bob Mortlock led 17 shots to 10 but the Worthing rink recovered and also recorded a one-shot victory. The next round is on November 17 against Victory of Portsmouth.

In the first round of the Yetton Plate the Ladies recorded a fightback win against Palmerston of Fareham. Behind for most of the match they came

back to win 79 shots to 73.

In the home games Phyl Fredericks, Sandra Adkins, Anne Hoath and Sue Green led throughout to win 22-17.

Also at home Ronnie Berry, Auriol Ash, Peggy Evans and Pauline Proud started well and led in the early stages.

The Palmerston four hit back to secure an 18-18 draw.

Both rinks playing away were involved in close games.

The four of Jane Kilby, Judy Eynon, Val Addison and Anne Bernard finished the stronger to record an excellent 20-16 win. The quartet of Annie Morris, Stef Ball, Shirley Stubbs and Gay Allen fought hard but went down start by 22 shots to 19.

Bob Mortlock is a study of concentration.

David is presently chair where he has worked closely with the ECB and seen the disability game grow to the present day structure of 32 teams playing across four differing formats including Hardball and Softball cricket.

David is still playing for the Island disability side and is keen to see new players on board to strengthen the Island set up. David was presented his award at the OSCA lunch in the Nursery Pavilion at Lords Cricket Ground by England player Ollie Pope.

Bembridge’s new sponsors.

County cricket for Newclose?

Discussions are taking place between officials of Newclose Cricket Ground, Newport, and Hampshire CCC to try to secure a County Championship four-day match on the Isle of Wight for the first time since 1962.

The most recent meeting took place at the end of October, and although further negotiations will take place, the signs look positive.

The latest edition of The

Cricketer magazine includes an article on Hampshire cricket, which has described Newclose in a positive fashion.

This is extremely reassuring for all those who have worked so hard to keep Newclose County Cricket Ground in good order since founder Brian Gardener’s sad passing three years ago.

It appears his dream is close to being realised, even

though the champagne needs to be kept on ice a bit longer!

The publication by the English Cricket Board of the full 2019 domestic cricket fixture list will come towards the end of this month, and only then will Newclose officials discover if their efforts have been rewarded, and if so which county will be facing Hampshire on the Island from May 20 to 23.

Local Football fixtures for Saturday November 10th (2pm kick off) Isle of Wight Memorial Cup First Round Adgestone v Newchurch Bembridge v AFC Wootton Niton Community v Brighstone Seaview v East Cowes Vics A Wroxall v Carisbrooke United Yarmouth & Calbourne v Oakfield Harwoods Renault IW League Division One East Cowes Sports v

Life-time award for David Lloyd Island cricketer David Lloyd was awarded the ‘Life-Time Service to Cricket’ award at the ECB’s OSCAs for his 30 years of work in disability cricket.

David is known around the Island as a player and volunteer within Island cricket, but has also been giving up his time to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities (BACD). He has been active on the committee holding a number of prominent positions within the organisation.

company, and will be backing Bembridge this season, and the club will no doubt be hoping to repay their sponsors by staying at the top of the pack for the remainder of the campaign.

David Lloyd receiving his award. Photo: ECB/Getty.

Northwood St Johns Pan Sports v Sandown Shanklin v Cowes Sports Reserves Ventnor v Brading Town West Wight v Osborne Coburg Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Binstead & COB Combination One Brading Town v East Cowes Sports Northwood St Johns v Shanklin Oakfield v Ventnor

Osborne Coburg v West Wight Ryde Saints v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Sandown v Binstead & COB Combination Two AFC Wootton v Yarmouth & Calbourne Carisbrooke United v Bembridge Newchurch v Seaview Ryde Saints A v Niton Community Res.

Sport

9th November 2018

47

Juniors show rowing skills indoors!

Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club hosted the seventh Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Junior Indoor Rowing competition at their Shanklin Esplanade clubhouse.

The annual event is open to any junior/under 18 members from the three Island rowing clubs at Ryde, Shanklin Sandown and Newport, and Ryde School Boat Club. All four clubs were represented with a total of 20 junior oarsman and woman taking part.

There were two stages to the event, in line with British Rowing’s guidelines and as used at the National Junior Indoor Rowing competition - at which many of these athletes are hoping to

compete early next year.

All the Juniors were divided into boys and girls and age groups and competed as individuals over a distance rowed in a fixed time with medals awarded for first, second and third places.

After completion of the individual competitions a relay was held, over 3,000m, in teams of six, drawn from the hat from all four clubs to round off a great day’s competition. Results: Winners: Year 7 Boys: Fergus Findlay, Newport. Year 8 Boys: Conner Garner, Newport. Year 8 Girls: Kayleigh Batchelor, Shanklin Sandown. Year 9 Girls: Poppy Starkey, Ryde.

Year 10 Boys: Ethan Walters, Shanklin Sandown. Year 10

Girls: Rachael Debenham, Shanklin Sandown. Year 11 Boys: Charlie Walford, Ryde.

Year 11 Girls: Charlotte Tapsell, Shanklin Sandown.

Year 12/13 Boys: Jonjo Findlay, Newport. Year 12/13 Girls: Florrie Webb, Ryde School Boat Club.

In the relay the Winning Team was Ollie Colson, Rachael Debenham, Ben Smith, Florrie Webb, Toby Batchelor and Charlie Walford.

Second: Ethan Walters, Arlo Adds, Connor Garner, Lottie Tapsell, Toby Lucas and Poppy Starkey. Third: Kayleigh Batchelor, Beth Walpole-Davies, Theo Phelan, Jonjo Findlay, Laurence Cole and Harry Jones.

Juniors from the four island rowing clubs at the Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Indoor Junior Regatta.

Newport golfers raise cash for British Legion Newport Golf Club’s inaugural Tommy Trophy, in memory of those who have fallen while fighting for their country, raised £260 for the British Legion.

Around 60 members took part in the Scramble competition, with Rex Ringer, Ben Ringer, Paul Williams and Kev Thompson taking the honours with a net 58 score. John Lee, Rob Windsor, Sean O’Brien and

Chris Prendaghast were runners-up with a net 59, and third place went to Blake Aston, Dave Stockbridge, Derek Dyer and Jolyn Howarth on net 61.

Newport Golf Club vice captain Keith Fryer, who organised the competition, will be laying a wreath on behalf of the club in Newport on Armistice Day. Nine-hole Stableford: 1, Chris Prenderghast (19)

25pts. Thursday Stableford: 1, Kev Thompson (25) 41pts.

Saturday Stableford: First Division; 1, Oliver Wilson (5) 38pts; 2, Mark Hancott (5) 36; 3, Yolande Farrer (7) 35. Second Division; 1, Peter Mew (12) 27pts; 2, Bob Roberson (18) 36; 3, Brian Lane (20) 35.

Saturday Medal: 1, Bob Roberson (17) 66net; 2 Yolande Farrer (7) 67.

Paul Williams, left, Newport captain Andy Dudley, Rex Ringer, Ben Ringer and Kev Thompson.

Newport captain Andy Dudley, left, presenting the Willmott Trophy, for winning this year’s club singles’ knockout competition, to Mark Hancott.

Sport

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News

Observer

First class cricket set for Island return after 57 years

By Peter White

46

Island ref at centre of yellow card storm Full Story

42

Lee Probert snared in Leicester City’s weekend of grief This weeks highlights...

Football

Port edged out of Vase but Sampson is positive 44

Golf

Newport cash boost for British Legion appeal 47

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If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 214264 @iwobserver

@iwobserver

9th November 2018

‘Why we have to reopen’

News

3

Art for beloved bird

Roz Thompson.

Becky Wall with Biffy the snake.

Amy Brewer with Sid the monitor.

The Isle of Wight Pet Centre is to rise again as staff and volunteers rally round to rebuild it after the fire.

All of the store’s birds perished in the November 5 blaze, with some reptiles losing their lives or being badly traumatised. Some fish also survived and a lot of the centre’s mammals escaped the flames and fumes that

devastated the business in the late-night inferno.

The rescued critters are now being housed in one of the centre’s other buildings, where reptile manager Becky Wall explained some reptiles were still covered in soot and smelled of smoke, but weren’t able to be bathed yet as they were too traumatised from the fire and needed

The scene at the pet centre on Wednesday. time to adjust.

Becky, 27, was “pleasantly surprised” to find that Cleo the chameleon had survived the blaze.

She explained that the species aren’t the toughest of reptiles and was glad to see she was doing well, even if she was slightly soot covered.

Sid, the monitor lizard, and

Biffy, a large snake, were also brought out of their enclosures, still slightly blackened and smoky but chirpy enough.

Sid had apparently been rather grumpy when he was being rescued, tired and oblivious to what was going on.

Although, he seemed happy enough in the arms of Amy.

Bunnies and rats rustled in their temporary enclosures too, a host of staff and volunteers around them, looking out for their well being.

Now they are waiting to reopen the pet centre and send the animals off to their new forever homes.

The Isle of Wight Pet Centre will return.

A Newport-born artist plans to paint a picture of a much loved cockatoo who sadly perished in a pet shop blaze.

Brolly, the well known umbrella cockatoo died with many other animals and reptiles after the Isle of Wight Pet Centre caught fire on Monday night (November 5).

Roz Thompson, 24, is a watercolour pet portraiture artist who specialises in photorealistic work.

Brolly was a very fond part of her childhood and her family always made time to see him on trips to the Island.

She said: “My favourite memory is holding my hair up above my head and bobbing up and down, and him enthusiastically dancing in response with his wings out and his head feathers raised.

“Even in his older years when he was a little less rambunctious, he would perk up as we approached his cage, and by the time we had to leave he would scream the place down if we tried to walk away! He was a feathery friend.”

The artist hopes to auction the finished product off and donate a portion of the funds to the pet centre.

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News

News in brief East Cowes remembers

9th November 2018

Two-page focus on Island court news

Members of East Cowes Heritage Centre spent Tuesday morning, November 6, putting up information sheets at each end of 28 roads in the town.

On each is a list of the men from that street who died during WWI. Some include photographs of the soldier or sailor.

This is the culmination of the efforts of Jenny Kendal, who over the last four years has researched all the East Cowes men who died serving their country.

An exhibition at the Heritage Centre shows some of them, and there are three files full of information on the subject. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am – 1pm and Wednesdays until 4pm.

Book launch in Bembridge Launching of a new anthology of poems from the Great War is being held at Bembridge Community Library, Friday, November 23, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

The Lord Lieutenant will read a poem.

Entrance is £5 including refreshments.

Bembridge Community Library will receive all proceeds from tickets.

The event is sponsored by Gresham Books Ltd.

Folly Inn Christmas Craft Fair Looking for that extra special gift this Christmas?

The kind that’s handmade, unique and guaranteed to make that special someone smile?

Then the Folly Inn has exactly what you’re looking for.

Starting on Saturday, November 10, from 12pm until 4pm there will be plenty of handmade gifts on sale designed by local papercraft designer Sarah Jackman-Read and other Island designers.

Flux lunged at the No 9 bus driver after the pass he was attempting to use to travel was confiscated.

Flux confined after theft and fight A heroin using dad has been sentenced after admitting assaulting a bus driver and stealing high value clothing to fund his habit.

Simon James Flux, 36, of St Swithins Crescent, Bouldnor admitted assaulting Southern Vectis bus driver Anthony Sharpe in Newport bus station on September 29.

Oscar Vincent, defence counsel to Flux, told the court his client had been attempting to visit his two children aged 11 and seven as he had promised to. He used an Islander Card he had found on the ground to

try and get on the bus with.

Flux had put his thumb over a woman’s picture on the card and tried to board the bus when he was stopped by Mr Sharpe who took the card off him - at this point Flux lunged at Mr Sharpe causing reddening and scratches to the driver’s face.

Mr Vincent said of his client’s actions: “His motive being that he didn’t want to let his children down.”

A witness statement from Mr Sharpe was read by the prosecution, claiming the bus driver had to take three weeks off work to get over

Bari denies biting An inmate at HMP Albany has denied biting a prison guard and drawing blood when entered his plea at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.

Abdul Bari, 28, an Afghan national, appeared via video link on Tuesday (November 6) to enter his not guilty plea to one count of actual bodily harm.

The prosecution alleged that Bari threatened prison officer Jason Lane on May 4 claiming he would find him on the outside and hurt him.

The two then became involved in a struggle and allegedly Mr Bari bit Mr Lane

on the hand, drawing blood.

There were initial concerns that Mr Bari could be HIV positive and the prison officer was treated with antibiotics.

Mr Bari’s defence counsel, Barry Arnett, told the court his client had not attacked Mr Lane but had himself been restrained and attacked.

No bail application was made for the defendant as he is serving a custodial sentence until 2020.

The case will now be sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for trial on December 17.

the incident and still felt affected by it.

Flux admitted that he had suffered a relapse and was using heroin again - a sentiment echoed by his probation case worker who said he stopped engaging with addiction services and had stopped receiving his methadone prescription.

The court also heard that Flux had stolen five jackets belonging to the Henri Lloyd store in Cowes High Street worth £845 on October 30.

A store employee witness statement read out in court claimed “the quickness of

the theft has shaken me up”.

The prosecution intended to seek compensation for the jackets which Flux admitted he had sold in exchange for heroin.

However, upon passing sentence, magistrate Ann Evans said it would not be possible for Flux to pay back any compensation as he would be serving a custodial sentence of 26 weeks in total.

Therefore, Henri Lloyd and Mr Sharpe would not receive any financial compensation for the crimes committed against them.

Flux was not ordered to pay

any costs or surcharges as part of his sentence.

He received four weeks for assaulting the bus driver, four weeks for breaching a conditional discharge order that was also for an assault and 26 weeks custody reduced to 18 weeks for a guilty plea for the theft of the jackets.

Mr Vincent told the court his client had accepted that he needed to engage with addiction services and was open to liaising with IRIS, mental health teams and whatever the probation service had to offer.

9th November 2018

Judge Melville bails Richie in imitation Mauser handgun case A man accused of having an imitation mauser handgun and beating a woman in Newport has pleaded not guilty.

Sam Richie is accused of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and assault by beating Seraphina Kay in a domestic incident on September 9 in Lugley Street, Newport.

The court heard Mr Richie plead not guilty to both

charges and he will now be sent for trial on April 1, 2019.

The defendant was bailed conditionally with Judge Richard Melville QC setting conditions that he should not contact Miss Kay or attend her address.

Mr Ritchie will have to prepare a case for his defence and four witnesses will be called including Miss Kay, her mother, and two police officers who are connected with the case.

Former barman Finnis denies theft from his employer The former barman at a Shanklin pub has denied stealing £1,004.93 from his employer.

Reece Anthony Finnis, 23, of Belvedere Street, Ryde denied one count of theft by employee on Tuesday (November 6) at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his not guilty plea, confirm his name and request trial by a judge and jury at crown court.

The court heard that Mr Finnis had called his employer in early January during a shift to say he couldn’t find the keys for the safe at No. 64 Bar in High

Street, Shanklin.

The prosecution alleged that the keys could be seen on CCTV and that Mr Finnis approached the keys, covering their location with his back to the camera, and when he moved the keys were gone.

The CCTV evidence will have to be submitted to Mr Finnis’ defence counsel before his trial on December 17 at 10am in the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

Barry Arnett, of Roach Pittis Solicitors said in his client’s defence: “He didn’t steal any money - simple as that.”

The incident occured in Lugley Street, Newport, the Crown Court (below) was told.

News

5

News in brief Aspire delighted by generous Josie

Aspire Ryde were delighted to receive a cheque from the TK Max charity fund, TK Max worker Josie Clarke had heard so many great things about the Aspire charity from her good friend Kayleigh who volunteered at Aspire and sadly died earlier this year.

She was determined to get her company to offer much needed support.

During the cheque presentation a photograph was taken next to the commemorative cherry tree planted to remember Kayleigh, Josie said that Kayleigh was a brilliant ambassador of Aspire and that she knew about all the great work happening on their site, about how much it was doing for the community and that it was much needed.

Aspire’s Heath Monaghan was thrilled to receive the cheque for £2,000 that will help with the numerous great things they are doing in the community and wanted to thank everyone at TK Max, with out donations such as this our range of work would not be able to continue.

He also issued a plea does your company or organisation offer financial support to charities could you help Aspire by nominating it for your companies giving schemes or for their chosen charity of the year?

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News

9th November 2018

Newport parking plans slammed

Bill McComb thinks the council don’t understand the consequences of the parking plans.

IW Council 2019 budget Plans for additional onstreet paid for parking in Newport have caused controversy among business owners who look to be affected.

A proposal to introduce additional on-street parking in Crocker Street to the north of Newport town centre is hoped to raise the council £17,000 in revenue next year.

The council say the introduction of charges will support a higher turnaround of spaces and increase parking availability and may also encourage drivers not to park on the street and help to improve traffic flow.

There also plans for more on-street parking charges in Upper St James Street which the council hope will raise £31,000 in revenue to go towards their planned saving

of £5.5 million for 2019.

They hope the changes will “further regularise parking charges across the Island”.

Bill McComb, owner of Crock Shop and Ralph’s Health-foods in Upper St James Street, isn’t quite convinced of the council’s plan.

He said: “We went through this five years ago and I wrote to several councillors then, they were fairly sensible.

