Issue 17 - The Isle of Wight Mail by Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

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STOPTOBER Actors Presented Cheque to UKIOW

Are you ready for the 28 day challenge?

HM Coastguard Modernisation

Charity Launches Syria Child Appeal

The Isle of Wight Council is working in partnership with Chamber Health to support the annual Stoptober campaign to help thousands of Island residents give up smoking. See Page 2

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ISSUE NUMBER 17 27th September 2013

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

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STOPTOBER AIMS TO HELP PEOPLE QUIT SMOKING

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A website has also been launched to provide advice and guidance. The Isle of Wight Council is working in partnership with Chamber Health to support the annual Stoptober campaign to help thousands of Island residents give up smoking. During October, smokers are encouraged to take part in the scheme run by the Department of Health. Stoptober is a national 28 day challenge that sees people from all over the country stop smoking for the month of October. Last year, over 270,000 people took part across the country. Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smoke free. Stoptober provides an opportunity for people to make a positive choice to stop, smokers are given support from a trained advisor and a detailed step-bystep programme to help them achieve this goal. A website has also been launched to provide advice and guidance. This can be found at www.islandquit.co.uk and there are also Facebook and Twitter pages at www.facebook.com/islandquit and @islandquit respectively. During October, the Chamber Health Stop

Smoking Service will be out and about around the Island with a presence in Newport and Ryde every week. It will be in Ryde's Co-op car park every Monday between 10.30am and 2pm, Lake Morrison's car park each Tuesday between 10.30am and 1pm, and Newport St James' Square every Wednesday between 10.30am and 2pm. Chamber Health also runs a drop in session at their office at Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport every Thursday morning. Anyone who works during the day can also make an appointment to be seen in their place of work by calling 01983 554545 to book a one to one appointment. Simon Bryant, acting director of public health said: "Giving up smoking is one of the best things someone can do for their health. With the help and support provided during Stoptober, it can become a lot easier for people to quit smoking. "Research has shown giving up smoking for only a few weeks makes it far more likely to quit so I would encourage anyone looking at giving up smoking to get involved during Stoptober and be part of the challenge."

Thousands presented to British Heart Foundation Cycle-fanatics at Southern Water helped raise £6,000 for the British Heart Foundation. The money was raised over the past year, through activities including a bike ride across the South Downs Way and the London to Brighton night bike ride in July. Other activities included a cake sale and “bag-athon” where more than 250 bags of clothes were donated for sale in charity shops and further money donated by Southern Water. Southern Water Senior Communications Officer

Nikki Loader said: “Each directorate in Southern Water has chosen a charity to support this year, the British Heart Foundation being one of them. The charity does vital work and we’re proud to be able to support this.” British Heart Foundation Fundraising Manager Katherine Maynard said: “Southern Water employees have been outstanding this year in their support for the British Heart Foundation. “The money they have raised will go towards funding our life-saving research and help

us in the fight for every Heartbeat. The cardiac research undertaken over the last 50 years has halved the number of people dying from heart disease. The British Heart Foundation funds over 60 per cent of cardiac research in the UK, that’s why these fundraising events are so important for us continue to fight for every heartbeat.” Southern Water has a longstanding ethos of giving back through charity fund-raising and in 2012/13 raised more than £190k for good causes.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Residents to help ensure highways PFI schemes are up to standard.

Once in a lifetime opportunity for Teenagers to ‘Flip the Script’ A groundbreaking new project for young people aged between 13 and 19 is being launched on the Isle of Wight. Flip the Script will bring three of the UK’s top spoken word poets/MCs to the Island for a series of workshops in Newport and Sandown. The project is a great opportunity for aspiring rappers, performers or writers who want to try performing in a team slam event and to take their creative output to the next level. The project is funded by the Arts Council and completely free of charge for those taking part. Spoken Word encompasses a wide range of styles, from rap/hip hop influence to performance poetry. All participants can develop their own styles of delivery, and will have the opportunity to record their work after the slam event, and those interested in music can record a track. The recordings will be part of a multi-media artwork, which will tour the Island in 2014. To give people a taste of what it’s all about, a launch party for 13 to 19 year olds will take place at Newport Youth Centre gym, on Friday 27 September (6pm to 8pm). There will be an evening of rap, MC and performance poetry, hosted by top spoken word artist Ali Frisko Dan. The night will feature some of the country’s best artists via the Apples and Snakes organisation, as well as

a host of Island talent. Aspiring poets and MCs will have the chance to ‘spit some bars’ or speak some lines in the openmic session. To attend the launch party, please email: arts@iow.gov.uk The Flip the Script workshops begin in the first week in October, after school. For more information and to sign up, please email: arts@iow.gov.uk. Venues include Newport Youth Centre on Thursdays, Sandown Youth Centre on Wednesdays, and Medina College (limited to Medina College students only). Sessions will be led by national slam champions Adam Kammerling and Kat Francois, and international MC/poet Kenny Baraka, assisted by talented Islanders: Cooly Haste, Buddy Carson and the Punk Poet. Nina Cullinane, the Isle of Wight Council’s arts development officer, was successful in bidding for Arts Council funding to support the project. She said: “We are delighted to have received funding from the Arts Council for this brand new project, Flip the Script, which will bring top quality performers to the Island work with young people and train local performers. “This is a once in lifetime opportunity in an artform that is very new to the Island. I can’t wait for the Slam Final!” To sign up for the workshops, please email Nina at arts@iow.gov.uk

Credit: Island Roads

Island Roads, the Newport-based company undertaking the comprehensive upgrade of the County’s highways network, is appointing 24 ‘lay assessors’ to feedback on work at sites across the Island. Lay assessors act as ‘mystery shoppers’ with the ability to choose which sites they wish to inspect. They will monitor various aspects of work including site safety, the access around the work site, information supplied to residents and the quality of work during and after the scheme. After inspection, the lay assessors will report their detailed findings to Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council. It is anticipated that there will be up to four assessors for each of the six areas into which the Island has been divided for the purpose of delivering the highway PFI. Island Roads will work with residents of all ages and backgrounds so that the assessors are truly representative of the local community.

The assessors will be trained and are required to report on at least one scheme each month. It is envisaged the appointments will last for a year. Paul Herbert, Island Roads Service Director said “We are absolutely clear that the work under the Highways PFI must be of the highest standard and that the local community must be involved in the whole process. The lay assessors will help us in both of those objectives. “The Highways PFI will be a major part of life on the Island in the coming years and we are very keen that we engage fully with the local community and that the local community engages with us as well. “As well as being an independent view on how we are carrying out our work, the lay assessors will be an important link between Island Roads and residents.” To register your interest in becoming a lay assessor, call 01983 822440 or email your name and address to info@islandroads.com. and they will . send an application form out to you

Tax opportunity for landlords to put house in order Landlords who rent out residential property, and fail to tell (HMRC) about all the rental income, are being offered the chance to come forward and put their tax affairs straight. HMRC estimates that up to 1.5 million landlords in this sector may be underpaying up to £500 million in UK tax every year. Under HMRC’s new Let Property Campaign, landlords who may owe tax – whether through misunderstanding the rules or deliberate evasion – can come forward and tell HMRC about any unpaid tax on rents, and pay what they owe, including

any penalties and interest due. The campaign is open to all residential property landlords – from those that have multiple properties, to single rentals, and from specialist landlords such as student or workforce rentals, to holiday lettings. HMRC will be working with a variety of bodies over the next few months to develop tools and guidance to support landlords of all types and help them get their affairs up to date. Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said: “All rent from letting out a residential property or holiday home has to be declared for income tax

purposes. Telling us is simple and Straightforward. “We appreciate some people will have made honest mistakes, and some may not be fully aware that the rent from a property is taxable, and that is why it always makes sense to talk to us so we can help. It is always cheaper to come forward voluntarily and pay the tax you owe, rather than wait for HMRC to come calling. “Telling HMRC about your tax liabilities is simple and straightforward, and help, advice and support are available. The message for all landlords owing tax is simple – it is better to come

to us before we come to you.” HMRC will use information it holds about property rental in the UK and abroad, along with information already held on HMRC‘s digital intelligence system Connect, to identify people who have not paid what they owe. For those that fail to come forward, higher penalties – or even criminal prosecution – could follow. For more details, visit: http://iow.me/v. More help is available for landlords by calling HMRC’s Let Property Campaign Hotline on 03000 514 479, between 9am & 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Queen's Award launches £500,000 Appeal To mark the formal presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Footprint Trust on Thursday 26th September the Island’s Footprint Trust has launched a £500,000 appeal to fund its work over the next 5 years. The Trust is appealing to many people who feel that they can no longer support some national charities following revelations of the high salaries paid to their executives. The Trust runs a number of projects including; Warmahome, Adopt-A-Garden and Wardening schemes and the popular annual Riverfest on Newport Quay. Speaking for the local charity, Trustee Colin Withers said, “The Trust has been working for the past 11 years to improve the island’s environment and to help local people.” “The Trust is recognised for its excellent work in helping those in greatest financial need, to obtain energy efficient heating systems, insulation and

other assistance.” “Since its launch in 2002 it has assisted and helped over 15,000 people, and we wish to continue our work and build on this success.” “We employ a small team of expert people, who give impartial tailored guidance on energy matters in people’s homes, over our helpline or via email and the internet.” We have very low administration and running costs and do not pay executives or trustees. Our staff receive fair salaries in line with local pay, and all of them choose to work more than the hours for which they are paid. The Trust is appealing to charitable trusts, parish councils, businesses and individuals to support their practical approach. Donations can be made on the website http://iow.me/y or by post to their offices at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay IW UK PO30 2QR. For more information please call the Trust on 01983 822282.

