Issue 23 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

The Island's free community newspaper

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MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Calvin Harris and Biffy Clyro

3,453 Toys and Gifts Donated

Early Christmas For Foodbank

Generous Islanders have once more helped to seriously brighten up Christmas Day for thousands of less fortunate children living locally on the Isle of Wight this year. Page 4

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ISSUE NUMBER 23 20th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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Calvin Harris & Biffy Clyro for the Isle of Wight Festival 2014 Headlining the Main Stage on Friday 13th June, we’re proud to announce the return of the award winning, anthemic rock trio Biffy Clyro, who we’re excited to say are appearing in an English festival exclusive! We’ll also be joined by another Scottish great who’ll be closing the night, the one and only international superstar, Calvin Harris. Both artists have risen through the ranks with phenomenal shows and chart topping music, so get ready for a very special weekend. Prior to their performances, electronic outfit Rudimental will take to the stage for much anticipated guest set. Not only that, Passenger, The 1975 and The Waterboys will also all be appearing over the weekend.

The Early Bird gets the worm, so bag your tickets for only £170, from 9am on Thursday December 12th with our special offer running through to January 16th. There are also amazing ticket and travel packages available, to be there head to isleofwightfestival.com.

Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro said: “We are over the moon to announce that we will headline the Main Stage of the Isle of Wight Festival next year, on Friday June 13th. To follow the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam is an honour. We cannot wait to get back to this iconic Festival, and this beautiful island!”

John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter said: “Friday night is going to kick it out of the park with Biffy & Calvin and special guests Rudimental - I can't wait.... having Passenger and The 1975 already on board we’re set for one of our mostcontemporary years - with the class of The Waterboys complementing the youngguns nicely....”

Bringing together two of the biggest acts in the world, with two huge shows, Biffy Clyro and Calvin Harris will make Friday night at the Isle of Wight Festival the place to be.

Biffy Clyro’s mind-boggling mix of off-kilter tempos, unpredictable guitars and soulful

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Calvin Harris

Biffy Clyro choruses have won over a legion of fans and now they take the top slot with an English festival exclusive. The man with the Midas touch, Calvin Harris has worked with a spectrum of massive names, racking up numerous number 1’s along the way. Mercury nominees and very special guests Rudimental, join the bill on Friday 13th June, playing to the Main Stage crowd for the first time.

Passenger said: “I can't wait to play at the Isle of Wight Festival. I played there on a small stage a few years ago and had an amazing time. It'll be great to get back there!”

Matthew Healy from The 1975 said: "The Isle of Wight Festival has such a rich musical heritage. We can't wait to play there in the summer."

Singer songwriter Michael David Rosenberg, aka Passenger has had the biggest year of his career with his single ‘Let Her Go’, storming the charts worldwide. He will be heading to the Festival for the first time, alongsideManchester’s finest The 1975 and influential group The Waterboys.

It’s all about 2014 and we’re fit to burst with a truckload of new stuff happening across all four corners of Seaclose Park. Expect an incredible mix of fun, surprises and hidden treats ready to be discovered. Plus, it wouldn’t be the same without the return of some old favourites, so watch this space…

Our history is full of iconic performances, which stretch over the last thirteen years and beyond…plus we’ve won a stash of awards along the way. Combining friendly and stylish festivalgoers (yes that’s you!), with some of the world’s biggest acts and DJ’s over our awesome stages the Isle of Wight Festival is an unforgettable weekend. Join us in 2014 to celebrate another serving of Festival goodness; we can’t wait to see you there!

From camping to glamping it’s all up to you.

Round up your mates, pack up your tent and get ready to set sail across the Solent for a mini adventure you won’t forget in a hurry.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday 12thDecember 2013 at our special Early Bird price of £170, available until 16 th January.

There will also be an exclusive 48-hour presale from Tuesday 10th December head to, www.absoluteradio.co.uk. If you want to spread the cost, the popular Isle ofWight Festival payment plan returns, plus various ticket and travel packages are available.

We’ve got loads more to unveil, so make sure you grab your tickets and keep up to date with all the action at www.isleofwightfestival.com.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

OFFICIAL IOW CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL SMASHES TARGET IN SECOND YEAR! Generous Islanders have once more helped to seriously brighten up Christmas Day for thousands of less fortunate children living locally on the Isle of Wight this year.

After a flurry of last minute donations on the closing day of the appeal (Friday 13th December), 2013’s second Official Isle Of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal (powered by Bestival) eventually saw an incredible 3,453 toys & gifts donated (smashing its 2,500 target.)

The race was then on to get every single one of those 3,453 toys & gifts wrapped, sorted into appropriate age & gender brackets and distributed to waiting charities and organisations right across the Isle of Wight. A team of fifty volunteers (including Toy Appeal organisers Daniel & Deborah Rooke, Rob & Josie da Bank, fellow Bestival promoter Ziggy Gilsenan plus members of the Bestival HQ team, Isle of Wight Radio, Isle of Wight County Press, partner supermarket Tesco and many more) beavered away throughout the day on Friday at Northwood House, Cowes, transforming the ground floor into a veritable blur of Sellotape, brightly-coloured wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, finally wrapping the last toy late on Friday evening.

As promised by organisers, every single donated toy & gift was then distributed across the Isle Of Wight at the weekend by organiser Daniel Rooke & his team to all the local charities & organisations who had registered with the Toy Appeal – those toys

& gifts are now sitting wrapped beneath a number of Christmas trees, ready to brighten up Christmas Day for thousands of children aged 0-16, right across the Island.

Due to the sheer amount of donations this year, organisers were in the fortunate position of being able to help far more Island children than originally anticipated, with all additional toys being distributed via the local network of children’s centres.

The full list of Island charities & organisations that received toys & gifts via this year’s Official Isle Of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal is as follows; St. Mary's Children's Ward, St. Mary's Neonatal, St.Mary's Community Outreach, TCS Parenting Programme, Barnados, Homestart, Foodbank, YMCA Young Carer's, YMCA Children's Targeted Services, Daisy Chain IW, Women's Refuge, Yarborough House (Southern Housing Group), Oakleigh Mother & Baby, Lanesend Primary School, Little Love Lane Nursery, FIZ, IW Council (Children’s Services), Child Protection Services, IW Social Care, The Children's Society, Spurgeons, Furzehill, Beaulieu House and St. James' Church (The Gift of Christmas).

Official Island Christmas Toy Appeal founders Daniel & Deborah Rooke said; “Our wish for the new year is that there be fewer children living in sickness and poverty. We hope with all our heart that we will be asking for fewer toys in future years; perhaps one day there will not be a need for this Appeal at

all? Until then, it is our honour and privilege to be able to deliver your gifts to less fortunate Island children. Thankyou."

Bestival organiser Rob da Bank added; “Big up da Isle Of Wight!

You brilliant Islanders have come through yet again – and with an even more whopping great 3,453 toys donated this year. A huge pat on the back is due yet again to Daniel & Deborah. Proud to be working with them again this year as part of the Bestival team. Josie & I wish you all a very merry Christmas.”

IW Radio programme director Paul Topping said; “What an incredible year it has been for the Official Isle of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal. As the local radio station for the Isle of Wight, we are so proud to have been a part of its success this year and would like to thank all our listeners for their kind donations. It was so humbling to see so many people getting behind the Appeal and making it happen for the less fortunate children of the Island.”

Isle Of Wight County Press Editor Alan Marriott also said; "Once again the Isle of Wight has shown its huge heart. The County Press has been proud to be a partner in this but above all, the efforts of Deborah and Daniel Rooke should be trumpeted. They have been brilliant."

Organisers also wished to send extra special thanks to the following organisations for their help & assistance in making this year’s 2013 Official Isle Of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal such a huge success; WightFibre, Red Funnel, IW Beacon, Island Roads, BAE Systems, InnerSpaces, Northwood House, My CRM, Isle of Wight College, Watson Bull & Porter, Goodleaf Tree Climbing, Cornerstone Party Ents, .

Vectawarm, The Needles Park, Caterpillar Music, Christ The King College Choir, Shanklin Fire Station, Women's Institute, Wroxall Weather, Fairlee Service Station, Top Gear Rentals, Poundland, WBS, Waitrose, Robin Hill and Newport FC,

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FOODBANK The Isle of Wight Council has stepped in to provide the Isle of Wight Foodbank with a new home after the lease on its base in Cowes came to an unexpected end.

The foodbank was given short notice to leave its base in Cowes and was facing the very real prospect of not being able to support people over the Christmas period.

Keen to support the charity, and mindful of the need to move quickly so that it could continue its vital work, the council has offered the foodbank part of the former Love Lane Primary School site in Cowes.

The building, which has a large hall, former classrooms and office space, is ideal for the storage of food and grocery items and its new location closer to town will make it even more accessible to people in need of support. It also has kitchen and toilet facilities, along with off-road parking which is essential for the collection and distribution of food supplies.

Hannah King, manager of the Isle of Wight Foodbank, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the council for stepping in and helping us out at such short notice. We are looking forward to the move and to working together, as an island.

“The Island is very generous in donating the food items and we are excited that with a new home, we will be able to continue to support to those in our communities who find themselves in crisis.”

