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36,000 copies - Friday January 9 2009
St Mary’s Hospital facing congestion crisis
Helpers quit in parking row
By Paul Rainford
AUTHORITIES at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport have promised to act to try to resolve the on-site parking chaos that has forced volunteer workers to withdraw their services.
Over the past few weeks several volunteers who regularly attended the hospital to comfort patients receiving treatment in the chemotherapy department have become so frustrated with the parking arrangements they have decided it is no longer worth the hassle. The problem was revealed to The Gazette by Philip Legge, owner of the Brickfields Horsecountry tourist attraction on the outskirts of Ryde. Mr Legge has been undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer at St Mary’s. He said: “I asked where the regular tea lady was, who I knew was a volunteer at the unit, and I was told that she had driven around the car park for two hours trying to find a space and in the end had given up and gone home. Apparently, three or four of the volunteers have had the same problem.” Amid the chaos there have now been calls for the Government to follow the lead of Scotland and Wales, and scrap unfair parking charges to help make travelling to hospital for treatment as stressfree as possible. A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, said: “We are disappointed to learn that a small number of volunteers have recently withdrawn their services as a consequence of being unable to park at St Mary’s Hospital. “We are working with the APCOA Car Park Management company to identify both long and short
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Parking at a premium: Philip Legge discovered that volunteers had been unable to find a space
term solutions to help relieve the parking pressures on the hospital site. In recent weeks we have relaxed parking restrictions in various areas to help ease the congestion. “Anyone experiencing difficulty parking can contact APCOA by pressing the red button on the side of the ticket machine and they will try and find a parking space for them.
“We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers, over 180, who give their own time to help Island patients in a variety of roles including driving, chaplaincy services, ward helpers and patient feeders. Volunteers who use public transport to and from St Mary’s Continued on page 7
UKSA’s plan for youth
No more motocross as diggers move in FARMER Tom Smith has reluctantly conceded defeat in his efforts to bring motocross racing back to the Island. Mr Smith has ditched plans to make an appeal on the mainland to try to re-stage events on his land at Gore Basin, near Merstone Lane, Arreton.
By Peter White
sands turned up to watch spectacular racing until it all came to an abrupt halt in 2005. Instead the diggers moved in this week to restore the site, described as one of the best motocross courses in the country, to arable land. IW planning officers recommended refusal of the project, claiming Mr He and daughter Caroline Knox wanted to hold three motocross events Smith did not satisfactorily complete an environmental impact statement. each year at the track, where thou-
He described that as “a total nonsense”. He said: It really is a shame because we were not trying to do it to make money, but provide entertainment and excitement as well as bring muchneeded revenue to the Island. “We did everything we could, but came up against so many obstacles, mainly from locals. We feel we have now had to bow to the pressure of the few.” Mr Smith insisted: “We had an Environmental Impact Assessment prepared, and we do firmly believe that it contains all the information anyone could ever need to see what
the impact would be. But if you pay someone to find faults, they will. We even got reports back raising points like where the dustbins on the site will be located.” He added: “It wouldn’t have taken much to try once more. We were reluctant to give up because we had put so much work in to trying to get motocross back at the site. Some very honest and passionate people have helped us try to get these events back. “The problem was that when there were objections and negatives from others it put us off.” Full story: See Page 3
Red Funnel price hike RED Funnel has announced a six per cent increase in its passenger day returns and period return fares, to and from the Island.
The ferry company said that the passenger ticket average increase is in line with the four per cent inflation that existed when the new
tariffs were set. The changes will also have an effect on the fares of cars and lorries. The car ferry service also sees introduction of a new £25 family day return ticket. Red Funnel also said that there will be a range of foot passenger discounts for young people and extensions
to off-peak, group and family fare times of operation. As of Monday January 12, the company will introduce a new reduced youth off-peak fare of £8. Groups of four or more travelling together receive a discount of 25 per cent on standard off-peak adult or child tickets.
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Eco-brothers go global
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Oil of Wight
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Issue 12
January 9 2009
News Round-up Woman charged with murder
AN ISLAND woman has appeared before Newport Magistrates Court, accused of shooting her husband twice in the chest as he lay in bed. Helen Lawson, 61, of Wellow Top Road, Wellow, faced a charge of murdering Geoffrey Lawson during the early hours of Sunday, January 4. She was remanded in custody to appear at Winchester Crown Court on April 6.
Unit B18 Spithead Business Centre Newport Road Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 9PH
Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Editor: Martin Potter Reporters: Jamie White, Peter White, Roz Whistance, Richard Collins, Justin Gladdis Sub Editor: Paul Rainford Distribution: Isle of Wight Distribution Ltd. Design: Colin Clarke, Richard Heaven
Friday JANUARY 9 2009
Boy hurt in collision
A NINE-year-old boy was taken to St Mary’s Hospital for X-rays after being involved in a collision with a car. The youngster suffered a leg and head injury in the incident on Carisbrooke Road, Newport. There were four cars involved in a separate incident at the junction of Folly Lane and Whippingham Road, East Cowes. There were no serious injuries reported.
IT HAS been said that the country can never be the same again without them. And that sentiment was echoed here on the Island as the doors on the five Woolworths stores closed for the last time.
The outlets at Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Shanklin and Sandown all held their ‘everything must go’ sales before putting up the shutters to the dismay and disappointment of
going to close, and there would be no last-minute reprieve. hundreds of loyal staff “I believe all the and customers. staff were hopeful that It was the Christmas someone would take and New Year news no one wanted as a total of over the company, but in the end everyone just 815 Woolworths shops nationwide were forced accepted that the store would close.” to close when no buyer Christian added: “A could be found after lot of customers came the company fell into into the store and told us administration. what a shame it is that Brothers Christian we were closing, and and Daniel Swan both that Shanklin’s Regent worked at the Shanklin Street will not be the branch of Woolworths. same without us.” Christian, 19, summed For the next few weeks up the sombre mood as at least there will be little by little the shop similar feelings as began to empty as the would-be customers in bargain-hunters moved Newport, Cowes, Ryde in. Christian said: “It was and Sandown come to a sad sight as the shelves realise that there are some things you don’t gradually emptied, and even the fixtures and fit- miss until they are gone tings were being sold. It – and their local branch sort of made it final, and of Woolies is one of you realised it really was them.
By Peter White
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How much raised so far? We are glad to say that the readers of The Gazette have now raised approximately £10,036 in total for the local Hospice. Well done and thank you for your support.
Competition winners The winner of the Cloud 9 gym membership for January competition held in the last issue was Mrs Parkes, Shanklin.
Violent crime down
THERE has been a 14 per cent reduction in the number of alcohol- and drug-fuelled violent crimes committed this Christmas across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In December 2008 there were 1,048 substance-related reported violent crimes, compared to 1,215 in December 2007. Hampshire Constabulary’s chief constable, Alex Marshall, said: “This is a great result for all the police officers that were out on the streets this Christmas. Reducing alcoholrelated violent crime was Hampshire Constabulary’s priority throughout December, with extra patrols out and about during the festive period.”
Chamber urges unity BUSINESSES on the Island are being urged to make the most of the Island’s network to help them through the recession. The Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry believes that the close-knit community can provide opportunities, particularly for smaller and new companies. Kevin Smith, Chamber chief executive, said: “When times are hard, it is more important than ever that businesses stick together. We believe that joining the Chamber’s rapidly growing membership and taking advantage of the financial benefits we offer could give companies the edge in what is certainly a tough marketplace.”
Daffodil appeal help wanted MARIE Curie Cancer Care is gearing up for its Great Daffodil Appeal campaign. The Island fundraising committee is looking for help on Saturday March 7 to collect at different locations for a couple of hours. Every donation helps Marie Curie nurses to provide high-quality care for patients with cancer and other terminal illnesses in their own homes. The services are free to patients, their families and carers, but the charity can only continue to provide them with people’s support. To find out how you can help visit www.mariecurie.org.uk and click on the Great Daffodil Appeal logo.
Icy roads warning
ISLANDERS are being warned to take extra care whilst driving, as temperatures drop well below freezing. The air temperature has been as low as -3 °C with some areas and roads on the Island seeing temperatures as low as -8°C. The IW Council have been pre-salting all major roads and minor roads between towns and villages, but they are still reminding drivers to take extra care in the cold conditions, particularly on untreated roads. Stuart Love, IW council director of environment and neighbourhoods, said: “Salting offers motorists some protection, but we would still ask people to take extra care in particularly treacherous conditions.”
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Arreton motocross hits end of the road By Peter White
WHEN Tom Smith heard that IW planning bosses had thrown out his latest bid to re-stage motocross races on his land near Arreton it hardly came as the biggest shock in the world.
For months Mr Smith and his daughter Caroline had been battling to put the popular sport back on the local calendar, and help bring much needed revenue to the Island. But each time they thought their efforts might just bring the rewards they were hoping for, another wheel spun into action against them, kicking dirt in their faces. Whether it was the IW Council planning officers, Island Watch, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Arreton Parish Council or just a handful of objections from residents it seemed inevitable someone was going to give them a rough ride. Now Mr Smith has finally succumbed to pressure from the few. The site that proved so popular with motocross enthusiasts up until a few years ago, was being bulldozed this week to turn it back into arable land. He and Caroline were not the sort to sit back and accept defeat without a real fight. But at a family get-together they finally decided enough was enough. They tried countless times to hold constructive meetings with objectors; they claim they filled in Environmental Impact Assessment forms to the letter. But the longer it went on, the more they felt the small minority of objectors are only looking at the hole rather than the doughnut! Thousands of families flocked to the Island when the events
Diggers move in to restore the former motocross site in Arreton
were held. With them came the inevitable spending, benefiting pubs, restaurants and shops, in the same way that the annual IW Festival and the Bestival bring plenty of extra custom. Now, after this latest setback, Mr Smith admits it is easier for him to adhere to objectors’ wishes and turn the site back into farmland. He said: “The application has been refused again and we have been told to restore the site. We will grow rapeseed, wheat and barley. It will cost less money to knock it down restore it than it would to actually comply with the impact assessment and everything else. “People think it’s going to cost us a lot to restore it. It won’t, and that is certainly not the reason we fought so hard. We wanted to hold events there for the Island. We wanted to put dates on the calendar and look forward and plan. At previous events you’d have mum, dad, grandma, grandad all supporting their son or grandson. It was really family orientated. “We are not motocross enthusiasts but we were motivated by the excitement and enthusiasm by all the sport’s followers. We met families at events and they
Glory days: large crowds came to watch the motocross action
were genuinely interested. We had visions of tourist information vans up there explaining what activities there are in the Island, to try and generate business and revenue for businesses on the Island.” He continued: “The point that was being missed was that we were not asking to build 50 houses on the site, we wanted to sympathetically adapt the landscape and make it less distracting for passers-by and easier on the eye. “If something doesn’t work the first time then it could be adapted for the next event like they do at the Festival and Bestival. We asked the planning department and the parish council for meetings repeatedly but they would never give is the chance to talk to them. “We have appealed and been back and forward many times and unfortunately following the recent decisions it means that diggers are now on the site turning it into an agricultural field. A great opportunity for the Island has been lost.” Mr Smith added: “Previous event organisers weren’t Islanders, but we always supported the events and wanted them to work properly. We got generators, toilets and everything sorted. We wanted to pull in the local businesses to have stands at the events, and have Islanders involved, but the parish council wouldn’t even let us have a meeting with them. It was all very frustrating. “We were so full of enthusiasm at the start but it has just been drained out of us. I feel like we are just hitting brick walls constantly. We emailed the parish council to see if they would form a committee to liaise with us to see what they wanted up there, but they wouldn’t do that. We wanted to take them up to the site and do a presentation, but we were told that wouldn’t work.”
