IW Gazette 47

gazette the isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS A MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PLANE CRASH DRAMA

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Smiles all around for fire family

The Gazette help to arrange replacement gifts for those lost in fire

Page 7

NEWS 118 star Colin at writing contest

A PILOT and his passenger are lucky to be alive after their singleengine plane crash landed and flipped over at Sandown Airport.

The 58-year-old pilot from Swindon was taken to St Mary’s hospital by ambulance on Saturday with a cut to his head after the crash on the runway at

Sandown airport. The pilot, who hails from Redland, near Swindon tried to send a message up to the tower after flipping over.

IW fire service station manager Darren Woods was one of the first on the scene.

He said when he arrived; the pilot was standing next to the Skyranger, which was badly damaged in the crash.

He said the pilot had been extremely lucky.

Mr. Woods said: “The first thing I said to the pilot when I saw him standing next to his plane – knowing how those small planes can break apart – was that he ought to do the lottery straight away.

“He said he planned to.”

Colin Carmichael presents prizes at new writing competition

Continued on page 3

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

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MR - WHAT A CON A

as public duty. He has to sit here and listen to all this.”

The Ministry of Justice have until January 12 to decide if they want to pursue Pennington for court costs.

Pennington attacked Jessie, his wife of 14 weeks, with an 18-inch blade before severing arteries in her neck, breaking her jaw and cutting off two of her fingers.

Teams of surgeons operated on her for more than 10 hours to save her life.

TO ALL our readers, advertisers and contributors I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the team at The Gazette to thank you for your continued support in 2009 and hope that you will have a safe, happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Before coming to the Island to cover the Vestas protest for the national newspapers, my knowledge of the Island was limited to the IW Festival and the Bestival.

But since joining the Gazette at the end of July, I have started to scratch beneath the surface and found warm communities within communities and it’s a quality I don’t believe exists on the mainland.

I want to thank the fantastic team that we have got at The Gazette, because without their help and support none of it would have been possible.

What an amazing year it has been. We can’t help but be proud of what you, our Graham Elderfield

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Who’s Jag?

Vestas’ Lindsay heads to Holland

readers have achieved. We have laughed with you, cried with you, stood with you and stood by you.

But most of all we are eternally grateful and humbled that you have Heated meeting partnered with us and embraced us as your truly local paper, and this year draws to a close we eagerly anticipate that the journey will continue with you through the festive season My first issue with the IW Gazette and the team and into 2010.

Our gift to you this The Gazette will not be year with us and we look Christmas is our promise to bring you all the news publishing over the New Year forward to sharing in your that matters most to you and our next issue will be out lives again in 2010. in an honest, balanced and on Friday, January 8.

Thank you for sharing this Jason Kay - Editor comprehensive way.

EX-VESTAS Blade worker Lindsay Sexton was jumping on a plane to Holland this week for interviews with a rival wind turbine manufacturer. Turn to page 12 for the full story.

WHO’S in hot water after Ryde Council meeting?

EVICTION DRAMA

By Jamie White

The sit-in protest at the Vestas factory in Newport came to a dramatic and daring end as worker Jaymie Rigby chose to leave the building by jumping 20ft from a balcony.

Jaymie, 23, decided to jump, as he and his colleagues faced being pushed out of a job, to signal the end of the 18-day protest, as our exclusive picture shows.

Bailiffs were told they could enter the building to remove the occupants, after Judge Graham White served a possession order for the Danish firm to reclaim their building.

See page 3 for more details

THANKS FOR SUPPORT campaign and we are grateful to everyone who organised events for us during the year.

The next Walk the Wight is on Sunday May 16 2010 and online registrations can be made from 1st January 2010.

We also wish to thank everyone at The Gazette for their support in 2009 and take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Graham Elderfield Chief Executive Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Isle of Wight Hospice

YOUR NEWS

THE FEATURES EDITOR

Address: Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH Tel: (01983) 402599 Fax: (01983) 404189 Email: newsdesk@iwgazette. co.uk

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Sales Manager: James Rolfe Tel: (01983) 402599 Email: sales@iwgazette.co.uk

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Write to: Jason Kay, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, IW, PO36 9PH. Tel: (01983) 402599.

Email: jason@iwgazette.co.uk

A meal for 2 at China China

THE ISLAND had several celebrity visitors during Cowes Week, but can you guess whose Jaguar this was? Turn to page 6 for exclusive pictures.

ON BEHALF of the patients, staff and volunteers of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, can I say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us during 2009.

Although we started the year having to take some difficult decisions, through the tremendous support we have received from the Island community, we are now emerging from the recession in a much stronger position as an independent Charity.

A record breaking Walk the Wight, raising over £400,000, started our summer fundraising

Jessie Pennington

the isle of wight

gazette WIN!

ta Ple ke as on e e

Friday 14 August 09

the isle of wight

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EE

Prisoner Pennington

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR FR

CONVICT Bernard Pennington, serving a life sentence for a machete attack on his wife, has cost the taxpayer £6,000 after trying to sue a jail worker for not calling him ‘Mr.’ Violent Pennington, 63, jailed in 1984 for nearly killing wife Jessie, claimed the term ‘prisoner’ was derogatory and a breach of his human rights after a letter referred to him as ‘prisoner Pennington.’

Pennington took legal action against David Luckett, voluntary chairman of the Independent Monitoring Board at Kingston Prison, but a judge threw the case out at Portsmouth County Court ruling the complaint had ‘no merit.’

David, 68, also a magistrate, was so upset by the complaint he initially quit his post after 13 years of volunteering before being persuaded by colleagues to return.

David said: “You give your time for free and then for something like this to happen I thought it was totally out of order.

“Now I feel totally vindicated. There is no way I would disrespect a prisoner and I never have done.

“It is a mischievous allegation and a waste of people’s time and money. He will not pay it, the taxpayer will.”

Former soldier Pennington did not attend the hearing, which he requested a compensation payment of £300 pounds, despite a bus being laid on to drive him from Parkhurst Prison, where he is now held.

District Judge Peter Jolly said: “This case is totally without merit. There are no reasonable grounds for Mr Pennington to bring this case.

“Had I not struck it out on that basis I would have struck it out on the grounds of non attendance or on abuse of process.

“Mr Luckett does not do this for money, he does this

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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‘IT HASN’T SCARED ME’ AN AMATEUR light aircraft pilot has spoken to The Gazette following the drama at Sandown Airport, after his plane landed and lipped on the grass runway.

Rescue services involving 80 firefighters, a specialist foam and salvage tender, police and ambulance personnel all rushed to the scene as the aircraft came to a standstill on its roof.

The pilot, former civil servant Leslie Hosegood, said that despite what happened it hasn’t put him off flying. The £30,000 Sky Ranger that Leslie was flying crashed landed with him at the controls and his best mate as a passenger.

It is thought that the front wheel of the plane dug into the grass runway and hit what’s thought to be a pothole, before being caught by a cross wind, causing it to flip over.

Leslie, 58, explained: “We took off from Redland airfield in Swindon for a planned to visit the Island.

“We had flown in to Bembridge Airport recently, but this time it was closed so we decided to fly in to Sandown Airport.

BY JASON KAY “I like to come over to the Island because it is a lovely place. We often come over and stop for a coffee and some lunch.”

Leslie explained the moment he came in to land.

“As I was approaching the runway I noticed there was a slight cross wind and as we landed the front wheel seemed to dig in to the grass.

“The rest happened in slow motion. I could feel the aircraft toppling over, but it seemed like forever. I wasn’t scared at all.

“After the plane had come to standstill on its roof we tried to call the control tower, but the man had seen what happened and ran down to get the airport fire truck and call the emergency services.

“I phoned my wife afterwards to tell her what had happened. I have a bit of bruising to my arm and a cut to my head. Luckily I have got no serious injuries just cuts and bruises.

“My friend felt pain in his neck so when the ambulance and fire turned up they put him in a neck brace and put him on a stretcher and took him to hospital,” said Leslie.

The accident hasn’t put Leslie or his friends off flying, and just the very next day Leslie’s co-pilot was back up in the air.

“I’m planning to fly again, but I haven’t had time yet.

My wife has been really good.

After we had crashed and I couldn’t get through to the tower, I phoned her up and asked if she could come down from Swindon and pick us up.

“I have flown into the airport many times before over the years and the runway at Sandown is normally very good,” said Leslie.

IW Fire Crew Manager Darren Wood, from Shanklin Fire Station, said: “We turned up at the scene and found an aircraft upside down on its wings on the runway.

“The pilot and passenger were both out of the plane when we arrived. We disconnected the battery and isolated the fuel that had stared to leak from the plane’s fuel tank.

“There was about 50 firefighters involved in the incident, along with police and ambulance crews. Fire crews attended from across the Island from Shanklin, Sandown, Newport and Cowes Fire Stations.

“The two people in the aircraft were taken away by ambulance with cuts and bruises and luckily no-one was seriously injured.”

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

INSPECTOR SAYS THANKS THE GAZETTE spoke to Newport’s Inspector Paul Savill about his message for Islanders this Christmas.

With the festivities looming were the various campaigns going well?

“I certainly hope so,” he replied. “I was out on Saturday with the road safety team and the people we spoke to were very much on the side of the message.

I suppose only time will tell. Our main thing is if it reduces accidents and less people are hurt.

“We’ve also had an awareness campaign aimed at young men. Hopefully people will challenge someone if they’re leaving the pub with a very drunk girl – it’s all that stuff about consent. That was a first one for us to try this year but again people like Pubwatch have been really behind it.

“That’s one of those things that work really well for us on the Island,” said Paul. It’s all those little partnership groups that will take a message for us and pass it on to all their customers.

“If you are out drinking make sure you know what you can take in safely. If you’re going out stop drink driving and make sure you’ve

sorted out your lift home before you’ve left home. Have a look at the bus timetables, book a taxi – all those sort of things.

And on the subject of consent Paul had this grave advice. “If you’ve had a cracking night out and you’re a bloke and you’ve got a girl on your arm make sure the consent is there because you don’t ant to end up in a cell a couple of days later answering questions about what you were doing on your work do.”

On underage drinking Paul thought that the police campaigns had made quite a difference. “I think that if you visit places like Church Litten or Ryde seafront there’s a lot less evidence to show that youngsters have been out there drinking a lot.

I think there’s been a definite change.

“And we’re far more successful now with things like Shopwatch and Offwatch, the campaigns they did in Ryde not to serve under 21 year olds. I think the adults are getting the idea that it’s not okay to buy alcohol for the nippers.

