IW Gazette 30

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REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

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gazette the isle of wight

Friday August 28, 2009

SEE INSIDE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS FROM ALL AROUND THE ISLAND

Left to right: Lauren Garth, Laura Roberts, Nicole Mew, Abbie Perkis, Harriet Lee

Inshore Mayday

The Gazette spends a day with the crew at the Ryde Inshore Rescue. Turn to pages 12 - 13

Carnival round-up

The Gazette continues its coverage of carnivals across the Island. Turn to pages 16 - 17

Glover gives it some

Exclusive Powerboat preview with Galaxy FM DJ Ben Glover. Turn to page 30

RYDE ON A HIGH

STUDENTS across the in recent history-with Island are celebrating Ryde High recording after they produced some their best ever grades. of the best GCSE results The Island’s main high

schools, Carisbrooke, Cowes, Medina, Ryde and Sandown, along with Ryde School and Priory

School all secured high pass rates in a range of GCSE and equivalent courses.

Turn to pages 6,7 and 8 for further GCSE coverage.

£1.2M FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

The Gazette can reveal that the IW Council have allocated £1.2m from the 2008/09 budget to refurbish and rebuild public toilets Islandwide.

Some of the work has already been completed, and all refurbishments and rebuilds are due to be completed by 2010.

Dave Burbage, IW council director of resources said: “The Isle of Wight council’s residents’ survey has consistently shown that public conveniences and roads are among the key services that residents would most like to see improved by the council. As a result, the Council allocated £1.2 million from the council’s

2008/09 capital budget for the rebuild and refurbishment of public conveniences in a number of locations across the Island under the One Island Project which will be completed during 2010.

“The One Island Project will create high quality public conveniences incorporating sustainable energy technology

that harness natural resources in line with the Island’s eco-island vision. This investment has been welcomed wherever these new toilets have been provided and we have just formally re-opened the latest of these schemes at Moa Place, Freshwater.

Continued on page 5

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The IW Gazette Contact Details Newsdesk: (01983) 409928 Fax: (01983) 404189 Email: newsdesk@iwgazette.co.uk

KNIFE CRACKDOWN COUNCIL TRADING STANDARDS Officers and Hampshire Constabulary were disappointed with the results of a recent undercover sting, when a 16 year-old teenager visited eight shops in Newport and tried to buy a knife and was served in three.

Although five shops refused to serve the youngster without ID, who entered with the full supervision of undercover police and trading standards officers, three shops processed the sale without asking for proof of age.

The council have refused to name them, pending possible further prosecutions. The legal age to buy a knife of any kind is 18.

A joint statement from IW council and Hampshire Constabulary said: “Thankfully, the Island does not have a particular problem with knife crime but, as part of efforts to ensure that remains the case, a test purchasing exercise was carried out by the police and the IW Council to check whether local retailers and their staff were allowing unauthorised sales.

Address: The IW Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH Display advertising: (01983) 402599 Sales manager: James Rolfe Sales: Sam Smith Sorry – the Gazette currently does not carry any classified advertising Published by: The Isle of Wight Gazette Ltd Reporters: Jamie White, Richard Collins, Penny Newnham, Peter White News Editor: Jason Kay Features Editor: Jo Macaulay Design: Colin Clarke, Dean Chick, Paul Mercer Accounts & sales administrator: Roxy Vaughan

Issue 30 • August 28 2009 Supporting the Earl Mountbatten Hospice through your generous donations when you pick up your free copy

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NEW EDITION TO THE FAMILY

AS THE GAZETTE was out getting photographs in the Solent this week, we spotted the new Atlantic 85 ‘Martin Harvey’ RNLI lifeboat being put through its paces.

Following the successful completion of trials, it has been officially accepted into the fleet at the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes.

The vessel will be used as a relief lifeboat, which means it is not allocated permanently to an individual lifeboat station, but instead goes where it is needed to relieve boats temporarily when they go in for refit or maintenance. At the moment it is not earmarked for relief at any

“The results of this exercise were disappointing and the council and police will be speaking to those responsible for the stores from which knives were purchased by under-aged customers.

“Until that process is complete and any subsequent action decided upon, it would be inappropriate to name the stores concerned. Naming the stores who did comply with the laws could lead to jigsaw identification of those who did not - or indeed affect the reputations of other stores who were not even visited.

“This was not a ‘naming and shaming’ exercise, it was about testing the safeguards and practices in place where knives are sold and then working with the appropriate people to address any identified shortcomings. This work is also ongoing.

The knives that were sold included a ‘boot knife’. This is a fixed blade knife and is often concealed by usually being attached to the shoe or a person’s belt. This can make the carrying of this knife illegal.

LOOK WHO’S BEEN READING THE GAZETTE

Send in your pictures of you reading The Gazette and see yourself in print in this spot. Email newsdesk@iwgazette. co.uk or post it to us at B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Rd, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH. DJ Ben Glover (centre) with Honda F4 team

station so will stay in East Cowes until needed.

The boat was officially named in a naming ceremony held at the RNLI HQ in Poole last week.

A motorcruiser which left Cowes for its home port of Portsmouth was soon back in Cowes again, at

Grim discovery in woodland

A DOG walker made the gruesome discovery of a body on Wednesday in the grounds of Downside Middle School in Newport.

Police have confirmed that they are not treating the death as suspicious, nor are they seeking anyone in connection with the death. Police

August 28, 2009

spokesman Duncan Smith said: “A member of public reported the find shortly before 1pm on Wednesday.

The area will remain sealed off whilst police carry out further enquiries and the matter will be passed to the IW corner who will open an inquest in due course.”

the end of a tow line attached to the local RNLI lifeboat.

The cruiser, Flycatcher, sought help after breaking down in Osborne Bay. On board were two men, two women and two dogs.

It was taken to Trinity Landing, to await repairs

Police appeal for dangerous biker

POLICE on the Island are appealing to any motorist or pedestrians who may have seen a black and white coloured motorbike on the main road near to Newchurch and A3056 near the Fighting Cocks to contact them.

The biker was travelling from Sandown towards

Arreton on Sunday morning at approximately 9.30am. It is alleged that the biker may have been riding dangerously and speeding.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Or the local IW Police number on 0845 045 4545 or 101.

MADNESS WINNERS

Below are the winners of the Summer Madness! 09 competition. If your name’s not there, better luck with our next amazing competition!

Mrs M Sampson, Carisbrooke; Georgina Lilly, East Cowes; Jennifer Metcalfe, Bembridge; Malcolm Groves, Ventnor; Adrian Vines, Sandown; J.Barnes, Ventnor; Mr Nigel Oliver, Porchfield; Alison Joynes, Carisbrooke; Michael Guy, Newport; Mrs L Marshall, Ryde

POTTY PEOPLE

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

HARRY POTTER fans who have been unable to care for their owls have forced a wildlife animal expert to open a sanctuary on the Island, after a surge of people buying owls who have no idea how to care for them properly.

The animal expert from Newport is calling for change to the laws on keeping owls.

He is blaming the young magician, Harry Potter, from the popular books and films, who kept an owl called Hedwig. Don Walser, who is due to open the door of the sanctuary in Staplers Road in the next few weeks, after being granted a planning application by the Island’s council last week said: “Anyone can buy an owl you don’t need any papers or a licence.

The council really need to look at it before it get out of control.

“Children read the Potter books or see the films and then say to their parents they want an owl. But the parents don’t realise how much time is need to look after and care for the animal.

“I have 15 birds at the moment. We are looking after a set of twins that were brought to us by the police after the owners had done a runner from a house and left them

FIREMAN DIES AFTER FALSE ALARM A FIREFIGHTER has died while answering a 999 call at a prison that turned out to be a false alarm.

Paul Fletcher, 39, suffered a suspected heart attack and collapsed while attending HMP Isle of Wight in Newport. The father-of-two was rushed across the road to St Mary’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He had attended the prison in the early hours after a fire alarm there went off.

Former policeman, Mr Fletcher, was regional chairman of the Fire Brigades Union.

He leaves his wife Lisa, a seven-year-old daughter and four-year-old son.

Police have confirmed that they are not treating his death as suspicious.

The Island’s chief fire officer Paul Street paid tribute to Mr Fletcher, who joined the service in April 2004 and won several awards for outstanding work.

He said: “Paul cared passionately about the service and about serving Island residents.

“Paul was also very active and highly successful in working with the Fire Brigades Union nationally, regionally and locally, starting as brigade secretary and moving on to the post of regional chairman.

“Paul will be sadly missed as both a colleague and a friend.”

Firefighter Paul Fletcher

to fend for themselves without any food for a week. We have a one-eyed buzzard that was injured by a car. The monkey comes from stud breeding programs.

“Some people keep them in appalling conditions,” said Mr Walser.

The court prosecuted Kenneth Lea the falconer and owner of the birds who appeared in the Potter movies on cruelty charges earlier this year.

Jo Bar, spokesperson from the RSCPA, said: “Animal led films and stories do lead to a big rise in enquiries from people.