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UKSA gets youth on By Peter White
NEARLY 100 Island youngsters will be able to get first-hand experience of adventure at sea later this year under the latest scheme organised by the Cowes-based maritime academy, UKSA.
Although renowned for it’s work throughout the world, UKSA is now focusing on local participation, with special courses in a range of watersports available for youngsters from nine to 16 years of age. It is the latest venture of the charity, which has helped more than 5000 youngsters and disabled people to get a real taste of life on the ocean waves since it was founded just over 20 years ago. Ciaran Rogers, marketing manager of the Cowesbased charity, believes it is vital for Islanders to enjoy the benefits the academy has on offer: “We want to increase local participation this year, and now have UKSA Clubs. There will be windsurfing, dinghy sailing and keel boating available just for Island kids. They will comprise nine-week programmes with half a day’s activity per week, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. “We will be taking up to 90 youngsters, and the cost works out at £10 per session. However, we don’t want anyone to feel excluded from these sessions, so there is financial assistance available. “For the nine-week course you don’t need any previous experience. You can learn all the basics with us. The three programmes will have space for about 20-30 students on each, and will begin at Easter. “I am really keen for as many local groups across This is what Island youngsters can look the Island to get involved as possible. We have so many facilities available, from accommodation for forward to under the new UKSA venture – 270 people to a multi-gym, bar, shop, Internet café everything from windsurfing to keelboating and lecture rooms. With food, accommodation and and dinghy sailing evening entertainment provided, visitors can focus on their studies and chosen sport. We also have activities – over 5000 children have enjoyed the over 300 craft, from the smallest surfboards and benefits, including about 450 with assisted funding, beginners’ dinghies to our two 67ft Global Chalwhich works out at over £120,000. The groups lenge sailing yachts. come from all over the UK and also from abroad. “In the height of the summer we employ around 240 staff, which is one of the highest number of UKSA takes a thoroughly businesslike approach employees in any Island business, and maybe to its activities, says Ciaran. “We feel that those people don’t realise that. In fact, there is a lot about who can afford to pay should pay, and those can’t us that people don’t really know. afford it can have financial assistance. Unfortu“People may have heard vaguely of UKSA, nately everything has to be paid for in one way or but are not aware of what is going on behind the another. scenes. Every year we train between 700 and 800 “Next year we are embarking on a campaign to people for careers in yachting and water sports. raise funds, so we can do more assisted funding. “However, we are a charity and are non-profit The more funds we raise, the more we can provide making. We have started a campaign this year to assistance for the four main group areas. make people much more “We are also looking aware of that fact. As an to develop partnerships “For the nine-week course you organisation, our focus is with other companies to help changing people’s don’t need any previous experience. and local organisations. lives. Our activities in the You can learn all the basics with us.” There are many ways in water aren’t always the which people can conbe all and end all of what tribute to us, not just financially. can be done. There are also social benefits. “We also want to expand the number of volunteers “UKSA training options span the globe, includat the academy. We are delighted to announce that ing bases in Egypt and Greece, and yachts voyagwe will be providing free dinghy instructor training, ing in Atlantic waters between the Caribbean and aimed at people who can already sail so they can Mediterranean. The variety of training locations gain their dinghy instructor qualification. we offer helps to enrich our students’ learning “This will take place in the Easter holidays. I experience and assist in their mental and physical think it will be probably be popular with the 16-18 development.” year olds who want to get their qualification. All we ask in return is people to offer some free voluntary As a charity, UKSA focuses on four main areas: work or get involved with some of the clubs that • People wanting a change of career, particularly the under 25s, though the UKSA do take people of we are offering. There is a lot going on within the academy. A lot of the information is on our website. all ages, from 16 to 70. We have launched a podcast as well, and there • Yacht racing – the charity has a number of will be plenty of free content on there, which is schemes to help people take part in competitive available through the iTunes store. There is also a racing on a national level and on the international careers blog online.” circuit. • Helping people with disabilities – UKSA helps a Anyone wanting to get involved with UKSA number of local and national groups on that front. activities should visit their website (www.uksa. • Introducing kids into water sports via residential org) to find out more information.
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Now it’s time to start shedding the pounds SO CHRISTMAS has come and gone and so have the turkey and mince pies.
Of course, we all promised ourselves we wouldn’t over indulge, but sometimes temptation gets the better of us. So now it’s a new year, and time to make – and often break – those resolutions. But many Islanders will be doing their best to shed a few pounds and get back in shape. Health clubs and gyms across the Island will be doing their bit to try to help beat the bulge. The Gazette has spoken to Dan Parker, owner of Cloud 9 Health Club in Shanklin, who gave this advice on how to stay in trim in 2009. Dan said: “January is the best time to start off with good intentions and improving health fitness and diet and getting in shape. That’s when we set our new year’s resolutions, and losing that bit of excess weight is normally one of them. “The most important thing about getting fit is to keep it going. You have to enjoy what you’re doing and have a balanced approach. “You don’t want to start off too fast and end up burning yourself out. Training shouldn’t be seen as a chore, but as something that you look forward to doing. Starting off two or three times a week in the gym and also walking is the best way to start. If you set yourself a 12-week goal, then you can achieve amazing results. “Your diet does play a part in getting in shape. Combining a fitness regime with a healthy balanced diet is the best option. Now Christmas has come and gone, and those extra calories have been consumed, it is time to burn them off. Clear those cupboards out and start afresh. “When you use the word ‘diet’, all sorts of bad things start popping into your head about what you can and can’t eat and when to eat. It is a lifestyle adjustment and should be viewed as a good thing. You are going to be eating healthier from now on and you will feel and look better. Don’t look at the exercise programmes as torturous, but look forward to them and work them into your routine. You can even train with someone else and encourage each other.” Dan continued: “People have different ideas of what they want to achieve by doing exercise. Some want to lose weight, some want to get fitter, and some want to develop more muscle. Have your goal and stick to it. “If you want to lose weight and get in shape then doing cardiovascular work on the bikes, treadmill and rowing machine is best. If you do between half an hour and an hour two or three times a week you will notice results. But it is important that you stick to that for a couple of months. If you want to improve your body shape and tone up, then combine cardiovascular work and doing weights two or three times a week for an hour is the best way. Even going to the gym once a week is better than not at all.” Dan also explained the importance of eating the right foods. He said: “Most people know how to
By Jamie White
eat healthily. The problem is eating the right foods at the right time and having a balance with protein such as chicken and carbohydrates like rice and potatoes. Vegetables and fruit are also very good for you. Protein is the key. It helps lose weight, speeds up recovery and metabolism and builds muscle. Keep saturated fats low and keep the essential fats. Cut out milk, cream, chocolate and any fat that is visible on food as well. “You should allow yourself treats in moderation. If you feel you are depriving yourself something pleasurable, then you have nothing to look forward to. Once or twice a week you should treat yourself to a meal that you want to have, as a reward for your hard work. You shouldn’t cut out everything bad that you eat, but just do it all in moderation. You will be burning it off with exercise anyway. “The better people are with sticking to a balanced diet and fitness programme, then better results are going to be achieved. The stricter you can be whilst still enjoying it will give quicker results. “There are things that you can do outside of the gym, and even tie the two in together. Walking is probably one of the best fat-burning and fitness exercises that you can do. It is low impact on the joints and is kept at a steady pace. Swimming, cycling and rowing are also very good for you.” Dan concluded: “If you go to the gym two or three times a week and do a full body circuit, then you will achieve great results and feel a lot better about yourself.”
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A new sound, a new vision
THE ISLAND’S new radio station, wightFM, will shortly hit the airwaves. As reported in the last issue of The Gazette, the popular and often controversial presenter Alex ‘Big Al’ Dyke will be joining the station, so we asked him what listeners can expect from the Island’s most experienced broadcaster.
“You’re going to get a fresh and vibrant new radio station. There is no point in wightFM going on air and doing what another Island radio station is doing,” says Alex. “We need to be different, we need to be polished and have a much bigger sound. We need big on-air names. “Local talent is very important to wightFM and we have the strongest local line-up. The trend of local radio stations has been to pay the presenter less and middle management more, resulting in a low programme budget. That is why a lot of local radio stations have got rid of the best local talent replacing it with cheap alternatives, like local cabbies coming in between shifts for a few extra quid, or existing members of office staff getting behind the microphone at the weekend. “A radio station needs professional on-air staff to sound professional. You can’t go from selling sandwiches one minute to a full on-air shift the next. That is clearly not the way to programme a proper radio station. “Programming on the cheap is a false economy and gives a ‘hospital radio’ sound. That is not us. Big local names already signed include Richard Cartridge, one of the south’s famous broadcasters at Radio Solent, Derek Sandy, who will present a weekly reggae show and Chris Stewart, from the West Wight, with her motown hour. “Festival organiser John Giddings will present a programme packed full of the Isle of Wight festivals greatest artists and bands. Simon and Dave from Hipshaker are in our line-up, as is Steve Robson with his electric 80s programme. We have also had a yes from Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank about a Bestival show, and Andy Shier is also on standby. “Big national names include DJ Mike Read, famous for presenting the Radio 1 breakfast show Saturday Superstore and Top of the Pops, and Paul Burnett, the former Radio One lunch-
By Jamie White
time DJ, plus Sean Tilly, another radio veteran. Mark Wesley and Benny Brown, like Sean, are Radio Luxembourg legends. Also in the line-up will be Howard Pearce, formerly of Radio Two and Virgin Radio.” The nature of online radio means that wightFM will be able to reach all corners of the globe, says Alex: “WightFM programmes and music have three main proposals. We want to give you the best music, the best presenters and to keep everyone in touch – from Cowes to California, Shanklin to Sydney, or Newport to New Orleans. There are thousands of expatriates out there, and we want to keep them in touch with the Island wherever they are in the world. “Many of our competitors don’t broadcast worldwide on the Internet, but we will. Our programmes won’t have tired, worn-out formats. Our DJs won’t waffle, they will entertain. We will play fabulous hits and not the same old overplayed burnt out songs. “The exception to the rule will be the mid morning show which will obviously play great hits but will feature loads of Island guests and broadcast the popular midday phone in. “When our rival station dropped the daily phone-in, the Gazette and local online forums were swamped with requests to bring it back, so wightFM have stepped in to ensure its return. “We will have seven or eight regular weekday presenters, and won’t go to a mainland network. At weekends we will have approximately 11 presenters, and ‘Bubblegum and Cheese’ will be hosted by ex-Radio 2 and Crackerjack host Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart on Saturday and Sunday mornings. “Other main differences include the quality of the music programming. We will have the biggest playlist in the south, probably Britain. Our presenters have a passion for music and the songs we play will be more uplifting and will make you feel good. We won’t clutter the programmes with silly quizzes. The idea is we will deliver the feelgood factor. “The important thing to stress to Islanders is that it couldn’t be easier to listen to WiFi and internet radio. You can even pick it up on your phone.”
Gallery seeks new logo BUDDING young graphic designers are being invited to design a new logo for the Learning Curve Gallery at the Quay Arts venue in Newport. Quay Arts is using its refurbishment of the gallery, which celebrates its tenth birthday in April, as an opportunity to update the Learning
Curve Gallery logo, and Island designers aged 13-18 wanting to participate in the competition must enter their designs by March 21. The prize is £100, with the winner to be announced at a ‘Mad Hatter’s tea party’ at the gallery on April 18. Work can be submitted either as hard copy
(preferably A4 sized) or in digital form on a CD. Digital entries should be 300 dpi, full colour and in either JPEG, TIFF or PDF image formats, with a minimum pixel size of 3500 pixels wide by 2500 pixels high. For more details about the competition, call the Quay Arts box office on 822490.