Isle of Wight and New Forest District Council Join PUSH The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) recently invited the IOW and NFDC to join PUSH and is pleased to announce that both Councils have responded positively to becoming a PUSH member. This is great news for the sub region and PUSH (now represented by twelve local authorities) looks forward to taking forward its business priorities in collaboration with the two new PUSH Members. PUSH was first established in 2003 to enable local authorities to work collaboratively to create a more prosperous, attractive and sustainable south Hampshire, which offers a better quality of life for all. Since then it has undertaken and maintained an impressive track record in research, policy formation, the delivery of projects and activities related to regeneration, estate renewal, community infrastructure, employment and skills and public realm schemes. This portfolio of activities also include previous investments to help unlock key infrastructure and development sites and has to date funded feasibility studies and planning applications for key Development sites in the sub region including Dunsbury Hill Farm, located in Havant. Much of what PUSH does is nationally recognised as a model of good practice which is also enhanced by the strong partnership working with Government Departments and local partner agencies, all of whom continue to play an active role and have done so since the Partnership was first set up ten years ago. The outcome of today’s news also means that PUSH’s geographical boundary now mirrors that of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) economic boundary which will no

doubt strengthen the relationship between both organisations to focus on priorities that complement each other for the benefit of residents and businesses who live, work, enjoy their leisure time and invest in the Solent area. Councillor Seán Woodward, PUSH Chairman, States ‘This is great news. The IOW and NFDC join a Partnership with a strong track record in policy formation and delivery and I am very pleased that both Councils are coming on board and look forward to working closely with them in the near future. PUSH recently reviewed its governance and business priorities to take account of the challenging and difficult economic and funding environment within which it now operates and I am confident that the increase in PUSH’s membership will no doubt enhance the added value that the Partnership continues to bring through joint working. The Partnership will also benefit from enhanced expertise, capacity and resources towards delivering PUSH’s revised work focus going forward.’ Councillor Ian Stephen’s, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, States ‘We look forward to joining colleagues from the unitary authorities of Portsmouth, Southampton; Hampshire County Council and the district authorities of Eastleigh, East Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester. The IOW council considers working with PUSH as making good business sense. Operationally we have worked with PUSH local authorities for many years and our becoming a formal member of PUSH only strengthens our resolve to ensure positive . outcomes for our residents through partnership working.’

Rural economy is on the up The CLA said that its survey for the Second Quarter of 2013 shows the rural economy is picking up. The Rural Economy Index, researched in conjunction with Smiths Gore, shows grounds for optimism, said CLA President Harry Cotterell. "The survey's findings indicate that in the second quarter of the year rural businesses were more optimistic than in the first three months. "From Quarter One to Quarter Two, business confidence in

agriculture and in non-agricultural rural businesses rose. Both farming and non-farming businesses expect to employ more people in the next 12 months." Mr Cotterell added: "The slide in rural business sales has also stopped, with 40 percent of businesses reporting sales at about the same level as before and around 30 percent reporting higher sales. Investment by non-farming businesses is also up and now at its highest level for a year."

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

‘Local Broadband Companies’ vindicated says MP The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has said that concerns raised about competition issues by local broadband service suppliers appear to be entirely vindicated following a report published by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PAC’s remit is to ensure that public expenditure is properly appropriated and accounted for. It does not examine the merits of policy, but looks at whether public expenditure represents good value-for-money. The report made serious criticisms of the handling by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport of the Rural Broadband Programme. It was found that BT had effectively been placed in a monopoly position having won all of the 26 contracts awarded to date, and they were the only possible winner in the remaining 18 contracts. Criticism was made of the fact that BT will end up owning the assets created from the expenditure of £1.2b of public money. The report also found concerns in other aspects of the programme delivery, including the late rollout in 2017 – two years later than planned.

The Government and BT are disputing the findings. Mr Turner commented: “I was contacted by local broadband operators complaining about these issues as they were adversely affecting their businesses. On the face of it there seemed to be real competition issues and I raised them with Maria Miller MP, the Secretary of State. I was assured all was well. “The PAC has now raised serious concerns about how this entire programme has been handled; it seems that the complaints raised by local companies are vindicated. It is important to remember that Select Committees are made up of MPs of all parties. We take expert evidence and consider things very carefully before issuing reports on a crossparty basis. I will be looking at this carefully to see if anything can be done to open up the contract on the Island which has not yet been awarded – but I suspect there is not. No government of any colour gets everything right – but it is a great pity that this important programme has not been subject to proper and rigorous competition.”

Actors Present Cheque to Age UK Isle of Wight

Positive Chaos is a new drama troupe who recently performed their new play ‘Only A Cabaret’ to a packed audience at the recent Ventnor Fringe. The troupe is made up of three friends, Rosamunde Heib, Margaret and Derick Oakham, who are all amateur writers in their seventies. The play called ‘Only A Cabaret’, which they co-wrote and performed in is a tale of life, love and revolves around the lives of three elderly people in an old people’s home. Positive Chaos pledged the

takings from the performance to Age UKIW. They presented a cheque for £105 to Age UKIW’s Chief Executive Officer Jo Dare and Trustee Dorothy Moir at the charities office in Pyle Street, Newport. Jo Dare said, “This incredibly kind and generous donation from Positive Chaos will help support the services we provide for older Island residents. Age UKIW is an independent Island charity and all donations go towards supporting much needed services for older Island residents.”

Changes to Proposed Legal Aid Reform welcomed Those in need of legal advice on the Island and Island solicitors can be reassured that some elements of the proposed changes to the Legal Aid system which would have restricted the ability of Island solicitors to advise people charged with a crime will now not go ahead. In May of this year Eve Taylor of RJR Solicitors set up a meeting with the Island’s MP, together with a number of colleagues representing other Island law firms. The meeting was set up to discuss their concerns about the implications of proposed changes to the legal aid system. They told Mr Turner that the plans for ‘price competitive tendering’, leading to a national reduction in the number of firms able to tender for contracts, would take away the current freedom of Island clients to select a local solicitor they want to represent them and would

seriously threaten the viability of some Island firms. Following the meeting, Mr Turner raised the issues with Chris Grayling and also with the Attorney General, The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP to highlight specific issues facing the Island because of the costs and difficulties in accessing mainland law firms. He asked for the Island to be dealt with as a special case. Chris Grayling made a statement in the House of Commons on 5th September announcing some revisions to the original proposals. Mrs Taylor commented on behalf of RJR Solicitors: “We are disappointed, though not surprised, that the Government is continuing to cut criminal legal aid fees. We are however pleased that it appears that the Isle of Wight will now be treated as a distinct area rather than being combined with Hampshire.”

Island Arts The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Your Fortnightly Arts Guide

Send us your arts news: kevin@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Island Arts The Isle of Wight is home to some amazing artistic talent, and we want to highlight it on these pages. We want to hear about you and your activity, your successes, your events, your news … whether you are an artist, a musician, a dancer, a singer, a writer, a performance group … if in doubt, just tell us anyway! We will, of course, be happy to report the big events, but we want Island Arts to be for everyone of any age, at whatever level they are. And we are especially keen to showcase new talent and new ideas. So please get in touch. Tell us about your event, your exhibition, your auditions, your new commission, your need

for people to take part … whatever it is, we’ll do our best to help. You don’t have to pay for advertising on these pages to get your story covered, but we have kept the costs really low to make it a little easier for you to raise your profile. Obviously, we can’t promise to cover every single story that is sent to us, so there may be times when you want to be sure you have a presence on these pages, and advertising will give you that guarantee! Island Arts will be published every other week, as part of the Isle of Wight Mail newspaper Island Arts is edited by Kevin Wilson. Send him your news and questions … kevin@iwmail.co.uk This is your space. So use it!

