Issue 24 - The Isle of Wight Mail by Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

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Support the Independent Lifeboats Festival season starts here

Family tribute to teenager

Charity dog walk was a success

Three Isle of Wight lifeboat crews will be among around 67 nationwide joining forces on February 21st to raise awareness for Independent lifeboat stations that operate outside the jurisdiction of the RNLI.. Page 16

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ISSUE NUMBER 24 10th January 2014

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

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Family tribute to teenager who died in Isle of Wight collision The family of Kiri-Jade Hogkinson, the teenage girl who died in a road traffic collision on the Isle of Wight, are paying tribute to her. She died after the car she was travelling in was involved in a collision on the Mersley Down road on Thursday, January 2. In a statement, her family said: “Kiri-Jade is a loving 14-year-old girl with a zest for life. She is adored by her loving mother Carly and her 8-year-old sister Megan. “Kiri-Jade is part of an extended family who all miss her dreadfully. “Carly writes: ‘As you know, at 3 o’clock on Thursday, January 2 my beautiful, smart, funny and amazing little girl was tragically taken from me. Thank you for all of your kind words. There is now a void in my heart that can never be filled. Kiri-Jade you were my first born baby girl, my wingman and my very best friend. I love you so much sweetheart my heart is aching for you and always will, sweet dreams my precious angel xxx mummy.’ “Kiri-Jade rest in peace you angel, you will be missed. “Kiri-Jade is a student at Sandown academy and is a popular student, like all teenagers she enjoyed a health social life and had a mountain of friends.”

Kiri-Jade was the front-seat passenger in a Renault Clio when it was in collision with a Renault Megane. The front-seat passenger in the Megane, 67-year-old Barbara Ford from Brading, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital where she later died. Police are continuing their investigation into the collision and are appealing for witnesses or anyone who saw either vehicle driving prior to it. In particular they would like to hear from the driver of a white van heading east at the time in a line of traffic along Mersley Down road. It would have been in front of the Megane and behind an Island roads lorry as it approached the junction with Knighton Shute. Officers believe the van driver is a key witness.

Cameron must suspend Environment Agency cuts as storms sweep UK, says prospect union The government must call an immediate moratorium on 1,500 job cuts in the Environment Agency in the light of the flooding that has swept the UK this winter, Prospect, the union for specialists in the agency said. Prospect Deputy General Secretary Leslie Manasseh said: “David Cameron praised Environment Agency staff for doing an amazing job with the floods and extreme weather. It’s typical that as soon as there is a crisis, the politicians immediately turn to the specialists and professionals with the scientific knowledge and skills to step in and protect the public. “Yet they expect the managers running such vital services to be forced to focus on how to make cuts, diverting them from their vital work providing flood warnings, repairing damage, maintaining flood defences and planning ahead for future crises of this nature. “We urge the government to stop these cuts in their tracks and call an immediate review. They need to learn the lessons of the experiences of this winter, which have had such a devastating impact on so many people.” Staff were told about the 1,500 job losses within the agency, which employs 11,400

people, in October 2013. The cuts, to be made by October 2014, were confirmed in the autumn statement. It is not yet clear exactly where the cuts will fall, but more than 550 people working in flooding are feared to face losing their jobs, according to figures revealed by the ENDS Report. Prospect members in the Environment Agency also protect the public in many other ways, including from risks associated with radioactive waste; regulating polluting industries and managing water resources and quality.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT ANNOUNCES MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO OFFICIAL TOURISM WEBSITE Visit Isle of Wight Ltd (VIOW) has announced a number of significant improvements, updates and enhancements to its award-winning website (www.visitisleofwight.co.uk). During the summer months, the site welcomed over 300,000 unique visitors from across the globe, a huge increase compared with the old Islandbreaks and GoWight sites, with traffic continuing to break previous records – even out of season. The official Isle of Wight visitor website is now more popular than many of its competitors, including Devon, Wiltshire and Hampshire, and during August last year even bypassed the top UK destinations Dorset and The Lake District. Earlier this year, the VIOW website homepage also took first place at a national website and brochure awards conference, beating Cornwall and the English Riviera into second and third place respectively. The award sponsored by Carrier Direct Marketing, part of the Carrier Group, was awarded at this year’s British Destinations Annual Conference held in Southend on Thursday, 4th July. Ali Bruce of The Carrier Group commented at the time: “This is an attractive looking website with a great colour scheme and good use of photography. The advertising section works well and is very easy to use and extremely pleasing to the eye”.

In 2013, VIOW spent just over £1 million promoting the Island and web advert income was an important part of that fund enabling the DMO to pay for TV and cinema advertising as well as a range of marketing and exhibitions work carried out by VIOW last year. This marketing fund also paid for press office services generating over £1.8M of new press coverage in the UK and abroad, which all helped to drive traffic to the website. David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight, who has written to all website contributors thanking them for their support and detailing the raft of benefits available in 2014 said: “Thanks to the helpful feedback from current industry advertisers, VIOW is pleased to make it possible for even more businesses to be seen by tens of thousands of unique visitors and potential customers. “Every pound spent with us is reinvested in marketing the Isle of Wight and matched by the Isle of Wight Council and our Solent travel partners – helping us to attract even more visitor to the Island”. There is also an opportunity to find out more at a tourism industry presentation event entitled “The Big Ticket” which will take place at the Quay Arts centre in Newport on Wednesday 22nd January. Due to demand, a second, afternoon session will now run from 2-4.30pm

WIN… EARLY BIRD FESTIVAL TICKETS & TRAVEL AT 1970 PRICES Isle of Wight Festival are offering some lucky festivalgoers the chance to beat the January blues and get their hands on tickets & ticket/travel packages to the iconic weekend at the price they were for the Festival in 1970. That’s just £3 for tickets, £2 for car ferry crossing and 6 shillings or 30p for foot passengers! Once you’ve purchased through our Early Bird offer at isleofwightfestival.com running through to January 16th, simply complete the entry form and you could be a winner. So far, they’ve announced performances from some of the

biggest acts the UK has to offer, all at the 2014 Isle of Wight Festival…you won’t want to miss it! Headlining the Main Stage on Friday 13th June is the award winning Biffy Clyro, appearing in an English festival exclusive followed by international superstar Calvin Harris who closes the night. They’ve also got a much-anticipated guest set from Rudimental, plus Passenger, The 1975, The Waterboys and many more still to be revealed. Get your tickets now for only £170 with our special Early Bird offer running through to January 16th.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

The Isle of Wight Photographer Appeal to trace van the Year 2013 driver as witness to Isle On January 11of‘Every Picture This year’s competition has been Tells a Story’, an exhibition of judged by David Betts, one of the of Wight collision photographs short listed for the Island’s foremost professional th

Police investigating a road traffic collision that claimed two lives are trying to trace the driver of a van believed to be a key witness. Around 3.17pm on Thursday, January 2, a red Renault Clio travelling west along the Mersley Downs road was in collision with a silver Renault Megane travelling in the opposite direction. The front seat passenger in the Clio, 14-year-old Kiri-Jade Hodgkinson, and the 67-year-old woman front-seat passenger in the Megane, died as a result of their injuries. Sergeant Rob Heard from the Road Death Investigation team said: “The two vehicles were in collision on a stretch of the downs road between the turnings for Rowlands Lane and Knighton Shute. “We are trying to trace the driver of a white van that would have been heading east and therefore approaching Knighton Shute.

