IW Gazette 43

gazettethe isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

THE GAZETTE: READ US ONLINE AT WWW.IWGAZETTE.CO.UK

NEWS

Page 14

PARENTS PRAISE HOSPITAL STAFF

New parents Ali and Kieron with their new baby Madeleine Elizabeth Lanning were worried to see fire engines arriving at St Mary’s Hospital only eleven hours their baby was born, writes Jo Macaulay.

“Our bed was right by the window and we saw all the fire engines and I was a bit worried that they might take us outside, but they didn’t have to,” said new mum Ali Peppard who is a User Experience Consultant. “It was a foul night and it was pouring down outside.

“We didn’t really know what was going on and then they evacuated us out of the maternity unit.

“Our baby was only 5lbs 11oz and her body temperature was quite hard to manage so she had a warming pad and they found us a point where we could plug it in.

“We were in a corridor for a while and then they took us to the children’s day care unit. We were only there for an hour or so and once the fire brigade had given the all clear we went back to the maternity unit.

“Our baby was having top up feeds and they carried on her routine and brought things to us where we were – they even brought my dinner to me.”

Kieron Lanning, a software engineer, couldn’t fault the way in which the staff dealt with the situation either: “They were brilliant. They were completely professional about the whole situation,” he said.

“They kept everyone calm and looked after everybody, especially the poor lady who was in labour.”

See page 5 for the full story

Friday November 27, 2009 Issue 43

FREE!

Pleasetake one

Keiron Lanning and Ali Peppard with new daughter Madeleine

Staying Alive

Wendy Newnham on how she is saving lives after her son’s tragic road death

NEWS

Page 9

Beetle Bother

Hibernating beetle proves a surprise for Newport man

Pict

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by

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www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Friday, November 27, 20092

NEWS

QUEEN FIXES IT FOR JIMJIM ROBERTS from Bembridge has been awarded an MBE for voluntary service to maritime safety in the Isle of Wight.

Joining Her Majesty’s Coastguard in 1966, when it was the ‘Coast Life Saving Brigade’, his 43 years of service to the Coastguard have included 20 years as the Station Officer at Bembridge.

Still a serving Coastguard Rescue Officer, there have been many thousands of rescues that Jim has attended in his time with the coastguard. Jim has been involved with rope rescue and cliff rescue – particularly at Culver Cliff nearby – and beach searches. The Bembridge coastguards also look after the coastguard helicopter landing sites across the whole Island from the banks of the Eastern Yar to Sandown Pier.

Notified by the Prime Minister’s office, Jim had to keep his MBE a secret for about a month until it was officially announced. Jim’s wife Kathryn

and sons Leo and Julian went to Buckingham Palace to see Jim receive his MBE from the Queen.

Although he was primarily awarded for his volunteer coastguard work, Jim was also recognised for his work on MOD aircraft at Brittain Norman Aircraft at Bembridge Airport where he is Head of the Office of Airworthiness.

He was also recognised for his work for two charities: the IW Steam Railway where he is a volunteer guard and the St John’s Ambulance.

Jim said: “I am very proud to have received this award in recognition of my contributions to maritime safety. My team are one of five Coastguard Rescue Teams on the Isle of Wight, and 400 in the UK who work tirelessly, volunteering to respond to emergencies around the coast at all times and in all conditions. I feel privileged to give up my time to protect and promote safety in this way, and even more privileged to have been recognised in this way for doing so. This award also reflects the work of the team that I am proud to lead.”

BY GUM IT’S GONE!THE IW COUNCIL has been trialling high-pressure jet wash equipment that blasts away a real sticky problem.

Chewing gum on paving slabs and on the outside of litter bins has been causing an eyesore for sometime across the Island, and now something is being done about it.

The cleaning is carried out by Community Clean, the firm that also removes graffiti for the council and carries out

other street cleaning projects in local towns and villages.

Several areas are being cleaned during the trial, which lasts until Christmas. Parts of the esplanade in Shanklin have been cleaned along with the esplanades of Ryde and Sandown.

The contractors will also clean parts of St James Square, Orchard Street and outside Newport Guildhall, the High Street in Cowes and Well Road in East Cowes.

Theresa Mitchell, IW council waste management and contracts officer, said: “We do get quite a lot of calls from the public about chewing gum on pavements, and I’m really pleased with the trial results so far in Ryde.”

IW Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment Edward Giles added: “The council is closely monitoring the street washing trial, which is being funded through existing budgets.

“Keeping popular public areas clean is important and makes a big difference to the image of a town or village, which is also very important for tourism and local businesses.

“Cleaning pavements is one subject the council does get many enquiries about. If we feel the trial is a success, then there’s a good chance we’ll look to expand it into other areas across the Island next year.”

Jim Roberts MBE

Bryan Olifant cleaning the streets

BY JOMACAULAY

www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Friday, November 27, 2009 3

NEWS

AN ISLANDER was involved in a dramatic rescue after a dangerous stunt went horribly wrong.

Marcus Rickard, 22, of Cranmore near Yarmouth was hang-gliding, and being towed along by a quad bike in atrocious weather conditions, when he crashed near Newbridge.

That prompted a joint operation between the Coastguard helicopter and the IW ambulance service swinging into action on Sunday afternoon.

An ambulance tried to reach the victim, who was said to be complaining of back and neck pain. But the vehicle became stuck in the field where Mr Rickard landed.

The Coastguard helicopter was called and Mr Rickard was strapped to a spinal board with a neck collar, and air-lifted to Seaclose, where he was met by an ambulance that transported him to nearby St Mary’s Hospital.

Neither the injured man nor his family would talk about the incident and refused permission for details of his condition to be released by Isle of Wight NHS.

IW Police confirmed they were not investigating the incident,

which happened when Mr Rickard appeared to be blown out of the sky by a strong cross wind.

But a spokesman for the Isle of Wight Hang-gliding and Paragliding Club said conditions at the time were very bad for flying.

* * *

Hours earlier a kite surfer was also injured at Brook where he was ‘playing around’ on his sail in the field to the east of Brook beach car park.

Clare Leonty, who was walking her dogs down towards the beach at the time said:

“I saw him go 100 ft up into the air and then he let go. I just thought he’d landed in a ditch or gulley.

A gust took him from about 20 ft to around 100 ft and his legs were going as if he was running. Then he just let go.”

“I was walking my dogs down the path and the gust that took him took my breath away and I turned round to get my breath. They were out of their depth with the wind. It looked horrific. They were just laughing and jumping but it wasn’t

under their control. He was tiny in the sky before he jumped off of it.

“I think it’s irresponsible of the national news to show those two lads jumping over Brighton pier,” she added.

“A paramedic estate car from Freshwater passed us as we drove on to Compton and on the way back we saw that a lifeboat landrover was there.”

RESIDENTS on the Island are being warned about suspicious phone calls relating to council tax, with the caller claiming to be acting on behalf of the IW council.

Some homeowners have received phone calls stating that they are entitled to a refund on their council tax. The caller tells the homeowner that they are calling from ‘The Council Tax Claims Department’ and that the property they own has been placed in the incorrect council tax band.

The homeowner is then told they are entitled to a refund of anything up to several thousand pounds. To get this money, the resident is then asked for their bank card or account details so they can pay a fee of £99.99 to process the claim.

They are then told that once the claim has been successful, the £99.99 will be refunded.

A spokesperson for the IW Council said: “The council wishes to stress that this is a scam and it has not employed any firm or individuals in relation to council tax payments or refunds. The council does not operate a ‘Council Tax Claims Department’ and residents should never give out personal bank details over the phone.

“Anyone who receives these types of phone calls should not give out personal details and should end the call and contact either Hampshire Constabulary or IW Council Trading Standards.”

The Trading Standards Department can be contacted on 821000.

COUNCIL TAXSCAM CALLS

DON’T FLY THIS AT HOME

BURNT TOASTFIREFIGHTERS were called to an address in Newport after receiving reports of a kitchen fire.

The alarm was raised was just after 5.02pm on Wednesday evening in a property on Horsebridge Hill.

It is thought that the fire may have started in a toaster in the kitchen,after something became caught in the bottom of it, according to the IW Fire and Rescue Service.

Two pumps from Newport Fire Station attended the scene and had dealt with the situation by 5.46pm.

COUNCILLOR Vanessa Churchman admits she is disappointed that she had to resign as chairman of the IW Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Her decision to stand down came shortly before she faced compulsory removal from the post at this week’s full council meeting.

Council leader David Pugh called for her to quit after she was found last week to have breached the code of conduct over her support for colleague Anne Bishop’s 2007 Craven Court planning application.

But Cllr Churchman is adamant she still intends to play an important role for the Island in her position as independent councillor for Havenstreet, Ashey and Haylands.

She said: “It is time to move on and I shall be

doing everything I can to help take the Island forward. I shall remain an active councillor and play a full part in all matters.

“I am also delighted to say that I shall be the leader of the 10-strong Independent group of the council from December 1, a post I shall hold for six months.”

In an email to Cllr Pugh prior to Wednesday night’s full meeting, Cllr Churchman said she had decided to stand down as Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny and felt disappointed that she had worked hard and conscientiously and would have liked to have continued with the work she had started.

Cllr Churchman went on to say that she was pleased that the Standards Board chose not to impose any sanction, such as

suspension, and that she had acted honourably.

She also said that she has taken on board their recommendation regarding training and had already arranged this with the Monitoring Officer prior to Cllr Pugh’s email this week.

Cllr Churchman added that this all took place two and half years ago and it is through no fault of her own that the Standards Board stretched out the process. She also said that since June 2007 she has been re-elected to the council and voted in unanimously as Chair of O and S at full council.

Cllr Churchman concluded by saying that she was doubly disappointed that the ruling group has now withdrawn their support for her when everyone knew that the Standards Board enquiry was ongoing.

Marcus RickardThe Coastguard helicopter that rescued Mr Rickard

Councillor Vanessa Churchman

FORCED TO RESIGN

BY JASON KAY


NEWS

NEIGHBOUR FOILS FIRE

CAR COLLIDES WITH LAMPPOST

FIREFIGHTERS have praised a man who alerted the emergency services after smelling smoke and hearing smoke alarms beeping at a neighbouring flat.

Hung Pin Wan was in his property in Station Street, Ryde, when he heard alarms repeatedly sounding. He ventured outside and up the stairs to the flat above, to find smoke pouring out the letterbox.

Mr Wan explained: “I smelt smoke and heard the smoke alarms going off for a few minutes. I checked my property and looked around and there was nothing wrong, so I thought it must be coming from the upstairs flat. I went up and looked through the letterbox and saw and smelt the smoke so I went in to the Police Station next door and they called the fire

brigade straight away.”Silvia Contan, who lives

in the flat and works as a nurse in Wootton, described the moment she received a phone call about the fire. She said: “I was at work and I got a phone call saying there was smoke coming out of my flat. It was very scary because I didn’t really know what was happening. I had left a pot on cooking with potatoes in it and completely forgot, I just can’t believe it. It was lucky my smoke alarms were working. I always make sure they are working.”

