Latest News

31 August 2007 - The EDITOR OF THE IW BEACON JOHN MEDLAND asks, what is the future of the Island’s churches?

Over the past few months there has been debate within the Anglican Church over the future of church buildings and their relationship to the wider community

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ANNUAL CREMATORIUM OPEN DAY

31 August 2007 - The Isle of Wight Crematorium, between Newport and Whippingham, holds its annual open day on Saturday. This year, the event is being held in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Visitors will be offered a chance to tour the building, between 11am and 3pm.

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CONSERVATIVE WIN IN NEWPORT NORTH

31 August 2007 - Just 30.4% of Newport North’s voters turned out to make their mark on Thursday in the by-election. Conservative Peter Humber won a seat vacated by former councillor and party colleague Julian Whittaker. From Arreton, the new Councillor Humber was born and raised in Newport. He runs the Sound and Light Company, on the Dodnor Estate.

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NEW GREEN LOOS ARE NO FLASH IN THE PAN

31 August 2007 - Four new public toilets on the Isle of Wight are to be among the greenest in the UK. They will replace existing facilities in Yaverland, Brading, Wootton and Ventnor, by Spring 2008. The IW Council says the scheme will cost more than £1 million pounds, but the facilities will boast cutting-edge clean green technology. The new loos will have wind turbines to generate power, planted rooves (similar to the one at Brading Roman Villa), solar panels and they will recycle rainwater when they are flushed. The local authority says people using the new toilets will be able to spend a penny but save the planet!

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PRAYERS FOR DIANA IN NEWPORT

31 August 2007 - A Service of Evensong, to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Diana Princess of Wales will be held in Newport, on Friday night. The Venerable Caroline Baston, the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, will lead the prayers at Sts Thomas' Church. HM Lord-Lieutenant Major General Martin White, the Chairman of the IW Council Cllr Roger Mazillius and the Island's High Sheriff Lt Col David Langford are all expected to attended. It starts at 7pm.

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CHARITY SWIMMERS

30 August 2007 - A third (and final) attempt will be made, by a group of mainlanders, to swim around the Isle of Wight tonight. Bad weather has seen the cancellation of the event twice already this summer. But the team now hopes to start their attempt at Ryde Pier, at 10:30pm, on Thursday night. The six charity fundraisers plan to swim the 60 mile route non-stop, in relay. They estimate they’ll finish at 4:30pm in Ryde Pier, on Friday afternoon. It is in aid of Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Visit www.roundtheislandswim.co.uk for more information.

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SCHOOL DINNERS GET THE GREEN THUMBS UP

28 August 2007 - When the new term starts in September, children in three Isle of Wight primary schools will be tucking into more local produce at lunchtime. Gurnard, Northwood and Cowes primary schools will all be trialling a new scheme to cut food miles and encourage local producers. Funding has been made available by the Government to deliver the scheme, adding an extra 8p per head at the schools taking part in the pilot project. Lessons in the kitchen will also filter through to the classroom, where pupils will be taught about seasonal foods. Monitored by the government group behind the scheme, the three primary schools will aim to serve 50% local food, 30% organic and at least 75% non-processed food. The scheme will also be checking to see if there is an upturn in those pupils eating school dinners. If it is a success, it could be rolled out across the Island.

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ISLAND DENTAL TEETHING TROUBLES ARE OVER FOR NOW

28 August 2007 - The Island’s lack of NHS Dental Care has at last turned into something to smile about, according to the Island’s MP. Andrew Turner says he has been told that the backlog of patients awaiting treatment has now been cleared and some NHS places are now available for new patients. The Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust Ed Macalister-Smith has written to Mr Turner to confirm the news. The MP says, “The Island’s Primary Care Trust is to be congratulated…I have criticised them in the past for not achieving targets so I want to be the first to recognise the work they have done in tackling the huge backlog of Islanders who needed NHS dental care.”

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TIME TO MAKE A FUSS ABOUT POETRY ON A BUS

28 August 2007 - A scheme to bring poetry to the Island’s buses has scooped an award. Organised by the Island 2000 Trust and bus operator Southern Vectis, the initiative has been named Arts & Business ‘Best Community Project’ for the south east. Daniel Roberts, from the Island 2000 Trust, says “People love to come across poems while travelling…and it gives local writers an unusual way of sharing their work with the public.” Now, more poems will be displayed inside the Isle of Wight’s fleet of buses and others have been cast as bronze plaques and can be seen at bus stops.

