Isle of Wight Observer Issue 65

15th November 2019

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Hope for iconic building

Friday 15th November 2019 Issue No.65

Remembrance tribute in pictures

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Sinking yacht sparks Murderer receives 24 Solent emergency 2

years after plea change Jonathan Stasiuk, aged 60, of Pier Street Ventnor, has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for the murder of former Island councillor Gerard White, known to many as Gerry, of Talbot Road, Sandown.

During the trial Stasiuk made a late change of plea, to guilty.

During the afternoon of Monday, May 27, Stasiuk murdered the popular 73-yearold pub landlord in the Lake Community Garden near Scotchells Brook Lane. A chef by trade he had previously worked in Mr White’s pubs.

At the time of the murder they were both directors of the Garden Project, but had fallen out over a number of issues, including money and where rubbish was being stored. Stasiuk initially tried

to murder Mr White using a chainsaw and slashing at his leg, but when it ran out of petrol he then strangled and smothered him. He dialled 999 confessing to the killing.

After officers attended, Stasiuk was arrested on suspicion of murder and they

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News in brief

Race against time to save Swiss

Car parking for Donkey Sanctuary IW Donkey Sanctuary has dealt with the problem of car parking by booking spaces for their Christmas Market on Sunday, November 24.

Bookings can be made for morning session, from 10am-12.30pm or for the afternoon session from 1pm-3.30pm. People can book parking by contacting the Donkey Office on (01983) 852693, or by emailing info@ iowdonkeysanctuary.org There will be no available car parking on the day, unless it has been pre booked.

£15,000 for charity Local Co-operative have handed £15,000 to charity Life Education Wessex & Thames Valley, who help children on the Island make healthy life style choices and stay safe.

They work with children, parents and teachers to improve health and wellbeing and to reduce the risk of drug misuse by young people.

Down: 1. Theatre, 2. Booty, 3. Onerous, 5. Audit, 6. Piccolo, 7. Nylon, 13. Carry On, 15. Bacchus, 16. Dressed, 17. Precis, 18. Sects, 19. Petty, 21. Undue Across: 1. Tabloid, 5. Aspen, 8. Erode, 9. Codicil, 10. Thyroid, 11. Thorn, 12. Excess, 14. Abroad, 18. Strip, 20. Recluse, 22. Cryptic, 23. Hades, 24. Sunny, 24. Suspend

Hovertravel Find Bob, our friendly squirrel! autism Find Bob somewhere in this week’s paper and training one lucky person will win a Family Ticket for Tapnell Farm.

Tell us which page number Bob appears on (not including this one). You can email the page number and your name to spotbob@ iwobserver.co.uk or text 07749 591550. Good luck finding Bob this week. The deadline is 5pm on Thursday. Last week he was on page 21.

On Nov 1, the winner of the WightFibre Netgen NetBox was Caren Serpant.

15th November 2019

Hovertravel’s Hovercare initiative has expanded to include autism training for all its staff. The aim is to ensure that even employees working behind the scenes understand the spectrum of autistic disorders.

A major Solent emergency involving a sinking yacht led to Cowes RNLI lifeboat joining a number of vessels racing to its aid just after midday on Monday.

The 40ft yacht, with three Swiss men on board, lost its rudder and was taking on water after it apparently snagged the anchor chain of No 2 buoy at the entrance of Cowes Harbour. As the yacht began drifting westwards, all the time becoming more waterlogged, to its aid raced the lifeboat, together with

a River Medina based crew transport vessel, Calshot RNLI lifeboat, a police launch, a Cowes Harbour launch, and a catamaran and two car ferries belonging to Red Funnel.

Two of the yacht’s crew were quickly taken off by the crew transport craft. The yacht was boarded by two of the Cowes lifeboat crew with a salvage pump, but they found there was too much water to be effective, having by then reached as high as the yacht’s chart table. As

it was clear by this time the yacht would eventually sink, everyone was taken off the craft, and Cowes Harbour released a tow line to take the yacht further away from the shipping lane.

The sinking finally occurred off Gurnard, leaving just part of the mast above the water.

A marker buoy was put in place by the Cowes Harbour launch, as a warning to other vessels. The yacht had been on passage from Portsmouth to Cowes when the incident occurred.

Promises, promises…

Wightlink’s watery woes continued this week, despite claims from the company’s CEO Keith Greenfield in our edition only last week that ‘services are improving’. Mr Greenfield promised he and his staff were ‘working hard’ to achieve perfection.

However, the Wightlink Fishbourne to Portsmouth sailings suffered delays of at least an hour on Wednesday morning due to a link-span issue that disrupted loading and unloading vehicles. The 4am sailing from Fishbourne

was late departing, causing a knock-of effect for other crossings.

Then to make matters worse for the troubled company, they had to make a number of cancellations on the Fishbourne to Portsmouth route yesterday.

The 6.20am and 8.30am sailings from Portsmouth were off, as are the 7.25am and 10.30am departures from Fishbourne. Wightlink blamed the cancellations on ‘sickness to an essential member of staff’.

Stolen trough p5

15th November 2019

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The moment Jonathan Stasiuk was arrested on Lake Field.

The murder scene Continued from front page then found Mr White dead at the scene.

Stasiuk initially denied the charge, but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility as his trial began on Monday, November 4. Police refused to accept his plea and persisted with the charge of murder. On Tuesday last week Stasiuk finally changed his plea to guilty and yesterday was jailed for 24 years and six months.

Following the change of plea, Det Insp Toby Elcock, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “This was a brutal attack on a much-loved and respected member of the community.

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A photo of Jonathan Stasiuk taken on the day of the murder

Murder victim Gerry attacked and smothered Gerry White - Murdered victim Jon Stasiuk shockingly acknowledged that he was the man responsible for killing Gerry White, and yet showed absolutely no remorse for his death throughout the entire process until his trial.”

Mr White’s wife, Lee, has released the following statement on behalf of the family: “Gerry’s family is relieved that the accused has admitted being guilty of murder.

Heartfelt thanks are due to the police, prosecution, court staff and all those involved in the case for the hard work they put into the investigation and trial, contributing to this satisfactory outcome. The family has been provided with professional and caring help and guidance by police liaison officers and

Victim Support.

“The tragic loss of Gerry has left a huge hole in the lives of family and friends. We cannot hope to ever get over it. While nothing will bring my husband back, we have justice for him, and for this we are very grateful.”

Police have released further information including pictures of the scene of the crime and a video from a police body camera of Stasiuk’s arrest. In it he is seen to be calm and told officers he was not confused. Asked if his victim needed medical attention he said: “Don’t think so”.

While he was being handcuffed he complained and said: “That’s a bit harsh.”

He was told the handcuffs had to be double

locked to prevent them tightening. A female police officer was heard to say: “We don’t want to hurt you mate.” Stasiuk then calmly led them to where he had committed the murder.

Councillor Ian Ward, a friend of Mr White’s for almost 10 years and who served on the Isle of Wight Council with him for four years said: “I think the sentence passed is worthy of this dreadful crime. Somebody who could do that doesn’t deserve to ever get out. We miss Gerry; he was a wonderful colleague and friend who worked hard for his community.

It just all seems so senseless.”

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15th November 2019

Don't lose your vote Candidates confirmed for 2019 If you want to cast your vote in the forthcoming General Election then you need to make sure that you are registered to vote before midnight on Tuesday, November 26. The easiest way to register is to visit gov. uk/register-to-vote.

You will need to supply your full name, address (and previous address if you have moved in the last 12 months) and National Insurance number.

If you are already registered then you will still be on the register, and there is no need to apply again.

If you would like a postal vote (or a proxy vote), you will need to complete a form available from the Isle of Wight Council and return it to them by 5pm on Tuesday, November 26.

Polling will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, December 12 with MPs expected to return to Parliament on Tuesday, December 17.

Carl Feeney - Independent

Karl Love - Independent

Vix Lothian - Green

Daryll Pitcher - Independent

Richard Quigley - Labour

Bob Seely - Conservative

Your choice for next Island MP

Islanders will be facing a choice of six candidates when they go to the polls on December 12, with three of them standing as Independents at the General Election.

Although the issue of Brexit will undoubtedly dominate this election, each of the candidates has something different to offer.

Carl Feeney, a businessman who lives in Newport, will be standing as an Independent candidate in favour of a Fixed Link, which he refers to as the Solent Freedom Tunnel. He is supported by the Independent Network and plans to consult transparently and openly with Islanders over what they would like to see him do if elected.

East Cowes Isle of Wight Councillor Karl Love is also standing as an Independent candidate. He reluctantly supports Brexit, on the basis that the public have voted for it and the vote should be respected. He claims that he has come under pressure from Remain supporters to stand down to avoid splitting the Remain vote.

Vix Lowthian is the only female

candidate standing this time.

Representing the Green Party in 2017 she achieved almost 13,000 votes, the second highest Green vote in the country. She hopes to benefit from the national agreement with the Liberal Democrats, whose candidate stood down on the Island so that the Remain vote is not split.

Daryll Pitcher stood for UKIP in 2017, and he only decided to stand as an Independent this time after the Brexit Party withdrew their candidate Peter Wiltshire, having agreed to act as his agent. He has previously worked in the EU for a UKIP MEP and supports a ‘Real Brexit’. He has condemned deals between parties that are intended to ‘horse-trade’ votes between them.

Richard Quigley is a well-known Cowes businessman based in Cowes.

He is new to the parliamentary political fray, and is standing for the Labour Party for the first time. He has been

heavily involved in charitable causes, including the Isle of Wight Foodbank and the Footprint Trust and is on record as supporting his party’s line on Brexit, which is to negotiate a better deal and then put it to the public in the form of a second referendum.

Bob Seely is standing as the candidate for the Conservative Party. He was elected as the Island’s MP in 2017 with over 50 per cent of the vote and is defending a majority of over 21,000.

A former Isle of Wight councillor for the Central Wight division, this week he welcomed his party’s policies on supporting forces veterans.

Over the next few weeks the Isle of Wight Observer will be asking the candidates to let us know in greater detail why Islanders should vote for them, and what their plans are if they are returned as the Member of Parliament for the Isle of Wight.

15th November 2019

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Hope for iconic building Appeal after

trough stolen from cemetery

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News in brief Lodge donation East Cowes Osborne Lodge Freemasons have made a £300 donation to an Island group. The IW Myaware group supports people suffering with Myasthenia, a collection of four rare autoimmune conditions which cause muscle weakness.

Trawler in trouble A man who won a Island-wide singing competition at Ryde Theatre more than half a century ago is planning to become the first volunteer to try to help restore the iconic building to its former glory.

Paul Martin, 65, (pictured) was just 13 when he won the Isle of Wight Music competition at the theatre and former Town Hall back in 1967. Now he admits his heart sinks every time he walks past the empty and dilapidated Victorian building in Lind Street.

Mr Martin, a retired engineer who still sings with the Friends in Harmony barbershop choir, claims that when the Grade II listed building closed it ‘ripped the heart and soul out of the town’.

He said: “What an incredible waste. Not just for residents like me who loved the building, but what about the tourist potential? It could be a fantastic hub for visitors to the Island.”

The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1831, and it opened as the market and town hall. It was once owned and run by the Isle of Wight Council, but was temporarily closed in 2005 after dangerous cracks were found in the window beneath the clock tower. Although it re-opened, it closed again in April 2010 due to financial problems, and has remained unused ever since.

Now IW Councillor Wayne Whittle, who represents Ryde North East, is heading group of trustees in an effort to help restore. He has appealed for a dozen local volunteers to become Friends of Ryde Theatre, and says they could even meet members of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, to hear how they

managed to take on and run their theatre so successfully.

At a packed meeting in October, Ryde Town Council offered an Expression of Interest, which could unlock £6 million from the Government’s Heritage Horizons programme to restore the building.

Exploring ideas for its use, Cllr Whittle said one possible option would be to make part of the downstairs a museum. He said the Council hold many historic artefacts, including Queen Victoria’s carriage, once used to take her up Ryde Pier, the Brigstocke china, paintings and other artefacts currently out of public view.

He said: "We would firstly need to put the property back into working order by updating it to today's standards. It is a magnificent building and from the rooftop you have fantastic unbroken views across the Solent and beyond, from Seaview in the east all the way to Osborne House in the west.

“Imagine having a quality rooftop restaurant? It would attract residents and tourists alike. I’ve met and discussed the theatre with senior officers at Historic England, and they appear to be extremely interested in helping to restore Ryde Theatre.”

Cllr Whittle said the town hall and theatre had been a matter of great concern locally for many years, adding: “It is mentioned in the Ryde Town Council position statement as a priority issue, and we now have an opportunity to take the bull by the horns and address the problem."

A planter trough, bought in memory of a much-loved Cowes resident and local historian Charlie Taylor, was stolen from outside the East Chapel in Northwood Cemetery on Friday, November 1.

Charlie left a legacy in his will to the Friends of Northwood Cemetary, who wanted something permanent to remember him by. Volunteers regularly restocked the trough with seasonal plants. The theft has been reported to the police.

Cowes Mayor Lora Peacey Wilcox said: "It is sickening to think that somebody went into the cemetary with the intention of stealing it. It was filled with soil and plants and was very heavy. It wasn't a one man job."

She appealed for anybody who saw anything suspicious or unusual vehicle movements to report it. She also asked for people to be vigilant, if they are offered it, see it appear somewhere new or notice it for sale to get in touch with CrimeStopperscan on 0800 555111. Reports can be made anonymously.

Insects on decrease says professor The Wildlife Trust commissioned a report by Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology at Sussex University on insect decline.

He said: “Insects make up the bulk of known species on earth and perform vital roles such as pollination, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. We know that the main causes of decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, and the overuse of pesticides.”

Bembridge lifeboat was called out to assist a 220-ton trawler that ran aground and was taking on water off Southsea.

Two crew members were transferred but the skipper remained aboard and kept pumps going, and the trawler was refloated and put its anchor down. Yarmouth Lifeboat monitored it overnight.

Island cohousing meeting A co-housing concept has had £10,000 support from the Isle of Wight Council.

A group of about 20 home owners create affordable and sustainable homes in addition to a communal house and green space.

It is intentionally creating a community which can be supportive, sociable and sustainable.

They are holding an open evening at The Church on the Roundabout, Newport tomorrow (Sat) at 6pm

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News in brief Crews tackle fire at GKN

Fire crews from Newport and East Cowes, along with an aerial ladder from Ryde were called to GKN Aerospace in East Cowes in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The fire covered a large area inside a commercial building so six sets of breathing equipment were used, two hose reel jets and three positive ventilation fans. The fire was extinguished.