“But you see this lot here, I don’t think they understand the laws of unintended consequences, they want to charge for people to park out here, what that will mean is, the people that have paid to park will use this as a car park.

“At the moment it’s a convenience for our customers and people in the town.

“Most of the shops here are

small shops, they can pop in, do their 10 minutes or so shopping, who’s going to pay whatever they are going to charge to buy a newspaper?

“If I’m going to pay for parking, I am going to get the full extent of the parking I’ve paid for.

“They reckon their going to retain or save £30,000, now to my mind, that just about pays for one parking attendant. Is that what they are trying to achieve?

“This lot, in my opinion, really couldn’t run a bath.”

Newport Central ward Councillor Julie JonesEvans couldn’t comment on the Upper St James Street parking changes as she owns a business in that area, but could comment on the Crocker Street plans.

She said: “Part of the rationale is to increase the turnover of parking there,

but I don’t think they’re going to achieve that as the minimum stay for paid parking in Newport is an hour now, so you can’t pay for half hour parking. It’s an hour free in Crocker Street at the moment, so there is no benefit there.

“It’s also a very residential area. When you have parking meters in the street where you live you can apply for parking permits which is about £50 per year so the council might find people aren’t paying for parking in car parks but are choosing to park outside their houses for less than they were in the car park.”

A spokesman for the IW Council said: “It’s important to stress these are proposals and that the council has published these months in advance to allow people to give their views.”

Time to rethink? Ryde parking petition passes 2,200 signatures A petition against parking charges in Union Street, Ryde, has nearly reached the amount required to ensure Isle of Wight Council

OFFICIAL NOTICE

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL THE GAMBLING ACT 2005/THE LICENSING ACT 2003 The Isle of Wight Council is reviewing its Statement of Licensing Principles in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 and its Statement of Licensing Policy in accordance with Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Gambling Act provides for a system of licensing and regulation for commercial gambling in England and Wales and licensing authorities have responsibility for the licensing of gambling premises within their area. The Licensing Act provides for the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of entertainment and late night refreshment.

Both consultations run from 8 November to 30 December.

Both of the draft revised policies can be viewed via the consultations tab on iwight.com. For a paper copy, write to the Licensing Section, Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2EH or tel: (01983) 823159. Comments should be emailed to licensing@iow.gov.uk or sent by letter to the above address.

have a rethink about their proposal.

Following reports from the IW Council that they intend to introduce parking charges to the length of Union Street, a petition was started to gather signatures for those who oppose the plans.

The online petition (www. change.org/p/isle-of-wightcouncil-no-parking-feesfor-ryde-town) has now attracted more than 2,200 supporters and signatures and the organisers are hoping the total could soon reach 2,500.

Once that target is hit, the IW Council will have to debate their decision again.

Ryde Town Council Independent, Cllr Karen Lucioni, who organised the

petition said: “The impact of introducing parking charges to Union Street will be detrimental to our town and to the shops that strive to remain open there.

“The petition already shows there is great support among residents and businesses alike for not bringing in parking charges.”

The proposals from the IW Council are part of their draft budget proposals that were published last week and will go forward to the final budget-setting Council meeting in February, 2019 if approved.

In the government’s autumn budget statement, the Chancellor announced reductions to small business rates for shop owners to

sustain and boost the local shopping streets and high streets in our towns.

Parking charges along with out of town stores and internet shopping are seeing a decline in local high streets across the country.

Councillor Lucioni added: “It seems a complete contradiction to have Government help local high streets with reduced business rates whilst the Isle of Wight Council discourages people from shopping in the high streets by introducing parking charges.

We’re encouraging as many people as we can to sign the petition and we intend to bring this to Ryde Town Council for their support in this matter at the earliest opportunity.”

9th November 2018

News

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News

9th November 2018

Remember a loved one this Christmas with Mountbatten Hospice Mountbatten’s annual Light up a Life campaign (formerly Lights of Love) has launched this week with thousands of Islanders receiving a personal invitation to dedicate a light on the Mountbatten Remembrance Tree.

Islanders are being urged to take time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died and make a donation in memory of someone who will not be with them this Christmas.

Light up a Life is for everybody – not only for patients and families

supported by Mountbatten.

All are welcome to dedicate a light and attend Mountbatten’s Light up a Life service at 4pm on Sunday, December 2, at Mountbatten Hospice.

Last year, over £15,000 was raised to support Mountbatten’s work in caring for Islanders facing death, dying and bereavement.

Other Light up a Life services are being held throughout December in churches and venues across the Island. These include a new Carol Service being held

at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 19, at All Saint’s Church, Ryde. Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said: “We are, as always, incredibly grateful to our community for giving Islanders the opportunity to come together and remember those who have died. If you are missing someone this Christmas, Light up a Life offers a way to remember them and show that just because someone is gone, they are not forgotten.”

“Due to the rise in popularity of the service

at Mountbatten and the decline in attendance at the service normally held at Newport Minster, the team at Mountbatten are focusing their efforts on the service at Mountbatten. We have responded to feedback from our community who wish to attend a bigger service in church and this year, we are offering the opportunity for everyone to attend a Carol Service at All Saints’ Church, Ryde. We hope many of you will join us at any of these events to remember our loved ones together”.

Smoke and mirrors’ budget slammed by mental health service user “At least one person referred in recent months was rescued from the brink of suicide by timely intervention. That person was myself!”

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Call us on 01983 214264

Fears have been raised over the “reconfiguration” of mental health day centres on the Isle of Wight.

The plan to shake up day centres at Freshwater, Cowes and Ryde has been criticised by service users who fear they will close altogether.

The council’s 2019 budget plan is to save £142,700 through the reconfiguring process which they say is justified as one centre has as few as three clients attending per day.

A total of 87 people use the centres on the Island and each of them will have a review of their needs during the budget consultation process.

According to the council, this will include a plan for

alternative community provision that will reduce social isolation and depression, allow them to gain access to alternatives such as the Serenity service which is police and NHS lead.

One service user who wished to remain anonymous said: “While the council claims they will put in place other measures to cover the loss, the wording in their budget document is simply smoke and mirrors as any other provision would surely cost as much as they wish to save, if it is to be of any real benefit.

“It is important to note that service users pay £3 a session to attend many activities, such as card making, which are self funding. A lot of the

cost of the service is paid for by service users the council forget to mention that.

“The council claim that the service is under used, but this is highly misleading as the numbers using the centres fluctuate a lot.

“Even when smaller numbers are attending the importance of the service provided is immense, as individual users get a lot of help with complex issues and support needs.

“It is the only facility available that provides a place that users can feel safe and secure, within a caring and non judgemental environment.”

According to the centre user, service users often have problems such as speaking

up for themselves and being sociable.

They also require help claiming benefits, budgeting and dealing with housing issues.

The service user finished: “At least one person referred in recent months was rescued from the brink of suicide by timely intervention. That person was myself!”

The council say they are working with the Clinical Commissioning Group to find “better value for money and desired outcomes”.

A council spokesman said: “It’s important to stress these are proposals and that the council has published these months in advance to allow people to give their views.”

News

9th November 2018

Pan Country Park nature pond has seen better days.

Brodie slams Barratt in Pan pond scandal The Isle of Wight Council is investigating Barratt Homes after a councillor claimed they had “practically destroyed” a longstanding wildlife pond.

The pond in Pan Country Park was a popular destination for dog walkers but photos show it has been affected by a nearby housing development.

Councillor Geoff Brodie (Newport East) said he was bombarded with complaints after residents went walking in the area on Saturday (November 3).

He likened developer Barratt as akin to a marauding army devastating the countryside after seeing the damage for himself.

He said: “On Friday last,

Barratts practically destroyed a longstanding wildlife pond in Pan Country Park as part of a drainage scheme.

“The Pan Meadows development will ultimately extend nearly as far as this pond, but the country park is supposed to provide a buffer against urban creep.”

Cllr Brodie complained to senior IW Council officers who released a statement which said: “The Isle of Wight Council is investigating, as this work was not part of the agreed schedule with Barratts.”

Cllr Brodie added: “It seems to me that the only consideration Barratts give is to their shareholders.

“In this instance it seems a bit like a marauding

army devastating the countryside.”

A spokesman for Barratt Homes said: “This work is to facilitate surface water drainage for the consented development and we have been working closely with the Isle of Wight Council officers.

“Together we agreed to close off the informal path around the pond because of health and safety concerns.

“Signage and fencing has been installed and work involves creating a new land drain and headwall along with an overflow pipe to the existing stream.

“This area has been inspected for wildlife and a visual inspection was carried out before work started.”

‘The Pan Meadows development will ultimately extend nearly as far as this pond, but the country park is supposed to provide a buffer against urban creep’

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News

9th November 2018

All aboard: Row as council slammed as floating bodge costs soar to £6.4m

Breakdown of total costs so far: Professional Fees (naval architect, owners reps etc): £328,764

Noise mitigation works: £31,441

Replacement Launch Costs

S u p e r s t r u c t u r e (construction, fit out, approvals: £3,031,249

Project manager: £65,000 Other £205,307

Replacement Launch Costs (2017 and 2018): £439,281

expenditure:

Superstructure (contract variations): £431,412

Known additional works £169,200

Ticketing: £160,282

Extended £65,000

Slipways: £683,149

Warranty:

Slipway design: £49,029

Remedial options design work: £500,000

Chain survey, fees: £114,603

Contingency:£100,000 Total £5,931,936.

works,

Passenger

Operative Employment costs: additional £114,000 Other operating incurred costs: additional £33,000 Savings in Floating Bridge 6 out of service: £47,000 Total £539,281

‘Will the IW Council finally realise that they can save money by getting rid of this floating bridge and designing a new one properly that will once again make money for the IW Council, rather than costing Island residents more tax money, and will help, not hurt, local businesses?’

by Joe Burn The Floating Bridge Stakeholders group have slammed the Isle of Wight Council after the true cost of the service came to light in a recent report.

The floating bridge has cost the council more than £6.4 million, with around £500,000 of that money being spent on remedial option design works to the bridge since it came into service in May, 2017.

A further £539,000 has been spent on the Jenny Lee replacement launch service, according to a report published by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The stakeholder group, which is made up of marine engineers and concerned residents, say they told the council in June last year to sell the bridge while it still had a good resale value.

The Floating Bridge Stakeholders group said: “When will the council stop throwing our money

at this design failure? The floating bridge used to make extra money for the council’s coffers, now it is haemorrhaging literally millions of pounds.

“Our engineers pleaded to meet with the council free of charge to explain that these problems were not simply ‘teething problems’ or ‘snagging issues’ but fundamental design flaws, but the council steadfastly refused to meet.

“Which IW Council senior staff employee recommended to continuously put expensive sticking plasters on a known money pit, and who authorised it?

“Why did the council make a decision to keep funding this floating bridge without knowing whether it was fixable or not?

“Why did the council not immediately do a risk assessment in summer 2017 when it was clear from the beginning that there were

big problems that would cost us millions of pounds with no guaranteed resolution?

“A year and a half later, cars are still scraping, the noises are extremely loud, and a massive barge is needed to push the floating bridge sideways so it can land on the slipway, keep yachts from catching their keels on the chains, and prevent the bridge from hitting the piles and GKN wall.

“And these aren’t the only problems.

“Nothing has changed, and we need our floating bridge to work as well as a road.

“Will the IW Council finally realise that they can save money by getting rid of this floating bridge and designing a new one properly that will once again make money for the IW Council, rather than costing Island residents more tax money, and will help, not hurt, local businesses?”

The council has been contacted and asked for a response.

A floating bridge employee takes his equipment away after wading in to assist berthing.

No Love lost as floaty steals show The ill-starred floating bridge’s latest embarrassing hiccup came in the glare of the BBC TV’s news cameras on Thursday morning (November 8).

As a crew from BBC South Today filmed an interview with Councillor Karl Love about the new bridge - hit by a string of controversial failures since its introduction last year - the cameras turned to a worker wading into the River Medina to work on a chain on the craft as it struggled to dock

with passengers and cars on board. Cllr Love said on camera the bridge was an “absolute disgrace”.

He added that “any suggestion these are teething problems is a joke”.

Cllr Love once again called for the resignation of Cllr Ian Ward who is responsible for transport.

An IW Council spokesman insisted the floating bridge had not “failed” and the intervention of the worker, wading into the river, was a contingency always available

to the service.

“The service was delayed but it has not failed,” the spokesman said. “When there are high tides, as we have today, the floating bridge can require help to park. That is what happened and that worker is always on hand to perform that duty if assistance is required.”

The BBC item was scheduled to air on South Today’s lunchtime and evening bulletins at 1.30pm and 6.30pm with reporter David Allard.

12

News

9th November 2018

Totland Pier: Saturday’s manhunt ended with one of the men going into the sea.

Dawn drama: police manhunt shatters the peace in Totland

By Bill Bradshaw It was a start to the weekend that rocked the peace and tranquility of the West Wight as dawn broke on Saturday.

The rhythmic beating of a helicopter’s blades shattered the silence and woke hundreds of residents in Freshwater and Totland as the NPAS helicopter hovered just a few hundred feet overhead, its strobe light searching the terrain in the half-light below.

What had occurred? Why was the dawn chorus of the local birdlife drowned out in such a cacophony of very different aerial activity?

The answers became

apparent as the morning hours unfolded. The police had been alerted to a disturbance involving two men in a house on Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

And it ended with a dramatic search - involving both ground police units and the Bournemouth-based chopper - with the police arresting one of the men, aged 37, in nearby Totland, while a 31-year-old was found in the sea at Totland’s mostly derelict pier.

The Coastguard at both The Needles and Ventnor were also alerted and Freshwater Independent Lifeboat attended after being called at

Police had been called to a house in Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

So...why did so many police descend on a man lying in the road?

A NPAS helicopter hovered over houses in Totland.

6.06am. Police spoke to the man at the pier, where he was treated before being taken by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport. He was also arrested, the police said later, “on suspicion of using violence to secure entry to a premises”.

Hampshire Constabulary told the IW Observer in a statement: “We were called at 5.17am this morning (November 3) to a report of two men causing a disturbance at a home on Tennyson Road, Freshwater.

“Officers were deployed and conducted a search of

the area after it was reported the men had left.

“A 37-year-old man was located at Totland Bay and arrested on suspicion of harassment...a 31-year-old man went into the sea. He was later taken to hospital for treatment.”

It later emerged that both men were subsequently released from custody.

Hampshire Constabulary later confirmed: “No further police action is to be taken against them.”

So we can all sleep easily in our beds? Perhaps - until the dawn chorus changes again.

A large police presence in Newport on Saturday (November 3) has been explained as an incident of a man lying in the road.

The man in his 50s was lying in St James Street with reports of him being assaulted.

An ambulance was called to the scene but the man had no “significant injury”.

A 21-year-old man from Newport was arrested at the scene but was released without charge.

Police explained why so many vehicles were sent to the scene.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We respond based on the circumstances and information provided to us in the first instance.

“Deployment decisions are made based on a threat, risk and harm assessment which is conducted in accordance with the situation presented to police at that given time.

“We received a report of an assault so units were deployed based on the information we were given, to conduct enquiries in the area and to also facilitate an arrest.

“A man was lying in the road and reported he had been assaulted.

“An ambulance attended as a precaution but the victim, who is in his 50s, had no significant injury.

“A 21-year-old man from Newport was arrested at the scene but was released with no further action.”

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14

News

2nd November 2018

‘The lack of affordable housing on the Island is a big issue’ Could there be more streets like this earmarked for social housing?

Council house plan for Pan Councillors are considering plans to take delivery of 24 properties from Pan developer Barratt to kick-start a supply of new affordable homes available for Island residents.

The move would see the Newport housing come into Isle of Wight Council control in lieu of the land value of the site, ahead of the development’s projected completion in 2028, a cabinet report has said.

One option in front of councillors is to set up a company to build and manage homes long-term to meet local needs, and also for sale at market value, with the Pan properties the start of that

process. This suggests some homes will be for rent.

This would involve developing existing council sites to address affordable housing needs as the opportunity arises.

The report will come before the council’s cabinet on Thursday night (November 8).

The report states that deciding to take action would “help the council begin to address the urgent housing needs of the local community”.

Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart said: “The lack of affordable housing on the Island is a big issue and this report looks at a variety of

Housing affordability remains an issue on the Island.

options for the council to really intervene in the market to develop and manage affordable homes. Initially we will have to invest the council’s money in each scheme on a case-bycase basis, but now that the government has removed the borrowing cap for councils that build and manage their own homes, we need to look closely at accessing this extra source of funding to speed up our rate of delivery of new homes.

“The idea of taking those 24 houses at Pan would very much start this process and means we have homes available quickly, if it is agreed by cabinet.

We could then develop this approach or others to ensure we really do see more affordable homes built in the years to come.”

Housing affordability remains an issue on the Island with the average house price around £215,000 and an average salary of £25,000.

More affordable homes would also cut down on the use of temporary accommodation, which is costing the council on average £1.4 million a year.

The report said at least 222 affordable homes are needed each year on the Island up to 2026, with around 65 per cent of those needing to be one and two-bedroom properties.

A report says 222 affordable homes are needed every year until 2026.

16

News

9th November 2018

Hale the rail: Richard is the new commercial boss at IW Steam Railway Isle of Wight Steam Railway has appointed Richard Hale as its new commercial manager.