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LIFEBOAT APPEAL “SHORE” TO SUCCEED

28 August 2007 - A fundraising appeal to replace Ryde Inshore Rescue’s 20 year old main inshore lifeboat is well on the way to completion. The current lifeboat has been scrambled 600 times and has assisted or rescued 1,000 people. The Ryde Lions no longer meets the Department of Transport’s safety requirements, as it has one engine and the code requires two. Its crew plans to replace it with a 6.3m RIB, powered by twin 90HP outboards engines. So far, £48,000 of the £60,000 target has been raised and the boat is due to arrive shortly. With more fundraising initiatives to come in September, the goal looks certain to be reached, but if you would like to help call the Ryde Inshore Rescue secretary on 01983 613401.

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WIGHT AIR ZOOMS IN TO ISLAND'S EAST COAST

26 August 2007 - The eleventh annual White Air skates, jet skis and windsurfs into Yaverland, from Bank Holiday Monday. Among the draws promised for Sandown Bay will be the Windsurfing World Championships, which is planned to be the biggest windsurfing racing event ever held in the UK. The festival consists of more than twenty extreme sports events as well as arts and a White Air Platform One live music stage, showcasing 50 acts.

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FINAL ACTION AT COWES POWERBOAT FESTIVAL

26 August 2007 - As the powerboat festival revs to a close in Cowes, the IW BEACON ONLINE’S ALAN AND SUZANNE WHITEWOOD report on the action:

Co-ordinated by eight times Class 1 Powerboat World Champion, Steve Curtis MBE, the 2007 series is being contested at five venues

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LAST DAY OF POWERBOAT ACTION AT COWES

26 August 2007 - If you are heading to Cowes for the final day of the Cowes P1 Powerboat Championships, this Sunday, the action is already underway on the Solent. Boats travelling at speeds to set your heart racing are churning up the waters off The Green. Here’s what’s still to come, today…

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BIG BIKES AND SMOOTH BEATS FOR ISLAND HOSPICE

25 August 2007 - Sandown’s firefighters (PICTURED) were among those to take on the challenge of the world’s biggest bike, today, in aid of Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Twenty four of them, clad in their uniforms, braved the sweltering heat to ride a lap around the town on the 2.5 tonne cycle. The bike also paid visits to Ryde and Havenstreet. Teams including an exercise class and a wedding party were sponsored to pedal around 2.5miles each. Fundraiser and organiser Sue Birch says she came up with the idea to help after hospice staff cared for her dad. She is hoping to raise around £10,000 from the event.

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OPEN STUDIOS EVENT PREVIEWS WESTMINSTER ART EXHIBITION

25 August 2007 - Artists Melanie and Martin Swan are among those taking part in the Island Open Studios public art event, this weekend.

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FAMILY FUN AT SANDOWN NURSERY OPEN DAY

25 August 2007 - There is a day of music, activities and mayhem at a children’s nursery in Sandown. Owned by the couple that has made a success of Newport’s Island Day Nursery, Hope Childcare is in Fort Street. Roseleen and Richard Cullen are promising clowns and music classes at the open day. They are currently building a new unit at the back of the building to improve facilities. New gym equipment and a sensory room will be installed in September.

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BRITISH PENALTY AND OUTERLIMITS SECURES FIRST COWES WIN

24 August 2007 - Joe Sgro and Nigel Hook’s Lucas Oil Outerlimits has won the first leg of the P1 British Grand Prix, at Cowes. The Mercury-powered boat completed today’s circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight in first. Half a boat-length behind was King of Shaves, with OSG in third. Despite the odds, the waters were calm on Friday - perfect for high speed racing. The conditions were so good, in fact, that many of the lead boats had to slow down at the finish in order to avoid time penalties, as they’d been travelling in excess of the safety speed limit. The Italians on board Fainplast fell foul. They took the chequered flag only to be given a time penalty, pushing them back to fourth.

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SCOOTER MANIA AS MASSIVE ISLAND RALLY BEGINS

24 August 2007 - The vrrrrrrmm of scooter engines and the sound Northern Soul will take the Island by storm, this weekend, as the annual Scooter Rally revs up for action. Camping at Smallbrook Stadium at Ashey, near Ryde and bringing a throng of colour to the Island’s roads, hundreds upon hundreds are expected for event. It’s among the largest rallies of its kind in the world and over the course of the weekend there are live bands, a scooter show and a mass ride out. A good bet to see the customised scooters in all their glory is to visit Ryde, where they are regularly parked along Union Street. You will also find them in the car park outside Planet Ice, on Ryde seafront.

