IW Gazette 18 by The Isle of Wight Gazette

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Walk the Wight memories Page 13

Festival line-up latest Page 3

Carisbrooke Castle: the movie Page 15

28-page Lifestyle supplement: centre pullout

War of words over prisons clustering plan NEW governor Barry Greenberry has vehemently denied suggestions that the prison re-structuring on the Island could present a danger to the general public.

As the flag was raised to herald the amalgamation of Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill into Her Majesty’s Prison – Isle of Wight, Mr Greenberry insisted security would not be put at risk by the shake-up. He was responding to comments by Colin Moses, chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association, who claimed his union was “totally opposed” to the idea of prison clustering, and the changes would significantly affect the security and custody of the complex on the outskirts of Newport. Mr Greening has spent the past

By Peter White five months masterminding the reforms. He now takes the place of the three previous governors, who are among 30 job losses – most by natural wastage. He said: “I am not interested in union bashing. Colin Moses has the right to express his concerns, but no one should express them in as way that might cause unnecessary concern. “I respect the fact that in the prison service the staff are collectively represented, and there is a process to discuss and manage change. But I can reassure everyone that these changes will not affect the security of the prison. “They are changes in administration and routine, and there is not one less uniformed staff

member here after the amalgamation on April 1 as there was on March 31.” The new governor accepted the plan is designed with costcutting in mind. He said: “The target is to reduce costs by £1.1million a year, and to reduce it as one prison makes economic sense. If you had to save it from three prisons individually it would affect the front line a lot more.” But he is adamant the change is the way forward. “There has been uncertainty for many years, but the biggest thing that this change has brought is the fact that the brake has come off the place. “The managers, staff, and the prisoners want to introduce other things. I believe the biggest Continued on page 2

Wind of change: a flag is raised for the arrival of HMP – Isle of Wight

IW passport fears dismissed as ‘plainly daft’ by Island MP

ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has described as “plainly daft” suggestions that photo ID could soon be required to board IW ferries.

Reports claimed powers contained within the Police and Justice Act of 2006 designed to counter terrorism and organised crime by recording the details of passengers on domestic flights and ferry services could be extended to IW ferry services. It was reported that a Home Office spokesman had confirmed that the Island would be included in the new measures due to be announced later this year. The Home Office has sub-

sequently confirmed that there are no plans for this to happen. Mr Turner said: “If a Home Office spokesman did say such a thing then he clearly needs his head examining. The idea that counter terrorism legislation should be applied to the Island is plainly daft. You can drive from John O’Groats to Lands End without needing any ID – why should the Island be singled out simply because you need a ferry to reach us? I have asked the Home Secretary what investigations she has made into terrorism and organised crime on the Isle of Wight and look forward with interest to her answer.”

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Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Editor: Martin Potter Reporters: Jamie White, Peter White, Richard Collins, Justin Gladdis News Editor: Paul Rainford Features Editor: Jo Macaulay Distribution: Isle of Wight Distribution Ltd. Design: Colin Clarke, Richard Heaven

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Issue 18

April 3 2009

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Beer tax campaign takes off ISLAND pubs, clubs, and their customers are being urged to support the national campaign to ‘axe the tax’ on beer.

Since the Chancellor of the Exchequer increased the tax on beer at the 2008 budget, more than 2,100 pubs have closed nationwide. Many licensed premises on the Island rely heavily on the tourist trade to keep them in business, but are finding it harder to remain open as the recession bites. Gully Howard, the Island’s leading commercial property estate agents, currently have 40 pubs, restaurants and cafés for sale, with well over 30 of them licensed. There are also 29 hotels and self catering establishments on their books, as fears grow that the situation will only get worse in the next few months, unless

the tax burden is eased rather increased. Wightwash, the Island magazine for the Campaign For Real Ale, has included a full page editorial in their latest edition urging Islanders to back the campaign, but at the same time to act responsibly with alcohol-related issues. They point out the five demands of ‘axe the tax’ are: To stop plans to increase beer tax by up to a third. To enforce existing laws – not create new ones – to deal firmly with irresponsible drinkers and premises. To end the irresponsible promotion of alcohol in supermarkets, pubs and elsewhere. To trust responsible adults to make informed choices about what they drink, not punish them for the actions of an irresponsi-

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Continued from front page

change will be attitude and momentum, and that ble minority. can only lead to a better To support the British pub as a vital part of social life in local service. “There is a real sense communities. of momentum to get The editorial insists: “The buck on with jobs, and I am stops with the Chancellor and delighted that is the attihe has got it wrong on this one. The proposed increase in duty on tude of the vast majority of the staff. Our aim is beer won’t stop binge drinking, it will not stop the credit crunch, to protect the public and look after prisoners to and it will have no significant try to help them stop change to the balance of paycommitting crimes.” ments. Mr Moses, who has “What it will do is make an around 1,000 of his affordable evening in the pub union members working beyond the reach of even more at the IW Prison, said: people, and will lead inevitably “This union is total to the closure of more commuopposed to the policy of nity pubs.” More details on the Axe the Tax clustering. It is clear that campaign, including the opportu- my members have been nity to write to local MP Andrew trying to resolve disTurner, making him aware of the putes through industrial relations but no one is situation, can be found at www. listening. axebeertax.co.uk. “The three prisons hold 1,700 prisoners and the planned changes will significantly affect the security and custody of the estate. It appears managers want to disregard health and safety legislation whilst trying to manage a reduced budget. “The welfare of the prisoners and their families may well be affected and in the long term, I can only see real problems for the service. My members are very angry and I do not know how long they will tolerate being ignored by managers.”

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Sandown plane crash ‘accidental death’

ISLAND coroner John Matthews recorded a verdict of accidental death on the occupants of a light aircraft who were killed when the plane crashed near Sandown airport in 2007.

Pilot Martin Rhodes, and passengers Tony and Ryan Birch and Simon Marshall all lost their lives. The court, sitting in Newport, heard that Ryan, 15, survived the impact of the crash only to be killed in the flames of the wreckage. The four who died were travelling from the Mid-

lands to France, and stopped off at Sandown. They had only just returned to the air when the accident happened. It is thought a worn camshaft may have been responsible for the crash, although the hearing heard that the plane had been inspected for sale three weeks earlier and had passed the test. The coroner said: “It was a most horrendous result to what was going to be a happy jaunt across the Channel for all four concerned. I express my sympathies and condolences to all the families concerned.”

Site of the 2007 tragedy

change – three into •oneAllwill go, see page 17.

Sandown tree pruning ‘so ugly’ – councillor By Justin Gladdis

SANDOWN Councillor Heather Humby has spoken of her dismay after a large number of trees had their branches “hacked off” in the seaside town.

In the last couple of weeks, trees have been cut back along Avenue Road, Beachfield Road and New Street. It is a move which Miss Humby, who represents Sandown North, is struggling to come to terms with. “They will grow again but that’s not the point. This is the garden isle and visitors are asking me what’s happened,” she said. “It looks so ugly. I brought this matter up in council recently to find out why our trees, on the verge of blooming, were now looking like cabbage dumps and I am still waiting to find out who carried all this out. “There should have been more thought. This is supposed to be the

Cllr Humby: ‘It’s a real shame’

Eco Island and we’re coming out of a very hard winter. The birds have just deserted Sandown – there is nowhere for them to nest. “It’s a real shame this has happened. People in the town are trying to remain positive about the summer season and it’s great to see so many business owners giving their premises a lick of paint right now.”

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Simple Minds sign up

Jim Kerr of Simple Minds: joining the Sunday line-up at the Festival

More than 9,000 individuals and organisations contacted the MP’s office and many gave evidence of the impact the ferries have on Island living. A further 3,000 members joined an online Facebook group called ‘Lower Isle of Wight Ferry Travel’. Mr Turner’s staff in Newport worked hard to finalise his submission, organise all the evidence supplied by the public and ensure that it safely reached the OFT’s offices in London by the deadline of March 27. Mr Turner said: “There are so many people to thank, including the local media and the Island’s Women’s Institutes

and Townswomen’s Guilds who did such a great job of publicising the campaign. Also, thanks are due to a small group of local businessmen who gave so much help behind the scenes in marshalling the arguments in favour of a full investigation and my fantastic staff who have coped with all the extra work this has generated with such good grace. “I should like to thank the OFT as well for actually undertaking the market survey – only about 5 per cent of the matters that are raised with them result in further action so it is clear they understand there may be a problem. Most of all, though, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the campaign. I believe this is one of the most important issues for the future of the Island. It is now a matter of waiting to see what the OFT make of it all – they are due to announce their decision in May.”

Yarmouth Gallery theft bridge out

A MAN has been charged by police after two burglaries were reTHE SWING bridge at Yarmouth is to be closed ported at an art gallery to vehicles for five weeks in Shanklin. By Peter White Detectives working from April 14, so that as part of Hampshire maintenance and repairs SIMPLE Minds, one of the most successConstabulary’s Operacan be carried out. ful bands ever to come out of Scotland, have tion Nemesis tracked Pedestrian access joined the Sunday line-up at this year’s IW across the River Yar will down Wayne ShelmerFestival. dine, aged 37, of Atherbe maintained and the Formed in 1977, Simple Minds have had six UK ley Road, Shanklin. He swing span will remain number one albums, and their 15th studio album, was charged with two operational to river ‘Graffiti Soul’, is due for release just before their counts of burglary and and harbour users. A Festival appearance on June 14. one count under the diversion will be put in “We are very excited about playing the Isle of Forgery and Counterplace for vehicles and Wight,” said lead singer Jim Kerr. “This is the first an amended bus service feiting Act 1981, and time Simple Minds have played the Festival, so as has been bailed by you can imagine, we’re really looking forward to it. will run during this time. police to appear before We’ll be performing songs from our new album and The work involves the the IW Magistrates replacement of the road some classics.”    deck surfacing panels, a Court on Friday Simple Minds will also be joined by The Pigeon April 3. Detectives, The Script, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Judy new waterproof memThe charge follows an brane and possibly Collins and Arno Carstens for the Sunday line-up, investigation after two repairs to the timber which is being headlined by Canadian rocker Neil reported burglaries at beams. Young. Work is expected to be Shanklin Gallery in The Pigeon Detectives were one of the most Regent Street between completed by Friday popular acts of 2008. With the success of their March 15 and 15 May. debut album ‘Wait For Me’, and its follow up March 17. ‘Emergency’, the Leeds quintet are renowned for their high-energy performances and sing-a-long anthems. Rockers The Script sold 600,000 albums in 2008 alone, securing three top ten singles. Folk legend Judy Collins completes the Sunday line-up. She began her career in 1960 covering songs by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan with her unique soprano singing style. The Grammy award winner has dabbled in various musical styles including rock ’n’ roll and pop.

Island MP bowled over by support

ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has spoken of his delight at the public response over submitting information to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding cross-Solent ferry services.

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Turner: OFT breakthrough

Mr Turner said that his final submission, like the one he gave to the OFT last July, could not be made public as it contained confidential information but he did give information on the statistics from the comments posted on his website. He continued: “The evidence for the OFT came to me in a variety of ways but the largest group of people, over 5,000, gave evidence via my website. Of that group, 83 per cent were Island based. The concerns raised were many

and varied but we have categorised them into broad groups. The biggest concern was, not surprisingly, about prices charged, with 74 per cent mentioning that as an issue, and most of them saying it was the most important issue. A further 23 per cent said they felt pricing policies were unfair in some way. The number of people who were worried about the monopoly nature of the market or the management and ownership of the ferry companies was 18 per cent, which was the same percentage as felt the ferries damaged the Island’s economy. This exercise proved that many Islanders are concerned for those who are disadvantaged in some way, with 15 per cent mentioning the hardship faced by those who are facing an emergency, hospital treatment or belong to a low income group. All these comments were unprompted so it is a very interesting analysis.”

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Skating scheme proves a big hit A SCHEME which rewards pupils who don’t miss school with free ice skating tickets is to be expanded across the Island.

The project, based at Planet Ice Ryde Arena and supported by IW Council, sees students given free family skating tickets if they maintain a 100 per cent attendance record during a full term. During a trial in Ryde that involved middle and high school pupils in the town at the end of 2008, 100 per cent attendance levels rose by almost 28 per cent in the area compared to the previous year. Students in Ryde returning a 100 per cent record until the end of the Christmas term re-

By Justin Gladdis ceived free family ice skating passes and certificates. Now the scheme is to cover all middle and high schools on the Island, meaning that more than 10,000 children and young people could benefit from the free skating offer. IW Council cabinet member for children and young people, Alan Wells, said: “It’s a great scheme – it helps our young people keep up their attendances at school but it gets them into an active sport which ticks lots of boxes in our health and wellbeing agenda. “I am amazed at the

Cllr Wells (centre): amazed at success of the scheme

numbers who have achieved 100 per cent attendance and today is a big move forward and something we are really behind.” Lorna Cotton, general manager of Planet Ice Ryde Arena, said: “If by offering

Dinosaur Isle offers prehistoric glimpse

Housing staff go hi-tech SOUTH Wight Housing Association, part of the Southern Housing Group, has equipped its frontline staff with hi-tech mobile working terminals as part of an initiative to speed up service response time and improve residents’ satisfaction. Staff training started in February and will be extended to around 70 of the group’s operational team. Paul Smith, group operations director, said: “Staff in the field have previously lost time in dealing with residents’ enquiries or service requests because of the need to return to the office for information or to initiate the response.”

this free skating incentive to over 10,000 students we continue to help the level of attendance in schools rise across the Island, then we as a company are extremely proud that we have been able to assist our local community.”

A NEW piece of equipment at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown is giving visitors a close-up peek into prehistoric life.

Fossils barely visible to the naked eye can be viewed with the new equipment

An interactive video microscope is now available where people can see detailed images of fossils, which are also displayed on a TV monitor. The microscope magnifies images by 125 times, giving incredible and intricate pictures of life hundreds of millions of years ago. It is especially ideal for looking at fossilised insects or bone fragments which would otherwise be difficult to see with the naked eye. Stephen Hutt, curator of geology at Dinosaur Isle, said: “The microscope is fully interactive and easy to use, and already visitors are saying how amazing the images are. The equipment has been made possible through external grants and it was purchased following feedback from visitors.” The equipment will also be used for educational purposes, while fossil hunters can also bring along their own finds and look at them under the microscope as long as they are the right size. Dinosaur Isle is open daily between 10am-4pm and between 10am-6pm daily.

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Dream home up for award Picture by Morley Von Sternberg

A STUNNING new Island home has been shortlisted for a prestigious architectural award.

Seaglass House, designed by The Manser Practice in London, is one of ten finalists in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards. The five-bedroomed house, which is located in Gurnard and will be the second home for a Londonbased businessman, features a glass pavilion linked to a ‘timberbox’ bedroom section by a curved mosaic wall. The house boasts several environmentally friendly features, including a ground source heat pump and a system for harvesting rainwater for use in flushing toilets. According to Jonathan Manser, managing director of The Manser Practice, the instability of the sub-soil at the plot meant that piles had to be driven before the build could begin. An existing 1960s bungalow on the site was demolished to make way for the new home. The Manser Practice has designed a number of buildings on the Island, including the Shalfleet headquarters of Artigiano, the mail order fashion company. The winners of the RIBA awards will be announced on May 21.

IW police launch 101 number THE non-emergency 101 phone number has been officially launched across Hampshire and the Island to run alongside the existing 0845 045 4545 number.

The 101 service will no longer be a partnership service between police and local authorities, but the public can now call 101 for all non-emergency contact with Hampshire Constabulary. Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “Providing an excellent and accessible service to the public is one of the six priorities laid out in the policing plan, and the main purpose of the 101 number is to make public services more accessible for non-emergency

situations. “Around 270,000 999 calls are made to Hampshire Constabulary each year, but only approximately 11 per cent of these are genuine emergencies. Many people call 999 because they don’t know what else to do. In order to preserve 101 as an easy to remember number for the public to call ‘when it’s less urgent than 999’, the operational decision was made to retain 101 as a non-emergency number not only covering anti-social behaviour, but all non-emergency contact with the constabulary. “This includes the reporting of crime as well as anti-social behaviour issues, leaving a message for an officer or

member of staff, and general advice and information. On average 12,000 calls a month were made to 101 last year.” While call charges for the 0845 045 4545 number can vary significantly depending on the provider the caller is using, a call to 101 only costs a flat rate of 10p per call, irrespective of call duration or whether made from landlines or mobile phones. Calls to 101 are free from public phone boxes. For non-police related antisocial behaviour issues, such as noise nuisance or the removal of graffiti, callers will be advised that any follow-up enquiries should be made directly to the local authorities.

St Helens show for Charlotte BEMBRIDGE artist Charlotte Hodge Thomas is to hold her third solo exhibition at the award-winning St Helens Restaurant.

Running throughout April and May, the show features both paintings and prints on local themes – the beaches of Bembridge,

seascapes, St Helens Fort, and Bembridge lifeboat station all feature strongly. “Both Mark Young [the chef/owner of St

Helens Restaurant] and myself feel the artwork complements the maritime ambiance and interior of the restaurant perfectly,” said Charlotte. “My previous shows here have been very successful. They offer people a chance to buy an affordable memento of east Wight scenery.” For those interested in a closer look at her artworks, Charlotte is hosting two open viewing days at the restaurant, on April 11 and May 23, running from 11am-3pm. If you would like to attend please call Charlotte on 875727 or St Helens Restaurant on 872303. Left: ‘Shadow Buoy’ by Charlotte Hodge

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Boat museum a winner in latest grants round THE CLASSIC Boat Museum in Newport is one of several organisations on the Island to benefit from the latest round of grants from the Isle of Wight Community Fund.

The museum, on Newport Quay, has been awarded nearly £2,000 towards a new oral history project which will record and preserve maritime stories from local people. “Much of the Island’s maritime history is not written down or has been destroyed over time,” said Alan Chick, chairman of the Friends of

the Classic Boat Museum. “Archiving the material will ensure it will be preserved for future generations on the Island to learn about and enjoy.” Other bodies benefiting from a grant include the IW Duke of Edinburgh Forum, which has received nearly £5,000 enabling it to send seven youngsters with special needs on hikes in Exmoor and the Peak District; Healing Arts, which provides a creative outlet for sufferers of mental illness (£5,000); the 1st IW Sea Scouts (£3,500); and the IW Asthma Swim Group (£1,400).

David Yates with his latest book and ‘Bomb Alley’, his Falklands War diary

Life’s a beach – despite blisters DAVID Yates first walked around the whole of the Island in 1983, in a bid to ‘re-discover himself’ after surviving the trauma of the Falklands War the previous year.

The Classic Boat Museum in Newport: awarded nearly £2,000

David, 51, served aboard HMS Antrim, which led the first attack into the North Falklands Sound and San Carlos Water. He emerged physically unscathed from the conflict but, suffering the loss of several close friends killed in action, he carried mental scars. He wrote about his Falklands experiences in ‘Bomb Alley’, which was published in 2006, the year he also moved to the Island. In 2007, during events marking the 25th anniversary of the conflict, David decided to mark the occasion in his own way by repeating his feat of Island circumnavigation. And, this month, a book record-

School saviour takes over as owner and principal Priory School in Shanklin is under new management. Edmund Matyjaszek, who campaigned to save the school and secure permanent planning permission in 2007, is the new owner and principal.

