Beacon

The Isle of Wight Food Bank

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:28:3 GMT

The Isle of Wight Food Bank

It may be hard to believe but every day parents on the Isle of Wight are skipping meals to feed their children and many are being forced to choose between paying rent and eating. The fact is that the Isle of Wight is the 8th most deprived district in the South East. The good news is that the Isle of Wight Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis. This is achieved through public donations either at collection points or supermarket collections. Food is then sorted and sent to distribution centres. Frontline care professionals such as health visitors then give foodbank vouchers to people in crisis and these can be exchanged for three days’ worth of food at volunteer-staffed distribution centres.The Isle of Wight Foodbank is currently looking for more volunteers. If you can help, please call 01983 292040. Alternatively, if you need a voucher, you can contact the same number and you will be put in touch with a local professional who can help.

Distribution centres are at:

St Andrew’s Christian Centre, Bridge Road in Cowes – open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am until 1pmChurch on the Roundabout, Newport – open Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am until 1pmGrace Church, Ryde – open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am until 1pm.Centres opening soon in Ventnor, Sandown and Freshwater.

We are currently upgrading our news pages to bring you the very latest Island news, as it happens.

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:08:14 GMT

While we make these changes you can go to the link below and you will be directed to award winning news coverage from Isle of Wight Radio.

www.iwradio.co.uk/news

Come Dine With Me Entry Deadline

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:17:30 GMT

Do you love dinner parties?

Are you a great cook?

The hugely successful Channel 4 show Come Dine With Me is returning for a new, day-time series. We’re looking for people in and around the ISLE OF WIGHT area who are over 18 years of age with a passion for cooking who want to demonstrate their skills

Over five days, five strangers, from all walks of life, take turns to host the perfect dinner party for each other. At the end of the week the most impressive host wins a £1,000 cash prize.

This is your chance to create the perfect dining experience, and YOU get to enjoy four nights dining out and a chance to win the prize!

If you or anyone you know would like to take part then please call ASAP on- 0871 244 4142

Please note, applicants MUST be available the Sun 28th Aug – Fri 2nd Sep. and we will not be accepting any new applicants after the 12th August.

(Callers from a BT landline will be charged a set up fee of 12.5p per call plus 10p per minute. Mobile and other network rates will be higher)
or email: CDWM@itv.com

NO TO RURAL BROADBAND?

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:00:0 GMT

Yarmouth Broadband, the community led high speed rural broadband project, has sadly not reached the minimum number of subscribers required for it to be launched and as a result the Island risks losing £80,000 of Government grants.

Brian Friend, Chairman of Natural Enterprise who secured the funding and hoped to run the service, said “More and more we are hearing about the importance of high speed broadband in rural areas on a national level, yet here we are, one of only four regions in the South East to have secured the funding and the community is telling us they don’t need it. We’re hoping this isn’t the case, but we’re not a big telecoms company and so we don’t have the luxury of starting the service up first without local support. All we ask is if people want the service they should sign up now.”

Yarmouth Broadband is a community project offering speeds 2-3 times faster than current providers and the more people who subscribe, the cheaper the service will become. Cash benefits have been set up to go to the local schools and there is no cap on download capacity, but importantly the service is professional and provided by local companies.

Graham Biss Managing Director of Natural Enterprise added “Rural broadband is one of Natural Enterprise’s key priorities and we’ve worked hard to get to this stage. Our aim was to set up the service in Yarmouth and then role it out across other rural areas on the Island, but this vision now looks in jeopardy. With demand on the internet increasing this new service and the equipment used would ensure Yarmouth and other areas are not left behind and are in a position to move with emerging technologies. But there must be a demand for it to go forward.”

The decision to go forward or not will be made on 4 August, any contracts received up until this date will be welcomed. For more information visit www.yarmouthbroadband.co.uk

EASY GROUP ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR AND SUPPORT MACMILLAN CANCER TRUST 72 HOLE GOLF CHALLENGE WED 27 JULY 2011 RAISING £2700

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00:0 GMT

On Wednesday 27 July, Phil Bennett, Simon Hoyle from Easy Group, and a good friend Matt Bone set themselves a gruesome challenge – and completed a round of Golf with 72 holes, approximately 20 miles, raising £2700 for Macmillan Cancer Trust.