“The message from the Chief Medical Officer that no child under 15 should drink

alcohol helped. It’s nice to have something like that in black and white because before the whole area has been really grey.

On drugs Inspector Savill had this to say: “We had the warrants a couple of weeks ago that were to sort out the problems of class A drugs and we’re keeping the momentum of that going because that gave us more intelligence.

“But it will be interesting to see the impact that these legal highs are having. That’s one thing that accident and emergency have been talking about recently and that is why we’re quite concerned about it - just how easy it is to get hold of them. So that’s changed the way Christmas is looking this year. But obviously we don’t have a lot of power to deal with it.

Did he feel his hands were tied? “Yes but it’s like anything – if people want to start drinking bleach what would be my powers to stop them doing it? And that’s almost what they’re doing.

“Someone’s got a bunch of chemicals and managed to market them in such a way that they’re making a fortune out of it and it is frustrating. But there are

always harmful substances out there and it’s just how they’re marketed.

“I’m just hoping that the message will get out there.

I mean I would hate the Island have anyone die from it and I hope that we’ve got stuff that will sort it out long before the festivals in the summer.

But on a lighter note Inspector Savill wanted to thank Islanders. “Have a really safe Christmas and I’d like to thank all of the people who do help us,” he stressed. “All the people we work with, the Pubwatch, the Neighbourhood Watch, the Shopwatch people, the guys that help us with CCTV. You’d be amazed at the support we get.

“When you need it the Island will pull together and really help us. All the campaigns we’ve had; going right back to January when we had the reduce burglary campaign and the summer campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour – the figures speak for themselves.

“The incidents have dropped down in their hundreds and that really comes down to people taking on the message and helping themselves.”

Inspector Paul Savill

ELECTRIC DINOSAURS LEGAL HIGHS WARNING

DINOSAUR ISLE in Sandown will be closed on weekdays in the early part of January.

This is to allow for essential electrical maintenance work to be carried out. The museum will, however, be

open on weekends.

The attraction will be closed on New Year’s Day but will be open on January 2 and 3.

It will then be closed from January 4-8 and also 11-15, but will be open on both the

weekends in between. From January 18, the museum will be open as normal.

The IW Council apologies for any disruption caused by the January closures at the museum.

PEOPLE on the Isle of Wight are being warned not to risk their lives by using ‘legal high’ drugs during the Christmas and New Year party season.

One parent whose family has been affected by ‘legal high’ use said: “My son and his friends are using this because it is legal and they think it’s ok, but I can tell you that I’ve picked him off the floor more than once and I am so concerned that either he or someone close to him will end up dead.

“I have witnessed the devastating effects of significant weight loss, appetite suppression, personality change, inability to function normally and most alarming was the amount of muscle wastage. Youngsters convince themselves that it’s a bit of fun and a legal high but it is not, it is a legal lie.”

The Island’s professional agencies, which provide drug treatment and education, are

concerned by a recent rise in people reporting a range of ill health effects after taking substances known as ‘legal highs’.

Isle of Wight Service Manager for the independent charity ‘Cranstoun Drug Services’ Chris Mills said: “There are two main types of legal high, which can be chemical or herbal. The effects of taking them are unpredictable for each person.

Some people wrongly assume these drugs are harmless just because it’s lawful to buy them.

Government advice says the chemicals in legal highs have, in many cases, never before been used as drugs.

They have had no tests performed on them to show they are safe.

“Certain legal highs, such as GBL, have been implicated in some cases of death.

Government advice warns that people will increase their risk of death if they

combine other substances, drugs or alcohol with any substance that causes a ‘high’. Often people have no idea what they’re actually taking because the substance is not labelled correctly and there is no historical data available through research because these ‘legal highs’ are new.

“Our clear warning this Christmas is for people not to experiment by accepting offers of ‘legal high’ drugs at parties or on the internet.

Ask yourself whether you seriously know what ingredients make up the substance you’re thinking of taking? Your decision to experiment could have terrible consequences for your health, life and family.”

Chris Mills from Cranstoun added: “My advice to parents would be don’t hesitate in questioning or challenging your children if you think their behaviour seems out-of-character or erratic.”

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

NEWS

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WRITING ON THE WALL FOR RYDE OFFENDER

POLICE in Ryde are helping to keep the streets clean after they arrested and charged a persistent graffiti offender.

The arrest came after PC Martin Rogers of the Ryde Town Safer Neighbourhoods team investigated numerous reports of graffiti in the area during October and November.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty at the IW Youth Court.

The teenager was made the subject of a youth offending referral order for nine months, a six-month parenting order and told to pay £625 compensation to IW Council and £50 court costs.

During October, police started to receive reports from IW Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO) Katharine Arblaster about a recurring graffiti tag appearing on public places in and around Ryde.

The tag was found in at least 14 locations including the

Royal York Hotel in George Street, a disused garage in East Street, a pedestrian shelter at the Canoe Lake, and public seating in Puckpool Park.

PC Martin Rogers said: “It was clear these acts of criminal damage were linked to the same person. The offender had even started to write ‘catch me if you can’ in some places. Photographs of the graffiti tags were analysed with support from staff from IW Council’s Community Safety Services, which runs an online graffiti gallery.

“We acted swiftly to solve this crime series as such vandalism is sometimes the first stage of an offender committing more serious offences. The sight of graffiti can also raise the fear of crime among residents and

visitors.

“The reality is there have been more than 100 fewer crimes in Ryde town centre compared to last year, but it is just as important for people

to feel safe and confident about where they live.”

IW Council’s Community Safety Services Operations Manager Simon Dennis said: “We have a contractor that

will remove obscene graffiti within 24 hours. The council also records the tags left by the perpetrators with the police to look for and target repeat offenders.

“We will always take action against the perpetrators because it costs us, the taxpayers, tens of thousands of pounds a year to clean up this graffiti.”

THE ISLE of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), led by the police, IW Council and the IW NHS Primary Care Trust, are making a New Year’s resolution to further reduce the number of victims affected by anti-social behaviour on the Island.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Operational Command Unit (OCU) has had a dedicated summer policing plan for several years

to prevent and tackle the types of crimes anticipated during the Island’s busiest time of year. This approach is reinforced this year in support of the force’s campaign across Hampshire to tackle anti-social behaviour.

IW District Chief Inspector Mark Bell said: “Police have used a mix of enforcement and education to reassure the public and cut crime. We are co-operating closer than ever with the community

and partner agencies to catch criminals, and tackle the causes as well as the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

“Reinforcing the support of the community is essential so we will always encourage people to continue reporting issues that are affecting their neighbourhoods. We need to respond not only to crime, but the public’s perceptions of crime, to ensure residents and visitors feel safe and

confident in us acting on their feedback.”

Chief Inspector Mark Bell added: “It is a priority for police to work with children and teenagers so they are a vital part of the community’s efforts to keep crime down.”

The CDRP has also developed work to identify and remove graffiti across the Island, including a graffiti hotline. IW Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers (ENOs) patrol for

graffiti with Safer Neighbourhoods police officers.

They keep records of where graffiti tags are found, images are published online to help trace repeat culprits, and Council contractors visit areas affected by graffiti to remove the tags with specialist cleaning equipment.

IW Council’s Community Safety Operations Manager Simon Dennis said: “Not only is graffiti unsightly, it also attracts other forms of

vandalism and anti-social behaviour because, if left, its appearance gives the impression an area is not respected or looked after.

“We need to identify the people defacing our communities in order to prevent it happening. Graffiti should be removed at the earliest opportunity as it impacts on the quality of life for residents. I would encourage people to report it using the graffiti hotline 823515.”

Katharine Arblaster and PC Martin Rogers

BY JASON KAY

AIMING TO CUT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

RYDE INSHORE RESCUE RECORD RYDE Inshore Rescue have broken their all time record for the number of call outs received in a single year.

Solent Coastguard paged the crew of Ryde Rescue, who were trying to raise funds in the town, to investigate reports of a 19-foot day boat poorly

moored near Quarr beach.

Ryde Rescue 1 was launched to investigate and found the vessel on a loose mooring. At the request of Solent Coastguard, the vessel which had no persons on board and very few identification markings, was towed into Ryde Harbour where

it was handed over to a Coastguard unit.

Andy Parnell, from Ryde Rescue, said: “This was our 82nd call out of the year, which is an all time record for the club. We are available to the Coastguard 365 days a year to assist people in difficulty, and regardless of what other

activities the club are involved in, a crew is always nearby.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers of the club for their commitment throughout 2009, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a safe new year.”

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TAKE CARE - PLEA

RESIDENTS on the Island are being asked to only venture out in the current freezing weather if they really need to. Older people in particular are asked to take special care, as a slip, trip or fall can be very significant for them.

Chris Smith, Head of the Island’s Ambulance Service, said: “Roads, pavements, driveways and garden paths are treacherous.

The mixture of rain and slush and freezing weather has created a lot of ice.

“Our ambulance’s are responding to a significant number of calls and due to the weather conditions it is taking them slightly longer to get there as extra care has to be taken.

“Islanders, especially our older residents and visitors, can assist by only venturing out if they absolutely have to. If you do have to go out then please wrap up warm, allow plenty of time, wear footwear which provides a good grip and take lots of care.”

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

VENTNOR HAS A SPECIAL GUEST!

THE REAL Father Christmas paid a visit to Ventnor Lions’ Christmas Fair last weekend.

“The kiddies really believed that he was the real one,” said organiser Val Lockwood.

“It was the best fair we’ve had yet. The Lions would like to thank the people of Ventnor for their continued support – they have a real dedication to helping everybody.

“We had about 46 stalls, all selling different things. Some were crafts such as making home make buttons, and other stalls were raising funds for charities such as Great Ormond Street and orphanages in China. There was a good mix of people.”

Other stalls included Shore Solutions who sell indoor and outdoor plants, specialising in lemons and limes, and farm animal ornaments for the garden.

“The children’s choir singing was cancelled, but one of our THERE are two charity Boxing Day swims Lions members stepped in and arranged this year. In the morning at 10am played the accordian,” explained the staff and friends of Appley Manor hotel will take to the water at The Fort in Seaview.

All funds raised will be donated the hospice.

Then at 12 noon in Ventnor the annual fancy dress charity swim will be held on the seafront. All monies collected in sponsorship and at the event is for Ventnor’s local charity PATCH (People’s Approach to Cancer Help).

Val. The Lions also brought a Christmas tree and as people entered and paid their £1 fee they had a raffle ticket to win the tree.

“It was a superb turnout and over £600 was raised, which all goes into a charity fund and is donated to causes next year,” said the Lions PR officer Phill Holland. “We respond to verbal or written requests for help throughout the year. That’s what Lions is all about.”

