IW Gazette 27

the gazette isle of wight

Your great local read every fortnight

If you can, please make a donation to the hospice

IN THIS ISSUE:

Celebs spotted in Cowes

Gigs at Osborne House

Lifestyle page 12

Page 28

Friday August 7 - Thursday August 20

Chale show round-up Page 25

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E E FR Please e take on

Birthday ends in tragedy

Vestas wind up

Police stand guard at cordoned off alley between Ash Road and Robin Hood Street in Newport before calling in specialist USAR from Hampshire Fire and Rescue to help recover the body.

See page 3 for full story

THE BID to save over 600 jobs at Vestas took a dramatic new turn this week.

As a judge served a possession order for the Danish firm to reclaim their factory in Newport, sympathisers scaled the roof of the Venture Quays building in East Cowes to show their support to workers who

“I am a Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) member and I am supporting are continuing a sit in protest at people on my union. Cowes Vestas.

Week is the perfect opportuThe Gazette spoke exclusively nity for us to get the message to one campaigner, who would out worldwide to try and save only be known as Richard, who Vestas. is amongst activists on the roof “We want the re-instatement of at the Venture Quays building. all the Vestas workers including

By Jamie White

Zara Phillips and partner rugby ace Mike Tindall at Cowes, before competing in the Artemis yacht race

Zara joins celebs for Cowes race

RUGBY ace Mike Tindall confirmed that he intends to marry Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne. Tindall was quoted this week in celeb magazine Hello, “I don’t think it’s about whether we will get married, it’s a matter of when.”

It has been speculated for some time that the couple are likely to marry, but they confirmed that it’s difficult to find the time, due to commitments.

The couple have been dating six years.

More on Zara on pg 12 of Lifestyle.

the ones that have been offered redundancy.

“We would like to see it co-operatively owned or nationalized.

We want to see the government putting their money where their mouth is in terms of making Continued on page 2

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the gazette Contact Details Newsdesk: (01983) 409928 Fax: (01983) 404189 Email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk Address: The IW Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH

Display advertising: (01983) 402599 Sales manager: James Rolfe Sorry – the Gazette currently does not carry any classified advertising Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd

Editor: Jason Kay Features Editor: Jo Macaulay Reporters: Jamie White, Richard Collins, Penny Newnham, Peter White

Design: Colin Clarke, Dean Chick, Paul Mercer Accounts & sales administrator: Roxy Vaughan

Issue 27 • August 7 2009 Supporting the Earl Mountbatten Hospice through your generous donations when you pick up your free copy – Together we have so far raised over £24,000

The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Vestas wind up Continued from front page

themselves into the factory, and a re-possession notice was funding available for sustainable served. wind turbines,” said Richard.

The decision was greeted The demonstrator continued: with boos and jeers by climate “We are certainly well equipped change activists and members of to stay here for as long as the RMT Union, who staged a possible. We have got tents, a protest outside the court. kitchen, loads of food and water, Bob Crow, general secretary sleeping gear and telephone of the RMT said the union equipment. would continue with its cam“There are a few of us up here paign to save the jobs. now. We have got people up “The court has made its decihere from Climate Camp, RMT sion but we will continue with and other concerned individuals. our campaign and the right to We will stay here for as long as work on green energy jobs.” it takes.”

At the time of The Gazette The Vestas plant was due to going to press, the sit-in at the close last Friday, with the loss Vestas factory was continuing, of hundreds of jobs but it was even though some workers had delayed because of the sit-in at left the premises having felt the Newport factory. they made their point and had Earlier this week Judge other commitments.

Graham White said he was The occupation of the roof of satisfied that legal papers had the East Cowes based Venture been served on the group of 11 Quays building was also onworkers who have barricaded going.

Dan Lashey from Ryde, first protestor to leave the Vesta’s Newport site after the court granted an eviction order

Two arrested in alleged Cowes robbery, third suspect still sought DETECTIVES are investigating reports of a robbery in Cowes, after it was alleged a 41-year-old man was assaulted and robbed.

The victim received head, face, leg and hand injuries, which were not serious.

A set of keys, a black Sony Ericsson mobile phone, and a

black ‘Animal’ wallet containing a bank card and £100 in cash, were reported stolen after the robbery at approximately 10.30pm on Sunday August 2.

An 18-year-old man from Newport and a 21-year-old man from Cowes were arrested on suspicion of robbery, and bailed

until September 21 pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Lee Torrance of Isle of Wight CID said: “I would like to thank the witnesses who have given statements to police already.

We remain keen to trace a possible third suspect in relation

to this robbery, which appears to have been an unprovoked assault on a man shortly after he withdrew money from a cash point. Anyone with information is asked to contact IW CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.”

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Tragic death of Newport man

Mark Wells out celebrating his birthday hours before the tragic accident that claimed his life

Gas leak sparks street closure FIREFIGHTERS from Ryde and Newport were called to tackle a gas leak at Liquid Lounge on Union Street, Ryde.

Police cordoned off one of Ryde’s busiest streets for four hours on Monday 3, whilst fire fighters in breathing apparatus tackled the leaking refrigerant from a cooling

unit in the cellar.

A Fire Service spokesperson said “It was originally reported as smoke issueing from a cellar, but after a short investigation crews traced the source to a faulty cooling unit.”

The area was made safe using a water jet and dry powder extinguisher.

SPECIALIST Rescue teams from Eastleigh were called on Sunday August 2, to help recover a man’s body that had become wedged in a drain.

It is thought that the 32-yearold aircraft fitter, who lived alone and worked at GKN Aerospace, had been out after celebrating his 32nd birthday. He had lifted the drain cover and then crawled in to try to retrieve something he had dropped, before becoming wedged tight.

Officers cordoned off the scene for a number of hours, while they carried out investigations The gruesome discovery was made by a 70 year-old, Brian Grey, whilst he was out walking his dog in the early hours of Sunday morning. Mr Gray said: “I was walking the dog and I saw a pair of feet sticking out.” One member of the rescue team said: “I’ve never had to deal something as unusual as this before.” He went to say that crews used specialist cutting and breaking equipment to recover the body

of Mark Wells.

A post-mortem found that Mark had suffocated from being upside down, just 30ft from his front door. His keys were later found at the bottom of the drain. Coroner John Matthews said: “Residents living in Ash Road, in the early hours of the morning, were woken by cries for help.” He went on to say that one man went out to look to see if he could find out where they were coming from. When he failed to find anyone he put it down to somebody on the way home from an evening out.

Step-mum Rachel Wells paid tribute to Mark saying that he was a loving, sensitive son who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. “This was a tragic accident. We don’t blame anyone,” said Mrs Wells. Other tributes from many of Mark’s friends have been left on internet networking site, Facebook.

An inquest opened on Tuesday 4 August at IW Coroners Court and was adjourned until a later date.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Appeal after Italian student robbed POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a report of a robbery against a teenage Italian exchange student in Ryde.

The 13-year-old boy was walking with two other Italian exchange students along Melville Street towards Vernon Square.

As the three reached the junction of Vernon Square, it’s alleged one of the Italians was assaulted before his mobile phone was stolen.

The victim was not seriously injured in the robbery, which happened sometime

between 5.10pm and 5.25pm on Thursday July 30.

The suspect, who is believed to be a white male, then ran away with a group of other males through Vernon Square into a disused bungalow.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen what happened, and who can give a more detailed description of a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Ryde Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jill Legg, the Friends’ treasurer; Dr Marie Lynch, A&E consultant; Mary Bound, A&E Manager; and Pam Wimpenny, a long-serving member of the Friends

Island coffee friends

THE FRIENDS of St Mary’s, who raise funds for services and equipment that the Island’s Primary Care Trust budget cannot stretch to, have provided the hospital’s A&E department with a coffee machine at a cost of more than £3,000. Mary Bound, A&E manager at St

Mary’s, said: “This has made patients’ waiting a lot more comfortable by providing hot and cold refreshments for them and their relatives.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Friends should contact Jill Legg, the group’s treasurer, on 532950.

Sun, sand and stink

ANDREW TURNER, the Island’s MP, yesterday heeded the call from a Ventnor businessman to come down and smell for himself the ‘Ventnor Pong’ which has been troubling the town recently. Mr Turner had already written to the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Southern Water and the Isle of Wight Council to try to identify the cause of the offensive smell and who was responsible for dealing with it.

On Tuesday afternoon he was contacted again

by Graham Perks, who explained that the smell was particularly bad that afternoon and asked if he could come down to experience for himself how unpleasant it was. Arriving at about 4.00pm, Mr Turner understood immediately how serious the problem was, saying that he thought the smell was ‘rank’.

He also took the opportunity to chat to a number

Graham Perks (left) with Andrew Turner MP

of other local residents to hear how the smell had been affecting them.

Locals had started a petition to get something done about the smell particularly as many people had been complaining of sore throats, respiratory problems and headaches.

The Council have issued a statement saying that they plan to send down diggers this week to clear

the seaweed and deal with the problem.

Mr Turner said: “The smell is absolutely horrible. Although the Council are convinced it comes from rotting seaweed I can perfectly understand why people suspect it may be a sewage smell. I am very glad that the Council is going to clear the seaweed this week; I hope that will deal with the smell

and demonstrate that it is nothing more unpleasant.”

Graham Perks said: “On behalf of local businesses and residents who have been suffering from this problem I would like to thank Andrew for coming down so promptly and applying pressure in the right places to try to solve the problem.”

