IW Gazette 1

Welcome to the first edition of the Islands newest and freshest fortnightly paper

Gazette The Isle of Wight

Friday August 1 2008

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Popping down the pub 700 miles away

By Peter White SUPER commuters Mick and Karen Wilson have revealed how they travel thousands of miles every month just to ensure a slice of Island life.

When Mick and Karen lock their front door to head for their favourite pub, it’s far more than just a stroll down the road.

In a near military-style operation they embark on an incredible round trip of 700 miles – leaving their home in York to spend a weekend in Shanklin. Amazingly they complete the trip as often as three times each month.

Mick explained: “We live only a few minutes from York station so we leave home just before 2pm on a Friday to catch a train down to King’s Cross. We then take the underground to Waterloo, and catch another train into Portsmouth Harbour. Then we pick up the ferry to Ryde before we use the Island Line into Shanklin.”

Barring hold-ups the Wilsons usually reach their holiday home at around 7.15 on Friday evening, and waste little time before heading to their favourite ‘watering hole’, meeting friends in King Harry’s Bar in Shanklin Old Village.

But less than 48 hours later they are on their way back to north Yorkshire. Karen said: “We usually leave Shanklin around 4.15 Sunday afternoon, and are home by 10.15pm, provided there are no delays.

“But recently the power cables were down just outside London, and that meant a nine-hour return journey door to door!”

Mick works as an engineer for Network Rail and Karen is employed by a company that does the pay roll for part of the railway industry. Thankfully, that means concessionary rail fares, otherwise they would be forking out hundreds of pounds to travel their thousands of miles.

The couple’s love of the Island really began six

pick up your

Mick and Karen Wilson pictured drinking their well deserved pint in their favourite haunt King Harry’s Bar, Shanklin Old Village. years ago when they bought a caravan in Shanklin.

Just over two years ago they moved into a house: “We just love it down here. The quality of life is far better, and everyone is more chilled out.

“We have fantastic scenery in Yorkshire, but it is so spread out. Down here we can leave home and within ten minutes we are in countryside.”

Mick and Karen have looked for work on the south coast, but so far their search has been in vain. But

they have already penciled in the date for a permanent move to the Island – in two years time when Mick reaches 50 and can draw his Rail Network pension.

In the meantime, they plan to continue clocking up the miles to get to their ‘local’ but still reckon all the travelling is well worthwhile.

Have you got an interesting story about Island visitors? Contact White1601@hotmail.com

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Inside today’s Gazette August 1 2008 WELCOME to the first issue of the Isle of Wight Gazette an independent, free newspaper. We hope you find it is a refreshing and positive look at our Island, its people, organisations and many activities.

Ours will be a modern, colourful, tabloid newspaper published, in the first instance every other Friday.

One of our aims will be to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which relies heavily on its own fundraising and voluntary contributions to meet its £3.7million annual running costs.

We are asking you, our readers, to make a donation to the hospice in the collection box on the stand when you pick up your free copy of the Gazette. Every penny raised will go directly to the hospice.

If you have a news item which you think may interest us please tell us – see page 17 for how to contact us.

Finally, please support the businesses advertising in the pages and let them know where you saw their advertisement.

Remember, without them there would not be a Gazette for you to read.

Thanks to all the businesses who are helping us to distribute our paper.

NEWS DYKE’S GOLDEN OLDIES page 16

RACE FOR LIFE page 28

PROPERTY THERE’S A NEW FROG IN TOWN page 23

MOTORING BEST CAR MAKER IN THE WHICH? AWARDS page 26

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Light, music, action it’s all happening at Cowes News round-up

with the street entertainers performing between 1pm Visitors to this year’s Skandia Cowes Week Fantasmus, Derek Sandy and Skybus. will find entertainment for all the family along Weird and wonderful street entertainment artists and 4pm.

The regatta’s official charity, The Ellen MacArthur will include The Balloonatic, Jason Maverick and Cowes Parade.

Biggest IW show

To entertain them, the IW Council has organised a a dynamic group of dancers who will be bringing a Trust, is running a charity rowing challenge.

Next Friday night’s firework display starts at ALL roads lead to Chale this weekend for the packed programme including live music from a host colourful carnival vibe to the Parade.

Island’s biggest horticultural show.There will be Live music starts at noon and runs until 10pm daily, 9.30pm. of talented local acts including Jimmy’s Big Fish, Los

Tomorrow’s World today at Medina

more than 1,000 entries under 21,00 square feet of canvas at the Chale Show.

There will be crafts, antiques, farmers' market, demonstrations and displays. Arena events include marching bands, children's races, traction engines, vintage tractors, children’s entertainer and star turn, the James Dylan Car Stunt Team.

The show usually attracts 15,000 people, making for a great atmosphere.

Green flag a first Appley Park in Ryde has become the first on the Island to be awarded the prestigious Green Flag by the Civic Trust. It is the land-based equivalent of a beach Blue Flag.

The park is run by IW Council. To earn a Green Flag, open spaces must meet several tough criteria.

They includes, safe access, clear signage, being clean and well maintained, with access to amenities such as drinking water and toilets.

Duke visits Island Modern place of learning, one of the new classrooms.

A STATE-of-the art science block, featuring nine laboratories, office accommodation and preparation room, has been officially opened at Medina High School, Newport.

NEW SUMMER MENU specialising in local seafood

It is part of a major modernisation scheme, which will also see a new mathematics and ICT block opened in September.

The facilities are much larger than previous classrooms, with high quality fixtures and fittings and wider walkways. Most of the work was carried out during term holidays to minimise disruption.

Headteacher Richard Williams said: “The art science facilities were much needed and provide staff and students with equipment for the 21st century. Everyone at the school is extremely proud to have successfully delivered this project within the heart of school, on time and on budget.

“This is the flagship of our partnership with Isle of Wight Council.”

Cllr David Pugh, IW

Council leader, said.

“These are brilliant facilities that will serve the students at Medina High School for many years to come.”

Cllr Alan Wells, IW Council Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I am very pleased the latest phase of the refurbishment project at Medina High School has been completed. The science industry is always looking for new scientists and it’s well known that having good equipment and labs does help encourage people into that particular field.”

The science block was officially unveiled by David Hughes, Dean of the Faculty of Science at University of Portsmouth. Chair of Governors at Medina High, Val Taylor, was also at the ceremony.

The Duke of Edinburgh will visit The Gouldings respite and reablement centre for older people in Freshwater before going to Yarmouth Pier on Tuesday.

Residents, carers and staff will be introduced to the 87-year-old Duke at the centre. In Yarmouth he will unveil the final plank in the pier’s restoration programme and view the town’s RNLI lifeboat and crew.

Storm cuts power LIGHTNING struck a house in Binstead and hundreds of homes in South Wight lost electricity for several hours as a violent storm hit the Island on Monday night.

Power lines were hit by lightning, causing interruptions to supplies in Ventnor, Whitwell, Chale Green and Niton as the storm swept in from the English Channel.

Chainsaw vandals POLICE are investigating suspected criminal damage to up to14 trees in Ryde. Oak and ash trees, up to 50ft tall, have been felled in the Millennium Green and Dame Anthony’s Common.

PC Caroline Woodgate said it was believed a chainsaw was used. Call 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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IF you like your history warts and all, then make for Carisbrooke Castle next August Bank Holiday weekend .

You can take a fun look at the most hideous and horrible aspects of history.

Meet the singing plague victims and visit the medieval surgeon to mix up your own plague cure.

Watch the medical marvels of surgical procedures in the 18th century and get a close look at amputations and bleeding with live leeches.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

3

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Cliff fall drama

AN amateur photographer had an amazing escape after falling down a cliff face and spending 36 hours calling for help before being rescued.

Mike Howell, 54, from London, was finally rescued by Ventnor coastguards and the coastguard helicopter after falling off a path near Ventnor undercliff and becoming entangled in dense undergrowth.

His calls for help went in vain until he was eventually heard by a St Lawrence man walking his dog on Wednesday morning. He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, suffering severe dehydration.

Mike O’Sullivan, Solent Coastguard’s watch manager, said: “He had been out walking alone along a cliff path when he tripped and slid down a steep slope into dense gorse and brambles covering much of the hillside above Binnel Bay. “He was carrying a mobile phone but was unable to use it to call 999 as this area is a known black spot for poor mobile phone coverage.

“He was forced to remain entangled in the undergrowth throughout the whole of Tuesday, shouting for help but, due to the remoteness of his location, his calls, initially, were unheard.

“Fortunately his calls were finally heard by a dog walker who called 999 by landline, giving the coastguard an accurate estimation of the area.

Oops a daisy JUDGES from the South and South East In Bloom competition found Brading unprepared for their visit.

Locals had forgotten they were coming and litter and weeds were not cleared.

Cllr Marianne Sullivan said: “To be perfectly honest, we’d forgotten we had entered. I just felt I wanted to cry because they were so critical.”

‘Second hand’ clock could make £250,000

“

Daniel Quare was one of the top two clockmakers of his time, if not the top.

”

Cast-offs a sight for poor eyes EVERY couple of weeks Sheila Sharkey sets off with her shopping trolley on a journey through Lake and neighbouring towns which culminates in the gift of sight for some of the poorest people on the planet.

As the sight co-ordinator for the Island’s Lions clubs, Sheila, along with volunteers in other areas of the county, gather unwanted specs which are no longer of use but which can make a massive difference to others across the world.

Over the years, Isle of Wight Lions have the specs shipped to France, where they are cleaned, repaired and sorted at a Lions’ warehouse.

Sight camps in India, Africa and Asia, distribute the recycled specs.

Stories brought back by those from the UK who have visited the camps include humbling tales of grateful folk who have walked for two days for help.

At the sight camps eyes are tested by professionals, suitable glasses dispensed and tablets handed out, without which recipients could lose their sight altogether as a result of parasites in water supplies.

It’s a far cry from the comforts and designer options enjoyed in this country.

The Lions have been doing their bit nationally for donkeys’ years. Their efforts continue year round to

satisfy the constant need.

At the conclusion of a round, in April this year, volunteers descended on the Lions centre in Lake, to pack 39 boxes with 4,600 pairs of donated glasses.

The numbers were slightly down on last year, when Island Lions collected 5,000 pairs towards the southern region total of two million!

Goodwill and more volunteering speeds the specs from the Island across the Solent to Lions in Portsmouth. From here, on a day known as Spec Trek, donations from all around the country converge on a central motorway service station site for loading on a transporter bound for France There’s no let up in the campaign. Within two weeks, Sheila had assembled another 100 pairs on her rounds.

“It is really worthwhile. In this country we often throw spectacles in the bin when we’ve finished with them,” Sheila said.

“Those who benefit from the sight camps really do appreciate it so much. It helps them to carry on with their lives in the normal way, providing for themselves and their families.”

If you have any unwanted specs, or frames, lying about at home please keep an eye out for collection points in your area.

The long case clock which is up for auction next week.

ONE of the rarest clocks ever discovered will come up for auction in Cowes next Thursday.

The long case clock, which has stood in a house in West Wight for the last 30 years, could fetch up to £250,000 when it goes up for auction by Island Auction Rooms in their premier sale at the Masonic Lodge during Cowes Week.

Warren Riches, auctioneer and valuer at Island Auction Rooms said: “This is a very important clock and an exciting find. There has already been great interest from top London clock dealers and from the United States.”

The clock, made by Daniel Quare, dates back to around 1695 and is only one of five to have been made.

Mr Riches explained: “Normally long case clocks fall into two categories – 30-hour or eight-day, which represents how often they have to be wound up. Occasionally a one-month clock is discovered, which is rare enough, but this one is year-going, which is extraordinary.

“Daniel Quare was one of the top two clockmakers of his time, if not the top. It is so difficult to gauge how much it may go for, but we have issued a guide price of between £150,000 and £200,000.”

The auction during Cowes Week is regarded by Island Auction Rooms as their flagship sale of the year, with high quality paintings, jewellery and other clocks also coming under the hammer.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

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Autograph hunter’s amazing collection Bobby Moore, George Best and the Rolling Stones are just some of the sporting and showbiz stars to give their signatures to PETER SCOTT, who has been pursuing his passion for 39 years. PETER WHITE talks to him.

WHEN Peter Scott walked up to two Nottinghamshire cricketers as a shy 11-yearold to ask for their autographs, little did he know it was the first step towards a hobby that became a major part of his life.

Now, 50 years on, former Isle of Wight Council employee Peter has accumulated an amazing, comprehensive autograph collection that ranks among the finest in the country.

He has travelled hundreds of miles in pursuit of ‘rare’ autographs but insists his passion for signatures has never been for financial gain and never will be.

Not only can he boast an incredible array of autographs from world-renowned footballers and cricketers but film celebrities and pop stars are in his collection, including the original Rolling Stones line-up of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and the late Brian Jones. The likes of Peter O’Toole, Albert Finney, Tim Rice and violinist Nigel Kennedy are also among the thousands he has successfully requested.

At his home in Ryde stacks of books and brochures are filled with signatures of the famous.

Virtually every England international footballer of the last 30 years can be unearthed.

Two of his favourites are those of England World Cup captain Bobby Moore and Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best.

“Bestie was in a 4x4 with the windows blacked out. I chased down the road after it and, when it stopped at traffic lights, I tapped on the window, he wound it down and signed for me,” Peter recalled.

“I got Bobby Moore’s autograph when he once went as a radio commentator to Fratton Park after he had finished playing. I think that takes pride of place, because he is the only England footballer to lift the World Cup – it doesn’t get much better than that.

“I’ve also got most of the other England players from the 1966 final.”

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Peter with his prized poster of the original Rolling Stones, containing all their signatures, including the late Brian Jones. On the table are Bobby Moore’s and George Best’s autographs.

Peter remembers the day, nearly 45 years ago, when he heard an up-andcoming pop group, The Rolling Stones, at the Esplanade Theatre, Ryde.

Peter sensed they were destined for the top. He hunted them down for their autographs and is still the proud holder of a group of signatures that are among the most sought-after in the world of pop music.

“I went to the gig in 1964 and, afterwards, I went to the Ryde Castle Hotel with a couple of mates and three of the Stones were in there.

“I heard they were staying overnight so I went back the next morning with a photograph from a magazine and asked them to sign for me. They were fine, no problem at all.”

Peter added: “Someone told me the autographs could be worth up to £1,000 but I have no intention of selling.”

So how did it all begin? Peter said: “My father bought me an autograph book when I was young, because he was mad keen on sport. Hampshire used to come over to play at Cowes and he took me to watch them play Nottinghamshire.

“In the tea break, Notts pair John Clay and Ken Smailes signed for me.”

That was back in 1958, and the challenge of collecting autographs has never dimmed.

Only recently Peter went to the mainland for the autograph of Arthur McIntyre who at, 90, is the oldest survivor to play Test cricket for England. Amazingly, of all the England Test stars still alive, he is missing only a dozen signatures.

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A member of Hampshire CC and a staunch Pompey fan, Peter soon weighs up whether his targets will willingly meet his request to ‘sign here please’.

He said: “Some will stand and chat to you, others are very stand-offish. I remember asking former Australian batsman Greg Chappell for his autograph. I was at Hampshire, it was pouring with rain and I reckon I was the only spectator in the ground.

Suddenly Greg appeared down the pavilion steps but, when I asked him, he flatly refused.

