IW Gazette 7

the gazette Helping the local

Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

36,000 copies - 24th October 2008

FREE rides but who pays?

COUNCIL taxpayers may have to pay nearly £4 million for people to joyride on buses around the Island.

Holidaymakers and pensioners can travel for free and the Government gave IW Council £843,000 towards the costs, a hopeless under estimate.

What was not taken into account were

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INSIDE YOUR

FREE Gazette

WIN a holiday in the sun

‘Never say never’

Page 6

Who says they’re shy?

the number of pensioners on the Island and the huge numbers of older mainland visitors who have advantage of free travel.

It is a problem exercising the minds of the Isle of Wight Council and Southern Vectis.

The Gazette has spoken to all those involved. Read June Elford’s report on pages four and five.

Page 3

Island inspires artist

One of the ‘caterpillars’ who raised £1,350 for the rainbow club, a new down syndrome support group on the Island. See page 16

Page 18

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the gazette

News Round-up

Contact Details tel: (01983) 402599 email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk add: The Isle of Wight Gazette

Clear majority

CONSERVATIVE Roger Dixcey won the Mount Joy by-election with a 131 majority over second placed Steph Wilmott, Liberal Democrat. Mandy Mellor, no declared description, was five votes behind with150 votes while Stephen Cooper, Labour Party, had 38 votes. The poll turnout was 31.61 per cent. Melanie Swan resigned from the seat on IW Council earlier this year.

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

sales: 01983 402599 Anne Bishop Laura Webb James Rolfe

Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Editor: Brian Dennis Reporter: Jamie White, Peter White, June Elford, Jan Toms Distribution: Isle of Wight Distribution Ltd. Design: Martin Potter, 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 7

October 24th 2008

Chippy second

BROTHERS in Brading, was a runner up in the regional heats of a competition to find the best fish and chip shop in the country. A record number of businesses took part in the 21st year of the competition and a chippy in Winchester won.

No respect PCSO Chris Dove, PCSO Cath Quinn, PCSO Mike Thornton

Bike patrols prove worth REGULAR cycle patrols by police community support officers (PCSOs) in the West Wight have proved so effective they are being increased.

Freshwater and Totland

parish councils have paid for two more bikes because existing patrols have reduced crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Mark Lyth, of the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “Cycle patrols are being stepped up, particularly at schools around opening and closing times.”

Officers are working with the IW Council’s Highways staff to address parking and road obstructions, which can be a hazard to parents and children.

Sgt Lyth added: “People tell us they like to see PCSOs cycling around where they live. These of-

ficers are familiar faces in their communities, where their presence provides added reassurance to deal with residents’ concerns and perceptions about crime.”

PCSO Chris Dove and PCSO Mike Thornton will be using the bikes to increase patrols in the Freshwater and Totland areas.

Another West Wightbased PCSO, Cath Quinn, has been carrying out regular cycle patrols since last summer in Yarmouth, Brighstone, Brook and Wellow, where she is easily recognised by members of those communities.”

How much raised so far?

We are glad to say that the readers of The Gazette have now raised approx £5,501.01 in total for the local Hospice.

Well done and thankyou for your support.

Competition winners The winner of the Four Season’s meal for four competition held in the last issue was Miss M Richards, of Wellington Rd, Binstead.

The winners of the Cloud 9 health club membership competition held in the last issue was Tracy Hopper, of Fairview Crescent, Sandown.

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

VANDALS and thieves in two towns are causing misery for footballers and gardeners. In Shanklin, the football clubhouse is the target for attack while allotment holders in Vectis Road, East Cowes, are frustrated by thefts and damage to fences.

Eastern promise

THE Beijing Palace Chinese restaurant destroyed by fire two years ago is being rebuilt and should be open

by March. Owner, Michael Hang, said the roof would include traditional Chinese design.

Fitting tribute

A £4,700 donation from Cowes Town Council with a similar sum from the Cowes Community Partnership will pay for restoration of the town’s war memorial.

The names of service personnel from both world wars will be added.

Plane crash theories A COMBINATION of factors could have caused the plane to crash shortly after taking off from IW Airport, Sandown, killing four Midlands people, in August 2007. A report from the Air Accident Investigation Branch said there was reduced engine power, tailwind, incorrect estimated of take-off weight and incorrect pilot technique.

Exclusive club

HOVERTRAVEL founder and former lord lieutenant of the Island. Christopher Bland, has been made an honorary freeman of the Island. Only two other people have had the honour, yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur and film maker, the late Anthony Minghella.

Bad job news

ELEVEN workers at the car parts firm LSUK in Newport, has been made redundant after the chain went into liquidation following its takeover by Euro Car Parts. Three of them have already found other jobs.

Cruiser refloated

A LUXURY cruiser was refloated after going aground at Bembridge Ledge, close to the RNLI station. Lifeboatmen rocked the boat from side to side, freeing it, before it was towed to a mainland marina.

Three shortlisted

THREE Island businesses have been shortlisted for this year’s South East Tourism ExSEllence Awards.

The Enchanted Manor, Niton, the Leconfield Hotel, Ventnor, and Isle of Wight Luxury Apartments, in Newport, are in the final. Judges are looking for excellence, quality and innovation covering all aspects of the business, including customer service, sales and marketing, training and staff development

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When is the big quiz?

THE largest quiz on the Island will be held on November 6, raising money for the Island’s hospice.

Tracey Asher, who is organising it, said: “In our first year we raised £864 and last year we raised £4,800 for the hospice. The response we have had over the years has just been amazing.

“Every penny raised goes to the hospice.”

Over seven years, £25,000 has been donated. This year, there will be an auction of special items, including signed football shirts and many other prizes donated by Island businesses.

The quiz has nine rounds, with auctions taking place in between rounds. IW Radio’s Ian Mack is compere for the evening. There is also a tombola with over 200 prizes to be won.

It will be held at Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Shanklin, and starts at 7pm. For more information and how to enter, contact Ian Taylor at Parlex on 526535

Wildlife day

THE League Against Cruel Sports is holding a wildlife day tomorrow (Saturday) in the Holyrood Hall, High Street, Newport.

An RSPCA inspector will give a talk and there will be a chance to discuss issues and wildlife crime on the Island.

There will be talks on badgers, bats, newts and ferrets by other speakers.

The day runs from 11am until 5pm and everyone is welcome.

Shy squirrels centre stage at Osborne RED squirrels living at Osborne House and Gardens are sun worshippers, get up late, tend to be loners but are extroverts who don’t mind posing for the camera - according to a six-month survey carried out by hundreds of visitors to the Island’s leading tourist attraction.

Osborne’s red squirrel population – information which has also been passed to the IW’s Red Squirrel Trust to help with its research on the endangered species.

English Heritage is offering anyone who snaps a picture of a red squirrel on their mobile phone or camera whilst visiting Osborne House during half term week, a refund on their admission and a Surprisingly high numbers of sightings free squirrel-shaped cookie. at close range – of what are normally The cookies – also available to buy in regarded as shy creatures - were made the café – are being baked at Osborne during the survey. especially for half term week.

More than 350 people took part and recorded where they saw squirrels and what they were doing. Well over half were seen in the afternoon and only a tiny proportion were out and about in the rain – by far the majority only ventured out in the sun.

Most were sighted alone and running on the ground, with the majority spotted in the quieter areas near Swiss Cottage.

Almost as many were seen on the main drive - right in front the house – indicating that Osborne’s squirrels are perhaps more used to people than those living elsewhere.

For many visitors, seeing a red squirrel at Osborne was a first and a highlight of their holiday. Several noted that the creatures seemed quite comfortable around humans and struck a pose for the camera.

The survey has helped English Heritage gather valuable information of the behaviour and favourite haunts of

With our vision for public transport on the Island and a network of frequent, simple and direct bus routes, we are now looking to recruit people with enthusiasm and a passion for working with the public, who have good customer service skills, are reliable and highly presentable. You must be over 18 and hold a full UK or EC car driving licence.

If you think you have the right skills and experience to keep our customers happy - and fancy doing it from behind the wheel of our buses - then apply with a covering letter, together with your CV , by e-mail to t.simms@southernvectis.com or post it to T Simms (PCV Driver Application), Southern Vectis, Nelson Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 1RD Southern Vectis is an equal opportunities employer.

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

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

FREE? Who is LOW-COST and free bus journeys for the over 60s and schoolchildren were headline-grabbing news when they were announced. But, as with most things, there are winners and losers.

Because of the Island’s unique situation as having a high number of older people and being a popular tourist destination, the cost of cheap bus travel is not being met in full by the Government and a £3.7million shortfall could fall on council taxpayers.

JUNE ELFORD talks to those involved and makes some surprising discoveries.

I CLIMB on to my local bus, the driver checks my concessionary bus pass and I get a ticket to Newport marked ‘Conc-Free’.

I’m aged over 60 and thanks to the government, entitled to free bus travel anywhere in England.

It works like this. Local authorities pick up the tab for all free travel in their area, which sounds great until you get down to the nitty-gritty.

Three years ago the half-fare scheme for anyone aged 60 or over cost the Isle of Wight Council £843,000 per annum. When free local bus travel was introduced in 2006, the council budgeted for £2.1 million but the actual cost was £3 million, rising to £4.67 million in 2007.

On April 1, 2008, central government launched a new scheme for free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England for pensioners and disabled residents. But before this new scheme came into operation, it was impossible to predict accurately how the funding would affect each authority.

As a result, our IW Council is presently facing a huge shortfall of cash. Simple arithmetic, the concessionary scheme has cost the Isle of Wight Council £5.5 million, central government has paid £1.8 million, leaving a £3.7 million shortfall.

