IW Gazette 23 by The Isle of Wight Gazette

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WIN! Simply Red tickets Page 4

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Making Island roads safer Page 16

In Lifestyle: John Giddings Interview

‘Keep your focus’, Island MP warns local Tories

By Peter White

ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has warned the Conservative-controlled IW Council they must ‘keep sharp focus’ during difficult economic times, following the party’s success at the local elections. Mr Turner welcomed the success of the Island’s Conservatives in last week’s IW Council elections, but insisted that a tight grip had to be kept on purse strings and any future Council Tax rises kept as low as possible. The 55-year-old, who first entered Parliament in 2001, has also revealed he intends to stand again for the position of Island MP at the next General Election. His announcement comes despite being among a number of MPs whose expenses claims were exposed by a national newspaper. The Daily Telegraph made it known that among his claims Mr Turner charged nearly

Praying for a safe Tory future? Island MP Andrew Turner at the count

£9,000 costs of an employment tribunal against him. But he has shrugged off the publicity to look forward confidently to the future. Commenting on the local election results, he said: “The IW Council needs to continue to keep a sharp focus on providing key essential services and ensure that resources are used to best effect, as Council Tax rises need to

be kept to a minimum. “We have to be prepared for the possibility that the difficult economic climate will continue longer than the Government predicts and may lead to reduced central funding in the future, so it is important that limited funding available is targeted on the areas in which it is most needed.” As Gordon Brown clings grimly to his

post as Prime Minister, Mr Turner admits he is looking forward to the possibility of a Conservative government in the not-too-distant future and said that he would work with the new Council to ensure that the Island got the best possible deal. “It would be the first time that the Island had both a Conservative MP and a Conservative Council who would be

working to implement the policies of a Conservative Government and it would be a very exciting and challenging time,” he maintained. Mr Turner also paid tribute to former Island councillors who had retired or lost their seats in the shake-up as well as those who were unsuccessful in being elected to the Council. He pointed out that for democracy to flourish it needed local people to stand up and be counted and to challenge the ideas and policies of others. He added: “The Labour vote fell dramatically, but that was due to the national picture and was not really a reflection on the local candidates. I was most surprised at the rise of the Independent councillors who had polled more votes than the Liberal Democrats despite standing in only 16 divisions.” • See page 3 for full IW Council election results

More Bestival acts announced

MORE acts have been confirmed for this year’s Bestival. Mika and The Hot Rats are among the latest names that are set to appear, along with Benga, Benji B, Bobby Friction, The Loose Cannons, Grum and Hudson Mohawke. The event takes place at Robin Hill Country Park on September 11, 12 and 13. Sunday Best’s latest signing Lemonade will also be performing along with local group Shanklin Freak Show, Ohbijou, Ross Allen, Skibunny, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Sunny Day Sets Fire and The Acorn. Kraftwerk, Massive Attack and Elbow will headline the 3-day event, which has won the Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards three times.

Mika: heading for Robin Hill

Simple Minds’ Jim: ‘be proud of your fantastic festival’ JIM KERR, lead singer of rock group Simple Minds, has expressed his delight at being able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band by appearing at this weekend’s Isle of Wight Festival. Simple Minds will be on the main stage at the Seaclose site in Newport on Sunday ahead of headline act Neil Young. And Jim has promised fans a night to remember. “This is my first time on the Island and I have been really looking forward to playing here. I know festival organiser John Giddings very well, and I think since its re-birth the festival has been fantastic,” said Jim. “I think the whole community should be proud of what is put on each year, and I am sure each festival must take all of the 12 months in between to organise. We will be going out there and doing our best to make sure it is another memorable occasion.” Read the full exclusive Gazette interview with Jim Kerr on page 2.

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the gazette Contact Details Newsdesk: (01983) 409928 Fax: (01983) 404189 Email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk Address: The Isle of Wight Gazette Unit B18 Spithead Business Centre Newport Road Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 9PH Sales: 01983 402599 Head of Media Sales: Nick Cottis Laura Webb James Rolfe Kim Stent Roxy Vaughan Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Editor: Martin Potter Reporters: Jamie White, Peter White, Richard Collins, Justin Gladdis News Editor: Paul Rainford Features Editor: Jo Macaulay Distribution: Isle of Wight Distribution Ltd. Design: Colin Clarke, Dean Chick, Paul Mercer

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Issue 23

June 12 2009

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Jim can’t wait to rock Exclusive

TOP SCOTTISH group Simple Minds will take to the stage at the IW Festival on Sunday night. In this exclusive Gazette interview lead singer Jim Kerr tells Peter White the sell-out crowd at Seaclose can expect to hear all the Simple Minds classics – and a few surprises! Jim Kerr has promised a classic show to remember when Simple Minds take over the main stage at this weekend’s Isle of Wight Festival. Jim is one of the original members of Simple Minds, who were formed in Glasgow in the late 1970s, and had a string of hit singles and critically acclaimed albums. Now, 30 years on, and just a couple of weeks after the release of the group’s latest album ‘Graffiti Soul’, Jim is fulfilling one of his big ambitions by coming to play on the Island. And he is not going to let the occasion pass him by. Joined on stage by fellow members Charlie Burchill, Eddie Duffy and Mel Gaynor, the 49-year-old Scot plans to belt his way through the songs that have made Simple Minds famous worldwide. Jim said: “Our latest album only

Some festival fun for everyone

THERE really is something for everyone at this weekend’s IW Festival. The main stage line-up includes Neil Young, Stereophonics, Razorlight and Simple Minds. The Big Top will play host to Will Young, Ultravox, McFly and Bananarama, to mention just a few. And if that’s not enough the sell-out crowd will be kept further entertained by a host of on-site activities. New to the festival this year, Look’s Pamper Parlour will be on hand to provide complimentary pampering treats to festivalgoers. They will also be dancing the night away at Strongbow’s Bowtime Bar; seeing top acts spinning their favourite tunes in the Ray-Ban Rooms or popping into the Carling Local for the perfect cold pint. Positioned on the edge of Strawberry Fields, the hugely popular Hipshaker Lounge is back for its fourth year. With its trademark groovy 60s soul, pop, R&B, funk and beat, this year promises to be even better than before. Kids Zone will feature a variety of events, performances and arts and crafts to keep your little ones happy throughout the festival. This year sees the return of the Rainbow Stage, which will feature performances from a variety of storytellers, magicians, musicians, circus acts and many more to ensure smiles all round. And some lucky festivalgoer might even get spotted by Zone Models who will be searching for the next Kate Moss!

Minds performing such numbers as ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’, ‘Promised You A Miracle’ and ‘All The Things She Said’. Jim is relishing the prospect of being a part of IW Festival folklore. He continued: “Since its re-birth this festival has been fantastic. There have been great bills, and I have followed it avidly on television. “Now I am delighted to be playing rather than just watching. Unfortunately I am a bit too young to remember the original Isle of Wight Festivals. I think that is the only time I use the word ‘unfortunately’ when I talk Jim Kerr: promising classics about my age! “Being a fan of rock music came out recently, and there has I certainly know all about the been great reaction to it. But with early ones, and for me the recent the festival I think it is time for festivals have been top notch. the classics. We shall do a few Competition for festivals is new songs, but this is when we pretty intense, but organiser John have to get out there and go at it, Giddings has always managed there is no time to hang around. to provide top bills. That’s what “So without doubt the fans makes this festival stand out can look forward to hearing us from the rest.” perform all our classic numbers. Simple Minds will be on stage There might be a few surprises, shortly before headline act Neil but I am not going to tell you Young. And Jim and fellow what, because that would spoil group members have had a the surprise. For me the main recent insight into what festival thing is a great set, and letting revellers can expect from Canathe fans hear the songs they dian rocker Young. would expect from us.” “I am a huge fan of Neil That will no doubt mean Simple Young and we were in Belgium

last weekend when we went to watch him. We were over there rehearsing for our tour, and as we had a free day we headed off to Antwerp to see his show,” said Jim. “That’s the great thing I like about festivals. When it’s your own tour it is all about you. But at festivals there is such diversity, from the real legends to the up and coming bands. It is always great to look back one day and say ‘yes, I played at the same festival as them’.” Although Simple Minds will be playing at a couple of other European Festivals later in the summer, their only other UK date is back in their homeland. Jim added: “We are playing at Edinburgh Castle next month, which is obviously something we are looking forward to, being Scots. We do take part in many of the big European festivals, but this is my first time on the Island and I am really looking forward to it. “The reputation of the Isle of Wight Festival over the past few years has spread far and wide. People love the location, and they love the effort that takes place in staging it. The Island community should be proud of what is put on at the Festival each year.”

Green theme for 2009 THE EAGERLY anticipated IW Festival is finally in full swing, with the emphasis on music, fun, entertainment – and going green! This year’s festival has joined forces with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to encourage festivalgoers to sign up to the campaign to reach greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The IW Festival is the only one to promote the Government’s action on the climate change message ahead of the next round of Kyoto talks in Copenhagen in December. Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), said: “Congratulations to the IW Festival for going green and helping to spread the

By Peter White message on cutting carbon. The UK Government is working hard to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, and we’ll be heading to Copenhagen determined to achieve an historic international deal to tackle climate change” He continued: “But we all need to play a part in helping to combat global warming. Through the partnership between DECC and the IW Festival’s environmental consultants Eco Action Partnership, we’ll be able to spread the message about the importance of individual actions, while urging people to sign up to a pledge calling on all Governments to reach an agreement on global action.”

John Giddings, the IW Festival promoter, said: “Last year we employed Eco Action Partnership to implement a fiveyear plan to make the festival more sustainable and together we are now in the second year of what is already a well received programme of Eco Actions, tackling our main negative impacts which are waste, travel and energy. “The collaboration with DECC allows us to promote the importance of reducing emissions on a much bigger scale, which will hopefully send a strong message to other businesses and individuals that by working together towards a common goal we can make a huge difference to the future of our planet.”

Friday JUNE 12 2009

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Election ’09: results in full canteen as their hour of glory or otherwise approached. But things ground to a halt again as the assembled throng waited for the final result – the ward of Brading, St Helens and Bembridge – to come in. And wait they did, beyond 6pm. The problem was that this ward, uniquely, was returning two councillors, which made the count much more laborious. When the result did finally come in, it was a blow for the Conservatives, as their David Pugh: emphatic win two candidates, Sally Pigot and Joe Robertson, lost out to the independent St RARELY can there have Helens pairing of Jonathan been such tension in the Bacon and Patrick Joyce. As main hall of the West Wight predicted in these pages, the Sports Centre. The results saving of St Helens primary of the IW Council elections school, largely through the were supposed to have started efforts of Messrs Bacon & coming in at around lunchJoyce and their co-conspiratime but it was 3pm before tors, proved to be a key issue any announcements were made. Once the results started in this ward, and important to roll, things moved briskly, enough one suspects for the Brading/St Helens combinawith the candidates for each tion to overcome the True ward being called from the

Overall election results: wards won Conservative: 24 Labour: 1 Liberal Democrats: 5 Independent: 10 British National Party: 0

Results ward by ward Ward/Candidate Party

Votes

Arreton and Newchurch Erica Oulton Con 646 Colin Richards Lib Dem 691 Binstead and Fishbourne Ivan Bulwe Con 519 Ivor Warlow Ind 515 Tony Zeid Lib Dem 188 Brading, St Helens & Bembridge (Two Seats) Jonathan Bacon Ind 1289 Anouska Blake Lib Dem 406 David Cleaver Lib Dem 338 Patrick Joyce Ind 1444 Sally Pigot Con 1117 Joe Robertson Con 1097 Carisbrooke Barbara Foster Ind 475 John Hobart Con 583 Central Wight Peter Bingham Con 894 Jill Wareham Lib Dem 732 Chale, Niton and Whitwell Malcolm Groves Lib Dem 404 William Wyatt-Millington Con 641

Blue tendency of Bembridge. As things turned out, there wasn’t too much other bad news for the Conservatives, as they went on to win 24 seats out of a possible 40. Percentage-wise, it’s slightly down on where they were (31 out of 48), but David Pugh looked happy enough as he sipped on his celebratory bottle of Lucozade. (Steady, David.) Having said that, there were one or two setbacks for the Tories, with Alan Wells – one of the main driving forces behind the education reforms – losing out to Independent Paul Fuller in Cowes West and Gurnard, Diana Tuson falling foul of Lib Dem Reg Barry in Nettlestone and Seaview, and Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond going down to Chris Welsford, the high-profile Independent and ‘Standards Not Tiers’ opponent of the Conservatives’ education reforms. One of the biggest shocks

Cowes Medina Steve Cooper Labour 121 Lora Peacy-Wilcox Con 617 Hugh Reid Lib Dem 148 Cowes North George Brown Con 542 Peter Laugharne Lab 98 Wendy Wardrop Ind 276 Cowes South And Northwood Roger Mazillius Con 987 Charlotte Witheridge Lib Dem 230 Nicholas Wray Lab 85 Cowes West And Gurnard Paul Fuller Ind 819 Alan Wells Con 649 East Cowes Margaret Lloyd Lib Dem 543 Jane Mckean Lab 68 Margaret Webster Con 642 Freshwater North Clive Burland Lab 134 Martin Wareham Lib Dem 226 Andy Sutton Con 541 Freshwater South David Baggott Ind 245 George Cameron Con 435 John Medland Lib Dem 389 Godshill And Wroxall Alison Child Con 509 Rodney Downer Ind 570 Dave Hardy Lib Dem 112 Havenstreet, Ashey And Haylands Vanessa Churchman Ind 420 Richard Fraser-Tait Lib Dem 210

Vanessa Churchman: quite pleased with her result, possibly?

of the day was the demise of Labour’s Deborah Gardiner, a former parliamentary Labour candidate. In the ward of Lake North she came third, trailing the Conservatives’ Jerry White in first place and Lib Dem Peter Harris in second.

Conrad Gauntlett Con Lake North Deborah Gardiner Lab Peter Harris Lib Dem Jerry White Con Lake South Dot Clynch BNP John Fleming Lib Dem Alan Hollands Lab Tim Hunter-Henderson Con Nettlestone And Seaview Reg Barry Lib Dem Diana Tuson Con Newport Central Andrew Garratt Lib Dem Jackie Hawkins Ind Julie Jones-Evans Con Julian Whittaker Ind Andy Woodhouse Lab Newport North Dawn Cousins Con Peter Whiteman Lib Dem Newport East Peter Humber Con Geoff Lumley Lab Cathy Wright Lib Dem Newport South Roger Dixcey Con Shirley Smart Lib Dem David Stott Lab Newport West Mike Carr Lib Dem Brian Rushton Ind

395 333 356 401 89 301 128 591 855 607 186 157 291 103 70 508 342 191 449 73 395 315 135 165 182

In the neighbouring ward of Lake South the Tories also triumphed, with Tim Hunter-Henderson, while the British National Party’s sole representative on the Island, octogenarian Dot Clynch, came last. (Though she did poll 89 votes.)

David Whittaker Con Parkhurst Steve Falla Lab Richard Hollis Con Clive Page Ind Garry Price Lib Dem Ryde North East Henry Adams Lib Dem Adrian Axford Con Wayne Whittle Ind Ryde North West Arthur Taylor Con Tim Wakeley Lib Dem Ryde East Dave Knowles Lib Dem Peter Tuson Con Ryde South Gary Axford Con Charles Chapman Ind Ernest ‘Jim’ White Lab Adrian Whittaker Lib Dem Ryde West Sarah Doran Con Ian Stephens Ind John Timmons Lib Dem Sandown North Heather Humby Ind Rajesh Patel Con Sandown South Bob Blezzard Lib Dem Richard Davis Ind Eric Goacher Lab Ian Ward Con Shanklin Central

501 63 312 145 185 285 318 364 531 441 626 479 217 263 67 275 249 652 209 747 179 283 177 43 547

And what about Mr Pugh himself? There were many who thought that after the tumultuous events of this year his seat might in jeopardy. Not a bit of it. He won Shanklin South by a landslide. No wonder he could afford a Lucozade smile.

Doreen Armstrong Lab Sara Sheath Lib Dem David Williams Con Lincoln Wyatt Ind Shanklin South Anne Bishop Ind Peter Coleman Lab Lynda Fleming Lib Dem David Pugh Con Totland Carol Bryan Ind David Eccles Con John Howe Lib Dem Ventnor East Jonathan Fitzgerald-Bond Con Harry Rees Lib Dem Chris Welsford Ind Ventnor West Wendy Ford Lib Dem Susan Scoccia Con Stephen Stubbings Ind West Wight Bill Burt Con Stuart Dyer Ind Whippngham And Osborne Edward Giles Con Charles Hancock Ind Peter Lloyd Lib Dem Laraine Pascoe Lab Wootton Bridge Ernest Smith Lib Dem Barry Abraham Con

61 191 634 231 156 58 161 804 304 396 442

362 150 503 86 562 555 624 719 414 398 235 60 290 866

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A fitting D-Day tribute at sea THE SUN shone and the sea was suitably becalmed as a retired naval officer from Cowes paid his touching tribute to those who lost their lives in the D-Day landings. Neville Hallifax, who was 18 and serving on the Hunt Class destroyer HMS Southdown during those D-Day veteran Neville Hallifax prepares to cast his wreath on the waters from the tumultuous events 65 years cross-Channel ferry as a crowd gathers on the decks above him to pay their respects ago, cast a wreath on the sea close to the beachhead of Arromanche. It was here that Southdown’s sister ship, HMS Quorn, was sunk during the operation, with the loss of over 100 of its crew. The wreath-laying service was

the upper decks. “I was told that as soon as I intended as a tribute from the started speaking the restaupeople of Cowes to the crew rant came to a standstill and of HMS Quorn. everybody on board – hunMr Hallifax had arranged dreds of people – just stopped the commemorative service, talking,” said Mr Hallifax. which took place on the Port- “There was reckoned to be smouth-Caen cross-Channel about 200 people watching ferry Mont St Michel, with from the decks. It was absoBrittany Ferries. lutely marvellous.” About 20 minutes before Both HMS Quorn and the service started, Mr HalSouthdown were built at the lifax was able to broadcast J Samuel Whites shipyard in from the bridge to explain to Cowes. the passengers on board the Mr Hallifax is a member Mont St Michel what he was of the Royal British Legion, about to do. They were also The Royal Navy Associatold that they would be able tion and the Life President of to view the ceremony from Cowes Sea Cadets. By Paul Rainford

Rescue divers qualify

WIN!

