Issue 26 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

The Island's free community newspaper

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FLOOD RISK Heavy rain expected over the weekend

Wheeling Out Opportunities

Unmanned Breakaway Yacht

Bestival's Desert Island Disco

Met Office forecasters are warning that heavy rain and gale force winds will continue to affect the Isle of Wight as we head into the weekend, bringing the possibility of further disruption. - Page 2

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ISSUE NUMBER 26 7th February 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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More stormy weather ahead Met Office forecasters are warning that heavy rain and gale force winds will continue to affect the UK as we head into the weekend, bringing the possibility of further disruption.

An area of low pressure is expected to bring more rain and very strong winds on Saturday.

The Met Office has issued several Amber Severe Weather Warnings for the next few days due to the possibility of flooding and damaging winds. The public are advised to stay up to date with these warnings and the latest details during this particularly unsettled weather.

Andy Page, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: "The unsettled weather will continue over the coming days with another storm moving in early on Saturday.

"This will bring the risk of flooding and damaging winds bringing down trees to cause disruption to travel and power networks."

The stormy conditions will also continue to bring the additional risk of large and potentially hazardous waves in coastal areas.

Will Stephens, RNLI Coastal Safety Staff Officer, said: "With more stormy weather forecast, we're asking people to take extra care if they're going down to the coast. Rough seas and extreme weather might look exciting, but getting too close can be risky. So respect the water and, in particular, avoid exposed places where big waves could sweep you off your feet."

John Curtin, Head of Incident Management at the Environment Agency, said: "Following the wettest January on record for England

Met Office

successive bands of heavy rain are forecast, lasting into the weekend.

"With further river and coastal flooding expected this week we have teams working around the clock to protect homes and communities, and over 122,600 properties have been protected over the past three days.

"We urge people to stay safe and not to walk or drive through flood water which can be dangerous.

"In the face of this severe weather we would also remind people that they can sign up to receive free flood warnings, check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation on the Environment Agency website and on social media using #floodaware."

Throughout this unsettled spell Met Office forecasters and are working round the clock with our partners to keep everyone up to date with the latest forecast information so they can plan and prepare for the expected weather.

‘Flood management review needed urgently’ following Environment Agency Chairman’s comment The CLA said flood management must be looked at urgently as “we simply cannot carry on like this” following Environment Agency Chairman Lord Smith’s comment that a choice needs to be made between protecting “town or country”.

The organisation said it is vital the Government recognises the economic importance of agricultural land if we are we going to achieve food security – and ensures its budget is spent on flood protection across the board.

CLA Director South East Robin Edwards said: “The Government says it values food security but we are never going to maintain it if prime areas of agricultural land are at horrendous risk of flooding.

“In the current economic climate there is a need to cut public expenditure but Defra and the Environment Agency must review their priorities if we are to maintain and improve our ability to feed ourselves.

“The Government must also make it easier for landowners to maintain those defences the Environment Agency can no longer look after.

“In some cases individual landowners are willing to take on the responsibility for defences but they become frustrated by huge amount of red tape and cost involved.”

The CLA said the Government needs to look at Internal Drainage Boards which have a track record of managing flood risks efficiently and effectively.

Mr Edwards added: “They work because they are run by people with a direct interest in preventing flooding.

“They are a perfect example of local decision-making that works and we need more of them. The Government must do all it can to encourage their creation in areas where they do not already exist.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Free Trip to London enjoyed

by Islanders

The free trip to London organised by Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP and supported by Southern Vectis and Red Funnel has been hailed a success that will be repeated, but it is hoped that the next one will take place in the run-up to Christmas later this year. Over 250 Islanders put their names into the ballot for 50 places, and the majority of those who travelled to the capital also took advantage of the opportunity of a free tour of the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Turner said: Everybody seemed to have a great time, despite a very early start – and it was good to see so many Islanders up in Parliament. We have had some lovely thank-you notes, one lady said “I was one of the lucky Islanders who went to London yesterday. What a great

day! Informative and enjoyable and we were well looked after throughout.”

“I am very grateful to Southern Vectis and Red Funnel for making this trip possible and they have both said they would be happy to do it again.

Depending on what can be organised we may aim to do it before Christmas as some people might like to use it as an opportunity to indulge in some gift shopping. Although places will be awarded by ballot again next time, I will look at ways of giving some preference to those who applied this time, but were unsuccessful, perhaps by putting their names in the hat twice.”

A spokesman for Red Funnel added: “The Company was delighted to support the London trip which appears to have been a great success”

JOIN IN THE FUN AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY Libraries across the Island are taking part in National Libraries Day on Saturday.

It is the third staging of National Libraries Day – and residents are being encouraged to help support the event at their local library.

Information on activities at Island libraries is available on the events section of iwight.com - or you can contact the libraries directly. * Lord Louis Library, Newport is creating a community book and would welcome your contribution.

If you have any recipes, crafts, creative writing or community information you would like to share, come along to the library.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be available from 10am to 12 noon. * Ryde Library has a visit from children’s author Philip Bell, creator of the popular Jack and Boo series of books. He will be there between 11am and 12 noon.

The Jack and Boo books are a mix of fact and fiction for children aged two to eight - perfect for bedtime stories and challenging reading for children in Foundation and Key Stage 1 of primary school. * Cowes Library is holding an 'Open day at Cowes Library' for people to come to see what the library has to offer. You can join, use the internet, borrow a DVD or an audiobook. You can also find out about the range of online resources which you can use at home or in the library.

Also at Cowes Library you can meet the Cowes Heritage Group members - and see part of their

exhibition 'Who do you think lived here?'. There will also be children's craft activities (10am to 2pm), and Huxley's Magic Show (3pm to 4pm). Refreshments will be available courtesy of the Supporters of CLG. * Freshwater Library is holding an open day to for visitors to learn what the library has to offer. There will be a chance to chat to the Friends of Freshwater Library, who will be providing tea and coffee. There will also be a display of paperbacks to buy. * Sandown Library is collecting stories and thoughts about the library in a special book created for the occasion. You are welcome to come along and tell other people what you find special about the library. All contributors will be given a drink and a slice of a special celebration cake, which has been baked to celebrate National Libraries Day. You will also be able to enter a draw to win the opportunity of borrowing a DVD free for every week of the year. * Ventnor Library is also producing a book to celebrate National Libraries Day. Come along and share your stories with the team and Friends of Ventnor Library. There will also be some music in the afternoon. * At Shanklin Library, an open coffee morning is being staged on Saturday for volunteers and friends of the library - as a thank you for their efforts in ensuring the town continues to have a library.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

MORE CASTAWAYS CONFIRMED FOR BESTIVAL’S DESERT ISLAND DISCO! Like a million amazing Saturday nights packed into four mind blowing days, we’re manically excited about all of the fantastic things that we’ve got lined up for Bestival 2014! Now that the cat is out of the bag about our totally tropical Deserts Island Disco theme, and the incredible OutKast headlining Friday night, we thought it was about time to divulge just a few more of our secrets to keep the excitement building! So prepare yourselves as we reveal two more brilliant headliners plus an array of awesome acts who will be marooned with us, partying like there’s no tomorrow this September 4th-7th.

Castaway In Chief Rob da Bank says, “Ahoy there shipmates and welcome to my desert island! Yes folks, HMS Bestival has set sail once more and we have finally landed back on the Isle of Wight for our 11th instalment - a Desert Island Disco. Foals were voted Best Live Act of last year and I'm delighted they'll be headlining the Saturday night – there’s no better indie guitar band in the UK right now. Also donning a grass skirt and mirrorball is a total icon of popular music and one of my favourite songwriters, Beck, plus disco darlings Disclosure, Diplo & his Major Lazer crew and all the hottest new bands from London Grammar to Clean Bandit. So get out of your deckchair and get ready to disco, my friends!”

Let’s face it, what we’ve announced already is enough to tempt any sane party-loving Bestivalite to join us, but we’re only just getting started! We’ve long been believers in supporting brilliant bands from the start, so it’s an utter joy to welcome back Bestival veterans & indie rock behemoth Foals, this time as Saturday night headliners! Since making their Bestival debut in 2007, Foals have gone on to become one of the biggest British bands of the past 10 years, with their third & most recent album, Holy Fire, charting big across the globe and earned them acres of critical praise, including NME readers’ Best Album Of 2013 and Best Track Of 2013. Recently tagged as, 'Arguably Britain's greatest live band at the moment'

by The Sunday Times, Foals are no strangers to wowing the

crowds and we can’t wait to see them owning our Main Stage.

Commenting on their headline set Foals said, “We couldn't be more excited & honoured to be part of Bestival this year; it's the perfect end to our touring for Holy Fire.

We promise a night of madness, mayhem & good times!”

Topping the bill on Thursday 4 th September is the exalted Beck!

With Morning Phase, his first album in six years, just about to drop and another one rumoured to be already done & dusted, Beck has a wealth of fantastic new material as well as a treasure trove of favourites spanning R&B, hip-hop and folk at his command but no matter what he unleashes on us, you know it’s going to be a perfect start to our Desert Island Disco. A mercurial talent with an uncanny knack of pulling at the heartstrings, Beck is guaranteed to get Bestival 2014 off to a flyer!

Dynamic sibling duo, Disclosure, have gone about this conquering the world malarkey in breathtakingly swift fashion and their return to Bestival is a reflection of their meteoric rise.

Playing our Main Stage on Friday night (before OutKast), the brothers will, no doubt, take the crowd to fever pitch and beyond with their already overflowing armouring of big hitters and dancefloor detonators, lifted from their number one album, Settle.