The take-up for concessionary bus passes on the Island was far higher than anticipated and senior citizens are using their ‘freebies’ for shopping or maybe enjoying a day out on an open-top Island Breezer Southern Vectis bus.

Also visitors, can use their national bus passes on the Island, over-

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

By June Elford

60s get free travel here anytime, any day, unlike some mainland authorities where travel is restricted to off-peak periods. In fact, as the Island has the largest number of tourists in the UK so there are ‘lots of bums on seats’.

But the bottom line is that the central government failed to take into account areas with large

elderly populations and large numbers of tourists when it allocated funding. So how to balance the books? Will Southern Vectis have to cut some of their services?

Marc Morgan Huws, commercial and operations manager, said: “Although we receive £5.5 million, this has replaced a huge amount of what were previously cash fares but with all the extra costs of carrying so many more people added.

“We are carrying 45 per cent more passengers since the scheme came in but we’re only getting half of the fare for every over 60 we carry.

“Additional costs don’t run with additional payment and we’ve had to cut routes to Gurnard, Havenstreet and Seaview because we were getting half the revenue and

not double the passengers.

“We’ve also had to increase the number of buses on the Cowes to Newport route to ten buses per hour and on the Ryde to Newport route, instead of four, we are running to six and soon eight buses per hour.”

He added: “With the rising cost of fuel, it costs a significant amount per hour to run a bus. What’s more, the buses are working harder and we need double deckers to replace single deckers, so this year we are spending £4.5 million on 28 new buses.”

Marc said he feels very cynical about the whole issue.

“London and the other Metropolitan areas have soaked up a huge amount of the funding when there was already free bus travel in London. Government has introduced a scheme with expensive costs but simply left local councils and bus companies to pick up the real cost.”

So should fares for the 60s and over be free?

Students on the Island between the ages of five and 19 in full-time education can travel for £1 a single journey but with today’s credit crunch, £10 per child a week is an extra strain on the family’s budget.

One senior citizen I met said: “I would prefer to pay 50p for my fare so that the students’ rider cards could be reduced to 50p.”

Unfortunately, no review of the scheme is planned for two years.

Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, council Cabinet member for environment and transport, told me that the Island has the worst shortfall in the country in funding the national concessionary travel scheme.

He is constantly in touch with other councils. Bournemouth is

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kidding who?

another place facing a shortfall because of its large elderly population and large numbers of tourists.

Cllr Hunter-Henderson has lobbied Andrew Turner MP and the Local Government Association which is presently involved in gathering information from authorities throughout the country on the cost of the scheme.

“And we will keep on lobbying,” added Cllr Hunter-Henderson.

But with the economy stuck in the slow lane, will their case be put on the back burner? So far central government is ignoring the fact that

some local authorities are being forced to use council taxpayers’ money for the shortfall in cash.

“Taxpayers’ money should be spent on other services and cutting spending in order to pay for concessionary bus travel would mean less money per person,” said Cllr.

Hunter-Henderon.

Certainly the modus operandi should be changed. Why not cut out the middle man, the council, and let central government fund the bus company direct?

Anyone aged over 60 who was living on the Island in 1968 may

remember Lauri Say recording the ‘Southern Vectis Song’ with the refrain: “Listen to the rumble, the racket and the din, And listen to the jingle of the money rolling in, Well, it’s a public company and it’s owned by all of us, So make yourself a profit ride on a Southern Vectis bus.”

Some of us are getting a comfortable ride but the money’s not rolling in.

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Is he poised for political comeback?

FORMER Isle of Wight Council By Justin Gladdis leader Morris Barton says he will “never say never” to a as he considers the stalling of a return to politics. massive regeneration of his home

!

N I W

A Holiday in Portugal with Saffrons

SAFFRON’S Restaurant, where food is prepared with passion, is offering readers the chance to win a week’s self-catering four-star holiday for four in the Algarve, Portugal, from November 30. The restaurant, in North Road, Shanklin, has fresh, Island fish dishes and vegetarian and vegan options.

To enter the competition, answer the following question: How is food prepared at Saffron’s?

David Steele.”

With his love of books patent, it seems palpable a journal of his own will see the light of the day at some point. town.

The 67-year-old grandfather of “I have already started it,” he “My total frustration with organiseven from Rosetta Drive, East quipped. sations like SEEDA (South East Cowes, is currently enjoying life Going under the working title of England Development Agency) and away from County Hall, running Washington to Moscow via the Isle two consultancies – Morris Barton its treatment of East Cowes would of Wight it is inspired by a short tempt me back.

Associates and Publicity Informaperiod of his life in the late Eight“Sadly, there is a lack of political tion Media. direction to pressurise SEEDA with ies.

But the man who supports both He recalls how he found himself Pompey and Saints due to “my love getting the scheme off the ground. in the Senate one day then in the Any recession would bring no of local football from a very early Kremlin, shortly afterwards, under change” age” revealed he would consider As he rose to make cappuccino, I a huge mural of Lenin, the Combeing an Isle of Wight councillor munist politician who became the again and may stand when the next noticed his book cabinet, a library of American politics. There must be first de facto leader of the Soviet elections take place.

Union Speaking as the October morning around 250 publications.

Morris insisted the end product “I enjoy reading political biograsun shone warmly through the will be light hearted and who are phies” he pointed out. window, the current East Cowes we not to believe him?

“I hope to god Barack Obama town councillor insisted he still “Since I came off the council, I gets in across the Atlantic. I will has a prominent role to play in the have become computer literate in be in the States just prior to the Island’s future. my old age and rediscovered some elections and I will be in Florida “I strongly take the view you are of my writing skills. walking around with my demoas old as you feel and we are not “I am also very conservative in cratic pin-up!” making enough of people who have my thinking. I believe there needs When pressed on how he sees the had that experience of professional UK Government shaping up in the to be a more structured and more ordered approach to life in this and political life. future, he is confident the Tories country.

“People slag off the current occu- will claim back power.

But I am also an angry old man. I pants of County Hall and previous “A change of government won’t don’t like to see children not standregimes but I can promise you one be a bad thing. History dictates ing up on buses for elderly people thing members have always been such a lead in the opinion polls and opening doors.” united in doing their very best for will see them home. As for David It’s here I should point out Morris the Island”.

Cameron though, he is too slick for is one of a growing number of We were interrupted as BBC my liking.

Islanders emblazoned on the side of News 24 on his widescreen TV “Gordon Brown is just too dour. a Southern Vectis double decker. announced the latest cut in inter“Nominally, I am still Liberal Some cynics may sneer he probest rate. “Half a percent is not Democrat but I just don’t think ably turned up unannounced for the enough”, he said, shaking his head. much of Nick Clegg. He just photo shoots.

With a recession feared just doesn’t rank alongside Paddy He was in-fact invited by his around the corner, Morris is riled Ashdown, Charles Kennedy or

Join the Saffron diners’ club to receive newsletters and offers. Call 861589.

To enter the competition fill in your details and send your entry to: Competition, Unit b18 Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, PO36 9PH. Question: How is food prepared at Saffrons?

Answer: Name: Address:

Tel no: The prizes will be awarded to the first correct entries opened after Monday, November 3, 2008.

Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Saffrons and The Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Please return your entry to: The IW Gazette Unit 18B, Spithead Business Centre Newport Road Sandown, IW. PO36 9PH

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

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Morris Barton: “I strongly take the view you are as old as you feel and we are not making enough of people who have had that experience of professional and political life.”

friend and successor as council leader Mark Morgan-Huws, the current commercial and operations manager at the bus company.

Morris said: “It’s often been said people look like the back end of a bus so I am more than happy to be on the side!

“I am astonished by the size of it

– I nearly fell under the bus when I saw it in public for the first time.

“I don’t drive either and I believe the bus concessions for the elderly are tremendous. It releases that age bracket from the fear of being trapped in their homes”.

On that note, he disappears and comes back with his walking boots

– he is not heading for the bus stop though.

He’s off on a walk to Cowes “It’s good for my diabetes”, he smiled.

As he disappeared towards the yachts anchored off East Cowes Marina, you realise every island needs a Morris Barton.

Look out for this pair walking for hospice DANNY the black Labrador will be wearing lucky 13 when he and Heather Kingsman , seven, walk three-miles in Parkhurst Forest for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice this Sunday.

Heather, a member of the Ist Brighstone Scouts beavers’ group and a pupil at Brighstone Primary School, walked from Freshwater to Alum Bay to raise money for the hospice earlier this year.

Danny, 15 months, is owned by Heather’s granny, Helen Gray, who said he is a good dog who can also be naughty.

See page eight for more details of the walk.

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

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Hospice news If you like 007 don’t miss this

Michael Russell and David Fellow at the dig

Dig reveals ‘lost’ part of castle

By Jamie White

THE remains of a building and cellar, believed to date from the 12th century, have been unexpectedly discovered during a dig at Carisbrooke Castle.

Described as a spectacular find, archaeologists said they believed the cellar was used for 300 years as a food and wine store.

It was found during a week-long dig attempting to answer questions about the area known as the Privy Garden. The original aim was to date the garden wall more accurately and understand when it was built.

As English Heritage archaeologists, Michael Russell and David Fellows, were digging up the garden’s original entrance, they found the walls of an earlier building.

Mr Fellows, supervisor at the dig, said: “We believe we have found the walls of a 12th century cellar building, that measured 12.5m (37ft) by 6m (18ft).

“It’s one of the few 12th century buildings on site.