Richard will work with the company’s commercial team to maximise opportunities and build upon the railway’s sustained growth and recent successes.

Recruitment for the position began back in April and 16 applicants were considered, but it was Richard’s enthusiasm and creativity that really impressed the interview panel.

Richard brings with him a wealth of experience and

a solid understanding of how a preserved railway works, having formerly worked in a similar role at Kirklees Light Railway near Huddersfield, and with a previous background in retail management.

With family already living here on the Island, Richard was keen to relocate with his partner Rachel and their two young children.

In a statement Richard said: “I’m very proud and excited to have been appointed into this role, it has been a long held vision to relocate to the Isle of Wight and I’m thrilled to have successfully

Magic of steam: the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

demonstrated my abilities to the panel.

“I very much look forward to making a positive contribution to the future of the railway.”

General manager Peter Vail said: “The railway’s progress over recent years has been particularly pleasing.

“To sustain this level of growth, it has been essential to increase our resource. In Richard we have recruited a manager with an ability to drive us to another, higher level. These are very exciting times.”

The railway is now gearing up for the Christmas season.

Richard Hale, new commercial manager, is delighted with his switch to the Island.

Yarmouth lights up the sky on November 5th Families from across West Wight gathered in Yarmouth Square on Monday for the traditional Guy Fawkes competition and torchlight parade to the common, organised by Yarmouth Carnival Committee.

Bonfire night food and drink was on hand for the revellers, including favourite fare such as hog roast, hot chestnuts, toffee apples and mulled wine.

The festivities culminated

Yarmouth carries the torch for the Island.

with the burning of the guy; firing the beacon on the common and, of course, a firework display from a barge moored in the Solent.

The rest of the Island’s November 5 revellers no doubt did their own thing and there had been organised displays elsewhere during the weekend.

But when it came to the allimportant Guy Fawkes date, it was Yarmouth carrying the torch for the Island.

Prize guys: Mr Fawkes would have been impressed.

News

9th November 2018

17

Was shredder Banksy an Island Digital Disrupter?

Was the Banksy shredder prank triggered from the Isle of Wight?

Former Robot Wars judge Dr Lucy Rogers is one of the speakers at the forthcoming Digital Disrupt event at Cowes Yacht Haven next Thursday (November 15).

She will be explaining her controversial suggestion that new technology could have set off the infamous Banksy shredded artwork prank...from somewhere on the Island.

There might even be a practical demonstration from engineer Lucy - the woman involved in giving the famous Blackgang Chine dinosaurs their interactive roars.

Other speakers include local entrepreneur, surfer and Rapanui co-founder Mart Drake-Knight; and Professor Andy Stanford-Clark,

Throwing money away: was the Island the source of this prank?

IBM Master Inventor and developer of the ‘twittering ferries’ interactive artwork.

Andy will be talking about how digital connectivity inspired his work to create warm beds for the popular nyala antelopes at Marwell Zoo. The evening event, starting at 6.30pm, is organised by a group of volunteers from tech and digital businesses across the Island, and supported by the Isle of Wight Council.

Co-organiser Carl Crawley, of Made by Hippo, Newport, said: “Technology conferences are often a whole day, focussed on big announcements and long speeches, but for many, it’s really about the chatting and mingling in the bar afterwards as that’s where the real magic happens.

“So for Digital Disrupt we’ve changed it around

- it’s in the evening after work, we have some short, fun talks, and a lot more time for networking.”

Co-organiser Matt Chatfield, of Ryde-based Pinkeye Graphics, said: “The Isle of Wight is a great place to work in the technology industry.

“You get all the benefits of living on a beautiful, laidback island, and yet with good internet access you can be working for companies all around the world.

“We wanted to share some of that excitement and innovation - and it does us good to meet up and have a chat in real life.”

Digital Disrupt: Venue Cowes Yacht Haven, tickets are £10 and available at https://digitaldisrupt2018. com

Row over Local Area Co-ordinators as ‘cradle to grave service’ faces the chop Local Area Co-ordinators (LAC) could soon be a thing of the past as cabinet look to save £400,000 by axing the service.

Scrutiny committee councillors grilled cabinet members on Tuesday evening (November 6) over the plans to cut the service in March and stop accepting referrals from November 8.

Some 600 people use the service across the Island which was described by scrutiny committee member Councillor Debbie Andre as a

“cradle to grave service” for people in need.

Cabinet produced plans for a transition to other services with a review of each individual user’s needs to be carried out.

The service aims to help people who could be in need of further adult social care intervention if they were not helped - effectively taking the strain off the adult social care system.

Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart said only seven per cent of councils used

the LAC service nationally but scrutiny member Cllr June Davison said those council’s had found funding from outside sources to keep the service going, so why couldn’t cabinet do the same?

Cllr Stewart added: “There is not a vacuum of need here.

We are able to deal with this, we will make sure that the bodies we need will remain on the Island during the period of transition.”

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care,

County Hall saw a fierce debate over the proposed axing of the LAC service.

said: “We are not saying we are going to close the service and nothing will be done in the future.”

She explained that no money would be pulled out of the public health budget which funds the LAC, but the money saved from cutting it would be put into other services like drugs, alcohol and sexual health services.

Scrutiny Cllr Ian Stephens said: “No one has complained about them, the LACs are performing well...if you wanted to keep the LAC, you

could keep the LAC.” Cllr Stephens added that the council could “tweak the finances” to find the money.

Cllr Mosdell replied: “I don’t think you can tweak a half a million pounds.”

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Stephens added: “[This is a] false economy, because a saving of £400,000 comes at a cost of £1.6 million in extra work for GPs and hospitals.

“However, it is not only the money saved that is of importance, but this may

actually cost lives.”

Scrutiny members voted to recommend that the proposals had not been drawn up based on full evidence, and the decision should be put on hold.

The plans go before cabinet on November 8 - and are expected to be approved.

A petition launched by Vix Lowthion of the Green Party to save LACs reached over 1,000 signatures before the cabinet meeting.

18

News

9th November 2018

Sea Eagle set to return to Island after 230 years

The Sea Eagle in full flight - public meetings on the Island this week will hear of plans to reintroduce this magnificent bird to the IW.

By Bill Bradshaw Plans are in place to reintroduce Britain’s largest bird of prey - the Sea Eagle - to the Isle of Wight.

Sea Eagles, or Whitetailed Eagles, were once widespread along the whole of the South Coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by relentless persecution that began in the Middle Ages. They were last found on the Island in 1780.

If the scheme goes ahead, the plan is for juvenile Sea Eagles to be collected from nests in Scotland and translocated to the Isle of Wight in late June next year.

And this week public meetings will be held in Shanklin, Ryde and Cowes

when the man who has inspired the project - famed ornithologist and wildlife consultant Roy Dennis - will detail the proposals.

The last pair of Sea Eagles bred on Culver Cliff on the Island back in 1780. Now a partnership project involving the Forestry Commission and Roy Dennis’s Wildlife Foundation - and possibly local partners - wants to bring birds back after more than 230 years.

Many parts of southern England remain highly suitable for the species.

The Island plan follows the reintroduction of Whitetailed Eagles to Scotland – where there are now over 130 breeding pairs.

The Sea Eagle is Britain’s biggest bird of prey. Photo: Roy Dennis

Roy Dennis, who is based in Scotland, believes that an English reintroduction on the Island would be equally successful and the best way to re-establish these magnificent birds in their former haunts.

Restoring a population of White-tailed Eagles on the South Coast would help to link populations in Scotland and Ireland with those in the Netherlands and France.

Roy Dennis said: “Together with the Forestry Commission we have identified the Isle of Wight as a potential location for a reintroduction, and are currently working on a feasibility report.

“It is the last known breeding site of the species in southern England, The Solent and surrounding estuaries will provide a rich food supply, there are numerous potential nesting sites in woods and cliffs, and also good loafing areas for young birds.

“It is also a highly strategic location that would enable the birds to spread east and west along the South Coast.

“Dutch researchers studying White-tailed Eagles have found that any disturbance to wading birds by the eagles is similar to

that of Peregrine, and species get used to their presence; while breeding colonies of gulls and terns are effective at mobbing and driving off the eagles.

“In addition to the conservation benefits, we believe that the project would give a significant boost to the Isle of Wight economy, including in winter. In Scotland eagle tourism is extremely popular and recent reports have shown White-tailed Eagles generate up to £5 million to the economy of the Isle of Mull each year, and £2.4 million to the Isle of Skye.”

The proposed project is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, with potential for other local partners to join.

This week’s public meetings: Monday, November 12: Shanklin YMCA, 6ppm-8pm; Tuesday, November 13: Ryde Scout Hall, 11am-1pm and Cowes Yacht Haven, 6pm-8pm.

“We have already had some very encouraging support but we would not want to do anything if people were violently against it,” said Roy. “There has been

Culver Down: Last known Island haunt of the Sea Eagle. concern about the Island’s red squirrel but they are safe - they are too quick for the sea eagle.

“And research in the Netherlands tell us that sheep or lambs are also safe. These birds feed on wild water fowl and fish and anything already dead they can pick up.”

If the project was to go ahead juvenile White-tailed Eagles would be collected from nests in Scotland and translocated to the Isle of Wight in late June.

They would be held in special cages in a quiet location for approximately three-four weeks before being released. Food would be provided close to the

release site during the autumn and winter before the young eagles become independent.

Up to 60 birds would be translocated in this way over a five-year period. The project requires a special licence from Scottish Natural Heritage to collect eagle chicks from Scottish nests, and permission from Natural England to release them on the Isle of Wight.

Young White-tailed Eagles do not breed until they are four or five years of age.

It is hoped that a small population would become established on the Island, with birds spreading east and west along the South Coast thereafter.

News

9th November 2018

19

In 40 years time, 37 per cent of Islanders will be over 65

If the Island were a nation-state it would have world’s oldest population

By Bill Bradshaw The Isle of Wight is an island of grey tops – ageing people – and a new report warns that its reputation as a refuge for the elderly will only intensify in the years ahead.

Put it this way, the Island is similar in size, geographically, to the island state of Singapore. But if the Isle of Wight were a country in its own right – like Singapore – it would have the oldest population in the world.

The Isle of Wight was recently highlighted by the Office for National Statistics as being eighth in a top ten list of UK areas with a soaring ageing population.

Their findings showed that by 2037, almost four in 10 – a staggering 37 per cent of the Island’s population - will be over 65.

At present, the figure is already sky-high, with more than a quarter, or 26.6 per cent of the Island’s population, over 65.

That current figure is higher than the world’s “oldest” nation, Japan, which has an over-65 population figure of 25.9 per cent.

But Age Uk Isle of Wight, along with many other partner organisations, has

been aware of this ongoing trend for some time, and have been putting a huge amount of resource in place to address the situation.

And it is determined to accentuate the positives, not the negatives, in the Island’s demographic drift to a more venerable profile.

Nicola Attfield, the Age UK IW’s head of charitable services, is determined to make the Island a good place for people to live out their later years.

“We have long been aware of these statistics and we are determined to tackle issues such as isolation and loneliness,” she says. “It has to be a top priority.

“We want to make this an area that is a great place to grow old so people can carry on living well where they want to live in later life.”

One of the key projects driving forward this work is Age UK IW’s Age Friendly Island project, part of the Ageing Better Programme, funded by Big Lottery until 2020.

At the heart of this project, the work is led by the voices of older people living on the Island.

Older people are given the opportunity to attend

quarterly public forums and address their areas of concern; this has proven to be a vital source of input for moulding and shaping decision-making on the Island.

For example, transport has been a regular topic.

One initiative evolving from the forums has been the development of Age Friendly training.

Bus drivers at Southern Vectis have received this accredited training on how to better support not only their older customers but people who have a range of access needs.

Southern Vectis are part of the wider “Go South Coast” company who have subsequently elected to deliver this training to all their drivers.

This well-received training has reached over 200 professionals from a range of organisations, empowering front line staff to better understand and support the needs of our Island residents.

Nicola says they could always do with more funding.

“We could have three times the funding and still not have enough to do everything. If people are going to live to be 100 in reasonable health and

enjoying life, that’s great.

“But now as we grow older rather than facing two or three years of failing health, it may be more like 10 years.

We have to aim to be as well as we can for as long as we can.”

Helping change attitudes towards the growing elderly population is another challenge.

Age Friendly Island’s Intergenerational project has engaged with over 2000 young people to help them better understand the issues the older generation could face and promote relationships through the young volunteers programme.

In June, the team launched their ‘Age Friendly Island Charter’ which had been developed by a task and finish group of professionals and older people.

This Charter lays out what older people feel constitutes an Age Friendly Island. Organisations have been invited to sign up to the Charter showing their commitment and how they will demonstrate the ways in which they will support older people through their work on the Isle of Wight.

Sarah Coates, from the

Centre for Ageing and Demography at the Office of National Statistics, said: "The UK population has doubled over the last 140 years, reaching a new high of 66 million people in 2017.

"As well as growing, the population is also ageing.

From looking at past patterns, we project that more than a quarter of UK residents will be aged 65 years or over within the next 50 years."

For Nicola and her colleagues at Age UK IW, it is a challenge they are determined to meet. She cites Hollywood star Jane Fonda’s approach to making

the most of greater life expectancy.

“She said it was about celebrating later life because it was something our ancestors did not experience," said Nicola.

"Why? Because by 65, most of them were gone.

“We have to accept that many younger people by 25 will be looking to leave the Island whereas the population is ageing and still more older people move on to the Island to retire.”

It’s a mix that means the Island’s demographic time bomb is ticking. Turn up our collective hearing aids and we might just hear it.

Check the UK areas forecast to be the oldest and youngest by 2037 Ten areas with the most pensioners by 2037:

Ten areas with the fewest pensioners by 2037:

West Somerset: 44 per cent West Dorset: 40 per cent Rother: 40 per cent North Norfolk: 40 per cent East Dorset: 39 per cent Christchurch: 39 per cent Powys: 38 per cent Isle of Wight: 37 per cent Eden: 37 per cent South Lakeland: 37 per cent

Tower Hamlets: 10 per cent Hackney: 11 per cent Newham: 12 per cent Barking & Dagenham: 12 per cent Manchester: 12 per cent Wandsworth: 13 per cent Southwark: 13 per cent Lewisham: 13 per cent Lambeth: 13 per cent Islington: 13 per cent

20

News

9th November 2018

Mission of our time: finding more Island homes for Island children

By Bill Bradshaw

Today is World Adoption Day and, coming hard on the heels of the UK’s National Adoption week in October, the IW Observer highlights the largely unsung work of the Isle of Wight Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service.

The service is constantly sweeping the Island for

parents to adopt or foster children who are in need of loving homes, whether on a short-term basis or life-long commitment.

The stereotypical image of adoptive or foster parents taking on new-born or infant children can be misleading often the children desperately in need of family

care are a little older, or maybe teenagers.

The council’s service is about to join Adopt South in 2019, a new regional adoption agency to form a broader partnership with the aim of delivering the best of outcomes for children.

So while November 9 is World Adoption Day, for services such as the IW Fostering and adoption Service, every day is just as important.

Most recently, during the October 15-21 National Adoption Week, the Island service held two drop-in sessions.

They reported a “good response” with the aim to “drip feed” information... giving those potential

parents who express an interest time to consider their next moves.

So what are the aims of National Adoption Week and what is involved?

• Overall aim is to recruit more adopters for Island children.

• Adoption process takes around six months – support and training provided by IWC. • Adopters for children of all ages are wanted...but particular emphasis on older children, those with learning needs and sibling groups.

• IWC to join Adopt South on April 1, next year, a new regional adoption agency going live on April 1 2019. It is formed through the partnership between

Hampshire County Council, IW Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, with support from voluntary adoption agencies, Adoption UK, Barnardos and PACT. * To find out more, call

823081 or e-mail adoption. service@iow.gov.uk An online enquiry form for adoption, is available via www.iwight.com/ fosteringandadoption

Cute: This image is the symbol of World Adoption Day.

‘I did not realise how many children were out there that were in need of a loving family, even on the Island. I will champion it, as the experience has changed our lives’ THE IW Observer was put in touch with two families who chose to adopt through the Isle of Wight Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service.

Both chose, understandably, to remain anonymous and we have given them pseudonyms for the purpose of this article.

Their testimonials” are uplifting.

First Oliver describes his experience - and how being a dad it has changed his family’s life for the better.

“Our adoption journey was excellent, we have gone through the process twice with my son five years ago, and with my daughter 18 months ago.

“I can’t say it wasn’t stressful as the process has its own stresses, but the support we received from IW Council and the social workers was excellent.

“The process was straightforward and quite short in the grand scheme of things - it took just under a year for us both times. We were very lucky, and were matched quickly after being approved.

“The process has changed our lives...it’s hard to put into words, I can’t describe it, it has been amazing. Both children were very young, around six months old and

have been - as it should be accepted without hesitation into our family unit.”

Oliver admits the process has opened his eyes to the need for more and more parents to come forward and choose to adopt.

“Until we started the process, I did not realise how many children were out there that were in need of a loving family, even on the Island,” he admits. “I will champion it, as the experience has changed our lives.

“The unknown can be a little daunting, even once approved, you do not know any more until you are matched - and it’s a very personal process, you have to be ready to share lots of information.

