IW Gazette 13

the gazette isle of wight

PPleleaassee m maakkeeaa ssm maalll ddoonnaattio ionn

Helping the local Earl Mountbatten Hospice 36,000 copies - Friday January 23 2009

Bestival banks on Island future

ORGANISERS of the IW Bestival are hoping to thrash out a deal within the next few days to keep the popular event at Robin Hill Adventure Park for at least the next four years.

Exclusive by Peter White

ing the current Bestival contract, and he is confident an agreement can be reached.

Mr Dabell said: “They are proposing a four-year agreement to hold the Radio One DJ Rob da Bank, the event at Robin Hill, and we are happy brains behind the Bestival, is set to to sit down and talk about that. I am meet representatives of Vectis Leisure, confident we can sort out a deal for the parent company of Robin Hill, them to sign up for four years.” to try to secure the event’s long-term Although parts of the Robin Hill site future on the Island. are still recovering from the poundMr da Bank and Bestival producer ing it took last year, Mr Dabell has John Hughes have already announced announced the park will be re-opening the ‘Space Oddity’ theme for this as a tourist attraction in April, and the year’s extravaganza, which will take hosting of other events should be back place on September 11, 12 and 13, to normal by late May or early June. and tickets are on sale.

He has also revealed the site will be Now Simon Dabell, managimproved to try to avoid the problems ing director of Vectis Leisure, has of last year. confirmed that talks are due to start He said: “We knew the bad experibefore the end of January on extendence with last year’s terrible weather was going to happen at some point.

We just hope we don’t experience anything like it again.

“We are hoping the Bestival organisers will join with us in improving areas of the park they would like to use specifically for the event. We are looking to put in more drainage and better road access. Hopefully those changes and their layouts will mean we can come up with a better contingency plan.”

Mr Dabell continued: “When Rob and John Hughes came to us in 2004 and proposed the Bestival, my father and uncle were slightly apprehensive but agreed with them, and we haven’t looked back since.

“It’s a very different atmosphere to a rock festival. The IW Festival is a great festival but it is more about rock Simon Dabell ‘confident agreement can be reached’

Continued on page 2

Picture by Julian Winslow

INSIDE YOUR

FREE

GAZETTE All change at the Chine

Page 4 Revellers enjoying the fun of the annual Island Bestival

wightFM launches Sunday February 1!

WightFM launches Sunday February 1 at 11am. The NEW wightFM phone-in featuring Big Al and The Doc will start at 12pm Monday. You can have your say by

calling 01983 40 99 20.

Listen online at www. wightfm.com. See the pullout on pages 19 22 for all you need to know about this exciting new station.

Islanders urged to ‘think local’

SHOPPERS are being urged to ‘think local and buy local’ in a bid to ensure shops and businesses here on the Island survive the deep financial crisis that has gripped the country.

Taking care of coral

many small, privately owned outlets concerned about the future as the financial crisis continues to bite.

So the message of The Gazette is: let’s make sure we keep our corner shops, local newsagents, privately owned garages and filling stations, The Gazette has joined forces with and market stalls in business. Think the IW Chamber of Commerce to local and buy local! highlight the importance of supporting IW Chamber of Commerce chief local traders during the recession. executive Kevin Smith is backing Many smaller businesses on the the campaign. He said: “One of the Island are already struggling to stay Island’s strengths is that we are a afloat following the arrival of several tightly knit community, and we should major supermarket chains and out-ofuse that strength at a time when the town ‘shed stores’. economic news is so depressing.

The situation has become even more Continued on page 2 acute over the past few months, with

Page 8

Workout for MS group

Page 13

2

the gazette

gazette news

the gazette Contact Details tel: (01983) 402599 email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk address: The Isle of Wight Gazette Unit B18 Spithead Business Centre Newport Road Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 9PH

sales: 01983 402599 Laura Webb James Rolfe Anne Bishop

Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Editor: Martin Potter Reporters: Jamie White, Peter White, Richard Collins, Justin Gladdis Sub Editor: Paul Rainford Distribution: Isle of Wight Distribution Ltd. Design: Colin Clarke, Richard Heaven

Supporting the Earl Mountbatten Hospice through your generous donations when you pick up your free copy. * (Front page) Print runs may vary from issue to issue

Issue 13

January 23 2009

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

‘Think local, buy local’-plea Continued from front page “We think it makes sound economic sense to buy goods and services from local businesses, and our message to Islanders is to ‘think local, and buy local’.

“We believe that the Island has every reason to remain positive, despite all the doom and gloom in the headlines, as long as we all stick together and support one another.”

The Chamber has already launched its own support package to help businesses plan for the future – including the availability of interest free loans from the Isle of Wight Lottery, and free and discounted goods and services for members.

It points out that businesses are part of the Island community, and the Island needs to look after itself.

“We all notice the effect, particularly in smaller communities, when a local shop or other service disappears,” said Mr Smith.

“So it is in everyone’s interest to support their local business in whatever way they can, particularly in the current circumstances.”

Sherrie Peach, 46, opened Shanklin florists Mon Cherie 18 months

News Round-up Sandown pair jailed

TWO MEN have been charged with causing actual bodily harm following an attack in Sandown. The judge described the incident as “appalling, disgusting and violent”, as he sent them to prison for the assault.

Michael Lough, 23, of Albert Road, Sandown and Michael Bishton, 22, of Avenue Road, Sandown, both pleaded guilty to assaulting Dean Hulme in April last year. Lough pleaded guilty to a further Sherrie Peach, thankful that locals have charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm supported her florists venture against Joseph McKee in a separate attack.

Judge David Griffiths sentenced Mr Bishton to ago as a private venture. fuel energy, does it make two years in prison, and Mr Lough to two years for She said: “The support sense to drive 10 miles the attack on Mr Hulme, and a further year for the we have received has each way to get your grobeen very good, and we ceries, and waste a whole attack on Mr McKee. feel we are building a week’s worth of food good customer base and energy on the petrol?” a growing reputation.

Peter Arnold, who runs THE PRODIGY have been announced as the “Naturally these are Woodford Butchers in headline act for the Friday night at this year’s IW difficult times for every- Bembridge, said: “We Festival. The hardcore dance band, famous for hits one with a small busitotally back this initiasuch as ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Smack My Bitch Up’, will ness, but we hope our tive. We are delighted be accompanied by drum and bass outfit Pendulum, customers continue to with the support from support us, and their help our customers and hope indie-pop pair The Ting Tings and house duo Basement Jaxx for a dance-packed evening. is very much appreciatthey continue to use Organisers of the event have said there will be ed. Sometimes it is easy local businesses like more acts for the Saturday and Sunday announced to go to bigger outlets, ourselves in the future. soon. The festival takes place at Seaclose Park, but I feel smaller shops We would like to thank Newport on June 12, 13 and 14. and businesses pride everyone for their themselves on providing help during the credit the personal touch.” crunch.”

Vernon Tyerman of Jonathan, Adrian and A WOMAN from Newport has to repay benefits Chale Green Stores, Janice Dennis, who run totalling nearly £5,000 after being found guilty of believes it makes sense Shanklin News newscheating the IW Council and the Department of to use shops on the door- agents in Regent Street, Work and Pensions. step, rather than travel said: “Shanklin News Miss Jane Arnold, 45, of Staplers Road, was also miles to supposedly save backs the campaign in handed a nine-month Community Order with 100 a few pence. He said: “If supporting local traders. hours’ unpaid work. the recommended calorie We would like to thank Information was received in early March on the intake for an adult man our regulars for their council’s fraud hotline that Mr Simon Whittington, is 2,500 per day, and if custom and hope they who was working as a decorator and barman and a medium sized car uses continue to do so during earning an income, also lived with her. Miss Kate 1,000 calories per mile of these difficult times.”

Hill, prosecuting for the IW Council, said Arnold had falsely claimed housing benefit as a lone parent from the authority along with Income Support from the Department of Works and Pensions.

New Festival acts

Benefit fraud

Bestival looks for new deal Temporary ferry

Continued from front page bands, where the Bestival has more of a 1970s ‘hippy’ type atmosphere and is peaceful.

“There is almost a ‘country fair’ feel to it and it all adds to a unique and friendly atmosphere.”

The Bestival has become one of the biggest attractions on the Island, with thou-

sands travelling over from the mainland for the extravaganza, which last year had the popular but controversial singer Amy Winehouse as the headline act.

The loss of the successful White Air Festival on the Island makes it even more important that both the Bestival and IW Festival continue to thrive, and bring in much-needed revenue to local shops, hotels and businesses.

Island Mortgage Solutions For Buy To Let

01983 533777

admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk

How much raised so far?

We are glad to say that the readers of The Gazette have now raised approximately £10,734 in total for the local Hospice. Well done and thank you for your support.

terminal change

DUE to major refurbishment works, the Red Funnel Southampton vehicle ferry terminal (T1) will be closed until early February. During this time all vehicle ferry services will be operating from 25 Berth, Dock Gate 4, which is a short drive from the T1 terminal, and is signposted. The vehicle ferry timetable is unaffected by these works.

A ticket office will be operating in at the temporary terminal at 25 Berth, and the ticket office at the T1 will remain open. Red Jet Hi-Speed services from Southampton Town Quay to West Cowes are unaffected. Further information and directions are available from www.redfunnel.co.uk on 0844 844 9988.

House blaze

FIREFIGHTERS battled a house fire in Ryde early on Tuesday morning (January 20). There were no reported injuries in the blaze. It is thought the fire started in the roof space of the terraced property in Warwick Street before spreading to the adjoining property. Five fire engines attended the incident along with the command vehicle and incident support unit. Thermal imaging cameras were also used to check for hot spots.

Competition winners The winner of the SWAD meal for 4 competition held in the last issue was Justine Edwards of Baring Rd, Cowes

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

3

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Council axes 200 as credit crunch bites THE IW Council, the Island’s largest employer, is to shed up to 205 posts.

According to the council, the step is to help counter the effects of the credit crunch, to ensure this year’s council tax rise is kept as low as possible and also to help the authority’s ongoing drive to become more efficient. Government under-funding of the national concessionary bus fare scheme, leaving the council with a £3.7 million shortfall, is claimed as another major factor behind the post reduction.

IW Council chief executive Steve Beynon wrote to every staff member this week to explain the measure. The council has said it will consult fully with staff union Unison and to explore all opportunities to shed the jobs without the need for compulsory redundancies.

Included in the overall 205 figure is a number of posts that have already been lost through a recent restructuring of senior County Hall management and an ongoing review of staffing in the children’s services directorate.

Mr Beynon said: “The council, in line with many other authorities around the country, has been hit by rising costs, a decline in income and at a time when the public sector is charged with reducing its costs through ever challenging efficiency savings.

“The net result is that this year we need to meet a budget shortfall of £8 million. We have explored in great detail how that saving may be achieved and it has, unfortunately, become clear that we are not able to do this without affecting staff.

“Whilst we have more work to do to finalise the details, it is looking likely that we will have to lose up to 135 posts across the authority in this financial year, including those already underway as a result of existing restructure programmes, with a further 70 posts likely following the phased implementation of the Business Systems Improvement Programme over the next three years.

“We fully intend to continue to manage this process as carefully as possible and to give support to staff, with compulsory redundancies being the last resort.

“Consideration will also initially be given to voluntary redundancies and early retirement as well as looking at other ways of minimising the impact on permanent staff, such as non-renewal of temporary contracts, seeking interest from staff wanting to work reduced hours, limiting overtime and continuing with the vacancy management controls that we

David Pugh: “We must face the realities”

have put in place to facilitate staff redeployment.

“Each post affected will be looked at individually to assess the most appropriate resolution.”

IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: “It is particularly disappointing that we find ourselves in this position despite prudent financial management. However, we must face the realities that have led us to this current situation and it is not an option simply to pass on the effects of the economic downturn to residents through the council tax or by raising charges across the board.

“Equally I am aware of our responsibilities as the Island’s largest employer and the challenge for us now is to ensure this review of posts is undertaken in a thorough and fair manner in full consultation with staff and Unison. Compulsory redundancy will only be considered once all other options have been discounted.”

The council is the latest UK authority to announce potential job losses as a result of the economic downturn. At least 7,000 local authority jobs are understood to be at risk as a result of the current economic situation with one in seven councils due to reduce staffing levels and one in five freezing recruitment, according to the Local Government Association.

Bus route given reprieve COUNCILLORS Vanessa Churchman and Ian Stephens have been working closely with Southern Vectis since the announcement of changes involving the removal of Route 4 from Haylands and Binstead.

Following a number of discussions, Southern Vectis has agreed to arrange a replacement service between Ryde Town, Binstead and Haylands on a trial basis for the summer, commencing in April. It is likely that the

new route will operate between 9.30am and 1.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The service is being provided by the bus company without any external funding so it is very much on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis.

The councillors have the support of both Age Concern and the Bus Users Group in their efforts to provide transport for over 2,000 people in the area, and although initially the council has declined to fund anything at all it is hoped that they will help this initiative. It is proposed that

meetings will be arranged so that residents and all other concerned parties can express their views and maybe suggest options to finance and extend the service.

The case for a replacement service has been championed by Ryde bus user Mavis Bishop, who organised a 300-name petition which she presented to IW Council leader David Pugh. She also contacted Andrew Turner, the Island MP, who took up her case with the Department for Transport.

gazette news

4

the gazette

gazette news

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Reception to honour Island’s war heroes

IW COUNCIL chairman Cllr Arthur Taylor will be hosting a reception to honour those Islanders who have served their country in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2003-2008.

receive an invitation so do not need to contact the council’s civic team.

If you didn’t attend the previous reception and are an Islander or representative of an Islander whose service included Iraq and Afghanistan during 2003-2008 and would like to attend This year’s reception to recognise the reception (with a guest) please the dedication and commitment of contact Gillian Phenix or Julia Downer serving Islanders will take place on on 01983 823145 by March 4.

