gazette the isle of wight
REPORTING ISLAND NEWS
ARMED ARREST IN SANDOWN
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FREE! Friday November 13, 2009 Issue 41
NEWS
Locked up
Embarrasment for bailiff after being conned and locked up by debtor
Page 7
NEWS Dame Vera visits
Dame Vera Lynn paid a visit to the Island this week
Page 15
NEWS
ARMED police swooped on Sandown to arrest a 40-year-old man who was in possession of an imitation weapon, with intent to cause fear of violence in the town. Continued on page 3
Remembrance
The Island remembers the fallen
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NEWS
ALCOHOL THEFT AT ARRETON POLICE are appealing for information about suspicious sales of lager barrels on the Island. Seven barrels of lager were reported stolen from a building within Arreton Barns craft village sometime between 11.30pm on Tuesday, November 10 and 9am on Wednesday, November 11. Investigating officer, PC Craig Robins of Hampshire Constabulary’s IW Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) said: “Police have been told one the stolen barrels, ‘Bit Burger’, is only sold within a few pubs on the Island. A Foster’s barrel, also reported stolen, has the batch number 476. “We have circulated these details to members of the independent Pubwatch scheme, but I would also appeal to other licensees, businesses and members of the public who may have information about the barrels’ whereabouts.” Information can be given by phoning Newport Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
SILVER AWARD FOR SEAVIEW WILDLIFE SEAVIEW Wildlife Encounter has received a Silver Award in the category “Best Visitor Experience in the South East of England” by S E Tourism ‘ExSELLence Awards. The judges described the Park as “a tremendous family-run attraction” and the award ceremony was held at the prestigious Wentworth Club in Surrey, a ‘black tie’ gala dinner that was like being at the Oscars. A recent survey by the Visitor Attractions Association (June 2009) indicated that 47 per cent of Seaview Wildlife Encounter’s visitors are returning. The national average for returning visitors to an attraction is apparently only 13 per cent. During the past few years a number of exciting projects have been undertaken and new species of animals and birds introduced into the Park. In 1997 a colony of Humboldt penguins was
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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introduced representing one of the most ambitious projects to-date – the conservation of this endangered species. Over the past decade the Park has successfully bred these rare penguins on an annual basis. It is now part of an international breeding programme enabling improved bloodlines and genetic diversity in captive bloodlines across Europe. Fundraising events take place on a regular basis at the Park. Last year’s August bank holiday weekend saw two of the Park’s staff arrange innovative fund-raising and beach-cleaning events. These were organised to raise funds for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and to support (and involve) the local community. This year plans are in place to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness and to raise funds to go towards the plight of both Humboldt and African Penguins.
SALLY TAYLOR TO TURN ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
SALLY TAYLOR, the regular presenter of BBC TV’s ‘South Today’, will be the chief guest at this year’s Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. Sally will light the ‘Tree of Joy’ at Brighstone Methodist Church on Thursday December 10, to officially open what has become one of the Island’s most popular and spectacular Christmas festivals. Brighstone and Mottistone combine to present the festival which will run from December 10 to 13 from 10am to 5pm daily. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the beautiful exhibits of over 100 hundred ‘theme decorated’ Christmas Trees at St Mary’s Church, the Methodist Church, the Wilberforce Hall in Brighstone and Mottistone Church. Admission is free but all donations after deduction of expenses go to charity, and since its inception in 1996, more than £40,000 has been raised for local and national causes. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from the Island and mainland.
The traditional pre-exhibition Hospice Tree Lighting Service takes place on December 9, with representatives from Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The following day the festival opens for viewing, and Sally Taylor will light the “Tree of Joy” at 3.45pm. The annual Christmas Gift and Craft Fair which will open on the Friday from 10am to 4pm in the Scout Centre, and from 11am to 4pm the Community Advice Network will be holding an ‘Information Fair’ in front of the village shop. Other entertainments include carol singing by Brighstone Village Society and the ‘Stars of Wonder’ Concert in St Mary’s Church. On the Saturday (Dec 12) Brighstone School will hold their Christmas Fair from 1pm to 4pm and for those viewing trees in St Mary’s Church, opposite The Credorer Ensemble will perform seasonal music at 2.30pm. All are welcome to join in the Sunday services which will finish about 12pm in
Brighstone and 10.30am at Mottistone. Viewing will then continue and at 2.30pm in St Mary’s Church our handbell ringers will present the ‘Rhymes and Chimes of Christmas’. There will be a short closing service at Mottistone at 4.30pm, but in Brighstone the festivities will carry on into the evening with the Sandown and Shanklin Military Band who will perform the festival finale concert in aid of ‘Help for Heroes’ at St Mary’s at 7pm. On December 20 Brook Church will hold its carol service at 3pm and at 7pm in St Mary’s Church with the ever popular ‘Mission to Seafarers’ concert will be held.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
NEWS
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MAN FACES WEAPON CHARGE
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ARMED POLICE arrested Maxwell Davies at a property in the High Street, after reports he had been seen with a suspicious package. Police were alerted after they received a 999 call from somebody who had been drinking at the Kings House public house. Officers from the IW Targeted Patrol Teams, Tactical Firearms Support
BY JASON KAY Unit, Dog Support Unit, and Priority Crime Unit surrounded the 40-yearold’s home and cordoned of the road. An item was taken away from the property in an orange bag as members of the public looked on. A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Following
the initial report of an incident during the evening in the Sandown area, armed police engaged in an operation to arrest a man.” Police confirmed no one was injured and Davies surrendered to police peacefully. He has been bailed to appear before Isle of Wight Magistrates today (Friday).
JOB LOSSES IN COUNCIL CUTBACKS
THE IW COUNCIL has announced that up to 200 people could lose their jobs within the next three years. The next steps of a council programme to cut bureaucracy and jobs in a bid to save £300m in the coming 25 years will be presented to the authority’s cabinet next week. The scheduled job losses follow on from the 200 jobs that were shed earlier this year. There are also plans to reduce the number of buildings from which the authority operates from. Cabinet members will be asked to approve the next stages of the transformation programme, through which the council is hoping to improve the efficiency in the way it delivers services. Over the next three years a number of projects will be undertaken to bring about
this aim, allowing the council to target resources on the areas for which it has a statutory responsibility and on services that are most important to residents.
“Up to 200 people could lose their jobs within the next three years.” The changes will involve the introduction of new computer systems, working practices and physical changes, including reduced staffing levels. The council has said that due to the nature of the transformation programme, it is hoped the reductions can be made with minimal compulsory redundancies
through measures such as natural wastage and redeployment. Cllr Peter Bingham, IW council cabinet member for resources, said the increased efficiency would prepare the council to manage the anticipated reductions in central government funding in the coming years. “The savings will come through better ways of working, savings in the way the council buys goods and services, and the reduced cost of running buildings. “The transformation programme is essential to the development of the council over the next few years into a more responsive and focused organisation able to deliver improved services while at the same time reducing costs. “This is an important time for the council and one that
will see large-scale changes to way it does business to meet the needs of the Island. “This programme also forms a key part of the council’s energy savings plan as more efficient ways of working will make a major contribution towards our carbon savings targets.”
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NEWS
TWO CAR COWES CRASH
POLICE are investigating a two car crash in Cowes which left a female driver needing hospital treatment. The accident happened on Place Road shortly after 6.15pm last Sunday (November 7). The collison involved a silver Renault and a blue Vauxhall
Vectra. It is thought a rear wheel came off one of the vehicles causing the driver to lose control and hit the other car. Firefighters attended the scene along with an ambulance and a female driver of one of the vehicles was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
THEATRES MAY BE SHUT IN JANUARY
CONTROVERSY is again mounting about the future of Ryde and Shanklin Theatres. Promoters have been told that no bookings are to be considered after the middle of January and there are worries that both venues might close. Cllr David Pugh said: “The IW Council’s cabinet was due to consider a paper about the future of both Ryde and Shanklin Theatres on Tuesday November 17. I asked for this paper to deferred to allow for further detailed debate and consultation with local community representatives and groups. It will now be considered by the cabinet on the January 19, 2010. Unless there are new and robust proposals coming forward before then it is likely that a recommendation for closure will be presented to this meeting. “We have asked IW councillors to undertake
work with their local communities before January to bring forward such proposals. I am already working with my fellow councillors in the Bay Area, and I know that Ryde members are doing the same. I am determined that we find a long-term solution for both venues that will secure their futures. “The reality is that in the current economic climate – where our increasingly limited resources have to be focused on core services such as schools, roads and social care – the IW Council cannot maintain an open-ended commitment to funding arts-related activity on the scale we have been. Of course we wish to see the theatres continue, but we need to look at alternative ways in which this can be done – and we will support local communities in enabling this to happen.”