August 7, 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Hare today, hare to stay HOLIDAYMAKERS David and Lisa Yates were out walking their dogs on Culver Down when they spotted a hare in the long grass. But this was no ordinary hare – it was the beautiful carving by Paul Sivell that had been untimely chainsawed from its perch at Arreton Cross.

The hare will now be reunited with the two magpies, carved from a fallen tree, that were a focal point at Arreton before a thief took a fancy to them and went and got a chainsaw in the early hours of July 26.

Chairman of Arreton Parish Council, Robin Oulton, who commissioned and helped to pay for the sculpture, was organising a reward for the couple. Initially they had handed in the sculpture into a wood yard near their campsite at Beaper. Director of Whitefield Woodyard, Russell Palin, who used to work with

Mr Sivell, recognised the hare and arranged for its safe return.

He will also be rewarded.

“Thanks to the honesty of Mr and Mrs Yates people will again be able to enjoy it,” said Cllr Oulton. “I am really pleased it has been brought back.”

Russell Palin was planning a few surprises for anyone who tries to steal it again.

• BOYS on the balcony, occupying the Vestas yard in Newport, contacted The Gazette just after 12noon today August 6, to confirm that the baliff had served the recently obtained court order to evict the protestors. Spokesperson for the workers, Jamie, said that just after 12 the baliff had stuck the court notice on the window.

“We are now discussing what

we are going to do. We may all decide to come out before the baliff turns up tomorrow.” The ballif’s office spokeswoman confirmed that they will enforce it sometime after noon tomorrow, Friday August 7.

• HOME-GROWN events announced two new acts for Summer Madness!Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, and Gentleman’s Dub Club.

Hero remembered

Stop press...

A PLAQUE has been unveiled in Carisbrooke Castle Museum celebrating one of the Island’s forgotten heroes precisely 521 years after he was killed in battle.

On July 28 1488 Sir Edward Woodville and 440 men from the Island lost their lives at the battle of St Aubin, in Brittany.

The memorial plaque commemorates Sir Edward and his men – as well as Diccon Cheke, the sole survivor who brought the tragic tale back from France.

Dorothy Davies, author of ‘Captain Of The Wight’, the story of Sir Edward and the ill-fated campaign, has been the driving force behind the memorial.

She said: “The memorial rectifies a long overdue omission, as there has long been a plaque in the battlefield in St Aubin to the English dead but there has never been an equivalent on the Island until now. I wanted to highlight this overlooked piece of Island history.”

Dinosaur power cut

AN ENERGY-saving gizmo installed at Dinosaur Isle in Sandown has cut its bills by more than £3,000, according to the museum’s management.

Voltage optimisation technology has been used to reduce the incoming electricity voltage from 245Volts to 220Volts with no ing knot and rope work, pottery, reduction in quality glass painting and local photoor need to use plug graphs and paintings. adapters. The system Children are catered for with a installed in Dinosaur ‘Rhymetime’ for babies and tod- Isle is also expected dlers at 10.30am, followed by a to reduce carbon storytime for 5 to 9 year olds. dioxide emissions After this, artist Paul van Giap by more than 13.5 will run a making and painting tonnes each year. workshop for children of all The system has ages, all for free. proved so effective Refreshments will be available IW Council plans to courtesy of the Women’s Instiinstall the system in tute, raising funds for Freshwater more council buildLifeboat. ings.

15 and still going strong

THE OUTDOOR Arts and Crafts event to be held on the lawns of Freshwater Library, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

The event takes place on Wednesday August 12 between 10am and 4pm and all the display areas have been fully booked.

Since 1995, the event has attracted the cream of the Island’s artists and crafts people. This year, a wide variety of arts and crafts will be on display, includ-

The plaque commemorating Sir Edward Woodville, who died in Brittany in battle

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August 7, 2009

August 7, 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Havenstreet honoured Recycling old batteries SPECIAL collection bins for old batteries have been installed at the Island’s three household recycling centres.

As well as standard batteries such as the AA and AAA types, batteries for laptops, hearing aids and mobile phones can also be recycled.

The disused batteries are collected by a specialist recycling firm. The batter-

HAVENSTREET has been voted the Isle of Wight Village of the Year for 2009.

The picturesque village took the title ahead of runner-up Northwood in the annual competition run

by Steven Lugg, on behalf of the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, with sponsorship provided by Calor, the supplier of offmains gas.

As the overall winner,

Havenstreet will now go forward to represent the Island in the national ‘Village of the Year for England’ competition with the winner to be announced in December.

Steven Lugg commented: “Our congratulations go to both villages successful in this year’s competition. We were very impressed by the overall standard. We hope that even more villages will

be encouraged to participate in 2010.”

The top two villages in the Island competition will be presented with their prizes at an awards event to take place in Havenstreet next month.

Havenstreet will receive the coveted cast iron plaque, a certificate of commendation and £400 prize money, while Northwood will be presented with a certificate and £100 prize money.

Baebes gear up for charity show

MEDIAEVAL Baebes, the girl group who take their lyrics from medieval texts and set them to original scores using classical instruments, are to perform on the Island in a one-off charity show.

The concert, on August 22 at All Saints Church in Ryde, will raise money for the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust, the charity that maintains the Dimbola Lodge Museum in Freshwater Bay. The Baebes have had three albums in the classical charts and their contribution to

the BBC production of The Virgin Queen brought them an Ivor Novello award in 2007 for best television soundtrack.

Tickets, costing £15, are available from the Dimbola Lodge Museum, Waterstones bookshop in Newport and Record Mania in Ryde.

ies are stripped down and drained to leave just their metal casing which is then melted or dissolved.

The metal that is produced can then be recycled into a variety of products, ranging from frying pans to DVD players.

Car batteries are also collected at the Island’s dumps but this scheme is separate

to the household battery bin.

The three recycling centres are located at Lynnbottom, just east of Newport, Forest Road, north-west of Newport, and Afton, near Freshwater.

Homes in the UK throw away 600 million household batteries every year – the equivalent weight of 110 jumbo jets.

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August 7, 2009

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Penny’s memory lives on

By Richard Collins

Some of the friends who ran the 2009 Race for Life in memory of Penny Deacon

Film with a message

PARENTS and guardians on the Island are being urged to encourage youngsters to enter the ‘Gone Too Far’ film competition this summer.

The competition highlights the dangers of underage drinking and associated antisocial behaviour, and offers children the chance to do something creative during the school holidays.

Students between the ages of 13 and 15 are being asked create a two-minute film dramatising what can happen if someone has ‘Gone Too Far’ and how

underage drinking can lead to anti-social behaviour. The competition builds on the success of last year’s student film competition, ‘One Too Many’.

The top 20 videos will be selected by members of Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary and will be showcased on YouTube, where the public will be able to vote for their favourite film. The top ten will win the opportunity to have their film showcased at a local cinema at an exclusive movie premiere.

The grand prize winner will have the chance to remake their film with the winner of the ‘One Too Many’ competition, Luke Armstrong, and his film company Halo Films.

All entries must be submitted on DVD format and must be posted to Roy Probert at Thames Valley Police. The deadline for entries is Monday, September 7. The winners will be announced in October. For further information contact Carolyn Miles on 01962 871085.

THE MEMORY of a popular Island police officer is inspiring a team of friends to continue the legacy of her fundraising.

More than 20 friends of the late Sergeant Penny Deacon completed the 2009 Isle of Wight Race for Life in her memory after she lost her battle against breast cancer in April.

The team hopes to have raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK by running and walking the five kilometre course around Seaclose Park and the Medina playing fields in Newport on Sunday, July 26.

Sergeant Deacon, who was undergoing treatment for cancer last summer, ran the entire Race for Life course alongside police colleagues and friends in 2008. Penny had raised more than £20,000 overall for charity since being diagnosed with cancer three years ago. She was the Sergeant in charge of the Newport North Safer Neighbourhoods Team on the Island.

One of those who completed the Race for Life for Penny was IW Targeted Patrol Team Inspector Kate Fowles. She said: “Penny is sorely missed by her police colleagues and she remains an inspiration to everyone who knew her at work. Her upbeat character, consideration and compassion for others, and zest for life left a lasting impression in our lives. We wanted to complete this year’s race for Penny and carry on her tradition of selfless fundraising.”

To make a donation, log onto http://www. justgiving.com/pennydeaconraceforlife/

Driving the Monarch

PS MONARCH, the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer, is offering Islanders and visitors the chance to drive her for the first time in her history. Students of steam will have to earn their stripes by oiling the steam engine, getting the boat ready for passenger service, handling the ropes and learning all about what makes this unique vessel tick before being given full command under the supervision of her experienced skipper.

The Monarch operates out of Newport’s historic quay and runs up and down the River Medina.

Full instruction will be given in the art of driving a steam engine, controlling the boiler and for the gifted few even the chance of docking a real

paddle steamer in passenger service.

After such a gruelling day, supper with the crew will be a welcome relief and the lucky individual will be presented with their epaulettes to wear with pride as official ‘Mates of the Monarch’.

Skipper Matt O’Crowley

said: “Sharing the Monarch with Islanders and visitors alike is such an honour.

“Luckily our boiler is oil fired, so there is no messy stoking to be done – but that does not mean that to take command of Monarch is an easy feat.

Any cadet will have to be

physically able and mentally alert to remain in control, and I can guarantee that they will have the experience of a lifetime!”

Anyone interested should contact Matt O’Crowley on 07545 624501.

The PS Monarch: now taking on crew

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Acorn Recruitment

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Four men bailed Bargain bin offer after police raids from IW Council FOUR MEN were arrested at addresses across the Island as part of a major police operation following an investigation into fraud and money laundering.

