FOOT AND MOUTH PRECAUTIONS ROLLED OUT ON THE ISLAND
27 September 2007 -
The IW Council’s taking new foot and mouth precautions in response to the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs declaring Hampshire a foot and mouth risk area. Mats soaked in disinfectant are being rolled out at Island ferry ports. We’re being reminded that the mats don’t provide a significant protection against the disease but they are a visual reminder of the need to be vigilant about Foot and Mouth. There are no cases of foot and mouth either in Hampshire or on the Island which remains a low risk area according to DEFRA.
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UNDERCLIFF INQUIRY CALLS FOR PUBLIC INPUT
27 September 2007 -
The inquiry into the way the Isle of Wight Council handled the scheme to shore up the Undercliff Drive scheme is being opened up to members of the public. March, Wragge & Co, which is leading the investigation, has been gathering evidence from inside the council. Now, Islanders with evidence have until October 2 to present it to the inquiry. You can submit it in writing by email to undercliff@wragge.com, or by post to Undercliff Investigation, Wragge & co, 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AS. Or you can give evidence in person at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, on October 2nd, at a previously arranged face-to-face meeting.
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ELECTION CALLED ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
27 September 2007 -
It’s election time again – this time for young Islanders. Nominations are being sought ahead of the Isle of Wight Youth Council election, which takes place in the last week of November. Members can be aged between 13-21. There are 24 elected Youth Councillors and 8 places open to representatives of other youth organisations. One place is reserved for the Island's Youth MP. To be nominated all you will need is 2 signatures of young people from your part of the Island.
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NEW CABINET AND SAVINGS ANNOUNCED BY NEW LEADER
27 September 2007 -
The new Leader of Isle of Wight Council, Cllr David Pugh (PICTURED), has unveiled his new cabinet, along with a £20,000 saving to council tax payers for 2007. He’s reduced the cabinet from 10 to 7. Councillor Diana Tuson JP is the new Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Cllr Alan Wells is Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. Cllr George Brown is Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy, Property and Planning. Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson remains Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport and Cllr Dawn Cousins remains Cabinet Member for Heath & Wellbeing. Councillor Barry Abraham continues as Cabinet Member for Resources and is the new portfolio holder for customer support. In the new role of Cabinet Secretary for Town and Parish Councils is Cllr Jilly Wood.
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FRESHWATER GAMES AREA OPEN FOR PLAY
27 September 2007 -
Freshwater’s new state-of-the-art multi-use games area is officially open. IW Council Leader Cllr David Pugh and former Council Leader and Freshwater Norton member Cllr Andy Sutton cut the ribbon at Moa Place in Freshwater, on Thursday evening.
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NEW DRUG OFFERS LIFELINE TO RHEUMATIOD ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS
24 September 2007 -
People suffering severe rheumatoid arthritis are being offered new hope by doctors at St Mary’s Hospital, in Newport.
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AISLE 16 AT WIGHT WORDS FESTIVAL
24 September 2007 -
A beaten-up Ford Escort, a handful of biros and Kate Bush’s greatest hits: Just the inspiration for Aisle16, who spent 5 days travelling the length of the country, writing a poetic travelogue. The creatives appear at the Quay Arts centre in Newport (PICTURED), at 7pm on Tuesday. It’s part of the Wight Words festival.
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BODY FOUND IN HAMPSHIRE AS POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING GIRL
24 September 2007 -
Hampshire Police, who are searching for a teenager missing from her home in Wellington Close, Dibden Purlieu in Hampshire, have found a body. An appeal for information about 15-year-old Rosemary Edwards, who hasn't been seen for 3 weeks, was made at the Isle of Wight Bestival, earlier this month. Two walkers found the body of a young women or girl, near Bartley in the New Forest, yesterday. Police say no identification has been made, but Rosemary Edwards' parents are being kept informed.
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"I'M IMPATIENT TO SORT IT OUT" COUNCIL LEADER TELLS EDUCATION PROTESTORS
22 September 2007 -
The new leader of the IW Council’s admitted “I’m impatient to sort [the Island’s education system] out”. Cllr David Pugh was speaking to protesters angry at plans to retain year nine in middle schools and to close a number of Island high schools, in favour of new learning centres. Around 100 parents, teachers and students gathered at lunchtime on Saturday, complete with samba band, for their third and final noisy public protest. Cllr Pugh told the crowd, “I know we haven’t always engaged with people properly”, adding “we want to have a real genuine debate”.
