Issue 37 - The Isle of Wight Mail on Monday

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

The Island's Community Newspaper

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BESTIVAL COMEDY LINE-UP REVEALED

Maternity study delivers award Page 04

No more lifeboat alerts for Hugh Page 05

M First broadband cabinets installed

By Simon Blackmore

Bestival’s world of wonder grows ever wilder as a new kind of castaway - our very own insane clown posse - washes ashore to join the Desert Island Disco. Ramping up the side-splitting action in the splendid Spiegeltent each day between noon 6pm, we’ll have a cavalcade of comedians, put together by our crack comic squad Get Comedy, that’s guaranteed to make you do an actual LOL. See Page 03

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THE NEW LOOK ISLE OF WIGHT MAIL IS NOW A MONDAY NEWSPAPER!

ISSUE NUMBER 37 Monday 14th July 2014

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NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

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Hospital Friends Purchase Latest Bedside Scanner M

By George C

Of the near-£135,000 given to St Mary’s Hospital for equipment and other items by the Friends charity in the last bidding round a significant sum of £28,000 went on the very latest portable ultra-sound machine for the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

Debbie Beare, superintendent sonographer, said the machine is much improved on the one they had been using for the past eight years, and can provide bedside scans within 24 hours.

“Being able to take it to the wards is especially useful for elderly patients who prefer not to be moved around. It is also used in the Intensive Care Unit.

“The patients and staff love it; its very efficient and the results are of a very high quality. We are grateful to the Friends for the grant.”

YOUTH OFFER M

By Simon Butler

The IW Council has received a large number of applications to deliver the new youth offer across the Island, ranging from an Islandwide provision to single activities in key geographical areas.

During May and June, the council sought applications from organisations to provide youth opportunities for young people aged 11 to 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

Applicants were asked to demonstrate how they would deliver opportunities and positive activities, particularly for more disadvantaged young people, in a safe and secure environment.

Working in partnership with Community Action Isle of Wight, the council has set aside £1 million to fund various activities over the next three years. Councillor Richard Priest, Executive member for children's services, said: "20 applications have been received and it is very pleasing there has been such an overwhelming response to providing activities under the new youth offer.

“These activities include traditional youth clubs, social enterprise and a range of opportunities for young people to learn new skills and achieve progression appropriate to their need. A panel, which includes a representative from the council, the voluntary sector, health and education and young people, will now meet to discuss each application and decide which ones are awarded funding.

"The total value of the applications is in excess of £2.2 million, and there is £1 million available over the next three years, so naturally there will be some applications that will not be accepted. The panel will therefore strive to ensure the best and most suitable applications are awarded funding and young people can soon look forward to a new look, modern and diverse youth offer”.

Debbie Beare (right) shows off the new machine to Friends volunteer Pam Young.

Tax credits online renewal form launched

With the tax credits renewal deadline of July 31 less than one month away, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new online service for the vast majority of claimants to use.

Just over 1.5 million claimants still need to renew their claims by the 31 July deadline, or their payments might end. Last year more than 650,000 failed to renew on time.

This year, as well as being able to renew by post and phone, claimants can renew online, on GOV.UK, or via the HMRC app. So far 135,000 people have submitted their tax credits renewal online, with a consistent 96 per cent satisfaction rate.

Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits, HMRC, said: “Loads of people have already

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By Lisa Billard

renewed their tax credits claim online, and have found it quick and easy to do. We’ve now made it even better and are encouraging everyone to renew online if they can, at a time that suits them. The most important thing is to renew before the 31 July deadline, so as not to risk losing your money.”

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

NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

WE’RE JUST CLOWNING AROUND BESTIVAL’S COMEDY LINE-UP REVEALED

Andrew Maxwell

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Bestival’s world of wonder grows ever wilder as a new kind of castaway - our very own insane clown posse - washes ashore to join the Desert Island Disco.

Ramping up the side-splitting action in the splendid Spiegeltent each day between noon - 6pm, we’ll have a cavalcade of comedians, put together by our crack comic squad Get Comedy, that’s guaranteed to make you do an actual LOL. Rob da Bank says: “There’s always so much to do at Bestival, sometimes even I don’t know which way to turn, but one thing you should definitely make time to check out is the comedy in the Spiegeltent. The line-up this year is top-notch with Nina Conti, Abandoman, young whippersnapper Daniel Sloss and our old mate Andrew Maxwell being just a few highlights from a line-up that includes some of the maddest funny people around”.

World renowned comedian & ventriloquist Nina Conti, who has been blowing crowds away with her audience participation-based routine, tops a list of Bestival comics, comedians & clowns that also includes the frankly magnificent freestyle rap comedy capers of Abandoman, Bestival

By Simon Blackmore legend & expert shouter Andrew Maxwell, panel show ace and ‘Let’s Dance for Comic Relief’ star Jarred Christmas, ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’, ‘8 out of 10 Cats’ and ‘Mock The Week’ regular Daniel Sloss, erstwhile ‘Xtra-Factor’ co-host and ‘Sweat The Small Stuff’ type Matt Richardson, ‘Impractical Jokers’ star Joel Dommett and his co-star Paul McCaffrey, the quite unbelievably brilliant Andy Askins and the UK’s most exciting sketch troupe Late Night Gimp Fight.

There will also be appearances from Alistair Barrie, Felicity Ward, Damian Clark, Gordon Southern, Barry Castagnola, Benny Boot, Matt Reed, Wayne Deakin, Kai Humphries, Danny McLoughlin, Ivo Graham, Paul Myrehaug, Lou Sanders, Sarah Bennetto, Alex Edelman, Luke Benson, Hannah George & Matt Hitt and Marcus O'Laoire.

There’s less than 60 days to go until we’re dancing down the disco and laughing our socks off at this little lot and tickets are flying, so make sure you grab yours while you still can!

We’re still not finished with all this announcing stuff yet: Dope Intelligence; Simply Click Open:www.Bestival.net / Facebook

Red Funnel Welcomes Rt Hon Michael Fallon M

Benny Boot

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

By Emma Liasides

Red Funnel was delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise and Minister for Portsmouth, the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP to Southampton on the 7th July. Guests also included the Rt Hon Andrew Turner MP, Ian Stephens (Leader of the IW Council), Dawn Baxendale (Chief Executive of Southampton City Council) and members of the board of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Minister’s visit was to announce an historic Growth Deal for the Solent Economy. The Deal will see millions of pounds invested by the Government in the Solent area over the next six years - creating new jobs, new homes, boosting infrastructure and transport links.

The Solent Growth Deal is part of a £12 billion six year Government programme to revitalise local economies. The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – made up of political and business leaders – was one of 39 similar organisations across the country to bid for cash from the competitive fund.

As one of the successful recipients of the Solent LEP growth deal, Red Funnel showed the Minister and guests around the Company’s Southampton ferry terminals and welcomed them on board the ro-pax ferry Red Falcon, which now sets the benchmark for cross-Solent travel following her recent £2.2 million refurbishment.

Kevin George CEO at Red Funnel said: “We are delighted to see Government recognise the unique challenges that need to be addressed in relation to connectivity to the Isle of Wight and welcome the backing they have provided to fund the public infrastructure needed to develop the waterfront access in Southampton and East Cowes. Following this significant announcement we look forward to working with the many stakeholders involved to agree the detailed plans which will enable a better ferry service with improved connectivity to trains, planes and buses, as well as creating jobs in the Solent region.”

Rt Hon Andrew Turner, MP for the Isle of Wight commented: “Good connections to the mainland are vital to our Island economy; that’s a key reason this large grant has been awarded to support major private investment. I’m looking forward to seeing the project delivered successfully and will give any help I can to Red Funnel and other partners to help move it forward. The announcements today, along with the recent news on Assisted Area Status, shows that this Government recognises the unique challenges the Island faces and is willing to help us with them. I’m sure Islanders will welcome this.”

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Maternity study delivers award for Healthwatch Isle of Wight M

Retailers ignoring warnings M

By Claire Robertson

Gretel Ingham, Sara Ellis and Dr Katherine Rake OBE, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England.

A major study by Healthwatch Isle of Wight into local maternity services has won the watchdog body a national award.

The work, which has led to changes in the way local maternity services are delivered on the Island, won the award for best stakeholder engagement at the national Healthwatch Network Awards of Achievement 2014.

Healthwatch locality manager Gretel Ingham joined Sara Ellis, community outreach and engagement officer, to receive the award at Healthwatch’s annual conference in Reading on July 3.

The national Healthwatch annual awards are held to recognise the individuals and teams across the network who have demonstrated exceptional impact within local communities.

Gretel said: “We were delighted to receive this award which is down to the contributions of all those mothers who took part in the survey.

“We set out to reach as many new mothers as possible to ensure the survey was meaningful and reflected their real experiences, both good and bad. We were helped enormously by the support of the Island’s network of Children’s Centres and other groups so this award is very much for them too.”

Sara said: “The project was incredibly successful with over 200 pieces of feedback being collected and 187 surveys filled in, meaning that the data presented to commissioners and providers in the final report was irrefutable.

“Furthermore, the relationship with Children’s Centres continues as they are giving out copies of the report and signposting parents to us to tell their stories on an ongoing basis. But perhaps the best legacy of all is that comments and suggestions made in the survey are being taken on board by local providers and this will lead to an even better maternity service for the Island.”

Jane Mordue, Healthwatch England Committee Member and presenter of the Healthwatch Award for Stakeholder Engagement, said: “We were really impressed with the team’s outreach programme, in particular their work with eight of the Isle of Wight’s children centres to find out what parents and children thought about local services to really understand some of the issues facing families. The project was incredibly successful, creating a powerful data set to present issues to local commissioners and providers.”“Furthermore, the relationship with Children’s Centres continues as they are giving out copies of the report and signposting parents to us to tell their stories on an ongoing basis. But perhaps the best legacy of all is that comments and suggestions made in the survey are being taken on board by local providers and this will lead to an even better maternity service for the Island.”

Jane Mordue, Healthwatch England Committee Member and presenter of the Healthwatch Award for Stakeholder Engagement, said: “We were really impressed with the team’s outreach programme, in particular their work with eight of the Isle of Wight’s children centres to find out what parents and children thought about local services to really understand some of the issues facing families. The project was incredibly successful, creating a powerful data set to present issues to local commissioners and providers.”