Shortly after 7am, police executed warrants at two separate addresses in Ryde and Wootton Bridge. A 53-year-old man was arrested at the property in Ryde.

Three more men, aged 41, 42, and 62, were later arrested at other addresses on the Island, and search warrants carried out.

A further search was conducted at an address in Brighton.

A large quantity of paperwork

and other material was seized.

All four men have now been bailed until January 2010 pending further inquiries.

The operation was led by Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). It involved 65 officers from SOCU, the Force Support Unit, and other Island and mainland officers.

The arrest and search phase followed an investigation by SOCU’s Economic Crime team into a money laundering ring suspected of being active since at least 2006.

Swine Flu alert

AS SWINE flu takes more of a hold on the Island, the local NHS has produced a list of antiviral collection points: • Boots the Chemist, Cowes, tel 293133 124-126 High Street, • Lloyds Pharmacy, Newport, tel 522595 Sandown Health • Boots the Chemist, Centre, Sandown, tel 170-172 High Street, 405436 Ryde, tel 562280 • Lloyds Pharmacy, • Boots the Chemist, 30 High Street, 200 Newport Road, Ventnor, tel 852135 Cowes, tel 294467 • Day Lewis Phar• Lloyds Pharmacy, macy, 7 High Street, 41-42 Pyle Street, Cowes, tel 293011 Newport, tel 522638 • Day Lewis Phar• Lloyds Pharmacy, macy, 51 Regent St, 25 Ferry Road, East Shanklin, tel 862562

LOW-COST compost bins are being offered to Island residents by the IW Council and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) in a drive to encourage people to compost their kitchen and garden waste.

About a third of household waste can be composted at home – this includes kitchen and household waste such as egg shells, kitchen paper, fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags and shredded paper. Even garden waste such as grass cuttings, prunings and twigs may be composted. Kathy Bennett, IW council Head of Environment and Waste said:

“If you have never composted before, this is a wonderful opportunity to start. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill each week, it also produces nutritious compost that can be used in your garden to help your flowers bloom.”

Compost bins can be purchased from as little as £22 + £5 delivery making it easy for you to do your bit for the environment by composting this summer. The low cost compost bin offer is available until 30 September 2009, simply visit www.iwight.com/waste or call 0845 076 0223 to order.

A leaning to Port

August 7, 2009

Hospice News

Psychic Fundraiser

JOIN international psychic medium’s Lorraine Ash & Laura Martin’s night time investigation of Languard Manor, Shanklin on August 19 for a fundraising psychic investigation. Watch and take part as Lorraine and Laura, supported by the Spookswight and Spooksnights teams, conduct séances, divinations and experiments to discover if there are spirits at the Manor.

Over 18s only. The evening starts at 8.30pm and finishes at 2.30am. £25 a person.

Limited places so book soon. Call 07708 951 774 to book or you can get tickets from Keats Cottage in Shanklin (01983) 865518.

For more information about Lorraine and Spookswight visit www.spookswight.co.uk

Tea at Three 2009

THIS year’s Tea at Three event has been an overwhelming success with funds raised standing at over £20,000. Around 40 parties of all types took place right across the Island. Shops and schools took part as well as private family get-togethers, big outdoor events and sports events.

The biggest Tea Party of all raised over £7,000 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Mr Ray Dyke made and donated a beautiful rocking horse which was then raffled right across the Island. The winner was pulled out of the hat at a tea party at Shanklin Cricket Club. By a happy chance the winner was a gentleman from the mainland who works for his local hospice. The rocking horse will now be used to fundraise for the winners local hospice. The Island’s hospice would like to thank everyone that took part in this year’s Tea at Three event.

It’s a Knockout

THERE are still places available for the It’s a knockout event taking place at St George’s Park, Newport on August 30. Teams of 10 are needed for this laugh-out loud event that will raise funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. To register or to get more details please call Sue Birch on 407723.

Doug Morrison, port director, and Royston Smith, deputy leader of Southampton City Council, launch the consultation for the Port of Southampton’s masterplan

THE PUBLIC are to have their say on the long-term future of the Port of Southampton.

The masterplan for the port was launched last month by its owners, Associated British Ports, outlining ABP’s vision for future growth. The vision includes controversial plans to develop reclaimed land at Dibden Bay into a major new container terminal. Similar plans were at the centre of a bitter planning battle several

years ago, before ultimately being rejected.

The full consultation document can be viewed online at http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/portconsultation/. There will also be two public exhibitions, one at Southampton Civic Centre on September 11 and one in Hythe on September 15, where local people will be able to give their views*.

The consultation programme will continue until November 13.

Woodland tragedy A BODY found in woodland near Werrar Farm in Northwood has been formally identified by police as Jason Michael Fitzpatrick, aged 40, of Atherley Road in Shanklin. Mr Fitzpatrick had been reported missing on May 17. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Fashion and Beauty at Barton Manor

THERE is still time to register if you wish to have a stall at Barton Manor on September 20 for the Hospice open day. The theme this time is Fashion and Beauty and stalls will be £25. All stalls will be indoors this time. For more details call 528989.

West Wight Tennis Tournament

NOW in its 12th year, the West Wight Tennis Tournament has raised thousands of pounds for charity over time. This July it was the turn of the Isle of Wight Hospice and eighty players competed on eight different private courts.

Trustees from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice received a cheque for £1637.16 raised by the event. Co-organiser Chris Goodman said “Many local businesses have been extremely supportive and we are so grateful to them all. Thanks to the generosity of many people, especially the private court owners, all have enjoyed great sport, a superb buffet and we are delighted to be able to support the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

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Lifestyle

The circus comes to town Jay Miller’s Circus stay extended

August 7 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

You’re having a laugh aren’t you?

HANNAH GEORGE, from Ventnor, is the first woman to gain a degree in comedy.

Twenty two year old Hannah graduated from Southampton Solent University with a 2:1 in comedy after studying modules in the history of comedy, scriptwriting, and the morality and ethics of comedy.

“It is fantastic to be the first girl to complete the course and I think it shows that women can compete with the guys when it comes to comedy,” said Hannah who is currently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. Thirteen students completed the degree under former stand up comedian Chris Richie, and the other twelve were all boys.

Hannah has starred in, and helped to organise, Comedy Club gigs at Ventnor’s Wintergardens and recently previewed her Edinburgh show, ‘It’s Got Jokes In It’ with fellow comediennes Katie Wilkins and Lou Sanders at the venue. The next Ventnor Comedy Club will be in September when Hannah returns from the Fringe.

“People are used to women in comedy nowadays and are not shocked when a woman actually

has something to say and is funny with it,” she explained.

Hannah’s gags include digs at local unmarried mothers and a comedic insight into her teenage diaries, which brought laughter and great applause from the local audience.

Hannah is the daughter of filmmaker David George and hospice worker Jill George, and has two brothers; Tom and Ned – the latter is in his first year of the same degree.

August 7, 2009

Jo Macaulay Features Editor For every problem there is a solution. At 6am this morning I realised that I could hear the sound of engines – digger and pick-up engines to be precise.

The primordial ooze that belches what must be methane into the surrounding atmosphere of Ventnor Haven is being picked up, put into a small tipper truck and dumped 200 yards along the revetment - into the sea next to the skateboard park. Not a permanent solution, and doubtless an unpopular one with the youngsters who use the park, but a timely one for all of the businesses on the seafront, and indeed throughout the town, along with the long suffering residents, who have been sickened by the stench – in many cases literally. Maybe this weekend we’ll have an influx of visitors and a pleasant odour to complement the fabulous flags in the town centre. But it will be back…

We’re running a story on how the Island could benefit from an anaerobic digester, but Ventnor already has one – if only we could capture the gas before it leaves the harbour!

I was in two minds about whether to run the Ventnor pong story, because obviously it’s not good press for my beautiful town, but something has got to be done about the problem

and sticking our heads in the dark stinking sand is not going to help one little bit. Maybe that Haven has to be changed?

One prominent local resident suggested that we might be able to use the bandstand structure to pump the sludge from the Haven and take it to where the sewage is apparently being pumped. The clue here is in the name of the structure: The Pumping Station.

Well I’m no biologist but I know what I can smell – and it isn’t pleasant. And what smells even worse is the way in which all the bodies likely to be responsible for removing the problem are playing pass the buck with this hot potato. Come on everybody let’s pull together and get this sorted!

Highs have included the Anastasia and Simply Red gigs, and the Cowes Week celebrations.

Call us today with YOUR news story Contact our news desk now on

01983 409928

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August 7, 2009

The Farringford restored

Reflecting

IT HAS been a labour of love restoring Tennyson’s Library/ study to the way it would have looked when the great man last left it, and R.S. Associates are rightly very proud of the results.

Painstaking research has reproduced the room in which Tennyson wrote many of his poems, with its secret spiral staircase and beautiful bay window.

Robin Smith of R.S. Associates spent three months on the project. “Restoration is our thing,” he explained. “We stripped all of the woodwork back to the way it was, sometimes using dental picks. The walls were all cracked and the ceiling was in a bad state, but it’s now restored with a lime plaster finish.

“All the cornicing and ceiling moulding was missing but we’ve researched it and had it all made up. The big bay window where he wrote his poetry had been cannibalised over the years but it’s been taken out, restored, and replaced. We’ve also copied the

BJ HAIR Studio, in Shanklin, is now to be known as Reflections after a re-launch of this popular ladies and gents hairdressing business. Inside the salon has been tastefully redecorated in a deco style with welcoming browns, coffee and cream colours.