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HARRY-POTTER-ALIKES MAKE BANK HOLIDAY MAGIC

24 August 2007 - Following the release of Harry’s Potter’s seventh and final adventure, earlier this year, there’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of the boy wizard. Two Island attractions are hosting days dedicated to young Mr Potter, this bank holiday weekend.

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EXTREME SPORTS AT WIGHT AIR FESTIVAL

24 August 2007 - Olympic medal winner Colin Jackson (PICTURED), just days after visiting Cowes Week 2007, will return to the Isle of Wight for Wight Air. Cricketer Phil Tufnell will also be dropping in at Yaverland’s annual extreme sports festival, which starts on Bank Holiday Monday. Event organisers are estimating around 2000 people will take part in the event. They will include windsurfers, jet-skiers, mountain boarders, paragliders and kitesurfers. For the first time this year there’s also a full music line-up and among the bands taking to the stage are The Bees. You can read more on the IW Beacon Online at http://www.iwbeacon.co.uk/news_view.php?nid=615. The Wight Air festival runs until 2 September.

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THE FUNDRAISING APPEAL OF PEDAL POWER

24 August 2007 - The “largest bike in the world” comes to the Isle of Wight, on Saturday. Each of the 24 seats have been sponsored and teams will be completing 2.5 mile circuits around Ryde (from 8:15am, at Planet Ice) and Sandown (from 3pm). The cycle will also visit Havenstreet Railway at lunchtime, to pit pedal power against steam.

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ROUND THE ISLAND ON A CYCLE TO SAVE THE SEAS

24 August 2007 - Two cycling enthusiasts are preparing to pedal 80 miles around the Isle of Wight, this weekend, to raise money and awareness for a marine protection scheme. Anna-Lisa Nagel, 25, from Nottinghamshire and her fiancé Elvir Hasedzic, 29, from West Sussex, are raising money for the Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust’s Operation Seahorse. They will start out from Rustington in West Sussex before catching the ferry from Portsmouth. The pair say they will promote Operation Seahorse as they go. They are due to finish on Monday.

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MUSIC PERFORMANCE AT SANDOWN PROMISES TRADITIONAL BRITISH SEASIDE

24 August 2007 - A “surreal surprising performance” is promised in Sandown on Saturday, when a marching band, jellied eels and sandcastles reach Eastern Gardens. Part of a national tour called Beach Singularity, it is said to be “a celebration of the British seaside”. Composed in 1977 by Trevor Wishart, Beach Singularity is a music performance with a difference and it will be accompanied by beach games and painting. It takes place between 11am and 4pm.

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ANGLERS WARNED REMEMBER YOUR LICENCE

24 August 2007 - Environment Agency officers will be out in force over the bank holiday weekend, patrolling Island river banks and lakes. They will be checking rod licenses, because all of them expired on 31 March. For 2007/2008 a full season coarse and trout fishing licence costs £24.50 and a salmon and sea trout licence costs £66.50 and they can be bought at post offices. If you are caught without one you could have to pay a fine of up to £2,500 and may be banned from fishing.

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"IMPROVEMENT" AS GCSE REUSLTS ARE IN!

23 August 2007 - The Island’s GCSE results are in and for the first time an average of more than 50% of students achieved five A*- C grade passes, according to the IW Council, but they still lag behind the national average. Newport’s Medina High School in particular has show a huge rise and Sandown High School is the only one to see a fall in the number of pupils gaining five or more A*-C grades. Overall, the number of students achieving five or more A* - C grades has risen from 48% last year, to 52.3% this year (a rise of just under 5%). Students gaining five or more A* - C grades including Maths and English rose just under 6%, to 42.4%.

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PHOTO: RED KNIGHT CAUSES A STIR AS HE LEAVES THE RED FUNNEL FERRY

23 August 2007 - For story, go to: http://www.iwbeacon.co.uk/news_view.php?nid=709

Read more about - PHOTO: RED KNIGHT CAUSES A STIR AS HE LEAVES THE RED FUNNEL FERRY

RED KNIGHT'S RED FUNNEL ARRIVAL AHEAD OF JOUST

23 August 2007 - Carisbrooke Castle hosts a Grand Medieval Joust, this Bank Holiday weekend. Four knights in shining armour will compete for the crowd's favour at the English Heritage attraction near Newport. On Thursday morning the Red Knight arrived on Red Funnel’s 9am sailing for Southampton, to drum up support for his cause among the passengers. The IW Beacon Online caught up with him as left the boat at East Cowes (PICTURED). The event itself takes place between Saturday and Monday, from 10am until 5pm.