But persistence paid off as the Aussie signed at the third time of asking. This autograph hunter, who also played cricket for Ryde for an incredible 46 years, has found that the earlier you track down a star in his or her career, the better the signature.

“As the years go by they have signed hundreds, so some become little more than a few marks on the paper.” he pointed out.

Although players from the top premier league clubs find it increasingly inconvenient to stop and sign, Peter still has the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in his collection.

And he reckons former United defender Steve Bruce was a real gem.

“I once asked Paul Gascoigne and, after he talked to a few friends, he came looking for me to sign. And the likes of Harry Redknapp and Graham Taylor always have time for a chat about football.”

But Peter revealed: “Unfortunately these days some people make a living out of collecting autographs. I know of one guy who packed up his job in banking and now sells them on the internet. I have never sold one and never will.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

5

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Chain ferry alert

Wish you were here

AVOID using the Cowes chain ferry is the warning issued to the 50,000 spectators expected to pack the town next Friday to see the spectacular firework display.

IT is feared the Island’s tourism industry is going to be £50million out of pocket this year. But a £750,00 promotion campaign could turn things round. It is targeted at commuters caught in the rat race in the Marshalls and addi- south east of England.

STUDENTS at Ryde High School who have shown a positive attitude to their studies have been rewarded with a trip to a blockbuster movie at Cineworld. Police hosted 200 ‘good citizens’.

PC Nick Massey said: “There is a perception that bad behaviour is rewarded amongst unruly pupils but there is a silent majority of young people who are well behaved and they deserve recognition.

Girl talk

A REUNION lunch for the first women to be permitted to study at the IW College will be held on September 26. It’s 50 years ago since the doors were opened to females.

The event is organised by three former students, and anyone interested should call Liz Mitchell (nee Foster) on 873067, Fay Keen (nee Martin) on 760675 or June Philpott (nee Burt) on 564853.

Ferry delay

The new Wightlink ferries to be operated between Yarmouth and Lymington are not expected to be in service until November. The delay was caused by the time it will take for the New Forest District Council and the Department of the Environmental Food and Rural Affairs to monitor the impact of the terminal linkspan on the Lymington River.

A six-figure advertising campaign featuring images of the Island as well as information on how to get here quickly and inexpensively will be highly visible on posters on the South West Trains’ network, which includes towns such as Basingstoke, Guildford, Woking and Kingston Upon Thames.

The Island will be promoted as a first-class destination. Potential visitors will be told of the convenience of buying a ferry ticket along with a rail ticket plus the many deals that are available providing an extra incentive to visit.

The four-month campaign, valued at £750,000, has been put together by the IW Council, South West Trains and Wightlink. It runs until the end of October.

Advertisements will also appear in publications such as the Radio Times and local newspapers. Key websites will also be targeted.

Cllr George Brown, IW Council Cabinet member for tourism, said: “The south east region is a particular target area for us.

“We are delighted to be working with Wightlink and South West Trains.

“While we all have something to offer the tourism

AN Italian film crew was on the Island recently for a programme which is a cross between Top Gear and the Holiday shows. They filmed top attractions such as Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Osborne House. It will be on the mainstream TV programme, Easy Driver. Picture taken by www.isleofwightlocations.com industry as individual organisations, by working together we can combine in a particularly cost-effective and valuable campaign.”

It is the third major marketing campaign the IW Council has supported this year. Wightlink commercial director Clive Tilley said: “Getting to the Isle of Wight by train and ferry is really quick and convenient.

Kissed and made up The IW Council and Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry are friends again and co-operating to promote the Island as a holiday destination.

The two organisations have signed up in principle to an agreement outlining what each will contribute to the comprehensive marketing of the Island as a first-class visitor destination.

Earlier this year the IW Chamber of Commerce, predicted a massive £50m fall in this year’s tourism trade and it laid the blame at County Hall’s door. Then began a war of words.

On a visit to the Island Jonathan Shaw, government minister for the South East, knocked some heads together saying it was in the Island’s best interest the two organisations pulled together.

Under a new agreement, the chamber’s Tourism Development Board will be responsible for co-ordinating the Island’s promotional activities and the council will have seats on the board to ensure the whole industry is represented in discussions.

While the IW Council will remain responsible

for the strategic marketing of the Island, the chamber will coordinate an industryled approach for online marketing as well as printed guides and publications.

The council will have an editorial input into these and there will be space

in these publications for businesses that are not chamber members.

Kevin Smith, chief executive of the chamber, said: “We are determined to revitalise island tourism using the very best and most modern marketing methods available.”

“The Wightlink terminals at Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington Pier are adjacent to the SWT stations making connections easy, especially for those people with young families and luggage.”

Lucy Thornton, head of marketing, at South West Trains said: “The Island has so much to offer and we are keen to play our part in bringing visitors to such a first-class destination.”

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tional police will strictly enforce a 415-passenger limit. They are among measures being taken to control and monitor the crowds on either bank of the River Medina.

The IW Council, which operates the bridge, has urged people to watch the fireworks display from one of three designated viewing areas and to use the park-and-ride services on both sides of the river.

Stuart Love, director of environment and neighbourhoods, said: “Measures will be put in place by the council to manage the volume of people using the floating bridge.

Vehicular access will be restricted during peak times in the evening.

He said travel and event information is being publicised widely in advance.

George Brown, IW Council cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, said: “This is a new start for tourism on the Island and this partnership will provide this vital sector of our economy both with clarity and effective marketing and promotion.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

6

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Twin club support for mums-to-be

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Women expecting twins can now join an exclusive club on the Island.

The Island Twin Club gives women more information about pregnancy, labour, pain relief and breast feeding.

Run by the NHS obstetrics and midwifery team and led by consultant obstetrician Sabeena Allahdin, the free sessions are held every second Tuesday of the month.

One in 70 births on the Island are twins, which is 25 to 30 per cent, or twice the national average. On average 30 sets of twins are born here every year.

It is also hoped to set up support groups, called the Twins Network Group, for mums of twins. They will meet for coffee mornings in health and children’s centres with crèches in Ventnor, Cowes and Ryde.

Dr Allahdin said: “The idea is to bring women who have had or are having twins together to offer mutual support and share information.

“We are working with Sure Start and would like to recruit volunteers from mothers to run social clubs in their areas.”

Antenatal screening adviser and midwife Amanda Pearson said: “As a mother of twins, I know how the experience can be at times joyful and exhilarating but also, sometimes, very tough.

“Twins can be very demanding and for some expectant mothers the prospect of bringing up two babies can be daunting – particularly if there are other toddlers in the house.

“Women often have questions around how to cope, breast feeding, buying clothes and accessing emotional support.

“They can experience very powerful emotions and, often, just chatting to someone who has been through the same experience can be really helpful.”

Cool advice on keeping warm MOST energy experts predict that customers’ bills – which have already increased by 15 per cent this year – are likely to climb by at least a further 20 per cent. This would take a dual gas and electricity bill to possibly over £1,300 a year. So here is happier news for some vulnerable Islanders.

THOUSANDS of people struggling to keep their homes warm and terrified by rocketing energy prices can now take advantage of a service unique to the Island.

Older Island residents and vulnerable people can ask for free advice on how to insulate their homes, get top saving energy tips and guidance on how to access benefits, grants, and loans.

Many may also be able to have free loft and cavity insulation.

A charity, the Footprint Trust, has launched the ‘Warmahome’ project to assist older people, those with disabilities, one parent families and people living on low incomes. This support is unique to the Island and is being financed by the National Lottery.

People can ask for free home assessments and have energy-saving guidance on boilers, windows and insulation.

The Footprint Trust, an environmental charity based in Newport, telephone 822282, has been able to negotiate a special rate on loft and cavity insulation so many homeowners will get it free or at a greatly reduced rate.

Ray Harrington-Vail of the trust said:

“ We will be able to reach out and assist some 3,000 people over the next three years and help households to become more efficient in their use of fuel which will reduce their costs, fight poverty and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

On average 40,000 more people in the UK die in the winter months than at other times of the year. Many more live in homes they cannot afford to heat and have to make tough choices between heating or eating, thermals or the thermostat.

Ray added: “Fuel poverty is closely related to housing conditions. The IW is a mainly rural county and many areas feature in the indices of poverty. Over 70 per cent of post 1919 houses have no cavity insulation. Of homes built between 1945 and 1964 some 12.5 per cent have no loft insulation and a very high percentage of all dwellings do not have the full 100mm of loft insulation.”

The Warmahome project will attend community events and work with Anchor Staying Put, Age Concern, the IW Council, churches and other charities to reach vulnerable people.

Why did the chicken cross road?

It had to meet youngest judge Oak Lane, Shalfleet on August 16.

Teenager Jed Dwight could lay Sussex bantams in a show. claim to the title The Birdman of the One thing led to another until Jed was ap- There will well-known judges from the pointed a panel-D judge. He hopes one day mainland, including Poultry Club of Great Isle of Wight.

For half his life, Jed, 16, has been breeding and keeping poultry at his family’s smallholding in Shalfleet and he is thought to be one of the youngest poultry judges in the country.

He is also vice chairman of the IW Poultry Club and was one of the founder members in 2004.

A Cowes High School student, he became hooked on poultry when his grandfather gave him some laying hens when he was eight or nine years old. For two years he bred and reared them until, with the help and encouragement of experienced judge and Islander Rob Whittington, he entered

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to become a poultry expert and panel-A judge but thinks that could take 15 to 20 years.

He spends two hours a day caring for his many birds and finances his hobby by selling chicken feed and working for Brighstone Landscaping.

While other boys his age are playing computer games, skateboarding or watching TV, Jeb’s other hobbies are racing pigeons, showing cows and sheep and horse riding.

With the help of his father, John, and other family members, Jed is organising a waterfowl open day in aid of the Poultry Club of Great Britain, at White Oak Farm, White

Britain president, Mike Hatcher.

Since it was ‘hatched’ four years ago, the IW Poultry Club has grown from a group of enthusiasts into a very active club with more than 100 members.

The club was set up to promote chicken keeping as a worthwhile and fun hobby, to educate, and to preserve the old and, in some cases, rare breeds.

As well as the waterfowl open day next month, club members will be at the IW Ploughing Match on September 20.

For more information on poultry shows or if you would like to join the club, contact Fran Kenure on 754848 or 07732 529312.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

7

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News Tourism boost: Children’s author Frank Fenwick with his dog, Ruby, who stars in the first story, and a Sailor Ted toy

Meet Sailor Ted, the hero who puts Island on map

Although the characters are fictitious – Sailor Ted is a bear in a world of humans – the places and the dog are real – Frank’s dog is called Ruby.

All Island primary schools have trated and, because the story is set Sailor Ted that’s who.

He is the hero of a children’s at familiar Island places, children received a free copy but Frank hopes when it sells on the mainbook created and published on the will readily identify with it.

Frank, a retired financial services land children will want to see the Island by author Frank Fenwick.

In his first adventure, Sailor Ted adviser, had the idea for Sailor places in the book.

He hopes to target 500,000 mainand the Big Rescue, he takes a tug Ted nine years ago but kept it on to get a tow rope aboard a tanker ice until he bought his present land children.

He has already given IW Tourism drifting dangerously towards Yar- home in Shalfleet three years ago. mouth. Ted’s dog, Rugby, is the He already had a holiday home in permission to use Sailor Ted. So far he has committed a subCowes. heroine of the hour. stantial sum to publishing the book, a website, CIVIC WELCOME: The mayor of Yarmouth thanks Sailor Ted and cuddly toys and proRuby. One of the delightful illustrations from the book. motions. A lifesize Sailor Ted will be seen at Island events this summer.

There are already plans for two more Sailor Ted adventures this year and the next one will take Ted to the skies as a hang glider in and above Sandown and Ventnor. The story will feature Disaster Dave – the ‘worst sailor on the Isle of Wight’.

Published by Ricky Tick at £6.99 you can learn more at www.sailorted.co.uk

Who saved Yarmouth from Meanwhile, back at Yarmouth, disaster, is the captain of a car Barney, the open top bus, with PC ferry and whose adventures Percival aboard carries townspeocould bring many more visitors ple to safety.

The book is beautifully illusto the Island?

Just the medicine for hospital staff A health check on St Mary’s Hospital shows By Gazette reporter it is in fine shape and improving.

A survey of patients revealed that in 21 of the 62 categories, the IW NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) was amongst the best performing 20 per cent of all PCTs during 2007.

Categories included: Privacy in A&E; choice of food and doctors not talking in front of patients as if they were not there. In 2006 the Island NHS was in the top 20 per cent of performers in only nine categories. Compared to the 2006 survey results, the Island has improved in 29 categories last year.

The Island was in the worst performing 20 per cent of trusts in only five categories compared with eight in 2006. The national survey was produced by the independent Healthcare Commission.

Margaret Pratt, the interim chief executive of IW PCT, said: “This is a very encouraging and positive set of results from the people who know best from personal experience what our services are like – our patients.

Ms Pratt added there were areas where improvements were needed.

“For example, we do need to reduce the number of occasions when male and female patients share the same facilities.”

The categories where the Island was in the top performing 20 per cent of trusts were: Information provided in the emergency department (A&E).

• Privacy in A&E. • Length of time waiting to be admitted to a bed on a ward after attending A&E. • Choice of admission dates.

• Length of time waiting to get a bed on a ward.

• Having somewhere to keep personal belongings on a ward • Choice of food.

• Doctors not talking in front of patients as if they weren’t there.

• Getting easily understood answers to questions asked of nurses.

• Staff not giving contradictory information • Involvement in decisions about care.

• Information provided on condition/treatment.

• Having a member of staff to discuss fears.

• Privacy when being treated or examined.

• Staff explaining risks and benefits of operations or procedures.

• Staff answering questions about operations.

• Knowing what to expect after an operation or procedure.

• Anaesthetists explaining how they would put pa tients to sleep or control their pain.

• Involvement in decisions about discharge from hospital.

• Discharge not delayed unnecessarily.

• Timely discharge from hospital.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

The one that got away GEOFF BLAKE began fishing as a boy from Ventnor in the 1970s. The industry has changed beyond recognition but he is moving with the times and is cautiously optimistic about his future. It can be a perilous existence and the sea and weather must always be respected. He tells PETER WHITE about the highs and lows of his job.

IT’S around 4.30 in the morning and much of By Peter White Geoff Blake’s work to try to ensure a hazardGeoff began fishing as a kid in the 1970s. free day has already been done.

Geoff has meticulously checked the weather forecast on the internet, looked closely at the barometer reading and looked skyward, using his vast experience of ever-changing conditions he has picked up over the last 30 years or so.

It is only then that this well-known Island fisherman and his crew venture out of Ventnor Marina to begin their quest for a catch that may end up in the family’s adjacent Haven Fishery, or be transported to London to grace the tables of the finest restaurants the West End has to offer.

Looking out into the English Channel, his locallybuilt nine-metre Cheetah boat, named Ventnor Pride II, often looks little more than a yellow speck, bobbing around precariously at the mercy of the elements.

So have there been many ‘hairy’ moments over the years, I enquired. His reply was swift. “Hairy moments? It is always hairy. It is out to get you all the time,” he said. “Gales can come at any time of year.

When they come you have a spell of them and you have to keep working through them otherwise your business falls apart.

“You might get three months of gales and storms in the winter. We avoid the peaks but you have to be out there when you can and we often still get five days a week when the weather is very inclement. Our advantage is we only need three or four hours out there. But quite often you are working in 35mph winds every day.”

