Issue 33 - The Isle of Wight Mail

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

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“Joining forces with iconic Fundraiser soars over London

names from fashion & music”

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Run aground yacht rescued

This summer, the legendary Isle of Wight Festival is joining forces with iconic names from the worlds of fashion & music to bring some unmissable action to the Festival.

On Saturday 14th June, designer Wayne Hemingway along with his son Jack, present Land of 1,000 Dances. Inspired by Wilson Picket’s classic R&B hit ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ Hemingway and Son will transform the Isle of Wight Festival Cabaret Tent into an uplifting party where visitors can learn iconic dances from the late 50s onwards. - See Page 2

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BOOK OF THE FORTNIGHT: DRONE WARFARE The Development of Unmanned Aerial Conflict Page 7

ISSUE NUMBER 33 Friday 16th May 2014

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

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NEWS

FESTIVAL ENLISTS ICONS FROM MUSIC & FASHION TO CURATE STAGES This summer, the legendary Isle of Wight Festival (12th – 15th June) is joining forces with iconic names from the worlds of fashion & music to bring some unmissable action to the Festival.

On Saturday 14th June, designer Wayne Hemingway along with his son Jack, present Land of 1,000 Dances. Inspired by Wilson Picket’s classic R&B hit ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ Hemingway and Son will transform the Isle of Wight Festival Cabaret Tent into an uplifting party where visitors can learn iconic dances from the late 50s onwards.

From The Pony, to the Mash Potato, The Twist, The Alligator, The Watusi and Jerk, festivalgoers can practice their moves under the guidance of specialist dance teachers, all to the soundtrack of a medley of the UKs top vinyl spinning discjocks. The afternoon session begins with unashamed dancing to pop hits that you just shouldn't love; Walk Like An Egyptian, perfect The Birdie Dance and get down on your backside to Gap Band - Oops Upside Your Head. Picking up the pace during the day, with a series of more serious but no less fun dance sessions going through the decades of dance from R & B through Northern Soul, funk, rare groove, The Cabaret Tent is the place to be on Saturday 14th June! With expert tutors on hand to keep the floor moving and teach those new to the genres how to jive or do a northern soul spin, the evening culminates in a fully blown Disco workout as we enter the Jackin’ Zone. That’s not all, as there will be a chance for the lovers to get close as we conclude the night with three slow numbers before lights up at 2am.

Wayne Hemingway said “From Keb Darge to Acid Jazz’s Eddie Piller, we have assembled some of the best vinyl DJ’s Britain has ever produced and a team of dance teachers that may even get those of us with two left feet off our backsides . Polish yer dancing shoes and yer best togs. After your dance lessons we might allow you an hour or so to rehydrate then its boogie time ‘til the wee hours to the best dance music from the late 50’s R&B through northern soul, funk, disco, boogie and onto some house.”

What’s more, Tim Burgess of influential British band The Charlatans will be back with Tim Peaks to curate the Friday & Saturday line up in Hey Joe Rock Bar & Shisha Lounge. Expect the best new bands, some of Tim's old friends, damn fine coffee and more amazing cakes and pies than you can shake a stick at.

There are also some very special guests, DJ sets from the likes of Clint Boon and the Howling Rhythm DJs, alongside book readings and some brilliant new bands. Plus, John Peel show favourites BOB will be playing their first gig in nearly two decades and topping off the each night will be special DJ set from Tim and fellow Charlatan, Mark Collins.

Tim Burgess said: "Tim Peaks is back again after an amazing debut last year. We've got some of our favourite new bands and some old friends stopping by - last year Suzanne Vega popped in for two unannounced shows so keep your eye on the tweets and head over for a coffee some time".

Hailing from the Isle of Wight, founder and front man of critically acclaimed band The Bees, Aaron Fletcher will present The Bee's Inspired' in The Bohemian Woods on Friday 13th June. This showcase of talent kicks off with an afrobeat session from the 16-piece Fellowship Of Groove, followed by the raw, heavy rock-n-roll beats of Organ Records. What’s more, check out local surfer boys Plastic Mermaids, the DJ arm of Heavenly Recordings, The Heavenly Jukebox and Aaron himself, who fills the final hour with Schizodelic Sound dropping stone cold classics and fool proof festival pleasers.

Aaron Fletcher said: “I’m stoked to be able to put this together for The Bohemian Woods. 'The Bee's Inspired' is going to be a really special night; I can’t believe the line up for this. It’s everything for me that I love for a great party in the woods”.

Festival Organiser John Giddings said: “We are excited to be working with the gang at Hemingway Design, to bring you the Land of 1,000 Dances, featuring the best of Northern Soul to the Isle of Wight Festival. Not only are they style icons; they will bring something really different for everyone to enjoy. We welcome the return to Tim Burgess who will create two bespoke line-ups over the weekend, expect an eclectic mix of music!

Plus, Aaron Fletcher from The Bees who will be in The Bohemian Woods curating an extra special line up on Friday 13th June. These are set to be some of the highlights of an unforgettable weekend.”

The Festival bill is already packed full of epic appearances this year and just got even bigger. Just added to the line up is Leeroy Thornhill of The Prodigy who will be taking to the decks on Thursday 12th June for a headline DJ set in the brand new Hey Joe, Rock Bar & Shisha Lounge. What’s more, The Hoosiers take the headline slot at Life’s a Beach on Saturday 14th June.

Featuring the only UK performance of the year from Red Hot Chili Peppers, the line up also boasts headline appearances from Kings of Leon and Biffy Clyro, plus Calvin Harris who closes the show on Friday night. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers will also be treated to performances from Suede, Rudimental, Fall Out Boy, Katy B, Tom Odell, Travis, Passenger, Ella Eyre, Boy George, Clean Bandit, Duke Dumont, plus many more. Weekend tickets are still available from www.isleofwightfestival.com, priced at £190.

Ensuring value for money

Proposals have been unveiled to maintain the growing momentum behind renewable electricity investment in the UK, while continuing to deliver value for money for consumers.

Since 2010 the UK’s renewable electricity capacity has doubled; in the same period, over £34 billion of private sector investment has been announced, with the potential to support almost 37,000 jobs. What’s more, the scale of growth in the sector has meant that the cost of some renewable technologies, such as onshore wind and solar power, has fallen.

The new proposals are about ensuring the right balance of support for renewables and a smooth transition to the Government’s new Contracts for Difference, securing the further investment we need to provide clean, green and secure energy, whilst continuing to deliver value for money for energy billpayers.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust fundraiser soars over London skyline On Wednesday 7th May, London’s iconic BT Tower once again generously opened its doors for a day of fundraising in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The day generated an incredible £40,000 for the charity, enabling 74 young people in recovery from cancer to join the Trust on sailing trips over the summer.

With Isle of Wight Radio’s Paul Topping broadcasting his breakfast show from the top of the Tower, the day kicked off early with an exclusive breakfast for Trust supporters.

Joining Dame Ellen MacArthur on the 34th floor guests enjoy stunning sunrise views across the city.

Attending the breakfast was Radio One DJ and Trust ambassador Rob Da Bank “It’s great to do something a little different, especially for breakfast, a fry up in the sky for a good cause.”

Following on from the breakfast, the Trust organised an afternoon cream tea with champagne that was open to the public. A rare opportunity, as the Tower’s rotating restaurant has been closed to the public since 1980. At 189 meters high, the 34th floor is the equivalent to 24 double decker buses end-to-end and takes in the spectacular views of London that on a clear day can stretch as far as the QE2 Bridge in Dartford and Wembley Stadium.

Finally, the day was capped off with a black tie dinner, where Dame Ellen MacArthur was joined on stage by Daisy Skepelhorn to explain the impact of the Trusts work. Daisy, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 3b in 2007, sailed with the Trust during her recovery from cancer in 2008, 2009 and 2010, returning as a volunteer in 2011 and 2013 and will return again in 2014 as part of the Trust’s hugely successful Graduate Volunteer programme. ”Sailing with the Trust has been one of the best experiences of my life.

You’re so low after treatment; you lose all of your confidence but when your sailing with the Trust that all gets forgotten, you make friends and have fun.” Daisy adds “I hope this fundraiser is an opportunity for people to hear first had just how much their support of the Trust has an impact on the lives of those who need it most.”

Launched in 2003 the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. In their 11th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

Dame Ellen gave her thoughts at the end of a busy day, “The support we have seen today has been fantastic. To be surrounded by people that are passionate about the Trust’s work is electric and we have come a long way today in spreading the message of the Trust and securing additional funding which will allow us to take another 74 young people sailing.”

The £40,000 raised will allow 74 young people to join the Trust on trips over the summer. The Trust receives no government funding and does not charge fees, they therefore rely 100% on voluntary funding. Working towards an ambitious three-year double the number of young people sailing with the charity from 353 in 2013 (6% of all young people in the UK in recovery from cancer) to 780 in 2016 (14%), the Trust will also need to secure additional funding in order to increase their total annual contributions received from £477,000 in 2012 to £905,000 in 2016.

Dame Ell​en MacAr​thur on ​Isle of ​Wight Ra​dio's br​eakfast ​show

Breakfas​t on the​ 34th fl​oor of t​he BT To​wer

MAKE THE MOST OF THE BANK HOLIDAY The Isle of Wight is so beautiful at the moment – dressed to impress for May Bank Holiday and just waiting to welcome you. So many lush shades of green adorn the fields and hedges, with the flash of bluebells and the pretty white flowers of pungent wild garlic.

Visit one of the Island’s most beautiful gardens at Mottistone Manor and on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th you can have a rare glimpse inside the manor house – the only days it is open this year.

Ventnor Botanic Garden, a paradise for plant lovers, has a National Collection of Puya and some have recently put up flower spikes, which are just about to bloom. The Ventnor Botanic Artists Summer Exhibition runs from May 24th to June 1st in the Garden Gallery and over the weekend of May 24th to 26th the garden has a Spring Plant Fayre with entry and parking free on these days.

Holy Trinity Church in Bembridge has a Flower Festival running from Saturday 24th to Monday 26th plus there’s a street festival in the High Street from 2pm on the Monday.

See the countryside in style from the carriage window of one of the Isle of

Wight Steam Railway’s ‘Dinosaurs of Island Steam’ at their Spring Gala from May 24th to 26th. Take guided workshop tour, explore the Train Story Discovery Centre and tuck into Island produce, and Island beers at the real ale bar.

Visit Robin Hill Adventure Park and Gardens ‘Days of Adventure’ from Monday 26th to Friday 30th and you can test your aim at archery and get hands on with fire fighting and survival skills as part of their Bushcraft activities programme.

You could even try mountain boarding.

You are invited to a fabulous fete to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday at Osborne House over the May Bank Holiday weekend with traditional Victorian music, entertainers and sideshow games. See Punch and Judy at the private beach and play on seaside swingboats and for kids there’s kite making and dressing up as princes and princesses at the Swiss Cottage. Have your portrait taken at the Victorian Photobooth for a souvenir of an unforgettable family day.

Get ready for Father’s Day (June 16th) by visiting Chessell Pottery to create a funny face mug for dad using their super new range of funny-face sponges, such as mad

moustaches, enormous ears and brilliant bow ties. During the half term week (May 26th to 30th) there is a special 20% off the price of 1 pint mugs, perfect for a Dadsized cup of tea.

Camp Bestival are bringing the circus to Quay Arts with a family day of Camp Bestival DJs, special guest DJs and circusthemed activities, competitions, face painting and arts and crafts on May 28th.

‘Go Wild in Newchurch’ at a free family event looking at the Island’s wildlife during the day and at night. Starting on the evening of Monday 26th May at 8.30pm with Star Gazing, Bat Detecting and Moth Hunting; the ‘Bioblitz’ main event is on Tuesday 27th May around Martin’s Wood, Newchurch from 10 am to 4 pm where squirrels, birds and 70 different varieties of bee can be found.

If you’ve never heard a nightjar then join the National Trust to search for them in Bouldnor Forest on May 31st.

As the sun goes down join Goodleaf at Appley Park for some Twilight Tree Time and experience the magic of an English midsummer’s evening from the canopy of a majestic oak tree in this peaceful location overlooking the golden Appley Sands.

Twilight Tree Time takes place on selected Friday evenings in May, June and July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and booking is essential. Contact 0333 800 1188.

Push the boat out and try sailing for free at Shanklin Sailing Club on Saturday May 24th. Founded in 1931, it is a small, happy, family club, with all the usual facilities: showers, changing rooms, club house and a gear store. They have around 30 Sprint 15 catamarans and a small fleet of Picos.

Get up close and personal with the two baby Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaurs ‘Shadow’ and ‘Sheila’ at Blackgang Chine – Land of Imagination. Live performances from these two mischievous dinos will be held on May 25th, 26th, 28th and 31st at this fun-filled theme park, which also boasts a brand new Restricted Area 5 – full of much bigger dinosaurs.

Last but not least, Dinosaur hunting walk from Dinosaur Isle, where you will be shown how to look for dinosaur fossils, how to find dino footprints and you may even find their enormous foot casts on the beach. Dinosaur walks: May 24th – Brook, May 25th and 26th – Yaverland.

■ For all tourist information, visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

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IW Council Statement: Appley & Puckpool Park Parking Proposals There has been recent media coverage about proposed changes to parking charges on the Island, which were first announced in February in the budget.

There has understandably been much reaction to this and we do encourage people to take part in an ongoing consultation on the proposals which ends on 6 June. People are encouraged to share their views at http://iow.me/parking One aspect of the proposals that has received media coverage are the proposals introducing charges at Appley and Puckpool.

Following this coverage, we want to make it clear that a petition has already been presented to and accepted by the Executive member, and these will be taken account of in the final deliberations about the proposals.

The council has not ‘rejected’ the petition as has been reported.

What the organiser of the petition has been advised is that, under the council’s rules,

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

DIVERSITY ON THE MENU AT SPECIAL FOOD TASTING EVENT

the petition cannot be officially presented at the next Full Council meeting because it does not include names, postal address and personal signatures of those who signed it. These are needed it for verification reasons and the petition’s website, which is the main source of the signatures, does not contains this data.

The organiser of the petition, Mr Tony Gibbs, has been advised of this but has been invited to ask a question at the next meeting instead, which he has accepted, so that the matter is raised in a public forum. He has also been invited to a meeting with the Executive member and council officers to discuss the proposals at Appley/Puckpool as part of the consultation process. It is proposed that all representations received to the current consultation will be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 8 July before a final decision is made.

We hope this clarifies the matter.

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New Intellectual Property Act receives Royal Assent UK businesses will be able to better protect their intellectual property rights in the UK and abroad, with the new Intellectual Property Act receiving Royal Assent.

A key part of the Intellectual Property Act is the creation of new powers for the UK to implement the Unified Patent Court Agreement. This is a central part of introducing a single patent across almost all EU countries which could lead to savings of up to £40 million per year for UK businesses.

The Intellectual Property Act also provides new protections for designers, as well as removing red tape and some of the uncertainties for businesses when protecting their designs. It will also introduce a number of online services to help businesses better manage their intellectual property.

Minister for Intellectual Property, Lord Younger said: “Continued investment in intellectual property is vital to all businesses, as it contributes £16 billion to the UK economy each year. It is essential that we continue to work hard to create the right environment for them to flourish

so we can benefit from their creative designs, inventions and ideas.