ENDEAVOUR AWARD FOR PCSO
POLICE Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tracy Hinde from the Newport North Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been presented with an ‘Endeavour’ award during this year’s Pan Neighbourhood Partnership community awards evening. The ‘Endeavour’ award recognizes the hard work and commitment that is put in to keeping the neighbourhood safe. PCSO Hinde’s regular beat is the Pan area, where he works closely with the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership on a range of projects to prevent crime and improve the quality of life for residents. The amount of recorded crime in Pan between the start of April and the end of October this year has fallen by 81 offences compared to the same period in 2008. Initiatives this year have
focused on helping children and teenagers avoid the risks of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, and reinforcing crime prevention advice and technology for residents. This involved PCSO Hinde and his colleague PC Keith Haywood visiting households with Pan Neighbourhood wardens to distribute packs of SmartWater, which is a liquid that can be used to mark property. SmartWater warning signs were installed in the community in February (featured in The Gazette) as part of a project led by the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership, Newport North SNT and the IW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. PCSO Hinde also likes to maintain an active presence in the neighbourhood through regular foot and
cycle patrols and makes regular visits to local schools and the Pan Youth Club. PCSO Hinde said: “I’m honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from the community. It’s important to emphasise the team work with residents that makes the difference. I’m passionate about the people who live on my beat, and I’d like to thank all those I work with regularly for supporting a combined effort, which is changing the perceptions of the Pan neighbourhood for the better. “I always try to have a positive and compassionate attitude, which was instilled in me by my first Sergeant, the late Penny Deacon, whose leadership I still hold close to my heart.” He continued: “My intention now is to further develop and cement working relations with residents,
particularly families and children. The police remain committed to keeping a cap on anti-social behaviour, and working more closely with partner agencies to maintain a reassuring police presence so residents can feel confident when reporting issues to us.” Pan Neighbourhood Partnership Deputy Manager, Cheryl Snudden, said: “Tracy treats people with the same professionalism and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from. He strikes the balance between being approachable and setting boundaries for those who step out of line.” Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Alan Jameson of Staplers Court, Pan said: “The force of Tracy’s personality means he can talk with anybody, and has gained the respect of all ages in the community.”
PCSO Tracy Hind
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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NEWS
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UPGRADE OUR GATEWAY A GROUP of Ryde business owners are leading a campaign for an area of the town described as ‘a blot on the landscape’ to be given an urgent facelift, writes Peter White. They are calling for the IW Council, rail authorities and Southern Vectis to join forces to revamp an eyesore region of Ryde from the bottom of Union Street across the Esplanade and around the train and bus station. Many have spent large sums of money on their businesses to improve the shopping and general services available for Islanders and visitors alike. But they feel they are being short-changed because of the shabby surroundings of what they believe should be an inviting ‘Gateway to the Island’. Ironically, the council’s multi-million pound ‘Ryde Gateway Project’ was shelved earlier this year because of rising costs. But £1.5million was set aside to enhance the general area, and shop owners now want to see the council move swiftly a complete a revamp in time for the start of the tourist season next Easter. Their campaign is being backed by IW council vicechairman Ian Stephens, who represents Ryde West.
He has met members of the Ryde Business Association to help draw up an improvement blueprint. Cllr Stephens said: “This is an ideal opportunity to improve the general area at the shore end of Ryde Pier, and we as a council should be supporting this in the best way we can. “Ryde’s future is its history, and it is important this area of the town we are talking about is upgraded in a manner that would show how
it used to be in the 1950s and 60s. If you like, we need to go backwards to go forward.” Cllr Stephens continued: “The finances are available so I would like to see this work carried out sooner rather than later. We don’t want survey after survey, and we don’t want to spend five months talking and another three years to get things done. There is no reason why everything can’t be in place by Easter. “You don’t get two
chances on projects like this so we need to take this opportunity and move forward on it positively and quickly.” C l l r Stephens and shop owners agree it w o u l d not cost fortunes to put their thoughts and ideas into place. Paul Wyatt, vice chairman of the Ryde Business Association pointed
out: “Union Street has come alive over the past few years. “Unfortunately the area around Ryde Esplanade rail station remains a blot on the landscape. We don’t want endless meetings with the IW council, we just want to get things moving to improve that piece of Ryde.” Mr Wyatt, who is co-director of Jaks Hair and Beauty in Union Street, continued: “If the council have £1.5million available then there is no point in further delays. We are not asking them to undertake a multi-million pound project, but just make these funds available to enhance the area. “People have invested by opening new businesses in Ryde, now we want the council to reciprocate with an upgrade. We have London Transport trains here on the Island, and Ryde has a Victorian station, so we already have great history. “It just n e e d s t h i n g s like the wrought i r o n railings to be painted and the interesting lighting that already exists to be enhanced. I would also like to see Tourist Board facilities and maybe even a museum in
“You don’t get two chances on projects like this.”
the buildings around the bus and train station area, and things like that could be done without spending a fortune.” Heather MacDougall, owner of the IW Natural Candle Co in Union Street is also firmly behind an upgrade. She said: “I have customers coming over regularly from the mainland because they like the shops in Ryde. They come and spend the day in the town, but unfortunately what they first see when they step off the Hover or the train at Ryde Esplanade is appalling. “We need to make the area more warm and welcoming. It just needs someone with a bit of vision. If the council are not going to bother, then what’s the point of us bothering? “With the facilities that already exist in a Victorian seaside town it would be easily to theme it with such things as a “Welcome to the Isle of Wight” sign, flower beds, good signposts and a general upgrade.” Cllr Stephens has informed council leader David Pugh of his meeting with Ryde business owners, and is now urging council cabinet member Edward Giles to talk to colleagues to try to get the project off the ground as quickly as possible.
MATTRESS CELL FIRE AT CRIMINAL DAMAGE PARKHURST PRISON TO SHANKLIN SHOP
AN INMATE had to be rescued from his prison cell by prison officers after starting a fire. Firefighters from Newport were called to HMP Parkhurst in Clissold Road, Newport at about 1.50pm on Saturday. Two firefighters entered the prison cell and removed a burnt mattress and ventilated the cell and the fire was brought under control by 2.20pm. “It wasn’t necessary to evacuate any other prisoners as the fire was contained in the cell,” said a prison spokesperson. “One prisoner was removed by officers. The incident has been referred to the police. There was no disruption to the prison routine.”
POLICE are investigating a report of criminal damage at a shop in Shanklin High Street. Windows were smashed at M & M Wardle newsagents at approximately 12.45am on the morning of Monday, November 9. Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) officers were on the scene within five minutes of the crime being reported. Bill Pinnell, the Eastern Sector Inspector for the IW Safer Neighbourhoods teams, said: “Police are keen to trace a person seen running along Steephill Road in Shanklin shortly after the damage was reported. “The suspect was described as a white male, wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, and a black rucksack on his back. Officers are making forensic, house-to-house and
CCTV enquiries in the area. “I would like to thank members of the public who have given information to the police already, and we are encouraging anyone with further details or who may have noticed anyone acting suspiciously in Shanklin High Street late on Sunday night or the early hours of Monday morning to make contact.” Inspector Owen Kenny of the IW Public Protection Unit, added: “Officers are aware that the owners of the damaged shop are Asian. There is no evidence at this time to confirm a racially aggravated motive for this damage, or any links to other offences. However, if a victim believes a crime is racially aggravated, the police will treat it seriously in accordance with a high set of
standards. “Very few hate crimes happen on the Island, but officers take a zero tolerance stance whenever they are reported. There is a dedicated IW Public Protection Unit that includes a specialist team of officers with experience in overseeing successful investigations into these types of offences. Safer Neighbourhoods teams also meet with community groups regularly to support mutual understanding and respect between people of different generations and backgrounds.” People with information can phone the Shanklin Safer Neighbourhoods team at Shanklin Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
OLD AND NEW ON THE RAILS
WIGHT Model Railway Group reported a good turnout for their annual exhibition at Medina Leisure Centre last weekend, with just short of 1000 people through the door. This was the fifth time that the group has met at Medina Leisure Centre, although they previously met at various locations around the Island. The group is the largest model railway group on the Island with over 50 members. Exhibition Manager Clifford Reed helped to work on the Beaminster layout that was based within fictional West County/Dorset type of scenery. “Various club members worked on it and Beaminster has taken two to two and a half years,” said Mr. Reed. “There were four layouts
from members of the Wight Model Railway Group and five visiting layouts. “Haysden from Kent did a wintery scene with snow and there were two very nice Victorian timescale layouts modelled on the London to Brighton S. Coast railway. Two modern image layouts portrayed railways of today with modern stock and modern diesel stock units. “I think model railways are becoming more popular. The traditional hobbies are coming back – people are building things,” said Mr Reed who also works as a signalman for Island Line. Wight Model Railway Group meets twice a week in Wootton and if you would like to join or need further details call Clifford Reed on 856189.
