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The Isle of Wight Beacon – the Island's daily news sport and weather website

News Stories for July 2007


FLYING SUCCESS FOR RYDE HOVER IN SCOTLAND FLYING SUCCESS FOR RYDE HOVER IN SCOTLAND
31 July 2007 - The Solent Express hovercraft has returned to Ryde after carrying more than 32,000 passengers on 284 crossings, during a fortnight of trials in Scotland. The vessel has been flying 9 miles across the Firth of Forth, between Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy in just 20 minutes. She will now resume journeys between Ryde and Southsea. Stagecoach, who commissioned the trial service, is now working out how viable it would be to run a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service. Hovertravel’s Marketing Manager Loretta Lale said: “Not only is this a success for the trial across the Forth for Stagecoach, but a great promotion for Hovertravel and the Isle of Wight.”
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ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WORKS TO REDUCE FLOOD RISK ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WORKS TO REDUCE FLOOD RISK
31 July 2007 - Work to reduce the risk of flooding in Ryde will continue in September, when the Environment Agency puts in measures to stop sand blocking an outfall from Monkton Mead Brook. The organisation will install low level flapped boards, to reduce the amount of sand being washed in, while allowing it to be washed back out. Phase one of work on the outfall has now been completed. The Environment Agency says the work is necessary because of an increase in the height of Ryde Sands, since the outfall was originally installed in 2001. The organisation says it will closely monitor sand levels over the next 12 months, to measure the success of its work. It is hoped the flood risk to properties located upstream of the outfall will be reduced
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IWEP NOMINATED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION OF 2007
31 July 2007 - The achievements of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, over the past 20 months, are being judged in the 2007 Regeneration and Renewal Awards. The organisation has been voted a finalist, ahead of a ceremony in September. It is in the running to be named Best Economic Development Organisation. Using funding from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the IW Council and some commercial activities, the partnership says it has worked with more than 1000 young people and written a new economic strategy for the Island, among other work.
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PEEP PEEP! THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE'S AT HAVENSTREET PEEP PEEP! THOMAS THE TANK ENGINES AT HAVENSTREET
30 July 2007 - A certain little blue engine is wowing the crowds, at the Island’s Havenstreet Steam Railway. Thomas the Tank Engine, Mavis and the Troublesome Trucks are among the familiar faces appearing at the station. Everyone’s favourite, Thomas, has been posing for photos, while Sir Topham Hat is there to keep the unruly engines on track. Visitors can also ride up the line in the railway’s 1930s coaches and in open-top buses, between Havenstreet and Wootton. Bouncy castles and carousels are also on hand. Tuesday marks the final day of the event and after that Thomas and his friends chuff back to the Island of Sodor.
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PAN COMMUNITY AWARDS EVENING
30 July 2007 - It is time to make your nominations ahead of the 2007 Pan Community Awards. The accolades recognise the work and efforts of people who live and work in Pan, in Newport. Do you know someone who might be worthy of one of the following titles?
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY WI HQ!
30 July 2007 - Balloons and a banner will help mark the 60th anniversary of the Women’s Institute’s Newport Headquarters, on Monday. Members are holding a party, to celebrate six decades in the Victorian town house on Carisbrooke Road. The Women’s Institute itself has been meeting on the Island since 1919, when branches opened in Ningwood and Shalfleet and Wootton Bridge. The organisation bought 42 The Mall, in Newport, on 30 July 1947. It cost just £2,250. Federation Chair Joan Kirby said, “It has served us extremely well over the years. We now have 12,000 members in 39 WIs across the Isle of Wight and the house, which acts as our permanent office, is an asset for meetings and lectures of various kinds.”
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CARNIVAL MOVE MAKES MAGIC IN SANDOWN CARNIVAL MOVE MAKES MAGIC IN SANDOWN
30 July 2007 - Renowned Island magician David Randini and Sandown’s Carnival Association have joined forces, to entertain Islanders and tourists this summer. The magic man has been sponsored by carnival organisers to perform at Eastern Gardens, in Sandown, every Tuesday morning. His first performance helped marked the annual Children’s Carnival, which took place on 24 July. If you missed it, you can see David’s traditional Punch and Judy show, as well as his mysterious, mind-boggling magic, every week at 11am, throughout the summer.
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QUEEN OF SANDOWN REGATTA IS CROWNED QUEEN OF SANDOWN REGATTA IS CROWNED
30 July 2007 - The Queen of Sandown Bay Regatta has been crowned, at the town’s Comical pub. Anglea Fairbank will follow in the footsteps of Miss Sandown Bay 2005 Shanee Brown (pictured). Saturday’s event, complete with barbecue and raffle, attracted some high quality entrants… but those with beards and short hair cuts were disqualified, on technical grounds. The weather was bad, but organisers say a good time was had by all and they are thanking those who took part.
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LONGBOWS, LADIES AND KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR AT APPULDURCOME HOUSE LONGBOWS, LADIES AND KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR AT APPULDURCOME HOUSE
29 July 2007 - The sights, sounds and pungent smells of a medieval Isle of Wight have come to life, in the grounds of the ruined 18th Century Appuldurcome House in Wroxall. The shell of what was once the grandest house on the Island has been surrounded by soldiers clad in armour, brandishing longbows, men marching with pikes and peasants cooking as they did in the 15th Century. For two days, members of the Kent-based Medieval Siege Society have been camping in the grounds of the English Heritage property, staging full-on battles complete with archers and muskets. Britain’s largest re-enactment group has been bringing to life the War of the Roses and challenging visitors to archery and axe throwing competitions. The Falconry Centre was also opened to the hoards who attended the event, on the 28 and 29 July.
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WHOSE FOOD IS AWARD-WINNING WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH?
29 July 2007 - We are being asked to chew over where to get healthy food on the Isle of Wight. The Healthy Eating Awards are in their third year and organisers want your nominations, ahead of a ceremony later in the year, at the Royal London Yacht club. Run by the Healthy Eating Alliance, the awards celebrate good practice in healthy eating. Entries close on 22 October. For more information please contact Sara Ellis on sara.ellis@iwrcc.org.uk.