As he put it: “Basically if you threw a pot over the side you caught a lobster. Since then I have been learning all the time. It has been a huge learning curve and my knowledge is still very limited as to what is out there.”

Even now there are surprises in store. Not so long ago an Amber Jack fish was pulled in. Usually found only in the warm waters of the Caribbean, it was one of only four ever caught around Britain.

“Then there was the time we pulled up a string of pots and I could feel a lot of weight. When we pulled it in, there was a minky whale caught in a rope. That had then caught up in our gear, so we had a three-ton, 20ft whale south of Chale,” he recalled.

“We had to slowly coax him alongside and could see he had a rope right through his mouth. We cut him free but it was a bit like Moby Dick, because when he wanted to run you had to give him slack.

“We turned the engines off and kept as quiet as possible so as not to harm him, but we managed to get him alongside and cut him free and we never saw him again.”

It may appear a simple task to onlookers, but just getting in and out of the harbour can prove a major exercise, as this 44-year-old Ventnorian explained.

He said: “The dangerous bit is the entrance. We can get out easier than we can get back. We can power our way out through the surf but when you are going with it, that’s when you get more problems.

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“You have to control the boat at speed – you have to outpace the wave.

But you are vulnerable to anything going wrong.

The biggest dangers are the piles in the entrance, if we hit one of those it’s a fair bet it would kill us.

“You have to understand this place, you are stuck out in the Channel with the southern tip as far out as Portland Bill.

That is what you are dealing with. It’s not as if we are starting out from a sheltered bay, as most harbours are.

“That is good from a financial point of view, because in 2000 to 2002 Geoff Blake with his catch of the day at the Haven fishery fuel was virtually insig- on Ventnor seafront. nificant because it cost us 12p a litre. Now we are paying 60p a litre – a five of doubt if we hadn’t opened the fish pier and market fold increase in five years and doubled over the last we wouldn’t have a business and would have had to 12 months. That has hammered the boats that have to sell the boat.” travel to the fishing grounds.

Even so Geoff still believes fishing is a dying trade.

“But our fuels bills are up and we still have to He added: “In the early 1980s Ventnor was rock recover that. We used to land into Portsmouth daily bottom. Now 20 years on it is nice to see it power on. a few years ago but those days are gone. To go to We have a working haven and the seafood we get here Portsmouth and back uses up 100 litres of fuel, plus isn’t better anywhere else. your time and engine wear. So you are talking £150 “It is another step in the right direction, but we may just to sell your catch.” have to do other things in future to progress. Things That’s why he and wife, Cheryl, are thankful they do change. We need youngsters to come in, because were allowed to build the Haven fishery. we are a dying business.

He explained: “By pushing the shop ahead and “Let’s face it, the Government doesn’t want us. They wanting to make things work more efficiently we ban us from this, that and the other, just to create jobs have kept ourselves in business. Without a shadow for the pen-pushers.”

The Isle of Wight Gazette

9

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Nurse plans 76-mile hike for patients

Man in the Teflon seat

In recent years we have had a steady An Island specialist nurse is going the extra succession of chief executives of the Isle mile to help her patients – literally.

Next month Sarah Kearney will walk the Island’s of Wight Council. It is almost as if it is a 76-mile coastal path to raise funds for the national non-stick position. The latest incumbent Breathe Easy charity, which is part of the British is STEVE BEYNON, already a controverLung Foundation.

Sarah, from Ryde, is a respiratory clinical nurse spe- sial figure on the Island but he is a ‘public cialist based at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport. servant’ of vast experience and ambition She said: “Although I like to walk for the exercise, to lead and make the Island a better place.

I have never attempted a long-distance hike so I am KEVIN WILSON spoke to him. looking forward to this, but with some trepidation.”

Sarah will be joined by Andy Savage, also from Ryde, who is treasurer of the local Breathe Easy group and whose father, Cyril, died a few years ago because of a serious respiratory disease.

Half the money raised will be used to buy syringe drivers for use in patients’ own homes. They cost around £750 each.

Their epic walk will start at Ryde on September 5 and continue anti-clockwise for three days before a five-day break. They will complete the second half from September 12 to 14.

The event will end at Ride Esplanade when several colleagues, friends and patients are expected to join her for the final mile followed by a beach party.

Anyone interested in either joining the walk can contact Sarah on 552190 or email sarah.kearney@ iow.nhs.uk

Book weans kids off TV A keep fit book, which encourages children to ditch the TV and computer games in favour of physical activities, has been produced on the Island.

It describes activities they can undertake at home such as den making, role play, music making and dance.

It has been produced as a spinoff from a research project by the IW NHS Healing Arts team with the IW Council’s education department and children and their parents at Nine Acres School, Newport.

The book, TB7, is named after the research project, Time Being 7. Eventually it could be used in schools nationwide.

Guy Eades, Healing Arts director, said: “If we can demonstrate the project has been effective at reducing the time children spend in front of screens, with associated health benefits for both now and later in life, there is a good chance it will be adopted within schools across the country.”

The research project, funded by The Treasury, is one of three being undertaken by Healing Arts. The others focus on stroke survivors and mental health.

‘Porridge’ piles on the years VULNERABLE older prisoners in Island prisons are at the centre of a year-long study into how their conditions could be improved.

The findings from Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill could then be used to help prisoners aged over 50 across the UK. A study last year revealed the over 50s were potentially susceptible to ‘abusive situations’ and ‘biologically older by up to ten years because of the conditions in which they live’.

It also showed: • 85 per cent have chronic health conditions.

• ten per cent live with a disability • 30 per cent have unrecognised depression • 30 per cent are diagnosed with a personality disorder Highlighted were gaps in the current service with care being provided on an ad hoc basis by a mixture of NHS nurses, prison officers and some prisoners with limited training and a lack of clear information about what was happening to meet the needs of older prisoners.

The survey, costing £57,000 and funded by the Department of Health, will involve IW Council, the Prison Service and IW Primary Care Trust.

IF recent history is anything to go by, the chief executive of Isle of the Wight Council has a life expectancy of about eighteen months…which adds up to about half the lifespan of a mouse.

Eight people have eagerly occupied the hot seat in the last 12 years, but the latest – Steve Beynon – thinks he might have a trick up his sleeve as he seeks to break the mould.

Choosing his words carefully – always a useful technique in such a sensitive position and just ten months before the county council elections – he explained: “The post of chief executive is not a political appointment. I am head of the paid service of the council. I think in the past, the distinction between the two may have been a little blurred.”

His mission is to be Mister Impartial. “I have a duty to all political parties to provide information and advice and that is what I shall do,” he said.

Mr Beynon, who moved into his new office last week, may have something else on his side – sheer bloody mindedness.

He discovered this attribute as a schoolboy, when the head of his primary school told his parents that young Steve would never make it. But with the support of two teachers, Steve set out to prove everyone wrong.

He has never forgotten how wounded he felt all those years ago. It didn’t just inspire him to do well at school. The strength he was given by two teachers motivated him to take up teaching, too, devoting his career to encouraging and inspiring children – many of whom are still his friends today.

He has been a public sector worker for 32 years.

And while that may sound like a prison sentence, Steve retains the same enthusiasm and sense of purpose that served him so well as a teacher, then head teacher by the age of 31, national curriculum training and development officer, then deputy director of education at Thurrock, before joining the island council in 2006.

He was appointed chief executive by a panel of local politicians. The leader of the council, Councillor David Pugh, said one of the reasons for his appointment was Steve’s vision for the island.

And the vision is – delivery, delivery, delivery.

“We have all the strategies in place,” he said, “But we have to be a council that delivers for local people and businesses. We need to start getting results.”

His priorities – based around the popular management catchphrase, do less, better – include: Manage the budget: the council has to save around £12.5 million over the next three years, and he wants to achieve that by being more efficient.

Being clear about what the council does itself, and what it does in partnership with others.

Setting out what the council will actually do, with timescales we all know about so we can judge their performance.

Reassure and motivate staff that they have a positive part to play.

Then, of course, there is the question of education.

Steve was the council’s lead officer during the review of schools which stirred up so much controversy.

What has he learned from that experience?

Island

Windows

Steve Beynon, the new IW Council chief executive: “We have to be a council that delivers for local people and businesses. We need to start getting results.”

“It showed us that the council has the mettle to take difficult decisions, but we learned that we have to show that we are listening.”

The timetable for the immediate future is very interesting.

The council must formally publish its proposals in March next year, followed by a six week consultation period – which will almost certainly end just around the time of the council elections, when the council will have to take a legally binding decision.

How will Steve cope with all the pressure?

“I can cope,” he said. “I am a public servant. This is not a one-person show. I work for and with a big team, and although I’m the eighth chief executive in 12 years, I want to convey the sense that I’m here to do a job and do it well.”

He gets his relaxation from reading books and lis-

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tening to classical music. As he sits back in his home at East Cowes, perhaps his mind might go back to the brief spell he had outside the public sector, when, as a young man, he worked as a kitchen designer.

Steve picks up the story: “I worked out of a warehouse. It was a real dump with different displays all apparently just plonked where there happened to be a space. There wasn’t any logic to it and the customers were completely confused.

“I came up with a new design for the warehouse which turned it into a showroom so people could see exactly what we did. It made it all easier to understand.”

More than 30 years later, Steve is the head of an organisation with a budget of £300 million serving a population of about 140,000 expectant people.

Let’s hope he has the same success.

Jacquie

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10

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Quality of life so important THE GAZETTE is privileged and proud to be supporting the Earl Mountbatten Hospice by asking readers to make a donation every time they pick up a free copy of this newspaper. KEVIN WILSON visited the hospice in Newport and discovered what it means to the Island.

EVERY day is a matter of life as well as death at the Island’s favourite charity, where money really does make the world go round.

There can be few people who have not heard of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, through highprofile activities such as Walk The Wight, its shops, its lottery, selling its symbolic sunflowers at the IW Festival, and a huge range of other events.

It costs £3.7 million a year to keep the hospice open and £2.2 million of that is generated by its fundraising activities. The rest comes from the island’s Primary Care Trust (PCT) which runs St Mary’s Hospital and other services.

But those figures don’t tell the full story.

The proportion of costs that are contributed by the PCT has fallen from 56 per cent in 1999 to just 34 per cent today.

Graham Elderfield, who became hospice chief exec-

JAMMING: Banjo players, the Rev Michael Johnston, a hospice chaplain, and Dan Collier, a day patient, liven up a Friday afternoon.

utive last autumn after 37 years in the NHS, believes this is an injustice.

Now, as the NHS celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding and the Government published a white paper on improving care for people at the end of their lives, he is calling for change.

“The NHS was created to be a cradle to grave service,” he said. “But the amount of investment going into birth services far outstrips the level of support people get at the end of their lives.”

It is a sad fact that many of the 600 island people who die in hospital are there simply because there is nowhere else for them to go.

On the other hand, 300 people end their lives in the care of the hospice, which provides a quality of life no hospital could match.

Mr Elderfield wants more people to have the quality of life the hospice provides – whether they stay in one of the hospice’s 16 wellequipped rooms, or are cared for under the new Hospice@Home service.

“We don’t talk about people coming here to die,” he said.

“People come to us to live for the rest of their lives – either here on the premises, or at home. ”We think it is extremely unfair that half of all deaths are in hospital and we hope that the government will provide more funding so that hospices like ours can provide a service to more people.”

The need for more investment is becoming ever more urgent.

The numbers of people approaching very old age is growing every year and the Island already has well above the national average number of older people.

If nothing is done soon, the danger is that there simply won’t be enough hospital beds to go round – they will be full of people who are there because they have no other choice.

But the solution already exists, here on the island, where the Hospice@Home scheme is already helping about 100 people to have their dearest wish, to die at home – and to do

“

We don’t make any distinction on age, social class or income. People who come to us do so because they have been told they have a terminal illness, which is likely to progressively worsen their condition.

Nurses in the Hospice@Home team

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”

so with the same quality of life as if they were actually in the hospice itself.

The scheme works with doctors, district nurses, Macmillan Support and Marie Curie nurses to provide a complete package of care seven days a week.

Leader of Hospice@Home Jill George said: “Fulfilling a wish to stay at home can sometimes make such a sad time easier to bear. Our aim is to bring specialist palliative care out of the hospice and into all areas of the

community and to develop our service so that anyone dying on the Isle of Wight, regardless of diagnosis has a real choice in where they are cared for at the end of their lives.”

The service comes at a cost, of course.

To extend it to another 100 people will cost an additional £300,000 a year.

As things stand, that money will have to come from fundraising activity and the hospice has already launched an appeal for support to extend its Hospice@ Home service.

“One third of island people are now over the age of 60,” he said. “Yet care for people at the end of their lives just doesn’t get the same priority as for those at the beginning. We know we will always depend on our marvellous volunteers and fundraisers, but we could do even more if we had more financial backing from the Government.”

In the meantime, the amazing work of the hospice goes on.

Its focus is on providing palliative care – enabling people to manage pain, and maintain quality of life.

The Island’s consultant on palliative care is based at the

hospice in Newport, supported by a professional team of specialists including family support and bereavement counsellors, as well as hairdressers, aromatherapists and beauticians.

Those in the early stages of terminal illness can stay at home and take advantage of day care until they need to move into one of the rooms overlooking the peaceful hospice garden.

The emphasis is very much on making the most of life and the sense of mutual support makes a big difference: Two patients were actually married at the hospice a couple of years ago.

Hospice chief fundraiser David Cheek said: “Ninety per cent of people who come to us have cancer and the other ten per cent include those with motor neurone disease, heart disease, renal failure and so on.

“We don’t make any distinction on age, social class or income. People who come to us do so because they have been told they have a terminal illness, which is likely to progressively worsen their condition.

“There is a common misconception that people come here for the two weeks leading up to their death. The fact is that our care can last two years or more, and we also care for people in their own homes, too.

“It might all sound negative to some, but you only have to be here for a while to see that this is essentially a happy place. People feel better for being loved, for having things explained to them, being able to eat when they feel like it and have visitors any time.

“And, of course, none of this would really be possible without the enormous generosity of Islanders. The money we get from the primary care trust pays for the basics, but the donations we receive give us the extras which enable us to give our patients the quality of life they deserve.”

How you can help The hospice will soon be opening a new furniture warehouse and urgently needs volunteers. Call Julie Clifton on 527859 if you can help.

The Hospice has 350 volunteers and is always looking for others to join the team. Go to the website at earlmountbattenhospice.org.uk to find out more.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

11

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Dentist tackles killer cancer

An Island dental practice has become the first in the south of England to use the latest technology for early diagnosis of oral cancer, which is often not found until it is too late.

The St James Dental Clinic, Newport, has purchased an Americanmade Velscope, a handheld device, which takes less than 15 minutes to use and is pain free.

Oral cancer claims the life of one person every three hours in the UK. It has a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast, cervical or skin cancers because, more often than not, it is detected late.

The mortality rate is 50 per cent after five years, from diagnosis.

When discovered early, people can expect an 80 to 90 per cent chance of beating the disease.

A spokesperson for the clinic said: “We have recognised the dire need and urgency in making people far more aware of these risks and statistics and have indeed put our money where our mouths are by investing in the latest and proven early screening technology available.”

National oral cancer awareness week is in November.

West Wight winners

THE West Wight is about to have a £1.7m makeover thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It will finance a number of conservation, heritage and regeneration schemes and it is the largest lottery funding ever awarded to the Island for a project of this kind.