“In the past years we have seen an increase in the number of Dalmatians sold after the Disney films and we also saw an increase in the number of turtles after the Ninja Turtles craze.

“We saw a noticeable increase in calls from people wanting to know where they could obtain an owl following the release of the first Harry Potter film,” she said.

She said the RSPCA advises that people do not buy owls as pets, as they need a lot of care and can live for up to 20 years.

Although it is illegal to sell wild birds, traders can deal in captive bred specimens, with breeds like snowy owls fetching around £250 a bird.

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FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS FIREFIGHTERS were called to a car fire in Newchurch after a car burst into flames. Gazette reader John Poingetre managed to catch the action in this series of pictures.

Fire crews from Shanklin spent 25 minutes at the scene using a hose reel to put the fire out and making the area safe.

Have you got or managed to catch a breaking story? Call our newsdesk on 01983 402599!

BRENDAN ON ROAD TO RECOVERY Wightlink Islanders speedway star Brendan Johnson is on the road to recovery after being involved in a terrifying high speed crash at the Smallbrook Wave105 stadium.

The 17-year-old suffered serious head and other injuries in the final heat of the Islanders’ National Trophy match against Mildenhall.

Johnson and Mildenhall’s Jamie Birkinshaw were battling for the lead, when they collided as they sped down the back straight and crashed heavily.

Johnson lay motionless on the track as paramedics rushed to the scene, and after some lengthy attention he was rushed to St.Mary’s Hospital.

After further extensive treatment, doctors heavily sedated Johnson and placed him into intensive care on life support systems, before being airlifting him to Southampton General Hospital.

He was put on a life support machine in intensive care where he was put in an induced coma so his body could begin healing itself.

The teenager has since been taken out of the induced coma, and X-rays have confirmed he has not suffered any serious damage to his spine, and has also not sustained any broken bones.

Johnson’s father, Dave, has been keeping a 24-hour bedside vigil with his wife Jan at the hospital. “They’ve moved Bren out of intensive care.

He’ll be bypassing what they call the high dependency unit as it were, and moving him into a ‘normal’ ward.

“He apparently has a partially collapsed lung as a result of all the tubes he had in him,” said Dave. “We are told that’s not a real problem, and will be sorted with a bit of physio.

“After further recuperation in Poole

General Hospital, they’ll allow him come home and hopefully that won’t be too long happening.”

Dave continued: “He’s in very good spirits, and he’s just cheekily asked Jan if she thinks the doctors would let him ride this week, and added to make sure the Isle of Wight management keep his team place open for him, as he intends to be back racing sooner rather than later!

“Jan and I, on behalf of Bren, would like to pass on our grateful thanks to everyone who sent us messages of support either by phone, text messages or via the various websites, speedway forums and radio stations.”

Fans of the Islanders took a collection for Brendan during their club’s home Wightlink Islanders’ captain Nick meeting with Plymouth to help him Simmons was also taken to hospital finance repairs to his bike, which was in the same match, but was later written off in the spill. discharged.

August 28, 2009

The IW Gazette

MONEY DOWN THE PAN...?

Continued from front page

refurbished in the ongoing programme.

“The new structure in Moa Place incorporates green technology and is The conveniences in Moa Place in a vast improvement. We have already Freshwater were given a £100,000 received excellent feedback from the refurbishment and have also been public and the local parish council and installed with ‘green’ technology are very happy to hand over these superb and systems. New features include new facilities to the village” low energy lighting that is activated Gill Kennett, Freshwater Parish Council by motion sensors and the building Chairman said: “I am really pleased also makes full use of natural light to see how well the newly refurbished and ventilation. Water usage is to be minimised. Public artwork that has been toilets have been rebuilt to match the designed in conjunction with Freshwater original design which complemented the Parish Council, features on the wall tiles architecture of Moa Place.

“The Parish Council are very pleased and new plants will soon be planted with the work that has been carried out outside the building. and know that these new facilities will be Isle of Wight Council Deputy Leader much appreciated by the community” George Brown said “During a council According to the Council the Yarmouth survey last year, the public identified conveniences are on hold pending public conveniences as an area for alternative and more cost-effective improvement. The council began solutions in conjunction with the a refurbishment scheme over two Yarmouth Harbour Authority. It is likely years ago and has already completed upgrades in Brading, Wootton, Ventnor, that the Pier Street Sandown convenYaverland, Ryde and Newport. Facilities iences will be completed during the next financial year. in Shanklin and Ryde are due to be

‘WE’D STILL COME HERE’

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Public toilets scheduled for rebuild or refurbishment between 2008 and 2010: The Cascades, Ventnor

£106,598 Moa Place, Freshwater

£122,760 Bridge Road, Yarmouth

£110,004 Eastern Esplanade, Ryde

£230,000 Pier Street Sandown

£206,000 Eastern Gardens, Shanklin

£341,000 Church Litten, Newport

£85,240 Lind Street, Ryde

£17,541 The Cut, Cowes

£1,241 Total 2009/10 budget £1,220,384

HOLIDAY-MAKERS staying at the recently converted Chillerton Barns this week said they’d be happy to return to the location, even if three large wind turbines were sited above the holiday homes.

Jenny and Michael Williams from Streatham and Marianna and Ernest Okoh from Stevenage, with Anton Sritcharan and children Luke, Mia and Cara were just happy to get away to the countryside. “I don’t think I’d mind,” said Jenny, although Michael was less keen.

“If I lived here I would probably mind,” he said although he hadn’t noticed the television mast until the Gazette pointed it out to him. “In London there’s just too much stuff- you don’t notice anything,”

he told us.

Planning permission for three wind turbine engines with hub height of 80m and rotor diameter of 90m (tip height 125m) has been lodged with the IW Planning Committee and will be heard in mid October. To view the application go to http://www.iwight.com/ council/departments/planning/appsdip/ AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=19242 Posing for a photograph beneath the mast, the friends were glad to have come to the Island for the week, but were not impressed with some of the attractions.

“You’ve got to entertain us a bit more – you can’t just give us that and charge that sort of price,” moaned Michael.

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August 28, 2009

Becky Newnham, Nikki Robinson, Tara Edwards and S. Goodwin

Melissa Martindale and Sophie Beeney

Rachel Boswell celebrates after achieving 10 A* passes and a scholarship to Ryde School

RYDE HIGH REACH NEW HEIGHTS

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

Following on from a big rise in A Level performance last week, Ryde High School records its best ever GCSE results. The school has achieved 52% A-C and 99% A*-G, both setting new records for its performance and continuing the trend

of an improving school. One student achieved 10 A* grades and overall the school saw more students achieving higher grades with a 40% rise in A* and A grades.

Students achieving five or more A*-C grades including

English and Mathematics has risen to 39% and places student progress above the top 25% of school for value added.

It is a credit to the hard work and commitment of students and staff that they have seen their best performance yet.

Priory School enjoys successful year

Clockwise from left: Edmund Matyjasek, James Locke, Hannah Benwell, James Rann, Hannah Bowkis, Christine Douglas, Grace Ward, Hannah May Palmer-Davis, Felicity Bates

Principal Edmund Matyjasek writes: “In a year of great change at Priory School, all Year 11 GCSE students passed the necessary levels to go on to the careers of their choice.

“74% of all GCSE s taken were in core subjects of English, Maths, Science, ICT showing how Priory School does not take the easy options of “soft” subjects but asks of all its pupils that they tackle the subjects that will equip them for further education or training.

A*-C pass rate in these core subjects for the mixed ability Year 11 was 77%.

“In addition to the core subjects, 100% A*-C was achieved in History, French & Art, and further GCSEs in Geography, Religious Studies,

Business Studies.

“Year 10 and Year 9 pupils achieved an astonishing 100% A*-C pass rate in the core subjects taken of Maths & Science with 14 and 15 year old pupils achieving A* grades “We believe this vindicates our approach of “teaching to the child, not to the test,” in that all children of whatever ability are schooled in the core subjects which they will need for later life; and where there is the ability to sit exams in earlier years, this is encouraged with the remarkable result of 100 A*-C passes in pupils aged 14 and 15 years.

Highlights: - 22 pupils from ages 14 to 16 years sat 86 GCSEs in 2009 with

a 98.5% pass rate - 74% of all GCSEs were at A*-C - All Year 11 pupils of varying abilities secured the crucial 5 GCSEs to allow them to pursue the options and careers open to them, with 5 pupils gaining 8 GCSEs or more.

- Year 11 pupils (Age 16 years) in core subjects of English, Maths, Science, ICT, achieved 77% A*-C - Year 10 pupils (Age 15 years) in core subjects achieved 100% A*-C - Felicity Bates aged 15 years secured three A* GCSEs - Year 9 pupils (Age 14 years) in core subjects achieved 100% A*-C - Hannah-Mary Palmer Davis aged 14 secured one A* GCSE

Another good year for Ryde School DR NICHOLAS ENGLAND, principal of Ryde School said: “The Class of 2009 have matched the excellent results of the previous four years: 20% of our entries earned A* grades; 49% were A* or A grades; 74% were B grades or above.

