Issue 38 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

The Island's Community Newspaper

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The ‘New Magna Carta’ debate

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The Osborne Summer

CONCERT Tom Jones, Little Mix and Shane Filan play at Osborne House this weekend

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Countdown to the Fireworks Page 02

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By Julia Barratt

Osborne Summer Concerts is back this weekend with two incredible acts. UK’s best girl band, Little Mix and Welsh legend Tom Jones.. Set in the grounds of the breathtaking Osborne, the seaside family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this year’s concerts will welcome a wealth of talent with an action packed weekend. See Page 04

One millionth visitor expected Page 09

Police appeal for information following serious collision Page 2 Man treated for serious and life-changing injuries

A CHANCE TO SEE WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE DURING FIRST WORLD WAR

ISSUE NUMBER 38 Friday 25th July 2014

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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Police appeal for witnesses Police are appealing for other drivers to come forward following a serious injury road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car on the A3054 Medina Way at just after 11am on Thursday, July 24.

The pedestrian, a 35-year-old man from Cowes was seriously injured in the collision also involving a BMW M3.

He has been taken to Southampton General Hospital to be treated for serious and life-changing, but not lifethreatening, injuries to his arm and leg. No-one else was injured.

Police officers have been carrying out an investigation at the scene and a section of the dual carriageway was

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The Isle of Wight Mail

closed for around four hours.

Diversions were in place and Hampshire Constabulary would like to thank motorists in the area for their patience following this serious incident.

Anyone who saw what happened is urged to contact Sergeant Dave Sanderson at Shanklin Roads Policing Unit on 101 quoting 44140264840. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. Minicom users can call 01962 875000.

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Nearly one million tax credits claimants could lose benefit With the tax credits renewal deadline less than one week away, HMRC is reminding claimants to renew or face losing their payments.

Claimants have until 31 July to do so, or their payments might end. Last year more than 650,000 people failed to renew on time. This year, for the first time, claimants can renew online at GOV.UK, as well as being able to renew by post and phone.

HMRC recently published a list of reasons given for missing the deadline, including “I didn’t need the money because I’d met a rich bloke, but he dumped me”, “my dog ate the form” and “the form was locked in the boot of my car, and then my car caught fire”.

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By Lisa Billard

Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits, HMRC, said: “Time is running out for people in the South East to renew their tax credits, or they risk losing their money.

“The majority of people can renew online this year, which is quick, easy and can be done at a time of day to suit them.”

HMRC asks all claimants to check the accuracy of the information in their renewals pack, and to tell the department about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, such as to working hours, childcare costs or pay.

Two Week Countdown to Fireworks In two weeks time it will be Fireworks Friday at AAM Cowes Week and Cowes Fireworks Committee - formed of regatta organisers, Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, and the Isle of Wight Council – wish to extend their thanks to all those that have given generously to the fundraising effort and played their part in ensuring this year’s display can go ahead. The Committee is also urging anyone who is looking forward to this year’s display and hasn’t yet made a contribution to do so via the event website at aamcw.co/fireworks.

The popular Cowes fireworks display has taken place on the final Friday of Cowes Week since the very earliest days of the regatta and is viewed by many as an intrinsic part of the onshore festivities. It is an event for the community and the funding model has evolved in recent years to better reflect this.

Cowes Fireworks Committee was formed two years ago to ensure the future success of the display and to secure funding for the fireworks by working with all those who enjoy or benefit from the display. Many have already given generously to this year’s fireworks fundraising campaign, with thanks in particular to platinum level fireworks supporters Aberdeen Asset Management, Artemis Investment Management, Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, and Red Funnel; gold level fireworks supporters Blue Funnel Ferries, Cowes Business Association, Cowes Town Council, the Island Sailing Club, the Isle of Wight County Press, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, Solent & Wightline Cruises, and Taylor Events; silver level fireworks supporters Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, the sailing yacht Leopard, Next Generation Results, the Royal London Yacht Club, the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Spinlock and the Anchor; as well as bronze level support from Co-op, Corrie’s Cabin, Cowes Town Regatta, Mumby’s

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By Lisa Billard

Homecare Support and Plaza IceCream Parlour. In addition, the Isle of Wight Council provide a huge amount of support for the fireworks, without which the display could not take place.

This year’s display takes place in two weeks time on Friday 8 August at 9.30pm and the best places to view the display ashore are Cowes Parade, Castle Hill, Princes Green (as far as Egypt Point), and East Cowes Promenade. There is also the chance to watch the display from the water, courtesy of Red Funnel and their Fireworks Cruises. The Southampton sailing is being held in conjunction with Jack FM and includes a guest appearance from Pat Sharp. Due to popular demand, an additional sailing will also take place from East Cowes this year. For more details and to book, visit: www.redfunnel.co.uk/fireworks.

Commenting on what to expect of this year’s fireworks display, David Alvis of pyrotechnics specialist and contracted supplier, Pains Fireworks, said: “We’ll start proceedings with a single cannon fire from the Royal Yacht Squadron which will signal the start of the ‘Big Blast Off’, encouraging the boats arriving in Cowes Harbour for the fireworks to sound their horns just before the display gets underway. The fireworks barge will end the Big Blast Off with a single huge canopy of gold which will indicate the start of the countup to this year’s spectacular display.

We want everyone throughout the town and across the Solent to get involved!”

Visitors to the event on Friday 8 August will also enjoy the additional entertainment provided by a display from the RAF Typhoon Display Team at 7.10pm and a display from the iconic Red Arrows at 7.30pm. Both these displays are brought to the regatta courtesy of support from event sponsor, local letterbox.

CLUB AIMS TO IMPROVE YOUNG PEOPLE'S CYCLING SKILLS M

By Simon Butler

A new cycling club aimed at 10 to 15 year olds is taking place this month.

Junior Cycle Club is aimed at combining road safety with off road bike handling and racing. It has been organised by the council's sports unit, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Cycle Wight.

It takes place between Monday 28 July and Thursday 31 July at two locations. The first is at Sandown’s Fairway Sports complex between 10am and 12pm each day, and then at Newport’s Medina Leisure Centre between 2pm and 4pm, also each day.

Each session will involve teaching road safety with children learning skills to keep safe while out cycling. Once they complete this, they are awarded a Bikeability award. To add a further element of fun and excitement, there is also the opportunity to learn off road racing and bike handling skills.

Each session is free and to take part, you must have a fully working bicycle and wear a cycle helmet.

Booking is essential, which can be done by contacting (01983) 823818 or by emailing sports.unit@iow.gov.uk.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Red Funnel to operate more sailings in response to rising demand M

Emma Liasides

Red Funnel Red Jet

Red Funnel Ferries is pleased to announce that it is adding additional sailings to its summer schedule to cater for increasing numbers of travellers to and from the Island.

Southampton - West Cowes: Four additional Red Jet sailings will operate on Sunday afternoons between 27 July and 31 August 2014*, leaving Southampton at 16:15 and 17:15 and from West Cowes at 16:45 and 17:45. Southampton - East Cowes**: An additional passenger vehicle ferry sailing will operate on Friday 25 July and Friday 22 August 2014, leaving Southampton at 20:00 and from East Cowes at 21:30.

Red Funnel has seen a marked increase in the number of people and vehicles who are choosing to travel to and from the Isle of Wight via Southampton. This trend is underpinned by

an improving economy, which has seen the total cross-Solent car market increase by +2.3% for the period January to June 2014, compared to the previous year.

Jonathan Green, Marketing & Communications Director for Red Funnel commented, “The new summer sailing at 20:00 on peak Fridays from Southampton is perfect for visitors from London etc. who live within 22.5 hours’ drive-time. The increased demand follows greater marketing focus in this territory over the last six months by Visit Isle of Wight and ourselves. Whilst forward vehicle bookings remain strong, we have also seen a healthy increase in the number of day trip foot passengers, particularly from overseas. The additional Red Jet sailings will shorten queue and turnaround times on summer Sundays.”

COUNCIL WEBSITE MAKES IT EASIER TO GET ACTIVE M

By Simon Butler

The Isle of Wight Council has seen a large increase in the number of fitness classes being booked online.

During June, there were almost 9200 bookings made for a variety of fitness classes at the Heights and Medina leisure centres, and nearly 3000 of these were booked through the council's website www.iwight.com.

It's one of the highest numbers recorded with the recent trend suggesting this number will continue to increase as people use the Internet to ensure they don't miss their favourite classes.

Alex Minns, the council's strategic manager for leisure, said: "In the past, to book a class you either had to ring up the leisure centre or make a booking at the centre itself. Many people also did not realise you can book fitness classes online.

"Feedback we received is that people wanted this to be a lot easier, so as part of the re-launch of iwight.com in 2013, we made it a lot simpler to book a fitness class online such as putting a direct link on the homepage as well as in the leisure section of the website.

"It's now one of the most used sections on iwight.com and is very popular with leisure customers."

A wide variety of classes can be booked online, including Aquafit, Danceatomic and circuit training. More classes are being added all the time to ensure customers have a wide range to choose from including at different times of the day.

To book a class online, you need to be a One Card holder. More information about the One Card is available by logging on to www.iwight.com/leisure.

Future of Victoria Recreation Ground in jeopardy The future of the Victoria Recreation Ground and pavilion in Newport is in serious jeopardy according to a Newport Councillor.