“But it is 100 per cent worth it. I have two healthy, happy children and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Next, Mandy admits the road to becoming an adoptive mum was “intense” but the support of the IW Council helped make it so rewarding Mandy likens it to a university course...and she has certainly graduated.

Here is her account: “It is an intense process, they go through everything, “ she said, “your childhood, if you had a good childhood, your past relationships, and past jobs. You have a social

worker who visits every week.

“But I have felt supported by the council...you have the same social worker from the beginning on the IW, and you do build a bond with them – they know you really well, and you get to know them really well.

“I started my journey in 2017, and was approved within six months.

“If you are approved at stage 1, and move to stage 2, a report is written about you, references are asked for and they visit your family and friends. You then attend a panel of between eight and

14 people who ask questions about you, and how you would cope.

“I can only liken it to doing a university degree – the studying, and the reading.

It doesn’t stop after the adoption has been approved, as there are training courses. I wasn’t aware of

the support available until I started the process. “It is a big community but it can be a secret community.

It’s an emotional process but I would do it again, 110 percent.

“It’s been hard, it’s been long, but very rewarding.

You get out what you put in.”

The perfect family: a lot of hard work and patience goes into creating an image like this.

News

9th November 2018

Mike was delighted and surprised by his nomination.

Royal date for Mike’s prestigious RYA award Bembridge sailor Mike Samuelson, a former Royal Marine, will be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards

by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of commitment to the RYA’s South Region.

He has been nominated for an RYA Regional Award by the RYA’s South Region Volunteer Team and has been selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. He will receive his award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on November 16.

Mike said of his nomination “I was very surprised but of course delighted - when I heard that I had

been nominated for an RYA Volunteer Award.

I have always enjoyed being involved in training and being able to pass on my boating knowledge and experiences to others.

“The East Wight is a brilliant sailing area and I have always felt very privileged to have settled so happily in the area.”

Mike joined Bembridge Sailing Club in 1960 as a cadet and after a distinguished career in the Marines took over as the club secretary in early 1996. He has fulfilled many key club and Island roles, and has been the East Wight RYA South Region Representative for more than six years, providing in particular, valuable local

knowledge to the RYA on Marine Conservation Zone issues.

As the Hon Secretary of the Bembridge Harbour Users Group since its formation 15 years ago, he has helped to preserve access for boaters to Bembridge.

As Bembridge SC’s secretary, he introduced and ran training courses, and engaged instructors.

He ensured sufficient RIBs and support boats safeguarded young sailors and insisted that all sailors, however experienced, wore buoyancy aids when necessary.

He was the club’s chief instructor from 2000 to 2014, as well as the race coordinator and regular race officer for the club’s keelboat

and Illusion racing.

Mike also found time to be a deputy launching authority for Bembridge Lifeboat from 2004 to 2012, and lifeboat operations manager from 2012 to 2017. He is currently the Lifeboat press officer, a member of the local Visits Team, Education Team and Community Safety Team.

As a new task this year he has also become a visitor guide at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes. Mike’s endeavours have helped countless people to learn to sail safely and enjoy the sport at all levels.

For more information about how to get out on the water in the South region visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ startboating

‘The East Wight is a brilliant sailing area and I have always felt very privileged to have settled so happily in the area.’ - Mike Samuelson

21

22

News

9th November 2018

Briddlesford Cheddar takes gold at World A Budget thought: why Cheese Awards not privatise the police?

Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

Hurrah! Phillip Hammond has presented his budget, austerity is over and there’s cash to burn, it’s like the return of New Labour and Viv Nicholson combined!

However, public opinion dictates that all available dosh goes to ‘our’ NHS, Mrs May has given up on all other departments, which is fine by me; I’m a huge fan of privatisation... in principal that is. I can’t write about all the things that should be privatised, (lack of space) but never a day goes by when we’re not reading about another police failure, so let’s start there.

E m b a r r a s s i n g moments this week included the broadcaster Paul Gambacini’s 4.30 am arrest by a squad of eight (yes eight) police officers. They forensically searched his home, before removing both him and most of his possessions.

Gambo collected a huge cheque from the CPS, and awaits a similar payout from the Met. He says that a quick Google search could have prevented his misery, and just like Cliff and others, no amount of money will ever compensate for the stress.

Also in the news, Suzi Lamplugh, who after 32 years may be found buried in the garden of the prime suspect’s mother. The senior officer in charge, a detective superintendent

- now retired – admits the garden was never properly searched, despite knowing decades ago that the suspect frequently used the house as a bolthole.

“There was no specific evidence that she was there’ he said on the radio this week, using grammar so poor, I had difficulty believing he

you might get caught by a sneaky cop, lurking in a bush with a speed gun. It was enough to keep most of us on the straight and narrow.

Then, only out of control alcoholics drove over the limit, such was the fear of capture, a big fine and a lengthy driving ban. Nowadays, we have just one traffic car on the island, although a couple of times a year, they do bring in reinforcements for the day, but that’s it.

So it’s no wonder the roads have become lawless. Drivers are a huge potential revenue stream, so why have police chiefs all but abandoned roads income?

We’ve seen how privatised parking works, zero tolerance and an army of wardens, covertly patrolling the island day and night for money. So can you imagine what a private traffic police squad might achieve?

Behind every tree could lurk an officer out to get you, and forget about a caution, tickets would shower upon us all like confetti – easily covering the cost of patrol cars, fuel, wages and huge corporate profits for shareholders.

The idea is a sure-fire winner, safer roads, fewer accidents and all at no cost to the taxpayer.

I commend it to the house.

“So can you imagine what a private traffic police squad might achieve?

Behind every tree could lurk an officer out to get you”

ever held high rank. Met Commissioner Cressida Dick also reminded us the police can no longer do everything. We knew they didn’t ‘do’ burglaries and stabbings, now it’s online fraud - so if you’re an online fraudster, fillyour-boots!

Let’s just privatise the police? In the film Robocop, the private sector runs it, employing some morally questionable tactics to keep the streets crime free.

These days the police have all but given up on traffic duties. Back in the day, you never knew when

More cash needed for care

by Nick O’Donohue, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands Your readers may have heard recently of the £240m of extra money being allocated to the social care system to ease pressure on the NHS this winter.

We now know this will mean that over £766,000 will be made available on the Isle of Wight.

While it’s important that the Government has recognised that social care underfunding lies at the heart of our hospitals’ winter pressures, the amount committed is a let-down – less than 10 per cent of what’s needed to fix the social care crisis now.

The social care system is ‘not just for Christmas’ and people with dementia, as

Social care: it is a worry. its biggest recipients, are experiencing the emotional and economic cost all year round.

To actually turn the tide for the 2,600 people with

dementia on the Isle of Wight we need to plug the current funding gap and offer them the chance to access the good quality social care they have a right to.

Winning team: Izzy, Debi and Julie with the gold medal-winning cheddars Briddlesford Lodge Farm’s Cheddar was awarded a Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards in Bergen, Norway.

They scooped the honour last week after a recordbreaking 3,500 cheeses from six continents were judged in the huge arena at the Grieghallen in the city.

International teams of technical experts, buyers, retailers and food writers from 29 nations were on hand to pass judgment.

Judges worked in teams of three or four, identifying

any cheeses worthy of a gold, silver or bronze award.

They looked at the rind and body of the cheese, its colour, texture, consistency and, above all, its taste.

And with anticipation mounting, Briddlesford’s Cheddar was awarded a Gold Medal.

Head cheesemaker, Debi Pidgeon, said, “This is a dream come true for me.

I am lucky enough to work with probably the best milk in the world, from our cows here at Briddlesford. We

have worked hard to create a recipe that turns quality milk into quality cheese. “We have the most beautiful herd of award winning pedigree Guernsey cows, and I am thrilled that we have now been recognised as producing one of the best cheeses in the world.

I think the Gold Medal should be dedicated to the cows! “It’s all about them – and trying to sustain one of the Island’s most long established, and still surviving, dairy herds.”

Year 8 Amelie is British squash champ Amelie Haworth has been on a whirlwind sporting journey in just six years since starting out as a novice squash player with no experience whatsoever.

She now wins major tournaments, such as the British Championships which she lifted at just 12 years old last weekend.

The Godshill girl found herself on the podium in Nottingham after winning the championships without

so much as dropping a single game.

After going through the first round without having to play due to a bye, Amelie eased through the tournament to reach the semi-final.

Here it got interesting as the Year 8 Ryde School pupil had to step up her game but did so in such style she won straight games.

Her final score were as follows: 11-2, 11-4, 11-4.

Champion: Amelie Haworth.

Do you have a news story to tell? Call us on 01983 214264

23

News

9th November 2018

Tel: 07402 121085

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Claire Grant with her father, Percy Williams’s legion d’honneur medal.

Remembering Ventnor’s reluctant hero Percy Williams and the ‘ghastly mistake’ of the Great War

By Bill Bradshaw

Percy Williams, a World War One veteran who ended his days in Ventnor, once said he was carrying a “satchel one day and a rifle and bayonet the next” as he was conscripted to serve in the Great War. This Sunday, Percy’s service will be remembered by his daughter, Mrs Claire Grant, 83, who wears the white “peace poppy” rather than the traditional British Legion’s red petals.

“I’ll remember Dad and all the countless others in my own way,” said Claire, at her home in West Street, Ventnor.

“I don’t like a lot of the hypocrisy that goes with the traditional services.

The poppies come off and they are forgotten about for another year.

“My dad, Percy, was awarded the Legion d’honnaire, by the French government, so of course I am proud - but he wasn’t a great fan of all the fuss,

either. I have been a supporter of CND since the days of the Cuban Missile crisis back in 1962.”

Percy, who was born in 1899 in mid-Wales, lived through three centuries before he died, aged 100, in 2000.

Interviewed 20 years ago, on the 80th anniversary of the Armistice, he revealed that he was not aware of the end of hostilities until a fortnight after the guns fell silent in November, 1918.

He had been hit by shrapnel, taken prisoner and was in hospital in Bremen on November 11.

Then he was moved for treatment in Halsinborg, southern Sweden, where he was finally told the war had ended.

“We were prisoners and no-one told us anything about what was happening,” said Percy, who was in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

“I think it is important to remember Armistice Day because nearly a million men

were lost on the Western Front.”

Asked what he thought of World War One, Percy who had moved to Ventnor in later life to be closer to daughter Claire - summed it up rather succinctly: “It was a ghastly mistake.”

In 1998, Percy received the legion d’honneur - France’s highest award - as part of a scheme to present all surviving British veterans of the 1914-18 conflict with the honour. He had been called up in September, 1917, just after his 17th birthday.

He also featured in a 1998 book by military author Richard van Emden: Veterans: The Last Survivors of the Great War. “One day I was a schoolboy with a satchel and then I had a rifle, bayonet, ammunition, gas-mask and a tin hat,” he recalled.

His war effectively ended after he was wounded and then captured in the Aisne Basin in 2018. After returning

to Britain he became a clerk in a chandlery before later moving with his family to Gloucester.

Later, after becoming a widower, he joined Claire in Ventnor.

Claire said: “He enjoyed life on the Island and would often pop down to the British Legion for a half pint. He did not like to make a fuss.”

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24

Features

9th November 2018

Marking 100 years since the Armistice, the Island is clothed in a sea of red as

From those Flanders Fields to Bembridge...a sea of poppies The poppy is a familiar symbol reborn for this most special of Remembrance Sundays, marking the centenary since the 1918 Armistice brought The Great War - the “war to end all wars” - to an end.

The poppy worn by millions, a symbol of the bloom that inspired John McCrae’s famous poem “In Flanders Fields”, has become so commonplace that perhaps it needed a reboot. Recent tweaks to the traditional British Legion design has helped, along with subtle, new enamel varieties - but it is the centenary that has launched a tidal wave of fresh interest.

And nowhere moreso on the Island than Bembridge, where Rev Dr Amanda Bloor, priest in charge at Holy Trinity Church, has encouraged parishioners to cover the village with

thousands of handcrafted poppies to mark the anniversary.

She has worked alongside the parish council to encourage local people to knit, crochet and sew poppies for what is set to be an extraordinary display unveiled today (November 9).

Dr Bloor was happy to give the IW Observer a sneak preview of the overall effect by staging a sample of the propogating poppies linked into a stream outside the church and photographed here by IW Observer’s Jon Sheath.

Today all the poppies will be strung together to hang along walls and fences, linking Holy Trinity Church with the village war memorial and the churchyard at St Luke’s, where there are Commonwealth War Graves.

“It’s caught the imagination

of everyone in the village, not just churchgoers,” says Amanda. “I’d seen similar art projects in other villages using wool and fibre, and thought it seemed like a great idea. It’s ecologically friendly, it’s creative, and it gets people talking.

“But the reaction of everyone in Bembridge has surprised and delighted me.

Of course, Bembridge is a close community and there are lots of names on our war memorials - names from families who are still in the village. And we also have a lot of people in the village who are ex-military.

“It all started at the turn of the year and I wondered what we could do to mark this most special of Remembrance Sundays. I’d seen before how beautiful knitted poppies can look so I thought why not put the two together at Bembridge?

“So we will have a team putting up the poppies through the village, linking the church, the war memorial and St Luke’s Cemetery at the other end of the village.

“The parish council has been a great support and the effort has had an overwhelming response. We have literally hundreds and hundred of poppies being made.”

On Sunday all Bembridge’s churches will hold their regular morning services before moving on to the war memorial for the service there at 10.45am, joined by other community groups such as the scouts and guides. The names of the fallen will be read out.

The Last Post will be played by former WRAF bandswoman Irene Burrows, from Bembridge. Two ponies will represent animals who went to war.

Rev Amanda Bloor.

Afterwards, the parish council has organised a social gathering with refreshments and entertainment including music from the World War One era.

Bembridge is marking the centenary of the Armistice by bedecking Holy Trinity Church (inset) and much of the rest of the village with handcrafted poppies.

‘The reaction of everyone in Bembridge has suprised and delighted me - it’s the culmination of months of work’ - Rev Bloor

Features

9th November 2018

25

towns, villages and hamlets embrace the symbol of remembrance...

WI members in front of their bedecked Carisbrooke Road office.

WI’s county office transformed by so many special blooms

The Women’s Institutes on the Island officially unveiled their stunning Remembrance display this week at their Carisbrooke Road office in Newport, transforming it into a sea of poppy-red blooms.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Anne Longford led a short service on Tuesday to mark the occasion. The display is the culmination of thousands of hours of work by the WI’s Island members.

The WI said they had bee approached by some members who wanted to create this project to mark

the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. They asked members from across the Island to make hundreds of handmade poppies, in a variety of different sizes and mediums.

As the photograph shows, they have been crafted together in a vibrant display to adorn the WI county office in Newport.

Sue Biss, County Federation chairman, said: “Members wanted to create a visual display as a mark of remembrance for the 100 years since the end of World War One. We have

35 WIs on the Island with 1,100 members and every member’s family will have been touched in some way by the war.

“We are absolutely delighted how amazing it looks and hope anyone who passes by will agree that it is very fitting tribute to the sacrifice of all those who fought.

“In addition, some of our WIs have made beautiful tapestry panels as a memorial to the Island’s involvement in World War One. We are displaying these at WI House.”

Tapestry panels displayed inside WI House.

Poppies inspire fundraising art at Gurnard

Cowes Art Group’s artworks will raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

Members of Cowes Art Group have painted poppythemed pictures for a fundraising exhibition this Remembrance Sunday, November 11, at Gurnard Village Hall, to mark the 100th commemoration of the end of World War One. All paintings and other crafty creations are priced between 50p to £20 and can be purchased by visitors.

All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

The exhibition is open to the public between noon-

3pm. There will be tea and homemade cakes on sale.

Some of our artists had relatives who served in the Great War and so have put their stories on paper to create an additional interesting display.

Other events happening in Gurnard Village on Sunday include poppy-themed yarn bombing, a parade through the village and a service at All Saints Church.

There is also the symbolic lighting of a beacon at Gurnard Bay.

26

Letters

9th November 2018

Island Soapbox

Plans nodded through As our Council ‘nods’ through the Sustainability and Transformation Plan, let’s stop and think about some of the implications for Islanders.

We are led to believe it will improve health care on the island, but is this really true with the demise of many services provided by St Mary’s and more and more patients needing to travel to the Mainland, often for relatively simple treatments, or sometimes spending a whole day travelling for little more than a 15 minute consultation?

So what does STP actually mean?

‘Sustainability’ translated means ‘Cost cutting’, ‘Transformation’, ‘Change’. One shouldn’t be adverse to saving money nor change, but they need to be

for the better, not for the worse.

Over recent years St Mary’s has been deliberately led into a perilous position by a succession of Trust Leaders following a political agenda on behalf of the Government that Is solely fiscally orientated.

Initially it was about saving money through cuts and efficiencies, now it is about abrogating responsibility and making money through privatisation.

The Plan is to effectively rid itself of our hospital due to its isolated island location and associated high running costs.

Whether the Island actually requires a hospital bears little consideration, everything is driven by money.

What can’t be shifted to

This is Chapman’s cursed confusion

Vernon Strike, Cowes

the mainland will be sold off to private health providers.

This is going to have serious consequences for many islanders employed by the NHS, and their families. It is difficult to see how many of the STP objectives will actually improve care, indeed

there is every possibility our island community, particularly our elderly, will be increasingly abandoned by a second rate service.