94% of our pupils achieved the benchmark of 5 A* to C grades with 92% of our pupils achieving 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

“This year our highest performers were: Jodie Green and Keno Mario-Ghae with 11 A* grades – both Jodie and Keno earned 100% in

Biology and Keno earned 100% in Chemistry too; Edward Stanford-Clark earned 10 A* grades, Gargie Ahmad and Lizzie Lovegrove 9 A* grades, Madaleine Bowes, Harry Fisher and Oshine Saxena each got 8 A* grades and Peter Snell 7 A* grades.

“The following all got a clean sweep of 10 A* or A grades: Katie Ager, Oliver Blanthorn, Alexa Boswell, Robert Clifton, Katherine Dixey, Pippa Draper, Richard Henshaw, Michael McCree, Fiona Middleton, Michael Sherpa and Lilian Ward.”

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Sandown pupils celebrate

Left to right: Haley Dobos, Laura Treagus, Sasha Lewis, Amy Saltmeris, Paige Henderson and Leah West

Have you got a story for the Gazette?

Call our newsdesk now on 01983 409928

left to right: James Morris, Luke Healy, Josh Pannell, Jonny Warren.

Left to right: Jack Scott, Luke Potter, Tom Brocklehurst, Jonathan Woodhouse, Rob Chard and Alfie Stirling

Year 10 student Jessica Morris who took her Science GCSE and got an A*

Left to right: James Morris, Luke Healy, Josh Pannell, Jonny Warren

Matt Stewart who got A* in English, Drama, Science and ICT. Matt now plans to stay on at Sandown sixth form and study Chemistry, English Lit, Human Biology, Maths and possibly Theatre Studies

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

GOTCHA!

The Islands latest weapon against terrorism is a stinger net that stops terrorist craft before they can attack

Alexander Graves and Dave Williams fire the stinger from a rib

THE SEAS around the Island are set to become even safer, as anti-terrorism chiefs have unveiled their latest tool to try and combat criminals.

Police on the water are set to be armed with a new ‘Gotcha gizmo’, which consists of a shoulder fired rocket gun, that throws a net in front of suspect boats as they head to UK shores with illegal cargo such as guns, bombs or drugs on board.

The net stretches 40ft in length and is made of out man-made fibre that is

tougher than steel cable. The net is also fitted with a secret device, which can bring the villains’ vessel to a halt.

If the first net misses, the rocket gun can be reloaded in less than two minutes.

Tests on the new equipment have been taking place in the Solent, and will be used by police patrolling the sea around the Island.

The system, which is a lot like a nautical version of the spiked stinger tracks used to stop cars in police chases,

can operate at speeds in excess of 50mph.

The rocket launcher, which uses low amounts of compressed air, can also shoot ladders and boarding lines up the sides of ships.

Security Minister Lord Alan West was impressed with the new device. He said: “This is one example of the many things we are doing to try to make our nation safer.

“This stinger on the water method of stopping suspect vessels will be

FORT WALK FORT WALKING was in vogue last weekend when the late summer’s low tides heralded the mass wade over to St Helen’s Fort. Walks were made on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the largest group of people making the walk at around 6.30pm on Saturday, to coincide

with the low tide at 7.40pm.

On Sunday evening there were still at least 100 people making the paddle and wade across to the fort for the low tide point of around 8.30pm. Some people chose to clamber around the fort when they reached it.

Dave Williams hold the gun which fires the net

especially important with the Olympics starting in 2012.

“It is a very exciting piece of kit and there are some aspects of it we can’t talk about for security reasons.

“But it will mean that not only can we prevent water-born terrorist attacks but we can also catch the perpetrators and bring them to trial.”

The “Gotcha Gizmo” has been developed by the Home Office and is made by Reges International of Portsmouth.

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WIGHTFEST 2009

A UNIQUE outdoor event, Wightfest, a festival of Island bands, was held at the IW Community Club in Cowes.

Richard Heaven was there to report on the event for The Gazette: It is not often that these small festivals are run by out-and-out music fanatics. However, when they are, it often reminds us of the most important aspect of festivals: the sense of community. Organised by three very normal Islanders Debra Loveday, Roger Deakin and Kev Summers – all with a passion for music and charity - Wightfest brought together many of the Island’s favourite bands of various genres for one day of music in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Sue Ryder Care.

First up were Island groups Reverb and the Folsom Prison Blues Band which I missed due to previous commitments and the Island’s terrible transport system.

So, kicking off the review is Folk Duo Shoot The Moon. Covering a number of both folk and

mainstream songs, and original numbers, they eased everyone into the weekend chill mood.

Next up were Sundown City, an Indie Rock group formed in late 2008, consisting of the traditional power trio set-up of bass, guitar and drums. Fans of the View, Arctic Monkeys and Maximo Park may want to check them out.

Following on from Sundown were PDQ, a hard rock covers band. They may have seemed like a strange choice, but it was great to hear tracks such as ‘Slither’ and ‘Brainstew’ blasting across the venue with a cold cider in my hand.

Next were Island ska hotshots Papa Do Plenty. This year they’ve already played the main stage of the Isle of Wight Festival, several support and headlining slots at various venues and developed a strong fan base.

Due to changes beyond our control, blues rock group Gweido hit the stage. Playing with the tightness which only comes with years of experience, they blasted through a set containing both fan

The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

favorites and newer numbers.

Following this was rock band the Kurves. As usual they are on top form with their solid show and well-developed tunes. Guitarist Chris L. Tilly has the true rocker stage show perfected pulling confident shapes while laying down the solid lead guitar.

Front man Jamie Fineran provides the perfect balance to Chris, singing out of his black book of songs and exchanging banter with the crowd. Each of the rest of the band contribute to the sound with their personalities and individual playing styles. Even when things go wrong (which, inevitably they do) they are both professional and amusing.

Finishing the night was the Island’s favorites indie jam band The Chancers. They do not play that often anymore which adds to the sense of occasion. Playing a solid set as always, they showed why so many people support them whatever they produce. A great first year - bring on Wightfest 2010!

THE PURRING CAT

WIGHTLINK hope to finally have their two new fastcats in operation between Ryde and Portsmouth within the next month.

Although the two vessels, Wight Ryder I and II, have completed sea trials they have not yet been used because of extensive renovation work at Ryde Pierhead.

Wightlink spokesperson Kerry Jackson explained: “To

accommodate the fastcats the passenger gangways have been altered, and there will also be the introduction of new berthing arrangements so that hopefully the vessels will still be able to berth in inclement weather.

“The work is on schedule and is due to be completed in the week beginning September 21, so that is when Wight Ryder I and II will come into service.”

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

COUNCIL SLAMMED OVER ROADWORKS

ROAD works taking place across the Island during peak holiday time are causing chaos and frustration for residents and tourists alike.

But the IW Council leader David Pugh has defended the decision to go ahead with improvements during the school holiday period, when the Island roads are at their busiest.

One of the major problem spots has been at Westridge, near the Tesco roundabout, where work has been ongoing for several weeks replacing kerb stones on a stretch of pathway seemingly used only occasionally by pedestrians. Traffic travelling between Brading and Ryde has been subjected to lengthy delays, with queues often stretching back to Beeper Shute.

Now a £215,000 scheme to resurface Godshill Road – the A3020 between Whiteley Bank and Victoria Avenue,

Shanklin is set to cause further frustration, even though it is claimed much of the work will be carried out overnight because of the busy nature of the stretch of road.

Improvement work costing £50,000 has also started on Cedar Hill in Carisbrooke, where the carriageway is being resurfaced, and kerbs and road gullies repaired.

That scheme will take up to three weeks to complete, and the council insist that in order to reduce the impact on road users, as much of the work as possible will be carried out during the evening and overnight.

Even so visitors touring the Island and residents trying to get to and from work have been caught up in the gridlock to add to the normal bottle-neck problems such as Coppins Bridge Newport, Shanklin Old Village and Lake.

Cllr Pugh, said: ““The IW Council does wherever possible schedule work to

minimise disruption for road users and residents.

“For example, the work on the current two major maintenance schemes at Cedar Hill in Carisbrooke and the Godshill Road between Whiteley Bank and Victoria Avenue is being done predominantly at night-time to avoid disruption during the busier day-time hours.

“The Council is however investing many millions of pounds this year on various schemes to improve the quality of our roads. The need for this work is frequently highlighted as a key priority for residents and most complaints received by highways department relating to the condition of our roads.

“Because of the scale of works involved, the need to carry them out when weather conditions are at their most favourable and the limited road network restricting options for diversions, some delays are however unavoidable.”

STEAMING KETTLE

A STEAM powered supercar has broken a land speed record with the help of an Island man.

Mike Horne from Bembridge was part the team that broke the 103-year-old record, which had previously stood at 127mph.

The team behind the British Steam Car Challenge saw the car, which has been dubbed the fastest kettle in the world, reach an amazing top speed of 151mph.

An American team

reached 145mph in 1985, but did not attempt to make it an official record.

Principal driver, Charles Burnett III said: “It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run, and the second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150mph.