An Oxford scholar, former director and trustee of the Poetry Society, Mr Matyjaszek is also an experienced company director trained in law. He said: “The focus of Priory School is the development of each individual pupil. Our independence, small class sizes and sound academic results,

especially in science – one of the pupils received the top science results in the country last year – have given a solid foundation. “I intend to build on this and develop the school so that we may offer a first-class education at an affordable cost in a well-structured and clearly run environment.” Mr Matyjaszek, who has three sons at the school, will be a non-teaching principal, also paid tribute to the dedication of the school’s founder, Mrs Joan Goldthorpe.

By Paul Rainford ing his experiences and feelings on this repeat journey has been published. ‘Beaches, Bars and Blisters’ charts, in his own words, David’s progress around the Island, setting off from Steephill Cove and arriving back at the same glorious spot three days and, as the title suggests, several blisters later. Day one sees him get as far as East Cowes – an impressive distance, especially considering a six-pint lunchtime pub stop in Ryde. The pain really begins to kick in on day two, as his stiffened limbs struggle to take him as far as Freshwater Bay. The third and final leg takes him through fields of broad beans, past the Wight Mouse Inn and Blackgang Chine before arriving at his mother’s house in Steephill Cove for a welcome plate of pasta and salad.

The book is written in a straightforward style – you won’t find any poetic flights of fancy here – but most Islanders will find something to interest them, whether it’s David’s observations on our fast-eroding coastline or just following his sometimes tortuous route. (He gets lost on the way to Yarmouth.) A real love of the Island emerges, a love which has its origins in family holidays spent in Ventnor back in the 1960s. One of his strongest memories is of the coin-operated laughing sailor in the resort’s amusement arcade, which scared him out of his wits as a small boy but clearly did not put him off a naval career. The text is complemented by Mandy Wheeler’s watercolours of some of the locations passed en route, while Simone Whitehurst’s hand-drawn maps help put David’s wanderings in perspective.

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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The Elms return By Peter White

ELM trees have been planted on the estate at Osborne House for the first time since the species was decimated by Dutch Elm Disease more than 30 years ago.

Six trees were handed over to Osborne by pupils and staff of East Cowes Primary School as part of a project to restore the gardens back to how they might have looked during the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Toby Beasley, head gardener at the Osborne Estate, explained: “Dozens of elms were destroyed by the beetle that carries the fungal disease. But because the beetle only flies at a certain height – around 25ft above ground level – the elm hedges on the estate survived. “We are delighted to receive these trees from East Cowes Primary. They are called the Princetown variety and have been bred to be disease-resistant. But of course only time will tell. It will take around five or six years for them to grow to 25ft, and only then will we know if they can withstand the beetle. However, all the signs so far are good.” The trees have been planted in front of what used to be Victoria and Albert’s stables, an area now leased to Vectis Transport. Toby continued: “We have got photographs of how it used to be in this area and we want to restore it to its former glory. It is a nice project that the school has got involved in. “We have a lot of historic photos that provide us with a good idea of what was in the grounds in Victoria and Albert’s time. The ordnance survey maps were very detailed as well. We want people to see the trees when they drive in and out of the grounds here. They can see the old road, but we want them to enjoy the view as they come in and out.” Janet Gardener, the East Cowes Primary School’s out and about co-ordinator, said: “The school was given the trees a few years ago and we had them in our allotment. Unfortunately the people at the allotment didn’t want them there permanently, so we got in contact with Osborne House and found them a new home. “The children, who are in reception class, came here in November and planted some daffodil bulbs so now we have come back to plant the trees. It has been really great fun.”

Blue tit is tops

THE BLUE tit is the most commonly seen bird in Island gardens, according to a survey carried out by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Around 1,800 Islanders took part in the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Bird Watch on the weekend of January 24 and 25. And although the blue tit finished only fourth nationally behind the house sparrow, starling and blackbird, it was a clear winner on the Island. An average of 3.32 were seen in gardens here during the Bird Watch survey, well ahead of the blackbird (2.78) and house sparrow (2.47). For the first time in the survey’s 30-year

Above left: pupils from East Cowes Primary School help head gardener Toby Beasley plant new elm trees. Left: how the elm trees used to look during the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

By Peter White history, the long-tailed tit flew into the top ten. It finished sixth on the Island and tenth nationwide. Overall, 73 different species were spotted in gardens up and down the country, with well over half a million people keeping an eye out for birds in their gardens, compared with just 30,000 schoolchildren who took part in the first survey back in 1979. The Island’s top 10 most popular birds were (average seen per garden in brackets): 1. blue tit (3.32); 2. blackbird (2.78); 3. house sparrow (2.47); 4. woodpigeon (2.41); 5. chaffinch (2.04); 6. long-

tailed tit (1.98); 7. great tit (1.58); 8. starling (1.51); 9. greenfinch (1.50); 10. jackdaw (1.47). Nationwide results: 1. house sparrow (3.7); 2. starling (3.2); 3. blackbird (2.8); 4. blue tit

(2.4); 5. chaffinch (2.0); 6. woodpigeon (1.8); 7. collared dove (1.4); 8. great tit (1.4); 9. robin (1.4); 10. long-tailed tit (1.3). All results can be viewed on the RSPB website.

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Find your NHS dentist online A NEW website has been launched to help people on the Island to find an NHS dentist.

The site, www.hampshiredentalhelpline. nhs.uk, offers a range of information including details of dental practices currently accepting NHS patients in your area, NHS dental charges and advice on improving dental health. Kerry Gregory, dental helpline manager for Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT), which hosts the service, said: “The Hampshire and IW Dental Helpline can understandably become very busy during certain times of the day and the new website is therefore perfect for those who want to get instant advice on practices

By Richard Collins accepting NHS patients and general oral health advice.” The Hampshire and IW Dental Helpline, a telephone-based service which runs the website, is available by calling 0845 050 8345 from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The helpline provides advice on dentists accepting patients for NHS care and allows people in pain to make urgent appointments. The emergency dental service – also on 0845 050 8345 – operates from Monday to Friday between 5.30pm and 9.30pm offering advice, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 8am and 9.30pm offering help, advice and emergency treatment if required.

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Villages: get your entries in! ISLANDERS are being reminded that the deadline for entry to the IW Village of the Year competition is fast approaching. Entry forms for the competition went out to villages back in February encouraging them to enter and they have until May 5 to return them. The competition is run by the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, with sponsorship provided by gas supplier Calor. Villages will be judged across four areas of rural village life including community, business, sustainability and communication.

The focus is on village communities pulling together – through both good times and bad, for example in the current economic downturn. Competition organiser Steven Lugg commented: “When villagers work together to complete an entry to the competition it brings alive a community spirit in them that just can’t be replicated in any other activity. We want as many villages as possible to benefit from this. The closing date is approaching but there is plenty of time for villages to enter if they act now.” Later in 2009, one of the winning villages

from the Island will have the added honour of being nominated to go forward and represent their county at national level in the Calor Village of the Year for England competition 2009/10. This will give that village the opportunity of gaining recognition at national level as well as a share of a prize fund totalling more than £55,000. Entry forms for the •2009 Calor IW Village

of the Year Competition can be requested from Steven Lugg on 01962 841699 or via email at steven.lugg@hants. gov.uk

Left to right: Helen Flynn, Ofsted’s Christine Gilbert, who hosted the event, and Jessica Mead

Heads honoured at Ofsted awards TWO ISLAND primary school headteachers have been honoured by the government’s school inspectorate, Ofsted, for the quality of the education they provide.

Helen Flynn, headteacher at Binstead Primary, and Jessica Mead, headteacher at Arreton St George’s CE Primary, received their awards at a ceremony in London. Schools honoured at the ceremony as ‘outstanding providers’ are judged as offering an excellent quality of education across the full range of their work and

attain high levels of achievement from students with varying backgrounds. Helen Flynn said: “Our Ofsted took place in 2008 and it is nice to be reminded of our ongoing achievement. The real strength of Binstead is that everyone, including all staff, parents, governors and the community are dedicated to making sure the children have the best possible start. It was a privilege to represent Binstead and I went with my head held high on behalf of all who continue the outstanding work “ Jessica Mead said: “We are

delighted to be included in the list of outstanding providers. This accolade gives recognition to the continued hard work and commitment of everyone involved at the school, including the staff and governors and not least the children and their parents. We are all very proud of our school and will continue to provide the best learning environment possible for all our pupils.’ Almost 3,000 schools, colleges and social care providers in England were judged to be outstanding in the inspection cycle 2007-2008.

Darwinian doings

Back to school for police

By Peter White

ISLAND police are working with students to support their education on being responsible members of the community.

THE 200TH anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin is to be celebrated with several events on the Island later this year.

Darwin, whose ‘The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’ was published 150 years ago, visited the Island several times during his life. Born on February 12, 1809, he first came here in 1837 to visit his cousin William Darwin Fox. He returned 21 years later, staying at the Norfolk Hotel on Shanklin seafront, which is now called the Waterfront Inn. It is believed that he began writing ‘The Origin of Species’ during that trip in 1858. He was back on the Island again around 10 years later. The celebrations will begin with a poetry reading by Darwin’s great, great granddaughter, Ruth Padel, at the Dinosaur Isle, Sandown on July 30. That will be followed by an exhibition entitled Darwin Today at Ventnor Botanic Gardens from August 10 to 31. There will also be a week-long summer school at Quay Arts, Newport from August 17 to 21, called Natural Selection, exploring Darwin’s legacy through drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. There will be a number of Darwin-inspired walks included in next month’s Island Walking Festival.

PCSO Pete Downing (left) and PCSO Chris Urry (right) with the winner of the Ventnor Middle School Citizenship Week anti-bullying poster competition, year six pupil Sarah Treagust

The South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Team organised and hosted a citizenship week at Ventnor Middle School. Police officers and police comCharles Darwin: bicentenary celebrations munity support officers (PCSOs) delivered a variety of presentations and activities for pupils aged between nine and 13. The week featured advice on how to react in an emergency, safety in the community, the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour on victims, and A NEW bus service serving Ryde Town, Hay- the consequences for offenders. Students took part in a competilands and Binstead will be launched on April 6. tion to design an anti-bullying poster. The service replaces the Route 4, the withdrawal The winners received recognition in of which provoked a storm of protest from locals. a school assembly attended by South It is being provided on a trial basis for the summer Wight PCSOs Chris Urry and Pete by Southern Vectis without any external funding on Downing. a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. Firearms officers highlighted the

Tickets please for new Haylands bus

risks associated with carrying knives and imitation weapons. A police dog handler demonstrated search techniques for drugs. Pupils were taken out of school for a tour of the custody centre at Ryde Police Station and the IW Crown Court in Newport. Other bodies, including IW Council’s Early Interventions Team, ‘Get Sorted’ under 19s substance misuse service, Ventnor Extended Schools co-ordinator Suze Keynes, and Linda Gorman from Ventnor youth club, were also involved in activities during the week. Patricia Harwood, Ventnor Middle School headteacher, said: “This was a wonderful experience for the children in the school and the content of the presentations led to very thoughtful discussions. The biggest hit was the police dog, Rudy, whom the children would have liked to keep on site permanently!”

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Isle of Wight Rotary Clubs

FROM this issue, we will be providing a regular update on Rotary events around the Island.

Rotary International is the biggest service organisation in the world with 33,000 clubs in 200 countries. Ro-

tarians volunteer their time and skills to serve their local community and those in need throughout the world. There are eight clubs on the Island who meet regularly and support local charities and projects,

providing opportunities for Island youth to develop their skills. There are competitions for young chefs, public speaking and opportunities to take part in leadership weekends and international youth exchange.

Celebrate St George’s weekend in style

A SERIES of special events has been organised by the Rotary Club of Cowes to celebrate St George’s Weekend (April 25-26).

At Northwood Park, a live cooking demonstration by Mark Young (below), the award-winning chef of the St Helens Restaurant, and Huw Griffiths, executive development chef of Pabulum, the Island’s school meals provider,

will feature on both days of this free weekend event. Demonstrations will start at 11am each day with a school meals dish cooked live every 90 minutes, and participation by the public will be welcomed. Pabulum is also holding a free ‘Guess the exotic fruit and veg’ competition. All correct entries will be entered into a draw. The winner will win a Nintendo Wii games machine.

The school meals roadshow is supported by Hamiltons Fine Foods, Wight Milk and Isle of Wight Stoneground Flour Company and sponsored by Pabulum and Brake Bros. The fun starts on Friday evening at 7.30pm with a ‘Last Night at the Proms’ style concert at Cowes Yacht Haven. The weekend continues on Saturday morning with a Carnival Procession from East

Cowes Town Hall to Northwood Park where there will be a variety of bands, art and craft displays and entertainments, including face painting, the Island’s own Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Wolf Guard Viking re-eanctment display. An enjoyable family weekend is ensured. And for those that get hungry, a wide choice of caterers and bars will be available.

There is a Rotary club near you: Club

Meeting Place

Cowes Royal London Yacht Club Newport Conservative Club Vectis Sunrise Riverside Centre, Newport Ryde Yelfs Hotel Sandown Conservative Club, Shanklin Shanklin Conservative Club Ventnor Cricket Club West Wight Sun Inn, Hulverstone

Day/Time Thursday 7pm Wednesday 1pm Wednesday 7.30am Tuesday 6.30pm Tuesday 7.30pm (fortnightly) Wednesday 7.30pm Monday 7.30pm Tuesday 7.30pm

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Pasture to plate THANKS to Jamie Oliver and others, food is now an important issue for schools. As well as being steered away from fizzy drinks and chips and towards healthier fare, schoolchildren are encouraged to take an interest in where their food comes from. The hope is that they will realise that pork sausages, for example, come from pigs, rather than from Tesco.

Chris Griffin, whose family runs Briddlesford Lodge Farm near Wootton, is in no doubt that the more children know about food and farming, the better. Until just a few weeks ago she was a teacher at Haylands Primary School: she

would regularly bring her charges back to the family farm for a glimpse of how things work, and in particular how all that milk gets from cow to cereal bowl. But now she has returned to the farm and is about to open her own educational facility-cum-café on her doorstep which, she hopes, will enable her to keep on teaching children from across the Island all about farming, as well as bringing more visitors to the farm to sample the delights of predominantly Island-produced food. Called the Bluebells at Briddlesford Café and Education Facility, after the copse on the farm that is a riot of bluebells in the spring, this dual-purpose centre has been

a dream of the Griffins ever since they opened their award-winning farm shop four and a half years ago. “Farm shop customers often used to say ‘it’s a shame we can’t get a cup of coffee here’,” admits Mrs Griffin. Very soon they will be able to get a cup of coffee and a whole lot more besides. Recession or no recession, Mrs Griffin is confident that they have diversified at an opportune moment. “I think we’ve got something different at the right time. People do want to know where their food comes from, they like eating local produce, they want to use local producers a bit more.” Mrs Griffin anticipates that at weekends the space will be given

BRIDDLESFORD Lodge Farm is to continue spreading the local food message with a state-of-theart new café and educational facility. Paul Rainford reports

over entirely to the café, but “We wanted the building to say during the week a partition will be something about the farm shop, pulled across to create a separate, and to convey a sense of Island self-contained classroom, comwarmth,” says Mr Miles. “I have plete with projector and smarta vision of the café in the evening board, that could be used for a light, in the afterglow of the day, range of educational uses. with candles on the tables. “What I’m also thinking is that Mrs Griffin confirms that in the it will be a space for people to summer the café will be opening hire for educational activity – I’ve on weekend evenings, and the already been approached by a details of the licensing to enable wood carver who would like to that to happen are currently being run a course here. Somebody else sorted out. was thinking of running a painting In Mr Miles’s view, Bluebells course here.” will join a growing list of places to But the core market for the new eat on the Island that offer a real facility is Island connection to the schools. “I’m all land – a sort of “People do want to for telling children ‘food trail’ that know where their food also includes the where their food comes from, they like recently opened comes from. In my eating local produce, previous life I’d be Garlic Farm cutting up school they want to use local restaurant in dinners and telling producers a bit more” Knighton. the children that I The Griffins knew the man who have invested grew that meat! With my own edu- £320,000 in the venture, which cational background it did seem a has been topped up with a grant of good opportunity while we had the £60,000 from regional developspace.” ment body SEEDA and another Last year Branstone Farm Studies worth £25,000 from the Isle of Centre, near Arreton, closed, Wight Economic Partnership’s leaving an educational vacuum Leader programme that Bluebells will help to fill. On the farming side, BriddlesThe new space has been created ford’s latest venture is humanely out of a mish-mash of old farm reared veal, which is being served buildings, some dating from the up at Seaview’s Priory Bay Hotel 1950s but some much older. Mrs and sold at the Griffin’s farm shop. Griffin points out that the project The veal comes from the surplus architect, Wootton-based Lincoln male calves that don’t make it into Miles, was keen to retain the the farm’s award-winning pedigree agricultural feel of the building, Guernsey herd of milkers. so many original features remain, Mrs Griffin is adamant that this contrasting effectively with connew venture does not mean that temporary fittings and a generous they are turning Briddlesford use of glazing. Lodge Farm into a theme park – For the architect, this has it is and will remain a working been one of his more pleasing farm. “The more people you projects. “It’s been really enjoyhave touring your farm, the less able, working for a lovely client,” farmwork you can get done. It’s a says Mr Miles. ‘But it’s always a balance.” To check opening times call the challenge to do a change of use, Bluebells at Briddlesford Café and especially when working with a Education Facility on 882885. historic building.

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Chris Griffin: looking forward to the opening of Bluebells at Briddlesford

Know your Wight Island curiosities explained

No. 5: The Mothers By Peter White

IN A tranquil spot in the grounds of St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, and only a short distance yards from the Maternity Unit, stands the sculpture known as ‘The Mothers’.

At first sight it could be mistaken for just a pile of rocks, but take a closer look and two faces and bodies of the mothers in conversation and the face of a baby are clearly illustrated. The sculpture was created by celebrated writer and artist Michael Dames just over 20 years ago.

Mr Dames, whose literary work includes ‘Mythic Ireland’ and ‘Ireland: A Sacred Journey’, lived on the Island for about a year around 1985, when he was the coordinator of the IW Arts and Health programme. It was during his time in that post that he sculpted ‘The Mothers’ from recycled stone. It is not known where the stone originated, but the filial and tracery on the stone suggest it could have come from a church or other religious building. The sculpture is surrounded by a

set of semi-circular stone seats for visitors to meet or even picnic. It is part of the collection of paintings, sculpture and craftworks which the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust owns and displays throughout the health buildings. The aim is to create an attractive environment in which to deliver healthcare and to recover from illness. The majority of these works have either been donated to the organisation or are commissioned when a new building is being designed and constructed.

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Animal magic HARES, magpies, badgers and water voles are all in a day’s work for wood sculptor Paul Sivill. Jamie White met the man with the creative chainsaw

Above: Paul Sivill takes a break from his wood carving. His Island work includes the hare and magpies in Arreton

PAUL Sivill always fancied carving out a career of his own. Now, with several examples of his handiwork dotted around Island, it is clear that Paul has fulfilled his ambition – big time!