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Isle of Wight Mail

The Youth Access to E cigarettes and associated products report published and released at Trading Standards Institute’s (TSI’s) annual conference reveals the results of a test-purchasing study involving young people aged under 18 attempting to buy e-cigarettes and related products from a variety of retailers.

Whilst there is currently no legal restriction placed on the age at which e-cigarettes may be sold, the majority of these products carry a voluntary age warning that they are not for sale to under 18s. New powers in the Children and Families Act 2014 allow for the introduction of a ban on selling e-cigarettes to under 18s. These regulations are subject to future consultation and the study was commissioned by Public Health England (PHE) to assist this work Of 574 visits made by young people in March 2014, successful purchases were made on 227 occasions (40%). The highest proportion of purchases to visits made was from market stalls (80%) followed by independent pharmacies (74%).

EM Cancer Trust and Red Funnel celebrate 11 years Red Funnel has supported local charity the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2003, bringing young people in recovery from cancer to and from the Island for the Trust’s four day sailing trips throughout the summer.

Providing a vital gateway to the Isle of Wight and Cowes, Red Funnel is the Trust’s longest corporate supporter committing £16,500 worth of travel to the Trust over the last three years.

To celebrate this outstanding 11-year relationship the young people of the Trust invited Red Funnels CEO Kevin George to join them onboard Scarlet Oyster for the J.P. Morgan Round the Island Race.

Setting sail from their base in East Cowes Marina at 06.00 the morning of Saturday 21st June, onboard 40ft Scarlet Oyster competing in the IRC1, class Kevin and the six young people joined a flotilla of five Trust yachts taking part in the iconic race alongside 1,584 other boats, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world.

Despite light winds of only three knots, Scarlet Oyster completed the race in 10hrs 56mins and came 44th in their class. Bright sunshine and drifting conditions ensured every crew member got involved as Kevin explained “Despite the lack of wind, resulting in a nearly 11 hour trip they all wanted us to win! As a cruising yachtsman it was also a great experience for me to sail with a truly professional racer. My key role was getting weight on the right side of the boat and then some of the heavier winching when the sea breeze eventually appeared and the younger guys were tiring a little.”

Kevin added, “It was an amazing day in many ways. To be in the company of the young

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By Jessica Gray

people for the day was a humbling experience.

What was incredible was how they had bonded together so quickly. Some were straight into helping sail the boat while others were initially reserved but by the end of the day were fully engaged."

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 824 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

The final word of the day from Kevin summerised just how important the work of the Trust and their supporters is, “Brave and amazing are the words that come to mind having met everyone. It was fantastic to see how sailing provided them with a diversion and also a feeling of value in that they could and did play an active role in sailing the boat.”

There are many ways you can support The Trust with your time, money or services.

To become a Friend of the Trust and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit http://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

“bizarre and Kafkaesque consequences”

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Chris Whitehouse

The Isle of Wight Council’s proposed new school transport policy will have bizarre and Kafkaesque consequences unless it is amended, a Councillor has warned.

In a statement, Cllr Chris Whitehouse, has pointed out that the way in which the policy is drafted means that children from atheist, agnostic, and other faith families who want to attend Carisbrooke College could in future be forced to apply to Christ the King College, the Island’s Christian high school.

“The Independent Administration has proposed that in future free travel to high schools will only be provided to a student’s “nearest” high school, provided that school is more than three miles from the student’s home.” says Cllr Whitehouse “But, that definition of “nearest”, officers have confirmed, is measured as the bus drives rather than crow flies. This means that for many children in the West Wight Christ the King is their nearest high school because the bus drives up Wellington Road, Newport, in my ward, past Christ the King, to get to Carisbrooke College.”

The practical effect of the rule change, warns Cllr Whitehouse is that “In future, children in the West Wight, if they wanted to benefit from free school travel to Carisbrooke College, would first have to apply for a place at Christ the King College even though they don’t want to attend it and even though they may not meet its entrance conditions. Only when they are turned down by Christ the King could they then ask for free travel to Carisbrooke. What is worse, children from atheist, agnostic or other faith families who definitely don’t want to attend Christ the King might find themselves forced to apply there and be admitted under the provisions of their community places scheme! This would be Kafkaesque and completely bizarre, you just couldn’t make it up.” on twitter?

@iwmail

No More Lifeboat Alerts M

By George C

After over 25 years, Hugh Robotham is taking a step back from the front line of the Cowes lifeboat operation, which means no more day or night pager alerts.

Hugh began his voluntary involvement in 1988 when he joined as a crew member of the new independent Cowes Rescue.. He went on to become a coxswain, training officer, committee member and trustee.

When in 2008 the RNLI took over the operation (by then known as Cowes Inshore Rescue), Hugh was enrolled as a Deputy Launching Authority, a member of the management team and a part of the launch team. Now as he approaches the age of 70 he was hanging up his pager and retiring from active operational duties.

The end of his active involvement was marked by presentations at a summer party for Cowes lifeboat members at Gurnard Sailing Club last Saturday. Making the presentations was Bertha Pollock who in 2012 had paid for the station’s latest Atlantic 85 lifeboat in memory of her daughter, Sheena Louise. Items presented included a framed certificate signed by the RNLI’s chief executive Paul Boissier and chairman Charles Hunter-Pease, and a decorated iced cake – later enjoyed by all those present.

Paying tribute to Hugh, Lifeboat operations manager Mark Southwell said that he was also a very competent RYA powerboat instructor.

Hugh, born in Warwick, recalled he began sailing on inland lakes and reservoirs from the age of 12. He and his Island-born wife Ann on the mainland and later moved to the Island where he worked for Cheek Brothers and then for 33 years for Property Services at County Hall during

Hugh Robotham takes the cake, joined by Bertha Pollock Mark Southwell.

which time he qualified as a building surveyor.

Local pressure to get a lifeboat for Cowes followed a serious accident in the harbour in 1987, involving a Red Funnel hydrofoil and a fishing boat.

The independent operation had a succession of lifeboats, and as well as himself both his son and daughter, James and Helen, had at various times been in the crew.

With Cowes Inshore facing new legislation and financial costs, it was decided after a lot of soul-searching, to invite the RNLI to take over. Once they did new equipment and a replacement boat ‘came pouring in’ and, eventually, there was a new station.

“I believe we are settling down to a good period now,” he said. “There’s a good crew and a good boat.” He, though, still intended to be involved in the life of the Cowes station, serving as a member of the visits and sea safety teams. But neither involved pager alerts.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

FIRST RURAL BROADBAND CABINETS INSTALLED M

By Dominic Hillyard

The installation of the first cabinets for the Isle of Wight’s multi-million pound rural superfast fibre broadband project is now underway.

More than 380 homes and businesses in parts of Shorwell and Shalfleet will be the first to benefit under phase one of the major infrastructure project, a partnership between the Isle of Wight Council, BT and the government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme. The first customers will be able to place orders for high speed broadband this summer.

Communications Minister, Ed Vaizey, said: “This fantastic news marks the next stage of a remarkable transformation of broadband on the Isle of Wight, with an estimated 20,000 homes and businesses on the Island to gain access to superfast speeds by autumn next year. We understand how important access to superfast broadband is - the UK already does more business online than any other European country, and the widespread access to superfast broadband that this scheme will deliver will provide a tremendous boost to the Isle of Wight’s economy.”

The installation programme follows the recent delivery of the cabinets to BT’s Ryde depot. Once cabinets have been put in place they will then be connected to power sources and the fibre network. As part of the contract, BT has been working closely with Island Roads in planning the installation works.

Also among the first communities to benefit from the programme this summer are parts of Gurnard, Whippingham, Brighstone and Merstone.

Altogether, more than 120 new pieces of equipment are due to be installed during the project. The new fibre-based network is open to all broadband internet service providers on an equal basis, so customers – both domestic and business - will have access to a wide choice of broadband providers.

Once completed in autumn 2015, the overall project will have enabled around 20,000 premises in the largely rural parts of the Island to access high speed broadband - 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 UK government through the BDUK programme.

IW Council Executive member for economy and tourism, Councillor Shirley Smart was shown the new cabinets at BT’s Ryde depot by BT South East partnership director, Peter Cowen.

She said: “With the first cabinets being installed we are now very close to seeing the first customers being connected as part of this major investment project.

“This will provide significant benefits for business development on the Island in these communities, particularly in terms of activities such as web sales and supply, file transfer and telecare opportunities – and attracting inward investment to the Island. It should be of particular benefit to the Island’s very important tourism industry.

“Residents in these areas, meanwhile, will experience many benefits due to better connectivity, including activities such as streaming films, tv and music.

“This project is a major investment by the council in promoting the Island’s economy and will ensure fast internet speed in many rural areas - in addition, of course, to those homes and businesses in our towns which have already been seeing the benefits of superfast broadband.”

Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation access for BT, said: “This is great news for the Isle of Wight. BT is contributing capital and ongoing revenue funding of £2.7 million towards the overall cost of the broadband partnership which will ensure more households are able to benefit from high-speed broadband”

Executive member for economy and tourism, Councillor Shirley Smart, is shown the rural broadband cabinets by BT's Peter Cowen.

‘Welcome Boost to Island Economy and Local Jobs’ M

Andrew Turners Office

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, has welcomed an announcement of funding for Island projects from the Local Growth Fund, together with continued support for small businesses and grants to either start up or expand.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) released the news of more than £25m support to be made available through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for two major Island projects. Cross-Solent connections will be improved by moving and upgrading Red Funnel’s terminals at East Cowes and Southampton and a new Composites Centre of Excellence will be developed - providing 1,250 high quality apprenticeship opportunities over the next six years. The Solent Growth Fund, providing startup and expansion grants to small businesses across the Solent area, has secured funding until 2021 and there is long-term security for the Solent Growth Hub which helps businesses find sources of help and support. There will be a focus on new jobs associated with the Local Growth Fund being opened up to local unemployed and long-term unemployed people.