Tickets to Simply Red at Osborne House ON SUNDAY August 2 the normally sedate grounds of Osborne House will be rocking out to the sound of soul legends Simply Red. ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’… ‘Holding Back The Years’… ‘Fairground’… these are just some of the massive hits the band has enjoyed during their illustrious career. Now Gazette readers have the chance to win a pair of tickets for what promises to be a superb summer show. All you have to do is answer the following question:

THE ISLAND has gained three new qualified rescue divers. Gemma Powell, Jonathan Whitehouse and Chris Whitehouse all qualified as PADI certified rescue divers having completed an intense training course with instructor Jamie Sprake of the Aquarius Diving Club. The course involved several days of classroom based training in emergency first response techniques including cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, a day of skills training in the swimming pool at the Wight Montrene Hotel, and a final day diving in Totland Bay putting the students’ rescue skills into practice in a number of emergency diving scenarios. Jonathan is now one of the world’s young-

est qualified PADI rescue divers. He says: “I am really thrilled to have achieved this qualification. It was a challenge to find an unresponsive diver on the seabed and bring him to the surface, practice delivering rescue breaths, and get the victim ashore to safety so that emergency treatment could be continued. But these skills could mean that one day I am able to save the life of a fellow diver in distress.” Jonathan has honed his diving skills with two trips to Egypt’s Red Sea during the last year, and is set for a series of dives in Malta this summer. He will now be providing support to PADI diving instructors giving courses to other Island students taking part in PADI diving programmes.

Who is the lead singer of Simply Red? Is it: a) Mick Hucknall? b) Phil Tufnell? c) James Cracknell? Send your entries, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Simply Red Competition, The Isle of Wight Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Park, Sandown, PO36 9PH. The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Monday June 22, 2009. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Osborne House and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

From left to right: Jonathan Whitehouse, instructor Jamie Sprake, Gemma Powell, and Chris Whitehouse

Friday JUNE 12 2009

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Garden fit for a Princess AN EDWARDIAN-INSPIRED garden, within the former ‘privy’ garden of Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Beatrice, has officially been opened to the public at Carisbrooke Castle. The Princess Beatrice garden features colourful themed flower borders, formal clipped hedges, an orchard of standard fruit trees, flower meadow planting and, as its centerpiece, a fountain. The garden is a collaboration between English Heritage, which looks after Carisbrooke Castle, and Chris Beardshaw, the awardwinning garden designer and former BBC Gardeners’ World presenter. Chris has attempted to weave architectural elements from the site and elements of the Princess’s heraldic crest into his design. “It has been a great opportunity to design a garden in such a historic environment,” said Chris. “Inspiration can be found wherever you look and hopefully the keen-eyed visitors will be able to spot where some of my ideas for the garden came from. Gardens bring places to life, they interest people and I’m positive this will add an extra dimension to Carisbrooke Castle.” The garden celebrates the time when the Princess lived at the castle in her role as Governor of the Island. She held this position from 1896 until her death

By Jamie White in 1944. From 1913 the walled garden became her private or ‘privy’ garden, which she enjoyed during regular visits to the Island. It contains just about every element of a fashionable Edwardian garden, and has transformed an unused green space with minimal planting into an exciting and colourful oasis. It complements the Victorian garden at English Heritage’s other notable property on the Island, Osborne House. While the garden at Osborne House reflects the formality of the Victorian era, Carisbrooke Castle’s garden reflects the Edwardian trend for softer planting. Enclosed on all sides and nestling below the medieval castle ramparts, the tranquil garden has been designed to be seen both from the ground and from above – walking the ramparts is a popular attraction for visitors with a head for heights. Its design is based on the Edwardian layout of the Princess’s original ‘privy’ garden. The choice of plants, the garden layout and features reflect her blue, red and gold heraldic crest as well as architectural detail on the adjoining Chapel of St Nicholas. The garden is divided into four quarters, with a fountain edged with low-level seating as its

Gilly Drummond and Chris Beardshaw plant a fruit tree

centrepiece. Herbaceous plants feature in colourful borders, while the chapel’s stained glass windows are reflected in ribbon planting in ‘window borders.’ The garden will be maintained by Charlotte Lock, who has worked at Osborne House for over 20 years, and other local volunteer gardeners. The trees are contained in large planters so that their roots do not damage the remains of a 13th-century building discovered during recent archaeological excavation. Not only did Chris Beardshaw have the challenge of designing a garden which is sympathetic to the history of the castle, robust enough to withstand the pressure of over 115,000 visitors each year and which provides year-round inter-

est, but had to ensure both hard and soft landscaping avoided the important archaeology it covers – including potential damage from roots. English Heritage Commissioner Gilly Drummond is delighted with the outcome of the garden. She said: “Chris Beardshaw’s imaginative design interprets and celebrates an important period in the medieval castle’s history. Princess Beatrice grew up at Osborne House, married and is buried at Whippingham Church and spent a great deal of her adult life at Carisbrooke Castle. “We are also grateful to the late Mrs Dorothy Frazer whose generous bequest and devotion to the Island has enabled this garden to be created and enjoyed by future generations.”

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Isle of Wight Rotary Clubs A round up of Island Rotary Club news Rotary’s Shelterbox solution WHEN disaster strikes somewhere around the world we are all made instantly aware of it through the media. How good it would be if it we could make an equally instant response. The good news is – Rotary can! Rotary has a solution that is incredibly simple but effective: provide a Shelterbox at the point of need. A Shelterbox is a simple, robust, uniform box con-

taining a selection of items designed to meet the survival needs of those affected by natural or man-made disasters wherever they occur in the world. Each Shelterbox provides shelter and warmth for an extended family of up to ten people for a minimum of six months. All boxes contain a rugged, highquality tent made from modern lightweight but resilient materials. Other items may include ground sheets, thermal blankets and other ancillary equipment such as a multi-fuel cooker,

tools, mosquito nets and water containers. All equipment sent is new and selected for its durability, practicality and suitability for the place where it is needed. Tough, lightweight and waterproof, the box itself can also have many useful functions from food container to cot. Shelterboxes are stored at strategic points around the world for instant access and distribution in times of disaster. So we really can make an instant response the next time a disaster arrives in our

homes via the TV or the radio! If you would like to get involved or make a donation please telephone 539530.

Ploughman’s lunch SANDOWN Rotary Club is hosting a ploughman’s lunch on Sunday June 28, with all proceeds going to Rotary charities. It takes place at 6 Whitecliff Close, Yaverland, from 12 noon till 2.30pm, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Winter-Goodwin. Tickets cost £5 per head.

Rotary Clubs around the Island Meetings: Cowes, Royal London Yacht Club Thursday 7pm

Newport, Conservative Club Wednesday 1pm Vectis Sunrise, Riverside Centre, Newport Wednesday 7.30am Ryde, Yelfs Hotel Tuesday 6.30pm

The Island in ice

Sandown, Conservative Club, Shanklin Tuesday 7.30pm (fortnightly)

Shanklin, Conservative Club Wednesday 7.30pm Ventnor, Cricket Club Monday 7.30pm

West Wight, Sun Inn, Hulverstone Tuesday 7.30pm

Know your Wight Island curiosities explained

No. 9: Newtown Old Town Hall By Paul Rainford

The ice sculptor at work in London’s Broadgate Centre

WE KNOW that summer seems to have come to an end on the Island but surely this is taking things a bit far… To mark the two-year anniversary of the smoking ban, Nicorette, the makers of the Icy White chewing gum that is intended to help smokers quit, commissioned an ice sculpture of the Island, which briefly took centre stage at London’s Broadgate Centre.

Nicorette has teamed up with IW Council for a month-long anti-smoking drive, with the intention that on July 1 the Island will go completely smoke free. Well, there’s no harm in trying, I suppose. Just don’t expect the line of gentlemen stood hunched outside Wetherspoons pub in Ryde to join in the fun. And sorry Ryde, Shanklin and Freshwater: it seems you’ve slipped off the ice sculpture.

READERS of a certain vintage may recall that the long-running police TV drama, Z Cars, was set in the fictional northern overspill town of Newtown. It was a gritty sort of place, which, thankfully for the TV series, was full of people up getting up to things they shouldn’t have been getting up to. The Island’s own Newtown is a whole different kettle of fish. Located on the northern coast between Gurnard and Shalfleet, what was once a strategically important harbour is now a sleepy hamlet that has to be one of the most peaceful spots on the Island. It is now in the protective hands of the National Trust, so it is unlikely to be getting any less peaceful in the foreseeable future. If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind after the excitements of this weekend’s festival, Newtown is it. Amid the collection of characterful stone-built cottages that make up Newtown is a quirky building that on first glance looks a bit like

a Wesleyan chapel with pillars attached. This is the Old Town Hall. Built in 1700 of brick and dressed stone, the Old Town Hall dates back to the time when Newtown was a so-called ‘Rotten Borough’ sending two MPs to Parliament before the Reform Act of 1832 put a stop to all that. By 1932 it was in a considerable state of disrepair, and it was presented to the National Trust

the following year. A group of mystery benefactors, known as the Ferguson Gang, stumped up the money for its restoration in dramatic fashion, with one masked member of the gang delivering the necessary funds. The Old Town Hall is open to the public on certain days during the summer months. See the National Trust website or call 531785 for details.

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A holiday for life By Paul Rainford A GROUP of ten children from the area of the former Soviet Union affected by the lingering fall-out from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 have been welcomed to the Island for a month-long health-boosting holiday. The Island trip is just the latest in a series of visits to the UK organised by the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity that have been proven to boost the immune systems of children often already fighting cancers or other recurring infections as a result of the nuclear catastrophe. Paul Smith, who is part of the Island Hosts group of families with whom the children have been staying, said: “It has been estimated that these trips can get rid of up to 70 per cent of the radiation contamination from the children’s bodies.” As well as the usual tourist destinations such as Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill, the children, who hail from what is now the Ukraine, have been taken to Specsavers opticians for free

eye tests and to Sandown Dental Practice for a dental check-up. The funding for the trip, which totalled around £7,000, was raised by the West Wight Churches group through a series of charity events such as car boot sales.

Island Hosts are now looking for more families who are prepared to welcome Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline groups into their homes in the future. Anyone who is interested in becoming a host should call Paul

Smith on 520128. Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline was founded by Victor Mizzi, MBE in 1991 after he witnessed the devastating affects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident on children and families.

The Ukrainian children await their check-up at Sandown Dental Practice

Ambulance gift from Friends

THE ISLE OF WIGHT Ambulance Service has been able to add a state-of-the-art emergency vehicle to its fleet thanks to the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital. Margaret Moglione, chairman of the Friends, presented the keys of the £26,000 vehicle to Graham Warren, of the ambulance service at the official handover. This rapid response vehicle, able to tackle difficult terrain to reach emergencies, has already been put to use on the Island. The 4 x 4 is the latest of many gifts to a variety of NHS related projects on the Island by the Friends, who receive their income from the profits from their hospital shop, two cafeterias,

ward trolley services and donations and legacies from grateful patients. Two 4 x 4s donated to the ambulance service in 2002 have now been de-commissioned and are being given a new lease of life with other good causes. One was presented to Tim Yeo of the Island’s St John Ambulance by the Friends’ vice chairman, Gill Rogers. The other is destined to leave Britain for Mongolia, to be used by Ryan Carroll of the Go Help charity, which supports Mongolia’s Children’s Development and Protection Foundation. It is due to be part of a three-vehicle convoy to Mongolia, leaving this country in July.

Recent graduates from Edinburgh University, Alice Paisley and Juliet Waud, will be taking the vehicle on its journey, made even longer because of border closures due to swine flu precautions. All three vehicles will be used as mobile clinics in remote areas of the Bayan Olgii province. The Go Help website will record the progress of the convoy to Mongolia. The Friends’ shop and café rely heavily on the help of an army of volunteers, and the Friends’ manageress, Lorraine Herbert (phone 534609) would warmly welcome more volunteers, especially to man the afternoon ward trolley.

Margaret Moglione presents the keys to Graham Warren of the ambulance service

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Car park meter thieves strike twice in Yarmouth

THIEVES have targeted parking machines on the Island again, and the IW Council is urging anyone with information to come forward. Following recent incidents in Ventnor and Yaverland, thieves struck over the weekend of May 30 and 31, when cash was stolen twice from a machine in River Road, Yarmouth. At least one of the thefts took place during daylight hours and, as no one reported the theft to the authorities, it appears people may have thought the raiders were authentic council staff emp-

tying the machines. Now the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is asking people to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious. The machines are only emptied by council staff wearing royal blue high-visibility vests with the words ‘Civil Enforcement Officer – Parking’ clearly shown on a reflective panel on the back. In addition the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership will be deploying CCTV cameras in car parks and installing offender marking technology in parking

machines. Insp Mark Bell from Newport Police Station said: “We are very keen to quickly trace these offenders and would ask the public to let us know about suspicious incidents. The thefts involve a lot of loose change which may well be being converted to notes or spent locally. “I would like to remind people who would rather not talk directly to the police that they give information about people they suspect are involved under the protection of anonymity to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

“Rewards can be paid without the identity of the caller being known. The process can be explained by the call handlers at Crimestoppers 24/7 Bureau.” Stuart Love, IW council director of environment and neighbourhoods, added: “These thefts are not about taking from the council – it is public money that is being stolen and it is public money that has to be spent repairing or replacing the machines.” Any reports of suspicious behaviour should be made to Hampshire and IW Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45.

Get on your bike for national event

ISLANDERS are gearing up for National Bike Week, which starts tomorrow (Saturday June 13) and runs until June 21. The national event aims to encourage families to get more out of life by swapping four wheels for two and exploring their local area. The Island will join towns, villages and cities across the country to host free cycling events with the theme of ‘Get more out of life; live local, get cycling’. To mark National Bike Week, the IW Council will be at the Newport Minster Summer Fair in St Thomas’s Square in

Newport on Saturday June 20, between 10am and 3pm. The events and road safety team will be on hand to offer information about the Island’s extensive cycle network, safe cycling and details of this year’s cycling festival. There will be a cycling and rowing challenge in the square, with the chance of winning a One Card leisure pass. The British Heart Foundation will be joining the team to promote activities to help keep hearts healthy and provide information about their Cycle the Wight event, which forms part of

Royal goes on the road

THE ROYAL Hotel in Ventnor has taken on two new chefs and is to take its upmarket cuisine on the road with an outside catering business. Dan Maskell, who was second in command in the Royal’s kitchen for eight years, returns to the Royal to take the post of head chef after spells at Michelinstarred restaurants on the mainland. The former head chef, Alan Staley, has been promoted to executive chef. Head pastry chef Steven Bott has joined the Royal from Auberge de Moulin Hideux, a one-Michelin-

starred chateau in southern Belgium, where he has worked for the past eight years. William Bailey, managing director of the Royal, said: “This is now going to allow us to hone our team and start to develop our new outside catering business. For years the Royal has been asked to take on bigger events and turned them away but we are now poised to cater to the Island’s most prestigious events. Our outside catering business will be developed for people who want the high quality food product synonymous with the Royal

served in their own home or marquee.” As head chef for the past 13 years, Alan Staley has been awarded two AA rosettes for the restaurant for the past 12. “It’s an exciting time for us. We’ve got a lot of fresh blood in the kitchen and there’s a new lease of life,” said Mr Staley. “Older members of the team have been happy to have a new injection of ideas and we’re all really excited about the prospect of expanding into the future and taking the Royal dining experience out on the road.”

the Cycling Festival in September. The council’s community safety service will also be providing information on bike security. People are invited to bring their bike along on the day and have it tagged with a special security band and registered so it can be recognised if stolen. Refreshments will be provided in the church throughout the day, and visitors can expect to find a range of charity stalls around the square along with face painting, a bouncy castle and activities with the scouts, police and fire service.

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Villages do battle for communities prize HAVENSTREET and Northwood have made it through to the Island final of the 2009 Calor Village of the Year competition and are now preparing for a nervewracking visit from the judges on July 10 to decide the winner. The competition, which is organised by the Hampshire Association of Local Councils (HALC), seeks to reward villages that maintain a real

sense of community cohesion. Steven Lugg, HALC chief executive, said: “It’s all about people’s quality of life – doing stuff where you live. It’s certainly not about the number of hanging baskets that people have put up.” The judges had been impressed by the number of community-related activities that were taking place in both villages, he said.

Judges will spend about two hours in each village, and will be listening to presentations from various community groups and organisations. “It will be hard work for the communities, but past experience has shown it’s also a very enjoyable experience for all involved,” added Mr Lugg. The winner will be announced by July 24.

Architects’ charity deal ARCHITECTS on the Island are among those giving up their time to offer free consultations to raise money for the housing charity Shelter. The ‘Architect in the House’ scheme gives homeowners considering making changes to their property the chance to have an hour-long consultation with a local architect without having to pay them a penny – though they are encouraged to give a £40 donation to Shelter. There are four Island firms taking part in the scheme, which is run by the Royal Institute for British Architects: Biggs Talbot (of Newport); Gian Giblett (Gurnard); MHD (Ryde); and Rob Berryman (Shanklin). Homeowners can sign up for a consultation by visiting www.architectinthehouse.org.uk. Matching of homeowners with architects takes place in early July and consultations can take place any time up to November 2009. Adam Sampson, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Every day we see new evidence of a deepening housing crisis and sadly one in seven children in Britain are badly housed. ‘Architect in the House’ is a great way for homeowners to get some expert advice on adding value to their home, while helping thousands in desperate housing need.”

Free dads’ day out ISLAND dads will have the opportunity to roam around Osborne House and Gardens for free on Father’s Day, Sunday 21 June. English Heritage have opened the doors free for dads in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who delighted in spending time with The new Sainsbury’s Local at Cowes his family of nine children, often going out with them into Osborne’s grounds to catch butterflies, fly kites, sail or swim. He also built a miniature Swiss Cottage in the grounds so that his children could learn domestic skills and the principles of TWO NEW Sainsbury’s Local square feet of shopping space, running a household there, with stores have opened on the Island, including an in-store bakery. a small fruit and vegetable plot both of them replacing Somerfield The Freshwater store, which stores previously on the sites. opened a week earlier, is on School for each of them to tend in the garden outside. The Cowes store, which opened Green Lane. Dads and their families can see last Friday, is located on the High Sainsbury’s operates 276 Local the Swiss Cottage and the royal Street and offers more than 4,000 stores across the country.

Sainsbury’s opens

By Peter White children’s plots in its garden, which contains a thatched summerhouse containing the scaled-down tools that they used. Inside the house, original family mementos, including plaster casts made of their children’s hands by their doting parents, are on view in the private apartments of Victoria and Albert and illustrate Osborne’s contrasts as both an informal family home and opulent royal residence. Admission is £10.20 for adults (£8.70 concessions), £5.10 for children and £25.50 for a family ticket. Entrance is free for Dad and English Heritage members. For more information, call 01983 200022 or visit www.englishheritage.org.uk.