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PHOTO: LISTENING TO SPEECHES
22 September 2007 -
One of the samba drummers who helped make Saturday's education protest heard takes a break to listen to speeches.
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PHOTO: TALKING TO PARENTS
22 September 2007 -
Education Cabinet Member, IW Councillor Alan Wells talks to parents at Saturday's education protest.
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PHOTO: TALKING WITH PARENTS
22 September 2007 -
IW Council Leader Cllr David Pugh answers parents' qustions.
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PHOTO: WE ARE NOT GUINEA PIGS
22 September 2007 -
Taken at the education protest in St Thomas' Square, Newport on Saturday afternoon.
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TIME TEAM'S PHIL TO FILL IN STUDENTS ABOUT HERITAGE CAREERS
22 September 2007 -
Medina High School's going back in time, on Monday, with a visit from archaeologist Phil Harding. From Channel Four's Time Team programme, he's to help launch a DVD that's been produced by GCSE students about careers in the heritage and museum sector on the Isle of Wight.
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WIGHT WORDS FESTIVAL LAUNCHES
22 September 2007 -
A feast of literary genius will entertain Islanders, from Monday. The Wight Words festival runs until 15 October. The launch events takes place on Monday, with a chance for writers and directors to pitch their short film ideas to a panel of industry experts. The best idea will be rewarded. It's being held at Newport's Quay Arts Centre (PICTURED), between 2-5pm.
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SCHOOL PROTEST REACHES NEWPORT TOWN CENTRE
22 September 2007 -
People campaigning against plans to change education on the Isle of Wight are planning to gather in Newport on Saturday, for the last of three protests. Accompanied by a samba band, they will be making their voices heard in St Thomas' Square. The IW Council's considering closing a number of local high schools, in favour of new learning centres. It is also planninng to extend middle schools by a year in a bid to improve results. Organisers say they're expecting new IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh and Cabinet Member Alan Wells to attend.
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TANDEMS AND HILLS AS CYCLE FESTIVAL CONTIUNES
21 September 2007 -
The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival continues, this weekend. Sunday sees the Hills Killer Challenge where participants can pick the number of hills they’re prepared to climb. On Saturday, solo-cyclists are being given the chance to take up "a bicycle made for two", during a "singles" cycle from Shanklin railway station to Godshill and back.
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TAKE YOUR PARTNER BY THE HAND AND DANCE AWAY IN VENTNOR
21 September 2007 -
Ventnor’s first IOW Folk & Blues Festival’s arrived, with a Ceilidh to remember, on Friday night. The traditional night of dance is being held in the Folk and Blues Village Main Arena, on Salisbury Gardens off Dudley Road. Melodeons, fiddles and brass, fusing English, French and Breton traditions, led by a caller. That’s the promise by the organisers. If you’d like to know more, visit www.iowfolkblues.co.uk
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ISLAND COUNCIL LEADER STEPS ASIDE
19 September 2007 -
The Leader of the IW Council has resigned. The shock move was announced at a full council meeting at County Hall, on Wednesday night. It is understood to have come after a row over a planning application concerning the Craven Croft Hotel in Shanklin. Andy Sutton will remain a councillor and is pledging to support the new leadership headed up by 26-year-old Councillor David Pugh. For unconnected reasons, Deputy Leader Cllr Patrick Joyce and Cabinet Member Cllr Melanie Swan have also stepped down.
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APPRENTICE SCHEME BUILDS ISLANDERS' FUTURES
18 September 2007 -
Homebuilder Barratt Homes is working with the Isle of Wight College to recruit Island apprentices. The scheme will see NVQ students, from the Newport-based college, training with the developer. Ten apprentices, aged 17 to 20, will be employed by Barratt, with day release to attend college. Their skills will be used on Barratt’s developments at Hawthorn Meadows (between East Cowes and Whippingham) and Nautiqua in Cowes.
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SOUTHERN WATER'S UP FOR SALE
18 September 2007 -
It’s reported three groups are in the bidding race for the Island’s water supplier. Owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland, Southern Water’s up for sale. The three possible buying groups are led by banks Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie (which already owns Wightlink).