Speaking this week, Cllr Chris Whitehouse who represents Newport West Ward in which the Recreation Ground is located says: “Unless a compromise way forward can be found, the future of the Recreation Ground and Pavilion is in serious jeopardy.”

The facility is widely used by a popular cricket club, two local schools, table-tennis players, tap dancers and even for pole dancing lessons, as well as a polling station and a venue for private hire. The pavilion is in urgent need of considerable maintenance work and the Isle of Wight Council is proposing to remove the existing £4,000 per year grant which the volunteers use to help meet the costs of maintaining the ground and the inside of the building.

Cllr Whitehouse first met with the Committee last year to discuss the crisis and subsequently arranged for Cllr Jonathan Gilbey, who leads on these issues for the Independent Administration, to discuss the matter with the Committee. “Cllr Gilbey very kindly spent some time visiting the facility and understanding the Committee’s concerns. He was very sympathetic to their plight and undertook to look into the matter to see what assistance could be provided” says Cllr Whitehouse, “But unfortunately, when officers looked into the matter they recommended that to reduce costs to the Council they

should remove the very small grant that the Committee currently receives, making matters much worse, not better.”

A meeting held on Monday 21st July was attended by officers from the Isle of Wight Council, representatives of the users of the facilities, and Cllr Whitehouse. Called by Mr Brian Knight, the Chairman of the Committee which runs the facilities, the meeting explored the dilemma facing the Committee who are not as young as they once were and are unable personally to continue to undertake some of the work involved.

“There is a real danger” says Cllr Whitehouse “that if a compromise cannot be found the Committee will face insolvency and will have to fold. The consequence, warned officers, would possibly be the demolition of the pavilion and the closure of the cricket ground. Nobody wants that, and I hope that commonsense will prevail and that officers will work hard to find an acceptable compromise that they can recommend to Councillor Gilbey, who in my personal experience is a perfectly reasonable man. The site has been maintained by the investment of huge amounts of voluntary work and goodwill over many decades. It would be ludicrous to jeopardise its success – we shouldn’t spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar!”.

Newport Parish Council has also recently written to the Isle of Wight Council Leader, Cllr Ian Stephens, backing the continuation of support for the Committee.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

TOM JONES & LITTLE MIX TO HEADLINE M

STANDARDS IMPROVING IN PRIMARY Early provisional data for Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Test (SAT) results for 2014 have just been released and show that Isle of Wight schools have improved the standards their pupils attain in reading, writing and mathematics.

Children sat these tests at the end of Year 6 at primary school (11 years old). Results showed 83 per cent of Isle of Wight children achieved the nationally expected level 4 or above in mathematics, 88 per cent in reading and 83 per cent in writing.

The percentage of those achieving level 4 in all areas has improved significantly and at 75 per cent, is now the same as the national figure in 2013. A growing proportion (17 per cent) reached the higher standard of level 5 in all three subject areas.

Councillor Richard Priest, Executive member for children’s services, said: “The children and teachers should be praised for all their hard work, and we thank parents for their continued support. Standards on the Island are really starting to develop but we are still committed to work towards further improvement. The partnership with Hampshire and the commitment of our headteachers is starting to have a real impact on improving standards in our schools.”

By Julia Barratt

Osborne Summer Concerts is back this weekend with two incredible acts. UK’s best girl band, Little Mix and Welsh legend Tom Jones.. Set in the grounds of the breathtaking Osborne, the seaside family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this year’s concerts will welcome a wealth of talent with an action packed weekend.

Since being crowned winners of the X Factor in 2011, Little Mix has become one of the biggest bands to come out of the UK and will be headlining Saturday 26th July. They have sold more than three million singles and albums worldwide, played at the Isle of Wight Festival and secured huge success over the pond.

Tom Jones will bring his legendary hits to the shores of the Isle of Wight on Sunday 27th July and will no doubt be making the ladies swoon. With a career spanning decades it will be a show stopping performance and one thing’s for sure Tom Jones will keep the audience captivated from start to finish.

John Giddings, organiser of Osborne Summer Concerts and the Isle Of Wight Festival, is thrilled to have teamed up again with Annie Horne and Green Eye Events, Riverside Productions and English Heritage to put on this unique weekend.”

The stunning 19th century English Heritage location of Osborne, set in 1000 acres of gardens and grounds, has proved to be a fantastic setting for these Osborne Summer Concerts since 2008. English Heritage is once again delighted to be hosts. General Manager Rob Flower says: “English Heritage is delighted to welcome back the Osborne Summer Concerts and play host to Little Mix and Tom Jones at Osborne in 2014.

The house and gardens will provide an amazing backdrop to what looks set to be an amazing weekend of entertainment.”

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Get involved in the ‘New Magna Carta’ debate, suggests MP Next year, 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the creation of Britain’s most historically significant constitutional document, the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta (originally known as The Great Charter of the Liberties of England of the Liberties of the Forest) records the acts of the feudal barons who protected their rights by limiting the powers of King John.

The rebels were led by East Anglian baron, Robert FitzWalter, who styled himself 'Marshal of the Host of God and the Holy Church'.

To mark the anniversary, the Political and Constitutional Reform Select Committee (PCRC), of which the Island’s MP Andrew Turner is a member, has launched a consultation on whether the UK now needs a written constitution. The UK’s legal system is largely founded on a system of common law based on precedent; judges interpret the law and make decisions which are binding on future cases. There is no single document which records the obligations and rights of UK citizens.

The arguments for and against the idea of a formal written constitution are contained in a report published by the Committee earlier this month, based on research undertaken by King’s College, London. The Committee will report on the responses from the public in time for them to be taken into account ahead of the general election. Mr Turner is encouraging Islanders to participate in the consultation which ends on 1st January 2015.

“My own view is that a written constitution is unnecessary. Our constitution, even though it is not written down, responds to changing times, views and circumstances. Trying to produce a single document that would list the rights and responsibilities of all citizens would

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Andrew Turner's Office

be divisive, and so difficult that I think it would be madness to even try – and in any event it would soon be out of date.

“However, views of the members of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee are mixed on this subject and it will be very interesting to hear the views of the public. I hope Islanders will want to get involved in the debate. The Committee report is over 400 pages long – but thankfully you don’t have to read it in order to comment!”

A link to the consultation and report can be found on Mr Turner’s website

www.islandmp.org

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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Back to Westminster

Councillor challenges "diverted" £17,000 A Newport Councillor has challenged the way £17,000 of potential investment for his ward was “diverted” to fund projects in other areas.

Cllr Chris Whitehouse, who represents Newport West Ward, has asked council officers to investigate how the money which had been expected to be used to improve facilities at the Victoria Recreation Ground and Pavilion was in fact used for improvements to the Church Litten playground in the centre of Newport.

The money was paid by developers of 60 housing units in a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom houses in Newport West Ward. It was specifically identified in the Report to the Planning Committee that agreed the application as being a contribution of £17,000 towards providing enhanced children’s play area provision at an agreed existing off-site location because there was not a suitable space on the new development to permit children’s outdoor play provision. Cllr Whitehouse said: “In their written report to the Planning Committee, officers argued that because no children’s play area could be provided on the development site it was agreed that the developer should provide funding for such a play area “in the local area” and it was noted that “there is a programme of enhancement works in respect of Victoria Recreation Ground which would be financially aided by the proposed offer should consent be granted””.

“Subsequently” claims Cllr Whitehouse, “officers of the

Council decided to spend the money on the Church Litten development which” Whitehouse argues “is in no way local to the development when it comes to the young children who were the intended beneficiaries of this funding.”

The councillor has referred the matter to the Council’s Managing Director, Dave Burbage, and its Monitoring Officer, Davina Fiore, arguing that the way this decision was handled has gone down very badly with the local community, and suggesting that processes and procedures be changed in future so that officers cannot unilaterally make decisions to shift funding from one project to another without reference to the local ward members.

Cllr Whitehouse added “The current administration has decided that Cabinet Members will no longer make such delegated decisions on their own. It seems simply bonkers that officers who answer to those Cabinet Members can divert funding in this way from the projects for which it was expected to be used to other pet schemes of their own.”

The councillor, who raised the issue at the Full Council Meeting on 16th July, has asked that the matter be looked into by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Stephens, not least because there is now a separate funding pot of nearly £250,000 affecting the same area of Newport which he is determined will not be “siphoned off” for projects elsewhere on the Island.

Following the success of last year’s Wight in Westminster Day (dubbed Wightminster) the event is to be held again for a second year on the 2nd September in the historic Jubilee Room in the Palace of Westminster.

The event is being hosted by the Island’s MP Andrew Turner and is designed to showcase all that is great about the Island.

It is being organised by Taste of the Wight (Solent) in partnership with Visit Isle of Wight. The day will focus on the Island’s food and drink sector with links between that and key visitor themes such as the Garden Isle and activities such as Bicycle Island.

Island businesses will also be playing a key part in the day with a Marine/Technology sector showcase set up by Geoff Underwood, Managing Director of In Flight Peripherals Ltd in Calbourne.

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner said: “The feedback from last year’s event was really good.

Many Island businesses benefited from the day which really raised the profile of the Island and so many things that are great here. It is quite an undertaking to organise and this year there is a much shorter time in which to get things sorted out – but we are confident we will put on a great show again, hopefully it will be even bigger and better than last year.

