REPORTING ISLAND NEWS
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gazette the isle of wight
ta Ple ke as on e e
Friday September 18, 2009
Your new look WEEKLY READ
BIGGER AND BETTER, NOW WITH CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING AND JOB SEARCH
BESTIVAL BONANZA Our seven page review of the Bestival - see pages 13 - 19
FOUR SAVED FROM BRADING BLAZE
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Red Twitter
Red Funnel are now using blogging site Twitter to keep passenger up dated
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EVENTS Ben Ainslie
THREE children were saved from a house fire in Brading thanks to the heroics of quick-thinking neighbours. A dramatic rescue took place when two men burst into a smoke-filled house to save the children after the fire broke out on Tuesday morning (September 15). The neighbours, Ben Trueman and Steve Darlow from Lower Furlongs, Brading used a ladder to rescue the trapped children after a tumble dryer overheated and caught fire in the kitchen of the house.
Olympic gold medalist sailed into town this week
BY JASON KAY Firefighters from Newport, Sandown and Bembridge then arrived on the scene to rescue the children’s mother from the property. They tackled the blaze for over an hour to stop it from spreading to other parts of the house and an adjoining property. Full story – see page 3
THE GAZETTE: NOW ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS!
Page 4
BRIDAL
Wedding Dress Memories
Violet rolls back the years at St.Olave’s
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
PUGH PAYS PADDY A VISIT LOOK WHO’S BEEN READING THE GAZETTE
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ON A flying visit to the Vestas picket line this week, we were surprised to see Leader of the Council, David Pugh and George Brown arriving at the site. Asked for a comment as to the reason for the visit we were sent this response: Cllr David Pugh said: “During a recent visit to the Vestas site at the request of Vestas employees, I made it clear that we will continue to work with the company and other agencies in order to protect exist jobs and to try and attract new
employers to the Island. “I was once again impressed with the skills base and dedicated of those who continue to be employed by Vestas. I was however alarmed to hear that they found some of the tactics of the ongoing protesters to be intimidating. I am concerned if what started as a passionate and peaceful protest largely by Island people developed into something else that damaged efforts to secure existing jobs and to attract new enterprise.”
John Gerrise and Jaymie Rigby
ISLAND BAN FOR DEMONSTRATOR
A VESTAS protestor has been ordered to leave the Island for six months, after he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a CCTV camera. Former electrical engineer, John Gerrise, from Maidstone, Kent, also faces a further charge of alleged assault, which has been put off for trial until later in the year, with a condition of bail
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that he leaves the Island. Speaking after his court appearance, John said: “I came all the way over to support the Vestas workers when they were protesting on the roof. When I saw them on the balcony that was enough for me.” The former electrician faces a charge of assault against a security guard whilst he was trying to cut down the CCTV
camera within the security cordon that was erected around the defunct wind turbine factory at St. Cross Business Park, Newport. The demonstrator went on to say that he now worthless to the protestors because of the bail conditions that he has attached to him. He was ordered by the court to leave the Island by 6pm on Tuesday, September 15.
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THANK YOU SIR
The scene of devastation A WOMAN rescued from a burning house has told The Gazette how a smoke alarm and the swift actions of her neighbours, saved the lives of her and her three children. Wendy Wright was awoken by the beeping of her smoke alarms as she slept at her property in Lower Furlongs, Brading. “It seems like it started in the kitchen with the tumble dryer. I set the timer before I went to bed last night with the children school clothing in it ready for the morning. But it just didn’t go off. I’m so thankful that I have got a smoke alarm. I had them fitted about November last year,” said Wendy. Two ambulances took Wendy’s sons, James, nine, and Liam, 12, and another took her and her other son Shaun, seven, to hospital, after they were rescued from the fire. “I was in hospital with the children for about two hours. The boys where checked over and luckily they were fine, apart from Shaun who has a few scratches on in his arm. It was harder for him to get out of the building because he
has a plaster cast on his leg. “We weren’t panicking, it was just more of a case of where was the fire. I am just so grateful to everyone who helped get us out of the house. We are very lucky that the fire wasn’t worse because there where aerosol next to where it started,” she said. Still visibly shaken from the drama, Wendy continued: “I’m still a bit wired. My brain is going at 60mph. There is a list of things that I have got to do. I just want to get my kids back in one place and a put a roof over their head. “I just got woken up by smoke alarms, and I’m glad I did. The smoke alarm goes off all the time, and thought that I was going to get up and find someone downstairs burning toast.”
Remains of smoke alarm
AS THE fire took hold in the kitchen of Wendy Wright’s Brading home, it was neighbours Cheryll and Rhiannon Harbour, who spotted the smoke and flames and raised the alarm. “We could smell smoke and at first we thought it was a bonfire. We looked out and could see a glow in Wendy’s kitchen, so we just dialed 999 straight away,” said Rhiannon. Cheryl, Rhiannon and her boyfriend Ben Trueman all rushed across to the house to try and wake the occupants. “We were trying to shout at them because we could see the fire and they were in the room above the fire. We also tried opening the front door. There were lots of other people involved as well trying to help,” said Ben. Sandown High School caretaker, Steve Darlow, was quickly on the scene to assist Ben. “I heard lots of shouting, so I looked out and saw the people outside the house. I could see flames shooting out of the wall. I went down to a neighbours house and grabbed a ladder from their front garden,” said Steve. “I got the ladder not thinking about my safety, I just wanted to rescue them. I have got kids myself, and I just wanted to run through the front door. None of us really know each other that well, but a lot of us have lived in the same street for many years. Steve explained how he climbed the ladder to get the children out of the house via the window with Ben. “All I saw was Wendy at the window, but the smoke was really dense. She was trying to pass me the kids. I was trying to get Wendy down as well as the kids. I cut my arms and the window frame came out when I grabbed the first child. There was lots of popping and banging. We thought the house was going to blow up. “The eldest child goes to the school that I am a caretaker at. When I was at the window he just said to me ‘Thank you sir’. “I passed them down to Ben who was at the bottom of the ladder. We were just hoping that the firemen would hurry up. The kids where shaking and they looked really scared. Wendy wouldn’t come down
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the ladder. I don’t if she was scared. All she was worried about was getting the kids out. Ben added: “At first I went to the front of the house to try and rescue them, and Wendy was shouting that her feet were getting hot. I was a little worried that the windows where going to blow out. “I wanted to go in before the ladder arrived, but Cheryll stopped me. I held the ladder as Steve climbed up to the windows to try and get the children out. He passed them down to me one by one. They were cold and were in shock. I gave one of them my jacket to keep warm, and he was holding on to me really tight. Whilst I was on the bottom of the ladder I could see the stuff in the kitchen catching fire. “The emergency services then all arrived at the scene, and the firemen got Wendy out of the house. I am just so glad that the kids are all safe. It all happened so quick.”
the importance of having rescue we could have been working smoke alarms fitted dealing with a very tragic in your property after the situation. I cannot over emphasise the need to install terrifying blaze. A statement said: and maintain smoke alarms. “People ‘Following a need to have house fire at an escape a dwelling in “If it wasn’t plan in the Brading, the for the smoke event of a fire IW Fire and Rescue Service alarms we could occurring and follow a night would like to time routine emphasise the have been of unplugging i m p o r t a n c e dealing with electrical of working appliances smoke alarms. a very tragic and closing The fire, situation.” d o o r s . which started Every time in the kitchen, was quickly detected by the alarm operates due to the smoke alarms within burnt toast or cooking fumes the house and alerted the please resist the temptation to remove the battery or the occupants from their sleep. Neighbours had woken alarm itself it could - as in this and called 999 and assisted case - save your life.” For further advice on Home by putting a ladder to the rear window, commencing Fire Safety or to book a free the rescue. Fire crews Home Fire Safety Check wearing breathing apparatus which covers escape plans for the family and the siting extinguished the fire.’ Community Safety of smoke alarms you can Manager, Jeff Walls, added: contact the Fire Service on “If it wasn’t for the smoke 533834 or by emailing fire. Warning alarms alerting the family communitysafety@iow.gov. THE IW Fire Service has and the quick reactions of uk or logo on to www.iwfire. reminded homeowners about neighbours assisting in the org.
Steve Darlow and Ben Trueman the neighbours who saved three trapped children
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
OLYMPIC STAR VISIT
BRITAIN’S most successful sailor in history visited the Island this week to meet fans and promote his new book. Ben Ainslie, who has won an impressive three Olympic gold medals, posed for pictures and signed copies of his book ‘Close to the wind’ at Waterstones, Newport. One fan, David Lloyd from Southampton, was delighted to meet the star. He said: ”I came over from the mainland to meet Ben and get his autograph. It is the third time I have tried to get his autograph because I keep missing him. “I think he’s one of the top sportsmen in the world. He’s a really good example for people to look up to. I think it’s only a matter of time before he gets knighted for his services to sailing and sport.” Jenny Dudley from Cowes went to get a signed copy of the book on behalf of her granddaughter, who is a keen sailor, but couldn’t make the signing because she was at school. “She is a very keen sailor, and regards Ben as a great role model and really looks up to him. “She has done the ‘Round the Island Race’ twice, with three generations of family on board. She also sails for Newton Ferris club. She has never met Ben but has been within touching distance to him when they have both been out on the water,” said Jenny. The Olympic hero thinks
SAFEST BESTIVAL TO DATE
Ben Ainslie at Newport’s Waterstone’s book shop that it’s great that people look up to him, and hopes he can help promote the sport of sailing. “I just hope that I am a good role model for people. I first took up sailing for fun when my parents got me involved. I then ended up racing, and it was enjoyable to do something that I liked, whilst making new friends. “My mum kept on at me to
keep sailing, so I just got on with it. The highlight of my life was when I won a gold medal in Sydney. It was the biggest race in my life, and I was made up. “The hardest part of the sport it the commitment to it, you have to miss out on a lot of things, but you get them back in different ways. You’ve just got to stick at it,” said Ben.