One of the biggest attractions aboard HMS Bestival last year, you can bet that Disclosure are going to get our Desert Island Disco bouncing. Don’t miss them.

Also guaranteed to send the Main Stage crowd into total frenzy, but this time on Sunday evening, will be the incomparable Major Lazer! Playing before our as yet to be revealed Sunday night headliner, Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire will be bringing the big cannons, firing off lashings of dutty dancehall and bountiful booty-shaking bass. With their Apocalypse Soon EP due to drop later this month, you can expect plenty of super fresh and upfront behaviour to get you Pon De Floor from one of dance music’s most adventurous live acts.

We’re not stopping there though... This Desert Island Disco is just getting started!

Also joining in the throng of cool

castaways will be the perfectly transfixing London Grammar, whose life-affirming brilliance really needs to be seen by absolutely everyone; Cumbrian four-piece Wild Beasts, whose imminent fourth album is already getting those in the know very hot under the collar; BBC Sound of 2014 and BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice 2014 winner Sam Smith, who will be returning to Bestival following a sensational set aboard HMS Bestival last year; genredodging sonic adventurers Caribou, whose main man Dan Snaith is in the form of his life; Official UK Top 40 chart toppers

Clean Bandit, whose electroclassical fusion is making them one of the most talked about bands around; synth-pop trio Chvrches, whose beguiling pop hooks will captivate all our island’s tribes; plus delectable chanteuse Laura Mvula, whose psychedelic tinged soul has already made her one of the UK’s brightest new stars.

There’s still plenty left to tell, from dazzling headliners to your new favourite band plus all the magic & mayhem you can handle, so point your peepers at www.bestival.net and our Facebook & Twitter for all the latest Desert Island action.

Clean Bandit

Disclosure

Sam Smith

Chvrches

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Six Month Countdown Begins Cowes Week Limited has published its Notice of Regatta for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2014 (2 – 9 August) which is already looking in great shape with well over 100 entries received before the end of 2013 and with more being registered on a weekly basis.

The popular Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 initiative, which was expanded to provide support to twenty under 25 yearold crews in 2014 when it was announced in November, has reached capacity this week with the full quota of crews. Aberdeen Asset Management look forward to welcoming all under 25 crews and witnessing an even more fiercely fought battle for the Under 25 Trophy this year.

Organisers are looking forward to a year of celebrations with the 80 th anniversary of the Victory Class, the 10th year of the reformation of the Quarter Ton Class, plus the 50th anniversary of co-ordinated race management by Cowes Combined Clubs at this year’s 188th Cowes Week.

On the water highlights include the inaugural European

Championships for the J/111 Class which takes place on the first 4 days of the regatta, a repeat of the successful 2-race-a-day format for the SB20 and J/70 Classes at the start of the Week, as well as the possibility of another Big Boat mini-series which, subject to demand, will be introduced for those boats taking part in the Round Britain and Ireland Race and wanting to take part in Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week too.

There are also a number of earlybird incentives on entries, berthing, ferry travel with Red Funnel, and through the accommodation agencies of Quay Management and Regattalets. In addition, regular entrants to the regatta are able to earn a 20% discount on their entry fee if they’re successful in attracting newcomers to the event. More details on all discounts are available in the Notice of Regatta and on the event website at www.aamcowesweek.co.uk which you can download by clicking here.

Follow the event on twitter at www.twitter.com/cowes_week

Island Trains Suspended Due to a landslip caused by heavy rain in the Sandown area, Island Line Train services have been suspended.

Heavy rainfall in an area not previously affected during the Christmas storms, caused a landslip in the Sandown area last Sunday (2nd February). The slip has been continuously monitored and whilst this only temporarily stopped trains from running at the time, the slip has continued to move and is now within a metre of the track.

Specialist engineers are assessing the situation this weekend to determine the time it will take to repair.

Because of this, the following changes will apply until further notice: A replacement coach service service will operate leaving Shanklin at 38 minutes past the hour and Ryde Esplanade at 50 minutes past the hour.

A shuttle taxi service is replacing trains between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head as trains are not able to run along the pier due to storm damage.

In additional valid rail tickets will also be accepted on Southern Vectis bus routes 2 and 3 between Shanklin and Ryde and return. Coaches are unable to serve some stations because of

limited road access and will call as follows: Ryde Esplanade – Bus Station Ryde St Johns Road – Station Car Park Brading – Bullring (towards Ryde) and Wheatsheaf Pub (towards Shanklin) Sandown – The Broadway bus stops, by junction with Station Avenue Lake – Monument bus stops, both sides of the road Shanklin – Station Car Park A spokesperson for the Island Line said: “We apologise to our passengers for the disruption to their services. The safety of our passengers and staff is always our number one priority and for this reason we have to suspend the service whilst we assess and repair the damage.

“Bus replacement services are in place to make sure people can travel to their destinations. Our engineers are working hard to fix the problem.

“The work carried out in January to repair the damage caused near Smallbrook Junction has remained intact and has stood up well against this current bad weather.

“We are providing updates for our passengers through our website and our Twitter feed and our staff are providing information and assisting passengers at our stations.”

** ARE YOU INTERESTED IN **

EXTREME WEATHER www.vectisweather.com

www.facebook.com/islandweather

Island Arts The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Your Fortnightly Arts Guide

“My ambition is to be able to offer full time courses in theatre studies” Send your arts news to kevin@iwmail.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 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

Amdram highlights The Apollo's production of Bennett's adaptation of his own memoirs, 'The Lady in the Van' is entering its second week.

The play, which features two husband and wife teams – director Marylyn Ford and leading man Colin Ford, and co-actors Paul and Fiona Gwinnett – runs next week from Wednesday to Saturday.

Wight Strollers' panto 'Robinson Crusoe' is being performed at Medina Theatre on February 15, 16 and 22,

and will raise funds for local charities.

Original Theatre's production of the Agatha Christie classic, 'The Hollow' is on at Shanklin Theatre from February 19 to 22, including a matinee performance on Saturday the 22nd. And there isn't a Poirot or Miss Marple in sight. New group Rockobella Productions is staging a new musical called 'Rumpy Pumpy' at the Apollo Theatre from March 6 to 9, which they are billing as a 'female Full Monty'.

THE ISLE OF STARS

Matt Reed is building a business that helps young people follow their dream.

He formed Wight Stars just over a year ago to offer theatre and dance training and performance, something that he benefited from when he was growing up on the Island.

Wight Stars is a not for profit, community interest company, and that principle is very important.

Matt said: “I grew up on the Island, and started dancing from the age of eight. I loved doing it, but my mum couldn't afford all the lessons, so Denise Palmer helped us out so I could join dance school at the age of 12.

“Thanks to her, my life was changed. I gained confidence, and got a career as a performer. Now I'm back on the Island and I want to try a and do the same for young people, because I know what a difference it can make.”

Wight Stars is based at Downside, at Pan, Newport

and has already run seven theatre academies at venues all over the Island, dance classes, holiday workshops, a summer school, and two major productions – High School Musical, which sold 1100 tickets at Medina Theatre, and the Wizard of Oz which was staged in the hall at Downside in December.

Now Matt is rebranding the business into two strands: Wight Stars Academy, for 11 to 18 year olds; and Wight Stars Juniors, for five to 10 year olds. He is also planning a new high level dance training, and provides Trinity grade musical theatre qualification training from ages eight to 17.

Matt said: “My ambition is to be able to offer full time courses in theatre studies. We have only just begun our journey, and the signs are that there is enough interest in what we are doing. We have lots of plans for the future, so watch this space!”

Festival pix Island photographer Lucy Boynton gets her first exhibition through the Quay Arts 'Open Up' scheme this month.

Images from the Isle of Wight Festival will be on display in the Quay's Rope Store Gallery from February 24 to April 12, then again at the Quay's Kashmir Cafe at this year's Festival.

'Camera on Kashmir' previews at the same time as the Kashmir Fringe Acoustic Originals event on Sunday, February 23.

Good timing!

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Island Arts

Immortal cells

Art lovers Valentines Day next week is not just an opportunity to show your love for someone by buying a big red card and a box of heart shaped chocolates – it's also a chance to show your appreciation of the arts.

English Heritage has cottoned on to the Valentines opportunity by organising a special event for its members, at Osborne House. The Victorian Valentines event includes a guided tour of the house, and an insight into Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's love story. The mind boggles...

And, of course, afternoon tea with a glass of something sparkling.

HTBI Anna-Helena McLean and John McKeever Photo credit Philippe Spall Kirsty Housley, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, is directing the national tour of 'How To Be Immortal', which is coming to Quay Arts on February 15.

Kirsty has worked all over the UK and internationally, and is an associate director with Complicite, one of the UK's best-known theatre companies.

The show is inspired by the extraordinary contribution to science of Henrietta Lacks, the woman who died of cancer in 1951 and whose cancer cells led to important

discoveries in the fight against the disease. The play features Clare Perkins, in her first stage role since a stint in Eastenders as the character Ava Hartmann, with Anna-Helena McLean and John McKeever.

The script was developed in association with scientists and weaves together three very different stories. It also features music based on a sound code extrapolated from DNA. For more information, go to www.quayarts.org

Meanwhile, Ventnor's version of Valentine is represented by events at Ventnor Arts Club, which promises to cater for 'people who are interested in the less traditional, even the darker side of love'.

Highlights include the movie '500 Days of Summer'; a talk by archaeologist and historian Anne O Nomis on 'The History & Arts of the Dominatrix' - if you hadn't already guessed Anne O Nomis is a wordplay on 'anonymous'; ‘Valentines in Vinyl’ with Billy May playing tracks from his collection of old and new vinyl; and the gypsy jazz band Cat Skellington.