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ISLAND’S ANNUAL CRAB FAYRE IS OFF
29 July 2007 - Niton Football club was due to host the Island’s annual Crab Fayre, later, but the event has been called off because the football pitch is waterlogged. It is oganised annually by the members of Ventnor’s Lions Club and raises money for a number of charities.
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ANIMAL LOVING TEENAGERS APPEAL FOR SPONSORSHIP ANIMAL LOVING TEENAGERS APPEAL FOR SPONSORSHIP
29 July 2007 - Two Island teenagers are planning a trip to Portugal, to help at a rescue centre for animals. 18-year-old Jenna Squires and 16-year-old Abbi Nordbruch-Stroud are asking for our help in raising funds for their 3 week trip to Lagos, on the Algarve. The pair are trying to raise £1000, to allow them to help an 87-year-old woman run the shelter that she set up some 30 years ago. Working alone, she cares for 40 dogs and cats and needs volunteers to give her some respite. If you would like to help, contact ally.nordbruchgoode@googlemail.com or call 07773 465440. You can read more about the shelter at laps.iperium.com/what-you-can-do.htm.
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ACCESSIBLE ISLAND GPS RATED HIGHLY BY PATIENTS
29 July 2007 - The Island’s GPs are above average when it comes to being able to book an appointment quickly. In a Department of Health survey, more than 91% of Isle of Wight patients said they were able to see a doctor within 48 hours, beating the national average of 86%. The report also found that 92% of patients were satisfied they could easily contact their GP practice by phone and 91% could specify which doctor they wanted to see, compared to 86% and 88% nationally. The survey was carried out between January and March 2007.
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ISLAND SCOUTS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS!
28 July 2007 - Island scouts are among those celebrating 100 years of the movement, at the World Scout Jamboree in Essex. Around 20 of them will see Prince William open the Chelmsford event, on Saturday. 40,000 youngsters and their leaders, from more than 160 countries, are camping there.
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GOLD MEDAL WINNER LEARNS SURVIVAL ON ISLAND WATERS
28 July 2007 - Quadruple Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent is training alongside the students of Cowes’ UKSA sailing academy. He is taking part in an MCA Personal Survival Techniques course, as part of his preparation for the forthcoming gruelling Rolex Fastnet Race. He will be joining round the world yachtswoman Dee Caffari, onboard her yacht Aviva, for the 608 mile offshore yacht race. He is learning survival skills, including investigating the causes of distress, knowledge and use of equipment, launch and recovery of a life raft, preparation for survival and the use of search and rescue organisations.
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SOMETHING A “LIDL” BIT DIFFERENT FOR NEWPORT?
28 July 2007 - A new supermarket will open its doors on Saturday, for the first time. Lidl has converted the former Currys site, off Newport’s Medina Way. The German discount chain already has a number of other stores on the Isle of Wight.
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GOATS TO GRAZE ON VENTNOR DOWNS
28 July 2007 - Goats grazing on land with a Mediterranean feel. That is the future of Ventnor’s chalk downs, according to the National Trust’s South Wight Warden David Mears. The organisation has been granted £40,000, to carry out work on downland between Ventnor and Wroxall. Mr Mears said, “The long term vision for the chalk downs at Ventnor is of a landscape with a mixture of open chalk turf, and scattered areas of trees…We will need to maintain the number of goats at the right level to ensure that there is still enough tree cover and food for them, but also making sure that the trees do not take over the grassland again.” Goats were introduced in 1993, to some parts of National Trust grassland, to help maintain it. The organisation says the animals have already improved other parts of the Island, by munching their way through scrub to create impressive displays of flowers and butterflies. The National Trust wants to extend the goats’ grazing sites to the north facing slope of St Boniface Down and the south facing slope of Littleton Down, where scrub clearance by machine and by hand has proved too difficult. It plans to build new fencing to ensure they only eat what they are supposed to.
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NICE AND EASY DOES IT AT MOTTISTONE JAZZ FESTIVAL
28 July 2007 - Mottistone’s 20th annual jazz festival takes place this evening. It is held in the grounds of Mottistone Manor, which is owned by the National Trust. The Pete Allen Jazz Band, the Goose Island Syncopators and the Ryde School Swing Band are among those set to entertain the crowds. Visitors should bring their own picnics to the event, which gets underway at 6:30 pm. Mottistone Manor is between Brighstone and Brook, on the B3399. Money raised from the event goes toward the house’s upkeep. For more information and for tickets call the National Trust shop at Brighstone on 01983 740689.
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PLEASE DON’T FEED THE PIGEONS! PLEASE DON’T FEED THE PIGEONS!
28 July 2007 - We are being urged not to feed the pigeons in Newport’s St Thomas’ Square. The town’s Management Committee is putting up signs because of the “considerable damage to public buildings” they are causing. Canon Stephen Palmer, the Vicar of Newport, told the IW Beacon, it had also been necessary to “prevent them landing and nesting with wires and spikes [because] they constantly try to gain access to the church tower, and the resultant mess has to be seen to be believed. We are currently trying to clear the blockage to the boiler chimney caused by nests.”
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PILOTS' WHISTLESTOP UK TOUR
27 July 2007 - Two pilots are attempting to land at 17 UK airports, including Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, in just 17 hours. Mainlanders Steve Bridgewater and Amanda Harrison took off from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at 4:30am and will travel as north as Durham, before heading south to the Island. They will be flying until about 9:30pm, stopping only to refuel and to hold press conferences, where they are hoping to raise awareness of a scheme for people with disabilities, called Flying Scholarships for the Disabled.
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FIREFIGHTERS HELP AGAIN IN FLOOD EFFORT
27 July 2007 - Firefighters from the Isle of Wight are, again, helping in the mainland flood effort. Four Newport crew-men are in Gloucestershire working to ensure that an electricity sub-station, threatened by water, stays operational. They are using high pressure pumps to keep the water at bay. More Island firefighters are expect to travel to flood hit parts of the UK over the coming week.
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RECORD BREAKING SAIL ROUND THE ISLAND
26 July 2007 - A 35 year old woman has become the first quadriplegic to sail around the Isle of Wight. Hilary Lister from Kent successfully made the record books two years ago, after crossing the English Channel. This week, she added the circumnavigation of the Island to her achievements, on board the 20 ft racer ‘Me Too’. Using the ‘sip and puff’ method of breathing down straws to steer her yacht and adjust the sails, she completed the route in 11 hours. She is now hoping to sail around Britain.
