IW Gazette 34

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NEWS

NEWS

EVENTS

Party at Barton Manor see pages 16 and 17HOSPICE FUNDRAISER

House is a wash out

Page 11

May and Derek Young speak about how they woke up to a flooded house.

Classic cars at Ryde seafront

Page 18

THE GAZETTE: NOW ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS! PAGE 27

Frosty night at Winter Gardens

Page 7

Friday September 25, 2009

NEW MURDER CHARGE

BLADES ON THE MOVE

POLICE launched a military-style operation in the early hours of Tuesday morning so that wind turbine blades could be moved from the Vestas factory.

The carefully planned move resulted in protestors leaving their makeshift base at the rear of the Danish company’s premises in Newport.

The operation took place as Vestas prepared to take the blades from their factory on to an awaiting barge in the River Medina. Police put up fencing so protestors could not intercept the blades, as officers closely guarded the surrounding area.

Continued on page 3

An Island man has been charged with the murder of 57-year-old entertainer Richard Ball.

Mr Ball was attacked outside the Sands Hotel on Culver Parade on the evening of July 25, and was rushed to hospital.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s IW CID to charge William Ernest Heywood with murder this week.

Mr Heywood, 68, who lives in Fairview Crescent, Sandown, was initially arrested in connection with the assault and was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent at the time and was remanded in custody. Mr Heywood has now been charged with murder.

Mr Ball died in hospital on August 17, and a post-mortem examination, which was conducted at St. Mary’s

Hospital, found the cause of death was attributable to head injuries.

Mr Heywood appeared before Island magistrates yesterday morning (Thursday) and was remanded in custody until October 1, when he will appear at Winchester Crown Court.

Mr Ball was a singer and guitarist and had previously lived in Northamptonshire, before settling on the Island. Richard Ball

www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, September 25, 20092

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The Isle of Wight Gazette

An IW police officer appeared before a judge at Guilford Crown court on a string of offences this week.

Suspended Police Sergeant Jason Bolwell of Amherst Place, Ryde, stood in the dock passively and entered not guilty pleas to five counts.

He was charged that on a date between December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2007 he removed tools from a room in Mill House in Brightstone. A further offence was that between November 6, 2006 and December 31, 2006, whilst in police uniform, he sold

roof slates to Neil Harrison. The 40 year old entered further not guilty pleas to fraudulent obtaining welfare payments from Hampshire Police totaling £1,700. The case has been adjourned for trial in March 2010. Bolwell was released on unconditional bail.

POLICEMAN IN COURT

Suspended Police Sergeant Jason Bolwell

www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, September 25, 2009 3

NEWS

IT’S BEHIND YOU!

Continued from front page

Around 18 defiant protestors held banners in support of the sacked workers, but a stronghold of 30 police officers ensured there was no disruption to the removal of the blades. Eventually the protestors had to concede defeat, and left peacefully with no arrests made.

Officers issued warnings to about 13 people suspected of ‘having committed, committing, or about to commit criminal offences of aggravated trespass’ to occupiers near to the factory.

Hampshire Police’s IW Commander, Chief Superintendent David Thomas said: “Hampshire Constabulary can confirm police officers carried out a planned operation on land

near the Vestas wind turbine blade factory, Newport, where a protest over the factory’s closure was taking place. These protestors left the area voluntarily and peacefully. No arrests were made.

“A number of items of property were seized and secured at the scene of

the protest to prevent loss or damage. Hampshire Constabulary has already returned some items, and the remainder is available for collection from Newport Police Station.”

He added: “Hampshire Constabulary’s role is to

monitor the situation, ensure public safety and order, prevent and investigate any reported crimes, and recognise and where possible facilitate peaceful protests outside the factory.”

One protestor, Mark Smith summed up the mood. He said: “It’s sad, but it’s not the end of it. They were bound to move the blades but we are going to fight on.

“We are still protesting, and we want reinstatement of the sacked workers, and we want a better package. It’s a shame other workers haven’t supported us, but we will fight on.”

Meanwhile, Vestas Technology plans to start work soon on a new research and development centre at Stag Lane, Newport after planners gave it the go ahead.

“It’s sad, but it’s not the end of it.


NEWS

THE IW CHAMBER of Commerce has announced Kerstine Andrews as their new Tourism and Industry membership officer.

Kerstine joins the chamber after a varied career including spells in retail, training and estate agency on the Island. She will be looking to help a diverse range of business people to make the most of their chamber membership, as well as encourage more Island businesses to take advantage of the benefits on offer.

“This isn’t a hard sell. There are so many benefits, apart from the networking opportunities. Once I explain the advantages, most people do decide to join us,” said Kerstine.

“One of the best things about this role is being able to meet people, learn about their businesses, and listen to their ideas. The Island is my home, and it is a special place.”

She added: “The Chamber exists to help and support Island businesses, and it is

a privilege to be able to play my part.”

Kerstine lives in Newport, and has a daughter at university, a son who is an apprentice engineer on the Island, and a stepson at school.

Latest research has shown

that the IW Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest levels of membership in the country among all sizes of business, and is number one in Britain for the number of member companies with between 50 and 249 employees.

NEW ROLE FOR KERSTINEPOLICE have confirmed that they made one arrest at a demonstration by climate campaigners in Newport. Police spokeswoman, Emma Apter said: “Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that one climate protestor was arrested following a peaceful demonstration in Newport.“This related to a breach of bail conditions for association with another, following their arrest in Southampton.”The arrest came after several campaigners marched around Newport in support of the sacked Vestas workers, and in an attempt to get more green jobs on the Island.The protest started at Church Litten Park, before heading down to Newport Police Station. The rally was planned to coincide with other events and marches taking place across the country.

ONE ARRESTED AT DEMO

THREE CAR SMASHPolice were called to reports of a three-car road traffic accident on Newport Road, Lake, last Friday (September 18).

Officers received reports of the incident at around 8.15am, involving a Ford Transit, Vauxhall Astra and Nissan Micra.

The Nissan Micra driver, a 60-year-old woman from Sandown, and the Vauxhall Astra driver, a 31-year-old woman from Newport, both received what were described as minor injuries at the scene. The Ford Transit driver was not injured.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision between Landrover and a Vauxhall Zafira on Morton Road, Brading.

Just after 1pm on Wednesday (September 23), a green Landrover Discovery was heading towards Sandown on the A3055 Morton Road when it collided with a stationary, silver

Vauxhall Zafira.The driver of the Landrover,

a 57-year-old man from Ryde, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

The occupants of the Zafira, a 67-year-old man driving and a 62-year-old woman passenger, both from Brading, were treated at the scene for shock.

The road was closed to allow for an investigation and recovery of the vehicles. It was re-opened at around 4.25pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Martin Norman at the Shanklin Roads Policing unit, quoting Operation Robe, on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

BRADING CRASH


NEWS

WORKERS are striving to ensure there will be no further delays to the new catamaran service between Ryde and Portsmouth.

After the official launch of Wightlink’s new service with vessels Wight Ryder I and II was put back by eight days, fears were expressed that work would still not be finished in time.

However Wightlink marketing and Public Relations manager Kerry Jackson insisted this weekend’s open day would go ahead as planned, and that the service would become fully operational on Tuesday.

But behind the scenes, The Gazette has been told that the whole project has apparently suffered a catalogue of errors and mishaps.

There was talk they would be in service in the summer, but Wightlink decided on a delay until after the Bestival, to avoid any damage by revellers.

But that appears to be only the tip of the cross-Solent iceberg. One source claimed: “Cables

that were sent for the gangways but were two metres short.

“Then a beam was sent over but had no bolts to fit it, so that caused another delay, and when the bolts arrived there were no nuts. The riggers came all the way from Birmingham, so they had to come back again and wait for another cable.

“There have been other delays in getting the materials over to the Island side of the project, due to health and safety restrictions.”

Another source reckoned: “The whole project has been dogged with things going wrong. I think it’s just down to a lack of organisation, and the whole thing has been a total joke from start to finish.”

There have also been rumblings of discontent that the new ‘cats’ will soon be outdated because of their size. They can take 260 passengers compared to 294 on the current Fastcats ‘Ryde’ and ‘Shanklin’.

One source added: “We already leave passengers behind. This will, of course,

make things even worse. Not only that but they are slower, too.”

Wightlink argue that the new vessels’ capacity was based on the carryings of previous years and passengers left behind were as a result of timetable changes that reduced sailings.

The open days will take place today (Friday) and tomorrow when return tickets will be £2. Then it should be full steam ahead on Tuesday, with the first ‘cat’ due to leave Portsmouth for Ryde at 10.15am.

Wightlink’s Kerry Jackson said: “The latest delay was because the gangways, used for loading and unloading, in both Portsmouth and Ryde had to be commissioned. We didn’t want to take any chances so we put the first sailing back from last Monday until next Tuesday.

“They have now been certified as working properly and being in the right place. But I am not aware of any other problems, and I have certainly not been told that there will be further delays.”

CATS IN THE DOG HOUSE AGAIN

SANDOWN and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat were kept busy at the weekend, with three call-outs.

The first call was a 999 from Solent Coastguard after reports of a surf-boarder drifting about 100 yards out in Sandown Bay.

The lifeboat crew found the board with no one and no equipment on it, and then searched the area up to Culver, but found

nothing. Senior coxswain Mark Birch explained: “We have to make a search as we did not know if someone had fallen off of it. The Bembridge Coastguard team also attended, and carried out a shore search.”

The following day the Inshore Lifeboat went to the aid of 27ft yacht Rough Feeling that had suffered engine failure and was three miles south of the Bembridge Ledge buoy

with six people on board.Mr Birch said: “We arrived

at the vessel and they were becalmed. We towed the vessel up the Solent where there was a stronger wind and they were happy to go on unassisted so we returned to station.”

The third call-out was to 26ft motor vessel Kokomo with three people on board, one with suspected heart problems, and the vessel had engine failure

2.5 miles south east of Sandown pier.