THIS YEAR’S Bestival was one of the safest yet, according to police chiefs. Attended by more than 40,000 people, there were just six minor assaults reported, 38 reported thefts from tents, seven thefts from a person and one incident of criminal damage. Two people were arrested for assault, three for thefts from tents, three for thefts of wristbands, one for theft of tickets, three others for theft, two for robbery offences, two for criminal damage and three for being drunk and disorderly. “Yet again this year, the Bestival is maintaining it’s deserved reputation for being a safe and peaceful event, with no significant incidents and low levels of crime throughout,” said Chief Superintendent Dave Thomas.
This year, officers operated a larger team of searchers as part the festival’s drugs denial strategy, with a total of 944 searches conducted on those entering site gates at the Robin Hill Country Park. This represents a more than 40 per cent increase on the number of searches carried out at last year’s event. Passive drugs dogs were based at entrance gates, and officers searched individuals on the basis of a positive indication or specific intelligence. The number of positive searches this year was 323, and a total of 26 people were arrested for possession with intent to supply. The total arrested last year was 18, from 522 searches. 135 people were given street bail for possession of drugs, and 133 warnings were issued for possession of cannabis.
The total value of drugs seized this year was £153,841, an increase of nearly £50,000 from last year. Chief Supt Thomas said: “The increase in drugs seized and arrests represent an increase in the size of the drugs operation and demonstrates our determination to rid the event of illegal drug use and those that come to Bestival to deal. “By working closely with the promoters, our partner agencies and experienced qualified security staff, the event passed as peacefully as possible, and we are very pleased with the results. “The local community also benefited from extra officers on foot and cycle patrols outside the event, and the feedback so far from all has been positive. We look forward to next year’s event.”
GIRL FOUND SAFE AND WELL REVELLERS leaving Bestival by car on Saturday night were subject to a search from police, after there were reports of a missing girl. Every vehicle was
Above and right: police officers at the Bestival searching vehicles
stopped, and the boots and rear seats were checked before people could go on their way. The young girl was found safe and well later that evening, on the Bestival site.
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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CRASH DRIVER SACKED
The Gazette has learnt that the female bus driver involved in a collision with a lorry in Cowes last week, has been dismissed. Island police are still looking into what caused the collision that resulted in two pedestrians needing hospital treatment. But the fate of bus driver Sandra Wolfe has already been sealed. She was an operations
assistant and experienced driver holding a Public Service Vehicle licence holder, and employed by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company. She had been at the company for more than ten years. Sandra was on the Island working as part of the shuttle service set up to take revellers from Cowes to the Bestival at Robin Hill Park.
The accident happened outside the Co-op store on Thursday last week (September 10) and resulted in one man being trapped by the lorry on the bench. Both men were taken to St Mary’s Hospital, one suffering from a head injury and the other with serious leg injuries. Both have since been discharged. The Bus drivers’ union,
RMT spokesperson, Peter Gale, had earlier criticised the use of mainland drivers on the Island. But Dorset and Wilts public relations manager Chris Harris was eager to point out the incident had nothing to do with the ongoing strike of Southern Vectis drivers. He said: “I would like to make it quite clear that when this tragic incident
took place on Thursday 10 September there was no strike action on that day. The vehicle in question was about to provide an additional journey in connection with the Bestival. “This was a planned additional operation and was entirely unconnected with the dispute. Beyond this, I cannot make any further comment.”
CAT AND DOG FIGHT RYDE Inshore Rescue raced to the aid of a two-man crew from Hayling Ferry Sailing Club, and their two dogs, after their catamaran capsized off Ryde on Sunday. Solent Coastguard Rescue received a call at 16.31, radioed from the nearby Wild Star, to say that the catamaran had capsized and that the 12ft-long racing vessel had listed on the Solent’s main shipping lane, in the path of an oncoming container ship. Four other vessels in the vicinity went to the catamaran’s aid before Ryde Inshore arrived. The Sea Warren rescued one of the dogs from the water before the Ryde Rescue One RIB helped to bring the catamaran, its crew and the dogs safely into Hayling Ferry Sailing Club. A paramedic attended from South Central Ambulance Service, as they feared the crew may be hypothermic and coastguards
from Hayling Mobile were also in attendance. It was the 69th call out this year for the rescue team, which has rescued more than 200 people. “We are heading for the highest number of call outs since records began in 1956. It is one more than at this stage last year,” said Michaela White, the chairman of Ryde Inshore Rescue. “Now the weather is changing, it is essential people are properly equipped when at sea. Not only were the people in the water extremely cold but so were the animals that went in with them. “Even though the dogs had flotation jackets on, we would highly recommend making sure that vessels are suitable for animals before you take them out to sea with you. “A 12ft racing catamaran with no safety rails or stable platform is no place for animals, especially in deteriorating weather.”
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Football fan saved from sea
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A DRUNKEN man has been branded ‘stupid’ after getting stranded in the Solent in a kayak. The 26-year-old paddled out into the wind-swept waters at Hill Head, but lost his oar and started to drift. As it began to get dark he desperately signalled for help by waving his T-shirt in the air. He was eventually spotted by chance when the coastguard at the Lee-onthe-Solent station saw him through binoculars. Cowes RNLI lifeboat, which was taking part in an exercise at the time, was sent to pick him up. When they arrived the man had already been picked up by a passing fishing boat. George Chastney, Cowes RNLI spokesman, said: “Sometimes people’s exuberance spills over and they do rather foolish things. “To go out in a canoe-like craft when it was on the brink of going dark is rather stupid. It’s asking for trouble.” The man, from Hill Head, was rescued at about 7.30pm on Thursday night. Lifeboat crews say he had been drinking to celebrate England’s 5-1 victory over Croatia the previous night. He was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, suffering from mild hypothermia. Gary Payne, who was in charge of the lifeboat, said: “The kayak was about one-and-a-half miles off Lee-on-the-Solent when the man sought help. Apparently he had been out in the kayak for about four hours after celebrating in the pub. Another half-an-hour later it would have been twilight and he might never have been spotted.” Mark Clark, spokesman for the Maritime Coastguard Agency, added: “Alcohol and water should only be mixed in a glass – and not out to sea.” Ward councillor Arthur Mandry added: “Going out on a craft while intoxicated is just abject stupidity. “It risks not only your own life and property, but the time, energy and lives of others, not to mention resources. “It’s extremely dangerous. If people are aware of anybody taking that kind of risk they should ring the coastguard immediately. “Anybody going out on the water should be competent and fit, or they shouldn’t be there.”
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
Island features in Sky show
THE ISLE OF WIGHT is set to feature on a new documentary on the life of author Charles Dickens. The new series will feature more than 50 locations across the country including Folkestone, Liverpool, Portsmouth and the Island. The documentary, Charles Dickens’s England, presented and narrated by Derek Jacobi, will take viewers on a journey to the locations, towns and cities that became the settings and inspiration for some of the most famous and best-loved stories in English literature. Many of the locations are open to the public and have rarely been photographed. The documentary will be screened on Sky Arts on October 4 and 11.
Bring and buy for Barely born A ‘BRING and Buy’ sale is being held at The Tap pub, Sandown in aid of the Barely Born Appeal. The event takes place on Sunday September 27, from 9am-12pm. A table costs £5, which goes straight to the charity, and then stallholders are free to sell what they like for their own profit. Organiser, Nina Swallow, will be running a stall for donations, where all monies will go straight to the charity. For further information on a stall or anyone who is interested in helping the event can call 405783.
THE CRANE GANG A GROUP of activists travelled to Southampton this week to stage the latest demonstration against the closure of wind turbine company Vestas Blades in Newport. This time they took their protest into Southampton Docks, where they chained themselves to a number of cranes to try to prevent wind turbine blades being loaded on to a boat.
The demonstration took place on Tuesday, and was brought to an abrupt halt after a Misty Saffron Ducasse, 20, from London, Luke Aaron Evans, 30, from Maidstone, Jacqueline Anne Sheedy, 44, from London and Anna Jessica Wells, 31, from Nottingham were arrested and charged for aggravated trespassing. One activist locked herself to a crane due to load blades onto
the Ohio boat in Empress Dock. The protestors have been released on bail and are all due to appear before Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 29. Using the Southampton Boat Show as cover, the supporters, climate activists and workers from the mainland hung banners saying, ‘Wind power to the people’. Former Vestas worker
Jaymie Rigby, who was stationed at the dock entrance, said: “We made these blades, and now Vestas want to take their profits and leave us high and dry.” Jaymie was one of 11 workers sacked for occupying their factory after Vestas announced the mass lay-off in July. The occupation ended in August after 18 days, and on that occasion Jamie leapt
uninjured from a balcony rather than be escorted out by bailiffs. Jackie Sheedy said: “After the factory occupation ended, Vestas and the Government hoped we’d all just quieten down. But we’re united in this blockade. The Island workers need those jobs, and we all need them if we want even a chance of combating climate change for our children.”
DEALING WITH DEMENTIA
TAKING steps to ensure that people with dementia receive the highest standards of care whilst being treated in hospital, a Psychiatric Liaison Nurse has been appointed at St. Mary’s Hospital by NHS Isle of Wight’s Mental Health Services. Nurse Tony Cole, 41, a keen motorcyclist who owns a Triumph bike, will help patients who have been admitted to hospital with a physical problem but also have dementia. Commenting on his new role, Tony said: “I am really pleased to have been appointed to this important role. I will be working closely with staff on the general wards at St Mary’s in a consultative, advisory, supportive and educative capacity. The aim is to enhance the understanding and treatment of people with cognitive impairment and dementia.” Sian Bayer, Joint Services Manager for the Island’s Dementia and Community Service said: “This role is an
exciting new development and is, at the moment, the only role of this kind on the Island. We are planning to appoint a second Psychiatric Liaison Nurse in the near future to work alongside Tony.” The recent publication from the Department of Health, ‘Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy’ (February 2009) states: “Recent reports and research have highlighted the shortcomings in the current provision of dementia services in the UK. Dementia presents a huge challenge to society, both now and increasingly in the future. There are currently 700,000 people in the UK with dementia, of whom approximately 570,000 live in England. Dementia costs the UK economy £17 billion a year and, in the next 30 years, the number of people with dementia in the UK will double to 1.4 million, with the costs trebling to over £50 billion a year.”
