Isle of Wight Observer Issue 18

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Isle of Wight

The Island’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper

Round up of Ryde Santa Dash 20

Lighting up Totland 21

Friday 7th December 2018 Issue No.18

Please pick up your copy

Don’t risk it and gamble with lives

Full story

In your Observer...

Jobs

Your life changing career move could start here 24

Going Out

Capturing the magic of Christmas 13

Sport

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All the Island’s up to date coverage 28

News

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Inside your Observer...

News Council in talks over chain ferry return?

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Lucky escape in Ventnor wall collapse

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Breakfast meet with Disney’s Anna & Elsa

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Tributes paid to brave Alayna

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Pensioner escapes injury after Rookley collision A pensioner has escaped serious injury after he ploughed his Vauxhall Corsa into a parked car on the Newport Road in the Village of Rookley on Friday evening, 30 November.

Emergency services were alerted to the collision after a home owner heard the smash. “It sounded like a bomb going off”, said one shocked resident. Officers from the Hampshire and Isle

of Wight Constabulary closed the road at the junction with Merston Road and Whitely Bank whilst the mangled wreckage was dealt with.

Local bus services were redirected away from the accident scene. The Corsa involved in the collision ended up on its side.

Paramedics checked the man at the scene, who remarkably escaped without injury.

Police appeal after barbaric bird attacks

Long Lane lights shine bright

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Jobs Don’t be scared to ask for feedback

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Services Your local services

26 Sport Celebrations for Isle of Wight AC

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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. Online Editor: Sandy Clarke Sport & Features: Peter White Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper Production: email: productioniw@icloud.com

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/

7th December 2018

Fire service called to Newport Mall Emergency services were called to The Mall on Carisbrooke Road in Newport, on Thursday evening after a man suffered a bad fall in a first-floor terrace property.

Firefighters used a specialist aerial ladder

platform to enable them to perform the difficult operation of extracting the man from the window of his home. Paramedics treated the man at the scene, he was then taken for treatment at St Mary’s hospital.

Officers from the Isle of Wight’s Country Watch team are investigating two incidents when protected birds were injured, possibly by traps.

On March 14, the body of a buzzard was found in woodland near Littletown in Wootton, with one of its legs severed. Then, on September 23, a hobby (a swift falcon) was found alive with one leg severed. This bird was humanely put down by the RSPCA. PC Tim Campany from the

Country Watch team said: “All wild birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally harm them.

Anyone found to have done so faces an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in jail.

Raptor persecution is a priority of the National Wildlife Crime Unit and will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44180374840.

Farewell to ‘Trev’ 7th December 2018

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Kevin Ellis.

Local people gathered to pay their last respects to popular former Isle of Wight firefighter, Trevor Moyce, on Friday, 30 November.

Just months after retiring from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service after a successful 30-year career, during which time he worked his way up to the position of station manager, he was diagnosed with

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Kelvin Wright. motor neuron disease. This October, he sadly fell victim to the disease.

Inspired by Stephen Hawking, he battled the disease and never gave up.

Knowing his determination to fight as long as possible, Trevor’s family refused to switch off his life support when requested to do so by medical professionals, and he lived on for a further year.

Paying tribute to her husband, his wife, Louise, described Trevor as “kind and caring”, “an amazing husband” and “a real family man”. Louise emphasized that her late husband would always turn up at incidents whether on duty or off.

She recalled an occasion when he was in his car during his lunchbreak, and passed the scene of a car

Andy Cave. crash. Trevor managed to get the man (a Newport bank manager) out of the car, and succeeded in saving his life.

His funeral was led by a horse and carriage, which set off from Newport Fire Station, where Trevor was station manager.

The cortége headed up South Street and around the town until finally reaching St Thomas’ Square. The Rev

Canon Kevin Arkell held the service at 2 pm.

The family requested potted plants be donated at the funeral, which will be used to create a memorial garden.

Trevor has been survived by his wife Louise and children Holly, Daisy, Phoebe and Tobias. He is also mourned by two grandchildren: Isla and Jacob.

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News in brief 400% increase in beach hut fees Stuart Hutchinson, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for finance, has decided to increase charges for beach huts by as much as 400%. This decision was made under delegated powers, and was not debated by any committee.

The ground rent for huts on council-owned land is £308 a year. Under the new valuation this figure could rise to between £608 and £1,336. Huts of more than 10sqm face a rent increase of more than £1,000.

After consultation with beach hut owners, it was decided the increase would be phased in over five years.

According to council leader Dave Stewart: “The new rents provide a fairer system for owners of different sized huts and are more in keeping with other areas. Our current rental value is around 85p a day, when on the mainland it’s up to five times that.”

Newchurch Male Voice Choir Xmas Concert Newchurch Male Voice Choir will be presenting a Christmas Concert at the Binstead Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Binstead, on Saturday 8 December at 7.30pm.

‘Cantobelle’ will be the guest artists. Free entry and refreshments provided.

Trevor Moyce’s cortége outside the Newport Minster having arrived by horse and carriage.

‘£70,000 in council cuts will cost council £1.5 Million’ The Isle of Wight Law Centre has sent a letter to the Isle of Wight Council explaining why a proposed cutting of funds will cost the council far more than it might save.

The Law Centre has been informed that the council intends to cut the Centre’s core funding of £70,000 in 2019. This means that the Law Centre has to close on 30 June 2019.

However, the letter states that if the Law Centre ceases to operate, the work it does to prevent homelessness

will cost the Council at least £1.5million. In 2017, the Law Centre dealt with over 60 eviction warrants with a 98% success rate. Each warrant renders the individual or family concerned homeless, and they then become the responsibility of the council, costing between: £24,000 and £30,000.

Matt Thatcher, Manager of the Isle of Wight Law Centre, said: “We have issued this letter to the Isle of Wight Councillors to draw their attention to the work we do

and the extent to which our current funding of £70,000 supports the needy on the Isle of Wight and actually saves the Isle of Wight Council a very large sum of money.

It appears the IOW Council has given up trying to prevent homelessness, and is actively encouraging people to go to County Hall to make homeless applications. Which is very odd, because they haven’t got any houses.”

Matt Thatcher, Manager of the Isle of Wight Law Centre.

Major renovation project at Northwood A major renovation project will soon start at historic Northwood House in Cowes.

Financed mainly by a £50,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government through their Coastal Revival Fund and administered by the Isle of Wight Council, the money will enable the full restoration and preservation of the iconic rotunda entrance building.

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News in brief Hit-andrun driver mounts Carisbrooke pavement

Council in talks over chain ferry return?

www.iwobserver.co.uk The IW Observer can exclusively reveal that the Isle of Wight Council have shown an interest in repurchasing the former Cowes chain ferry, which has been left to rust in Gosport harbour for over a year-anda-half.

The former floating bridge has been on the market for

£75,000. The price has now been reduced to £55,000.

Unspecified overseas buyers have shown an interest in purchasing the chain ferry.

According to the current owners, it would have been possible to refit the old chain ferry at a much lower price than purchasing the new ferry, which has

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proved to be something of a white elephant. The work on refitting the old ferry could have been done locally, providing employment on the Isle of Wight. We were informed that there was little wrong with the former chain ferry which was “perfectly serviceable”.

A school-run Mum has been left with back injuries and bruising after being struck by a hitand-run driver on the pavement when walking her daughter to school.

Fortunately, the child was uninjured.

The collision happened at around 8.20 am, Tuesday morning, on Carisbrooke Road.

The Hampshire Constabulary have launched an investigation, and have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 101, quoting 44180452333.

Fire crews called to Cowes blaze A blazing washing machine caused fire fighters to be summoned to an East Cowes property on Tuesday morning.

After receiving a call just before 10.00am, two fire engines rushed to the scene at St James Close.

The fire had been extinguished by the time the crews arrived, and the firefighters carried out an inspection and safety check.

Free history Saturday

The Museum of Island History at Newport Guildhall will be opening free of charge on Saturday 8 December, between 10am and 2pm.

Sandown Airport museum no go Planning officers have recommended refusal of plans for an aviation museum at the Isle of Wight airport. The Isle of Wight’s planning committee are due to consider the proposals at a meeting on 11 December.

The proposed aeronautical museum is intending to display rare and unusual exhibits from the world of aviation. In order for this to be possible, the committee needs to agree to a change of use of the existing aircraft hangar.

There are also plans to create a wood working workshop in the hangar for a ‘Men in Sheds’ group. The idea of the ‘Men in Sheds’ initiative is to enable skilled men with similar interests to combat loneliness, boredom and depression in retirement.

There are no plans to alter the façade of the hangar in the change of use proposals.

Within the most of the hangar itself, the space would be left open plan, in order for the majority of the exhibits to be displayed.

Although the council has received 29 letters of support, concerns have been raised by highways chiefs regarding access at the junction of Scotchells Brook Lane and the main Newport Road.

In recommending refusal, the report of the committee states: “It is acknowledged the proposal would develop a niche tourism product which could benefit the local economy.

“The proposal would not result in an adverse impact to the visual amenity of the area or the amenity

of neighbouring property occupiers.

“The proposal would, however, result in increased traffic movements to

the application premises compared to the existing use; which would, in turn, increase the use of the existing junction of

Scotchells Brook Lane with the A3056 Newport Road and would add unduly to the hazards of highway users.”

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Evey Staley’s image fronts Hampshire & Isle of Wight anti-drink driving campaign The mangled wreckage of a car, that not only killed a ten-year-old Isle of Wight girl, Evey Rose Staley, but also destroyed a family, was put on display in St Thomas’ Square, Newport, on Wednesday, 5 December,

as part of a campaign by the police to warn drivers “it’s not worth the risk” this Christmas.

Evey was killed in 2012, when a driver heavily under the influence of drink and drugs crashed into the family

car, which was pulling out of their drive in Cowes. Her heartbroken father, Neal Staley, and Evey’s mother also suffered life-changing injuries.

