iwgazette 77

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERGazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERSaturday December 4, 2010 Issue 77 www.iwgazette.co.uk 30p

PICK UP YOUR GAZETTE EVERY FORTNIGHT

SNOW ROUND-UP

FROM ALL OVER THE ISLAND

See page 8

RECLAIMING THE NIGHT: READ

JAMES & JULIA’S EXCLUSIVE

STORY See page 18

BUY ISLAND THIS CHRISTMAS AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

See page 24

TWO HEROIC rescuers walked for one-and-a-half miles through blizzard conditions to reach a 92-year-old woman who was injured after a fall at home in a remote part of the Island.

The rescue mission swung into

Continued on page 3

INJURED HERO BATTLES TO RESCUE PENSIONER

Auxiliary Coastguard Martin Groom (left) and IW Ambulance Paramedic Nick Windsor trekking through treacherous conditions

EXCLUSIVEBY JASON KAY

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.uk The Gazette, Saturday, December 4, 20102

NEWS

Send your news and picturesto us at [email protected]

or call our 24hr News Hotlineon 01983 898349

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR US?

MP ROARING SUPPORT FOR LIONSISLAND MP Andrew Turner has urged the Government to do more to tackle the major decline in lion populations across Africa and in Western India.

The main cause for concern was the continued practice of ‘sport hunting’ which the UK currently accepts as a legal practice, allowing imports of lion trophies when supported by certificates from game reserves.

Mr. Turner said: “In the 1960s, it was estimated that there were 200,000 lions on the African continent. Sadly, only 20,000 are left today. Sport hunting mostly targets adult male animals. Hunters regard them as the most impressive to kill.

“Out of the 20,000 lions that remain in Africa, there are lions of all ages and both sexes, from the youngest cub to the most ancient female. However, it is estimated that only 15 per cent at most of any lion population is composed of adult males – the primary trophy targets. Therefore, instead of the figure of 20,000, we must think of 3,000 as the trophy hunting reserve.

“This is clearly a figure that

suggests that stronger action should clearly have been taken before now to prevent lion trophy hunting.”

Mr. Turner also raised concerns that CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) set up to conserve endangered species have failed to take action whilst lion numbers have continued to decline. They meet every three years but in both 2007 and 2010 the plight of the wild African lion was not even on the Agenda.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Richard Benyon MP responded to Mr. Turner on behalf of the Government, saying: “I share his concern and am equally passionate about the subject. I am lucky enough to have seen a considerable number of lions in the wild, and I want my children and grandchildren to have the same experience.

“The UK is presently a member of the CITES animals committee and its standing committee. As a result of recent reports and my hon. Friend’s debate today, I have

asked my officials to look into the matter to see what opportunities are presented, and I shall report their findings to him. I hope that he is convinced from what I have said that the Government take seriously the conservation of international wildlife, including the lion, and I look forward to working with him on any further concerns that he has.”

Mr Turner later commented: “I am extremely pleased that the Government has recognised the problem and is prepared to take action now. The next meeting of CITES is not until 2013 and by then it may be too late. It would be awful to think that future generations may miss out on seeing lions in the wild. We clearly need urgent action to preserve one

of nature’s most beautiful creatures. I look forward to hearing from the Minister.

“I would also like to congratulate LionAid for their continual hard work on this issue and thank them for the information they have given me which helped me raise this issue in parliament.”

LionAid trustees Chris MacSween and Dr. Pieter

Kat said after the debate: “We would like to thank Mr. Turner for bringing this issue to Parliament. It has been a great effort on his part, and he gave a wonderful presentation. We are very happy that the Minister gave such positive comments and we hope that this is the beginning of positive steps for the future conservation of Lions.”

RED CROSS WARNING: KEEP WARMAS the Island was suddenly hit this week by severe weather conditions, the British Red Cross is warning people to be prepared.

Weather experts have said the earliest widespread snow and freezing temperatures for 17 years could last for up to a fortnight. These conditions can potentially give rise to accidents and conditions such as hypothermia and falls.

British Red Cross Head of First Aid Education, Joe Mulligan, said: “Severe

weather in winter can potentially be life-threatening especially to the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities. But there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent developing conditions like hypothermia such as wearing a hat and lots of layers and buying portable gas or oil-fired heaters in case your heating breaks down.

“If you have elderly relatives and neighbours, be sure to call in on them regularly and

make sure they are warm enough and have enough provisions. If the worst does happen with some first aid

knowledge you can respond to a range of emergencies.”

The Red Cross has posted advice for severe weather conditions on its website

redcross.org.uk including how to respond to cold weather-related accidents.

Below are some simple

tips that can be employed for a range of emergency situations, along with advice on how to cope when they do:

Hypothermia signs and

symptoms may include:• Shivering; cold to touch,

pale skin• Apathy and disorientation

• Slow and shallow breathing

Treatment for hypothermia:

• The casualty should be warmed slowly. Cover the person with blankets - and a hat,

if possible - and warm the room.

• They should be given a hot drink and some high-energy food such as chocolate.

• Call 999 for emergency help. Remember: in elderly people, hypothermia may also be disguising the symptoms of a stroke or heart attack.

Strains and sprains should be treated initially by the ‘RICE’ procedure:

R – Rest the injured part;I – Ice, in a pack or a cold

pad should be applied on sprain;

C – Comfortable support should be provided;

E – Elevate the injured part.

“If you have elderly relatives and neighbours, be sure to call in on them regularly and make sure they are warm enough and have enough provisions.”

Contact the Gazette for News and Advertising: 01983 898340 www.iwgazette.co.ukThe Gazette, Saturday, December 4, 2010 3

NEWS

THE PLANNED major cuts to Island services will be discussed by the IW Council Cabinet on Tuesday.

The Council are looking to save nearly £18.5milliion over the next financial year, and all areas are set to be affected, along with the loss of around 500 jobs at County Hall.

The job losses include reducing management posts by more than a third, from 108 to 70, as well as one third of all other leading officers, which will bring savings of nearly £6.5million.

All Tourist Information Centres on the Island will be axed, along with the Waterside Pool at Ryde, which will be closed before the end of March, and offered to market for Ryde seafront regeneration.

The popular Wight Bus service will also be stopped from August 31, with

the three closures estimated to save around £500,000.

Foot passengers who use the chain ferry between East Cowes and Cowes will have to pay 50p per journey, with the service being considered for sale to a commercial partner.

There are also plans to cease providing adult social care and instead find appropriate partners to deliver specialist services. This would make savings of £405,000 in 2011-12 and £1.631m in 2012-13.

The Cabinet will also discuss proposals that will see County Hall in Newport redesigned to accommodate an extra 350 staff, releasing 14 buildings which would no longer be needed. That work will start in the Spring, with completion due by the end of the year.

Other proposals include:

• Find alternative provider to manage Newport Roman Villa, Ventnor Botanical Gardens and Dinosaur Isle - reducing subsidies over the next two years for Botanical Gardens and Dinosaur Isle by £82,000 in 2011-12 and £325,000 in 2012-13.

• Cut in parks, gardens and public toilets by £300,000 in 2011/12 and £450,000 in 2012/13.

• Cut beach lifeguards, with a saving of £100,000

The library service will also be reshaped to make a saving of £763,000 in the next financial year, and the delayed re-build of Newpor and Ventnor Fire Stations.

The proposed changes to be discussed by Cabinet can be viewed on website www.iwight.com/council/ c o m m i t t e e s / c a b i n e t / 7 - 1 2 - 1 0 /Paper%20C.pdf

CUTBACKS D-DAY LOOMS

ICY DRAMA AT CULVER

Continued from front page

action early on Thursday morning on snow-covered Culver Down after a neighbour discovered the pensioner had fallen out of bed in the middle of the night.

After the alarm was raised the coastguard rescue team from Bembridge, driven by Jim Roberts, supported the Isle of Wight ambulance service as they ploughed their way up the steep hill towards the woman’s isolated cottage. But that proved to be only part of the drama that unfolded.

On the way to the cottage, the coastguard vehicle was involved in an accident

with another car which was making its way down the hill. The car also collided with another 4 x 4 vehicle that was also assisting in the rescue.

Paramedic Nick Windsor, who was making his way to treat the pensioner, suffered a back injury when he slipped on the icy surface. But he and coastguard Martin Groom still showed courage and determination as they battled on to reach the stranded lady.

The pair trekked in slippery conditions and sub-zero temperatures, with snow still falling heavily before they arrived at the cottage. Thankfully, the story had a happy

ending as Mike Forsyth-Caffrey, the sector manager of the Marine Coastguard Agency, explained in an exclusive interview with The Gazette.

Mike said: “Conditions were horrendous. It was still snowing heavily, and the road was like a skating rink. Five vehicles tried but failed to get up the hill, and they were all 4 x4s. It became so bad that we had a Navy helicopter on standby.

“We soon realised the only way we were going to reach the cottage was by foot. So they set off and when they arrived they decided that in the best interests of the lady, they would treat her where she was. There

was certainly no point in trying to transport her by road or even by helicopter, which could have proved extremely traumatic for her. Now we have been told that she is no well on the way to a full recovery.”

Chris Smith, head of the IW Ambulance service said: “Our ambulance paramedic Nick Windsor was responding to an emergency call, but when he reached Culver Down he soon realised he wasn’t going to make it all the way in a vehicle. So he made what we consider a very heroic decision to get to the house on foot, even though it was about one-and-a-half miles away and he was suffering a back injury.”


NEWS

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GazetteTHE ISLE OF WIGHT

THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPERTHE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPER

ANDREW TURNER has welcomed announcements by Home Secretary Theresa May MP that the Government will seek to reduce net migration coming from outside the EU from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands.

Mrs May said: “Controlled migration has benefited the UK, economically, socially and culturally. But when immigration gets out of control, it places great pressures on our society, economy and public services. We can’t go on like this. We must tighten up our immigration system, focusing on tackling abuse and supporting only the most economically beneficial migrants.

“To achieve this, we will have to take action across all routes to entry – work visas or student visas – and break the link between temporary routes and permanent settlement. This will bring significant reductions in non-EU migration to the UK and restore it to more sustainable levels.”

Island MP Mr. Turner said: “I am very pleased that the Government is taking action on the issue of net immigration. For too long, under the previous Government, we have heard tough talk without the tough action needed to back it up.

“I am particularly pleased to hear that there will be large reductions to student entry into

the UK. For too long this system has clearly been abused, with the supposed ‘brightest and best’ gaining entry to the UK to perform manual and low-skilled jobs, rather than obtain higher education. There are many dubious establishments that effectively sell visas – not education. It is also common for many of these would-be students to fail to return home after their studies and become ‘lost’ to the system.

“I also welcome the news that the number of skilled immigrant workers will be reduced. Intra-company transfers will be outside the numerical limits, subject to a salary threshold of £40,000. This move will allow

companies operating in the UK to bring in skilled staff when needed, but makes sure that only those on higher wages that are really necessary for the company will be brought in. Companies operating in the UK will need to become more reliant on skilled workers in the UK, which will help our employment situation.

“Many Islanders have contacted me with their concerns over these issues –they will be pleased to hear that the Government is taking control of the situation. There are some claims that these measures will not bring about a significant fall in inward migration. I am sure they will, but I shall be on my guard to make sure!”

TURNER WELCOMES MIGRANT MOVE

AN 80-YEAR-OLD Shanklin man was one of the first victims of the cold snap when he lost control of his silver Ford Fiesta.

Paramedics from IW ambulance service assisted in freeing the trapped pensioner as temperatures plummeted to below zero. A paramedic opened the boot of the trapped car and the pensioner clambered over the back seats after his vehicle was wedged between a hedgerow

The man was treated at the scene suffering from hypothermia and shock before being transferred by ambulance to St Mary Hospital Newport.

No other vehicles were involved in the road traffic collision. Officers from the Shanklin Road Policing Unit closed the road for a short period of time whilst vehicle recovery specialists recovered the vehicle using winching equipment.

PENSIONER CLIMBS CLEAR AFTER CRASH


NEWS

BEWARE CASH BACK SCAMS!ISLANDERS are being urged to check their till receipts before leaving the major shopping outlets during the pre-Christmas rush.

The Gazette has been contacted by a reader, who has given her identity, but does not wish to be named, complaining about a ‘cash-back’ incident in which she was involved.

She said she feared if she did not make the incident known, other shoppers could be caught in a similar situation, which appears to be the latest festival scam.

She said: “I bought a bunch of stuff, over £150, and I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of £40. I

told her I didn’t request a cash back and to delete it.

“She said I’d have to take the £40 because she couldn’t delete it. I told her to call a supervisor. The supervisor came and said I’d have to take it, but I said NO! Taking the £40 would be a cash advance against my Credit card and I wasn’t paying interest on a cash advance.

“If they couldn’t delete it then they would have to delete the whole order. So the supervisor had the cashier delete the whole order and re-scan

everything. The second time I looked at the electronic pad before I signed and a ‘cash-back’ of £20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier

and she deleted it.

“The total came out right, and the cashier agreed that the Electronic

Pad must be defective. Obviously the cashier knew the electronic pad was defective because she NEVER offered me the £40 at the beginning.

Can you imagine how many people went through before me and at the end of her shift how much money someone might have pocketed?”

----------And here

is another shoppers tale: “Just to alert everyone. My

co-worker went to a store last week. She had her items rung up by the cashier. The cashier hurried her along and

didn’t give her a receipt. She asked the cashier for a receipt and the cashier was annoyed and gave it to her.

“My co worker didn’t look at her receipt until later that night. The receipt showed that she asked for £20 cash back. She did not ask for cash back. My co-worker called the store on the mainland who said they would investigate.

“But she then called her niece who works for a bank and her niece told her this is a new scam going on. The cashier will key in that you asked for cash back and then hand it to her friend who is the next person in the queue. So please, check receipts right away when using credit or debit cards.”

NEWPORT TOWN CENTRE DILEMMA

THE FUTURE of Newport town centre hangs in the balance, according to key town centre developer, Trilogy.

To guarantee the regeneration of the town centre, IW Council chiefs will need to back Morrisons bid for a new foodstore on the St Georges Way site. This will open the door for Morrisons to move from its current South Street premises to St Georges Way, freeing up the town centre site for an expanded Marks & Spencer, new market and new shops.

Patrick Stones of Trilogy explained: “It would be a win-win for Newport if Morrisons was selected for the St Georges Way site. Newport would get one of Morrisons out-of-town stores and, by being able to relocate Morrisons, Trilogy would be able to progress its exciting regeneration plans for the South Street area.

“We remain hopeful the Council will see the dual benefits of our bid. However if the Council decides that it does not want the site to go to Morrisons but instead another supermarket retailer this will undoubtedly result in our town centre scheme being put on ice.

“Furthermore, I fear, it could mean tough times for existing traders in Newport since all the others leading supermarket operators have substantial non-food ranges, as opposed to Morrisons which is principally food.”

The Council is due to make its final decision later this month.

REGISTER STOLEN IN HOTEL THEFT

WITNESSES are being sought by police after a burglary was reported at a hotel in Sandown.

It is alleged someone went into the Parkbury Hotel on the Broadway and stole a cash register from behind the bar at approximately 2.30pm on Thursday, November 18. The register contained around £100 in cash.

Investigating officer PC Rob Quick of the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams said: “This was a burglary carried out in broad daylight by someone who we believe knew exactly what they wanted to steal.

“Enquiries over the past week have established that the area around the hotel was busy with passing pedestrians and motorists. It’s believed the burglar walked out of the hotel carrying the cash register. I’m appealing to anyone who may have noticed someone acting suspiciously near the Parkbury Hotel last Thursday afternoon to contact police.”

Contact PC Quick at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101.


NEWS IN BRIEFAN ISLAND woman who helped save the life of a young boy 36 years ago has been back in contact with him after a nationwide appeal in New Zealand.

Linda Wheeler of Lea Road, Lake was living in New Zealand with her ex-husband Steve when they took part in the dramatic rescue of two-year-old Kenan Elmaz, who had strayed on to a railway line at a level crossing.

They leaped out of the taxi in which they were travelling to drag Kenan

clear of danger just seconds before a train thundered past where he had been playing.

Linda moved back to the Island following her divorce in the 1980s, and did not think anymore about the rescue until friends in New Zealand contacted her saying a search had begun in the country to track down the rescuers.

Kenan was later reunited with Steve who still lives in New Zealand, and although Linda could not afford the trip Down Under she too has now

been in touch with the youngster she helped rescue – who is now 38 years old.

Linda, 61, said: “When we saw the lad on the line and the hazard lights blinking we yelled at the taxi driver to stop, and then ran to rescue him, and take him home in the taxi.

“Apparently, Kenan wanted to get back in touch because he is now a father himself with a little boy.

We have contacted the family by email and now plan to stay in touch.”

HERO TRACKED DOWN

Linda with Katelyn and Freyja

THE HARSH REALITY of redundancy was being felt across the Island this week following the IW Council’s announcement that more than 500 jobs are to be shed.