Hampshire has already illustrated that when it comes to the needs of its community it will always

prioritise the Mainland.

Witness Policing, an ever increasing council tax precept for a lesser service here on the island.

If Bob Seely genuinely believes in making the Island a better place to live, he needs to step up to the mark as our local MP and secure more support and funding for our IW Health Services generally, not roll over and simply follow the Governments agenda, which is destroying our NHS in all but name as a prelude to opening the door to a fully blown, profit orientated, American health care model, post Brexit, with the quiet roll out of IPCs, NHS Integrated Care Providers.

Going on a bear hunt

Malcolm Watson, Ryde

It does not instill any confidence to read that Hovertravel has been set on a new course when the managing director cites “bad luck” and the company being “cursed” for its woes - these are not factors in the technical world. This is also borne out by Neil Chapman’s confusion between reliability and availability. Simply put availability (not reliability) is a measure of the per cent of time the equipment is

in an operable state while reliability is a measure of how long the item performs its intended function.

Generally speaking a reliable machine has high availability but an available machine may or may not be very reliable. I hope that the answer given to MP Bob Seely’s letter asking for an explanation of this summer’s performance is couched in the correct use of these terms and is understandable to Islanders.

Drastic plastic?

P. McFarlane, Newport

When the experts came across plastic, Its uses were simply fantastic, Now we call learn, To our gravest concern, Its effects are just totally drastic.

Do you have a story to tell?

Call us on 01983 214264

Maggie Nelmes, Ventnor

What is going on at the Isle of Wight National Trust? It doesn’t add up!

On the one hand, they are holding public exhibitions in the West Wight to discuss their admirable plans to restore farmland they have purchased there, in order to bring back wildlife.

On the other hand, two recent management decisions have shocked and alienated wildlife enthusiasts across the Island.

First there was the decision to hold ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ children’s activities at the Newtown National Nature Reserve, one of the last remaining unspoilt estuaries in the whole of Southern England.

Volunteers at the Reserve

raised the alarm, saying that the Trust should not be turning Newtown into a tourist attraction to make money, while driving the wildlife away.

Fortunately all the adverse publicity persuaded the management to cancel the ‘bear hunts’.

The second management decision to shock many wildlife enthusiasts is the invitation to trail hunters to use National Trust land on the Island for their sport.

Do the management really believe that people who have indulged in bloodsports all their lives, a tradition passed down in families and in some rural communities for generations, are going to suddenly act responsibly and

humanely towards wildlife now that foxhunting is banned?

I want to know how the National Trust is going to monitor this trail hunting to ensure that no wildlife is harmed, either physically or mentally.

Being chased and terrorised by dogs constitutes psychological harm, even if there are no physical injuries.

Foxhunting was banned because it is so cruel, not only to foxes, but also to other animals, such as badgers.

How can the National Trust have such double standards?

Could the reason be the offer of a substantial sum of money from the trail hunters?

A letter to Bob on the LAC Richard Steel, Shorwell

Dear Mr. Seely, I would be most grateful if you could prevent what seems to be yet another act of vandalism perpetrated by the Isle of Wight Council.

I refer to the Committee report to the Isle of Wight Council Cabinet recommending the closure of the Local Area Coordination scheme which was started on the Island in 2015. Since that time the scheme has helped hundreds of people in need and reduced the demand on other services.

Without this scheme, the people currently supported will either be abandoned or impose a greater burden on health and social care.

The report which aims to “farm out” care to voluntary organisations like Age UK is flawed and one wonders about the vested interests of one of the authors of the report.

Indeed it starts out with a conclusion and provides no evidence to support it. If you are on the Island and have the time you should visit “Our Place” at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre (itself under threat due to withdrawal of Council funding) where many people with diverse needs are helped.

There is also the fact that the current Care Coordinators will lose their jobs. We are told that “austerity” is over but the Conservative Party on the Island remains the “Nasty Party” dragging the Island back into some Dickensian dystopia.

Please help to avert this looming tragedy. I believe the decision to withdraw support will be made at a cabinet meeting next Thursday.

Red ink shortage explained P. Parsons, Ventnor

Browsing through the 190 pages of November’s IW NHS Trust Board Papers I now know why there is an islandwide shortage of RED Printer Ink.

Letters

9th November 2018

27

Send your letters into us newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or post them to us IW Observer, Suite 6, 17 St.Thomas Square Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff. They belong to the author and the author alone - Letters must be no longer than 500 words please.

Newport, IW, PO30 1SL

Four reasons for a fixed link from an Island mother of five Dawn Jones, Whippingham

I’m married to an Islander and moved to the Island 36 years ago.

We have five children and I have never regretted coming here to live and have no desire to move and nor do I see that I should even consider it just because I am a progressive.

I love the Island, its beauty, the sense of community and the fact that it’s not a concrete jungle.

These are the positives which we all value but these don’t close my eyes or blinker my thinking regarding the many negatives which affect our lives on a daily basis.

Approximately thirty years ago there was a lot of debate and opinions expressed regarding whether we should have a fixed link. At that time

I was very much against it.

However in the intervening years there have been many changes to almost every aspect of Island life. i) Health - Our demographic of over 65s is one of the highest in the country partly because many people have chosen to retire here.

There are consequences though, in that as people age and perhaps lose their partner they can then experience social isolation which in turn affects their health.

Our hospital is transferring services to the mainland, resulting in patients having to undertake timeconsuming travel.

Recruitment of medical staff proves difficult as, lovely as it is, the Island can

be considered a retrograde step career-wise. It’s not just health providers who experience recruitment difficulties but other sectors also. ii) Education – Although a lot of our young people do well, there are many who fail to meet targets in core subjects and then struggle to find well paid employment.

The lack of aspiration and attainment has an adverse impact on the Island economy overall. We NEED to keep young people on the Island for the sake of the future.

They will only stay here though if there is opportunity and while we still choose to prioritise keeping the Island “separate” that opportunity is obviously limited.

iii) Traffic - One of the reasons put forward against a link to the mainland is that the Island could not cope with any increase in traffic. Can I ask everyone to consider: • Traffic OFF the Island would increase with a fixed link.

• An improved public transport system at the exit and entrance portals. together with park and ride facilities would actually see an improvement to existing traffic management.

• As part of the proposal, a bridge over the Medina would alleviate a lot of the problems at Coppins Bridge and St. Mary’s roundabout.

• No more bottlenecks of traffic in East Cowes and Fishbourne as traffic to and

from the Island would be free-flowing.

• Heavy freight could use the tunnel during night time hours thus reducing traffic during daylight hours iv) Economy – in recent years, the cost of getting to the Island via our expensive ferries has seen a lot of holiday providers go out of business.

This doesn’t just affect them – it affects all of us because there is a knock on effect for other local business, employment etc.

I’m sure there are many other factors which both the “for” and “against” camps can think of but my plea to everyone is please open your minds to possibilities and look for positives rather than negatives.

It’s not so very long ago that trains, cars and planes were new ideas. If people don’t have “vision” there would be no progress in the world. Imagine being able to travel freely without having to plan and then wasting great chunks of your time just to get to work, an airport, hospital, shopping, visiting friends or family?

The Viability Study for which crowdfunding is sought will provide answers to both for and against camps and could pave the way to a much brighter future. We don’t have to accept the status quo!

Bob has excelled himself Harry Bowe, West Wight

Any moron can buy fireworks Emily Keyweigh, Cowes

Any moron over the age of 18 can buy fireworks, as long as it’s a certain time of the year.

We’ve entered that time of year when people will be setting them off to celebrate almost anything or have any excuse to invite over friends to see them.

Shopkeepers need to take some responsibility for their part in the trauma that they go on to cause, whether it is to people or animals.

What exactly do they think it is that they are achieving?

Boosting their failing profits by a small percentage?

Bringing joy to people whose lives are otherwise empty?

Or just joining in and keeping up with what other larger chains are offering?

I know there are some loosely enforced laws as to when you can buy them, when you can set them off and the surroundings in which you can use them, but that’s the problem with loosely enforced laws – no one follows them.

The one and only rule which they follow is that the buyer has to be over 18. Yes of

course, you can handle these highly dangerous explosives, so long as you’re old enough.

What kind of regulation is this?

Any locally owned shop selling fireworks on the Isle of Wight should be closed.

You are not fit to run a business and should know better than the idiots who are buying them.

If people want to see fireworks, the Island has a selection of professional displays, some of which are free and provide better entertainment than blasting out whatever noise that Capital or Kiss FM are offering to your neighbours at nine o’clock at night.

What is the belief that gathering round a shoddily put together bonfire, on a freezing night to watch some fireworks now passes as a ‘good time’.

Fireworks aren’t like technology; they don’t vastly improve every year.

The manufacturers don’t find exciting new ways to create them – they are today more or less as they were

when they were accidentally discovered, as a side effect to the massive damage they cause.

And the people who buy them to set off in their back garden, remain as idiotic and unintelligent as they ever were.

So what’s the big fuss?

We live on an Island which in the height of summer has no end of impressive firework displays – quite frequently. So why the desperation? Not seen any for a few weeks? Forgotten what they look or sound like, or do you just have so little going on in your life and so little in common with the people who are your friends that you’re unable to have them round your house for anything else?

For the love of god, if we must endure this every year – surely it should be more regulated or controlled.

Add some checks and balances, not only to the dullards who feel compelled to buy them, but to the shopkeepers and chains who sell them.

The man has the same skill as our previous Tory MP at being astoundingly bad for the Island. The recipients of his letter will no doubt send him replies, he may even get a token meeting where they’ll assure him that they are working on it, it won’t happen again and they’ll get a lovely photo opportunity to be seen with him all smiles.

However it will achieve nothing. In fact, it’ll probably even work to the ferry companies’ benefit, they can be seen to be apologising, showing penance and giving the MP some valuable face time to show how seriously they are taking the matters.

Bob is a backbench MP, in a government fighting to keep its hold on power. He is a man who is very good at being seen, but saying very little of substance and managing to balance on the fence, avoiding coming down on any side and trying to keep all happy at the same time.

All his letter will actually do is get him noticed – he is

a master of spin. What he actually needs to do is take action, demand results and threaten that he’ll take it as far as he can to make sure that they have to up their games and stop being so unreliable.

Why did it have to get this far before he wrote his insipid letter?

These companies are failing us – whether it be personally, professionally or financially, it is a categorical failure and the most worrying thing is that it’s not a small, insignificant part of their business making mistakes which don’t affect anyone or more or less go unnoticed.

They are ferry companies, whose primary aim is to transport people between the mainland and Southampton.

Their ferries are failing. Their service is poor.

If these were another type of business such as a restaurant and the kitchens were constantly closed – it would be closed down or taken over by people that could actually open the

kitchen.

Quite clearly there are massive failings within all three companies. Usually when a company fails so publicly, so openly and so blatantly, the chief exec will do the decent thing, come forward, admit their failings, explain what’s happened and accept that these problems happened under their guidance and fall on their own sword.

New leadership, management and monitoring is key – dynamic, fresh thinking is needed. If you are a ferry company which can’t actually seem to run ferries then you have in no uncertain terms fallen short and screwed up.

Bob’s letter will achieve very little, calls for action are required. Islanders need to start objecting and being vocal in their complaints.

Go to the regulatory bodies, make your complaints known and in writing – otherwise we’ll be heading for these new failures becoming the way of life hear.

28

News

9th November 2018

Souvenirs of summer Our lovely summer is gone, walks on Arreton Down escorted by dancing Chalkhill Blue butterflies now just a memory.

In autumn and winter it is another of our blue butterflies that comes to mind as I walk and see the evergreen holly tree sporting its bright red berries, and the ivy-covered walls and trees in our hedgerows and gardens.

The Holly Blue butterfly emerges from hibernation in spring; we glimpse it as a flash of sky blue. The upperwings of females have black wing tips with the male being all blue.

The underwing on both is a beautiful pale blue with small dark spots.

As its name suggests, it favours the holly tree flower buds on which to lay its eggs in spring. These eggs produce a second generation of Holly Blue butterfly which lay eggs on the flower buds of ivy in August.

The second brood hibernates as chrysalises, near or on the ground around

the ivy, from September, producing adults, in favourable weather, the following April.

So as we prepare for our seasonal activities and gather traditional greenery for our homes, think of the Holly Blue that may be hibernating somewhere around the ivy and remember the part it played in producing the red berries on the holly we so admire.

Grow some holly and ivy in your garden, leaving the loose leaf litter below them - it could be home to hibernating Holly Blues for the winter.

And before you clear that ivy, consider that there may be another lover of winter ivy, the Brimstone butterfly, hiding there. They hibernate as adults, folding their wings together, and hang in crevices, behind bark and ivy stems until on a sunny day in spring emerging to delight us all with a flash of yellow as they search for an early source of nectar - very often a clump of primroses.

Now that's another story.

Holly Blue female.

The Holly Blue cuts a fine figure.

Brimstone.

So, this is Christmas - are you ready to party?

Your guide to seasonal menus and venues on the Island

30

Entertainment

9th November 2018

Spot the differences

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures from this centenarian’s birthday?

Your weekly horoscope with Russell Grant ARIES

(March 21st - April 20th) Relationships are changing.

It might feel as if you and a partner always sit away from each other now and there is very little to talk about.

You and a friend are drifting apart as you no longer share the same goals. Aries is a sign of leadership. The realisation you have taken on too much will bring a moment of incredible clarity. Suddenly you can see the need to delegate some of your responsibilities. Make a point of relaxing whenever and wherever you can.

TAURUS

(April 21st - May 21st) Although you always take your responsibilities seriously, it should not always be all work and no play. You need to balance your personal and professional lives. You have a great capacity for hard work and you can also be creative. Find an outlet for your talents, like writing, poetry or painting.

If there are problems in a relationship, it’s because you aren’t truly talking to each other. Take this opportunity to show your love and affection. Spend some quality time with your amour.

GEMINI

(May 22nd - June 21st) You need to start from the bottom up to build strong foundations in relationships. If you have just started dating, wait a while before you start telling everyone you have found your perfect partner. It will take time to strengthen friendship bonds but the results will make this worthwhile.

Outstanding problems in the workplace will soon be resolved as there is plenty goodwill on both sides. You have a way of dealing with issues without making anyone feel harassed or hassled.

CANCER

(June 22nd - July 23rd) Accepting a loan from an older relative might be the ideal way out of a short term problem.

Your first reaction will be to refuse their offer, but don’t be too quick to turn them down. You will be able to repay the money when you have your own affairs under control. At home and in the workplace, you need to stop skirting around issues and be honest about what is on your mind. Be prepared to discuss important matters openly and honestly.

LEO

(July 24th - August 23rd) Emotions are high and there’s some excitement in the air. You are full of energy and high spirits. You’re looking forward to joining friends in a fun event which is always a huge success. It will live up to your expectations. Work projects will run smoothly and more efficiently if you are patient with people who are easily discouraged. Keep your cool and be patient with anyone who is a slow learner. They will appreciate your help and support.

VIRGO

(August 24th - September 23rd) You aren’t the only person who is putting their imagination to work. Youngsters in the family will bring some exciting ideas to conversations. It will feel good to give and receive creative stimulation. Take this opportunity to decorate drab rooms.

A friend of a friend might suggest you meet up some time. They didn’t make a good impression on you at your first meeting but first impressions may not hold true. Once you get to know each other you might feel differently.

LIBRA

(September 24th - October 23rd) Someone is starting to mean more to you than you are brave enough to admit. You aren’t even ready to admit your feelings to yourself. Look deep into your heart and you will see that this is the relationship you have always dreamed of. Your social life will keep you on your toes but private matters also need attention. There is something you don’t want people to know and if anyone asks you a personal question, tell them it is none of their business.

SCORPIO

(October 24th - November 22nd) Stay with tried and trusted methods, early on. Any departure from the norm will seem like a waste of time. You will feel more confident and you’ll see most progress when working with familiar tools and materials. Money, career and domestic matters will generally run smoothly.

On the surface everything appears to be going well but later, you could start to feel restless and in need of a change. If you let an impulsive friend take the lead, you will soon experience something new.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23rd - December 21st) A relationship or arrangement has long passed its sell-by date. There is no sense in dragging this on any further.

Find a way of letting go of anything that is holding you back. Once you have cut the cord, you will be making room in your life for new beginnings. Someone who is behaving like a child will test your patience. Whether their age is nine or ninety-nine, they will try to force you into making a hasty decision. Don’t take the bait.

CAPRICORN

(December 22nd - January 20th) Everyone makes mistakes. If something has gone wrong, the moment will pass and life will get back to normal. Admit to the error of your ways, apologise if this is necessary, and move on. If an investment shows signs of loss, don’t be tempted to try to salvage things by throwing good money after bad. If you you’ve been deceived in any way, the injustice of this matter should not be your main focus. Write it off as a loss and put it behind you.

AQUARIUS

(January 21st - February 19th) A number of areas are set to bring good fortune your way.

Career, friendships and private interests are all favoured. If you’re looking for work, don’t hesitate to ask a wellconnected friend for a reference. When you go on job interviews, be sure to stress your creativity and compassion.

A positive outlook brings interesting people into your life and they will encourage you to check out new ventures. Experimenting with new ideas will help you flourish and prosper.

PISCES

(February 20th - March 20th) Listen to your intuition regarding a spiritual matter.