“From our enquiries so far, we understand the van was travelling in a line of four vehicles that included the Renault Megane involved in the collision. “We don’t have any other details about the van currently but we believe it would have been travelling in front of the Megane and behind an Island roads lorry. “We’ve already been able to speak to the other drivers as witnesses and we would therefore also like to speak to the van driver as a potential witness. “Hopefully that person will recognise themselves from this description and contact us as soon as possible." Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Rob Heard at the Road Death Investigation team, quoting Operation Mohite, on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 Minicom TextRelay users can call 18001 101

Isle of Wight Photographer of the Year competition, opens at Dimbola Museum and Galleries. The winner will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Dimbola that evening. The competition and exhibition gives Island photographers the opportunity to show the wealth of local creativity and skill. This year’s theme - ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ – was chosen to give entrants the freedom to submit any image taken during 2013 that had ‘impact’, whether landscape, seascape, action, people, macros or any other subject.

photographers, Christian Warren, Editor of Style of Wight and Dr Rachel Flynn, Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator at Dimbola Museum and Galleries. The winner will receive a state of the art Olympus Pen E-M2 digital camera and a solo exhibition at Dimbola in Autumn 2014. This competition is organised by the IW Digital Imaging Group and is supported by the Isle of Wight Photo Agency, Olympus, Pioneer Wines and Style of Wight. To find out more about the competition visit: http://www.iwpoy.org/award/

Witness appeal following new years eve assault Police are appealing for information following an assault which took place at Ryde bus station on New Year’s Eve. It happened sometime between 10.30pm and 10.40pm, when an 18-year-old man has suffered a broken nose and two broken teeth following an altercation.

If you were in the area at this time and saw the incident or if you have any information which could help with this investigation please contact PC Marie Harding at Ryde Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Send your news and pictures to press@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Charity Dog walk in Newport was a success Around 120 people turned up to the inaugural Woof! Charity Dog Walk on the 29th December at Newport Quay, making the most of the beautiful sunshine as they walked their dogs along the Quay and over Seaclose. The event, organised by the Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club, who meet at the Riverside Centre, is part of their determination to bring more community events to Newport to involve local people. Speaking on behalf of Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club, Adrian Brewer said: “We had a great day on Newport Quay, with many people coming down to walk their

dogs and in turn help raise money for local charities and now plan to make this an annual event. “We had a lot of help to make this a success, the Council provided free parking for the event, Island Roads helped with equipment and Pets At Home, Newport, kindly donated treats for the dogs, for which we are grateful. “The Council have asked us to run a similar event as part of the Isle of Wight Walking festival in May. “We will ‘Paws for a moment’ as we wait to find out how much money was raised” added Adrian.

Survey on Hampshire Constabulary's budget The Commissioner for Hamspshire and the Isle of Wight is proposing to raise the policing precept by 3% in order to partially offset the cuts in Government funding for 2014/15. In real terms, this will mean asking the average Band D household to pay an additional £4.54 a year, or 9 pence a week, raising the total bill to £155.79 per year. It generates £2.9m per annum that will ensure that the constabulary can deliver the savings required by the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review. Additional cuts to those announced in 2010 mean that the constabulary will receive £41m less in the coming financial year compared to four years ago. Further cuts in the region of £25m are expected for 2015-17, to which the constabulary is responding with an extensive reorganisation programme. The Commissioner says: “These are very, very difficult times for policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It would be wrong of me not to tell the public the truth about the impact of Government cuts. “Our police service has been praised by Government as a well performing and well run service, yet Ministers are again cutting the money for policing in our communities – this time by £25m, which equates to approximately 555 police officers. “It is getting more difficult to keep up the level of neighbourhood policing people want and, quite frankly, should

expect. There will come a time when reduced policing in our communities will reach dangerous levels. We are not there yet, but my message to the Home Secretary, MPs and the Prime Minister is, you are risking public safety and offering the upper hand to criminals if you continue with your policy of undermining the good policing that is going on across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. “I believe that we must maintain a safe level of neighbourhood policing, including PCSOs on our streets, and this is why I am left with no option but to propose a precept increase. But I want to hear the public’s view on this. Our short online survey is an easy and simple way to let me know whether you agree with this proposal or not.” The survey is available through the Commissioner’s website www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk. It will close on January 22 to ensure the views of the public can be considered by the Police and Crime Panel, who will be debating the proposal on Jan 24.

Dumping your old computer this is so un-PC! Large numbers of unwanted old computers, laptops are not being recycled or re-used b on the Isle of Wight or in the rest of the UK. In total some 12.5 million unwanted PCs or laptops have not been re-used or recycled by their owners. With Christmas out the way, no doubt even more old computers will be disposed of, to be replaced by the latest models. Over 1 million computers have been dumped in household rubbish or in the countryside One in four people takes their unwanted computer to their local tip Research by Fujitsu Siemens states that; "Electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Around 1.8 million tonnes are generated every year. The main component of waste electronic equipment is large household appliances known as white goods, which make up 43 per cent of the total. The next largest component is IT equipment, which accounts for 39 per cent." Local environmental charity The Footprint Trust, believes that thousands of serviceable computer are being thrown away on the Island, which could have a second life, and thus be diverted from landfill. Speaking for the Charity, Ray Harrington-Vail said; “Computers contain a number of metals and other materials that can be recycled, this reduces the overall environmental impact. However, it is even better if these computers are serviced, repaired

and upgraded and then re-used.” The Footprint Trust has teamed up with local computer reclamation experts, digitalrecycle.co.uk to encourage Island households, charities and businesses to divert computers from landfill. All donated computers will have their data removed before being reclaimed or recycled. Local small charities will also be helped through a donation scheme – whereby they can get a free computer. Local students and households will also be able to buy reasonably priced reclaimed computers. Every computer sold will result in some season goodwill to the Footprint Trust charity, as they will get a donation towards their work in helping Islanders to keep warm this winter. “We feel this scheme is brilliant on so many levels. It diverts usable computers from landfill, reduces pollution, saves the world’s resources, supports a local small enterprise, helps local charities and will provide cheap computers to families during these difficult financial times.” Added Ray. Peter Westmore of digitalrecycle.co.uk said, “ We are delighted to be working with local environmental experts the Footprint Trust, they are a trusted local charity which helps people and the planet.” Digital recycle: C4 / C5, Bowcombe Business Park, Bowcombe Road, Newport. Tel: 01983 537322 or Email info@digitalrecycle.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Island Arts Your Fortnightly Arts Guide