The ceramic evidence we have also found points towards that era.

“We believe it would have been in use for at least 300 years, until about the 15th century. The cellar would have been an integral part of the castle, storing vegetable provisions, wine and other important rations.

“It is a spectacular find that we really didn’t expect to discover.

This is the second dig at Carisbrooke Castle. Two years ago archaeologists excavated the garden to learn more about history from Saxon times, through the Middle Ages and Georgian era to the present day.

During that dig, they confirmed that the Privy Garden was not used as a cemetery in Saxon and Medieval periods, as previously thought.

From the 16th century, the castle became the official residence of ‘captains’ and ‘governors’ of the Island.

The Princess Beatrice Garden is set to be revealed next summer. It will be based on the 20th century design and will reflect the castle’s changes over the centuries.

THE regional charity gala screening of the new Bond film Quantum of Solace is next Thursday, October 30, Cineworld to raise money towards patient care at the hospice. Come ‘dressed for the occasion’. Guests will be greeted by our Bond girls and James’s Aston Martin, kindly loaned to us by Mr Grinstead.

Tickets, priced at £17.50 each, will include a vodka martini and a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings, valued at £500 and kindly donated by Nautical Gold. There is also wonderful Bond memorabilia donated by local businesses including Premier Ford, Dorley Kingsley, Avon and Star Signings.

Prizes will be awarded for the ‘best dress’.

Tickets can be purchased from EMH fundraising on 528989.

Dogs Walk

We are holding a three-mile dog walk on this Sunday, October 26, at 10am in Parkhurst Forest, Newport.

This is part of Dogs Walking the Wight which is a ‘virtual’ walk around the Island and through sponsorship you raise money for the Island’s Hospice patient care. If you walk your dog a mile a day, 72 days later you will have ‘walked’ him/her around the Island.

The Walk in Parkhurst Forest this Sunday could be the first three miles of that walk. Once you register you will receive your dog’s walkers number, special lanyard and map of the Island divided into 72 squares. If you have not registered please come along on the day, join us for an enjoyable walk and we will get you started.

Quiz to end all Quizzes

Parlex is proud to present the Huge Hospice Quiz. Last year 87 teams took part raising over £5,500 for patient care and it was a great night out. This year it will be taking place on Thursday, November 6, at Lower Hyde, Shanklin. The first questions start at 7pm.

IW Radio’s Ian Mac will be quizmaster again and there will be nine rounds of questions including a pictorial and a musical round.

It is £20 for a team of four and if you want to make a donation on top that will be great.

Tracy Asher is collecting prizes for the tombola, so if you want to donate a prize please bring it with you.

For an entry form go to www.iwhospice.org/ events or phone Ian Taylor 526535

Lights of Love

Remember someone special this Christmas by joining one of the Hospice’s Lights of Love Services in December. There are 16 special remembrance services across the Island throughout December, where you can make a donation to the hospice and receive a candle to hang on your Christmas tree to remember a loved one.

You are warmly invited to attend the Hospice’s main service of remembrance on Friday 5th December at St Thomas Church, Newport at 7pm.

For a full list of services see www.iwhospice.org There is also a special Christmas lights bus tour after some of the services which will take you on a tour of the local houses decorated with lights for Christmas, courtesy of Southern Vectis. For more details ring 528989.

Hospice fundraising: 528989 Send your news to newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk or tel. (01983) 402599

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Cllr David Whittaker, IW Council civic pride champion, tries his hand at removing chewing gum from the pavements.

Smarter Newport SHOPPERS and visitors to Newport’s Sts Thomas Square may notice several new additions to the area. As part of Isle of Wight Council’s street scene improvement programme, new benches have been installed outside the church.

were installed around Newport, while chewing gum removal machinery was used on pavements during this week to remove discarded gum.

New benches and litter bins will soon be installed in Church Litten, while the park’s Valentine Grey Monument and Old Arch have been The bright metal and wooden repaired and cleaned by a skilled seats have been installed to bright- craftsman. en up the area and replace the old Also in the town, the footbridge seats that had become worn and in on Newport Quay opposite the need of repair. The benches are just Quay Arts Centre has been resurpart of an ongoing programme to faced. The old wooden walk-ways smarten up the Island’s main towns. on either side of the bridge have Last year this included Shanklin, been replaced with smooth tarmac, Sandown, East Cowes and the West making it safer and easier for peWight. This year work is being destrians to cross the river. undertaken in Newport, Ventnor Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet and Ryde. member for Environment and Last month, several new litter bins Transport Tim Hunter-Henderson with metal cigarette stub-plates said “Thousands of people visit

Newport every day and many enjoy having a break or lunch in St Thomas Square. The new benches make the area appear brighter and cleaner and will also compliment the exterior cleaning project currently ongoing at St Thomas’s Church.

The other works such as the foot bridge and new litter bins and benches in Church Litten will also make a big difference to the local area” A new ‘graffiti hotline’ has been set up for people to contact should they see graffiti and want to see it removed.

This can be done by ringing the council’s Safer Community Safety Service on (01983) 550980 or via email to community.safety@iow. gov.uk or log onto www.iwight. com/graffiti.

New benches in Sts Thomas Square, all part of making Newport a more inviting place.

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IW Council Leader David Pugh is supervised by Darren Flux from Wightjet Washing in the campaign to tackle graffiti

Turning the tide GRAFFITI is a dying art form on the Island thanks to a twopronged attack.

bourhood Week’. We are working Council leader David Pugh was at closely with the police and the a demonstration of graffiti removal council to combat this vandalism. in Newport.

“We have found that if you He said: “Graffiti is a low level Substantial rewards are being crime but often leads to more offered to people who can identify remove the graffiti, it is less likely to re-appear. serious offences. the culprits and graffiti is being “We have found a 30 per cent “Over the last week we have had removed, making it less likely to be decrease on graffiti incidents this 75 reported areas of where grafcopied. year, compared to last year, which fiti is evident. We want to clean up As a result, in the last 12 months is great. It shows that the campaign neighbourhoods, and make people there have been 30 per cent fewer is working.” proud of where they live.” incidents of walls being defaced.

There is a database of culprits, A new ‘graffiti hotline’ has been Simon Theobalds from IW and set up for people to contact should Hampshire Crimestoppers: “This is which is shared between police and the council so they can liaise they want graffiti removed. the first campaign of this type.” to catch offenders.

The police and Call the council’s community Previous campaigns have been council have the powers to issue a safety service on 550980 or email successful in the Thames Valley fixed penalty notice of £75, which community.safety@iow.gov.uk or and Essex. “We are offering a reward in the form of mobile phone can rise up to £5,000 if it’s not paid. log onto www.iwight.com/graff credit, for information about who David Pugh, Rob Campbell and Marianne Hagerup from the IW is committing the graffiti offences, community safety service so people can still remain anonymous,” said Mr Theobolds.

The Isle of Wight Council uses an Island company to remove graffiti.

Darren Flux, who works for Wightjet Washing said: “The majority of the graffiti is in chalk and spray paint from aerosol cans. For the spray paint, we use a gel that we put on the graffiti and leave it for about 20 minutes. This dissolves the paint, and then we can spray it off, taking the paint graffiti with it.”

Rob Campbell who is a Newport senior town centre manager and works for the community safety service said: “We are trying to make the Island cleaner for everyone.

“This campaign to get rid of graffiti is a part of ‘Not In My Neigh-

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Colin Williams has been set up in business on the Island thanks to an interest-free loan from the IW Lottery.

Colin’s craftmanship earns royal approval A LOAN from the Isle of Wight Lottery has helped set up and sustain a right royal business.

Colin Williams has the distinction of making and fitting elaborate architectural mouldings at Buckingham Palace and for the Sultan of Brunei, among others.

And just to prove the breadth of his talent, he also worked on the intricate hanging ceiling in the faith section of the original Millennium Dome, and more modern commissions in Canary Wharf and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

Now he’s on the island and is already in the frame for some major contracts.

An interest free lottery loan has provided that vital cushion as Colin’s business, CW Mouldings, gets itself established.

Colin explained: “We do highly specialised fibrous plastering. It doesn’t sound very exciting, but I have been fascinated by it since I was at school. It is very satisfying to be able to make a precise match to some of the amazing plasterwork you find in older buildings. “also do modern commissions for homes, shops and offices requiring ceiling cornices, for example.”

Colin has been a highly skilled plasterer for more than 20 years and is looking forward to getting to

work on old and new island properties.

“The island has some beautiful older properties and is obviously a great place to ply my trade,” he said. “Many thanks to the Isle of Wight Lottery for helping me to get established here.”

Anyone looking to match up or replace their existing mouldings, or install new cornicing and plasterwork, can contact CW Mouldings on 406412.

For more details about how to access the Isle of Wight Lottery interest free loan scheme for Island businesses, go to www.isleofwightlottery.com

JOB VACANCY FIELD SALES PERSON Are you self motivated and enthusiastic? We are looking to expand our advertising team and seek a smart, dynamic sales person. He/she will be required to work five days 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri. Must have own transport and clean driving licence.

This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate. Basic pay for initial period plus rewarding commission.

Please e-mail CV’s to: gazettead@mac.com or phone Laura Webb on 402599

Gazette The Isle of Wight

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

gazette news

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Russell Lee in his workshop mending a broken clock

Time running out for clock repairers TIME rarely stands still when Russell Lee is around – he makes sure of that.

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Russell is one of a rare breed who still painstakingly restores clocks and watches to their original form and beauty.

