Issue 22 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

The Island's free community newspaper

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DRINK & DRUGS NOT WORTH THE RISK

Medicine May Contain Plastic

Prison Officer Appeals For Help

Floating Bridge Out of Action

A powerful Hampshire Constabulary display is touring the Isle of Wight over the next week as part of the force’s Drink and Drug Driving campaign.

The crashed car display is particular emotive for people on the Isle of Wight-as the car belongs to the Staley family from Newport. The vehicle was decimated when it was hit by a driver who was two-and-a-half times over the drink/drive limit and had been smoking cannabis. See Page 2

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ISSUE NUMBER 22 6th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

mail Isle of Wight

Crashed car display on the Isle of Wight as part of police drink and drug driving campaign

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A crashed car display is touring the Isle of Wight as part of the police drink and drug driving campaign A powerful Hampshire Constabulary display is touring the Isle of Wight over the next week as part of the force’s Drink and Drug Driving campaign.

The crashed car display is particular emotive for people on the Isle of Wight-as the car belongs to the Staley family from Newport.

The vehicle was decimated when it was hit by a driver who was two-and-a-half times over the drink/drive limit and had been smoking cannabis.

Ten-year-old Evey Staley was killed in the collision-which also seriously injured her parents Penny and Neal.

The driver of the car, Robert Blakely is serving ten years in prison.

The crashed vehicle display starts at Newport on December 5. It will be staffed by officers from the Roads Policing Unit, supported by colleagues from the Isle of Wight Fire Service and ambulance service.

Members of the public will be able to speak to officers to gain advice and guidance to keep them safe this festive season, and officers will also explain the Purple Ribbon Campaign and hand out leaflets which tell Evey’s story.

The campaign is once again supported by Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service, the Isle of Wight Road Safety Partnership, Southampton City Council and many other partner agencies.

Inspector Andy Storey, leading the campaign in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “If anyone thinks that driving whilst impaired has no consequences then they should take a look at the vehicle that is being used in this display.

“There can be no more powerful a reminder that impaired driving costs lives and ruins many others.

“If you are going out this Christmas and drinking then please ensure you have a means of getting home that does not involve you doing the driving.”

Inspector Storey added: “On the Isle of Wight alone we have already had one positive breath test on and one unfit to drive. If you ignore our advice we will catch you, you will lose your licence and you will be fined.”

Steve Apter, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer said: “We fully support Hampshire Constabulary’s drink and drug driving campaign this year.

“I cannot begin to imagine both the physical and emotional suffering the Staley family went through following the collision and they deserve the upmost respect and credit for supporting the campaign by allowing their actual vehicle involved that night to be displayed.

“Hopefully lots of people will see the display in Newport, Ryde and Cowes, see the consequences of drink or drug driving and think it really is not worth the risk.”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

New Funding to help residents living with long-term conditions Community groups, organisations and enterprises are being invited to bid for grants of up to £10,000 to fund initiatives that provide support for Island residents learning to cope with living with a long-term health condition.

The funding is being provided by the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the Island’s pioneering My Life, A Full Life programme.

This programme seeks to ensure all those involved in providing health and social care work together in a co-ordinated and effective way.

My Life, A Full Life recognises the important role voluntary and community groups have in ensuring residents get the help and support they need and it is these groups and organisations that are being invited to apply for a share of the £40,000 of grant funding that is available.

Commissioners are seeking bids that offer new ideas for projects that support people "living with" a particular long term conditions and help to build confidence and knowledge, to help people take more control in managing their condition. Bids will be expected to deliver support and education, provide information about local support options and services and produce a patient information pack.

Last year a similar grant funding programme awarded almost £90,000 to 9 local voluntary and community organisations working to support individuals living with different health conditions.

Grants are open to new and

existing organisations and small enterprises and will be awarded through a competitive bidding process that encourages innovation and collaboration to increase the range of support available to people with long-term health conditions.

The schemes will need to support My Life, a Full Life’s key aims of encouraging all organisations working with an individual to do so in a seamless way, helping people to support and care for themselves.

Alison Geddes, Commissioning Manager, Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Besides the obvious benefits to individual patients, we believe involving local groups and organisations, in planning and delivering local services and activities, promotes stronger and more active communities as well as value for money.”

The prospectus is available on Community Action’s website at http://iow.me/18 All proposals should be discussed with Elaine Garrett on 01983 524058 or by e mail on egarrett@actioniw.org.uk before work commences on any potential bid for this funding and to obtain an application form.

The deadline for completed applications is 10 January 2014.

COMMISSIONER ON THE MOVE

This weekend, December 7-8, the OPCC (office of the police and crime commissioner), is moving out of their current 5,185 sq ft, three storey former Hampshire Police Authority building in Westgate Chambers, Winchester.

From Monday, (December 9), the OPCC will be accommodated a short distance away in the city at St George’s Chamber’s, above Barclays Bank in St George’s Street. The move forms part of the Commissioner’s overall estates strategy to operate from fit for purpose and cost effective buildings.

The OPCC has secured a tenyear lease on St George’s Chambers which is more prominently situated and accessible in the heart of the city.

Although slightly smaller in size at 4,000 sq ft, the move to the second floor office space will provide greater flexibility and an improved working environment for the commissioner and his staff.

Through the implementation of smarter working practices, the office has the additional capability to

provide shared facilities for staff currently employed elsewhere across the constabulary estate.

The move will provide a saving of around £23,000 per annum in rent during the first five years of the tenancy. Simon Hayes said: “Having all the staff situated on one floor will be more practical, more economical and provide improved access for visitors. It also meets my objective to ensure my estate provides the best value for money to protect the public purse in these times of . austerity and significant budget cuts.

“I viewed a number of properties before securing the lease on St George’s Chambers which met all my requirements in terms of size, location and cost.”

The move is being carried out over the weekend to minimise disruption to staff and visitors, although there may be some temporary disruption on Friday (December 6) when telephones and IT equipment is disconnected.

Despite this callers will still be able to contact the office throughout the day by phoning 01962 871595.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

The WIR Christmas Party Do you remember when leg warmers made you feel footloose? Or when a young boy could transform into a superhero at the consumption of a banana?!

After an a absences of nearly 4 year from Sandown, Christmas 80's night returns to the town, with that legend 80's DJ Dave Hollidge.

Dave will be spinning the great hits of the 80's for this years Wight Island Radios Christmas Party night and your invited to the night.

The event is limited and all free tickets will be given away on a first come first served basis on the radio stations facebook page (facebook.com/wightislandradio) on the web site wightislandradio.com and on air via the website or the tunein app.

Senior Presenter Steve Bradley

said: "This event is to say a big thank you to all our listeners & supporters but also to raise the profile of the Island community radio station and how we are growing."

Presenter Andy Knight has said: "This is a great way to start your Christmas celebrations, Dave Hollidge is well know across the Island for hits "80's nite" at the once Bogeys night club in the town.

"Come and get your dancing shoes and join us at this great party night."

On the night there will be a raffle with prizes from local compaines with all teh funds raised to got to the WIR Foundation that work with disadvantage children and young adults from across the Island. If you would like tickets email sales@wightislandradio.com

Police raid wrong house Officers carrying out drugs warrants on the Isle of Wight on Wednesday, November 27 briefly entered an address in Ryde where no crimes had been suspected during the planning of this operation.

A police operation was taking place on the Island to protect the community from the harm caused by illegal drugs A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said “No one was arrested or injured. The officers left the address in Swanmore Road promptly.

“An officer returned to the house later in the day to apologise to the resident.

“We are reviewing the circumstances of this warrant to confirm the reasons for what happened.

“We want the Isle of Wight to become an even safer place

following an eleven per cent reduction in all crime across the district since April 2013 when compared to the same eight months last year.”

Anyone with information about illegal drugs affecting the community can contact police by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 11.

Contact the news team on 01983 898 838

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Island Arts Your Fortnightly Arts Guide

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

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 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

Island Christmas Magic It should be a cracker of a Christmas on the Island this year!

There is a great line up of events designed to help you make the most of the season of goodwill.

The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival (December 5 to 8), for example, features more than a hundred themed and decorated trees.

There’s a Christmas wonderland at Osborne’s “Victorian Christmas” event on the weekend of December 7 and 8. There will also be 30-minute performances of A Christmas Carol. And, in addition to Victorian falconry displays on the Durbar lawn and on the Sunday, author Jeremy Archer will be reading from his book A Royal Christmas.

Ryde’s Dickensian Christmas event (December 7 & 8) has strolling performers, singers, actors, a street circus and a Christmas Grotto in the Royal Victoria Arcade Museum and Heritage Centre.

Cowes Christmas Festival on December 14 and 15, features a food theatre with demonstrations from top local chefs and talks from Isle of Wight producers.