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IWIGHT.COM WINS WEB AWARD
18 September 2007 -
"A very good, crisp site.” The words of judges at the Hantsweb Awards 2007 where the IW Council’s iwight.com was named Best Public Services Website, on Tuesday. The site was also said to use “just the right amount of graphics...[with a] good use of forums, just need to take care that they are well supervised and nice to see the Chief Executive with a Blog.” It beat Portsmouth City Council and Rushmoor Borough council to the accolade.
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SHIRLEY ROBERTSON MISSES OUT ON OLYMPIC PLACE
18 September 2007 -
Isle of Wight yachtswoman Shirley Robertson's missed out on the place in the British sailing team at next year's Olympics in Beijing. The Royal Yachting Association announced on Tuesday that Sarah Webb, Sarah Ayton and Pippa Wilson will instead contest the Yngling class. On her website, the double Olympic Gold medal winner and mum of twins says, "I am very sad and disappointed following today's decision by the RYA...Having had just 8 months preparation for the World Championships I truly believe we haven't had the chance to prove ourselves in the crucial Olympic year...I believe the RYA has taken the easy decision. Anything less than a gold medal in the Yngling class at next year's Olympics will leave questions unanswered about the RYA's selection process." Shirley Robertson say she spend the near future racing Extreme 40s, working as a broadcaster and spending time with her children.
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PUBLIC ASKED TO GET INVOLVED IN UNDERCLIFF INQUIRY
18 September 2007 -
We're being given a chance to have a say in the ongoing inquiry into the way development work on the Island's south east coast was handled by the IW Council. Solicitors Wragge & Co have been carrying out an internal investigation at County Hall since March. Now...members of the public are being invited to email or post evidence about the work to shore-up Undercliff Drive. Face to face meetings are to be held at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, on 2 October. They can be booked on 01983 821000.
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DRINKING AND DRIVING: TWO OF NEWPORT'S THREE MAIN CONCERNS
17 September 2007 -
Most people feel safe in the Isle of Wight’s county town, according to a recent community survey carried out by Hampshire Constabulary. Of the 321 questionnaires completed in last month’s street survey, 89% of visitors and 81% of residents said Newport’s a safe place to be. Even after dark, only 17% of visitors feel unsafe, compared to 30% of Islanders.
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ISLAND LADIES BACK CALLS FOR TRAVEL INQUIRY
16 September 2007 -
The Executive Council of the Island’s Federation of Women’s Institutes is backing calls for an investigation into the cost of travelling across the Solent. The Island’s MP Andrew Turner is planning to make a bid to the Office of Fair Trading and the ladies are adding their voices to the calls. The bid will be officially launched on Friday and Mr Turner intends to campaign for our support too. You can get involved by contacting his office in Newport on 01983 530808.
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LIFEBOAT APPEAL SWIMMING, NOT SINKING
16 September 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.
Read more about - LIFEBOAT APPEAL SWIMMING, NOT SINKING
ISLAND HEALTHY EATING AWARDS 2007 LAUNCHED
15 September 2007 -
The Isle of Wight Healthy Eating Awards 2007 have been offcially launched. This year's competition was kicked off on Friday, at the staff restaurant at Vestas Blades UK. The company's head chef, Dave Egerton Read, won last year's Healthy Workfore award. Competition organisers are now inviting entries from school caterers, local food producers, nursing homes and hospitality staff. The awards ceremony will take place in November and your entries should be in by 22 October. Call Sara Ellis on 01983 524058 for more details.
Read more about - ISLAND HEALTHY EATING AWARDS 2007 LAUNCHED
CLASSIC CAR SHOWS VRRRRM IN
15 September 2007 -
Two classic car shows and two charities to benefit, this weekend. The annual events reach Newport Quay, on Saturday, in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Meanwhile, the fleet of vehicles will move to Ryde Esplanade on Sunday, to raise money for Ryde Inshore Rescue lifeboat crew.
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WHAT’S ALL THIS THEN? A CHARITY BIKE RIDE, OFFICER.
14 September 2007 -
A group of Isle of Wight police officers are getting on their bikes for charity, on Sunday. In aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust, the 68 mile will start at Cowes Police Station, at 9am. From there, the group will cross the River Medina to East Cowes, before cycling clockwise around the Island. They’re hoping to raise £1000. If you can help, donate online at www.justgiving.com/bobbiesonbikes.
Read more about - WHAT’S ALL THIS THEN? A CHARITY BIKE RIDE, OFFICER.