Founder, John Wright, now only works part time in the salon but his son Jeff, who trained at Jingles in London and daughter Denise, who is an experienced gents and traditional ladies stylist. Also Paul and Sally who are both very experienced ladies stylists. If you’re a busy and popular stylist and would like a change, give John a ring for a chat and you may be able to join the team.

John’s wife Brenda, who has always worked in the background, now helps out in their collectors shop next door – which is the couple’s hobby.

Reflections offer a walk-in service to ladies and gents for cutting: a new service for which you need no appointment, just pop in for a quality hair cut.

Reflections are also offering all the normal appointment services, cutting, shampoo, cut and blow-dry, colouring, perms etc. and would like to thank all of their clients for their custom and look forward to meeting new customers

window catches from originals.

“All the glazing has been hand blown for R.S. at great expense and we researched the original paint colours. The ceiling is in an off white shade from The Little Green Paint Company.

The unusual brass fireplace vents have been polished, restored and refitted.” The floor has been taken up and re-laid – some boards had to be sourced from a Dorset reclamation yard.

“Everything post Tennyson has been removed,” said Robin.

“All the electrics have been hidden and under-floor heating installed to keep a constant temperature.”

A photo from 1900 showed that electric lighting had been installed and the porcelain light fittings and original Edison light bulbs have been put in to match that photograph.

An exhibition including Tennyson’s desk, letters from the Queen (Victoria) and a throne chair made from wood felled on the Farringford Estate runs in the library for the next six weeks.

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

A close shave for Oscar

WHEN he started the 3000 mile OSTAR race as the youngest ever competitor, Oscar Mead had already set his goal to be the youngest ever finisher.

Now at Cowes with his sponsor, Will King, of King of Shaves, a UK based men’s and women’s shaver company, a plan is being put together for Oscar to eventually enter the Vendee, the 94-day, 24,000 mile race. Oscar completed the OSTAR race on Monday June 15 and set a record as the youngest ever finisher in the original single-handed transatlantic race. He sailed closest to the rhumb line of all the competitors, battling through the ice fields of Newfoundland, and led the Gipsy Moth class for most of the race.

In a titanic struggle with Irishman Barry Hurley, he just lost out by 2.5 hours on the water and by just 30 minutes on handicap.

Sailing since he was eight, Oscar grew up in Hong Kong, although he and his family now live in Cowes, and Oscar lives in Southampton during the week as he is study-

Oscar gets in trim thanks to sponsor Will King

ing Yacht and Powercraft Design at Southampton Solent University.

His lucky break was a chance to sail the China Sea Race with Hong Kong sailor, Frank Pong, on Pong’s RP76 “Jelik”.

Oscar then managed to persuade his father that they ought to try 2-handed racing together and a J105 was acquired in early 2008.

By mid summer Oscar

was desperate to go single-handed so he entered the Petite Bateau Channel Week, seven days of racing across the Channel and back in which he was “Top Rookie”. He was only just eligible having turned 18 the week before.

After that he set his goal of sailing the OSTAR and in late summer 2008, in an appropriate weather window, he completed his

500mile solo sail out into the Irish Sea and back in 98 hours.

Now setting his sights on the Vendee, Oscar is happy to fit in his sailing around his studies although the university have been very sympathetic, moving exams for Oscar in order for him to complete the OSTAR and to attend Cowes Week with his sponsor.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

The Garlic GAMBLE!

watery supermarket stuff. The same can be said of Mr Mingella’s ice cream. either. Staging big shows costs a The festival vendors offer some small fortune. The garlic festival stunning hot food, not always with spends £20,000 on entertainment, garlic. Arrive hungry! The show with marquees, loos and generators provides a chance for local and costing almost the same amount. national charities to raise some Licenses, insurance, advertising and much needed funds. Local sports a hundred minor items, total another groups also raise cash, often for £20,000 plus. Our two day one-way mainland travel, and all appreciate system costs an amazing £5,000. your support. You can meet Andrew Ambulance cover another £1,000.

Turner MP; he always attends, as do Even the car parks cost several other local politicians, prospective thousand. parliamentary candidates and trade WOULD YOU be willing to bet The world famous Isle of Wight unions. We welcome the local hunt £50,000 that this weekend’s weather Garlic Festival is twenty five years and the league against cruel sports; will be OK for the garlic festival? old this year, although this is only where else could that happen, Of course you wouldn’t! Mind you, our fourth as organizers. When I except here?

I’m not entirely sure what ‘OK’ was asked to get involved, I confess I wouldn’t get any pleasure from means in this context; the theory I couldn’t see why running it was gambling in a casino, but gambling seems to be; ‘too hot’ and people such a big deal? The NPS&CA a tidy sum on our wonderful garlic stay away, sensibly preferring to hit had run it very successfully for festival, seems like a good bet to the beach. ‘Too wet’ and few will over 20 years, why on earth would me, regardless of what the Met bother to brave a soaking. ‘Wet and they want to stop? Now I realise Office says! Please come along windy’ is the worst combination of only a fool would ask himself such while you still can, say “Hello”. all, this option almost guarantees a dumb question. Putting on the You can’t miss me; I’m the bloke losses to any major outdoor event show means months and months of with the huge frown, or (hopefully) organiser. planning, problems, hassles, worry, big smile.

I believe praying for good weather headaches and rudeness. is wrong, the Lord surely preferring In the main arena this year, we * * * to deal with more weighty matters, have some amazing high-wire but even a doubtful agnostic like me trapeze artists and a world class Doctor Detox says the Garlic may spend much of the next week strongman. There are some talented Festival is their busiest show of the on my knees, hands tight together, dogs, incredible birds and loads year and to celebrate would like to eyes firmly shut. more besides. If it is wet, we have invite you to come along and collect I realise no-one is interested in huge marquees packed with delia voucher for a free £40 pampering statistics, but the shame is these cious local food, arts and crafts and session. Also view their new models events are disappearing fast from goodness knows what else. You and see if they can make you an towns and villages around Britain. must try Hamilton’s ham - once offer you can’t refuse with their It’s not just ‘elf n safety to blame tasted you’ll never return to the ‘outrageous summer sellout’.

By David Holmes

August 7, 2009

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Monday: Sandown FOR TRADITIONAL seaside capers with lots of things for Mums, Dads and kids to amuse themselves then Sandown is an ideal destination. It also has the only pleasure pier on the Island.

Sandown Pier has amusements and Magic Island, a kid’s fantasy adventure playground along with other traditional seaside attractions and a cafe and bar. You can walk

down the pier and admire the view of the bay from the end, or sit and watch the world go by.

Up in the town and on the seafront there is a wide range of places to eat and drink. Kings Bar’s sun balcony has a lofty position overlooking the seafront where you could relax with a long cool drink.

In the centre of the town

at 71 High Street sits Bellamy’s, a licensed restaurant/café with traditional English home cooking.

Open from 10am till 4pm and from 5.30pm till last orders at 9pm, you could drop in for lunch or dinner.

The IW Zoo Blog

August 7, 2009

by Tracy Dove

LAST weekend it was my refuelled, they gained a new turn to babysit two fluffy, lease of energy and bounced excitable, little, hand-raised around on the carpet, the lemurs. The babies soon milk audibly sloshing around settled into a routine of in their tummies. feeding, playing and sleepIt has been a real privilege ing. As their confidence grew to share our home with such they were soon scampering enchanting animals and alaround my spare room. They though the weekend has been seemed particularly interested pretty tiring I suspect that in the fireplace and I was the house will seem a little extremely glad that the throat too quiet once they have been plate of the chimney was returned to the zoo. firmly closed! They were also fascinated by the clothes horse and practised their climbing skills by clambering from rail to rail, hanging on precariously.

At feeding time the lemurs greedily gulped down their milk from Feeding time for the lemurs a tiny bottle. Then,

August 7, 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Tuesday: Godshill

NO HOLIDAY is complete without a visit to Godshill. Even if you’re an Islander you’ll find lots of fun things to do and shops to visit.

The walk up to the church must be one of the most photographed scenes in the world and Godshill Model Village has to be one of the best attractions on the Island – the attention to detail is astounding. You can be in Godshill, looking at the people in the miniature model village who are looking at the even smaller people in the model of the model village – it’s all very surreal and especially fun for small people.

The Old Smithy is the most wonderful shop, with tasteful and often up to the minute fashions in the ladies clothing area, really good value gifts, homewear and big canvas prints in the gift shop area and enormous cream cakes in the café. Tasteful jewellery, collectables and cuddly toys are here for the kids along with ice creams and lollies.

Godshill Cider has their own Island made cider from

Island grown apples, along with other Island fare such as ginger beer, country wines and liqueurs. They also stock Isle of Wight produced preserves, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, mustards, beers, biscuits, cakes, fudges and chocolates.

Sister company Chocolate Island have many different home made chocolates: milk, white, pink strawberry flavour and pale lemon citrus flavour along with bars studded with fudge or chocolate buttons.

Chocolate lovers can see their sweet treats being made from a special viewing gallery and there is also a cafe - the Coco Cafe - that sells arguably the best hot chocolate in England.

Pop into The Old World tearooms, on the corner of Hollow Lane, for a cream tea and you could get 10% off with the voucher in the advert on this page. Home made scones with your cream tea and special diabetic cream teas too. The lovely garden overlooks the village and handily right opposite is the large free public car park.

And for lunch you might drop

into The Willow Tree, with its fantastic garden full of topiary, fountains and little nooks and crannies. This is a wonderland of foliage and flowers, surrounded by a beautifully manicured hedge. You’ll want to see its secrets and explore the menu.