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15th November 2019

Night shelter for homeless in place over winter months BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill

Crash at Smallbrook An accident occurred on Smallbrook Lane on Tuesday afternoon. The emergency services were called for the two vehicle collision but there were no injuries.

Emergency call out The Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team attended an emergency call out for a man overboard at Shepards Wharf Marina on Tuesday morning, and searched for nearly three hours but nothing was found.

False alarm call The East Cowes Fire Brigade were called to the GKN site in East Cowes early last Friday morning but there was no fire and the alarm had been triggered by vaping fumes.

Esplanade donate £22,000 Esplanade sponsored a black tie charity gala to help three local charities.

The cost of running the evening was covered by Esplanade with Robert Thompson generously donating all the food and his time. The £22,000 raised was shared between the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, UKSA and Kissy Puppy.

A new homeless night shelter opened this week, providing a place to eat, sleep and get clean, with extra specialist support in place.

The Isle of Wight Council, supported by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has funded a £40,000 transformation, totalling nearly £100,000 with other specialist services, of the former Barton Primary School site in Newport, helping up to 25 rough sleepers.

Jamie Brenchley, service manager for homelessness and housing needs at the Council, said the shelter will take people off the streets giving them a safe, secure place where their needs can be addressed, and they can receive help to rebuild their lives. He said: “We know the interventions we offer people don’t all fit into one size, so we needed to create additional options and opportunities to help people take those stepping stones to a place where we get them linked into appropriate support services.

“We can help them develop those networks and the resilience to ultimately overcome the traumatic experience and tragedy that homelessness is.”

One potential service user, Tim, has only recently been made homeless, but has lived on the streets before, and is looking forward

to making progress with the help of the shelter and specialist services. He said: “This is absolutely fantastic, very warm, clean and nice. It is a step in the right direction if you are homeless and it is good to be one of the people they have started to help. I do not know what my options would be if this wasn’t here, you don’t like sofa surfing because you are putting yourself on people.”

The shelter will be run by the Salvation Army, providing a partnership with the Council, so service users can expect a hot meal, a ‘listening ear’ and a team of support.

Rachel Lee, the service manager of the Salvation Army’s homeless services, said: “We are really proud to be working in partnership with the Council, working with an amazing team of staff and volunteers who have helped set up and will run the project through the winter. This shelter will have a comprehensive package of specialist services, it is not just a bed for a night. It is about getting in and referring people to the services they need.

“For us it is great to have our own dedicated space and we want people to feel at home for the time they are with us.”

The emergency shelter is open from 6.30pm to 11am.

Drama on Island Line Following a week of disruption on Island Line services, blamed on an electrical fault, an IW Observer reader has described how he was evacuated from a smokefilled carriage.

Services were suspended on Monday afternoon, and on Tuesday began running an hourly service, following the evacuation on Sunday.

A regular commuter who did not wish to be named told us: “I was travelling on the 9.18pm Island line train from Shanklin to Ryde on Sunday. At around 9.30pm the rear carriage filled with smoke. The guard evacuated the rear carriage, with half a dozen adults moving into the front carriage.

“The smoke could still be seen and smelled through the door. The train staggered

on to Ryde St Johns where we were all told that the train could go no further due to ‘overheating’, and the locals

and tourists on board would need to find their own way home.

“No alternative transport was put on by the company, though this was not the fault of the driver or guards, who apologised profusely and individually to each passenger. The train did not finish the route.

“The drivers and guards are a credit to the company, but the trains they are operating seem on their last legs, certainly unable to keep going until 2021 when the replacements are due into service. When combined with recent Wightlink cancellations, the transport network risks crashing the Island economy.”

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Kezi joins Ability Dogs class in memory of tragic young Keziah

News in brief Car hits railings A fire engine and two police cars attended an accident involving a blue saloon which collided with railings on the Sandown Road, Lake on Monday morning (Nov 11). The front of the vehicle was severely damaged as were the railings but no other vehicles were involved.

The vehicle blocked the carriageway causing queues in both directions.

Fire in cell

Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW have named a 13-week-old yellow Labrador puppy Kezi, in memory of Keziah Flux-Edmonds, who was murdered, aged six, on June 1, 2016.

The Island charity trains assistance dogs to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight.

Keziah’s mum, Nikki gave the charity a generous donation of £1,203 on Keziah’s 10th birthday anniversary to mark the number of days since Keziah was tragically killed. Keziah always loved dogs, and Nikki said: “Keziah would have loved to have met this little puppy, Kezi. She is so full of life with real character, just like Keziah. I am really looking forward to watching Kezi’s progress and hope that she will go on to change a young disabled person’s life in a very positive way.”

Kezi joins the other Ability Dog puppies in training including Trevor, Bonnie, Dylan and Pippa who also joined the charity for 2019.

Nikki went along to the puppy training class

and met them all.

Carol Court, Founder of Ability Dogs 4 Young People, said: “I am so pleased that we were able to name this little puppy Kezi. She is with Joan, the charity's first puppy parent so she is in good hands and making very good progress with her initial training.

"She takes everything in her stride, even the noise from the building work at the Training Centre. She also enjoys meeting the other Ability Dog puppies at the weekly training classes.”

Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW welcomes people to 'adopt' the puppies to help with their training and feeding and vet appointments, for just a few pounds a month.

You get updates and can meet them at open events. If you think you can help in the shops, by fundraising or are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent please get in touch. Visit www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, email info@abilitydogs4yp.org.uk or phone (01983) 216246.

‘Future prisoners’ fear BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill IW Conservative Councillor Vanessa Churchman, who represents Havenstreet, Ashey and Haylands, has enquired about measures in place to help those affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

There are several ACE categories including mistreatment, a volatile home environment, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health issues, which can have a longlasting impact on children as they grow up.

Councillor Churchman said: “If we don’t catch these children at an early age, then we have our future possible prisoner population.

A chidhood trauma can lead to probems in later life.”

A study found children who had experienced four or more ACEs, compared with those who had not experienced any, were seven times more likely to be involved in violence and 11 times more likely to have been imprisoned or used heroin or cocaine. Data from the same study said preventing ACEs could reduce the risk of imprisonment by 53 per cent.

Isle of Wight Police Chief Inspector Rob

Brind said: “This is about identifying children as early as possible in their life to try to divert them.

We know all these factors will have an impact on a child and we are working within the CSP and with the children’s safeguarding board putting things in place to stop that impact happening.”

The CSP said evidence suggested childhood trauma was strongly associated with a range of medical, psychology and social problems, and greater awareness of ACEs was increasingly important in supporting people and preventing crime. Data collected in 2016 found late intervention when people had suffered ACEs cost Isle of Wight services £40 million.

A fire in a prison cell at HMP IW led to crews from Newport and Cowes Isle of Wight Fire Service attending after they were called out by prison staff. By the time they arrived prison officers had managed to put out the fire themselves. After safety checks were carried out the crews were stood down.

Light up a life with hospice Mountbatten’s annual Light up a Life campaign has been launched.

Islanders are being urged to make a donation to dedicate a light in memory of someone who will not be with them this Christmas. All are welcome to dedicate a light on Mountbatten’s Remembrance Tree and attend a special Light up a Life service at 4pm on Sunday, December 1 at Mountbatten Hospice.

You can dedicate a light online at mountbatten. org.uk/light over the phone by calling 217300 or completing a form available from the Hospice or all Mountbatten shops

£500 donation Chatterbox Parent and Toddler group in Newport has been running for over 40 years. It has received a donation from Southern Co-op of £500 to buy crafting and reading tables. Andy Martindale, of Co-op Funeral Care, said: “It is groups like these which bring our community together and makes it a really connected place to be a part of.”

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15th November 2019

Third Hospital Art Exhibition

Open to visitors, patients and staff along St Mary's Hospital Full Circle Restaurant Art space Corridor, there is a further collection of art works curated by Isle of Wight Venue Campaign Music Promoter Steve Double.

It is a new exhibition of mixed media artists, illustrators, and designers some working in the UK. The Exhibition marks a time of peaceful reflection in people's busy lives. Steve's efforts have also raised awareness and provided funding for social care projects like Care In The Garden at Wootton and the Aspire Creative Hub Project in Ryde.

Steve said: "I have been interested in art for many years, and how it can positively inspire people to enjoy their surroundings. So in collecting art I hope to provide some sanctuary in parts of the public realm like hospitals, libraries, and cafes where people can reflect on life.”

£16,000 grant for WightSAR The Island search and rescue organisation, WightSAR has been awarded a £16,000 grant by the Isle of Wight Foundation. The money will buy new equipment, including a highresolution thermal imaging camera, outdoor waterproof clothing and three new laptops with the latest software linked to other regional emergency services.

The grant will also enable volunteers to undergo first responder training as well as training on the use of the latest search and rescue computer software.

WightSAR is one of seven charities which will receive a share of around £80,000 in funding from the Isle of Wight Foundation this year. Made up of the partners behind Island Roads, each year the foundation gives grants of between £3,000 and £16,000 to Island charities, good causes and organisations working to tackle social exclusion.

WightSAR is a voluntary organisation that assists Hampshire Constabulary and other agencies in searches for vulnerable missing persons on the Island.

WightSAR chair, Dean Terrett said: “Though we are volunteers, we need to provide the most efficient and professional service possible and this money from the Isle of Wight Foundation will enable our volunteers to work even more effectively with all agencies.

“We are totally dependent on volunteer members and we rely entirely on donations for our funding – this grant will make a massive difference to our organisation and our ability to help locate missing people.”

Award winning gardener to speak on the Island The Isle of Wight Garden Plant Group’s Autumn lecture is “Designing and Planting a Small Garden” to be given by Andy McIndoe at the Parish Rooms, Town Lane, Newport at 7.30pm on November 28.

Admission is £6, payable at the door and there is a raffle and refreshments. Andy has spoken to the group before; he has vast experience and is especially interested in sustainable schemes that achieve colour and interest throughout the year with minimal maintenance.

He is an author of many gardening books, a garden consultant and Radio Solent personality. He was responsible for the design and creation of a record 25 Gold Medal winning exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for Hillier Nurseries.

Andy was awarded the prestigious Veitch Memorial medal, one of the highest accolades in the world of horticulture, by the Royal Horticultural Society in February 2017, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Science and Practice of horticulture.

15th November 2019

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Pudsey makes a flying visit

Prestigious award for Red Funnel executive Captain Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel Ferries was one of 20 mariners to be awarded a 2019 Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. The award recognises the exemplary services and devotion to duty that have set an outstanding example to others and contributed to the maritime industry.

The ceremony was held at Trinity House and distinguished guests

included HRH The Princess Royal and Nusrat Ghani, Maritime Minister.

Fran Collins started her career as a dual cadet, she sailed on deep sea oil and gas tankers and cable layers before becoming the first female captain of Condor Ferries in 2008.

After receiving the award, which was presented by HRH The Princess Royal, Fran said: “Receiving the Merchant Navy Medal is an incredible

honour and one of the proudest moments of my career. I have been inspired by the achievements of previous recipients, so to now be part of this group is somewhat surreal and a huge privilege. I am very proud of the UK’s maritime industry and am deeply committed to encouraging our young people, especially women, to consider it as a career.

"Those of us in shipping have

a responsibility to improve perceptions of it as it is a rewarding, dynamic and exciting career choice, especially given the range of options across many aspects of shipping and its supporting industries, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support offered to me throughout my career in the Merchant Navy.”

Thanks to Hovertravel and Enterprise Rent-a-car Pudsey flew across the Solent in preparation for Children in Need. Hovertravel were fundraising with a cake sale and staff dressing up today (Fri).

Loretta Lale, of Hovertravel, said: “To be able to welcome an iconic figure such as Pudsey really helped to kick-start our fund-raising activities for Children In Need. Even for his flying visit, Pudsey was asked for selfies with customers and staff and he also met our very own mascot, Henri the HoverBear.”

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15th November 2019

Royal message to mark centenary celebrations Over 80 members and supporters of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society gathered in Caffe Isola, Newport, to celebrate exactly a century since the society was formed, in November 1919.

President elect, Matthew Chatfield read out a letter from Buckingham Palace, saying the Queen sent her 'warm good wishes to all those who will be present as you celebrate this most significant milestone'.

Ellie Beaman created a spectacular cake covered in edible archaeological artefacts and natural history, including a Glanville Fritillary butterfly and the tiny Starlet Sea Anemone which takes its name from the Isle of Wight: Nematostella vectensis.

The cake was cut by the society's oldest member local naturalist Bill Shepard, 98, along with the youngest member, Natalie Bone, 18, an experienced bird ringer.

President Dr. Paul Bingham gave a speech about the origins of the society, historical anecdotes and extracts from a local paper illustrating life on the Isle of Wight in 1919. Society secretary Dr.Colin Pope said: "The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society has been studying and conserving the Island's wildlife, geology and archaeology for a long time, and we hope to be doing it for at least another hundred years!"

Raising funds for Sandown toilets to Ryde pool cover be given makeover Homelessness plans p12

Waterside Pool in Ryde has launched a campaign to raise funds to purchase a new pool cover. The current cover needs to be replaced to retain heat and save energy when the pool is not in use. They need to raise ÂŁ6,000 and have set up a fundraising wall with 300 squares costing a minimum of ÂŁ20 each. There will be a commemorative plaque installed to recognise everybody who purchased a square.

Toilets opposite Sandown Pier are to be renovated as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s plans to regenerate the eastern bay area. The toilets were temporarily opened over the summer but they, and the building in which they are housed, need to be upgraded to keep them open on a more permanent basis. A drop-in exhibition was held yesterday evening (Thursday) to discuss the proposals with members of the public.

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Love of community event singing along and laughing - and it's all for free!

Steve Love, an Ryde based musician with a keen sense of humour, is offering Island community groups and charities the opportunity to have him come to entertain them, make them laugh or help raise funds any time in 2020, all for free.

Steve said: "I have been a paid musician for the last 10 years, most recently with Island band 'The World Famous Alberts', but I have now retired from the regular band scene. I write and perform chirpy up-beat songs about the ups, downs and quirks of Island life. Ferries, buses, old hippies, festivals, Mermaid Gin, scooter rallies, potholes, DFLs, fishing, the floating bridge of course, and anything else that I can make a song out of.

Now I'd like to give something back to the Island's great community, so if your event is for the community, I'll be happy to come along and do my show for no charge."

Steve launched his repertoire of original songs last year. He was also asked to launch the 2019 Isle of Wight Beer and Buses weekend with a song that named all 92 participating pubs, quite a challenge.

He continued: "The highlight so far was opening last year's 'All Wight Now' 50th anniversary celebration of the 1968 Isle of

Wight Festival with a specially written song that tells the story of the famous 1968, '69 and '70 festivals."