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ORGANISERS HOPE FOR AN HISTORIC CARNIVAL ORGANISERS HOPE FOR AN HISTORIC CARNIVAL
25 July 2007 - Sandown’s annual carnival procession takes to the streets, on Wednesday night. Hot on the wheels of Tuesday’s children’s carnival, the floats will roll through the seaside town from 7pm. This year’s event is themed “ancient civilisations” and gets underway at Culver Parade. Revellers will be handed some 1500 whistles, to help them get involved. There will also be music, food and entertainment at Eastern Gardens and in Fitzroy Street. For more information, log on to www.sandowncarnival.com. Meanwhile, the illuminated carnival takes place on 29 August, at 9pm
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TRUST WARNS OF BALLOONING RISK TO ANIMALS
25 July 2007 - Are you thinking of marking your wedding or fete with a balloon release, this summer? The Hampshire and Wight Wildlife Trust is urging us to think again, in a bid to protect the environment. It says around 95% of balloons released into the skies rise to an altitude of 5 miles, before bursting and falling back to earth in small pieces, ending up as litter on the ground or out at sea. Most balloons are made of latex and it is estimated they take between 6 and 12 months to degrade. The Trust’s Marine Officer Jolyon Chesworth says many end up far out to sea, putting animals at risk. “Animals…can either eat them or become entangled in them. Animals who normally feed on prey on the surface of the sea, such as turtles, birds and dolphins, are particularly at risk as they can mistake the balloons for food. If swallowed, the pieces can become lodged in their throats or stomachs and lead to starvation.” Instead, we are being asked to consider piñata-style balloon popping, balloon sculptures, or even a virtual balloon race!
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RED FUNNEL SAILING FLEET’S FOUR GOOD RACES RED FUNNEL SAILING FLEET’S FOUR GOOD RACES
24 July 2007 - The weekend saw the third round of the Red Funnel Cowes Keelboat Championship, run by the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Heavy rain squalls swept across the course on Saturday, bringing large shifts to keep the sailors on their toes. The rain relented after the first race and the sky cleared, but as the sunshine appeared so the wind dropped. After a postponement, a nice 7-8 knot southwesterly blew up, building quickly to around 20 knots, giving all the fleets a more challenging second race. On Sunday, the fleets enjoyed better conditions with sparkling sunshine and a 10-15 knot southwesterly. The next round of the series will be held on 8-9 September and will be run by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.
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ALL WEATHER PITCH TO OPEN IN FRESHWATER
24 July 2007 - A state-of-the-art multi-use games area will open in Freshwater, in September. Located at Moa Place, it features a playing surface that can be used in all weather conditions. The project is being funded by the IW Council and Barclays Bank’s Spaces for Sport project. Funding has also been raised by individuals and through grants from U.E.F.A., the Football Foundation and the Youth Opportunities Fund. IW Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, David Pugh, said "This is a modern facility that will benefit the whole community not only in Freshwater but the whole of the West Wight.” An official opening ceremony is planned for 1 September.
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CHILDREN AMAZED ON DAY OUT IN NITON CHILDREN AMAZED ON DAY OUT IN NITON
23 July 2007 - Children from Niton Primary School have ended the term with a lesson in problem solving and maths, but according to their teachers, all 99 of them had fun. Far from sitting in a classroom they visited the DINOMaze, set in 7 acres field, off the A3055 Blackgang Road. Designed by a world-renowned maze expert and shaped like a tyrannosaurus rex, it is in a field owned by Niton Manor Farm and has been grown out of a cereal crop. The Niton children were among the first to see it and Maze Manager Neil Simmons said, "It was such a huge pleasure for me to see so many children racing around...it's what summer holidays should be all about." At the end of the season, the maize will be fed to the farm’s herd of cattle but for now it is open to visitors of all ages. See it for yourself at www.nitonmaze.co.uk.
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MUSICALS STAR SPEAKS OF FILM ROLE
23 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight’s very own leading lady, Laura Michelle Kelley, has been talking about her new film project. The twenty-something, with a host of West End and Broadway performances under her belt, is starring in Tim Burton’s forthcoming musical film “Sweeny Todd”. Speaking on BBC Radio Two, she has revealed that Burton is “passionate about music” and that her co-star, heart-throb Johnny Depp “can really sing”. Helena Bonham Carter also stars in the film which is expected to be released later this year. Until then Laura is busy on stage at the Theatre Royal, on London’s Drury Lane, where she is playing Galadriel in “The Lord of The Rings”. She is also reported to be writing a follow-up pop album to her debut The Storm Inside”, which was released last year. When she has some spare time, will she be watching her own big break on the big screen? Err…no. “I don’t think I’ll watch myself”, she told BBC presenter Elaine Paige, “There’s always something that makes you think…Why did I do that?”. Because you will be great, Laura.
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UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY AT 8000 YEAR OLD SITE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY AT 8000 YEAR OLD SITE
23 July 2007 - An intensive study of one of the world’s most important underwater archaeological sites, just off the Isle of Wight, will begin on Monday. Divers from the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology will be returning to the submerged Mesolithic spot, hoping to reveal more of its submerged secrets. The 8000 year old site off Bouldnor, near Yarmouth, was discovered in 1988. Divers surveying the seabed spotted a lobster pushing worked flint tools out of its burrow and realised its importance. Professionals and volunteers will work together, underwater and on the land, carrying out new excavations and processing finds. For more details visit www.hwtma.org.uk
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ISLAND GARDENS ARE BLOOMING MARVELLOUS! ISLAND GARDENS ARE BLOOMING MARVELLOUS!
22 July 2007 - The winners of the Wight in Bloom Awards 2007 are celebrating, tonight. Wight in Bloom Chair Peggy Jarman, IW Council Chairman Cllr Roger Mazillius and Kerry Jackson, from the competition’s sponsor Wightlink, joined entrants at a special awards ceremony at Northwood House in Cowes, on Sunday. There were 120 entries in the 2007 competition, up from 80 in 2006. Meanwhile, the IW Council's million blooms were mentioned. They have been brightening up public areas across the Isle of Wight and were shown to the awards ceremony audience, as part of a slide show. Glass trophies, engraved by Andy Phillips of Hampshire’s “Just in Glass”, were presented to a number of green fingered greats and Roger Frampton of Cowes received the special award - the Lesley Kenrick Cup.