Councillor Steve Stubbings,

said: “When Hannah approached the council to explain the problem the foodbank was facing, we immediately wanted to help and although we only had very few facilities that met its needs, it quickly became apparent that the former Love Lane Primary School site would be ideal because of its location and facilities.

“We are absolutely delighted that this building, which has been empty for months, will be brought back into use for the benefit of the community, something the council is extremely passionate about.

“We have been busy making arrangements to get the building ready for use so that the foodbank can move in before Christmas and provide vital support to people in crisis.”

In order to provide help quickly at the busiest time of year, the foodbank will occupy the building under an interim lease arrangement and the council's Property Disposals and Capital Programme Sub Committee will be asked to agree the terms of a longer term lease in the new year.

Sir Ben Ainslie and Pippa Middleton Sail in for Lunch at the George Hotel, Yarmouth Sir Ben Ainslie and Pippa Middleton stopped off at The George Hotel for lunch recently after sailing in the Solent.

Four times Olympic Gold Medal winning sailor Ben Ainslie took Pippa Middleton sailing in a an elegant Bordeaux 60 as part of feature for Pippa’s fortnightly column in the Telegraph. Pippa has sailed since she was a child.

The group spent two hours on the water sailing from Royal Lymington Yacht Club and in the Solent, taking in the Needles and beautiful coastline before mooring in Yarmouth Harbour.

The group were welcomed to George Hotel by one of the owners Jeremy Wilcock, also a keen sailor, to warm up by the log fires in the George’s cosy bar area, before moving into the Restaurant for lunch.

The George Hotel plays host to many a famous face who relish the tranquillity and relative anonymity they can enjoy at The George, along with the elegant charm, supremely comfortable rooms, excellent food and spectacular sea views.

Jeremy Willcock, of the George Hotel commented, “We like to provide all of our guests with top quality, food, service and accommodation and regularly welcome high profile and celebrity guests. We appreciate that people in the public eye do like somewhere they can escape to without being in the media glare so we are always discreet about their presence. On this occasion however, Pippa

Middleton was writing a feature about Sir Ben for her column in the Telegraph and we were happy to offer them lunch as part of their day” The party were treated to a deliciously warming menu designed by Head Chef Austin Gould, with an appetiser of Carlingford Lough Oysters and warm olives, a choice of starters including Potted Rare Breed Pork served with a Spiced Apple & Sultana Chutney, Smoked Salmon Risotto with Coriander Cress or Red Wine Poached Pear with Barkham Blue Cheese & Pickled Walnut Salad, followed by a main course of Braised Blade of Scotch Beef served Buttered Greens, Wild Mushroom & Truffle Mash, Steamed Local Venison Suet Pudding with Seasonal Vegetables & Red Wine Jus, or Poached Fillets of Plaice with Mussel, Clam & Herb Broth.

Pippa, Ben and their party enjoyed the view from a table in the window of the Restaurant before departing by Ben’s BAR Scorpion rib back to Lymington.

Ben Ainslie commented, “We had a superb lunch and the George’s dining room provides the perfect spot to chat in warmth and comfort with a great view of the sea! This is the unspoiled choice for visitors to the Island” The George were also asked to provide a nautical themed recipe for inclusion in Pippa Middleton’s Telegraph column, Head Chef Austin Gould has provided his recipe for Seafood Risotto for Pippa to trial.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Sainsbury’s Newport supports the Wave 105 Christmas Toy Appeal

Customers at Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight have helped donate over 800 toys to help disadvantaged children across the island this Christmas.

The collection was part of the store’s work with Wave 105FM ‘Mission Christmas’ toy appeal The appeal, which ran from 4th November – 13th December, saw Sainsbury’s stores across the South-Coast encourage customers to donate toys.

Charities including ‘YMCA Young Carers’ and ‘East Cowes Children Society’ will benefit from the collections by the Isle of Wight and West Cowes stores.

Paul Dyer Store Manager at the Isle of Wight Newport store said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to be able to support this Toy

Appeal. It has been so popular with Islanders - so much that we had to empty the collection box twice a day! The response and generosity has really been overwhelming and I’d like to thank everyone who donated a toy, which will be sent to a good home”.

The 815 collected toys are now being delivered to charities and groups on the Island by ‘Charity Challenge & Adventure’.

The following charities and groups receiving toys from the appeal are:YMCA Young Carers, Clatterford Tuition Centre, Dower House Health Visitors, Southern Housing Group, NYAS, Beaulieu House Childrens Centre and East Cowes Childrens Society

Toy Appeal to get Christmas Card Cash The Island’s MP and his partner Carole Dennett donated cash they would usually spend on sending Christmas cards across the Island and elsewhere to the Christmas toy appeal. Deborah Rooke, joint founder and organiser of the Toy Appeal said: “We really do appreciate this thoughtful gesture and donation from Andrew and Carole. It gives the appeal some extra help just when we need it.

We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from so many people” Mr Turner said: “There are so many good causes on the Island; nobody could support them all, but the idea of youngsters

receiving no Christmas presents at all to open on Christmas Day is horrible. Daniel and Deborah Rooke have worked so hard and done a great job getting the Toy Appeal off the ground, supported by the fantastic Bestival team, our local media and so many other Island organisations. We wanted to do our bit.

“I am sure that family and friends on the Island and elsewhere will understand and support our decision. We still wish them and all Islanders a very happy Christmas – it’s just that we also want to try to help children in tough circumstances have a happier Christmas as well.

Contact the news team on 01983 898 838 or email press@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th 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 20 th 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

Bestival into the European final Bestival is a finalist at the European Festival Awards 2013.

The Awards are the only panEuropean body dedicated to recognising the contributions and achievements of the event organisers and performing artists that generate billions of pounds for local economies and brighten up the summer for tens of millions of festivalgoers each year. The Green Operations Award Finalists: Bestival (UK); Fusion (Germany); Rock For People (Czech Republic); Shambala festival (UK); Tollwood Festival (Germany); Way Out

West (Sweden). The winner will be announced at a gala event next month.

James Drury, MD of Festival Awards Ltd, which organises the Awards said: “This has been a record-breaking year for the European Festival Awards and the hardest-fought competition we’ve had. There have been so many wonderful festivals involved from across Europe and it’s testament to the passion of the festivalgoers that there has been such a level of engagement. I can’t wait to reveal the winners at the awards ceremony in Jan”

Premiere theatre company Original Theatre has lined up a year of premieres for 2014.

It will be staging three new plays in May, June and August, at venues on the Island and also on the mainland. All the plays were written in the past year.

The company will also be staging the world premiere of a new play with music at Shanklin Theatre in October,

and says it will be holding auditions for this major production soon.

In a partnership with Shanklin Theatre, Original Theatre is also directing Agatha Christie's The Hollow, which is on at Shanklin in February, featuring a cast drawn from theatre groups across the Island.

* HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR * Send your 2014 event details and press releases to kevin@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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Island Arts

SCHOOL PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS Medina College students maintained the Island's reputation for top quality performance art with their production of Miss Saigon earlier this month.

This knockout production was a major undertaking by any standards, with around 60 students taking part in one way or another.

Set in the 1970s, during the American occupation of Saigon, the musical is a love story about the relationship between a GI and a young Vietnamese woman, who is orphaned by the war and forced to work as a bar girl in a sleazy Saigon night club.

Powerful performances throughout the cast ensured great entertainment at Medina Theatre, where the production ran for three nights.

Christmas highlights Christmas may be only days away, and the New Year not far behind, but the talented people of the Island show no sign of slowing up.

There are art exhibitions, films, pantomimes, choral concerts, and music … you name it!

Highlights include Spotlight's professional pantomime, Rapunzel, at Shanklin Theatre; the DUET open exhibition at Quay Arts; Jack and the Beanstalk at Medina Theatre; The Bohemians at the Cask and Crispin; Echoes of a Vanished

World, at Dimbola Museum and Art Gallery (to December 21); the movie Arthur and the Invisibles at Brading Roman Villa; and great ways to bring in the New Year – including a party at Ventnor Arts Club and the Electric 80s at Cowes Yacht Haven.

And if you are thinking of making a New Year Resolution, make a commitment to keep us informed of your arts related activity … we want 2014 to be the year of Island Arts!

Send your 2014 event details and press releases to kevin@iwmail.co.uk

(our next issue will be out on the 10th January 2014)

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Island Arts

Not wishing you a smelly Christmas Southern Water has gone creative with a Christmas carol capturing what may well be the true spirit of the season.

Jingle Smells is the company's heartfelt way of warning us that pouring cooking oil down the sink and flushing wet wipes down toilets can cause blockages.

In the last six months, more than 3,000 blockages were caused by congealed cooking oil and wet wipes in Southern Water’s region, including more than 60 on the Isle of Wight. Jingle Smells marks a comeback for Southern Water’s singing sewermen, who last year gave us their version of the 12 Days of Christmas, which clocked up almost 3,000 views from around the world on the company's YouTube channel.

Go to http://iow.me/1d And if you really want to get in the mood, you can sing along by following the lyrics on the screen …

Strictly acoustic

The Island is become home to another music festival next March, with the launch of Acoustic Isle.