The challenge took place at Hurtmore Golf Club, near Guildford and they completed the challenge in 15 hours. In 2010 the Charity Golf Challenge raised nearly £300,000 across the UK to help support people affected by Cancer.

Simon Mewett, Managing Director of the Easy Group said, ‘We are delighted to support this charity. Phil, Simon and Matt have raised £2700, which is fantastic, plus amazing donations from some of our customers and suppliers including: The Apollo Group, Atlas Helicopters, Xenith and Red Bull, providing a case of drinks to keep them going. Hambleside Gifts have very kindly donated Easy Group PINK branded polo shirts and visors for the team.’

We are all affected by cancer. Please forward this to your friends and family and donate as much as you can for a great charity. To make a donation, simply logon to: http://bennettsgb.com/golfchallenge/

Macmillan is a Cancer charity that does amazing work supporting those living with and fighting cancer and their families. It’s an impressive charity, and their mission statement is equally impressive and worth a read:

"Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. One in three of us will get cancer. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan. As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer in their daily lives. This means they need more than medical help, they also need practical, emotional and financial support. We are a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need. It's not only patients who live with cancer, so we also help carers, families and communities.”

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Golfevents/GolfEvents.aspx

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER COMPUTER STOLEN IN GURNARD

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:31:5 GMT

Police are investigating a report of a burglary at a boathouse in Gurnard near Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Someone broke into the building on the shore path off Shore Road sometime between 10pm on Thursday, July 21 and 6am on Friday, July 22, 2011.

A silver and black Apple iMac 24 computer was reported stolen. The machine’s serial number was 3U8080171SC.

The computer also had a unique mark, made by glue residue on the top left-hand corner.

House-to-house and forensic enquiries have been carried out in and around the boathouse since Friday, July 22, 2011.

The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team is appealing for information from anyone who is aware of an Apple iMac computer being sold second-hand in suspicious circumstances.

People who noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the Shore Road area of Gurnard on Thursday night (July 21) or early Friday morning (July 22) are also asked to contact police or the Crimestoppers charity.

Investigating officer PC Mark Thomas of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “Enquiries have also established that three men were fishing on the beach in Gurnard during the afternoon of Thursday, July 21. I would like to identify and speak with these men as it’s possible they have information vital to the investigation.”

Please contact PC Mark Thomas at Cowes Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm.

From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

CELLO EXTRAVAGANZA FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:20:29 GMT

Cello fans will enjoy visiting the South Wight for two concerts, taking place during a special cello week, and help those in need of food in the Horn of Africa.

Come to St. Catherine’s Church, Ventnor, on Wednesday 10th August to listen to some beautiful music in this light and airy setting and help people suffering in the famine in East Africa. Bonchurch Cellist, James Halsey, and his pianist daughter Sally, major winner of the West Wight Arts bursary, will present a varied programme, previously performed in Aboyne, Scotland, including cello and piano sonatas by Saint-Saens and Boccherini, and Bach’s amazing fifth suite for solo cello. James, who performs chamber music all over the UK and abroad, formed the Halsey Duo last year with Sally, who is an up and coming pianist, about to go to Trinity College of Music in London. Starting at 7.30pm, entry is by programme, available on the door, or by phoning 01983 852201, priced £8 adults, £2 children, with all proceeds to help Famine Relief.

On Sunday 14th August, as a culmination of much cello activity in Bonchurch and Niton, James will lead a dozen cellos in a concert at Niton Primary School, starting at 6.00pm! This is the fourth successive year, (last year’s successful day was featured in the County Press, you may remember) and will include cellists from all over the UK and the Island. The nucleus of the group consists of James’ pupils, some currently at music college, some pre and post music college, but also includes a few older, gifted amateur cellists. They share with James a love of playing together and will present an entertaining variety of pieces from composers ranging from Elgar to Gordon Jacob, and including Villa Lobos’ famous Aria and Fauré’s gorgeous Elegie, played by 15 year old Megan Rolf, from Aberdeen, who has wowed audiences in Ventnor before.