The severity of the cuts meant that workers in all Council departments were at risk, and many arrived for work on Monday to be given the bleak news that they had 90 days’ notice.

The redundancies have been put down to the current economic

situation and the subsequent large reduction in money made available to local authorities. The Council has to save £32 million over the next four years, with around £17 million of it needed to be saved next year. Consequently, the council is unable to maintain the current range of services in the manner they are presently delivered.

Although no details have yet emerged the

posts are likely to be lost from across the authority at all levels although senior management is likely to, proportionately, be hardest hit. Chief executive Steve Beynon said efforts were still being made to ensure the number of compulsory job losses would be kept to an absolute minimum with a pragmatic view being taken on applications for voluntary redundancy and early retirement, as well as a range of other

measures to preserve as many jobs as possible.

In addition, the 535 figure may include some posts that will be transferred under TUPE to organisations who may choose to take on the delivery of services in the future or those that may transfer to social enterprise or other such arrangements.

Mr Beynon said: “This will naturally be a difficult time for staff and we will make sure that all the

appropriate support is made available to help them through the process.

“But in these challenging times, the council does have to take a look at the services it provides and ask whether these can be delivered more efficiently by us, by another organisation or indeed whether there is a need to provide the service at all if, by stopping it, we can protect services that are most needed by the more vulnerable in our society.”

COUNCIL WORKERS’ ICY BLAST


NEWS

WEST WIGHT DRUGS RAIDA LARGE quantity of cannabis plants with a street value believed to be more than £80,000 has been recovered from a house near Freshwater, The Gazette can reveal.

The haul was discovered during a pre-planned police raid at a house in Newport Road, Shalcombe.

A 48-year-old local female was arrested at the premises and taken into custody on suspicion of cultivating cannabis with intent to supply.

She is currently in custody at Newport Police Station being questioned by drug squad officers from Island CID.

Sergeant Stuart Ross from Hampshire and IW Police said: “Officers from the pro-active unit and local policing team conducted the search after executing a warrant obtained from Newport magistrates court. One woman is currently under arrest and helping police with their enquiries.

A shocked neighbour, who did not wish be named, said she had only seen the owner and his son a few times. “He had been renovating the property for a number of years,” she added.

Since the police arrived at 10am this morning the house has been a hive of police activity all day.

With officers coming and going from

the property at about 1pm, a scene of crime van turned up as well. Four police vehicles have been parked at the property since then.

The Gazette has learned through sources that a substantial quantity of cannabis plants had been found in a cannabis growing environment within the premises, with a street value of over £80,000, and been seized.

Forensic officers wearing white paper suits spent the afternoon photographing the haul whilst uniformed officers removed large paper bags stuffed full of plants.

Inspector Andy Treagus of the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol teams (TPT) said: “This warrant was part of our ongoing campaign to disrupt and detect supplies of illegal drugs to the Island.

“These operations take place thanks to a combined effort involving the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership and the Drug Action Team, which are committed to work that demonstrates drugs will not be tolerated on our Island.”

Anyone with information about drugs affecting the community is encouraged to phone the police on 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Phone the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

NEEDLES LIGHTHOUSE IS GIVEN BASE LIFT

WORK is underway to safeguard the future of the Needles Lighthouse, one of the Island’s most iconic landmarks.

The lighthouse helps navigate ships through some of the most dangerous waters around the British Isles, and has stood proudly looking out to sea for more than 150 years. But now a concrete ring is being built around the base of the lighthouse, when weather permits, and once competed it should ensure its future for decades to come.

Sean Crane, the Needles lighthouse attendant and boatman, said: “The tower does actually move a bit when we get a really extreme wave hit it. You do feel a vibration going right up through the tower.

“But you have to keep telling yourself it has been there for all those years, so one more storm won’t matter. But sometimes it is difficult to think like that.”

The lighthouse was built in 1859, and for years it was maintained by three lighthouse keepers, each working a shift of up to two months. Now the light is beamed out across the hazardous waters automatically.

Sean added: “Even with all the modern technology, there is nothing a mariner likes more than seeing a proper light shining out. It is reassuring more than anything else.”

Shingle on one side, rocks

on the other and a deep tidal channel in between make the area particularly dangerous, and many ships were wrecked there before the lighthouse was built. Now, despite the gradual erosion of the Needles rocks, the lighthouse’s long-term future will soon be secure.

“Eventually we would have lost the integrity of the foundation,” explained Ron Blakeley of Trinity House. “So, if you will pardon the pun, it’s a stitch in time for the Needles.”

ISLAND PICTURE EXCLUSIVEBY JASON KAY


NEWS

SNOW JOKE AS ISLAND GRIPPED BY FREEZE

THE ISLAND was back on White Alert this week as the first snow of the winter caused chaos and frustration in virtually all areas.

The sheer volume of the downfall caught many by surprise, even though it had been widely forecast. But worse was to follow as sub zero temperatures resulted in miles of roads being covered in sheet ice.

IW Council workers were at full stretch trying to keep the major roads clear. But the restriction on the use of salt, introduced by the Government, meant that virtually all side roads were left untreated.

All available gritting

lorries, helped by six street cleansing crew, battled in vain to cope in a repeat of the hazards the Island encountered only last January.

Up to six inches of snow fell in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing the closure of all schools across the Island for two days. Businesses were also badly hit in the run up to Christmas, with many shoppers unable to make the journey to the shops, and employees struggling to get into work.

The Southern Vectis and Wight Bus services ground to a standstill at one point, and Island Line were forced to cancel trains

on their route between Shanklin and Ryde.

Slippery pavements coupled with a string of minor traffic accidents meant the casualty department at St Mary’s Hospital, along with many doctor’s surgeries were kept at full stretch. Refuse collections were suspended because the vehicles were unable to reach houses off the main routes.

Small villages found themselves isolated by the snow fall, and as panic buying began shops were fast running out of the essentials such as bread and milk, and there were warnings that as petrol shortage could be

imminent. Even though roads

and pavements were left untreated the IW Council assured residents it had plenty of salt stocks for treating roads. Although it had enough salt stocks during the problems of last January, the Council increased its starting stock ahead of this year by an extra 50 per cent to over 1200 tonnes.

The Council issued guidelines on how they were trying to deal with the difficult conditions. They revealed brand new gritting vehicles - replacing the ones that were used last year – were on duty. They feature state of the


NEWS

Send your news and pictures to us at [email protected]

or call our 24hr News Hotline 01983 898349DO YOU HAVE

NEWS FOR US?

SNOW JOKE AS ISLAND GRIPPED BY FREEZE

art technology including a computer system that programmes the amount of salt being used.

The Council were also reminding drivers that the salting routes have been revised this year. In response to the government’s drive to reduce national salt usage, gritting priorities have been changed.

The local authority will routinely treat the Island’s more important routes. A number of other roads, such as minor routes, will not be treated including some that may have been routinely gritted in the past. A full list of gritting routes can be found

on the council’s website at www.iwight.com/gritting.

Drivers have been advised to always take extra care in cold conditions on the roads, and to ensure their vehicles are clear of ice and snow before setting off on a journey, and Supt Norman Mellors, Commander of the IW Police urged drivers to only make journeys that were absolutely essential.

Meanwhile, the IW Council told residents not to be put off from clearing their own pathways and pavements outside their properties, amid fears it could lead to insurance claims if someone fell on any ice that was left. .

But on their website, the Council said: “There’s no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It’s unlikely you’ll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully.

“If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves.”


ADVERTISEMENT

IT’S UNLIKELY that you’d think that Father Christmas, a prison officer and diabetes would have much in common, but that’s just where you’d be wrong.

Phil Crombleholme has been raising money for Diabetes charities for fifteen seasons down at Thompsons Garden Centre by donning his red suit and giving out presents to the children, and

he even used to do it during his 30-year career in the prisons.

But perhaps the most interesting fact is that Phil is himself diabetic and has been for 45 years – since moving to the Island. “It was the shock of moving here,” joked Phil who also has that jocularity associated with his Christmas ‘hobby’.

“I’ve always had a beard

and a lady prison officer who used to work with children asked me if I would do it,” said Phil who has now retired from the prison service.

“I started at Parkhurst in the visitors room, then at the Camp Hill Prison Officers Club, then a couple of Christmases in the Albany visitors room. Then I did a few schools around the Island.

“Next I started doing it at St Mary’s Hospital for SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) and then moved to doing it for the diabetics on the Island at Thompsons. I was doing it for the UK diabetic magazine Sweet Pea but this year all the money will go to the diabetic clinic at St Mary’s.

“They’ve always looked after me at Doctor Baski’s clinic,” said Phil. “He saved my life 30 odd years ago. I had pancreatitis and I was in intensive care. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here.

“I see between 800 and 900 children over the festive

period and each gets a little present and a little story if I’ve got time. I only do it for the four weekends before Christmas.

“The grotto at Thompsons Garden Centre is one of the best ones in the South of England – Hayley organises and builds it and it’s fantastic.”

Now we are well into the festive season why not visit Thompson’s Garden Centre for your fresh cut or pot grown tree, decorations and lights.

“As members of The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association (BCTGA) we are proud to announce that your local Christmas tree grower and BCTGA member Shide Trees Isle of Wight was named ‘Best Spruce’ of the BCTGA’s annual completion for best UK grower 2010,” said Mrs Thompson.

“Our trees are always freshly cut and are available at Thompson’s Plant and Garden Centre and Shide Trees. There is a size and

shape to fit most situations and our staff are happy to assist you with choosing a tree.

“We have a great selection of decorations in themed colours and indoor and outdoor lights at the garden centre. We also have a fantastic range of gifts for gardeners and non-gardeners alike, houseplants and garden gift tokens.

“And if the hustle and bustle gets too much stop off at the café in the garden centre for a well earned coffee, pot of tea and cake or even a hot homemade meal or tasty snack.

“We have friendly helpful staff a large free car park with easy access.”

And if you have children, don’t forget to pop in to see Father Christmas too.

SANTA COMES TO CENTRE


NEWS

GRACIE-MAY SET TO LIGHT UP

SPITHEAD CENTRETHE ISLE OF WIGHT Gazette, now so many people’s favourite Island newspaper, will soon be sparkling even more – thanks to brave little Shanklin girl Gracie-May Fuller.

Gracie, a cerebral palsy sufferer, who recently returned from as successful operation in the United States to help her to walk, will be lighting up Spithead Business Centre, Lake, the venue of The Gazette offices.

She will be turning on the Sandown Rotary Club’s Christmas lights on Saturday, Dec 11, at 5pm, right on our doorstep, and we will be there to join in the fun.

As well as Gracie, there will be a special guest appearance by Father Christmas, and music from the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, with all proceeds going to the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat, Brading Town Youth Football Club and the Isle of Wight branch of Headway.

POLICE APPEAL AFTER BURGLARY NEAR SANDOWN

POLICE are appealing for information after a burglary was reported at a house in Winford near Sandown.

Entry was gained to the address in Forest Road sometime between midnight on the morning of Friday, November 12 and 7pm on Wednesday, November 17. Items reported stolen include 900 Australian dollars.

Acting Detective Inspector John Stirling of Isle of Wight CID said: “We are pursuing several lines of enquiry where this stolen money could have been exchanged. I would like to appeal to people who work in banks, building societies, post offices or any other places that change money. Anyone with knowledge or suspicions about people trying to exchange Australian money over the past week is asked to contact detectives.”

Contact Isle of Wight CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101.


NEWS IN BRIEF



NEWS FOR US?

THEFT CHARGE

A RYDE man was arrested and remanded in custody after being charged in connection with a robbery at a Ryde newsagents on November 19.

Adam Ghali, 25, unemployed and of no fixed address, was charged with robbery after being arrested and questioned by detectives.

The robbery took place at the RS McColl store on Union

Street, Ryde at around 10pm on Wednesday November 17, when it’s believed a large amount of cash was taken.

BRAVE JIM JUMPS TO HELP INJURED

WORLD WAR II veteran Jim Long braved the bitter cold to complete a 12,000ft parachute jump – at the age of 94!

Jim, from Brighstone, completed the jump at Salisbury and expects to raise around £1,000 to help the injured British soldiers returning from Afghanistan.

The hardy ex-soldier admitted: “It was bitterly cold, but great fun. They wouldn’t let me jump solo because of my age, so i jumped in tandem with an instructor. The first 6,000 feet were freefall, and then the parachute was deployed and we floated down safely.

“It was certainly a wonderful experience, and I am glad I was able to do it – despite the freezing temperatures.”

When Jim has collected all his sponsorship money, he will be paying it in to the Royal British Legion Benefit Fund with the express request that it goes towards helping the wounded servicemen who have served in

Afghanistan.Anyone wishing to help swell

Jim’s charity cash can contact him on (01983) 741265.

Jim Long

WORK ON improvements to Yarmouth Harbour will begin early in the New Year now the process of consultation, licensing and approval is complete.

At their board meeting yesterday this week the Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners welcomed the IW Council’s planning permission to develop the West Wight harbour.

“We already have our flood defence consent from the Environment Agency,” explains Philip Keen, chairman of the commissioners. “So, together with permission from the Crown Estates who own the seabed that we lease, and the legal consents from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), we now have full authorisation to go ahead with our plans. This project significantly improves the existing harbour facilities and makes Yarmouth an even more attractive and convenient destination for boat owners, those sailors who live here and our visitors.

“The commissioners have worked hard to take into

account, where possible, the views of the local community and harbour users. This ensures that the commercial future of the harbour retains and balances its traditional ambience.

“The Western Yar is a short river with a large estuary. Additional income from these improvements helps us meet the incre- asing costs of protecting the harbour, town and wildlife along the five kilo- metres (three miles) of the river Yar north from Afton Marsh and the causeway at Old Freshwater.”

The first phase of the scheme is an investment of £1.3million to re-align the piles and pontoons. This increases the number of walk-ashore moorings, all with fresh water and electricity. The fuel pumps are also moving to a pontoon.

“This will vastly improve the facilities in Yarmouth,” says James Walters, director of Walcon Marine, the contractor

from Fareham, Hampshire. “The quality services help keep this harbour among the best on the south coast. For visitors approaching the Solent from the

west of England, Yarmouth is the first port of call on the southern shore. It’s an attractive little town with a very good range of shops, pubs and restaurants. The new moorings make it much easier to make the most of the town’s hospitality.”

Richard Gribble, the project manager for the harbour commissioners, has extensive experience in Yarmouth. He originally came to West Wight

to manage the refurbishment of Yarmouth’s grade-two-listed wooden pier built in 1876. He works on the new harbour project with the consultants, Marina

Projects of Gosport, Hampshire.

“We have enjoyed working closely with the harbour commissioners, Richard and various regulators including the Marine Management Organisation,” explains Mike Ward, project director with Marina Projects. “The MMO

makes sure that we meet the legal requirements covering construction in the marine environment, depositing waste at sea and impacts on navigation. This is an important project for the economy of West Wight.”

The construction work at Yarmouth harbour starts before the end of January and is scheduled to finish in time for the Easter holiday weekend at the end of April.

HARBOUR GREEN LIGHT“This project significantly improves the existing harbour facilities and makes Yarmouth an even more attractive and convenient destination.”


NEWS

SANTA’S SAUSAGE PROVES A WINNER

THE ANNUAL search for the ‘The Best Isle of Wight Banger’ was staged at the Dairyman’s Daughter, Arreton.

The competition which started as part of the Sweetcorn Fayre has certainly established itself a worthy event on its own with 2010 marking its sixth year and proving as popular as ever. The competition received over 40 entries from farm shops and butchers across the Island as well as some independent entries from members of the public.

The competition was split into two categories, a pork class and an alternative class for all other meats. The large variety of flavours this year included pork and pumpkin, pork and blue cheese, pork and mincemeat, venison and chocolate, beef chocolate and chilli and game with cider and apricot to mention but a few. Each competitor submitted 1lb of raw sausages and 1lb of cooked for judging.

The t h r e e judges this year were Lin Watterson from Arreton Parish Council, Brian Bailey from Romahome and Oliver Harvey from Ninham Country Holidays. Each of the sausages were tasted blind and given a score out of 100 by each judge, with a maximum of 20 points for cooked appearance and texture, the same for raw appearance and texture and the remaining 60 points for taste.

The winner for the pork class was defending champion Steve Doe of Island Foods and Farmer Jacks with a pork and leek sausage. He was closely followed by Godshill Organics pork and chilli sausage, third place was taken by Kings Manor with a

pork and mustard sausage.The alternative class was

won by Godshill Organics with their ‘Sprung Lamb’

sausage which was very original in

the shape of a spring,

s e c o n d w a s

Island F o o d s a n d F a r m e r Jacks venison and chocolate and third place went to Paul and Michaela Heathcote of Chinashop Rare breeds for their beef chocolate and chilli flavour sausage.

The overall winner by only two points was Godshill Organics ‘Sprung Lamb’ and the prize for best newcomer went to Matthew Northard for his pork and mincemeat ‘Santa’s Sausage’.