Square 2 Square boost for cancer treatments ST MARY’S Hospital has received a £30,000 boost thanks to the fundraising efforts of the IW Fire and Rescue Service. Last year a team of firefighters and supporters completed an epic 1,488-mile sponsored cycle ride between St Thomas’ Square Newport and the Vatican Square in Rome. The Square 2 Square 2008 ride raised an incredible £75,000 – three times the The Fire and Rescue Team and Sally Hall, Wessex Cancer Trust presenting the money original £25,000 target. raised from the SQ 2 SQ Challenge last year to Anne Snow, lead clinician, Lung CanOf that, 5,000 has been donated to the Firefightcer Services, St Mary’s Hospital

ers Benevolent Fund and £40,000 to the Wessex Cancer Trust to support Island cancer patients. The remaining £30,000 will be presented to St Mary’s Hospital to purchase a thorascope – specialist equipment used to detect cancer of the respiratory system. The cheque was presented to Anne Snow, lead clinician, Lung Cancer Services, NHS Isle of Wight. She said: “We are extremely grateful for this wonderful support. We are delighted too that the money raised will enable

us to put such a significant contribution back into the treatment of cancer patients on the Island.” “A big thank you to the Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in raising this significant amount of money. This really will make a huge difference to Island patients.” Kelvin Wright, one of the SQ2SQ 2008 organisers, said: “The amount raised this year surpassed all expectations and that is because of the fantastic support we received from so many people and organisations.”

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Rower saved by lifeguard A HOLIDAYMAKER who got into trouble by rowing a dinghy out to sea off Sandown was rescued by a beach lifeguard. Andy Robinson, 28, of Lake paddled out on a body board some 400 metres to assist the lone rower, who was being carried out to sea, on Thursday May 28 at around lunchtime. He then attached a rope to the dinghy and towed the man – thought to be in his forties – back to his wife and child who were bathing on the beach. His wife had raised the alarm just as the

lifeguards were about to swim out having observed the man rowing out further than he should have done. Andy, in his first year as a beach lifeguard, said the man was somewhat embarrassed when he reached him. “It didn’t appear that he really understood how to use the oars,” he said. “When I was towing him back I asked him to help by rowing but he started to row against me. I then told him to leave the oars and I towed him back unaided. “It was a hard swim back with him in tow and made

worse because I was paddling against the tide. “But I was glad to be able to help the man and to put my training into use. He and his family were grateful to have him back safely ashore.” Andy said he also offered David Trevan: volunteers for the charity following heart bypass surgery the man some advice on using inflatable dinghies and was relieved when he later appeared to have heeded the information. “He went out again later but rowed along the shore THE BRITISH Heart Foun- thought of myself as being “The BHF would not be rather than out to sea as he dation (BHF) has launched very fit and led a healthy able to save lives through had the first time. He seemed its new ‘Hand on Heart’ lifestyle. I had an Angiogram pioneering heart research to have learned his lesson.” campaign and is encouraging at Southampton General or provide care for patients Islanders to donate their time which revealed I needed a through our network of to the charity. quadruple heart bypass opnurses and heart helpline The charity says that eration. The operation was a without the vital funds raised volunteers play a vital role success and I returned home by our dedicated volunteers. in its work and their dedica- on December 8 2008. I was “That’s why this month tion helps save and improve even back to work at the IW we’re asking you to put the lives of those affected by College by March. your hand on your heart heart disease. “Having undergone this and support the BHF by Volunteers are free to recent heart bypass surgery I donating your time. You can choose how they help, be would like to give something volunteer any way you want it by putting on their own back to the nation’s heart to and we’d love to hear fundraising event or working charity. I chose to volunteer your ideas on how you want in a BHF shop. my time as I am very outgo- to help.” BHF volunteer David ing and like working with For more information Trevan, from Ventnor, said: people. about volunteering contact “Last year I was admitted Mary Bareham, BHF Mary Bareham on 023 9246 to St Mary’s Hospital after fundraising and volunteer 7904 or email barehamm@ having chest pains. I always manager for the Island, said: bhf.org.uk

BHF seeks volunteers

‘Poolathon’ raises funds

Sixties night success

Pool marathon organiser Simon Golding (left, holding cheque) with Beaulieu House chairman Keith Lane (right, holding cheque) with the pool players and some of the children who attend the respite care centre

A 24-HOUR pool marathon in Sandown has raised £1,315 for Beaulieu House children’s respite care centre in Newport. The annual event, which is held at the Old Comical pub, was organised by one of the

pub’s regulars, Simon Golding. One of his work colleagues has a child who attends the centre. Thirteen players took part in the marathon, with all of them staying for the whole 24 hrs.

Talisker joins sponsors

THE ORGANISERS of Cowes Week have announced that Talisker, the producer of single malt scotch whisky, will be one of the supporting sponsors at this year’s sailing extravaganza. Distilled on the Isle of Skye, Talisker will be the first ‘official whisky’ of Cowes Week, and as part of its investment it will be sampled throughout the week by sailors and visitors to the regatta. Michelle Warner, sales and marketing director of Cowes Week, said: “We are pleased

to welcome Talisker whisky to our family of supporting sponsors. Talisker has a long-standing association with sailing, making it the perfect partner for our regatta.” Talisker will be hosting tastings throughout the week and, as an official fundraising partner of the RNLI, will co-host the RNLI charity ball which will include a performance of ‘Talisker Tales’ with RNLI volunteer crew members telling their tales of adventure from the sea. Brand Manager for Tal-

isker, Steve Wood, added: “Over the past few years we’ve worked closely with the RNLI as an official fundraising partner, so we’re particularly pleased that they are the official charity in our first year of sponsoring Cowes Week.” Cowes Week’s other supporting sponsors include Henri Lloyd, Champagne GH Mumm, Liz Earle, Wightcable and the IW Council. At the time of going to press, a replacement for Skandia as main sponsor had yet to be found.

A fine array of sixties outfits

CUSTOMERS and staff at Harry’s Bar in Shanklin Old Village turned back the clock to raise money for an Island charity. Flower power was prominent, there was more than one Mary Quant, and even Elvis entered the building

at a 1960s themed dance and fun night organised by owners Clive and Nicola Ottley. Local group FBI belted out a string of 1960s favourites, and a raffle, auction and a round of ‘Play Your Cards Right’ helped raise more

than £350 for the Breast Care Nurses Trust Fund, based at Applegate House, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport. Several Shanklin businesses donated prizes, and a signed Portsmouth FC shirt raised £51 at auction to help swell the funds.

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Ryde Inshore honoured RYDE Inshore Rescue have been honoured in this year’s Queens Award for Voluntary Service for providing an Inshore Rescue service covering an area of the Solent outside the auspices of the RNLI. The unit has evolved since 1956 when it was first established as a voluntary lifeguard unit, running lifesaving classes in the Waterside pool to become one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the Solent. Gordon Osborne, lifeboat secretary, said he is proud that a lifeboat station he founded over 50 years ago is still

making such a positive impact today. Michaela White, chairman of the organisation, added that the success of the unit is not down to any one person but the voluntary crew past and present that have carried out the rescues and those left ashore who have made sure that the station is running efficiently. Michael Ward, the club’s president, thanked all the community and other organisations that continue to support Ryde Inshore Rescue in its ongoing fundraising relevant to our increasing costs in running our

Marine photography show

A WORLD-RENOWNED firm of marine photographers is showing support for the new lifeboat station. RNLI lifeboat station in BemApart from rescues, Ryde Inshore bridge by holding a special exhiRescue also carry out regular patrols bition and sale of its work. on the water throughout the year. Beken of Cowes is to hold the The same group of people are also special evening in aid of the responsible for maintaining the life- Bembridge Lifeboat Station boat station, boats and all the equip- Appeal, which is organised by ment as well as raising funds to keep the RNLI. the station moving forwards. The work of the Beken family’s During the summer months the unit four generations of photograis visited by many local youth groups phers has earned them a legion who come to learn about sea safety of fans who appreciate their and beach awareness. Most members classic historical monochrome also hold down full time jobs outside photographs as well as colour their lifeboat commitments. images of today’s racing and

cruising craft. Alfred Beken (1855-1915) was more of a land-based portrait photographer, while Frank (1880-1970) pioneered the company’s foray into marine photography. He was succeeded by his son Keith (1914-2007) and his grandson Kenneth (born 1951). The exhibition will feature works spanning 120 years of the firm’s photography, and every penny raised will help fund the new station. The 2009 Beken exhibition and sale will take place at the Fastnet Gallery in Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday July 18.

...but issue plea to drivers who block station access RYDE Inshore Rescue have put out a plea for members of the public not to block access to the lifeboat station with their cars. Speaking after a call-out on May 30 to come to the aid of a kite surfer in difficulties off Ryde beach, crew member and the lifeboat publicity officer Andy Parnell said that people parking thoughtlessly around the lifeboat

that Ryde Inshore Rescue are hoping to persuade IW Council station was a recurto mark out a proper ring issue. box junction in front “The biggest of the lifeboat station. problem we have The kite surfer, is people saying who was tired, was ‘we’ve just go to helped on board drop someone off’ or ‘we’ve just got to Ryde Rescue 1 and pick someone up’ and taken, along with his equipment to literally cars can’t get out of the station Seaview, where his or can’t get in,” said friends were waiting. Mr Parnell. “It’s very A number of concerned onlookers had concerning because reported seeing him seconds do count.” in difficulties. Mr Parnell said By Paul Rainford

Access to Ryde Inshore Rescue’s lifeboat station is frequently blocked by inconsiderate parking

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Bembridge beaches act as outdoor art gallery THE QUIET beaches of Bembridge have been getting a whole new look thanks to the artistic efforts of local children. The artworks form part of the Bembridge Shoreline Project, a community arts-based initiative exploring, documenting and responding to the Bembridge coast. It is funded by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s (AONB) Sustainable Development Fund. The project was initiated by Bembridge artist Gerry Price, who will be exhibiting her own work, also inspired by the shoreline, at the Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts, Newport, from July 18 to August 29. Groups participating in the project include pupils from Bembridge Primary and Forelands Middle Schools as well as members of Bembridge Youth Club, Bembridge Arts Society, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies. Each group is spending a day exploring the beach and col-

lecting natural and man-made materials to create a range of images and sculptures. These include beach scarecrows made from flotsam and jetsam and bird sculptures made from local clay. On the evening of Friday June 29 pupils from Bembridge and St Helens Primary Schools and Forelands Middle School and will be invited to make pictures from pebbles as part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s World Beach Project. The Bembridge Shoreline Project will culminate in an exhibition at the Learning Curve Gallery, Quay Arts, Newport from June 27 to August 8. Joel Bateman, AONB communication officer, said: “The AONB Partnership are delighted to be working with Gerry on this exciting community project. It is getting local kids out exploring the breathtaking landscape around Bembridge and trying new techniques to interpret all the fascinating things they have seen.”

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Lifestyle 12 June 2009

Looking to Totland

What the West Wight has to offer

John Giddings Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new at the IW Festival

Views of Ventnor The shops and businesses of Ventnor

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Parties Cupcakes and glad rags

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lifestyle comment

Contents Festival Feature

Entertainment

Summer Fashion

Wine & Dine

Kids Parties

wightFM News

A View of Ventnor

Bridal Guide

Look out for Totland

Gardening

Financial & Legal

Hospice & June Elford

David Holmes

Jo Macaulay Features Editor

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

information.’ All you need is patience and a pc to complete some blasted online forms. Uncle Sam and his G men need to know who you are, where you live and presumably that you have no connection with ‘known terrorists’. Once I had jumped through these hoops, my travel agent told me I also needed a visa. We Brits have never previously needed visas for US travel; we simply complete a green form onboard plane or ship, deny moral turpitude or any involvement in the holocaust and negotiate with the immigration desk on arrival in the US, once we reach the front of their interminable queue of course. I did as asked and completed our visa waiver applications online. On the day of departure, all went well. We caught Wightlink’s 4.40am ferry and made Heathrow in good time. The check-in was painless; we even had time for a full English breakfast for little more than the price of a new sofa before boarding. By the way I don’t object to being frisked or removing my shoes at security, it’s acceptable, but why do they confiscate clear Last week I was in the Bahamas. Lucky me! I confess I have always wanted to go, half empty bottles of water? Our 9 hour flight was smooth, with a but don’t be too jealous, all is not what it decent choice of movies. 15 minutes before seems. On the day I landed in Nassau, I had intended to land in Miami. Let me tell our arrival, it all went wrong. ‘Ladies and gentlemen’ said the voice from the you what happened. cockpit, ‘A storm is passing through the One of my sons could only manage a airport, we’re going into a hold until it holiday this year during half term week. passes.’ This was fine by me. I have landed He suggested a ten day trip to our favourite hangout, Naples in Florida. I couldn’t argue in storms, it isn’t pleasant. Despite the plethora of technology, I like my crew to with this plan, I love Naples and needed see the runway they intend landing on. I a break. Seats were secured, hotels and should tell you here that I am a part time, car booked. At this point things looked self taught expert air accident investigator. good, except our American cousins now I know why planes crash! I’m familiar with require API. This is ‘advance passenger

wind shear and other phenomena that you wouldn’t ever want to be aware of. It’s only a matter of time before the CAA and the AAIB call me regarding a plane crash they can’t figure. Riding out a storm to me, was great news, better that than a gung-ho pilot determined to stick to the schedule. On their first day trainee pilots are taught the following: ‘There are old pilots, there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.’ After another 15 minutes circling, our sensible female pilot decided to divert her 747 to the Bahamas. Sadly this didn’t mean we got to see anything of the islands. It meant 3 hours onboard the hot, airless aircraft while they decided what to do next. After being elected passenger spokesman, (honestly) I managed to get 350 of us off the plane and into the terminal for a further 3 hour comfort and drink break. Virgin atlantic were useless. No food, no drink, no information or decisions. I swear, I knew more than the crew. Eventually they flew new pilots to Nassau, to fly us all on to our proper destination, Miami. The storm was by now, long gone. Touching down at midnight, only two immigration officials were on duty to process our entry. We were pretty tired as we collected the hire car and I still faced a 3 hour drive across the Everglades. Holidays are great aren’t they? At almost 3am, 8am UK time, a full 28 hours since starting our journey in Totland, we were ambushed on a deserted road by a hidden traffic cop. The outcome of this encounter, a $250 fine. There is a word for how I felt by then; sadly it isn’t one they would be willing to publish in this family newspaper.

OH GREAT I’ve got a cold just in time for the pop festival – perfect. “I’ve got girl flu,” I announced at work to some amusement. “When I go home I’m going to take a whole bottle of vitamin C.” “Don’t do it!” they cried. Oh we have a bit of a laugh here. My drive to Brading yesterday was no laughing matter though. Just past the traffic lights under the railway bridge leaving Sandown I was driving along minding my own business when a car on the opposite side of the road veered into the centre and headed straight at me. Luckily he or she decided that death by small red Volkswagen was not the way they had intended to go, and swerved back onto their side of the road just in time, leaving me a nervous wreck. Mind you I might have done something similar in the past myself. Trying to find a CD or changing the radio can be very distracting. And am I alone in finding that keeping your eye on your speed can be very dangerous – if I’m continually looking down at my speedometer how on earth can I also be giving the road ahead my full attention? I was caught on that very stretch of road for speeding just after I moved back to the Island and I’ve avoided it ever since. I think I may stick to that resolve in view of yesterday’s episode. If you’re over on the Island for the pop festival, remember that ‘Island roads are different’ and that Island drivers can drive straight at you – so remember your seat belt and bolt on the bull bars. Oh and don’t forget that the potholes are particularly dreadful this year – especially around the Ventnor area which we’ve featured this issue. I’ve been threatening to mention them since I began this column – I’ve even got a ruler to measure the depth… Luckily someone has helpfully painted around quite a lot of them with nice white or yellow lines – perhaps they could send the crew who come to fill them in before the paint wears off. On the positive side the weather forecast for the weekend is getting better and hopefully we won’t be getting any wetter. Have a great festival everybody and drive safely.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

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lifestyle festival

Young at heart John Giddings talks to Jo Macaulay about booking Neil Young and this year’s new Festival attractions.

seeing most? “The Zombies. I think they’re incredible and they’ve never been given enough credit for their music. I think they’re like the “That’s rubbish. There is no big surprise. I ASKED John if he was getting excited Kinks. White Lies I’m dying to see and Pixie They’ll be a couple of extra things we about the festival and his reply literally Lott who is doing the Girls Night Out who’s haven’t announced but nothing mind threat- going to be a star, and Neil Young.” poured out in a stream of consciousness: ening - extra additions to make the event “I wake up every morning very excited What new attractions do you have this more entertaining for everybody. Some of and look at the long range weather forecast year? the acts on the main stage will be performing and it gets better every day. It gets more “It depends on which way you look at it. on the acoustic stage in the evenings – they exciting every year and I’ll tell you why, The Carling Local is new – it’s called The enjoy doing that. I’ve upgraded the acoustic Local and it’s like a pub, a proper structure it’s because I have more and more bands bandstand to an acoustic stage. You’ll just who are meaningful. Last year I did the Big that’s going to go where the BT tent was have to be walking by to see them – it won’t last year. I’ve got a screen in the Strawberry Top as an experiment and, because it was be announced. It’s just fun – the whole idea so successful, this year I’ve programmed it Fields broadcasting the Big Top and a sound is to make the event fun so if you don’t want system. There’s a Festival First Bar. There’s heavier with more successful artists, so this has brought a pressure upon dressing rooms to watch an act on the main stage you’ve got a new fairground ride called the Mouth, and accommodation and transportation. You the option of the big top, the Carling New which you can risk your life on if you want.” know one of the biggest problems is filming Bars – The Local, The Ray Ban Lounge, the Do you go on the rides? Strongbow rooms, go to Guitar Hero, go to the Big Top and the Main Stage at the same “No. The older you get the more stupid you the Hipshaker and the Kashmir. I believe time to broadcast on ITV so what I’ve realise it is. Everybody I know who’s young there should be a minimum of ten choices decided to do is put a screen in Strawberry loves the fairground rides – Kate Moss Fields which broadcasts the Big Top because to go somewhere else if you don’t want to always goes on every ride.” watch an act on the main stage.” last year when I had the Sugar Babes there Will she be coming? The balance between established bands and “She’s been every year for the last four were 15,000 people trying to get in and it up and coming new acts - does he find that was physically impossible so I think I have years. You never know with her. She just to spread the load. So yes I am excited is the difficult? wakes up in the morning and decides “No I make it up – it’s my personal choice. whether to come.” short version.” I wanted the White Lies so I booked them. So I think you can safely say that John is And is there anything else you would like You might not like them but I liked getting pretty excited along with the rest of to say? them so I booked them. I’m not arus, but I wondered what the thinking was I want to tell you that I’m rogant enough to believe that behind the Girls Night Out in the Big Top? keeping a 1000 tickets back everything I like is good; “I love themes and somewhere along the to avoid the touts because line a theme hit me and I thought Girls Night it’s just personal choice. I would rather not sell So I try to provide an Out, Friday Night, because we’ve got all a ticket than let a tout eclectic mix for people these dance bands on the main stage. If you make £50 out of me. like Pendulum, you like Basement Jaxx and to listen to. I do listen to Anybody who wants to you like the Prodigy then you’re banging what people say. buy a ticket come to Is there anything or off in the main field – right. But my wife the gate. Do not buy a anyone you wouldn’t would not watch any of them and I thought ticket at the ferry port what can I do to counter that for people who book? or on the Fairlee Road “Once upon a time I don’t want to do that. I just thought a Girls What top tip would said I wouldn’t book dance Night Out was a good idea. And I thought you give to festivalgoacts… Cliff Richard – not what shall I do – I’ll get someone to curate ers? the Big Top and I thought about Tim Burgess to do him down because Pace yourself, it’s a he’s a really good entertainer from the Charlatans. It’s all about ideas and long day and don’t forget but he’s not right for the making it interesting and if you‘re asking to bring sun cream! IOW Festival. He’s a British about where the ideas come from it’s my . tradition. He could do well at imagination. I think I’ve got the best job Osborne House in the world haven’t I? I spend millions of maybe…” pounds entertaining tens of thousands of What people with things I like. I don’t think you are you can name many people that get that opporlooking tunity.” forward Well you can’t argue with that, but how to much of a personal coup had it been to get Neil Young? “I’ve been trying to get him for eight years. I’m over the moon about it. He’s one of the artists I grew up with. He’s one of the best artists in the history of rock and roll. He’s kept his credibility - what he’s about. He’s going to play for two hours – he’s going to blow people’s socks off. I booked Neil Young. I’m going to stand there on June 14th and Neil Young’s gonna be walking up on that stage and I’m gonna be proud that I bought Neil Young to Seaclose Park.” People have wondered if John might get Bob Dylan for the fortieth anniversary of the 1970 pop festival next year … “I’ve asked him every year. It would be brilliant. Phone him up. I would love Bob Dylan to come back to the Island.” Message board rumours are rife that there’s a big surprise guest…?