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HARRY POTTER FANS BRING HOGWARTS TO NEWPORT HARRY POTTER FANS BRING HOGWARTS TO NEWPORT
21 July 2007 - Around 800 Harry Potter fans, many in fancy dress, have queued up to be among the first to get their hands on a copy of the teenage wizard’s last adventure. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released at midnight and Waterstones bookshop, in Newport, was among those to open especially for the event. On Saturday afternoon, managers told the IW Beacon that they had sold out and that the store had parted with more than 1000 copies. Muggles are now eagerly reading the final instalment in the long running series (this website editor, among them!).
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GIRL LOSES HAIR FOR HOSPICE
21 July 2007 - A 15 year old Island girl is set to raise around £800 for charity, by loosing her hair. Jaide Gaile’s locks are below her elbows, but she is set to let people loose with the scissors in return for a 50p donation . The money raised will be given to the Naomi House Children’s Hospice. You can see her drastic haircut for yourself at St John’s Church Hall in Wroxall, at 2:30, on Saturday afternoon.
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VILLAGE LIFE HONOURED BY CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR
21 July 2007 - Held at Newport's Quay Arts Centre and hosted by the Isle of Wight Rural Community Council (RCC), the 2007 Calor Village of the Year Awards were presented recently.
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LOSS OF THE SS MENDI REMEMBERED
21 July 2007 - A South African warship will help remember 600 people killed when their ship sank off the Isle of Wight, during World War One. A wreath will be thrown into the Channel, near St Catherine’s Point, to mark the sinking of the SS Mendi, in February 1917. The boat collided with another vessel in the fog and most of those on board, African volunteers headed for the Western Front, were drowned. On Saturday, a South African naval band will play and a service of remembrance will be also held on board the SAS Amatola, at the spot where the boat was lost.
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FUN RUN IN FRESHWATER
21 July 2007 - A one mile fun-run will test the endurance of Freshwater’s youngsters, on Sunday. The West Wight Sports Centre is hosting the event, from 11am. The under 9s and those aged between 9 and 15 years old can compete, in two separate races. Their challenge is to cross the finish line, on the playing field at West Wight Middle School. Around 50 children are expected to take part in the event.
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OSBORNE FIREWORKS END OUTDOOR CONCERT OSBORNE FIREWORKS END OUTDOOR CONCERT
21 July 2007 - A fireworks display will light up the skies over Osborne House, on Saturday, to mark the Last Night of the Osborne Proms. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is performing in the grounds of Queen Victoria’s former palace, in East Cowes. Their programme includes works by Glinka, Mascagni, Mendelssohn, Lehar and Faure.
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ISLAND ACTS JUDGED BEST AT BESTIVAL PLAYOFF ISLAND ACTS JUDGED BEST AT BESTIVAL PLAYOFF
21 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight's Hugo Frusslinky (pictured) will open this year’s Bestival music festival, at Robin Hill. They scooped the prestigious slot at September’s sold-out event, after winning a play-off in Ryde, on Thursday night. The band only started making music together at the start of this year, but say they are old friends. You can hear them for yourself by logging on to their My Space page at: www.myspace.com/hugofrusslinky.
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BAD WEATHER POSTPONES ROUND THE ISLAND SWIM BAD WEATHER POSTPONES ROUND THE ISLAND SWIM
20 July 2007 - A swim around the Isle of Wight, in aid of charity, has been postponed with just hours to go. Bad weather and large swells of water on the Island’s south coast have made Saturday’s attempt too dangerous. A team of six mainland swimmers, among them a fire fighter, a teacher and an engineer, were hoping to raise money for Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the RNLI. Their 60 mile marathon will now take place (weather permitting) in August, when they plan to swim non-stop overnight, for around 20 hours, in relay. 32-year-old oceanographic researcher Gary Rob (PICTURED), from Southampton, told the IW Beacon that he and his team mates were disappointed and had remained optimistic their swim could go ahead. But he pointed out that, by August, at least the water will be warmer. Follow their progress at www.roundtheislandswim.co.uk.
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NIGHT OF MAGIC FOR RELEASE OF HARRY POTTER NIGHT OF MAGIC FOR RELEASE OF HARRY POTTER
20 July 2007 - There are just a few hours to wait before the final instalment of the Harry Potter series goes on sale. Rumours are rife over what will become of the teenage wizard and his friends, Hermione and Ron. Island muggles are being urged not to read spoilers, published by an American newspaper on Thursday. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is being made available at a minute past midnight, with some shops on the Island opening especially for the event. WH Smith on Newport High Street and Waterstones, also on the High Street, are among those set to welcome fans. Waterstones is hosting a fancy dress Harry Potter party, from 11pm where readers will be able to pre-pay for their copies. The store told the IW Beacon today that it had “lots and lots and lots of pre-orders”, but was certain there were enough copies for everyone!
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EXHIBITION HOOKED ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ISLAND INVENTOR EXHIBITION HOOKED ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ISLAND INVENTOR
20 July 2007 - An exhibition of the work of 17th Century scientist, engineer and architect Robert Hooke is opening its doors this weekend. Organised by the Robert Hooke Exhibition and Hooke Society and dedicated to “Freshwater's famous son”, the event is being held at the Island Planetarium, at Fort Victoria Country Park. Exhibits will show more about Hooke’s life and his experiments, discoveries, innovations, inventions and achievements. It will be officially opened by Professor Allan Chapman, at 1130, on Saturday. See more at www.islandastronomy.co.uk.
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CHARITY GIG @THE VENUE CHARITY GIG @THE VENUE
20 July 2007 - The Venue @ Ryde Theatre is hosting a charity gig, in aid of Cancer Research, on Friday night. The event will featuring home-grown bands Zombie Groove Machine, Carousel Era & Shredder. Doors open at 8pm. Click on www.rydetheatre.co.uk for more information.
