IW Gazette 45

gazette the isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

SMOKE ALARM SAVES HOME

Please take one

FREE! Friday December 11, 2009 Issue 45

NEWS Park ‘n’ Stride

Alisha Nicholson, Kiri Bass, Jon Nicholson and Katie-Ella Nicholson

Godshill middle school win green award

Page 15

NEWS Santa’s on Strike

THE HEROICS of a quick-thinking Newport man helped save a home belonging to his close friends that became engulfed in fire.

Unfortunatly Santa Claus thinks children no longer deserve a visit from him each year

Continued on page 3

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

Page 23

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

SANDOWN LIGHTS A TURN ON

THE BROADWAY Centre, Sandown is shining bright again this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of Sandown Rotary Club.

This year, the eye-catching display was officially switched on by 11-yearold Ted Scott, who won a competition through Sandown Rotary Club.

The competition also involved choosing names for three new polar bears featured in the display. Ted’s winning entries were Mary, Ding and Dong.

Cllr and Mayor of Sandown, Ian Ward, presented the youngster with a gift voucher for £25 and thanked the members of Sandown club for once again putting on a wonderful display.

As part of their on going commitment to have something new added each year to the display, the club have built the three polar bears and a waterfall, along with a train and some new houses in the model village.

The beneficiaries from the proceeds raised from this year’s lights are Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat, Sandown Health Centre’s scanner appeal and the visit of Romanian children to Sandown in 2010.

Bill Wyke, PRO for Sandown Rotary Club, said: “I would like everyone to

come down and see the lights and support us in our charity work. On behalf of Sandown Rotary Club, I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Everyone is invited down to the Broadway Centre to enjoy the illuminations and make a donation however big or small.

Cllr Ian Ward, Ted Scott and the Sandown town crier

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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NEWS

Newport Bluewatch fire fighters tackle fire whilst entry controller Simon Rann looks on

Kiri Bass and Jon Nicholson’s father

NEWPORT FIRE ALERT

Contined page

from

front

DAN CANT, 22, battled through dense smoke to try and put out the fire that began just minutes after owners Kiri Bass and her partner Jon Nicholson had left the property.

Kiri raced back home when she heard about the blaze and feared that Dan, who stayed with them overnight, was trapped inside.

Thankfully, after battling the fire that began in a cupboard in the front room, Dan managed to escape, but was taken to St Mary’s

BY JASON KAY Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Kiri, 20, explained how the drama of the terrifying house fire unfolded. She said: “I went to see my mum, who only lives just down the road. I had only had been out the house for five minutes when my phone rang and it was Dan saying that there was a fire at the house.

“I ran back because I thought Dan might be

trapped and might need rescuing. I banged on the door but there was no answer and I was worried that something had happened to him.”

Unknown to Kiri, Dan had started to fight the fire but was beaten back by the smoke and flames.

Dan explained that he was just about to run a bath when he heard the smoke alarm go off. “I could see the smoke, but I couldn’t find the fire. I then went downstairs and saw the door glowing. I opened the door and the flames shot out, so I ran and got a pan of water. Looking back now it was a silly thing to do.” he said.

Kiri continued: “My boyfriend’s dad lives across the road, so I went over to get him to try and help get Dan out.

“I managed to get in to the house, but the thick smoke just hit me. It was horrible.”

Jon’s dad went around the back of the house to try and get in, while Dan was in there frantically trying put the fire out, but to no avail, and had to escape out of the house. As the fire took hold, Christmas presents for Kiri and Jon’s daughters Katy-Ella and Alisha, were destroyed.

“We’ve lost everything I have brought the two girls for Christmas. I can’t believe it. My shoes got burnt and other clothes in the cupboard were burnt.

“I have even lost a Pete Andre CD that I borrowed from my mum. I had been listening to it on my laptop, and that got ruined as well.

Most of the toys that were in there were also ruined,” said Kiri.

Two fire engines from Newport attended the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire which started because of an electrical fault using a hose reel and a dry powder fire extinguishers. Two firefighters went in to the building with breathing apparatus to make the scene safe.

“We’ve only live at the house for a 10 months, but now we are going to have to move back to my mum’s.

There is so much damage I can’t believe it. If Dan hadn’t of been there I really believe that we would of lost the house.

“Jon’s dad had to go to hospital as well because he had an allergic reaction to the powder they used to put the fire out. The firefighters were excellent and were here in no time at all.”

Daniel Cant. (Inset) the melted fuse-box

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NEWS

PURFECT NEW FUEL BOSS

CLAIM OF ASSAULT POLICE are investigating an allegation of sexual assault in Newport.

Officers were called shortly before 4am on Friday, December 4.

Detective Sergeant Gary Lyons of Isle of Wight CID said: “It’s alleged a young man was sexually assaulted by another man in Newport town centre. The victim had spent time with a group of men and women he’d met in Yates’s bar in Newport High Street on Thursday night.

“The exact circumstances, and motive for the alleged assault, are not clear at this time.

Enquiries are continuing to trace a possible suspect.

“Scenes of crime officers completed a forensic examination in Newport High Street and detectives would like to hear from anyone with information who was in or near Yates’s bar during Thursday night (December 3) and the early hours of this morning.”

Anyone with information can phone Isle of Wight CID at Newport Police Station on 101.

Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

TRIDENT BAND AID THE TRIDENT Concert Band managed to raise over £100 from two summer concerts held at Rylstone Gardens, Shanklin.

On July 13, the group collected £53.02 and on September 6 another £91.89. They are already planning next year’s events throughout the Island.

If you would like to book the Trident Concert Band or are interested in playing, then contact event organiser Dave Woodford on 07808 763646, band secretary Irene Woodford on 530497 or musical director Robin Taylor on 614322.

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

Above: Stephen Thorne, Kevin Thorogood, Philip Gaile, Lynda Wathen and Stephen Elliott. Right: Manager Lyn Wharry with Compass the cat PACE Fuelcare Limited has purchased the BP fuel terminal in Kingston Road, East Cowes.

The terminal is the sole fuel storage location on the Isle of Wight and serves the Island with its fuel needs from domestic heating oil through red diesel for agricultural use to petrol and diesel for garage forecourts.

Pace Fuelcare already has five branded garages

on the Island under its Pace brand Pace Fuelcare is one of the largest independent fuel distributors in the UK, with 18 depots covering the southern part of the UK, including its existing Fuelcare Isle of Wight business, which is based at the terminal.

Philip Wharton, General Manager, said: “Purchasing the Isle of Wight terminal is a

great opportunity for us to bring long term stability to fuel supply on the island, along with complimenting our existing Pace Fuelcare business that is already established on the Island.

“We are welcoming on board the existing staff and look forward to serving the Island with its fuel requirements in the future.”

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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NEWS

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PRISON BRAGGING RIGHTS

MUSIC-LOVING prisoners on the Island will have something to ‘bragg’ about when they finally get released, writes Jamie White.

But for the time being inmates at the Parkhurst wing of HMP IW have had something to smile about after music legend Billy Bragg donated six guitars when he visited them this week.

The Changing Tunes music group made up of prison inmates performed to Billy and he was impressed with their talents. He offered them advice by saying: “I wrote music and associated the words with problems that I have had in my own life. It helps keep focus and can gave me direction.”

Billy sang several of his hits as well as a song titled ‘April Fools Day’ that inmates at Waltham Prison, Liverpool, wrote with him when he went to see them.

“Music can help people and make a massive difference in their lives. Being in prison isn’t easy and they are there for a reason, but it’s about

started playing the guitar can drift away in my own helping them with their Greenberry.

Dave, a prisoner in about five years ago. It has thoughts. rehabilitation process. We “It was great of Billy to want them to try and live a Parkhurst, said: “I have been helped me to channel my useful life while they are in in prison for six years and thoughts and I find that I come and visit us. I have prison,” he said.

“People can find escapism in music and use personal experiences to write words.

Their thoughts can be written down and turned into music.

“A lot of prisoners have very low self confidence in prison and this gives them a chance to help their confidence and raise self esteem.”

Billy enjoyed his time ‘inside’ saying: “The reception I received from the prisoners was great and very positive.

Donating the guitars now gives them a challenge and something to re-focus on.

“Playing music helps transport you to another place and find calm. It can make a huge difference in someone’s rehabilitation and help deal with frustrations they may have.

Prison Governor Barry Greenberry arranged Billy’s visit, after the singer performed at a previous Doug Graham, director of site and Billy Bragg with their guitars and some of prison headed by Mr

ISLAND-BASED Vestas Technology is to receive a further £3.5million in funding to help develop its research and development programme for offshore wind turbines.

Vestas will receive £1.75 million from the Government and a further £1.75 million from the South East England development agency (SEEDA), the governmentfunded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development of the South East of England.

This takes the amount of funding handed to Vestas to £10 million since July. The latest cash influx should help see the plant fully operational by 2011, with more than 200 extra jobs eventually being created.

The funding is aimed at developing a new phase of offshore wind turbines and blades, and comes just days after the company was refused plans for three wind turbines to be built on Cheverton Down.

Vestas’ work force has been shaved to around 160 over

the past few months due to controversial redundancies that sparked demonstrations both on the Island and mainland.

However, the new project is likely to add 40 more jobs

actually got a couple of his cd’s in my collection. He is a very sincere and down to earth guy.”

the Parkhurst inmates

VESTAS GET WINDFALL “However, the new project is likely to add 40 more jobs initially, with the overall figure rising to 400.” initially, with the overall figure rising to 400 over the next two years.

Rob Sauven, managing director of Vestas Technology R&D, said: “With this investment Vestas has chosen the UK as its location to build a strategically vital part of its global technology capability.

We will be able to build and test the largest blades in the world including those related to our recent offshore

product announcements.”

Pam Alexander, chief executive of SEEDA, added: “This award is good news for the UK’s position in the offshore wind market and also for the Isle of Wight’s workforce and economy.