Mr Turner said : “This is a really welcome boost

to the Island economy and local jobs. Funding for two specific Island projects will help businesses deliver key objectives – with significant funding also coming from the private sector. These awards reflect the high quality of the bids submitted “The £10.9m for the Composite Centre of Excellence is great news. The IW College is rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and the partnership with GKN will deliver real opportunities for youngsters and others to develop high tech skills. Expertise in composites is particularly sought after in the marine, renewables and aerospace sectors, where the Island has considerable experience as well as great potential. I have always argued that better connectivity is key to the Island’s future; the £15m support for Red Funnel to relocate and modernise their terminals on both sides of the Solent will help achieve that. It will also enable the East Cowes regeneration project to get underway, providing new jobs and homes.

“The Island has done well out of this round of funding announcements.

The Solent LEP Chairman Gary Jeffries told me last week that the quality of bids to the Solent Growth Fund from small businesses on the Island is also high, so there is likely to be even more good news over coming months.”

FEATURE

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Technology

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#03

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LIVING WITHOUT A

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

TECH INSIDER

THE FUGOO SPEAKER

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Outdoors The Fugoo Bluetooth wireless speaker brings together numerous features that make it easily fit into the most active of lifestyles. The line combines the highest levels of durability, portability, and personalised style, so music lovers can enjoy it anywhere they go – mountain bike riding, snowboarding, by the pool, at work, or even camping.

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TECH INSIDER

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

09

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Bass Egg Specifications: ● Bass Egg comes with a fitted Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery with a full charging time of 90 minutes. ● Charge Life of the battery is 410+ hours depending on the playback volume. ● Connect to the speaker wirelessly via Bluetooth or using the 3.5mm audio lead ● Audio Specs: 50Hz to 16kHz and over 100dB ● Speaker Weighs 1 lb. 1 oz ● Product Dimensions: Height: 3.62″; Diameter 2.40″

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The SB5200 has a rugged design and oversized strap for active use ● Product weight: 0.5 kg ● Built-in rechargeable battery for even better portability ● Operating time on battery: 6 hr ● Built-in microphone for speakerphone conversation ● Bluetooth range: Line of sight, 10 m or 30 ft ● micro USB port: to charge up BR1X via PC ● Output power (RMS): 2 x 5 W ● Sound System: Stereo ● Volume control: up/down To get bigger sound outdoors, chain together as many BR-1Xs as you want with the special audio cable supplied. Once they are connected, the volume on all BR-1Xs will synchronise. Simply change the volume on the BR-1X connected to your device to change it on all of them. ●

Make one easy connection andenjoy all your music from portable devices and computers. Simply plug your device into the AUDIO-IN (3.5 mm) port on your Philips set. With computers, the connection is typically made from the headset output. Once linked, you can enjoy your entire music collection directly, on a set of superior speakers. Philips simply delivers better sound.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

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NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Black Magic Seeks a Spell of RNLI Assistance M

ByBy Tim George Saunders C

Luck ran out for a RIB called Black Magic when it broke down and began drifting off Egypt Point, Cowes on the 9th July Help however was soon on hand when Cowes Lifeboat arrived on the scene with a tow-rope. The black-hulled RIB, with two men aboard, was taken into Cowes Yacht Haven.

The lifeboat, launched at 4.07 pm arrived back at the station about an hour later.

Antibiotic resistance The Prime Minister David Cameron has called for global action to tackle the growing threat of resistance to antibiotics.

Growing numbers of bacterial and viral infections are resistant to antimicrobial drugs, but no new classes of antibiotics have come on the market for more than 25 years.

Around 25,000 people already die each year from infections resistant to antibiotic drugs in Europe alone and the lack of new drugs which are capable of fighting bacteria has been described by the World Health Organization as one of the most significant global risks facing modern medicine.

The Prime Minister wants Britain to lead the way, using its international leadership and world-class pharmaceutical sector - which employs thousands of highly-skilled experts and is a key part of the country’s economy – to battle against antimicrobial resistant infections and bring new drugs to the world market.

Share your news and pictures with us

press@iwmail.co.uk Or leave us a short message

CALL 01983 898838

Changes to be made to maternity services

By Claire Robertson M Key changes are to be made to maternity services on the Island following recommendations by local health and social care watchdog Healthwatch Isle of Wight.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight made the recommendations following a major study into local maternity services. The study, which, asked local mums to share their personal experiences obtained 187 completed surveys as well as 200 pieces of feedback from face to face sessions making it the most comprehensive study of its type ever undertaken on the Island.

As a result, the Island Clinical Commissioning Group has agreed to act on two themes identified through the survey.

Firstly it will ensure that staff in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will expressly seek the permission of parents before bottle-feeding infants.

It has also agreed to re-form the Maternity Service Liaison Committee as a way of ensuring the voice of parents is integral to future service delivery.

Healthwatch IW locality manager Gretel Ingham said: “The survey found the overwhelming feedback very positive about maternity services delivered on the Island but, as you would expect from such a comprehensive survey, there were a couple of areas identified where parents felt good services could be made even better.

“We are delighted that the Clinical Commissioning Group has acknowledged this and agreed to implement these changes. The message this sends out is that those responsible for health services on the Island are prepared to listen to patients and to act on feedback. It also shows Healthwatch Isle of Wight is able to give patients and service users an effective voice.

Zoryna O’Donnell, non –executive director with responsibilities for overseeing equality, diversity and community outreach for Healthwatch Isle of Wight added: “We had so much support for the survey both from individual mums and also from organisations such as the Island’s Children’s Centres. It is therefore extremely pleasing that all this co-operation has resulted in positive change that will help make the experiences of mums and new-born babies on the Island even better.”

www.wightislandradio.com

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

Future of farming M

By Isobel Shayle

A wider uptake of share farming could enable thousands of young people to get their first foot on the farming ladder according to the CLA. The CLA says that if just a quarter of the country’s farmers aged over 65 entered in to a share farming agreement it would allow more than 3,000 new entrants to start working the land.

Launching its major new drive to encourage share farming today, CLA President Henry Robinson said: “This is a simple solution to one of the industry’s most pressing problems – that of an ageing profile.

“Share farming not only offers older farmers a way of reducing their workload while maintaining an income but also gives new entrants an increasingly rare opportunity to start a career in agriculture.”

Share farming differs from traditional contract farming in so far as both parties share the risk and the profits on a pre-agreed percentage. The existing farmer simply provides a proportion of his farmland for the partner to work.

Mr Robinson added: “The problem with traditional farming arrangement is that a farmer is either in or out.

Share farming provides a middle ground whereby an ageing farmer, who cannot afford to retire, can start to wind-down without having to worry about paying the bills.

“A share farming agreement really is very straightforward and we have produced an easy-to-use advisory handbook that guides farmers through all the basics they need to get up and running including a template agreement.”

CLA Director South East Robin Edwards said: “With the limited availability of farmland, share farming offers a real hope for talented young people in the south east that are desperate to get into the industry.

“It’s a very exciting project for us and CLA has already started working with the Federation of Young Farmers to look at ways of pairing up older farmers with younger people in their area, who are ready and willing to work.”

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NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

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Christ the King College students raise £500 for the Joe Ellis Trust Fund Students leaving Christ the King College 6th Form have raised £500 as a donation to the Joe Ellis Trust Fund.

The “Unofficial” Leavers’ Party held on 11th July in a marquee in the garden of Cllr Chris Whitehouse, who represents the ward of Newport West in which the College is located and at which Joe Ellis was a student, raised £500. It has all been donated to the Fund. Cllr Whitehouse said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to host this party for the fine young men and women of Christ the King’s first ever sixth form leavers group. A truly

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Chris Whitehouse

raucous time was had by all, and the food that Emily Snow organised for the guests was splendid. It seemed very appropriate that the revenue was donated to the Joe Ellis Trust Fund in remembrance of a fellow student who will now never leave the College. Joe touched the lives of so many students, teachers and others involved with the College.”

As the guests left for the evening, Cllr Whitehouse was heard to remark: “Go now, have a good life, and I’ll see you

in the next.” Commenting today, Cllr Whitehouse explained “The purpose of a Christian education is not only to fit its students for this life, but also to prepare them for a good death and the eternal life that follows.”

Grant from Sported M

By Matthew Shaw

Vectis Blue Disability Football Club, the Isle of Wight’s only football club for young people with disabilities, will be expanding thanks to a cashinjection and business support from the UK’s largest Sport for Development charity, Sported.

Vectis Blue Disability Football Club was established in 2013 to give young people with disabilities the opportunity to play football. In doing so, the club helps improve its players’ quality of life by providing a safe environment in which to socialise, increase their physical fitness and develop life-skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership.

Despite the Club’s early successes engaging 30 young people each week and developing partnerships with the likes of IOW Council, John’s Club, Short Breaks, Southern Vectis Bus Company and various schools on the Island, as a relatively new organisation, the club has struggled to attract the required levels of funding, so in late 2013, approached Sported for support and guidance.

As a charity, Sported provides funding and business support to grassroots organisations that are dedicated to transforming young lives through sport. To support Vectis Blue with its expansion plans, the opening of a second venue on the other side of the Island and on becoming more sustainable, Sported awarded the club support from one of its network of volunteer business mentors. Sported Mentor, Lee Butler, was paired with Vectis Blue and has been working closely with club volunteers for the last six months on formalising its operations and putting together a robust business plan.

Following this successful partnership, Sported has now awarded the club a grant of £6,696.

The money will be used to fund the training of qualified coaches, which will double the Vectis Blue’s capacity, thus creating even more opportunities for young people with disabilities to play the beautiful game.

Janet Mackay, Secretary at Vectis Blue said: “Vectis Blue was set up due to the lack of opportunities and facilities on the Isle of Wight for young people with disabilities. The club aims to give these young people a place to socialise, make new friends, improve their physical fitness and increase their confidence. We want to reinforce what disabled young people can do, rather than what they can’t.”

“The expansion of Vectis Blue and the opening up of a second venue is a fundamental requirement to cope with the demand from the young people on the Island. But to ensure this is a success, we need more qualified coaches. Now, thanks to the mentor support from Lee and funding from Sported, we are in position to move forwards with our plans.”

Vectis Blue currently runs weekly sessions on Thursday between 57pm at Rew Valley School in Ventnor for young people aged 4 – 18 years.

If you are interested in coming along or joining the club, please contact Janet Mackay on 01983 865377.