“I am confident that this Act will further strengthen our world-class IP system – from research to market – and to help businesses of all sizes continue to thrive.”

The key policies that will be implemented include: providing new protections for prepublication research to ensure the UK’s universities and the research sector remains a world-leader the introduction of a criminal sanction for intentional copying of registered designs.

This will deter those who knowingly copy UK registered designs and will provide greater proection for our hugely important design sector. In 2009, UK businesses invested over £15 billion in designs. The Act seeks to protect and develop this important industry measures to help businesses assess the strength of their IP case before going through formal and costly legal proceedings, with the creation of a design opinions service the expansion of the existing patent opinions service to give businesses

involved in potential patent litigation an impartial view on the strength of their case on a much wider range of issues an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act to better protect prepublication research. As a result researchers can more easily validate and analyse their work before putting it into the public domain allowing the UK Intellectual Property Office to share information on unpublished patent applications with other national patent offices. This will help clear backlogs internationally It is expected that the new measures will come into force from October 2014, with all measures implemented by late 2015.

Dishes from around the world were cooked up as a part of an event to promote diversity across the Isle of Wight.

The 'Taste of Diversity' event was recently hosted by the Foundation Bakery in Newport in conjunction with the Friendship Group of Equals Isle of Wight and the council's Staff Equality and Diversity Group.

The purpose of the event was raise the awareness of staff and elected members about equality and diversity on the Island in an informal and friendly environment, while sampling delicious food from different parts of the world.

Amongst the meals on offer included Indonesian beef rendang, Philippine seafood noodles, American style pork ribs and Vietnamese prawn crackers.

Guests included the deputy leader of the Isle of Wight Council Steve Stubbings, Executive councillor Phil Jordan and the Isle of Wight Council leader Ian Stephens. He commented: "I was very impressed with the passion of those who organised the Taste of Diversity event.

"Diversity and equality is very important in the modern world and I fully support events such as these and groups like the council's staff equality and diversity group.

"The Isle of Wight is a very welcoming place and events like these can only enhance our reputation.”

Isle of Wight Council chairman, councillor Ian Ward, was also in attendance and added: “The event was very well attended and I was very happy to be there in my role as council chairman. I must also add that the meals on offer were also very nice and there weren’t any leftovers at the end of the night.”

The Foundation Bakery provides opportunities to those who would otherwise face challenges in entering the world of work, with support and an opportunity to work and learn. The Friendship Group of Equals Isle of Wight aims to make the Island a more inclusive place for people to live and work.

The council's Staff Equality and Diversity Group brings together people from a variety of services across the council who are prepared to contribute their free time, knowledge and experience to promote equality and diversity.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Family fun this half term A guide to a range of fun activities taking place for children and families on the Island this half term (24 May to 1 June) has been produced by the Isle of Wight Council.

From Activ8 sports and activity sessions at Medina Leisure Centre to pond dipping in Bouldner Forest, there’s something for everyone to keep boredom at bay.

The guide has been created by the Family Information Zone (FIZ), which provides impartial information and advice to families, children and young people up to 19 years old (up to 25 years for young people who have learning difficulties or disabilities).

The 15-page guide can be found online at the council’s website, or people can pick up a copy from the FIZ office at Orchard Street in Newport, near to the bus station.

If you are organising an event or activity this half term and would like your it to be included in the guide, please contact the FIZ team via familyinfozone@iow.gov.uk or call (01983) 821999.

The guide can be found by clicking on ‘holiday activity guide’ on www.WightChYPS.org.uk, which is the Family Services Directory for the Isle of Wight. Information can also be found on the service’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iwfiz

Sainsbury's Pitted Green Olives Recall

Sainsbury's is recalling jars of their Pitted Green Olives because they may contain small pieces of glass.

Sainsbury's Pitted Green Olives Affected

By This Recall are Pack size – 350g with a Best before of 13/01/2017 (printed on the lid). If you have the affected Sainsbury's Pitted Green Olives do not eat them. Return them to your nearest Sainsbury's store for a full refund. If you have any concerns you can contact Sainsbury's on 0800 636 262.

Exclusive Gourmet Meat Is Island's Most Expensive Steak Amabi Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Cowes is famed for infusing authentic Basque Country cooking with the finest, fresh Isle of Wight produce.

They go that extra distance to ensure only the finest ingredients are used in the tempting dishes which grace their inspired menu.

Now the team - who opened exactly one year ago - are delighted to serve up an Island exclusive...world famous Wagyu Beef Wagyu Beef is renowned for its deep red colour, and marbling which in turn creates the intense flavour of this gourmet beef. The succulence and tenderness of Wagyu cannot be rivalled - which is thanks to the effort put in during the early stages of production.

Wagyn herds are revered in Japan, and reared with love to create the famed Kobe Beef.

Amabi have worked tirelessly to source a herd right here in Britain, a herd whose stock originates from Japan.

The animals are fed a daily helping of beer before being given a gentle massage by farm workers This means the meat boasts a distinctive hoppy, sweet flavour. The dense marbling also boasts a rich, silky, buttery flavour and an astonishingly tender bite. During cooking the fat melts into the meat to give it a moist texture.

Features of this taste sensation include: Wagyu Beef is a premium meat and is known worldwide

for its marbling characteristics The meat is extremely delicate as the fat melts very quickly at a much lower temperature. The best way to enjoy this steak is medium to rare ● The taste is smooth, velvety and sweet; mouthwatering Wagyu Beef is bred to have exceptionally high intramuscular fat (marbling) which leads to exceptional flavour and succulence Amabi owner Jenny Stanton said “In Basque Country they take steak very seriously, you buy it by the kilo and by the breed of beef. We are extremely proud to add Wagyu alongside the Isle of Wight reared beef we have on the menu. The breeding stock in the UK is very small so these steaks will be limited. We expect them to prove hugely popular."

Aptly coined the 'caviar of beef', this is top-tier meat. We doubt you will have tried a better steak ever. Wagyu is sure to please any beef connoisseur.

These steaks will be priced at £28.95 per person and are set to feature on the soon-to-be-launched exciting new menu from Amabi for a very limited period. Amabi will be hosting a First Birthday Party on Sunday 18th May 2014 from 3.00pm.

Sangria and Pintxo will be served and a Closed Bid Auction with a host of amazing prizes is being held to raise money for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Tickets cost just £5 per person - all proceeds going to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. ●

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

NEWS

Currys & PC World: Helping to support the Island's Independent Lifeboats

Currys & PC World staff are walking 75 miles around the Island, carrying a washing machine to raise money for the Independent Lifeboats. Starting on the 20th July at their store in Newport and working their way round the Island over six days finishing back in Newport.

They will need your support as they would like to raise over £2000 for equipment for the Island’s Independent Lifeboats.

The team have worked with their suppliers and have some great raffle prizes which can be purchased in store and also as they walk round the Island. ● Hotpoint wmud963 washing machine £500, ● Dyson top of the range dc54 £450, ● Samsung tablet 8" tab3 £250, ● Samsung 22" led TV with free view £150, ● Samsung wf200 digital camera £130, ● Hp printer £70, ■ The draw will take place after the walk is completed

Island makes first step towards Baby Friendly Initiative Maternity and Health Visiting Services at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in collaboration with the Isle of Wight Council, have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in the first step towards gaining international recognition from the UNICEF (United Nation's Children's Fund) Baby Friendly Initiative.

Jo Aspden Baby Friendly Project Lead Midwife, said: “We decided to join forces with the Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers on the Isle of Wight.”

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes later in life.

We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers – although mums might be more interested in hearing that it’s easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding,” added Jo. “We also set out to ensure that all mums and babies are supported to form a

strong loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

In the UK, the initiative works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receive high-quality support to enable successful breastfeeding.

The Certificate of Commitment recognises that a health care facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.

To celebrate their achievement, and to promote breastfeeding, informal advice and information sessions are being held with a Lactation Consultant, Midwife, Health Visitor and other breastfeeding supporters. These will take place on Monday 19 May, Wednesday 21 May and Friday 23 May, between 11am and 1pm in the Mothercare store, Newport.

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Pop-up Opera: Mozart’s Così fan tutte Following an impressive Spring Season, Pop-up Opera are back with Mozart’s much-loved Così fan tutte. They will be in the Isle of Wight on 6th and 7th June at the Garlic Farm in Sandown.

Mozart's comedy tells of two sisters, Fiordiligi and Dorabella, and their fiancés Ferrando and Guglielmo, who, after a wager with the cynical Don Alfonso, test the girls’ fidelity by posing as strangers and trying to seduce them. Aided by the maid Despina, Don Alfonso's plot has the girls hoodwinked and much hilarity ensues. Will love win over all in the end? aking inspiration from the British love of period costume dramas, Pop-up Opera is setting Così fan tutte in an English estate with a high society picnic, traditional country-house games of tennis, cricket and croquet and some exotic eastern surprises.

Downton Abbey meets Pride and Prejudice to create the perfect setting for an evening of imbibing

summer cocktails and letting the romance of the music seduce you.

Pop-up Opera will be touring the country to various unusual and intimate venues including a garlic farm in the Isle of Wight, Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire and will return to the extra special Thames Tunnel Shaft.

Pop-up Opera endeavours to make opera entertaining, without compromising quality – all operas are performed in their original language. Their intimate use of props, story-telling and interaction makes audience members feel as if they have been given a backstage pass. Pop-up’s operas are skillfully adapted to each individual venue, making every performance unique, while always maintaining the highest standards.

The combination of amazing venues, along with an informal atmosphere and engaging productions, offers a greater connection to the singers and the music, something even seasoned opera-goers often miss.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

DRONE WARFARE

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Missing Numbers

The Development of Unmanned Aerial Conflict

Dave Sloggett An unmanned aerial vehicle - or drone is an aircraft with no human pilot on board. Its flight is either controlled autonomously by computers or remotely by a pilot on the ground. 'Drone Warfare' examines the development and use of aerial drones, a topical and highly controversial subject that has not been written on to date.

Blending history with current and recent operations, Dr Dave Sloggett reveals the development of unmanned aircraft and analyses their use in Iraq and Afghanistan. An authority in the field with over forty years aviation experience, Sloggett's groundbreaking work is essential reading for all with an interest in modern warfare and aviation.

To celebrate the new book release we've teamed up with Pen & Sword Books

FOUR COPIES TO GIVE AWAY! To enter the draw to win a copy, all you have to do is answer this simple question:

The missing numbers are integers between 0 and 9. The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.

MAZE ESCAPE

Dr Dave Sloggett lives on the Isle of Wight. He has spent over 40 years working with the UK military forces as a scientific advisor and analyst. His work has led him to visit Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan on numerous occasions. He is a recognised authority on Counter Insurgency (COIN) operations and is used as an advisor by NATO to lecture on this subject in support of training missions seeking to help countries establish their own military forces.

Today he writes for a wide range of publications and is a strategic advisor to the publishing company IHS-Janes.

“Dr Dave Sloggett spend how many years working with the UK military forces?”

Just email your answer to press@iwmail.co.uk to be entered. Draw closes at 23:59 on May 31st 2014.

Pen and Sword Books LTD

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

CAN YOU SPOT THE THREE DIFFERENCES?

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

NUMBER OF EMPTY HOMES ON THE ISLAND DROPS The Isle of Wight Council has reduced the number of 'empty home' properties on the Island by more than a third in just over six months.

The number of properties has reduced from nearly 2600 in October 2013 to just over 1600 in April this year.

This reduction means around two per cent of the Island's housing stock is now empty, which is well under the government's target of 3.7 per cent.

Councillor Steve Stubbings is Executive member for community well-being and said: "Empty properties can be a blight on the landscape and it is important that this problem is tackled, not only to improve the local area but to also provide more housing options for residents.

"The council has used a variety of methods to achieve

the reduction, such as providing more officer resources and improving the IT systems departments use to identify empty homes.

"We will be employing two further officers to assist with reducing the number of empty homes in the coming months and we are confident the number of vacant properties will fall even further this year."

When a property is identified as being empty for a long term period, the council first contacts and works with the registered owner on options for bringing it back into use.

Should this not work, the council can use legal enforcement powers although this is a last resort.

Most of the properties brought back into use since October have been through the council working with the registered owners.

NEWS

Not Just a “Funny Turn”

Get ready for summer with PHE heatwave plan PHE releases guidance for the public and for health and social care professionals on managing the potential health effects of hot weather.

The Heatwave Plan for 2014 is based around the Met Office Heat-Health Watch alert system which alerts the public and health and social care services to forecast and actual severe hot weather in different parts of the country, so that appropriate action can be taken.

It is a joint plan from Public Health England (PHE), NHS England, the Department of Health and the Local Government Association, with input from the Voluntary and Community Sector and other stakeholders. It details the actions that can be taken by health and social care professionals, the public and others before and during periods of hot weather.

Dr Angie Bone, head of the Extreme Events Section at PHE’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said: “Although a hot summer might be welcomed by many people after all the rain this winter, it’s important to remember that hot weather can have a harmful effect on health.

“During the prolonged period

of hot weather in July last year, PHE issued precautionary advice and reported small increases in heat related illnesses in line with seasonal expectations for the hot weather, using PHE surveillance systems including mortality data, consultation data from GPs and emergency department attendances.

“This is why we release a Heatwave Plan each year, so that health and social care professionals and the public are as prepared as they can be to minimise the harmful effects of hot weather.”

Dr Bone added: “Much of the advice that will help people during prolonged periods of hot weather is pretty common sense, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding sun exposure between 11am and 3pm and planning strenuous activity for cooler times of the day, if possible.

“But it’s equally important that health and social care organisations, councils and those who work with vulnerable people consider the potential impacts hot weather can have and carefully plan around that.

“Our hope is that this plan will aid both professionals and the public so that we can all enjoy summer safely.

ISLE OF WIGHT FREE ADS at www.iwmail.co.uk/freeads

Staff at St. Mary’s Hospital are raising awareness off the signs and symptoms of mini-strokes (also known as transient ischaemic attack or TIA’s) as part of this year’s “Action on Stroke Month”.

A Stroke Nurse will be in the foyer of the Full Circle Restaurant at St. Mary’s Hospital on the 19th May from 9:00am till 15:30pm offering information about Stroke as well as professional advice and support.

A TIA or transient ischaemic attack (also known as a mini-stroke) is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours. According to the Stroke Association someone has a stroke every three and a half minutes in the UK, but worryingly 31% of people don’t know what a stroke is.

Jeannine Johnson, Clinical Lead for Stroke on the Island, said: “Too many TIA’s are dismissed as “funny turns” and an important opportunity to see the patient early on might be missed.

“It is vital that the public are aware of the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) test and seek emergency help immediately. We can then arrange an appointment for them to be seen in the TIA clinic. This will enable us to carry out a neurological assessment and any necessary investigations including a medication review to ensure any warning signs are picked up to help prevent a stroke.”

The FAST test identifies the most common symptoms of a stroke or TIA in three easy to recognise categories: F Facial weakness - Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

A Arm weakness - Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

S Speech problems - Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

T Time - to call 999 Stroke is always a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you see any one of these three signs, it’s time to call 999. Recognising the signs of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The quicker a patient arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment and the more likely they are to make a better recovery. If you suspect a stroke, always dial 999.