But as he sits in his cramped workshop behind his home in Brading, surrounded by clock faces, intricate parts and precision tools, some of which date back 150 years, Russell scorns at the fact that but for his expertise, some timepieces would be lost forever.

“Don’t give clocks any more romance than they deserve. They are mangles, with teeth, gears, springs and escapements,” he insisted. “I am not an enthusiast, I am a restorer and repairer. I am only interested in repair techniques.

“What people do with their clocks when they take them out of here, I am not interested. They can smash them up for all I care.”

As he speaks, this brash 73-yearold shows me tools that he has made and others he has inherited.

Not just tools to repair clocks – he actually makes tools that make tools to make clock parts!

“You can’t buy the parts so you have to make them. I have made a device for making the cutters to cut the wheels,” he says. “When I am dead all these tools will either be thrown in The Solent or put into the tip. No one else can use them so what’s the point of keeping them? I suppose there will be clock repairers around but whether you can find them will be a different matter.”

Yet behind his conversation which at times borders on criticism of himself and his trade, there is a

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By Peter White man who clearly still gets a kick out of making them tick, even though he has been doing the job for more than 50 years.

Suddenly he talks enthusiastically about the most expensive clock he has repaired.

“It was a Knib worth about £15,000. I had a call from London asking if I could restore it for the Royal Yacht Squadron.

“It was dated about 1600. As a clock and watch repairer I do anything from the smallest clock and watch to the church clock. In the old days a lot of repairers just put in a different part rather than mend the original pieces and that took half the value of the clock away.”

He added: “Clock repairers are a bit thin on the ground at the moment. It is very much a dying trade, I am one of the few left in the south of England with any confidence. I am sorry if that sounds arrogant but it is the truth.”

Alas, Russell feels there is no way he can pass on his expertise and knowledge to future generations.

He smiled: “How could I have an apprentice? There is all this sexism, racism, health and safety stuff – why do I want to bother with all that? I would love to have an apprentice to pass it on to. But dare I? No, too much red tape!”

Around us clocks are chiming and watches ticking. He picks one out of his labyrinth of drawers.

“This is a 1760 striking clock watch, and everything is original but the main spring is broken, so do we throw it away,” he asked.

“Clocks have always had the same role, in as much they were always decorative and a timepiece. Now they are more things to collect, more decorative than timepiece.

People collect clocks. Some are old and covered in dirt and people like to buy them and get them restored to bring them back to what it used to be. “I don’t want to know about people who give the winder two turns and then want to know why the clock isn’t working.

“It is a hobby making things for the clocks. It is interesting. Some clocks are easy to repair, others take ages. Every job is different.

Clocks usually stop for the same reason, because they are dirty and dry.

“My favourite is the one I am working on now, because that is the one I concentrate on. Once it is finished, then no interest. I don’t have challenges any more, I just do it.

“When I was younger perhaps I had challenges but I have been round the block three or four times since then, “Maybe I talk myself down a bit but to me the job is easy. If I tried to teach someone how to clean a clock I would leave out so much important stuff, because you think nothing of it. I am my own master, so I don’t have to put up with anyone else.”

Then he finally admitted: “I like the job, and what I like about clocks is that they are the beginning of scientific instruments. And the tools are the forerunners of many of today’s tools.

“Throughout my years I have done my best, and that is the end of the story.”

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Some of the families looking forward to the once-a-month, autism-friendly screenings of films at Cineworld in Newport.

Autism-friendly ‘flicks’ A WHOLE new world of entertainment has been opened up to Island families previously unable to go to the cinema because their child’s behaviour was likely to be disruptive.

Newport Cineworld manager, Wayne Roberts, said: “We are delighted to provide regular autism-friendly screenings, which will feature lower sound levels and subdued lighting, plus the opportunity to move around and make noise without anyone minding.

Cineworld in Newport is offering special autism“It is a great opportunity for children affected by friendly screenings on the last Sunday of every month. autism and their families and friends to enjoy the The decision has been described as fantastic by the Island branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS). cinema. We’re sure it’s going to be a huge success.”

For more information contact Cineworld, Newport, Louise Foley, of the Island NAS, said: “As the parent on 01983 537560 or Louise 07827 308768. of a child with autism I am absolutely delighted CinAutism is a lifelong developmental disability that eworld in Newport has agreed to hold autism-friendly affects how a person communicates. It also affects screenings. how they make sense of the world around them.

“Autism is much more common than people think Some are able to live relatively independent lives but and trips to the cinema for families affected by this disabling condition can often be very difficult due to a others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. lack of help, support and understanding.

People with autism may also experience sensitivity “These screenings are fantastic and will make a big to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. difference to many families on the Island.”

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

gazette news

david holmes

reports

Things could be a lot worse THIS will cheer you up. ‘Death and taxes are the only two certainties in life.’ Surely this old cliché isn’t quite right. The only real certainties are death, taxes and uncertainty.

For obvious reasons, I’d bet most of us are in a flap. Will I keep my job, overtime or bonus? Can my employer survive the down-turn? Could I hang on to my house? Is my money safe in the bank, my pension safe on the stock market? Why do I have these high balances on my credit cards if we’ve been living through a boom?

Maybe, like me, you wonder if your relationship can take the strain of all this torment. And remember this is on top of all the routine stuff we used to worry about before we found ourselves where we are now.

Only a fool would assume the current turmoil in the world isn’t going to have some real, possibly awful impact on their life. I’d bet few of us will escape unscathed.

But hang on, previous generations survived worse. Just a generation or two ago they sacrificed a great deal to buy us the freedom to enjoy the life we enjoy today. A career or business abandoned to go and serve during the war. A husband or loved one not seen for years or, worse, killed in action.

I would bet those of us who have looked at their family tree have discovered some incredible sacrifice and stress. I’m in my forties, I’ve had a fair bit to worry about but I could not say I have sacrificed much. Most of my problems have been my own fault. My dodgy decision making or ineptitude. Our generation has had it fairly easy. Sure money was a bit tight when we grew up but most of us had warm homes, food in our bellies and an education. There were jobs and careers if we wanted them.

In years past it’s often occurred to me that we were having it too easy.

The best evidence for that was the volume of immigration. Britain must surely be a great place to attract so many people from around the globe to come and join us.

In recent years many Islanders have told me they think we allow too many people from overseas refuge in our little country. It’s made them uncomfortable and anxious. Not feeling free to voice these concerns has disenfranchised them. They no longer feel represented by politicians.

Richard Sainsbury, consultant surgeon at St Mary’s hospital, Newport

While the economy was doing well and the value of their home soared these people felt insulated. Their politicians, terrified of appearing ‘racist’ happily ignored the issue.

The present government now admits immigration must be controlled, although it seems totally clueless about how to go about achieving its new objective.

Perhaps they hope the recession will see many people who made Britain their home return to wherever they came. I wouldn’t bank on it, not while a council pays out £12,000 a month in rent alone for a single family.

Only dimwit politicians seem not to notice the UK benefits system is far too generous. If it were real money they spent things would surely be different? If £12,000 is the monthly rental value of a house in London why not offer a homeless refugee family a cheaper area. Ryde or Ventnor perhaps? The market rent for a six bed home in either place wouldn’t cost more than a £1,000 monthly.

Looking ahead there will no longer be the tax revenues for previous levels of brainless social generosity.

Real people, families like yours and mine will need what little cash there is available. Things must change.

Many of us are going to need a fresh start. Only the state can get us back on track and it won’t have as much as it did. No vast bank profits or property to tax.

Like us Gordon borrowed heavily in the boom years he said would never end. Looking forward, the only real certainty is more uncertainty and much higher taxes. For some us death, when it comes, may be a blessed relief.

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

Breast cancer care on Island getting better THE Isle of Pink campaign throughout this month to raise awareness of breast cancer is proving a huge success.

to the improving breast care facilities on the Island.

Cheques, made payable to ‘Breast pleased to be here and to see that Care Unit Trust Fund’ should be sent to the Breast Care Department, Many schools, businesses and in- the population of St Mary’s have rallied around the breast care unit Applegate, St Mary’s Hospital, dividuals have been busy thinking team.

Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG. up ideas to raise much-needed cash “I think we have already made Mr Sainsbury confirmed: “The for the worthy cause. things better and we can continue next target is to bring in a radioAnd the Island is now gearing to do so with everyone’s help. We therapy machine at St Mary’s. itself up for ‘wear it pink’ day on have recently introduced one or It would not be one of the big October 31. two new techniques that were not machines like they have in SouthThat is when everyone will be previously available. For example ampton but one that could be encouraged to wear an item of pink we can now do breast reconstrucused for breast work during an clothing and make a donation to the tion here, whereas people used to operation. It could not be used on Breast Cancer Campaign. have to go off the Island to have it all patients, but it would benefit the To contain the campaign call 020 done. vast majority, who would then have 7749 3708.

“We have also been able to buy been treated on the Island rather However, because the event is a sentinel lymph node biopsy than have to go to Southampton nationwide, some Islanders may machine, which allows us to take every day for between four and six like to know how their donations the first lymph node out of the weeks. can remain here on the Island to armpit rather than take them all “This would mean a major help those recovering from breast out. This means a lesser operation improvement, particularly for the cancer. and less chance of the arm swellelderly and those who don’t want The Gazette has spoken to ing, and subsequently a quicker to leave the Island – and who can Richard Sainsbury, consultant recovery. blame them? People with breast surgeon at St Mary’s Hospital, “It also means some people can cancer do very well these days.