Alex Dyke with a mobile phone, yet another way to listen to wightFM
St Mary’s parking crisis
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Charity theft
HEARTLESS thieves who stole money destined for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice are being hunted by Island police.
A charity box, for readers of The Gazette wishing to make a donation to the hospice, was stolen from the front foyer of Morrisons supermarket, Newport Road, Lake. The box was chained to the wall above Christmas editions of The Gazette, and was taken sometime between 4.0pm on December 20 and midnight on December 21. It is not known how much money was in the box. Another charity box taken between 7.30pm and 7.40pm on December 18 from outside a home address in the Lower Green Road area of St. Helens near Ryde. A white coloured bird box was attached to a neighbour’s front garden gate, which was also reported stolen at the same time. The box
Friday JANUARY 9 2009
Community funds still up for grabs THE ISLE of Wight Community Fund is reminding all local community groups that they have until the end of February to apply for one of its Grassroots grants.
contained donations for a Parkinson’s Disease charity. Two men wearing hooded tops were seen in the area at the time of the alleged theft. Anyone with information about the alleged theft of either charity box is asked to contact the Volume Crime Resolution Unit at Cowes Police Station on 0845 045 45 45, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To date, the fund has awarded a total of £17,095 to six local groups, but it still has another £21,000 to distribute before March. Those supported so far include Ryde Saints Football Club, which will be using its £4,290 grant to provide free football training and activities to the over-14s, and Havenstreet community centre, which received £1,375 for a new sound system. Groups interested in applying for a grant should visit the IW Community Fund website, www. hantscf.org.uk/iwcf, and click on the ‘IOW Grassroots Challenge’ button.
Rotarians deliver Christmas cheer to Romanian children
A GROUP of Island Rotarians made it a Christmas to remember for thousands of Romanian children this year.
Sue Gully of Ryde Rotary Club teamed up with Dorothy Dye and Bill Wyke of the Sandown branch to travel the 3000 miles to Romania to deliver 3700 shoeboxes that generous Islanders had stuffed with gifts for the children there. “Words cannot describe the look on the faces of the children when they were given a box full of goodies – for some of them this will be the only gift they will have all year and some have never had things of their own,” said Mr Wyke. “Some of the villages that they visited have not changed for 50 years and the people are so poor it is hard to believe that just a few miles away, Medgidia, which has shops and markets full of food and other goods which they cannot afford to buy.” He added: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us in this appeal and we look forward to working with Islanders again next time to once more bring a little happiness to people less fortunate than we are.”
Barnardo’s seeks voluntary help BARNADO’S Ryde Extended Services is looking for volunteers to help children, young people and their families. All volunteers will be fully supported with training and expenses. There is a range of activities including gardening, family days, cookery and self esteem groups that the organisation needs support with. For more information you can contact Fiona Roberts on 616607 or email fiona.roberts@ barnados.org.uk.
Hospice news Walk The Wight 2009, registration is a must!
WALK The Wight, the largest charity walk in the South, will take place on Sunday May 17 this year raising money for the Island’s Hospice – and for the first time registration prior to the event is compulsory. Last year the event raised over £350,000 for patient care and the sheer number of people involved has made prior registration absolutely essential. David Cheek, head of fundraising, said: “A total of 8,400 people took part in 2008, which was phenomenal. The logistics of planning for such a huge event means we decided to make prior registration a condition of taking part in 2009. “We are sure everyone will understand that organising things like refreshments, toilets and marshalling right across the Island can be done most efficiently and effectively if we know in advance the numbers we are dealing with.” The main walk is 26.5 miles long, running from Bembridge to Needles Park. Walkers can also opt to walk the first half from Bembridge to Carisbrooke, which is 12.5 miles, or the second half from Carisbrooke to Needles Park. Following on from its successful launch last year there is also the Flat Walk, which is approximately 8 miles long and runs from Sandown High School to Thompson’s Trees in Shide, near Newport. This is mainly along flat cycle-tracks on the old railway line. These are gravelled paths, suitable for robust wheelchairs and baby-buggies, but not motability scooters. The route will be signed and marshalled and has St John’s Ambulance cover. Whichever walk is being considered, registration can be done online at www.iwhospice. org or by telephoning the fundraising office on 528989. Registration is free and the closing date is May 1 2009.
Feel like an adventure?
THE ISLAND’S Hospice will be holding a factfinding evening for people who think they might like to take part in one of a variety of forthcoming fundraising ‘adventures’. The event will take place at the hospice on February 19 at 7pm. The fundraising team are always amazed and delighted at the things people are willing to do to raise money for the hospice. Last year, for example, Will Thurbin climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised thousands of pounds for patient care. Around 50 people also took part in two charity parachute jumps. David Cheek said: “We thought it would be an excellent idea to bring together the people who have previously taken part in these adventures with people who think they might like to take part in the future, regardless of what they want to do – from walking the Great Wall of China to trekking through the Amazon. It will be a great opportunity to exchange information, hear some very amusing stories, pick up some tips on sponsorship and hopefully inspire even more people to participate.” Anyone wishing to attend is asked to call the fundraising office on 528989 to obtain more details. This is a completely no obligation event, so please book your place.
‘Have a Heart’ charity auction – a date for your diary
The Island’s Hospice, in association with Barchester Healthcare, will be holding a ‘Have a Heart’ charity auction on Valentine’s Day (February 14) at Barchester Healthcare Care Home in Fairlee Road, Newport. Money raised at the event will go towards patient care at the Hospice and more details will be published over the next few weeks.
Hospice fundraising: 528989
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The sound of music comes from refuse By Jamie White
COWES and Yarmouth Primary school pupils have had a lesson on the importance of recycling. The youngsters have been shown how you can turn rubbish into musical instruments and mini composters, with the help of the IW Council’s waste minimisation and recycling officer, Laura Kay.
Year two pupils at both schools have been learning first hand what happens to some of the rubbish that is thrown away on the Island each week. They visited the Island’s landfill site to learn about the alternatives to just throwing away rubbish and explored the range of materials that can be recycled. Laura, who was on hand to show how it all worked, said: “By visiting schools and involving pupils in fun projects like these we hope to encourage children and their families to reduce, re-use and recycle their rubbish.” As part of their studies on conservation and the environment, pupils in Yarmouth have taken part in a fashion show featuring clothes made from rubbish. Cowes Primary’s after school club has been taking part in education workshops. Over a
Some of the pupils who learned about recycling rubbish
number of days they created new paper from old, musical instruments from a variety of items that would normally get thrown into the bin, and mini compost bins from old plastic bottles. Pupils at both schools have been making small ‘rot pots’, which demonstrate the composting process on a small scale. It shows how waste food and vegetable scraps can eventually be turned into a useful, fertile compost which can be used in the garden. Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, the IW Council’s cabinet member for
the environment and transport, supports the idea of educating children about the importance of recycling. He said: “It is important that we continue to educate people of all ages about the benefits of separating their waste for recycling. “The council is committed to reducing the amount of rubbish sent to landfill. The kerbside recycling scheme, gasification plant and household waste recycling centres on the Island are helping to reduce the level of waste disposed of in this way.”
Tony clocks off duty after 30 years’ service By Justin Gladdis
A LONG serving IW police officer, who has spent 30 years on the frontline of Island law enforcement, has retired from the Hampshire Constabulary.
PC Tony Witt joined the force in 1978 and was first stationed in Hythe in the New Forest. Nine years later he moved to the Island and spent more than 20 years based at Ryde police station. During his career PC Witt has policed the miners’ strike and disputes between Hell’s Angels. He has received a chief constable’s commendation for tackling a woman armed with a knife and an award from the RSPCA for helping to rescue a horse and rider who were stranded on Ryde Sands in 1989. PC Witt said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on the Island, and seeing people who’ve taken your advice grow up on the straight and narrow. “I would like to thank the community for all their support. I’ve always tried to treat people how I would like to be treated myself. “I will miss my work colleagues. There’s a very enthusiastic team on the Island – almost like a family unit.” Shift sergeant Kevin Butcher said: “PC Witt is a face recognisable by many generations of locals. He has a unique turn of phrase and a gentlemanly approach to modern-day policing.
PC Tony Witt: will miss his colleagues
“His departure has left Ryde missing a solid experienced officer with such a vast array of local knowledge, but it’s true to say he’s served the Island well for many decades and has earned his retirement as not many officers stay in uniform on the frontline until the very end.” Shift inspector Glenn Cairns added: “It is unusual to find an officer of the calibre of PC Witt who is willing to spend 30 years in uniform on the frontline. The fact that he chose his last tour of duty to be one of the busiest nights of the year [Friday December 19] speaks volumes about his character. He will be missed by the team and by myself.”
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Cancer charity seeks Great Wall trekkers
BREAST Cancer Campaign is looking for Islanders to sign up for its Great Wall of China trek to help raise money for the charity.
The trek, which runs from 4 - 12 April, takes in a 60km stretch of the Great Wall as well as some of Beijing’s famous sights such as
Island teenagers help launch care revamp THE GOVERNMENT’S Care Matters programme, which seeks to improve services for children and young people in care, has been launched on the Island.
Care Matters was introduced as part of the The Children and Young People Act 2008. the Forbidden City and the pink treatment. Nicolas Crick, IW Council the Temple of Heaven. Breast cancer is the head of targeted services, said: Would-be participants most common form of “Currently in school, children are required to sign up cancer in the UK and in care achieve a lower average by the end of January accounts for nearly one The launch event, held at the and put down a deposit in three of all cancers in Quay Arts venue in Newport, was than other children. The Children and Young People Act is geared of £245. women. jointly hosted by a group of Island towards bridging this gap and Last October the Island For more information teenagers and the IW Council’s improving the educational attaincame out in force to about the Great Wall Children & Young People Direcment and achievements for these support the charity’s Isle of China trek call the torate. They presented the Care young people, so that help is of Pink initiative, with Breast Cancer Campaign Matters agenda to a large audigiven as they become adults. This even the tiger that sits on 020 7749 3700 or ence consisting of school headis not just the responsibility of on top of the entrance visit www.breastcancer- teachers, councillors and senior social workers in the council, but to Sandown Zoo getting campaign.org officers from the council.
St Mary’s man wins Innovation award
AN ISLAND medical specialist has won an award in an NHS-run competition that seeks to encourage and reward innovation within the organisation.
Glenn Smith, a clinical nurse specialist for tissue viability based at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport, was named ‘Innovator for the Quarter’ in the NHS Innovations South East scheme. Mr Smith is responsible for developing eight different projects and has been awarded £500 to develop the project of his choice. He has also been put forward for the finals of the national innovation competition run by the NHS.
Glenn Smith (right) with line manager Shane Moody
Witnesses sought after assault in Shanklin THE HUNT is on for a group of young men after a Polish man was attacked in Shanklin.
The 20-year-old told police he was approached in the High Street near Barclays Bank at 11.40 pm on Wednesday December 23. It is alleged the gang shouted racist comments before assaulting him, leaving scratches to his face. Officers are appealing for witnesses
to the assault and have described the four suspects as in their late teens or early twenties, wearing sports clothing. One is 5ft 5in with blonde hair and dark eyebrows, while another is skinny with short dark hair. Anyone with information should contact PC Rachel Davis at Ryde Police Station on 0845 045 45 45, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Somerfield raise cash for cancer support
THE STAFF and customers of supermarket chain Somerfield on the Island have played their part in raising a national total of £2 million for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Pete Williams, head of press and charity at Somerfield, said: “From big picnics to sponsored head shaves and cycling challenges, the support we have had for Macmillan has been incredible. It has been fantastic to know that every penny raised will help support living with cancer”. Somerfield voted Macmillan as a charity partner in March 2007. It provides practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer. Ciaran Devane, chief executive for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This
is a phenomenal achievement and is a testament to the commitment of Somerfield staff and customers to improving lives in the local community. We are grateful to everyone involved.”