“Vestas is a key employer offering high value jobs and we are keen to retain them at the heart of the Isle of Wight’s centre of excellence in advance composite materials. The R&D centre will shortly be leading the development of new offshore wind technologies for the rest of the world.”

The boost for Vestas came as nine countries including the UK signed up to develop an integrated offshore grid in the North and Irish Seas in a bid to aid the transmission of offshore wind power.

At an Energy Council meeting in Brussels, UK energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt signed the agreement - entitled the “The North Seas Countries’ Offshore Grid Initiative” - along with ministers from Germany, France,

Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland.

The declaration highlights the role offshore wind energy can play in meeting the EU’s 2020 targets and the benefits an integrated offshore grid can bring in terms of security of supply and market integration.

The intention is to prepare

at working level a strategic work plan in early 2010 with the aim of coordinating offshore infrastructure development.

Lord Hunt said: “Talks have begun in Copenhagen on how we can cut carbon emissions worldwide. A large part of that will be continuing the domestic decarbonisation of our energy supplies

by moving to low carbon sources including wind.

“We’re already the world leader in offshore wind here in the UK and the announcements bring new funding and expert direction to grow this vital new industry They also mean we can work with other countries in the EU to increase our renewable energy supplies.”

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NEWS

MAN JAILED

in the assault, which has left him partially paralysed.

BY JAMIE Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant WHITE David Pilbeam of Isle of AN ISLAND man has been Wight CID, said: “More jailed for eight years, after he than two years of left a man disabled following persistent team an assault.

Robert Gary Cass, aged 26, formerly of Queens Road, Ryde, was sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, against 19-year-old Joseph Triccas outside an address in Slade Road, Ryde in September 2007.

Mr Triccas, who is now aged 22, received serious injuries

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

FOR EIGHT YEARS work by police officers and staff reflects our commitment to ensure offenders who commit serious crimes on the Island will not escape justice.

“This case is a warning about how one person’s casual attitude to using violence can have severe and lasting consequences for someone’s life.”

Family Liaison Officer, Detective Constable Julia Steele of Isle of Wight CID, said: “Joe Triccas Wheelchair-bound Joseph Triccas with his mother Queenie after skip hire foreman Robert Cass was jailed

and his family have shown tremendous courage in adapting to the physical and psychological demands of disabilities in someone so young, and coping with the emotional strain of an extensive Crown Court trial.”

Joe Triccas said: “My life has been turned upside down.

A blood clot was removed from my brain. I was in a coma for six weeks, and in hospital for 18 months. My head, speech, right arm and right leg remain affected. I need a wheelchair because I can only walk short distances because of muscle problems.

I was in a very dark place mentally but I now keep trying to do all I can to talk

and walk properly again.”

Joe added: “I don’t know how I would have got through this without my family and friends. I want to say thank you to the nurses, doctors and police officers who’ve helped me. They were absolutely fantastic.”

His mother, Queenie Triccas of Wootton Bridge, said: “The whole family has changed emotionally but we’ve become closer than before. Our Family Liaison Officer Julia Steele has been a tower of strength from start to finish. Joe left hospital in April this year, and we’re looking forward to having him back at home for Christmas.”

ICE SHOW JUST WIZARD

The cast of Planet Ice’s Wizard of Oz FOR THE first time this year’s Christmas Ice Show at Planet Ice in Ryde will be a pantomime – the Wizard of Oz. It is also the first show to have been choreographed and arranged by the Island’s two male ice skating coaches Thomas Eklund and Matthew Russell. With over 70 skaters, the youngest being four and the oldest collecting their pensions, it is truly a show for all the family.

Many of this year’s participants could not

even skate last year, but have worked hard throughout the year to get into the show.

Skating Coach Thomas Eklund is starting to see signs that the show is really coming together, although equally feeling the stress.

“This being the first show myself and Matt have arranged, as you can imagine, it has been a very stressful affair. But everyone has worked very hard and the last few days it has really come together.

Everyone involved is really excited, although

secretly myself I can’t wait for the weekend to be over so we can all relax for another year,” he said.

Performances are Saturday December 12 at 3pm and 6.30pm with a final one Sunday December 13 at 3pm.

There are also two performances on Friday December 11 for local schools, many of which are attended by the show’s participants.

These include St Mary’s, Dover Park and Oakfield Primary Schools along with many others, bringing

in a total of over 1300 school children.

Prices are £6.50 for adults, £4 for a child/ concession and £17 for a family.

Planet Ice and the show’s producers would like to thank all the skaters, their families and all the sponsors without whom the show could not go ahead.

Also don’t forget if you would like to take part in next year’s Ice Show contact Planet Ice on 615155 and ask about their Learn to Skate courses.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

NEWS

POLICE DON’T DO IT!

DON’T drink or take drugs and drive this Christmas – that is the message from Hampshire Police, which has launched its annual campaign to stamp out the lethal mix this week.

And for the first time, the police’s 80999-text message service will be available to report anyone suspected of driving under the influence.

Roadside checks will be carried out on routes throughout the county until the New Year, and automatic number plate recognition technology will also be used.

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, police say the number of people drink driving is still too high. In December last year 297 were arrested, with 231 charged with drink driving.

And 1,954 have been charged for being over the legal limit in Hampshire this year.

Sergeant Paul Bailey from the

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

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

“Alcohol, for example, makes it difficult to judge distances, while cannabis can slow your reaction times and cocaine makes you more likely to take risks. Combine any of these with driving and the results can be lethal.

“The effects of alcohol and many drugs can last for hours, so you may still be unsafe to drive the next day.

“The best advice is not to drink at all if you’re driving, or book a taxi beforehand.

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

“By texting, you can still report

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Sergeant Paul Bailey RPU at Shanklin

COUNCIL ONLINE FOR BUDGET PLAN

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

Sgt Bailey added: “Our officers know what to look for and the chances are you will be caught, fined, banned from driving or

even sent to jail.

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

The campaign started on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2009 and runs until Sunday, Jan 31, 2010.

METERS GET SMART

Councillor Edward Giles with Barry Abrahams

PCSO Traci Hinde, Councillor Edward Giles, Barry Abrahams, Graham Thame, Peter Hayward and Alex Hicks

NEW technology has been unveiled to try and protect parking meters from thieves across the Island.

In an initiative under the umbrella of the IW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, the IW council has deployed ‘Smartwater’ traps following a spate of thefts of, and from, parking meters in the last year.

The Island is believed to be the first area in the UK to protect its 140+ parking meters from theft using this kind of technology.

Smartwater works by spraying anyone who illegally tampers with a meter, with a uniquely coded substance. The harmless substance remains on the person for months and shows up under UV light, thereby matching the suspect to the scene of the crime.

The parking meters will display a sticker warning any would-be thief, that Smartwater is being used.

Police Chief Inspector, Mark Bell from Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Parking meters have been targeted in recent months, on occasions by visitors to the Island.

“SmartWater can forensically link the culprit to the offence and we welcome the use of the technology to prevent crimes and to help the police to catch and convict any further offenders.”

Cllr Barry Abraham, IW Council cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Hopefully the sticker itself will deter thefts but if someone does nevertheless attempt to remove the parking meter or get into the cash box, they should be prepared to be sprayed with Smartwater.”

Cllr Edward Giles, cabinet member with responsibility for transport said: “Theft from parking meters affects council tax payers because the money gathered from parking charges helps fund transport schemes.

The cost of replacing or repairing meters damaged during thefts also falls on the council tax payer.

“We are keen to stamp out these thefts and are confident the presence of Smartwater will prove an effective deterrent – or help catch those responsible.”

THE IW COUNCIL has launched an online budget simulator to help gather views as part of the 2010/11 budget consultation.

The simulator enables residents to identify their own spending priorities and see how their decisions affect other services currently provided by the council. Additionally it provides residents with the opportunity to leave comments, which will be considered as part of the budget consultation process.

Some of the services the council provides are statutory and cannot be reduced, but some can be influenced locally and are included in the simulator.

The online tool takes this into consideration and challenges users to find savings, either through reducing spend or increasing charges of at least £5m.

Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the IW Council said: “The online budget simulator is an excellent way for residents to have their say on how the council’s funds are allocated.

We are going to have to make some difficult decisions regarding the budget this year and it is important for us to gather views from as many Island residents as possible.”

The results of the online budget simulator will be reported along with the results of other consultation exercises to councillors at the January Cabinet meeting before the budget is set in February 2010.

The online budget simulator can be found at www.iwight.com under ‘Consultations’.

XMAS RUBBISH DATES SWITCH

ISLE OF WIGHT Council is advising residents of changes to the usual collections of household refuse and recycling.

The collection service will run on a different timetable between Friday December 25 until Saturday January 16.

Household Waste Recycling Centres will also be affected over the Christmas period.

Full details of the changes to the refuse and recycling collections are detailed below:-

Refuse normally collected on:

Will be collected on:

Friday Dec 25 Monday Dec 28 Tuesday Dec 29 Wednesday Dec 30 Thursday Dec 31 Friday Jan 1 Monday Jan 4 Tuesday Jan 5 Wednesday Jan 6 Thursday Jan 7 Friday Jan 8 Monday Jan 11 Tuesday Jan 12 Wednesday Jan 13 Thursday Jan 14 Friday Jan 15

Tuesday Dec 29 Wed Dec 30 Thursday Dec 31 Saturday Jan 2 Monday Jan 4 Tuesday Jan 5 Wed Jan 6 Thursday Jan 7 Friday Jan 8 Saturday Jan 9 Monday Jan 11 Tuesday Jan 12 Wed Jan 13 Thursday Jan 14 Friday Jan 15 Saturday Jan 16

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

SLOOP INN PRESENT SAINSBURY’S STARS CHEQUE TO HOSPICE THE STAFF and customers at the Sloop Inn Carvery, Wootton have raised over £500 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

The amount was achieved by people paying with a fun challenge of trying to balance a 20p coin on a lemon floating in water.