Steve told the Isle of Wight Observer that he gets most of his ideas from his wife Hilary, who will spot a story about the Island in the paper then challenge him to write a song about it. He said: "I try each song out at the open mic and folk nights on the Island, and I can soon tell if they are going to work. The best ones are those that people can relate to, and that have a catchy tune, bits where people can join in, and a twist at the end.

"My latest efforts are about making a Brexit stockpile entirely out of 'made on the Isle of Wight' food and drink, which is currently going big on Facebook, and the St Mary's roadworks called "The Roadworks from Hell" which I will be testing on my audiences next week.

“I'm now working on a new song, "The Broken Down Ferry Song", inspired by last week’s Isle Of Wight Observer front page 'Wightlink say sorry for chaos' headline ."

Steve would be happy to hear from anyone who would like him to come along and perform and can be found and contacted on Facebook.

Music waves for Liam Music superstar Liam Payne showed he is made of stern stuff as he frolicked in the chilly waves at Shanklin. Reportedly filming for his new single ‘Life Forever’, the former One Direction singer

was accompanied by a crew who filmed him for the short time he was in the water. He was also spotted jumping on a trampoline.

His girlfriend, model Maya Henry was also seen on the beach.

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Auspicious date for Orpheus Singers By a happy coincidence, the date for the Orpheus Singers’ autumn concert, Saturday, November 23, falls between two significant dates in the Christian musical calendar.

The day before is the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and the day after is the last Sunday before Advent, the day when two of Bach’s best-known cantatas were first performed at Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where he was Kapellmeister (music director).

To mark the first of these two occasions, Orpheus Singers will be performing a number of pieces dedicated

to St. Cecilia, by English composers Henry Purcell, Herbert Howells and Benjamin Britten. The rich and varied programme will be performed at Christ Church, Totland, starting at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 23.

Widely varied in style and musical complexity, these pieces demonstrate how composers of different ages have chosen to celebrate their patron saint.

The two Bach cantatas, Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott (Happy is the person who trusts in God) and Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, calls the watchman) are also complex and feature recitatives, arias and duets

interspersed with chorales from the choir.

The solo parts are highly crafted and the second cantata contains two beautiful love duets between soprano (the Soul, as bride) and bass (Jesus, the bridegroom).

The choir welcomes four young professional soloists and an organist, Peter Gould, Emeritus Director of Music at Derby Cathedral.

Tickets can be obtained from their website orpheussingers.org.uk or on the door.

to prevent people being turned into the street. In a report accompanying the strategy, the council accepts it must ‘redouble its efforts’ in light of government legislation calling on local authorities to do more to reduce homelessness.

Since 2017, the Council has received £1.5 million in government funding to tackle homelessness. It will receive funding for the new strategy, which will run until 2023/24, but the amount has not been decided.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care, public health and housing needs, said it was a ‘fundamental need’ to have a home.

She said in the report: “It is incredulous to many of us that people in the year 2019 find themselves in the position

that they have no place to call home.

This strategy is purposely bold, it uses language that deliberately challenges and motivates us to, quite frankly, do better.”

The strategy notes the current approach is outdated and crisis-driven, resulting in a failure to provide rapid, personalised intervention when people become homeless.

It also notes welfare reforms, including benefit caps, the introduction of Universal Credit and lack of social housing, have contributed to people losing their homes.

Earlier this year, the Council invited bids to provide family accommodation and outreach services from April 2020, worth £10.5 million.

Bold new plans to tackle problem of homelessness BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill A ‘bold and ambitious’ strategy to tackle homelessness, following a 500 per cent increase in rough sleeping since 2015, is to go before Isle of Wight Councillors.

The Council is legally required to implement a homelessness strategy by the end of the year, following new Government legislation. Its previous strategy expired six years ago.

The new strategy will focus on prevention, intervention and recovery, aimed at making homelessness a rare, brief or one-off occurrence for people, rather than a long-term situation.

It also includes plans to end rough sleeping, reduce the number of people living in temporary accommodation, improve early support services for people who lose their homes, reduce evictions and ensure plans are in place

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New mural for The Cut Cowes Town Council recently ran a competition for local primary school children to create a new design to replace the Island Games mural at the popular seating area in The Cut, off Cowes High Street. Councillors selected their favourite parts from each of the shortlisted designs, which were all by pupils from Cowes Primary School.

Local artists and residents, Chris and Maddy Dobson, offered their time for

free to create a design based on the original drawings. They outlined the design on the mural wall and arranged for the painting of the mural. The mural was largely completed with the assistance of two students from Carisbrooke College, one from Ryde Academy and one from the Island Learning Centre. Amey, the Island’s waste contractor, and Red Funnel also provided staff to assist with the painting

of the new design.

Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, Mayor of Cowes Town Council, said: “My sincere thanks and gratitude to each person who helped to create a full picture of Cowes from the Hammerhead Crane to the Squadron. A truly Cowes team effort. Please take time to go and have a good look.”

New Chief Executive for Independent Arts Independent Arts will have a new Chief Executive from December, as Lisa Gagliani MBE takes the reins from Kate Ball, the outgoing charity leader who has led the organisation for a decade.

Independent Arts is the Isle of Wight charity focussed on using the arts to improve wellbeing, quality of life and to reduce social isolation. Supported by volunteers, a wide range of practitioners and a small staff team in Newport, the charity engages with 1,700 people every month across the Island.

Lisa said she is looking forward to working with the whole team to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people on the Isle of Wight and recognised the work of Kate Ball, the charity’s outgoing Chief Executive. She said: “I’m delighted to have been selected as the next Chief Executive at Independent Arts. I moved to the Isle of Wight two years ago and have been actively looking for the right way for me to contribute to our community. Bearing in mind the unique challenges that our Island faces, leading Independent Arts in its mission to empower vulnerable people and create connections through the arts could not be more timely or relevant. I have been incredibly impressed with what I have seen of the charity so far, which is a credit to the leadership of Kate Ball and the dedication of the team. I look forward to working with them to continue strengthening our charity for the benefit of the Isle of Wight.”

Wendy Varley, Chair of Trustees said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lisa to the team. Lisa brings a wealth of experience to Independent Arts, particularly from her time as CEO of the Childhood Trust, the Bright Ideas Trust and while leading London’s largest independent Chamber of Commerce in Kingston.

"I would like to thank Kate, and the whole team at Independent Arts, for always focussing on our mission and truly making a difference on people’s lives.”

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Photo: Isaac Lethbridge, Benson Hardy and India Dale with Captain Matt Mullins on the Bridge of Victoria of Wight

Young leaders make their mark with Wightlink Young Isle of Wight leaders got an insight into hybrid energy technology on a visit to Wightlink.

Isaac Lethbridge, member of the Island’s UK Youth Parliament, his deputy Benson Hardy and Youth Council member India Dale met Captain Matt Mullins on the Bridge of Wightlink’s flagship Victoria of Wight.

They saw how the ship’s sophisticated engine management system combines energy from conventional generators and powerful batteries to save fuel and cut emissions on the Fishbourne-Portsmouth route.

The young leaders then held a boardroom discussion with Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield about matters raised by the Island’s young people through the national Make Your Mark initiative. They included the ferry company’s Green Agenda, careers

in the maritime industry and fare structures.

Youth Council member Owen Buchan joined them for the talk.

Isaac Lethbridge said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Wightlink and its work. It was particularly great to hear about the company's commitment to protecting the environment as this was a key issue raised by young people through the Make Your Mark campaign. I look forward to working with Wightlink more in the future to ensure the best deal for the youth of the Island.

“It was a pleasure to meet the Island’s young leaders,” says Keith Greenfield. “I was impressed with their range of subjects they wanted to talk about and explained our passion to protect the environment while promoting our beautiful Island to visitors.”

Ryde School hosted a general knowledge quiz to raise money for two Island charities. It was the seventh time the annual quiz has been held, and was organised by students from Trinity House, compered by Year 11 student Alex Wilson, and sponsored by Novum Law and Island Ales. There were 24 teams of six entered, and over £4,000 was raised.

The Young Blood team were final victors and won Rhythmtree Festival Tickets for next year's event at Three Gates Farm in

Calbourne. The event was well supported by staff, pupils and parents. Many local businesses and attractions contributed towards the raffle and the questions were set by Mr Mark Waldron, Ryde School headmaster.

The charities chosen to share the proceeds were the children’s charity Daisy Chains and the Wight Horse CIC, which offers equine assisted therapy for children and adults.

Over £4,000 raised

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Boasting drug dealer jailed for eight years A drug dealer who boasted about profiting by thousands of pounds by selling cocaine on the Isle of Wight has been jailed for eight years. Matthew Read (pictured), of West Hill Road, Ryde, was arrested by officers on October 6, 2017 after he crashed his Mini Cooper into a parked car in Collingwood Road, Shanklin.

The 29-year-old had earlier been spotted driving at speed through Lake, but failed to stop for officers who tried to pull him over. He was arrested a short time later, along with his passenger 32-year-old Patrick Rice of Pier Street in Ventnor.

Newport Crown Court heard that when officers arrested the pair, a Stanley knife fell from Rice’s shorts, and a second larger knife was found inside Read’s car.

Investigating officer DC Iain Robertson said: “Arresting officers located a quantity of pills in Read’s possession. During the subsequent police investigation we found evidence on Read’s phone that he had been heavily involved in the supply of cocaine on the Island since November 2016.

“The quantities mentioned ranged from a kilo to multiple ounces, along with messages boasting that every few days he was profiting somewhere in the region of £1,400 - £2,500, and had £40,000 available to him to buy more drugs.”

Following a four-day trial, Read was convicted of dangerous driving, possession of a bladed article, possession with intent to supply a class C drug, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was jailed the same day for a total of eight years, and was banned from driving for seven years.

Rice was convicted of possession of an offensive weapon and was handed a seven-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. DC Robertson added: “We do not tolerate the supply of illegal drugs, and I hope Read’s sentence reassures the public that we will do our utmost to dismantle drug networks affecting our Island communities.”

Costa choose local company Newport based, WRS Systems has been chosen by Costa Coffee to work with them to roll out an innovative new kiosk to reduce waiting times for customers.

According to Retail Wire 67 per cent of millennials believe that self-service kiosks make shopping more convenient. This is also true for office workers with limited breaks and travellers buying refreshments for journeys. To help meet these demands WRS Systems put together a made to measure system for Costa Coffee.

Emma Wilson, Business Development Manager at WRS Systems said: “Providing innovative, reliable and secure electronic point of sale (EPOS) solutions for our clients is at the heart of all that we do. Oxhoo is our principle hardware partner, offering cutting edge innovation and a philosophy of collaboration at every stage; from design to service, delivery and support. All key requirements for our clients, and essential in delivering this revolutionary new kiosk for Costa Coffee.”

WRS Systems recently won the Growth Business Award and President’s Cup for

Outstanding Contribution at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for Excellence.

Three deer killed at Newclose Farm Two fawns and a calf deer have been killed at Newclose Farm, possibly by a large dog running free. Many farmers on the Isle of Wight have had problems with dogs running free and harassing sheep and lambs. It is the responsibility of the dog walker to keep their animals under control when there are livestock on the fields. The farm director Juan Vicente said: “We do not rule out the attacks being caused by a group of foxes or badgers or a feral dog.”

A small herd of 15 deer at the farm had recently been expanded to 85.

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Join the Mince Pie Marathon!

Major facelift for Lifeline offices

The Island Security Centre, home of Lifeline Alarms & Security Services, recently underwent a major facelift.

The building which overlooks a roundabout on the Riverway Industrial Estate in Newport has been home to the Lifeline team for over 20 years. Gone is the mid-1970s brick face and in comes a modern anthracite finish cladding.

As Lifeline looks forward to 2020 and celebrating its 30th Anniversary year, the changes work to further reflect the company’s continuing commitment to the Island and the environment. With materials sourced locally and Island tradesmen used to undertake and complete the facelift, the new cladding also improves

the thermal properties of the building.

Lifeline’s building is fully protected with detection systems, monitored CCTV, and intruder and fire alarm systems. The newest addition to the building's security suite is the latest State of the Art biometric facial recognition and finger print access control technology.

Brightbulb Design, the Island's leading, multi-award winning creative and design studio, have launched a charity initiative in aid of their charity of the year, the Wight Brainy Bunch. The Mince Pie Marathon is the idea of Matt Jeffery, CEO of Brightbulb who wants businesses across the Isle of Wight to order tens or hundreds or thousands of mince pies which will be delivered by his Brightbulb team in a single day to all locations across the Island.

Matt said: “We want as many stops as we can to be marked out on our marathon map, as many mince pies ordered from businesses all over the Island and as much money raised

as possible for this fantastic charity. Let’s see how hard you can make this for us. Who will take the top spot on the Mince Pie Marathon leaderboard?”

The Wight Brainy Bunch was set up by Mark Grimes and his wife Kathryn, from the Isle of Wight, following Mark's diagnosis of a brain tumour in February 2015.

The Isle of Wight Observer's hungry (some would say greedy) team have already ordered their mince pies. To join in the fun and have mince pies delivered to your business on December 18 simply login to https:// mincepiemarathon.co.uk/

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Traffic lights plan reaches new heights!

Major work to upgrade the traffic lights and pedestrian facilities outside The Heights in Sandown began this week, to install new traffic lights that are better able to detect and manage traffic movement. The upgraded lights will also offer enhanced pedestrian crossing safety features similar to those used at ‘Puffin crossing’ sites.

The project will mark the end of an Island-wide signal upgrade programme that has seen new lights and crossing facilities installed at 16 sites this year.

It will mean that since 2013 when the Highway Improvement Partnership began, 72 sets of signals will have been upgraded. The three remaining sites, all in Newport, will be improved as part of the IW Council’s ongoing Newport Junction Improvement project.

The work at Sandown is scheduled to take three weeks during which temporary traffic arrangements including four-way temporary traffic lights will be in use.

Keith Gourlay, Island Roads construction manager, said: “This work will complete a comprehensive upgrade of traffic light replacement and enhancement across the Island.

“These upgraded sites all feature the latest technology which is better

able to respond to traffic and pedestrian movement.

They are designed to keep traffic flowing as effectively as possible and also, and very importantly, to improve pedestrian safety.”

During the work, there will be temporary traffic arrangements in place which include a right turn prohibition for motorists travelling south along Broadway into The Heights Car Park. Motorists should follow local diversion signs and access The Heights via Beachfield Road.