For more info, go to www.ventnorartsclub.com.

Trails, Tales and Tunes for Carnival!

Following the exciting announcement last week that the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has been awarded funding from Arts Council England (Lottery funds) to launch a new 100 mile creative walk with a Carnival theme, an appeal for contributions to the accompanying creative App has been launched.

The Carnival Trail project has been devised by The New Carnival Company in conjunction with walking artist Ali Pretty and digital artist Richard White.

The trail links all the carnival towns and villages on the Island and celebrates the Island’s heritage as the first recorded English Carnival Tradition in the country.

Many of the carnivals on the Island are celebrating their 125 anniversary this summer.

The public walk, spread over 5 x 20 mile days during 3rd to 7th May, will be animated by mini carnival processions along the way involving local schoolchildren and carnival groups, plus a Carnival Trail Companion – a live social media experience containing stories and sounds of Island carnivals. The Carnival Trail Companion is open to contributions from all over the world. Richard White will create a sound park close to key locations along the route and geolocate some of the stories generated.

Frankie Goldspink, Participation and Learning Manager for The NCC said “this is a great opportunity to really promote the massive creativity and participation that is embodied in the Island Carnival Tradition. As well as

creating opportunities to participate in the creation and performance of The Carnival Trail, we are expecting digital contribution to the soundscape to come from across the world!”

The New Carnival Company wants to hear from anyone who has stories to tell.

Carnival makers, performers, marching bands, schools and carnival organisers, past and present, are being invited to take part.

The company are hosting a Public Launch meeting at The Learning Centre, Westridge, Ryde on Saturday 15 February at 10.30am.

Send us your 2014 event details

kevin@iwmail.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Island Arts

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

‘Lobbying Bill’ - Much Improved says MP Island MP Andrew Turner has welcomed improvements to the Transparency of Lobbying, NonParty Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill (the ‘Lobbying Bill’) made in the House of Lords. The Bill is designed to bring greater transparency to politics and how third parties interact with the political system, but it attracted severe criticism from a number of charities for some of the measures it contained. A major fear was that it would cover charities simply campaigning on policy issues, it has now been made clear that the legislation will only affect organisations campaigning for the electoral success of a particular political party or candidate – not those who campaign on policy alone.

The changes have been welcomed by charities and other groups including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, whose spokesman said, ‘The bill now provides a much more sensible balance than it did to begin with between creating accountability and transparency in elections while still allowing for charities and others to speak up on issues of concern’.

The cross-party Political and Constitutional Reform Select Committee (of which Mr Turner is a member) scrutinised the Bill and took evidence from interested parties before it passed through the House of Commons and made a number of recommendations. They sat in an emergency session last Tuesday evening prior to the Bill being discussed again in the Commons on Wednesday. The Committee were pleased that many of their recommendations had been accepted by the Government and reported, ‘Significant changes have been made to the Bill during its passage through Parliament. It is far from perfect, but it is undoubtedly better than it was’.

However the Committee also criticised the Government for the way in which the Bill had been rushed through Parliament.

There was a total of 97 amendments to the Lobbying Bill

from the Lords when it returned to the House of Commons, 94 of those were accepted on Wednesday. There are two major areas that are still to be resolved, which are whether staff costs should be excluded from the costs of political campaigning and what expenditure should be included in the limits that can be spent in individual constituencies. The Bill will now go back to the House of Lords for the issues to be debated further.

Mr Turner said : “Almost 400 Islanders have contacted me about this Bill. I thought it was originally very badly drafted and it is never a good idea to rush legislation.

However, the principles behind the Bill are sound; that there should be transparency on who is lobbying the Government of the day, and third parties should not be able to engage in political campaigning without being transparent and accountable.

Without such controls we would be in a similar situation to some other countries, where unregulated spending by vested interests means the candidate with the richest supporters wins the election.

This Bill is now much improved.

“I voted for staffing costs to be included in the calculation of how much is spent. I think that excluding such costs for third party organisations would be inconsistent, as political parties themselves must include them when calculating expenditure. I abstained on the amendments that dealt with what should be included in expenditure limits in individual constituencies – as the way the subsections were worded would introduce a great deal of bureaucracy and make the measures unworkable.

I will consider the details again when the Bill comes back from the Lords. “Charities play a vital role in the democratic process and the Bill as it is now will allow them to continue doing that, whilst ensuring that party political campaigning (which charities are prevented from doing by law) is transparent and everybody will know how much money is being spent.”

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NEW DOCUMENT HIGHLIGHTS HERITAGE AT RISK A new document has been published identifying heritage assets in the Medina Valley considered to be ‘at risk’ or ‘vulnerable’.

The document has been published by the Council in its role as local planning authority – and will be followed by similar documents for the Island’s other key regeneration areas of Ryde and The Bay. The document mirrors English Heritage’s national ‘Heritage at Risk’ register, but unlike English Heritage’s document it identifies grade II listed buildings and locally listed assets (including buildings/structures/parks and gardens).

The document will be used to inform and support planning approaches and policies, such as the Medina Valley Area Action Plan. It is hoped that publishing such a document will raise awareness of the Island’s historic assets and help secure their future.

All 441 listed buildings, structures, historic parks or gardens within the Medina Valley area were visited and subject to

visual assessment from the public highway, public rights of way network or public land.

The assessment was made on their condition and their occupancy, which when applied to an ‘assessment of risk model’ identified the level of risk faced by the asset.

The owners of assets included in the document were given the chance to comment and it has been emphasised to them that inclusion is not intended to criticise or blame, but to focus attention and to seek solutions, both within and outside the planning system.

The document can be accessed on iwight.com by clicking the Medina HAAR tab on the ‘Conservation and Design’ section.

Deputy Cabinet member with special responsibility for heritage, Councillor Roger Whitby-Smith, said: “Local heritage is at the heart and identity of places such as the Island - and this council is at the forefront in supporting community involvement in heritage issues.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Hospital Under Pressure The Island’s Emergency Department and Out of Hours Services are urging Islanders to make sure they have a sufficient supply of their regular medication and seek advice from their Pharmacist or GP or the NHS 111 before visiting the Beacon Health Centre or the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s. “It’s better to talk before you walk” says Director of Nursing and Workforce Alan Sheward. “St. Mary’s Hospital is currently under a great deal of pressure, the number of poorly elderly patients needing hospital care has risen over the past week and so we are reminding Islanders to assist us by only using hospital services if they really need to. I am sure people would much prefer to seek advice from their local pharmacy for minor conditions rather than sit and wait in the Beacon Centre. If it is something that can wait until they can get to see their own GP then it means their GP has access to their full medical history and is better informed to treat them.”

Across the South the number of people going to Emergency Departments, dialling 999 and

visiting their GP is continuing to rise year after year, and a significant proportion of these visits are for common complaints that are without the need for medical intervention.

People are encouraged to take more care with their health where possible by either asking their local pharmacy staff for advice, looking for advice on line (www.nhs.uk) or self treating using some basic medicine cabinet essentials.

GPs should be visited if you have concerns about a condition that will not go away, or is getting worse. It is important to visit your GP if you have a recurring condition that is affecting your ability to function on a day to day basis.

111 should be called if medical help is needed fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.

It's free to call from landlines & mobiles and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers, supported by nurses, paramedics & doctors, who are on hand to assess callers’ needs & ensure they receive the right service. It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and information.

Funding for Island Projects Welcomed Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP has welcomed the news that funding has been allocated to two important Island projects.

Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for the Department made a statement this morning in the House of Commons following the recent flooding and extreme weather.

Funding allocations for a number of projects were announced; included is an allocation of £200,000 in 2014/15 for further work to find the preferred solution to solve the flooding issues at Monkton Mead Brook together with a commitment for significant funds in future years.

There is also £100,000 for the Isle of Wight Council to produce a Coastal Strategy for the West Wight. Funding for the major work on tidal flood defences at Embankment Road, Bembridge kicks off in 2015/16.

The Government has also confirmed that both town and country will be defended – contrary to suggestions made recently by Lord Smith Chairman of the Environment Agency.

The full extent of the damage caused by recent weather has not yet been evaluated, and a rapid review will be carried out by the Government. Support will be given to affected areas under the Bellwin Scheme, a government initiative for local authorities to apply for funding to cope with the immediate response to unforeseen emergencies.

Funding will be increased from the usual 85% to 100% of costs and the threshold to apply for assistance reduced.

Mr Turner commented after the announcement: “The longstanding issues at Monkton Mead cause problems for many Islanders in the Ryde area. It is imperative that the

right solution is identified quickly and once it has been agreed that work to deal with the issues starts promptly.

This announcement moves that closer, along with the commitment to deal with tidal flooding problems at Bembridge.

“I also welcome the funding to look at the wider strategy for the coastline around the West Wight.

Many people are concerned about the cliff fall at Totland which has led to the closure of the coastal path and the Council has recently published a report into that specific problem. However it is also important to look at the wider picture. The area is key to our tourist trade and I know that many people will want to contribute to this debate. The suggestion that the countryside would be abandoned and protection provided only for towns was completely wrong – I am very glad the Government has now made that clear with this announcement of very significant amounts of money to assist the Island.”

Andrew Gilham, the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Manager said: “I am pleased that we have been able to secure funding for these important projects in 2014/15. We are committed to work in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, Southern Water and the island communities to reduce flood risk as much as possible with the resources given to us by Government.

“We have been working hard to identify options for reducing flood risk from the Monkton Mead Brook. This funding will enable us to conclude this work and is an important step towards starting construction work on site in the future.”