A TOWN CENTRE property in Sandown which was a family-run bakery and café for six decades is set to go under the auctioneer’s hammer.

The shop at 9 High Street, Sandown, which also has a flat above, been put up for sale through Clive Emson Auctioneers with a freehold guide price of £180-£200,000.

Mapes Café & Cake Shop served hundreds of thousands of customers since the 1950s, the era when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, Elvis Presley became a rock ‘n’ roll sensation and the average price of a UK house was £2,170.

The shop comes with vacant possession, while the three-bedroom flat is rented out for £8,100 a year. Rob Marchant, the auctioneer, said: “The property will be well known to many people, residents and holidaymakers alike, and we anticipate some keen interest from bidders because of the favourable

shopping location.”Also up for auction is the

1.75-acre allotments site at Batts Road, Shanklin, with a freehold guide of £10-12,000. Scotscombe Allotments is let to Isle of Wight Council to 2019 at a ground rent of £200 a year.

Other lots on the Island include a detached bungalow at 19 Denmark Road, Cowes; a three-bedroom semi at 40 West Street, Wroxall; a building plot with consent for a detached house at 21 School Lane, Newport; a bungalow at 46 Palmers Road, Wootton; a flat at Westfield Mansions, Shore Road, Bonchurch and a four-bedroom semi at 54 St Catherine Street, Ventnor.

Also up for auction are 16 self-contained flats at Ashey Valley, Ashey Road, Ryde, with a guide of £680-700,000. The combined annual rent is currently is £67,320. The sale takes place from 11am on Friday, December 17, at the Rose Bowl stadium near Southampton.

POPULAR CAFE IS ON THE MARKET


NEWS

TWO HURT IN ROLLA ONE-CAR roll over accident on Fairleigh Road near Newport left two people injured.

The Silver Fiat Punto was travelling towards Newport shortly after 11pm.

It is believed that the 30-year-old driver from Shanklin lost control and collided with road furniture before rolling the vehicle a number of times. The vehicle came to rest on its roof.

Emergency services attended the scene; A fire appliance from Newport station attended and made the scene safe.

Both the driver and his passenger were taken to hospital by IW Amb- ulance service suffering injuries.

Officers from the Shanklin Road Policing Unit (RPU) also attended and have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The road was closed for an hour while officers carried out their investigations at the scene and the vehicle was recovered.

Spokesman PC Turner from Hampshire and IW Police RPU said “The driver from the Shanklin area was helping police with their enquiries. We believe other vehicles went past the area at the time and we are appealing for those drivers to come forward as witnesses.”

“It is not thought that road conditions contributed to the crash” the spokesman added.

Anyone with information is ask to call the Shanklin RPU on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555111.

BLAZE AT THE WHEATSHEAFTHREE pumping appliances manned by twenty fire fighters from Newport, Cowes and East Cowes supported by the aerial ladder tackled a fire at the 17th century Wheatsheaf county town hotel in Newport.

It’s believed that the hotel manager raised the alarm after a guest alerted him to a strong burning smell and the hotel started to fill with smoke.

Staff and guests were evacuated whilst four firefighters in breathing apparatus removed burned debris believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Fire crews used two hoses to extinguish a small fire discovered in an electrical intake room, in the basement of the hotel.

Kitchen staff and managers of the popular watering hole watched from behind a cordon as firefighters fought to stop the spread of the fire. Hotel staff spent the afternoon working with electrical engineers from Scottish and Southern to restore power into the property.

No-one was hurt in the incident said station manager David Grundy, who was in charge of the incident. “The hotel was occupied, a number of residents and staff were evacuated. We’ve had no injuries to firefighters or members of the public. Crews have done a really good job in containing the spread of this fire. “

FASTCATS CUT TO SAVE CASH

WIGHTLINK are to reduce their Fastcat crossings from Ryde to Portsmouth in the New Year as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The 5.40am from Portsmouth Harbour and the 6.10am from Ryde Pier Head from Monday to Friday and the 7.45pm from Portsmouth and 8.15pm from Ryde from Mondays to Thursdays will be axed from January 10.

During the times when there is an hourly service, the cats will operate at 15 minutes past the hour from Portsmouth and 47 minutes past the hour from Ryde. A Wightlink spokesperson said: “The current economic climate is impacting on us and we have had to take urgent action to reduce our ongoing costs wherever possible. A thorough review of our timetable on the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head route has been undertaken to ensure we continue to operate a viable 24/7 operation; maintaining early morning and late night sailings whilst crucially controlling our operating costs. We are aware that the change to our sailing times many not suit all of our passengers but unfortunately these changes are essential to ensure the future of the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head route.”

SPECIAL DELIVERY FROM SCOOTERISTSTHE ALL Island Scooter Toy Run to St.Mary’s Childrens’s Ward will be taking place on Sunday (Dec 5). It is the 3rd year running that the worthwhile event has taken place.

The scooterists will be convening at the Sloop Inn car park at Wootton from 1pm, and heading off to the Hospital around 1.45pm to arrive about 2pm to deliver their wrapped gifts for those children who will be spending Christmas in Hospital.

The event is organised by the Vectis Scooter Club, but will be involving lots of other clubs and solo riders. For more information, please contact Eltjo de Vries on 07917 670665 any time after 3pm.


NEWS IN BRIEF

Send your news and pictures to

us at [email protected] call our 24hr News Hotline on 01983 898349


NEWS

MARCO HEADS FOR AFRICAAFTER recently returning from charitable work at a hospital in Malawi, Central Africa, 18-year-old Marco Mills plans to return to Africa on a motorbike to try and raise money for the charities Cure International and Water Aid.

Marco, who is the son of Lyn and Mike Mills at Allendale Equestrian Centre in Godshill, plans to be one of the youngest, if not the youngest person, to single-handedly motorcycle over 12, 500 miles across the African continent, starting in Tunisia and ending three and a half months later at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

“The inspiration for the expedition really came from my experiences in Malawi,” explained Marco.

“I witnessed first hand the differences which both Cure International and Water Aid

make to communities stricken by the effects of poverty.

“Witnessing children overcome horrendous disabilities through the medical treatment provided by Cure International was a moving experience, not to mention the wonderful work Water Aid do to provide clean water in some of Africa’s poorest areas.

“I just want to use part of my gap year in a constructive manner and work towards helping provide clean water and free healthcare throughout Africa, both of which we take for granted here in the UK,” said Marco.

It is the East Coast of the Continent, which Marco will motorcycle, allowing him to visit Cure hospitals en route in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia.

Marco has no doubt about

the difficulty of the challenge that lies ahead. He will have to face some of the world’s most challenging riding conditions, which will include places such as the Sahara desert.

Before leaving in March, Marco will receive specialist training in all areas relating to the expedition and he is currently preparing for the physical challenges that will lie ahead.

“I understand the magn- itude of the task, but I hope this will encourage people to give generously to such worthy causes,” he said.

Although Marco is working hard to raise money for the venture he desperately needs the help of Island businesses and individuals to help fund equipment and visa costs, as well as a motorbike suitable for the expedition. One of the

biggest problems Marco faces is the cost of a Carnet de Passages en Douane, a temporary importation document for vehicles, required throughout the majority of Africa. Marco however remains confident that with the help of Island businesses and individuals the expedition will be able to go ahead.

Marco is currently working on a website which will be online shortly; this will detail the particulars of the expedition as well as all those who choose to support it. The website will also include a blog which will follow Marco’s progress throughout the expedition. He would urge any businesses or individuals who might have an interest in sponsoring the expedition to contact him at [email protected].

GREEN SCHEME TO HELP SAFETY

A ‘GREEN BAG SCHEME’ for the safe transfer of patient’s medicines was launched on the Island this week.

The scheme, which was developed on the Isle of Wight on behalf of the South Central Patient Safety Federation, is being rolled out across the NHS from Buckinghamshire and Berkshire down to the Isle of Wight.

Medication errors most commonly occur on transfer of patients between care settings and particularly at the time of admission and the scheme aims to improve patient safety by giving healthcare staff accurate information on patients’ medicines. In particular it ensures that medicines prescribed on admission correspond to those that the patient was taking before admission.

Gill Honeywell, Chief Pharmacist at St. Mary’s Hospital said: “Patients are being encouraged to carry all their own medicines in their original containers in a special Green bag if they have to go into hospital, residential/care home or any healthcare environment including their community pharmacy when they have a medicines use review. Medicines should include those which have been prescribed or

bought such as ‘over-the-counter’ remedies and herbal products.”

The Green Medicines Bag keeps all the patient’s medicines together in a readily identifiable container. Patients are given the bag at pre-admission assessment or with their appointment letter; they may also obtain a Green Medicines bag from their community pharmacy, if attending for a medicines use review. For emergency admissions Green Medicines Bags are carried by ambulance staff who will collect all medicines from the patient’s home. Green Medicines Bags are also supplied at discharge from hospital.

The Green Bag scheme aims to improve patient safety and satisfaction by; giving healthcare staff accurate information on all patients medicines; enabling patient’s to maintain familiarity with their own medicines; helping avoid delays in administration and discharge as the patient’s own medicines stay with the patient throughout; providing a bag for keeping medicines related information in, for example a repeat prescription; and improving communication of medicines changes to care providers.

Gill continued: “This initiative is being rolled out throughout the

South Central region supported by the Patient Safety Federation and South Central NHS. The scheme is of interest nationally and it is hoped that the Green Bag becomes a ‘bag for life’ and patients will use it routinely for all their medicines. This is not only a patient safety issue, which in itself is important. We believe that it will save the NHS money as well.”

Further information about the ‘Green Bag’ scheme can be found on the NHS Isle of Wight website, www.iow.nhs.uk at http://www.iow.nhs.uk/index.asp?record=1475. You can see Gill being interviewed about the scheme at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJG4aChPow.

Carol Alstrom, Chief Nurse for NHS Isle of Wight and lead for patient safety commented: “The Green Bag is a proven way to manage medicines safely and create a seamless service for patients. This should help patients manage their medicines from their medicines use review with the pharmacist through to any treatment in hospital. The fact that its being rolled out across the South Central area should help out patients who receive treatment at hospitals in Portsmouth and Southampton as those hospitals will be using the system as well.”

Gill Honeywell, Chief Pharmacist at St Mary’s Hospital


NEWS



NEWS FOR US?

SEARCH GOES ON FOR WITNESSES AFTER ASSAULT

ISLAND detectives are continuing to investigate a report of an assault on a woman in Newport.

A 23-year-old woman from Newport contacted police to say she was approached by a man she did not know at approximately 1.40am on Thursday, November 18. The victim was in an alleyway next to Nine Acres Primary School, walking from Trafalgar Road towards Elm Grove, when she noticed a man behind her.

He approached the victim and grabbed her around the waist. The woman managed to free herself from his grip and ran out of the alleyway into Elm Grove. She was not injured.

The attacker was described as aged in his 20s or 30s, with short hair.

Detective Constable Lee Torrance of Isle of Wight CID said: “The woman was not hurt but she is understandably upset by the assault and her concerns that it could have been worse if she had not been able to run away.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or who may remember seeing a man acting suspiciously in the Trafalgar Road area of Newport during the early hours of Thursday.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Lee Torrance at Newport Police Station by phoning 101.

MAN CHARGED AFTER COLLISION IN CARISBROOKE

A MAN was charged after a road traffic collision was reported in Carisbrooke High Street near Newport, shortly after midnight on the morning of Sunday, November 21.

The driver of a Mercedes Benz van is alleged to have collided with barriers on the High Street. Nicholas Boyd, 41, of Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, was arrested and taken to Newport Police Station. He was charged with drink driving and failing to report a road accident.

Mr Boyd was bailed until Tuesday, December 7, when he is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.


NEWS IN BRIEFFESTIVE DRINK AND DRIVE CLAMPDOWNHAMPSHIRE Constabulary has launched its annual winter ‘don’t drink and drive’ campaign, with reminders of the consequences of the lethal combination of drink, drugs and driving.

With the festive party season already in full swing, Island motorists are being reminded of the dangers of driving under the influence. Road users are being urged to ‘think before having that drink’ and ‘not to be a mug and drive after taking drugs’ as the seasonal festivities begin in earnest.

The force is reminding people that while driving under the influence of alcohol is the more commonly known offence, driving under the influence of illegal drugs, or a mixture of both, can have just as serious consequences.

The force is also reminding people of the 80999 text message service which can be used to report anyone suspected of driving under the influence.

Chief Superintendent Barry Talbot said: “If you’re out enjoying the party season this year, make sure you plan ahead and organise a safe journey home. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs puts you and other road

users in danger.“Alcohol, for example, makes it

difficult to judge distances, while cannabis can slow your reaction times and cocaine makes you more likely to take risks. Combine any of these with driving and the results can be lethal.

“The effects of alcohol and many drugs can last for hours, so you may still be unsafe to drive the next day. The best advice is not to drink at all if you’re driving, or book a taxi beforehand.”

People are also being encouraged to use the text message service if you think someone’s driving when they

shouldn’t be.By sending a text to 80999,

you can still report the details to the police when it’s not so easy

to make a call, if you’re at the pub for example.

The campaign runs from Decem- ber 1 until Monday, January 3, and police officers will be patrolling the roads as they do

throughout the year. Chief Supt Talbot added: “The punishments are tough if you are caught driving under the influence.

“You could be fined, banned from driving or even sent to jail. If this sort of anti-social behaviour doesn’t kill you or someone else, it can still ruin lives.”

“The effects of alcohol and many drugs can last for hours.”

Sergeant Paul Bailey from the RPU Shanklin


FEATURE

IT WAS all change and yet there was a definite familiarity for customers when the Yorkshire Building Society opened its doors at Ward House in Ryde.

This was because all three employees of the brand new Yorkshire Building Society agency were previously behind the counter of the Halifax who pulled out of the town last month.

Agency Manager Jackie Mitchell with Sue Ward and Scott Fisher were ready to welcome customers both old and new to the beautifully refitted premises.

“We’re looking forward to this new adventure – now we’ll be able to help the customers ourselves face-to-face rather than speaking to an adviser on the telephone,” said Jackie.

Michael Ward, Principal at the new agency said: “We’re looking forward to becoming the latest addition to Yorkshire Building Society’s agency network and to offering the services of a building society to the people of Ryde. We’ve been based in Ryde for over twenty-two years and we’re looking forward to developing the services we offer to our local community.

“I looked at what my customers wanted today and they have more confidence in a building society and the Yorkshire is the second largest building society in the country,” he explained of his choice to invite the Yorkshire to Ward House.

“The Yorkshire has good branch-based savings accounts at competitive interest rates in today’s difficult market,” he added.

Liz Morelli, Yorkshire’s Agency Sales Manager said: “We are delighted to be opening a new agency in Ryde and are looking forward to working with Ward House Financial

Services. When looking for financial products we’ve found many customers value professional advice face to face which is why we consider having a high street presence as important as telephone and internet channels. We are committed to our agency network at a time when many financial organisations are closing their agency offices.”

About Yorkshire Building Society

Yorkshire Building Society is the second largest building society in the UK and incorporates the Chelsea Building Society and Barnsley Building Society brands.

The new agency at Independent Financial Advisers Ward House Financial Services on Union St is part of the Society’s plans to expand its agency network, with 14 new offices opened already this year and further openings planned early next year.

The Society has two million members, 178 branches and 84 agencies across the UK. It is committed to remaining an independent mutual and is determined to return real financial benefits to its members, providing them with long-term value backed up by excellent personal service.

For more information on Yorkshire Building Society, visit their website – www.ybs.co.uk

About the staff

Mike Ward is a well-known figure in Ryde and across the Island. He is President of Ryde Inshore Rescue, Vice-Chairman of Vectis Housing Association and has

served as a local councillor in previous years.

Mike has over 3,000 regular clients who come to him for sound financial advice at Ward House Financial Services.

Established on October

31, 1988, Ward House Financial Services moved to the current premises in 2003 and have a team of ten in the practice, including a researcher and financial planner and a good admin team who continue to service their clients on a day to day basis.

Mike’s wife Sue Ward has worked with her husband since he opened twenty-two years ago. An essential part of the business, Sue does the

accounts and the wages.Sue rejoined the Halifax

Agency in March of this year after a break from the counter when she worked for Forget Me Not Designs, although she was still completing the accounts and wages from home.

“It’s very exciting because it’s all new and it’s a building society, not a bank,” said Sue.

“It’s nice to be part of the new venture and I do love

talking to people – I’m a people person.”

“A lot of our customers know me from when I worked here before. I help out wherever and whenever I’m needed” she laughed.

Agency Manager Jackie Mitchell has worked for Ward House Financial Services in the Halifax office for fourteen years, having previously worked for the Halifax in Newport and St Albans where she joined the

NEW VENTURE BUT SAME FRIENDLY FACES IN RYDE

“It’s very exciting because it’s all new and it’s a building society, not a bank,”


FEATURE

Halifax when it was still a building society “It will be much nicer because we will be able to spend time really getting to know our customers and advising them about the best accounts to open.”