Kelvin Wright, Watch Manager at Ryde Fire Station, said: “We received a call saying there was smoke coming

from a flat. We were aware that a woman lived in the flat and that her child and mother also stay with her. We knew the lady was a work but thought the mother may be still in bed, so it was treated as persons reported inside.

“The landlord of the flat actually turned up and let us in to the flat. Three pumps attended, and we entered the flat with breathing apparatus. It was heavily smoke logged and we established that the fire was in the kitchen and luckily there was nobody inside.

Kelvin continued: “If it had been five more minutes then the whole kitchen would have gone up in flames. It was good that the neighbour raised the alarm and once again it has shown the importance of having working smoke alarms.”

A DRIVER escaped unharmed after the car he was driving crashed in to a lamppost in Whippingham, East Cowes.

The incident happened on Monday (November 23) at around 11.45am at the junction of Alverstone Road and Whippingham Road.

Emergency Services attended the scene and the road was closed for around 25 minutes while fuel was cleared from the road.

Neighbour Hung Pin Wan who raised the alarm

Firefighters Steve Goodall, Ian Gregory and Trevor Perkis, watch manager

BY JAMIE WHITE


NEWS

BOTH the fire brigade and the staff of the new neo natal unit dealt with a fire in the unit at St Mary’s Hospital last Friday effectively and efficiently. The fire, which started in a water heater, was in a play/waiting room off of the reception area

Kerry Sinfield, a nursery nurse on the unit said: “A parent came out to say there had been an explosion and that there were sparks coming out of the water heater in the play room in the reception area.

“We just adopted the fire procedure and the evacuation process. We made sure all the area was clear, shut all the fire doors and then got all the babies ready for evacuation. It’s something we do on a regular basis.”

Pamela George, sister of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) said: “The evacuation was so easy and we could stay in the dry. If we’d been downstairs (where the unit was previously housed) we would have had to go out in the rain.

The babies in NICU were evacuated over into the maternity unit and then over to the children’s ward where they stayed overnight.

“Everyone accommodated

us wonderfully,” said Kerry. “There were four babies in NICU. The families all took it really well.”

In the 29 years that Kerry has worked at the hospital it was the first fire she’s had to deal with.

A dad had raised the alarm – he was in the room at the time when the water heater exploded but had no injuries. Toys in the room were steam cleaned and were back in the reception area ready to return to the playroom.

Rebecca Small, Cleaning Supervisor, oversaw the clean up operation.

“There was a lot of smoke damage. Smoke came through the fan and went in to the changing rooms (behind) and they filled up with smoke. And there was a lot of smoke damage in the corridors,” said Rebecca.

“Everything that was in the reception area has been steam cleaned. All the windows had black fleck. We started on the clean up as soon as were let in and finished at 9.45pm – then we came back in on Saturday.

“Ralph Menacci, Romulo Pine, Katie Gladdis and Angie Houghton also helped with the clean up. We had to wear masks and use special cleaning tablets of a chlorine bleach to clean up. We also have a specialist steam cleaning room.”

The waiting room will be back in use within the next couple of weeks.

The new NICU unit is proving a hit with families and staff alike. “It’s lovely – it’s really nice up here,” said Pamela George the head sister. “Parents have that privacy and yet it hasn’t lost that homely feel.”

ST MARY’S CLEANUP

IT WAS David Flanders who found the fire at St Mary’s and reported it to staff on the ward.

“I was in the unit visiting my wife Rentia and my daughter Clarissa, who is on a ventilator, and I took my other daughter Bianca, 4, to the play area,” said David.

“The water heater on the wall suddenly went bang and a shower of sparks flew across the room and I saw a lot of smoke pouring out of the top of it. In those situations you close the fire door and get out. I quickly went and got a member of staff and then I went in to see my wife.

“It was a little bit of a shock

for Bianca but she takes things in her stride,” said David who is bar manager at the Highdown Inn at Totland.

“I’ve got nothing but praise

for the way the staff reacted. They got my daughter Clarissa into a transport incubator very quickly and there was a seamless transition. Everything went nice and smoothly.

“Catherine Gowman was

very calm about the whole thing and she dealt with the whole incident very well. She organised my wife and baby to get us away from the scene.

“Thankfully they’re in the new unit now and we didn’t have to go out in the pouring rain. They moved us to the maternity unit and then into the children’s ward. I think if it had been in the old unit it would have been a

different matter.“I’ve nothing but praise

for the way the hospital handled it. The contingency plan worked very well,” said David. Clarissa will now be in the unit until her due date, which is January 10, 2010.

BY JOMACAULAY

“The water heater on the wall suddenly went bang and a shower of sparks flew across the room.”

Rebecca Small (centre) with members of the NICU staff

Rebecca Small (left) and Kerry Sinfield

Left to right: David Flanders and Catherine Gowman


NEWS

A HIT for the Hospice is what Simon Howard is hoping for with his single Christmas Time. With all of the profits going to the IW Hospice, Christmas Time could be a big money spinner for the charity.

Simon wrote the song with his father, who died in a hospice wing 17 years ago, but he never finished it. Recently he met up with local musician Jamie Griffin who heard the song and decided to write an arrangement to accompany the words.

“I met up with Jamie Griffin recently and he operates out of Flight Studios in Brighstone,” said Simon.

“It’s an old fashioned Christmas song and we decided to release it on behalf of the hospice with all profits going to them.”

On December 14 you can download the song from iTunes or you can buy the CD for £2.50 from any of the Hospice shops, That’s Service Party Shop or Busy Bees in Ryde and Simon is looking for more outlets if you can help him out.

Simon is a solo entertainer here on the Island and includes the song in all of

his gigs in the run up to Christmas including the coffee morning at Dinosaur Isle last weekend.

“I drove the women mad – but not in that sort of way,” said Simon.

“The guys who work at the hospice are fantastic people. We just thought we’d try and

raise a few bob, particularly as Jamie has raised money for the hospice before. We may try to release it nationally next year.”

Simon has already sold around 100 copies of the single. If you can help him with sales he can be contacted on 07816 558400.

COFFEE WITH DINOSAURS

CHRISTMAS RECORD FOR HOSPICE

PLANS for a Waitrose store in East Cowes have been given the green light by planners after they approved the proposed development of the town square.

IW Council Deputy Leader George Brown was delighted with the approval. He said: “I welcome the fact that the application to construct a Waitrose store in East Cowes has been approved.

“Much like the Vestas R and D plant application, this demonstrates that the

council is determined to work with developers and the local community to regenerate parts of the Island and attract new business and employment opportunities.

“The Island will now get another major brand name which will undoubtedly boost the economy both in East Cowes and across the Island, as well as bringing in much needed employment during both the construction and operating phases.”

The scheme didn’t receive

complete praise though, with two members of the IW Council’s planning committee voting against the application after expressing concerns.

Meanwhile, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has launched its search for a partner to design, build, finance and operate a new marina at East Cowes, which is also seen as an integral part of the town’s regeneration.

The marina, being

developed in partnership with Cowes Harbour Commissioners and The Crown Estate, is a vital part of the wider East Cowes Regeneration Project and Cowes Waterfront Initiative.

Expressions of interest are being sought from marina operators that can deliver the 400 berth marina, construct a permanent breakwater for Cowes Harbour, extend the ‘Shrape Breakwater’ and dredge a new Eastern Channel. The breakwaters

and the Eastern Channel will subsequently be adopted by Cowes Harbour Commissioners.

David Holifield, SEEDA’s senior project manager said: “The Outer Harbour Project will deliver a unique opportunity for a new marina in one of Europe’s most prestigious yachting locations. The marina is a key part of SEEDA’s regeneration objectives for this area, and the partners are committed to this

development as part of the ongoing investment in this part of the Isle of Wight.”

An outline planning application including an Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted to the IW Council and is expected to be determined early in 2010.

The selected operator will be offered a 125 year lease of the marina and, subject to planning, construction is expected to start in Autumn 2010.

NEW WAITROSE GETS GREEN LIGHT

YOUNGSTERS queued to see the dinosaurs at a free entry day at Dinosaur Isle and Arthur Taylor, Chairman of IW Council, held a coffee morning to launch his Chairman’s charity.

Steve Hammond, the Chairman’s driver, swapped his chauffeur’s cap for a teapot to help serve out teas and coffees.

Donna Radcliffe, Chair of the Chairman’s Charity said: “We’re very grateful to the Dinosaur Museum who let people in for free. The Chairman’s charity supports Hayland’s Farm and the Hospice.

Karen Eeles, Head of Fundraising at the Hospice, said: “On behalf of the Hospice we would like to thank Cllr Arthur Taylor

for choosing us as one of his charities this year with Haylands Farm. The coffee morning is a regular event at a wonderful location and well supported, we were happy to attend and sell our Christmas cards and the event raised over £700. We will also be supporting all the fundraising events they are holding throughout the year.

Simon HowardLeft to right: Daphne Stafford, Betty Jordan, Carol Bridgestock and Doreen Taylor

Shirley Ballard, IW Town Crier, and Councillor Arthur Taylor, Chairman of IW Council


NEWS

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

POLICE are appealing for the driver of a flatbed lorry to come forward after a disabled woman’s car was damaged in Newport.

A silver Mazda MX6 was parked in a disabled bay on a road named ‘Hunnyhill’ between 1.30pm and 2pm on Saturday, November 21 when it’s believed another vehicle collided with the parked Mazda, which has extensive damage to its passenger side.

Investigating officer, PC Sarah Waldegrave of Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Teams said: “The damaged Mazda is the only transport for a disabled 64-year-old woman, who was not in the parked vehicle when the apparent collision took place. No driver stopped at the scene to leave details.

“Enquiries to date have led to the suggestion that a flatbed lorry was seen in the Hunnyhill area at the time this collision is believed to have happened. Police would like to speak with the owner or driver of this lorry as they could have seen what happened.”

The lorry driver or anyone else with information is asked to phone PC Sarah Waldegrave at Newport Police Station on 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LORRY WANTED

A MAN has been charged with fly-tipping after he was spotted dumping waste by a member of the public.

Thomas Coman, who now lives in Winton, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 during a hearing at the IW Magistrates Court in Newport.

He was ordered to pay a total of £1,500 which included a contribution to the council’s costs.

The IW Council was contacted by a member of the public, who spotted Mr Coman illegally dumping waste down an embankment in woodland in Adgestone near Sandown on March 9 this year. The member of public took the registration details of the van Mr Coman was seen getting into.

Environmental Health officers from the council inspected the scene and found waste which contained the name and address of Mr Coman.

The area has become a well known place for fly-tipping and amongst the waste that was also found there were several discarded washing machines, fridges, black bin liners and sheets of wood.

The area is also on a popular

route with walkers and since March, there have been no further incidents of fly-tipping at the site.

IW Council Environmental Health Manager, Amanda Gregory, said: “Mr Coman showed a complete disregard for the environment and although the council has never suggested he was responsible for all the waste found at the site in Adgestone, he nevertheless took advantage of it being there.

“Thanks to a member of the public who saw Mr Coman and reported the incident, he’s facing a bill of £1,500 and will no doubt think twice before doing it again.