Taking up a course of study is the best way forward. If you’ve been thinking about studying a spiritual subject or donating your time to a volunteer effort, do this now. It is important to build your inner resources as well as your material ones. Spending time at home will relax you. This is because your family life helps to balance your social and professional lives. Making time for a home improvement project will be good too.

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

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

Entertainment

9th November 2018

Folk craic and much more

31

A scene from Voices Over Passchendaele.

The final curtain The Hooleys dispense their craic.

Isle of Wight folk music fans have an action-packed week to look forward to. November is certainly not dull here!

Quay Arts Centre in Newport regularly attracts high-quality acts from over the water.

Singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah

McQuaid brings her velvety vocals, thoughtful lyrics and virtuoso guitar to the stage on Tuesday (November 13).

Just three days later, on November 16, Shalfleet Village Hall opens up for a rollocking singalong charity evening with The Shalfleet Shanty Singers, starting at

7.30pm. Tickets are just £7, including supper.

And on the very same day, large numbers of Lucid fans will be flocking to Shanklin Theatre to enjoy their annual concert.

Saturday (November 17) also offers choices, with comic poet Les Barker

performing at Quay Arts at 7.30pm. £12 entry is very good value at around 0.5p per giggle.

If Irish is your music of choice, however, pop along to hear local band The Hooleys dispense a bit of the craic at Wroxall Community Centre, from 8.30pm.

Front row guide: Theatre Listings

Medina Theatre Call: 01983 823884 Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: TRIBE Wed, 07/11/2018 This autumn, the UK’s original touring taiko Tribe returns to the road with a brand new show.

Shakespeares Schools Festival Thu, 08/11/2018 Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival.

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers Fri, 09/11/2018 This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok .

Opera Boys Sat, 10/11/2018 Leading men from London’s West End combine in a powerhouse of vocal harmony.

Think Floyd - Live in Concert Sun, 11/11/2018 This extraordinary band, dubbed the Definitive Pink Floyd Experience, renowned for their stunning celebration of the bands music.

Los Pacaminos feat Paul Young Fri, 16/11/2018 One of the UK’s most popular Live touring bands, Los Pacaminos play the very best in Tex Mex Border music.

Shanklin Theatre Call: 01983 868000 The Stylistics - 50th Anniversary Tour Thu, 08/11/2018 The Stylistics are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New. Royal British Legion Shanklin Festival of Remembrance Fri, 09/11/2018 All are welcome to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.

Dr John Cooper Clarke Mon, 12/11/2018 John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.

Lucid Fri, 16/11/2018 Popular Island group Lucid return to Shanklin Theatre along with a select ensemble of talented musicians.

One Night Of Queen Gary Mullen and The Works Sat, 17/11/2018 In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.

The Island Savoyards Present A Christmas Carol, Thu, 22/11/2018 This fantastic version written by the Award winning Alan Menken will really get you in the festive mood!

If you are in the market for laugh-out-loud theatre then head to Bembridge next weekend for Quartet, staged

by Bembridge Little Theatre at the village hall.

Ronald Harwood’s play is rib-ticklingly funny with moments that bring a lump to the throat.

It’s a charming tale of four ageing opera singers that will make you laugh, sigh and cry as they take us into the world of facing up to age and mortality.

It’s staged on November 15, 16 and 17 with an added matinee on November 17.

Tickets £8 on the door.

Don’t forget this weekend, at Northwood House, Cowes, you can see Voices Over Passchendaele, the dramatised story of Peter Eckersley, one of the unsung heroes of World War One, staged over this weekend centenary of the Armistice.

Friday and Saturday, doors open 7pm and show starts at 8pm; some tickets still

available on the door.

Meanwhile, Trinity Theatre in Cowes is the venue for the first panto of the season - oh yes it is! Jungle Book, the Panto

by Cheryl May, is staged from November 30 until December 9.

The very funny To Hell in a Handbag will be staged at Quay Arts in Newport for one night only on November 28.

This production follows the lives of two minor characters from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest tickets and more information from Quay Arts.

Shanklin Conservative Club hosts Last Night of the Cons on Sunday, November 11, featuring the wonderful voices of Victor Michael and The Sopranos.

Watch this space next week for a round up of December’s theatrical offerings, ranging from The Vicar of Dibley to two different Christmas Carols.

After all, it’s almost Christmas.

Clarice comes to Cowes for Project Opera Soprano Annalisa Vaughan and celebrated local Pianist Richard Benger will be joined by internationally acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano Clarice Williams, rising star Roman Tenor Yuri Sabatini and Bass Adam Leftwich, will perform at Holy Trinity Church, Cowes on December 1 and at Bembridge Village Hall on December 2.

The team will perform the quartets from Mozart’s Requiem Mass: Tuba mirum, Benedictus and Recordare; Pergolesi’s Salve Regina and a contrasting second half of secular arias, such as La Danza, by Rossini, songs by Copeland and arias from Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Samson et Delilah and Die Fliedermaus.

Annalisa and Yuri gave a concert at Bembridge Village Hall earlier this year and

tickets sold out weeks in advance, so early bookings are a must!

Project Opera aim to bring Opera to the community by performing at venues around the Island, such as local churches, so that elderly and disabled people may have the opportunity to attend professional concerts close to home and at affordable prices.

Bookings are available on www.ticketsource.co.uk/ project-opera or to book by post, please email annalisa. vaughan@gmail.com or call Project:Opera on 07757 965339.

You can keep up to date with future events by following www.facebook. com/projectopera/events.

32

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

Walking with dinosaurs on the Island

Yaverland boasts views of some of the richest dinosaur beds in the country.

The Isle of Wight is known as Dinosaur Island, the UK’s dinosaur capital, and one of the best places in the planet to find fossils.

So in association with visitisleofwight.co.uk, this week the IW Observer brings you an insight into what wonders you might find here if you go out walking in the right places.

Indeed, who knows what you might find in a day... a bone? An entire skeleton? A new species? This walk will enable you to see the most striking geological features of the Isle of Wight, including sweeping Compton Bay and dramatic Culver Down.

Morning - Dinosaur hunting in Yaverland Start at the car park opposite The Isle of Wight Zoo. Follow the signposted coastal route up the steep grassy hill until you reach the top of the landslip.

You’ll get great views over some of the richest dinosaur beds in the country. Look for the dark seams in the cliffs, as this is where the dinosaur remains are usually hidden,

before they’re washed onto the beaches.

At the very top of the hill, you’ll find a kiosk for coffee and cake, and a pub with a garden that has one of the best panoramic views on the Island. Reward yourself appropriately, and then head back the way you came, down the hill to the car park.

If you feel like foraging, then venture on to the beach for a spot of beach combing – you may be able to pick up some fossils from the dinosaur age.

The Island’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’ stretches for 20 glorious miles, from Yaverland in the East, to Compton Bay in the West.

The first Isle of Wight specimens were discovered here in the 1820s and new varieties are still being picked up today by holidaymakers and locals just pottering around on the beaches. You don’t need tools – just a good eye, and a lot of luck.

Look for heavy dark stones with a shiny surface, regular ridges, a ‘bubbly’ looking interior or glinting crystals.

And go hunting at low tide,

and after rough weather or a storm. Then get your finds identified, because if you discover a new species, it could be named after you!

You can walk your way around the Dinosaur Coast – and indeed, the entire Island – using the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. This is a fantastic way to explore around the dramatic coastline with breathtaking views over some of the best beaches in the world.

Afternoon - In the footprints of dinosaurs at Compton Bay You’re now off to Compton Bay, to explore one of the best beaches in the world.

Start at Shippards Chine car park. This is a National Trust site with toilets and usually a van serving ice creams, drinks and snacks.

Now go on a ‘footprint safari’.

We recommend taking the Isle of Wight Official Dinosaur Safari Guide with you (available from the Guildhall for £5).

Follow the coastal path, walking with the sea to your left. Then go down the steps,

and walk with the sea to your right.

You can see a huge number of dinosaur foot casts at the base of the cliffs.

They look like giant 3D footprints and were formed when heavy dinosaurs left their prints in soft mud. The footprints then filled with sand, which later turned to rock.

Enjoy them, but please don’t take them home, as they’re protected and belong to the National Trust. Head for the bit of land that juts out.

That’s Hanover Point and at very low tide, you can see dinosaur footprints and the ‘fossil forest’ of petrified tree trunks. Return the way you came.

As you’re combing the beach, look out for small bits of fossilised wood with glinting ‘gold’ seams – this is a sign that you’re hunting in the right area.

Go with an expert – a guided fossil hunt with a local expert is safe and fun. For more info, go to visitisleofwight. co.uk/inspiration/ dinosaurisland

Fossilised dinsosaur foot at Compton Bay.

Entertainment

9th November 2018

What’s on at the Cinema

33

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

Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice features in The Grinch.

Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch U - 90mins For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to

have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

Academy Award nominee Benedict

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-today needs.

Bohemian Rhapsody

PG - 99mins

12A - 134mins

Welcome to Slaughterhouse, an elite boarding school where boys and girls are groomed for power and greatness, and they’re about to meet their match. This ancient and ordered world is about to be shaken to its foundations - literally - when a controversial frack site on prized school woodland causes seismic tremors, a mysterious sinkhole, and an unspeakable horror to be unleashed.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their near-implosion as Mercury’s lifestyle spirals out of control.

Widows 15 - 129mins From Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and co-writer and bestselling author Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) comes a blistering, modern-day thriller set against the backdrop of crime, passion and corruption.

Widows is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities on their own terms.

9th November 2018

For last weeks Puzzle answers visit iwobserver.co.uk

36

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

In the Garden

November in the garden: It’s a time for preparation November can be a difficult time for gardeners - it is rarely an uplifting time - but there are plenty of worthwhile jobs to do this month.

Gardening experts suggest lifting parsnips after the first frosts when their flavour will have sweetened. You can also divide mature clumps of rhubarb once they are dormant.

Prepare a bed for planting autumn garlic.

Improve heavy soils with organic matter before planting. Now is a great time to prepare a perennial vegetable bed which can be planted up with rhubarb crowns and asparagus crowns.

Now is an ideal time to invest in mushroom kits.

It’s surprisingly easy to grow your own mushrooms.

Preparation in life is a good thing and especially for the green-fingered. If you have access to fresh manure, now is the time to spread it across the surface of your vegetable beds to rot down over winter.

Stake top-heavy brassicas and draw up some soil around the base of the stem to prevent wind rocking the plant and causing damage to the roots.

In the fruit garden Now is the ideal time to plant currant bushes whilst they are dormant.

And it is a perfect time to plant raspberry canes for a delicious home grown crop.

With an eye on berries, tidy up your strawberry plants cut off any dead leaves and remove runners.

Apply glue bands or greasebands to the trunks of fruit trees to prevent wingless female winter moths climbing the trunks and laying their eggs in the branches.

Prune pear and apple trees anytime between now and February. But don’t be tempted to prune your plum trees now as they will be susceptible to the silver leaf fungus...wait until midsummer.

Remove the top netting from fruit cages as snow in winter can make it sag.

Check fruits in storage and promptly remove any showing signs of disease or rotting.

In the greenhouse Now is the right time to replace damaged glass before the worst of the winter weather sets in. Insulate the greenhouse with sheets of bubble wrap attached to the inside of the frame, to reduce heat loss.

Install solar lights in the greenhouse so that you can still get out there on dark winter evenings to check your plants. Clean out the

greenhouse thoroughly.

Wash the glass, the floor and the staging with horticultural disinfectant to kill any overwintering pests and diseases.

Don’t forget to ventilate the greenhouse, particularly after watering and when paraffin heaters are used at night.

As the winter approaches, take special care not to over water plants that remain in active growth. Little and often is the key.

Looking after your lawn If you haven’t already aerated your lawn, there’s still time to do it before winter sets in. You can use

either a lawn aerator or simply insert a garden fork at regular intervals and lean it back slightly to let air in.

Continue to clear fallen leaves off the lawn to keep it healthy. And do remember to set your lawn mower to a higher cut-height for winter.

Now your beds are clear, try edging your lawn. Lawn edging creates a neat and tidy appearance and makes maintenance easier.

Try gathering your leaves on to the lawn and mow them with a rotary mower that has a collection box on the back.

They will rot down quicker in your compost bins.

Happy gardening...

Lifestyle

9th November 2018

37

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

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38

Entertainment

9th November 2018

The installation follows the highly successful street art of The Ventnor Giant by Phlegm.

New art coming to the Island in 2019 A multi-channel film installation, a piece of community theatre and the launch of a community lecture series will all be created to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of three towns on the Island in 2019, as part of Lift the Lid. This follows the highly successful street art of The Ventnor Giant by Phlegm, commissioned in partnership with Ventnor Exchange and launched at the Ventnor Fringe in August 2018.

Quay Arts and the Cultural Education Partnership are now announcing the three artists that will be producing new and exciting works on the Isle of Wight, as part of the two year project to Lift the Lid on Island Culture.

As part of a rigorous process, led by a selection panel of renowned curators - Jo

Bushnell from Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth, Stephen Foster from John Hansard Gallery, Southampton, Quay Arts, Newport and Lucy Day from A Woman’s Place at Knowle, the following artists have been chosen.

For Totland, International artist Julie Myers - www. juliemyers.org.uk - a lecture series, Live from the Parish Hall.

For Newport (Pan estate), BearFace Theatre CIC www.bearfacetheatre.org a community theatre piece, We that breathe For East Cowes, Dmitri Galitzine - www. dmitrigalitzine.com a multi-channel film installation, Back and Forth, and Back and Forth Again.

A combination of Arts Council England, Artswork and Isle of Wight Council

funding will enable these projects to go ahead, resulting in community art works that can be accessed by a wide range of people.

Julie Myers explained her proposal for Totland: “Live From The Parish Hall - Totland is a series of thematic performance events. Inspired by the format of the Victorian popular science lectures the series presents current social and environmental concerns through the stories and experiences of local people, including, a child’s fossil collection, a walk with an astronomer, a slide show about light pollution, a set of old postcards, pin hole cameras, forgotten songs, a cup of tea at the old lifeboat house. Hosted by local residents the talks combine video, photographs, personal

artefacts, archive material, music and refreshments.

The inaugural event: LIGHT AND DARK will be presented and broadcast live from the Parish Hall in May 2019.”

BearFace Theatre CIC will be developing a co-created piece of theatre with the communities of Pan that will focus on its layered heritage.

BearFace Theatre said: “Using participatory arts based workshops to discover and co-develop narratives as well as make material for the performance, we will be delving into Pan’s past, its present and importantly its future and our part within it... with our new project we that breathe. With a mix of playful interaction, puppetry, original soundtracking and live music and a Dragon thrown in for good measure, BearFace Theatre will bring

the finished performance collaborated with all who we have met to a space near you in Pan in September 2019.”

Dmitri Galitzine will present a new multi-channel film installation, shown in an old shipyard in East Cowes, during Heritage Open Days 2019 (from 13 to 22 September 2019). The film will be based around the Red Funnel Ferry and East Cowes dockyard.

Working over several months, the artist will document all aspects of the ferry’s day to day crossings, the harbour, passengers and crew. And in doing so, he will attempt to unravel what the ferry means to the people of East Cowes and the symbiotic relationship between them.

Mr Galitzine writes: “The ferry has been the island’s

gatekeeper for over a century. And it is part of the fabric of East Cowes, its history and heritage.

The identity of any islander depends upon the body of water which engulfs them.

And it’s the Red Funnel that can get them across it, in East Cowes. For some, every day back and forth. And back and forth again.”

Lift the Lid Project Manager, Sarah Girling said: “The hope is that all of these new artworks will excite and inspire the people of the Isle of Wight to find out more about their cultural heritage.

There is opportunity for lots of local people to get involved through schools and community groups, let alone being audience members. 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for arts and culture on the Island.”

IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

39

COPING WITH REDUNDANCY Sad news this week as Michelin closes its tyre factory in Dundee leaving 845 workers jobless. A story which hits a nerve on the Isle of Wight where we’ve been victim to major mass redundancies over the years.

Redundancy is a brutal life event up there with bereavement and divorce in terms of stress and emotional pressure.

With redundancy everything takes a hit, self-esteem, finances, family and mental health, nothing escapes the cloud that descends when you are ‘let go’ from your job.

It can be difficult to see a way forward but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

If like the workers in Dundee you are currently facing the loss of your job, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact.

Know your rights. There are strict guidelines around staff redundancies.

Employers must follow the rules and if they don’t, you may be entitled to an appeal or even a legal case against your employer. You can get free advice on your rights via your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Job Centre Plus.

If you’ve been employed with a company for 2 years or more, you should be entitled

to statutory redundancy pay (calculated for each year in service). This provides a substantial buffer in some cases, but if not, how can you financially prepare with redundancy on the horizon?

Martin Lewis from m o n e y s av i n g e x p e r t . c o m suggests the following precautions: • Do a debt audit. Loss of income means lenders can be less keen to give you credit. Seek out good deals on balance transfers, loans and mortgages before redundancy happens.

• Pay off debts. If you have spare savings, use them to clear outstanding credit cards or loans. Having debts hanging over you during redundancy is a nightmare. But, keep access to some emergency funds.

• Do a money makeover.

Run through your finances now to see what bills you can cut completely and where you can cut back.

Start living as if you’ve already lost your job.