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WEEKEND POWERBOAT FESTIVAL SHAKES UP COWES

23 August 2007 - The Cowes Powerboat Festival, featuring the Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea, takes place this August Bank Holiday weekend. More than 100 powerboats, from top-tier international and domestic championships will be present, will be competing in a series of exhilarating races over 3-days.

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EARLY MORNING SAIL FOR MEDIEVAL KNIGHT

22 August 2007 - A medieval knight will ride onto the Red Funnel Ferry at Southampton, on Thursday morning, to rally the support of passengers ahead of a joust at Carisbrooke Castle. Clad in full armour and carrying a lance, he'll cross the Solent to East Cowes on the 9am sailing. The Red Knight is hoping for victory against the Yellow, Blue and Green Knights at the Medieval Bank Holiday spectacular, which gets underway on Saturday. Fools, stilt walkers and jesters will also be on hand to entertain the crowds attending the event at the castle near Newport.

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COWES CARNIVAL TONIGHT!

22 August 2007 - Cowes Carnival becomes the latest procession to reach Island streets, later. It begins at Ward Avenue at 7pm, and will wind its way through the town.

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SILENT CINEMA AT NEWPORT MOVIE HOUSE

22 August 2007 - Silent film comes to the Anthony Minghella Theatre, at Newport’s Quay Arts Centre, later. Described as “one of the pinnacles of British silent cinema”, the 1929 production of Piccadilly is “a sumptuous show business melodrama seething with sexual and racial tension”. The film will be accompanied by live piano, performed by Mick Smith, and promises to bring alive London in the Jazz Age. It starts at 7:30pm.

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HISTORICAL DIG IN PAN TURNS UP ALL MANNER OF FINDS

22 August 2007 - Nineteenth and twentieth century wine and ale bottles and still-full medicine bottles were among the finds of an archaeological dig in Newport, this month. Bone toothbrush handles, porcelain dolls’ heads and 3000 year old flint were also pulled from the ground. Eight sessions were held in Garden Way in Pan, rounded off with an exhibition of finds at the estate’s Isobel Centre. Part of the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership’s summer holiday activities programme, children and their parents learned about their local history and archaeology techniques, led by a team from Wessex Archaeology.

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COWES CO-OP SHOPPERS RAISE FUNDS FOR GURNARD PLAY AREA

22 August 2007 - Gurnard Primary School has had reason to celebrate this year. First, it has celebrated its centenary with an open day. Second, generous shoppers at Cowes’ Co-op in Terminus Road nominated the school to receive a grant from the Southern Co-operatives Foundation, through its Community Support Card scheme. A donation of 3p in every £1 is made in the store, by Community Support Card holders. The school was awarded £6,200, towards the recent development of a new play area.

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NEWPORT FUNDRAISERS LIFT THE (CHURCH) ROOF

22 August 2007 - Emerging from 150 years of grime is a very different-looking St Thomas Church. Phase one of the restoration work will put an end to the longstanding damp and damage in the Princess Elizabeth chapel. Repairing the roof, masonry, conserving the fine stained glass and replacing limewashed plaster will protect this important royal memorial for future generations. How soon work is completed depends on the continued success of the fundraising appeal that will pay for it. So far, a remarkable £795,000 has been pledged in private & business donations, grants and other gifts. There is much more to be done. At least another £1.5million has to be raised for the ambitious project to restore the church and open the Charter House next door, as a community centre. For more information about the St Thomas’ appeal visit http://newportparish.org.uk/renewalblog/. or call 01983 559257.