Organised by tourism development organisation Visit Isle of Wight, whose CEX David Thornton, is himself an acoustic performer, the event aims to encourage up to 50 Island

venues to present local music, and new musicians can register to get involved by sending a message to performer@visitwight.org.

Event promoters can register by getting in touch with Visit Isle of Wight.

For more information, go to www.visitwight.org

Kevin Wilson kevin@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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Island Arts

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Three New Directors Bring Exciting Talents To Island NHS Board Just like any great team Isle of Wight NHS Trust needs to add new talent in order to reach its ambitious goals for a world class responsive and integrated health care system for all our Islands residents and visitors. The current leadership team identified the need for experience from the business world and has found outstanding talent from three of the world’s top companies - Intel Corp, IBM and Eli Lilly. – The new designate Directors will assist the existing team as the Trust continues to the pursuit of excellence which will lead to Foundation Trust status which will provide more local community input on services, greater financial flexibility to procure world class care and treatment and the freedom to address the needs of the Islanders. The new directors join over 3,700 people who have signed up as Members to help the Trust towards this goal.

Welcoming the appointments Trust Chairman, Danny Fisher, said: “As we look to develop and innovate to ensure that where appropriate as many services as possible are provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust on the Island we need to ensure that the Trust Board has the right mix of skills. In discussions with the NHS Trust Development Authority we identified the need for more business, commercial and marketing skills. Our three new designate Non-Executive Directors bring a great deal of experience from the pharmaceutical and information technology sectors which we were unable to secure from Island based candidates. Two also have previous Board level experience of the NHS. There will be significant change in the NHS both nationally and locally over the next 10 years and our new designate Non-Executive Directors are ideally placed to support us as we move towards becoming an NHS Foundation Trust.”

The three new appointments are Jessamy Baird from Whitchurch, Hampshire; David King from Marlborough, Wiltshire and Jane Tabor of Winchester, Hampshire.

The new players bring a wealth of expertise to the Board complementing the skills of the current Directors.

Like many other NHS Trusts the Isle of Wight asked the NHS Trust Development Authority to identify Designate Non Executive Directors for the board in preparation for

becoming an NHS Foundation Trust. These individuals provide additional advice and support for the board during the application process, with the expectation that the number of Non-executive Directors on the board will increase when the organisation becomes an NHS Foundation Trust.

Designate Non-executive Directors identified through the NHS Trust Development Authority are appointed by the NHS Trust board.

The successful candidates will be invited to attend all board meetings, and participate in a consultancy capacity, advising the board but not able to vote. They may also be identified as part of the board’s succession planning for the nonexecutive team and will be considered for appointment to the Trust board if a Non Executive Director vacancy arises.

Commenting on her appointment Jessamy said: “I have had a long term and deep interest in people who receive Community and Mental Health care and the pivotal role that ‘out of hospital’ care now plays in any health system. My career, whether in the public or private sector has been focused on healthcare. I believe I can bring multiple perspectives to the NonExecutive Director role and look forward to working for the benefit of Island healthcare.”

Commenting on his appointment David King said: “I am well acquainted with the Island through my role as a Trustee at UKSA. I have a strong commitment to the growth of community based care tailored to meet the needs of local communities and I want to help healthcare on the Island thrive as the Trust meets the significant challenges of providing care in the future to an ageing population with limited resources. I believe that the skills I bring from Intel and my other activities will help the Trust rise to these challenges.”

Commenting on her appointment Jane Tabor said: “I grew up in Southampton and spent over ten years regularly visiting the Island.

We have some very good family friends on the Island. I am committed to working with the Trust and staff to improve the experience of patients and believe that the skills and experience I bring to the role of Non-Executive Director will benefit the Trust as it seeks to adapt to the changing world of healthcare.”

Jessamy Baird

David King

Jane Tabor

Scrooge employer warning Students and seasonal staff working over the Christmas holidays are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs not to accept less than the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Temporary seasonal workers – such as students working as bar staff, shop assistants or warehouse staff – are usually eligible for NMW. If they are not being paid what they are legally entitled to, they should contact the Pay & Work Rights Helpline.

Michelle Wyer, Assistant Director of National Minimum Wage, HMRC, said: “We want to make sure that students and seasonal staff working over the festive season are being paid what they’re entitled to.

“HMRC investigates every complaint made to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline, so whether you’re pulling pints or pulling a sleigh this Christmas, if you’re being short-changed you should get in touch.”

Employers found by HMRC to not be paying the minimum wage can expect a penalty and in the worst cases, face a possible criminal prosecution.

Last year HMRC action successfully resulted in over 26,000 workers getting a share of £4m in arrears. After HMRC’s investigations, over 700 employers received a penalty. Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to should phone the free Pay and Work Rights Helpline 08009172368

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

£30m tax boost from HMRC voluntary sector projects HM Revenue and Customs grants to voluntary and community sector organisations that help people with taxes, benefits and tax credits led to additional tax of £30.6 million being declared last year.

During 2012-13, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) made £2 million available to voluntary and community sector (VCS) bodies to provide help and advice to customers who need support to meet their obligations and claim entitlements.

More than 3,500 volunteers were

trained by the organisations to answer people’s questions on tax credits, benefits and tax issues. As a result, HMRC customers also took up an additional £29.9 million of credits and benefits.

Exchequer Secretary David Gauke said: “These results show that HMRC’s grants to the voluntary sector continue to provide a costeffective way of ensuring that vulnerable people on low incomes get the help they need with their tax affairs from an independent, trusted source.”

CONSULTATION ON 2015 SCHOOL ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS The Isle of Wight Council has launched a consultation on primary and secondary school admission arrangements for the school year 2015/2016.

The consultation is about ‘main round’ and ‘in-year’ admissions for the school year – and includes the proposed admission arrangements for voluntary controlled and community primary schools. The only changes proposed to the arrangements are for secondary schools, which may also have implications for the Island’s Home to Education Transport Policy. The consultation runs until 14 Feb 2014 and the results will be available from March.

To have your say on the proposed arrangements, please visit: http://iow.me/1c

The results, when published, will be available via the same link.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Richard Priest, said: “We would strongly urge parents to take part in this important consultation. It will play a helpful part towards determining our finalised school admission arrangements for 2015/2016.”

Conservative group spokesman for education, Councillor Chris Whitehouse, said: “This consultation gives parents the chance to register their views and have a key input into the proposed arrangements for 2015/2016. It is important they take this opportunity to indicate any preferences or concerns they may have in relation to the proposals.”

New Assisted Area Map includes the Isle of Wight

Health workers have less than one week to join tax campaign Workers in the health and wellbeing professions who have taxable income that they have not told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about have one week to come forward and register.

The Health and Wellbeing Tax Plan offers health professionals a time-limited chance to bring their tax affairs up to date, on the best terms.

The campaign covers physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, chiropodists, podiatrists, homeopaths, dieticians, nutritional therapists, reflexologists, acupuncturists, psychologists, speech, language and art therapists and others.

Health professionals have until 31 December to tell HMRC that they would like to take part in the campaign, and until 6 April 2014 to disclose the details and pay the tax owed.

After 31 December, HMRC will take a much closer look at their tax affairs. By using this campaign to come forward, any penalty the health workers might have to pay will be lower than if HMRC goes to them first.

Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said: “This campaign gives health and wellbeing professionals a quick and straightforward way to bring their tax affairs up to date. Help, advice and support is available.

“After the opportunity closes on 6 April, HMRC will use information we hold from third parties and regulatory bodies to identify people who have not paid what they owe. Penalties – or even criminal prosecution – could follow.”

People can take part in the Health and Wellbeing campaign by: · telling HMRC by 31 December that they want to take part in the campaign · disclosing the details and paying what they owe by 6 April 2014 For more details, plus help and support about the campaign, people can visit HMRC’s website or call a dedicated health and wellbeing campaign helpline on 0845 600 4507 The Health and Wellbeing Tax Plan is not aimed at doctors and dentists, who were covered by a previous HMRC campaign.

The news that the Isle of Wight has been included in the draft Assisted Area Map for 2014-2021 has been welcomed by Island campaigners.

Assisted Area Status permits the granting of additional financial support from Government to businesses in economically disadvantaged locations. The support, which usually takes the form of a percentage of the costs of capital investment, is designed to encourage business to grow, innovate and thrive thus delivering economic improvements in the area. The new map is now going out to consultation and after it is finalised will take effect on 1 st July 2014 and last until 31st December 2020. The breakthrough for the Island came following a meeting with the Minister for Business and Enterprise, Michael Fallon MP in July this year and a subsequent submission from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership made on behalf of the Island and with considerable input from the council and partners. This set out the detailed economic case for the Island to be recognised as having greater economic challenges than other areas in the South East.

Ian Stephens, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council welcomed the news: “We are delighted that the Isle of Wight has been included in the Government’s initial report.

“Assisted Area Status is one of the significant things we pursued vigorously since in the early

months of our administration.

Its achievement is one of the council’s main priorities and we have worked hard with partners since May to convince the Government that the Island has a special case.

