Beacon

COWES RADIO CELBRATES 25 YEARS

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:03:11 GMT

Cowes Radio, the longest running Special Event Radio Station in the UK celebrates its 25th birthday during the forthcoming Cowes Week regatta-July 31 to August 7.

Already an award winning station and integral part of Cowes Week this year sees the station
streamed on the internet around the world at www.cowesradio.co.uk as well as listened to by many thousands of competitors and spectators in and around Cowes.

Cowes Week Radio broadcasts, on 87.7fm, through speakers on Cowes Parade and the Green as well as through personal earpieces on the boats. Reporting and programme content provides a mix of regatta highlights, interviews and entertainment. More crucial information is included for competitors, with dedicated and detailed local weather reports, tide times and the all-important race results being broadcast.

Throughout each day, a major highlight is the opportunity to listen in to the live, on-water commentary from Dick Johnson on all the sailing action with minute-by-minute information ‘fed’ to competitors from a fully instrumented commentary boat and Simon Vigar in a privileged position on the Royal Yacht Squadron platform.

25 years ago when Dick Johnson was at Yachting World the first Restricted Service Radio Licences were created for short-term use at sporting events. Having studied the small print the bigger arena of the Solent and Cowes Week came into view. The Radio Authority admitted this might have been outside the intention of the new licences, but was within the wording. Regatta Organisers, Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC), immediately saw how radio could enhance the event for the participants and help the organisers. Approval from the Royal Yacht Squadron was secured.

At this time Dick knew only one person in radio - Steve Ancsell who hosted a weekly sailing and boating programme. Steve ‘s media company Airwaves had the expertise and equipment that enabled the first Cowes Radio broadcast in 1985.

Although the official radio station appointed by CCC, it remains independent of the organisers of Cowes Week and survives through its sponsors and advertisers.

Have Your Say August 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:35:0 GMT

Cruse is the largest organisation in the country which exists to support people who have been bereaved. It was started in 1959, originally to help widows; but now we support anyone, of any age, who has been bereaved in any way. Cruse offers information, advice and training. The website is much used, by adults and children; and there is a national telephone helpline. (Details below).

The Isle of Wight branch was started by a GP, Dr Rivers, in 1993. We have a team of trained and skilled volunteers, who provide one-to-one support to clients, generally in their homes. Obviously, we don’t pretend that anyone can "get over" the loss of a loved person; but we are there to listen, to reassure people as they go through the process of grieving (which can often feel very isolating) and to offer support as people try to rebuild their lives. Some people ask for our help very soon after bereavement. Others may find they need some help years later. There is no right or wrong time; no right or wrong way to grieve.

There is also a support/friendship group on the Island. Members meet about once a fortnight, in Lake; and they are very welcoming to new people.

Everyone in IW Cruse is a volunteer. And we are always looking for new ones! As well as training support workers, we need people to help with committee work and with fund raising. Anyone who would like to help will be given a very warm welcome!

National helpline: 0844 477 9400.

Email helpline: helpline@cruse.org.uk

IW number: 523030 (weekdays, 9am to 1pm).

SANDOWN CARNIVAL 2010 TAKES TO THE STREETS

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

Children will march through Sandown, today, for the town's annual fun day and procession.

A sandcastle competition will also be held and a Town Princess will be chosen. The carnival procession with gather at Sandham Grounds before setting off at 2pm, bound for Eastern Gardens. Greenmount Samba will also be on hand to keep everyone dancing.

SUPPORTING COWES WEEK

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:22:28 GMT

Without a main title sponsor for this year’s Cowes Week the organisers of the event have looked for other forms of sponsorship to support the Week.

Mount Gay Rum, with its rich heritage dating back to 1703 has joined forces with Cowes Week. As a supporting sponsor, Mount Gay Rum will be making its presence felt throughout the Week, reaffirming the brand’s loyalty to the sailing fraternity at this most famous of annual sailing regattas running from 31 July to 7 August. There will be plenty of opportunities for sailors and visitors alike to sample their favourite Mount Gay Rum - Eclipse or the premium Extra Old brand -with an exciting mix of promotions and competitions which will include the chance for competitors to earn one of the most cherished mementoes from any regatta around the world - The coveted Mount Gay Red Cap.