Newspaper Circulation: 2,000 Facebook Weekly Reach: 20,000 Monthly Website Hits: 400,000 Facebook Likes: 2,900 Twitter Followers: 2,300 Cover Photo: Andrew Maxwell at the Quay Arts

Boost for spoken art Flip the Script is here! This new project will bring three of the UK’s top spoken word poets/MCs to the Island for a series of workshops in Newport and Sandown. It is a great opportunity for rappers, performers or writers who want to try performing in a team slam event and take their creative output to the next level. The project is funded by the Arts Council and it’s free to take part. Spoken Word encompasses a wide range of styles, from rap/hip hop influence to performance poetry. All participants can develop their own styles of delivery, and will have the opportunity to record their work after the slam event, and those interested in music can record a track. The recordings will be part of

a multi-media artwork, which will tour the Island in 2014. A launch party for 13 to 19 year olds was being held at Newport Youth Centre gym, on Friday 27 September. Flip the Script workshops begin in the first week in October, after school. For more information and to sign up, please email: arts@iow.gov.uk. Venues include Newport Youth Centre on Thursdays, Sandown Youth Centre on Wednesdays, and Medina College (limited to Medina College students only). Sessions will be led by national slam champions Adam Kammerling and Kat Francois, and international MC/poet Kenny Baraka, assisted by talented Islanders: Cooly Haste, Buddy Carson and the Punk Poet.

Julian Smith At Medina Theatre Thursday, 14 November juliansmithsax.co.uk

Send your event details and press releases to kevin@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Island Arts Andy Peebles celebrates 40 Years The last British person to interview John Lennon, broadcaster Andy Peebles, celebrates 40 years in broadcasting by visiting Medina Theatre, Newport on October 4, as part of a speaking tour. He will be sharing memorable moments of his career including excerpts from the interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono conducted two days before the former Beatle was murdered in 1980. Andy, who was a DJ on BBC Radio 1 for 13 years, will also talk about some of the hundreds of music, sport and political personalities he has interviewed. Andy has interviewed three British prime ministers, commentated on cricket for the BBC and regularly presented shows on national radio. In 2011 Andy was inducted into the Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame. This highest honour in broadcasting pays tribute to people who have made a significant impact on the UK radio industry and British culture. Andy still broadcasts nationally and can be heard every Saturday evening on Smooth Radio which has revived his “Soul Train” show which he presented on Radio 1 for eight years.

The clock is ticking … Time is running out for artists wanting to take part in Duet – The Quay Arts Open Exhibition. Submissions must be in by 5pm on Monday 14 October. The theme allows artists the option to team up with another artist – visual or non-visual – and to submit works in any medium that have been produced over the last 12 months. One artist or duo will be awarded an exhibition at Quay Arts Rope Store Gallery in Autumn/Winter 2014, plus support from the centre’s marketing, curatorial and installation teams. For more, send a message to info@quayarts.org

Gearing up and looking for Friends! Organisers of the Isle of Arts festival are gearing up for next year with some new website features. The site now allows you to sign up as a volunteer, or submit your work for inclusion in the festival, and for the first time, you can also sign up as a Friend of the Isle of Arts, qualifying you for priority booking, discounts on tickets, and invitations to special events. Next year’s event runs from May 2 to 5: a little later than previous years due to a late Easter. For more, go to artsisle.org

Jack and the discount That’s Entertainment Productions returns to Medina Theatre in December with ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and the deadline for early bird discounts is only a couple of days away. The show features BBCTV`s Really Wild Show host, Howie Watkins as Dame Trott, with West-End star Mitchell Armstrong as villainous Fleshcreep, and the island`s own Samara Stanton as the beautiful Fairy Fortuna. The show runs from December 21st to 30th 2013, and early bird tickets are available until 30 September Call the theatre on 01983 527020.

Andy Peebles

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Awards ceremony sponsored by Red Funnel 23 Island businesses were celebrated at the Island’s first ever visitor voted for awards - voted for by you! The 2012 myisleofwight.com Awards which are sponsored by Red Funnel, were held at the Garlic Farm Cafe, saw businesses from across the tourism industry step up to be recognised for the hard work and important contribution they all make towards ensuring the Isle of Wight is a truly fantastic visitor destination. The event, hosted by Red Funnel and myisleofwight.com, also saw the official launch of the 2013 awards. The voting is now open for 2013 and so far nearly as many votes have been cast as were made in the whole of last year’s awards – so momentum is gathering speed. Tom Pell-Stevens, Red Funnel’s Head of Marketing said: “We are delighted to be involved in these flagship awards – the only visitor voted for awards on the Island. It is fantastic to be able to feedback

Pictured: The 2012 myisleofwight.com Award Winners sponsored by Red Funnel: Ninham Country Holidays, Island Gems Fossil Hunts, UKSA, Quay Arts, Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Osborne House, Isle of Wight Zoo, Blackgang Chine, Walk the Wight, Ventnor Fringe, Live Like This, Minghella Ice Cream, Garlic Farm, Dimbola Lodge, The Buddle, Dandelion Café, Ocean View House, Tapnell Manor, Tom’s Eco Lodges, National Trust’s Longstone Cottage and Tom Pell-Stevens, Red Funnel's Head of Marketing.

what the visitors love best about their experience to the industry in this way and we’re sure next year will be even more exciting – as the businesses competitiveness has now been unleashed!”

Novel fundraising event for Island medical aid charity On the 29th of September, at least 18 teams of wheelchair users and able-bodied pushers, solo wheelchair and mobility scooter users will make the journey from Cowes to Newport along the Old Railway cycle path in aid of MAD-Aid . The event, named “Push-the-Wight” will help fund the transport of second-hand medical equipment and mobility aids to hospitals in Moldova which are very poorly equipped by UK standards. MAD-Aid saves money for both the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and St Mary’s Hospital by taking their unwanted medical equipment and furniture away for FREE! This equipment and furniture normally has to be disposed of commercially at considerable expense. However, MAD-Aid can transport it directly to the

hospitals in Eastern Europe where it is so badly needed. The shipping costs of around £5000 per 2000-mile trip are currently raised solely through donations and events like Push-the-Wight. The funds for every trip have to be raised from scratch. Push-the-Wight will support our third shipment. We are passionate about keeping this vital service going, helping save money for the Hospice and the NHS, and improving the standard of equipment in Moldovan hospitals. We rely completely on our volunteers and supporters. It’s not too late to sponsor a participant, or cheer them along on the day. Each shipping mile costs £2.50, so £25 pays for 10 miles, £50 pays for 20 miles, and £100 pays for 40 miles. Or you can donate via our website: www.mad-aid.org.uk .

29th September 2013 at 10am Cowes to Newport Cycleway.

www.pushthewight.co.uk

Editor Alix Robinson said:”Atthe heart of MyIoW from the outset has been to find and showcase the most interesting and engaging products, businesses and services the Island has to offer – no matter

how big or small. And these Awards are the perfect way of bringing together our editorial take on things and that of the public’s voice. Which so far, seem to overlap quite successfully.”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

HM COASTGUARD MODERNISATION The timetable for completing the modernisation of Her Majesty's Coastguard has been announced. The new national network is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015, with the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) operating from autumn 2014. The introduction of the national network will enable the NMOC and all the other 10 Coastguard Operation Centres (CGOC) to work together to manage the workload on a national scale. This means in a search and rescue incident, even though the coordination will still be managed by the relevant CGOC, there will be a much bigger and better support network available nationally. There will be no reduction in rescue resources, which remain unchanged by the modernisation of HM Coastguard. The availability of Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats, rescue helicopters and other rescue assets will be unaffected. A key outcome from the modernisation plan is more rewarding Coastguard jobs, with additional responsibilities and the appropriate pay to match. Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: "This is an exciting time. We are moving into a new era for HM Coastguard that will reinforce the ability of our staff to ensure the safety of seafarers and the public. We want to continue being a worldclass organisation that is committed to preventing loss of life, improving maritime safety, and protecting the marine environment. At the same time, our Coastguards can look forward to more satisfying and better rewarded careers. "We realise that this whole change programme will be tough for some of our people, particularly those who feel that they have no future with HM Coastguard. We recognise that, and will do our very best to work with every individual to ensure they are properly equipped and supported in making the best decision for them." The plan to reform HM Coastguard was first announced in November 2011 by the then Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP.

Council undertakes consultation into decision-making structure The Isle of Wight Council has launched a consultation into options for a possible change in its decision-making structure and process. The consultation – launched this week on the council’s iwight.com website – will run until 31 October, and will look at three options, including the existing Cabinet-based structure of decision-making. The six-week consultation will also seek the views of town and parish councils and, following analysis of the feedback, the options will be discussed by the Full Council in November with a view to implementation of the preferred choice from March 2014. The consultation exercise was approved by a meeting of the Full Council this week and follows the development of options by the council’s Constitution Review Working Party.