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EARLY WARNINGS OF POSSIBLE FLOODING
19 July 2007 - We are being warned of the possibility of very heavy rain, over the next 24 hours. The Met Office says the Isle of Wight could be among the regions in the south to bear the brunt of between 40 and 90 millimetres of rain, between midnight tonight (Thursday) and Friday lunchtime. The Environment Agency has issued a press release encouraging people to take care. Its Regional Director, Howard Davidson, said: “We don’t want to cause unnecessary alarm. If rainfall is lower than predicted it will be wet but any flooding will be localised and from surface water rather than from rivers. If the rainfall is higher than predicted we could see more problems developing.
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PLAY-OFF FINALISTS SET TO TAKE TO THE STAGE PLAY-OFF FINALISTS SET TO TAKE TO THE STAGE
19 July 2007 - Five local bands and five Island DJs face a play-off for a chance to play at this year’s sold-out Bestival. The Robin Hill music festival takes place between 7-9 September. Fighting for a chance to kick off the music on the main stage are solo artist Emily-Jane, 5-piece Hugo Frusslinky, indie group The Operators, hip hop collective The White Room and the band Shadow Fly. Meanwhile DJs Sparrow, TS, Renegade, Mandy Sugarhill and Phat Funk Mac want a spot in DJ tent. The winners will be chosen at an event at The Venue@Ryde Theatre, on Thursday night. They will be judged by Bestival organiser and Radio One DJ Rob da Bank(pictured), the Isle of Wight County Press’ Ross Findon, Tom Stroud from Isle of Wight Radio and a surprise celebrity judge!
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TRIMARAN TRIALS AHEAD OF IW CIRCUMNAVIGATION
19 July 2007 - A giant trimaran is set to attempt a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. The 97ft IDEC II was launched about one month ago and has been undergoing trials. IDEC II’s skipper, Francis Joyon, became the fastest person to sail solo around the world in 2004, shaving 20 days off the previous record. He later lost the title to Cowes’ Dame Ellen Macarthur and hopes to reclaim it this autumn. First, the Frenchman plans to sail his huge multi-hull solo round the Island, 20 years after he completed the journey in a smaller trimaran.
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QUEEN’S IMAGE HANGS AT IW COUNCIL’S HQ QUEEN’S IMAGE HANGS AT IW COUNCIL’S HQ
19 July 2007 - A new portrait of the Queen is gracing the Council Chamber in County Hall. Less controversial than Her Majesty’s recent photograph session with American Annie Lebowitz, it was painted by an artist who lives in Isle of Wight County, in Virginia, America. Charles Franklin Bryan began painting the picture during a recent visit to Virginia by members of the Isle of Wight Council. It was formally presented to Council Chairman Cllr Roger Mazillius on Wednesday, in the presence of the HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White.
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KIDS KNOW BEST WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISLAND KIDS KNOW BEST WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISLAND
19 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight is planning to publish a brand new holiday guide – but this one will be different. It will be written by children, especially for children and young people on the Island are being invited to get involved. The project is being led by the Brill Books team, from the Island 2000 Trust. The Trust wants to find out what you think are the best places to see here and what visiting children (and their families) would want to know about. Young people will edit your information to create an insider’s family guidebook, packed with local knowledge and invaluable information. From fossil hunting to climbing trees and from skate parks to the Island’s best ice-cream, the team wants to hear from you. Fill out a questionnaire and if your information is used your name will appear in the book. If your school has not already given you a questionnaire, you can get one at arts@island2000.org.uk. Or you can visit Newport’s Quay Arts centre. Get your replies in by October, in time for a Spring/Summer 2008 Guide.
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SAILING STAR HELPS FERRY FIRM FLY SAILING STAR HELPS FERRY FIRM FLY
18 July 2007 - Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Roberston OBE, who lives on the Isle of Wight, knows a thing or two about travel. She has competed around the world in sailing events. On Wednesday, she was home in Cowes, to officially open a new travel agency. It is the town’s only travel shop and is operated by cross-Solent ferry firm Red Funnel. The premises in Fountain Yard, which first opened its doors on Saturday, sees Red Funnel branching out into holidays and flights.
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MUFTI DAY RAISES £HUNDREDS FOR CHAIRMAN’S CHARITIES
18 July 2007 - The charities supported by the IW Council’s Chairman will benefit from more than £500, donated by the students of Cowes High School. The money was raised during a mufti day at the Crossfield Avenue school. It will be given to the Island Youth Water Activities Centre and the Isle of Wight’s MacMillan nurses. A cheque will be presented to Cllr Roger Mazillius at a meeting of the IW Council, on Wednesday.
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GAMES TEAM HONOURED AT COUNTY HALL GAMES TEAM HONOURED AT COUNTY HALL
18 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight’s Island Games team will be honoured by the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Roger Mazillius, on Wednesday. The Island’s athletes brought home 13 medals, including 6 gold, from the competition on the Greek island of Rhodes. Their manager, David Ball, will tell the Council Chamber of their achievements, ahead of a meeting of the full council.
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OPERATION SEAHORSE LAUNCHED TO PROTECT ISLAND WATERS OPERATION SEAHORSE LAUNCHED TO PROTECT ISLAND WATERS
18 July 2007 - A wildlife group is campaigning for better protection for some of the most fragile marine life living in the waters around the Isle of Wight. Sharks, rays and eels, as well as the UK’s largest native oyster population and seahorses are among the animals found here. But the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says both the Government and local people need to take action, to make sure they continue to survive. The Trust says that if we eat fish products, spend leisure time on the coast or at sea, use building materials or buy products imported by sea, we impact the Island’s marine environment. According to those behind “Operation Seahorse”, in the whole of the UK’s waters just an area the size of an average fast food restaurant is fully protected.