ANNUAL BEACHWATCH CLEAN UP
14 September 2007 -
The Marine Conservation Society’s annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up takes place this weekend. Volunteers will help wildlife by spending a couple of hours at a local beach, to tackle the problem of beach litter. It’s estimated that, globally, over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics. MCS surveys have recorded a 90% increase in the amount of beach litter compared to 1994, with major sources being beach visitors and individuals, fishing debris, sanitary waste (particularly cotton bud sticks) and shipping waste. Over 4,200 volunteers took part during last year’s MCS Beachwatch weekend.
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GARDENER CHARLIE BACKS ISLAND PEDAL POWER
14 September 2007 -
Celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock’s to officially open the Isle of Wight's cycling festival, on Saturday. She’s at the sink and swim event, at Seaclose Park in Newport. Teams will race across the River Medina on aquabikes. The cycling festival features more than 20 cycle routes including picnic rides, family routes, AONB (areas of outstanding natural beauty) rides, healthy excursions, off road trails and children's activity rides.
Read more about - GARDENER CHARLIE BACKS ISLAND PEDAL POWER
HEADING DOWN UNDER IN A FINE FOUR-FENDERED FRIEND…
12 September 2007 -
An Isle of Wight couple are on their way to Australia, in a replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Nick and Carolyn Pointing have converted a landrover chassis into one of the world’s most famous vehicles. They’ve been working on the project since 2003 and on Wednesday their hard work culminated in the start of a 12,000 trip Down Under. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can fly, of course, but they’re planning to drive the route in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the World Wildlife Fund. Visit www.chitty.org.uk for more details.
Read more about - HEADING DOWN UNDER IN A FINE FOUR-FENDERED FRIEND…
AIR AMBULANCE CREW FLIES IN TO SAY HELLO
12 September 2007 -
The Isle of Wight’s air ambulance has paid a flying visit to Newport. Giving Islanders a chance to meet the crew and see the helicopter, it landed at St George’s Park football ground, on Wednesday. The helicopter costs £65,000 every month to stay in the air and all the cash comes from the fundraising efforts of its supporters. It can reach emergencies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 15 minutes and is airborne within 3 minutes of a 999 call. It has been flying since July 2007.
Read more about - AIR AMBULANCE CREW FLIES IN TO SAY HELLO
MOVES TO SECURE PAN’S ISOBEL CENTRE
12 September 2007 -
Residents met in Pan on Wednesday, to set up a new community association. Held at Downside Middle School, organisers were hoping to create a democratic, membership-based group to improve services and facilities at the Isobel Community Centre, next door to the school. The centre is being funded in the short term by the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership, but its supporters want a long-term solution. It’s also being supported by IW Councillor for Pan, Geoff Lumley (PICTURED). He says, “The Isobel Centre is a smashing resource for local people and we are trying to make it more relevant to people's needs. We need residents to help us do that.”
Read more about - MOVES TO SECURE PAN’S ISOBEL CENTRE
AN INVITATION TO SING
12 September 2007 -
Ryde’s Rainbow Wight Singers are back in song, from Wednesday. The group meets weekly at All Saints Church Hall, between 1.30 an 3.30pm. The group’s looking for new members and organisers say there are no restrictions on who can join.
Read more about - AN INVITATION TO SING
A BIRD IN THE HAND...IS USEFUL FOR WILDLIFE EXPERTS
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10 September 2007 -
Can you tell your Brent geese from your wading birds? The Hampshire and Wight Wildlife Trust is launching a survey to find out how birds use our coastline. Volunteer recorders have been sending in sightings, but more are needed. If you’d like to join around 50 recorders, spotting feathered friends at sites including Yarmouth to Bembridge contact Debbie King on 01489 774420, e-mail debbiek@hwt.org.uk or visit www.hwt.org.uk.
Read more about - A BIRD IN THE HAND...IS USEFUL FOR WILDLIFE EXPERTS
MV WAVERLEY'S SOUTH COAST JAUNT
10 September 2007 -
The world’s last sea-going paddle steamer paid a visit to Yarmouth (pictured), on Monday on a tour of the south coast. The MV Waverley ferried 600 passengers from Worthing Pier to the Isle of Wight, before heading to Bournemouth, Lulworth Cove in Dorset and Portsmouth.
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IWEP NOMINATED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR 2007
10 September 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 is a finalist at an awards ceremony on Tuesday. 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.
