Charity Car Wash
Firefighters from Shanklin and students from Sandown will be joining forces to raise money for charity on Saturday, February 27.
The IW Fire and Rescue Service at Shanklin will be using the forecourt at their station for a car wash, and will be helped by pupils from Sandown High School.
The car wash will take place between 10.0am and 4.0pm and all money raised will be split between Leukaemia Research and funding for Sandown High School’s highly successful Global Rock team.
STUDENTS at Ryde High School will again be taking to the stage to celebrate Christmas in style.
Their production this year will be the infamous 80s spectacular, the musical Footloose. The stunning show tells the story of a young male teen’s emotional journey from the busy city of Chicago to a small quiet “hick” town of Beaumont.
Here, he finds the local laws and attitudes of the town’s people challenging. The story features love, friendship, music, rivalry, fun, dancing and on the edge of your seat entertainment. The production welcomes audiences of all ages and is guaranteed to be one the most fun filled, thrilling productions the talented cast of Ryde High School has produced so far.
Footloose is on from December 7 to 10, doors open at 6:45pm at Ryde High School Studio Theatre!
Tickets from £6.00 for Adults and £3.00 concessions, and can be bought now from Sue Howatt – Finance office, tel. 01983 618405.
HOT ON the heels of winning the prestigious Best Major Festival Award, the Bestival have announced blinding headline act The Cure who will be playing their only European show of 2011 on the Saturday night.
Not only this but Primal Scream will perform their ‘Screamadelica’ and those canny Bestival bods have also managed to persuade ex Beach Boy and once reclusive genius Brian Wilson to venture over the Solent next September.
“We’ve been itching to tell you this, so we’re deliriously happy that the time has finally come to unveil the very first wave of acts for Bestival 2011 and by crikey are we excited,” said a Bestival spokesperson.
“Yes! One of the most influential bands around, The Cure will be crossing The Solent to join us at the festival season’s last hurrah for their only European show of 2011!
“From their debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’ to 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘4:13 Dream’, The Cure have inspired countless bands in the last three decades and, whilst most of their contemporaries have fallen by the pop wayside, they remain as relevant and vibrant as ever. As one of the Bestival crew’s collective favourite bands of all time, we’re all jumping for joy that The Cure are coming to the party to headline Saturday night at Bestival. September really can’t come quickly enough for us.”
A gleeful Rob da Bank said: “I’ve spent the last twenty years of my life listening to The Cure and the last five attempting to persuade Robert Smith and the crew to hop on a ferry to our magical Isle. I’m still not sure what we’ve done right but I’m overjoyed that they are coming as Saturday night headliners. Few bands have had such a massive impact on my life (and hairstyles) so I’ll see you down the front!”
Iconic Cure frontman Robert Smith commented: “I am delighted and excited that The Cure’s only European festival performance in 2011 will be at Bestival… We will do all we can to help make it a weekender to remember!”
“Topping 2010’s Best Major Festival Award winning show will be no mean feat, but Rob da Bank and the ever-trusty Besti-crew have left no stone unturned to make our 2011 show even better than ever ensuring that Bestival will again be the festival for music lovers! Bestival’s eighth outing - taking place at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight from September 8 to 11, 2011 - is all set to be truly legendary. And here’s why…
“Fresh from their triumphant London Olympia gigs we can announce that the mighty Primal Scream will be presenting their landmark album ‘Screamadelica’ in its entirety, headlining the Big Top on Saturday night. ‘Screamadelica’ transformed the musical landscape in the early 90s and with the band’s current run of shows celebrating the album completely sold-out, this is a golden chance to catch a pioneering band performing their meisterwerk in all its coruscating glory.
“And the legends keep on coming for Bestival 2011, with Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson set to bring his baroque surf-pop to Robin Hill. Brian’s songwriting prowess and production ingenuity has made him one of the most deeply revered figures in pop music and one of the most influential composers of the 20th Century. With a litany of timeless hits that can’t fail to ignite the Main Stage crowd, it’s a complete honour to have him onboard.