The working party was set up to consider proposed changes to councillor-level decisions so they could be more open and transparent, and allow for all members to have an input into policy development. The three options are: * the current system, with the council’s Cabinet taking decisions on most budget and policy matters; * a committee-based system,

with individual committees making decisions relating to their own areas; * an executive-with-committees system, a hybrid arrangement with an executive supported by executive advisory committees. The options are explained in detail on the consultation website on iwight.com To take part in the consultation, please visit the website at: http://iow.me/z

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Wightlink Customer Information – Great South Run 27 October On Sunday 27 October Wightlink customers travelling on services between Portsmouth and Fishbourne may be affected by road closures for the staging of the Great South Run in Portsmouth. Roads will be closed from 0930 – 1230 (subject to Police control). Passengers travelling on the 1000 sailing from Gunwharf MUST arrive at the terminal no later than 0915. Foot passengers will be unable to travel on the 1000, 1100 & 1200 sailings from Fishbourne and are advised to travel on our Ryde route. Passengers will need to allow extra time for their journeys and are advised to call 0871 376 1000 (calls cost 7p per minute, plus network extras) before travelling

for the latest update. Please remember British Summer Time ends on this day and all times shown are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Sailings will operate as follows between 0300 – 1330 (normal service thereafter): Portsmouth Gunwharf: 0300, 0500, 0600, 0700, 0800, 0900, 1000^, 1230 & 1300 Fishbourne: 0400, 0600, 0700, 0800, 0900, 1000*, 1100*, 1200* & 1330 ^ Passengers must be at Portsmouth Gunwharf by 0915. * Sailings will arrive at the Portsmouth International Port. Foot passengers will be unable to travel on these sailings and are advised to travel via Ryde – Portsmouth Harbour. Other routes will not be affected by these issues.

“Visit Isle of Fright” The Island will be changing its name for 16 days this autumn. Reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Britain, and known globally as “Ghost Island” The Isle of Fright is going to be full of Halloween horror between October 19th and November 3rd. Coinciding with the school halfterm holidays, when it will be possible for overnight visitors to pick-up some out-of-season accommodation deals, The Isle of Fright’s full schedule of events are on a special section of the Visit Isle of Wight website, and draws on a chilling history of ghostly inhabitants and things that go bump in the night. The deadly mix of guided walks, paranormal investigations and interactive encounters are all set to rub shoulders, not only with the Island’s ghosts and ghouls, but also with pumpkin carving days and witches and wizards. And don’t forget - The Apocalypse is Coming to Puckpool Park from October 30th to November 3rd! Since the Zombie outbreak of October 2012, the virus has spread around the globe, with the only hope being to find a vaccine (thought to be located at Puckpool Park, Isle of Wight). Park of the Dead Apocalypse is being billed as “a completely original and unique experience unlike what has been before, that will test the strongest of characters and play on all your insecurities”.

But that’s not all… The horrible history of Carisbrooke Castle, for example, will help to create the right atmosphere for “little horrors” to scare themselves silly between October 26th and November 3rd, during a whole range of activities which will include creepy crafts, spooky activities and plenty of ghost hunting. As darkness falls, the Electric Woods ‘Lost before Time’ at Robin Hill will be the place to be from October 18th to November 2nd as the park’s stunning ancient woodland is eerily transformed by light, colour and sound…and dinosaurs appear to give the night an extra bite. Are you brave enough to take the “Jurassic” trail tour and encounter prehistoric creatures after dark? Other events being added to The Isle of Fright’s cauldron this autumn include ghost walks, pumpkin carving, a spooktacular event at The Needles, and Witches & Wizards Days Out at Blackgang Chine. For a complete listing and further details on how to get there, and where to stay, visit www.iow.me/10

Highest MMR vaccine coverage in 25 years

The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) reported that in 2012 to 2013, 92.3% of children reaching their second birthday received MMR vaccination, which is the highest recorded level since the vaccine was first introduced in 1988. The latest MMR coverage figure also shows considerable improvement from the lowest recorded figure of 79.9% which occurred in 2003 to 2004. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 95% of children are immunised against diseases preventable by immunisation such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, measles, mumps and rubella. This level has now been achieved for several vaccines including: * primary Dtap/IPV/Hib immunisation by age 1 (95.1%) * primary MenC immunisation by age 2 (95.1%) * primary Hib immunisation by age 5 (95.4%)

Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said: Routine vaccination in childhood is vital in protecting children from a range of infectious diseases, many of which have now been consigned to history. The findings from HSCIC’s report are a good indication that parents and children are increasingly able to access primary care to receive these vaccinations and to protect their health for the years to come. This is a good reminder to parents to ensure their child’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and, if not, to contact their GP. The report also reveals that coverage figures for most routine childhood vaccinations have increase nationally and in most regions, although some regional variation persists. To check what routine vaccinations your child should have received visit the NHS Choices website.

Invention set to revolutionise the healthcare industry A milestone patent and invention has been submitted by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) who have developed new electromagnetic wave sensors that can be woven into any garment as a way to continually monitor a patient’s vital signs. The exciting smart sensor technology allows you to monitor continually patients’ vital signs, such as their heart rate, blood oxygen levels and temperature without having to wire them up to a machine. Invisible, and undetectable to the wearer, these non-invasive sensors

are sensitive enough to pick up a wide range of vital signs and can transmit these readings in real time to devices located many metres away. Speaking about his invention, Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma’a said: While we are still in the early stages of development, the range of potential applications for this wearable sensor technology is immense, not just in the health care sector but also in sporting and military applications. The traditional hospital identity bracelet, for example, could eventually be adapted to include this sensor technology.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

‘Wightlink must stop cutting services’ After an exchange in the House of Commons the Island’s MP has said that Wightlink must stop cutting services. Transport Minister Stephen Hammond MP told Andrew Turner that the Government is keeping the case for ‘public service obligations’ (guaranteed levels of service) under review, but at the moment believes there is no case for them. Mr Turner raised the issue after Wightlink announced on 13th August that they were axing further crossings on their Yarmouth to Lymington route in September. The latest announcement follows deep cuts to the service in January, also without any public consultation. Even after the reduced number of sailings, service reliability on the route has fallen from 95.2% in July last year to 85.1% in July this year according to Wightlink’s own figures. Mr Turner said : “Wightlink must stop cutting services simply to make more money. Wightlink Ltd’s latest accounts show their profit exceeded £8m last year – so they can’t claim that overall their

services, including those they have now axed, were unprofitable. It’s high time the company took more seriously their obligations to Islanders, many of whom are raising this issue with me. “The Minister seems to think that cross-Solent ferry services are a properly competitive market. But the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) found competition only works for passengers willing and able to switch between routes; for Islanders in particular that is often impossible. I am writing to him to make that point. I am also exploring with the Council the possibility of a cross-party submission asking the OFT to consider whether Wightlink’s very high levels of debt have influenced their decisions; there is far more information available now than there was in 2009. “The OFT made clear there is scope to look again at the issues. They also concluded that better information about prices and services would demonstrate the ferry companies were serious that they care about improving services; the complete lack of public consultation by Wightlink

speaks volumes.” Mr Turner welcomed confirmation from Red Funnel that they recognise the value of public consultation on services and have no plans to change their current schedule. Earlier this year Hovertravel consulted passengers on planned changes to their timetable, after taking the views of their customers into account they scrapped the plans. Neil Chapman the Managing Director of Hovertravel said: “We recently conducted a consultation for a possible revised timetable, and the views of the islanders were invaluable. We were very grateful for their support. The results led us to no changes being implemented on this occasion. That said we are a commercial and privately owned business with no public subsidy and it is important we constantly review and manage our business. It is important we are profitable to ensure future investment to the island's infrastructure. Not all our crossings are profitable but we believe in consulting our customers about any possible major changes to services – aside from anything else it makes good commercial sense to do that. We fully appreciate that we are a vital link between two communities separated by the Solent.

GOING THAT EXTRA MILE

Island Roads has recognised 6 of its staff whose efforts over the summer went beyond the call of duty. Receiving recognition were: - Sweeper Driver David Gray and Street Cleansing Operative Mark Davis who administered potentially lifesaving first aid to a youngster injured in a traffic accident in Shanklin recently (9 August 2013). Traffic Management Operatives Ben Meakin and Kev King for assisting a Newport woman who hurt her leg in a fall at Compton Bay (10 July 2013) - District Steward Derek Bean and Area Superintendent Rob Read for helping to dislodge a distressed young boy who had climbed into a redundant canon at Calbourne Mill and got stuck (3 September 2013). Paul Herbert, Island Roads Service Director, said: “I am pleased that in each of these incidents, our staff were on hand to offer vital assistance to people in their time of need.” The six have been given certificates and gift vouchers (£20) by the company under its special recognition award scheme that acknowledges the special efforts of staff.