Jack Richard
Railway enthusiasts including Paul Bridgewater, Adam Bridgewater and Thomas Lake
JOINT INTERNATIONAL AWARD
INTERNATIONAL Coordinators Julie Tortajada from Mayfield Middle School and Pat Suttmann from Ryde High School attended a high-profile ceremony in London on October 16, where they both received the full International School Award, presented by broadcaster and journalist George Alagiah. In order to achieve the award at the two schools, students were involved in a range of international activities including a joint project on Bangladesh. Miss Tortajada travelled to Bangladesh as part of the British Council funded project in February and students at Mayfield and Ryde High have been exchanging information about their different cultures. This project will continue for another two years. Other projects at Ryde High included two Comenius projects involving Spain, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Romania, France, Austria and Sweden about Healthy Living and Stereotypes. Students also took their Global Rock performance to Germany and were involved in a project with Qatar, comparing the environment they live in with that of the desert state. The school started an international project group as part of its enrichment programme and invited its feeder middle schools up for language taster sessions. It also had a Science project with Germany about alternative energy and recycling. Mayfield pupils in Year eight and two classes in Year six had been writing
to pen pals in Bangladesh while Year 7 pupils wrote to pen pals in Austria. Those projects allow pupils to compare and appreciate each other’s culture as well as their own. In May 2009, 52 Year eight pupils went to Normandy in France and visited historical places such as Omaha beach and Mont St Michel. Throughout the year, Mayfield has also welcomed foreign visitors to speak in assemblies ranging from Canadian and Finnish ice-hockey players to an American student and five teachers from Bangladesh. Pupils in various year groups have also attended Chinese workshops, language taster sessions at Ryde High School and a French play based on The Three Musketeers while a selected few took part in a
Mongolian Yurt project at Medina High School. John Rolfe, Manager, DCSF International School Award at the British Council said “Many congratulations and many thanks on your well-deserved success in being accredited with the Award. The rich range of work you are doing in the school and across your larger community to support and encourage global citizens with a greater understanding of the world around them is truly fantastic. The international dimensions of teaching and learning have been at the heart of the work of the British Council for 75 years and to receive the Award in its 10th anniversary year is a special cause for celebration”
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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NEWS FESTIVAL RUMOURS
IW FESTIVAL organizer John Giddings has denied that several top acts have already been lined up for next year’s music extravaganza. Comments have been appearing on internet forums and social networking sites suggesting that Pink, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and The Strokes had been booked to appear at the event at Seaclose Park, Newport. The Gazette spoke to Mr Giddings and asked if the acts had been confirmed. “I have booked no acts yet. I would like them all but they ring no bells with me. I haven’t booked anyone yet but as soon as I do something I well let people know,” said Mr Giddings.
BAILIFF GETS LOCKED IN
A BAILIFF was left red-faced after he was locked in an office when he went to collect a debt. The bailiff who works for the Marston Group referred to himself as ‘Mr Bailiff’ was collecting a non-payment for a parking fine at Follie-A-Deu in Spithead business Centre, Sandown.
Mr Bailiff managed to explain through the window how he was attempting to collect a payment from a debtor, who said he was going out to get the money from his vehicle. The man named locally as 50-year-old Andrew Goodall, let the bailiff in before slamming and locking the door and jumping in
his car and ramming the bailiff’s vehicle before driving off. Police attended to try and release Mr Bailiff from the office, before a keyholder was found to release the man. A police spokesman said: “Police charged a man on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 with false imprisonment and
criminal damage. “Andrew Mark Goodall of Landguard Road, Shanklin, was remanded in custody to appear in court this week.” The charge follows action taken by Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) and PIIT (Prisoner Investigation and Intelligence Team) officers on the Isle of Wight.
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SUCCESS FOR SHORWELL CHRISTMAS MARKET
SHORWELL Christmas Market was so popular last Saturday that they ran out of goods to sell. Although the market was scheduled to run until 5pm most of the items had been snapped up by 4.15pm. “It went very, very well and was more
Gina Cook of Toothfairy Pillows
Left to right: Mation Everitt, Clare Goddard, Brian Drake and Betty Stotesbury A CHRISTMAS Fair at Carisbrooke Priory last Saturday was the first in of what could become an annual occurrence. Volunteers at the Priory, which is totally dependent on voluntary contributions, were bowled over by the interest in the event. “It went very well,” said Betty Stotesbury one of the trustees of the Priory. “It was a new venture for us. We had stalls for crafts and gifts, a fabric stall, books for sale, Christmas flower
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
popular than we thought it would be,” said postmistress and organiser Marian Challoner. “We raised £1,100 for the IW Hospice. “All the villagers made the things we sold: cakes, chutneys, jams, marmalade, mincemeat, and gifts such as lavender bags, wheat bags and wooden candlesticks. A lot of work had been put in and everything as donated – all
the ingredients and the finished products. “We offered teas and coffees and mince pies and scones – again all made and donated. We also had a mystery parcel stall and £1 was charged per parcel with each containing more than £1 worth of gifts ” said Mrs Challoner. “We also had a very good raffle and people were very generous with prizes.” Organised by Mrs Challoner with the help of
Mary Waters, Pat Groves and Winnie Rome
Hilda Arnold with Harvey Holt
FIRST CHRISTMAS FAIR FOR PRIORY
arranging demonstrations and Christmas card making demonstrations.” Light lunches were supplied and cakes and hot drinks were available. Home made cakes, chutneys and jams were also on sale. The Priory is a beautiful old building, behind Carisbrooke Castle, originally built for a Catholic community of nuns in 1866. In April 1993, the recently formed Carisbrooke Priory Trust purchased the freehold of St Dominic’s Priory, which was a key step
in the fulfilling of a vision, given to Mrs Helen Rawlings some 25 years before. Having suffered with a serious mental illness for many years, Helen Rawlings believed that during a time of prayer, the Lord Jesus Christ promised to heal her. Shortly after she was taken in a dream, westwards from Camberley where she was living at the time and shown a large Victorian House from the back and just above roof height. Together with her late
the village, the Christmas Market is usually part of the Barton Manor Christmas Market but they decided to go it alone this year. As £300 to £350 is usually raised, this was obviously a good move. “The hall was full and people came from all over the Island,” said Mrs Challoner. “It was a brilliant atmosphere and it was so friendly. Everyone just gave up their time to help.”