Keith said: “Islanders have been extremely helpful throughout our work and, once again, we would like to thank them in advance for their understanding and co-operation during this scheme. We would ask anyone using

The Heights and Sandown Medical Centre to follow the diversion signs and not to turn right into the Height’s Car Park as this manoeuvre will cause additional delays to traffic and is likely to cause frustration to all road users.”

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Ghost Runners turn out in force despite atrocious weather

Coral celebrates 100th birthday at Ventnor Botanical Gardens Nearly 200 intrepid runners took on a spooky charity fun run on a wet and blustery Friday evening (Nov 4) around Parkhurst Forest.

Now in its fifth year, the Ghost Runner was this year run in conjunction with local charity WightAid and took in five kilometres of muddy trails around the forest.

Fancy dress was actively encouraged, and spot prizes were awarded before the start for the organiser’s favourites.

Organisers GP Sport said: "We had the worst ever weather this year, but we had the biggest turnout, the best fancy dress and the best atmosphere, the spirit of the

competitors was incredible and we are already looking forward to next year."

Runners crossed the finish line to receive a bespoke medal, and to a light supper served from the forest office

by Wight Aid. Plans are already in place to stage the sixth edition of the event in October 2020.

Ventnor was the perfect venue to celebrate the birthday of centenarian Coral Palmer.

Her grandson David Holley is head chef at the Edulis restaurant and was inspired to work with food because his grandmother ran her own café in Milton.

David said: “It was very special to cater for my grandmother's wonderful birthday party, the weather was good and everyone enjoyed the day.”

Five generations of her family and friends travelled from across the country to share in the celebrations. Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great

grandchildren shared in the festivities for an inspirational woman who was still swimming in her 90s, and walks every day.

Not smoking, and drinking in moderation may have contributed to her long life. She asked for donations rather than presents, having recently lost a family member to leukaemia and the charity to benefit was Bloodwise, a blood cancer charity who received over £300.

Huxley magic provided the entertainment. and a wonderful day was crowned by a card from the Queen, congratulating her milestone, which she proudly displayed.

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News in brief Cuts to gritting routes shelved The Isle of Wight Council has responded to feedback on gritting routes and decided not to make any changes this winter following public feedback. The authority had planned to reduce by 52km the length of roads in this year’s winter gritting service, but will now grit the same roads as last year. It means more than 40 per cent of the Island’s total road network, will be treated.

Southern Housing residents sowing the seeds of hope Southern Housing Group residents are celebrating the official opening of a new garden within the grounds of the historic Quarr Abbey. It is part of a community initiative called Muddy Boots which, since its launch in 2011, has transformed the space at the Abbey.

The original plot was completely overgrown with brambles and weeds, but Southern Housing Group residents, in particular, those requiring full-time care, regularly gave up their time to transform the garden into the beautiful space that you see today. Growing everything from tomatoes and onions to pumpkins and cucamelons, the greenfingered volunteers help to supply produce that has a variety of uses, from being consumed in the Abbey and Tea Shop kitchens, to being turned into delicious jams and chutneys, sold in shops across the Island.

Muddy Boots was so successful that Quarr Abbey asked Southern Housing Group if they could take on a second plot. The volunteers joined Father Xavier yesterday to formally open the garden with a special blessing ceremony. Southern Housing

Group has now partnered with No Barriers, a charity which empowers adults with disabilities to achieve their goals, to enable more people to take part in the project.

To ensure that residents with restricted mobility can safely get around the garden, it was important for paths to be laid on the new plot. DW Support Services, who provide responsive repairs for Southern Housing Group’s properties on the Isle of Wight, agreed to work with landscaping firm, Groundsells, to pay for the new paths as part of their £6,000 Social Value commitment to Southern Housing Group.

Mark Meredith, Southern Housing Group Community Partnerships and Projects Manager South said: “Muddy Boots began in response to cuts which affected Learning Disability Day Services. I was tasked with finding a project for our residents to get involved in as an alternative to day care services. I had heard that Quarr Abbey was looking for community organisations to approach them with ideas and that’s where it all began.”

Mark and Matt Noyce, Head Gardener at the

Abbey, realized soon realized that they could help one another. Mark explained: “Matt told me that the Abbey was building a farm shop and café, so I suggested the idea of growing produce and selling it to the farm shop as a social enterprise.” It was then that the Quarr Abbey Land Use Project was born.

Matt added “It has been amazing to see how the plot has grown and evolved over the years.

“With so many residents benefiting not only from growing the produce, but also from enjoying the peaceful environment that Quarr Abbey provides. Working outdoors with nature can create a type of therapy in itself and can bring one closer to the creator.”

Andrew Broadbent, from DW Support Services commented: “Muddy Boots is a fantastic example of a community coming together and we are delighted to be able to support this project. It was a pleasure to work and support Southern Housing Group and the Abbey.”

Air ambulance lands The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance landed on the playing fields at Ryde School last Friday morning but no one from the school was involved. A patient was transported to Southampton General Hospital an hour later.

College fire Fire crews from Newport and Ryde were called to a fire in a derelict building on the Carisbrooke College site last Friday (Nov 8) evening.

Although breathing equipment was used the incident was quickly dealt with and the fire extinguished with no injuries.

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Standing in silence to remember the fallen brave heroes Thousands of Islanders paused and stood in silence to pay their respects for those who have gave their lives to save others. The Island lost many servicemen, in the First and Second World Wars, and also in other conflicts, including the Falklands War. Remembrance Services were held across the Island last Sunday, and two minutes’ silence as also observed on Monday at 11am; the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

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LOCAL EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND SHANKLIN THEATRE

By

15th November 2019

Jade Honey

The Splendour of a Victorian Christmas at Osborne House

English Eccentrics: James Bolam and Susan Jameson

A celebration of English Eccentrics introduces colourful and remarkable characters who have enlivened and entertained us through the ages, and whose originality and strength of character stands out now more than ever in an age of mass-market conformity.

November 17 @ 3pm

‘The Story of The British Isles in 100 places’

Neil was born to love Great Britain. During his 20 years travelling to every corner and, whilst filming BBC2’s ‘Coast’, he’s fallen in love all over again. From north to south, east to west it cradles astonishing beauty. The human story here is a million years old, and counting.

November 21 @ 7.30pm

Youth Jazz Orchestra return to Quay Arts

The Take That Experience Greatest Hits Tour 2019

As Take That celebrate 30 years as the UK’s number one boy band. The Take That Experience mark a decade together as the ultimate tribute act with their best show yet!

Wowing audiences everywhere they go with their amazing vocals, replica costumes and electrifying dance routines.

November 22 @ 7.30pm

BOOKINGS & INFO

01983 868000

www.shanklintheatre.com Sponsored By Wightlink

Following their sell-out show and stellar performances in March at Quay Arts and at the Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend in May, the Isle of Wight Youth Jazz Orchestra make a welcome return to Quay Arts on Saturday, November 23.

Formed in 2017 by local musicians Jim Thorn and Jez Gray, and aimed at young people under the age of 25 with a passion for jazz, the orchestra has developed into an outstanding group.

They play a wide repertoire of big band music from Ellington’s swinging charts to Chick Corea’s more modern influences at an incredibly high standard. Jez

said: “Every time we’ve come together for an event I become even more impressed at the skill, dedication, musicianship and ‘buzz’ these young people bring to their performances. I’m really proud to be part of something very special and look forward to sharing our music with even more audiences over the coming months and years.”

The concert takes place with a start time of 7.30pm. Tickets are just £7.50 each and are now on sale direct from the Quay Arts box office or via their website: quayarts.org/event

Father Christmas will be taking a well-earned break from the stresses of the North Pole as the guest of honour at English Heritage’s Victorian Christmas at Osborne House on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

Santa Claus is always a popular visitor to Osborne, and tickets can now be pre-booked in advance for ‘An audience with Father Christmas’.

All children, naughty or nice, will join the man in red for yuletide tales and an early Christmas present amidst the festive decorations of Osborne’s beautiful ground floor rooms.

Tickets for the experience are just £5 per child, in addition to entry to the Victorian Christmas event.

Alongside Father Christmas, the weekend promises the very best bits of a Victorian Christmas as Queen Victoria’s seaside home is transformed for the festivities. Step back in time to a season of roasting chestnuts, classic carol singing, festive family entertainments, and the very first Christmas trees.

And experience the Victorian yuletide traditions which have inspired our modern Christmas.

Children will love riding on the vintage carousel and swing boats, making their own toys

to take home, and discovering the joy of Victorian games; and the whole family will be royally entertained by firebreathing jesters, funny and fast-paced retellings of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and Christmas Ghost Stories, a lesser known Victorian tradition!

The yuletide revels will continue after dark and into the evening as Father Christmas switches on the twinkling outdoor lights. And there is even the promise of snow.

Osborne’s Victorian Christmas takes place from 11am– 7pm. A family ticket is £44.50, with reduced entry for English Heritage members. Price includes entry to the event plus entry to the House and grounds. Book tickets online before November 29 for a 10 per cent early bird discount.

A small additional charge of £5 applies to take part in an audience with Father Christmas.

Each child attending will receive a present from Father Christmas. Attendees must also hold an admission ticket for Victorian Christmas.

For more details and to book tickets visit: englishheritage.org.uk/visit/whatson/

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

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THEATRE, LOCAL EVENTS & CINEMA SHANKLIN THEATRE

Geno Washington at Strings!

Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band are bringing to Strings Bar & Venue, a barnstorming live show that never lets up in intensity or excitement and delivers the goods every time. This fast-moving show of R&B/Blues/Soul classics gets the audiences on their feet from start to finish and is receiving rave reviews wherever they play! Advance tickets are £16 and are

on sale now, please visit seetickets.com for tickets and more information. Over 16s only.

November 23 @ 7.30pm Strings Bar & Venue 9 Bowling Green Lane, PO30 1LL £16

Donkey Sanctuary Christmas Market The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Christmas Market is taking place on Sunday, November 24 from 10am - 4pm.

The aim of the event is to raise money for the charity during the winter period when visitor numbers are at their lowest and costs are at their highest. This fun filled Christmassy day will include 30 or so market stalls, a gift shop and a cafe

with some festive Christmas music, and of course Santa in a stable! Pre booking parking is crucial for a space.

November 24 @ 10am - 4pm Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Lower Winstone Farm, Ventnor, PO38 3AA

7.45pm.

The concerts will feature a variety of new and old Christmas-themed music and traditional carols. Admission to the concerts is free, with retiring collections in aid of church and band funds.

Various dates and times Various Island churches

Christmas shopping at Arreton Barns!

Head to Arreton Barns on Wednesday, November 27 and Wednesday, December 4 to enjoy an evening of late night shopping.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the high street for a more relaxed shopping experience. Get all your Christmas gifts in one place, each as unique as the person you are buying for. Including quality homeware, jewellery and accessories as

Joe, who now splits his time between the UK and Nashville, combines timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, bluegrass, and rock ’n’ roll, all interwoven with his effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences and as Joe this sensational show is not to be missed.

November 23 @ 7.30pm

Concert Band Church Tour Cowes Concert Band will soon be bringing the sounds of Christmas to four Island churches.

The 26-strong brass band starts its tour at Binstead Methodist Church on November 25 (8pm) followed by All Saints’ Church, Gurnard on December 2 (7.45pm), East Cowes Methodist on December 9 (8pm) and Newport Methodist on December 16 at

Joe Brown - Anniversary Tour

well as homemade fudge and so much more. Complete your evening with dinner at our traditional onsite pub, the Dairyman’s Daughter.

Nov 27 & Dec 4 @ 5pm Arreton Barns, Newport, PO30 3AA

Talon - The Best Of Eagles Greatest Hits Tour 2019

Talon have risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and the ‘Greatest Hits Tour 2019’ will once again feature the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy and many more.

November 29 @ 7.30pm

WHAT’S ON AT THE CINEMA? RYDE

NEWPORT

SCREENING

SCREENING

Sorry We Missed You

Last Christmas

Ricky takes an opportunity as a self-employed delivery driver but quickly discovers it’s not as rosy as it seems.

Between the pressures of work and zero hours contract, the struggle to make ends meet takes its toll on their family.

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

The Good Liar

Le Mans ’66

Widow Betty McLeish is worth millions, which is why she catches the eye of con man Roy Courtnay. To get his hands on the cash, Roy’s plan is simple: sweep Betty off her feet. Yet what would be an ordinary scam for him turns out to be much more complicated.

American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Abominable

The Aeronauts

After a teenager who dreams of travelling discovers a young yeti on the roof of her apartment, she and her friends embark on an ambitious quest to reunite him with his family.

A wealthy young widow and ambitious scientist embark on an unlikely expedition to fly higher than anyone else in history. But as the epic quest hots up, the pair make remarkable discoveries and face perilous danger.

Nina Conti Humour4Tumours (Part 2)

Ground-breaking ventriloquist Nina Conti has won a British Comedy Award and stormed the BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Sunday night at the palladium and the John Bishop show all without even moving her lips! Charity Night in Aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.

November 30 @ 8pm

BOOKINGS & INFO

01983 868000

www.shanklintheatre.com Sponsored By Wightlink

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

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News

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15th November 2019

Islander's photo to star on National Trust handbook A tranquil sunset photograph of the weathered pier over the saltmarsh at Newtown National Nature Reserve will be sent out to the National Trust’s 5.6m members, following a competition to find an image for cover of the annual handbook.

Les Lockhart, who lives in East Cowes, won the contest with the striking shot of his favourite local spot. He said: "I love being able to go out to Newtown regularly, whether it’s during the day to watch all the wildlife,

or in the evening for the sunset. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful location, and there are so many features that make it a great place for photography too, like the walkway and the boats on the estuary. One of the reasons I like photography is that you’re able to share these places with others. Hopefully seeing the image on the Handbook will encourage people to really appreciate and make the most of beautiful places on their own doorstep.”

Thousands of photos were entered into

IW Stroke Association benefits from poignant charity donation Members of the IOW Centre of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, who select a charity to support each year, have made the Isle of Wight Stroke Association their choice. It was proposed for 2019 by Mike and Lyn Bonner, who chose the charity because Lyn had benefited greatly from their

support following a stroke a few years earlier.

Fundraising events began with the usual January raffle and plans were going well. However, during the club’s 43rd birthday rally in May, Mike collapsed having suffered a stroke and subsequently died.

The members rallied round

and presented a cheque for £827.66 to the Stroke Association at their AGM. Martyn, one of the couple’s sons, stepped up to help Lyn on a day to day basis and they are now both enjoying being members of the centre, joining in as many rallies as possible.

the competition with the theme of ‘places that make you feel good’, with submissions ranging from mist-cloaked valleys to carpets of woodland bluebells.