IW fundraising totals (Somerfield)
Ventnor
£1,273.80
Sandown
£1,321.61
Shanklin East Cowes
West Cowes
Newport Ryde
£1,919.50 £563.13
£1,106.37 £2,360.00 £3,922.47
for any professionals and services involved with children in care to raise the bar.” The IW Council cabinet member for children and young people, Alan Wells, said: “It was a very moving and humble experience. It is clear that there is dedication and determination from social workers to support these young people in care and we must also contribute and support them as corporate parents. “There is a lot of work for us to do and this event has certainly raised the profile for everyone.”
Guides benefit from old phones scheme
STUDENTS at Carisbrooke High School have raised £70 for the Island girl guides by recycling their old mobile phones.
Under the scheme, which was run for the first time at the school last term, £2.50 is paid to the guides for each recycled phone. The money raised will help guides on the Island attend various events all over the country that have been planned to celebrate guiding’s centenary year in 2010. Anyone who would like to support the charity can do so by taking or sending unwanted phones to Carisbrooke High School or by handing them to any members of Girlguiding IW. There are units across the Island.
Tamsin Overy of the Carisbrooke High School learning resource area presents a cheque for £70 to Charlotte Harris of Girlguiding IW
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Charity dip brrrings in £4,000 for cause!
david holmes
reports
A humbug Christmas MY CHRISTMAS was a flop. One of the worst ever. How could we just enjoy a few days of frivolous fun and feasting with the world the way it is?
AROUND 60 people braved freezing temperatures to take part in a Boxing Day swim in the Solent to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The charity dip took place at Ryde Harbour, with people coming from all across the Island – and even the mainland – to take part. Charles Asher, manager of Appley Manor Hotel, helped organise the event. He said: “Last year three girls, Sarah Swift, Vicki
By Jamie White Page and Jo Loudon, came up with the idea of trying to raise some money for cancer research on the Island. They hit on a ‘Boxing Day Dip’, where people would all meet on the morning of Boxing Day down at Ryde beach and go for a swim. “Over the past few years, several members of our staff have had people close to them diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately some have lost people to the disease.
“Each person taking part was sponsored, and last time we managed to raise £2,500 for cancer research,” said Mr Asher. “This time we are donating all monies received to Macmillan Cancer Support. We hope to have raised about £4,000 this time around. “It was absolutely freezing down on the beach, with a real icy wind. I would like to thank everyone who took part and helped raised the money for this fantastic cause,” he added.
her office party. At last! I felt like a small child waiting for Santa. The friend showed me her posh printed invitation. It looked promising. It clearly stated ‘plus one.’ It was all in black and cream, what could Those ghastly Christmas possibly go wrong? I know songs that they play over and many of the people working over and over again sounded on the tabloid in question. I even more irritating this like them, we enjoy cordial time around. I had a humbug relations. I once went to Christmas, it seemed approprione of their leaving parties; ate. Normally I grumble about it was a fun night out and the cost, or the family making I didn’t blot my copybook. me ratty, the huge mounds of The Island being such a small food that (predictably) made place means their staff and me fat. (Surely fatter? Ed) I meet frequently at other This year it was Christmas people’s events. We imbibe, parties, or lack of them that chat, chuckle and tease each peeved me. A few weeks other. I’ve even given some before the big day I heard of them lifts home when they about the local radio station staff party. It had were inebriated while I remained sober. I really already taken place. Not a great start then. I was looking forward to their party. And then I wasn’t offended at the apparent snub. Previous had the call. “It’s bad news,” cried my friend. office parties I had attended were awful penny “They don’t want you.” Apparently my presence pinching affairs. The Head Office objective would potentially ‘inhibit the proceedings’ was always seemed clear; spend as little as possible. the lame excuse offered. I was crushed, crestCheap ‘n’ cheerful I think they call it. fallen. Why didn’t they want me at their office Last time this involved eating a ‘buffet’ at a party? I am the life and soul type. Good value, local pub chain. It was awful. Meet at 6pm they witty and amusing? There is usually nothing said, the only time they had available. We were people like more than a bloke like me. I came the only people in there. That particular venue from nowhere, made it. Was that why they now doesn’t come alive until at least midnight. By wished to clobber me? They are after all newspa2am, the customers are vomiting, fighting or per people, isn’t that what they do? No, it seems I making love with total strangers, and we all know was excluded because they were terrified I would where those encounters lead. You get the idea. gossip about them. We met at six, some left by half past. The food And they were right, kind of. I am a gossip. I and ambience were abysmal. What a disappointcannot deny it. I thrive on information and of ment, no wonder only a handful of people bothcourse I like to pass it on, but not always. I do ered going at all. It was a flop, a failure. keep some secrets. I have to assume this is the Because of that experience I couldn’t really one time of year my staid journalist friends really feel I’d missed out this year. Given the recent let their hair down. Quite what that involves I atmosphere at the station I couldn’t have been have no idea and worse, now I shall never know. surprised at my omission. My only slight concern If you have any idea, please email me, share was that I hadn’t yet had any other exciting office their secrets. I can’t pretend I’m not interested. party invites. And then a dear friend, who scribHappy New Year to you. bles for a different local newspaper, invited me to
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Here’s to a fantastic year
Thank you for exposing danger
I JUST thought I would wish the team a very happy and successful 2009! If the recent editions of the paper are anything to go by, you’ll have a fantastic 12 months. Having picked up the first edition back in the summer, I have been so impressed with how you have improved and gone from strength to strength. The whole paper is a pleasure to read. Other local media should take note! Happy New Year!
I WAS so pleased to see your article on asbestos in your December 5 issue of The Gazette. My husband died four years ago of this very same thing. He looked after a boiler house that was full of it. I was told it takes 20 to 40 years to develop. For far too long, people’s lives have been put in danger because of ignorance. I think your article has done a great service to make people aware of how dangerous asbestos is. Keep up the good work.
Bob Hayhurst, Fairlee Road, Newport
Irene Norgate, Esplanade, Sandown
Sign up to end road scramble THE RYDE & East Wight Trades Union Council has been collecting signatures for a petition to bring to the attention of the need for a safe and convenient crossing for pedestrians in Brading Road, Ryde, where Tesco superstore and Busy Bee garden centre are located. Bus users have an undignified scramble at times to cross this busy road. The reason why the Trades Union Council has taken the issue up is that an employee of Tesco who is a member of the Union of Shop workers attended one of our monthly meetings and as he explained, workers in Tesco have to cross this busy road at least once a day. A petition was decided on
as the most direct method of showing how the citizens felt about the issue and we have had no trouble collecting signatures. The only problem has been that people have wanted to talk and give us their own personal scary moments. As much as we were interested in the stories, our aim was to collect signatures! We must mention the support given to us by the garden centre Busy Bee. The owners were shown the petition and they copied out their own sheets and put a notice up at each checkpoint and their customers have been solid in their support by signing the petitions. We are sure we would have reached our target of 500 signatures, but it has been
so much easier with the support from Busy Bee who told us at the start that they have contacted the Council at times with concern over the need for a crossing. Ryde town councillor, Adrian Axford, advised us on the wording for the petition and supported us and will be handing in the finished petition at a meeting of the County Council shortly. How this very busy road has avoided any accident is amazing. Pedestrians on the Isle of Wight must be a particularly agile lot. Thank you for reading my letter. Tony Kelly, Ryde & East Wight Trades Union Council, Church Lane, Ryde.
Freshwater property raffle hits brick wall
AN ISLAND woman who decided to raffle off her house in a competition has had to cancel her plans after it emerged that the Gambling Commission did not feel the competition satisfied the terms of the Gambling Act, writes Jamie White.
prize in accordance with the Gambling Act. “Unfortunately, there is no actual definition of this requirement within the Act or in any form whatsoever in relation to competitions. Although the Gambling Commission admit this, I have no option but to stop unless I want to go to the effort and uncertainSuzanne Ravelle, who owns a ty of letting a judge decide the issue £300,000 four-bedroom house in The at court. I do not have the resources or Avenue, Freshwater, tried selling her inclination to take the matter to court, house through the normal market but and so I must stop.” had no success. This prompted her A £1000 mini-draw was held in to try and raffle the house by selling October to help promote the main tickets for £25 each, but she has now raffle and was won by a mainland been told that she must refund every- entrant. When the main competition one who has entered. was launched, Miss Ravelle said she On the competition website, Miss would need to sell 18,000 tickets, the Ravelle, 37, issued a statement equivalent of £450,000, for the house saying: “I am truly sorry that I will to be won. not be able to carry out the draw and However, if fewer tickets were sold, award the pot to anyone. the raffle would have still gone ahead, “I have recently been contacted by but the winner would have won 70 per the Gambling Commission. They are cent of the value of the tickets sold of the opinion that the evidence I have instead. presented them with is insufficient By December 16, a total of 677 to show that a significant proportion tickets for the raffle had been sold, of people have been prohibited from according to the rafflemybricks.com entering or prevented from winning a website.
Full steam ahead!
THE ISLAND’S paddle steamer, the Monarch, will enter full time service in the spring. She’s currently nearing the end of a massive two year restoration and improvement to ensure she is ready. Volunteers are now needed to help with leaflet and poster distribution, brass polishing and light cleaning as well as full blown members of crew to help
Monarch provide a full timetable of sailings. The new group, which will be seeking charitable status, also aims to raise £15,000 for a new boiler which will give the vessel more power and speed, reduce her carbon footprint and running costs as well as securing her future on the Island for years to come. Last year Monarch transported High Sheriff,
Alan Titchmarsh, to the Walking Festival launch, and had a historic meeting with Waverley on the Solent. Anybody can become a Friend of Monarch for free by visiting www. medinamonarch.co.uk or by telephoning 290124. Members receive special discounts on travel and are able to take an active role in the management of the vessel.
Gazette tribute to Jack Douglas, 1927 - 2008
Farewell to a funnyman By Paul Rainford
THERE are those who retire to the Island for the quiet life. Jack Douglas had other ideas.
The much-loved actor, who died just before Christmas, moved to Shanklin in 1996 following a summer season at Sandown Pavilion. He soon threw himself into the Island social scene, appearing at a host of events, many of them linked to local charities. One of his favourite charities was the Riverside Centre in Newport, which provides a range of services for disabled and non-disabled people. In 2003 Jack and his partner Vivien Russell had their sterling efforts for the charity officially acknowledged by the staff of the centre, who presented them with a commemorative bowl. Jack also played his part in encouraging Island acting talent, sitting in as one of the judges in the Amateur Theatre Awards in 2003. After his long and illustrious in showbiz, Jack knew talent when he saw it. Jack himself was talent spotted by an agent at the age of 21 when he was called upon to act as a panto stand-in. Playing
Jack Douglas - how fans remembered him (above) and how he enjoyed life on the Island (right) the role of Captain to Joe Baker’s ship’s mate, an instant chemistry was established, and the agent, declaring them to be the best double act he had ever seen, took the two of them on. For the next 12 years the
pair worked in panto, summer shows and variety, appearing alongside Howard Keel, Cliff Richard and many others. The 1960s started brightly for Jack, and
saw him working as a straight man for a range of household names such as Bruce Forsyth, Arthur Haynes and Arthur Askey. However, the showbiz grind started to take its toll, and at one point he packed it in to open a restaurant in Blackpool. It was another household name, Des O’Connor, who lured Jack out of semiretirement, and they were to work together for the next 12 years or so on stage and television. But it was, of course, the iconic series of Carry On films that really made Jack’s name. Unfortunately, however, they did not make him that much money – he earned only 12 bottles of champagne for Carry On Matron, and even on the later films he receiving a mere £3000 a film. Later in his career, Jack was able to make the transition into ‘serious’ drama, performing on stage in Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus and Michael Frayn’s Make And Break. Versatile, adaptable and accomplished – Jack Douglas was all of these things, but most of all he will be remembered simply as a very funny man who, as Island charities know, had a heart of gold.