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle festival

Festival chill out zones ISLAND involvement in the pop festival has gradually increased since its revival with loads of Islanders now running stalls, bars, and playing on the stages. A couple of Island run café’s you might like to check out at the festival are the Kashmir Café and the Solace tent. Quay Arts will again be bringing the Kashmir Café to the Isle of Wight Festival, offering festival goers the opportunity to sit-down, relax, have something tasty to eat or drink and be entertained. Housed in a beautiful Indian tent with authentic furniture, the Kashmir Café will be playing host to a variety of acts from acoustic solo performances to five piece bands. Also, this year they will be selling awardwining ales from local brewers,

Yates’ Brewery. But for a really chilled out alternative to the hustle and bustle of the festival you could stop in at the Solace tent, a totally free café-come-chill- out tent run by the young people from churches across the Island. The emphasis is on ‘giving and loving’ with free tea (29 varieties) and coffee and delicious cakes home baked by congregation members. The aim is to break down pre-conceptions of what the church is – you can write a prayer on a scrap of material and add it to the prayer tree. There’s usually live music going on with an open mic area and free jamming sessions. It’s a place to chat, play cards, listen to music, have a foot wash or just relax - EVERYONE and ANYONE welcome.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle entertainment

Smoke & Mirrors play Rookley ISLAND folk rock band Smoke and Mirrors will be headlining a fundraising gig at Rookley Country Park on Sunday June 28. The group consists of Brian Sharpe, Sarah Miller, Becky Haydock, Tim Marshall, Sian Richards, Phil Chase and Martin White. Local singer and guitarist Jamie Griffin will be starting off the night, which raises money for Epilepsy action. The evening is being organised by Jenny White who suffered with Epilepsy as a child. “I want to do my bit for others by raising money for the charity which supports so many people

By Justin Gladdis over the UK” she said. “The main goal is to raise as much awareness for this condition and money. Epilepsy is very misunderstood” Rookley Country Park have given the use of their facilities for free. There will be a raffle with donations from Island businesses and the gig is being held at no cost, which means all funds raised by the tickets and on the night will be going to Epilepsy action. Tickets are £5 each and available from the park or from Clare Pocock on 01983 721800/ 721606.

Games station

GAMING fanatics can cool off from the heat this summer at E-Quest in Newport. Situated in Scarrots Lane and run by Matt Harthill, it’s a proud member of Interactive Gaming UK. At one pound fifty per hour for gaming

on the consoles, you can get a day pass, which runs from 9.30am through to 6.30pm, for ten pounds. There’s a Sunday special from 12pm through to 6pm for only £7.50. You can get unlimited online access

for 50p for fifteen minutes and 3p per minute after that. Equest has the latest games and is the perfect place to meet with your friends and go online and have a chat. Refreshments are also available.

You’d be Stupid not to…

Rock at the Haven

A BEVY of bands will take to the stage at Cowes Yacht Haven as they provide entertainment during the Round the Island Race weekend. Local favourites such as Remedy and The Accelerators will please the crowds from 7 to 11.30pm on Friday June 19, before groups Last Orders,

Lucid and The Monitors will take to the stage from 5.45pm to 11.45pm on the Saturday. There will also be a DJ playing music between the live bands. Cowes Yacht Haven is providing berthing for boats taking part in the Round the Island race and is also providing hospitality for competitors

and the public. There will be an ‘event village’ set up in the yacht haven, featuring food, shopping, exhibition stands and a beer tent. The live music is open for anyone to come along and watch and entry is free. For more information you can log on to www.cowesyachthaven.com

QUAY ARTS will be screening The Age of Stupid (12A) on June 24 in the Anthony Minghella Theatre at 7.30pm. This must-see film is about climate change, oil, war, politics, consumerism and human stupidity. Oscar-nominated, (In the Name of the Father; Brassed Off), Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living in a devastated world of 2055, looking back at material from 2007 to see where it all went wrong, asking the question: “Why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance to?” The bound to be classic-cult film was made with £450,000 raised through ‘crowd funding’

by way of selling shares on the open market; so funded entirely independently. If you haven’t had the chance to see this important cinematic work, then take this rare chance. Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London, noted: “Every single person in the country should be forcibly made to watch this film”. Entrance is £4 and the film will be introduced by Ray Harrington-Vail of The Footprint Trust Ltd. Proceeds will be split between the Steve Ross Foundation for the Arts, the registered charity which operates Quay Arts, and Building Schools for Africa.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle entertainment

The IW Zoo Blog Catch the jazz station by Tracy Dove

LAST spring I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at a zoo educators’ symposium at Jersey Zoo. Writer Gerald Durrell, who founded Jersey Zoo, was one of the early pioneers who recognised the important role that zoos could play in conserving endangered species. Durrell Conservation Trust, as Jersey Zoo is now known, oversee a large number of conservation projects across the globe. Their in-situ work is mainly on islands, including Mauritius, St. Lucia and Madagascar. Back on Jersey they have initiated ex-situ captive breeding programmes for a wide range of species. The Isle of Wight Zoo is privileged to have been invited to become actively involved in some of the breeding programmes which Durrell Conservation Trust manage. Many of the animals that are most in need of help from zoos are unfortunately not particularly captivating in appearance. One group of animals, the amphibians, are facing an extinction crisis rivalling that of the dinosaurs. Several of the most endangered lemur species look very similar to each other, namely small, shy and brown. Some animals, such as brown hyenas and Madagascan giant jumping rats are endangered partly because they have been persecuted by people who simply see them as pests. When zoos are deciding which species to keep it would be easy to overlook these uncharismatic individuals in favour of big, impressive, colourful animals with more ‘visitor appeal’. Indeed this has sometimes happened in a number of major collections, and is the reason such animals are sometimes sadly known as ‘no room in the ark’ species. Here at the Isle of Wight Zoo our visitors are, thankfully, much more understanding and are happy that we welcome such delightful creatures as mongoose lemurs, Meller’s ducks and jumping rats into our small but very caring ‘ark’. Of course taking part in breeding programmes is only one aspect of wildlife conservation. We also support two in-situ conservation projects; one in Madagascar and one in India. The Isle of Wight Zoo is not a big enough organisation to have staff members permanently posted abroad so the projects are managed on our behalf by large conservation organisations and we provide the funding. We are a sponsoring member of a consortium of conservation institutions called the Madagascar Fauna Group. In Madagascar the organisation operates an agroforestry station, entirely funded by the Isle of Wight Zoo, where local farmers, villagers and agriculture students are trained in the use of sustainable farming techniques to replace the destructive ‘slash and burn’ method that they currently employ. Habitat loss and degradation is a huge problem in Madagascar - only about 10% of the island’s original forest now remains. By working to prevent further habitat destruction this project is helping to address the issue which poses the biggest threat to Madagascar’s lemurs and other unique wildlife. The tiger certainly cannot be described as a ‘no room in the ark’ species. Nevertheless this magnificent predator is very much at risk of extinction. The issues of tiger conservation are fascinating but complex. Tiger conservation warrants a blog all to itself, so I hope you will forgive me if I ask you to join me again in the next issue of the Gazette to find out what the Isle of Wight Zoo is doing to help.

NEXT weekend, on Saturday June 20, The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is taking forward the tradition of presenting quality jazz in the open-air on the Island, with the staging of ‘Midsummer Jazz’. Topping the bill will be Pete Long’s All-Star Goodman Orchestra - a nationally renowned 15-piece swing band who are selling-out concerts all over the country. Interestingly, Pete also has a connection with the IW Festival, this weekend. The famous oboe intro on “Handbags and Gladrags” by the Stereophonics, who are headlining the IW Festival, is also Pete’s work. This is an opportunity for Islanders to experience the recreation of Benny Goodman’s famous Carnegie Hall concert of 1938, which is regarded as the finest jazz spectacle ever. Ex Jools Holland arranger and star soloist Pete Long doesn’t have all the original All-Star Goodman Orchestra, but he has the cream of London’s big band players, guaranteeing to provide all the passion

June

and frenzy of the original concert. Also confirmed in the line-up is nationallyacclaimed clarinetist, Dave Shepherd with his Dixielanders, a band drawn from the cream of British jazz stars some of whom have been voted best in Britain on their respective instruments. Dave’s all star band features Britain’s great jazz trombonist Roy Williams, Enrico Tomasso on trumpet and Nick Dawson who, when he’s not singing and playing piano, directs the great West End show ‘Mamma Mia’. Len Skeet completes the group on bass along with the great drummer Stan Bourke. Midsummer Jazz will be staged in the three-acre treelined arena adjoining Ha-

WIN! THIS ISSUE we are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Midsummer Jazz event at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on June 20. Midsummer Jazz is a sensational open-air festival of jazz on Midsummer’s Eve, featuring the world famous Pete Longs All Star Goodman Orchestra. Four hours of superb music in the setting of a natural tree-lined arena, while you and your family and friends enjoy

Saturday 20th:

Amen Boogie venstreet Station, and music Blues Band, Friday 12th: lovers and jazz fans will be Broadway Inn, encouraged to continue many Totland Bill Burns, 9.30 of the traditions of the Mot11.30pm, The Old 14’’ Remotes, tistone event. In particular Comical, St Johns 9.30 - 11.30pm, it’s hoped that concertgoers Rd, Sandown The Old Comical, will make it a fun social ocSt Johns Rd, Saturday 13th: casion and bring their own Sandown food and drink to enjoy a Jonny Storme & picnic under the stars, while Friday 26th: The Tempests, enjoying a feast of high9.30 - 11.30pm, Red Letter Day, quality music. The Old Comical, 9.30 - 11.30pm, Around the site, concertgoSt Johns Rd, The Old Comical, ers will have a choice of real Sandown St Johns Rd, ales and wines, and light hot Sandown and cold refreshments will Friday 19th: be available. Gates open at Friday 27th: She Said, 9.30 5pm and early arrivals will 11.30pm, The Old Ric Harris Trio, have the opportunity to enjoy Comical, St Johns Broadway Inn, a steam train ride for just a Rd, Sandown Totland fiver. Tickets for Midsummer Jazz are £15 from Liz Tagart on 01983 882204 or log onto www.midsummerjazz.net

Tickets to Midsummer Jazz at Havenstreet

a picnic under the stars! Gates open from 5pm and you can bring your own picnic or delve into the Station buffet which is available until 7pm. The real ale bar, wine bar and food kiosk will be open all evening. It’s so easy to enter, just answer the question below, then send your entry to: Midsummer Jazz Competition, IW Gazette, Spithead Business Centre, Sandown, IW, PO36 9PH. The closing date is June 17 2009.

Questions: Which instrument did Benny Goodman play? Answer: Name: Address:

Tel no: The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Wednesday June 17, 2009. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Tell us your gigs email us at gazettead@mac. com or phone on 402599

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle summer fashion

Silky summer style

IF YOU’VE a summer wedding, a garden party or a formal event on the horizon or you’re planning to take a cruise then Wild Silk in Yarmouth will be able to offer you the perfect outfit. But they do also have beautiful less formal outfits for hot summer days and sultry summer evenings too. These two silky summer dresses have spaghetti cross over straps and

matching shirred shrugs for your shoulders. Cut on the bias, these Devore dresses from Michaela Louisa will complement any figure and suit any age. The High Street shop is full of a rainbow array of summer wear. Dresses and suits from Michaela Louisa of London, Chianti and Gina Bacconi amongst many others. Linens, silks, beading, appliqué and ribbon detailing feature

and for every outfit there is a matching hat in the finest straw or fascinators with feathers and organza ribbons. Casual T-shirts, trousers and skirts are from South Lodge, Casamia, Georgina B, Pomodoro and Slimma’s signature co-ordinates. Behind the lovely old-fashioned glass fronted wooden counter, with its drawers of underwear, are shelves of jumpers and tops for

slightly cooler weather. Evening wear includes palazzo pants/trousers and more formal sequined and beaded dresses along with prom style gowns and three piece top/trouser or skirt and jacket suits. Formerly at Wheatsheaf Lane, Wild Silk has been in Yarmouth for 37 years and Gail Knight and Sandy Willier offer a very friendly and personal service.

Fashionable opportunity FOR unusual and flattering fashions, which are unlikely to be found elsewhere on the Island, women have been flocking to Rita’s in Ventnor’s Pier Street for almost 13 years. But now Rita has decided to retire and would like to hand over the reigns to someone with fashion flair who would like to run their own business. The business is thriving, even in the current climate, and new summer collections are flying out of the shop. Quite a prestig-

ious business, the shop has been featured in Vogue and the Tatler and last year an article in English Heritage’s magazine brought many new customers. Women come from all over the Island, and second home owners, holiday makers and visitors from London frequent the shop. The new owner would definitely benefit from a website presence - an avenue that has not yet been explored. For further details call Rita Lake on 855384.

Desirable and designer PICTURED below are a few of the outfits you can buy from High Street R1, the new designer outlet shop in Ryde’s Union street.

Short sleeved Black and white striped jumper: £16.99 Debenhams designer black trousers: RRP 39.99. Our price £17.99

Lipsy Rosette Bandeau prom dress in fairytale pattern: RRP £70.00. Our price £39.99

White linen trousers: RRP £47. Our price £24. Green Crochet detail top: RRP £30. Our price £13.99. Necklace: £5

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle wine & dine

Cafe with class

WHEN you see the logo on the Kevars sign, at the top of the town in Ryde, you know you’re in for something a cut above the usual cafe. The little waiter holding a tray aloft is reminiscent of a bygone age when everything was very smart. And inside the café you won’t be disappointed when you see the pristine pine tables with their marble tiled inserts and the stylish long backed chairs sitting on the spotless porcelain tiled floor. Karen Varley opened Kevars in December 2006. Previously she had run the fast food takeaway at Orchards Holiday Camp in Newbridge for three seasons, which she franchised from manageress Debbie Punter. “I will always be grateful to her,” said Karen who won the best small business frontage for the Wight in Bloom contest whilst she was there.

Born in Hayling Island, Karen’s first job was at a café there at the age of 11 and since then she has worked at various cafes, pubs, shops and hotels. She came to visit her parents on the Island in 1993 and never left. In 1999 worked at the Dover Hotel in Ryde where owner Michael Baker inspired her. In 2001 Karen started her own domestic cleaning company called Sparkle, Spick and Span but gave it up when she hurt her back. She then took the Newbridge concession in 2004. After three seasons at Newbridge the 18 miles round trip was getting her down. She had seen the Kevars premises and had always wanted it, and then the lease came up for sale. “We now feel this café is part of the community, come one, come all,” said Karen. Chef Brendan Button has

been with Kevars since March 2007. “I feel we’re very lucky to have him,” said Karen. “He’s the hardest working person I’ve ever come across. Sue Davies, Shaunna Hall and Chan Hutchinson also work for her. Karen knows a lot of her regulars by their first names – “It’s like a family, a community café,” said Karen. “I try to give people very reasonably priced food in somewhere that’s very nice,” said Karen. “We give real value for money – but we’re not afraid to do a fry up in a place that’s smart. I firmly believe you should treat people the right way, whether they spend 95p on a cup of tea or £10 – there’s not enough of it about these days.” Nominated in the Island Life food and drink awards last year, Karen hopes to expand into Newport, keeping the Ryde café as well.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle wine & dine

Anthony Cassar at Apple Tree

GOOD wholesome food, prepared with love and care and served in the most beautiful surroundings. You may have been to the café at Afton Park during the day but you’re in for a real treat on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer because Anthony Cassar has brought his passion for food to this wonderful location. It’s wonderful to meet a couple with such enthusiasm for their new venture, which Anthony and Helena Cassar certainly have. “It’s simple food done nicely and we let the seasonal ingredients speak for themselves,” said Anthony whose love of food was nurtured by his parent’s Mediterranean style of household. Dishes are always influenced by local seasonal ingredients and prepared fresh from scratch. Where the ingredients actually come from

is very important to Anthony too. “It has to come from sustainable sources,” he stressed. Ingredients include local smoked trout. “I picked it up on the day it was smoked,” said Anthony proudly. “And I buy fish from the beach here.” He also prepares home cured gravalax. “When wild garlic was in season it was all over the menu,” said Anthony and vegetables often come from their own garden. “Soon we’ll have courgettes, peppers and aubergines,” said Helena. Paul and Michaela Heathcote who run Afton Park also own Chinashop and supply Anthony with rare breed beef and pork. “Their beef is to die for. It’s aged properly and hung for the right length of time,” stressed Anthony. Butter and cream is from Rew Valley Dairy and eggs are often from their own hens. They make all of their own bread and ice cream.