The winner was chosen by a panel of five judges, including famous naturalist, presenter and wildlife cameraman Simon King who said: “Les’s photo stood out because of the beautiful composition, with the wooden walkway drawing the eye in and giving that combination of the gentle touch

of man in a wild landscape.”

Mike Greenslade, National Trust General Manager for the Isle of Wight, added: “We’re so delighted that one of our local visitors has been selected as the winning photographer by this prestigious panel in a national competition.

Mr Lockhart has perfectly captured the beauty and tranquillity of this truly special place. It’s our privilege and pleasure to look after it, for the wildlife and for generations to come.”

A nammet tasting evening is being hosted by the Island Sailing Club on Wednesday (Nov 20) from 6.30pm in celebration of Isle of Wight producers, food and drink and recipes featured in the Nammet book. The book is being sold in aid of the Mountbatten Hospice.

Nammet is an old Isle of Wight dialect term for refreshment taken in the fields during the day, traditionally consisting of bread and cheese with a pint of strong ale.

The popular Cowes club is welcoming nonmembers to the evening and award-winning local producers will be present to showcase and offer their Island produce, including Quarr Abbey, Briddlesford, Wild Island, Isle of Wight Honey and Wight Crystal. The Club's bar which will be open all evening, will

feature Isle of Wight ale and gin.

The Club, famed for organising the annual Round the Island yacht race, will also hold a grand raffle during the event with all proceeds going directly to Mountbatten.

Tickets for the evening are £10 and include a drink on arrival, and a taster plate of Island foods created by the Sailing Club’s resident chef, John Barden. Live music is being provided by Simon Davis, professional pianist and salt producer, who makes salt from sea water taken from Wheelers Bay in Ventnor.

Tickets are available with advance booking only by calling the Island Sailing Club on (01983) 296621 or visiting the Club’s office or website www.islandsc.org.uk

Nammet tasting in Cowes yacht club

15th November 2019

iwobserver

News

@iwobserver

CT scans for pets available on Island The Mobile Vet has purchased a CT Scanner so domestic animals who need investigations will not have to travel to the mainland. Paul Rolfe said: “This service is available to all pet owners on the Island not just those registered with Mobile Vets. At a stressful time with a poorly pet to have the technology on the doorstep is a great benefit.”

Beaverbrook Foundation renovate tennis courts

Built in the 1930s, Northwood House, Cowes has six public tennis courts and players and spectators enjoy fabulous views across the Solent. Thanks to a grant of £80,000 from the Beaverbrook Foundation, the courts are now being renovated. Located in the centre of Northwood Park the courts are a unique community facility for residents and visitors alike. Coaching and equipment are available, with regular free “Try

Tennis” sessions.

A basketball court will replace one of the tennis courts, with additional netball posts, to encourage more outdoor activity for local children. Community groups and schools will be able to use the courts to increase participation in sport. The work will take approximate four weeks to complete and will be guaranteed until 2040. Laura Levi, trustee of Beaverbrook Foundation said:

“These courts represent an opportunity to give local children the chance to play sport for free. It continues my late father Sir Max Aitken’s tradition of charitable giving to small groups that can make a big difference”.

This work follows on from replacement of the fencing in the spring thanks to donations from Wight Shipyard and other local organisations and individuals.

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15th November 2019

Only 6 per cent of domestic abusers are charged BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill Reported incidents of domestic abuse have risen on the Island by more than 10 per cent, highlighted in the latest report published by the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), with 1,583 incidents flagged with domestic abuse aspects.

Marked as a priority by the CSP to tackle, over 35 per cent of reported abuse was committed by a spouse or partner with a further third carried out by former partners.

Figures also show that one in four abusive episodes were fuelled by alcohol.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, District Commander for the Island, urged those affected to report their incidents. She said: “When abuse is in a domestic environment we want to signpost victims to YOU Trust, a commissioned service here on the Island.”

YOU Trust, which has provided councilfunded services since last year, trains communities to help provide victims with support as well as adding security measures to houses so victims can stay in their home.

Hampshire Constabulary officers have also had mandatory training, with 23 Island

officers volunteering to be ‘domestic abuse champions’, so victims’ first point of contact with the police is a good one. Supt Jackson said: “The officers will have a greater understanding of issues people face and they will do what they can to support the victim.

The victim needs the right help to report the case.”

A troubling statistic to emerge from the assessment showed only 6.1 per cent of abusers were charged, with 69.7 per cent of cases failing, where either the victim did not support or withdrew support from the prosecution as well as evidential difficulties that led to no prosecution.

But Supt Jackson said all the police can do is collect evidence. She said: “The reality is we have different roles, our job is to present the case to the CPS and help support the victim, the CPS have to do their bit as well. We send advice back and forth, finding the gaps in a case, and help get a case to a place where a successful prosecution can happen but sometimes that sadly isn’t possible.”

Star Poppy shows the way at WightKarting WightKarting at Westridge Centre, Ryde, awarded its first Star of the Week to Poppy, a 10 year old from Sidcup in Kent.

Poppy attended a Junior Track Day programme in 2018 and has since been able to complete all five levels and is now eligible to drive the faster style junior karts.

Cathy Foulkes, owner of WightKarting, said: “We were delighted to award Poppy with the very first Star of the Week award. Poppy has been karting with us for a year now and since her first session last summer she has shown a great deal of improvement, development and growth within the sport.

"We can tell Poppy has fallen in love with karting and is eager to learn more and we are keen to help her achieve her dream, to become a professional F1 driver. As a company trying to enhance the reputation of motorsports, we find it very satisfying when we see young talents like Poppy succeeding in a predominantly male dominated sport. We would love to see more girls getting involved and for them to fall in love with the sport as much as Poppy has!”

Since the first Adrenaline Junkie Junior Track Day Scheme was launched at Easter 2018 over 300 youngsters have taken part in track days, with 70 of them completing all

five levels to date. The next Junior Track days are available during the Christmas holidays. and can be booked online at the website on www.wightkarting.co.uk/race

Relaunch party in Ryde for Sassy Isle of Wight Directors Sandy Ciccognani and Lucy Bell have been producing short films for the Isle of Wight community since 2006. Subjects covered have been very diverse including childbirth, parenting, Pride, housing, small businesses, mental health, social history and carnivals. They have filmed Islanders doing and talking about many things, capturing the essence of projects and giving people a voice.

They said:“We use film as an accessible way of telling stories and sharing information.

Many more people could be using film effectively.”

They offer in house training courses to charities and patchwork films of local events and produce films for evaluation purposes or for funding applications. Future projects include working with Ryde Arts and Communities Against Cancer. Changes in technology and the growth of social media mean they can work in a different way and have relaunched as a community interest company under the name Sassy Isle of Wight,

Connecting Communities through Film and Creativity.

They also run creative workshops and events to engage with people offering support to isolated individuals and bringing the community together. Including a weekly Make Do and Mend group, reusing and recycling and teaching the basics of sewing and encouraging people to share their skills and experience. An upcycling workshop making Frida Khalo inspired skirt was part of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Art of Dying Well week Lucy, Sandy and third new director, Ellen McVicar hosted a launch party in Ryde. Sandy said: “We were overwhelmed by the support shown to us, both by those who came to the party and those who sent messages. There are so many stories that still need telling and people who want to share important messages. We hope we can use our experience and creativity to help others connect more effectively.”

15th November 2019

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Across

Down

1. Newspaper size (7)

1. Home of plays (7)

5. Popular ski resort (5)

2. Pirate treasure (5)

8. Wear with time and weather (5)

3. Tiresome and unpleasant (7)

9. Will addition, replacement (7)

4. Bring to a resolution (6)

10. Neck gland (7)

5. Official accounts inspection (5)

11. Sharp plant defence (5)

6. Small woodwind intrument (7)

12. Too much (6)

7. Synthetic polymer (5)

14. Foreign climes (6)

13. Old school film comedy series (5,2)

18. Removing clothes (5) 20. Keeps away from people (7) 22

22. Puzzling and mysterious (7)

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23. Greek afterlife (5) 24. Cheerful disposition (5) 24

25. Hang or lift (7)

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Sudoku

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

15. Roman version of Dionysus (7) 16. Opposite of 18 across (7) 17. Brief summary (6) 18. Cult groups (5) 19. Unimportant (5) 21. Unwarranted (5)

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

by John Wrench. To join a club email: chessplay@mail.com. Last weeks solution: 1. f5+ exf5, 2. Qxh6+ gxh6, 3. Rag8++

Wordsearch Find the following names of Isle of Wight landmarks and attractions, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backwards and forwards APPULDURCOMBE ARRETON BARNS BLACKGANG CHINE DIMBOLA FARRINGFORD HOY MONUMENT MODEL VILLAGE

For the answers to the crossword, see page 2.

Spot the differences

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Chess puzzle

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Puzzles

@iwobserver

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures of the Island Line train at Ryde below?

NEWTOWN OSBORNE HOUSE SANDOWN PIER ST CATHERINES THE LONGSTONE THE NEEDLES YARMOUTH CASTLE

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News

Concerns that care services cannot deliver elderly’s needs

www.iwobserver.co.uk

15th November 2019

Nature Notes

The glory of colour changes

BBC local democracy reporter Louise Hill The Isle of Wight Council’s Annual Public Health report has been published, focusing on the health and wellbeing of over 65s, and raises key concerns about Islanders living longer with care services unable to deliver what elderly people need.

Despite the ‘struggling’ health care services on the Island, the Council have not put forward any changes to social care plans to combat rising problems, only self-care recommendations. The Council’s remedies for those over 65 to counteract problems so people can enter ‘old age as healthy as possible’ are as simple as exercising, breaking up how long you spend sitting down and getting vaccinated.

Only one in four people aged over 65 years meet the minimum recommended activity levels needed to maintain their health with the Council saying it is never too late to start regular exercise to help build strength and regain balance.

With 11 per cent of households in fuel poverty, 5.1 per cent of Island homes have no central heating. This leads to an estimated

30 excess winter deaths per year attributable to cold housing although over 97 per cent of residents over 65 receive fuel winter payments, increasing year on year. The council says the Island Plan draft identifies the need for greater fuel efficiency in new builds.

Uptake for all three vaccinations that over 65s are advised to have - flu, shingles and pneumonia - are consistently lower than national targets, with age alone increasing the risk of suffering these diseases.

The Council has also urged those who feel socially and digitally isolated to take action, either by volunteering, like half of the Island’s 55-75 population or taking part in technology workshops.

Simon Bryant, interim director of public health for the council, said: “Many people are remaining healthy and independent as they age and most older people report their health is good. This report will look at ways in which we can further prevent disease and keep people as healthy as possible for as long as possible."

End of the line? Recipe for success

The model railway at Fort Victoria may close its doors for the last time if a buyer is not found in the next few weeks. The popular tourist attraction has been run by the owners Di Holbrook and Rod Heskins for the last 14 years. At 75 years old, and

not enjoying the best health the current owners have decided to hang up their whistles. If no one comes forward to buy the attraction then the model railway will be dismantled. It is currently on the market with Scotcher and Co.

Waste collection team remember colleague

Following the death of a long standing and well respected member of the Isle of Wight Council’s waste collection team there will be no waste collection on Tuesday November 19 to allow staff to attend the funeral. There will be no change to collections on Monday November 18 but Tuesday’s collection will be on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collection on Thursday, Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday’s collection on Saturday. The following week the schedules will return to normal.

At a prestigious awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Ryde authoress Charlotte Benz received her own success when she was given the Quilly award for her book, The Recipe For Success: The World's Leading Entrepreneurs and Professionals Reveal Their Secret Ingredients For Health, Wealth and Success.

Co-authored by Jack Canfield the book has contributions from many international business writers and was an Amazon best seller.

Autumn glory - Litten Park, Newport’s magnificent weeping beech is said to be one of the finest specimens in the country. It’s obvious value as a symbol of mourning commended it to the designers of many Victorian municipal cemeteries.

We are halfway through autumn, and as ever, its chief glory is the changing colour of the leaves. In recent years our understanding of how this happens has increased enormously, and we’re also asking why.

It is is down to two chemical types. The yellows and oranges are produced by carotenoids, particularly oxygenated ones (xanthophylls) which start to show with the breakdown of chlorophyll. As every schoolboy knows, this plays a major part in photosynthesis, the means by which plants use sunlight to create nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.

The reds, and we have a considerably lower proportion of these compared with New England where the most dramatic displays of the ‘Fall’ occur, are generated by anthocyanins that play no part in this process.

An article in British Wildlife explains how Oxford-based biologist Bill Hamilton, who died in 2000 before his theory could be published (his students eventually did the job for him) suggested that these dazzling hues were not just signs of decay but warning notes to plant-eating insects

that the leaves were in fact still healthy, functioning, and best left alone.

Then there is the idea, first postulated in the 19th century but difficult to test until just lately, that the dark reds of anthocyanins may help warm the tree and so allow photosynthesis to continue longer.

Also argued in the 1890s was that the red pigments might protect its ability to photosynthesise by screening the chlorophyll from bright light as the internal structure of its leaves starts to deteriorate. Recent research indicates that Hamilton’s ‘photoprotection’ theory is probably correct.

Confirmation is likely to come with information obtained from satellites.

Meanwhile the changes of autumn are coming later as climate change kicks in. Leaf fall in the UK is now happening 10-18 days later than it did 80 years ago.

In New England, where they play a vital part in the tourist industry, it is thought the colours may become even more vibrant as this progresses. Others speculate that trees may not use their sugars to create red pigments but rather spend the fuel to grow new twigs.

Free parking in Newport Bus fares to rise from Sunday for Christmas shoppers

Southern Vectis Multi-day, Freedom and Advance tickets will all go up in price from Sunday (Nov 17). Many of the changes mean a five per cent increase in fares. The sevenday freedom ticket will cost £27, an increase

of £2 unless you use the app where the price is £25. An adult 90-day freedom pass will increase from £225 to £235.There is no change in price to single fares and 24-hour Rover tickets.

Catch up with Sport p. 33

Christmas shoppers can enjoy ‘free from three’ parking in short stay car parks in Newport on four Thursdays in the run-up to Christmas. The offer applies to short-stay car parks only, from 3pm (maximum stay three hours), on November 28, and December 5, 12 and 19. There will also be free parking in short-stay car parks from 12 noon in Newport on Saturday, November 30, and Saturday,

December 14 to help support businesses during the St Mary’s junction improvement works.

Small Business Saturday on December 7 will also see free parking in all long-stay car parks across the Island from 12 noon. The parking initiatives are organised by Newport Business Association working collaboratively with the Isle of Wight Council’s regeneration team.

15th November 2019

iwobserver

Letters

@iwobserver

Holmesy!