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

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

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

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World Premiere Original Theatre has announced details of the latest of its world premieres. The first ever performances of a new play written by theatre founder, Kevin Wilson, will be held in May at several venues on the Isle of Wight and on the mainland. The play will mark the directorial debut of Kate Slade. The play tells the story of two former schoolfriends, who meet up in middle age. One is a minister in the Coalition Government, presiding over cuts in spending on vulnerable people; the other is a social care manager in a northern town, where a child has just died in care. As the action switches between past and present, they meet for the first time in more than 20 years, and are forced to re-evaluate their lives.

Kevin said: “We specialise in bringing brand new writing – and new people! - to the stage both here and in the South of England, and we are all looking forward to this. “It's brilliant that Kate is directing. We take pride at Original Theatre at providing new opportunities, whether that is on stage or behind the scenes. And we have more exciting news about another premiere we are staging in June, so keep an eye on us this year!” For more information, and to get involved with Original Theatre, send a message to info@originaltheatre.net

The Victorian Freshwater Circle Launch Event In the mid-nineteenth century Freshwater Bay became the Bohemian retreat of a circle of artists, writers and photographers. Notable residents and visitors included Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord, pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, artist G. F. Watts, actress Ellen Terry, astronomer Sir John Herschel, author Lewis Carroll, naturalist Charles Darwin and many more. Dimbola Museum and Galleries is celebrating the rich heritage of the ‘Freshwater Circle’ by installing a beautifully designed information board at Freshwater Bay, publishing an accompanying leaflet, available free from Dimbola, and launching a brand new guided walk booklet - Poets, Painters, Pioneers and Polymaths - which will help visitors retrace the steps of

these great Victorians as they explore the stunning west Wight landscape (also available from Dimbola for just £2). The launch of these is being marked on Saturday 18th January 2014 with an unveiling of the new board at Freshwater Bay by Cllr John Medland, (representative for Freshwater South) at 2pm which will be followed by a short guided walk, taking in some of the fascinating history of Victorian Freshwater and an informal reception at Dimbola Museum and Galleries. These projects have been generously supported by David Smedley of the Alfred Charitable Trust and the West Wight Landscape Partnership. If you are able to attend or for further information please contact rachel.flynn@dimbola.co.uk.

Strangest story ever told? It could qualify as the best event title ever … Basingstoke and its Contribution to World Culture! That's the title of Rupert Willoughby's lecture for Vectis Decorative and Fine

Arts Society, to be given at the Medina Theatre next Thursday night. He aims to tell a story of Basingstoke that usually lies buried under its concrete. Go to www.vectisdfas.org.uk for more information.

Original Theatre's production of the classic Agatha Christie tale The Hollow, is on at Shanklin Theatre from February 19 to 22. Book online at shanklintheatre.com

* HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT MAIL *

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

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Island Arts Aerial Reconnaissance and the First World War

Island Pantoland Christmas may be well and truly over … OH YES IT IS! But the panto season lingers on … St Lawrence Players perform Aladdin at the Village Hall. Opening night is Thursday, January 23. Newchurch Drama Group stage Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, at the School Hall from February 13 to 15. Wight Strollers perform Robinson Crusoe in aid of local charities, at the Medina Theatre on February 15 and 16, and 22.

Story teller Professional performer Eltjo de Vries will deliver an improvised re-telling of the story of 'Beowulf' at Freshwater Library on Monday, January 20, with a third of ticket sales to be donated to the Get a Life Foundation.

Dimbola Museum and Galleries, the Island’s home for photography, is launching a remarkable exhibition of World War I aerial photography, bringing together a collection of cameras, photographs and maps to show how these were used by soldiers fighting on the Western Front. Most have been loaned by descendants currently resident on the Isle of Wight. World War One saw photo-reconnaissance come of age. For the first time photographs were taken from immediately above the field of battle and behind enemy lines, giving commanders in the field a unique and accurate picture of terrain and enemy dispositions as they planned operations. Many of the photographs come from an extraordinary album collected by Lt Frank Vans Agnew, who enlisted into the British Army in 1914 at the age of 46, although at the time he pretended he was 40. Frank served under the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, led by Islander General Jack Seely, who lived in Brook. Included in the collection are original reconnaissance photographs and maps covering the 1917 battles of Messines and the third battle of Ypres, otherwise known as Passchendaele. Frank was wounded at Messines and awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. He was wounded a second time and captured during the 1 st battle of Cambrai in Nov 1917. He saw out the end of the war in Prisoner of War camps. Prior to his enlistment, adventurer Frank had worked as an orange farmer in Florida, a copper miner in what is now Kazakhstan, and had served with an US Cavalry Regiment in the Spanish-American War.

IoW Cllr Bob Seely, whose great, great uncle commander the brigade in which Frank served, said: “These photographs and maps are unique insight into how, 100 years ago, modern aerial reconnaissance developed. “By 1917 when Lt Vans Agnew was a junior tank commander, the British Army was beginning to use tactics and planning which today’s soldiers would recognise; such as the use of aerial photography to develop imint - imagery intelligence - to understand and plot enemy positions and give commanders battle-winning information. “Imint, combined with combined arms tactics linking artillery, air, infantry, cavalry and the new-fangled tanks, helped turn the British Army into an increasing formidable and mobile machine.” Exhibition Open Evening : An Open Evening view of this exhibition will be held on Friday 17th January, 6-8pm. There will be hot and cold drinks available from a fully-licensed cash bar and an opportunity to view the Isle of Wight Photographer of the Year exhibition (11th Jan-30th Mar). All welcome, please RSVP to rachel.flynn@dimbola.co.uk. Exhibition Talk : On Thursday 13th February at 6pm John Evans, one of the exhibition organisers, will be providing a fascinating insight into this historicallysignificant technology and the way in which it was used during the First World War. The talk will be followed by a reception and the opportunity to see the exhibition with hot and cold drinks available from a fully-licensed cash bar. Tickets are £4 and are available from Dimbola or by calling 01983 756814.