Evey’s Mum and Dad had this to say about the loss

of their daughter: “Our beautiful Evey had such a zest for life. She was a loving, happy and content ten-yearold who had her whole life ahead of her.

‘We will always miss her presence—her voice, her laughter and the pride we felt watching her grow into a wonderful young person.

‘It breaks our hearts every minute of every day to try to come to terms with never being able to see her, hear her, or cuddle her again.

There are simply no words to express the enormous pain we have all suffered since that day.”

The loss of Evey was the spur for the family to start the ‘Isle Drive Safe’ road safety charity, helping the families of road traffic accidents.

Robert Blakely, the drinkdriver who caused the tragedy, was sentenced to just ten years in prison after he was found to have been two-and-a-half times over the legal drinking limit.

He had also been smoking cannabis. Now, six years on from the incident, Hampshire Constabulary has chosen Evey’s image to front its annual campaign urging drivers to think very carefully before drinking and driving.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Sergeant Rob Heard, who was in St Thomas’ Square in Newport on Wednesday afternoon emphasized that those driving should “make a plan” when going out to events where alcohol may be consumed this Christmas: Rob Heard told journalists: “Our campaign is to remind people of the dangers of drink and drug driving. We know people are going to parties, having festivals and meeting up with each other.

That’s great and we’re not trying to stop people from doing that.

“What we’re saying is make a plan – what are you going to do to get home?”

Woman arrested in Shanklin Green Lane attack A man has been hospitalized with life-changing injures, after he was allegedly attacked by his partner in a property on Green Lane in Shanklin. Officers from Hampshire Constabulary remained at the property, following the incident, which occurred just after 8.30 pm

on Saturday, 2 December.

Shocked neighbours have said that the relationship had always been very volatile, but never thought it would lead to this. One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I saw the woman being led off in handcuffs. The man looked in a very bad way.”

Hampshire Police have confirmed that one person was arrested and a second taken to hospital with lifechanging injuries. A man was assaulted and suffered an arm injury. The police spokesperson confirmed that a 48-year-old woman was taken into police custody.

Green Lane in Shanklin on Sunday morning.

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News in brief Pedestrian hit by car

Emergency services were called out to East Cowes on Friday, 30 November, following reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle.

The Isle of Wight ambulance service were called to the scene at York Avenue at around 12.14 pm.

One person was treated at the scene and taken to hospital for further checks.

Ryde charity rubbish update

Aspire’s founder and chief executive Heath Monaghan A Ryde businessman has stepped in to help Aspire Ryde after the Isle of Wight Council removed its waste bins and stopped collecting recycling and rubbish.

Westridge Skip Hire have now offered to collect and recycle some of Aspire’s waste for free.

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Lucky escape for couple in Ventnor wall collapse

A couple living in Ventnor have escaped without serious injuries, following the collapse of a six-metre-high wall, that required the Isle of Wight Fire Service to rescue the pair from their ground floor property in the early hours of Sunday morning, 2 December.

Dramatic pictures and video show the extent of the damage, which has left the couple seeking

alternative accommodation whilst emergency repairs are carried out on their flat in Spring Hill Close in Ventnor.

Around a ton of soil, along with rubble and fencing, came crashing down on the flat, trapping the pair in the property.

Firefighters from Shanklin had to be mobilised and rescue the pair just before 7am. After carrying out

scene safety and assisting those trapped, the matter was passed over to building control.

Windows were smashed in the incident and facade boarding was also damaged.

A safety cordon was placed around the block.

Visit our website to view the damage and the lucky escape the couple had after the collapse.

Probe launched after man found in hospital grounds

Storm in a teacup brewing over Bembridge building sale The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is working with police after a man was found outside Seven Acres, on the site of St Mary’s Hospital on Wednesday, 28 November.

The death is not thought to be suspicious.

A trust spokesperson said: “We are working with police on behalf of the coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding

the non-suspicious death of an individual discovered last Wednesday outside a building on the St Mary’s Hospital site. “Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the individual concerned.

“As with all unexpected deaths this will be the subject of a coroner’s inquest and we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

The long-running saga of problems at Bembridge Parish Council has dramatically escalated, with the Council receiving notice yesterday of an application for a Judicial Review into their conduct with regard to the sale of the 5/7 High Street. A majority of parish councillors agreed to sell the property for £180k, despite a higher offer of £195k made by a tenant of the building Peter Burke, who rents an office

on the first floor. Captain Stan’s Fish Shop occupies the High Street frontage of the building.

Parish Councils are obliged to obtain the best possible price when disposing of property unless they have the written permission of the Secretary of State. Mr Burke said “I have applied to the High Court for permission to Judicially Review a decision of Bembridge Parish Council, having not been satisfied

with the response to my letter before action. My lawyers are still awaiting documents from them that were requested as part of that letter but have not yet been provided.”

Despite press releases being posted on Bembridge Parish Council’s website today, there is no mention of the legal row which follows accusations of bullying, betraying the electorate and poor decision making over

recent years.

Bembridge Parish Council has 21 days to say if it will defend the action.

In September a public meeting held a vote of no confidence in Councillors Keith Fagan, Margaret Donlon, Marianne Sullivan, Ray Widger, Sheila Weedall and Grant Stillman with 140 voting in favour, 7 against with 7 abstentions and the parish clerk resigned.

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Red Funnel to run Christmas Day service

Neighbours raise alarm after pensioner falls Emergency services were called to a property in Highfield Road, Newport, after a pensioner took a fall within her own property.

Two teams of paramedics from the Isle of Wight ambulance service were called on Thursday, 6

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December, a little after ten o’clock in the morning.

Medical professionals treated the woman, who was found by neighbours after her fall. One fire crew from Newport was also called to the incident to assist the Isle of Wight ambulance in

their removal of the woman to hospital.

The injured pensioner, who was in her seventies, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital after being treated by paramedics at the scene.

This year, 2018, Red Funnel will be operating their crossSolent service 365 days a year. The ferry operator will be sailing on Christmas Day, making Red Funnel the only link islanders will have with the mainland on 25 December. Red Falcon will depart Southampton at 10:30 and 13:30 and leave East Cowes at 09:00 and 12:00 on Christmas Day. Red Funnel has also added 18 extra daily crossings (9 each way) on its HiSpeed foot passenger Red Jet service between West Cowes and Southampton on every Sunday (2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December) leading up to Christmas and New Year.

Red Funnel will be offering a special on-board festive menu throughout December, including warm drinks infused with gingerbread, mint and fudge. Passengers treating themselves to a Signature Lounge upgrade between now and 6 January 2019, will also receive a free glass of fizz on arrival and a festive mince pie.

Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, said: “I don’t think any other ferry operator does Christmas better than Red Funnel. We are the only cross-Solent vehicle ferry company operating on Christmas Day and we always have a few surprises on board, and it’s a tradition we’re really proud of.

“We take our role as the connection between the Island and mainland very

seriously, so I guess you could say it’s just not in our DNA not to sail on Christmas. I think that level of service is just another shining example of the magic that is Red Funnel and it’s a testament to our hardworking staff and crew.

I could not be prouder, and I am truly looking forward to my first Christmas with this incredible team.”

Breakfast meet with Disney’s Anna & Elsa

Children with animated film favourites Anna & Elsa who turned up to share breakfast.

Around fifty families came for breakfast at the Merry Garden pub in Lake on Sunday.

They were met there by the popular Disney characters from the film “Frozen”, who turned up to share breakfast

with the youngsters.

The children had the chance to talk to and be photographed with the heroines Elsa and Anna from the highest grossing animated film of all time.

Customers can look

forward to a further treat this Sunday at the Merry Garden pub, when the Grinch will be paying a visit. Let’s hope he doesn’t manage to steal your children’s Christmas.

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News

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Fall in love withNewport this Christmas Late night shopping in Newport has some tricks up its festive sleeves this year including free parking from 3pm.

That’s right, on December 13 and 20, there will be FREE parking from 3pm in short stay car parks around the town centre. Think of it as the Isle of Wight Council’s Christmas gift to you.

That’s not all though, as this year’s team behind Newport’s late night shopping at #ShapingNewport has made it their mission to make you fall in love with Newport again. With a festive atmosphere planned for every night, including voice choirs at Caffe Isola, and other musical and family

FREE parking from 3pm Thursday 13th & 20th from 3pm in the IW Council Short Stay Car Parks

#ShopLocalChristmas

orientated events dotted around town to keep the vibe as Christmassy as can be, you’ll be sure to make an evening of it when it comes to getting your Christmas goodies in.

The Newport Business Association as well as Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council invite every Islander to eat, drink, spend

and #ShopLocalChristmas in Newport. With shoppers invited to rate their experiences using the hashtag #WDYT (what do you think).

Julie Jones-Evans, owner of Dragonfly in St James Street, said: “I’ve been a retailer in Newport for 40 years, and there has never been such a surge of people working

together for the greater good of the town. It’s all about collaboration now, not competition.”

The Newport Business Association is also presenting The Adventures of Alfie, a happy Newport elf who has had a very busy year.

He’s written lots of postcards from all the exciting places he’s been,

and he’s left them in shops all over town. Each one contains a red or green clue to collect, and all the clues make up a “Christmas Conundrums” game with the first correct entry winning £250 in cash.

Pick up an entry form from 30 High Street in Newport to get involved.

The competition closes on December 18.

Late night shopping Thursday 13th & 20th December in Newport including voice choirs at Café Isola

#ShapingNewport

MerryChristmas...

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Concert choir raises funds for lifeboat saving work

A concert organised by Newchurch Male Voice Choir in November has raised over £400 for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.

Cor Meibion Llanelli/ Llanelli Male Voice Choir from Wales performed

alongside the Isle of Wight’s own female harmony singers, Cantobelle, who joined forces with Newchurch Male Voice Choir at St John’s Church, Sandown.