The informal concert will begin at 6.00pm at Niton Primary School, entry is free, all are welcome, there will be refreshments after the music and a retiring collection to be divided between Niton School and Famine Relief in the Horn of Africa.

For further information please contact Helen Foster on 01983 852201, email helen@con-brio.com.

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT COWES WEEK & ROLEX FASTNET RACE

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:17:52 GMT

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT COWES WEEK & ROLEX FASTNET RACE

With new sponsors, Aberdeen Asset Management, this year’s Cowes Week has taken on a new look. With the introduction of a Family Day and a giant screen (10.5m wide and 5.5m high) off Cowes Esplanade there will be the chance to watch a movie on Friday evening just before the fireworks. There is also a Ladies Day on Tuesday 9 August. This will be held in association with UK charity, the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF).

There will be special events for all ladies, not just those who sail. However a special Ladies Day trophy will be presented. This trophy recognises an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing. Last year’s winner, Louise Morton, received the Ladies Day Trophy in addition to her overall victory in the Quarter Tonner class.

Talisker, The Single Malt Scotch Whisky-Made by the Sea, will be hosting the world’s first-ever Sail-In Cinema on Friday 12 August. As the Official Whisky of the event, Talisker will be working with RPM and Big Screen Media to provide the giant screen. Audio for the movie will be available on Cowes Radio (87.7FM) and boats moored across the Solent will be able to tune in to watch the film and be part of this unique experience.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week takes place from 6-13th August.

There will be plenty of entertainment in the Cowes and East Cowes. The Parade provides a unique vantage point of the racing start lines, as well as street entertainment, live music, the Sail for Gold bar and The Deck Restaurant. At the centre of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week shore-side activity is Cowes Yacht Haven where entry is free excluding Fireworks night. Entertainers will fill the main streets of Cowes with music and fun for all tastes.

Sunday the 14th August sees the start from Cowes of the Rolex Fastnet Race one of the great races of the sailing calendar with first signal for the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race sounding at 10:50 BST.

The Rolex Fastnet is more than just a race. When the British Isles weather conspires to deliver conditions typical of the time of year it becomes a true test of human endeavour. It is for this reason that the 608-nautical mile race consistently attracts a large and varied fleet: man and machine set against the elements. This 44th edition, which starts from Cowes is no exception. With the entry list opening in early January within ten days it was closed and the 300-boat limit reached with record speed.

The main trophy for overall victory in the Rolex Fastnet is the Fastnet Challenge Cup. In addition, there are more than 30 additional trophies that will be awarded at the prize giving on Friday, 19 August at the historic Royal Citadel, Plymouth, home of the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and overlooking Plymouth Sound and Sutton Harbour, where the majority of the fleet will berth after the race.

E-FIT OF RYDE ROBBERY SUSPECT RELEASED BY DETECTIVES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:00:0 GMT

Detectives are releasing an e-fit image of a suspect after a report of a robbery in St. John’s Road in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

A 17-year-old youth from the town was approached by a man who pushed him against the door of a shop.

It’s alleged the man snatched the victim’s bag and threatened him with a knife.

The victim managed to get away without any serious injuries after the robbery, which took place between 9.10pm and 9.20pm on Saturday, June 25, 2011.

A suspect was described as:

> White
> Aged in his early 20s
> Short blond hair
> An eyebrow piercing over his right eye

He was wearing a black jacket and black tracksuit trousers.

Detective Constable Jessica Fleming of Isle of Wight CID said: “An investigation into this robbery report is continuing with several promising lines of enquiry established over the past month. The victim, who was clearly upset and shaken by what happened, has been able to give us a description suitable for producing an e-fit picture of a suspect. I’d like to thank the 17-year-old youth for his co-operation in difficult circumstances. We’re now in a position to release this e-fit in an attempt to identify and arrest a suspect. Anyone who recognises this person is asked to contact the police or Crimestoppers if they want to remain anonymous.

“We’re also particularly interested in hearing from a possible witness who we believe was parked in a silver coloured vehicle nearby in St. John’s Road at the time of the robbery between 9.10pm and 9.20pm on Saturday, June 25.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Jess Fleming at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm.