“It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved is a true testament to British engineering, good

teamwork and perseverance.”

The vehicle weighs three tons and measures 25ft in length, and is made from a mixture of lightweight carbon-fibre composite and aluminium wrapped around a steel space frame chassis.

Water is pumped around the 12 boilers at up to 50 litres a minute, and the steam is superheated to 400 degrees Celsius, which is injected into the turbine at more than twice the speed of sound.

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The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

SOS FROM RYDE INSHORE RESCUE Ryde Inshore Rescue send Mayday to help raise funds for new roof and volunteers

THE IW GAZETTE’S News Editor, Jason Kay, spent an afternoon with Ryde Inshore Rescue and was really surprised to find how busy they were, and to realise how badly they need repairs to their premises. Here is what happened: Being a newbie to the Island and also being surrounded by the waters of the Solent, I felt that taking up the offer of spending a shift with the Ryde Inshore Rescue would help me to get to know people on the Island along with the water that surrounds us.

I arrived not really knowing what lay ahead. My only knowledge was the Queen had honoured the station, which was founded by Gordon Osborne MBE in 1956, with an award for Voluntary Services earlier this year.

I was greeted by Michaela White, who took over as chairman of the station in November 2007. Along with being Training Officer and Chief Fundraiser, she is also wife to Ryde Rescue One’s Senior Coxswain Nick and is juggling being mum to Nathan and Daniel.

The word ‘cuppa’ was mentioned but I never did get to drink it as the phone rang within the first five minutes of the

BY JASON KAY six hour stint.

Solent coastguard had tasked Ryde Rescue One’s fast, 6.3m rib, powered by two DF 90 engines, with a top speed of 45 knots, to rescue a floating jet boat that was broken down in the middle of the main shipping lane, just off Ryde Pier.

Two minutes to put on the dry suit and get in the boat ready for launch. A task that I failed. The three crew were half way down the beach by the time I had got a life jacket and helmet on.

We followed on behind them to the emergency in their second craft, a “D” class. My coxswain and driver for the afternoon was Vicki Cotton who has six years of volunteering under her belt.

As we cut across the waves to catch up with Rescue One I managed to ask why she volunteered, along with the 20 other volunteer crew who turn out in all weather, day or night, to save and help people in distress.

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“It’s about giving back and helping the community,” said Vicki. “We are a family within a family at the station, as it likes to be known. When your pager goes you put your life on hold. You can be eating your tea, having friends around, or be down the station training. You have to be able to switch into life-saving mode.”

We arrived at the location, just off the edge of Ryde pier and there was no sign of Rescue One or the casualty boat. Vicki explained that some people panic when they’re out on the water. “They give a position, or a landmark, and we have to try and find them. It does make you mad when people go out ill prepared and under-estimate the dangers of the waters.

We spend a lot of time on the beach educating children and their parents of the dangers of the water.”

The owner of the jet boat was two miles off of the location given. The red-faced owner had run dry on fuel. The crew on Rescue One: Nick, an electrician, Andy, a training officer and Shane a security officer, soon had the jet boat attached to the side of the rib and under tow back to Ryde.

“If we’d got spare fuel we would of loan him some of ours, but all of our funds are committed to saving the roof,” explained Coxswain Nick White. “I have to keep a level head out on the water. It’s my job not only to rescue the person in trouble but to also make sure that the crew are kept safe as well. I would never put any of us in danger and every one the team respect that.

“The public see us out in the water and think we are RNLI because of the colour of the boats and because we are out at sea rescuing people. It makes it harder for us to raise funds. They look at us as an overspill of the lifeboat service. It’s very hard.

“Everything the crew wears has to be purchased and serviced. To kit out a boat member costs between £500 and £1,000, from a dry suit, life jacket, long thermals to the safety helmet,” said Nick. “We have to fundraise all the time. The money has to come from somewhere. We are proud to be independent from the RNLI and not funded by the government but we really do need help.”

The radio crackles and the signal is blocked by the bowling alley – another problem for the Rescue team. Nick explains the dream that Ryde Rescue have had for a few years. They need to put a new roof on the current building. Every time it rains all the equipment stored in the boathouse and the building gets wet.

“By building a new room and training area we can then put the aerial up higher so we can communicate back to the watch room,” said Nick.

The crews listen into Solent Coastguard as another call flies at them - this time it’s a fisherman who’s lost his engine, but he hasn’t got a radio. Ryde Recue One shoots off to help another distressed seaman in his hour of need.

I head back to shore to find out more about the Mayday appeal from Michaela.

On the way back the coastguards call up requesting that the boat I’m in goes to assist a vessel in distress. Further crews are paged and by the time the boat makes

its way back to the shore the crew are waiting to board her to go and help save another soul.

Back on dry land there’s no let up in the watch room. Michaela with radio in one hand explains that it’s been one of the busiest days the station has had - this is call number four today. The phone rings again, as through the windows you can see the people on the beach relaxing with not a care in the world.

The beach lifeguards call through with details of a missing child with learning difficulties.

It’s not just people in trouble at sea that Ryde Rescue help. They have specialist search teams who work with the coastguard to search for missing people.

With crewing levels stretched to the maximum, more help is called on from Ken, who’s been with station for four years. Out comes the missing person forms. Ken thought he was going to have a quiet afternoon after doing the morning watch. Not likely today. The station last year answered 58 call outs. To date, with four months still to go, they have broken that record with 59 calls on the board.

Ken runs through the door after answering his pager. Slightly out of breath, he explains that he retired and felt that putting something back in was a good reason to volunteer. “I don’t go to sea,” Ken explained. “I enjoy a few shifts in the watch room. Preventing something from happening is better than having to respond,” he said as he passed on details of a child unsupervised in a dingy, drifting as the water was going out. “That’s when people become brave and go out further,” he explained.

“People need to understand how important sea safety really is. You wouldn’t let your child play out on a busy main road, so why leave them unsupervised in the sea. We aren’t here to judge, just to help and save lives.”

The building that currently houses the Station, kit and boats is need of major repair. Work to the roof is needed and further space. The training room doubles up as a staff room, storeroom and charity shop. When it rains the roof leaks and damages anything that may be under the dripping water. The 20-strong crew spends a lot of their free time fund raising, but have only met half of their target of £130,000.

Michaela explained that they really want to make this dream come true and to have a building that is fit for purpose.

The National Lottery turned them down an application for funding three times despite the job they do being for the benefit of the community. The Station has launched an appeal called Mayday, and they have held a sponsored toddle and are holding a meal to raise further funds. A call for any used paperbacks has also been made as money from their sale helps to pay for fuel, repairs to the boats and the emergency kit that the volunteers wear.

If you feel you could help with fund raising or would like to volunteer please contact Michaela White on 01983 564564.

Or contact The Gazette on 402599 with ideas on how you might be able to help raise funds.

THERE are numerous opportunities within Ryde Inshore Rescue to learn new skills, develop your potential and play an important role in the community. But we need the right people. If you have ambition, commitment and enthusiasm we would be delighted to meet you.

If you are considering applying to become a boat crewmember, you must be able to spare at least one evening a week and on average, at

least one half day each weekend, to be able to meet the demands of the training and duty watches.

As crew you will: Qualify for marine VHF radio operators license Pass the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Powerboat Level 2 and Safety Boat courses Qualify as a First Aider

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WEDDING OF JAMES AND DENNESS A HONEYMOON safari in Kenya followed the wedding of Peter James and Dr Lucinda Denness.

The bridegroom works as a Civil Servant, and is the son of Mr and Mrs Peter and Janet James. The bride is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Jackie and Stephen Denness, and works as a Plant Molecular Biologist.

Best man for the ceremony, which took place at All Saints Church, Ryde, was the bridegroom’s brother John James. Bridesmaids were the bride’s sister Laura Denness, and her nieces Shannon, Charlotte and Yasmin Heaney.

The couple first met while studying at Bath University, and now live in Orpington, Kent.

The bride’s brother and his wife travelled from their home in Hong Kong to attend the wedding, so that his two daughters could be bridesmaids.

The bridegroom’s father modelled the top tier of the wedding cake on Minas Tirith, the white city in the Lord of the Rings, and the couple cut the cake with a replica of the Lord of the Rings sword.

Photographs by Steve Thearle Photography.

The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

WEDDING OF McSHANE AND DICKONS

NEWLYWEDS Daniel McShane and Emma Dickons followed their wedding ceremony at St Johns Church, Ryde with a reception at the Ryde Castle Hotel.

The groom is the son of Daniel McShane and the late Diane Moore. He works as Gas Network Operative, and had his best friend Richard Newnham as best man.

The bride is the daughter of Francis and Barbara Dickons, and works as a Revenues Officer.

The bride’s sister, Katie Dickons, was bridesmaid, with her brother Daniel Dickons and Sean Burton as ushers. The groom’s daughter Ezmee Williams was flower girl, with Zachary McShane as pageboy.

The couple enjoyed a week in London, before flying off to complete their honeymoon in Turkey. Island band Cosy Flashbak played to guests at the reception.

Photographs by Jason Harris of Chique Photography.