husband John, an Anglican priest, they began a ministry with Christian prayer to many people suffering mental and emotional problems. Affirmed as Apostolates by Bishop Morris Maddocks, this ministry grew under the auspices of the Acorn Christian Healing Trust (now the Acorn Healing Christian Foundation). All the time they expected one day to find the house in their dreams, becoming the centre of this much needed ministry. John
and Helen also believed it should provide short-term residence, especially for those seeking to rehabilitate their lives after many years of mental illness. From the day the Priory reopened its doors, the Carisbrooke Priory Trust has sought to fulfil this vision. Soon after buying the Priory, the ministry was given the name ‘The Open Door’, which describes what it is called first to be - an accessible place of welcome and safety for all who are drawn there. The door
Left to right: Rev. Chris Lane, Brian Drake and Brenda Drake is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, significantly, at times when most churches are locked so that people who might otherwise seek help there have somewhere else to go. On Thursdays at 12 noon a service of worship is held, on the first of each month this being Communion. Each service is followed by a time of prayer ministry, with the team in the Chapel. On the first Saturday of each month a coffee morning is held from 10am till 12 noon.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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GOLD TOP MILKMAN RON
Milkman Ron Morton
IT WAS the day after England won the world cup in 1966 that Ron Morton began his milk round for Island Dairies. But now it’s time to call an end to his days as a milkman as after 43 years he is about to retire as the oldest running employee for the company – now called Dairy Crest. Ron began his round on that fateful Sunday morning at 4am and has been working shifts from around 2.15am till noon or 1pm, six days a week. “In the early days we worked seven days a week but now we don’t work on Sundays,” said Ron who has always been on the same route around the Victoria Avenue area. ‘The number of customers has gone down, but the round has enlarged in area,” said Ron. “Now around 25 per cent of homes have milk delivered but it used to be about 95 per cent. “I’ve known quite a few of my customers for many
years: Mrs Stallard at Upper Hyde Farm, Mrs York in Victoria Avenue and Mrs Butcher in Westhill Road. Some of those I’ve served and now I serve their children. “They say, “Do you remember when I was young and I used to go on your milkfloat.” You can’t do that now because of health and safety,” said Ron. Ron drives an electric milk float with a top speed of “20mph going down hill, but an average of 6 or 7mph.” As for funny stories Ron remembered that one of his customers once locked herself out of her bungalow. At 6’4” Ron had to take off his clothes off to squeeze in through a small kitchen window and then let her in through the front door. “A month later she did exactly the same thing. It was cheaper than getting a locksmith,” reckoned Ron who told her that this was definitely the last time he’d be helping her out.
“I’ll miss the customers. I’ll miss their company. My mind wants to carry on but my body says no,” said Ron. “I wanted a quiet send off but one of my customers rang IW Radio. “I’ve got nothing planned. I haven’t had a Christmas off for 43 years so we’ll have Christmas and then decide what to do. My wife Marie
retired last summer – she was a part time cleaner at Broadlea School. Ron, who will be 64 in January, leaves his job on November 28. “I’d like to thank all of my customers for their loyalty over the years and I’ll be missing you all,” said Ron. “John Ford will be taking over at the end of November.”
Ron Morton hands over the reigns to John Ford
STRIPPING PERMITTED AT EX-BRITISH LEGION CLUB
The pupils of Ryde High School
The premises in Orchard Street, AN EX-ROYAL British Legion Club in Newport has been will be turned into Club Phoenix granted a licence to become a after officers issued a licence using delegating powers. pole dancing club.
AMAZING BLAST FOR RYDE
STUDENTS at Ryde High School were given the opportunity to get creative with BBC Blast through a series of workshops held at the school on Friday November 6, ahead of the BBC Blast on Tour event being staged on the Isle of Wight on November 11, 12 and 13. BBC Blast is all about inspiring young people to feel confident and get creative. Designed for 13-19 year olds, students were able to gain new
By Tia Pennant-Lewis, Abigail Turner, Briony Chetter and Lisa Dyer (A2 Media Students at Ryde High School)
creative skills, showcase their own work and find out more about working in the industry. Students were guided by the BBC Blast staff through workshops on radio and film/video, using all the latest technologies to gain hands on experience of current production
methods. From the comfort of the BBC Blast Tour bus, students were then able to edit and add effects to their media product using the state of the art facilities on board. This was an amazing opportunity for Ryde High media students; proving that with the rights knowledge, skills and equipment you can produce quality media products in a limited time. As well as the event, the team also explained
how everyone can get involved with BBC Blast independently on their website, bbb.co.uk/blast, by uploading media products including music, dance, fashion items, games, writing and films. Despite the BBC Blast team always being on the road, touring around the UK, they were an inspiration to all the students involved and it was clear they were dedicated about providing young people with this unique experience.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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AWARDS FOR VECTIS
THE ANNUAL awards presentation for the Vectis Corps of Drums was at Downside Middle School this week. Everyone received an award with merit awards for younger members and service medals for older members of the band. Band Master, Andy Gustar, read out the certificates to be awarded and dignitaries presenting the awards included the High Sheriff, Gay Edwards
and Chairman of the British Legion (Newport and Carisbrooke Branch) Ray Flux. ‘We are very pleased to be affiliated to the Royal British Legion, Newport and Carisbrooke Branch,” said Andy Gustar who received a long service medal for 15 years with the Corps. Other long service medals went to Simon Tutton and Melanie McKenzie, both for 15 years service and
Jennie Bond, Kerry Gustar, Nicola Tutton, Jason Monk and Steven Thompson each for 10 years service. “It was the best awards ceremony we’ve ever done with a lot of new younger members who are really keen which is lovely,” said secretary Steve Tutton. “We’re known as a younger children’s and we meet once a week at Downside Middle School for a two and a half hour band practice.” “Children from seven
and a half can join the band and they don’t need musical ability,” said Andy Gustar. “We have a range of instruments and we try to teach co-ordination, team work, self discipline and mutual respect – things that are missing nowadays.” The Vectis Corps of Drums are involved in fundraising throughout the Island for the Hospice and Air Ambulance at local fetes, fairs and carnivals.
ISLE OF WHITE CHRISTMAS? THERE could be a white Christmas after all for one of the Island’s towns after The Gazette helped persuade phone giants Nokia into a re-think over a festive competition. The Finnish based company has organized a competition so the most voted-for town of city in Britain will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, Father Christmas, reindeer and fake snow. But Nokia excluded the Island from taking part, claiming the logistics and cost of transporting around eight tonnes of artificial
snow across the Solent ruled out the chance of any of our towns ending up the winner. That is when The Gazette stepped in to help persuade Nokia to change their minds. We contacted Wightlink Ferries to enquire how much it would cost to bring the fake snow over here. A Wightlink spokesman explained: “We charge by length of vehicle rather than weight. But I would guess that eight tonnes of artificial snow would fit into a 10-metre lorry, and that would cost £206.65 plus VAT for the return
journey. “If they went up to a 12-metre vehicle the cost would be £285.01 plus VAT return. That doesn’t sound too much for a company like Nokia to fork out.” We emailed those comments, as well as our thoughts to Ingrid Peura, Nokia’s Head of Communications, Europe, and within hours the phone company had completed a U-turn. Rather than be snowed under by complaints from angry Islanders, Nokia have set up a special email address for residents to enter the favourite town in
the competition. But there is no time to waste, as the competition closes on Monday (Nov 16). Currently Worthing and Newbury are in the lead for the southern region. So if you want reindeer in Ryde, Santa in Sandown, snow in Shanklin or even Nokia in Newport get voting. Nokia say that if enough people email their name, town (include Isle of Wight) and a mobile telephone number, there is still a chance of a festive feast on the Island. Votes should be sent to iowxmas@ovi.com as soon as possible.
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NEWS Does your lawn need Hollow-Tine Aeration or Scarifying? For a free no obligation quote ring Mike on:
01983 867 272 M: 07711 012 814 Zoe Kingston Trio Available for Xmas & New Years Parties, functions etc. Tel: 404560 or 07980210796
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BARELY BORN BEAR DAY
CHRISTINE PIKE and Suzi James made rare guest appearances to meet and greet teddy bear collectors at a signing event, from 11am-3pm at Koko’s Bear Shop last weekend. Each brought with them an exclusive collection of bears made especially for Koko’s, to sign for fans on the day. There were also huge bargains to be had in the one-day Steiff sale and even free chocolate teddies for all visitors. Funds raised on the day have been donated to the local Barely Born Appeal at St Mary’s Hospital. A raffle was also drawn for a very special prize - “Tinker”, a one-of-a-kind design by Bearly There Bears - which raised over £50 for the appeal. Owner, Kelly Wavell, said: “It was a fantastic turn out. The signing was well supported. It was a really exciting day and a great opportunity for bear lovers on the Island to meet each other. Special events like these are so important for connecting artists with collectors and sharing a passion for teddy bears. There really is nothing quite like being able to see and touch the bears and talk to the artists who made them.” Both Christine Pike and Suzi James have also designed for Charlie Bears, in their 2009 and 2007 collections respectively. Koko’s is the Isle of Wight’s only Charlie Bears Best Friends Store as well as the artists’ own hand-made hugs. Several of their Charlie Bears designs were in store on Saturday and they welcomed customers to bring their own in for signing too.