Newport, who arrived here after now be dealt with as day cases We are seeing a better and better working in London for seven years and in the short time we have had survival rates all the time.” and before that in Yorkshire. it, more than 100 patients have Mr Sainsbury’s long-term aim is When he was appointed, Mr benefitted.” to have the breast care units closer Sainsbury set out to improve breast That machine alone cost £20,000, together at St Mary’s so patients care facilities on the Island and with most of the money coming do not have to move around the with the help of the breast care from donations. Now Mr Sainsbury hospital so much when receiving team of nurses at St Mary’s, big and his team have a much bigger treatment. strides have already been made in goal – a radiotherapy machine that He said: “It would be ideal to recent months. will cost more than £350,000. have everything next to each other, But much more money still needs Islanders can play their part in either by constructing links, or with to be raised for vital equipment, funding the vital equipment by a complete new build. which in many cases would spare sending all money raised from “We have already got an excellent patients the time and inconvenience ‘Pink’ events directly to St Mary’s breast care department at St Mary’s of having to travel to Southampton Hospital. and, hopefully, it will become one for treatment.

The Gazette has been assured that of the top three or four in the entire Mr Sainsbury said: “I am very all money donated will go directly country.”

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By Peter White

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‘Empties’ might be worth pint or two VENTNOR Brewery has appealed for help in trying to call time on the mystery of disappearing beer barrels.

that they sell in them!

Xavier Baker, head brewer at Ventnor explained: “It has been going on for a while up and down the country and it is happening Along with many other brewermore and more with us now. The ies up and down the country, the casks are usually used and then just Ventnor outlet is suffering from dumped in the gardens at pubs, or what is commonly known in the left at barbecues or other events. brewery world, as ‘disappearing “We deliver beer across the cask syndrome’. country to many outlets. We had Firkin nine-gallon casks are disapa call the other day from someone pearing almost as quick as the beer who had spotted one of our casks

abandoned on a roundabout in Bristol.

“I don’t know if it has anything to do with the price of scrap metal going up, but I genuinely think people just use them and don’t realise the importance of sending them back to us.”

Xavier said that anyone taking disused casks back to Ventnor Brewery might even be compensated in with a liquid reward.

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Toddlers’ two mile walk helps new Island charity

CATERPILLAR Music’s annual charity event, raised £1,350 for the newly-formed Down Syndrome support group on the Island, The Rainbow Club.

The event was organised by Caterpillar Music’s Maggie Carberry, and involved pre-school children from all their music classes, dressing up and joining members of The Rainbow Club in a sponsored two-mile ‘Walk on Wheels’, from Puckpool Park along Appley Beach.

The children were invited to come along in decorated buggies, bikes and scooters.

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There was free face painting provided by Beverly Bax and prizes were awarded for best dressed Caterpillars and best dressed modes of transport. There was also a raffle, which raised £370.

Clare Williams, co-ordinator of The Rainbow Club was delighted: “This is a wonderful beginning for this new Island charity.”

Apart from the money, the walk raised awareness of Downs Syndrome on the Island.

For further information about Down Syndrome, or if you would like to help The Rainbow Club further, contact Clare Williams at clareanne@btinternet.com

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Three of the workers from Oldland CNC of Bristol with the memorial made to commemorate the Islands worst air crash 51 years ago.

Unique memorial for ‘worst’ plane crash A MEMORIAL to the 45 passengers who died when their flying boat crashed on the Island has finally been dedicated, 51 years after the tragedy.

yard.

Close relatives of the dead and surviving passengers plus rescuers, local police, a doctor who had treated the survivors attended last year’s service and all At the time it was the highest number of people agreed a suitable memorial should be commissioned. killed in UK civil aviation history. Among those who On Sunday last week, a memorial plaque, made from died on Aquila Airways Flying Boat G-AKNU carryan alloy similar to the material of the flying boat, was ing 50 passengers and eight crew from Southampton dedicated at St Mary’s Church, Brook. to Las Palmas and Madeira were three honeymoon The service was organised by Parochial Church couples.

Engine problems developed shortly after take-off and Council of Brook with Mottistone and Oldland CNC the plane crashed in a disused chalk pit near Chessell, of Bristol, a contractor for giant new A380 airbus, donated the plaque. at around 10.50pm on November 15, 1957.

Among those at the dedication service were James Soldiers at the Golden Hill Fort joined rescue Tucker and Steve Hayes, representing Oldland; Dave services and Islanders at the scene. The author, J. B. Curran of GKN East Cowes, and the plaque’s Island Priestley was among them.

- based typographic designer and Royal Mail stamp The plane burst into flames, but 13 people, pulled designer, Dick Davis. from the wreckage, survived The service was conducted by the Very Rev Caroline Last year, the villagers of Brook voted to organise a Baston, archdeacon of Island, and the plaque is now in 50th anniversary service of remembrance in the local St Mary’s Church. A tree was planted on private land church close to the crash site. No memorial marks the crash site, nor is the disaster remembered in any grave- at the crash site.

£s roll in as stones fall off

THE hardest part of Angela McSharry’s diet was giving up her favourite vegetable, potato.

Mrs McSharry preparing lunch in the kitchen

But Mrs McSharry, who is proud of her Irish roots, has been strong and has also cut back on bread, rice, pasta and pastry and, as a result has shed five of her 22 stones since March.

Her target is to get to her ideal weight of 12.5 stone and, at the same time, raise money for St David’s RC Church, East Cowes.

“People have been very good, one man is sponsoring me for £5 per stone,” said Mrs McSharry, 70, of Birch Close, East Cowes.

She is looking for more sponsors and, if you would like to become one, contact the Gazette newsdesk on 402599.

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John’s design, Strange Meeting, was one of 25 selected from 2,600 submissions by the Beijing Olympic authorities. It was positioned outside the now famous Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Island inspires major sculptor

By Carol Cordrey WHEN our minds wander in the direction of Bembridge, we mostly think of the sailing club, the RNLI station, swimming in The Solent and shipwrecks but it now has another claim to fame: produced in California.

The name Hard Bop was sourced from a style of jazz The manufacture of monumental, internationally- called bepop, giving it an onomatopoeic association renowned sculpture. with the area’s pre-1960s’ history as the bedrock of

The source of this excitement is John Atkin, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and resident of Kingston-upon-Thames on the mainland. Over the past five years he has brought his family to their holiday home in Bembridge and developed a love for the area which he finds highly conducive to creativity, A very contented John said: “One of the problems for artists is finding the right place to feel comfortable and energized enough to be productive. Bembridge is that place for me.”

His latest commission entitled, Hard Bop, is proof of just how important the Island has been to John’s success. It has been designed for the regenerated area of the Fillmore District of San Francisco and standing 17ft high of gleaming stainless steel, it will be a dramatic focal point in the new Fillmore Plaza.

John needed a specialist company to not only fabricate Hard Bop but to ensure it had a perfectly engineered surface and it was the long-established and highly-respected Nelson Engineering in Bembridge that he turned to.

The company came up trumps and even taking into account the cost of transporting such a vast work of art by sea to San Francisco, John was delighted that the Isle of Wight provided him with an overall cheaper option than the more obvious one of having Hard Bop

“

The Island has proved very fruitful to the development of my work

”

America’s West Coast jazz.

Drawing on the tradition of composing art with objects trouvés, the design for this sculpture developed from John’s research involving musical staves, stringed instruments and tensioning keys.

The curved sections in Hard Bop were inspired by the curved movements of a conductor’s baton beating time, which lends an appropriate lyrical quality to the work.

The sculpture has been so well received that John has also been commissioned to produce street furniture for the area around Hard Bop. Being lead artist in another redevelopment project, this time in the centre of Ashford in Kent, has also absorbed John’s creative talents. Public consultation revealed a preference for sculptural effects throughout the scheme, rather than a single work of art. The colours and forms of the tannery industry that the town was long associated with have inspired John’s designs for tree grilles, benches, lights and bollards.

Other high profile sculptures created by John can be seen across the globe, ranging from Dubai to Ireland but his biggest audience to date has been for a sculpture in China.

The Beijing Olympic authorities awarded just 25 highly-prestigious commissions for the 2008 Olympic Park and John’s design, Strange Meeting, was selected from 2,600 submissions. It was a monumental achievement and so was the scale of the sculpture itself: three metres square and 27 tons of magnificent marble carved into two parts from a single piece, one positioned upright, the other, supine.

Hard Bop under construction at Nelson Engineering, Bembridge.

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Hard Bop, 17ft high of gleaming stainless steel, made in Bembridge and destined for the regenerated area of the Fillmore District of San Francisco.

It was positioned outside the world famous Bird’s Nest Stadium.

The work’s distinctive manila colouring and shape echoed the characteristics of garment templates that, when joined together, create a whole piece of clothing.

This identified the sculpture with Beijing’s mantra, “One World – One Dream” and its aim of connecting different sections of humanity through the Olympics.

The other source of inspiration for this sculpture was Wilfred Owen’s First World War poem, Strange Meeting, in which the poet speaks of a ‘vision’ or dream-like experience of meeting a soldier he fought against in the previous day’s battle.

The poem ends with the initial theme of conflict appearing to turn to reconciliation; John drew an analogy between this “strange meeting” of opponents and that of East-West cultures represented by the athletes, politicians and dignitaries gathered at Beijing’s Olympics.

Whether the authorities agreed or not is a mute point but John’s design impressed them enough to not only

be selected but to receive an Outstanding Award as well.