1 in 3 breast cancers are in women over 70 One in 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year are aged 70 or over. This age group also accounts for more than half of all breast cancer deaths annually, latest figures show. This age group also accounts for more than half of all breast cancer deaths annually, latest figures show.

This comes as Public Health England launches a new national Be Clear on Cancer campaign to remind older women ‘don’t assume you’re past it’, and to visit their doctor if they spot any changes in their

breasts. Surprisingly, two thirds of women aged 70 and over (67%) wrongly think women of all ages are equally likely to get breast cancer, when in fact a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases with age.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

EVENTS ACROSS THE ISLAND Come and build a SandmanSnowman The Isle of Wight will be well and truly “open for business” during the upcoming February school half-term, and it's offering a host of activities and events… including the fabulous SandmanSnowman event.

Scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23rd from 10.30am, the sand-sculpting event at Small Hope Beach in Shanklin doffs its Santa’s Hat to winter - as hot chocolate and carrots are dished-out in equal measure to anyone who attempts to build their own SandmanSnowman on the sands of Shanklin.

ELECTRIC WOODS Elsewhere over the school holidays, ‘Electric Woods’ on the Isle of Wight comprises a series of evening events, featuring a spectacle of themed light, colour and sound in a five-acre pocket of ancient woodland at Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens.

First-up this year is Spirit of the Orient - a stunning spectacle of Oriental themed light, sound and colour to mark the coming of the Chinese New Year during February’s school half term holiday. Set to run from Friday, February 14th to 23rd (5pm-9pm) entry costs £7.50/£6.50(concessions).

For more details, visit www.electricwoods.co.uk.

ENGLISH HERITAGE English Heritage, meanwhile, will be gearing-up two of the Island’s top attraction for another busy year of activity with special half-term events at both Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle.

‘Costumes and Crafts’ at Osborne House, for example, will give kids the chance to dress-up in Victorian costume and take part in craft activities under the watchful eye of Osborne House's Governess from Monday, February 17th to 21st, between 11am and 3pm. Members will gain free admission, while normal admission prices are £13.40 for adults, £8.00 for children aged 5-15, £12.10 concessions, and £38.80 for a family ticket.

The ‘Castle Quest’ activity at Carisbrooke, meanwhile, will take place every day from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd, between 10am and 4pm. English

Heritage members can once again gain free access, while paid-for admission prices are £7.70 for adults, £4.60 for children, £6.90 concessions, and £20 for a family ticket. Visit http://www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/southeast /isleofwight/ for further details.

ANIMAL ANTICS Animal antics on the Island are available at both Amazon World Zoo Park and the Owl & Monkey Haven this school half term.

Home to the Isle of Wight’s largest collection of exotic animals, Amazon World Zoo Park will will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with anteaters, meerkats, penguins and toucans; while the Owl & Monkey Haven recently announced the arrival of Ren, a critically endangered black and white ruffed lemur, and six Barbary Apes to its collection for 2014.

Still very much focusing on the younger visitor, Quay Arts in Newport will be telling the story of Arthur’s Dreamboat in its theatre during the half term holidays in a show that is suitable for 2-7 year olds and their families (www.quayarts.org).

SEND YOUR EVENT

DETAILS TO PRESS@IWMAIL.CO.UK

OR CALL US ON 01983 898838

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.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

EVENTS PROMOTED AT MAJOR OUTDOOR SHOW The Isle of Wight Council will be promoting two of its major events at the UK's largest outdoor exhibition show this month.

The council's events team will be speaking to visitors at the annual Telegraph Outdoor Show which is held at London's Excel Centre between 13 - 16 February.

They will be promoting both the Isle of Wight Walking Festival and the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival.

Both events are hugely popular and attract thousands of participants from the Island and the Mainland as well as Europe.

Shirley Smart is the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member responsible for tourism and said: "It is important the council continues to promote the Isle of Wight at major tourism events such as the Telegraph Outdoor Show.

"Many visitors to the show simply may not realise just what the Island has to offer for all ages. Our walking festival for example is Europe's biggest, while Lonely Planet Magazine described the Isle of Wight as one of the top 10

destinations in the world for cycling."

David Thornton, chief executive of Visit Wight added: "The Island’s landscape lends itself to all manner of exciting activities and adventure holidays and the Outdoor Show is the ideal place to exhibit and set up meetings with the big branded companies looking to extend their markets.

"This also fits a recent opportunity to partner VisitEngland on their 'Year of the Bike' campaign and we are delighted to be working with the Isle of Wight Council at the Outdoor Show to showcase our new Bicycle Island brand which capitalises on our reputation as number one of the world's top ten cycling routes."

The IW Walking Festival, which recently announced major satellite navigation firm Garmin as its main sponsor for 2014, takes places between 3 - 18 May, while the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is held between 13 - 28 September.

Record Breaking Wet January Early Met Office statistics for January 2014 show that the southeast and central southern England region has already had its wettest January in records going back to 1910.

A large area of southern England from East Devon to Kent and inland across parts of the midlands has already seen twice the average rainfall for the month.

Southeast and central southern England has received more than twice its average rainfall with 175.2 mm of rain from 1 - 28 January. This beats the previous record of 158.2 mm set in January 1988.

Further west across southwest

England the 222.6 mm of rainfall up to the 28th means January 2014 was the 5th wettest on record and the wettest January since 1995 (224.4 mm). The wettest January on record here was 1948 when 244.3 mm of rain was recorded.

For the UK as a whole over 164.6 mm of rain has fallen his month, 35% above the long term average, with all nations having above average rainfall.

We have seen quite a contrast from south to north across the UK, with northern Scotland having received 83% of its long term average rainfall last month, a sharp contrast to the 200% over southern England.

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THIS IS AN ORANGE ALERT – WE NEED YOUR HELP

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.

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.

Anyone wanting to get involved with Go Orange Day or for more details contact Barry or Judy on 401791 or 07821 854882.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE Topping off our Main Stage headliners on Sunday 15th June, Kings of Leon make a muchanticipated return to the Isle of Wight Festival for avery special Festival exclusive performance.

To be there and experience this epic weekend of music and excitement, get your tickets from www.isleofwightfestival.com now. With the Isle of Wight Festival payment plan and amazing ticket and travel packages available, it’s never been easier to be a part of the action.

Kings of Leon’s Grammy Nominated 6th studio album ‘Mechanical Bull’ entered the UK charts at number 1 and now they’re taking the top slot on the legendary Main Stage on Sunday 15th June.

John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter said: “It’s a rock ‘n’ roll weekend! Biffy Clyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leonrock the Wight!”

Travis said: “We’re made up that we are making a trip back to the Isle of Wight, last time was a top gig. There's a lot of rock and roll history gone down on that little island and it's great to be a part of it again.”

We’re also excited to announce appearances from a selection of the best new and established acts, including chart toppers Travis, Clean Bandit, The Specials and John Newman. What’s more we’ve got LA duo Deap Vally, half Scottish, half Swedish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, Mercury Prize nominees The Horrors, plus the hotly tipped Gorgon City and The Strypes, all performing over the weekend.

Choral rock outfit The Polyphonic Spree, From The Jam, featuring Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler and four-piece girl group Neon Jungle will be heading to the Island this summer. Along with, Swim Deep, Chlöe Howl and The Selecter. But if that wasn’t enough, we’re also pleased to have top producer and DJ Duke Dumont, indie rockers Peace, July Talk and iconic British band TheMove all on the bill. Finally, rounding off this spectacular list of artists we have Dappy, British pop-rock band Lawson and newcomers The Vamps...roll on June!

With an English Festival exclusive from Biffy Clyro on Friday 13th June, a UK & Ireland exclusive from Red HotChili Peppers on Saturday 14th June and now Kings of Leon on Sunday, we’re counting down the days until this incredible Main Stage line up lands on the Island.

As well as our world-class headliners, don’t miss a sensational set from Calvin Harris who closes the show on Friday night, which also features a guestperformance from Rudimental.

Notonly that, Passenger, The 1975 & The Waterboys will also all be appearing from 12th – 15th June.

Our awesome stages will be packed with the best of the best, so join us this summer for a truly unforgettable weekend.

Tickets are available now, simply head to isleofwightfestival.com and spread the cost with our popular payment plan, which returns for 2014 alongside various ticket and travel packages.

SEND YOUR NEWS AND PICTURES TO PRESS@IWMAIL.CO.UK

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

ISLE OF WIGHT HOLIDAY PARKS JOIN VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT BOARD

Cut Size of Developments MP Andrew Turner and Cllr.

Jonathan Bacon, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory issues in the Isle of Wight Council, last week met Nick Boles MP, the Minister responsible for planning and development.

The meeting was arranged following a debate last year in which the Island’s MP told the Minister he was concerned that the Island plan was not as flexible as it should be, saying “I am not convinced that changes to the core strategy document can be made as quickly and easily as was envisaged when the plans were brought in”. Cllr. Bacon said after the meeting “This was a useful opportunity to discuss a range of issues. One important point is that despite having a local plan in place (the Island Plan) the Council’s planning decisions have been overturned on a number of occasions by a planning inspector in respect of issues related to subjective judgment as to what is appropriate locally. This should not happen. The Minister was interested to hear of our experiences and asked us to provide him with some examples.

If he sees evidence that things are

not working as they should be he has undertaken to look at amending new planning guidelines that are due to be released shortly to allow local views to prevail. I hope that our meeting and the subsequent correspondence will provide a really positive outcome, namely that local decisions, properly made, will not be overturned by an inspector with no local knowledge.”