Left to right: Christine Pike, Suzie James and Kelly Wavell
MEASURES TO FOIL SWINE FLU A BRIEFING was held for media professionals on Swine Flu this week to talk about the Island Resilience Forum that has been formed. Chaired by Andy Hollebon, Head of Communications at St Mary’s Hospital Trust, the speakers were Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Adviser for the Island and Dr Paul Bingham, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Communicable Disease Control along with Ian Collins and Darren Steed from the Emergency Planning team at Isle of Wight Council. With the likelihood of a second wave of Swine Flu spreading across the UK and the arrival of the vaccines over the coming weeks the Island’s health service and council have
been drawing up plans for coping with another outbreak. Over the last four weeks the number of cases has increased – last week seventy anti-virals were picked up from Island chemists. And the city of Southampton, where there are spotter GP practices, has moved from ninth to second in the league tables. On the other hand there were 137 cases of influenza-like illness reported on the Island last week - well below the height of the last wave of swine flu in the summer, which at its height reached 438 cases reported. The number of people picking up Tamiflu is creeping up again. Vaccines are available for high-risk categories, which include pregnant women and asthma sufferers. Figures show that young children and people are more at risk. Darren Steed said that the business community had been Paul Bingham and Dr Jennifer Smith doing pandemic planning for a year to make sure that throughout schools and colleges. The health businesses have a response plan to put in protection agency make the decision whether to action in the event of a severe outbreak. to close a school,” said Jenifer Love. “The “Workshops are available to businesses advice is to keep schools open particularly from the council,” said Darren. “There is no because of the knock on effects. significant impact but we are still monitoring “All of us would be more than happy if it.” we didn’t have to put these measures into “When it takes hold it spreads really quickly operation,” she added.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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THE GAZETTE Probably the cheapest newspaper advertising on the Island
TEL: 402599
WAR ASSEMBLY FOR DAME VERA Dame Vera Lynn in Priory School’s war assembly DAME Vera Lynn was at the Priory School on Armistice Day to talk to the children in their War assembly. Earlier in the day she had been to a special Remembrance Day service at St Saviour on the Cliff church in Shanklin hosted by Priory School, Shanklin, and Forelands Middle School, Bembridge, where her step great grandchildren are educated. War assemblies have been held at the school
as part of Priory School’s history studies this term and the room has been made into a ‘war room’. At the beginning of the assembly an air raid siren sounded and Dame Vera, 92, looked a little worried. “When the war first started I thought, “There goes my career. I’ll be in a factory making something.” Little did I know how important entertainment would be,” Dame Vera told the children and invited
Dame Vera Lynn with Priory School Principal Edmund Matyjasek
BY JO MACAULAY guests. “They closed the theatres at the beginning of the war and radio was the form of entertainment. But people discovered entertainment was going to be important to the morale of everyone and they re-opened the theatres,” she explained. “The production I was in moved to the London Palladium from the Holborn Empire. After they moved us I had an Austin 10 with a canvas roof and I used to have to carry a tin hat for shrapnel if there was an air raid. “I used to have to drive home in the dark and I was flagged down by a young man and he asked me if I could take him home. And was able to take him right to his door. In those days there wasn’t the fear about those sort of things. “A producer came to me and said he’d like to do a programme with me. And I said I’d like to do 15 minutes and they gave me 30 minutes – it was called ‘Sincerely Yours’.”
Dame Vera Lynn with her step great granddaughter and Priory School pupil Lucy Challis This programme then went on to be a popular way of sending messages to British troops serving abroad. Dame Vera and a quartet would perform songs most requested by the soldiers. Dame Vera told the children about how people used to listen to the BBC in hayricks in the occupied countries. “They’d rig up the radios in the hayricks and everyone would be inside listening because if they
were caught they used to be shot. And a man used to have to pedal a bicycle to keep the batteries going,” she explained. Mr Matyjasek, principal of the Priory School, played a recording of Dame Vera singing her famous number ‘We’ll Meet Again’. “This is an old recording,” said Dame Vera. “I used to sing it on stage before the war as well,” and she joined in the chorus with students and guests.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
THOSE LOST AND THOSE
St Thomas Square
George Brown and David Pugh
Left to right: Edward Wood, Merchant Navy, Fred Brown, Brookwood last post, Barry Price, Royal Engineers and John Matthews, Burma Star
REMEMBRANCE Day parades were held throughout the day last Sunday with members of World War II, the Gulf Wars and the current war in Afghanistan in the crowd and within the processions. In Newport the County Parade was held at the minster, St Thomas’s Church and was preceded by a march from Drill Hall Road. Led by the Vectis Marching Band who were followed by the Royal British Legion standard bearers the march included veterans, the IW Fire Service, the IW Ambulance Service, IW and Hampshire Police Service, Royal Hampshire Regiment, Royal British Legion, and Royal Engineers, army cadets, Air Training Corps, Red Cross and members of St John’s Ambulance. Moving down the High Street, just before turning into St Thomas’s Square the Queen’s representative on the Island Major General, the Lord Lieutenant Martin White took a salute along with the President of the Royal British Legion David Langford, Chair of the IW Council Arthur
Taylor, MP Andrew Turner and High Sheriff Gay Edwards. A short Act of Remembrance was then held at the war memorial where wreaths were laid. Then Archdeacon Caroline Baston conducted a service in St Thomas’s, and David Langford and Maj Gen Martin White read lessons. “The parade was incredibly well supported - even more so in the last three to five years since youngsters are being lost in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Maj Gen White. “I’m really pleased to see how many young people attend – not just those in uniform. There were also many families with young children. There were more people than ever this year and it was really gratifying.” During the first Gulf War (1990/91) Maj. Gen. Martin White commanded the logistic effort in support of UK ground forces for which he was awarded the CBE. Amongst the veterans in the march was Major John Matthews (87) who is the last surviving member of the Burma Star. “When you go home, tell them
of us, and say for their tomorrows we gave our todays,” said Major Matthews. Craig Coombs who is a fundraiser for the National Gulf War Veterans and Families Association (NGVFA) was in his desert combat uniform for the Newport procession and then joined the remembrance parade in Ryde as well. “I’m here to raise awareness for the charity’s fundraising branch which has just been rebranded ‘Forgotten Heroes’. ‘Help for Heroes’ only contribute to everything post 9/11, they refuse to help pre 9/11 vets,” said Craig who served in the first Gulf War between December 1990 and April 1991. “I’ve got around 9,000 people on facebook and have managed to get funds to help our members,” said Craig. “There are between 12 and 15 Gulf War veterans on the Island. It would be nice to know all the people who did serve in the first Gulf War – they may not be aware of the facilities that are open to them.”
Archdeacon Caroline Boston
St John’s Ambulance
“Remember the love of them who came not home from the wars” Sandown War Memorial
Craig Coombes
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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REMEMBERED - NEWPORT
BY JASON KAY
RAF (ATC) Air Cadets
Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White
MP Andrew Turner with dignitaries
IW Fire Service standard bearer with Fire Chief Paul Street
Army Cadets
Standard Bearers
“When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today” Major John Matthews, last surviving member of the Burma Star army
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
REMEMBRANCE AT VENTNOR IT WAS standing room only at St Catherine’s Church in Ventnor with around 250 people attending the 3pm service of Remembrance with Rev. Graham Morris. During the service there was a reading from Mr. Stuart Blackmore vice chairman of the Ventnor branch of the Royal British Legion and later Mr. Barry Croad, chairman of the Legion recited the Kohima. Jessica and Josh Mansell carried the standard for the cubs and beavers who took part in the service. A parade then left the church led by the Wight Diamond Band and Anne William, poppy co-ordinator and standardbearer and Alan Remnant who carried another standard. Jake Bentley carried a standard for the 3rd Ventnor Scouts. Parading Down Park Avenue to the War Memorial by the park, 18 wreaths were laid including
Mayor Chris Welsford at the memorial MCA Coastguard laying a wreath Left to right: Rev. Graham Mons, Rodney Palmer, Sgt. Graham Light and Mayor Chris Welsford. Back: Standard Bearers Alan Remnant and Ann Williams one by Susan Scoccia and another by town mayor Chris Welsford. Denise Tizard played the Last Post and the Reveille and Mr Stuart Blackmore recited the exhortation between the two. Sgt. Graham Light of the
Army Cadet Force gave the commands of the parade. “It was quite a turnout,” said Anne Williams. “It’s become more and more of an event in the past three to four years. I think it’s
because young people are made aware of the war by television reports and it’s also on the curriculum at school. All ages were involved, which was conveyed in the sermon and readings.”