“There are still plenty more stellar acts to be announced, including two more headliners, plus there will be lashings of trademark Bestival off-the-wall behaviour with merriment, magic, mayhem and plenty of lovely tea and cakes. We’ve listened to all the feedback from you and have made a few little tweaks so that there will be some changes to the wondrous landscape of the UKs most creative festival courtesy of Josie da Bank’s eye-catching expertise that are going to make Bestival 2011 the greatest show on Earth!”
Commenting on Bestival 2011 Rob da Bank added: “This year felt like a landmark year for Bestival. There’s no avoiding the fact that we’ve become a large festival but I still feel we’re more intimate than any of the other shows our size and, crucially, we’re 100% independent.
“That means we book who we want to book, choose all the food stalls and traders ourselves and listen to our message boards and fans 365 days a year to make sure we keep Bestival the best. Things we’re focussing on for Bestival 2011 are keeping Besti as the place to see new bands, making the campsites much more of a community with better roadways to clear litter and make finding your tent easier, and we’re also starting to put stages at the other end of the site so it’s not just one long tunnel of stages. Hope you can make it in 2011!”
Remember to keep checking www.iwgazette.co.uk for all the latest Bestival news.
A SPONSORED ‘Dare to Brave It’ charity swim at The Little Gloster in Gurnard raised the magnificent sum of £566.91 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Little Gloster celebrated their first Christmas in style last Saturday (December 11) with a Yuletide market bustling with locally sourced produce, unique Christmas gifts and the well supported charity Christmas swim.
Despite the somewhat icy water temperature of only 5.6 degrees eleven swimmers braved the winter waters off Gurnard Marsh for a 300-metre swim – some even managed it without the help of a wet or dry suit.
First place was won by seasoned open water swimmer Dave Pearce, second place was attained most impressively by the youngest contestant, 13 year old Georgia Caws, who was the only swimmer to complete the full course without a wetsuit and third place was won by Michelle Lock, one of the swimmers representing WightTri Triathlon Club.
A special prize was awarded to Gary Martin, for participating in the best charitable spirit, having taken part in a rainbow hat, Hawaiian shirt and sandals…after being pushed in by Ben Cooke, Head Chef at The Little Gloster.
Other participants included event organizer Holly Siddons from the Little Gloster, Dale Baker, Helen Symes and Jenny Ball from the Marlin’s Swim Club. Water support boats were kindly managed by Rob Proctor, whose son also competed in the swim.
All were handed a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate after the swim to warm everyone up before prize giving inside.
See a clip of the event on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jDaKY7HGxc
SANDOWN’S Bonfire Night annual carnival and fireworks was in danger of being rained off for the second year in a row, but the rain eased enough for the festivities to go ahead.
At 6pm the 14 Inch Remotes kicked off the proceedings on the Esplanade and there was a Fire Show on the beach.
Then at 6.30pm the Parade left the Town hall and featured Mas Fusion, Haylands Samba, loads of floats and a host of lanterns made by local children and adults.
At 7pm the Parade arrived at the seafront to Samba music and there was a fire and pyrotechnic show on the beach to banish the rainy evening blues.
This was all topped off with a magical Grand Firework Finale to the evening, which was hailed as the biggest Bonfire Night display of the year.
Sponsored by Sandown Pier and Sandown Town Council there was concern that the public were not being generous enough with their donations with only £500 being collected towards the £4,000 cost of the evening.
“It’s a sad fact that in these difficult times people think that a public display of fireworks ought to be free, rather than digging into their pockets,” said one collector who preferred to remain anonymous.
“I can see their point – it isn’t advertised as costing anything, but perhaps people ought to be a little more forward thinking. After all we want as good a display next year.”
MEMBERS of the Quay Crafts group gathered at the Pelham House Gallery in Cowes for the opening of their autumn exhibition recently.
The assorted group of talented ceramicists, glass-makers, felt makers, textile artists and a calligrapher each brought just a few pieces of their work to this lovely gallery in Cowes High Street.
Artists at the opening included ex art and textiles teacher at Cowes High School, Diana Parsons, who has achieved Islandwide, national and international success in her career as a textile artist since retiring from teaching.