Psychiatric nurse Tony Cole on his Triumph motorcycle
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
Dr Andy Stanford-Clark
RED FUNNEL has adopted the latest technology to keep passengers informed of sailing timings by using the popular blogging site Twitter. The ferry company has teamed up with Dr Andy StanfordClark, IBM master inventor and distinguished engineer to provide accurate, up-to-the minute information on when ferries leave and arrive in port. As featured in the Gazette last week, Dr Stanford-Clark recently set up his home on the Island to
RED FUNNEL STARTS TWITTERING
send Twitter messages to enable him to remotely monitor energy use and security. Using on-board sensors linked to data analysis computers, the ferries send messages via Twitter to customers’ mobile phones and computers as well as the Red Funnel website. The aim is to keep passengers and transport companies informed of unforeseen delays. Dr Stanford-Clark said: “Red Funnel would be the first to agree that they were not great
at letting their passengers know about problems – there was just a phone line that wasn’t updated outside office hours. “People would travel across the Island only to find out that their ferry was delayed or not running because of storms or thick fog. I thought we should be able to do better than that. “Hundreds of people who aren’t on Twitter access the webpage on their mobile phones – it’s great for people deciding whether it’s worth running for the ferry.”
WHERE IS VENTOR?
ONE eagle eyed Gazette reader noticed this miss-spelt temporary road sign at the top of Shanklin High Street. The sign has been put there to direct traffic heading towards VENTNOR to take a different route to ‘VENTOR’ via Victoria Avenue, due to roadworks at Cowleaze Hill. Our reader said: “I was heading towards Ventnor when I saw the sign. I did a double take and noticed that it had been incorrectly spelt as ‘Ventor’. I know people make spelling mistakes, but to miss-spell the name of one of our major Island towns is quite bad.” The sign has now been corrected.
Jonathan Green, sales and marketing director at Red Funnel, added: “With nearly 14,000 vehicle ferry sailings and 23,000 Red Jet passenger sailings each year, improving the information flow to help our customers better plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays is of tremendous value. “In the future we expect to be able to further develop the system to provide real-time information on how the service is operating against the schedule.”
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
£5,000 RAISED IN AUCTION A CHARITY auction helped raise more than £5,000 towards the building of the new lifeboat station in Bembridge. Just under 100 people attended the evening at Brading Haven Yacht Club, which kicked off with a champagne reception. Auctioneer for the evening was former second coxswain if the lifeboat and past commodore of the club, Barry Dyer. The star lot was a week’s holiday in a luxury villa on the Caribbean island of Antigua, for which a staggering £2,100 was raised. Portsmouth Football Club were kind enough to donate a signed football shirt, that was modelled to the tune of ‘If you think I’m sexy’, before the hammer dropped for a creditable £65.
Many local businesses, supermarkets, building firms and artists around Bembridge, were also generous in support of the evening. It was very fitting that the auction was held and supported by a yacht club, as sailors are often the ones that get into difficulty out at sea and need assistance from the RNLI. It was a token of support and thanks from BHYC for the brave and valuable work done by the RNLI. Lifeboat Operations manager, Graham Hall, was delighted with the support and the amount raised. He said: The RNLI is sincerely grateful for the money that has been raised. Our thanks also go to BHYC, who have been one of the largest local contributors to our fund.”
Sarah Noyes, Liz Mitchell and Penny Watts of BHYC social Committee presenting the cheque to Graham Hall Lifeboat operations manager
BUSINESSES REMINDED TO ENTER AWARDS
PICKET LINE OUTSIDE RYDE BUS STATION
ANOTHER planned strike by the RMT union members went ahead on Saturday (September 12) as drivers walked out for a second time in a month. Workers picketed both Ryde and Newport Bus
stations throughout the day, handing out notices to effected bus passengers explaining the reason for their strike action. Marc Morgan-Huws, Operations Manager for Southern Vectis said: “Out of 200
drivers due into work there where only a handful that didn’t report for their duties. We made sure passengers were not effected by the strike action, and no services were cancelled.”
ISLAND businesses are being urged not to miss the chance to win recognition for their achievements, by entering the IW Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry Business Awards for Excellence. Awards up for grabs include those for businesses which are new, small, international, and green; those which operate in manufacturing and technology, tourism and leisure, accommodation and hospitality, retail and service, professional and business services; as well as awards for employee development, and work with the community. The Chamber’s awards panel will choose the winners in early October, and will also select the Business of the Year, and Chamber Member of the Year.
The Chamber president will decide who is to be this year’s Business Person of the Year. The winners will be announced at a gala evening at Cowes Yacht Haven on November 27. Application forms can be downloaded from, or completed online, at www.iwchamber. co.uk. The closing date for entries is September 30. Chamber general manager, Dean Pascall, said: “We already know of some brilliant examples of Island businesses achieving excellence, and our awards are a great opportunity to showcase them and celebrate success. We are grateful to the many organisations who have sponsored individual awards and are looking forward to an evening of celebration in November.”
NEW ROAD SCHEME SET TO START WORK will commence on Monday (September 21) to widen the footways and narrow the junction of Sea St and Quay St in Newport. The scheme, which will cost £50,000, will aim to make a number of improvements to reduce the speed of traffic entering the junction and improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians using the area.
The scheme is supported by Newport Parish council, and local members Cllr Dawn Cousins and Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, as well as The Riverside Centre and its clients. Richard Priest, manager of The Riverside Centre said: “We are really pleased that the council is making changes to the junction of Sea Street and Quay Street
to make the area safer for pedestrians. Our clients have highlighted concerns about the safety of the junction and are delighted that access to Sea Street will be improved as a result of this work.” Cllr Edward Giles, IW council cabinet member for the environment and transport said: “We listened to the concerns
raised by local people and clients of the Riverside Centre, and recognised that there was a need to improve pedestrian facilities in this area of the town. Once complete, the works will make the junction safer for pedestrians and other road users.” The work is expected to be completed by October 23.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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ROYAL VISIT FOR GKN
THE DUKE of Kent paid a visit to GKN Aerospace in East Cowes to view some of the company’s successes across 100 years of aviation. The tour started with him viewing a display of the historical achievements, including the building and testing speedboats on the Solent. Among the displays were a set of hovercraft blades from the largest hovercraft ever built – the SRN 4, which was used as a passenger ferry from the 1960s up until 2000. The blades have recently been fully restored by a team of the company’s young apprentices. The Duke went on to examine the wing trailing edge for the Airbus A380, which is four times the size of this part on a more typical passenger aircraft and the engineering team at GKN Aerospace overcame real aerodynamic and production challenges to create this assembly. Jeff Armitage, Vice President and Managing Director Nacelles, said: “The background of HRH
in aviation means he is a very knowledgeable audience with a thoroughly informed point of view on our industry sector. It was an honour to present a few of our achievements to his Highness.” HRH also viewed the ‘blended winglets’ designed for Boeing’s 737 and 767 aircraft. Produced at East Cowes, the winglets are saving an incredible 6 per cent in fuel consumption on aircraft, which represents a significant reduction in their environmental footprint, thanks to GKN Aerospace engineering in East Cowes. GKN is focused around three major product areas - aerostructures, propulsion systems and transparencies, plus a number of specialist product areas - electrothermal ice protection, fuel and flotation systems, and bullet resistant glass. The business is equally split along military and civil lines with significant participation on all major aircraft programmes today.
Mortally dangerous
HRH examines a Boeing 767 blended winglet, designed and developed at GKN Aerospace in Cowes
DID ANYONE SEE HIM? POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of indecent exposure near Cowes. A 22-year-old woman was walking along the Cowes to Newport cycle track near industrial units in the Cowes area shortly before 5.30pm on Monday, August 24, when she heard a noise in nearby bushes, turned, and saw a man facing her, exposing himself. Investigating officer, PC Simon Crew of Hampshire Constabulary’s IW
Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT), said: “The Newport to Cowes cycle track is used by many people throughout the day, and it may have been that someone else saw this man, but did not report it to police. If a member of the public was seen acting in this sort of manner, please contact Newport Police Station.” Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the police on 0845 045 4545 or 101.
AFTER two mortar shells were handed in at Yarmouth Police Station police have reminded members of the public not to touch suspicious packages, let alone transport them to their local police stations. The shells were found in a house in Yarmouth. Insp Andy Treagus, of the Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Team (TPT), said: “If anyone locates what they believe is a suspicious item or finds any old ammunition stored at home, which they wish to dispose, I would advise them to phone the police so we can arrange for an expert assessment and a safe and secure disposal. “Please do not attempt to touch such items yourself or take them anywhere yourself.” As a precaution, the station was evacuated and a 100-metre cordon arranged including road closures of the High Street, St James’s Street and South Street. After advice from a Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team the station was reopened shortly after 10am, and the road closures lifted. The shells are being stored securely at Yarmouth Police Station until they can be disposed of safely by the Royal Navy.
HELP ON HAND FOR SELF HARMERS
Katherine Groves and her team take IWISH to Freshers Fair
SELF HARM is a subject that many feel is taboo, but if you are enrolling on a course at the Isle of Wight College this week you are likely to come across IWISH (Isle of Wight Insight into Self Harm) at Fresher’s Week. Katherine Groves, Clinical Lead for Self Harm and Liaison in Psychiatry in Mental Health, and her team, will have a presence at the Freshers Fair. “Self harm
is classed as a maladaptive coping strategy,” said Mrs Groves. “We hope to help people develop better coping strategies. “We’ll be giving people leaflets and information to help those who might need help with this condition,” she continued. “People who self harm often find it hard to ask for help and feel they may be judged. The team at St. Mary’s aim to treat sufferers
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with compassion – most of those who self harm are emotionally upset.” IWISH is a support group for self-harmers, who also take time to speak to schools, Island GPs and, students at the IW College. If you have had, or have, problems with self-harming you can approach one of the team at the Fresher’s Fair and they will understand and be able to offer help and support.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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WHAT WAS IN THE SKY?