Read more about - NEWPORT FUNDRAISERS LIFT THE (CHURCH) ROOF

STONE AND CHALK TECHNOLOGY RECORDS 1856 ISLAND LIFE

21 August 2007 - An exhibition showing life on the Isle of Wight in the 1850s, illustrated by lithographs, opens today. Extracts from an illustrated book, by author and antiquarian W. H. Davenport Adams, are going on show at Ventnor’s Coastal Visitors’ Centre. Coloured lithographs showing the Isle of Wight’s coast as it was, can be seen until 14 September. The exhibition is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR ANNUAL BEACHWATCH LITTER SURVEY

21 August 2007 - The Marine Conservation Society is calling for help ahead of its annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up. The event hits Island beaches on 15 and 16 September. The organisation wants your help to make it a success. Can you give a couple of hours to pick up litter and help Island marine life? The MCS says globally over a million birds and 100,000 mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics. The organsiation’s recorded a 90% increase in the amount of beach litter, compared to 1994 and it is blaming visitors, fishing debris and sanitary and shipping waste. You can register at www.adoptabeach.org.uk, or call 01989 567807.

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ISLAND MP’S SUPERMARKET SUMMER SURGERY

20 August 2007 - The Island’s MP is taking his annual tour of the Island’s supermarkets. Andrew Turner is visiting five locations across the Isle of Wight, this week. It’s a chance for Islanders to discuss any problems or concerns about life on the Island. He started the tour in Cowes, on Friday. If you missed him, you can meet Mr Turner, between 11am and midday, at the following locations:

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ISLAND WEBSITES ARE FINALISTS IN WEBSITE DESIGN COMPETITION

20 August 2007 - Two Island-based websites have made it through to the finals of the Hantsweb Awards 2007. The accolades are handed out by Hampshire County Council and the awards ceremony takes place in September. http://naturenet.net (PICTURED) is dedicated to all things countryside, from when it’s legal to shoot Jack Snipe in Northern Ireland to how to get a job working in the countryside. Its editor, Matthew Chatfield, says it received around 35,000 visitors last month and there’s nothing like it on the web. www.iwight.com is operated by the Isle of Wight Council and mixes information, advice and a news and views forum. Both are in the running for awards for excellence in design and content

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COULD YOU BE LEADING BUSINESS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT?

20 August 2007 - The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is advertising a number of vacancies, ahead of its annual general meeting. It is looking for five new directors, to stand for 3 years, in 4 categories. They are Professional and Businesses Services, Tourism and Leisure, General Business and Manufacturing & Logistics. To qualify, the Chamber’s asking for “the right skills and qualities to be able to contribute to the strategic growth and development of the Island’s business community and its economy.” You must also be an existing Chamber member and be prepared to attend bi-monthly meetings. If you would like to apply, contact Vanessa Brozowski on 01983 554533. All applications must be made by midday on 6 September. The Chamber meets at the Sandpipers Hotel in Freshwater Bay, on 27 September.

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN TARGETS ISLAND CHILDREN

20 August 2007 - A summer rise in incidents in domestic violence, across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, has prompted a number of organisations to join forces to tackle the issue. The IW Council (PICTURED) as well as police, and charities dedicated to women and children hope their campaign will make parents, especially, stop and think about the impact of their actions upon their children.

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CHARITY SWIM CALLED OFF BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER

18 August 2007 - A charity swim around the Isle of Wight’s been called off for a second time, because of bad weather. As the long wet summer continues, forecasts of strong winds overnight have forced the postponement of a non-stop relay circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. A team of six charity fundraisers, all from the mainland, had been hoping to start their challenge on Saturday night, after first postponing it in July. But Coastguards have advised against it because of predictions of force 3 to force 5 gales. The swim, in aid of Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice will now take place (weather permitting) at the end of August. Visit www.roundtheislandswim.co.uk for more information.

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CHARITY SWIMMERS "MAY START TONIGHT"

18 August 2007 - A team of charity fundraisers who are hoping to swim around the Isle of Wight have told the IW Beacon Online that they’re hoping for a break in the weather. Six mainlanders, among them teachers and engineers, are planning a non-stop relay circumnavigation the Isle of Wight, by arm power alone. Garry Robb, who is 32 years old and a researcher at Southampton’s National Oceanographic Centre, says he and his team-mates may be able to start their challenge in Ryde, at 11:30pm, on Saturday night. He says although it seems riskier to start in the dark, it does mean the total time spent swimming at night is halved and more of the challenge will be undertaken during daylight hours. The swimmers, who are hoping to raise money for Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice, are due to make a final decision later. Visit the IW Beacon Online for up-to-date coverage and for more information on the challenge visit www.roundtheislandswim.co.uk.

