IW Gazette 44

gazette the isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

JAY-Z AND PINK TO PLAY IW FESTIVAL SEE PAGE 4 FOR OUR INTERVIEW WITH JOHN GIDDINGS

LUCKY ESCAPE A BAIT DIGGER had more than the size of the fish he’d caught to talk about to his friend following his rescue on Saturday.

A joint operation involving the Island’s fire crews from Newport and coastguard teams from Bembridge, Newport and Ventnor took place at Island Harbour near Binfield on Saturday afternoon.

See page 5 for full details

BY JASON KAY

Please take one

FREE! Friday December 4, 2009 Issue 44

BREAKING NEWS LAST night (Thursday) planners voted against the siting of three wind turbines on Cheverton Down.

Because of the public interest in the issue it was decided to hold the meeting in a much larger venue – the hall at Carisbrooke High School has a capacity of 440.

The plans, which had been submitted by Cornwall Light and Power and Vestas, sought approval for three 125-metre-high turbines in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Despite all of the recent interest in the issue of climate change and the loss of jobs at the Vestas factory, who made the blades, the turbines were recommended for refusal.

Six councillors supported refusal as per officer recommendation and three councillors were against the refusal and supported the application.

THE GAZETTE: READ US ONLINE AT WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

SKYLINER CLOSES ROAD

OFFICERS from Hampshire Constabulary’s IW Roads Policing Unit (RPU) were called to Medina Way, Newport, shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday, November 28, after a blue Nissan Skyline went out of control and collided with a barrier on the dual

carriageway.

The car and barrier received minor damage. The driver, a man aged in his 30s from the Island, was not injured and no criminal offences were identified.

The northbound overtaking lane of the dual carriageway was closed for four hours as

a precaution because of a slippery road surface in wet weather conditions.

The IW Fire and Rescue Service and IW council Highways staff assisted the Roads Policing Unit in clearing the scene, and in making the road safe for traffic.

MUCH NEEDED PATH

THE NEW accessible pavement and road junction at Sea Street/Quay Street Newport was officially opened by Town Crier Shirley Ballard, Cllr Edward Giles and users of the Riverside Centre, Newport, at 10.15am on Thursday December 3 2009, as part of the celebrations of the International Day of Disabled People.

Service users from the Riverside Centre have campaigned for improved Road Safety at the junction, as they have been involved in accidents in the past.

The have also asked for improvements in the accessibility of footpaths and crossing points.

Riverside employee Dean French said: “The junction has always been a danger

spot with traffic cutting the corner and causing problems for people that have mobility problems. The new crossing slows traffic down and is safer for all pedestrians.”

Co-worker Vanessa Burden added: “The new dropped kerbs and tactile paving will enable more people to get into town safely, it will also help on Market days.”

IW Council Head of Highways Peter Hayward,

representatives from the Police, and other users from the Riverside Centre were also present at the opening.

Dean concluded: “We would like to thank the Isle of Wight Council, as well as other partner agencies, for listening to the concerns and comments and responding; and also thank other road users for appreciating how dangerous that corner used to be.”

Rear, left to right: WPC Penny Houghton RPU at Shanklin, Rosie Barnard, Alison Ball, Councillor Edward Giles and Sergeant Gary May of Hampshire police disabilities working group. Centre, left to right, Shirley Ballard, Doreen Taylor, Council leader Arthur Taylor and Peter Hayward, Front: Dean Richards and Vanessa Burden

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

NEWS

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FIGHT TO SAVE HOUSEBOAT FIREFIGHTERS were called to Bembridge Harbour yesterday morning (Thursday) after reports that a 68-year-old houseboat had started to sink.

An appliance from Sandown arrived at Embankment Road, Bembridge just before 11am to find the ‘Xoron’ houseboat, which is also

BY JAMIE WHITE used for bed and breakfast accommodation starting to lean over. Another appliance arrived shortly after from Ryde to try and rescue the former Majesty’s Motor Gun-Boat, which was

originally built for the Royal Navy, before being converted into a floating hotel.

The owners of the 120ft vessel, Paul and Wendy Traquair were away on holiday in Thailand, and were expected to return today.

Their son Stuart received a call about the incident and rushed to the scene. “My parents have owned the boat for about 21 years and had converted it into a bed and breakfast hotel. They came on holiday to the Island and fell in love with it,” said Stuart.

“I got a call from my sister who told me what was happening and I didn’t know what was really going on.

Thankfully there was nobody injured.

“It looks as though there was a pump failure and because my parents are away on holiday there was nobody onboard to notice, so it started flooding.”

Stuart added: “A small crew stayed on to keep pumping water and hopefully they will manage to save it. There is quite a lot of water damage that was isolated to the downstairs.

“The emergency services have been wonderful and I have a lot of respect for them and the work they have done with the houseboat.”

‘Xoron’ has two decks, the upper deck being the viewing lounge and breakfast area all overlooking Bembridge Harbour, with the lower deck consisting of three cabins and seperate owners accommodation.

Dean Haward, Station Manager at Newport Fire Station said: “We received a call and arrived to see the vessel taking on water and in danger of turning over and

Pictures by Jason Kay

breaking up.

“A retained pump from Ryde and a retained pump from Sandown arrived at the scene and started to pump water from the vessel, but we quickly realized that we needed the High Volume Pump (HVP) from Newport with the Specialist Water Team.

“We then deployed the HVP, which is used to deal with flooding incidents and can pump out 7,000 litres of water a minute.

“We started a salvage operation to rescue belongings from the vessel

because there was a lot of were very helpful, because sentimental items onboard. the owners were away.

“The main difficulty we The damage is severe and the had was getting access into the lower deck of the vessel and maintaining the safety of my colleagues. They all had lifejackets on and we had to limit the number of fire officers on there at any time.

The crews from the two appliances and living area has suffered a lot the HVP team have all been of water damage. It was a bit excellent.”

As The Gazette went to different because it wasn’t just a boat, it was someone’s press, firefighters were still at the scene with maritime home.”

Dean continued: “We engineers trying to save the liaised with the relatives who vessel.

“I got a call from my sister who told me what was happening and I didn’t know what was really going on.”

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NEWS

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

JOHN GIDDINGS REVEALS FIRST BE AGE AWARE FESTIVAL ACTS

THE IW Council Trading Standards is reminding parents on the Island of the law regarding the purchase of certain computer games in the run up to Christmas.

Virtually every computer game across all formats such as Playstation, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii carry recommended age ratings and guidance on the game’s content.

Age ratings range from ‘3+’ (suitable for persons aged three and above) up to ‘18+’.

They are administered by PEGI - the Pan European Game Information organisation and the content of the game is often depicted using ‘indicators’. In simple terms, these are logos that give an indication of what gamers can expect to see. This includes an image of a syringe depicting drugs use, a spider to indicate fear, two white and one black image of people to show discrimination and a pair of dice that shows the game contains images of gambling.

IW Council Trading Standards Manager, Richard Stone, said: “The computer games industry is huge and Christmas is one of its busiest times. As many parents will no doubt agree, they get pressured into buying certain games as presents for their children.

“A very good example is the recently released Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 game. This particular game has sold millions and was one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year. However, it carries a very strict ‘18+’ age rating due to its graphic violence. It would be entirely inappropriate for a young child to play this game, or indeed any game where gambling, sex or violence, for example, is prevalent.

“If you are asked to buy computer games for Christmas, we would ask parents to think about its content and look for the indicators and age ratings on the box. If you are unsure, speak to the shop staff for advice, or log onto the PEGI website.”

ROTARY RESCUE

ROTARY CLUBS on the Island are working together to try and raise funds for victims of the recent horrendous flooding in Cumbria.

Bill Wyke, from Sandown Rotary Club, is supporting the campaign. He said: “We can only imagine what it must be like to have four feet of water run through your home and not be able to do anything about it.

“In some cases it could take a year for the walls in the houses to dry out. Then the work has to start. In that time, people will have to be living in temporary accommodation.”

Bill continued: “Because some of the houses are on a flood plain quite a few of them have been unable to obtain insurances and have lost everything.”

The rotary clubs are asking for donation towards the relief fund anyone wishing to make a donation no matter how small, can contact Bill on 405471.

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the official switch on of the annual Christmas illuminations at the Broadway Centre, Broadway, Sandown.

There will be carol singers and a special appearance by Santa. It all starts at 6pm.

JOHN GIDDINGS, Isle of Wight Festival Promoter, was in a very good mood when Jo Macaulay spoke to him earlier this week.

Not only had he just won the president of the IW Chamber of Commerce’s Cup for Business Person of the Year but also he had just announced the first six bands of next year’s festival.

Just as we announced in The Gazette in our November 13 issue Jay-Z, The Strokes and Pink will be playing at the festival.

Jay-Z will headline on the main stage on Friday, The Strokes on Saturday and Pink will be a special guest on the main stage on Sunday. Blondie, Orbital and Squeeze will also be on the billing.

Having been offered congratulations for getting the president’s cup at the Chamber of Commerce Awards, John admitted: “I left it in the Black Sheep Bar at 2 o’clock in the morning. I didn’t know it was meant to be returned by next

John Giddings

year. It’ll probably have vanished by then,” although we’ve since learned that the cup is safe and sound.

“I didn’t know what to do with it,” said John although the beam on his face at receiving it told a different story. “It was nice though – very kind.”

And you’ve got some good bands coming this year?

“I’m really pleased.

We’ve had a brilliant reaction to them,” said John and was pleased to hear that I like Pink. “All the ladies like Pink,” he pronounced. “The most important thing was to get a combination of dance, pop and rock.”

Is he intending to have a dance feel to the main stage on Friday night and girly bands in the big top as he has for the last couple of years?

“I’m following those kind of lines but it depends how it pans out really because I know who’s headlining the other festivals this summer and I didn’t want to be a repeat of the same things.

“And I think we’ve gone slightly younger. I mean I

saw Jay-Z at Wembley Stadium with Cold Play and he was incredible. And I’ve always wanted The Strokes, one of the greatest rock bands of a generation and they wanted Blondie as a special guest so we’ve got a New York line up.

Blondie play immediately prior to the Strokes on Saturday night.”

Will the Strokes new album be out by then?

“Who knows? I don’t think they know,” he laughed. “But I’m sure they’ll do a couple of new songs.”

And tickets are on sale shortly? They go on sale today (Friday December 4).

“I thought we should get them on sale before Christmas because lots of people emailed and asked if they could buy them as Christmas presents but I don’t really want to start taking everyone’s money just after they’ve spent all their money in our field after the summer. I like

Above: How we reported it in The Gazette on Nov 13 to give people a break,” he said.

And you like to tell people what’s coming…

“Last year we went on sale without announcing an act but it just depends what mood I’m in,” said John.

And there’s still a surprise for Sunday night?

“Well I haven’t booked it yet so it’s as much a surprise to me as it is to you. I think I’ve booked six bands so I’ve got 44 to go,” said John.

“I’m really pleased.

We’ve got to start praying for the sunshine now.

I’ve got to get it together to book all of the other groups but we’ve had a great reaction – some people think it’s the best line up ever,” he said. “It’s all down to personal taste isn’t it?”

AWARD FOR NURSE

A SPECIALIST nurse on the Island has been crowned ‘Cancer Nurse Leader of the Year’ at the prestigious Nursing Times Awards 2009.

