Issue 31 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

The Island's free community newspaper

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DAY TICKETS FOR SATURDAY

Top Ratings for Island Beaches

SOLD OUT!

Enjoy the Bank Holiday Weekend

Camp Bestival Circus Tour 2014

A UK & IRELAND

PERFORMANCE EXCLUSIVE

The legendary Isle of Wight Festival has now sold out of day tickets for Saturday 14th June 2014, featuring the only UK performance of the year from Red Hot Chili Peppers. - Page 2

TECHNOLOGY INSIDER – TAKING A LOOK AT THE LATEST CHIP AND PIN MACHINES

ISSUE NUMBER 31 18th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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BEACHES GIVEN TOP WATER QUALITY RATINGS The Isle of Wight Council has welcomed the results of the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) annual Good Beach Guide survey.

The survey reports on the standard of bathing water at UK beaches, with each beach given one of four ratings for water quality. The quality of bathing water is measured against standards set by the European Bathing Water Directive.

The MCS top rating is 'recommended' where water quality is described as excellent, followed by 'guideline' then 'mandatory,' which means the water meets the minimum quality required, with the lowest rating being 'fail' with water quality not meeting minimum standards.

On the Isle of Wight, 14 beaches, 11 of which are maintained by the council, were rated, with 12 achieving the top 'recommended' rating.

Shanklin received a 'guideline' rating, which is up from 'mandatory' in 2013, with Bembridge given a 'mandatory' rating, one below what it achieved last year. No beaches were given a fail.

Gurnard and St Helens improved their ratings from ‘guideline’, while Ryde beach was rated as ‘mandatory’ last year. All three are now rated as ‘recommended’.

Shirley Smart, the Isle of Wight Council Executive member responsible for tourism said: "The Isle of Wight is well known for its fantastic beaches and it is very pleasing that 12 beaches have been given the top rating by the Marine Conservation Society, 11 of which are maintained by the council.

"This news is very timely ahead of the main tourism season and is a welcome boost."

Under the separate but prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards scheme, the Isle of Wight currently has the highest amount of award winning beaches in the country. It has four Blue Flag beaches and 13 Seaside Awards, giving a total of 17 awards.

Sandown - Recommended

Yaverland - Recommended

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL SATURDAY DAY TICKETS SOLD OUT

The legendary Isle of Wight Festival has now sold out of day tickets for Saturday 14th June 2014, featuring the only UK performance of the year from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Taking place between 12th - 15th June, the line up also boasts headline appearances from Kings of Leon and Biffy Clyro, plus Calvin Harris who closes the show on Friday night. Weekend tickets are still available from www.isleofwightfestival.com, priced at £190. The Isle of Wight Festival is the place to be this Summer – BE THERE! Festival Promoter John Giddings says: “I am hardly surprised that the Saturday day tickets are the first to sell out….The level of excitement for the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been huge since we announced their exclusive appearance this summer, but there are 99 other bands ( at least ) to enjoy, so come on the Thursday and make it a long weekend…mon the biff!!”

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers will be treated to performances from Suede, Rudimental, Fall Out Boy, Katy B, Tom Odell, Travis, Passenger, Ella Eyre, Boy George, Clean Bandit, Duke Dumont, plus many more.

As well as amazing music, campers can soak up the atmosphere in Hot Tubs with Bathing Under The Sky, or discover a world full of surprises in the Bohemian Woods.

Life’s a Beach is our real beach, back with all the fun and games of the seaside, combined with live music, DJs & cocktails. While over at the Intoxicated Tea Rooms experience a whole new meaning to high tea.

Check out www.isleofwightfestival.com to get your hands on weekend tickets and for all the latest on what’s in store.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Red Funnel shows support for annual Isle of Wight Memorial Ploughing Match

6 April, saw the annual Isle Of Wight Memorial Ploughing match take place at New Wolverton Farm, Shorwell, and spectators turned up in their masses to marvel at a range of ploughs and support the community event.

Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries was the title sponsor for the Memorial Ploughing Match, which first began at Mottistone Manor Farm back in 2009 to remember four respected ploughmen. The ploughmen were a great asset to farming and sadly passed away in 2008. Today, proceeds from the event are donated to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice charity to help further its work and support. The match is now one of the premier countryside events on the Isle of Wight, with a unique and friendly atmosphere. The event raised a total of £3118 for Earl Mountbatten Hospice to help them continue to provide vital end-of-life healthcare on the Island.

Organiser, Karen Sheath, commented “The ploughing match idea was originally thought up to remember Steve,

who was himself a keen ploughman. The passing away of three further ploughmen changed our ideas slightly and we decided to have one match to remember them all. Everyone has supported the idea as a great way of remembering some very much loved people. The idea of raising money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice at the same time has been greatly received as everyone seems to have known somebody whose lives have been touched by the care shown at the Hospice.”

Featuring horse drawn ploughs, vintage tractors and their modern equivalents, the Memorial Ploughing Match makes for an enjoyable day out for all the family, and a rare opportunity to learn about the Isle of Wight's agricultural past and present.

Karen Sheath, continued, “Despite some testing conditions, everybody seemed to have a smile on their face. The horse ploughing attracted the crowds once again, and we are very grateful to Red Funnel for sponsoring the horses travel to the Memorial Ploughing Match this year."

Lifeboat Involved in Drama A report that a police officer and a woman were in the sea at Cowes led to the launching of the local RNLI lifeboat on the 13 th April The woman, believed to be in her 30s, had gone into the water at the Cowes terminal of Red Funnel. A police officer who witnessed the incident immediately stripped off some clothing and dived into the sea. With the officer holding tightly to the woman, the pair began to be swept down the harbour by the strong ebb tide. He managed, however, to get her to the Island Sailing Club pontoon where the lifeboat crew sprang into emergency care action.

Crew member Dr Will King, together with a surgeon colleague from St Mary’s Hospital, attended to the female who was unresponsive at the time. She was assessed, given oxygen, warmed and conveyed by stretcher to a waiting ambulance.

The policeman, wrapped in blankets, was taken to the lifeboat station to recover from his heroic ducking. v

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx With torrential wind and rain hitting the Island’s already saturated ground after the wettest December and January in nearly one hundred years, Island Roads staff had another extremely busy week tackling more of the most challenging conditions seen on the Island.

Scores of roads were overwhelmed by the volume of rainfall. Drainage teams were dispatched to pump water from drains that couldn’t cope with the sheer quantity of water going into them. Blackwater Road, Calbourne Road, Harding Shute and Merstone Lane were all closed as water levels made them impassable.

Over 50 trees fell across the Island in areas such as Hale Common, Brighstone, Alverstone, Shanklin, Wroxall, Ventnor, Calbourne and Freshwater. Island Roads crews were quickly dispatched to clear any highway obstructions.

In preparation for the exceptionally high tides, over 700 sandbags were dispatched to Yarmouth, Newport Quay

Cowes to help protect numerous properties from longer term water damage.

Island Roads staff also supported the efforts of IW Fire and Rescue Service by pumping around 14,000 gallons of water from drains in East Cowes to protect properties from flooding.

Street cleansing teams were then deployed to the worst affected areas to ensure the majority of businesses were able to trade as normal.

Island Roads Service Director Paul Herbert said, “Once again, the combination of strong winds, heavy rain and high tides, on already saturated ground created some extremely difficult conditions for residents.

“Our employees and supply chain partners remain committed to keeping the Island’s roads safe and have become very accustomed to dealing with these extreme weather emergencies.

“We continue to respond to the challenges posed by the prolonged extreme weather conditions which have not

HIGH NUMBER OF PARENTS GET FIRST CHOICE OF PRIMARY

From Wednesday 16 April parents on the Island will found out if their children have secured a place at one of their chosen primary schools for the next academic year.

This year over 97 per cent of parents have been allocated one of their preferred primary schools, with 95.1 per cent allocated their first choice.

The Isle of Wight Council received 1,213 on time applications for the Island’s 41 primary schools, with 92 applications accepted after the closing date. This compares to 1,135 on time applications last year, with 97.4 per cent of parents allocated their first choice school.

Offer letters will now be posted to all parents - those who applied online before the published deadline will be notified by email.

Parents who submitted late applications will be contacted by the council’s admissions team with the best possible offer from schools with available places.

Any parents who wish to appeal against the refusal of a school place can do so with the local council via an appeals process, which will be explained in their offer letter. Each appeal is then considered by an independent panel, which will make a final decision that is binding.

Councillor Richard Priest, Executive member for children’s services and education, said: "We are delighted that the vast majority of parents have secured places at their preferred schools.

"Unfortunately it is never possible for everyone to get a place at their school of choice, however our admissions team will work with parents to secure a place at an alternative school, as close to the child’s home as possible.

"We are using this admissions data to better inform future decision making. We must be mindful that in six year’s time these children will be moving into the Island’s secondary schools and although some fluctuation is inevitable, we need to take this data into account and work with schools to help them plan for the future."

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Be prepared, Choose Well and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend Local people are being urged to consider the full range of NHS services available to them in the event of becoming poorly over the bank holiday weekend, and to plan ahead now to make sure they have a sufficient supply of their medication.

Between Friday 18th and Monday 21st April all GP Practices on the Island will be closed. This means that any requests for repeat prescriptions need to be made well in advance. The Beacon Health Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital have previously seen an overwhelming number of patients contact them requesting a repeat prescription for their regular medication as they had not checked their supply in advance and had run out over the Easter break.

The Beacon Health Centre provides a service over the holiday weekend however it should not be used for routine and ongoing health problems including the issue of repeat prescriptions. For minor conditions advice should be sought from your local Pharmacy wherever possible or the free to call NHS 111 helpline. Advice and information is also available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.

Dr Mark Denman-Johnson, Medical Director of the Beacon Centre, said: “We expect the Easter Holiday weekend to be busy as people visit the Island and return home for Easter but anyone concerned about a medical condition should contact their GP before the holiday weekend if it is getting worse, will not go away, and especially if it is significantly affecting their daily activities.”