CHARITY SWIMS ON BOXING DAY

Father Christmas with Charlie Weldon David Yates

JOYCE GUILTY

PATRICK JOYCE, the former deputy leader of IW Council will know in the New Year if he will be subject to sanctions after he was found to have breached the code of conduct.

Cllr Joyce, who represents Brading, St Helens and Bembridge as an independent, failed to follow the code, according to the Adjudication Panel for England. The charge was in relation to how a planning application from fellow councillor, Anne Bishop, was dealt with in July 2007.

Cllr Joyce is the second councillor found to be in breach. Councillor Vanessa Churchman has already found to have breached the code. His fate will be decided in January, as will decisions on the conduct of Councillors Bishop and former Council Leader, Andy Sutton.

Les Brown

Teresa Knoble and Linda Byrne

Kizzle Baker and Ann Caldwell

Jane Goodlet

Marion Dawes and Val Lockwood

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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CHRISTMAS SAVED FOR FIRE FAMILY

A YOUNG family who had their home engulfed by fire, destroying all their Christmas presents have received boost from kind-hearted businesses across the Island.

Jon Nicholson and Kiri Bass were forced to move out of their Newport home after a fire started in a downstairs store room and destroyed presents that had been bought for their two daughters Alisha and Katie-Ella.

After the story appeared in The Gazette on December 11, we received

BY JAMIE WHITE calls from businesses that offered to donate gifts to replace the presents. Sainsbury’s in Newport and Toymaster in Shanklin both stepped forward to bring some Christmas cheer to the family.

Priory School donated a wonderful dolls house they had been given as a prize for the school from Tracy’s Tiny Homes in Sandown.

And after a couple of phone calls from The Gazette, there was a full of box of gifts ready to be delivered, with assistance from the firefighters who extinguished the blaze.

Kiri’s mother, Maxine Bass, said: “I just want to say a big thank-you to all the businesses that so kindly donated the presents for the children.

“I also want to the thank the fire service for the brilliant job that they did. It just shows the importance of having a local fire service, because if

it wasn’t for them arriving at the house so quickly, then the house could have been lost.”

“I had Kiri and Jon living with us for three years and they moved out and are now back here straight away, I couldn’t’ believe it,” joked Maxine.

Jon added: “It is a really nice gesture to do this for us and I just want to say a big thanks to the businesses and the fire service. It is going to be sometime before we can move back in to our home.”

NEWS

gazette the isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

SMOKE ALARM SAVES HOME

Please take one

FREE! Friday December 11, 2009 Issue 45

NEWS Park ‘n’ Stride

Alisha Nicholson, Kiri Bass, Jon Nicholson and Katie-Ella Nicholson

Godshill middle school win green award

Page 15

NEWS Santa’s on Strike

Right: The Gazette front page on December 11

THE HEROICS of a quick-thinking Newport man helped save a home belonging to his close friends that became engulfed in fire.

Unfortunatly Santa Claus thinks children no longer deserve a visit from him each year

Continued on page 3

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

Nikki Lambourne from Toymaster

Jon Nicholson with Katie-Ella, Newport firefighters Simon Rann and Richard White, and Maxine Bass with Alisha

7

Bianca Connor, Tanya Blake and Sainsbury’s manager Connie Deacon (front)

Page 23

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MAKE A MANHUNT DATE

NHS URGING: KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

THE ISLAND’S NHS is urging Islanders to be aware of the risks faced during the period of cold weather over Christmas.

Cold weather is now well established across the country with conditions expected to become even colder as we head in to the New Year.

Andy Hollebon, Head of Communications for the Island’s NHS said: “People need to take extra care during cold weather, particularly older people, families with young children and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Cold weather is serious and claims lives every year. It can make heart and respiratory problems worse and for those people who are unable to afford to heat their homes adequately it can lead to serious health complications.”

People can take the following practical steps to minimise the risks to themselves during periods of cold weather: • Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter • Wear several light layers of warm clothes • Keep as active as possible • Remember to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron, said: “Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or those with serious illnesses.

“The Government’s ‘Keep

Warm Keep Well’ campaign gives important advice to older people on how to stay fit and healthy through the winter. ‘Keep warm keep well’ leaflets are available in local GP’s surgeries, pharmacies or council offices.”

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said: “Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature - between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees fahrenheit. If they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”

Anyone feeling unwell is encouraged to choose well this winter and NHS Isle of Wight are helping people to choose the right NHS service if they need expert health advice or treatment.

Andy Hollebon added: “The Choose Well campaign aims to help everyone get the right care and treatment in the right place, ensuring that emergency services are available for those who really need them. The colour coded thermometer should help you choose the service which is most appropriate for you.

“Choosing the right service will help reduce the pressure on emergency services and ensure everyone receives appropriate and timely care.”

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

THE 2010 Galaxy FM Manhunt Calendar has officially been unveiled on the Island.

Lauren Ellingham, left, from Galaxy FM and Heart FM, visited the Island this week to drop off copies of the free calendar, which

LOOK, EVEN FATHER CHRISTMAS READS THE IW GAZETTE!

is made up of 12 men who were voted as the south’s favourite pin-ups by listeners of Galaxy.

You can pick up your free calendar at Generation, Yellow Brick Road, Barnet’s Hairdressers and Visual Impact.

TIPS GIFT

THE REX Bar and Restaurant in Ventnor has donated £850 to St Catherine’s School after staff saved up their tips throughout the year.

A cheque was presented during the school’s end-of-term assembly, where students were rewarded for their sporting, personal development and learning achievements.

The donation will support St Catherine’s vocational training programme, ‘The Worx’.

The programme works with young people from St Catherine’s, from special needs units within mainstream schools on the Island and from other voluntary organisations and provides a range of vocational training modules that look to bridge the gap between school and college, further training or employment.

Kim Fry, Community Fundraiser, explained: “It is fantastic of Jo and Abdul at the Rex to support our children and young people in this way. The Rex is a great favourite with our staff and families. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity.”

PETER AWAITS GAZA GO-AHEAD

PETER VENNER from Ryde will be spending Christmas on the border between Egypt and Gaza, hoping that the Egyptian border police will permit him to deliver bedding and over 100 boxes of medical and school supplies donated by Islanders to the ravaged population of Gaza.

Gaza is about the same size as the Isle of Wight, but with 10 times the density of population. On December 27 last year Israel broke a ceasefire and launched a full-scale attack, using illegal weapons supplied by the USA. Since that time the Israelis have prevented anything other than limited medical supplies and foods from entering Gaza.

Toilet paper, toys, tomato paste, clothes, bedding, seeds, stationery, books

By Rachel Bridgeland

and building materials are all banned. In response to a request from the Director of Supplies in Gaza, the group organizing the vehicle from the IW was given a generous donation of $1,000 dollars to buy a list of desperately needed medicines. However, they have since been informed that only less valuable, non-prescription medicines are likely to be allowed across the border.

Peter has joined a larger convoy of over 100 vehicles, travelling from Britain, Ireland, Turkey and European and Arab countries. Enthusiasm from the IW spilled over to the mainland and sufficient supplies were collected to fill a second vehicle, which Zuber Hatia from Portsmouth is

driving.

Since entering Greece, the drivers have been given official welcomes and feasts that compensate for having to sleep across the front seats of the vans in sub-zero temperatures.

The convoy drivers have not enjoyed this level of support in Europe. The EU is a signatory to the Rafah BAMS agreement, which agrees that Israel has the right to decide who or what goes in or out of Gaza. Although there are plenty of self-avowed Zionists in the Labour Party, including Gordon Brown himself, 80% of Conservative MPs are signed up ‘Friends of Israel’.

Peter Venner explains: “Recently, to assuage the Jewish lobby, an arch-Zionist who approves Israel’s right to seize land

from the Palestinians has been appointed as our Ambassador in the area. No government dares to stand up to the Israelis. This is why it is important to take the convoy. Although the aid is desperately needed, the most important thing is to be

seen not to be discouraged by Israeli bullying tactics.

“Land and sea convoys have been heading for Gaza since Israel first imposed a siege years ago. Some get through and some don’t. The crew of the last ‘Free Gaza’ boat ended up in an Israeli

prison.

“The important thing is to show that at a grass roots level people support the Palestinians and will never be discouraged from trying to help them.” You can follow Zuber’s blog on www. followthevan.org.

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

www.iwgazette.co.uk

NEWS

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FIRE CHIEF NOT COOKING THE GAZETTE spoke to the IW Chief Fire Officer, Paul Street, and asked him to tell us how his year has been and how he is spending Christmas and what is planned for 2010 Here’s what he said: “I’m on duty for some periods, but I have planned for a quiet Christmas. Christmas day morning is going to be spent at home. I’ll then be seeing some close family on the island, but other members of my family live on the mainland so I won’t get to see them until after Christmas.

“As a personal message I would ask people not to drink and drive and remain safe out on the road. I’m not going to be cooking this year I have managed to escape that one. I’m sure that I will get the normal load of socks

Chief Fire Officer Paul Street

& woolies scarf as presents.

I’m also hoping for some book tokens.

“I would also say to people to be careful when they are cooking with hot fat in the kitchen over Christmas especially when they have other family members over to stay and who might be in the kitchen at busy times!

My firefighters are on duty as normal and if you need to call us we will be answering emergency calls as normal.

“Operationally it has been a very quiet year for us, which is a good measure on how well the fire prevention programme has and is working on the island. Fire statistics are down this year, which is good, but we want to keep it that way. Road traffic accidents on the Island are

still a concern to me at the moment but I intend to continue to work closely with other partnerships by focus using on this in the forthcoming year ahead.

“I am pleased to say that the modernising program for your Fire and Rescue Service is on track. Fire crews are getting the right equipment to do their job safer and provide a better and more efficient service to the community.

I would like to thank the Council Members and Officers for their continued support to our plans for restructure and also to all my personnel for their support during the last year.

“Finally to the community to have a safe enjoyable Christmas and a happy new year.”

NICE OF YOU TO DROP IN LOVE

A NEWPORT couple received an unwanted Christmas present as a car crashed through their garden wall, before stopping just yards from their home.

A Peugeot 307 Estate was being driven by an 84-yearold woman along Staplers Road, Newport on Tuesday (December 22) when it is thought she had a medical episode at the wheel causing the car to leave the road, before ending up in the front garden of Mr and Mrs Przysacki.

Mr Przysacki explained: “I was in the kitchen and didn’t

By Jamie White

see it or hear the crash. The first I knew about it was when I saw lots of cars outside and realized there was a car in the garden.”