Anne Snow, who is based at St. Mary’s Hospital, joined the best of nursing professionals across the country to receive her award at a glittering evening recently held at London’s Hilton Hotel.

The Nursing Times Awards were open to qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors registered to practise in the UK. The awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding contributions made to the nursing profession and healthcare more generally by truly

exceptional and dedicated people, who demonstrate what is best in the NHS and independent healthcare.

Sheila Paul, Chief Operating Officer for NHS Isle of Wight said: “I am delighted that Anne’s outstanding dedication and support for cancer patients on the Island has been recognised at a national level. She really does inspire those around her and puts her patients at the heart of everything she does.”

Anne provides lung cancer services to patients within St. Mary’s Hospital as well as in the community.

Part of her role has been to develop ‘open access’ lung cancer services, which means that lung

cancer patients can access specialist services and be seen by her the same day if necessary.

As well as carrying out her role as a specialist for the past 10 years, Anne has recently become the Lead Clinician for lung cancer at the Primary Care Trust and is currently the South Coast Network Chair - the first nurse in the UK to fill this role.

Commenting on her achievement, Anne said: “It is a real privilege to receive the Cancer Nurse Leader award, but I could only have achieved this through the support of the team and the South Central Lung Cancer Group, so they deserve a big thank you.”

Anne Snow (centre)

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

HE MUST BE MUD!

DREW GARRETT, 38, from Ryde was stuck in thick mud up to his chest when he got into difficulty. The bait digger was digging with friend Jamie Ash, 18, who was at the harbour edge.

“I’d gone in up past my waist and I was in some clay on a slope and I was just about holding on. I couldn’t move – I was stuck so I had to get other help,” said Mr. Garratt. “But I wasn’t particularly worried – I knew I’d get out some way.

“There were three people trying to get me out and I was stuck in the mud for about and hour and a quarter before calling the emergency services.” Jamie Ash raised the alarm just after 1.30pm with a 999 call.

Dean Hayward Fire Duty officer from Newport said: “A pump and rescue tender from Newport attended to a man stuck in the mud who had been bait digging. Four whole time firefighters from Newport attended on the pump and four retained firefighters manned the rescue tender.

“The coastguard attended because of the information that

BY JO MACAULAY

we had received and it involved water. The swift water rescue team was also mobilised.

We rescued the man using inflatable path and a mud launch that loosened the mud to help us pull the man out. “ “The man was checked over by ambulance but did not require and treatment nor was he taken to hospital.”

On Wednesday (December 2) The Gazette spoke to Henry Hector, the Harbour Master at Binfield who had just been watching a man bait digging from the windows of the harbour tower.

“I think it’s the same man,” said Mr. Hector. “He was bait digging on a rising tide and he was right in the middle of the river in the dark at around 4.45pm with just a lamp on his helmet – like a miner’s lamp.

“He’s all on his own – nobody knew he was there and he was out there in torrential rain for three hours. We couldn’t see across the harbour and we saw a car. I was in the tower and I

looked up towards Newport and there was just this little dot and I could see him digging in the mud.It was only by chance that I saw him. It was totally irresponsible.

“He was in a dark blue Suzuki style mini bus. It’s all private parking so he shouldn’t be parking down here anyway.

“You saw the number of coastguards, police and fire engines that had to pull him out – some had to come from Ventnor. He was up to his breast in mud on Saturday afternoon.”

Mr. Garratt was adamant that he was in no danger however when questioned by The Gazette.

“A lot of us (bait diggers) do it in the dark at this time of year – you have to do it when the tide is out,” he said.

“I’ve been digging bait for longer than I can remember.

It’s just a bit of a one off I think,” he added when asked if he had ever got stuck before.

He did however have a few words to say to his rescuers.

“I’d like to say thank you to the emergency services for pulling me out,” he said.

BUS HITS WOMAN

A WOMAN was taken to hospital with head injuries, after she was in collision with a Southern Vectis bus while attempting to cross the bus lane in St. James’s Square, Newport, yesterday afternoon (Thursday).

The woman was attempting to walk across the street at 2.18pm, when she collided

with a bus travelling towards Newport Bus Station.

The bus lane between the junction of the High Street and Pyle Street was closed for more than one hour while emergency services were at the scene.

WPC Peni Houghton of Hampshire Constabulary’s IW Roads Policing Unit

(RPU) said: “The pedestrian received head injuries, which were not life threatening. She was treated by paramedics at the scene of the collision before being taken to hospital. I would like to thank all the witnesses who stopped to give police information.

No criminal offences were identified at the scene.”

NEWS

The MCA Ventnor Coastguard team with mud rescue equipment

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NEWS

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

STOP THE BRADING SHAKE

Peter Hayward, Steve Beynon and Patrick Joyce VILLAGERS in Brading have been given reassurances that work will begin soon on repairing the road surface and a manhole cover along part of the High Street, writes Peter White.

Residents have voiced their concerns that houses just a couple of feet away from the road could be badly affected when heavy vehicles pass over the manhole cover.

They have also complained about the constant noise that also occurs due to the ongoing problems. Work was due to be carried out last week, but did not take place.

Now the IW Council and Southern

Water have set tomorrow week as the date for repairs to be undertaken. Cllr. Patrick Joyce, who has represented Brading for the past nine years, said: “People living on the High Street have been getting very uptight about the situation.

“Every time a lorry or heavy vehicle passes through the village there is the noise problem, and of course some of the houses are very close to the road. Although the council are saying that the manhole cover is the property of Southern Water, if the carriageway is also being damaged they should be doing something about it. We

AUTISTIC WEB HELP THE ISLE of Wight branch of The National Autistic Society (NAS) has launched a new website to give help, advice and information to local families affected by autism.

Visitors to the new website can find information about autism and details of what help and support is available in the local area. The new site contains all the latest branch news with details of forthcoming events such as coffee mornings, support groups, fundraising events and autismfriendly cinema screenings around the Island. The site also features photo galleries and there are even pages for young people with autism and their siblings, which will feature social stories and games.

NAS Isle of Wight Branch Web Team co-ordinator, Gillian Elsom, said: “We are really excited with the new website and we hope to keep our members updated and entertained with news stories and interactive features.

“Autism is much more common

Brading residents point out the drop in the road

Gillian Elsom than most people think and it affects each person in a different way. Therefore, we have made the site accessible to as many people as possible by adding features such as the option for extra large text and the website is speech enabled meaning that it is read out loud to the user.”

The website is now live and can be accessed at www.autism.org. uk/isleofwight

expected the work to be carried out last week, but we are still waiting.”

Mike James, who lives just off Brading High Street, said: “There is certainly a problem that is affecting people living along there. If a storm gully is fractured and suddenly collapses, it could cause injury, and would affect the Island as a whole.

“Brading is the through route from Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown to Ryde, and there would be huge problems if the road had to be closed. We all pay enough for road fund licences and general taxes, so I cannot understand why it has taken so long to put right.”

Police patrol after a lamppost was hit

A lamppost was also struck and knocked down by a lorry trying to manoeuvre through the tight streets earlier this week.

Peter Hayward, IW Council Head of Highways and Transport, accepts there are problems with the state of the road and the manhole cover on the High Street, and has confirmed the date when the repairs will be carried out.

He said: “Some Brading residents have told us that their houses shake when heavy vehicles pass and that this is noticeably worse when they drive over Southern Water’s rocking manhole cover. This does

make a noise when vehicles pass over it and it needs to be re-bedded but is not dangerous.

“We have some routine repair work scheduled here which will be carried out on December 11 and have been able to get Southern Water’s manhole cover repair scheduled at the same time to avoid the disruption of having to close the road twice in quick succession.

“It is true that the road has deteriorated over recent weeks, but I would like to reassure residents that the road is safe and the routine repair work is scheduled.”

OSBORNE CLEAN UP

A GROUP of pupils from Osborne Middle School gave up their lunch playtime to take part in a litter pick as part of the ‘Big Tidy Up’.

Over a two day period, the group collected 13 bags of litter from their local area, 14 fewer than they collected the previous year, showing that anti-littering work within the community is paying off.

The school’s head teacher Mr J Edney presented badges and certificates to all that took part during the school assembly.

Gillian Mulcahy, Senior Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer has been working with the school to encourage students and staff to get involved in making their local area a cleaner, greener place for everyone to live. She provided the school with litter-pickers to assist them in their tidy up.

Gillian said: “Osborne Middle School has been extremely supportive of our litter-free Island campaign. Pupils have a really good understanding of the impact litter has on their local communities

and have been working hard to discourage people from littering.”

The IW council is striving towards a litter free Island and has joined forces with ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ to champion the ‘Big Tidy Up’ campaign. Schools and groups across the Island have been getting involved to keep their areas tidy and discourage people from littering.

Cllr Edward Giles, IW council cabinet member for the environment

and transport said: “The council is pleased to see pupils taking pride in their local communities and working together to pick up litter in their area.

“The council is proud to be working with ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ as a ‘Big Tidy Up’ champion and is encouraged to see so many groups across the Island supporting the initiative.”

Anyone interested in carrying out a Big Tidy Up litter pick can contact the council on 821000.

Pupils from Osborne Middle School

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

NEWS

SAD DEATH OF JOE A MAN found dead at the Newport Bus station last week has been named a Joe Owens, who had been out celebrating his 45th birthday. The former sub editor of the County Press had been out with friend and had ended up at St Mary’s hospital.

An inquest into his death was opened by the IW coroner on Tuesday and adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Joe Owens was found by a cleaner at the bus station at 4.40am on Thursday November 26 and was pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics.

The inquest heard how Mr. Owens had attended St Mary’s Hospital the day before complaining that he had pain from a plaster cast, which he said was too tight.

He was later found asleep in the hospital grounds by a security guard, who thought he was drunk. Police were called and Mr. Owens was taken to Newport Bus Station, where he was later found dead.

Since the relaunch of allmediascotland, Joe had penned two book reviews and only last week had agreed the delivery of two more titles to review.

A former chair of the National

Union of Journalists’ Scottish Council, he was working as a freelance and sub-editor on the Island. Paul Holleran, the NUJ’s Scottish Organiser said: “Joe Owens was a working-class intellectual, well-read and could argue politics ‘till the cows came home’ but still be full of fun.

“He was a talented journalist, both as a writer and sub, a great trade unionist and socialist and my best friend and will be sorely missed by his son, Patrick, and his family and vast number of friends and colleagues.

“I lost another friend last week - a sorely missed one,” he said.

“His life was cut brutally short on the eve of his 45th birthday.

“Joe Owens was from Blackburn (he claims to have taught SuBo to sing in tune and keep time), he was a miner and NUM official through the strike and was made redundant shortly after. He retrained as a journalist, started on a community newspaper in Glasgow, went on to work on national papers, and had a book published. It hadn’t been going too well recently but Joe’s humour didn’t fail and I never heard him complain or bad-mouth anyone. I’ll miss him.

Police can confirm the circumstances surrounding the death of Joseph Owens are

being investigated by Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), which was informed as a matter of routine procedure because Mr. Owens had contact with police officers in the hours before he died.

The case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which carried out an independent assessment, and decided that Hampshire Constabulary can continue the investigation at a local level.