“My office is working with Taste of the Wight, Visit Isle of Wight and Geoff Underwood who have some excellent ideas to ensure London well and truly knows the Isle of Wight is in town. I am really looking forward to the day”.

Director of Visit Isle of Wight, David Thornton, commented: “Having an opportunity to showcase the Isle of Wight to London journalists, MP’s and potential partners at such a prestigious venue as Westminster Palace is a powerful ingredient in our annual communications plan. We’re delighted to be working with Taste of the Wight, The MP’s office, Visit England and IW Council to bring the “Island experience” together once again. This year the tourism message will revolve around presenting a Garden Isle for all seasons, and a great place to visit any time of year.”

David Brooks, Sales Director of Solent who are organising Taste of the Wight added: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Andrew and Visit Isle of Wight to present this Taste of the Wight showcase for local produce, as well as promoting foodrelated tourism opportunities such as Bicycle Island’s Taste Trail. Whilst David Thornton and his team will be leading on marketing and public relations, we are aiming to support this and attract potential new buyers and open their eyes to what the Island can produce locally.”

Managing Director of IFPL, Geoff Underwood commented on the business element of the day: “The Isle of Wight Day at Westminster is a great opportunity for us to showcase the incredibly wide diversity of Technology companies we have on the Island.

“We want people to know that the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to develop and grow a business. Not only is there a wide pool of Technology businesses already here, from the latest Marine Composites technology to World Class computer games, the Island provides a stunning place to work, live and raise a family.”

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

VECTIS BELLES BRING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO ISLAND ROADS' HUB M

By Claire Robertson

A group of ladies known as the Vectis Belles brought a splash of colour to the control hub of Island Roads during a visit to hear more about Island Roads operations.

The group of nine ladies, dressed in the customary red hat and purple dresses of the Red Hat Society – a friendship group for ladies over 50 – had asked to visit Island Roads visitor centre to learn more about the company’s work on the Island.

During their visit the ladies were able to see the hub in operation, where enquiries are taken, defects recorded and jobs scheduled for action, and had a chance to hear more about aspects of the highways work on the Island.

The group were given an explanation of the seven year core investment programme to bring the Island’s roads up to the required standards and the way the Island was divided into districts to tackle the work programme. They also heard about how the company looks after other highways ‘assets’ e.g. streetlights and benches, how operational activities are carried out such as street cleansing and grass cutting and were able to raise enquiries during their visit ranging from questions about streetlighting to how Island Roads dealt with pets killed on the roads.

Vectis Belles ‘Queen’ Margaret Hedges said, “It was a really useful visit and we learnt a lot of things we didn’t know about the work that Island Roads were involved in and now have a much better understanding of the work they have been tasked with.”

Tracy Ringer, Island Roads' Performance Manager who hosted the visit said, “It was a pleasure to meet the ladies and to be able to talk to them about our work and help answer their questions. We are always happy to receive requests from groups who wish to come to our visitor centre and we would also encourage people to come and see us when we are out and about in the community with our mobile visitor centre.”

Anyone wishing to book a group visit to the hub should contact 01983 822440. The mobile visitor centre will be in St James’ Square, Newport on 1 August from 11am-1pm and at Ryde Esplanade on 29 August from 11am-1pm.

Red Hat ladies

TOP FOLK TRIO PLAY THEIR PASSAGE OVER THE SOLENT M

Ventnor Arts Club

This Saturday 26th July, THE WILLOW BAND, one of the UK’s most talked about new folk & pop bands comes to Ventnor Arts Club, busking on the ferry during their first trip across the Solent since forming just 18 months ago.

THE WILLOW BAND came about following a song writing retreat in Spain where Fiona and Paul first met. Upon the bizarre discovery that they actually only lived minutes away from each other around the area of Camberley, they decided to bring a third song writing friend, Dave, into the mix. Fusing folk and pop together, the trio keep their three-part harmonies tight and their stringed instruments close to their hearts.

They play at Ventnor Arts Club for the first time this Saturday fresh from last week’s victory in a competition to play the opening slot on the Surrey Advertiser Stage last Friday at GuilFest.

The musicians, from Camberley, Ash Vale and Yateley, won the contest which was voted for by readers of the Surrey Advertiser and News & Mail 's What's On supplement. The group write their own material with a focus on meaningful lyrics, and they play a variety of instruments

including guitar, banjo, ukulele and cajon.

The band spokesperson says “The Island audience sounds like a lovely crowd - we're going to use the opportunity to not only busk on the ferry, we're going to be writing some more songs for them too” Tickets are available now online at www.ventnorartsclub.com and are just £3 for members and £5 for non-members and guests.

All are welcome and a wonderful night of harmonious, melodic and lyrical music is in store.

HILL FARM STABLES Share your news and pictures with us press@iwmail.co.uk Or leave us a short message

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

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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CHANCE TO SEE WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE DURING FIRST WORLD WAR Lord Louis Library in Newport is holding an event to commemorate 100 years since the start of the First World War. On Saturday 2 August between 11am and 3pm, visitors will have the chance to create their own remembrance poppy which will then be placed in the library’s poppy field.

There is also the opportunity to view a wide a variety of displays and First World War memorabilia.

The day will culminate in the announcement of the winners of the library service’s recent First World War writing competition, where prizes will be awarded to the best poem or short story by children, teenagers and adult participants.

The announcements will be followed by readings from many of the

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By Simon Butler

competition entries.

Other highlights of the day include a slide show put on by the council's heritage service showing Island life before 1914, a display of Hunnyhill Primary School pupil's letters from the trenches and an exhibition showing Ryde at the outbreak of the war which is put on by the Ryde Social Heritage Group.

There will also be a chance to 'touch the past' by getting your hands on First World War uniforms and memorabilia between 11am and 1pm.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for economy and tourism, said: "This event is a wonderful chance to see a glimpse of Island life

at the outbreak of the First World War and also read some excellent letters from local school children. It is also not very often you get to see and touch genuine First World War memorabilia.

"I am sure the day will be appreciated by everyone who goes along."

For further details of the day’s events contact Andy Walker, development librarian on (01983) 203886 or Annika Franklin, library assistant on 527655.

MP asks for early report M

By Kath Harvey

The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has raised the incident that occurred on Wightlink’s St Helen ferry with the new Minister responsible for Maritime issues, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP. On 18th July part of the moving mezzanine deck on the St Helen collapsed as it was being lowered to enable vehicles travelling on the upper deck to unload. Four people were taken to hospital for treatment but have since all been discharged. Investigations into what happened have begun, but it typically take 6-8 months before a final report is issued by the Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB), a branch of the Department for Transport. Mr Turner has asked that the Minister ensures that the report is issued as quickly as possible saying: “Everybody is thankful that this did not lead to more serious injuries, but nonetheless it must have been really frightening for all involved. Many people are alarmed that this could have happened at all, and are asking whether there is a failsafe system in place. It is also being said that the St Helen passed an independent engineering assessment as recently as May. “The MAIB acted very quickly in starting a full investigation, and we all understand these things take time to investigate properly. Hundreds of thousands of people use the ferries every year; they are the lifeline to the Island and people need to be reassured they are safe. I have therefore asked the Minister to do all he can to get the formal MAIB report published as quickly as possible. In the meantime the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will have to certify the St Helen as safe before she can be used again. There is nothing more important than the safety of passengers. We now need as much information as possible from Wightlink to reassure the travelling public.

“I am also concerned that differing accounts of the accident have been circulating”

COMPETITION UNDERWAY A children's poetry competition has been launched where the winners will be given the chance to read their poems at a conference about anti bullying.

Ahead of Anti Bullying Week 2014, which takes place in November, school children are encouraged to write an original poem based on the anti bullying week theme which is "Let's stop bullying for all".

There are three categories for entries which are years 5 to 6, years 7 to 9 and years 10 to 11. There will be two winners from the first two categories, and three from years 10 to 11.

As well as having the chance to read their poems at the anti bullying conference on Wednesday 22 October, winning entries will also be given a prize.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 26 September.

More information is available at www.iwight.com/antibullying.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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ROARING SUCCESS OF MUSEUM M

By Simon Butler

An Isle of Wight Council attraction is close to reaching a huge landmark in its history.

Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown is expecting to welcome its one millionth visitor since it opened its doors for the first time back in August 2001. Based on current visitor numbers, staff are predicting the millionth visitor will walk through the doors by the end of the year.

A surprise prize will be given to the lucky millionth customer, while all visitors to the museum can now enter a competition to win a break on the Isle of Wight. The winner will be drawn on the day the millionth visitor is revealed.

Since opening in 2001, Dinosaur Isle now holds over 30,000 fossils, covering the breadth of the Island's geology.

It regularly welcomes schools from the across the country on organised trips, and hosts hugely popular fossil walks.

These walks have in the past turned up newly discovered species of dinosaur, such as a prehistoric crocodile and a spider.

Peter Pusey, general manager at the museum: said “Reaching one million visitors is a great tribute to those early fossil hunters who, in the 1820s, had the foresight to lay the foundations of the collection that is still being added to today.

"We wanted to have a bit of fun and share our excitement this summer, and get our one millionth visitor party started”.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for tourism and economy, said: "It is incredible to think Dinosaur Isle is approaching the one millionth visitor mark.

"This is a fantastic achievement for the museum which continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors every year and I send my congratulations to the staff."