“We hope that by attracting inward investment and support for local businesses through Assisted Area Status, we will be in a stronger position to help create new jobs and grow the Island's economy. We recognise that this is only a draft report which could be subject to change, but we will continue to lobby the government and push the Island's case for Assisted Area Status."

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner said: “This is great news for the Island and testament to the work of all of us who have been campaigning together for a common cause. The hard work that has been put in by the Isle of Wight Council, the Solent LEP, the IW Chamber of Commerce, the TUC and so many other organisations is paying off!”

Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the IW Chamber of Commerce, added: “This is fantastic news for the Isle of Wight as it is something we have been working on for the last ten years in collaboration with our island MP and IW Council and this moves us closer to getting the recognition that the !sland has worked so hard to achieve and will bring benefit to the entire Island community.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

High Sheriff Meets Lifeboat Radar Recipients

Mary Case, the Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff, had a special task to perform when she visited the RNLI’s Cowes lifeboat station: presenting radar certificates.

Altogether 18 crew and noncrew members had successfully undergone an intensive radar course, spread over four days.

The course involved personnel from the RNLI’s Poole headquarters bringing radar equipment to the station.

Formal consultation on a revised set of General Directions for Mark Southwell, the station’s Cowes Harbour has now ended, operations manager, said, “The and Cowes Harbour Commission's fact that as many as 18 people Advisory Committee and the undertook the course is a RYA, both statutory consultees in demonstration of the enthusiasm the process, have confirmed their there is within the station for agreement for the new Directions, improving maritime skills. Radar following minor amendments. is obviously a most useful aid to Cowes Harbour Commission then navigation, particularly in the ratified the Directions at their dark or fog.” recent December Board meeting.

Mary is pictured with some of The revised set of General the certificate recipients and Directions will come into force on other station members.

1 January 2014.

A major change is the introduction of General Direction No. 6 relating to the Cowes Chain Taking account of the cost of Ferry (replacing Cowes Harbour borrowing the money to buy the Byelaw 34 of 1972). This General shares, there was a shortfall for the Direction governs the navigation of the Chain Ferry and includes taxpayer of at least £230 million.

This shortfall should be seen as part of the cost of securing the benefits of financial stability during the financial crisis, rather than any reflection on the sale process. The public spending watchdog noted that, following the sale, the market price of the shares has held steady.

The first sale of shares in Lloyds The National Audit Office has judged that the Government’s first sale of shares in Lloyds Banking Group in September was managed effectively and provided value for money. United Kingdom Financial Investments who managed the sale for the Treasury thoroughly reviewed available options for a sale. It chose a process that maintained flexibility and allowed the sale to take place quickly, once a decision to sell had been taken.

Changes to Cowes General Directions

giving the Chain Ferry right of way over most vessels, although the Chain Ferry must still take appropriate action to avoid a close quarter situation or collision. In addition, there are new safety control measures built in, including the introduction of a CHC Chain Ferry Operators Certificate.

May we also bring your attention to General Directions Nos. 3.17 and 10.1 which relate to the construction of the new detached breakwater for Cowes.

View the full set of 2014 General Directions here. http://iow.me/1b For more information, see also Local Notice to Mariners No. 33 of 2013 - Revised set of Cowes General Directions Come into Force on 1 January 2014.

Contact the Isle of Wight Mail press@iwmail.co.uk 01983 898 838

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

GUIDE ISSUED FOR FAMILIES AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS The Family Information Zone (FIZ) has produced a booklet to help families ensure Christmas goes without a hitch.

The Isle of Wight Council service has written several 'Christmas time survival tips', giving advice on a range of subjects.

It also provides contact details for several local and national help lines and numbers for key organisations such as the new children’s safeguarding services phone number on the Island for people to call if they are worried about a child, the NHS, the Island Women's Refuge and emergency numbers for utility firms.

The guide can be downloaded from FIZ's website at www.iwight.com/wightchyps under the Holiday Activities Guide tab or direct at http://iow.me/1a. Catherine Hall, the manager of FIZ, says the

guide was written to give families a handy booklet full of hints and tips for the festive period. She said: "Christmas can be a stressful time and for many people they may not think about things such as how to prepare food safely, how to decorate the Christmas tree safely or even how to stop the children getting easily bored.

"If there is an emergency and you need to ring a service such as the NHS or a utility firm, the last thing you want to be doing is worrying while trying to find a contact number.

"The Christmas survival guide provides all this information in one handy document and hopefully it will be a big help to families."

A copy of the guide can also be collected from FIZ which is located next to Newport's Lord Louis Library.

Homes more energy efficient In establishing Green Deal, the government has set the conditions to grow the energy efficiency market in Great Britain. Although still in the early stages, activity so far shows that consumers are being helped to make their homes more efficient. Over 100,000 assessments have been undertaken since January, with latest research suggesting that households find them helpful in reducing their energy consumption.

The latest research on consumer reaction to the Green Deal, ‘Wave Three’, is published today and shows: 81% of households intend to or have already had at least one recommended measure installed: (6% have had work carried out, six per cent are in the process of installing improvements, and a further 10% intend to install at least one recommended measure); 78% found the assessment useful, 78% had confidence in recommendations by the assessor, and 76per cent said they would recommend a green deal assessment to a friend; and when households were asked how they paid for measures, energy company funding (ECO) was mentioned in 22% of cases, with local authority funding (16 pe%), provider/installer finance (13%) and savings and regular income (11%) being the other most common means of payment.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: The research undertaken in November

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and published today shows that Green Deal assessments are highly valued by consumers.

Crucially, they are helping people to control their energy costs this winter.

Over 100,000 assessments have been carried out so it’s particularly encouraging that over 80 per cent of people have, are or intending to install at least one measure in homes and that well over a third of recommended measures have now been installed.

This is a powerful endorsement of the Green Deal.

Of the £540 million the Government recently announced would be made available over the next three years to boost energy efficiency, £450 million will be aimed at households and private landlords. New schemes will be designed to complement the Green Deal and stimulate the flow of more private finance into energy efficiency. The Green Deal is also being strengthened to make it more attractive for consumers and to remove unnecessary cost for companies. Further details will be made available in the new year.

A fresh look at the way youth services are delivered on the Isle of Wight has resulted in initial proposals being developed for a more targeted service with dedicated funding to cater for local needs.

As part of the new Isle of Wight Council administration’s root and branch review of council services, Councillor Richard Priest has been considering youth service provision on the Island.

In a paper, which was endorsed by the councils Cabinet members on Tuesday 10 December, initial proposals being suggested for more consideration, include: - A more targeted service designed around the needs of local communities -Working more closely with town and parish councils and the voluntary sector; - Funding to commission youth provision in local communities from savings made through moving away from direct service provision and reducing the amount of money spent on buildings; - The provision of youth and community support to assist in the development and of high quality community provision of positive activities for young people;

-Closer working with existing Children’s Services teams to provide improved early help support.

The proposals also result in a reduction in total budget of approximately £200,000, reflecting the council’s current financial situation.

Councillor Richard Priest, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The proposals are consistent with a commitment to fully involve local communities, and the voluntary sector, in delivering services for young people locally on the Island – as well as maintaining targeted services as part of an overall strategy.

“These proposals do realise savings at this financially challenging time, but more importantly releases revenue and capital resources which can be reinvested to achieve a wider range of services and strengthen the communities where they are delivered.”

As part of the root and branch review, staff, local communities and young people themselves will be consulted on the initial proposals.

These will be considered and a more detailed report will go before Cabinet in spring 2014.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Almost two children a day are abducted to a foreign country by parents The number of parental child abduction and custody cases has more than doubled over the last decade, with almost two children being abducted abroad each day, according to new figures released by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and charity, Reunite.

The FCO has launched a hardhitting film, Caught in the middle, to highlight the issues and encourage parents to think of the consequences before doing something that could do lasting damage to the children and families involved.

In 2003/04 the FCO was involved in 272 new parental child abduction and international custody cases. In 2012/13 that figure rose to 580, the second highest figure ever recorded.

This year alone, Reunite – a charity that provides advice and support to parents involved in parental child abduction cases – has dealt with 447 new cases involving 616 children. It reported a particular spike in cases after Christmas 2012 and again in September this year

following the summer holidays.

Parental child abduction cases can take years to resolve, with significant impact on the child or children involved. There is a very real possibility that the child may never be returned. Even when cases are resolved it can take up to 10 years, with a devastating impact on the child, parents and families involved.

There is no typical ‘abducting parent’ – although abductions are more likely to take place where families have links to more than one country and, contrary to popular opinion, it is more likely to be the mother who abducts than the father (approximately 70% of abducting parents are mothers).

As well as emotional distress, both parents may often face severe financial difficulties as they fight for custody of their child through foreign courts.

Legal costs overseas and in the UK may continue to mount up for parents, who must bear responsibility for the cost of any legal action taken, even after the child is returned to this country.

‘Restore Sovereignty to control UK Borders’ says Turner Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, led a 90 minute debate in Westminster Hall on the subject of Government policy on immigration on December 12.

Transitional controls for citizens of Romania and Bulgaria (who joined the EU in 2007) expire at the end of this year, giving the combined population of 27 million people unrestricted rights to work in the UK and seven other EU countries.