At this time, the investigation led by Detective Inspector

David Morgan of Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) has not identified that any police officer acted inappropriately in any way in their dealings with Mr. Owens.

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BOMB PART IS NO THREAT

PART of a float that would have been attached to a WWII sea mine was washed up at Freshwater Bay last Sunday.

A member of the pubic informed the police and the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Unit attended at around 2.30pm, confirmed that the item was not of an explosive nature, and removed it from the scene.

Joe Owens

SANDOWN HIT STAGE FOR HOSPICE STAFF at Sandown High School are preparing to hit the stage to perform in their annual revue.

There will be dancing, singing and comedy sketches with all money raised going to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

The event takes place on December 15, starting at 7pm in South Hall. For more information or to get tickets, you can call Linda Jayne at Sandown High School on 409100.

VODAFONE FAULT

NIGHT NIGHT ZEBEDEE

HUNDREDS of Island mobile phone users on the Vodafone network have been without a service for much of this week.

An area around Shanklin has been badly affected for the second time in just a few days.

A Vodafone spokesman said the problem had been caused by a faulty antennae on a receiver mast, and the delay in rectifying the problem was due to the fact a new part had to be ordered.

The Vodafone service in the Shanklin area also suffered problems last week. Engineers worked for several hours to fix the mast, but within days the troubles had returned.

SANTA IN VENTNOR

THE VENTNOR Rotary Club Christmas float will be visiting towns and villages commencing at 6pm during December, starting from the following locations.

THE GAZETTE has learnt that Marina Pepper was arrested on suspicion of causing the bailiffs an obstruction, during the eviction of climate change protestors outside the Vestas factory last Friday.

During the clear-up one of the protestors, who was one of the former workers occupying the Vestas factory during the summer, got on to the roof of one of the temporary structures but he later came down Following the granting of a repossession order in favour of the owners of the ‘magic roundabout’ outside the Vestas

factory in Newport, bailiffs moved in to remove protestors at around 11am. They were given an hour’s extension to move their belongings.

MJH Developments were granted a possession order on the roundabout outside the Vestas plant, which has been occupied by protestors since July 22 this year. The order also covered eight other sites within the business park to prevent the protestors from moving elsewhere in the vicinity, and six other sites were eventually included in the order.

Police can confirm a 41-year-

old woman from Brighton, arrested on Friday, November 27, 2009 under section 10 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 for obstructing high court enforcement officers, was bailed until December 16, 2009 pending further enquiries.

High Court Enforcement Officers, acting on behalf of a land owner, carried out a High Court order on November 27, 2009 to repossess land at the St. Cross Business Park, Newport, Isle of Wight from a number of people protesting against the closure of the nearby Vestas wind turbine blade factory.

Date Village Tues 8 Whitwell Wed 9 Rookley &

Chale Thurs 10 Bonchurch

Fri 11 Ventnor

Town Sat 12 Ventnor

Town

Tues 15 Upper

Ventnor Wed 16 Wroxall Thurs 17 Niton Fri 18 Godshill Tues 23 Ventnor Marina Pepper and a local beat officer before her arrest

Starting point White Horse pub Rookley Stores Leeson Rd car park Main car park Main car park only 9.30am to 4.30pm Ventnor Middle School Worsley pub White Lion pub Griffin pub Main car park

Go along to join in the fun and meet Father Christmas!

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GIVE ANNUAL AWARDS

THREE HUNDRED specially invited people came together to celebrate the best of Island business at Cowes Yacht Haven last Friday.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry Business Awards for Excellence had a fire and ice theme this year.

Chamber President Steve Porter presented the Chamber’s special awards to Vikoma International (Business of the Year Award); Southern Vectis (Member of the Year Award); and John Giddings (Business Person of the Year Award).

In keeping with the fire and ice theme, fire breathers and an ice queen teamed up with jazz and dance bands to provide high quality entertainment, and a prize draw raised more than £830 for LACES, who are a small team working to improve the educational attainment and participation of children and young people in public care on the Island.

Draw prizes were donated by Isle of Wight Radio, Southern Vectis, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Bookers, Tesco, Godshill Cider Company, Flowers by Nic, and Bagel Wrap.

IWCP

AWARD WINNERS

NatWest New Business Award: Wightquote.

Highly Commended: Gardenia Florists and Whitefield Forest Touring Park.

Lloyds TSB Commercial IW Lottery Small Business Award: ICR Touch.

Highly Commended: Betapak Limited and IW Steam Railway.

UKTI International Business Award: Strainstall Group Limited.

Highly Commended: Milmega Limited and Vikoma International Limited.

Above: John Giddings and Steve Porter Below: Staff from Seaview Wildlife Encounter

IWCP

Southern Vectis Green Business Award: The Really Green Holiday Company.

Highly Commended: Crossprint Limited and Etetra.

Wightlink Employee Development Award: The Island Day Nurseries.

Highly Commended: Betapak Limited and Strainstall UK Limited.

Red Funnel Distribution Business in the Community Award: Southern Vectis.

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Highly Commended: IW Steam Railway and WP Recruitment.

Inflight Peripherals Manufacturing and Technology Award: Vikoma International.

Highly Commended: ICR Touch and Strainstall UK Limited.

GoWight Tourism and Leisure Business Award: Seaview Wildlife Encounter.

Highly Commended: IW Steam Railway and Vintage Vacations.

Red Funnel Holidays Accommodation and Hospitality Award: The Really Green Holiday Company.

Highly Commended: IW Luxury Apartments and Parterre Apartments.

HTP Retail and Service Industry Award: Gardenia Florists.

Highly Commended: ICR Touch and the Real Island Food Company.

Isle of Wight County Press Professional and Business Services Award: Crossprint Limited.

Highly Commended: ICR Touch and Wightquote.

YOUR NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

NEWS

9

CHALE AT END OF LINE?

THE SAVE Chale campaign reached its deadline on December 1 without any definite hope of reprieve for the primary school and a refusal by IW Council to accept “in principle” federation with the new primary school at Godshill.

During its campaign to stay open the school had even taken their case to parliament, when Andrew Turner, MP, presented a petition signed by villagers and parents and it was discussed in parliament on June 4, 2009.

In response to the petition The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families commented: “The Government recognises that local schools are often at the heart of rural communities.

Closing a rural school can have effects well beyond the schooling of the children and should only be considered as a last resort.”

Alan Lock, Chair of Governors, told the Gazette: “We’re in a situation now – we’ve tried for a federation and the schools we’ve gone to have said they’ve been advised against it by officers of the council.

“Today is the end of the

line in terms of a federation.

We’ve already applied to the local government ombudsman and are waiting to hear. It should take about three months.

“And because we are a diocese school the diocese can refer the case to the schools adjudicator. Our view is that we will fight on.”

Finally on November 18 the governors made a formal approach to David Pugh,

Leader of the IW Council in accordance with the council’s procedure, to progress an in principle federation agreement with the proposed new primary school at Godshill.

This proposal was for Chale school to be reduced to the status of an infant school for village children from age 4 to 7 years. These children would then move on to the main school at Godshill at age 8.

A press release from Chale school reads: “Unfortunately at the eleventh hour this approach was blocked by the IW Council on the grounds that the school would still be too small and that it would not, in its opinion, be of interest to the people of Godshill.

In taking this action the IW Council has denied the people of Godshill the opportunity to be consulted

Pupils at Chale Primary School

and explore the potential of this proposal, which if subsequently found not to be what they wanted, could still be rejected.

“In the two years that the board of governors of Chale Primary School has been trying to negotiate with the IW Council they have not been given a single concession. The IW Council has not listened to a single concern from the community of Chale, nor has it put forward any sound reason to close the school except to save money. The Schools Re-organisation Project was declared to have the sole objective of raising standards whereas closing this village school will only save a minute amount from the education budget and offer no benefits to the other Island schools.

Cllr David Pugh said: “On 30 September the IW Council voted overwhelmingly (34 votes to 0, with 1 abstention) to recommend to Cabinet that the statutory proposal to close Chale Primary School should be implemented, subject to an undertaking that any federation proposal put forward within two months would be considered.

“The governing body has put forward a proposal that Chale Primary is federated with the new rural primary school (which already brings together Godshill, Wroxall and Chillerton & Rookley primaries). This proposal will now be subject to a forthcoming Cabinet Member delegated decision to determine whether it is viable and in line with Council policy.

“This paper is likely to recommend that the proposed federation is not viable and is not in line with council policy, and does not provide anything other than a very short term alternative for the school.

“Furthermore, the governing body for the new rural primary school has yet to be established, and the IW Council is unable to pre-empt the view of that governing body of whether they would be prepared to enter such a federation.

“We strongly refute the suggestions that the IW Council has moved the goal posts and has advised schools not to enter into any agreement with Chale.

These claims are completely without foundation.”

FUN DAY AT SEAVIEW FAIR

Tilly Howley and Lauren McLachlan

Ruby Boyd-Kerr, Brown Owl Wendy Macklim and Phillipa Andrews

THERE was a bumper turnout for the annual Seaview 1st Brownies and Guides Christmas Fair last Saturday.

“It was very well attended by both parents and grandparents,” said Brown Owl Wendy Macklin.

“The children made Christmas

Helen Standon, Emily Standon and Mary Hayles

crafts such as painted flower pot candle holders, decorated fir cones and the guides made glass painted candle holders too.

The guides sold cakes, there was an electric shaky hand game to move a hoop around a guiding symbol and there was a name

the teddy competition.

“We had an extremely good raffle that Island businesses donated to with prizes such as vouchers for Amazon World, Brickfields and Hovertravel and Busy Bee donated a Father Christmas ornament.

www.iwgazette.co.uk

10

NEWS

The Reverend Alan Swanborough

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

CRIBS ARE A HIT IN SHANKLIN CHURCH

IT WAS the fourth year for Shanklin’s Blasius’s Church crib festival last weekend with over 70 cribs on display at this pretty church on the outskirts of Shanklin after you travel through the old village towards Ventnor.

“All the people who came thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated it,” said Rev. Alan Swanborough. “We were particularly surprised to get so many people in after about 2.30pm on Sunday and we had a lot of families visiting.”

“One of the features of our crib festival is the crib that one of our parishioners, Ray Dyke, made for our first festival. The following year he added Bethlehem and then last year Andrea Tibbits made shepherds.

This year it’s expanded to having angels and scenery at the back too.

This expanding crib scene is built into one end of the church, spanning the end of the pew area. The shepherds even have a little fire with a crocheted cooking pot hanging over it.

“A lot of the cribs are plaster, some are fibreglass and others are wooden.

One was embroidered,” said the Reverend.

The embroidered wall hanging was made by Joyce Barton and Andrea Tibbits using wool and needle felting and was started just after the crib festival last year with over 25 hours of work being put into its completion. It even had straw worked into the floor area and the stars and angels made from shimmery materials in the sky.

Parishioners bring in their own cribs and some of them are very old, although all are precious to their owners.

“Some of the cribs we will keep right through the Christmas season but families like to take theirs home. Some have to be moved because they are obstructing the pews,” said Rev. Swanborough, but you will still be able to see quite a few of these pretty displays in the run up to

Christmas.

St Blasius Parish Church is one of the oldest on the Island and is named for St Blaise who was the young bishop of Sebaste (now in Turkey) in the early fourth century when Christians were being persecuted.