NEWS

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ENTRIES 25% UP ON 2013 M

By Marina Johnson

Entries for this month’s Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week look set to be significantly up on last year, standing at 145 with Squibs and Mermaids expected on the Wednesday and Thursday making a total of 160 boats.

The numbers represent an increase of 25% on last year and entries are still open until 18th July.

Once again the classics, including the metre yachts, Solent Sunbeams, XODs, Darings, Swallows, Flying Fifteens and Bembridge One Designs, to name just a few, will be attending the five day event which kicks off at Cowes on 21st July.

Cowes Classics Week, which first took place in 2008 as a modest event for metre and classic dayboats, has since welcomed classic cruisers such as the Nicholsons, SCODs, Twisters and many beautiful one offs, while the Old Gaffer class is still going strong.

The yachts, representing 30 yacht clubs both in the UK and overseas, will be competing in 14 different classes over a number of race courses. Interest for newcomers continues to grow - over 40 of this year’s entrants didn’t compete last year. Crews are coming from the UK and overseas, including a crew from Perth, Western Australia.

Back to defend their 2013 titles include overall winner of the event, current Harken Trophy holder Jo Burnie who sails a Solent Sunbeam. Mike Martell, winner of last year’s largest class, the XOD, will also be back to try to hold off his 50-odd rivals for the Haines Boatyard Trophy.

Saskia is the yacht to watch out for in the 8-metre class while David Gower will be defending his 2013 win in the Daring Class as the current holder of the Loup Garou Model.

Racing will be organised by the Royal London Yacht Club with support from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Island Sailing Club and Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.

COASTAL FOOTPATH M

By Anna Price

The Isle of Wight Council is delighted that the Island is now to be included in the Coastal Access Act 2009 and is grateful for the enthusiastic campaign led by the ramblers both locally and nationally. The Isle of Wight Council has consistently advised the government that the Island should benefit from the provisions of the Coastal Access Act, just like the rest of England.

The timing of the new work has not been announced but the government’s statement suggests that it could be 2020 or later before Natural England starts work on the Island, and many years thereafter to fully create and implement improved access.

It is important to point out that the Isle of Wight already has a hugely popular coastal path which has successfully attracted walkers and other tourists to the Island since the 1950s when it was created. Although the path, by its nature, has some areas in need of improvement, the route is open and still very much in use. Inclusion in the Coastal Access Act 2009 does not mean any immediate impact on any rights of way. In the meantime the Isle of Wight Council will continue its successful and awardwinning work with landowners and user groups to improve and develop the existing routes both on the coast and inland, by voluntary agreements and partnership working.

The impact of the Coastal Access Act 2009 is likely to be much greater in future years. The government is intending to create a coastal path around the whole of England, and this now includes the Isle of Wight. The council looks forward to the opportunity of working with the government’s access advisor, Natural England, on improving coastal access on the Island. This is a new and extra task for which the government has promised resources. The council has made it clear that this new work will not be undertaken at the cost of maintaining the Island's existing 500 miles of rights of way.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

ARTS & EVENTS

Introducing Jackson live in Concert M at Shanklin Theatre

There will only ever be one Michael Jackson and though he is sadly missed his legacy will continue well into the future. He was the greatest entertainer, a creative genius and is a musical legend who will continue to inspire countless people across the world for generations to come.

Jackson Live in Concert sees long-time fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with a mesmerising, energetic and dynamic performance that captures the essence and magic of the “King of Pop” live on stage.

Ben says “From as far into my childhood as I can remember, I have always been obsessed with Michael Jackson.

Everything about the King of Pop mesmerized and enchanted me. I used to spend hours pouring over album covers, photographs, interviews, videos and anything I could find that was about Michael. Even my 7th birthday party was Michael Jackson themed! I always

Jools Howes

loved to dance and began copying Michael’s signature moves as I dreamt of being a performer just like him” Ben’s portrayal of Michael Jackson has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres.

Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible live band and amazing dancers who work their way through all of MJs hits with impeccable precision. Ben’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice and his renditions of Thriller, Beat it and Billie Jean are truly sensational.

This is it ! This is as real as it gets. Jackson Live in Concert is so much more than just a tribute show - this will be a performance and an event that audiences who witness it will remember forever.

Shanklin Theatre. Sunday 10th August 2014. Tickets: £19.00. Call 01983 868000

Get in touch If you want us to feature you and your group, just send us a message and a few words about what you are doing, and leave the rest to us. press@iwmail.co.uk

IslePerform This September see’s the opening of the Islands newest and most exciting performing arts based project for a very long time. Wight Stars CIC and AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust IOW have teamed up to give 1619 year olds the chance to study performing arts full time.

IslePerform, opening in September, will offer funded BTEC Level’s 1, 2 and 3 in Performing Arts to young people aged between 16 and 19. IslePerform has been put together to give young people the chance to learn and train in a fun, safe and un-regimented environment.

Enabling students to gain valuable skills and qualifications, while of course training in the performing arts. On offer is a varied programme in dance, musical theatre and general performing arts that is fun, engaging and informative. Students will be engulfed instantly into a theatrical environment. Guaranteeing that they will gain confidence, skills, the ability to work as a team and gain a huge sense of achievement. In addition to all the exciting training that is being provided to students. They will also have the opportunity to perform in varied locations including theatres, stately homes and outdoor spaces on and off the Island. Managing Director of Wight Stars Matt Reed say’s ‘Since opening Wight Stars in 2012 I have been on a mission to give young people as many opportunities to make their lives better, and this is just one thing I can tick off the list. Forming this partnership with AFCB CST just makes sense. With Wight Stars experience in the professional world of theatre and AFCB’s proven track record of gaining great results in BTEC it’s the perfect partnership’. IslePerform will be based at Downside CLC which currently has a ICT Suite, classrooms, theatre hall and before the new term will also house a brand new dance studio.

If you are interested in finding out more about IslePerform you can visit www.isleperform.co.uk

ARTS & EVENTS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

SUMMER FUN ON THE IW It’s shaping up for a superlative summer down on the Isle of Wight, especially if you have children to entertain. You can travel through time to the Island of Adventure and find fantastic fantasy worlds where anything is possible.

Dinosaurs of Blackgang Chine Winners of Trip Advisor’s prestigious ‘Certificate of Excellence 2014’ for the second year running for consistently achieving outstanding traveller reviews on the TripAdvisor website, Blackgang Chine now boasts huge life-size moving dinosaurs in their new ‘Restricted Area 5’. An Iguanadon, a Stegosaurus, screeching Raptors, an Argentinosaurus bigger than a double decker bus and the most gargantuan T Rex ever seen all make their own distinctive sounds and react to the visitors.

The park’s resident celebrity baby Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaurs, Shadow and Sheila, delight the crowds with their ‘LIVE’ performances during the summer holidays and there are new baby dino friends to meet: Jack & Jill, the walking Procomsognathus dinosaurs, George, the baby Brachiosaurus and ‘Caulkie’ the mischievous Caulkicephalus.

Victoria lives at Osborne House It is the Victorian era that is brought to life at Osborne House with a new exhibition at the Swiss Cottage and games and dressing up on the beach.

‘Small Adventures for Royal Children’ lets you join a Victorian explorer for tales of adventure and bravery and go on a bug hunt for exotic flora and fauna. You can let your little soldiers run off some energy in the rifle drills and hobby horse relays or watch the antics of Mr Punch and his wife Judy at their seaside show. Take a dip in the Solent and enjoy a game of quoits or skittles with a delicious Isle of Wight Minghella ice cream from the café.

All Eras at IW Steam Railway Kids go for free at the IW Steam Railway throughout August and you can time travel from the Victorian era to the swinging sixties on board one of their lovely locomotives. Special themed weekends help to take you back in time such as the Victorian Weekend of August 2nd and 3rd, the Jaguar Classic Car Show on August 10th and Island Steam Days on the same day, which celebrates 1940s lorry travel and freight travel throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The 40th Island Steam Show from August 22nd to 25th is a fabulous family day out and 150 years of Steam Travel is celebrated at the station on August 30th.

Enchanted Evenings The Needles Park at Alum Bay is world renowned for its coloured sands, the stunning chalk stacks of the Needles and the ski style chair lift that takes you down to the beach and back. For five weeks only the park is open late every Thursday for a nonstop party of games, live music and street entertainment, with a spectacular music and fireworks finale lighting-up the skies above the Needles from 9:30pm.

Music and Magic in the Skies takes you to the Rio Carnival in Brazil on July 31st, the 1970s on August 7th, to Children’s Movies on August 14th, to Space on August 21st and has a

M

By Holly Kirby

special Christmas theme on August 28th.

Robin Hill hosts Bestival in September but on balmy summer holiday evenings the woods are transformed into a magical realm of light and sound with the Electric Woods from dusk until 10pm and rides and attractions open late into the evening.

Fridays at Robin Hill are ‘Days of Adventure’ and visitors are offered the chance to ‘test their aim’ at archery and ‘get hands on’ with fire lighting and survival skills as part of their Bushcraft Activities. For those with a wilder side there are also mountain boarding taster sessions. Robin Hill, sister attraction to Blackgang Chine as also achieved a Trip Advisor ‘Certificate of Excellence for the second year running.

Travel through time

Queen Victoria, Leah and a Roman From now onwards, time travelling tourists visiting the Isle of Wight will receive their very own time-travel passport on board Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel ferries.

The Time Traveller’s passport, in association with Transformers: Age of Extinction, is being offered by Visit Isle of Wight, the Island’s tourist board, to encourage families to visit historic attractions and heritage sites linked to the Dinosaur era, Ancient Britain, the Roman Empire, Medieval times, the Tudors and Stuarts, the Victorians the present day and even experience an encounter with the Dinobot T-rex Grimlock, the new prehistoric robot character from the film.

Families will be able to collect the stamps from the locations highlighted in the passport, such as Dimbola Museum & Galleries, IW Steam Railway, Blackgang Chine, The Needles Park, The Needles New Battery, Osborne, Carisbrooke Castle, Brading Roman Villa, Dinosaur Isle, Shanklin Chine, Ryde Heritage Centre – and when travelling car free by bus or by train - for a chance to win fantastic prizes that include a holiday on the Isle of Wight and a trip to Paramount Studios in

Hollywood, the home of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Other prizes include free holiday travel, tickets to Island attractions, cinema tickets and merchandise from the film.