Mr Turner added: “I think the current target in the Island Plan of 520 houses every year is too high.

We discussed whether the target could be reduced, and I must say that the Minister was not overlyimpressed with that idea – although he accepts it is a local decision. He did though suggest a way in which larger developments, such as Pennyfeathers could be prevented - by putting a limit on the size of new developments. I’m pleased to say that Cllr. Bacon is going to look at whether that could be implemented. I am also going to do some more work to see what evidence would be needed to reduce the housing numbers. I thought it was a very useful meeting.”

Visit Isle of Wight has announced that a marketing group from the Island’s British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) are the latest sector to join the tourism industry Board.

With a product range that includes static caravans, camping, touring, motorhomes and holiday flats, the eight participating holiday parks that have joined the board under the BH&HPA sub group banner are Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park, Cheverton Copse Holiday Park/Heathfield Park, Grange Farm, The Old Mill Park, The Orchards Holiday Park, Sandhills Park, Waverley Park Holiday Centre and Whitefield Forest Touring Park.

In 2012, VIOW reported that tourism visitor spending has pumped an extra £20 million into the IW economy this summer. The headline figure in the third quarter report for the Island, put together

by Tourism South East, also showed the highest number of short-break (one to four nights) visitors in 8 years – 37% more than 2012.

The news came near the end of the first year that David Thornton had been at the helm of Visit Isle of Wight.

However, not all accommodation sectors saw a dramatic improvement last year and many of the Island’s holiday parks have set up a marketing group and are now working with the DMO to see what can be done collectively to improve the situation.

Research shows that when it

comes to making holiday choices, women are the key decision makers and as part of their spring marketing campaign, VIOW is running a series of printed and digital advertisements in national women’s magazines focussing on “small and friendly, independent holiday parks”.

David Thornton said: “In 2013, the static caravan and chalet market, which represents as much as a quarter of the Island’s bedstock, didn’t do as well as other areas and the Board recognised that it needed to work with this sector of the market to help it attract more visitors.

“These first-class holiday parks, independently owned and operated where the personality of each property is its key strength, will form the focus of the new advertising campaign”.

In addition, a new landing page for the parks promoting a range of value-added deals will be launched on the Visit Isle of Wight website to coincide with the advertising campaign.

Tim Gray of The Orchards Park has been elected BH&HPA DMO representative, while Cherry Sanders of Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park will attend monthly Marketing Panel meetings.

Tim said: “The Island has some of the best holiday parks in the UK and we are looking forward to working with Visit Isle of Wight and helping to market the Island as a first-class holiday destination”.

HILL FARM STABLES Riding school and pony club centre 01983 752502 / 07748 253899 www.hillfarmstables.com

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

ECONOMIC PAPER ANALYSES SCHOOLS PERFOMANCE The UK’s leading economic magazine, The Economist published an article analysing the performance of schools on the Isle of Wight and concludes that there are lessons to be learned from much more socially deprived areas like Tower Hamlets.

Cllr Chris Whitehouse, (Newport West) who speaks on education for the Conservative Group of Councillors said: “This is a fascinating article which draws the conclusion that as well as the mishandled school reorganisation, the Island has three fundamental problems which are quite surprising.

“The analysis concludes that the Island suffers because it lacks a large city, it has some but not many poor children, and it is almost entirely white. At first these findings are counterintuitive, but I am persuaded by the author’s arguments that the focus and drive of schools in areas like Tower Hamlets, which is much more socially deprived, have forced up standards hugely in recent years.”

The paper observes that the situation on the Island is consistent with the national trend that the largest group of underachievers are poor white students, and also observes that the situation on the Island is aggravated by a lower than average demand for skilled workers and the challenge of attracting good teachers.

The paper refers to Mrs Pat Goodhead, Principal of Christ the

King College, the only high school on the Island rated “good”

by Ofsted, who highlights the many job advertisements in local media for relatively low skilled jobs in the care and hospitality industry.

It goes on to highlight the success in Tower Hamlets where the culture of aspiration was changed in part by schools running programmes through local mosques.

It’s hard-hitting conclusion is that on the Island “there are fewer obvious institutions through which to try and improve the lot of the godless white majority.”

Cllr Whitehouse adds: “Let us be clear, however, the situation is not all doom and gloom. As Cllr Richard Priest and I pointed out in our joint statement, there is a new optimism in many of our schools. Most senior leadership teams accept and understand the problems that they have inherited and have robust improvement plans to ensure that they make the progress necessary. They now receive excellent professional support from Hampshire and Isle of Wight officers and robust but constructive challenge from Ofsted. As an Island we are on a journey, but at last it is in the right direction.

“Cllr Priest, who leads for the Independent Administration on Education, and I will continue to work together, putting all politics on one side, to deliver the progress that is necessary.”

Flood Response Review The Council is working with partner agencies to work on a flood response review and gather information relating to flooding incidents and other damage.

Information, from organisations including the fire service, Island Roads and the EA will be assessed to see how various agencies were able to respond to incidents.

It is intended that meetings will be held with affected communities following the collection of the information so that residents can be briefed on the roles and responsibilities of all agencies and how they can help themselves when flooding occurs.

Cllr Jordan, responsible for public protection said: “It's the council’s intention that by collating and sharing this information, we can help to ensure better preparations are

made in advance of such weather conditions being forecast.

“We have seen unusually high levels of rainfall which has contributed to the recent flooding incidents and coastal erosion so it is important we work closely with agencies and communities to see if there are steps we can take to ensure everyone is better prepared in future.”

Luisa Hillard, responsible for sustainability added: “The recent severe weather could be an example of climate change and we may therefore experience further warmer, wetter and windier winters. We must therefore take action to build resilience into communities and one of the outcomes of this flood response review will be the development of emergency action plans for the affected areas.”

ATTENDANCE LEVELS IMPROVE Latest figures show school pupil absence levels have fallen during the autumn school term when compared to 2012.

Between Sep - Dec 2013, attendance levels in primary schools improved by two percentage points when compared to the same period in 2012. This gives a total attendance rate of 96.39% which is above the national average.

In secondary schools, attendance levels rose by almost three percentage points to 94.2% which is in line with the average.

There was also good news for persistent absence rates in both the primary & secondary sectors.

In primary schools, the number of children persistently absent has more than halved to 3.14 % compared to the autumn period in 2012.

In secondary schools, persistent absence rates fell from 11.4% in 2012 to seven percent in 2013 during the same period. This means that 360 more primary pupils and 350 more secondary students are going to school more often when compared to the previous year. Cllr Richard Priest, Council Cabinet member responsible for children's services said: "It is no secret the Island has high levels of pupil absence, but these

figures for the autumn school term are very encouraging and bode well for the rest of the academic year.

"High levels of absence have a direct link to poor exam performance & we must build on this good news & drive absence figures down even further. I think the figures show that parents & schools are working better together & we need to build on this for the future, & continue to explain to children and young people the importance of going to school.

Support is available for families if problems are identified early & shared with schools.

"Schools are to be congratulated for their work in this area and are being supported by measures recently brought in by the council and its strategic partner Hampshire CC to tackle absences in schools. These include more training of school staff, the setting up of parental meetings when attendance levels drop below a certain level and strengthening the education welfare service."

Later this year, a nurse will be appointed to work directly with schools and the council's education welfare service to help families manage absences due to long-term illnesses.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Yachting Family Encounters Double Trouble A family’s Solent outing in a chartered yacht came to an abrupt halt on the 25th January after they encountered problems twice-over, requiring the urgent help of Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

The family, aboard the 35 foot Islana, discovered that not only had a rope become wrapped around their propeller but they were unable to retrieve the anchor.

The incidents occurred at Lepe Spit near the entrance to Beaulieu River. When the crew of Cowes lifeboat also had difficulty taking up the anchor they decided to cut

it free and tow the yacht back to Shepards Wharf, Cowes.

Later, as the anchor could be deemed a danger to navigation, the lifeboat returned to Lepe Spit.

There, despite increasingly choppy conditions, the crew eventually managed to recover it; then it was back to Cowes to restore it to the yacht.

The lifeboat had launched soon after 1 pm and the whole ‘shout’ had lasted 2 hours 20 minutes.

Aboard the Islana were a couple, two young children and a dog, from Kenilworth in the Midlands.

SCHEME TO IMPROVE CYCLING FACILITIES TO BE FINALISED Credit Isle of Wight Council

The Isle of Wight Council is working with local organisations including Community Action Isle of Wight and Visit Isle of Wight to boost cycling projects across the Island.

Using money from the local sustainable transport fund, plans are currently being finalised which would support cycle hire opportunities and the installation of more bicycle parking facilities such as racks, shelters and hoops. The scheme would see organisations, companies or private land owners bidding for individual grants which will be used to install parking facilities or set up or expand cycle hire services.

It is hoped by improving cycle hire and parking facilities across the Island, more people will be tempted to leave their cars at home and use bicycles for journeys, while also stimulating the tourism market and supporting local businesses.

Councillor Luisa Hillard is the Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for sustainability. She said: "We are very pleased to be able to support the community with grants that can boost not only tourism but benefit local people.

“The installation of more cycle racks and building a network of cycle hire businesses across the Island will support our aim to increase sustainable, low-carbon, forms of transport.

“I would urge B and Bs, pubs and cafe's on popular cycling routes to apply for these grants to encourage trade from the 'cyclefriendly' niche market. Town and parish councils can also apply to encourage cycling to the local shops.”