The fantastic sum of £416 was raised by the event on 2nd November, and a cheque

was handed over to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat (SSILB) volunteers on 25 November.

Mark Birch, Operations Manager of SSILB, said: “We are thrilled to receive this donation from the Newchurch Male Voice Choir.

Their continued support for our lifesaving work is very humbling and it’s great that they chose to sing out for our volunteers and our charity.

We cannot thank them enough.”

Operation shoebox goes from strength to strength drop of points, collecting donations, baking Xmas cakes, making beautiful gifts for the boxes, kids who made gorgeous cards, hosting boxing up days for us the list is endless.

“The regulars who put their heart and soul into our fab group I have thanked personally, but I wanted to publicly thank The Wight in Sandown, Morrisons in Lake, The Eight Bells in Carisbrooke, The Mill Bay in Ventnor, Little Acres Childcare in Newport, Servicemen and women serving in areas of conflict all over the world are receiving support from a devoted group of volunteers led by West Wight woman, Karen Fletcher.

This group, who call themselves ‘Isle of Wight Operation Shoebox’, have set themselves the task of helping meet some of the basic needs of overseas based service personnel.

This year, 832 boxes have been sent to troops deployed abroad.

The shoeboxes,

known by members of the armed forces as ‘smile boxes’ contain a wide variety of items, including a mini Christmas cake, sweets, socks, puzzle books, T-shirts and—depending on the climate—anything from fingerless mittens to sun cream.

Mrs Fletcher, 54, of Colwell Bay, said (via facebook): “IOW you are amazing ... thank you to everybody that donated and helped in various ways ranging from having collection boxes or

Vectis Radio, Royal Mail Sorting Office in Newport, Freshwater Post Office Staff in the Co-Op and, our last minute surprise, the Planning Department, IOW Council...fantastic community spirit and makes me proud to be here on our lovely Island.

“Special mention to our youngest “Smilers” Alfie, Becca and Acey-Mae who worked their socks off, it’s so lovely to see the youngsters getting involved, they are a credit to their parents.”

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News in brief 200 children in homeless report A Shelter report released this week has revealed that over 200 children are either homeless or living in temporary accommodation on the Isle of Wight. The shocking figures put the Isle of Wight 44th in the table nationally.

Street closed following incident Children from St Georges School, Victoria Matfield, Chloe Barnbee, James Marshall, Louise Moul, Callum Laslen and Summer Wyatt

Baubles shine in the Minster Children from schools and groups across the island have created huge Christmas baubles to decorate Newport Minster as an alternative advent display at the start of the festive season.

Island schools, as well as local groups, were invited to take part and many took up the challenge, proving the creativity of Isle of Wight youth. This is the second year the event has taken place,

and the work is even more marvellous this time around!

The baubles were placed in the church on Saturday, 1 December, but others were added over the week.

So far, those taking part

include: Arreton St George’s, Newport Church of England, Lanes End, Oakfield, Newport and Northwood Primary schools, along with Ryde School, St George’s and Medina House.

The results will be on view every day until 4 January, 2019, during church opening hours.

Emergency services and specially trained officers were called to the High Street, Newport, just after 9pm on Wednesday evening, on 5 December, when a distressed teenager took refuge on the roof of Poundland, and was threatening to throw himself off the building.

The incident was judged sufficiently serious for the police to close the street for traffic.

A number of fire engines from Isle of Wight fire and rescue service were called to the incident to support partners from Hampshire Constabulary and the Isle of Wight ambulance service.

Emergency workers succeeded in negotiating with the distressed teen, and managed to persuade him to come down. He is now being given specialist help to deal with his issues.

Mobile phone network down Mobile phone users across the Isle of Wight faced network problems on Thursday morning, when 4G and data services on O2 stopped working.

Festive singalong onboard Wightlink A programme of festive ferry entertainment is being lined up by Wightlink to bring Christmas cheer to travellers over the holiday season.

A programme of festive ferry entertainment is being lined up by Wightlink to bring Christmas cheer to travellers over the holiday season.

Building on the popularity of

a series of performances last Christmas and throughout the year, the line-up on selected sailings on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will include the Osel Singers, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, Newport Jazz Club, Ryde Chorus and the Isle of Wight Salvation Army Band.

Some of the performers will also be holding collections for their organisations.

Wightlink hopes to add more names in the coming weeks – including youngsters from a local school – and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to perform.

Marketing and Innovation

Director Stuart James says: “We are delighted to offer our customers a varied programme of performances throughout December and are looking forward to providing some excellent entertainment during the crossings.

“Some of the performers are groups who we sponsor,

but others are people who are simply keen to perform in an unusual setting and entertain those travelling to and from the Island.

We hope this will help travellers get into the festive mood this Christmas!”

Car crashes into seafront flower pots Police were called to Ryde Esplanade at 10.13am Thursday morning when a woman in her 20s collided with flower pots outside Hong Kong Express on Ryde Esplanade. The driver escaped without injury.

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News in brief Woman in court over hotel fires Paula Skelly, 62, of St George’s Square in Portsmouth will appear before Isle of Wight magistrates today in connection with alleged arson at two hotels in Sandown in September.

Aircraft collapse from broken bolt A report by the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) revealed that a broken bolt had caused a light aircraft’s left side landing gear to collapse at Sandown Airport in July this year.

Ventnorville event hailed a success

Three vehicle collision in Wootton Emergency services were called out to Wootton High Street on Tuesday evening, December 4, following a three-vehicle road traffic collision after a woman had a medical episode at the wheel. Her vehicle ploughed into two oncoming vehicles, near to Tesco Express.

The collision lead to delays in the area and there was significent damage to the vehicles.

Staplers Road in Newport to be one way in New Year The often congested Staplers Road in Newport will become even more congested in the new year, when a one way system will be needed for Southern Water carry out maintenance work.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “We intend to use a one way traffic management system towards Newport and local diversions leaving Newport.”

The proud owners of cute canines, pretty pooches and magnificent mutts gathered together at noon on Sunday, 2 December, at Springhill Gardens in Ventnor, for the famous Ventnorville fancy dress dog competition.

A great variety of doggies had the chance to win their own fabulous Christmas hampers full of doggie treats.

All dogs taking part received a little bag of tasty dog biscuits.

The dogs competing showed off their stylish reindeer antlers, turned up wearing their Christmas jumpers with pride, and some really went all out with a full-blown Christmas fancy dress outfit.

Prizes were awarded for:

the best homemade fancy dress costume, the dog with the waggiest tale, the best junior handler and dog combination, and an overall winner.

Ventnorville, Ventnor’s own annual Christmas town event, which took place over the weekend of 30th November – 2nd December, is celebrating its 5th birthday this year.

Other events that made up this weekend included Winter Carnival Lantern Parade, Carol Singing in the Park, The Arts and Crafts Market and the Country market, Dog fancy Dress, the Santa Dash on the beach plus, of course, Santa’s Grotto and visits by The Grinch.

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Christmas on the Santa Express Santa Claus has decided to get some worthwhile practice in before his big day at Havenstreet.

Not content with just giving out gifts on Christmas Day, he has a few rehearsals lined up at Havenstreet Steam Railway.

Father Christmas himself will be found there, dishing out his

own version of festive cheer, along with a few presents, in the countdown to Christmas Day. Bring the magic of Christmas to life at Havenstreet Steam Railway with this popular grotto experience, renowned throughout the Isle of Wight. The staff—who are

as friendly as ever—will be there to guide you and your family through a magical Christmas time experience.

Packed with festive fun, this includes: a Santa sledge, real donkeys from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall, an exciting grotto walkway, and, of course, a meeting with Santa himself,

together with a suitable gift. The day wouldn’t be complete, despite the rain, without a trip on the Santa Express. This popular event is well worth a visit.

However, you are advised to book well in advance to avoid possible disappointment.

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7th December 2018

Specialist software solutions company scoop Business of the Year award Yokogawa Marex in Cowes has been named Business of the Year at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for Excellence, in association with Red Funnel. The awards were presented by Anneka Rice at Cowes Yacht Haven’s events centre on Friday, 30 November.

Host Anneka Rice exclaimed: “I was absolutely thrilled to present the awards at this wonderful event. I feel very close to lots of this year’s nominees. I’ve drunk with them, I’ve stayed in their beds, I’ve eaten their cottage pie, and I’ve even stayed in someone’s garden on Celebrity Hunted!”

Fran Collins, Red Funnel’s Chief Executive Officer, told the audience: “It’s really important to us to support the community in which we trade. We couldn’t do it without all of the small businesses, the big businesses and the independent traders.”

Wight Shipyard’s Peter Morton collected two awards. His business was named Manufacturing Business of the Year, and he

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD Sponsored by Ascensos WINNER: Southern Co-op Funeralcare NOMINATED: Chris Court Associates Freshwater Southern Co-operative Osel Enterprises Seaview Village Shop START UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by PC Consultants WINNER: Jigsaw Training and Development Services NOMINATED: Digital Eaze Island Riding Centre GREEN INITIATIVE AWARD Sponsored by Gurit UK WINNER: Tipsy Wight HIGHLY COMMENDED: Island Riding Centre NOMINATED: E-Taxi TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight WINNER: Vectis Ventures NOMINATED: Wight Karting

Business of the Year 2018 winners Yokogawa Marex. also received the President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution. He stated that: “Shipbuilding on the Isle of Wight goes back hundreds of years, and it died for a while.

Now, we’re building what I think are the finest highspeed ferries in the world.”

RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Steve Porter Transport WINNER: Bayliss and Booth HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Garlic Farm MARKETING & PR AWARD Sponsored by Isle of Wight County Press WINNER: Brightbulb Design HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Seaview Hotel NOMINATED: Vectis Ventures THE MORRIS BARTON APPRENTICESHIP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Christopher Scott WINNER: Hovertravel HIGHLY COMMENDED: Isle of Wight Council NOMINATED: Powered Now Stoneham Construction HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Wightlink WINNER: The Seaview Hotel NOMINATED: IoW Espresso Llp / Island Roasted Thompsons

Wayne Matthews from Yokogawa Marex collected their awards for International Business of The Year and overall IW Chamber Business of The Year. He claimed: “We’ve had a really excellent year. Our guys are working exceptionally hard to deal

with an over full order book.”

After the event, IW Chamber Chief Executive Steven Holbrook said: “I’m very proud of our awards event tonight. The feedback has been incredible already.”

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AWARD Sponsored by Lifeline Alarm Systems WINNER: Innovative Physics HIGHLY COMMENDED: RFEL NOMINATED: Wight Computers Yokogawa Marex

GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by James Cowper Kreston WINNER: PC Consultants HIGHLY COMMENDED: Real Employment Law Advice NOMINATED: WRS Systems

MANUFACTURING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by IFPL WINNER: Wight Shipyard NOMINATED: Café Racer Kits Honeybourne Jewellery

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Hovertravel WINNER: Yokogawa Marex HIGHLY COMMENDED: Structeam NOMINATED: Innovative Physics

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD Sponsored by Red Funnel WINNER: WightFibre HIGHLY COMMENDED: In2action NOMINATED: BeCalmed Tom’s Eco Lodge EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by IW College WINNER: Lifeline Alarm Systems HIGHLY COMMENDED: WightFibre NOMINATED: Hillbans Pest Control

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD Sponsored by Liz Earle Beauty Co. WINNER: Briddlesford Farm HIGHLY COMMENDED: Wheelers Solicitors NOMINATED: Brightbulb Design Innovative Physics PC Consultants IW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER OF THE YEAR Hillbans Pest Control IW CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Wight Shipyard IW CHAMBER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Yokogawa Marex

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News

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7th December 2018

Santa appears on tractor at R.Hunt fund-raising party

The agricultural engineers, R.Hunt from Rookley, organised their festive fundraising party on Friday, 30 November, to thank their customers and their families for their loyalty. This is the fourth time the annual event has been held.

A great time was had by all, especially the children, who played on toy tractors among the straw bales. Even Santa Claus swapped his sleigh and

reindeer for a tractor. The children then had the chance to meet Father Christmas and Tinkerbell in person.

A raffle was held for the Wight Brainy Bunch in memory of one of the customer’s daughters, eighteen-year-old Alayna Morris, who sadly passed away a week ago. The raffle prizes included toys along with food and drink.

Father Christmas and Elenor Chiverton.

Lewis Chiverton,Harry James, Jude Toodgood and Ernie Moorman.

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Tributes paid to brave Alayna

Tributes have been paid to a Carisbrooke teenager who died, aged just 18, from a brain tumour.

Her funeral service took place on Tuesday, 4 December, at the Isle of Wight Crematorium, Whippingham.

Donations were collected for the Wight Brainy Bunch and CLIC

Sargent charities.

Alayna was born on 7 August 2000, the youngest child of Jan and Aubrey Morris. She attended Carisbrooke High school, and was taking a childcare course at the Isle of Wight College. In June, 2017, she started a customer service apprenticeship at the Isle of Wight Donkey

Sanctuary.

Eight months ago, Alayna suddenly became unwell and was found to have a bleed on her brain. She was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital where a serious brain tumour was found. An operation was performed to remove as much of the tumour as possible, but surgeons were unable to completely eradicate it. Alayna then underwent a gruelling course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

According to her mum, Jan: “She never once complained or cried but was always happy and smiling and determined

to get on with life.”

Sadly, in October, an MRI scan revealed Alayna’s tumour had started to grow again and she returned to hospital.

Just before she died, Alayna, her mother and grandmother, all had matching tattoos of bumblebees on their wrists.

On 14 November, Alayna died peacefully, surrounded by her family.

The donkey sanctuary posted on Facebook: “Alayna was a breath of fresh air. She was bright, bubbly and lively and was a crucial member of our shop and cafe team.”

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Big boost grant for Sandown Lifeboat Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat have received a grant of £19,707.30 from the Department for Transport for 2018 / 2019. This grant will help the charity to purchase a newer launch tractor to replace the current tractor which is reaching the end of its useful life. Maintenance of this tractor is the charity’s largest yearly outgoing expense.

The grant will also assist us in purchasing a direction finding VHF radio and

updated helmets fitted with internal radios.

All of these items will improve emergency response times.

Mark Birch, Operations Manager of the lifeboat says: ”The lifeboat station is grateful to the Department for Transport for such a significant grant. Raising this amount of money by normal fundraising means would normally take a number of years and this grant allows us to realise the benefits now”.

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Feature

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7th December 2018

One long bus journey with

7th December 2018

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many stages

The story starts in 1918, when Richard Newell of Seaview bought his first charabanc (an early form of open coach, from the French, “cars with benches”). Then, in 1922, the first bus service between Seaview and Ryde started operation. It’s certainly been a long bus journey with lots of ups and downs and stops on the way.

The building of holiday camps at Puckpool and St Clare in the late 1930s boosted business, with the extra cash being used to buy new coaches. In July 1939, the company became Newells (Seaview) Limited, and then, in July 1942, it was renamed Seaview Services.

After World War II, trade increased rapidly. In 1950, the company bought two

new double-decker buses to cope with an ever-growing number of passengers.

Since it began 100 years ago, the company has been owned by just two families.

Original founder Richard Newell was succeeded by his son-in-law John Higgin, who retired in 1980, when he sold the business to Albert & Mary Robinson, who still run it today, with their son Philip and daughter-in-law Mairi.

In December 1981, the company was renamed A & MA Robinson Seaview Services Limited. The bus service became route 12 from Seaview to Ryde under the name RedLynx from 1986, and was then extended to Nettlestone, St Helens, Bembridge and Sandown.

This encouraged Southern

IW Observer would like to congratulate the Robinson family and Seaview Services on their 100 years

Vectis to compete against them, leading to a bus war between the two companies.

In 1992, the bus side of the business was sold to Southern Vectis, and since then the company has concentrated on coach charters and tours.

A new chapter in the story of Seaview Services began in 1990, when they relocated: the Seaview garage was sold and a new garage opened in Sandown, where they operate from today.

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News

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7th December 2018

Round up of Ryde Santa Dash

Runners, joggers and walkers—all dressed as Santa Claus—braved the rain in Ryde on Sunday morning for the annual Santa Dash, all in aid of the Mountbatten Hospice charity.

The three-and-a-half mile dash got underway from Superbowl at eleven o’clock, with a flurry of red santas of all shapes and sizes making their way towards Appley, along to Puckpool, and back again.

Crowds of spectators

cheered on the fun runners along the route, including crew members of Ryde Inshore Rescue.

Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive of the Mounbatten Hospice said: “We are so thankful to everyone who took part, our volunteers and helpers who together have raised a fantastic amount towards our work in supporting people when they need us most, wherever they are on the Isle of Wight.”

Way Forward choir provides Christmas cheer on ferries A medley of Christmas carols, sung by members of the Way Forward choir, got a series of seasonal performances on board Wightlink’s ferries off to a cracking start.

The 14-strong choir, comprising adults with learning or physical disabilities who attend courses under the Newport-

based Way Forward programme, treated travellers on Wightlink’s Fishbourne to Portsmouth route to a selection of seasonal songs.

The performance was a big hit with both passengers and crew.

Tracey Hill from The Way Forward says: “This was

the second year we have performed on board the ferry and once again the choir had a fantastic time.

It really has become a highlight of the year for the choir and we would love to come back again for future performances.

“Between now and Christmas there will be

around a dozen onboard concerts given by local performers including the barbershop group Wight Harmony, local primary schools, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, Newport Jazz Club and the Isle of Wight Salvation Army band.”

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Lantern parade lights up West Wight The magician Huxley kept both adults and children entertained with his own special brand of magic at the Christmas Market and Lantern Parade, organized

by Totland Parish Council, on Friday, 30 November. Huxley also led the parade, together with Freshwater Fire Brigade, from Colwell Beach car park around Colwell Common. It was also Huxley who used his super-sized wand to turn

on the Christmas tree lights, to mark the start of the Christmas season.

Families were kept entertained with a feast of live music in a big marquee, which featured: Brighstone Barnacles, Bay Wailers, Freshwater Library Ukulele Group, and West Wind Brass Band. The marquee was packed with stalls selling Christmas gifts and craft items, including candles,

jewellery and cards. Santa and his elves also make a special appearance.

Christmas cheer was provided by carol singing around the fire, and Santa and his elves also put in a special appearance.

Helen Gibbs, Totland parish clerk, commented: “It was only the second year we have had a Christmas market on The Common and it was a huge success, the tent was packed throughout the

afternoon and evening.

“The parade around The Common is very child friendly and easy for everyone and we also had glow sticks hanging up to make it feel more Christmassy.

“Huxley was brilliant and kept the children entertained and the fire brigade and singers all did their bit to make it a special occasion.”

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Letters

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Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

Are you keeping up?

7th December 2018

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

Nye Bevan’s nightmare?

Michael Pugh, Shanklin

Last week Jacob ReesMogg was Captain Mainwaring, this week, Bank of England boss Mark Carney became Private Fraser.

‘Doomed, doomed, we’re all doomed I tell you’, that was the old Scot’s catchphrase – every single time old Mainwaring came up with a plan.

The message from these characters couldn’t be clearer, if May’s duff deal doesn’t pass through Parliament, we’re all going to be losers; jobs and houses, interest rate rises, and the pound tumbling so low, you’ll never get to Torremolinos again, and that dream holiday to Disneyworld Florida, it’s for Lottery winners only. Without the May deal, dangerous foreign criminals are coming to a street near you. When your German car breaks down, you’ll struggle to get any parts to fix it, and if you drive a French or Italian car, you need to be particularly afraid, because they need repairing more often. That medication that’s keeping you alive? It won’t be there in your local pharmacy next time, nor will there be water in your tap, and surely worst of all, there will be no Mars bars in the shops!