The Niton-based tree carver has produced a series of eye-catching sculptures, which are admired by Islanders and tourists alike. The bull at Brading’s bullring and the green man featured prominently at Robin Hill Adventure Park are just two of the sculptures that have helped Paul make his mark. Then there are the more discreet pieces: on the main road through Arreton towards Newport, drivers may have spotted a hare and some magpies nestling in the grass of the roadside verge. So how did Paul launch himself on his career in carving? “I first started carving about 25 years ago and I just played around and making things for fun. Then people started asking me if I could make them something, and then people were asking if I would make things that they could buy off me, and it just gradually evolved from there. “Eventually, about five years ago, I packed up my day job and went into the carving full time.” Paul now does most of his work in a clearing off Beaper Shute

on the outskirts of Ryde or, if the weather is bad, at a timber yard in Whitwell. But Paul’s work is not just to be found on the Island, though. “I did a 20-foot high sculpture for someone who lived up high in the Hollywood hills in California a few years ago.” Closer to home, Paul is busy at various wood carving events around the UK. “Each year I attend a show in Gloucestershire called ‘Sculptree’. Basically it involves 12 sculptors carving big pieces of wood over an eight-day period which are then auctioned off. The first year I went up there my piece sold for £4,000 – this made me realise that I could actually earn some money from this. When I do that show there is a gallery where you can take pieces to sell as well.” Paul is currently making a series of animals for the National Rowing Museum in Henley. “They sponsored a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show last year, and they have been asked to make a badger, a water vole, a toad and a mole. I have never made a water vole before but I always like to challenge myself. There is an element of trial and error in this job but I usually get it right. “To make the badger, for example, which is about two feet high, will take me just over a day from start to finish. I use all kinds of tools, including a chain-

saw, to create the pieces. I spend more time using the smaller tools to get the sculptures just right and add the finer details. “A couple of times I have started sculpting and then found that the wood is rotten so had to abandon it, but fortunately that very rarely happens.” Paul also has plans to create something very special for Robin Hill Adventure Park in the near future. “All being well, I will be attempting to do what will be the tallest tree carving in the world. It will probably take me about two weeks from start to finish. There will be scaffolding erected around it for me so I can carve and shape it at the park. “There are several pieces that I have produced that I am proud of. I have done quite a lot of sculptures at Robin Hill, including the green man, which took me three days to make. “The hares and magpies in Arreton are about a small as I go – any smaller and they just tend to take too long to produce.” The wood that Paul uses for the sculptures is generally dumped for him by tree surgeons who have no use for it. “I would like to think that I am recycling and using the unwanted wood to make things that go back into circulation.” Combining creativity with recycling – what better career for a man from the Eco Island?

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In Dad’s footsteps NEARLY 20 years ago, Jo Smith’s father came up with a simple idea which was to transform fundraising on the Island: Walk the Wight. Now, ten years after his death, Paul Rainford finds out how she is keeping her father’s legacy alive FOR Jo Smith, the annual Walk the Wight will always be charged with emotion.

Ten years ago her father, Bill Bradley, died at the age of 65. And if it hadn’t been for Bill, there would be no Walk the Wight. It was Bill, and his great friend Frank Stevens, who together came up with the idea of this great charity walk, which has grown from a handful of friends and family in 1991 to a cast of thousands (more than 8,000 last year) tackling the 26.5 miles over downland, field and forest from Culver Down to the Needles. “Dad was always a great walker,” says Jo. “He and Frank used work together at Moreys and they both realised that they liked walking, going out at stupid o’clock in the morning on a Sunday. After a while I think it was probably Dad who came

up with the idea of raising some money for a good cause while they were out enjoying the Island.” Walk the Wight clearly combined two of Bill’s great talents. “Dad was always a fundraiser. Over the years he took things and really went for it. Dad remarried and ended up looking after a grandson who was really quite poorly and needed all this equipment. Dad seized on the appeal and fundraised for all the equipment they needed. As I was growing up a friend’s brother had a bad accident and he was paralysed to this day – and he raised money for that. If ever there was money that needed raising he would be there.” Bill and Frank split the work between them: Bill was in charge of badgering local businesses for their support and free equipment, whereas Frank dealt with the admin side, writing letters to local

businesses and approaching landowners for permission to walk over their land. “Frank and Dad used to go out and walk the route the day before and put out all the markers. In those days they used to put out piles of sand and sawdust to show people the way,” says Jo. Jo herself has been closely involved with Walk the Wight since the early days. She was a regular on the planning committee and remained on it for a while, even after her father’s untimely death. “I felt it was important that I was on the committee so that there would be continuity of all the good ideas that Dad had, and his vision would be carried on. I felt quite safe to step down when that was sorted out.” Now with a young family to look after, Jo can no longer go to all the committee meetings but she still has

Jo Smith on Tennyson Down. Her father, Bill Bradley (inset left) came up with the Walk the Wight concept with his great friend Frank Stevens (inset right)

a role to play on the big day. For one thing, she is usually to be found handing out the medals to the footsore arrivals at the finishing line. For Jo, watching how the event has grown year on year has been very gratifying. It is, after all, her father’s legacy. “I think he’d be blown away with the way it’s developed. The increase

in participation each year is the amazing thing. “The first walk had about 20 people, mainly just colleagues and friends of people who worked at Moreys. But when it gets to the stage where you have hundreds of people you have to think again. They had to think about proper marshalling

points and checkpoints. Originally it was just people like me sat in cars with Mars bars and water!” This year, family commitments mean that Jo won’t be able to do the whole walk, but she will, of course, be close to the action. And she will also, no doubt, be thinking of her father.

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High walls and tall stories A new DVD that sets out to capture 1,000 years of history at Carisbrooke Castle is a real team effort. Paul Rainford reports CARISBROOKE Castle, high on its hill in what is now the outskirts of bustling Newport, has been keeping lookout over the interior of the Island for nigh on a thousand years. It has been prison to a king, home to a countess and has seen off invasions by French forces.

Now a new DVD, which premieres at Medina Theatre on April 6, attempts to capture centuries of the castle’s history in just 58 minutes of documentary and drama. Re-enactments of historical events are combined with a well researched narration to offer a colourful and lively guide to what is the probably the Island’s most celebrated monument. The DVD is a thoroughly local production, using actors with Island connections and involving pupils from Godshill and Gatten & Lake primary schools as well as young dancers from the Gillian Cartwright School of Dance in Shanklin. Carol Bridgestock, one of the prime movers behind the project, is full of praise for all those who gave up their time: “The locals’ love of the castle came to the fore, with the volunteers endorsing what Visual Light Productions [the company behind the project] was trying to do. So from a little acorn has grown what is hoped will be an endorsement of the castle’s history that will survive into the future. “We were always in contact with Mike Bishop and his team at the Carisbrooke Museum Trust,” adds Carol. “They very kindly took us all under their wing, leant us authentic costumes and were marvellously helpful. Two of the staff even took part in the re-enactments.” Other local companies and organisations played their part too, with Brading blacksmiths W Stay & Son helping out on the filming of a scene set in an old forge and Newport’s Classic Boat Museum lending old rope for the castle building scenes. And, naturally, the Wight Field Archers came into their own, starring in a re-enactment of the castle under attack from those dastardly French forces. Says Carol: “We’re hoping people will dress up

for this special premiere, and that the DVD will be a great advertisement for our beautiful Isle. The evening will celebrate the Island’s history and how much all those involved have achieved together.” The DVD, ‘Carisbrooke Castle: 1,000 Years of History’, will be sold principally through tourist information centres on the Island, though it is also hoped that it will be used in schools as part of the history curriculum. For more information and how to reserve your seats please contact Carol Bridgestock on 402393 or email carolbridgestock@hotmail.com.

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Actor Colin Carmichael with children from the Gillian Cartwright School of Dance

Above: Charlotte Payne on horseback at the castle entrance Below: Sophie and Andrew Swallow dressed as Tudor children

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Life after Toga Pictures by Jamie White

THE GAZETTE continues its look at the main Island attractions for the new season, and focuses this time on Amazon World, which features an amazing exotic animal collection – as well as two world-famous parents By Peter White

IT’S more than three years since Amazon World hit the national and world headlines following the theft of baby penguin Toga.

Above: green wing macaws. Left: A meercat perks up. Bottom: Several terrapins are watched by ringteal ducks. Right: One of the many African, blackfooted and jackass penguins

It was claimed thieves scaled a 6ft outer wall and 8ft metal fence to take Toga, a South African Jackass penguin bred at the zoo. A £5,000 reward was offered for its safe return, but alas Toga was never seen again. However, there was still a happy ending of sorts. Since Toga’s mysterious disappearance, parents Kayla and Oscar have produced three more offspring, who are among the 10 who proudly strut their stuff in the penguin enclosure. Around 50,000 visitors head for Amazon World each summer season. And when they arrive at the zoo, situated behind Thompson’s Garden Centre in Watery Lane, Newchurch, one of the first questions asked is: “Are Toga’s parents still here?” Of course, the answer is: “Yes!” But before making a mad dash to see them, why not take time to stroll through the labyrinth of paths

Gazette

Lifestyle Days Out Guide

3 April 09

Live and Local

Rocking Reverend

The Clergyman with a passion for Rock ‘n’ Roll talks Religion, Guitars and Life

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Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle comment

David Holmes

David is your typical ‘Grumpy Old Man’. In his late 40’s David has been involved in several businesses and was also a local Councillor for a short while. He regularly appears with Alex (Grumpy 2) on wightFM.

WHAT did you learn in school? I learnt very little. My modern comp had nice fields and decent buildings, although the newest bit had a leaking roof from my arrival until my departure five years later. I do remember that we were short of textbooks and that our library was useless.

The science department was housed in what everyone called ‘the new building,’ although as I had no interest in bomb making or physics I simply gazed out of the window. I do know what a bunson burner is - and that you’re not allowed to turn them sideways. I also remember litmus paper changes colour. I haven’t a clue why. Biology involved detailed diagram drawings of naked bodies, very unsexy. We also dissected things, mostly worms and frogs. Thankfully I was off when they did rats and mice. Mostly I remember the attractive biology teacher. She was having an affair with a PE master. Apparently she liked to ‘spend time’ with him outdoors. This golden nugget of knowledge provided the only light relief in what I found a very dull subject. Sadly my inappropriate comments such as, ‘I wish I was doing this outdoors Miss, would you like doing it outdoors Miss?’ soon had me outside, the Headmaster’s office, banned from her lessons. The other half of the new building was taken up by the English department. My English teacher was the one inspiring bloke in the entire school. I’m sure the rest of them meant well, they just didn’t actually reach me. So, what did I learn in school. I learnt that French, Drama and Art teachers were usually a bit odd. Math’s teachers are very boring and strict. PE masters enjoyed both

I FEEL I have taken a big step forward in my training for the summer. The reason?

mild violence (now banned) and the attention of teenage girls. I did learn about not grassing on your mates and that Marlboro were cooler than No 6, if a little more expensive. I learned about music, by listening to the radio at lunchtime, the actual music master ignored me. I learned to position myself in the lunch queue between people I didn’t know. This meant that I avoided any embarrassing questions about why I didn’t need to hand over any cash to the school secretary. She simply checked my name on the free school meals list. After gaining a first in truancy, (Ok I didn’t but should have done) I left school on my sixteenth birthday without any other qualifications. I do also recall that by the time they sat us down for ‘sex education’ it was far too late. We had already acquired the knowledge. I had been walking to junior school, it just cropped up in conversation, not mine, I was earwigging. It was very disappointing. I knew making a baby involved mystery; the actual facts when I learned them seemed quite tame. I read this week that abortion clinics will soon be advertised during breaks in Coronation St and Hollyoaks. What on earth for? These shows always feature sex, rape, incest etc. Does any child over 11 really not know how to get contraception, the morning after pill or a termination? Anyone that doesn’t would surely need to be certifiably stupid. Perhaps that’s the real problem? It’s also going to be OK to show unwrapped condoms. Picture this school scene: ‘Hands up anyone who knows what this is?’ ‘I know! I can tell you Miss!’ ‘Go on then David, tell us.’ ‘Well Miss, you unwrap it, place it over a banana and you don’t get pregnant.’ Well, that is what they taught me. Of course I had my own thoughts, just no-one to share them with. That, in fact, is what kept me clear of STIs and unwanted pregnancy - abstinence and lack of opportunity. Trust me; the modern child knows about STI’s and contraception. Regardless of that knowledge growing numbers are still getting pregnant. Adverts haven’t solved the problem, more explicit adverts shown early evening certainly won’t. And what will they do when this doesn’t work, demonstrations on Blue Peter? If you know what will work, email the department of health and education. While you’re about it, tell them how to fix the roof on my old school’s new building.

Jo Macaulay

Jo Macaulay is Features Editor of the Lifestyle Gazette and lives in Ventnor with her husband and three children. Her hobbies are art, reading and collecting.

WELCOME to our second issue of Lifestyle and an early happy Easter. I’m both looking forward to Easter and yet dreading the effect it might have on my weight loss programme. Den Clare will have to supply me with a special ‘avoiding Easter eggs’ session to make sure I don’t waiver in my resolve.

School’s out for Easter and you’re probably wondering what to do with your children for the holidays so take a look at our guide to fun days out for some helpful suggestions. Loads of the attractions and businesses that have been closed for the winter are opening up and many have new things to offer. The weather is cheering everyone up regardless of the credit crunch and we’re all getting. The beaches are filling up at weekends and I’ve even spotted a tan in the office – or was that from a recent holiday Laura? Get yourself to the seaside if you dare. If you make it down to Ventnor seafront you’ll be confronted by the new three sided beach information points on their 12 foot long tripod feet. All the things you need to know about the beach are help-

June Elford

fully displayed, and once you’ve spent half an hour reading them you’ll probably be straight back up the hill. Apparently you have to beware of the tidal wash from passing ships and beware of currents too. So that’s enough to put city dwelling holiday makers off from going into the water before they even notice the last ‘beware’ at the bottom. “Beware of weaver fish,” it states with no other description or suggestions of how to avoid them such as wearing shoes when you swim. “What are weaver fish? Why should one beware of them? How big are they? Do they eat small children?” I can hear those tourists wondering all of the aforementioned as they gaze upon these gleaming new information triffids guarding the beach to all comers. It’s enough to send every self-respecting day-tripper running for the hills blue flag or no blue flag. Are all the beaches on the Island to get these eyesores? I think we should be told – or even consulted – before our coastline resembles John Wyndham’s famous novel, The Day of The Triffids. Come to think of it wasn’t the Island the last stronghold of humanity against the Triffids? I think they had patrols around the coast killing off any that seeded …now there’s an idea. And if you fall foul of any of the hazards these terrible monsters foretell you might like to use the bright yellow phone opposite the Mill Bay pub. The green sign suggests you dial 999 for assistance. You pick up the phone and the numbers you are offered to dial are 1, 2 or 3. It could be some time…

June Elford is a book & feature writer who lives ‘under the castle’ in Carisbrooke with her cat. She enjoys gardening and Scottish dancing. Her column is from the point of view of the older generation.

Seems a psychologist has come up with the idea that character analysis is possible on the basis of pic’n’mix choices – apparently oldies like me go for humbugs, mint creams, chocolate buttons with sprinkles and chocolate brazils. What happened to the childhood favourites I used to buy, the sherbet lemon dib-dabs, aniseed balls, liquorice sticks and gobstoppers?

I remember going into the village shop. gazing at the jars of sweets on the shelves and the boxes on the wooden counter and agonising over the choice before handing over my 6d pocket money. So, did you see that a bag of Woolworth’s pic’n’mix sweets auctioned on eBay raised £14,510 for the Retail Trust, a national charity that provides assistance and advice to retail employees like the thousands made redundant by the chain’s closure? The bag of sweets, weighing less than a kilo and attracting more than 100 bids, was the brainchild of Ed Adams, manager of the Woolies store at Petts

Wood in Kent, who spotted the pic’n’mix classics on the counter minutes before his store closed for the last time. He had the bag officially certified as the last one by Woolworths’ administrators, put it up for sale on eBay and gave the proceeds to the Retail Trust. Like me, you probably wondered what the anonymous buyer of the world’s most expensive bag of trick-or-treat sweets got for £14,510. Evidently it was a mixture of fizzy cola bottles, white mice, pineapple cubes, Turkish delight and strawberry bon bons but none of the traditional retro sweets that are still sold at The Kandy Box, Cross Street in Ryde. More great news – this time for Cadbury’s who have reported a 30% increase in their profits after the successful launch of their Wispa Bar and Crème Egg Twisted. We may be in a recession but the company claims people are refusing to give up their chocolate and chewing gum and are staying in to eat affordable treats, a comment reinforced recently by Domino’s Pizza. However, analysts say its more likely that the credit crunch is making people turn to comfort eating, certainly the Retail Trust reports a sharp increase in calls from retail staff experiencing stress due to financial worries. Last bit of news. If you fancy a bit of Woolworth nostalgia like a paper bag, check on eBay, they’re still trading briskly.

Justin’s Gym Blog

Coming through my first Bodypump session at TJ’s on Lake Spithead Industrial Estate. And it was challenging. My first challenge was mentally adjusting to being the only bloke in a class full of females. That was very enjoyable! But seriously, if it wasn’t for the patience and encouragement from instructor Tina Marsh and my new found gym buddies Gemma Hendriksen and Michelle Needham, I don’t know where I would be!

All three made a point of checking I was comfortable before during and after the session. And I needed them! There’s lots to learn but with their help I gradually felt in control of things. Wisely choosing light weights, I worked my way through a series of squats, chest press, bicep curls and lunges, abs and core muscle exercises as the music pumped loudly. There is a pause to gather your thoughts and take a sip of water between each track – but it’s not long before you are off and working again. The pace is relentless but its fantastic and above all, fun. I left the session

exhausted, sweating profusely BUT felt fantastic. I listened to Tina’s warning that I would ache all over within 48 hours. I certainly did but it was a good feeling. And I must have burnt in excess of 600 calories in that hour. Now I don’t feel so bad for those regular visits to the chip shop, just thirty seconds walk from my front door!! I am going again definately – that’s to Bodypump not the chipee!!! I’m told to fit in at least two sessions a week. And with summer fast approaching, I have to work very hard indeed!

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle profile

Our local Rocking Reverend

The rock ‘n’ rolling Deacon from Ventnor talks to Jo Macaulay about his passions for the church, his music and serving the community.

IT was Jet Harris of the Shadows who dubbed Deacon David Croucher ‘The Rocking Reverend’ and the name has just stuck. But it’s not every day you see a dog collar on a rock and roller – especially if he’s on a stage and belting out lead guitar.