REMEMBRANCE AT LAKE Left to right: Susan Harton of Lake Parish Council, Father John Hibber and Charles Bring of the British Army Association
Wight Diamond marching band
The mayor Chris Wellsford and Ventnor Town Councillors
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REMEMBRANCE AT RYDE IN RYDE a parade of around 200 people left Station Road to process to All Saints Church where two minutes silence was observed. Many Ryde Town Councillors and County Councillor Ian Stephens attended the Remembrance Parade, along with mayor of Ryde, David Woodward. Following a service in the church the procession moved down Lind Street to the
Left to right: Ted Hawkins, Brian May, Jay Bartlet, Ivor Millar, Terri Zeta May of Ryde Army Cadets, Des Hodgson, RBL Standard Bearer Don Bridges, Craig Coombes of the Gulf war veterans and Mike Norman, the Parade Marshall
war memorial. The Last Post and the Reveille were sounded at the war memorial as the Royal British Legion, ex service organisations, cadet units, youth groups and some private individuals, laid wreaths. “There’s a lot more interest and support which has built up over the past few years,” said John Taylor, poppy appeal organiser for the Royal British Legion in Ryde.
Left to right: Don Bridges, Kathy Taylor, Ivor Miller and Ian Stephens
ARMISTICE AT SANDOWN
Robert McAllister in a group photo taken during the war OVER 600 people turned out to pay their respects in Sandown on Remembrance Sunday. Wreaths were laid at the memorial on the Esplanade and a smaller service took place on Armistice Day on
Wednesday (November 11). Val Taylor, Sandown Town Clerk, said: “Our service on Remembrance Sunday was attended by over 600 people which was fantastic. Wreaths
were laid and we had a trumpet player as well. The Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat crew also took a wreath and laid it out at sea. “It was decided by the council this year to have a
trumpet player signalling the start and finish of the moments silence.” Bob Nicholas who used to be in the Royal Artillery Band was the trumpet player for the Armistice Day service.
Left to right: Robert McAllister of the Royal Marines and Bob Nicholas
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
FRIENDLY RETREAT AT THE CRAB
The Crab and Lobster Tap in Ventnor has the oldest licence on the Island and has seen many festivities, and this year new owners Simon and Victoria are looking forward to bringing the Christmas spirit to the pub. A traditional pub with an open fire in the Stables restaurant it’s a
real cosy retreat from the December weather with a friendly welcome and range of warming ales, wines and spirits. The menu at the Crab changes on a monthly basis and the December menu reflects the traditions of Christmas featuring roast glazed turkey with all the trimmings, along with
other wintery favourites. Bookings are now being taken for dinner and private bookings and Simon and Victoria will produce a bespoke party menu if desired. Following on from the success of the their recent Halloween party, the pub is hosting the Crab Christmas party on
22 December with fun, games and music from the Alex and Phil Experience. And to mark the end of 2009 the Crab New Year Party will be a 70’s inspired affair with a retro disco and hopefully lots of stunning 70’s outfits! Simon and Victoria look forward to welcoming you.
TRADITIONAL AND VERY TASTY
If you’ve a business in Shanklin then the Plough and Barleycorn is the ideal choice for your Christmas party. Just around the corner from bustling Regent Street, this pub is now under new ownership. Gillian Bell and her team will be spending their first Christmas in the pub since they re-opened after a full refurbishment on April 6. Having previously run a very popular Island pub, Gillian also has the Fawley Hotel in Shanklin. Pre Christmas lunches and dinners will be on offer from December 1 to Christmas Eve. You can opt for two courses for £12.95 or four courses for only £17.95. Dishes include deep breaded brie or chicken goujons to start and traditional roast turkey, 8oz
sirloin steak, salmon fillet or Mediterranean vegetable tart tatin for main course choices. Choose from a selection of desserts of cheese and biscuits and tea, coffee and warm mince pies if you opt for the four course meal. Christmas Day lunch has five courses and is £48.95. Starters include roasted butternut squash and coconut soup or warm salmon and lobster terrine. Then a palate refresher of Champagne sorbet with winter berries is served. Traditional roast IW turkey or pan fried fillet of IW beef are your main options with baked cod, topped with a citrus and herb crust or a baked pithivier – puff pastry filled with confit potatoes, ratatouille,
buttered spinach and goats cheese served with a herb cream sauce. Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce is a dessert option along with glazed lemon tart and double chocolate mousse cake or cheese biscuits. On New Year’s Eve the pub hosts a disco and fun raffle with buffet and is only £5 per head with adults and children welcome. Tickets must be purchased for this event to ensure entry. A large function room has its own bar and facilities for larger parties of up to 60 people and the whole pub will accommodate up to 120 covers.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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SEAFRONT MEALS AT MILL BAY
The Mill Bay Inn is very keen to stress that it is open for business as usual. The seafront may be shut for refurbishment work but the Mill Bay is taking bookings for Christmas parties and is very much open – and only a short walk from the eastern esplanade car park. And remember that a two for one menu operates all of the time – ideal for these credit crunch times. The Christmas party menu runs from December 1 and three courses are only £13.95. Choose from home made minestrone soup, prawn cocktail or melon boat with raspberry coulis to start, follow up with roast turkey or beef with all the trimmings or sirloin steak chasseur. Vegetarian options are a vegetarian wellington with mushroom sauce or stir fried vegetables in sweet and sour sauce. Sweets include Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, profiteroles with chocolate cream, lemon gateaux
with ice-cream or a selection of ice-creams. The meal is completed by coffee with mints. On Christmas Day the pub is already fully booked but you could join the New Year’s Eve celebrations with a hot and cold buffet and live music by Lucid - Adult £10 and
TO ADVERTISE YOUR XMAS PARTIES & EVENTS E-MAIL JAMIEROLFE@HOTMAIL.COM
OR CALL: 402599
children £7.50. Throughout the season there is also a full menu, children’s menu, a specials board and special offers which are subject to change. The carvery is available on Saturday night and all day Sunday. Call for details on 852892.
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TO ADVERTISE YOUR XMAS PARTIES & EVENTS E-MAIL JAMIEROLFE@HOTMAIL.COM OR CALL: 402599
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO FROM SATURDAY
AT THE BALCONY
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE
ORANGERIES ON OFFER AT TOPLINE WINDOWS
To have your business featured in the Isle of Wight Gazette Telephone Sam Smith now on 402599
Topline Windows are a well established home improvement company who have been improving Island homes for over 25 years. In that time they have built several hundred conservatories. Now they can also offer orangeries. An orangery is more of an extension but with a glass ‘lantern’ roof. Each one is individually designed to complement the specific property. Topline has an in-house groundwork and building team and can offer a choice of building materials and styles. As an example Topline have recently built a new entrance to their showroom in Lake in the form of an orangery. It has a ‘top of the range’ reflective glass self-cleaning roof and is nicely finished off. Calling in would certainly help potential customers plan their specific requirements. Topline’s sales team uses a digital camera as a design tool. They can produce ‘photos’ of proposed conservatories and orangeries on the actual house. Feedback from customers shows that they greatly appreciate this unique service. Topline also supply and fit top specification UPVC windows and doors. Composite front doors, available in various colours and
styles, are proving another popular home improvement as they really look good and need minimum maintenance. Opening times are 8am to 5pm daily and 9am until noon on Saturday.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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AMAZING RANGE AT RAINBOW CARPETS Rainbow Carpets continue to supply excellent value flooring from their warehouse at Lake Industrial way, Sandown. The family-run company pride themselves on providing high standards of quality together with a personal and reliable service. Rainbow Carpets have a wide range of carpets, rugs, vinyl, roll stock and remnants and provide free estimates, advice and home selection service if preferred. They have an excellent selection of vinyl floor coverings to choose from
including Rhinofloor, Tarkett and Leolan. If you prefer the feel of carpet beneath your feet they can advise on the suitability of carpet and provide an excellent fitting service. For those with wooden floors who need a touch of comfort underfoot, Rainbow Carpets stock rugs in various shapes and sizes to suit all needs. You can visit Rainbow Carpets at Unit 6F, Lake Industrial Way, Sandown. Or phone 406055 to arrange a home visit.