Mrs Przysacki added: “I was out shopping when my husband called me and told me what had happened. We have lived here for 25 years and we’ve seen a couple of motorbike accidents, but nothing really like this. I’m just so pleased it didn’t happen when the children were walking home from school because it could have

been a lot worse.

“I am surprised we don’t get it more often, because we often hear the sound of brakes screeching. If we didn’t have a wall and a few bushes at the front of the house then the car could have crashed in to our house.”

A Police spokesperson said: “It is thought that the 84-year-old female driver suffered a medical turn whilst driving a car and crashed in to a garden wall. The driver was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in an ambulance.”

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NEWS

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

HISTORIC CARS BRING COLOUR TO NEWPORT AN AMAZING £1,400 was raised by the Vectis Historic Vehicle Club at their annual meeting in St Thomas’s Square.

Members of the club dressed in festive fancy dress costumes and there were 22 cars on show ranging from a 1924 4-½ litre Bentley to a 1980s Audi.

The chairman Peter Hodgson was a Father Christmas and he brought his 1968 Triumph TR5.

Joan Warner (79) dressed as an elf and her friend Pam Gallard (80) dressed as a Christmas cracker

and they brought a 1969 Wolseley Hornet to show them to the crowds.

“The club has principally 50s, 60s and 70s vehicles and 143 members Island-wide,” said Mr. Hodgson. “It was jolly cold, but we managed to stay from just after 9am till 3pm.”

Charles Turner brought his Austin A35 van conversion, which he uses everyday for his work as a gardener. “My customers like it and it suits me as a gardener – my previous A35 was very well known

Members of the Vectis Historic Vehicle Club

around Freshwater and my elves, reindeer, snowmen customers are just getting and a Christmas pudding used to this one,” said with red legs.

“Many of the costumes are made by members Paddi and Jack Eales who are from a theatrical background,” said Peter Hodgson.

“They usually make a new one every year and Charles who has had this they’re very good.”

“It was bitterly cold but model for 6 months. Other cars on show included a at least it wasn’t raining,” 1958 MGA, a Ford Zephyr said Mr. Turner who is and a 1958 Austin Healey. also a member of the Fancy dress costumes Southampton and New included a Christmas tree, Forest A35 owners club a robin, a penguin, Father and travels to the mainland and Mother Christmases, for meetings too.

“It was jolly cold, but we managed to stay from just after 9am till 3pm.”

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

Harvey Jacobs-Balmont

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NEWS

Joan Warner

Janna White with Santa

Charles Turner

Ken Young and Peter Hodgeson

Bill and Vicki Rasmussen

Tony Barton and Annie Ruecroft

www.iwgazette.co.uk

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NEWS

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

Hospice News SOCIAL CARE SHAKE-UP Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 Hospice says thanks for great year of support THE EARL Mountbatten Hospice would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that has supported the Island’s Hospice this year. Special thanks to The Gazette and its readers again this year who in total, since its launch, have donated a staggering £32,396.

We would like to thank everyone involved in Walk the Wight, including Southern Vectis, Moreys, Millets, Round Table, Island Rotary, Isle of Wight County Press, The Needles Park, HSS, Red Funnel, Isle of Wight Radio and Isle of Wight Council. To everyone who walked…thank you so much. To everyone who sponsored a walker…you’re fantastic. This year’s total of over £387,000 is amazing.

The Island’s Hospice is reliant on its volunteers and we’d like to say a hearty thank you to them all. To everyone that has held an event or attended an event – thank you. To all those that helped to organise or take part in Tea at Three, Newfound Friend Rescue, It’s a Knockout, Hospice Go Yellow Day, The Horse and Dog Show, Barton Manor Open Days, Harbour Light up a Life and Lights of Love, thank you so much. Thanks also to everyone who took part in the Great South Run and the London Marathon. To all those that took part in a parachute jump for us, thank you. There are, in fact, so many events we cannot list them all. Whatever you have done to raise money for the Island’s Hospice we are very grateful for every penny you have raised…THANK YOU.

is a chance to start off the New Year with a music quiz at The Sands in Culver Parade in Sandown. It starts at 7.30 and costs £10 a team to enter.

There will be prizes for the winners and a raffle on the night. All funds go to the Hospice.

Pumphouse Gang to play in memory of Sue THE PUMPHOUSE Gang with The Mechanixs will be appearing live at Ryde Castle on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 7.30pm. The Concert is in Remembrance of Sue Oxford and will raise money for the Island’s Hospice.

This is a ticket only event and tickets are priced at £10. They are available from Strings in Monkton St Ryde, The Simeon Arms in Ryde and the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Charity Shops in Newport

Fundraising and Hospice shop opening hours over Christmas and New Year THE FUNDRAISING office at the Hospice will operate the following opening hours over the holiday season Christmas Eve: Close at Lunchtime.

Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Sunday December 27, Monday December 28: Closed.

Tuesday December 29, Wednesday December 30, Thursday December 31: Open 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Friday January 1, Saturday January 2, Sunday January 3: Closed.

Monday January 4: Open During the holiday season donations can be made any day at the reception desk in the Hospice. Opening hours for the Hospice Shops will be as follows: Thursday Christmas Eve: 9.30am - 2.30pm, all shops.

Monday December 28 (Newport Furniture Shop Only): 11am - 3pm.

From everyone at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice may we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

First quiz of the year for the Hospice ON FRIDAY January 8 there

Tuesday December 29: 11am - 3pm, all shops.

Wednesday December 30: 11am - 3pm, all shops.

Thursday December 31: 9.30 - 4.30pm, all shops.

New Years Day: Closed.

Saturday January 2: 9.30am - 4.30pm.

SOCIAL care on the Island is set for a radical shake-up in the New Year, writes Peter White.

The IW Council is acting on the Government plans published in November 2007, on “Putting People First” in which it laid out its vision for transforming social care in England.

The IW Council claim the aim of the transforming social care agenda is to give people more choice and control over how they live their lives which means they have greater independence and helps them to feel less isolated.

“Under the new way of working, social care will be very different. Currently, the social worker or care manager arranges the necessary care services for an individual. However, under the new way of working the individual will

be given money (a Personal Budget) instead of services to meet their needs and outcomes,” the Council explains on a special section set up on its website.

It continues: “On the Island, the transformation of social care is a strategic priority for the IW Council and we are working with a range of people, including service users and carers, organisations, staff groups and providers to create a shared vision and to look at how this will be delivered on the Island. Our focus is on what the Island wants and needs.

“To help ensure these changes happen and work well, there is a project team and working groups which carry out the tasks that need to happen. This work is overseen by the Transforming Social Care Board which is made up

of people from different departments in the Council and health, as well as providers and voluntary organisations.”

The website includes further information about what transforming social care is, information on self directed support, support plans and personal budgets. In addition, it also contains details of news and forthcoming events which people can get involved in.

A useful jargon buster explains a lot of the terminology commonly referred to within social care and a links page provides contact details for many organisations involved in personal budgets and self-directed support.

For care providers there is a dedicated providers’ page including details of

training, newsletters and provider events. A staff page gives access to useful documents in a secure password protected area of the site.

Cllr Dawn Cousins, IW Council cabinet member for children, social care, health and housing said: “We hope this new section of our website will provide a valuable resource for people accessing care services on the Island. We have designed the site to be easily accessible to as many people as possible, ensuring subjects are clearly explained.”

It can be accessed by clicking on ‘Services for Adults’ on iwight.com’s home page and then selecting ‘Your Care’ or by following the link: www. iwight.com/living_here/ health-and-wellbeing/ Your_Care/

FAMILY AFFAIR CHALE TO FOR GIDDINGS GO GREEN

JOHN GIDDINGS, IW Festival organizer: “I always find it hard trying to get everything done before Christmas, so I shall be spending Christmas Day at my home in Barnes, London with my family and relations.

“I’m sure even that will not be too peaceful so I’m looking forward to putting my feet up for a few days, before bringing friends down to the Island to see in the New Year in Ryde.”

PUGH CORNET IN CON CLUB

IW COUNCIL leader David Pugh: “This year I will be spending Christmas in Shanklin with my parents and my brother. On Christmas Eve I will be playing my cornet in Shanklin Conservative Club, before enjoying a few drinks down the Old Village in the evening.

“On Christmas Day we’ll be off to church before returning home to open all our presents.

I’m looking forward to turning my blackberry off for a few days!”

THERE was plenty of festive cheer around Chale Green after it was announced the village is to be given a £500,000 hand-out to help lower their carbon emissions.

Chale Green has been named as one of just 10 areas nationwide to receive a slice of the money, part of the Government’s £10 MILLION eco-fund for their Low Carbon Communities Challenge Fund.

The project is being supported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, based on the Island, and the funds will go towards several projects aimed at improving the environment.

It is planned to install renewable green technology at South Wight Housing homes on the Spanners Close estate and the introduction of community solar power.

The residents of Chale Green will find themselves firmly in the spotlight as the project unfolds. They will play their part, in return for technical and financial aid, by helping discover low carbon solutions that could ultimately benefit areas nationwide.

Round the world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur said: “This project is already bringing the community together and has sparked off so much support and enthusiasm from local groups and organisations.

“The exciting part for me is that if this works then there is no reason why this cannot happen in other communities in the UK. “We will be sharing our experiences - both good and bad - and we hope that this project acts as a beacon for other communities around the UK, and beyond.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said: “The UK has the most ambitious emissions reduction commitments in the world and communities like Chale Green will help to develop the policies we need in the future to make the successful transition to a low-carbon economy.”

www.iwgazette.co.uk

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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NEWS

RED FUNNEL ‘RISK’ RED FUNNEL have been accused of possibly putting lives at risk after ‘multi-tasking’ was introduced to many of their staff operating the high-speed service between Cowes and Southampton, writes Peter White.

Following a raft of redundancies, existing Red Funnel staff have been told they must carry out a variety of duties. It means people working in the ticket office may even be required to tie up the vessels to their moorings when they arrive in Cowes.

One staff member said: “Trying to tie up the Red Jet is an accident waiting to happen. It is putting passengers’ lives at risk and staff lives at risk. We should not be prepared to put up with it any longer. Whoever decided to bring this in must be mad. We shouldn’t tolerate it.”

Another said: “It’s not good. The new system has slowed things down, and the vessels are rarely running to time these days. It’s crazy.”

However one staff member claimed: “Actually it’s quite good

fun. I am enjoying doing various jobs.”