For further information about stroke including prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation and research visit the Stroke Association website at www.stroke.org.uk

Friends Weigh In To Assist Baby Monitoring The Friends of St Mary’s Hospital are helping in efforts by the NHS on the Island to monitor the growth progress of babies, by adding to the number of portable scales being used by health visitors and other professionals with children’s services.

At the cost of £1,076 the charity has provided four of the latest portable scales, with detachable cradle and carry cases.

Sue McRae-Samuel, the health visitors team lead, said, “Monitoring and recording the growth and wellbeing of babies, infants and toddlers is crucial in preventing obesity whilst demonstrating the thriving of faltering growth of 0-5 year olds.

“The health visiting team requires weighing equipment to undertake accurate measurements to ultimately benefit the infants and inform the parents and professionals.”

She explained the team comprised 29 health visitors, three community nursery nurses, and six support workers. They operate out of 12 Island locations, the majority being children’s centres but also some GP surgeries and community clinics. In addition another 18 health visitor students are under training, which will effectively double the size of the team.

“We never have enough scales, so the Friends grant has been most welcome,” she added.

Sue McRae-Samuel with long-serving Friends volunteer, Jackie Ramage, and a portable scale. The height measure was bought by the Friends on a previous occasion.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT PRODUCES GUIDE TO ISLAND ARTS A new arts guide designed to encourage creative types to visit the Island and promote repeat holiday bookings has been produced by Visit Isle of Wight, the Island’s tourist board.

Showcasing the very best of Island arts and culture, the Wight Guide to Island Arts celebrates the Island’s rich artistic heritage and cultural attractions, from historic houses and visual arts to music festivals and major exhibitions.

The guide also uncovers locally-produced arts and crafts at galleries and studios and offers a range of inspirational holidays and workshops including vintage yoga weekends and wildlife photography classes.

Some of the year’s highlights in the 8-page, newspaper-style publication include the new World War 1 exhibition at Carisbrooke Castle Museum (from 12th May), Quay Arts outdoor production of The Globe Theatre’s “Much Ado About Nothing” (18 to 21 June), V-Dub Festival (14 to 18 August), Ventnor Fringe (12-17 August) and the IW Literary Festival (16-19 October).

New this year, Robin Hill’s Festival of Light (from 4th October) inspired by the Hindu Festival of Diwali is also featured in the publication along with Celia Imrie’s timetravelling Literatours where literary and music giants are brought to life on a top flight coach tour around some of the most stunning parts of the Island.

Visit Isle of Wight hopes the new guide will inspire those passionate about the arts to book a holiday and visit the locations that once attracted poets, painters, writers and photographers – and catch fantastic performances at one of the Island’s superb venues.

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said: “Cultural attractions and events are particularly strong magnets for tourism and a thriving arts scene can be a big selling point for people looking for a holiday. Tourists not only purchase local art as souvenirs and tickets to events, but they also spend money on hotels and restaurants and make use of local attractions.

“We believe our new Wight Guide to Island Arts promotes repeat holiday bookings leaving people wanting to see more”.

The new Wight Guide to Island Arts will be available at Island arts venues, attractions and tourist information points and from the Visit Isle of Wight website www.visitisleofwight.co.uk The new publication will also be stocked at selected arts venues in Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Chichester, Brighton, Winchester and Salisbury.

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

Dangerous Dogs Act changes Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences.

Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.

The maximum sentences for allowing a dog to attack someone have also been substantially increased.

The maximum prison sentences in England and Wales are now: ● Up to 14 years, from two years, for a fatal dog attack. ● Up to five years, from two years, for injury. ● Up to three years if an assistance dog is attacked.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said: “Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families and it is only right those responsible should face tough punishments.

“Irresponsible dog owners will not only face longer prison sentences, but will also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place, even in their own home.

This will give protection to those who provide vital services in the community – postal workers, nurses, utility workers - as well as people visiting family and friends.”

For the first time, the Dangerous Dogs Act also includes a specific offence to protect assistance dogs from attacks.

Guide Dogs Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: “An attack on a guide dog can be devastating. It can rob someone with sight loss of their independence and freedom, leaving them virtually housebound.

“We’re delighted that irresponsible owners can now be given tougher sentences if their dog attacks an assistance dog.

“With an average of 10 guide dogs being attacked every month, we’re looking to the police to fully use their new powers to protect vulnerable people from these sometimes life-changing attacks.”

■ The changes will also see new preventative powers for the police and local authorities so they can act early to stop dog attacks before they occur. These measures include steps the dog owner can take to address their own or their dog’s behaviour, for example: ● Attending dog training classes. ● Repairing fencing to their property to prevent the dog escaping. ● Requiring their dog to be muzzled in public.

HARD OF HEARING ENCOURAGED TO FIT THE CORRECT SMOKE ALARMS The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is supporting national Deaf Awareness Week which takes place between 19 - 25 May. The focus of this year's week is to ensure people with hearing problems have sufficient smoke alarms fitted in their homes.

An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of their hearing aid at night.

A whole range of alarms have been designed specifically for the hard of hearing, with features ranging from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

Steve Apter is the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer and said: "It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them. They also need to ensure they test them regularly to make sure they work.

"A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house blaze. If anyone is unsure about the alarm they need they should contact the

fire service or speak to us to arrange a free home fire safety check."

Home fire safety checks offer people the opportunity to get advice about planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that the correct, working smoke alarm is fitted in your home.

For more information visit the fire service's website at www.iwight.com/fire or visit the Fire Kills Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firekills.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Island Arts

The Isle of Wight is home to some amazing artistic talent, and we want to highlight it on these pages.

We want to hear about you and your activity, your successes, your events, your news … whether you are an artist, a musician, a dancer, a singer, a writer, a performance group … if in doubt, just tell us anyway!

We will, of course, be happy to report the big events, but we want Island Arts to be for everyone of any age, at whatever level they are. And we are especially keen to

showcase new talent and new ideas. So please get in touch.

Tell us about your event, your exhibition, your auditions, your new commission, yourneed for people to take part … whatever it is, we’ll do our best to help.

You don’t have to pay for advertising on these pages to get your story covered, but we have kept the costs really low to make it a little easier for you to raise your profile.

Obviously, we can’t promise to cover every single story that is sent to us, so there may be times when you want to be sure you have a presence on these pages, and advertising will give you that guarantee!

Island Arts will be published every other week, as part of the Isle of Wight Mail newspaper Island Arts is edited

by Kevin Wilson. Send him your news and questions kevin@iwmail.co.uk

Censorship under the microscope The controvery around the issue of censorship is explored at Ventnor Arts Club next week.

The Last Gasp of Outrage is an examination of the processes of censorship conducted by the British Board of Film Classification before the release of David Cronenberg’s film Crash.

The film – to be screened at the club on May 20 - was released in 1997 and showed dysfunctional people getting their sexual kicks from car crashes.

Two days later, Paddie Collyer will be presenting The Last Gasp of Outrage, which is based on her research for an MA in Film at Westminster University, followed by a bursary to study for a PhD at Southampton Solent University.

Booking and more information at info@ventnorartsclub.com or 01983 857060.

The Cats are coming Cats is coming to the Island, thanks to Wight Stars.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the musical is being staged by the group as an amateur production at Medina Theatre on June 27, 28 and 29.

Matt Reed, managing director of Wight Stars, said: “It’s great that we are able to bring Cats to the Island as it’s never been performed here. The students have been doing a great job and are looking forward to taking part in the show.”

For more information and to book, call 01983 472465.

Here's another fine show ...

Jeffrey Holland - best known for playing Spike in the television series Hi de Hi - is making his first ever appearance on the Isle of Wight next month.

He is presenting his one man play 'and this is my friend, Mr Laurel' at the Apollo, Newport, on Thursday, June 5.

The show has been a sell out all over the country, and fulfils a lifelong ambition for Jeff, who has been a fan of Laurel and Hardy from an early age, and is well known to Laurel and Hardy fan clubs throughout the world.

The play, which he co-wrote with Gail Louw, is based on a visit by Stan Laurel to the sick bed of his friend Oliver Hardy. Stan recalls some of the highlights of their career together in a funny and poignant tribute to one of the world's most famous cinematic partnerships.

Jeff said: "This is a labour of love for me, and I am so looking forward to bringing the play to the Isle of Wight.

The play explores Stan's relationship with his family, his boss, Olly himself, and the many women in his life, and Stan does extracts from some of the best moments from Laurel and Hardy movies, too.

"We have had a very good response from audiences, and it just goes to show how much love and affection there still is for Laurel and Hardy."

As a special treat for Islanders, Jeff will come back to the Apollo stage after the interval, to host a question and answer session about his own life and career, and promises one or two stories about other well-known names!

Jeffrey Holland

Tickets are £10 and can be booked online at

www.wegottickets.com/originaltheatre

First and last

Singing for the Earl Mountbatten’s Hospice The Orpheus Singers are on Tour and visiting the island from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June.

45 ladies will be singing at All Saints Church in Ryde on Friday evening and staging a concert at The Medina Theatre in Newport on Saturday 31st May. You may even catch them singing in the grounds of Osborne House on Sunday 1st June!

On Saturday 31st May the concert at the Medina Theatre will be in support of the Isle of Wight’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

The concert commences at 7.30pm and tickets, priced at £8, are available now from the Medina Theatre Box Office 01983 527020 or www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Original Theatre has been getting rave reviews for its production of the new play, The Truth Untold.

The group is making its first appearance on stage at the Trinity Theatre, Cowes, on Friday May 30, at 7.30pm, which is also the last chance to see this one hour play. It tells what happens when two former school friends meet again in a very tense situation, and face each other across the divide that has opened up between them.

Tickets are £6 from www.wegottickets.com/originaltheatre, or call 01983 304130, or pay on the door. Ten per cent of ticket sales are donated to Combat Stress, the armed services veterans mental health charity.

Picture shows cast members of The Truth Untold in action at the Depozitory, in Ryde, on May 10.

GET ON THE ROAD The Apollo's production of Road, a play that was voted one of the best of the 20th century, is on from Wednesday to Saturday, May 14 to 17, and May 21 to 24.

Thirteen performers play 38 characters living in one road in a Northern town, and all trying to find their own way of escaping from the recession of the 1980s.

For more information, go to www.apollo-theatre.org.uk

Blues Party The next Big Blues Party at Flanagans, in Sandown, is on June 11.

Free entry and it all starts happening at 8pm.

Call 01983 408851 for more information.

Send your arts news to kevin@iwmail.co.uk MAY 30th AT TRINITY THEATRE, COWES – 8PM FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT ORIGINALTHEATRE.NET The Original Theatre Company

@

List your local event for free

at www.iwmail.co.uk

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

East Cowes Marina attracts the Under-25’s on student-friendly rates East Cowes Marina have just signed their first two Aberdeen Asset Management Under-25 teams with a special berthing rate tailored to the slim wallets of the Under25 teams, often powered by university students and youngsters just starting out in first jobs but keen to compete in Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

Aberdeen announced they were extending their support for young teams taking part in the regatta to 20 crews back in November. The support includes covering the entry fees, providing team sailing kit, as well as having the chance to compete for the prestigious Under 25 Trophy – unsurprisingly all 20 places are fully subscribed.

East Cowes Marina were quick to offer a discounted rate for those Under-25s racing in the regatta under Aberdeen’s popular scheme, making the overall package for these crews even more attractive.

Southampton University OTC teams Artificer and Officer Cadet will be joining East Cowes Marina for the week at an amazing 50% discount on the marina’s very popular new racer rate. This actually makes the rate even cheaper than the usual midweek berthing rate, so a significant discount!

Rachel Hibberd, Assistant Marina Manager at East Cowes and a keen Sonata sailor explains the thoughtprocess behind these exceptional rates “We see offering special berthing rates for these youth teams as a way of supporting youth sailing and encouraging the next generation of boat owners.

It would be easy for us to sell these berths at the full Cowes Week rate, but we wanted to do our bit. The take-up rate has been great so far, with both our racer rate and the Under-25 special and we hope this bodes well for a bumper Cowes Week this summer.”

www.wightislandradio.com

Collision between car and tractor in Cowes Police on the Island are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a two vehicle, serious injury collision in Cowes on Monday, May 12.

A black Mazda 2 TS was involved in a collision with a tractor on Newport Road by the show ground and caught fire at around 6.05am.

The 43-year-old driver of the car was taken to St Mary’s hospital and was later transferred to Southampton General hospital with severe head injuries. His condition is described as life-threatening.

The driver of the tractor was not injured.

Anyone with any information or who saw the collision is asked to contact PC Peni Houghton at Fratton Road Policing Unit on 101. You can also call the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. Minicom users should call 01962 875000.

--------------------------------No Dating, just friends www.wightpal.co.uk

Gone are the days of children playing out in the street, making friends and getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. Today’s youngsters are more than likely cooped up in their bedrooms, eyes fixated on the television and games controller in hand.

Should parents be concerned about the lack of outdoor play their children are getting?

And are parents becoming too lazy to find children things to play and do, other than sticking them in front of a TV screen?

FieldandTrek.com take a look into why children spend less time outdoors, and what parents can do to change the fast becoming stereotype of today’s younger generation.

A survey conducted on behalf of wood preservation company, Ronseal revealed that children spend up to 10 times as long playing video games and watching TV as they do playing outdoors. This equates to one whole day out of each week spent indoors on electrical devices and only 2 and a half hours each week playing outdoors. Despite these shocking statistics only 4 in 10 of the 2000 people surveyed admitted their children don’t spend enough time outdoors.

There was a time when children could play freely in the streets and neighbourhoods with other children, causing little worry to parents of there whereabouts.

Unfortunately, we now live in a time where letting children go off and play outside can pose many threats and dangers, including strangers and busy road traffic. This is an obvious reason why many parents would much rather children stay inside, where they are safe and can be kept an eye on.

The NHS recommends that children aged 5-18 years old should be getting at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. This may be hard to fit in if children are spending 3-4 hours in front of the TV, so it’s time for parents to make some big changes. It is very important for children to grow up with a good level of health and fitness, playing outdoors for an hour or so after school is a fantastic way for kids to keep fit, without even realising.

There are many games that can be played outdoors in the garden, no matter how big or small that garden may be. Ball games, hide and seek and other classic games can be lots of fun or simply going on a walk perhaps with the family pet can be a fun activity for everyone to get involved with.

Meet new people on the Isle of Wight

Encouraging Children To Get Outdoors

“More apprentices progress into Higher Education” Thousands more apprentices are progressing into Higher Education following their apprenticeship, Matthew Hancock has announced.

The Skills and Enterprise Minister published research which shows that overall, almost 20% of advanced apprentices moved onto Higher Education following the completion of their apprenticeship. Cohorts of apprentices have been tracked for 7 years since 2005/2006 and there have been more than 32,000 people that have made the progression in total.

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “This research shows the opportunities available to apprentices are vast and apprenticeships can help people progress into the next stage of learning to help boost their prospects of getting a rewarding career.

“I want it to become the new norm for young people to either choose an apprenticeship or begin university.

These new figures show that apprenticeships offer qualifications which will support young people throughout their working life.”