One of her pieces had been chosen for the poster advertising the show. Diana’s more recent pieces have introduced figures and faces and her next exhibition will include poignant portraits from her family archive, within her wonderful textile collages.
Annik Cullinane brought just a few of her new felt collages in warm autumn colours. A full time artist, who also teaches on a few select courses across the Island, Annik has taught and encouraged a whole new generation of felt making folk although she is also an accomplished painter and particularly well known for her individual patchwork style coats that a few people are lucky to own.
Chris Lines, who is also an experienced felt making teacher and who facilitated the making of the Medina High School yurt, had brought her new felt pieces – hangings inspired by the sea and strata in deep blue hues and a stunning red hanging in the window.
Mary Flynn had work in mixed found media from the seashore and had textile wall hangings inspired by her forays including photographs of her colourful work with beach combing.
Sally Woodford has her serene ceramic pieces in grey, white and black in the window display as well as with the shop – pebbles and swan-necked vases that seem to defy the medium.
Dawn Campbell had one of her minimalist felt pieces in red, white and black above the till of her gallery and ‘Miss Ruby Tuesday’, an artwork in herself, was posing in a new red collar.
The new café at PHG, as it is called, was serving speciality teas (at £2.40) and very individual cakes such as earl grey butterfly cakes and lavender shortbread.
Quay Crafts exhibition at PHG runs until December 4, 2010.
YOU DON’T realise quite how many very good songs the Drifters have had hits with until you hear them live.
Under the Boardwalk, Like Sister and Brother, Sitting in the Dock of the Bay, You’re more than a number (in my little red book), There is a Rose in Spanish Harlem, Up on the Roof, On Broadway and many more were all echoing around the auditorium of Shanklin Theatre on Wednesday to a very impressed full house.
Co-ordination between the four guys is perfect in the choreographed moves to each song and the singing was impeccable with Michael Williams and longest running member Maurice Cannon taking most of the solo spots.
There was even some screaming from the female members of the audience, particularly in Little Red Book – obviously wishful thinking.
Immaculate in their pale suits for the first set, with cream waistcoats, oyster ties and tan crocodile style shoes the four have been chosen for their likeness to the original Drifters line up and are the only band officially permitted to use the name Drifters.
It was almost like watching a ballet and the fantastic full sound that filled the lovely old theatre reverberated throughout your body. Deep bass notes, perfect harmonies and a professional friendly style that was really welcoming. It was like putting on an old set of clothes that you had forgotten were so comfortable and resplendent.
The backing band was similarly tight with a lead and bass guitar, a wind player who moved between the sax, clarinet and flute with ease, a keyboard player and a ‘very good drummer’ according to my husband.
After short interval the band launched into the second set with Hello Happiness and by now there was dancing in the aisles.
The guys were now in white suits, white brocade waistcoats, and black shirts and ties with black shoes – all identical of course.
Next on the list was their new single – the first to be released for 30 years – Do You Dream of Me with a gentle flute backing and it was just as good as any of their earlier work and identifiably a Drifters number.
Kissing in the Back Row of the Movies had a few more on their feet, as did Stand By Me, Up on the Roof, You Can’t Hurry Love and On Broadway. By the time they got to There Goes My First Love it looked as if a stage invasion might take place from a few dancing ladies to the left.
For Dance With Me lead singer Michael asked everyone to get on their feet, which almost everyone did and remained so for the finale Love Train. Encore Saturday Night at the Movies took four bows from the boys as they left and returned to the applause.
‘This was our second time on the Island,” said Michael Williams after the show. “We came to the Medina Theatre two years ago but this was even better.
“We tried to get everyone up early but we got them up in the end.
“We have 70 dates plus on this tour and six left – we’re off to Nottingham for Friday. We have a lot of travelling,” he added ruefully.
“I’m from Alabama, Maurice (Cannon) is from Ohio, Vince is from LA and Ryan (King) is an English guy – we’ve had an English guy in the band line up since the late eighties.