Saturday April 4. Those who atYou can also e-mail your details to tended the reception hosted by former gillian.phenix@iow.gov.uk or julia. council chairman Cllr Roger Mazillius downer@iow.gov.uk. in December 2007 will automatically

Justin’s Gym Blog

Week 1: Decision time

JANUARY is never a good month in my book. But it’s made even worse when I sit at my desk and feel the flab from my stomach desperately trying to peer out from over my belt.

I have a choice. Continue to feel the flab or start to fight it.

You know what? I’ve done it. I decided enough was enough and made my way to TJ’s gym on Lake’s Spithead Industrial Estate, conveniently a two-minute walk – or should that be sprightly jog – from my desk here at The Gazette.

Turning up dressed like an overweight kid who’d only remembered half his gym kit, I am introduced to the various methods in which I can get myself sorted.

And believe me, it’s impressive.

There’s treadmills, cross-trainers, exercise bikes, spinning and body pump classes, rowing machines, arm and leg pressers and even sparring sessions.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

All of these will become my way of life as I pump and sweat my way through the coming weeks in my bid to shape up for summer.

I had a eye-opening induction session on the equipment and it didn’t take me long to work up a sweat. But now the real hard work begins.

Read my updates in the IW Gazette.

Wish me luck. Believe me, I am gonna need it!

Justin

David Randini magician

appearing live on stage at the Garlic Festival tel: (01983) 520806

Bugs invade Blackgang!

In the height of the summer season they are packed out with holidaymakers splashing the cash and having a good time. But what happens at the Island’s top attractions during the long dark winter? In the first of a series on what’s happening behind the scenes at the Island’s major tourist destinations as they prepare for the pleasure-seeking hordes, we talk to the owners of Blackgang Chine to find out what’s new for 2009.

GIANT bugs, insects and spiders are about to invade part of the south side of the Island.

the planned expenditure, Blackgang will also have a few new days get warmer and the nights surprises when the doors are get shorter. re-opened to the public at the end Work behind the scenes at what of March.

There’s also a chance you might is arguably the Island’s favourite Managing director Simon come across a couple of overattraction for kids of all ages Dabell revealed: “We are putting sized talking gnomes. But don’t goes on all year round. Funding an attraction in called the Giant be alarmed! for new attractions and entertain- Bug Walk. There will be about We may still be in the grip of ments is shared on a two-yearly nine giant garden bugs similar to one of our coldest winters in cycle with Blackgang’s sister site, the dinosaurs and jungle animals. living memory, but spring is just Robin Hill Adventure Park.

They are being made specifically around the corner – and BlackAlthough this year it is the turn by model makers in Wiltshire, gang Chine Fantasy Park intends of Robin Hill to receive much of who do a lot of work for models to be fully prepared for when the used on television as well.

“The bugs are roughly 25-40 times actual size. We will have an earwig, a worm, a ladybird, a snail, a caterpillar and spiders.

They are going to be set in a woodland walk adjacent to a garden we are creating with a giant potting shed and giant tools.

“We are also doing a design project with a bench and ‘lifesize’ gnomes. As soon as somebody sits between them, the gnomes will start talking as if they realise someone has sat down. We anticipate it will be great fun for everyone.”

Amazingly, Blackgang Chine has been an Island attraction since 1843. It was modernised in the 1950s with the introduction of model villages and fun fair-type hall of distorted mirrors.

Then in 1994 came its biggest and best step forward when it was taken over by Vectis Ventures, a family shareholder-owned private company, and Simon – already an employee since 1979 – was appointed MD. He explained: “My uncle visited America in the early 1960s and saw what Disney was doing in his early theme parks. He came back and we started doing work on dinosaurs and cowboy towns.

We had to use children’s imagination though at first, but later rides started to develop.

“We called it Blackgang Chine Theme Park when I joined the business. It was previously called a leisure park. But within three years of calling it a theme park Alton Towers opened, and people

By Peter White

A bargain double boost for Easter

THE OWNERS of Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park and Robin Hill Adventure Park are planning to help visitors and Islanders alike help beat the credit crunch this year.

Simon Dabell, managing director of parent company Vectis Ventures, said: “It would be easy to put the prices up, but that is not the way forward. So we are introducing a scheme where you can come back as many times as you like in a week. People can come in every day if they

want to, whereas in the past they have been able to come back on the same ticket just the once. We want to be good value for money. This will be for Robin Hill or Blackgang Chine, although visitors will not be able to mix the two.

“During the Easter holidays we are going to offer admission to both parks for £10.”

In due course a voucher will be available in The Gazette for Island residents to take advantage of the offer – so watch this space!”

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

5

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

The Cliffhanger, one of the popular attractions at Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park

then started asking how many rides we had got. We hadn’t got any, so we called ourselves a fantasy park.”

Since then rides have been introduced at huge expense. The rollercoaster alone cost £670,000 when it was introduced in 2005.

It eats into a further £40,000 a year to keep in commission, and pass stringent safety tests.

Simon continued: “Because of Blackgang’s location and the fear of parts of it falling into the sea, we obtained Robin Hill, with the original intention of moving everything over there. But of course the way it has gone we have become very successful at Blackgang and it is not falling into the sea at the rate it was.

“The future of Blackgang is

very much dependent on people and the cliff. We have been lucky over the last 10 years. The global warming that is so badly affecting the planet is actually affecting Blackgang in a good way.

“The water table has dropped right down, and the rain that comes down is spread out throughout the year and the springs that run along the cliff are not flowing as much, which means the cliffs have dried out a lot.”

Throughout the winter a staff of around 20 work on refurbishments and repairs. That number increases four-fold in the height of the season.

Plans for new attractions next year are already on the drawing board. At this stage let’s just say

the Disappearing Village project will be aimed at visitors who can go along and enjoy the experience even without children in tow.

“We are aware that the Island’s tourism pattern has changed.

Some 20 years ago there were more family groups, but around 78 per cent of people who now visit the Island on holiday don’t actually have children with them,” said Simon. “So we are looking at Blackgang in particular to produce a new product which will help adults say ‘let’s go to Blackgang, not see dinosaurs or go on a rollercoaster but to get a sense of the place’. We know 2009 is going to be a challenging year, so we want people to come here to have a good time.”

Council offers safer driving programme THE IW Council is giving Islanders the chance to improve and enhance their driving skills by holding a series of better driving courses – covering both theory and practical – over the next few weeks.

By Jamie White

road positioning, cornering, speed, overtaking and general safety tips. In just six weeks drivers will be given the opportunity to learn everything from preThe courses are designed to improve driving stan- dicting the road ahead to having the right driving dards of people of all ages and levels of experience. attitude to be safer on the road.

There has been a lot of research over the last few The first course begins at Enterprise House in years which shows that driver error is the main Newport on Tuesday February 17 between 7.30pm cause of road traffic accidents. The courses that are and 9.30pm and will continue at the same time for a being made available aim to help drivers become further five weeks. The course is being run by road more confident, skilful and safer. safety professionals and costs just £25 for the entire Cllr Diana Tuson, IW Council cabinet member for course including an assessment drive. safer communities, said: “The council is commitIf you would like to take part in the courses or find ted to reducing the level of road accidents on the out more about road safety initiatives on the Island, Island, and this course is one of the measures we then you can contact Mervyn Goldring on 823799 hope will make a difference. or email: mervyn.goldring@iow.gov.uk.

“By educating drivers in a positive way and The road safety exhibition unit will be at the folbuilding on the skills they already have, we hope to lowing locations from 10am-3pm: reduce their chances of being involved in a colli• 7 February – Morrisons, Newport sion.”

• 14 February – Morrisons, Lake Many different skills and techniques will be • 21 February – Tesco, Ryde covered during the course including car control, • 28 February – Sainsbury’s, Newport

gazette news

6

the gazette

gazette news

Council raises £3,000 for cancer campaign THE IW Council has raised over £3,000 for Breast Cancer Campaign by turning pink for the charity last October.

Working in partnership with Breast Cancer Campaign, the council encouraged its staff, schools, local businesses and tourist attractions across the Island to get behind the pink campaign and host pink-themed days and activities in support of the breast cancer charity.

The ‘Isle of Pink’ campaign saw staff across the local authority, including schools and libraries, enter into the fundraising spirit by arranging lunches, competitions and quizzes.

A further £1,800 was raised through the Friendship Walk which

took place as part of the council’s celebratory walking festival weekend.

David Pugh, council leader, said: “I was really impressed by the way the whole Island got behind the campaign and I am sure they will join us in supporting this initiative again this year.”

Lauren Baskett, community development manager at Breast Cancer Campaign, added: “We would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone on the Island for their fantastic support. Because of this, we managed to smash our fundraising target of £20,000, which will help us get a step closer to achieving our goal of beating breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research.”

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

MP backs proposals on tax-free saving

ANDREW Turner, the Island’s MP, has backed his party leader’s proposals for tax-free saving to help people through the economic downturn.

David Cameron criticised the Government for encouraging people to live beyond their means and for building an economy based on debt. Instead, Mr Cameron said, the economy should be based on saving.

He outlined two proposals to encourage saving and help people weather the recession. First, he would abolish income tax on savings for everyone on the basic rate of tax. Second, he would raise the tax allowance for pensioners by £2,000 to £11,490.

Mr Turner agreed, saying: “It is about time we changed the focus of our economy from debt to saving. The Government has allowed levels of debt get out of control. There has been no incentive for people to save. These proposals, if implemented, would be an important step towards changing that.”

He added: “Pensioners are particularly susceptible to the current economic crisis, especially those who top up their income with savings.

There are many working people on the Island who are on the basic rate of income tax, they are not rich, and with interest rates at an all time low there is currently precious little incentive for them to save for their future.

Government should encourage people to save, not punish them for it.”

Hospice news Slipshod Singers present Concert for the Hospice

Andrew Turner: encourage saving

• In a separate move, the MP called into question the Government’s £20 billion loan guarantee scheme, which is intended to restart the flow of credit from the big banks to small businesses.

Since November of last year the Conservative Party has been calling for a broader £50 billion national loans guarantee scheme to help employers of all sizes get access to the credit they need, said Mr Turner.

He expressed concern that it may not be extended to vital businesses such as Post Offices, farms and transport companies on the Island, which are frequently exempt from Government support of this kind.

Mr Turner said: “With the current plan, £20 billion will not be enough to get our economy back on track.

This could be a total disaster for small businesses here on the Island. I want the Government to guarantee that no viable Post Office, farm or transport company will be denied access to the credit they need.”

Standing up for Sandown It must not be forgotten that we do have some very good hotels here.

“My parents told me that after the last SHE HAS travelled all over the world war when people came to the Island they – but it’s certainly a case of ‘no place had the illusion of going abroad because like home’ for Sandown Councillor they physically were travelling across Heather Humby (right). water. I think a lot of people will consider The former Mayor of Sandown admits coming to the Island for their holidays her beloved town is facing one of its because of this recession.” biggest challenges in recent years but at the With people tightening their belts, same time is happy to admit she “wouldn’t Heather has a point and already has plans want to be anywhere else in the world”. to brighten up the town ready for any such There are real fears the recent closure influx. of Woolworths – which was the biggest “As for the empty shops – I have written store in the seaside resort – will hit traders to the people responsible for them, asking and businesses hard. And these fears are for the windows to be made available seemingly confirmed as I make my way up to advertise local events. Local schools the high street on a bitterly cold and grey could also brighten them up by using art towns which has retained its pier. There afternoon. competitions. are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes It is hard not to feel that the shopping “I can see no point being a councillor and it also boasts the world famous Tiger heart of the town had gone – but what of unless you actually play a part in your Sanctuary at Sandown Zoo. Its sloping its long-term future? sandy beaches win awards for cleanliness community.”

“We’re at the beginning of a recession And as Heather leaves to begin ringing and safe bathing. and it’s the winter. January and February round the local traders, you can see she “It’s a wonderful place to live. I wouldn’t are always hard months and the closure of want to be anywhere else. I used to work means it.

Woolworths has come at a very bad time” for Cunard and have seen most of the admits Heather. world. But Sandown is beautiful, particu“However, I live in the hope that larly when you look out at the bay and see someone will come along and eventually some of the wonderful sunsets we’ve had. take over the Woolworths site. We need a “I feel safe walking around here after big name – something to attract people in dark. We have had some anti-social behavfrom Ryde or Newport. iour but there is CCTV in place. Staff at “There was a rumour that Primark would Colonel Bogey’s nightclub are very careful be coming here – that would have been who they let in – I am very impressed with great. the system in place there and over the last “In the meantime it’s going to be very couple of months I have not received as hard and I think all we can do is support many complaints about noise in the high those traders who are staying open during street.” these months.

With Sandown in the grip of winter and “A lot close down for the winter and if going through its annual post-Christmas many follow that trend, then Sandown lull, not surprisingly, attention turns to really will become a ghost town”. the lighter evenings and the spring and You can make out a strong case for a big summer months. name coming to Sandown. It is one of our “People are positive. Channel View Hotel primary seaside resorts and one of the few have told me bookings are up already.

By Justin Gladdis

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

ANOTHER year of events to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice is underway. To celebrate the life and music of Keith Hemstead, the Slipshod Singers will present a concert in the Memorial Hall Freshwater on Friday February 6 at 7.30pm.

Taking to the stage during the evening will be the Slipshod Singers, Powel Jankowski from Warsaw on the piano, Carmen Lasok, a London soprano performer, as well as Harmony Reunited.

Tickets for the event are £5 each and are available from Royal Solent Yacht Club, Hospice Fundraising Office, The Cabin in Freshwater, Thorntons, Freshwater Bay Post Office, Totland Pharmacy and the Memorial Hall in Freshwater.

All proceeds from the event and the raffle will be donated to the hospice.