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TEENAGE POWERBOATERS COMPLETE CIRCUMNAVIGATION CHALLENGE
18 July 2007 - Three Island teenagers, with over 20 years of powerboating experience between them, have become the youngest people to circumnavigate the British Isles. Members of Seaview Yacht Club, they completed the Evinrude Round GB Youth Challenge on a 9 metre rigid inflatable boat. 17-year-old Londoners Archie Ward and Harry Edwards, who holiday on the Island and Jack Haigh, 18, from St Helens launched their challenge at Cowes Yacht Haven, during the Ribex 2007 boat show. Sponsored by BRP Recreational Products UK Ltd and supported by Island businesses, they took just 10 days to complete the route, before being welcomed home by a flotilla of support boats carrying family and friends. The journey was in aid of the charity Sail 4 Cancer. Jack Haigh told one website: “I love being on the water and I want to see for myself what I can achieve. This challenge will be something I will remember for the rest of my life and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
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CLASSIC YACHTS SAIL THE SOLENT
17 July 2007 - The annual British Classic Yacht Club Regatta is taking place in Cowes. Attracting boats from around the world, the event is hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Squadron. 10 yachts attended the first event, in 2002. Now around 50 are competing on the Solent, ranging in size from 32ft to 70ft. The event is raising money for the charity Sail 4 Cancer, which arranges sailing opportunities for ill children. It includes a pro-celeb day which, this year, will see broadcaster and keen sailor Griff Rhys Jones take to the water.
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INTERCHANGE PLANS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER INTERCHANGE PLANS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER
17 July 2007 - More than a year’s worth of work to create Ryde’s £multi-million new gateway will begin in October. The Interchange project will draw together the town’s hovercraft, train and bus terminals and taxi rank and around 2.5 million people will pass through it each year. Called a “landmark development”, the Interchange will be the largest project of its type ever undertaken on the Island. Those behind the scheme say it will be pedestrian-friendly, with a new road layout planned. It is also hoped that CCTV and police advice, in designing the scheme, will help cut down on late-night trouble on the seafront. The work will be carried out by contractor Dyer and Butler; and local sub-contractors and material will also be used. IW Council Cabinet Member for Transport. Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, said: "We have taken great care to ensure that the building looks impressive…The bulk of the money for the scheme - £6.2 million -- is by way of a Government grant.”
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IW COUNCIL ADDRESSES WORKPLACE BULLYING IW COUNCIL ADDRESSES WORKPLACE BULLYING
16 July 2007 - Members of the IW Council’s Standards Committee have been told of moves to prevent bullying within the local authority. Concerns were raised over workplace bullying by a survey of council staff who were asked about their working environment. Since the report was published in 2006, the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council have spoken of a zero tolerance approach to bullying. Standard Committee members will be told that Island councillors have recently been made aware of their responsibilities, under a revised code of conduct which makes it clear that harassment and bullying is not acceptable. Ongoing training for managers is also attempting to address the issue.
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ISLAND HOVER TRAVELS TO SCOTLAND
16 July 2007 - An Isle of Wight built hovercraft is flying across Scottish waters, for the next fortnight, to see if a passenger service would be viable there. The Solent Express was built by Bembridge-based Hoverwork Ltd, part of the cross-Solent operator Hovertravel. It is running around 20 services a day, across the Firth of Forth, between Kirkcaldy and Portobello. With a crossing time of 19 minutes, the route is nearly twice as long as the more familiar Ryde to Southsea journey. The Scottish service is being trialled by transport company Stagecoach.
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BARTON MANOR OPEN DAY IS MAGNIFIQUE! BARTON MANOR OPEN DAY IS MAGNIFIQUE!
16 July 2007 - The grounds of a private manor house in the Island were turned red white and blue, in aid of charity, on Sunday. The Earl Mountbatten Hospice held an open day at Barton Manor (pictured) in Whippingham, with a French theme. Hundreds turned out to hear live bands, walk through the manor’s extensive grounds and part with their cash, in aid of Newport’s respite care facility. Another open day is planned for September.
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CHAMPAGNE G.H. MUMM LADIES' DAY AT SKANDIA COWES WEEK 2007
16 July 2007 - Report by Suzanne Whitewood.
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IW ORGANISATION IN SOUTHERN HOUSING GROUP MERGER IW ORGANISATION IN SOUTHERN HOUSING GROUP MERGER
13 July 2007 - The merger of a number of southern housing associations, including one on the Isle of Wight, will streamline operations and create one of the largest housing groups in the region. And the Isle of Wight is to see the lion’s share of new homes being planned by the new Spectrum organisation, according to The Medina Housing Association, which operates from Newport’s Lugley Street. The group aims to develop 1000 new homes across the south and southwest over the next couple of years. Medina Housing, which owns and operates around 3000 affordable properties on the Island says no jobs will be lost here following the merger and “indeed, the number of posts [on the Island] has increased in recent times as the result of a local restructuring of the organisation. Specturm, which operates a not-for-profit policy, will manage 16000 homes across the south and south-west of England. Medina Housing’s Managing Director, Martyn Pearl (pictured) said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Island to benefit from the increased potential offered by Spectrum Housing Group. The extended financial strength and resource base will support our enhanced ability to deliver excellent local housing and services. I am confident that this will further improve the tenant experience and contribute to the delivery of the objectives set in the Council’s Housing Strategy.”
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ISLAND CLEANS UP IN STREET SURVEY ISLAND CLEANS UP IN STREET SURVEY
13 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight has made the top 15 in list of Britain’s cleanest streets. The Island is ranked eleventh of 350 areas, with just 2% of our streets considered to be dirty. In a report published by the GMB Union, Sevenoaks in Kent topped the table with no dirty streets at all. Less fortune, with no such clean sweep, was the London borough of Havering. 44% of its streets were considered unacceptable. The figures were ranked by the GMB, from information supplied by local authorities in 2005/6.
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ART AT THE STUDIO
12 July 2007 - A new art gallery has opened in Newport, next to the new bus station, giving people waiting for a bus a chance to spend their time wisely.
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TSUNAMI RELIEF VILLAGE PROJECT COMPLETE TSUNAMI RELIEF VILLAGE PROJECT COMPLETE
12 July 2007 - An Isle-of-Wight-funded project to build a new village in Sri Lanka, for people made homeless by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, has ended with the handing over of keys. Members of the Isle of Wight’s Rotary Club have been working with the Rotary Club in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. They have built a new community, to house those whose homes were swept away. Despite a few setbacks, the project has come in under budget and charity workers are now hoping to use the remaining funds to help other Sri Lankans. Around £30,000 will be used to support a project called The Rainbow Centre (www.rainbowcentresrilanka.com), which is dedicated to the children of people so impoverished that they have no official papers and have been unable to receive government aid.