In his speech Mr Turner blamed out of date EU rules and the previous Government for uncontrolled immigration which led to 2.2m people – twice the population of Birmingham coming to the UK between 1997 and 2010, saying ‘no wonder we had a crisis’. He pointed out the impact that such large numbers have on housing supply and other infrastructure. Paying tribute to the role that immigrants have played in our history and the contribution many continue to make to society, he gave examples of the bravery of the Polish crew of the ORP Blyskawiska, (the warship that saved Cowes in 1942) and the many foreign born nurses and doctors working in the NHS. However, he told MPs in Westminster Hall that the free movement of people across the EU is no longer appropriate or acceptable.

He concluded his speech by asking the Immigration Minister Mark Harper MP to introduce legislation to ‘restore our country’s sovereignty’, echoing calls made in a recent report from the cross-party European Scrutiny Committee which received unanimous support.

Mr Turner, said in the debate: “The Government must try to deal with the concerns of many British people and, indeed, many settled and integrated migrant communities—those who recognise that we simply cannot retain an open-door policy for all current EU citizens. We need a

more nuanced policy that is controlled by our elected Government and that works in the interests of the British nation.”

He continued: “Britain simply cannot provide a better life for everyone who wants to come here. We do not have the infrastructure or jobs to do that.”

Mr Harper, who responded to the debate on behalf of the Government said: “We have made a difference, which my hon.

Friend the Member for Isle of Wight put his finger on when he talked about our immigration policy, our welfare policy and our education and training policy.

The difference is in the combination of the three—a tougher immigration policy; a tougher welfare policy that encourages people to work and contribute; and an increase in the number of apprenticeships and more rigour in schools.”

Speaking after the debate Mr Turner commented: “The Government has indeed made progress in addressing some of the concerns I raised about the impact of uncontrolled immigration; that is welcome.

However they can’t control immigration from within the EU; we need to take back control of our borders. Our Government should decide which EU citizens are allowed to live in the UK, not the Treaty of Rome which we signed in 1973. Times have changed, circumstances have changed; the law needs to change to take account of that.”

Government cuts off costly calls Customers calling telephone helplines to complain about their faulty microwaves or incorrect train tickets will no longer have to pay more than the basic rate, putting a stop to costly calls faced by consumers, announced by the Consumer Minister Jo Swinson

Following consultation with business associations and consumer bodies, the government will put an end to expensive premium, 084 and 087 numbers for customers calling airlines, train operators, and major high street and online retailers.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Healthwatch Isle of Wight ‘Inpatient Experience’ Visits to St Mary’s Hospital Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s panel of authorised ‘Enter & View’ representatives has visited St Mary’s Hospital recently to look at communications and the inpatient experience: on MAAU, Colwell Ward and St Helens Ward.

The panel’s findings will be published as a public report in January 2014.

Healthwatch IW held its first priority setting event this summer, which was attended by over 40 members of the public and local organisations.

They helped identify 5 key local priorities to look at in the first workplan, of which inpatient experience at St Mary’s is one.

Healthwatch IW and its predecessor the Isle of Wight LINk both received feedback about a number of areas of unsatisfactory inpatient experience.

Welcoming the announcement of the first visits by Healthwatch IW, Alan Sheward, Director of Nursing and Workforce at Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “It is important to us that our patients, our members, our staff and all Islanders have confidence in the NHS. These visits, along with those undertaken by our Patient Council Members, Trust Board members and the Care Quality Commission, provide assurance that we are meeting the needs of patients.

This sits alongside our arrangements for monitoring the quality of our services which is reported to the Trust Board every month. At these meetings the Board hears directly from a patient who has been filmed by Sunshine Hospital Radio whilst

answering questions about their care.” ‘Enter and View’, as laid down in the Healthwatch regulations of 2012, allows Authorised Representatives to visit publicly funded health and care premises to see and hear for themselves how services are provided. During these visits to St Mary's the representatives will collect the views of patients, their carers, relatives and staff. They will then make recommendations to the NHS Trust on any improvements which in their opinion need to be made.

Enter and View is not an inspection or a standalone activity, it is just one tool available to local Healthwatch for collecting evidence for a defined purpose.

Chris Orchin, Board Member of Healthwatch Isle of Wight, said: "The observations and comments of our Enter and View team of volunteers are designed to assist the hospital in developing their services in a way that improves the overall inpatient experience.

Healthwatch regularly engages with the Trust in initiatives designed to improve the quality of services provided and monitors its overall performance. These Enter and View visits will complement work already being undertaken to gain insight and understanding around patient experience."

Welcoming the announcement of the first visits by Healthwatch IoW, Alan Sheward, Director of Nursing and Workforce at Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “It is important to us that our patients, our members, our staff and all Islanders have confidence in the NHS. These visits, along with those undertaken by our

Patient Council Members, Trust Board members and the Care Quality Commission, provide assurance that we are meeting the needs of patients. This sits alongside our arrangements for monitoring the quality of our

services which is reported to the Trust Board every month. At these meetings the Board hears directly from a patient who has been filmed by Sunshine Hospital Radio whilst answering questions about their care.”

College Ofsted Welcomed by Cllr Cllr Chris Whitehouse who represents the ward of Newport West in which Carisbrooke College is located has congratulated the principle.

He said: “Congratulations to Principal, Pete Shaw, and the Senior Leadership Team at Carisbrooke College. It is clear from the Ofsted monitoring report that real progress in the right direction is now being made.”

Cllr Whitehouse, who also leads on education for the Conservative Group of Isle of Wight Councillors, added: “Our Island schools were particularly badly served in the past, as Ofsted has separately reported, but the new

partnership between our schools, the IWCouncil, and Hampshire officers is delivering the framework of information exchange and support that is a prerequisite of future success. Cllr Richard Priest, who leads for the Independent Administration in this policy area, will have my continued support in our mutual efforts to improve education standards for all our children. The Carisbrooke Ofsted shows just what can be done, but what great challenges still lie ahead if we are to put right the mistakes of the past and so enable all our fantastic children to achieve their full potential.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Free Trip to London for 50 Islanders On Monday 27th January 2014, the Island’s MP Andrew Turner, in conjunction with Red Funnel Ferries and Southern Vectis, has organised an all expenses paid trip to London for 50 Island residents.

Places will be made available by ballot. The trip will include coach travel to London, including the ferry crossing. There will be time to tour the shops, take in the sights or visit a tourist attraction.

There will also be an opportunity for those who wish to take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, said: “Both Red Funnel and Southern Vectis were very enthusiastic when I came up with this idea. I am very grateful to them and hope we may be able to make this an annual trip. The fairest way of distributing a limited number of seats will be through a straight-forward ballot.

“If you are not successful in the ballot for the free transport to London I am always happy to organise tours around Parliament, which for Islanders are free-ofcharge if they’re organised through my office.”

Any Island resident can apply for either one or two places on the coach by sending name(s), address and contact details (email and/or telephone number)

to mail@islandmp.org or to Mr Turner at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR. The ballot is open until 5pm, Friday 17th January.

Winners of the ballot will be picked up by a comfortable Southern Vectis coach at collection points in Newport and Ryde early in the morning of 27th January and taken via Red Funnel Ferry to London. Once in London you can ‘do your own thing all day’, or choose to take part in the tour of Parliament (duration approx. 70 minutes) with free time until the coach departs for the Island at around 3pm. Full joining instructions and details will be sent to those successful in the ballot.

Paul Winter, Red Funnel’s acting CEO commented: “Red Funnel is delighted to provide complimentary ferry travel in the New Year to enable 50 lucky Island residents to enjoy a free day-out in London”.

Matt Kitchin, General Manager of Southern Vectis said: “We are delighted to be involved in this innovative opportunity for residents to visit London and tour the Houses of Parliament. I hope the trip is a success and can become a regular event in years to come.”

WINTER NIGHT SHELTER OPENED A winter night shelter is open at the Downside Community Learning Centre, Furrlongs, Newport – offering support to the ‘street homeless’.

The centre, manned by volunteers from the Church of the Victorious Life, will operate from 9 December until further notice, offering shelter overnight between 7pm and 8am.

Those who arrive before 9.30pm each night can get a hot meal and doors at the centre will close at 11pm. Unfortunately there can be no admittance after this time, as the volunteers manning the

shelter need to sleep before their day jobs the following day.

Food is provided at the shelter as well as bedding, use of washing facilities (showers) and the facility to wash and dry clothes. Anyone who is street homeless can access this free service, although no drugs, alcohol or abusive behaviour will be permitted on the premises and people will be asked to leave if they do not adhere to this.

Shelter users and those referring people to the shelter should be aware that this is an overnight facility only.

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“Rural economy recovers as last year’s pessimism fades”

The rural economy is firmly in recovery as growth has spread from non-farming businesses to the farming sector, according to the latest data from the CLA and Smiths Gore.

The CLA said The Rural Economy Index (REI), which is a barometer of businesses in the countryside, has shown continued improvement for the rural economy during the third trimester of 2013. CLA Director South East Robin Edwards said: “Rural areas were last to enter the recession so it is good news that recovery in the rural economy is now firmly rooted. ”For farming businesses, the pessimism of the last year has gone, and they are now looking forward to higher sales and profits in the next year.”