“It’s all good – we had such a great time. Hopefully we’ll come back next year.”
THE ISLE OF WIGHT GAZETTE, now so many people’s favourite Island newspaper, will soon be sparkling even more – thanks to brave little Shanklin girl Gracie-May Fuller.
Gracie, a cerebral palsy sufferer, who recently returned from as successful operation in the United States to help her to walk, will be lighting up Spithead Business Centre, Lake, the venue of The Gazette offices.
She will be turning on the Sandown Rotary Club’s Christmas lights on Saturday, December 4, at 5pm, right on our doorstep, and we will be there to join in the fun. The event will be opened by Louis William Tudor Smith.
As well as Gracie, there will be a special guest appearance by Father Christmas, and music from the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, with all proceeds going to the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat, Brading Town Youth Football Club and the Isle of Wight branch of Headway.
WHERE WOULD you go for a paranormal investigation on the eve of Halloween? Carisbrooke Castle? Appuldurcombe House? Osborne House? Quarr Abbey?
Wrong, wrong, wrong and wrong – it would be the Isle of Wight Zoo, if you joined the special spooky search organised by VIP (Vectis Investigations Paranormal) on the night of October 30/31. But it was a strangely suitable location.
Firstly walking in the dark through a zoo is scary enough and arriving at the large bonfire outside the ‘cave’ gave a spooky safari air to the whole experience.
Leading us over towards the enclosures, Zoo owner Charlotte Corney called to her majestic tigers by name and they came loping over to make an investigation of their own. “What were all these strange humans doing in their neighbourhood after dark and why were they flashing lights in our eyes?”
To see the big cats come to Charlotte’s call was most endearing, as well as exciting, as she told us that she had known them all since they were tiny cubs and had even hand reared some of them.
Inspection over and the cats lumbered off into the darkness as the group of sixteen were led into the cave to sit at a long table bedecked with spooky skulls, flashing orb lights and Halloween themed candles – all very atmospheric.
A three-course meal, which included the choice of sausage hot pot or vegetarian lasagna, was accompanied by a film made by the VIP team about their exploits and a discussion about our personal brushes with the paranormal.
In discussions it transpired that two ‘believers’, who had brought their ‘doubting’ partners with them, flanked me at the table. The lady to my left did not see a conflict between her paranormal beliefs and her Christian faith, although I wondered if her fellow parishioners would agree. At the head of the table a well seasoned paranormal sympathizer and alternative practitioner was dressed as a witch – and had even brought her own pendulum, which many use to ‘sense’ a visiting spirit.
Names of those on the adventure I will not reveal, suffice to say that some preferred to remain anonymous. The paranormal topic often opens a floodgate of unsympathetic responses.
After eating the hearty home cooked meal we were led to the remains of the old fort that surrounds the zoo. Palmerston built this in around 1830 to ward off invasion by the French.
Much of the original building has been lost but the large room we entered had housed two large guns. It had been reported that a young boy had been ‘sliced in half’ accidently when one of these guns was being moved.
Into the candlelit room and the bewitching began. A sensor across a door area was triggered and Linda from the VIP team could sense a presence in the side room housing the PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) pump that had pumped fuel to France during the war.
Apparently the spirit that had been encountered was of a man who had drowned accidentally at sea, according to Paul from VIP. “There is also the spirit of a woman here but he cannot communicate with her,” he added.
One of the guests later reported being overcome by the spirit of a young boy – an experience that she found very upsetting.
Trigger items had been placed in front of one of the old gun emplacements to see if the spirits might move them and a computer that played white noise that could pick up spirit communications if you listened hard enough. I could make out the words “Help Me”, but it could have just been an aural aberration.
Later two séance style tables were used to try and communicate with the spirits but by this time I was beginning to wilt, although to the question “When did you die?” it replied “1967” – quite a contemporary ghost I thought.
Leaving at around midnight I later heard that the party formed a ring and the spirits had pushed people who chose to stand in the middle. Spirits had also pushed one of the VIP team off of a chair.