The David Holmes Column

Take your pick

Island Soapbox

Send your letters into us newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or post them to us IW Observer, Suite 6, 17 St.Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff.

They belong to the author and the author alone - Letters must be no longer than 250 words please.

Good that memorials are given recognition Dear Editor, Good to see that so many of the Island's war memorials are to be given due recognition.

Many of them around the country are falling into disrepair, some even targeted by vandals, and, with the passing of time, obscurity.

Few people, for instance, when climbing through the imposing entrance to Waterloo Station realise this is itself a memorial to railway employees who lost their lives in World War I. Quite a few are of real architectural merit, the most famous, of course, being Edwin Lutyens' Cenotaph in Whitehall.

Some are privately funded. A particularly moving example is the shrine on the hill overlooking Havenstreet which has provided

First the Liberals, now it’s the Brexit Party not bothering.

The news would have boosted morale in the Island’s Conservative HQ enormously, but only briefly. Barely did they have time to uncork the bubbly when, like buses, not one, but two committed proBrexit candidates turned up.

Fixed-Link campaigner Carl Feeney was first and has thousands of Facebook supporters trailing behind him, over 4,000 more than Cap’n Bob whose been the MP for over two years. Carl may pick up a lot of votes, especially from anyone cheesed-off with both the EU and those useless ferries.

Carl’s ‘Freedom Tunnel’ Facebook page, and the many people posting comments on it, are fairly hostile to Bob and his lack of interest in a tunnel. If we do get to see the two of them head-to-head at a hustings, there’ll be fireworks. Last week on Twitter, Bob crowed ‘I visited @iwight today to submit my nomination’.

I’m not on Twitter, but Carl is, and was quick to make sure everyone knew about it. It doesn’t seem to me to be a good way to counter accusations the MP doesn’t live here. But hey - it’s his campaign.

Also throwing his £500 deposit in the ring is former UKIP candidate Daryll Pitcher, who’s well in with the Brexit mob. Nigel Farage pulled his official candidate out, so Daryll will stand as an independent wanting a ‘proper Brexit’. He’s an easy-going and clever bloke, with a bit of local profile.

He’s bound to be the choice for anyone wanting shot of Brussels and Bob Seely, but not convinced by Carl’s fixed link agenda.

The openly remain (regardless of public opinion) candidate, is the irrepressible Green, Vix Lowthian. Having shaken off the Lib-Dems, Vix officially gets started tomorrow (Sat) with a campaign launch in Cowes. I presume that’s because the national party bigwig who’s joining her, can only spare a few hours. Cowes is handy

for a quick ferry hop, so let’s hope they’re running OK, or the whole thing could become shambolic. Please note, the release of helium balloons at the launch party is strictly forbidden, as are real sausage rolls.

If you want a woman in the House vote for Vix – she’s your only choice.

Labour has a local candidate too, Richard Quigley, reportedly a nice bloke. He thinks he can defeat Vix, but is probably already beaten, just by having Jeremy Corbyn in charge. It seems to be accepted by the national pundits that Labour’s muddled and confusing Brexit policy makes a Friday the 13th horror show for them pretty likely.

Then there’s Karl Love an East Cowes councillor, who seems a pretty good sort, but I’m not sure what he stands for. I hear he’s running around in a pretty ancient Tuc-Tuc. Islanders with long memories will recall that I stood as an Independent against Andrew Turner in 2001. My battle-bus of choice was a vintage hearse. Take it from me Karl, an unusual campaign vehicle is no defence against losing your deposit.

Bob is clear favourite to win of course, but he does seem to spend a lot of time elsewhere, earning himself the epithet ‘Seldom seen Seely.’

When he does reveal himself, it’s either a quick summer photoop, on the gogglebox earnestly discussing Russia, China, Syria, and Iraq or he’s on Radio 4 calling in from Hong Kong.

Does anyone actually know for sure how many jollies, sorry factfinding trips, he’s been on in the last couple of years?

Answers on a postcard please. I guess he believes a highly visible presence on the Island isn’t particularly important, not when he enjoys a 21,000 majority. I think Bob might be a lot less comfortable this time; maybe he’s in for a nervous night at the count?

The Island is a unique seat and Islanders can vote unpredictably. You take it for granted at your peril.

“Last week on Twitter, Bob crowed ‘I visited @iwight today to submit my nomination’.”

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welcome temporary shelter for generations of ramblers. It is dedicated to the memory of 2/Lt Richard Willis Fleming, and to all of the parishes of Binstead and Havenstreet who died in the Great War. Built of stone from the Fleming family quarries, it was erected by his parents, John and Violet, of Binstead House in July 1918 while the war was still in progress. Richard was killed at the age of 20 while serving with 14 Battery Royal Horse Artillery at the Battle of Romani in Egypt on August 4, 1916. Now virtually forgotten, this was in fact the first British Empire victory against the Ottoman Turks and a turning point in the campaign to restore the country's territorial integrity.

R. Halee, St Helens

Wildlife must thrive at this special habitat Dear Editor Elegiac is the word to describe Les Lockhart's photo of the sun setting on Newtown. It looks desolate, not a bird in sight, so would better serve to illustrate our campaign to save the Island's sole National Nature Reserve from the National Trust, rather than sit on the cover of its new handbook.

John Willmott, who has been monitoring the site since the 1950s, says Newtown will be lost as a wildlife sanctuary within 10 years if the Trust continues promoting it as a leisure centre.

Because that is what it is doing, despite general manager Mike Greenslade's claim that 'It's our privilege and pleasure to look after it, for the wildlife and for generations to come'.

Boats, canoes and paddleboards have proliferated here in recent years as the Trust handed over management to people more concerned with visitor numbers than protecting wildlife, implementing what has been called 'an unwelcome change of

policy' by IW Council Deputy Leader Stuart Hutchinson, in whose ward Newtown is contained.

Lately they have also been backing a cycle route from the East Cowes car ferry terminal into the heart of the NNR, where they have opened up the woodlands to the detriment of colonies of squirrels, lizards and owls.

Newtown is practically the last estuary on the south coast unspoilt by development and if too many of us use it, we'll lose it.

While the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England has warned that its 'special character' is at risk, the Trust itself maintains that its absolute priority is to ensure wildlife can thrive at this special habitat and that people can continue to enjoy visiting it.

In the past it has been possible to maintain the balance - just. Unfortunately these two wholly admirable aims may soon cancel each other out.

James Allaway - Keep Newtown for the Birds

The way democracy died Dear Editor, The General Election is like a five-week migraine. Jeremy ‘Red Steptoe’ Corbyn claims he would get a better deal with the EU, and then campaign against it in a second referendum! Equally incomprehensible is Jo, ‘a vote for me is the only one I count’ Swinson, offering to ignore whatever we vote for past or future. Meanwhile, Johnson’s ‘Do or Die’ and ‘Dead in a Ditch’, even ‘Come

What May’, all meant nothing.

Unless the latter referred to his rehash of Treason May’s awful deal. There was an alternative, but in what appears to be a sell out bigger than the January sales, Farage has taken that option away from voters on the IW, and in other Tory strongholds. It is capitulating to BRINO, and that is not what the majority voted for. This, my friends, is how democracy died. Adam Webb, Ryde

Send your letters in to us newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

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15th November 2019

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Sport

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Sport

33

Observer

By Peter White

Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club

Royal Isle of Wight Trophies: Winners, Bill Foss and Sarah Hammond; runners-up, Sean Millward and Connie Huntington V Aldridge Rosebowl: Winner, Shawn Ford, runner-up, Steve Lucy; losing semi-finalists, Brian Price and Bill Foss.

Reg Fielder Memorial Trophy: Winners, David Ames and Robert Gray; runners-up, Tony Williams and Shaun Williams; losing semifinalists, Lawrence Tolfrey and Rick Scoble, Peter Conway and Bill Foss.

British Legion Golf Day AM-AM: 1, Mike Ward, Stef Brochocki, Roy Truman and Derek Maidment 120; 2, Simon Guy, Marino Zanti, Simon Booth and Rob Turrell 120; 3, Dave Perren, Graham Burgess, Tony Bird and Paul Breeds 120 Austin Cups: 1, Ian Hatcher and Kevin Liquorish 44; 2, Roy Truman and Tony Ryall 43.

Open Stableford: 1, John Moorman 35 points; 2, George Foreman 34.

Seniors Monthly Stableford: 1, Stuart Robertson 31.

Cowes Golf Club

Tuesday Coleby: 1 (joint),Dave Rapley, John Weekes, Ian Wood net 29. Best gross: Dave Rapley 41.

Thursday Coleby: 1, Terry Ashdown net 30; 2 (joint), Viv Jenkins, Ken Walmsley 31. Best gross: Viv Jenkins Pyrah Stableford: 1, Sean Harrison 43points; 2, Paul Young 41; 3, Brian Hartnell 40.

Joe Barker Cup: 1, Paul Young 42; 2, Ryan Chandler 40; 3, Thomas Deacon 39.

Westridge Golf Club

18-hole, Stableford: 1, Tony Jennings 32 points; 2, Clive Martin 31; Geoff Budd 30.

18-hole, Par: 1, Phil Brennan 3-up; 2, Tony Jennings 1-up ocb; 3, Christine Hodgkinson 1up.

18-hole, Stableford, Division 1: 1, Gareth Jones 40: 2, Bob SinghBansi 39; 3, Jason Clabon 38. Division 2: 1, Dennis Wilson 44; 2, Alan Harnett 40; 3, Clive Martin 37.

Newport Golf Club

Thursday Stableford: 1, Rex Ringer (7) 40 points; 2, Mark King (8) 35.

Saturday Stableford: 1, Adam Riddett (13) 35; 2, Rex Ringer (11) 34.

Christmas Hamper Stableford: 1, Matt Brailsford (7) 34.

Osborne Golf Club

Midweek Stableford: Division 1: 1, Brian Wright 39; 2, Andy Taylor 38; 3, Tim Eldridge 37. Division 2: 1, Peter Wright 40; 2, Ian Taylor 39; 3, Keiran Foster 37. Division 3: 1, Paul Cates 39; 2, John Cooper 38; 3, Hugh Fowler 37.

Saturday Stableford: Division 1: 1, Andy Partridge 37; 2, Derek Wright 36; 3, Nick Hunter 35. Division 2: 1, Stephen Legg 34; 2, Mike Spall 33; 3, Sean Thrippleton 32. Division 3: 3, Paul Cates 33 ocb; 2, Martin Marshall 33 ocb; 3, Richard Highmore 33.

Sunday Stableford : 1, Martin Edmonds 41; 2, Trevor Maidment 37 ocb; 3, Clive Beard 37.

Ryde Golf Club

Ladies’ section: Shortened Greensome; 1, Julia Bailey and Marian Johnston 30; 2, Judi Hume and Tricia Warner 26; 3, Lyn Brown and Pauline Kilty 24.

Island Vecta Billiard & Snooker League Newport Con 9, Arreton 6: Terry Phillips (16) 200/5, Jim Marsden (75) 145/0. Vince Salter (97) 183/2, Joe Lashmar (69) 200/3. Dave Cox (-17) 192/2, Kevin Rose (75) 200/3.

Newbridge 10, Chillerton 5: Kev Whillier (-44) 200/3, Roger Packer (81) 197/2; Trevor Whillier (-6) 200/5, Andy Potts (4) 101/0; Trevor Rider (107) 197/2, Jamie Sprake (81) 200/3. Ryde BL, bye.

Highest break: Dave Cox, 45.

Newport Con Chillerton Ryde BL. Arreton Newbridge

P 7 6 6 6 7

W 5 4 3 2 2

L 2 2 3 4 5

Pts 64 54 43 41* 37

*Arreton deducted 1 point for 2 man rule

Ryde Raptors’ Man of Match Spike Hughes

Sharks close gap after success over Royals Shanklin Sharks closed the gap at the top of the IW Table Tennis Association, Division One table to one point, behind Ryde A, after victory over Ryde Royals. Ryde’s Hugh Idle was on top form winning all his matches to put him on 87 per cent win average, the same as Shanklin’s Don Hobbs, who gave Idle his toughest contest, with Idle taking the final set 11-8. The match finished 6-4 to Shanklin.

Ryde Raiders continued their good form with a 7-3 victory over Havenstreet Sleepers. Havenstreet Ollie Staniforth secured three victories; all the Ryde players won two games each, with Mike Prior performing particularly well.

Newport’s two Division One teams went head to head, with Vics A taking on the Joyce siblings of Vics B. Anna Joyce won two matches for Vics B but her brothers finished empty handed as Vics A trio Dave Hilliam, John Cornforth and player of the match Paul Freeborn, all shone in the 7-3 success.

In Division Two Havenstreet Locos and Newport Vics C met in a clash at the top of the table which resulted in

John Cornforth in form for Vics A some high quality exciting games, with Vic’s Trevor Percival winning all his games, although Havenstreet’s Mike Lee took him to five sets.

Havenstreet’s Ian Loosemore lost his 100 per cent record and Vic’s Percival is the only player now on 100 per cent.

The Vics win keeps them four points above Havenstreet.

Newly promoted Ryde Raptors

and Newport Vics D met, with the Raptors cruising to an emphatic 8-2 victory. Ryde’s Spike Hughes was player of the match, winning all three, to give him a creditable 60 per cent average in his first season in Division Two. Division Three sees Ryde Revellers top the table, having won all their matches so far including the 7-3 victory against Ryde Rockets, and Revellers’ Alan Burch tops the Division Three averages with 100 per cent. Wootton Wombles recorded their first win in the league, 9-1 over newcomers Ryde Ramblers.

Results: Division One: Newport Vics A 7, Newport Vics B 3; Ryde Raiders 7, Havenstreet Sleepers 3; Ryde Royals 4, Shanklin Sharks 6.

Division Two: Havenstreet Locos 2, Newport Vics C 8; Ryde Raptors 8, Newport Vics D 2; Ryde Rookies 2, Ryde Rascals 8.

Division Three: St Lawrence Lizards 8, Ryde Regals 2; Ryde Ramblers 1, Wootton Wombles 9; Ryde Rackets 7, Ryde Rustics 3; Ryde Rockets 3, Ryde Revellers 7; Ryde Rebels 4, Newport Vics E 6.