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Wednesday: Ventnor

IF IT’S Wednesday August 12 then you have to visit Ventnor. The carnival is probably the best, if not the most unique, on the Island and features the iconic Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, some of whom are world class musicians – others who play a mean kazoo.

On the way you might like to stop off at the Donkey Sanctuary, just before Wroxhall. Here you’ll find over 100 adorable donkeys, and many are available to ‘adopt’ if you

wish – just fill in your adoption form and you’ll be kept up to date on your donkey’s days. Amazingly this attraction is free, although they would love you to spend some money in the gift shop, the café or give a donation.

Drive on into Ventnor and the town is bedecked with flags and looking fine. Drop into Island Deli for breakfast or a coffee when you arrive. The Island Deli is the place to buy your Island produce in Ventnor and you could also pop in for a coffee or a bite to eat. Make sure you pick up a gazette, a magazine or your stationary needs at Seasons just down the road who also have a wide range of greetings cards, postcards, gifts, sweets, crisps and drinks and sell carnival programmes.

Carry on down Pier Street and you will see Bon Bon

on the left just before you descend the hill to the seafront. Their mouthwatering selection of over 40 hand made chocolates and more than 120 old-fashioned style jars of sweeties are just too tempting to pass by.

Turn left at the bottom of the Cascade and the walk along the sea wall to Bonchurch, and you’ll be able to drop into Bonchurch Pottery.

Andrew Bristow’s work is all over Ventnor, as many people have his distinctive ceramic house numbers and signs outside their properties and his unique designs have travelled the world.

If you walk to your right, all the way along Ventnor seafront, take the cliff path to Steephill Cove and the Botanic Gardens above. Here you can follow the sculpture trail, see the arid garden recently opened

by Prince Charles and Camilla and sample the top notch food in the restaurant or al fresco around the lily filled fountain pool.

For supper you might like to try the carvery at the Mill Bay on the seafront: three roast meats and loads of vegetables for £6.45 along with a full menu. An ideal place from which to watch the fireworks later, live entertainment from Ollie and Blue (formerly Lucid) and a beach party starts at 8.30 pm.

And if you’re watching the carnival you really ought to drop into the Volunteer, one of the oldest, smallest, most traditional pubs on the Island, if not the whole of England.

Revellers drop into this hostelry and spill out into Victoria Street.

August 7, 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

Thursday: Ryde FOR a day out in the country, only a stone’s throw from central Ryde, Brickfields Horsecountry is a unique tourist attraction allowing you to meet a range of horses and ponies from the cheeky Miniature Shetland Ponies to the magnificent Grand Shire Horses.

Take a tour of the impressive carriage museum, which is home to a very extensive collection of horse drawn vehicles, and then watch the farrier at work shoeing one of the horses.

Brickfields are also a BHS approved Riding School and people of all sizes and abilities can be catered for by their wide range of horses and ponies.

The indoor arena is overlooked by a cafe and bar offering an ideal place to watch lessons or shows while relaxing with a tea, coffee or a beer – or you could buy the family lunch.

In Ryde you could have your evening meal at the recently opened Olivo’s in Union Street.

Following in the footsteps of their popular eatery in Newport’s St Thomas’s Square, the cosmopolitan Olivo’s team are bringing a little bit of Italy to the San Fransisco of the Isle of

Wight.

The Balcony nightclub has recently been taken over by Isle of Wight Bowling Ltd. Rory Keeling, the new manager, has successfully made this venue a fun, relaxed, late night venue with events to suit all genres from ladies nights to foam parties.

On Friday nights, The Balcony is a must do in your weekly schedule with great cheesy

to Pyjama Parties. Check them out on facebook to prepare your outfit!

Thursday nights are for those who want a late night venue with a difference, playing host to a range of alternative music on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month followed by RnB music on the 3rd and 4th.

If you want to join the Balcony for the ultimate party in August, they are hosting a legendary Wkd Foam Party on August 22 (guaranteed a messy night with loads of freebees) and School’s Out Party on August 29. If you’re a late night person then these events are a must do and make sure you get there early!

And remember to book a cab home – preferably well in advance – from Ryde taxis. If music and the best party atmos- you need to get to Brickfields phere on the Island. Each night from Ryde this is also your best is themed slightly different from option, as otherwise you’ll have to get two different buses.

‘Go Commando’ (Army wear)

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Friday: Cowes It’s all happening down at Cowes this week, but don’t forget the grande finale tonight with the firework display and amazing aerobatic displays too. Here are some of the events we think you might like to hear about this week:

Ladies Day triumph

SAM DAVIES (below left) won the Ladies Day Trophy on Tuesday August 4, at a prize giving ceremony hosted

by Shirley Robertson OBE on Cowes Marina in the early evening. Guests watched a demonstration of food preparation from Michelin starred chef Robert Thomson of the Hambrough Hotel in Ventnor before tasting his delicious delicacies along with free Champagne Mumm.

At least a third of the 8,500 entrants in Cowes Week are now female, a big increase since Ladies Day was founded at

Cowes Week back in 1976. The trophy is awarded to many different types of sailor from those overcoming difficulties to those who have undertaken remarkable challenges in sailing.

Sam Davies was the first woman to finish the Vendee circumnavigation race back in February, finishing fourth overall. She was racing the following day (August 5) in the Artemis Challenge, with Zara Phillips on board.

Prizes included a stunning trophy made by Isle of Wight Glass, a magnum of Mumms Champagne and a goodie bag from Liz Earle cosmetics.

In John Grandy’s words IS COWES Week as big a spectacle as it ever has been and is it in danger? This was the question put to Mr John Grandy, Chair of Cowes Week Ltd. (left) “Well there are 890 boats racing this week, which is about 10% down, but is good compared to other regattas,” explained Grandy. “There are a lot of spectators – it was a struggle to get from one end of the High Street to the other.”

“We’ve had a terrific response from all the crews. We had to put up the entry fee and everyone understands the state we’re in.”

Locals objected strongly to the structure erected at Egypt Point by I Shares, but apparently their races have now finished.

“I Shares are a bit like the Formula One of yacht racing. It’s been great having them at Cowes this year.” Races were held over three days with a prize giving and evening entertainment from Rob Da Bank.

The fireworks are going ahead on Friday 7. There are also other treats in store.

“There is a short air display by a Sea Vixen, which is a naval fleet air arm aircraft from the 50s and 60s, and another from a Gnat,” said Mr Grandy. “The Red Arrows will then arrive at 6.30pm and fireworks will be at their usual time.”

“Cowes Week has a great festival ambience and we’re keen for everyone to have a good time,” added Mr Grandy.

“Cowes Week has been going for 180 years and it ain’t gonna stop now.”

Celebrities in Cowes challenge AMONGST the host of celebrities who were down especially for the Artemis Challenge on Wednesday August 5, were Zara Phillips (28) and her partner Mike Tindall. Zara is the daughter of Princess Anne and is 12th in line to the throne.

Sam Davies, who completed the Vendee circumnavigation race in February, was her skipper for the race. Also competing in the race was rock star and top-flight fashion photographer, Bryan Adams, British TV actress Denise Black and famous sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson.

“It’s nice to be back on the water again, but there’s no wind and I want to go so fast,” bemoaned Zara to interviewers before the race.

The winner was Seb Josse and his all-star team on BT IMOCA 60, including celebrity guests Dame Ellen MacArthur and Radio 1 DJ, Rob Da Bank.

‘Pindar’ was second, skippered by Mike Sanderson and ‘Artemis The Profit Hunter’, skippered by Simon Clay with Oscar Mead and celebrity guest

Bryan Adams, came third.

Stable mates ‘Artemis Ocean Racing’, skippered by Sam Davies with special guest Zara Phillips finished 4th.

The entrants were as follows: 1. Akena Verandas: skippered

by Arnaud Bossieres.

2. Artemis Ocean Racing: skippered by Sam Davies & Sidney Gavignet.

3. Artemis The Profit Hunter: skippered by Simon Clay & Oscar Mead with Bryan Adams.

4. Aviva: skippered by Dee Caffari.

5. BT IMOCA 60: skippered Seb Josse, with Dame Ellen MacArthur and Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank.

6. Grey Power: skippered by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

7. Hugo Boss: skippered by Alex Thomson.

8. Pakea Bizkaia: skippered by Unai Basurko 9. Pindar: skippered by Mike Sanderson with celebrity guest Paul Rose (TV presenter and adventurer.

10. Toe in the Water: skippered

by Steve White.

Bryan Adams and Zara Phillips showing solidarity

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Turning waste to wattage AS THE Vestas wind turbine factory closes its doors in Newport, a Ryde-based businessman is trying to persuade Island decision-makers to go down another green energy route.

Danny Fisher, chairman of the Pure Green Energy consultancy, has written to IW Council leader David Pugh, IW Council chief executive Steve Beynon, Island MP Andrew Turner and two other councillors asking them to consider the potential of an anaerobic digester to meet the

By Gazette Reporter Island’s electricity needs.

An anaerobic digester takes waste organic matter and mixes it with bacteria to produce methane, which is in turn used to produce electricity via a turbine. The electricity is then fed back into the grid to power heat pumps for domestic heating, cooling and hot water.

The residue is high in nitrogen and ideal for use as a farm fertilizer, said Mr Fisher.

“The amount of energy that

can be produced is equivalent to the output from several wind farms,” he added. “This has obvious political as well as technological benefits to the Island.”

Depending on the size of the plant, the Island could be self sufficient in electricity and even a net exporter, believes Mr Fisher.