Contribute to Dimbola’s 2018 First World War Centenary Exhibition Dimbola is interested in hearing from Islanders who may have photographs from the First World War taken by their friends or relatives. If you are interested in contributing to an exhibition to mark the centenary of the Armistice in Autumn 2018 please contact rachel.flynn@dimbola.co.uk. for more details -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Send your 2014 event details and press releases

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kevin@iwmail.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Island Arts

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Police investigate Facebook page Police are appealing for information about an offensive Facebook page that was set up following the death of a teenager. The page was created following the death of 14-year-old KiriJade Hodgkinson who died in a road traffic collision last week. Inspector Terry Clawson said: “The page has since been taken down but has already caused unbearable upset for Kiri-Jade’s family and friends. “We’re taking this matter very seriously and investigating it from a criminal perspective.

We’re working with Facebook and following other lines of enquiries and we will be taking appropropriate action. “If you have any information that can assist with our enquiries, please contact us directly. If you come across any similar sites, please also let us know and avoid commenting on them.” Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Peter Russell at Newport DCIC on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Slinger Signaller Required For 9 months on site in Bembridge.

Contact Caroline Dey @ Workmates for more details

0118 952 1053

Trips to Parliament for Isle of Wight Schools The Island’s MP Andrew Turner is encouraging Island schools to book trips to Parliament as the next Parliamentary Education Service telephone booking day arrives – Friday 10th January. Today trips can be booked between 22nd April and 23rd July 2014. State schools on the Isle of Wight can claim back 75% of travel costs – including ferry travel – for students visiting Parliament from Key Stage 2 up to Key Stage 5. There is a limit of £1,600 and costs can only be claimed for one visit per school each year. The telephone number for the Parliamentary Education Service is 0207 219 4496 and lines open today at 8.30am (10th January). The service is very popular and demand for places is high. Mr Turner said: “It’s always good to see students from the Island up in Westminster.

Parliament's Education Service if very good and works to support young people's understanding of Parliament and democracy. As well as a guided tour which can take in both Houses of Parliament there is the opportunity to take part in special workshops and other activities. If my other commitments allow I always try to meet Island pupils myself during their visit and answer any questions they may have.”

Online tax tool helps taxpayers work out residence HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched an online tool to help people determine their residence status for tax purposes. The Tax Residence Indicator (TRI) asks people a number of questions before telling them what their status is. It has been introduced as part of the statutory residence test, introduced in April 2013. The test gives people who may move in and out of the UK greater clarity and certainty over their residence status. HMRC’s new tool allows people to go onto the HMRC website, input their personal details, and quickly establish whether they should be paying tax in the UK. The people potentially affected include expatriates, pilots, cabin crew and cruise workers, rig

workers, foreign students, health workers, seasonal workers and others. Specialist Personal Tax Director, Mary Aiston, said: “It is important that people who come and go from the UK keep records that are readily available. Their residence status is assessed according to time spent in the UK, in conjunction with their other ties to the country. “The old statutory residence rules were complex and lacked clarity, with the definition of tax residence resting on legal cases decided in the courts over a long period. The new residence test is clearer.” The residence status of most people is expected to remain the same under the new residence test. Taxpayers can find the new tool at tools.hmrc.gov.uk/rift.

690 tax criminals convicted Almost 700 tax fraudsters and benefit cheats were convicted this year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced. Between January and the end of November, HMRC investigations led to 690 successful convictions – up from 477 in 2012, and the highest since the 2010 Spending Review. These convictions led to sentences totalling 355 years in prison. The investigations covered everything from complex VAT, income tax and benefit frauds to smuggling cases.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Christmas Tree Collection from Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club In most parts of the Island skips are being provided for used christmas trees but in Newport residents are required to get them to the tip under their own steam. That can be difficult if you have no transport, are up to your neck in getting the kids back to school or just don’t have the time to load up and queue at the tip to dispose of that discarded tree and of course the thought of all those pine needles on the upholstery. A new intiative from members of Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club based at The Riverside Centre Newport, with the support of the Isle of Wight County Council and Island Roads offers to take away and recyle your tree for a small donation. They will collect direct from your home, anywhere in the Newport area on Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th. That includes trees from

businesses, pubs and clubs as well as homes in the Newport area. ‘Our main concern is to work in the community’ said the current president Maggie Smee ‘and to that end we hope to provide a service and raise some money which will be spent on community projects, the most recent of which was the provision of 400 trees for local planting, something we hope to do again very soon’. The Xmas trees will be collected and taken to a local farm where they will be shredded and the chippings sold off at a reasonable price to raise more funds. ‘Recycling is certainly something we are keen to support’ she added. You can book a collection by calling 07502 942 909. Collection PO30 areas only. Saturday 11th ~ PO30 1 and PO30 5, PO30 9 Sunday 12th ~ PO30 2 & PO30 3

Vulnerable man assaulted Police are appealing for information after a man with learning difficulties was assaulted in Sherbourne Avenue, Ryde in the early hours of the 1 st Janurary. The incident took place at about 1.30am as the 42-year-old male was walking home in what appears to be a nasty and unprovoked attack. He was left with a bloodied mouth and scratches. Officers are now asking for the public to get in contact with them if they saw the attack or they think they recognise the description of the people involved.

The suspect is described as a white man aged 20 to 30-yearsold. He was about 6ft tall, skinny build with short dark spikey hair. He was clean shaven with piercings in both ears and was wearing a jacket and scruffy trainers The suspect was accompanied by two females who were described as slim with scruffy hair and clothing. Anyone with information can contact PC Stuart Bancroft at Newport DCID by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND Volunteer Fair at Ventnor Botanic Garden Ventnor Botanic Garden is delighted to announce it shall be hosting its very first Volunteer Fair on Saturday 18th January 2014. Similar in nature to that of a Recruitment or Fresher’s Fair, people who come along will be able to find out about a whole range of volunteering opportunities currently available in their local area, with no pressure or obligation. Around 20 local groups, charities and organisations that carry out vital work in many different areas shall be at the Fair, on hand to provide information and advice. There will also be lots of additional information and material available to take away from many other groups, charities and organisations that couldn’t be there on the day. Groups including Earl Mountbatten Hospice, the RNLI, Ventnor Arts and Cowes Rotary Club shall be there along with many others. The Volunteer Fair is aimed at everyone and anyone, regardless of age, background, ability and experience. So whether you are looking to boost your CV and increase your skills, looking for a new and interesting challenge,

searching for a way to spend your spare time or simply looking to make a difference, you will be able to find out information on a whole host of opportunities and learn something new. John Curtis, Director of Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company CIC commented, ‘Being part of the local community is vital to what we are trying to do here at the Garden and this Fair is an opportunity for us to help in a way. We already have a loyal group of Volunteers at the Garden who help us out every Wednesday morning and we want to show off the great work they do and promote all the benefits Volunteering can have for the both the individual and the cause.’ Luke Gunner, Volunteer Coordinator at Ventnor Botanic Garden added, ‘The VBG Volunteers assist the Garden team and help to keep VBG looking great every day of the year. It’s a huge daily task and we are very grateful for all they do. Our Volunteers come from all different backgrounds and abilities – some know a lot about horticulture and others are complete novices but we all learn and develop together, but most

importantly everyone just has a great time.’ The Volunteer Fair shall be taking place indoors at the Garden Gallery at Ventnor Botanic Garden, running from th 11am until 4pm on Saturday 18 January 2014. Entry to the Fair is free and there is no charge for parking. Refreshments will be available to purchase from The Plantation Room Café.