From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

ISLANDERS TACKLE POTTERS

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:00:0 GMT

Wightlink Islanders take to the track hoping for better weather than has greeted them for their last two Smallbrook fixtures. Stoke Potters are the visitors on Tuesday this week to the Ryde circuit at 7.30pm in National League action.

The Potters are just above the Islanders in the league table with 13 points and two fixtures in hand to the Islanders 7 points. Another must win fixture for the Islanders who will be glad to welcome Paul Starke back following the horrific accident in the recent league fixture against King's Lynn Young Stars in Norfolk which left Starke only able to run one bike after writing off all bar the engine in the crash. Starke also aggravated his shoulder in last week's wash out but turned out in the first round of the World Under 21 Championship on Sunday at Poole as a reserve. Starke was given four rides scoring 3 points back on the pace.

Following Tuesday evenings fixture the Islanders take their place in the National League Fours competition on Saturday at Stoke and on Sunday the team visit South Wales to tackle Newport in league action.

Back in May the Islanders went down 53-40 in KO Cup action so will be hoping for a better performance. The Hornets have made a couple of team changes with former Islander Brendan Johnson and Steven Jones replacing David Gough and Tom Young this week.

Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "The fixtures against Stoke and Newport are going to be tough hopefully the boys will be fit so we can give both teams a run for their money."

EXTREME SAILING SERIES™.COMES TO COWES

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:13:28 GMT

EXTREME SAILING SERIES™.COMES TO COWES

For the fifth consecutive year, the waters off Cowes will once again play host to the only UK stop on the global nine-event Extreme Sailing Series™. Twelve Extreme 40 catamarans, with world-renowned sailors from 15 nations, will line up on 6 August for seven days of high-octane ‘stadium sailing’ action the circuit has become renowned for.

With 48 top professional sailors who have amongst them competed at 30 Olympic Games there is sure to be some close fought battles. In addition there are 82 World Championship titles amongst the competitors making it the strongest ever line-up seen in the five year history of the circuit.

Emirates Team New Zealand and Artemis Racing will be present despite the decision of the America’s Cup Event Authority to choose the same dates for the ACWS event in Cascais, Portugal. Of course the regular races of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and the pre-Olympic regatta in Weymouth are taking place at this time too. Artemis Racing will bring back their skipper from Act 2 in Qingdao, double Olympic bronze medallist, Santi Lange from Argentina and everyone expects these teams to be no less competitive than in Boston and Istanbul where it came down to the final race.

Aberdeen Asset Management, the new sponsor of Cowes Week which forms the backdrop to Act 5, has announced its own entry skippered by British Olympic 49er class contender John Pink, joined by his regular 49er crew Rick Peacock.

French entry Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, currently lying third, will be looking to regain their top spot on the overall podium having lost it following a disappointing 5th place at the last event in Boston.

Home crowds in Cowes will have plenty of Brits to support. Britain’s Team GAC Pindar, will be hoping to continue improving and skipper Ian Williams is fresh from a second World Match Racing Tour victory in Sweden.

Island born, Leigh McMillan, who learned to sail on Newtown Creek and who skippers The Wave, Muscat, will be looking to capitalise on their first podium position in Boston when the team came third. Leigh commented, “Last year in Cowes we had some insane conditions, blowing 20 to 25 knots on some days. So we are prepared for something similar again this year. Seven days of racing will probably be the hardest sailing we will do this year but I’m thrilled to be sailing again in front of the crowds.” McMillan is on particularly strong form at the moment: he left the last Act in Boston and flew straight to France where he won the fifth leg of the Tour de France à la Voile.

Pete Cumming, skipper of 2009 winning team ‘Oman Sail Masirah’ will also rejoin the sailors in Cowes, on board Niceforyou, one of two Italian teams on the circuit.

With twelve teams on the starting grid, the race courses will feel smaller than ever as the Extreme Sailing Series™ 2011 reaches the half way point of the 2011 global circuit.

UKSA's LAUNCHES 25th ANNIVERSARY DURING ROYAL VISIT

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:00:0 GMT

THE personal and professional achievements of 100,000 extraordinary people will be celebrated when the youth maritime charity UKSA launches its 25th anniversary year during Cowes Week.