Managers of the Sloop Inn, Steve Hickey and Karen Sanderson thanked everyone for their support and generosity in raising the money for the hospice.

SHED FIRE IN LAKE

RESIDENTS living in a block of flats in Lake had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in a garden shed.

Firefighters were called to the scene at the junction of Percy Road and Lake Green Road, at around 9.15pm on

Tuesday (December 8).

Flames were seen leaping from a wooden shed and spread to the roof of a balcony of an adjacent block of flats.

Twelve firefighters managed to control the blaze and stop it from spreading any further.

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One person was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics and it is thought that no-one else was injured.

Police cordoned off the area while Forensic Officers tried to establish the cause of the fire.

Store manager Paul Dyer presents a cheque to Karen Eeles from the Hospice The money was raised STAFF and customers of the Sainsbury’s store in Newport as a part of the hospice’s raised over £300 for the Earl ‘Go Yellow Day’, where businesses, schools, Mountbatten Hospice.

SKY HIGH TREE TO FIRE UP SHANKLIN

Shanklin fire fighters show how to put up a Christmas tree MEMBERS of Shanklin Fire Service rose to the occasion this week to make sure their station became part of the town’s Christmas festivities.

Once they learned they would be allowed to place a Christmas tree on top of their

training tower they wasted no time in putting it in place.

Not surprisingly, help was on hand to lift the tree to its lofty heights. They used the ‘ariel ladder’ equipment on one of their engines to carefully plant the tree in its

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community centres and others decorated their premises and wore yellow for the day.

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pride of place.

Now the Shanklin fire fighterers will be on watch to see if any other organisation in the town is going to top their effort when it comes to standing out in the Christmas night sky.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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DIPPY DIPS TOE AT ICE RINK

Amanda Wedge, James Newbery, Seb Wood, Father Christmas, Craig Holmes and Dippy the penguin DIPPY the penguin made a special trip to Planet Ice to meet Santa this week and he surprised some of the skaters whilst he was there.

Amanda Wedge had taken her son James (3) for his first visit to the rink and was surprised to see a penguin on the ice: “It was brilliant. He was lovely and we got to stroke him – he was quite soft, not what I had expected,” said Amanda. “It was a nice surprise and James thought it was good that he was there but

he probably thinks that penguins are part of the ice rink as it was his first visit. He’ll wonder where he is next time.”

Dippy was joined by Santa on the ice and posed for photographs with his new friends.

Head Keeper at Seaview Wildlife, Craig Holmes, and General Manager Jules Brittan, had taken Dippy to the ice rink to see what he thought about it all. Dippy is a Humboldt penguin from the west coast of South America and might never have come across ice in the

wild, if indeed he’d been there.

But Dippy is a hand-reared penguin – the closest he’s ever come to ice and snow is during a crisp winter at Seaview. Penguins are pack animals and usually pair off but Dippy is so imprinted by human behaviour that he’s never hit it off with a lady penguin.

“All the other penguins have paired off but Dippy has saved his affection for his keepers and the public,” said Jules Brittan.

“He’s hand reared and thinks he’s a little person. He’s head

Dippy the penguin honcho penguin at Seaview.

“At the ice rink he waddled through the reception area like a little showman and took to the ice very well. We made sure he didn’t get his feet too cold and he was only on the ice for about five minutes.”

Humboldt penguins are an endangered species and there are only around 10,000 of them left in the wild. Seaview Wildlife Encounter is part of an important captive international breeding programme.

INSIGHT INTO ISLAND LIFE

A NEW assessment of life on the Island and the contribution made to that by public services has been published.

The Oneplace Isle of Wight Area Assessment by the Audit Commission demonstrates the successes of the Police, NHS, the voluntary & community sector and the IW council, and also highlights areas where the organisations need to bring about improvements.

It replaces the former Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and has a broader focus, dealing with all public services and the effects those services are having on the lives of residents.

The broader focus of the report reflects the shared responsibilities of the services within the Island Strategic Partnership (ISP) which is the body responsible for the delivering the Island’s Sustainable Communities Strategy ‘Eco Island’.

The report reflects progress made against the themes of Eco

Island: A Healthy and Supportive Island, A Safe and Well Kept Island, A Thriving Island and an Inspiring Island.

ISP chairman David Pugh welcomed the report and said that alongside other data such as residents’ surveys it would give a revealing snapshot of life on the Island.

“There is much to celebrate in the document but at the same time there are areas in which we need to see continuing improvement.”

Cllr Pugh said: “By working together we can achieve so much more for the Island. I would like to thank our partners across all sectors for the continued work they do to contribute to this

shared agenda.

“There are no great surprises but what the report does highlight is that while the Island remains a very safe and healthy place in which to live and to work, there is still work needed across all public services to make improvements.

“I am pleased that from a council perspective, in such areas requiring improvements, we are already taking action.

For example the report highlights the need to raise educational standards and to do this we are re-organising the education system. Where the condition of our highways need improving we are pursuing the Highways PFI in order to do that and much more besides.”

IW Council chief executive Steve Beynon, added: “There is much to celebrate in the document but at the same time there are areas in which we need to see continuing improvement.”

The IW deputy police commander, Superintendent Norman Mellors, said: “I welcome the report’s recognition

of the Isle of Wight as a safe place with low crime levels.

“A combined effort with the public is essential for us to maintain a strong sense of community where criminals cannot gain a foothold. By working closely with the community and strategic partners, our joint efforts have reduced burglary, violent crime and drugs misuse.

I would like to thank colleagues and residents who’ve made these achievements possible.

Kevin Flynn, Chief Executive, NHS Isle of Wight and Chair of the ISP Executive said: “I welcome this Area Assessment of the health services we commission and provide for the people of the Isle of Wight.

I am also pleased that the focus is upon how we work with our key partners as partnership working is one of our four principal strategic priorities. I believe this is a fair assessment and was reassured that it found that people on the Isle of Wight generally have good access to their local healthcare services.”

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

Sally Taylor MBE and Chris Goodman

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SALLY TAYLOR, the popular presenter of BBC TV’s ‘South Today’, officially opened this year’s Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival yesterday (Thursday).

Sally travelled over from the mainland to light the ‘Tree of Joy’ at the village’s Methodist Church as one of the Island’s popular and spectacular Christmas events got underway with a sparkle.

She said: “It is always great to come over to the Isle of Wight. It is such a beautiful place and I was delighted to come and turn on the Christmas lights in Brighstone.”

Brighstone and Mottistone present the annual festival that this year runs until Sunday (December 13) from 10am to 5pm daily. Visitors have the opportunity to view the beautiful exhibits of over 100 hundred ‘theme decorated’ Christmas Trees at St Mary’s Church, the Methodist Church, the Wilberforce Hall in Brighstone and Mottistone Church.

Admission is free but all donations after deduction of expenses go to charity, and since its inception in 1996, more than £40,000 has been raised for local and national causes.

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SALLY HELPS LIGHT UP BRIGHSTONE

Brighstone school with Sally

SANTAS RUSHES TO HAVENSTREET

James Rann, Melissa Rann and Hermonie Salter with Santa

Megan, Lottie and Bailey with Santa

Mr Richard Brooker as conductor

ALL ABOAD the Santa Express! Havenstreet Steam Railway had Santa in residence last weekend and there was no shortage of children wanting to visit him.

Whilst waiting for Santa children and parents walked through the winter wonderland, a magical Christmas wonderland with a wow factor. Then into the grotto and Santa presented a quality gift to each child before they caught the Santa

Express.

Mums and Dads got a festive tipple or soft drink and mince pie and children received light refreshments before climbing aboard the beautiful old railway carriages for a ten mile round trip in the cosy heated steam train.

Also to entertain the children were magic shows from David Randini and a bouncy castle.

For a special day out

Richard and Lily-May Peterson, Santa, Kyle Peterson with Callum Muier at front

with the family Santa specials will run from Havenstreet next weekend (December 12/13) and from December 19 to 24 too.

And if you’re looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year Havenstreet run Mince Pie Specials on December 26, 27 and 28 and on January 1 and 2 these become Hangover Specials.

Seasonal refreshments are served for children and adults on these festive rides.

If you would like a truly magical experience you could opt for a first class carriage for your party.

With a maximum of eight seats, this could make a wonderful present too.

The fully licensed restaurant has a wide menu of meals and snacks, some of a seasonal flavour, and there is a well stocked gift shop for Christmas gifts.

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Your letters...

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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

TAX RISE JUST NOT ON QUICK ON DRAW Sir,

that income should be the only criterion for assessing entitlement to council tax benefit. The Government should insist that there be no rises this year on a tax that has been continually inflated by their own stealth. They should also ensure that Government grant is distributed fairly to help all councils in these straightened times.

As with all averages, they do not often tell the full story, 4 per cent sounds very good but many councils will receive much less and many councils will receive much more than that figure depending very much on where you live. How can that be fair? There are rich and poor wherever you live in this country and the present system of grant does not reflect that.

So this Government thinks a 3 per cent rise in council tax is OK. Three per cent is unacceptable for anyone this year when many are receiving no rise in their income whatsoever. The rise in state pensions does not cover this amount and the low paid will struggle to pay any rise. I know that the immediate response from the Government will be ‘council tax benefit is available to those in need’ - but it is not. The threshold for pension credit has been raised to £10,000 and opens the gateway for thousands to receive benefits of all kinds. The threshold for council tax benefit has remained the same £16,000.

Sir Michael Lyons in his inquiry, which has been almost ignored by Government, Christine Melsom said that this ceiling should be raised to £50,000 and Chairman Isitfair.co.uk eventually disappear - and Headley, Hampshire

TELL US YOUR NEWS! DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? CALL OUR NEWSDESK ON 402599

Dear Sir/Madam This year we are running a Christmas Card competition with Medina Quay Table Table and Premier Inn. We are running the competition for two age groups, 3 to 6 years and 7 to 10 years.