Mr Birch continued: “We arrived on scene and took a man in his 50s to Yaverland slipway where paramedics and Bembridge Coastguard were waiting to treat him.

“Once handed over we went straight back to the vessel and put it on tow which took two and a half hours, and took them to Bembridge harbour and placed them on a pontoon.”

BUSY TIME AT SANDOWN

DIRECTOR and television producer, Rodney Hearth is at a loss as to why his bookings have been cancelled at Ventnor Winter Gardens. He had been regularly bringing acts to the venue under a gentleman’s agreement with the former Winter Gardens committee.

Mr. Hearth owns UK Entertainment Channel, UK Concert Channel and UK Arts Channel. Through his contacts, the programme maker had been attracting names such as Linda Gail Lewis, sister of the great Jerry Lee, and the Chloe Hall Trio, to the Winter Gardens. The arrangement was that he would then film the gigs and supply the

artist with a high quality DVD of the evening, along with showing the concerts on his television channels.

Cllr David George, Chair of Ventnor Winter Gardens Committee, whose company Utility Films makes training and information films on issues such as bullying and fire safety, had cancelled at least four of Mr. Hearth’s proposed bookings. When asked why by the Gazette at this week’s Winter Gardens Committee meeting he replied: “I believe that the shows that you were referring to, there was no contract, and it’s best not to go into that any further for legal reasons.”

Mr. Hearth said that if Cllr George wanted to draw up a contact he would be happy to sign it. “We have a memorandum of agreement with County Hall for all the IW Council run theatres in which we film,” he added.

When contacted by The Gazette with this information, Cllr George declined to comment.

UNGENTLEMANLY DISAGREEMENT


NEWS

NEWPORT’S Guildhall was in the pink last Wednesday evening when in a forerunner to next month’s ‘Isle of Pink’ push by the Breast Cancer Campaign, the building was bathed in pink light.

The council worked with local lighting specialist Happy Daze to create the spectacular pink Guildhall to get everyone in the mood for next month, and the company will also be turning the building pink again during October. Local construction company Mountjoy also provided time and materials for the installation.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and last year’s Breast Cancer Campaign encouraged everyone on the Isle of Wight to host a pink fundraising event during the month to help raise vital funds for breast cancer research. The initiative was a great success, raising a fantastic £20,000. This year the charity is hoping to build on the Isle of Pink’s popularity.

Along with the council, many other companies and tourist attractions will be giving the Isle of Pink their full support such as Wightlink, Blackgang Chine, Flamingo Park, The Isle of Wight Zoo, Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Needles Park and the Steam Railway.

Lauren Basket, Breast Cancer Campaign Community Development Manager, said “Last year’s Isle of Pink was a terrific success and this year we’re hoping to make it even bigger and better. We’re confident we can reach our £40,000 target, but we need your help. So get your thinking caps on and start planning what pink fundraising activities you can hold to help raise vital funds for breast cancer research!”

Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the IW Council, said “We are delighted to support Breast

Cancer Campaign again this year. The historic Guildhall has been at the heart of Newport’s community for many years. Designed by John Nash and built between 1814-16, the Guildhall has been used as a market, courthouse and was even home to the Borough’s fire engine for a time.

“By partnering up with Happy

Daze we have been able to create a spectacular sight in Newport and I hope its new look will inspire people to get into the pink spirit and support this valuable cause. The council will once again be encouraging staff to wear it pink on October 30 and hold pink fundraising events throughout October.”

Breast Cancer Campaign is encouraging everyone on the Island to join in with the Isle of Pink by organising their own pink-themed events. For more information on how to organise your own event, or to take part in any of the Isle of Pink events, call 020 7749 3708 or visit www.breastcancercampaign.org

NEWPORT IS TICKLED PINK

STaFF from the Isle of Wight NHS will be practising their own advice as they eneter the last leg of the change4Life fund raising event for the Barely Born Appeal and Walk 4 Life.

The final leg of starts at St John’s Road train station, Ryde tomorrow (Saturday September 26) at around 9am and will finish at the Spyglass Inn, The Esplanade, Ventnor between 3 and 4pm.

The walk is the

culmination of a challenging 190-mile walk which has stretched through the NHS South Central region, from Milton Keynes down to the Island.

The event started on started on September 17, when a core team from ‘South Central Strategic Health Authority’ walked around 20 miles each day covering the counties of Berkshire, B u c k i n g h a m s h i r e , Oxfordshire, Hampshire

and the Isle of Wight.Healthcare staff in each

Primary Care Trust were invited to join in for an hour, a day or longer to show their support for Walk4Life.

Professor John Newton, Regional Director of Public Health at South Central Strategic Health Authority, is hoping raise awareness of both the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity. Walk4Life is part of the lifestyle revolution

‘Change4Life’ that is helping families to eat well, move more and live longer.

Professor Newton said: “I want to show that the NHS is practising its own advice about staying active and highlight the importance of incorporating physical activity into our everyday lives. Our often busy and sedentary lifestyles make it much harder than it used to be to maintain a healthy weight and as a

region we are becoming more overweight and as a consequence less healthy.

“Walking is a fantastic way to improve our health and wellbeing - it’s good for your heart and lungs, helps reduce body fat, lowers blood pressure, improves bone growth and will improve your feeling of wellbeing.”

Anyone wanting to join in the walk tomorrow should meet at St John’s train station, Ryde before 9am.

A BIG STEP FOR APPEAL

AND THEN there were none. Twin sister container ships Western Highway and Caribbean Highway that have been sitting in Sandown Bay for months, have finally been separated at berth!

The vessels, that carry cars and plant machinery, have been idle because of the recession, and have not moved out of sight of residents and holidaymakers alike since they dropped anchor last March.

But now Western Highway has made its way into Southampton Docks, presumably to begin work again. And within a few days of the Western Highway heading towards Southampton, its sister ship Caribbean Highway also said farewell to Sandown Bay.

SEPARATED AT BERTH


NEWS

The police were called to a meeting of Ventnor Town Council this week by the mayor when tempers flared over plans to discuss putting ownership of the building in the hands of a Community Interest Company (CIC), without questions permitted from the floor. PCSO Chris Urry was in attendance, but was only present to prevent a breach of the peace.

Calls of “Why? Why? Why?” and “You made the agenda, you can change it,” were made from the sixty or so assembled townspeople when it was discovered that although item six on the Wintergardens M a n a g e m e n t Committee meeting had two mentions of ‘discussion’ there was no item on the agenda for questions from the floor.

Cllr Buster Bartlett asked why there was no provision for questions from the public as they (the councillors) were here to represent the public but was told by Chair of the Wintergardens Committee, David George that, “we are unable to discuss un agenda-ed items.”

There was a further objection from Cllr Bartlett to which Cllr George replied: “…We have to stick to the agenda this evening.”

Cllr Robbie Mew then asked why there were no questions at the beginning of the meeting as there usually were and Cllr George said: “I am sorry Cllr Mew but we are unable to take questions this evening.

Members of the audience of around fifty people then began calling “Why Why Why?” And

“You made the agenda, you

can change it.” “I am unable

to take question time this evening as it is not on the agenda,” repeated Cllr George as the meeting broke down and the noise level

prevented any further communication.

When the noise died down Cllr Bartlett pointed out that there had been a discussion about money that hadn’t been on the agenda so he thought there should be question time on the agenda. There was loud applause from the floor.

Mrs Val Taylor then asked to make a legal point through the chair and Cllr. George said, “No you may not and if you continue to interrupt me I will have you removed,” to calls of “let her speak,” from the floor. After conferring with the (acting) clerk, Cllr George allowed Mrs Taylor to

continue. “There was no notice of this

meeting posted on Thursday… you have to give three clear days notice, and that doesn’t count Saturday and Sunday…It has been verified by other people that it was not posted,” she declared. “Any decisions you make in this meeting, because it was not posted correctly, are illegal and are ultra vires and any financial decisions made at the meeting - you councillors that vote for them will be personally responsible. I don’t want to see that happen and that is why I am bringing it to your attention.” This was greeted with loud applause from the floor.

After consulting with his fellow councilors, Cllr George proposed that meeting be formally closed and that: “We hold an informal consultation and questions can be asked. They won’t necessarily be answered, but they can be asked.”

Chris Welsford, Town Mayor, then addressed the audience and said in his speech: “I need to tell you our intentions, which are that we are not here to close the Winter Gardens. We’re not here to persecute or drive out councillor Perks (who runs the catering and drinks concession) – that is also malicious gossip. We are here to try to get a workable solution to allow this place to survive for the next 50 years.”

Cllr Susan Scoccia then asked why there had been no questions from

the floor on the agenda and Cllr. Welsford said it was because the agenda was so long and because all of the questions would have been answered in the meeting. Cllr Scoccia said this was not acceptable

Cllr George then gave a speech, giving details of the £600k needed to repair the building, £100k of which is needed for the roof, which he said “would not be forthcoming from the IW Council.” He concluded by saying that there were only two choices in his opinion: “We can continue to patch up the building as best we can using the very limited resources we have at our disposal,” or, “We can explore the possibility of a Community Asset Transfer. This could place the building into the stewardship of a dedicated Community Interest Company...”

Cllr Buster Bartlett asked why he had no knowledge of the meetings councillors had had with the Head of Property Services at the IW Council until two brown envelopes had been dropped through his door last Wednesday. He proposed a vote of non-confidence in the meeting, which was seconded by Cllr Doug Nettleton and they left the room.

There were various questions from the floor including one from Mr. Anthony Churchill who asked which of the three types of company they might opt for as shares in a public limited company could be transferred into private ownership.

Cllr George said he didn’t know.Maureen Cawley, previous Town

Mayor and founder member of the Wintergardens Action Committee asked why the charity they had set up for the purpose of seeking funding for renovation work wouldn’t be used to apply for grants for the Wintergardens. Cllr Welsford replied that, “there was nothing to stop us coming to you, and talking to you, and to see a way through in those terms.”