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GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

THE IW COUNCIL is reminding parents of children that are due to go back to school next week, that all schools, nurseries and pre-schools will be re-opening as normal.

There had been some rumours circulating that schools would be closed until further notice because of swine flu.

However, the council has

confirmed that all schools will re-open as planned, with most schools beginning the new term beginning on Thursday September 3.

The latest information regarding swine flu, how to minimise its spread and the symptoms to watch out for can be found on the NHS website www.nhs.uk or via the council’s website www. iwight.com

PARK AND STRIDE TO SCHOOL

AS PARENTS prepare their children prepare to go back to school in September, the IW Council is sending out the message that the school run can also be a superb opportunity for children to get their recommended daily exercise.

Many schools on the Island operate a ‘Park and Stride’ scheme that allows parents to park near the school and walk the remaining distance, cutting down on traffic outside the school entrance.

A large number of schools that are close to public car parks also have an agreement with the council in place, which allow

parents to park for free at set times. This is typically for a half hour period at both the start and end of school days.

Parents should contact their school for more information on this and also to obtain a permit, allowing them to take advantage of the scheme.

Other schools also have agreements with local businesses for free parking.

IW Council Civil Enforcement Officers also regularly patrol outside schools during peak times to keep the areas safe for children and ensure cars are not causing a safety hazard by parking illegally.

Public transport services including buses and trains are also available and schools actively encourage either cycling or walking.

To help parents find the best method of transport that suits them, every school on the Island has a dedicated ‘School Travel Options’ leaflet. This contains full details of available transport, parking locations and also a handy map of the area.

These leaflets are available to download on IW Council’s dedicated education website EduWight or can be obtained from schools once the new term begins in September.

Hospice News

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989 Cricket tonight Friday August 28

RIVERSIDE CONCERT

AN OPEN air music concert is being at the Riverside Centre, Newport on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31).

‘Beat by the River’ is a charity concert organised in aid of the ‘England Fund for Mental Health’.

Mark South, who works for the IW NHS Mental Health services as clinical lead for the Home Treatment Team, actively supports the charity.

“The England Fund supports activities such as music groups and photography groups which help people to deal with their problems by distracting them, encouraging creativity and helping to build self esteem.

“We also want to try and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and increase public awareness of the many positive aspects of mental health care.”

Mark continued: “We are really excited about ‘Beat by the River’ and

have been very fortunate in securing a number of really good Island bands. When I decided to organise a local music concert for the Island I didn’t anticipate receiving anywhere near this amount of interest.”

A new campaign designed to stamp out the stigma of mental health problems on the Island was launched earlier this year. ‘Time to Change’ aims to change people’s attitudes to mental health and stop stigma ruining people’s lives.

Dr Dan Harwood, Clinical Director for Mental Health and Learning Disability Services on the Island said: “Mental Health problems affect over 18,000 people on the Island. Sadly, nine out of 10 people who experience mental health problems also experience stigma and discrimination that impact on their quality of life and can stop them

from seeking help.

“We need to change the way many people view this and give them the knowledge they need to be less afraid of mental health problems and be able to support friends and family.”

The organisers of the event have been overwhelmed with interest from local bands wanting to play, and have had to organise a second stage to accommodate them. The bands playing on Bank Holiday Monday include The Kurves, Cozy Flashbak, Medina High Choir, Rebound, Portable High, Papa Do Plenty and Dirty Habit, not forgetting a didgeridoo set.

Beat by the River is being held at the Riverside Centre in Newport from 12pm to 11pm. Admission is free, and there will also be children’s entertainment, a bbq and various other stalls.

WITH all the enthusiasm for cricket in the light of the Ashes win the hospice is expecting a great turnout for tonight cricket match at Newclose Cricket Ground. Southampton FC and Hampshire CCC Legends including Jason Dodd, Adi Amyes and Neil Maddison will be playing against Newclose Legends.

Tickets are £10 for non members, £7 for members and £3 for under 16’s and senior citizens. For details please contact Mike Scott on 824575 or emailmikescott@newclose-cricket.co.uk

It’s a Knockout on Sunday August 30 COME and see all the action as teams battle it out at “It’s a Knockout” at St George’s Park on Sunday 30th August.

Spectators are welcome from 10.30am and the fun kicks off at 11am. It’s free to come and watch and all the money raised by the teams and on the day will be donated to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

If you would like to book a last minute place in a team please contact Sue Birch on 407723 for more details.

Watch the Newfoundland Rescue Dogs EVERYONE is welcome to come and watch the talented Newfound Friends Newfoundland Rescue Dogs at The Folly on Saturday September 5. Dogs will be “rescuing” people from the River Medina so come along and give them all some encouragement. There will also be opportunities to be photographed with

these 14 stone gentle giants. The Folly will be open throughout the day for refreshments.

If you would like to be one of those “rescued” from the water in this sponsored event, it is not too late to get in touch with the fundraising team.

Please give us a call on 528989.

Totland Olde Tymers Show TOTLAND Olde Tymers will be perfoming “The 1930’s and 1940’s Show” at Freshwater Memorial Hall on Thursday September 3 at 7.30pm to raise money for the hospice. Tickets are available from Totland Pharmacy and The Cabin in Freshwater and are available on the door. Tickets are priced at £5 each.

Music Quiz at St George’s Park MARKS and Spencer have very kindly agreed to hold a music quiz for the Hospice on Saturday August 29 at 7.30pm. It is £10 for a team of four and there will be a prize for the winner plus a raffle on the night. There is no need to book, simply turn up on the night and play.

Hospice Go Yellow Day Launches Next Week SCHOOLS and businesses on the Island should keep their eyes open for fundraising packs and information sheets arriving through their doors about the latest fundraising idea…

‘Hospice Go Yellow Day’ which this year is on Friday October 9. More details next week!

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The IW Gazette

SIMPLY THE BEST RYDE Carnival celebrated its 121st anniversary in style this year thanks to some truly spectacular costumes. The record number of entries overwhelmed carnival organisers. Dozens of schools and associations took part in the parade and even an undercover visitor from the Mainland came to view how it all went.

Lesley Ward, Chair of the Bridgemary Carnival in Gosport, came over to pick up some tips on how to really rock the party. “A carnival has been held in

Gosport for many years but plans were made to have carnivals in each of the six or seven wards,” explained Lesley. “But only Bridgemary and Rowner have really taken off.”

Bringing around fifty people over on the Fast Cat, at least 28 of whom were adults, Bridgemary carnival have been inspired by Ryde carnival in visits over the past three years.

“We’re hoping to get more people involved and seeing Ryde carnival does help a lot. Seeing the costumes makes people aspire

to be part of something similar – you think big,” said Lesley who brought the party over with another Bridgemary carnival committee member Rosellen Lambert, who is also Community Manager at Bridgemary Community Sports College.

“We were also looking at how you organise a carnival with regard to road and people management,” said Lesley.

“Thanks to everyone for giving us such a great day.”

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

SWHA RANKED AMONGST BEST

THE SOUTH WIGHT Housing Association (SWHA) has been awarded top marks for every supported and sheltered service it offers, writes Jamie White.

SWHA has received a Level A from the Communities and Local Government’s Supporting People programme for all six of its services. They are Young People, Mental Health, Older People, Teenage Parents, Homeless Families and Learning Disabilities. The housing association is the only provider on the Island to obtain the highest level of achievement for such a diverse range of services supporting vulnerable people.

Executive Director, Margaret Wright, said: “To be awarded the highest level for all of our supported and sheltered services is a tremendous honour. Our achievement is a reflection of our staff working hard work and providing an excellent service for all residents.”

Miss Charlie Ford, a resident living at Woodhill Close, part of

Ryde Young People’s Support Services, said: “I am really pleased that the SWHA has been recognised as an excellent service provider. I have been living Woodhill Close for 18 months, and the support staff have helped me greatly.

“I have learned how to be more independent, and I am always kept informed about activities and other important matters. I feel happy, safe and secure. The hostel is a fun place to live where people are helped to move on in life.”

SWHA’s services were assessed according to supporting people’s six core objectives: Needs and Risk Assessment, Support Planning, Health and Safety, Diversity, Complaints, and Safeguarding. The programme is a working partnership between communities and local government, local government, service users and support agencies.

You can find out more about the services that SWHA provides at www.shgroup.org.uk/SWHA

Sandown Business Association present a cheque to Mark Birch (right)

ACTION STATIONS

WHEN Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat coxswain Mark Birch went along to give a talk to the Sandown Business Association about their rescue work little did he know it would reap such a fine reward.

Within a couple of days of the talk, highlighted with a slide show, the Business Association contacted Mark, commending the Lifeboat crew for their excellent work in and around Sandown Bay, and promising a £1,000 donation towards the upkeep of the facility.

Mark said: “We were all absolutely

overwhelmed by the gesture. The money has helped us tremendously and is a magnificent gesture, particularly in these difficult financial times.”

Sandown Business Association secretary Amanda Mitchell, who presented the cheque to Mark, said: “Some people may not be aware that the RNLI do not support this inshore lifeboat station and they need to raise all monies to keep the station active.