The organic waste, says Mr Fisher, could come from a variety of sources, including supermarkets, schools and – this being the Island – prisons.

Mr Fisher is offering to take

his VIPs to Northamptonshire, where a sister company of Pure Green Energy has been involved in the setting up of an anaerobic digester. “I’m trying to get the decision-makers together to look at that project but at the moment it’s like herding cats,” he said.

The digester does not create any bad smell, said Mr Fisher, because the whole process is sealed.

As for a possible site, Mr Fisher believes Lynnbottom, near Newport would be ideal.

Green flag status for Appley FOR THE second year running a popular Island park has been awarded Green Flag status – the landbased equivalent of a beach Blue Flag.

The accolade, for Appley Park in Ryde, has been presented to IW Council after the park met the strict criteria laid down by the Civic Trust judges.

Judges commented on how they were impressed by the recycling and composting practices used in the park, and also the community

recent news of the Island being joint top in the country for quality beaches, further involvement in planting reinforces the Island standing projects. Good feedback as a top holiday destination.” was also received about new The Green Flag scheme litter bins, seating and clear was set up by the Civic signage.

Trust in 1996 and is To win a Green Flag open recognised as being the spaces must also meet benchmark for excellence in several high standards relat- recreational green areas. ing to access, cleanliness, Appley Park was founded and public amenities. in 1798 and much of the Ed Giles, the IW Council’s park was landscaped by cabinet member for environ- Humphrey Repton. Many ment and transport, said: of the original features still “This award, alongside the survive today.

By Richard Collins

The green flag is raised at Appley Park

Riverside gardens wins national award NEWPORT’S Riverside Centre, a charity that offers a range of services to disabled and nondisabled Islanders, has won a national award for its gardens and grounds.

The Green Pennant was awarded in recognition of the Riverside’s well managed green space, signage and amenities.

Linda Dowden and Richard Porter, who help maintain the Riverside Centre’s grounds, were presented with their award by the TV presenter Michaela Strachan in front of 1,500 people at the official Green Flag Awards ceremony held at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth.

Linda Dowden said: “The Riv-

erside has worked with the community to develop the courtyard and green space around the centre, and this national recognition is a credit to all involved in the project.”

The Green Pennant Award scheme is run by the environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, GreenSpace and BTCV. • The Riverside Centre is to work with the Athens-based charity Koispe-Kilmax to set up a restaurant and community facility in the Greek capital later this year.

Ten Greek students are to visit the Riverside Centre in October to take part in environmental health and food hygiene training.

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Call our newsdesk now on 01983 409928

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Medina and Wight Diamond marching band

Chale Show Left: Fran Kenure of Freshwater won best male rooster Right: Lynn Judge of Newport won best cock pair Left: Steven Grindley aka Dingle Fingle, and Justin Brett aka Slippery Sid

FOR THE 83rd consecutive year, people travelled from far and wide to the show ground at Chale to be a part of the most traditional and distinguished family summer show on the Island.

As always the Chale Show boasted an incredible display of horticultural exhibits, a craft marquee, antique fair, farmers market, steam fair and vintage vehicles.

Entertainment was high on the agenda with the main arena playing host to a varied programme of activities throughout the course of the weekend.

The traditional performances ranged from the Wight Diamond and Medina Marching Bands, a parade of incredible vintage steam engines, trac-

August 7, 2009

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The Isle of Wight Gazette Children enjoying the under-fives race

hits new heights Monty with his trainer Layla Bennett of Hawksdrift, Wales

tors and military vehicles and falconry display by Hawks drift.

Children’s favour-

ite and high point of the event went to Dingle Fingle comedy car duo Stephen Grindley,

aka Dingle Fingle, and Justin Brett, aka Slippery Sid, with their Clown Town Crimewatch Act.

The Isle of Wight Gazette

26 feature

August 7, 2009

Simply Red surprise SINGER Mick Hucknall was given a surprise ‘Simply Red’ welcome by The Gazette before his concert in the grounds of Osborne House on Sunday.

Wine-lover Mick recently revealed that one of the most memorable parts of his worldwide tour had been playing at a vineyard venue in Australia.

He was taken aback when we told him there were vineyards on the Island – but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the generosity and imagination of Conrad Gauntlett, owner of Rosemary Vineyard, near Ryde, the world renowned singer was presented with two bottles of Island wine. And clever Conrad made a special label for the wine – of course it just had to be ‘Simply Red’!

Delighted Mick said: “I really didn’t know there were vineyards here, and this is a very pleasant surprise. I shall look forward to sampling the delights of the Isle of Wight. Thank you to the Gazette and Rosemary Vineyards for thinking up the idea.”

The concert at Osborne House proved a huge success for followers of the band, who were playing the Island for the first time. Around 7,000 turned up for the show, which lasted nearly

Gazette reporter Jamie White presenting the Simply Red wine to Mick Hucknall

two hours, and saw Mick singing all the Simply Red favourites, including ‘Holding Back the Years’, ‘Money’s Too Tight to Mention’ and ‘Fairground’.

Mick was also joined on stage by American singer/songwriter Anastasia for a duet. The night before the Simply Red concert, Anastasia and classical music quartet Escala wowed a large audience at the Osborne House venue.

A touch of lavender

OVER the summer why not spend a relaxing couple of hours at the Lavender Farm where you can see over 200 species of lavender in the Collection Garden. Now is the ideal time to purchase lavender plants for your garden with over 40 varieties on sale. The farm has over 20 acres of lavender and over 300 different varieties.

They are national collection holders for Great Britain and possibly the largest collection in the country.

The angustifolia and intermedia varieties are best

for producing the oil, which is sold Islandwide, by mail order and in the farm shop.

Lavender products include shampoo, shower gel, moisturising cream, cologne, soaps and even lavender jam, marmalade, tea or coffee.

The café sells lavender scones with cream and jam or lavender shortbread. Or you could opt for home made soup, paninis, sandwiches or cakes. For dessert there are strawberry and lavender or chocolate and lavender ice-creams made at Chilton Farm.

Some of the other acts who performed: Above, Charlie Macaulay from Millbrook, Southampton. Below, two of the members of Escala, the electric string quartet

August 7, 2009

The Isle of Wight Gazette

“Money couldn’t buy this” Said Liz Langridge

LITTLE did Liz Langridge (above right) know that she would be a star of the show as she made her way to the Anastasia concert from her Newport home last Saturday? After her final day at work on Friday, made redundant from her job of 25 years, Liz was looking forward to the evening to cheer her up.

About half way through her set, Anastasia told the audience that it was now time for a couple of her fans to come up on stage with her. Scanning the audience she picked out Liz, who was at the concert with her sisters Kay and Sandy, her husband Jim, daughter Hollie (14) and step daughter Jade (23).

“I want the diva in the pink and black V necked top,” said Anastasia to Liz’s amazement. She also picked Lucas, a Polish chef from Shanklin.

“I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” said Liz. “The security guard asked me to jump over the barrier and I’m nearly 51. I thought “I can’t climb over that barrier” but someone pushed my left leg and I was over there.”

Up on stage Anastasia asked Liz and Lucas to dance with her, following her moves, and she gave them both personally signed programmes. “Going up there – money just can’t buy it,” said Liz. “It was fantastic. I was just totally in awe – I could have stood up there all night watching her.

And I’m still on a high.

“You won’t believe how many people have recognised me from up there,” exclaimed Liz. “I’d like to thank John

Giddings personally for bringing Anastasia to Osborne House. He’s done a lot for our Island. What more can we ask for, he’s been so supportive of our Island. He just keeps coming up with such good acts.”

Anastasia wows the audience at Osborne House gig

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Luke’s mum and police make renewed appeal POLICE and Luke’s mother are making a renewed appeal to find Luke Cowan, the teenager reported missing after Tuesday June 16, 2009.

Last weekend, on July 27, friends and family organised a party for Luke’s 18th birthday, at his home in Chapel Street, but the party was postponed when Luke failed to arrive. “My daughter and I stayed in all day waiting for Luke to arrive,” said his mother Michelle Knight sadly.

Detectives are making enquiries into two more recent sightings of Luke Jeremy Cowan, now aged 18, of Chapel Street in Newport.

He was seen at Chicago Rock nightclub in Newport, Isle of Wight at around 10.00pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 with two men and two women.

One of the men has been contacted by police. The other has not been traced yet. It is believed Luke met the two women during the Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park, Newport, during the weekend before he was reported missing.

There is an unconfirmed sighting of Luke at approximately 1.40pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 when he was seen getting off a Southern Vectis bus in Landguard Road, Shanklin near Somerfield supermarket.

Detective Inspector Nick Heelan of Isle of Wight CID said: “We are keen to trace anyone who was in these areas on these days. People might not have been aware that Luke was missing at that time so I’m appealing to anyone with information, or who thinks they saw Luke, to contact police.”

“Luke’s gone. Where’s Luke gone?” Luke’s brother Jayden Knight (2) and his sister Charmaine Cowan (9)

Previously Luke had been last seen getting off a bus in Sandown High Street between the junctions of Avenue Road and Albert Road shortly after 3pm on Tuesday June 16. His image was captured on CCTV and he had been seen on CCTV earlier the same day, boarding a Southern Vectis service from Newport Bus Station at approximately 2.15pm.

“Luke isn’t in any trouble – not with the police or at home,” stressed his mum Michelle. “I think Luke is under the impression that he’s in trouble, but he’s in no trouble at all with anybody. We just want to know that he’s safe and well. We love him dearly. I’m completely desperately worried – I can’t do anything.”