ARMOURY OF DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS Drain emergencies can arise at any time and dealing with the impact can be very stressful. If an emergency happens, or if you need drain maintenance services, you want a skilled professional operator who will take the time to help you. Dyno-rod Isle of Wight are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have three well equipped vans to give an Islandwide service. Onboard the distinctive day glo orange vans are a selection of machines to clear blockages from hand machines to high water jets.
Dyno-rod Drain services engineers have an armory of techniques to use to ensure that blockages are not only properly cleared but that they do not re-occur. The engineers have city and guilds training and certification and can identify faults, the best method to cure them and how to prevent further blockages. John Joliffe who has owned the franchise for the past three years has been with the company for 15 years. “We always try to attend within the hour,” said John. “And we are rigorously checked by
and audited by the head office of Dyno-rod. We also adhere in full to the data protection act and are registered data controllers.” Dyno-rod Isle of Wight have a minimum price of £58.95 plus VAT to clear your drain and also offer a 90-day guarantee. They can also do camera surveys to identify the problem and provide full written reports to insurance standards. Drain repairs are to DRB2 standards – the water research council’s national standards.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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APOLLO’S INDIVIDUAL TOUCH
Apollo Isle of Wight is your No 1 choice on the Isle of Wight for blinds, shutters, awnings and canopies. That’s because they offer
the widest selection of Venetian, Vertical, Roller, Roman, Calico, Wooden, Luxaflex®, Velux® and Conservatory blinds anywhere on the island and give you service that is second to none. Choose from their stunning collection books and have your windows measured and your blinds fitted without ever having to step out of your own front door. Just call them today on 01983 402230 to take advantage of their free home consultation and measuring service.
Save money by cutting out the middleman. You deal with the same person throughout, from taking your order to manufacturing and fitting your blinds. Buy your blinds from a business you can trust. Apollo Isle of Wight is an approved member of the Isle of Wight Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme. They’re also your local family business, serving loyal customers in Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Freshwater, Yarmouth, Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Bembridge for more than 18 years. And for that added peace of mind, all their blinds come with a two-year manufacturer-backed guarantee.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
FUNDRAISING FUN FOR LIFEBOAT
MARK BIRCH, coxswain of the Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat, admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and customers at the Mad Cow pub, Shanklin, following a fund-raising weekend. John and Maddie, who run the Mad Cow, organized a series of events that raised a colossal £2,260 for the lifeboat station, a charity which needs in excess of £12,000 a year to keep its boat in the water. Mr. Birch said: “I was amazed by fantastic response from everyone involved. It was a magnificent gesture and it was just great to be there and join in the fun. “The staff and customers worked so hard to raise money for us, and I was overwhelmed
A charity golf tournament took place at Westridge Golf Centre to help raise funds for the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat. The event, organised by the Mad Cow Pub, Shanklin, saw 24 hearty soles up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to head out on to the course in teams of four – after a hearty breakfast at a nearby fast-food outlet.
by the amount that we received.” An aquarium on the bar of the pub – with no fish in it, but with a few rubber ducks included - was used to collect cash donations. And while 24 male golfers were out on the course at Westridge for a nine-hole stableford event, the female regulars were involved in a crazy golf competition. There was also an auction, with the top prize, a pair of VIP tickets for next year’s IW Festival, fetching more than £450. Other fund raising events included a darts tournament, speed pool, and a bullseye challenge. The weekend wound up with a school day themed fancy dress and Robbie Williams tribute act Matt Byrne producing a spectacular finale.
BY JAMIE WHITE A ‘professional’ (well someone who could swing a club and connect with the ball) was paired up with a slightly less experienced ‘amateur’ to play in a nine-hole Stableford format game. The team of James
Summers and Matt Donovan were the eventual winners of the competition with 34 points. Jason Kwan was the leading ‘pro’ scorer with 20 points, but there was some controversy as Mr Kwan forgot to sign his scoreg card. However, it was decided on this occasion to let him off. Matt Smith romped home as top scorer for the amateurs with a tally of 15 points.
The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
It was a beautiful day for the first meet of the Isle of Wight Hunt last Saturday at Westover in Calbourne. Hosted for the second time by the new owners of Westover, Judge John Weeks and his wife Caroline, all the hunt supporters were treated to mulled wine, port, whisky and sausages before they set off. “We hosted it last year in terrible weather so it was nice to have it in good weather,” said Judge Weeks. Master of the Hunt, Malcolm Purcell was very pleased with the turnout and the hospitality. “Everyone had a glass of something. You need a bit of Dutch courage when you’re jumping the fences,” he said. There were 44 mounted riders of mixed age groups and many followers on foot. Guests included members of the Taunton Vale Hunt and Somerset Hunt who borrowed horses from Suzie Sheldon, joint Master of the Hunt, from Kingston Manor. We were trail hunting as within the confines of the law,” said Malcolm. “A rag soaked in aniseed was dragged around the course
from a horse or quad bike before the event. Saturday was a Pernod day.” The hunt followed a course using their National Trust licence and Forestry licence to traverse their lands along with land owned by Todd and Jackie Carder, Paddy Hodgeson and Mr. and Mrs Daws of Combe Farm Brighstone. Out until around 4pm when the light began to fade, there were no problems and no new members to the Tumblers Club – which you join if you fall from your horse. “Tumblers have to put £10 into a fund and get to go to a dinner on April 1,” said Malcolm. A start of season supper was held at the Masonic Hall in Cowes for 120 people. Susie Sheldon supplied the beef that was prepared by Malcolm Purcell’s wife Sandra and his son Nat. Hunting will now carry on twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays until early March – they have to stop when the lambs start to arrive. There will be a hunt on Boxing Day, meeting at Carisbrooke Castle at noon and one on New Year’s Day from Gotten Leaze in Calbourne at noon.
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FEATURE
GOOD START FOR HUNTING SEASON
Rick Dolphin and Malcolm Purcell
Romiley Weeks
Rick Dolphin
Malcolm Purcell, John Weeks with tray
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Debbie Cotton
Sally Ann Stay
Nick Ward
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
NEW YORK SHOW FOR DAVE AND ROB Dave Cass and Rob Tims, from the Isle of Wight Road Runners, recently travelled over to the Big Apple to compete in the New York marathon. An impressive field of 43,741 dedicated runners started out on the course, with an amazing 43,475 finishing the race. This included 12 runners who were over 80 years old, running in humidity levels of 49 per cent. David and Rob both put in terrific performances, with Rob home first in a time of three hours 31 minutes, giving him a very creditable finish in 5,592nd place. Dave’s preparation had been hampered by a leg injury in the weeks leading up to the race and things were going well up to the seven mile point, when the problem flared up again. He
decided to continue to the end, still recording a good time of four hours 13 minutes, which gave him a top half finish of 19,851st place. Closer to home, the Road Runners have recently started their winter series of nominated club runs over various distances. The winner is decided by whoever is closest on the night to their nominated time. Points are awarded to determine the overall winner at the end of the series. With a number of runners being within a minute of their nominated time, the winner was new club member Karen Hughes at one second, with Pete Wilmott at three and Dave Khan at 13 close behind. Quickest on the night was Paul Cameron in 20 minutes five seconds.