Organisations or businesses that may be interested in applying for grants are encouraged to register their interest with Community Action by calling 524058 or by emailing hello@actioniw.org.uk.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

United Nations endorses water charity Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, currently Administrator of the United Nations Development Program and muted to be the next and first female United Nations General Secretary after Ban ki Moon, took time out of her busy international schedule for a private meeting with Adrian Brewer, CEO of the Isle of Wight based International charity The RoTB Trust.

Amongst the many subjects discussed in relation to the situation in various parts of the world were the sanitation and water problems for nearly 3 billion people, varying from not having any facilities and supply at all, to the difficulties for women and children having to collect water in inadequate dirty containers from distances as far as 10 miles from their homes.

Today and everyday women in South Africa walk the equivalent of 16 times to the moon and back just to collect enough water for their familes.

(WHO) Helen Clark, reputed by Forbes magazine to be the 20th most powerful women in the world, offered to advance the use of the Rotary Water Barrel through agencies of the UN which the ROTB Trust already supply independently to numerous communities around the world.

‘The importance of women and children having sufficient clean potable water and adequate

sanitation cannot be over emphasised, it affects their health, education and general well being.’ said Helen Clark.

‘We need to work together, the NGO’s, agencies. charities and governments to ensure sustainable avenues of aid to improve the health and welfare of women and children around the world.’

‘In the 21st century water and sanitation must be the moral imperative if we are ever to help those communities lift themselves out of incomprehensible poverty.’ added Adrian Brewer. ‘to prevent desease and improve infant mortality, they need sustainable solutions, not just handouts.’

Adrian and Helen are expecting to meet up again to review the situation and how the RoTB Trust can become part of the solution.

‘One way we can move this forward is to build a strong base here on the Isle of Wight and from there move on and be recognised on the world stage.

We would welcome volunteers with varied experience to help with these problems which are not going to go away on their own.’

Adrian and Helen are pictured with one part of the solution, the Rotary Water Barrel. ‘This rotary barrel changes peoples lives in an instant’ add Adrian.

Helen Clark, UNDP with Adrian Brewer

Listen online

www.wightislandradio.com

VIEWS SOUGHT ON YOUTH SERVICES The Isle of Wight Council has launched a consultation on the future of its youth services.

As part of the council’s ‘Root and Branch review’ the local authority is keen to hear feedback from the public to help shape proposed changes to services.

Under the council’s proposals, the local authority would work with the voluntary and community sector, including town and parish councils, to deliver youth services. This would include services available to all young people and targeted groups.

The council would also explore opportunities for match funding to help local organisations provide a wide variety of youth services which may not be

possible using existing council facilities or services.

Richard Priest is the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member responsible for children’s services. He said: “These proposed changes are designed to help make services and activities fair for all young people. In developing the proposals we have considered the need to deliver modern and varied youth services that are that are accessible and inclusive.

“We also need to ensure young people get the right support, in the right place at the right time and know where to go for the right information and advice.

“I would encourage all users of youth services as well as local groups and organisations to take

part in the survey so these can be considered ahead of final proposals being published.”

The online survey is available on the council’s website at www.iwight.com under the consultations tab which is found by clicking on the ‘Your Council’ section.

A number of consultation events will also be arranged for town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, parents and carers and young people throughout January and February.

Details of these events will be posted on iwight.com once dates and venues have been confirmed.

The consultation period ends on 28 February.

IOW FREEADS FREE Introduction to Fostering Course, 10th February 1 – 3 pm at The Riverside Centre The Quay, Newport. Call Sarah 01983693923 STREET Dance classes starting in Newport, Bembridge & Brading.

Ages Groups from 6-9, 9-14 and 14 Plus.. Hope all can come, unlock the street dancer in you!!

Tel: 07732 155439 BLUES at Quay Arts with award winning Texas Bluesman Eugene Hideaway Bridges + The MoonShiners. Friday 14th March.

7.30pm. Tickets - £11/£13 Box Office 822490 FREE Training offer for Isle Of Wight* We are offering this package to support your business and provide your staff with four qualifications:- Awards in H&S, COSHH, Fire Safety, Food Safety.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Lifeboat Crew and Firemen Take the Strain for a Good Cause It was all-go for the RNLI at Cowes last week, as members enthusiastically participated in the organisation’s nation-wide annual SOS Day. Local firemen were persuaded to take the strain, visitors flocked to the station in unprecedented numbers, and the lifeboat crew were only too willing to demonstrate their man-overboard capabilities.

Meanwhile the local Murray’s restaurant raised more funds for the charity with a ‘Soup and Sandwich’ offer, and another eatery, Eegon’s, delivered sandwiches for the crew at the station.

An unusual high-point of the station related attractions was a tug-of-war on The Parade.

At one end of the rope were five retained firemen, who had brought along their appliance as backdrop; at the other were five lifeboat crew members. Of the three contests the ‘lifeboaters’ won two – but really this was more of a fun event than a test of muscular prowess.

The lifeboat crew also drew a crowd when they showed how they recover a person in the water; the ‘casualty’ being Robbie Southwell. There was more entertainment when the crew and their Atlantic 85 ‘Sheena Louise’ received an unexpected hose-down from the firemen.The least comfortable

role for a crew member was, however, assumed by Graham Creagh, who walked about the town encased in the RNLI’s stiflingly heavy ‘Stormy Stan’ outfit.

Of the many visitors to the station was Natasha Lambert, the plucky 16 year old cerebral palsy yachtswoman who has been a valuable fund-raiser for the RNLI through her amazing exploits.

As well as being shown around the station by lifeboat members, visitors were able to part-take in refreshments provided by Linda Bird and Julia Mainstone, both members of the station’s growing visitor team.

Another Cowes SOS event was a quiz, staged at the Pier View public house earlier in the week. Summing up the Cowes involvement in SOS Day, station operations manager Mark Southwell said: “It is undoubtedly the most successful Open Day we have staged, thanks in no small part to the way it was professionally organised by crew member Laura Hodd.

“And, thankfully my real fears that The Parade might become flooded by an usually high tide proved groundless. As a result both the fire brigade and HM Coastguards, not to mention the public, were able to support our event without any problem.”

Credit: Nick Edwards

Bicycle Repairs, Servicing, Parts, Custom Builds and Restorations

07962 373277 www.alsbikes.com

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Wight Sports Isle ofIsle Wightof Studio School prepares to open with appointment of Head Teacher

Preparations for the opening of Isle of Wight Studio School have taken yet another leap forward with the appointment of a Head Teacher.

Richard White, currently deputy principal at a successful academy in Northampton, has been chosen for the role. He will work alongside Executive Principal, Christian Down, to ensure the school’s 14 to 19year-old pupils get the very best in academically rigorous and career focussed education.

An experienced school leader with a passion to see students achieve their full potential, he has a proven track record in connecting education with business. He will take up his post from April, working behind the scenes to mould the curriculum in association with local businesses and ensure everything is ready for the first influx of students in September.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to playing a part in a new chapter of history for education on the island.

Having come from an academy school, I have first handexperience in the kind of academically rigorous education that will make Isle of Wight Studio School a success and

first choice for 14-19 learning in years to come.”

Christian Down, Executive Principal, added: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to the Studio School team. His energy and enthusiasm for the Studio School model is just what we were looking for. His experience and care for students as individuals will make him an excellent leader for our new school.”

Mr White’s appointment is the latest in a recent flurry of developments for the Isle of Wight Studio School, set to open in September this year.

Earlier this month the school, via its sponsor The Inspire Academy Trust, sealed the deal on its funding agreement with the Department for Education.

The Trust has also signed a lease with Isle of Wight council for the building in Grange Road, East Cowes, and work on the transformation of the school is due to start imminently.

Places are still available for young people currently in year 9 to start at the Studio School this September.

More information about how to apply can be found at www.iowstudioschool.co.uk

MP organises Flood Meeting Andrew Turner has organised a meeting for community representatives to discuss recent flooding on the Island with senior representatives from Southern Water and the Environment Agency. Council officers working on the response to the floods are also set to attend and Island Roads have been invited to send a representative.

The Island’s MP took the initiative after a number of people affected by the floods told him they had experienced problems getting responses from Southern Water and the Environment Agency about what was being done to ensure that further heavy rainfall would not lead to their homes and businesses being flooded again.

Mr Turner said: “Some of the stories from the recent floods have been heartbreaking.

People have seen their homes

and businesses they have built up swamped with dirty flood water – and in some cases, sewage. I have been told people are having sleepless nights, terrified when they hear rainfall.

The response by the various agencies has been patchy, ranging from very good to nonexistent.

“There have been problems across the country, but I wanted to make sure that Island communities have a chance to question senior people in Southern Water and the Environment Agency. I am very pleased that council officers will also be there and I hope that Island Roads can also attend.”

In the first instance Mr Turner is contacting every Town and Parish Council on the Island to ask them to nominate two representatives from their area to attend the meeting and IW Councillors will also be invited.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

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Isle2014 of Wight Sports BESTIVAL announces first headline act... plus this year's fancy-dress theme If you thought that last year was HMS Epic then the return of Bestival promises to blow you out of the water! Yes indeed, you may recall that when last we met we were all aboard the good ship HMS Bestival. Since that heady weekend we have sailed far into uncharted waters on a voyage of exploration and discovery, picking up rebels, misfits, artists & prophets, but alas we have run aground...

Now, beached upon the warm sands of a tropical paradise our lookout peers through the palms fringing the beach - he sees a stone temple in a clearing, surrounded by bamboo & palm roofed shacks. He hears the distant sound of drums on the breeze and sees tiny tribespeople moving & shaking. And there, in the middle of it all, the source of his confusion, is a giant bloody disco ball….