WAS IT a plane? Was it a shooting star? Was it a space station? Or had the man in question just had one too many to drink? Whatever the reason, one Shanklin resident is convinced he saw a UFO heading towards Sandown Bay when he was sitting outside a pub with his wife enjoying an evening drink. The sighting took place at approximately 9pm last Sunday night (September 13), and to spare the person in question from embarrassment – or even a visit from aliens – The Gazette will keep his identity a secret.
But he was so concerned by what he saw that he reported the sighting to the official UFO website. He wrote: “Was sat with my wife outside local pub on a very clear night when I looked up at a very bright light travelling from west to east heading towards Sandown Bay. “No flashing lights like planes and no noise either… light faded out after about one minute just as it got overhead…not the first time seen them either…strange!” One UFO expert has come up with what he thinks could be a solution to the mystery.
Stephen Saunders wrote: “I suspect this was a sighting of the International Space Station, which made a very elevated transit on the night in question at about 8.40pm and again approximately an hour later.” But who knows if that is the real answer to the sighting. And as the Island resident explained it wasn’t the first time he had seen this light in the sky. So keep an eye out for more bright lights. And if you happen to spot any strange footprints in the sand at Shanklin or Sandown, please let us know!
CANOE VENTURE LEADS TO AWARD TWO ISLAND women are on the verge of gaining the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Emma Snow from Wroxall and Emily Debuse from Niton, who are both 19, trained for almost two years for the unaccompanied venture of nearly 80 miles-using a canoe. This included four days on the Kennett and Avon Canal, four days on the River Thames and white water training in Sussex. It is the first time anyone taking part in the awards on the Island has used a canoe to complete the Gold ‘expedition’ part of the awards. To achieve a Gold Award, participants must display that they have completed five tasks. These include demonstrating an improvement of a skill, physical recreation and volunteering in the community. This process can take a number of years and only a small number of people receive a gold award each year.
Both girls only need to complete one more section to become ‘golden girls’. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been dedicated to the personal development of young people from all backgrounds. It is open to people aged 14 25 and over 275,000 young people, including 30,000 from disadvantaged backgrounds, undertake programmes to achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards every year. There are also regular group meetings which anyone is welcome to attend. These take place weekly in Ryde, Sandown. Cowes, Yarmouth and Newport. More details on how to become involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards can be found by contacting Carol Taverner, IW Council development worker on 823490 or 559028 or by emailing carol.taverner@iow. gov.uk.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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Motorcycle Club mix-up Dear Gazette I hope I speak for all of the members of the club when I say how nice it was to see the report you gave on our 18th rally. Its’ not often that the club gets a full page spread highlighting who we are and what we do. But it is because of this that I must bring to your attention of an unfortunate miss understanding. I was not the organiser of this rally. Now I know that this might seem to be trivial matter, but when you see the work that goes into setting up a rally you can understand how this could upset those that are involved. The organising of the rally was a joint venture involving various members of the club to varying degrees. They know, the club knows and the people who came to the rally know, who they are. Thank you very much for your attention. Chris Church
Ice skaters success
Everyone involved is very grateful to you and your team. We will keep Just had to drop you a line to say you posted as to how the teams do in thank you so very much for the the season’s competitions. article you wrote in The Gazette Regards and the amazing picture of the ice Sharon Buckman skaters. Dear Jamie,
Any chance of a crossword? Dear Sirs, Congratulations on providing some much needed and long awaited competition to the County Press. Your paper does you
Cricket visit
someone else’s goodwill. Just proud. May I plead for the inclusion a suggestion. Dear Editor, in your paper of a crossword. Yours You status as a charity paper I would just like to Andrew Hay, Wellington means that you might be able thank the IW Gazette to obtain a crossword from Road, Newport. for your report and picture on the visit of England Women cricketers Charlotte Edwards and Lydia Greenway on the Island in your issue on August 28, 2009. The half page article was excellent and on behalf of The Isle of Wight Cricket Board can I thank you for covering their visit to Newclose. Many thanks. Jon Goldsmith Community Cricket Coach Isle of Wight Cricket Board
Bowled over by Island’s beauty Dear Mr Kay At the age of 66 I have just made my first visit to the Island, and have been bowled over by its beauty and variety! My Sandown hotel was superb, everyone was so welcoming, facilities excellent and the carnival
at Ventnor, just amazing. My holiday however was greatly enhanced by the fantastic bus services and your unsung stars are the drivers. Narrow roads, bumper-to-bumper traffic, bends and hills and bad drivers! They dealt with all of these with professionalism and good
humour – well done to them all. Just one sour note. I enjoyed three days of continual sunshine and great temperatures, but back at home I checked in the Daily Telegraph and was absolutely amazed to see dull and cloudy readings!
Who takes these, and where? They could put off potential visitors. Once again thanks to the Islanders for looking after all the tourists, I will definitely return. Yours Sincerely David Mitchell
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
ISLANDERS IN THE BESTIVAL VILLAGE
IN THE Village area at the Bestival there was a strong Island presence with the Farmers Market, very reasonable tea, coffee and cakes from the WI Tea Tent and Engenius Solar Power, who were charging mobile phones for Bestival goers. Further down the hill stood the beautiful Medina Yurt, with people involved in the project on hand to talk with passers by. On Saturday Annik Cullinane was demonstrating felt making and on Sunday Chris Lines, co-ordinator of the felting part of the project, was showing people how to succeed at this surprisingly easy, yet skillful craft. The yurt was made from large felt panels made by different organisations and schools from around the Island, using the new £5,000 felt rolling machine which was paid for using a grant from Awards for All, and further funds from Creative Partnerships and Medina High School. The wooden structure was made from Chestnut grown and coppiced by Richard Bolwell and cut and fashioned under his tutelage by Medina High School students. Professional photographer Julian Winslow, who has also helped Medina High School students with Fusion, the award wining school magazine, captured the whole project for posterity. Quay Arts offered free art to all with silver foil, cardboard and loads of different paints and glittery things on hand to ‘pimp your outfit’. Outside children helped to make an enormous cardboard rocket, along with robots and spacemen. Inside the Flang family was
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in residence on their silver foil planet. Bestival goers could also make bunting flags to add to the Bestival Bunting or design and decorate their own Bestival Bag. Next door Independent Arts offered various items for sale, made in workshops they have organised around Island care and old people’s homes. Carolyn Preston and Peter Farwell were able to explain their role in the community and Helen Butler aka the Squirrel Lady was also on the stall with squirrel information and fundraising items. At the bottom of the hill was St Catherine’s Tuck Shop – featuring wooden desks full of lovely old fashioned sweets along with T shirts made by children from the Ventnor school for those with speech, language and communication difficulties. Rob Da Bank is a patron of the school and very kindly gave every pupil a free ticket to the Bestival. In our pictures Gloria Grant, Head of Care, and Jo Steadman are selling the very popular sweeties.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
Fancy Dress IS OUT OF THIS WORLD
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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‘WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!’
HAVING HEARD all the talk and hype about the Bestival, I thought it was only right that ventured over to the grounds of Robin Hill and find out for myself what it was all about. I didn’t get over until Friday evening, but arrived just in time to see the amazing talents of beatboxing world champion and DJ, Beardyman, on the main stage. It was a very good way to start the weekend. On Saturday Mika and Lily Allen put on a great performance and Lily was as controversial as ever,
BY JAMIE WHITE
wearing a very eye catching outfit. Away from the main stage, the Bollywood tent was constantly vibrant, topped off with Tinchy Stryder performing a set on Saturday night. It was incredibly hot in there and we were crammed in like sardines, but everyone loved it! Over the weekend, it was quite surreal walking around surrounded by hundreds
of aliens, storm troopers, astronauts and even Mars and Milky Way chocolate bars people’s imagination on the space theme ran wild! I ventured down to the incredible ‘Afterburner’ a few times as well, with the night sky lighting up with flames as the DJ’s mixed the tunes, and hundreds of people jumping around. On Sunday afternoon I spent a bit of time in the Rizla arena dancing around to Soul2Soul legend Jazzie B, who we interviewed in The Gazette in
our September 4 issue. He was fantastic with everyone leaping about during his three hour set. In a nutshell, the Bestival is all about three days of escapism by partying, dancing, dressing up and generally having a great laugh with friends and random people who you will probably never see again - well until next year. My first Bestival experience was a great one, and it’s safe to say I will be there again next year in what promises to be an even bigger and better Bestival! Nice one Rob Da Bank!
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
SIMPLY THE BEST-IVAL!
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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BEARDYMAN MEET FLIPINGTON BEARDYMAN (left) admitted to coming to the Island when he was younger with his parents. “Last year we managed to get lost so we ended up seeing most of the Island. We crashed our car,” he told us. “We stopped off at the Priory Bay Hotel to have some tea and we waited there for the breakdown truck to come. And we ended up
being towed all the way home by a racist tow truck driver,” he added ruefully. “This year we’re staying in a little cottage near here – it’s really nice, it’s someone’s farm.” Unfortunately Beardyman lost his voice after Saturday’s marathon performance and was unable to introduce Flipington on Sunday.