“This successful prosecution sends out the message that we will take whatever action we can to catch and prosecute those whose actions spoil the Island’s beautiful environment.”

FLYTIPPER FINED

‘I’VE DONE NOTHING WRONG’COUNCILLOR Adrian Whittaker insisted last night he has no intentions of resigning from the IW Council amid allegations of an assault on a police officer.

Cllr Whittaker, who represents Ryde South, has also revealed to The Gazette that he resigned from the local branch of the Liberal Democrats local party earlier this week, and was not expelled as has been suggested in some reports.

He gave us access to an email he wrote on Wednesday to the leader of the Isle of Wight Council’s Lib Dems, Cllr Reg Barry, which read: “It is with regret that I must inform you that, due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I feel it most appropriate to resign from the Liberal Democrat Group, with immediate effect.

I also confirm my resignation from both the Planning and Fire Modernisation Committees. As my personal circumstances become clearer I shall inform you of any further decisions I feel it necessary to make in accordance with the Code of Conduct and best practice as an elected Councillor.”

He confirmed his resignation to Steve Beynon, the chief executive of IW Council. But Cllr Whittaker, 37, claims he will fight

any calls for him to be thrown out of the Lib Dem party at national level, and says he has no reason to quit as an IW Councillor.

He said in an exclusive Gazette interview: “I have already resigned at local level of my own free will. I thought it would be best to do that. But now I find out they are calling for my expulsion from the party at national level, and I am very annoyed about that because I have done nothing wrong.

“It seems people have forgotten that phrase ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and I feel this is most unfair.”

Calls for his expulsion have been led by Island party vice-president and executive member Morris Barton. The party’s AGM takes place today (Friday) and Mr Barton said: “I am sure Cllr Whittaker’s expulsion from the party will be on the agenda. If Cllr Whittaker is subsequently convicted we will be seeking the Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh’s support for seeking Cllr Whittaker’s resignation as a councillor.”

But Mr Whittaker is adamant he has no intention of quitting the IW Council. He is due to appear before Island magistrates on Monday charged with assault, which he will vehemently deny.

In turn he has also lodged a complaint of police assault through Hampshire Constabulary Professional Standards.

He said: “I have no intention of resigning. I believe I give good value to my ward of Ryde South, so I am certainly in no rush to resign. I also think I am the only councillor not to claim the allowance of £800 a month. I claim only my travelling expenses of £20 a week.”

If the pending case is proven against Mr Whittaker, he could still remain a member of the IW Council, provided he did not receive a prison sentence of more than three months.

The Local Government Act, 1972, Section 80 deals with the ‘disqualification for election and holding office as a member of local authority’. It states: “A person shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority if: (Sub section 1 d)...has within five years before the day of election or since his election been convicted of any offence and has passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine.”

A police spokesman confirmed: “Adrian Whittaker, of Lower

Highland Road, Ryde, was arrested and bailed to appear before Island magistrates on November 30.” They added “It would not be appropriate for the police to comment further at this time as legal proceedings are active and the first hearing at Magistrates Court is due on Monday.”

A WOMAN escaped serious injury after falling almost 100ft down cliffs in Shanklin.

Emergency services were called to Hope Road just before 5am last Saturday (November 23) after

reports that a woman in her 20s was trapped in brambles after falling from the cliff top. It is thought that two Polish males raised the alarm after hearing her cries for help.

Firefighters used specialist

cutting equipment to rescue the woman from thick undergrowth at the foot of the cliffs adjacent to the pitch and putt golf course, before placing her on a spinal board and transferring her to St

Mary’s Hospital, Newport.A fire service spokesman

said: “The woman is incredibly lucky to be alive. If she had fallen a few feet either side, then the result could have been potentially fatal.”

Former Lib Dem Councillor Adrian Whittaker


NEWS

NEW TOWN CRIER UNVEILED IN RYDEA FORMER soldier has been unveiled as Ryde’s new town crier.

Steve King, who served in the Army Catering Course, read his first script on the town square on Wednesday (November 24).

Mr King is affectionately known as ‘Papa Smurf’ to his friends at the Ryde Branch of the Royal British Legion.

One of the RBL members said: “It is going to be awfully quiet in the Legion without him in here all the time. We call him a smurf because he’s not the tallest and he loves it. We think he’ll be fantastic at the job and has certainly got the voice for it.”

Left to right Morris Smith from London, Ryde Mayor David Woodward,new Ryde town crier Steve King and Daphne Williams from Brisbane, Australia

BESTIVAL and Camp Bestival came up trumps again last week, winning best medium sized festival and best family festival respectively in the UK Festival Awards at the O2 Dome last Thursday.

The Gazette caught up with Rob Da Bank after the weekend to get his response to the good news.

“I’m very, very chuffed,” said Rob. “To get those two out of all the different ones we were nominated for was brilliant. (The Bestival was nominated for seven awards). Those were the two most important ones. So it was a really good night with a good Isle of Wight presence all round. There was a massive Isle of Wight Festival presence and a massive Bestival presence.

“We were really chuffed to win the best medium sized festival for the fourth year out of five and probably the last because we’re outgrowing the category now,” he explained.

“We’ve got a 50,000 capacity and we sold

42,000 last year and we’ll probably sell 45,000 this year, potentially. They’ll still be 50,000 people on site, there were 50,000 on site this year, and so we’re pretty much the same size as the Isle of Wight Festival now. It’s slightly daunting on the one hand but it seemed to work this year. There were a couple of people who said it was just too big but they were far outweighed by those who said it was wicked again.

“We’re very conscious of watching that all the time and it’s not like it’s a financial thing because this is the first year we’re actually broken even and made money.

“We could go higher, we’d just have to ask, but that’s what our licence is in for so we definitely won’t be going larger than that for capacity for next year. Out of that we have to include all of the staff, crew artists, performers – that is the absolute final amount.”

For those who were unhappy about the new position of the main stage Rob had a few words that

may come as music to your ears.

“The stage is definitely moving. I don’t regret that it was there – we had to move it somewhere. We needed to put it somewhere, we couldn’t leave it where it was, there just wasn’t the space, and there were very few options. Next year it won’t be where it was and it won’t be back where it was originally. It’ll still be in that field but it’ll be somewhere slightly different.”

On the Fire Field and the Afterburner, new

additions to this year’s Bestival, Rob was enthusiastic:

“That was a brilliant new addition. The whole fire field worked really well and the fire spectacular and the afterburner. That will be back next year. We’ve got a few other tricks up our sleeves. We’re ahead of ourselves on

booking the talent and we’ve got

at least one of the headliners dropped in.

“I can’t give you any hints

yet but we’ll

be announcing Camp Bestival next week – not necessarily all of the headline acts but some of the acts and the other things that we’re doing. We won’t be announcing Bestival until February but I’m sure something will leak out,” he told us.

A few problems were encountered getting everyone off site this year and Rob was keen to stress that this wouldn’t be happening again.

“Apart from wind problems on Friday with the main stage on Friday getting off site was turning into a bit of a nightmare for a massive

amount of people which we were really gutted about because it should have worked better so that whole transport policy is

being looked at. I think that the Isle of Wight had all the

traffic lights extremely biased towards them, the

Islanders, which is brilliant for them but not for the 8,000 cars trying to get out of the car park. There’s just a bit of a balancing act to be

done there and then we’ve just got to make sure that the ferries and Southern Vectis can cope with the amount of people. The positive is that that there are more people coming by public transport and our crowd is getting younger and I expect they’ll still keep coming by public transport so now we know where we’re up then I think it’s going to get better.

On the headliners for next year, Rob was not giving anything away but Lily Allen will not be coming. “She’s not doing much next year,” said Rob,

“It’s gonna be a brand new set of headliners who we haven’t had before. Some of it will have a younger slant. Like this year Elbow, Massive Attack and Kraftwork - obviously Elbow are still the top of their game, but they were all older bands and the age group might come down slightly. I’m being cryptic but it’s all very delicate still, in the delicate stages of bring firmed up at the moment so I think I shall stay on that at the moment.”

AWARDS FOR BESTIVAL

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gazettethe isle of wight

REPORTING ISLAND NEWS

HOW TO CONTACT THE IW GAZETTE


NEWS

BEETLEMANIA

EXCITED experts at the Natural History Museum have identified an extremely rare tropical beetle that crawled out of an Island man’s coffee table as he watched a TV nature show.

Simon Hawkins was watching legendary naturalist David Attenborough’s BBC One Life show in his lounge when the bright green creepy-crawly appeared.

Shocked Mr. Hawkins, 42, from Newport, scooped the bizarre-looking bug into a coffee jar before passing it on to his local zoo. The zoo christened the creature ‘Nigel’ and emailed a photo to insect experts at London’s Natural History Museum.

They, in turn, identified Nigel as a tropical jewel beetle from Bali in South east Asia and said it could have been living in the table or its wood for up to 30 years. The Museum did not have any such specimens and has described the find as “quite something”.

The jewel beetle – Latin name chrysochroa fulminans – is one of the longest living insects, feeding exclusively on wood as

grubs. Adult jewel beetles have been known to emerge from holes they have bored after up to 30 years in the wood.

Nigel died from dehydration shortly after being given to the zoo but will now go on display at the museum. Its entomology experts say that Nigel is a “spectacular” example of the species, which can be brown or a shimmering, metallic green, blue, gold or red. It is believed that the bright colours confuse predators and jewel beetles are the fastest flying insects, even surpassing dragonflies.

Mr. Hawkins said: “I was lying on my sofa watching Life a fortnight ago when I saw something green coming out of a hole in my coffee table. “I pulled it out and then dropped it onto the floor in shock when I realised it was a two-inch-long creepy crawly. Then I rushed into the

kitchen and grabbed a coffee jar to put it in.

“I could not identify it on the internet so I sent it to the zoo, who named him Nigel.

“I bought the coffee table a year ago from a local shop that imports furniture from Bali.”

Mr. Hawkins, a building firm sales assistant, said he was astonished to learn that Nigel had come from Bali.

He said: “How he survived the making of the table with the machinery and fumigation process, then the journey to England is a mystery to me.

“It is spooky to think he has been living in the table without me realising for a year. I have found it fascinating reading about jewel beetles.

“It is a shame that Nigel perished. The zoo said he was very dehydrated and I’m not surprised after all that time in my table. At least some good will come of his death because he will be a specimen on display at the museum for others to learn from. The Museum has invited me and I plan to make a visit to see Nigel

in the New Year.“I’m paranoid that there might

be other beetles in the table still. I look at it every day half expecting a Nigella to appear.”

Malcolm Kerley, a curator in the Museum’s department of entomology, said: “Although we are considered by many to have one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of beetles in the world, we occasionally find we do not have a particular specimen.

“You do hear about insects emerging from pieces of furniture that may have been made or acquired decades ago. But they are normally much smaller species than this. Most of them are nowhere near as spectacular as Nigel and it is quite exceptional for this to have happened with a tropical jewel beetle.

“It would have been quick a shock for a tropical beetle to emerge into the British climate and this one was apparently barely alive when it did. Nigel is now on display. He is our only jewel beetle specimen from Bali and so he is quite something for us.”