“This costs around £12,000 a year.

The station is manned by volunteers and is extremely important to the area.”

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

THE CHIEF Executive of VisitBritain, the organisation responsible for marketing Britain to the rest of the world, has written to the IWCouncil stating she is a “massive fan” of the Island and congratulating the authority’s efforts in making her recent holidays here a “really brilliant experience”; picking out Ventnor for particular praise.

In her letter to John Metcalfe, the IW Council’s Assistant Director, Economic Development, Tourism, Culture, Leisure and Partnerships, Sandie Dawe MBE congratulates the council’s tourism department as well as those working in the Island’s various pubs and attractions: “I have visited the Island three times now, most recently in June this year,” said Sandie who received her MBE for her services to tourism in 2008. “On this visit I was so pleased to note the improvements on Ventnor beach and seafront, better street furniture, new apartments and cafes.”

“The whole Island seems to be very well maintained, extremely clean and well provided with public loos.”

Commenting on the letter, Cllr George Brown, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Economy, Planning & Property said: “With the help of our tourism partners, the IW Council is committed to working with the industry to continue to market and promote the Island as one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations. To

Sandie Dawe and her husband on holiday on the Island

TOURISM BOSS THINKS WE’RE TOPS receive a letter like this is a real boost and a pat on the back to everyone involved in ensuring that visitors have such a fantastic experience that they will want to return again and again.”

As well as attractions like The Needles, Mottistone Manor, the “brilliant and hilarious” Appuldurcombe House ghost walk, Ventnor Botanic Gardens and Osborne House, Sandie recommended swimming at Bembridge, Ventnor Beach, Steephill Cove, and Compton and Seagrove Bays, walking “good signposting, walk leaflets” and “brilliant” pub meals at The Buddle Inn and The Spyglass.”

This recent high praise comes hot on the heels of last week’s news that the Island has been named as one of the world’s top holiday spots by kids in a poll carried out by Teletext Holidays, which put the Island ahead of holiday hotspots Greece and Majorca.

The IW Council’s Communications department has recently been working with BBC Countryfile magazine on a seven-page travel feature promoting the Island’s holiday accommodation, attractions and events. See the results in the September issue which is on sale now, www. bbccountryfile.com

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The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

HOMEGROWN OFFERS HELPING HAND JOHN CURD, promoter of the Summer Madness gig this Sunday, has agreed to allow the police to leaflet the crowd with appeals for Luke Cowan to return home. These A5 flyers will also appeal for anyone with information as to where he might be to contact the police.

But there may also be an appeal from the stage by one of the starring acts – to be confirmed on the day.

Luke’s family are beside themselves with worry as to where he might have gone, since his disappearance two days after the IOW Pop Festival in June this year.

“I’ve seen the posters and read the articles about this lad’s disappearance and I really feel for his poor mother and the family. It must be heartbreaking,” said John Curd who also immediately offered a free ticket for Luke if he turns up at the gig.

Homegrown Events, the promoters of Summer Madness, will also be making

a donation to the Trustees of Carisbrooke Castle Museum. The money will help to meet the basic running costs of the museum, which despite donations and grants has a shortfall every year.

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SUGGS MOVING TO VENTNOR? SUGGS was thinking about moving to Ventnor when I spoke to him about Summer Madness this Sunday, but it is really difficult to tell if he’s being serious. He is, after all, a very funny man. But he’s certainly visited Ventnor quite a few times, and he’ll be back this weekend when the band play at Carisbrooke.

“It’s a lovely spot, I like Ventnor a lot.

I’ve got a mate who lives there,” said Suggs. “When the sun’s shining it’s the best place in the world. The house next door to my mate is for sale – I bet that would drive him mad! But I don’t know yet.”

So does this mean that there’s likely to be an influx of Madness into Ventnor?

Well apparently there already has been – the boys have been down on a few occasions, beginning with Bestival weekend in 2007. “ That was really good fun. The best festival,” said Suggs of the Bestival where they were special surprise guests in 2007. At that time they stayed in Ventnor for a few days – Suggs with his family at a hotel. And just a few weeks ago he was back for a party at the Wintergardens.

“Yeah all my family went home and left me there and I had to get home on my own,” he remembered. “And I didn’t realise that you had the old tube

enclave of London that was a law unto itself – not unlike the Madness ethos.

“It was a part of London that had no laws – they could do what they wanted.

And it survived until 1908 and had trains from the Northern Line – trains its own parliament. We reconvened I used to take to school. And when I the parliament earlier in the year and got in I swear to God that it was the people could do what ever they wanted same train I took to school. It had the for one night. But unfortunately the guard’s compartment and you can open powers that be have taken it the door and then graffiti the wall on back into the Greater London the far side of the line. And when they Council,” he laughed. came down the next day they couldn’t “It’s a great joy being in this work out how anyone had got to the band. I don’t think there are other side of the tube station to write on many bands (of our era) left. the wall,” he reminisced fondly of his We enjoy ourselves and misspent youth in north London. enjoy playing our music as Suggs said that the guys are really much as we do entertainlooking forward to Summer Madness ing everyone. Some of us this weekend. “It’s going to be the most have known each other fantastic festival known to humankind from school. So many where the rich meet the poor, where the bands have split up or see it old meet the young,” was his summing as a job, but it really is enjoyable. It’s a up of what’s to come in true expansive, real joy - thirty years after we started. I off the wall, Suggs style. really appreciate that.”

We’ll be playing a mixture,” he said of So with good friends, memories of the gig. “We’ve got a new album out and good times and the promise of more obviously we’ll be playing some songs to come, it seems we may be seeing from that but when I see bands I want quite a bit more of Suggs in the to see their hits. So we’ll be playing future. This bank holiday weekend them of course – mostly old but some will also certainly see him in the new.”

Ventnor area.

The new album, The Liberty of Norton “I’ll be spending a few days Folgate, is based around an anarchic in sunny Ventnor and I’ll

BY JO MACAULAY

JO MACAULAY ON MADNESS

MADNESS – they call it madness. I don’t know about Carisbrooke Castle fields, it’s madness around here if you ask me. Working in this office is like being in an episode of ‘Drop the Dead Donkey’, but I’m not quite sure which character I most identify with – my husband always says I’m like Joy Merryweather. I suppose it could be worse, at least I’m not Sally Smedley (or are you? – Ed).

I’m really looking forward to this weekend – it will be amazing. If

I’d have thought that Madness and Kid Creole and the Coconuts would be playing within earshot of my bedroom window, when I was a teenager growing up not far from the site, I would have thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

Mind you if I’d have thought any band was going to be playing anywhere on the Island, when I was a teenager, I would have thought the same. The Isle of Wight Act safely put a stop to any decent live music gatherings – or indeed any al fresco gigs – for all of my teenage years.

Resorting to illegal parties in chalk pits and out of the way places, which only featured Island bands, we had to sneak over to the Gaumont in Southampton to get a glimpse of any of our heros/ heroines. My first sighting of rock stardom was the Stranglers in 1978,

when my mother finally conceded to my pleas to be allowed off of the Island at such a late hour – we had to get the night boat back at 3am.

So I’m afraid I’m all for festivals, gigs and any other musical gatherings, be they outside, inside, near my house, near your house or up a gum tree. Young and old alike love to meet, greet, hear music, join in the shared intimacy and to bond over their shared preferences, making memories for the years to come.

Or in common parlance to party, party, party of course.

If only I’d had the chance as a teenager myself. Moving back to the Island in 2000 I was overjoyed when Annie Horne and John Giddings brought the first festival back to our shores. And now look what’s happened. It may be madness, but I like it – lets have lots more.

be doing one of those things from a Graham Greene novel where you can claim a fiver if you see me outside the Spyglass,” he laughed. But you never know… he might be serious.

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The IW Gazette

August 28, 2009

SCOOTERISTS COME TO TOWN SCOOTERISTS have been travelling to the Isle of Wight since the days of mods and rockers and scooter rallies have been part of the August bank holiday weekend since the 1960s. Starting in seaside towns such as Brighton and Scarborough, the scooterists soon found the Island an ideal destination.

Although the scooterists were seen as a bit of a problem in the early days, particularly as there were confrontations between the two factions, the peaceful ride outs of the past twenty to thirty years have been viewed as something of a spectacle, welcomed by local pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The Isle of Wight International Scooter rally is organised by VFM who have been running rallies around the country for over 25 years. It forms part of the calendar of BSRA (British Scooter Rallies Association) national scooter rallies, and is the highlight of the year.

This years’ rally is expected to attract over 5,000 scooters with over 7,000 people. Many of the people coming to the rally will be camping at the official rally campsite, Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde, although there is a large contingent who also camp at Kite Hill which offers a quieter alternative to the busy VFM site.

During the daytime there is an enormous dealers market up at Smallbrook where you can buy everything scooter related, from complete scooters, CD’s, T-shirts and stickers to chrome accessories.