Dr Denman-Johnson continued: “The volume of patients we have previously seen attend the out of hours service requesting a routine

repeat prescription could have been avoided with some thought beforehand.

“It is important people take responsibility for their own medication and make sure they have a supply available at home at all times and enough to see them through the four day weekend. I am sure patients would prefer to be out enjoying themselves rather than waiting to see a GP in a very busy clinic. Unnecessary visits to the Beacon Centre put an even greater pressure on our services and can mean that some people have to wait that bit longer to see a GP.” Common complaints which can be treated at home with advice from the pharmacist include: Skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema * Coughs and colds including nasal congestion and sore throat * Minor cuts and bruises * Constipation and haemorrhoids (piles) * Hay fever and allergies * Aches, pains, such as headaches, earaches and backaches * Indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms * Period pain and thrush * Warts and verrucas, mouth ulcer and cold sores * Athletes foot * Nappy rash and teething.

The 111 service, which is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, should be called if medical help is needed fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. 111 is free to call from landlines and mobiles and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers on the Island, supported by nurses, paramedics and doctors, who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service as quickly as possible.

It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and info. The NHS 111 service on the Island is fully integrated with other Island health and social care services.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

NEW FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES TEAMS

A new base for two of the council’s children’s services teams was officially opened on Wednesday 9 April by the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Ian Ward and Cllr Richard Priest, Executive member for children’s services and education. The Contact and Assessment Team and a newly created Intensive Support Service are now based at a property on Fairlee Road, Newport which has been refurbished to provide an improved environment for social work teams to work with children, young people and their families.

The building includes a number of rooms which have been designed to make children and young people feel more comfortable during meetings with social workers or supervised visits with their families. For the first time, there is a dedicated room for older children and young people. The room includes sofas, TV and stereo and a variety of games including table football and a games console. There is also a kitchen area for parents and young people to use while at the centre, and plenty of play equipment for a range of age groups, from babies to teenagers. There is also dedicated free parking for people using the services.

The Contact and Assessment Team was previously based at a building at Clatterford Road, Carisbrooke where there was only one room for children and their families to meet with social workers for assessments and supervised visits. The new facility provides nine rooms. The building at Fairlee Road is also a base for the newly created Intensive Support Service which works with children and young people to help them remain at home with their families and to prevent the need for children to be taken into care.

The service also works with social workers when a child is returning to the Island from a placement on the mainland or where there is a planned rehabilitation to their family.

Councillor Richard Priest, Executive member for children’s services and education, said: “It is really important that we provide a comfortable environment for children, young people and their families when they are going through what can be a very unsettling time.

“This investment in these new facilities demonstrates our commitment to driving up standards within children’s services, one of the council’s key priorities.”

The opening was also attended by Stephen Handforth, area director for Isle of Wight children services, Rob Winfield, operational service manager, Lisa Graham, team manager, specialist services and staff from the Contact and Assessment Team and Intensive Support Service.

Six charged with fraud after HM Customs seize three tonnes of tobacco Four men and two women, appeared in court on Wednesday (9 April) charged with evading tobacco duty, following an operation in central Southampton on Tuesday.

Almost three tonnes of hand rolling tobacco was seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigators, working alongside officers from Sussex Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, at a residential property in Southampton. The estimated excise duty evaded is around £560,000.

Tian Yang (37), Shu Lan Lin (41), Hua Wang (37), Yun Wang (30), Hui Xue (24) and Jia Min Shi (25) were charged at Southampton Central Police Station on Wednesday morning, before appearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court. All six were arrested on Tuesday (8 April) by HMRC investigators on suspicion of the fraudulent evasion of excise duty.

A seventh person, a man (33) from Maidstone, Kent, was arrested nearby by Sussex Police officers, on suspicion of money laundering.

The officers also seized £6,900 in cash. The man was later released on bail until 27 July while enquiries continue. On the following day, Wednesday (9 April), Sussex Police officers arrested an eighth person, a man (35) from Sompting, West Sussex, also on suspicion of money laundering. He was later released on police bail until 28 July while enquiries continue.

Yang, Lin, Wang, Wang, Xue and Shi have been charged and remanded in custody until Friday 2 May 2014.

Investigations are continuing and no further details can be given at this stage.

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Island Arts Your Fortnightly Arts Guide The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Textile designer Marina Ignarski grew up in Hong Kong and London, but now lives and works on the Isle of Wight, where she is developing a range of designs for the fashion industry.

Send your arts news to kevin@iwmail.co.uk For event listings on our site email press@iwmail.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 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

Emerging together Up and coming artists Laura Hathaway and Howard Hardiman showcase their work at Quay Arts from Saturday, April 26, at Quay Arts.

Their joint exhibition, 'Line and Shade' is the outcome of a collaboration that began in their Start Up Studio residency last year, reinforced by mentoring from Art Advisor Jonathan Parsons.

Laura's sculptures and Howard's drawings and paintings have been developed to complement each other, and there is a chance to hear the creative process behind all this, when Jonathan interviews both of them in a free gallery discussion on May 10. For more details, go to www.quayarts.org

Make or Break weekend The contemporary craft fair 'Make or Break' is on at the Depozitory, Ryde, over the Easter weekend.

Organised by Foal Arts, the event features jewellery, ceramics, printmaking, glassware, textiles, and free family workshops, with food and drink from 'granny's cafe', too.

Exhibitors include Sue Paraskeva, Little Joy, Neil Tregear, Ed Boxall, Carly Mann, Kate Bishop, Edna Coatsworth, Gillian Chapman, Steve Hillier, Chris Jenkins and Joanne Hummel-Newell.

Quite a line up … Doors open 10am to 5pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Send your arts news to kevin@iwmail.co.uk For event listings on our site email press@iwmail.co.uk

First-time director is 'Stepping Out' Some familiar names and faces as well as some new names are taking to the stage in June for Trinity Theatre’s production of ‘Stepping Out’, the comedy play about the endeavours of an adult tap class, written by Richard Harris.

The story revolves around eight people from different backgrounds who attend the same weekly tap dancing class in a dingy church hall.

At first, they treat the classes as social occasions, and show little co-ordination. But things can change …

The cast includes Maria Wilkinson as the teacher; Helen Clinton-Pacey as the pianist; Sophie Warwick as Lynne; Ruth Lyons as Dorothy; Amanda Gregory as Maxine; Emma Wright as Andy; Thomas Ferguson as Geoffrey; Val Michalska as Sylvia; Mavis Enderby as Rose; and Caroline Reynolds as Vera.

Amanda Barnley, who appeared in the sell out success 'Calendar Girls' at the

same theatre, said: “I chose this play as it is one of my favourites, and I have seen it performed both professionally and on the amateur stage. It's a lovely story with plenty of humour, but also with very human stories.”

In her first full role as director, Amanda is also choreographing new routines and updating/ adapting the class tap routines.

'Stepping Out' is at Trinity Theatre, Cowes, on June 19, 20, 26, 27, and 28.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Island Arts

Natural inspiration Textile designer Marina Ignarski grew up in Hong Kong and London, but now lives and works on the Isle of Wight, where she is developing a range of designs for the fashion industry.

Marina, who also loves acting and singing on the amateur stage, did a work placement at Anna Sui in New York as part of her university studies, and says that gave her the confidence to set up in business.

Now she lives away from the big cities, she draws her inspiration from the natural world, and says there is nowhere better to be than the Isle of Wight.

Marina Ignarski Designs now offers around 300 digital designs and screen prints, as well as embroideries, and Marina says there is plenty more to come.

Marina, who lives in Shorwell, said: “I get my inspiration from nature, florals and nostalgia, and my designs are all hand drawn using oil, pastels, water colour and charcoal, then cleaned up using computer software.

To view Marina's clothing collection, go to www.printallover.me/collections/marina-ignarski

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Book of the Fortnight

Featured books with a connection to the Isle of Wight

EXOCET FALKLANDS The Untold Story of Special Forces Operations

This is a revelatory account of three untabulated special forces operations, PLUM DUFF, MIKADO and KETTLEDRUM, that were tasked to destroy Argentina’s Exocet missiles during the 1982 Falkland’s campaign. In that context alone, this book is of international military importance.

Using previously unknown material and through interviewing key players who have remained silent for 30 years, Ewen Southby-Tailyour has finally established the truth: that it has taken so long reflects the sensitivities, both military and personal, involved.

Interviews with the SAS officer commanding Operation PLUM DUFF and members of the reconnaissance patrol for Operation MIKADO, have allowed the author to describe the tortuous events that led to a significant survival story. The RAF pilots ordered to conduct an ‘assault landing’ of two Hercules onto Rio Grande air base during MIKADO have spoken of the extraordinary procedures they developed: as have the commander of the SBS and the captain of the British submarine involved in Operation KETTLEDRUM.

To celebrate the release of Exocet Falklands, we've teamed up with Pen & Sword Books

FOUR COPIES TO GIVE AWAY! To enter the draw to win a copy, all you have to do is answer this simple question: “The RAF pilots ordered to conduct an ‘assault landing’ of two Hercules onto what airbase?”

Just email your answer to press@iwmail.co.uk to be entered. Draw closes at 23:59 on April 30th 2014.

Pen and Sword Books LTD

http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/

Exocet Falklands is a groundbreaking work of investigative military history from which many salutary lessons can be learned.

Ewen Southby-Tailyour was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1960 and played a leading role in the Falklands War. Since retiring in 1992 he has concentrated on his sailing and writing careers and has authored a number of books on military history.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

4000th Member on the 4th day of the 4th month of the 14th year!

Congratulations to Arthur Dunkley from Cranmore, near Yarmouth, who became the 4,000th new member of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust on the 4/4/14!

Mr Dunkley, who was presented with a hamper to mark the occasion, commented, “I was introduced to the membership by a friend as I believe it is important to keep services local to the island as travelling to the mainland takes a lot of effort, time & money, particularly if you are not feeling well. Also, to quote a song I sang when in a choir many years ago ‘if I can help somebody as I pass along then my living shall not have been in vain’ ”.