There will also be stalls selling Island food and drink, arts & crafts, plus children’s face painting, live music and a Santa’s Grotto. Father Christmas will be returning by horse and carriage to the Needles Park and to the Isle

Boxing Day Swim

of Wight Steam Railway’s Santa Specials where visitors can meet Santa’s Alpcas and enjoy a bustling Christmas market.

Yarmouth holds a lantern parade and carols in the Square on December 14, with mulled wine, mince pies, hot chestnuts and hot soup being served. The event starts at 6pm when the Christmas tree lights are switched on.

The annual Ventnor Boxing Day Swim on Thursday, December 26 will see 100 brave swimmersand-dippers take to the icy seas.

Then, from December 27 to 30, visitors can enjoy Robin Hill in mid-winter. To celebrate the launch of the new Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie, the park will be re-opening its popular “Jurassic” trail.

Many village churches are holding Christmas Eve services.

The monks of Quarr Abbey will be providing midnight mass to local people and visitors alike at the Island’s Benedictine monastery on December 24, as well as a mass at 10am on Christmas Day.

Moving exhibition A moving exhibition of Titanic paintings at Cowes Library, created by Brightonbased artist Bonny Cummins, has come to an end after being extended for two weeks.

Paintings plotted the course of the liner from Southampton to her disastrous collision with the iceberg in the north Atlantic.

The exhibition is growing as it tours the country, with Bonny creating additional paintings commemorating

the ports passed by RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage.

The exhibition was originally scheduled to run at Cowes Library from 25 October to 19 November.

On 10 April 1912, Titanic sailed past Cowes, and Bonny has recorded this scene in a new painting created specially for this exhibition, which was available to view until December 3.

* ONE MORE ISSUE OF ISLAND ARTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS *

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

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Island Arts

The art of early intervention The power of art to personalise experience, and communicate powerful messages, is very much on show in an exhibition by students of two Island schools.

Students from Sandown Bay Academy and Carisbrooke College produced pieces of art after exploring the emotional and challenging issues surrounding domestic abuse, which affects one out of four women and one out of seven men in the UK. Their work is on show at the Rope Store Gallery at Quay Arts, Newport, until Saturday, December 7, and the experience is an eye opener for the students, and exhibition visitors.

The project was developed by the Island's Domestic Abuse Forum to achieve early intervention and prevention of abuse, and included visits to the schools by Red Tie Theatre, who staged a short play on abuse, followed by workshop sessions on the issues raised.

Fleur Gardiner, Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator for the Isle of Wight Council, said the project helped students to express their feelings on a sensitive issue through art.

“Art personalises the experience,”she said.

“They worked as a group in workshops, but the act of creating the art was very much an individual thing.Through this, we have been able to raise awareness of the issues, and the support available, to them, and also to those who have come to view their work.”

Pictured at the exhibition launch event are, left to right: Fiona Gwinnett, Chief Executive of the Island Womens Refuge; Fleur Gardiner; Laura Franklin, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Isle of Wight; Gill Bushell, Assistant Head of Carisbrooke College; and Helen Reading, of Red Tie Theatre.

Fun and frolics The Apollo is promising fun and frolics in its current production – the bawdy romp, 'London Assurance'. One of the characters is called Lady Gay Spanker.

Enough said …

It was written in 1841, and is still capable of delivering laughter.

For more information, go to www.apollo-theatre.org.uk

First Act: top performance!

A packed house enjoyed the real flavour of Christmas as First Act delivered a stonkingly good rendition of 'Puss in Boots' at Shanklin Theatre on the first night of December.

There were star turns everywhere on stage, ranging from Ross Forde in the title role and James Soley as Tom, right through to the villagers and servants, who contributed to some marvellous crowd pleasing routines.

It was great to see some experienced performers up on stage acting as buddies, ensuring that all the cast got the most from

their moment on stage.

Impossible, as always, to pick people out, but this member of the audience particularly enjoyed Anthony Beaumont and Colin Heber as King and Queen; Natalie Rann as the gorgeous Princess Isabella; Parry Kirby and Tony Fellows as Harry and Dick; and the Henchman and Henchwoman, played by Barnaby Foster and Immie Sivell.

Special praise also to Carol Fellows for being a perfectly believable Cat, especially in the fishing scene with Tom. Top marks too to script writer

and narrator Vivien Russell, and co-director Eltjo de Vries, who bore an uncanny resemblance to half an ogre, and the whole team, for putting together a top quality production littered with legendary panto humour and some cracking songs.

According to the programme notes, after 20 years, First Act are having difficulty finding pantomimes they haven't done before.

Let's be honest, we wouldn't mind a repeat performance of this one!

-KW

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Island Arts

Floating ideas Young Enterprise and Wightlink have teamed up for the second year running to host a floating Christmas trade fair for Island students taking part in this year's Young Enterprise business competition.

All nine of the Young Enterprise teams on the Island were aboard the ferry St. Clare on Saturday, December 7, for six crossings between Fishbourne and Portsmouth, selling Christmasthemed products including cards, confectionery and gifts.

Young Enterprise is a business and enterprise education charity, which operates in schools throughout the UK, encouraging young people

New Year resolution

aged 16-18 to learn about running a business by experiencing it firsthand.

The young people that take part are challenged to set up and run their own company for one year, designing, marketing and selling a product in an attempt to generate profits.

The Wightlink Christmas Trade Fair is a chance for the companies to experience selling their products to the public, and to be creative, while spreading seasonal cheer in the runup to Christmas.

For more information, young-enterprise.org.uk

go

to

Celebrity dinosaurs Dinosaurs that used to roam the Island are among the characters that star in Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie, which hits UK cinemas on December 20.

Recent discoveries and a breakthrough in technology will introduce new and unique set of dinosaurs, and will put movie goers in the middle of a prehistoric adventure.

The Isle of Wight launched its own Walking with Dinosaurs interactive

experience to the public this summer, with the help of a new app, which makes it possible to take pictures of family and friends 'walking with dinosaurs' at six locations. It has been downloaded more than 33,000 times so far.

The new movie is being launched at an invitation-only premiere at Cineworld on December 15.

For more information, go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/dinosaur-island, and walkingwithdinosaurs.com/movie/

Santa goes to Sainsburys Breathe Easy, the charity attached to the Respiratory Department at St. Mary's Hospital, have persuaded Father Christmas to relocate his Grotto to Sainsbury's in Newport this weekend.

The man himself and his band of elves will be there on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, and again the following weekend, from 10am to 4pm.

All children will receive a present for a minimum donation of £2, and the money raised will go towards purchasing equipment for the Respiratory Department at St. Mary's.

There will also be a raffle with many prizes of wine, chocolates, pictures etc. with a special prize of a family ticket to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Medina Theatre.

“Sing with us this Christmas” Local groups and residents on the island have the exclusive opportunity to take part in Sing While You Shop - a Christmas singing event as well hosted at Sainsbury’s Newport all through December.

Sainsbury’s have encouraged local residents, including professional choirs, singing families, friends and regional groups including schools, charities, community clubs and hospices with the chance to spread the festive cheer at their local Sainsbury’s..

The activity is part of a nationwide carol singing charity drive by the retailer. Sing While You Shop will also help the retailer move a step closer towards its commitment to donate over £400 million to charitable causes by 2020 as part of Sainsbury’s 20x20 community investment plan.

Original Theatre's production of Agatha Christie's The Hollow aims to test audiences' powers of deduction.

This classic whodunnit set in a country house in the 1950s has more twists and turns than a supermarket trolley dash, and is being staged at Shanklin Theatre from February 19 to 22.

For more information, and bookings, go to www.shanklintheatre.com

Making headlines News is expected soon on the first headline act to be named for next year's Isle of Arts event, to be held from May 2 to 5.

Organisers will also unveil details on early bird tickets.

The 2014 festival will include a special feature on the First World War, and anyone with local information and who would like to get involved, is invited to get in touch.

For more information, go to www.artsisle.org

Celebration Age UK Isle of Wight, and the Whippingham Community Association will be hosting a Celebrating Christmas concert on December 11, starting at 7.30pm.

The annual free event is to be held at Whippingham Community Hall, and will feature students from the Centre Stage School, as well as contributions from local people – not forgetting mince pies, mulled wine and refreshments.

There will be a collection at the end of the evening in aid of the two charities.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

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Island Arts

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Staff at Wightlink have chosen Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as company charity

Staff at Wightlink have chosen to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as their company charity for 2014.

The company will be raising money for the good cause throughout the year, following a poll of employees.

Daisy Dawes from Wightlink Customer Relation said: “This is a brilliant local charity, relevant to our staff, our customers and everyone who lives on the Isle of Wight. We are delighted to support them.”