Yarn Craft at Quay Arts Centre Join Tracy to learn and develop your crochet and knitting skills and techniques, with tea and cake thrown in for good measure! Sun 12 Jan – Sun 30 March (12 weeks), 1 – 4pm £15 per session Call 01983 822490 to book

Jayne's Vintage & Retro monthly fayre Wonderful vintage & retro fayre with lots of lovely stalls to browse, along with our vintage pop up tea parlour and vintage hair stylists. Admission and parking free we look foward to seeing you all there. Takes place on Sunday 2nd February at Wootton Community Centre, Brannon Way, Wootton Bridge Details: 07543 794054

For more information about the Volunteer Fair or to take part, please contact Kirsten at Ventnor Botanic Garden via (01983) 855397, option 3 or kirsten.morris@botanic.co.uk

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Truffle & Muhroom Cooking at The George Hotel Truffle & Mushroom Cooking Demonstration and Supper, Another fun informative cooking demonstration and two course supper. Arrive at 7.15 pm The Demonstration takes place on the 7th Feburary and priced at £27.50 per person. Call 760331

Jewellery Weekend with Nina Bulley

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Feb 10am – 4pm £106 / £96 – Quay Arts Centre Students will learn all the basic jewellery making techniques to make a simple ring and a pendant and earring set from sterling silver. You will learn how to saw, shape, file, solder and polish the pieces to make your own unique pieces. Call 01983 822490 for more information or to book.

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

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

THIS IS AN ORANGE ALERT – WE NEED YOUR HELP! Three Isle of Wight lifeboat crews will be among around 67 nationwide joining forces on February 21st to raise awareness for Independent lifeboat stations that operate outside the jurisdiction of the RNLI. Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, Ryde Rescue and Freshwater Lifeboat are all independent stations, relying on donations and charity to continue the valuable work they carry out in waters around the Island. Often the independent lifeboats, both on the Island and on the mainland, are confused with the work carried out by the RNLI so February 21st has been pencilled in to raise awareness of the ‘independents’. That is when they need YOUR support for their major fund-raising “Go Orange” Day. The crews, all volunteers who give their time and effort for nothing, want Island businesses, schools and even individuals to come up with zany ideas to help keep them afloat. Most independent lifeboat crews

are more than happy to visit local schools and youth groups and educate children on sea safety. Many of these units open their doors and invite the groups to them to promote safety at sea through education. In return they would love your help in making it a hugely successful “Go Orange” Day. Here are a few suggestions – but can you think of even better ones? Mark Birch, operations manager of Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, is event co-ordinator for Go Orange Day. He said: “We want everyone to know that we are independent, and need funding to keep going. If you visit the coast for a day out or holiday you never know when you may have to call upon lifeboat volunteers, so to ensure that they are there please show your support.” Anyone wanting to get involved with Go Orange Day or needing more details should contact Barry or Judy on 401791 or 07821 854882.

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Cowes Lifeboat in Night-Time Search off East Cowes A thorough search in pitch darkness was carried out by Cowes RNLI lifeboat in the early hours of this (Friday) morning after a report that someone could be in difficulties in the sea off East Cowes. A resident living near the breakwater told Solent coastguards they had heard noises and possibly also saw a light, suggesting someone could be in trouble on the water. The lifeboat was launched just before 4 am, with Patrick Moreton in charge. Neil Archer drove the boat while Alisdair Boden and Will King

HOW YOU CAN HELP Get your business or school to wear an orange piece of clothing for the day. Dye your hair orange. Sponsor someone to sit in a bath of “orange” baked beans for the day. Hold a coffee and cake morning. Wear an orange ribbon in support.

handled the starboard and port searchlights. Meanwhile the Bembridge-based mobile coastguards and police officers searched the shore. After an hour of fruitless searching lifeboat eventually returned to station. It was then concluded that the noise had emanated, not from the water, by from someone on the shore.

Hold a party evening wearing a bright colour...such as orange! Arrange a collection in your community for your local independent lifeboat. Hold a sponsored walk, silence, dance or anything that raises funds for these units.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Leading Island charities team up for sporting challenges Three of the Isle of Wight’s most popular sporting events look set to get even bigger and better in 2014 and boost funds for two Island charities. Entries for the Needles XC Half Marathon, Wild West Solent Swim and West Wight Triathlon have been official opened by organisers, the West Wight Sports Centre. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has been announced as the nominated charity for two of the events “We are delighted to have been selected for the third year running as the official charity for the West Wight Triathlon and also the Needles Half Marathon for the very first time” says Dame MacArthur. “As an island based charity we are delighted to have such a great relationship with the West Wight Sports Centre, another local charity. If you are interested in taking part in the event and raising funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, please do get in contact as we would love to hear from you. With your help, we can take more young people suffering with cancer or leukaemia sailing to rebuild their confidence.”

New for this year include a 1.5k Junior Fun Run and a craft market with live entertainment, making the Half Marathon on Sunday 8th June an event for the whole family to enjoy. The Triathlon is set for Sunday 28th September and has become a sprint distance event with a 400m swim, 25k bike ride and a 5k run. The shorter sections make it ideal for those who have never competed in a triathlon before. Teams can also enter, with competitors as young as 12 able to take part in the swim section. The Wild West Solent Swim is the biggest fundraising event for the sports centre and in 2013 raised over £30,000. “Last year we had a former Olympian take part and a finish line proposal of marriage, so this year’s swimmers have a lot to live up to!” says Clare Griffin, Centre Manager. “We have already receive 26 entries and we are limited to 70 so anyone interested in taking up the challenge needs to get their form in quick.” This year the swim will take place on Sunday 6th July. More details on all the events can be found at www.westwight.co.uk

Cowes Week Prize Draw Winner All entries into Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2014 received before the end of the year will be entered into our prize draw and be in with the chance of winning a fantastic suite of prizes, including an entry fee

rebate and free berthing at one of the four main moorings providers in Cowes. They’ll be announcing the prize draw winner at the London Boat Show on Saturday 11th January and Cowes Week Limited.

