IW Gazette 37

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Friday October 16, 2009

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NEWS From inside

The Gazette reports on how HMP IW is changing

Page 11

NEWS Gone Yellow

NOT FERRY GOOD NEWS FROM OFT

ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has welcomed reassurances that cross-Solent ferry prices and services will be closely monitored in future.

It provides some consolation for Mr. Turner after he was

informed that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will take no further action at this time to investigate the Islandmainland ferry market.

However, while making their decision, the OFT have revealed that more information will be

available to the public in future about the levels of pricing and services. Mr. Turner is also pleased that the ferry companies will be undertaking customer satisfaction surveys.

The OFT announced that following their market study

report published in June, and having considered further evidence they are upholding their provisional decision not to make a referral to the Competition Commission (CC) at this time.

But Red Funnel and Wightlink have voluntarily

undertaken to publish this information and the OFT have previously indicated that should prices increase above reasonable levels or services decline, the likelihood of a future Continued on page 3

COUNCILLOR ARRESTED

POLICE have arrested an IW councillor in connection with a series of sex offences.

Cllr David Whittaker, a member of the Conservative ruling group, has stood down from his position following the arrest.

Cllr Whittaker, who has served as an IW councillor since 2005, and is currently a member of Newport West, was arrested and quizzed at Newport police station for six

hours, before being released on bail until December 2, pending further enquiries.

Police spokeswoman, Katie Wilson, said: “Police can confirm a 68-year-old man from the Newport area, was arrested on Friday, October, 9, by detectives investigating alleged offences under legislation in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.”

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette at his Carisbrooke

home, Cllr Whittaker, who is on the fire scrutiny panel, responded to his arrest.

“I have spoken with IW council leader David Pugh in respect of my position and feel that it is best that I stand down from the group whilst the police progress their investigation. However, I am still an active local councillor.

“I am fully supportive of the police enquiry and I have answered all the questions put

to me by them. I welcome their due diligence into the investigation and believe that my character with be untainted at the end of it.”

Cllr Whittaker added: “I would like to thank all the people for their supportive messages during this trying time for both my wife and family.”

How the Island turned yellow to raise money and awareness for the Hospice

Page 12

BREAKING NEWS Crash at Ferry EMERGENCY Services were called to the car park of Red Funnel’s East Cowes ferry terminal in Trinity Road, East Cowes (Thursday) last night after a lorry collided with a car.

14 Firefighters from Newport and East Cowes attended the scene just after 5pm and used specialist rescue equipment to free an occupant who was trapped in a silver Vauxhall Astra.

The driver of the Astra was taken to St Mary’s Hospital but the injuries were thought not to be life threatening.

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

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NEWS

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

FOR THE RECORD...

IN LAST weeks Gazette we captioned these two photographs the wrong way around so here are Marion O’Nions and Valerie Diebelius again with the High Sheriff Gay Edwards.

Marion O’Nions

IN LAST week’s publication of The Gazette the headline in the Apse Heath Burglary story read robbery.

We would like to point out that there was no robbery and that nothing was stolen from the property.

Valerie Diebelius

Marion was introduced to Brownies by her daughter, becoming a leader on 1st March 1979.

She was with 11th Newport Brownies for most of her 30 years as a leader, and as such has had a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of girls on the Island. So great is Marion’s commitment that she was also involved

with every other section of Girlguiding from Rainbows through to Rangers.

Marion held a trainer’s license for twenty years, and for several of those she was the only trainer on the Island.

Her support for Girlguiding Isle of Wight both with girls and leaders over the last 30 years has been exemplary.

Valerie was a Brownie and a Guide in the East End of London.

She moved to the Island in 1974, and became a unit helper in Fairlee district, and then a Rainbow Guider and Assistant Brownie Guider.

She was a Rainbow Guide Advisor, and organised the 10th anniversary celebrations for Rainbow Guides.

In an executive capacity, she has served as programme and training chairman, registrations secretary and CRB co-ordinator.

She gained her training

license in 2001, and has trained extensively within the south west region and beyond, including for British Guides Overseas, most recently in Cyprus.

She is now joining the group of retired trainers who assist at the Hampshire training centre, Foxlease, and elsewhere.

Her long and distinguished commitment to Guiding has benefited from the unstinting support of her husband, with whom she celebrated her 46th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, October 7.

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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TEEN CRITICAL AFTER CRASH POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a road accident that left an 18-year-old Ryde youth with potentially life-threatening injuries.

At about 12.15am on Sunday, October 11, a bicycle ridden by the teenager was in collision with a red Suzuki Alto and a white Ford Fiesta at the junction of Green Street, St John’s Road and High Street, Ryde.

The cyclist was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, where his condition was diagnosed as life threatening. He

THEFT AT THE ROBIN HOOD

POLICE can confirm they are investigating a report of a burglary at the Robin Hood pub, Robin Hood Street, Newport.

It’s alleged that entry was forced to gain access sometime between 3am and 10am on Wednesday, October 14.

Scene of crime investigators carried out a thorough search of the premises, and the pub remained closed that day.

Alcohol was reported stolen from inside the pub, and police enquiries are continuing.

has since improved and is now said to be in a stable condition.

Neither of the car drivers was injured.

The Ford driver was a 59-year-old Ryde man, and the Suzuki driver was a 60-year-old Newport man.

Local resident, Emma Rogers, heard the accident happen from her house nearby. “I heard an ear piecing scream followed by a horrible scraping noise. It was awful.

“Next thing I knew, there was a person lying

in the middle of the road behind a car with paramedics around him and lots of other people.

It didn’t take very long for the police to come along.”

Another resident, Kirsty Bowcombe, added: “There are always cars racing up and down the road throughout the night. The speed camera doesn’t seem to slow them down either.

“First I knew of anything was the blue flashing lights through my front room windows.

At first I thought it was something to do with the

big delivery lorry that was parked outside. I didn’t realize there had been an accident.”

Officers from the Shanklin Roads Policing Unit want to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who saw the cycle being ridden in the High Street immediately prior to the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Operation Circulation at Shanklin Roads Policing Unit on 101 or 045 045 4545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

OFT RECOGNISES PROBLEMS Continued page

from

front them meet the needs of the Island and Islanders. I am particularly pleased that reference to the CC would Wightlink are looking at helping people who need to increase.

Mr. Turner said: “Of course travel for hospital treatment it is disappointing that the and their carers, and hope OFT are not making a referral that Red Funnel will also , but the main outcome is that look at this.”

Mr. Turner added: “I would any future excessive fare rises or significant reduction in like to thank everyone who service levels is likely to lead has supported the campaign to action by the Competition or given evidence. Although Authorities. That is a very it is not the outcome we much more positive position hoped for, the new regime than we were in before. This of disclosure of price and is a 122 page report and I service information and a will need time to digest it commitment to customer fully and consider any future satisfaction will certainly action but it is clear the OFT make a difference in the recognise that there are future.”

Mr Turner spearheaded a certain problems and they hope that this action will long campaign to provide enough evidence for the OFT begin to address them.

“This has never been about to persuade them that the being at war with the ferry fares and services provided companies; the Island needs by the ferry companies were them and they need the of such importance to the Island. I was simply asking Island that they should be the competition authorities to investigated. He received do the job they are supposed cross-party support from to do and protect the interests local and national politicians of the public. Throughout and more than 13,500 organisations this process the professional individuals, management of Wightlink and businesses supported and Red Funnel have been the campaign, many giving detailed evidence of their both courteous and helpful.

“I hope to work with experience of the ferry them in the future to help services.

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

CHARGED WITH FLY-TIPPING

THE FAILURE to correctly dispose of an old freezer has cost a west Wight resident almost £1000 following a successful prosecution by IW Council.

Alan Chiverton from The Avenue, Totland Bay, dumped the appliance outside the Afton Civic Amenity Site on Afton Road in Freshwater on January 14, 2009.

The freezer was left at the side of the road in front of a sign clearly stating people may be liable to prosecution should they leave waste outside the facility when it is closed.

At a hearing at Newport Magistrates Court, it was decided that Mr Chiverton did on or about January 14, 2009, deposit controlled waste, or knowingly cause or knowingly permit controlled waste to be deposited in or

on land, namely land outside the Freshwater Civic Amenity site, Afton Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, where no environmental permit authorising the deposit was in force contrary to Section 33 (1) (a) of the Environmental protection Act 1990.

He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay full costs to the council.

The waste was discovered by staff at the civic amenity site and CCTV footage was used to identify who left it there.

Mr Chiverton was given the opportunity to remove the freezer, but he failed to do so and the incident was reported to the council. The local authority subsequently began legal action.

IW council director of environment and neighbourhoods, Stuart Love, said: “The issue of

fly-tipping is a serious one as dumped waste, especially electrical appliances, can cause significant harm to the environment.

“Not only did this gentleman dump waste beneath a sign telling him it was illegal to do so, he also failed to remove the freezer when he was given the opportunity w h i c h would’ve prevented the need for legal action.

“The council will continue to crack down on fly tipping in order to deter others from doing so.”

RAIDER REMANDED IN CUSTODY A MAN charged in connection with a raid on Benzie jewellers, Cowes, pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery when he appeared at the IW Crown Court.

Gary Ridgewell-Smith, 22, from West Sussex, appeared before magistrates this week and was remanded in custody.

A second man arrested in connection with the robbery, Oliver Mazirel, 21, from Worthing, faces charges of possession of an imitation firearm and robbery.

The case was adjourned to Portsmouth Crown Court until December 7, when both men are due to appear.

MORE BENEFITS FOR FAMILYS A MAJOR change that will affect families with children who claim for housing and council tax benefit will soon be coming into force.

From November 2 2009, child benefit will no longer be counted as income when an assessment is made for housing and council tax benefit.

This means there will be a significant increase in the number of people who may qualify for these benefits.

Existing claims will be reassessed and details of any increase in entitlement will be notified to those claimants affected by the change.

Families who previously claimed housing and council tax benefit, and were not entitled

in the past, may now be able to receive financial help towards their rent and council tax charges. This will give greater financial support to families throughout the Island.

This could include those who recently claimed housing and council tax benefit but missed out because their income was too high. Alternatively, it may be a family with young children that did not make a claim before because they didn’t think they would qualify.

Any families who feel they may benefit from these changes are being encouraged to apply. If you would like to see whether you may qualify log on to www. iwight.com and follow the Benefit Service link.

DJ BEN READY TO RUN

GALAXY FM DJ Ben Glover visited the Island this week to collect a vital part of his outfit that he will be wearing for the Bupa Great South Run. The popular DJ, who presents the drivetime show between 4-7pm, has agreed to run the race dressed as Top Gear’s mysterious driving expert, The Stig.

Ben, who stands at 6ft 7½ inches tall, will be dressed all in white in a bid to complete the challenge

By Jamie White

and raise money for his chosen charity, the RNLI. “It’s mad enough running the 10 miles around Portsmouth, but dressed in a race suit and helmet?

I must be nuts!” said Ben. The DJ made the short trip across the Solent to the Island to collect a white helmet that he’ll be donning for the event that takes place on Sunday October 25, starting in Southsea.