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SIGHTS AND SMELLS OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT'S GARLIC SHOW

18 August 2007 - Mungo Jerry and Brotherhood of Man head the line-up at the year’s Garlic Show, at Newchurch on the Isle of Wight. The 70s icons are taking to the stage, among the straw bales and the funny tasting ice-cream. The Garlic Show 2007 will be formally opened, at 10am on Saturday, by DJ Ed “Stewpot” Stewart. When the visitors flood through the gate they’ll be met by stilt walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters; a fun fair; classic cars; and archery. There’s also the usual variety of different tastes and smells. Though the big attraction is predominantly garlic, which is grown in Newchurch and is one of the Island’s famed products. The show runs until 8pm on Saturday and between 10am and 6 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit www.garlic-festival.co.uk/2007.

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LOCAL ARTIST “MOO-VES” INTO BUSINESS

17 August 2007 - Cows could soon be “moo-ving” into businesses on the Isle of Wight. Images of farm animals, painted by East Cowes artist Angela Hewitt, already grace tea-towels, mugs and notelets in shops across the Island. It is familiar territory for anyone with a commercial (as well as creative) mind.

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GET ON YOUR BIKE AND DESIGN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY POSTER

17 August 2007 - A competition with an environmental flavour is being launched at the Island’s annual Garlic Show, this weekend. The Environment Agency’s giving children the chance to win a bike, in return for designing a poster that will encourage us all to recycle, cut pollution and save energy and water. The art with an environmental message can be created with materials from recycled paper to non-toxic crayons. The winning entries will be printed and displayed at the Environment Agency’s office on the Isle of Wight and on the organisation’s website and marketing material. It’s open to children aged between 4 and 16 years old and prizes will be awarded in three age categories (4-7, 8-11, 12-16).

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WHERE’S THERE’S MUCK….THERE’S CARISBROOKE CASTLE

17 August 2007 - Think you’re having a bad day? A visit to Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, this weekend, could make it all seem better. The attraction is giving visitors the chance to meet some of history’s unluckiest souls. They’ll include the people who cleaned medieval latrines, a 17th century surgeon who employed leeches as part of his bedside manner, a rat catcher and a hideous host of other “Muck and Gore” experts, from times gone by. Music will be provided by the Singing Plague Victims (PICTURED). The event takes place on Sunday and Monday, between 10am and 5pm.

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TARMAC WARNING FOR ISLAND HOUSEHOLDERS

17 August 2007 - A gang of rogue tarmac-layers is being targeted by Isle of Wight Trading Standards Officers. The members of the south east’s Scambusters team, which aims to protect standards of work and the rights of customers, are warning Islanders about a gang that has convinced householders across the region to hand over £1000s. It is feared Islanders could be next to be targeted by gang members, who sometimes claim to be working for the council, making cold calls. Senior Fair Trading Officer for IW Council, Julie Woodhouse, says: "They offer to carry out Tarmac-ing work for reasonable rates but once they commence, the rates increase by up to ten times and consumers have been intimidated when they refuse to pay.” If they turn up on your doorstep, contact the Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service, on 01983 823371.

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PASS RATES DROP AS ISLAND A LEVEL STUDENTS LAG BEHIND

16 August 2007 - The Island’s A Level results have been called “disappointing” by the Isle of Wight Council. 2007 has seen a huge 8% drop in the number of students achieving A to C grades, down to 58% according to today’s figures. Nationally, A-C passes are up, with around 73% of students getting the top three grades.

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BELOW AVERAGE KEY STAGE 2 RESULTS

16 August 2007 - Meanwhile, the provisional results for the Isle of Wight's middle school pupils remain below the national average in Key Stage 2 tests, although in some subjects the gap is closing. According to recently released figures, the number of pupils achieving Level 4+ has risen by 2%, to an overall figure of 79% (1% below the national average). A rise of 2%, to 83%, in reading at Level 4+ is also 1% below the national average. But other subjects fell further behind the national averages. Maths performance has dropped at both Level 4+ and Level 5+ and in science, there has been a drop of 2%. A 4% drop was recorded in writing.

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A LEVEL RESULTS ARRIVE ACROSS THE ISLAND

16 August 2007 - Students across the Isle of Wight are celebrating their A-Level results, today. Many are making final plans for university, or are neogtiating the UCAS clearing system.