We are asking for 50p per entry and all of the proceeds will be going to the Charity WaterAid which works to provide safe water and educate the worlds poorest about hygiene and sanitation.

I would be very grateful if we could have a mention in your editorial so that we can raise as much money as possible for this good cause.

The prizes are a gift of the winning Childs choice up to the value of £40 per category.

The closing date is December 18 and depending on the amount of entries we are going to try and find an Island person of statue to judge the competition.

To enter please put your name, age, telephone number and choice of prize on the back of the card, and send it to Medina Quay, Table Table, Seaclose, Fairlee Rd. Rosie Evatt HR and Vetting Administrator Albany House

SEVEN UP FOR TREES

IT WAS the seventh year for Shanklin Christmas Tree festival at the Methodist church, which coincided with the annual Christmas Festival.

Organised by the church in conjunction with Hyde Shanklin WI, this year the charities to benefit were the National Children’s Homes, Bembridge Lifeboat, a Methodist Church group and the Hampshire Air Ambulance.

There were 26 trees in all and they filled the church. The two prominent ones in the nave

belong to the church and Hyde Shanklin WI and will stay in the church along with another decorated by the children’s bible class.

Other trees came from various groups associated with the church such as the brownies and guides, local businesses and other women’s groups.

“A lot of the background work is done by Marion Proctor,” said WI secretary and church steward Jean Bowen. “Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped.”

Keith & Malcolm Dyer, Jean Bowen and organist David Wilkins

GARIBALDI GOES ON SHOW shipbuilders J.S. Whites even gave their workers the afternoon off to mark the event.

He met with the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson at Farringford, where they recited poetry to each other with Garibaldi repeating Italian verses that Tennyson did not understand.

Garibaldi visited Newport on April 7, 1864 where the streets were decorated with flags and banners with thousands cheering his arrival.

He was greeted by the mayor, Mr W.B Mew at the Guildhall and later dined in the council chamber.

The large oil painting of Giuseppe Garibaldi was donated to IW Council’s Heritage Service by the daughters of Louis and Julia Denaro.

Louis and Julia bought the Old Coach House at Brook House in 1958 and it was then that they discovered the painting of Garibaldi in the greenhouse of the walled garden.

To celebrate this important new

acquisition, the Museum of Island History, which can be found in the Guildhall in Newport, will be open free of charge tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am-5pm.

Picture IWC

A OIL painting of a famous 19th century military and political figure is on display at the Museum of Island History in Newport.

The image shows Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, who is considered by many to be a National hero. There are several major monuments to Garibaldi spread across the world, including Staten Island in New York, Vatican City in Rome, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Taganrog in Russia.

There is also a bust of Garibaldi outside the entrance to the old Supreme Court Chamber in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Garibaldi visited the Isle of Wight in 1864 and stayed with Charles Seely at Brook House. It was whilst he was staying there that the painting was commissioned.

Garibaldi was a celebrity of his day and a crowd of over 2,000 people welcomed his arrival in Cowes. The

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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SUCCESS FOR CINDERS Hospice News

PANTO season has arrived and is there some fun for everyone? Oh yes there is!

Ventnor Theatre Group’s production of Cinderella serves up most of the ingredients that make a successful panto, including up-to date varied songs, colourful co-coordinating costumes, hilarious slapstick and audience participation.

This is a panto that children and adults alike will love.

Cinderella, played by Laura Groves, gave a very good all round performance although her costume gave me the impression that she was off to a party rather than about to do the housework, and this coupled with her carefully groomed hair and heeled shoes got in the way of my feeling sorry for her, which I believe is vital for the Cinders character.

Sweet, lovesick Buttons, the groom of Hardship Hall, played by Richard Buckley, had the audience in the palm of his hands, mainly due to the fact that Richard has an amazing ability to laugh at himself.

Faye Lushey plays Cinderella’s nasty stepmother Baroness Hatty Hardup and quite rightly henpecks her husband Baron Horace Hardup played by Bill King who, may I say, has extremely good voice projection.

As always, Nathan Meller was outstanding as Prince Charming.

He has, in my opinion, such a stage presence that one felt at times he was actually a real prince with the ability to be tender and strong at the same time and has a lovely singing voice.

Matt Busbridge played the ever-faithful Dandini very well. But the stars of the show for me were those horrible wicked stepsisters, performed superbly by John Woodford and Paul Stevens. They worked extremely well together and I really believe one would be hard pushed to find a better duo on the professional circuit. With prefect comic timing, amazingly ridiculous

costumes, and brilliant audience interaction, well what can I say, just absolutely fabulous.

The best singing voice in the show for me was Nora Dempsey who played the Fairy Godmother but it’s a shame she didn’t have a song that really suited her voice.

Steve Trasler and Geoff Callagham provided us with the slapstick as a pair of builders. All of this was complemented by a great live band.

Oh, and one mustn’t forget the horse. I think lonely old Buttons married her at the end.

Photos & review by Jeanie Brown

Tariff 3 (12am-6am) £6.00 (£6.00) for the first mile or part of a mile then 85p (60p) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 85p (60p) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be £1.00.

Fouling of a vehicle will be a charge of up to £70 (£60).

The 21-day consultation takes place after approval Tariff 1 (8am-10.30pm) £3.00 (£3.00 current fare) was given by the IW Licensing for the first mile or part of a Council’s mile then 50p (40p current fare) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 40p (30p current fare) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be 50p.

Tariff 2 (6am-8am and 10.30pm-12am) £4.50 (£4.50) for the first mile or part of a mile then 65p (60p) every subsequent quarter of a mile. Waiting time every 60 seconds will be 65p (45p) and the cost for each additional passenger over four will be 75p.

Lights of Love services THE REMAINING Lights of Love Services around the Island are as follows: Friday December 11:

Shalfleet Parish Council, carol singing, Horse & Groom, 7pm.

Lake, The Old Manor House, 12noon.

Yarmouth, The Square with the Salvation Army & Slipshod Singers, 6pm.

Bembridge. Santa turns on lights at Lane End followed by procession to the War Memorial for a service. 5pm.

Sunday December 13:

insurance and general living costs and we feel it’s the right time to look again at the fares and seek the views of the public.”

To air your views and opinions on the potential fare increase, you can log on to www. iwight.com/surveys/ hackneycarriagefares2009 or alternatively a paper copy can be obtained from the Licensing Section, Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2EH, or by calling 823159.

Music quiz tonight

THE FINAL music quiz for the Totland and Freshwater, Winter Hospice in 2009 at St George’s Garden Parade from Colwell Park, Newport will be held Common to Moa Place, 5pm. tonight (Friday December 11).

It’s not too late to enter a team, Whippingham Crematorium, simply turn up and have fun.

7pm.

Shalfleet Parish Council, carol singing, New Inn, Shalfleet 7pm.

and General Purposes Committee, who voted to put the proposed pricing structure out to public consultation.

IW Council Cabinet member with responsibility for licensing, Barry Abraham, said: “It is important that taxi fares on the Isle of Wight are fair for both the consumer and the businesses.

“The current pricing structure has been in place since April 2004 and a lot has happened since then in respect to fuel costs,

During the holiday season donations can be made any day at the reception desk in the Hospice.

Newport Minster, 7pm.

Saturday December 12:

REVIEW ON TAXI FARES A PERIOD of consultation for people to express their views on a proposed price increase for taxi journeys starts today (Friday).

Taxi firms on the Island currently charge a set amount when starting a journey and also per mile depending on the time of day.

Under the new proposed tariff structure, the prices would be adjusted and increased as follows.

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

Brading, St Mary’s Church, 5.30pm.

St Helens, The Vine Inn, 7pm.

Freshwater, St Agnes Church, 6pm.

Monday December 14: Rookley, on the Green with Shanklin Town Brass Band, 6.30pm.

Friday December 18: Cowes, The Cut (by Joules), 7pm.

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

Great Christmas gift ideas from the Hospice THE HOSPICE is this year selling entries into its Hospice Lottery via Gift Vouchers and the idea has really taken off. If you are stuck for what to buy someone then a voucher could be your answer. We are selling vouchers for £13, £26 or £52.

For more details please phone the Hospice Fundraising Team on 528989.

Christmas cards which raise funds for the Hospice are available in all the Hospice Shops in Newport, Ryde and Ventnor. They are also available directly from the Hospice.

The Priory Bay Hotel is supporting the Hospice this Christmas by the production of special ‘money off’ postcards.

Purchase a postcard for a £10 donation to the Hospice and give the postcard to a friend. On production of the postcard at Priory Bay Hotel the recipient will receive £10 off the price of a bottle of wine.

Terms and conditions apply.

For more information please call the Hospice fundraising team on 528989.

Services at Newport Minster, Many musicians have Yarmouth and Shanklin will be followed by a tour of the area on produced CD’s to benefit the a Southern Vectis Bus to see the Hospice. These include: local Christmas lights. £5 for Sharpe and Betchley “Midfield” adults and £2.50 for children.

Blue Moon “Earthshine”

Fundraising opening hours over Christmas and New Year THE FUNDRAISING office at the Hospice will operate the following opening hours over the holiday season: Christmas Eve – closed at lunchtime.

Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Sun December 27, Mon December 28 – CLOSED. Tues 29, Wed 30, Thur 31 December – open 8.30am 4.30pm.

Fri January 1, Sat January 2, Sun January 3 – CLOSED. Mon January 4 - open.

The Phoenix Jazz Band, “Buckets and Spades” Wight Hot Pipes “The Road Ahead” All CD’s are available from the Hospice at £10 each – please call 528989 and we can send them in the post if required.

Classical concerts at Wintergardens On Sunday 20th December a classical pianist will be appearing at Ventnor Wintergarden at 3pm.

The concert, one of a series of classical concerts to be held to raise funds for the Hospice is free to attend and a closing collection will be taken at the end.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

Mary Gobat

Felicity Greenwood

A TRADITIONAL Christmas Fair was held at Bonchurch Village Hall with £1,036 being raised toward the Church funds.