Way back in the 1980s, John impressed another great figure, the late Henry Moore who sponsored him through the Royal College of Art. John’s subsequent achievements, including his recent appointment to Council at the Royal Society of British Sculptors, would undoubtedly have made the great man glow with pride. Never one to be complacent, though, John is already working on new sculpture plans which he hopes to harness to the Isle of Wight, “The Island has proved very fruitful to the development of my work over the past five years. It is where I enjoy working with people who clearly welcome ambitious ideas and where I can find specialist skills, traditional and new.

“It would give me great satisfaction to bring my cross-disciplinary experience to future projects conceived on the Isle of Wight, made on the Isle of Wight, for the Isle of Wight!”

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thegazette gazette Friday FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER24102008 2008

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gazette feature

Bembridge...

All on our doorstep

BEMBRIDGE is often referred to as the largest village in Europe. Now it is fast gaining the reputation of being one of the best places on the Island to go and do some shopping, or even have an evening out.

Residents reckon Bembridge has now become totally self-sufficient.

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By Peter White “We could live here for 20 years without having to step foot out of the village,” said one.

It is easy to see why.

Located almost at the eastern most point of the Island, it is about much more than unspoilt beaches, a busy little harbour and the famous

windmill.

Take a look around Bembridge and you will discover a host of innovative shops, inviting restaurants and welcoming pubs.

It is a village that has always been regarded as perhaps one of the most upmarket areas, and new businesses have enhanced the reputation. A butcher, a baker and, who knows,

perhaps around another corner there’s a candlestick maker?

But without having to search too far there’s a fine delicatessen and a good old fashioned village inn.

Shops are generally arranged in two main areas, the first being in Lane End Road and the other the High Street.

The village also boasts its own small airport, where the famous Islander aircraft, which many police forces use as a spotter plane, is built.

Because of its location Bembridge, tends to be a place you go to visit rather than just pass through.

It’s popular in the summer with tourists, but just as welcoming now the days are getting shorter and the temperature is beginning to drop.

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gazette feature

has it all

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22

the

thegazette gazette Friday FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER24102008 2008

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Bembridge... has it all

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FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER10242008 2008 the thegazette gazette Friday

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Fun & Ga mes ‘ ‘ ‘

gazette feature

‘

‘

at half term...

Make the most of your day

‘GOOGLE it’. It’s a phrase more and more of us are using if we use computers at work or home.

For those not familiar with ‘Google it’, it is a quick and easy way to look up information.

Google is a powerful search engine and it

responds in seconds.

With half-term next week and families planning days out why not make the most of your day at an Island attraction by finding out as much as you can about it so, while you are there, you make the best use of your time?

There is nothing worse or likely to cause more families disagreements if you arrive and all want to go off in different directions. The chances are you will miss some of the action or discover what you would all like to see when it is time to leave.

There are some excellent websites for Island attractions. Essential information such as opening times, how to get there and how much it costs to get in can help you plan your day – and your finances.

For example, places with animals tell you about feeding times, new arrivals and background information about the animals and plants you will see.

Preparation such as this adds to the value and interest of your day.

And the entertainment need not end when you leave the attraction.

Why not encourage your children to write a diary of their visit?

It can be great fun and encourage your children to explore the subject in more detail and to follow other links.

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thegazette gazette Friday FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER24102008 2008

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gazette feature

Wine & Dine

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FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER10242008 2008 the thegazette gazette Friday

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gazette feature

Wine & Dine Shanklin Health Store Offering a helpful, friendly service

• Health

supplements remedies • Homeopathic medicines • Special dietary foods • Local products • Herbal

• Teas

& herbs & fruits • Natural hair dyes • Toiletries • Cleaning products • Nuts

25 High Street, Shanklin tel: (01983) 863063

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

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Star treatment for extra special kids difficult or traumatic life experiences through no fault CHILDREN who have not had the best start in life but who have risen above their problems have of their own.”

He said the awards recognised their resilience to been given an enormous pat on the back.

overcome barriers and succeed.

Some 110 of them, aged from five to 19 and in the “It was fantastic to see these children enjoying the care of IW Council, were nominated by their social day and was a very special moment seeing how much worker, foster carer or teacher. happiness these awards brought to the young people, Star Awards were given to mark their success at who all fully deserve their recognition.” school, not just for study and qualifications but also The Star Awards were presented by Dame Ellen for attitude and effort.

MacArthur who said it was a privilege to do so.

Cllr Alan Wells, council Cabinet member for children She said: “To rise above adversity is a real challenge and young people, said: “Children in care often do and they have shown what is possible through sheer poorly in comparison to their peers as they have had determination and commitment.”

wedding To see your wedding in The Gazette call 01983 402599

Rickman & Catton

Toby’s gardening tips AS THE winter creeps closer, Toby Beasley, head gardener at Osborne House, gives The Gazette his up-to-date news on what is happening in the garden.

Toby said: “We are now focusing on changing the flower beds. A lot of raking, digging and re-planting will be taking place. The summer has been and gone and now we are heading in to autumn and this means that it’s all change in the gardens.

“Plants in the summer display have become tender, particularly on the terraces, and they all need to be pulled up and replaced. We are planting forget-me-nots, polyanthus and other wall flowers.

“We have a total of 66 flower beds to change, and that amounts to about 20,000 plants and bulbs.

This is going to be done by myself and my team of four gardeners and usually it takes up to six weeks to make the switch from the summer displays to the autumn-winter displays.

“We are laying the autumn bedding and the plants we are planting now will be looking their best in around April and May time.

“The colour scheme is going to be red, white and yellow, which should keep the gardens looking colourful and eye catching, when it all blooms next year.

“This time of year is notoriously difficult in the garden. The days can still be quite warm, but in the evening the temperature can really drop.

“There is still colour in the winter with the bark of the trees changing. There are white lines on the

‘snake bark’ and there are plenty of berries adding a nice touch of colour. Holly and pyracantha will also start coming through as winter draws in.

“Apple trees are at their best at the moment, particularly in the walled garden. We like to leave the apple trees for as long as possible.

Fruit trees and berries are seen as substitute flowers for this time of year.”

Photographs by Barry Rickman.

CHILDHOOD sweethearts, Brett Rickman and Samantha Catton were married six years to the day after they first ‘went steady’.

Brett, who is the son of Donald and Janet Rickman and Samantha, daughter of David and Carol Catton, went on to treasure their special day at Lymington with 160 guests.

They were extremely lucky with the weather that weekend with the sun shining brightly as they emerged from the church as husband and wife.

Chinese lanterns were an original finale to the evening’s celebrations as the couple released the final one into the air.

The bridegroom, a police constable, and the bride, an aspiring journalist, went on to enjoy their honeymoon at The Haven in Sandbanks, Bournemouth.

They are making their home in Cowes.

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

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

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gazette news

Not all doom and gloom Village shop bucks trend They call their investment a HARDLY a week goes by when we are not told another ‘calculated gamble’ and they try to make it more than a village shop, post office, shopping trip, they want it to be school or pub is to close.

It is the death by a thousand cuts of our rural community because once these businesses and facilities close they are very unlikely to start up again. A redundant shop often becomes a home or, even worse, a second home, empty most weeks.

So stand up and take a bow Vern and Jenny Tyerman, who are bucking the trend and not only is their village business surviving it is prospering.

Since they took over Chale Green Stores, trade has doubled then tripled because of their enterprise, commitment and determination.

They have spent a small fortune on the business and the latest stage sees a bigger restaurant, delicatessen, more freezers and walk-in cold storage areas, and staff room.

a social occasion. It is open late night seven days a week and is an important source of employment for the village.

And it appears to work. Word is getting around about the friendly, well-sourced village store and post office and people from places such as Totland, Cowes and Ryde regularly shop there.

People are weary of anonymous superstores and they like the village shop ethos where staff have time to say ‘hello’ and where they can find delicacies and a selection of wines not available anywhere else this side of The Solent, said Vern Passing trade – tradesmen call in for newspapers, lunches and snacks – is important, as are the holidaymakers.

For London-born, Canadianraised and US-educated Vern, running a village shop is a long

way from his previous job, he was managing director of telecoms giant, Vodafone.

But the problems and opportunities are remarkably similar albeit on a totally scale.

They came to the Island, where Jenny’s father was the chemist in Lake, renovated an old farmhouse in Chale and immersed themselves in village life. The golf club WI and Chale Village Partnership became part of their lives.

The latest extensions to Chale Green Stores employ all the latest environmentally friendly systems – putting the green into Chale Green.

They have innovations such as a ground heat recovery system – it involved drilling down 83 metres using equipment brought from the mainland - light tubes, double insulation and rainwater ‘harvesting’ using a 6,000-litre tank to store water to use to flush toilets and irrigate the gardens.

Spoilt for choice at Chale Green Stores, which has undergone a major refurbishment.

Inset: Vern and Jenny Tyerman who are investing in the future.

Mayor says restaurant will give resort a boost THE first North Indian portant to attract people Tapas Restaurant on the to the town.

“There was numerous Island has opened in complications trying to Sandown High Street.

The mayor of Sandown, Cllr Ian Ward, congratulates Raj Patel and his staff on the opening of the restaurant.

‘Swad’ incorporates modern, contemporarystyle premises, with traditional north Indian dishes.

Sandown Town mayor, Cllr Ian Ward, cut the ribbon to officially open the restaurant.

He said: “We are really trying to put Sandown back on the map and make it a place where people want to visit.

Having a good choice of places to eat is very im-

get the restaurant open but after much persistence, we got there in the end and I am delighted.”

Restaurant owner and Island businessman, Raj Patel, said: “ I want to bring something new and different to Sandown. Our dishes are slightly different to the dishes served in other Island Indian restaurants.