The charity will be joined by its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, for an afternoon reception on August 10 when UKSA will set out its plans to reach and help change the lives of even more young people who are challenged by disadvantage by offering them the chance to become high performing future leaders.

Since UKSA first opened its doors in 1987, the charity has evolved its accessible training, careers and educational offer to address a range of important societal issues including youth unemployment, crime, educational disengagement and exclusion and social disadvantage.

From its 3.5 acre waterfront base in Cowes, UKSA uses maritime and on the water activities to help individuals and beneficiaries overcome personal challenges, broaden their horizons and achieve outcomes that last for life. It also works with high achievers opening access to maritime careers.

Twenty five years later, there are now 100,000 UKSA Alumni around the world, working in either the maritime sector or enjoying other career paths as a result of the life skills UKSA gave them.

"Our inclusive and inspirational approach to changing lives empowers individuals to help themselves: we enable high performers to become future leaders and those challenged by emotional, physical, educational or financial disadvantage to achieve their potential," says UKSA CEO Jon Ely.

"Only this year one of our young apprentices told us that he didn't think he would be alive if it wasn't for the lifeline UKSA had thrown him. That's one life changed, one life saved. It's this kind of human story that keeps us all awake at night, and also makes us all get out of bed in the morning.

"The challenge facing UKSA in its milestone 25th year is how best to use its experience and learning to inform its strategic goals for the future and meet new and emerging needs for intervention and provision. We face some significant challenges, but who better to help us succeed than our inspirational army of Alumni, supporters, partners and friends."

During her visit on August 10, HRH The Princess Royal will meet with supporters and young people, officially open the UKSA's new youth zone 50° North, inspect the newly extended pontoon area and board the historic ketch Gipsy Moth IV which has been loaned back to UKSA to further its educational and outreach work.

COWES LIFEBOAT RACES TO DEAL WITH TWO PROBLEM YACHTS

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:00:0 GMT

Cowes RNLI spent two and a quarter hours on the Solent today dealing with two different emergencies involving yachts.

Just after 2 pm Coastguards requested the lifeboat to track down a yacht in the western Solent which was transmitting a digital distress message. The cause was found to be the 35 foot Beneteau yacht Starck Naked with an equipment fault off Newtown Creek. The couple on board was requested by the lifeboat's helm, Matt Chessell, to switch it off.

Then soon after this incident the lifeboat was tasked by Coastguards to go to the aid of the 38 foot yacht Mosquito, off Hillhead. It had radioed it had a steering problem, which meant it could only go to port and was drifting near the shipping channel.

Because of inoperability of the rudder the lifeboat towed the yacht across the Solent to the entrance of Cowes Harbour, where the yacht received further assistance from a Cowes Harbour launch. The yacht, with four people on board, was finally moored in Shepards Wharf Marina.

EASY GROUP PROUD TO SPONSOR AND SUPPORT MACMILLAN CANCER TRUST FOR THE LONGEST DAY GOLF CHALLENGE

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:00:0 GMT

On Wednesday 27 July, Phil Bennett, Simon Hoyle from Easy Group, and a good friend Matt Bone have set themselves a gruesome challenge – to complete a round of Golf with 72 holes, approximately 20 miles, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Trust.

The challenge will take place at Hurtmore Golf Club, near Guildford. Supporters and friends are very welcome to come along in the evening to cheer them back to the Clubhouse. In 2010 the Charity Golf Challenge raised nearly £300,000 across the UK to help support people affected by Cancer.

Simon Mewett, Managing Director of the The Easy Group said, ‘We are delighted to support this charity. Phil, Simon and Matt have already raised nearly £2500, which is fantastic, plus amazing donations from some of our customers and suppliers including: The Apollo Group, Atlas Helicopters, Xenith and Red Bull, providing a case of drinks to keep them going. Hambleside Gifts have very kindly donated Easy Group PINK branded polo shirts and visors for the team.’

We are all affected by cancer. Please forward this to your friends and family and donate as much as you can for a great charity. To make a donation, simply logon to: http://bennettsgb.com/golfchallenge/

Macmillan is a Cancer charity that does amazing work supporting those living with and fighting cancer and their families. It’s an impressive charity, and their mission statement is equally impressive and worth a read:

"Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. One in three of us will get cancer. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan. As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer in their daily lives. This means they need more than medical help, they also need practical, emotional and financial support. We are a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need. It's not only patients who live with cancer, so we also help carers, families and communities.”