John Perry, Chief Executive, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance comments: “The fact that staff at Wightlink Ferries have chosen us as their company charity for 2014 is testimony to their constant and on going support of our work. We are looking forward to strengthening our ties and to working even more closely with them next year.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance started operations in July 2007. It can be airborne within

four minutes and can get to anywhere within the Isle of Wight within twenty minutes.

As time is of the essence when it comes to saving lives, this often makes the difference between life and death, patients can also be swiftly transferred to the most appropriate hospital for their needs.

In one recent example of its work, an elderly woman from Newport suffered a fall in church and was taken by Air Ambulance from the Isle of Wight to hospital in Portsmouth. She was in danger of losing her sight but quickly received emergency specialist treatment. Had it not been for the Air Ambulance, her vision would have been permanently lost.

A new Helipad at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport enables patients with life threatening injuries and medical conditions to be flown swiftly to the nearest major trauma centre at Southampton General Hospital or to other specialist centres.

It’s no surprise Green Deal targets missed, Says CLA The CLA has urged the Treasury to keep and improve the Landlord’s Energy Savings Allowance (LESA) to help deliver energy-efficient housing. CLA President Henry Robinson attacked Treasury plans to phase out LESA in 2016 because it represents competition for the Government’s Green Deal finance.

He said: “At around seven percent interest, the Green Deal loans on offer are simply too expensive. We are appalled the Treasury plans to phase out LESA because of these loans.

“Minimum Energy Performance

(MEP) in rented housing is required by 2018 but the Department of Energy and Climate Change is failing to get that message across to landlords who look at the uncompetitive Green Deal loan interest rate and do nothing.”

The CLA is calling on the Treasury and DECC to work together to ensure landlords can plan energy efficiency measures in a “cost effective and timely fashion” and, for tax purposes, declare them as “repairs”, not “improvements” allowing the cost to be deductable from taxable rental income.

Renewable heating system A ground-breaking renewable heating system has been installed at UKSA thanks to a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Cowes-based youth charity’s indoor heated pool is now a ‘green’ pool, boasting an innovative heating and hot water system – the first of its type ever to be installed.

Island company Minus7 were the brains behind the system, which uses endo-thermic panels on the roof of the pool building to harvest energy.

The energy can be collected from air temperatures as low as -7c, and is delivered to a heat store (solar energy processor) which heats the pool water. This makes the pool heating a completely sustainable green energy source, removing the need for gas. Any spare heat from the pool then feeds into the kitdrying rooms. These rooms now run on an automatic system that turns the mains boiler off for the green heating to kick in, and turns back on when the green energy needs replenishing.

Left-over heat from this

process then feeds into a cold store which services the air conditioning in another large room, turning on automatically when people are in the room and it reaches a certain temperature.

Chris Frisby, facilities manager at UKSA, said: “This grant from the Big Lottery Fund paid for 50% of the cost for us to lead the way environmentally and install this state-of-the-art system.

“Previously we used gas to heat the pool and now we have massively reduced our carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy.

“It is also saving us money, which clearly is important for us as a charity. The system is working extremely effectively and we are really happy with it. Over the last year we recorded 17,500 visits to the pool, so on behalf of all those pool users, I would like to say a huge thank you to the Big Lottery Fund.”

Anyone interested in the technology behind the system can visit the site, by appointment only. Contact UKSA reception on 294941.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Boots recall cough medicine because it may contain plastic.

Boots is recalling a number of their own brand cough medicine products. Due to a manufacturing fault small pieces of plastic may be found in these cough medicines.

The Boots Cough Medicines affected by this recall are:Boots Pharmaceuticals Chesty Cough Relief Oral Solution, 150 ml Boots Pharmaceuticals Dry Cough Oral Solution, 150ml Boots Pharmaceuticals Mucus Cough Oral Solution, 150ml, The affected Boots Cough Medicines were sold between September 2013 - November 2013.

If you have the affected Boots Cough Medicine you should return it to your nearest Boots store for a full refund.

If you have any questions or concerns about this recall you can contact Boots on 0800 915 0004.

Abolition of the tax disc

The Department for Transport (DfT) made clear in its recent Motoring Services Strategy consultation that the government is committed to offering high quality and cost effective services to the public and businesses. DfT and DVLA have listened to the views of both businesses and the public to remove unnecessary burden and provide modern and efficient services to meet their needs. This includes getting rid of unnecessary paper where possible and making it easier for people and businesses to use government services.

Yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2013), the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the government will change the law in 2014 to reduce tax administration costs and burdens associated with vehicle tax.

DVLA will offer motorists the ability to spread their vehicle tax payments should they wish to do so. From 1 October 2014 motorists will be able to pay vehicle tax by direct debit annually, biannually or monthly.

There will be no additional handling fees for annual payments but to limit the impact on the public finances there will be a

small surcharge of 5% of vehicle tax for biannual and monthly payments. This is half of the 10% surcharge that is currently applied to 6 monthly tax discs and which has been in existence for a number of decades.

Also from 1 October 2014, the paper tax disc, first issued on 1 January 1921, will no longer be issued and required to be displayed on a vehicle windscreen.

Vehicle tax will still need to be paid but with DVLA having a digital record of who has and has not paid, a paper tax disc is no longer necessary as proof that vehicle tax is paid. The vast majority of motorists pay their vehicle tax with latest figures confirming that over 99% of motorists’ tax their vehicles on time… Most on-road enforcement action is now based on using Automatic Number Plate Readers.

These cameras use the number plate rather than a visual inspection of the tax disc. The police also have access to DVLA records via the police national computer. There are significant savings for fleet operators and other businesses from not having to handle the administration of tax discs.

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Five-year plan to hold water bills at below inflation Southern Water has published its new plan for delivering better water and wastewater services to more than 4.5 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Its final Business Plan for 2015 to 2020 sets out a range of ambitious improvements designed to meet customers’ priorities, with average bills increasing by less than inflation.

The plan is the result of an 18month programme of research and engagement involving more than 27,000 customers and community representatives from across the South East. It details how Southern Water will provide the improved services customers have said they expect, while minimising the impact on their bills. Included are 26 clear promises about what will be achieved under the plan.

Matthew Wright, Southern Water’s Chief Executive, said: “We are confident this is the right plan for our customers.

The promises we are making about the services we will deliver have been shaped by them through our most extensive engagement programme ever. I would like to thank all of our customers and stakeholders for the input and challenge they have provided. Detailed research carried out during the public consultation on our draft plan showed 90 per cent of customers support our proposals.

“As we developed our plan, we were fully aware of the tough economic conditions which are making life difficult for a number of our customers. We have worked hard to do all we can to balance the need to deliver the improved services customers want, cater for a growing population in our region, safeguard the environment and make sure

everyone can afford their bills.

We have set ourselves an ambitious target of making nearly £200 million in efficiency savings between 2015 and 2020 – that amounts to about £20 per year for every household we serve.”

Under Southern Water’s new plan, average bills will go up at below the rate of inflation. The plan will cost £3.2 billion to implement and will support an estimated 6,000 jobs. The improvements it will deliver include: * 90 per cent of customers’ queries resolved the first time they contact Southern Water * A 25 per cent reduction in sewer flooding inside people’s homes and businesses * No ‘serious pollution incidents’ affecting local rivers and coastal waters caused by Southern Water’s operations * A 15 per cent increase in the number of beaches with the official ‘excellent’ rating for bathing water quality * A further reduction in leakage of two million litres a day * A reduction of 15 litres per person, per day in average water use.

Anna Bradley, independent Chair of the Southern Water Customer Challenge Group, said: “We welcome the way Southern Water has worked with us over the past two years, embracing our advice and responding to our challenge to ensure customers’ and stakeholders’ views have shaped this new plan.”

Southern Water’s plan has been submitted to Ofwat, the water industry regulator. Ofwat will look at the document in detail and assess the company’s proposals, with its final findings due to be announced in December next year.

M&S mussel products linked to illness reports Following a number of illness reports Marks & Spencer is recalling some of their mussel based products.

If you have the affected Marks & Spencer mussel products you are advised not to eat them.

The Marks & Spencer mussel products affected by this recall are:* M&S – Mussels in Garlic -

product codes 00604819 and 00929189 * M&S – Mussels in White Wine - product code 00720618 *M&S – Mussels and Clams product code 00667104 If you have the affected Marks & Spencer mussel products you should return them to your nearest M&S store for a full refund.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Former Prison Officer Appeals for Help in Asbestos Investigation A former prison officer, diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, is appealing to any of his former colleagues at Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight to help provide information about his exposure to the deadly dust.

Ronald Samways, known as Ron or Sam to his former colleagues is aged 71 and from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. He worked at Parkhurst from 1979 to 2003 was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in June this year.

Ron has instructed asbestosrelated disease experts at national law firm Irwin Mitchell to help him gain the answers as to how he was exposed to asbestos at work and to secure justice on his behalf.