Hot roasted chestnuts greeted visitors as they walked up the path into the village hall. Inside your entrance fee of £1 included a tea or coffee and a mince pie to get everyone in the festive mood.

An overflowing selection of delicious cakes made by parishioners made £436 and there were also Christmas cakes, jams, mincemeat and sausage rolls.

Other stalls included fancy goods with lots of lovely items for ideal Christmas presents, and a fair trade stall selling mainly Tradecraft items. The raffle had loads of generously donated gifts and there were games such as guess the name of the reindeer and reindeer hoopla.

Father Christmas had his own little grotto behind the Christmas tree and lots of children were there to see him.

A painting donated by

BY JO MACAULAY Duncan Radcliffe was sold in a silent auction for more than its reserve.

“There was a great atmosphere – a lot of people came for the whole afternoon,” said organiser Sally Fitzgerald Bond.

“It’s a small church and

congregation so for us to have raised that amount of money shows that everyone is really pulling their weight. We’ve just lost the shop in our village so it’s imperative that we keep the churches going.

“There’s a lot of community spirit - there were a lot of people don’t come to church or our coffee mornings, so it was good to see them,” she added.

Annmarie Hughes and Madeleine Wray

Michael Thomas

COWES A HAVEN FOR REVELLERS

MORE than 600 revellers partied the night away at Cowes Yacht Haven - raising over £5,000 for charity in the process.

Popular Island DJ, Tony Martin, organised the DECADeANCE event to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the Barely Born Appeal. He chose the hospice as a charity in particular as it had provided care for his mum, Eileen, in the last few years of her life.

Tony, said: “My mum had battled cancer for a number of years and the hospice provided so much support in the last three years of her life. My dad, Mick, started volunteering for the hospice a year later and still does it now, so I’ve seen first-hand the good work that goes on there.”

The 43-year-old continued: “As 2009 will celebrate my 30th year of DJ’ing on the Isle of Wight, I wanted to put on an event that would raise money for the hospice,

as well as the Barely Born Appeal, which is another very worthy local cause.”

The night saw the Events Centre at Cowes Yacht Haven packed out with partygoers, some in fancy dress, dancing until the early hours of the morning. A raffle was also held to raise even more money for the two Island charities.

Cowes Yacht Haven’s

Events Centre Manager, Ian Gregory, said: “All the effort Tony put into organising the event was fantastic and it really was a great night. We were delighted to be involved in such a positive event for charity.”

Cowes Yacht Haven is already gearing up for its next party night as it hosts an Electric 80s event on New Year’s Eve.

Pictures by Catriona Macaulay

A BON-CHURCH CASH BOOST

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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PARK AND STRIDE

MODESHIFT, a national organisation that aims to support sustainable and active travel for young people and school communities, has named Godshill Primary School ‘Sustainable Travel School of the Year’.

The Isle of Wight primary school has beaten off competition from thousands of other schools in the UK to win this prestigious award. At an award ceremony at the school Dawn Cousins the IW Council member with responsibility for children presented the award to head teacher Brenda Hall.

Dawn Cousins said: “This is tremendous news both for Godshill and the Isle of Wight as a whole. For Godshill to be named number one in the country is a magnificent achievement and is credit to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved including pupils, parents, staff and governors.

“For the Isle of Wight to have

the highest number of accredited schools outside London is also a brilliant achievement. This demonstrates that schools across the Island are very keen to do their bit to help the environment while also improving the health and fitness of pupils.”

A sustainable school travel plan is aimed at encouraging pupils and the local community to adopt more ecologically friendly ways of travelling to school. Among the aims are to improve the physical well-being of children and make travel to school safer.

Godshill won the award by demonstrating pupil, staff and governor participation, as well as a range of walking and cycling initiatives. The school also showed how it uses sustainable travel across the curriculum with strong links to the Healthy Schools and Eco Schools initiatives.

The school has also reduced car use by 24%.

Acting Head teacher Brenda

Brittany Mynard (left) & Amelia Cooper

Father Christmas with Charlotte Brittan and Layla Lewis

Helen Stichbury, Brenda Hall, Cllr Dawn Cousins and Mrs Sue Tyrrell with Godshill school Hall said: “This has been a real team effort by the whole school community, involving not only the children and staff but the parents and governors as well.

“The children are thrilled that we have won this award

and we are very proud of the way they have taken part so enthusiastically in our sustainable travel initiative” Meanwhile, there was celebration for the Isle of Wight as a whole at the event in Glasgow. The

Island was announced as having the highest number of accredited schools on the sustainable travel scheme outside of London.

Isle of Wight Council works closely with all schools on the Island to help them make school

travel more sustainable.

The local authority’s Helen Stichbury is a Sustainable School Travel Officer and has been heavily involved in assisting schools in developing sustainable travel plans, including Godshill.

FUN DAY AT SHANKLIN

DESPITE the bad weather, Shanklin Christmas Festival was well attended and traders didn’t begin to pack up until a torrential downpour at around 3pm. Regent Street was shut for the day along with Falcon Cross crossroads.

“We had lovely stalls,” said organiser Lyn Howe. “Shore Solutions did come lovely garden ornaments and potted Christmas trees and plants and Island Vision did photographs, artwork and framed pictures.

“Badger Walk soaps were there along with Wight Trash and Dapple Grey Portraits.

Tim Morgan did organic and homemade burgers and sausages, which went down very well.

“Rotary and Shanklin Regatta did hot soups and hot dogs and games and Shanklin Lions were there too. Shanklin Fire Station

came unexpectedly as they had said they couldn’t make it,” she explained.

Steve Chapman, firefighter with Shanklin Station, said: “We were outside Falcon Cross Hall, which is where Father Christmas was, so kids coming to see him could get on the engine and try on the helmets for size. We also did some community fire safety and collected about £165 for the Firefighter’s Benevolent Fund.”

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Rescue were also there and the Isle of Wight Film Club was filming the whole event. IW Radio was broadcasting live from the event between 10am and noon.

Shanklin Youth Brass kicked off the proceedings with an hour of carols and there was also dancing from Wight Belles Morris dancers and the IW Salsa

Town Crier John Davies with Commodore Mark Birch and Sandown & Shanklin lifeboat

Group. Magician Kyle Newton also entertained and there was action from Tae Kwan do.

A long flat bed truck acted as a stage for 50s, 60s and 70s music from Kommotion, followed by Shadows tribute act The Five O Clock Shadows who have become the festival’s official band since their first ever performance at the festival five years ago.

Jet Harris of the original

Shadows turned up to take a look.

“He stood watching them and gave them the thumbs up,” said Lyn whose father Ron Gatland plays with the band.

All That Jazz wound up the proceedings with a set spanning 3 to 4pm through all the rain.

“They were really professional,” said Lyn who would like to thank everyone for taking part and supporting the event.

Watch manager Steve Chapman, Alexander Wumon and Neil Cole

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

FILM INSPIRES PRIORY SCHOOL TELEPHONE ENGINEER TELEPHONE EXTENSION SOCKETS SUPPLIED AND FITTED BY EXPERIENCED EX BT ENGINEER. FAULTS, REWIRES ETC. CHEAP RATE CALL MICK TEL: 865043 OR 0781 2714123

Bob Scratchit’s Christmas Surprise cast from Priory School IT WAS a visit to see A Christmas Carol in 3D at the cinema that influenced the choice of Christmas performance at Priory School this week.

After the cinema visit, as part of the English syllabus, Karen Ledward adapted the story. “It was a take off of the original Charles Dickens classic but it needed to suit the purpose of this small school setting,” said Karen.

“We performed it in Bourne Hall (the hotel opposite the school) which provided an authentic Victorian setting and a convivial atmosphere,” she continued. “The dining room was transformed into a Christmas

Carol set. It was a lovely, lovely atmosphere, very Christmassy and festive.

“The play conveyed the true meaning of Christmas – low key but meaningful. It was to remember that there is another side to Christmas.” Carols were also incorporated into the play.

Before the performance there was a Christmas Fair in Priory School, with mulled wine and mince pies.

“After the spending and eating we associate with Christmas the play was a good way to show the other side of the festivities,” said Karen. “It was a lovely end to the afternoon.”

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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FEATURE

Diane Foxley holding a Martin Mackrill print with Sue Wakefield

BAZAAR RAISES £300 Bobbie Newman, Maureen Kelly and Daniella Johnson

IN AID of the IW Hospice, Seaview Yacht Club’s second annual Christmas Bazaar was very successful raising

over £300.

“We had 14 tables and between one and two hundred people visiting,” said organiser Vilma

Barraclough.

“It’s becoming a very popular event in the village.”

John aka Santa modelled necklaces,

Andy Barrett and Michelle Reader

Head Chef Tony Worsam, James McInnes, Vicky Lillington, Emily Cleary and George Laplaugh

Captain John and Amy Haunsfield

Daisy and Millie Prince, in front of Karen Willsmer

Martin White, Rebecca Baker and Lesley Eve

Neville Isaacson

which were being sold on one of the stalls and the commodore’s wife, Sue Wakefield, donned a lifejacket and wellies from the stall selling lost property left behind in the yacht club.

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

ST. HELEN’S STEPS BACK IN TIME

Joanne Norquoy and Polly Townson

(Far right) Alison Harper at the Victorian Christmas fair with staff and children Since wining their battle to stay open, St Helen’s Primary School decided to have something a little different for their Christmas Fair and chose a Victorian Christmas theme.

The hall was decked out as a Dickensian Street complete with the shop fronts of a bookshop, a toyshop, a music shop and an old fashioned sweet shop.

Lengths of fabric printed with bricks were hung throughout the hall to give an authentic feel.

“They were all really pretty with candles and were 3D, around the tables,” said Ali Hemper, chair of the PTA. “Many people dressed up in Victorian costumes and Santa’s grotto had a magnificent Victorian Christmas tree complete with fireplace and glowing fire.”