Isle of Wight NHS Trust is recruiting members to provide feedback and improve participation in healthcare on the Island.

The Membership programme is part of the Trust’s drive to improve the quality of services and become an NHS Foundation Trust bringing

important benefits to the Island and its patients. Mark Price, Foundation Trust Programme Director and Company Secretary remarked: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone. We are overwhelmed by the response and support we have received so far but want to encourage even more Islanders to become Members as we want to recruit another 2,000 members by April 2017.”

By becoming a member you can have your say in what we do and it is up to you how much or how little you are involved. It is anticipated governor elections will take place in the autumn and any member aged 18 years or over is entitled to stand or vote, membership is free to join and anybody is eligible from 11 years of age.

Please don’t delay, join today: www.iow.nhs.uk/membership Email membership@iow.nhs.uk or call on 01983-822099 ext 5703

Minister to visit IW to hear Islanders’ views on MCZs The Island’s MP has said he is very pleased that a Minister from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) George Eustice MP is set to visit the Island following a wide-ranging discussion about Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).

MCZs are protected areas to help conserve the diversity of our marine environment; the first 27 areas were designated in November last year.

DEFRA recently announced 37 new areas as potential candidates for consultation in early 2015 to be designated as MCZs, six of them around the Isle of Wight. Mr Turner was contacted by a number of Islanders who, whilst understanding the need for protection of the seas and seabed that surround the Island, raised concerns about the details of the areas selected and what designation would mean in practical purposes.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Turner said: “It is important to note that these are only candidate sites – even DEFRA do not necessarily expect all of them will go forward. Unlike on the mainland, these proposals potentially affect every single Island resident as we all need to cross the Solent, and a great many Islanders rely on the sea to earn their living or for recreational purposes. It is in

everyone’s interests that the marine environment is properly protected and the need to take account of the social and economic impact of these zones is enshrined in legislation, so the secret to taking this forward successfully will be in getting the balance right.

“It is not always easy for individuals or small businesses to respond to formal consultations so I was particularly pleased that George readily agreed to come down to the Island to hear views both for and against the proposals for himself. I will also be ensuring that the constructive comments that have been sent to me are fed into the process, so that they can be taken into account before the detailed proposals go out to consultation.”

Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: “We want to protect the marine environment so our seas are healthy, sustainable and productive. Last year, we designated 27 Marine Conservation Zones. Evidence is being gathered on a further 37 candidate sites before we decide which to consult on in future.

“I look forward to continuing my discussions with Andrew later this year and to listening to local communities’ views about protecting the marine environment around the Isle of Wight.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Vote to End Mobile Roaming Charges The European Parliament has voted to end ‘roaming charges’ made by telecoms companies when people use their mobile phones in other European Union countries.

Holidaymakers, business travellers and people working overseas will no longer face rip-off charges for using their mobile phones. Roaming charges on calls, data and text messaging will now be cut from 1 July 2014 and abolished from 1 Jan 2016, bringing huge savings to consumers and businesses.

The measure, which has been backed through its progress by Labour, eventually won the backing of 600 MEPs with only UKIP of UK MEPs failing to back the end of roaming charges. Labour MEP Candidate for South East England, John Howarth, said: “Roaming charges have been a financial deterrent that has stopped people using their mobile phones when travelling. Increased call and

data volumes are likely to more than cover the losses to telecoms companies from these unfair charges for which whatever justification there was disappeared long since. It is good news for people on holiday, for business and for the friends and relatives of people who are travelling, making it less expensive to stay in touch. By failing to back the proposals UKIP have once again let down British people and British business.

“Along with the EHIC Card entitling British people to free health treatment anywhere in the European Union and the lower cost of travel insurance that flows from that, the lower cost of air travel since the market was opened up to competition and improved consumer rights for people booking holidays it is one of the real benefits of being part of Europe and a bonus for every family and every business travelling abroad.”

John Howarth

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

Guitarist undertakes 1000 mile ‘Cycling Music’ concert tour What started as a bid to cut down his carbon footprint, has become a 1000 mile bike ride for world class guitarist Richard Durrant who will cycle between concert venues with his entire stage show, guitar and lights packed into panniers and a bike trailer. The show equipment is high tech, lightweight and low energy.

For his career as a professional musician Durrant estimates he travels in excess of 35,000 miles with UK tours, forays into Europe and an annual visit to South America.

He said “Touring musicians tend to leave a fairly massive carbon footprint - so for me this is payback time. Having been a regular cyclist for years I wanted to see where a tour by bike would take me, both geographically and musically.”

Richard begins his Cycling Music Tour on May 1st with a concert at The Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham and travels through Sussex with a brief stop on Isle of Wight as he works his way up to Yorkshire where he links in the with Le Tour preparation. On the 1st June there is a Doncaster gig the same day as a large Cycle Festival in the town. Richard and Sean the head south through East Anglia and back through London where they join the London to Brighton ride. The tour ends in Sussex with a final week of concerts and school visits.

ISLE OF WIGHT DATES: - Friday 9th May at the Bargeman’s Rest, Newport 8.30pm free show - Sunday 11th May The Dairyman’s Daughter, Arreton 2.30pm free show

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Andrea Has All-Action Lifeboat Stint on the Thames Cowes lifeboat crew member Andrea Vaughan found action a-plenty when she did a twoday stint at an RNLI lifeboat station on the River Thames in the heart of London.

She believed she would just be an observer during her two 12-hour shifts over last weekend at the floating Tower station, near Waterloo Bridge.

Instead, after learning that they happened to be short of a volunteer crew member, to supplement the two full-time crew members on duty, she readily agreed to make up the number.

Then came the first ‘shout’, to Golden Jubilee Bridge early Saturday evening; a young girl was threatening to jump into the river.

Although the police finally managed to stop her jumping, this was to be just the first of three would-be jumping incidents that night. The next, at 1.45 am on Sunday, involved a man who was spotted on the wrong side of the railings of Chelsea Bridge.

At the request of the police the lifeboat approached silently so as not to distress the man while police officers spoke to him. While these negotiations were going on the lifeboat was tasked to another bridge where there was another potential jumper.

However the police had brought him off the rails before the lifeboat arrived.

Then it was back to Chelsea Bridge, where at 3.30 am the man suddenly ran across to the other side of the bridge and jumped into the river.

The lifeboat quickly dashed to his aid. “The man, in his early 20s, was heavily built but the helm, Kevin Maynard, and I finally managed to get him aboard, and wrap him in blankets,” recalled Andrea.”

He was taken to Cadogan Pier where he was placed into the care of paramedics.

Kevin, who firmly believed they had saved the man’s life, said, “Despite only being in the river a short while, the man had swallowed a lot of water and was really struggling.”

After finally catching some sleep in a bunk aboard the floating station, Andrea became part of the RNLI team on Sunday, taking part in an exercise involving the fire brigade.

“The whole weekend was certainly much more than I expected, and the crew are very professional,” said Andrea, who has been a volunteer with Cowes lifeboat for over two years. “I was told one of the volunteer crew members attached to the Tower station for three years and had never had a possible jumper incident. Yet I had had three! And Keith said he was really pleased with my contribution.”

www.wightislandradio.com

13

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

CAMP BESTIVAL’s TRAVELLING CIRCUS TOUR HITS THE ROAD! Celebrating Camp Bestival 2014’s circus theme, Team CB are super-excited to announce the ultimate in amazing events for all the family – the Camp Bestival Travelling Circus Tour!

Visiting Portsmouth, London, Bournemouth, Winchester, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Bristol and Brighton in May & June 2014 (full dates below), each event will feature the Camp Bestival DJ crew plus special guest DJs and a whole host of different amazing circus-themed activities, competitions, face painting and arts & crafts guaranteed to entertain all the family, so there’s no excuse not to round up the kids and come along to check them out! Working closely with Big Fish Little Fish, Let’s Make Art, Southampton City Art GalleryAspex Gallery, MyMiniDisco, Halo and Quay Arts we’ve hand-picked the best creative minds in every town that we’ll visit to make these very special family events happen. Each leg of the tour will feature unique talents, amazing spectacles and fun-packed interactive activities to dazzle and delight.

The tour will kick off in Portsmouth at Aspex Gallery with Camp Bestival ringmaster Rob da Bank behind the wheels of steel with cool music for cool kids, a supersized ghetto-blaster, art workshops, face-painting, food & drinks, fancy dress, candyfloss and other surprises!

Once we wave goodbye to the good folks of Portsmouth, we’ll be zig-zagging across the south coast in our Travelling Circus convoy, bringing the good times to you each step of the way - juggling, pulling funny faces and doing acrobatics wherever and whenever we can. All the events are listed below - don’t forget that, as well as all the Camp Bestival magic & mayhem, we’re working with amazing local talent in these great venues so make sure you come along and join in the family fun!

CAMP BESTIVAL’s CIRCUS TOUR Sat 10th May Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth 12pm-3pm, Sun 11th May The Bedford, Balham 2pm-4.30pm, Sun 18th May Shapes, Hackney Wick 2pm-4.30pm, Sat 24th May Halo, Bournemouth 2pm-4.30pm, Sun May 25 No. 5 Bridge Street, Winchester 2pm-5pm, Mon 26th May City Art Gallery, Southampton 10.30am2.30pm, Weds 28th May Quay Arts, Newport, IOW 1pm-3pm, Sat 31st May The Goods Yard/Yurt Lush, Bristol 11am-3pm and Sun 1st June Tremendous Tipi, Brighton 3pm-5.30pm

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

NETTLECOMBE FARM GO THROUGH TO THE 2014 VISIT ENGLAND AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE Nettlecombe Farm on the Isle of Wight has secured a place in the finals of the prestigious VisitEngland (VE) Awards for Excellence 2014.

After winning Gold earlier this year at the regional Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards, Nettlecombe’s Corner Cottage has been shortlisted by VE in the Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year category at national level.