The research also shows that a number of those people that moved onto Higher Education were from a more disadvantaged background and less likely to attend

university straight from school or college. This shows that advanced apprenticeships have a role to play in promoting social mobility and supporting those that want to move into Higher Education.

The Skills Minister was speaking at the Apprenticeships in the Business and Outsourced Services Industry Conference which was hosted by Barclays and the Business Service Association, who have published data that shows their members employ 11,500 apprentices nationwide.

The minister also used his speech to talk about recent reforms to the apprenticeship system, including Trailblazers, a system to put employers in the driving seat and design the apprenticeship standards for their sector. The minister also discussed proposed funding reforms to the apprenticeship system whereby funding will be routed via employers and they will be able to choose and pay for the exact training that their apprentice requires.

The minister went on to highlight the growth of higher apprenticeships and the government’s commitment to fund an extra 20,000 higher apprenticeships over the next 2 years.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

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More people are becoming amateur fossil hunters than ever before, according to staff at Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown.

After a record number of visitors in April, the month also saw a large number of fossils brought into the museum by residents and tourists alike, keen to discover the identity of what they had found.

Amongst the items brought in was a fossilised elephant tooth, thought to date from one hundred thousand years ago, and an unusual ammonite.

The museum was also given a partial skeleton of an Iguanodon, which is one of the most complete ever found in the UK. Peter Pusey is Dinosaur Isle Museum’s general manager and said: "The 'Dinosaur Island' marketing campaign and the Hollywood film 'Walking With Dinosaurs' would no doubt have stirred the interest of children and adults alike to seek out their own fossils.

"The Isle of Wight is known as being one of the world's best destinations to find fossils and we have also welcomed scientists from countries such as America and China to study our collections.

"We are delighted, not only does it enhance the Isle of Wight's reputation, it also means our collection continues to grow as many of the fossils that are found are given to the museum for everyone to enjoy."

Shirley Smart is the council’s Executive member for tourism and added: “There’s no doubt the Isle of Wight’s reputation for being amongst the best in the world to find fossils has been enhanced and it is very pleasing the museum has seen such a large increase in visitor numbers in April.

“This helps not only the local economy in Sandown but also the wider Isle of Wight economy as a whole, because many people who visit also spend time in local shops, cafés and restaurants across the Island.”

Last week the museum announced it had welcomed a record number of visitors in an April with 10,000 passing through the doors. This was 2000 higher than the previous record. Visit Isle of Wight's 'Dinosaur Isle' marketing campaign and the Hollywood film Walking With Dinosaurs is thought to have been a major factor behind the increase in visitors to the museum.

FIRST COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM MULTI-MILLION POUND RURAL FIBRE BROADBAND PROJECT The first communities set to benefit from the multi-million pound rural fibre broadband partnership between the Isle of Wight Council and BT, were announced on Monday, 12 May. Work to connect the first rural communities for the partnership on the Isle of Wight will commence shortly, enabling some customers to place orders for high speed fibre broadband during summer 2014.

The first communities to benefit from new rural fibre broadband infrastructure during the project’s first phase include parts of Shalfleet, Gurnard, Whippingham, Brighstone, Shorwell and Merstone.

As the project gathers pace and more areas are connected, the council will provide the latest information on its website www.iwight.com. In addition, the website will detail all areas to be covered by the project via an interactive map.

The overall project will have enabled around 20,000 premises in the largely rural parts of the Island to access high speed broadband when it is completed in the autumn of 2015, making the Island one of the best connected areas in the UK. The multi-million pound partnership is jointly funded by the Isle of Wight Council, which is investing £2.4 million in the project to match the funding provided by the government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Isle of Wight Council Executive member for economy and tourism, said: “This is an important investment for the council in supporting the Island’s connectivity to the mainland and indeed the world and as a springboard from which the Island’s economy can grow.”

“Homes and businesses in some of our towns are already seeing the benefits of

superfast broadband and we are delighted that work is starting to connect the largely rural parts of the Island. Having fast internet speeds across the whole Island is not only vital to the success of our small businesses, it is also key to attracting inward investment, one of the council’s key priorities. In addition, this investment will help us as we look at innovative ways of delivering more council services online.

This is very important as the council looks to make financial savings over the coming years.”

Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation access for BT, said: “This is great news for the Isle of Wight. BT has committed £2.7 million to build and operate the network acrosss the Isle of Wight for the lifetime of the contract.

“The announcement builds on BT’s commercial investment, which has already made fibre broadband available to around

49,000 premises, mainly in the Island’s towns. Faster broadband will also help local businesses grow, attracting inward investment and boosting the local economy.”

The new fibre-based network is open to all broadband providers on an equal basis, so customers will have a choice of broadband suppliers. Households and businesses on the Isle of Wight will therefore benefit from a competitive market, bringing greater choice and affordable prices from a wide range of broadband providers.

The technology will boost the competitiveness of local businesses, helping them to find new customers and operate more efficiently, whilst opening up a host of new learning and development opportunities for households.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Lifesaving Benefits from Fund-Raising Events Cowes lifeboat station has benefitted from two very different recent fund-raising efforts, one involving staff of the Southampton based Ordnance Survey offices and another concerning the annual national sailing championships for firefighters.

Ordnance Survey employees chose the RNLI as the beneficiary of its corporate charity events held over the past 12 months, ranging from running races to a Christmas fayre and a cake sale. Of the £7,734 raised it was envisaged that the RNLI’s Cowes, Calshot and Lymington stations should each receive £1,500, to pay for two crew members undergoing five days of training at the charity’s Poole headquarters.

There was already a link between the RNLI and Ordnance Survey, as the Southampton organisation’s infra-structure operations manager, Richard O’Callaghan, lives on the Island and is one of the Cowes station’s volunteer helms.

Welcoming the Ordnance Survey cheque to train six volunteers, the RNLI’s fund-raising manager Roseanne Blaze said: “This will prepare them to go out on a shout in various conditions such as freezing water, choppy waters and torrential rain as well as for all of the different rescues that they may come across.”

The firemen’s championships involved eightstrong crews aboard yachts chartered from Port Solent, Portsmouth. This year over 20 yachts competed in the races, staged in central and eastern Solent.

Cowes lifeboat was one of several good causes to receive £1,500 cheques at the closing gala dinner, held at Cowes Yacht Haven. The evening also included a raffle.

Over the last ten years over £56,000 has been raised for a range of good causes by the sailing championships. As well as firemen, the event also attracts entrants from the police, ambulance and mountain rescue bodies across the country.

■ The guest speaker at this year’s closing ceremony was Simon Weston, OBE.

left to Right are: Richard O’Callaghan, Katie Powell, Ordnance Survey marketing & communication director, Teena Munden, Ordnance Survey corporate charity manager, Roseanne Blaze, RNLI community fund-raising manager, and Greg Tumilty – Ordnance Survey building and property services manager

STAY AWAY FROM LANDSLIP

Mick Norman, who organises the fire-fighters championship, presents a £1,500 cheque to Cowes lifeboat crew member Andrea Vaughan.

‘LIVE YOUR LEGACY’ APPROACH TO LIFE Macmillan Cancer Support has launched an uplifting film entitled ‘Live Your Legacy’ (#LYL) inviting people to ask themselves how they would like to be remembered after they die. Aimed at raising awareness of the importance of gifts in wills, the short film includes comments and observations from a selection of people who, while very different from each other, all share a common desire – to leave a lasting legacy.

The Macmillan campaign, which was being launched at the start of Dying Matters Awareness Week (May 12-18), also serves to remind people about the importance of having an up to date professionally written will to help people ensure their loved ones and favourite causes are looked after, in the event of their death.

Macmillan is keen to extend the challenge to a wider audience and is urging people to ask themselves the question “What is your legacy?”

Supporters who would like to get involved are invited to record a 10 second clip and upload it to twitter between May 12th – 18th, using the hashtags #LYL and #YODO, the official hashtag for this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week. Including a reference to @Remembermac will ensure the film is picked up by the team at Macmillan.

Danielle Tanner, Macmillan Cancer Support Mass Planning Manager, said: “Death is something we all have in common, yet it is a subject that few of us like to talk about. We wanted to flip this taboo topic on its head and focus on something positive that people are happy to

share: their legacy and the way they would like to be remembered.”

There are currently over two million people living with cancer in the UK, a figure which is set to double by 2030. With one in three people developing cancer in their lifetime, the emotional, financial and practical support provided by Macmillan is vital to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Film producer and actress, Amanda Waring, one of the film’s contributors explained: “I was excited to be approached about being involved with the #LYL film, Macmillan cared for my mother when she was terminally ill and I have seen the benefits first hand of having a Macmillan team in my corner.

“It was actually a really enlightening exercise, it’s not very often that you ask yourself what you want your legacy to be. My passion is the work I am involved with which aims to improve compassion and dignity for elders, I really hope I can make an impact and this will be my legacy.”

Legacy donations make up more than a third of Macmillan’s entire income. There are currently around 32.5 million people in the UK do not have a will. If there is no will the rules of intestacy will dictate how any property and money will be distributed and the real risk is that preferred family and causes get nothing at all. In a bid to facilitate the will writing process Macmillan provides a discounted will writing service.

■ The video can be watched at: http://vimeo.com/94341412

The Council is advising members of the public to observe closure barriers on East Cowes Esplanade following the landslip in the area in late April.

Following a period of wet weather, a large section of land fell onto the road and it has continued to move since then and remains unstable. The road has since been closed and barriers erected as the area is dangerous.

Councillor Luisa Hillard is Executive member for the environment and is also the local member for East Cowes. She said: "Following the long periods of adverse weather this winter, many coastal areas remain at risk and it is important all precautions are taken. Residents should make sure they keep well away from this dangerous area until it safe.

"It is a shame that the planned work of the East Cowes Community Partnership to manage the woodland and build a new footpath will need to be put on hold until such time as the area has stabilised."

The council is continuing to monitor the area and will be in a better position to determine a way forward once the ground has stopped moving.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

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Consequences of Cameron’s pledge Cllr Whitehouse has warned of the consequences of Cameron’s in/out referendum pledge. Speaking at the Newport Con Club, Whitehouse said: The commitment of Prime Minister, David Cameron, to hold an “In/Out” Referendum in 2017 on the country’s membership of the EU risks smashing the mould of British politics and destroying the Conservative Party as we know it – whatever the outcome of the vote.

“David Cameron and the other key players in his Cabinet are sincere in their desire to “repatriate” from the EU some powers and to secure national control once again over some policy areas. But there is little sign yet of an appetite elsewhere in Europe to permit them to do so.

“The chances are that in the period 2015 to 2017 there will be a few “sops” to the UK, a bit of window-dressing and a rearranging of the chairs on the deck of the Titanic of democracy and accountability that the EU has become.

“But David Cameron will not be able to admit that he has failed to deliver what the people of the UK by such a majority wish to see – a fundamental change in our relationship with the EU – since to admit such failure would be electorally calamitous. He will be forced to urge our continued membership of the Union on the superficially newly agreed, though fundamentally little-changed, terms.

“Cameron, when it comes down to it, like Ed Milliband, and Nick Clegg, is at heart in favour of our continued membership of the EU and would be under colossal pressure from British business to ensure we remain “In”. In short, the three main political parties will all be supporting continued EU membership and will be selling that pig in a poke back to the British voters in the referendum campaign.

And that is when we come to the crunch.

It is not only that a huge chunk of the electorate are not in the market for repackaged, “new improved Europe”; many Conservatives Members of Parliament will take the same view.

It is becoming increasingly clear that whether our MPs are or are not officially given a “free vote” no longer matters.

Many of them will demand and simply take one because the issue is now fundamental to their political psyche.

So, we risk a fundamental split in our Party in 2017 with the Euro-sceptic right in practice becoming co-belligerents of Ukip, if not their allies or partners.

In such a scenario, I believe that the country (whether with our without Scotland) will vote no to continued membership; which then sets in stone the split in our Party and breaks the mould of British politics for the next decade or two.

In short, we may well stand in the very near future on a crossroads between fundamental principle, and Party loyalty.

Of course, crystal ball gazing is fraught with dangers, but of one thing I can be absolutely certain: with the EU elections in a few days’ time; with the Scottish referendum in September, with a General Election next May; and with a possible EU referendum in 2017; politics is going to be fun and to matter.

I shall remain active during that period, despite the dreadful damage done to our Party on the Island by some of those who have manipulated the Conservative Association recently to pursue their own vindictive agendas; but I shall then stand down. As I have made clear in the media recently, I have no intention of ever standing for Parliament and I do not intend to stand again for the Isle of Wight Council in 2017.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Boats, Crafts, Food & free Fun! Riverfest 2014 is setting sail on Saturday 17th May 2014 from 11am to 3pm, thanks to support from the local Southern Cooperative, Newport Parish Council, Vectis Sunrise Rotary and Southern Water.

Last year’s event attracted over 4,000 people and we expecting to exceed this for 2014! This free event is now the largest community event in Newport! It is also the largest family-friendly event in Newport, with lots of free and interesting things for children to see and take part in. Riverfest has a focus on supporting and promoting local arts and crafts.

This year visitors are being encouraged to come dressed as Mermaids or Pirates!

There will also be prizes for the best dressed Mermaid and Pirate!

We have just heard that the notorious “Wight Pirates” (early 18th Century Pirate and Smuggler re-enactors) will be invading Riverfest – so watch out!

The Footprint Trust, who have organised the last three Riverfests, and have announced their biggest event ever! People are being encouraged to walk, cycle or sail to the event, and to leave their cars at home as there will be no parking allowed at the quay.

On Water: The River Medina is navigable from Cowes. On the 17th May 2014 the tide will be high enough to enable boats to visit Newport Quay from about 11:00 hrs to 16:00hrs, depending upon their size.

We are particularly keen to welcome all the historical vessels who are to sail along to the event, but we also welcome the modern crafts too...” Said the organiser Ray Harrington-Vail.

A whole range of sailing craft will be assembling at the Folly Inn, on the Medina River at 11am where they will then set sail at 12 noon lead by Alice, a historic Thames sailing barge!

The River Medina is the home of the Uffa Fox-designed class boats; it’s where his design office was based and where Fairlee Marine was also based which built many of his classic designs. All owners of these boats have been invited to join the flotilla, along with modern and other historic sailing craft.

This year the Medina Valley Centre’s will be offering free rides on the Medina as part of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) “Push the Boat Out”; a national weekend of sailing and windsurfing. People are invited to come along and ‘have a go’ at sailing with an experienced sailor. Whether you are a regular sailor, new to the sport or simply want a day out with the family, Push the Boat Out provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to get out on the water and celebrate a national weekend of sailing. Also look out for Cowes Sailability Club and their interesting craft.

On land you will be able to see craft from the Classic Boat Museum, the Maritime Volunteer Service and a rescue boat from Ryde Inshore Lifeboat.

Natural Enterprise will be promoting how people can get involved in looking after our local rivers. The Island River Partnership has had three successful meetings recently and a number of projects are now underway across the Island. In addition, they will be promoting Plant Positive, an initiative to remove invasive non-native plants from our riverbanks. Himalayan Balsam is a particular problem and adversely affects our native plants and also water-voles.