David Thornton, Chief Executive Visit Isle of Wight Ltd said "Dinosaur Isle forms one of the cornerstones of the Isle of Wight's heritage branding and is a key aspect of what makes the Island distinct and different.

"Over the past couple of years the museum has been phenomenally successful and we are delighted to be in involved with the celebrations to mark its millionth visitor".

The museum building was designed to look like a pterodactyl when constructed.

Official Charity M

By AAM Cowes Week

UKSA plans to make a huge impact at AAM Cowes Week during its first year as the event’s official charity. One of its key aims is to raise enough funds to offer every Year 6 primary school child on the Island (a total of 1,600 children) the opportunity to experience water-based sports with UKSA. To kick-start the fund-raising initiative Aberdeen Asset Management will be donating £1 every time a racing boat passes the Aberdeen Alpha mark for a start or finish.

In an effort to reach their fund-raising target, UKSA is running a series of attractions including the ‘open to all’ sailing sessions, which offer an hour’s sailing tuition with UKSA instructors aboard one of its three keelboats each day between 9.30am and 6pm, for just £5. Those who want to book a place should head to the UKSA area at Cowes Yacht Haven where the official event ‘must have’ wristband can also be purchased for a £1 charitable donation, providing a lasting reminder to visitors of their time at the world’s bestknown regatta.

Keep an eye out also for two of UKSA’s Farr 65 yachts out racing every day with a selection of celebrity skippers Including Paralympic gold medallist sailor Helena Lucas and Britain’s London 2012 Olympic Bronze medallist women’s hockey player Alex Danson, along with some of the youngsters who have transformed their lives through UKSA. On Tuesday 5 August, HRH The Princess Royal will be out sailing with UKSA too.

The ‘Boss up a Mast’ fundraising spectacle, which is taking place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings, is also likely to be a big hit. UKSA will moor one of its Farr 65s in the Yacht Haven to make it highly visible for spectators to watch senior executives, locked into a Spinlock Mast-Pro harness, raised 100ft to the top of the mast. The idea is that the boss can only come down once they have urged their contacts (via mobile phone) to pledge donations to UKSA. Visitors are also encouraged to #masterthemast. In return for a small donation, UKSA are offering the opportunity to climb the mast of the iconic Gipsy Moth IV, which will be moored in the Yacht Haven each day from 11.30am- 2pm.

Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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Celebrity gardener takes step back in time at Sandown A celebration of 150 years of the railway on the Isle of Wight has seen schools join forces with local communities to mark the anniversary.

One of the five schools involved this week welcomed a special guest to admire the work they’ve done to give a floral lift to Sandown station.

Fifteen members of The Bay Church of England Primary School’s Community Kids Club welcomed celebrity gardener Chris Collins, who has looked after BBC TV’s Blue Peter garden for nine years.

Chris was on the island as part of his work on behalf of Southern Water, sponsors of the regional South & South East in Bloom competition.

After chatting to the youngsters and admiring their displays, he said: “It was like stepping back in time at Sandown station; they’ve captured a real slice of history. Once again it’s a great example of horticulture binding people together.”

South & South East in Bloom judge Mike Fitt OBE said: “The Community Rail Partnership asked how we could help and we are always trying to build the number of

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Harriet Coombs

entries on the island so it was great for Chris to be able to come along and see what these youngsters have achieved. It’s really good to see the kids so motivated.”

Head teacher Duncan Mills said the school’s location so close to the station meant it was a natural link to take part in the 150th celebration.

“We are proud to represent the school and get involved with the project,” he said, adding that the link had enabled the youngsters to learn about the history of the line and to learn about rail safety. One of the youngsters, Darcey, nine, said: “I liked planting the flowers and getting my hands dirty. I liked the fuchsias and the geraniums best and we went for a red, white and blue theme.”

Lewis, 10, added: “I think we’ve done a brilliant job. I like all the different coloured flowers.”

The youngsters also came across a rare Elephant hawk moth while working at the station and included a photo of one as part of their display.

Red Funnel inspires the next generation M

By Emma Liasides

One aspiring engineer was in for a treat, as Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries offered competition winner Dawid, aged 11, from Thornhill Primary School in Southampton, the chance to be a Red Funnel engineer for the day as part of The Big Bang @ Solent learning experience.

The day-long event was hosted at The City Cruise Terminal in Southampton, during which local businesses and organisations offered a variety of workshops and activities designed to inspire and encourage young people from all backgrounds to study science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Red Funnel exhibited for the first time this year and offered an unforgettable experience for local pupil Dawid, who had entered a competition to guess how many litres of fuel a Red Funnel car ferry uses in a year. His guess earned him the chance to spend a day with Red Funnel engineers, taking a look behind the scenes of the original Isle of Wight ferry company, and learning what it takes to keep 37,000 crossings per year sailing smoothly across the Solent.

Shirley Anderson, HR director at Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries, said: “We loved exhibiting at The Big Bang and talking to children about what we do. Dawid won our competition and has had a fantastic day with our engineers.

Red Funnel is a key local employer and children growing up next to the Solent recognise what an important role our service plays, so it was great to be able to give Dawid the chance to step behind the scenes and see how everything works.”

Competition winner Dawid, aged 11, from Thornhill Primary School in Southampton, said: “One moment I was doing a maths at the Big Bang Science Fayre and the next moment I was at the main office of the incredible Red Funnel company with my dad, being a V.I.P for the day. My Dad and I got two great tours during the day - one around the most modern ferry, the Red Falcon, and one around the Red Jet 3, and I even got to drive the Red Falcon. It was an outstanding day!”

ADVERTISE IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT MAIL Visit www.iwmail.co.uk/advertising to see the new summer 2014 rates, sizes & special offers or call our sales team on 01983 242095

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Celebrity gardener admires Ventnor beauty spot restoration M

Harriet Coombs

Childhood memories of an idyllic beauty spot in Ventnor have been revived thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers.

This time last year – and for several years previously – Flowers Brook was hidden beneath overgrown vegetation and the area flooded because the natural course of the stream was blocked.

Now, thanks to a partnership between the Ventnor Enhancement Fund, Green Gym, the Rotary Club of Ventnor, St Catherine’s School and a £1,500 grant from Southern Water, the landscaped natural stream has been restored to its former glory.

Joan Barton, Ventnor Enhancement Fund volunteer, said: “The funding has enabled us to return Flowers Brook’s original beauty and to protect it as a habitat for indigenous water plants and wildlife.”

The grant helped to pay for professional advice from a botanist, the hire of a digger, plant purchases, a new stone seat, information boards, the repair of stepping stones and the restoration of some Victorian landscaping.

Meanwhile the volunteers have worked in all weathers once or twice a month clearing the overgrown vegetation.

Joan, said: “We’ve had so much positive feedback from residents and tourists alike.” Maureen Crawley, former Ventnor mayor, added: “A lot of people come down here now and say, ‘I remember coming here as a child’.”

The group involved in the project, including several Green Gym members who were commissioned to help, this week welcomed a visit from celebrity gardener Chris Collins to see how the coastal landmark has been transformed.

Chris, who helps Southern Water to promote its support and sponsorship of South & South East in Bloom, said: “It’s great to see how the Green Gym volunteers really got stuck in and how there has been a real coming together of the community for the common good. I particularly like the show of wild flowers; and what a view.”

Southern Water public affairs manager, Andy Shaddick, added: “It’s fantastic to see how much work has been done using Southern Water’s donation.”

Share your news and pictures with the Isle of Wight press@iwmail.co.uk or leave a message on

01983 898838

(L) Chris Collins and Andy Shaddick, Southern Water's Public Affairs Manager, pose with volunteers and members of the general public

Kent director fined for breaching trading sanctions A Kent businessman has been fined £17,000 and ordered to pay HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for breaching trading sanctions relating to two businesses.

Robin Stammers was instructed to pay £175,300 as a VAT security when he registered his businesses, because his previous enterprises had folded leaving outstanding tax debts. This meant that if he continued to make taxable supplies without paying the security he would be committing an offence.

However he failed to pay the securities of £149,350 for Isle of Wight based, West Island Label Store Ltd

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By Lisa Billard

and £25,950 for Kent based Intermedia Sales (Europe) Ltd and continued to trade. John Cooper, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: “Insolvent traders like Stammers deprive the UK of public funds. We will continue to tackle noncompliance and investigate those who walk away from unsuccessful businesses leaving tax debts, only to begin trading as a new entity shortly after.”

A sunny start to the school holidays, Says Met Office The start of the school summer holidays is heralded by a period of dry weather across much of the UK, with good spells of sunshine, patchy cloud and temperatures staying just above average for many.

There is a chance of thundery showers, but the signs are currently that a settled pattern with high pressure may well continue to dominate for several days to come.

Eddy Carroll, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "The rest of July will see temperatures into the mid to high twenties in places and, although there is a risk of showers, for most the fine, largely dry and warm weather looks like it could well persist into August."

The Met Office's 'Get Ready for the Great British Summer' web pages are full of ideas, useful tips and information aimed at helping you make the most of the summer holidays, whatever the weather. You can choose activities that suit your mood - whether you want to relax, be active, explore or entertain. You can also find a wide range of unique information varying from places to visit, to fun activities and even top beach safety tips.

The pages have been developed with a range of partners such as the RNLI, Cancer Research, VisitEngland and VisitScotland, and give easy access

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The Met Office

to Met Office weather forecasts and warnings, helping you plan your day and make the most of all the UK has to offer this summer.