Chairman’s charity challenge IW COUNCIL Chairman Arthur Taylor is hosting The Chairman’s Charity Challenge to raise money for his chosen charities, The Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Haylands Farm.

The Challenge, a quiz night incorporating a buffet and two games of tenpin bowling, will take place on Sunday February 8 at LA Bowl in Ryde from 7pm. Anyone can enter a team of up to six people for a chance to win The Chairman’s Challenge Trophy.

To enter please call Gillian or Julia at County Hall on 823145 or 823525.

Hospice bereavement support THE EARL Mountbatten Hospice offers bereavement support for friends, relatives and carers who have lost a loved one at the hospice or in their own homes through the Hospice@Home scheme.

If you find yourself in this position and would like to learn more about the support the hospice can offer you, including a monthly informal group that meets at the hospice. Please call our Family Support Unit on 533776 and speak to Wendy.

Walking the Wight?

A reminder to register…

PLEASE remember that if you are going to take part in Walk The Wight this year you are required to register before the day… you can register online now at www.iwhospice.org/wtw or by calling the hospice fundraising office on 528989.

This applies whether you are planning to take part in the full walk, half distance or the Flat Walk.

Christmas lights raise money

LUKE Whitewood, a 14-year-old from Shanklin, has raised £51 for the hospice from the proceeds of decorating his house with Christmas lights.

Luke, who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, raised the same amount for The Aspergers Society. Karen Eels, senior community fundraiser, said: “We were very touched that Luke did this for us and we are really grateful for the support.”

Hospice fundraising: 528989

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

7

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

gazette news

Friends rally round to save All Saints ONE of the select few churches to be mentioned in the Domesday Book is set to have a bit of help to weather its next 1,000 years or so. On New Year’s Day, a party was thrown to mark the launch of the Friends of All Saints in Freshwater.

times past there would have been ale tastings in the building, of Selsey sent his curate over which was used to fulfil all sorts to this dark and pagan island, of community needs. Showing where gods such as Thor were drawings of the interior as the worshipped. The evangelist Victorians would have inherited landed near St Helens, and it, with a gallery at the back began a practice of planting a and the font in the middle, he wooden cross to mark the point explained that in medieval times from which he would preach there were no pews and straw About 40 people assembled at the Christian message. These on the floor. “Most churches, if this beautiful church, situated eventually were replaced with they could afford it, changed the about halfway between Freshstone crosses. straw twice a year.” water and Yarmouth, to hear Canon Weaver painted a The newly formed Friends of of planned events that, it is graphic picture of the hostile All Saints will, it is hoped, carry hoped, will not only raise funds land that the converts faced, on the tradition of adapting the but also draw the community as well as the difficulties the building to present-day needs. together. physical geography presented A kitchenette for social events “It is such a struggle when in bringing the gospel to West is planned, as is a larger area the maintenance of the church Wight. “They would have to meet and greet. “It can be relies on a small congregation,” travelled from settlement to frustrating if you’re rushing said Suzanne Weaver, whose settlement, keeping to high home to get the potatoes on initiative the Friends is. “Then it ground to avoid the marshes,” and you can’t get passed the came to me that the ownership he explained. vicar shaking hands with all of this beautiful church should By the time William the and sundry!” said one of the be with the whole of the Fresh- Conqueror’s Domesday survey Friends. water community.” was carried out in 1086, All Suzanne Weaver hopes that Hence the gathering, which, as Saints Church was established her programme of musical well as congregational stalas one of just ten churches on events – beginning in May with warts, did indeed attract nonthe Island, and its quoins, or some professional male singers churchgoers. Canon Michael cornerstones, may be of Saxon from Russia – will cement Weaver, retired, put the building origin. Canon Weaver described the Friends as a viable force into its historic context, inviting how each generation of octo safeguard All Saints’ future. the gathering to “come back cupants re-worked the buildAn annual membership, for the with me in your imagination to ing to suit their own purposes. minimum of £10, is requested. the year 661, when Christianity Inviting the gathering not to feel Donations to the membership arrived on the Isle of Wight”. awkward about “supping wine secretary, Dolphin Cottage, He described how the Bishop in church”, he revealed that in High St, Freshwater, PO49 9JU.

By Roz Whistance

Island Mortgage Solutions For Buildings & Contents

01983 533777

admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk

Have you got news for us? newsdesk@ iwgazette.co.uk

Canon Michael Weaver, with drawings of the church in the old days

8

the gazette

gazette news

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Island girl clocks on in paradise AN AUSTRALIAN tourism organisation recently caused a stir by advertising for a ‘caretaker’ for Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The job, which came with a salary of £69,000, seemed to involve little more than relaxing on the island and casually keeping an eye on things there from the comfort of your beach towel.

Needless to say, applications for the post have been brisk.

Above: Crystal and her dad Steve enjoy some precious time together.

Below: Creating a new coral reef is an important part of Crystal’s work.

By Paul Rainford

only part of the story: Crystal is also engaged in an important conservation project which sees her creating a new coral reef through the use of sand-coated ‘coral trays’. Fragments of existing coral are collected and attached to the trays using cable ties, and within weeks new coral begins to grow. In 1995 El Niño destroyed over 80 per cent of the shallow coral reefs in the Maldives as sea temperatures increased by 5 per cent that year, It could be argued that Crystal so Crystal’s work is an invaluable Hadgkiss has bagged herself just such a dream job. As resident marine contribution to restoring the delicate ecological balance of the region. biologist for the Kandooma resort in Crystal took a keen interest in the Maldives, this 23-year-old former marine biology from an early age. pupil of Shanklin’s Priory School “During my school years up to my spends a lot of her time snorkelling GCSEs I always said in clear blue tropical would be a marine waters. Call that work?

Fragments of Ibiologist, despite Well, actually, yes. existing coral people teasing me about “I work 10 hours a with boring day, 6 days a week, are collected and working sponges and flat worms!

8am-6pm and some attached to the My dream job then was evenings I also have a marine biology talk or trays using cable to become a marine mammal trainer at a meet guests arriving ties, and within theme park but I always and show them to their room so often I work weeks new coral knew it’s a tough career to get into. I was never later than this,” says begins to grow. deluded.

Crystal. She takes the “I always blame Mrs resort guests out snorkelling on the local coral reefs, telling Bates at Priory School for getting them about the wonderful sea life that me into biology! She always encouraged me to do well and gave me extra inhabits those warm waters. help when needed. The standard joke “Twice a week I run a three-hour was that I would spend three years at long snorkelling and fish ID trip. We university looking at earthworms. The visit two reefs and spend about 45 minutes at each reef. The guests carry term I did dissect an earthworm at university I had great pleasure in rewith them waterproof fish ID cards porting back to her that she was right and I point out the fish to them and but that I also loved my course! give them more information. If it’s After her degree in marine and fresha small group, I often do these trips water biology at Aberystwyth Univeron my own. This means I will be the sity, Crystal worked for the Aquarius first to jump in the sea to check the currents and also act as safety for the Dive Centre in Seaview for a summer before taking a job in Tenerife as a guests. Back on the boat I serve redivemaster. It was whilst in Tenerife freshments and hot and cold drinks.” that Crystal landed her current role in But entertaining the tourists is

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

9

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

gazette news

Public input sought on fire rescue plan THE PUBLIC is being invited to help shape a new plan that sets out the safety risks the Island faces in the coming years and how the IW Fire and Rescue Service plans to respond to them.

a steady drop in the number of accidental dwelling fires.

Dates and venues for the presentation are as follows: • Freshwater Leisure Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater, Tuesday January 27, 6.30pm • The Broadway Centre, Sandown, January 29, 6.30pm • The IRMP is on the website www.iwfire.org.

Copies can be obtained by telephoning 823099 Ext 8192 or email fire.service@iow.gov.uk

The aim of the integrated risk management plan (IRMP) is to improve public safety by reducing the number of emergencies and by making sure the service is best prepared to respond when emergencies do arise. It will also include the need to make sure the service works effectively with partners and provides value for money, and places further emphasis on how the service can contribute to safeguarding and preserving the environment. The new plan will cover the five years 2009 to 2014.

The first draft has been prepared and now the views of the public are being sought by March 5.

By Jamie White This can be done online, in writing, by phone or during three information evenings being organised by the service.

A CHEQUE for £2,500 Cllr Barry Abraham, IW Council cabinet member has been donated to The with responsibility for the IW Fire and Rescue Red Squirrel Trust and Service, urged residents to join in the consultation. Wight Squirrel Project, He said: “The safety of the Island should be a aimed at protecting the matter of interest for all those who live, work or species on the Island. visit here.

The money has been “The main purpose of the plan is to ensure that raised through donawe work together to provide the most effective tions by the public and fire prevention and fire fighting capability for the the Red Funnel ferry Island. In recent years I am pleased to say the fire company that were coland rescue service has made real improvements and lected during Red SquirCrystal at work in her tropical paradise the plan sets out how we intend to continue that time to filming, photorel Weeks in October improvement. graphing and working to and December.

“Of course the result of a more efficient and proconserve wildlife in the There have been many the Maldives. go as you are stuck on a tiny island! fessional fire and rescue service is a better prepared UK, said: “As the Island campaigns raising the But what’s it like for a former Isle Sometimes you just need to escape.” response to emergencies and working effectively to importance of protecting is one of the few places of Wight girl to live on an altogether Sounds familiar? help reduce the risk of emergencies occurring in the the red squirrel, and the in the UK where the popdifferent kind of island? “Like any But what about those back home, first place.” ulation of the red squirrel Island is one of the few place or any job it has its problems,” thousands of miles away? “Being An example of the increase in preventative work is thriving, it is important places that is still home says Crystal. “Quite often you forget away from home you will always to raise the awareness to the animal. where you are. Kandooma covers only miss friends and family but I find it no is the steep rise in the number of home fire safety checks the service has undertaken in recent years, and aid conservation of Chris Packham, who 32 acres; it takes 20 minutes to walk different than being away at univerparticularly since 2004.

This has corresponded with this beautiful creature.” dedicates a lot of his around yet there are areas I don’t visit sity. When I was at Aberystwyth the for weeks at a time. I suppose it’s a bit journey would take me seven hours on like living on the Isle of Wight – the the train home. You can fly to London beach is on your doorstep but you from the Maldives in 10! Sometimes don’t visit it every day! the further away you are the easier it “There is not much to do in the is.” evenings but after I’ve had a busy Thanks to modern communications Toby Beasley, head gardenday in the water all I want to do is keeping in contact isn’t as hard as it er at Osborne House keeps relax. Thankfully we get a few good once was. “You even get a mobile channels like MTV, Discovery, and a signal here on a boat in the middle of you up to date with work couple of movie channels so it’s nice the sea!” says Crystal. “I enjoy my on the estate and passes to chill out in the evenings or listen to job and I do a good job. I know my on his tips on gardening some music.” friends and family back home are very through the winter months.

Living on an island a lot smaller proud of me, that’s all that matters.” than ours does bring its own probAnd future plans? “Strangely enough DURING the recent cold snap we recorded temperatures down lems, admits Crystal. “Any tension on my dream job is to work in Antarctica to -6°C in the garden. Now the a small island can quickly grow out with the penguins!” weather has warmed up this has of proportion. Rumours, whether true Just as long as she remembers to revealed some damage from or false, travel fast and can destroy pack some different clothes… the cold. We have had a frozen friendships and you have nowhere to water pipe break and some of our gravel paths have broken up with the frost but while these are easy enough to repair we have had some plant damage that will or Ginger Lilies that have been replacing some roses on the take longer to put right. badly frosted may as well be cut terraces by the restaurant. These Quite a few of our tender to the ground. They may benefit have never performed well but plants have been hit by the frosts. from a thick mulch of compost Victoria and Albert grew roses Euryops pectinatus, which often or leaf mould to give them some in these beds so the decision has blooms with its yellow daisy like added insulation if the weather been made for us. Roses suffer flowers at this time of year, has turns cold again but the damage from ‘replant disease’ so they had its shoot tips damaged and may already have been done. don’t often do well when rethe Angels Trumpets (BrugTo finish off your frost damage planted in the same location. We mansia) that we were trying to check, look at any bedding have had to dig out all the soil get through the winter in a very plants you have planted recently. from these beds and incorporatsheltered spot have been killed Quite a few on the terraces at ed a mixture of our own garden outright. Don’t rush to tidy it Osborne have been heaved out compost and loam. We will also up though. We will be leaving of the ground by the frost. They be adding some superphosphate many of our damaged plants just need pushing back into the fertiliser for good root growth until the spring as quite often soil or replanting properly if and some mycorrhizal fungi as Are you: Articulate, Smart, Flexible, Able to work to targets, they will shoot from just below they have come out completely. this often makes nutrients far A car driver with clean driving licence? any damage. Damaged tips and In addition to the work the easier for the plants to take up. ragged leaves can often provide weather brings us we have The roses are on order and it If so call Hayley on 402599 protection from further frosts. also been trying to make some looks like February is going to Herbaceous plants like Cannas or e-mail: sales@wightfm.com garden improvements. We are be a busy month planting.

Storing away the squirrel money

Toby’s gardening tips

We are hiring Radio Sales Consultants Sales experience preferred

10

the gazette

gazette news

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Free ice skating trial gets kids to school THE HOME of the Wightlink Raiders ice hockey team is proving a major factor in helping beat truancy on the Island.