“I chose the Island to

get the exclusive look at my outfit as it has always really been my second home and good to me.

My Auntie Mims is the shop manageress at IW Motorcycles, and they kindly donated my helmet.

“Just don’t show the real Stig that I was sat on a motorbike, not sure he’d approve!” added Ben. If readers would like to donate then they can visit www.justgiving.com/ ben-glover0 or see Ben at The Balcony, Ryde on

Saturday October 24.

Galaxy FM has also launched a hunt to find 12 men across the south coast and the Isle of Wight to feature in the Galaxy Manhunt 2010 calendar.

At the end of October entries will be whittled down to a final 20, which will then be put up to the public vote to decide who makes the official Galaxy Manhunt calendar 2010.

For more information you can log on to www. galaxysouthcoast.co.uk

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

NEWS

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TRIBUTES TO A WELL LOVED SON A FORMER Island man has died after he was involved in an accident with a lorry while out riding his bicycle in Southampton.

Gary Lewis, 22, was pushing a bicycle across a road in Jacobs Gutter Lane, Marchwood, when he was involved in a collision with a white Volkswagen lorry at around 5.30pm on Monday evening.

The fitness instructor, who used to live in Bembridge, before moving to study health and fitness management at Southampton Solent University, received lifethreatening injuries and died at Southampton General Hospital.

The lorry fell onto its side into a ditch after the collision. The driver, a 61-year-old Southampton man, was not injured.

Gary’s family have released this statement of tribute.

“Gary Anthony Lewis, 22, was a loving son, brother, partner, uncle, nephew and friend who tragically died on October 12, 2009, after a road accident in Southampton on Jacob’s Gutter Lane. Gary was dedicated to his

Gary Lewis

work as a fitness instructor, which he loved and for which he lived.

He was the most kind, loving, adventurous, caring, giving and warm - hearted person, who had a passion for life and lived it to the full.

“He always aspired to be better in life, never lazy, and wanted to achieve his goals. He worked hard and trained hard to make things happen for the prosperous future he planned on sharing with his girlfriend Kara.

“He adored and loved and his sister Julie, niece Katie, mum Sue, brother Steven, aunt Jackie and all those close friends who were to dear to him - you know who you are.

“He lives on in our hearts forever, and his legacy will continue through us and never be forgotten. We all loved you so very much, Gary.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward. Anyone with information can call 101 or 0845 045 4545.

ASSAULT WITNESSES SOUGHT

POLICE are appealing for a potential witness to come forward after a report of a dispute in East Cowes.

An investigation is continuing into an allegation that a woman aged in her 20s and a man aged in his 30s were involved in a confrontation and assault outside an address in Clarence Road at approximately 8.45pm on Saturday, October 3.

PC Richard Taylor of Hampshire

BANANAMAN SLIPS IN

YOU might have thought you were seeing things on Saturday in Newport if you caught sight of Bananaman in the High Street.

But it was all in a good

cause – Bournemouth RAG students were fundraising for the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB).

Nicholas Boisset, RAG President, was dressed

as Bananaman and RAG, which stands for Raising and Giving, is the fundraising arm of the student’s union.

Last year Bournemouth RAG raised £20,000 for charity.

Constabulary’s IW Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “We are attempting to identify a second woman who is reported to have seen the dispute. Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area already.

“There is no clear description of this potential witness yet, but it is believed she has information that could be useful to ongoing enquiries. I’m appealing for this woman or anyone who was in the

Clarence Road area of East Cowes between 8.30pm and 9.00pm on Saturday, October 3 to contact police.”

A 38-year-old man from the Island was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and bailed until November 11, 2009 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101 or 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FIRE STATION REPRIEVE

YARMOUTH and Shanklin are to keep their fire stations – at least for the next four years.

The two stations have been saved from closure, at least for the time being, and are likely to remain in service until new purpose-built units are built to replace them

– one in Lake and the other in West Wight.

The decision was rubber-stamped by the IWight Council cabinet this week, after the a 600-strong petition and 300 letters from objectors to the closure at Yarmouth were received.

The new strategy is also

likely to include a new fire station at Ventnor station and a station and headquarters in Newport.

Maintaining Shanklin and Yarmouth is expected to cost the IW Council around £100,000 a year, although the cabinet meeting heard that

figure could be dramatically reduced, even though the recruitment of part-time retained fire-fighters at Yarmouth is to restart.

It is hoped all the new stations will be operating fully by 2016, with the whole project expected to cost upwards of £8million.

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NEWS

I’M GOING THROUGH THE CHANGE A RETAINED female firefighter is giving up her helmet and tunic to work full time at the Isle of Wight prison (HMP IW).

Pauline Connelly has worked the

IW Fire and Rescue Service for several years, and has lots of fond memories of her time with the service.

“I have got lots of great memories of working with great people and I am really going to miss them.

“I have been involved in many different rescues, but the one that really stands out is when the thatched roof of the Chinese restaurant in Ryde caught fire. It was very dramatic. There have also been quite a few animal rescues,” she said.

Pauline now works in the Camp Hill site of HMP IW, after many happy years as a part of the retained team at Ryde Fire Station. “ T h e o t h e r firefighters a r e my work colleagues, but they are also my

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friends. I was involved in the Life project, and also started the Youth Firefighter Service, but unfortunately we had to stop it because we couldn’t get enough volunteers.

Pauline admitted that leaving the fire service was a tough decision to make.

“I’m leaving because as much as I enjoy the job it just doesn’t pay the bills, and I need a bit more job security. I have been in many privileged positions within the fire service, and I will still volunteer my time for the Life project.

“I hope my experience and time with the fire service will have benefits in the prison and I can help others. When I do voluntary work at the fire station I will also be able to use my experiences from the prison for the Life project.”

For a farewell gift, Pauline’s colleagues jokingly gave her a bag of rice. She explained: “It all came about after I cooked everyone a curry, but I forgot to make the rice, so there was nothing to go with it. I certainly won’t make that mistake again!”

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

RETHINK WHAT YOU DRINK

NATIONAL Alcohol Awareness Week starts on Monday (October 19), with Islanders being reminded to ‘rethink your drink’.

The IW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) and Drug and Alcohol Action Team are supporting the Government’s ‘Know Your Limits’ campaign, which encourages people across the country to take stock of how much they are drinking, by keeping a drink diary for the week.

Professionals from the Island’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team will be giving advice and support to members of the public in St. Thomas’ Square, Newport, between 10am and 5pm next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (October 21, 22 and 23).

It is claimed that about 10 million adults drink above the guidelines for lower risk drinking. Of these, 2.6 million adults (8 per cent of men and 6 per cent of women) regularly drink at higher risk levels.

The Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines on lower-risk drinking recommend men do not drink more than 3-4 units daily, which works out at about two pints or two cans of normalstrength lager or beer on a regular basis, and women do not drink more than 2-3 units daily, which works out at about a large glass of wine or three single measures of spirits.

Drinking above these levels can increase your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, liver disease, stroke and other diseases. Drinking above lower- risk guidelines can also impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep and affect your general day-to-day health.

The IW Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Jenifer Smith, said: “We’re behind the Know Your Limits campaign because alcohol is one of the leading causes of health problems on the Isle of Wight.

“It’s so easy to get into a routine of regular drinking which is above the lower-risk guidelines, without realising you might be putting your health at risk. For example, if a man regularly drinks a couple of pints of beer most days of the week, he is drinking above the lower-risk guidelines.”

Dr Smith continued: “Keeping a drink diary for a week is easy, and can really make you stop and think about whether you ought to be cutting back – and there’s no better time than Alcohol Awareness Week to give it a go.”

Know Your Limits top ten tips to ‘rethink your drink’: 1. Decide on your ultimate goal. Do you want to cut down to a set daily amount? Maybe you want to avoid binge drinking? Or perhaps you would like to give up alcohol altogether?

2. Pick a day of the next week to start cutting down. Go for a day when you are less likely

to be under pressure, so it’s easier to avoid alcohol.

3. Keep a drink diary. Writing this regularly will help you to work out how much you’re drinking.

4. Work out how you can avoid situations that you know will encourage you to drink.

For example, if you’re going out with friends suggest the cinema instead of the pub.

5. Pace yourself. Try drinking each drink more slowly or alternating alcoholic drinks with soft or low alcohol ones.

6. Find something else to do while you drink, like playing darts or pool, or dancing. This will take your mind off your drinks and help you to slow down.

7. Get out of the habit of drinking because you are stressed or have nothing else to do.

Look for other ways to relax: activities like swimming or going for a walk will make you feel better and don’t involve alcohol.

8. Take stock of your progress and make sure you give yourself credit where it’s due for your achievements so far. This will help you keep going to achieve your targets.

9. Try to have at least two alcohol-free days a week. Choose days when you’re less likely to be in situations where you would usually drink alcohol. Always give your body a 48-hour break from booze if you do drink too much in one session.

10. Don’t give up! Changing a habit like drinking takes time and hard work, and sometimes it’s difficult to drink less. Focus on what you’ve achieved so far and reward yourself when you have met your drinking targets. If you do relapse, don’t stop, just set a new date to start cutting down again.

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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FIRE CHIEF IS STREETS AHEAD

BY JASON KAY IN AN exclusive interview with The Gazette, Paul Street the Isle of Wight’s Chief Fire Officer passionately defended his plans to bring the Service into the 21st century.

When making an emergency call to the Fire and Rescue Service we would all expect a crew of well-trained fire fighters to arrive in minutes, equipped with all the latest life saving tools and fire fighting apparatus. In reality this is not always possible.

“There’s the provision for sufficient fire cover but I can’t guarantee fire cover, that’s the problem,” stated Paul, as he explained that although they have ample working appliances and special equipment they are not always in the right place at the right time. In a service that is currently dependant on a large proportion of retained fire fighters, getting enough crew to man an appliance in certain areas and at specific times of days is extremely difficult. “My common law duty is to provide a safe and efficient, effective fire service to the public and my staff,” stressed Paul.

The new plans to modernise the whole of the Island’s fire service have been agreed, however, the way in which this is to happen has to go through more challenges.

Ultimately over two phases, the aim is to have a new fire station in West Wight – replacing Freshwater and Yarmouth stations; a new fire station in the Bay area – replacing Sandown and Shanklin stations; a new fire station in Ventnor – replacing the old one and a large new fire station in Newport – replacing the existing one. Ryde will become a day crewed station – it is currently manned by

retained fire fighters who are alerted by pager. Cowes will lose one fire engine.

In conjunction with the new stations, and merging of some catchment areas to improve recruitment, there will be a reduction of retained fire fighters to allow for an increase in full time contract fire-fighters for daytime crewing spread across the Island as needed.

It is the potential closure of Yarmouth and Shanklin fire stations, as well as the reduction in retained fire fighters that seems to have caused some people to worry about the safety of their homes and families.