I’ve heard all this rubbish and more in the last week, but just how stupid does Downing Street think we are? It’s an orchestrated campaign - to make us all frightened enough to bring pressure to bear on our MP, except here on the Island, despite a large majority of us voting leave, our Bored of Brexit member, Bob Seely is already full square behind May’s deal. We’re not Bored of Brexit Bob, we’re fed up of the EU and Westminster politicians who bully us.

rely on our having a poor collective memory, and that whatever they do to us, on polling day, we revert to the party of our ancestors. How else does government get away with doing horrid things in their early years, like tax rises, cutting services etc, and then just before an election, the sun comes out! Only nice things happen. The trick is pulled every time, it’s a cycle, the chancellor of any party will always try and buy you off in his last budget before polling day.

But maybe we won’t fall for it this time, not if we really do feel cheated.

Like you, I have a lot to lose, I don’t want chaos, I like order, but I am prepared to risk seeing Theresa’s vote fail - if it means we get a better deal and actually leave. I’ve had enough of the EU’s disrespect, we are the people of England and we have spoken. They claim there is no other way, but they do have a choice, this is May’s deal, and when she fails to get it through, she’ll have to resign, and someone else, probably David Davis I think, will become interim Prime Minister. I trust him to negotiate a much better deal and restore some national pride.

“That medication that’s keeping you alive? It won’t be there in your local pharmacy next time, nor will there be water in your tap” Here, if Bob is betraying our majority leave vote, can he seriously expect to get re-elected?

Unfortunately, the answer is, quite possibly yes. The other parties have been weak on the IW, and the older electorate are dumbly loyal to the Tory party, regardless.

Politicians

The controversial Acute Services Redesign proposals for the future of healthcare on the island are by now well understood by your readers.

Among the most worrying of those proposals for patients is the intention to off-load a further 11% of what are suspiciously vaguely described as “activities” from St Mary’s to a mainland partner hospital.

By a simultaneous “repatriation” of some of the elements of case management from mainland hospitals back to St Mary’s, it is claimed that the annual total of patient journeys for treatment will, nonetheless, remain much the same as at present, at about 36,000 a year.

That means that the imposition on islanders of the cost of travelling will not be lessened by this “improvement”. That is to say nothing of the callousness of requiring sick and suffering patients to face the by no means trivial task of getting themselves to and from the mainland partner.

As another correspondent said recently, the major driver of management decisions at St Mary’s is an economic one.

Services whose annual throughput of patients is judged by NHS norms to be insufficient are already absent from St Mary’s, such as radiotherapy.

When I needed radiotherapy in 1972, in Bristol I was treated as an in-patient in its purpose-built, radiotherapy centre for all 4 weeks of my planned treatment.

By contrast, the island’s cancer sufferers, weakened by their disease and sickened by their treatments have to face a sometimes daily journey of at least three parts, one of which is by sea, both there and back!

All that extra misery

because mainland NHS dogma and local cost control dictates that the provision of radiotherapy at St Mary’s would not meet its standard economic tests. In other words the NHS prioritises cost per treatment over patient hardship.

We’ve all heard much about Nye Bevan in this 70th year since the introduction of the NHS and, in particular, of his guiding principles and their status of venerated untouchability.

One was, and still is, that treatment shall be free at the point of delivery.

A point relevant to the island’s travelling sick is the reality that in 1948, as described in E F Laidlaw’s History of the Isle of Wight Hospitals, the island had 11 hospitals.

From that it can be concluded that for many patients, the point of delivery of treatment was a lot closer to home than it is today.

It was also the case that any patient benefitting from treatment could be confident of not being discharged before complete, or imminent recovery. The point here is that the cost and stress of reaching the point of delivery of treatment was in 1948 decidedly less on both fronts than is expected of him/her today. While some patients receive state support to travel, very many are not eligible.

How can comply with another of Nye’s principles, that of comprehensive treatment being equally available to all, based only on need? This dis-improvement is justified by the NHS as their giving precedence to the pursuit of the best possible, if affordable, treatment and their heartless willingness to let the patient endure all the downsides of having to travel for it.

Despite the fact that the years since 1948 have for islanders seen the point of treatment being ever further away from home due to the demolition or re-purposing of the old hospitals and the development of St Mary’s as the island’s sole provider of acute services.

It is an indictment of the NHS planners that evenso St Mary’s has never been able to offer a full range of services, let alone have them available 24/7.

Worse than that are the further cuts implied by the planned off-loading of 11% of “activities” to the mainland. Worst of all for many is our MP’s support for that decision, based in part, as he has told me and despite his chairing of an appropriate parliamentary committee, on his unwillingness to argue for special case consideration for his health-travelling constituents.

Stink brewing in the harbour Cllr Charles Chapman, Ryde It has been brought to my notice that Ryde harbour could be sold .

I have to say as a I long serving Cllr in Ryde I would be totally against this as in my view we should be

building on what we have by putting in more investment into the harbour and not selling it .

We should build a new harbour masters office incorporating facilities for

visiting sailors and residents alike ,as a example washing machine and showers and a small chandlery .

There also could be a Unit of The Iow tourist board to take forward Ryde and the island.

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Long Lane lights shine bright for 19th year

The official switch on of the Long Lane lights took place at 6 pm on Saturday, 1 December, an event which was preceded by entertainment from The Wight Strollers.

Terry Ramplin, also known affectionately as “Grandad Lights”, is responsible for the festive display, and has been busy most days ever since October, sorting, fixing, arranging and hanging up the lights.

Terry will be seen outside his property welcoming visitors

Terry and Sue Ramplin.

every evening in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive display has put the Isle of Wight on the map and brought Terry a degree of worldwide fame. According to Terry: “Thousands come literally from all over the world. It can be anywhere: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, any particular place in the world. The Americans say it is very quaint. Terry’s longsuffering wife, Sue, perhaps does not share her husband’s enthusiasm. When asked

if Terry was “mad”, she replied: “He is mad. I think I’m even madder for putting up with it. It’s a constant trial.”

Terry and Sue Ramplin have been switching on their display at 68 Long Lane for almost twenty years and they have raised a staggering £17,000 for charity over the past four years alone. This year the display is being held in aid of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Daisy Chains IW.

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IW Jobfinder

JOBHUNTERS: Don’t be scared to ask for feedback This week I was chatting with a jobhunter. Keen and enthusiastic with great experience but struggling to get booked for an interview.

She told me how frustrating it was that she hadn’t heard back from a job she really wanted and had applied to 4 weeks ago. My first question was “Have you phoned them for feedback?”. The answer was no and when asked why, her response was “I don’t want to put them off, or seem too pushy”. This is typical of jobseekers, caught in no-mans-land, wanting to appear keen and pro-active but frightened of scaring off potential employers. I pointed out that after 4 weeks, she wasn’t likely to hear from the employer anyway, so there would be little risk in calling for feedback.

She called the employer,

and asked why she hadn’t been selected for interview.

After a minute or two of investigating, her records could not be found. She hadn’t been rejected, they simply didn’t have her application. The employer was impressed with her approach and as they hadn’t filled the job, she was offered an interview on the spot.

To be fair the result is not always so positive, but it is always useful to know why an application was unsuccessful. Perhaps your CV was not well presented, maybe grammatical errors held you back, you might not have followed the application instructions or you simply might not have been right for the job.

Whatever the feedback, you can use it to your advantage to help do better next time, here at IWJobfinder

ADVERTISE YOUR JOB HERE

we’ve put together some key points to help you get constructive advice on your job applications.

Follow up on applications, but not before the closing date.

The recruitment process takes time, so pressuring an employer before they’ve even reviewed your application is unlikely to win you an interview.

Make contact by phone.

Do not send an email, emails are easily avoided and companies are reluctant to give criticism, even constructively, in writing.

A quick, friendly phone call is always better to get the information you need.

Stay calm, you won’t get constructive feedback arguing with someone, X-Factor style for not choosing you. Try not to take offence and be polite as you never know when your paths

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7th December 2018

may cross again.

Ask the difficult questions, “what could I do better next time?” and “would you consider me again in future?”. Criticism is never easy to take, but employers hate rejecting applicants, they want you to find work, so if they can help, they will.

You won’t always like what you hear but, if you know what is going wrong you can fix it, otherwise you risk feeling confused and frustrated for later when no-one has booked you for interview.

If you are looking for work don’t forget to register with www.iwjobfinder.co.uk to hear about jobs with great employers across the Isle of Wight.

www.iwjobfinder.co.uk

Tel: 01983 216200 RED FUNNEL Deck Hand (VAC1775) We are recruiting for the position of Deck Hand to work on board our ferries. Your duties will be of a general purpose nature, to include loading and discharging of the vehicle decks, safe operation and maintenance of the vessels and their equipment.

You must have previous experience as deck crew in a seagoing role, with preferably an EDH or AB certificate, and must be able to demonstrate a high level of Customer Service skill, For more information visit: http://bit.ly/deckhand

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED! Ability Dogs 4 Young People is an Isle of Wight charity, training assistance dogs to enhance the independence of disabled young people and children

STONEHOUSE

We need to increase our volunteer workforce to ensure our Isle of Wight charity shops remain a success.

We are on the hunt for an awesome superstar to join our team!

For more information please call us on:

Prior experience working in a food business is preferred, but not essential

01983 216246

Email a cover letter and your current CV to:

THE SLOOP INN

sloopinnryde@stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

IW Jobfinder

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EMPLOYMENT PROFILE 7th December 2018

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Software Development is a boom industry and skilled developers are in high demand. Location is becoming less important to employers in this sector as developers lead the way with remote working. From here on the Isle of Wight, if you have the skills, you can effectively manage international teams and projects. Stephen Hendry is doing just that and talked to us about his role.