“We have professional chefs adding a real northern Indian flavour to the food.”

Invited guests enjoyed the north Indian tapas cuisine.

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

gazette news

LAST year’s Food & Drink Awards were a real success and the 350 guests who attended the evening thoroughly enjoyed it.

The evening became a real mix of emotions from the contenders as they collected their awards.

This year, despite the economic downturn, we are still planning a great evening of food and awards with music from Tony Martin.

The venue this year was kindly provided by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, near Ryde.

Martin Potter, owner of Island Life and organiser of the awards, commented: “ I am quite excited

about this year’s event, I think people will enjoy it even more than last year as everyone needs cheering up at the moment.

“I’m also very lucky I have such a good team around me who help to organise it and make it such a success.”

The event will start earlier this year as people commented it was nice to relax and have a drink and chat before it begins. So, this year, the event will start at the earlier time of 5pm. The meal will be served at approximately 7.30pm.

Tickets will be limited to 350 and cost £50 + VAT. Tables of 10 and 12 (limited) are available.

The ticket price will include a free glass of sparkling wine or Wight Vodka cocktail upon arrival followed by a three-course meal, prepared and served by David Rogers (All About Catering). The awards ceremony is followed by dance music from Tony Martin.

Once again, AA judges will go round and the results will be in a sealed envelope, opened on the night. It all adds to the excitement and tension.

For tickets please call 07976 797455.

Island Mortgage Solutions For Remortgages

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Sell your house with Wightfrog.com

Follow the frog online Buying and selling your property on wightfrog.com is easy.

Here is a quick guide on how to use the site.

If you want to advertise your property for sale or for rent Once you have logged on to wightfrog.com, click on the ‘Buy, sell or rent your property’ option.

This will take you to the wightfrog.com property section.

Click the large green box titled ‘click here to sell or rent your property’.

You now need to register your details, which can be done by clicking on the word ‘register’. This will take you ton the sign up screen.

Now type your details in the boxes to register.

Your name, postal address, phone number and email address (this will not be used on your advert). You must also create a password that is unique to you. This will be your ‘Log in’ details.

Tick the box titled ‘unlimited listings’ and then ‘complete sign up’.

You are now ready to start putting your property on to wightfrog.com.

Once you have registered with wightfrog.com each time you log in you can, edit your profile, look at your property, add another property, enquire about advertising, see the properties you have put on your shortlist or logout. All these options will be available once you have logged in.

Adding your property Click the ‘Add Property’ heading and add your details and photographs. Once you have done that, select the grey box at the bottom of the screen that says ‘Add Property’. You can then

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input as much information as you like, and up to 4 photos of your property.

It really is that simple!

If you want to search for a property The Internet has made searching for a property much easier over the last few years, and now buying, selling or renting your new property on wightfrog.com is even better!

Once you have logged on to wightfrog.com, click on the ‘Buy, sell or rent your property’ option. You are now on the wightfrog.com property section.

Select the ‘Area’ of the Island you want to search, then the ‘Location’ (select ‘All Locations’ if you want to see all of the properties in the area you have selected).

Now you’ve selected the area and location, choose the price range you are searching in and the property type.

If your happy with the selections you’ve made, click ‘Search’ and the properties will appear.

When the properties are on the screen simply click on the photo you are interested in to get further details.

If you have a reference number of a property you wish to look at, enter it in the ‘Property Reference’ box and click ‘Search’ and those property details will appear.

It’s as easy as that!

www.wightfrog.com

Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

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gazette news

Skeletons laid to rest

Island Mortgage Solutions For Buy To Let

By Richard Heaven

01983 533777

‘YOU either rot slowly into adulthood or form a band’. An iconic statement by an iconic Island band.

Yet, despite success in the forms of a strong fan base and a two-album record deal on a respected independent label, Kids Will Be Skeletons will play their last show at Newport’s The Studio later this month.

Formed in January last year, KWBS set out to quickly build a fan base through regular gigging while rejecting the Island’s current dependency on the Platform 1 music college.

Playing a refreshing mix of metal and hardcore , they played to a regular contingent of fans and Island youths who wanted something a little harder then the Indie music dominating the current

admin@islandmortgagesolutions.co.uk

scene.

While drummer Owain Casey and guitarist Nathan Russell cite lack of commitment in both enthusiasm and funding as well as personal issues as the main reasons for the break, it is unknown whether they will reform with different members or split for good to follow other musical projects.

Catch them at The Studio, Newport on Wednesday October 29.

Boy band ready to try every kind of music

IF YOU haven’t heard of Arizona 81 before, there is a good chance that you soon will.

Max, Joe, Tim and Harry are aged between 12 and 14 but the “boy band” image does not do justice to their very mature approach to music.

By Jan Toms

play it.

Their repertoire includes Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and, if they feel like it, some heavy metal.

Neither do the boys confine themselves to cover versions but also write their own material. It tends to be a joint Joe Parry, the youngest effort, someone comes member, is 12 and he is up with an idea and the the band’s base guitarist.

He is a pupil at Node Hill music evolves.

They played their latest School. song Arizona Blues at a His brother Max, 13, talent contest at Freshplays drums, while their cousin Harry plays acous- water Memorial Hall and won hands down. tic guitar and also sings.

Tim, Max and Harry They started out as a spend Saturdays at trio but Harry recalls Platform One, an innovathat walking home from Carisbrooke High School tive project to make the performing arts accessible he got into conversato young people. tion with Tim and their A BA course in comshared passion for music mercial music is planned naturally led to Tim and currently young joining the group as lead guitarist. They have been musicians get information playing together now for on the theory and history of music plus advice on about 18 months. video and audio recording The boys rehearse and all other aspects of weekly at Rookley the business. Other subVillage Hall and their jects like screen writing choice of material is are on offer. Unfortuwide-ranging. As they nately Joe is currently too explained, they are anxious not to be typecast young to take part.

The older boys are now by performing only one in year ten at school and sort of music. If they this brings its own challike something they will

lenges for they will soon need to give more time to their studies. Impressively level headed, they are aware of the conflicts that might arise as music and exams compete for their attention.

The band largely owes its existence to Derek Parry, father of Max and Joe and uncle to Harry, who has supported them throughout. They describe him as their “unofficial manager,” while Derek describes himself more as a “roadie.”

He also says that he is “tone deaf.” He certainly has the dedication and enthusiasm to help these young men achieve their potential.

The whole thing started off as fun and they are surprised to find themselves so popular.

Recently they have been playing at the Fat Cat at Freshwater Bay on Sunday afternoons and have been booked for birthday parties.

As for the band’s name, it comes from the make of caravan owned by Derek. Hopefully before too long Arizona 81 will be producing a CD and I, for one, look forward to hearing it.

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Friday OCTOBER 24 2008

gazette news Island Mortgage Solutions

Island Mortgage Solutions For Life Assurance

For Buildings & Contents

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From left to right: Lizi Weetman, Kerry Piper, Gareth Rockwell, Leanne Andrews and Lucy Tarling.

It’s a 24 hour performance

WARNER’S Bembridge Coast Hotel can be found resting on the eastern coast of the Island. On the surface a standard 250-room, four-star hostelry to rest the well-travelled head is on offer.

By Simon Mark Leigh

aspect of the job. We try to put ourselves in the guests’ shoes and deal with any problems, whatever the department.”

It is this teamwork that creates the However, it has a unique selling point ideal atmosphere at the hotel.

“We definitely feel on show all of the and it’s not only the stunning Solent time,” said Gareth. views that are on show.

I wondered whether being on the Island The eight-strong production team, created a different holiday experience. under the leadership of Gareth Rock“A lot of people come to explore well, are the people in charge of ‘making’ their guests’ holiday. They are and spend much of the time out of the the face of the company both on and off hotel,” he said. “But the evenings are when we have to offer a comprehensive stage. entertainment programme.”

Gareth, 30, is the entertainment’s With stars such as Jethro and Bradley manager. “To supply our visitors with Walsh mixed with their own shows, the best possible entertainment whilst variety is the name of the game. on vacation,” is his mandate.

Warner’s annual turkey and tinsel The four, themed shows, cabarets and breaks start at the end of the month specialist weekend breaks certainly but does celebrating Yuletide for three offer a diversity of performance. Some months ruin the real thing for the team?

46,000 guests per year get to sample “The Christmas week is always special their brand of entertainment.

Having trained with vocal coach Chris and the T ’n’ T themed holidays don’t really spoil that,” said Gareth.

Caswell, Gareth is in fine voice during I was interested to know whether the the soul, swing, rock and roll and cirque de rouge shows. Yet, as manager, he has Hi-De-Hi spirit was alive and kicking.

Gareth replied: “Old style chalets like to wear two hats. He is part performer, Norton Grange and twee entertainment part public relations officer.

He said: “Joe Longthorn was a massive are still very popular and in the six years I have worked for Warner, I haven’t inspiration to me but trying to please seen a great change in the age group.” all the people all the time is the hardest

Smooth Operators IT’S been a good year for Island based band The Operators, with a support slot at Wight Air already under their belts among many lower key events both on and off the Island as well as a November show supporting ‘Does It Offend You, Yeah?’ In London.

Not bad for a group that formed in early 2007.

After releasing their self-funded debut EP earlier this year and striving to translate their Indie / Dance studio recordings to the live setting, eventually adding visual master VJ Fizzy to provide a visual aspect to their live experience. And in less then two weeks time they release their first single, B-Line, on Indie label

Distiller Records.