The ‘multi-tasking’ appears to be affecting cabin crew most of all, as I discovered when I travelled to the mainland, using Red Jet 5 on the outward journey and Red Jet 3 on the return trip.

When the crafts arrived at Cowes the attendant, who had been serving drinks to passengers during the trip, had to make their way from the seating area and outside to the front of the vessel.

They then had to ensure the ‘roping up’ of the craft was completed, before they returned to open the exit door. But the extra work did not end there. The attendant then used a long metal pole with a plastic hook on the end to pull the gangway towards the Red Jet. Once disembarking an embarking had been completed the attendant had to push the gangway away from the craft with the pole, shut the door, and then rush to the front to untie it before the journey could begin. Then came the ‘welcome aboard’ announcement before the Keiron Cooney

drinks-serving began.

The extra duties have resulted in Red Jets often running up to 10 minutes late, putting passengers looking for connecting rail or road links under added pressure.

Red Funnel have confirmed staff do have to ‘rope up on occasion’ when the ferry arrives at the terminals. Alexa Dugmore, marketing executive for Red Funnel said: “The cabin attendants have all received training to carry out the new mooring procedure.

“As with any new procedure it will take some time for all concerned to

become experienced hence it takes longer to carry out in the early stages.

Red Funnel have only introduced this new mooring technique on quieter off-peak sailings minimising any risk of disruption.

Redundancies have also led to the evening closure of the Cowes ticket office. Alexa said: “The changes that we have made to ticket office opening hours are not aimed at reducing the level of customer service. Our business is highly seasonal and we have to take this into account in order to operate as efficiently as possible.

“Unfortunately this means that we have had to take the decision to reduce staffing the terminal when we often carry just a handful of passengers on winter evenings.

To mitigate the effect of this on our customers we have introduced ticket machines which will be able to take cash as well as cards from late January.

“Until this time customers are able to make cash purchases onboard.

We have also installed screens showing live vessel information in the queuing area to keep travellers up to date.”

BLOWING HOT AND COLD

THE WIGHT Hot Pipes valiantly played on in St Thomas’s Square last Saturday even though the temperatures were stone cold freezing.

“It was cold – too cold for our fingers,” said bagpiper Kieron Cooney or Dr. Cooney as he is known to patients of the St. Helen’s Medical Centre where he is a G.P. Dr. Cooney played Jingle Bells and Good King Wenceslas on the bagpipes and was joined by Charlotte Barton Hoare’s vocals, Julien Cooke on keyboards and Jamie Griffin on electric guitar.

the Hospice.

The next gig for Dr. Cooney is not

BY JO surprisingly New Year’s Eve, where a number of short appearances will culminate in a gig MACAULAY at the Broadway Park Hotel for midnight.

They are currently in search of a The Wight Hot Pipes will be looking drummer to complete their band. forward to a busy New Year and are available Playing on and off between for weddings, parties and celebrations. warming their fingers and legs, the four ‘pipes’ played a selection of Christmas tunes in Wight Hot style along with numbers from their CD ‘Road Ahead’. Copies of the CD were on sale at the event and are available from Hospice shops and Dr. Cooney’s practice and all proceeds go to

Charlotte Barton-Hoare, Keiron Cooney, Julien Cooke and Jamie Griffin

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FEATURE

Marina Evans, first place winner for over 12s

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

Andrew Turner with members of the Wight Fair Writers Circle competition winners

SOME WRITE GOOD PRIZES

ISLAND MP Andrew Turner and the star of the 118 adverts, Colin Carmichael, were at Books2Love to present the prizes for the Wight Fair Writer’s Circle’s first writing competition.

Andrew Turner gave out the prizes in the over 12s category in which first prize was won by Marina Evans with her story ‘Frosty the Snowman: The Truth. Colin Carmichael presented those to the under 12s and first prize was won

by Tyler Attrill (11) who wrote the story ‘A Christmas Journey’.

BY JO MACAULAY “It’s about a girl who started not to believe in Santa and at Christmas Eve Santa takes her to the North Pole to have the experience of being an elf,” explained Tyler who wrote the story when she was off sick from school.

“I spent two or three hours a day for two days on it and there were five or six paintings too –

one for each chapter,” said Tyler.

“Our school Sandham Middle told us about the competition. Colin Carmichael said, ‘Well done’ and ‘Congratulations’, and I won £30 to spend and a book signed by an author about horses. I will be writing more stories in the future.”

“All her family are really proud of her,” said Tyler’s mum Lisa. “She was just so pleased and I think she was shocked that she won it. It was a really great evening. Tyler just loves writing and art. She didn’t have to do the pictures. She’s quite talented

and it comes so easily to her.”

Chair of the writer’s circle and organiser of the competition, Carol Bridgestock, was very pleased with the response and is hoping to run more competitions in the future.

“Thank you for all the prizes that were donated. One prize was a family ticket to see a Southampton play and the winner was absolutely over the moon,” said Carol who is also a published author.

The writer’s groups also organised an informal competition within the group, as they were unable to complete in the bigger contest, and the winner of this was Louise Kimber.

The Wight Fair Writer’s Circle was formed by a group of writers who had previously taken courses with Felicity Fair Thompson in Lake. Colin Carmichael had worked as a narrator on an historical DVD she had made.

Margaret Norris who runs the

Community Interest Company Books2Love is also a member of the Wight Fair Writer’s Circle, who organised the competition and money raised was divided between the Love Russia charity and the IW Hospice.

Love Russia is a registered charity that has 45 Russian orphanages and supports The Generation Project, for teenagers and young offenders in Russia. “Once you’re 16 you’re tipped out of orphanages and onto the street,” said Margaret Norris.

“Youngsters from the project make the things that are sold in the shop. We also sell second hand books and goods from Island artists such as hand crafted cards, pictures and bookmarks.

“We are also training some disadvantaged young men with varying degrees of special needs to give them work experience,” she added.

Colin Carmichael with Margaret Norris of Books2Love

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

Colin Carmichael with first place winner Tyler Attril

Colin Carmichael with second place winner Louise Elliott

Colin Carmichael with third place winner Scott Purdue

CALL THE GAZETTE WITH YOUR NEWS ON 402599

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JOB SEARCH

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description

Wages Duration

Jobcentre Plus Reference Number.

How to Apply:

Store person/ Driver

Newport

Applicants must be 25 for insurance purposes, have a full driving licence. Must have some knowledge of automotive re finish products/paints. Applicants will be ideally IT literate and some heavy lifting will be involved.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage 20 plus per week, also to cover sickness & holidays

Permanent after a trial period

NIW/9759- Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Cleaner

Newport

Previous experience preferred but not essential. Duties to include all aspects of cleaning. Travelling expenses negotiable.

Immediate start.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage 15 hours per week Monday to Friday between 9am & 4.30pm

This is a temporary position duration is unknown

NIW/9780- Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

Cleaner

Yarmouth

Previous experience preferred but not essential. Duties to include all aspects of cleaning. Travelling expenses negotiable.

Immediate start.

Exceeds National Minimum Wage 14 hours per week, Monday to Sunday (2 hours a day) between 5am & 8am

This is a temporary position duration is unknown

NIW/9781-Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov. uk or call 01983 276803 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

10 TOP TIPS FOR A 2010 SUCCESSFUL JOBSEARCH

AT JOBCENTRE PLUS, we know that times are tough and that unemployment remains a serious problem for many families. This is why we won’t stop giving the help, support and advice people need to get back into work. Kerrie Honey, Employer Engagement Manager at the Island’s Jobcentre Plus, has put together 10 top tips for jobsearching in the New Year.

1. Keep positive – there are jobs out there and employers are recruiting.

Jobcentre Plus has Europe’s largest database of jobs and 10,000 new vacancies are advertised every day. Find out more by going to our website www.jobcentreplus. gov.uk where you can search for vacancies locally, nationally and even abroad.

will search for you. Call 0845 6060 234. There is a textphone service for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties – 0845 6055 255.

3. Visit the Direct Gov website – www.direct.gov. uk/backtowork for lots of practical information and advice including the new jobcoach section.

4. Update your CV. If you don’t have a CV, our Jobcentre Plus website has advice on how to write one.

Jobcentre Plus advisers can also tell you about local organisations which will help you.

5. Go online – a growing number of companies now advertise their vacancies on the internet. Familiarise yourself with modern jobsearch techniques, such 2. If you’d rather phone, as searching and applying a Jobcentre Plus adviser for vacancies online. If

and part-time vacancies and can match you to employers who need staff now. You can get more information through their association at 6.

Check out local www.rec.uk.com or visit the newspapers. They are great agencies on your local area.

What about selfsources of vacancies and 9. local business information. employment? More than If you’re a Sky or Virgin 3 million people are selfMedia customer, see employed, and there is vacancies on DirectGov on support to help you get your business up and running. digital TV. 7. Ask at Jobcentre Plus Visit Business Link at www. about what’s available to businesslink.gov.uk. you don’t have computer access, find your nearest UK online centre by logging on to www.ufi.com/ukol or phoning 0800 77 1234.

10. Don’t assume you’ll be worse off if you take a lower paid job. You may qualify for in-work benefits to boost your income. Visit www. direct.gov.uk and click on the ‘Money, tax and benefits’ section to use the Benefits Adviser. You can answer questions anonymously about your savings, income 8. Register with recruitment and outgoings, to get benefit agencies.

They handle advice for you and your permanent, temporary, full- family. you. For example, we run one hour jobsearch sessions for people who have just become unemployed to explain what we can do and what the labour market is like locally. If you have a professional and executive background, there are specialist sessions available of up to one day available.

BENEFITS ADVISER IS NEW SERVICE AVAILABLE ON THE DIRECTGOV WEBSITE FINDING yourself out of work can be a worrying time, especially when you are uncertain what financial help could be avaialble while you are looking for work.

The Benefits Adviser on the Directgov website lets you answer questions anonymously about your savings, income and outgoings, to get benefit advice, for you and your family or for someone else.

You can use the benefits adviser to...

• check which benefits you may be able to get • get an estimate of the benefits, tax credits or pension that may be available • compare estimates if your situation changes • save your answers for up to

seven days • download/print results for reference • ask ‘what if’ questions to see how a change of circumstances could affect your benefit, for example if you returned to work.

To answer all the questions you will need information about...

• savings • earnings eg wage slips • benefit/pension details • outgoings, eg Council Tax, rent/mortgage, childcare payments • if you rent a property from a private landlord, your local housing allowance rate To use Benefits Adviser, visit www.direct.gov.uk and click on the ‘Money, tax and benefits’ section.