Nightclubs now arrange special events for the visiting riders and this August bank holiday the Summer Madness festival in Carisbrooke on Sunday has been organised as a climax to the weekend’s festivities. At Ryde there is also a grand VFM End of Rally party at the Balcony Club in Ryde on Sunday, from 8.30pm until 2am, meaning that Madness fans will be able to leave the gig at 10.30pm and still have up to three hours of fun to come.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with the live sound of Dexy’s Bootleg Runners, one of the most amazing tribute bands in the business – Ryde Ice Arena will echo with the roar of “Geno, Geno!” The Kevin Rowland soundalikes will be supported by local lads, The Hiwatts, who will be knocking out some classic 60s power pop anthems.

Saturday is the day when proud owners of the sought-after scooters vie for prizes in a contest which this year has 23 categories. From 11am till 4pm fans of custom scooters will be able to view the amazing range of shiny, smooth, Italian looking two wheeled wonders at Ryde Ice Arena for an admission fee of only £2.

The trophy for Best Custom Lambretta this year is the Rob Pettinger Memorial Trophy. Rob was an Island scooterist who sadly died. His family and friends have sponsored a trophy in his name.

Later the joint will be jumping with

August 28, 2009

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The IW Gazette

the sounds of the Aggrolites’ dirty reggae, Mr Neville Staples of the Specials has been invited as part of VFM’s tribute to 30 years of Two Tone and Miss Pauline Black (The Selector) will be performing a live tribute to all things SKA. On Sunday the scooterists have a new destination for their ride out. According to the VFM website the Dairyman’s Daughter Pub at Arreton Barns is the destination for the Sunday August 30 Ride Out that will leave Ryde Ice Arena car park on the seafront at 1.00pm.

The route will take them up East Hill Road to the roundabout. From here the convoy will bear left towards Puckpool, then through Nettlestone and St Helens and then left at the traffic lights back on to the main Ryde/Sandown Road.

At the small roundabout just before Brading, the scooters will turn right and up the lanes towards Ashey, bearing left up on to the Downs. At the Hare and Hounds Pub they will turn left towards Arreton and then left again at the bottom of the hill. Just down this road on the left are Arreton Barns, where the Ride Out will finish in the Dairyman’s Daughter pub.

Volunteers from the Island scooter clubs will marshal the route and riders are asked to respect them and to ride safely and legally.

Attendees who wish to then motor over to the Summer Madness gig will be able to make their way by road from Arreton, although buses are being laid on from Ryde seafront and other areas

for those wishing to leave their scooters or cars behind for the day.

Southern Vectis are also operating a shuttle bus service from East Cowes’ Wells Road, Cowes Co-op and Ryde Esplanade, and from Newport Bus Station to the event site.

Buses also leave the event site on these routes at the end of the concert. Normal timetabled Southern Vectis services operate to Newport Bus Station from all over the Island. Check www. islandbuses.info for full service details.

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EVERY Friday night at Colonel Bogeys in Sandown is ‘Double Your Money’ night. Whatever you pay on the door up to £15, you get back double on your card for drinks. All you need to do to claim your credit is have your Bogeys swipe card with you or if you haven’t got

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one, ask on the door! Every Friday there is a mix of RnB, Funky House, Dance and some classic tunes thrown in for good measure. Doors open at 9pm, and the bar is open until 3am. Every first Saturday of the month is 80s night with drinks offers and promotions.

August 28, 2009

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JACKO TRIBUTE NIGHT ROCKS THE VENUE

FANS of the late Michael Jackson donned one glove and Fedora hats at a special tribute night dedicated to the King of Pop in Ryde.

Hundreds moonwalked their way across the dance floor in fancy dress at The Venue @ Ryde Theatre, Lind St, Ryde.

Steve Robson, promoter and fashion retailer, dressed in a Jackson style red jacket in tribute and said: “We all were graced

by MJ and only saw fit to give him our own send off. What better way to do it? We had a wonderful turn out with many

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people dressed in the style of Michael’s iconic Billie Jean video to Beat It and his masterpiece Thriller.

Hopefully one day we can do it again - even the staff were dressed in jack-ups and Fedoras. It was lots of fun doing something good.”

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SPLASHDOWN CARNIVAL

SANDOWN Carnival was cancelled after organisers feared that someone might get hurt, as torrential rain poured down.

Ben Holbrook, parades officer and spokesman for the carnival committee said: “The reasons for cancelling were down to the weather

and a spillage of diesel in the road. It was really good to see that everyone and all the floats had turned out, but it was just too dangerous.”

Asked if there would be a new date set, Mr. Holbrook went on to explain that there just wouldn’t be enough time to rearrange road closures,

Buon Appetito!

An upmarket, Authentic Italian Restaurant has moved to Ventnor seafront and taken up residence in the Picardi Hotel.

Chiaro had a ‘soft’ opening for friends and family on Wednesday August 26, and the champagne, wine and fine food was flowing.

Olives and aubergine caviar were on the tables as guests arrived, with bubbly, red and white wines and soft drinks on offer. As the restaurant filled, small taster dishes of wonderful Italian foods were set on the central and window tables.

Caesar salad with warm braised tuna and fresh anchovies, traditional mozzarella, tomato and avocado salad, superbly marinated spaghetti Bolognese, spicy crab pasta, marinara with all manner of seafood and mouthwatering homemade pizzas. All of the guests were singing the restaurant’s praises.

marshalling and other logistics. But he promised that the November 5 parade would be an illuminated bumper one.

Former Vestas workers had also planned to join in the parade wearing costumes, with an 8ft wind turbine strapped on a float.

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August 28, 2009

LUXURIOUS, EFFICIENT AND VIRTUOUS ECONOMY and Mercedes are not two words you’d expect to see in the same sentence, but I drove around half the Island in the new blue EFFICIENCY Mercedes E class 250 CGI and the petrol gauge didn’t budge from quarter of a tank. Not bad for a top of the range luxury car worth around £30,000.

Blue EFFICIENCY is a new package of technologies that increase fuel economy and reduce emissions in the Mercedes range – even the exterior design is efficient, thanks to its aerodynamics, according to Mercedes. Next to come will be HYBRID, which will combine economical petrol engines with electric motors. The diesel equivalent, BlueTEC HYDBRID, was premiered at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The model sees a return to the more traditional shape, and in my opinion more stylish design - slightly ‘squarer’ than more recent models and with the characteristic Mercedes logo standing proud on the bonnet, like the site of a gun. You mean business in a Mercedes or you’re in a mean business, according to urban legends and Scorsese movies.

You feel dangerous in a Mercedes – even if you’re middle aged and in need of some exercise.

Inside the blue EFFICIENCY features include an intelligent fuel pump which only uses the power it needs, an ECO

IOW HOCKEY JOINS WEB

THE ISLE OF WIGHT Hockey Club have announced that their new look website will be launched on September 1.

The new site www. iowhockey.co.uk has been given a radical makeover by Island firm Deep Design, as part of a major sponsorship deal between the company and the club.

New features include player profiles, forthcoming events, a new colour scheme and easy to use navigation.

The club itself is undergoing an image makeover with a

power steering pump that is only active when required and low resistance tyres on 16” and 17” wheels. The air conditioning, which is superb, has a compressor that is also only active when required and its central control panel is easy to operate.

Cruising around our country lanes, the E250 CGI hugged the road and the corners like a dream, acceleration was all but immediate with 0 to 62mph in 7.7 secs and braking was perfect – another blue efficiency feature is the intelligent alternator for brake energy recovery.

Overtaking, where the roads allow, was fantastically easy with all the power I needed, especially on an upward incline, when you have to be sure of a quick response.

The Parktronic Advanced Parking Guidance system helps you to find a suitably sized gap and manoeuvre safety into it, although I didn’t get a chance to use it. The intelligent light system enables the headlamp beams to turn as the wheels do, helping you to see potential hazards in the road ahead at night. But there is also Attention Assist – a feature designed to detect fatigue by monitoring steering movement and length of journey.

Between the speeds of 55mph and 110mph it monitors the driver’s behaviour via an array of sensors and

new dark-blue kit, replacing the yellow kit the club has used for well over a decade.

The launch of the website will happen in time for the club’s first match of the new season, when the Chairman’s XI takes on the President’s XI at Smallbrook Stadium on September 5 at 1pm.

Anyone wishing to join the club, or is interested in playing hockey, can attend the club’s training sessions, starting at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde.

BY JO MACAULAY registers unexpected changes that may indicate tiredness. It will then alert the driver with a warning on the instrument cluster. This is possibly not terribly useful on the Island, but ideal for travelling to and from London. I’d like it if it operated at slower speeds.

The annoying navigation aids are optional on this model, so you can decide if you need to be dictated to by an irritating version of Joanna Lumley when you order your car. The on board computer is operated from the steering

wheel, including the eight speaker sound system, which is smoking.

You feel very safe in this 1,796cc, 4 cylinder, 204hp model – and incredibly virtuous in terms of fuel consumption. And, of course, you feel rich. If I had £30,000 to spend on a car I might well choose this one.

It’s a perfect executive car for a man or woman driver – and has enough gadgets to keep the former entertained for hours, especially the very useful speed limiter.