Company: Teleplan Role: EMEA Lead Developer What made you apply for a mainland company?

For me it was about finding the correct role at the right company. Teleplan ticked both those boxes and allowed me to work remotely, which was important to me.

Stephen Hendry

How have you progressed in the role?

I started as a Senior Developer and am now a Lead Developer. I have a team to manage which I need to fit around my handson development work so it means I attend a lot more conference calls!

How have you changed since joining the team?

My team is scattered across

Night Shelter Volunteers Required We are getting ready for the Winter night shelter to open. We are once again looking for volunteers to help, we are mainly looking for volunteers for overnight.

EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED

MUST HAVE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF QUICKBOOKS ONLINE, FREELANCE, PART TIME, HOURS FLEXIBLE

CALL 07976 797 455 FOR AN INTERVIEW

To volunteer for overnight you will need to agree to having a DBS check, you will also be expected to undergo some training, such as safeguarding, data protection and a few other topics.

If you are interested in this role then please email: Kay.willett@salvationarmy. org.uk

St Catherine’s is a national charity, based in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight

The school wishes to appoint an enthusiastic, energetic and forwardthinking Speech and Language Therapist.

For further information and to download an application form, visit stcatherines.org.uk

Europe and my boss is based in the US. I’ve learnt how different cultures interact with each other to get the job done. I’ve also learnt some new and some old technologies, as well as gaining a few more grey hairs!

What are the challenges of working in your role?

My biggest challenge is context switching. There are multiple things that need to be worked on at one time.

It’s better to get one task completed, than to have 5 tasks partially done.

What are the best things about your job?

Making the customer happy, be that internal or external. I enjoy the challenge of trying

to solve problems. That is why I do what I do.

important, plus a sense of humour helps.

What does your working day look like?

What advice do you have for anyone looking for work right now?

No day is the same, however, it normally starts with conference calls. Through the middle of the day get as much development work done as I can. I’m working closely with the States at the moment, so from late afternoon I am in meetings with various countries again.

My schedule incorporates a number of time zones so hours can be varied.

What skills do you need to succeed in your role?

Good technical skill and the ability to explain complex problems simply. The ability to work under pressure is

Get in contact with a good recruiter. Build up a good relationship with them, so they can help place you in the correct role. If a job doesn’t feel right don’t be afraid to say ‘No’ to it.

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Services

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Is your repeat prescription on your Christmas list?

Christmas will be here before we know it, and with three weekdays lost to public holidays over the coming festive period, people who need repeat prescriptions are being reminded to plan ahead.

GP surgeries and a number of pharmacies are likely to alter their opening hours over Christmas and the New Year which may mean patients will be unable to collect any prescribed medication if they run out. Local doctors are reminding people who could be affected to prepare now to avoid any complications over Christmas.

Dr Michele Legg, Clinical Chair at Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of the local NHS said: “This is the time of year that we often overload ourselves with festive things to think about and as a result we can sometimes forget other important, but routine things.

“If you rely on repeat prescriptions, it is important to check now if you have enough to last over Christmas and New Year. I know it’s adding to the list, but why not call it a gift to yourself, it will make all the difference in the long run.

7th December 2018

Local Services - To advertise here please call us on 01983 214264 Observer

“By helping to manage your own health and wellbeing over the next few weeks, you will also be freeing up time for frontline staff over a particularly busy period so that they can care for those who really need urgent care or support”.

The deadline for repeat prescription orders is Friday 14 December to ensure you get your medication in time for Christmas. Details of pharmacy opening hours over the festive period will be made available nearer the time via the Isle of Wight CCG website. They should also be displayed in store at your local pharmacy.

If you do not rely on repeat prescriptions, you can still prepare for illness by keeping a good self-care kit at home; this will help reduce the need to visit a doctor or pharmacist.

Visit https://www.nhs.uk/ live-well/healthy-body/ your-medicine-cabinet/ for more information.

Like all medicines, a selfcare kit should be kept in a secure, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.

Medicines should be kept in their original containers and disposed of if past their useby date.

Computer Plus Servicing the Island for 30 years

Repairs, FREE Diagnostics, Quality refurbished laptops & desktops, Re-installations of Windows only £25 14 Scarrots Lane Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1JD

freephone 0800 019 0119

STEVE COUSINS

MAN & VAN

Removals - Any job undertaken From whole house moves to single items - Full mainland coverage 10 Years experience

Ring Ben for quotes

07500 253334

HOUSE CLEARANCE & RUBBISH REMOVAL FULLY LICENSED

Reliable friendly service with competitive prices, items recycled whenever possible.

Tel: 01983 532424 Mob 07967 914038

SPECIALISTS IN BUILDS, EXTENSIONS & RENOVATIONS CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Tel: 07772 099213

michael@ambuildersiw.co.uk

www.ambuildersltd.co.uk

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Suguru

Sudoku

For Suguru fill the grid so that each cell contains a digit. A bold outlined cluster of two cells contains the digits 1 and 2, a cluster of three contains 1,2 and 3 and so on. No same digit appears in any neighbouring cell, not even diagonally.

Crossword

Giant Crossword For last weeks Puzzle answers visit iwobserver.co.uk

Spot the differences

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures from the Santa dash below.

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Sport

Sport Observer

By Peter White

Local football fixtures for Saturday (Dec 8) Kick-off 2pm unless shown Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup third round (Kick-off 1.45pm) Brading Town v Netley Central Sports Compton v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Pan Sports v Tadley Calleva Reserves West Wight v Clanfield Hampshire FA Junior A Cup third round (Kick-off 1.45pm) East Cowes Sports Reserves v Wymering Newchurch v Tadley Calleva “A” Niton Community v Capital Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League Division One Osborne Coburg v Sandown

Northwood St Johns v Cowes Sports Reserves Shanklin v East Cowes Sports Ventnor v Binstead & COB Division Two Adgestone v Seaview Brighstone v AFC Wootton Carisbrooke United v Bembridge East Cowes Vics”A” v Wroxall Oakfield v Ryde Saints Combination One Binstead & COB v West Wight Ryde Saints v Ventnor Sandown v Oakfield Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Shanklin Combination Two Bembridge v Yarmouth & Calbourne Seaview v Carisbrooke United

Turkey but no tinsel for Newport golfers Newport Golf Club members entered the festive spirit when they competed in the annual Turkey Shoot.

The yellow ball stableford competition was won by Simon O`Brien, Sean O`Brien, Steve Johnson and Chris Ridett. Second were Oliver Wilson, Matt Brailsford, Jamie Currie and Paul Williams, with Andy Dudley, Dan Howarth, Jolyn Howarth and Chris Prendagast third.

There were further prizes, with best yellow ball score going to Oliver Wilson with Sean O`Brien second, and Rex Ringer and Ted Bulpitt joint third.

Best yellow team

score was won by Billy Makepiece, Thomas Wilson, Adam Wilson and Keith Gamble, and best white ball score winners were Jackie Mouat, Mark Deacon, Terry Hopkins and Andy Crabbe.

Rather than Nearest the Pin, there were also three Nearest the Turkey holes. On the ninth, Terry Hopkins was nearest; Chris Ridett took the honours on the third, and Paul Arnold was nearest on the 15th. Nearest the Santa was won by Steve Johnson.

Back to normality, and the Sunday Medal was won by John Lee (6 h’cap) with 72 net, from Kevin Thompson with 73.

150 Club talk it up at Ryde Rowing Club!

Ryde Rowing Club’s season drew to a close with the 150 Club’s fish and chip supper and talk of the year at their Appley Park Clubhouse.

During the 10-month season members and friends ‘visited the Antarctic, flew in the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance, fired rockets from the Needles, distilled IW Gin, wandered round the Somerton Works at Cowes, met dashing cavalier Robert Holmes

and English adventures Sophie Dawes and other IW Hidden Heroes, sailed with the Marbleheads and faced Challenge and Adventure with the disadvantaged’.

The talks raised around £500 for local and national charities including Cancer Research, the Air Ambulance and Challenge and Adventure on the Island, and contributed to the running of the Rowing Club.

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7th December 2018

Vics ‘rain’ supreme to beat Ringwood!

East Cowes Vics 1 Ringwood Town 0 East Cowes Vics got back to winning ways in the Wessex League, Division One after four straight defeats thanks to a Jimmi Burton goal, and an heroic penalty save by keeper Karl SteinbornBusse.

Vics manager Steve Brougham was honest enough to admit his side have played better and lost in recent weeks, but added: “We needed a win, so the result was everything, and we also kept a clean sheet, which was an added bonus.”

Vics managed to make their Beatrice Avenue pitch playable, despite the torrential downpours that forced the postponement of all but a handful of matches on the Island. And their efforts were soon rewarded when Burton pounced inside two minutes, tapping home a cross from Liam Newbold.

But their hard work was nearly undone near half

Vics’ Kyle Drew in an aerial battle for possession. time when they conceded a penalty, but the everimproving Steinborn-Busse managed to beat away the spot kick. Brougham said: “Karl has been playing very

well for us in recent weeks, and looked very solid, while Joe Butcher also performed well in midfield.

“But overall everyone has been playing well in recent weeks. It was a win we needed to give us that extra bit of confidence so it was important to get this result on the board.”

The victory moved Vics up to 12th in the table, and Brougham reckons: “If we can consolidate from here it could be a decent season compared to where Vics have come from. They were third from bottom last season and second bottom the season before, so if we can get Vics’ Alex Prezpoloski on the ball supported by Jordan Chapman. anywhere near mid-table

Yachtsmen stay afloat to secure a vital point Christchurch 1 Cowes Sports 1 Cowes Sports secured a vital draw from their trip to the mainland, taking their points haul against Christchurch this season to six. That pleased manager Vic Sanders, who pointed out: “If we can take a similar number of points from teams around the bottom of the table throughout the season, then we should be all right.”