The diagnosis came as a massive shock to Ron, who lives with his wife Sandra, as he only started to notice symptoms just three months earlier when he became short of breath while walking the dog.

Ron went to see his GP who immediately referred him to hospital where he was admitted with a collapsed lung. Following further tests and biopsies, Ron returned to hospital on 27th June 2013 with his wife and was given the dreadful news that he was suffering from the incurable cancer. Martyn Hayward, a Solicitor at law firm Irwin

Mitchell, representing Ron, said: “The diagnosis of mesothelioma is inevitably devastating news for Ron and his family. We are asking anyone who worked at Parkhurst and has any knowledge of the presence of asbestos at the prison to come forward and help Ron find answers.

“Employers and HM Government in particular have long been aware of the dangers of asbestos so it is completely unacceptable as to why employees were not protected from its appalling effects.

Unfortunately, the illnesses associated with the deadly dust can take several decades to develop.”

Parkhurst is very old and refurbishments were ongoing during Ron’s time there. We know that asbestos was discovered at Parkhurst because prison officers were provided with information which referred to asbestos on site.

During the building refurbishment process, it was one of Ron’s duties to escort the contractors to the various sites around the prison.

Ron recalls contractors working at the prison in protective clothing while prison staff went about their daily tasks, just a few feet away, without any protection. He wonders how long the material was there before the authorities took steps to ascertain what state it

was in and to remove it.

In 1990 Ron was appointed as Prison Fire Officer where he remembered handling fire blankets on a regular basis when conducting equipment checks.

However, he says no safety equipment such as face masks and protective clothing ever were provided by the prison.

Ron, who is receiving chemotherapy as part of his treatment, commented: “The diagnosis was such a terrible shock to me and Sandra because I had always classed myself as being reasonably fit. Every day, I

walked my dogs and had no ill effects until that day in April this year when I began to suffer a shortness of breath”.

“After being diagnosed with an asbestos related cancer, I started to think back and I remember asbestos being at discovered Parkhurst and then the hazardous material removed by specialist contractors. I just hope people will come forward and help Irwin Mitchell to investigate the conditions at Parkhurst.”

Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to contact Martyn Hayward 0114 274 4420

IW TOURISM WINS GOLD AT REGIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE An Island tourism business has been awarded a regional accolade at this year’s Beautiful South Awards, hosted and organised by Tourism South East (TSE).

Corner Cottage, Nettlecombe Farm Holidays in Whitwell, has scooped the Gold award for SelfCatering Holiday Provider of the Year. After months of anticipation, nearly 300 expectant guests from tourism businesses across the South East gathered at The Felbridge Hotel in West Sussex to hear the results and share in the winners’ success.

The Beautiful South awards, hosted and organised by TSE, recognise exceptional levels of customer service and dedication to raising standards in the tourism industry. Now running for over twenty years, the awards celebrate the very best the South East has to offer for all types of tourism businesses including B&Bs, hotels, holiday parks, self-

catering, visitor attractions as well as recognising those businesses that have gone the extra mile on accessibility, sustainability and great customer service.

Nettlecombe, which has been in the Morris family for over 100 years, is a working farm that offers luxurious self-catering holiday accommodation, coarse fishing, yoga retreats and function barn hire.

Proprietor, Jose Morris said: “We are delighted to have received this recognition for the Island.”

“Our motto at Nettlecombe is to continually improve our facilities and services for our guests to exceed their expectations.

Receiving this award has not only given us a sense of pride but has also led to an influx of bookings for 2014.”

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Nettlecombe Farm and look

forward to seeing them on the national stage at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April.

“Planning for next year has already begun and Visit Isle of Wight is keen to encourage our

best local businesses to take part.

Details of how to get involved will be posted on our industry website (www.visitwight.org) in the New Year.”

View all the winners and finalists at beautifulsouthawards.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

MOBILE VET CELEBRATES NATIONAL AWARD WIN Isle of Wight based The Mobile Vet has beaten off stiff competition from around the UK to be named the Best B2C (Business to Consumer) Start-Up at the inaugural Ready for Business Awards 2013.

Ready for Business, the investment readiness start-up programme that supports new enterprises across England, has delivered more than 2,500 new jobs nationwide since its launch last summer. The programme aims to create 6,000 businesses with 10,000 new jobs, is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and Barclays and is delivered by the Cavendish Consortium, a partnership between some of England’s leading enterprise agencies together with the National Enterprise Network; in the South East region, Ready for Business is provided by Enterprise First through a network of local agencies.

The national finals, which were held at the House of Commons in London, saw the 22 start-up businesses from throughout England that had previously triumphed at regional level gather to compete for one of three prestigious titles. The Awards were created to celebrate the cream of business start-up, enterprise and innovation and were attended by 150 invited guests including MPs, leading figures in enterprise support and representatives from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Mobile Vet was launched in May 2013 by Isle of Wight local boy Dan Forster and offers all the traditional services of a regular vet but with the convenience of mobile care. Since launching earlier this year, The Mobile Vet has treated patients from across the Isle of Wight and allowed members of the community who may have been unable to take their pets to the vets for years due to illness or elderly related conditions access valuable care for their animals.

It has also reactivated many dormant patients who had not visited a centre for many years and had fallen behind on important courses of vaccinations or have opted not to visit a vet because their pets where considered too nervous or potentially aggressive and has also been invaluable for busy families and households with

multiple pets.

The judging panel - which was facilitated by Kevin Horne, chairman of the Cavendish Consortium –featured David Hitchcock of Barclays, Amanda Hurford from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Titus Sharpe, chief executive of MVF Global and winner of the Sunday Times Tech Track 2013.

They selected The Mobile Vet as the winner due to its innovative approach whilst still offering all the traditional veterinary services its customers require. The judges were also impressed by its potential for growth, not just in the South East, but possibly throughout the UK and its drive to continually invest in the latest equipment and create additional job opportunities.

Dan Forster of The Mobile Vet said; “We are truly delighted to have our achievements recognised with such a prestigious accolade so soon after launching The Mobile Vet. The help we received to get started and the on-going support available to us has made it possible to develop our idea into a thriving business operation and we now look forward to pushing ahead with our plans for the future.”

Kevin Horne, chairman of the Cavendish Consortium added; “In what was a highly competitive category, The Mobile Vet stood out as offering a very difference proposition to its customers and demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of its clients. We were impressed by the drive and determination shown by Dan and his colleagues to make what is an extremely novel idea a business reality and wish them, and all the other worthy finalists, well as they strive forward.”

Graham Cooper, Isle of Wight based area business manager for Barclays said: “This is a real accolade for the Island, the fact that an Island business has won this national award shows the entrepreneurial spirit that is embedded in the business people here. SMEs are the life blood of the economy and it’s great to see a new business idea thriving and providing a much valued service as well as creating jobs.”

The other local winners were Southampton based Online Guides Ltd which triumphed as the Best B2B Start-Up for the SE and Futures for Heroes from Margate which was named as the Best Growth Potential Start-Up.

SALLY WATER TAXIS Sally Water Taxis are the largest and longest standing water taxi provider in Cowes Harbour and the Medina.

TEL: 07831 331717

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust to benefit from new service point The UK’s largest independent marine safety equipment supplier, Ocean Safety, has established a new collection point at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, East Cowes. Liferafts and other safety equipment can be dropped off for servicing by Ocean Safety.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which helps to rebuild the lives of young cancer sufferers through sailing experiences, is conveniently located at East Cowes Marina. It is easily accessible for yachts whose owners want to offload liferafts and safety items such as lifejackets, EPIRBs and fire extinguishers.

"In recognition of the amazing work that is being done by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Ocean Safety will be making a donation from the servicing cost of each item that is brought in," says Charlie Mil of Ocean Safety. " We would encourage anyone whose safety inventory is in need of a service while visiting Cowes

to drop their equipment off there" The safety equipment is collected by Ocean Safety and taken to the company's service station in Southampton for maintenance. It is then returned to East Cowes Marina for the owner to collect after the work as been carried out.

"We contact every customer by phone to discuss their equipment once it has been delivered to Southampton," adds Charlie Mill.

“We’ve worked with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for quite some time supplying equipment to their boat." He concludes "We are very happy to support them in every way we can.”

Frank Fletcher, CEO at the EMCT comments “We are delighted to be able to work with Ocean Safety to provide a handy location for yachtsmen to drop off safety equipment for servicing. It is tremendous for the Trust to benefit from the donations Ocean Safety is making.”

MASSES FOR THE ISLAND’S VULNERABLE CHILDREN & CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROVIDERS

A local church is to dedicate a Mass to those who provide children’s services on the island.