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

Jones West Wight v Pan Sports – Brian Hayward

Division One Newport v Folland Sports (3pm) Fawley v East Cowes Vics (3pm)

The Ken Morris IOW Junior A Cup first round. Sponsored by The Harwoods Renault IOW League AFC Wootton v Seaview – Ian Gordon Niton Community v Newchurch – Referee Richard Mcfarlane

Hampshire FA Trophy second round Brading Town v East Cowes Sports – Matt Sainsbury Ryde Saints v Hamble Club Reserves – John Hopkinson Hampshire FA Vase second round Newport Reserves v AFC Mayflower – Chris Cass Oakfield Res v Adgestone – Keith Ruth Harwoods Dacia Senior (Gold) Cup first round Bembridge v Sandown – Ali Taylor Binstead & COB v Ventnor – Andy

Harwoods Renault League Division One Shanklin v Northwood St Johns – Steve Raybould Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Carisbrooke United – Dave Jukes Division Two East Cowes Vics Reserves v Oakfield – Ben Orton Osborne Coburg v Yarmouth & Calbourne – Stephen Todd

Combination One Carisbrooke United v Whitecroft & Barton Sports – Andy Doncaster Northwood St Johns v Shanklin – Andy King Ryde Saints v East Cowes Sports – No Referee Sandown v Brading Town – Chris Beard Seaview v West Wight – No Referee Combination Two Newchurch v Vectis – No Referee Pan Sports v Niton Community – No Referee Yarmouth & Calbourne v Bembridge – No Referee Tuesday Wessex League Premier Division Cowes Sports v Lymington Town (7.45pm)

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Ventnor resistance broken as Pumas secure victory Ventnor 8 points Locksheath Pumas 36 points Ventnor RFC soon found themselves on the back foot in their Hampshire League One match as the Pumas drove forward, and despite some strong resistance, the visitors’ scrum-half darted over for an early try.

Ventnor hit back as the indomitable Marsh disrupted the Pumas possession and Louis Malkin’s lightning passes instigated waves of attacks with Ed Blake, Sam Lines and Harry Colson prominent.

Adam Pratt, Lewis Jones and Tristan Price gave the Islanders an edge in the scrums, supported by the massive effort of Andrew Teague and Dan Noyes, and the continuous pressure resulted in a penalty that Calvin Edwards converted.

Ventnor kept up their work-rate and considering the conditions, the quality of the rugby was exceptional and the game benefited from an excellent referee.

Pumas scored another try late in the half when an uncharacteristic mistake from the fringe defence allowed their winger to score in the corner.

The early part of the second half was very disappointing as the Islanders let in three sloppy tries. Drives by Savill, Jones and Pratt provided quick ball for Malkin and a brilliant flick pass from Edwards gave George Finan enough room to burst over in the corner. This was Edwards’ final contribution as he made way for the ever-youthful Warren Riches who has never let Ventnor down. Despite further endeavour, the game ended with the visitors back on top and they completed the scoring with a final try as the whistle blew for full time.

A J Wells Man of the Match: Chris Fletcher for his display that defied his 51 years.

Red Funnel Moment of the Match: George Finan for arriving late but being Ventnor’s only try scorer.

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E-mail the IW Observer: sport@iwobserver.co.uk

Window of opportunity for IW hockey ladies Isle of Wight Hockey Club Ladies 3rd XI will be kitted for the new season by Anglian Home Improvements after the club was named a winner of Anglian’s Support for Sport campaign.

Backed by Olympic hockey player Sam Quek MBE, Support for Sport was launched by the home improvements firm to put the spotlight on all those who play a sport at a grassroots level.

Anglian appealed for community

clubs to apply for one of 20 kit sponsorships worth £300. Guest judge, Sam Quek helped to select the winners, with Isle of Wight Hockey Club Ladies 3rd XI being one of the teams selected to kick off their season in style.

Founded over 100 years ago, Isle of Wight Hockey Club Ladies 3rd XI trains at Rew Valley Sports Centre on Tuesday evenings, and the club has a further two ladies teams, which compete in

not only looks the part, but this gesture of support will help to foster an even greater sense of team spirit and positivity among the players and all those who help out at the club. We pride ourselves on welcoming players of all ages and abilities, and I would urge all those interested in hockey to get in touch and find out more about joining the club.”

Schafer in his Laser is victor on handicap

Mymo and Mark take first place The Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s Frostbite race saw the cruisers, led by Nigel Talbot’s speedy trimaran Sanity, heading north-east, and rounding the line twice. After handicap, Mymo and Mark Weeks came first and Elsa with Chris Turner, second.

Six Squibs first race’s windward mark was Regatta Letts, and the second race was to a windward mark south of Regatta Letts. Lee Deck and Martin Harrison won the fifth race in the series and Osprey, with Chris Gear, taking the sixth.

The fast handicap was a match race between two RS 400s. Neil Griffiths took line honours after Sam Prime and Emma Baker took a swim after a ‘too slow gybe’. All fleets finished within 10 minutes of each other.

Everyone was gearing up for next Sunday on the water with a 1pm start, when there will be more closely-fought battles for series winners, especially in the Squib fleet between Lee Deck and Osprey.

Tomorrow (Sat) sees the return of the popular winter quiz series, with quiz-master Chris Ody. Teams can be a maximum of six people. A curry supper is served from 6.30pm with the quiz starting at 7.30pm.

the Hampshire Hockey League, two men’s teams, and a thriving junior section.

Aly Townend, the IW Hockey Club Ladies 3rd XI Manager, said: “We are all so thankful to Anglian for this generous donation. We found out about the Support for Sport campaign and decided to submit an application, but it was a complete surprise to hear we’d been successful.

“With the new kit, the team

Scow winner: Peter Hayward

Bembridge Harbour Yacht Club ran their Frostbite Series Handicap race outside the harbour but kept the Scow class in the relative calm of the harbour, because of lumpy condition outside.

Sam Steward suffered a recurring knee injury causing him to retire after the first round. Martyn Davies in the Solo kept his lead over Kristian Schafer’s Laser finishing more than one minute ahead, but dropped to second place on handicap.

Tom and Millie Wilson did some swimming after the RS200 capsized, but righted their boat in good order to finish in a strong third position.

The course for the three Scows took in a leeward mark laid east of Fisherman’s pontoon, 10A as the windward mark and a return to No.17 on each the four) laps of the harbour. Peter Hayward gradually increased his lead with each lap of the course, finishing more than five minutes ahead of Paul Gould.

Chris Girling sailed a very competent race to come in just a couple of minutes behind Paul.

Handicap: 1, Kristian Schafer; 2, Martyn Davies; 3, Tom and Millie Wilson.

Scows: 1, Peter Hayward; 2, Paul Gould; 3, Chris Girling.

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Peerless is fearless to win the Guy Fawkes Trophy With the Bembridge Sailing Club’s Downer family away, the way looked open for Bruce Huber to add another trophy to his cabinet. However, despite two firsts and a second on the first day, he too had commitments on the second day, so there was a new name on the Guy Fawkes Trophy.

With a first, four thirds and a fourth over the two days David Peerless won his first Regatta since he started racing Illusions a few years ago. Mike Toogood was second and Hugh Doherty was third.

With 15 Illusions, the first race was won by Julia Bailey win it, with Bruce never far away, and David Peerless, Hugh Doherty and Andy Christie always close. The first start of the second race saw a General Recall and the fleet come back to start again under the U Flag.

With disqualifications and Julia out of the running, the second race was open for Bruce to establish a big lead ahead of Andy Christie and David Peerless.

The final race of the day saw Bruce’s green spinnaker first to appear with Andy Christie, Robin Ebsworth and David Peerless in close order behind. But then David Russell-Jones moved up into third and Robin dropped to sixth.

A much reduced fleet the following morning saw David Peerless first round the windward mark in the first race, with Serena Gosling, Mike Toogood and Hugh Doherty close behind. As the race unfolded, David increased his lead, Mike and Hugh moved into second and third places.

In the second race of the day it looked as though Mike Toogood was going to win relatively easily, before Owen Pay took the lead. They were neck and neck before Mike won by inches. David was third and Hugh was fourth.

In the final race Mike and David were the early leaders. However Owen moved up into second for what then became a bit of a procession.

Above: Winner David flanked by Mike Toogood and Hugh Doherty.

Left: David Peerless on his way to victory

Frustrations for IW as Pompey wade home IW 8 points Portsmouth II 12 points Isle of Wight RFC endured a disappointing defeat at home to Portsmouth’s second team in a mud bath at Wootton Rec. Two well-matched teams battled each other and the conditions manfully throughout, but the visitors just about deserved their victory and left IW mulling over what might have been.

IW started with wind advantage and were unlucky not to open with a try as Alex Smith cantered over only for advantage not to be applied and play called back for an IW penalty. After a series of penalties, a Lewis Murray kick finally opened the scoring.

Heavy conditions and rain dictated a forward-dominated battle and Portsmouth showed slightly more capacity to break the IW defensive line and built pressure in

the 22, concluding with a close-range try to take a 5-3 lead.

IW were further hampered as Chris Ormerod was yellow carded for a high tackle, and Biffa man of the match Murray attempted to restore the IW lead but struck the post with a penalty attempt. Facing the breeze in the second half, IW appeared up against it, and Portsmouth scored a converted try.

IW rallied strongly, with the efforts of Rouse man of the match Luke Blackman and Ian Puzey standing out, before James Webster to crossed to cut the lead. Trailing by four points, IW chased victory but got little change from the impressive Portsmouth defence, and IW were frustrated when the final whistle was blown five minutes before normal time should have ended. IW will look to use their disappointment in their next match at Fawley on tomorrow (Sat).

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15th November 2019

IW Ladies bowl into next round of Mason Trophy The Isle of Wight Indoor Bowls Club Ladies team recorded a decisive 13-shot win over East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club in the first round of the Mason Trophy, a two-rink competition in which one rink plays at home and the other away.

The rink playing away of Annie Morris, Barbara Sleap, Steff Ball and Maggie Lawley took their match against Chris May’s quartet by the scruff of the neck from the outset. They scored a maximum eight shots on one end and seven on another to run out winners by 36-15. The rink of Tricia McMurray, Shirley Searle, Moira Steven and Pauline Proud took on Monica Glynn’s four. The visitors were ahead throughout and were victorious by 18-10.

In the first round of the Men’s over 60s Double Rink, the A team took on Palmerston A of Fareham.

Playing away, the foursome of Richard Jeffery, John Attrill, Peter Furmidge and Ian Morey trailed after the first five ends but then dominated to run out victors by 219. The home rink of Alan Cawdell, Brian Taplin, Ron Leleux and Bob Mortlock were involved in a close match before

winning 16-13.

In the same competition the Men’s B team took on Palmerston B. There was a home win for Bob Stubbs, John Carrett, Jeremy Baker-Deam and John Pearce 19-15 but it was not sufficient to take the team in to the next round. The away four of Simon Gibbs, Mark Morris, Steve Crockett and Ian Ball went down 23-16.

The club recorded an 18-shot win in their annual home fixture against Whiteknights from Reading, winning on three rinks, drawing on two and only meeting defeat on one. Paul Dyer’s rink ran out 22-12 victors; John Carrett’s four finished 27-20 ahead, and Simon Gibbs quartet won 19-13. There were draws for the rinks of Barry Rodwell and Carol Jones while Roy Jemson’s rink lost 21-14.

There was a comfortable home win in the friendly match against Newport, the club winning all five rinks Carol Jones quartet ran out 38-5 winners, and there were also big wins for Ted West’s and John Carrett’s rinks by 38-7 and 27-12 respectively. Mark Morris four finished 20-16 ahead and Barry Rodwell’s rink won by 21-17.

Above: Ron Leleux and Bob Mortlock with two opposition players. Right: Ron Leleux bowling with Alan Cawdell and Brian Taplin in the background.

King voted Warrior of Season Brading pick up first win of new campaign at speedway awards night

Connor King

There was a full house in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook Stadium as the Wightlink Warriors and Wizards speedway crews got together to celebrate another super season. On track, both teams improved their league positions while off track the club continued to receive universal praise for its innovation and presentation.

Reflecting on a mainly successful season, copromoter Barry Bishop was open enough to reveal the club had not returned a profit in 2019. But fans heard that the promoters have every intention of running again in the National League in 2020, subject to decisions at the promoters’ AGM. The hope is to run two teams in the Midland & Southern Development League, providing additional sponsorship can be found to support the increased ferry costs.

The main award winners were: Warrior Riders’ Rider Of The Season – Connor King; Supporters’ Warrior Of The Season – Connor King; Best Turned Out Warrior - Danno Verge; Upside Down Warrior – Connor King; Warriors Bonus Point King – Chad Wirtzfeld; Fastest Warrior – Ben Morley; Highest Point Scoring Warrior – Ben Morley; Most Improved Warrior – Chad Wirtzfeld; Supporters’ Wizard Of The Season – Morgan Williams.

There were wins in Division One of the Leslies Motors Indoor Cricket League for both Brading and Ryde 1, while Cowes, Ryde 2 and Shanklin & Godshill 2 also claimed the points in Division Two. Ryde 1 continued their dominant form in the top division with a resounding victory against Island Bakeries.

Dave Pratt (30) and Simon Wratten (39no) pushed Ryde 1 to 141-4, and a comfortable win was secured as tight bowling from Ash Goldsmith (2-7) restricted Bakeries to 59-5.

Brading (121-5) secured their first win of the campaign with a narrow 13-run triumph over Shanklin & Godshill 1 (108-2).

Mark Hartnell’s 27 and Steve Wright (25no) set up Brading’s total that Shanklin & Godshill 1 could not overcome despite not out scores from Seb EgertonRead (26) and Peter Wright (25).

In Division two, not out scores

from Cowes openers Josh Rice (25) and Justin Pinder (27) helped their side to 136-1 against the Cricket Board’s Disability Team, who finished short on 795, Scott Rice taking 2-9. Shanklin & Godshill 2 remain undefeated following a three-wicket victory against Northwood 2. Jeff Barrett (36no) top scored for Northwood 2 in their total of 110-5 but it was never enough as Ray Winter (29no) made sure his side got home despite 2-32 from Ben Baker.

Ryde 2’s 132-4 (Guy Bonnett 33, Liam Ringer 35no) proved too much for Newport whose reply fell short by 32 runs, despite Mike Watson’s 26.

Games continue on Sunday at Cowes Enterprise College: 5pm Ryde School v Cowes (Div 2); 6pm Ryde 1 v EPP (Div 1); 7pm Disability Team v Ventnor (Div 2); 8pm Northwood 1 v Shanklin & Godshill 1 (Div 1); 9pm Ryde 2 v Prison Officers (Div 2).