The Awards celebrate the very best England has to offer and the winners of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a glamorous, black tie Winners Award Ceremony at Cheltenham Race Course on Monday 12 May where they find out which award they have won: either Gold, Silver, Bronze or a Highly Commended Award.

Nettlecombe is a working farm situated half a mile from the quaint village of Whitwell, and offers luxurious self-catering accommodation, coarse fishing, yoga retreats and function barn hire. The farm has been in the Morris family for over 100 years, and serves as the perfect holiday base to explore the Island. An important objective of the VisitEngland Awards scheme is to maximise the publicity and marketing benefits of being a winner. As a winner, Nettlecombe will be entitled to display an awards logo on their literature and website.

Jose Morris of Nettlecombe commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to find out that we are in the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence; here at Nettlecombe we live by our motto of “continuous improvement”, which is obviously paying off.

“Seeing this award on our website means that potential visitors will immediately be aware of the nationally recognised high standards we maintain. It is also a well-deserved pat on the back for our excellent team for all their hard work and efforts.”

Finalists for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence are rigorously assessed by independent assessors and judged by a board of tourism industry experts.

Carefully chosen by a judging panel, the finalists represent the finest in the industry and include a wealth of attractions, accommodation providers, tourism experiences, Tourist Information Centres and businesses that have shown complete dedication to developing the excellent standards of English tourism.

Each finalist is guaranteed to receive a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended in their category.

Peter Colling, Managing Director, Tourism South East, said ‘We are delighted that 8 of our Beautiful South Awards winners have made it through as finalists in the Visit England’s national Tourism Excellence Awards. It really shows that the South East has some of the very best tourism businesses in the country.

“It takes a fantastic amount of hard work and dedication to achieve the top five in their category in England. We are now looking forward to celebrating gold with our finalists at the Award ceremony on the 12th May.’ David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight, said: “To be nominated in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence is a considerable achievement as the quality of applications is always extremely high and only the very best make it through to become a finalist.

“Nettlecombe provide an excellent visitor experience which is underpinned by exceptional customer service, and I offer my warm congratulations and wish them every success at the forthcoming Awards Ceremony next month.”

TECHNOLOGY 16

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

INSIDER #002

Maximise your business opportunities by accepting debit and credit card payments with a mobile chip and pin machine with no monthly fees.

You can also record payments by cash or cheque, and issue and settle invoices.

A perfect solution for private individuals, small companies and self-employed people looking to take card payments on the go.

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MOBILE PAYMENTS Credit & Debit Card Payments on the Go Designed for Android and IOS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

TECHNOLOGY INSIDER

PAYLEVEN CHIP AND PIN READER Get set up within minutes - All you need is your Smartphone or Tablet

Payleven was the first company to bring Chip and Pin payments to the UK. They believe in offering a smarter way for everyone, from individuals to businesses of all sizes, to get paid anytime and anywhere - easily, affordably and securely. They've developed the first internationally available mobile Chip & PIN solution that enables anyone to take card payments with their smartphone or tablet.

Payleven was founded in 2012 by a team of experienced, entrepreneurial professionals from the payment and financial services industry who believed that there is a smarter way to get paid than that which is offered currently by traditional banks and payment providers. At payleven, they are convinced that being able to

The App: Android . IOS Phone Payments: NO Cards Accepted: Mastercard.

Visa, V Pay & Maestro Monthly Fee: NO Charges: 2.75% Minimum transaction £1 Receipts: Email / Mobile Printer

Price: £59.99

(Ex VAT)

accept payments should not require What we didn't like: complicated, lengthy contracts or old- Took 10 days for payment to reach fashioned, expensive terminals. our bank and no phone payments Funded by leading European & American venture capital firms, payleven's market-leading mobile stars payment solution is currently available in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, Belgium and Brazil.

4/6

For more details about this mobile card machine visit www.payleven.co.uk

INTUIT PAY CHIP AND PIN READER Accept card payments anywhere easily and securely with Intuit Pay

Intuit Pay makes it easy to accept credit and debit cards face-to-face or over the phone.

You can accept cards in your shop, on the go, or from your office. Take chip and PIN payments or type in card details online. to Accept Visa, MasterCard and Maestro payments.

The main service is free to sign up for and will allow you to take payments over the phone so you could be accepting your first payment within minutes. Your funds are transferred to your bank account in a matter of days minus the 2.75% per transaction.

You can add your logo and customise your receipts, Create a product list with photos and prices and add gratuity and apply discounts easily.

The Card data is encrypted and

The App: Selected Android . IOS Phone Payments: Yes Cards Accepted: Mastercard.

Visa, V Pay & Maestro Monthly Fee: NO Charges: 2.75% Minimum transaction £1 Receipts: Email / Mobile Printer

Price: £79.99

(Ex VAT)

never stored on any device. It meets What we didn't like: Visa and MasterCard security The delay in rolling out an android standards. It's also PCI compliant and app that works on all devices.

EMV approved.

Taking a non-chip card? Just swipe your customer’s card and get them to stars sign on your mobile phone screen.

Enable your customers to give you a tip and boost your income or give them a little something back...

4/6

For more details about this mobile card machine visit www.intuit.co.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

TECHNOLOGY INSIDER

I-ZETTLE CHIP AND PIN MACHINE Accept credit and debit card payments on the go with iZettle

The Chip & PIN reader from I-Zettle makes taking payments easier than ever before. It lets you take all major cards and connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet.

The first iZettle service was launched in Sweden in 2011 and is now available to individuals and small businesses across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, The United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Brazil.

Card or cash? Use your smartphone or tablet to take both kinds of payments. Best of all, iZettle works great wherever your business takes you.

The more you sell, the less you pay.

Smart Rate automatically reduces your transaction fees based on your monthly sales - starting at 2.75% and

The App: Android . IOS Phone Payments: Yes Cards Accepted Mastercard. V Pay, Visa, Maestro, AMMEX, JCB Monthly Fee: NO Charges: Starts at 2.75% Minimum transaction £1 Receipts: Email / Mobile Printer

Price: £59.99

(inc VAT)

dropping to as little as 1.50% per What we didn't like: transaction.

Quite expensive to take payments No lock-in contract. Your only without the Chip and Pin card reader. commitment is to your own business.

No fixed fees. You only pay for successful transactions. stars It's worth noting, If you process card transactions without the card reader you will be charged £0.10 + 3.50% of the final sale.

5/6

For more details about this mobile card machine visit www.izettle.com/gb

THE WORLDPAY ZINC CHIP & PIN Accept credit card payments on your iPhone, Android or iPad

The Worldpay Zinc pay as you go plan couldn’t be simpler. You just pay for each transaction. No monthly fees and no contract or commitment.

But if it suits you better, you can also choose a different plan. And as your needs change, your plan can change with you. No penalties.

With its bespoke WorldPay Zinc branded design and vibrant OLED display; your light weight pocket-sized keypad will give your business that professional look. Plus, the keypad comes with a 12-month warranty.

Take Chip & PIN and magnetic stripe card payments face to face with your keypad or over the phone using the online portal. Once the transaction is approved, the money from your customer will be in your bank account usually within 4 business days.

The App: Android . IOS Phone Payments: Yes Cards Accepted: Mastercard.

Visa, V Pay & Maestro Monthly Fee: NO Charges: 2.75% Minimum transaction £1 Receipts: Email / Mobile Printer

Price: £59.99 You'll become an accounting pro with What we didn't like: the WorldPay Zinc Dashboard. You Polishing it after every use. can view payment summaries, export Being charged 75p per refund data and track payments with ease.

Keep an eye on your cash flow and work out your busiest trading days by stars viewing your payments by day, week or month. Keypads use the same Chip & PIN technology that you use to pay for things everyday.

4/6

For more details about this mobile card machine visit www.worldpayzinc.com

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

MP GETS ON A BIKE FOR TOURISM WEEK

Care Services Directory Finding care information in the area has been made a little easier with the publication of the Isle of Wight Care Services Directory 2014/15. The Directory which is published by Care Choices Ltd in association with Isle of Wight Council is packed with useful editorial that explains all available care options and includes comprehensive listings of care providers for residential care or care in your own home. There is also guidance on paying for care and what financial assistance is available from the Government.

Robert Chamberlain, publisher of the directory said: “When choosing care you should be armed with the most up-to-date information to help you decide which kind of care is most suitable, who can provide it and how it is to be funded. The Care Services Directory is an invaluable source of information for anyone considering long term care.”

If you want to speak to someone about care options, funding, accessing services or other care-related questions you may have, call this directory’s free helpline on 0800 38 92 077. The friendly operators can give you more information, talk through any queries and provide you with a shortlist of care homes, in your chosen location, that meet specific care needs.

To receive a free copy of the Isle of Wight Care Services Directory 2014 simply call People Matter IW on 01983 241494. It is also available in e-book format with a spoken word option.

To celebrate English Tourism Week, the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner joined Tom Ransom of Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) on a new “Taste” Round the Island cycle route, part of a new marketing campaign to promote the Island as the top cycling destination in the UK. As part of VisitEngland’s week-long celebration of England’s vibrant tourism industry, Mr. Turner wanted to give local people a flavour of what the Island has to offer visitors as he promoted the Island’s Round the Island cycle route, which has been given a new “foodie” theme by VIOW – the Island’s tourist board - to attract even more cyclists to tour the route. This mouth-watering new route highlights the Island’s food and drink attractions placed along the already popular Round the Island Cycle Route, including The Garlic Farm, Adgestone Vineyard and The Dairy Deli. Andrew Turner, MP, commented: “I was delighted to be asked to take part in

English Tourism Week as I recognise the importance of visitors to our local economy, and commend supporting the cycling economy and local food producers at the same time.

“There is no greater opinion former than local people and English Tourism Week 2014 is aimed at reminding local residents of the tourism experiences to be had on their own doorsteps, inspiring them to become the ambassadors for their local area.”