The survey found that more farming businesses reported rising sales than falling sales for the first time in a year. Sales for nonfarming businesses had a net balance of 44 percent compared to just two percent in the previous trimester.

According to the survey, profits for agricultural businesses are expected to rise in the next 12 months, for the first time since

the second quarter in 2012, increasing by 11 percent and profit expectations for nonagricultural businesses have risen by 48 percent - the highest levels since the start of the survey.

Rural businesses, such as property and tourism enterprises, reported a more positive outlook for employment and investment with farm businesses expecting to employ the same number of people as last year while nine percent more non-agricultural businesses now expect to employ more people.

Smiths Gore’s Head of Research Dr Jason Beedell said: “Nonagricultural businesses continue to recover and expect growth.

“Business support is very important to sustain the recovery and the investment strategies being prepared by Local Enterprise Partnerships right now must support rural businesses.

“Rural businesses need to understand this funding and work with their LEPs to ensure it supports them. The rural economy is significant – with 28 percent of all British businesses and a quarter of the population.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Sports News

Shaping Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Following an extremely successful Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week in 2013, Cowes Week Limited (CWL) has spent the last few months collating feedback on the world-famous regatta from its competitors.

Taking information from daily SMS course surveys and the postevent online survey (both courtesy of eDigitalResearch), a debrief meeting with all the onedesign classes and other individual review meetings with entrants, CWL has produced an action plan to address the main issues raised and continue to build on the success of the regatta. A summary of the action plan is available on the official event website at www.aamcowesweek.co.uk.

Commenting on CWL’s response to the feedback, Sales & Marketing Director, Michelle Warner, said: “Everything we do is driven by feedback. We’re proud to take a proactive approach in evolving the regatta based on the feedback we receive from the sailing community and we’re always open to new ideas”.

Entries for the 2014 regatta opened back in August, and anyone thinking of taking part is encouraged to enter before midnight on December 31st 2013 to be in with a chance of winning

the valuable prizes on offer. The overall prize draw winner will receive a rebate on their entry fee, free berthing (at either Cowes Yacht Haven, Shepards Wharf Marina, or East Cowes Marina), use of a Volvo for a weekend plus a 25L Gill dry bag and Chatham Marine shoes for the full crew.

Runners-up prizes include a bar tab at the Spinnaker bar on Cowes Parade, the main bar at Cowes Yacht Haven and the bar at Shepards Wharf Marina, a copy of the Reeds Almanac (courtesy of Aberdeen Asset Management), a bottle of Mount Gay Extra Old Rum, a RIB Ride for 2 with Solent Events, tickets to one of Britannia Events’ Cowes Week Receptions in the Dream Yacht Charter Hospitality area, and an Icom handheld radio (IC-M23 Handheld).

In addition, all those entering Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2014 before the end of 2013 and eligible for the prize draw will be invited to attend the announcement of the prize winner at the Gill stand at the London Boat Show on Saturday 11 January.

For all the latest news and information on how to enter the regatta in 2014, please visit the official website at www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

NO NEWS FOR THE ISLANDERS! A firm decision from the club's shareholders regarding the immediate future of the Wightlink Islanders speedway team was the widely anticipated outcome of a meeting held in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook Stadium on December 18.

However after much lively debate, a somewhat dramatic development during the course of the meeting itself, and with the club having been given until January 31st to inform the British Speedway Promoters Association as to whether or not they intend to operate National league racing in 2014, such a decision has been further deferred.

It was agreed that it will now definitely be reached at a further shareholders meeting that will take place on Tuesday January 21st commencing at 7pm to allow all options to be explored further by club chairman Brian

Ginders including his agreement to a shareholder's suggestion last night that he seek talks with an Elite League club about the possibility of them assisting in some way. However the main interest will focus on behind the scenes talks that will now be sought by the club's board of directors as soon as possible with a non-shareholder who, having heard of the possibility of speedway racing not taking place at Smallbrook next year, made contact during last night's meeting to apparently express their desire to get involved financially with the Wightlink Islanders to help secure the club's future both in the short and long term. At this stage details on this third party are somewhat sketchy as you might imagine given the circumstances so at the moment it might possibly prove to be the case that no news is good news!

CATCH ALL THE WORLD CUP ACTION AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL They’ve just announced some of the hottest acts around, who will be performing over one unforgettable weekend, yes it’s the Isle of Wight Festival 2014 and they are back with a bang!

As well as an unbelievable line up of music, there’ll also be world class football, as all the action from the World Cup will be screened live in the BT Sport Field of Dreams. Fans can catch every kick, card and corner during the Festival on the big screens. Get your tickets now for only £170 with their special Early Bird offer running through to January 16th. There are also amazing ticket and travel packages available, to be there head to isleofwightfestival.com.

From 12-15th June, they’ve got all the World Cup games showing live in the BT Sport Field of Dreams…

12 June 2014 - Brazil v Croatia, 13 June 2014 - Mexico v Cameroon, 13 June 2014 - Spain v Netherlands, 13 June 2014 Chile v Australia, 14 June 2014 Colombia v Greece

14 June 2014 - Uruguay v Costa Rica, 14 June 2014 – England v Italy, 15 June 2014 - Ivory Coast v Japan, 15 June 2014 Switzerland v Ecuador, 15 June 2014- France v Honduras, 15 June 2014 - Argentina v BosniaHercegovina Headlining the Main Stage on Friday 13th June at the Isle of Wight Festival will be the award winning Biffy Clyro, appearing in an English festival exclusive.

We’ll also be joined by Calvin Harris who closes the night, plus a much anticipated guest set from Rudimental. Not only that, Passenger, The 1975 and The Waterboys will all be appearing over the weekend.

Don’t miss out on the first major festival of the year, Early Bird catches the worm, so get your tickets now. If you want to spread the cost, their popular Isle of Wight Festival payment plan returns and they’ve got various ticket and travel packages available. To keep up to date all the action, head to www.isleofwightfestival.com.

** ARE YOU INTERESTED IN **

EXTREME WEATHER www.vectisweather.com www.facebook.com/islandweather

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

MP urges Pensioners to claim Equitable Life Cash The Island’s MP Andrew Turner is urging Islanders who held pensions with Equitable Life to make sure they register to get any compensation they are entitled to before it is too late.

Around 450,000 people have already received compensation and many more are set to be paid out, but about 20% of those eligible for a pay-out have not yet been traced. The compensation scheme is due to be closed in 2015, and those who have not yet made a claim are at risk of losing out. The scheme was set up in

2011 to pay out up to £1.5bn to victims of the Equitable Life scandal; £600m has already been paid out. However many people have moved without passing on their new address details and others are unaware that they may be entitled to a share of the fund.

In 2008 the Parliamentary Ombudsman published a report entitled ‘A decade of Regulatory Failure’. calling on the government to pay compensation to the victims. However it was not until 2010 that the new government committed to make

“swift, fair and transparent payments” to the 1.5 million pensioners affected.

Mr Turner said “There are around 200,000 pensioners who may miss out on money that is due to them; some of those are bound to be living on the Isle of Wight.

There are 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK – so just using the law of averages there could be over 300 people who may be due a pay-out. They were badly let down by the regulators and they are entitled to a tax-free payment to compensate them for

that failure.

“I have been dealing with a number of eligible policyholders for years and they have all registered to receive what they are entitled to – but there must be more people out there on the Island who should be making a claim. I urge them to look into it.”

Anybody who thinks they may have an eligible policy can find out more by telephoning the “Policychecker” service on 0300 0200 150, or they can write to Equitable Life Payment Scheme, PO Box 4110, Glasgow G58.

Coping at Christmas Company and Free Meals for Older Islanders Small Business Saturday gives pre-Christmas boost Christmas shoppers flocked to the Island’s towns and villages last weekend as parking fees were suspended in the council’s offstreet car parks in support of Small Business Saturday.

This was the first year that the Island has taken part in Small Business Saturday, a national event designed to encourage people to shop locally.

Large events were staged by business associations in Shanklin, Ryde and Newport which aimed to attract and entertain shoppers on one of the busiest Christmas shopping days of the year.

Local businesses were encouraged to get involved in Small Business Saturday by holding events or promoting special offers to encourage people to shop locally for the day.

Councillor Jon Gilbey, cabinet member for resources, said: “The new administration feels it is important to support local businesses and we were delighted to contribute to Small Business Saturday by suspending parking fees for the day. The car parks I saw on Saturday were very busy and it was clear that people were making the effort to shop locally.”

Councillor Shirley Smart, cabinet member for tourism and economy, said: “This is the first time the Island has taken part in Small Business

Saturday and initial feedback from businesses is positive – it is certainly something we can build on in future years.

“The Island has a wealth of unique, independent businesses and it was wonderful to see so many people out on Saturday supporting the local economy.”

Small Business Saturday was also supported by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Visit Isle of Wight and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Kevin Smith, chief executive at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, said: “Many businesses from across the Island gained additional benefit from this initiative in the run up to Christmas and I was particularly pleased that the Isle of Wight Council suspended parking charges to encourage shoppers to buy local.”