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

www.iwgazette.co.uk

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NEWS

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR HOMELESS THERE is no real provision for the homeless on the Island and this year there isn’t even anywhere for them to stay indoors. The fire at King James’s (KJ’s) Youth Centre has not only destroyed the room in which they would have spent the night but also the food that had been collected to provide them with hot meals through all of this freezing weather.

Have you bought too much food for Christmas?

It’s probably a case of who hasn’t bought too much food judging from the empty supermarket shelves. So why not spare a thought for those who are homeless and hungry this year and give your extra food to POTS (People Off The Streets) who offer a day shelter at King James’s throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

From now until January 3 POTS will be open from 11am till 8pm daily and from 9am till 8pm on Christmas and Boxing Day. Offering a hot meal and somewhere warm to be, any food will be welcome as well as sleeping

Above: Marilyn, Barbara and Hattie McKinley (front). Below: King James Youth Centre

bags.

“We still need volunteers,” said Etty McKinley who runs POTS. “Come in and see if you can help. “If people have a current CRB it helps but it’s not essential – but if people are going to supervise they need one.

“There’s no direct access for help on the Island and we have a growing homeless problem. There are usually between 30 and 40 people through our doors during the Christmas period,” she explained.

“There’s an ongoing problem and we do the best we can,” said Etty who also has a shop in Ryde where donations can be left – Off The Wall Boots and Camo at 60a Union Street, Ryde.

The Salvation Army is currently building a hostel in Ryde but it will not be finished until next summer.

But this Christmas they have already given out 47 food parcels and ten families have had toys for their children.

Their café at 72 Pyle Street is now closed until January 11, but they are very keen to receive donations of food as

soon as they re-open.

“There are homeless with cooking facilities and those without,” said Major Agnes Wallis. “Pot noodles and cup a soups are fine if they can boil water, people also donate tins and foods for parcels – but make sure the tins are ring pull. Things that are easy to cook are better, along with things that don’t need cooking.

“Sleeping bags are always needed and scarves, hats and gloves are always welcome at this time.

But any donations of food or help will be welcome at King James’s over the Christmas period and Etty and her helpers will be making sure that everyone gets a hot Christmas meal – even if they have to go back out into the cold.

For those who find themselves suddenly homeless over the Christmas period then the council’s Housing Team will be operating its usual on-call out of hours service for emergencies over the Christmas period – Tel 821105.

CARD SCHEME WILL AID COWES GROUPS

SANDOWN AND SHANKLIN LIFEBOAT REPRESENTATIVES from the Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and Friends of Northwood Cemetery joined colleagues at The Co-operative store in Terminus Road, Cowes on Saturday to celebrate the relaunch of the Southern Co-operative Community Support Card scheme.

The two organisations were chosen by a panel of local people to be this year’s beneficiaries, and it is hoped that the target amount of £25,000 will be reached.

Through The Community Support Card scheme The Southern Co-operative makes a donation to the fund for every £1

spent when customers have their special cards swiped at point of purchase.

The last organisation to benefit from the Cowes scheme was the Isle of Wight Community Club, which recently received a cheque from the Society for the same target amount.

The Operatic and Dramatic Society made a splash at the launch in Victorian Dress, after entertaining the people of Cowes with a carol-singing walk through the town. The Friends of Northwood Cemetery showed a display of the conservation projects that they are planning to accomplish with the funds raised.

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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GOING ORANGE!

The three independent lifeboat stations on the Island hope to be given a much-needed cash boost in February with ‘Go Orange’ Day. Ryde, Freshwater and Sandown and Shanklin crews have to rely solely on donations to keep them in the water as they continue to do invaluable work around the Island coastline.

But often the independent lifeboats, both on the Island and on the mainland, are confused with the work carried out by the RNLI. So February 26 has been

pencilled in to raise awareness of the ‘independents’.

Michaela White, chairman of Ryde Inshore Lifeboat, is event co-ordinator for Go Orange Day. So far this year her crew have been called out on 82 occasions, while both Sandown and Shanklin and Freshwater have responded to more than 30 calls for help.

Michaela said: “We recently received a letter from someone we rescued thanking us for our efforts and saying that as a result they had made a donation to the RNLI. Of course, the RNLI do a

fantastic job, but that is often where the confusion arises.

“We want everyone to know that we are independent, and need funding to keep going. Hopefully Go Orange Day will help promote that for us. We do not mind what people do – dye their hair orange, sit in a bath of baked beans, bake orange cakes – anything that raises awareness.”

Island schools have also been invited to join in the fun, while crew members will be out collecting donations, and there will also be collection

points on Wightlink and Red Funnel Ferries, and hopefully Hovertravel will also lend their support.

Michaela added: “If you visit the coast for a day out or holiday you never know when you may have to call upon lifeboat volunteers, so to ensure that they are there please show your support.”

Anyone who wants to get involved in Go Orange as part of the national Independent Lifeboat Day, or wants more details should contact Michaela White on 812178.

Ryde Inshore Rescue

JO BLOGS FOR CHRISTMAS

Well it was good to hear that it’s not just me who has the choosing of the Christmas tree problem every year.

Thank you to everyone who has passed on to me stories of near homicidal rows over the damn things.

But what about this idea that you rent your tree and get the same one back every year that has been covered in the press recently – could this be the answer or not?

Unfortunately I foresee a few problems with this very clever marketing ploy.

For starters how one earth do you know if the one you get next year is the one you rented last year?

I don’t know about you but we always forget to water our tree so the likelihood of it getting through the festive season alive, with or without a root, is debatable.

But let’s suppose that we did rent a tree, and it got picked up at the end of Christmas looking slightly green and spiky, and we all said, “goodbye, see you next year,” come December 2010 how are we going to be sure that the tree we get delivered back to us is actually ‘our’ tree?

And trees get bigger. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this. So gradually ‘our’ tree would outgrow our house.

Given that we can’t all start moving to bigger houses then these trees aren’t actually going to be ours for very long are they?

And then they’d have to be adopted by someone else – which could be heartbreaking.

Or they’d

have to be recycled. How could we all bear to think of the tree we’d learned to love over the past four/five/ six years being fed into the machine that chops it into little tiny pieces?

Or we could ritualistically burn our trees in our gardens or fireplaces. Oh it’ll all be wonderfully character building for all the little children that’s all I can say.

In our home we may have to burn the Christmas tree to keep warm. Our Valient boiler was not as valiant as it might have been and gave up the ghost only four years after it was installed.

I must have done something wrong, according to the plumber who installed it. Well be would say that wouldn’t he…

Luckily super plumber Wes Hayman on his white charger/in his white van came to my aid last night and installed another brand new boiler to save us from burning the tree. Oh I do like a happy ending. Happy Christmas folks.

CALL-OUT IN VAIN THE SANDOWN & Shanklin Lifeboat was called by the Solent Coastguard after they received reports from a member of the public and a trawler, that a red parachute flare was spotted around Steephill Cove, Ventnor.

A search was made from Bonchurch To Woody point from shore to 1.5 miles out to sea and the Ventnor Coastguards also covered the cliffs and shoreline.

SSIL Coxswain Mark Birch said: “We came across a small fishing vessel that had spotted a flare and said it was fired inshore, but was thought by them to be more inland and directed us to the rough area.

“The Ventnor Coastguards then put all their men in the area and a white parachute flare was fired to light the area up but nothing was found.

“It’s thought that some one had found a flare and let it off not realising the efforts that the rescue crews put in searching an area. We would ask any one with old flares please dispose of them properly.”

FEATURE TELEPHONE ENGINEER TELEPHONE EXTENSION SOCKETS SUPPLIED AND FITTED BY EXPERIENCED EX BT ENGINEER. FAULTS, REWIRES ETC. CHEAP RATE CALL MICK TEL: 865043 OR 0781 2714123

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

BONNIE FACES’ FUN DAY

The children of Bonnie Faces pre-school were recently surprised by a visit from Seaview Wildlife Encounter and had a chance to interact with some of their weird, wonderful and cuddly creatures.

“They brought hissing cockroaches, which the children had great fun with,” said Bonnie Faces manager Helen McMullin.

“They were crawling up their toes and legs and on their arms and fingers. The children weren’t at all afraid of them and they were the size of the children’s hands.

“They also brought a corn snake for the children to look at and a giant rabbit who the children adored. He was hopping all around the play room.”

A prettier setting for a pre school you’ll be hard pushed to find elsewhere on the Island.

Bonnie Faces is nestled in the corner of Leeson Road as it winds into Ventnor with views across the rooftops to the sea.

In the grounds of St Boniface Primary School, the children

travel through a tunnel under the road to eat their packed lunches or a hot meal in the primary school. After lunch the children get the chance to play, fully supervised, with the older pupils who might include brothers or sisters.

Bonnie Faces also has its own fully enclosed outdoor area with play house, swing, giant sandpit and various trikes, bikes and cars. In the summer the children have a paddling pool and make trips to local attractions and shops.

The pre-school had a recent visit from a senior regional advisor for the Early Years because of the very good outcomes the school has been attaining at the end of the foundation stage – particularly in writing.

“She wanted to come and see what we did to bring about theses results,” explained Helen.

“She was very impressed with the facilities we have here and remarked that it may have been the sustained conversations we

have with the children, saying that input from the adults is really important.

For a learning environment where your child is listened to, Bonnie Faces clearly has the edge. The pre-school is open 8.30am to 3pm from Monday

to Friday during term time and offers a variety of sessions.

Currently Bonnie Faces has 25 children on roll with places available in January. The recent Christmas party took all the children on a bus to Jolly Roger’s in Newport for fun and games.

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

RYDE LIGHTS WORLD

Ryde Methodist Church presented a nativity with a difference at their evening service on Sunday December 20. The Young People, Junior Church and Music Group with some members of the congregation, presented a Christmas musical called ‘Light of the World’ by Dennis O’Gorman and Barry Hart.

The Christmas story was told in song, and narrated by the Minister Reverend Marie Attwood. The story included the Creation of the world, a stable scene visited by shepherds, and the Wise Men following the star

to the house where the two-yearold Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph.

“The production was highly professional and there are some up and coming stars among the youngsters who gave a refreshing new look to the nativity story,” said Rev. Marie Attwood.

“The true message of Christmas was really put across through this story.

“We’ve got to figure out how we can top it next year,” she added.

“We may also perform it on more than one evening next year as people did ask if we might be showing it again.”

Ryde Methodist Church Cast

Rebekah Mulhern with Amabel Richardson

Adam Richardson

Emily Boyce, Matthew Evans, Harry Crabb and Joseph Crabb

Brian Richardson, Nick Mulhern and Stuart McCourt

Hollie Evans with angels

Bill Walker

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE A CHRISTMAS HANG UP If you have followed our previous instructions of how to prepare your walls and your paper then you are now ready to hang your wallpaper.