Olivos opens in Ryde

OLIVOS in Newport has been a big success since it opened five years ago in St Thomas’s Square, and this winning formula has now been brought to Ryde’s Union Street with the addition of a few new ideas. “Newport is more Italian, but Ryde will be more rustic,” said Rasta Vojtovic who runs the restaurants with partners Hamid and Ali. “We’ve fused Olivos in Newport with our tapas restaurant, Pincho, in Twickenham. Pizzas and pastas are the same as in Newport.” The large rotisserie grill is a new addition. “All the meat will be served on the bone apart from the venison, and roasted on the rotisserie grill,” explained Rasta. “Even sirloin will be on the bone, there will be lamb T bones and the pork is cut from right at the end of the spare ribs – the most tender part on the pig. Billy at WA Foods prepares all the cuts especially for grilling.” The huge grill is visible to diners. “This method of roasting cooks the meat slower but keeps it really juicy and gives crispy skins,” explained Rasta who now offers spit roasted roast lunches on Sundays too. The large menu also has anti pasti, tapas includ-

ing fish and vegetable options, pasta, pizza, risotto and the main course dishes including the grilled meats. “In the kitchen the attitude has to be there – the passion. Out in the front of house it’s personality,” said Rasta of his cosmopolitan crew who encompass eleven nationalities. “Everybody cares and has pride in the final product.” A complete refurbishment of the premises has introduced a striking bar area, a comfy sofa seating area near the entrance, two levels of dining and interesting touches such as the roll down ‘wrapping paper’ menu boards. Attractive stripped wooden beams and wrought ironwork coupled with a stunning stripped tree trunk on a feature wall give a natural, rustic yet contemporary feel. After-school family dinners are being introduced at £6 per person. “A sharing concept with lots of small dishes of what kids like, but trying to introduce kids to vegetables,” explained Rasta. And in another new move, Newport Sunday brunch from 1pm till 5pm will be accompanied by live music from July till September.

Although there is a kids’ menu you are offered home made free range chicken nuggets made with home made breadcrumbs or free range pork sausages with hand cut chips. With food from 5.30pm this is the ideal location to bring children, who love to run and play in the beautiful extensive gardens. You can also eat inside in the candle lit interior with lovely views over the garden. “We’re a bit more informal and rustic than a restaurant,” said Anthony who was formerly chef at the New Inn in Shalfleet. “It’s home cooked food in a homely environment – more like going round to your mates for dinner,” said Anthony. “It’s soul food – that’s exactly what I’m trying to get at. You can’t hide mistakes in simple food. I’m really proud of my food and I want it to be as good as it can be.”

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle kids party

Cupcake delights LITTLE people love Mimi’s cupcakes. They’re fun, they’re fanastic and they’re also delicious and absolutely perfect for children’s parties. But you could also have a larger model made as a birthday cake or, as some parents have done, you could give each child a beautifully wrapped cup cake as the party bag gift at the end of the party. You could opt for a name, with each letter on an individual cake, or a tiered cake covered in butterflies and flowers. Or you could choose a character – Tinkerbell surrounded by flowers or Eyeore sat on a checked tablecloth surrounded by butterlies and flowers on a green ‘grass’ cake. All of the cakes are baked using flour from the Island’s Stone Ground Flour Company, butter is from Rew Valley Farm and free range eggs from Sheepwash Farm. Suze Keynes had always enjoyed home baking and had made cakes in an informal capacity before launching her ‘cupcakery’ which has been named after her youngest daughter Mimi. Made in an American style with the thick American style frosting toppings or smothered in edible glitter with fondant shells and seahorses, the cakes took off instantly. You only have to see one

of her creations to want one. “I like using the glitter and French wafer butterflies and flowers that have a vintage feel, reminding me of my 70s childhood,” said Suze. You may have dropped into Suze Keynes wonderful vintage clothing shop ‘Suze’s Room’ in Ventnor’ Pier Street, but have you noticed that cake stands adorned with beautiful cup cakes have begun to appear among the brightly coloured garments? Yes, it’s the beginning of a cake take over, although Suze still plans to sell clothing too. And vintage tea sets and cake stands will also be on sale. You’ll even be able to choose your vintage plates and have them made up into a bespoke cake stand. Cup cake towers are particularly popular for weddings and Suze does still have some free dates throughout the summer. You can match your cup cake decorations to your wedding’s theme and colours. If you would like to place an order please call 07866 411490 or email cupcakedelivery@googlemail.com and allow a minimum of 24 hours for delivery, although as much notice as possible is preferred and larger birthday cake or wedding orders take longer.

Pretty not pricey AT A TIME when everyone is watching their pennies, you might like to think about buying your children’s party gear at Tiddlywinks in Shanklin’s Old Village. They have a wonderful selection of new and ‘good as new’ clothes as well as toys and baby equipment. Customers can bring in baby and children’s goods that they have finished with and they will be sold for them – a great way to make some extra cash to put towards a party too. Toys and clothes are exchanged for credit to be used in the shop and as sizes range for premature to teenage there is always a big selection to choose from, including designer brands, but not at designer prices. Lise Sewell, who runs the shop, keeps everything to a very high standard and goods have to be in excellent condition. There are always a good variety of prams, pushchairs and baby equipment, both new and ‘good as new’ at

much less than you would expect to pay. As well as saving money you are also doing your bit for the environment by recycling outgrown clothes, toys and equipment. The shop has been established for ten years and is a member of the Trading Standard’s Buy With Confidence scheme. Recommended by the Lady Magazine and Baby Hampshire, The Sunday Times said it was one of the best and most interesting child-friendly outlets in the South East. Tiddlywinks customers would certainly agree with this. One of the highlights of the shop is the play corner, which keeps the kids busy while mums can browse in peace. So if you have anything you wish to sell or exchange call into Tiddlywinks at 78 High Street, Shanklin or call 867813 for more details. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4pm.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle wight FM

The latest news from wight FM! Listen now at www.wightfm.com

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

Can radio get any better?

Alex invades America

AFTER years of trying, our Alex has finally achieved his dream and gone Stateside. You can hear what life is like for Alex and his family at their new home in Celebration Florida LIVE each weekday between 11am and 3pm on wightFM.

Alex will be speaking to former Islanders now enjoying life in the USA and bringing their stories to you. And of course, Alex will be presenting the phone-in LIVE from the states, from mid-day Monday to Friday! Don’t miss it!

Big Al in Exile

(Home thoughts from abroad) Sunday 17th May 2009 So, big day had arrived - the day often longed for yet dreaded and feared at the same time. None of us were prepared for the physical pain and emotional wrench of leaving friends and family behind as we left all we love and headed into exile. We hugged, we kissed, we said our tearful farewells on Portsmouth’s Gunwharf receiving many and varied looks ranging from misty eyed sympathy to ‘What the hell’s going on over there?’ from rather colder onlookers. Our taxi driver was at the ready to whisk us to the airport looking distinctly uncomfortable with the whole tragic scene! Despite our profuse apologies to him I don’t think he ever really re-

By Justine Field covered and kept VERY quiet obviously not wanting to get too involved with, a frankly, emotionally unstable family of neurotic nutters. Monday 18th May 2009 The flight -a much dreaded affair. I popped several wonderful pills leaving me more confused than usual and yet strangely calm. ( I hate flying). I recommend the diazepam! Big Al, (who also hates flying) had been to see Den Clare for a ‘hypo-sesh’ before we left, also almost enjoyed it - THANKS DEN! Recommends the Denster! Our boys - no problem young and cool and far more concerned with the movie selection than a drop of turbulence. So far so good

our journey into exile was running to plan. Landing on U.S and knowing we wouldn’t be flying back after two weeks knocked us again as did showing our newly acquired visas to an immigration officer called ‘Staples’. Now, Staples has Big Al’s number almost immediately - remember the big one had just flown across the pond and just wasn’t his sharp and selfish old self. Our visas are ‘O’ Visa’s & Staples picked up on this and after Big Al proudly exclaimed... ‘You’re looking at an alien of extra ordinary ability’ Staples peered over his gold rimmed spectacles at me and said... ‘Lady, you sure it ain’t extra ordinary DISability.’ - How astute! Big Al got a right grilling -

he thought his last name was ‘DUKE’ - a real relief to me I can tell you as he bellowed. . . ‘Hey we got the dukester with us all the way from the U.K...’ across a huge area choc full of weary travelers, (can you imagine him bellowing the correct surname! We’d have been ejected immediately ) Meanwhile, to either side of us were Mexican families alas! As soon as I realized this out came the tissues (make shift face mask) and the anti bac hand gel (no rinsing required) - sometimes having O.C.D has it’s bonuses. Well, you can’t be to careful these days can you? Swine flu be gone! So, anyway Staples let us through eventually and us ‘DUKES’ (if only) were officially in exile.

Macca’s Modern Romance moment

THERE’S been a real eighties feel to the Full English Breakfast show with Ian Mac. Andy Kyriacou, the lead singer from 80s salsa band Modern Romance was a special guest on Monday 8th June. Andy came into our studios and spoke to Ian live, chatting about the era, the band’s famous records and what their future plans are...yes they’re still going on the live circuit! The band, who peaked in the early 80s are famously known for catchy hits

such as “Everybody Salsa” and “Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey”. “It was great to meet Andy”, said Ian. “Modern Romance’s music lives on to this day and as a DJ I know their records still fill the floor. He’s a top bloke and it was fascinating to hear his stories from the 80s in particular his hour long chat with Freddie Mercury”. Don’t forget you can listen back to Ian’s chat with Andy in full, by using our on demand service on www.wightfm.com

Join in Big Al’s new edgier phone-in

Call

40-99-20

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle ventnor

Ventnor’s iconic venue ONE of the most iconic buildings on the Island must be Ventnor Wintergardens with its distinctive art deco appearance, and it has one of the most enviable of positions overlooking Ventnor bay. Built in 1936, it is believed to be modelled on the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea, which was built in 1935. It’s amazing to think that artists such as The Who, Marc Bolan and David Bowie (when he was Davey Jones) once played here - upstairs in the restaurant and bar area you can see original posters from these gigs. But under the management of Graham Perks, Town Clerk John Farrant and town councillor Maureen Cawley the venue has really picked up over the past couple of years and is again attracting exciting names. “We’ve got very few Fridays or Saturdays free – there’s something on every weekend,” said Graham Perks who along with running the bar and catering conces-

sion at the premises organises the bookings with John and Maureen. All town council meetings are also held at the venue, which is also used for local sports, performances and events. “It is Ventnor’s village hall – the centre of Ventnor,” said Maureen. “It’s like an extended family.” The Wintergardens Action Group, which was set up two years ago, is a group of around 15 unpaid volunteers who help run the building such as opening the box office between 12pm and 2pm, Monday to Saturday, distributing arm bands at gigs and showing people to their seats. Graham and Maureen have sold ice creams in the intervals and ploughed the money back into refurbishing the upstairs rooms: the smaller Chancellor room and the Riviera restaurant/ bar area. The action group has also been registered as a charity, which means it can now apply for grants to improve the building – council bodies are prohibited from

doing so. The County Council lease the building to Ventnor Town Council and also give around £20,000 to help with the running of the building. “Last year the venue made £8,000 on the shows it put on in the main auditorium,” said Maureen. The hall can be hired privately with special prices for community events. The County Council are responsible for the exterior of the building and there are hopes that the roof may be repaired shortly. A feasibility study will soon look into the possibility of installing solar cells. Graham certainly knows how to run a good pub – he formerly ran the Crab and Lobster very successfully and latterly he had the St Boniface Arms in Ventnor. Since taking over the lease to provide the Wintergardens food and drink nearly two and a half years ago he’s invested in a total refurbishment of the décor and layout. The result is a cosy atmosphere with more than a touch of patriotism. Graham admits to being a staunch supporter of the Royal family, as the Union Jack bunting and painting of the Queen behind the bar attest. There’s even a photo of the Queen when she visited the Wintergardens for tea in 1963. Now you can take tea and homemade cakes, a snack or a full meal and eat in the bar, the upstairs Riviera Room or its balcony or the outside terrace with panoramic views of the bay. Amazingly tea and coffee is only £1 per cup. All food is home cooked with old pub favourites such as sausage and mash, lamb shank, chilli and lasagne. Weddings and parties are popular here with a choice of rooms – give Graham a budget and he’ll work within it. Outside the terrace is blooming courtesy of Elizabeth Summers and her team who are part of the Wintergardens Action Group - her husband Mark helps with accounts. “I think we work as a good little team down here – we’re offering more than has ever been offered before,” said Graham. “But we’re always looking for more volunteers – especially people who’ve had theatre experience. We’re always open to new ideas as well,” he added.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle ventnor

Superior interiors

DISTINCTIVE Designs in Ventnor are well known for their stylish soft furnishings but you may not realise that Michael Edwards can offer a full refurbishment package for your home. His most recent project has been to give a total facelift to a large Victorian property in Ventnor. Philip Cole and his mother Betty (92) decided to let out their upper five-bedroom apartment to summer visitors and to upgrade their ground floor apartment. From the installation of central heating, complete rewiring, the addition of several en suite shower and bathrooms, two new kitchens and all of the decorating, Michael has been the interior decorator throughout. “We more or less gave Michael carte blanche on the upstairs flat. We thought he’d know what to use,” said Philip who now has a beautiful neutral yet luxurious feel to his large holiday apartment. On two levels, the refurbishment has discovered imposing Victorian fireplaces, old panelling and has stunning plasterwork features.

Distinctive Designs have also made all of the curtains and blinds along with arranging the fitting of the luxurious carpeting, which runs throughout. “We’ve gone for a simple yet contemporary look with little Victorian twists,” said Michael. “Because it’s a holiday let we’ve kept that in mind – it’s neutral without being boring. I like to come in early on design projects and we can supply 3D images of all rooms and liaise with clients throughout the whole project. We can do as little or as much as a clients wants and we have a good team of builders, electricians, plumbers and decorators.” The ground floor is cur-

rently being finished: a conservatory has been added along with en suite bathrooms for both bedrooms and the garage is being converted into a kitchen. Again Michael from Distinctive Designs has arranged and overseen all of the work. “We’re delighted, it’s a wonderful job,” said Philip of the transformation. At present Betty and Philip are living upstairs until the ground floor is finished – hopefully by the end of July. “Little Ventnor looks very beautiful lit up at night,” said Betty who has a wonderful view over the town. Now in their fifth year at 74 High Street Ventnor, Jill and Michael Edwards of Distinctive Designs have a wide library of wall-coverings, fabrics, carpets, lighting and furniture and also offer upholstery.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle ventnor

Explore the Undercliff

ON a sunny day, when the tide is high, you’ll often see the Cheetah Catamaran ‘Free Spirit’ entering or leaving Ventnor Harbour with a full load of passengers. The coastline trips with OceanBLUE Sea Charters are becoming more and more popular and you can tailor your trip to suit your needs. A one-hour trip aboard ‘Free Spirit’ takes you on an Undercliff Discovery Cruise looking at the Island’s spectacular southern coastline. At the old harbour you pull in their pots to reveal marine treasures of the deep such as lobsters and crab, which you measure, returning any undersize specimens to the sea. Then you have a high-speed blast back to Ventnor Haven. New for summer 09 is the ‘Bonchurch and Beyond’ trip which heads east into tranquil Luccombe Bay past the historic village of Bonchurch. Private charter of ‘Free Spirit’ is becom-

ing increasingly popular with families, work parties, school parties, hen and stag parties looking for something different. OceanBLUE Sea Charters tailor every trip to suit each group with various options including fishing, lobster safari, coastal cruising, photographic shoots, picnic in secluded cove, driving instruction and remote beach drop offs. Trips are organised from OceanBLUE Quay on Ventnor Eastern Esplanade where the Cheetah Catamarans are built. The Quay is due for completion by late June and will feature a quayside cafe and fish restaurant, showers and washrooms for visiting yachtsman and haven users, Harbour Master’s Office and Boat Trip booking office. For more details of boat trips phone 07866 120126.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle bridal

The wedding of Laura Topliss and Sam Hollis THE WEATHER was absolutely perfect for the marriage of Sam Hollis and Laura Topliss at Newport Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The bride is the daughter of Martyn and Julie Topliss and the bridegroom is the son of Barry and Jill Hollis. The bridegroom is a Blade Technician at Vestas and the bride is a Banking Advisor at Abbey and the couple met through mutual friends.

Let everyone see your special day. Put your wedding in The Gazette. Call Jo on 402599

Sasha Joshua, the bride’s best friend, was bridesmaid and the bridegroom’s brother Toby Hollis was best man. The honeymoon destination was Paphos in Cyprus and the couple will make their home in Cowes.

Photography by Steve Thearle LMPA of Thearle Photography. Tel: 01983 281727.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle totland

Look out for Totland

By Justin Gladdis

ONE OF the strongest local communities on the Isle of Wight can be found on the Western Tip. Totland lies on the coast at Colwell Bay and is actually the closest part of the Island to the mainland. Formed in 1870 we’ve The Totland Bay Estate Company to thank for setting the wheels in place for it to become a seaside resort. Totland Bay faces northwest and has a shoreline, which is four kilometres in length. It is made up of a straight westfacing coastline that has a beach, concrete seawall, groynes and pier and a straight north facing rocky coastline. The beach is mainly shingle but since 2001 the quality has been high enough for it to be awarded the Seaside Award Flag. The seafront is suitable for those who enjoy a quiet relaxing time on the beach. Just yards from the Waterfront Restaurant and the catering facilities on the pier you can enjoy an easy walk along the promenade to Colwell Bay. At one end of the bay is a lifeboat station. This was built from money raised by local Sunday School children in 1870. By 1915 the Totland Lifeboat Station was equipped with the Island’s first

steam lifeboat. The lifeboat station closed in 1924 although its remains still exist today. Totland takes its name from “tout land” meaning “look out” making it an obvious site for such a station!