Mrs Val Taylor came to the front of the room to speak and Cllr. Steven Stubbings interrupted to motion a vote to stop the meeting. However Mrs Taylor was able to voice her concerns over the forming of a CIC.

The meeting broke up shortly afterwards.

The police issued this statement: “Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that concerns over potential public disorder at a meeting at Ventnor Winter Gardens on Monday, September 21, 2009 were highlighted informally in advance to the South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) by the Mayor of Ventnor, Councillor Chris Welsford. A Police Community Support Officer, PCSO Chris Urry, volunteered to attend to monitor the meeting. No criminal offences were reported or identified. No further police action was necessary.”

Calls of “Why? Why? Why?” and “You made the agenda, you can change it,”

VIVA LAS VENTNOR!

“ - To discuss the long term future of the Wintergardens following a meeting held on September 8, 2009 between the Head of Property Services and councillors C. Welsford and D. George. “ – To discuss whether the chairman, deputy chairman and mayor should continue their inquiries into the possibility of transferring the Winter Gardens from Isle of Wight Council ownership into that of a Community Interest Company, to be set up for the purpose.”

Item six

Good Fairy Val Taylordeclared meeting illegal


NEWS

END OF AN ERA FOR JIMIT WAS a sad day for the Blake family on Ventnor seafront this week, as Jim’s boats were being made ready for auction. Due to health and safety restrictions hiring out the boats to holiday makers for rowing off of Ventnor beach had been made financially and practically impossible, and Jim wanted to see them go to a good home.

Jim built his first boat in 1953, and it is now in Blackgang Chine’s museum. “We used to build boats years ago. We learnt from the old boys,” said Jim of a craft that is now long gone.

In the Longshoreman’s Museum there are models of the boats, also made by Jim – a reminder of a time when Ventnor’s seafront had three families running the beach. “There were easily 1,500 deckchairs in those days,” said Jim. “But now people bring chairs in their cars.”

There were three different types of boats on the beach in those days, the canoes, the cock and hens and ram dams – one of the latter was also included in the auction. “There must have been around a 100 boats on the beach,” Jim recalled.

Four canoes were being

taken for auction along with five ‘cock and hens’. “It’s a cock at the bow and a hen at the stern,” said Jim. “It was for a chap to take his girlfriend or wife out for a row.”

Sophie Blake was hosing the dust from the boats, which had been stored in the boathouse since around 1985. “That’s when health and safety came on the scene,” said Jim. “They wanted an anchor in the boat in case it drifted away – we always had a boat kept for emergency use.”

Each occupant would also have to have a lifejacket under new laws – “How can you row with a lifejacket on,” said Jim. “I don’t think I’ve seen one capsize in all the time we used them.”

“We were also told that they had to have flares on the boat,” said Sophie who remembered going out in a double canoe with Dick Emery when he visited the beach.

Each boat was named for ladies related to the boat builders and sign writers and among the boats up for sale are Barbara Ann, Katy Jo, Candy and Greta. The auction is to be held today, Friday, September 25 at 10.30am at Arreton Barns.

GRANT FOR ART GROUP

THE HAMPSHIRE and IW Community Foundation (HIWCF) have given the Alresford Art Society a grant for £2,300.

The mainland group, which has 130 members, can now buy a camcorder, projector, tripod and a laptop to enhance talks by artists at their monthly meetings.

Art Society chairman David Hughes, said: “We invite well known artists to demonstrate their skills.

“Now they can be filmed and their artwork projected onto the big screen live. This means that everyone in the audience can get up close and personal with the art that is being created in front of their eyes.

The Society had received a grant for the new equipment as part of the HIWCF’s Grassroots fund, which aims to give grants to small, local voluntary organisations.

A 76-YEAR-OLD man who knocked down and killed a woman on his mobility scooter has been told he will not face charges.

The man was driving his scooter in High Street, Sandown, when he collided with 90-year-old Lillian Mace on July 21.

Mrs Mace, from Essex, had walked across a zebra crossing and had reached the pavement when the scooter hit her.

After consultation with

the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), a decision was reached not to prosecute the mobility scooter driver, and police have said that drivers of these types of vehicles are exempt from prosecution for careless or dangerous driving.

She was taken to St Mary’s Hospital with serious leg injuries, before being transferred to Salisbury Hospital, where she later died.

Inspector Allan Peacock from

H a m p s h i r e Constabulary’s Road Deaths Investigation team said: “We conducted a thorough and extensive investigation and sought to explore all the possibilities from the outset.

“Officers on patrol in the area at the time of the collision were on scene immediately and spoke to several witnesses.

“With the help of the media, we identified further witnesses,

and I’d like to thank everyone who was in Sandown on the day who came forward with information.

“Our officers went through CCTV and interviewed the scooter rider to gather as much evidence as possible and present it to the Crown Prosecution Service for review. Our thoughts are with Mrs Lacey’s family at this time.”

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said in a statement: “The

deceased, Mrs Macey, was hospitalised as a result of being knocked over by a disability scooter and unfortunately died in hospital.

“The police investigation was reviewed by Tim Cole, District Crown Prosecutor (DCP) for the Isle of Wight.

“He concluded that the standard of driving of the motor scooter fell below that of a competent and careful driver and was careless.

“However, the drivers of such vehicles are exempt by law from prosecution for either careless or dangerous driving.

“Other offences of assault and wanton or furious driving were considered. However, the DCP decided that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for those offences and therefore the driver will not be prosecuted.”

NO CHARGE FOR SCOOTER DRIVER


NEWS

Firefighters were called to a flat in Ryde after a neighbour spotted black smoke pouring out of a ground floor window.

The alarm was raised at about 1.15pm yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, and firefighters, police and ambulance were all called.

The flat, located in The Strand, Ryde, is owned by 89-year-old John Watson, who wasn’t in the property at the time of the fire.

“I was in the Baptist Church when I got told about the fire. I think it was an electrical fault but I wasn’t in the flat at the time. I think it may have been my electric blanket,” said Mr Watson.

“My bedroom looks like there has been a severe blaze in there and I won’t be sleeping there

for a while. My wife was in the building at the time.

“I have been an artist for 20 years, and luckily none of my work was damaged in the fire. I have an exhibition on at the moment in Ryde.”

“Perhaps more people will go and see my work after they hear about the fire.” Mr Watson joked.

Mr Watson’s wife, Pamela, was in another

part of the building when the fire broke out. She said: “John spends a lot time downstairs

in the studio and sometimes s l e e p s down there. I just saw the smoke c o m i n g out of the

windows.”Mike Wilson, who lives

opposite the flat, also spotted smoke coming from the property. “I just saw the smoke and phoned the fire brigade straight away. At first they couldn’t find their pet dog, but then they found it and he was fine.”

Firefighters arrived quickly on the scene

to deal with the blaze. Dean Haward from IW Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were called to reports of a fire in a property in The Strand, Ryde. Two appliances initially arrived from Newport and were met with a severe fire on the ground floor of the building. We were also told that there was a possibility that people may have been inside.

“We had two appliances from Newport, one from Ryde and one from East Cowes. Crews with breathing apparatus went into all three floors of the building and located the fire and quickly determined that there was nobody

in the building, so we could scale down our operation.

“There were smoke alarms in the building, but we are not sure if they were activated.

“It just re-affirms how important working smoke alarms are. They can give you that early indication that there is a fire, and luckily there was no-one in the property.

“At the moment our investigation has led us to the fact that it may have been caused by an electric blanket. We do offer free home fire safety checks and our advice would be to get them regularly serviced and switch them off when you leave your property.”

FLAT GUTTED BY FIRE

BY JASON KAY

Ryde Inshore Rescue has now broken the record for the number of call outs in any year, after their recent call out took their tally up to 70.

The crew received a call from Solent coastguard to assist a 23ft boat, which had anchored in Osborne Bay having lost its rudder.

The call came through at 9.12am on Wednesday morning to go to the assistance of the stricken vessel. Upon daylight the sole person on board realised that due to the condition of the boat, he had no option but to dial 999 and request urgent assistance.

Once the crew arrived on scene, they attached a tow line, and towed her to safe water outside Ryde harbour. Due to the condition of the tide, it was not possible to enter the harbour till later in the day, so the vessel was taken to a safe mooring. Once the tide had risen, Ryde

Rescue One re-launched in order to complete the tow into the harbour. The vessel was met by a Coastguard team once it finally arrived in Ryde harbour at approximately 3pm.

The lifeboat crew finally signed the job as complete at 4.30pm. It was a long drawn out job, for the volunteer crew, many of whom took time off work to assist in this incident.

“Although we are pleased that we have been able to help so many people over the first 9 months of the year, it is disappointing to see the number of call-outs increase.

“A high number of calls could have been averted, had people taken proper precautions, carried the correct safety equipment on board and ensured their vessels were in a sea worthy condition,” said spokesperson Andy Purnell.

RYDE RECORD BREAKERS

Police are investigating as to how an ambulance rolled down a hill and smashed through a fence and hit two parked cars.

The incident took place at approximately 2.50pm on

Tuesday (September 22) in Cambridge Road, East Cowes.

A Renault Master ambulance, belonging to ‘NHS Isle of Wight’, is reported to have rolled down a hill, where it was involved in a collision with a

fence and a Volkswagen SWB and a Renault Scenic that were parked.

All three vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the collision, and no injuries were reported.

The ambulance is being examined as part of ongoing police enquiries, and the exact cause of the collision has yet to be established.

POLICE INVESTIGATE AMBULANCE CRASH


NEWS

CYCLISTS gathered at the Riverside Centre in Newport to take part in this year’s Pedal 4 Parkinson’s charity event.

The aim was to raise sponsorship money by cycling in a bid to

Raise funds for the Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS). Last year, competitors managed to raise £3,400 for the

charity.There were three routes

for people to choose from; Newport - Cowes – Newport, which is a short ride along the cycle track and back. The Newport - Sandown - Newport route which is a moderate ride along the cycle track with beautiful scenery, and the Newport - Freshwater – Newport route, which is for

more adventurous cyclists involving a challenging ride to Freshwater and back through Yarmouth, Newtown and Shalfleet.