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Eco-gear brothers go global AT A TIME when many companies are entering a period of retrenchment, it is surprising to come across one that is preparing to take on the world. And it is even more surprising when the company with global aspirations is based in an ordinary-looking house in Lake.
By Paul Rainford
asking,” he says. “Then if you do choose to buy something that’s not made in a sustainable way then that’s fair enough. At least you’ve taken responsibility for your actions.” Rapanui, which is Polynesian for ‘Easter Island’, One of Rapanui’s best-sellers is a T-shirt made is the brainchild of Rob and Martin Drake-Knight. from bamboo fibre. I had a quick feel and can It sells, via the Internet, clothing with an ecological vouch that it does indeed have a pleasing silkiconscience. ness that sets it apart from your common or garden To be more precise, the brothers Drake-Knight garment which, as Rob explains, may contain all sell T-shirts, hoodies, jeans and underwear that they sorts of unexpected nasties: “The average high say they can prove are made in a ‘sustainable’ way. street T-shirt has 17 teaspoonfuls of agro-chemicals In other words, their clothing is made in a factory in the fibres. Also, formaldehyde is often present, that treats its workers fairly, from textiles that are to act as a preservative. If you can use it to preserve produced in an environmentally friendly way as sharks and cows, imagine what it’s going to do to possible, using, for example, cotton that has been your skin. It’s only in there so you can tumble dry grown without pesticides. clothes.” Since its launch a year Having established Martin (left) and Rob Drake-Knight: launching global PR plan next month ago Rapanui has created its profile in the quite a name for itself. UK, Rapanui has It has won numerous its sights set further eco-tinged business afield as the new awards and worked with year gets into its big retail names such as stride. “2009 is the M&S. More importantly, world,” says Rob, it has also sold a fair few with tongue only T-shirts. slightly in cheek. Rob Drake-Knight, a 23-year-old former Sandown “We are launching a global PR plan in February, High School student, is Rapanui’s sales and market- targeting newspapers and magazines in Europe, and ing director. Considering it’s a gloomy winter’s day we have recruited a multi-lingual person to outside with the temperature hovering just above co-ordinate it. There’s so much scope for growth freezing, he’s in buoyant mood. “The last quarter – Japan is hot, and there is potential in California, has been our strongest period of sales yet. We’ve Australia and New Zealand, especially now the been really, really busy.” pound’s not too strong. We were selling stuff when Rapanui has an apparent advantage over many it was two dollars to the pound but we’re selling a companies suffering at the hands of the credit whole lot more now.” crunch in that it does not seek to win customers on This month, Rob and Martin also plan to travel price. It relies instead on customers who are preto India to see, for the first time, the wind-powered pared to pay a bit more for their T-shirt or hoodie if factory that produces their clothing (as well as they can be sure of its eco-credentials. An average clothing for other companies) and, hopefully, meet price for a T-shirt is about £25, which is more than a contented workforce toiling for a decent return. double what some high street names charge. Back at Lake HQ, they will be working on a ‘sell Rob sees Rapanui’s job as making all the informa- by proxy’ system which will allow them to sell their tion about a particular product available to the poclothing on other online retailers’ websites, without tential purchaser – ‘transparency’ is the buzz-word those retailers having to buy the stock off them. Bahere. “When you’ve got all the information you can sically, if a customer places an order for a Rapanui make an informed choice, and that’s all that we are garment on one of these sites, the online retailer takes a cut but Rapanui fulfils the actual order. It will be, as Rob says, a sort of online ‘sale or return’ arrangement. And, when summer comes, Rob says he will be Island Mortgage Solutions off down the beach to spear some bass to have with For Remortgages salad and potatoes grown in his own garden. When you’re an eco-entrepreneur, popping into Tesco’s just isn’t an option. admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk
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Police issue fake Island MP tackles bailiff problem notes warning By Richard Collins
POLICE on the Island are warning shoppers about an increase in the number of counterfeit £20 notes in circulation.
ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has raised concerns with the Ministry of Justice about the current lack of an effective bailiff service on the Island.
Over the past few weeks, police received 15 fake notes that were spotted in shops and other premises in Godshill, Ryde, Newport, Sandown and Ventnor. Detective sergeant Jason Bolwell, of Newport CID, said: “These notes can be easily identified as fakes when compared alongside a note known to be genuine. I am asking everyone to be more vigilant when handling new £20 notes. This is a national problem, and not just specific to the Island.” There are checks that people can make to try and detect any counterfeit notes.
While carrying out casework for one of his constituents who had been unable to evict tenants who had persistently failed to pay their rent, Mr Turner was told by the government minister responsible that the bailiff who usually operates on the Island a dotted silver line, which when in particular the words ‘Bank was on sick leave for held up to the light will become a of England’ across the top of a number of months. solid line. the note, and to the right of the Portsmouth bailiffs • Under ultraviolet light, a red Queen’s portrait where there were unable to provide • The watermark in addition and yellow 20 should be visible should be a series of 20s. adequate cover. to the Queen’s portrait. There beneath the words ‘Bank of Mr Turner said: “I am should be a £20 symbol that England’. People are advised to check concerned that it took contrasts with the Queen’s head • The foil should be holographic, more than one of these features. over a month for the (the portrait should be dark, and changing colour and image when Anyone with information is minister to tell me what the £20 symbol light). The wayou slightly tilt it. The figure 20 asked to contact Jason Bolwell at had gone wrong in this termark can be found on the left will change to a £ symbol, and Newport CID on 0845 045 45 45, case and that the situside of the note. vice versa. or call Crimestoppers anonyation had not been ad• On the rear of the note, there is • Ensure there is raised printing, mously on 0800 555 111. dressed in the meantime. She says that there is the possibility of a new fulltime bailiff being appointed but I understand By Paul Rainford distant and more relaxed cousin The Gambia. of the famous Paris-Dakar rally. “I may look calm but I’m a bit BY THE time you read this, Leaving Bembridge on Thursday nervous inside,” admitted Lynsey Shaun and Lynsey Burden (January 8), they will drive their prior to departure. “We’ve had will have started their great Mitsubishi Space Wagon down all the jabs, and there’s a month’s through France to Gibraltar, supply of malaria tablets in our new year’s adventure, and where they meet up with some of hallway.” will be somewhere along the It’s the Mauritania section that very long line on a map of the the other drivers before crossing is the main worry for Shaun and over to Morocco, driving over world that connects BemLynsey, as there is some concern the Atlas Mountains into Western bridge to The Gambia. about the security situation there. Sahara, through Mauritania and They are taking part in the Senegal before reaching Banjul in Al-Qaeda are said to be still Banjul Challenge, which is a active in the area, and threats from them have caused the higher-profile Paris-Dakar rally to be re-routed through South America. “We’ll try not to do anything silly – we’ll stay away from large crowds, for example,” said Lynsey. They will also have the services of a ‘fixer’, who will guide them through the trickier territory. It is hoped that the trip will raise around £3,000 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. “People have been so generous and local businesses such as Staddlestones, Wight Motors and SES Auto Parts have been fantastic in helping get the vehicle ready.” Lynsey and Shaun Burden all set for the Banjul Challenge
a landlord has gone through all the proper procedures and obtained an eviction order it should be enforced fairly and in a timely fashion. Further delay to an already lengthy process causes additional expense and inconvenience to those trying to abide by the law.” Andrew Turner The particular case that there is confusion raised has now been over whether there is a dealt with but Mr Turner vacancy or not. I have is urging anyone else written to the courts on who has been affected the Island today to find by the lack of a bailiff out the position. service on the Island to “There are protections contact him so that he against people being un- can raise the issue with fairly evicted – but when the Ministry of Justice.
From Bembridge to Banjul
Heart warning goes out to Islanders
THERE are fears many Island- By Justin Gladdis ers are risking their lives by ignoring the symptoms of a wasting medical staff’s time if they seek attention for their conheart attack.
Around 300 patients are admitted to St Mary’s Hospital every year with suspected heart problems, but it is understood that many Islanders with heart problems worry that they will be
dition and so opt to do nothing. Medical staff have teamed up with the IW Chamber of Commerce to make us more aware of the dangers. Bad diet, smoking and genet-
ics can lead to a heart attack, the symptoms of which can include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, anxiety and nausea. Health officials say putting off treatment can lead to heart failure. If you suspect you are experiencing a heart attack, you are advised to dial 999 immediately.
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Caroline sowing seeds of success
By Peter White
CAROLINE KNOX is proud that she has produced an oil strike with a difference here on the Island.
There are no large bore holes, no unsightly machinery and nothing to harm the environment. That is because Caroline is turning rapeseed into what she calls her ‘Oil of Wight’, and the process could hardly be simpler. In a quiet farm outbuilding near Merstone, Caroline’s equipment looks more like a couple of props straight out Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory, but the results are amazing. She is already producing enough culinary oil from rapeseed to serve a host of local outlets, and several hotels and restaurants are eager to join the queue. The rapeseed is grown in fields around the farm, and eventually oil is extracted from the seeds, which resemble tiny ballbearings. “It’s all very simple,” says Caroline. “The seeds are ground with a piece of stainless steel equipment and the oil goes down a tray in to a settlement system. “When I put seed in, it takes three days to fill the container and then after going through a filter system it is left to settle for a further five days. The clear oil is then ready to be bottled.” Caroline, 37, researched the project for several months before embarking on her one-woman business. She explained: “I went over to the mainland and saw how the process worked. People like myself are setting up these little niches all over the country. “I can produce 200 litres of oil a day. It isn’t enough business to be supplying a big supermarket, but is enough for local outlets. However, others on the mainland have expanded and supplying supermarkets on a larger scale. “A third of the seed produces oil by this cold press technique, the other two thirds can be used as a ration for cattle feed. Caroline even painstakingly spent several hours photographing bees as part of her decorative bottle label. The eyecatching design was produced by Alphabet Soup Design and the accompanying flyers by Biltmore printers.
Caroline with another batch of her oil
So what are the real benefits of Caroline’s ambitious venture? “Oil seed rape is used to produce vegetable oil that is used in deep fat fryers. My oil is coldpressed and is not chemically extracted or heat extracted. This allows the full benefits of the seeds to be realised. “Like olive oil, rapeseed oil has a unique flavour and you can do everything you would normally do with olive oil. I have lots of success using it for baking, stir-frying and roasting vegetables. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil so the temperature can be higher. “It also has half the saturated fat of olive oil and ten times more Omega 3. It is a good, healthy oil with very low food miles. It is grown on the Island, bottled on the Island and hopefully consumed on the Island, as a local alternative to olive oil.” Although there are thoughts of expansion sometime in the future, Caroline reckons: “It is very much a one-woman exercise at the moment and I still have all my existing roles to fulfil as well!”