He was the patron saint of animals until St Francis of Assisi superseded him.

St. Blasius was the manorial chapel founded

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A DAME WIN a pair of tickets for Cinderella on Saturday December 12 at 2.30pm at Ventnor Winter Gardens

SEND your name, address and telephone number to the IW Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH and we will inform you whether you have won the tickets early next week.

Ventnor Theatre Group will be performing the much-loved family favourite, Cinderella, as their Christmas pantomime this

year. The popular local theatre group promises to captivate audiences, with a heart-warming version of this classic fairytale.

The show features an endearing Cinderella, a lovable Buttons, a handsome prince and many more enchanting characters. Heaps of hilarious comedy and audience participation will be provided by the irrepressible Dame, John Woodford, who this year will be

pairing up with Paul Stevens as Cinders’ outrageous ugly sisters along with a pair of dodgy village idiots and the welcome return of their magnificent pantomime horse.

With a superb live band, energetic chorus and dancers, all under the direction of Andrew Woodford, the show promises to be a fabulous festive treat for all the family.

Cinderella is at Ventnor Winter Gardens, Thursday December 10 and Friday December 11 at 7.30pm and Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13 at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £7.50 per adult and £5 for the under 16s. Advance booking is highly recommended. Please contact the Winter Gardens box office on 01983 857581.

in the reign of King Stephen by Geoffrey de Lisle of Shanklin Manor. It is believed that one of the family at Shanklin Manor went on the crusades and that he carved the crusader’s cross in the original doorpost to the chapel (this cross can still be seen in the stone). It is thought that he may have heard of St. Blasius on the crusades.

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

‘SPACE E’ IN COURT

11

Hospice MAN News

A NEWPORT man appeared before magistrates this week in connection with the alleged supply of ‘Space E’ from his premises in Newport and Ryde.

Martin Smith, 49, of New Street, Newport faces two charges that on the July 31 2009 that he as a trader in a commercial practice produced a product not safe for the market. He faced a further charge under the statute to the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 namely the sale of ‘Space E’ bearing the wording “manufactured in the EU,” when in fact

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 Music CD’s raising Rookley Lights of funds for Hospice this Love - change of date Christmas

BY JASON KAY the ‘Space E’ was imported by him having been manufactured in China.

Louise Gaudion, prosecutor for Trading Standards requested an adjournment as there are eight further witness statements to serve on the defence and the case was adjourned until January 12, 2010. Smith was released on unconditional bail.

No pleas were entered.

Martin Smith outside Newport Magistrates Court

CHINESE EXCHANGES

FOLLOWING a visit to the far-east, a further eight Isle of Wight schools have formed international links with schools in China.

A trip to the Chongqing region took place between October 15-25 as part of an annual event organised by the IW Global Partnerships group.

Headteachers from Wootton, Gurnard, Niton, St Mary’s CE, Gatten & Lake and Shalfleet primary schools, Osborne Middle School and the Deputy Head from Medina High School met their Chinese counterparts during the trip and established official links.

They also shared cultural differences and teaching methods and took the opportunity to view lessons and school facilities.

While the group were there, they met representatives of top travel agencies and the Tourism Bureau of Chongqing.

During the meeting, they showed a DVD that displayed all the best the Isle of Wight has to offer, including tourist destinations, the local landscape and geology, leisure and sports, local businesses and major events such as the Isle of Wight Music Festival.

They also spoke of how the Isle of Wight has many miles of

sandy beaches, with Chongqing being many miles from the coastline.

The trip now brings the total number of Island schools with international links to Chinese schools in Chongqing to 25.

Chris Davis from IW Global Partnerships and went on the trip, said: “This was the third group of Island headteachers to visit Chongqing and the trip was very successful with more visits planned for next year.

“The two Chinese parties we have welcomed here in the past were blown away by the Island and its attractions. As we had agreed to broaden our links beyond education, this inspired us to promote the Island as a tourist destination.

“We suggested that a combined tour of London and the Isle of Wight would be an excellent ‘Introduction to England’ package, encompassing both the buzz, sights and history of the city with the peace, beauty and tranquillity of the Isle of Wight and our Chinese friends were very enthusiastic” Work is underway to organise a return trip for several Chinese teachers from Chongqing to visit the Isle of Wight in March 2010.

The trip to China was funded by the British Council Area Linking Visit Programme.

NEWS

SEVERAL new CD’s will be available in the Hospice Shops this Christmas raising money for the Island’s Hospice.

The Phoenix Jazz Ensemble are always very popular when they play for the Hospice at Barton Manor and now they have produced a CD “Buckets and Spades” celebrating the music of Peter Trueman. These CD’s will retail at £10 each.

There are still some Wight Hot Pipes CD’s available for sale but these are selling out very quickly. Wight Hot Pipes wowed a sell out audience at Medina Theatre in November with the sound of bagpipes and the CD’s have been selling well.

Retailing at £10, profits will go to the Hospice.

PLEASE note that the Rookley Lights of Love Service will take place on the green at Rookley on Monday December 14 at 6.30pm and not on the date previously advertised. A complete list of all the Lights of Love services are available from the Hospice website at www.iwhospice.org.

Four Lights of Love services will be followed by bus tours courtesy of Southern Vectis to see the lights around the area.

These are: Thursday December 10, The Cedars in Wootton, 6.30pm.

Friday December 11, Newport Minster, 7pm.

Saturday December 12 Yarmouth, the Square, 6pm.

Monday December 21, Shanklin, The Crab Inn, 6.30pm.

Simon Howard, the well known Island entertainer has The cost of the tours are £5 for produced a CD for the Hospice adults and £2.50 for children entitled Christmas Time. Simon is probably best known for his Lights of Love Elvis Tribute Act. The single dedications “Christmas Time” costs £2.50 and profits go to the Hospice.

IF YOU would like to dedicate a Light in the name of your loved Music quiz at Newport football club one for a suggested donation of £10, and have their name in the Book of Remembrance at THERE is one more chance Sts Thomas Church during the this year to show your music Lights of Love Service on Friday knowledge at the Music Quiz December 11 please call the on Friday December 11. It fundraising team on 528989. will take place at the Newport All dedications will need to be Football Club at St George’s received by December 8. Each park. The quiz will start at person who dedicates a light 7.30pm and it is £10 for a team will receive a personal card of four. There will be prizes on keepsake to hang on their tree. the night and a raffle.

Pumphouse Gang to play in memory of Sue

Hospice lottery vouchers make great presents

A DATE for your diary…

Pumphouse Gang with The Mechanixs will be appearing live at Ryde Castle on Saturday January 23 2010 from 7.30pm.

The concert is in remembrance of Sue Oxford and will raise money for the Island’s Hospice.

IF YOU are stuck for what to buy people for Christmas a Hospice Lottery Voucher could be the answer. Vouchers are available for 13 weeks (£13), 26 weeks (£26) or 52 weeks (£52) If you would like to buy a voucher to give to a friend please give the fundraising team a call 528989.

This is a ticket only event and tickets are priced at £10. They are available from Strings in Monkton St Ryde, The Simeon Arms in Ryde and the Earl Mountbatten Hospice charity shops in Newport.

www.iwgazette.co.uk

12

NEWS

FOR THE RECORD IN LAST week’s issue we wrote that Ryde Town Crier, Steve King, was formerly in the Army Catering Course. In fact, Mr King used to be in the Army Catering Corps.

The Gazette would like to apologise for any embarrassment caused.

IN A recent issue of The Gazette we wrongly put a name caption as Burn Wig when it should have been Bern Figg. We would like to apologise for any embarrassment caused.

TESCO GIVES LIGHTS TO SHANKLIN FIRE STATION

Firefighter Neil Cole and Andrew Cook TESCO in Ryde has made sure the crew of Shanklin Fire Station will have a bright Christmas, after they presented them with a set of lights for their Christmas tree.

The tree is put annually of top of the training tower and after The Gazette contacted Tesco, they kindly agreed to donate a set of lights for the tree.

Your letters...

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

WRITE TO US AT ISLE OF WIGHT GAZETTE, B18 SPITHEAD BUSINESS CENTRE, NEWPORT ROAD, LAKE, PO36 9PH OR E-MAIL NEWSDESK@IWGAZETTE.CO.UK

KEEP CLASSIC CARS FERRY UNPLEASANT TRIP

Dear Sir,

Your readers may not be aware that the Isle of Wight Council is planning to charge the organisers of the September Classic Car show, which raises money for charities such as the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, for the use of parking spaces along North Walk in Ryde, which, up until now, have been free. This is yet another mean-spirited idea from officers who are running the council with no regard for elected members or residents let’s fill council coffers to the detriment of charities!

If the decision stands, everyone loses out, including visitors to the island at the end of the summer season.

This enormously successful event has grown year by year, in a similar way to White Air and England Beach Soccer, two other crowd-pulling events that the council didn’t care

about, and that have now gone to the mainland.

Much-maligned Wightlink provides a lot of sponsorship on the Island, including special rates for the vehicles to come across on the ferries, whereas the council’s actually trying to profit from charging for the show, as it’s very unlikely all the bays would be filled by paying customers for the whole day if the classics weren’t there.

What’s going to happen with other events in Ryde, such as Armed Forces Day and the Carnivals? Are the organisers going to have to fork out for all the parking bays that are taken out of service for those parades?

If so, we may as well cancel any sort of celebration in Ryde. If this is an island-wide decision, then goodbye holiday isle!

Yours faithfully, Brian K Harris, Deputy Mayor, Ryde Town Council.

This complaint letter was sent to Wightlink ferries by Brenda Langley. She has now had a reply from Jane Denyer of Wightlink Ferries who has stated that there is an investigation going on and it is receiving their full attention.

Everyone retuned to the Departure Dear Sirs Lounge (if you could call it that), On Sunday 22 November, my which was cold and draughty. The friend and I went to visit my mum on main doors kept noisily opening the Isle of Wight, hoping to catch the and closing and there were no facilities for any warmth, a hot 11.15am ferry from Portsmouth.

Unfortunately, the day started on drink or a sandwich. The vending a sour note when there was a very machine for the hot drinks was not serious accident on the A36 just working, which made the whole before Wilton, and the road was duration very uncomfortable. No closed by the Police. After a big one came round with any apology detour we managed to board the or explanation, which results in gross unprofessionalism and ferry at 12.15am.

We spent a very pleasant day with incompetance. Eventually we all my mum, sister and her husband boarded the late ferry just before and were dropped off at the terminal 22:00, and when I returned to my for our return journey at 7.30pm. car which was parked in the Harbour The ferry was due to depart Ryde Pay and Display Car Park, I had been for Portsmouth at 19:45.

We issued with a Parking Fine.

I hold your company totally waited and noted that the ferry was having difficulties in getting responsible for the fine and request close for disembarkment of the compensation for the inconvenience passengers already on the ferry from caused. I eventually arrived home at 01:30, very tired, miserable and Portsmouth.

I will of At 20:05 a distorted voice came completely exhausted. over the tannoy system, which was course be contacting the media of almost incoherent, informing us your slap dash approach. that the ferry could not dock due Yours faithfully to a mechanical failure, and the Brenda Langley next departure would be at 21:45.

MADNESS AT CAMP BESTIVAL

NUTTY boys Madness and new romantic supremos The Human League are announced as Camp Bestival top acts on July 30 to August 1 2010.