New paths and trails, information points and cultural exhibitions will be created.

Among the projects is the ‘Golden Circuit’, a trail for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and mobility users linking important historical, environmental and cultural sites.

Starting and finishing in Yarmouth, the Golden Circuit will link existing footpaths and trails around the western tip of the Island to create a 9.3km (5.7miles) long path through some of the

finest landscapes in the area with breathtaking Solent views.

The scheme includes £300,000 which landowners can access to ‘improve the landscape character’ and encourage a greater variety of flora and fauna.

There will be exhibitions of historical artefacts found on the Island and the revival of traditional building and

and the West Wight Landscape Partnership (WWLP) applied for the £1.7million The schemes are in-line with the Eco-Island vision and are part of the WWLP’s Learn, Enhance, Inspire and Connect’ projects.

Sue Poston, chair of the WWLP, said: “We are thrilled at the success of obtaining the grant and as a group look forward to doing all we can to countryside manage- ensure the success of this ment techniques through workshops available to volunteers.

Thirty-five hectares of new heathland will also be created. New information boards and improved signs along with improved disabled access to key sites will also add to West Wight’s attraction as a world class visitor destination.

The IW Council

Golden circuit: Enjoying a bike ride at the start of the circuit are Cllr David Pugh, leader of the IW Council and Sue Poston chair of the West Wight Landscape Partnership.

lottery award and raising the profile of the West Wight both in terms of tourism and economic development.”

Cllr Tim HunterHenderson, IW Council Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The council is keen to promote walking as a healthy pastime and visitors to this year’s walking festival will be among the first to benefit from the improvements.”

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Lapdancers for just a handful

YACHT race crews will be able to let their hair down at a one-off lapdancing club during Cowes Week. The Waterside, in the High Street, has booked 15 girls from a lapdancing club in Portsmouth for seven nights.

Entry will be limited to 100 per night with tickets restricted to crews who have competitors’ passes and people who have made prior arrangements with the manager.

News desk 402559

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12

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Best start in life

No hiding place for bunk-off kids

THE Island is being used as a testbed to improve all services for children from birth up to the age of seven.

TRUANCY in Ryde has been It includes schools, slashed by two-thirds following a early years providers, three-pronged alliance to tackle the children’s centres and problem.

health services.

The idea is to get the various organisations such as IW Council, NHS and voluntary groups, which deal with children, should work more closely together.

A spokesperson for the council said: “It’s envisaged the project will create a more coherent and stable experience of early years’ education for children and their families.”

Steve Beynon, IW Council’s chief executive, added: “This is very exciting news.

“There are enormous potential benefits to be gained from closer liaison between early years providers, schools and related services. We should take great pride in the fact the government has such confidence in us.”

The IW Council, police and business owners co-operated in a successful Truancy Watch scheme.

Shopkeepers and other businesses refused to serve children unaccompanied by an adult or without a valid absence slip from their school, between 9am and 3pm.

At the same time, police and council officers made regular sweeps, rounding up truants.

In the last school year 22 were caught compared with 65 the previous year.

PC Sue Gill, from the Ryde South Safer

“

Neighbourhood Team, said: “Pupils are now aware that if caught out of lessons without appropriate permission, they will be taken back to school and issued with a warning, which results in their parents being informed.”

Cllr Alan Wells, the council’s Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “Shops and businesses not serving pupils during school times does act as a deterrent because it takes away a main reason for students deciding to skip school and go into town.”

The Ryde Truancy Watch mirrors a similar scheme in Newport, which has been equally successful. It will be rolled out to Sandown and Shanklin next term.

Pupils are now aware that if caught out of lessons without appropriate permission, they will be taken back to school and issued with a warning, which results in their parents being informed.

”

Better chances of staying alive

A top-up safety course based on riding practiced by police experts, is being offered to Island bikers holding a full bike licence.

Costing £10 per rider, Better Riding is a short course designed to improve riders’ skills, help them to identify and anticipate hazards. It includes theory and a one to one assessment ride.

It runs over two consecutive weeks, Tuesday, August 12, 7.30pm to 9.30pm and the following Tuesday, same times.

The course is run by IW Council to counter the high number of accidents involving bikers.

Nationally, in 2006, 599 motorcyclists died and 5,885 were seriously injured in road accidents in the UK. For more information call 823799.

Narrow minds not welcome here

BREASTFEEDING mums can now do Prominent stickers tell people they are in “Breastfeeding is not only a vital but also a natural part of early life. what comes naturally in more than 60 breastfeeding-friendly buildings.

Research by the NCT has shown two out “Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients IW Council buildings.

It is hoped it will encourage many more private premises to become breastfeedingfriendly areas.

The idea is being promoted by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) as well as the council.

of every three mums have been subjected to disparaging remarks from other people if they breastfeed in public while nine out of ten mothers give up breastfeeding too early.

Cllr Dawn Cousins, council Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:

they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection while it also reduces the chances of mums getting certain diseases later in life.

“I am delighted to support this and would encourage businesses to do the same.”

Gap widens Nearly one in three of the Island’s adult population have no qualifications But just over 15 per cent of adults have a degree or higher qualification. Figures were in the last national census.

Pools close

The two pools at The Heights Leisure Centre, Sandown, will be closed for essential maintenance for an expected two weeks from September 1.

Other facilities, including the tone zone, health suite and squash courts, will remain open.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

13

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Lifeboat station goes for upgrade

PERFECT PAVING FOR LESS

A £1M appeal has been launched to fund a new RNLI lifeboat, station and boathouse at Bembridge.

The current lifeboat, Max Aitken III, is due to be retired in 2010 and will be replaced by the most advanced lifeboat class, the Tamar. The Tamar is more powerful and is also higher, heavier and wider.

Graham Hall, Bembridge lifeboat operations manager, said: “Our lifeboat station was constructed in 1922 to house a lifeboat weighing eight tonnes but technology and times have changed a great deal.

“Both the walkway and the slipway are now beginning to deteriorate beyond repair and the station is in need of attention.”

The appeal was launched at Bembridge Sailing Club where the lifeboat’s volunteer crew members joined dignitaries from across the Island and members of the sailing community.

There were two surprise donations, one from Bem-

End of the road

N

The RNLI lifeboat station at Bembridge needs major improvements to accommodate a bigger and heavier new lifeboat. bridge Sailing Club and the other from Ryde Junior School.

The appeal will also provide better storage conditions for crew kit, as it doesn’t dry out properly between shouts.

Tracey Harris, RNLI regional appeals manager, explained the new Bembridge lifeboat station was waiting for planning permission.

She said: “Because the RNLI is a charity, we have launched this appeal to ensure funds are there for when we can start work. Naturally, we hope to get planning permission for all the proposals but we may get permission for an amended version.

“The fact remains Bembridge lifeboat station will have to undergo some work to ensure it can continue to support the RNLI’s remit of saving lives at sea, so any monies raised will go towards that work.”

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North Road Garage, closing after serving motorists for more than 100 years.

SHANKLIN is about to lose its last petrol filling station.

North Road Garage, which has stood on the site near the Hope Road and Atherley Road junction for more than 100 years, will be closing its doors at the end of the month.

Lindsay and Charin Walters are to relocate to Lake Industrial Way, but only to continue their service, MOT and repairs business.

Lindsay recalls that when he first owned the garage back in October 1992, there were at least three other petrol stations in the town.

He admitted: “For us to stop serving petrol is something of a blessing in disguise. Supermarkets selling petrol on the Island are putting small stations out of business and it will only get worse.

“When I began, a petrol delivery of 3,500 litres cost me about £800 and we made 10p a gallon profit.

That profit is still exactly the same but now a delivery costs us £4,500. Small businesses like ours also have to pay ‘up front’ for the petrol whereas supermarkets often have two months to pay and they can offset the cost of petrol on other items. That is why so many small petrol stations on the Island have been forced to close.”

With the lease due to run out on the North Road Garage, there are plans for it to be demolished and replaced by two semi-detached houses.

All Ears Hearing

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14

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

We’re doing this for Lynn A WOMAN fighting cancer is the inspiration behind a cycle ride that has captured the Island’s imagination.

Hundreds of organisations and individuals are sponsoring Island firefighters as they prepare for a gruelling 1,400 mile cycle ride from Sts Thomas’ Square, Newport, to Vatican City, Rome.

The Square-to-Square Charity Cycle Challenge 2008 aims to raise money to buy special equipment for the treatment of a form of lung cancer. It is close to doubling its initial fundraising target of £25,000.

The cyclists – a mix of full-time and retained firefighters – set off on their incredible journey at the end of August, to face a daily routine of 100 miles in the saddle.

The support of schools, businesses and corporate sponsors will sustain them. But their biggest hope is that Lynn Fisher, of Colwell Road, Freshwater – who has lung cancer and was given only a short time to live three years ago – will be there to meet them at the finish line.

The firefighters have clubbed together to buy Lynn a flight to Rome, where she will be the guest at a welcome barbecue arranged by the British Embassy.

Watch manager Kelvin Wright, who is organising the ride with Fire Control Operator Andrew Cooper, said: “Lynn is our inspiration. She has been through so much and the thought that the money we raise could make such a big difference to her and other sufferers drives us on.

“We want her to be there to meet us as we arrive at the Vatican, so we have raised the money between us. I suspect we will all cry our eyes out when we get there.”

The charity ride will raise funds so the Wessex Cancer Trust can buy at least one thorascope and other equipment for St Mary’s Hospital, so that island patients like Lynn can be treated on the island.

At present, Islanders have to go to Southampton – even though the island has one of the highest incidences of the mesothelioma form of cancer, which strikes the respiratory system. It is believed to be a throwback to the long history of ship building and is caused by prolonged contact with asbestos.

It is a subject close to the heart of firefighters, who have a dangerous job, which can involve exposure

to dangerous chemicals, fumes and smoke. Many former firefighters are developing the same form of cancer, between 25 and 40 years after leaving the service.

Kelvin said: “We will certainly be feeling the pain of the ride, especially when we have to cycle across the Alps. But it will be nothing compared to the ordeal that Lynn and other sufferers have been going through.”

Seven of the cyclists are firefighters; the others are Will Downer, from Wight Mountain; Mark Adams, regional manager of British Cycling, and Ian Rock, PE teacher at Carisbrooke School.

The team, with a support team of five, has been amazed by the Island’s generosity, which may mean the ride could even raise enough money for two thorascopes.

“We are specially pleased at the involvement of so many schools,” said Kelvin. “And a side product of the ride is that seven of us are trained to become cycling coaches so we can instruct school children on road safety and cycling skills.”

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15

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Solent now safer in an emergency PASSENGERS who suffer a heart attack on a Wightlink ferry now have a much greater chance of surviving.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has funded 13 life-saving defibrillators so every Wightlink ferry has one available for use, at all times.

Around 227,000 people suffer a heart attack in the UK each year, about a third of whom die before reaching hospital. When someone has an arrest, their chances of survival drop by up to 14 per cent for every minute that passes.

David Arnold, director of ambulance operations for the IW Ambulance Service said: “It is one of our aims to have a defibrillator and trained user within eight minutes of anyone suffering a heart attack on the Island..

“This initiative with the BHF and Wightlink is stretching that cover across The Solent, ensuring that the IW is truly a safe place to live and visit.”

The life saving automated external defibrillator or AED, is used to treat people suffering a cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping because of an electrical disturbance causing the heart to quiver –known as fibrillation. A defibrillator works by delivering a controlled electric shock through the chest wall to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat effectively restarting the heart.

Nick Hey, Wightlink health, safety and environmental manager said113 staff had been trained to use the defibrillators.

Helen Murdoch, community resuscitation coordinator for the BHF in the south of England said: “Congratulations to Wightlink for its proactive approach to improving a casualty’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest and for working with the IW Ambulance Service. We encourage other transport-related organisations to follow suit.”

Lynn’s story

Lynn thought she had a chest infection, but doctors wanted to be certain, so she was sent to Southampton for an operation using a thorascope, which involves removing small amounts of tissue from the wall of the lung for analysis.

She was in hospital in Southampton for eight days – away from home and family because there are no similar facilities on the Island. The combination of strict visiting times, the cost of ferry fares and the fact that her husband, son and daughter were all at work, meant she was cut off from them at one of the most stressful periods of her life.

The memory still burns strongly and it’s what drives Lynn on now. She has become a living symbol of what the square-to-square challenge is all about, speaking at meetings and raising money herself.

“It’s simple, really,” she said. “I just don’t want anyone else to have to go through it. The Island must have this equipment and it is so unfair to separate people from their families, just when they need each

other the most.”

Lynn was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2006 and was given a year to live, at most. A year later, she had to have another thorascope operation, which confirmed that the cancer had spread to the other side of her lung.

Yet she is still here and determined to be at the finishing line in Rome to meet the firefighters who have become her friends.

“I have had radiotherapy twice, which also meant going to Southampton and six sessions of chemotherapy at St Mary’s Hospital,” she said. “But recently, I have been using a new drug which can hold this form of cancer back. The main thing is, I’m still here.”

Above all, she believes her positive attitude and the support of her husband Geoff, son Scott, and daughter, Emma, have been the key. Now she is counting the days to Emma’s wedding this month – an event she never thought she would see.

Lynn assumes she contracted this form of cancer when she lived in Coventry.

She can remember pre-fabricated homes being bulldozed amid clouds of asbestos dust, while she stood waiting for the bus to school.

Mesothelioma can only be caused by asbestos inhalation and the island shipbuilding industry is a likely source of further incidences of this terminal cancer – with a peak expected here in ten to 15 years.

Meanwhile, Lynn – who moved to the island in 1991 - has nothing but praise for the Square to Square Challenge and is counting the days to the cyclists’ arrival in Rome.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to believe all this is happening to me,” she said. “All I know is that I’m going to be there to meet them and that the end result will be that Islanders will not have to leave their families and cross The Solent for their diagnosis.”

If you want to support the cycle challenge, go to www.SQ2SQ.com

17,003 votes adrift David Icke, the former professional footballer and TV sports presenter, came 12th in the recent Haltemprice and Howden by-election, where a record 26 candidates stood.

He polled 110 votes, 17,003 behind the winner, Conservative David Davis, who was re-elected MP. Mr Icke, who has a home in Ryde, said before the by-election he did not have any chance of winning.

According to the BBC, Mr Icke said Mr Davis’s decision to call a contest on the subject of the government’s ‘Big Brother-type’ of snooping is “far bigger than even he realises and unless we see the big picture of what is going on nothing effective can be done to stop it”.

Other candidates included Miss Great Britain, who came fifth with 521 votes, a pub landlord who opposed the smoking ban – he finished one place behind Mr Icke – and a former Eurovision Song Contest competitor, who finished out of the Top Twenty.

Beauty queen Gemma Garrett, from Belfast, pledged to make politics “sexy and not sleazy” and Westminster “less dowdy and downtrodden”. up businesses.

Ronnie Carroll, who represented Britain twice in “It is sad to witness this, especially when so many the Eurovision Song Contest, called for a future free have such great potential.” of politicians. Mr Carroll’s 1960s hits included Roses are Red and Say Wonderful Things.

For more information go to Hamish Howitt, a Blackpool pub landlord, opposed www.thebusiness-startup.co.uk the smoking ban for public places. He polled 91 votes, 19 behind Mr Icke.