Rock and roll and the Church were equal passions for David who began playing the guitar at 15 and he’s been in four different bands. “I’m missing my band the Windfalls desperately,” said David of the band in Ipswich he left when he moved to Ventnor in 1995. “We’ve exchanged CDs and tapes but I haven’t found another band on the Island. But I’ve developed a solo act using guitar backing CDs,” said David who plays a mixture of country, rock and roll and, his old heroes, The Shadows. It was the Shadows and Johnny Kidd and the Pirates who got David into music in the first place and Carl Perkins was David’s main rock and roll influence. “He pre-dated everything that Elvis did – Elvis was doing his own version of Carl’s songs,” said David. “I play them in the Carl Perkins way, which is in fact rock-a-billy.” David was ordained a Catholic Deacon on July 4, 2004, although he had always been involved with the church, starting as an alter server at the age of seven in St Swithun’s in Southsea. Before taking his holy orders, which took three years through the Wonersh Seminary near Guilford, David was a minister of communion and a reader in the church. He is Deacon to three churches: St Patricks in Sandown, the Sacred Heart in Shanklin and St Wilfrids in Ventnor. His first band, formed when he was studying pharmacology at Cardiff, were called the Four Fathers – named because the four lads had met at church. It was here that he also met his wife-to-be Chris and they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this September. “My wife tolerates my rock and rolling with raised eyebrows,” he laughed. The Catholic Church has also been very tolerant. “My bishop is fully aware and says that as long as it’s an expression of my faith then he’s happy,” said David. “I

always played with folk groups in churches and some of the older members of the congregation see modern music as inappropriate but… people said the same about Beethoven when he composed his orchestral pieces for the church.” Like all good rock and rollers David has also been down Route 66, but unlike those before him he did his journey in his beautifully restored single seater Austin 7 back in 2000, which he had built from scratch using a 1934 chassis. “It took a year to build and eleven days to cross the states with a top speed of 55mph,” he remembered. “In Kingman I stopped on Route 66 and a couple came and talked to me. With amazing graciousness they said, “Thank you for stopping and talking to us,” and a fortnight later a package arrived in the post.” In it was the silver bolla rock-abilly style necktie that David now wears, with or without his dog collar, when he plays. David has a collection of 42 guitars in his studio in the loft, including the entire collection of Burns guitars of which he is a factory endorsee. “It means that when I’m onstage I’m obliged to play a Burns guitar because they support me,” he explained. Jet Harris, who lives on the Island, is also a Burns endorsee and has signed two of David’s guitars for him. “I’ve met the Shadows twice,” said David. “Once in Oxford, prior to a concert, I was actually invited into the dressing room to have my programme signed and Hank Marvin himself signed my Hank Marvin Fender.” “When I play I have the opportunity, like

Cliff Richard, to speak about my Christianity. Bringing faith into my music is critical to me,” he explained. “I don’t always wear my dog collar when I play but if it’s church sponsored or in any way related I do. When I go to see my favourite Shadows tribute band, The Rapiers, I do (wear the collar) and I go and give them a blessing in the

dressing room – they’re a Christian band.” Along with all of his Christian duties, and his rock and rolling, David is the pharmacist at Niton Pharmacy. In his uniform of black trousers, black turtle neck and black shirt you might mistake him for the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. A weighty assortment of keys hangs from his belt and jangle as he walks and he banters good-naturedly with his customers with whom he is on first name terms. “I see the three roles; the pharmacy, the church and the music as being intertwined. They all bring light into people’s lives – it makes it all worthwhile,” said David. A service at each church on Sunday and a benediction on Friday at the Sacred Heart in Sandown keep David busy at the weekends. Sunday afternoons are reserved for baptisms, he conducts funerals and weddings when called upon and has even played at one reception.This Good Friday David will be playing in the street for the Walk of Witness in Ventnor. “I would like to extend Easter blessings to all readers and to remind them that Easter is good news and is more important than Christmas,” said David. And ‘keep on rockin’ of course.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle pets

Pet Heaven

YOU’RE sure of a warm welcome at Sandown Pet Store in St John’s Road, which Wendy and Paul Smith took over on March 16. This spacious and well laid out pet shop has everything you’ll need for your pet, tastefully displayed and easy to find.

Just about every type of food is in stock with dry and tinned foods for dogs and cats, and even hypo-allergenic foods for sensitive stomachs and vegetarian dog foods. A frozen selection of foods includes rabbit, tripe, chicken and beef mince. The pick and mix section, through the centre of the shop, has every type of dog chew you can think of including knuckle bones, pigs ears and tripe sticks. Choose from a wide selection of dog and cat beds, along with straw, sawdust and fluffy cotton animal bedding for smaller animals. Your dog could sport a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool strip. There are loads of toys to keep your pet amused, including cat scratching pyramids and posts, an activity play gym for your budgie or play balls for your hamster or gerbil. A whole section for wild birds includes swan and duck food and a wide selection of feeders along with peanuts and dried mealworms. “We’re getting good feedback from customers, particularly as we’ve separated the shop into sections,” said Paul. “Everything is very easy to find.” A weeks’ holiday on the Island was all it took to persuade Wendy to relocate to the Island from the Midlands where she had a café near Stratford Upon Avon. “I loved it, and I could see the potential with this

pet shop,” said Wendy. “We liked the idea of finding a business near the sea and we wanted something slightly less physical than what we were doing.” Paul had been a painter and decorator for 30 years. “We help out where possible,” continued Paul. “If we don’t have something we can order it and we have deliveries twice a week. And if you need something delivering, ask us.” To the rear of the shop there are two

high powered tanning booths, which are popular with local residents getting ready for the summer months.

Top: Store front. Bottom: Proud owners Wendy and Paul Smith

Put some spring(er) in your dog “SPRING is here and there will be young lambs in the fields. This calls for a greater degree of awareness when you’re out in the wilds with your dog,” said dog trainer Barrie Davey. “If you own a scent hound or any type of hunter, this is the time of year when the scent is at its highest and your dog will be far more likely to go off to investigate so you must have a greater degree of awareness and control.”

“Also this is the time of year that your animal will start to lose it coat so you need to be more diligent about your grooming,” he stressed. Barrie has been training and working with dogs since 1959 when he joined the Royal Army veterinary corps, progressing from dog handler and trainer to becoming a veterinary pharmacist in charge of three veterinary hospitals. Private dog training started as a hobby after retiring in 1972. Barrie prefers to work intuitively with dogs, reacting to what the dog is telling

To advertise your deals to the Island, call the Gazette marketing department on 402599

him, not necessarily just what the owner is saying. “Often the owner can tell me more in their body language than what they actually say – things they may not be aware of,” explained Barrie. Although Barrie does run puppy classes at Pets At Home every other week, he prefers to work one-to-one, travelling to people’s homes to sort out problems. “I strongly believe the dog has to respect you before it will work for you and respect is gained by asserting your role as the alpha pack leader,” said Barry.

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle entertainment

Bright as Vegas MRS MIGGINS Pie Shop returned once again to the Studio on Friday March 20th. Up on the bill was Bright as Vegas, Proximity Effect, The Majortones, Cozy Flashbak and Glasslights.

Bright as Vegas and Proximity Effect opened the evening’s entertainment with the first gang taking on a pop-punk influenced stance, and the other going for a more alternative approach of rock riffs and solid vocals. Favourites, the Majortones were next up on stage and were welcomed back to the Studio by their loyal fan base. Opening with their fantastic track ‘House of Robots’ this young group seduced the modest crowd with their catchy vocals. Describing their sound as ‘Dual synth driven Indie pop’ the dual synthing boys were a perfect partner for the mainland guests of the night- Glasslights. Hailing from London town Glasslights followed the ‘tones in an earlier than expected slot. The lads obviously weren’t too keen on being away from the big smoke for long and needed to get back on the ferry. Saying that they delivered a flawless performance and the track “The King and the Queen” was a definite

highlight of their set. Delicate lead vocals were supplied by Andy Jackson building up to a chorus full of power and emotion. Islanders Cozy Flashbak finished off the evening with the “Cozy Army” making up the crowd whilst the lads brought real Brit’ culture to the stage. You can hear numerous influences in their sound and choosing just one word to define them would be unfair so I’ll leave the hard work to you. Think of any of the greats from British music in the last 40 years and Cozy snatch a sound-slice from each and throw it right back at you with a punch. Now where are those pies? CC

The spirit of the Ramones lives on

Winter Gardens blues Picture and Text by Roger Deakin

THE first day of spring was well and truly ushered in with the 5th annual Spring Blues concert at Ventnor Winter Gardens staged by Amen Promotions.

The evening of Blues Music kicked off with Newport bluesman Clive Thomas and his 12 string acoustic guitar, treating the circa 300 strong appreciative audience with a top-notch mix of Son House inspired Country blues. Next up were Spring Blues regulars The Amen Boogie Blues Band, led by confident front man ‘Smokin’ Dave Hollis on blues harp. The band gave a very strong set of Chicago-style blues powered by the long established rhythm section of Tim Hollis and Mick Fairservice on bass and drums. Their set concluded with Ross Honeybourne’s slide-guitar driving the song ‘Greenstuff’ that had the dancefloor rockin’. The headline act, Errol Linton’s Blues Vibe came on to an eager audience ready to boogie and were not disappointed. The first number had the dance floor filled. Brixton-born to Jamaican parents, Errol played many numbers from his first two albums ‘Vibing It’ and ‘Roots Stew’. His Caribbean roots shining through on the reggae-ska influenced tracks ‘Packin my bags’ and ‘Man Shot Down’ but he effortlessly switched to Chicago blues to belt out songs such as Willie Dixon’s ‘Too Many Cooks’.

Accompanied by Jean-Pierre Lampe, double bass, Adam Blake, guitar, and Kenrick Rowe, drums, who are all talented and accomplished musicians in their own right. The dancefloor was packed for Errol’stwo hour set and he left with the audience beggin for more. Errol Linton wows the crowd

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle entertainment

Written on the warline

Kurves interview Jamie Fineran leads the way for Island based band The Kurves

HIDDEN in depths of an island carpet warehouse you’ll find music being made by a group called the The Kurves. The five piece band mostly hails from Wroxall but started as a duo much further afield!

Lead guitarist Chris Tilly and vocalist/rythm guitarist Jamie Fineran bumped into each other by chance when Jamie was serving for the British Army in Northern Ireland. Upon his return to the Island a deal was struck and they decided to form a band. A year has passed now and what started as a duo has grown to include Wez Maynard (percussion) Robert Hopkinson (bass) and Richard Thornett (keys) and the fivesome have graced the same stage as The Pigeon Detectives and even played last years washout Bestival. Indie/Americano/Rock was how the band described their sound and their influences are a mix of many- The Doors, Coldplay and Artic Monkeys were some of the vast list of names mentioned.

So what’s in their name? “I think the name came from Chris and myself,” explained Jamie. “We were going to use another but one morning whilst sat on Chris’ doorstep we decided the Kurves was a good name which would stand out.” An album is currently being recorded but an EP is on the cards even sooner. The band are hopeful that it should be found in a major local record store within a matter of weeks and a longer ten to twelve song album to be finished by summer. The group are putting a lot of effort into the album. I am told it is crammed with excellent material. You certainly get a vibe that the album will be good when the name “Rough Trade Records” (a label having previously released material from Arcade Fire and British Sea Power) is mentioned! See Richard’s review of their most recent gig to get an idea of their live sound. CC

Live and Local: You asked for the best...

LIVE AND LOCAL. The way music should be. Of course, recordings are all good and dandy, but the live circuits is where bands cut their teeth and make a name for themselves. The island is no difference. Tonight is the 27th March, and the venue is, well, The Venue in Ryde. The evening featured a couple of established local acts as well as the first time outing for Blues/Rock band SoulTone.

Musically, they remind me of a combination of Slash’s Snakepit and Ten era Pearl Jam. Fronted by Bassist and Singer Paul Ruck and backed by Guitarist Ryan McIntyre, Drummer Pete Whitehead, Backup vocalist Charlene Duncan, Keyboardist Ben Bowman and Percussionist Dave Shelton they hold down a beefy groove with guitar licks floating above the mix not dissimilar to Black Stone Cherry. Keep an eye out for their Debut Ep ‘Heartbreaking Sound’. Next up are The Kurves with their Feeder-esque Indie Rock. Personally, I think these guys have that extra kick

which make them stand above a lot of the similar Indie groups. This may be the lyrics penned by Frontman Jamie Fineran during his time serving in the Ulster conflicts, or Guitarist Chris L Tilly’s pendant for playing the rock star but it’s difficult not to be drawn into their performances. Plus the banter between them and the Wroxall drinkers is always a laugh. Wrapping the night up is a band who need no introduction, and that is Hugo Frusslinky. Fronted by Heather McCallum they play a set full of Indie Groove. A major part of this groove is the lines laid down by Bassist Dave Waight and the tightness of their Drummer Jord Pennant. Guitarist Jono_Not_Bono both amazes and disturbs the crowd with his leopard skin tights, orange shirt and crunchy tone. Unfortunately, despite the quality of the bands on tonight the turn out left a lot to desire. Maybe it’s the lure of cheap drinks in Whetherspoons or the automated pop on rotation at the numerous night clubs but the people simply did not come. Still, there’s always next time with

Goodbye Stereo and The Shutes already planned. Keep your eyes open folks. RH

Paul Ruck provides the bass and the voice

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle entertainment

The freaks have left the asylum THE freaks have left the asylum and have invaded Shanklin. Well, I suppose worse things have happened. It could do with some livening up anyway, at least until festival season gets into full swing. Sat outside a small pub with the band feels a little strange - after all, this is the town more commonly associated with a crack in the ground filled with plants (the chine) and a lot of old fashioned building’s then Goth-Glam rock and fire breathers.

Above: Neandyfoul

‘We where born in 2003, and played our first gig in February 2007’ explains the classic hammer-esque undertaker Neandyfoul ‘It was at Dark Rising. Bloody crazy someone pulled their hair out! Base instincts man…you’ve got to let go’. Also around the table is

ringmaster Mr Strange, disgraced Sgt. Stirling and devolved guitarist Dr Dread. Well, if you go by first impressions that is… ‘It’s escapism you see, that’s what we’re all about. An alternative to reality. A world of our own you can get into if you desire to. We like to (pause) escape into our own little world we make’ explains Mr Strange. ‘All are welcome in our twisted family,’ contributes Dr. Dread. On an Island like this and with influences ranging from the Folk Punk of the Levellers to the Industrial Metal of Marilyn Manson it should come as no surprise that they have developed both a sound and image that is so recognisably Shanklin Freakshow. How did they come by the name anyway? ‘The Freakshow was already taken’ Explains Dr. Dread ‘So we had to extend it, and Shanklin was our home away from home and it sounded good. The Totland Freakshow didn’t really have the same ring to it.’ And the Island scene as a whole? ‘Dead’ the band laughs ‘Especially for an alternative band like us. Bands like Goodbye Stereo and the Operators seem to be doing quite well at the moment, but for a band like us the scene is very small’ continues Mr Strange. And with the release of the ‘Sleaze EP’ being penned at the end of this year as well as their own UK tour lined up for the summer, there’s a good chance the scene may be a little larger 365 days from now. Catch them at the Studio on the 15th April as well as the Bestival. RH

Left to Right: Dr Dread (Guitar), Mr Strange (Vocals), Neandyfoul (Basss) and Sgt. Stirling (Drums)

WIN!

Colonol Bogey’s are offering you the chance to win six V.I.P passes to the next 80’s night featuring a

6 V.I.P Passes to the Madness Tribute (2nd May) fantastic Madness Tribute band. You will be treated as V.I.P’s - You walk straight in avoiding the queue, escorted

to the V.I.P area, are given a bottle Moet on your arrival and have your own personal waiter for the evening.

How many years has Colonol Bogey’s 80’s night been running? Question: Answer:

Name: Address:

Tel no: The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Monday March 2, 2009. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of the IW Jazz Festival and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle entertainment

Tasteful teasing SOMETHING a little bit different will be staged at the Winter Gardens in Ventnor on Saturday April 18 when Cream Tease hit the stage. But choreographer Catherine Perks is keen to emphasise that the show is burlesque, not a strip show.

“All the performers have theatrical training and the emphasis is on tease rather than strip,” said Catherine. “Don’t come thinking it’s a striptease show because you’ll be disappointed.” “Burlesque started back in the 1800s – it was entertainment for the middle classes taking the mickey out of the upper classes,” explained Catherine. “Women would wear men’s clothes and show a bit more than usual. Then in the 20s it was the flapper girls. In the 30s and 40s Gypsy Rose Lee was a burlesque performer and in the 50s Lily St Cyr took it to Vegas where it became glamorous. That’s the bit I like – the showgirls, Marilyn Monroe, the

vintage clothes and the fans.” “Chrys Columbine is a classically trained pianist and she will perform a rainbow routine, playing piano whilst performing and Pavabotti is a tenor who hits the high notes in more ways than one – it involves balloons,” said Catherine laughing. “He has a beautiful voice.” Candy Heart, Roxy Twirls and Bea Devile are also on the bill and the Island’s Trinity Belles: Chrissie Viney, Lauren Roberts and Jade Wightman are performing the can-can and other music hall style dances between acts. Music in keeping with the age will be played afterwards and dancing encouraged. “We’d like everyone to dress up fabulously if they want to,” said Catherine, “and we want behaviour in keeping with the times when men tipped their hats. It’s a celebration of womanhood and the spirit of the age and we want both men and women to attend. But we don’t want any heckling or cat calling and those who do will be asked to leave – politely of course.” Food will be available and tables laid out. The evening will be run in conjunction with a weekend beer festival at the Winter Gardens, staged by Xavier Baker formerly of Ventnor Brewery.

15 Years of 80’s! CONTRARY to rumours Colonel Bogeys is definitely not closing down. In fact they’re just about to celebrate 15 years of their 80s theme nights during April and May.

These popular nights, which happen on the first Saturday of every month, feature Ben, the best Michael Jackson tribute act and a fantastic Kylie tribute act this Saturday April 4, and a suitably bonkers Madness tribute who will really get the house jumping on Saturday May 2. The original DJs for the 80s nights were Paul Green and the current general manager David Hollidge, with Paul Holbrooke stepping into Paul Green’s shoes last year. “It was so popular that the queues went down the length of the car park to get in,” said David. “And now with the 80s fashions coming back in it’s fashionable across the whole country – there’s such a diverse mixture of music and styles.” “We get emails from people in the army in Iraq and Afghanistan to find out when our 80s nights

are to coincide them with their leave,” said David. “We even have people coming down from London, Scotland and from Wales.” Bogeys, as it’s known, is the oldest nightclub on the Island and this is the longest running theme night. As usual they are offering 80s drinks prices on these anniversary nights, with all beers at £1.50 per pint and shorts for just £1. Our competition offers six VIP passes to the May 2 event, giving you immediate entry without queuing to a VIP area,

a bottle of Moet on arrival and your own personal waitress for the evening. Open till 3am on both nights, entrance is £3 before 11pm and £4 thereafter with £1 off with a flyer or advert before 11pm and a free bottle of WKD or Budweiser. For Friday nights a popular free loyalty card system operates, with over 1,400 members. You pay at the door and get twice the amount to spend at the bar up to the value of £30, along with other offers.

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle entertainment

Jazz at V Day launch the Royal

LAST Friday March 27 saw the launch of the Ventnor ‘V-Bay’ Festival with a tasty buffet at the Ale and Oyster on Ventnor’s seafront, followed by dancing to the sounds of Tim Boogaloo.

The weekend of fun and frivolity will fall over the half term weekend of October 23 to 25 and feature live music, a fancy dress swim, stalls along the seafront, a limbo dancing competition to a live calypso band, a fancy dressed mobility scooter rally and a gourmet competition amongst other activities. A steering group of 15 Ventnor-based business owners include Jackie Milne of the Ale and Oyster. For £3 you can become a friend of V-Bay and your V-Bay card will entitle you to a free cup of tea or coffee for two in one of several participating Ventnor businesses. The event is looking for sponsorship, business partners and professionally qualified people such as electricians, carpenters and seamstresses. Donations of goods or services for the Grand Fun Auction and casino evening would also be welcome.

THE Royal Hotel is offering three internationally renowned jazz artists over the weekend of April 17 to 19 with a sumptuous five course meal in the hotel restaurant for £60 per person - £120 if you dine and stay, including full English breakfast. Friday 17 ‘Princess of Jazz’ Jacqui Dankworth, one of the finest singers of her generation and daughter of Dame Cleo Laine and the legendary jazz pianist Sir John Dankworth, gives a live concert which draws on influences including jazz, blues, folk and blues.