Before the planned birthday party the family appealed for spare sheets and for people to write a birthday message on them and display them in their local area. Four sheets were put up in the Newport area including one on the family home. “This just might be something that will help bring him home, knowing that there are so many people out there that care,” said the facebook site ‘Has anyone seen Luke Cowan’, dedicated to his disappearance.

“Luke’s brothers and sisters; Chantelle (23), James (21), Lawrence (15), Charmaine (9) and Jayden (2) are all desperate for him to come

home. “Jayden keeps saying every day, “Luke’s gone. Where’s Luke gone?”” said heartbroken Michelle who just doesn’t know what to tell the youngster. “He’d always play with Jayden, he loved his little brother,” said Michelle.

“If anybody knows anything, even the tiniest thing that someone has said, they will not be in any trouble at all,” stressed Michelle who is happy to hear just the smallest glimmer of hope. “We just want to know where Luke is and that he is alright.”

Luke is described as: • White • 6 ft 2 ins tall • Very short dark hair • Blue eyes • Freckles • Broad build When he was last seen, Luke was wearing: • A light coloured T-shirt • White tracksuit trousers with pin stripes down the leg • Black Reebok trainers • A black rucksack on his back with a white ‘Timberland’ motif near the bottom of the rucksack Luke’s disappearance is being described as, “totally out-of-character” by his family.

Detective Inspector Nick Heelan of Newport CID said: “Police are making enquiries with public

transport operators, hotels and guest houses, social networking sites on the Internet, and people he might have met at the Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in Newport earlier this month.

“I would appeal to Luke or one of his friends to contact the police directly. We just need to know he is safe and well. Luke himself may find it difficult to contact someone if he believes he is in trouble after more than a month missing. Police and relatives would again appeal to Luke directly that we just need to know he is safe and well. Luke’s whole family have told police they love him, and will support him no matter what problems he thinks he has.”

Luke, and anyone with information about his whereabouts, is asked to phone Newport Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45.

August 7, 2009

news 29

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Motorcycle sales rev up MOTORCYCLE sales are bucking the rest of the financial trends being seen with the global economic downturn. At Isle of Wight Motorcycles in Daish Way, Newport business is brisk, they are offering free or low finance on many new Suzuki models and used bike and scooter sales are greater than ever. This demonstrates that many people have made two-wheeling part of their lives and lifestyles.

The trend for motorcycle and scooter owners is moving towards wider use for their machines. As well as the fun and freedom riders are enjoying they are increasingly using them for practical everyday purposes.

said “we have seen a huge increase in new and used Lots of cool bikes, gear, motorcycle sales during apparel, and accessories on this year. Our used stock offer at Isle of Wight Motor- list changes daily and we cycles, make for many ways are actively buying in used to personalize the experimotorcycles and scooters to ence and is helping to keep keep up with the demand. motorcycling trendy.

Our showroom currently has With the seemingly ever over sixty bikes and scootincreasing rise, both in mo- ers for customers to choose toring costs and the traffic from. With all the different on the Island roads, taking and exciting forms of motorthe car out for a Sunday cycles and scooters on offer, spin is on the decline. As for customers have a wide range using the car for work, you of two-wheeled adventures get to sit in traffic queue’s to enjoy, or just a great way watching all the bikers cut to get around in style”. their journey time to work in View Isle of Wight Mohalf. Powered two-wheelers torcycles current used stock offer a credible and very af- on www.iowmc.co.uk/used fordable transport option. or phone 522675 for a stock Isle of Wight Motorcyupdate. cles manager Nick Cowley

Advertising Feature

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ISLE of Wight Gazette and Summer Madness! 2009 have teamed up to give ten lucky readers the chance to win tickets to this fun-filled music spectacular.

On Sunday August 30th, the legendary Madness are heading to the Isle of Wight to entertain the Summer Madness! crowds with their remarkable array of hits, both old and new. Joining in the bank holiday summer fun will be Kid Creole and the Coconuts, so expect an unmissable show. More acts

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To win just answer this question: Who are headlining Summer Madness! 2009?

Please send your answers on an envelope to: IW Gazette competition, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Rd, Sandown, PO36 9PH.

The prizes will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Monday August 17th 2009. Terms & conditions apply. Employees and the immediate families of The Gazette are not allowed to enter.

The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. The names of the winners will be published in our August 20 edition, and the tickets will be sent directly to the winners.

Anybody under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. No Under 5’s.

The organisers reserve the right to substitute the prize in the event of circumstances outside their control. 3. Only one entry per person is permitted.

What a plonker!

FIREFIGHTERS attended a car fire at a property in Woods Drive, Apse Heath yesterday evening (August 5). A three-wheeled car was well alight on the driveway of the private home.

The owner’s husband had

been working on the car shortly before the vehicle burst into flames. Before the fire service arrived, neighbours had tried to push the vehicle away from a £50,000 Range Rover.

Firefighters from Shank-

lin averted further damage to the flash 4 x4 parked nearby on a neighbour’s drive. The vehicle was well alight when crews arrived.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the fire with a single water jet.

30 sport

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

August 7, 2009

Three in a row for Grace!

Winning feeling: Chris Gould, Grace Hill, Lesley Ismail, Fran Cole and Wendy King

YOUNG Island golfer Grace Hill has won the Shanklin & Sandown Ladies’ Championships for the third year running.

There were 16 entries for the 36-hole Scratch Salver and Handicap Cup. After the morning round there was a three way tie with Grace, Debbie Berry and Fran Cole all on 87.

Despite the wind effecting play in the afternoon and the scores being generally higher, Grace continued her good form beating her morning score by five strokes to shoot 82.

This gave her an eventual lead of eight shots resulting in a comfortable victory over Fran Cole in second and Sheryl Jackson in third.

Fran Cole won the Handicap Cup with a score of 145, with Tina Woodward finishing second with 151 and Lesley Ismail in third with 152.

The Gallop Cup which is an 18-hole medal competition was won

by Chris Gould with nett 72. Second place went to Jean Munds with a nett 73, with Pat Attrill in third with

a nett 74.

The 18-hole Harrison Trophy stableford competition for handicaps 29-36, was won by Wendy King with 32 points. Christine O’Brien was second on countback with 29 points, with Pearl Robertson in third also with 29 points.

The presentation took place immediately after the days play. Pam Watson-Lee presented the Scratch Salver, Joyce Gallop presented the Gallop Cup and Frances Harrison presented the Harrison Trophy.

Ladies Captain, Lesley Ismail, presided over the prizegiving and also gave two new prizes to the best nett am and pm scores, won by Debbie Berry and Lillian Bushby.

35 points to hold off Andy Ran and Chris Griffiths in second and third places respectively on 34 and 33 points.

Four teams of ten players defended the honour of their sections in the Captains Cup. Due to the poor weather conditions the event had to be reduced to 10 holes but still some excellent individual scores were returned with George Faulkner carding 25 points, and Maureen Couse and Anne Smith both scoring 24, while Joan Martin and Ryan Harmer returned creditable 21 point rounds.

Overall the ladies team ran out the winners by two points, totaling 180 to the juniors 178. The men’s team were adrift with 160 and the seniors brought up the rear on 132. * * * A greensomes’ competition, FRESHWATER Bay GC held their incorporating the Dadson Trophy, junior Walton Colts Cup, which was saw club secretary Terry Riddett (8) won by Connor White, playing off coming out of retirement to partner 27, with a solid 67 nett, two ahead his son Nat (5) to take the tournaof 10-handicapper Ryan Harmer. ment with 41 points ahead of first Connor also took pride of place time entrants Les (14) and Stephen in the mid week stableford, with Mew (24) on 40.

Rod takes Veteran Page shows the honours them the way ROD PARKER was first home when 12 members of Ryde Harriers continued their string of summer cross-country races by completing the Newchurch Loop, a distance of 5.3 miles.

Parker came home 18 secs inside his nominated time of 37mins 30secs. Second was Jonathan Norton, finishing 20 secs inside his nominated time of 44.38.

Third place went to was Tom Blackwell, who was 69 secs inside his nominated time of 38 minutes. Tom was the fastest runner on the night, finishing in 36.51, while the fastest woman was Sarah Kavanagh in 45.00.

RYDE Rowing Club also staged its annual sculling races sponsored by Club member Jack Pike and his family.

Nine club scullers contested the main event, a handicapped single sculling race, over the 1920m Ryde Regatta course with buoy turn. In the first heat veteran sculler, Russell Page won to qualify for the final beating senior sculler Mike Jenner and junior sculler Ben Ade. The second heat saw a win

for junior sculler and last year’s winner Tom Clark over veteran sculler Alan Evans and senior sculler Ian Hayden. In the final heat novice sculler Stu Johnson won against fellow novice Florin Behrle and senior Nick Pike.

In the final veteran Russell Page, taking the advantage of his 30-second handicap, triumphed over Coastal junior sculler Tom Clark with novice Stu Johnson finishing in third place.

August 7, 2009

sport 31

The Isle of Wight Gazette

Gatt’s the way to do it FORMER England skipper Mike Gatting decided not to display his batting prowess of old, but offered all the help he could, when he helped mark the official opening of Newclose County Cricket Ground, Newport.

Gatting was complaining of a stiff back after being involved in a match the previous day. But his sizeable presence was unmistakable as an MCC team took on a Brian Gardener XI. The former international, who led England to Ashes success in Australia in 1987-88, said: “It’s great to be here against a backdrop of a hugely successful Twenty20 tournament we’ve just had in London and the Ashes series. I’m delighted to say that cricket is again in the forefront.