Cowes Week Limited is delighted to announce a new partnership with Gill, the technical sailing clothing specialists, who have become the official technical clothing sponsor of one of the world’s best-known sailing regattas for the next 3 years. Founder and Chairman of Gill, Nick Gill said: “Cowes Week is an internationally iconic event and one that Gill is extremely proud to be associated with.”

Tropicana, the premium juice brand, has recently launched the “Tropicana Breakfast Club” which will be brought to life at a number of events throughout the UK with Cowes Week featuring as a core component of the calendar. As part of the sponsorship, Cowes Week, participants and visitors will be able to visit the Tropicana Breakfast Club area, where there will be an opportunity to sample Tropicana, including a range of brand new juices. Visitors can watch cookery demonstrations of breakfast recipes from around the world and sample bite-sized breakfast tasters inspired by New York, Tokyo and Rio. There will also be the chance to win exceptional breakfast hampers and to join the Tropicana Breakfast Club, through which members can enter in to a draw to win five-star holidays around the world.

The House of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck loves to be part of a celebration and is therefore delighted to be sponsoring Cowes Week 2010. Cowes kicks off a nautical theme for Piper-Heidsieck who will also be sponsoring the Southampton and London Boat Shows. As part of its sponsorship, Piper Heidsieck will welcome Cowes Week participants to enjoy a celebratory glass of champagne at its stunning bar situated at Cowes Yacht Haven.

‘WET AND WILD’ FAMILY FUN AT HISTORIC RYDE POND…

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

Families in Ryde will be searching for Creatures of the Deep at a pond dipping event on 26 August, at 2pm.

Local Pond Wardens will finding rare dragonflies along with newts and frogs. It’s all part of an ongoing awareness campaign at the historic Treefields Pond on Binstead Road, the focus of a joint initiative between the IW Pond Wardens, South Wight Housing and the Footprint Trust.

FIVE+ FIVE STARS FOR ABBIE

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:15:28 GMT

Abigail's Kitchen in Watchbell Lane, Newport, has become “SCORES ON THE DOORS” 1000th member to be given a maximum 'five star' rating.

This Isle of Wight Council scheme gives hygiene ratings to every food outlet on the Island and this celebrates a milestone. As well as attaining a 5* rating for these premises Abbie Raven has gained the same rating for her home premises where the cakes are made.

It means the outlet has demonstrated a high level of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness and inspectors were also impressed by the layout of the premises in Watchbell Lane. Also included is a judgement on the likelihood of the business maintaining the standards in future.

Scores on the Doors was set up in early 2007 and since then, every one of the Isle of Wight's 1900+ food outlets have been inspected. All businesses are also subject to regular re-inspections.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for environmental health Barry Abraham said "I congratulate Abigail's Kitchen on becoming the one thousandth food outlet to achieve five stars.

"The news now means that over half of the Island's food premises have achieved the top rating, with many more also obtaining four stars. This is very good news considering the sheer number of food businesses we have here.

"Scores on the Doors is very important because not only does it demonstrate to the public the hygiene levels of where they go for a meal, businesses also strive to improve their hygiene standards so they can get high scores. This gives them a free way of showing customers they take food hygiene seriously"

Abigail’s Kitchen offers special meal deals and a loyalty scheme.

COMMUNITY FUND AWARD £28,000 TO ISLAND GROUPS

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

Twelve community groups from across the Island are celebrating after receiving a share of almost £28,000 from the Isle of Wight Community Fund. The money is from the Grassroots grant programme.

Among those granted cash are South West Wight Churches, who received £5,000 towards the costs of funding a youth worker who will work in five villages including Brighstone, Shorwell and Chale. The Isle of Wight Canoe Club was one of 3 sports groups who were successful in getting vital funding. The cash boost will be used to develop the club’s paddle pathway programme. Hitting the high notes were the Medina Marching Band who received £5,000 for new instruments and venue hire and a lack of equipment has meant Medina Community Choir have always been limited to where they can perform, but their £2,000 grant means they can now afford to buy new equipment so they can stage events across the Island including open air venues.