Cadetship Programme has gained UCAS accreditation UKSA’s ground-breaking Superyacht Cadetship Programme has gained UCAS accreditation for its Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science. Run in conjunction with The University of Plymouth and Falmouth Marine School, the new UCAS accreditation is a unique development within an already hugely successful training programme. It is a further step towards UKSA’s aim to provide future yacht crew with both professional knowledge and recognised academic qualifications. Emma Baggett, Cadetship Manager at UKSA, said “This is the first time a yacht training establishment has been able to provide crew with a UCAS accredited degree qualification to

back-up traditional maritime tickets. Our aim is not only to equip yacht crew with the skills and knowledge required to work on a superyacht, but also to provide them with the academic foundations for a life outside of yachting.” Mark Upton, Director at MGMT Yacht, the London based superyacht consultancy firm said, “This is fantastic news for the luxury yacht industry. Young crew who are looking for a professional career path will now have an outstanding opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification that will not only reinforce their career path but also offer a transferable qualification for later life. We strongly support this initiative from UKSA.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

The Social Enterprise Making Progress in Family Support Learning Links, an innovative social enterprise operating in Newport, is currently helping local families on the island to make positive changes to their lives. It is also offering support to those families whose circumstances are preventing them from accessing the employment market. This support is given through Progress!, a free service funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) that assigns family members with a personal coach to help them assess their current situation, agree a list of goals and work with them to create a plan to achieve them.

Further help is given through a Family Progress Plan. This looks at areas where positive steps can be taken to tackle things affecting the family as a whole, and might include help and advice around health and fitness, effective budgeting and housing. Learning Links Delivery Manager, Martin Wickham feels that Progress! is invaluable for families that are facing challenges and troubles in their lives. Keen to raise awareness of the service so that more families can benefit from it, he hopes the message that free help and support is available reaches as many as possible.

Police appeal after primary school break in Police on the island are appealing for witnesses after All Saints Primary School in Freshwater was broken into during the New Year period. It happened sometime between 3.00am on January 3 and 7pm today (January 6), when someone has forced their way into a portacabin within the school grounds. During this time there were also some repeated break-ins at the

Early Years Learning Centre, which is also located on the grounds. Local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will be regularly visiting the area as part of their routine patrols. Anyone with information can contact PCSO Michael Deary by phoning 101 and quoting 4414005165. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

‘Is Defra coping with budget cuts?’ asks CLA Responding to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee’s annual review of Defra, the CLA said budget cuts “could leave Defra overstretched”. The organisation agreed with Efra that Defra will be challenged by implementing a new IT system at the same time as the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). CLA Director South East said: “Defra has suffered one of the largest percentage budget cuts of any government department. Nearly all Government departments have faced budget cuts and we appreciate that Defra should be no exception. “However, it is vital these savings do not adversely impact on the Environment Agency’s ability to respond to emergencies such as flooding, particularly as

weather conditions are set to become more frequent. “On flooding, when the Agency cannot maintain defences, it must be made easier for landowners to do so. The regulatory burden needs to be eased.” He said the CLA agreed with Mr Paterson’s priority to grow the rural economy but said he needs to be clearer about what substantial budget cuts will mean for delivering policy. Mr Edwards said: “We need clarity over how this will be achieved in the light of huge cuts. Admin and efficiency savings alone will not achieve the entire level of savings required.” The CLA backed Mr Paterson’s proposal for a biodiversity offsetting system but said there is much detail to be worked out on how such a system would operate in practice.

“The focus of Progress! is the whole family. It aims to help those families with a history of unemployment to overcome any barriers that are preventing them from gaining employment”, said Martin. “As an ‘early help’ service, it also helps to prevent issues from escalating and families from requiring a greater level of intervention in the future.” Learning Links is an innovative social enterprise that was established 15 years ago to help those most in need in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight by providing training, mentoring, volunteering and advice. Over this time it has

helped over 25,000 individuals and invested more than £12.5 million into local communities across the south. Learning Links provides tailored guidance and support around all aspects of life, including employment, skills and training, health and wellbeing, and equips people with the tools, confidence and resources to make positive life changes themselves. Progress! is a voluntary service. Those wanting to self-refer or find out more information about the support that Progress! can offer can contact Learning Links on 01983 527529 or email info@learninglinks.co.uk

Trust brings together patient and staff LGB&T groups Following discussions with patients and staff Isle of Wight NHS Trust is merging its separate groups into one single cohesive network group for Island lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients and staff. The next meeting is being held in January 2014. As the only fully integrated NHS Trust in England, Isle of Wight NHS Trust provides a wide range of NHS services on the Island covering hospital, ambulance, community and mental health services. Liz Nials, Equality and Diversity Lead said: “We wanted to make sure that we were providing the best possible service for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) patients and staff. For this reason we set up the first LGB&T Patient and Staff Groups in October. They were a real success and following discussions with both groups we are merging the groups into one single NHS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network.” The Trust’s LGB&T Network Group is a group made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, (patients, NHS Staff, family members, and carers) from the Island, who can act as a ‘critical friend’ for the Trust by discussing the services the Trust offers and how improvements can be made for the benefit of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients, carers, visitors and the Trust. This advice is similar to that provided to the Trust by a whole range of other patient support groups from across the

Island. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender and have used the Trust’s services, are a family member or carer of someone who has, or you are a member of staff at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, then you can become a member of the LGB&T NHS Network Group. You can get involved as much, or as little as you like or are able to and activities include: · Helping us make the Trust more LGB&T friendly · Letting us know how our services, practices and procedures could be made better from your perspective as a LGB&T person · Looking at the Trust’s communication materials and telling us how these could be improved · Getting involved in health promotion events aimed at LGB&T people. Participants in the network are encouraged to become Members of the Trust to ensure that the views of the LGB&T community are represented through the Membership and in due course through the Trust’s Council of Governors. The next meeting of the NHS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network will be held on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 commencing at 1830 in the Education Centre at St Mary’s Hospital. Light refreshments will be available. If you are able to attend or want to find out more about the Network please contact Liz Nials on 01983 822099 ext 6727 | Mobile 07786525584.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Customer communications at heart of review into dealing with widespread power cuts Following the power disruptions which affected 750,000 households over Christmas, Energy Secretary Edward Davey met Chief Executives of the companies responsible for maintaining power supplies to thank them for their hard work reconnecting customers as soon as possible, and to identify lessons to be learned. At a meeting between Distribution Network Operators, Ofgem, the Energy Networks Association, Energy Emergencies Executive, and the Department for Energy and Climate Change, it was agreed that a review into the response to the disruption will report to the Secretary of State within two months. The review will focus on communications with household energy customers, necessary resources to be able to cope with widespread disruption, and the compensation process. There was also agreement to investigate as quickly as possible the setting up of an emergency telephone number which households can call if they experience a power cut. Edward Davey said: "I fully understand the frustration felt by people whose Christmases were spoiled because of power disruptions, but I also want to pay tribute to the hard work of the engineers who battled appalling weather conditions to try to reconnect homes as quickly as possible.