Dave Cass
TALE OF TWO HALVES PRESIDENT STEF
THE Hurricanes second team travelled to Alton for a friendly fixture and came back with a resounding 33-19 victory. Sandown had an unbalanced side with no fewer than 13 forwards in the starting line up, many playing out of position. But it was Alton that dominated the early play with the online Sandown prop John Buckingham starting well. Buckingham gave his Sandown colleague prop Mike King a tough afternoon and the hosts scored two tries. Sandown played sporadic good bits of rugby and scored
a try through Henry Bagnell after a rolling maul got to the line and he dived over. Losing 12-5 at half time, some honest words were required from stand in skipper Nick Heelan and some of the senior players. The second half was a different matter as the Hurries started to play some good periods of sustained rugby, Dave Woolfendon and flanker Ben Kuelik making numerous covering tackles, before Woolfendon left the field with a broken nose sustained in a tackle. The BJ Meats man of the match Harrison Booth scored two tries and was a constant
threat. Wightlink man of the match, second row Sam Flux, took on kicking duties in the absence of Edmonson and he slotted over four out of five conversions, as well as operating well at the line out and in open play. As the Hurricanes took control further tries came from full back Steve Routledge who had a simple catch and put down to score, before Nick Heelan jinked through two defenders to score under the posts. The Hurries are back in league action this weekend when they travel to Winchester to play Winchester seconds.
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LEADS THE WAY
Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club president Stef Brochocki showed the rest the way round in atrocious conditions to win Division One of the November Monthly Medal. Stef, playing off eight, carded a nett 69 to beat Roy George by one shot, although Greg Hammond took the scratch honours
with a gross 75. Ashley Palmer (74) won Division Two, beating Trevor Mitchell on countback. Greg Hammond also won the junior stableford with 41 points, ahead of Joseph Goodey who carded 38. Gwynn White took the honours in the Seniors’ Monthly Stableford with 37 points, beating
Richard Hodges on countback. Tony Keohan was the clear winner of Division Two with 40 points, ahead of Mike Cooper (38). Mike Fisher scored 42 points to win Division One of the Open Stableford, ahead of Paul Butler (39), and Derek Brown and William Mack (37). Division Two was much tighter with Tim
Ellis edging home on 38 points, ahead of William Humphries, Les Means and Aidan Calder all on 37. Christine Smith was the winner of the Ladies’ Monthly Stableford, combined with the June Hyett Trophy. Christine finished with 35 points, no fewer than nine ahead of runner-up Jackie Stephen.
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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CHEQUE FOR ELLEN’S CHARITY
By Peter White
Triple Olympic gold medal winning sailor Ben Ainslie has presented a cheque for more than £17,000 to the Islandbased Ellen MacArthur Trust. The money was raised during the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island race last June, an event which remains one of the world’s largest and most famous yacht races. As the 1,779 boats and 16,000 sailors crossed the start line to compete in the 55 mile yacht race, 100 yellow jersey-wearing cyclists from the J.P. Morgan Bournemouth office , along with some colleagues from London, started their own 65-mile course around the island. Their challenge was to beat the fastest of the boats in the race including 48 of their colleagues who were racing around the Island on four Clipper yachts, and an amazing £17,366 was raised. It was the fourth year running that J.P.Morgan Bournemouth staff have completed the cycle challenge for The Trust, raising more than £45,000 in the process! Ben was third across the finish line on board an Extreme 40, one
of the fastest and most extreme boats taking part. But for once he did not take the honours. Due to lights winds he finished three hours behind the cyclists! The Ellen MacArthur Trust takes young people aged eight to 18 on sailing trips to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses. Only recently a Round Britain adventure was completed with round-theworld yachtswoman Dame Ellen at the helm for several legs of the journey. Ben said: “It’s great that these funds can go to such a worthwhile charity, which boosts the lives of young people in recovery from cancer through the sport of sailing.” Ellen MacArthur Trust CEO Frank Fletcher said: “On behalf of The Ellen MacArthur Trust, I would like to say a huge thanks to all the staff from J.P .Morgan Bournemouth office who took part in their very own Round the Island Race - on bikes rather than boats! The funds they raised will make an incredible difference to The Trust and enable us to take even more young people with cancer and leukaemia sailing.”
Andy Graham, Dorcas Williams, Ben Ainslie, Tony Foster, Steve Moss, Sally Newell, Nigel Ball, Frank Fletcher CEO Ellen MacArther Trust
SMART NEW LOOK FOR RUGBY TEAM
By Jamie White
The U15s rugby team at Sandown High School has received a boost from Cowes based technology company Vikoma, after they agreed to sponsor and buy new rugby shirts for the school. The team is currently enjoying success in two tournaments, one being a national competition sponsored by the Daily Mail. And after some good performances, they are now down to the last 64 in the country. Their next round fixture sees them
travel to Hounsdown School in Totton. On Tuesday, the team travelled to Southampton to face Brookfield Community School in the Hampshire Cup. Donning their smart new shirts, the team managed to come away with a 10-0 victory in very wet conditions. They will now face Hampshire Collegiate School in the next round. P.E teacher Tom Monks is delighted with the team’s progress and thanked Vikoma for their
generosity. Mr Monks said: “I knew Vikoma already sponsored Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club, so I thought I would phone them and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring our U15s school team as well. “I was delighted when they said yes and agreed to purchase a brand new set of high quality rugby shirts. We were starting to look like an unruly rabble, but thanks to Vikoma we now look the part.”
Mr Monks (left) Sandown High School U15s Rugby Team
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The Gazette, Friday, November 13, 2009
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RAIDERS STUNG BY HORNETS
The Wightlink Raiders poor run continued with a 6-3 home defeat to the Bracknell Hornets, writes Jamie White. The Raiders were hoping to make amends for the horror 8-1 defeat last week, but the fans were again frustrated as the team slumped to a disappointing home defeat. The first period had been a fairly even affair, with Alex
Barker opening the scoring for the Hornets, before Steve Gosset equalised on 11 minutes. The well organised Hornets team then scored on the powerplay, seven minutes 32 seconds into the second period. Steve Gosset was given a match penalty shortly afterwards for high sticks as the crowd started to see signs of the ill discipline
from the home team that continued to mar the performance. James Galazzi added a third just before the end of the period as the scoreline started to reflect the Berkshire team’s supremacy. The Hornets started the final period in the ascendancy and Craig Tribe completed his hat trick, his strikes sandwiching
a counter from Thomas. Damon Larter and Danny Hughes scored for the Raiders to give a 3-6 scoreline that slightly flattered the home team. Andy Robinson was also ejected on a match penalty for roughing. He had his stick broken by a slash by the Hornet’s Bradley Watchorn. The red mist then enveloped Andy who dropped his
gloves and lashed out at the nearest player to hand, earning the Raiders a second match penalty of the night. Jeremy Cornish then spent sometime chasing Watchorn about challenging him to drop the gloves as the home team’s self control evaporated. The Raiders went on to rack up 60 minutes of penalties in the second and third period of
this match. A Raiders spokesperson said: “The amount of penalties being incurred by the team is something that does need to be addressed. The ENL is proving to every bit as tough a challenge as we expected it to be. We need to reduce the penalty count if this current run of indifferent form is to be ended.”
HOME SIDE BLOW HURRICANES AWAY
The Hurries faced Old Mid-Whitgiftians and knew they were in for a challenge from the off. The first half started brightly for the Hurries and clever positional kicking from Richard Booth got the team into good positions, but failed to put any points
on the board. The visitors were soon on the back foot and after a series of close in penalties, the Old Mids had their tails up and added a penalty five minutes later to make the score 10-0. The Hurries were dominating with good
kicking and excellent work from Vikoma Man of the Match Ryan Carey. The ball was then spun wide to Dan Muir who beat the covering full back for and excellent individual score. Will Baxendall added two points. Sandown took the game to Old Mids for the remainder
of the half, before Wightlink Man of the Match Luke Chandler scored in the corner making it 12-10. The second half started slowly and despite strong words in the half time break, the Hurries let Old Mids get back to their game plan. From an infringement
resulting in a penalty, the Old Mids fly half put them back in the lead 13-12. Soon after, the giant Old Mids captain crashed over and the Hurries were 20-12 down. Joe Rees then released Luke Hunter to make it 20-17. From a rare foray into
Sandown’s half, the Old Mids flung the ball wide to their winger who was tackled over the dead ball line by Dan Robinson. After consulting with his linesman, the referee gave the try to the disbelief of the Hurries players, giving a final score of 25-17.