My feeling for the spirits, if there were any, was that they perhaps ought to be either left in peace or allowed to make their way onwards. But it made for an very different way to spend a Saturday night and at a very reasonable £20 per person a sizeable donation towards the building of new enclosures for the big cats in the Zoo was raised – the VIP team donated their services for free to the zoo in return for allowing them to stage the event.
Charlotte Corney said: “On the way out we asked everyone and they said they’d like to do it again and it’s good that the evening stretched over the bewitching hour of midnight.
“When we were stood in a ring toward the end of the evening my colleague Sonia and I had our backs to the Pluto room and the door opened and shut twice and there were no other doors open to cause a draught. Sonia and I looked at each other and laughed.
“It was a huge success. Some people had more intense experiences than others and I certainly feel a little bit more uncomfortable about being around the fort late at night, especially as the nights are drawing in.
“One man said that he was happy to do a sponsored sleep over at the fort to raise more money for the tiger’s enclosure because he was such a skeptic, which was very generous of him, but I don’t think I’d want to.”
BLOODSTONE Border Morris, pagans and druids gathered at the Longstone last Sunday (October 31) to celebrate the pagan festival of Samhain that falls on Halloween.
First the Morris dancers roused the spirits of the noontime gatherers at the Neolithic monument with a selection of their jaunty dances, incorporating stick brandishing and sparring along with menacing snarls and grimaces.
Accompanied by a band of minstrels in similar attire the gathering numbered around 50 spectators and performers – a great turn out for an overcast damp day.
Once the dances were over the Morris men and women made their way to the Sun Inn at Hulverstone to continue their festivities. It was then the turn of the druids and pagans to make their offerings and ceremony to what is considered to be the Celtic New Year, Samhain.
Paganism and Druidism would have been the religions observed in this country before the Romans brought Christianity to our shores and there has been a rise in the observance of both practices in recent years.
An altar was set within the circle of around 20 adults and two children who gathered next to the ancient stone and the cloth was laid with bread, mead, honey, herbs and other objects. Those attending the event had been asked to place a memento of a loved one who had passed on if they wished to do so.
During the ceremony to worship the earth and elements, the mead - in a traditional horn drinking vessel - and pieces of a freshly baked loaf were offered to each with the pronouncement “May you never thirst,” and “May you never hunger.”
These pictures show some of those taking part in the short ceremony, which commenced with a prayer for peace and another to the Goddess. There are eight celebrations in the druidic calendar – four male and four female.
On October 2 Druidry became the first pagan practice to achieve official recognition as a religion. For more information on druidry on the Island go to www.wightdruids.com
Samhain (pronounced ‘sow - to rhyme with cow - in’) is a Gaelic harvest festival held on Oct 31 - Nov 1. It is thought that when the British Isles became Christianised that this festival became incorporated into All Saints day (Nov 1) and its predecessor ‘All Hallows Eve’ or ‘Hallow’een’ on October 31.
Samhain marked the end of the harvest, the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half” and was traditionally celebrated over the course of several days.
The festival has some elements of a festival of the dead. The Gaels believed that the border between this world and the otherworld became thin on Samhain; because so many animals and plants were dying, it thus allowed the dead to reach back through the veil that separated them from the living.
The Gaelic custom of wearing costumes and masks, was an attempt to copy the evil spirits or placate them.
In Scotland the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white. Samhnag - turnips which were hollowed-out and carved with faces to make lanterns - were also used to ward off harmful spirits.
In medieval Ireland, Samhain became the principal festival, celebrated with a great assembly at the royal court in Tara, lasting for three days. After being ritually started on the Hill of Tlachtga, a bonfire was set alight on the Hill of Tara, which served as a beacon, signaling to people gathered atop hills all across Ireland to light their ritual bonfires.
The Gaulish calendar appears to have divided the year into two halves: the ‘dark’ half, beginning with the month Samonios (the October/November lunation), and the ‘light’ half, beginning with the month Giamonios (the April/May lunation). The entire year may have been considered as beginning with the ‘dark’ half, so that the beginning of Samonios may be considered the Celtic New Year’s Day.