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FINDS ROADSHOW SET TO REVEAL OUR HISTORY FINDS ROADSHOW SET TO REVEAL OUR HISTORY
12 July 2007 - Newport Roman Villa is marking National Archaeology Week by holding a Finds Roadshow. Archaeological finds are being featured at the event, on Saturday (14 July). The Isle of Wight Heritage Services Object Conservator, and the Finds Liaison Officer of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, Frank Basford, will identify objects. British Museum curator, Barry Ager, who specialises in Continental and Early Medieval and Viking Collections, will also be answering questions. The curator of Sandown’s Dinosaur Isle will also be on hand. There will also be activities for children, including making a miniature Roman inspired garden, finding out more about Roman food and making a mosaic or blanket. Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for Regeneration, Leisure and Communications Councillor David Pugh says, "It is a credit to our Heritage Service to be welcoming a curator from the British Museum and to be providing such a hands-on and interactive programme for children.” The event is free and takes place between 10am and 4pm.
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NORFOLK BOY'S RARE DINOSAUR FIND
12 July 2007 - A rare dinosaur bone is being studied by experts after it was found by a young holiday-maker on an Isle of Wight beach. Owain Lewis, 6, from Norfolk, made the discovery at Compton. The bone is thought to be from a flying dinosaur with a 12ft wingspan. Pterosaur bones are rare because they are light and are much more fragile that those of land-based dinosaurs.
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YOUNG ISLAND SPORTSPEOPLE TO BE HONOURED YOUNG ISLAND SPORTSPEOPLE TO BE HONOURED
12 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight’s Island Games team is to be honoured by the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Roger Mazillius. The Island’s athletes brought home 13 medals, including 6 gold, from the competition on the Greek island of Rhodes. Their manager, David Ball, will tell the Council Chamber of their achievements, ahead of a meeting on 18 July.
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CHANGEABLE WEATHER MAKES FOR AN EXCELLENT SWAN REGATTA
11 July 2007 - SUZANNE WHITEWOOD HAS THIS SPECIAL REPORT ON ALL THE ACTION AT COWES’ NAUTOR SWAN REGATTA:

There was fast and exciting racing in the Nautor Swan Regatta, this year, thanks to the weather
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEEKS OUTSTANDING ISLAND BUSINESSES
11 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is seeking entrants for its 2007 Business Awards for Excellence. The awards aim to recognise outstanding business achievements on the Island. To enter, you do not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and you can work in any industry, If you are based on the Isle of Wight visit www.iwchamber.co.uk for an online form (create a username and password), call 01983 520777, or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk.
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FUNDRAISING BID FOR IW PUPIL
11 July 2007 - Teachers and staff at Forelands Middle School in Bembridge are trying to raise cash for an 11-year-old pupil with brain damage. James Black from Bembridge has just returned to school after a heart attack last year. Now, the school wants to raise £2,500 for specialist equipment that will make his life easier. From 5pm, there will be a barbecue, stalls and games, as well as nail and face painting and a bouncy castle. There will also be a silent auction for prizes donated by local businesses, including two hours' free sailing tuition, hairdressing and head massage.
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CHAMBER WANTS MEMBERS PLEDGING TO GO GREEN CHAMBER WANTS MEMBERS PLEDGING TO GO GREEN
11 July 2007 - Local businesses are being urged to go green, by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. It is supporting the British Chambers of Commerce’s climate change charter, which was launched on 28 June. It commits the Chamber to putting climate change at the heart of operations. The organisation, which is based in Newport, is promising advice and assistance to help its members reduce their energy use. It wants members to pledge their support, by signing-up to reduce carbon emissions. You can read the charter for yourself at www.theclimatechangecharter.co.uk.
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BESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ISLAND PLAY-OFF FINALISTS BESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ISLAND PLAY-OFF FINALISTS
11 July 2007 - Five local bands and five Island DJs are facing a play-off for a chance to play at this year’s sold-out Bestival. Organisers of the Robin Hill music festival, which takes place between 7-9 September, say this year’s competition to find upcoming local acts has had the biggest response so far. Fighting for a chance to kick off the music on the main stage are solo artist Emily-Jane, 5-piece Hugo Frusslinky, indie group The Operators, hip hop collective The White Room and the band Shadow Fly. Meanwhile Sparrow, TS, Renegade and Phat Funk Mac, are among those who want a spot in DJ tent. They will take to the stage at The Venue@Ryde Theatre, on 19 July. They will be judged by Bestival organiser and Radio One DJ Rob da Bank(pictured), the Isle of Wight County Press’ Ross Findon, Tom Stroud from Isle of Wight Radio and a surprise celebrity judge!
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2 YEAR RESCUE DEAL FOR IW THEATRES 2 YEAR RESCUE DEAL FOR IW THEATRES
10 July 2007 - A rescue package for two Island theatres has been agreed by Isle of Wight councillors. The IW Council's Cabinet Members opted to continue to fund Ryde Theatre in Lind Street and Shanklin Theatre in Prospect Road, at a meeting in Bembridge, on Tuesday night. The plan will stave off closure for a further two years. The local authority wants to involve private businesses in the theatres’ futures, in the longer term.
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LAST CALL AS ISLAND THEATRES TAKE CENTRE STAGE? LAST CALL AS ISLAND THEATRES TAKE CENTRE STAGE?
09 July 2007 - It could be the last call for two Island theatres, as Isle of Wight councillors consider whether to invest in and improve them, or to close them down. Cabinet Members meet, on Tuesday, to discuss the futures of Ryde Theatre in Lind Street (pictured) and Shanklin Theatre in Prospect Road. They are among those run by the IW Council since 2003. A report, being presented to cabinet members at their 6pm meeting at Bembridge Village Hall, says there was “little prioritisation of funds” when the theatres were brought in-house and that led to a “decline in… the fabric of the buildings…[and] has proved a drain on resources.” “The Venue” at Ryde Theatre is best known as a live music venue. Housed in a Grade II listed, John Nash-designed building, Ryde Theatre is also the place to find a preserved public organ which, until 2007, was legally protected for public use. Shanklin Theatre was built in 1878 and is considered by many Islanders to be iconic in the coastal town. The resignation of its artistic director, who is due to step down this summer, has left its future even more uncertain. A number of options will be considered, but among those set to take centre stage will be a managed closure of both sites.