Simon Hawkins with his tableNigel the tropical jewel beetle from Bali

BY JASON KAY

DEFENCE company BAE Systems has announced plans to cut up to 125 jobs on the Island, as a result of falling demand of its units.

The Cowes based site is part of the company’s Insyte unit, which supplies radar surveillance, command and information systems, mission training and underwater systems programmes to defence and security customers.

In total, 642 jobs across eight sites in the UK could be lost, including 220 jobs in Portsmouth over the next two years.

Rory Fisher, Managing Director for BAE Systems Insyte, said in statement: “We have a responsibility to address a reduction in our forecast workload and manage our cost base to remain competitive and meet our customers’ future requirements.

“We will work with our employees and their representatives to explore ways of mitigating these potential job losses and we will ensure employees are fully supported throughout this process.

BAE employs 105,000 people worldwide, with 32,600 of those based in the UK at 80 sites.

MORE JOB LOSSES


NEWS

WIGHT SPIRIT REPAYS DEBT

REPAYING a debt of gratitude for their rescue three years ago, the crew of Wight Spirit, handed over a cheque for over £3,000 raised by their taking part in the 2009 Fasnet Race to the Bembridge RNLI Appeal last weekend.

On September 2, 2006 the Bembridge All Weather Lifeboat was launched at 8.35pm to assist the dismasted yacht Wight Spirit, 11 miles south of the Nab Tower on her way back from Honfleur.

After finding the casualty

with the help of a white collision flare the lifeboat found the yacht laying broadside to the weather. The mast had broken in two places and was stewn over the deck and down over the starboard side with two of the five man crew trying to pull the mast up and secure it to the deck.

They managed to achieve this and then the lifeboat towed the casualty to Haslar Marina where they arrived some seven hours after launching. Thanks and goodbyes were exchanged

and the lifeboat returned to Bembridge.

This summer the fully repaired Wight Spirit was ready to compete in the gruelling Rolex Fastnet Race and they decided they would obtain sponsorship for the race, as this was deemed a fitting way to show their gratitude to the Bembridge RNLI.

The culmination of their efforts came to fruition on last Saturday November 21, when the crew of Wight Spirit, along with friends and family, visited the temporary

lifeboat station at Bembridge and presented the crew with a cheque for £3,005 towards the Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Having received the cheque, Coxswain Steve Simmonds said: “Although it is not unusual for thanks and donations to be made following a rescue, it is the first time I can recall anyone we have rescued going on to complete a 750 nautical mile race through some of the most challenging sea conditions, and then through the generosity of many

being able to give us such a magnificent sum. It certainly is a reward for all of us at Bembridge.”

In this year’s Fastnet race Wight Spirit finished 133rd overall (from a field of 300), 23rd in IRC3 (from59) and 14th in IRC3B (from 30). “A very commendable set of results,” said the crew.

The two-year Bembridge RNLI Appeal, which was launched in 2008, aims to raise £1million towards the rebuilding of Bembridge lifeboat station and a replacement boathouse. It

will also go towards the cost of the new Tamar class lifeboat, which will come into service in a couple of years’ time.

The current lifeboat, the Max Aitken III, is due to be retired in 2010 and will be replaced by the latest, most advanced lifeboat class, the Tamar. The Tamar is more powerful than the Tyne and is also higher, heavier and wider.

Further details on how you can support the Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station Appeal can be found at www.rnli.org.uk/bembridgeappeal

BODY IN BUS STATION

2006 2009

Coxswain Steve Simmons from Bembridge Lifeboat recieves a chequefrom the crew and children of the Wight Spirit yacht

The stricken Wight Spirit in 2006

Newport Bus Station, cordoned off by police

A MAN’S body was found at Newport Bus Station in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday).

It is thought that discovery was made by a member of the public just after 4.30am.

The bus station was closed for two hours with police cordoning off the area. Police have confirmed that they are not treating the death as suspicious.

The IW coroner was informed and a post mortem took place yesterday afternoon.


NEWS

NEW GRITTERS JOIN FLEETA FLEET of new gritting trucks has arrived on the Island to help make sure that main roads are kept safe during the winter months.

The vehicles have arrived as part of a new four-year contract between the IW Council and Ringway Group Ltd. Twelve vehicles, which are more technologically advanced than the previous gritters, will be on 24-hour standby to grit the roads.

The gritters are equipped with a range of technologies including GPS satellite systems allowing the council to instantly see the location of a vehicle. They feature alarm systems that activate should a vehicle stray off its designated route, or be travelling too fast, and they display the exact amount of salt being deposited.

They also feature a ‘boost button’, allowing salt to be spread over a greater distance. For example, when a gritter passes an area that is prone to having large amounts of water run-off from fields.

IW Council Head of Highways

and Transport, Peter Hayward, said: “Maintaining safe roads during cold and icy weather is a top priority and I am really pleased that we are able to deploy the latest technology on the Island to help with this.

“The fleet of gritters will be on constant standby to be deployed along the Island’s main roads when freezing conditions are forecast and our remote

temperature sensors report falling temperatures.

“Ringway Group understand the importance of local knowledge and have employed six drivers who are all based on the Isle of Wight and know the routes very well.

“The technology on the new vehicles also helps us monitor the performance of the gritters, the amount of salt they’re putting

down, and how the drivers are doing. All of this will help us to quickly spot any problem areas, get them sorted out and keep the Island moving this winter”

Ian Thorpe, Ringway Divisional Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working on the Isle of Wight and are committed to providing an efficient and effective winter maintenance service to the Island’s road users”.

THREE more public toilets have been awarded prestigious Loo of the Year accolades, bringing the Island’s total to five.

IW council public toilets at South Street, Newport and Ventnor Esplanade have been awarded four star ratings by the British Toilet Association, while Brannon Way in Wootton has been awarded three. These award winning loos join Yaverland and Brading which were each awarded four stars last year.

The awards are run independently and promoted by the British Toilet Association. They are designed to encourage the highest possible standards in all types of ‘away from home’ toilets or public toilets.

This year’s Island Loo of the Year Award recipients have

each undergone refurbishment work to bring them up to a high standard. Loos are assessed against strict judging criteria, covering both male and female facilities as well as any changing and accessible facilities provided.

The loos were assessed during an unannounced visit by a judge looking at signage, décor and level of maintenance; fixtures and fittings; cleanliness; provision of hygiene equipment such as hand dryers, soap and toilet tissue; air quality; security; accessibility and overall management and customer care.

Cllr Edward Giles, IW council cabinet member for the environment and transports said: “The Loo of the Year Awards provide confirmation by

FOR OUR CONVENIENCE

Gritter drivers with Andy Goff General Manager of Adams Morey Ltd,Brian Moss, regional director of Ringway, Councillor Edward Giles, Environment

and transport and David Binding, group commercial director

an external organisation that these loos are of a very high standard, something we hope is recognised by visitors to the Island as well as those who live here.

“While we realise there is work to do across the whole Island regarding the standard of our public toilets, these awards show that we are making progress in improving facilities.

“We have a large number of public conveniences and work with our contractors to try and ensure high standards of cleanliness in all of them.”

Cllr Edward Giles climbs aboard

The new controversial toilets at Ventnor Esplanade


OPINION

Sir,

I FIND Derek Moores, IOW Donkey Sanctuary Trustee, rant in your columns extremely worrying for somebody in such a responsible position. To claim that the Charity Commission were responsible for making this particular charities rules and conditions is foolish to say the least. The annual report clearly states that the board of trustees have responsibility for establishing policy. No surprise then that when I telephoned Mr Moore some time ago and tried to discuss the charity’s rehoming policy he was completely unaware of it, yet it is clearly stated on all of the charity’s documents. The board have continued to provide us with the same lame excuses, contradicting themselves beautifully, for not allowing our three girls to come home.

Why not be honest, the trustees and charity managers are keeping them because they are an attraction, with no consideration as to the best option for the girls which

clearly is to allow them to come home. Animal sanctuaries can be likened to childrens homes, a good second best, but the best option for any child is to be in the bosom of a loving family, donkeys are no different, particularly such young donkeys. Mr Moore states in his meanderings that it costs the charity £70 per month to keep a donkey. Thats £210 per month for our girls times by 40 years, isn’t that a ridiculous waste of resources for a charity currently losing money? We have offered to repay all cost that the Charity has incurred, we have even offered to buy them three miniature donkeys, all to no avail.

As to his accusations of Sonia spreading malicious statements, we have asked both the Board of Trustees and their solicitors to qualify and quantify this, neither has been able to do so. We find the comments ridiculous, in keeping with the whole episode.

The organisation needs to be closely looked at, it does not operate as it states and certain members of staff require

close scrutiny, in addition the members of the Board of Trustees seem to change like the wind.

Some of the board’s decisions appear to be somewhat questionable to say the least. The year end accounts for 31st December 2008 make interesting reading. Despite making a loss, income against expenditure, of nearly £35,000 and the number of staff, nine, remaining the same, wages were increased by some 21% year on year. Recession what recession? In addition wages accounted for over 60% of the charities income. That s 60 pence out of every pound that you donate! Nice work if you can get it. Be interesting to discover just who the high earners are as a number of the staff are thought to be on minimum wage.

The Board of Trustees operate behind closed doors, akin to a secret society. Time for a change?

We have huge support for our request that the girls be allowed home from many, many corners. We have been extremely patient.

Stephen Mills, Chillerton

Your letters... WRITE TO US AT ISLE OF WIGHT GAZETTE, B18 SPITHEAD BUSINESS CENTRE, NEWPORT ROAD, LAKE, PO36 9PH OR E-MAIL [email protected]

Dear Editor,

GUIDE DOGS are celebrating Christmas 2009 in style with the launch of their fabulous virtual gifts website and need your readers’ support.

Your readers can pick from a range of virtual “dog-e-gifts” for every budget, knowing any purchase will help the charity improve the independence of visually-impaired people across the country.

For just £13 you can buy Christmas dinner for ten hard-working guide dog puppies, £137 will buy a guide dog puppy all the kit it needs to start at training school or for £20 you can buy that essential dog-e purchase – poo bags!

This is the gift that will keep on giving as Guide Dogs will be able to use the money to further its vision of a society in which blind and partially-sighted people enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else.

When you buy a virtual “dog-e-gift” for a loved one, they will receive a lovely Guide Dogs’ Christmas card, containing a photo, description of the gift and details of how it helps Guide Dogs.

Shoppers can choose whether to fill out the card online to be sent directly to the recipient or have it posted to themselves first to hand write before giving to the recipient.

Visit www.guidedog-e-gifts.org.uk to see the full range today.

Yours sincerely,James Gaubert,Dog-e-gifts co-ordinator for London and the South East

HOW LONG did it take you to notice the horse on the right? Be seen - be safe!

The majority of horse owners work full-time to be able to afford their animals, and so have no option but to exercise their horses either early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. When the days are shorter this means riding out in the half-light, and riding a dark coloured horse in dark coloured clothing is courting disaster.

One of the worst years on record for equine road accidents was 2002, when 11 riders were killed and 39 injured in 117 road accidents reported voluntarily to the British Horse Society. In the same report 33 horses were

killed or destroyed and 29 injured.