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LEOPARD SPRINGS FASTNET RECORD

15 August 2007 - The Mike Slade owned yacht ICAP Leopard has smashed the Fastnet record. The 100ft vessel equipped with special canting keel, which makes it far more agile, finished the Isle of Wight - Ireland - Plymouth race at 8.58am on Wednesday morning. In a time of 44 hours and 18 minutes, the boat and her crew shaved a massive 8 hours and 50 minutes off the former record. The previous title has been held since 1999, by RF Yachting. A fleet of nearly 300 yachts left Cowes on Monday morning, after delays because of bad weather. Around 90 had dropped out of the race by Tuesday morning.

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MEET A ROMAN AT NEWPORT VILLA

15 August 2007 - The penultimate Making History Day takes place at Newport Roman Villa, today. Organised by the IW Council’s Heritage Services, it is a chance to find out what life was like for the Romans. Dressed the part, Luscilla the Roman guide is on hand to help visitors learn more about the fascinating history of the villa. You can find her (and the villa) on Cypress Road in Newport. The final Making History Day takes place on 22 August.

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YARMOUTH REGATTA AND CANRIVAL RUNS UNTIL SATURDAY

15 August 2007 - Yarmouth’s annual carnival and regatta is underway. In its 97th year, the event was officially opened with the ceremonial raising of the carnival flag, on Saturday 11 August. Among the highlights for the rest of the week are a circus skills workshop and pet show on Wednesday, a teddy bear’s picnic and a lifeboat demonstration on Friday, and Yarmouth’s carnival procession on Saturday, at 5:30pm.

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ALL CLEAR ON EASTERN YAR

14 August 2007 - An Island river is no longer on flood watch. As heavy rain and strong winds battered the Isle of Wight last night, the watch was imposed by the Envrionment Agency on the Eastern Yar and its tributaries, between Whitwell and Bembridge. It has now been removed.

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COWES WEEK SPONSOR TALKS CONTINUE

14 August 2007 - Organisers say they are talking to “half a dozen companies” over the future of Cowes Week. Skandia’s sponsorship is due to end next year. Stuart Quarrie, of the Cowes Combined Clubs, has told the regatta’s official website that potential backers “know the cost of the sponsorship and this week they are looking at the shape of the event… They now have a deeper insight into how the whole event runs. For instance, when we talk about branding at Shepard’s Wharf they now know what it looks like during Skandia Cowes Week.” He says he is “quietly confident” that a new partner will be found in time for 2009.

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HOT CHOCOLATE AND ANOTHER PINT AS CROWDS SAY GOODBYE TO COWES

14 August 2007 - Skandia Cowes Week 2007 is being hailed a success. Organisers say the sailing regatta is proving more popular than ever, with the number of entrants growing from 750 to 1000 and the number of classes increasing from 35 to 40. The event was brought to a close in Cowes Yacht Haven, on Saturday night, when Hot Chocolate (PICTURED) took to the stage (minus singer Errol Brown).

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SAILING CHALLENGE TO RETURN NEXT YEAR

14 August 2007 - The Skandia Cowes Week Artemis Challenge, pitting Open 60s against each other, will return next year. It has been hailed a success following its debut at this year’s regatta. Stuart Quarrie from the Cowes Combined Clubs, which organises Cowes Week, says 2008 is a Vendee Globe year and that should mean an even bigger fleet. The round the world solo race made Dame Ellen MacArthur a star and is one of the biggest challenges for the 60ft yachts and their skippers.

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WEATHER TAKES ITS TOLL ON THE FASTNET FLEET

14 August 2007 - Around 90 boats have retired from the Fastnet Race, which got underway yesterday. The gruelling 608 mile challenge, from Cowes to the Irish coast and back to Plymouth had been delayed for 25 hours because of bad weather. 271 boats sailed out of Cowes, but by Tuesday morning almost a third of the fleet had fallen foul of the conditions. Among those to retire was Neville Crichton’s Alfa Romeo. A number of other yachts have been dismasted. Leading the race are the 100ft Leopard (pictured), Rambler and several of the Open 60 fleet.

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CARNIVAL COMES TO VENTNOR

14 August 2007 - A Carnival Rings competition at Ventnor’s Royal British Legion kicks off the annual festivities, on Tuesday. Ventnor Carnival runs from the 14 to the 18 August. Visitors can enter a putting competition on Thursday and on Saturday the illuminated carnival procession takes to the streets.

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ROLEX FASTNET RACE UNDERWAY

13 August 2007 - After a twenty-five hour delay, due to a severe weather warning for later in the week, the Rolex Fastnet Race set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron line on Monday 13th August.