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
“IT WAS like my heart exploding over and over again, out there, doing it,” said Islander Flipington, aka Zach Miller (16), after coming off the main stage on Sunday afternoon. “Words can’t describe it.” Rob Da Bank addressed the crowd and introduced an appeal on behalf of Oxfam for climate change. Then volunteers from Oxfam moved through the crowd daubing people with blue face paint as Zach recited his politically motivated rap poems. “I can’t describe how great it felt. I was able to do it to a standard I was happy with, which was just so good,” said the Medina High School student who raps in a very individual style. “Rob Da Bank was great and nobody in Bestival treated me as if I was just a kid which was really nice. It felt like they were giving
me this opportunity because I deserved it.” Of his ability, Zach said: “It started with listening to a lot of hip hop and Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip and spoken word poetry. And as a result I realised that I could write spoken word poetry. I was about 14 when I started. “Winning the contest (to be on the main stage), it felt like the most surreal thing that has ever happened to me. I just didn’t believe it at all. I never actually expected to win.” Performing on the sound stage to the right hand side of the main stage, Zach was supported by a very vocal band of loyal supporters and received warmly by the crowd. “It’s all about being as good as you can be – whatever you do you have to follow it as a passion,” he told us.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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NEW LAYOUT PROVES A WINNER “IT WORKED pushing everything back a bit – it’s really flowed,” said Bestival promoter John Hughes on the Sunday morning. “The crew are now six years deep – we stick with the same people. Jim King produces the event. This year there were 42,000 tickets – 50,000 including crew. “Everyone loves the new layout – it’s all really positive. The Afterburner is a massive thing – people are open mouthed, entranced by it. Josie designed the Afterburner area and a French company called World Famous did the rocket thing in the middle that smokes. On Friday night DJ Yoda did an audio visual Bestival set. “We didn’t get a mystery guest because we couldn’t get an act of the right caliber. It’s got to be right. This year’s Bestival has got everything – the Cuban Brothers, Kraftwork and Elbow is going to be a highlight for me. “We don’t do budgets. Well I do. Robbie doesn’t. It’s about what works. Most bands ask to play, coz we have a cool vibe.” When asked about how much of the Island bands get to see while they’re over here, John did say many of them get out and about. “MGMT have been here four days. They went to the Winterbourne for tea,” said John conjuring up a bizarre image. “We bring in excess of £10m to the Island,” said John. “The pop festival brings in £15m. We worked a lot with John Giddings this year to share intelligence on anti tout operation – he’s going to use the same people next year.” “Touts don’t come to Bestival!” he
BY JO MACAULAY warned. If you buy one from a tout you won’t get in. “The early bird tickets go on sale on Friday. We’ll stick to the winning formula – things can move around a bit. Just keep coming,” he said to Islanders. John and his wife Ziggy, who is in charge of all marketing and sponsorship deals, n o w have a
home on the Island and will be moving here permanently with their daughter Cherry Plum in the spring. “We have a house in Wootton on the creek with a mooring,” said John who says he’s hoping to get a boat soon. “Chris Melton, who is a director of Bestival, from New York, has bought a house in Wootton too,” said John. “The fact is that we almost live here and Robbie is here as well. Police and council support us fully and we have six years of relationship too,” he concluded. Rob Da Bank was equally upbeat
about the new look to the Bestival: “You have to do it and see how it works out. The new site layout is to cope with the crowds and to give it something of a change. I go to a lot of festivals and everything is usually in the same place – but I decided to flip it a bit. It’s a big old show this year,” said Rob. “It’s the atmosphere and the people – there’s everything from little babies to much older people. I haven’t seen my kids for three days though, admitted Rob. It’s difficult because they don’t understand when you have to keep doing things and running off, and they can’t be included.” Asked about the rehearsal of the evening’s entertainment
Rob said: “I didn’t realise I had to have a whole script and real lines. We’ve had quite a theatrical element to this year’s Bestival, from the ENB (English National Ballet) to classical stuff and the whole theatrical element. It’s important to keep Bestival evolving. And to those who’ve heard that Rob’s a Kate Bush fan. “I try every year for Kate Bush and we always have a tribute act – usually in the woods,” said Rob. “I love living here – it definitely feels like home,” said Rob of his new West Wight home. “I love the landscape and escaping from reality – we’ll be moving here permanently soon.”
Above: John Hughes Left: Rob Da Bank
IT’S ALL TOO BEAUTIFUL
ON SUNDAY atop the wooden wedding cake shaped fifty-foot high structure that stood in the previous years’ main stage location, Rob Da Bank appeared next to a transparent rocket in his gold ‘Flash Gordon’ jacket and called for Michael Santos. “Welcome Michael, what do you seek my Bestival child?” said Rob as Michael staggered up the staircase to the top of the launch pad. “You are a seeker not an observer. Maybe the spaceship you conceive to travel in is beyond physical construction,” said Rob reading from a pre-prepared script. “Thank you Rob, I kneel before you,” said
Michael Santos as Rob bounded down the staircase and Michael took his place on the podium. Michael then proceeded to strip off his underpants to reveal, yes, another pair of underpants. Stripping twice more to stand stark naked, arms akimbo, he then climbed into the rocket, fireworks erupted from the top of the structure and the rocket dropped into the centre of the pyre to the sound of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. A fantastic firework display then began and just minutes later the whole structure went up in flames. Through 70s hits “Itchycoo Park” by the Small
Faces, and “Love is in the Air” by John Paul Young, culminating in the theme song from the 1970s cult film classic ‘The Wicker Man,” fireworks filled the sky and the bonfire raged. The crowd gave their final cheer as the
staircase climbing the front of the pyre fell and the bonfire began to breathe its last. A fire ‘rocket’ then belched from the central core of the Afterburner structure, built by French company ‘World
Famous’ which sat in the centre of the field, as The Subs, began a DJ set from its central podium. Revellers then partied on into the early hours in the Mad Max at the funfair themed Afterburner area.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
ELLEN’S COUNTRY LIFE SINCE settling on the Island, Dame Ellen Macarthur has become quite a land mammal and she’s acquired two more of the canine persuasion. Floss and Norm, her collie dogs, have become a large part of Ellen’s life - they even travel with her around the country. The Ellen MacArthur Trust has recently completed a ‘voyage of discovery’; a non-stop sail around Great Britain with crews of youngsters recovering from illnesses. On this trip Ellen has stopped off at sixteen different locations, to give an inspirational talk on
Dame Ellen Macarthur with Eamonn Lawless
her passions and her hopes for the future, culminating in her seventeenth date at Gurnard Pines on Tuesday evening. During her trip around the country, Dame Ellen has taken Floss and Norm with her – even on the sleeper train to and from Scotland. Floss is a rescue collie from Scotland and Norm is the pup of Eamonn Lawless’s famous dog Bill. Eamonn was in the audience at Ellen’s talk and she happily posed with him for photographs. Ellen first went to Eamonn to ask his help with training Floss but
she’s now hoping to train Norm. “Ellen has the son of Bill and she wants to train him to do nursery trials this winter but she’s had talks to do all over the country,” said Eamonn. “She gives me a lot – I love her enthusiasm. She still believes we can change things. We need to do serious things about climate change and food miles. I’ve got a lot of time for her.” The Gazette will run a feature on Dame Ellen’s talk and her new passion, sustainability, in a larger green feature in our next issue.
EAMONN ROUNDS THEM UP
AT THE international Sheepdog Trials last weekend, Eamonn Lawless from Wootton was leader of the English team who won the team shield. With an overall score of 344 out of 440, Eamonn and his dog Bill were only seven points away from qualifying for the Supreme on Sunday. But their score was crucial in
the England bid to take the International title. As Eamonn explained to the Gazette: “We managed to get them in the ring, but on the final phase I was having trouble keeping them together in the ring and I tried to hurry it. Had I realised how much time I had I would have taken a bit more care but it’s easy to be wise in
Eamonn Lawless’s Bill
Above: Eamonn Lawless- winning team captain. Below: The victorious England team
retrospect. But it was a decent run, although it was very tiring, and I was well pleased with our performance. “I’ve never been there before, with the giants of the game, and I panicked a bit and I paid the price. And if you do that you don’t expect to win. But I learnt a lot and I learnt that we were good enough to compete with the best. If I get in next year I’ll be a little wiser. “I was well pleased with our performance. Bill did a brilliant job. He won a tremendous amount of friends and we lined a bitch before we left the field – it was the dog of the 16-yearold competitor from Wales. People came up and called me by my first name – it was lovely. “We all wanted to do well for our teams but we got on well off field too. It was magnificent and in a beautiful setting. The course was hard, but they were even with everyone.” The best 15 dogs from Friday and Saturday went into the Supreme on the Sunday and it was this that Eamonn and Bill missed by only seven points.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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WORKSHOPS ARE WINNERS FOR RESIDENTS
SOUTH Wight Housing Association (SWHA) held its September residents’ conference at the Riverside Centre, Newport. The theme of the event was opportunities for change, with speakers, including Margaret Wright, SWHA’s Executive Director, and Kemi Awolola from the Tenant Services Authority, focusing on issues affecting residents’ quality of life. Guest speaker, Kemi Awolola, gave a talk on the national conversation, a campaign to give residents their say about new standards for social landlords. Residents took part in interactive workshops, which gave people the opportunity to meet staff and share their views. The event was a chance to discuss opportunities for residents to become involved in shaping the future of their services.
Partners, the Footprint Trust, spoke to residents about the benefits of sustainable living and environmental awareness, and Change 4 Life were on hand to give advice on improving health and wellbeing. Executive Director, Margaret Wright, said: “The conference was an excellent way to show residents what improvements we’ve made in response to their involvement. Residents have helped us to shape every aspect of our service, from the contractors we use to our volunteer policy and it shows.” Resident Linda Burnett said: “I found the conference very informative and useful. The highlight for me was the discussion on the Group policy around pets and noise nuisance. It was very useful and I was glad we were given a chance to be involved in drafting new policy.”