EGYPT POINT TO ROCK

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:42:42 GMT

Renowned for delivering sailing action direct to the public, The Extreme Sailing Series will bring together top racing and music entertainment in a great line-up for the UK round at Cowes Week.

This ground-breaking circuit, organised by OC Events, continues to push the boundaries of sailing as an entertainment product, whilst maintaining the highest level of sporting integrity, packaged together with on-shore entertainment under OC's new label 'Sailing Rocks'.

An eclectic mix of on-the-water action will be followed every evening by BBC Radio 1 / Bestival promoter Rob da Bank's top choices of Island-based DJs. This circuit will finish on 5 August with a live set by Rob himself.

Based at the natural vantage point at Egypt Point, just past Princes Green, The Extreme Sailing Series Race Village will have at its core the Extreme Bar, open from 11am each day, serving hot and cold food and drinks. This bar, with free admission for everyone and live commentary of the Extreme 40 action, as well as pro-windsurfing demos, couldn't be closer to the show as the Extreme Sailing Series race courses are set just metres off the shoreline. It's a perfect spot to watch all the Cowes Week action before the Extreme 40s take to the stage each afternoon after the Cowes Week fleets have finished.

This year the Extreme Sailing Series is proud to team up with the Island’s local radio station Isle of Wight Radio, to bring you all the latest from the daily racing with interviews, competitions, live broadcasts from the race village along with commentaries from the station’s presenters.

HEAD TO NEWPORT AND VOLUNTEER ALONGSIDE THE POLICE

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

The campaign to recruit more volunteers to work alongside police officers on the Isle of Wight returns to Newport today.

A recruitment roadshow takes place outside Sainsbury’s in Foxes Road, between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Police staff and officers will give information about becoming a Special constable or a support volunteer.

GOING QUACKERS OVER ZOO HATCHLINGS

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

The first Meller’s Ducks on the Isle of Wight have successfully bred at the Isle of Wight Zoo at Yaverland, Sandown.

They're an endangered Madagascan variety and last year a pair were loaned to the zoo by the Madagascan Government via Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Last month they produced a pair of eggs, which have now hatched into ducklings. These are the first Meller’s ducks to be born on the Isle of Wight and less than twenty births were recorded in zoos worldwide over the last year.

RESULT OF WESTWARD CUP

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:32:12 GMT

After some wonderful racing over several days the final day’s racing in the Westward Cup Regatta took place in the Solent on Saturday 10th July.

With the four competing yachts getting the gun at 1100 the breeze built well and these massive yachts were off and racing. As it turned out, all four put on an end of term show screaming towards the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) start line doing eight knots to the delight of the crowds amassed under the Castle battlements and along Princes’ Green, Cowes.

The RYS Race Committee plotted a 30nm course that took the Westward Cup fleet up to the Needles for a rare photo opportunity for those lucky enough to be in the vicinity and then home to Cowes by mid-afternoon, setting an average speed around the course of 7.4 knots.

15m Fife-designed Tuiga took the final day’s line honours, also winning overall and therefore being the first beneficiary of the Westward Cup. Mariquita, the sole survivor of the 19m Class built in 1911, was second over the line, followed by Mariette, built in 1915 and 138ft and then the stunning Eleonora, the 160ft replica of Westward.
In beautiful early evening sunshine, the RYS hosted the Regatta Prizegiving at their Pavilion, attended by Commodores and representatives from the participating yacht clubs and the competing yachts, the yacht captains, crews, sponsors and guests. Pride of place went to the exquisite Westward Cup.

The individual Yacht Club Race Day prizes were presented as follows:

The NYYC Race Day on Tuesday 6th July: 1st Tuiga, 2nd Mariette, 3rd Mariquita.
The Boat International Race Day on Wednesday 7th July: 1st Mariette, 2nd Tuiga, 3rd Mariquita.
Thursday 8th July was a Lay Day.
The Yacht Club de Monaco Race Day on Friday 9th July: 1st Tuiga, 2nd Mariquita, 3rd Mariette.
The Royal Yacht Squadron Race Day on Saturday 10th July: 1st Tuiga, 2nd Mariette, 3rd Mariquita.
The overall Regatta prizes were then presented as follows:

Overall winner of the Westward Cup was Tuiga. 2nd place overall went to Mariette and 3rd overall to Mariquita.