This year cyclists included a group of Sainsbury’s employees and their families. Staff from the supermarket also raised extra money outside their store on the day.

George Hanson from the

PDS said: “It was a fun day for cyclists who could keep while raising money for people less able than themselves. All proceeds will be used to help local Parkinson’s sufferers and their carers.”

For more information about the IW branch of the PDS you can contact George on 740951 or Ron on 884913.

STAFF & FRIENDS PEDALFOR PARKINSONS

OVER £1,000 has been raised for the RP Fighting Blindness charity after cyclists completed one of the gruelling challenges at the IW Cycling Festival.

The group all dressed as superheroes for the cycle and work at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park.

Bembridge.In total, they covered

around 70 miles and raised the much needed funds by people sponsoring them to complete the ride.

One of the riders, Daniel McArthur said: “The steepest hill was the one on the way from

Freshwater. The weather was just lovely, but it was a little hot at times.

“We all know each other through working at the holiday park, and this is the third year in a row of raising money for the charity.”

Daniel’s brother, Steve McArthur, added: “The

reason we raise money every year is because the charity is very close to our hearts, as our father suffers from blindness.

“The quitting point of the cycle almost came in the morning, but we muscled on. I think we are all going to the pub now, but there certainly

won’t be any sitting down!”

Daniel and Steven’s father, Colin, recently flew a plane from Bembridge Airport, and is also involved in a sea rescue today (Friday) in a bid to raise money for the RP Fighting Blindness charity.

SUPERHEROES OUT IN FORCEFOR CHARITY

Bradley Wyatt, Ross Martin, Steve Mccarther, Don Mccarther, Martin Richard, Jade Partnage, Colin Mccarther

Graham Blake, Jake Hamen, Tanya Blake, Bianca Cann, Jenny Baker, Ron Tweedy, Sarah & Josh Blake

Victoria & Ben Massy Carisbrooke High school Pupils


NEWS

PENSIONER MAY YOUNG and her son Derek, of Birch Gardens in Newport, were awoken in the early hours of Sunday morning by what they thought was heavy rain. Discovering that it was more than just a downpour, firefighters were called to deal with the torrent of water that was fast filling the ground floor of their home.

May Young told the Gazette exactly what happened: “At about 5am I woke up and heard a noise. At first I thought it was raining. I shouted to my son who was in the other room. He’d just got up to go to the toilet. “Del its raining hard isn’t it?” I shouted. Del had come

over to see his mum after his dad had died. He used to live in London but now just comes over at the weekend.

“I got up out of bed and Del shouted out to call the fire brigade. I’ve got a cat, Lucky. He was in my room under the bed so I just shut the door. The fire brigade turned up, but the problem was that there was clay on top of the stopcock outside so the fireman couldn’t turn the water off. So Del told them what to do. They brought in their hose and stuck the hose over

the split water main. The female fire fighter was brilliant. At the time there was about two inches of water in the house. All the fire service were really good. Without them

we would have been flooded. The p r o b l e m was that it

(the water pipe) was split before the stopcock in the house, so we were helpless. “Luckily it was clean water. We have had to suck up all the water from the carpets with a Vax. On Sunday the water was at the top of the skirting boards. It’s taken us all weekend to tidy

up the kitchen and the house. We understand what it’s like when people get flooded. The pressure when the pipe split was massive there was a big shower of water. I’m just so glad that Derek was here. He used to be a caretaker at Sandham Middle School.

“I’m not much of a panicker. The cat was a bit stressed. He hasn’t eaten for a couple of days. He’s very shy. He was a rescue cat. I’m just so glad that we were here. When it happened to another neighbour, and they were out, the water went through the ceiling. The lady firewoman was brilliant. They got here really quick. It was really nice

of them to let us have some bottles of water. The plumber came out and turned the pressure down. Southern water had to come out and help the fire service to shut off the mains.”

One appliance from Newport Fire station attended the flood at 5.28am on Sunday and were in attendance until 6.43am. A salvage operation was undertaken and the hole containing the stopcock had to be cleared of clay. Southern Water were requested to attend because the stopcock had seized and their engineers shut off the flow.

Damage to the ground floor was described as “extensive”.

“At first I thought it was raining”

HOUSE IS A WASH OUT

Derek & May Young

Fire fighter cleaning up

Winston the cat


NEWS

OWNER Bob Powell from P and J News in Sandown made a donation to the local Air Ambulance after raising over £800 in the past two years. Bob raised the money by selling second books outside the shop and also took part in a sponsored haircut.

“I got involved because I think it’s a good cause and you never know when you’re going to need it. I’ve never used it before, but when I was back in London a friend of mine had to use an air ambulance,” said Bob.

“I used to help out at the Carshalton football club and one of the players got injured. The local air ambulance had to come onto the pitch and take him away to hospital. We collect all year round for the air ambulance and we are always in need of books. We also have a collection tin on the counter.

Recycle the Island 2009 is taking place this Sunday the 27th September at Ryde, Isle of Wight to help raise vital funds for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Not only will the Air Ambulance be fully operational for the day, conducting life-saving missions, from Tesco at Ryde, but the Air Sea

Rescue Helicopter has promised a fly in too.

Fraser Rowbotham (pictured), the clinical team leader of the Air Ambulance said: “I’m very excited about Re-Cycle the Island and promoting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. It’s going to be a great opportunity to engage the diverse communities with this unique event. We hope to see many faces on the day giving us support and raising vital funds for this life-saving service. Don’t forget your bike! I’m taking mine! I’ll see you at Tesco’s Ryde or even on the route for a great day out!”

“It is a free event and is open to all members of the public, so even if you are not a cyclist we still invite you to come to see us. It is the Hampshire and Isle of Wight communities that keep the Air Ambulance flying. Without your continued support, it wouldn’t be where it is today!

“If you do want to get ‘ON YA BIKE’ we really do need your help and pedal power to generate more life-saving funds! So enter online now at www.bagitup.org.uk

Entrants who raise at least £50 in sponsorship for the charity will be entered into

a PRIZE DRAW to win a flight in a helicopter with one to one tuition, plus lots of other prizes. There are two routes available; a smaller 15 mile BLUE route, and a 50 mile RED route for those wanting a bigger challenge. You will pass several of the textile recycling banks that raise significant funds for the Air Ambulance, and there will be a fun quiz to complete en route too.

Please visit www.bagitup.org.uk to find out how to enter and the full list of the prizes to be won, plus details of how you can recycle to raise funds for your Air Ambulance.

BOOST FOR AIR AMBULANCE

PAUL ‘Jack’ Berridge, from Newport, was presented with a Royal British Legion certificate of appreciation last week by Mrs Hilary Highsmith, Poppy Appeal organiser for East Cowes branch, for raising a total of £855 for the appeal.

The ex Royal Hampshire Regiment soldier had walked the Island’s coastal path, a total

of 72 miles, in three and a half days, to collect his sponsorship money. “I would particularly like to thank members of Cowes, Ryde and Shanklin Royal British Legion (RBL) clubs for their sponsorship and members of East Cowes RBL branch for their help with administration and providing a back up team,” said Mr Berridge.

APPRECIATION FOR CHARITY WALKER

THE TEAM at Seaview Wildlife Encounter would like to thank all those who participated in the various activities and competitions at the park over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

A total of £1,300 was raised over the three days in support of the charity SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Head Keeper Tara Hayter will take the money over to Cape Town, South Africa, at the end of October this year. Tara has volunteered to assist the in rescuing and rehabilitating rare and endangered marine birds, including African penguins and Gannets, affected by oil spills off the Southern African coast.

Great fun was enjoyed by all – from ‘hook-a-duck’, to creative face painting

and a huge selection of prizes were won at the tombola stall. Penguin footprint paintings were great fun too - winners met the penguins and were able to take their unique footprint portraits home. Many visitors were truly sporting in joining in the two unique auctions held on Sunday and Monday afternoons when they bid for the opportunity to be an animal keeper for a day. The excited winners will each be spending a day shadowing a senior keeper and assisting in feeding and looking after the various animals and birds at the Park. Congratulations to all winners and a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who joined in, made donations and helped to make the weekend such a great success. Competition winner, Olly, with penguin, Dippy

SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE


FEATURE

we can’t play badminton,” because we used to play indoor badminton in the office.”

Eve was skeptical about the future of newspapers in our digital age. “All young people read newspapers on the internet for nothing,” she pointed out. She was also less than positive about young people coming into the profession. “This is possibly not the right time to be applying to be a journalist. Study the most interesting thing you can think of and work on the student newspaper and on hospital radio,” she suggested. “You have to hunker yourself into the world of newspapers, but you have to be determined to use your elbow.”

Eve was very complementary about the Gazette and happily posed for photographs. On Saturday she told us she had read the whole paper and was very impressed, offering a few words of wisdom as to our way forward.

At Speech Day at Ryde School on Saturday, head girl Alice Lemkes asked Eve for some advice on interviews for Cambridge. “You’ve

have got to be interesting. Find yourself something that people don’t think you are going to be,” suggested Eve.

Headmaster Dr Nicholas England gave a speech, which included Ryde’s A level achievers of the year: “Our high fliers are listed in our Speech Day programme but we applaud the great achievements of Suzanne Clifton, Katie Doran, Donald Gordon, Carrie-Anne Hau, Ruth Mowlam,

Joanna Tung and Helena Vrbikova with four A grades, Will Hamilton with five A grades and James Lo, with six,” said Dr England.

“At GCSE level we congratulate especially Gargie Ahmad, Madaleine Bowes, Harry Fisher, Jodie Green, Lizzie Lovegrove, Keno Mari-Ghae, Oshine Saxena and Edward

Stanford-Clark, who between them earned 75 A* grades, and they have been joined by new pupils Rachel Boswell and Emily Stratton who earned another 18.” Dr England also gave thanks to departing members of staff.