“Residents have helped us to shape every aspect of our service”
Attendees of the South Wight Housing Association’s September residents conference
FAIRPORT CONVENTION TO PLAY THE VENUE IN RYDE Left: The current line-up Picture by Ben Nicholson
CHAMPIONED by the late great John Peel and widely regarded as the most important group in the folk rock movement, Fairport Convention play a one off gig at the Venue in Ryde next Friday September 25. Known as the ‘British Jefferson Airplane’ back in the late 1960s, the current line up of Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Saunders, Chris Leslie and Gerry Conway, are frequently joined by other well-known musicians on stage. ‘Matty Groves’ is probably one of their most famous songs, and they enjoyed some mainstream success with ‘Si Tu Dois Partir’, a French language version of Bob Dylan’s “If You Gotta Go, Go Now”. Many Islanders will know the band from annual visits to the group’s Cropredy Festival. The first concert in 1979 was staged as a farewell gig but the group reformed for a reunion gig the following year at the same location. It then became the annual Cropredy festival – now Fairport Cropredy Convention – which attracts other greats such as Robert Plant, newcomer Seth Lakeman, and this year, in his first festival appearance in many years, Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam joined the band on stage. Only two months after the very successful 2009 festival the group are making a special
visit to the Island for this one-off gig at the Venue in Ryde Town Hall, where a fantastic night of folk, electro folk and loads of fun is promised for next Friday. Box office: 568099
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
VIOLET ROLLS BACK YEARS AT ST OLAVE’S
Violet Symmans with her wedding dress
ST OLAVE’S Church in Gatcombe was the scene for a poignant reunion last weekend when 99-yearold Violet Symmans came through the door and saw her old wedding dress on display. Violet’s daughter June Emmett had brought her mother to the church from Polars Rest home without explaining where they were going or the reason for the visit. “I never dreamt that I was going to come here to day,” said Violet. “My daughter picked me up from the nursing home with her daughter and they tricked me. They said that we were going for a ride. “About five other people have worn the dress,” Violet continued. “I have only ever worn the dress when I got married, and also on my 25th silver wedding anniversary when me and my twin sister dressed up and we stood out on the doorstep of our house and we had some pictures done. “When I got married I carried a Victory V that my sister Mabel made for me,
Left to right: June Emmett, Violet Symmans and Trudie Hopkins
Violet’s wedding in 1942 with a teardrop shaped bouquet of flowers and some little horseshoes. I don’t often look at the dress. I have only put it on once since my wedding day, during my silver wedding anniversary. I have been to other weddings but they are so different now. We had proper weddings when I was younger. “I was married at St
Paul Church Staplers in Newport. I was married in 1942 and was married for 54 very good years. He was a part time fireman and he was a caretaker for 31 years at Nine Acres School,“ said Mrs Symmans of her husband Leslie Frank Symmans who died in 1995 aged 74. “He was only ill once and that was the month that he was going to retire,” said Mrs Symmans. Violet Symmans was at the exhibition with her daughter June Emmett and her granddaughter Trudie Hopkins. It was organised by Church Warden Hilary Jones and parishioner Liz Taylor. “The reason behind the exhibition was that it was my ruby wedding and a friend’s ruby wedding as well and we decided to organise something to
celebrate,” said Hilary. “There are a lot of dresses in the church. It took a lot of nagging and grovelling from people to get them and there is a lot of history behind the dresses.” T h e r e were gowns representing each decade from 1910 onwards and June Hawks and other parishioners filled the church with flower arrangements, with a wedding theme. A competition was arranged for the best children’s posy. First prize went to Nicolas Early from Newport, second prize went to William Davison from Brighstone and Evelyn Fletcher from Cowes won third prize. Eleanor Taylor, daughter of Liz Taylor, dressed up in one of the loaned wedding dresses for our photographs.
“I have been to other weddings but they are so different now. We had proper weddings when I was younger.”
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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Left to right: Hilary Jones, Eleanor Taylor and Liz Taylor
Nicolas Early of Newport, William Davison of Brighstone and Evelyn Fletcher of Cowes
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
WHINGE OF THE WEEK
Home Delivery!
AARGH, I am still tired. I was tired before I went to the Bestival so by the end of it I was completely bushed. Struggling up the hill to my car I was even heard to hurl a little abuse at the four wheel drive vehicles taking the slope with ease as I gasped my last, carrying three ‘green’ shopping hold alls, a bin liner over my shoulder and a bucket. “That one’s a medic!” remarked my horrified yet similarly laden daughter as I sneered at one Chelsea tractor. “So what, I’m still paying for it unless it’s a private one,” I replied somewhat churlishly. And now they’ve closed Church Road from Ventnor to Shanklin. Luckily I remembered this morning, only to be confronted with a
Coming through your door soon The Gazette will be delivered door to door in your area
pile up in Wroxall as they’d also decided to dig up the main road under some pretext. Fantastic. Maybe we could have a few horses in the road and a bus
out the source – thinking that any one of them is to blame. And do I know what the problem is I ask myself? Injustice is the only answer I can come up with. Which, if you dissect it with a fine blade will probably lay bare the bones of self-pity – not an attractive attribute. Autumn, the final frontier – as the door slams shut between shining summer and reveals the winter of our discontent. Oh and I made £34 and a few coppers that I haven’t had the heart to count on Make Bunting Not War. Hmmm Plan B is called for in more ways than one… Luckily tomorrow is another day.
on fire, and then things would just be perfect. Sorry, I’m obviously in moaning mode. The office has noticed and is torn between keeping their distance and trying to find jo@iwgazette.co.uk
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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GET READY FOR WINTER
MOST HOME maintenance activities are seasonal. Autumn is the time to get your home ready for the coming winter, which can be the most gruelling season for your home. During winter months, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures, by checking your home carefully for any problems arising and taking corrective action as soon as possible. While most maintenance is seasonal, there are some things you should do on a frequent basis year round: • Make sure air vents indoors and outdoors (intake, exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by debris. • Check and clean range
hood filters on a monthly basis. • If there are young children in the house, make sure electrical outlets are equipped with safety plugs. • Regularly check the house for safety hazards such as a loose handrails, lifting or buckling carpet, etc. • But now that we are heading into autumn you ought to check these things before the winter sets in: • Insulate your loft. There are grants you can get to do this, or you can purchase insulating materials and do it yourself. • Have furnace or heating systems serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace, and every year for an oil furnace.
• Open furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning and clean humidifier. • Lubricate circulating pump on hot water heating system. • Bleed air from hot water radiators. • Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Renew door weatherstripping if required. • If there is a door between your house and the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it closes the door completely. • Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. • Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roof, and test downspouts to ensure
proper drainage from the roof. • Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests. • Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close valve to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost proof hose bibs. • If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years. • Winterize landscaping, for example, store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter.
25
HOME MAINTENANCE
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JOB SEARCH
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK … WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS
PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description Wages Duration
Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to Apply:
Cook
Sandown
To prepare and cook lunch and tea time meals in residential home. Food handling certificate essential.
£6.25 per hour, hours per week.
25
Permanent
RFM 5897: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Cleaner
Sandown
Cleaning of all areas in residential home.
Permanent
Senior Carer
Sandown
Must have previous experience and an NVQ 2 or 3 in Care Work. To provide social, personal and emotional care to elderly residents.
Meets National Minimum Wage. 20 hours per week. £6.25 per hour. 2 vacancies, full time either day or night shift.
RFM 5896: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. For other vacancies call 08456 060234. RFM 5844: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Nail Technician
Shanklin
NVQ in Beauty Therapy essential. Work to include real and artificial nails, lash and brow treatments and ear piercing.
£6.00 per hour. 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Permanent
RFM 5812: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Luggage and Linen Porter
Yarmouth
Must have full current driving licence and excellent customer service skills. Training provided.
Meets National Minimum Wage. 22 hours per week.
Until 2nd January 2010
NIW 9360: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Kitchen Assistant/ Cook
Freshwater
To include food preparation, waiting on tables, ordering. Food Hygiene certificate and advantage.
£6.00 per hour to start. 16 plus hours per week.
Permanent
NIW 9314: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Chamber Person
Sandown
Job includes cleaning public areas of hotel and guest bedrooms. Training can be given.
£6.00 per hour. 20 plus hours per week.
Permanent
Waiting staff
Sandown
Duties will include serving breakfast and dinner. Uniform provided. Previous experience preferred.
Permanent
Chamber Person
Sandown
General chamber work and associated duties. Previous experience preferred.
Bank Care Staff
Shanklin
Kitchen Porter
Cowes
General care of elderly residents and other related duties. Previous experience preferred. Duties include assisting the Chef and associated tasks. Experience preferred but not essential as full training given.
£6.00 per hour. 35 hours per week, including evenings and weekends Meets National Minimum Wage. 25 hours per week. £6.30 per hour. As and when required.
RFM 5699: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234. RFM 5880: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
Meets National Minimum Wage. 40 hours per week, includes evenings and weekends.
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent Permanent
RFM 5820: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234. RFM 5892: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234. NIW 9380: Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk For other vacancies call 08456 060234.
The weekly IW Gazette, helping you back to work with JOBCENTRE PLUS has the largest jobs website in the UK. The jobs listed above are a selection of current vacancies on the Isle of Wight. To find out more about these vacancies and how to apply, call us on 01983 276803 (9am to 5pm). For other vacancies in your
area you can: Phone 0845 6060 234 and speak to an adviser. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Calls are charged at local rates from BT landlines. Other companies and mobile rates may vary according to tariff.
You can also visit applications and going www.jobcentreplus. to interviews. gov.uk. Click on Simply visit www. ‘Looking for a job?’ jobcentreplus.gov.uk and go to ‘Looking for The Job Kit a job?’ Click on the green OUR Job Kit gives you step by step advice ‘Find your way back on finding a new job to work…’’ box to – including planning view lots of useful and your job hunt, information identifying your skills download your Job and tips on completing Kit.