The site is also interactive so visitors can share their Great British Summer stories and photos via blogs, our Facebook, and Twitter.

Check the weather app, for localised, detailed up to date forecasts wherever and whenever you want. The Met Office weather app is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 8 and Kindle Tablet

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

CHARITIES TEAM UP TO PROMOTE DESIGNERS WITH DISABILITIES M

By Krissy Lloyd

Clothes and accessories created by designers with disabilities will be hitting the high street thanks to an initiative from two Island charities.

Work created by students on the Way Forward programme is going on sale in the John’s Club shop in the High Street in Shanklin.

“Started last year, our fashion sessions have proved a real hit with our clients” says Programme Lead Lee White.

“We’ve discovered some amazing talent amongst our young designers and it’s great that John’s Club have now provided us with the opportunity to be able to sell items to the public. We hope it will encourage more people to take up the sessions and are currently planning our second fashion show for later in the year.”

Money raised from the sale of the items will be shared between the two charities, both of which offer support and activities for Islanders with physical and learning disabilities.

MORE ANCIENT WOODLANDS CONFIRMED M

By Simon Butler

New research has shown the Isle of Wight has a lot more areas of ancient woodland than previously thought.

Ancient woodland is defined as dating to 1600AD or before and is an irreplaceable resource. A recent survey - the first to be carried out since 1987 - has discovered 110 new ancient woodlands on the Island.

The research, carried out on behalf of the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership, used detailed maps, surveys and estate records that were not all available in 1987.

Types of plants and animals in the woodlands were also closely analysed.

This is because a key indicator if woodland is ancient is the type of plants and animals that live there as these are established over many centuries and are not simply replaced should new trees be planted.

Matthew Chatfield, Isle of Wight Council parks and countryside manager and chairman of the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership, was involved in the survey.

He said: "The survey was carried out over the last year and has revealed nearly 250 extra hectares (over 600 acres) of ancient woodland.

"Much of this was because of the new resources and techniques available."

Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member for sustainability, added: "Knowing the locations of ancient woodlands across the Island is very important. They add to the Island's unique character and area of outstanding natural beauty.

"One of the main reasons people visit the Isle of Wight is to see the countryside and it is important these areas are protected for their social and economic benefits.

"Also, Natural England considers that ancient woodlands should be protected and this is key to any future policy or planning decisions."

Image: Peter West, Tom Dreyer, Catherine Nally, Michelle Smith, Amada Edlin

Society For The Blind & Partially sighted receive support Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight have announced that Isle of Wight Society For The Blind will receive a year’s worth of fundraising and awareness support. The Isle of Wight Society For The Blind who offer support information and activities to help visually impaired people and their families will be the new Local Charity for the Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight store.

To celebrate the announcement, a launch day took place at the Newport Isle of Wight on 17th July. Representatives from Isle of Wight Society For The Blind was on hand to greet customers throughout the day. The store team will also be fundraising for the new charity by holding a Dress Up Days, Bag Packing, monetary collections and awareness days, offering support for recreational activities, volunteering colleague support on annual fair Days for the Society For The Blind, The retailer’s Local Charity scheme is now in its sixth year and gives customers the chance to vote for their favourite local charity to be considered to receive a year’s worth of support from their Sainsbury’s store. The scheme has raised over £6 million to support local charities since 2009.

The Newport Isle of Wight store situated in Foxes Road has had great success in supporting previous local charities and last year raised £2,534.00 for YMCA The YMCA will be using the money to support Young Carers Days out and Activities Customers had a huge say in this year’s announcement and voted in-store and online between 28th May and 8th June. The store colleagues then decided that Isle of Wight Society For The Blind were the best charity for them to work with to make a real difference.

When the charity were announced as Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight’s new Local Charity partner for 2013/2014, Simon Samuels from the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind said that he couldn’t wait to get started: “For a big retailer like Sainsbury’s to confirm a year’s partnership with us was just incredible news. I remember getting the phone-call and having a

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By Tanya Blake

big grin on my face! We had our first meeting shortly after and we worked up some great ideas that we hoped would create great feedback with the store’s customers and colleagues “from Isle of Wight Society For The Blind said: “We know the success that the Local Charity partnership has bought to many charities in the Isle of Wight area so when we received the news, we were thrilled. We hope the partnership will help raise awareness of our cause to the store’s customers and will help us develop the important service we provide to the community”.

Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight Paul Dyer Store Manager said: “We’ve had a great response from our customers this year, both through in-store and online votes. We’re delighted to have chosen a charity which touched many of our colleagues’ hearts. We will now be working closely with the charity to ensure they really benefit from being our Local Charity for the next 12 months”.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Teaming up to Support UPDATED TOURIST INFORMATION Practical, Sustainable POINT NOW OPEN Initiatives M

By Ben Cummings

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Organisers of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Cowes Week Limited, have teamed up with The Green Blue – the joint environment initiative of the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine Federation and Sunsail to further develop the number of green initiatives already in place at the regatta.

Sunsail has worked in partnership with The Green Blue for over five years, leading the way to make environmental improvements to its fleet and operations in Port Solent; Sunsail’s experience and support of sustainable boating has been a driving force for this year’s environmental initiatives at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week which are simple but impactful.

The Green Blue will be on standby during registration in the Regatta Centre to give plenty of practical advice on sustainable boating, as well as having a selection of free environmental products such as bilge socks, fuel collars and boat wash available for sailors to take away and try on board.

Recyclable bow stickers will once again be provided. The Green Blue are advising that the trick is to apply the stickers to a well-prepared surface so they stay firmly in place for the week until they are ready to be peeled off and recycled. If in doubt, a member of the branding team can provide a helping hand with application.

Saturday 2nd August has been designated ‘Green Blue Day’ to encourage people to think a little more sustainably during the Week. First run by Sunsail during the 2013 regatta with their fleet of Sunsail Match First 40 yachts, Green Blue Day provides a great awareness-raising platform and an opportunity for everyone to do their bit to minimise the impact of boating on the

Environment.

With some great prizes on offer, competitors are also being challenged to take a green snap and submit it via Twitter or Instagram using #GoGreenBlue. Incredible Hulk, Ninja Turtle or Green Lantern fancy dress, retrieving marine litter, green cocktails or recycling on board - if it’s green, anything goes! The prizes are well worth winning too and include a luxury ski holiday in Canada and tickets to the FA Cup Final in 2015 courtesy of Sunsail’s partners, Crystal Ski Holidays and Sportsworld a specialist hospitality, travel and event services company accredited to ISO 20121.

The final green initiative being asked of competitors and visitors is to bring a reusable water bottle to the regatta. For those who don’t have one, have forgotten it, or would like a new one, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week branded sports bottles will be available for sale during the week at just £2, with a proportion of all sales being donated to UKSA, the regatta’s Official Charity. Free water stations will be available at Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Wharf Marina for refills throughout the week, thanks to support from Sunsail.

Commenting on the practical steps taken to improve sustainability at this year’s regatta, Jane Swan, Project Manager at The Green Blue, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cowes Week Limited encouraging everyone to go green at this year’s regatta. The Solent is a unique backdrop to this amazing event and the perfect platform to raise awareness of how easy sustainable boating can be and how important it is to keep the sailing waters around us in great shape.”

By Sue Emmerson

Visitors to Havenstreet and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway will now have further opportunity to update themselves with information about the local area and the Isle of Wight.

The IW Steam Railway has maintained a Tourist Information Point in the car park for three years, but they have recently decided to take advantage of support from the Isle of Wight Council and Visit Isle of Wight and join the Island’s network of independent Tourist Points.

The Information Point has been upgraded with new signage, increased display for leaflets and a bench for people to sit and read the information. A large wall map of the Island is also a feature of the modernised Tourist Point.

Peter Vail, General Manager at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway says “We established our Tourist Information Point in response to many visitor requests for information of activities and places of interest to enhance their stay on the Island. Being in a rural location, access to leaflets and other tourist related information has greatly helped our ability to provide this essential service to our visitors. We are constantly amazed and delighted just how much information is gathered from this simple but effective facility”.

This new visitor information point is the latest in a series of investments made by Visit Isle of Wight, thanks to financial support from the Isle of Wight Council, aimed at improving visitor information across the Island. Since July 2013, new tourist information points have opened in Shanklin, Ryde, Brighstone, Ventnor , Brading, Godshill, Sandown, Newport, Yarmouth, East Cowes and Freshwater Bay. Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for Economy and Tourism, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Havenstreet at IW Steam Railway to the Isle of Wight’s network of tourist information points. The IW Steam Railway attracts many visitors who are then looking for further information about the Island. The convenient location of the new Tourist Information Point will be of great benefit to visitors to the Island.”

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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COWES HARBOUR’S NEW BREAKWATER ADVANCES INTO THIRD STAGE M

By Louisa Mamakou

Work on the construction of a new breakwater structure at the mouth of Cowes Harbour, which will transform the port into a true sheltered harbourage, has successfully moved into the third stage of this vital 18month coastal protection project.

Cowes Harbour Commission’s appointed contractors Boskalis Westminster, world leaders in the design and construction of breakwaters, have completed the installation of an initial 1.5 metre layer of sand and gravel along the breakwater footprint (350m x 50m) and inserted a total of 11,000 wick drains to draw out water, thereby improving the ground bearing capacity of the seabed.