Saturday 18 features singer-songwriter Gwyneth Herbert who at 22 was signed to a major record deal with Universal catapulting her into the limelight as the folk-jazz singer of the moment. She delights audiences worldwide with original compositions and well-known classics. Sunday 19, Lea DeLaria, Broadway Diva, actor, writer, award winning comedienne and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist will entertain diners. Lea DeLaria has released four successful albums on Warner and is hailed by the New York Times as “Every Inch A Star”.

If you own an eatery in the PO38 area you can enter the gourmet competition and if you’re a local club or non-profit making organisation you can take a stall. Professional musicians are needed, particularly for the Sunday evening where there will be live music at all of the participating cafes, bars and restaurants. For more details about the weekend and how you can get involved check the website at www.ventnorbay.co.uk and for a small donation your company can have a link to the website too.

Toby’s gardening tips By Toby Beasley, head gardener, Osborne House WE have been busy behind the closed doors of the walled garden during the last two weeks in preparation for reopening on the 1st April. One of our last minute jobs has been to restock the glasshouse in the walled garden with display plants. Removing the plants enabled us to give these glasshouses a thorough clean over the winter but from now until the end of October we will be staging displays of indoor plants.

This is probably the trickiest time of year to be looking after a glasshouse. The weather has turned much warmer and sunnier but the nights can still be very cold. Apart from a thermostatically controlled boiler we don’t have any modern technology to help us look after our glasshouses, probably much the same as the majority of amateur gardeners. So what should you worry about if you have a glasshouse? First of all the sun is much higher in the sky so more light will be entering the glasshouse, rather than being reflected, as can happen through the winter. This means the temperature inside can rise very quickly. The plants still need plenty of light at the moment so don’t try and shade too much. We have roller blinds which can be dropped and raised very easily but draping some netting or horticultural fleece over your glasshouse, or indeed the plants, during the middle part of the day will help. If you don’t have any heating this can be a good way of protecting young seedlings from cold temperatures as well. Perhaps the first layer of whitewash shading should be painted on over the Easter weekend then add more shading later on as you see fit. Combined with shading it’s also worth venting to regulate the temperature. A small glasshouse quickly heats up and cools down so it’s very difficult to get this right. The mornings and evenings can still be very cold so wait until the chill is taken off the outside temperature before you open any vents or doors. Also damp down your path and any gravel around your plants. This helps reduce the temperature as the water evaporates, creates a more humid environment which the plants prefer and can keep red spider mite numbers in check as they don’t like humidity.

Check your plants carefully for water as well. It’s obvious to say but they will use a lot more on sunny days that overcast days so don’t get into a habit of watering heavily. Stick your finger in the soil to test it before watering. Once the nights become warmer, and the weather more sunny, it will be much easier to look after your glasshouse but the one thing I can’t do without at the moment is a thermometer, one inside the glasshouse and one outside.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle wine & dine

Ventnor’s d

GOODMANS Deli in Ventnor delivers just what the name promises – a really good selection of French, Italian and Spanish delicacies along with fantastic fresh coffee and lovely homemade cakes. The café and deli has built up a strong local following since opening in July last year.

Local proprietors Paul Goodman and fiancée Stacey,

were brought up around European food. “Our passion was food and we went away to Uni together in London where everything was available. But on the Island there are certain things you miss,” said Paul. “Our emphasis is on quality and we try to go back to source as far as possible,” he stressed. “We can tell people how the cheeses were made and which sort of animal it came from and the differences between the

Parma hams and the regions they originate,” he explained. “Parma ham has to be born, raised and cured in one of four different regions in Italy to have a crown stamp. Knowing the products goes a long way.” “We’re very proud of what we h ave here and we love to let people try things. And everything we serve can be bought from the shelves or the deli,” said Paul. “People love to recreate dishes they’ve had here.” The cheeses have been so popular that they have set up a wholesale company with Paul’s parents who live in a farming region in Auvergne in France, and they have a good connection with an Italian family to import their meats.

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle wine & dine

deli heaven

A wide range of Goodman’s produce.

“We’re actually cheaper than the supermarkets,” said Stacey. “People assume that the smaller independent shops are more expensive but it’s not the case.” All pates are homemade, along with tasty pestos and olives are marinaded in-house. Goodies on the shelves include confit de canard, coq au vin,

multi coloured pastas including gluten free corn pasta and the superb Bristot coffee sold in the café. Jams and pickles from the Goodman Deli range make lovely gifts. Speciality hampers can be assembled for gifts or summer picnics and cakes can be made to order. Beverages on offer include

soya latte and flowering green tea – the hand tied green tea flower opens and you watch through the glass teapot as a pink flower ‘grows’ from the petals.

“Our emphasis is on quality...”

Driftwood creates a large hum

LOOK out for the Driftwood stretch Hummer H2 limo on Good Friday as it tours Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin seafronts. Derek Sandy will be on board, singing impromptu reggae numbers, and there will be Driftwood freebees such as Frisbees, keyrings and bottle openers. The Driftwood Bar and Grill in Sandown has reopened for the season and is doing it in style.

If you’ve been abroad and found the perfect beach bar then you’ll revisit it at The Driftwood. In Asia they’re called ‘shacks’ and the local beer is Tiger, in the USA you’ll buy Coors and in the Caribbean you’ll have Red Stripe and they’re called beach bars, so at the Driftwood you can buy any of these beers to put you in the holiday

mood along with good tasty food and tropical cocktails. Surf-boards sit in the rafters above your head and surfing videos show on the screens around the bar. Sit at a stool looking out through the large windows overlooking the sea and you could be anywhere in the world. Friday nights are steak nights and four people get £10 off with this voucher. All steaks are from Kemphill Farm in Havenstreet and are matured for 28 days for a truly succulent flavour. From 5pm till 9pm Monday to Thursday a special set menu offers two meals for £10. Early till late, seven days a week, you can either sit in the bar or on one of the two large terraces on either side. You can even hire loungers, parasols and hammocks and take your drinks onto the beach if you ask for plastic glasses. Sunday afternoons, weather permitting,

Left: A typical summers afternoon. Right: Look out for the Driftwood Stretch around the Island.

Derek Sandy entertains all comers with reggae numbers. Sit on the terrace with a cocktail or beer and get into that summer holiday feeling every time you take a trip to the Driftwood Bar and Grill.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle wine & dine

A Stone’s throw from ferry JUST beyond the ferry terminal at Fishbourne sits the Fishbourne Inn. This striking mock Tudor style pub and restaurant built in the 1930s, is not immediately visible from the main road, but well worth the few extra yards drive or walk.

Two large gardens make this the ideal location for an al fresco meal or there is plenty of room in the large restaurant/dining area or the roomy bar. Sunday carvery, with a choice of at least three meats and five vegetables includes home-made Yorkshire puddings and stuffing. This Easter weekend there is a carvery on Good Friday too. On Sundays one child per adult eats free at the carvery. The extensive specials board features traditional pub grub such as

cottage pie, fish pie and pie of the day, along with dishes such as home made Moroccan lamb with apricot. All meals are home made and all meats, fish and vegetables are fresh and locally supplied with loads of home made desserts too. Marcus and Lynn Bartholomew bought the pub four and a half years ago and have added five en-suite rooms for those wishing to stay. “I’ve got a new team in the kitchen and I’m looking forward to a good season,” said Marcus. The pub is also on one of the official Isle of Wight walks which encompasses Quarr Abbey – why not stop off for lunch during this scenic walk or take a walk to Quarr after your lunch. The Fishbourne Inn is also on one of the official cycle routes too and has two large free car parks.

Chinese restaurant sheds pounds LOVERS of Chinese food will be overjoyed to hear that China China in Cowes are introducing a weekend evening buffet for only £9.80 per head in their downstairs restaurant. This offer will run until the summer with a choice of up to 15 delicious dishes on the selfservice buffet and on Monday and Tuesday nights there is 50% off the a la carte menu. On Sundays, Wednesdays and

Thursdays a £14.80 per person option offers a three course meal including a mixed platter, crispy duck and eat as much as you can in your main course. This option is also offered on Friday and Saturday evenings for £17.80 per person. If the sun is shining you can sit outside and watch the boats go by at this popular seafront restaurant. A special lunch menu offering a starter and a main course with rice at only £6.80 per person is offered from Monday to Saturday. A Sunday lunch buffet is also offered for £7.80.

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the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle wine & dine

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle living

Why not try a ‘Staycation’ in your own vintage VW Campervan this summer?

60’s nostalgia in a camper van

DRIVE along the Luccombe Road from Ventnor to Shanklin and you’ll see something that’s bound to make you smile. Up to ten Volkswagen camper vans in will be lined up outside Sarah and Paul Guy’s home, just waiting to be taken on a spin.

This will be the third season for IOW Camper Van Holidays who offer a unique vintage camping experience. And this year it will also be greener too - each van has been fitted with a magnetic Eco Flow magnetic system that reduces fuel consumption by promoting cleaner burning which will mean less emissions. The pink camper van can even run on bio ethanol, but unfortunately no one is producing it on the Island. In this economic climate, it might make sense to holiday on the Island – you’ll be surprised at how many people do. You could hire a camper van, pitch up at a camp site with all the services your children want, and have the added bonus of being able to meet your friends – a home from home. Plus each camper van has a privilege card from the Camping and Caravanning Club entitling you to 25% discount at member campsites. People also hire them for parties. “We recently had an enquiry for a 50th birthday party with eight couples hiring a van each,” said Sarah. “And

last April we had a mother and daughter party with five vans, each with a mother and her daughter. We pick everyone up from the ferry and bring them to Luccombe to pick up their vans.” Every camper is supplied with a hamper of local food, including a hand made cake made with local ingredients and eggs from Sarah’s hens, who you will see when you pick up your van. Eco cotton bags printed with IOW Camper Vans logo are also included for your children. Real Island Food can deliver further food hampers to your van if you require and bikes can be ordered and ready on your bike rack if required. The vans have a double bed

and two pop-up bunk beds for children with an optional camper awning that attaches to the side to create another bedroom and/or storage and living space. They are equipped with everything you need during your stay including cooker, fridge, sink, fresh linen and towels. You’ll be the envy of the campsite in one of these wonderful vintage vans, which have come from far and wide – one from Australia and another from Brazil. There are even a few of these lovingly restored Volkswagen vans available for the pop festival. For further details check www.isleofwightcampers.co.uk

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the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle living

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle living

Bloomin’ Bembridge

AFTER the long cold winter we’ve had, we all deserve a little bit of spring to brighten up our lives. At Bembridge Flower Shop

you’ll find all of your familiar favourites along with more unusual blooms. “We cater for the English Country Garden look to the more exotic tropicals,”

said owner Chris Littlewort who opened the shop five years ago. “We’ve worked hard to build a good reputation. Our wedding work is now all year round and mostly on recommendation. “You will always enjoy a warm welcome from our dedicated staff who are fully trained and passionate about flowers,” said Chris. “The shop reflects our natural approach and unique style, whether modern or classic, funky or traditional.”

“You will always enjoy a warm welcome...”

Friday April 3 2009

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lifestyle nursery years

Success story for Island Day Nurseries IT’S been a real success story for Island Day Nurseries who now have three nurseries Islandwide. Their first nursery at Mill Court in Newport, which opened three years ago, has recently been extended with a new suite of rooms for the under twos and a new sleep room too.

beach and in the summer children make trips to the beach, Dinosaur Isle and Sandown Zoo. “This is a wonderful club in the summer with older children returning to the after school and holiday clubs,” said Rosaleen. Children at the Gurnard nursery, which opened in March 2008, can go swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools, have access to a soft play area and can use Monkey Mountain free of charge. Older children can play short tennis. Safe walks

across the whole estate include the woodland walk to the beautiful lake beyond with herons and other wildlife. Island Day Nurseries currently employ over 40 workers and have over 300 children registered Islandwide which has given staff promotion opportunities. The Ofsted Regulatory Officer has confirmed that they are the largest independent care provider for 0 to 8yrs on the Island.

“It’s now a completely shoe-free zone for hygiene and safety,” said owner Rosaleen Cullen. “We’ve doubled the capacity and have places for children available.” A state of the art Top: Nicky Yexley with Connie Stinton and Wilf Sutton in the new under 2 year children’s wing. bio-metric security Bottom: Nicky Yexley enjoys some story time with Wilf Sutton. system has been installed with finger print recognition for all parents and carers. “It’s an expensive system but you can’t put a price on safety,” said Rosaleen who has also installed the same system at the Sandown and Gurnard nurseries too. The Fort Street nursery in Sandown, which opened in April 2007, is only yards from the

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Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle nursery years

Bonnie pre-school LOCATED in the grounds of St Boniface Primary School and surrounded by beautiful gardens is Ventnor Bonnie-Faces Pre-School. The PreSchool offers children a wide variety of activities from dressing up to painting, water and sand play.

Bonnie-Faces also has sole use of a fully enclosed outdoor play area with a swing, play house, giant sandpit and various bikes, trikes and cars. “Children can get in and take their shoes and socks off, as if they were at the beach,” said Leader Helen McMullin. “In the summer we have a paddling pool too.” “We take the train tracks and the big bricks outside in the summer and children can use their imaginations to build on a larger scale than indoors which is lovely for them,” she continued. The children also make trips in the better weather – to the beach or the shops where they might

buy the ingredients for a cookery session. Coach trips to places such as Colemans Farm, Blackgang Chine and Space Island are also arranged. At lunchtime children travel through a tunnel under the main road to St Boniface’s primary school and eat their packed lunches or a hot meal with the primary school children. This helps them to get used to being with the older children, before moving up into the school environment. Also after lunch they have the chance to play, fully supervised, with the older school pupils who might include brothers or sisters. High quality care and education is a top priority, alongside a safe and welcoming environment. The highly qualified team of five have up to 26 children per day.

Children aged from two to five years come to Bonnie-Faces from all areas and are able to attend a variety of sessions. The Pre-School is open Monday to Friday during term-time, from 8.30am until 3.00pm. Government funding provides 12.5hrs per week free childcare for children aged three to four years, but at Bonnie Faces you can take these hours to suit your circumstances. For example your child could start at 10am rather than 8.30am and leave at 2pm instead of 3pm. Find Ventnor Bonnie-Faces Pre-School on Leeson Road, Ventnor. For more information, call Helen on 856354.

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle nursery years

Baby yoga at St. Mary’s

THE YMCA Day Nursery and PreSchool is based at St Mary’s hospital in Newport and is registered for children from six weeks to five years old. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.00pm throughout the year, just closing on bank holidays and for one week over the Christmas period. Children attend the nursery from all over the Island, with parents working at the hospital and across the community.

The nursery manager, Diana Jeffries, says that the wide range of activities available both inside the nursery and in the large garden promote the children’s learning and development in a natural and holistic way. “All our nursery practitioners are qualified in Early Years Childcare and Education and I encourage them to maintain their professional development by attending a wide range of training courses. This helps us to keep up to date with the latest legislation and gives us new ideas to support the children’s learning and development. We continually evaluate what we have on offer for the children. This makes the nursery an exciting and stimulating place for children to play and learn in.” Recently two members of the nursery team attended a training course at Cowes Children’s Centre to learn about Baby Yoga and have since been practising it at the nursery with not only the very youngest children but the two, three and four year olds as well. Yoga movement is taught through the use of stories and children are encouraged to act out the stories using a variety of movements. They learn to bend and stretch, stand, sit and turn over, and to extend their body movements. Throughout the session the practitioners introduce new language; children learn to name body parts, and to express movement as language by listening to the practitioner and doing the movement at the same time. The groups are kept very small, usually one or two members of staff to six children depending on the children’s ages. If very young babies are involved in the

session, then the practitioners work on a one to one basis. Parental approval is sought before a child can join in the session. “We have seen children’s confidence and self esteem grow after participating in the programme,” said Diana. “We are showing children that exercise is fun and

an important part of their daily routine. I think this routine is giving children a healthy start to their lives and hopefully will set the pattern for children to continue exercising as they get older.” If you would like any information about the day nursery and pre-school please telephone Diana on 525423.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle wightFM

“The first signs of spri wightFM and D If you have trouble tuning in then call the wightFM support line 40-99-21

PC/computer

Call us - We love t Reggae man

THERE are a number of changes which tell us that summer is coming…The clocks go forward, the daffodils appear, the morning frost vanishes. But one thing stands out above it all…

Wi-fi Radio

i-phone

3 ways to listen Join in Big Al’s new edgier phone-in

40-99-20

The sound of Derek Sandy. Wight FM’s presenter line-up boasts the Island’s biggest reggae and calypso star. Originally from Tobago and now a proud resident of Ryde, Derek is well known for getting the crowds going at the Driftwood Bar in Sandown with his “mean” Bob Marley covers. And the brighter weather recently has certainly put a big smile on his face “Tell me about it! Yeah man it’s a great time, it’s glorious and I hope it stays,” he says. “It’s getting very busy right now with the summer

coming and I am at the Driftwood every Sunday and my bookings are well up for the season”. Derek brought St Thomas Square in Newport to a standstill when he performed at our roadshow last month. “I had a great time. It’s real fun to get out and meet people. Everyone is enjoying WightFM and I am enjoying it! He can be heard every Saturday and Sunday at one o clock presenting “The Shakedown Show” and he is loving every minute too. “My fans are happy – If I can bring some happiness then that’s great, particularly on my show.” “I’ve just got back from the Caribbean and I’ve brought the sunshine back with me!” And with Derek’s undoubted enthusiasm and love for the Isle of Wight, you know the sun will continue to shine.

Friday April 3 2009

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lifestyle wightFM

ing are here! Sun, Sea, Derek Sandy!”

to hear from you

Alex on tour!

RADIO’S most controversial presenter is getting out and about meeting YOU.

In the last fortnight, Alex has been travelling across the Island handing out wightFM mousemates and window stickers. He jumped into our wightFM van with Scooby and went down to Ventnor to catch up with fisherman Jeff Blake,

before meeting up with listener Don Prescott at the Spyglass Inn. Alex also paid a visit to Geoff Smith from the Bike Shed in Merstone, Frank Philips from Austin Morris in Freshwater (Frank does up old Morris Marina’s!), Jimi Hendrix at Dimbola Lodge and headed on down to Blackgang Chine.

Keep an eye out for Alex as he is planning to tour again very very soon!

If your company listens to wightFM call us on 40-99-20

Even more presenters on wightFM Alex Dyke, Ian Mac, Justine Field, Mike Read, David Hamilton, Paul Burnett, Emperor Rosko, Derek Sandy, Howard Pearce, Chris Stewart, Benny Brown, Richard Cartridge, Shaun Tilley, Johnny Gentle

Can radio get any better?