During the summer months, Totland beach has its litter picked up daily and large amounts of seaweed are removed and taken to local

farmers who gratefully use it as compost. There’s emergency equipment strategically placed along the esplanade in order to ensure all year round safety. In the village there’s a chemist, general store, post office and other stores. There are also hotels, guest houses and caravan and camping facilities for visitors.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle totland

Fine dining above the Bay

YOU may have heard the rumours, or even read the reviews, and word has been going out on the Island’s jungle drums that Totland now has a superb restaurant at the Sentry Mead Hotel. People have been travelling from all over the Island to sample their superb local fayre. Sarah Langford and her husband Jean-Pierre Kujawa took over the Sentry Mead four years ago, and have made big changes to the menu. Jean-Pierre has formerly worked in large corporate hotels worldwide and Sarah’s parents had small hotels. They chose Totland because of its wonderful community and picturesque scenery. All foods are now

sourced locally if possible – asparagus from Ben Brown was on the menu last week. The a la carte menu changes daily and set menus can be arranged for private functions: the venue is ideal for smaller more intimate birthdays, anniversaries, christenings and other gatherings. The restaurant, which is open in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday, overlooks the pretty gardens and the sea is visible over the immaculately manicured hedge. Or you might like to take afternoon tea in the conservatory, terrace or gardens or pop in for a coffee and cake. They are also open to nonresidents for breakfast

and everything is home made in-house using local produce, by Head Chef Jon Groom and Sous Chef Sam Burfield. Brigitte Kirby, restaurant manager, has been with the Sentry Mead for over ten years. “She holds this whole place together,” said Sarah Langford. “It wouldn’t be the place it is without her. Brigitte will remember little things about people like a gentleman needing arms on his chair or someone needing space for a wheelchair.” Special dietary requirements are no problem as everything is home cooked to order and children are welcome. The fabulous Sunday lunch is only £15 for four courses.

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle gardening

Toby’s gardening tips By Toby Beasley, head gardener, Osborne House

WITH the recent hot weather conditions the inevitable has happened at Osborne, our irrigation system developed a fault. With beautifully sunny days and high temperatures our bedding plants and annuals need checking everyday if they are to establish well and put on a good show. Luckily a few days later the engineer fixed the fault so we are now back to normal. We have four watering strategies to keep everything growing; hand watering through all the greenhouses and nursery area, watering borders by oscillating sprinklers during the day, leaky hoses and pop

up sprinklers on the terrace and walled garden. Obviously watering by hand is very straightforward and we water all our potted plants in this way. We use a coir-based compost in our pots but the surface always looks very dry, hiding the fact that just underneath it can be quite moist. So before you get the hosepipe out do check the moistness of the soil by sticking your finger in. Over watering can be as detrimental as under watering. Our ‘pop up’ irrigation sprinklers are set to come on overnight. There is no sun to evaporate the water and it can

Philip Brown watering bedding ready for planting

soak into the ground to be of most benefit to the plants. We also use leaky hosepipes in the walled garden and we have just installed leaky hosepipes in the new garden at Carisbrooke Castle. This takes watering a stage further as the water is directed to the soil at the base of the plants rather than having any spray drift away on the wind. This is worth copying at home. So try and water in the evenings before you settle down in front of the TV and use leaky hose pipe where you can. Watering beds and borders has been made easier for home gardeners over the last 10 years or so.

Timers are now produced that connect between outside taps and hose pipes that will switch on and off at whatever time you set. Leaky hosepipe is also readily available and individual pots can be connected to a dripper system that is linked to a hosepipe. I have only got a small garden at home and I try and water my plants and pots with ‘grey’ water. I tip my washing up water into a bucket to cool down before pouring onto my pot plants. I also need to run the hot tap for a while before the hot water comes through but instead of leaving the water to drain down the plughole I collect it in the washing up bowl so it can go on the garden. And of course no self-respecting gardener should be without a water butt.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette lifestyle

lifestyle finance

Simply splitting up IN THE second of our articles from Bolitho Way Leesa Longden-Thurgood looks at the pitfalls of separation when you are not married.

Unmarried and recently separated? These days going to a family wedding is a rarity. The majority of my close friends have chosen to cohabit rather than marry. I am not at all surprised – why not try before you buy? Guess I didn’t shop for long being married since I was 18! What is unfortunate is the lack of financial protection offered by the Courts upon separation. Many assume that a common law marriage exists – well not under the current laws of this country.

Dispute over ownership of quasi-matrimonial home Upon separation, many seek my advice upon their dispute over the ownership of the quasi-matrimonial home. Often at the outset of the relationship one partner already owns

the property in their sole name and the other partner just moves in. Some couples purchase a property but register it in the name only of one of them. The matrimonial lawyer within me is much happier when the house is purchased in the parties’ joint names. In such cases the legal title deeds should make the position clear as to the shares within the property.

What are resulting and constructive trusts? Unless a party’s interest is registered upon the deeds the only way that a non-owning party can establish a beneficial interest in the property by proving that a resulting or constructive trust has arisen in their favour. To establish an interest under a resulting trust the non-owing party must show a direct financial contribution to the purchase price of the property. This might be through a contribution to the initial deposit or a contribution towards the mortgage payment on the property at the time of purchase. Contributions towards household expenses do not suffice. Essentially the court has held that decorating a property does not give

a party an interest in the property. Paying for repairs and renovations does not give an interest however a party carrying out substantial building themselves has in some cases given rise to an interest. Establishing an interest under a constructive trust is more complicated. Essentially there are two ways to establish such an interest. First the non-owning party can show an express common intention that the beneficial ownership of the

Mortgage options FOR OUR finance section Tim Benton is going to be looking at the different types of mortgage available on the market It can be a daunting task deciding which is the most suitable type of mortgage for your particular circumstance, so let us begin to take a quick look at the most common options available and cover the main points you may need to consider. The Fixed Rate. Probably the most talked about plan at the moment in as much as many people will be asking themselves whether now is the time to either take, or convert to a fixed rate. It will of course very much depend on your own personal circumstances, but the main points

ERC’S on your current mortgage, plus the costs involved in obtaining your new mortgage, actually make the change prohibitive. It is also to consider are: Arrangement fees. Are the fees excessive? You may be worth noting that should you want to move properties within the fixed getting a good rate, but if the costs term, you should ensure that the involved in obtaining that rate are mortgage is portable. A few fixed too great, then it may not be the answer. Early Repayment Charges or rates also have an ‘early repayment overhang’. This is becoming increasERC’S. If you expect your circumingly unusual, but basically means stances to change within the term that a penalty will still be payable of the fixed period then the early after the fixed period should you repayment charges will need some redeem the mortgage. It should, by serious consideration. Similarly if seeking the advice of a ‘whole of you are considering changing your current fixed of tracker mortgage to a market’ broker be easy enough to new fixed rate, then you will need to avoid this clause. In the next edition we will look at do the maths and calculate whether the ‘Tracker’ mortgage. there is in fact a saving, or if the By Tim Benton of Mortgages to Suit. Tel: 730222

property would be shared and that he or she had acted to his or her detriment on the strength of this. Evidence of conversations or discussions of such an intention between the parties will be given. Alternatively in the absence of express common intention between the parties the court will examine the conduct of the parties. I know that this may sound complicated and in some cases it is! Sadly, this is an area where it is not always possible to resolve property claims by agreement and it is necessary for the Court to determine a party’s interest.

Do you have children? Many clients find themselves in a difficult situation where they cannot establish an interest in the property and have children

from the relationship who need to be housed. It is possible under the Children Act 1989 to seek a transfer of a property for the benefit of a child. The difficulty with such a transfer is that it only provides a home during the dependency of the child. The property would then revert back to the other party. In many cases it is the immediate need for housing that is a priority and such proceedings will provide a very important home for the family. If you find yourself in a situation where your share in a property is in dispute please feel free to contact me on 01983 817060 or 02392 882001. Bolitho Way can be found at 13 Union Street, Ryde or 13/18 Kings Terrace, Portsmouth or visit their website at www. bolithoway.com

the gazette lifestyle

Friday JUNE 12 2009

lifestyle hospice

Hospice News Earl Mountbatten Hospice - Newport

Charity Cricket Match to raise money

ON July 5, the Hospice is hosting a charity cricket match at the Newclose County Cricket Ground with a 40 over match between teams, peppered with international and county players, past and present. If you would like to come and entertain clients, staff or friends, the day, which includes a buffet lunch and cream tea in the marquee overlooking the ground, costs £25 per person or £250 for a table of ten. It should be a glorious day with some very competitive cricket. The lunch starts at 12 noon, the bar and clubhouse will be open throughout the day and there will be a short charity auction. The cricket will start at 2pm and finish about 7pm. If you would like to book your places or find out more about the day and the match, please ring Mike Scott on 01983 824575 or email mikescott@ newclose-cricket.co.uk. Mike is the Manager at Newclose. All proceeds will be divided between providing care for the 800 patients at

presenting “Simple Songs of Love and Life” a new album by Graham McCullough live at Medina Theatre on Sunday June 21 at 7.30. Graham will be supported by Jamie Griffin and Luke Guy Reed. Graham took early retirement from his career in TV graphics in 2007 to pursue a music career. You can listen online to Graham’s music at www.solentrecords.co.uk/ graham. Tickets for the event are £6 each and available from Medina Box Office 527020.

Harbour Lights of Love Graham McCullough, who will play at Medina Theatre this June

the Hospice each year and Newclose County Cricket to encourage cricket on the Island.

Graham McCullough Concert for Earl Mountbatten SOLENT Records in association with the Earl Mountbatten Hospice are

ON July 25 the Hospice is holding a Harbour Lights of Love service at Ventnor harbour at 8pm. The harbour will be adorned with tiny lights and it is possible to dedicate a light to a loved one that has passed away - not just at the hospice but in any setting. It is a simple event to remember a loved one in the summer. The suggested donation for each light is £10. The names of each person to whom a light is dedicated will

be read out at the service. For more details please call the fundraising office on 528989.

Running for the Hospice THE ISLAND’S Hospice has got 6 places available in the British London 10k run. The event takes place on July 6. To secure your place all the hospice asks is that runners raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice through their run. For more details please call Louise Watson in the Hospice Fundraising office on 528989.

Barton Manor Open Day on July 19 THE JUNE Barton Manor Open Day raised over £6000 for the Island’s Hospice. Now we are planning the next Open Day in July. This time the theme will be “Summer Fayre” and we are now taking bookings for outside pitches from businesses that feel they have appropriate merchandise. For more details please call the hospice fundraising office on 528989.

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 the gazette isle of wight

June Elford THE MET Office’s Hadley Centre, Britain’s premier climate prediction and research institute, has forecast that “at least half “ of the years between 2009 and 2014 will be hotter than the hottest year so far recorded (1998). The British summer of 40ºC (104ºF) is on its way. But after their embarrassing mistake over the Spring Bank Holiday weather, I wonder if hanging up a piece of seaweed would give a more reliable than the Public Weather Service which provides the UK high-impact weather forecasts. Or an old proverb like, “A mackerel sky and mare’s tails, make lofty ships carry low sails.” I found that in a bundle of old notes about Island life called, ‘The Vanishing Landscape’, written years ago by a woman in Carisbrooke, with wonderful snippets about superstitions and witches and Island weddings and funerals. Did you know that more than sixty years ago, people used pairs of lurcher-type dogs to pull carts?

June Elford is a book and feature writer who lives below the castle in Carisbrooke with her cat. She enjoys gardening and Scottish dancing.

The notes end with a piece about the changes in the village during her lifetime when the shops, pubs and the railway halt disappeared. She ends, “I sometimes wonder if at times in the hush of the evening when dusk is calling, I hear the shrill whistle and chugging sound and a voice calling ‘Carisbrooke Halt’.” Talking of changes, the Lord Louis Library in Newport is asking for library customers’ views on the considered alterations to the layout of the adult lending section. I picked up a form – it’s nice to be told “Your views count” – and that Community Services have taken on board a recommendation by Roy Clare, the Chief Executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, that “local voices should be heard clearly.” But when it came to the question asking if I would like a comfortable area with tea and coffee facilities, I ticked ‘NO’. The number of books borrowed across Britain in the past ten years has fallen by 34 per cent, with 40

libraries closing last year largely due to the public turning to the internet and other forms of entertainment. But allowing food and drink (sticky fingers on books?) to make libraries more welcoming is not the answer to the falling numbers of visitors and books borrowed. Instead we should be encouraging people to realise libraries offer a free service. If being people-friendly means allowing mobiles in libraries and making them like Starbucks, I’ll stick at being reader-friendly. So if the Lord Louis is your local library, go along and pick up a form and tick the boxes. Remember your views count.

Friday JUNE 12 2009

the gazette

gazette news

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 409928

Drugs team gets to work PROFESSIONAL experts on the Island have been addressing the causes and consequences of illegal drugs as part of National Tackling Drugs Week. The Island’s drug action team highlighted its work to reduce and prevent the criminal, health and social issues related to substance misuse during the week, which ran from June 8-12. Ryde-based Cranstoun Drug Service and the Island Drug and Alcohol Service invited anyone with an interest into their work to meet staff and find out what service they offer. A clinic was also run, where members of the public saw the whole process of clinical assessment. In another initiative, staff worked with police for a training event called ‘Stoned Again’, which focused on the reclassification of cannabis, with Professor Liam Watson at Northwood House. The training supports one of the key themes for drug treatment agencies this year – raising the awareness of the new reclassification of cannabis from a class C to a class B drug. IW police commander Ch Supt Dave Thomas, said: “The reclassification of cannabis earlier this year meant it was upgraded back to a class B drug. If you’re caught with it, the police will take action. You can be arrested or fined, even if it’s your first time and especially if there are aggravating factors involved. “If you end up with a criminal record, it could affect your chances of going to university or getting a job later on in life.” The Drug Action Team partnership organises regular education sessions for students, teachers and parents in primary, middle and high schools across the Island throughout the year. The Island’s drugs intelligence officer, PC Matt Lockyer, gives presentations about the laws on drugs and their harmful effects. As part of these sessions, a quiz takes place to gauge an audience’s knowledge and awareness of the issues discussed. Helen, a volunteer from a service user group called Result, attends the education sessions to speak candidly about her personal experience and recovery from drug-related issues. She said: “I’ve been there, I’ve experienced it, and I’ve come out

As part of the programme, people were educated about the effects of cannabis

the other side. I have the ability to understand the situation others may be facing. If you have little or even no knowledge of drugs, hopefully by listening to me, you’ll understand the issues more, the triggers and implications associated with drugs, addiction and withdrawal.” Following a recent drugs education session, a group of sixth form students from Ryde High School expressed their views on what the presentation had shown them about cannabis re-classification and other drugs issues. Among comments made were the following: • “I think its honesty overall was most important, it portrayed the consequences. I didn’t realise you could be arrested.”

• “I don’t think people know why it’s a class B drug, people aren’t aware of the health risks, but that’s what we’ve learnt, why there are different classes of drugs, and the risks to the body. I didn’t know anything about the side effects. I was surprised by the pictures of a real life drug addict’s health getting worse over time.” • “I know more about the goals of the police now. I thought it was just to enforce the law, but they also work for the preservation of life.” • “I think these sessions are a good idea with the images and honesty. The whole year came together to meet and speak with experts. We don’t usually like staying behind after school, but this was something we enjoyed, it was appealing and worthwhile.”

Joint effort to raise drugs awareness

ANOTHER National Tackling other serious crime which can Drugs Week initiative has seen make neighbours fearful about Medina Housing Association and coming forward. This is why we IW Crimestoppers working toare working with Crimestoppers gether to raise public awareness to provide a really safe way for about the cultivation of cannabis details of problem properties which takes place in adapted to be passed over without any residential properties. possible risk to the person that “We have makes the had some contact.” “Protecting those isolated probCrimestoplems over the people who contact us pers’ Simon past two years is our primary concern. Theobalds where some said: “ProNo information about tecting those of our properties have been those that contact us is people who used for the contact us is ever asked for.” cultivation our primary of cannabis” concern. No said David Bull, neighbourhood information about those that housing manager at Medina contact us is ever asked for, Housing. numbers are not captured, our “In order for us to take action call handlers remove words like and work with the police, we ‘neighbour’ which might make need information from those a link to the caller. Even the fact living in our neighbourhoods. that specific information came We recognise that drug cultifrom Crimestoppers is not in vation and supply is linked to the public domain, so communi-

ties which are affected by drug dealing and manufacture can take action and no one will know they phoned.” Most cultivated cannabis is the more potent ‘skunk’ which is considerably more dangerous to users and may cause psychotic behaviour. The premises used for cultivation have to be well ventilated which is often done by making holes in walls, ceilings and even the roof of a property. It is estimated that the amount of power needed for a year’s supply of electricity to a threebedroom home being used for cannabis cultivation can be around £30,000. For this reason the electricity meter is typically bypassed to ensure that the supplier is not alerted. As cannabis is often cultivated in ‘normal’ residential properties, Medina Housing and Crimestoppers are calling on the public to use the Crimestoppers number

(0800 555 111) if they know anything about cannabis cultivation in their community or notice any of the following: • The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside. • Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night. • People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them. • Offenders may call daily or weekly but usually do not stay long. • There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window. • There may be a pungent smell coming from the premises. • There may be noise coming from the equipment in the premises (such as cooling fans). • There may be a quantity of black bin bags or laundry bags for removal of cannabis or byproducts, such as used fertilizer.

the gazette

gazette feature

Friday JUNE 12 2009

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Routes to a safer Island

With flashing speed-reactive signs, billboard advertising campaigns and hardhitting educational programmes, the IW Council is pulling out all the stops in its efforts to reduce the number of collisions on our roads. Paul Rainford reports FEW Island drivers can have failed to notice the huge billboards that have appeared recently warning them to ‘Always expect the unexpected when driving on rural roads’. Showing an articulated lorry appearing coming around a bend on the wrong side of the road in front of a car, it’s the latest salvo in the IW Council’s ongoing battle to reduce the number of traffic accidents. Let’s hope it works. Because it seems like barely a week goes by without there being a serious smash on the Island’s roads. Cars are written off, bones are broken and, of course, lives are lost. Last year there were a total of 407 vehicle-related accidents on the Island, resulting in 538 casualties, 12 of them fatal. That’s an accident for every day of the year, and a fatality a month. And that’s only the accidents the authorities know about – there is no statutory requirement to report non-injury accidents, so the only accident you are required by law to report is one involving personal injury. The general assumption made by those who deal with these sorts of statistics is that for every casualty accident you could reasonably expect four to five damageonly accidents. Kevin Burton, road safety and traffic management team leader in the IW Council highways department, has been instrumental in setting up the council’s Road Safety Plan. This, says Mr Burton, is a policy document that provides a framework for investigating traffic collisions in a consistent way.