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SANDOWN BAY REGATTA BRINGS FUN TO THE EAST COAST

12 August 2007 - Welcome to the 148th Sandown Bay Regatta! That’s the message from the organisers of the event which got underway today. There’s a full day of activities, including sailing, canoeing, swimming and shore sports. To round the day off with a bang, there will be a grand fireworks display after the live band concert. An air-sea rescue display with the Bembridge Lifeboat, the Rescue Helicopter and Sandown-Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat will also wow the crowds. Commodore Shipping/Condor Ferries will be giving a special 'sail past' for the regatta and for the children, there’s a fancy dress competition, volleyball, the barrel roll and a sandcastle competition.

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ROLEX FASTNET RACE POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY.

11 August 2007 - The RORC Race Office have announced at a Race & Weather briefing on Saturday afternoon that the Rolex Fastnet Race start will be postponed for 25 hours due to the continued severe weather warning issued by the UK Met office. First start for the 300 boat fleet will be Monday 13 August at 1100 BST.

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COWES WEEK: LAST DAY! (SAT 11 AUG)

11 August 2007 - WHAT TO SEE AND DO

SKIES
Look up to the skies this evening, for an air display by The Blades

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VENTNOR'S STREETS BROUGHT ALIVE

11 August 2007 - The Ventnor StreetStyle Festival is underway, today. Music, a skate competition and graffiti art are among the activities you can enjoy. A battle of the bands takes to the stage in the afternoon and there is also a street dance workshop. The event’s been inspired by the StreetStyle project and it celebrates the interests of young people in the area.

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ANNUAL FIREWORKS LIGHT UP SKIES

11 August 2007 - Thousands turned out, on Friday night, to watch the annual fireworks at Skandia Cowes Week 2007. From East Cowes to Gurnard, the streets were lined with Islanders, visitors and crews, enjoying the renowned spectacle. Again organised by Kim Bolton fireworks, and set off from a pontoon off Cowes Yacht Haven, the half hour display included the newest designs and some old favourites.

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COWES WEEK: SAILING NEWS 2

10 August 2007 - With very poor wind conditions at the start of racing for the last few days of Skandia Cowes Week the organisers CCC have decided to shorten courses and the day’s racing has been finishing in the very late afternoon.

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300 LINE UP FOR THE FASTNET

10 August 2007 - As Skandia Cowes Week 2007 draws to a close, around 300 boats are preparing to mark the start of the challenging Fastnet Race. The first signal for the biennial race to the Irish coast is at 9:50am, on Sunday. The fleet of hopefuls taking part in the sometime-treacherous 608 nautical-mile Rolex Fastnet will be the largest since 1979.

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COWES WEEK: DAY 8 (FRI10 AUG)

10 August 2007 - WHAT TO SEE AND DO

FIREWORKS
From 9:30pm, lasting half an hour, it’s the traditional Cowes Week Fireworks (PICTURED)

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COWES WEEK: LADIES DAY WINNER UNVEILED

09 August 2007 - A competitive sailor for more than 40 years has won the Champagne G.H. Mumm Ladies' Day Trophy. Gavia Wilkinson-Cox has headed the Sail for Gold Campaign since the 1990s, raising funds and awareness for the sailors of the British Olympic and Paralympic Teams. She continues to fundraise for the next Olympic campaigns in Bejing 2008 and London 2012. She’s an accomplished Dragon helm who’s achieved international racing success. This year’s judges were Double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson, Yachting World’s Elaine Bunting and the Cowes Combines Clubs’ Michelle Warner.

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COWES WEEK: ARTEMIS CHALLENGE

09 August 2007 - Estrella Damm, an IMOCA Open 60 and built in Cowes for Offshore Challenges has won the Artemis Challenge Race. On a changing breeze day this round the Island race proved too much for, probably race favourite, Pindar when its mast suddenly snapped after just rounding the Needles and heading for Freshwater Bay. Launched only a month ago, and with their race over, Pindar returned to its home base in Gosport whilst the other boats continued around the Island.

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FORT VICTORIA FUN DAY

09 August 2007 - Bird-nest box building and rock pooling are among the family activities on offer at the third annual Fort Victoria Foray, at Fort Victoria near Yarmouth, today. Solent Coastguard and the RNLI will also be staging a rescue display at the event. IW Council member for Environment, Cllr Tim Hunter Henderson said: "The event is aimed at getting families and children of all ages out exploring some of the Island's fantastic countryside and coastal areas and have a great time while doing it."

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News Stories for August 2007