Norman Arnold, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "It was terrific to see so many independent local businesses getting involved and so many Islanders rediscovering their high streets. The FSB will certainly be actively supporting this important initiative again next year, just as we support small business throughout the year. Hopefully the Isle of Wight Council will be in a position to further nourish this concept and help keep the Islands economy buoyant."

The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has welcomed the news that four Abbeyfield homes on the Island will be taking part in the Coping at Christmas Campaign.

Abbeyfield is a charity working to enhance the lives of older people in the UK; their Coping at Christmas Campaign aims to ensure that they aren’t isolated and alone over the festive season. Between 24th December and 4th January they can arrange for Islanders to go along for a free festive lunch or dinner in one of their homes or even for an overnight stay. Abbeyfield has over 9,000 volunteers throughout the UK, and many of them will be giving up time over the festive season to support the campaign, working alongside Abbeyfield’s professional staff.

The charity is one of just three who have been chosen by the Times newspaper to benefit from its Christmas Appeal this year.

The four Abbeyfield homes taking part in the campaign this year are Avondale in Newport,

Poplar Lodge in Bembridge and Clifton House and Abbeyfield House, both in Cowes. Anybody who is interested in joining in, or knows somebody that would welcome some company over the festive season can find out more by telephoning 0845 052 3553 or sending an e-mail to Sam Woods at s.woods@abbeyfield.com .

Mr Turner said: “This is a great initiative and could make a real difference to elderly Islanders who may otherwise have little contact with others over Christmas.

“Because so many people travel to see friends and family at this time of year routines get disrupted and people living alone may see even fewer people than normal. I have visited Abbeyfield’s homes on the Island and they are very happy and hospitable places. If you know anybody who is going to be alone over Christmas and New Year please let them know about this opportunity.”

Listen online at

wightislandradio.com

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND Vectis Sunrise presents the Isle of Wight WOOF festival Sponsor those dogs and raise money for charity, with the inaugural ‘WOOF’ festival this December.

Dog lovers can get friends and family to sponsor their pooch, or can even walk the dog of an elderly relative or friend who might not be able to make it.

The walk takes place on the last Sunday in December at Newport Quay in Newport, featuring two walks one ‘green’ easy walk and one ‘red’ walk, for those who wish to go a little further.

The aim is to bring together dog December 29th 2013 at 10am, Newport Quay.

lovers and those who want to get fit for 2014, as well as making people aware that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Dog walkers will be able to park for free at Newport Quay, whilst Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club will keep walkers fed with a selection of hot dogs and bacon rolls, as well as hot and cold drinks.

There will also be treats provided for dogs and plenty of checkpoints with water around the site to keep dogs happy and hydrated.

Dog lovers who wish to take part in the walk can email iowdogwalk@gmail.com for more Information.

Download a sponsorship form from this years nominated charity at iow.me/19

The Isle of Wight Challenge Presented by Action Challenge The Isle of Wight Challenge 23 – 24 August 2014 presented by Action Challenge, is a unique test of mental determination, for a number of great causes while

you run or walk 56 or 106 km.

Visit the website for further information visit: www.isleofwightchallenge.com/ or call 0207 609 6695. Email info@isleofwightchallenge.com

SEND YOUR EVENT DETAILS TO PRESS@IWMAIL.CO.UK

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Islanders are told ‘this is your NHS, over to you!’

In a packed room at St Mary’s Hospital, over 70 Islanders were urged to play a role in shaping their local health services by Danny Fisher, Chairman of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. He told the assembled crowd at the Medicine for Members event: “This is your NHS so get involved – we’re handing the NHS over to you! The more we can get the community involved, the better.”

Held on Thursday 28 November, this was the first event for Members of the Trust. In line with Government policy, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is committed to moving to Foundation Trust status over the next two years and must have a strong and active Membership. This will give Islanders more of an influence in determining the health policy on the Island and keeping services innovative, high quality and responsive to the community’s needs.

There are currently 3,606 members – and the Trust is well on target to meet their goal of signing up 4,000 members by April 2014. Anyone living or working on the Island, aged 11 or over, can sign up. You don’t have to be a patient; the Trust is keen that everyone including carers of patients sign up. As well as influencing health policy, perks will include discounts at High Street retailers.

Mark Price, Foundation Trust Programme Director, explained: “As an FT Trust we will be answerable to patients, carers and local people who can become members and governors. We’ve got plans to create a newsletter, dedicated webpage, open days, health talks, health fairs, invitations to events and lots more… so tell us what you want and we’ll show you how to get involved.”

Alan Sheward, Executive Director of Nursing, told the crowd that they would be looking for members to become ‘quality champions’ to provide feedback on services and conduct announced - and unannounced visits to the wards.

Also at the event, members were given a rundown of the Island’s health services and had the opportunity to quiz the top executives. The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is the only one of its kind in England, combining ambulance, hospital, community and mental health services for 140,000 Islanders and visitors. Chief

Executive Karen Baker told the audience: “Our goal is to deliver quality care for everyone, every time – by doing things better and driving waste out of the system.”

She rebutted claims that there were ‘too may Chiefs and not enough Indians’, saying: “When we’re looking at saving money, the first thing we do is look at how many Chiefs there are and if they’re working efficiently.”

Chris Smith, Head of the Ambulance Service, confirmed that the Island based 111 service will be continuing on the Island, run from the Integrated Care Hub at St Mary’s in Newport. This is a high quality service run by people with local knowledge. We train all the staff here and it’s three and a half months before they can take a ‘live’ call. There’s always a clinician in the room to advise them, such as a nurse or paramedic. We’re doing it right here, the rest of England’s playing catch-up.”

He also told the audience that the Ambulance service makes 1,400 journeys every month and that they meet or exceed all their Government targets. He spoke of a future “where it will soon be possible to e-book an patient transport ambulance online.”

Members in the audience included hospital staff, volunteers and service users, and ranged from school children to pensioners. John Bowker from Seaview, explained that he wanted to become a member because: “Health authorities throughout the land have been receiving such bad publicity but I’ve always found the service to be top class and I’d like to make a difference by spreading the good news that the NHS does.”

Geoffrey Hughes, 71, a fundraiser from Ryde said: “There’s no point in sitting there and complaining – get involved!”

Leanne Gander, 23, from Ryde, added: “I’ve joined so that I can get my points over for people, like myself, with learning disabilities. I want to make a difference for myself and my friends.”

Mike Thomas from East Cowes, a pensioner and one of the Hospital’s 500 volunteers, added: “People knock the NHS – but they’re there if you need them.”

The ticketed event was heavily oversubscribed and further events will be held in early 2014.

Commenting on the turnout, Mark Pugh, Executive Medical

Director, said: “We’re very lucky on the Island as this is a unique population, genuinely interested in the Hospital. And this is just

the start – we’ve got many more member events planned.” For more information on membership, please visit www.iow.nhs.uk.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Lifeboat Involved in Solent Fishermen Drama Two sea anglers were rushed back to shore by Cowes RNLI lifeboat on December 7 after being pulled exhausted from the sea beside their capsized fishing boat The lifeboat, with Max Rimington at the helm, was initially launched just after 10 am in response to a report of what appeared to an on-shore eyewitness to be an upturned kayak in the Solent.

The capsized craft, the 12 foot Min Eve, was first located by the Cowes Harbour Commission launch, HM 1, near West Bramble Buoy, with one man clinging to the hull and another holding on to a trailing rope. Both were lifted on board and the harbour launch helm, Dave Lewis, was so concerned about their condition that he urged Cowes lifeboat to lose no time in providing assistance.

After being transferred to the lifeboat the men, both believed to be aged over 50 and wrapped in survival bags, were rushed to Town Quay, Cowes; there they were met by members of the Needles coastguard rescue team and a paramedic from an ambulance which was to take them St Mary’s Hospital,

Newport.

Meanwhile the upturned fishing boat was towed back to Cowes by the harbour launch, where it was eventually righted and pumped out by the lifeboat crew, whose helm was Max Rimington.

As well as working for the Cowes Harbour Authority, Dave was also the launch authority for the day for the lifeboat. “The men had been in the water for over half an hour, and were starting to suffer from the cold quite badly when we arrived,” he said. “One was diabetic and neither was wearing lifejackets. I was very relieved that the lifeboat joined us on the scene so quickly.”

Lifeboat Operation Manager Mark Southwell learned later that both were making an encouraging recovery in hospital.

A Solent Coastguard spokesman said Credit they Isle were alerted to the of Wight Council emergency by two 999 calls from people on the shore at Gurnard and Lepe. Explaining what happened aboard the Min Eve, the spokesman said: “The men overbalanced and ended up in the water when trying to pull up the anchor. At first there was some confusion over the location on the boat.”

Acute Sense of Hearing Sparks Rescue The Gurnard woman who first raised the alarm that eventually led to the rescue of two anglers in the Solent was praised by Solent coastguards.

Julie Newnham was taking her dog for a walk near Gurnard Luck when she thought she could faintly hear shouting coming from well out in the Solent. She could then just make out in the distance two figures in the water, moving quite rapidly in the east-going tide.