IW start-up businesses get extra help A SURVIVAL kit is now available for new busi- sive telecommunications and mobility offers, free nesses. The IW Chamber of Commerce, Tourism software trials, discounts on products, subsidised and Industry is offering a custom-built Business chamber membership and free legal advice.

Frustrated by the high number of start-up failures, Start-Up Pack

Working with the British Chambers of Commerce Kevin Smith, chamber chief executive, said: “The the pack includes three years’ free business banking chamber intends to use its knowledge, influence, confrom the RBS Group, instant tender alerts, exclu- tacts and network to make a major difference to start-

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16

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

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Radio Marmite

ALEX DYKE’S Mid Morning Boogie and phone-in on IW Radio is probably the most popular programme on IW Radio. For many it is a must-listen-to part of the day, for others it is a real turnoff. You either love him or hate him, just like Marmite. PETER WHITE dropped into the studio one day and discovered some surprising facts.

OUTSPOKEN DJ Alex Dyke admits he thought it was time to get his own back when he was told by IW Radio bosses that they wanted him back on a regular Saturday morning slot.

He much preferred to be at home playing football in the garden with his three children, rather than drag himself through the traffic to the Newport base. So Alex decided to try to wind up the station’s hierarchy by playing the type of records he felt might make them cringe with embarrassment.

So out came the likes of Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando and Dawn and Little Arrows by Leapy Lee. Soon the studio phone lines were red hot, not from listeners criticising his cheesey choices, but from people applauding the bold move to play such forgotten oldies.

Now his Saturday morning show Bubble Gum and Cheese is one of the most popular programmes of the week, along with his daily phone-in from midday. In fact the new concept is so popular that it is also broadcast around 28 network stations on a Sunday evening, stretching from Falkirk and Sunderland down to Eastbourne and Portsmouth.

During another hectic few hours in the studio, Alex, 45, took time out to explain how it all began.

“I was doing a Friday late night show from 10pm to 1am. I could do basically what I wanted, playing clips of old radio shows, talking about e-bay or whatever and it was a nice cosy show. But really didn’t have an audience at that time of night.

“The bosses said they were paying me for this shift but it was really a waste of money and wanted me back at weekends. I didn’t want to go back to Saturday mornings but I was contracted to do it, so I thought I would wind them up.

“I said to myself I would come in and play things like Tie a Yellow Ribbon and Little Arrows, thinking they would listen and ask themselves why they had given me a Saturday morning slot.

“But as I played these songs I realised I knew every word to all of them. After about three records people started ringing in and saying they were enjoying the show.

The first week it didn’t have a title, then I

Is Alex Dyke more or less popular than Marmite? Let us know by e-mailing newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk thought the bubble gum was the Monkees and that sort of era and the cheese was anything cheesey. So that’s what it was called from the second week and it has just gone from strength to strength.”

Alex admitted: “I absolutely love doing it. I suppose the magic ingredient is that most of the records are short, about two-and-a-half minutes, they are all happy and non-political feel-good stuff. But we are very careful we don’t turn it into a novelty show.

“It has to sound good and be enjoyable.

We experimented and it seems best with records from around 1966-67 to about 1981.

When it goes out on the network we get about 200 phone calls and 100 texts every week, which is incredible for a show in a ‘dead zone’ up against Coronation Street and the powerhouse Sunday night TV.” The most requested songs include Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks, Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jnr, and Peters and Lee’s Welcome Home, not to mention the Bay City Rollers with Give a Little Love.

Fish & Chip evenings at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway Havenstreet Station, PO33 4DS Every Tuesday & Thursday during August You may either take your meal on the train or relax in our licensed cafeteria after your train ride.

Trains depart Havenstreet 5.45 pm & 7.10 pm.

Adults £13, Children £7. Children under 5 travel free (meals can be purchased separately). Includes train ride plus fish & chips. Drinks and other items are not included in the price but may be purchased.

If you wish to take your fish & chips on the train, please be sure to arrive in plenty of time for your meal to be freshly prepared.

The Isle of Wight Railway Co Ltd, The Railway Station, Havenstreet Isle of Wight PO33 4DS Tel 01983 882204

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

The controversial presenter’s phone-in remains as popular as ever.

“I joined the station in January 1991, six months after its launch. I’ve done the morning show from June that year and started the phone-in around September, 1992. On the phone-in you get days when the phones ring off the hooks, but other days it is quiet.

“I walk round the Island and people say to me ‘I love your show but I would never call’. We get our regulars, who I give names to and make them into local celebrities.”

Alex is still full of ideas, one of them quite incredible. He would like nothing more than to live in Florida and present his show from there each day. We go over there whenever possible. I love the culture and sunshine, I’ve even applied for the green card to live there. The only way I wouldn’t go is if IW Radio said I couldn’t work from home.” *Alex Dyke’s Bubble Gum and Cheese can be heard on Saturday mornings on IW Radio, FM 107 and 102.

Funkiest B&B THE Enchanted Manor at Niton has been voted the AA’s Funkiest B&B for 2008.

The manor house has been converted into a boutique retreat by its owners Ric and Maggie Hilton, who recently also won Tourism South East’s 2007 award for the region’s best bed and breakfast establishment.

Ric and Maggie have developed an ‘enchanted’ theme which includes ornately carved four poster beds, fantasy local artwork and landscaping to create areas with local wooden sculptures and native wild flowers.

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel, London.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

17

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Castle has £900,000 welcome to visitors It probably cost £100 or so to build the first Carisbrooke Castle – a fortune 900 years ago - but a recent addition of a visitors’ centre and other improvements cost a cool £900,000. The Gazette looks at what has been achieved.

WILLIAM Fitzsobern was not a man you would want as an enemy. He was a warrior, a man of action, a close counsellor to William the Conqueror and, in modern parlance, a minder and fixer.

It is said he was one of the earliest and most vigorous advocates of the invasion of England and he convinced the doubters amongst the Norman barons of the feasibility of the invasion in 1066.

After the Battle of Hastings, Fitzsobern helped to subdue pockets of resistance in Wales and the Midlands and, part of his reward, was the Isle of Wight.

A voracious builder of castles, he raised a typical motte and bailey castle at Carisbrooke, on the site of a Saxon fortification.

It probably cost about £100 to build.

It has seen its share of action, including a siege, by the French, in 1377 but they lost heart and left when their commander was killed.

In 940 years since it was built, there were many changes and Carisbrooke moved from being a fortress to a royal residence and, today, one of the Island’s leading tourist attractions.

Visitors number 115,000 a year – second only to Osborne House – but this figure was in decline and so English Heritage decided it was time for a makeover – £900,000 worth!

The most visible alteration is an admission centre and shop, which reflects the style of a former Tudor building on the site. It has stone walling and roof tiling while the beams, windows and door are English oak.

This has allowed the former guardhouse to be home to a virtual tour of the castle and an introductory film, narrated by Ryde-born comedian Phil Jupitus. He provides the voice of a cartoon character, Jupiter the donkey.

Jupiter introduces people who made their mark on the castle from Isabella de Fortibus, one of the richest and most powerful persons of the 12th Century to Charles 1 who was imprisoned there before his execution and Princess Beatrice, youngest of Queen Victoria’s children, who lived there for a quarter of a century.

FLASHBACK: One of the most famous and reluctant occupants of Carisbrooke Castle was Charles I who was a prisoner until he was taken to London to have his head chopped off. A 21st century lookalike reenacts his attempt to escape.

main roles of the castle and visitors can dress up as soldiers from three periods in history, fire a cannon and wind up and release a crossbow.

They can even play bowls on the green used by Charles 1.

Commenting on the changes, Lord Bruce Lockhart, chairman of English Heritage, said preously visitors were not given sufficient information and so did not appreciate the historical significance of Carisbrooke.

“The project has allowed us to bring the castle’s history within the reach of more people,” he said. “The virtual tour will enable those who cannot physically reach some f the least accessible areas of the castle to explore it for themselves, using the latest computer technology.”

Around the castle are graphics and interactive activities for people to try.

Panels explain the

Best beaches in the south

Three Island beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status by the Keep Britain Tidy Group. Seven others have been given Quality Coast Award (QCA) status.

Blue Flags are only awarded to resorts which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

Sandown and Shanklin beaches have retained their Blue Flag status while, for the first time since 2003, Ventnor has been given the prestigious award.

The beach at Ryde East has not retained its Blue Flag status.

The Isle of Wight Council did not enter the beach into the awards as a test indicated it did not meet the criteria for water

quality in 2007.

Ventnor could not be entered for a Blue Flag until now as it did not have full-time lifeguards.

But the council is now paying for them between May and September.

Beaches that have achieved QCA status are: East Cowes, Spring-

vale, Cowes, Seagrove, Totland, Colwell, Gurnard along with Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor which also achieved Blue Flag status.

IW Council director of environment Stuart Love said: “This is very good news and it enhances our reputation as a top

holiday destination” Council leader Cllr David Pugh said recent tests at Ryde have shown the quality of the bathing water exceeds standard UK guidelines this year. ”The Island is still one of the south east’s most successful resorts for achieving Blue Flags.”

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18

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Most frustrating time of my life IT HAS been a long journey of recovery for Island MP ANDREW TURNER, who suffered a stroke in December 2006. Recently he passed another landmark, he was told he could drive again.

Talking to Gazette editor Brian Dennis he described the highs and lows and how the support of so many people have been vital to his recovery.

IMAGINE a Member of Parliament who is unable to speak. It is like an airline pilot losing his sight or a professional footballer losing a leg.

Their careers would be finished.

When I woke up in a hospital bed after suffering a stroke in December 2006, unable to move and, even more frustrating, unable to speak I was contemplating something similar. I had no idea what the future held, or how I was going to find my way back.

The power of speech is a basic form of communication, something we use every day and an essential weapon in the armoury of a politician – we cannot do our jobs without it. Yet I was faced with being the elected MP for the Isle of Wight, a position I have held proudly since 2001, without being able to speak.

It was then, when I needed them most, that friends appeared at my bedside and lifted my spirits. Soon after I went into hospital two turned up, leaned over me and one said: “Don’t worry Andrew, your solicitor and undertaker are here!”

Luckily, I didn’t need them professionally but so started a long journey!

The incredible stroke unit team at St Mary’s, started me on that journey.

Doctors, nurses and speech, physio

and occupational therapists all played an important part. But I would not have made so much progress without the help and support of friends, understanding and sympathetic Islanders, fellow MPs of all parties, political supporters and even opponents (Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate, Mark Chiverton, was a regular visitor) and most important of all, my wonderful partner, Carole.

There are simply too many people who played a part in getting me back to health and to work for me to name individually, but I’d like to thank everyone of you for everything you did – I know only too well how much I owe you.

Aphasia is a communication disability which I previously knew very little about but I now understand a great deal better. It is the name for the speech problems with which a third of all stroke survivors are left. Unlike the disabled airline pilot or footballer there is no visual clue that someone has aphasia. The severity and nature of the condition varies from one person to the next.

People with aphasia often suffer social exclusion and it can be hard to identify – a ‘hidden’ disability.

A recent survey revealed that over 90 per cent of the UK population has

Andrew Turner, man on the mend. never heard of it. People confused it with other medical conditions or even a fruit. But there are an estimated 250,000 people in the UK living with aphasia and a further 50,000 developing it each year – the equivalent of one person every 11 minutes.

Having aphasia was simply the most frustrating period of my life. I knew what I wanted to say but couldn’t find

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

the words and put them in the correct order. Everyone has experienced that ‘tip-of-the-tongue’ moment when you know the word you want but can’t quite remember it - for some people with aphasia it can be like that all the time.

As I slowly got better I could find more of the right words but still found it difficult to converse with large groups of people or at noisy events. But I under-

stood that if I wanted to continue as the Island’s MP, I had to fight. It has been hard work but, again, I cannot over-emphasise the wonderful support I have received, or how important it has been to my recovery.

There have been many milestones on my journey.

My first telephone conversation. My first public engagement. My first media interview. My first day back in Parliament. My first speech. Whereas, before, I was able to make speeches ‘off the cuff’ I currently have to prepare more in advance and use notes. So far nobody has complained that their MP has to think before opening his mouth!

Medical tests have shown that there is nothing to suggest any more problems in the future and recently I have been given the all-clear to drive again. That is a relief not only for me, but for Carole and those good friends who have kindly driven me to so many meetings and events.

Mine has been a very public recovery. It has been a revelation to meet so many people who have aphasia or who know people who have it. Some have told me that my widely-reported difficulties and subsequent improvement have been an inspiration to them. I am pleased and humbled at the same time.

If anyone who has had aphasia can be called lucky, I am. The Isle of Wight is a caring and compassionate community. I have had the understanding, help and mental stimulation needed to support my recovery, but I know many people do not receive such support. I plan to fight the next general election and hope to continue to represent the Island in Parliament for many years to come. But I shall do so with a real understanding of what many people who live with aphasia go through every day. Not everyone is lucky enough to recover as I have.

If you meet someone who sometimes uses the wrong word or who takes a little while to get their message across, please give them a little extra time. Try to put yourself in their place and encourage them. You may never realise what a difference it makes – but I do – and I shall.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

19

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Up hill and down ale Criss-crossing Europe in a 20 year old cab, which has some 425,000 miles on the clock, GRAHAM PERKS searches for what he wants and PETER WHITE discovered what drives him on.

Graham Perks with his ‘winemobile’

WHILE Lynne Scott of Newport was working with Age Concern, she encountered a worry frequently faced by the elderly – the welfare of a pet.

When Ventnor landlord Graham Perks loads up his London taxi it’s hardly the type of fare you would expect to see.

Graham is not one for taking tourists around the Island in his appropriately-coloured claret ‘black cab’. Invariably he ventures further afield in pursuit of his passion that has been a major part of his life since he first moved here from Hayling Island in 1988.

He likes nothing more than a quality glass of wine and he is quite prepared to drive his cab around Europe to find the best on offer. His 20 year old cab has some 425,000 miles on the clock but that still doesn’t stop it from hauling up to 70 cases at a time back across to the Island.

Now relishing the responsibility of regenerating the Winter Gardens, overlooking Ventnor Esplanade, Graham recalls in this exclusive Gazette interview how it all began and how he still enjoys the challenge of presenting the best wines to his customers at realistic prices.

He said: “My first trip to Spain was in a van. At the time it took up to a year to get a licence to bring wine back in, so I had to pay Customs the duty even before I could even pick it up. Then one day in the pub a mate told me he had a cab and reckoned I could get up to 50 cases in it. When he decided to sell the cab, I bought it, and on the first trip to France I managed to load 70 cases into it.”

Since then Graham’s excursions into Europe have been frequent, with Germany and Switzerland also on his list of venues. At one vineyard in France he is known simply as ‘Mr. Isle of Wight Taxi’.

“I could go into Europe and pick up a good bottle

Peace of mind for the elderly and their pets

of house wine for less than the duty you would pay on a bottle in this country,” he saids. “At one time I even brought draught beers back from Germany.”

The trips have had their lighter moments.

“Once I had my mother and aunt in the back of the taxi as well as plenty of cases of wine. We were stopped by a border guard coming from Switzerland into Germany, so we searched frantically for our passports. But then we were told he wasn’t interested in them – all he stopped us for was to have a look around the taxi because he had never seen one like it before.”

There was also the time during a long trek up a mountain range in Germany when the engine overheated. Deeply concerned, he rang a mechanic in Ventnor to sort out the problem. “I was promptly told that cabs were not used to travelling up steep

Older people living alone often depend on a cat or dog or perhaps a budgie for companionship.