Alice Lemkes then gave a speech on sporting successes, Ashlie Leal, Madaleine Bowes and Colin Fowler spoke on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at the school and Louise

Kirby and Amabel Richardson talked about Global Rock. Ben FitzPatrick spoke about the Combined Cadet Force, Josh Turner, Pavel Golenistsev, Eva Hanken and Georgiana Chimiec gave an account of boarding at the school. Charlotte Tobitt and Hannah Ewens spoke about music and drama,

Bridget Fryer on maths, Dominic Lewes on charity and Toby Jackson on boys sport.

Head boy, Michael Foster, from Ryde School, said it was very exciting to have met Eve. “I think that many of us should look up to her. She started as a tea girl and worked her way up to being an editor.”

TOP EDITOR AT RYDE SCHOOLVISITORS to Ryde School on Friday evening were treated to a particularly amusing talk from broadcaster and former Sunday Mirror and Sunday Express editor Eve Pollard.

“It’s wonderful to be back (on the Island) – I was last here aged ten and I won’t wait another 100 years,” began Eve who launched into a very witty account of her life as a tabloid editor with such asides as: “I have met George W Bush. He is a great orator, unfortunately not in English.”

Other witticisms included a story about her appointment as editor of the Sunday Express . “One guy said he wouldn’t work for a woman and so I suggested that I’d send him a memo when I wanted him to do something. Two weeks later and I’d sent one guy (correspondent) to

Germany and one to France and he came to me and said: “You don’t have to send me a memo,”” she recalled.

On working for Robert Maxwell she was expansive. In a particularly amusing story about being late to an

editors lunch at “Bobland” - his flat with enormous “Bob sized doors and furniture” at the top of the building - Eve recalled that the two other editors who were late gave excuses about having to deal with breaking stories.

“My enemies were smiling broadly when it came to my turn to explain,” she told us.

“Miss, why are you late for one of my lunches,” boomed Bob. “I told the truth,” said Eve. “I told him that my daughter had just gone to Cambridge University and she had no money and was in tears and I had to go and

sort it out with the bank. And Bob said: “Family! – The only reason you can be late for one of my lunches!”

“When I grew up nobody wanted to be a journalist, they wanted to be an airhostess,”

said Eve. “I loved working on women’s magazines but I love newspapers. I was so lucky when I was there – Fleet Street was like a village. I shared an office with Keith Waterhouse and he’d say “We’ve got a union meeting,” and I’d say, “How can we tell?” And someone else would say, “Does that mean

“I think that many of us should look up to her. She started as a tea girl and worked her way up to being an editor.”

Head girl Alice Lemkes, Eve Pollard and Head boy Michael Foster

Eve Pollard and Dr Nicholas England at Ryde School speech day

BY JOMACAULAY

Sian Hudson, Donald Gordon and Louisa Lieng


FEATURE

TESCO’S Fun Day was a fantastic success for everyone involved with £2,100 being raised for Muscular Dystrophy and loads of fun being had by everyone.

A large bouncy castle entertained the kids, Aaron Isted and Randinin were spreading a little magic and doughnuts and gingerbread men were available for a donation to the cause.

To make it fun for customers bingo lotto was

played every half and hour. The customer checking out their items at the till corresponding to the number called won a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.

“It was a great atmosphere,” said Tesco’s garage manager Pat Drew. “There was a £50 prize for the best karaoke at £2 entry fee. Three guys who were entertainers from Whitecliff Holiday Camp got up and sang two songs and they were fantastic. Everyone

was open mouthed.“The staff got up and the

winner got a paid day off. Store manager Steve Jones did a karaoke number as Paul McCartney with the wig and sang Help and he was brilliant. At the end he sang ‘Ticket to Ryde’ with all the staff.

“We couldn’t have had a hotter and better day. We have a different charity every year and we’ll definitely do it again next year.”

TESCO’S FANTASTIC FUN DAY

LITERARY LOUNGE, a new gathering at Casati in Ryde for members and their guests will meet for the first time on Wednesday September 30 at 7.30 for 8pm. Barbara Jane Mackie is hosting the evening at which she will read the first chapter of her novel, Eat the View.

Set amongst the vineyards of the Bordeaux region, Eat the View tells the tale of an ex advertising copywriter, Antoinette (Ant), who has left her job to write her first novel, ‘Brighton to Bordeaux’, whilst renovating ‘Le Manoir’ with her husband

Will. As Will is forced to

return to Brighton, Ant is left with no husband, au pair or cleaner and has to rely on food hand outs, logs from a local gun-wielding French nationalist farmer and like Scarlett O Hara has to work the land herself. Only then does she realise that she has something to write about and realises that you can’t

‘Eat the View’.Drawing on some of

Barbara’s own experiences when she and her family ran a B&B in France, the evening promises to be amusing. Guests are also asked to read ‘The Other Hand’ by Chris Cleave for discussion at the Literary Lounge.

Barbara is also inviting eight Casati members to help fund her venture, and kick start her career as a novelist, by donating £100 each to help fund her master’s degree at Portsmouth this year. She intends the Literary Lounge to become a group at which members support each other’s literary endeavours and read and discuss various books of the group’s choosing.

For further details contact Le Casati on 565691.

LOUNGE OF THE LITERARY KIND

Injustice. Continuing with a theme I thought I might talk a little more on the subject.

Obviously the world is unjust – we are not all equal and some are clearly more equal than others – or wish to be. But I hate bullying. And I’ve probably been guilty of it in the past myself. You’re often the last to know when you’re behaving badly I find.

I was bullied at school. As an avowed pacifist I turned the other cheek, until they started on my sister. One surprisingly accurate punch and the matter was sorted – but

at the price of my self imposed ideals.

And now I still find I get picked on from time to time. And sometimes I bite back, but I don’t like having to do it. “Why can’t we all just love each other,” the hippy in me cries.

So when I see bullying I’m a sucker for the underdog. It’s something we Brits have a talent for I’m told. Injustice is a bitter pill to swallow – being on the receiving end of it is extremely unpleasant, and I speak from experience.

But far from being Saint Jo, I bicker, moan and

mooch my way through my life some of the time – but at least I haven’t chosen it as a way of life. After all this is actually a really wonderful world we live in and most of the people in it are pretty cool - on a good day.

I’ve had the privilege to hear and meet two really inspirational women this week and far from feeling envious of them I feel genuine awe and admiration for what they have both achieved, and for their passion for life – does that make me a sucker. I think not. We all need to be inspired and encouraged from time to

time.Could I give lectures

on what I’ve done in my life? Would anyone be interested? Could I help someone else overcome injustice, unhappiness or helplessness? Would my words inspire people to overcome poverty or global greed? I got involved with politics once at college and it was not a pretty sight. But it would be wonderful to make things better. Isn’t that what we’re all really trying to do? But for whom?

May your God go with you, as the late great Dave Allen used to say. Just make sure he’s not you…

WHINGE OF THE WEEK

Tesco’s staff and Paul Topping


FEATURE

IT’S NOT JUST FOR MUMS

A NEW BAYS Children’s Centre has opened opposite Sandown High School and is fast attracting Dads as well as Mums with their babies and toddlers. The state of the art facility features a parents and toddlers activity room, consulting room, modern kitchen, office space, a training room and baby changing facilities.

The centre’s Family

Worker, Emily Thomson, said: “Dads are welcome as well.”

Expectant Mums and Dads are encouraged to come for antenatal checks and drop-in advice can be given on housing if you’re a teenage dad or mum-to-be. From birth to age five you can get advice on breastfeeding, immunization, parenting and there are fun activities for dads, mums and kids.

Drop in with your pre school children and join in the play activities

The building has solar panels to heat the water; energy efficient boilers and thermal insulation and the roof and walls have been designed to let in as much natural light as possible. Supporting beams that have been attractively designed to look like giant coloured pencils.

Cllr Dawn Cousins, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Children, Social Care, Health and Housing said: “Sandown Children’s Centre is the eighth on the Isle of Wight and offers excellent services for families and children between the ages of 0 - five.

“We estimate around 1000 children will benefit from The Bays Children’s Centre and already we

have received excellent feedback from people already using the facility.”

Furzehill Childcare will run the centre on behalf of Isle of Wight Council, and has been providing some facilities since May. It has been funded through a capital grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families Early Years and Sure Start programme.

Winner of the meal for two at China China is Cecelia Allen from Wroxall who was extremely pleased to hear that she had won. “I’ve always wanted to go for a meal there,”

said Cecelia. The winners of a meal for two to the value of £25, at Driftwood’s Beach Bar, are Gary and Debbie Hall from Gurnard who are celebrating their wedding anniversary

today and may be celebrating over their meal at the Driftwood tonight. The winner of a meal for two at Morgan’s restaurant in Shanklin is Anne Lethbridge from Shanklin.

COMPETITION WINNERS

clockwise from top left: Emily Thomson, Centre Family Worker; Jan Norsworthy, Health Visitor; Nicola Carter, Administrator and Family Worker; Jody Townend and

Connor Banks from Apse Heath; Sammy Betts and Alesha from Lake; Claire Chalk and Brandon from Sandown.

HAVENSTREET and Northwood have been honoured after being voted the best and second placed villages respectively in the 2009 Calor IW Village of the year competition.

Representatives of villages were presented at an event held at the Havenstreet Community Centre.

The competition is run by Steven Lugg, on behalf of the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, with sponsorship provided by gas supplier Calor. Mark Dillow attended on behalf of Calor to present the prizes.

Havenstreet received a cast iron plaque with a certificate of commendation and £400 prize money. Northwood was presented with a certificate and £100 prize money.

Havenstreet will now go on to represent the Island in the national Calor Village of the Year for England competition, with the winner to be announced in December.