Paul is keen to dispel any worries the public may have. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time now. It’s been backed up by a lot of risk assessment, risk management, risk analysis

and risk control. We haven’t just pulled this information out of the sky. This is not a cost saving exercise! The idea of this restructure is to improve fire safety by putting some extra resources into the service by changing the way that we mobilise appliances and the ones we have left will be more available. The actual pay bill increase is about a million pounds a year on a seven million pound budget. The majority of that extra resource will come from the existing budget with the rest made up by the Fire Authority.

We’re actually putting public money into the right places and we are all very aware of the shortage of public money at this time and therefore it is critical we spend it wisely to modernise the service. This

will improve the resilience, sustainability and hence the safety of the community and the safety of fire fighters. The public will as a result get a better service.”

and upsetting the public, it’s actually allowing the fire officers who have done the risk analysis, to manage the resources with what they’ve got. So by having a slight reduction, it’s not about making it a worse service, it’s making it a better service and freeing up resources to spend elsewhere.”

In addition to the structural modernisation of the service, the new day crew fire fighters will not only cover their designated areas of risk, they will be available to collect vital data about Island homes and businesses.

“There are around 65,000 homes all with different risks for the safety of crews when attending, so when we do get to the scene we know exactly what we have to do, what we’re facing and what the

“Having a more resilient and sustainable Fire and Rescue service that’s available is the best option to take.”

“Overall we will have fewer fire stations on the Island, less fire appliances and a reduced amount of retained fire fighters, but the important thing is not to see this as a loss. What we’re trying to do here is not about closing fire stations

public’s risks are so we can get them out quicker. The data will be used efficiently and safely on the services new mobile data system – one of the best in the country!” he said.

Paul is dedicated to educating the public on fire prevention and fire safety.

“The prevention agenda is education to prevent fire and the protection agenda is fitting smoke alarms and making sure buildings are safe from and in the event of a fire.”

The role of a modern fire fighter is ever changing and it seems their respected position within the community is one that can be utilised. “We’re into education for young persons, we have a positive profile and the young and elderly listen to us. I think fire-fighters are looked up to by children; a current example of where we can assist is the running of our LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) Course.

Some of the children will have life changing opportunities because of that initiative.”

The new station planned for Newport will provide further facilities to aid any future courses and a mentoring facility is being considered.

Paul has more plans for the Service. He is hoping to put a defibrillator into the cars of all the officers who are out doing fire prevention, education or inspections. “It means if someone has a heart attack in the street where the officer’s working there’s a defibrillator in his car. That gives you increased heart safety cover for the whole Island,” said Paul.

Adamant modernisation is a must, Paul is hopeful that the public will see he has their best interests at heart.

“Having a more resilient and sustainable Fire and Rescue service that’s available is the best option to take and that’s what we’re trying to get through to the public.”

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

Katie Brett-hill with Anna Pocock Natalie King, Susie Stone, Fiona Capewell and Amy Moram

IT’S A YUMMY MUMMY SALE

Rupert and Lynsey Summers with NCT helper Petra Evans

DUE to the great success of their last nearly new sale, the Isle of Wight’s branch of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) had to move Saturday’s nearly new sale to a bigger venue.

The Riverside Centre in Newport saw over 200 mums, dads and kids frantically entering the sale in the first eight minutes.

The mad dash to find a bargain, trying to find the till whilst carrying a mountain of baby clothes and balancing a few toys on top for good measure, as well as the gales of laughter

from the volunteers guaranteed there were a few bewildered looking children!

NCT nearly new sales are held every six months on the Island and are co-ordinated by a team of volunteers. The public are invited to sell good quality second hand clothes, equipment, toys, books and videos/DVDs for babies and children. A percentage of the sale price is then donated to the branch and the rest goes to the seller.

Over the last few years the sales have gradually

grown in popularity, amongst NCT members and non-members, becoming the branch’s biggest fundraising events of the year. The money raised helps the branch fund a variety of family orientated activities, produce their quarterly newsletter, ensure Islandwide exposure and support the volunteer-run baby/ toddler groups.

Susie Stone, the branch’s Fundraising Co-ordinator, was delighted the sale ran so smoothly in the new venue.

“We had more sellers this

time, so I’m hoping we’ve beaten our last total. The nearly new sales are only able to run because of the great support we get from volunteers before, during and after the sale.

So thank you to everyone who helped - especially to A and S Road Haulage for collecting, delivering and lifting the clothing rails free of charge.”

With the next sale already in mind, Susie is having to consider a larger venue yet again to ensure the ever-growing sale doesn’t overflow.

CLEAN SWEEP AT COMPTON Jasmine Truman (6) and Fynn Truman (3)

IT WAS a lovely day for the beach clean at Compton last Saturday and at least 20 volunteers turned up to help collect and bag rubbish.

Organiser Danny Burnip was pleased with the turnout, which is the fourth he has organised since setting up Eco Beach Clean earlier this year. “It’s been working quite well. The National Trust bring a tractor and trailer, gloves and bags and we provide the volunteers,” said Danny.

It was back in February

when Danny and his nephew Joseph Burnip noticed how much rubbish was building up around Hanover Point and decided to take action.

Although Danny lives in Newport he spends a lot of time walking on the beach.

The clean up ran from 10am until around noon, and the National Trust took away the bags of rubbish for disposal.

“Two hours is about enough but we do get quite a lot done in that time,” said Danny.

Joe Caudwell, the Island’s representative of Surfers

Against Sewage (SAS) was at the Compton beach clean collecting identifiable rubbish items to return to the companies of their origin in the new Return to Offender (RTO) campaign.

The website at www.sas.org. uk has a letter that can be downloaded and amended to send to the companies involved which asks that they step up their anti littering message on their products and look to using less harmful packaging which is biodegradable.

“The RTO campaign has never been done on the Island before, so the clean at Brook beach and Compton Chine on Saturday was a good opportunity to get it started,” said Joe. “The west and south side of the IW suffer terribly from marine litter and the National Trust and volunteer group Eco-Beach hold regular cleans that make a great difference at a grassroots level.

“Around 70 per cent of all marine litter is plastics, which take up to 450 years to break down. As a rep for

SAS I wanted to start this action and encourage other cleans to adopt it because it takes the issue of marine debris back to its possible source, calling on companies to consider adopting more biodegradable packaging for their products and urging them to make the anti-litter message clearer and larger on their labeling. Items on this clean included wrappers and bottles produced by such companies as Coca Cola, Walkers and Cadburys.”

Amongst the volunteers were Julia Tortajada, a teacher from a school in Ryde and Linda Stibards, a cash administrator at Needles Park who both surf and windsurf at Compton.

“It’s an good thing to get involved with and it’s about giving something back.

We use the beach. Its good karma,” said Julia. “We have collected three bags of rubbish between us. It’s been quite a good day today.

The main point of today’s clean was to collect as much plastic as we could because it takes so long to break down

naturally.

“Boats and people using the beach leave the litter and it also gets washed off boats,” said Linda.

“There is also a lot a used fishing line that can be dangerous to the wildlife on the beach. We have also found lots of cans from a barbecue from where people have not bothered to clean up. There were also lots of sun cream bottles that have been left.”

Linda said that one reason

that she takes part in the beach clean is that she uses the beach to walk her two dogs, and there was a risk of injury because of the amount of glass on the beach.

“Most of the rubbish and debris comes in during the winter months in the storms,” said Danny who is hoping to organise more beach cleans in the next few months. For more details see www.eco-beach-clean.co.uk or call Danny on 530238.

Linda Stibards and Julia Tortajada

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

DONKEY CON

NEWS

By Penny Newnham

A COUPLE feel they have been deceived by the Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall who they say agreed to return their donkeys.

Steve and Sonia Mills from Chillerton showed The Gazette the beautiful little stables they built for their three miniature donkeys, and spoke of their anger at the Donkey Sanctuary for not allowing the three donkeys to come back to them. “We feel we’ve been conned” said Steve.

The couple signed over Angelica, Felicity and Geraldine to the Donkey Sanctuary in January 2008 because they were not in a position to look after them at the time. But they claim that Charlie Clarke, General Manager of the Sanctuary, promised to let the donkeys return home if they were able to care for them again. They went back to Charlie to ask if they could have the donkeys back in September 2008, thinking it wouldn’t be a problem “He (Charlie) has betrayed our trust,” said Steve. “We found ourselves in a position where we needed help with the donkeys and Charlie agreed to help. We went to Charlie personally because we had a relationship with him – he’d given us a lot of help and advice with the donkeys in the past and we trusted him.”

“He gave us the reassurance that the donkeys would always be our donkeys and that they could come home at any time,” said Steve. “We were so naïve but when times are tough you just don’t think straight,” added Sonia.

The board of trustees did not agree that the donkeys could be returned, and refused to let the donkeys go back to the Mills under any circumstances. As the couple had signed three declarations stating that they relinquished ownership of each donkey into “the permanent care and ownership of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary” they have no legal right to appeal.

Sonia continued: “Charlie said that we could have the donkeys back if we could look after them again. He said we had to sign the forms in case medical intervention was needed for them.”

Steve added: “Only two weeks after we handed over the donkeys the Donkey Sanctuary used the story in a big publicity campaign which we knew nothing about. In fact they are using our donkeys in all of their publicity material. If they’d been common or garden donkeys they would have been home by now.”

“The Donkey Sanctuary say that the girls cannot go out in to the fields with the pack because they’d be bullied and they’re often in a barn because of this. They’re bored where they are,” he explained. “Here they would have three acres to play in.”

“We used to take them for long

Stephen and Sonia Mills at their Chillerton home walks across the downs (the couple’s land borders Chillerton Downs) and the local children would come and visit them. They used to run around the fields with Hose and Pedro our alpacas. We want them to come home.”

“I know they love me as much as I love them ‘cause when I sing to them they cuddle in hard” In a heartbreaking letter to Cherryl Clarke, co-manager of the Donkey Sanctuary, Sonia Mills said that at the couple’s home the donkeys, “have access to outside space every day, hot drinks twice daily in the winter and very large ice cubes in summer…I know they love me as much as I love them ‘cause when I sing to them they cuddle in hard…A second chance is all we ask. Please.” She did not receive a reply.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s ‘objectives and activities’ set out in the trustees’ report and accounts states that they intend “to rescue and provide care and shelter for donkeys which have been abandoned, neglected or ill treated or are otherwise in need of such care and shelter and to find suitable homes for such animals wherever it is appropriate and practicable to do so.”

Steve and Sonia’s argument is that their home is more than suitable – in fact the stables were built specifically for the three little donkeys. “The doors on the stables were measured specially so that they could reach their heads over them,” said Sonia.

If the Sanctuary’s problem is with the fact that the transfer documents

were signed then the Mills are happy for ownership to remain with the sanctuary.

“We were going to leave the donkeys to the sanctuary in our wills and half of our estate,” said Steve who was also donating £30 per month to the sanctuary until they refused to return them.

A solicitor’s letter in July warned that the couple were no longer allowed to visit the donkeys because of claims that they had been making “untrue and unfounded allegations and accusations to members of the public about the Trustees and Officers of the Sanctuary,” whilst they were visiting the premises.

Now that the Donkey Sanctuary is closing for the winter the couple are unlikely to see the three little donkeys until it reopens in the spring, if they are allowed to set foot on the premises.