Tax crackdown on security firms Tax cheats in the private security industry are being targeted as part of the next wave of taskforces launched by HMRC. The taskforce – aimed at security guards, bouncers and their employers – will focus on workers in the South East. Taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations. HMRC has seen an increased risk of fraudulent VAT repayment claims being submitted by the private security industry and the taskforce is expected to recover £10 million. David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hard working people who want to get on, but the people being targeted by these taskforces have no intention of playing by the rules. This Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax

evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.” A Memorandum of Understanding with the Security Industry Authority was signed with HMRC to strengthen the exchange of information between both organisations. This will help prevent, detect and prosecute criminal activity and ensure that everyone pays their tax. If you know anyone who is evading their taxes, you can tell HMRC by calling the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887. HMRC is currently running the second stage of its evasion publicity campaign through a series of targeted advertisements, including radio advertising and over 3,000 billboards in public areas. The campaign works alongside existing compliance activity such as data collection, taskforces and enforcement to raise awareness among those breaking the rules that HMRC is closing in on undeclared income.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

WORK UNDERWAY ON NEW STRUCTURE FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES Children’s services staff at the Isle of Wight Council are taking part in a consultation on the redesign of social care and other related services for the Island. Isle of Wight Council’s strategic partner, Hampshire County Council is working closely with experienced interim managers to design new services that are aimed at ensuring that children are better protected and that professionals have lower case loads with better managerial oversight. The proposals include: * An end to the Island’s experimental ‘reclaiming social work’ model *A 50% increase in front line social workers from 32 posts to 48 *A 28% increase in other related front line positions * A 40% reduction in senior managers * All achieved within existing budgets * New services for children in need, children leaving care or at risk of coming into care * A drive to recruit more foster carers and adopters * A new central point of contact for all professionals and public on the Island * The reforms do not end there as while this consultation focuses on the priority of children’s social care, managers have stated their intention to review and improve other services on the Island such

as youth services, special educational needs services and other services which offer early help to families. Cabinet member for children’s services, councillor Richard Priest said: "I welcome these proposals which are aimed at addressing the problems that have been evident in our child protection system. "It is a full and proper consultation and if there are ways in which we can improve the proposals we will be pleased to listen to those ideas." The consultation will run until 23 October after which final decisions will be made and staff appointed to posts in the new structure.

Final blood donor session A blood donor session at Freshwater Memorial Hall this week will be the last one run by the Isle of Wight blood collection team, which is being disbanded. NHS Blood and Transplant confirmed that its 13 staff members from the Island have either been redeployed to roles elsewhere within the organisation or accepted voluntary redundancy. For more information or to book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23

Contact the news team on 01983 898 838 or email

press@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Public bodies to adopt SMEfriendly business rules Plans to make it simpler and easier for smaller businesses to bid for and win work across the entire public sector, including local authorities across the South East, were announce by Cabinet Office Minister Chloë Smith. Accounting for 99.9% of the UK’s 4.5 million businesses, SMEs are a crucial engine for growth. Building on central government reforms to make its business more accessible to small and medium sized businesses, and recognising good practice across the wider public sector, the Government has today launched a consultation taking forward Lord Young’s recommendations to create a SME-friendly ‘single market’ for public procurement. Suppliers who want to do business with the public sector will be able to expect all organisations to follow a single set of principles when buying goods and services. The proposals will simplify and standardise how public contracts are advertised, bid for and paid for across the public sector. Chloë Smith has also written to all MPs in the South East, asking them to approach their local authorities to make sure they are doing everything possible to support SMEs and ask them to publish their contract opportunities on the Government’s Contracts Finder website. Chloë Smith said: “With £230 billion per year spent on goods and services right across the whole public sector, Government wants to seize the opportunity to help hard-working SMEs get on by competing for and winning this business. “Ambitious small and medium sized UK businesses are increasingly showing how they can contribute to our economic recovery by delivering innovation and excellent value for money, but historically SMEs have been shut out of government business. In the past bidding for public sector contracts was timeconsuming, expensive and overly bureaucratic. “Removing barriers and setting out a consistent, single set of SME-friendly principles for the whole public sector will provide the right support to encourage significant business and growth opportunities for SMEs, and help give the UK a better starting

position in the global race.” Lord Young, the Prime Minister’s Enterprise Adviser said: "I am pleased with Government's response to my proposals, reflecting not only the huge growth opportunities that public procurement can offer small businesses but also the significant value these suppliers are delivering to all parts of the public sector. I want this to increase to reflect the growing number and importance of small businesses in the UK today. "For this to happen we need to improve small businesses' access to the public procurement market by removing the bureaucratic processes and poor payment practices which stop and discourage SMEs from making winning bids for contracts." The consultation proposals include: * Introducing a requirement for all public sector contracts over £10,000 to be accessible on the same site; * Banning burdensome prequalification questionnaires for low value public sector contracts, and introducing a single standardised requirement for high value contracts; and * Ensuring suppliers further down the supply chain benefit from the same standard payment terms that public bodies offer prime contractors to ensure prompt payment for public sector work. Since 2010 there has been considerable progress in central government and many other parts of the public sector to open up the procurement process to SMEs. Burdensome PreQualification Questionnaires (PQQs) have been removed for almost all central government contracts below £100,000, and the proportion of central government spend with SMEs on goods and services is increasing. Since 2011, 12,900 of opportunities have been published on Contracts Finder to help SMEs spot opportunities more easily, whilst new procurement methods have stripped out unnecessary waste from the process and halved timescales. The consultation will also consider whether performance bonds, which act as a financial guarantee for suppliers, can impact adversely on SMEs.

Arrested and charged with conspiracy to kidnap A police investigation by the Hampshire Major Investigation Team (HMIT) and Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has resulted in a 26 year old man from Sandown being arrested and charged with conspiracy to kidnap. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “We can confirm a man appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 to face a charge of conspiracy to kidnap. “A 26 year old man from Sandown, Isle of Wight, was remanded in custody until

October 11, 2013 when he is due to appear before a crown court. “The charge follows an investigation by the Hampshire Major Investigation Team (HMIT) and Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).” Anyone with information can contact CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 and Quoting Operation Part. The Mini-com number, which is used by deaf and hard of hearing callers, has changed to Minicom TextRelay 18001 101. Alternatively, you can call the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Your voice on water matters Southern Water would like to invite customers to join its Your Voice customer forum, so they can help the company improve services. The forum will enable customers to play a role in shaping Southern Water’s work to become one of the best in the water industry for customer service – for example, by helping to redesign bills and further improving the information we provide on saving water. Southern Water’s Head of Insight Jo Fielding-Cooke said: “Listening to the views of our customers and the communities we serve is at the heart of our work. For example, over the past 18 months we have talked in-depth to more than 10,000 customers to find out what they want from us in the years ahead and we have built our plans for the future around those expectations. “This includes promising to become among the best on our regulator’s league table for customer satisfaction. We are already making good progress. Since the turn of the year, we have recorded our three best ever scores in independent quarterly

satisfaction surveys – this means our customers think we are offering better service and we are determined to keep improving. The Your Voice forum will be vital in ensuring this happens.” The forum will be made up of a cross-section of our customers across our region and members will have their say through a number of activities, such as focus groups, online questionnaires and email surveys. For more information go to southernwater.co.uk/yourvoice.

CHANGES TO BUS SERVICE

Camping Improves your Sex Life, Says OLPRO If your sex life needs a bit of a jump start, then a few nights under canvas is just the spark you need. OLPRO interviewed 500 couples aged between 25 and 50 who camped for a minimum of 3 nights this summer. OLPRO discovered that, not only did 95% of couples see their love life improve dramatically whilst they were away but that the benefits continued on returning home.

A number of changes to bus services on the Isle of Wight have been announced by Southern Vectis, including a reduction in the number of journeys by a community bus between Newport and East Cowes. From 29th September service changes will come into operation affecting routes 9, 34 and the Island Coaster. Route 9: From 29th September some early

morning services before 8am on route 9, in both directions, will be retimed. Route 34: From 4th October, 2013, the 16:40 Monday to Friday route 34 departure from Newport bus station is withdrawn. Island Coaster: From 29th September, 2013, the Island Coaster will be reduced to one bus daily in each direction.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Lifesaving statistics show a busy summer 2013 for RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards The charity that saves lives at sea around the south east coastline has experienced another busy summer period of rescues, as evidenced by figures released today. Statistics issued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution showed lifeboats from 23 stations in the south east* launched a total 664 times between June and August 2013. This represents a very small drop of just 3.2 per cent from the 686 launches recorded in 2012. Conversely, the charity’s lifeguards, which operate on 15 beaches in the south east of England**, saw a marginal increase in the number of incidents they dealt with, from 615 incidents during the 2012 summer season to 629 incidents in 2013. The statistics amount to yet another incredibly busy summer of saving lives from the beach to the open sea for the RNLI’s hundreds of volunteer lifeboat crew members and paid and volunteer lifeguards. The busiest coastal lifeboat station across the UK and Republic of Ireland was Southend-on-Sea, with 104 lifeboat launches. Furthermore, Eastbourne, Hayling Island and Gravesend – all in the south east region – were among the top ten busiest stations. On the Isle of Wight the number of lifeboat launches was 57 in 2013, down from last year’s figure of 80. At the four mainland stations in Hampshire there were 155 lifeboat launches, down from 158 last year. Volunteers from the eight Sussex

stations launched 241 times, slightly more than the 220 in 2012. And in Kent, lifeboats launched 162 times this summer, compared to 185 last year. Andrew Ashton, RNLI Regional Operations Manager, said: ‘Yet again 2013 has been busy for our volunteer lifeboat crew members and our lifeguards. We had some really lovely sunny days this summer – temperatures in the 30s in some places - so it’s hardly surprising we were called out to so many incidents. ‘Despite the small decrease in lifeboat activity in Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, overall for the RNLI it has been the busiest summer for 24 years, with a total of 4,300 lifeboat launches.’ The RNLI chose the summer months to launch a safety campaign to combat drowning among men aged 20-45 years, which ran in Brighton, Margate and Portsmouth in August. The summer was also populated by a number of notable rescues around the region. The busy summer season highlights once again the important work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which remains a charity and relies entirely on voluntary contributions to run its lifeboats. It is only through donations and support from the public that the charity was able to launch lifeboats or carry out lifeguard rescues.