Slick work as oil is bottled ready for delivery
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Prague Floor go back to the grindstone
WETHERSPOONS in Ryde doesn’t seem like the most likely place to meet up with Island grindsters Prague Floor, but it’s obvious they like cheap beer as much as the next man.
to look like a plonker in our tweed jackets or golfing wear. He adds: “Me and Dom watched a lot of local bands at the festival last year and we were actually counting how many times the lyrics ‘oh oh oh oohhh’ were sung in a cockney accent With the release of their debut album per song.” ‘Best Heard in Artificial Light’ behind “It’s 4.6 on average. That is lazy them, frontman Ash Hoy, bassist Dom songwriting in the Kate Nash kind of Ayres and guitarist Josh are looking way,” adds Dom. ahead. Recently Prague Floor pulled out “We’re trying to create our own of a gig in London. What was all that sound so we don’t end up sounding about? I asked like all these other identikit Myspace “I have a few things going on at bands,” says Ash. “The new songs are work,” says Ash sheepishly, “but a lot more grindcore, which is kind they’ve given us a provisional date. of going back to what Ash’s previous We’ll wait and see on that. Next we‘re band (Septic Wizard) was about, but a playing the Hyde Park in Ryde, as little bit classier and a little bit more it’s actually the best venue I’ve ever mature.” played in. There’s not enough room to So, is a new release on the cards? swing a cat in there!” “We’ll probably do a little EP first,” It’s clear that the band are confident says Dom, “maybe record two or in their own ability, and aren’t afraid three tracks.” to speak their mind, even if it what “We like to keep it simple but now they say may offend some of the we’re expressing our true guitar more fashion orientated music fans of talent. We’re playing proper chords Island. The chemistry in the band was now,” claims Ash. interesting, with Dom almost acting Ash makes it quite clear that he the straight man to Ash’s slightly doesn’t have a lot of time for some over-the-top outbursts. Somewhere Island bands. “They do their own in the middle was Josh, whose few thing, that’s fine, whatever floats words seemed well thought out and your boat really. But I don’t want considered – most of the time. Personto be labelled as just another metal ally, I look forward to hearing some band. That stereotypical image that more experimentation with clean everyone has – it’s not good. We’ll vocals on the new release – but I’ll get up on the stage in a shirt and tie, leave you to find their Myspace and it wouldn’t bother us. It’s funnier form your own opinion.
The daily record
ONE of the best things about January is the thought that we have a whole year for Island bands to release their newest recordings for public consumption. Potentially the first group to release is Majortones, Ventnor’s indie/electro group. They’ve built a respectable fan base by gigging as much as possible and tapping into the mass musical taste of the moment. I caught up with guitarist Charlie Harris and got hold of a day to day diary of the studio antics surrounding the recording of the new EP.
Day 1 On the first day we had the problem of trying to find the studio. Northwood Business park?! After half an hour of driving around the wrong business park, we finally found the place. As we drove up it looked more like a farm; wooden shacks, chickens and so on, all of which managed to distract Scott and Lee. We got in the studio,
not exactly pine floors and leather sofas, but it was cosy. Surviving off a very small mobile heater, we got familiar with the gear and cracked on with recording. We planned on doing two songs on the first day, Signs and Atlantic Horses. (Genius names, we know.)
Connor (studio tech) and watched Jasper sing like a girl followed by a greasy KFC, tactical industry talk and down Newport dual carriageway at speed. After some advice from Claydon we headed back to the studio to lay down our final vocal takes and call it a day.
Day 2 The second day was considerably easier to find the studio. The same routine: go in, get out the instruments, tune up and lay down the tracks. The studio tech’s strange obsession of calling everything ‘serious’ began to wear thin on us. And everything for the second day of recording was ‘serious this, serious that’.
Expect the new EP to be available at The Studio in Newport on January 14, and on January 23, when Majortones support Orange’s Unsigned finalists, Page 44.
Day 3 Final day. Scott was late, something to do with a trip to Lake, a late night, and a few too many drinks. Luckily that day was a full on vocal day. So we all sat in the little booth with the mixing desk, laptop and Claydon
Guitarist dies
WRITER of such punk classics as ‘I wanna be your dog’ and ‘No fun’, original guitarist of the Stooges, Ron Asheton, was found dead in his home in Michigan on Wednesday morning. Authorities say that no foul play is suspected, and it is thought that he died from a heart attack. Ron performed with the Stooges at last years IW Festival. R.I.P
Samba band ready to roll RAW Samba, the Ryde-based percussion band, is gearing up for a busy 2009, with a host of extra gigs planned all over the country and beyond.
Events currently being considered include Scotia, which takes place in Edinburgh, and a samba festival in Drogheda, Ireland. The band also has its sights set on an Awards For All grant, which, if approved, will enable them to be kitted out in a brand new uniform. The band was formed in 2001 thanks to funding from Ryde Art Works. It has performed at a range of different events over the years, including two appearances at the Notting Hill Carnival. Beginners’ classes start this month, and new members are always welcome – call 07530 921670 for more details.
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WIN!
SWAD, the northern India tapas restaurant in Sandown, is offering the chance to win a meal for four people and a complimentary bottle of wine. You can enjoy a full varied menu with a range of traditional north Indian dishes cooked to order. To enter the competition, answer the question to the right. Fill in your details and send your entry to: Swad Indian Restaurant Competition, Unit b18 Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, PO36 9PH.
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Wine & Dine
A meal for four at SWAD Question: Is Swad an Indian or Chinese restaurant? Answer: Name: Address:
Tel no: The prize to a maximum value of £100 will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Monday January 19, 2009. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of SWAD and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
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Wedding wonderland IS YOUR big day coming up in 2009? Are you still looking for inspiration?
Newton, who will be up to their old tricks (and some new ones too!). This is the sixth year that the Don’t panic – just get yourself show has run, and the organisers along to the Regency Suite Bridal say that, credit crunch or no credit Show at Shanklin Conservative Club on Sunday 25 January, crunch, people are still prepared to spend good money to make sure where you will find a wealth that they remember their special of wedding ideas, from cakes day for all the right reasons. to conjurors and everything in Trends to look out for? Well, between. experts predict that purple will be Around 25 exhibitors will be a big wedding colour for 2009, taking part in the show, which from pale lavender right through runs from 11am-4pm. Look out for the two catwalk shows staged to much darker shades. Unlikely as it sounds, grey is also becomby Elizabeth Smith Bridal, at 12 ing popular, as a foil for more noon and 2.30pm, and for two magicians, Aaron Isted and Kyle vibrant colours. Keep an eye out
for couture cakes with a difference, using black and white icing, or white with dark chocolate. Colour-themed wedding days are in vogue, with full-on red being a popular option – think red marquee, red tablecoths, red roses… the list goes on. Whatever you’ve got in mind, visit the Regency Suite Bridal Show on Sunday and make your wedding dreams come true. The Bridal Show is organised by That’s Service party shop, your one stop for balloons, table decorations, sculptures and more.
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Regency Suite Bridal Show Sunday January 25 11am - 4pm Shanklin Conservative Club
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Toby’s gardening tips Toby Beasley, head gardener at Osborne House keeps you up to date with work on the estate and passes on his tips on how to keep your pond fish healthy through the winter months. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Winter in your garden AS THE New Year settles in on the Island, thousands of us cannot wait until the spring to start up gardening again. However, there’s temporary relief as there are plenty of things we can all be doing through the rest of these winter months to continue enjoying the pleasures of working on the outdoors.
By Justin Gladdis
Centre, Newchurch, Duncan Bell said: “Our trade relies solely on plants. 95% are home grown throughout our four nurseries.” Choosing plants that will look good during the colder months is more a matter of thinking about bark, berries and shape. Many, such as Japanese maple, have unusual colors of bark. Winter is an important period in the Other trees, like the Japanese Pagoda gardening season, more than we’d like tree, have interesting fruits or seeds that form during winter. to let on. Evergreen plants are an obvious pick While winter is in full swing, for creating an attractive landscape for compost is continuing to decompose the winter. and get ready for use for the spring. “We had a fantastic end to 2008, Additionally, now is a great time to selling huge amounts of Christmas cover crops which will help improve trees and sales of our new lines of the soil for the next season. garden furniture have been very There are plenty of plants we can steady”, said Duncan. grow during the winter, both indoors The centre is, depending on the and out. Also, we can strategically weather, expecting to be in demand plan a winter garden so that you can for bedding plants by March. enjoy colour and attractive plants all Stocks of bird houses and food are year long. also expected to sell well. Manager of Thompson’s Garden
THE ISLAND has experienced its coldest snap in recent years since the start of 2009, and anyone with a pond in their garden should take steps to protect fish as much as possible. At one time there were quite a few ponds on the Osborne Estate, but now there is just one within the visitor area and, as you would expect, it dates from Victorian times. At this time of hear we have to keep a particularly close eye on it. When temperatures plummet, you may need to step up your winter pond care methods to ward off winter kill. Freezing temperatures make it more difficult for you to keep an area of your pond ice-free, but the health and survival of your pond fish depend upon it. A de-icer helps keep a section of your pond open to allow oxygen and gas exchange. It does not, however, warm the water temperature in your pond. In order to maximize its efficiency, install it in the shallowest part of your pond and shelter it from the wind as best as possible. Some pond owners lay down a
piece of plywood over a section of the pond bank where the de-icer is located. This helps keep warmth from escaping too quickly. Depending on the size of the pond, its depth and overall volume, more than one unit may be needed to keep a section clear. If you are responding to a frozen pond emergency, you’ll need to first thaw a shallow section of your pond. To do this, use boiling water contained in bags or containers to melt the ice. A Thermal-Pond-De-icer can also be placed on the surface of a frozen pond and will melt its own hole through the surface. Do not try to break ice with a chisel
or any other tool, as the shock to your fish could kill them. Microscopic aquatic plants continue producing oxygen as long as light penetrates the ice. However, a blanket of snow over the ice prevents light penetration, making it impossible for the microscopic plants in your pond to produce oxygen. Combined with the decomposition of vegetation and fish waste, there may be insufficient oxygen for fish, causing them to suffocate. Snow removal, from at least a portion of your pond surface, will help reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Ford works magic Save the planet, on new Ka chassis drive this Ibiza
THE NEW Ford Ka is out this month.
SEAT is back with a secondgeneration environmentally friendly Spanish supermini.
And rather than an end-of-life run-out like the first car, the new Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is here to stay for the next few years. The all-important fuel economy and CO2 figures are improved, from 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO2
to 76.3mpg 98g/km. That latter figure puts it on par with the Ford Fiesta Econetic as the least polluting car currently on sale. The old Ibiza was economical, but dated and uncouth. This new one, with underpinnings destined for the forthcoming VW Polo and Audi A1, is much more appealing. Not least because you’re now paying circa £11k for a thorough-
ly contemporary supermini. And one that’s even more economical. The Ibiza Ecomotive is one of the most fuel efficient cars you can currently buy – and doesn’t resort to fancy, expensive hybrid tech to achieve it. Instead, it’s the familiar recipe of skinny tyres, aero changes, a tweaked turbo boost profile and a more basic level of kit.
It might look like a Vauxhall but in fact the Ka Zetec is based on the platform of the Fiat Panda. Having to stick with that car’s hard points is the reason for the narrow, upright stance. It’s still reasonably pretty and features the Ford ‘kinetic design’ mouth, but it’s certainly not radical like the original Ka was in 1996. The new Ka does feel like a Ford, but then it’s also recognisably Fiatbased. Like the Panda, it doesn’t ride well on tough town roads, the front suspension transmitting a shudder into the cabin over big lumps. But, on balance, Ford has worked its magic on the chassis. The addition of
By Justin Gladdis a rear anti-roll bar, the stiffening of the front one and various suspension bushes together with recalibration of the electric power steering give the Ka the sort of incisive turn-in and cheeky steering response that the Fiat has always looked like it would offer, but never delivered. Ford has said that although the two cars are built in the same factory it doesn’t share chassis information with Fiat. Well if it isn’t bright enough to have done so already, I suggest someone at Fiat takes a look at the changes Ford has made and sneaks them onto the 500 as soon as possible.