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Harbour Master at Cowes, said: “We are very pleased to report that construction on Cowes’ new detached breakwater is progressing extremely well and we have now commenced stage three of the 2014 works programme which is the placing of a geotextile membrane on top of the sand and gravel layer. This phase of the operation, carried out during daylight hours by a large barge and multi-cat, will run up to the start of August and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week as planned.”

The Exclusion Zone that is in place around the submerged breakwater and construction area will remain in place during the Cowes Week regatta; all harbour users and competitors are strongly advised to take careful note of the Cowes Local Notices to Mariners for the most up-to-date information on the extent and shape of the Exclusion Zone, which is shown by lit buoys and cardinal marks. A 300 metre long floating orange and black pipeline, also lit, is anchored

parallel to the breakwater on its northern side, and a 60 metre barge may be positioned anywhere along the breakwater footprint. For their safety, all vessels must ensure they stay outside of this Exclusion Zone and enter or depart Cowes Harbour via the fairway or Small Craft Channel.

Following a recent agreement between Cowes Harbour Commission and Boskalis Westminster, the fourth stage of construction on the breakwater is now set to start after Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and will see the installation of the breakwater’s gravel core up to between 4 and 5 metres above chart datum using a trailing suction hopper dredger, floating pipeline and spraying pontoon. When the crest of the breakwater is visible above the water surface, the spraying pontoon will then be utilised to spray gravel against the slopes of the breakwater. The gravel will be left to consolidate for one month prior to being raised up to 5 metres above chart datum along the whole length of the breakwater.

By this September, and during a nine month period over the autumn and winter to allow for settlement of the gravel core, the breakwater will resemble a gravel spit and will only begin to take its final finished appearance during the 2015 works.

Cowes Harbour Commissioners are very grateful for the continued cooperation of local residents and assistance from all relevant parties during the construction of the breakwater, which will, once completed, protect the harbour and deliver a range of long-term benefits to the local economy.

PEER REVIEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS COUNCIL M PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

By Simon Butler

The Isle of Wight Council has published the findings of a voluntary corporate peer challenge into its overall leadership and governance, how it works – and its capacity to deliver and meet future challenges.

The peer challenge report concludes that the council has made sound progress over the last year, but that the council recognises it is in transition and is presented with significant challenges.

It states: “Pride of place is very evident in the Isle of Wight and is reflected in the work of elected members who are ambitious for the council to deliver for the best interests of residents and businesses.”

It adds: "The new administration was described by staff and partners as a 'breath of fresh air'."

The peer challenge - at the request of the council - was carried out through the Local Government Association (LGA) in April this year, and was conducted by councillors and officers from other councils as well as the LGA. The team undertook a review of council documentation and carried out a four-day visit, holding focus groups and meetings with staff, senior officers, councillors and partner organisations – as well as feedback sessions.

The report’s recommendations cover issues including: * management and political leadership; * alternative delivery models; * economic growth; * financial planning and viability; *capacity; *governance and decision-making.

(Peer challenges are not inspections, but designed to help councils further their

improvement agendas by inviting the views of a ‘critical friend’.)

The report highlights six ‘priority recommendations’ focusing on core services, staffing capacity, using external expertise, and producing an economic growth strategy and a communications strategy.

It comments that political leadership is well regarded at the council and the wish to be transparent and inclusive is widely recognised.

“The leader is highly regarded, showing leadership through engagement with a number of principal partners, including the Solent LEP (local enterprise partnership), the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire, and other external bodies and with staff.”

The report identifies stretched capacity and capability at all levels of the organisation, acknowledging the significant staffing reductions in recent years and the financial challenges the council faces.

It observes: “In moving to a new operating model the council is developing some excellent initiatives, for example joint venture housing delivery, co-funding a destination management company, joint funding of a tidal energy project etc.”

But it adds: “However, the council does need to produce an economic growth strategy linking tourism, business, skills and housing.” It highlights the issue of economic growth in respect of planning applications.

It also states: “One clear message from partners was their wish to see the council assume a role in bringing partners together and being the ‘voice of the island’ to represent island interests more widely.”

A report on the peer challenge and its full recommendations will be presented to a meeting of the Full Council on 17 September. The LGA is working closely with the council in supporting its improvement agenda and, as part of the peer challenge process, can work with the council to address the issues it has raised.

The peer challenge report (in the form of a letter to the council’s managing director) can be accessed via the following link: http://bit.ly/1t4GVge Council leader, Councillor Ian Stephens, said: “This has proved an extremely valuable exercise, with the peer review team casting a fresh pair of eyes over the work of the council and the many challenges we face.

“We are grateful for their observations and recommendations, especially as it gives both a detached and expertly assessed view of the council.

“We will now be taking the report and recommendations to a meeting of the Full Council in September.

“I am pleased to say, however, that some of the issues raised, including in relation to economic development, are already in the process of, or will soon be taken forward by the council.”

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Andrea Rises to the Challenge of Becoming Fifty M

By George Chastney

Cowes lifeboat crew member Andrea Vaughan experienced a lift-up in more ways than one. First she had reached the age of 50, and then she was winched aboard the Solent Coastguard helicopter during an exercise involving the Cowes station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat. Andrea, who lives in Gurnard, said later, “It was birthday present I shall always remember; it was really exciting. I am very grateful to the RNLI for agreeing to me being

the member of crew to be winched up, and for the professionalism of the helicopter crew.”

She was also pleased that the RNLI had recently changed its policy for RIB crew members to retire at 50, but instead – subject to passing a medical every two years - go on to 55.

Having served for just three years as a crew member, her volunteer role would have been all too short otherwise.

Children in Trouble Alert Leads to Lifeboat Launch Fears that just weeks after a nearfatality involving a young boy on Ryde seafront might be repeated at East Cowes lead to Cowes lifeboat being launched on Friday 18th July The lifeboat station was alerted by Solent Coastguards that children were in the water off the East Cowes beach, calling for help. Although coastguards were soon informed a man had brought all the children out of the water the lifeboat launched anyway.

Memories were still fresh in the station of how it was only belatedly realised that one of several children in the water at Ryde was unaccounted for, leading to the boy in question needing protracted

hospital care.

Cowes lifeboat duly carried out a search off East Cowes, without finding anyone.

But lifeboat operations manager Mark Southwell said later: “The helm, Max Rimmington, acted quite properly in launching as a precaution at a time when it was getting dark.”

The lifeboat was launched about 9.30 pm, and while returning from the search took in tow a RIB which had run out of fuel just outside of Cowes. Because all the local fuelling stations were closed the lifeboat gave the RIB enough fuel for them to to cross the Solent to its Hampshire base.

Education Secretary to launch new Club The Rt. Hon. Nicky Morgan MP, who was this week confirmed as the new Secretary of State for Education is to be the guest speaker at Andrew Turner’s newly re-launched Business Club.

She is also Minister for Women and Equalities.

The Island’s MP has organised a supper at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on 28th July to re-launch his Business Club. Nicky Morgan was invited to be guest speaker whilst she was Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Women; her surprise promotion to the Cabinet this week during the Government reshuffle meant an anxious 48 hours in Mr Turner’s Riverside Centre offices whilst she sorted out her priorities during her first few weeks in office.

However, Mr Turner is pleased to announce she has confirmed she is keeping her commitment to relaunch his Business Club, saying: “I’m really delighted that Nicky is still able to come to the Island on 28th July. I have known her for many years and she is very impressive; demonstrated by the fact that she has been promoted to the Cabinet just four years after she became an MP. She was my

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The Island's MP

first choice as the guest for my new-look Business Club; now that she is Secretary of State for Education having her as our first speaker is even more of a coup.

Whenever somebody new takes over a such a position there are inevitably many conflicts in the diary where the previous Secretary of State has made commitments the newcomer has to juggle those with their existing arrangements.

“My Business Club is not designed for fund-raising, it is an opportunity for those involved or interested in the Island’s economic life to come together to hear interesting speakers and discuss matters of interest. There is no more important issue to the Island’s future than Education so I’m sure we’ll have a great turnout.”

The three-course supper will cost £21.00 and numbers are limited. More details including a menu and booking form is available from Mr Turner’s office on 530808 or by e-mailing mail@islandmp.org.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

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NEW POSTER CAMPAIGN TO CHALLENGE RAPE MYTHS M

By Anna Price

A striking new campaign has been launched by partner agencies across the Isle of Wight to raise awareness of rape and serious sexual offences and to challenge rape myths.

A series of posters have been designed to raise awareness of the realities of rape with the aim of giving victims more confidence to seek help and support.

Fleur Gardiner, domestic abuse coordinator for the Isle of Wight Council, said: “No matter how someone dresses, how much they have drunk, or what their relationship is to the perpetrator, sex without consent is rape – and rape is never the victim’s fault.

“Rape is an emotive topic and one that many people will have an opinion on but there is still a lot of misunderstanding around rape and the nature of consent within our society. This is why it is so important to raise awareness of these issues through this campaign.’’

The campaign aims to improve knowledge around consent and rape and to expose rape ‘myths’. For example, there is a myth that most rapes are perpetrated by strangers in dark alleys, when the reality is that most victims are raped by someone they know.

The images chosen for the campaign reflect the fact that the majority of rapes and sexual assaults on the Island (as nationally) are between young people aged 16 to 25 and those in relationships.

The council and partner agencies will be working with various organisations to ensure the posters are displayed in areas suitable for each of the target audiences.