Read more about - IWEP NOMINATED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR 2007
BLIND ISLANDER'S SOLENT CHALLENGE POSTPONED
09 September 2007 -
A blind charity worker's to take the controls of Hovertravel's new 130-seater Solent Express. But Monday's challenge has now been postponed because of a technical problem with the hovercraft.
Read more about - BLIND ISLANDER'S SOLENT CHALLENGE POSTPONED
BESTIVAL ENTERS FINAL DAY
09 September 2007 -
Primal Scream and Bestival organiser Rob Da Bank are among the highlights taking to the stage at Robin Hill Country Park, tonight. It's the third and final day of the summer's last major rock event. Up to 30,000 people are attending Bestival 2007.
Read more about - BESTIVAL ENTERS FINAL DAY
WHEN I GROW UP
09 September 2007 -
What was your childhood dream? New research has found that adults in the south east of England most wanted a happy family, marriage and their own children when they were young. In a survey conducted for The National Lottery, becoming a movie or sports star, being an adventurer or traveller and training as a nurse also featured in the top ten.
Read more about - WHEN I GROW UP
FORGET THE ENGINE...WE'LL PULL THE CAR INSTEAD!
09 September 2007 -
Members of the Island's RS Owners Club are to pull a car along the Military Road from Freshwater Bay to the White Mouse Inn at Chale, in a repeat of an event that happened last year. It's to raise money for Newport's Earl Mountbatten Hospice. They're trying to pull the Mark Two RS Ford Escort in under 4 hours, to beat their 2006 time.
Read more about - FORGET THE ENGINE...WE'LL PULL THE CAR INSTEAD!
A BEAST OF A SECOND DAY AT THE BESTIVAL
08 September 2007 -
Notorious eighties rappers The Beastie Boys will shake the Bestival stage at Robin Hill Country Park, later. Up to 30,000 festival-goers are at the site near Arreton, on day two of the summer's last major rock festival. Over 300 musicians are performing this weekend.
Read more about - A BEAST OF A SECOND DAY AT THE BESTIVAL
LITTLE BRITAIN PACKS INTO COWES
06 September 2007 -
Cowes’ latest sailing event, the Little Britain Challenge Cup (LBCC), is on the water. A record breaking 250 boats are racing, crewed by amateurs from industry and business. The first race took place on Thursday, but the 2007 event starts in earnest on Friday. It also raises money for charity which, this year, will include the Ellen MacArthur Trust, Paralympic Sailing Team and Cowes Inshore Lifeboat (PICTURED).
Read more about - LITTLE BRITAIN PACKS INTO COWES
BESTIVAL 2007 DESCENDS ON THE ISLAND
06 September 2007 -
Bestival 2007’s arrived at Robin Hill, near Arreton. Tens of thousands of music lovers are descending on the Island, for a weekend of music and entertainment. Dexy’s Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland, Jah Wobble and The Chemical Brothers are all expected on stage on Friday. Local band and Bestival competition winners Hugo Frusslinky kick off the event, at midday.
Read more about - BESTIVAL 2007 DESCENDS ON THE ISLAND
TANDEM TRIP ROUND ISLAND FOR CHURCH PROJECT
06 September 2007 -
A vicar and his wife are to ride a tandem around the Isle of Wight, this weekend. It marks the annual historic churches’ cycle ride, which sees hundreds of worshippers visiting churches around the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth. The Rev David Power, vicar of St Cuthbert’s Church in Copnor and his wife, the Rev Jeanette Power, a chaplain for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, will clamber aboard a tandem to help raise cash for a building project at St Cuthbert’s. They’ll cycle the 62-mile official route around the Isle of Wight to help raise the final £400,000, towards the £4.2m project. To sponsor David and Jeannette Power, ring 023-9282 7071, or visit www.justgiving.com/iowtandemride.
Read more about - TANDEM TRIP ROUND ISLAND FOR CHURCH PROJECT
CAN YOU HELP PICTURE THE MEDWAY QUEEN?
05 September 2007 -
A 1924 paddle steamer will feature at the Island’s steam railway at Havenstreet (PICTURED), this weekend. The Medway Queen Preservation Society is restoring the 180ft paddle steamer and will be promoting its efforts on an information stand. The Medway Queen served as a passenger vessel until 1963, when she was taken out of service and opened as a nightclub off the Isle of Wight. In the 1970s, she was moved to the River Medina but was accidentally sunk. In 1984, she was rescued but was later abandoned and sunk at Chatham. She is currently in Hoo, in Kent. Volunteers now want to hear from you if you have any photos of the vessel, particularly of the ship as a nightclub. Email them to lucy@iwbeacon.com or to jane.halton2@ntlworld.com. And for more information visit www.medwayqueen.co.uk.