Programme schedule

our great line-up

Weekdays

6 - 7am Mike Read: The Wight Wake-up 7 - 10am Ian Mac’s Full English (More Music) Breakfast Show with Justine Field 10 - 11am Chris Stewart with the Motown Hour 11am - 3pm Big Al’s Mid-Morning Boogie, including the legendary phone- in between 12 noon - 1pm with all the usual suspects – The Doc, Foxie, and Jessie. 3 - 5pm David Hamilton’s ‘Non-Stop Music’ Afternoon Show 5 - 7pm Paul Burnett’s Tea Time Show 7 - 9pm Shaun Tilley’s Wi-Fi Hits 9 - 11pm Mark Wesley 11pm - 1am Benny Brown 1 - 7am Music Jam

Weekends

7 - 9am Howard Pearce’s Weekend Breakfast Show 9am - 12pm Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart’s Bubblegum and Cheese 12 - 1pm Geoff Hughes’ Beatles Hour 1 - 2pm The Shakedown Show with Derek Sandy 2 - 4pm Richard Cartridge 4 - 6pm The Emperor Rosko 6 - 7pm IW Festival’s Greatest Hits 7 - 9pm Steve Robson’s Electric 80s 9 - 10pm Simon & Dave’s Hipshaker Show 10 - 12am Johnny Gentle’s Big Easy. 12 - 2am Opal Bonfante

Wi-Fi...why not?

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle days out

Pony Club fun at Allendale

TAKING your children riding this Easter might spark an interest that will blossom into a life long love. There are a great many life skills involved in pony and horse riding and it’s a hobby that will teach your children responsibility and team skills too.

Allendale is now a Pony Club Centre, which means that you just pay £22 membership to the Pony Club branch in Stoneleigh in Warwickshire and you can then ride any of the ponies at Allendale. “It’s the same as ‘Pony Club’ but for children who don’t have their own ponies,” said owner Lynn Mills. “Youngsters learn horse and pony care and pass efficiency tests for which they get Pony Club badges. Once they’ve joined we offer a programme throughout the holidays where they can partake in mounted rallies for £15 or unmounted/theory rallies for only £5.” Although Allendale only registered as a Pony Club Centre in 2007, they have reached the Pony Club NFU Mutual National Quiz finals being held this Sunday April 5 in Warwickshire – quite an achievement. If you wish to ride at Allendale prices for a hack or a lesson are £25 per adult and £24 per child, per hour, or for the same charge a 30/30 special is suitable for beginners or improvers with 30 minutes of each. As a special Easter offer, new clients are able to claim a £4 discount on presentation of the advert in these pages.

Allendale is a BHS approved ‘Where to Train’ riding establishment and the only stables on the Island where you can train for BHS Stage exams – the professional qualifications needed for a career in the horse industry. The glorious countryside that surrounds Allendale, which sits between Rookley and Godshill, is ideal for hacking out –

you leave via a beautiful wooded bridleway and the centre of the Island opens up before you with bridleways leading in many differant directions. The horses and ponies are very well cared for and the instruction is first class. Private one to one lessons can also be arranged. For further details call 840258.

events originally occurred. You’ll learn things about the Island that you never knew before and get a glimpse of how people used to live. On Monday the Botanical Gardens in Ventnor are the location for a number of smuggling tales and ghosts of the former hospital are reputed to be abroad. On Tuesday you meet at the Buddle Inn for a spooky walk to the lighthouse and back,

with optional supper at the pub with more ghoulish tales around the table. Wednesday plays host to the original Newport Ghost walk, where it all began back in 1994, and on Thursday you meet at Arreton Barns with the option of a meal at the Dairyman’s Daughter and more tales over dinner. On Sunday the walk begins in the car park in Shanklin’s Old Village where there are likely to be more smugglers lurking. All walks start at 8pm and there is no need to book – just turn up. But if you want a more personal experience Marc can be booked for private tours. He also organises overnight vigils at haunted locations with mediums and clairvoyants. On April 30 he will present a ghostly evening at Trinity Theatre, Cowes with Fast Hawk, a half Sioux Indian clairvoyant and medium Lesley George. For more details call 520695. Experienced Ghosts of the Isle of Wight author Gay Balwin has provided all research for the walks.

If you go down to the woods today...

IT’S always a treat to take a ghost walk with Marc Tuckey and children particularly enjoy the excitement of the ghosts and ghoulies who appear out of nowhere. You just never know what’s going to happen next.

Marc’s stories will scare and thrill you as you walk around the area in which many of the sad.

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle days out

Dive dive dive! IT’S a perfect time to book yourself or your children onto a diving course with

Island Divers in Cowes. You’ll be ready to dive for the summer months, whether you’re travelling to sunnier climes or staying in the country this year. Island Divers are based in Medina Village, off Bridge Road in Cowes, and use the pool at UKSA for training. Owner and PADI Master Instructor Kim Langridge has been diving for 39 years, partly for pleasure and sometimes professionally, spending three years as a diver

in the oil industry. His hobby is diving with the wonderful old brass and copper hard helmets, through the Historical Diving Society - you can see them at the Old Gaffers Fair this May. Once you’ve trained with Island Divers there are so many interesting sites to dive around the Island. “We dive at Freshwater Bay and from Totland Pier and do hard boat diving around the 100s of wrecks off the Island particularly Sandown and Shanklin Bay,” said Polly Philipson, one of the top diving instructors at Island Divers. Polly and Kev Martin work with Kim throughout the year and they have a strong team of Dive Masters and Assistant Instructors to help them during high season too. All PADI courses from beginner to instructor level are offered along with over 25 speciality courses in subjects such as photography, night diving and deep diving. Dive trips abroad and across the UK, such as to the Farne Islands to dive with seals, are also offered. “The best dive I ever had was with seals in the Shetland Islands,” said Kim who has dived all over the world. Full servicing of all equipment is available at the shop as well as equipment hire. A wide range of new diving equipment is for sale including dry and wet suits, boots, gloves, underwater cameras and watches. PADI literature and DVDs are also in stock. Social gatherings are arranged to raise money for associated charity Project AWARE throughout the year with a beach and dive clean planned for Dive Earth Day in April. For further details check www. iowdivers.co.uk Photographs taken at Freshwater by Steve Brown, Ryde Photograhy Centre.

Down on the farm Your children would love a visit to Fakenham Farm, at St Helen’s, and you’ll be bowled over by their amazing selection of traditional, rare and exotic farm animals. There may even be baby chicks to see this Easter holidays.

But it’s not just chickens you’ll see at this farm – they have emus and rheas. As you walk around their pens you may hear the deep boom boom noise that the emus make in their throats. You might even find their fluffy feathers. In the hatching area you can see their enormous dark green coloured eggs and watch the eggs in the incubator. Two highland cows, traditional British white cattle and two water buffalo are grazing in the fields – there’s even a huge horned African Ankole cow. Rare breed pigs are snuffling in their

pens, bouncy pigmy goats gather around for you to pet and the ponies are always popular. The cute Kerry Hill sheep are white with panda faces and lambs will be arriving shortly. The Cock A Doodle café has one of the best views on the Island, overlooking the Solent, and serves breakfast, snacks, light lunches, cream teas and home made cakes. Or you can opt for a hot or cold drink or an ice cream. Inside seats 50 and there is also a large outdoor area overlooking the sea. School trips are available on request. Fakenham Farm is on the B3330, just on the left as you leave St Helens for

Seaview, and is open all year round from 10am till 5pm.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle days out

Hit the grindstone One of the Island’s best kept secr

FOR a truly nostalgic experience in idyllic surroundings, that both children and adults will love, a visit to Calbourne Water Mill is hard to beat. Not only can you visit the mill, which is still in working order, and see the enormous wheel turning as the water falls, but you can learn about the milling process and on Sundays at three, including Easter Sunday, you can watch the milling process in action.

Afterwards you could wander down to the café and sample cakes and scones made from the flour milled at this very

Grind your own flour at the mill

mill or buy flour, bread and lardy cake to take home. Or you could have lunch, a snack or afternoon tea. Also available from the shop area in the café is bird food to feed the tame peacocks, bantams and ducks which will eat from your hand if you let them. At this time of the year the peacocks are frequently displaying their stunning tail feathers they make a wonderful sight and

an ideal photo opportunity. Then you could take a pedalo and go boating on the river which stretches back to a pond area with an island, or you could play golf or crochet. The grounds are beautiful – you could walk along the river and ponds and up through the flower filled woods. On Sundays you will see Vikings re-enacting battles and vintage cars in fantastic condition, driven

Friday April 3 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle days out

e at Calbourne Mill ets is Calbourne Mill, until now... here especially by their proud owners. In the barns around the mill you will find other items of historic interest such as the old kitchen museum with the first cookers and washing machines. A larger than life model of Churchill guards the entrance to the war museum which gives an insight into how people on the Island lived during the war years, including the home guard. The fire engine museum is popular with little people. Once you’ve purchased your first ticket to the attraction it becomes your season ticket. If you make this Easter weekend your first visit you’ll have a free attraction to visit for the rest of the summer. Below: Just some of the breathtaking vehicles on display Right: Calbourne’s mini windmill

Get in the Zone!

OVER Easter you can join in a range of activities at JR Zone in Manners View on Newport’s industrial estate. Easter egg hunts, a range of Easter craft activities and face painting happen on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Formerly Jolly Rogers, JR Zone has had a refurbishment and added to its range of activities in order to appeal to a wider range of customers. Now in its third year, the play centre is well established and caters for toddlers to adults. JR Zone is now the only laser gun arena on the Island. You can have interactive laser gun wars in the massive three level arena with smoke and special effects. Fight it out individually or in teams of five a side with hi-tech interactive laser guns. Individual mission print outs show rankings, scores,

shots, who you hit and who hit you. Now very experienced with children’s parties, JR Zone assign each party a pirate ‘play host’ to ensure everything runs smoothly. Choose from a toddler party, an adventure play party, a party game party where you’ll play all the old favourites and have face painting if required, or a teenage ‘Club Vibe’ party. For this JR’s is blacked-out, lights go down low and the music turned up to give a superb club atmosphere whilst you dance to great party music. The café offers all day breakfasts, snacks, lunches and a specials board featuring dishes such as Natchos tortilla wraps. All food is home made and vegetarian, gluten/wheat and dairy free options are available. Hire of the whole premises is an option you might like to explore for a party or team building session.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

lifestyle days out

Words from the wild: The IOW Zoo blog WELCOME to the first Isle of Wight Zoo blog! I am Tracy Dove and I am lucky enough to be the Education Officer at the Isle of Wight Zoo. Every fortnight I hope to give you a little insight into the lives of the animals and staff here at the zoo.

During the winter months the zoo has been closed to visitors, but during that period there was still an enormous amount of work going on. Each winter, as well as the usual daily routine of cleaning and feeding the animals, there are new features to plan and build, repairs to carry out and gallons of paint to slosh on to anything that doesn’t move (and some things that do!) By mid-February, despite a prolonged spell of VERY wintry weather, the zoo was looking smart and ready to re-open. At half term the first visitors of 2009 arrived and the new season began. Many of the animals really seem to enjoy the extra attention they get from visitors when the zoo is open. Nahla the lioness certainly has a mischievous glint in her eye as she hides behind her logs, hoping to spring out and surprise unwary members of the public! The frost and snow did unfortunately manage to put some of the planned development work a bit behind schedule but the construction of our new children’s area, ZooLittle Farm, is now well underway. Although the farm itself will not be open for another few weeks, some of the miniature farm animals, including our micropiglet and ouessant sheep will be making their first appearance in the zoo over the Easter weekend. Many of the big cats at the Isle of Wight Zoo are rescue animals. One of these is Chiquita, a beautiful female jaguar. Chiquita came to live at the zoo in 1997, after being rescued from a miserable existence living in a crate in the garage of a drug dealer in Ireland. Over the years she has become a great favourite with zoo staff and visitors. Her playful and inquisitive nature captures the hearts of all who know her. As a rescue cat, Chiquita arrived with no records, so we have no way

of knowing exactly how old she is. Therefore it was a couple of days in a recuperation area from where quite a worry recently when she started to show some she could watch the world go by she was ready to go signs of ill health. Zoo vet Dr. Ian Green thought that back into her main enclosure. Now, just a few weeks her symptoms indicated a hormone imbalance and that later, she is back to her normal mischievous self – much exploratory surgery was going to be necessary. On the to everyone’s great relief. morning of the operation everyone arrived early. The With the Easter holiday fast approaching we are preoperating room was prepared and extra bedding and paring to welcome lots of visitors. If you are looking for heaters were made ready for the post-operative care. Dr. a day out why not pop along to see us and visit ChiqGreen tranquilised Chiquita using his dart gun and, once uita? Don’t forget that if you live on the Isle of Wight she was fast asleep, she was gently lifted onto the trolley you are eligible for the Isle of Wight residents’ admisfor transport to the zoo hospital. There are very strict sion rate of just £4! (Proof of IOW residency required). health and safety rules at the zoo which prohibit us from having any physical contact with the big Tracy Dove MIBiol cats. However, when they are tranquilised we are sometimes permitted to touch them and that chilly Wednesday morning there was a steady stream of zoo staff visiting to give Chiquita a little good luck cuddle. Thankfully the operation was successful. Dr. Green found that Chiquita had ovarian cysts so performed a hysterectomy. He also took a tissue sample for a biopsy as a precautionary measure, the results of which came back from the lab as completely normal. After her operation Chiquita was made as comfortable as possible on a thick bed of soft hay. The big cat team kept a careful watch on her throughout the day and by the next morning she was up on her feet and alert. After spending Nahla the lioness. Photo by Tracy Dove

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lifestyle days out

lifestyle hospice

the gazette lifestyle

Friday April 3 2009

Hospice News Earl Mountbatten Hospice - Newport

Memorial Ploughing match 5th April THE Isle of Wight Traction Engine Club will be holding a Memorial Ploughing Match at Mottistone Manor Farm by kind permission of Todd and Jackie Carder on Sunday 5th April 2009. This is set to be an annual event, which has been organised to remember four

members who sadly all passed away in 2008. The four members were Stephen Hayles, John Attrill, Derek Young and Den Phillips. The entrance donations and any further funds raised (after expenses) will be donated to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and even before the event £1000 has been raised. Karen Sheath said “the ploughing match idea was originally thought up to remember Steve, who was

himself a keen ploughman. The passing away of three further ploughmen changed our ideas slightly and we decided to have one match to remember them all. Everyone has supported the idea as a great way of remembering some very much loved people. The idea of raising money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice at the same time, has been greatly received as everyone seems to have known somebody whose lives have been touched by the care shown at the Hospice”. To find the event, head onto the Military Road from Brighstone to Brook. About ¼ mile after IW Pearl you will see the event on the right hand side. Prizes will be presented by Geoffrey Hughes at 3.30pm. Anyone requiring any information can contact Karen Sheath on 07821023782

The Gazette with your help has so far raised

£16,951

Only 27 days until Walk the Wight Registration Closes – PLEASE Register IF you are thinking of Walking the Wight, either over the hills or along the Flat Walk you need to register by 1st May. There will be no registration on the day. Registration is free and there is no commitment, but it will help the Hospice organisers to know the maximum number of people who are walking on the day to be able to arrange the number of bus and car parking spaces, water, toilets etc. You can register online at www.iwhospice.org/wtw or phone 528989. So far over 7,000 people have registered.

Shorwell Mammoth Jumble Sale 18th April THIS Spring’s Sale will take place on Saturday 18th April at 11am

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

at the Shorwell Village Hall. The sale is now in its 32nd year and for many years has been organised by Chris Morris and her excellent team. Each year since 1980 the event has raised funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and has donated around £80,000. Anyone wishing to donate clothes, ‘nearly new’ items, shoes, handbags, books or bric a brac can bring their items along on the morning or during Friday 17th April when the sale is being set up. All donations gratefully accepted.

Fundraising Trainee wanted THE Hospice Fundraising team are looking for a trainee to work with them from June-September 2009. It will include weekend work. For details and an application pack write to Personnel & Voluntary Services, Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Halberry Lane, Newport PO30 2ER. Applications close 20th April.

Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 409928 and passages and admire the 200 or so “We try to aim for South American different species of animal, birds, fish species, but at the same time we have and insects that make up an intriguing to get in other animals like the meercollection. kats, that the public now relate to, and Watch very carefully and maybe have become a big attraction.” you will see the slowest mammal in Amazon World also forms part the world – the two-toed sloth – move of the breeding programme for the a few inches. Look even closer and Jackass – or black-footed – penyou might catch a glimpse of the guins, which are now an endangered awesome claws on the feet of the species, Robert explains as we walk giant anteater, and her young son, around the seven-acre site, parts of there to ward off any potential threat. which resemble a South American The lesser anteaters – another rare rainforest. species – look slightly less imposing. He continued: “Most of the animals As the name suggests, the vast are bred at other zoos, and then get majority of species at Amazon World moved on to other collections like come from South ours. We go all over America – although the place to collect “We are trying to make Toga and her folk but rather everything more spacious. species, actually originated than bring in any We will soon be building a more breeds we are from South Africa. big new aviary, expanding looking to expand There is an impressive collection of the space the the animal compounds, toucans; Brazilian and we are in the process existing ones here porcupine and paca, already have.” of completing a new tamarinds and marAmazon World 3,500-gallon fish tank in opened almost mosets, ocelots and the River Area” parrots – and Koi by accident some carp aplenty. 20 years ago. It Then there are the fascinating was bought by Derek Curtis, then a meerkats, standing boldly on their London-based builder, for his local hind legs to ensure they don’t miss bird collection. He had little thought anything or anybody. Colourful, of one day opening to the public, but screeching birds fly overhead while then as species arrived it became the armadillos roll themselves into a tiny obvious option, and he now lives ball, and the laid-back sloths wonder close by. what all the fuss is about. As it is privately owned, Amazon Robert Westby took over as World receives no grants, and much manager of Amazon World last of the revenue from admission November after similar jobs on the charges is ploughed back into its mainland, including working at upkeep. Staff also carry out visits to the former Gatwick Zoo, which is Island schools, often taking along now the site of five luxury houses. the likes of armadillos and owls, to Fortunately, there is no such develop- create animal interest among pupils ment at Amazon World, except for the of all ages. animals, and Robert is relishing his The site includes a kids’ Jurassic first summer at the zoo, which is curPark play area, cafe and an education rently undergoing a major expansion centre. And the zoo welcomes volprogramme that will soon be up and unteers of 18 and over who can learn running. much about the species while making He said: “We are trying a valuable contribution. Robert to make everything added: “We are always on more spacious. We the look-out for people will soon be buildwho can come along ing a big new aviary, and help generally, expanding the animal not necessarily with compounds, and we the animals. There is are in the process always plenty to be of completing a new done; it provides a 3,500-gallon fish tank great experience, in the River Area. and it’s a lovely The current fish site place to work.” will become an amphibian area.

Above: an agouti takes a look around. Top right: an ocelot – smallest of the big cats. Middle right: inside the Amazon. Bottom right: Robert Westby gives visitors a closer look at the sixband/yellow armadillo

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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It’s all change as three prisons become one PETER WHITE reports on the controversial re-structuring of the Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill prisons to form the ‘new’ HMP IW AT FIRST sight, there is little to suggest major change is underway at what were the Island’s three prisons.