“We’ve got the stables waiting,” said Steve. “We’d be happy just to have them for the winter months.”

“Everybody we talk to, nobody can understand it,” said Sonia. “One hundred percent of the people we speak to think we should get them back,” added Steve.

Donkey Sanctuary co-manager Charlie Clarke said: “Mr. and Mrs. and Mills have signed the forms that relinquish all responsibility and ownership of the donkeys. Because of the circumstances that Mr. and Mrs. Mills have not accepted the decision made by our trustees we have now put the whole matter into the hands of our solicitors.”

Do you think that Steve and Sonia Mills should have Angelica, Felicity and Geraldine back at Chillerton or should they stay at the Donkey Sanctuary?

Email newsdesk@ iwgazette.co.uk with your views or write to us at Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, PO36 9PH.

Steve feeding the alpacas

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10

NEWS

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

11

NEWS

PROJECTS NEEDED FOR PRISONERS

AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled that could see prisoners who are serving their sentences on the Island being allowed out to form part of the working community.

Barry Greenberry, governor of HMP, Isle of Wight, is the man behind the scheme that he hopes will eventually see risk-assessed inmates being able to carry out duties as part of their ‘pay-back’ for offending.

Mr Greenberry has already brought in many changes since Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill prisons were amalgamated to form one clustered unit six months ago. But this could be the most innovative, and arguably most controversial of his short reign.

The Gazette has been given exclusive access to HMP, IW, speaking not only to Mr. Greenberry, but also to prisoners and prison officers about the changes that have been taking place behind the Island’s prison walls.

In the first of our two-part report, we talked to Mr Greenberry about his scheme to introduce what used to be commonly termed

By Peter White

‘chain gang’ prisoners on the Island.

Mr Greenberry emphasised: “Prisoners would not be let out if they were a risk. That is what risk assessment is all about. The idea would be start with small and supervised groups, and not have people all over the place, but just working on specific projects.

“I know there are prisoners who want to go out and feel good about contributing in this sort of way.

We have the likes of ‘brickies’, carpenters, painters and decorators in prison, who have made mistakes.

They want some self-respect back by being seen to be doing something useful.

“We are talking very small scale, one or two people supporting charities that are appropriate, or organisations that might need help, but not taking away jobs from other people on the Island.

“However, further on down the road who knows? When the economy gets back on its feet again, and there are more major

projects that need working on, then why not use prisoners?”

Mr Greenberry accepts: “I can imagine some people would think it was too risky, but all I would say is our business is about risk assessment. We have an impact on reducing re-offending. I would like the community to think that we have prisoners on the Island who could go out and do stuff they can’t do at the moment.

“If I got it right I would be playing into what the Island would want. I may be wrong, and that is why I would welcome individuals and companies to contact me with their views.”

The governor continued: “We want to link up with committees and the council on the Island who are

“I can imagine some people would think it was too risky, but all I would say is our business is about risk assessment.”

working to make this a safer and better place to live. We are significant to the Island in the role we play to keeping people safe.

“What we want to do now is go out there and show we can contribute and add value, so I would like to start discussing whether people would be willing to see prisoners going out and doing some work in the community.

“Our job is to stop people offending again. Apart from a handful, every prisoner is going to come back out eventually, and our job is to protect the public and the community. We try to do things that will make prisoners not offend again, and not feel outcasts because they have been in prison.

“Anyone allowed out to work

under this scheme would be properly risk-assessed and under proper supervision. The outcome I hope would be the community seeing people ‘paying back’ with projects all over the place.”

Mr Greenberry added: “I would be interested to hear from the general public, relevant committees and the council on what they think we might be able to do. All I need is feedback to understand the consensus out there. If it is then we would want to know what projects are out there for the prisoners.”

Next week: Prisoners talk openly and controversially to The Gazette about the formation of a democratically elected Council inside HMP, IW, comprising inmates and staff.

TIME TO MOVE ON SAYS PUGH

IW COUNCIL Leader David Pugh has urged the remaining protestors on the roundabout outside the Vestas Blade factory, Newport, to pack up and move on.

Climate protestors, believed to be mainly from the mainland, set up camp on the roundabout to show support to the sacked Vestas workers, who staged a sit in protest inside the factory in July.

Cllr Pugh said: “Whilst we feel continuing sympathy for the Vestas workers who have lost their jobs, and their families, the council has to look forward and cement new quality job opportunities in the technology sector.

“We cannot allow the actions of a small minority to damage this position and place in jeopardy the longer term job opportunities.

“We haven’t been able to achieve what they want and I think it’s

now time for the Island, and perhaps them, to move on as well.

“I can understand they feel passionate about it, but the majority of these people are not Islanders. I don’t see what they’re trying to achieve by being there. We want to present the Island as a positive place for businesses to come and invest and actually having those people here is not the image we want to cultivate as an Island.”

Councillor George Brown, who is IW Council cabinet member with responsibility for the economy, agreed with Cllr Pugh and added that they were alarmed

to hear reports that Islanders still employed by Vestas, had been intimidated by protesters.

Councillor Brown said: “Job losses in blade manufacturing have struck a blow to the Island’s economy, as well as to those laid off work and their families.

“Intimidation of Vestas Technology workers at St Cross and prevention of legitimate use of facilities do not reflect the wishes of the majority.

“It would be an even greater blow if obstructive tactics, especially by hardcore protesters here temporarily from the mainland,

“The council has to look forward and cement new quality job opportunities in the technology sector.”

denied the work opportunities to which Islanders are both suited and entitled.

“Our aim as a council is to help secure quality jobs for the whole Island in which those who live here can apply their skills and experience.”

Cllr Pugh also claims that the continued presence of the campaigners on the roundabout could be putting off future investment. “It is careful, considered dialogue and planned, rational action that will help stimulate the Island’s economy and promote its environmental credentials.

“In my opinion the protest, which began as a heartfelt and passionate campaign by Island workers, has moved on to a whole new phase that is not at all helpful to the interests of the Island and its workforce,” said Cllr Pugh.

David Pugh visiting the Vestas roundabout

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FEATURE

Hospice News

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

The Wonderyears Choir in Concert THE WONDERYEARS Choir will be bringing their inimitable take on rock classics to the Ventnor Winter Gardens on Saturday October 17 in support of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. With an average age of 70, the Wonderyears Choir, backed by the Wonderyears Band, is made up of local senior citizens who will be belting out old, and new, favourites from the rock ‘n roll catalogue and making them their own.

Tickets are £8 each and are available from the Winter Gardens Box Office on 857581.

The show starts at 8pm.

The Newquay Male Voice Choir in Concert THE NEWQUAY Male Voice Choir is singing at a special concert at St Marys Church in Cowes on Saturday October 17 in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The repertoire of Newquay Male Voice Choir is varied and includes 4-part male voice harmony, Barbershop Music, traditional arrangements of Choral and Operatic tunes and the choir has developed an enviable reputation for singing “Songs from the Shows” and other popular music.

Tickets are £5 each and are available from the Hospice Fundraising Team on 528989. The show starts at 7pm.

Barton Manor Open Day BARTON MANOR will be opening its doors for the last time this year for our Annual Christmas Fayre on Sunday October 18. There will be numerous Christmas gift stalls and ideas, our Boutique Charity Shop, Hospice Gifts and Christmas Cards for sale and the faithful BBQ run by Vectis Sunrise. There will also be music from Castle Jazz, Harvie Sharp’s Reel Tyme Ceilidh Band, Vectis Corps of Drums and the Lonesome Valley Boys.

For more information Fundraising on 528989.

please

call

Dogs Walk the Wight Fundraising Dog Walk Sunday October 25 JOIN THE Hospice in Parkhurst Forest on Sunday October 25 for a charity dog walk in aid of the Island’s Hospice. Any dog owners already signed up for Dogs Walk the Wight come along and rack up some more miles. If you’re not signed up then come along and meet our Fundraising Team and find out more about this fun event for you and your dog. The walk will begin from the car park in Forest Road and will take in the beautiful surroundings of Parkhurst Forest. Refreshments will be available on the day.

For more details please call Fundraising Team on 528989.

our

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

YELLOW WAS THE COLOUR THE ISLAND turned yellow for a day last Friday, as businesses, schools and other organisations decorated themselves, and their premises yellow to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

And as you may have noticed, The Gazette joined in ‘Go Yellow Day’ by changing our logo to yellow and adding a few yellow headlines on our stories in last week’s issue.

The event was deemed a success by senior hospice fundraiser Karen Eeles, who is hopeful that the event will become a regular fixture on the Island calendar.

Events included IW Radio’s Paul Topping scaling the climbing wall at Sandown High School, while his newsreader colleague Michael Coombes, sat in a bath of custard at Fairlee Service Station, Newport.

Staff from WP Recruitment walked around dressed as bananas in Newport, and Charlie Snow from Sightguard Fire, Wootton, dressed as a yellow chicken for the day.

The Plaza Ices also got in

on the act by offering a free yellow ice cream to people who made a donation.

It is hoped that around £5,000 was raised for the hospice, with more donations still being collected.

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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BUGGY BLUES FOR JOAN

MOTABILITY scooter rider Joan Hutton has pleaded with Island motorists to be more patient after she revealed she feels under threat every time she takes to the road.

Mrs Hutton (below) has to use her electric buggy because of a severe back problem. But whenever she ventures out from her home in Green Lane, Shanklin, she claims she is verbally abused for holding up traffic.

The 64-year-old blames the shortage of dropped kerbs on footpaths for her dilemma, and reckons that a recent round trip to Shanklin town centre – a distance of about two miles – took her the best part of two hours to complete.

“Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth i t , ”

she said. “But I have been disabled with my back trouble and other problems for the past 11 years, and I can only walk a short distance. If I didn’t have my buggy I wouldn’t be able to get out, so I won’t be giving up.”

Mrs Hutton’s problems escalate when she is forced to leave paths and take her buggy on to the road.

She explained: “There have been a lot of road works around here, and sometimes it is

impossible to get through.

“Then there is the shortage of dropped kerbs, so I have to take to the road. But that is when car drivers start giving me abuse. One motorist shouted at me “get off the road old granny” while others swerve round me.

The trouble is, everyone wants to drive too fast on the Island.”

She added: “I have phoned the council about the shortage of dropped kerbs to get on and off paths, but nothing

CLEO’S SHOWS CANCELLED

JAZZ lovers will be saddened to hear that Dame Cleo Laine has a severe chest infection and will be unable to perform at the two concerts arranged for the Winter Gardens on October 30 and 31.

Promoters Sigma Events said: “We have received the following message from Dankworth Management’s agent: “It is with great regret that I write to inform you that Dame Cleo Laine was hospitalised at the end of last week with a severe chest infection and has been ordered by her physician to cancel

all engagements for the foreseeable future. Dame Cleo and Sir John will not be able to perform on October 30 and 31 2009.

Cleo and John are so sorry.

This is completely beyond their control. Our thoughts are with Cleo for a speedy recovery”.