Needing to feed your friend or let him out for a run is sometimes the only reason for getting up in the morning. Without him life would be unbearable.

Imagine the anxiety, therefore, if you suddenly fall ill, become disabled or have to move into a home. With this in mind Lynne became a volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust, the only charity that provides respite care for pets when the owner can no longer cope.

The trust was founded in 1985 by Averil Jarvis and named after her dog, Cinnamon.

Where possible the link between owner and pet is maintained but if the time comes when they have to part then the trust will undertake to provide the animal with loving care, either by re-homing or in one of its hills – as he put it, there are not too many mountains sanctuaries.

Lynne, who lives in Newport, began volunteering in the middle of London,” smiled Graham.

On a ferry crossing the Channel he was approached in 2000 and, because she has dogs of her own, has concentrated on them. by a BBC television reporter who hopped on board She has walked dogs, given them temporary shelter, his cab to shoot a documentary on his ventures for South Today. Graham is currently on his fourth taxi: helped with visits to the vet and sought residential “I usually buy them when they have around 200,000 homes willing to accept pets.

For three years she called weekly to walk an elderly on the clock. They can take it because they are used woman’s dog. When that pet died she continued to to hard work and running virtually 24 hours a day.” visit the owner, maintaining a vital link.

Work on hauling the Winter Gardens into the 21st Lynne works from home and is able to juggle work century means Graham does not make as many trips commitments with helping the trust. now as he would like. He relies more on importVolunteers are always needded and if could help, ers but, at least that, gives him the option of taking by making a donation or hosting a fundraising event wines from further afield.

Of his latest venture in Ventnor he said: “I took the contact The Cinnamon Trust, 10 Market Square, lease of the Winter Gardens in February last year. I Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4HE. Tel: 01736 757900. don’t regard it as a pub, more a venue.” email admin@cinnamon.org.uk

Whitecroft Park as you’ve NEVER imagined

WHITECROF T PARK, SANDY LANE, NEWPORT

Rent in 2008 to Buy in 2009 Rent one of these truly stunning apartments and if you choose to buy your property in one year’s time we will refund all of your rental payments to form part of your deposit for purchase†

In a truly unique setting this breathtaking development comprises 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in carefully restored Victorian buildings and stunning new 2 & 3 bedroom houses. In the perfect central location, whether it’s a round of golf or a walk in the countryside, living at Whitecroft Park is all about lifestyle.

• 3 miles from Newport town centre* • 2 miles from Newport Golf Club* • Easy access to all the Island’s beautiful beaches • Stylish specification • Plans for private on site facilities to include a swimming pool, gymnasium and tennis court**

Now is the time to change your lifestyle with price to buy from just

£179,950

Marketing Suite and sensational Show Homes open daily, 10am - 5pm. Sat Nav: PO30 3BY For more information please call on

0800 032 9653 or visit www.whitecroftpark.co.uk

†Selected apartments only and subject to further terms and conditions. *Travel distances are approximate and taken from Google Maps. **Subject to planning. Internal images of Show Homes. External images of development. Price correct at time of going to print.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

20

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

Family announcements

Isle of Wight

Weddings Legge & Moon Bride and groom Matt Legge and Charlotte Moon travelled in style from their wedding at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, recently.

Charlotte arrived in a horse and carriage and the couple rode in it to their reception at Duxmore Barns, Downend, Newport.

Charlotte, a skin care expert with Liz Earle, is the daughter of Trevor Moon, who lives in Poland, and Janet Lockyer, who lives in Carisbrooke.

Matt, county secretary for the National Farmers’ Union, is the son of Phil Legge of Brickfields, Binstead, and Pam Legge of Alverstone.

The couple will honeymoon in Sardinia in September.

Ferrin & Dixcey Bride Helen Dixcey was taken completely by surprise as she emerged with her new husband Jamie Ferrin from All Saints’ Church, Newchurch, on Saturday.

An open carriage with a pair of horses was waiting to carry the newlyweds to Rill Farm, Whiteley Bank, the home of Helen’s parents, Richard and Elaine.

In glorious sunshine, the trip took around 30 minutes.

There was a reception for around 200 family and friends.

Earlier, there was another surprise wedding present, a Range Rover in which she rode to the church. The vehicle was rented by a neighbour and close family friend.

The bridegroom, who organised the horses and carriage, is the son of Joe and Julie Ferrin of Shanklin.

Helen and Jamie will honeymoon in London where they plan to take in a number of shows and stay at The Hilton.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

The Isle of Wight Gazette

21

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

Entertainment

the 2008 Food & Drink Awards

HOW THE AWARDS WORK: A nomination form is included here.

Readers are invited to recommend their favourites in a range of categories listed hee on the right. From those nominations a short list of three (except AA categories) will be drawn up for each award.

The winner of each category will receive an award at a special awards ceremony to be held on 16 November 2008. There will also be a draw for nominators to win invitations to the exclusive award night celebrations.

2008 NOMINATION FORM - Island Life Food & Drink Awards Butcher of the Year

Livestock Producer/ Farmer of the Year

Last years F&D awards were a huge success. This year we are holding the event for 350 guests at Havenstreet Steam Railway. Tickets this year will sell-out quickly so please book your space/table now for the Island's most spectacular and glitzy event. To avoid disappointment please call 01983 409521 to reserve your tickets. Single tickets ÂŁ58.75 + VAT or VIP tickets ÂŁ100 + VAT. Tables of ten - twelve.

ISLAND LIFE FOOD & DRINK AWA R D S 2 0 0 8

X Write your nomination here Best Local Food Shop of the Year

The Food & Drink Awards will take place in November 08.

See the August issue of Island Life for more details.

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Farringford Hotel Freshwater Bay Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

X Write your nomination here Bakery of the Year

Sponsored by:

Dining Pub of the Year

Sponsored by:

Ethnic Restaurant of the Year

X Write your nomination here Most Distinctive Local Menu

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Restaurant of the Year

X Write your nomination here Sponsored by:

Hospitality & Catering Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by:

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here Newcomer of the Year

Cowes & Bembridge

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here Drinks Producer of the Year

Sponsored by:

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here Best Food Producer of the Year

Best Cafe/Bar

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here

Your chance to support and promote the finest food & drink on the Isle of Wight

Sponsored by:

Write your nomination here X Best Farm Shop

Sponsored by:

Best Tea Rooms/ Coffee Shop

X Write your nomination here

X Write your nomination here

Best Organic Product/Trader

TICKETS FOR 2008

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

WS GROUP

Sponsored by:

The Old Smithy Godshill

Chef of the Year

Sponsored by:

X Write your nomination here Sponsored by:

Lifetime Achievement Award

X Write your nomination here

Please complete this form and return to the proprietor of the business or alternatively you can post it to: Island Life Magazine, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, IW. PO36 9PH YOU MUST COMPLETE YOUR NAME/ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THIS FORM TO BE VALID

Your Name: Address:

*Please ensure that you write the correct name for the business or individual.

Tel/Mob No: Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

22

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

Property

The frog has LANDED A REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAY TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY IS LAUNCHED TODAY IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT GAZETTE. wightfrog.com, in conjunction with Bolitho Way Solicitors can supply full HIPs for just £199. What’s more you will not have to pay for your HIP for three months.

For more information on HIPs check www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk. wightfrog.com is accessible 24/7. You can log on, sign up and follow simple instructions online. You can upload up to five photographs of your property, again for FREE. But if you prefer us to take your photos for FREE, or you need a helping hand with compiling your property details, or simply some advice - Just contact our help line on (01983) 409520

WIGHTFROG.COM is the modern and easy way to advertise your property privately for sale or for rent for FREE. There are no contracts, no commissions and no catches.

Your property can be advertised on wightfrog.com and in the Gazette on a regular basis currently free of charge.

Any prospective buyer will make contact directly with you via your contact phone number. This is how we can offer this service FREE. Until now it has been difficult for islanders to sell property privately. We plan to change all that with this revolutionary idea. wightfrog.com and the Gazette give people the chance to reach more potential purchasers.

And you can save thousands of pounds on estate agents’ commissions, which are usually between 1.5 and 2% of the sale price. Another plus with wightfrog.com is home information packs, known as HIPs. All homes new to the market need a HIP with a few exceptions - and

Just remember wightfrog.com is a winwin offer. It will give you the exposure you want for free. So hop on to wightfrog. com and make selling your property so much easier.

email info@wightfrog.com tel (01983) 409520

www.wightfrog.com

Shanklin Manor Situated close to Shanklin Old Village, the house stands in 2.5 acres of private and secluded grounds, with individual points of interest including a stone-build summerhouse, a centuries-old walled garden and a victorian conservatory.

Offering 13 spacious apartments, the majority over two floors in a duplex layout, Shanklin Manor provides the best of both worlds - centuries old heritage combined with contemporary luxury.

For details call (01983) 409520 *terms and conditions apply, please call for details Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

The Isle of Wight Gazette

23

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

Property

wightfrog.com - the new way to sell or rent your property on the Island for FREE. 42mm x 31mm

Ryde – £132,500

Shanklin – £164,950

Wootton – £179,995

Bembridge – £289,950

Ryde – £139,950

Wootton – £425,000

2 bedroom mews style house in a tucked away location. Benefits include double glazing & a courtyard garden.

Detached bungalow with 2 bedrooms, mature gardens, garage, double glazing & gas fired central heating.

Upgraded 3 bedroom detached property offered chain free. Gardens to the front & rear, garage & summer house.

2 bedroom top floor apartment with allocated parking being offered for sale chain free.

tel: 07793 273718

Spacious older style 2 bedroom semidetached house with some original features. There is a lawned garden to the front. tel: 07968 876963

tel: (01983) 526096

tel: (01983) 875974

tel: 07796 324610

Fully refurbished 4 bedroom detached chalet bungalow with views. Benefits include central heating, double glazing & gardens. tel: 07815 680469

Lake – £169,950

Lake – From £130,000

Wootton – £489,000

Ryde – £334,950

Ryde – £299,950

Totland Bay – £220,000

Modernised 3 bedroom semidetached house with off road parking & a detached garage. tel: (01983) 404045

Few remaining apartments & cottages.

They have videophone entry system, central heating, & allocated parking.

Cottages have additional gardens. tel: (01983) 404045

Detached 4 bedroom house with a 2 bedroom annexe. The house has rural views, a double garage, central heating & double glazing. tel: (01983) 884205

3 bedroom detached house with garage & views, being offered for sale chain free. Would consider possible part exchange. tel: 07776 444740

Victorian style house with 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, utility room, gas central heating & double glazing. Off road parking & garage to the rear. tel: (01983) 811913

Semi-detached 3 storey house with 3 bedrooms plus a study, central heating, double glazing & off road parking. tel: (01983) 756525

Wootton – £117,950

Wootton – £245,000

Sandown – £320,000

Shanklin – £367,500

Cowes – £225,000

Cowes – £125,000

An end of terrace one bedroom house with its own private garden & allocated parking area.

4 bedroom detached house situated on a corner plot. Benefits include double glazing & a detached garage.

Spacious older style semi-detached house with 6 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, garage & off road parking.

Detached house with 4 bedrooms & 2 reception rooms offered chain free.

Will consider a part exchange.

Ground floor 1 bedroom flat with an allocated parking space being offered for sale chain free.

tel: 07855 459021

tel: (01983) 884536

tel:(01983) 408091

tel: (01983) 861370

4/5 bedroom three storey semi detached house with off road parking & courtyard garden. In need of some upgrading. tel: 07815 717754

To advertise your property For Sale or Rent for FREE log on to wightfrog.com

Residential Property | Commercial Property | Holiday Lettings | Residential Lettings

T LE

T

Apartments – from £450pcm An exclusive range of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available to rent in Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin & Ventnor. Prices from just £450 per calendar month. tel: (01983) 404045

www.wightfrog.com

HO

LI D

AY

LE

All the properties advertised on this page are by private sale of the owner.

For more information or to arrange a viewing on a property, call the number on the advert.

HO LI DA Y

sell your property for FREE

NT

for more information.

RE

Call (01983) 409520

The building is in two phases, with one, two & three bedroom apartments available. Each apartment has access to the landscaped communal garden areas with cliff top views of the sea & Shanklin Bay. Prices start from just £180,000 & there are a variety of purchaser incentives available.

FO R

Luccombe – Apartments from £180,000

The Priory is an exclusive range of luxury apartments in Luccombe, located on the outskirts of Shanklin Old Village.

The development has been finished to a very high standard & specification, with a fine eye & attention to detail adding that extra something. The lighting has been designed specifically for each apartment, & the hard wood flooring crafted by hand.

tel: (01983) 291250

Tenerife – from £425 per week

Tenerife – from £230 per week

Ground floor, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, pool side apartment on Fairways Club, Tenerife. Accomodates up to 6 people.

First floor, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment overlooking the pool.

Accomodates up to 4 people.

tel: (01983) 865165

tel: (01983) 865165

phone (01983) 409520 email info@wightfrog.com

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

24

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Quality training

The I.W. Gazette helping Island employers

A £250,000 training centre which helps young people to learn and develop skills needed by employers has opened at Little London, Newport.

Operated by training company HTP, the 5,000 sq ft centre meets demand for places on our range of new foundation programmes – Genesis that include Entry to Employment and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Rachael Fidler, HTP’s managing director, said: “The new skills centre is to help the increasing number of young people on the Island who not only want to enter em-

Just finished school?

“I already know what job I want.”

“What qualifications do I need?”

“What can I do with the results I’ve got?”

“Help! I haven’t got a clue what to do!”

“I’ve got a pretty good idea.”

“I wish my results were better...”

Whatever your situation – HTP can help Hospitality & Catering

Management

Customer Service

Retail

Business Admin

Apprenticeship

Pre-Apprenticeship

Genesis Programmes

An Apprenticeship shows your current or future employer that you are competent in your work. It can help to progress your career and is a great way to ‘earn while you learn’. If you don’t yet have a job HTP can help you fi nd one in the industries above. You will get expert workplace training and you’ll work towards NVQs and other nationally-recognised qualifications.

What could be better!

These courses involve real work experience and are available in Hospitality, Catering, Business Administration and Childcare.

You’ll study towards NVQs and other nationally-recognised qualifications.

Successful candidates progress into full employment and an Apprenticeship within six months.

This could be your fi rst step towards a great career. Courses start soon, so don’t miss out – call now!

Unsure about your next big step to take in life? No problem – join one of our Genesis programmes including E2E where you can try out a variety of work placements. The courses run in Ryde and Newport and we’ll help you build your confidence and improve your Key Skills, CV writing & interview techniques – and gain recognised qualifications such as NVQs or Health & Safety Certificates.

Call Nikki Pakes at HTP

Call James Barclay at HTP

Call Sallyanne Farley at HTP

EA R N U W H IL E LEA R N

01983 533926

NTEED GUAR A ING IN A R T NCE ALLOWA

01983 533926

NTEED GUAR A ING IN A R T NCE ALLOWA

01983 824930

htptraining.com

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Pictured left to right are: Philip Walker, Hampshire and IW Learning and Skills Council; Rachael Fidler, HTP’s managing director, and Cllr David Pugh, leader of IW Council. ployment but remain in education.

“Apprenticeships meet their requirements and also respond to the needs of employers.”