"Clearly, communications with customers must be at the heart of this review as in some cases households were not kept informed of what was being done to help them or when they were likely to be reconnected. In particular, people need to know how to contact the network operator in their region if there is a power cut, and we’re looking to introduce a single emergency number which people can call irrespective of where they live. "It’s virtually unprecedented for storms to affect such a huge area of the UK for so long, and this prevented network operators helping their colleagues in other regions as would normally happen. So the review will also look at the contingency plans and levels of resources required so that operators can be prepared for the worst should an event like this ever happen again. "Finally, the network operators have agreed to proactively contact customers who may be entitled to compensation. I’m pleased to see that in many cases the companies are offering more than the regulations require them to, but it’s important that those people who are owed compensation are properly informed." The review into power disruptions will feed into a wider review of severe weather response and resilience being led by Defra and the Cabinet Office.

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NEW PROVIDER FOR SENSORY SERVICES The Isle of Wight Council is working with a new organisation to provide sensory impairment services on the Island. Following an extensive consultation to gain the views of users, a new, single sensory service has been commissioned so that people can get all of the support they need in one place. The new service will provide expertise, support and advice about all aspects of sight and hearing loss and will include specific support to people with the combined diagnosis of sight and hearing loss. Action on Hearing Loss, which is a national leader in the field of sensory impairment, has been chosen to provide services. The charity has been working on the Isle of Wight for over 20 years. Lesley Holmes, head of the south west region for Action on Hearing Loss said: "We are delighted that Action on Hearing Loss has been given the opportunity by the Isle of Wight Council to provide sensory

support services to provide support for people who are blind, have a hearing loss or dual-sensory loss on the Isle of Wight. "It is a great privilege for us to be able to provide the best support for people who use the service and help individuals to make the best of their potential and not be limited by their sensory loss." Councillor Gordon Kendall is the Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for health, community and adult wellbeing and welcomes the new provider. He said: "It is very important the Isle of Wight has a quality sensory impairment service available to users . "We have listened to feedback obtained during the consultation and are confident the new set up will meet the needs of users and provide high levels of support." Action on Hearing Loss will start operating the new service from 1 February 2014.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Defamation laws take effect

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara

Libel laws are being significantly reformed to provide clearer, better protection for people publicly expressing opinions. The Defamation Act 2013 reverses the chilling effect on freedom of expression current libel law has allowed, and the prevention of legitimate debate we have seen in the past. For example, some journalists, scientists or academics have faced unfair legal threats for fairly criticising a company, person or product. For the first time a new serious harm threshold has been set to help people understand when claims should be brought and discourage trivial claims that harm freedom of speech and unnecessarily take up court time. Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said: “The introduction of these new measures will make it harder for wealthy people or companies to bully or silence those who may have fairly criticised them or their products. “As a result of these new laws, anyone expressing views and engaging in public debate can do so in the knowledge that the law offers them stronger protection against unjust and unfair threats of legal action. “These laws represent the end of a long and hard-fought battle to ensure a fair balance is struck between the right to freedom of expression and people’s ability to protect their reputation. The Defamation Act contains a series of measures that include: * Protection for scientists and academics publishing peer

reviewed material in scientific and academic journals * Protection for those who are publishing material on a matter of public interest where they reasonably believe that publication is in the public interest * Introducing newCouncil process Credit Isle ofaWight which should help a person who feels an online statement is defamatory to resolve the dispute directly with the person who has posted the statement. This offers better protection for the operators of websites hosting user-generated content, provided they follow the new process. New regulations have been introduced to ensure that this process operates effectively * A single publication rule to prevent repeated claims against a publisher about the same material * Action to address libel tourism by tightening the test for claims involving those with little connection to England and Wales being brought before our courts * Greater protection for secondary publishers including booksellers and newsagents by removing the possibility of an action for defamation being brought against them if it is reasonably practicable for an action to be brought against the primary publisher. The old laws on libel had been criticised for being outdated, costly and unfair - the new law seeks to ensure effective protection for freedom of expression and encourages open and honest public debate, whilst still protecting those whose reputation has been unjustly attacked.

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EXTREME WEATHER www.vectisweather.com

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"It's in our collective hands to stop this affecting the Island" Island health experts are reminding visitors to hospital, nursing home and residential care facilities of the precautions to be taken to fight against vomiting and diarrhoea: · good hygiene is important during outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting as it is highly contagious. To prevent becoming infected it is very important to wash your hands with soap and water after you have been around someone who is ill. · thorough cleaning of hard surfaces with a bleach solution, paying particular attention to the toilet and toilet area will help to reduce the spread of the virus. · it is vitally important for those who have been unwell with vomiting and/or diarrhoea recently, especially if they have had these symptoms in the past 48 hours, if possible, to stop visiting patients, relative or friends whether they be in hospital or nursing or residential care homes. Infection Control Doctor Emily MacNaughton says: “If you are visiting healthcare, hospital, nursing or residential care home

facilities for any reason please make use of the hand gel & hand washing facilities provided.” It is vital that anyone who is feeling unwell with vomiting and/or diarrhoea stays at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms stop to avoid the spread of infection. Keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids is very important, particularly for the elderly and the very young who are most at risk. If the symptoms persist, telephone NHS 111. Further details of symptoms are available on the NHS Choices website. Simon Bryant, Acting Director of Public Health with Isle of Wight Council says: “Good hand hygiene is important at all times but especially when children, older or vulnerable people – those with long term conditions – are concerned. The simple act of washing your hands on a regular basis – especially after visiting the toilet and before eating food - can do a lot to prevent the spread of this highly infectious disease. It’s in our collective hands to stop this affecting the Island!”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Childrens Ward Christmas and Toy Appeal The Children's Ward would like to express their deepest thanks to those that have thought of the poorliest children on the Island at Christmas time. Dionne Davies who is a Play Specialist on the Ward said: “We never know how many children will be on the Ward over the Christmas period. Last year the ward was full.” She further added: “We do our very best to get the children home at this time of year, but this obviously depends on the child’s condition. Children that attend the Ward between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day receive a small gift, while those that have to remain on the ward Christmas Day receive a sack of presents that is delivered to the bedside.” Dionne went on to say: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of those that supported the official Isle of Wight Toy Appeal. So many Islanders came together as a community to make sure that as many deserving children as possible were given a special gift for Christmas.” As well as the children on the Ward, children living on the Island who are facing serious illness have also been recipients. Special thanks also to go to the Island Scooterists for their delivery of fabulous gifts, on