Visitors simply need to collect as many passport stamps as they can as they “time travel” around the Island and then when they get home, enter the codes they’ve collected into the Time Vault at www.dinoisland.co.uk to reveal their prize.

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said: “This summer, the Isle of Wight is going to become one big time machine – from dinosaurs to rocket ships.

“Visitors will not only be enriched, but inspired with the scores of artefacts, diverse attractions and living history experiences as they come face to face with the Island’s past, present and future.”

The free 10-page Time Traveller’s passport can be obtained on board all cross-Solent ferries or by visiting Island tourist information points.

Visitors can also create their own time trails set against the Island’s past, present and future by downloading the free Tourist Guide app fro www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

Share your news and pictures with the Isle of Wight E-Mail press@iwmail.co.uk or call 01983 898838

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

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NEWS

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

IT’S A DESERT ISLAND INVASION! EVEN MORE CASTAWAYS JOIN THE DISCO We’re deep in the heart of festival season and, as our Desert Island Disco comes into sight, we’re turning up the heat at Bestival with a gargantuan wave of new castaways who’ll be washing up on Robin Hill’s shores this September 4th- 7th. Joining the throngs of incredible acts spread across more than 20 stages in 10 fields of wonderment with mega soundsystems, non-stop parties and joyous, 24-hour escapism, we’re adding even more live acts, DJs, oddities and even a brand new area to drink and dance, so there’s a little something for everyone!

Rob da Bank says: “From pop to metal, rockabilly to raging techno, Bestivalites have no boundaries when it comes to what they wanna watch, so I book it all! I’m totally chuffed to have La Roux returning to the Big Top once again, the traditional Saturday moshpit should be in evidence for Skindred, amazing songstress Jenny Lewis will be warming it up for Beck plus Bipolar Sunshine and Catfish and The Bottlemen are two of the hottest acts of 2014. Hot Since 82 and Jimmy Edgar are electronic royalty, and I’m delighted to have The Cuban Brothers and Kitty, Daisy & Lewis back for the umpteenth year running.

Update your clash finder!”

Returning synth-pop nightingale La Roux is first ashore, finding no trouble in our particular paradise, and leading a charge that includes alt-ragga-metal behemoth Skindred, virtuoso (not to mention stylish) rock’n’rollers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Bestival’s own prodigal sons & funk machine extraordinaire The Cuban Brothers, pop chanteuse Sophie Ellis-Bextor, erstwhile Rilo Kiley and Jenny & Johnny frontwoman Jenny Lewis (whose latest single “Just One of the Guys” was produced by fellow castaway Beck), top skank masters Dub Pistols, former Kid British vocalist Bipolar Sunshine, indie rockers Catfish & The Bottlemen, and Sheffield’s finest Reverend & The Makers. There will also be live action from connoisseur of life Howard Marks, and Nimmo and the Gauntletts, Bad Rabbits, Bob Moses, Reeps One, The Wolf and Arthur Beatrice.

Both our Biofuelled Bandstand in Tomorrow’s World, and the Gypsy Camp that nestles tantalisingly on the edge of the Ambient Forest will have myriad movers

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By Simon Blackmore

and shakers strutting their stuff throughout the weekend including gravel-voiced exGomez lead singer Ben Ottewell, plus Sophie Barker, The Fontanas, Paul Armfield, Thickets, Cherishport, Land of the Giants, Shoot the Moon, Juke & The All-Drunk Orchestra, Wille & the Bandits, Marlee, Fine Lines, Emmy J Mac & Buddy, The Ohmz, Plastic Mermaids, Lux Lisbon, Somahigh, Delve, Naked Fridays, Born in a Barn, The Undercover Hippy, Gideon Conn, Joe Chilcott, Franklin & James, Weatherkings, Drew, Santa Spirita, The Crew, Buddy Carson and Sounds Of Harlowe.

Helping celebrate a decade of providing cutting-edge electronica for the masses, we’re very pleased to announce that we have a LittleBig.10 Takeover on Friday night featuring wonky make-out music specialist Jimmy Edgar, analogue synth duo Mouse on Mars, underground polymath and musical shape-shifter Nightwave, and psychedelic three-piece Tall Ships.

DJs groovers adding to the disco manoeuvres include deep house adventurer Hot Since 82, arms-in-the-air-inducing twosome Eli & Fur, cosmic explorer Mojo Filter and Bestival stalwarts Coley & Dan from Luv*Jam. And we’ll also have physical feats from Kawa Circus, big band brilliance from The Fabulous Lounge Swingers, and eastern promise from the Jaipur Brass Band.

Last, but not least, we have a brand new area for our Desert Island Disco, the Aperol Spritz Social. Featuring a beautifully decked out space, and a mezzanine floor to boot, the social is where you can enjoy Italy’s favourite libation, while getting down to a Rob da Bank curated bill that includes bumping house from PBR Streetgang, disco boogie behaviour from Andy Smith & Nick Halkes and BBC 6 Music funk champion Craig Charles.

We’re still not finished yet, so keep on checking: Desert Island Secrets & Compelling Opportunities:- www.Bestival.net / Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

Three Ministers to visit the Island

Rumours that the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, Lord Nash, is to visit the Island in the near future were confirmed in a letter from Education Secretary, Michael Gove, to Cllr Chris Whitehouse who speaks on Education for the Conservative Group of Isle of Wight Councillors; but in a surprising development Mr Gove announced two other Ministers, David Laws MP, Minister for Schools, and Edward Timpson MP, Minister for Children & Families, would also be taking part in the visit on 17th July.

Cllr Whitehouse said: “It’s a demonstration of the keen interest that the Government is taking in Island schools and children’s services that no less than three Minister are coming to check the facts on the ground. I very much welcome this visit.”

Mr Gove’s letter also specifically welcomes the councillor’s “commitment to improving education standards across the Isle of

La Roux

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Isle of Wight Mail

Wight” and mentions the councillor’s recent article on Conservative Home which highlighted over-capacity issues on the Island.

“I very much hope the Education Funding Agency and Education Department Officials will really get to grips with the projections of demand and surplus capacity on the Island so that we can ensure our schools are fit for purpose moving forwards.” says Cllr Whitehouse who is also Director of the Westminster Education Forum which is regularly addressed by Government Ministers and senior officials. “Driving up standards remains my number one priority and I am delighted that this has been acknowledged by the Secretary of State himself.”

The Cubans

BESTIVAL 2014 TICKET LINKS &

INFORMATION www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets

0844 888 4410 Adult Ticket with entry from Thursday 4th September - £195 - Student Ticket with entry from Thursday 4th September £180 (For full-time students only. Valid NUS or ISIC ID required at the box office. No other student ID accepted) Teen (age 13-17) Ticket with entry from Thursday 4th September - £127 - Child (age 12 & under) Ticket – Free (but you must obtain a ticket) - Caravan Tickets: £101 (per vehicle) - Campervan Tickets: £90 (per vehicle) - Advance Car Parking - £15. All Tickets will incur a booking fee and incur a £1 donation to the Isle Of Wight Youth Trust*.

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BUTTERFLIES ON THE EDGE Isle of Wight Pearl recognises the inherent beauty of butterflies and their amazing lifecycles and, with the help of Butterfly Conservation, is seeking to make its land more attractive to butterflies.

Isle of Wight Pearl has invited the IOW Group of Butterfly Conservation to undertake a survey of the butterflies on its site during the spring and summer of 2014. Over forty species of butterfly are found on the Isle of Wight and many of these can be seen within the environs of Isle of Wight Pearl and along the Island’s spectacularly beautiful southwest coast.

Isle of Wight Pearl has allowed some of the grassed areas to the rear of its property to revert to meadow and Butterfly Conservation is helping Isle of Wight Pearl to make its site more attractive to butterflies and wildlife in general.

Visitors to Isle of Wight Pearl are encouraged to report sightings of butterflies seen on the site and to also participate in the Big Butterfly Count which takes place between Saturday 19th July and Sunday 10th August.

First launched in 2009, the Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest survey of

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butterflies and the results are providing scientists with vital information about population trends and changes in the behaviour of butterflies in response to climate change and other environmental pressures.

To coincide with this The Isle of Wight Pearl www.iowpearl.co.uk will be in Newport St Thomas Square on the 19th July performing a monster butterfly give away. We will be giving away butterflies and when the butterflies are brought home to The Isle of Wight Pearl in Brighstone, we will be giving away a free freshwater pearl bracelet!

It’s a monster give away on which we have spent a lot of time and investment, designed to encourage people to visit us and to attract awareness for the great cause that is the Butterfly Conservation Society here on the Isle of Wight. Whilst here our guests will not only receive their totally free bracelet, they can take part in the great national butterfly count and sign up to the conservation society which needs many more members on the Island.

Isle of Wight students win science award Students from a Carisbrooke school carried off a prestigious award at a regional science fair.

The three-strong team from Carisbrooke College impressed the judges at the Big Bang South East fair with their project “Design and Build of an R/C Model Powerboat,” and Tesla Engineering Prize for Product Design.

Students David Craig, Jaq Dyer and Elliott Robson were presented with their award

by Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Brighton.

Judges at fair, which was held at the South of England Showground, praised the

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students’ creative and innovative skills and the high quality of their presentation.

The Big Bang South East, which is the biggest event of its kind in the region and was this year attended by over 4,000 nine19-year-olds, was organised by STEM Sussex, the outreach support department of the University of Brighton, in partnership with Crawley Borough Council and Central Sussex College.

Principal sponsors of the event are Crawley-based CGG, the world’s leading geophysical company.

FUNDING SECURED The Isle of Wight Council has welcomed news that its joint bid for funding with Southampton City Council via the Solent Local Economic Partnership has been successful.

The two authorities submitted a joint bid to fund a regeneration project in Southampton and East Cowes to include new highways infrastructure and improved public spaces. As part of the project, Red Funnel will modernise and relocate the ferry terminals on both sides of the Solent.

The government has allocated £14.95 million to improve connectivity and increase capacity and unlock major employments sites on both sides of the Solent. By moving the ferry terminal, a new town centre will be created in East Cowes with access to the waterfront. The funding also provides for a new floating bridge & improved highways infrastructure with cycling and walking routes.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Councillor Ian Stephens, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: "The investment announced today for improved connectivity to the Island is critical for businesses and residents here and will unlock major growth opportunities for us.