When out riding, it is strongly recommended that all riders wear fluorescent/reflective clothing – ‘hi viz’ at all times of day regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, time of year, or time of day.

There are many types of clothing on the market now and at many different prices, but there is something to suit everyone. Hi-viz sheets for the horse, jackets/tabards for the riders, hi-viz bits to add to the bridle, tail and martingale, plus hat covers and hat bands, dabs for the back of your hands – the list is limitless and there are new products coming onto the market all the time.

There is no law that states

riders must wear this equipment but it is in their very best interests to do so – not just because drivers will see them on the road sooner. Riders can also be seen sooner when riding off-road. Also, in the event that a rider falls from their horse and is injured, wearing hi-viz clothing enables the Air Ambulance or Police helicopter to see the rider lying in countryside.

The BHS would always recommend that riders choose clothing to a recognised standard, but wearing anything light and bright is preferable to wearing dark clothing. Currently there is no approved or recognised standard for the wide variety of hi-viz equipment that is available for use on your horse. Remember be seen and be safer.

BE SEEN - BE SAFE

‘SOMEWHAT QUESTIONABLE’


NEWS

Hospice Fundraising: Telephone - 528989

HospiceNews

Give the gift of a Hospice Lottery

Voucher this Christmas

A GREAT way to be part of the Island’s Hospice success story is to give a Hospice Lottery Gift Voucher as a Christmas present. Vouchers are available in £13, £26 or £52 amounts - giving your recipient entry into the lottery for 13,26 or 52 weeks. It’s a great present for people when you just don’t know what to buy them. To play the lottery you must be 16 years or older.

The Hospice Lottery has raised over £100,000 for patient care at the Hospice – with all the money raised going to care for Island people with life limiting conditions.

Each week the top prize is £1000 with 50 prizes of £10.

To purchase your Hospice Lottery Gift Vouchers simply give the Fundraising Team a call on 528989.

Regular classics to raise funds for the

Hospice

ANOTHER classical music concert will take place at Ventnor Wintergardens on Sunday December 20 starting at 3pm. These concerts are free to attend and a closing collection will be made at the end. All proceeds will go to the Island’s Hospice.

Lights of Love across the Island

THE EARL Mountbatten Hospice has now published the full list of Lights of Love Services that will take place across the Island in December.

A Lights of Love Service celebrates the lives of the people who have meant so much to us and yet may no longer be here to enjoy Christmas with us.

We warmly invite you to attend one of our uplifting services - either our main service at Sts Thomas in Newport on December 11 at 7pm, or one of the services around the Island during the festive season. For a full list of services please go to www.iwhospice.org or call 528989.

Bembridge Gift Fayre

FRIDAY November 27 and Saturday November 28 sees this year’s Bembridge Gift Fayre take place at Bembridge Yacht Club.

On Friday November 27 the Fayre will be open from 5pm to 8.30pm with wine and canapés. The event will be opened by Sarah Webb OBE and the cost of entrance on Friday evening is £6.50.

On Saturday November 28 the Fayre runs 10am - 4pm and entrance will be £2.50.

Pumphouse Gang to play in memory of Sue

A DATE for your diary…Pumphouse Gang with The Mechanixs will be appearing live at Ryde Castle on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 7.30pm. The concert is in remembrance of Sue Oxford and will raise money for the Island’s Hospice.

This is a ticket only event and tickets are priced at £10. They are available from Strings in Monkton St Ryde, The Simeon Arms in Ryde and the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Charity Shops in Newport.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

YOUNG people in the West Wight are being urged to bid for a share of £20,000 to help develop community projects.

The money is available through a pilot scheme being run by the IW Council and the NHS Isle of Wight called Up2U.

Under Up2U, young people aged between five and 19 are being asked to come up with suggestions for schemes or projects they want to see in Freshwater and Totland in 2010.

The ideas must be for schemes that will make a difference to the eating habits of their friends and families. It is important that the ideas and applications come directly from the youngsters and not adults.

Adults are however on hand to offer advice and assistance to the young bidders who are encouraged to talk

through their ideas with staff at their local school, health centre or youth club.

These projects should then get in touch with the local Up2U project worker, Mary Norledge at [email protected]. Mary will help these projects to think through their ideas, so that they can be worked up into funding bids. The projects will then be put in touch with the Rural Community Council.

IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: “One of the aims of Up2U is to give young Islanders more control over the way that money is spent in their local area.

“At the same time it will provide the opportunity for the young people of Totland and Freshwater to come up with schemes that will improve their own lifestyles and those of others in

their communities.”We also hope the Up2U project will

encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities and also introduce them to concepts such as project planning and budget management that we hope will serve them in good stead in later life.”

Heather Lovell, Head of Strategies & Partnerships in the Public Health Department at NHS Isle of Wight said: “Young people are being encouraged to find ways of keeping themselves healthy through what kind of food they eat and what they do to keep active.

“With the increase of access to fast foods and a more sedate lifestyle, our young people have this opportunity to have their say and plan their spare time in ways that keeps them at a healthy weight and active.”

MONEY FOR WEST WIGHT YOUTH

STUDENTS at Ryde High School contributed to making their own Christmas miracle for children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, through their support for Operation Christmas Child. the UK’s largest children’s Christmas appeal which has been running for over 19 years.

In October an assembly was given to all year groups about the work done by Operation Christmas Child. After raising more than £1,000 for

Red Nose day, students were keen to show that they can still be very generous, and the campaign for students to bring in shoeboxes full of gifts begun.

The students and staff at Ryde High donated a total of 78 boxes, full to the brim with gifts such as toys, books, pens and more practical donations like toothbrushes and toothpaste. There were some notable students who produced several boxes on their own, including Shannon Green,

Katie Salmon, Coral Hornbuckle and Donna McComb who produced 8 boxes between them, and MacKenzie and Naomi Nicol who produced 6 boxes.

Mrs Kathy Collier who headed the campaign at Ryde High said “I’m delighted by this result. Our students have shown yet again that they are a generous group of young people. So many students have passed me in the corridor and have been keen to tell me that they were bringing in a box.”

Back row, left to right: Naomi Nicol, MacKenzie Nicol.Front row, left to right: Mrs K Collier, Katie Salmon, Coral Hornbuckle, Donna McComb


NEWS

WENDY’S TRAGIC LOSS WARNS YOUNG DRIVERS

WENDY NEWNHAM experienced the worst nightmare any parent can face just three years ago when her son Martin Hawker died in a car crash. But she gives the experience of her loss as a warning to other young drivers in the ‘Head On’ course run at Island High Schools, in the hope that other young lives might be saved.Martin Poynter and Wendy Newnham

WENDY’S home phone then began to ring; the school students who were on the buses told her Martin had had a car crash. Maternal instincts then took over and Wendy tried to get to the crash site, “I just wanted to be with Martin.” Wendy’s father who’d been in the fire service for 32 years was stuck

in the traffic jam caused by the crash.

“I called my dad on his mobile insisting he told me what was going on.

He said: “It’s not looking good” I knew what he meant.” Wendy then went to the hospital to wait to see Martin.

“I waited for what seemed

like ages and ages. I overheard the ambulance and the police escort coming and the waiting area where they bring people in was full of doctors and nurses and it was just crammed full, and I knew, I knew how serious it was by the amount of people that were there waiting for him.

FORMER chef turned 999 emergency operator, Wendy Newnham, spoke exclusively to the Gazette on what would have been Martin’s 22nd Birthday. The Gazette had taken up the invitation to the Head On course being delivered to students at Sandown High School this week.

In 2006, it was a normal Monday morning for Wendy. “I’d just come back from shopping and received a knock at the door,” said Wendy with a supportive hug

from course leader Martin Poynter.

“A police officer was waiting on my door step and explained that my eldest son Martin had been seen driving to Carisbrooke High School, to pick up some mates, and they had reports of him (Martin) being seen acting irresponsibly and

his car was also involved. The police officer wanted to chat to Martin about his dangerous behaviour. He’d only been driving for six weeks.

“As the policeman was standing on my doorstep the radio on his shoulder crackled into life with a message radioed through to the officer informing him of a crash.

“The policeman said he had to go but told me that he thought Martin’s car may be involved,” she explained.

BY JASON KAY


NEWSWENDY now attends the hard hitting ‘Head On’ course, run by the IW fire service, IW road safety, Hampshire Police and the Island’s ambulance service.

She speaks to the youngsters giving a personal account of how irresponsible behaviour and not wearing seat belts can affect lives. Hearing this from a real life person standing in front of them, instead of a stranger on a DVD, engages the students on an emotional level. It is the emotional side that helps the lessons learnt stay at the forefront of their minds and hopefully will help them make the right choices next time they are in a car.

Wendy speaks passionately about the course and how it has helped her grieve: “I’ve got as much out of this as I’ve given it. I’ll give as much as I can to these guys, but it has helped me. It’s helped me because I can talk about what happened. It’s been a part of the grieving for me, it’s definitely helped,” she explained.

On the first course Wendy attended, she heard the emergency call and thought “I could do that”, so in January this year she ditched her career as a chef and became a 999 Operator taking emergency

calls for the ambulance service at St. Mary’s Hospital in Newport. Wendy’s experience means she can empathise with people on the end of the phone and know what’s going through their minds – even if they can’t say it. It’s another way to help people and to see Martin’s death was not in vain.

Wendy has two other sons, aged 13 and 20, who have obviously been affected by the crash. Wendy says she does not have to worry about them so much, they are not like Martin.

“Martin was a risk taker, right from toddler, pushed every boundary, whereas my 20-year-old – I never ever worry about him. Unless I hear there’s been a crash somewhere and I just need to know it’s not him,” she said.

“We don’t talk about the accident an awful lot because you try and protect their feelings, and it will upset them so I don’t talk to them too much about it. His brother is a teenager, so it’s difficult for him to talk about it anyway. The house is so quiet, there isn’t any music, there’s no playful fighting, there’s no… The whole dynamics of the house has changed, it’s really difficult. I don’t think I’ll get

over it, I think I’ll learn to live with it.

“I think our lives will change according to the situation, but I don’t think I’ll ever get over it, no. I’m really angry with him. I’m angry that he was so stupid. I’m angry that he’s left us. How dare he, how dare he leave us, how dare he leave his brothers, how dare he not let me see him grow into a young man, a fine young man and have a family. I’m just so cross at him still at the moment.

“I wasn’t worried particularly about him. He did used to drive a little bit fast. If ever I was in the car with him I was always picking him up on speed limits and that sort of thing. But he only had a little car, you know it wasn’t souped up. He wasn’t going to get hurt in that was he? It wasn’t a car he could go being a boy racer in. But I was wrong.”

“Please think about what you’re doing when you get in your car. You won’t know anything about it - it’s your family that’s left behind. Just slow down. Please think. Please, please, please don’t let your parents go through what we’re going through. Just think. Slow down Be five minutes late. Just get there alive.”

MARTIN died on Monday February 27, 2006 aged just 18 years old. He lived at home in Freshwater with his two brothers to Ryan and Kai.