BRADING SAILS ON Brading Haven Yacht club enjoyed its 15th year of Sail Training week, attracting 102 eager members.

Those who took part in the event ranged from eight-year-old children to adults and all enjoyed good weather and entertainment. All participants got a RYA certification and award.

Over 70 volunteer yacht club members with 20 support craft assisted the event.

The training week comprised of seven different groups, with an individual in each course being awarded an overall prize.

The prize winners were: 1. Young Sailors – Matthew Spencer-Brading 2. Young Improvers – Ben Baker 3. Level One – Jamie Hounsfield 4. Level Two –- Kenza Thomas 5. Seamanship - Andrew Davis 6. Performance/Racing – Marlee King 7. Adults – Ben Walgate Overall Prize for STW won by Felix Laitt.

During the prize giving ceremony there were also two ‘Life Time Service’ awards presented to Annabel Rogers and Ray Hurst. Annabel has kindly provided administration

and organisation support for the Sail Training Week over the last 14 years.

Ray is the club’s professional boatman, and this was his final Sail Training Week before retiring next year, having given 22 years of service

to Brading Haven and Bembridge Sailing Club.

Framed pictures, with thanks from the membership, were presented to Annabel and Ray for their dedication and professional manner over the years for the club.

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INJURIES HIT ISLANDERS

IT HAS been a bad couple of weeks for the Wightlink Islanders, with a series of injuries taking its toll on the team.

The Islanders’ match against Plymouth had to be abandoned with the result standing at 35-36 in the away side’s favour, after the game went over the 10pm curfew.

The Islanders began the match against their Devon opponents boosted by that news with new signing Matt Wright debuting and the depleted team so very determined to do well.

And they were most certainly doing that from the moment skipper Nick Simmons, who’s participation in the match was in doubt following his crash last week, smashed the existing National League track record by 0.3 seconds setting a new quickest time of 67.7 seconds for the four laps of the circuit.

Things got even better for the homeside, as they collected heat advantages in the next two races.

Wright produced a superb debut ride by winning heat three in front of a good-sized crowd.

Good performances from Simmons and Tom Hill saw the Islanders move six points clear at 21-15. And that advantage was maintained as Johnson collected another win in heat seven.

But then things started to drastically go wrong for the home side.

Johnson crashed heavily into the fence as he tried to squeeze through the narrowest of gaps. Paramedics were quickly on the scene to provide treatment, before taking him to St Mary’s Hospital.

Racing resumed after a lengthy delay and Tom Hill did well in the re-run by finishing second. Ben Hopwood then tumbled to the ground, as he was brought down by Kyle Hughes, who was then suspended from the race.

Hill’s meeting was over after he crashed spectacularly at speed entering the third bend of the second lap. He complained of neck pains to paramedics, who were again swiftly on the scene to attend.

The Islanders were now down to just four riders, and it was no surprise when Plymouth collected a 5-1 advantage over solitary Island rider Dan Berwick and moved into a one point lead overall.

The ambulance then arrived to take Hill to hospital, which meant that the racing would go over the 10pm racing curfew.

To the dismay of Islanders’ team manager Kevin Shepherd, the match was abandoned by referee Barbara Horley, with a final score of 35-36 to Plymouth.

ENGLAND ACES GIVE TIPS AT NEWCLOSE IT HAS been a glorious summer for English cricket with both the men’s and women’s team claiming Ashes victory over Australia.

Just days after the England men landed cricket’s most famous trophy by beating the Aussies in the deciding Test at The Oval, two members of the victorious women’s team visited the Island.

Skipper Charlotte Edwards and left-handed batsman Lydia Greenway further enhanced the growing reputation of the Newclose County Ground, Newport, by passing on tips to young girls eager to follow in their footsteps.

Charlotte has become England’s most famous woman cricketer. She won the ICC Woman’s player of the year 2008, and led the England team to World Cup victory in Australia earlier this year.

She also skippered England to victory at Lords in the final of the World Twenty/20 championship in June, before recording an unbeaten half century in the second innings to help England retain the Ashes.

Lydia was a member of the team

that retained the Ashes in Australia in 2008, and won the World Cup and World Twenty20 Championship this year.

Charlotte was impressed with the standard on the Island. She said: “From what I have seen, there is some really good young talent and some good cricket played here. There seems to be a lot of good work going on over here and hopefully our visit will promote the sport even more.

“There are more opportunities for women to get into the sport nowadays, which can only be a good thing.

“I think female cricket is now being more recognised as a sport and we are getting more coverage.

We have had a lot of coverage on TV, which has been fantastic.

“The standard of female cricket in England has really come along away, and that has been proved in the last six months. We have managed to win the 50-over World Cup, Twenty20 World Cup and The Ashes. I feel very lucky to be playing and being a part of the England team.

Back row (left to right)- Emma Whitcutt, Alex Barton, Emily Salter, England players Charlotte Edwards and Lydia Greenway, Melissa Dear, Ellie Furmidge and Beth Griffin.

Front row (left to right)- Lucy Blake, Sophie Goldsmith, Chloe Shepherd, Rosie Hancock, Jade Shepherd, Amy Rundell and Rowan Treagus.

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MAKING WAVES IN COWES

AS THE Island gears up for this weekend’s Cowes powerboat spectacular, The Gazette has been given exclusive access to discover what it’s like to ride the waves at high speed, with Galaxy FM DJ Ben Glover.

We were invited to have a close up and personal look at two of the Honda powerboats that will be taking part in the Cowes-Poole-Cowes race that forms part of the Cowes Powerboat Festival and also includes the legendary CowesTorquay-Cowes event.

Ben, 23, who presents the drivetime show on the south coast station, climbed aboard the powerboat for a blast over to Cowes to meet The Gazette.

“It is great fun, and Cowes is a fantastic place for boating. It was nice to do something different away from spinning

BY JAMIE WHITE discs,” smiled Ben. “It took us about 30 minutes to get over to the Island on the powerboat, and that wasn’t at full speed. It has such a high impact on the body both physically and mentally.”

The popular DJ was due to be a co-pilot in the weekend’s race, but due to health and safety reasons he has been forced to pull out.

“My job in the race was to be a navigator for the driver. I am gutted that I can’t compete, but the taster I got was a great experience.

“Navigating the boat isn’t just about reading a map, but looking around making sure other boats don’t get too close. The navigator’s job is to also tell the driver where the other boats are, and plays a real big part in

the race.

“The route has to be picked very carefully.

When you are doing the high speeds with the wind against you it is a real challenge. The average speed of the boat is about 50mph with the tide.

“AWS had to custom make my suit because of my height, and they have done a fantastic job. I will also be wearing it for the Great South Run later this year,” said Ben. After getting the all important shots, I was then invited to see what it’s like to cut across the sea in a powerboat. And it really was a breathtaking experience. After just a few minutes I got a real glimpse into what the drivers and co-pilots go through each race. It was intense as you ride on to each wave, as you land you can certainly feel it.

But there is no denying that powerboat racing can be a whole lot of fun!

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LASHINGS XI TAKE THE CROWN The star-studded Lashings World XI made their annual visit to Ventnor Cricket Club and put on a thrilling performance in front of over 1,000 spectators.

While the crowd basked in glorious sunshine, the superstars of Lashings provided an afternoon of wonderful entertainment at Ventnor’s Steephill ground.

In their sixth successive visit to the Island, the Lashings side was probably the strongest ever, with New Zealander Chris Harris captaining an impressive line up.

Gordon Greenidge and Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey opened the batting for the visitors, going on to record an impressive partnership of 154, before Greenidge fell to Rob Snell for 103. Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson departed soon after with Greenidge the third man out for 51.

Another Aussie, Stuart Law, ensured the entertainment was maintained with a fine knock of 68, while skipper Harris hit 34 not out, and former Australian quick-bowler Jason Gillespie (23) as Lashings rattled up 290-6 from their 35 overs.

Danny Briggs bowled outstandingly for Ventnor, taking 2-21 from seven overs, while Ian Hilsum also

impressed with 3-30 from his five over stint.

The home side included Gloucestershire’s Steve Snell in their side, and the former Ventnor player had scored eight, before he was caught by another former West Indies captain, Jimmy Adams.

With Akram at one end and Gillespie at the other, Ventnor struggled for runs, and after Mark Fletcher (18) had also fallen to Akram and Richard Wilson to Gillespie, spinners Jimmy Adams and Saqlain Mushtaq reduced Charlie Freeston’s side to 48-5.

However, the home side refused to lie down, and Danny Briggs and Nono Pongolo added 145 in an entertaining partnership, with former England paceman Devon Malcolm on the receiving end of several big shots by the home team’s batsmen.

England Under 19 star Briggs, batted superbly before Akram returned to the attack to dismiss the teenager for 87.

Pongolo went on to hit fine, unbeaten 72 before Akram dismissed Rob Snell, leaving Ventnor’s young South African and Mark Whyte (14no) to bat out the remaining three overs. The hosts finished on 235-8, as a memorable day came to a close.

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