An upbeat mix of Indie Rock and Accessible Dance, B-line wouldn’t seem out of place in the club or the summer beach party. The band will be performing and signing copies In-Store at HMV on the first of November, so if your interested, check it out.

Tension and deception

PACK of Lies is a very interesting and challenging play dramatising the true story of the weeks leading up to the arrest of the Portland Five spy ring in 1960.

M15 kept watch on a house in Ruislip from a house across the road.

The family hosting the observers, however, was constantly visited by two members of the spies while the observers were in the house.

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The tension builds to breaking point as deception on all sides creates almost unbearable stress but this is relieved by humorous exchanges between the characters but does not hide the situation created by MI5.

Bembridge Little Theatre Club autumn production, Pack of Lies by Hugh Whitemore at the Bembridge Village Hall on November 6, and 8.

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the gazette

Photo by Mave Siddons

Fifty autumn walks HUNDREDS of walkers will be putting their best foot forward over the next few days as the Island’s latest festival gathers pace.

Kiteboarders paradise THE Island’s first ever kiteboard park jam was deemed a huge success by all involved and organiser and competitor, Chris Burke, is now hoping it will lead to bigger and better things for the sport here.

kept things going. I’d also like to thank Liquid force, NPX and local kite boarder Stuart Munns, who plan B was called into action and helped construct the park and keep the event managed to continue. it in working order throughout the With the aid of Headfirst and its week. state of the art wakeboard boat “We have the cold winter ahead and jet-ski and Island surf and its of us now and then I’m looking The jam was held at Bembridge, motorised winch, there was nonforward to planning the next event and attracted around 20 national stop action with some of the best and see where things take us at the and international competitors to the boarders in the country performing start of next year.”

Island for the two-day competition. all sorts of daring tricks.

On Sunday evening riders judged Chris said: “It looks as though the Chris, 22, added: “This style of each other on their performances jam is going to lead to bigger things kite and wakeboarding is proving over the weekend. Results were: now. This was the first event of its to be very popular around the Best all rounder: Dave Hastilow kind here, and really a tester to see world, not only with the riders but (Cabrinha, NPX, Transcend). how things went. Everything turned also with spectators. There is action Sliders: 1 Chris Burke (Liquid out better than had been expected, all the time.”

Force, NPX); 2, Dave Hastilow and it was a fantastic weekend.”

Chris went on to praise the loca(Cabrinha, NPX, Transcend); 3, Around 20 competitors came from tion of the jam, and the sponsors Ben Todd (Liquid Force, Lime hair all over the country to compete at who made it all possible. prods). Kicker: 1, Dave Hastilow the custom-made park and many “Bembridge was an ideal location (Cabrinha, NPX, Transcend); stayed on the Island for the week to host the event, with its shallow 2, Chris Burke (Liquid Force, leading up to the event. This sandy beach, it made a perfect NPX);3rd – Ben Todd (Liquid enabled them to get in plenty of setting for the park.

Force, Lime hair prods). Best practice.

“The event wouldn’t have been Wipeout: Ben Todd (Liquid Force, The good weather turned out to possible without the support and Lime hair prods). Best Rider Vibe: be a slight hindrance as it brought help from Headfirst, and the winch Dave Hastilow (Cabrinha, NPX, a distinct lack of wind. However, that Island surf provided, which Transcend).

By Jamie White

Islanders and tourists will be joining forces for the Walking Festival Celebratory Weekend, from today (October 24) to 27, a new event to mark ten years of organised walks here on our doorstep.

Walking has become a hugely popular pastime on the Island and this latest addition to the calendar will provide nearly 50 walks, offering something for all ages, interests and abilities.

Around 25,000 people took part in nearly 300 walks during the June Walking Festival. Now the celebration weekend has been organised as part of the IW Council’s effort to provide events for residents and visitors throughout the year rather than just in the main tourism season.

Included in the programme are family treasure hunts, a ghost walk, singing walk, tea party walk, rambles, a Jimi Hendrix walk, an Earl Mountbatten Hospice dog walk and an Isle of Pink friendship walk to raise cash for the Breast Cancer Campaign in Yarmouth tomorrow.

There will also be another speed

By Peter White dating walk, a concept that continues to be popular and that resulted in its third wedding when Surrey couple Lorraine and Colin Osborn tied the knot recently.

They first met on a speed dating walk during the 2007 festival.

The weekend event will also feature an inspiring talk by top British mountaineer Alan Hinkes who is one of only 12 men -and the only Briton - to have scaled the dozen highest peaks on Earth.

Alan will be at the Medina Theatre on Sunday with a talk that also includes breathtaking still and video photography of his exploits. Tickets at £12 (concessions £9.50) are available from Medina Theatre 527020 www.medinatheatre. co.uk.

Event organiser Elaine Cesar said: “We are looking forward to the Celebratory Walking Weekend and it will give walkers the opportunity to view the Island in its autumnal beauty.

“If it goes as well as we believe it will then we will look at making the walking weekend a permanent fixture in the events calendar.”

For details on the Celebratory Walking Weekend and the individual walks visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Photo by Mave Siddons

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thegazette gazette Friday FridayOCTOBER OCTOBER24102008 2008

the gazette

Age not a barrier to sport TWO Islanders are proving age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying their favourite sports.

Tennis player Ian Trainor and golfer John Cockerton have a combined age of 163!

Ian recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and is still a regular on the courts at Brighstone tennis club. Even more remarkable is the fact that he returned to playing again recently after undergoing a hip replacement.

Ian began playing tennis as a child and is still out on court up to three times a week. He has even been known to play twice in one day.

The sprightly octogenarian said: “Brighstone is a very open club and we have a lot of fun. It is not too serious. I started tennis very early, and have been playing on and off for about 70 years.

“You have to keep your joints moving all the time or else what do you do? I am not the sort to just hang

Sport for all Conference

AN opportunity for sports clubs’ members to pick one another’s brains for good ideas is being offered next month.

The second IW Community Sports Club Conference will be held in St George’s Football Club, Newport, on November 3.

The conference is for everyone involved in sport, including coaches, volunteers, club officials and organisers. It provides an opportunity for those involved in sport to share their experiences, gain updates on the latest changes to legislation, share good practice and make useful links within sporting community.

A number of subjects will be covered including funding for sports clubs, the Clubmark scheme, child protection, and the links between schools and sports clubs.

Cllr George Brown, IW Council cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: “It is an opportunity for people involved in every aspect of sport to get upto-date information on issues affecting them. Sports Clubs play a vital part in the Island’s community engaging people of all ages in sport.”

For more details contact the council’s sports unit on 823818 or e-mail sports.unit@iow.gov.uk.

By Peter White around and sit in a chair all day.

If you don’t have exercise, you seize up.”

John Clarke, a committee member at Brighstone, said: “He still knows what he is doing on court. If he gets to the ball he will make sure he makes you play it.

“I have known Ian to play twice on a Wednesday quite regularly. We play on a private court early in the morning and then go along to Brighstone for a bit of mid-morning exercise. We have about 100 members at the club but they are not all as active as Ian.” Meanwhile, Shanklin and Sandown golf club member John Cockerton is still out on the demanding course three times a week, at the age of 83.

And, remarkably, he still plays off a handicap of 16, which means he is one of a rare breed who can actually complete a round in a score lower than his age.

John first started playing golf in what used to be known as Southern Rhodesia and is now Zimbabwe, in 1954.

As a member at West Hertfordshire he managed to get his handicap down six.

He joined Shanklin and Sandown 20 years ago on 11 and revealed: “I nearly had to pack up altogether because I had the ‘yips’ when I was

putting.”

That’s a bit like a dart thrower not being able to let go of his dart.

Thankfully, John remedied the problem by using a long-handled putter and went from strength to strength. That is underlined by the fact that his name appears no fewer than 16 times on cup-winning plaques at the club.

So what’s the secret of his success?

John reckons: “It is important to keep yourself fit. On the days when I am not playing I go through a simple gym routine using weights. I have been doing it for the past 30 years and it seems to work. I also keep active in the garden and doing jobs around the house.”

Based in Ventnor, he and his wife have just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary and he wants to continue playing golf for as long as he can.

He added: “I have some very good friends at the golf club, and they have contributed to my well-being.”

Emma, 18, on course for title

TEENAGER Emma Powell is on her way to play at the prestigious Belfry course, after reaching the final stages of the Champion of Champions Cup competition.

Emma, who plays at Osborne golf club took up the game only five years ago but already has her handicap down to five.

The 18-year-old, who lives in Newport, will be one of just eight players battling for honours at the Belfry, the former venue for the Ryder Cup. The finals take place in April and Emma earned her place after a regional victory at Liphook Golf Club. She said: “I have never been to the Belfry so I don’t know

what to expect. It hasn’t really hit home yet that I have reached the finals but I am sure it will when all the details come through over the next few weeks.”

Roof over their heads THE newly refurbished stand at Seaview FC was opened

by Keith Allen (ex Seaview, Portsmouth, Grimsby, Stockport and Luton), in between two league games recently.

All the materials used were donated by Sydenhams, and Kevin Clarke, manager of Sydenhams Ryde branch, attended the event.

The first and reserves’ team and managers, and members of the club’s committee attended.

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Seaview FC is delighted with the new stand, a vast improvement on the old one, so now home, away and youth teams, as well as supporters have a dry place to sit to watch matches.

Chairman, Alan Poplett expressed thanks to Sydenhams for its support, stating: “Sydenhams support has been invaluable, we could not have completed this project without their generosity.

“We are delighted that we have somewhere safe and dry to support our teams this season.”