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A warm welcome after a daunting Spider Ride Despite a sharp down-turn in the weather conditions, from sunshine to pouring rain, 22 riders braved the elements to complete the Spider Ride to Merstone. Those who took part included members of a local riding school, and two ponies and traps. They came from as far afield as Cliff Bridge, Shanklin,

and they were rewarded for their efforts upon arrival with a choice of lemon drizzle, coffee or chocolate orange cake and a warming hot drink. The next ride is on November 24 to the Jubilee car park, Calbourne, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Pictures by Keith Pollard

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Wight Tri members tough it out in Duathlon Series Wight Tri held the first of the Winter Duathlon Series events, the Colwell Caulker, and this year the events are being supported and sponsored by Cut Laser Cut. The 27 competitors had a choice of an out and back run, from the transition area at Colwell Bay for a short 2.6km run or continue along to the Lifeboat station and climb up the steps into Totland to return for

the 4.1km run.

The cycle routes were equally demanding as both courses started with the climb towards Alum Bay hairpin, then back towards Freshwater, with a 16km short course or 26km long course.

First in the nominated timed event was Anne Dines who completed the short course in 1:18:11, just 11 seconds outside her nominated

time. Craig Wilson was second, 1 min 20 secs outside his nominated time of 1:30:00 for the long course with new member, Joe Tigwell third, 1:26 inside his nominated time, finishing in 1:48:34 for the long course.

The fastest male and female competitors for the short course were Mandy Womack (1:07:30) and Adam Younger (58:18) and for the long course Nina French (1:46:36)

and Sean Williams (1:24:15). First team was Tom George and Abigail Sollars in 1:22:49.

The next event in the Wight Tri Winter Duathlon Series is the Carisbrooke Duathlon on November 24. Further details available from www.wighttri.org.uk or the Wight Tri Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Wight Tri member, Pete Carter took on his first ever

night trail run to compete in the Dark Valley Half Marathon, organised by White Star Running.

This event consisted of two laps of a seven-mile loop around the Moors Valley Country Park in Ringwood.

Pete had a super run to finish 13th in the Vet 40 category and also 26th out of 322 competitors to finish in 1:44:22 for the very testing 14-mile course.

McLuckie IWAC star in cross country The Isle of Wight Athletic Club went to Sparsholt College near Winchester for the second Cross Country match of the season The run of the day was from Henry McLuckie. second overall in the Senior Men’s race, winning the U-20 category.

The junior events dominated the programme and Abigail Fancourt had the honour of being the first club member to race coming 49th for the U-11 race. For the U-13s Martin Carbajosa was 31st, with Freya Taylor 33rd and Evie Longson 58th for the girls. In the U-15s, the girls team came seventh overall with Maisey Kent a great 19th; Lily Barclay 35th; Naomi Holdsworth 42nd; Evie Taylor 46th; Mia Stillwell 50th; Jessica Heng 51st and Charlotte Fancourt 57th. The boys team were ninth, with Noah Patey 30th; Jacob Patey 33rd and Jackson Hill 62nd.

In the Under 17s, IWAC girls team came fifth overall with Mabel Lewis 14th; Milly Bacon 23rd and Eden Canning 32nd. The IWAC boys team came an excellent third led home by Campbell Laird in fifth place, with Izaac Kent 19th, Niall Powell 27th; Dylan Holdsworth 31st and Max Collins 33rd.

Ryde Harriers earlier this year

Harriers in run to remember Ryde Harriers took part in a few races last weekend starting with the Hampshire Cross Country League, which was held at Sparsholt College in Winchester for senior, veteran and under 20 women.

Others races included the Winter Sugar Loaf Fell Run 6m 1,500ft Assent and off course the Remembrance Run. Justine Bacon came 117th with an

impressive 33:59 followed by Samantha Fancourt, 127th place in 34:42 and Natalie Rose,174th place in 39:35.

There were 228 runners participating in the run, and the women’s team came 23rd overall with a total score of 418. Adam Tuck was 76th in 35:56 minutes.

There were also some impressive results in the Winter Sugarloaf fell race.

Trevor McAlister came in first of the Ryde Harriers, in 22nd position overall in 00:52:20, followed by Bryan Jones 30th in 00:53:36. Nigel Eldridge was 34th in 56:05.

For the ladies, Claire Campbell was 63rd overall in 0:1:06:25 and Elaine Parry 69th in 0:1:09:02. Finally The Levriers, Simon and Kathleen, came in seconds apart in 01:58:41 and 01:58:40.

15th November 2019

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Bricknell injury blow as Yachtsmen lose Hamworthy United 5 Cowes Sports 2 Cowes Sports are likely to be without skipper Gareth Bricknell for up to two months, after he suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone in the Wessex League, Premier Division defeat at Hamworthy.

It proved a bad day all round for the Yachtsmen, who led twice, and had what looked to be another good goal disallowed, before two late Hamworthy efforts put the result beyond doubt.

Boss Steve Rutter admits he is always a bit cynical when someone says a scoreline flatters a team, but he felt that was the case in this game. Rutter said: “Even their manager said we deserved something out of the game, but I will be honest enough to say we are still not defending well enough, and that is costing us dearly.”

Jimmy Wykes gave the Yachtsmen an early advantage, and after Hamworthy levelled, Michael Mcenery restored the lead. Then came a controversial turning point when the home keeper punched the ball into his own net, following a corner. But the referee judged that Mcenery has impeded the keeper, even though he didn’t even jump with him to try to gain possession.

After Hamworthy took a 3-2 lead, Bricknell (pictured) suffered his unfortunate injury, which was being assessed this week. But the Yachtsmen manager expects to be without his skipper for at least a month, and fears it could be much longer.

Rutter added: “It is a huge blow, because he is a leader, and has been outstanding for us.”

Sandown & Shanklin, second in the Hampshire Premier table, were edged out by third-placed Petersfield in a feisty, tight game, despite a near perfect start.

The Hurricanes were ahed thanks to O Williams’ try with Flux’s conversion narrowly missed. But Petersfield hit back and an unfortunate injury to home scrum-half Tom Borrer, who sustained a split under his eye

in a last-ditch tackle resulted in the scrum-half having to leave the field.

The cool control of the visitors saw them puncture the host’s defence in midfield and score their first try, and quickly followed it up with another one for a 10-5 lead.

The visitors extended their advantage by a further seven points before the break, and a penalty allowed the Petersfield fly-half to increase the visitor’s advantage to 5 - 20. This finally seemed to spur the Hurricanes into action. Carrying

from Ben Shannon, Sam Rees and Luke Hunter took the Hurricanes up to the five-metre line and then a line run from Flux saw him barge over for Sandown’s second score.

But the visitors scored their fourth try for 10 - 27, before young winger Newton Jnr scored in the corner.

The Hurricanes travel to league leaders Alton RFC tomorrow (Sat) for another crucial fixture.

There was further disappointment for the Island club as the 2nd XV lost 24-12 to Trojans.

Task proves just too much for plucky 14!

Southsea Nomads 24 points Isle of Wight 2nd XV 10 points A patchwork Isle of Wight second team, with only 14 taking the field, knew it would be a tough afternoon with hard work and graft needed to secure any kind of a result.

Frustratingly it took two home tries to wake the Rangers, with IW falling 10-0 behind within a matter of minutes. It fell to captain Matt Hallam to raise spirits and fire up the squad.

IW were battered for the next 20 minutes, with a relentless attack from Nomads, trying every trick in the book to cross the try line, but a relentless and rejuvenated Island side held strong, nearly seeing out the half without a score before an error in communications saw Nomads get one more before half time.

With the second half getting

underway in the torrential rain, IW made good use of Nomads’ poor discipline. Rouse Man of the Match Grant Smith took a quick tap and go from a penalty, gaining another 10 metres when the Nomads 8 made the tackle, refusing to retreat back. This time kicking for the corner, IW constructed a line-out drive and several phases later, Jim Willetts toppled over the line.

IW were now backed by both the wind and some self belief.

They sought another score, with similar phases of play leading to Jayme Bishop securing his second try of the season.

Unfortunately, some handling errors led to Nomads extending their lead just out of reach.

Despite the score line, it was a positive afternoon for a jumbled side of 14, and they will be looking to carry the positive momentum into the away fixture at Stoneham.

Vectis under 14s rugby team took a large squad to Fordingbridge for their final friendly game before the cup matches start, and ran out convincing 45 points to 8 winners.

In the first half Vectis were unusually sloppy with the ball, but a strong burst from new recruit Jack Cole and a fine offload allowed Tommy Begg to touch down for the opener. Fordingbridge hit back to level before Archy Williams sped down the touchline for the second Vectis try, and a Fordingbridge penalty was the only other score before half time.

Vectis upped their game after the break with Thomas Cole going through a gap to score his first, closely followed by Jamie

Priddle who found space out wide. Both were converted by Ben Martin, and Vectis were in total control. Thomas Damp got play of the day for his fantastic break and unselfish offload allowing Rhys Mundell to touch down under the posts, again converted by Ben Martin.

Thomas Cole got his second after great work from the forwards, particularly man of the match Hamish LawalRieley. Edward White then rounded off the scoring as he got on the end of a flowing team move, once again both converted from acute angles.

Vectis travel to Winchester in the second round of the cup this weekend for what will be their biggest test of the season.

Newport pay for missed chances

Rutter blast as Cowes bow out of Hants Cup Cowes Sports 2 Petersfield Town 4 Manager Steve Rutter offered no excuses for Cowes Sports’ disappointing exit from the Hampshire Senior Cup, admitting: “We are simply not good enough.”

The Yachtsmen were hoping for a victory that would have given them a plum third round tie at National League outfit Eastleigh, but they rarely looked like achieving their goal. Rutter said: “At one end we are not ruthless enough. We created four or five good opportunities in the first half, but only scored one, through Jimmy Wykes. At this level you have to take your chances, because you are not going to get 20 in a game. It’s not Sunday morning football.

“And as a team, defensively we are not good enough, disciplined enough or strong enough. If we can’t do the basics of defending as a whole team, we are not going to win. You cannot concede four goals and expect to get anything from a game.”

Petersfield took an early lead, but Wykes’ goal gave the Yachtsmen brief hope. But their only other goal came when a Wykes corner was punched into his own net by the Petersfield keeper.

The Yachtsmen now have successive home league games, against Bournemouth Poppies tomorrow (Sat) and against Lymington Town on Tuesday, with points crucial to start moving away fm the relegation danger area.

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Vectis warm up with convincing display

Hurricanes edged out in top-of-table clash Sandown & Shanklin RFC 15 Petersfield 27

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New Milton Town 1 Newport 0

Andy Sampson

A goal deep in injury time ended Newport’s hopes of salvaging at least a draw from their Wessex League, Division One trip to New Milton.

But manager Andy Sampson admitted his side could not afford to keep missing the type of scoring opportunities that could have secured them all three points. He said: “If we had taken our chances we would have got something out of the game, but we were then caught out when we gave the ball away in midfield, and they broke away to score with a free run on goal.

“We missed chances in the first half, the first one being just a couple of minutes into the game. That trend

continued until the second period, when New Milton got into the game a bit more. But in fairness we only had ourselves to blame. It was one of those frustrating games, because when we went in at half time I was still convinced we could go on and win it.

But the fact remains we were not good enough in front of goal.”

Sampson will be hoping his side atone for those misses when they entertain Folland Sports tomorrow (Sat). He said: “That will not be an easy game, because last year we lost 4-0 at their place, but we beat them at home. We need to go out and earn the points, not just turn and expect to win. If we perform to our potential then hopefully that will be enough to get the victory, but if we just go through the motions, then we could come unstuck again.”

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Observer

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15th November 2019

This week’s highlights...

Running

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Warm welcome for Spider Ride

Wight Tri tough out Duathlon

By Peter White

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New Vics manager Woodburn: I want to bring some pride back Richie Woodburn has become the new manager of East Cowes Vics admitting it was the only job on the Island that would have tempted him back into football. Now he wants to restore some pride to the club, but accepts it is going to take time Woodburn will take charge of his first game at home to Verwood Town tomorrow (Sat), but openly admits there will be no quick fix in his efforts to move the club away from the Wessex League, First Division danger zone.

A former Vics and Brading player, he was also manager of Cowes Sports for more than five years until 2017. After a brief spell as assistant to former Vics boss Steve Brougham, he quit the game, but now says: “ I’ve still got the energy

and passion. But you can’t go into a club and create a revolution; those days are gone. So it has got to be evolution, and I will start with a blank canvas.

“I’m going to take it brick by brick and game by game. We have been conceding too many goals, so I want to tighten us up, get a shape that is going to make us competitive, and gradually start from there. It is not going to be pretty, but the football will come when the confidence returns.”

He continued: “I’m an East Cowes lad, and was brought up when Vics were a fantastic side. I was lucky enough to break into the team as a player, so the opportunity to come back and make us competitive was too good to miss. I want to make us

feared again, and bring some pride back because we have been in the doldrums for too long.

“There is the threat of relegation, and with teams in the division below us looking to step up to the Wessex League Division One, we are not safe. We need to break away from the bottom, and win games.”

During his spell as a player at Brading Woodburn scored more than 300 goals for the club, and as manager of Cowes Sports, he took them into the Wessex League, Premier Division and secured IW Gold Cup glory.

He added: “To be honest I thought I had done with the game, but this opportunity arose, and it was the only job that was going to entice me back into football. I thought about

it long and hard, and I am under no illusions about the task in hand, and it will take some time. But there is a good bunch of lads at the club which helped me make up my mind, and under the right guidance, principals and dedication, we can make some progress.

“There are also good players out there on the Island, and if I can find those players, like I did at Cowes Sports, who knows where it will take us? You have to build an environment where players with potential will want to come and give it a try. There is no quick fix anymore, but any young player who feels he is good enough to play at this level is more than welcome to come up for training on a Tuesday or Thursday evening.”

Weaver off to Belgium for gruelling rally challenge Isle of Wight rally driver Richard Weaver will return to Belgium this month to tackle the Six Hours of Kortrijk, a special stage rally which takes place over two days on the weekend of November 23 and 24.

After a successful outing in September at the Aarova Rally, which is located near Kortrijk, Richard hopes to continue his strong pace of recent events. The conditions are expected to be somewhat challenging, with Go Internet sponsored Richard saying: “There has been a lot of wet weather recently and although the stages on this rally are all tarmac using closed roads, the leading cars pull a lot of mud onto the road which makes the surface very slippery. With the lack of hedgerow in Flanders, often the fastest way through the bends is to use the grass on the inside.

“With some of the stages used more than once, the second run through is normally worse and you have to be on your guard to avoid slipping off the road into one of the many ditches.”

Using his Mitsubishi Evo 6 with permanent all-wheel drive will certainly help deal with the lack of traction, but tyre choice remains critical to keep confidence and speed high.

With a maximum entry of more than 100 cars, the entry is normally full in the first 24 hours of entries opening, as hopeful teams scramble to secure their place at the start of this popular event.