It was officially opened

by Cllr David Pugh, leader of the IW Council, watched by representatives of organisations such as Connexions and the Hampshire and IW Learning and Skills

Council.

HTP was the first of colleges and training companies in the UK to achieve the Government’s Training Quality Standard.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

25

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Working a £3m miracle A £350,000 facelift for Brading Church, one of the oldest on the Island, should be completed by the end of August.

The Island’s landmark church sets its own landmark this year.

Sts Thomas’ Church, Newport, has not only become the Isle of Wight’s minster church – it has also reached the end of the first phase of its £3 million restoration.

Both achievements are to be celebrated at a service in September, when minster status is formally adopted, confirming Sts Thomas’ as the Island’s equivalent of a cathedral.

Phase one of the project, which began in 2006, included making masonry safe, the roof watertight and improvements inside.

The scaffolding around the church alone cost £40,000. Island people have been generous in raising money, as every penny is matched by English Heritage.

The project has been boosted by the patronage of Prince Edward who hosted an event at St James’ Palace which raised £12,000.

Canon Stephen Palmer, who was recently appointed a Queen’s Chaplain, said: “So many

St Mary the Virgin Church, built in the 11th century, is in the second phase of a restoration programme begun more than three years ago. With generous donations from locals and grants from English Heritage and the National Lottery fund, the vicar, the Rev David Abington, anticipates the church will soon be back to its former glory.

“The first phase entailed repairing stonework on the tower and replacing the north roof and windows. It was discovered some of the metal struts in the tower had warped so badly it was moving the stonework.

“This meant a lot of extra work.”

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Sts Thomas, Newport, swathed in scaffolding as part of its multi-million pound restoration. people have been so generous.

We have begun phase two, which involves repairing the tower and its roof.

“The final phase will be the north face of the building.

“Achieving minster status is a bonus because it sends out a signal that we are not just Newport’s church, we are the Island’s church – open to people of all faiths and eager to be seen as a

WIN !

community venue.”

Canon Palmer is now organising a series of pulpit lectures.

The church is dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury and St Thomas the Apostle.

A pair of tickets To fly from Bournemouth to Edinburgh

RYANAIR is giving lucky readers the chance to win one of five pairs of flights from Bournemouth to Edinburgh with only taxes and charges to pay.

Edinburgh, where the buzz of Scotland’s capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding rural region. The city is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags which rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north.

Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination.

With Scotland’s most famous castle dominating the skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.

Discover world-class museums and galleries, take a tour on an open-top bus or even visit the city’s own zoo. From the world famous festivals to top-class restaurants and bars, not to mention fabulous shopping, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the city combines the medieval Old Town, the Georgian New Town and award winning modern architecture.

You’ll see views that make for perfect picture postcards, mysterious winding streets, elegant terraces and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants.

Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities in Europe and is regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world.

Ryanair operates double daily flights six days a week and once a day on Sundays from Bournemouth to Edinburgh. With over 716 routes and having carried over 50 million passengers last year, Ryanair is Europe’s No 1 low fares airline. Check out www.ryanair.com to see all the exciting destinations and low fares.

To enter this competition answer the question below on the coupon, fill in your details and send your entry to Ryanair competition, IW Gazette, Unit 18b, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown PO36 9PH.

Question: What building dominates the Edinburgh skyline?

Answer: Your Name Your Address Daytime telephone number The first five correct answers opened after the closing date of noon, Monday, August 11, 2008 will win a pair of tickets.

Taxes and charges applicable – around £50 for the return flights.

Normal Ryanair rules of carriage and baggage apply.

Closing date Monday August 11.

A full list of terms and conditions are available on request.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

26

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

Motoring Kia key to top quality

Something for every motorist from Mazda

FROM £7,730 on the road, the special edition Kia Rio Ice offers great enjoyment and MAZDA has scooped the coveted service. honour of Best Carmaker at the secLike all Kia vehicles, ond annual Which? Awards, which it is designed and engineered to the highest recognise the companies and indistandards of safety and viduals that best serve the interests of consumers. performance.

Kia Rios are subject to stringent quality checks before leaving the factory and all authorised Kia dealers are also required to carry out a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection. This means that your new Kia has been thoroughly inspected and tested before you take delivery.

All Kia vehicles are covered by the following warranties: • A three year unlimited mileage warranty • Kia Assist roadside assistance covering mainland Europe as well as in the UK • A six year anti-perforation warranty * • A three year paintwork warranty * Annual bodywork inspection required for which a charge may apply.

Racing legend Sir Stirling Moss presented the to Mazda’s delighted managing director Rob Lindley at the Which?

Awards ceremony, held at the British Museum.

In a highly complimentary awards summation, Which? praised Mazda for its: “…blend of excellent value

for money, reliability and innovation. A major advantage is that nearly all Mazda offerings are interesting to drive. There’s something for everyone in the Mazda range.

“The Mazda3 (medium cars) and Mazda MX-5 (sports cars) are comfortable best buys – the good-looking Mazda3 stands out from humdrum medium cars. It still looks fresh and stylish, despite being older than many popular rivals.

“For many, the evergreen Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest way into an en-

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The evergreen Mazda MX-5, sporty, fun motoring at an affordable price

The Mazda6 family car which scores highly in road tests and on safety, according to Which?

tertaining sporty runner. Introduced in 1990, this motoring gem is the world’s best selling sports car. The latest version lives up to its billing, with engaging handling, powerful refined engines, and a folding hard-top roof option.

“It’s been a good year for new launches, too – the all-new Mazda2 supermini and Mazda6 family car have impressed us and are sure to become firm favourites with drivers. Each would be a strong contender on a shortlist. The Mazda2 and Mazda6 do well in our road tests and safety-wise, they represent a major step forward for the Japanese carmaker. The Mazda2 scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and we expect the Mazda6 to do the same.

“Here at Which? we dig deep to look at trends that are shaping the future of mass motoring. Mazda’s focus on small innovations that make owners’ lives

easier is to be commended.

“This bucks the trend seen in most new models, which are often significantly heavier than their predecessors because of higher demand for equipment and features. Easier to spot – but just as useful – is the clever and easy to use ‘Karakuri’ seat-folding mechanism.

“The company ranks highly for reliability and is well ahead of the popular European marques in our latest owners’ survey. Mazda dealers also score above average for customer care for both sales and servicing or repairs in the 2008 Which? Car survey. Increased choice makes buying a new car harder than ever – there are more than 300 new car models on the market and the competition is tough. Buyers rightly expect a lot from a new car and a Mazda rarely disappoints.”

The Isle of Wight Gazette

27

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

Motoring

A roundabout way to signal

The roundabout at Robin Hill, near Newport, one of many junctions where Island motorists rewrite the Highway Code.

AS someone who roundabout you should passed his driving test • give priority to traffic tens of thousands of approaching from your miles ago, I admit it right, unless directed is a long time since I otherwise by signs, picked up a copy of the road markings or traffic Highway Code, writes lights • check whether road Brian Dennis.

But a driving habit peculiar to the Isle of Wight changed all that. Why, I thought, do motorists here approach a roundabout and signal right when they intend to go straight across? They include ‘professionals’ such as taxi and lorry drivers and even police officers.

This happens all the time at the Robin Hill roundabout, near Newport, when drivers coming up the hill past the Hare and Hounds signal right as if they are going into the country park when they are going on the Briddlesford Road, past the Lynbottom tip.

They are still signalling right when they go off the roundabout.

If it happens here, it probably happens at many roundabouts on the Island.

So here is what the Highway Code has to say Rule 185 • When reaching the

markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining • watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all • look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off Rule 186 Signals and position.

• When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise • signal left and approach in the left-hand lane • keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave • When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise • signal right and approach in the right-

Share your cars and save planet HOW often do you regularly drive to the same place at the same time, taking the same route?

And, if you do, have you ever noticed seeing the same motorists in front and behind and wondered if you could share the journey?

It would save you money, possibly cut traffic queues and certainly reduce carbon emissions.

IW Council thinks so too and is introducing a car-sharing scheme for residents. A website will be launched where people can register their interest and link with those making similar journeys.

A spokesperson said: “With rapidly increasing fuel prices, the scheme will not only bring environmental benefits to the Island but will also bring significant financial savings to those taking part.”

It is part of the Council’s commitment to achieving its Eco-Island vision - a “greener” way of life for our Island.

The council is also planning to lease a fleet of seven electric Smart cars to be used as staff pool cars They will reduce the need for council employees and councillors to drive their cars into Newport, where a vehicle is occasionally needed during working hours.

It is hoped more council employees and members will cycle, walk or catch a bus into Newport, reducing their carbon footprints while keeping fit, something the council is also keen to encourage.

It is estimated the cars will save around 65 tonnes of CO2 and have a big impact on the council’s carbon management plan.

Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, Cabinet member for environment and transport said: “A number of local authorities across the UK have introduced car sharing schemes with great success and I am confident our scheme will be embraced.”

Hybrid fuel car, Toyota Prius

lane on approach to • When there are more hand lane than three lanes at the the roundabout • keep to the right on the entrance to a roundroundabout until you • you should not norabout, use the most mally need to signal need to change lanes to appropriate lane on apon approach exit the roundabout proach and through it.

• signal left after you have • stay in this lane until you need to alter passed the exit before course to exit the the one you want What do you think? roundabout • When taking any inemail termediate exit, unless • signal left after you newsdesk@iw have passed the exit signs or markings ingazette.co.uk before the one you dicate otherwise want • select the appropriate

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28

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

Race for Life

Over 1,300 women bear the heat in aid of cancer

Deacon from Newport, who is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer at St Mary’s Hospital. The team raised more than £1,000, and organisers are confident last year’s overall total of £82,000 will be surpassed The runners included a when all the sponsorship team of 14 from Island money and donations police, led by Sgt. Penny have been collected.

MORE than 1,000 Island women and girls were tickled pink after completing a 5km run around Medina High School playing fields and Seaclose Park, Newport to raise money for cancer research.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

29

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

News

Sun, sea and sand, I’ve got the best job in the world HE is one of the most familiar faces along Shanklin Esplanade. But even if you can’t see Neil Cole among his deck chairs and sun beds, you can usually hear him as his unmistakable laugh echoes across the beach, writes Peter White.

Neil, 55, started working on the beaches in Shanklin Bay as an eight-year-old. Over the years he has seen enormous change, not all for the better. But his job as a longshoreman is one he loves and wouldn’t give up for the world.

He combines looking after his 150-yard stretch of beach with his job as a retained fire fighter at the Shanklin Station. And it was by a strange quirk of fate that his two forms of employment were thrown together on an unforgettable night nearly 21 years ago when the face of Shanklin seafront was to change forever.

Neil still has vivid memories of October 16, 1987 when the Great Storm that hit the South of England battered into Shanklin, turning its famous pier into a pile of wood and rubble. He recalls: “I was in the watch room at the fire station that night, and there were so many calls coming in I stayed on to help

with the paperwork.

“Then a message came over from the police saying that the arcade on the pier had been blown into the sea. But the next message to come through was that it was not the arcade, but the whole pier had collapsed.

“I left to take a look and when I got to the bottom of Hope Hill leading to the Esplanade there were pieces of 8ft by 4ft plywood flying through the air as high as the lamp posts. “When I got up to there the pier used to be, sure enough, it had gone – totally smashed to pieces by the storm. And I’ll never forget that the wind was so strong that the waves weren’t running up the beach, they were going across the sea, being blown from Luccombe towards Sandown.

I had never seen anything like it before and have never seen it since.

“The next morning I went back down to look at the total devastation that had been caused.

“There were so many people down there taking timber off the beach, because all the pier decking was teak, that the police closed the Esplanade.

“And, in the end, much of the wood was burned on a massive bonfire on the beach. Three years later

there were still pieces of the pier – nuts, bolts and bits of wood – being picked up off the beach.”

The pier was never re-built and Neil believes it never will. He feels it’s a sad loss because it ripped the focal point out of Shanklin sea front.

He ruefully accepts that gone are the days when cars couldn’t drive up Hope Hill in the morning because of the hordes of tourists making their way to the beach and it was the same in the evening.

He would like to see Shanklin sea front developed to bring in more trade, as long as it’s done tastefully.

Once a Centurion tank was parked on the car park opposite where the pier used to be. He said: “It was there as part of the D-Day celebrations, but it was so heavy it sunk in the tarmac and, because there was nothing big enough on the Island to lift it out, it was there for months before they came over from the mainland for it.”

As a kid Neil remembers how he used to pull a tin bath along the sand, picking up stones, and litter.

He smiled: “Holidaymakers got as close to the sea as they could in their deck chairs. But when a big liner went across the bay, it would send in a bow wave and the tourists would often get a soaking as

Neil, 55, started working on the beaches in Shanklin Bay as an eight-year-old. Over the years he has seen enormous change. the water raced up the beach.”

It’s not surprising that every morning throughout the summer Neil looks skyward. He likes to think he knows what the weather will be.

However, he admits: “Sometimes I get it wrong.

The sun is shining in the morning so out come the deck chairs and sun beds and then it chucks down with rain. Never mind, it’s all part of the job.”

Hospice news STAFF in 33 Island care homes have been given training on the Liverpool Care Pathway which is the gold standard of care for the dying person.

They attended a two-day training course at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Nearly one in five people die in a care home.

Last week Phil Warren,

head of education at the hospice, and Lyn Dawkins, Macmillan facilitator, end of life care, rode 130 miles in a day round the Island to deliver top-up training sessions at nine of the care homes and St Mary’s Hospital.

They used a new motorbike, loaned by Dave Death Motorcycles,

which made day feasible and enjoyable.

Left to right: Louise Oliver from Dave Death Motorcycles, Lyn Dawkins and Phil Warren.

If you are looking for good furniture at a very reasonable price, look in the Sunflower Shop, Newport. Or if you have some good furniture you

want to sell and support patient care at the Hospice, contact Hospice Retail on 533933 for details. Items are sold on a 60/40 shared basis.

ENJOY an afternoon of jazz in the delightful Arreton Manor gardens and raise money for the hospice, on Saturday, August 30.

The Unity Stompers,

Castle Jazz Band and Phoenix Jazz will provide the music in the wonderful setting - noon to 5pm.

Tickets are available priced adults £10, OAPs and children 13 to 17 £8, children, three to 12, £2.50. They are available from Arreton Manor, County Press Bookshop, Newport, Shanklin News and the hospice 528989.

To advertise contact the sales team on (01983) 402599 or email sales@iwgazette.co.uk

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30

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

News

More than 300 children take part in a mini Island Games

Over 300 primary school pupils were given the Over 100 volunteers and helpers were present sports events, Netball, Tag Rugby and Girls football opportunity to experience what it is like to take to help ensure the event and sport programmes ran to take the overall trophy. part in a mini Island Games and Olympic style smoothly. Every sport included a number of highly Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Children and Young People Alan Wells said “The council is professional young leaders. event at Sandown High School.

Thirty six primary schools from across the Island converged together on 12 July to form six representative “Island Games” teams. Bay link schools from Sandown, Shanklin, Brading and Bembridge competed as the Cayman Islands, Ventnor area schools chose Greenland, West Wight area schools were Gibraltar, Cowes area schools, Menorca, Ryde link schools were Rhodes and Ryde area schools represented St Helena.

In good weather the games started in a blaze of colour and music with Greenmount Samba band leading the teams onto the athletics track for the formal opening ceremony. Following the traditions of the Island Games and Olympics each team was then individually introduced and invited to march past to the 500 strong crowd and VIP’s that had gathered to welcome the teams.