Four craft stalls offered gift ideas, cakes and savouries were on sale along with hot soup and fresh home made bread.

“It was absolutely fabulous.

We had a photographic booth where people could dress up and have photos taken in period style. We also had a secret room made from saris and sparkly fabrics, like a Bedouin tent, where children could go in and choose a present for their parents for just £1.50.

“We raised £930 towards a new stage for the school.

Everyone had a fantastic time.

The PTA was one of the hardest working and enthusiastic bunch of people I’ve ever met. We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Ali Hemper. “Thank you for the continued support of the community.”

Joanne Green and Abbie Davie

Mrs Young, Courtney Gaskin, Harrison Dempsey, Elliott Davie

Olivia and Aimee Gavey

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

It was a sad day for Sandham Victorian Christmas Fair as it was also the last time they will be holding the event, but a bumper turnout made over £3,000 for the school.

Organiser and school bursar, Penny Freeman, was very pleased with how the day went. “It was an absolutely brilliant day regardless of the weather,” she said.

“It was our very last craft fair so it was a very emotional day for our stallholders.

“There were over 100 stallholders, some of whom had been doing the fair for a very long time. Some people made a special trip to say goodbye and to say how sad they were about it being the last craft fair and we had many local residents too,” she added.

“We usually have over 1000 through the door but this time there were more. Stalls were all around the school and the theme was Victorian.

Elaine Skeates and her daughter in law Kay were at the fair: Elaine with her hand made dolls and Kay with her hand knitted teddies. They also make frilly mice and Kay had even knitted a nativity scene.

Riot Studios had brought a festive photographic studio with penguins and polar bears for photographic gifts – cards, mounted photos and keyrings. The studios will soon be offering magazine style shoots and models portfolios.

Sandham Midddle School choir performed, there was a stilt walker in Harlequin costume, Medina Marching Band, Andy’s Jazz Band, Punch and Judy and the Rotary Club brought their sleigh for Father Christmas.

“It was just a lovely, lovely day and a nice way to end it – the fair has been running for around 28 years,” said Penny who has run it for the past 13 years.

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FEATURE

Dawn Towlson, Penny Freeman and Katherine Marshall

Yvonne Martin and Ester Knight

FAIR GOES OUT WITH A BANG Medina Marching Band

Grace Phelps, Jessica Lowe and Dadina Sagger

Vanessa Stonden and Avis Sullivon Paul Wheeler

Amy Wellings

Peggie Jaman, Lewis Powell, Steve Freeman, Sophie King and Brittany Stroud

Lesley Shilton and Phoenix Malone

Dot Gallop

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20

FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

DON’T MOVE IMPROVE

FURNITURE ISLAND

Despite the current economic downturn Spencer Howard (Proprietor) of Richwoods furniture store in Ryde, feels confident about the future.

He is very optimistic with the positive response that he has been receiving from his customers, which he believes is due to the fact that over 90% of Richwoods furniture is British made.

Spencer feels that the future for UK manufacturers is very strong potentially, especially with the way the euro and the dollar is at the moment, and as such the importers are struggling. He believes that people are now becoming more aware of the imports from China are not that cheap after all, especially highlighted by the BBC’s Watchdog program about the rashes caused from such imports.

It’s not all doom & gloom, you read about all the negative stuff in the newspapers, but Spencer believes that the futures bright,

and as such has introduced new ranges to Richwoods already extensive selection of British made furniture. One such range is Ethos which has been created by G-plan upholstery (one of Britain’s best upholstery manufactures) and is exclusively found on the Island at Richwoods. They have created a collection of sofa’s and chairs with more modern styling that tweaks conventions and subtly twists traditions marrying contemporary styles with good old fashioned comfort, in up to the minute fabrics and leathers that provide the essence of individual style yet meet the demands of everyday family life.

Another fabulous range exclusive to Richwoods is from ‘Daro’ Britain’s leading name in quality Cane and Rattan furniture. Although the frames are obviously not made here they are from sustainable renewable recourses and are therefore a ‘Green resource’. All

the cushions are upholstered here in Britain. They offer a huge choice of contemporary and traditional designs ideally suited for the lounge or conservatory. Choose from living room, dining room and bedroom and even a collection for outdoor living. Spencer says that once you see Daro you won’t choose anything less.

With branded names such as Sherbourne who have been trading for over 75 years and Vale upholstery since 1947 and in it’s centenary year 1909 - 2009 Buoyant Upholstery, who’s first major order was to supply 1240 chairs for the ’Queen Mary’ these are just a few of the Great British names found at Richwoods that we should all be proud to support.

All this and with Richwoods own quality British made range of bespoke furniture made to your requirements...one of the best selling ranges being Bookcases that can be made to fit any space.

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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HANGING YOUR OWN In a two-part guide to hanging wallpaper we take you right up to the point at which you hang your paper. These are the parts that you have to get right before you even start . Preparation and planning is very important or you’ll have wonky mismatched wallpaper and you’ll either have to live with it or do it again.

Prepare the walls. If you’re hanging wallpaper on new drywall, prime the wall first with wallpaper primer to seal the drywall and help the paper adhere to the wall. Wash any dirt or dust from the old walls and sand smooth any chipped paint. Remove old wallpaper using wallpaper remover, a wide blade, and rags.

Remove electrical outlet and light switch covers.

Fill holes or cracks and allow it to dry before sanding to a smooth finish.

Pick a starting point.

The first strip of wallpaper will line up with the last strip of wallpaper you hang and the pattern should match up at that place. You will want to start and finish wallpapering in a corner, near the curtains or behind a door so that the mismatch is less obvious. The focal point of the room should have the fewest seams.

Measure out from your starting point and use a level to lightly draw a vertical straight edge on the wall.

This line marks where the first strip of wallpaper should be placed.

Cut the wallpaper Lay the first roll of paper, print side down, on the flat work surface.

Confirm the top and bottom of the pattern. Measure, then cut the first wallpaper strip to the proper length, adding a few extra inches at the top and bottom. (This will be trimmed off later). Measure and cut the next several strips in order, paying attention to pattern match. There are four pattern types -random

match, drop match, straight across match and free match.

Activate the adhesive on pre-pasted paper.

If the wallpaper is pre-pasted, loosely roll up the first cut strip of paper right side out and immerse it in room-temperature water in the water tray or bathtub. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for immersion time. Pull the strip out of the water, allowing the wallpaper to unroll slowly.

Apply wallpaper paste.

For un-pasted wallpaper, apply pre-mixed paste using a large pasting brush or paint roller, working from the middle to the ends. Be sure that all areas are covered with paste with no un-pasted spots. Gently fold the top of the sheet down to the middle so that the pasted sides touch.

Next, fold the bottom edge up to the middle. This allows the paste to cure and keep it from drying out. Do not crease the wallpaper.

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

PAN RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Partnership working proved a recipe for success for the Pan Christmas Fayre and Carol Service held at Downside Middle School (Furrlongs Campus) on Sunday December 6.

At the Fayre the choice of stalls included crafts, hand made jewellery, face painting raffles and a tombola.

These included Karen Fuller with her endearing sock creatures.

Always a dab hand at sewing, Karen began making the creatures as a hobby after finding the idea in a book and she has adapted them into the adorable long versions in bright colours.

“I ended up with a big bag of them so I did the Christmas Fayre here

last year and I sold the lot,” said Karen who also makes aprons, bags and peg bags and sells them at Vectis Food and Craft Fair in St James’s Square on Friday mornings.

“My daughter Zara who is eleven on Saturday loves them,” added Karen who also has a son, Caelan, aged 13.

Free workshops kept people busy throughout the day which included bug hotel making with the countryside rangers, batik painting, arts, crafts and badge making.

The day’s activities finished off with a carol service with singing from Barton Primary School and Downside students and a Santa’s

Grotto.

The event was organised by Pan Neighbourhood Partnership and community groups ‘People At Downside’ and ‘Pan Together’.

Family Learning, Ignite and the Pan mental health development worker also supported the event.

Tina Byers, who coordinated the event said: “It was great to have an event with so many community partners working alongside one another for mutual benefit. The community has supported this by not only attending but by getting involved in the organisation.

Everyone should feel very proud of their contribution.”

Jack and Harry Finch with Becky Hunter

June Lambert, Aiden and Mike Hallaman

Billy, Brook and Sam Shepard

Lara Haims and Nigel Lockwood

Chloe, Lee Bishop and Emily

Tina ‘Flo’ with Kieran Hallaman

Brenda Bumstead and Donald Simmonds

Kim, Sarah and Logan Coltingham

Karren Fuller

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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FEATURE

SO WHERE WAS SANTA? Santa’s on Strike was the choice for Chillerton and Rookey School’s Christmas performance this week.

It was Christmas Eve at the North Pole but all was not as it should have been. Santa had been watching programmes such as Supernanny and House of Tiny Tearaways on the TV and he couldn’t believe the behaviour he had been witnessing.

Unfortunately he thinks that children no longer deserve a visit from him on Christmas Eve and the elves and Mrs Santa cannot convince him otherwise.

Santa’s on strike!

The musical Poppy Simpson starred all the members of the small primary school and the nativity characters were played by the 17 pre school children. Parents provided all of the costumes.

The personal development experts

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Chris Sweatman & Hannah Davison with the children pre-school party

Cold winter nights are the perfect time to sit back and rethink the direction and focus of your personal and professional life. Maggie is energetic, inspiring, empathetic, funny and passionate about her role...she’s obviously at the top of her game for a reason!

Okay, if you would like to know what all the fuss is about..... book your place on the elite 8 week confidence programme beginning in January 2010 in Newport. Booking is essential as places are limited. Why wait? Life is too short. Call today to confirm your place.

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Coach, NLP Practitioner, Corporate & Executive Coach, Mentor, Speaker & Author.