wheels, and the gorgeous gifts from Farnsworth Newsagent's in Newport that were especially lovely for the babies on the ward. The Hessey's of the Three Bishops Pub in Brightstone gave some really great gifts that will be so wonderful for the children to open on the big day. In addition, we would like to thank the children and staff of St. Helens Primary School who gave selection boxes and to the Hills family in Ryde who gave lots of fun colouring books and pencils for the children's sacks on Christmas morning. As part of the festivities, an unusual visitor came to the ward from the Owl and Monkey Haven, with a member of the Haven staff dressed as an owl, who gave out gifts to those on the Ward ahead of Santa. The Children’s Ward staff would like to extend their thanks to those who made that visit possible, it was a lovely surprise for the children (and staff). Last but not least the staff of the Ward would like to thank our ‘Ward Grandma’, who we adopted some years ago as the Children's Ward Grandma, for all her kindness and help in providing clothes and art and crafts throughout the year and her special gift for the Children this Christmas.”

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Space weather forecasts to protect technology from solar storms The UK will become one of a small number of countries to forecast the weather in space. A £4.6M investment in this innovative system by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) will help protect the technologies our day-to-day lives rely on. Severe solar flares, space storms and solar wind can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids and radio communications. Space weather forecasts, running all day, every day from spring 2014, will allow government and businesses to take swift action to ensure services are maintained. Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, said: "The sun is in constant flux, and the possibly damaging impact of this solar activity is growing as people become more reliant on satellite technology. "Space is one of the Eight Great Technologies of the future and I'm pleased that this worthwhile project has received the funding it's due. These forecasts will ensure that businesses can plan ahead, keeping us at the forefront of the global race." The £4.6M investment, spread over the next

three years, will allow the Met Office to build on its partnership with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's ( NOAA) National Weather Service, sharing knowledge and expertise in space weather forecasting. Andrew Richards, a Risk and Resilience Analyst for National Grid, said: "A round the clock UK forecasting service for space weather is essential as part of National Grid's procedures for running the electricity transmission network securely and safely. It is great news for National Grid that the Met Office has secured funding for its space weather forecasting operations" Mark Gibbs, Head of Space Weather at the Met Office, said: "Space weather is a relatively immature science but understanding is growing rapidly. The Met Office is working with NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre in the US in a collaboration which aims to enable both organisations to accelerate the development of improved space weather models and prediction systems to make more effective use of space weather data.

"This investment will enable the Met Office to complete the space weather forecasting capability that it has been developing over the past two years and begin delivering forecasts, warnings and alerts to key sectors to minimise the impact to the technology based services we all rely on." Louis Uccellini, Ph.D., director, NOAA's National Weather Service, said: "Accurately predicting and preparing for the impacts from space weather requires a commitment similar to terrestrial weather forecasting and preparedness. "Our countries' collaborative efforts will help to promote preparedness and resilience to protect critical infrastructure against the growing and evolving global impacts from space weather." The Met Office is developing the forecasts in collaboration with a range of UK partners such as the British Geological Survey, Bath University and RAL Space as well as international partners such as the US NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Two Christmas babies at St. Mary’s Two ‘bundles of joy’ arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital on Christmas Day 2013 First to arrive at 06:52hrs in the morning on 25th December was a daughter, Willow Gaskin, for Katie Gaskin of Ryde and Clinton Barrans. The baby weighed in at 8lb 10ozs (3.92kg). Second and last to arrive at 22:55hrs was a baby boy delivered to Marcella and Martin Lakomska of Sandown. Their son, unnamed when they left hospital, weighed in at 7lb

(3.18kg). Karen Baker, Chief Executive of Isle of Wight NHS Trust, the main provider of ambulance, community, hospital and mental health services on the Island, said: "Congratulations to both sets of parents on their new arrivals. From my own time as a nurse and midwife I know that Christmas is a special time in the Maternity Unit and across all our health services. I am grateful to all our staff who agreed to work across the Christmas period."

NEW CHILDREN'S PANEL TO BE ESTABLISHED A new panel aimed at helping to drive up education standards across the Island is due to be set up. The proposed Schools and Educational Attainment Scrutiny and Support Panel will include education representatives from across the Island and Hampshire County Council. It will support the children's services cabinet member and members of the current Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel and will also feature a Diocesan representative and trade union officers. It is envisaged that other people from all kinds of education settings will provide views and information to the panel. It will be an opportunity to explore areas such as current performance, innovative or excellent practices that may be of benefit to others, or to discuss current concerns and

issues. These discussions could then lead to reports being prepared for consideration by the relevant scrutiny panel, committee or the Cabinet. Councillor Richard Priest, who is the Cabinet member for children's services, said: "Improving education standards across the Isle of Wight is a top priority. “Setting up this new panel will give all educational settings on the Island an additional resource to share any updates or concerns they may have directly to the council so that we can all work together." The proposed new panel needs to be approved by members of the council's Cabinet, which meets on 9 January 2014. Subject to Cabinet approval, the first meeting of the new panel would be held either late January or early February, and then at least once each school term.

Hovertravel live Tweet chat Hovertravel has announced that for 2014 it is extending its user group; HUG (Hovertravel Users Group) into social media with a monthly live tweet chat with Managing Director, Neil Chapman. The use of social media was raised and agreed at the October 2013 HUG meeting as an excellent way to enhance the involvement of more customers, more often. Starting next Wednesday between 11am and 12 noon, anyone can get involved by simply using the hashtag #HUGchat in their tweets. Neil Chapman explains, "We are celebrating three successful years of the Hovertravel Users Group and we felt that we could use social media to give customers more opportunities to put their questions and comments forward and join us in the discussion about making Hovertravel even better.” The HUG live Tweet chat will be taking place on the following Wednesdays between 11am-12 noon throughout 2014: 15th January / 19th February / 19th March / 16th April / 21st May / 18th June / 16th July / 20th August / 17th September / 15th October / 19th November

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 10th January 2014

Isle of Wight Sports