Taste Round the Island is promoted

by Visit Isle of Wight on their new Bicycle Island web pages. Any food-related business located on or near the existing Round the Island route can apply to become a “taste location” but must be willing to offer a discount to those arriving by bike and must supply at least one Isle of Wight-grown product. The full criteria can be found on the VIOW industry website at www.visitisleofwight.org

Digital courtroom unveiled as justice enters the Wi-Fi era Criminal cases will be handled digitally from the moment a crime is committed through to the conclusion in court.

Criminal Justice Minister Damian Green said that in future every magistrates’ court in England and Wales would operate completely digitally, with increased use of remote video links and written evidence and legal submissions being stored securely centrally and accessed by magistrates and legal teams on digital devices, using Wi-Fi connections. Police officers will be able to collect evidence at the scenes of crimes using mobile devices and begin building case files on the beat.

The Government announced last month that courts across England and Wales would be upgraded using new funding of £75m a year. This is in addition to £44m already provided for the provision of new IT programmes. The funding will include ensuring all criminal courts can operate completely digitally by July 2016.

The changes, outlined in the new Criminal Justice System Digital Business Model, will help victims and witnesses by ensuring cases progress as quickly as possible.

A court in Bromley is the first in London, & one of the first in the UK to be equipped with new facilities.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

LOCAL CHOIR STEPS IN TO HELP CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES An Isle of Wight based choir has produced a new recording of the national anthem which will be used at citizenship ceremonies on the Island.

The council has been using a recording which does not contain the words of the national anthem. The new recording does contains the lyrics, allowing people to sing the words in time with the anthem at a pace they are comfortable with.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight John Matthews arranged for the St John's Church Choir in Newport to record the national anthem, which will now be played at all future citizenship ceremonies.

St John's Church Choir have 30 members and are led by conductor Jo Dover and organist Martin Duver. John Matthews is part of the choir.

Jonathan Bacon is the Isle of Wight Council Executive member responsible for regulatory services and said:

"Citizenship ceremonies are very important and the new recording of the national anthem accommodates a greater vocal range.

"I want to thank John Matthews and the St John's Church Choir for stepping in and producing a top quality version of the national anthem, which will now be used at all future ceremonies. It is nice to know that when the ceremonies are held at County Hall, the national anthem was recorded only a few minutes walk away."

Citizenship ceremonies are held on a monthly basis for people who have had their application for British citizenship accepted. Every applicant is required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to the Crown and make a promise to uphold the values and laws of the UK. Each citizen is welcomed by the chairman or deputy chairman of the council.

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MOROCCAN DATE LOOMS FOR AMATEUR GOLFERS Golfers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have until May 26 to sign up for a chance to win an expenses-paid trip to Morocco in the Morocco Matchplay, powered

by HowDidiDo. Formerly the HowDidiDo Matchplay Championship, one of the UK and Ireland's leading amateur events for more than 20 years, the Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo will have its grand final - the culmination of four competitions running throughout 2014: singles, pairs, mixed pairs and senior pairs -played in the historic and spectacular country from February 8-14, 2015, with a total of 32 golfers, from across the UK and Ireland, fighting it out for the titles.

Those 32 lucky - and determined golfers will have battled their way through a minimum of four local contests and a regional final, in October, to earn the right to head to Morocco and they will each receive complimentary flights, six nights' luxury accommodation and five rounds of championship golf on fabulous courses, after the tournament received the full support of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office's director for UK and Ireland, Amine Boughaleb, said: "It is fitting that in the 100th year of golf in Morocco we have secured the grand final of one of the UK and Ireland's biggest amateur events for club golfers.

We had seen and heard a lot about the Matchplay Championship and are looking forward to welcoming the 32 finalists to our beautiful and inspiring country and working alongside HowDidiDo. "We have a tremendous golf heritage dating back to 1914 when the first course opened in Tangier, designed by architects Cotton Pennick. And now, a century later, we have world-class courses in a variety of terrains and locations: from the foot of the Atlas Mountains to coastal courses or city scenes. We are proud to be the new home of the Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo. "Morocco has 29 golf courses to be enjoyed in year-round sunshine - plus 11 more under construction - and, with flight times of less than three-and-a-half hours from the UK and Ireland, it is a hugely attractive alternative to the more traditional golf destinations of Europe."

The competitions are open to both men and women, while seniors need to be aged 50 or over on May 26, 2014, when entries to all the events will close.

HowDidiDo's database now holds in excess of 21 million rounds of golf along with the handicaps, results and scores of more than 1,300,000 UK golf club members.

It is now arguably the largest and most up-to-date database of golfers in Europe. â– For more information visit www.moroccomatchplay.co.uk.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Royal Ocean Racing Club and Royal Corinthian Yacht Club announce plans The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes (RCYC, Cowes) have revealed plans to merge their operations and create one club with clubhouses both in London (RORC) and Cowes (RCYC).

The idea developed following a strategic decision by RORC to establish an administrative base outside London principally to cater for its growing race management team, which it requires to administer the increased number of races run

by RORC. At the same time, RCYC, Cowes has been considering its own long-term future. The obvious benefits, besides complementary spheres of activity (RCYC, Cowes runs inshore keelboat and dayboat racing and the RORC offshore), are sound operational efficiencies, prime locations in London and Cowes for the enjoyment of its combined membership and a home in Cowes for the large number of sailors who race with the RORC, plus a real opportunity to create a centre of excellence for yachting in Cowes.

Exact details of the merger have yet to be revealed, but the combined club will operate under the name of RORC, although the intention is to retain the Royal Corinthian

name for use in connection with Cowes and Solent-based inshore racing activities, to differentiate between the two racing programmes. Members of both clubs have been advised of the proposal and that general meetings will be convened in time for the merger to become effective in the autumn, after the main summer season.

RORC Commodore Mike Greville commented: "The idea for a merger came out of a strategic need for RORC to find a location for its growing race management team; as we began to explore it further, it became clear that the combination of their respective strengths would open exciting opportunities for both clubs which are not available to either alone. Having a substantial base in Cowes for the benefit of the team and members alike is a major step for RORC, together with the addition of several hundred members."

RCYC, Cowes Vice Commodore Amanda Dreyer commented: "A merger with RORC gives RCYC, Cowes an enlarged membership; the benefit of RORC's international brand; a strengthened financial base and a professional management team - an exciting opportunity for development and growth in Cowes."

Spend Easter in Portsmouth

With Hovertravel you can get to the Portsmouth in less than 10 minutes, so why not take the family across to enjoy some of the fantastic activities and events available there this Easter.

Whether you’re planning an overnight trip or just want a day to explore the mainland, Hovertravel provides you with the quickest journey across from The Isle of Wight!

Why not take the family to Portsmouth Museum and get involved with their Easter Animal Trail? You and the family can follow a trail around the museum to discover objects inspired by birds and animals for just 50p each! This is available between 10:00-17:00 from 5th April to Monday 21st April.

Alice in Wonderland Easter pantomime will be at the Kings Theatre on Wednesday 16th – Thursday 17th April. The show will feature a legendary magician

and the century’s most popular ventriloquist, Steve Hewlett, from ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent. Due to some of the stunts in the performance, the minimum age for guests is 18 years old. You can book your tickets online at www.kings-southsea.com Spinnaker Tower is holding an egg hunt between the 5th and 21st April! It’s an egg hunt with a twist, as their Easter egg has broken into pieces and has been scattered around the tower for you to find! If you and the family can search out all of the pieces that complete the egg, and discover letters that spell out a secret word you could be in for a chance of winning a seasonal treat!

But watch out! Not all of the pieces you will find belong to their egg so keeping looking until you find the right ones! Visit www.spinnakertower.co.uk for more information!

Southern Water company praised Southern Water increased its score in Business In The Community’s (BITC) 2014 Corporate Responsibility Index to 90 per cent, beating the national and utility sector average of 85 per cent.

The index is a well-established, independent measure of corporate responsibility used by many leading companies.

Southern Water’s score gave it a ranking of three stars out of five, in an overall result where no company scored five stars.

Stephen Howard, BITC Chief Executive, said: “The 2014 CR Index shows us that companies are making real progress to integrate responsibility throughout their operations. I congratulate Southern Water for achieving a three star rating because it demonstrates a clear commitment to an integrated approach to being a responsible business.”

Geoff Loader, Southern Water’s Director of Communications, said: “BITC has acknowledged it has made the assessment tougher this year, with average scores across

all companies falling by five per cent. So to increase our score is an excellent achievement.”

This year Southern Water once again achieved the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of its continued efforts to measure, manage and improve its carbon efficiency, gaining its highest-ever score in the assessment.

It also carried out its largest-ever engagement

programme with 27,000 customers and stakeholders to get their views on where the company should focus its work on improving services and looking after the environment.

It has also continued to help customers who might be struggling to pay their bills. Its work in this area reached an important landmark recently when its partnership with financial support service IncomeMAX to secure unclaimed benefits, tax credits and water bill support passed the £2 million mark.

Since 2010, the project linked to its metering programme has helped 1,690 customers to secure, on average, £1,183 each in benefits and tax credits they did not know they were entitled to.

Geoff added: “The BITC measure looks at our corporate responsibility performance across all aspects of our business. We always strive to act responsibly, whether we are dealing with individual customers, working in our communities, managing our workforce or caring for the environment. This is a great endorsement of our efforts.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Tots raise funds with wiggly challenge Action for Children and The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ celebrations a success!

Rose’s Toddler Group in Cowes Isle of Wight teamed up with Action for Children and The World of Eric Carle™ to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ and the leading charity’s 145 th year with a very wiggly conga.

Nearly 20 families, including several babies in prams, took part in the Giant Wiggle which saw them form up in a caterpillar conga line in Cowe’s Northwood Park, and raise more than £60 in aid of vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK Rose, team leader at Rose’s Toddler Group said: “We are thrilled to have raised funds for Action for Children by taking part in the Giant Wiggle.

“The children had such a fantastic time celebrating important anniversaries for one of our favourite books and Action for Children. The children decorated masks and a giant caterpillar; then all sat down to a Very Hungry Caterpillar picnic after the wiggle.

“A huge thank you to all staff, families and children involved for making the day such a success!”