People can sign-up to take part in the annual Balsam Blitz. The local charity will also be promoting their Gift To Nature project and will be selling a number of local publications at bargain prices. Free copies of their Mill Trail publication will be available whilst stocks last.

On Land On land new things will be happening too!

Coming on board this year is Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club, who will be proudly representing the Island’s Rotary clubs.

Belonging to a Rotary Club gives men and

women an enjoyable and organised way to make a contribution to their community and make a positive difference across the world. The club is made up of enthusiastic, fun loving and active people from all walks of life, many of whom have busy working lives. Employed or retired, male or female, young or old, the common bond is a wish to help others, meet new friends and make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. We get together on a weekly basis to share ideas, pool skills and raise money, not only for underprivileged people around the world, but also for local people and organisations. All our members also enjoy the active social and sporting life of the club. Vectis Sunrise Rotary Club meets for breakfast at the Riverside Centre every Wednesday morning throughout the year. If you would like to have further information on the Rotary organisation or would like to join them for breakfast, then please call Jeremy Dale on 539530. www.vectisrotary.org Local coppice craftsman Frank Heap will be demonstrating traditional woodland crafts – a popular site in Island woodlands until the 1930s. You can also watch him whittle children’s toys made out of local wood, including some special Riverfest boats.

Coming right up to date we have Wight Karting, the Islands latest destination attraction will be demonstrating one of their new 270cc Honda Powered Karts that reflects just some of their £450,000 investment in the new Ryde based GoKarting Circuit which at over 500m long is the longest and one of the most technical circuits in the country. In addition, visitors to Riverfest can enter an exclusive competition to win one of a number of special VIP Passes to Wight Karting to experience the very best in Karting for themselves.

Bodster Equine Assisted Learning CIC will be at Riverfest this year too, they run sessions for anyone aged 6 years to 90 years where, whatever their experience they can interact in a safe fun environment on the ground with their small herd of ponies using Natural Horsemanship techniques and develop self-confidence and selfesteem. www.eaqbodster.co.uk Entertainment The event will be compared by Roderick Parkman of “Rod’s Sonic Sounds” mobile discos. Roderick has been an Island DJ for over 30 years DJing at some of the top Island night spots. He has also had a very successful mobile disco career and continues to cater for events such as Weddings, Birthdays etc. He is also a Salsa instructor and can bring a Latin flavour to your event.

Mobile: 07837044748 Roderick is also the founder of “Isle of Wight Salsa”. The club has been very successful for over 8 years and continues to flourish under a non-profit committee.

There will be a demonstration of Isle of Wight Salsa in action and a chance to step up and have a go! Isle of Wight Salsa holds weekly classes at the Balcony Night club on Tuesday nights.

See www.isleofwightsalsa.co,uk or fb isleofwightsalsa Roderick is also hosting a Salsa Weekender for the Trouville Hotel, Sandown on the 31st October to 2nd November. This is for absolute beginners as well as more accomplished salsa dancers.

See www.wightsalsaweekender.co.uk for more details.

This year’s event will be opened by Vectis Corps of Drums, who will also be performing during the day; there will also be other musical performances throughout the event. www.facebook.com/vectiscorpsofdrums LVB Dance Co, who specialise in hip hop, street dance, break dancing, contemporary, modern and contemporary ballet will also be in attendance. Children and adults alike can interact with dancers and be shown

various dance techniques. There will also be a preview of their latest showcase “Zombie Circus” which you can see at Shanklin Theatre on Monday 23rd June.

LVB Dance has a Dance Academy and holds professional classes and also outreach services for all ages and abilities (3-65 years!) across the island and has recently opened their very own mirrored studio in central Newport.

As a Professional Commercial Street Dancer in the music industry, Linda Vincenta Byrne has been contracted for TV, festivals, music videos and corporate events both in the UK and abroad. She moved to the island 18 months ago to set up the company which provides both professional training at the Academy and dance fitness classes for those who just want to shift a few extra pounds. Classes are fun, friendly and everyone is welcome.

For further information please contact Linda on 07535 655338 or linda@lvbdance.com Wight Stars will be offering entertainment with an interesting mix, including some musical theatre, drama workshop and circus skills for children of all ages. Since 2012, they have given over 500 young people the chance to use theatre to better their lives.

Their training, customer service, friendly nature and fully qualified, experienced staff put Wight Stars at the forefront of community theatre. Their Mission is to reach out to young people through the magic of theatre, helping them overcome the barriers and disadvantages in life, enabling them to unlock and utilise the potential that lies within every child. www.wightstars.co.uk Claydon Connor - Claydon Connor’s music always tells a story. His forthcoming album, due for release early summer is a perfect blend of roots Americana, with a hint of classic English pop, combining all his influences to create a sound that is both honest and infectious. An accomplished musician currently based on the Isle of Wight Claydon plays guitar and harmonica which feature throughout; add to that the delights of mandolin, Hammond organ and pedal steel guitar and you have an album that will hook you in from start to finish.

You’ll find yourself toe tapping along to uplifting tempos one minute, and moved by heartfelt soul searching stories the next.

Claydon’s latest release, ‘The Kind Of Man I Am’ features on the album, along with ‘Just Another Lover’ released last year “ I’m really excited about the new album, it’s a move on musically for me and I can’t wait to share it; I hope people will really connect with it.” Claydon has an instant stage presence engaging his audience from start to finish; his enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of playing live coupled with his talent for writing great songs makes him a powerful act to watch. A real treat for the crowds at Riverfest 2014. www.liveisland.co.uk Food & Drink! Visit The Food Circle – on The Green! This year much more food and drink will be on offer catering for all tastes ranging from burgers to Ice cream and the favourite IW Hogroast, all washed down with fair-trade teas and coffee. A range of tasty vegetarian and vegan food will also be on sale. Traditional cakes, ice cream, preserves and sweets will also be on sale including the popular Isle of Fudge! With our dedicated eating area you will be able to try a Pizza, traditional cooked in a stone oven, fired by wood.

Things to See and do! For the kids there

will be an adventure of activities from bouncy castles, coconut shy, striker ‘test your strength’ game to face painting and glitter tattoos. Investigate the creatures that lurk in the mud on the Medina and do some brass rubbing. Have a go at canoeing, cork shooters penalty shoot-out, mega slide and circus skills much, much more! Many activities are free – so you don’t need to have money to have fun!

Shore Solutions plantsman Les Brown will be their advising on heritage plants that benefit wildlife, brighten up the garden and are drought tolerant.

The organisers are being assisted by Isle of Wight Event Stewards, along with some new recruits - the junior PCSO scheme based at Nine Acres Primary School. The children are selected through an application and interview process and take part mainly because they enjoy community work and helping people but also because they might like to do a similar job when they are older.

The project is now starting to look at getting involved in more community events and to raise the profile of what are junior PCSO's have been doing and what they could be doing in the future, hence their very welcomed involvement in Riverfest.

The junior PCSO’s will be directing the public and keeping an eye on litter and generally being helpful!

Other young people’s organisations will also be at Riverfest, including members of the Guides. Girlguiding offers a safe and girl-only space where girls and young women can have a voice on relevant topics.

Ding! Ding! With those who like remembering the good old days of Newport, there will be the “Old Girl” in attendance, the oldest bus in England, which is still in public service. This Southern Vectis bus, which came into service in 1932, was converted to an open top over 50 years ago. It has served on a number of routes on the Island and been enjoyed by thousands of tourists over the years. The ideal bus to hire for a wedding or special occasion! She will be joined by a not so quite old Daimler Fleetline bus, which entered service in 1971 for Hants and Dorset bus co, and was mainly be used around the Poole area. At Riverfest she will be hosting a fine fare of tasty vegetarian foods.

For those with an interest in recycling and up-cycling then they will be in for a treat.

Digital Recycle will be offering a range of reconditioned top quality computers and laptops from £50. Reclaimed furniture, household items and bric-a-brac will also be on offer, along with designer bags made from old vinyl records.

The Footprint Trust will be at the event promoting their WarmerWight-plus project, which gives free guidance on reducing energy and water bills. They will be launching a special appeal at Riverfest, encouraging local people to help other Islanders escape fuel poverty, by donating money to help pay for new efficient boilers.

People will also have the opportunity, for the first time, to give loose change to help fund Riverfest and The Footprint Trust’s many projects based here on the Island. In return the Trust will be giving away a specially created Riverfest badges!

This year Riverfest will be hosting a charity fair, with over 30 local charities taking part. Their members will be on hand to explain their work and to celebrate their successes. They will also be hoping to raise funds to maintain their very important work.

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Let’s talk about it this Dementia Awareness Week Age UK Isle of Wight (Age UKIW) are asking Islander’s to stop, think and talk about dementia throughout National Dementia Awareness Week from Sunday 18th May to Saturday 24th May. Dementia is one of the biggest modern public health concerns, and impacts on the lives of not only the person with dementia, but their family, friends and carers. Dementia Awareness Week is a chance to learn more about dementia, and the support that is available on the Island.

Throughout the week there will be a number of events taking place, including:  Friday 16th May – Age UKIW have a stand at the Farmers Market in St Thomas Square, Newport from 9am to 2pm, which will have a wealth of information about the support that is available for those with dementia, their family and friends.  Monday 19th May – Coffee morning at Farnsworth Newsagents, 76 St James Street, Newport from 10am to 2pm.

Coffee, cakes and biscuits with all donations going to charities helping to fight dementia. Come in for your papers and magazines and stay for coffee and a sweet treat...or two.  Monday 19th May – Ryde based Police will be taking part in dementia awareness training with Age UKIW.  Monday 19th May – The guys from the Oar-some Memories Challenge will be at Sainsburys, Freshwater where there will be raffling off a great Kayak kindly donated by Earth Wind and Water, as well as other fun and games from 10am to 4pm.  Tuesday 20th May - Oar-some Memories will be moving their roadshow onto Sainsburys in Cowes from 10am to 4pm.  Wednesday 21st May – Age UKIW will be hosting dementia awareness raising talks with pupils at Ryde School and with residents at Orchard House, Newport.  Wednesday 21st May – Oar-some Memories will be spending the days on

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Wightlink Ferries (Fishbourne – Portsmouth route), where they will be hosting a range of games, and raising awareness and funds for dementia services on the Isle of Wight.  Thursday 22nd May – Dover Park Primary School will host a special dementia awareness raising assembly, and play games linked to dementia with Age UKIW and a visit from the balloon modelling policeman PC Stephen Hull.  Thursday 22nd May – PC Stephen Hull will then visit the Ryde Memory Group where he perform magic and balloon modelling for attendees with dementia.  Thursday 22nd May - Oar-some Memories will be pitching up at Tesco Ryde with their range of games, raffle and more fun for all of the family from 10am to 3pm. Followed by a open to all beach party, disco and BBQ at Appley Beach from 4.30pm with the whole crew.  Friday 23rd May – The guys from Oarsome Memories will be spending their last day of their roadshow at Tesco Ryde from 10am to 3pm.  Southern Vectis travel shops in Newport and Ryde will become ongoing Safe Havens. A safe haven is a place people with dementia can be taken is they are found lost or confused.  Southern Vectis have also produced a ‘Safe Journey Card’ for people with dementia to carry. This card is will officially launch during Dementia Awareness Week.

Dementia Awareness Week is part of the ongoing project to create a Dementia Friendly Isle of Wight, which was started with a successful pilot scheme in Ryde, and which continues to grow and gather momentum. To date, dementia awareness training sessions have been delivered to nearly 300 people, including staff from Southern Vectis, Fire and Rescue Service, Church staff in Ryde, library staff and School children, with more work planned with Wightlink, Isle of Wight Police, Church projects and local businesses.

Society invites residents to ‘open up about dementia’ Alzheimer’s Society on the Isle of Wight is encouraging people who have concerns about dementia to stop bottling it up this Dementia Awareness Week (18 – 24 May 2014). People are invited to attend one of a series of events that are taking place throughout the week to learn more about dementia and the charity.

The awareness raising events are being held on:  20th May in Ryde Library, 101 George Street, from 10am-3pm  22nd May in the foyer of St Mary’s Hospital in Newport from 9am-12midday  23rd May in the foyer of St Mary’s Hospital from 9am- 12 midday At all three events, people will be able to talk to Alzheimer’s Society staff Anna Roberts, Jo Bellgard and Sue Carr, pick up information about dementia and the services available on the island as well as take part in mythbusting fact or fiction sessions.

Amber Reed, Operations Manager – Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands for Alzheimer’s Society said: ‘Dementia has replaced cancer as the health condition people fear most. It is therefore no surprise that many people feel confused or even ashamed to talk about it.

We all bury our heads in the sand from time to time but it is important to seek help. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can get on with your life and feel in control again.

This event is a great opportunity find out more about how Alzheimer's Society can help you.’

Alzheimer’s Society Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands has a range of services which support people with dementia and their carers on the Isle of Wight. These include a support group, dementia adviser service and dementia support service. For details contact Sonya Rimmer, 02392 892035, Portsmouth@alzheimers.org.uk.

The charity is also hoping that local businesses and individuals will hold their own fundraising events between 18 – 24 May 2014 to raise valuable funds for people with dementia and their carers.

From a pop-up restaurant to a picnic in the garden, an art event to a street party, whatever you decide to do, the money you raise will help improve the lives of people with dementia and their families in our local communities. For lots of great fundraising ideas, go to alzheimers.org.uk/grandopening

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Alzheimer Cafés Alzheimer Cafés – Isle of Wight are delighted to announce our programme during Dementia Awareness Week 2014: Dr Gemma Jones is back on the Island during this important week for people with dementia, their families, carers and others who are interested in learning more.

Gemma will be presenting three training courses during the week: ● Mon 19th & Tue 20th: A training course for our volunteers who host the Alzheimer Cafés Island wide and in particular the new Cowes Alzheimer Café which will be opening on 9th July 2014 at 2pm till 4pm at Cowes Masonic Centre, Castle Road, Cowes. ● Wed 21st & Thu 22nd: Days 1 and 2 of the 4 day training course for family carers - Communication and Caregiving in Dementia: a positive vision ● Fri 23rd: Lighting DARC (dementia awareness reaching communities).

This innovative, 1 day training course links with the work of the Island’s Dementia Alliance (Alzheimer Society, Age UK and Alzheimer Café) in developing Dementia Friendly Communities.

The vision for this course is to have citizens within communities who are aware of and able to helpfully respond to the needs of each other – including those of people with dementia and who will engage with and include them in whatever ways are possible.

On Wednesday 21st May the Totland Alzheimer Café, St Saviour’s Holy Family Centre, Western Lane, Totland, is open for afternoon “2nd Birthday” tea (2pm till 4.30pm) with a presentation by Kate Hall about ‘What happens to Memory and Attention in Dementia’ and a visit by Lisa Kerley of Carisbrooke Castle Museum with artefacts for discussion and reminiscence.

■ For further details about Alzheimer Cafés on the Island, please visit our website www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk or call 01983 220200 or alzheimercafeiow@btconnect.com

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

HIOWAA sets sail with inaugural sailing regatta

The inaugural Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Sailing Regatta will take place on Tuesday 23rd September and the charity are asking Hampshire businesses to join them for a fun and exciting day’s racing on the Solent.