CAN YOU HELP FILL A BOX? For community week the Isle of Wight College hairdressing students will be donating ‘community gift boxes’ for the clients of the Isle of Wight Food Bank. The students will be visiting the Food Bank during community week to help give food to their clients and to distribute the ‘gift boxes’. They will be donating boxes for Males, Females, Boys, Girls and Babies. The (shoe) boxes will need to be filled with appropriate NEW items such as toiletries, books, toys – in fact any items that could be useful and fit into a shoe box. We have 70 shoe boxes to fill and this is where they need your help. Do you have any unwanted gifts or items that you would be willing to donate? – Would you also ask

friends and family the same? They also need to fill a textile material recycle bin which is situated outside of hairdressing reception by the lift – PLEASE, PLEASE donate ANY textile item as this generates money for the Food bank to help with running costs. The students would really appreciate your help with this. If you have any suitable donations to make then you can drop them off at the college main reception.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Charity launches #SyriaChild appeal International charity the Roll out the Barrel Trust, are launching their #SyriaChild appeal with a virtual balloon race, which will take place between November 5th and November 19th 2013. Balloons will cost just 99p each to sponsor, with proceeds going towards sending Rolling Water Barrels to Syrian children in Za’atari Camp in Jordan. The need is urgent and immediate. The Roll out the Barrel trust send Rolling Water Barrels to communities around the world, to help provide a simple solution to collecting water, a task usually undertaken by children as young as 4. Currently there are millions of displaced people from Syria in refugee camps, who are forced to collect water in small containers, which they then carry long distances back to their tents sometimes three or four times a day. The Rolling Water Barrels enables women or children to collect water quickly, safely, hygienically and in sufficient quantities to sustain a family for a day or longer. We have chosen to hold a virtual balloon race to avoid any possibility of residual damage to the environment including animals and birds plus of course the advantage that we can promote the race and seek support worldwide. Anyone anywhere can purchase a balloon either through their pc or using smart phones or tablets. There will be prizes for three entrants whose balloons reach the furthest, with the race being held on http://iow.me/11 Entries are being accepted from 27th September 2013.

Island MP Welcomes Simpler Bank Account Switching The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, welcomes simpler account switching between banks with the advent of a new service this month. The Current Account Switch Service, launched on 16 th September by the Payments Council, is free and is designed to make the process of changing banks easier, reliable and hasslefree. Thirty-three bank and building societies are currently offering the new service which is backed by a guarantee to offer protection against things going wrong. More organisations will join the service in 2014. The average time it will take to switch banks will be cut from around 18-30 days to seven working days. In the South East region only 5%

of people have chosen to switch their current accounts in the last two years. People stay with their current bank for an average of 19 years, and 24% of people use the same bank as one or both of their parents. Mr Turner, said: “Individuals, small businesses and charities can shop around for the best deal they can find from banks and building societies and now they can have the confidence to switch accounts. All their standing orders, direct debits and other transactions will be taken care of, and there is a guarantee in place to protect them if anything goes wrong. If there are problems and they suffer charges or costs because of them they will be compensated. I believe that the opportunities this

brings for more effective competition will encourage financial organisations to work harder to keep their existing customers happy and to attract other customers who may be looking for alternative banking services.” For further information on the Current Account Switch Service visit: www.simplerworld.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Conservative Group fleshes out plans for business growth and engagement with crossSolent transport providers Following Monday’s meeting with Wightlink Chief Executive, Russell Kew, and consultation with key business organisations on the Island, the Conservative Group of Councillors have today set out more detail about their plans to work with cross-Solent transport providers and Island businesses for the benefit of the Island’s economy and ferry users. Speaking today, Cllr Wayne Whittle (Ryde North East), who leads for the Conservative Group of councillors on Tourism and Business, says: “We are planning a three pronged approach: “First, we will meet regularly with ferry service providers including Wightlink, Hovertravel and Red Funnel to continue a constructive dialogue with them. “Secondly, we will be working to establish a ferry user group to cover the services, in fact the overwhelming majority of the services, which are currently not covered by the Yarmouth Ferry Users Group, which has taken an effective lead in giving a voice to users in the West Wight. “Thirdly, building on our excellent connection with business associations all around the Island we will be working to pull together an Island-wide Business Forum that can be an interface not only with crossSolent providers, but also with the Council and, working with Island MP, Andrew Turner, the national Government in Westminster and Whitehall. The Forum will be able to identify the policy and procedural blocks to getting inward investment and nurturing the economic growth that is absolutely crucial to the Island’s future. Cllr Julie JonesEvans, who has very close connections with the Newport Business Association will be joining me in driving this initiative forward; and with Cllr Paul Bertie (Cowes North) who has good links with the business

community of Cowes with which he is closely involved. Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Dave Stewart (Chale Niton & Whitwell) added: “As fuel and ferry prices increase, commuting for Islanders becomes an increasingly less viable option. We have to grow our own jobs supply here on the Island itself. That means cooperative working with the business community, with service users and with the Isle of Wight Council. Tourism will be crucial to the Island’s future, but we must upgrade our offer to continue to attract the younger generation and families. This new initiative is putting Conservative principles into action, just as we did when we established the Destination Management Organisation successfully to promote the Island as a tourist destination.” And Conservative Group Secretary, Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Newport West) argues: “Here on the Island a real problem has arisen with delays and uncertainties in the planning system as a result of the “Root and Branch Review” of the current Administration. This is harming our Island economy and must be addressed before more damage is done. We need to help work up attractive schemes, actively sell them to potential investors, support and assist businesses that are prepared to invest on the Island; and give our economy the kick start it needs.” As part of this new initiative, Conservative Councillors, led by Cllr Stuart Hutchinson (West Wight) and Cllr David Eccles (Freshwater North) are also lobbying hard to persuade the Navitus Bay Offshore Wind-farm project managers that the West Wight is the best location for their onshore support services – potentially delivering one hundred well paid jobs for 25 years and £10million a year added to the economy.

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Garden and Mosaics Opening Event At Sevenacres

On Thursday 19th September the new Garden and Artworks at Seagrove ward, Sevenacres was officially opened by Mark Edmond, Head of Mental Health Services, Isle of Wight NHS Trust. The replanting and redesign of Seagrove’s internal ward garden is to create a more healing environment for patients in its care. The Psychiatric Intensive Care Ward of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, has commissioned the new garden with a grant of £5000 from the Friends of St. Mary’s and with a £2000 legacy held by Healing Arts. Guy Eades, Director of Healing Arts says “Through the generosity of the Friends of St. Mary’s and a legacy we have been able to transform the environment in the Garden at Seagrove Ward, Sevenacres so that it is now a healing environment for the Island’s acute mental health patients.” ‘CAR GARDENS’ led by Craig Ratcliff, in Ryde, Isle of Wight,

rejuvenated the poor soil, created a new central flower and herb bed, placed climbing wall plants around the perimeter, built a new garden bench and installed night time solar lighting. ‘SEAHORSES STUDIO’ in Freshwater and its team of skilled local volunteers led by artist Boris Moscoff were commissioned to make 4 mosaic wall panels to complement the planting and to provide all year round artwork for the garden. Guy Eades continued: “The work of ‘CAR GARDENS’ and ‘SEAHORSES STUDIO’ through their skill, imagination and understanding have made a Garden that can be enjoyed throughout the year and is enormously supportive of the healthcare delivered at Seagrove.” Photographs and a description of the Garden will be displayed on the News pages of the Healing Arts section of the IoW NHS Trusts website www.iow.nhs.uk/healingarts

Three arrested in Freshwater Three people have been arrested as part of an armed operation in Freshwater. Police confirmed armed officers went to an address in Heathfield Road, Freshwater on Monday, September 23. Two men and one woman were arrested as part of a police operation. The address at Heathfield Road was being searched for possible evidence but due to other ongoing enquiries, Hampshire Constabulary was not in a position to confirm more details.