Fresh from their success at the festival awards where they won Best Family Festival the Lulworth Castle based festival in Dorset, run by the same team as the Island’s Bestival, have made their first line up announcement.

Also included are George

Clinton with Parliament/ Funkadelic, Calvin Harris and Chipmunk.

Mr. Tumble will in residence for the whole three days and Bill Drummond’s The 17 will make their exclusive UK debut.

The English National Ballet returns along with the popular River Cottage Cafe.

Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall commented: ‘Myself and the River Cottage Team had such a fantastic time at this year’s Camp Bestival!

We are really excited to be involved again with the River Cottage Café in 2010!’

Other favourites include The East Lulworth Literary Institute, Let’s Go Crazy, Son Et Lumiere and the Freestyle Sports Park.

Rob Da Bank said: “Kicking off the first announcement for what is destined to be our most barnstorming jamboree yet, we are overjoyed to be welcoming the nutty boys, Madness, to our family

feast of fun! Undoubtedly a national treasure, Madness, who are riding the crest of a critically acclaimed wave for their recent ‘Liberty of Norton Folgate’ album, boast a back catalogue the envy of almost everybody, ever.

Commenting on their set, the band said: “We love nothing more then a good old family knees up and if we get anywhere near the reception we got at Bestival in 2007 we’ll feel like kings of Lulworth Castle.”

VIRUS STOPS OPERATIONS NON-URGENT operations have been cancelled at St Mary’s Hospital due to an outbreak of Norovirus.

Due to an increase in the number of cases of viral gastroenteritis being brought into the hospital, managers have taken the decision to postpone all planned non-urgent inpatient admissions for routine surgery.

Clinically urgent surgery. e.g. cancer and emergencies will continue as normal.

All outpatient appointments will continue as planned and the majority of appointments for day

case surgery will be unaffected.

Patients whose surgery has been postponed will be contacted by the hospital.

Visiting times have also been restricted to try and minimize the spread of infection. Essential visiting will between the hours of 2-3pm and 7-8pm until further notice.

Access into and out of the hospital will only be via the Main Front Entrance, however the North Hospital entrance and the Day Surgery Unit entrance will be open during the revised visiting times.

Hospital staff are continuing to urge families and friends of patients not to visit if they have been unwell with either diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours because of the risk of passing on infection Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales. Although relatively mild, norovirus illness can occur at any age because immunity to it is not long-lasting.

The disease was historically known as ‘winter vomiting disease’ due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

13

NEWS

STAY SAFE AT CHRISTMAS Matt Sainsbury with Bluewatch turning on their Christmas lights on the top of the Newport Fire Station tower

FOR 20 of his 31 years in the fire service, Matt Sainsbury and his team have been in charge of making sure that the Christmas tree is on top of the fire tower behind Newport Fire Station.

Matt’s father used to work as a forester in Parkhurst Forest and the Forestry Commission used to donate the tree in the early years.

“In the past four years it’s been donated by Peter Alexander of Shide Trees,” said Matt gratefully. “This year the Bronto-Skylift appliance has been used to get the tree on to the top of the tower.

“The lights have also been donated, but this year we had a problem with the star on the top and a new red star was given to us by the Newport Forum of the IW Council.

“Everything is in LED lights which is why it can be seen from such a distance.

It’s approximately 75 feet above the ground up there.”

Matt (50) joined the service at the age of 19 and during has spent the majority of that time with Blue Watch who help him to erect the tree every year.

WITH Christmas just around the corner the IW fire service thought that they would share some fire safety tips with you to help keep you and your family safe during the festive season.

2. On the second day of Christmas – Never place candles on TVs or near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don’t leave them burning unattended.

3. On the third day of Christmas – Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency.

History tells us that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the Christmas 4. On the fourth day of period than at any other Christmas – Decorations time of the year. can burn easily – Don’t Twelve Top Tips attach them to lights or for Fire Safety at heaters.

Christmas

1. On the first day of Christmas – Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment

5. On the fifth day of Christmas – Switch off appliances when not in use, unless they are designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights and always switch off and unplug them before you go to bed.

6. On the sixth day of Christmas – Celebrate Christmas and New Year safetly. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas – Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children and away from combustible material.

12. On the twelth day of Christmas – Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas – make sure they are safe

7. On the seventh day of Christmas – Most fires start in the kitchen – never leave cooking unattended.

8. On the eighth day of Christmas – If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions.

9. On the ninth day of Christmas – Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas – Check the battery in your smoke alarms and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it.

Left to right: Matt Arnell, Community Safety Manager Jeff Walls and Martin Poynter

www.iwgazette.co.uk

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NEWS

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

A DAY WITH WIGHT SATIN

AN OPEN day for the Wight Satin Ladies Barbershop Chorus was held at Languard Manor last Saturday and was hailed as a great success by their musical director, Mr. Nick Frampton.

“The event was an open fun day – people just came in off the street to learn how to sing and joined in,” said Mr. Frampton.

“There were introductory classes on how to warm up the vocal chords, lessons on the craft of singing and then they learned three Christmas songs singing in harmony: Silent Night, Christmas Chopstix and White Christmas.

“We had ten people attending the workshops which was really just right.

They may join up but we won’t know until Thursday,” he said. The choir rehearses every Thursday evening at

Carisbrooke C of E Primary School in Wellington Road, Newport.

“We were very grateful to the owners of Languard Manor for letting us use it. It’s the first open day we’ve done but we’re hoping to run a free singing course of five or six days duration in the New Year so that we can build on what happened this time,” said Mr. Frampton.

Around a dozen of the Wight Satin Barbershop singers were at the event and brought along refreshments for visitors. “Our members made everyone very welcome and a great time was had by all,” he said.

Look out for the Wight Satin Ladies Barbershop Chorus over this Christmas as they have many events booked across the Island.

£6,000 FROM POPPIES A POPPY appeal outside Ryde’s Tesco store has managed to raise over £6,000 for the British Legion. Kathy Taylor president of Ryde British Legion and

MERSLEY DOWN WORKS

chairman Ivar Millard, presented certificates to Tesco’s store manager Dan Jones after WORK has started to a notorious receiving cheques for £6017.01 improve stretch of road between and £155.17 for the Legion.

Newport and Brading that has seen 13 accidents and a fatal incident over the past three years.

The scheme is aimed at reducing the number of collisions that occur at a junction and bend along the Mersley Downs Road and along the stretch of road near the Lime Kiln Shute junction.

The IW Council is undertaking resurfacing and re-profiling work at the bend, and making improvements to visibility.

Anti-skid surfacing is being applied to both locations and it is hoped that these works will significantly improve the accident rate here.

The works started on November 26 and are due to last approximately four weeks and during this

time traffic lights will be in operation. Due to the nature of the work being carried out, a 24-hour overnight road closure will take place from 7pm on December 11 until 7pm December 12, during which time a diversion will be put in place.

Peter Hayward, IW Council Head of Highways and Transport said: “I’m really pleased that we are able to make these

improvements to this section of road which has proved difficult for drivers as the accident record shows.

“Of course it is impossible to make such improvements without causing some disruption but we have been able to schedule these outside of the high tourist season and I am sure that the improvements will be welcomed by those who regularly use the road.”

NEW CHAINS FOR FLOATING BRIDGE

Left to right: Standard bearer Ryde British Legion Don Bridges, Ryde British Legion President Kathy Taylor, Ryde Petrol Station manager Pat Drew, Tesco store manager Dan Jones and Ryde British Legion chairman Ivor Millard

THE FLOATING bridge service will be suspended between approximately 8.30am and 2pm on Wednesday, December 9 so that replacement chains can be fitted.

A launch service will be in operation to transfer

pedestrians across the river and a road diversion signed via Newport for motorists.

Peter Hayward, IW Council Head of Highways and Transport said: “The chains, which the floating bridge runs on, need to be

replaced every two years, and this can only be done during low spring tides.

“Ordinarily we would look to do this work at night although local concerns about noise mean that we have had to schedule the work during

the day.

“That will inevitably increase disruption but I’m pleased that we have been able to schedule the work during the low tourist season and at a time which avoids the busier travel to work time.”

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

www.iwgazette.co.uk

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NEWS

AIMING HIGH AT SANDOWN SCHOOL

AHEAD of Sandown High School’s forthcoming sixth form evening next Thursday (Dec 10) The Gazette’s Jamie White spoke to some of the staff and pupils who will be giving presentations to prospective students.

James Hicks, who is currently studying Geography, French, Environmental Science and Biology, said: “Since I joined Sandown I have been able to integrate very well and I have been able to build a good relationship

with my tutors, which I think is very important, and we can go to them if we have any problems. I also went to Sweden on a Biology trip which was amazing.”

Peter Trevaskis, who is studying English Literature, History and Classical Civilisation said: “There are loads of extra curriculum activities available in sixth form. I play for the school football team and there isn’t anyone in the same lessons as me who plays, so it’s a gives me

a great chance to socialise with other people. I also do a law study programme with Southampton University, which I found out about through the school.”

Amy Cunnington, who studies English, Media Studies and Theatre Studies commented: “My favourite thing about school has been taking part in Global Rock Challenge.

We went up to Sheffield for the final and we won, which was fantastic. It makes us all proud to be Sandown High

School students. I have also had lots of help with my UCAS university applications and the help is always there if we need it.”

Tyne Samuel, who is studying Theatre Studies, Religious Studies, English Language and Sociology explained: “I started Global Rock in year nine and now up to year 13. We mix with the whole school all years groups, which has been great and gives you more confidence around people in school and out of school. I really enjoyed doing the MUNGA (Model United Nations General Assembly) as well, which helped learn more about what is happening outside of school.”

George Corbin, studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Geography, said: “I think the variety of extra qualifications that are available in the sixth form ranging from Duke of Edinburgh awards to Junior Sports Leadership award could be the difference in getting into university ahead of others.”

Robert Jackson, studying History and Classics at

Sandown, and Government and Politics collaboration with Ryde, told us: “It’s great that Sandown have made time and effort for me to study a subject with Ryde and it seems to be really successful. It’s also good that there is a five year continuity at the school.”

Pru Lee, Leader of Standards and Learning and teaches sixth form Theatre Studies, is working closely with the School Captains to prepare a presentation for next Thursday’s Open Evening. She said: The sixth form has over 370 students and we are competitive with colleges on the mainland.

We attract students from other high schools and also have international students from Slovakia, Denmark, Switzerland and Germany studying drama. We have great international links, which is very important and means students are mixing with different people and can learn a lot.

“We have a fantastic sixth form centre, which provides study areas and a lecture theatre, which adds to making the step up from lower school. We also have

the great sports facilities including the running track, astroturf pitch and the rock climbing wall. We also have team building sessions to get everyone mixing together.”

Paul Thatcher, who teaches History and is a sixth form tutor, added: “We cater for all students and have academy groups as well. There are plenty of courses available for students of all levels and abilities. We don’t just accept academic high flyers.

“We also have BTEC courses, which are coursework based and there are sports courses available.

We have a fantastic record for results and we have switched AS Level PE to a single level Sports Science.

We are very flexible and can offer a mixture of A-Level courses with BTEC courses.”

Mr. Thatcher continued: “There are so many different extra curriculum programmes available to students to do alongside their sixth form studies.