Father Gerard Flynn, the Parish Priest of the Roman Catholic worshipping communities of St Thomas of Canterbury, Newport, and St Saviour’s, Totland, will offer the sacrifice of Mass on Sunday, 8th December, for those who are responsible for the provision of children’s services, particularly at the Isle of Wight Council.

Fr Gerard explains: “There is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church of dedicating some Masses for specific intentions. Harrowing serious case reviews were recently published looking at what went wrong in a number of cases of abused vulnerable children, in one of which a child almost certainly died. One of my parishioners drew these to my attention and asked if we could pray as a community for the children we have let down in the past, for those who remain vulnerable today and for those who are responsible for children’s services that they may be given the strength to persevere

despite the difficult challenges they face. I felt that a very worthy intention and am pleased that we have been able to accommodate the request.”

Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Conservative, Newport West), who approached Fr Gerard with the request, adds: “As the lead for the Conservatives on Education and Children’s Services, I was greatly distressed to read the serious case reviews and to see just how badly wrong things had gone. I was also alarmed to hear from the Director of Children’s Services that, despite great progress now being made under the leadership of officers from Hampshire County Council, our most vulnerable children remain “unsafe” even today because of inadequacies in service structure and processes. It seemed only right that we should dedicate specific prayer for those vulnerable children and for those whose responsibility it is to provide for them.”

The Island MP, Andrew Turner, is hoping to attend along with members of the Isle of Wight Council. The Mass will be said at St Saviour’s Church at 5pm.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY On Saturday 7 December, an event called Small Business Saturday is being held with its main aim being encouraging people to shop in town and village centres on what is traditionally the busiest shopping day before Christmas.

The IW Council will provide free parking in its car parks on the day to support the scheme.

The event is based on an American scheme which has seen sales in small businesses boosted by around $5.5 billion in the USA. The free parking on Saturday 7 December will apply to all council-run car parks across the Island. It will not apply to private-run car parks or on-street parking in town and village centres.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Visit Isle of Wight generates £1.8m worth of media coverage

Flu vaccination uptake strong, but much more to do The latest flu vaccination figures from part way through the seasonal flu programme indicate many older people, pregnant women, people in at risk groups, and for the first time, 2 and 3 year old children, have been vaccinated to date as part of this season’s ongoing flu vaccine campaign in preparation for the forthcoming winter flu season.

As of 24 November 2013, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2013 to 2014 influenza vaccine in targeted groups were: * 43.6% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group * 34.0% in all pregnant women * 67.0% in 65+ year olds From September 2013, all children aged 2 and 3 years are also being offered protection against flu, using a newly available nasal spray flu vaccine.

This marks the first step in an extension to the national flu vaccination programme, which will eventually include yearly vaccination of all 2 to 16 year olds. Current figures for flu

vaccination uptake among children as of 24 November were: * 34.1% in all 2 year olds * 30.6% in all 3 year olds Preparation for winter flu started in September 2013 with a flu vaccination programme. A range of surveillance indicators are used to measure flu activity in the UK. Rickremain low At the moment these Jackson there is across the UK, suggesting presently no evidence of community transmission of influenza. Dr. Richard Pebody, a flu expert at Public Health England said: "It is great to see so many people taking steps to protect themselves already this flu season, but it’s important everyone in the targeted groups consider getting vaccinated. Flu has not started to circulate yet and there is still time to take up the opportunity of vaccination.

“For most people influenza infection is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to illnesses that are more serious, including bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can be life threatening.”

Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) - the destination management organisation working hard to establish the Isle of Wight as one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations - has been able to generate around £1.8m worth of positive media coverage around the globe since it was launched in November 2012.

During the past year, VIOW has been able to forge strong links with VisitEngland’s press office, with VisitBritain PR Managers world-wide and with some of the UK’s leading travel writers to help promote the Island as one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations.

VIOW has been able to introduce a wide variety of innovative marketing campaigns during 2013 - from The Year of the Dinosaur and The Festival of the Sea, to Adventure Island and The Isle of Fright. And to complement this marketing activity, the DMO press office has also been providing a range of services to the travel media from writing and distributing press releases, to hosting 65 regional, national and international press visits, plus another 10 who attended last month’s Isle of Wight Day at Westminster. Reactively, the press office is also on the receiving end of countless enquiries from journalists on deadline, and in need of further information or suggestions for round-ups.

VIOW’s relationship with the VisitEngland press office, meanwhile, has helped to identify new trends and opportunities to promote the very best of the Island to the national and international media.

As a result, the Island is currently generating a steady

flow of positive print and broadcast coverage, as well as a significant amount of online exposure.

David Thornton, the Chief Executive Officer for VIOW said: "Our PR campaign has been farreaching, focused, and extremely sophisticated. A number of our partners already run very effective PR campaigns, and between us we’re not only putting the Island back on the radar, but also back in the headlines.

“We’ve been very effective in encouraging and hosting press familiarisation trips - with itineraries based on journalists' requirements and special interests. And we’re very grateful for the support we’ve received from the ferry operators, accommodation providers, attractions, pubs and restaurants during the course of the year.

“Buying advertising space in news media can be very costly, but a travel article - because of its unbiased third party nature and its ability to draw the reader in can be up to three times more valuable than an ad of the same size. This fantastic coverage has helped to further increase public awareness and visibility of the Island to the rest of the world.

But we can't stand still and the hunt for great press and PR continues”.

Sue Emmerson, VIOW Press Officer, added: “Social media, press releases, articles and editorial are a superb way to get the word out about the Island and we’d obviously be absolutely be delighted to hear from anyone else out there who thinks they have a new or unusual story to tell, or who would like to be involved with some of our press visits in the future.”

Research Project Gets Underway A collaborative research project linking the Island’s Radiology and Chronic Pain departments with neuroscience at both Imperial College and University of Southampton is getting underway.

This work has stemmed from complex presentations of pain that are characterized by limited clinic findings for tissue based pathology and manifest in those who have suffered exposure to sustained threat or trauma. Often these conditions are described as medically unexplained and are difficult to manage. Specifically,

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a focus as it potentially represents a quintessentially functional condition that, if understood, may provide a paradigm for better insight into other similar such presentations. There have been several specific areas within pain, neurological, and cognitive sciences that have recently provided an opportunity to develop an objective paradigm for understanding these conditions. At the core of these discoveries is modern neuroscience and imaging techniques.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

PUBLISHER DONATES A TO Z OF DINOSAUR MODELS Children’s book publisher, Priddy Books, has donated 23 highly detailed dinosaur models to Dinosaur Isle at Sandown.

The models were first created for the book ‘Smart Kids Dinosaurs A-Z’ an alphabetical introduction to the world of dinosaurs for children aged three and over.

The models start at letter A with the carnivorous Allosaurus and end at Z with the swift moving Zephyrosaurus.

Each model was individually designed after extensive paleontological research - and constructed by model maker Graham High and colleagues at Centaur Studios.

Photographs of the intricate models were also used in many other bestselling dinosaur books published by Priddy Books.

Peter Pusey, general manager of Dinosaur Isle, said the museum was delighted to receive such a generous gift.

“These models span 170 million

years of dinosaur evolution and include examples of dinosaurs found on the Island. We are very pleased to receive 23 of the 26 models which were made, and intend to display them in chronological order and then challenge children to put them into alphabetical order. We will also find models to stand in for the missing letters.”

Councillor Shirley Smart, Cabinet member for tourism, said: “These models should be a fascinating addition to all the other exhibition items at Dinosaur Isle – and will prove a real educational extra for younger visitors. We are very grateful to the publishers for their generosity.” * Priddy Books is an early learning publishing specialist and was founded in 2000 by Roger Priddy. He has now sold more than 100 million books worldwide, as well as being recognised with numerous industry awards.

CHANGES TO WASTE COLLECTIONS OVER CHRISTMAS There will be some changes to refuse collections over Christmas this year, primarily between Monday 23 and Friday 27 December.

Changes will also be in place between Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 January. For some households, their collections may be one or two days earlier, and for others it may be a day later. Below are full details of the changes: * Monday 23 Dec collection will now be on Saturday 21 Dec * Tuesday 24 Dec collection will now be on Monday 23 Dec * Wednesday 25 Dec collection will now be on Tuesday 24 Dec * Thursday 26 Dec collection will now be on Friday 27 Dec * Friday 27 Dec collection will now be on Saturday 28 Dec * Monday 30 Dec NO CHANGE * Tuesday 31 Dec NO CHANGE * Wednesday 1 Jan collection will now be on Thursday 2 Jan * Thursday 2 Jan collection will now be on Friday 3 Jan * Friday 3 Jan collection will now be on Saturday 4 Jan Waste collections will resume as normal from Monday 6 January.

Christmas tree skips will also be available in the following locations between Saturday 4 January until Sunday 12 January.