Jackie moved to the Island with her husband twenty-one years ago and now lives in Ryde where her husband teaches at Ryde School.

Scott Fisher joined Ward

House a year ago after being made redundant from

Vestas in Newport, and previously worked at Abbey (now Santander) for four

years.“Our new Yorkshire agency

is great news for our regular customers and it’s good for them to receive excellent

service face to face,” said Scott of the newly opened

agency.“Unlike a bank, the

Yorkshire is more customer-focused and works for the benefit of its members – not shareholders.”

The Building

The new Yorkshire Building Society agency office is based at Independent

Financial Advisers Ward House Financial Services on the top right hand corner of Union Street as you look down the hill. It is an iconic building that Mike Ward has spent a great deal of time and energy restoring to its former glory, and won a conservation award in 2003 when the work was completed.

Many will remember the building as Lloyds Bank and formerly it was a branch of

Timothy Whites chemists. But when Mike took over the building for his financial consultancy company he set about restoring the lovely old façade and windows to the way they would have looked when it was built.

“I bought the building from Lloyds TSB in 2003 and putting it back to its Georgian roots which cost around £180k, with £30k for the wood and glass shop front alone,” said Mike

NEW VENTURE BUT SAME FRIENDLY FACES IN RYDE

“We’re looking forward to this new adventure – now we’ll be able to help the customers ourselves face-to-face rather than speaking to an adviser on the telephone.”


FEATURE

A WIDE range of activities took place across the Island on White Ribbon Day as part of the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women, and will symbolise this pledge by wearing a white ribbon.

Nationally, the Home Office estimates that 28 per cent of women aged between 16 and 59 have experienced domestic abuse in Britain. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 56,000 women and girls aged between 16 and 59 were victims of domestic abuse in 2009, yet in the same year only 14,492 incidents were reported to the police.

Domestic abuse can take many forms; from emotional or physical abuse to financial abuse or sexual violence and abuse. It is any kind of violent, abusive or threatening behaviour and it can happen to anyone, but it should never be accepted.

There are a wide range of services available for victims, offenders or the friends and family of those involved in

domestic abuse situations. Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum has a website dedicated to providing specific advice and support for anyone looking for information or help (www.hampshiredomesticabuse.org.uk).

Additionally, there are numerous refuges and outreach services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as agencies like Victim Support, the police, or the Women’s Aid helpline. By using these services people can get good general advice and support as a first step.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Ashthorpe, who leads the force Public Protection Unit for Hampshire Constabulary, said, “We know that not all incidents of domestic abuse are reported; either to police or other support agencies. This may be for many different reasons, but it may be because they don’t realise what is happening to them is wrong.

“Calling you names, punching you, controlling your finances, or forcing you to do things you don’t want to – these are all very different acts, but all still forms of abuse. This should not be tolerated, and we are working closely with all our partner agencies including Hampshire County Council to ensure this message is heard loud and clear. As a constabulary we are continually working to improve our response and we would encourage victims to come forward so that we can work with our partners to reduce the harm caused by abuse.”

WHITE RIBBONS SEND HOME THE MESSAGE

Street Pastors

Stuart May


FEATURE

WHITE RIBBONS SEND HOME THE MESSAGEYOUNG James Turner (8) made a special trip to The Gazette offices this week to bring the issue of domestic violence to our attention.

Living in such a situation until he was nearly four years old, James encouraged his mum Julia to attend the recent ‘Reclaim the Night’ march last week to raise awareness of this very serious issue.

James was just one of around a hundred people who brought the plight of those in abusive family situations into the public arena by marching from St Thomas’s Square last Thursday (November 25), with his mum Julia Kelly.

“My nana had a letter to say that the march was on and I thought I was up for it. I wanted to do the walk because of what happened when I was little,” said James.

Julia’s parents Kath and Andy Kelly live in Lake and it was to their home that Julia and James fled back in July 2006. “I was lucky that I had my family to come to,” said Julia. “There are so many women out there with nobody.

“It was absolutely horrendous for us from when James was six months old and James now suffers with post traumatic stress disorder. Before he would never talk about it but he’s come on leaps and bounds since we moved to the Island.

“Contact with his father stopped about 18 months ago and James is much happier now.

“My mum and dad are on the Island and we lived with them for a while but now we have a whole new life with my new partner Martin and our little girl Lilly who is two.”

James was pleased that he had been able to convince his mum to go on the march.

“I think it was a good thing that they organised the walk and I’ll go again next year if they do it,” said James who is planning to do a sponsored bike ride from Lake to Newport to raise money for the NSPCC. He is a shining example of how children can come out of the other side of domestic violence if they get

help.“I’d like other children who

are in the same situation as I was to get help,” stressed James.

Organised by the Island’s Domestic Abuse Forum, participants in the march were encouraged to wear the colours purple and white.

IW Councillors Roger Mazillius and Dawn Cousins officially launched the march and cut a white ribbon, to coincide with White Ribbon Day, and led the group around the streets of Newport before finishing in St Thomas’s Square for a rally and candle lit vigil.

The Fat Samba group added to the atmosphere of the event by performing in the square in the lead up to the march.

As well as members of the general public, those taking part included street pastors, members of Unison, representatives from the Isle of Wight Rugby Club, the fire service, police, NHS and local charities and voluntary organisations. The march passed the Samaritans building, which had a stand set up and passed leaflets out to those taking part.

Following the march a rally took place in Newport Minster where a number of speakers addressed those who took part in the march.

The Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff Peter Kingston spoke first; emphasizing that violence has no place in society and that people have a right to feel safe in their communities. Stuart May of the IW Fire and Rescue Service then spoke about the role of the emergency services in tackling domestic abuse

and how communities should work together to rid society of this hidden violence.

Speaking about the impact of domestic abuse on young people Ben Yates, Chair of the Isle of Wight Youth Council, shared some powerful statistics from a survey undertaken by the NSPCC

showing that violence in teenage relation-ships is more common than people think. Chloe Gwinnett then spoke passionately about the lasting impact on young victims and education being a key element in

empowering young people, children and adults to break the cycle of abuse.

Cllr Cousins, IW Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People concluded the speeches by speaking about children, often the forgotten victims of domestic abuse. She revealed that on the Island 50% of children on a Child Protection Plan have been affected by domestic abuse.

A candle lit vigil led by Rev Fessey provided an opportunity for people to remember those affected by domestic abuse and light candles for loved ones.

Fleur Gardiner, Isle of Wight Council Domestic Abuse Coordinator, said:

“The event was a great success and I am really pleased that so many people ventured out on such a cold November evening to

march against domestic violence. By raising awareness through events such as Reclaim the Night we hope that more victims will come forward to seek help and that communities will

work closer together to rid society of such abuse.”

Cllr Dawn Cousins, said: “As a community we have a responsibility to ensure our children are protected from abuse and violence and that they have the opportunity to grow up feeling safe.

“The March and rally highlighted issues here on the Isle of Wight and showed victims that support is available through the combined work of the Island’s agencies and local charities.”Julia Kelly with son James

“I was lucky that I had my family to come to,” said Julia. “There are so many women out there with nobody.”

“I’d like other children who are in the same situation as I was to get help”


FEATURE

SEA CADETS ARE HOT STUFFRYDE JUNIOR Sea Cadets paid a special fun packed visit to Ryde Fire Station recently to find out about fire fighting on the Isle of Wight.

As part of their training the Sea Cadets study damage control and fire fighting when they travel across to Whale Island for training sessions on how to become a Sea cadet, and this visit served to widen their knowledge of fire control.

“They loved it,” said Petty Officer Nathan Bridger from Ryde Sea Cadets. “Some of the cadets had never been to the fire station and they got to try on the uniforms and sit in the fire engines.

“They got to talk about the equipment in the fire engines, how it is used and the safety measures that are taken.

“The cadets also went into the call centre to see how the 999 calls are dealt with,” he added.

“And they were given lots of handouts on how to test fire alarms in their homes and the importance of having them.

“They really want to do something like it again in the near future.”


FEATURE

SEA CADETS ARE HOT STUFFMAINLAND coach drivers who flout the law by using hand-held microphones when driving around the Island, have been warned of the dangers they are creating, and could face prosecution.

The Island roads have been full of coaches in recent weeks, with holidaymakers coming to take part in ‘Turkey and Tinsel’ celebrations at many hotels.

But while taking their passengers out on sightseeing trips, drivers have been seen steering their coaches with one hand, while holding the microphone to talks about the sights. Some coaches are fitted with microphones that do not have to be held, but over the last few days we have witnessed coach drivers in Shanklin Old Village and Lake using hand-held versions.

So The Gazette asked: What is the difference between holding a mobile phone when driving and holding a microphone when driving? And let’s not forget coaches are normally packed with around 50 passengers whose lives could be at risk.

Sergeant Paul Bailey of Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit said: “The use of hand held microphones by drivers on board coaches presents a serious risk to passengers and other road users.

“Such use would be considered a distraction and could seriously affect the concentration of a driver. Coach companies and drivers are responsible for the safe conduct of passengers, and use of a microphone outside of the regulations must be taken very seriously.”

The Public Service Vehicle Regulations 1990 state:

• A driver must not, when a vehicle is in motion, hold a microphone or an attachment to a microphone unless it is necessary for him, either in an emergency or on grounds of safety, to speak into it.

• A driver must not, when a vehicle is in motion, speak to any person either directly or by means of a microphone.

Nothing in paragraph (2) will prevent the driver of a vehicle:

(a) from speaking when necessary because of an emergency or on grounds of safety; or

speaking to a relevant person about the operation of the vehicle provided that he can do so without being distracted from driving it; and

(b) which is being used to provide a relevant service from making short statements from time to time limited to indicating the vehicle’s location or operational matters provided that he can do so without being distracted from driving it.

Sergeant Bailey added: “Any breach of these regulations by the driver could put people at risk. Drivers could also be committing a further offence under the Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations 1986 “Driving - Driver not in proper control of motor vehicle”, which is an endorsable offence, carrying three points and a £60 fine.”

COACH DRIVERS

FACE FINES


FEATURE

A BRAND new restaurant has opened in the grounds of Farringford House with the Garden Restaurant now having been rebuilt and revamped in a very artistic and stylish fashion.

In pride of place sits an Italian open oven with its large white roof, and it is not only used for cooking and finishing dishes, it also heats the whole room and keeps the restaurant lovely and warm.

The Garden Restaurant has a new executive chef in Justin Brown who trained under Jamie Oliver and his credits include winning Pub Chef of the Year in both 2009 and 2010, BBC 2 Masterchef the Professionals contestant, twelve years cooking experience with Michelin starred chefs, being Michelin Guide rated for the last five years and he is a food writer and cooking show host.

So it wasn’t surprising that at the opening night last week (November 24) there were lots of really tasty canapés on offer.

One of the unique aspects of this restaurant is that the provenance of all the ingredients is of utmost importance. This is something that the Farringford is very keen to

promote – all that you eat has been farmed ethically and you can find out where it came from.

The beef is from a rare breed ‘Red Poll’ that would have possibly died out had it not been for dedicated foodies rescuing its meat for our tables.

Double cooked shoulder of IW Lamb had been made into tasty mouthfuls with an accompanying dip to die for. Hand made sausages from Mr. Parsons had another dip that tantalized the taste buds.

Small Caesar salads upon crunchy lettuce leaves were perfect large mouthfuls of fresh, satisfyingly salty and chicken-filled perfection.

Tiny ice cream cones of the rainbow colours of Minghella fruit sorbets were passed around as palate refreshers.

Around the pale walls gaze down contemporary black and white photographic portraits, which are very reminiscent of the work of Julia Margaret Cameron the pioneer photographer who lived at Dimbola Lodge in the Bay.

Tennyson often posed for Mrs Cameron, and she produced photographs for his poetry – often using local children and residents

as models.The new restaurant is the ideal

location for a light lunch, Sunday lunch, a cosy evening meal or you might opt for Christmas Day at Farringford. For just £69.95 per person you will have a five course meal that offers; traditional turkey with home made apricot stuffing and all trimmings, or honey

roasted Gressingham duck breast with duck fat potato, or pan fried fillet of bass, or a wild mushroom risotto with fresh herbs, a parmesan crisp and a white truffle oil.

You could also dine and stay in one of the newly decorated cottages in the grounds with their fresh new colour schemes and lovely artworks

on the walls.The older cottages nearer to the

house were designed by Portmerion architect Clough Williams-Ellis, as seen in Patrick McGoohan’s cult television series The Prisoner, and now have wonderful wood burning stoves. Treat yourself to a night or weekend away for Christmas or the New Year.

FINE FOOD AT FARRINGFORD


FEATURE

ISLAND

BUY PERFECT TIME TO BUY ISLANDWITH THE whiff of winter well and truly in the air and the threat of job losses and increased taxes in the New Year The Gazette feel it is the time to appeal to all Islanders to Buy Island.

Our Buy Island Campaign aims to encourage us all to support our local food producers especially during this difficult economic time. Let’s all try to at least buy the ingredients of our Christmas

dinner from Island food producers or, failing that, from an Island-owned business.

And both of these are combined at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, which not only has one of longest established farm shops on the Island, but it is a working dairy farm with an award winning herd of beautiful Guernsey cows who produce lovely creamy milk.

THE FARM also now boasts the beautiful Bluebells country café/restaurant, designed by Lincoln Miles, that opened just over 18 months ago and is fast becoming a very fashionable destination.

Chefs Ashley Holness and Simon Moxlow support Head Chef Kevin Hendy, formerly of Liberty’s in Ryde, and all dishes in Bluebells are freshly made, mostly from Island produce, including

veal and milk from the farm.“We use all Island produce

where possible,” said Chris Griffin who runs the café side of the farm. “Veal is our signature dish from our own herd, and is very popular – veal rump, veal pie and veal casserole.”

The young calves from the dairy herd are all reared on the farm with the females eventually joining their mothers in the dairy herd and the males being reared for veal. The calves have a lovely life and can be petted in the barn next to the café - a particular favourite for children.

All the other meats on the menu are from Paul Woodwood the Briddlesford Lodge Farm butcher who sources from across the Island, including beef from New Barn Farm and

Kemphill Farm, Lamb from New Barn Farm and turkeys, chickens and eggs from Brownrigg Poultry.

Isle of Wight Cheese Company cheese is used in many of the dishes – Gallybagger, Blue and Soft.

Vegetables are from the Farm Shop and currently all of the cauliflowers, cabbages, and sprouts including those on the stem, leeks and potatoes

all hail from the Island, via Isle of Wight producer Phillip Morris.

Hearty warm vegetable soups are a particular favourite in the cold weather and the best selling banana smoothies are another

speciality, along with creamy hot chocolates and latte coffees – all made with milk from the Griffin’s Guernsey herd.

GOOD FOOD ALL YEAR AT BLUEBELLS CAFE

Louise, Chris & Paul wish everyone a Merry Christmas from Briddlesford Lodge and the Bluebells Cafe!

EVENING MENU FOR CHRISTMASFOR BLUEBELLS AT BRIDDLESFORD

STARTERSRoasted parsnip and ginger soup served with fresh granary bread and butter £4.50Home-made chicken liver and brandy paté with brown toast and butter served with a salad garnish £4.95Deep fried breaded Somerset brie with port and redcurrant sauce and a salad garnish £4.95Sliced smoked salmon with cucumber and dill salad, served with lemon crème fraîche and granary bread and butter £4.95

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MAIN COURSEPan-fried British duck breast on parsnip purée with port and cranberry sauce £12.95 Oven roasted salmon fillet stuffed with shallot, spinach and Isle of Wight garlic, wrapped in puff pastry, with warm Béarnaise sauce £12.50 Roast Winter vegetable casserole with caraway dumplings £9.75Roast turkey served with homemade stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, winter vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy £12.95

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DESSERTSHomemade Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce or locally made ice-cream £4.60 Cointreau and orange chocolate pot with vanilla shortbread £4.95Cinnamon cheese cake with Winter berry spiced compote £4.75A selection of Isle of Wight cheese with fruit and biscuits £5.50

3 courses with mulled wine, tea/coffee and a mince pie:£24.95

Telephone 882885 to make a reservation


FEATURE

BUTCHER Paul Woodwood has the well-stocked meat counter to the rear of the shop. A crown of lamb took pride of place on the day we visited –

stuffed with lean lamb mince and topped with a sliced lamb kidney in a heart shape. Also in stock for the Christmas period were plump free-range turkeys, sides of lean beef and good-sized gammons.

All the sausages on sale are made at the farm by Paul, with flavours such as Boere Wors, made from Wild Boar, a pork sausage with sage and onion and red onion, sweet chilli, chipolatas and Toulouse sausages with garlic and red pepper. In all 38 different sausage flavours can be ordered.

“We sell quite a bit of veal at Christmas time and we have

venison from Carisbrooke and the New Forest,” said Paul. “Isle of Wight beef comes from Andrew Hodgson and lamb too.

“A lot more people are

looking at food miles and the welfare of the animals. We have IW free range whole chickens, pheasants shot locally, rabbits and pigeon.