More than 600 children’s centres and nurseries across the UK hosted Giant Wiggles. The challenge, organised by Action for Children and The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, was designed to encourage children to help others, and feed their imaginations through storytelling and creative activities.

Find out more about the work of Action for Children at www.actionforchildren.org.uk

Medics practise lifesaving skills Royal Navy doctors, nurses and surgeons have been putting their life-saving skills to the test in a high tempo exercise.

In a number of scenarios for Exercise Medical Endeavour, 250 medical personnel in the primary casualty receiving facility (PCRF) on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Argus had to treat casualties played by volunteers with specialist makeup depicting terrible injuries.

Set to the same standards as any NHS hospital, the PCRF is tested twice-a-year to ensure their skills and the set-up is fully validated so that it’s ready to be used in operations around the world.

The facility ensures that casualties are treated and stable before eventually moving them to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for longer term rehabilitation.

Commander Danny Follington, the commanding officer of the PCRF, said that many lessons in critical battlefield care had been learnt from Afghanistan and, as a consequence, lives were being saved.

Training

Rose’s Toddler Group in Cowes

Concerns raised with Minister about Parkhurst Turbine Project Andrew Turner held a meeting last week with Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright MP, to discuss the proposed plan for two wind turbines in Parkhurst Forest by Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), a London based developer of onshore wind turbine projects on publicly owned land.

The meeting was organised by the Island’s MP following concerns raised

by Dr John Yelland, a Parkhurst resident and acoustics specialist, who has been working as a consultant on wind farm projects on the Island and elsewhere in the country. The meeting was also attended by local resident, Roy Scott and Parkhurst Councillor Richard Hollis.

Cllr Richard Hollis pointed out to the Minister: “The proposed Turbines would not only blight the lives of existing residents, but they would also blight Prison land and any future possible development at Camp Hill”.

Mr Turner commented: “Dr Yelland raised concerns about planning blight (harm to land and property prices due to uncertainty about future developments) in the local area, and worrying issues about the application itself; including discrepancies in the supporting information and questions about the Statement of Community Involvement.

“The Minister listened carefully to the points made by Dr Yelland, Cllr. Hollis and Mr Scott. He was most concerned to be shown a PfR brochure sporting the Ministry of Justice logo - implying the backing of the MoJ. The land is currently leased to PfR by the Ministry of Justice and the Minister agreed to look at what options exist to take back control of the land.” .

Dr Yelland said: “Residents have been appalled by the way this planning application has been handled by PfR, and they claim to be working on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. The truth is

that they are just tenants of prison land.

We had an excellent meeting with the Minister for Prisons; our concerns were both heard and heeded, and we are confident there will be a significant outcome. “The original planning application, back in 2011, had a turbine over 400 feet tall just over 400 yards from two nearby cottages. By proving that it would be way over the Government noise limit we forced the developer to change that distance to 670 yards. Now the noise would be over the Government limit at several different homes.

“PfR are still trying to worm their way round four major insoluble problems in this abysmal application; the sooner it goes before the planning committee the better.

“If a different developer were to propose solar electricity generation on that land I doubt if anyone would object, and there’s room enough on that land to generate a higher power than the proposed wind turbines would produce.

It would also do so without blighting the development prospects of the old Camp Hill Prison.”

“We are so very pleased that our MP was able to arrange this important meeting for us.”

MP Andrew Turner

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Celebrating 50 Years of Co-ordinated Race Management by Cowes Combined Clubs

Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events. It now stages up to 40 daily races for between 800 and 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world.

Although the regatta is almost 190 years old, it is only in more recent times that the Week has become an integrated series of races organised by a single body. During the postwar era, each day of racing was run by a different Cowes or Solent mainland club with every club printing their own sailing instructions and running their own programme of racing for the day. It was not until 1964 that, on the suggestion of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (a regular competitor and Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron), Cowes Combined Clubs was formed to run and organise the regatta, with the Royal Yacht Squadron line becoming the universal start line and with one set of sailing instructions and racing marks for the Week.

In 2014, Cowes Combined Clubs is proud to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of coordinated race management at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and to mark the occasion, the CCC Anniversary Trophy is being introduced.

Peter Dickson, Chairman of Cowes Combined Clubs and Cowes Week Limited explains: “It seems fitting to

introduce a new team trophy in celebration of the team efforts of our ten member clubs in successfully running the Cowes Week racing programme for the last 50 years. The event has evolved enormously in that time and we look forward to continuing to serve competitors in the best possible way into the next 50 years and beyond. The CCC Anniversary Trophy is a painting that has been commissioned on behalf of CCC from local yachtsman and artist, Mike Till, which depicts HMY Britannia off Cowes with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s yachts Coweslip, Bluebottle and Bloodhound under sail in the foreground. This perpetual trophy will be awarded in 2014 as an interclub team trophy with the original painting held on the premises of the winning club”.

The introduction of the Trophy is reflected in a recently published amendment to the Notice of Regatta. Teams of three boats can be nominated by any sailing or yacht club to represent them, and can be from across any class or combination of classes (although boats may only race for one team).

Team nominations are welcomed by 1700 on Friday 1 August and must be made in writing to the Regatta Office. AAM Cowes Week takes place from 2 – 9 August and entries are encouraged before midnight on Monday 26 May which is when the early bird discounted entry period ends.

New Award scheme to boost cyber security for businesses Details of a new government scheme to help businesses stay safe online has been announced.

The 'Cyber Essentials' scheme provides clarity to organisations on what good cyber security practice is and sets out the steps they need to follow to manage cyber risks. Once organisations have been independently assessed against the best practice recommendations they can apply for the Cyber Essentials award. This will demonstrate to potential customers that businesses have achieved a certain level of cyber security and take it seriously.

The new scheme is also

applicable to other organisations including universities, charities and public bodies. The Cyber Essentials profile is now available to download.

Organisations can self-assess themselves straightaway and from this summer will also be able to apply to be assessed and gain formal certification, leading to award of a Cyber Essentials badge.

The scheme has been developed following consultation with the British Standards Institution (BSI), IASME and the Information Security Forum (ISF) as well as businesses and professional bodies.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Revised timetable for Southern Vectis

Southern Vectis has announced a revised timetable for its bus services across the Island for the forthcoming summer season, taking on board feedback from customers and made changes to many routes including diverting route 7 via the villages of Newbridge and Calbourne, following a recent customer survey.

Southern Vectis recently surveyed over 500 customers on route 7 who suggested a host of improvements to the route, many of which have been incorporated into the new timetable. The most popular suggestion was to divert one bus per hour in each direction via the villages of Newbridge and Calbourne. And this suggestion is being put into practice by Southern Vectis as a trial for the summer months.

“In response to this, we have looked very closely at our offering - to see where we can make improvements. And I’m happy to announce a new timetable will come into effect on Sunday 4 May,” said Southern Vectis General Manager, Matt Kitchin.

There are also changes to many routes to improve reliability and timekeeping. “The road network is always changing - so our timetables need to adapt to reflect the road conditions and the potential delays en-route” added Matt Kitchin.

For more information on the timetable changes, please visit www.islandbuses.info

Criminals paying more than ever to help victims £14 million of new funding taken directly from criminals’ pockets will provide vital services to help victims recover from the effects of crime, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced.

Mr Grayling and Victims’ Minister Damian Green are also setting up a Victims’ Panel so that those who have been affected by crime can tell ministers directly how the criminal justice system could better serve people in their position. TV presenter Charlie Webster, who has recently spoken out about the sexual abuse she suffered as a teenager, and Barry Mizen, whose son Jimmy was brutally murdered in 2008, will be part of that panel. Under this Government more money than ever before is being raised from offenders specifically to help victims of crime. An increase in the penalties judges can impose on criminals from 2012 is ensuring criminals are forced to pay the price for their wrongdoing.

This will contribute to the department’s aim to double the funding available to help victims’ services, which currently stands at £50million from the Ministry of Justice. They're also piloting pre-trial crossexamination to help young and vulnerable witnesses give evidence without going through what can be an aggressive and intimidating court experience.

Strainstall to supply load pins

Strainstall UK Limited, Based in Cowes are proud to have been selected to work alongside SBM offshore on the prestigious Shell Stones project, which is an ultra-deep Oil and Gas development in the Gulf of Mexico and is currently the deepest production facility in the world at approximately 2900 metres.

The project involves the use of an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) which has a forward mounted turret with a disconnectable buoy (Buoyant Turret Mooring or BTM) allowing it to weathervane in normal conditions and disconnect from the FPSO upon the approach of a hurricane so that the FPSO can sail to a safer area.

The unique BTM design required six specially designed load pins to measure the forces between the Buoy and the FPSO as they are an integral component of the detachable buoy system, and a critical element to ensure the safety of the FPSO and BTM. A custom design was required to meet SBM’s requirements and to incorporate the unique features, and Strainstall, with over 40 years experience in designing special application load pins, were ideally placed to design and manufacture such a loadpin.

In addition to the design, manufacture and testing of the load pin a comprehensive documentation package was specified by SBM, as is customary for offshore projects. Again Strainstall are ideally placed to provide such documentation, having over 30 years experience of providing specific packages for a wide variety of industries including offshore oil and gas, marine, industrial, aerospace and nuclear.

The challenging technical requirements of the pin meant Strainstall were contracted to produce an unusual shaped design which was ATEX and IECEx certified with internal amplifiers to monitor the clamping forces between the vessel and the detachable buoy.

Apart from component loadcells and instrumentation, Strainstall also

design and manufacture turnkey instrumentation packages for a wide variety of applications including Tendon and Riser Load Monitoring Systems, Winch and Mooring Chain Monitoring and Control, Environmental Monitoring, Integrated Marine Management Systems for FPSOs and Offshore Structures, and Berth Management Systems for onshore oil and gas terminals.

All mechanical, electrical and electronic, and software design is performed in house to ensure best practice under Strainstall’s ISO EN900 accreditation, and the company also has in-house accredited personnel for the design, manufacture and installation of Hazardous Area equipment. The company also designs and manufactures a wide range of Quick Release Mooring Hooks for both onshore and offshore use.