Starting at the ceiling, carefully unfold the top half of first piece of the wallpaper and gently place the side edge of the strip along the measured line.

Don’t forget to leave a few extra inches of paper at the top and bottom for trimming later.

When the strip is in the right position, drop down the bottom half and gently smooth the paper against the wall with your hands, beginning at one edge and working your way across.

Use a smoothing brush or damp sponge to smooth out any air bubbles. Use a seam roller to gently smooth down the edges of the wallpaper.

Trim the excess paper.

Use a wide-blade putty knife to hold down the top of the wallpaper strip at the ceiling. Use the utility knife or straightedge razor to trim the excess wallpaper. Repeat at the bottom of the strip.

Carefully clean any paste from the ceiling and baseboard. Wipe the strip of wallpaper with a clean, damp sponge to remove any paste and remaining air bubbles.

Smooth the corners.

At the corners, measure from the last full-width strip of wallpaper to the corner. Add 1 inch to that measurement and cut the next strip of wallpaper to that width. Activate or apply paste to the strip.

Apply the wallpaper to the wall, making sure to smooth it totally into the corner for interior corners or around the corner for exterior corners.

At the corner, make a small slit from the top of the strip to the wall to allow the strip to lay flat at the ceiling. Repeat on the bottom to allow the strip to lay flat at the floor. Trim off the top and bottom and clean the strip.

Hang around the corner.

Place the next strip of wallpaper on the wall so that it overlaps the extra 1 inch of paper from the previous piece.

Repeat hanging the strips around the room.

Continue hanging the next strips of wallpaper, taking care to match the pattern, trimming at the ceiling and floor, removing any creases or air bubbles, securing the seams, and cleaning the paste off the paper.

Replace light switch and plug plates. If desired, cover the switch and plug plates with wallpaper, taking care to match the wallpaper pattern.

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

XMAS LIGHTS UP WIGHT Once again residents across the Island entered the festive spirit by producing a dazzling array of Christmas lights.

From Sandown to St Catherine’s and from Bembridge to Brighstone the lights have lit up the night sky to the delight of Islanders and viitors alike.

The GAZETTE braved sub-zero temperatures and took a bus trip to capture some of the displays that are helping turn the Island into a glittering winter wonderland this Christmas and New Year.

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

CHEMISTS CHRISTMAS OPENING/ CLOSURE ROTA FOR FRIDAY DEC 25, 2009 – FRIDAY JAN 1, 2010 Pharmacy

YLB, Sandown Alliance, Freshwater Blakelys, Ryde Boots, Newport Boots, Ryde Boots, Sandown Boots, Shanklin YLB, Bembridge Boots, Cowes Boots, Ventnor Day Lewis, Cowes Day Lewis, Lake Day Lewis, Shanklin Gibbs & Gurnell Kemkay Lloyds, East Cowes Lloyds, Carisbrooke Rd Lloyds, Pyle St, Newport Lloyds, Ryde Lloyds, Sandown Lloyds, Ventnor Niton Regent, Shanklin Seaview Siddys, Convent Siddys, Newport Siddys, Wootton Tesco Totland Yarmouth

Fri 25th Dec 2009

Sat 26th Dec 2009

Sun 27th Dec 2009

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Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 8.30am - 5.30pm 10am - 4pm 9am - 5.30pm Closed 9am - 5.30pm Closed 10 - 3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am - 5.30pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am - 1pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 2pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am - 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 10am - 4pm Closed Closed 10am - 4pm 8.30am - 5pm

Mon 28th Dec 2009

Fri 1st Jan 2010

Closed Closed Closed 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm Closed Closed 10 - 3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 12 - 1pm Closed Closed Closed 2 - 3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed 12 - 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed 11am - 4pm 12 - 1pm 10am - 1pm

Closed Closed Closed 10am - 4pm Closed Closed 12 - 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 12 - 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 10am - 1pm

Mon 4th Jan 2010 Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs Normal Hrs

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

CHOIR’S HAPPY RETURN

Roy Bevan and Jenny Riddell with Newchurch Chior It was the last concert of the year for Newchurch Male Voice Choir on Monday and they chose to return to All Saint’s Church in Newchurch – their first date at the venue for five or six years.

The Christmas concert and service featured 32 of the 40 strong choir

and a whole host of Christmas songs and carols. “I think we had 200 or more in the church,” said conductor Roy Bevan.

Sheelagh Stevens read The Nativity Play and Meditation by Nick Fawcett and Jenny Riddell. The Shepherd’s Sketch was read by Marion Baudry,

Phyl Taylor, Judy Meek and Rev. Janice and The Journey of the Magi

by T.S. Eliot was read by Howard Wilkie.

Colin Pidgeon, Maureen Emery, Peter Lilley and Jim Scragg gave Scripture readings.

“We had a nice big audience who

were very responsive and mulled wine and mince pies in the interval and it was a jolly occasion. Even the weather was kind to us in the end,” said the choir’s publicist and member Barry Leahy.

“We were very well represented and everyone was jostling for space.”

A collection toward the Island based Kerry Green Trust was made on retiring and £205 was collected.

The trust’s aims are to relieve the suffering of Island children to age 18 who have life threatening or terminal illnesses. See www.kerrygreentrust. org for further details.

TURKEY AND PICKLE FOR MP ANDREW “I’M WRITING this before Christmas Day but I’m sure by the time most of you have the opportunity to read it you will have over indulged in the turkey and trimmings, perhaps had a few too many glasses of mulled wine and won’t want to see another mince pie for the foreseeable future. It is a seasonal hazard.

“For me the festive season is also one of tradition - from the annual carol concerts in the

run up to the celebrations to the Queen’s Speech at 3pm. I always indulge in rather too big a Christmas lunch at home then try to walk it off with our dog Pickle - thereby avoiding the washing-up! It is also an all too rare opportunity to appreciate the company of close friends and loved ones.

“I am sure that the recent sprinkling of snow has helped us to feel that little bit more Christmassy, and that there

were many delighted young faces when the curtains were drawn back earlier this week to reveal a carpet of white. Whilst our snow didn’t last long and the Island hasn’t quite turned into a Winter Wonderland, many areas of the country have been badly hit by the cold snap. My sisters are worried about the weather and have decided it is too risky to come down this week, meaning that, sadly, we won’t see each other before Christmas this year.

“Christmas is also a time for reflection and for thinking of those less fortunate than us. Three years ago I spent Christmas in hospital, and I very clearly remember the kindness of all those who gave up their time to volunteer in the wards, delivering mince pies, small gifts and a smile. My thoughts this year are also particularly with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and their families.” - Andrew Turner

Snowdrop with MP Andrew Turner

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO FROM SATURDAY

AT THE BALCONY

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FEATURE

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

MYSTERY IN WOOTTON

1st Wootton Scout Group A MODERN take on the mystery play was the choice of Wootton Bridge’s Parish council for their Christmas performance.

Kicking off with carols from 1st Wootton Scouts’ Beavers the play was a hit with old and young alike. It was written by Brian Reeves, a member of the Village Partnership, who also played the storyteller.

“It was based on a mumming play with a bit of local stuff thrown in,” said Parish Councillor Lynda Smith. “It was a bit of fun at Christmas.

“This is only the second year we’ve run the Christmas Festival in Wootton.

It’s a little bit of light entertainment and we all get dressed up.

“The Parish Council Chairman was the Old Git, the beat officer was himself and kept order during the course of the play and our tree warden, Gill Salter was the Old Bat. “Wootton’s local county councillor, Barry Abraham, played the Wise Wizard. (and the Old Git). Our High Priest of All was Dick Doran who is also a Parish Councillor and the three witches were the three ladies in the Help and Information Centre, myself,

Madge Reeves and Lois Smith.”

“Carol King, another member of the Village Partnership, was the good spirit, Rob Ashley was the High Batman of All and his assistants Batman and Nora Batty were played by Andy and Jill.”

The play centred on a newby arriving in the village, played by Steve Porter, who needed help. Referral was made to the WICI, which is a new computer based interactive service that the parish council is presently developing.

Based outside in the village square there was also a brass section from the village, a magician, local choirs and a children’s treasure hunt.

Funds raised go towards staging next year’s festival.

“It was freezing cold but people turned out,” said Lynda. “We also provided hot drinks and mince pies to keep people warm.”

The Christmas Festival also included Morris Dancing on the Thursday, Stephen Goldsmith of Scorpion Magic entertained everyone with close up and tabletop magic on both Friday and Saturday and on Sunday a traditional nativity was held at Station Road Methodist Church.

PC Nick Massey with cast

Jill takes a swig

Councillor Barry Abraham

Father Christmas with the bats

Carol King

Steven Goldsmith Scorpion Magic

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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FEATURE

RYDE HOLDS 80’s NIGHT

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SPORT

The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

BIG WIN FOR GENTS

Hurricanes’ Gents XV rugby team returned to winning ways with a thumping 42-5 win away to Gosport & Fareham in freezing conditions.

The visitors, encouraged by a substantial crowd of travelling Sandown supporters, faced an experienced and well-drilled Gosport side.

The hosts fielded a solid pack that made the most of their bulk

through driving mauls and strong scrummaging. The Hurries played a wider game with debutant fly half George Drake-Knight feeding the Sandown back three of Crookes, Henry and McGloughlin.

A dangerous high tackle allowed Edmonston to slot over a penalty to open the scoring and when further infringements lead to a free kick, Edmonston sprinted clear to score under the posts and

convert his own try.

Gosport responded when their young full back took Crookes from behind by surprise, with blistering pace and a deserved try in the corner.

The Hurries bounced back when Drake-Knight released Colin Potter to run through for the first of his three tries of the afternoon.

At half time the Hurries were beginning to warm up and playing

expansive rugby. Fresh legs in the form of Booth and Keyworth added zest to the contact area and Wightlink man of the match Potter was back on the score sheet with another try soon after the break.

Buckingham, Steele and Squibb kept the scrummage lively and it was from a set piece that youngsters Steve Smith and Steve Routledge combined with Wicks,

Perfect and James in setting up a platform in the Gosport 22.

Spa Systems man of the match George Drake-Knight was creating difficulties for Gosport in midfield with elusive lines of running and well timed passes to release Potter and Co for further tries.

The game ended with a few minutes remaining, when Routledge sustained a serious ankle injury.

EIGHT IS JUST GREAT SPORTS COURSES The Wightlink Raiders gave fans an early Christmas present as they beat the Peterborough Islanders 8-0.