“We have uncooked gammons and cooked hams,

dressed turkeys and boned and rolled turkeys. We can cater for anyone’s needs – even royal roasts where a turkey can be stuffed with a duck that is stuffed with a

chicken, or any combination.

You can pop into the farm shop to order all of your Christmas dinner ingredients and make a day of it by sampling something from the menu in Bluebells café. And you’ll be ‘Buying Island’ all the way if you shop at Briddlesford Lodge Farm or eat in the café – supporting an Island run business and

Island producers at the same time.

We were once encouraged to ‘Buy British’ to save the country’s economy. Now let’s ‘Buy Island’ to protect our own.

PERFECT TIME TO BUY ISLANDDOWN ON THE FARM WITH PAUL GRIFFIN

PAUL GRIFFIN is Farm Manager, and keeps the award winning dairy Guernsey cows in tip-top condition, following in Dad Richard’s footsteps who still works on the farm too.

Briddlesford Lodge Farm has been in the Griffin family since 1923 when Paul and Louise’s great grandfather moved over from Grove Farm in Adgestone with his twelve cows from which all of the current cows are descended.

During the winter months the girls are snug in their large cosy barn with straw bedding. Free to roam

around outside after the milking periods twice a day, the cows are well fed and contented to be sheltered until the spring.

“There isn’t enough grass for them in the winter months and they churn up the fields” explained Paul of his contented charges who were lounging in the large barn with the morning sunshine dappling across their warm brown hides.

Paul avidly consults with the visiting cow nutritionist every month to make sure that Briddlesford remain the award winning top

yielding Guernsey herd in the country.

The farm has 150 cows in its herd and those in the milk pool are milked twice a day with each milking session taking between three and four hours.

The wonderful Guernsey milk is then sold across the Island at Brighstone Village Stores, Bembridge Farm Shop, King’s Manor Farm Shop and the Real Island Food Company. Vestas Blades and IW Zoo are two of the kitchens they supply, along with Bluebells of course.

ONE OF THE longest established Farm Shops on the Island, Briddlesford.

Lodge Farm shop opened its doors on December 11, 2005 and now five years later it boasts over 50 different Island suppliers.

Louise Griffin (see top left) founded and now runs the Farm Shop – after returning to her roots on the farm with a whole host of good ideas following a short life in the sailing industry.

Almost all of the food and goods for sale in the Farm Shop are from the Island with just a few more exotic items being sourced elsewhere such as avocados, aubergines and citrus fruit. These sit side by side with the good array of vegetables pleasantly presented in woven baskets running down the centre of the shop.

Ketchup and chilli sauce from The Tomato Stall, apple juice from Sharon Orchard,

Garlic Farm chutneys and pickles (and garlic of course), biscuits from Rew Valley dairy, Calbourne Classics breakfast cereals and yoghurt are just some of the Island fayre on offer on the shelves.

All of the wines on sale are made on the Island, including local mead.

Oil of Wight would make a wonderful Christmas present as would a home-made Christmas pudding made by Louise and Paul’s mum Judi Griffin. Mince pies, cheesecakes sausage rolls, pies and casseroles on sale in the shop are all made by the chefs in Bluebells kitchen.

Other gift ideas include hand made candles from St Cecilia’s closed order in

Ryde, Island made skin care products, beautifully labelled and presented jams, pickles and chutneys and hand made wooden ‘bluebell’ key holders by Marcus Matthews.

And of course there are the four ‘Buttercup’ milks from the farm: whole milk, semi skimmed, skimmed and

unpasteurised whole milk along with double cream and clotted cream, which is made in the café kitchen.

Orders are now being taken for Christmas and you can pop into

the farm shop to order all of your Christmas dinner ingredients, along with all of your foods for the festive period.

If you can’t always ‘Buy Island’ produce just try and make sure your Christmas dinner is sourced from Island producers if you can - and all the ingredients are available at Briddlesford Lodge Farm Shop.

BRIDDLESFORD’S BUTCHER PAUL WOODWOODBRIDDLESFORD LODGE FARM SHOP WITH LOUISE GRIFFIN

“Almost all of the food and goods for sale in the Farm Shop are from the Island.”


FEATURE

CHEERS FOR NEW WINE MERCHANTISLAND

BUY

THE ISLAND Wine Company opened its doors in Ventnor for the first time in mid November. It is the only independent wine merchant and off licence on the Isle of Wight.

The proprietors, Matt and Liz Whishaw sold their Dorset seafood restaurant in 2009 and moved back to the island to be close to family. They live in Niton and Liz’s family are originally from Ventnor.

The shop, on the premises of the old Threshers, offers a full range of all the products you would expect from a good local off licence, as well as an extensive selection of wines.

Matt has a background in the wine trade, working for high profile London wine merchants. His passion for wine has lead to him

to working in wineries in England and Australia. He has also been the wine buyer for a chain of boutique hotels and their restaurant’s list held awards from the AA Restaurant guide and Michelin.

Despite the difficult economic times, Matt believes that an independent wine merchant can thrive on the Island.

“At a time when there are more and more interesting wines being made in many different countries, it is a tragedy that the dominance of the supermarkets has led to the range of wines available to the consumer becoming very restricted.

“The supermarkets predominantly sell bland, mass produced brands with little character or individuality. That is where a

good independent comes in!” The Island Wine Company

focuses on wines with character made by smaller individual producers.

Excellent service and helpful advice are two of the main reasons why people are choosing to use The Island Wine Company. All the team have an excellent knowledge of the extensive range of wines available.

For customers with little wine knowledge it makes choosing the right wine so much easier and wine buying becomes a pleasure rather than a daunting experience.

There are always a couple of bottles open in the shop for you to taste before you buy. Their services include free delivery across the Island and if you are buying wines for a party, they can offer you sale or return and a free glass

hire service as well.As a local independent

business, The Island Wine Company is proud to stock Isle of Wight products. The Goddard’s ales sell very well, to tourists and locals alike.

Given his background in restaurants, it is no surprise that local produce is really important to Matt, and he is in the process of sourcing local wines as well.

“If we want local people to support us and use us instead of the supermarkets, then we should be supporting local producers and focusing on their products. It is good for the wider Island economy as well.”

As the business develops they will set up a wine club and arrange wine tastings and dinners in restaurants across the Island. In the New Year they will be running an introductory wine course.

Matt feels there is a real demand for such courses: “There is so much diversity to the world of wine and many people wish that they knew more about it. We want to run a simple, fun and informative course, tasting lots of different wines, to allow people to broaden their knowledge and widen their wine drinking horizons.”

The Island Wine Company are holding their

pre-Christmas wine tasting on the December 15 at the Botanic Gardens in Ventnor. Matt and Liz have invited The Island Deli in Ventnor to join them at the tasting. They will be bringing with them a fantastic range of English cheeses for you to try.

“It will be a fun occasion with in excess of 60 wines open to taste, from every day wines to vintage Champagne,” said Matt.

Even if you are unable to make it to the tasting there will be plenty of wines in the shop available to try in the run up to Christmas, which is an excellent reason to make sure that you visit them soon.


FEATURE

MADE ON THE WIGHT!OBVIOUSLY we couldn’t launch our ‘Buy Island’ campaign without including the newly opened ‘Made on the Isle of Wight’ emporium at Bullen Road in Ryde.

At the former Bullen Mead Nursery site, ‘Made on the Isle of Wight’ does exactly what it says on it’s double ticked logo – it sells only goods that have been grown, produced, made or manufactured here on the Island with some 85 Island growers, producers and craftsmen is being brought together under one roof.

“We are creating the Island’s first one-stop-shop selling the best of absolutely everything that is grown or made here,” said the company’s founder and managing director, Robin Courage.

“We will also be selling online and at fairs on the mainland. This is not just about one shop, it’s about promoting a strong, instantly recognizable, high quality image for the work that is done on the

Island.”Courage came to live

here eight years ago with his wife, Serena, who is working with him in the venture, and two sons, now aged 19 and 17, both of whom are involved.

“When we arrived we were astonished to find such a wealth of creativity, there are so many small rural businesses here, making goods of a very high quality. I’ve spent my life in marketing and it struck me that gathering all these different talents and promoting them together would be of benefit to all the growers and makers as individuals, and it would also burnish the image of the Island as a whole,” said Robin.

“I hope our logo will become synonymous with items that are original, well-made and distinctive. I believe we are the only organisation on the Island that is solely devoted to selling Island produce and products under one umbrella, and

I firmly believe that by marketing all these top-quality businesses together, they will benefit as a whole and as individuals,” said Courage.

The Made on the Isle of Wight shop, the first stage in the venture, is in Bullen Road, outside Ryde, the site of the Bullen Mead retail nursery. It is spacious and stylish with the decor in keeping with the Island’s close relationship with the sea.

There are areas dedicated to food, cosmetics, wood-work, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, prints and paintings. Some of the Island’s best-known names will appear on the shelves, among them the Isle of Wight Cheese Company, Dunsbury Lamb and Molly Attrill.

But suppliers also include craftsmen working on a smaller scale, such as Frank Heap who whittles decorative pencils and dibbers from wood

coppiced on his own land. There will also be products made by young Islanders just starting out in business, including Louise Parkin of The Baby Patch who set up her company making blankets and bunting for babies earlier this year and Tracy Stockdale of the Isle of Wight Truffle Company.

A large portion of the site has been given over to local growers Brian and Gill Quirk, who will be growing unusual plants and herbs to sell in the shop. There will also be space for demonstrations and workshops.

“I hope this venue will become a favourite with local people and a new and inspiring destination for visitors,” said Courage.

ISLAND

BUY


FEATURE

BIG CHRISTMAS AT LITTLE GLOSTERIF YOU’RE looking for something extra special this Christmas - The Little Gloster Christmas Market is just the place to create your dream festive day.

On Saturday December 11, between noon and 5pm, The Little Gloster at Gurnard Marsh will be transformed into a wonderful Christmas market bustling with stalls selling local produce, gifts and even a Christmas tree or two.

Six months on from opening and The Little Gloster - the Island’s latest gastro innovation – goes from strength to strength. With bookings continuing to come in thick and fast at the Gurnard eatery, Partners (and brothers) Ben and Jack Cooke, have decided to keep trading through the winter, enticing the Island’s foodies with a new, seasonally apposite menu.

The brothers are now eager

to develop the events side of the business and are working hard to get the message out that The Little Gloster, with its first-rate sea views, home-from-home feel and capacity of up to 200, has something for everyone. It is the perfect venue for a quiet meal, to celebrate a large and special occasion or simply unwind with a glass of wine.

For those with a keen interest in local history, The Little Gloster name will certainly ring some bells: it honours their grandparents, who owned the now obsolete Gloster Hotel – once one of the most prestigious hotels on the Island and former home of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

As with the summer menu, the latest Autumn/ Winter offering is eclectic and yet elegant – a mixture of high-end cuisine, learned whilst traveling the globe and home-cooking taught to Ben

both by his mother Eileen and Danish grandmother, Lilian.

Simple, but delicious offerings such as Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad sit perfectly alongside more local dishes, such as Pheasant and Rabbit Two Ways. Similarly, diners can choose between hearty grass-fed Sirloin or the hugely popular Crab and Crayfish Cakes. The menu is reflective of the wider feel of the place: unpretentious, friendly, with a warm and relaxed ambience.

On December 11 it will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, where you can choose from unique,

ISLAND

BUY

handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and locally sourced food, ensuring you have everything you need for a perfect Christmas.

All of the retailers will be selling unique, handcrafted items - many of which are made in the local area.

Look for and find unusual Christmas presents such as hand-made cards, toys, ornaments for your Christmas tree, candles or one off pieces of art, as well as beautiful wreaths and Christmas trees to create the perfect Christmas ambience.

Christmas Markets are some of the best places to get hold of fresh and tasty produce for your Christmas table. The Little Gloster agrees that sometimes food tastes better outdoors and never more so than on a crisp, chilly Winter’s day with a warm glass of mulled wine.

You’ll be able to choose from a delicious selection of festive specialities - mince pies,

roasted chestnuts, hog roast, luxurious turkey sandwiches or even sample their Limited Edition Christmas sausages in collaboration with Hamilton’s butchers. Ben will be giving cooking demonstrations with lots of delicious Christmas treats on offer.

Then at 2pm The Little Gloster is supporting Mac-Millan Cancer with a sponsored Christmas Swim.

Swimmers will brave the ‘refreshing’ sea off Gurnard Marsh, in this 300 metre (or as far as you can bare It!) sponsored swim/dip. Gurnard Sailing Club will be in attendance to ensure that this unique event is safe as well as enjoyable and the funds raised will go directly to those who are suffering from cancer, in need of specialist support and care. Entry is just £10 per person (or as much as you would like to donate) and participants will be asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible

for MacMillan Cancer. All swimmers will receive a Christmas Hat, a chocolate medal and even a rub down in Goose Fat to keep you warm (if you’re lucky).

After the swim you will be given something warming to drink at The Little Gloster.

You may even find yourselves on Meridian News or South Today, who they are hoping will come down and support them all on the day.

For further information, stallholder interest or charity swim applications please contact Holly Siddons, The Little Gloster, Tel: 298776 M: 07940 534459, Email: h o l l y @ t h e l i t t l e g l o s t e r .com Website: www.thelittlegloster.com.

For reservations please call 298776 or email: info@ thelittlegloster.com. Autumn / Winter Opening Times: Monday Closed (except bank holidays), Tuesday - Friday 10.30am - 10.30pm, Saturday 9am - 10.30pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm.


FEATURE

THE ISLAND’S first Shared Earth fair trade outlet has opened at Amazon World in Newchurch and it’s the ideal place to buy Christmas presents.

With over fifteen different countries’ goods from guaranteed Fair Trade producers, the new shop is crammed full of lovely gift ideas that will make you feel better about buying them.

Each and every producer/manufacturer has been paid a fair wage – something that often cannot be said for high street chain stores.

Shared Earth began as a small shop in Goodramgate, York in October 1986. Its founder, Jeremy Piercy, travelled to India after leaving school and wanted to do something to help redress the imbalance of wealth in the world, work together with people from different cultures, and at the same time earn a living.

Fair Trade was the obvious answer and the original shop

contained a wide mix of products from Asia, Africa and South America. Also high on the agenda was addressing environmental problems and the shop was an excellent way of making recycled and sustainable products available and publicising the issues.

When Paul and Helen Kent moved to the Island just over a year ago they looked for something they might do and both liked the Fair Trade idea.

“It was something that appealed to us and we contacted Shared Earth with whom we now have a franchise,” said Paul.

“We met the founder Jeremy Piercy and they’ve been really good, really helpful.

“I’ve never met a business with staff who are so dedicated to what they’re doing. Ethical trade is the voice of the future and I can’t wait to get started.

“There’s nothing like

Shared Earth on the Isle of Wight and the location is ideal, by Amazon World, as we have quite a few South American suppliers from Peru and Equador and it ties in well with the Amazon World theme of conserving the rain forest.

“We’re big into the conservation side of things. Everything comes by sea, not air, as it is more environmentally friendly and a lot of our stock is recycled and eco friendly.

“One of the things about Fair Trade is that is has to be made from sustainable materials. Mango wood matures in just two years and for every tree that is cut another one is planted.

‘Shisham is another lovely dark hard wood from India that we have here and we also have banana leaf stationary and picture frames. We also have lovely recycled aluminium things – homeware, coasters, bowls and picture frames.

We also have items made from used drink cans from Madagascar; vehicles, motorbikes and even microlite airplane models.

We have some clothing from India and we are awaiting the arrival of some lovely llama wool jumpers from Peru.”

Shared Earth is at Amazon World in Newchurch and is open from 10am till 5pm, seven days a week. Tel 718223.

A FAIR CHRISTMAS FOR ALL


ADVERTISEMENT

PRIME MINISTER David Cameron with the backing of the remainder of the LIB/LAB/CON pact, recently stated one of their many “cast iron pledges” was to withdraw all our troops out of Afghanistan by 2015. He added that some troops will stay for many years to come, in a advisory role to train up the Afghan army to take over security.

What these EU puppets omit to say is that our Troops could be still in Afghanistan for decades to come to protect a Private Enterprise: TAPI- for the pacification of the Afghan people in a corridor of land where the pipeline is to be laid.

The building and laying of this pipeline is due to start early this month, but nothing about this has yet been seen or heard in our controlled media, now you know why Mr Cameron’s first official visits were to countries such as Pakistan and India and why now there have been new deals to allow hundreds of thousands more Indians etc to enter the EU and then eventually to Britain for work. American firms will receive the contracts to build this very profitable concern while our troops guard and die for it. We shall see none of any profit but our tax payers will be handed the bill.

The censorship of this news by the main controlled media - especially the BBC is but the tip of the iceberg of our so-called government’s, destruction of our Freedom of Speech at the behest of the EU forces, all run by the bilderberg group. This suppression of Freedom of Speech was recently highlighted also in the Isle of Wight’s County Press, of October 29th 2010. An article was published conce- rning an argument in the Sandown council meeting over our party’s wish to hire a parish/town hall building in which to hold BNP meetings.