Departing from Port Solent in Portsmouth, participants will sail with Sunsail Events on a fleet of Beneteau First 40 yachts, in the capable hands of fully qualified skippers. No previous sailing experience is necessary and all abilities will be catered for.

Local businesses already signed up for the regatta include BDO, Rathbone Brothers Plc, Brewin Dolphin and Bond Air Services. Also taking part on the day will be Marcus de Ferranti, the newly appointed Chairman of Trustees of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance .

De Ferranti commented ‘The regatta is a novel way to raise money for the Air Ambulance, and at the same time the perfect opportunity to entertain clients, network or just to thank staff.’

The cost of entry for the regatta is £2,000 per yacht for a crew of eight, to include a significant donation to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Included in the entry fee is breakfast, a racing lunch and a champagne prize giving.

■ Any organisations interested in taking part should contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Community and Corporate Fundraiser Alex Tredget on 02380 333377 or alexandra@hiowairambulance.org.uk.

The 2014 Isle of Arts survey Organisers of the 2014 Isle of Art Festival hope you were able to attend and that you enjoyed the experience. They're getting ready to start organising the 2015 Festival which will be held from 1-4 May. Even if you were unable to attend the Festival this year, there are still a couple of questions they'd like your answers to.

Your feedback will really help them to know what they're doing well and what they can improve. The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/artsisle

Unique Integrated Clinical Waste Management Service Following a European public tender procurement process led by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, a fiveyear integrated clinical waste management contract has been awarded to SRCL Limited that commenced on 1st April 2014. The scope of this contract is unique because it will see SRCL, a specialist healthcare services organisation, collect, transport and treat clinical waste not only for the Island’s hospital, but also all 24 GP surgeries, 41 community pharmacies, NHS community clinics, and home patients treated by NHS community nurses and self-treated.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is the only integrated acute, community, mental health and ambulance health care provider in England. St Mary’s Hospital in Newport is the Trust’s main healthcare hub and it also operates a range of community clinics throughout the island.

Charles Joly, Waste and Environmental Manager for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “We took the opportunity through this necessary procurement exercise to redesign the service provision in collaboration with our partners in the local healthcare economy. This is proof that by working jointly together, public sector organisations can deliver both service improvements and efficiencies. We are also delighted about the carbon savings the revised arrangements will bring, which will help us meet our sustainability targets.”

“We have worked with SRCL for a number of years, and this contract will expand on an already successful partnership. We are looking forward to working together on other identified opportunities for environmental and efficiency benefits, such as improving the Trust waste segregation practices.”

Pete Siviter, District Sales and Marketing Manager at SRCL commented: “Collecting waste from small producers in the community can be a logistical challenge especially as clinical waste from the island can only be transported to the mainland at night on non-passengers crossings. This is due to restrictions imposed by the ferry operators. The Trust holds a licence from the Environment Agency to operate St Mary’s clinical waste station as a transfer station, and this was the key in bringing an innovative solution to this challenge.”

“By using St Mary’s clinical waste transfer station, SRCL is able to operate a small collection vehicle permanently based on the Island, bringing waste from the community to St Mary’s for bulking. In turn this waste is collected by a heavy goods vehicle, alongside the larger volumes produced by the Hospital. This removes the need for the community vehicle to travel back and forth to the waste’s final destination, and makes most of the extra capacity available on the larger vehicle. As a result significant carbon savings are made and the environmental impacts of the operation are reduced.”

Run aground yacht rescued by Bembridge RNLI The Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat was called to assist a 24ft yacht on Saturday (10th May) after the boat run aground in Portsmouth Harbour.

The yacht Dream Catcher – with one person on board – having run aground whilst maneuvering along a channel inside Portsmouth harbour, was initially assisted by two dinghies manned by three people. These dinghies being unable to offer meaningful help in the prevailing weather conditions resulted in the yacht, two dinghies and four persons requiring assistance.

At 16.24pm Saturday 10th May, the Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ was launched following a request from Solent coastguard. The weather conditions at the time of the launch and inside of Portsmouth harbour were a gusting force 9 ‘severe gale’ in brilliant sunshine.

Arriving on scene the Lifeboat deployed its ‘Y’ class lifeboat with two crew on board who having ascertained the four persons on the yacht were OK, took a tow line from the lifeboat and made it fast to the yacht. Pulling the yacht free with the two dinghies, all were towed to the Hardway sailing club pontoon close by to where the incident had occurred.

■ Having recovered the ‘Y’ boat the lifeboat returned to Bembridge and was re-housed at 18.42pm

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

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NEWS

Business Representatives hear about Government Support Around 50 representatives from Island businesses attended a meeting held at the Riverside Centre this week to learn about sources of Government funding and support for small businesses. The regular meeting of the Island Business Forum was also held to coincide with the presentations.

The Island’s MP Andrew Turner organised the session the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and the Solent Growth Hub giving presentations on a number of sources of finance and help to new and existing businesses.

Mr Turner said : “The Government is investing millions to protect and create jobs in the Solent region and I wanted to make sure that Island businesses know about the opportunities available. For instance ‘Bridging the Gap’ can provide match funding from £5k to start a new business, grow an existing one or protect jobs in any business sector. In the first instance you only need to complete a simple expression of interest form to find out whether you would be eligible for the funding. I urge existing and future entrepreneurs to consider whether such support could help them provide jobs for more Islanders.

“The Solent Growth Hub is a new onestop-shop that signposts companies and entrepreneurs in the Solent region to find grant funding, training and other support.

The hub has come from a £2.5m Regional Growth Fund bid and provides phone help-lines and face-to-face business support, mentoring and coaching. I’m sure that many new and existing businesses would find their services

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

helpful, and if there is sufficient demand they will ensure that advisors are available here on the Island on a regular basis.”

Cllr. Julie Jones-Evans, Chairman of the Island’s branch of the Federation of Small Businesses thanked Mr Turner for organising the meeting, adding: “Because so much of this funding is aimed specifically at SMEs, which 91% of the Island businesses are, this is a

golden opportunity. I was particularly pleased to see the practical help that was on offer through the advisors to assist with putting in a bid, which can be a daunting task. It is our job now to spread this news far and wide across the Island so we can maximise these opportunities for growth.”

■ Copies of the presentations given at the meeting can be obtained by e-mailing Mr Turner’s office on mail@islandmp.org.

IBF Meeting 2014

FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT The Isle of Wight Council's Fostering and Adoption Team will be visiting local libraries and leisure centres as part of Foster Care Fortnight.

The annual event, which used to be known as Fostering Fortnight, takes place between 12 and 25 May and council fostering officers will be on hand to talk to anyone wanting more information at a variety of locations..

The team will be based at the following locations: ● 17th May: Medina Leisure Centre, Newport between 10am and 1pm ● 21st May: Ryde Library between 11am and 1pm ● 24th May: The Heights Leisure Centre, Sandown between 8.30am and 11am.

Anyone who registers their interest in becoming a foster carer will be contacted and a home visit arranged for further discussion.

Councillor Richard Priest is executive member responsible for children services and said; "Foster Care Fortnight is an ideal opportunity for anyone to come along and speak to staff to seek valuable information and advice on what being a foster carer is all about.

"There are many myths about fostering and people may think they are not suitable, perhaps because they do not own their own home or because they work. These are not barriers to fostering and I would encourage anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer to visit the team at one of the locations."

Foster Care Fortnight, co-ordinated by the Fostering Network, is an annual UK-wide awareness campaign which raises the profile of fostering and highlights the need for more foster carers.

■ If you would like more information regarding Foster Care Fortnight or the Isle of Wight Council's Fostering Service, call 0845 6035620 or log on to www.iwight.com/fostering.

NEW-LOOK MUSIC EDUCATION HUB

A September 2015 date has been agreed for the launch of a new-look and reinvigorated Isle of Wight Music Education Hub - following ongoing consultation feedback and discussions with music service providers and participants.

The decision will provide an extra academic year for a restructure of the Isle of Wight Music Service – the hub’s major delivery partner and a council service - to realise efficiency savings and plan fully for the future of the service.

The decision to give extended time for the new-look hub and service was agreed yesterday (Tuesday) by the council’s Executive.

Executive member for children’s services and education, Councillor Richard Priest, said: “This is a decision which has taken account of the valuable feedback we have received from the many people who are passionate about the Island’s music service.

“The recent consultation we held resulted in a variety of constructive business proposals, but as some arose after the consultation deadline, we have

taken further time to develop the proposals.

“I would like to thank those who have contributed to the ongoing discussions we have held, especially those closely involved with the service – and council chairman, Councillor Ian Ward, for his important role in developing the way forward.

“The service is highly valued throughout the Island – and this was reflected in the strength of feeling many people have shown as we have planned for its future.

“It is well-documented that the council is facing a hugely challenging financial position over the next three years – but despite this, we have endeavoured to develop a way forward to continue to deliver and to enhance high quality music provision for the Island.”

The recommendation agreed by the council provides extra time to develop the new-look hub and music service – and takes account of the latest feedback.

The intention is to develop a sustainable self-funding thriving music offer for the Island, via the hub, emphasising the wealth of talent and expertise among the

musicians on the Isle of Wight.

The council consultation during March and April gathered views on how the music service could be delivered into the future. It was clear from the consultation that there was a desire for children and young people to continue to receive quality music education. The ensemble activities available through the Island’s music centre were also highly valued.

Over the next year, in preparation for the launch in September 2015, the council will work with its hub partners to develop a sustainable model for the delivery of the hub and ensure the continuance and development of opportunities for music tuition to young people across the Island.

Councillor Priest added: “Music can play a hugely significant and positive role in the personal development of our young people – and over the coming year or so the new-look hub will be developed to build on the existing quality provision, and deliver an enhanced and reinvigorated service long into the future.”

The Isle of Wight Music Education Hub is a partnership of many different music groups, with the council’s Isle of Wight

Music Service (currently the hub’s major delivery partner and a council service) employing the music teachers who work in schools across the Island.

The hub is overseen by a board comprising representatives of the member groups (including young people) and has an independent chairman.

The Isle of Wight Council acts as the responsible body for administering the Department for Education (DfE) grant, which together with income from fees is the main source of funding for the service.

The council has also been underwriting year-on-year overspends on the service.

The DfE grant to the hub has reduced for 2014/2015 – which combined with the council being unable to continue to underwrite the overspends on the service, has led to development of the new-look for the music hub and service.

For 2014/2015, the council will work with hub partners to meet the funding gap of approximately £240,000 in the music service budget, together with a further half-year to reflect the pattern of funding in academic years. Council funding will cease from 31 August 2015.

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

How will Climate Change affect health in the UK?

MAJOR ORGANISATIONS LEARN SAFETY METHODS FROM CHIEF FIRE OFFICER The way firefighters from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and other UK fire services work to reduce road traffic deaths has been highlighted on a global stage.

Steve Apter, the Isle of Wight's chief fire officer, recently gave a presentation in New York in his role as Chairman of the UK and World Rescue Organisations (WRO).

The WRO is a partner member of the Global Road Safety Partnership which is run by the World Health Organisation as part of the UN Decade of Action for road safety.

Steve was recently invited to give a speech at the UN Road Safety Collaboration conference in New York to detail how the UK's fire services are a world leader in the way they work to cut down on deaths in road traffic accidents.

The presentation focussed on how effective and joined up emergency response can help reduce the impact of crashes, with education and training are also covered.

Among the guests at the conference

were representatives from the FiA which is the governing body of Formula 1, foreign ministers, global companies such as Shell and Ford and the Bloomberg Foundation.

Speaking after giving the presentation, Steve said: "It was a privilege giving the speech to many prestigious organisations, such as the FiA and in particular governments. It is through our work in developing countries that we are able to impact on reducing road deaths.

"I am very proud to be chairman of the WRO and much of the work I highlighted is already carried out on the Isle of Wight.

"It was a very proud moment not only for me but also for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and our other UK colleagues to be represented on a world stage."

Steve was elected chairman of the WRO in November 2013 and later this month will be speaking in Macedonia to assist that country to develop their own rescue standards.

Police and prison officer killers to face life in prison Anyone who kills a police or prison officer in the course of their duty will face spending the rest of their lives behind bars, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced.

The changes to the law being made by the Ministry of Justice will mean that judges will start by considering a whole life term when deciding the sentence for killing either a police or prison officer in the course of their duty. This is an increase from the current starting point of a 30-year minimum term. Judges would retain the discretion to determine the appropriate sentence in each case - a whole life term will not be mandatory.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Police officers play a vital role in keeping communities safe. As has been tragically demonstrated in recent years, this role is a dangerous one which can lead to officers paying the ultimate price while serving their community.

“It is essential that police and prison officers feel the full weight of the state is behind them as they fulfil their crucial duties. Changing the starting point for this offence sends a clear message that the Government supports the work that these vital public servants play.”

The Isle of Wight Mail Follow us on Twitter: @iwmail

The Met Office has joined a new groundbreaking research partnership aimed at identifying the effects of climate change on health and well being in the UK. Met Office scientists are part of the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Environmental Change and Health. This is being led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in partnership with Public Health England(PHE) and with support from the University of Exeter'sEuropean Centre for Environment and Human Health and the Complex Built Environment Systems Group at UCL. The HPRU will identify emerging health effects of large scale changes to our environment and look at the policy changes and mitigation steps that may be needed.

The research will focus on three main themes: ● climate resilience, focusing on preventing adverse health effects ofclimate change extreme and weather events such as heat waves, cold, and flooding ● healthy sustainable cities, focusing on how the built environment affects our health, and the health benefits of housing and urban planning ● health and the natural environment, focusing on the health effects of green

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spaces, airborne exposures, such as pollen, and the ecology of infectious diseases.

Met Office scientist Peter Falloon said: "When viewed over long-term averages the UK is expected to see more milder, wetter winters and more frequent hotter, drier summers. But the UK has seasonal weather that also varies hugely from year to year due to natural processes. New analysis suggests that through this century we should also plan to be resilient to wet summers and to cold winters."

Dr Sari Kovats from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: "The recent flood events in England have shown that we need to understand better population resilience to extreme weather. Recent debates about our energy choices also underscore the need for better evidence on health effects, including the risk and opportunities associated with a low carbon economy. This is an important and groundbreaking collaboration between the leading UK institutions currently working in this area."

■ The NIHR HPRU aims to provide evidence to support decision makers who need to ensure that the health of the UK population is not adversely affected by global scale environmental changes that result from climate change.

Product Recall Mars Foods is recalling some Uncle Ben's Special Chinese Style Rice because the packet contains the wrong product.

Some packs of Uncle Ben's Special Chinese Style Rice may actually contain Uncle Ben's Special Fried Rice. This means that the allergen information on the packet is incorrect. The product in the pack contains egg, milk and port that are not mentioned on the product labelling.

This poses a health hazard to anyone who is allergic to, or intolerant of, milk or eggs. The product is not suitable for vegetarians.

The Uncle Ben's Special Chinese Style Rice affected by this recall is the 250g packs west before dates of 25/04/2015 & 26/04/2015 If you have the affected Uncle Ben's Special Chinese Style Rice you should send it to Mars Foods for a full refund. The refund address is: FREEPOST - Mars Food UK Ltd, Consumer Care.

■ If you have any questions or concerns you can contact Mars Foods on 0800 952 1234.