The Chillerton Rookley School performance

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XMAS FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

Christmas

Food &Drink

DINNER AT THE VILLA You may not have realised that there is a very modern and comfortable café at the Roman Villa in Brading and that it is offering Christmas lunches until December 20.

With a lovely view over Sandown Bay from its lofty position in 60 acres of AONB land above the Brading marshes, the villa café offers everything from sandwiches to hot meals.

Christmas lunches of Isle of Wight turkey, Christmas pudding and coffee with mince pies are only £12.50 and served between noon and 2pm. Booking is

necessary but you can reserve a table for only two if you wish, although larger parties can be accommodated.

Or you could have a special Christmassy afternoon tea between 2.30pm and 4.30pm with gammon or salmon sandwiches, Christmas cake, stollen, mince pies and a glass of sherry.

Of course you could also include a visit to the villa – one of the best preserved in the country.

The remains of the villa are undercover in the award-winning Exhibition and Visitor Centre.

The house consisted of twelve

rooms on the ground floor, all of which survive, with some of the walls standing over one metre high. The largest room in the house with its beautiful mosaic floor may have been used for special occasions and to entertain guests.

There is no evidence of a kitchen inside the house - food may have been prepared outside to reduce the risk of fire. Artefacts found within the house, such as Samian pottery, jewellery and games suggest that the occupants had a high standard of living.

Five of the rooms in the The forest floor provided a home for wild boar, red and fallow deer (the tusks and antlers of which have been found at the Villa).

The sheep that grazed on Brading Downs provided wool and food.

The peasant farmers tended both the sheep and crops such as wheat, barley, rye, oats and beans.

main villa house have mosaics, depicting scenes of Roman fables and characters, and reflect the wealth and education of the occupants. The most spectacular of these is in room twelve Room nine and contains images of Roman gods, goddesses, Medusa and scenes reflecting farming and the sea.

The food on offer in the café is very different from Roman fayre. The forest that covered the northern land of the Isle of Wight was a rich source of food in those days and storks and cranes were hunted.

The villa is closed for closed over Christmas and will open again on New Year’s Day – one of very few attractions to be open on that day. Activities are available for children such as making mosaic tiles. Parking is free at the so you might like to take a walk in the surrounding countryside while you’re visiting the villa.

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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XMAS FEATURE

Christmas

Food &Drink

GRAHAM PERKS UP VENTNOR

YOU’RE in for a really traditional treat at Perks of Ventnor coupled with a very English theme.

Graham Perks has relocated his Great British bar to the High Street from its previous location at Ventnor Winter Gardens and it’s fast becoming a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Approach from the High Street and the freshly painted red exterior frames a soldier in the front window.

Now lovingly restored by local man Tony Townshend, some people may remember the soldier from his days outside Colonel Bogey’s in Sandown.

Upon opening the door the next thing you’ll notice is the Union Jack doormat, which will give you a clue as to what will follow.

Inside you will not recognize the place from its former incarnation as an antique shop. All the works have been overseen by Graham’s son-in-law Mark Correia and include a sturdy corner oak bar with plenty of

bar stools, solid dark wood tables and chairs, some with cosy table lamps and fresh ochre and cream walls.

Graham Perks has always had a soft spot for the Royal Family and the Queen on her coronation day is in pride of place on the corner of the bar. Portraits of the Queen and the

Queen Mother also grace the walls.

Holding up the bar canopy are pillars encrusted with old pennies and ha’pennies ranging from around 1874. And behind the bar are all the traditional drinks such as liquers, shrub and even absinthe, along with the usual spirits and beers and Coors on tap.

Photos of British sporting stars look

down from one side of the interior and those of the stage and screen gaze down from the other. Posters depict iconic British scenes such as a red London bus outside the houses of parliament.

Look up on the shelves and you may find little knick-knacks, again with olde British charm, and some of them are for sale.

Although Graham has run many different Ventnor pubs since arriving on the Island in 1988, this will be the first one to actually bear his name.

Christmas Day is always a special day in the Perks home as both of Graham’s daughters, Catherine and Christa were born on December 25 and Catherine’s baby might even arrive on that day too.

“We always have a sing-a-longaMax to Max Bygreaves’ Christmas album in the bar on Christmas morning,” said Graham who met Max at a concert a couple of years ago.

To advertise call us on 402599

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO FROM SATURDAY

AT THE BALCONY

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FEATURE

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(Left to right) Jamie and Christine Fothergill Townsend, Pauline Vivienne, Gillian Osbourne, Sheila Timcke, Anne Bentley and Dennis Shepard

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

LANTERNS LIGHT RYDE John and Thomas Hayward with Tanya Goodwin

The Vernon Square Preservation Society held their annual carols and mince pies celebration with lanterns around the garden and music from the Ryde School Brass Ensemble.

A total of £170 was raised for the society, which was founded in 1986 to look after the gardens.

Every Sunday the garden group does weeding, planting and general maintenance and four times a year they have ‘Garden Force’ blitz to give the gardens a good tidy up.

The gardens date back to the

Ryde School Pupils

1700s and have a well that used to supply water to the local houses, although it has since run dry.

There was no shortage of water at the carol concert however, with torrential rain and windy weather in abundance. “Despite the weather we had a very good turnout,” said trustee Claire Kay. “We were very well supported and it went very well.

“We’d love anyone locally who wants to become member to get in touch via www.vernonsquare gardens.com, “ she added.

Vernon Square volunteers

Alison and Norman Williams with Nathan Smith

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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SPORT

HURRIES BEATEN LATE ON

Sandown and Shanklin rugby team travelled to Ellingham & Ringwood and were defeated 32-29, after the hosts snatched a late win.

The Hurries started brightly and quickly made their way forward, but after a ruck was overturned the hosts displayed their game plan.

With most of their team lined up blind, the ball was spun out to each player and the winger went in on the overlap for an unconverted try in the corner, 5-0.

The game became very tight with both sides probing defences, before the home side scored another try on 12 minutes.

The Hurries got back in to the game a few minutes later when they set up a maul. It slowly trundled forward all the way over the line for Andy Gough to score, Alex Howard added the conversion to make it 12-7.

The Hurries pack then started to totally dominate at the tight, pushing back or wheeling the hosts off the ball. Again, a maul travelled from the halfway line to the 22 and from the ensuing ruck, they picked up and mauled their way over the line again, the superb Ricky Harris touching down this time for an unconverted try to draw the sides level.

The hosts replied with multi-phase

passing close to the Hurries line and eventually won a penalty making it 15-12. The hosts then turned on the pressure with and scored in the corner giving a half time score of 22-12.

A loose kick took play to the Hurries and again they provided more defensive play, with Vikoma man-of the match Sam Tolley tackling well.

But again the hosts created that vital one man overlap to score in the corner 27-12.

The home side’s discipline started to slip giving away penalties and captain Joe Rees opted for a scrum.

As the Hurries front row crossed the

line, the hosts pack tried to force the referee into giving another put in. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, converted by Howard, 27-19.

Wightlink man-of-the-match Mat Jones then kicked a long ball down field but was taken out by a host player. The referee gave a penalty on the hosts five-metre line. Rees again went for the scrum and as the Hurries pack pushed over the line. Again, as if choreographed, the host pack all stood up, and again the referee awarded a penalty try, converted by Howard, 27-26.

As the Hurries went for another

PELICAN FIT THE BILL Cowes-based Pelican Racing have announced a new collaboration with the Royal Yachting Association to encourage more adults to get involved in sailing.

With funding provided by Sport England it is hoped the new initiative will help get more adults on the South Coast, and especially the Island, out on the water and highlight the accessibility of the sport.

Next year, Pelican, who pride themselves on being specialists in providing hassle free sailing, will be offering 12 subsidised places on their fleet of Laser SB3s for the Tuesday night racing series run from Cowes.

Each Tuesday evening from April 20 to August 24 participants will be able to get out on the water for just £10 each per week, participating in one of the best yacht racing circuits in the Solent. As well as providing a fully prepared boat and all the necessary equipment, the team at Pelican provide a qualified

skipper and instructor to provide training for the crew throughout the 18 week racing series. The objective is to literally, turn up and race.

The subsidised places have been offered thanks to funding from the RYA and Sport England, as part of the ‘Active England’ campaign which aims to increase participation and access to outdoor and adventurous activities.

Ian Gilmour, Director of Pelican Racing said: “Pelican Racing is all about providing a hassle free sailing experience. We’re delighted to be partnering with the RYA to make it even easier for people interested in trying sailing, to get out on the water. We provide everything from the boat and skipper to waterproofs and lifejacket.

Literally all you have to do is turn up, although bringing a bit of a competitive spirit with you would be an advantage!”

Those interested can contact Ash Holmes or Phil Devereux on 201581 or to discuss discounts available.

FOR MEDAL TRIUMPH a 71. Keith’s brother Derek again featured in the prizes, this time taking the lowest gross with a 75.

In the Veterans’ Stableford Graham Ellis (24) took the honours with 38 points. Peter Dawson finished second with 37 points playing off 19 and Tim Deville (21) sneaked third on count back from John Wisker,

STEVE GRABS GOLF DOUBLE Steve Collins notched a double in Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s Monthly Medal competition.

Steve won Division One with a nett 66, and also recorded the best scratch gross score, mastering the difficult conditions to go round in 72. Greg Hammond (76) finished second scratch, ahead of Derek Brown (76) on countback.

Division 1 runner-up went to Derek Brown on 67, one shot ahead of third placed Paul Butler. Matt Holbrook shot an impressive nett 64 to win Division 2, finishing in front of John Cockerton (67) and Mark Linington (68).

Stuart Robertson maintained his good run of form by winning the Open Stableford Division 1 with 40 points, three ahead of runner-up Alex Messing.

John Carter did even better in Division 2, scoring 46 points, to finish seven ahead of the rest of the field led by Robert Gray.

In a Junior Stableford event, Conor Richards took the honours with 41 points, followed home by Josh Pannell (38).