In 2013, 146 rapes/sexual offences were reported to the police on the Island (including historic reporting). Although in reality it is thought many more rapes took place but went unreported as victims didn’t have the confidence to come forward for fear of being blamed for what had happened. It is hoped that this campaign will play a part in changing attitudes to rape.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive member for public protection, said: “We need people to understand that there are no ‘grey areas’ when it comes to rape – for example, if you think someone might be too drunk to consent to sex, don’t have sex. If you do, and consent was not given, it is rape.

“These posters have been carefully designed to target key audiences and to get people talking about a subject which is often swept under the carpet.”

Mary Bridgeman, manager of Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre, said: “It is our position that victims of sexual assault are the victims of someone else’s actions, and cannot be held responsible for these.

They have not made someone rape or sexually assault them. Here at Treetops, we will provide rape victims with professional help as and when required, without making any judgements. When people come to us first for help, often via the police, they are aware that it is ultimately their decision to report a rape or serious assault to the police. Because we work alongside other organisations, we offer a wrap around service offering full support, which people find helpful.”

Look out for the posters, beer mats and stickers that will start appearing across the Island to raise awareness of the campaign, as well as information on Facebook and Twitter. Please visit the www.iwight.com/consent for more info.

CATS POUNCE LUNCHTIME shoppers at a local optician had the ‘purrfect’ surprise when they were serenaded by the cast of CATS the musical theatre production. Staff at Specsavers Newport played host to the all-singing stars and customers trying on glasses were surrounded by the performers while they danced around the store in their stunning costumes.

Shoppers were treated to an array of songs by the musical visitors who roamed around the store giving purrs of approval to the customers’ choices of glasses, while on a break from their stint at the Medina Theatre.

Store manager, Claire Salter, says: ‘Everyone in store was amazed when the cats appeared! It really perked up everyone’s day.

‘Specsavers is very happy that the stars of our local theatre popped into say hello to our customers. It is

important to us to be involved in the community we look after.’

The performers who were all students from local Wight Stars Academy put on a spectacular show.

If you would like to find out more about non-profit community interest company Wight Stars Academy then you can visit http://www.wightstars.co.uk .

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

COMMUNITY RESEARCH AND INFORMATION INTO EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS 29

VectisWeather Research into Extreme Weather on the Isle of Wight

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 crowd-sourced 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

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT MAIL Visit www.iwmail.co.uk/advertising to see the new summer 2014 rates, sizes and special offers.

Call our sales team today on 01983 242095 / 07413 599 446 or email us via sales@iwmail.co.uk

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Ventnor Fringe reveals special 5th Year Programme M

The Ventnor Fringe has unveiled its largest programme to date for this year’s Festival, which has been expanded to six day for the first time, running from the 12th – 17th August. Featuring performers from all over the UK and beyond spanning theatre to film, music to cabaret in the Island’s unique alternative to the famous Edinburgh Fringe.

Highlights include parties with DJ sets from The Bees Sound Selection and The Maccabees, a late night spoken word ‘lock in’ at the Ventnor Library, hosted by twice UK Beatbox Championship Winner Reeps One, French Cabaret show Soirée Pompette and outdoor theatre by Brighton based Circus company Shambolic Sideshow.

Other events to look out for include an outdoor screening of Wes Anderson’s cult comedy about a group of Scouts; ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ at the local Scout Campsite and intimate gigs in the local churches, such as London based Gypsyfingers, playing their cinematic folk/pop at Holy Trinity and Bristol based music Collective Chiverin hosting a special night at St Catherine’s.

As always, events will be taking place in ‘pop up’ bars and venues throughout Ventnor, with some of the more unusual venues including a laundrette hosting performances and a 360-degree cocktail bar created on Ventnor Harbour.

The Fringe is held to coincide with both the Ventnor Carnival, which will be celebrating it’s 125th Anniversary this year and the Isle of Wight Film Festival, which moved dates to join the Fringe in 2012.

Camping is available from £10per night for those looking for an affordable way to stay in Ventnor for the Fringe. Full details of all the events taking place are available online at www.vfringe.co.uk. The Festival’s Box Office will also be opening at the former Post Office building on Church Street.

By Jack Whitewood

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Healthcare Strategy Approved M

DRIP that erodes the right to privacy Andrew Turner voted against the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill – known as the DRIP law by those campaigning against it. In an unusual move the three main party leaders all agreed to introduce the Bill under emergency legislation and use a timetable motion (known as a guillotine) to enable it to pass through all its’ stages in the Commons in a few hours.

Despite the opposition of a cross-party group of up to 56 MPs, including the Island’s MP, the Bill was passed by a large majority. The Bill was introduced after the European Court of Justice ruled in April that existing legislation could infringe the right to privacy guaranteed under EU law.

Mr Turner’s office received many e-mails expressing concern about the legislation, which includes requirements for phone and internet companies to retain customers’ data on phone calls, e-mails and social media activity for up to a year and gives security services unprecedented access to it. The legislation covers non-UK companies with users based in Britain.

Mr Turner voted against the lack of parliamentary time for the Bill, against the Bill being passed and in favour of a ‘sunset’ amendment which would mean the legislation expired at the end of this year, giving time for new legislation to be brought forward with more time for scrutiny. Speaking after the Bill passed through the Commons to the Lords he said: “I received many

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Andrew Turners Office

e-mails passed on from campaigning groups with legal opinions that the DRIP Bill was not compatible with EU law. Whilst I always value Islanders contacting me about their concerns I’m afraid such information was of limited value – there wasn’t even time for proper scrutiny of this Bill, let alone judge detailed arguments from opposing lawyers. The ruling which led to this was made in April and following that there has been many weeks of negotiation between party leaders behind closed doors. Yet MPs were given only a matter of hours to debate it. Part of our job is to scrutinise legislation – that was impossible yesterday.

“We all want effective ways of dealing with terrorists and paedophiles – but we are not all potential terrorists and paedophiles and without meaningful scrutiny nobody can really say what the implications of this law will be. Far more often than not, hasty legislation is bad legislation and it may well be open to legal challenge.

The DRIP law is something that erodes the privacy of all – and such civil liberties can seem unimportant until they are lost.

“I’m afraid that pushing through such important matters in a single day without proper scrutiny was a bad day for parliamentary democracy.”

Isle of Wight Mail

NHS Isle of Wight CCG - the body with overall responsibility for improving the health of Islanders has published its five year strategy for healthcare 2014 to 2019.

Speaking at a meeting of the Governing Body of the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, Helen Shields, Chief Officer said: “This strategy sets out what we need to do to achieve high quality integrated and sustainable healthcare, and deliver our contribution to the Island’s Five Year Health and Social Care Vision.

“It reflects the priorities of our members (the IW GP practices), our health and social care partners, the third sector, our patients and the general public. It highlights the areas where we are doing well, as well as areas for improvement.

The conclusion is a set of priorities that will improve the health and social care outcomes for the people of the Isle of Wight while living within the resources that are available.”

The priorities identified in the strategy are to: · Increase people’s ability to self-care and self-manage their illness or condition. We will focus on supporting people to stay healthy, make information and guidance easily available and use assistive technology (such as tele-health) more effectively. · Develop more integrated care delivered closer to people’s homes.

We will develop care planning for vulnerable people, and enable people to stay in their own homes by wrapping services around patients. · Improve access to urgent care through an urgent care coordination centre, improving crisis response services in the community and providing GPs with alternatives to hospital admission for people who need care but do not need hospital. · Increase capacity and capability in primary care, supporting primary care to develop collaborative approaches to delivering services, develop workforce and reform the delivery of urgent primary care. · Improve people’s mental health through programmes to reduce stigma, improve prevention and early intervention, and improve rehabilitation. The CCG will be implementing a suicide prevention strategy and working with Child an Adolescent Mental Health services to improve services. · Improve services provided to children, including improving safeguarding of Islanders.

CCG Chair, Dr Rivers, said: “We face an unprecedented challenge: we have to ensure we can support increased demand with more limited resources. By working together with our colleagues in the Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, primary care and the third and independent sectors, and by consulting with the public we have created a vision for the future that will enable us to transform our services to meet this demand. Our success will be measured on the delivery of this service change and improved health and care outcomes for our Island population.”

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

ADULT COMMUNITY LEARNING SERVICE

WELCOMES OFSTED FINDINGS Adult community learning services run by the Isle of Wight Council have been rated as good by Ofsted following a recent inspection.

The service has made huge progress in improving the quality of its learning sessions since its previous Ofsted inspection in 2012 which judged it as ‘requiring improvement’.

The report, published today (Monday 14 July) praises council staff for being supportive of their learners, helping them to gain useful skills and qualifications, and grow in self-confidence.

The Adult Community Learning Service supports opportunities for learning across a range of subjects for adults aged 19 and over, in community settings across the Isle of Wight. The services provided range from helping people to improve their existing skills or learn new ones; courses and workshops for personal enjoyment or creativity; or family learning activities to support their children’s education.

Ofsted described the service as having very effective, well planned and well implemented strategies helping to improve achievement levels in mathematics and English.