Anyone with information can contact Police by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Part. Alternatively, call the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Council to promote initiatives supporting bees and pollinating insects The Isle of Wight Council has given its backing to measures supporting the lifestyle of bees and other pollinating insects through the way it manages planting schemes in its parks and gardens. A motion by Cabinet member for sustainability, Councillor Luisa Hillard, proposing support for initiatives promoted by the Friends of the Earth Bee Cause, was strongly supported by a meeting of the Full Council. She proposed that the council should do all that is practicable – within its current and future resources – to manage its own and community growing schemes to support the lifestyle of pollinating insects. Councillor Hillard said: “This motion is a result of consultation with residents and Councillor Steve Stubbings, who brought the Bee Cause initiative to my attention. I believe this will help to further the aims of the ‘Framework for Change’ and help to shape the outcomes of the root and branch review of councilowned green spaces. “It is a positive step forward for the wildlife and biodiversity of the Island.” The Friends of the Earth Bee

Cause initiative has highlighted how disease, chemicals and disappearing green spaces are all making life difficult for bees. In June, at the Friends of the Earth Bee Summit, the government announced plans to urgently review the decline of bees and develop a national pollinator strategy (or ‘bee action plan’). Members of the public are being encouraged to show their support for the bee action plan by adding their names to a petition on the Friends of the Earth website at: http://iow.me/x The petition encourages the government to develop an ambitious UK-wide plan with actions to save Britain’s bees through: * protecting and restoring flowerrich meadows in the country; * helping farmers to protect crops using fewer pesticides; * ensuring every park and verge provides space for bees.

Cowes Enterprise College: a "White Elephant"? asks councillor. The issue of Cowes Enterprise College was raised by Cllr Chris Whitehouse at a meeting in County Hall of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel. Cllr Whitehouse, who leads for the Conservative Group of Councillors on Education policy tabled a paper which raised 8 questions about the new school buildings, their fitness for purpose, their business plan and contractual liabilities. He also raised points about the way in which decisions relating to the College had been taken, the support that had or had not been given by council officers during the decision-making process, and any financial liabilities that might yet be faced by the Council as a result of the processes that had been followed. Councillor Whitehouse warned the Panel: “I think I know a White Elephant when I see one, and I have a very nasty suspicion that we have built in Cowes one of the biggest I have yet seen. “I want to raise a few questions to start a process of looking into matters associated with Cowes Enterprise College and its implications for education standards on the Island. “As one who has over the last few years visited dozens of new community facilities in which £3bn has been invested by members of the Local Improvement Finance Trust Council, which I chair, I think I know a White Elephant when I see one, and I have a very nasty suspicion that we have built in Cowes one of the biggest I have yet seen. “So, perhaps officers could give an overview response to some questions this evening so that we can return in more detail to them at our next meeting: 1. Are they satisfied that in educational terms the facility is fully fit for purpose now as an educational facility and can operate at planned maximum capacity? If not, why not. 2. Are they satisfied that the

final product is in accordance with the agreed detailed plans, or are there aspects of the new facility that are not what was required (for example the exterior finishing)? 3. If there is a dispute over contract between the Council and the builders, will the Council or the College end up being pursued by the builders for additional payments and, if so, to what order of magnitude? 4. Given that space costs money not only to construct but also to heat/cool, light, maintain and repair; and there is certainly lots of space in the new school; is the whole project underpinned by a robust business plan that has secure revenues, particularly those areas which are identified as partly or primarily for nonschool/community use, secured by binding contracts? If not, what are the financial risks? 5. What are the future risks to the education budget of the Island and potential implications for the Council and, more importantly, other schools’ access to funds? 6. Which body actually took the decision to proceed with this project; and are we satisfied that they received every possible professional support and advice from council officers to ensure that their decision was fully informed? 7. Clearly, with hindsight the project was not properly managed from the Council perspective. What went wrong and who was responsible? 8. Severance payments have now been agreed with two former officers of this Council. I understand the sums involved have not been made public. I think they should be, but whilst that is still a legal debate in play, please will officers write confidentially to members of this Committee sharing with us that information so that we can properly take a judgment on the matter in accordance with our duties and obligations as stewards of public funds?

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Are You Game for Game? Game was once a staple of the British diet and featured regularly on menus in family homes. More recently, game has become less widely used and many of us may consider it an unusual ingredient that we would struggle to include in our cooking. Austin Gould, Head Chef of The George Hotel, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight aims to dispel some of the myth and mystery surrounding game. On Friday 18th October, Austin will be running a cookery demonstration at The George where he will take us through the steps to prepare a perfect roast bird and suggest dishes to accompany it. This will be a fun informal evening and be followed by a delicious game supper. Austin explains, "We often think of game as being difficult to source, to prepare and to cook and perhaps even an acquired taste, but in fact, it's no more difficult than your usual Sunday roast. “On the Isle of Wight we are lucky to be able to source a variety game from local shoots and estates. When it comes to cooking game we may often follow traditional methods but, with a little imagination, we can

add new flavours and new twists to enhance the natural flavour of the meat.” To get some hints and tips for the Game Season, visit The George Hotel website to book your place thegeorge.co.uk or call 01982 760331. If you are unable to come along to the cookery demonstration, they will be posting one of Austin's delicious game recipes on the Facebook page after the event. You can also visit the website to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest news, events, tips and recipes. The George Hotel also regularly offers game in season on its menu.

Charities reminded of Gift Aid online deadline Charities are being reminded that from 1 October they must make Gift Aid repayment claims using the Charities Online service. More than 33,492 charities have registered to claim Gift Aid online since the service was launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) five months ago. Charities Online makes claiming Gift Aid repayments faster for charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs). HMRC has sent 126,000 letters to charities and CASCs who have made a Gift Aid claim in the last three years, reminding them that they won’t be able to use the old R68i claim form after the deadline. Andrew Edwards, HMRC’s Head of Charities, said: “Using Charities Online to make a Gift Aid repayment claim is quicker and typically takes only three

days, rather than the 26 days that it took using the R68(i) paper claim form. We worked with charities and developed the online service in response to their feedback.” Charities can get information on how to use the system from the HMRC website at http://iow.me/w. Any that do not have access to the internet will have to make claims on a new ChR1 paper form, available from the HMRC Charities Helpline on 0845 302 0203.

Local charity receives fun activity ideas from local supermarket A local charity has received a generous donation of activity books. The team at Sainsbury’s West Cowes have donated copies of their ‘Bumper Book of Summer’, which contains a number of arts and crafts activities and recipe ideas which can be used whatever the weather. The book was on sale at the store this summer and has helped tens of thousands of families across the UK have an action packed summer which didn’t blow the budget. Due to popularity of the book, the colleagues decided to donate copies to Brainstrust. The store has worked with the charity on raising the awareness of brain disorders and tumours, giving support to friends and families of patients and offering advice thought the treatment period and beyond Kim Jeffreys said: “We’re very grateful for the donation of these activity books, which we will look to use for future fun-days and events. They’ll help our staff here to create some great action-packed days for everyone”. The books were presented at West

Cowes by colleagues at the store including store Manager Charlie Bird and PR Ambassador Rosie Baker. The donation of the books is just one of the ways of building the store’s partnership with Brainstrust, with their next planned activity to involve supporting Gery thought the colander year and a themed quiz night in November. Sainsbury’s West Cowes Store Manager Charlie Bird added: “Helping give our community opportunities to live well for less is really important to us. There’s lots of great activities in the book which can be used throughout the year and we look forward to helping Brainstrust do some of the boredom-busting ideas in the coming months”.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Councillors Meet with Wightlink strategy for new ferry user group agreed A group of Conservative Councillors have met with WightLink Chief Executive, Russell Kew, to discuss ways in which the company and the Conservative Group can work constructively together for the good of the Island. Speaking after the meeting, Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Dave Stewart (Chale, Niton & Whitwell) said: “We were grateful to Mr Kew for meeting with us. We had a free, frank, wide-ranging and constructive discussion about how we can ensure that WightLink better understands its customers and how we can work to boost the Island economy for the good of Island residents and cross-Solent service providers alike. “The meeting was not simply a general discussion, we were very outcome focused and have already identified a number of areas where we may be able to progress ideas for improvements.” Cllr Wayne Whittle (Ryde, North East) who leads for the Conservatives on Tourism and Business, added: “We left the meeting with a clear plan to take forward the nurturing of a wider spread of ferry user groups, even better engagement with the business community of the Island, and a need to analyse and address any blockages to tourism and

business growth that can be reduced by the Council, its processes and its policies. We will be meeting again with Mr Kew to discuss progress later in the year.” Speaking for WightLink, Russell Kew, commented: “I welcomed the positive and constructive meeting with Councillors Stewart, Whittle, Ward and Whitehouse. Wightlink is committed to working in partnership with Islanders and so developing such positive links with this group of elected representatives is a very healthy sign for the future. I was particularly pleased that they have agreed to help us establish a Ferry Users Group for the Eastern routes, to complement the excellent work being done by the groups we work with in West Wight”. The meeting held on Monday 23rd September in County Hall was also attended by the Credit Isle of Wight Council Chairman of the Council, Ian Ward (Conservative, Sandown South) and by Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Conservative, Newport West) who is the Conservative Group Secretary and Education Spokesman who added: “The cross-Solent transport links are the lifeblood of the Island and it is right that we should be finding ways to work together with those who provide them.”