Stones will be Shell’s first FPSO in the Gulf of Mexico but Shell is already field operator for seven producing FPSOs globally. This includes at the Parque das Conchas (BC-10) project in Brazil, in partnership with Petrobras and ONGC. An FPSO design was selected to safely develop and produce the Stones ultra deep-water field. This concept design can handle a relative lack of infrastructure, a complex seabed, and unique reservoir properties. Tankers will transport oil from the Stones FPSO to US refineries, and gas will be transported by pipeline.

SBM Offshore provides floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, over the full product life-cycle. The Company is market leading in leased floating production systems with multiple units currently in operation, and has unrivalled operational experience in this field.

The Company’s main activities are the design, supply, installation and operation of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. These are either owned and operated by SBM Offshore and leased to its clients or supplied on a turnkey sale basis.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

First anniversary celebrations for NHS Nightingales The NHS Nightingales choir are to mark their first anniversary with a celebratory free concert at St Mary’s Hospital on Sunday 27 April 2014.

The group is made up entirely of current or retired staff and volunteers from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and was inspired by Gareth Malone’s BBC TV series, ‘Sing While You Work’, which aims to find the best workplace choir. All levels of singing ability are represented in the 30-strong group, with some members having never publicly performed before joining the choir.

The choir’s Musical Director is Hannah Brear, who is also behind the Island’s successful ‘Resonate’ youth group, and Pianist Richard Wiseman accompanies the group’s performances.

The NHS Nightingales have already appeared at a number of important occasions, most notably at the NHS Trust Awards evening at Medina Theatre in November 2013.

Choir Leader and Clinical Team Leader for Community Mental Health, Stacey Cripps, said: “We enjoy performing a large variety of music, from contemporary hits to classic pop songs such as Fever, The Climb and Bridge over Troubled Water. The choir is a great way of meeting different people from all over the Trust and singing is such a great way to reduce stress levels and improve your mental health. It’s really good to just do something fun and different outside of the workplace!”

The NHS Nightingales are looking forward to another busy year ahead, and have recently been awarded a grant from the Trust’s Charitable Funds Committee for new choir uniforms, a keyboard and to help with concert fees and expenses.

The Nightingales are also set to appear at the Isle of Wight Arts Festival in Ventnor on 5 May, where they will be performing as part of the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir concert.

Everyone is welcome to attend the first anniversary concert at the Full Circle Restaurant at St Mary’s Hospital, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm on Sunday 27 April 2014. A raffle with some fantastic prizes will be held, with 50% of the proceeds going to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Refreshments will also be available, although a small donation would be appreciated.

The choir meets every Tuesday evening at the Riverside Centre in Newport and anyone who has retired, currently works or volunteers for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is welcome to join the group. For further information please contact Stacey Cripps on (01983) 525254 or email: stacey.cripps@iow.nhs.uk

Rooftops to become power stations Plans to turn the Government estate as well as factories, supermarkets and car parks into “solar hubs” have been outlined in a new strategy.

The Solar Strategy, the first of its kind in the UK, sets out the Governments ambition to see solar rolled out more widely and with it the potential to support tens of thousands of jobs.

Energy Minister Greg Barker said: “We have put ourselves among the world leaders on solar and this ambitious Strategy will place us right at the cutting edge.

“There is massive potential to turn our large buildings into power stations and we must seize the opportunity this offers to boost our economy as part of our long term economic plan.

“Solar not only benefits the environment, it will see British job creation and deliver the clean and reliable energy supplies that the country needs at the lowest possible cost to consumers.”

In a further initiative, the Department for Education is working on ways to improve energy efficiency across the 22,000 schools in England, to reduce their annual energy spend of £500 million.

COMMUNITY RESEARCH AND INFORMATION INTO EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

VectisWeather Research into Extreme Weather on the Isle of Wight

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WE JUST CAN'T DO THIS ON OUR OWN DONATE FROM £1 & BE PART OF THE LIGHTBOX PROJECT

projectlightbox A Public Lightning Detector for the IOW Can you help us kick-start this project?

“The Lightbox Project is a crowdsourced venture to raise funds for a long range lightning detector.”

Project Expenses: NEEDED: Lightning Detector £1,000 NEEDED: NexStorm Software £100 NEEDED: Local Background Maps £100 FUNDED: Website Design &Hosting £500 FUNDED: High Speed Broadband £800 FUNDED: Personal Lightning Detector £180 FUNDED: 2 HD Streaming Cameras £700 FUNDED: Computer Hardware £450 FUNDED: Android App Development £100 “We currently monitor lightning strikes within a 40 mile radius of the Island. With your help we can extend that to 300 miles and publish the real-time data online”

We’re hoping to raise enough money to purchase the Boltek 350 that will not only benefit the Island community and surrounding areas, but also provide the opportunity to expand on the current educational offerings and provide a look into atmospheric sciences using real, live weather data. For more information about our weather station and the equipment we currently use visit http://cowesweather.co.uk.

Follow @iowpl on twitter for all the latest updates

http://www.twitter.com/iowpl

For more details please email vectisweather@gmail.com

VectisWeather and our affiliated websites are set up as non profit projects. We don't make any revenue from them and we don’t intend to.

Make a donation today and help us get the project to the final stage.

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Data provided from the lightning detector will be made publicly available in real-time for the Isle of Wight Community to use.

Over £1 – Feel good knowing you’ve helped us research extreme weather conditions on the Isle of Wight Over £5 – Get your name/company listed on the website supporters page (links to a website if required) Over £10 – Get your name/company, logo and website listed at the top of the supporters page Over £50 – Get your name/company, logo and website listed at the top of the supporters page. You’ll also receive a ‘rotating banner’ on the side of the website Over £100 – Get your name/company, logo and website listed at the top of the supporters page. You’ll also receive a ‘static banner’ on the side of the website Over £200 – Get your name/company, logo and website listed at the top of the supporters page. You’ll also receive a ‘fixed banner’ on the front page of the site, a ‘rotating banner’ on the side of the website and a half page advert in the Isle of Wight Mail for 12 Issues Over £300 – Get your name/company, logo and website listed at the top of the supporters page. You’ll also receive a ‘fixed banner’ on the front page of the site, a ‘rotating banner’ on the side of the website, a half page advert in the Isle of Wight Mail for 12 Issues., a link on our twitter description and a tab on our facebook page

BE PART OF LIGHTBOX PROJECT: www.vectisweather.com/lightbox

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

IMPROVED FOOTPATH RE-OPENED A popular footpath in Brading has been re-opened following improvements works.

The path, which runs from Quay Lane to the old railway line, has been resurfaced with tarmac, had new fencing and a stone retaining wall installed and has been widened using money from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).

The upgrades were carried out to make the path more suitable for cyclists and safer for pedestrians.

Where possible, existing features were used to ensure the path was in keeping with the area, such as reusing stone from an existing wall.

Councillor Luisa Hillard is the Executive member responsible for sustainability and said: "I can appreciate the benefit of a smooth surface to walkers and particularly to cyclists with hybrid or road bikes which feel every bump, so this will make for a much cleaner and more pleasant ride.

"The widening will also make it safer for every type of user to pass each other with plenty of space whilst enjoying the beautiful location. This project is part of a bigger scheme to improve the cycling and walking infrastructure for tourists and residents as the Isle of Wight Council actively seeks to promote car free transport around the Island."

LSTF funding has recently been used to fund the conversion of four Southern Vectis buses to enable them to carry six bicycles each.

Money has also been set aside for community funds to improve cycle facilities across the Island, with bids currently being evaluated before funds are awarded.

E-fit of man suspected of approaching young girls

Credit: Isle of Wight Council

Easter egg recycling scheme An egg-citing environmental initiative is set to launch at Sainsbury's Newport Isle of Wight this Easter. The retailer has cracked a brand new and innovative scheme to recycle Easter egg packaging for the first time, which will give customers the chance to recycle all of their left-over Easter egg packaging from 16th to 30th April. The retailer is the first supermarket to introduce the initiative and the Foxes Road Store store is one of 50 supermarkets across the country that will give customers the chance to recycle plastic, card and foil packaging after they crack into their eggs. The scheme makes it even easier to recycle and help reduce the amount of household waste going to landfill.

The Easter egg recycling point will be situated at the front of the store and the recycling drive is part of the retailer's partnership with the Forest Steward Council UK. It follows the store's success in Christmas card recycling earlier this year. The initiative helped Sainsbury's stores nationwide donate £9,000 to help the FSC with its work to promote responsible management of the world's

Detectives are investigating reports of three suspicious incidents and have released two e-fit images of a man believed to be involved.

The first incident occurred at about 5pm on Sat, March 22, where a man was reported to have acted inappropriately towards two 12-year-old girls at Puckpool Park, Ryde. The second incident occurred at about 3.45pm on Tue, March 25 when a 13-year-old girl was approached by a man as she walked home along the footpath that runs behind Christ the King College. The most recent incident happened on Sunday,

April 13 at about 3pm, where a man approached an 11-year-old girl in Cowes.

The man was described as: White * Aged 40 – 60 * Had grey hair * May have been wearing dark sunglasses. Detective Sergeant Gary Lyons of Newport DCID said: “I would ask anyone who recognises the e-fit or anyone who knows the man to contact me as soon as possible.

“I would also encourage people to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us straight away. I would also like to remind people not to speculate about the exact circumstances of these incidents,

Forests. Isle of Wight customers that use the Easter-recycling service will again be supporting the Forest Stewardship Council, with the retailer set to make a monetary donation to the charity based on the volume of plastic, card and foil collected.

The retailer achieved zero waste to landfill status last year and Newport Isle of Wight Store Manager Paul Dyer hopes their new environmental initiative will receive a good response from customers: "It's important that we act as a responsible retailer by supporting our local environment and making it easier for our customers to recycle packaging from the products they buy. They were really supportive of our Christmas card recycling service earlier this year and we hope they make this a cracking success too".