VILLAGE OF THE YEAR


FEATURE

PARTY AT BARTON MANORNick Cane and friends

Graham Elderfield, Nick Cane & friends Unity Stompers

Pete Hoyte, Carolyn Cocker, Shirley Tay;or, Judith Sellony, Hayley Nasit

‘Bertie’ Valerie PearsMay Hitchinson, Jane Denton, Sally Hope

Alan Whitmee, Ellen & Joe Cadman Smith

Emily Ward, Judy Anderson

Granny Wyatt, Maureen Mortinez,Anne Marchart


FEATURE

IT WAS a stylish success at Barton Manor Open Day last Sunday where the theme was ‘Fashion and Beauty’ and £7,500 was raised for the hospice – approximately 40% up on last September.

Entertainment included Nick Cane and friends, the Unity Stompers and the

rock-a-billy Lonesome Valley Boys. A vintage and veteran bicycle and tricycle display took place throughout the day and Gay Edwards, the Island’s High Sheriff made an appearance at 2pm.

The hospice sold clothes and other items at their stall and other charities

represented included the IOW branch of Fight Motor Neurone Disease, Papworth Hospital and barbecued food from Vectis Sunrise Rotary.

Bojangles, managed by Lyn Morgan, (pictured here), sold handbags, shoes and jewellery and there were manicures on

offer along with face painting for the kids and other children’s activities.

Vistors were able to walk around the grounds, the lake and the hedge and rose maze. Refreshments were on sale from the Manor café as well as other stalls around the event.

Jean & Andy Sorbie Lynn Morgan Bojangles Chris Rickard, Lynn Day, David Killshaw, Jazz Sambrook

Andy Brown Solent Vectran

Clair Martin, Anne Watts, Maggie Smee, Gary Cheese Man

Sarah Auegri, Monann GroveCarol & Bob Bridgestock

Alan Giles, Simon, Amy Keely Cooper,Jason King, Jaden Cooper, Damien Cuiey


FEATURE

A CLASSIC RYDEA passion for vintage vehicles and a resolve to raise money for two of the Islands most deserving charitable causes brought fellow classic car enthusiasts together once again this year for a spectacular display of magnificent motors in both Newport and Ryde.

There was a record turnout for the two day classic car event based at Newport Quay last Saturday and Ryde Esplanade on Sunday 20, which is now in it’s eighth year. The Isle of Wight International Charity ‘Classic Car Show’ is one of the

largest and most popular shows in the South of England.

All types of vehicle categories from veterans, vintage, classic eras through to the custom and retro cars, not forgetting the specialist military and commercial classes that were on show.

All proceeds from the Classic Car Show are donated to worthy Island charities. Saturdays show supports the Barely Born Appeal at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport and the Sunday event is in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.


FEATURE

Barry Price of Prices Garage

Karen Spiers & Dani Johnson

Clive & Sue Ford

Dave ‘Chivey’ Chiverton

Paul Savage, Lill ‘Heather’ Savage, John Pickton,Buster Spicer, Tom Spicer, Dave Ford

‘Towrags’


NEWS

BRADING 1200 STRONGAT THE first event to celebrate the number of voluntary groups on the Island, over 3,000 visitors came to see what was on offer last Saturday. The 1,200 Strong Voluntary and Community Fair at Brading Roman Villa was hailed as a huge success by organisers.

Dignitaries visiting the

event included the Isle of Wight’s Lord Lieutenant, Major General Martin White and High Sheriff, Gay Edwards, who presented volunteering awards. The first ever Volunteer best practice awards were given to British Red Cross, Homestart Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight Advocacy

Trust, The Green Gym, the Isle of Wight Law Centre and The Storeroom.

Entrance was free and around 50 of our local charity and voluntary groups were represented. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance were at the event and took off and landed on the field.

Wight Diamonds

Marching Band entertained the crowd and asked for new volunteers. “If you play a musical instrument and would like to play in a fun environment, why not come along to one of our practice nights and see what we are about.” More details can be obtained from John Wersby on 527239.

Callum Ashbey, Natalie BroadbentLynn Pepit, Malcolm Shayler , Nigel Blackmars,

Tom Peppit, Mike North and Jes

Mary Hunter, WI Brading

Sandown Youth and Community Centre

Jackie Lake, Molly Mcghie, Shaun Joy, Alison Price

Paul Egan


NEWS

COLOURING COMPETITION WINNERS

Under 5s: Gabby Hippolite 5-7 years: Megan Lyth

8-10 years: Isabella Emma Green

Over 10s Chloe Chessell

Special Award: Kim Lacey Age 14

Mel Broach, James Dixon, William Dixon, Daniel Poole, Janet Partridge, Bill Bates, Tracy Poole, Phillip Dixon,

Andrew Breach, Margaret Phillips Robin Hanson

Back left to right: John Wersby, Zoe Winchester, Emily Harriskine-Cole,Charlie Windester, Alex Elliott, Josh Scrivenes, Dan Smith, Mary WesbyFront: Lisa Putts, Alice Harrison-Cook, Tom Harrison Cook, Simon Smith,

Jessica Coleman Karen Knight Ginge & Bob


FEATURE

The wedding ofField and Dare

ISLANDER Gary Field married Michelle Dare at a recent ceremony in Southampton. The groom, from Ryde, works as a SIA Door Supervisor and is the son of Ken Brown and Carol Fox. The bridegroom is the daughter of Michael and Mandy Dare and is a full time mother. John Holtery acted as best man for the day, which took place at Southampton Registery Office in Bugle Street.


FEATURE

KEY:L = Bring Packed

LunchFF = Family FriendlyR = Refreshments

available PL = Packed Lunch advised

T = Toilets AvailableV = Viewing/Rest

stops en routeOR = suitable for off

road cyclesRC = Suitable for

road cycles

Sunday 27 September

Borthwood TrailRailway Station,

Sandown 11amB o o k i n g

EssentialCost Donation to

Gift to NatureFairly gentle

route from Sandown to Shanklin railway station along cycle

tracks, bridleways, byways and quiet lanes.

Contact: Martin Gibson (01983) 200074

w w w .gifttonature.org.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

1.5 hours 5 milesOR, T, FF, R

Sunday 27 September

VRCC Hill ClimbMorton Old Road,

Brading Grid Ref SZ604862 8am

Booking Not essential

Cost FreeThese events are

timed and each rider starts at 1 minute intervals, the rider obtaining

the fastest time without getting off their bike is the deemed the winner.

Contact: Vectic Road Cycling Club [email protected]

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

1.6 miles 5+ minutes

RC, PL

Saturday 26 September

Fossils, Geology, Darwin and the Landscape

Lazy Waves Café, Esplanade, Shanklin 10am

Booking EssentialCost TBCLeave bikes locked

up at the café or walk them along the beach. Look for fossils from Shanklin Chine to Horse Ledge, with an expert guide from Dinosaur Isle. (Ice-cream at the Café if open) Afterwards - Travel by cycle, with guide to Dinosaur

Isle explaining the geology/ landscape of Sandown Bay en-route. Pass one of the hotels where Charles Darwin wrote the first part of ‘On the Origin of Species’. This year is the 150th anniversary of that publication.

Visit Dinosaur Isle Museum.

Contact: Trevor Price (01983) 404344

www.dinosaurisle.com

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

2 hours 5 milesOR, FF, T, R, PL, V

CYCLING FESTIVAL

The Cycling Festival reaches its final push this weekend and are a few rides

you might like to try:

The annual IW Ploughing Match took place last weekend in perfect conditions and at Atherfield Farm, Atherfield.

The title of champion ploughman went to 39-year-old Reuben Abbott, 11 years after he first won the event.

Reuben, who works at IW Lavender, beat off 60 other competitors from across

the Island and the mainland, in the most popular match for several years.

The annual rural favourite features a whole day of agricultural activities, including several ploughing competitions and proves popular amongst the farming community, giving farmers a chance to show off their farming skills.

REUBEN BEATS OFF SIXTY


FEATURE

WONDERS OF THE WEST

Shorwell Mammoth Jumble Sale

Saturday October 3 ANYONE wishing to donate items to the latest Shorwell Mammoth Jumble Sale can bring their things to the Shorwell Village Hall between 10am and 3pm on Friday October 2 or on the day of the Sale itself before the sale begins.

Buyers can expect a wide variety of goods to be on sale and light refreshments will be available. The sale will be from 11am – 2pm.

Huge Hospice Quiz THE QUIZ will take place on Thursday November 12 promptly at 7pm at Lower Hyde Holiday Village in Shanklin. The event will be hosted by Ian Mac.

There will be prizes up for grabs and entry for a team of four will be £20

Entry forms and details are available online at www.iwhospice.org or by calling 528989.

Hospice Go Yellow Day application Packs and Business Competition

HOSPICE Go Yellow Day Friday October 9 is really taking off with businesses all over the Island signing up to raise money for the Hospice. We need to remind businesses that if they are taking part in the Big Yellow Business Competition they must send their entry form which was in their fundraisingpack – back to the fundraising team.

Isle of Wight Radio will be broadcasting from Businesses Going Yellow throughout the day so please let us know if you are taking part.

Parachute Jumpfor the Hospice

EVER wanted to do a tandem parachute jump? The Hospice is taking a team up to Salisbury Airfield at the end of October and there are still spaces available so please call for more details. Tel 528989.

Hospice News

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

NOW IS THE time to see the beauty of the West Wight. As the leaves begin to turn on the trees and the heather coats the Warren between Totland and Alum Bay make sure you take a ramble over the glorious countryside to the West of our Island.

The Totland Bay Café is still open and taking orders for breakfast, lunch and tea. You might even get a few more sunny days on the beach. Or you could sit on the boards of the old pier with its wonderful view of the shore and the mainland.

Broadway Garage, off of the roundabout in Totland Broadway, is a haven of old

fashioned service and civility. You won’t find another garage like this one anywhere in the country if you need to top up your tank – or want an MOT on your car.

If you have a classic car, Austin Morris Services specialise in classic car repair and restoration. An old classic car would suit this part of the Island so perfectly.

If you choose a walk up to Tennyson’s Monument then make sure you drop down into the Highdown Inn. There’s a public car park just up the lane behind the pub and a much shorter, pretty walk up through the trees to the monument. Then afterwards you could have a tasty meal in this gastro pub.