Sigma Events Management Ltd ask ticketholders to bear with them for further news and clarification whilst they wait to see if alternative concert dates are going to be a possibility, or other arrangements need to be put in place. In the interim,

they further ask all people who bought tickets via the Winter Gardens Box Office or the Winter Gardens Bar to contact them and make themselves known, on 01983 856206 or email sigmaevents@ b t c o n n e c t . c o m and let them know seat numbers purchased, for which night, contact address, phone number and email address so that they can be kept updated.

The Gazette will hold all of the entries to our competition for tickets to the concerts until further news from the organisers.

has been done. I am a qualified driver, so I think I have every right to drive on the road, if that is the only solution.”

Mrs Hutton has had one close encounter, when a car bumped into her.

And she is already on her third buggy. The first one suffered a cracked chassis because of a steep drop on a kerb, while her second one kept losing power.

Now she is hoping it will be third time lucky....if only impatient motorists will give her a chance!

FEATURE

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FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

15

PINK WEEK COMING SOON THE NEW Wight Cats will be going pink for Wear It Pink Day on October 30.

“Our passenger catamarans will sport pink ribbons for Wear It Pink day to make sure that all of our customers are aware of the event and we will also support the annual Isle of Pink Friendship Walk by providing free travel for all mainland competitors,” said Wightlink Marketing Manager Kerry Jackson.

The Isle of Pink Friendship/Party Walk around the Western Yar on Saturday 24 October culminates in a pink party with tea and cake, and walkers are encouraged to bring their party hats and to wear pink outfits.

Wightlink are offering mainland participants free foot passenger travel from Lymington to Yarmouth (and back).

The walk starts at Yarmouth Institute at 2pm and takes a four-mile circular route around the Western Yar to return for the tea party at the

a floating exhibition on Saturday 24 October and that collection boxes and pink ribbons will be carried on all ferries and placed in Wightlink’s ticket offices and in its own offices.

With the school holidays fast approaching, make sure you’ve got a fun-filled half term planned for the whole family by getting involved in some of the many pink-tastic fundraising activities taking place on the Isle of Pink.

Other activities over half term include: • LA Bowl are holding a ladies challenge on 24 October pink day to start half term where teams of six are encouraged to battle it out for the chance to win a top prize • Pink fundraising activities at the Haven Street Steam Railway from October 25 – 30.

• ‘Pinkgang Chine’ are inviting everyone to dress up in pink witches and wizards outfits for their fancy dress competition

BY JO MACAULAY Institute with tea and cakes made by Yarmouth WI. Entrance for the walk is £10 per adult and £2.50 per child and you should register on the website at www. breastcancercampaign. org. Your registration card will be needed to receive free travel on Wightlink.

“In the UK nearly 46,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year – making it the most common form of cancer – so Wightlink is anxious to do all that it can to support this really important fundraising initiative for Breast Cancer Campaign,” said Kerry Jackson.

She confirmed that Wightlink’s flagship, St. Clare, will be made available for the Breast Cancer Campaign community team to use as

and pink treasure hunt on October 29.

• The Isle of Wight Zoo will also be holding a pink Halloween event on 31 October Don’t forget you can also take part in the Isle of Pink by holding your own pink event, so start planning what fundraising activities you can hold with your family, friends and colleagues. All the money

RAILING SMASH CLOSES ROAD

TRAFFIC Police and fire crews from Shanklin closed Sandown road near the Lake for an hour on Monday (12th) after a car

Police have confirmed spun off the road hitting a street lamp before that there was only one ploughing into some metal vehicle involved and no railing near the Co-op one was hurt in the crash.

Store.

raised from the Isle of Pink will help Breast Cancer Campaign get a step closer to beating breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research.

For more information on how to organise your own event, or to take part in any of the Isle of Pink events, call 020 7749 3708 or visit www. breastcancercampaign. org.

Winners of the Epson competition

THE WINNER of the first prize, an Epson SX400 colour printer is Mr Roy G. Williams from St Helens. Winner of the second prize, an Epson SX100 is Mrs Maureen Briscoe from Cowes.

CONTACT THE NEWSDESK WITH ALL YOUR ISLAND STORIES AND INFORMATION. CALL 01983 409928

LEGION COLLECTORS NEEDED TALENT TRAWL

A SERIES of Royal British Legion events are taking place in Ryde to commemorate Remembrance 2009.

There will be a ‘Dedication of Field of Remembrance’ at All Saints Church on Sunday, October 25 starting at 11.45am. On Thursday, November 5, there is a ‘RBL Festival of Remembrance’ at 7.30pm at Ryde Theatre.

A ‘Remembrance Day Parade’ is taking place on Sunday, November 8, assembling at 9.45am in Station Street. On November 11, there will

be a minute’s silence to remember those who lost their lives in battle, with people asked to meet at the Ryde British Legion, before proceeding to Shrine in Lind Street.

Mr Taylor, from the Ryde Branch of The

Royal British Legion, said: “We are holding a number of events and are appealing for volunteers to help collect money. All our branches need more collectors and we would love it if more people could help us out.”

MEMBERS of the IW Youth Council are hoping to uncover the Island’s very own major talent in a forthcoming competition.

With hit TV shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The X-Factor still fresh in minds, the Youth Council is staging ‘Rock the Island Talent Show’ at Medina Theatre on tonight (October 16), between 7-10pm.

The competition is open to anyone aged 13 - 21 and any type of talent is being sought as either individuals or groups.

It could be song, dance, music, magic, comedy acts, bands, circus skills or anything you like.

Entrance for performers and the audience is free and there will be tickets available on the evening.

Parents of younger teenagers are advised not to drop them off at the event without ensuring that they can gain entry.

For more information call Chris Smy, IW Council Youth Empowerment Worker on 07976 009 119 or via email chris.smy@iow. gov.uk

FEATURE

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FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

BUMPER BIG DAY OUT THE IW Council’s annual Big Day Out, which took place in the West Wight, has been hailed as a huge success this year.

Over 5000 people enjoyed the event at the combined West Wight Sports Centre, Youth and Community Centre and the West Wight Middle School site.

Now in its seventh year, the Big Day Out brings together all of the services on the Island that offer help, support and activities for children and young people with organisations and services, both from the private and public sector, exhibiting on the day.

Such has been the popularity of the event, the government’s Myplace scheme may now use it as an example for other

local authorities. Myplace is a multi-million pound government programme aimed at delivering world class places for young people to go.

IW Council Cabinet member with responsibility for children Dawn Cousins said: “The Big Day Out was extremely popular and this year we were blessed with excellent weather as well.

“The event has now become a firm fixture in the Island’s events calendar and this year also provided an opportunity for young people to give their views on how the council should re-shape the youth service on the Island.

“Representatives from the government’s Myplace scheme were invited to the Big Day Out and they told

us how they were blown away by the young people led organisation and scale of the event, saying they had never seen anything like it.

“It is very heart-warming that an event on the Isle of Wight is being recognised on a national scale and it could be used as a model for other areas in the UK, all for the benefit of children and young people.

“I offer my congratulations to everyone who made this year’s Big Day Out such a success and I am already looking forward to next year”.

Visitors to the Big Day Out also had the opportunity to give their views on how the council should restructure it’s youth service, with the local authority currently consulting young people.

Abbie Kellaway and Freya Gallup

West Wight Dance Troupe perform in the West Wight Factor

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

Above: Emma Ross and Paul Kirby with children Tori Ross, Dylan Bordsley and Ellie Ross

Left to right: Maria Smith, Tara Haywood, Jamie Morey and Wendy Durdeg, with Andy Smith on Xylophone

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ORGANISER of the Big Day Out, Simon Dear, was extremely pleased with the turnout last Sunday: “It’s been a great day. There have been over 5,000 people turn up and over 1,000 services have turned up to show families what is on offer,” said Simon.

“Last year the weather wasn’t on our side, but 1,000 people still turned up.

“The big day out takes all year to plan and to get the right balance and we’ll start planning for next year in about a month’s time. It has worked really well this year because we have been able to work with West Wight Sports Centre and Youth Services.

“We have had people down from central government and they

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FEATURE have been blown away by what is going on down here. They are planning to take this away as a model and try and make this happen in other parts of the country.

“The day also helps families find out about what other services are on offer for them. We have got fantastic things on the Island. It’s about giving families a chance come out and enjoy them.

The important thing is about young people as they are the ones that help run it. I work for children’s services and it’s great that we have so much support from the other agencies. This is our seventh year. We picked Freshwater again because we wanted to give them a second chance because of the bad weather last year.

Front, left to right: Josh Ellis, Fin Kalaker and Christopher Whiteley. Back, left to right: Regan Matthews and Abigail Whiteley

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FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

HOLT WONT BE HALTED Geoff Holt, the first disabled sailor to sail solo around the Island and then Great Britain, has now set his sights on new horizons.

Geoff wants to cross the Atlantic later this year, and return to the scene of the accident that paralysed him 25 years ago in the Caribbean. On his 60ft purpose-built catamaran, with wheelchair access he will sail Impossible Dream on the 2,700 mile adventure, hoping to become the first

quadriplegic to make the journey unassisted.

Geoff will start his voyage from the Canaries, and expects to arrive in Tortola after a month at sea.

Supporting him all the way will be sponsors Henri Lloyd, and chief executive Paul Strzelecki said: “Geoff is a brave adventurer who loves to tackle projects that no one else will, therefore it is natural for us to continue our support of him for his next personal challenge.”

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Geoff Holt aboard Impossible Dream

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FEATURE

SANDOWN HIGH SCHOOL 03-09

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REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

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20

NEWS Martin Poynter (Lead Instructor) explained about the LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) project that is held at Ryde Community Fire Station: “The LIFE Project is a nationally acclaimed project, which started in the London boroughs. It was initially designed for young people to come to the fire station, which is a neutral setting, and to be taught life skills.

“Over the last three years, the IW Fire and Rescue Service have run nine LIFE courses making a big difference to over 100 of the Island’s young people,” said Martin.

The project is aimed at youngsters who need a chance to turn their life around, so Martin works closely with schools and other organisations. “All the young people that we’ve got on the project today have been referred to us from Sandown High School, via Catch 22 which is an intervention service working in the Bay areas. All the young people taking part today are at risk of under achieving or non-attendance.”

Understanding the needs of every person attending enables each course to be adapted to specific focus areas. This week Martin has structured the course

P C M artin N o r m a n is usually patrolling the Island’s roads catching offenders and lawbreakers but this week he swapped his police uniform for a white helmet and boots to take part in the LIFE project.

Martin explained that this is his first LIFE Project and it’s been a really interesting experience: “The kids that started on the project have really changed over the week.

On Monday I wore my uniform so they all knew that I was a policeman and the fact that they knew that helped to break down a lot of barriers. I felt that

around communication. “Building up people’s self-esteem, team work, and most importantly talking to each other about how to get the job done quickly and safely,” said Martin.

“After being chosen for the course, the students and their parents/carers attend an induction evening where they have chance to speak to the firefighters who run the course. This helps to build bridges before the course starts and hopefully settle any nerves. The course then starts first thing on a Monday morning – breakfast at 8am.