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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27
MOTORING
LEGENDARY SPORTS BIKE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
A GRAND CITROEN
FROM any angle, the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is an impressive seven-seat MPV. Bold styling, with sweeping contours of innovative design give you an attractive yet purposeful road presence. And the driving experience is exceptional. It has a wide range of features - as standard - that make for a comfortable, enjoyable and safe journey for the driver and up to six passengers. You only have to look at the security and safety specifications of the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso to understand how important driver and passenger protection is to the company, especially in a vehicle that can effortlessly carry seven people or large heavy loads. A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating means the
Grand C4 Picasso is one of the safest cars on the road. Active features and aids that adapt to your driving needs, such as an automatic parking brake, hill-start assistance, plus cruise control with speed limiter and multiple airbags come as standard, so convenience and passenger protection are at the heart of the vehicle, along with great handling, fuel economy and bags of comfortable space for passengers and luggage. The extensive use of glass gives great all-round visibility. A raised, fully adjustable driving position and panoramic views of the road through a wide-angle, acoustically designed windscreen combine to give you clarity and confidence on a smooth, quiet journey. And the view inside is
equally impressive - an expertly designed dashboard display gives you clear and concise information without being bright or intrusive. You can even select your preferred backlight brightness and colour on Exclusive models, and on most models, the adjustable mood lighting in the comfortable cabin allows passengers to choose their own ambience without affecting your view of the road ahead. It’s well balanced and stable, too. Unlike some MPVs, the Grand C4 Picasso isn’t just an extended version of its smaller, five-seat cousin it’s expertly designed and purpose-built to meet those extra needs safely, and with maximum comfort and convenience.
Advertising Feature 2010 WILL BE the 25th anniversary of the GSX-R and to celebrate this event Isle of Wight Motorcycles are offering 0 per cent finance until the end of September, on the award winning GSX-R600 and GSX-R750. This offer is also available on the GSR600 which uses the same engine as the GSX-R600 in a slightly de-tuned version and the classic SV650S sports bike. You can trace the history of this legendary sports bike by following the web link at www.iowmc.co.uk. Visitors to the NEC International Motorcycle Scooter show later this year will be able see the first versions of the GSX-R600, 750 and 1000 models displayed on Suzuki’s stand.
won Motorcycle News’s best Finance offers on Suzuki bikes ends soon! sport touring in its class. From first-time riders to born-again bikers, daily commuters to Sports Bike riders. Whoever you are and whatever ride you’re looking for, call in to Isle of Wight Motorcycles in Daish Way, Newport and see the Suzukis to excite and offers to impress. The new learner legal Suzuki DR125SM has no less than two exciting finance offers available. Offer one is £500 deposit and 0 per cent interest for three years. Offer two is £99 deposit with a very low 2.0 per cent APR rate, with repayments equivalent to £17 per week. Other models available with 0 per cent APR finance are; the award winning Suzuki GSX650F, this bike
Also the Bandit 650’K8’s and all Bandit 1250 variants, with their advanced liquidcooled engines and high-tech fuel injection, which means the Bandit has gone from strength to strength over the years. Another fantastic Suzuki on offer is the mile munching V-Strom 650 range, renowned for its engine torque and riding comfort on long journeys. All above models are available with 0 per cent APR (typical) over 3 years and a £500 deposit. Ride away a new Suzuki today. Visit Isle of Wight Motorcycles in Daish Way Newport or phone 522675. Terms & conditions and finance acceptance apply to all offers.
re Pr du ic ct e io n
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
OAKLEIGH COURT, RYDE £130,000
WHITESMITH ROAD, NEWPORT £169,950
• Two Bedrooms • Master En-Suite • Long Lease • Parking • Close to Beach • Fitted Kitchen
• Three Bedrooms • Garden • Sun Room • Patio • Shower • Off Road Parking
N m ew ar t ke o t
• Large Garden • Two Bedrooms • Close to Schools • Two Reception Rooms • Convenient Location • Central Heating
A spacious semi-detached family home, convenient for Newport and Cowes with three bedrooms, three reception rooms, ample parking, & gardens. Located close to Parkhurst Forest and near to walks on the Medina River.
N m ew ar t ke o t
Oakleigh Court is a modern apartment block constructed in 1997. Flat 7 is on the top floor with views over the garden & woodland. Located within walking distance of Ryde Esplanade.
CARLTON ROAD, RYDE £165,000
FIELD PLACE, NEWPORT £135,950 A period terraced house, which has been renovated by the present owner to provide a delightful home with two double bedrooms, fitted kitchen, living room, dining room, shower room and large garden.
• Three Bedrooms • Garden • Off Road Parking • Fitted Kitchen • Open Plan • Gas Central Heating A Victorian semi-detached house which offers accommodation to include living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom with separate shower and garden.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
29
SPORT
Picture by Dave Valentine
GOOD START FOR S AND S Sandown and Shanklin 2nds 18 Trojans 2nds 15 SANDOWN and Shanklin second team started their campaign in the Senior Merit table with an encouraging home win against a big experienced Trojans side. Skipper Lawrence Edmonston assembled a mix of new players and some more experienced players making welcome returns. The game started with the Hurricanes kicking downhill and in a tight first 30 minutes the only score came from a drop goal from fly half Neil Buckingham. With 10 minutes to go to half time, Wightlink man of the match Andy Gough, fielded a high clearance from Buckingham and raced 50m to touch down making it 8-0.
Trojans hit back and with the last play of the half they scored an unconverted try in the corner 8-5 half time. The second half started much like the first, with the visitors trying to use their more physical forwards to punch holes in the Hurries defence. Good work from the experienced Nick Heelan and John Misselbach were well supported by young Sam Falk, Ben Kullick and George Marrinelli, keeping the visitors at bay. After an off the ball incident, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side, and BJ Meats man of the match Neil Buckingham, confidently placed his kick
over the posts, giving Hurries a lead 11-5. This spurred Trojans on and they drove at the home side and again from close range scored an unconverted try. When the Hurries managed to get the ball out they looked dangerous with Adam Brown, Richard Henry and Buckingham all going close. With 20 minutes to go Edmonston fed Brown and Alex Howard and they released Gough again to race away and touch down, and Buckingham converting. Trojans rallied and pressed for the remainder of the game scoring another close range try in the corner but the Hurries held on to record a good opening day win.
YACHTSMEN SUNK AT PORT NEWPORT earned their biggest win since 1984 over their local rivals Cowes Sports, as they thrashed the Yachtsmen 5-2. The home side took the lead after three minutes, when Craig Insley rose above the Cowes defence to head home. Newport almost doubled their lead when a 25-yard Iain Seabrook free kick was deflected away for a corner. However, the advantage was doubled on 18 minutes, when Ross Gregory slipped the ball through to Matt Evans who slotted the ball past Cowes goalkeeper Chris Norris. Three minutes later Newport scored a third when Darren Powell headed in from close range. Cowes pulled one back 10 minutes in to the second half, when Max Draper fired home. Newport restored their three goal advantage, when Charlie Smeeton played the ball into the path of Matt Evans who slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Both teams made their final substitutions simultaneously. Cowes brought on Alex
Harvey for Gareth Bricknell and Newport replaced Iain Seabrook with James Butt. Freddie Knowles received a yellow card for a foul on Tom Dye, and in the 83rd minute Cowes scored a second goal when a low shot from outside the area from Harry Dye bobbled over Gary Streeter’s outstretched arm and into the net. Newport’s response was instant, completing the scoring just two minutes later with their fifth from a diving header by Tom McInnes. Brading Town crashed out of the FA Cup, after they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hallen AFC. The match was a replay after the sides drew 1-1 in the first game. The Romans suffered an early setback though, when the home side took the lead inside two minutes. The second half started with Hallen in the ascendency, and they doubled their lead early on. The Bristol team snatched a third on the hour to seal the victory.
TOUGH GOING FOR BELL
ISLAND golfer Mark Bell’s hopes of playing on the European Tour School suffered a big setback after the first two qualifying rounds. Bell, 21, opened with two scores of 78 to leave him well adrift of the leaders. It meant he had to try to claw back 11 shots in his final two rounds to stand any chance of going through to the next stages of the tournament in Spain. The Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club member was given his opportunity to try to qualify for the Tour School by fellow members who part-sponsored him and then held a fund-raising day at the club to help offset costs. However, Bell found the going tough at the Chart Hills Course in Kent. His
ISLANDERS EDGED OUT
FOR a second successive match the patched-up Wightlink Islanders suffered a narrow defeat to the Weymouth Wildcats, going down 45-43 in the National Trophy. The match went down to the wire, with the away side just edging out the injury hit Islanders. The latest victim of the injury jinx that has hit the Islanders so hard in the latter part of this season, struck again prior to the game when skipper Nick Simmons was ruled out after a crash whilst riding for Somerset in the Premier League. But thankfully, Bournemouth’s Jerran Hart readily agreed to step in and deputise.
BY JAMIE WHITE However, Hart was really down in the dumps after being unable to join race leader Ben Hopwood for a heat 15 maximum advantage that would have seen the Wightlink Islanders grab a draw. But it’s more than fair to say that it’s difficult enough to race a highly tuned 500cc motorcycle with no brakes for four laps around a loose shale oval without having to do so with a broken saddle. It was discovered afterwards that a saddle bracket had
broken on his machine, so Hart did remarkably well to stay aboard it at all and finish third in the race. Team manager Chris Hunt said after the race, “All my riders, including Jerran who was gutted not to have finished second behind Ben, gave maximum effort. That’s all my colleague Kevin Shepherd and I have ever asked of them in each and every match this year.” Hunt continued: “I suppose we’ll always look back on tonight with a little disappointment and most certainly we’ll feel sad as we look back on the 2009 season overall wondering, what might have been!”
37 IS KEY AT FRESHWATER
aggregate score of 156 left him languishing down in 75th place at the half way stage, 20 shots behind leader who was nine under on 135. With the top 20 going
through to the next stage, Bell knew he had to play some of the best golf of his career yesterday and today to try to clinch his Tour School place.