It took nearly three quarters of the first period for the Raiders to get themselves on the scoreboard, when Alex Murray converted an excellent set-up from line mates John Sarno and Stewart Tait. Captain Danny Hughes posted the second goal of the night in the dying minutes of the first period with assists from defensive pairing Dan Scott and Luke Reynolds.

The second period started with the Raiders firmly in control, however James Udell received a 5 plus game penalty for checking from behind.

It took until the 29th minute for the Raiders to once again break through Peterborough’s defence with a goal from Islander Steve Gosset, assisted by Kieran Annis and new signing Joe Reynolds picking up his first point in his home debut.

Minutes later head coach Cornish broke free from the pack to slot home an unassisted, short-handed goal. Danny Hughes closed the second period with the second short-handed goal of the night assisted by Cornish.

Fans favourite Andrew Robinson got the final period of to a flying start hitting the back of the net, assisted once again by Jeremy

Cornish and Danny Hughes.

The Raiders received their second game penalty of the night when Kevin Tanner received a five plus game for roughing, after American forward John Sarno received a stray Peterborough stick to face.

Peterborough’s player received a match penalty for high sticks.

Alex Murray would score the final two goals of the night, beating the final buzzer and completing his hat

trick on the hour, as he continues to impress and establish himself as a useful addition to the Raiders forward line-up.

Netminder Toby Cooley recorded the shutout turning away 19 shots from Peterborough, while the Raiders placed 46 shots on Simon Wren in the Islanders net.

The Raiders next home match is on Saturday, January 2 against the Milton Keynes Thunder.

CHRISTMAS CRACKER FOR LADIES Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club ladies section were out in force for the Christmas Cracker competition, which attracted 45 entries.

The ‘yellow ball’ stableford event saw Debbie Berry, Gaynor Oliver and June Westmore win the front nine with 36 points.

Second place on the front nine was claimed by Lillian Bushby, Cindy Rolf and Sandra Gallard-Jupp.

The honours on the more difficult back nine went to Mandy Gould, Lorrie Hawkins and Pat Attrill with 33 points, followed home by Jean

Munds, Jill Boynton and Pat Rowe. was won by the ‘Professionals’ with Later the ladies raised £93 for Steve Ambrose and Darren Smith the Joint Captains’ Charity, the the best ‘Pro team’ while Simon Arthritis Research Campaign, with Bligh and Garry Moody came out top for the Captain’s team. a game of ‘Irish Bingo’.

Paul Sundborg won Division One of the Men’s Open Stableford with Mo Ismail in second spot. Division Two was claimed by John Richards, ahead of Malcolm Hawkins.

June Westmore, Debbie Berry, Lesley The annual Captain v Ismail and Gaynor Oliver Professional challenge

FOR NEW YEAR

The IW Council has unveiled the latest schedule of its popular Return to Sport courses coming up in January.

The idea of Return to Sport is to get adults aged 16 and over, to try a new sport or dust off the old equipment and take up a previous sport again.

First up in January is an eight-week badminton course that begins on January 21 at Ryde Sports Centre. The course costs just £12 per person and takes place every Thursday between 7-8pm.

For the first time, a snooker course is available from January 25. Again an eight-week course and the sessions will be held at Gunville’s Ambassador Snooker Club every Monday from 6-8pm and costs £16 per person.

With Andy Murray continuing to perform well in tennis, the sport returns for a six-week course from January 27. It costs just £12 per person and takes place at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club between 1-2pm each Wednesday.

An eight-week Yoga (integral hatha) course takes place at Niton Methodist Church from Wednesday, January 27 between 7.30-8.45pm.

The cost is £16 per person, although it won’t be held on 10 February.

Finally, an eight-week netball course will take place at Carisbrooke High School from Thursday, January 28. It costs £12 per person.

Meanwhile, the IW Council with support from Sport England and National Lottery funding, is putting on an eight-week Tri-golf Junior Academy in the West Wight from January 25.

It’s for children aged 6 11 only and takes place at West Wight Sports Centre every Monday between 4.30-5.30pm. All equipment including clubs are provided and it costs £10 per person.

Anyone wishing to find out more details about any of the sports or courses, or looking to book a spot, should email sports.unit@iow.gov.uk or call 823818.

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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SPORT

DOUBLE BLOW FOR TIGERS It was a short bench that travelled to Bristol for the Wightlink Tigers’ ice hockey game against the Pitbulls - and it proved costly as they fell to an 11-1 defeat.

The Pitbulls came out in their normal fast style and were on the scoreboard inside the first minute.

Forays into the Bristol defensive zone were limited as players looked to conserve their energy to see them through the whole 60 minutes.

Tony Blaize did ring the pipes of the Pitbulls net, but there was to be no reply to the three goals scored for the homeside in the first

BY JAMIE WHITE period. The second period was very much a repeat of the first, with the Pitbulls grabbing three more. The Tigers did a goal back when Blaize doubled his tally. The third and final period saw the Tigers tire, as the short bench gave little time for rest bite and the Pitbulls laid claim to five more goals to win 11-1.

The Wightlink Tigers played host to Invicta Mustangs and fell to another disappointing defeat as

they went down 12-6.

The Mustangs opened the scoring six minutes into the game and quickly raced in to a 4-0 lead after just 12 minutes.

The home side looked nervous and called a time out to re-group.

This did not appear to work as the visitors found the back of the Tigers net just 10 seconds from the restart.

The Tigers did pull one back before the period buzzer through Jason Coles assisted by manof the match Mike Palin.

The Islanders started the second with more grit and determination,

which paid of as Richard Nembhard latched on to rebound to reduce the Mustangs lead to three.

Just over the halfway mark, Palin netted from Blaize, to cut the visitors lead further. The mainland side hit back with another to restore a healthy cushion only to find Nembhard and Palin team up to reduce the lead back to two.

Richard Gutteridge then netted from the blue line to take the Tigers to within a single goal of their visitors, assists going to Palin and Coles. However, the Mustangs hit back to restore the two goal lead with just under one minute

left in the period.

The Mustangs showed their class in the final period as they raced in to a six goal lead before the Tigers managed to pull one back as Jamie Lee claimed his first goal of the season, assisted by Gutteridge and Palin. This was to be the Tigers last goal and the Mustangs finished as they started, lighting the lamp for the final time in the game with five minutes left to play to earn a 12-6 victory.

The Wightlink Tigers’ next game is a local derby on the December 27 away at Solent and Gosport Devils in the ENL Cup.

GOSPORT GET THEIR REVENGE

Sandown and Shanklin rugby team suffered a 32-3 defeat away at league leaders Gosport and Fareham.

The home side had only lost one game all season, which was against the Hurries back in September.

For the first five minutes both sides swapped high, long kicks testing each other’s defences.

Hurries knocked one of these kicks on their 22, the hosts played the advantage and scored a converted

try, followed by a penalty making it 10-0.

Hurries started to move play into the hosts half with long kicks from Sutton, with wingers, Chandler and Muir chasing. In the tight, packs were even, but the home side’s mobile forwards seemed to dominate open play.

The hosts made their way to the Hurries 22 and after several rucks went over for a converted try, 17-0.

Dan Muir was the closest after

chasing a kick down field, but the host defender cleared on his try line. Soon afterwards the Hurries again strayed offside at a close in ruck, penalty, 20-0. On the half time whistle, again from several close in rucks, the Hosts barged over for another converted try making it 27-0 at half time.

Hurries made substitutions and positional changes and for the first 10 minutes it seemed to work. Howard sent a long kick into

the hosts 22, for a line out. Hurries pressured the host defence forcing a knock on. The visitors started to push the hosts pack back in the scrum that followed and the hosts broke up for a penalty, Alex Howard obliged to get the Hurries’ first points on the board.

The Islanders kept the pressure on with Wightlink man-of-thematch Kern Wales performing well. Wales, Vikoma man-of-thematch Dan Robinson, and Joe

Rees got close on extended runs, but lack of immediate support broke down the attacks. Hurries tried everything to breach the Gosport and Fareham defence with a wave of attacks but to no avail.

But in the dying moments of the game after the hosts had missed a penalty, from a close in lineout, they mauled over for an unconverted try giving a final score of 32-3 to the home side.

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The Gazette, Thursday, December 24, 2009

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NEWPORT STUN ROMSEY

Newport staged an incredible second half comeback to beat Romsey Town, after the home side found themselves 2-0 down at half time.

Considering the freezing conditions, the St George’s Park pitch was in excellent condition having not been used for four weeks, and the game was one of only four that took place in the Wessex Premier League.

It took Romsey only six minutes to take the lead. A long through ball ended up at the feet of John Howard who drilled a low shot past Gary Streeter from inside the

BY JAMIE WHITE penalty area.

The visitors doubled their lead on 15 minutes, when a chip into the box by Tom Barge was met with a glancing header by Dean Cole into the corner of the net.

Newport boss Derek Ohren looked shell-shocked and made his first substitution bringing on Adam Shepherd for Wane Newnham, after just 23 minutes.

Newport thought they had pulled

Newport captain Tom Scovell battles in midfield

Iain Seabrook (no. 7) sets up an attack

one back, but the linesman raised his flag to rule the attempt offside.

Romsey continued to attack, and a shot by Tommy Donaldson was turned over the bar by Streeter.

Ross Gregory went close for the home side, but his 30-yard shot went just inches wide of the post.

A move between Tom Scovell and Iain Seabrook saw the latter’s shot deflected into the side netting, as Romsey took a two-goal lead in to the break.

The second half started brightly and on 48 minutes, Newport got a goal back. Ross Gregory’s long ball eluded the Romsey defence and

Iain Seabrook ran through to slot the ball home.

Three minutes later, and the home side were level. A cross from Freddie Knowles wasn’t cleared properly and fell to Adam Shepherd who rifled the ball into the net from 15 yards.

Derek Ohren immediately made a double substitution bringing on Sam Hart and Matt Evans for Freddie Knowles and Tom McInnes.

The home side were looking dangerous as Mike McEnery saw his header cleared off the line.

Newport kept the pressure on

the Romsey defence and were rewarded just past the hour mark.

Adam Shepherd played the ball out to Sam Hart, who cut inside before slipping the ball to Matt Evans who curled it sweetly into the net.

Romsey were throwing everything at Newport in a bid to draw level, with substitute Simon De’Ath heading over from a Dean Cole cross.

The visitors continued to attack but couldn’t break down the stubborn Newport defence and the home side held on to record a 3-2 victory and all three points.

Newport goalkeeper Gary Streeter collects a cross