“We basically run like a little recruits course. We start on Monday morning and things finish with a passing out parade,” said Martin. “The week long course not only covers important life skills and self-esteem but the maintenance and safe operation of fire service equipment and basic first aid. The instructors on the course have all been carefully selected after initially volunteering; they are all operational fire fighters and a mix of whole time, retained or day staff. They have all attended a training course to become LIFE instructors.

“Throughout the week each instructor not only supervises the whole group

it was easier to engage with the kids.

“It’s important that they understand that I have a job to do, but that under the uniform there is a person,” said PC Norman.

“I have learned stuff from the kids this week.

“I’ve worked with school children and other youth groups in the past with the Head On and Safe Drive Stay Alive projects.

Being part of the project has helped as it forms a relationship so when the kids see me in the street they will say “hello” and their friends will also see this as well.”

Having completed the LIFE course, Luke Taylor (14), one of the students from Sandown High School, praised the project: “ It’s good. It’s helped me a lot,” he said.

Luke’s main problem with school is that he is unable to concentrate, as he is easily distracted. He feels that it is better for the course to be based out of school and in the fire station, highlighting that “getting wet and working

but will mentor two young people. This enables them to keep a close eye on their progress and to prevent any problems from occurring. The instructors can then feed back any positive or negative experiences at the end of each day to see if anything could have been done better.

“The mentors have to fill in mentoring forms for the young people, a bit like a school report, where they comment on their manners, conduct and any good/ bad points. Along with any pictures taken throughout the week and daily progress reports, the mentoring forms are added to a portfolio for each student. They then have the opportunity to sit down with their mentor so they understand the comments and can track their improvement throughout the week. The portfolios are presented at the end of the week in the passing out parade and can be used by the students as and when they need to in the future – maybe as a mini reference or a pick me up if they’re feeling down and need to be reminded that they are good at something and can achieve if they put their mind to it.”

After leaving the course, students who

as a team” were his most enjoyable moments.

Luke obviously gained a lot from the course and with any luck the lessons he has learnt will stick with him. “It’s helped me to concentrate a lot more and it’s helped me to help people more,” he said.

Luke is sure he will be able to pass on his new skills to his friends at school and that the skills he has learnt will benefit him in later life too.

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

have made significant progress and had a ‘life-changing experience’ will be invited back to attend a mentoring scheme. This is held at Newport Fire Station and is run by the whole time crew in the evenings.

“One of the students on the course was scared of the dark, heights and wouldn’t eat but after being on the course he is now going up 50ft ladders, hasn’t been the same in the house and has completely changed,” said Martin.

Martin feels that the project is a way of giving back to the community, using his experience as a father of four he feels that he has made a good choice in the officers that he has selected to be instructors and he hopes that the presence of a police officer on the course will improve the youngsters’ perception of the police force.

“It’s been brilliant. It’s not physically hard work for us, but it is mentally draining.

I’ve gone from being a 22 year operational fireman to being a youth engagement officer just dealing with young people. It’s emotional for all the instructors - they’ve seen what a difference we can make in a very short space of time to the attitudes of young people. And I always cry!”

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

BY JASON KAY Working as a Teaching Assistant at Sandown High School, Mr Church is used to working with the

At the end of the passing out parade Shawn Rockall, also a 14 year old student from Sandown High School, stood up and told everybody that this experience had been one of the best weeks he’s had: “All the staff are just wonderful and it’s been better than school.”

Like a lot of young people Shawn has problems staying focused at school and finds some subjects hard. “I can’t concentrate and there’s other people distracting you,” said Shawn. He is adamant that the LIFE course has been a positive thing. “It’s helped me focus and block out the noises that I don’t want to hear,” he said.

Team building and being to work/help each other were the two biggest lessons for Shawn and he is certain that he’d be able to use these skills when back at

students on the course but like them this was his first experience of the LIFE Project.

Being in a different environment, where Mr Church was learning too, enabled the barriers to be

lowered and he also had a very positive experience.

“Yeah its great! This course has been really good actually – they’ve never had anything like this before to do,” said Mr Church who added that he’d learnt a lot

school. He felt that it would be easy to steer his friends in the same direction, but that there should be more courses like this on the island.

about fire safety and fire prevention.

“Monday was obviously the hardest day, getting everyone together and making sure people were in the right place at the right time, learning what

Grandmother Patricia Smith came along to the display and passing out parade on Friday at Ryde fire station and when asked what the course had done for her

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NEWS

was expected of them.” The highlight of the week for Mr Church was the passing out parade, in which “everything just seemed to come together.”

Mr Church feels that the skills learnt over the course

grandson she said: “It’s not just teachers and instructors noticing the difference. The effects of the LIFE Project ripple into family life.”

When asked if her grandson, Shaun, had benefitted from being on the LIFE course Patricia Smith was in no doubt: “Enormously,” said Patricia.

“He was a shy lad and he had no sense of direction, but he seems to have really focused on this.”

Patricia believes there should definitely be more projects like this on the Island - helping to break down barriers. Having a police officer on the course Patricia feels is also a positive step. “It gives them an idea doesn’t it, that they’re normal people trying to do a good job. Something that maybe we all forget at times” said Patricia.

C hampioning the use of funding to support the LIFE Project, Councillor Barry Abraham spoke enthusiastically at the passing out parade. “I think it’s an excellent course. It’s trying to get young people that are not necessarily doing that well at school and getting them engaged.

I think that’s absolutely fantastic and that what you’ve seen today bears out that it’s well worth the money that’s put into it.”

The new plans for modernisation of the fire service on the island include more provision for education, which should help the LIFE project run more courses. “We hope to be able to roll it out across the Island. It’s about the evolving role of the fire service, to try and engage people who do not necessarily know about the fire

of the week will be carried back into the students’ school-life. He’s hopeful that they will be passed onto friends and that group and team work in school will be a lot easier with their new communication skills.

service or the firemen themselves,” he said.

Cllr Abraham sees the Fire Fighters as the perfect instructors for the course, especially now that people are beginning to see that they don’t just put out fires. “There’s no barriers, that is it. I think unlike the police where there might be issues with some young people, they haven’t got any issues with firemen.

I think they respond to that, a bit of authority and being engaged.”

Above all perhaps the most important point is that the funding of projects like the LIFE Project shows a belief in the youth of today.

“This was a really happy event. You can see the parents love to see their kids are not just being trodden on but they’re being given that right steer,” said Cllr Abrahams.

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FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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Retail assistant, supermarket

Newport

Excellent customer service skills required to work on a check out.

£6.00 ph, 37 hrs per week

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NIW12344. - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Counter Assistant

Newport

Previous experience preferred but not essential as full training given. Will be serving customers, cash handling & wrapping food

National Minimum Wage. 10 -12 hrs a week

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NIW/9549 - Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Tomato Picker

Arreton

No experience required, full training given.

Picking tomatoes & general horticultural duties, working in glasshouses with temperatures 18 to 34 degrees

£5.81 per hr. 39 hrs a week

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Carer

Ryde

NVQ in care would be desirable although full training can be given. You will be required to work with adults with learning disabilities and complex/challenging needs

Wage is dependent on experience 37.5 hours per week over 7 days – flexible hours.

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RFM/5955. - Visit www.jobcentreplus. gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Housekeeper/Chamber Person

Sandown

Experience preferred but not essential.

Duties to include cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and communal areas in the hotel.

Meets national Minimum Wage 20+ per week, 6 days from 7, between 9am – 2pm

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RFM/5658. - Visit www.jobcentreplus. gov.uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Kitchen Assistant

Sandown

Previous experience and food hygiene certificate is essential. Any recognised qualifications would be an advantage but the employer will offer in-house training to enhance qualifications

£5.97 per hour 13 per week, Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am – 5pm

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Supervisor/ Duty Manager

Shanklin

Must have experience of working in an H R environment, have an eye for detail, be computer literate, flexible on hours of work and be able to work as part of a team.

£6.30 - £6.70 per hr 20-30 hrs per week 5 days out of 7 between 7am-10pm.

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Chef

Ryde

Must have experience and a Basic Food Hygiene certificate. Must be able to prepare all types of food and work well with a head chef and cover in their absence.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage 30-40 per week, 5 days from 7, between 11am – 10pm

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Housekeeper/Cleaner

Chale

Own transport is essential. Previous experience an advantage. Duties will be mopping, hoovering, dusting and polishing.

Also cleaning rooms and dealing with the linen.

Meets National Minimum Wage 32 hours per week, 5 days over 7 between 8am-2pm

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FEATURE

bourne hall

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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FEATURE

BOOMING BALCONY

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

CHOIR MEETS LONG ARM OF THE LAW

LAST Saturday saw St Saviour’s Church in Shanklin hosting a bumper choir concert with Newchurch Male Voice Choir and Gloucester Police Male Voice Choir with Donna Brihmani on oboe and soprano Lucy Stevens.

Barry Leahy, of Newchurch Male Voice Choir (NMVC) said: “During the last eight or so years NMVC have received quite a number of requests from mainland choirs to put on joint events and St Saviour’s, apart from being a great and very large church in which to sing, is in the heart of ‘hotel land’, where most book accommodation. And, I must say, we have had very

large audiences in the past with all the pews being occupied but last night they were dragging additional seating from under the stage in the hall where we changed! I saw some 20 or

so being whisked out into the church.

“A member of the resident congregation estimated about 400 people packed into St. Saviour’s, which our MD Roy Bevan

thought quite exceptional and an unqualified success with comments that it was probably our best ‘joint’ concert to date. It was also a very generous audience; a total just in excess of

£940 was collected on the doors, a quite remarkable amount.

After the deduction of expenses and a generous donation to St Saviour’s the balance will be given to the Hospice.

Newchurch MVC and Gloucester Police MVC with Soprano Lucy Stevens

Donna Brihmani

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FEATURE

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

GET YOUR CHOCOLATIERE The Chocolate Apothecary is located on the Esplanade in Ryde just opposite the pier and can dispense all of your chocolate needs.

The shop was named in honour of the historic Nicolson’s chemist premises in which it resides. Amazingly all of the original apothecary drawers and cabinetry still exist from the chemist, or apothecary as they used to be called, but now they are full of exquisite hand made chocolates.

The setting has a warm Edwardian feel with period pendant lighting and beautiful mahogany tables with coffee beans from around the world under the glass tops.

The lighting is from Wales, the reception desk from Scotland, the chairs from Warwickshire and the tables are from London with an interesting story to all the furnishings in the place. Everything is within keeping, down to the Edwardian bell press outside the shop and

the Victorian bell on the inside front door when one arrives.

The delicious chocolates are all hand made on the premises along with the cakes, Florentines, brownies, biscotti and all sorts of lovely delicacies.

The popular range of coffees on offer includes cappuccino, latte, espresso, Americano (not because the owner is American) and a myriad of Organic Herbal Remedy Teas. Even teas for sore throats, stomach aches and sleep disorders can be ordered! One mustn’t leave, however, without trying their hot drinking chocolate made from real chocolate and local milk. It’s an experience in itself.