Off the track, a ‘Challenge Zone’ was provided to give children additional activities and information during the day. This included rock climbing and an inflatable tennis court.

The sport of tennis meanwhile provided an excellent playing area of 8 mini courts for the children to play a round robin style competition. The winner of the tennis event was Rhodes (Ryde Link schools).

The Basketball programme was very well supported and provided some exciting matches during the day.

In a very close final the Cayman Islands (Baylink schools) just edged Menorca (Cowes area) for the gold medal.

On the track a very strong Greenland team for Ventnor proved too strong across all events to win the Gold. The St Helena Island (Ryde area) fielded a very strong team across all sports and won the remaining 3

A local view

delighted that so many children took part and were inspired by the event, whether it was the experience of the opening ceremony, feeling part of a team or winning a medal. The aim of the day was to bring a taste of the Island games and Olympics direct to Island’s community and what better place than to engage directly with our school children. The feedback has been exceptional and I offer my congratulations to all those involved”.

Lee Matthews, Community Development Manager at Isle of Wight Council said “A huge thank you must go out to all the schools who provided the teams and the helpers and volunteers who worked so hard on the day to make the games so special. This will be an annual event, and the council, along with dozens of primary schools, are already looking forward to next year”

Please send you letters to the editor at newsdesk@iwgazette.com

By Anne Bishop

Some people such as our esteemed editor need no introduction, a dozen or so years on the Island’s only local newspaper as editor mean Brian Dennis needs no introduction.

I on the other hand, saving a few sad people who attended my audit committee and some of the electorate in Shanklin South where I have been a Councillor for a decade or so, may be unknown.

I am a serving Isle of Wight Councillor and a member of the Conservative Party and now am the political editor for the Isle of Wight

Gazette. I will be looking at local issues with an open and impartial view. I know my outspoken colleagues from the Labour, Independent and Lib/Dem groups will ensure I have a balance view of events. Local issues are above party politics and this Local, Isle of Wight paper certainly will be.

This is all very exciting for me. The Tabloid format of the paper makes it easy to read ,the quality of the images and full colour make it look good and the professional quality of the writers mean there will be lots of stories and articles to keep you turning the pages. It

will develop and may expand from the original 32 pages but the quality will remain.

It will have features, articles, a letter page and we will have take a positive look at At our island and issues that affect island residents. It has the support of Andrew Turner the island MP and I hope to feature local councillor, both at County and Town & Parish level. It is truly a local paper and relies on local people to support it, read it and write to it. I now have 3 bosses to criticize my grammar and prose and fortnightly deadlines that have to be me. I look forward to the challenge.

Come and meet your local County Councillor.

A coffee morning with Vanessa Churchman 10.30am to 11.30am Saturday 9 August

Shanklin Health Store Offering a helpful, friendly service •Health Supplements •Herbal Remedies •Homeopathic Medicines •Special Dietary Foods •Local Products

•Teas & Herbs •Nuts & Fruits •Natural Hair Dyes •Toiletries •Cleaning Products

United Reform Church Hall Upton Road, Ryde 25 High Street, Shanklin tel:(01983) 863063

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

31

Friday AUGUST 1 2008 2008

Sport

Ex-international passes his skills

FORMER England international footballer, Steve Hunt played alongside some of the greatest names the game has ever known.

Hunt was one of the pioneers of taking football to the United States and as a midfielder with New York Cosmos he featured alongside Brazilian legend Pele, German ace Franz Beckenbauer and Dutch masters Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens.

His career on this side of the Atlantic saw him play for Aston Villa, Coventry City and West Brom and he is the proud holder of two England caps, playing against Russia at Wembley and Scotland at Hampden Park.

Now Hunt, who moved to the Island a few years ago, is putting something back into the game that earned him fame, if not the fortunes today’s Premier League superstars earn.

He runs a highly-successful soccer academy at Carisbrooke High School where score of youngsters from the age of four to 14, learn the skills and etiquette of the game.

It’s a far cry from those heady days around 30 years ago when Hunt was a household name both in England and the States. But he derives just as much satisfaction seeing youngsters taking their first steps on the soccer ladder as he did laying on a winning goal for Pele.

His latest venture is Soccer Tots for four to six-year-olds, which take place at Carisbrooke and the West Wight Leisure Centre. And it has been so well received that the numbers attending have already reached 80. He said: “It’s a way of introducing youngsters to football, and help them learn social skills as well. They are fun games that everyone seems to enjoy.”

He also holds sessions for eight to 14-year-olds, and several of the kids he has coached have been snapped up on schoolboy forms by both Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

“You just try to do the best you can for the youngsters, and, of course, it gives me immense satisfaction to see them progress. But it’s not all about going all the way to the very top. I love to see the kids come and enjoy themselves and leave with a smile on their faces.”

Hunt, who lives in Bembridge, feels the Island has been ignored for too long by the country’s soccer powers-thatbe, but now believes progress is at last being made, with the FA Skills coaching bandwagon twice making the trip over The Solent in the past couple of months.

“We seemed to have been forgotten but, hopefully, we will now be treated as fairly as the rest of the country,” he said. “Everyone should be given an equal opportunity.”

As Hunt celebrates his 52nd birthday, he recalled how he became embroiled in the soccer razzmatazz that David Beckham now finds himself a part of in the ‘second coming’ of the game in the United States.

He said: “I spent three seasons in the American Soccer League and it was a huge privilege to play with and against some of the greatest names we have ever known. We helped the game take off there and often played in front of 80,000 fans . There really was a soccer explosion in the US in those days.

“But I think it was not looked after well enough, and it is so difficult trying to promote a game when it keeps being

ONE Journey has been launched to encourage more Islanders to get fit.

Steve Hunt with his two England international caps won against Russia and Scotland. stopped so that advertisements can be shown on tele- American football, basketball, ice hockey and baseball. I just cannot see them turning to soccer, just like vision as part of the package!

“There were only half a dozen decent teams when we have never wavered from the game as our top I was there and although there are more now I still sport despite the likes of rugby, cricket, tennis and don’t think it will ever become America’s No1 sport the likes.”

Hunt will run his Summer Soccer Camp through– even with David Beckham at the helm. Don’t get me wrong, I think the guy is fantastic and he is doing out the school summer holidays, and anyone wishing to enroll, or be a part of his soccer academy should a great job.

“But the Americans have been brought up on contact Kerry Miller on 01983-523790.

Two silver and one bronze

Crews shine at UK championships

OARSMEN from Ryde Rowing Club maintained their good record in the GB National Rowing Championships returning with two silver and one bronze medal.

In the open men’s coastal single sculls, Mike Jenner pulled off a surprise result winning the silver medal and pushing Matt Allsopp, last year’s gold medal winner, into third place.

The Club’s Senior A-crew of Mike Jenner, Ben Ade, Ian Hayden and Matt Allsopp, with cox Bryony Reeve, finished second in the men’s open coastal coxed four.

The B- crew, of Callum Lowe, Tim Wiggins, Francais Moore and Tom Clark, who were competing in their first national championships did remarkably well finishing just outside the medals in fourth They were, however, able to claim the all-important Hants & Dorset championship point for the coastal juniors.

The championships

Club Oarsman, Simon Jones, won a place in one of the non-Olympic Boats - the men’s lightweight quadruple sculls at the nonOlympics Senior World Rowing Championships in Linz, Austria, last month.

His boat faced strong opposition in their heat from Italy and the Czech Republic and finished third, failing to gain a place in the final.

Simon has been a regular in the GB Men’s Lightweight squad for several years and has represented his country at a number of world championship regattas. were held recently at National Water sports Centre, Nottingham.

Injury and illness impacted on the Wightlinksponsored Ryde Rowing Club’s entry to the Itchen Imperial Regatta last Saturday. For the first time in many years the club was unable to boat a men’s senior four in a coastal regatta.

The coastal men’s junior four of Callum Lowe, Tim Wiggins, Francis Moore, Tom Clark and cox Bryony Reeve did not disappoint winning their seventh event of the season, with

Council delivers fitness pledge

comparative ease It secured the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Coastal Junior Coxed Fours Championship and guaranteed selection as association representatives at the South Coast Rowing Championships in Plymouth next month.

There was a winning performance in the double sculls for Francis Moore and Tom Clark.

In the single sculling events, Mike Jenner produced the best performance winning his heat The senior A-crew, just before they collecting silver medals in the and finishing second in men’s open coastal coxed fours at the GB National Rowing Chamthe final. pionships.

People who take part will get a personal instructor and between them they will set achievable targets and if they are not reached they could get their money back.

The scheme is run by the IW Council as part of its commitment to raising fitness levels, reducing obesity, especially in children, and generating 22,000 extra visits to its leisure facilities over the year.

One Journey offers opportunities to learn about cardio techniques, healthy eating and lifestyle and to work with the fitness instructor.

It will include gym sessions and may include activity classes and swimming.

The Heights Leisure Centre, Sandown, Medina Leisure Centre, Newport, and the Westridge Centre, Ryde, are all the venues.

Gemma takes Irish junior title

SANDOWN teenager Gemma Maddocks hopes to build on the success she achieved in Ireland recently when she competes in the Southern Region Dressage finals this weekend.

Gemma, and her horse, Abbisfields Royal Sovereign, were in fine form at the Marlton under-21 international championships in County Whitlow. Competing in four classes, Gemma finished first, second, fourth and sixth to become overall junior elementary champion.

Now the 17-year-old will turn her attentions towards the regional final to be held near Bedford on Sunday and Monday and will be looking for success to take her through to the national finals at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, where she has competed for the past two years.

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32

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Friday AUGUST 1 2008

Sport

Fred,12, hopes to sail into history YOUNG Fred Warren-Smith from Ryde will be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and trying to outwit some of them as the 182nd Cowes Week gets into full swing on the Island.

Fred, just 12, will be the youngest skipper among more than 900 yachts taking part in the showpiece event.

He will be sailing on the National Squib Aquabat and is up against three skippers twice his age, so the competition will be tough. The Youngest Skipper Trophy is open to any skipper under 25 on August 9.

Although competition will be as fierce as ever in the 37 classes, spectators will have the chance to ‘spot the celebrities’ as the world-famous event unwinds. Television sports personality Kirsty Gallacher and former GB Olympic athletes Colin Jackson and Jonathan Edwards will compete in The Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes event.

Among others expected to attend are Alan Titchmarsh, the Island’s High Sheriff and TV Presenter; model Jodie Kidd, England international rugby players Joe Worsley and Tim Payne, TV presenter Jonny Ball and Polar explorer Ann Daniels.

Alegre, a Mills 21-metre expected to be the largest and fastest yacht, while the smallest, the Fer de Lance, the Viper 640 racing in the sportsboat class, measures just 6.40metres.

The oldest yacht is Jess, a National Squib, built in 1876.

Trinity House has been associated with Cowes Week from its earliest beginnings and its flagship, THV Galatea will be moored on the Trinity House

Can lightning strike twice? Ventnor Cricket Club certainly hopes it will.

buoy in Cowes Roads until Tuesday, August 5. The new vessel replaced THV Patricia in 2007 and was ordered to complement and enhance the work of Trinity House in providing aids to navigation for the safe passage of mariners around the

coasts of England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

The present day Master of the Corporation is HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who, as a keen sailor and Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron, is a frequent visitor to Cowes

Going for gold TOP athlete Kelly Sotherton hopes to hit the golden peak of her illustrious career when she competes for Britain at the Beijing Olympics.

But Sotherton, born in Newport, could have found her Olympic dream in the gruelling heptathlon shattered after officials were guilty of a shocking blunder during last weekend’s warm-up meeting at Crystal Palace.

The barriers for the 100 metres hurdles were put in the wrong place, forcing several competitors to crash into them just after the start.

It could so easily have led to a pulled muscle or fall that would have wrecked the Olympic dream.

Fortunately Sotherton was not injured, only angry at the error and she went on to record a personal best of 6.79 metres in the long jump.

Now she can focus on chasing glory in the seven-discipline heptathlon in China, which begins on August 15, and is spread over two days.

The talented 31-yearold faces the sternest test of her athletics life,but with defending champion Carolina Kluft of Sweden opting not to compete, she represents a real gold medal hope.

But whatever the outcome in Beijing, Sotherton, who competes for the Midlands-based Birchfield Harries, has revealed that she will not be retiring after the Olympics.

She has already set her sights on competing in the London Games of 2012.

She said: “I’m definitely going to do another year in the heptathlon, which will take in the World Championships in Berlin. Then I might give it up for a couple of years, because I need to rest my body.

“But I want to come back, and ideally, I would like to compete in a heptathlon at the end of 2011, get the Olympic qualifying mark, and make the British team again.”

Sotherton, who won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics four years ago, will begin her quest for Beijing gold

World stars want to get even

early on the morning of August 15 with the 100 metres hurdles. She and her rivals will then complete the opening day by taking part in the high jump, shot putt and 200 metres.

But, as usual the second day’s competition will bring the ultimate test for Sotherton, who began her athletics career by competing for the IW in the Island Games in Jersey in the 1990s.

Her most dreaded event has always been the javelin and it will take a super human effort to keep her in contention against girls generally much bigger and stronger.

However, before the javelin takes place she has the ideal chance to pick up valuable points in one of her favourite disciplines, the long jump.

The competition ends with the 800 metres and only then will the Islander know if she has added Olympic gold to her impressive array of medals that already include a Commonwealth Games gold from Melbourne two years ago, as well as her bronze from Athens.

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Week, often staying onboard the Trinity House flagship.

When onboard, the Trinity House flags are supplemented with those of the duke.

Sadly, this will be the first time in 60 years that the popular Betty Moore will not

be in Cowes. She was the first recipient of the Ladies Trophy presented by Dame Ellen MacArthur in 2006.

Betty died last December and her ashes were scattered on Chaldock Bank at her request in May, followed by a sail past.

Last year, 1,300 spectators watched the club inflict a shock defeat on the cricketing superstars of the Lashings World XI. And the Lashings are back to atmospheric, bowl-shaped Steephill ground on Sunday, August 10, looking for revenge.

The Lashings team is a who’s who of international players.

The side is captained by former West Indies star Richie Richardson and the squad includes other ‘Windies’ legends such as Alvin Kallicharran and Gordon Greenidge.

Marvan Atapattu played test cricket for Sri Lanka little more than a year ago while Greg Blewett was a key member of the Australian team in the late 1990s. New Zealand’s record breaking all-rounder Chris Cairns is a great attraction, as is fellow countryman Chris Harris, both of whom hit the ball miles.

Pakistan is represented by wicketkeeper Rashid Latif and India by Nilesh Kulkarni.

Former England men Phil DeFreitas, Devon Malcolm and John Emburey also turn out and West Indian Tino Best adds pace to the bowling attack.

Businesses and individuals who might like to take a table in this year’s corporate hospitality marquee - £350 plus vat for ten people – should contact Graeme Burnett on 07764 405023.

Golfers’ delight A GOLF driving range is to be built on the outskirts of Newport after Island planning chiefs decided it would not be environmentally unfriendly.

The 250-yard floodlit range is to be built on former farmland at Aisthorpe Farm, Staplers Road, and will comprise 14 driving bays, a putting green and a sand bunker.

The IW Council rejected objections from the Campaign to Protect Rural England and from Island Watch who claimed the lights could disturb wildlife in the area.