Any trees collected in the skips are chipped and used for green

projects. Artificial trees cannot be recycled and should not be included at these sites. People should not leave Christmas trees in car parks that do not have tree skips.

Brighstone village car park, East Cowes Esplanade car park, New Road car park in Lake, Waltzing Waters car park in Ryde, Somerton, park and ride, and Ventnor Botanic Garden carpark.

Christmas trees can also be placed with garden waste at all household waste recycling centres. These can be found at Lynnbottom near Newport, Forest Road in Newport and Afton in Freshwater.

People should hold on to their Christmas cards and recycle them in their wheelie bins.

Throughout the festive period, the civic amenity site at Lynnbottom will be open as usual from 7am to 7pm apart from Christmas Day when it is closed all day. Forest Road household waste recycling centre will be open every Sunday in December between 9.30am and 4.30pm but will be closed every Saturday. Afton household waste recycling centre will be open every Saturday and Sunday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Both sites are closed on weekdays as normal.

Pictured is palaeontologist Alex Peaker from Dinosaur Isle, Roger Priddy, founder of Priddy Books, and a model of a large sauropod dinosaur, Janenschia, which once roamed the plains of Africa, and represents the letter J

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN EXTREME WEATHER ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT? visit www.vectisweather.com or join us on facebook www.facebook.com/islandweather

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM HRH PRINCESS ROYAL Local sailor David Franks from Cowes was presented with one of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards, an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award on Thursday (21 November) by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA at the organisation’s annual Volunteer Awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street.

A total of 43 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll.

David was nominated for his award by the Etchells UK Class Association and was selected as a winner by the Awards panel for his work.

Joining the Etchells Association’s General Committee in 2008 when the UK fleet was at the point of cancelling events, due to a lack of numbers, David stepped in, instigating a campaign to drive the fleet back to full strength.

Today, he has transformed the Etchells racing fleet, not only reenergising the traditional sailors but introducing a complete new generation of young sailors to the class.

In 2011, David initiated the idea of having fully funded keelboats available for under 24 year-olds to skipper and race. He single

-handedly pulled together the funding to launch the Etchells RYA Youth trials in 2012 which saw two fully funded boats being made available to two youth teams for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, one of which went on to be 2nd in the British Etchells Championship.

David has also been a key driver within the class securing the 2016 World Championships which will be hosted in Weymouth, Dorset.

David said “It was a great honour to receive this award. It has been good to introduce so many young sailors to the Etchells class and to enable them to improve their sailing skills. More than 25 young sailors who have gone on to do really well, with one team going on to win European Youth Match Racing Championships.” He added “Next July we will be running an Invitational event with entrants coming from 20 different countries.” Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says “The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of David’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the south’s boating scene. The 41 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”

Listen online at

wightislandradio.com

David Franks from Cowes was presented with one of the RYA’s most prestigious awards

Targeted by thief in Newport Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was targeted by a thief in Newport At about 7.45pm on Friday, 15th November, a 62-year-old woman was walking her dog on the footpath between Robin Hood Street and the Nisa/Spar shop on Royal Exchange, Newport, when she was approached by a man who shoved her against a fence before demanding money and her phone.

After telling him she had neither, she called for her dog (who was off the lead at the time) and the man walked off in the directions of the shops.

The suspect was described as a White man in his late twenties.

He was approx 5ft 6ins tall, Medium build wearing a Dark hooded top, dark scarf covering half of his face and smelt of tobacco.

Investigating Officer, DC Vici Hayward of Newport DCID said: “Although this type of incident is

rare, we are treating this matter very seriously. The victim was not injured, but she was left very shaken and scared.

“Members of the public should be able to walk in their community without fearing for their safety and I would urge anyone who may have seen someone matching this description in that area, or who may have been approached by this man themselves, or someone matching his description to get in touch.

“We recommend that people use well-lit and used routes instead of the more secluded footpaths during hours of darkness and if that isn’t possible try not to walk alone.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Vici Hayward of Newport DCID by phoning 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Care sector abuse of Minimum Wage

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Care sector workers are in line for nearly £340,000 in back pay as a result of investigations by HMRC. More than 2,400 workers in the care sector were underpaid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the last two years across the United Kingdom. Over the two-year period HMRC looked at jobs across the sector and investigated 224 employers.

Some investigations are ongoing, but to date 88 cases have been found to be non-compliant.

These investigations have identified nearly £340,000 in arrears for over 2,400 workers and also over £110,000 in

penalties to employers for breaking the law. The results of targeted enforcement carried out

by HMRC found that the main reasons offered by care sector employers for not paying the minimum wage included: making illegal deductions such as uniform costs; not paying for time spent training or travelling between care jobs; charges for living accommodation; incorrect hourly pay rates; and incorrect use of apprentice rates.

HMRC’s work is helping to better understand the reasons why some employers break the law & what can be done to prevent it.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Illegal workers arrested on Isle of Wight Three illegal workers from Albania have been arrested following an operation by Home Office immigration enforcement in Ryde.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Five Star Hand Carwash, East Street, at 15:00 on 23 October 2013. Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK. Two of the men, aged 20 and 26, attempted to escape but were stopped by officers and arrested.

The other man arrested was aged 25.

The 25-year-old was transferred to immigration detention pending removal from the country. The other 2 are currently being

questioned by immigration officers and also face removal from the country if found to have no leave to remain.

Officers also found £2,000 in cash after searching an address in Monkton Street where the 25year-old lived.

The businesses will be served a notice warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker arrested will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out. This is a potential total fine of £30,000.

Carla Johnson, from the South Central Home Office immigration enforcement team, said: "The message to employers on the Isle

Border Agency raids likely to lead to big fines Businesses on the Isle of Wight are facing potential fines worth thousands of pounds for employing illegal workers following operations by Home Office immigration enforcement officers.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Totties, High Street, Cowes; Costcutter, Granville Road, Totland Bay, and Monsoon Indian Restaurant, High Street, Ryde on Thursday 28 November. Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK. At Totties, which was visited at 3.30pm, officers arrested at 39year-old Turkish man on suspicion of working in breach of his visa conditions.

A 20-year-old Bangladeshi man who was working in breach of his visa conditions was arrested at Monsoon, which was visited at about 5.55pm. A 37-year-old man from Bangladesh who had entered the country illegally was also found to be working but not arrested.

Finally, officers visited Costcutters at about 6.20pm.

There, they arrested a 48-yearold Sri Lankan man who was a failed asylum seeker.

The 20-year-old man was transferred to immigration detention pending removal from the country. The Turkish man currently remains detained while he is questioned by immigration officers, while the Sri Lankan national and 37-year-old Bangladeshi man have been placed on immigration bail while their cases are progressed. All three also face removal from the country if found to have no leave to remain in the UK. The businesses were served notices warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct rightto-work checks were carried out.

This is a potential total of up to £10,000 each for Totties and Costcutter and £20,000 for Monsoon.

of Wight who choose to use illegal labour is clear. We will catch you and you will face a heavy penalty.

"Illegal working has a negative impact on communities. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

"These arrests are also a stark warning to anyone who is in the UK illegally. We will catch up with you and you will face arrest, detention and removal from the country.

"I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch."

Employers unsure of the steps

they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit the preventing illegal working section of this website or call the employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details for our enforcement teams in London and South see London and South East immigration compliance and enforcement teams.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit crimestoppers.

Putting dementia on the map

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has launched a new interactive online map to show the public the quality of dementia care and support in their local area.

Currently, 670,000 people in England live with dementia, and this number is set to double in the next 30 years.

The UK is fighting back against dementia domestically and in the run-up to the G8 will lead on coordinated international action to beat dementia.

The map is part of a landmark ‘state of the nation’ report which shines a light on the quality of dementia care. It will show a regional and local picture, based on a range of data including: Diagnosis rates, How often antipsychotic drugs are prescribed to patients and Referral rates for further investigation By entering their postcode into the interactive map people will be able to see this data in a way that’s easy to understand and in an accessible format. This will give the public the information they need to hold organisations to account over poor services

and it will highlight areas that are performing well as examples of best practice. This will help drive up standards across the country.

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt said: "Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation.

"This report and map will help drive up standards of dementia care across the country by showing what excellent care looks like, and challenging the rest to become like the best. Full transparency is the best way to drive up standards and tackle poor performance.

"We must come together as a society to get better at fighting dementia. We all have a role to play in helping people manage dementia better and supporting them to lead healthier lives.

"While there has been a slight increase nationally in the diagnosis rate from 46 per cent in 2011/12 to 48 per cent in 2012/13, the diagnosis rate varies across the country from 39 per cent in the worst performing areas to 75 per cent in the best.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Friends Embrace New Hospital Recycling Initiative The Friends of St Mary’s Hospital have responded to a ‘go green’ initiative by the Island’s NHS Trust by agreeing to purchase 16 recycling bins for the main public areas of the hospital.