Three IOW Chocolatiers make the confectionery and all the staff are close family and friends. It’s a wonderful place to visit with good quality chocolates, cakes, teas and coffees. They’ve clearly strived to create a warm friendly atmosphere and we think they may have achieved it.

Sue Van Praagh making chocolate

Claire Kay and Sue Van Praagh

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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OUTLET FOR STYLE

Since opening in May The Highstreet Outlet in Union Street, Ryde, next to KFC and opposite Liberty’s, has proved popular with both islanders and visitors alike hoping to find quality, top end, high street brands of clothing at greatly reduced prices. As proprietor of an independent outlet, Emme Webb, is able to personally source and hand-pick her stock, with new arrivals on a weekly basis. She has found that once people discover The Highstreet Outlet, they pop in on a regular basis to see what “goodies” she has. With the arrival of Autumn, her lovely selection of elegant ladies coats and jackets is proving popular and with the festive season not too far off customers are already making Christmas purchases. She has

just purchased stock from “Cash Ca” a top London designer that specialised in exquisite cashmere and silk knitwear which will undoubtedly prove popular. The Zack and Zulu range of ladies fine cotton PJs and boxer sets in pretty gingham gift bags has been a huge hit along with her affordable jewellery selection which all makes ideal Christmas gifts!

The ever popular “Magic” range of control underwear, at a third of the instore price is something ladies of all ages are raving about along with thier new arrival of designer lingerie sets. To keep the men happy they now have a continuous supply of quality dress and casual shirts, again at one third of high street prices.

So drop in and be surprised and get dressed for less.

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Many hotels have experienced very good seasons this year and if you’re one of them then now is the time to reinvest in your asset.

Island Furnishing is an Isle of Wight business that specialises in supplying business furniture and has a wide range of beds and bedroom furniture ideal for any size of hotel.

An Isle of Wight based business, Island Furnishing was started over 20 years ago when it traded as Brian Stean Furnishing in Mill Hill Road in Cowes.

Steven Lacey and Mark Grafham, who changed the name to Island

Furnishing, took over in 2006.

Customers come to the warehouse by appointment or choose their furniture from catalogues and the firm are happy to let you try before you buy and will even bring furniture to your door. Beds stocked include the Dreamworks and Moonraker ranges along with Julian Bowen bedroom furniture.

“We’d rather go and see a customer face to face,” said Steven Lacey. “We’ll even take beds to customers for them to see the quality or loan office chairs to see if they’re suitable.”

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Office furniture is also a major line with desking from Lee Plumpton and office chairs from companies such as Wallis and Summit. All the furniture you need for an office, meeting room or large open plan offices are in stock.

Because Island Furnishing have extensive warehousing on the island they are able to meet very quick delivery deadlines and products ordered from stock will be delivered free of charge anywhere on the island the following day. Deliveries are made using the company’s

fleet of vans and any flat packed furniture is delivered and assembled by the delivery driver free of charge.

Island Furnishing has the ability to supply a single filing cabinet for a one-man band to a total furniture refit for a large office block or a large island hotel.

Customers have included the IW Council, S.Wight and Medina housing associations, the Primary Care Trust, nursing homes, the prisons, schools and the IW College. See their range at www.islandfurnishing.co.uk

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

WINDOW WELFARE

Now is the time of year to sort out any draughts that are making their way into your home. Badly fitting doors and windows are usually the culprits and need to be sorted out now, before the weather gets colder.

With double glazed units it is often the hinges, locks or rubber gaskets that will need replacing and Window Surgeon are the company to call.

With 21 years experience in the glazing and double glazing industry, Stuart Ellwood started Window

Surgeon seven years ago and this small family run business has gone from strength to strength.

Specialising in double-glazing repairs, Window Surgeon can also repair door cylinders, door handles and patio door wheels (slides).

Broken down double-glazing units which mist up when the seals are broken can be replaced – just the unit, you don’t have to replace the frame.

Window Surgeon also installs

UPVC and aluminum windows, conservatories, fascias, guttering, cladding and soffits.

Ask the Window Surgeon for a quotation to refurbish your doubleglazing and you might be surprised at the price – less than half of the cost of having them replaced. Go to www. windowsurgeonisleofwight.co.uk and leave details of your specific problems for an estimated quotation of what the work might cost. Or call Stuart on 401119.

You may not have to replace the frame

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

PARTY AT THE BISHOPS For a really traditional Christmas setting in a pretty little village with thatched cottages, Brighstone ticks all the boxes. Nestled in the middle of this picturesque village sits the Three Bishops - the ideal location for your Christmas party meal and celebrations.

With roaring open fires and the scent of the freshly cut Christmas trees, the Three Bishops offers a party menu with three courses for £17.95. Your tables will be dressed with crackers, poppers and all things Christmassy and away you go.

But the real bonus is the food, which is all cooked fresh to order, with festive favourites such as turkey with all the trimmings and plump Christmas puddings. Four

selections for each course include a fish option and a vegetarian alternative, with delicious desserts to choose from too.

Ideal for those with food intolerances or allergies, because all meals are cooked to order you can ask for your specific food to be excluded – the team at the Three Bishops will be happy to help with gluten, dairy or other allergies.

Real ales are another bonus with four on offer and a nice selection of wines.

If you book your party on Friday or Saturday night throughout December you’ll have live music to accompany your festivities.

Bands include Route 27, No Strings Attached, Platform High and on one

Friday there will be karaoke – call for further details. It may also be possible to arrange music for week nights.

The largest party that can be seated together is 70, although the large pub seats around 120 and buffets could be even bigger. But whether you’re a large group or just a couple, you’ll be able to order a traditional turkey Christmas dinner any day in December.

Chris and Helen Hessey with their team will give you a warm welcome.

“We get people from all over the Island. We’ve got a really big catchment area,” said Chris. “ The parties are coming thick and fast now.” Don’t forget that you can also book for lunch if you prefer.

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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FEATURE

MAKE IT A WHITE XMAS

To make a real night of your Christmas party you could choose the White Mouse and your party could stay until the morning. The ten bedrooms are all well appointed and you could wake up to views of the sea or the downs.

Christmas party bookings are being taken from the last week in November through to the first week in January at this popular country pub, with its olde worlde charm and open fires.

The Christmas Celebration menu has four courses including coffee and mince pies for £15.95 (children £9). Traditional roast turkey is, of course, featured amongst the five main course options and Christmas pudding with the desserts. Also

included are a baked salmon fillet fish option and a roast red peppers vegetarian option, along with an 8oz rump steak and a slow roast shank of lamb.

Live music will be playing in the pub on many nights; Dave Graham of the Tornadoes plays 50s, 60s and 70s numbers on November 27 and December 11 and there will be jazz on November 18 and December 2 and 16.

Throughout December there will be mulled wine available in the bar and one night will host caroling, mulled wine and mince pies. Call the pub nearer the date for details.

For a break from the cooking you could even have your Christmas day lunch at the White Mouse, with

a mouthwatering menu for £44.95 (children £30) –booking for this is essential.

The joint will be jumping on New Year’s Eve when a rock and roll party will raise the rafters from 8pm till 1.30am. Entry is only £5 and includes a finger buffet and live American style rock and roll numbers from The Invaders.

Sandra Harrison and her team are looking forward to welcoming you to the Wight Mouse at any time – food is available all day, every day and there are three cask ales. It’s a particularly lovely place to stop off for refreshment after a long blustery walk on the beach – don’t forget that dogs are welcome.

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MOTORING

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

LAND ROVER LEADS THE WAY Once upon a time, Land Rover made two cars, a basic car for farmers to get around and a more luxurious model aimed at the gentry for going out shooting. Nowadays all that has changed and the market for 4x4 cars has moved from the country and into the town. Luxury now seems to outweigh off-road ability these days but Land Rover has never strayed from its roots.

Land Rover knows that they aren’t just competing against other 4x4s anymore; they are going head to head against the luxury saloons from Germany.

And that’s where the fourth incarnation of the Discovery

comes in.

Although called the Discovery 4, this new model is really a heavily improved version of the outgoing car. The upgrades are extensive though. Like its predecessor, all new variants of the new ‘Disco’ are powered by one engine. The old 2.7 diesel has made way for an all-new, more efficient 242bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel unit.

Once you get into the drivers seat, you are instantly hit with a feel of quality. The cabin feels much plusher than in the old car and in top-spec HSE guise it can easily be considered on par with its bigger brother, the Range Rover. But with two extra seats!

Don’t think for a moment though that Land Rover has sold its soul to compete on luxury for it is still an amazing car once you go away from the target and into the mud. I had the pleasure of taking the Disco into the wilderness and was amazed at just what terrain this car will cross. The route took us across numerous 45-degree muddy slopes and through a three-foot deep stream but the Discovery was sure-footed and never missed a beat.

Back on tarmac, handling is surprisingly good for a car that is more at home in the Sahara than it is on the school run. There is an unavoidable hint of body roll when

cornering at speed but nothing dramatic. Motorway driving is extremely comfortable thanks to the off-road suspension settings isolating the monocoque chassis from the worst our highways have to offer.

What really does impress though is the feeling of safety. You will feel impervious to the threat from less attentive motorists with the knowledge that a collision with anything smaller than a Discovery will cause the minimum of injuries to your family or yourself.

People may be criticized for using off-roaders to ferry their offspring round, but if I had kids, I’d get a Discovery tomorrow.

Nuts and Bolts: Prices: £31,995 to £47,695 Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Toyota Landcruiser.

Best points: Excellent ability on all terrains.

Other points: Increased fuel economy should appease the green lobby.

By Mark D’Apice

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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POOLE HELD AT PORT Newport held league leaders Poole Town to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling match at St George’s Park.

Newport included new signing Mike McEnery in their starting line up whilst Poole included former Newport player Steve Richardson.

The visitors kicked off and immediately put Newport under pressure from a corner but as the ball bobbled about close to goal, Newport ‘keeper Gary Streeter palmed away Luke Whitley’s header.

It didn’t take long for Poole to take the lead, when a free kick by Micky Hubberd was headed back

across the goal by Stuart Brown and nodded in at close range with just eight minutes on the clock.

The away side nearly doubled their lead on 18 minutes when Carl Preston’s 25-yard shot appeared to be heading into the top corner of the net before Streeter turned it wide of the post.

But Newport got themselves back in to the game and were rewarded with an equalizer on 19 minutes. The home side built an attack on the right and as Poole failed to close down Darren Powell, his low shot from outside the penalty area took a bobble and went into the net to make it 1-1

at half time.

Within two minutes of the restart, Poole attacked down the right and a low cross found Micky Hubbard who appeared to have an open goal, but somehow Streeter saved from point blank range.

The ball was played up to the other end and Powell tried to weave through the defence but was thwarted.

The ball then broke to Tom Scovell whose drive from outside the penalty area took a deflection to put the home side ahead.

On 58 minutes a 20 yard curling shot from Powell swerved just wide of the top corner of the net.

Poole Town sacrificed defender Carl Poore for

striker Steve Smith as they sought an equaliser.

And that equaliser came when the visitors were awarded a penalty. As a corner came over from the right Gary Streeter was adjusted to have pushed a Poole player, even though his arms appeared to be way above his head as he reached for the cross.