“We welcome the opportunity this project will bring to secure our connection to the mainland and improve our economy through an increase in the number of visitors to the Island.

“I am also pleased at the benefits it will bring to East Cowes allowing us to bring new life to the town centre and create opportunities for investment and employment while improving the connectivity with West Cowes through the provision of a new floating bridge.”

The council will be working closely with Southampton City Council and Red Funnel to progress plans, with work due to start in 2015.

New Legislation on the way to help Small Businesses M

Andrew Turners Office

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill, introduced by the Government on the 25th June will be debated in Parliament at its second reading on the 15th of this month.

The Bill is designed to reduce the barriers that can restrict the ability of small businesses to innovate, grow and compete and will open up new opportunities for them to obtain finance to create jobs, expand and export. It will also cut down on red tape, requiring a target to be published for the removal of regulatory burdens in each parliamentary term, and includes transparent reporting on progress. This will mean future Governments will be committed to reducing these burdens.

Mr Turner said: “This Bill will include some important changes to give help and support to the many small and micro businesses we have on the Island. As well as improving access to finance from sources other than banks, and making companies’ payment practices more transparent, there will be more support available for those businesses wishing to export.

“A boost for many Island licensees will be the Pubs Code and Adjudicator, included in the Bill, which will provide tied tenants with increased transparency and help to ensure they are no worse off than their free-of-tie counterparts. I particularly welcome the plan to streamline public procurement, making it make it easier for small businesses to gain access to the public procurement market. I would welcome input from the Island’s army of small businessmen before 15th July on any measures they would like to see included in this Bill.”

The Bill also contains measures to greater deter employers from breaking National Minimum Wage legislation, stop the abuse of zero hours contracts and reform Employment Tribunals. It will also legislate on public sector redundancy pay; preventing public sector workers receiving large payouts then simply going on to work elsewhere in the same part of the public sector.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

STUDY OF TROOP SHIP REVEALS HISTORICAL SECRETS M

By Claire Garner

A SCUBA diver from Gosport has led the first stage of a detailed underwater study to unlock the secrets of a troop ship used in the Crimean War which is one of the earliest examples of naval steam power.

Jane Maddocks, Underwater Heritage Advisor for the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC),aims to unravel the mystery of SS Faith, which sunk in heavy seas in the English Channel, 12 miles south of St Catherine’s Point, on the Isle of Wight, on December 30, 1855.

The troop and cargo ship, which was built in a Birkenhead ship yard, belonged to the Ottoman Empire and was on a delivery voyage to Constantinople when it floundered in stormy seas at the height of the Crimean War almost 160 years ago.

All of the crew were saved apart from one who sadly returned to his berth feeling unwell and wasn’t missed until it was unfortunately too late.

The wreck of the Faith now lies 39 metres down and marine archaeologist and BSAC First Class Diver and National Instructor, Jane Maddocks, is leading the current project, backed by a £2,000 British Sub Aqua Jubilee Trust grant, to plot what Jane believes is an important wreck historically.

BSAC is the national governing body for scuba diving and is made up of 120 dive centres and 1,000 plus family friendly and sociable clubs, run by volunteers, up and down the country and abroad.

It represents more than 30,000 scuba divers and snorkellers and welcomes new members from complete beginners upwards including those who have trained with other agencies.

Jane, 66, said: “The first stage of the project went really well. There was good visibility and the water was completely flat.

“Including myself, there were eight divers involved and we had two people on the surface.

“The dive was done in stages, with the first diver going down just before 9am and the whole thing being finished about one and a half hours later.

“Among the group were a number of archeologically trained divers and we also had four volunteers who joined us as a result of advance publicity for the project, which was very good to see. One of them came from Kent, another from Plymouth and the others were from the Southampton area.

“Most of the group were diving with nitrox gas, which shortens the decompression time.

“The wreck is very difficult to find, which means it is rarely visited. In fact, this was only my fourth trip down to see her.

“The job on the first dive of the project was map the wreck and to understand what is down there.

“By following it along we could see the whole propulsion system from the engine to the propeller – about 34 metres in length.

“The divers were given specific jobs to do, such as measuring the boiler, counting the number of boiler tubes still intact, looking at what type of engine it is and measuring its size.

“We had a professional photographer as part of the dive team and he got some very good video footage and also some good stills shots.”

The divers revisited the Faith again today (Friday) and further underwater expeditions to the wreck are planned on August 17, and September 7 and 28.

Jane added: “In all the first day was very

successful and we are now looking forward to visiting her again when we hope to have between 10 and 12 people on each dive.”

The SS Faith is an unusual ship and a very early example of a steam powered ship that was also rigged out with full sails too.

Jane said: “She actually belonged to the Turkish government when she floundered in heavy seas and went down.

“Her bell was raised a few years ago and is in the Isle of Wight’s Shipwreck Museum. And although she lies in the English Channel, she is crucially in English waters. She was carrying a pretty ordinary cargo and on her way to Turkey when she sank.

“She was built in 1852 by Laird and Sons of Birkenhead and although built of iron and a steamship she had full sails too.

“She was built right on the cusp of the time when steam was replacing sail power. But because she had both, and was propeller driven, she had flexibility.

“And although primarily a cargo ship she had been used as a troop ship taking soldiers to the Crimean War which is something we want to further research.”

Dave Wendes, who skippered the dive boat, Wight Spirit, for the project, and has done extensive archive research into the SS Faith said: “She is a very early example of a ‘screw’ (propeller driven) steamship and she was built just nine years after Brunel’s famous steamship SS Great Britain.

“She was kitted out with full sails. The problem being that steam engines, at that time, were pretty inefficient and the ship simply couldn’t carry sufficient coal to enable the ship to reach its destination port.

“And it needed sails in case the engine broke down, and they frequently did at this time. And she was made out of iron, again this was a time when iron was beginning to replace wooden ships.

“Interestingly all the riveting would have been done by hand too and that may have contributed to her loss. Apparently she had been at anchor in pretty rough weather a few days before she was lost and the chances are one or two of her seams opened up allowing her to take on water.

“After she set sail for Constantinople it seems bad weather returned and she quickly went down, nose first, with the loss of one life.

“It seems the crew all abandoned ship save one man who had gone to his berth feeling unwell. He was only missed when the crew, of around 20, did a head count and realised he was missing.”

Mary Tetley, BSAC Chief Executive, said: “Being a BSAC diver opens so many opportunities to get involved in fascinating underwater projects such as Jane’s and it is fascinating to see Jane’s study develop.

“BSAC divers not only feel passionately about their sport but are motivated to also play their part in conservation projects to protect the underwater environment and historical studies such as this one which records important information for future generations to learn from.”

Any BSAC diver wanting more information about the SS Faith project can contact Jane Maddocks by e-mail at jmaddocks25@gmail.com For more information about BSAC visit www.bsac.com

SS Faith diver near steam winch ©Martin Davies

SS Faith diver swimming over remains of boilers ©Martin Davies

BSAC scuba diver Jane Maddocks who is leading the SS Faith project.

SEND US YOUR NEWS & PICS press@iwmail.co.uk / 898 838

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Sainsbury’s Newport celebrates success

of year-long partnership with YMCA

A year’s worth of fundraising and awareness support from Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight has made a huge difference to the Children and Young people supported by YMCA Young Carers Service. Young Carers are aged between 5 and 18 who care for a relative with a debilitating condition.

The Service provides respite activities for Young Carers and ensures that their wellbeing and education are not affected by their caring.

Thanks to generous donations from customers, the store has announced they have raised £2,534.00 in total. On 20th June, colleagues from the store, including Deputy Managers Alison Abrook & Jackie Foxworthy, the charity members at Sainsbury’s Newport Store, met with Steve Baker the Young Carers Manager and Support Worker Kelly Edwards and Activity Organiser Trudie Augustus- Harris to celebrate the successful partnership and complete the Year.

It’s been an amazing 12 months for the charity after they entered Sainsbury’s Isle of Wight Local Charity voting process back in May 2012. For the last five years, the retailer gives customers nationwide the chance to vote for their favourite Local Charity, to be considered to receive a year’s worth of support from their nearby Sainsbury’s store.

When the charity were announced as Newport Isle of Wight’s new Local Charity partner for 2013/2014, Steve Baker the Young Carers Service Manager couldn’t wait to get started: “For a big retailer like Sainsbury’s to confirm a year’s partnership with us was just incredible news. I remember getting the phone-call and having a big grin on my face! We had our first meeting shortly after and we worked up some great ideas that we hoped would create great feedback with the store’s customers

and colleagues”.

Throughout the last 12 months, colleagues at the store held several activities to raise funds and awareness of the charity,. these included Quiz Nights, and Dressing up days, which helped raise funds.

Meanwhile, Young Carers and their families also took part in Bag packing, Face painting and Carol singing which helped to fund more activities such as a day of Tree Climbing and other activities in Parkhurst Forest plus Horse Riding and trips to the Theatre at Christmas Despite the partnership coming to a close, it doesn’t mean that the charity will now be forgotten, as Store Manager Paul Dyer explains: “Our colleagues have really enjoyed working with YMCA Young Carers and it’s certainly touched the hearts of many of them that before didn’t necessary have a direct link to them.

We know what an important part they play in the community and we hope the year-long partnership has helped remind our customers of the valuable service they provide in Isle of Wight Thanks to the partnership, we’ll certainly now be looking into ways we can support them in the future”. In fact one member of Staff from Sainsbury’s has become a regular Volunteer with the Young Carers Service.

The partnership has helped the Young Carers Service to arrange more respite activities for the 279 Young Carers they have in the service and Steve Baker would like to thank the admirable efforts of customers and the Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight team: Steve Baker said: “Working with Sainsbury’s Newport Isle of Wight over the last 12 months has made quite a difference to our cause.

Through our joint raised a fantastic amount which we’re using towards more activities which we are putting

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on this summer holidays for Young Carers, we’re now looking forward to working with Sainsbury’s on future opportunities”.