“The idea is that we don’t end up like a pinball machine shooting off from one angle to another; we have a very structured, clinical approach to the way in which we treat collisions,” he says. This is vital, not least because of the unpredictable nature of traffic collisions. “Collisions are, by their very nature, random, multi-factor events insofar as they’re not preplanned,” he says. “While the end result may be similar, the characteristics that lead up to a collision can be poles apart.” The highways department’s approach to tackling comprises several strands. Perhaps the most visible are the engineering solutions, whereby known accident blackspots ‘get the treatment’, with better signs, or redesigned junctions, or a spot of resurfacing – or a combination of several elements. “Wherever there is a site where there are more than four personal injury collisions in a three-year period at one location, then that is the threshold at which we would then investigate those accidents in great detail to see if there were any common patterns that might be able to be identified,” says Mr Burton. There are several stretches of road that currently fit this criterion. The Beaper Shute/Whitefield Woods section of the A3055, which was the scene of an horrific smash that killed two teenagers last December, and the Downs Road, which has seen countless collisions over the years, are both the subject of engineering remedial schemes to make them safer.

A hard hitting billboard on the Broadway in Sandown

Engineering is one approach to greater road safety; education is another. In the autumn the council will be running its ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ programme at Medina Theatre again, which reaches out to the Island’s youngsters in the hope of catching them before they become boy or girl racers. It’s basically a form of shock treatment, and Mr Burton believes it works. “It’s incredibly hard hitting. There’s rarely a dry eye in the house, and that includes even the more hardline individuals. I’ve

Beaper Shute, near Ryde, scene of several serious collisions in recent years

seen youngsters there texting away at the beginning of it and then the hard-hitting videos come on and they text a bit less, and then by the end even the hard nuts will be having a little sniff. In fact, it is so hard hitting that we now actually have ambulance staff on hand to console the youngsters if they get upset. Members of the emergency services talk about real instances they have had to deal with, how they felt about it and what impact it had on them. “We then have parents of deceased 17-24-year-old drivers who stand up and talk about their experiences and it’s amazing – it’s the strongest tool we have in our armoury.” But it’s not all about the kids. Speeding drivers of any age have the option of going on the council’s driver awareness training programme rather than receiving three points on their licence. Every Wednesday morning about 20 people are put through it. As Mr Burton says, many come to scoff, but go away impressed. “Some of them are a little bit resistant when they come in but every one of them, when they leave, thank us for what they’ve done. They can see the real merit of good driver education and training. More often than not they go away and say ‘can I send my wife/son/ husband/daughter on this because I think it would do them a power of good’.”

Another traffic management success story, says Mr Burton, is the introduction of speed reactive signs on the Island. (These are the ones that either tell you your speed or flash to tell you that you are driving too fast.) According to the latest data, it appears that there has been an 18.7 per cent casualty reduction on routes where speed reactive signs have been introduced. This, says Mr Burton, represents good value in term of traffic collision reduction. “If you were to look for an engineering solution to deliver an 18 per cent casualty reduction over that area it would cost you substantially more than speed reactive signs have done.” But Mr Burton and his colleagues know that for all their efforts, collisions will keep on happening. “People per se – and it’s not unique to the Isle of Wight – drive too fast. And when they’re stuck in urban areas and then get out onto the open road it’s almost natural for them to open up and let the steam out that has boiled up when you’ve been in the urban areas. Sadly, some people can handle that and some people can’t. Some people fail to perceive the hazards that may be caused by them or other road users. “We will never be content, because it’s impossible to imagine a situation where we won’t have any deaths on our road. That would be utopia. We can’t engineer the individual.”

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Smoke on the water

When Tyler Roberts fancies some smoked fish, he doesn’t go to Tesco’s, he visits his outhouse. Peter White reports WHEN keen fisherman Tyler Roberts decided he wanted a new flavour to some of his catch, he found the perfect solution in his own back garden. An outhouse – well actually it used to be the outside toilet of his house at Rew Valley – was the ideal building to be transformed into a smokehouse. And it is fair to say that the innovative project has been flushed with success rather than, er, going down the pan. Now when Tyler, 41, brings home his variety of fish from forays into waters around the Island and further afield, he wastes no time in preparing and smoking his catch for the dinner table. In between running his painting, decorating and dry lining business, Tyler likes nothing more than to set off in his 21ft vessel to seek out the best local fishing grounds. He explained: “I’ve been hooked on fishing since I first went out on a boat as a 10-year-old with my dad. Now I usually go about five miles out, although sometimes I go as far as mid-Channel.” Friends, as well as son Joseph and daughter Lauren, often accompany him, although wife Nicky prefers to stay at home and await the catch. He continued: “I was catching plenty of fish, but just thought it might be nice to do something different with them. Then I was given a couple of books for Christmas – the latest by Hugh

Fearnley Whittingstall and one by Nick Fisher called ‘Fish’ – and there were sections on how to smoke fish. So I thought I would give it a go.” That’s when he came up with the idea of converting the former loo into his smokehouse. He smiled: “It’s stone built, and all the former ‘furniture’ had been removed. So I hijacked the wife’s stainless steel pot and pan holder from the kitchen, and hung it on the ceiling in the outhouse. It works a treat!” Tyler, also a dedicated golfer, managed to acquire oak chippings from Shanklin and Sandown golf club, where he is a member, after trees were lopped, and now he has become something of an expert on both hot and cold smoking. He continued: “With hot smoking it’s a case of cooking the fish as they are being smoked. It’s just right for fish like mackerel. With cold smoking, you have to gut and bone the fish, brine them in salt, then let them hang to dry for a few hours. “Once they are dry I have to keep the chipping smouldering for several hours to get the smoked flavour right. It’s a bit of an art, but I’m getting there.” He added: “It’s purely a hobby, but the fish goes down well with the family and a few mates. We eat fish at least twice a week, and we also grow and eat our own vegetables, so in a way I suppose it’s a bit of a Good Life!”

Below right: Tyler with one of his recent catches which will be smoked in the converted outhouse

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Going with the THE GAZETTE continues its look at the Island’s leading tourist attractions for the summer season. This time Peter White drops into Calbourne Mill, where time appears to have stood still – though its famous water wheel keeps on turning IT’S A PLACE where peacocks stroll nonchalantly around the grounds looking for tasty morsels, and doves are tame enough to peck seed out of visitors’ hands. It’s a step back into a bygone age when telephones were made of Bakelite, wet clothes were wrung through a mangle rather than tucked into a tumble drier, and ovens were used to cook roast beef and Yorkshire puddings on a Sunday lunchtime. The nostalgia is endless. A plethora of typewriters and tin baths, Singer sewing machines and Avery scales that weighed strictly in pounds and ounces. But perhaps the biggest attraction at this peaceful setting just off the

main road between Carisbrooke and Freshwater is the water mill. There has been a working mill at Calbourne since at least 1086 when it was recorded in the Domesday Book. The current water wheel, standing 20ft in diameter was installed in the 17th century and is surrounded by machinery from the late 1800s. It’s a simple yet ingenious work of art, and you can only stand and wonder at how the wheel continues to turn from the weight of what appears so little water. But, using the knowledge she has picked up during her seven years working at Calbourne Mill, Sheila Irwin explains: “There are

48 buckets on the wheel, and as it revolves at six times a minute, it means each bucket is half-filled six times. So each minute nearly 2,000 gallons of water flow over the wheel – that’s 126,000 gallons an hours. That’s a lot of water!” The constant flow enables the grinding of wheat and barley – yet another step back in time. Sacks of grain are hoisted to the top floor granary through a series of self-closing trap doors. Then the mighty mill stones take over until the flour eventually finds its way to the ground floor to be bagged up and weighed on beam scales, ready for dispatch. But some flour remains on site to be used for baking

Pictures by Jamie White

home-made bread and cakes. And after a slice of one of the many irresistible cakes on offer in the licensed cafe, there is a definite need for a stroll, even if you have to contend with one of the 16 or so peacocks following your every move. Since Tony and Sally Chaucer took over the Calbourne site 10 years ago, emphasis has been placed heavily on making it eco friendly. Hence the solar panels discreetly placed on

an antiquated outbuilding that houses farm machinery dating back the best part of a century. The last working water mill on the Island may hold centre stage at Calbourne, the site of a former coal yard until midway through the 20th century. But the mill is complemented by a host of other unforgettable sights, like the fire station, complete with engine, the red telephone boxes and the boats that are bobbing on the mill

pond, ignored by the scores of ducks that also make it their home. For the more energetic there is always the 18-hole putting green, petanque or even croquet. But, for this writer at least, just wandering among the picturesque grounds was and soaking up the history was enough. • Calbourne Mill is open nine months of the year, and the normal £5 entrance fee entitles visitors to return free for the rest of the season.

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gazette feature

Eco holiday homes

The newly built eco-houses are insulated with a material made from recycled plastic bottles

WITHIN a peacock’s screech of Calbourne’s famous water mill, a quiet eco-friendly revolution is taking place. On waste land on the periphery of the picturesque site, five purpose-built holiday homes are nearing completion. Initially they may appear to be typical holiday lets, with four spacious double bedrooms. But take a closer look, and it soon becomes apparent that these houses have been designed very much with ‘saving the planet’ in mind. Two of the houses will be available for use by holidaymakers within the next couple of weeks, and the complex will be fully completed for the beginning of next summer. But what makes these houses so special, and what sort of work has gone on to make them so environmentally acceptable? Neil Smith, the millwright at Calbourne for the past 27 years, is masterminding the operation. He explained: “The houses are designed to be as close to zero carbon as we can get them. “What heating is used is derived from ground source heating, the electricity load will be balanced out when the project is finished by a water turbine, which will more than cover their electrical needs. So by that point they will be zero carbon.” Neil continued: “The houses also stand on stilts, so that provides minimal impact groundwise. They are built and clad with sustainable forest timber from the Island – local larch – and intended to be as efficient as we can make them.

“We were hoping to use a rubber compound, made from recycled car tyres for the roof tiles, but struggled to get building control approval. So we have used ordinary slate for the first three, but hopefully we have more time for the other two, so we can use rubber slate on those. “The insulation of the buildings is all made from recycled plastic bottles, so as you can see they are designed to be as low impact as possible.” So what sparked the project? “It wasn’t a sudden decision. We started letting the nearby mill house for holidays, and realised it was a popular location. “The ground we are building on couldn’t be used of in any other way, so we came up with this idea, applied for planning permission which was passed, and the whole development should be complete by early next summer. “Two of the houses will be used for holiday lets this summer, and then we will continue re-building in September. Over the whole site we are trying to be as eco friendly as we can. All the rainwater that falls on the properties is harvested for toilet flushing.” Even the sewage system in 21st century. The bio-bubble treatment plant takes effluent from the whole Calbourne Mill site, and the treated effluent before it runs back into the stream is virtually drinking quality. It is just one step away from pure water. So amid the history and nostalgia that is Calbourne Mill, houses of the future are about to become the latest feature of this fascinating complex.

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27 NEW ROAD, LAKE - £155,000

HILLTOP DAIRY, NEWPORT - £POA

• 80ft Garden • Period Features • Convenient Location • Off Road Parking • Completely Refurbished • Garden Workshop • Chain Free

• Five Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Five Bathrooms • 3.5 Acres of Land • Outbuildings • Fantastic Views Hill Top Dairy enjoys an enviable position with superb 360 degree panoramic views over the Island landscape with views to the Solent and distant Hampshire coast to the North and to the West, the Solent and, on a clear day, the Cliffs at Portland. This 5 bedroom family home was constructed in 2006 with the balance of an NHBC warranty with Oak joinery throughout including floors, staircases, doors, skirting etc.

A semi-detached house which has undergone a complete makeover with a luxury bathroom and quality kitchen, two bedrooms, two reception rooms, garden and driveway. Done to a modern minimalist style yet retaining many period features. Centrally located in Lake Village, ideal for local shops and Schools. Accessible to the Cliff Path, safe sandy beaches and Train station which links Shanklin & Ryde.

• Double Glazed • Gas Central Heating • Master Ensuite • Garage • Mature Gardens • Chain Free • Reduced from £390,000 A detached bungalow that occupies a large corner plot. Refurbished to a high standard by the present owners to provide living room, dining room, fitted kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, master en-suite, mature gardens, garage/workshop. Located within level walking distance of the village centre, which has a good range of facilities.

N pr ew ic e

16 LOWER FURRLONGS, BRADING £157,000 • Off Road Parking • Garden • Double Glazed • Village Location • Chain Free • Cloakroom A semi detached house comprising two bedrooms, kitchen, living room,cloakroom, shower room, garden and off road parking. Located in the historic town of Brading the property is within a short walk of the Downs, Brading village and train station. Brading is a picturesque village on the eastern end of the Island in the beautiful Yar Valley, a popular Wildlife and Sailing centre.

SELDON AVENUE, RYDE £235,000 N pr ew ic e

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MEADOW DRIVE, BEMBRIDGE £299,950

• Detached Bungalow • Conservatory • Garage • Off Road Parking • Double Glazing • Gas Central Heating This Bungalow comprises three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, conservatory, bathroom, garden and garage. Located in a peaceful cul-de-sac in the sought after Appley area the property has access to Ryde and Appley’s 6 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, that are gently sloping making it one of the islands safest places to swim.

30 OSBORNE RD, RYDE £224,000 • Stamp Duty Paid • Two Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Diner • Enclosed Rear Garden • Double Glazing • Off Road Parking This well proportioned Victorian home comprises four bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen/diner, bathroom, garden and off road parking. It has been maintained to a very high standard. Located in Ryde with far reaching views of the beautiful Island landscape.

Friday JUNE 12 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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RV125 has retro appeal

RETRO through and through, the Suzuki RV125 VanVan is small and cute. The seat’s long, low and has plenty of room for two; there’s a luggage rack at the back and a grabrail. The Suzuki RV125 VanVan’s chunky tyres and high-level exhaust look fantastic and is more than capable of cruising the streets or riding on sandy or rough trails, with its wide bars, six speed gearbox and fuel injected 125cc engine, it’s a light and easy bike to ride, that brings back magical memories of fun. With its modern technology and classic 70s styling the RV125 appeals to numerous age groups and wouldn’t look out of place parked at this weekend’s music festival or one held in the 1970s. The Suzuki RV125 is available from Isle of Wight Motorcycles in Newport with an on the road price excluding government charges of £2,450 with Free Suzuki Insurance, and with annual road tax at £15, the Suzuki

Advertising feature

RV125 VanVan makes good economical sense with added motorcycling fun. In case you forget, it’s that time of year when motorcycle racing enthusiasts flock to the Isle of Man TT. As the Isle of Man TT Races enter a second centenary, the future looks bright for one of the greatest tests of motorcycles and riders in the world. For two weeks of every year the eyes of the world focus on the Isle of Man – the jewel of the Irish Sea – as the finest road racers on the planet pit their skills against the 37.75 miles of public roads that form the legendary TT circuit. For those who are not going to the Isle of Man, you can follow all the action on the satellite stations or ITV4 digital channel. The official TT website www.iomtt.com has all the news, background information and TV listing.

Smart thinking WILTON Car Body Repairs in Shanklin have recently announced a new specialist service available for customers with Smart cars and Minis. Director Paul Keefe explained: “The new service that we are trying to do is for Minis and Smart cars. We do a lot of Smart repairs and we are focusing more on that side of things. We have been repairing Smart cars in the body shop and service department for eight years, so we have a good knowledge of the car and our staff are very experienced in dealing with them.”

many of our Smart customers. There was a gap in the market. Nobody else wanted Esplanade garage in Newport has recently become to do it so we took advantage of that fact.” a dealership for Smart, Mr Keefe is also looking to and that is one of the main expand on the work they do reasons Mr Keefe decided for Minis on the Island. to placr extra emphasis on “We are also an ex-part dealing with the Smarts. specialist for Mini. There is “We have had a core of a website www.expart.com customers for many years, and there are more and more which shows that we are Smart cars coming on to the the main one on the Island. We have spent thousands Island. Smart cars are very different to other cars and the of pounds getting all the way they are approached has diagnostic equipment for the Mini and want to provide an to differ with the servicing all round good value service and repair. But we have got the experience to do all this. for our customers,” said Mr We have a good rapport with Keefe. Advertising feature

Clio’s new look for 2009

THE CLIO 2009 has been updated with a new look which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show for both its hatch and Sport Tourer versions. The Clio 2009 range will be complemented by three performance versions: Clio GT, based on the three-door hatchback, combining racy looks, specific suspension and high performance; Renaultsport 200 Cup with the stiffer Cup chassis, and Renaultsport 200, with revised sport chassis. The range of engines and transmissions has been improved, and interior space has been enhanced too. The Clio also comes with an exclusive Carminat

TomTom satellite navigation system which is an option at £450, which includes a 5.8-inch colour screen for clear display. Drivers will find everything they need for simple navigation, from detailed maps – including ‘bird’s eye view’ display to the latest traffic information, speed restrictions and speed camera location alerts. The versions of Clio 2009 powered by the 1.2 16V 75, TCe 100 and dCi 86 and 106 engines meet the three criteria necessary to qualify for the Renault eco² signature; they are produced in an ISO-14001-certified plant, emissions do not exceed 140g/km, or are biofuel com-

patible, and are 95 per cent recyclable and at least 5 per cent of plastics used in production have been recycled. Options on the Clio 2009 range include hands-free card, cruise control, speed limiter, rear parking proximity sensor, automatic headlamp and wiper activation. The Clio has features including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, ESP, traction control and engine torque overrun regulation to help with active safety. To test drive any of the New Clio family with the three-door range starting from £9,995, visit Harwoods Renault in Wootton.