From the outside, Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill remain as stark and uninviting as they ever were. But on April 1 a quiet revolution began within the walls of the sprawling complex just outside Newport. Although the three sites will still retain the names that have made them famous – or maybe infamous – worldwide, the major re-structuring and streamlining process known as ‘clustering’ means the Island now has just one prison – known as Her Majesty’s Prison, Isle of Wight. Three separate governors have also been replaced by just one. Barry Greenberry, 47, is the man responsible for hauling HMP IW into the 21st century. He has spent the past five months preparing for the change, and openly admits the streamlining process is very much a cost-cutting exercise, and if successful could become the blueprint for prison reform nationwide. The shake-up has already claimed its casualties. Carole Draper and Mel Jones, former governors of Parkhurst and Albany respectively, have both moved on, while ex-Camp Hill governor Ian Young has become Mr Greenberry’s deputy. There have been other staff cuts, most by natural wastage, as Mr Greenberry points out: “In all we have 1,700 prisoners and about 1000 staff. The new structure has meant that there are 30 fewer posts, but these are posts where people have retired or been transferred. No uniformed

member of staff has been made surplus to requirements.” The new governor admits: “The initial idea of clustering in the prison service is to save money and I don’t think anyone can deny that in the current economic climate people want money spent on schools, hospitals and other public services rather than prisons. “I have worked in the prison service for 25 years and like many of my colleagues on the

“We want to stop prisoners committing further crimes when they are released” Island would like more investment, but we have to be realistic. We are constantly trying to be innovative in how we can reduce costs but still maintain a high service. The cluster system  just makes financial sense. “We can save money with less impact on the front line. The alternative would have been each prison trying to save money on its own and it would be very difficult. Now we can change a financially-driven initiative into to something really positive.” The Parkhurst and Albany sites will remain category B prisons with Camp Hill category C. Mr Greenberry emphasises there are absolutely no plans to restore Parkhurst or Albany to category A, and insists the re-organisation will have more than just financial benefits. “Prison to me is about getting the best out of people. We want to maximise our resources and stop prisoners committing further crimes when they are re-

leased,” he says. “After decades of criticism about criminals re-offending, the statistics show that prisoners who serve more than 12 months are less likely to re-offend. The reality is that the prison service has reduced the re-offending rate of offenders. We try to use personal examples in life to show that you can live a life without stealing, cheating and committing crime.” After several meetings about what the new prison should be called, the obvious one came to the fore. Mr Greenberry continued: “Mountbatten was suggested, but that is the hospice name. Then there was Solent, but that is not geographically correct, and Vectis was mentioned, but that is connected with buses. “I wanted something that was relevant and current and even suggested the whole thing be called Parkhurst for historical reasons. But I had to respect the views of the staff in the other two prisons. Albany and Camp Hill both have long proud traditions. “Now HMP IW is where we are and people will recognise it. I made the recommendation and then the decision then went to Justice Minister David Hanson through the prison service hierarchy. The minister has written to Island MP Andrew Turner to inform him of the name change.” He added: “The Government is looking to possibly build three new cluster prisons, and will probably base it on what they learn from here, and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it. This could be a blueprint for the future. The new clusters will be new-builds and plans could come to fruition in the next five years.”

New governor Barry Greenberry outside Parkhurst which now falls under the umbrella of Her Majesty’s Prison – Isle of Wight

Within these walls: the Parkhurst story

PARKHURST is one of the most famous prisons in the country, and is often regarded as a tourist attraction by holidaymakers – but only from the outside!

However, on the inside of its towering, grey walls it has ‘hosted’ many notorious inmates, including the Kray twins and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe. Ronald Kray (October 24, 1933 to March 17, 1995) and Reginald Kray (October 24, 1933 to October 1,

By Peter White

2000) were the foremost organised crime leaders in North and East London in the 1960s, and spent much of the life sentences in Parkhurst. Built as a military hospital in 1805, Parkhurst then became a prison for boys awaiting deportation, mainly to Australia, as part of the Parkhurst act of 1835. By 1847 a new wing had been built by prisoners, who dug the clay and baked the bricks.

From 1863 to 1869 it was a female prison, before becoming a male prison. Parkhurst and Albany were once among the few Category A prisons in the UK until they were downgraded in the 1990s, the downgrading of Parkhurst being hastened by a major escape. Three prisoners made their way out of the prison on January 3, 1995 to enjoy four days of freedom before being recaptured. Parkhurst and Albany now cater for long-term and life sentence

category B prisoners. The gymnasium in Parkhurst is a nationally recognised centre of excellence, while education is supported up to and including Open University level. There are also nine workshops within the complex dealing with upholstery, arts and crafts, laundry, wheelchair repairs, breakfast packing, Aramark, BICS Cleaning and gardens. Albany was designed and built as a Category C training prison in the

early 1960s. Soon after opening in 1967, a decision was taken that security be upgraded. In 1992 it was re-designated as a Category B closed training prison. In January 1998 Albany changed from being half Vulnerable Prisoner Unit and half Normal Location, and now exclusively houses sex offenders and vulnerable prisoners. Albany hit the headlines again recently when it was named as the prison where Sean Hodgson spent

more than half of his 27 years behind bars after being jailed for the murder of Southampton woman Teresa De Simone in 1979. Hodgson was cleared through DNA evidence, and his conviction was quashed at the High Court in London. Camp Hill was built in 1912 using prisoner labour from Parkhurst and opened by former Prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. It is a Category C training prison.

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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WINDSOR HOUSE, VENTNOR - £350,000

• Annexe • Garden Studio • Original features • Aga Cooker • Five Bedrooms • Four Reception Rooms Windsor House is an imposing stone built character property constructed in the Victorian era for the wealthy gentry who were attracted to the milder climate and excellent sea views. The house has five bedrooms (four doubles), four reception rooms, gardens and self-contained annexe. The house is double fronted with ornate barge boards to the front elevation. Located on the outskirts of Ventnor close to Bonchurch village with its famous pond and past literary residents, who included Dickens, Shaw & Swinbourne.

SLAY RISE, WHITWELL £199,999

• Dining Room • Utility Room • Downstairs WC • Garden • Off Road Parking • Country Views

• Semi Detached • Central Heating • Off Road Parking • Three Bedrooms • Gardens • Remainder of NHBC

This detached home comprises three bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, bathroom, garden and off road parking. A local convenience store with Post Office is close-by, more extensive amenities can be found in the near by towns of Shanklin and Lake 2 miles distant.

A well presented three bedroom semi detached home, still with five years remaining on the NHBC builders warranty. Offering all the benefits of modern living with some added luxuries. This property could make an ideal family home and is ready to move straight into. Situated in the sought after village of Whitwell it is only a short drive away from Ventnor.

re Pr du ic ct e io n

ROSEMARY, APSE HEATH £199,495

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• Three Bedrooms • Two reception Rooms • Dining Terrace • Village Location • Enclosed Garden • Driveway Parking A recently renovated character home comprising three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, garden and off road parking. Located in the historic town of Brading, the property is within a short walk of the Downs, Brading village and train station. Brading is a picturesque village situated at the eastern end of the Island in the beautiful Yar Valley, a popular Wildlife and Sailing centre.

re Pr du ic ct e io n

LITTLESTAIRS ROAD, SHANKLIN - £299,950 • Five Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Master Bedroom En-Suite • Bespoke Fitted Kitchen • Splash Pool • Sea Views This detached family residence is situated in a popular location with its own large garden with splash pool and views toward the English Channel. Serenity was originally built in the 1930’s. Extended in the 1980’s and has recently undergone a programme of renovation with re-fitted bespoke ‘William Ball’ kitchen, re fitted bathroom and ‘Valliant’ pressurised hot water system.

re Pr du ic ct e io n

HILLERDALE, BRADING - £160,000

SELDON AVENUE, APPLEY £249,950 • Detached Bungalow • Conservatory • Garage • Off Road Parking • Double Glazing • Gas Central Heating This bungalow comprises three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, conservatory, bathroom, garden and garage. Located in a peaceful cul-de-sac in the sought after Appley area.

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Friday APRIL 3 2009

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Riders’ course returns in May A ROAD safety course run for bikers by the IW Council is returning this May.

‘Better Riding’ is a short course designed to improve riders’ skills, help them identify and anticipate hazards on the road and teach riders how to react to them using the methods of riding practised by police experts. Department of Transport statistics show many motorcycle crashes involve a car driver looking but failing to see. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the roads, as official figures reveal. In 2006, 599 motorcyclists died and 5,885 were seriously injured in road accidents in the UK. Injuries to motorcyclists are far out of proportion to their presence on our roads, with motorcyclists making up just 1 per cent of total road traffic but accounting for 19 per cent of all UK road user deaths. Better Riding is open to anyone with a full motorcycle licence and costs £10 per person. The course, which is based on the ‘Police Riders Handbook’, provides those taking part with

six hours of theory covering systems of control, observation, cornering, overtaking. The final theory session includes a basic first aid talk from a medical professional who will explain what to do if you are the first on the scene of an accident as well as a talk from a professional advanced rider. Following the theory classes a practical assessment ride conducted by highly advanced motorcyclists is arranged for each rider on a one-to-one basis at a mutually convenient time. The first course will take place at Enterprise House in St Cross Business Park in Newport, home of the council’s road safety team. It will run between 7.30pm and 9.30pm over three consecutive weeks Thursday May 7 2009, May 14 and May 21. To find out more and for an opportunity to win two free places on a Better Riding Course, visit the road safety team’s exhibition unit at Morrison’s in Newport on Saturday April 4, Tesco’s in Ryde on Saturday April 18 and Sainsbury’s in Newport on Saturday April 25.

Let us know your news! Heard something interesting or have a story to tell? Contact the editorial team on 409928 or email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk

CARS & VANS WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT MOT ANYTHING CONSIDERED

TEL: 07731 081994

Gladius cuts a dash

Weapon: the Gladius is nimble and easy to ride and only £4,500 from Isle of Wight Motorcycles

IT TAKES its name from an old Roman sword – and it will easily cut its way into the middleweight market. The Gladius is Suzuki’s replacement for the popular SV650 and, like the weapon, it is nimble and easy to handle. With the low seat high of only 785mm (30.9 in.) this modern roadster feels instantly comfortable. Great for novices or experienced riders alike, Free Suzuki restrictors are also on offer, for this and other models in the Suzuki range. So riders on a restricted licence can also enjoy the Gladius’s 90-degree V-Twin

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engine that is based on the old SV650, but it has been refined to be ten per cent more efficient and have greater low-to-midrange torque without sacrificing top-end power. On the road, the bike feels heavy enough to have some presence, but light enough to correct mistakes and execute feet-up u-turns. As the revs rise, so does the pleasant drone of the engine. Slam the throttle shut on a V-twin bike and it can nosedive faster than a dodgy boxer on the take. So, with the novice in

mind, Suzuki’s electronic Dash Pot System keeps the engine braking as gentle and progressive as possible. With its attractive curvaceous styling and four paintwork combinations, Candy Ruby Magenta or Metallic Triton Blue with Pearl White, Pearl Nebular Black or Pearl Nebular Black with Metallic Lush Green. It’s really pretty good. Especially at just £4,500 excluding government charges and a £99 insurance deal if you pass your test with Suzuki. See the new Suzuki Gladius at Isle of Wight Motorcycles Ltd, Daish Way, Newport.

The wheel deal

WHAT IS billed as the world’s cheapest car has been launched at a motor show in India.

The basic model of the Tata Nano will sell for 100,000 rupees (£1,300), which is slightly less than the price of a three-wheel auto-rickshaw and not much more than the cost of many Indian motorbikes. The car is 10.2 feet long, has one windshield wiper and a 624cc engine that can achieve a top speed of just over 60 miles per hour. Ratan Tata, the owner of Tata Motors, hopes that the Nano will encourage Indian families to trade in their often overloaded motorbikes for something a little safer.

Tata Nano: cheaper than an auto-rickshaw

It could be just the thing for nipping around Newport and should qualify for a free

IW Council parking permit. But will it reach the Island? Well, Tata plans to offer the Nano

for sale in the UK and Europe by 2011 – so watch this parking space.

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Chev with some rev! By Jamie White

THE CHEVROLET Lacetti is a mid-sized hatchback, saloon and estate car that gives you a pleasant drive for a reasonable price.

The particular model I took out was the 1.8, 5-door manual sport. Inside, the set up is well designed and finished with grey leather. All models come with a Blaupunkt CD player, power steering, and electric front windows. In the SX and Sport version there is air-conditioning, alloy wheels, powered and heated door mirrors and rear electric windows. The standard safety features include an engine immobiliser and remote central locking. There is plenty of room in the front with decent space and adequate leg room. Space for adults in the rear is generous, and a fair amount of luggage can be carried in the boot. The dash layout is straightforward, with large dials showing the important information. Driving position is good, and the seat adjusts for height or the base can be tilted. The Lacetti is comfortable pottering around town and with the Sport version pretty lively once the revs hit 3500rpm, there is more than enough punch for overtaking. Power comes from a 1.8-litre 120bhp petrol engine, taking it to 62mph in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of 121mph. Its closest rivals are probably the Vauxhall Astra and the Ford Focus, both of which are similar size, shape and power. Three petrol units are offered:1.4-litre SE, 1.6-litre SX, also available in automatic and the 1.8 Sport. Prices start at £9,995 for the 1.4SE version at Chevrolet garage, Carisbrooke.

The reasonably priced Chevrolet Lacetti gives a pleasant drive

The smart interior of the Lacetti

Electrician opts for Kangoo

Scott Adams from S B Electrical (right) collects his four Kangoo Vans from Paul Hunt, sales director at Harwoods Renault

A GROWING electrical contracting company based in Sandown and Cowes has taken delivery of four 09 plate Renault Kangoo vans from Harwoods in Wootton.

SB Electrical was formed in 2007 by 24-yearold director Scott Adams, and has since grown in what is a competitive market to become one of the largest electrical contractors on the Island. “We went for the recently launched New Kangoo

Van which looks great,” said Mr Adams. “The engines are more frugal and the vans have the space to achieve greater efficiency as they double as a mobile workshop.” He added: “Harwoods has shown fantastic support over the last few months, and the Kangoo vans were by far the best in the field, a great asset to add to our existing fleet. Paul Hunt, sales director at Harwoods Renault, said: “As ever, we’re delighted to help out a local business. SB Electrical serves the whole of the Island, and needed a fleet of vehicles that would be comfortable for their engineers and that could transport the wide range of equipment needed for their work. “We’ve had a lot of interest in the New Kangoo Van since it was launched a month or so ago thanks to its blend of pleasure and practicality.” For more information visit Harwoods on Lushington Hill, Wootton, call 885500 or click onto www. harwoodsgroup.co.uk.

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Sue’s chicken coup! ISLAND farmer Sue Brownrigg knows the importance of thinking local when it comes to buying quality produce. That’s why she is delighted she has now cracked the market and pulled off a major chicken coup!

Sue, who with her family runs Sheepwash Farm in Godshill, has just received the news that many of the Island’s leading outlets, including the Co-op, Welcome Stores and Spar, will now be stocking the Brownriggs’ free range eggs. It is the culmination of months of hard work for the Brownrigg family and, most importantly, their hens. And it really is a start-to-finish exercise to ensure Islanders are getting top quality. Sue explained: “We have about 5,000 hens, and they are quite hard to manage because the flock is always changing. But range of businesses in the area, and whereas a lot of farmers across always consider them when making the country supply their eggs to a their purchasing decisions. Thriving main packing station, we haven’t local businesses together with strong got that on the Island. community organisations make our “So we have got our own corner of the Island an enviable place packing system, and all the to live and work.” packing is done here. We have The BBA, which runs several events recently changed a few things during the year, currently has just and upgraded the quality of the over 100 members. Its popular pubboxes. It has cost us more, but lication, The Bembridge & St Helens we want to keep providing a Guide, has just been published and quality service and product. We will shortly be delivered to homes actually see the whole process and business in the Bembridge/St through from start to finish, Helens area. and we only distribute on the Brian Cantwell, owner of Desktop Island.” Studio, remains vice chairman, while Sue is delighted with the Chris Perkis, of Staddlestones garage, outcome. “It is good that big steps into Mr Groom’s shoes as companies and stores are thinktreasurer. ing local and using our produce. We have had offers from other larger companies as well, but we are a little reluctant to supply them. Smaller businesses are very important to us on the

By Jamie White Island. “We had a busy winter with all our turkeys for Christmas, but then found that chickens and eggs were even more popular. Twice a week I attend the farmers market, which I have been doing since about 1986. I have seen businesses come and go, but I like to think we have built quite a good reputation. “I have met so many people

and they come back to see us and buy produce. If you make time for people then they are more likely to come back. “The whole idea of buying local is the fact that it is a person, or on this occasion a farm, producing goods that are on the Island for the Island. We are a family run business and we have a huge responsibility in making sure what we make is of a high standard. We take pride in our business.”

Groom steps up as chairman THE BEMBRIDGE Business Association has elected a new chairman at its AGM.

David Groom (above), who runs Vectis Webdesign, was previously the association treasurer. Speaking to The Gazette after being voted in, Mr Groom said: “It is a privilege to be elected chairman of the association, which represents the many businesses in the Bembridge and St Helens area. I hope that during the next few years, despite difficult trading conditions, we can continue to recruit new members, giving a strong voice for the local business community. “One area I would like to concentrate on is ensuring visitors and residents alike are aware of the diverse

Build Your Business! Don’t let the credit crunch cut your profits. Advertise with The Gazette now by calling our sales team on 01983 402599

Sue Brownrigg with her free range eggs in their new packaging

Solutions to debt RBA revamp THE FIGURES are striking; £135 million daily increase in UK debt, every 10 minutes a property is repossessed, one person declared bankrupt or insolvent every five minutes – the list goes on. In addition, last year’s combined Debt Management Plans and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) reached nearly 500,000, with that figure sadly predicted to rise this year.

In an ideal world, we would all review our financial situation on a regular basis and take steps to avoid being one of contributors to the aforementioned figures but in reality this seldom happens to the detailed level required. Solutions are available without additional borrowing in the form of two or three simple products depending on the circumstances.

Advertising feature The IVA is an essential piece of legislation which allows people to avoid declaring bankruptcy. It suits many who are over £15,000 in debt provided that they are in receipt of regular income, employed or self employed, and owe at least three different creditors. You could potentially have a large percentage of your debt written off and be debt free in 60 months. Alternatively, a debt management plan works for a lesser debt amount whilst also reducing monthly payments through freezing interest charges thus ultimately relieving the pressure and stress of debt. Corporate insolvency services are also available for your business finances ranging from a couple of individuals owing a few thousand pounds. For more information call Island Debt Management on 0800 6529495.

RYDE Business Association is to ‘reenergise’ itself in a bid to tackle some of the retail-related issues facing the town.

Membership secretary Nigel Smith, owner of the Bagel Wrap Coffee House, said that over the past year the association had been neglected and had become much less effective as a result. “We are looking to sign new members up and we already have around 30 lined up already,” said Mr Smith. One of the first initiatives the association will be focusing on is a ‘shop local’ campaign. As Mr Smith points out, Ryde faces particular challenges to the vitality of its high street. “The recession has obviously been a major issue – the town centre is looking quite dilapidated and the closure of Woolworths hasn’t helped. “We have one of the biggest Tescos in the country just outside the town. We are now looking for the funds that Tesco handed over as part of their development deal to be released by the council to help the town’s retailers.” Mr Smith confirmed that Paul Wyatt, owner of Jaks Hair and Beauty salon in the town, will continue as chairman of the association.

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Plumbs’ personal touch Not a bridge too far arrives in Newport

ACCESS to the peaceful twitchers’ paradise of Newtown Quay has been much improved thanks to the efforts of Clifford J Matthews Ltd of Whitwell.