For further information about the Young Carers Service contact Steve Baker on 01983 861071 ext:2201 Customers now have the chance to vote for a Local Charity to be Sainsbury’s Isle of Wight new Local Charity Partner. Voting takes place from 28th May to 8th June, while

customers can also vote online from 28th May by going to www.sainsburys.co.uk/localcharity.

A shortlist of nominations will be drawn up after the closing date and the store’s colleagues will then invite the three charities that they feel best fit the needs of the community into store to talk about how Sainsbury’s can support them. The chosen charity will be selected based on the reasons given and the store will announce their chosen charity in July.

CNBC ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL PARTNER Cowes Week Limited (CWL), the organisation behind the worldfamous regatta, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, is delighted to welcome CNBC, the world’s leading business and financial news network, as the Official Business Media Partner to the event.

This new agreement will assist the already internationally-acclaimed regatta in reaching a wider European audience with a commercial advertising campaign designed to promote Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

CNBC will receive hospitality and branding at the event, enabling it to increase its profile with those both following the event online and in attendance in Cowes.

Commenting on the announcement Finola McDonnell, Vice President of International Marketing and Communications at CNBC said: “Cowes Week is one of Britain’s oldest summer sporting events and it’s clear that our audiences

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complement each other well. We look forward to working with CWL and to raising awareness of the event to our international influential and affluent audience.”

Michelle Warner, Sales and Marketing Director at CWL, added: “This is the first time that our regatta has established a relationship of this nature and we’re delighted to be working with CNBC to increase the international reach of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week with a huge European audience.

We’re always looking at ways in which we can engage with more people from home and further afield; this new relationship provides us with a perfect vehicle to do this.”

This year’s regatta takes place from 2 – 9 August and will be supported by an advertising campaign on CNBC this month

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Lower Adgestone Road reopened following major drainage works M

By Gavin Foster

Lower Adgestone Road has been re-opened following major work by Island Roads to install new drainage.

Last month, high groundwater levels caused one side of the carriageway to slip considerably. As a result, the road was subject to an emergency closure while Island Roads investigated a solution.

Now, following the introduction of a new system that should be far more effective, the road is once again open.

Dave Wallis, Island Roads environmental services manager, said: “Highways across the Island have been affected by the high groundwater levels following a particularly wet winter period.

“At Lower Adgestone Road, the problem was severe and we have had to apply a robust solution to ensure we can keep the road open for the foreseeable future.

“We know that residents were concerned that it was initially necessary to close the road but we are glad to be able to complete the work and re-open it once more.”

At Lower Adgestone Road, the problem was severe

NEW TOURIST INFORMATION POINT OPENS IN FRESHWATER M

By Sue Emmerson

Visitors to the West Wight now have further opportunity to keep updated with information about the historic area and the Island thanks to a new Tourist Information Point at Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Freshwater Bay. The TP was opened on Thursday 3rd July by Cllr Shirley Smart, Executive Member for Economy and Tourism Dr Rachel Flynn, Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator at Dimbola and Cllr Clive Fleury, Chairman of Freshwater Parish Council.

The Tourist Information Point is located in the museum shop. As well as enjoying wide ranging exhibitions, discovering more about Julia Margaret Cameron and enjoying a cup of tea in an award winning cafe, visitors will now have access to free, friendly advice and information to help them make the most of their visit to the West Wight and the Isle of Wight.

Updated signage has been created to attract visitors to the Tourist Information Point and staff will be on hand to offer guidance on attractions, entertainment, events and eating out. Visitors and locals alike will be able to pick-up promotional material, including maps, guides and gifts.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for tourism, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Dimbola has become the latest in our network of tourist information points to open on the Isle of Wight.

Dimbola attracts many people to the West Wight thanks to its renowned status in the world of photography so it is a great base for the new point which will provide a wide variety of information for visitors.”

This new visitor centre is the latest in a series of investments made by Visit Isle of Wight, thanks to financial support from the Isle of Wight Council, aimed at improving visitor information across the Island. Since July 2013, new tourist information points have opened in Shanklin, Ryde, Brighstone, Ventnor, Brading, Godshill, Sandown, Newport, Yarmouth & East Cowes.

New Tourist Information Point at Dimbola Museum and Galleries,

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

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

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

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

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

COMMUNITY RESEARCH AND INFORMATION INTO EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS 29

VectisWeather Research into Extreme Weather on the Isle of Wight

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more details please email vectisweather@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHILDREN TO COMPETE IN ANNUAL PRIMARY SCHOOL ISLAND GAMES Hundreds of children will head to Sandown's Fairway Sports Complex this Saturday (12 July) for the annual Primary School Island Games. Pupils from 35 Island schools will take part in the popular sporting event which has been taking place on the Isle of Wight since 2008.

Organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Sports Unit, primary school children compete in seven sports during the day.

These are handball, tag rugby, basketball, netball, hockey, cricket and athletics.

Each school represents an international island on the day, which schools grouped by area. The Cayman Islands will be represented by schools from the Bay area, Cowes area schools will be Menorca, West Wight schools will represent Bermuda, schools from the Newport area will be the Western Isles, while St Helena and Greenland will be represented by schools from Ryde and Ventnor respectively.

During the day, there will also be a 'come and try' zone for people to have a go at volleyball, golf and archery. The council's One Card team will be on hand to discuss activities at council leisure centres, while representatives from public health will be

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promoting the Change 4 Life '10 Minute Shake-up' scheme. This aims to encourage children to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day by taking part in fun games that last 10 minutes each that all the family can take part in. People can sign up for a ’10 minute shake up’ pack which includes a free stopwatch, activity cards featuring characters from Disney’s Frozen, Monsters, Jungle Book and Fairies, and a Disney-themed wall chart and stickers.

The event gives children the opportunity to experience what it feels like to take part in a large sporting event. It aims to inspire those taking part to lead healthy and active lifestyles and encourage children to pursue one or a number of sports as they grow up.

The opening ceremony will start at 9.30am with schools taking part in a parade, carrying their team flag before the games start at 10.15am. Presentation of medals takes place from 1.30pm, with the overall winner announced at 2pm. Last year's overall champions St Helena (schools from the Ryde area) will look to defend their title

and are the competition's most successful team, having won it on all but one occasion since the games began in 2008.

The games form an important part of the council’s legacy work following the NatWest Island Games which took place on the Island in 2011.

Councillor Richard Priest, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children's servioes, said: "The Primary School Island Games is an important event in the Island’s sporting calendar and not only gives children the chance to compete in various sports in a friendly manner, it also designed to show them at an early age what sporting competition is all about.

“I am sure everyone taking part will have a great time”.

Spectators are welcome and refreshments will be available.

Programme: 9.30am to 10am – opening ceremony 10.15am – games begin 1.30pm to 2pm – individual sports presentations 2pm to 2.15pm – overall games winners announced For more information about the event please contact the Isle of Wight Council Sports Unit on (01983) 823818

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

Purchase of sugary drinks falls during healthy swaps M

Island has a vibrant media culture, says Newport West Councillor Newport West Councillor, Chris Whitehouse, who doubles as Clerk to the All-Party Parliamentary Media Group, this week welcomed Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, the Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport, to the Annual Reception of the Group at Channel 4’s ultra-modern Westminster Headquarters.

The 400 hundred guests at the event included Members of both Houses of Parliament, including Island MP, Andrew Turner, and leading figures from the media sector.

Mr Javid used the occasion to set out his vision for the future of the dynamic UK media industry.

Cllr Whitehouse today said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. I was delighted to meet the Secretary of State and took the opportunity to brief him on the Island’s vibrant media culture, with a wide range of news outlets that together create a real sense of Island community.”

Photo shows the Secretary of State (left) with Cllr Whitehouse, who has now organized the annual event for 23 consecutive years.

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By Chris Whitehouse

Isle of Wight Mail

New figures show that the purchase of sugary fizzy drinks fell by more than 8% following Public Health England’s (PHE’s) Change4Life January 2014 campaign when compared with January 2013. This drop has been sustained – from January to May 2014 the average fall in purchasing overall was more than 5%.

More than 400,000 families signed up to Change4Life’s Smart Swaps which aimed to encourage families to make one easy swap to help cut sugar and fat from their everyday food and drink. The most popular swap chosen by families was from sugary drinks to sugar-free drinks.

These results come as PHE publishes its new marketing strategy setting out how PHE will motivate and support millions more people to make and sustain changes that improve their health. It is focused on 3 lifestages; Starting Well, Living Well and Ageing Well. There will be new areas of work including a focus on teenagers, improving mental health and cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Meanwhile, smoking claims over 80,000 lives each year, 1.6 million people are dependent on alcohol and over half a million new STIs were diagnosed in 2010.

Sheila Mitchell, Marketing Director at PHE said: “This marketing strategy supports PHE’s mission to protect and improve the country’s health.

Over the next 3 years we have an ambitious programme of evidencebased marketing campaigns which will help cut deaths and improve health outcomes. We have already made progress with campaigns like Change4Life, Be Clear on Cancer and Stoptober and we want to build on this success by delivering costeffective marketing programmes that make a measureable difference to people’s health throughout their lives.”

The Change4Life Smart Swaps campaign, which ran in January 2014, generated more than 3 million unique visitors and was supported by the majority of local authorities and thousands of discount offers in Asda, Co-operative Food, Aldi and Lidl stores. Sales data show an 8.6% reduction in the purchase of sugary drinks compared to the same period the previous year. Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at PHE said: “The reduction in the purchase of sugary drinks over January 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 is encouraging. Because this reduction coincides with the period of the Change4Life Smart Swaps campaign it suggests the influence marketing can have on behaviour change.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of starchy foods, fruit and vegetables and eating less salt, saturated fat and sugar, together with being more active, will help people to maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

GIANT FOSSIL GOES ON DISPLAY AT MUSEUM

Island is celebrating 150 years of rail M

Alex Peaker with the ammonite - Credit Isle of Wight Council/Dinosaur Isle A 100 million year old fossil recently found near Sandown Beach that weighs in at over 110 kilos has now gone on display at Dinosaur Isle Museum in the town.

A large ammonite, which is also a complete specimen, was discovered near a cliff face by staff member Alex Peaker during a fossil walk.

The ammonite, identified as Austiniceras austeni, belongs to a group of ammonites known as Parapuzosia which are acknowledged to be the largest ammonites in the world.