If the worst has happened and you’ve already been made redundant money expert Martin Lewis has sound advice for you too.

• Check if you are entitled to benefits?

Benefits and tax-credits spread further than you think; it’s important to ensure you’re getting all you’re entitled to.

• Deal with your debts.

Don’t ignore red letters.

Contact creditors and discuss the problem with them as soon as possible.

They may be able to help.

• Check for hidden insurance. Do you have hidden insurance to help with mortgage or credit cards? This is one case where you may be a lucky victim of mis-selling • Share the burden. Losing your job can add stress to any relationship. Don’t be afraid to tell family and friends your news. You will need support and they can’t help if they don’t know.

When speaking with people

who have faced redundancy in the past, the majority will tell you that it was one of the worst experiences of their life, and one of the best things that ever happened to them. Quite the oxymoron, but it is true. Losing your job can be a catalyst for large scale change, new job, new home, new life, and although not everyone feels ready, those changes CAN be incredibly positive.

Remember, you are not alone there is a lot of guidance for people going through redundancy.

If you accept support, the process will be gentler and you can move through to a better brighter future.

Don’t forget to update your CV now, ready to apply for new jobs and make sure you get registered on jobsites like www.iwjobfinder.co.uk so new jobs can start coming directly to you.

For more advice on redundancy visit gov.uk/ redundant-your-rights

40

IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

We are looking for a level 3 practitioner to join our team.

Full time permanent position Excellent rates of pay

Working with children from birth to 4 years.

If you would like to be considered for a role in our fantastic team of childcare professionals, please send your current CV stating your availability and why you feel Chatterbox Childcare is the setting that could suit you.

If you would like a confidential discussion regarding this vacancy, contact Amanda on 01983 616779 or email amanda@chattytots.com

#

KITCHEN ASSISTANT Basic food hygiene certificate would be advantageous as well as understanding health and safety procedures

Email your CV and covering letter to jobs.kingswood@inspiring-learning.com

LEGZIRA BARBERS in Newport

REQUIRES A FULL TIME OR PART TIME BARBER

07979 979 062

ADVERTISE YOUR ISLE OF WIGHT JOB VACANCY HERE

216200 Chefs & Kitchen Assistants We will teach you everything you need to know by offering you full training and also the opportunity to gain a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Food Safety.

Hours will be full time across 5 or 6 days each week working 40 hours a week or more if needed.

Due to the Hotel’s location, having your own transport would be an advantage.

Email your CV to nikki.white@bourne-leisure.co.uk LOOKING FOR WORK? UPLOAD CVS, BROWSE JOBS & GET MAIL ALERTS - FREE! VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK

EMPLOYEE PROFILE IW Jobfinder

9th November 2018

41

When you think of careers guidance, most people think of school / university leavers or return to work parents. However, there is a growing need for services supporting the over 50’s. Pat Burley runs a contract helping this group find work, whether unemployed or just looking for a change in direction.

Company: Learning Links Role: Delivery Manager What made you apply for this job I joined back in 2016 because I enjoy helping people and with being in the over 50’s age group myself, experiencing issues with finding a job first hand, I knew I could help pass on my experience to others.

How have you changed since joining the team?

Since joining I have progressed from being a tutor to managing the contract. I don’t think that I have changed as a person... apart from getting older, though my colleagues would probably say I’m a tyrant... hopefully they are only joking?

What are the challenges of working in this sector?

Trying to convince our customers that they can do a job, lack of self-confidence is a big

issue for some of them, especially if they have to change direction due to health issues. It can be challenging to get someone to believe in themselves.

What are the best things about your job?

Seeing somebody increase their self-esteem and then get the job they want is immensely rewarding.

What does your working day look like?

It varies, no 2 days are the same. I can be delivering training to a group of people; sitting with someone to create their CV; or showing them how to use a computer for the first time. Delivering an Outreach Job Club Service in Freshwater or being in our Newport base.

What skills do you need to succeed in your industry?

You need a lot of patience to get the best out of people, an awareness of

the needs of the local job market so you can provide relevant advice and understand what other support is available in the community.

What advice do you have for anyone looking for work right now?

Keep on trying, there are jobs out there, don’t be afraid to take on a temporary or voluntary role to gain experience.

Volunteering goes a long way in showing an employer that you are willing. They will look at it and think, “if they are willing to do all that for no pay, how much would they be willing to do for me if I pay them a wage?”

FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the “Ageing Better” Over 50’s Employment Support Programme at http://learninglinks. co.uk/learn/ Pat Burley, Delivery Manager at Learning Links

ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL JOB VACANCY IN THE NEXT ISSUE. VISIT: IWJOBFINDER.CO.UK OR CALL 01983 216200

42

Sport

9th November 2018

Sport Observer

Fixtures & Results

Cowes & District Snooker League Week 5 Results: Lib A 3, Lib C 4. Con C 4, Con B 3. WC Con 4, Con A 3.. Highest Break: G. Brown (Con C), 40.

Pl W L Con C 5 22 13 WC Con 5 19 16 Lib A 5 17 18 Con A 5 17 18 Lib C 5 16 19 Con B 5 14 21

Dif Pts 241 22 61 19 105 17 -121 17 -26 16 -260 14

Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club latest results Ladies: England Golf Medal, Silver Division: 1, Dawn Hodge 79; 2, Stephanie Hart 80; 3,Joyce Petrie 81. Bronze Division: 1,Brenda Keyte 76; 2,Hazel Smith 79; 3, Alix Goddard 83.

Open Stableford: Division One: 1,Brian Porter 36pts; 2, Keith Taylor 36; 3, John Liddlelow 36.

Division Two: 1,Tony Bird 38; 2,Keith Wickham 33.

Seniors: Stableford: 1,Ron

Borham 41pts, 2nd Gwynn White 37; 3, Steve Brewer 35.

Austin Cups 4BBB: 1, George Foreman and John Moorman 44pts; 2, Mike Ward and Dave McGee 44; 3, Dave McToldbridge and Steve Collins 43; 4, Robert Gray and Andrew Westhorpe 42.

Monthly Stableford: 1, George Foreman 40pts; 2, Jason Smith 40; 3,Andrew Warren 39.

Latest results from Osborne Golf Club Midweek Stableford Division 1: 1, Leigh Pragnell 40 pts; 2, Paul Haward 40; 3,Dereck Wright 37. Division 2: 1, Les Snow 41; 2, John Elliott 39; 3, David Ramsbottom 38. Division 3: 1, Brian Morey 41; 2, Hugh Fowler 39; 3,Martin Marshall 37.

Saturday Stableford Division 1: 1,Michael

Jacobson 38; 2, Brian Wright 36; 3, Derek Wright 34. Division 2: 1,Nigel Bowden 35; 2, Stephen Legg 35; 3, Robert Holloway 32. Division 3: 1, John Cooper 34; 2, Roger Cooper 34; 3, Benjamin Dyer 33.

Sunday Stableford All Men: 1, Chris Hayward 42; 2, Kieron Little 40; 3, Brian Wright 40.

In brief: Second spot for Liz Wight Tri member and IW Talented Athlete Liz Dunlop rounded off her season with a second place finish in her age category at the Ironman 70.3 Turkey, held in Belek, near Antalya.

Liz was delighted with her performance, posting an overall time of 5:40:03 to clinch second in the

60-64 category, in only her second 70.3 Ironman Distance.

Even though she missed out on a World Championship qualification slot, as only one is given for her age category, she ended the campaign satisfied with her efforts.

Career hightlight: Lee Probert, centre, prepares to take charge of the 2014 FA Cup Final.

Lee caught on wrong side of law

Isle of Wight football referee Lee Probert has this week been at the centre of a heated debate involving former players and officials, as well as TV pundits and thousands of fans on social media.

Ex-Sandown High School pupil Probert was the Premier League referee who showed a yellow card to Demarai Gray, after the Leicester City player scored the first goal for the club since the death of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash.

Gray scored against Cardiff City, then took off his shirt in celebration to reveal a T-shirt with ‘For Khun Vichai’ printed on it as a tribute to the chairman.

TV footage showed that Probert seemed reluctant to book Gray, but in doing so he adhered to the laws of the game. Within minutes fans from many clubs were criticising the action on social media, describing it as ‘a disgrace’, and in many instances much stronger words! But Leicester City manager Claude Puel was

among those who backed Probert’s actions. He said: “We played like professionals and it was important for the referee to be professional too. He knows the rules and it was important for Demi to take this yellow card. It was the one time I accepted a yellow card from my player.

It was very emotional.”

Probert, 46, came to the

A young Lee Probert.

Island from Aylesbury as a five-year-old when his parents moved to Sandown to run a guest house.

Although he has now moved back to the mainland, his mother Sharon still lives in Shanklin, and he is a regular visitor here.

Although Probert himself has made no comment about

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 214264 @iwobserver

@iwobserver On the way up: Lee Probert, centre, has risen to the top.

the booking, former Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher insisted it was the right decision - as did many other people writing on Facebook and Twitter.

Gallagher said: “That is the law. It was very unfortunate circumstances, but Claude Puel said the referee acted professionally and I fully endorse that, and really that is all I can say.”

But former professional footballer Darren Bent said: “I understand that the law is the law but I just think in that situation when it is so sensitive, when something has just happened, it would have been nice for the referee to be a bit more sensitive.

“On certain occasions when something so tragic has happened, he could have turned a blind eye and maybe let it go. But I understand both sides of it.”

Leicester fan and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, on his Twitter account, called it a “silly law, always has been but not the day to get worked up about something so insignificant”.

Probert, who attended Sandham Middle School and Sandown High, began officiating schoolboy matches on the Island on Saturday mornings when just 15. He once said: “One day my sports teacher asked me what lessons I had that afternoon, and I told him ‘double French’. He said we were going off to Cowes High School for a game which he wanted me to referee, adding

‘forget about double French, you will never be any good at French, but you might have a chance as a referee’.”

He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2014 when he officiated the FA Cup final at Wembley between Arsenal and Hull City. He recalled: “My mum was in the Royal Box with my wife Melanie, and all my close friends were there as well watching. It was superb.

“It really was a dream come true, being asked to take charge of the biggest game in English football.

As an Island boy I used to watch the whole build-up to the Cup Final on TV, from

Lee with Arsene Wenger.

9am until it finished, and then go and ‘replay’ it with mates at Ferncliff Gardens in Sandown afterwards, using jumpers as goalposts.”

- Peter White

Sport

9th November 2018

43

Academy events jump into action The first Friday night jumping, hosted by the Island Equine Academy and the brainchild of leading Island equestrians Sarah Holmes and Hayley Webster, was well supported.

The academy supports Island riders to achieve their goals in their chosen equestrian discipline.

Holding regular clinics and an annual camp, the Island Equine Academy provides a great support network. The Academy’s next show is on Friday, November 30, clear round 6pm until 6.30pm, classes starting at 6.30pm.

Results: Class 1: 1,Ruby Lord & Tiggy; 2, Natasha Lord & Tiggy.

Class 2: 1, Alison Hill & Murphy; 2,Tanya Potter & Electra.

Class 3: 1, Clover Clevett & Tommy; 2, Amy Webster & Benjamin Button.

Class 4: 1, Alison Hill & Rambo; 2, Jess Morris & Lockley.

Class 5: 1, Shannon Cox & Belle; 2, Bumble Pike & Lara.

Class 6: 1, Shannon Cox & Belle; 2, Holly Whyte & Celeber.

The first of Sarah’s Lake Farm Winter jumping series hosted by Lake Farm has

also taken place. The series encourages riders to build confidence, with plenty of support on hand. Sarah Holmes can be regularly found in the arena helping riders get round the course.

The next series is on Sunday, December 23, classes starting at 9.30am. Christmas attire is encouraged.

Results: Class 1: 1, Connie Jeffery & May; 2, Elizabeth Waghorn & Smokey.

Class 2: 1, Ruby Harper & Bertie; 2, Nicholas Waghorn & Little Al. Class 3: 1, Tanya Potter &

Electra; 2, Amelia Morgan & Harry.

Class 4: 1, Freya Rann & Ruby; 2, Cally Jo Dawkins & Leo. Class 5: 1, Lydia Buckeridge & Homer; 2, John Waghorn & Chevvy.

Class 6: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Ramiro’s Quest; 2, Yaz Brown & Portia.

Class 7: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Ramiro’s Quest; 2, Alan Stay & Darcy.

Class 8: 1, Sharon Waghorn & Harlequinn; 2, Karen Begley & Ramiro’s Fortune.

Photos: Kev Cant

Sophie Szydlowski on Pixie.

Sharon Waghorn on Harlequinn.

Cally Jo Dawkins on Leo.

Tanya Potter on Electra.

Ellie Humpherys on Anton China Blue.

Bethany Murthwaite on Gracie.

44

Sport

9th November 2018

New signing boost after Port go out of FA Vase ‘Their first goal seemed to deflate our players - but I thought we did well’ - Andy Sampson A sea of yellow-shirted Newport players close down Cribbs in the FA Vase.

By Peter White Newport 0 Cribbs 2 Newport’s hopes of a sustained run in the FA Vase came to an abrupt end at St Georges Park, as Cribbs scored two late goal to secure their place in the next round.

Newport never had quite enough to threaten the Western League outfit seriously, even though they carved out a few decent chances.

However, manager Andy Sampson has been boosted by the signing of Jared Cousins from Cowes Sports, and he is hoping the striker will add more fire power up front in future games.

Commenting on the Vase defeat, Sampson said: “When we conceded the first goal in the 68th minute it

was disappointing, because although they had a few chances before that, we managed to keep them at range.

“After they scored I was just hoping we would get an opportunity to draw level, but I think their first goal seemed to deflate our players a bit.

“But overall we had a fairly young team, and I thought they did well. Unfortunately, though, we didn’t really cause them enough problems when we got around their penalty area.”

Cribbs, kicking with a strong wind in the opening half, had the majority of the play and Gary Streeter, replacing Ryan Hall in goal for Port, did well to keep them at bay. Port finally

had their first clear chance in the 38th minute, but the Cribbs keeper pushed a Lewis Wright free kick over the bar.

The second-half began with Spike Pearce clearing off the line, but the Cribbs pressure finally paid off when Dan Spicer pounced after Streeter was unable to control a cross.

Then the visitors put the game beyond Port’s reach in the 81st, Jason Vincent scoring with a low shot from inside the area.

Port travel to Whitchurch tomorrow (Sat) in the Wessex League, Division One, with Sampson adding: “A few of our players who have been unavailable are back now, and I feel that when we can put our full side out we are looking quite strong.”

A Newport attack is repulsed by Cribbs.

Defiant Sanders: We can improve on last season!

Bashley 7 Cowes Sports 1 The difficulties of trying to compete with mainland clubs who have strong financial backing was highlighted as depleted Cowes Sports conceded six goals in the second half of their clash at Bashley.

Yachtsmen manager Vic Sanders was without eight players due to illness, injury and family commitments, including six who have figured in virtually every

game for him this campaign.

He said: “We simply don’t have the resources to go out and bring in players to strengthen the squad like many of the clubs on the mainland can, because they have the cash to do it.”

But defiant Sanders is refusing to get downhearted, and firmly believes that come the end of the season he will improve on the Yachtsmen’s placing of last season, when they

finished fourth from bottom of the Wessex League, Premier Division.

He said: “The priority is to stay in this division, and then see how much higher we can get.

Remember, this time last year, the manager was Steve Hunt, who played top level football and was an England international.

If the job was easy, someone with his experience would have had the team at

the top of the table, rather than finish one place above relegation.

“So I knew what I was taking on, and I knew it was not going to be easy. This is a learning curve for everyone, and if I thought it was an impossible job, and I could not improve on last season, then I wouldn’t have taken it on.”

After conceding in the opening half, the Island outfit had a couple of

opportunities to draw level before the interval. But they conceded again early in the second half, before Bashley ran away with the game as Daniel Mundey stepped off the subs’ bench to plunder a hat-trick in 24 second-half minutes.

Bashley were below the Yachtsmen in the table before kick off, but their victory lifted them into the top half, while the Sanders’ boys slipped to 14th place.

But the boss is hoping to have all his players available again for tomorrow’s (Sat) home game against Tadley Calleva, including striker John McKie, who has missed the last few matches with a hamstring injury.

With many mid-table teams within a few points of each other, a win for the Yachtsmen at Westwood Park would take them above Tadley, who are currently in 10th place.

Sport

9th November 2018

Local football round up

Mosely hits hat-trick as Shanklin ease through to third round Sam Mosely grabbed a hat-trick to help Shanklin reach the third round of the Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup. Peter Wilson, Olly Fleming and Phil McDonald were also on the scoresheet as the IW League, Division One side accounted for Lymington Town Reserves 6-2.

There was a tight battle for honours between Island rivals Binstead & COB and Pan Sports in the same competition, with Pan going through after a penalty shoot-out, with the sides level at 2-2.

A penalty shoot-out was also needed in West Wight’s trip to Hayling United, and it was the Island side that progressed after 2-2 deadlock on 90 minutes.

Whitecroft & Barton Sports were comfortable home winners against Nyetimber Pirates Reserves, and in an another all-Island clash, Brading Town proved too strong for Osborne Coburg, running out 5-1 victors.

In the only game of the IW League, Division one, Cowes Sports Reserves eased further away from the foot of the table with a 1-0 win over Sandown.