We have received positive responses from various managers of certain halls and naively I thought that because these buildings are publicly owned any political organisation or citizen could hire them. It seems that some legal political parties are more equal than others - there is opposition in politically correct organisa-tions and some officials are trying to stop a legal democratic political party from organising itself.

In the Isle of Wight County Press on 5th November 2010,

in response to the article of the previous week, I was suprised to see that the editor actually allowed a member of the BNP to respond to Mr Blezzards biased and childish comments but just below our members article, another article was written by a Mr Roy George, a blatant example of our government’s and union’s control of the Media by the use of a D-Notice.

A D-Notice is the totalitarian government’s way of supp- ressing our Freedom of Speech. The majority of all daily papers and TV channels have been forced to use this since 1997. It is where if the Media have to inform the public about the BNP they are not allowed to put the BNP in a good light or if that can’t be helped then they have to put in another article close by that puts us in a bad light mostly and of course especially this time by childish lies. All this to make you disbelieve the TRUTH. When we get a chance to tell you the truth this suppression of truth is totalitariansm pure and simple.

Another form of the totalitarian state is an article in a local paper a few months ago in the Norwich area, Mr Martin Mears a QC wrote( this is a precis) “The other day a barrister acquaintance of mine was telling me about his application to become a Queens Council. A QC is a senior lawyer (nearly always a barrister) appointed as such on account of his successful career and perceived legal ability.

In Communist Eastern Europe an aspiring lawyer was required not only to pass the appropriate legal examinations but to write a paper on Marxist theory as well. The Candidate had, in effect, to satisfy an orthodoxy test. This is what an applicant to practice as a QC at the English bar now has to do. The System, as we shall see, is honed so that insufficient

soundness can be identified at an early stage.

The process starts with an application form in which the candidate has to provide a summary of his competency qualifications. “Competency” in this context goes somewhat beyond the dictionary defin- ition. In essence the candidate has to show that he is fully in tune with the liberal establishments agenda. The Liberal establishment naturally seeks to nurture its own so that like co-opts like, This we see illustrated in the composition of the QCs selection panel which, needless to say is ULTRA politically Correct with not a dissident or potential maverick in sight”.

So the strange change to the running of our courts, only people who agree with the totalitarian take over of our country are allowed to become QCs, and this is going on throughout all branches of government, especially local councils and MPs (Common Purpose/ One world Government people abound”).

Over the past few months

various Rumours have been talked about by a local radio station, I must for various reasons, stress that at present these are just that, Rumours, but with things as they are and soon to be, these can well be believed, (i) that there is to be a mosque built on the new Pan Meadows estate in Newport, (ii)that there is earmarked for this estate 75 Asian Families(troubled) from Manchester, (iii) that recently there has been posters going up in Job-Centres in Bradford and Birmingham asking Immigrants who are on Benefits to re-locate to the Island, and (iv) that the land being built on ,on the Pan Meadows estate was bought by Birmingham city council years ago specifically for this purpose, I have recently had a meeting with a Mr. Mark Howell..Deputy Director of Housing for the Isle of Wight, and he denies any truth in these rumours….we shall see. He does admit that most of the 10,400 houses or as they put it 520 houses annually until 2026 and 27 Gypsy Pitches will be built on GREENFIELD Sites.

The true British people should remember Common Law and the Magna Carta, our country belongs to us, every citizen. Any transfer of our sovereignty (Undisputed Political Power) without a promised referendum on it is a betrayal of trust at the very least and warrents an investigation. The MP’s and civil servants are meant to serve us,the people. We are their paymasters. If you want your country back, VOTE BNP.

Recently I and nearly a hundred members, visited the hellhole called the EU building in Brussels, apart from the rain it was a memorable visit for we laid a Wreath at the Menin Gate near Ypres. It was a very emotional experience, especially as my Grand- father served there. We all noticed that before entering the Channel Tunnel train, security was quite strict for British going to France, It was quite a different story coming back to Britain as the Border Controls were next to zero, and many illegal immigrants could have entered Britain just by crouching down in the coaches as NO guard inspected the interior of the coaches. In fact there was an immigrant family hanging around the front of the Border control office trying to get onto our Coach before we set off and no one was there to check or in fact to arrest them. There was NO border control on the French side either.

Last month there was, as we all saw, a Legitimate Protest through London by young University Students complaining about the increase in tuition fees. With the type of government we have had since 1997, we all could have told them that the protest was a waste of time, as the government wouldn’t take any notice of a million or so against the Iraq War, students have no chance. The protest was peaceful until it was Hi-jacked by a communist group of THUGS, the UAF, (this group is allied to our very own Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron). He is

STILL the main signatory to the formation of their organisation and he contin- ues to refuse to disassociate himself from them, even when they turn on him and throw a fire-extinguisher from the roof of the Conservative HQ building at the Police. Conservatives hand in hand with Communists, did you ever think you would witness this? But it is fact.

Over the past two months the BNP have been running a nationwide Petition Campaign and we on the Island have been visiting town centres all over the Island with a Table-Top asking the public to please sign this Petition: “Support our Troops – Bring our Boys Home”. We will be handing in to No.10 Downing Street what at the last count numbered nearly 75,000 signatures to put before the government the overwhelming national wish to have our brave troops brought out IMMEDIATELY from this Illegal, Immoral and unwinnable war in Afghanistan, and before they dare to involve us in any more they should first ask our permission.

It will soon be Christmas, and I am sure like me (and the rest of the country and especially the parents,Families and loved ones of our troops) you would like to see our Brave troops back home, safe and sound. I therefore ask you to please give our troops a longer thought at Christmas and show your disapproval of the war by signing our Petition, and either send it to the address on the form or to Referendum, PO Box.112, Shanklin, PO36 6BR.

TROOPS COULD BE THERE YEARSBy Geof Clynch, BNP Organiser


FEATURE

WIN!

Question: What does RGB stand for? Answer:

Name:

Address:

Tel no:

The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Wednesday December 15, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of Computer Plus and The

Gazette are not allowed to enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Epson SX400 and SX100 Colour Printers courtesy of Computer Plus & Epson

EPSON and Computer Plus have teamed up to give two lucky readers the chance to win one of two colour printers.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below and send your answer to Epson Competition, IW Gazette, B18 Spithead Business Centre, Newport Rd, Sandlown, IW, PO36 9PH. Or email newsdesk@iwgazette.

co.uk with the answer and your details

CARERS MISS OUT ON ALLOWANCE

MORE THAN 700 people who are looking after ill or loved ones on the Island are missing out on the Carer’s Allowance, according to figures recently published.

Estimates from the charity Carers UK suggest that 711 Islanders are among 30,299 carers in the South East who are missing out on a total of £84.9 million worth of Carer’s Allowance each year.

This means that carers, who are often isolated, unsupported and unaware of the support they can get end up cutting back on essentials like food and heating to make ends meet.

On the Island there are 1,320 carers in receipt of the Carer’s Allowance, and between them they receive more than £3.6million

per annum. But the total number on the Islanders eligible for the Allowance actually number 2,031, leaving a shortfall of 711, with the total value of unclaimed benefit more than £1.9million.

Imelda Redmond, CBE, Chief Executive of Carers

UK, said: “Over 272,000 people become carers every year in the South East, and we hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them.

“Many also don’t see themselves as carers, but as mothers, sons, partners and friends looking after ill

or disabled loved-ones. As a result, many miss out on support and end up caring round the clock without a break, and struggling to pay even basic food and heating bills.

“We rely heavily on the support provided by carers, which has been valued at a

staggering £87 billion per year across the country. It is crucial that all parts of our society work to identify carers and ensure they get the support they need.”

Carers UK is today (Dec 3) holding the tenth annual Carers’ Rights Day, which aims to inform carers everywhere of the financial

and other support to which they are legally entitled.

Over 700 community events are also taking place across the UK on Carers Rights Day to provide advice and info to carers wherever they are; including GPs surgeries, supermar-kets, libraries, disability groups, job centres and schools as well as employers. Carers UK is also calling on members of the public to tell someone they know who is caring, to find out their entitlements.

Carers who want information about their entitlements can order a free guide by:

• Visiting www.carersuk.org

• Ringing 0808 808 7777• Writing to Carers UK,

20 Great Dover St, London SE1 4LX

• Emailing [email protected]

“We rely heavily on the support provided by carers, which has been valued at a staggering £87 billion per year.”


FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WEEKEND


FEATURE

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WEEKEND

TICKETS TO LADIES NIGHT AT THE BALCONYWIN!

Name:

Address:

E-mail:

Question: How many days are in December?

Answer:

Tel no:

The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry opened after Wednesday December 8, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Employees and their immediate families of The Balcony and The Gazette cannot enter. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

THE IW GAZETTE have managed to secure one pair of VIP tickets and 2 standard pairs of tickets to the ‘Ultimate Ladies Night’ at The Balcony. And now some lucky reader will have the chance of winning them!

To be in with a chance of winning the tickets simply

answer the question below and send in your entry to Ladies Night Competition,

IW Gazette, B18 Spithead Business Centre,

Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH or email the answer with

your details to newsdesk@iwgazette.

co.uk. Entries must be in by December 8, so send them in straightaway to be in with a chance!


NEWSVECTIS RADIO

Old Boy in Radio

Vectis Radio goes international!

Stickers still available

We are proud to announce that we have listeners in over 40 different countries just in November. It’s a station that is going from strength to strength. Remember when everyone was talking about Sky and no-one had it? And

also when radio stations were on medium wave and no-one listened and how things changed and now they are changing again.We are currently talking

to a major manufacturer about bringing a major

consignment of Wifi Radios at reasonable prices to the Isle of Wight.Also available soon will be

the all new Fridge Magnets but they’re completely free.

David Alexander is the grandad figure at Vectis Radio. In his 70th year but with good pedigree he has worked for BBC Radio stations in the past. David is a keen supporter

of Newcastle United which he kept secret until they got promotion, now he doesn’t stop

talking about it. You can hear David’s dulcet tones when he presents the Friday afternoon show between 3 and 5 with a look back over the weeks news and also looks forward to the weekend of sport. One of Davids highlights recently was interviewing a real life Drifter,

hear the interview on our audio button. You can also hear D A on the

Tuesday Mid Morning show with Ian Mac as the voice of reason. David is very opinionated and is seldom wrong, give him a call one of these days and dare to disagree.

It seems to be all doom and gloom at the present and it is very easy to get sucked in, what with the 535 jobs going at the council. We really have to stay positive even though certain people should

be made accountable for their mistakes and misdemeanors.It’s all very well blaming

the previous government for handing out money like confetti, but it didn’t mean the current regime had to spend it all on

enquiries, consultancy fees and the Ryde Interchange... I could go on, but maybe

it’s up to us to come up with ideas on how to save money. Here’s one, maybe we should have left all Council Christmas

lights switched off around the Isle Of Wight until December, but they have been on since October/November and at what cost?Don’t forget we here at

Vectis Radio were set up to be cost effective and

give you a great deal in advertising during these dark times. It’s all about giving people a leg up and sticking together, networking is the future! Checkout www.vectisradio.com for more details.

Macca’s Moan

Vectis Radio Stickers are still available from Shanklin News in Regent Street, Shanklin, The Bit Bucket in Scarrots Lane and Squires Barbers in Pyle Street in

Newport. Pat Haynes in Newport took

a picture of her Vectis Radio sticker on her wifi and sent it in with a message to say that she loves the new station because it plays great music for all generations and also the way that it allows people to have their say on the

phone in, it’s the only place where people can air their views without being silenced.


ENTERTAINMENT

STUDENTS at Ryde High School will again be taking to the stage to celebrate Christmas in style.

Their production this year will be the infamous 80s spectacular, the musical Footloose. The stunning show tells the story of a young male teen’s emotional journey from the busy city of Chicago to a small quiet

“hick” town of Beaumont. Here, he finds the local

laws and attitudes of the town’s people challenging. The story features love, friendship, music, rivalry, fun, dancing and on the edge of your seat entertainment. The production welcomes audiences of all ages and is guaranteed to be one the most fun filled, thrilling

productions the talented cast of Ryde High School has produced so far.

Footloose is on from December 7 to 10, doors open at 6:45pm at Ryde High School Studio Theatre!

Tickets from £6.00 for Adults and £3.00 concessions, and can be bought now from Sue Howatt – Finance office, tel. 01983 618405.

FOOTLOOSE AT RYDE HIGH THIS CHRISTMAS


FEATURE

THERE WERE howls of exaltation at the Owl and Monkey Haven last week when they won the Chamber of Commerce’s Best New Business Award.

Sponsored by Glanvilles Solicitors and presented by Tom Stroud of IW Radio, the award was made at the Chamber’s annual awards at Cowes Yacht Haven last Friday (November 26) where X Factor winners Diva Fever performed.

Owner David Wickes was over the moon. “We’re dead

chuffed,” he said of the hard won award. “It’s taken the best part of a decade to get this Haven together and it’s a nice award.

“It’s great that at last someone has recognised the effort that has been put in by myself and my wife Kelly and her father Don Walser and his brother Antony,” said David.

This year saw the Haven having to fight for the lives of two Siamangs. The two primates had nowhere else to go and a local councillor tried to have them removed from

the premises, arguing that the duo howled too loudly, although David says they do not howl loudly at all.

“We’re the last port of call for many of the monkeys who come here,” said David. “Usually they have disabilities or are too old, which is why we had to fight so hard for the Saimangs – they had nowhere else to go and would have had to be put down if we didn’t win the right to keep them.”

Don Walser used to work with the RSPCA on their breed and release programme

for Barn Owls. He had always loved the Island and the family purchased Five Acres Farm in 2000, beginning a long process that saw the Haven begin to be built in 2004/2005.

The Haven finally opened in April this year and boasts an Education building for visiting school groups along

with the feathered and furry charges.

‘This is the first positive thing that has happened to us in ten years,” said David. “Hopefully from now on everything will be good.”

The Haven is remaining open throughout the winter and through the Christmas period with a Christmas gift

shop, guided elf tours and Christmas workshops to make seasonal decorations.

“Our newly opened Wise Owl Education Lodge is decorated with a Christmas twist and children are welcome to take part in festive activities and learn more about our animals,” said a Haven spokesperson.

MONKEY BUSINESS A WINNER


FEATURE

CHERYL IS TOP OF THE CLASSTOPS DAY Nurseries boss, Cheryl Hadland, was commended at the recent annual Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards.

The Island entrepreneur had been shortlisted for a Lifetime Achievement Award for her 21 years of exceptional service to the Early Years sector.

Promoting excellence and recognition for all staff working in

nurseries, the black tie celebratory ceremony on Friday November 26 was the UK nursery sector’s premier annual event and Cheryl was one of four finalists in her category to be invited out of 25 entries. Celebrity Ortis Deley announced Cheryl’s achievements.

In 2004 Cheryl was invited by Department for Education and Skills to Downing Street to celebrate education provision

with Tony Blair, for her number of apprentices. She also attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, invited for her contribution to the community.

Cheryl said: “I am thrilled to have been nominated for this award by my work colleagues. The last 25 years has been quite a journey! I think my success has been due to a dedication of enabling and encouraging

every member of staff, including apprentices and volunteers, to become excellent, making the very most of their strengths and talents, thereby providing top quality provision to the children and families using day nurseries and care homes. I try to show that I care for, and appreciate each one, in the expectation that they will do the same for the clients in their care, and for each other.”

HOT ON the heels of wining the prestigious Best Major Festival Award, the Bestival have announced blinding headline act The Cure who will be playing their only European show of 2011 on the Saturday night.

Not only this but Primal Scream will perform their ‘Screamadelica’ and those canny Bestival bods have also managed to persuade ex Beach Boy and once reclusive genius Brian Wilson to venture over the Solent next September.

“We’ve been itching to tell you this, so we’re deliriously happy that the time has finally come to unveil the very first wave of acts for Bestival 2011 and by crikey are we excited,” said a Bestival spokesperson.

“Yes! One of the most influential bands around, The Cure will be crossing The Solent to join us at the festival season’s last hurrah for their only European show of 2011!

“From their debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’ to 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘4:13 Dream’, The Cure have inspired countless bands

in the last three decades and, whilst most of their contemporaries have fallen by the pop wayside, they remain as relevant and vibrant as ever. As one of the Bestival crew’s collective favourite bands of all time, we’re all jumping for joy that The Cure are coming to the party to headline Saturday night at Bestival. September really can’t come quickly enough for us.”

A gleeful Rob da Bank said: “I’ve spent the last twenty years of my life listening to The Cure and the last five attempting to persuade Robert Smith and the crew to hop on a ferry to our magical Isle. I’m still not sure what we’ve done right but I’m overjoyed that they are coming as Saturday night headliners. Few bands have had such a massive impact on my life (and hairstyles) so I’ll see you down the front!”