Martin was killed in a Road Traffic Incident on the ‘middle road’ (B3399) to Freshwater and was the driver, but no other vehicle was involved. He had only been driving six weeks and inexperience and inappropriate speed all played a part in his untimely death.

Martin was a kind person with a huge heart, according to his mum Wendy. Stubborn and headstrong at times, he believed strongly in fairness.

He came into the world unexpectedly early, 13 weeks early in fact, weighing just 1lb 11oz, fighting for survival and covered in tubes. Sadly that was the way he left, fighting and awash with tubes.

“I miss him so badly. He was noisy and loud - music was his passion. But now I have a quiet house.

“If only I could turn back the clock…” said Wendy.Martin Hawker

WE WERE then led into the relatives’ room. I just went onto automatic pilot, I’d already started making decisions about: Will I need to turn off his life support? What about organ donation? What am I going to do? You know I’d already started thinking those things before I knew the outcome. And then they came and said that he’d had massive brain injuries. Nobody said ‘He’s going to die’, they just said it was looking bleak. But I understood what they were saying. And so I continued to ask to be allowed to see him, and eventually they let me see him.”

Wendy filled the two

precious minutes she had talking to Martin whilst he was on the monitors.

“He wasn’t damaged particularly, just swollen. Unconscious obviously, but I spoke to him. They say that the hearing is the last thing to go, and I spoke to him and told how much he was loved, told him he was an idiot and then his heart stopped. That awful sound of the monitor.

“I still feel privileged to have had the chance to see Martin before he died, as many parents/loved ones do not. Martin was 18 when he died, had been driving just six weeks and had the car only three days! His inexperience, having extra

weight in the car (in the form of three friends) and his risk-taking nature not only ended his life, but impacted on everyone else’s around him,” she said.

Wendy takes some comfort from knowing that Martin’s death has helped others: his corneas were donated to a 30-year-old-lady in London – giving her sight back - and one of his heart valves was donated to a five year old boy – giving him his life back. It may not be something parents discuss with their teenage children but Wendy, being a registered donor herself, felt it was the right thing to do and that Martin would have agreed.


FEATURE

HERE are a few hints for getting through your work Christmas party. They may sound a bit strict but remember that your work party is actually an extension of your work environment – you’re going to have to go back to work with these people afterwards and they’re not your necessarily your best friends.

Step 1:Don’t drink alcohol and it you do,

don’t drink too much of it. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions quite dramatically, making it easier for you to embarrass yourself and drinking alcohol at the company Christmas party may lead you to

say something that you should not say or do something that you should not do. Remember, that these are the people that you have to see everyday at work, and especially remember that your boss is there. You don’t want your fellow co-workers and boss losing respect for you because of something that you said or did at the company Christmas party.

Step 2:Dress appropriately for the

company Christmas party. Depending on where it is will depend on how you dress for it. Some companies have casual Christmas parties and others

have very formal Christmas parties. Even if your company Christmas party is casual, you may not want to show up in jeans and a t-shirt. You should still look presentable. If you are not sure on what to wear and the dress code then ask some fellow coworkers (if you trust them!).

Step 3:Use your table manners

when eating at your company Christmas party. This means that you don’t pass gas or belch at the table. This also means that you chew with your mouth closed and don’t talk while eating your food. Be smart and use your basic table manners that you were taught when you were a child.

Step 4:Don’t bring up holiday bonus

pay or salary pay to your other coworkers. You never want to ask your coworkers if they got a Christmas bonus or how much they made that year. This is none of your business and many companies actually have a policy set forth that prohibits you from talking about this to other employees. You don’t want to get fired at your company Christmas party because you asked what a fellow employee got as a Christmas bonus.

Step 5Be social at the company

Christmas party. This means that if you don’t know someone at your company, then go ahead and introduce yourself. The more relaxed atmosphere of a Christmas party is a great time to make sure that you meet all your fellow coworkers. Also, this can help you in the long run, when you are trying to move up in the company or get a new job. Use the company Christmas party as a network builder.

Step 6Don’t try to leave your company

Christmas party with a date if you did not come with one. The company Christmas party is definitely not the time to be flirting with other employees or trying to get one to go home with you. Remember that these are your fellow coworkers who you are going to have to work with the following Monday.

CHRISTMAS PARTY TIPS


FEATURE

FOR a really traditional Christmas party destination you can’t get much better than a thatched pub in Shanklin’s Old Village. And the Village Inn also boasts not one but three open style fires.

Live entertainment is another bonus if you book your Christmas party in the evening from 9pm till late. Fridays and Saturdays have live music

in the bar at the moment but from the second week of December this will be every night of the week until Christmas.

Entertainers include Sean and Ton, Dave Priddle, Jules, Jamie Griffin, Ben Barnes and on December 12 there will be The Phil and Alex extravaganza – a fantastic duo.

The Christmas party menu is £24.95 per

person for three courses plus coffee with a mince pie. The Christmas Day menu is £45 per person and £30 per child under 12 and there are still places available.

There is quite an extensive wine list, Champagne and real ales on offer. Theakstons XB and Deuchars IPA are the current ales on offer.

PARTY AT THE VILLAGE INN

To promote your pub or restaurantin our Christmas party feature call our sales department on 402599


FEATURE

R Y D E B u s i n e s s Association are joining forces with the Carnival Learning Centre and Ryde Arts Festival to bring to Ryde a Festive Fun Day on December 5 from 10am till 7pm.

There will be Morris dancers, African drummers, jugglers, stilt walkers, brass band, bell ringers, children’s choirs and balloons will be on sale by ‘Party Time’, and of course Father Christmas in his Grotto.

Children under 15yrs can

play for half price a game at the Bowling Alley and there will be a bouncy castle on the Western Gardens with face painting in the Victorian Arcade.

There will be wreath making, music, recitals and singing in St Thomas Heritage Centre.

Visit the Kasbah for an enjoyable snack and see the belly dancer or go to the King Lud for mulled wine and roast chestnuts and listen to live music or try Michaelangelos for an Italian market or The

Crown for a festive lunch.The farmers market will

be in Town Square with delicious goodies to buy from 7.30am till 1.00pm.

There will be a special window spotting competition and details will be in the program, which will be available from the Tourist Information Centre, Bear Necessities, Attraction or Splash.

The day will end with the fantastic Lantern Light Parade which heads out from Dover Park and

Greenmount Schools coming down through the town to Union Street where there will be a Firework Display.

Many shops will be open till 6pm with special promotions in store.

RYDE FESTIVAL FUN DAY

A series of events by the IW Ladies Bowls teams has helped to raise over £700 for the Bembridge RNLI.

Over the past year, female players aged from 13-90 years old have

been taking part in a series of events and fun challenges.

One of the players, Valerie Ash, explained: “It all started on our tour to Sussex last year. We came up with the idea

of having a bit fun while raising some money for charity.

“We had fines for people who turned up late for matches or were late for breakfast and we even had fines for anyone

caught criticising during the matches. We also held cream tea afternoons and a fun day at Ventnor.”

After some begging and scrounging, the club managed to raise a total of £782 for the RNLI.

LADIES BOWL FOR RNLI


FEATURE

Green Christmas.CARBON SAVING HINTS

CHRISTMAS can be a great fun time – but it can also be an excuse for wasteful excesses. If you’re concerned about our planet’s future - then it’s time to use your green pounds wisely.

Rather than buying some mass-produced gift how about quality goods made buy a local craftsman? Don’t buy foodstuffs that have travelled half way around the world instead purchase Isle of Wight produce.

When buying gifts try and find out from someone close to the individual what they really want. Have they been talking about growing their own vegetables but never got round to digging up the lawn due to lack of decent tools? Then buy a gift set or a gift

voucher from a hardware store.The real native Christmas tree - the Scots

Pine is known for its excellent needle retention providing it is watered. After the festive period it can be recycled at Island Waste civic amenity sites.

Or you can shred it with your other garden waste. In fact a garden shredder can be a good present for the keen gardener who wishes to recycle their garden waste rather than burning it or driving it to the tip.

When buying Christmas cards choose charity cards and buy them direct from the charity – ensuring that the maximum donation gets to that good cause. Oxfam have a very good range of cards printed on

recycled paper. Buying recycled products such as stationery and kitchen towels is a good way of reducing environmental damage. Making recycled products uses far less energy and water and reduces waste going to landfill.

And there is a free Christmas gift for just about everyone over 70, living in their own home. Free cavity and loft insulation is available and is not means tested. Fore everyone else it’s available for a subsidised price of around £400. Fore more details contact the Footprint Trust’s Warmahome scheme on 822282.

A lovely freshly cut Christmas tree is an asset to your home and not only will it look beautiful, it will smell divine – a sort of mixture of pine and oranges.

Peter Alexander of Shide Trees has eight different varieties of tree and will be selling around 5,500 from the Shide premises this Christmas. The most popular is the Norway Spruce with around 3,000 Islanders opting for this more traditional tree. Second in popularity is

the Nordman Spruce, which has better needle retention and is bought by around 1,000 Islanders.

Other varieties include the Noble Fir, the Grandis Fir, the Douglas Fir, the Blue Spruce, the Scots Pine and the Fraser Fir.

Peter Alexander has some tips on keeping your tree fresh: “When you buy your tree ask how long it’s been cut,” said Peter. “As soon as you get it home give the tree a good bang to dislodge needles. Cut a centimeter off of

the bottom to open the cambium layer, which will allow the tree to draw up water.

“Leave it in a bucket of water for as long as possible. Then when you bring it indoors fit it with a water retaining stand and a tree of approximately six feet in height will drink half a pint of water a day.

“Keep watering a tree indoors just as you would with cut flowers and keep it away from immediate heat sources such as radiators if possible.

FRESH AND FRUITY


FEATURE

DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE

WHY do you need to renovate your old roof?

Basically because over time the elements, pollution and environmental factors will all have taken their toll on your roof. And the Roof Restoration Company has the answer.

With the rapid expansion in post war house building, reliance on traditional slate declined in favour of cheaper pre-cast concrete tiles. Often available in vibrant colours, architects also favoured them as they complemented their bright modern designs.

Unfortunately pigment and pre-cast technology was not as advanced as it is in today’s tiles and the vibrant colours faded to the now familiar dull grey. In addition, the quality was variable and some tiles had a design life of only 25 years.

Today in extreme cases the tile surface breaks down, becoming porous. This acts like a sponge, retaining water and encouraging the growth of unsightly moss green

mould and lichens. The retained moisture also increases load on the roof trusses and ultimately leaks to the inside walls, showing up as damp patches.

But most of these roofs have far exceeded their original life expectancy, underlining that they are basically a durable, reliable material even if they may look tired.

In most cases, a roof wash and careful repair of structural defects followed by application of Kolourseal roof coating will restore the vibrant colours that were so appealing in the original tiles and re-seal them against the elements. This cost-effective solution will save you £thousands compared to stripping off old tiles and fitting a new roof. In addition by “recycling” your old roof tiles you reduce the demand for new concrete, which is one of man’s most energy intensive activities.

For most of us our home is our biggest asset and it has been repeatedly demonstrated that well maintained and fresh looking

properties sell faster and command higher prices.