The Ladies EWGA Medal was won by Stephanie Hart (76) from Gaynor Oliver (80) while Brenda Keyte scored 30 points to with the Ladies Stableford, with Wendy King (26) finishing runner-up.

FRESH START SUITS JOHN Freshwater Golf Club returned to normal after the atrocious weather conditions, with not a temporary green or trolley ban in sight!

The Monthly Medal was won

by John Riddlesdell (19) with a 68 ahead of Gary Holmes (16) on 69. Kevin Garrett (5) took third spot on count back from Keith Wright with both players carding

score, the hosts were under serious pressure. An infringement on the half way line gave Howard a penalty kick and Hurries took the lead as they took control of the game. 27-29.

One of the Ellingham’s props went off and they had used their substitution. One of their forwards offered to prop and the game went to uncontested scrums.

In the dying seconds of the game, the hosts took play to the Hurries 22 and a scrum. The hosts then won a five-metre line out, catch and drive, and from a ruck and a double movement, scored their winning points, giving a final score of 32-29.

both players returning 36 points.

The count back also separated first and second places in both divisions of the Whisky Trot with Bill Hinchen (7) taking Division 1 with 38 points from Derek Wright (3). Division 2 was won by Gary Holmes (16) returning 37 points to take first place from Dennis Smith (19).

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The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

ISLAND BOWLERS ‘WEY’ AHEAD

The Island Indoor bowls U25 squad are celebrating after they beat Wey Valley U25s in a nail biting match, to reach the last eight of the David Cornwell U25s Inter-Club Double Rink Championship.

The home rink of Ryan Trigg, Josh Berry, Jack Berry and Adam Clark played the very experienced

four of Marcus Street, James Bruder, Steve Higginbotham, and Daniel Morris.

The away team of Kieran Clark, Peter Wheeler, Sam Lines and Robbi Hayes played another experienced four in Charles Bruder, Charlie Souter, James Shillingford and Matt White.

At five ends the home team

trailed by a single shot and Wey Valley then won three of the next five ends to take a three shot lead. However, the away team had taken an eight shot advantage making the score 19-14.

After sixteen ends the away side were 17-10 ahead, making the overall score 33-29 to the Islanders. The home team being five shots

adrift at the eighteenth end, fought back well to also bring their score level at the twentieth end to 21-21.

With only one end to play (home & away) it was a case of which team would hold their composure.

For the away team, Kieran Clark played a bowl near the jack and Peter Sam and Robbi Hayes played some

good positional bowls to make things difficult for their opponents.

Being unable to convert to their advantage, the Island boys won the last end and their game 18-17.

On the home green, Ryan ‘Dangerous Dave’ Trigg played his bowl on to the jack and held that position until the end. With a phone call

from Wey Valley informing them of the result, Adam didn’t have to play his last bowls and they also went on to win by a single shot – 22-21 shots. The final score being 40-38 in the IW favour.

The Island team will now go on to meet Foxhills U25 team from Buckinghamshire on Saturday, December 19.

ROWERS BACK TO ROOTS CHEERS AS

Around 70 members and guests attended Ryde Rowing Club’s annual presentation dinner at Yelfs Hotel, Ryde - where the club was founded in 1877.

The club Captain, Pete Hewison welcomed everyone, including guests of honour Mike and Sue Ward of Wardhouse Financial Services and Wightlink Marketing Manager Kerry Jackson, with her partner Toby.

It has been a successful year for the club, winning three Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championships making them the second most successful club in the Association. They also achieved a record breaking round the Island row and reached the final stages of the Henley Veterans Regatta as well as South Coast representative honours - all

of which were celebrated in a video presentation of the season’s activities created for the club by Stu Johnson.

Kerry Jackson congratulated the club on its successful season and presented the club’s awards for the season.

The first year oarswomen went to Leona Fisk; First year Oarsman to John Gedling; Coxswain of the year to Dale Buckett; Oarswomen of the Year to Vici Hewlett and Oarsman of the Year to Tom Clark. Steve Draper was awarded coach of the year and veteran Russell Page received the Committee Cup, with the Captain’s Cup going to Tom Clark - his second award of the evening.

During the evening a raffle and auction raised over £700 for the club’s nominated charity - the Naomi House Children’s Hospice.

PORT RISE

Coaches Cup winner Steve Draper

First Year Oarswomen Leon Fisk

Oarswoman of the Year Vici Hewlett

Committee Cup winner Russell Page

Coxswain of the Year Dale Buckett

Newport moved into to the top half of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League table after they beat Moneyfields 3-0.

The visitors took the lead through an Iain Seabrook goal, before Harry Ovnik double the lead to give Port a 2-0 lead at half time.

Moneyfields came close to scoring, but the inform Gary Streeter held out in the Newport goal.

The second half was a much more closely contested, but the away side secured all three points on 80 minutes when Ross Gregory netted from the penalty spot, after an off the ball incident.

Kerry Jackson and Rowing Captain Graham Reeve with Oarsman of the Year and Captains Cup winner - Tom Clark

SAILORS FULL OF OPTIMISM

The Isle of Wight Optimist Sailing Academy has got off to a flying start with 21 young and talented sailors taking part in the first training session.

Held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on 7, the young sailors aged between eight and 15 were taken through their paces at the first training session. The day focused on boat handling skills, including tacking, gybing and speed control through a mixture

of theory and on the water coaching.

The Academy’s four coaches John McLaughlin, Ed Chapman, James Tilley and Susie Moore, were impressed with the level of improvement made by those taking part during the day and described the sailors as a joy to coach.

The Royal Yachting Association’s High Performance Manager for the South and

Southwest region, Chris Atherton said: “The training session was a big success, well done to everyone involved.”

Susie Moore, who set up the academy and is the IW Council’s Watersports Development Officer said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the Optimist Academy. We were blessed with glorious sunshine and perfect winds which brought smiles to the faces of all of the

young people involved.

“There were some strong sailors out on the water that look like good candidates for the World Island Youth Games sailing team next year and beyond.”

The next session of the Academy will take place on Saturday December 19th, with 38 young people taking part.

To find out more or book a place call the council’s Sports Unit on 823818.

Iain Seabrook

The Gazette, Friday, December 11, 2009

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SPORT

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DOUBLE SETBACK ROCKS TIGERS It was a disappointing weekend for the Wightlink Tigers as they fell to defeats at home against Basingstoke Buffalo and away at Swindon Wildcats.

Basingstoke started brightly and got on the score sheet after two minutes, before doubling their lead just before the period halfway point.

Tony Blaize was then pulled down for the Tigers, but the resulting penalty shot was put wide.

The home side’s penalty killings were put to the test in the second period, but the Buffalo were too strong and scored twice to give them a four goal lead.

The Tigers then had a goal ignored by the referee five minutes into the third period and as the players were celebrating, the puck was cleared and the Buffalo raced to the other end to score. Chaos ensued as both teams surrounded the officials.

The goal scored by Jason Coles had been a low shot, which had gone under the net and despite the goal light going off, the outcome was neither goal being awarded.

Paul Sanderson and Tony Blaize received misconduct penalties for

BY JAMIE WHITE their protests.

This did fire the Tigers up and man of match Coles made no mistake as he pulled one back for the home side, assisted by Niall Bound. Just over a minute later and Coles doubled his tally, with assists going to Bound and Michael Palin.

Emotions reached boiling point as Chris Randall took exception to a cross check and both players got given four minutes on the sidelines for roughing.

Five minutes later and Palin and former Wightlink Raider Ashley Skinns squared up, with Palin emerging the victor, although he was ejected from the game for excessive roughness.

Basingstoke went on to score twice more in the remaining five minutes to secure the two points with a 2-7 win.

The Tigers travelled to Wiltshire to take on the Swindon Wildcats with an understrength side, due to the

U18s having their own game and Paul Sanderson out with an injury.

Mike Palin was also suspended.

The home side were first to find the back of the net with a goalmouth scramble, but the Tigers hit back with a goal of their own five minutes later through Chris Randall, assisted by Richard Nembhard.

Swindon restored their lead with three minutes left in the period and extended their lead again shortly after.

The Tigers roared back when Joe Osborne’s blue line shot deflected off Adam Rich to reduce the lead back to a single goal. The second period was a fairly quite affair with the Wildcats grabbing the only goal of the period.

The home side added another to their score with just 40 seconds of the final period elapsed and then another three goals with no reply.

The final goal did go to the Tigers as Jason Coles scored, assisted

by Richard Gutteridge and Tom Eklund picking up his first senior point, giving a final score of 8-3 to Swindon.

WILDCATS KEPT AT BAY

The U18 IW Wildcats put in a brave performance against top of the league Bristol, but couldn’t quite get the better of their mainland opponents.

The Wildcats’ game at Ryde Arena was a very fast moving exciting game with the final score not necessarily representing the hard fought game.

Jodie Attrill opened the scoring for the home side after 11 minutes into the game, assisted by George Smith and Matt Barrett. Just 48 seconds before the end of the first period, Aaron Edwards scored the Wildcats’ second goal assisted by Matt Barrett and Jodie Attrill.

In the second period Bristol scored

their first goal. Four minutes later Matt Wilks scored the third goal for the Islanders, before Jodie Atrill scored her second goal of the evening just a minute later.

However, Bristol fought back and within two minutes of the end of the second period, they snatched two quick goals in succession, making it

4-4.

Bristol started the third period brightly and opened the scoring, before George Smith assisted by Jordan Ricketts equalised for the Wildcats just five seconds later.

The game then swung in Bristol’s favour, scoring an incredible six goals to make giving them a

comfortable lead going in to the final minutes of the match.

Wildcats Captain Jordan Ricketts grabbed a goal back, assisted by Attrill, but it wasn’t enough as the visitors sealed a 10-6 victory.

Player of the Match was awarded to shot-stopper Amy Bowkis and spirit of the match to Matt Barrett.

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