The new waste bins have a split design with a section for dry mixed recycling to one side, and general waste to the other. The waste items suitable for recycling are the same as the Isle of Wight Council scheme for domestic households, with which Island residents are already familiar. They include drink cans, bottles, cups, newspapers and magazines.

The scheme was made possible by a £2,625 donation from Friends of St Mary's Hospital. Friends General Manager Vincent Thompson said: "We are always supportive of thoughtful ways of protecting the environment, and the new eye-catching recycling bins support these objectives”.

This initiative supports the Trust’s vision of high quality healthcare services delivered in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Charles Joly, Environmental, Waste & Sustainability Manager for the Trust said, "We are very excited to give the opportunity to recycle to our visitors, patients and staff.

This is only the start of an ambitious scheme to introduce mixed recycling throughout the Trust, be it office or clinical areas.

“The Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group is already

running a pathfinder scheme following their relocation to The Apex on St Cross Business Park.

Recycling not only reduces our environmental impact and carbon footprint, it also saves costs which can be redirected to patients' care."

The Trust already recycles a range of materials, including cardboard, batteries, lamps, scrap metal, cartridges and toners, confidential waste paper, and garden waste.

Earlier in 2013 those initiatives were recognised nationally with the Trust being awarded the NHS Sustainability Day Best Waste & Recycling initiative.

"We are only at the start of our ‘waste’ journey, and we are completely committed to reviewing all opportunities for waste reduction and recycling,” said Charles Joly.

“The Trust has created a cross-departmental Waste Management Group which is actively working towards these objectives. Recycling is not only greener, it also makes business sense as it reduces your waste disposal costs."

More details of the Trust work and initiatives on environmental and sustainability issues can be found on the Trust website www.iow.nhs.uk under the About Us section, and the Environment & Sustainability sub-section (http://iow.me/17). Any queries email waste@iow.nhs.uk. More information on the Friends of St Mary’s can be found at www.fosmiow.co.uk

Shaheen Khan-Jones threatens libel action The mystery surrounding the departure of the former Principal of Sandown Bay Academy has deepened with the revelation that solicitors have tried to gag a local councillor to prevent him from speaking out on the matter.

Solicitors for Ms Shaheen KhanJones have written (attached) to Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Newport West) who speaks on Education for the Conservative Group of Councillors on the Isle of Wight warning that they are “instructing Counsel specialising in libel” with a view to launching proceedings for comments he had previously made to the County Press. The letter goes on to accuse the Councillor of making comments that are “false, inflammatory and within the public domain” and claiming that the remarks have “severely damaged” Ms Khan-Jones’ “professional reputation and prospects of future employment”.

Cllr Whitehouse responded with typical robustness (text below) suggesting that “many observers, were your approach to become public knowledge, would feel that I have been rather restrained in my choice of language. If Ofsted perceive that I have misread or misinterpreted their findings I am sure they will let me know.”

Speaking today, Cllr Whitehouse adds: “I will not be gagged or intimidated by anybody. There is a clear duty on elected councillors to speak out on matters affecting the education of children on the Island.

I challenge Ms Khan-Jones to come back to the Island and attend a public meeting in Sandown to account for herself and her actions, and to take questions from parents, councillors and the press. She should be joined by the head of the AET Academy chain. The truth should be told about precisely what has gone on.”

Charles Joly (right) with Vincent Thompson and one of the new waste bins.

Hoverparcels’ opening hours increased by 40% Hovertravel’s freight business, Hoverparcels has extended its opening hours by 40%.

The service which is already the fastest way to transport small to medium parcels across the Solent, delivering parcels across from Southsea to Ryde and vice versa in just less than ten minutes, is now open 7 days a week.

Opening times between Monday and Friday are 06:00-21:00 at Ryde and 06:15-21:00 at Southsea. The service is also available on Saturdays between 07:30-21:00 at Ryde and 07:4512:00 at Southsea; as well as being open on Sundays between 08:30-21:00 at Ryde and 08:4521:00 at Southsea.

There are convenient drop off and collection points within the reception areas at both Hovertravel terminals. As well as transporting your parcels across the Solent, Hoverparcels can also deliver and collect your parcels from anywhere on the Island. They also offer a same day delivery service which guarantees delivery by the end

of that working day. Whilst there are no restrictions on the dimensions of a parcel, customers should check with Hoverparcels that large items can be accommodated.

The maximum weight per item is 40 kg with a maximum of total weight of 500 kg per consignment.

SERVICE TO REMEMBER LOVED ONES The Council's annual Lights of Love Service will take place at 7pm on Friday 13 December.

The event, which will be held at the Crematorium, is for families and friends to remember loved ones they have lost. The service will be conducted by Canon Graham Morris and will be supported by choirs from All Saints Church

in Ryde and Godshill Primary who will sing carols.

After the service, mulled wine and mince pies will be served, which will be followed by the Christmas tree lights being turned on.

Everyone is welcome to attend and any donations received will be given to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF POUNDS RAISED FOR CHARITY BY FIREFIGHTERS The presentation evening for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s 100 Here 100 There challenge was held at Ryde Fire Station on Saturday 23 November.

The initial target of the challenge was to raise £20,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust and establish a Cancer Support Centre on the Island, as well as supporting local charity Seeds4Change, the Isle of Wight Firefighters Benevolent Association and the Firefighters Charity.

For the 100 There part of the challenge, watch managers Lee Venier and Kelvin Wright of the fire service cycled up and over a 100 mountains in 10 days across the French Alps. For the 100 Here challenge, 150 people cycled around and across the Island, taking part in either the 65 or 100 mile routes.

These events were the catalyst for many other fundraisers which included the Ryde Firefighters ‘human hamster wheel’ called Ryde for Life, and their Pop Up Restaurant fine dining experience.

There was also a swimathon, teddy bear parachute drop, a golf day with Matt Le Tissier, a grand prize draw plus many other events.

Supported by GKN as the main corporate sponsor, the 100 Here 100 There committee was able to announce on the night that the final figure raised was the incredible amount of £44,026.

From those funds a cheque for £30,000 was given to Alan House, Vice Chairman of the Wessex Cancer Trust. Thee remaining funds will be shared between the other charities.

One of the event organisers Kelvin Wright said "To have more than doubled our original target is an incredible achievement and it is testament to the hardwork of everyone involved in all our fundraising events.

"I also want to thank the general public for their continued support throughout in these hard times.

We have truly been blown away by peoples generosity. I also want to acknowledge two special

people who will be remembered at the centre, John Hargreaves and Margaret Newman."

The Wessex Cancer Trust Cancer Support Centre is now open in Lugley Street, Newport, and offers free non-clinical support for anyone living with cancer,

patients, family members or carers. For more information on the vast range of services available, you can contact the centre on 01983 524186, email isleofwight@wessexcancer.org or visit the website www.wessexcancer.org

Companies must do more to tackle cyber threats The UK’s top companies are not considering cyber risks in their decision making, a new survey from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills has revealed.

The survey of FTSE 350 firms showed only 14% are regularly considering cyber threats, with a significant number not receiving any intelligence about cyber criminals.

However 62% of companies think their board members are taking the cyber risk very seriously, and 60% understand what their key information and data assets are.

David Willetts, Science Minister, said: The cyber crime threat facing UK companies is increasing. Many are already taking this extremely seriously, but more still needs to be done.

We are working with businesses to encourage them to make cyber security a board-level responsibility.

To tackle the growing threat the government is working with industry to develop an official ‘cyber standard’ which will help

stimulate the adoption of good cyber practices among business.

Backed by industry, the kitemarkstyle standard will be launched early next year, as part of the £860 million cross-government National Cyber Security Programme.

Mr Willetts added: “The cyber standard will promote excellence in tackling cyber risks, help businesses better understand how to protect themselves, and ultimately increase the nation’s collective cyber security.”

BIS’s cyber governance health check was sent to the chairs of the audit committee of the FTSE 350 companies in Aug 2013 via the 6 largest audit firms. Each company which completed the survey will be offered follow-up advice from 1 of the firms, based on their responses.

The anonymous results, published

by BIS, also show: ● 25% of companies considered cyber a top risk ● 39% had used the government’s 10 steps cyber security guidance ● 56% have cyber on the risk register

25

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

NEW MARINA AND MOORINGS MANAGER FOR COWES HARBOUR COMMISSION Towards the end of October, CHC welcomed Jock Rafferty to the Cowes Harbour Commission team, taking over as the new Marina and Moorings Manager responsible for Shepards Wharf Marina and Cowes Harbour Moorings.

Jock has extensive marina background in both the marine leisure and commercial sectors, including posts at managerial level, new build commissioning, and superyacht construction.