Read more about - CAN YOU HELP PICTURE THE MEDWAY QUEEN?
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
05 September 2007 -
Island attractions are throwing open their gates, doors and carriages to the public, for free. Heritage Open Days are running on the Isle of Wight and across the country, from 6 to 9 September. There are 20 free things to see and do here and there will also be some guided walks. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, here is the IW Beacon Online’s pick of the bunch and the times and days they are open.
Read more about - HERITAGE OPEN DAYS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
MORE TIME TO ENTER CHAMBER AWARDS
05 September 2007 -
There are just two days left to enter the IW Chamber of Commerce’s business awards. If you would like to take part, entries must be in by noon on Friday. Visit www.iwchamber.co.uk for more details. The awards ceremony takes place at Cowes Yacht Haven, on 23 November.
Read more about - MORE TIME TO ENTER CHAMBER AWARDS
NEW ELECTRICITY PLANT IS SOMETHING TO GAS ABOUT
03 September 2007 -
A ground-breaking way of making clean, green power is being constructed on the Isle of Wight. The new £8 million gasification plant, which will be the first of its type in the UK, will generate 2.3 mega-watts of electricity. That is enough to power more than 2,000 local homes. We are being warned of more heavy traffic on Island roads, from the end of September, when construction gets underway. But the IW Council (PICTURED) and the company behind the scheme, Energos, says once it is fully operation, the plant will deliver “significant benefits” and will cut out the need to use heavy vehicles to transport floc fuel to the mainland. Of 60,000 tonnes of Island waste, the plant will generate electricity from 30,000 tonnes, using an advanced two-stage thermal treatment process which produces steam, which is then used to generate electricity. Recyclable material will be removed from the waste delivered to the site and dealt with.
Read more about - NEW ELECTRICITY PLANT IS SOMETHING TO GAS ABOUT
COMPOSTING SCHEME’S SEEDS OF SUCCESS
03 September 2007 -
Home composting bins have been going like hot cakes, according to the Isle of Wight Council. Nearly 3000 have been sold, in 6 months, to green-minded gardeners. Part of the Government-funded Waste and Recycling Action Programme, the bins are sold at discounted rates. They can be filled with organic matter, which is converted into compost.
Read more about - COMPOSTING SCHEME’S SEEDS OF SUCCESS
KENT PILOT LIFTS THE SCHNEIDER TROPHY
03 September 2007 -
A Kent based pilot has won the Schneider Air Race 2007. Daniel Pangbourne, who started the year winning the Royal Aero Club’s first air race, again piloted G-BNZB to victory, on Sunday. He flew from Lydd Aero Club to take part in the historic race, which covers a triangular course over the Island.
Read more about - KENT PILOT LIFTS THE SCHNEIDER TROPHY
ROUND THE ISLAND SWIMMERS HAVE MADE IT!
03 September 2007 -
A team of swimmers have completed their challenge to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight in a non-stop relay. They started late on Thursday night and took around 16 hours to complete the swim. The attempt was twice cancelled because of bad weather. They were raising money for Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice and the RNLI.
Read more about - ROUND THE ISLAND SWIMMERS HAVE MADE IT!
SCHNEIDER TROPHY BATTLE FOR THE SKIES!
02 September 2007 -
The annual exhilarating Schneider Trophy Air Race takes to the skies above the Isle of Wight, on Sunday. Pulling G-force turns, on a triangular course that runs between Bembridge, Portsmouth and Cowes, the pilots of 21 light aircraft will battle for the historic trophy. Racing gets underway at midday. The starts are staggered, so by the time the race ends at 1pm, the aircraft will fly over Bembridge Airport together, in a spectacular high-speed fight for first place. There are great views at Culver Down!
Read more about - SCHNEIDER TROPHY BATTLE FOR THE SKIES!
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BOAT SHOW TICKETS....
02 September 2007 -
...SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HOME PAGE OR VISIT http://www.iwbeacon.co.uk/whatson_view.php?wid=127 !
Read more about - FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BOAT SHOW TICKETS....