The Samhain celebrations have survived in several guises as a festival dedicated to the harvest and the dead. In Ireland and Scotland, the Féile na Marbh, the ‘festival of the dead’ took place on Samhain.
The night of Samhain, in Irish, Oíche Shamhna and Scots Gaelic, Oidhche Shamhna, is one of the principal festivals of the Celtic calendar, and falls on the October 31. It represents the final harvest.
In modern Ireland and Scotland, the name by which Halloween is known in the Gaelic language is still Oíche/Oidhche Shamhna. It is still the custom in some areas to set a place for the dead at the Samhain feast, and to tell tales of the ancestors on that night.
Traditionally, Samhain was time to take stock of the herds and grain supplies, and decide which animals would need to be slaughtered in order for the people and livestock to survive the winter.
Bonfires played a large part in the festivities celebrated down through the last several centuries, and up through the present day in some rural areas of the Celtic nations and the diaspora. Villagers were said to have cast the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. In the pre-Christian Gaelic world, cattle were the primary unit of currency and the center of agricultural and pastoral life. Samhain was the traditional time for slaughter, for preparing stores of meat and grain to last through the coming winter.
With the bonfire ablaze, the villagers extinguished all other fires. Each family then solemnly lit its hearth from the common flame, thus bonding the families of the village together. Often two bonfires would be built side by side, and the people would walk between the fires as a ritual of purification. Sometimes the cattle and other livestock would be driven between the fires, as well.
Guisers - men in disguise, were prevalent in 16th century in the Scottish countryside. Children going door to door “guising” (or “Galoshin” on the south bank of the lower Clyde) in costumes and masks carrying turnip lanterns, offering entertainment of various sorts in return for food or coins, was traditional in 19th century, and continued well into 20th century.
At the time of mass transatlantic Irish and Scottish immigration that popularized Halloween in North America, Halloween in Ireland and Scotland had a strong tradition of guising and pranks. This is how the festival travelled to the New World and it has now returned to our shores in recent times, rising in popularity over the past thirty or so years.
SUCCESS AND achievement was celebrated at the Lord-Lieutenant’s Annual Awards Evening.
Taking place at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP presented a number of awards recognising a diverse range of achievements from individuals and groups from the Island.
An wards was also be presented by the Island’s High Sheriff Peter Kingston and Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Ian Stephens.
Four new Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets were inaugurated at the awards evening. Scout Cadet Edward Gray, Leading Cadet Harry Gallaher from Cowes Sea Cadets, Cadet Flight Sergeant Antony Lillington and Cadet Staff Sergeant Thomas White of Cowes Combined Cadet Force. The cadets support the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties over a two year period, assisting at major events including Remembrance Sunday and Veterans Day.
As well as military awards including the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates, SSAFA long service award, Hampshire and IW Territorial Trust award for notable achievement and award for 40 years service to combined services entertainment, a number of public service and community awards will be presented by the Prison Service, Hampshire and IW Constabulary and the British Red Cross.
New for this year is the Island Ability Awards which celebrates disability diversity on the Isle of Wight. Organised in partnership with the Southern Housing Group, Local Involvement Networks (LINKs) and the Isle of Wight Council, awards to be presented include the public sector business award, young person’s award and social inclusion award.
Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White, said: “It is important that we recognise success and celebrate the valuable contribution individuals and groups make to our community.”
IF YOU WERE thinking of trying paintballing then it’s Sid at ‘Splatter On Paintball’ you need to find because not only has he got three fantastic Paintballing arenas but he’s got the patter to back up the splatter!
In fact he’s a very good and confident paint-balling instructor. If you’re not sure what to do after his safety brief then you must have been asleep!
“Five years on the Island and I have personally been involved in the sport of Paintball for over 20 years,” he told us. “We have the experience and history in paintball to make any person’s experience very rewarding and you’ll dine out for months on the war stories.”
Just like a real op, you meet up at the Hare and Hounds car park at 1000. The group gradually assembles, full of anticipation, and then, when all is clear, the convoy moves off to the site like a metallic snake.