She lost no time in calling 999 and telling coastguards what she heard and saw. As a result a Cowes Harbour Commission launch and Cowes RNLI lifeboat raced out of Cowes. The anglers, both of mature years, were later found exhausted beside their capsized 12 foot fishing boat near West Bramble Buoy; they had set out for their fishing trip from Buckers Hard in the Beaulieu River.

The coastguard spokesman said although they received another report of two people in the water from someone on Lepe beach it was Mrs Newnham who first brought the emergency to their

attention. “She did absolutely the right thing calling us, and she must have excellent hearing to have heard the men’s shouts from so far away. Quite amazing.”

Julie, who lives on Gurnard Esplanade, said, “It was a very quiet day, with not much wind about and it probably helped I was very close to sea level.

Echoing the coastguards’ tribute, Cowes lifeboat operations manager Mark Southwell said, “Julie really played her part in saving two lives that day.”

But Julie strongly rejected any idea she was some sort of heroine. “It is not me who is the person who deserves praise for saving these men, but those who found them and brought them to safety.

“What concerns me is that there must have been others on the Solent shores who heard or saw something, including perhaps those on a passing coaster, but they apparently did nothing.

People should never hesitate if they believed someone is in trouble on the water.”

The fishing boat is righted off TownQuay prior to being pumped out by the lifeboat crew. The harbour launch is also pictured.

The fishermen are landed at Town Quay, to be met by coastguards and a paramedic from a waiting ambulance.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Red Funnel to invest £2 million in major upgrade to the passenger facilities on Red Falcon Red Funnel has appointed marine design agency SMC Design and Southampton’s marine interior refit specialist Trimline, to deliver a £2 million interior refurbishment of car and passenger ferry Red Falcon in time for Easter 2014.

The investment will see the ship’s interior design and facilities replaced with a bright, modern and stylish new look which will set the standard for cross-Solent travel. The design team were tasked to increase the number of internal seats by 55% and create an interior design that optimises the space to deliver an unrivalled travel experience across the Solent.

Some of the new features customers will see include: • New sun deck and promenade walk (with wheelchair/pushchair access) • Two new passenger lounges with additional toilet & baby changing facilities • New pet friendly lounge, child play space and designated quiet zone • Exciting new food and drink options • Air-conditioning in all passenger lounges and improved heating in winter • New Information Bureau selling tickets, merchandise & gifts • Flexible space to host live music, entertainment and meetings • Improved Wi-Fi solution and more laptop/phone charging points • Lower environmental footprint thanks to LED lighting and additional recycling Murray Carter, Operations Director commented “We have listened very carefully to our customers over the last few years to develop a new travel experience which will meet their needs – significantly more inside seats, more tables for food and drinks, air conditioning, a new pet lounge, better facilities for wheelchair users and an improved food and beverage offer are just some of the highlights”.

The project in detail AA Deck – This is a brand new Wi-Fi equipped sun deck located fore and aft of the ship’s bridge. Accessed via four outside staircases from A deck, the new space features teak style seats and will afford striking views of the Solent. The new deck will be the perfect place for holidaymakers to unwind, enjoy a locally-made ice cream and watch the yachts and ships passing through the Solent.

A Deck – Two new large fully enclosed passenger lounges will be built on this level replacing what’s there today. An exciting new open-air promenade walk will enable guests to stroll around the perimeter of the ship or just relax on the new bench style seating. The passenger lift will be extended to reach this deck, so for the first time wheelchair users will be able to enjoy the sea air during the crossing.

A contemporary look and feel has been chosen for the design of the new lounges which will be air conditioned and fitted with comfortable chairs and tables. The heavily glazed outer walls will provide plenty of light and give guests 180 degree views. Each lounge will have a Steam café bar serving delicious freshly made baguettes, panini and pizza slices as well

as sumptuous cakes, pastries and scones.

Customers will also be offered a wide selection of premium teas, coffees, wines and bottled beers from local breweries.

TV screens will show useful information during the crossing and a large 65” interactive touch-screen will inform and entertain. For tech users, 240v charging points for laptops and phones will be fitted in convenient locations and free Wi-Fi will be available throughout. By using moveable furniture, the lounges can be configured differently and used to provide play space for young children or as venues for live music and entertainment. They will also be suitable to hire for meetings, seminars and workshops and incorporate AV facilities.

Pet owners will be able to use one of the new lounges, marking a massive improvement over the existing facilities, particularly during winter. Toilets will also be installed on this deck for the first time.

B Deck – This deck will be completely stripped back to its shell and transformed into a modern contemporary travel environment that will set the standard for cross-Solent travel. Featuring a mix of comfortable airlinestyle seats with tray backs, dining tables for different size groups or informal nested table and chairs in the bar area, the space offers a lot of flexibility for guests regardless of whether they want to dine, work or stretch out and relax.

TV screens will be fitted throughout, giving the flexibility to show live TV, news headlines, travel information and points of interest along the route. Free Wi-Fi will be available on this deck and charging points will be located in the seating areas.

With a brand new galley, the hot and cold food offering will feature a new range of freshly cooked dishes which will be of higher quality and sold at affordable prices. Red Funnel’s famous English breakfast remains the signature dish and will be given a local twist with more ingredients sourced from the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. The widened breakfast menu will be joined by 4-5 high quality dishes during the day such as Beer Battered Cod & Chips, which will change regularly to give more variety for regular travellers.

A lot of thought has been put into the design of the galley and the counter area to reduce waiting times and this has led to the relocation of the drink stations. Fixed dining tables and chairs with different configurations should prove popular with families, couples, freight drivers and business travellers.

The premium Steam coffee outlet remains in situ on this deck but is joined by a much larger bar which stocks a wider range of draft and bottled beers and lagers, champagne, wines and spirits. The new bar is surrounded by comfortable lounge style seating which is ideal for socialising.

Warren Turvey, Head of Food & Beverage commented “The new galley design incorporates the latest catering technology and with improved facilities ashore, we will

quickly be able to serve affordable, high quality dishes that are freshly made using more locally sourced ingredients. For onboard meetings and functions, we will offer a choice of food and drink options as part of the hire cost”.

The onboard retail offer is also being extended to include more Red Funnel branded items and gifts which are made on the Isle of Wight.

Retail items will be available to purchase via a new Information Bureau on B deck which will also offer event and attraction tickets, an accommodation booking service and allow customers to amend or make new ferry bookings.

The Red Falcon project is due to start in February 2014 and will be completed in time for the busy Easter holidays. The work will be undertaken with the ship alongside in Southampton, thereby securing valuable employment for local trades and businesses.

Paul Winter, acting CEO commented “As a business we are committed to improving the way in which we serve our customers. I am confident that this investment does exactly that, and it comes at an exciting time for the Company, as we aim to become the ‘preferred choice’ for all customers wanting to travel to and from the Island. We therefore believe that it will help deliver a boost to the Isle of Wight and Southampton economies. If the new design and layout proves as popular with customers as we expect, then I am confident that we can make further investments in customer service for Red Eagle and Red Osprey that would further raise our service standards in time for the 2015 summer season”.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

TALENTED ATHLETE SCHEME TO RETURN IN 2014 The Isle of Wight Council's sports unit is providing more opportunities to support the next generation of sporting stars from the Island by again running its 'talented athlete' scheme during 2014.

The scheme gives support to Isle of Wight athletes who are performing at a high level in their sport with the aim of helping their development and achieving further success.

This involves providing free access to council-run leisure centres, discounted travel on Wightlink and assisted bus travel with Southern Vectis.

New for 2014 will be the inclusion of local retailer and physio care discounts available at companies that are supporting the scheme. The sports unit is currently accepting applications for the talented athlete scheme until 31 December. There are two categories for sports people to apply in - Elite Performer and Junior Performer.

For the juniors to be eligible, the person must meet certain criteria including being ranked in the top ten of their sport at regional level or top five at county level. They must also be a member of a county squad, be an Isle of Wight resident and be aged 16 or under.

For the elite category, a number of criteria must be met, again mainly relating to the ranking in their sport. They need to be ranked in the top ten at regional level and the top twenty at national or international level.

They must also be part of a national development programme or national team and live on the Island. They must also be non-professional.

The elite category is open to any age. Anyone who is awarded funding will be announced in January.

To request an application pack, contact the council's sports unit on 823818 or email sports.unit@iow.gov.uk.

Official Opening of Christ the King College’s Sixth Form Centre

Christ the King College celebrated the official opening of its Sixth Form Centre on Wednesday, 11th December.

The day’s proceedings began at 10.00 am in the College’s Sports Hall where the first part of the ceremony was led by Bishop Christopher Foster and Bishop Philip Egan of the Church of England and Roman Catholic Dioceses respectively.

Following the Opening Worship, attended by well over 1000 staff, students and invited guests, the procession moved to

the Sixth Form Centre where a very special Dedication Service took place. This included the formal blessing of the wonderful new building, the investiture of the Principal as a Dame of the Order of St Gregory and conducted tours of the facilities. The formal proceedings also included the blessing of an Icon of Christ the King, created by Sixth Form students.

This was a very special and historic day in the journey of Christ the King College.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 20 th December 2013

Isle of Wight Sports