By Justin Gladdis

team. The Wightlink Raiders new import Joel Petkoff, Shawn Mole and Janne Saarenpaa have been spending January visiting schools Overall attendance levels at the and handing the passes and certifiIsland’s middle and high schools cates over. has risen by nearly 30 per cent Canadian defenceman Shawn after a trial link-up between the IW Mole said: “I think it’s great. It’s Council and Planet Ice Ryde Arena. nice to see kids really trying to Students in Ryde with a 100 per come out and give 100 per cent in cent attendance record until the end school. It’s a shock to me because I of the Christmas term have been never really got any kind of award receiving free family ice skating in school and these kids should be passes and certificates. very proud of themselves – it’s a Up to 250 students are now very big achievement for them. reaping the rewards, with Bishop “It’s also a nice way for us to get Lovett, Swanmore and Mayfield the game out there and get the kids Middle schools and Ryde High interested and to show your face in involved in the trial. the community. It’s not a very perThe project is being back by the sonal sport so to get out and meet Island’s professional ice hockey

the younger people – it’s a nice IW Council cabinet member for personal touch.” children and young people, Alan Wells, said: “I am delighted this Ursula Hutchinson, headteacher trial scheme between the council of Bishop Lovett Middle School, and Planet Ice already appears to is delighted with her pupils’ atbe producing imprestitude. She said: “I think it’s because “I think it’s because sive results. This is about recognising they enjoy coming they enjoy coming the efforts of those to school. I think to school. I think if students who make if children want to children want to come that extra effort to come they are far they are far more likely be in school every more likely achieve 100 per cent atachieve 100 per cent day during term and tendance and that attendance and that is giving them a little something back, is what we aim for. what we aim for.”

The link-up with which also benefits Planet Ice Ryde their families as well.

Arena is very important – it’s very “We will be keeping a close eye good to make the relationship on this over the coming weeks and between us and the Raiders explicit months and if it is something we and encourage the children to join.” feel may benefit schools across the

Island, it could be extended. I send my congratulations to all the students who have achieved the 100 per cent attendance and also thank Planet Ice for making this scheme happen.”

Lorna Cotton, manager of Ryde’s Planet Ice Arena, said: “Planet Ice is thrilled to be able to reward students who have achieved 100 per cent attendance. If we as a company can offer an extra incentive for students to attend school then we are more than happy to assist our local council in doing so.

“This scheme has now been launched by the Planet Ice chain throughout the country and I am confident that it will be successful on a national level,” she added.

Pupils at Bishop Lovett school receive their certificates

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

11

the gazette

gazette news

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Wind turbines war david holmes of words hots up reports

thoughtless mission led by people happy to call themselves NIMBYs, and it’s time for those who support turbines to have their voice heard.

THE ROW over the proposed wind turbines on Cheverton Down has intensified, with both Join this group if you support wind turbines on the Isle of Wight!” sides of the argument making their presence felt in anticipation of the imminent registration In response, a spokesperson for ThWART of the planning application for the wind power said: “For people to say, as ITAG have on their website, that they will ‘campaign and project with IW Council. actively support any proposal to implement Cornwall Light & Power, wind turbines on the Island’ in conjunction with Island is extraordinarily naïve. engineering firm Vestas, is The balance of the benefit hoping to put three wind versus detriment in any turbines on the hilltop site, proposal must be based on which falls within an Area the facts of each applicaof Outstanding Natural tion. Clearly their position Beauty (AONB), each is ill thought through and turbine having an overall they need to better under‘to blade tip’ height of 125 stand the issues.” metres. The application reAlso backing the turbines places an earlier one, which plan is the Footprint Trust, received planning consent an Island conservation for three much shorter charity.

Responding to the turbines. policy on wind turbines Pressure group ThWART contained in the recently (The Wight Against Rural published AONB draft Turbines) has announced a management plan – which series of meetings aimed at proposes that any turbines mobilizing support for its should be no higher than cause. ThWART is opposed 60 metres – the Footto what it calls “the inapThWART’s model of the proposed print Trust’s founder, Ray propriate siting of industrial wind turbine Harrington-Vail, said: “The scale wind turbines” on the proposed policy would mean Isle of Wight. It claims to have more than that rather than having a few large wind tur3,000 supporters on the Island and beyond. bines, it would have several smaller ones. To In Shorwell, one of the villages nearest to produce the same amount of energy, a greater the proposed site of the turbines, a new pressure group has formed to fight the application. number of smaller turbines would be required.

The visual impact would therefore be greater SAT-COM (Shorwell Against Turbines Comand the infrastructure would also have to be mittee) intends to monitor the progress of the put in to link these turbines to the grid, and so application and keep the village informed of major developments. It will also encourage all the environmental impact would be greater.”

He added: “This policy is saying in reality villagers to object to the application. that no wind turbines will be permitted anyMeanwhile, a 19-year-old politics student where on the Isle of Wight, except in valleys from Downsview Road in Newport has started and in towns. The wind turbines that would up a pressure group in support of the wind be permitted would be micro wind turbines, farm proposals. Island Turbine Action Group which in most applications are little more than (ITAG), created by Kerri Trickey, is directly ‘executive toys’ generating very little power. opposed to ThWART’s aims. It claims to have “These proposed policies would mean that signed 200 signed-up supporters already. the AONB would be failing to look at the real “ThWART are a group of Isle of Wight issues and is listening too much to those who residents devoted to preventing wind turoppose change in the countryside.” bines from being built on the Island,” said Ms Trickey. “We believe this is a misguided and

By Paul Rainford

A bad dose of January blues SOMETIMES I love my life, but never in January. Name a more irksome month. For those who got paid early for Christmas the wait until payday must make it feel twice as long as any other month.

For me it’s not about money, it’s the weather. Grim, wet, cold and grey. And the new year’s resolutions nonsense. Why would anyone think midwinter is a good time to sort anything out?

My sister just called, she wants to wear a bikini in New Zealand in a few weeks’ time. She’s desperate to slim down a bit first. Quite why she’s bothering I don’t know, she looks great to me. And in any case, how many people will see her prancing poolside in Kiwi-land? It’s all sheep and rugby players down there.

January should be about comfort food. Spuds, bread, puddings, stodgy stuff – bulk, not lettuce leaves and zero-fat rubbish. Now is not the time for juicing fruit and vegetables. April or May would make much better slimming months – if you really must. I am a confirmed sun worshipper; I envy my sister her trip. I love the heat. Let me spend October to March in the Caribbean and I would definitely be happy. I want to laze on my sun lounger, sipping ice cold drinks, nibbling giant shrimp whilst sneaking occasional peeks from behind my best-selling thriller at the bronzed babes in their tiny bikinis.

In years past when I’ve wanted to get away I might have pressed a credit card into service, hit www. ba.com. This year, with things the way they are, that would seem just plain wrong. Anyway, if I’m honest, my cards bear deep-ish scars from what we now know to have been ‘the good years’. Best let them heal a while.

That said, I did just manage a six-day trip to Austria. I skied in the sunshine – but boy was it cold.

Minus 15°C some days. That trip was spoiled by several things; the cold of course; tiresome Germans on (or queueing for) the piste; the euro; paying £4 for a hot chocolate or £10 for an apple strudel and vanilla sauce at lunchtime was most distressing.

Finally P&O; without shame they charged me £200 for my return trip, Le Shuttle was dearer still and strangely, fully booked. A day trip Dover-Calais would have been just £10. Anyone know why?

I recommend a P&O crossing to Islanders. They make you realise that Wightlink are not the only objectionable ferry company serving the planet. All these short-haul ship

operators seem the same. A grim experience at high cost. The really cheap fares are always yesterday or tomorrow. Tonight maybe. Why can’t Cunard run ferries? I love their gorgeous cabins and their white star service. The fares are reasonable too.

The Manx parliament recently heard claims that the charges of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company – which runs the Manx ferries – were crucifying Island businesses.

The owners of this ferry company are, of course Macquarie, who also own Wightlink. The company was also accused of ‘filling its boots’ by trying to squeeze as much as it could from travellers. Predictably our friends Macquarie claim they have been ‘investing in services’, so that’s alright then.

As with Wightlink, some City observers believe the Aussie bank overpaid for the Steam Packet Company at the peak of the market.

It is of course we passengers who are now paying the high price of servicing their enormous debt taken on in the pursuit of profit.

Hunting around for something – anything – to cheer me up at reasonable cost I hit on the idea of buying a ticket to the Isle of Wight Festival. This time last year they had already sold out. My ticket allows me to dream. With the line-up yet to be confirmed I can let my musical dreams run riot. I know the show will be great. Solo haven’t let us down yet have they? I can picture myself enjoying my favourite bands in the June sunshine. My ticket is working already. It’s already helping chase those January blues away. I implore you to buy one. It’s a lot cheaper than a holiday and unlike a Lottery ticket, offers a guaranteed return.

It’ll be February before we know it. Oh dear.

If you agree or disagree with David Holmes then write to: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk

12

the gazette

gazette news

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Parking: what Have your say on you think… IW law and order Last week The Gazette revealed the extent of the parking problems at St Mary’s Hospital, with volunteers quitting after being unable to find a space. Here is just a sample of the responses from readers that we have had to the story so far…

Hospital didn’t think it through I HAVE just finished reading the front-page article of January 9 issue of The Gazette.

I was very interested in the comments about parking, as I have recently completed a course of chemotherapy myself, having had bowel cancer. I spent 10 days in hospital and it cost a great deal in parking fees for my husband when visiting me, not easy on a pension.

Until I was a patient at the unit I was unaware that we only had to pay for the first two hours of parking and then after that it was free, following a phone call to the parking authorities by a unit nurse, whilst receiving a chemotherapy infusion. On occasions when I have had to visit the oncologist my husband has remained in the car waiting for a space to become available, leaving me to see the specialist alone. Not something that I liked as it is comforting to have the support of someone close. (Just think of all the emissions in the air of those drivers waiting for a space to become available.)

I am aware that long-term patient visitors do get a special rate for parking and in some cases free parking.

My son’s partner has recently given birth to their second child and as occurred when number one was on the way he had to keep thinking about whether his ticket had run out instead of comforting the mum-to-be. Because of the length of time that baby took to arrive (both times) he reckoned that each baby cost £25 even before they had arrived! I feel that this is a situation that could also benefit from two hours parking and then free whilst mum is in labour.

I and many others would also be more in favour of parking charges if we knew that the money was going back into the hospital coffers to benefit all patients. On our last visit to the hospital we left by driving out through the Dodnor Lane entrance and was absolutely stunned at the amount of space allocated to staff at the hospital. A multi storey there would have cost money but benefited in the long run. I know they need the parking to be able to do there job, but wouldn’t it have been better to have thought the situation through thor-

oughly when building the car park at the North hospital and built an underground one (very good at Southampton General). I am sure that no one envisaged the amount of vehicles that use the hospital.

I feel extremely sad that those volunteers are not able to continue with their very worthwhile services.

I really appreciated the ‘tea person’ each time I was in the chemo unit.

Name and address supplied.

Time to end this contract?

AS A MEMBER of staff currently being threatened with court action on behalf of the hospital by APCOA due to ignoring their demands for parking charges I believe I don’t owe them (by the way, they aren’t fines in law), I have sympathy with people being taxed and harried for the misfortune of suffering illness.

After all unlike a shopping centre or amusement venue, most people only attend St Mary’s for work or for treatment or to visit the sick. It is APCOA’S proud boast on its website that it makes millions for its NHS clients. That’s the real driving force – money – made out of the misery of others. How can that be justified? It was free before, so where is the deprivation of services Mr Pugh mentions coming from?

As for the council response, some years ago a suggestion was made which would have alleviated some of the misery of parking by redesigning the spaces (from down roads to diagonal, allowing more cars). The answer came that the council had decreed the parking space limit had been reached and they wanted to encourage public transport. One problem is that there is little public transport in the early hours of the morning, when we finish, and the trust don’t provide taxis! Since then assets have been sold and even more people moved onto the site, with no improvements in parking. I think the council leader’s response is poor, his staff don’t have this problem.

I think any campaign for parity with Wales or Scotland is both just and hopefully our government will listen.

There is, however, no reason for the hospital managers not to decide to end the parking contract as a gesture of care and concern.

Name and address supplied.

THOSE responsible for making sure the Island remains one of the UK’s safest places are inviting residents to a question and answer evening in Newport.

nity safety inspector, said: “We welcome any opportunity to meet disorder low here. with members of the public to The event will be held at discuss how police and partner Medina Theatre on February 26 agencies are working closely as part of the CDRP’s continuing with communities. Regular comwork to engage with communities munication is essential to ensure The ‘Question Crime’ event – in line with national government policing best meets the needs of based on the format of BBC’s standards. residents. I would also encourage Question Time – will allow Steve Beynon, joint chair of the people attending to find out more Islanders to ask a panel of experts CDRP and chief executive of IW about the simple crime prevenabout community safety issues Council, said: “We know how tion methods and technology affecting them and give the panel important issues of community available to them. Strong support the chance to highlight the range safety are to residents and this is from the community is a vital of measures that have been put in a chance for them to make their part of further reducing crime and place to make the Island a safer views known. The evening will the fear of crime on the Island.” place. also give members of the CDRP Free property packs of SmartThe panel will be made up of the opportunity to respond to Water will be on offer to people heads of the Island’s Crime and those points and also to highlight who attend the event. SmartWater Disorder Reduction Partnersome of the many initiatives that is a non-hazardous liquid which ship (CDRP). It features leading we are – and have been – undercan be used to mark property. figures from the police, IW taking to keep the Island safe.

Each batch has a unique ‘DNACouncil, IW NHS and Rural Community safety is an issue that type’ forensic code, tying its use Community Council and is affects us all.” to a specific location or item. charged with keeping crime and Mark Bell, IW police commuBy Justin Gladdis

St Mary’s A&E wins top marks EMERGENCY healthcare on the Island has been rated in the top 20 per cent of England in a survey of A&E services by an independent health watchdog.

privacy when being examined or treated; • 97 per cent of patients said they didn’t feel threatened or bothered by other patients; • 90 per cent of patients said they were treated with respect and dignity.

The Emergency Department Survey 2008, conThe ambulance service on the Island responded ducted by the Healthcare Commission, found that to 17,000 emergency 999 calls and 40,000 people on the Island: attended the A&E department at St Mary’s Hospital • 92 per cent of patients rated the care they received in Newport during 2007/08. The survey was sent from the ambulance service highly; to 850 patients aged 16 and over who were treated • 92 per cent of patients said they were given in the emergency department at St Mary’s between January and March 2008.