Iconic Cure frontman Robert Smith commented: “I am delighted and excited that The Cure’s only European festival performance in 2011 will be at Bestival… We will do all we can to help make it a weekender to remember!”

“Topping 2010’s Best Major Festival Award winning show will be no mean feat, but Rob da Bank and the ever-trusty Besti-crew have left no stone unturned to make our 2011 show even better than ever ensuring that Bestival will again be the festival for music lovers! Bestival’s eighth outing - taking place at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight from September 8 to 11, 2011 - is all set to be truly legendary. And here’s why...

“Fresh from their triumphant London Olympia gigs we can announce that the mighty Primal Scream will be presenting their landmark album ‘Screamadelica’ in its entirety, headlining the Big Top on Saturday night. ‘Screamadelica’ transformed the musical landscape in the early 90s and with the band’s current run of shows celebrating the album completely sold-out, this is a golden chance to catch a pioneering band performing their meisterwerk in all its coruscating glory.

“And the legends keep on coming for Bestival 2011, with Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson set to bring his

baroque surf-pop to Robin Hill. Brian’s songwriting prowess and production ingenuity has made him one of the most deeply revered figures in pop music and one of the most influential composers of the 20th Century. With a litany of timeless hits that can’t fail to ignite the Main Stage crowd, it’s a complete honour to have him onboard.

“There are still plenty more stellar acts to be announced, including two more headliners, plus there will be lashings of trademark Bestival off-the-wall behaviour with merriment, magic, mayhem and plenty of lovely tea and cakes. We’ve listened to all the feedback from you and have made a few little tweaks so that there will be some changes to the wondrous

landscape of the UKs most creative festival courtesy of Josie da Bank’s eye-catching expertise that are going to make Bestival 2011 the greatest show on Earth!”

Commenting on Bestival 2011 Rob da Bank added: “This year felt like a landmark year for Bestival. There’s no avoiding the fact that we’ve become a large festival but I

still feel we’re more intimate than any of the other shows our size and, crucially, we’re 100% independent.

“That means we book who we want to book, choose all

the food stalls and traders ourselves and listen to our message boards and fans 365 days a year to make sure we keep Bestival the best. Things we’re focussing on for Bestival 2011 are keeping Besti as the place to see new bands, making the campsites much more of a community with better roadways to clear litter and make finding your tent easier, and we’re also starting to put stages at the other end of the site so it’s not just

one long tunnel of stages. Hope you can make it in 2011!”

Remember to keep checking www.iwgazette.co.uk for all the latest Bestival news.

BESTIVAL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

Robert Smith of The Cure


ADVERTISEMENT

AS CHRISTMAS approaches and you are starting to worry about the cost of your Christmas Turkey this year or what you can get as a present for your loved ones, you might like to know Christine Isted’s remedy for what to get a fanatic fossil enthusiast.

Christine, who is married to Jim Isted (better known as the charismatic Jurassic Jim, one of the Islands main Fossil collectors and owner of Jurassic Jims Fossil Shop in Shanklin) has given him an early Christmas present of an extremely rare complete fossil bird from China.

The extremely small dinosaur bird Liaoxiornis Delicatus is the smallest of the Dino birds ever to be found and dates to the early Cretaceous period 140 million years ago. When we asked Jim Isted, who has been collecting fossils for the past 50 years, for the importance of the fossil he told us: “These very rare bird fossils, who have only been found in the past few years in Liaoning Province of China, show us the evolution of dinosaurs to the birds we see about us today”. We asked ‘how do you know if a fossil like this has

not been faked?’, he replied “On special fossils like these an X-ray is done to show that there are no alterations or additions to the fossil. Jim pulled out the X-Ray to show that it perfectly represented the fossil he has of the bird in a typical death position that you might see in a baby bird that has just fallen from its nest.

If you are thinking that this would be the perfect gift for someone you know who likes fossils there are a few things you should know. First that these are very rare and the Chinese government at present have put a restriction on the export of them, making only the ones previously in the country available. Also that complete birds are even rarer, most only being fragments due to the nature of having hollow bones and being prime snacks for predators of the age and lastly this fossil has a price tag of £22,000.

Jim has informed us that the reason his wife has given him the gift early is so that he can display it in his shop in time for the Shanklin Christmas Fun Day on the 11th December. So if you would like to see what a £22,000 Jurassic fossil bird looks

like, call into Jurassic Jims Fossil shop in the recently refurbished Yarborough Arcade off of the High Street, Shanklin. You never know you may find a more affordable Christmas gift while browsing in his shop that already has

some stunning fossils and lots of affordable fossils and gems from only £1. We are told if you buy one of the Shanklin Fun day programs you will also find a 10 per cent discount token for use on the day in his shop.

On the way up to Jurassic Jims why not check out the other shops in the arcade including country cottage and shabby chic items in Odds and Sods, a wide range of books including some great stocking fillers at

Babushka Books, great deals on new and used guitars at Volume One Music shop and stunning jewellery at Shoshana, not to mention the various items on the range of stalls in the under cover promenade.

A CRETACEOUS CHRISTMAS

EVOLUTION SUCKSYARBOROUGH Arcade will also see world-famous urban artist Tony Trowbridge selling and signing pieces of his dino-related spray can artwork, commissioned by Jurassic Jims Fossil shop during the Fun Day as a charity fundraiser.

There will be the remainder of the limited run of T-Shirts produced for the 2010 Summer season, original prints suitable for framing, framed prototype work and the chance to meet this normally shy Island born artist

who has been voted one of the top 40 urban artists in the world and whose work is becoming more and more sought after by both galleries and collectors.

You can also see his ‘Evolution Sucks’ canvas displayed in Jurassic Jims Fossil Shop with a price tag of £2,500.

If it’s out of your price range you will still be able to get an original piece of this work from £3 on the day, a great investment if ever there was and an unique Xmas gift.

BABUSHKA BOOKS

4 Yarborough Arcade, High Street, Shanklin,

IW, PO37 6LD

Tel: 01983 [email protected]

www.babushkabooks.com

Odds & SodsQuality pre-owned items

at affordable prices!

Includes ‘Style on a Budget’ range

Yarborough Arcade, Shanklin(next to RSPCA shop, opposite

the pelican crossing)

VOLUME ONE MUSIC SHOP

6 The Arcade, High St, Shanklin

Musical instruments bought & sold

T: 07958 373335E: [email protected]

A jewellery shop with a difference!

Costume Jewellery • Ethnic RangeUnique Handmade pieces

Yarborough Mews, High Street, Shanklin, IW

Shoshana


FEATURE

PART OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WORK WITH JOBCENTRE PLUS

JOBS

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION

JOB CENTRE PLUS REFERENCE NUMBER. HOW TO APPLY

Cleaner

Ryde

Previous experience is preferred. Duties include cleaning of retail outlet, to include sweeping, vacuuming and all aspects of cleaning as required.

Meets National Minimum Wage.16+hours per week, Monday to Sundays.

Permanent

RFM/6707 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Sales Executive

Islandwide

There are a range of excellent opportunities available to suit hard working and target motivated people where meeting target equals financial reward. We offer an attractive basic salary and a competitive bonus and commission structure to motivate and reward staff and high achievers. We encourage a high performance culture in the field with our sales teams responsible for representing the ‘face’ of the Company to the public and promoting the brand. Benefits available to Field staff include: Occupational Pension, Private Health Care, Group Life Assurance, Fully Expensed Company Car, PDA, All discounts on benefits available in Candis. magazine.

£11,500 to £17,500 per annum.40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Permanent

NIW/11409- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Barber

Cowes

Experienced gents barber required for respected gentlemen’s barbershop in Cowes. Full or part-time considered. PAYE or Self-employed commission-only basis, available to suit applicant. Excellent earning potential for the right candidate.

£6.50 per hour. 37.5 hours over 5 days, Monday to Saturday, with Thursday off.

Permanent

NIW/11322- - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Cleaner

Chale

Experience is preferred. Duties will include vacuuming, cleaning of public areas and toilets and any other associated cleaning tasks.

£6.00 per hr. 7.5 per wk. Weds – Sun Between 8am - 9.30am. Permanent

NIW/11531 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.

JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Butcher’s Shop Cutter

Bembridge

Must be a qualified butcher. Duties to include: cutting, boning and trimming of meat, preparing meat for sale and serving customers. Must be able to supervise and assist in the training of junior staff members. Vacancy can be full or part time.

Wage negotiable depending on experience. Full or part time hrs available. 3 or 5 days from 6 20-40 hrs per week. 7.30am -5pm.

Permanent



FEATURE

JOB TITLELOCATIONDESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Cleaner

Ventnor

Commercial Cleaner wanted for a variety of tasks including mopping, toilet cleaning, washing walls, vacuuming, emptying bins dusting. We require someone who can operate specialist cleaning equipment , as this role involves lifting and carrying, someone who is physically able to do these tasks. Previous cleaning experience is desired, but not essential.

£6.88 per hour. 7 hours per week, Monday to Saturday 10am to 11am. Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Canvasser/Collection Agent/Team Leader

Newport

This is a self employed vacancy. Must have previous experience in canvassing, not telesales. Own transport would be an advantagebut not essential. Duties include canvassing within shows, shops, offices, within a public environment and any other tasks as required.

£10 to £15 per hour. 6+ hours per week, flexible to suit applicant, between 10am to 7pm.

Employer states that the position can be permanent or temporary

NIW/11152-Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


WAGES DURATION


Support Worker

Islandwide

Must be 18+, due to personal care duties. Experience is desirable, however full training is provided. Duties include providing personal and domestic care to clients and support to people in the community, domestic help and administering medication. Must have a full drivers licence and access to a vehicle to visit clients. Subject to two satisfactory references.

£7.25 to £8.50 per hour. 10 - 48 hrs per week Mon- Sun, between 7am-2pm and 3.45pm-10pm. Part time and full time positions and weekend work available.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Solar Specialist

Ryde

As HomeSun is one of the UKs leading and fastest growing companies within the renewable energy sector, we are looking for talented sales professionals who will provide a first class sales experience to our customers and potential customers. Initially the Companys sales focus will be on domestic solar PV. To engage with prospective customers, be understanding to their needs to enhance their customer experience.

£15-£20,000 per annum. 40 hrs per week, 5 days from 7 between 9am – 5.30pm.

Permanent


JOB TITLELOCATION

DESCRIPTION

WAGES DURATION


Companion Driver

Sandown

Must have a clean driving licence, and like driving classic cars. Must be experienced. Must have excellent communication and organisational skills. Trial period for the right applicant. Must be polite, and good sense of humour. Duties include driving client to the shops, and various social appointments.

£10 per hour. Flexible hours to be arranged, but will include some weekends.

Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Trainee Sales Representative

Ryde

Trainee Sales Rep required with OTE of 30,000. Applicants must be positive, enthusiastic and self motivated with good communication skills. Duties include marketing, pricing and selling a full range of home improvements including block driveways, security alarms and CCTV, GRP flat roofs, fascias and guttering. No previous experience needed as full training will be provided. High Quality, qualified appointments supplied. Applicants must have own car and mobile phone.

Wage Meets National Minimum Wage. Over 5 days. Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Senior Care Assistant

Ryde

We are seeking an experienced qualified and motivated individual to join a friendly care home in Ryde, Isle of Wight. You must have NVQ level 3. Good verbal and written communication skills, be flexible and reliable. Duties include, supervision of shift, ensure the prescribed medication are correctly ordered, stored and tracked, ensure the safety, comfort, personal dignity and general well being of elderly residents. The position is subject to ISA check.

£6.73 per hr. 35 hrs per week 5 days out of 7, various shifts. Permanent



WAGES DURATION


Hair Stylist

Sandown

Previous salon experience is essential. You should have relevant qualifications - NVQ level 3, be reliable and of smart appearance. You should be able to work well as part of a team and have excellent communication/customer service skills. Duties involve all aspects of hair styling and associated tasks. You will be working in a clean and modern salon. Duties will also include assisting on reception when required.

Wage is negotiable – exceeds national minimum wage. 15-25 hrs per week 2-3 days per week between Mon-Sat 9.30am -5pm.

Permanent

RFM/6777 - Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number

JOBS


WAGES DURATION


P/T Cleaner

Seaview

Commercial Cleaner wanted for a variety of tasks including mopping, toilet cleaning, washing walls, vacuuming, emptying bins and dusting. We require someone who can operate specialist cleaning equipment, as this role involves lifting and carrying, someone who is physically able to do these tasks. Previous cleaning experience is desired, but not essential.

£7.07 per hr. Mon – Sat 10 – 11am. Permanent

RFM/6820- Visit www.direct.gov.uk or call 01983 273747 to speak to an adviser quoting the reference number.


SPORT

FOUR of Wightlink sponsored, Ryde Rowing Club’s veterans braved the bitterly cold conditions to compete in the 57th Vesta Scullers Head of the River Race on the River Thames.

It was a processional race for single sculls over the 4.25 mile championship course from Mortlake to Putney. First sculled in 1954, this year’s race involved almost 500 scullers and attracted entries from all over the United Kingdom and the world, with standards ranging from internationals to novices.

Ian Hayden, Ryde’s GB champion at Masters (Veteran) B status produced the best performance of the four Ryde scullers finishing second in his status and an impressive 48th overall in a time of 28 mins, 28 secs.

Ryde’s other three scullers were

all competing in the Masters (Veterans) “C” status and all started at around the same time and amazingly after 24-four plus minutes of racing finished within three seconds of each other. Nike Pike came home eighth in the status, 198th overall in a time of 24 mins, 8 secs. Mick Jenner came ninth in the status and 200th overall with a time of 24 mins, 9 secs and Russel Page finished with a time of 24 mins, 10 secs to take 10th in his status and 201st overall.

The best performance from an Island oarsman came from Ryde member, Ash Maitland. Competing for his mainland Club – London R. C. – he finished 34th overall in a time of 22 mins, 12 secs. Fellow London R. C. Sculler and Newport member Steve Salter finished 74th with a time of 22 mins, 45 secs.

IAN LEADS RYDE ROWERS IN

THAMES EVENT

THERE were 24 brave souls from Ryde Harriers who turned out on a bitterly cold winter evening, to take part in the club’s winter series of a 5km handicap race.

The winner, on corrected handicap time was lady Harrier Mags Moran, with a handicap time of 21mins, 56secs, actual time 50.23, finishing time, 28.27.

In second place was Lisa King, with a handicap time of 21.56, actual time 50.44, finishing time 28.48, and in third was Simon Newman, with a handicap time of 8.18, actual time, 37.13, finishing time, 28.55.

In fourth place was Andy Leal, with a handicap time of 6.55., actual time, 36.02, finishing time 29.07, and fastest overall on the night was Les Cupis who completed the 5km distance in 33.43.

Fastest lady Harrier on the night was Mary Norman in a time of 36.28, and the official timekeeping was conducted by Mrs Ceri Lewis, Mrs Chris Powell, and Paul Charlton-Smith.

The next Ryde Harrier club event, on Tuesday December 7, will be a 10Km nominated time event.

MAGS RUNS TO VICTORY IN 5K

HANDICAP

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS speedway team have seen changes at Board level this week. Current chairman Mike Bellman has retired, and whilst remaining a director for the time being, he has handed over the chairman’s role to co-director Brian Ginders.

The outgoing Chairman said: “I have served on the Board as a director and as chairman for some six years, and having sold my business earlier this year, I felt it was time to take a back seat.

“My involvement started with sponsoring riders like Scott Swain, Danny Bird and Adam Shields, and went on to Craig Boyce and Chris Holder, to name just a few. I’ve loved every minute of it.

“The involvement with the Islanders that I have had and enjoyed so much cannot be described. We’ve had good and bad times, we’ve won some great meetings and we’ve had

our down days, but I have met some fantastic people and it’s all been a great experience, over 10 years as a supporter, sponsor, director and finally, chairman.”

He added:

“Brian has worked very hard this year since rejoining the Board and we all feel he is the right man for the job, right now. He is both accomplished and successful in business, and has expertise and time to give to the Club, both of which are important attributes.

BRIAN TAKES OVER AS NEW CHAIRMAN

THE ISLE of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club will be at the launch of Gunwharf Quays Festive Winterland in Portsmouth today (Dec 4) with the opening of the region’s largest open air ice-rink.

The Isle of Wight Ice Dance & Figure Skating Club brings together local ice skaters, both recrea-tional and competitive, regardless of age or ability. The club have recently been awarded Junior UK display Champions, having already been crowned British Junior Synchronised Skating Champions in February 2010 at the British Ice Figure and Synchronised Skating Championships

in Sheffield. They will be performing to shoppers at the launch of the rink.

The launch of the Festive Winterland will include a performance from the Grammy award winning Swingle Singers surrounded by sparkling trees, delicious mulled wine, hot food and drinks. Plus, young shoppers will have the chance to enjoy penguin ice scooters to improve their skills; while more accomplished skaters will have the chance to take part in ice skating lessons, including skating to music.