Despite no appeals from Poole, referee Chris Miles pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Micky Hubbard to place his low penalty shot wide of Gary Streeter.

Newport brought on Iain Seabrook for Tom McInnes in search for a winner, but table-topping Poole held on for a point.

SPORT HIGH HOPES FOR FEMALE TEAM A newly formed female basketball team, that has high hopes of competing in the 2011 Island Games, are looking for new players to join the squad.

The team was set up by Cowes High teacher Rachel Almond, during the summer, and have been playing in the Medina Summer League.

And after recent success and good performances, they are now playing in Division Two of the Island league against men and boys.

“If we can play against the men, then when it comes to playing against the women’s team, hopefully it should be easier for us. Next year we may enter a team in the Solent League if we can get the sponsors and grants needed for travel,” said Rachel.

“Myself and a couple of other girls used to play in the National League team Solent Stars and England, and I have also played

at university in America and Australia.

“We realised that unless we started a team we would have know where to play on the Island, so I started developing basketball for girls and women on the Island.

At the moment the team is mostly made up of Cowes High and Carisbrooke High sixth form students and staff. Games are played at 7pm at Carisbrooke High School on Sundays and training takes place at Cowes High School on Mondays between 4-5pm.

“Our aim is to develop more interest so that we can enter the first ever Isle of Wight women’s basketball team into the 2011 Island Games,” said Rachel.

Any girls that are interested in playing basketball and aged 15 upwards can contact Rachel on 299091 or email rjhotshot@ hotmail.com

CHARITY MATCH RAISES OVER £900 Photo: Thierry Martinez

By Jamie White

Over £900 was raised in the fifth annual charity football match between GKN and an Ian Mac XI. Each the year the game takes place, different charities benefit from the funds that are raised, and this year it was the turn of The Barely Born Appeal and the Kerry Green Trust.

Over the past few

years, the GKN team has managed to win every time the two sides have met- but not on this occasion!

The crowd could have been convinced that it was about to be another romp for GKN, when they raced in to a 4-0 lead at half time.

But for the second half, the Ian Mac XI came out in a changed strip of yellow shirts

rather than the blue they wore in the first half. It was reminiscent of the game between Manchester United and Southampton at The Dell in 1996, when United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made his players change their shirts at half time, claiming that they couldn’t see each other.

And the shirt change proved instrumental for the Ian Mac XI as they

battled back to draw 4-4 in a fantastic second half.

Player-Manager, Ian Mac, said: “We have lost every time we have played, so to come back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 was amazing. I think it was down to brilliant tactics by the manager who predicted a 5-4 win at the start!

“I must say a big thanks to Newport Football

Club for letting us use their facilities free of charge.

“When it comes down to local charities, Island people never let us down with their support, it never ceases to amaze me. There are plans for another match next year and hopefully we can at last claim a win, but more importantly raise for funds for more local charities,” said Ian.

GKN (white shirts) took an early 4-0 lead

Ian Mac XI in their changed yellow shirts attack the GKN goal

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

PROUD DAY FOR PETE

By Jamie White

Island bodybuilder Pete Bullard is celebrating after finishing third in the U23 British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Championships.

Pete, who originates from Sandown but now lives in Southampton, took up bodybuilding after deciding he wanted to get stronger to compete at a higher standard of football on the Island.

“I got into bodybuilding initially to gain strength for playing men’s league football.

But the more I got into the gym, the more I became interested in physique competitions and eventually found the British Natural bodybuilding federation on line.

“I followed my passion into fitness training, working in several council, university and privately owned gyms as well as helping to run activity camps,” said Pete.

The 22-year-old has only been competing for two years but already has a string of achievements to his name.

In 2007, Pete finished first in both the BNBF Southern Juniors and the NPA South East Juniors events. He then went on to compete in the U21 British Championships and the

UIBBN World Championships, where he finished in first and fifth place respectively.

While Pete trains and competes without the use of any performing enhancing drugs, he accepts that some others in different competitions do.

“Whilst I have no problem with people using performance enhancing drugs, I don’t personally want to take them myself and this gave me the opportunity to compete drug free, which I personally see as a far more healthy venture.

“Whilst it’s a strange sport to some, the level of dedication and hard work that is required and the end result are what keep me motivated,” he said.

So far this year, Pete, who works for the NHS as a part of the Primary Care Mental Health Team, came first in the BNBF Southern U23 event before, taking third in the U23 British Championships.

“It really was a fantastic day.

Being ranked as a top three British junior is a fantastic achievement for me, and one of my proudest to date. I am very happy with my improvements over the last two years,” he said.

Pete paid tribute to Gary

Lewis, a close friend of his that died recently in a motorcycle accident, who was a real inspiration to him.

He said: “Gary, who came from Bembridge, really encouraged me to take up the sport in the first place and was a great supporter of mine.

We trained, lived, worked and studied together for many years and id really like to say he will be sorely missed by myself and many other Island people who knew him growing up.”

When Pete gets a break during his busy work and training schedule, he likes to keep his website www. petebullardtraining.com updated with photos and information for people to view.

He added: “I first set this up as a personal training site, but now use it more to write articles and put photos on from my shows as my times pretty limited from the new job. When I am on the Island I train at Cloud 9 Gym in Shanklin, but it is hard work juggling all my commitments.

“I really have to thank my girlfriend Louise and my close friends and family for all the help and support they have given me.”

Photo: Jamie White

Pete Bullard competing in the U23 BNBF Championships

VENTNOR GET NEW HOME

Ventnor Cricket Club are preparing to celebrate promotion to Division One of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League.

Subject to ratification at next month’s league AGM, the Islanders can look forward to competing against some of the best club sides in the south of England in a format which includes all day matches as well as the more traditional 50-overs a side cricket.

The club, who will play their home matches on the magnificent new County Ground at Newclose, received the go ahead after league President Alan Bundy contacted club chairman John Hilsum.

The opportunity to compete at the top level of club cricket is the realisation of a dream which began way back in May 1993 with a victory at Cowplain in Hampshire League Division Three East.

Now, 17 years and 13 league titles later, players past and present, together with club officials and vice presidents, can reflect on a tremendous achievement.

It is with some irony that the Islanders have finally made it to the top table of club cricket on the south coast. Having been pipped by Rowledge to a sixth Division Two title on the last day of the season, Charlie Freeston’s side have benefited from the north Hampshire team’s failure to meet gold league ground criteria.

For Hilsum in particular, Saturday, May 1, 2010 will be a moment to savour when Ventnor take the field for their first ever match in Premier One. Frustrated by the ground accreditation

issues at their unique Steephill ground which have denied the club promotion despite five successive Premier Two league championships from 2004 to 2008, the man who joined the club in the early 1970’s has been one of the driving forces behind the wonderful all-Island Newclose facility which has enabled Ventnor to fulfil their

long held ambition.

That first Saturday in May will also be memorable occasion for Brian Gardener, the club’s President and the man whose vision, generosity and determination has created a venue that the Island can be proud of and one that Ventnor will be delighted call their Premier One home.

NEW BOWLS COURSE The IW council’s sports unit is supporting the IW County Bowls Association to help set up a new bowls course for young people.

Under the sports unit’s ‘Sports4Kids’ scheme, the junior bowls project is aiming to get more children and young people taking part in the popular sport.

The Island has very good bowls facilities both indoors and outdoors with many players competing on a national level.

A new bowls course is beginning on October 10 for young people aged 8 - 16. It’s an eight-week course and takes place every Saturday morning between 10am-11.30am at the IW Indoor Bowls Club in Ryde (behind McDonalds).

Following on from his selection for the outdoor Junior International Series in Wales, 16-year-old Adam Clark was selected for the inaugural U18 mixed indoor championships in Northern Ireland.

Each team consisted of six players, singles, pairs & triples with Adam selected as England 1 singles player.

After some very good bowling England 1 & England 2 won through to the final, with England 1 being the eventual winners. Adam played five games winning three (including the semi-final & final) & narrowly losing two.

He has also been selected for an U25 indoor England trial at Nottingham in November.

The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009

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ONCE MORE FOR SHIRLEY?

By Peter White

Island sailor Shirley Robertson is considering going for gold again at the 2012 Olympics.

Shirley became the first British woman to win gold at consecutive Olympics, when lifting titles in Sydney and Athens.

She won her first Olympic gold medal in the Europe class at the 2000 Summer Olympics, while in the 2004 Summer Games, her crew in the Yngling class clinched the gold medal with one race to spare.

Now she has not ruled out the prospect of heading back out on the water for London 2012 – although the sailing events will be taking place around Weymouth.

Her biggest concern is that she may not have sufficient time to fully prepare while bringing up her three-year-old twins.

The 41-year-old Scot, who now lives on the Island, said: “I am toying with the idea of match racing, but if I do it will be later. I am not going to commit three years on, but there is a small chance. I miss some aspects of it, but definitely not others. To win a gold medal is a very selfish pursuit, it’s all-encompassing.

However, at this stage there is nothing else I want to add, we shall have to wait and see.”

Shirley will soon be returning home from Almeria, Spain where her team finished sixth in the iShares Cup.

Photo: Thierry Martinez

PAYBACK FOR HURRIES

It was payback time for the Hurries against Old Alleynians, as they ran out comfortable 34-0 winners.

In 2008, the Hurries lost at home to Alleynians by one point in a play-off game, resulting in the mainland team being promoted. There was certainly no repeat of that this time around.

The visitors were late arriving and kick off was

delayed 35 minutes, but Hurries soon made them welcome.

For the first 10 minutes the play remained in the centre of the field. From a ruck on the half way line, captain marvel, Joe Rees broke blind, sprinted to the line, breaking three tackles, and scored an unconverted try, 5-0.

The home side started to take control of the scrummaging with Chris

Skelley, Ricky Harris, and a great game from Danny Thomas, standing in as hooker.

Wightlink man-of-thematch Charlie Sutton, chipped the flat defence, gathered the ball and sprinted 30 metres to touch down under the posts, converted by Wil Baxendall, 12-0 at half time.

Within minutes of the restart, the ball came out

from a close in scrum, and Sutton dropped a goal, 15-0.

Hurries then turned on the pressure play, forcing the visitors to stay in their own half.

From a close in penalty for off-side, scrum half, Richard Booth, took a quick tap, passed blind to Sutton who slipped it inside to Joe Rees on the charge to score another unconverted try, 20-0.

Ryan Carey and Zeta pdm man-of-the-match Sam Tolly tackled everything in sight. Joe Rees again picked up from a scrum passed to Booth, who in turn passed to Luke Chandler.

He stepped inside and into three defenders but kept on his feet, and with huge determination, went over to score a try, converted by Baxendall 27-0.

Veteran John Missleback

came on for Carey and at his first ruck, halted a visitors attack as he turned them over, coming out with the ball.

In the final play of the game Hurries turned over a visitors scrum on the half way line. Joe Rees picked up and sprinted away, evading two tackles scoring another try, converted by Baxendall making it a comprehensive 34-0 home win.

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The Gazette, Friday, October 16, 2009