Robin Beal, clinical director for emergency care, said: “Working in A&E requires teamwork and these results are a credit to the efforts of all staff who work round the clock every day of the year to ensure that emergency healthcare is there when Islanders and visitors need it. feel like their illness THE NHS on the “Despite these good results we are not complacent controls their life and Island is to launch a and recognise that there are areas highlighted in can feel frustrated with new series of workthe survey where we can improve our service. For shops aimed at people feeling unwell. The example, we are keen to improve the information with long-term health expert patient prowe provide to patients attending A&E about what to gramme is an excellent problems. expect in A&E and about their condition.” opportunity for people The expert patient to learn more about their programme is a free, own health problem and confidential course for get the information and people with ongoing support they need to health problems such as be able to manage their diabetes, coronary heart illness as well as meet disease, chronic obstrucothers facing similar tive pulmonary disease FERRY operator Red Funnel has announced challenges and share and asthma. It encouraga new concessionary fare for Island teenagers experiences.” es people to play a more after lobbying from the IW Youth Council.

The programme active part in managing The youth fare will allow 16 to 19-year-olds to teaches important skills their own condition and travel to Southampton, during off peak times, for which help people to: take control of their £8 return.

• deal with pain and illness to improve their IW Youth Council members carried out a survey fatigue quality of life. which showed that young people would use the • cope with feelings of The programme runs ferry predominantly in the evening and at weekends depression over six two-hour and the results of this survey were presented to Tom • manage symptoms weekly sessions and Pell-Stevens, Red Funnel’s marketing manager.

• problem solve gives people the opA delegation of IW Youth Council members then • use relaxation techportunity to discuss the niques and learn how to met with Red Funnel directors and were told that issues that bother them the company had an opportunity to restructure its exercise safely most about their health fare system for young Islanders.

• eat more healthily in a relaxed and friendly Chris Smy, the IW Council’s Youth Empowerment • plan for a better future environment. The Worker, said: “This is fantastic news which shows, To find out more courses are held locally about the expert patient again, that the IW Youth Council can make things and are tailored to the happen.” programme or enrol needs of the people who While the Student Rider card will be the princionto the next series of attend. workshops (which begin pal means of ID, young people can also access the Carol Alstrom, chief reduced fare by showing a valid passport, driving on January 27), telenurse at the Island’s licence or ValidateUK card. phone Jo Cram at NHS NHS, said: “People In the case of the youth fare, ‘off peak’ means Isle of Wight on 534175 living with a long-term or email: jo.cram@iow. after 9.15am from Monday to Friday and any time health problem often on Saturdays and Sundays. nhs.uk.

Course to empower long-term patients

Youth council power brings reduced fare

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

13

the gazette

gazette news

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Hants police praised by gay rights campaigners Hampshire Constabulary, the regional force of which the Island police form a part, has been honoured as the UK’s top police force for lesbian, gay and bisexual officers and staff.

Chief constable, Alex Marshall said: “I think it’s fantastic news. A huge effort has gone into this organisation in recent years to make sure people feel comfortable and valued. To get this recognition is the icing on the cake.

The force has been “For a police force, ranked second nationsuch recognition is ally in the ‘Stonewall hugely important. We Workplace Equalwant to give an excellent ity Index 2009’, which service to the public, lists Britain’s top 100 we want to be active in employers for lesbian, every neighbourhood gay and bisexual people. and we want to catch Stonewall is a charity as many criminals as that campaigns for possible. To achieve equality of treatment all of those things, we for people of all sexual need a workforce that orientation. represents all the comThis year, Lloyds TSB munities we serve and came top of the list, brings all the skills that which means Hampshire a diverse workforce can Constabulary is also the bring.” top public sector organiThe application to sation.

Stonewall was submit-

ted by members of the force’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Resource Group and the personnel department.

Inspector Paula Hennighan-Finlay, who leads the Resource Group, said: “Our success is not about political correctness or bringing our personal lives to work; it’s about ensuring the organisation treats employees with respect and allows everyone to do their job to the best of their abilities.

“If our police officers and staff can feel comfortable about their sexuality at work, I think that will also encourage prospective employees from other minority backgrounds.”

‘To be open makes my life easier’

PC MICHAEL Hughes, 26, (above) has been a policeman for three and a half years and is based at Newport station.

Mr Hughes, who is gay, says he has received nothing but support from the constabulary throughout his career.

“When I first thought about joining the police, I thought my sexuality might have been a problem, but I’m very pleased to say that it hasn’t.

“Working as a PC is the first job I’ve done where I’ve felt comfortable enough to be ‘out’ to my colleagues.

“In previous jobs, this has always been difficult. If you’re not ‘out,’ it’s near impossible to talk about life at home with colleagues and friends at work and you have to choose your turn of phrase very carefully.

“To be open about my sexuality at work makes life much easier because

I’m happier and being happier motivates me to get on with the job of being a police officer: to catch, disrupt and detect criminals.

“I’ve had nothing but support from my colleagues about my sexual orientation, if anything, I’d imagine it’s almost seen as a skill area. Historically, the gay community has been distrusting of the police and it can be difficult for members of our community to speak to the police as they’re fearful of the reaction they might receive.

“As an open gay officer, if I or anyone else can make it easier for one gay person to make a report to the police then that makes it worthwhile, not only for my team but for the constabulary as a whole.

“This is why the support services are there, so we can actively reflect the communities which we serve.”

Pupils’ coastal creativity

PUPILS from St Catherine’s School in Ventnor are to collaborate with artist Christopher Jenkins on an installation at the Learning Curve Gallery, which forms part of the Quay Arts

centre in Newport.

‘From The Shore’, which takes place from January 24 to February 21, will draw its inspiration from the Island’s south coast and will respond to an exhibition of work by Kurt Jackson which is running at

Quay Arts at the same time.

St Catherine’s School is a residential special school for the education of young people between the ages of 7 and 19 who have speech, language and communication impairments.

MS sufferers feel benefit of gym

By Jamie White

ISLANDERS who suffer from multiple sclerosis are being given the opportunity to work out in a Sandown gym.

The weekly sessions – which offer exclusive use of the gym to MS sufferers and their carers – have been organised by Steve Marsh, who owns TJ’s Gym at the Spithead Business Centre in Sandown, to the delight of those who have been taking the opportunity to use the facilities.

Jane Dollery, secretary of Island’s MS Society, said: “We have been coming to TJ’s Gym for about three months now. We come over every Thursday and have the gym to ourselves for an hour. Everybody who comes over has said how much they have benefited from doing the exercises.

“I have got MS myself, but Steve always like to get the carers involved. It is a really positive thing for everyone to look forward to.”

Jane was quick to praise the efforts of Steve for his help and assistance. “Steve has been terrific – he sorts everything out for us. There are exercises that people in wheelchairs can do as well. People that have been coming here have really noticed that they feel better in themselves.

Whatever your disability, there is something that you can do.

“After people have got over the fear of going to the gym they

TJ’s Gym owner, Steve Marsh, lends a helping hand

really enjoy it. It’s about doing what you can do. We can pick people up on the way to the gym in our minibus, and they can come with us. You feel so much better after a session.”

Steve said: “I am really pleased that the group come over to do some training, and even more pleased that they have stuck to it. I have seen some really great changes in how mobile and stronger they have got.

“Up until now they haven’t had anywhere that they can train on their own, without any distractions or worrying that the gym will be too busy. I close the gym for an hour once a week for them, so they can get on and enjoy what they are doing.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the Thursday gym sessions with the MS Society can call 07976 629012.

14

gazette business news

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Tourism campaign looks to extend holiday season THE Island has launched its tourism marketing campaign for 2009.

The project, costing up to £340,000, will target people living in London, the South East and the Midlands.

The campaign is titled ‘Just Add Water’ and will focus on the Island’s appeal as a year-round destination.

It is hoped the project will leave the Island well placed to exploit the credit crunch, which is expected to see thousands choosing to holiday in the UK instead of overseas.

IW Council and industry partners are funding the campaign. Councillor George Brown, IW Council cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, said: “By conducting an all-year campaign with three peaks of activity – January and February, April and May, and September and October – we will also be ensuring that the Island is in the mind of visitors at all times and especially when they may be thinking of booking holidays. That will help us in our goal of extending the tourism season.

“With more people expected to look at taking domestic holidays this year it is crucial the Island is effectively promoted. This campaign – together

By Justin Gladdis with the other work being undertaken by our partners – will ensure we are well represented in key target areas and at key times of the year.

“There is anecdotal evidence the Island was a popular place to visit over the Christmas and New Year period: we are now well prepared to build on that throughout the year.”

Dave Groocock, chairman of the Tourism Development Board and vice president of the IW Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Island is well placed for a successful 2009, with advance bookings already up on the same time last year.

“The marketing campaign will help us to expand our visitor base so that we reach out to potential new holidaymakers who can sample the Island for the first time and hopefully want to come back for more.

“This in essence is what we hope to achieve to benefit the tourism industry at large and create a real tourism product that will become a year round destination, which in turn will add value to the Island’s economy by creating the year round employment and wealth”.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

15

gazette motoring

The force is still with VW Golf IT’S AMAZING to think that the VW Golf has By Jamie White been seen on Island roads for no fewer than 34 smoothness and insulation. years.

New safety features include enhanced software Yes, they have come in a variety of shapes and for the ESP stability system, and a new WOKS sizes, but their performance and popularity have head restraint system to reduce whiplash injuries. rarely come into question. In fact, the first Golf And for the first time, there are knee airbags for the appeared the same year that George Lucas began driver, bringing the total count to seven. writing Star Wars.

As the famous family hatchback celebrates its Now the latest sequel – of the Golf, not Star Wars 34th anniversary, its sixth major evolution has – has hit our roads, and somehow the Germans have managed to improve on something that many arrived. And the German company promises the newcomer will deliver unrivalled thought was already a finished luxury and refinement. work. That’s no mean achieveTo help substantiate those ment. claims, the 2.0-litre TDI has an Handling and performance ultra-efficient engine and sixhaven’t changed but then why speed automatic gearbox, as well should they? The Golf already as touchscreen audio and navigavied for class-topping status, tion, to name but a few extras. yet they’ve still eked out more Up close, the bold new lights refinement, more options to make and revised grille give the Golf a driving safer and more enjoyable, sportier appearance than the MkV. and greater efficiency thanks to VW makes much of the cabin, upgraded engine and transmission which as well as being lavishly line-up. equipped, gets fresh fabrics and The main dynamic advantage it The impressive interior of trim, along with more comfortable holds over its rivals is its nearthe new VW Golf seats. As before, there’s ample leg perfect balance of compliance and and headroom, and the five-door control. offers plenty of rear space.

But it is the cabin that best expresses the Golf’s Coupled with the new, electronically controlled new intentions. The soft-touch dashboard is a class act, and the adjustment range of the re-upholstered suspension that debuted on the VW Scirocco, it seats creates the illusion of a much larger car. New provides smooth, quiet progress that insulates the driver from harsh surface changes and potholes – extras include the automatic parking aid, the lowuseful on Island roads! cost laser-based cruise-control and the integrated The new VW Golf is also available in the S and sat-nav, radio, MP3 and telephone.

The new 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged GT versions at the moment, with other models due out later this year.

TSI engine under the bonnet of the thrilling MkVI Golf proves that diesel is not necessarily the winning choice for economy and low running costs.

The 150bhp four-cylinder, which packs an impressive punch, debuts in the latest model, which is on sale in the UK from this month, and is available for test drive at Esplanade Garage, Medina Avenue, Newport.

It’s the only production powerplant on the market with both a supercharger and turbo. What makes this model even more exciting is that it returns nearly 45mpg combined. Pound for pound, that makes it the most efficient performance petrol engine money can buy. Emissions are low, too, as the car puts out around 145g/km of CO2.

The new Golf has a more sharply defined look, with points and sharp edges breaking up the previously rounded features and smooth surfaces.

Virtually all the official descriptions emphasise its enhanced sporting, muscular and characterful styling.

Volkswagen also claims that this will be the quietest Golf ever, thanks to special damping films and seals used in the assembly of everything from the windscreen to the doors, and improved mechanical

The new VW Golf 1.4TSI SE: greater efficiency

16

the gazette

gazette feature

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

wedding

To see your wedding in The Gazette call 01983 402599

Claydon & Davis A HONEYMOON in South Africa followed the wedding of Darren Charles Claydon and Emma Louise Davis. The ceremony took place at Cowes Methodist Church and Major Keith Wallis of the Salvation Army conducted the service.

Photos by Thearle Photography

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

The bridegroom, a paramedic, is the son of Meryl Claydon of Newport and the late Philip Claydon. The bride, a nursing auxiliary, is the daughter of Karen and Stephen Davis of Cowes.

The bride wore an ivory full-skirted tulle dress overlaid with Austrian crystals and an embroidered strapless bodice. A full-length veil with Austrian crystals was worn with a crystal tiara of flowers and butterflies and matching necklace.

The groom’s buttonhole co-ordinated with the bride’s hand-tied bouquet of red roses with diamanté centres.

She was attended by maid of honour and bride’s sister, Helen Davis, Donna Warburton (groom’s sister), Charlotte Croucher, Stephanie Hendry, Michelle Davis and Lindsay Parkhouse, Hollie Mildenhall and Lillie Mildenhall (bride’s cousins). The bridesmaids all carried hand-tied bouquets of ivory roses.

The best men were Russell Read and Richard Taylor. The ring bearer was Adam Davis. The ushers were Ian Groves, Darren Cool, Dan Selle, Andy Dunne, Matthew Jones and Daniel Jones.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at Gurnard Pines, Cowes.