Island Roads kicks off a summer programme of community visits across the Island As part of its continuing efforts to ensure residents are kept informed about highway works underway, Island Roads is taking to the road once more with its mobile visitor centre in a new schedule of community visits taking place this summer across the Island.

Residents will have the opportunity to meet staff and find out more about planned highways improvement works coming to their area, pick up information and ask questions.

The mobile visitor centre will be out and about between 11am – 1pm on the following dates and locations: Friday 16 May – St James Square, Newport Friday 23 May – Warne Road car park, Brighstone, Friday 6 June – Moa Place car park, Freshwater, Friday 20 June – St James Square, Newport, Friday 4 July – Western Road, Shanklin, Friday 18 July – The Cut, Cowes, Friday 1 August – St James Square, Newport, Friday 29 August – Ryde Esplanade, Ryde Island Roads director, Paul Herbert said, “We hope that residents will take the opportunity to come and see us during our visits and hear about the future improvement works in their area. We’re also happy to try and answer any questions and talk in more detail about the work we do and some of the processes involved and we value feedback about our work. If people are unable to get to see us, then we would remind them that our visitor centre at Daish way is open Monday to Friday and our works are also listed in detail on our website - www.islandroads.com. ”

NEWS

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

BESTIVAL UNVEILS MORE BOUNDARY BREAKING ACTS & THE BEST NEW BANDS With a cavalcade of big hitters, including OutKast, Foals, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Beck, Busta Rhymes, Candi Staton, Sven Vath, Chase & Status and many more already lined up to take Bestival’s 2014 Desert Island Disco to stratospheric new heights, Rob da Bank and the Bestival crew have been beavering away behind the scenes, rooting out gleaming talent to ensure we bring you the freshest acts around. With a long history of championing the next big thing, unearthing the incredible and showcasing the best new sounds, both on his BBC Radio 1 show and at Bestival, these are the cream of the acts getting the man like da Bank all hot under the collar. From boundary pushing mavericks to hip young chaps in this year’s slacks, we’re set to announce a ton of the most exciting bands in the world, who will be dropping in to Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight this September 4-7 to blow you away!

Rob da Bank says, “So, in our humble opinion, these are the breaking acts of 2014 from the worlds of rock, indie, electronics and pretty much any genre - a delve inside the musical brain of Rob da Bank to find the ones to watch, the ones who'll make records you'll love this summer and the ones who'll make you dance ya socks off in September”.

With her third album ‘Nikki Nack’ out this week, we’re pretty darn chuffed to announce that Merrill Garbus aka tUnEyArDs will be heading across the Solent to bring her uniquely kaleidoscopic collision of aural extremes for your collective listening pleasure. Smashing buckled cheerleader chants into punk riffs with razor-sharp melodies and colossal beats, Merrill, alongside long-time cohort Nate Brenner, is a force of nature when it comes to performing live, so don’t miss out.

Riding a wave of critical acclaim for their eponymous debut album, released late last year, we’re very pleased to say that Factory Floor will return to Robin Hill with an all out assault of mind-melting sequences, crashing rhythms and twisted vocals, plus there will be sets from Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and sometime Rudimental collaborator MNEK, deliriously unabashed indie-noise merchants Wolf Alice, exhilarating Glasgow trio The Amazing Snakeheads, critically acclaimed psychedelic doom purveyors Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, apocalyptic surf rockers The Wytches, Danish electropop chanteuse Mø, and scuzzy rock n roll six-piece and all-round incendiary live behemoth Fat White Family.

We’re not stopping there though, as we’ll also have live music from BBC Sound 0f 2014 nominees Say Lou Lou, hotly-tipped new Oxford band Glass Animals (just signed to super producer Paul Epworth’s new Wolf Tone record label), genreswerving pan-global types John Wizards, gritty rocker Ezra Furman, atmospheric soulster Joel Compass, archetypal indie quartet Woman’s Hour, Spanish vocalist and sometime John Talabot collaborator Pional, twisted R&B nightingale Rosie Lowe and hazy psych dudes Childhood.

And the new music keeps on coming with appearances from Kate Tempest, Jessy Lanza, Melt Yourself Down, The Front Bottoms, Hockeysmith, Wild Smiles, Black Orange Juice, Rag N Bone Man, Vaults, FTSE, Tourist, Sivu, God Damn, Happyness, The Correspondents, Bo Saris, CongopunQ, Indiana, The Bulletproof Bomb, Fé and Cousin Marnie. There’s still plenty more incredible music, mayhem and madness to announce, so make sure you join us at the Desert Island Disco this September for an escapist weekend of off the chain behaviour! www.bestival.net / Facebook / Twitter

Glass Animals Wolf Tone Records 2014

Surfacing Works

Wild Smiles Steve Gullick 2014

We are Building Britain Britain’s leading construction firms have joined a digital celebration of the hundreds of infrastructure projects creating jobs and growth across the country.

From bridges to flood defences, firms sent dozens of pictures of the schemes bringing huge benefits to the economy, with signs declaring “We are #BuildingBritain”.

The photos, featuring numerous hard hats and high viz jackets, were added to a dedicated blog page highlighting the great work taking place.

Infrastructure company Kier took dozens of photos of its staff working on big projects, including the £8 million Western Link road from Berryfields to Buckingham in the Midlands.

In Hayle, Cornwall, 21 workers from Bowmer & Kirkland, the construction company working on the redevelopment of South Quay, held up signs to demonstrate their commitment to helping Build Britain.

Other firms which took part included Carillion, Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Atkins, Crossrail, Centria, Laing O’Rourke and Simons, while industry bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Building, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, also backed the scheme.

The digital celebration coincided with the Prime Minister’s recent

announcement that £36 billion worth of projects will begin this year, creating 15,000 jobs.

As part of this government’s long-term economic plan, more than 200 projects in rail, road, local transport, flood defences, broadband, airport infrastructure and waste management are due to start construction in 2014 to 2015.

Another 200 infrastructure projects are also due to be completed this year, including major roads such as the M6 J10A-13, Nottingham tram extension, Heathrow Terminal 2 upgrade and Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm, which is currently the largest in construction anywhere in Europe.

Some of the Island’s most sub-standard stretches of road are to be improved by Island Roads in the next tranche of work to upgrade the network under the Highways PFI. The latest phase of resurfacing will see roads across the Island improved. The roads have been identified either because of the poor condition of the surface or the substructure.

Island Roads Service Director Paul Herbert said, “Everyone is aware of the poor state of the Island’s highways network – with the Isle of Wight previously being ranked at the bottom of a national road conditions survey – and it was one of the key reasons that the Island was selected for PFI funding.

“It is a major project and the work will be completed as part of the agreed seven-year core investment period. This programme prioritises the worst roads, or stretches of roads, whether it is their actual surface or substructure that is of particularly poor quality.”

The planned work follows other recent schemes including those at Rew Lane, Wroxall and Knighton Shute, Newchurch, that were brought forward in the programme because these stretches had been particularly affected by the Christmas and New Year storms.

Running alongside the rolling resurfacing programme is our regular highway maintenance that addresses surface deterioration until the longer term work is undertaken.

“As a result of the resurfacing work, it will mean some disruption to motorists but we know the long term benefits to the highway network will outweigh any short term inconvenience,” Mr Herbert said.

“Once again we will be informing residents of upcoming schemes ahead of work commencing and details of the programme - which is subject to change – are displayed on our website – www.islandroads.com ”

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NEWS

Luxurious accommodation planned for St Clare A business centre with charging points and luxurious accommodation has been planned for St Clare The ferry, which sails on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route, is undergoing £200,000 of refurbishments with specialist marine company BluMarine during May. It will mean spacious and luxurious accommodation on deck 5 with comfortable new chairs and sofas with great views. Lighting will be improved to save energy and create a relaxing environment and there will be better access to the outside decks for disabled customers who use wheelchairs.

An onboard Business Centre will include tables where commuters and other business people can work easily, equipped with charging points for mobile phones and laptops. There will also be more charging points near the popular Costa coffee shop.

“We are sure our customers will appreciate the increased luxury on board St Clare,” says Operations Director Elwyn Dop. “This investment is good news for commuters, regular passengers and holidaymakers alike as they travel across the Solent in style.”

Ross Welham, Design Director of BluMarine adds: “We are excited to be working with Wightlink on creating a luxurious modern environment. It will be cosy on chilly winter crossings but fresh for hot summer days, with unrivalled views of the Solent from every seat.”

St Clare was taken out of service between the 6-8 May for the bulk of the preparation work.

BREAKWATER REPAIRS NOW COMPLETE Ryde Harbour is now back in full use following the completion of repair works to the breakwater which meant that some berths were temporarily unavailable because of the damage.

In February during a long period of adverse weather, part of the breakwater at the harbour was damaged which also meant nine berths were closed for safety reasons.

These berths have now been brought back into use.

Isle of Wight firm Imphouse has since carried out the £29,000 repairs while also reinforcing the breakwater with rocks and concrete.

Isle of Wight Council Executive member for tourism and economy Shirley Smart said: "We really do recognise the importance of the harbour to Ryde and were keen to see the repairs undertaken as soon as possible. I am really grateful to everyone that has worked so hard to get the works completed in a good and timely fashion so that the harbour can play a full part in supporting the economy of Ryde.

"It is pleasing that we have been able to commission a local firm to carry out the repairs ahead of the busy summer sailing season, especially considering it was a very specialist repair job".

Drifting RIB Callout A RIB which was adrift after suffering an engine break-down in the Solent on the 3rd May resulted in Cowes RNLI lifeboat being launched.

Solent Coastguards asked the lifeboat to launch after learning that the RIB, with five people on board, was drifting on to a beach near the entrance to Beaulieu River. Lifeboat crew member Stuart Higgs waded ashore to further investigate, and also to the scene went a mobile coastguard unit. It was agreed that as the boat was by now so firmly on the shore that rather than wait for the next incoming tide it would be better for the RIB to be taken away on a trailer..

LARGE INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS AT COUNCIL OWNED SANDOWN ATTRACTION An Isle of Wight Council attraction has recorded its best ever visitor numbers for the month of April, with Hollywood playing its part.

Nearly 10,000 people visited Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown last month, which is almost 2000 people higher than the previous record.

It is thought significant publicity towards the end of 2013 involving the Isle of Wight branding itself 'Dinosaur Island' and the Hollywood film 'Walking With Dinosaurs' played a big part in the jump in numbers. Shirley Smart is the Executive councillor responsible for tourism and said: "The council worked very closely with Visit Wight who led on the dinosaur island marketing campaign and it certainly appears to have had a significant impact.

"The museum also saw an overall increase in visitor numbers for 2013 which allowed it to invest in new heating equipment and improve the displays. The council will continue to work closely with Visit Wight to further promote the

Island as a fantastic holiday destination."

Chief executive of Visit Wight is David Thornton who added: "Visitor numbers to the Island are up overall and we are now starting to see the results of a sustained investment in the Island’s holiday profile as a result of pro-active collective marketing and promotion led by the DMO, Isle of Wight Council and partners.

"Activities like our dinosaur island and Shades of Wight campaigns are securing good exposure in national newspapers, magazines and online and a poster and hoarding campaign in London last month was especially effective in delivering a huge increase to website traffic and last minute bookings for the Easter period. There is much more still to do, with the challenge of promoting the Island for all seasons."

Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown first opened in 2001 and houses thousands of fossils, including those of dinosaurs that are unique to the Island.

COMMUNITY

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 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 crowdsourced venture to raise funds for a long range lightning detector.”

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

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

Follow @iowpl on twitter for all the latest updates http://www.twitter.com/iowpl

For more details please email vectisweather@gmail.com

VectisWeather and our affiliated websites are set up as non profit projects. We don't make any revenue from them and we don’t intend to. Make a donation today and help us get the project to the final stage.

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

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

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

Decline in whooping cough cases continues There were 4,623 laboratory confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in England in 2013, 51% fewer cases than in 2012 when 9,367 cases were reported, according to annual figures published today by Public Health England (PHE).

Case numbers in infants under 3 months have proportionally seen the greatest reduction, with 79% fewer cases in 2013 (85 cases) than in 2012 (407 cases).

There were 3 deaths in infants with whooping cough confirmed in 2013, compared to 14 deaths in 2012.

In September 2012 the Department of Health announced a temporary vaccination programme for pregnant women in response to an ongoing whooping cough outbreak. Pregnant women have been offered the whooping cough vaccine between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy since 1 October 2012.

Vaccinating against whooping cough in pregnancy enables the mother to transfer a high level of whooping cough antibodies (immunity) to her unborn child. This is to protect their baby against disease from birth until they receive their first dose of vaccine at 2 months of age.

Latest vaccine uptake figures in pregnant women show that around 60% have received their vaccination.

Whooping cough affects all ages and is highly infectious. Young infants are at highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough as babies do not complete vaccination until they are around 4 months old. In older children and adults whooping cough can be an unpleasant illness but it does not usually lead to serious complications.

Towed to Safety A jet-skier who was unable to paddle his way to shore after his machine broke down was eventually towed to safety by Cowes lifeboat on the 2nd April The jet-ski, with a young man at the controls, had suffered engine failure west of Gurnard Marsh yesterday afternoon. His attempt to then use a paddle to reach the shore proved ineffectual.

As he and his machine began drifting further westward his plight was reported to Solent Coastguards by a passing yacht. After arriving on the scene Cowes lifeboat towed the jet-ski to Gurnard Marsh.

'101 Interesting Facts on Britain's True Life Crimes' Are you interested in True life crime?

Would you like to find out more about some of the most highly publicised crimes ever committed in Great Britain?

Are you curious about the UK’s most notorious murderers, bank robbers, kidnappers, fraudsters and career criminals? If so, you won’t want to be without 101 Interesting Facts on Britain’s True Life Crimes?

What event marked the start of the ‘Supergrass’ era in the UK? Who were the Bridgewater Four and what crime were they convicted of? Can you name Britain’s supposed wealthiest criminal, also known as ‘Goldfinger’? Who was the ‘Black Widow’ and how did she come by her nickname? How long did the Knightsbridge 'Spaghetti House' seige last? The answers can all be found inside Mike Gray’s fascinating new true crime book.

Discover the truth about more than 100 actual events that grabbed the headlines and shocked the UK including details of serial killers, gangsters, thieves, crimes of passion, those who were caught or got away and the falsely accused. It is all

■ Published on 30th May, 2014 and

available from www.Amazon.co.uk or www.Apexpublishing.co.uk

Number plate review DVLA is carrying out a review of number plates and would like to know customers’ thoughts.

Number plates are essential to keeping our roads safe. They serve a really important purpose of helping police and other enforcement agencies identify vehicles.

The rules on displaying number plates are in place to make sure number plates are memorable and visible so vehicles breaking the law are easily identified.

These rules also make sure that only registered suppliers can produce and supply number plates. These suppliers must follow strict procedures, so nobody else can get hold of and use your registration number for fraudulent purposes.

DVLA is reviewing the current system to make sure it’s fit for purpose and is doing its job of safeguarding the interests of the public. We would really like your views on whether this is working and if it can be improved.