If you’d rather go fishing, make sure you pay a visit to the Tacklebox, at the end of the Avenue in Freshwater. Here you can pick up all of your fishing needs, along with lots of helpful advice as to the type of fish you’ll find and the bait you’ll need.

And if you want to see examples of the fish you might find around our waters then beat a path to the aquarium at Fort Victoria. See the rays

swimming beneath your feet and the little squid changing the colours of their skin. A wide range of tropical fish and creatures are also on show.

Fort Victoria is worth a longer visit to see all of the exhibitions on offer; the miniature model railway, the planetarium and the underwater archaeology centre. And you can walk along the beach finding ammonites at low tide or see all of the stunning autumn leaves in the woods behind.

If you would like to buy an ammonite,

or other fossils, often made into exquisite pieces of jewellery, then pop into Reflections of Yarmouth. Hidden away in Wheatsheaf Lane this enticing shop has crystals, gemstones and amazing holographs.

Now is the time for an autumn look, and Annabellas of Freshwater can offer that finishing and vital ingredient – a fantastic hair style to carry you through the winter months. Sort out any damage that the sun has wreaked in the past few months and cheer yourself up as the days become

Totland Pier and cafe


FEATUREshorter. Special rates for students and OAPs.

Your house may also need a new look, or work to keep it snug for the cold weather on the way. Pilkington energy saving glass from Amazing Double Glazing can reduce your heat loss by 59%.

Brighten up your home with flowers or a pot plant from Gardenia Florists in the Avenue, Freshwater. Any type of festivity or gathering can be brightened with their wonderful bouquets and displays and they also have

balloons, chocolates and Champagne.

And if you’re planning a party then having the right music and a disc jockey is essential – you don’t want to be changing tracks, DVDs or fiddling with a computer all evening. Kevin at West Wight Disco can take all of your music worries away and has all kinds of music for every event.

For a true local pub with real ales and a real Isle of Wight welcome the Prince of Wales in Freshwater is well worth a visit.

Totland Pier Cafe

Totland Bay~

Maderia R

oad~Totland~

Isle of Wight~

PO

39 0BQ

Come and enjoythe breathtakingViews

~ Cream Teas~ Ice Cold Drinks~ Light Lunches

t~756677Contact

HELP FROM THE SKY

RYDE youngster Tom Hilton reckons he owes his life to the help he received from the crew of the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance.

That is why Tom, 12, is only too happy to link up with them again to promote the good work they do both here and on the mainland.

Just over a year ago Tom was involved in a freak accident that left him with a fractured skull. The pupil at Bishop Lovett School in Ryde explained: “We were playing cricket and I was just walking across to tell the teacher something when I was accidentally hit on the head by a cricket bat.

“I remember going into the office and they checked me over and then my mum came to the school and collected me and took me to St Mary’s hospital. That was when I had a scan and found out that I had a fractured skull.”

The air ambulance was quickly on the scene flying Tom to Southampton for emergency treatment. He remained in hospital for a week, and had to have several months off school recovering.

Although he has been told he will have a weak skull for several more years, it has not prevented him from volunteering to highlight the excellent work of the air ambulance crew.

He will be meeting up with them again this weekend, and in future he will be travelling to schools and events with them to recount his experience, and explain how they helped save his life. Tom added: “I thought that was the best way of saying ‘thank you’ for all the help they gave me.”

Tom’s granddad, Ron Stanbrook recalls: “The fractured skull was very serious as the fracture was

just on the outside of the brain. When I saw Tom it was touch and go, and I thought at the time that he might not make it.

“I think that if the air ambulance hadn’t of flown Tom over to Southampton things would have been a

lot different. People need to support the air ambulance otherwise before you know it, it could easily go.

Fort Victoria’s model railway

Tom Hilton with Air Ambulance crew


JOB SEARCH

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Job title Location Description Wages Duration Jobcentre Plus Reference Number. How to apply:

Bank Care Assistant

General Care Assistant

Supervisor/Duty Manager

Housekeeper

Sales Assistant

Chef

Waiting Staff

Housekeeper

Relief Cook

Customer Services

Wind Turbine blade techinican

Senior Care Assistant

Ryde

Totland

Shanklin

Newport

Cowes

Sandown

Ventnor

Sandown

Cowes

Newport

Ventnor

Ryde

Duties to include ensuring the safety, comfort, personal dignity and general well being of residents. Experience preferred

Applicants must be aged 18 or over as will be providing personal care. Previous experience is preferred but not essential.

Must have experience of working in an H R environment, have an eye for detail, be computer literate, flexible on hours of work and be able to work as part of a team.

No experience required as full training will be given. Duties to include cleaning rooms, changing bed linen and keeping public areas clean and tidy.

Experience in retail sales is preferred but not essential as training provided. Duties to include serving customers and packing/checking stock.

Must have previous proven experience in either Head Chef or Second chef position in fine dining style cuisine and hold a Food Hygiene certificate.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Previous experience is essential. Duties include waiting on tables, serving drinks, handling cash, and some light cleaning duties.

Experience preferred but not essential. Duties to include cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and communal areas in the hotel.

Applicants must be able to cook home cooked meals for up to 19 people including baking and puddings. Experience is preferred but not essential.

Previous experience is essential, with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office. Applicants should be well organised with a good telephone manner and communication skills

The successful candidate will have experience of wind turbine blade inspection and repair. Experience of working on site at operational wind farms preferred.

Must be aged 18 plus due to legislation. Previous experience essential. Will be providing personal care for up to 24 elderly residents, some having mental health problems.

£6.12 - £7.25 per hr On call basis - no set shifts as and when required.

Meets National Minimum Wage. 30 hrs per week, over 7 days between 7.30am – 10pm£6.30-£6.70 per hr 20-30 Per Week5 days out of 7.Between 7am-10pm

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16-20 hrs per week , 4-5 days from 7, between 9.30am – 2pm

Meets National Minimum Wage. 16 hours per week Monday-Sunday between 9am-6pmNegotiable depending on experience. 40 hrs per week, 5 days from 7 between 7am-10pm

£6 per hr. 12-25 per week between 11.30am-12 midnight Tuesday-Saturday

Meets National Minimum Wage.20+ per week, 6 days from 7, between 9am – 2pm

£6 per hr. 15.5-16 per week - 2-4 days from 7, between 7.45am-1pm. 2 week rota

Meets National Minimum wage. Mon – Fri 8.30am -5pm

Dependant on experience As and when required basis – no set working pattern

Exceeds National Minimum Wage. 18 hrs per week 3 days from 7 between 8am-9pm

Temporary – ongoing position

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

Temp for 1 month but potentially ongoing

Permanent

Permanent

Permanent

RFM 5914. Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

NIW/9401. Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk










RFM/5922. Call 01983 276803 to speak to a Jobcentre Adviser or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk


NEWS

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FEATURE


FEATURE

Ralph’s Spa Barn is a superb private barn conversion sitting in the centre of the Island with far reaching views through the Medina valley to the southern downlands.

With tropical gardens and ample parking, the Spa Barn is in beautiful rural countryside, on the outskirts of Newport, and offers luxurious self-catering accommodation with those little added extras!

You could indulge in the 42” state of the art flat screen TV, whilst setting the mood with the barn’s intelligent colour change lighting. Or you could book a treatment from a visiting therapist in your mirrored bedroom and then, of course, relax in your own fabulous, private hot tub situated in the Summer House.

This could be a fabulous weekend break away from the phone, your family and any other distractions. And if you have an anniversary on the horizon, Ralph’s Spa Barn is the ideal romantic and sensual getaway. Or maybe you have friends or family visiting and need to suggest alternative accommodation – they’ll be very impressed with this destination.

Only 30 minutes at most to anywhere on the Island, just minutes from Newport and 20 minutes walk. By foot there are scenic footpaths that take you deep into the countryside for an autumn stroll or a short drive could take you to a cosy country pub for a lazy lunch.

You could win a night at this beautiful spa barn on the outskirts of Newport if you send your name, address, email and telephone number to IW Gazette, Unit B18, Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH.

WIN A NIGHT OF LUXURY


30

SPORT

THE FINALS of the Summer Knockout competitions at Freshwater Bay Golf Club saw two of the green keepers prevailing in spite of hole in one against them.

Tim Harmer and James Sanders won the final of the fourball Matchplay Barton Cup convincingly holding

off two juniors Conor White, who had the hole in one on the 179 yard 5th and Tim Harmer’s son Ryan.

In the mixed foursome, Harding Cup, Rick Penn and Joan Martin were gallant runners up to the experienced pairing of Jim Whitehead and Dot Porter. On the singles front Gary Cooke

took out newcomer Andy Rann in the final of the McCaul Cup and John Burke triumphed over junior captain Adam Keen in the Knill Jones.

In the Midweek Medal 22 handicapper Peter Dawson came out on top with a nett 71 ahead of Kevin Jones (also 22) in second

on 72 and Hugh Morrison (14) on 74.

In the Harvey Cup Steven Cooke (12) ran out winner on count back with 38 points from second placed Cedric Jones (13) and Kasey Tuckey (7) in third all with the same score.

The Sunday Stableford saw the best score of the week from Division

1 winner Nick Riby (12) with 41 points. Second place went to Ian Ball (15) on 39 points from Mark Debuse (8) in third on 37 points. The scoring was not quite so good in Division 2 with two players tying on 37, Malc Williams (16) coming out on top on count back from Gary Holmes (16).

BARTON CUP WIN FOR HARMER AND SANDERS

AT THE Eddie Leal and Brenda Lawson Memorial Isle of Wight Fell Running Series held last weekend it was Serpentine running club who took most of the prizes with the first four places in the final run being taken by the club, and second woman runner finalist too.