LOCAL ORGANISATION RECEIVED PRESTIGIOUS AWARD On Thursday 26 September at the Riverside Centre in Newport, The Footprint Trust received a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The Trust is well known for its work with communities across the Isle of Wight, with its main aim being the promotion of sustainable living. The organisation has a number of projects including Warmahome, a scheme which has helped thousands of Island residents reduce their fuel bills. Others include the Adopt-AGarden scheme, wardening projects and Sustainable Schools. The Trust also set up the Isle of Wight Green Gym which now an independent group. Carole Walker, the charity’s chairman said: "We are honoured and delighted at this award. It will assist in promoting our work and help us to gain more help for the Isle of Wight. We are very grateful to Her Majesty for this award and for the encouragement and support we have received." The chairman of the Isle of Wight Council is Ian Ward, who added: "The council has worked with the Footprint Trust on a number of sustainability schemes over the last decade since its launch. Its input has

been very valuable. "This award is highly deserved and I offer my congratulations to all the team and volunteers." Ray Harrington-Vail, the general manager from the Trust, was presented with the Queens Award for Volunteering by Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP. Over 40 representatives from the Trust's partner organisations and volunteers were present, and a special celebration cake in the shape of a giant footprint and made with local ingredients, was also unveiled. Last year Ray was given the National Heat Hero Award for his work is helping those in fuel poverty on the Isle of Wight. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award that can be given to volunteer groups across the UK.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

AWARDS NIGHT FOR CARNIVAL STARS! The New Carnival Company hosted a sparkling Awards Ceremony at its base at the Coaching House, Ryde, on Monday, 23 September, to recognise the achievement of 14 Islanders who have successfully attained nationally recognised qualifications on the company’s accredited carnival learning programmes. The New Carnival Company has pioneered formalised learning within Carnival Arts and is able to offer qualifications at levels 1, 2 and 3. Last night, adult learners who had successfully achieved their NCFE Level 1 Award in Carnival Masquerade were presented with their certificates from Charles Charalambous, Commissioning Manager for Isle of Wight Council’s Learning and Development Service. The NCC’s Participation and Learning Manager, Frankie Goldspink said “we are delighted that year on year more people are taking the art form of carnival seriously and gaining formal recognition for the hard work they put into carnivals across the Island” Also receiving awards were young people from Sandown Youth Centre who have been working with The New Carnival Company to gain their Bronze Arts Award, awarded by Trinity College London.

Chris Slann, Executive Director of The NCC explained “the young people worked with us for over 40 hours studying outdoor arts, with particular reference to winter or night time carnival parades. They had to learn a new arts skill, act as workshop assistants in delivering a related arts activity and then go to see and review a night time event. This is the first time The New Carnival Company has delivered Arts Award and we are delighted at the response”. Linda Gorman, IWC Senior Youth Leader based at Sandown who worked with The NCC to deliver the Award presented the certificates to the young people. Linda added “two of my volunteer youth leaders undertook the Arts Award and I am delighted to see how it has impacted on their ongoing work within Sandown Youth Centre” Anyone interested in undertaking a qualification in carnival arts should contact The New Carnival Company. New courses have just been announced starting in January. Pictured above at the Coaching House last night are: (clockwise from left) Linda Gorman, Callum Lilley, Sam Lapham, Charles Charalambus, AnnaMarie Wilson, Lisa Williams, Frankie Goldspink, Charlotte Palmer and Heather Greenslade.

A dry summer but supplies in good position The hot, dry summer months are behind us but Southern Water is pleased to report its water reserves remain healthy. Rainfall in June to August was below average, according to figures from the Environment Agency, however, reservoirs and underground reserves are still in a good position. Levels at all but one of Southern Water’s reservoirs are above-average for the time of year. Darwell reservoir in East Sussex is slightly below average but still well above its minimum recorded levels. More importantly, underground reserves, which provide 70% of our water, are at normal levels. Water Quality and Strategy Manager Meyrick Gough said: “After a good summer, we would expect our water reserves to be depleted,

however, overall they are better than average for this time of year. “This is mainly down to two reasons – the particularly wet year in 2012 which refilled reservoirs and boosted groundwater supplies, and the excellent work put in to save water by our customers and our own leakage teams.” “Southern Water must also do its bit and I’m pleased to say our leakage levels are still well below the target set by regulator Ofwat.” Southern Water is just about to enter its recharge season, when its water sources are refilled following the summer months. Providing we see an average amount of rain this autumn and winter, water resources should remain healthy going into the spring of 2014.

Argos Recalls Milo Office Chair Argos is recalling their Milo Office Chair because the seat can break off from the chair. There have been 16 incidents reported. The Argos Milo Office Chair affected by this recall is pictured and had the Argos catalogue number of 617/3474. If you have one of the affected chairs you should return it to your nearest Argos store, where you should receive a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns about this recall you can contact Argos customer services on 0845 640 2020.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

ISLAND BRANDS STEP OUT TO HELP CHARITY Island eco-brand Rapanui is teaming up with a local charity which provides services for Islanders with disabilities, to help raise much needed funds. Popular skateboarding company Wight Trash and the Getaround skate shop will also be supporting Way Forward as it holds its first fashion show on 19th October. Other designers and boutiques featuring in the show include Victoria Dale, The Shoe Box and Positively Different Products. Also on the catwalk will be outfits by designers who attend sessions at the charity’s outreach programme in Freshwater, which works with people with high functioning autism and learning disabilities. Funding is needed to ensure the programme in the West Wight can continue running. “Rapanui is delighted to support this worthwhile cause, we’re passionate about both sustainability and local social impact and use our business

where possible as a vehicle to support local social initiatives” says Rob Drake-Knight from Rapanui. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, live entertainment and a buffet. Several of those exhibiting will be offering one night only discounts on their clothes and accessories. Mini pamper treats will be offered by TLC and Wight Beauty and there will also be a raffle. The event is being held at the West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater, who will be organising the swim wear section of the show. The event is open to all, with no need to purchase a ticket beforehand. The charity is simply asking for a donation on the door. For more information on this or any of the activities run by Way Forward contact Lee on 01983 523000, email leewhitewf@gmail.com or visit the website wayforwardprogramme.co.uk.

WARNING FROM THE DVLA Motorists are warned that posting images of your driving licence on social media websites can put you at a high risk of identity fraud. DVLA has been made aware of instances where fraudsters have been using pictures of genuine driving licences, that have been posted on social media websites, as part of an advert selling fake driving licenses. By posting these pictures online, motorists are providing the fraudsters with enough personal information to commit identity fraud. This could allow them to open bank accounts, obtain loans, credit cards and goods in your name and could affect your personal finances until the matter is resolved.

The main culprits of this are young, excited drivers that have just received their full driving licences but all motorists need to ensure that they do not post any personal details on social media websites to prevent compromising their identity. You can get more information about preventing online (https://www.getsafeonline.org/pr otecting-yourself/safeguardingidentity/) identity theft.

HILL FARM STABLES Riding School and Pony Club Centre 01983 752502 or 07748 253899 www.hillfarmstables.com

Ross Forde at the Way Forward fashion workshop

Big Drop in 'illegal raves' The number of unlicensed music events – or illegal raves – has nearly halved in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since the launch of Operation Enigma. During 2013, a total of 12 reported raves have taken place across the two counties, compared with 22 in 2012. Operation Enigma, which was officially launched in May of this year, is Hampshire Constabulary’s fresh approach to dealing with unlicensed music events. This has ensured that a consistent method is employed to try and prevent the gatherings in the first instance, as well as providing a swift and robust approach when an illegal rave is taking place. Preventative measures have included reassurance visits to landowners to offer advice on securing their properties, intelligence sharing with neighbouring forces and the issuing of warning letters to the owners of vehicles attending rave sites. Of the 12 unlicensed music events attended by the Constabulary in 2013, nine were shut down. On three further occasions, officers used the powers at their disposal to seize

Equipment. Three arrests were made across the year, with two people cautioned for carrying out an unauthorised licensable activity contrary to section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003 and one individual charged with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty. Superintendent James Fulton, the force lead for Op Enigma, said: “Since the launch of the operation, our officers have taken a robust approach when confronted with unlicensed music events. “As a result, it is encouraging to know that the number of raves taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has nearly halved when compared with 2012. It’s even more pleasing when you take into account the good weather that we’ve all enjoyed in recent months. “Operation Enigma will continue throughout the winter and into next year and anyone thinking about organising an illegal rave should know that we will continue to take a robust approach and that our officers will be seizing even more equipment in 2014 if organisers fail to heed the warnings.”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 27 th September 2013

Isle of Wight Sports