Ofsted noted in its report: ∗ Tutors are good and supportive with high expectations of their learners. ∗ Learners gain useful skills, improve their selfconfidence and gain their qualifications. ∗ Learning sessions for parents are consistently good and enable them to have confidence in English and mathematics. ∗ The service has developed a highly effective

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By Anna Price

programme of community learning projects that are purposeful and productive for older learners, learners with learning difficulties and those recovering from drug misuse. ∗ Very effective, well planned and implemented strategies to improve adults’ historically low English and mathematics achievement on the Island are in place. ∗ The efforts to improve the quality of learning sessions have been successful.

The report also praised collaborative partnerships with schools and voluntary sector providers, which are purposeful and productive.

The council has taken on board all of the comments made by Ofsted in order to continue driving forward improvements in this service area. It plans to recruit to existing vacancies within the team in order to increase management capacity, an area highlighted for improvement in the report.

Councillor Richard Priest, Executive member for children’s services, said: “Congratulations to the Adult Community Learning Team on their good Ofsted result. These programmes make a real difference to the Island by offering a diverse range of courses provided in partnership with schools, communities and a wide range of organisations.”

More information about adult learning opportunities can be found at: www.iwcommunitylearning.ac.uk.

Reshuffle scuppers visit M

By Chris Whitehouse

The Prime Minister’s decision to appoint a new Education Secretary and to promote Michael Gove to the position of Chief Whip has led to the cancellation of the Ministerial visit to the Island and announced in a letter from Mr Gove to Newport West Councillor, Chris Whitehouse.

Cllr Whitehouse said: “It’s a real shame the visit has been postponed, but these things happen in politics and it is quite understandable that the new Secretary of State, Nicky Morgan, wants to get to grips with her policy area and have meetings with her Ministerial team. I’m sure the change at the top won’t lead to any fundamental change in policy or cause the Ministers to take their eyes off our Island schools.”

“Personally, I am a great fan of Nicky Morgan’s. Her rapid rise to the Cabinet has been well earned and I look forward to continuing to work with her to drive up standards in our Island schools. She is also a committed Christian, so I am confident she’ll want to work with Christ the King College to achieve its full potential by helping identify and remove barriers to its further progress.”

Closer collaboration between utility company & road teams ATTRACTION Southern Water and Island Roads have agreed to work even more closely together to try to avoid newly surfaced roads being dug up for repair works.

In a constructive joint meeting held between Island Roads, Southern Water and the Isle of Wight Council, all parties agreed to work even more closely together during the Core Investment period, lasting another six years, when the majority of Island roads will be resurfaced.

Under the improved arrangements, planned water supply upgrades and major utility construction will be shared in advance with Island Roads and schemes of surfacing work will be adjusted to ensure these can be accommodated. At the same, time teams from Southern Water will visit roads scheduled for resurfacing and, using special listening devices, will search for underground water leaks. This will allow any leaks found to be fixed before the surfacing work is carried out.

Island Roads’ Network Manager Kevin Burton said: “We already work very closely with Southern Water when scheduling our work to try to ensure any planned utility works are factored into our works planning and we welcome this ongoing dialogue to ensure that we can assist each other in delivering the quality of improvements necessary for local residents.”

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By Claire Robertson

Keith Herbert, Southern Water’s Area Manager, said: “Working more closely with Island Roads will help us organise our planned work more effectively to coincide with their operations. However, with a network of 966km of water mains and 786km of sewers on the Island, emergency work will always be required and we can never guarantee that newly resurfaced roads will not have to be dug up in order to fix bursts and leaks which could otherwise cause flooding. That said, collaborating with Island Roads on the planned work we carry out and on searching for leaks on roads which are due to be resurfaced will certainly bring benefits to customers.”

Cllr Jon Gilbey, Isle of Wight Council Executive member responsible for the highways PFI, who organised the meeting said: “I welcome this commitment by Island Roads and Southern Water to work even more closely together to ensure, as much as possible, that all planned works are done in a logical sequence and when the highway has to be dug up it is reinstated to the standard expected by the public.”

Live data 24-7 www.cowesweather.co.uk

FREE FOR ONE DAY

An Isle of Wight Council attraction will be holding a free open day this weekend as part of the national Festival of Archaeology.

On Saturday 26 July, Newport's Roman Villa will offer free entry between 11am and 3pm with lots of activities being laid on for all the family.

You can meet an expert and bring along any archaeological finds for identification. For children, there is a chance to make a badge or a fridge magnet which you can take home.

There will also be a treasure hunt.

There's no need to book at the venue, just turn up on the day.

More information is available contacting museums@iow.gov.uk.

www.wightislandradio.com

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION UNDERAGE DRINKING SYSTEM IS CHANGING WARNING

From 19 July, all residents on the Isle of Wight will receive a letter through the post telling them about the biggest change to the electoral registration system in nearly 100 years.

The Isle of Wight Council will write to all 113,500 registered electors and to properties where no one is currently registered. The letter will explain that a new, more secure, system of individual electoral registration is being introduced to replace the old Victorian system where the “head of household” registered everyone living in a property. Now, each individual will be responsible for registering themselves.

The majority of Island residents will automatically move onto the new electoral register. However, some will need to take action to join or remain on it, which they will now also be able to do for the first time by registering quickly and easily online.

Davina Fiore, Isle of Wight Council electoral registration officer, said: “Island residents will receive a letter that will explain the change to the electoral registration system. Look out for the letter as it will tell you if you have been automatically transferred to the

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new register or not. If you have not been transferred, you will need to provide some additional information and the letter will tell you exactly what you need to do.

All residents will be able to provide this information online if they so wish.”

Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “This summer the Electoral Commission will launch a major advertising campaign that will raise awareness of the change to Individual Electoral Registration. We welcome this change, which will lead to a more secure register and replace the outdated Victorian concept that a single ‘head of household’ is responsible for registering everyone.”

For more information visit www.gov.uk/yourvotematters . If you do not receive a letter contact the Isle of Wight Council elections team on 01983 823380; electoral.services@iow.gov.uk; Electoral Services, Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.

IW Healthwatch seeks views on care projects Healthwatch Isle of Wight has launched a new survey to give local residents the opportunity to help shape the focus of its work for the coming year.

The health and social care watchdog, which was established in April 2013, plays a key role in helping Islanders get the best out of their local health and care services, not least by campaigning on the issues highlighted by residents as being most important to them.

Over the last year, it has successfully secured changes to local maternity services and to the experiences of inpatients on wards at St Mary’s. It has also made recommendations to providers of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), undertaken visits to GP practices and launched a major survey of deaf and hard of hearing residents to help improve communications with health and care service providers.

Now Healthwatch Isle of Wight is asking residents to highlight the health and social care issues they would like taken up on their behalf in the coming 12 months.

To help kick-start the process, a workshop day was held on 10 June at Newclose Cricket Club. Informed by over 700 pieces of feedback received in the last 14 months and attended by around 30 community representatives, the event sought to identify some initial

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areas that could be tackled.

In discussions, mental health issues emerged as the key concern, with five other areas - complaints, navigating the care system, diagnostic pathways and support for adults and children with autism, hospital appointments and self-care (particularly the quality of information given) also highlighted.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight Locality Manager, Gretel Ingham said, “I hope that we have demonstrated over the last year that we are able as an organisation to give the community a voice and to help make positive changes to the way that health and social care services are delivered on the Island.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in our survey and to help us shape the next phase of our work so that we can continue to represent the community and help recognise those services that are working well and to improve those that need to make changes.”

The survey, which will run until 31 August, can be accessed via healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk/home

Healthwatch volunteers and community representatives.

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By Simon Butler

A managing director of a local convenience store business is supporting the IW Council’s trading standards service by warning traders of the consequences of selling alcohol to underage customers.

Shop owners who sell alcohol to underage customers could face a fine up to £20,000 as well as lose their license or be barred from selling alcohol for a set period. Buying alcohol to give to under 18s is also a criminal offence and carries a fine up to £5000 even if it is for a friend or relative.

Wishing to remain anonymous, the shop owner got an unwelcome phone call in 2011 during which he was told one of his shop assistants had been caught unwittingly selling alcohol to underage customers. It resulted in a fine and his shop being banned from selling alcohol for a set period.

The owner said: “We do our best not to sell alcohol to young people and our policy is to ask for proof of age if you look under 25. We provide regular training for staff, however on one occasion we made a mistake and were correctly punished.

“Not only was the member of staff fined, we lost significant trade as we were banned from selling alcohol during a busy period. We also suffered the embarrassment of telling regular customers that we could not sell them any wines or beers and many of our customers went elsewhere to buy all the other things they wanted too.

“My message to anyone underage who is thinking of buying alcohol is think about the consequences, not only for you but for the shop as well.

The staff member may face a heavy fine or lose their job, you will be breaking the law and there is the possibility that the store might one day lose its licence and have to close.

“Many people rely on their local store to be open all hours so that they can buy the items they need, and the shop workers need their jobs.

Remember that the next time you are asked for proof of age, do not be unpleasant to the shop staff, they are only doing their job.”

Phil Jordan, Executive member for public protection, added: "With the school holidays starting soon, some young people may be tempted to try to obtain alcohol and shops could see an increase in young people trying to buy alcoholic drinks.

"It is very important young people understand that underage drinking is a criminal offence and is something that carries consequences, especially for their health."

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 25th July 2014

Isle of Wight Sports

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT MAIL Visit www.iwmail.co.uk/advertising to see the new summer 2014 rates, sizes and special offers.

Call our sales team today on 01983 242095 / 07413 599 446 or email us via sales@iwmail.co.uk