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Find the feelgood factor! AFTER 17 years of teaching exercise I feel I know as well as anyone how to help people find the feelgood factor. Basically, exercise is the key to achieving a longer lifespan and being able to cope with everything that life throws at you. Combine that with a healthy diet and you’ll find that body, mind and soul have been thoroughly energized!
Here are Liza’s nine golden ‘feelgood factor’ rules:
• Start your day with a healthy breakfast and don’t skip meals or snack on sweet fixes;
• Eat five healthy snacks a day or one main healthy meal – and try not to eat late at night; • Drink plenty of water throughout the day;
• Choose a good exercise class that you enjoy and motivates;
By Liza Macias • Try aqua aerobics its great for any joint or mobility problems and its great fun;
• If you don’t like gyms or classes take a personal instructor to come to your home to advise and guide you. • Try dance lessons, such as salsa, rock and roll, disco etc..
• Exercise every other day or three times a week to keep that flab at bay. Remember the benefits of going to classes and taking expert advice. Improve your blood circulation, muscle tone and fat dispersal, and safeguard against the inflammation of joints. Most importantly of all, it will help you cope with everyday stresses and energise the whole body mind and soul. But the most important thing is: love your body and love yourself.
• Use a local gym and get a personal instructor to advise what is best for your individual needs; Advertising feature
Savvy Island slimmers tighten their belts AS THE credit crunch bites, smart slimmers at Slimming World on the Island have found a way to save pounds, eat more healthily, and lose weight into the bargain!
Households across the UK are struggling to make ends meet, with the price of a weekly shopping basket rising by ten per cent over the past year. Jo Stubbs, who runs a Slimming World group in Bembridge, says: “We keep reading about the credit crunch, but members in my group are telling me that they’re actually spending less on their weekly shop now than they were before they joined Slimming World. Thanks to our emphasis on simple, everyday ingredients, and the great budget-busting tips we share in group, they’re slashing their food bills – and eating more healthily too.” Out go high-priced takeaways, expensive ready meals and faddy diet foods – instead they’re cooking great-value family meals from scratch, one of the best ways to make your household budget go further. Jo says: “Our members can cook a quick and easy chilli, for instance, that feeds a family of four for under £4 – you can’t possibly buy a ready meal to match that, and our version is low in fat, and only takes minutes to make. Every week in group we swap recipes, share tips on which supermarkets have the best bargains, or how to turn leftovers into tasty meals, and everyone’s buzzing with money-saving ideas – and they’re losing weight wonderfully!” Many of Slimming World’s members report that they are spending less on food since joining the group, and 75 per cent have influenced their whole family to eat more healthily. They buy more fresh fruit and veg, eat fewer sugary and fatty foods, and fewer ready meals. “Slimming World members find that healthy family eating needn’t cost more,” says Jo. “In fact, with great budget-saving tips from Slimming World you can feed the whole family
By Jo Stubbs healthily, eat to satisfy your appetite and still lose weight. Food Optimising is a practical healthy balanced diet that doesn’t break the bank and lets you eat the food you want on whatever your budget.” Here are Slimming World’s Bembridge members’ top tips for savvy – and healthy – shopping on a budget. • Shop late in the day: most supermarkets slash the prices on fresh goods late in the day, up to 50 per cent after 5pm and 75 per cent after 7pm. Freeze anything that’s near to its sell-by date till you’re ready to use it. • Plan your meals, make a shopping list and stick to it – shopping online can really help because you’re not distracted as you push your trolley down the aisles. • Buy food in season, it usually means that supplies are plentiful and in larger supply which means that prices fall. Use local markets too – fruit and veg cost a lot less than in supermarkets. • Downshift your brand – invented by money-saving expert Martin Lewis, the idea is that you buy one brand below what you would usually buy. Supermarket own labels are great value. • Cook more meals from scratch. According to respected website netmums.com: “Cooking meals from basic ingredients makes a big difference to your weekly spend, especially if you’re used to buying pre-packed ready meals. It gives you more control over your budget and you can opt for cheaper and healthier ingredients.” For more information on Isle of Wight groups call Jo on 07970 823479. To find your nearest Slimming World group call 0844 8978000 or visit www.slimmingworld.com
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The Importance of Living a Healthy Lifestyle By Jay Morris
I CAN make your lifestyle healthier and teach you habits that will reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes , obesity and more! You will feel healthier, have more energy and improve your immune system.
By living a healthier lifestyle you elevate your mood, improve your self-esteem and enhance your quality of life. Taking an active approach to living healthy and improve your health today. Obesity in the U.K is on the increase; currently 17% of males and 20% of females are clinically obese, this has doubled since the 1980’s. If you are not doing everything you can to improve your overall health you are jeopardising your quality of life. Today you can gain knowledge of diet and the most suitable exercise routines for your body shape or level of fitness. I can help with personal training, boxing training lessons, and circuit training and boxercise classes. For more information phone Jay Morris on 07790108766.
To start you off the exercise of the week is the plank. As the diagram illustrates hold this position with your back straight for 30 secs to 1 min and repeat for 3 sets. This is a core muscle exercise which is a lot harder than it looks, go on give it a go. Advertising feature
All saunas are not the same! THERE are many ways to keep fit and healthy, but probably none so pleasurable as reclining in the warm health-giving atmosphere of a DoctorDetox Far-Infrared Therapy Cabin.
your session really comfortable. • A DVD player and screen. • Cabinetry made in hypo-allergenic Russian spruce (with no knots or resin.
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Holistic therapies
WHEN I say I’m a holistic therapist, people quite often say “oh that’s interesting” but they usually haven’t a clue what it means. It really means I’m someone who practises complementary/alternative therapies but looks at the whole person when treating them.
increased mobility, detoxification, increased energy, relief from muscular aches and pains, the (aromatherapy and reflexology) release of mental stress and imwhich works on reflexes on the proved circulation and digestion. feet that relate to different parts It’s worth investing in your of the body. health. All of these treatments create Therapists can give you ideas a feeling of well-being and help to help you to avoid letting stress the body to heal itself by working build up and help you to keep more efficiently. It’s a bit like giving your body a healthy and fit without costing It’s not just about giving a tune-up like you would service a you a fortune. shoulder massage for someone A good therapist cares and car, or clean a piece of machinery with tight shoulders . It’s looking to help it to work better. doesn’t just want to at the person’s lifestyle and emotake money from My treatments help to boost tional state in order to see what your emotional and physical state you! might be the cause of the problem and help balance your body and to try and prevent it from energies. recurring. I see them as mainly preMany physical problems can be ventative healthtraced back to emotional trauma care . or stressed behaviour. There Holistic therapists usually have are many many different ways of treating benefits to someone – massage is probgain from the ably the most common. We also treatments. use essential oils from plants They include By Virginia Evans
New year’s resolutions: how to make them stick
The new year is upon us and if you are like millions of others you made some resolutions – and then promptly broke them.
Many people do not remember their new year resolutions from years past. Why is it we forget so quickly? Most make resolutions in much the same way. We imagine an internal dialogue deciding on the new year’s resolutions: “This year I will stop getting angry! I will use my spare time in better ways.” And so on. The problem should be obvious. Let’s think of it framed in the same context, an internal dialogue but one that promises success with the resolutions: “This year I will stop getting angry. How will you do this? Good question – what triggers my anger? I know when I get upset and it comes from frustration.” So, how do we control the frustration and get to what’s behind it? When you ‘dialogue’ a resolution in this way, it becomes easy to see there is always an underlying cause and a set of emotional triggers that are incorporated in our behaviour. What is more, some emotional “need” is satisfied as a result of our existing behaviour. As such, we fail to make the change we desire until we redefine the context in which our beliefs rest so we can effectively alter our “needs”. How does the context behind our beliefs affect the way we behave? Try this metaphor – it works for many things, but in particular for giving up smoking. Think about the saliva in your mouth. Move it
By Maggie Curry around and taste it. It may sound strange to say it, but it actually tastes good and we are glad we have it. Now think of spitting some saliva into a clear glass and then imagine picking the glass up and drinking the spit. Something changed, didn’t it? When smokers realise that the context they hold cigarettes in must fundamentally shift from the saliva in their mouth to spit in the glass, they get it. To your success in 2009!
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Do you really Tread carefully want to move? with flooring MOVING house may be what you thought you wanted to do, but let’s be honest here; are you really prepared for all the hidden costs, solicitors’ fees, removal expenses and all the other niggles involved?
Will you need to replace the carpets, curtains, tiles and wallpaper? Will your cat be impressed with the new garden? Will your dog like the next door neighbour? Yes, moving house on the Island does raise all sorts of issues we don’t really think much about. And it can offer a chance to clear the clutter and the emotional baggage associated with it. But do you have to move to clear your clutter? Why not set aside a long weekend to focus on decluttering but stay in the property you are living in? Book time off work, don’t answer emails. Pretend you are on holiday for that time and really get stuck in. Not only will you have more room, but you will save yourself a lot of money and heartache. No waiting for estate agents to get their finger out, no waiting for solicitors to complete the sale. No waiting around for removal lorries. No heaving of huge pieces of furniture up and down narrow suitcases. You could even make some money selling some of your unwanted stuff at car boot sales or on auction sites such as ebay. Use that money to make some minor changes to your home, perhaps a new rug or lampshade. You could even have a ‘not moving’ party! And when it comes to deciding what to keep and what to chuck, listen to your heart. If it doesn’t make your heart sing, get rid of it.
By Justin Gladdis
THE TYPE of flooring you choose is just as important as the colour you decide to paint your walls and can be one of your largest home investments.
First of all you need to plan carefully, taking into account the type of area you’re looking to cover. For example, is it a well trodden area, such as a hallway, or is it an area that gets wet, such as a bathroom or kitchen? It’s fair to say all flooring types have plus and minus points. Whilst wooden or laminate flooring looks clean and is certainly aesthetically pleasing, it can sometimes be slippery. Ceramic, stone and tiled floors can look beautiful but at the same time, they can feel often cold and hard, especially in the winter. Carpet is still one of the most popular flooring options and the choice is almost limitless. As with all flooring types, you will need to think about its feel, colour and usage – for example, pure wool can wear less well than a mixed fibre carpet. It’s also seriously worth considering paying someone qualified to fit your flooring. There’s nothing worse than having spent time and money on choosing the right flooring for your house, for it to be spoiled by poor fitting.
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Support your local tradesman!
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Think small THERE are thousands of small improvements which you could make to your home – and which needn’t break the bank. From putting up new guttering, through to painting your exterior, any improvement you can make should either increase your home’s value, make it more attractive or improve your quality of life in some way. The interior of your home reflects your taste and your aspirations, as well as providing a practical space for you to live in. Meanwhile the exterior provides visitors with a first impression, so it is worth spending time and money getting both exactly right. Whether it’s new storage to clear away your clutter, replacing 1970s chipboard doors with solid wood ones or buying a new front door – all of these things make a difference. So use your imagination, think small, and save yourself some money.
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Support your local tradesman!
How to create your own Island haven EVERY house on the Island should be a warm haven, a place where we throw off the cares of the world and relax with family and friends.