■ Take 5 minutes to respond to the short anonymous survey

Post your classified advert, job vacancy or property for FREE at www.iwmail.co.uk/freeads

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CRIME DATA RECORDING REPORT

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said: “It's important to be aware this is an interim report by HMIC, and it has not yet inspected how Hampshire Constabulary handles crime data as it is not one of the 13 Forces referred to in this report. It is therefore really of little real relevance to Hampshire.

“Crime recording is complex, but through robust and regular audit processes I am confident reporting and counting of crime figures is accurate and ethical, reflecting the

inside this compelling book, a must-have read for all true crime fans.

true picture across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“However, if it is found that improvements in recording should be made when the Constabulary is inspected by HMIC, I will be pressing the Chief Constable to do just that.

“As stated in my Police and Crime Plan, I want the Constabulary to constantly develop new ways of delivering justice for victims and recording crimes both accurately and ethically plays an important role here.”

NEWS

Rent controls will not help those in housing need CLA South East today (2 May) said Labour Party proposals to impose rent controls will not solve the housing crisis, only increasing the housing supply will.

The organisation said that today’s announcement does nothing to tackle the biggest problem facing Britain’s housing industry today, the chronic shortage of housing. CLA South East also warned of the catastrophic effect of rent controls introduced in the past on the national supply of privately rented houses.

CLA South East Director Robin Edwards said: “The introduction of rent controls in 1974 caused a disastrous national shortage of privately rented housing, rectified only by the introduction of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy more than 10 years later.

“Since then, despite the privately rented sector growing by 90 percent, only nine percent of these houses is new-build.

“If we are to meet south east housing need and stabilise the costs of buying and renting a home, the contents of National Planning Practice Guidance must influence planning at a local level to allow more houses to be built.”

CLA South East said due to a lack of new housing being built in the south east countryside over many years, rent controls still in place can have a crippling effect on rural properties.

Mr Edwards said: “Rent controls in rural areas have left many private landlords receiving smaller rental payments than those generated by affordable housing. This leaves them struggling to maintain and improve older properties to standards required.

“The countryside must not be forgotten.

There is a critical need for new-build privately rented housing in rural areas as well in cities.”

BBC Homeswap Holiday A new BBC television series is looking for sociable people who want to try out a home swap holiday in a great British location.

Do you live in a lovely home or in a terrific location? Would you like to swap your property to have a memorable experience in a fantastic part of Britain?

If you’d like to taste superb local cuisine and take part in fabulous activities that go beyond the guide book, then they want to hear from you!

For an application form or an initial chat please email homeswapholidays@bbc.co.uk with your contact details and location.

NEWS

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

An Evening with Stars of Strictly Come Dancing Wight Stars, the not-for-profit organisation based at Downside CLC in Newport, was pleased to be part of the sold-out “An Evening with the Stars of Strictly Come Dancing” extravaganza, that took place on Friday, 2nd May at Shanklin Theatre.

The group of 19 students from ages 9-18, got the chance to dance with Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas, dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing television show, performing a mix of street, hip hop, contemporary and jazz.

Last year, Wight Stars was picked out of a handful of local theatre schools contacted

by Mike Newman Junior. It was a race against time, as the first school to get back to him would get the chance to take part in the tour! Luckily for Wight Stars, their timing was just right.

Matt Reed, Managing Director said “We are fortunate enough to have two very experienced dance tutors teaching the students – it took about three months for the them to learn the performances. They have become much more confident (for some this was completely out of their comfort zone) and have really progressed at Wight Stars. I am so thrilled for them to be given this opportunity. For us, that’s what the company is all about.”

High levels of scarlet fever

PEN A POEM TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Islanders are being invited to submit poetry, short prose pieces and line drawings on the theme of surviving domestic abuse as part of an Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Forum and Safeguarding Adults Board project to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

The art, poetry and prose will be considered for inclusion in a domestic abuse anthology which will be launched at an event this November to coincide with International Day to End Violence Against Women and White Ribbon Day. Last year, an exhibition titled ‘Survive’ was organised to focus attention not just on the scale and impact of domestic abuse but also on the fact that many victims do survive the experience and with support can move on to have safe and healthy relationships.

Fleur Gardiner, domestic abuse co-ordinator and Safeguarding Adults Board manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “Feedback from previous events has been really positive; art is a very effective way of expressing the wide range of issues surrounding domestic abuse and can be a powerful way to break the silence that allows such abuse to continue in our community. Through art, survivors find a safe way to explore their feelings and share their voices. We hope this year’s campaign will help to raise awareness of the range of support available to people affected by abuse.”

Please submit poems, short prose pieces (word limit: 300) or line drawings by email to LSAB@iow.gov.uk or by post to Anthology, Safeguarding Adults Board, Jubilee Stores, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2EH. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 June 2014.

Public Health England (PHE) has reported a continuation of the high levels of scarlet fever across the country with 405 new cases reported from 21 to 27 April. A total of 8,305 new cases have now been reported since the season began in September 2013.

While data from recent weeks suggest a decline in incidence, close monitoring continues to assess the impact of children returning to school after the Easter break.

Scarlet fever is a seasonal disease and this is the time of year when we would expect to see a decline in the number of cases.

Given the unusual rise in incidence seen this year, this seasonal pattern may not be observed.

PHE will continue working closely with healthcare professionals to assess the impact of the high levels of scarlet fever on the number of complications reported.

Investigations also continue across the country to assess whether a new strain may have emerged.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: “We are still observing exceptionally high numbers of cases and will continue to monitor the situation closely to see if there is a sustained fall over the coming weeks.

“We strongly urge people to remain vigilant and to go to their GP if they develop symptoms which suggest scarlet fever such as a sore throat, fever, headache and rash.”

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

NEWS

ROB DA BANK CHOOSES FINALISTS FOR HIS BESTIVAL ISLAND BAND, DJ, CHOIR & SPOKEN WORD COMPETITION Having now sifted through the hundreds of mp3 entries received in the past month, Bestival curator and BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank has today announced the finalists for his annual quest to uncover the freshest in Island talent, the 2014 Bestival Island Band, DJ, Choir & Spoken Word Competition.

Once again, the prize on offer to the eventual winners in each of the four categories in this year’s Competition is a coveted, once in a lifetime opportunity to grab a slot on one of the stages at the Island’s biggest summer event, Rob’s multi awardwinning Bestival spectacular, playing to 55,000 festivalgoers and sharing the bill with the likes of world-class headline acts Outkast, Foals, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Beck and DJ Sven Vath, plus hundreds more.

2014 Bestival Island Band, DJ, Choir & Spoken Word Competition prize-winners will take to the following stages at Bestival this September: ● Winning Band – slot on Main Stage ● Winning DJ – slot in Hidden Disco ● Winning Choir – slot in Big Top ● Winning Spoken Word Artiste – slot in Amphitheatre A thrilled Rob da Bank was once again inundated with mp3s of the very highest standard - he said today; “Due to the incredible standard of the entries that I heard this year – we received mp3s from almost fifty Island bands alone – I have actually been forced for the first time to choose seven rather than the usual five bands in that category... And six DJs rather than the usual five too... I just couldn’t narrow my list of finalists down any further than that!

“This year’s Grand Final will, without a doubt, be the hottest of all our annual competitions so far. This Island is awash with such a diverse wealth of talent, from the more traditional sounds of The Wight Hot Pipes to the haunting harmonies of Thomas George & the rock and gypsypunk sounds of Duveaux… I can’t wait for 5th June – it’s gonna be very hard to choose who wins a place in the line-up at Bestival though!”

Ahead of the Grand Final, Rob has today already confirmed that the first winners of this year’s Competition (in the Choir category) are The Dollymopps. This long established Island choir were his clear first-prize winners and their reward will be a live slot in The Big Top at Bestival 2014.

All of Rob’s chosen finalists in the three other remaining categories will now compete on the evening of Thursday 5th June at Northwood House, Cowes in front of a panel of prestigious judges (including Level 42’s Mark King, Isle of Wight Radio’s Glyn Taylor and Rob da Bank himself) for the prize of a coveted slot at this year’s Bestival.

BANDS Auris Acumen

Auris Acumen are an English psychedelic noise rock band formed in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in 2010, consisting of guitarist Charlie Harris, vocalist and guitarist Tom Paston-Cooper, vocalist and bassist Jasper Rouse and drummer Keiran Kavanagh. The band have released one EP: Videodrome (2010), and have been writing and recording new material since December 2013.

Badow

BaDow are a blues/rock trio formed and developed on the Isle of Wight, currently studying at Platform One College of Music. Fronted by female vocalist and drummer Jodie Amos (middle in attached photo), with backing from from guitarist Sam Morris (left) and bassist Bradley McGinty (right), they have been performing together for the last two years - creating new and original music - and have gigged at various venues across the Isle of Wight.

Charming

Charming are a six piece alternative folk rock band from the Isle of Wight. They take influence from bands such as Dry the River, Explosions in the Sky, Foals and Radiohead to create “their infectious song-writing style” (Rachel Day, Kashmir Cafe). They recently released their debut album, ‘Forgotten Pages’, and will be touring their album over the summer across the UK. “Charming’s exquisite melodies are completely infatuating and will take you on an extraordinary journey of the senses” (Charles Padley, In-Tune Magazine). “This is a band that can write intense, dazzling lyrics, and then seamlessly weave in perfect music, tempos and harmonies.” (Stefan Armitage, Musically Fresh ‘Forgotten Pages’ review)

Duveaux

This five-piece rock band who formed in late 2012 will draw you in and send you on a rollercoaster ride from which there is no turning back.

With influences apparent via powerful, yet soothing, Bowie-esque vocals to grinding Strokes-styled riffs embellishing grooves that sway from hip-hop to gypsy jazz, Duveaux's eclectic assault on popular music creates a veritable smorgasbord of sound.

Pleasureade

After releasing their debut album 'Beating Around The Bushes' last year, Pleasurade are on the bandwagon to present their music to all with a handful of new tricks yet to be recorded. High energy & head bashing is a must!

The Lion & The Wolf (aka Thomas George)

The Lion and The Wolf is the performing moniker of Ventnor based singer-songwriter Thomas George. Having spent the last two years in London playing anywhere and everywhere, TLATW has dedicated 2014 to touring all over the UK and Europe. Originally recording all music from home, Thomas decided to move back to Ventnor and bring his songs to life by teaming up with Red Squirrel Studios (originally the home of Isle of Wight veterans The Bees). What started as a collection of lo-fi folk songs has been turned into a palette of instrumentation and creativity. The album took six months to finish and is now ready to be toured for the rest of the year.

Wight Hot Pipes

Wight Hot Pipes are a sextet folk/rock band featuring bagpipes, a sound quite alien on the Isle of Wight. Our goth Scot/rock appearance and alternative music genre has been turning the 'jaw dropping, OMG they have bagpipes - run for the hills' reaction into our becoming ‘the must have’ band for any event. KC has worked relentlessly with members of the band past & present to bring his vision of Wight Hot Pipes to life.

We have played in Europe and all over the South at festivals and major music events, but not forgetting our roots, we do a lot to support local charities and the Island’s first Highland Gathering and annual Tattoo.

Our mission is simple…… We will come, we will play and we will rock you!

BESTIVAL 2014 ISLAND BAND, DJ, CHOIR & SPOKEN-WORD COMPETITION - GRAND FINAL

Thursday 5th June (7:00 - 11:30pm – FREE ENTRY)

Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8AZ.

NEWS

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 2014

DJs

Choir

Hadda

My name is Ryan Barrett - I'm a 16 year old producer and DJ from Newport. I have been interested in music from an early age, starting DJ-ing from as early as 13.

With experience on internet radio stations, I have always been determined to push the sound I love to the masses. Sitting between genres, I'm always looking to give the best of both words with my diverse sets.

Kris Pixel

The Dollymopps ***2014 WINNERS***

We sing songs in harmony from the folk tradition of Southern England - and, in particular, songs collected from our native Isle of Wight. We have been singing together since 2005. Our debut CD, “Long Songs” (Rattletrap Records 001), released in June 2011, focused upon the - hitherto overlooked - traditional song collection of Nineteenth Century Islander, W.H. Long.

The CD received very favourable reviews within the specialist music press including votes in the fRoots critics’ Album of the Year poll. Our follow up CD, “Wight Cockade” (WildGoose 397), which continues our focus on Isle of Wight – and related – traditional material has just been released. www.thedollymopps.co.uk

Spoken Word Alice Smith

My name is Alice Smith - I am 15 years old and have lived in Newport all my life, first becoming interested in spoken word back in September last year when I took part in a workshop through my school. I also went to see some spoken word performances at Bestival last year and felt inspired by them. I then went on to take part in a poetry slam arranged by Flip The Script, which my team and I won. I have performed my own pieces of spoken word in a number of Island venues, and continue to take part in Flip The Script.

Jeni Law Jeni Law is a middle aged mum who grew up on the Island and now lives in East Cowes. She has been teaching speech and drama locally for over 15 years and has also been seen at poetry recitals performing works by Tennyson & Christina Rossetti amongst others. A few years ago she took up the pen and started to write her own poetry. She is inspired by her own experiences in a sort of Bridget Jones meets Pam Ayres kind of way!

Lady Robinson

Ever since the sounds of Scroobius Pip and Kate Tempest graced my ears, I have been hooked by the art of spoken word poetry. At first, writing poetry was merely a medium in which to express and vent raw emotion, but it has since flourished, developing into an artform that I have thoroughly embraced. The passion I hold for spoken word poetry is something I really hope to exhibit within my live performances.

Let me tell you about a boy... He grew up in a sleepy town, just like many other 8-bit kids born to a family in the Walkman era, always carrying a pencil for the tapes... But this kid was different…He had a dream…

He wanted to be the best goddamn bit-jockey in the land…Well, that kid went on to be a bit-jockey - and some would say the best goddamn bit-jockey they've ever seen. Some say he still carries that pencil...

Oz White

Oz White started DJ-ing in 1996, inspired heavily by jungle DJs such as LTJ Bukem and DJ Hype. After a number of years working in record stores, he has been influenced by DJs and producers across the whole spectrum, and now plays a mixture of ghetto-funk, breaks and drum & bass. Along with playing at clubs and bars off and on the Isle of Wight, he now runs nights with “Galactic Ents”, bringing multi-genre headline DJs and artists over to play at various Island venues – including the likes of Jaguar Skills, Krafty Kuts, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer and A-Skillz.

Patriot Patriot (Anthony Wyeth) is a 23 year old DJ from the Isle of Wight whose music taste is heavily influenced by 80s electro and 90s hip-hop. Patriot got into mixing years back after seeing a good friend, Theo Bennett aka Sepia, playing at house parties around the Isle of Wight. Now resident at Sub-liminal in Brighton.

Scotty the Yeah

I’ve been DJ-ing for a number of years now and am really into this electro swing/Balkan vibe coz it’s real happy music. My influences are everything – it’s too much to list – and my mixes always cross lots of genres. I have played the V Dub Island festival and used to do regular nights a few years back called ‘The House Of Yeah’. Expect a Balkan party vibe from Scotty the Yeah!

Vitamin G

Dining-room-DJ for the past ten years! Always looking to bring something new to the table. Looking to serve up, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk. My passion for music lies in sampling and turntablism. It's an obsession, not a profession!

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Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May 2014 Isle of The Wight Mail – Friday, 16th May 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