BUILDING AWARDS FOR IW DEVELOPMENTS

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

A new farm café’s won a prestigious regional award for excellence in building.

Redundant buildings at Briddlesford Lodge Farm in Wootton were converted by the Griffin family. Their “Bluebell Café” won the 'Best Small Commercial Development' at the Local Authority Building Control Awards. At the same awards event, the Southern Housing Group affordable housing development at Oakvale, Ryde, was commended by judges.

COWES WEEK IN THE SUMMERTIME

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

Mungo Jerry is to perform at Cowes Yacht Haven during Cowes Week. The In The Summertime star will appear on the Gill Stage on Friday, August 6, marking the 40th anniversary of the hit song.

Doctor and the Medics, R&B star Aaron Soul and Navi and the world’s top Michael Jackson tribute will also appear during the annual international sailing regatta. Access to Cowes Yacht Haven’s entertainment, bars and shops will be free every day other than fireworks night (7 August), when there will be a £10 entry fee.

ARTISTS OPEN THEIR HOMES

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

Isle of Wight Open Studios weekends take place on 16-19 July and 23-26 July.

The event began in 2003, with just 30 artists opening their homes and studios to the public, but this year almost 100 artists taking part this year. You’ll be able to see silversmith jewellers, fine artists and ceramicists. Find out more at www.isleofwightarts.com.

BAG A BRA FOR AIR AMBULANCE

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:0 GMT

A team of cyclists are set to raise awareness for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, by cycling around the Island collecting unwanted bras.

The five women are more used to finding jobs for PR and Marketing and are from the firm Solutions 4 Recruitment. On July 10 and 11 they’ll be collecting donations to the air ambulance’s Bag A Bra campaign. For more information, visit the team’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/run-girlies-run.

SUMMER MADNESS

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:59:0 GMT

Paul Weller will be heading up Summer Madness as he tops the bill at this all day gig on Sunday 29th August.

In addition this summer Sunday will also feature The Coral, Brand New Heavies, Imelda May, Islanders The Bees, Chords and Twisted Wheel.

Now in its second year, Summer Madness, is renowned for its eclectic line-up and relaxed, boutique vibe. Set against the backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, this event is a good way to spend the Bank Holiday Sunday with the 10,000 strong Summer Madness crowd.

Finding fame first with Jam, then with Style Council before enjoying solo success, Paul Weller is an icon of British music. His back catalogue of hits include Town Called Malice, You’re The Best Thing and You Do SomethingTo Me.
Merseysiders The Coral are riding high after the success of their sixth album, Butterfly House, which won praise from fans and critics alike reinvigorating the band after the release of their Greatest Hits collection in 2008. Hailed as the first English band of the ‘guitar group revival’ the band released the acclaimed EPs Shadows Fall, The Oldest Path and Skeleton Key in 2001. Their debut album, The Coral, released in 2002, reached number five in the UK album charts and was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize the day after its release. Since then, the band has gone from strength to strength with their own distinctive musical style of old-fashioned country, 1960s-style psychedelia mixed with folk with modern rock influences.

Acid jazz meets funk in the form of the Brand New Heavies this band are no strangers to chart success with tracks Midnight At The Oasis, Never Stop, Dream On Dreamer and Apparently Nothing.

Dubliner Imelda May got her first big break when she was ‘discovered’ by Jools Holland, and after performing on the hallowed Later stage, she went on to play with everyone from Van Morrison to Scissor Sisters. Imelda’s unique, rich vocal style is a sultry mix of blues and rock.

Next up to entertain the crowd are Isle of Wight natives, The Bees who burst on to the scene with their acclaimed, Mercury Music Prize nominated debut album Sunshine Hit Me. Since then, the Islanders - who hail from Ventnor - have been busy with two studio albums, touring with the mighty Oasis and taking on producer responsibilities for other artistes.

After forming in 1979, Chords recorded a lauded Peel Session for Radio 1 and then went on to produce hits including Maybe Tomorrow and The British Way Of Life. In a Summer Madness exclusive, the original line-up has reformed especially for the gig.

Twisted Wheel have been hailed by critics as ones to watch and have been championed by headline act Paul Weller who invited them to join the bill of his 2009 tour.