“I can certainly see many things that could be done here, many things that we might be able to help with – not improve, because I don’t know how you can improve something like this, but add to.

“We must do as much as

we again to try and nurture the talent that is around because cricket is a sport that we can give to our kids to learn things about discipline, about enjoying winning and losing, playing in a team and making friends for life, because that is what cricket does.

“It is for these reasons that the development of topclass facilities like this one at Newclose is certainly a key strategic priority for the England and Wales Cricket Board. We will therefore be delighted to help with the development of this cricket ground.”

Gatting continued: “I would like to thank Brian Gardener for his generous support of this project and I think it goes without saying that without him we would not be here today and cricket on the Island would be the poorer.

“Sustaining projects like this is a must, and it takes a lot of volunteers and a lot of help, and generally speaking it’s left to one or two people in the club, so please

don’t let that happen here.

Everybody needs help to run a big ground like this. We can now look forward to an even greater number of fine players coming from the IW in the future.”

The opening ceremony and speeches were followed by a match between a Brian Gardener XI, which consisted of players from Newport, Northwood, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor, and an MCC XI which contained amongst others former England internationals Clive Radley and Mark Alleyne.

The MCC batted first and scored 129 for 8 in 34 overs, with Christian Payne top scoring with 40 runs. Rob Lamminman scored 27, and Clive Radley retired with a tight hamstring on 19 not out. Ashley Goldsmith took 3 for 23.

In reply the Brian Gardener XI scored 107 for 5 in their 28 overs. James Lucy starring with 31 not out. Left armer Paul Terry took 3 for 45 as the Brian Gardener XI tried in vain to chase down the target, but to no avail.

Brian Gardener (left) and Mike Gatting officially open Newclose

Get on your bike

By Jamie White

ISLAND enthusiasts will be getting on their bikes next month as organisers gear up for the 2009 IW Cycling Festival.

The popular event, which attracted more than 4,500 cyclists last year, will be taking place from September 19-27. The festival gives people the chance to have a go at challenging obstacle courses, learn new cycling skills, hire a bike or join in with one of the free guided rides leading to or from Seaclose Park, Newport. There will also be electric bikes, cycle security information, road safety displays and family AFTER some fantastic per- in the Premier League that match despite clearly being entertainment including face painting, magic shows and formances by the Wightlink tipped the balance in favour in some discomfort. circus skills.

Islanders, the team came of the visitors. The IslandThere was a sense of The IW Cycling Festival back down to earth with ers suffered their misfortune disappointment from the Isprovides cyclists with the a bump as they suffered a early on when they seemed landers, as they just couldn’t opportunity to get off the 49-41 defeat at the hands of set to gain a maximum quite catch their mainland beaten track and experience the Bournemouth Bucca5-1 heat win, until Ben counterparts. neers.

Hopwood crashed heavily.

The Islanders had no time some of the Island’s most beautiful countryside. There A large crowd flocked to After extensive treatment to dwell on the disappointare different rides for all the Wave105FM stadium from the paramedics, Ben ment of defeat as they took levels of cycling ability. and were treated to an was able to get to his feet on Plymouth Devils last Over half the Island is action-packed 15 heat Naand walk away from the night at the Wave 105FM recognised as an Area of tional League match. incident and bravely took stadium. Full report in the Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bournemouth, who sit his remaining rides in the next issue of The Gazette. and with over 200 miles of top of the National League, maintained and signposted were pushed to the limit by cycle tracks, bridleways the Islanders, with the lead and byways, there is cerchanging hands three times, tainly enough for people to and at one point the scores explore. were level at 33-33 with just The event will officially four heats remaining. launch on Saturday SeptemThe two sides were evenly ber 19, between 11am and matched throughout pro4pm at Seaclose Park. ceedings with each suffering As a part of the festival, a measure of misfortune. the IW Council is encouragBut in the final analysis it ing cyclists to take on one of was the telling contribution the UK’s toughest cycling of 14 points from seven challenges. rides from Bournemouth’s On Sunday September reserve Jerran Hart, who 27, the annual Hills Killer Scott Meakins leaves the tapes with Aaron Baseby also rides for Scunthorpe

Winning run comes to an end

Challenge will be taking place. There are three levels that cyclists can take on.

These are the Three Hills Challenge for the family and budding cyclists, the Seven Hills Challenge for those that like to take on a difficult event, and the ultra-tough 14 Hills Challenge.

The latter takes in routes across most of the Island’s major hills and downs, including Chillerton, Brading and Ventnor. This event is only recommended for fit and healthy cyclists who regularly cycle long distances.

Each participant on the day is given an electronic chip that records your time and the route you take. This works by the cyclist scanning the chip at each checkpoint. Anyone who does not scan their chip or misses a check point may be disqualified. Riders are reminded that at each level of the Hills Killer Challenge, the event is not a race and is for personal achievement only.

Those taking part are required to wear a helmet

and should also bring an Ordnance Survey Map. We are told spaces are filling up fast and anyone interested in the Hills Killer Challenge should register now to avoid disappointment.

Here are a few tips, supplied by organizers, to help ensure a fun and enjoyable IW Cycling Festival.

• Ensure your bike is in good working order.

• Be aware of all traffic and remember the Highway Code.

• Take a mobile phone and some money in case of emergency.

• Remember to take your litter home and recycle.

• Do not disturb any livestock and fasten all gates behind you.

• Keep with the ride leader and don’t leave the group without telling the leader.

• Ensure you take enough food and drink with you.

• Get into gear and most of all enjoy yourself!

For more information on the 2009 IW Cycling Festival log on to www.sunseaandcycling.co.uk

the gazette

sport

Send your sports news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk

Ventnor reach Twenty20 final VENTNOR Cricket Club have made it through to the final of the Southern Electric Twenty20 Cup after a narrow victory against Andover.

Charlie Freeston’s side secured their place in the showpiece event, which takes place at Hampshire CCC’s Rose Bowl stadium, after a thrilling one run win over Andover in a high scoring semi final at Steephill.

The Islanders will face Lymington on Wednesday August 19 after the New Forest side comfortably defeated Portsmouth in the other semi-final tie.

In front of a 250 plus crowd, Ventnor almost had glory snatched from them in a frantic, tension filled game, but they held their nerve to clinch a marvellous win.

The homeside made a nervy start as Danny Briggs, fresh from his England Under 19 exploits, had his stumps rearranged by Roger Miller. Neil Westhorpe took the score to 35 before skying a catch Mark Miller for 14, bringing Ian Hilsum and Matt Compton together. The pair batted superbly, adding 53 in quick time.

Hilsum then perished for 26 but left hander Compton went on to hit a fine 58 from only 57 deliveries in partnership with Martin Blackman, whose impressive 24 helped the score to 145. The late innings momentum was maintained by Nono Pongolo (19) and Mark Fletcher (12) as the Islanders reached a challenging 180-9 from their 20 overs.

By Jamie White Needing to score at nine runs an over, Andover gave immediate notice of their intentions scoring 15 off their first over.

Charlie Freeston then trapped Taylor lbw, and when Pongolo accounted for Alan Hooper 16 runs later, the visitors were 31-2.

The introduction of Ventnor teenager Danny Briggs to the attack further hampered the Premier 1 side. He then produced a terrific throw from the deep to run out Roger Miller for 27, to leave the visitors on 75-3.

Marc Allen then held on to a skyer off Ian Hilsum to dismiss the dangerous Mark Miller.

With nothing to lose, Australian Mike Stretton launched an attack to blast his side back into contention. He went from 43 to 69 in just five deliveries before Briggs returned to dismiss him for 71. A fine catch by Mark Whyte then accounted for Matt Hooper. The final over arrived with Andover needing 18 runs for victory and four wickets in hand.

The opening two deliveries bowled by Marc Allen went for six and four and with the tension mounting amidst scrambled runs and frantic fielding, three were required from the final ball.

Despite the pressure, Ventnor’s young paceman held his nerve to restrict Khan and Jonty Hadfield to just two runs, prompting great celebrations both on and off the field as a night under the lights at the Rose Bowl became a reality.

The Ventnor Cricket team who have made it through to the Twenty20 cup final

Well deserved win for Smith and Chiverton BEN SMITH and Zac Chiverton showed the rest of the fast handicap the way round the course at Brading Haven Yacht Club, by earning a well deserved win sailing an RS200.

The race was held in a slight breeze of a force two to three, but it proved strong enough to see everyone round. John Carter and Ken Nye taught the wayfarer fleet a few things by collecting a second place overall, just a mere two seconds behind.

Martin Moore came in a close third place sailing his 405 single-handed.

Cadet member, Isobel McInnes in a Pico, sailed the best race of her

life in the slow handicap with an amazing win of 221 seconds. She outclassed the rest of the field by taking an ever-increasing lead right from the very start, almost lapping Ben Baker’s Mirror, who made a second spot with Matthew McInnes third, also in a Pico.

Lizzie Mitchell set an excellent course out by St Helens Fort with some great beats and reaches for the annual Brunch race, comprising of nineteen boats.

Gareth Jones made a name for himself in his Solo in the fast handicap. His steady sailing technique

gave him the edge on the rest even after a slight problem with rounding the buoy the wrong way and having to pay his penance.

Marten Springett was the first of the fleet home in his RS Vareo, but had to settle for a second place after such a tremendous lead with John Carter and David Cheeck a close third in a Wayfarer.

Tony Morgan was to hear the winning gun in the slow fleet, sailing his Scow with tenacity and skill to earn a 50 second lead over Rob Orr with Mike Quinn sailing a fine race in third, both sailing Scows.