Peter Emery, Centre

Manager said: “It is a pleasure to have the Isle of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club at Gunwharf Quays. In 2010 they have nurtured some real talent with three

successful synchronised skating teams. They are sure to impress the crowds with their stunning moves and I hope they will inspire shoppers to give skating a

go this Christmas.”The open-air ice rink will

then be open Monday-Wednesday from Midday until 7pm, Thursdays and Fridays from Midday until 8pm, Saturdays from

11am until 8pm and Sundays from 11am until 5pm until 20 December. Over Christmas from 20 December to 3 January the rink will be open Mondays-S a t u r d a y s 11am-8pm and on

Sundays, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve from 11am- 5 pm. Adult prices are £4, with children, students and concessions for £2.

SKATERS AT GUNWHARF QUAY TO HELP LAUNCH ICE RINK

“They are sure to impress the crowds with their stunning moves and I hope they will inspire shoppers.”


SPORT

THE ISLAND’S under16 Thunder ice hockey team travelled to local rivals Gosport for what was to be a real tense affair before they ran out 4-1 winners.

Going into the game the Thunder had won all of their previous four games and not conceded a goal.

With the Gosport coach being a former Isle of Wight coach he knew all about the Thunder, and the game started at a frantic pace with both teams determined to stamp their authority on the contest as early as possible.

The first goal came after only two minutes when Thunder forward Jordan Jacobs picked up the puck on the blue line and then launched an instant rocket of a slap shot which flew into the top corner.

The lead was however very short lived when just 30 seconds later the Isle of Wight defence was caught napping and the puck was scrambled over the line by Gosport. The rest of the period was a very even affair with neither team taking a grip on the game.

In the second period coach Scovell decided to play two line hockey in order to try and establish a foothold on the game. The Thunder were by far the stronger team, and more urgent about their play than they were in the first period and began to dominate in both possession and in the physical side.

Five minutes into the period Alexander Trendall scored with an assist from Ross Beale. That allowed Thunder to relax slightly and try and put the game to bed. This was done just 30 seconds later when Aidan Doughty broke away from the blue line to deek the goalie after a lovely centre ice pass from Archie Bicknell. This was the final goal of the period.

The final period was littered with penalties and was certainly not of the same standard as the second. Both teams were still giving everything they had but the fast pace of the game was beginning to take its toll on both sets of players.

There was however time for one goal and this was once again scored by Doughty after some lovely close control work by Bicknell who placed an inch perfect cross goal pass which was tapped home from close range.

Overall, this was without doubt the hardest game of the season so far for the Thunder and credit must be given to both teams for their work rate and commitment from start to finish.

The Thunder’s next game is at home to Peterborough on Saturday (Dec 4).

Man of the match: Aaron Craft. Spirit of the game: Sean Skinner.

Shots on goal: Aaron Craft 26. Points: Aidan Doughty 2+0, Jordan Jacobs 1+0, Alexander Trendall 1+0, Archie Bicknell 0+2, Ross Beale 0+1.

Team: Aaron Craft, Dylan Ronald, Ross Beale, Jesse McDonagh, Andrew McCloskey, Sean Molloy, Eden Holton, Jordan Jacobs, Alexander Trendall, Lee Tyers, Aidan Doughty, Ollie Bennett, Alistair Copping, Archie Bicknell, Sean Skinner, Connor Price.

THUNDER KEEP ON ROLLING

MARTIN HENRY braved the icy conditions to win Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s Monthly Stableford event.

Martin scored 42 points to finish five clear of the cold chasing pack in the Division One rankings. Simon Letchford took the honours in Division Two, his 38 points leaving him three clear of hisd nearest rivals.

Recent results from Shanklin and Sandown GC:

Monthly Stableford: Division One Winner, Martin Henry 42. 2nd, Alex Messing 37. 3rd, Elliot Jones 37. 4th, Guy Newham

37. Division Two Winner, Simon Letchford 38. 2nd, Mark Trueman 35. 3rd, Steve Young 35. 4th, Clint Bingham 34.

Open Stableford: Winner, Noel Dobbs 34. 2nd, Keith Taylor 34.

Ladies Par: Silver Winner, Liz Jolliffe level. 2nd, Lillian Bushby minus 1. 3rd, Deborah Richards minus 2.

Bronze Winner, Ruth Graves plus 3. 2nd, Jane Abbott plus 1. 3rd, Jean Munds minus 1. 4th, Gill Robinson minus 1.

Open Stableford Division 1: Winner, Miles Oldershaw 43. 2nd, Alex Messing 40. Division

2: Winner, Patrick Legg 40. 2nd, Kevin Griffiths 39.

Open Stableford: Winner, Noel Dobbs 34. 2nd, Keith Taylor 34.

Austin Cups: Winners Martin Henry and Richard Pardey 48 points. 2nd, Dave McGee and Vince Eccott 47. 3rd, Steve Taylor and Alan Hughes-Thomas 46.

Paul Hann Trophies: Winners Chris Reed (Snr) and Mike Woodford. Runners Up, Conner Knight and Michael Mitchell.

Osborne Golf Club recent results:

Midweek Stableford Division 1: 1st, Dave Young (10) 43 points.

2nd, John Poingdestre (13) 37. 3rd, Brian Grace (21) 36. 4th, Martin Marshall (28) 35. 5th, John Butler (20) 35. 6th, Ian King (15) 35.

Stableford: Division 1: 1st, Mark West (8) 39 points. 2nd, Andy Partridge (11) 37. 3rd, Brian Wright (9) 35.

Division 2: 1st, Robert Biggs (16) 37 points. 2nd, Nigel Bowden (17) 34. 3rd, Richard Highmore (16) 33.

Division 3: 1st, Michael Spall (20) 35 points. 2nd, Peter Hayden (25) 34. 3rd, John Cooper (19) 34.

MARTIN FINISHES FIVE CLEAR

THE FIRST home game of the season for the IW Tornados ice hockey team saw Haringey travel from North London to play.

The team were eager to play their first game at home, especially as the newer members of the squad got to make their debuts. Jack Bolton, Kurtis Thompson and Denver Randall were all playing a competitive game for the first time.

Last season, Haringey were dominant in both games between the teams, but The Tornados started strongly and after 1min 16sec the dynamic top line of Kieran Tavener, Keelan Walsh and Blayne Pugh sped down the ice to open the scoring, Kieran confidently putting the puck past Tiger Scott in the Haringey net. Blayne Pugh assisted.

The skill of Haringey soon began to show and they finally opening their goal tally after five minutes. They were spurred on by this and scored another two quick goals, leaving the Tornados a little dejected after the promising start.

But the home side pushed on and were rewarded when Keelan Walsh out skated and out skilled the Haringey squad to score a beautifully placed goal. Haringey then hit back with another goal, and there were some evenly matched battles and a break in scoring for a few minutes until there were another three quick goals by Haringey.

Blayne Pugh scored the third goal of the game for the Tornados from Kieran Tavener and Ben Mcloughlin. Haringey had the last word of the half with a final goal, to make it 3-10 at half time.

While the result was probably not in question after the first half, the second showed just how deep the Tornados can dig, and Keelan Walsh scored a fourth for the Tornados just before the end, assisted by Blayne Pugh and Kieran Tavener. The three new players slotted in well and all gave 100 per cent on the ice.

Man of the Match: Blayne Pugh. Spirit of the Game: Jack Bolton.

BRAVE TORNADOS FIGHT ALL THE WAY


SPORT

VECTIS PIPPED IN THRILLER

Petersfield U14 - 30Vectis U14 - 27

THE FAST-IMPROVING Vectis under-14 rugby team were narrowly beaten in a friendly arranged with a side two leagues above them.

Vectis were not quick out of the blocks, and Petersfield scored two unconverted tries to take command. Vectis finally found their form and replied with

single tries from Casey Dunne, Mikey Roberts and Josh Dixon which gave them a five point lead until just before half time when Mikey Roberts put a second try past them which George Huish converted.

Both teams seemed to come back after half time with a look of determination but Petersfield were awarded a penalty kick which they successfully put between the posts. They then

went on to score two more tries, one of which was converted.

Vectis rallied and Josh Hall replied with a superb try 40 seconds before the whistle which was not converted but gave Vectis a 27 - 25 lead over the Hampshire League One Petersfield. But in a thrilling finale Petersfield broke away and scored a try which gave them the win.

“Men of the match” went to Josh Hall and Josh Dixon.

Travelling team - T.Hill, C.Keane, L.Clinch, M.Montgomery, J.Harris, S.Kewell, E. Little, L.Gales, M. Partington, M.Harris, J.Dixon, D.Thomas, C. Dunne, J.Hall, C. Norman, Y.Nicholson, M.Roberts, J. Hatch, J.Greedy (Capt.), S. Jacobs, M. Collins, G. Huish, B. Anderton, H. Welsford

• Any lads in year 9 who wish to train with or play for Vectis U14 please contact Nick Partington on 280248.

RYDE Rowing Club held its Annual Presentation Dinner at Yelfs Hotel, Ryde where the first meeting of the club was held way back in 1877.

Guest of honour was the Island’s most successful oarsman, Lewis Attrill, the winner of an Olympic Gold Medal as part of the GB Eight at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. He was accompanied by his wife Stephanie, and other guests included Kerry Cooley, the Marketing manager of Club Sponsors Wightlink and her husband Toby and Club Vice President and Island MP Andrew Turner.

Club Captain Pete Hewision welcomed the members and guests and thanked them for attending and for their support of the Club over the last year and invited Lewis Attrill to respond on behalf of the guests

and propose the toast to the Club.

Before Lewis spoke his 2000 Olympic triumph was shown on a large screen before he gave an entertaining speech that touched on many aspects of the commitment and motivation required to win an Olympic Gold Medal which was inspiring - especially for the Club successful Junior members in attendance - who were also able to try his gold medal on.

Following a presentation on the Club’s achievements in 2010 which included a gold and bronze medal at the GB Master Championships and a Southcoast Championship for the boys J15 Quad, as well as a Henley win, GB National Championships Gold Medals and England representation for Club members, Lewis helped

Club’s Rowing Captain Graham Reeve present the Annual Awards.

The Coxswain’s Cup was awarded to Bryony Reeve who also won the Ladies Cup. Holly Evans won the First Year Oarswomen Trophy and the First Year Oarsman’s Trophy was shared between Max Reeve and Harvey Kirkby.

Ian Hayden was awarded the Men’s Trophy; the Coaches Cup

went to Steve Bull and the Committee Cup to Pete and Jan Allsopp. The traditional “First Hants & Dorset ARA win” Club spoons were awarded to Max Reeve, Sam Corney, Charlie Gedling, Dale Buckett and Andreas Hicks plus the long overdue award of a spoon to Sue Pike.

Bryony Reeve, on behalf of the Club’s Juniors, made a speech of thanks

and small presentation to their coach and Rowing Captain Graham Reeve who was standing down from this role after five years. Her sentiments were echoed by the Clubs Senior Rowing members who presented him with a tankard and Club Captain Pete Hewison who presented him with the final award of the evening - the Captains Cup.

A raffle and auction were held to raise funds for the Clubs nominated charity - the Naomi House Children’s Hospice - with valuable prizes generously donated by Wightlink, which raised over £800 - which when added to other fundraising undertaken by the Club during the year will mean a donation of over £1,000 being made to Naomi House at a special presentation due to take place in December.

RYDE ROWERS BACK TO ROOTS

THE IW under 18 Wildcats ice hockey team made the trip to Lee Valley for a top of the table clash.

The game was even more important as it would be for double points, and the Wildcats could not have had a much better start to the season with their only loss being two weeks earlier to a very strong Cardiff side.

In the first period the hosts pressurised the Wildcats net from the whistle, leaving the Island side to look for counter-attacks. That was what they did after nine minutes when a poor pass in the Lee Valley offensive zone allowed Aidan Doughty to break clear with Sophie Herbert and Ben Thomas-Hart in support.

Doughty found space to thread the pass to Thomas-Hart whose shot was steered in by captain Herbert. The goal was against the run of play but was exactly what the Wildcats needed, and they carried the advantage to the interval.

The second period started where the first one finished with Lee Valley putting the Isle of Wight under a lot of early pressure. The defenceman of George Smith, James McClellan, Connor Price and Luke Bontoft did however stand very firm with the support of Weller in the nets who was stopping everything that was thrown at him.

But the pressure finally paid off when a scramble in front of goal allowed Lee Valley to score a well placed goal to draw the game level. The Wildcats then stepped up a gear and for the rest of the period were matching Lee Valley both physically and technically, and Jordan Ricketts was unlucky after he hit the bar with a sublime wrist shot.

With eight seconds of the period remaining Price picked up the puck deep in his own half and laid off a pass to Bontoft who immediately found Ricketts who used his power from the half way line to beat one player and with only two seconds remaining launched an unstoppable bullet which rifled into the top corner of the net to put Wildcats back in front.

Weller pulled off two excellent pad saves early on to deny a buoyant Lee Valley side, but midway through the half they once again drew level with a well worked goal.

Wildcats thought they had scored the winner. The puck went into the net and the referee signaled for a goal. A quick time out was immediately called by the coach to re-compose the team, but as this was happening the ref then skated to the scorer and signaled a ‘no goal’ saying that a player was in the crease. The poor decision left both sides level at 2-2.

Man of the Match: Daniel Weller.Points: Jordan Ricketts 1+0, Sophie Herbert

1+0, Luke Bontoft 0+1, Ben Thomas-Hart 0+1, Connor Price 0+1, Aidan Doughty 0+1.

The next game is at home to Swindon tomorrow (Sat) followed by another home game on Sunday to local rivals Gosport. Face off for both games is 6.30pm with free entry.

WILDCATS HELD IN THRILLER


SPORT


SportROMANS ARE GLADIATORS AS THEY KEEP UP PUSH FOR TITLE HONOURSBRADING Town secured a fine 4-2 victory over Totton and Ealing to keep their push for honours on course in the Sydenhams Wessex League, Premier Division.

The Romans goals came from Scott Jones,

Jamie O’Rourke, Aleks Przepolewski and Josh Appell, enabling them to move to fourth in the table with games in hand.

But apart from Brading, the results for the rest of the leading Island sides were as

bleak as the weather. Title chasing Winchester City were too strong for Newport, running out 2-1 winners at St George’s Park, despite a close range second half strike from Jamie White.

In Division 1, Cowes

Sports were hit for six by AFC Portchester, with Craig Thomas scoring the Yachtsmen’s only goal in the 6-1 reversal, while East Cowes Vics went down 2-0 at home by Pewsey Vale.

VENTNOR Golf Club is confident it is back on course after the shock withdrawal of the application for three 42.5-metre wind turbines on its Rew Down venue only a few weeks before it was due to be decided by County Hall planners.

That was the message to emerge from the club’s annual meeting held last week. The decision to withdraw the application was made by IMS the company engaged by the club to process the plan.

Club managing director Stewart Blackmore said, having not incurred any financial loss as a result, the club had now instructed a leading firm of planning consultants to resubmit the application.

He said: “Public support is crucial and we will be holding meetings in Ventnor and Wroxall to explain our plans, emphasising the substantial financial benefits which will flow from our proposal to allocate income from one of the turbines to local communities.

“We realise that visual impact is of concern to some people but we are sure that if approved the turbines will become as much an accepted part of the locality as the structures on St Boniface Down and on the hill above Appuldurcombe House at Wroxall.”

Mr. Blackmore said there was absolutely no prospect of the club folding, adding: “I fully believe that with the appointment of our new planning consultants and with the support and help of our members and the board of directors our chances of success remain good. But we must not relax because we have some very powerful and influential opponents.”

‘WE ARE STILL ON COURSE’ - SAY VENTNOR GOLF CLUB

VENTNOR Boxing Club pair George Borrett and Ben Jameson travelled across The Solent to compete in the Portsmouth University Open Tournament at the Liquid Envy Night Club

They were matched against University opponents who benefitted from the unique atmosphere of the venue, the noise and deafening vocal

support.First up was light welterweight

Borrett who was matched against Sam Millner. The contest opened with Borrett taking control and dominating the first round, and this pattern continued in the second and last rounds and ended with Barrett looking an easy winner only to lose a tight majority decision. To add to the insult

Millner’s opponent had been giving a standing count in the third round, and everyone in the Club apart from the judges thought Borrett had won.

Welterweight Jameson was matched against the willing Rupish Naheen, from the outset the Ventnor man gave his usual 100 per cent but was always just behind his opponent losing a close but unanimous decision.

VENTNOR Rugby Club went down fighting when they visited New Milton and were beaten seven points to nil.

Duncan Kenny returned for the Island side after nearly two years out, and soon showed his class.

Skipper Damien Marriott thought he had

scored early on when he dived into the corner, only for the referee to pull him up for a knock-on.

After a scoreless first half New Milton sealed the win the first and only try after missing several penalty attempts.

The home side them held on, but Ventnor at least took home a bonus point.

Wightlink Man of the Match: Danny Newbery.

BOXING PAIR BRAVE IN DEFEAT RUGBY TEAM DEFEAT

“Duncan Kenny returned for the Island side after nearly two years out.”

iwgazette 77

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