First in the Wroxall Round was Richard Phillips in 1:20:19, second was Nicholas Torry in 1:20:57, third was Hugh Torry in 1:22:28 and fourth was Andrew Robbins. The first woman and first vet was Lesley Whiley of Reading Road Runners in 1:37:54, second was Jane Fanning of Serpentine in 1:43:28, third was Suran Dickson of London Frontrunners in 1:43:29 and fourth was Astrid Wingler of Highgate running club in 1:44:35.

First Island man was Stuart Backhouse, an unattached runner, in 1:36:12 and other Island finishers Phil Mannall

(IWRR) in 1:57:07, Dave Baker (Wight Tri) in 2:07:06 and Lorraine Baron (RH-the sweeper) in 2:58:09. Judy Brown of Ryde Harriers was winner of the Chris Blow Memorial Trophy for the first Ryde Harrier to finish over the series of three races.

Three races were run over the weekend; the St Boniface Fell on Saturday morning, the Ventnor Horseshoe on Saturday afternoon and the longer Wroxall Round covering 13 miles was run on Sunday. A record number of 156 runners registered, with 350 finishing the three races.

This year the events were renamed in honour of Eddie Leal, a founder member of the Fell Running Association and Brenda Lawson, both of whom started the Ventnor Fell Running Association. The races are organised by the Ventnor Fell Run Association with assistance from Ryde Harriers.

2nd, 3rd and 4th women runners: Jane Fanning of Serpentine, Suran Dickson or London Frontrunners and Astrid Wingler of Highgate running club

1st woman runner - Lesley Whiley of Reading Road Runners

1st man runner - Richard Phillips of Serpentine running club

Phil Mannall and Roger Walker Reed from the Isle of Wight

SUCCESS FOR SERPENTINE RUNNERS

THE HURRIES found out how tough this season is going to be when they came up against a well organised Petersfield side.

The Island side travelled with a strong team, but were completely over run in the first 20 minutes with the home side running in four tries.

The Hurries settled down after this and the rest of the game was a fairly even contest, but they fell just short on a number of occasions of scoring themselves.

Their only score came from Wightlink man of the match Alex Howard. Josh Wetherick chased his kick in to the corner,

before Lawrence Edmonston and Matt Jones managed to turn possession over allowing Matt Jones to crash through to score.

In the last 20 minutes, the away side put the pressure on and looked the fitter of the two sides and could have scored. All in all missed tackles and a lack of concentration cost the Hurries the match.

Tomorrow (Saturday September 26) sees them entertain another one of the title contenders in Chichester 2nds at 3pm at their Sandown ground.

Petersfield 2nds 34Sandown and Shanklin 2nds 7

HURRIES AREOUT-MUSCLED

By Peter White


31

SPORT

VENTNOR eased past Northwood to win the inaugural Newclose Cup in a disappointing, one-sided final.

Northwood won the toss and batted first, but made just 43 with Charlie Freeston and Danny Briggs taking four wickets each. Ventnor lost a couple of early wickets, but still romped home with eight wickets to spare.

So Ventnor picked up the Newclose Cup and the winner’s

cheque of £500, with Northwood picking up the runners-up prize of £250.

Eight teams entered the competition this year and it is hoped

that more Island teams will enter next season. Mike Scott,

Newclose general manager, said: “One of our aims is to work alongside the Isle of Wight Cricket Board and help to improve Island Cricket.

“To do this Island cricketers need to be exposed to playing

at a higher level, and it is tremendous that young county cricketers such as Danny Briggs are prepared to give their time up and continue to play

for their club in such a new competition.

“Hopefully by giving Island cricketers the chance to play alongside and against him, he will encourage other talented youngsters to

make the absolute most of their ability.”

THE 2009 IW Golf Union Junior Championships took part at Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club, with 37 juniors from six Island clubs all taking part.

The Scratch Championship was played over 36 holes, and after the first round, Brandon Thompson (Freshwater), led with 75, with Greg Hammond (Shanklin & Sandown) and Scott Meek (Osborne) tied second with 79.

The second round saw Greg Hammond shoot 73, which was not quite good enough to catch Brandon Thompson,

whose afternoon round of 76 gave him a total of 151 for the 36 holes and the claim title. Greg’s total was 152 and Scott Meek shot 77 to put him in third place on 156.

There were four handicap Categories, with prizes for the morning round. This was all followed by a dinner and prize presentation in the Clubhouse.

Grace Hill, Steven Cook and Daniel Mew all scored a net 70 in 0-14 handicap competition. In the Golf Alliance Trophy, which is a competition for

people with a handicap between 15-24, Tommy Robinson took the honours with a net score of 67. Conor Richards finished second with a net 69, closely followed by Daniel Philbrick with a net 70.

In the Jack Mellor Trophy for the 25-36 handicappers Jake Clifton came in first place closely followed by Joe Gibbon and Joe Goody.

Ashley Alder-Smith won the Wright Family Shield, for people with a 37+ handicap, with Max Hill finishing second.

THOMPSON IS TEE-RIFIC

NEWPORT crashed out of the FA Vase as they lost 3-2 away at mainland side Carterton.

The visitors never really got going against the home side in a frustrating match, dominated by Carterton’s long ball tactics.

Newport’s goals came from Iain Seabrook (pictured) and Tom McInnes, but Michael Duerden’s hat trick for Carterton sent them in to the next stage of the qualifying rounds.

Brading Town lost 2-0 against Wimborne Town, with the game delayed by 45 minutes after goalkeeper Joe McCormack suffered a head injury. The shotstopper needed hospital treatment, meaning forward Darren Williams had to go in goal.

Cowes Sports also went down 3-2 at home to Almondsbury Town, with the visitors grabbing the winner in injury time.

A brace from Kai Barnes and a Craig Holmes goal gave East Cowes Vics all three points in a 3-1 victory over AFC Aldermaston in the Sydenhams Wessex League Divison One.

ISLAND football star Lewis Buxton suffered bitter disappointment in the Championship derby clash between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane.

Wednesday defender Buxton, who played for several local teams on the Island before turning professional, scored an own goal is last weekend’s showdown as United snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory to claim Steel City bragging rights.

Despite the setback, Buxton, 25, is playing a key role in trying to lift Wednesday back into the Premier League. Although they currently hold a mid-table position, they could yet mount a challenge for honours.

Buxton, who began his pro career with Portsmouth and then played for Stoke, is one of several Island footballers who have become full-time players. But he still has some way to go before he matches the achievements of evergreen striker Lee Bradbury.

The 34-year-old began his career with Cowes Sports back in 1994, and has since played for no fewer than 11 League clubs, during which time he has been involved in nearly £5million worth of transfer deals.

Bradbury is currently helping Bournemouth’s push for promotion from League Two after

The Cherries narrowly avoided dropping out of the Football League last season following a points deduction for going into administration.

Another Islander, Shaun Cooper, is also at Bournemouth, but has yet to play this season because of injury.

Portsmouth fans living on the Island finally had something to smile about earlier this week when their side made the 700-mile round trip to Carlisle and came away with a 3-1 victory to reach the third round of the Carling Cup.

Now the Pompey faithful

will be hoping Paul Hart’s team can finally pick up their first Premier League points of season, following six straight defeats, in this weekend’s home clash with Everton.

Meanwhile, Southampton supporters on the Island will be hoping their favourites can follow the lead of arch rivals Pompey and take maximum points from their trip to Carlisle in a League One fixture.

Victory will finally take Saints’ points tally into the plus column after they began the campaign on minus-10 for going into administration last season. Although they are still bottom of the table, they should be heartened by their first League win of the season, at home to Yeovil last weekend, and are confident they can escape another relegation campaign.

DERBY DESPAIR FOR LEWIS

Bournemouth strikerLee Bradbury

Pompey boss Paul Hart

CUP RUN ENDS FOR PORT

EASY WIN FOR VENTNOR


32

SPORT

Sportthe gazette

Send your sports news to [email protected]

THE WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS got back to winning ways as they beat the Buxton Hitmen 49-44 in their last home fixture of the year.

The 2009 campaign has been a mixed bag for the team with serious injuries late on in the season leaving them without three of their top five riders.

But the Islanders got that winning feeling back in a highly entertaining match at the Wave 105FM stadium.

Skipper Nick Simmons led the way for the home side, romping to four race wins out of his six rides, on his way to a 16-point tally.

The Islanders had an early 17-7 advantage, and it looked likely that they were on their way to an easy win. But their Derbyshire opponents fought back well to close to within five points with just two races remaining, giving a score of

43-38.Heat 14

saw Dean F e l t o n , who was one of the riders

signed after the mid-season injuries, punch the air in sheer delight as he took the chequered flag at the end of the race to claim the three points for the win and maintain the five point gap between the sides.

And although Buxton’s top rider throughout the match, Adam Allott, romped to victory in the final race, Simmons and fellow Islander Ben Hopwood tucked into second and third places to ensure a 49-44 victory for the Islanders.

Nick Simmons was voted man of the match by the sponsors, and thanked the club’s other sponsors, the management and the fans for

their support over the course of the season.

“Whilst we’re all naturally disappointed that we didn’t finish in the top four, I think everybody realises that we were very much on course to reach that goal until we were so hard hit by season-ending injuries to three of our top five riders.

“That’s speedway you could say, but if I’m back next year, and I hope to be, then we’ll certainly be going for it in terms of the league title itself,” said Nick.

Simmons and Hopwood will be representing the club in this Saturday’s (September 27) National League Riders Championship at Rye House in Hertfordfordshire.

And there will be no rest for the duo, as the following day sees them joined by the rest of the side, including Rikki Mullins who replaces Dan Berwick at reserve, for

the away National Trophy match at Mildenhall, Suffolk.

“Make no mistake we’ll be going there determined to win, and if we perform as well as we can, then I think that we can do just that!” added joint team manager Chris

Hunt. The Islanders now have to wait

until Sunday October 18 to travel up to the Derbyshire Dales to meet the Buxton Hitmen on their own circuit in the team’s final National Trophy fixture.

SKIPPER SIMMONS LEADS THE WAYBY JAMIE WHITE

Documents

IW Gazette 34