We have had the top results on the Island for the past three years. We have approximately 70 per cent achieving A-C grades, which is pretty phenomenal.”

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

NOT JUST A GIFT FAIR

ARGUABLY the most upmarket and wellattended Christmas Fair on the Island, the Isle of Wight Gift Fair was held at Bembridge Sailing Club last weekend. Double Olympic gold medal winner Sarah Webb OBE opened the Friday evening reception and the fair was also open on Saturday from 10am till 4pm.

“We invite 30 stands, mainly from the mainland, to set up and sell their products to Islanders,” said Louise Morton, Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight Gift Fair committee.

“We get 10 per cent of the takings which are given to local charities – the total raised this year was £11,000. Fifty per cent of the money will go to the IW Hospice and 50 per cent to other charities.

This year the other charities chosen were Age Concern, Not Just Enterprises, St Catherine’s School in Ventnor, The IW Branch of Young Carers and Ryde Sea Cadets who helped with the parking.

Not Just Enterprises were at the Fair and had made some of the cakes that were

on sale with the money taken being ploughed back into running the service.

This charity from Ryde works with people with mental health problems – from teachers and lawyers down those on benefits.

They exist to give people the means to realise that they can go back into the workplace. “It was started to give people something to get up for,” said manager Ros Patey.

The purpose of Not Just Enterprises is to provide work-based projects for service users with mental health problems.

These include the training and support necessary to ensure that they are able to develop skills, which will increase their self-esteem, and provide work-experience with a long-term aim of obtaining employment.

There are three main projects on offer: Not Just Administration, Not Just Lawns and Not Just Cakes.

The annual Isle of Wight Gift Fair attracts visitors from across the whole Island and takes all year to organise. Chair of the Committee is Lady Pigot.

Pam Skinner and Eva Hurley

Janetta Anderson and Mel Orr

Beryl Birch and Maureen Richards

Carol Grant and Ann Bird

Celia Jennings, Jane Thompson, Dani Johnson, Maureen Kelly and head chef Jay Taylor

Pamela Watson-Lee, the gossip of Bembridge

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

BEST DRESSED TABLES PROLIFIC Yarmouthbased Aga book author, chef and personality, Amy Willcock, was at the Isle of Wight Gift Fair to give demonstrations of how to decorate your Christmas table.

With her colleague Bunny Cove, Amy demonstrated three ideas for eye catching and not necessarily expensive table decorations.

One of her designs had an anthracite theme with grey and silver – almost black and silver – items that had been placed upon a mirror for added glitz.

With an eye to recycling chipped glasses had been turned upside down became ideal candlesticks for silver candles.

A more traditional red and green themed arrangement had evergreen branches, feathers and silver branches in a silver teapot and a silver coffee pot.

Another more modern arrangement was a large bowl full of artificial snow and pinecones with battery operated white fairy lights.

These three centerpieces would be ideal for a Christmas table piece or could be used for a hall table or large mantelpiece.

Amy Willcock will be appearing on ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Home’ on Channel 4 at 8pm on December 10, helping Kirsty Allsopp to get ready for Christmas.

Amy Wilcock and Bunny Cove

M AND CO OPEN IN RYDE THE NEW M and Co store that will replace Woolworths in Ryde has been officially opened.

M and Co is a large retailing chain with over 300 stores

across the country.

Joanne Cumberpatch who is the new floor manager for the Ryde store, said: “We are very excited to be here on the Island and delighted to

be bringing work back to the area.

“We will be selling a range of products for men, women and children, as well as products for the home.”

Ryde Mayor David Woodward, and High Sheriff Gay Edwards open the store, watched by store manager Tina Stanley and area manager Tina Hill

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

LIGHTS OF LONG LANE TURNED ON BY GEOFFREY Geoffrey Hughes

Terry Ramplin, Geoffrey Hughes, Sandy Goddard, Luke Chessle, Eve Chessle, Harry Worters and Bert Worters

GEOFFREY HUGHES turned on the Christmas lights at Sue and Terry Ramplin’s Long Lane home for the second year running last Saturday.

This is the ninth year that the Ramplin’s have put on their magnificent display of lights with all money donated by visitors being given to the nearby Medina House School.

“We wanted to support a children’s charity so we’ve taken them on as our charity,” said Sue. “They let us know what they buy with the money which is nice and we go to an assembly to

donate the money and get to know them all.”

Last year visitors gave around £1,500 but previous years have topped the £2,000 mark. “We must have got over £10,000 in the past few years. The first year it was only £250 but it has gradually increased,” said Sue. “It started with a few lights on the guttering, then a few on the roof and then someone suggested that we did it for charity,” she explained.

“The 14’ Christmas tree was donated by Shide trees – they’ve been donating one for the past few years.

“We’ve been struggling to get it all up in the bad weather but we’ve had some good friends who’ve helped us. The latest addition is a projector that gives a snowing effect on the front of the house.

“Geoffrey always does a lovely speech and a countdown to the turn on,” said Sue appreciatively.

The lights are on until 9.30pm at present but will stay on later as Christmas gets closer and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve stay on all night. The collection boxes are emptied daily.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

Barbara Holmes holding Ellie Breia with the Medina High Community choir

The Long Lane illuminations

Anya Voller and Jazzmine Warren

Terry and Sue Ramplin

Adam Voller

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

POLICE START XMAS CRACKDOWN As a part of their festive campaign, Police are warning the dangerous of driving while under the influence of drink and drugs.

This year, Hampshire Constabulary is using the image of a cocktail menu to show why mixing driving with alcohol, illegal drugs or both can be fatal for road users.

For the first time, a text message service is also available to report

anyone suspected of driving under the influence.

Sergeant John Dainton from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “If you’re out enjoying the party season this year, make sure you plan ahead and organise a safe journey home.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs puts you and other road users in danger.

Alcohol makes it difficult to judge

distances, while cannabis can slow your reaction times and cocaine makes you more likely to take risks.

Combine any of these with driving and the results can be lethal.

“The effects of alcohol and many drugs can last for hours, so you may still be unsafe to drive the next day. The best advice is not to drink at all if you’re driving, or book a taxi beforehand.”

Sgt Dainton continued: “This

year, you can now also text us a message to 80999 if you think someone’s driving when they shouldn’t be.

“By texting, you can still report the details to us when it’s not so easy to do so over the phone, if you’re at the pub for example.”

The campaign runs until Sunday, January 31, 2010 and police will be patrolling the roads as they do throughout the year

“Our officers know what to look for and the chances are you will be caught, fined, banned from driving or even sent to jail,” added Sgt Dainton.

“So if drink or drug-driving doesn’t kill you or someone else, it can still ruin lives.”

To contact Hampshire Constabulary, always dial 999 in an emergency or 101 when it’s not an emergency.

FEATHERED

FRIENDS

EXTRA BUS SERVICE

RESIDENTS in Ryde, Binstead and Haylands will be getting an extra bus service as one of their Christmas bonuses this year.

A Community Transport Group, comprising Independent councillors Ian Stephens Brian Harris, Vanessa Churchman and Ivor Warlow, and a couple of local residents, have won their battle to have a new Saturday morning service installed.

The circular route will go from near Ryde Library to Binstead, Binstead Estate, Brickfields, Upton Cross and Haylands, returning to

Ryde. It is a route that has been operating since earlier this year from Mondays to Fridays only.

But now the Saturday service will begin at 9.15am and go through to 1.15pm from Ryde, starting from December 20. Although it is a big step in the right direction, Cllr Stephens hopes it will be only the start of improved transport facilities in the area.

The Group have called a meeting tomorrow (Saturday) at the United Reformed Church, Corbett Road, at 10.30am, to plan their own route forward.

Cllr Stephens said: “The new service will be vital to the elderly in particular, and we hope it will be just the important first step towards the next phase of a transport solution.

“We are certainly not going to rest on our laurels because we have managed to get this route operating on a Saturday. The long-term aim is for a more sustainable transport system throughout the district.”

Any residents who are interested in future plans, or willing to add their support, are invited to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

Newport now boasts a charity shop specifically for the benefit of our feathered friends – the birds. But only those of the aviary persuasion and not our wild bird population.

After many years of tabletop and car boot sales ‘Feather Friends’ have finally found a home for their fundraising activities in Pyle Street, behind HMV. Their aim is to open a bird park one day.

At present Sam Morley runs the bird shelter from her home in Newbridge, helped by husband Phill and her mum Pam. She now has around 500 rescued birds from finches to parrots. She also breeds from the bird and sells the chicks to buy food for her brood.

Two African Grey Parrots will live in the shop: Alfie and Robin. “It will be a charity shop but cheaper,” said Sam. Or would that be cheeper?

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

Get your car in tip top condition for the winter at Sandown Garage. Or you could opt for a newer car from their used car sales.

This well established company has been in its present site for three years - at the bottom of the Broadway opposite the Texaco petrol station as you leave Sandown for Brading.

Offering used car sales, servicing on all models, MOTs on site and repairs, Sandown Garage offer everything you’ll need to get your car ready for the cold months ahead.

Having trouble starting your car? It might be the battery and Sandown Garage have these in stock too. They also have exhausts, tyres and full diagnostic equipment to locate any faults you’ve noticed.

The used cars on sale range from £1,000 to £10,000 with a wide spectrum of makes and styles. All cars are Island sourced and used cars are purchased too – part exchange is also welcome and finance can be arranged.

KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING

TYRES BETTER AT WOOTTON SAFE, reliable service and the best tyres for your budget is what you can be assured of if you choose to buy your tyres from Wootton Tyres.

Run by the same family for the past 80 years, and established on the Island for the past 15 years, Wootton Tyres are on White Rails Road – the continuation of Staplers Road as it wends it’s way to Ryde. Just past the electricity sub station,

Wootton Tyres are at Wootton Business Park on the right as you drive toward Ryde.

Recently the company has taken on more staff and is moving to larger premises within the business park shortly. With all the latest scratchproof tyre fitting machinery and highly trained, motivated and very experienced staff, your car will be in good hands with Wootton Tyres.

All sizes of tyre are available from airplane tyres to wheelbarrow tyres.

If they don’t have the tyre you require in stock they have deliveries every day and can have one within 24 hours.

There is no waiting time – just drop in, get fitted and drive out – you’ll be in and out very quickly. Wootton Tyres can also offer a mobile 24-hour tyre fitting service – just call 885070.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

ALL THE FUN OF THE FIR

SPRUCE up your Festive season with an Island grown Christmas tree. This year on the Christmas tree farm Thompson’s are able to provide all the trees required for all their Garden Centres along the South Coast.

All the hard work has paid off and only the best trees are selected and freshly cut. For every tree harvested more are planted, new habitats are created and new wildlife inhabits these areas. They also plant the Scots Pine in between the fir trees to encourage red squirrels and clover for the bees in summer.

The trees absorb carbon dioxide and it is estimated that each tree gives off enough oxygen each year to meet the needs of 16 people.

The view at the Christmas tree farm is a breathtaking truly magical place where

trees of all ages and species are growing proud and tall. Cutting of the trees continues weekly throughout December to ensure freshness.

Thompson’s grow various types of trees. There is the traditional Norway Spruce and although it has a reputation for dropping its needles this is minimal when the tree is cut fresh, only brought indoors when needed, stood in a water reservoir and not near a heat source.