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A top-drawer drop-top

The Audi A5 Cabriolet goes from 0 - 62mph in just over 7 seconds

WELL, summer’s here and the new Audi A5 Cabriolet could just be the perfect car for those sunny days and warm evenings. In fact, it takes just 15 seconds to fold the roof down in to the boot to create a stunning topless machine. And the new bonus is that even if you get an unexpected grey cloud hovering above looking like it could cause embarrassment any second by drenching you and the car, you need have no fear, as you can still fold the roof up travelling up to 30mph. Pure genius from the German car giant. The model I posed in was the 2.0 litre S-Line, which has a 0-62mph time of just over seven seconds and has 209bhp under the bonnet, with a top speed of 150mph. The new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the

step up from the A4, which no longer boasts a drop top in its armoury, but to the naked eye there are not many differences to be seen. Everything fits together beautifully, and the materials and finishes are naturally top-notch. Inside, the layout is familiar, but there are a few quirky new touches that bring a smile to the face, including the shoulder-level seatbelt mounts meaning not having to break your neck trying to put it on. There’s also an optional hot-air vent by your neck – the socalled ‘Airscarf’. Audi is pleased with the interior roof lining, which it claims provides further noise insulation. Using a fabric roof rather than a metal hardtop as many other manufacturers have been doing does has its benefits. It is much lighter than a folding hardtop, less compli-

cated to maintain, and there is more boot space. Once you start driving, the upgrades and improvements become apparent. The steering is responsive and nicely weighted. Fuel consumption is also pleasing, offering in excess of 40mpg for this 6-speed manual 2.0 litre petrol model. The A5’s main rivals are probably the Mercedes CLK and the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet, which both have their own special qualities. But there is a certain elegance to the new range of Audi cars, and the A5 is no exception. The A5 Cabriolet comes in a 2.0 litre petrol or diesel version, a 3.0 litre diesel and a 3.2 litre petrol or diesel with a host of various Quattro and S-Line options and upgrades. Prices start from £29,800.

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Play golf with a panorama

IF YOU’VE never played at Newport Golf Club then you’re in for a real treat at this lofty course on the rooftop of the Isle of Wight. The panoramic views across the Island from St George’s

Down are spectacular and the course is stunningly beautiful with lakes, trees, wildlife and woods. Moorhens and their chicks saunter across the course and a member spotted a fox with three cubs

Advertising Feature recently along with a stoat chasing a rabbit. “We’re very privileged to be looking after this land and we’re improving it all the time,” says secretary David Boon. It’s very hard to believe that the area was a gravel pit. Now it has several lakes full of fish and beautiful white water lilies, an undulating course over 56 acres and the most perfectly smooth greens around the holes you would ever hope to see. “I had an agronomist here and he said we could dig up the grass on the greens and sell it to Wentworth,” says David proudly. “We’re known as a

Tailor-made training

FORMED five years ago, Bembridge Powerboat Training offers a unique and individual service to people unable to attend courses on a fixed date. The centre is open seven days a week for the complete range of powerboat courses from Level 1 through to Advanced and Personal Watercraft certificate. There is also the shore based VHF/DSC radio course along with First Aid. Customers get to choose times and dates to suit. The Advanced course will appeal to those more adventurous, providing the essential skills and safety considerations for boat handling day and night in unfamiliar waters and more demanding conditions. It provides more detailed boat handling and ma-

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noeuvres from rough weather to day and night pilotage using chart plotters and an introduction to radar. The training boats have seating for all

candidates and are equipped with up to date electronics to ensure students not only enjoy the experience but also gain the most from it. Bembridge Pow-

erboat Training is based in Port St. Helens on the edge of Bembridge Harbour. For more details you can call Peter Hewitt on 874231 or 07971 980637.

friendly club. We’ve got a caring membership,” says David. Professor John Milne, the father of seismology, who lived in Shide House, in the Medina Valley below, founded the club in 1896. “All the celebrities of the day used to visit him. He was great pals with Scott of the Antarctic.” You might even bump into a celebrity on the course today as there are many famous members. Originally further over towards Shide, it moved to

its present location 24 years ago. The course has nine holes but work is now underway to sculpt the old course, which will join the existing one to eventually provide an 18-hole course. “Golf is a fantastic game and the age range it spans is phenomenal. We often have adults playing youngsters. Lots of ex sports people take up the game. It doesn’t damage your knees which is good for older people,” David explained, although

there are carts for those with mobility problems. The club boast PGA (Professional Golf Association) Pro Graham Darke who is available for special tuition sessions. The tuition course has three holes and a driving range, for learning or improving, with local schools often using the facilities. Why not come and try the sport at a free open day on the practice course on July 26. Equipment is available for both adults and children.

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Round the Island

Picture by Patrick Eden

Picture by Paul Wyeth

A Gazette special preview of the Round the Island Yacht Race IT DOESN’T matter whether you are an Olympic medallist chasing more glory or a Saturday ‘sea stroller’ content to sip coffee near St Catherine’s before lunching off Luccombe. The Round the Island yacht race carries challenges for every member of every boat participating in the annual and quite unique event, which gets under starters orders at Cowes early on Saturday, June 20. This year’s race promises to be as spectacular as ever, with more than 1,700 yachts of every shape, size and colour providing a breathtaking sight as they skirt the 55 miles of Island coastline. The event, sponsored for a fifth successive year by JP Morgan Asset Management, remains one of the most eagerly awaited attractions of the whole summer for both competitors and spectators. It has achieved worldwide acclaim as being arguably the biggest of its type anywhere – from Seaview to Sydney, Ryde to Rio. And it is one of the largest sporting participation events in Britain. From humble beginnings back in 1931 when the race attracted just 25 boats, it has grown beyond anyone’s wildest dreams to become an occasion simply not to be missed.

record entry of 1,875 yachts will not be beaten this year, there has been huge support for the race despite the The first boats will cross the start worldwide recession. When entries line outside Cowes’ Royal Yacht officially closed on May 30, a total Squadron at 7.30am, given the goof 1,684 yachts had entered. ahead by world sailing superstars Late entries are also being acceptDee Caffari and Sam Davies. ed, by paying a late entry fee, until First off are the real Formula One noon on June 13. Many have taken Grand Prix events of the water – the advantage with over 1,725 boats Open 60s, Clipper 68 and the IRC now set to begin the epic voyage. A Group O. spokesperson said: “This really is That’s when you can expect to see good news. At one stage we thought Olympic medallists Ben Ainslie, we might get only 1,500 entries Shirley Robertson, Nick Rogers this year because of the economic and Joe Glanfield doing battle with climate. round-the-world yachtswoman Dame “But to get more than 1,700 is unEllen MacArthur and her crew. believable, and it could end up being Ben Ainslie said: “I’m really the thirds highest on record. We looking forward to the day, as this know a lot of boats are up for sale year I will be racing on an Extreme because of the recession, so maybe a 40 catamaran. These boats can few people want to give the Round really fly and, given that I haven’t the Island race a go before they part raced on one before, – we may company with them.” well be in for a wild ride. I will be Key vantage points include the joining the TeamOrigin crew of Needles Battery and Tennyson Down Mike Sanderson, George Skudos as the yachts complete the first phase and Matt Cornwell. of their journey and continue the “We know each other well, so voyage towards St Catherine’s Lightshould be in good shape to get a house – another fine viewing spot. good time but it obviously it all Then it’s up past Ventnor, with depends on the weather. Round the Steephill Cove popular for spectaIsland is a unique race – because tors, and into Sandown Bay where a of the unique course round the Isle stunning head on view can be seen of Wight and because of the sheer from Culver Down. numbers of boats racing. By the time they get to Bembridge “It’s an incredible spectacle and Ledge, the leaders will be eagerly one of my favourite events. The awaiting the finish while the stragmain challenge is working out glers will be perhaps wondering the currents and not running why they bothered. Then it’s up aground on one of the many past Ryde, Osborne Bay and back to rocky ledges or Ryde Sands. Cowes. Racing with so many other The race is very much dependent boats, with quite different on the weather. Last year in excellent sailing characteristics, breezy conditions the first boat home can also be quite diftook just over three and a half hours, ficult but exciting.” and the last more than 12 hours. The last of the comThe Multihull record has been held petitors – mainly since 2001 by Francis Joyon with a those with picnic time of 3 hours, 8 mins, 29 secs. The baskets at the Monohull record is held by Mike ready – will be Slade’s ICAP Leopard in 3 hours, 53 heading out mins, 5 secs. of Cowes at But whatever time is recorded it’s 9.10am. a personal achievement for the vast Although majority, with charities also benefitthe ing. The official preferred charities 2008 this year are Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate UK and the Ellen MacArthur Trust. By Peter White

Friday JUNE 12 2009

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Funds raised for Friends

A CHARITY golf competition at Cowes Golf Club raised £275 for the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital. The competition attracted eight teams, with Paul Young captaining the winning team with an impressive score of 53.4. Second place went to Bob Priddle’s foursome with 59.1, with

Ingrid Barton’s team finishing in third place with 60.8. Members from Cowes Golf Club, one member from Osborne and three visitors from Salisbury all took part in the charity event. There was £105 raised from a raffle that contributed to the grand total. Margaret Mogli-

one, chairman of the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital and a longtime member of the club, thanked the club for allowing the course to be used for the event. Lorraine Herbert, manager of the Friends’ shop and café in the hospital, presented the winner’s shield to Paul Young.

Richard Weaver in action on his way to a well deserved victory

Richard weaves his way to victory Victory for Ryde Left to right: Margaret Moglione, chairman of the Friends; Ingrid Barton, Friends’ board member; Lorraine Herbert, Friends’ shop manager; Paul and Wendy Young

THE ISLE OF WIGHT Car Club held the second round of the MSA autotest championship at the Cheverton Chalk Pit, in conditions perfect for racing. There was flamboyant driving in abundance from both Richard Weaver in his Mk1 Escort and Jimmy Clements in a Sierra Sapphire. Other competitors including Toby Allen, showed highly committed driving, ensuring an entertaining day for both drivers and spectators. Andy Williams set the early pace in his motorcycle engined special, recording a time of just under 50

seconds. However, this was soon cut down to size by Weaver as he pulled a 45 second run out of the bag. Russell Thomson, in a lightened and modified Mk3 Golf, was hot on the tail of Weaver, and for most of the day the pair were ahead of the rest of the chasing pack. While Thomson came in a very credible second overall, he was not able to catch the rally car wielding Weaver as he finished with a final time of 43.85 seconds, a quarter of a second ahead of his nearest rival and two seconds ahead of the rest. Toby Allen, in a Suzuki Swift,

finished third, meaning he ended the day leading the championship after his great performance at BAE Systems earlier in the month. Final top five positions: Richard Weaver 43:85 Russell Thomson 44:11 Toby Allen 46:09 Andrew Leppard 46:37 Tim Thomson 46:71 Overall championship positions: Toby Allen 95 points Richard Weaver 93 points Jai Nolan 89 points

Chance for young cricketers THE ISLE OF WIGHT Cricket Board (IWCB) is entering its third year of the ‘Chance to Shine’ coaching scheme. The aim of the scheme is to develop cricket in schools across England. On the Island, the IWCB will be delivering 840

hours of coaching, mostly in middle schools to years five, six and girls. The hours will be delivered through a combination of coaching in curriculum, extra-curriculum time and at local clubs. As well as providing the coaching, the IWCB in partnership

with the Schools Sports Partnership will be offering teachers the chance to attend a cricket for teachers course at the IW Academy. Northwood Cricket Club has been rewarded through the scheme with a refurbishment of their

artificial pitch. Northwood have been involved in the scheme for the last three years and have worked hard to offer the local Cowes schools coaching and playing opportunities in and out of the school environment.

RYDE won the top event at Newport’s Rowing Club’s Annual Regatta in another successful day for the Wightlink sponsored Club. The men’s senior A crew of Russell Page, Mike Jenner, Ben Ade and Ian Hayden, with Bryony Reeve coxing, maintained their recent impressive form dominating their heat and going on to comfortably win the final. The men’s senior B crew of Mark Singleton, Nick Pike, Sam Cocker and Stuart Johnson, with Max Reeve in the coxswain’s, seat were unfortunate to be drawn against their A Crew in the heat – or they well have reached the final as well. The men’s junior-senior fours of Callum Lowe and Tom Clark with novices Florrin Behrle and John Gedling - with Dale Buckett coxing - did exceptionally well to reach their final where they finished third behind Shanklin and Coalporters, but can claim a share in Shanklin’s win as they borrowed Ryde coxswain Bryony Reeve to steer their boat!

The men’s novice four of John Gedling, James Cleary, Curtis Lowe and Donatt Debrecan, with Dale Buckett in the cox’s seat once again, also finished third having maintained the progress made in recent weeks to reach a third consecutive novice final. With no pairs racing at Newport because of the restrictions of tide the focus then switched to the single sculls. Ryde dominated the men’s senior sculls, with all three scullers in the final coming from the club. Ian Hayden benefited from the straight course and calm conditions to achieve a first ever senior sculls win, with Mike Jenner in second and Nick Pike in third. Coastal junior sculler Tom Clark sculled well to reach the final but finished second after winning in previous weeks. However, novice sculler Florrin Behrle will be pleased with his performance in reaching the final where he finished third. Ryde’s other novice scullers, Callum Lowe, Stu Johnson and Sam Cocker, all competed well but failed to make the final.

Islanders’ away win THE WIGHTLINK Islanders speedway team earned their first away victory of the season beating the Scunthorpe Saints by 53-42. The Islanders, captained by Nick Simmons, dominated the match against their Lincolnshire counterparts from the off, and won an impressive 12 of the 15 race winners. And if it wasn’t for a couple of falls and engine problems, the margin of victory might have been

even higher. Nevertheless their 11-point success was more than ample to secure all four points available, with each and every member of the side playing their part. Brendan Johnson recorded his first paid maximum score for the club, winning his last two outings after following home team-mate Tom Brown for maximum heat advantages in heats 1 and 5. Nick Simmons was

only denied of a four-ride maximum score by a cruel engine failure on the last bend of heat 13. By the end of the first five heats the Islanders led by 10 points, and there was never any doubt from then on that they would be the victors on the night. Rikki Joe Mullins made an impressive debut at reserve winning two races, making it a night to remember for the Islanders.

Ian Hayden after winning his first ever senior sculls row

sport Stars shine at Pro-Am 28

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Friday JUNE 12 2009

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The winning team at the Pro-Am, comprising Paul Cavaciuti, Derry Goodburn, Tony Wray, Neil Jackson (Captain) and Peter Hill

Joseph triumphs Raiders for Div One on the mainland

THE WIGHTLINK Raiders have confirmed they will be competing in the English NationRYDE Junior new to the eight al League South Division One next season, School pupil Joseph year-old, the compe- after an EIHA annual general meeting. Goodey has been tition was fierce and The league will consist of 10 teams and a demonstrating his the rules were very total of 18 home and 18 away games, with golfing skills again strict. There was no the top six teams progressing to the post-seaby winning a touradvice allowed to son play-offs. The opening weekend of the nament on Hayling the youngsters, nor season is scheduled for September 5/6, and Island. were they allowed a final fixtures will be released at a later date. Joseph, who feacaddy. The confirmation of the Raiders entrance tured in the May 15 But Joseph stayed to Division One means that the Vectis Tigers issue of The Gazette focused on the job will once again compete in Division Two. after his stunin hand and comAnd with the two teams working closer ning hole in one at pleted nine holes together this season, it will provide a great Westridge, entered with his 36 shots foundation for the security of ice hockey on the qualifying round allowed, which gave the Island. for the HSBC Wee him a great victory. Team building is said to be progressing Wonders CompetiThe victory means well and news on more additions to the tion, in which he the youngster has squad are expected in the coming days. played against seven qualified for the The management, and head coach Jeremy others in the aged regional final to be Cornish, are sure this years squad will be 7-8 category. held at Hever Castle both exciting and competitive in ENL South The course was in Kent in July. Division One.

AMPFIELD’S Jon Barnes won the 28th Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s hotly contested Pro-Am tournament, which attracts golfers from all over the south of England as well as the Island. The event, sponsored by Island Waste, and organsied by Hampshire PGA, attracted 40 pro-am teams, and Barnes shot rounds of 68 and 67 for a thirty-six hole total of 135, five-under-par. Walhampton’s Kevin Saunders (136) was second and Mark Dawe and Andrew Cloke shared third place (140). Dawe opened with a superb five-under-par round of 65, two shots ahead of home professional Peter Hammond and South Winchester’s Richard Adams. All three then shot second rounds of 75 leaving Kevin Saunders as Barnes’ closest challenger. In addition to his winner’s cheque Barnes also won a £250 bonus for winning the Sandham Office Services ‘PGA Champion of the Isle of Wight’ title. The Pro-Am team event was won by Bramley’s Derry Goodburn and his team of Paul Cavaciuti, Peter Hill and Tony Wray. Their 16-under-par score was one better

than Jon Barnes and his team of Gary Moody, Dennis Hoyle and Doug Watkins. Third place went to Richard Adams, John Salter, Steve Collins and Keith Files with pro Peter Hammond, Neil Jackson (captain of Shanklin & Sandown GC), Alan Hill and John Hart in fourth. Bruce Gilmore, Wes Mawer, Maggie Ankers, Stef Brochocki, Alan Frame and Derek Maidment all won ‘Nearest the Pin’ prizes, Aggy Iona had the ‘Longest Drive’ and Hugh Riches, Wes Mawer, Neil Jackson and Viv Meszynski all won a bottle of wine for correctly guessing the winning team score.

Carol and son Douglas. The trophy was won by Trevor Philcox (18) scoring 39 points just ahead of Ray Cooke (19) on 37. There was the closest of all finishes with three 16 handicappers returning net 65s in the EGU Gold Medal Qualifier. Steve Sargeant came out on top on count back from Malc Williams in second place and Mike Black in third. Division 1 of the Sunday Stableford was much clearer cut with Rick Penn (12) taking first place with 40 points, father and son Simon Smith and Kasey Tuckey tied on 38 points with 5 handicapper Simon picking up second place on count * * * back from 9 handicap Kasey. Freshwater Bay GC’s Car- In Division 2 Gary Holmes isbrooke Cup for juniors was (17) finished top on 37 points comprehensively won by ahead of Barney Barnes George Faulkner (28) with (17) in second and Peter 45 points ahead of David Warr (21) in third with both Hartley and Connor White players returning 34 points. on 37. The Senior’s Mike BreakAt the other end of the speare Memorial was won age spectrum the seniors by Ray Cooke (19) with 40 played for the Derek Worsley points followed by Frank Memorial Trophy for the first Gregory (27) in second time with Seniors captain carding 37 points. Brian Whelan officiating at Stuart Morris had a fine the presentation which was weekend taking first place attending by Derek’s wife in Division 1 on both days. In the Saturday Stableford he scored 39 points off of 13 handicap to finish in front of Kevin Miles (15) on 38. Then he won the Par Competition playing off of 12, still finishing 4 up. Division 2 of the Stableford was won by Brian Potter (17) with 36 points ahead of Dave Morey (16) on 33, while Division 2 of the Par saw Cliff Sanders and Andy Rann tie on plus 4 with 21 handicap Cliff sneaking first David Coleman tees off under the watchful eye of his place on the back nine from Andy (24). team-mates at the Pro-Am