Alex recalls: “I was walking past some debris that had recently fallen from the cliff on a fossil hunting walk when I spotted the round characteristic shape of an ammonite. At first I didn’t want to get my hopes up as shapes can be misleading, however I took a closer look and saw the distinctive lines of an ammonite shell.

“Because it was below the cliff face, we sought permission to remove it from National Trust which is the landowner. It is lucky I spotted it when I did because it could have been washed away and lost to science.”

Collecting the ammonite was a difficult task, with the fossil part of a large block of rock weighing in at

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By Simon Butler

around two hundred kilos. Undeterred, it took three members of staff eight hours to remove enough of the surrounding rock to lift the ammonite. It was then transported using a beach buggy that has large inflatable tyres capable of carrying heavy weights over soft sand back to the museum.

Since March, the ammonite has been worked on in the lab at Dinosaur Isle by Martin New who has carefully removed the remaining rock from the shell and given it a clean, finally revealing the fossil in its full complete form.

Alex added: "It is very pleasing my find has been able to go on display at Dinosaur Isle Museum for all to enjoy.

"It just shows you never know when you may find something and it further reinforces the Isle of Wight's reputation as one of the world's best locations to find fossils."

Dinosaur Isle is very grateful to the National Trust for the loan of this specimen and allowing it to go out on display at the museum.

Dementia Awareness Day A Dementia Awareness Day organised by the Memory Service is being held on Wednesday 16th July 2014 between 10am – 3pm in the Conference Room at St Mary’s Hospital. The Day is open to anyone who may have any questions relating to dementia. It will also provide education and support to those individuals or their family members who may need it.

Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms which include memory, mood changes and problems with communication and reasoning. A number of different diseases can cause dementia, the most common cause being Alzheimer’s disease. It is important that people receive good information and support in order to better understand the condition and to maintain an active lifestyle for as long as possible.

As we age the prevalence of dementia increases and therefore areas with higher elderly populations will have higher rates of recorded dementia. Dementia is more common in older people but can affect people at any age with one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six over the age of 80 having some form of dementia. Dementia prevalence has increased on the Island over the last five years and nationally there has been a 66.5% increase in the number of people

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By Jo Cram

registered with dementia. The Office of National Statistics has predicted that there will be a further 21% increase in registered dementia prevalence by 2020.

There are about 800,000 people in the UK with dementia including over 17,000 people in the UK under the age of 65.

The Memory Service at St Mary’s Hospital is a specialist service for people who are having problems with their memory, or other aspects of their thinking.

The initial contact may be for an assessment with one of our Consultants and then progress to involvement with Nurses, Occupational Therapists and other members of the team, who are able to offer assessment, advice and signpost appropriate services and agencies.

On the day there will be representatives from numerous Island-based services including Age UK, Alzheimers Café, Hampton trust and Social Services.

Please come along and meet the team. Any concerns or questions regarding yourself or a loved one will be dealt with in a discreet and confidential manner.

By Stephen Forster

This year, the Isle of Wight celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway between Ryde St. Johns Road and Shanklin. On Saturday 30th August, residents and visitors to the Island are invited to join in various celebrations that will be taking place at stations along the line.

These events will give people a chance to step back in time and travel through 150 years of rail transport and life on the Isle of Wight. Celebrations will include a vintage vehicle display at Ryde St Johns Road, as well a model railway exhibition, a steam roller and a live Wight Island radio broadcast at Sandown Station; there will also be some old railway photographs on display from Sandown Historical Association.

Ryde Esplanade Travel Centre will host the IWR 150 Exhibition display and Brading Station will also be hosting a 1950s day which will include signal box tours as well as vintage and memorabilia stalls.

Visitors to Shanklin station will be partying through 150 years with entertainment for all ages, wandering through a selection of local traders' stalls and vintage vehicles whilst enjoying a refreshing drink in the Pimms tent or sampling some Rail Ale. To ensure everybody can get involved with all of the festivities, the tickets include unlimited rail travel on all Island Line services, as well as unlimited travel on the Isle of Wight Steam railway and a return vintage bus ride between Shanklin and Ventnor Garden.

Discounted admittance for Ventnor Botanic Garden is also included in the ticket.

Tickets will be available to buy in advance for just £18.64 from 1st July 2014 from Ryde Esplanade or Shanklin ticket offices, as well as Wightlink’s Portsmouth Harbour ticket office. Advance online tickets will also be available from the 1st July at www.hovertravel.co.uk and www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk. There will be the opportunity to buy tickets on the day for £20.00.

For anybody wanting to visit the island from the mainland for this anniversary, there will be the opportunity to purchase discounted ferry tickets from both Hovertravel and Wightlink.

This event is supported by the Isle of Wight Rail Community Partnership which is made up of: Island Line, Southern Vectis, Hovertravel, Wightlink, Ryde Town Council and Sandown Town Council. Shanklin and Lake Town Councils are also involved with this celebration.

NEWS

Southern Water Newt Release An important colony of rare great crested newts has been saved by the speedy response of a team of water workers.

The creatures, an endangered species, were in danger of being washed away in the torrent gushing from a dramatic pipe burst near their pond on the Isle of Wight.

But operators from Southern Water and its contractor Clancy Docwra were at the scene so fast they were able to halt the flow of water before it could reach the pond and contaminate it.

They also prevented the water from damaging the nearby farmhouse, Kitbridge Farm, a listed building.

Kitbridge, near Newport, is an important conservation trust for environmental and built heritage. As well as the newts, it is home to nearly 50 other protected species including owls, kites, adders and lizards.

Mark Earp, who lives in the house and is project manager of the trustees, said: “I woke up to a great noise, looked out and saw the yard under a foot of water. I looked down the lane and saw the water pipe had burst and I started to panic.

“The flow of water was incredible and it was coming closer to the house and the main breeding pond where the newts are breeding right now. I started trying to block up drainholes to the pond with sand and gravel and rang Southern Water.

“Along with the team from Clancy Docwra they leapt into action and did a superb job. Afterwards they reinstated the gravel lane, which had practically washed away, without even being asked. They really got on with it.”

It was lucky Mr Earp was there – he is licensed to handle newts and was able to rescue a couple that had got flushed out of drainage tubes. He said: “They were heavily pregnant females and I was able to put them back in the pond. We have our fingers crossed that all is well.”

Trish Jenkins

Bringing a Bajan flavour from one island to another, Mount Gay Rum will once again offer a taste of the Caribbean as the official Regatta Rum at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. For more than three centuries, Mount Gay has perpetuated a long-standing Barbadian tradition for producing the world's oldest refined rum and has a kinship with the sailing regatta that is one of the UK's longest sporting events.

Brand Ambassador Miguel Smith said he is delighted to renew Mount Gay's sponsorship: "'Mount Gay sponsors over 120 regattas and puts the same passion and dedication into its rum as Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week competitors do into their sailing. Mount Gay has long been associated with the sea and we hope the sailors will enjoy a glass of our

National Piers Society M

Rare great crested newt

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By Sam Underwood

Mr Earp was so grateful to the water workers that he emailed Southern Water and Clancy saying: “We cannot thank you enough. Please pass on our gratitude to the highest levels – your men dealt with the situation so speedily and professionally.”

Dave West, Southern Water Field Performance Manager, said: “We were very pleased to help a customer in need, not to mention the newts. Our guys certainly sprang into action – but they are used to working fast in an emergency.”

Black Barrel at Cowes Week

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

new Mount Gay Black Barrel, which was released to celebrate the brand's 311-year history." All Mount Gay rums are made from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates and are matured in toasted oak barrels. Throughout the week thousands of competitors, visitors and spectators will be able to enjoy their favourite Mount Gay Rum tipple at one of the many venues around Cowes and at the Mount Gay supported events and tastings.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is known for its lively shoreside festival atmosphere and one of the most popular parties is the Mount Gay Red Cap Party on Thursday, 7th August at Shepards Wharf.

Regardless of the weather, a Caribbean vibe will be brought to town with live music, Mount Gay cocktails and a coveted Red Cap for the first 500 ticket holders to arrive.

By Anya Chapman

Seaside piers are British icons, akin to red telephone boxes and London Routemaster buses. Unlike wooden jetties and boardwalks found elsewhere, Victorian pleasure piers are unique to the UK. No other country in the world has piers as we know them in Britain.

The original piers were simply landing jetties. By the late 19th century they were being built as fashionable places for promenading among smart folk. Later they became places of mass entertainment for the working classes, and theatres, bandstands and concert halls were added to them.

By the start of the 20th century there were nearly 100 piers around the British coastline. Today approximately 60 piers remain and it is estimated that almost 70% of the British population have visited at least one pier in the last five years.

The National Piers Society was founded by Sir John Betjeman in 1979 and is the only national organisation dedicated to this unique part of our seaside heritage. It campaigns to raise awareness of Britain's piers and to save those that are in danger for the enjoyment of everyone.

The National Piers Society now has over 700 members (including most piers).

It publishes a quarterly magazine, and advises heritage bodies, lottery boards, local authorities and the media on all matters relating to piers. It has a regular programme of visits and talks.

Each year members of the National Piers Society vote for 'Pier of the Year' Award. This has become a prestigious and sought-after award.

The Pier of The Year for 2014 is Penarth in South Wales.

The NPS has also introduced an award scheme for engineering achievement in pier restoration.

The long-term aim of the NPS is to establish a National Piers Museum in one of Britain's seaside resorts.

2014 marks the 200th anniversary of the British seaside pier - Ryde on the Isle of Wight. To celebrate this occasion the National Piers Society will hold its AGM in Ryde from 11th13th July. The weekend's events include a visit to the Donald McGill museum of seaside postcards (http://saucyseasidepostcards.com), a champagne drinks reception and gala dinner.

The AGM weekend will be launched by the NPS patron and celebrity Gyles Brandreth.

The AGM will also see the launch of the new English Heritage book British Seaside Piers (written by NPS Directors Anthony Wills and Tim Phillips). This is the first book of its kind and illustrates the rediscovery of piers as a key part of our seaside heritage.

For further information on the National Piers Society please see www.piers.org.uk

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The Isle of Wight Mail | Friday 2 May Isle of Wight Mail – Monday, 14th2014 July 2014

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