Results Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup second round Binstead & COB 2 Pan Sports 2 (Pan won on pens) Brading Town 5 Osborne Coburg 1 Fleetlands 4 Northwood St Johns 0 Hayling United 2 West Wight 2 (West Wight won on pens) Infinity 10 Ventnor 2 Shanklin 6 Lymington

Town Reserves 2 Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4 Nyetimber Pirates Reserves 0 Hampshire Junior A Cup second round AFC Wootton 10 Testlands Saturday 0 Blue Anchor 1 Ryde Saints 2 Carisbrooke United 2 Bournemouth Manor Res 2 (Carisbrooke won on pens) Gotham 3 Bembridge 2 Herriard Sports 2 Niton Community 5 Meon Milton 5 Brading Town Res 4 Mudeford Mens 3 Oakfield Res 4 Ventnor Reserves 3 East Cowes Sports Res 8 West Wight Res 4 Talbot Rise Utd 1 Whiteley Wanderers 15 Sandown Reserves 0 Wroxall 2 Tadley Calleva A 2 (Tadley won on pens) Hampshire Junior B Cup second round Coal Exchange 7 Carisbrooke United Res 1 Compton Reserves 3 AFC Wootton Res 3 (Compton won on pens) Ryde Saints A 0 Bishops Waltham Dynamos Res 5 Yarmouth & Calbourne Res 0 Michelmersh & Timsbury Res 15 Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League Division One Sandown 0 Cowes Sports Reserves 1 Division Two East Cowes Vics A 2 Brighstone 3 Oakfield 7 Adgestone 0 Combination One Osborne Coburg 1 Ryde Saints 2 Combination Two Bembridge 4 Seaview Res 4 Niton Community Res 1 Newchurch Res 1

Vics face keeper crisis after five-goal defeat Follands Sports 5 East Cowes Vics 0 Vics manager Steve Brougham was honest enough to admit there was not enough commitment from his players as they slumped to defeat in their Wessex League Division One on the mainland.

Now Vics are facing a keeper crisis after first choice Will Hunt suffered a bad back injury early in the first half that could keep him out long-term.

Brougham has spent

this week looking for a replacement, but if he is not successful then he will have to throw in a youngster with no first team experience for the game at Laverstock and Ford tomorrow (Sat).

Commenting on the latest defeat, he said: “You can’t expect just to turn up to win a game, you have to put more into it.

“I normally defend the lads, but this was an occasion when we weren’t at it all game, and you just cannot afford to be like that.

“We lost our keeper at half time, but we were already 2-0 down, so no excuses.

“Ironically, we had as many scoring chances as they did, but didn’t put them away.

But as long as they come back for the next game and give it a good go, then it will be fine. This is an experience we have to learn from.”

Brougham thinks all three Wessex League clubs on the Island are suffering through a lack of experience in their squads.

He said: “The Isle of Wight

Intense Hurricanes pick up fine victory on the road New Milton RFC 18, Sandown & Shanklin 41 The Hurricanes travelled to the New Forest to play old foes New Milton RFC, and got off to an intense and purposeful start.

Scrum half Jacob Jordan gathered the ball and sniped, and finding a gap in the defensive line, gave Sandown & Shanklin a perfect start, with Sam Flux converting for a 0 - 7 lead.

Hurricanes soon scored again, after gathering the ball from the restart and then out flanking the defence. Tyson found his centre partner in crime, Jack Wedderkop on a short line and cut through the defence for the Hurricanes second score, again converted by Flux. Moments later Flux converted a penalty for 0 – 17.

The home side were fired into action, but could not stop the momentum of the

Sandown & Shanklin play.

With great handling from the forwards and Man of the Match Matt Miselbach, the visitors were soon threatening the New Milton 22 again.

Cameron Mitchell released the charging Rob Newton, who barrelled his way through three tackles to touch down. Flux again converted, before the home side scored a converted try to make it 13 - 24 at the break.

Around 10 minutes into the second half the hosts had two quick yellow cards, one for bad language, the other pulling Damian Seder’s hair.

Following a poor clearance kick from the hosts, the ball popped up into Cameron Mitchell’s hands.

With some work still to do, the fly half stepped the final defender, and scored in the corner.

Ben ‘Goosey’ Sanderson scored his second try in

as many games, capping a great performance from the stand in fullback, which also notched up the 50th try of the season for the Hurricanes.

A similar position as Cameron’s previous try, this time Flux converted for 13 36.

Then Wedderkop dived over in the corner for his second of the game. The conversion grazed the post, but Hurricanes had an unassailable 13 - 41 margin.

New Milton did manage to gain a reward for their efforts with a try late.

The Hurricanes 2nd XV fixture against Fawley 2nd XV was awarded as a Home Walkover (HWO) as the opposition could not raise a side to come to the Island.

Sandown & Shanklin now turn their attention to Purley John Fisher RFC in the last 32 of the RFU Junior Vase, tomorrow (Sat).

IW Seconds snatch dramatic victory Millbrook & Stoneham II 39 points, Isle of Wight II 42 Isle of Wight RFC’s second team’s maintained their 100 per cent record in Hampshire Three in an incredible game at Millbrook.

Seemingly on course for a severe beating after an abject first-half display, the Islanders were transformed in the second period, and just overhauled the stunned hosts in a dramatic finish.

Under pressure at the scrum and lacking quality possession, IW struggled

to get their attacking game going, but it was in defence where the Islanders were really found wanting.

Captain and Biffa Man of the Day Matt Hallam was also forced off through injury early on.

The hosts built a 22-0 lead in the first half-hour, the one bright spot for IW in the half was Luke Margham racing clear for a converted try.

Millbrook/Stoneham finished the half in the ascendancy to take a 29-7

45

lead. A key moment came straight from the kick-off as replacement Matt SpencerBrading pressurised the catcher, who spilled the ball and allowed the young IW flanker to touch down.

IW improved in the scrums and defending, yet it was the home side who scored next, taking a 34-14 lead.

IW were indebted to Margham, who scored an outrageous individual try to bring them back into the game, and with 20 minutes remaining IW were within

two scores.

They soon scored again courtesy of Rouse Ltd Man of the Match Harry Elsom, and the conversion brought them within a converted try of the lead.

IW began running everything from deep, and a flowing move eventually led to a try from a close-range drive by Tom Turtle.

With the kick, IW led 35-34 with only a few minutes to play.

The hosts roared back and forced an overlap to score

in the corner, seemingly deflating the young IW side.

But there was one more twist, as the ball was moved right from their own 22, and Tom Blowers sliced through for the winning score, with Margham adding his sixth conversion.

IW: Browne, Hooper, Hallam, Spence, Peckham, Margham, Elsom, Metcalfe, Turtle, Davey, Harrison, Biles, Guy, Bettum, N Joyce.

Replacements: Blowers, Corney, Spencer-Brading, J Bishop, Jones, Leahy.

Are you connected with local sport? If you have a story contact our Sportsdesk now on 01983 214264

is struggling for players who have been around a while, and can provide some leadership to the youngsters - not just at our club, but at Cowes Sports and Newport.

“There seems to be an age gap. When I played there were a few older players in the team who you could learn off, but that doesn’t seem to be happening now.

“We have some good players coming through, but the ‘older heads’ on the Island just don’t seem to be playing any more.”

Riches leads the Ventnor charge Ventnor 1XV 63, Southampton 1XV 22 In-form Ventnor gave their supporters another big win to cheer about, as they completed a comprehensive victory over depleted visitors, Southampton.

The game started hesitantly from Ventnor as the mental challenge of playing against a side short of full numbers took some overcoming.

The key to the game was their unselfish expansive play, and this came through after only 10 minutes with Ed Blake scoring from the wing.

Tries soon followed from Max Wheeler and Todd Riches.

However, it wasn’t all oneway traffic as Southampton’s well-drilled pack gained a couple of scores from set plays to keep the game interesting.

The second half saw the game fully swing in Ventnor’s favour with Wheeler and Blake completing their braces, and Chris Hill and Justinas Urbonas getting on the score sheet too. Todd Riches had a 100 per cent kick rate, that with his try, gave him a personal haul of 21 points. The final try for the home side came from scrum half Andy Gough, which when converted by Ricky Keyes took the Ventnor total to nine converted tries.

AJ Wells Man of the Match: Max Wheeler. Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Gough Ventnor (match sponsored

by Crab and Lobster Tap, The Bistro, Northwood Garage, The White Horse, and The Garlic Farm): Stemmet, Keyes, Pratt, Teague, Savill, Marsh, Hill, Colson, Gough, Riches, Turner, Urbonas, Wheeler, Blake, Babington.

Subs - Edwards, Noyes, Annadale, Green, Jones

46

Sport

9th November 2018

Indoor bowlers win Denny Cup clash Backing for Bembridge Bembridge Football Club are celebrating their position at the top of the Harwoods Renault IW League, Division Two, with a new strip and new sponsor.

Star Insulation, a new

Simon New’s delivery heads for the jack.

The Isle of Wight Indoor Bowls Club men’s team reached the third round of the Denny Cup when they defeated Worthing Pavilion by 88 shots to 81.

The match was close throughout with the Island team leading by five shots at five ends, by a single at the halfway stage, by four threequarters of the way through and by only one entering the final stages. The two rinks playing away were responsible for the overall success, both winning their games.

Paul Attrill, Brian Wells, Allen Best and Jack Berry were behind seven shots to 12 at the halfway point but overturned the deficit to win 22-16. The four of John Pearce, Ian Ball, Peter Furmidge and Ron Leleux led 12 shots to six after 10 ends but the opposition came back to take a one shot advantage at 15 ends. But the Islanders went on to record a 21 shots to 18 win with Leleux sinking the jack in the ditch on the final end to score a four and wrap up victory.

The home rinks fared less well both losing by a single

shot. The Four of Simon New, Phil Brooks, Darren Griffith and Alan Cawdell scored fives on two of the first three ends, but the opposition settled down and recovered to win by one shot.

The rink of Andrew Nightingale, Richard Jeffery, Ian Morey and Bob Mortlock led 17 shots to 10 but the Worthing rink recovered and also recorded a one-shot victory. The next round is on November 17 against Victory of Portsmouth.

In the first round of the Yetton Plate the Ladies recorded a fightback win against Palmerston of Fareham. Behind for most of the match they came

back to win 79 shots to 73.

In the home games Phyl Fredericks, Sandra Adkins, Anne Hoath and Sue Green led throughout to win 22-17.

Also at home Ronnie Berry, Auriol Ash, Peggy Evans and Pauline Proud started well and led in the early stages.

The Palmerston four hit back to secure an 18-18 draw.

Both rinks playing away were involved in close games.

The four of Jane Kilby, Judy Eynon, Val Addison and Anne Bernard finished the stronger to record an excellent 20-16 win. The quartet of Annie Morris, Stef Ball, Shirley Stubbs and Gay Allen fought hard but went down start by 22 shots to 19.

Bob Mortlock is a study of concentration.

David is presently chair where he has worked closely with the ECB and seen the disability game grow to the present day structure of 32 teams playing across four differing formats including Hardball and Softball cricket.

David is still playing for the Island disability side and is keen to see new players on board to strengthen the Island set up. David was presented his award at the OSCA lunch in the Nursery Pavilion at Lords Cricket Ground by England player Ollie Pope.

Bembridge’s new sponsors.

County cricket for Newclose?

Discussions are taking place between officials of Newclose Cricket Ground, Newport, and Hampshire CCC to try to secure a County Championship four-day match on the Isle of Wight for the first time since 1962.

The most recent meeting took place at the end of October, and although further negotiations will take place, the signs look positive.

The latest edition of The

Cricketer magazine includes an article on Hampshire cricket, which has described Newclose in a positive fashion.

This is extremely reassuring for all those who have worked so hard to keep Newclose County Cricket Ground in good order since founder Brian Gardener’s sad passing three years ago.

It appears his dream is close to being realised, even

though the champagne needs to be kept on ice a bit longer!

The publication by the English Cricket Board of the full 2019 domestic cricket fixture list will come towards the end of this month, and only then will Newclose officials discover if their efforts have been rewarded, and if so which county will be facing Hampshire on the Island from May 20 to 23.

Local Football fixtures for Saturday November 10th (2pm kick off) Isle of Wight Memorial Cup First Round Adgestone v Newchurch Bembridge v AFC Wootton Niton Community v Brighstone Seaview v East Cowes Vics A Wroxall v Carisbrooke United Yarmouth & Calbourne v Oakfield Harwoods Renault IW League Division One East Cowes Sports v

Life-time award for David Lloyd Island cricketer David Lloyd was awarded the ‘Life-Time Service to Cricket’ award at the ECB’s OSCAs for his 30 years of work in disability cricket.

David is known around the Island as a player and volunteer within Island cricket, but has also been giving up his time to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities (BACD). He has been active on the committee holding a number of prominent positions within the organisation.

company, and will be backing Bembridge this season, and the club will no doubt be hoping to repay their sponsors by staying at the top of the pack for the remainder of the campaign.

David Lloyd receiving his award. Photo: ECB/Getty.

Northwood St Johns Pan Sports v Sandown Shanklin v Cowes Sports Reserves Ventnor v Brading Town West Wight v Osborne Coburg Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Binstead & COB Combination One Brading Town v East Cowes Sports Northwood St Johns v Shanklin Oakfield v Ventnor

Osborne Coburg v West Wight Ryde Saints v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Sandown v Binstead & COB Combination Two AFC Wootton v Yarmouth & Calbourne Carisbrooke United v Bembridge Newchurch v Seaview Ryde Saints A v Niton Community Res.

Sport

9th November 2018

47

Juniors show rowing skills indoors!

Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club hosted the seventh Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Junior Indoor Rowing competition at their Shanklin Esplanade clubhouse.

The annual event is open to any junior/under 18 members from the three Island rowing clubs at Ryde, Shanklin Sandown and Newport, and Ryde School Boat Club. All four clubs were represented with a total of 20 junior oarsman and woman taking part.

There were two stages to the event, in line with British Rowing’s guidelines and as used at the National Junior Indoor Rowing competition - at which many of these athletes are hoping to

compete early next year.

All the Juniors were divided into boys and girls and age groups and competed as individuals over a distance rowed in a fixed time with medals awarded for first, second and third places.

After completion of the individual competitions a relay was held, over 3,000m, in teams of six, drawn from the hat from all four clubs to round off a great day’s competition. Results: Winners: Year 7 Boys: Fergus Findlay, Newport. Year 8 Boys: Conner Garner, Newport. Year 8 Girls: Kayleigh Batchelor, Shanklin Sandown. Year 9 Girls: Poppy Starkey, Ryde.

Year 10 Boys: Ethan Walters, Shanklin Sandown. Year 10

Girls: Rachael Debenham, Shanklin Sandown. Year 11 Boys: Charlie Walford, Ryde.

Year 11 Girls: Charlotte Tapsell, Shanklin Sandown.

Year 12/13 Boys: Jonjo Findlay, Newport. Year 12/13 Girls: Florrie Webb, Ryde School Boat Club.

In the relay the Winning Team was Ollie Colson, Rachael Debenham, Ben Smith, Florrie Webb, Toby Batchelor and Charlie Walford.

Second: Ethan Walters, Arlo Adds, Connor Garner, Lottie Tapsell, Toby Lucas and Poppy Starkey. Third: Kayleigh Batchelor, Beth Walpole-Davies, Theo Phelan, Jonjo Findlay, Laurence Cole and Harry Jones.

Juniors from the four island rowing clubs at the Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Indoor Junior Regatta.

Newport golfers raise cash for British Legion Newport Golf Club’s inaugural Tommy Trophy, in memory of those who have fallen while fighting for their country, raised £260 for the British Legion.

Around 60 members took part in the Scramble competition, with Rex Ringer, Ben Ringer, Paul Williams and Kev Thompson taking the honours with a net 58 score. John Lee, Rob Windsor, Sean O’Brien and

Chris Prendaghast were runners-up with a net 59, and third place went to Blake Aston, Dave Stockbridge, Derek Dyer and Jolyn Howarth on net 61.

Newport Golf Club vice captain Keith Fryer, who organised the competition, will be laying a wreath on behalf of the club in Newport on Armistice Day. Nine-hole Stableford: 1, Chris Prenderghast (19)

25pts. Thursday Stableford: 1, Kev Thompson (25) 41pts.

Saturday Stableford: First Division; 1, Oliver Wilson (5) 38pts; 2, Mark Hancott (5) 36; 3, Yolande Farrer (7) 35. Second Division; 1, Peter Mew (12) 27pts; 2, Bob Roberson (18) 36; 3, Brian Lane (20) 35.

Saturday Medal: 1, Bob Roberson (17) 66net; 2 Yolande Farrer (7) 67.

Paul Williams, left, Newport captain Andy Dudley, Rex Ringer, Ben Ringer and Kev Thompson.

Newport captain Andy Dudley, left, presenting the Willmott Trophy, for winning this year’s club singles’ knockout competition, to Mark Hancott.

Sport

48

News

Observer

First class cricket set for Island return after 57 years

By Peter White

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Island ref at centre of yellow card storm Full Story

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Lee Probert snared in Leicester City’s weekend of grief This weeks highlights...

Football

Port edged out of Vase but Sampson is positive 44

Golf

Newport cash boost for British Legion appeal 47

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