To feature your wedding please call us on 402599

Friday JANUARY 23 2009   

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

See our Wine & Dine Contact the Gazette on 402599 pages for more great places to eat on pages 24-25

17

gazette feature

18

gazette news

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

What weird weather!

JANUARY is traditionally a bit of a miserable month, but at least this year we’ve had the weather to entertain us on the Island.

Ice, snow, rough seas, atmospheric mists, crystal-clear blue skies, bizarre cloud formations… there’s hardly been a dull moment. The previous month had seen one of the coldest Decembers on record, but January has brought a bit of everything. Is it climate change? Is it the council’s fault? Who knows.

What we do know is that it is good news for Island photographers, as we hope these pictures prove.

Just watch out for the hurricanes in February…

Pictures by Jamie White

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

19

YOUR 4-PAGE PULLOUT GUIDE THE ISLAND’S FIRST gazette Wi-Fi STATION Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983)TO 402599 feature

Fasten your seatbelts: wightFM is ready for take-off!

Your fortnightly round-up

4-pag Souv e enir pullo ut!

Mike Read, David Holmes and Alex Dyke at the state-of-the-art wightFM studios

Launching Sunday February 1 Call the phone-in on 40 99 20

Monday to Friday 12 - 1pm

Listen online at www.wightfm.com

20

the gazette

wightFM gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Call the Mid-Morning phone-in on 01983 40-99-20 - www.wightfm.com

“wightFM have gathered argu national talent ever h “if you have trouble tuning in then call the wightFM support line 40-99-21”

f o g e” n i “K ungl J e th

and here’s Listen to Mike Read on Mike Read at the wightFM studios

Listen to Tony Blackburn on wightFM TONY, a British broadcasting legend, has always had a soft spot for the Island.

During the 1990s, he and wife Debbie would often spend their weekends relaxing in Luccombe.

First heard on the pirate stations Radio Caroline and Radio London in the 1960s, Tony was the first DJ to be heard on Radio One when it was launched on September 30, 1967 to the strains of The Move’s ‘Flowers in the Rain’. He went on to present the breakfast show until 1973.

In June 1973, he took over the weekday mid-morning slot, where he introduced The Golden Hour, and in 1977 he switched to the weekday afternoon show.

In early 1980 he took over Junior Choice on Saturday

and Sunday mornings while continuing to present the Sunday chart show until the end of 1981.

Having left Radio One after 17 years he took over BBC Radio London’s weekday mid-morning show in 1984 until 1988 when he joined Capital Gold.

Tony left Capital Gold in late 2002; he joined London’s Jazz FM but in March 2004 he returned to BBC London.

In 2002, he appeared in the first series of the reality TV series, I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, which he eventually won. On September 30, 2007 he co-presented a recreation of Radio One’s very first programme with Chris Moyles to mark the station’s 40th birthday.

Big Al’s back with his new edgier phone-in

40-99-20

MIKE is a frequent visitor to the Island, not least because his old pal Jet Harris, the former Shadows bassist, lives here.

show in 1986, and a year later moved to Saturday mornings. His Saturday morning show ended in September 1988 and his Sunday afternoon oldies show finished in December 1988, He has won many ‘Broadcaster of the Year’ He left Radio One in 1991 and moved to Capital awards including Sonys, Smash Hits and Carl Allan Gold, where he remained until he left the station Awards. His professional broadcasting career began in late 1995. In 1996, he presented the networked in March 1976 at Reading’s Radio 210, where he co-hosted a show with Steve Wright, before joining Breakfast Show on Classic Gold stations around the UK. Radio Luxembourg late in 1977.

From September 1999, he presented the Breakfast He joined Radio One at the end of 1978 and Show on Jazz FM in the North of England, then in was soon presenting the night time programme 2001 joined Spirit FM in Chichester. Between 2003 before John Peel’s show, where he championed new groups and featured live sessions. He was one and 2004, he presented a Saturday Morning show on the Magic network around the UK. of the most popular Roadshow presenters during In May 2005, he became the weekday morning his time at the station and took over the Breakfast presenter on Big L 1395, a station modelled on the Show in 1981.

1960s pirate radio station. He has also done occaFollowing on from his five-year stint on the Breakfast Show, Mike took over a Sunday morning sional stints on Talksport.

Listen to Paul Burnett on PAUL Burnett, who was born in Hulme, Manchester, began his radio career while in the RAF in the Persian Gulf in 1964. In 1966 he joined offshore radio station Radio 270, broadcasting off Scarborough.

He moved in 1967 to Manx Radio on the Isle of Man, but he soon joined Radio Luxembourg, where he hosted the chart show.

In 1974 Paul joined Radio One, hosting a Sunday morning show and sitting in on the station’s Top

Paul Burnett at the wightFM studios

20 show. From July 5, 1976 he hosted the weekday lunchtime show.

He became a regular presenter of Top of the Pops and presented the Radio One Roadshow.

During the 1980s Paul was heard on BBC Radio Two, Pennine Radio (now The Pulse of West Yorkshire) in Bradford, Southern Sound (now Southern FM) in Sussex, and Capital Radio. In 1988 Capital split its frequencies and he joined Capital Gold.

He later moved to Classic Gold,

where he presented at lunchtimes and early afternoons. He left the station when it merged with Capital Gold to form the new Gold network in August 2007.

Paul first came to the Island to host the Radio One disco party at the Carousel Club in Ryde.

Later, in 1980, he returned with the riotous Radio One Roadshow at Yaverland Beach. During the 1990s Paul was recruited by Big Al to host various gigs at Ryde Theatre and Lower Hyde Holiday Park.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

21

wightFM gazette

Call the Mid-Morning phone-in on 01983 40-99-20 - www.wightfm.com

uably the best ever line-up of heard on local radio”

the proof!

Listen to Ed Stewart on

“if your company listens to wightFM call us on 40-99-20”

Ed Stewart at the wightFM studios

Even more presenters on wightFM

weekday afternoon programme.

ED Stewart, affectionately known as Ed moved to the commercial radio station Radio ‘Stewpot’, did his first ever Island broadcast in 1974 from the Ryde Pavilion during his time at Mercury for six years, before rejoining Radio Two in 1991, firstly presenting a series of shows and Radio One.

He began his broadcasting career in Hong Kong before moving to the offshore station Radio London.

In 1967 he became one of the first DJs to join Radio One, presenting Happening Sunday and What’s New. In 1968, Ed took over the weekend morning Junior Choice show, where he remained for 12 years and became a national institution.

Ed became a regular presenter of Top of the Pops in 1971. He also presented the children’s favourite Crackerjack in the 1970s. He moved to Radio Two in 1980, presenting Family Favourites and the

then a regular Saturday afternoon show throughout the summer. In 1992, he once again presented weekday afternoons.

Ed eventually retired from Radio Two in April 2006, but was back for Radio Two’s 40th birthday in 2007 hosting Junior Choice. He was also heard on Ken Bruce show and Pop Master on BBC Radio 2 in October 2007.

He lives just across the Solent, in Poole, and regularly pops over to the Island – his many appearances include opening the famous Garlic Festival.

Derek Sandy, Howard Pearce, Chris Stewart, Benny Brown, Opal Bonfante, Simon & Dave, Richard Cartridge, Shaun Tilly, Steve Robson, Johnny Gentle

Can radio get any better?

Programme schedule our great line-up revealed

Weekdays

7 - 10am Mike Read’s Full English (More

Music) Breakfast Show 10 - 11am Chris Stewart with the

Motown Hour 11am - 3pm Big Al’s Mid-Morning Boogie,

including the legendary phone-

in between 12 noon - 1pm with

all the usual suspects – The

Doc, Foxie, and Jessie.

3 - 5pm Tony Blackburn’s ‘Non-Stop

Music’ Afternoon Show 5 - 7pm Paul Burnett 7 - 9pm Shaun Tilley 9 - 11pm Mark Wesley 11pm - 1am Benny Brown 1 - 7am Music Jam

Weekends

7 - 9am Howard Pearce’s Weekend

Breakfast Show 9am - 12pm Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart’s

Bubblegum and Cheese 12 - 1pm Geoff Hughes’ Beatles Hour 1 - 2pm The Shakedown Show with

Derek Sandy 2 - 4pm Richard Cartridge 4 - 6pm Opal Bonfanté 6 - 7pm IW Festival’s Greatest Hits 7 - 9pm Steve Robson’s Electric 80s 9 - 10pm Simon & Dave’s Hipshaker Show 10pm - 12am Johnny Gentle’s Big Easy.

12 - 7am Music Jam

Wi-Fi...why not?

22

the gazette

wightFM gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Call the Mid-Morning phone-in on 01983 40-99-20 - www.wightfm.com

The Phone-in

40-99-20 Big Al & the Doc

are back on wightFM! Monday - Friday, 11am - 3pm wightFM TV is coming to a screen near you A revolution on the Island is about to happen as wightFM television will be bringing you the latest news stories as they happen together with some great interviews and short films about the Island and Island life.

All this will be accessible on the wightFM website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. wightFM television will be shortly making an announcement that will firmly put wightFM and the Island on the map.

No expense spared on stateof-the-art studios

WightFM’s new studio is not just any studio, it’s a studio with a view. Presenter and programme manager Alex Dyke said “It’s amazing to look out onto such a landscape and, not only that, I even have a balcony which I can go out onto in the summer months.”

Inside is pretty stunning too, with all the latest hi-tech equipment, using cutting edge technology to

put it way ahead of the competition.

Such excellence does not come cheap and it can boast of a six-figure investment into making sure that every listener will have the best radio experience ever.

Become a wightFM How to contact VIP member wightFM

New look wightFM website email:

to launch February 1

Register from February 1st on www.wightFM. com to become a VIP member. Membership of the VIP area is free and by becoming a member you will be first to recieve the latest Island news, details on the daily topics discussed on the midmorning boogie with Alex Dyke via a daily email. In addition as a VIP member you will be also entitled

to download podcasts for free and access to many of the On Demand shows. There will be other goodies attached to ViIP membership which will be announced shortly.

However in the meantime, sign up by the end of March 09 and you could be one of the lucky three winners to win a free Revo WiFi radio.

bigal@wightfm.com thedoc@wightfm.com studio@wightfm.com sales@wightfm.com

phone:

Studio/reception 01983 409921 (9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri) The phone in 01983 409920 (12 - 1pm, Mon - Fri)

wightFM, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH.

post:

Three ways you can listen to wightFM

1

2

Type in www.wightfm.com into

Purchase a Revo Wi-Fi

your internet browser on your

radio from wightFM and

home computer or laptop and click ‘Listen Live’.

simply connect your radio to the nearest Wi-Fi hub.

3

Coming very soon you will be able to listen to wightFM on certain mobile phones and in the car via WiFi car radio.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

23

gazette news

24

gazette food & drink

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Wine & Dine

Friday JANUARY 23 2009   

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Wine & Dine Looking for somewhere romantic to take a loved one to dinner this valentines? Visit our Valentines feature on pages 16 - 17 for more ideas

25

gazette food & drink

26

gazette feature

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Advertising feature

Keeping your life on track

LIFE TRACKING is a therapy from the School of Creative Kinesiology. Karen Way who is a fully qualified Creative Kinesiologist, Life Tracker / Facilitator uses the modality of muscle testing to offer a fresh, dynamic ap-

proach to finding your path in life through the use of energy work and understanding.

Uniquely, this work helps you to understand how the combination of subtle energy and bodywork can assist your growth and ability to move forward whilst anchoring the changes you make within your body. Life Tracking helps you to take charge of your life and design it in the way you want - it helps you to get “on track”.

Following your life path, your life track, means that your energy levels are high, you feel good about yourself, and love to be alive. Karen uses her tracking files to detect clues relating to your symptoms, difficulties or dissatisfactions and your own personal story will unfold during the session.

When all the information is complete Karen will help to restore balance by using a range of powerful tools based on the art of energy medicine from many sources like Chinese five elements, acupressure points, sound and crystals. This releases the symptoms from your body’s energy systems that has had a hold on you and your health, leaving your path ahead clear.

Life Tracking is beneficial for anyone who wishes to understand why they are experiencing the symptoms their body and life is presenting to them, either at a physical, emotional, mind, energy or nutritional level. Life Tracking is suitable for all relationship, self and health related problems.

Karen is offering you a free 15 minute consultation to see if a Life Tracking session is just the answer to help you regain health and wellbeing back in your life. To book a consultation call Karen on 857393 or 07989 814250 Life Tracking courses are available for personal growth or professional training (A recognised Kinesiology Federation foundation course).

Advertising feature

InSPArational

FAR infra-red body therapy is impressively effective at a high clinical level for improved cell growth, DNA synthesis & protein synthesis in cells. This makes sauna pod therapy excellent in aiding, and on many occasions totally eliminating various ailments and conditions.

circulation, relieving hypertension, ear nose and throat conditions, all skin conditions and weight loss/control.

It is possible to lose 7 - 14lbs in four weeks. Far infra-reds outstanding effect on caloric consumption and weight control can mean burning from 800 - 2,400 calories in a 30 minute session, the same energy as that expended in a six to nine mile run.

Benefits of far infraToxins are flushed out red saunas include of your lymph areas and greatly reducing severe pain from all types of ar- from your skin.

InSPArations claim thritis, relieving muscle that with their Chi spasms and joint stiffmachine they can help ness, increasing blood you lose up to 14lbs and drop up to two dress sizes, using the Chi as part of healthy eating or to complement your existing diet. Every day for four weeks sauna and Chi will cost you £50.

Their pods are set to a cool 55 °C and are suitable for clients with asthma and those who suffer from panic attacks.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Healthy eating recipe: Cheap and chic pasta with no-cook Italian tomato sauce

Provided by Slimming World

Ingredients:

• 12oz/340g dried spaghetti • 8 ripe tomatoes • A small handful of fresh basil leaves • 1 garlic clove • 4 tbsp olive oil • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

• Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, finely chop the tomatoes, roughly tear the basil leaves and peel and crush the garlic.