Thompson’s also have the Blue Spruce, which like the Norway Spruce but has beautiful blue green foliage. They also have non-needle drop varieties like Nordman and Fraser Firs. The Nordman is the most popular needle fast tree.

It has good shape and retains it’s needles. It has aromatic dark green foliage. The Nordman

is a slow grower taking longer to mature and they also grow the Fraser Fir, which has a good shape, is highly scented with a blue underside to the foliage Thompson’s grow several varieties in pots as living trees. After the festive season they can be acclimatized to the outdoors and kept for many years.

Thompson’s also sponsor trees across the Island. Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival always have a special tree, Newport and Ryde Fire Stations have trees and a big tree is being supplied to Shanklin town centre for their Christmas festival.

Two trees are supplied to the Barton Manor Christmas Market in aid of the IW Hospice and Thompson’s supply a big tree to the Long Lane lights to raise money for nearly Medina House School.

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

GLITZ AT SHANKLIN THEATRE

Members of the Footsteps Dance Studio are preparing for their ‘Putting on the Glitz’ show this weekend (December 4 and 5), with the hope that Shanklin Theatre will be saved from closure.

Footsteps is one of the largest dance schools on the Island, with just over 250 keen performers aged from three to 70 years old.

Linda Hodnitt, started the studio 24 years ago, having previously taught as an assistant. Linda was joined by her daughter, Anna Croft, to make a

very successful partnership that now has four studios in different parts of the Island.

Louise Ellis, a senior dancer at Footsteps is looking forward to the show, but admits she is disappointed that the famous old theatre faces closure.

“Everyone at Footsteps is always really excited about performing at the Shanklin Theatre. I have been with the Footsteps for 21 years, since I was five-years-old. In that time I have had many magical moments

Amy Hendriksen, Sarah Blow, Louise Ellis, and Toni Wheaton

and performed in London’s West End theatres, including Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, Royal Albert Hall and even at Disneyland Paris.

“The group gave me the chance to grow in confidence as I was growing up and I had the experience of a lifetime to work for Disney when I was 18 as a dancer and character parade performer,” said Louise.

“Shanklin Theatre is the final part of the dancing process on the Island as you learn your routines ready to

show off your techniques on the stage. It’s great that the students have an opportunity to perform the skills and routines to their families and friends at the theatre.

“It is such a great looking, old-fashioned historical theatre. It will be a great loss.”

Anna Croft added: “We would like to thank all students and their families for their support and enthusiasm. I want to wish all students good luck and enjoy their performances over the weekend.

“It will be very sad to lose such a great theatre to perfom in. It will be another venue taken away that gives children a chance to perform on stage to an audience.

“Dancing is great hobby and keeps kids off the streets. We have performed there for years and really don’t want the theatre to close.”

A portion of the proceeds taken from the show will be donated to the Naomi House charity. Tickets are available at the Shanklin Theatre box office.

Nine and 10-year-olds from the Footsteps Dance Studio

Reduced terms for single occupancy of two large apartments to discerning tenant.

Rarely available.

Tel: 078008 04797 Discounted rent available Single person of any age able to carry out occasional painting.

Long term opportunity.

Tel: 07964 402717

Youngsters starring in the show

The senior dancers in action

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

‘ALICE’ IS WONDERFUL IN RYDE

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL: 402599

NEW LOOK FOR JIMS

A BRAND new refurbishment of the parents and carers waiting area at Jungle Jim’s has made this popular children’s play area much more user friendly.

There is now a pleasant coffee coloured interior and new bench seating and tables in the coffee shop area. You can have hot drinks, cakes and snacks or choose from

the more substantial fare on offer in the café downstairs and bring your food up to Jungle Jims if you wish.

Jungle Jim’s has been on Shanklin’s seafront in the Summer Arcade for 15 years and is very reasonable – with good rates for children’s parties too. It has all the usual attractions of a frame based play area: a ball pond, giant

slides and ariel runways and caters for ages up to 12 – with a height restriction of 5ft.

Downstairs is the amusement arcade, which stays open until 10pm along with a small go-kart track and a bowling alley. The café has a wide range of meals and snacks and there is a gift shop selling newspapers and confectionary.

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

By Alec Webb Ryde High School once again wowed audiences with a fantastic performance of ‘Alice’, directed

by Ruth Griffiths and Rebecca Jones.

Yet again the cast display their energy and love of Drama with a variety of characters, ranging from, a charismatic Cheshire Cat (Dom Rose) to a Rastafarian crab (Eloise DeCavalho).

As soon as the lights went down the band began to play, the whole cast was full of energy as they burst onto the stage. The first kick started the show into action and was met with hoardes of cheers from the audience.

In the first half the characters were portrayed very well and everyone involved put lots of work into achieving their roles.

Here are a few moments that particularly stood out to me: In the first scene the chorus

was very well utilised acting as a giant computer keyboard for the White Rabbit (Gemma Kaye) to process Alice (Hayley Morris) with a great effect. Alice then bumps into a very cool caterpillar (Bella McCrimmon).

The caterpillar danced onto the stage to a hip-hop beat and the audience immediately burst into hysterics. I found that the caterpillar was, for me, one of the best thought out charcters, the voice matched the body language and the character was portrayed just as I thought it should be.

From this moment the audience had been transported into the world of Wonderland.

Now it was time for a visit from iconic characters Tweedle-dee (Alex Mountford) and Tweedledum (Bradley Stockdale). They entered the stage stomping loudly but in time with each

other. Immediately after the dialogue had started I noticed that Bradley had put on a fantastic aristocratic accent, which I felt matched the character very well. This was followed by a song and dance that was choreographed by Katherine Millmore appropriately.

In the second half it was a similar array of stunning costumes, song, dance and a tea party! I felt that the tea party scene straight after the interval was the best, the first song immediately immersed the audience back into Wonderland and finished with the whole cast performing the song in a round.

The character that I thought stood out was the Mad Hatter (Will Nicholson), his voice was hilarious and the character well suited the personality and jest of the Mad Hatter. The Queen

(Katie Hayles) sent the audience into fits of laughter with her shrieks of ‘off with his head’. The Ace of Spades (David Havard) comically pies the Queen in the face bringing a stunning climax to the dramatic court scene!

The music and set crew also did a good job, accompanying the cast to pull together a fantastic performance. The set crew was effectively led by Tyler Frankling and the music conducted and arranged by Luke Mulhern.

Ros King chose and designed the wonderful costumes which lighted up the stage and atmosphere beautifully.

Although the show had been prepared in just four weeks, that short time did not effect the great performing standard of Ryde High School students in one of the school’s best performances to date.

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

WINTER WARMER

Sole Island dealers for Clearview wood burning stoves and Aarrow wood burning stoves, Wight and Green now have a showroom at Gatcombe’s Sheat Manor Farm– just opposite the turn off to Rookley.

Wood burning stoves are the way forward for heating – especially for those who are worried about our environment and the ways in which our power is being

produced.

Just remember that wood is a fuel that reproduces itself and as it matures, produces 20 times more oxygen than is needed to burn it, absorbs carbon dioxide at the same time and produces heat.

Wood is solar energy. Think of a log as a solar battery with the tree’s leaves picking up the sun’s rays like a charger, and storing them.

Clean air is something we

are blessed with on the Isle of Wight and we need to keep it that way. The reason Wight and Green sell Clearview stoves is the double combustion system, which burns the fuel, then burns the exhaust fumes again (this also cleans the ‘Clearview’ glass at the same time). This creates a less sooty emission - good for the environment.

It also makes the stove more economical.

Not everyone has room to store logs, so Clearviews are multi-fuel stoves. Coal can also be used and the double combustion works in the same way. Or you might like to try Wight Heat briquettes or Fuel Britannia straw briquettes – both produced on the Island.

The company has a stove running in the showroom so why not drop in and they can demonstrate the different

types of fuel, and show you different flue systems. With stoves in stock you could have a stove in your home before Christmas.

Wight and Green also sell many accessories to accompany your stove such as baskets and have spare parts for Clearview stoves and can service Clearviews.

Lovely hand made ironwork items made by local blacksmith J.R. Philpott

such as pokers and chestnut pans would make ideal gifts for a friend or family member with a stove.

Neighbour Darren White can make bespoke shelves to enhance your stove. You could have a beautifully styled mantelpiece for your Christmas cards above your brand new stove. Just drop in at Gatcombe to see what Wight and Green have to offer you.

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

RYDE TREE FESTIVAL

It was the second year for Ryde Methodist Church’s Christmas Tree Festival and it had grown considerably since last year with around 30 trees on display.

Members of the church and organisations who use the church hall such as the Brownies and a Tai Chi group had decorated many of the trees.

Some were dressed by local

charities and had collecting boxes for the charities.

Entrance was by a minimum donation of £1 with children free and £1,002 was raised towards funds to maintain the church building.

The festival came about because of an idea from Julie Richardson who was helped by Sheila Files and they organised the Christmas

tree side of the event. The accompanying Christmas Fair was organised by Judy Clarke and Mrs Ruth Realey co-ordinated all of the refreshments, which were served throughout.

The festival ran from Thursday November 26 to Sunday November 29. The church also has its own Christmas tree and this year it was donated by Haylands Farm.

Simon and Ruth Realey

Kay Arnold, Lynne Mulhem with the love and marriage tree

A white Christmouse by A. Nony mouse, writes in the church news letter

Elizabeth and Rebecca McCourt with Amebel Richardson

Rebecca and Janice McCourt with the hand tree

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO FROM SATURDAY

AT THE BALCONY

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SPORT

The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

TORNADOES TOPPLED RYDE THE THAMES

The IW Tornadoes U12 team played host to the Haringey Greyhounds in their seventh game of the season.

Every player showed commitment and showed determination in what turned out to be a tough game for the youngsters.

Haringey’s number 13 Almosz Orosz certainly wasn’t unlucky for them, as

he showed how well he could skate and handle a puck, racking up an incredible 12 goals while the other players stood and watched.

But the home side didn’t give up hope and battled on to score two goals in the first period. The Tornadoes’ man of the match Keelan Walsh netted first, followed by Blain Pugh, assisted by Walsh and Ben Mcloughlin.

After the break and a constructive team talk, the tornadoes came back out on the ice with some new plans of attack and defence.

Dan Murray showed some of his potential as an up and coming netminder, as he shut out 32 of Haringeys 40 shots on goal.

Oliver Orlik and Oliver Mcloughlin stood strong as defencemen on the second

line denying the visitors several breakaways and showing great teamwork.

The Tornadoes bagged four more goals in the second period with Walsh and Pugh both completing hat tricks with assists coming from Kieran Tavener and Kodi Coles.

But on this occasion, the visitors proved too strong and ran out eventual 19-6 winners.

Four of Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Clubs Veteran Scullers competed in the Scullers Head of the River Race, on the River Thames.

This is a race for single sculls over the 4.25 mile championship course from Mortlake to Putney. First sculled in 1954, this year’s race involved almost 500 scullers attracting entries from all over the UK and the world, with standards ranging from internationals to novices.

The best result for the Ryde Scullers came from Ian Hayden competing in the Veteran B category where he finished in an impressive second place and 65th overall in a time of 22 minutes 12 seconds.