This, my friend, is Desert Island Disco.

And you are very welcome!

Kicking off with a frankly magnificent headliner and our very best fancy-dress theme yet, believe us when we say Bestival is going off big time this September 4th-7th... And you’re gonna want to be with us!

Rob da Bank says, “Hey ya! By the power invested in me as chief Bestival booker, I'm pretty darn excited to announce that OutKast are headlining Bestival this year!

We've fought hard to get the recently reunited legendary hip-hop duo onto the ferry... And it's no ordinary ferry this year as Bestival goes Desert Island Disco for 2014. Palm trees, grass skirts and mirrorballs are the order of the day. It truly is gonna be the Bestival yet!”

Levels of excitement are beyond stratospheric in the Bestival bunker because one of our all-time favourite duos, OutKast, have not only reformed but they’re also coming to headline Bestival, laying down the sickest flows they know in one of only two UK festival appearances!

From Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik to Idlewild, Andre 3000 & Big Boi have consistently delivered booty-shaking brilliance; their live shows are the stuff of legend and their comeback is undoubtedly one of the most feverishly anticipated this century, making Bestival a golden opportunity to catch the most popular, innovative & downright amazing hip-hop force on the planet! As you can probably tell, we’re just about as pleased as we’ve ever been that the Gs have returned and part of their 20th anniversary celebrations are going to be with us! BRING. IT. ON! It’s just the beginning, there’s a whole desert island of disco infiltrators to reveal, with THREE more headliners, plus wild attractions & mind-blowing treats that will astonish and thrill your very being to the core. So pay heed to www.bestival.net

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Isle of Wight Sports

UK & IRELAND PERFORMANCE EXCLUSIVE The Isle of Wight Festival 2014, are extremely excited to announce a UK & Ireland exclusive performance from the award winning Red Hot Chili Peppers. Road Trippin’ to the Otherside of the Solent to headline our Main Stage on Saturday 14th June, this will be their ONLY show of 2014 on our shores. What’s more, it’s the first UK festival appearance from the critically acclaimed quartet since 2007, yes 2007!

Don’t miss your chance to be there…tickets are on sale now, head to isleofwightfestival.com.

Red Hot Chili Peppers said: “To headline the Isle of Wight Festival is a once in a lifetime opportunity, following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. When we were offered the slot, we jumped at the chance…it will be our only show in the UK/Ireland this year…so we intend to make it really special.”

John Giddings, the Festival’s promoter said: “Finally- we’ve got them! One of the most exciting rock bands of the modern era come to visit…and judging by the performances I have seen previously, will be a highlight in the music history of the festival…Rock the Wight!”

Having released a staggering 10 studio albums, Red Hot Chili Peppers have won over a generation of music fans from coast to coast. Since forming in 1983, their definitive sound has

propelled the LA four-piece to become one of the most diverse and successful bands performing today. Now, they’re ready to take the Isle of Wight Festival by storm on Saturday 14th June…Bring it on.

Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joining an already scorching line up, which features an English festival exclusive from Friday Main Stage headliners Biffy Clyro, plus superstar Calvin Harris who closes the night; there’s even a special guest set from electronic outfit Rudimental.

With more performances from Passenger, The 1975 and The Waterboys, 2014 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. We can’t wait to see you all in Seaclose Park from 12th – 15th June.

With fields full of new and exciting things, expect an incredible mix of fun, surprises and hidden treats ready to be discovered, as well as some old favourites. There’s loads of accommodation, from camping to glamping, so round up your mates and get ready to set sail on a mini adventure you won’t forget in a hurry. To get your tickets and experience the Isle of Wight Festival in all its glory, simply head to www.isleofwightfestival.com.

You can also spread the cost with our popular payment plan, which returns for 2014 alongside various ticket and travel packages.

PLANS TO TACKLE ALCOHOL RELATED ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Consultation is due to begin on plans to bring in areas in four towns which would allow police to confiscate alcohol from people if they are causing anti social behaviour.

Should the 'designated public place orders' - or DPPOs - come into force, they will cover large parts of Sandown, Brading, Lake and Shanklin.

The orders give police powers to take alcohol away from anyone who is deemed to be causing a nuisance or annoyance as a result of drinking alcohol. They are not a total ban on drinking alcohol in public areas, meaning anyone who drinks responsibly can continue to do so.

Areas included in the DPPOs are Culver Parade, the Esplanade, the High Street and

Los Altos Park in Sandown and Languard Manor Road and the Esplanade in Shanklin. All beaches and slipways in the towns are also covered. In Lake, roads include The Fairway and Lake Cliff Gardens, while in Brading, the High Street, Station Road and New Road are amongst those included. The consultation begins on Jan 31 and runs until 28 February. It will be available on the council's website iwight.com from 31 January under the 'Consultations' section which is found by clicking on the 'Your Council' tab on the home screen.

Once the consultation is completed and the views considered, a final report will be taken to an upcoming licensing committee meeting.

Cowes Lifeboat Tasked to Unmanned Breakaway Yacht

A Solent training session for Cowes RNLI lifeboat took on a more serious aspect last night when it was tasked to the scene of a yacht that had slipped its moorings and was going aground near the entrance of the Hamble River. The alert came from Solent Coastguards who had learned that the 25 foot Solent University 1 was being left stranded on the shore near Hamble Point Marina.

When the lifeboat, helmed by

Patrick Moreton, arrived on the scene at 8.45 pm it was decided all they could do at the time was to help stabilise the boat by putting out its anchor.

The lifeboat then left the scene, satisfied that members of a local boatyard would be able to tow the boat to safety at high tide, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. It appeared the yacht was undamaged from its breakaway episode.

New public service information website Whitehouse Consultancy, run by Isle of Wight Councillor Chris Whitehouse (Conservative, Newport West) has launched a new free-access online service providing a digest of public service information and news.

The agency’s new Public Service Information website will provide daily news updates and analysis of developments in public policy, also summarising news stories from the national and specialist press.

The website, which will be found at www.publicserviceinfo.co.uk and tweet using the handle @PublicService_i, is intended to serve individuals, charities, associations and businesses with interests in public policy.

Chris Whitehouse, said: “Our

goal is to pull together the vast amount of information that exists and offer a single easy to access forum for information on what is going on the public sector and expert analysis on its significance.

“Understanding what is going on is critical to any involvement in the political process, and reforms to public services make it more important than ever for organisations and individuals to be aware of the environment they’re operating in. This website is a tool to help make sure such organisations are informed and understand public policy, which in turn will help them to be more engaged, identify opportunities or recognise and protect themselves from potential threats.”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Isle Wight Sports ISLE OFofWIGHT COUNCIL SETS OUT KEY PRIORITIES IN BUDGET PROPOSALS A mix of major savings and key initiatives to stimulate the economy are being proposed in the Council’s budget strategy report for the next three years.

The report is due to be considered by the various scrutiny panels, before going before the Cabinet on 11 February and Full Council for adoption on 26 February.

Details of the strategy are published in a joint report from the leader of the council, Councillor Ian Stephens and Cabinet member, Councillor Jon Gilbey.

The overall vision of the council is to put people first and operate it in an accessible, transparent and inclusive way, working with business, partners, communities, residents and visitors to make the Island a better place to live, work and prosper. The report sets out key the priorities of the administration, with keeping children safe, improving education and growing the economy and tourism at the heart of what it wants to achieve.

Measures proposed or highlighted in the report include the following: Allocate £150,000 next year to schemes supporting young people into pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships and supporting people over 50 to start up their own businesses. Continue to promote the case for the inclusion of the whole Island in Assisted Area Status designation (currently status has been secured for 28 of the Island’s 38 wards). Additional £2.25m for children’s services.

Introduce an islandwide residents’ parking permit from 1 April 2014.

Continue to promote the Isle of

Wight Expansion Fund, launched in January 2014, making £2.46 million of grant funds available to Island-based businesses. Continue to develop the council’s commitments of £4 million towards projects promoting and underpinning the IW economy. The council has matched £1 million of private sector investment to create Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre Ltd, a joint venture company to develop a tidal energy test facility off St Catherine’s Point. The council has committed £3m to the installation of superfast broadband, ensuring the Island will be one of the best connected areas in the country.

Committed investment of £340,000 a year to Visit IOW. The report is proposing no increase in the Council’s council tax precept next year – although due to the scale of savings the council faces, £28m over the next three years, the possibility of a referendum on council tax rises above the current government capping level of 2%, is being considered for 2015/2016.

The council must find savings of around £28m over the next three financial years. Proposed savings and ways of generating income to help deliver council services over the next three years, to include the following: Fees for leisure, recreation and public spaces to be increased from 2014/2015.

Working with town and parish councils to develop policies and strategies for services the Isle of Wight Council can no longer afford to deliver. The introduction of fees for adult passengers using the Cowes chain ferry.

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Savings through management restructures, process reviews and combining council functions.

Potential saving from combining or collaborating with another fire and rescue service from 2016/2017.

Several savings options previously considered have not been put forward in the budget: Additional on-street pay and display parking charges will not to be implemented in 2014/2015 Savings from removing blue badge concessions in car parks will not be implemented.

The budget also proposes the use of council reserves and balances to a level of £5.84 million for the next two financial years.

Ian Stephens, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “The scale of savings we are facing has meant that this has been an extremely difficult budget to put together.

There has been much soulsearching due to the magnitude of the task, but among the difficult decisions have come opportunities for us to do things differently as we focus on our visions for the future.