Kolourseal is an advanced micro polymer system, which will not only re-seal your porous roof tiles but will also transform the appearance of your old roof and add value to your property.

Kolourseal uses the latest polymer technology to produce a highly durable, attractive and breathable finish.

In addition the U.V fade resistant colours will give your home lasting appeal.

The Roof Restoration Company can clean your roof, removing all the moss and lichens that cause damage, replace all damaged tiles and pointing, spray the whole roof with a fungicide to prevent moss regrowth and coat the roof with Kolourseal in the colour of your choice. All this at the fraction of the cost, mess and disruption involved in fitting a new roof. All work and products are backed by the Kolourseal 10 YEAR guarantee.

TREAT YOUR TILES

Main picture: Roof before Kolourseal. Inset: After Kolourseal


FEATURE

WEEKEND PROJECTS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S VALUE

GET IT TOGETHER

•De- Clutter. This should be the first job sellers cross off their list before starting any other project. Most people get used to their clutter and don’t realise what a distraction it is for buyers. Less stuff means more space. Get someone to walk through your house and give it to you straight. What’s distracting? What needs to go? Pack things away in boxes and put them in the attic – or put them

in storage. But bear in mind the cost of the storage.

•Make over your cabinets. Your kitchen cabinets can let you down badly and the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. You don’t need to get them refaced or replaced to make them look presentable. If they’re scratched or dated just spray paint them for a new finish.

•Patch and Paint. A fresh coat of paint in the living room and master bedroom, the most important rooms in the house, will pay big dividends. Paint is one of the cheapest things you can do to freshen up your home but stick to neutral colours. •Increase your curb appeal.

Spruce up what your buyers will see from the street. Paint the front door, polish your door furniture and make sure you number or nameplate is in keeping with your house. Trim back any shrubs around the door or plants along the walk into the house. A tidy front

aspect will make buyers want to enter your house.•Fix your lighting. Just replace

anything that is damaged, dated or distracting. You need a lot of light in your house so if you have energy efficient bulbs then turn them on well in advance so that they’ve brightened up. Get rid of fluorescent tubes – nothing looks good under them.

• Get fabulously clean floors. Your safest bet is to spend very little and leave that choice to the buyer – you don’t want to invest in something the buyer isn’t going to like. If you have a very dirty carpet rent a steam cleaner. If you have hardwood floors buff and polish them.

•Dress your house. Once you’ve cleaned, patched and painted you have to show off your house by buying it some new ‘clothes’. A new shower curtain, a new bath mat, matching towels – go for an upmarket hotel look. A new duvet cover, new neutral

curtains or a throw to cover an old sofa.•Clean up your garden. Just make it look presentable and tidy. At this time of the year it’s not going to look its best but make it look the best it can.


FEATURE

RYDE’S ARCADE

VICTORIA ARCADE in Ryde is always worth a visit to see what you can find in the selection of shops in this wonderful old lady.

Almost 150 years old, the Arcade is about to have a huge refurbishment in the New Year to dress her in her former glory. But it’s well worth a trip to see this old arcade before her spring clean.

Glad Rags on the right as you enter has very keenly priced outdoor wear – in particular the popular Regatta range. Great Christmas presents for those who love the outdoor life.

Enchanted Cavern have

all things fairy or angel in origin for a lovely gift for a little girl and Victoria Arcade Chocolates have delicious hand made Belgian chocolates – maybe for an older girl in your life.

Wilton Travel Goods have handbags, belts, wallets and purses along with suitcases, Buddha bedspreads, jewellery and gifts,with new stock in for Christmas.

Uriah’s Heap has a whole range of antiques, collectable and militaria. Single items are bought and sold, including gold and silver with top prices paid.

And for a reasonably priced hairdresser with all

the styles you are looking for try Maddison Avenue Hairdressers.

After all your browsing you might need to sit down and have a cup of tea or something more filling so search Sameann’s cafe down at the bottom of the arcade on the right.

Open from 7.30am till 4.30pm five days a week, Saemann’s is a traditional café that has been here nearly 20 years. Known especially for their breakfasts, which include bubble and squeak and black pudding the café also have home made specials such as cottage pie, liver and bacon and lasagne.


FEATURE

MISS ROBINSON is a new addition to Victoria Arcade in Ryde and she’s already a very popular destination for canny shoppers.

Do you use the Elizabeth Arden range of skincare and cosmetics? If so then you must drop in and see the fantastic products they have in this particular range. They also have Revlon, Roc, YSL and Lancolme – and most are about 70 percent cheaper than they would be in a high street shop.

On the left corner as you enter Victoria Arcade, Miss Robinson is a chic black and white boutique full of goodies. All branded cosmetics, you can choose from Hard Candy, Sally Hanson nail products, French

Connection and Maybeline too. And there are many more brands in stock.

Miss Robinson is named after owner Nick Robinson and his wife Lisa’s baby daughter Grace who is one this week. It’s a new venture for Nick who only decided to open the shop a month ago.

“I decided to jump in head first. It’s perfect timing just for Christmas,” said Nick. He is only putting a couple of each item on show in the shop but remember that he has plenty more in store – just ask if you need more.

With loads of gift sets ready for Christmas, Miss Robinson is open seven days a week from 9am till 5.30pm in the run up to the festivities through December.

SCENT OF A BARGAINAT MISS ROBINSONS

To have yourbusiness

featured in the Gazette

Tel Sam Smith on

402599 now.

OF TREASURES


FEATURE

NEWPORT LIGHTS UPA crowd gathered to see the Christmas lights officially switched on outside Newport Guild Hall last Saturday afternoon (November 21).

IW Radio’s breakfast show host Paul Topping and anchor Michael Coombes turned on the lights in between the heavy rain showers and howling winds.

Medina Marching

Band started the proceedings with a march from the Quay to St Thomas’ Square. David Randini then showed his tricks by performing balloon sculptures and put on a Punch and Judy show.

There was also a Farmers Market, Bazaar and a visit from Father Christmas to get everyone in to the festive spirit.

Paul Topping and Michael Coombes

The personal developmenT experTs

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Punch and Judy

Santa and Lauren Riordan-Moore

David Randini with Kegian Brodie and Ella Morrey

Rebecca Leas, Paige Driscoll and Lilly-Mae Millichap


FEATURE

BADGE FOR THE GUIDESSHANKLIN’S QS Fun Day last Saturday was a great success and raised £101.03 for the first Lake Guides.

General manager Shea McEvoy had three costume changes throughout the day. Starting as a beaver in the morning he tried to be Rupert the Bear for a short while and then resorted to being a 6ft teddy bear for the rest of the day.

Jane Howes and Julie Bridger were Mrs Santas in their sparkly pink costumes and the girl guides were all Santa’s reindeer.

“Santa did a fantastic job giving out sweets and treats to all the children,” said Jane Howes.

“The response to the Gazette’s colouring competition was so high we gave away four prizes rather than just one. Kids were even colouring the Christmas trees in the shop and we’ll be

hanging them up in the shop for everyone to see.

“Wizzer was the name chosen in the ‘Guess the Teddy’s Name’ (which was Shea) competition and guess the weight of the cake was won by Kelly who was only 2oz out.

“The customers gave the staff a run for their money with the practical jokes and it was a lovely day. We brought our window alive by putting Teddy in the window and using him as a moving mannequin and people were giving him double takes when he waved at them.

“At some periods the store was absolutely packed. It was fantastic, particularly as the weather was so bad.

“We’ll be doing something else soon,” said Jane. “We’ve had a lot of customers asking. Just watch this space.”

qs Staff and Guides with Santa

Store Manager Shea McEvoySanta serving Anne-Happy Tillet

Ellen Hawkins Wrapping and Patricia Blair Yavana Dis and Chloe Hadley


FEATURE

SKATERS PLAY ITCOOL FOR CHARITY

Staff at Ryde’s Planet Ice arena spent last Sunday evening (November 22) doing laps of the rink to raise money for Children in Need.

In just under two hours, the 18-strong group managed to raise over £500 for the cause, by completing 500 laps.

Lorna Cotton, Planet Ice Manager, said: “It was hard work but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I want to thank all the staff that took part to help raise money for Children in Need. It was a great

night.”Several businesses and

schools across the Island got in to the spirit of things with a series of fundraising events.

The BBC’s annual Children in Need show - featuring a host of stage, screen and music stars - has already raised £20m this year.

Performers from EastEnders, The Bill and the One Show were among those on the seven-hour show featured on BBC One.

Last year’s event went on to raise a record £38m.

Planet Ice staff on a sponsored skake

Planet Ice staff do the conga


FEATURE

COMPUTER SAYS MOOO!Did you know that cows have their own fast food restaurants to take them through the winter months?

Down at Eades Farm in Newbridge the cows walk into a ‘feed station’ and are given a measured amount of food every time they visit, gauged by an individual responder that they wear around their necks.

Trevor Witchard who had farmed at Eades with his father Tom for the past 25 years. “If the cow is allocated 8 kilos then you can say she can have a maximum of 3kg per time. If for some reason she doesn’t take the 8kg it can be carried forward to the next day,” he said.

“At this time of year cows don’t go out – they’re housed for the winter to make milking them easier and less messy,” said Trevor. “The majority of dairy farmers keep their cows in for the winter.”

The feed station is in the barn where the cows have shelter and

they have access to a trough with silage in it, along with a water trough, in the yard outside.

The cows are fed a concentrate – pellets of 6mm in diameter and 20mm long. The feed station has a detector and it is calibrated every time a new load of cake comes in.

“Sometimes there can be quite a queue – one cow in particular used to shove the one in front but we stopped that by putting doors on the back,” said Trevor.

“It works quite efficiently because you can programme it to the yield of each cow. We get a recommendation for our cows from our feed rep,” said Trevor.

The only problem was when there was a power failure. “In computers there are back up batteries but we had to reprogramme the whole system,” Trevor complained.

This is all a far cry from the days when Tom began his farming career back in 1944 at the age of 14.

Tom Witchard

Bluebell, Daisy and Buttercup

Fudge and his friends

Bluebell at the drive-through

On Tuesday (November 24)MJH Developments, were granted a possession order on the roundabout outside the Vestas plant, which has been occupied by protestors since July 22 this year. The order also covered eight other sites within the business park to prevent the protestors from moving elsewhere in the vicinity, and six other sites were eventually included in the order.

The possession orders are to be put into force today, Friday November 27, at 11am,

although the protestors have asked for an extension until next Wednesday.

“Vestas still need to give these workers their redundancy – eleven have been punished for fighting for workers rights, a total of around £45,000,” said Ms Pepper.

“As far as we’re concerned we’ve got visitors coming at 11am tomorrow, elevenses time, so we’ll have the kettle on. We’re going to go peacefully but we can’t guarantee what the bailiffs will do.”

PROTESTORS TO LEAVE


FEATURE


FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO FROM SATURDAY

AT THE BALCONY


30

SPORT

FOOTBALL COMES HOME

It is that time of year when all sports clubs and associations that are currently affiliated to the IW Sports & Recreation Council are invited to give recognition to those members who have achieved success in their chosen sport during

2009.In addition, other

members who have given service to your club, may also be recognised, such as coach, official, or volunteer. Service over a period of years may be recognized in the Service to Sport Category.