Despite again being depleted by injury, the Yachtsmen dug in on a rainsodden pitch, and were rewarded with a goal midway through the first half from centre-back Charlie Allen, a long-serving club player who has had his own injury problems in the past. Allen was given his chance by Sanders, and repaid the faith

shown in him with a super strike from outside the area.

But just before half time the Island side’s injury jinx struck again when Aidan Bryan suffered a knee problem which eventually forced him off, and to make matters worse Conor White also went off with a hamstring injury.

Christchurch capitalised with an equaliser, but despite the double injury setback the Yachtsmen held on, with Aedan Coode coming off the bench to make his club debut.

Sanders said: “The lads were disappointed not to win after Gareth Bricknell had an effort ruled out for offside, but in fairness after losing two more players to injury, we could have come away with nothing, so a point was

a decent result.”

He added: “There is still a very good spirit and camaraderie in the camp, and once we get players back from injury, and maybe make a couple more signings, I think we will be well on our way to what I want to achieve. I like the way the players have the mentality that every time they go into a game they want to get something out of it.”

After three successive away games, and only four of 17 league and cup matches at home since Sanders took charge, the Yachtsmen are finally back on their own patch tomorrow (Sat) when they take on Horndean, a team currently lying third in the Wessex League, Premier Division.

this time, it is going to be a marked improvement.

“And I am quietly confident we can finish mid-table. We just need to keep a few more clean sheets because we are always likely to score goals.”

Vics will go into tomorrow’s game (Sat) at Downton without defender Oliver West who is unavailable, and could also be missing a couple more regulars. But the manager added: “It will give other players a chance to show what they can do.

Downton is always a hard place to go, but if we can continue to play like we have been playing, then we stand a chance of getting something out of the game.”

Only three games survive weather Atrocious weather conditions resulted in the vast majority of Island junior football matches last weekend being postponed because of waterlogged pitches. But two games in the Harwoods Renault Combination One survived, as well as one in Combination Two. Shanklin Reserves hit five without reply past Osborne Coburg Reserves to hold onto fifth spot in Combination One. Hayden Little netted twice for Shanklin, and their other goals came from Dave Warne, Sam Collins and Jack Winterbotam.

Northwood St Johns got the better of Ventnor Reserves to win 5-2 in Combination One to cement their mid-table position, and In Combination Two, AFC Wootton Reserves took the points for their meeting with Newchurch Reserves, thanks to a 3-1 scoreline.

7th December 2018

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Spider Riders in festive spirit

Around 40 riders from around the Island hacked to Kingates Equestrian to take part in their annual Christmas Spider ride. Hot food, mulled wine, mince pies and cupcakes, along with a very festive rosettes, were on offer when the riders arrived.

Everyone got in the festive spirit and some very good fancy dress outfits were on display. Kev Cant

photography offered a printed canvas as a prize for the best fancy dress, which went to Caitlin Dologhan riding Belle. Mum Sarah Dologhan was on foot with an impressive Grinch theme between them. Clear round jumping was also available over Christmas-themed jumps, with many riders taking part.

Photos: Kev Cant

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Ventnor show promise despite muddy defeat

Lake Farm hosts Equine Academy Lake Farm Equitation Centre played host to the Island Equine Academy for another great evening of showjumping which was well supported. Despite having a fall in an earlier round,

Mollie Brown and Sarah Parker’s Dartmoor, Briars Anniversary, completed a super round to win the first class.

Freya Rann and Norman won the second class, and

with some tight turns in the jump off, Alison Hill riding Gemma Williams’ Rambo won the third class.

Ella Greenslade riding Dawn Webster’s LK Ten Cents took the win in Class

Four and Amber Delandro and Bodie, took victory in the final class with the only clear round.

Photos: Kev Cant

Island fightback proves in vain IWRFC 12 points Farnborough 30 With the visit of the league contenders, this was always going to be a tough encounter for the Islanders’ Rugby team. The visitors got off to a storming start with a cross field kick gathered

Andy Rann, Biffa Award for the Day winner.

for their first try, which was further stretched with an added penalty.

The bigger Farnborough pack dominated in the loose, but the Islanders held firm in the scrum throughout the game and stout defending, led by Rouse Man of the Match Andrew Brown and Dave Blackman, held attacks off. On a rare visit to the visitors’ half a home attack broke down and they were made to pay as the ball broke for a Farnborough centre to pick and race in unopposed, the kick added.

This was quickly followed by two further tries, and it looked as though it was going to be a long day for the Island players who trailed 25-0. However, IW struck back. Laying siege to the visitors line, a cross field

kick from Lewis Murray was gathered by Connor Grant to score, Murray adding the conversion. In the second half the Island moved the ball and dominated possession and territory. Grant Smith was a big focal point up front and the vision of Gary Warvill tested the Farnborough defence. Committing the visitors and then moving the ball wide led to Andy Rann scoring and receiving the Biffa Award for the Day. Despite creating chances the Island were unable to cross the line again and Farnborough, in their only attack in the Island 22 of the half took the chance to prevent any further comeback. Tomorrow (Sat) the Island visit Overton.

Team: C Grant, J Reed, A Rann, L Blackman, M

Hurricanes’ second try.

After half time with some great handling skills eventually Hurricanes got the ball to Chiverton to run in, with the try converted.

The Hurricanes were now in a ruthless mood, and with the ball moved quickly to Ben Sanderson, and smart offloading found Sam Branston who sprinted away and scored under the posts.

Despite Borrer missing only his second conversion, the Hurricanes were now in a

commanding position at 3 24.

With the Island side in the ascendancy, Sanderson broke the line and dashed for the Hurricanes fifth try of the game, converted by Borrer.

Then Chiverton completed his hat-trick, with Borrer’s consistency pushing the score to 3 - 38.

The scoring continued with winger Owen Williams outsprinting the defence from 40 metres and the try was again converted. Williams

Ventnor 12 points Overton 27 After a few games of fluctuating form, Ventnor went into this game with a positive attitude and a determination to play the kind of rugby they all know they are capable of. In atrocious conditions, their fighting spirit held them in good stead during an even first half, before Overton took control to edge home.

It soon became apparent that the game wasn’t going to be an easy one and Overton went over within the first five minutes for their first try. One try soon became two, but Ventnor refused to let their heads drop and used the frustration to good effect.

Ed Blake broke the line with a tap-and-go penalty and scored Ventnor’s first try, converted by Max Wheeler.

Overton hit back with some hard runs from their forwards but Ventnor learned from their previous tries that they must tackle well, and after a good phase of strong defence on their own try line they prevented the opposition from scoring again. This seemed to give Ventnor the motivation they needed to

play some aggressive rugby and were rewarded with a try that came from No8 Harry Colson, who continues to improve each week.

However, the second half didn’t go Ventnor’s way and although it was a closely fought battle in the worsening mud, the game ended in favour of the visitors. Although another loss, Ventnor showed some real promise that they are capable of playing some good rugby with a new developing squad and will approach their next game at Ellingham and Ringwood with the same attitude.

Match day sponsors: Signpost Express, Barry Pike, Island Food Services, Mackenzies Chartered Accountants, Groundsell Contracting Ltd, Abacus Express Logistics, Gamson Grey Design and Media.

AJ Wells Man of the Match Pat Dawes Red Funnel Moment of the Match - Sam Dawson.

Team - Dawson, Jones, Pratt, Tucker, Teague, Marsh, Edwards, Colson, Bridges, Wheeler, Atkins, Dawes, Urbonas, Turner, Blake Subs - Keyes, Babington.

Jack and Gay bowl into next round Gary Warvill testing the Farnborough defence.

Smith, L Murray, T Marriott, A Brown, J Webster, D Blackman, C Pudney, G Smith, M Newnham, S McQueen, I Puzey. A Raunigger, A Groves, G Warvill.

Eight-try Hurricanes in a ruthless mood Gosport & Fareham 2nd XV 3pts Sandown & Shanklin RFC 52 Sandown & Shanklin made the shorter trip to Gosport in a return to Hampshire Premier action, and made the better start as fly-half Josh Wetherick slid in for the first score, which Tom Borrer converted. The hosts hit back with a penalty, but it was to be their only score, and Hurricanes soon increased their lead as Zak Chiverton touched down for

7th December 2018

followed up moments later with his second try, to complete the scoring with Hurricanes’ eighth try, with Borrer converting.

Tomorrow (Sat) the Hurricanes play Alresford RFC. The fixture was scheduled to be at home, but has been reversed due to a function at the clubhouse.

The 2nd XV travel to Romsey RFC 2nd XV for a re-arranged league fixture.

In the second round of the National Mixed Pairs Isle of Wight Indoor Bowls Club members Gay Allen and Jack Berry travelled to the Victory Club of Portsmouth to take on Margaret Moffatt and Tom Smith. They performed very well and came home victors by 18 shots to 11 to reach the third round.

Gay did not fare as well in the Ladies Over 60s National Singles, going down in an away match to Victory’s Kath Patrick by 21 shots to 11.

Tomorrow (Sat) at 10am the Ladies play their third round Yetton Plate match against Loddon Vale from Basingstoke. Team selected is: Home; Phyl Fredericks, Sandra Adkins, Anne Hoath, Sue Green, Ronnie Berry, Auriol Ash, Peggy Evans and Pauline Proud. Away; Annie

Morris, Steff Ball, Shirley Stubbs, Gay Allen, Jane Kilby, Tricia McMurray, Carol Jones and Anne Bernard.

On Tuesday (Dec 11) at 1pm the men play their third round National Over 60s Double Rink against Banister Park from Southampton.

Team selected is, Home: Alan Cawdell, Richard Jeffery, Ian Morey and Bob Mortlock.

Away: John Wilkins, Phil Brooks, Peter Furmidge and Ron Leleux.