Along with protecting the environment Sainsbury's Newport have also supported and been a collection point with the Wave 105's Easter Egg Appeal. Where customers have had the opportunity to donate an Easter Egg which will go to children's organisations on the island this year.

especially on social media.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Isle of Wight Investigation Team by phoning 101 and quoting crime reference: 44140129968.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Visit Isle of Wight launches search for Festival of the Sea events The Festival of the Sea is a lively 8-day celebration of the Island’s rich maritime history and Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW), the Island’s tourist board, is launching a search for more nautically-inspired events to encourage visitors to come alongside and drop anchor this spring.

The first Festival of the Sea, held in September last year, saw over 50 Island companies and organisations staging events across the Island. These ranged from special tasting menus, sea shanty events, arts on the beach, maritime talks and walks, discounts for admission to attractions and offers on boat trips, pirate fun days, barbeques on the beach, and even open days offering an introduction to sailing and other activities.

The star attraction this year will be the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, which takes place on the June 21st, along with a whole host of activities and events in Cowes, but VIOW are also looking for more seathemed events across the Island.

Once again, VIOW will invest in marketing this theme on the mainland, and is inviting companies, organisations, towns and villages to “come aboard” by coming up with their own nauticallyinspired events, which will be promoted by the tourist board for free.

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight, said: “If you have an event in mind, it's very important that you let us know what you're planning as soon as possible. This will enable us to plan how to market your event, prepare to feature it in the radio, press, printed guide and other activity the tourist board is planning to carry out to promote this year’s Festival of the Sea. “The more “hands on deck” who work together to create events, the more attractive the festival programme will be, and the more chance we will have of encouraging people to come to the Isle of Wight this June”.

Jo Rogers of the Hambrough Hotel in Ventnor, said: “Last year’s Festival of the Sea worked really well for us. Our seafood cooking demo and special fish tasting menu proved extremely popular and we will definitely be repeating the exercise this year.”

The deadline to notify VIOW of any events (if you wish it to appear in the printed guide) is Easter Monday, 21st April. Events which can last one day or longer should be sea-themed and take place between the 16th and 23rd June.

There is not a deadline for events to appear on the website and you can add your event via visitisleofwight.co.uk

Norovirus Situation Improves and Visiting Restrictions Lifted For Most Areas Visiting restrictions at St. Mary’s have been lifted in most areas following the substantial improvement in the control of the outbreak of Norovirus at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Alan Sheward, Executive Director of Nursing and Workforce says: “We’re very grateful to patients, visitors, volunteers and staff who through their continued hand hygiene and other actions have helped to control and nearly eradicate the recent outbreak of Norovirus at St Mary’s Hospital. Following a review of weekend activity – during which a handful of new cases continue to appear at the hospital – the visitor restrictions at the hospital have been lifted but we are still asking everyone to be vigilant. If everyone continues to adhere to the guidance we will minimise the chance of the hospital being affected in the same way again.”

Washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to control Norovirus but we also need to keep other germs out of St. Mary’s.

Everyone entering St. Mary’s Hospital is encouraged to undertake both hand washing and alcohol gel hand hygiene actions to reduce the risk of the outbreak happening again. The following visiting restrictions continue: ● Anyone who has had symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, must not come into the hospital until they have been clear of those symptoms for at least 48 hours ● Visiting has now returned to normal between 2:00pm – 3:00pm and 7:00pm – 8:00pm daily on the Wards. There are some clinical areas, such as Intensive Care and the Children’s Ward, where there is a more flexible arrangement. No more than two visitors per patient and babies and young

children should, if possible, not be brought into the hospital. ● Visitors and patients are asked to ensure they cleanse their hands on entering and leaving the hospital (this stops other germs) and entering and leaving clinical areas.

This must be a mixture of both hand gel (at the main entrance) and using soap and water in available hand basins – either in toilets or on the ward being visited. ● Patients visiting the Beacon Health Centre and Emergency Department should only be accompanied by one other person if possible.

Mr Sheward continued: “It is vital that anyone is feeling unwell with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or has been in contact with anyone with Diarrhoea and Vomiting and planning to visit their friend or relative in hospital, a nursing or a residential home, or wants to go to work or school or to a local activity or event, stays at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms stop to avoid the spread of infection.

“Our teams of staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard over the last three weeks to control this outbreak. They have worked extra hours to cover for colleagues who have been ill, ensured that as many beds as possible can be kept open, contacted patients to rearrange appointments and operations and staffed a rota at the Main Hospital Entrance to ensure that anyone entering or leaving cleanses their hands.

They are a fantastic bunch of people who really have the best interests of patients and the hospital at heart.”

Further details of symptoms of Norovirus are available on www.nhs.uk.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

SAILING TASTER SESSIONS

Shanklin Sailing Club invites you to come and get a taste for sailing on 24th May! The Taster Day provides an introduction to sailing and an informal, friendly, yet structured ‘have a go at sailing’ experience.

Shanklin SC, in Hope Road, Shanklin, has a variety of catamarans and dinghies to try out, with experienced helms to take the newcomers out on the water. There will also be a chance to get onto the water in kayaks, windsurfers, paddleboards and surfboards, all provided by Wight Water. The Tasters start at 10am and finish at 4pm. No experience is necessary. Buoyancy aids and lifejackets will be provided but bring your own wetsuits if you have them, as well as some old trainers and a change of clothes.

Booking is not essential but if you would like further information please contact the organiser Liam Thom on 01983 721264 or email contactus@shanklinsailingclub.com.

Meanwhile, if you’ve already decided that you want to learn to sail this year,

and get involved in a fantastic, social outdoor sport where everyday life really does get left on the shore, the Club is running a number of adult one to one courses plus there is a course in the summer holidays for children between 12 and 18 years old.

Shanklin SC is an RYA Affiliated Club meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. For full details of everything going on at Shanklin SC, and how you can get involved, visit www.shanklinsailingclub.com or follow the club on Twitter at @shanklinsailing and like us on Facebook.

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

Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers.

Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556 or visit www.rya.org.uk

UNION STAFF TO OFFER ADVICE Residents considering taking out loans can now get expert advice at two Island Council help centres.

Members of the Isle of Wight Credit Union - which is now called United Savings & Loans - will be based at Ryde and Sandown help centres at set times each week.

Representatives will be at Ryde help centre, which is in Ryde Library, every Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 10am and 3pm. They will also be at Sandown's help centre, which is next to The Heights Leisure Centre, every Wednesday and Thursday also between 10am and 3pm. The Credit Union offers more affordable loans which are aimed at encouraging Islanders to not take out loans at high street or web based providers, which can charge very high rates of interest. The council also hopes people will not be tempted to borrow money from loan sharks.

Residents can also get advice about

financial products or opening a bank account if they have had difficulties in the past, such as a poor credit score.

Councillor Steve Stubbings is the council's deputy leader and said: "With the new Universal Credit's being brought in, which is a single benefits payment instead of several smaller ones, it is important people budget properly and are not tempted to take out high interest loans or are targeted by loan sharks.

"The Isle of Wight Credit Union is a not for profit organisation and its staff can give very valuable advice and information on taking out loans, how to save and help with opening a bank account. We are very pleased to be working alongside the Credit Union and having the service based in two council help centres during the week also helps people with travel arrangements."

The Credit Union also has a main office based in Pyle Street Newport.

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As the Economic Green Shoots Start to Sprout, Island Business Needs Mentors Sometimes a word of advice or chat about an issue can be as valuable as a structured academic course; if it’s coming from someone who’s been there in business. That’s where MentorNet comes in and supports businesses and their leaders who want to drive success. We’re actively looking for Mentors and businesses who need help to grow businesses on the Island through our programme of business support.

Mentor-net, delivered by WSX Enterprise, matches experienced business leaders as Mentors with business owners (Mentees) across the South. The organisation is currently looking to expand its network of experienced business leaders as well as the businesses who may need their low cost advice.

Peter Grant, Senior Manager at WSX Enterprise said, “As the economy starts to grow again, Mentor-Net is actively looking for Mentors as well as Mentees. Research has shown that mentoring is one of the most successful ways to support a business. This is a great scheme for those businesses looking for knowledge and support, as well as Mentors who want to give something back and perhaps expand their networks.”

If you have the experience and skills to become a volunteer Mentor or if you are an aspiring business leader, looking for mentoring support, please call: 01329 226199, email info@mentor-net.co.uk or visit www.mentor-net.co.uk

IPCC report examines global impacts of climate change A new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) examines how society might reduce future greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the most dangerous changes in climate. This is the third volume of its fifth assessment report (AR5) of climate and climate change. It follows Working Group I, which explored the evidence for climate change, and Working Group II, which looked at current and future impacts of a warming world.

Working Group III (WGIII) focuses on how manmade emissions of greenhouse gases have changed over recent decades and discusses how future increases in warming might be avoided. More than 400 authors and almost 900 reviewers from around the globe have worked on the assessment.

The report finds that global manmade emissions of greenhouse gases have continued to rise. For the most important gas, carbon dioxide, concentrations in the atmosphere were about 280 parts per million before the industrial revolution in the 1700s. For the first time in human history, the concentration is now surpassing 400 parts per million - higher than at any time in at least the last 800,000 years.

International governments have agreed that to avoid the risk of potentially dangerous impacts, society should try to limit global surface warming to no more than 2° C above preindustrial levels.

Research in WGIII and by the Met Office led AVOID programme in the UK, funded by DECC, Defra and NERC, found that to avoid the most dangerous climate changes we would need global emissions to peak in the near future and then decline. Scientific and economic uncertainties mean it's not possible to provide a single precise date when emissions need to peak, but the later they peak, the more rapid emissions reductions or reliance on untested technologies in the future.

The IPCC report says that in order to achieve reductions, energy requirements would need to be met through a combination of technologies such as renewables, nuclear power and using carbon capture and storage on much of the remaining fossil fuel use. Reduction in demand, e.g. through more efficient use of energy, is also likely to be important.

The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 18 th April 2014

Isle of Wight Sports