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Declare the top portion for parents, and desigPut the all-white-living- nate one or two lower shelves for youngsters room theme on hold to store their games and until the children are grown, and opt for fuss- storybooks. Who will be watching free upholstery and slip television? If more than covers that won’t show From the kitchen two people will be, a dog hair. where we launch sofa and a chair facing If you crave a more our busy days to the the set won’t do. Four or formal tone, achieve it bedrooms where we more family members – by incorporating deep close our eyes at night with visitors coming and colors, textures, and and dream, we want going – require a bevy patterns. Go for curtains each space to reflect of comfy seats. In addithat skim the floor rather our personal tastes and tion to a sofa and some than puddle, so there’s sensibilities. chairs, move in overWe all want our rooms nothing too tempting for size floor pillows for kids and pets! to be comfortable and lounging. A scaled-down Also, art – paintings, practical. Pulling all the framed prints, or water- rocker is a welcoming components together spot for a youngster. colours – will improve isn’t easy, but it can be Plenty of side tables the look of any room wonderfully rewarding. equip a home for snacks and should be hung high Use the home decoratand drinks. Because feet ing tips here as a starting enough so that finger and nose smudges won’t seem to like to rest on point and create the the coffee table, hunt be issues. kinds of rooms your for one that is solid, and Include built-in cabiloved ones will want to banish less-rugged furnets or shelves to show hurry home to enjoy. nishings to another part off collectibles, but be of the house. Tables with sure to keep them out of For each room, ask laminate or varnished harm’s way. yourself the same quessurfaces will withstand Entertainment units tions: and wall units can serve rings left behind by wet • What general imglasses. pression do I want both adults and kids. to create with this space? • Who will be using it? • How should it function? Do you think you want to use brocade and silk? Don’t, if your household contains children or pets. Washable, longwearing fabrics are far more sensible. Life is too short to worry over every spill and stain.
By Justin Gladdis
What about the kitchen, the heart of your Island home? Do you or any others in your household cook? Do you want to prepare dinner and monitor the kids’ homework at the same time? Separate workstations, dual sinks, and generous aisles will foster efficiency, while an island unit will protect the chef and, at the same time, provide a roost for friends and family. Above all, remember: form and function in decorating are equally important. Every room should reflect your personality and passions, while it also accommodates the way you and your family live, work and relax. A room that looks heavenly but doesn’t meet your requirements ultimately comes across as disjointed or, worse, unfriendly.
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End of the row for Ryde star By Justin Gladdis
One of the most successful careers of any Island rower is at an end.
Ryde Rowing Club’s international oarsman, Simon Jones, has announced his retirement from worldwide competition. Simon began his career in 1994 at Ryde Rowing Club, winning his Novice Race that season, and went on to be part of the crew that won the South Coast Coastal Junior Fours Championship title and were runners-up for Hants and Dorset ASA Coastal Junior Fours Championship in 1995. In his final year at Imperial College, London, Simon was part of the British U23 lightweight men’s four which were placed seventh at the World Championships. In 2002 Simon was part
Simon Jones hangs up his oars after years of competition
of the British lightweight men’s eight which was fifth in Seville at the World Championships and he finished fourth in lightweight men’s pair at the Eton World Cup in May
2005 and fifth in lightweight men’s pair at the Munich World Cup one month later before going onto the World Championships in Japan, where the four were second in
the B finals. After an injury-plagued season in 2006, Simon reclaimed his place in the British lightweight squad in 2007 going on to win a bronze medal in the lightweight quadruple scull at the 2007 World Cup Rowing Championships. Simon raced in the lightweight quadruple scull at the 2008 Poznan World Cup, finishing third. His final international appearance came in the Senior World Rowing Championships in Linz, Austria in one of the non-Olympic boats – the men’s lightweight quadruple sculls – but they were faced with strong opposition in their heat from Italy and the Czech Republic and finished third, missing out on the final. He now intends to travel for a year before, in his words, “finally having to get a real job!”
Young rowers pick up their prizes
THE BUDDING young oarsmen and oarswomen of Ryde Rowing Club (left) have been rewarded for their efforts in 2008.
Sam Corney won junior oarsman of the year, while Emilie Rose received the girls’ equivalent award. Holly Evans was judged ‘most improved girl’ and Harry Batchelor ‘most improved boy’. This year some of the 16-strong junior squad will be focusing on trials for the Wessex Regional Rowing Council junior inter-regional team, with training days and trials, in the hope of maintaining the club’s strong tradition of gaining regional selection. Advertising feature
Look out Becky Adlington!
IZABELLA Blacklock capped a great year of swimming achievement with a record-breaking night at Seaclose Swimming Club’s annual championships.
Competing in the 10-year-old age group, Izabella (above) recorded no less than 22 personal best times and set an unprecedented 11 new record times. Island swimming fans are tipping Izabella as a name to watch for the future. Another young swimmer who shone on the night was Jack Turkington, who took two new records in the nine-year-old age group. A total of 333 personal bests and 17 new club records were recorded.
Westridge raises its game WESTRIDGE Golf Centre will shortly embark on the most ambitious project of its history with the expansion of the current site into an 18-hole course.
By Peter White
pletely rebuilt four years ago, and now provides 16 floodlit bays – including a couple especially designed for us awkward leftFull planning consent has already handers. Designers even made allowances been obtained, and work will begin later this year. It means Westridge, for those of us who like to save already a popular haunt for golfers our energy for actually hitting of all handicaps, will become only the ball off the tee, rather than bending down to place it in posithe third 18-hole course on the tion. A bucket of balls can simply Island. be loaded into the base of the bay, Golf Centre proprietor Mark and the balls pop up one at a time, Wright said: “We are very excited with tees available at four different about the whole scheme. It has heights. been in the pipeline for a couple There is a bunker next to the of years, but now we have full planning consent it really is within driving range to practice those tricky sand shots, and five PGA touching distance.” professionals, headed by Mark, are So over the next few months always on hand to offer invaluable Westridge, situated just off the advice. Tesco roundabout near Ryde, Westridge also offers custom club will be expanded from its current fitting with their Track Man device, 50-acre site into one of around 90 and radar technology with cameras acres. The extra nine holes will is available to help iron out those transform the course a testing par mistakes that could mean a reduc65, stretching over some 5,000 tion in anyone’s handicap. yards. The well-stocked shop offers all The new phase of the course the leading-name equipment and will run parallel to the main road between Ryde and Brading, stretch- clothing, from Calloway to Cobra, Ping to Powakaddy and Tayloring towards Beaper Shute. Made to Titleist. It all already adds Opened in 1993, Westridge up to one of the best value-foralready hosts superb facilities for money golf spots on the Island – its 200 or so members as well as and it’s about to get even better! ‘pay-as-you play’ visitors. The popular driving range was com-
Westridge GC proprietor Mark Wright practices on the state of the art, floodlit driving range
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Santas and fairies rev up in Shorwell THE IW Motorcycle Club’s By Jamie White annual Boxing Day trial attracted over 50 riders to a cold in third place. The intermediate class produced but bright and sunny day of a resounding victory from Jim action at Shorwell.
Brodie, dressed as a reindeer, took runner-up spot, with a fairy who looked very much like Louise Furnell finishing fourth. There was plenty of tinsel-clad West ahead of Alan Stay, who bikes in the well supported youth Many riders decided to get in to finished second dressed as a very novice class which was won by the festive spirit by participating unseasonal tourist. Amongst the Moss Downer ahead of Nick in fancy dress. And with temtinsel was an angel in the form of Read, who only just got the better peratures barely above freezing Scott Milton, who finished eighth of Luke Guster by a single point. there was some very cold-looking in the twin shock class and once However, the biggest winner of fairies and Santas ready for again it was a West who led the the day was the sport of motoraction. way, this time Stewart, completcycle trials and the IW MotorThe event is also dubbed the ing the course without dropping a cycle Club, with the Boxing Day ‘father and sons trial’, but this single point. event attracting one of the largest year there were no fewer than Adam Brodie, dressed as Santa number of entries in its 50-year five daughters taking part. And it Claus for the day, took third place history. was girl power that took victory in the novice class complete with The next IOWMCC trial is on in the expert class, with Becky red coat, beard and all. January 11 and will be the first Cook riding to a three-point lead Some of the most impressive round of the 2009 championships. over Lee Haydon. The 2008 costumes could be seen attackFurther details can be found on Island champion, Will West, fining the beginners’ course. Wayne www.iowmcc.com ished a further two points behind
Emily Atrill displays her skills during the Shorwell trials
Tae kwon-do club Raiders New year tees off offers free training do the in Freshwater double THE WIGHTLINK Raiders won two consecutive games for the first time in three seasons last weekend, securing a maximum of four points.
THE IW Tae Kwon-Do Club is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a recruitment drive offer to bring more young Islanders into the sport.
to the National Championships in Coventry and brought back two gold, three silver and three bronze medals, taking the club’s overall tally to over 120 trophies and medals. Last year the club also saw 11 stuThe club is allowing anybody who dents successfully obtain their black takes up tae kwon-do this month free belt grade or progress in the Dan training at any of its venues for the gradings. All gradings are held on the whole of January. Island and are usually held every three Tae kwon-do is a Korean martial art months. and is promoted by its followers as a The club has training venues in great way of getting fitter and improvCowes (Gurnard Pines), Freshwater ing self confidence. (All Saints School), Newport (Medina The club trains in both the tradiHigh School and Medina Leisure tional side of the sport and also a pure Centre), Ryde (Swanmore Middle combat system, which involves more School) and Sandown (Fairway Sports pad work and sparring techniques. Centre). Children can start training at the For more details about tae kwon-do, age of five and there is no upper age including training times, see the club’s limit. Family groups are welcome and website at www.iowtkd.co.uk or call concessions are available. Trevor Barnes on 752411 or Peter The club recently took a small team Scotcher on 07791 068079.
On Saturday the Raiders beat Sheffield 6-5, with Canadian Joel Petkoff scoring two goals. The following day they beat Telford, again with 6-5 margin. Adam Brittle was the hero, scoring the winning goal two minutes from the end. This weekend the Raiders travel to Swindon tomorrow (Saturday January 10) before going to Guildford on Sunday.
THE NEW year was heralded in traditional manner at Freshwater Bay Golf Club with the Peter Guy Memorial Trophy, a greensomes event played on January 1 each year.
Eight pairs finished within three shots of the eventual winners, Dougie Weedon and John Meredith, who returned a net 66. Second place went to Frank Ing and Colin Thompson finishing on 66.6, a mere 0.2 of a shot ahead of Club Captain Bill Hinchen and his partner Hugh Morrison. Friday January 2 saw IN THE Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Divithe first senior event sion, Newport slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against of the year with Glenn Horndean, despite having much of the possession. The visitors broke the deadlock midway through the Carter taking the Veterans Monthly Stableford first half, and held on to earn a much needed win. with 37 points. John Injury-ravaged Brading Town also suffered a 1-0 Davis finished second on defeat away at Bournemouth. Cowes Sports’ away game to Alton Town was post- 36 points, beating Brian Whelan, Jim Payne and poned, due to a frozen pitch. Peter Marsden on count In the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One, back, all returning 36 East Cowes Vics earned a hard fought 2-2 draw points. Sixth placed on against Warminster Town. Vics went 2-0 down in the day, Dennis Smith the second half, before a brace from Nathan Bett leads the Ogle Tankards, gave the home side a share of the points
Port draw a blank
awarded for the best six scores returned in the Veterans Stableford in the twelve-month period starting December. A 43 and 34 gives Dennis total of 77 points, six points ahead of John Davis in second on 71, with third and fourth placed Peter Marsden and John Mew in the mid sixties. Thursday January 15 sees the club AGM with the incoming captains, Barry Hunter and Sue Keen, driving in at 1pm on Sunday January 18 to which all members and prospective members are invited. *If you are interested in trying out the Freshwater Bay course, call 752955 to arrange a free taster session.