The timber firm was given the job of building a 160 metre long wooden footbridge at the beauty spot, which is wide and strong enough to give wheelchair access to the quay. But the job presented some special challenges, as company owner Peter Matthews explained:

“It wasn’t meant to be done in the winter, for a start. Also, we couldn’t bring in any heavy machinery because it is a site of special scientific interest and the National Trust, who own the site, are very precious about the hay meadows there. We had to bring in quite a few of the materials by boat and, during one exceptionally high tide, quite a bit of timber was washed away. “Having said all that, it was nice job to do, and good to be able to use local timber,” he added.

The footbridge took a team of four workers several weeks to complete. The timber used for the job – oak and macrocarpa cupressus – was all grown either on the Island or in the New Forest – and milled at the Matthews works, which is one of just a few mills left on the Island. The company has completed similar projects in the past, including steps down to Alum Bay and the boardwalk at the marshland beside the River Yar near Adgestone.

Plumbs are probably the largest loose cover makers, focussed on a personal service, in Europe, and certainly in the UK. Having traded for over 45 years they have a wealth of experience. Barry Lancaster, manager of the new Newport showroom and consultant for the Island, has represented Plumbs on the Island for over 25 years. But at the head office in by Galaxy FM DJ Ben Glover. Preston there are many who have Among the items on the auction lot will be a signed Kylie been there longer. Plumbs experience means it’s most Minogue print, a three-night likely that they have already made a cottage stay and a wood sculpcover for, or re-upholstered, a suite ture commissioning. Cinema or chair just like yours. At Plumbs tickets, restaurant vouchers and they strive to give fair value to meet chocolates are also up for grabs all pockets and there has never been a in the raffle. better time to save with discounts up Claire said: “It’s taken a lot of time to organise but we’ve been to 50 per cent plus 10 per cent. Ranges include hundreds of washstaggered at how Island businesses have bent over backwards able fabric choices from the wellto help us. The NICU is such an known Plumbs easy care fabrics, important place for every expect- (with a convenient built-in flexibility to aid removing and refitting and ant mother on the Island and which also provides for rapid drying we really hope we can raise as much money for the Barely Born for a quick change round) to the luxury fabrics, which are best suited appeal as we can.” For tickets, which are £30, call to re-upholstering - and hundreds of 077383 59524.

‘Born to Dine’ boosts Barely Born Appeal SICK babies are set to benefit from money raised at a black tie dinner, being held at Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday, April 18. A special evening of food, music and entertainment at the Events Centre has been organised to raise money for the Barely Born Appeal.

The appeal was launched to raise additional funds to help provide St Mary’s Hospital with a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the Island’s premature and sick babies and their parents. Three friends from Newport – Claire Cheek, Katie Hartnell and Kate Kemp were so touched by the appeal that they

Advertising feature decided to organise their own event for the charity and came up with the idea of ‘Born to Dine’. The trio decided to do something after another friend gave birth 13 weeks prematurely and Claire’s son, who is now six, was in St Mary’s NICU for a week when he was born. Born to Dine will invite members of the public attend a gala dinner at Cowes Yacht Haven’s Events Centre, which will be set up specially for the event. Guests will enjoy a three-course set menu cooked by Cowes Yacht Haven chefs, followed by a raffle, auction and music. The evening will be hosted

PLUMBS are a national family business specialising in soft furnishings, particularly for a family situation. All fabrics are stringently tested before selection for wear and washability. So relax, children, grandchildren, husband – no problem.

Advertising feature fabric choices between. The majority of Plumbs loose covers are washable and all cover fabrics are flame retardant. Plumbs take a pride in offering a product they think is the best available for the purpose. However, should any issues occur, all their products are covered by the generous up to three-year Plumbs guarantee. Plumbs new showroom in Holyrood Street, Newport is the ideal venue to display their range of products from Preston made covers to the Island hand-tailored loose covers and reupholstery. A prefect example of upholstery is the window display, which features a chaise longue in Regent fabric. They are also able, at last, to use the new Plumbs showroom to show examples of their excellent value made-to-size curtain ranges. Visit the showroom in Newport to order your free DVD pack or check the comprehensive website at www. plumbs.co.uk. Plumbs continue to give their customers a personal service and home visits are their way of fulfilling their promise, with no obligation to buy. Whether it’s a consultation, just advice, measuring curtains, furniture repair, new springs or new cushions, just give them a call.

• Telephone 07795 220175 / 732972

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Easter exercise at West Wight WEST Wight Sports Centre is holding a series of events and activities over the Easter holidays.

The Wightlink Islanders, ready for the new season at Smallbrook (from left to right): Andy Braithwaite; Brendan Johnson; Scott Meakins; Dan Berwick; Nick Simmons; Tom Brown; Ben Hopwood

Tomorrow evening (Saturday April 4) there is a Youth Sports Night between 5.30-8pm. It is open to anyone in school year seven and above. The whole centre is available with swimming, trampolining, badminton, football, table tennis, basketball, games and more. Admission is £2. Throughout the holidays there will also be sessions in snorkelling, ‘waterwalkerz’, diving for beginners, benchball, basketball, raft racing and trampolining. Girls’ football is a new activity for the centre, and will run on both Thursdays of the holidays between 12-1pm, for youngsters aged 10 and over. Parent and pre-school swim sessions will take place in the learner pool with a qualified instructor. There will also be swimming courses for beginners and amateurs, and a ‘Mini Olympians’ session for more advanced swimmers. A cricket coaching course for nine-, 10- and 11year-olds starts on April 25. The centre also runs many activities for adults, including social badminton on Thursdays at 1.30pm. A yoga course starts on Thursday April 23 between 7.30-9pm. Kick-boxing is a new activity running on Friday evenings. There are two sessions, one for children and one for adults. Ring Terri Harris on 531461 or 07706 131596 for more information.

Islanders in top gear for new campaign THE COUNTDOWN to the start of the new season for the Wightlink Islanders Speedway team is very much underway, with confirmation of the first fixture at the Wave 105 stadium taking place next Tuesday (April 7).

The first opponents for the Islanders will be the Bournemouth Buccaneers in the first leg of a home and away challenge fixture, with the away leg taking place on Thursday April 26. There is also a scheduled early season home and away challenge against the Weymouth Wildcats on Friday April 10 for the first leg and the return home fixture on April 21.

By Jamie White In between the two home matches, Smallbrook Stadium will be staging one of the two semi-finals of this year’s British Under 21 Championships, where 16 of Britain’s rising young stars, including Wightlink Islanders’ Ben Hopwood, Brendan Johnson and Andy Braithwaite will be aiming to finish in the top four and progress to the final itself. The Islanders have also announced that they have signed two more talented teenagers to strengthen the squad. Andy Braithwaite, who hails from Coventry, and 16-year-old Welshman Scott Meakins, who was born and

bred in Carmarthen, are both ready to tackle the forthcoming season in the newly formed National League. This year’s team was unveiled at a recent press night at the club alongside manager’s Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd. Australian teenager Ryan Sedgmen was the only absentee at the event due to work permit problems. However, those issues have been resolved and Ryan has now joined his new teammates. This season is manager Kevin Shepherd’s first season in his new role and he is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. “I feel very privileged as a supporter to help manage the team. Chris Hunt and myself will work

together to do our best for the team. “We have a good mix of ages this year as well, with several youngsters added to the squad. Crucially, we have the experience of Nick Simmons who knows the track very well and he can pass his knowledge down to the younger lads. “The way the league is working this year gives us a great chance to get some silverware and hopefully win the league or make the playoffs,” said Kevin. Club chairman Mike Bellman is also hoping that the new team can push for a trophy and has called on locals to support the riders. “We were determined to put together a young, exciting and tal-

ented squad to contest this year’s National league. We feel that we have done just that and hope that folk here on the Island really get behind the club. “In our view it’s going to be a season to remember and we have set our sights very much on achieving success – as our adopted slogan says, ‘We’re in it to win it!’ which very much sums up the attitude of us all,” said Mike. This year’s Wightlink Islanders squad is as follows: Captain Nick Simmons (age 27); Tom Brown (24); Ben Hopwood (18); Ryan Sedgmen (19); Brendan Johnson (16); Dan Berwick (22); Andy Braithwaite (19); and Scott Meakins (16).

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Ryde rowers among honours RYDE Rowing Club competed in the Head of the Stour at Christchurch, returning to the Island with four section wins and the shield for the fastest time of the day.

The race is a time trial over a testing two and a half mile course, held in two divisions, with crews and scullers starting at approximately ten-second intervals. In the first division, Ryde senior men’s crew consisting of Ben Ade, Russell Page, Nick Pike and

Mike Jenner competed in a coxless quad completing the course in the fastest time of the day – 9 min 21 secs. The Islanders beat an eightstrong senior men’s quad from the host club to take the head title. Novice Sculler Stuart Johnson finished in a time of 13 minutes 1 second to earn fifth place in his section. A Ladies Novice Coastal Four of Emiley Page, Vicky Owrid, Vicky Hewlett and Becky Coleman with Bryony Reeve coxing also compet-

ed in the first division, achieving a reasonable time of 14 minutes 27 seconds, in what was only their second competitive outing. A boys J13 coxed four of Christian Lacey, Sam Corney, Max Reeve and Dale Buckett with Graham Reeve coxing, clocked exactly the same time as the Novice Ladies and finished second in their section behind a much more experienced Christchurch Crew. It had been hoped to boat a Men’s Novice Four, but unfortu-

nately only two were available. This resulted in James Cleary and Donat Debrecan competing in a Men’s Coastal Junior Pair, racing above their status. They did well to finish in a time of 14 minutes and 58 seconds giving them third place in the section. In the second division, the senior men competed in Single Sculls with Mike Jenner winning the Men’s River open in section in 11 minutes 37 seconds with Russell Page finishing third in 12 minutes

33 seconds and Nick Pike in fourth place in 12 minutes 42 seconds. Ben Ade competed in the Men’s Senior Three section, and he won by a narrow margin in a time of 12 minutes 22 seconds. A Girls J15 Coxed Quad of Bryony Reeve, Holly Evans, Leona Fisk and Emiley Rose with Graham Reeve coxing also competed in this division. They won the section against limited opposition, in a time of 18 minutes 28 seconds.

Freshwater has it covered FRESHWATER Bay Golf Club are to celebrate the opening of their new covered practice and teaching facilities by holding free Open Days on April 11 and 12.

Ben Rogerson (left) with Vendee Globe veteran Brian Thompson at the launch of Ben’s Mini Transat campaign in Cowes. Ben will be raising money for the Toe in the Water charity

For newcomers to the sport the weekend will include free taster sessions on the course and on the practice area with members and free coaching from the club’s PGA professional James Veal. All Island golfers are being offered two-for-one green fees at Freshwater Bay throughout April as well as twofor-one lessons with James Veal and a special two-for-one menu at Fairways End. Anyone interested in taking up golf at Freshwater Bay should phone 752955 for further details. A fun 3-2-1 team stableford at Freshwater Bay saw Tony Hammonds, Nick Riby and Shaun Clark take first place with 85 points from Graham Wells, Chris Tansley and

John Burke on 83. Bill Hinchen, Chris West and Hugh Morrison managed to hold on to third place, scoring 80 points and beating Chris Boulter, John Meredith and John Riddlesdell on count back. Kevin McArthur (10) took pride of place in Division 1, scoring 38 points in the stableford ahead of Kev Garrett (5) in second with 36 points and Derek Wright (3) in third on 35. In Division 2 Mike Hailes (16) ran out the winner with 37 points beating Keith Kimber (17) on count back, Malc Williams (15) took third place on count back from Kevin Miles and Gary Holmes, with all three players scoring 34 points. Nothing changed at the top in this the final round of the Warren Cup with Gary Cooke taking the trophy with 229 points from his son Steven on 227. Long time leader Richard Couse finished in third with 226 and Chris Tansley in fourth on 223.

THE FIRST of the Easter Series racing at the Brading Haven Yacht Club, held on March 29, was under the control of race officer Chris Chadwick, who set a course outside of Bembridge Harbour for the fast handicap and an inside course for the slow. In the fast class Marten Springett took the lead from the start in his RS Vareo. He made an excellent effort and was the first of his fleet home but had to drop down to second place on handicap, leaving Chris Wilkinson

sailing his Europe to take the winning honours by 168 seconds on corrected time. The slow handicap consisted of a mixed fleet of Toppers, Picos, Mirrors and Scows and cadet members Josh Will and Rowan Wanstall took part in the race, sailing extremely well. After four laps of the harbour with Robin Lobb taking charge from the very start, he took the winning gun on both line and handicap honours. Lizzie Mitchell took second place with Robin Powell third.

Ben sets sights on Transat Haven’s early Easter sails COWES-based yachtsman Ben Rogerson has launched the first phase of a campaign that he hopes will see him design his own boat and compete in the gruelling Mini Transat race in 2011.

Ben, 24, has chartered the 6.5m ‘Mini Minx’, which he is about to sail single-handed non-stop around Britain and Ireland to help gather data that he will use to design his own Mini and raise awareness of his Mini Transat mission. “I first read about the Mini Transat race when I was 15 and from that moment on my dream was to race and win it,” said Ben. “Throughout school I spent all my free time in competitive sailing in every kind of keel boat. I excelled at design technology and went to university

to study yacht design where my ambitions grew to a much wider dimension – my dream became not only to race the Mini Transat but also that I would design, build and race my own boat in 2011.” Ben studied for a HND in yacht design at Glamorgan University and gained a distinction for his Americas Cup Yacht Design. The Mini Transat starts in France and ends in Brazil some 4,000 miles later, taking in the notorious Bay of Biscay and the Doldrums. It is seen as a gateway to prestigious races such as the Vendee Globe and many top sailors, including Dame Ellen Macarthur and Brian Thompson, have proved themselves in it. Ben is looking to raise £200,000 to cover the cost of his racing programme.

James’s inclusive club provides opportunities for everyone

A NEW sports club has been created on the Island for children and young people with disabilities.

The IW Inclusive Club has been established by eight-yearold James Loosemore, who has cerebral palsy. He wanted to create a football club for children and young people, including those with disabilities or learning difficulties who enjoy sport and want to play football in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. FA qualified coach Matt Mair is running the weekly coaching sessions and is also working on individual development plans for all those taking part. James has

By Jamie White received support from the IW Council’s sports unit, which has provided a small grant to assist in the set up of the new club. James said: “I wanted to create a club that anyone could join, so we could meet every week to have fun and enjoy a game of football without it being too competitive. “I use a walking frame to get around and sometimes struggle to keep up with other kids on the football pitch. I hope to visit all the schools on the Island to tell people about my new club, hopefully this will attract more players.” Tom Lyons, IW Council sports

development officer, said: “We are thrilled to have been able support James in creating such a unique club for the Island. “It provides great opportunities for children and young people who find it difficult taking part in mainstream sport to get active and take part in team games.” The club had been using a playing field at Arreton Primary School, but they have recently moved to Sandown’s Multi-Use Games Area, as it provides a more stable surface for wheelchair users and those with mobility problems. Anyone interested in joining the IW Inclusive Club or finding out more can e-mail James at jamesloosemore@aol.com

James Loosemore (centre) with his friends at the IW Inclusive Club

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National triumph for Sophie SOPHIE Sheldon’s long trip back to the Island proved well worthwhile as she won the IW Grand National for the second successive year.

Sophie, riding Shalcombe Skyline, travelled down from the North East where she is at university, to defend her title, and won a thrilling race, finishing ahead of Charlotte Marshall, riding Birdie, with Fraser Marshall on Bernard taking third. The day’s racing at West Ashey Farm, Ryde proved to be one of the best attended since the modern-day event got under starter’s orders back

Full results:

Puffing Billy Stakes: 1, Madeleine Hughes (Khaya Angelica). 2, Yasmin Brown (Darcy). 3, Becky Winter (Midnight Superstar). Puffed Out Billy Stakes: 1, Jo Ewell (Shirazi). 2, Sophie Vincent (Sunnydale Drifter II). 3, Yasmin Fish (Fulford Romany Rose).

in 1992, with several thousand spectators enjoying the ideal conditions. The Grand National was the highlight with a field of eight jockeys, including four from the Island involved in the Creasy Biles and King sponsored race. But it was Sophie, who hunts regularly with the IW Foxhounds, who showed her equestrian skills for the second successive year to claim the top prize. The Island Webservices Puffing Billy Stakes was the first race and was won by Madeleine Hughes on Khaya Angelica. The second race, the Puffed Out Billy Stakes sponsored by HY Duke and Sons of Dorchester, saw a worthy winner in Jo Ewell on Shirazi. The FH Winter and Wight Holiday Homes Ashey Scurry Open Stakes saw Charlie Marshall on Barndales Playtime beat sister Izzy Marshall on Rio into second place with Alexander Hall (Harlie) third.

Ashey Scurry Open Stakes: 1, Jodie Bircham (My Mr Mercury). 2, Lucinda Wilkins (Siouxsanna). 3, Sophie Sheldon (Anna). Ashey Scurry Open Stakes (Junior Division): 1, Charlie Marshall (Barndales Playtime). 2, Izzy Marshall (Rio). 3, Alexander Hall (Harlie).

Sophie Sheldon, on Shalcombe Skyline, receives her trophy for winning the IW Grand National – for the second time in two years

Isle of Wight Grand National: 1, Sophie Sheldon (Shalcombe Skyline). 2, Charlotte Marshall (Birdie). 3, Fraser Marshall (Bernard).

Hurries move into play-off place

SANDOWN and Shanklin kept their promotion challenge on course as they beat local rivals US Portsmouth in wet and windy conditions. Both teams were fired up for this Hampshire League One game, which always promised to be a great battle.

All the early play was in the visitors’ half as the Hurricanes pressed hard. On 15 minutes the constant pressure led to Thomas finding the mark with a penalty, making it 3-0 to the

Hurries. Then, on the halfway line, a visitor player was guilty of punching at a ruck and was red carded. But that seemed to wake up the visitors, and after some of their characteristic pick and drive play close in they scored an unconverted try, making it 3-5 at the interval. Full back and Wightlink man-of-the-match Kern Wales made a straight centre run, feeding Charlie Sutton who provided a dropped goal. The visitors 14 were suffering with injuries as several players left

the field, but their pick and drive game plan kept them in the game. US Portsmouth’s pick and drive led to an offside near the Hurries line, and the Hurries lost a player to the sin bin. The visitors kicked the penalty 6-8. Wil Baxendall came on for Dan Robinson. The Hurries scrummaging was in total control with Nat West man-ofthe match, prop Chris Skelly, having a brilliant game in the loose and tight. The Hurries won a penalty on the five metre line and

opted for a scrummage. Captain Joe Rees picked up and fed Charlie Sutton blind, who drew the defence before slipping it to Luke Chandler to score an unconverted try in the corner, giving the homeside an 11-8 lead, and that is how it stayed. Hurries have now moved into the second play-off place for promotion, and have their final league game at home on the April 18 against New Milton. If they win, it will guarantee the much coveted play-off place.

Skipper Seabrook leads the way for Newport NEWPORT were the only senior Island side to earn a victory in a frustrating weekend of football in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League.

Captain Iain Seabrook followed on from his two goals against Oakfield in the Gold Cup with a goal before half time. Charlie Smeeton and Sam Dye added

goals in the second half, as the Port sealed a 3-0 victory away at Horndean. Cowes Sports were thumped 4-0 at Hamworthy United, while Brading suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of New Milton. In Division 1, East Cowes Vics fielded several new players but went down 2-0 at home to Petersfield.