“Our priorities have been developed by going out into the community and listening to what our residents, town and parish councils, businesses and partner organisations have to say. Coupled with our detailed root and branch reviews of council services, this has enabled us to put forward a budget, which in very difficult financial times, makes the very best use of our resources for the benefit of the Isle of Wight.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Isle of Wight Sports

LAUNCHING VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT’S ACOUSTIC ISLE From 7pm on Thursday 13th March, get ready to re-live one of the best summer weekends of 2013, as the Isle of Wight Festival brings its new FREE music event, Festival Fringe, to the Blacksheep Bar, recreating a slice of the Festival’s iconic vibe. Kicking things off for VIOW’s, Acoustic Isle, which runs from 13th - 23rd March, you can expect a fun-filled night bursting with musical performances and artistic talent.

Head to www.visitwight.org now for more information.

The world famous Isle of Wight Festival has a history jampacked with legendary performances from some of the biggest acts & DJ’s and is renowned for championing local and new talent. At the first major Festival of the season, year on year, thousands of happy-go lucky festivalgoers to come together in Seaclose Park for an unforgettable weekend.

Join us, for Festival Fringe on 13th March at the launch of Acoustic Isle, and bring back your favourite memories from 2013.

First up, Festival Fringe welcomes Marlee King (the daughter of Level 42’s Mark King) a young fresh talented singer from the Island, doing "funked up acoustic covers" in her own distinctive style. Next to take to the stage is Charley Macaulay from Southampton; a young talent signed to Acid Jazz Records, bringing her mature soulful retro sound to the Blacksheep Bar on 13th March.

Plus, the exciting Acoustic Isle launch night will also see a set from local talent and gifted singer songwriter Joe Gladdis.

And, if that wasn't enough, The White Bicycles, an ambient electro trio from Falmouth in Cornwall who combine electric

guitar layers, sparse drumscapes and melancholic poetic vocalswill also perform on the night. The Blacksheep Bar will be holding acoustic gigs throughout the Acoustic Isle’s 11 day event.

Across the exciting 11dayevent in March, Visit Isle of Wight’s Acoustic Isle will build on the Island’s musical heritage with around a hundred performances by Island musicians, who will come together with a series of intimate gigs in local pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants John Giddings, Isle of Wight Festival promoter said: “We had a great year at the Festival last summer, with some fantastic talent across our three stages, so it’s fantastic to be working with VIOW and bringing highlights from our weekend to Festival Fringe and launching the Acoustic Isle series.”

David Thornton, Chief Executive, VIOW said: “We are delighted that this new initiative to attract more visitors to the Island outside the main season is being supported by the Isle of Wight Festival.

“Acoustic Isle and the Festival Fringe are fantastic opportunities to showcase both talented local artists and mainland musicians.

“The Isle of Wight Festival brand has been crucial in growing the Island’s appeal over the years and we are very happy to be working with John Giddings and his team..

The start of Acoustic Isle is fast approaching and countless performances are now being finalised in preparation for the event. Join us for the Festival Fringe launch night as we celebrate with a not to be missed showcase of new & emerging talent.

FLIES THE FLAG FOR TOURISM The Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) exhibitions group is flying the flag for tourism by participating in a range of UK and overseas holiday exhibitions.

These shows which comprise of exhibitors from destinations, attractions, entertainment, accommodations and places to eat, attract thousands of visitors all looking for information and inspirational ideas for future trips & group travel itineraries.

In January, a team from the Island attended Vakantiebeurs the largest tourism and recreational fair in the Netherlands, which provides opportunities for all tourismrelated industries from around the world and the general public to meet travel operators, hoteliers, and transport operators, to conduct business and develop worldwide networks.

NATIONAL FUNDING APPLICATION he Isle of Wight Council has submitted a bid to Sport England for funding aimed at boosting sports participation in several towns.

Sport England has made millions of pounds available under its Community Sport Activation Fund with the intention being that organisations across the country provide grassroots sporting activities at a local level.

Should the bid be successful, the council will look at setting up a diverse range of sporting activities in Ryde, Sandown, East Cowes, Ventnor and Newport, encouraging the local community to take part.

The council's bid is supported by members of the Isle of Wight Sports and Physical Activity Group.

The sporting activities will be aimed at all ages and be across the board. This will include events purely for young or older people, working mums or single parents for example. The sports could range from the mainstream such as football, cricket and racquet

sports, to fitness activities such as yoga, Zumba and spin-fit.

Councillor Luisa Hillard, the council's Cabinet member responsible for sustainability said: "At a time when the council is facing severe financial pressures, this potential grant to provide sports activities will be very welcome should the local authority be successful in its bid.

“As Cabinet member and also the ward member for East Cowes, I am very proud of how local residents have pulled together to support the application. For example in my ward there were strong letters of support from myself, Queensgate Foundation Primary, the Studio School and the town council. Community spirit is alive and well."

The council will also look to work with local organisations should the bid be successful.

These would include the voluntary sector such as sport or community clubs.

Sport England are likely to let the council know in April if its funding request has been accepted.

Council Budget priorities questioned The priorities underpinning the budget plans being proposed by the Independent Controlling Group have been questioned by the Conservative Group of councillors.

The Conservatives met last weekend to analyse and plan their response to proposals tabled for consideration at the Cabinet Meeting on 11th February.

Cllr Dave Stewart, Conservative Group Leader, said “We hadn’t intended to publish a full alternative Budget and still don’t, but having considered the Independents’ proposals we have to question some of their priorities.

“For example, it simply doesn’t seem right for taxpayers to have to fund the salary, pension and other costs of trade union representatives whilst at the same time the Independents are cutting all funding for school crossing patrols from the summer of this year.”

The CG are now preparing a number of alternative proposals which focus on business support and protecting residents, full costings for which will be now be worked up with officers of the Council. “Our amendments to the Budget proposals will be published as soon as we’ve done a rigorous financial analysis” continues Cllr Stewart, “but we’re determined the Island’s children won’t be put at risk by a complete end to Council

provision of the school crossing patrols.” The Independent Budget proposes continuing to fund the cost of trade union representatives, but Cllr Whitehouse said: “The Independents’ Budget Paper states that keeping children safe is their top priority, so how can they possibly want to abolish all the school crossing patrols but keep in place the costs of Unison union reps? Unison should pay for its own reps. It is unacceptable that they should be funded in this way by putting at risk children’s safety.

“We are calling on all parents, governors and head-teachers to contact their local Councillors to object to these dangerous cuts.”

With the Independent Administration publishing their budget proposals for 2014/15 Conservative members now have an opportunity to challenge and consult to ensure the right choices are made, explains Cllr Stewart.

“Many of the proposals we have now seen we are able to support because in many cases they continue the policy & direction set by the previous Conservative administration. We have targeted our proposals at supporting town centres and small businesses to develop jobs and growth; ensuring the safety of islanders, particularly children; and supporting tourism to grow the economy”

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

VISIT Isle ISLE of OFWight WIGHT Sports PEDDLE THE ISLAND TO CYCLE TOURISTS Newly appointed to Visit Isle of Wight, Tom Ransom, who was employed through the Isle of Wight Council’s successful Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) bid, is busy wheeling out a set of exiting tourism opportunities around holidays by bike.

Cycle Tourism is growing all over the globe with a wealth of stunning routes being developed to capitalise on the economic benefits. Tom moved to the Island from New Zealand where he was involved in the NZ government’s 60 Million dollar NZ Cycle Trail scheme. Now keen to put this experience to good use, he is currently developing branding and marketing plans to ensure the Isle of Wight is at the forefront of the cycle tourism movement.

Tom says “2014 is the Year of the Bike, with a perfect storm of interest in cycling gripping the nation” and Tom believes the Island has some world class cycle routes, “the round island and our cycle ways on old railways are assets that have real potential to pull new visitor to the Island if we get the marketing right.”

And modern cycle tourists have an impressive spending profile: Tom says “Cycle tourists nowadays are looking for high-end accommodation and back-up services like baggage transfers and they are prepared to pay well for it.

It’s less about speedy Lycra super heroes, more about active over 50’s using comfort bikes on four night tours. That way, they can relax and enjoy our stunning scenery and have lots of opportunities to stop and spend.”

Tom has also sent out invites to a Cycle Tourism workshop on 18th February between 11.30 and 14.00.

It’s a chance for the Island tourism

sector to learn about opportunities for their businesses and see how Visit Isle of Wight’s “Bicycle Island” brand is developing.

Speakers will present on cycle tourism case studies from the UK and overseas and after lunch, the workshop sessions on Bicycle Island will kick off.

Tom says “So many people on the island have worked for years to develop cycle business and routes on the Island. It’s important for them to be involved in the next phase of the industry’s development.”

Anyone interested in attending this or future cycle tourism workshops should contact Tom for an invitation and further information – he is available at Visit Isle of Wight on 01983 201048.

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Champions volunteer Ensuring patients get the best quality care possible at Isle of Wight NHS Trust is the aim of a new, ground-breaking ‘Quality Champions’ initiative which was launched on Friday (31 January) when 75 of the Champions attended their induction day.

Over 100 Quality Champions from across the organisation have so far come forward to help ensure that the Trust’s vision of ‘quality care, everyone, every time’ is delivered across all areas of work. The Champions will do this by promoting and raising awareness of the Trust’s quality goals, which include the continued development of a culture of care, teamwork, improvement and innovation.

The Champions will meet with Trust Executive members every month, as an opportunity to discuss their thoughts, share good news of their team’s successes and raise any issues. The overall aim is to ensure a culture of quality across all areas of the Trust, with the expected values and behaviours becoming an important part of staff appraisals and the recruitment process.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 7 th February 2014

Isle of Wight Sports