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SUN SHINES FOR RYDE'S ARTS AND REGATTA SUN SHINES FOR RYDES ARTS AND REGATTA
09 July 2007 - The Island’s largest mixed arts event is underway in Ryde, kicked off at the weekend by a parade through the town by local schools and community groups. Saturday saw a host of carnival costumes sway through streets, as well as live music performances. Organised by the Ryde Development Trust, the 7-day festival promises promoters, performers, poets, photographers, musicians and artists. The arts event has coincided with the 3-day Ryde Regatta, which was marked by a firework display over the town, on Saturday night. The annual regatta also brought to Ryde music, beach soccer and pony rides on the sand, provided by Binstead’s Brickfields Horse Country.
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WORSLEY ROAD DEVELOPMENT GRANTED ACCESS WORSLEY ROAD DEVELOPMENT GRANTED ACCESS
09 July 2007 - The IW Council has agreed a deal that will allow a property developer access to land in Newport, across school playing fields. Persimmon Homes (formerly Westbury Homes) plans to build 260 properties on land next to Kitbridge Middle School, near Forest Road. On Thursday, the local authority also agreed to acquire land from a nearby farm, to create a much larger school playing field. The decision means Persimmon Homes can create an access road to its Worsley Road site. Some issues have yet to be resolved, including boundaries, timing and the provision of a temporary playing field.
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BAD WEATHER’S NASTY TWIST
09 July 2007 - A tornado has swept across the Isle of Wight. There were a number of dramatic sightings of the twister, on Monday lunchtime. Stunned radio listeners called Isle of Wight Radio’s phone-in programme to describe a “grey-white funnel” in the sky. According to the Met Office, the UK has more tornadoes than anywhere else in the world, but the 30-50 twisters reported here every year cause much less damage than those in other countries. In 2004, a tornado swept across the Somerton Industrial Estate in Cowes, ripping off roofs and smashing windows. Monday’s twister was apparently less severe. There were no reports of damage, according to the IW Fire and Rescue Service on Monday night.
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Nautor Swans at Cowes
06 July 2007 - Nautor Swan Regatta- Cowes 2007
Nautor Swans from around the world are now gathered in Cowes Yacht Haven
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IW FIREFIGHTERS HELP FLOOD EFFORT IW FIREFIGHTERS HELP FLOOD EFFORT
06 July 2007 - ISLAND fire-fighters are heading to South Yorkshire to join the massive flood relief effort. Four fire-fighters from Newport Fire Station are travelling to Toll Bar to help work pumps, which are being used around-the- clock to reduce the water levels in the village. Three colleagues will travel to the village on Monday, to relieve them. IW Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Ian Ward, said: "There is a strong sense of camaraderie throughout the UK’s fire services and this is an example of that. Our fire-fighters are looking forward to doing their bit to help the Toll Bar community."
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ARTIST’S PAPER BOATS DREAM ARTIST’S PAPER BOATS DREAM
06 July 2007 - Paper boats will soon be taking to the water, thanks to a crafty activity designed to teach Islanders how to fold their own vessels. The Paper Boat Regatta will take place in August. To ensure the fleet is ready, Newport’s Quay Arts Centre is holding workshops on making everything from newspaper boats to complex sailing boats, from this Saturday. It is part of artist Kieren Reed’s Rite of Passage exhibition. Instructions and materials will be available in the Learning Curve gallery with prizes for next month’s unsinkable and speediest creations!
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TICKET TO RIDE AFTER STRIKE POSTPONED TICKET TO RIDE AFTER STRIKE POSTPONED
06 July 2007 - Bus passengers have been given a reprieve after a week-long strike, by some Southern Vectis employees, was postponed. Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union will now vote on a revised pay settlement, made on the condition action would be halted. Staff were due to walk out on Sunday morning, but put the strike on hold to consider the company’s final offer. It proposes an 8% increase on basic salaries, backdated to the end of February and 8% on overtime, backdated to June. Managers are also offering a raise of 1% above the retail price index from early 2008 and a guaranteed minimum £8.20 per hour for drivers.
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ISLAND’S HEALTHY BUT CONCERNS REMAIN
06 July 2007 - Islanders are healthier than most people in England. That is according to the 2007 Local Authority Health Profile, published by the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust. Life expectancy is increasing here at a faster pace than in parts of the mainland and early death rates are lower. But areas of concern remain over children in poverty, poor GCSE grades and adult obesity. The rate of people claiming sickness benefit because of mental health problems is also higher than average. Director of Public Health and the Isle of Wight’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Jennifer Smith, said “The overall levels of good health on the Island demonstrates the good partnership working between the IW Council and the PCT. The challenge is to maintain this in the face of evidence of unhealthy lifestyles, such as increase in obesity and to reduce the inequalities underneath the overall figures.”
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ROUND THE ISLAND FOR SOUTHAMPTON BASED FLEET
06 July 2007 - More than 100 yachts will take on the round the Island sailing challenge, this weekend. The Royal Southampton Yacht Club's Island Double will see crews of two racing to be the first to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight. The race leaves Cowes at 6:40am on Saturday. The event has been running since 1981 and organisers say that if the weather holds, records could be broken this year.
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WIGHTCABLE VIEWERS HAVEN’T LOST LOST…OR THE SIMPSONS WIGHTCABLE VIEWERS HAVEN’T LOST LOST…OR THE SIMPSONS
05 July 2007 - The Isle of Wight’s cable TV viewers will still be able to watch Sky One and Sky News, following a deal between BSkyB and Cowes-based Wightcable. The agreement ensures the two channels will remain on local tv sets and is one that could not be reached between Virgin Media (owned by Richard Branson) and Sky – leading to a very public disagreement and legal action. Wightcable is one of 3 companies to reach an agreement that will see shows like Lost and The Simpsons continue to entertain cable viewers here. Sky did not reveal how much Wightcable had paid for the channels, but Chief Operating Officer Mike Darcy said it, as well as cable providers Newtel and Smallworld, had “recognised the increasing value of Sky's basic channels and we welcome their decision to invest in bringing their customers the TV they enjoy."