This event has become a major feature of Island sporting life over the past 30 years and many eminent sports personalities have received recognition.

Rules and nomination forms are available from Alec Soars, Hon

Secretary, IW Sports and Recreation by calling number 280252.

The Awards Presentations will be made at the The Riverside Centre, Newport, on Thursday February 11, commencing at 7.30pm.

WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

The new home of Sandown and Lake Youth football teams has been officially opened.

Fairway Park, located on the Fairway, Sandown, will be the new home for seven teams and also help to continue the progress of youngsters aged four to six.

For the 2009/10 season,, the U8s, 9s, 10s, mini-soccer teams, will have full use of the pitch along with the U11s, 12s and 14 11 a-side teams.

Sandown and Lake Youth FC is a well established

club on the Island and has been competing since 1973, enjoying success across all age groups in that time.

Club Chairman, Jamie Norris, said: “After over four years of talks, we are delighted to obtain a 25-year lease for the ground, which will secure the club’s future.

We would like to thank all Lake Parish council members, but especially Tina Bailey and Sue Horton for all their help and assistant.

“We would also like to thank Lake Parish Council for their

£1,000 donation towards a car park on the site which is part of the club’s long term plans, subject to funding, which includes a purpose built club house. One final person to thank is David Burton of Eldridges Solicitors of Ryde, who provided his time to the club for free.”

Next Friday (December 4), the club is holding a quiz night at Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club starting at 7pm, to raise funds towards the running costs of the ground.

Friends, players and members of Sandown and Lake Youth FC open the new ground

Sue Horton, Rev John Hibberd and PC Mick Baxter, with Louie Fleming

Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club lady members contested two Greensomes Stableford in Captain v Vice Captain events, and it ended with honours virtually even.

Barbara Butler and Angie Linington, playing for captain Lesley Ismail’s team, took the midweek honours with 35 points. They finished ahead of Mandy Gould and Pat Attrill who played for the vice captain’s side.

However, the team headed by vice captain Mira Brochocki took the team event by just one point.

In a second Greensomes Stableford played at the weekend, it proved a successful day for the vice captain’s team. Chris Gould and Julie Miller, playing for the vice captain, won the team prize with 36 points, and Mira Brochocki also led her team to overall victory.

Westridge Golf Club’s November Stableford was won by Ollie Kearney, playing off 17, who scored 41 points. Ernie Moores, off 16, took second place from Dave May (nine) on countback after both players carded 37 points.

Gary Cox (10) was the clear winner of the Par competition, finishing with an impressive plus-eight. In a tight battle for runners-up spot

Nick Geeson (20) edged out Charlie Hendry (36) on countback after both finished on plus-three. Roger Sims (15) was fourth on plus-two.

David Bartlett and Darren Robinson joined forces to win Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s Austin Cup with 48 points. They finished one point ahead of Ashley Curzon and Les Means, with Peter Brooke and David Kiely (45) in third place.

The Robertsons kept it in the family as Darren’s father Stuart won the Open Stableford Division One with 38 points, holding of Alex Messing by just one point.

Alan Hughes-Thomas won Division Two with 35 points, one ahead of runner-up Ken Barr. Josh Tutty took the Junior Stableford with 39 points, a clear five in front of the chasing bunch led by Joseph Goodey.

BARTLETT AND ROBINSON CLAIM WIN

By Jamie White

By Peter White


31

SPORT

Twenty-two IOW Road Runners took part in the latest nominated run of the winter series.

With 10 new members recently it was good to see three of them heading

the field, with a mere five seconds separating the first three.

Karen Hughes won the nominated race, being only 51 seconds outside her time. Second was Helen Lindsay

with 53 seconds, with Dallas Price third with 56 seconds.

The Hants league season now enjoys a short break until early January. Each year five races are chosen, ranging from five miles to

the marathon, as Hants County Championship races and this year the club achieved four county medals.

Paul Cameron led the way with first place in the Ryde

10, followed by third at the Eastleigh 10km.

Simon McMorran achieved third Vet45 at the Overton 5 and more recently Rachel Stainer achieved third senior lady in the New

Forest marathon.The club continues to meet

at Medina Sports Centre every Thursday evening and runners of all abilities are welcome to join in for a 7pm start.

NEW MEMBERS GET INVOLVED

A late goal from Matt Evans earned Newport a share of the points as they drew 1-1 with Blackford and Langley at St George’s Park.

The game started scrappy, with neither side managing to create any goalscoring opportunities in difficult weather conditions.

The visitors were awarded a penalty on 20 minutes, when Craig Insley upended Bryan Ghanbian. The Blackfield attacker took the penalty himself, but his low shot was comfortably saved by Gary Streeter.

A one-two between Sam Hart and Charlie Smeeton gave the latter a clear run at goal, but his low drive struck the keeper’s legs to leave the score level at the break.

Blackfield eventually broke the deadlock on the hour in bizarre circumstances. As the ball came across the goalmouth from the left, Simon Williams sliced it. Gary

Streeter was unsure whether it was a back pass and tried to control it in the slippery conditions, but somehow the ball squirmed away and into the empty net.

Newport responded well and their best chance to draw level came when Tom Scovell’s low shot was palmed away by Tom Hawkins diving low to his left.

Newport kept battling and were rewarded with an equaliser on 76 minutes, when Evans ran onto a long ball, dodging a couple of tackles before slotting the ball home.

Soon after, Evans nearly put Newport in the lead, but his glancing header went just wide.

The home side were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute when Darren Powell was alleged to have used his elbow when challenging Lukasz Labedzki for a high ball. It was a decision that disappointed

Port manager Derek Ohren.Newport manager Derek Ohren

has urged for more support to help run the club-or the team could face losing St George’s Park as their home ground.

Ohren’s comments came after he announced that there will be no more Friday night training on the pitch due to the recent adverse weather conditions.

“I am sorry if teams turned up and parents came in expecting training but due to the continuous rain we had, there was no way we could of used it.

“We have one paid part time member of staff who works on the pitch. We have one other who gives his time up for nothing to ensure that the pitch is playable each weekend and midweek. The cost of machines and manpower to this club is enormous.”

Ohren continued: “We have had

to spend £5,000 on new boilers to heat the building and showers as these have got old and we spent £1,000 on the floodlights.

Ohren is also hoping for more assistance with fundraising events and the upkeep of the club and its facilities.

“We have over a 100 boys that play for the club. A question I would ask is ‘could you do more?’ People turn up and drop their son off, that’s it. The favourite saying I hear is ‘pitch looks good’.

“I will always put the club first and it’s pitch, and I’ll appreciate and respect everybody who helps and gives their time up for the club.

“I have said it once or twice now, we will lose

St George’s, if people don’t support it. No other senior club allows as much use of their pitch as we do in the county.”

The IW Junior Wight Sharks bowls team travelled to Guernsey for the fourth Investec Bank U21s Test Match against the Guernsey Tigers.

Missing four of their players from last year, the Sharks were looking to new team members and Tansy Wheeler, 12, Jenny Allen, 20, Josh Berry, 14 and Peter Wheeler, 15 took up the challenge along with Kieran Clark, 14, Jack Berry, 16, Robbi Hayes, 18 and 21-year-old team captain Ben Mackett.The competition commenced with the fours games. Jenny, Josh, Peter and Ben, along with Kieran, Tansy, Jack and Robbi teamed up for the first time and played very well, with all players giving a good account of themselves. However, the Tigers fours managed to win both games 19 shots - 14 shots and 24-15 to take an early four point lead.

After coaches Richard Lovell and Jack Young had analysed the play, it was decided to change the original pairings.

The changed pairings had the desired effect. Tansy had an

excellent game and Jack went on to win against Sophie Rabie and Tom Mahy by 33-9.

Two of the youngest players, Josh and Kieran played Chris Staples & Todd Priaulx in what proved to be a very exciting game. However, the Tigers pair proved too strong, going on to win 22-18.Peter and Ben played Connor Rabey and Shaun Bichard and the Islanders came ut on top with a 25-15 win.

The final pairing of Jenny and Robbi played well and after being five shots down after four ends they took control of the game, going on to win 21-14.The games kept the match beautifully poised with both teams on six points to carry over to the final day and the six singles games.

With everything to play, it was time for the six players selected to make their mark. The Sharks, knowing a draw was good enough to retain the cup, brought in two additional players to try and gain the wvictory.

Jack struggled to get started in his game against Todd Priaulx,

eventually going down 21-9. Newcomer Josh played an outstanding game for his first singles at this level, to beat Connor Rabey 21-9.

Peter, also playing his first game at this level, came up against one of Guernsey’s up and coming young players in Chris Staples. Although Peter battled to keep in touch, he eventually went down 21-14.

Kieran likewise played an

excellent game against Tom Mahy, however Tom crept ahead at the seventh end, going on to consolidate his lead, eventually winning 21-14.

The Sharks most experienced players Robbi and Bill both played some exceptional bowls.

Robbi finished his opponent off with a full house of four shots on the final end to win 21-10, while Ben, playing a captains role won his game with some tenacious

play, going on to win with a score of 21-11.

With the overall score finishing the Sharks 12-12, the Sharks retained the cup for the third successive year.County Coach Richard Lovell praised the team for their performance and in particular, those competing in their first Test Match. “They all did the Island proud and gained valuable experience for the future,” he said.

SHARKS BEAT GUERNSEY TIGERS TO REGAIN CUP

Left to Right: Jenny Allen, Jack Berry, Robbi Hayes, Ben Mackett, Peter Wheeler, Tansy Wheeler, Kieran Clark, Josh Berry

Darren Powell was sent off for Newport

SHARE OF POINTS FOR PORTBy Jamie White


32

SPORT

Sportthe gazette

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WINNING RUN GOES ONThe Wightlink Raiders recorded a comfortable win 9-1 win against Streatham Redskins.

Captain Danny Hughes led the way for the home side by scoring early on, before John Sarno added an impressive second.

Andrew Robinson logged his third goal of the season and took his points tally to nine and added an assist on the next goal from James Udell. Next to beat visiting netminder Will Sanderson was Alex Murray, who played as a forward for the second

game in a row scored and two goals. He backed up his offensive threat with two assists to secure himself the man of the match award for the Raiders.

Island trained Steve Gosset, coach Jeremy Cornish and new returnee Luke Reynolds

completed the scoring for the Ryde outfit with one goal each. Dan Scott and Stewart Tait also got themselves on the game sheet, assisting on the Raiders first and sixth goals respectively.

Streatham scored their only goal in the second period

through Louis Lockwood with Owen Murphy and Richard Hardy claiming the assists. The visitors netminder Will Sanderson was later awarded man of the match for the visiting team after facing a barrage of shots.

The Raiders were without young forward David Webb, who has received an offer to play roller hockey in Spain.

The Raiders are not back in home action until Saturday, December 19, when they take on the Peterborough Phantoms at Ryde Arena.

Things get heated on the ice between the Wightlink Raiders and Streatham Redskins

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IW Gazette 43