• Place the tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil in a bowl, season well and mix.

• Drain the spaghetti, add to the bowl, toss to combine and serve immediately.

Each serving should cost approximately 60p, based on a shopping list of 500g wholemeal spaghetti, 125ml olive oil, 1 pack of tomatoes, a small pack of fresh basil and a whole garlic bulb.

Call our sales team on 402599 for details on our features for next issue

27

gazette feature

28

the gazette

gazette feature

Advertising feature

THERE are certain times of your life when you need to talk your problems through with somebody impartial - someone who can listen to your worries and help you to work through them.

Benton Lee Counselling offers to listen and advise on matters such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unwanted life changes, loss, debt, relationships, redundancy and lack of confidence - all issues which can stop you from living your life to the full. Benton Lee Counselling is run

by Sue Benton and Lyn Ridler-Lee, who are both extremely well qualified and who bring

Call our sales team on 402599 for details on our features for next issue

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

A problem shared a lot of life experience to their work.

Don’t go through life’s

worries on your own, contact Sue Benton on 07794 438320 or Lyn

Ridler-Lee on 07788 155188 to make an appointment.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

29

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

gazette feature

Advertising feature

Great unique offer from Island House Doctor FOR EVERY room we decorate – we will professionally clean your carpet for free*.

Simply call now on 01983 811601 or 07894 537769 today to arrange quotations.

•

Maintenance Service

•

Window Cleaning

•

Property Cleaning - Interior and Exterior

Decorating Testimonial

For a complete list of all our services please visit our website www.islandhousedoctor.co.uk where “Island House Doctor transformed the outside of my property in Cowes, giving it a refreshing new you will also find additional testimonials from clients using our services. look. Many thanks again.” Suzie B, London Island House Doctor believes in delivering high We aim to provide a high quality service along levels of customer service along with high stanwith quality workmanship in all the areas that we dards of workmanship wherever your property is cover, in order to maximise your living space. on the Island. We are here to respond to the needs of our customers.

• Interior & Exterior Decoration Service *The carpet cleaned will be in the room redecorated. Also, pro-rata for exterior decoration work.

• Carpet Cleaning Services On-Call

Advertising feature

The cutting edge of carpets

CUTTING Edge Products and Services is a flooring company that as well as supplying and fitting carpets, vinyls, stairs rods and accessories, specialises in a carpet binding service.

This enables them to transform leftover offcuts into matching rugs and edge carpets for stair runners etc. As they are able to bind most shapes and sizes, this service is proving popular with boat and caravan owners. Based in Whitwell, they are willing to collect and deliver Islandwide, and will trim rugs to your requirements. Just ring for a nonobligatory quote

30

gazette news

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

31

gazette music

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Motley crew join forces for Relentless tour must have many past-it bands silently AT SOUTHAMPTON Guildhall, seething. Of all the bands tonight, I anticipation can usually be meaget the feeling that they started the sured by the length of the queue.

Tonight, as the Kerrang Relentless biggest circle pits. And with frontman tour comes to town, it is fair to say Ollie Sykes managing to persuade the management to drop the ‘No Crowd that excitement has been building surfing’ rule for the last song (the for hours as the motley assortfans’ favourite ‘Chelsea Smile’), they ment of fans form a line stretchleft the crowd exhilarated and baying ing from the Guildhall door right for more. back into the city centre. It stands Unfortunately, Japanese oriental/ testament to the experimental/metal group Dir En Grey theory that music can It is fair to say that bridge image divides excitement has been didn’t seem to maintain when you see people building for hours as the momentum. After the straight balls-to-thefrom the metalcore, the motley assortment wall thrash of Black punk, goth and metal of fans forms a line Tide and high-octane scenes all joined for stretching from the metalcore of BMTH, tonight’s common Guildhall door right the experimental vocals cause: to see their back into the city centre. and unorthodox time favourite band live. signatures failed to

Unfortunately, due to the queues and general confusion on our part about opening times, we arrived just as the first band, Ireland’s In Case Of Fire, were wrapping up their set. It was a shame, as they are definitely considered as a band to watch for the future, but tonight you get the feeling that the real excitement is reserved for the other four acts.

Taking to the stage next is Miami heavy metal band Black Tide. Sounding like a solid combination of early Metallica and Iron Maiden, the single ‘Warriors of Time’ sparked the first major pit of the night. Playing with a confidence usually only found in older, more established acts, their set seemed over way too quickly.

Yorkshire’s own claim to metalcore fame, Bring Me The Horizon, take to the stage to wild applause. They’ve come a long way since they formed in 2005, gaining media recognition and a large, loyal fan base which

really ignite the crowd.

Next up, Mindless Self Indulgence – to be honest, a band which you either love or hate. After all, industrial/ dance/punk rock is a rather unusual combination of genres. Frontman Jimmy Urine was on fine form for the show, only ever stopping to mock the crowd who screamed at his every word and question how England has managed to anger so many countries.

Although slowing down in recent years, guitarist Steve Righ still manages to work the crowd and the pair make an amusing double act.

Even if some of those there weren’t fans of MSI’s music they would be hard pressed to not find it entertaining. From dragging the photographers onstage for an impulse shoot to destroying the infamous ‘no crowd surfing’ signs, the show was filled with slapstick humour mixed with social commentary and accusation.

Would I go again? Sure I would.

Morning after the night before music THURSDAY afternoon: someone I have never met before, name of Tom Carter, drops by the office with a couple of CDs ON THE new music front, Prog Rock group in hand. Saturday Proximity Effect, The Operators and Indie morning and one of band Hugo Frusslinky have all uploaded the CDs is spinning new tracks to their myspace page, including in the player as your Hugo’s hyperactive ‘Cowtown’. Prague Floor correspondent nurses welcome a new member in the form of vocalist a sore head and a Jord. sorer wallet. The If any of you are interested in seeing Goodbye band, Portable High, Stereo and The Operators in London come early are previously known February, contact GBS fast! Otherwise, stand-out for their charity single gigs include Majortones, Torpedoes and The Gas‘Lifeline’. It must be light Anthem. said the music suits Catch you later...

In other news…

the mood.

Overall, the sound can be summed up as acoustic-based folk with twinges of country. Not in an over-the-top Dolly Parton way (thank god), but in a more down to earth, Island style. The acoustic riffs remind me of Travis with a bit of ‘Another Man’s Cause’ style Levellers thrown in for good measure.

For me, the highlight of album has to be ‘Tranquillize’. The intro riff (played by rhythm guitarist Dan McFar-

lane) does bring to mind Panic at the Disco’s ‘That Green Gentleman’ but the similarities end there, as vocalist Zoe Slack swings between the vocal hooks in the chorus and the slightly doubt-filled verses.

In short, it’s a good mellow album. It might not bear repeated listens, but it should please fans of Wild Oats and down to earth country. Catch Portable High at The Royal Squadron, Ryde, this Sunday (January 25).

Ollie Sykes brings the noise

Island Mortgage Solutions For Life Assurance

01983 533777

admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk

32

gazette feature

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Friday JANUARY 23 2009   

the gazette

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

33

gazette feature

Support your local tradesmen!

Read the IW Gazette every fortnight for the best in news and features!

34

gazette feature

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

35

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

gazette feature

Support your local tradesmen!

Advertising Feature

The secret of success?

Wall-to-wall service

ONE Isle of Wight carpet firm is laying down the importance of service and knowledge in beating the credit crunch in 2009.

John Keyworth, owner of Islandwide Carpets in Star Street, Ryde, says business has been well above expectations.

“At the end of the day what we are seeing in the high street is the big businesses having problems – the smaller firms that offer service and knowledge are the ones surviving,” he says.

“We invest in training to compete with national firms and we’ve been doing this for more than 30 years.”

The firm is family run and its showroom has over 5,000 carpets and hundreds of vinyl samples in every shade, style and texture available.

“We’ve always had a reasonable client base and we’re now finding the children of that client base are coming into the picture. That’s the secret of our success.”

“When you listen to or read the media, it’s all doom and gloom. There is no doubt the credit crunch will hit but if local firms are prudent then they will survive,” he believes.

John reckons going that extra mile for the client is the secret to their success. “We took an order Christmas Eve for a carpet which needed to be fitted by the January 7. We didn’t have it in stock on the Island but we could get it from the mainland.

By Justin Gladdis One of our fitters travelled up to get it to keep the customer happy. That shows the commitment and desire we have here.

“My staff have been with me for some time and they know if the firm is successful they will continue to be employed.”

And what about 2009? What are Islanders buying?

“Carpets which can be cleaned with bleach are the big sellers right now. They are plain and pleasant on the eye and cost effective.”

“We are a fashion industry and we know when our customer buys a carpet, they don’t intend for it to last for the next 30 years.

“There is no doubt the next 12 months will be challenging but if we do what the customer wants, we can prosper.”

And with such evidence of their desire to go that little bit further, who can doubt him?

36

gazette feature

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Advertising feature

Garage doors the inside view

Garage doors have improved greatly over the years and now come in a large range of styles & colours combined with a revolution in operating methods. Gone are the days of concrete weights, now replaced by the modern up and over, roller, sectional and traditional side hinged doors, not forgetting electric operation.

The introduction of maintenance free colours and wood grain finishes as standard can enhance the appearance of any garage and combined with the vast range of styles means it is easy to find one to match your home.

Extra width and height options are nearly always possible, giving a new lease of life to a garage where the car is too big to fit.

All roundsealing and insulation from some types of door can also improve the general ‘feel’ of a garage that always seems cold and damp, not forgetting the leaves and dirt that find their way in.

Electric remote control operation via key fob transmitters is an accessory

that can be added to almost all garage doors. The benefits are obvious with the ‘once you’ve got it, you would never be without it’ being the usual comment. There is even an option available for garages that have no mains power.

Modern doors have greatly improved security measures, modern latching and locks ensure doors cannot be prised or forced open easily.

Finally the broken garage door is not always a lost cause, a wide range of spares are available for most makes including wires, springs and locks.

Island Mortgage Solutions For Remortgages

01983 533777

admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

37

gazette feature

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Support your local tradesman!

Minimum effort, maximum effect IF YOU’RE looking to revamp your home with the minimum of effort, there are a number of simple tips you should follow.

For example, a simple change in colour, lighting or furnishings can totally transform a room.

By Justin Gladdis

tend to make a room look larger.

Although, just to confuse things, the darkest shades of these receding colours, such as navy blue, can diminish a room.

Here’s a list of ideas on how to make • White or light neutral colour walls are generally the best bet for making a your space seem even bigger. room seem bigger.

• Strategically place a large mirror • Paint your skirting boards and near a window – this will make the mouldings a lighter colour than the room look brighter and bigger. walls to make your room look bigger.

• Choose furnishings in scale with • To create the illusion of higher the rooms – slim rockers, open-back ceilings and a more open space, paint chairs or a simple sofa are better ceilings white or off-white. Medium for small rooms than overpowering to dark colours will make ceilings furnishings, which can swallow your seem lower – handy for cosying a space.

• Place your large furniture at angles very high room up.

• If the colour you’ve painstakingly with the wall to break the room up and fool the eye that the room is more painted your walls is too much of a shock to the system, you can tone spacious than it is.

• In a long but narrow room, paint the them down by painting on a lighter or more muted colour over the original two shorter end walls slightly darker using techniques such as rag rolling, than the others to make the room sponging or colour washing. seem squarer.

• Use warm colours on north-facing • A room will appear wider if you rooms which don’t get a huge amount paint the floor and ceiling a similar colour, then paint the walls in a lighter of sunlight and cool colours on brighter south-facing rooms. shade.

• To make a room seem smaller use a dark colour on the walls below picture Remember, at the end of the day, a good home is one that you cannot rail height and a lighter colour above wait to go back to. It is instantly welthe rail and covering the ceiling.

• Use vertical stripes to give walls the coming, with a personality that grabs you the moment you walk through the Advertising feature illusion of more height. front door – maybe even the moment Colour is critical, and is a science all you turn into the driveway.

When making your home your own, of its own. don’t be afraid to go with your own sense of style and importantly, your • Warm colours which jump out at convictions – after all, you are the you like reds, oranges and yellows tend to close a space, while ‘receding’ person who will have to live there! colours such as blue, green and violet

A flag for all seasons THE Isle of Wight has at last got its own official flag showing a modern symbolic Isle of Wight set in blue against a white background above blue waves. It is the result of a competition for Islanders to show their colours. It is hoped that residents of this sunny isle will do just that, “fly the flag” and show our colours.

Part of the All Seasons gardening and landscaping business is to supply and install flagpoles and flags. They can supply fibreglass white tapered poles with external halyard and a gold top finial. Also an aluminium economy flagpole, wall mounted and telescopic too.

With All Seasons’ main business being general landscape design and construction of gardens

they find that the inclusion of a flagpole with its fluttering flag is a very attractive feature, adding colour and movement even on the dullest of winter days.

All Seasons have a reputation for quality services and they intend to carry this on as the south coast flagpole specialist. So come on Islanders, ‘fly the flag’ and show your colours.

Call our sales team on 402599 for details on our features for next issue

38

the gazette

gazette sport

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

New Bay captains ‘Return to Sport’ tee off for charity THE IW Council is claiming success with its ‘Return to Sport’ initiative, with new badminton and squash groups being created to satisfy the demand of would-be participants in these sports.

proving so successful.”