He joins the Harbour Commission from the position of Senior Captain and Operations Manager for ASP Shipping, where he was responsible for commissioning offshore wind farm boats - similar to the South Boats wind farm support vessels that ply up and down the River Medina.

Originally from Edinburgh, Jock worked at Pendrich Steeplejack on leaving school, and just seven years later was made director of National Steeplejacks, which was then followed by a five year directorship at the award winning Steeplejack Services (UK) Ltd.

Jock’s previous experience also includes working for a boatbuilding company in Antigua carrying out all types of shipwright repairs to superyachts and megayachts, and Operations Manager at a marina & large yacht charter company in Tortola.

After nearly a month in his new post with CHC, Jock said: “It’s been very good so far, everyone at Shepards has been fantastic. The marina is extremely well organised and well run and my focus will be to build on what has already been achieved here, highlighting that we aim to provide “premier” services to our marina and dry sailing customers.

“Most of my experience and knowledge lies in the yachting industry, and this should enable me to make a positive impact on the future of Shepards Wharf Marina and in the managing of Credit Isle of Wight Council moorings for Cowes Harbour.

“I’m also really looking forward to my partner and young son moving to the Island in time for Christmas; the prospect of living here was a major attraction for my family.”

FLOATING BRIDGE OUT OF ACTION

Cowes floating bridge The Cowes floating bridge will be out of service on December 9 and 10 for essential works.

These include the installation of a new control mechanism and installing new navigational lights onto the vessel.

While the bridge is undergoing the maintenance, the council will use the opportunity to carry out other works to minimise disruption for users.

The annual replacement of

chains will take place, and repairs will also be carried out to both the Cowes and East Cowes slipways. Pedestrian access route lines will also be repainted.

On 9 and 10 December, a foot passenger launch will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorists will be diverted through Newport.

The council apologises for any disruption caused during these essential works.

Marina and Moorings Manager for Cowes Harbour Commission, Jock Rafferty.

Bicycle Repairs, Servicing, Parts, Custom Builds and Restorations

07962 373277 alsbikesiow@aol.com

26

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

ISLAND SAILOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM HRH PRINCESS ROYAL Local sailor Patrick de Peyer from Cowes was presented with one of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards, an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award on Thursday (21 November) by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA at the organisation’s annual Volunteer Awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street.

A total of 43 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll.

Patrick was nominated for his award by the Cowes Sailability Club (CSC) and was selected as a winner by the Awards panel for his work with the Club (previously Fishbourne Sailability Club) since 2001.

During that time he has worked unstintingly as the club’s Honorary Secretary, fundraising, recruiting volunteers and editing the club newsletter.

Under his financial guidance the club has grown steadily, moving to bigger and more functional premises in Cowes.

The club has won a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services and took park in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the Island in 2012. Patrick is now Commodore of the club and is considered a friend by almost all of the CSC’s disabled sailors who consider him a vital mainstay in their attendance at sailing and social functions.

On being told of his Award, Patrick commented “I was delighted and honoured to receive this award and thank all those who have supported me over the years. Supporting the Club has been a hugely worthwhile and enjoyable experience and I look forward to continuing to help out in the years to come.”

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says “The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Patrick’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the Isle of Wight’s boating scene. The 41 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”

Patrick and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.

Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms.

Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556 or visit www.rya.org.uk

Patrick de Peyer was presented with one of the RYA’s most prestigious awards

THE BIG TOURISM TICKET 22nd JANUARY 2014 Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) and VisitEngland (VE) are holding a tourism industry presentation event entitled “The Big Tourism Ticket”, which will take place on Wednesday 22nd January at the Quay Arts Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight.

Primarily intended to stimulate engagement and debate with the wider tourism industry on the Island, The Big Tourism Ticket will be used to update the industry about significant changes to www.visitisleofwight.co.uk, share UK and Island research, and announce new campaign themes for 2014.

The half-day event takes place between 10am and 1pm and will be followed by a buffet lunch and networking opportunity.

There will be a number of short industry presentations, including “Ways to grow your business” and “Top social media tips and ideas” and a Q&A session.

In addition, VE will be there to share the latest UK visitor economy research data, while VIOW’s new Sustainable Transport Marketing Executive, Tom Ransom, will talk about a new “Cyclists Welcome” scheme.

Guests on the day will also hear how the heritage and arts & culture sectors are now working alongside

David Thornton tourism to grow the overall appeal of the UK’s number one holiday Island.

David Thornton, Visit Isle of Wight’s CEO, said: “At this event we will present a review of our first year and launch our 2014 marketing opportunities.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone with a vested interest in visitors to meet the destination management stakeholders group, hear how we can work together to capitalise on the Island’s tourism brand and help us mould our plans for the future.”

Tickets are available on a firstcome, first served basis and any industry members wishing to attend this event, should call Quay Arts on 01983 822490 to secure tickets for the event.

‘Climate change is to challenge the future of farming’ CLA has welcomed a report by the Royal Bank of Scotland that identified climate change as a threat to farm businesses.

The Association said the report is right to highlight farmers’ concerns over the threat of drought, extreme temperatures and extended seasons to their businesses.

CLA regional director Robin Edwards said: “We are pleased to see this report is calling for more money to be made available by banks for investment in measures to enhance nature and improve farm resilience.

“More frequent and unpredictable weather in recent years, such as flooding and heat, has left landowners and farmers with no choice but to prepare for the threat of challenging conditions.

“Various measures are already being added to farm business models such as building on-farm

reservoirs, growing different crops, preserving peatland, planting trees and biodiversity offsetting.

“With public funding for the management of the natural environment diminishing, it is vital we find new ways to pay for this service if we are to sustain and enhance our surroundings.”

CLA said it has been lobbying for market-based solutions to environmental issues since 2009 when it released the report “Private Solutions to Public Problems”.

Mr Edwards added: “Like any other asset, the natural environment needs investment to maintain its quality.

“We are pleased Defra is seriously looking to develop a system of biodiversity offsetting to protect the natural environment while supporting rural economic development. This is a step in the right direction.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

It was business not as usual at lifeboat station The link between Cowes businesses and the local RNLI was strengthened when the lifeboat station hosted the first networking evening staged by Cowes Business Association.

The evening was organised by station administrator Penny Maclean. “We wanted to run something for the local business community,” she said. “And hearing of their plans to hold their first event enabling members to network between themselves we suggested their first meeting should be here.”

In welcoming over 30 traders to the station, deputy launch officer Hugh Robotham said the charity was very grateful to those businesses that found room for the charity’s collection boxes and special event posters

in their windows.

Association committee member Mike Cox explained that lot of local businesses don’t know what other businesses in the area could offer. Hopefully through networking meetings they would address that problem, to the benefit of everyone. He thanked Cowes RNLI for hosting the first network event. Association chairman Maddie Dobson said she hoped more businesses in the Cowes area would join the organisation.

Light refreshments were provided by local RNLI Guild members, whose chairman, Anna Morgan Crockett said they would be happy to provide more collection boxes to anyone who asked.

NEW NATIONAL WINDSCREENS CALENDAR COULD BE A LIFE-SAVER The Isle of Wight branch of National Windscreens at Ryde is helping to raise awareness of meningitis & septicaemia, diseases which affect 3400 people of all ages every year in the UK. The branch at Rink Road Industrial Estate is taking part in the distribution of the new 2014 National Windscreens calendar which contains a symptom card that identifies the vital danger signs of the disease which can sometimes kill within hours.

A record 17,000 wall and desk calendars are being delivered with the symptom cards to clients throughout the Midlands, South East and the West Country.

Martyn Bennett, Regional Sales & Marketing Director of National Windscreens said: “Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) has been our chosen charity for twenty one years and we have helped to raise more than £18,000 so far toward research into this deadly disease.

“We are featuring the symptom

card again this year as part of our campaign to raise awareness of the disease and the vital work undertaken by the MRF. “We hope that by having this symptom card so readily available we will make a practical contribution to raising awareness of the diseases and will encourage people to seek medical help quickly which could save lives.”

Kate Baldwin, Corporate & Development Fundraising Officer at MRF said: “We're so grateful to National Windscreens for all their support over the years helping to raise much-needed funds for our work to fight meningitis and raise awareness of this devastating disease.

We fund numerous research projects into the prevention, detection and of meningitis and septicaemia. We have invested £17 million into research since we launched in 1989.”

To find out more about the disease and how to support the charity visit meningitis.org

Pictured left to right are: Cowes lifeboat - chairman David Hembury, Hugh Robotham, Anna Morgan Crockett, Mike Cox and his wife Sue.

HILL FARM STABLES Riding school and pony club centre

01983 752502 or 07748 253899 www.hillfarmstables.com

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 6th December 2013

Isle of Wight Sports