For more information please visit: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx and

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Golfevents/GolfEvents.aspx

For more information about Easy Group, please visit: www.easy.co.uk or call 0800 13 13 100

For more information about Hambleside Gifts, please visit: www.hamblesidegifts.co.uk

RYDE FIRE STATION ‘A WIGHT CARRY ON’ 19/20 AUGUST

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:00:0 GMT

We are now less than a month from the ‘A Wight Carry On’ event!

Training is stepping up a gear; in fact if you are in the Ryde area this evening from 1730 you may see a large contingent from the station carrying the Big Red Ladder over a trial course. Give us a wave and a cheer if you see us!

Fund-raising has gone well so far but we need to keep promoting the cause, please make all you know aware of the online giving facility found on our website www.rydefirestation.co.uk.

We have five new members at the station which are equally keen to join in the event in a support role or as a carrier. I will publish the names of all the station personnel involved in a further email, there may be someone you know in the teams! Equally important are those members of the station that have committed to providing continuous fire cover during the event, whilst these fire-fighters are missing out on direct involvement their commitment over and above the normal station requirement should be applauded and is vital in enabling those of us carrying the ladder to concentrate on the event itself.

I would also like to remind you of the Fire Station Open Day on August 13th between 1300-1700. We are all working hard to put on displays both static and practical that we think will be interesting and exciting for people to watch, plus Jessica’s Junior Fire Challenge and other peripheral activities. Again if any of you have an idea you would like to submit for consideration please contact me asap and we will accommodate whatever we reasonably can.

Finally thanks again to all of you for your vital support in so many ways.

HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT’S 167,100 TAX CREDIT CLAIMANTS HAVE ONE WEEK TO RENEW CLAIMS

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:48:0 GMT

Tax credit claimants in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are reminded today that they have just over a week to renew their claims before the 31 July deadline.

Steve Lamey, Director of Benefits and Credits at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said:

“Time is running out to renew. Claimants need to renew by 31 July or their payments will stop.”

A breakdown of tax credit claimants in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:

Hampshire and Isle of Wight-167,100

Isle of Wight Unitary Authority-14,500

Portsmouth Unitary Authority-20,600

Southampton Unitary Authority-23,900

Basingstoke and Deane-13,600

East Hampshire-8,400

Eastleigh-11,400

Fareham-8,900

Gosport-8,700

Hart-5,800

Havant-11,700

New Forest-14,200

Rushmoor-9,300

Test Valley-9,100

Winchester-7,100

HMRC has published a series of online videos to help claimants through the renewal process.

The interactive, bite-sized videos take viewers through the renewal process step by step, offering the chance to tailor the help to their own circumstances. The videos cover key areas such as: checking the accuracy of the information in your renewals pack, notifying HMRC of any changes in circumstances you haven’t already reported during the year; and providing details of your previous year’s income.

The videos are available – as well as other help and information on tax credit renewals – from www.direct.gov.uk/renewyourtaxcredits.

Claimants are also urged to take care when renewing tax credits as errors could mean they receive less money than they are entitled to.

In addition, HMRC has alerted claimants to a surge of fake “phishing” emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the tax credits renewal deadline.

Emails inform recipients that they are due a tax rebate, and provide a click-through link to a cloned replica of the HMRC website. Recipients are asked to provide credit or debit card details. Fraudsters then try to take money from their accounts.

HMRC has made it clear that the department currently only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing, by post. It does not use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. People receiving an email claiming to be from HMRC should send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it permanently.

As part of a clampdown on tax credit error and fraud, HMRC is examining claims particularly closely this year. The focus is on claimants’ statements on employment, self-employment, hours worked, childcare and children as well as any details that have changed since previous years’ claims.

Claimants must let HMRC know of any changes in their circumstances that they haven’t already reported during the year. These could be about working hours, childcare costs or pay. If asked, they must also provide details of the previous year’s income.

Help and information on tax credit renewals can be obtained from http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/renew-claim/index.htm