The courses, which last between six and ten weeks, aim to increase the number of adults regularly participating in sport on the Island. So far, the initiative has offered courses including rowing, golf, squash, badminton, There are now weekly meetings at table tennis, athletics, bowls, yoga, Westridge in Ryde for the Rew Valley netball and tennis. badminton group and a ladies’ squash Cllr George Brown, council cabinet mix-in group, allowing new players to member for the economy, leisure, have the opportunity to develop their planning and property, said: “The skills in a sociable playing environcreation of two new groups as a direct ment. result of the ‘Return to Sport’ initiaLee Matthews, community developtive is great news, and we hope that ment manager at the council, said: the number of people taking part in “The Return to Sport courses offer sport on the Island will continue to people a relaxed and informal enviincrease throughout the year.” ronment in which to reacquaint themFor more information on ‘Return to selves with a sport they may not have Sport’ visit www.iwight.com/sportplayed for years, and also welcome sunit or call the IW Council Sports people that are new to the sport. We Unit on 01983 823818. are really pleased that the courses are

Newchurch into the last eight NEWCHURCH Colts are through to the last eight of the Hampshire Cup, after a convincing 4-1 away win at Winchester Youth.

Freshwater Bay Golf Club captain Barry Hunter with Sue Keen, captain of the Ladies section

NEARLY 100 members attended Freshwater Bay Golf Club’s Captains’ Drive In.

Outgoing captains Bill Hinchen and Rita Smith had the easy job of playing a ball up the 18th fairway while the incoming captains had the unenviable task of trying to hit the renowned 18th green into a blustery wind with out of bound down the right and the green thronged with members.

Kevin Garret picked up the bottle of scotch for putting his peg nearest to where club captain Barry Hunter’s ball would finish, while Ian Andrews collected a bottle of wine for predicting that Sue Keen, captain of the Ladies Section, would completely clear the 18th green.

Club captain Barry announced that the day had got the Club’s 2009 Charity, EMH Hospice at Home, off to a rousing start of £350. On behalf of the members, vice captain Chris Tansley thanked the captain for his hospitality and for organising such a great start to the year, especially as Chris himself managed to pick up no less than three prizes in the 10 hole stableford including nearest the pin on the 14th.

By Peter White First prize in the hidden pairs went to Hugh Morrison and Sean Clark returning 41 points, with John Meredith and John Sexton second with 39 and Roger Thomas and Chris Tansley scoring 38 to take third.

In the singles Tansley improved on his third place in the pairs and picked up first place with 22 points beating Sean Clark into second on count back. John Sexton finished in third place with 20 points.

The midweek stableford saw Frank Ing take first place in Division One scoring 41 points, a single point ahead of Steven Cooke with 40 and Gary Cooke in third on 39 points.

In Division Two Mike Dowsett scored 36 off his 18 handicap to pinch first place from Gordon Day off 17 returning 35 and Ray Cooke collecting third place with 32 points.

Saturday’s Division One of the stableford was won by Derek Wright scoring 38 points and reducing his handicap back down to three. Frank Ing finished in second, beating Derek’s younger brother Keith on count back after

both players returned 37 points.

In Division Two Gary Cooke carded 40 points. Mike Black finished second with 38 points and Dick Leppard was third with 36.

• AS SOON as the excessive cold spell began to thaw out, Freshwater Bay golf club members took to the course in a stableford qualifier competition played on the main greens. Scoring was consistent, with both divisions being won with 35 points and the competition standard scratch rising to 70.

By Jamie White

against a hard-working Winchester midfield.

Winchester started the second The game started badly for the Colts, half strongly and had several good when a penalty was awarded against chances to get back into the game, but them after just three minutes. But the Colts’ keeper was in fine form, goalkeeper Ryan Donald pulled off a keeping the home side at bay. double save to deny the home side the The defence of Renan White, lead.

Brandon Sheppard, Sam Fryer and The Colts (below) went ahead after George Parkes all played well to keep 10 minutes when Martin Higgs coolly out the home side. slotted home after some nice build-up Newchurch increased their lead play on the left. And the away side again when George Carter-Knight hit made it 2-0 when Benji’s shot flew an unstoppable shot, which gave the past the Winchester keeper and into Winchester keeper no chance. the net.

Winchester did manage to pull one The Colts midfield of George back midway through the second half, Carter-Knight, James Treherne and but by this time it was too late and Jack Lane and the non-stop running Benji made it 4-1, slotting home past of Charlie Parkes and Kirill Bay kept the Winchester keeper, sending the creating chances and battled well Colts into the quarter finals.

Keith Wright took first place in Division 1 with 35 points off his 7 handicap, closely followed by 15 handicapper Steve Sargeant in second with 33 and Pete Miller in third, scoring 31 points off of 16. The scoring in Division 2 was identical, John Riddlesdell taking first place with 35 points playing off 19, while two 18 handicappers finished in second and third spots – Dick Leppard on 33 and Ray Cooke on 31 points.

• Freshwater Bay golf club is still offering free taster sessions for those new to the game or thinking of changing clubs – call 752955 for details.

Shanklin edge to victory Play-offs rallying cry for Raiders WIGHTLINK Raiders star, Shawn Mole, is calling on his team-mates to ensure the side make the end-of-season EPL play-offs.

SHANKLIN Reserves secured a much needed 2-1 win against rivals Oakfield in a hard-fought battle.

of play early in the second half. The advantage was short lived though as Sawtell equalised after a good move down the left hand side for the home side.

Shanklin started strongly, and were Shanklin were starting to make the appealing for a penalty after just two possession count and won a penalty. minutes, when Beilby tumbled in the Beilby stepped up, but blazed the Oakfield penalty area but the referee ball over the bar.

However, the home waved play on. Two minutes later, side then took the lead when MarchSmith nearly scored direct from a ant netted to make it 2-1. corner.

Oakfield had the chance to draw Shanklin again pressed and after a level, but Lewis in the Shanklin goal goalmouth scramble, Luter saw his effort cleared off of the line. However, made a great reaction save eight Oakfield took the lead against the run minutes from time to deny the visitors a point.

Shawn Mole in action for the Raiders

The Canadian defenceman made the rallying call at Bishop Lovett’s Middle School’s class attendance presentation.

The 6’1” native of Ontario said: “We need to pick up as many

points as we can to make the play-offs. We have got a tough run in – every game means so much and we have to do everything to win and hopefully with our new signing, Janne Saareenpaa, make it.”

The Raiders face Telford and Guildford at Planet Ice Ryde Arena with trips to Bracknell and Swindon lined up in the coming weeks.

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

the gazette

39

gazette sport

Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

Show Island referees respect, says Shanklin official THE ‘Respect the Referee’ campaign has struggled to make any impression on Island football, according to Shanklin Football Club secretary and former Premier League assistant referee Barrie Wade.

involved in the game.

“I think the campaign as a whole is more relevant to youth ‘Respect’ campaign doesn’t really football. In truth, I think that appear to have filtered through. every referee expects to get a bit “Generally, though, I think the of ‘stick’ during a game, because Island is lucky, because we don’t unfortunately they can’t please tend to have many real problems everyone with the decisions they in the game. make.

“The campaign goes from the The ‘Respect’ programme was “However, there is a very fine top level right the way down to unveiled by the Football Assoline between having a bit of grass roots level. But like anyciation at the start of this season banter and being abusive towards thing, it has to start at the top and the official. Unfortunately in in a bid to clamp down on and work its way down, rather than ultimately remove all forms of youth football, some of the probthe other way round. Professional lems do come from parents on the aggression towards officials football is in the media limelight touchline shouting at the referee, during games. more than the lower levels, so But Mr Wade believes there is and getting too involved. There still much work to be done on the this is what people are going can be a distinct lack of respect. to see and take the lead from.

Island by players and spectators Youth players do answer referees alike to ensure referees and their Youngsters especially look up to back, which really shouldn’t be the professionals.” assistants are given the respect happening.” they deserve, though he maintains Mr Wade continued: “There are He added: “At Shanklin, we do drives and campaigns that take it is not as bad here as it is some fully support the ‘Respect the place for the recruitment of refer- Ref’ campaign and I know how places on the mainland. ees, nationally and even more im- hard it can be refereeing a high Mr Wade has been keeping a portantly locally. Some referees keen eye on attitudes towards tempo game. We are dedicated to are people that perhaps weren’t officials. He said: “Watching bringing respect in to the game at numerous games at several levels very good at football when they all levels.” each week, I have noticed that the were younger but still want to be Shanklin Football Club secretary Barrie Wade appeals for respect

Fundraising for football A FUNDRAISING evening raised over £400 for Shanklin Football Club to help replace equipment and kit that was stolen from their clubhouse.

The premises on Green Lane, Shanklin were broken into and thieves made off with kit, footballs and other training equipment that was used by several teams at the club.

The event was held at Holliers Hotel in Shanklin Old Village. Hotel owner Stephen Leach was disgusted by what had happened so

well and I have to thank Stephen for his efforts. The money will go straight into decided to step in to raise some money to help replace funding new equipment for all the different age the stolen goods.

He said: “We held a previ- groups at the club. We will try to make sure everyone ous event to raise funds for a new kit and equipment, all benefits.”

Trevor Thorne, Shanklin of which was stolen during the break-in. I just couldn’t FC secretary, added: “We believe what had happened. have a lot of kids who participate in training sesMy son plays for Shanklin sions and games, so the and everyone was really equipment is vital to us as a disappointed about the club.” thefts, so I spoke to Tony Lockyer who runs the U14s Right: Fundraising at team and we decided to put Holliers Hotel to help on another event to try and replace Shanklin Football raise some money.”

Tony said: “The night went Club’s stolen kit.

By Jamie White

By Jamie White

40

sport

the gazette

the gazette

Friday JANUARY 23 2009

Send your sports news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk

Powerboat festival roars towards Cowes THE FAMOUS 180-nauticalmile Cowes-Torquay-Cowes non-stop powerboat race will take place this year on August 28, 29 and 30.

This year it is intended that all boats will go straight across the notoriously challenging Lyme Bay, turning within the Bay in Torquay, back around the Ore Stone Rock and repeating the trip back to Cowes.

Cowes will become a Power-

By Peter White

boat Festival this year with many other classes taking part in their own races within the Solent, but as with 2008 the Cowes Classic will also run.

It is a race for those boats that do not have the fuel range for ‘The Big One’ but nevertheless is still a major challenge with the boats travelling down to Poole, twice round the bay and back to

Cowes, a distance of some 70 miles.

The equally famous and historic Needles/Camden Trophy will be held on August 15 and 16. This is a famous old race being brought back to life by the Royal Motor Yacht Club.

It will take place in and around Poole Bay with some legs powering off around the back end of the Island and will be some 130 nautical miles long.

Jack pitches in with charity marathon TALENTED teenage athlete Jack Oates will be embarking on a training exercise with a difference within the next few weeks.

Jack is the second eldest of seven children, and hit on the his half-term holiday completing idea of raising money for the his run, and will be driven around Barely Born charity after his baby brother Shaylan was born with a the country by father Henry and chest infection. cousin Keith Mitchell.

Distance runner Jack, a pupil Last year Jack’s eldest brother Henry admits: “It has been at Sandown High School, will Conor raised £500 for the appeal planned like a military exerbe raising money for charity by by having his pony tail cut off, so cise. Fortunately this season the running around every Premier Jack decided it was time he got Premier League clubs tend to be League football ground in the in on the act – and that is why his grouped in smaller areas than country five times – and all in the running shoes are at the ready. normal, which makes it slightly space of just five days.

Jack is looking for as much easier to achieve.”

Jack will begin his mini-marafinancial help as possible to try But already Jack, who hopes thon at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park to reach his goal.

But as Henry to raise around £2,500 for the ground on February 16, before Barely Born campaign St Mary’s explained: “We wrote to a major moving on to all the Premier hotel chain hoping they might League grounds in London. Then Hospital, Newport, has come give us free overnight accomup against a few problems. Due it is on to the Midlands to take modation, but unfortunately they to insurance problems, Hull, on Villa Park, the Hawthorns and were not able to help.

Middlesbrough and Arsenal will Stoke’s Britannia Stadium.

“It means that if we have to pay not let him inside their respective Jack, who lives at Medeway, our own way it will take around grounds.

Sandown, will then take in the £300 out of what we are hoping But that has not deterred him two Manchester and two Liverto raise.

So if anyone on the pool stadiums, as well as the likes as he will do five laps outside Island can help us with sponsorof Bolton, Wigan and Blackburn, each stadium instead. Henry said: ship it would be a huge help.”

“Jack is very determined, and before ending his trek in the Anyone wishing to support even though he will have to run North East, at Middlesbrough, Jack on his unique venture can Sunderland, Newcastle and Hull. around the streets at some of the contact him or his father Henry venues, he will still complete the The 14-year-old will spend all on 405331. five laps.”

By Peter White

Ally shines in Far East FORMER Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club junior member Ally Mellor has enjoyed huge success in the Far East.

Ally, (left) who is still affiliated to Shanklin and Sandown, finished runner-up in a play-off at the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School presented

by Sports Authority of Thailand.

He was beaten on the St Andrews 2000 course in Thailand after five rounds only by Japan’s Daisuke Maruyama, after carding 70, 73, 70, 72 and 68.

By Peter White Ally, who turned professional in 2004, was pleased with his overall performance in the tournament, which was spread over two weeks.

He said: “I’ve been playing here since the First Stage last week so I am happy with how I competed at the Qualifying School. I’m a bit gutted to lose in the play-off but this is still a good performance overall.”

He was among a total of 40 players earned their cards for the 2009 season.

Jack Oates: seeking support for his charity mission

Home defeat for the Port IT WAS a disappointing weekend of results for Newport, Brading Town and Cowes Sports as they all suffered defeats in their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division games.

It took just three minutes for Poole Town to grab the lead at Newport, and the league leaders held on to record a 1-0 victory at St Georges Park.

Brading Town suffered a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Hamworthy United, after the away side raced into the lead taking a 3-0 into half time.

Cowes Sports took an early lead at Fareham Town, but the home side dominated the rest of the game, eventually running out 4-2 winners.

East Cowes Vics registered their first win in over three months with a 2-0 away victory at Downton in the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One.