THE KEY score around Freshwater Bay Golf Club recently has been 37, with both divisions of the club’s midweek stableford won with that score. In Division 1 John Davies (16) held off Dave Wilkins on (16) on the back nine with Derek Wright (3) three points behind in third place with 34. Graham Ellis (25) won Division 2 ahead of Peter Scott (21) on 35 in second and Richard Couse (17) in third on 33 points beating Richard Leppard on count back. In the Saturday stableford 37 was again a key score but not good enough to take first
place from Kevin Garrett (5) with a useful 39. Second place went to Kasey Tuckey (8) with 37 on count back from both Hugh Morrison (14) in third and Kevin McArthur (9) in fourth. Division 2 scores were slightly lower with Steve Sargeant (15) finishing first on 36 points and John Sexton (16) in second returning 35. The Captain v Vice Captain match was in the form of a team aggregate stableford with a true Captain’s innings from Barry Hunter and partner Fred Smith opening up a 14-point lead in the first group out, with the
Vice Captain’s team only managing to reduce the deficit by three points by the end of the match. The Monthly Medal was won by Mark Debuse (8) with a nett 65 followed by 5 handicapper Richard Frost on 67. Club President, Peter Sheard, hosted a three sixes stableford competition for mixed pairs. A total of 41 points was good enough to win with Richard and Maureen Couse taking home the Presidents Salvers from Bob and Jan Godden in second place, with the pairs only being split on count back on the last 12 holes.
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SPORT
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
BOWLS SUCCESS
YOUNG BOWLERS from the Island competed in the junior section of the English Bowls Youth Development Scheme (EBYDS) national finals held at the Stoke Bowling Club, Coventry. Josh Berry, 12, Kieran Clark, 14, and Travis Meller, 14, all reached the final stage by virtue of being top in the Indoor Southern Region competition held last March at Wey Valley, Guildford. The national competition was between the top sixteen young bowlers from twelve counties and consisted of a series of skills exercises and a round robin singles competition, culminating in a semi-final & final. After the morning round robin section, all three of the Island’s youngsters had done well in their sections and for the first time in the history of the competition three players from a single county reached the semi-final stage. Josh was drawn to play Kieran in the first semi-final and Travis had drawn a young bowler from Herefordshire – Daniel Holmes. After four ends, Josh
took the lead against Kieran and looked to be moving towards a place in the final. However, Kieran hit back with four shots on the next two ends to draw level. Kieran went on to score three shots on the final end to go through to the final by 10 shots to seven shots. Travis started well against Daniel opening up an early lead and eventually taking a seven shots to two shots lead at six ends. Daniel, being unable to catch Travis with one end to play, conceded the game, meaning it would be Travis and Kieran together in the final. Travis forged into a six shot to one shot lead at five ends. Kieran hit back with a single shot on the sixth end but needed four shots on the
last end to take the game into an extra end. This proved too much and he only managed two shots to give Travis the game, making him the overall junior singles winner. Josh Berry also did exceptionally well, and with 73 points was top placed of the juniors in the skills section. Travis was joint fifth with 59 points and Kieran finished in ninth place with 47 points. With their competitive section points being added to their skills points Kieran eventually finished fourth overall with Josh in second. Travis finished in first place overall - winning the English Indoor Bowling Association Cup in the singles and The Barney Fernandes trophy for top junior overall.
LITTLE BRITAIN RAISES BIG MONEY JUST under £20,000 was raised for sailing charities during this year’s Little Britain Challenge Cup (LBBC) regatta off Cowes. The sum is likely to rise to around £50,000 once profits from the event have been taken into account. It means that since the event’s inception in 1988, Europe’s largest annual construction industry regatta has
raised over £1million to help disadvantaged or disabled people to experience the world of sailing. LBCC chairman Sarah Ashworth said: “Given the incredibly challenging conditions faced by the construction industry this year, it makes me enormously proud that so many companies have continued to support the event
- and that we even managed to secure 20 newcomers. “It’s testament to the industry’s loyalty and commitment that have been able to continue this first class yachting and fundraising event in 2009 and I would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors and entrants who have made the 22nd Challenge Cup a reality.”
Winners of the 2009 Little Britain Challenge Cup were: Class 0, Learning & Skills Solutions Ltd. Class 1, Capita Symonds. Class 2, Moxley Architects Ltd. J-109, Fenwick Elliott. Class 3, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. Sunsail 37, Price & Myers. Class 4 – Cruising, Gratte Brothers Ltd. Class 5 – Cruising, MITIE.
TRAINING DAY PROVES POPULAR WITH SAILORS
A SPECIAL training and racing session was held for novices, both adults and cadets, at the Brading Haven Yacht Club. Race Officer, Chris Chadwick, began a race inside of Bembridge Harbour, with a total of 20 sailors both old and young taking part. In the fast handicap field, Sam Brading coasted the start line in a Wayfarer, then nipped behind the line to make a fine start along-side of Mike Wrenn. Mike led
the field for the first round continuing his lead through to the finish, with Sam in second place and Zac Chiverton a close third, all sailing Wayfarers. The slow handicap were penalised unfortunately by the wind easing as the evening progressed after a fair blow early on at the start, giving the faster boats a better chance. This did not stop Siobhan Quinn from taking the lead to hear the winning gun with Ian Thomson in second place
and Lesley Martin and Sue Reynolds third, all sailing Scows. In the second day of racing, the wind was strong, giving race officer Ian Jefferies a bit of a problem, but after waiting a while it eventually decreased to a very sailable force four and the race was on. There was a great turnout of 13 boats sailing a course inside of the harbour. In the fast handicap the contenders ruled the roost, enjoying the 10 fast reaches with the infamous
“Contender Duo” taking the two leading places. Martyn Davies crossed the line first with Richard Coleman in second place. Gareth Jones made a well deserved third sailing his Solo. It was a bit of a mixed bag in the slow handicap class, with Mike Toogood pulling off a fine win on line and corrected time honours. Tony Morgan made his presence felt by replying strongly to earn a second place with Mike Quinn romping home with a very
close third. Robin Lobb was in charge of the final race in the BHYC Evening Series, with a turnout of six boats. It was blowing between a force five to six north easterly, so Robin played it safe by keeping the race inside the harbour. The fast handicap had a Laser and a 420 screaming down the harbour, before a nasty capsize by the Laser meant the 420 caught up with both John Whitehead and Colette Twohig. Across
the line however, with a win on corrected time, it was the Laser sailed by Ben Andrews with John and Colette coming a close second place. In the slow handicap class, Joe Norman sailed an excellent race in his Topper to earn a win of 46 seconds on corrected time ahead of Graham Andrews sailing a Pico in second place and the Scow of Chris Wilkinson third. Charlie Norman deserves a mention for his tenacity, making a very close fourth position.
The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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Sport
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SPORT
Send your sports news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk
AMERICAN DREAM FOR JAMIE
A SHANKLIN student, studying at a college in Pennsylvania, has his sights set on starting his own soccer academy in the United States. But Jamie Ellis, 23, has also found other new interests to add to his sports management plans. Having enrolled at Keystone College, La Plume, Pennsylvania, he has now found a new passion for advanced digital media, and has created his first music video. Jamie travelled from Shanklin to work at a military summer camp in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. While working there he learned of Keystone College and the soccer programme. But he also likes to write music and perform, and his class has allowed him to pursue that
venture with the video and a music CD, that he has sold on campus to benefit the American Diabetes Association, in honour of his father who suffers with the disease. Jamie has further increased his skills by becoming is a volunteer fireman for Factoryville’s Station 9 Fire Company. And he believes Keystone College was the right choice to help him achieve all his goals. Already a qualified personal trainer, fitness instructor, lifeguard and coach, he wanted to learn more about the business side of sports and aspires to someday start a soccer academy in the US. He hopes that after graduating in 2012, he will be well on his way to accomplishing his dreams.
DELIGHTED ELLEN ENJOYS VOYAGE
Jamie Ellis at Keystone College
DAME Ellen MacArthur has spoken emotionally about ‘absolute joy’ of being part of the Round Britain Voyage, undertaken to help youngsters recovering from cancer. The Ellen MacArthur Trust voyage returned to Cowes, 132 days after having set sail from the Island harbour, and having completed the circumnavigation of Britain. It brought to an end the experience of a lifetime for the young crew members. The first Voyage of its kind to be completed around Britain was welcomed home by a host of friends, family and supporters. The voyage began on May 3, and a total of 74 young people in recovery from
cancer sailed onboard the 48 ft yacht ‘Scarlet Oyster’ across 17 legs, completing a total of 2,500 miles. Dame Ellen was onboard with five of the young people to bring Scarlet home to Cowes. The crew on the final leg included Tom Battram, 14, from Shanklin. Ellen said: “The voyage has been everything we ever dreamt of. It was always about what the young people would get out of it and it’s been a great experience for everyone without exception. To be part of the team to make it happen has been an absolute joy and everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Trust has felt privileged to be part of it and above all to spend time with
these inspirational young people.“ Tom summed up what the experience meant for him. He said: “The Ellen MacArthur Trust has changed my life. It’s not just about sailing, it’s about bonding with other people. I used to be very shy but now I’m quite outgoing so it’s done the world of good for me.” Frank Fletcher, chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Trust said: “The only word to describe the Voyage is’ incredible’. It has long been an ambition of the Trust to complete this project and we couldn’t have done so without the support of our Voyage partners, Skandia, BT and the Energy Saving Trust. To have raised enough to
allow another 36 young people to go sailing with the Trust is phenomenal and a huge thank you must go to everyone who has supported us along the way. ” Here are some of the fascinating facts from the memorable voyage: • Over 50 ports and anchorages were visited. • Some 750 tweets and 86 blogs were posted by the crew. • Over 2,000 cups of tea were made on board. • An amazing 12,000 miles were travelled by the shore support team. • Over £18,000 was raised through ‘Buy a mile’ which will allow an extra 36 young people in recovery from cancer to experience sailing with the Trust.
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The Gazette, Friday, September 18, 2009
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