The other three Ryde Scullers were competing in the Veteran C

category where the best performance came from Nick Pike, who finished fourth in that status and 133rd overall, in a time of 22 minutes 51 seconds.

Russell Page finished in sixth place in the category, 164th overall in a time of 23 minutes four seconds, with Mike Jenner just behind him in seventh place and 176th overall, with a time of 22 minutes 42 seconds.

With all fours Scullers finishing in the top half of and one inside the top 100, this was an impressive set of results for the Ryde Scullers.

The best result from any Islander came from Ryde member Ashley Maitland, who raced for the London Rowing Club in the IM1 category. He finished third in his status and 32nd overall in a time of 21 minutes 53 seconds.

TIGERS ROAR TO VICTORY

By Jamie White

The Wightlink Tigers roared past Streatham Bruins as they recorded an emphatic 10-2 win.

Youngster Aaron Edwards marked his start for the Tigers with his first senior goal, before going on to get another and securing the man of match award.

The Tigers got off to a good start when Paul Sanderson’s blue line shot beat the Bruins net minder with just

over two minutes gone in the game. The home side hit back with a goal just 90 seconds later and then took the lead as the Tigers failed to clear the zone. The Tigers tied the game just 40 seconds later when Graham MacFarlane netted from Niall Bound.

Just past the period halfway marker the visitors took the lead with what was to be the game winning goal

as Richard Nembhard scored assisted by Jamie Lee and Bound. From this point on it was all about the Tigers as they piled the pressure on the Bruins and Aaron Edwards’ hard work in front of the net paid off as he found the back of the net for his first goal, assisted by Nembhard and Lee. The Bruins change of net minder just after this saw the replacement peppered

with shots with the Tigers getting their fifth through MacFarlane & Joe Osborne.

Midway through the second period veteran Tony Blaize took the puck around the advancing Bruins net minder to coolly skate through the crease and tap the puck into the net for the Tigers sixth.

Sharing in his fellow junior team mates glory Jordan Ricketts made it seven for the Tigers assisted by

MacFarlane.

The third period was almost a repeat of the second as it was midway through the period before the Tigers netted again from Bound, assisted by Ricketts and Martin Goddard grabbing his first senior point. Three minutes later and Edwards was on the sheet for a second time assisted by Lee and Sanderson.

Macfarlane had the chance

to complete his hat-trick when he rounded the visitors’ net minder. With an open goal facing him, his shot agonisingly hit the post, before he took a tumble and landed heavily into the hoardings, resulting in a shoulder injury leaving him out for up to four weeks.

The final goal of the game came from Ricketts with one minute remaining, assisted

by Rowen Salter.

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A DOZEN LIGHTNING STRIKES The IW Lightning U14s swept aside Bristol at the Ryde Arena recording a comfortable 12-0 victory.

The Lightning were at full strength, apart from alternate Captain Dylan Ronald who will be sidelined for several weeks with a wrist injury. The usual three 15-minute periods changed for two 20-minute periods as Bristol arrived late and needed to get away as quickly as possible.

The home side went ahead after

just two minutes when Rory Julian assisted by Jordan Jacobs slotted a top corner shot into the visitors net. The lead was doubled on 14 minutes when the influential Alex Trendall scored a well worked goal assisted by Eden Holten. A further goal was added to just before the interval break again by Trendall.

The second period was a different story altogether as the Lightning’s fitness and strength started to tell against the visitors.

Within five minutes of the restart, the home team had doubled their score to six goals, with two from Rory Julian and a further goal from Trendall to complete their hat-tricks.

With a six goal lead the whole team were now getting equal ice time and after 26 minutes, Jacob Pelletier scored a fine goal. With Brandon Wright breaking away down the left he launched a powerful blue line shot, which the netminder could

only push into the path of Pelletier who slotted home from close range.

During this period of the game, Bristol also had some good shots of their own, but as always Aaron Craft pulled off some good confident saves.

Another goal was then added

by Julian with his best goal of the game, after a lovely through pass from Holton, he put the puck into the top right corner. Within a couple of minutes Julian returned

the favour for Holten, who finished well.

With the clock running down it still gave the Island youngsters enough time to score a further three goals. The first by Trendall and the second by Brandon Wright, who once again had a very good game.

The final goal was scored by Alex to complete his double hat-trick with a nice pass from Harrison Brown giving a comprehensive score of 12-0.

TROJANS PROVE TOO STRONG FOR VETS

The Sandown and Shanklin rugby veterans suffered a 36-8 defeat at the hands of London Division Two side Trojans 3rds.

The home side fielded a well-drilled team full of athleticism and youth.

Sandown & Shanklin presented a more mature profile with six players over 50 and only one player under 35.

The match began promisingly with a rock solid Hurricanes scrum held steady by Buckingham, Forbes and Squibb. Trojans creaked at their own put in and were looking vulnerable in the tight.

Laidler, Crew and Coleman broke to set up a well placed ruck in the Trojans 22. Trojans number eight lay on the wrong side and Edmonston slotted over the penalty goal to open the scoring.

Ten minutes in and the game had swung dramatically towards the home side as the Trojans back line slipped into gear. Three missed tackles by the Vets and three soft tries for Trojans.

The Hurries midfield of Swallow, Potter, and McGloughlin faced an uphill task as their younger opponents zipped the ball through the hands leaving the

Hurries wingers to face two-on-one conundrums.

Hamstring injuries to Crookes, McGloughlin and Heelan didn’t help and the Hurricanes Vets were on the back foot.

Five minutes after the break and 30 points down, the visitors found their second wind and a spirit of belligerence missing from the first half. Laidler, Crew and Perfect drove up through the middle forcing Trojans onto the back foot and confirming the Hurries Vets can still rattle their opponents.

A little edginess came back into the game and the Vets began to dominate physical exchanges across the park. Swallow set up

Wicks for a thunderous charge through the middle supported by a now rampant Hurries back row. Steve Perfect was on hand to swerve through defenders and dive theatrically for the final score and a well deserved sense of team pride.

Wightlink man of the match was Kevin Squibb for his solid scrummaging.

Spa Systems man of the match was Lawrence Edmonston for his sportsman-like behaviour throughout the match.

Sandown & Shanklin Veterans next game is away to Fareham Heathens on December 19.

Sandown and Shanklin Veterans warming up

SURF CLUB TO RE-LAUNCH RUNNERS HEAD TO HAYLING

The Isle of Wight Surf Club is re-launching for 2010, with an emphasis on developing a community within the sport and at a grass-roots level.

The club is hoping to draw upon the large numbers of surfers and supporters, locations and resources the Island has to offer, as well as developing links with schools and youth groups.

The club will also aim to provide an opportunity to bring together existing surfers and their supporters in a social, creative and competitive environment, as well as introducing newcomers to watersports on the Island, uniting surfers, bodyboarders, kayakers, and kite-surfers.

There will be contests, trips to national competitions and events,

expeditions and social and charity events. There will also be information for schools and young people on the Island through presentations and environmental projects such as beach cleans.

Heading up the campaign is Matt Harwood, one of the Island’s most respected and experienced surfers.

He has teamed up with Island eco surf-wear company Rapanui, with activity support from iSurf, Wight Water and Offshore Sports.

Matt said: “I have seen the potential on the Isle of Wight for a united Surf community. The re-launch of the club will help to reunite old members, bring in new people, alleviate tension in the water and make it more accessible for

youngsters.”

The club re-launches on December 12 with an inaugural ‘Secret Santa’style surf competition meeting at Compton car park at 11.30am with all ages and abilities welcome.

In the evening there will be a launch party for the new-look Isle of Wight Surf Club at The Black Sheep Bar, Union Street, Ryde starting at 8pm – hosted by local DJ’s Beatroot playing an eclectic mix of modern and classic funk, rock and soul.

Discounted membership will be available on this day only.

Membership

will be available online at www.iowsurfclub.com after the event or directly by phone and includes a year’s British Surfing Association insurance, 10 per cent discount at Earth Wind and Water, free access to social events and a 15 per cent discount at Rapanuiclothing.com.

Two members of the IOW Road Runners didn’t let the bad weather stop them from competing last weekend.

With the wind howling and the rain pouring down, conditions were terrible for the 418 runners taking part in Hayling Island 10 mile race.

This popular race returned after a break of a couple of years and was run on a flat course.

Both of the guys finished in the top half of the field, with Steve Hickman first over the line in a time of 79 minutes 24 seconds for 176th place.

Tom Martin was close behind in 199th place, with a time of 81 minutes three seconds.

Closer to home, 22 IOW Road Runner club members contested the latest in the winter series.

Winner of the nominated race was Mark Capodici, with a time just two seconds outside his nominated time.

Close behind was Clare Jones at nine seconds and Tom Martin at 12 seconds.

Phil Mannall was quickest on the night in 30 minutes 10 seconds, with Alan Rowe home in 30 minutes 13 seconds and Rich Whittington third, in 32 minutes.

Steve Hickman

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The Gazette, Friday, December 4, 2009

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KIDS GET KICKBOXING

The Island’s Tiger Kickboxing Club will soon be roaring into action in Sandown following their successful ventures in Ryde and Freshwater.

The Sandown Youth Centre in Grafton Street, Sandown will be the club’s new venue from January 5, with enthusiasts of all ages invited to learn the art of kickboxing.

The club was formed in 1972 by Sharon Brodrick, who has since gone on to become a Fourth Dan in the sport.

“I got in to kickboxing when I was younger and living on the mainland.

I thought it was a really good thing

BY JAMIE WHITE

to get in to. I found that it really helped with self discipline and it is something good for people to channel their energy in to,” said Sharon.

“In our training centres at Ryde and Freshwater we make sure everything is done properly. We have sets of pads, gloves shields and shinguards for people to use.”

Sharon continued: “We’ve had several people from the club go on

to compete at national level and come away victorious. Terri Harris who runs our Freshwater club is the current national U40s champion which is fantastic.”

With the centres in Ryde and Freshwater becoming so popular, it was decided that the club wanted to expand even further.

Sharon added: “Kate Downes, who is a parent of a lad who trains with us, approached me to look at perhaps setting one up in Sandown.

I spoke to Cllr Ian Ward and Town councllr Raj Patel who were very supportive of the idea.”

Josh Spink, Charlie Dilk, Skye Louise, Nathan Downes, Harry Campion, Steven Soal, Liam Gales (red gloves) Marcus West (blue gloves)

After months of discussions and meetings, permission was granted to use Sandown Youth Centre in Grafton Street as the training venue.

“I hope to encourage more members to come and join us. We really have all ages coming to try the sport. I think our oldest member at the moment is 55 years old,” said Sharon.

Sandown Town Councllr Raj Patel and Councllr Ian Ward both gave support to the group. Cllr Ward said: “Raj and myself fully support the kickboxing group and I’m also trying to find some funding for extra

equipment.

“The kickboxing group will certainly provide another opportunity for Sandown residents of all ages to engage in a different type of sport and benefit from the associated fitness training. I wish them lots of luck in making this a thriving group in Sandown.”

The Tiger Kickboxing Club also took part in this year’s Ryde Carnival and managed to claim third place.

On December 12, members of the club are heading to Woking for a competition, with 15 kickboxers from the club competing.

Nathan Downes (blue) and Charlie Dilk (red)