Caldicott recently played two games against the IW Club. While suffering two heavy losses the visitors made a generous £60 donation for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance being the charity for which the home club is raising money this season.

7th December 2018

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Lottie helps Cougars win UK national title A member of the Isle of Wight Talented Athlete scheme, who has become a star in a fast growing new sport based on American Football, is celebrating after her team became UK national champions.

Lottie Laidler, 23 from Ryde, was part of the successful Coventry Cougars team, which beat the Sheffield Giants 67-12 in a thrilling final. Flag football is a version of American football where instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team removes a flag from the person carrying the ball. It is a fast paced game, full of sprints and agile moves.

Lottie started playing the sport when she was at university in Sheffield and progressed through the sport to secure a place in the

Coventry Cougars team. As well as being highly ranked in the UK, the team is also well established within Europe.

She said: “I am so proud that we are national champions, our team has worked so hard this season so it is wonderful that all the training has paid off. I really enjoy playing with the Cougars and this wouldn’t be possible without the support I receive from Wightlink through the Talented Athlete scheme, who help me with my weekly travel to training, matches and competitions on the mainland.

“Looking ahead, I am working hard to develop my game and improve as a player to retain my position on the GB flag football squad – a sport I hope one day will make it into the Olympics.”

Lottie Laidler, at the front holding plate, with her fellow Coventry Cougars team mates.

Lottie fits training in around her work with First Act, a disabled theatre group and as a personal care assistant. She also works part time as a gym instructor for 1Leisure.

Wightlink CEO Keith Greenfield

said: “Congratulations to Lottie, who is clearly a very dedicated sportswoman who we are delighted to support with cross-Solent travel through the Talented Athlete scheme.”

Lord Grade of Yarmouth will host the awards ceremony

Nominations Run of the Mill win for Rhinos open for IW sports awards Table tennis round-up

Nominations are being invited for the 45th Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards, which takes place on Thursday, April 4, at the Medina Theatre, hosted by Lord Grade of Yarmouth.

Nominations will be judged by an independent panel, and all finalists will be awarded a certificate and be invited to the Awards Ceremony.

Putting forward a nomination is acknowledging in public, the success that a member or team has achieved, or the contribution that a volunteer or officer has made to the progress to a club.

Trustee Susie Sheldon said: “This event recognises outstanding achievement or service among sportsmen and women of all ages and celebrates Isle of Wight success stories.”

Download the candidate nomination form by clicking this link: https:// www.iowsports.org/pdfs/ Sports-Awards-Candidate-

Nomination-Form-2018. docx Nominations for Primary and Secondary Sporting School are also open. The Primary Sporting School Award recognises the school that has done the most to encourage sport at their school. The Secondary Sporting School nomination form concentrates on a specific project that the school has undertaken to encourage sport, or physical activity in 2018. Download the Primary Sporting School nomination form by clicking on this link: https://iowsports.org/pdfs/ Primary-Sporting-SchoolNomination-Form-2018. docx Download the Secondary Sporting School nomination form by clicking on this link:https://iowsports. org/pdfs/SecondarySporting-SchoolNomination-Form-2018. docx Nominations close on January 25, 2019.

It’s a knockout as East beats West!

The Cowes & District Snooker League's Team Knockout Cup got under way with a comfortable win for inform East Cowes Con B, who knocked out current League leaders West Cowes Con 465331.

Strong wins for Steve Martin, Josh Gifford and Daniel Cox helped their side set up a semi- final tie at home to EC Con A on Tuesday, February 12.

The other first round match saw East Cowes Lib A succeed over their C team. Mark Burrows scored heavily with a 109-58 victory in a scoreline of 401-360 which set up a home tie against EC Con C on Wednesday, February 13. The Final is on March 28 at East Cowes Con Club.

Upcoming League Fixtures: Dec 12: Lib A v Con C. Dec 13: Con A v Con B and WC Con v Lib C.

Para Champion Tom Johnson was in action again for Rookley Rhinos table tennis team after his success at the Para Grand Prix Tournament at St Neots, winning two of his Division one games against Ryde Run of The Mill. Rookley’s Carl Rye won all his games, with Stephen White winning two and Ryde’s Ed Kennedy also winning two in the 8-2

success.

Newport Vics B met Ryde Royals in a close fought match, with Vics Anna Joyce joining her brother Sean in the team. Anna will be representing the Isle of Wight at the Island Games in Gibraltar in 2019 and has come back into competitive table tennis recently. She performed well, winning two games but lost out to the

Royal’s young star Hugh Idle who won all his games in another fine performance.

In Division Two Ryde Peers and Ryde Rascals fought it out for second place, with the Peers coming out the winners 6-4, although the Rascals Alison Botha and Peter Clarke both gave good performances and won two games each. Ian Loosemore for the Peers continued his fine form, winning all of his games.

In Division Three Ryde Rookies, consisting of three young players, Oliver Yelland,15, Ross Holme, 14 and Joe Chapman 13, all in their first season, gave everything against second placed Newport Vics D. Joe won all of his games and Man of the Match. Ross won one and Oliver was unlucky in some long games not to notch up a win.

Ryde Rockers Spike Hughes

dominance ended when he met Martin Dove of Ryde Rebels and lost in four sets.

There were two close fought matches culminating in draws for the Ryde Rockets and Ryde Rapscallions, and the Ryde Rustics and Ryde Revellers.

Results: Division One: Rookley Rhinos 8, Ryde Run of the Mill 2; Newport Vics B 4, Ryde Royals 6; Ryde A 6, Newport Vics A 4.

Division Two: St Lawrence YoYo Lizards 4, Newport Vics C 6; Havenstreet Hooters 8, Ryde Red Kites 2; Ryde Peers 6, Ryde Rascals 4.

Division Three: Newport Vics D 6, Ryde Rookies 4; Ryde Rockets 5, Ryde Rapscallions 5; Ryde Rustics 5, Ryde Revellers 5; Ryde Raiders 6, Ryde Run of the Mill 4; Wootton Wombats 0, Wootton Wolves 10; Ryde Revels 3, Ryde Rockets 7.

Officers just fail to ‘handcuff ’ indoor cricket leaders EPP

Winless Prison Officers were out in force in the Leslies Motors Indoor Cricket League but just failed screw down unbeaten Division One leaders EPP. In the top v bottom clash, despite battling performances from Martyn Richards (41) and Chris Earley (27), the Officers final score of 123 all out fell agonisingly short, as EPP escaped with 130-4 (Dan Cox 26no, Zeph Wells 31). EPP have opened up a 26-point lead at the top as the season moves towards its halfway stage.

Shanklin & Godshill 1

secured their third win by chasing down Brading’s 1085 (Alan Johns 43no). Not out knocks from the EgertonRead brothers Steve (25) and Seb (27) took their side to a six-wicket win in just eight overs.

In Division Two, Island Bakeries are the only remaining team to win all their games following their 23 run victory over previously undefeated Ryde School. Although the School bowled well the Bakers amassed a competitive 140-5 with Matt Webb (29), Kieron Annis (39) and Ellis Ridett (27no) leading the way. In

reply, the School fell short on 117-4 (Dan Cox 30no, Ben Attrill 36).

Shanklin & Godshill 2 made it a good evening’s work for the Westhill side by defeating Newport by five wickets. Newport’s 122-3 was dominated by Mike Watson (33no) and Guy Wells (25no) but it was not enough as Shanklin & Godshill 2 (124-1) got home easily thanks to undefeated knocks from Joe Newnham (27) and Ray Winter (25).

The IW Disability Team could not hold a rampant Cowes side who scored an impressive 180-1 with

not out efforts from Josh Rice (26), Ciaron Saltzer (27), Jack Summers (28), Scott Rice (27) and Martyn Richards (26). The Disability Team’s reply of 108-4 was led by Matt Rice (30no) and Becky Jude (20no).

The indoor league continues on Sunday (Dec 9): Division One: Northwood v Prison Officers (7pm), Brading v Ryde (9pm).

Division Two: Newport v Ryde School (5pm), Shanklin & Godshill 2 v Cowes (6pm), IW Disability Team v Island Bakeries (8pm).

Sport Observer

Vics ‘rain’ supreme to beat Ringwood!

By Peter White

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Celebrations for Isle of Wight AC The Isle of Wight Athletic Club celebrated their achievements of the year, with 160 members and parents attending the awards evening, compared

by Ray Scovell, at the Bay C of E School.

The team managers for Quad Kids, cross country and Wessex League Track and Field presented the awards and medals to their team members, and all the other the awards were presented

by Sarah Gardiner, England Athletics Club Support Manager for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex, and the Channel Islands.

During the season four of

the club’s long-standing records were beaten by two of their talented athletes.

Henry McClukie broke a 13-year-old mile record and also the 17-year -old 3,000 metres record. Meanwhile, sprinter Shana Eubank broke the 16-year-old 100 metres and 200 metres records and matched the record in the 150 metres.

Several age-group records were also bettered. Maisey Kent broke the club under-13 Girls’ 1500 metres record; Mabel Lewis broke the under-15 Girls’ one mile record, and Henry McClukie broke the club under 17 1500 metres and three-

Justine Crumplin with Presenter Deborah Percy.

mile records. Among other recipients were the Masters Award to Mike Ferne, the English Schools Awards to Ellie Lovett, Henry McClukie and Charlie Button and the International Awards to Tom Wade and Henry McClukie.

The Derek Frost Award went to Frankie Witty who has had several operations on his legs in the last two years, and keeps returning to the sport.

The Spirit of the Club award went to Justine Crumplin, the Quad Kids team manager and leading coach at the youngest session for seven to 10 year olds, and Official of the Year was Sam Patey.

Ellie Lovett.

Henry McClukie.

This weeks highlights...

Equestrian Spider Riders in festive spirit

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Rugby

Island fightback proves in vain

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