Down a long well made track and Sergeant Major Sid parks you up and you step over decaying paintballs from old battles, fought over flags and objectives as you pass the arenas looking awesome in the morning sun. Glory or doom beckons!
You are then sent off to the changing room, an old military tent, to don overalls and the upper-body protective vest that makes everyone look like a ninja turtle. The finishing touches of the mask and ammo belt make you ready for action – one safety brief and a quick test on the shooting range and you’re “Good to Go!”
Chief Marshall Vicky and Arena Marshall Sam lead you off for your first game. Sid especially enjoys the look of expectation and trepidation on the customer’s faces at this point, especially if they’re Paintball ‘newbies’ – he knows what’s coming.
“We have catered for all sorts here,” said Sid. “We’ve had everyone from stag and hen parties to football clubs and businesses on a development day.” He laughed as he recalled a battle between Bikers and Swedish girl sailors who were over on a tall ship. The Swedes turned up and asked young Sam to show them the changing tent and the poor boy stood shaking as the girls stripped off completely in front of him.
“Then the Swedes went out and completely destroyed the Bikers, but I don’t think they minded,” laughed Sid.
“Lots of people come here quite stressed out, but after three or four hours of Paintball come away calm and smiling,” emphasized ex TA soldier Sid.
“People take different things away with them: it builds confidence, is exciting, gives a great adrenaline rush and is character building – overall the best fun the Island has to offer.”
Sid and his wife Val also use the business to raise money for ‘Help For Heroes’ as they donate £1 from everyone’s rental to the charity, but on October 30 they are having a ‘Ladies Day’ to raise money for the Breast Cancer Appeal. So come on girls!
Splatter On Paintball also holds the ‘Isle of Wight Pub Paintball Championships’ – a team from the St Boniface Arms in Ventnor won it this time. They are also holding the largest paintball battle the Island has ever seen.
“The Battle of Duxmore will be huge,” continued Sid. “A hundred paintballers split into West and East Wight armies. Fifty per side battling for objectives around the fields and woods at Duxmore (60 acres). All Islanders are welcome – you’ve probably seen the posters dotted around the Island. Places are going quickly so hurry up if you want to book your place.”
It costs £65 for this battle and paintball soldiers will get 500 paintballs, two paint grenades, all the equipment, lunch and, if that’s not enough, a unique commemorative mug.
He also has a paintball league up and running, so for more info call him on 07891552238.
“We don’t play at Paintball, we are Paintball on the Island,” is Sid’s motto as well as “Pain is Fleeting, Pride is Forever.”
FEARLESS SOULS - young and old - can take a walk with Professor Midnight, eminent Victorian ghost hunter and expert on all things phantasmagorical, to uncover some of the inexplicable happenings at Carisbrooke Castle during half term week.
His walks will uncover some of the strange goings-on and spectral sightings at the site - including the story of the pale face of a girl drowning in the castle well and transparent ladies noiselessly walking their dogs on gravel.
As he attempts to get to the bottom of various reports of paranormal activity, the Professor will be making perambulations at frequent intervals throughout the day - and luckily for those of a timorous disposition - provide his own lantern to lead the way!
Suitable for children and brave adults the tours last 20 minutes and will be running throughout each day from Monday 25 to Sunday 31 October. Youngsters can also have fun around the grounds to find hidden clues in a Spooky Quest and every ghost buster that successfully unravels the trail will receive a chocolate treat.
On Wednesday October 27 visitors have the chance to meet the Islands famous paranormal author Gay Baldwin, who will be at the castle for a book signing from 11am - 3pm.
Normal admission prices apply of just £7.00 for adults and £6.00 for concessions and £3.50 for children. English Heritage members are admitted free. Carisbrooke Castle is on Castle Hill in Newport (PO30 1XY) and is open daily from 10am-5pm.
For further information on Carisbrooke Castle or other English Heritage properties on the Isle of Wight call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.
IT WAS standing room only in the Michael West Gallery for the opening of the St George’s School exhibition in the smaller Learning Curve gallery next-door.
Much of the Island’s elite was in attendance for the launch of the pupil’s creative response to the current exhibition in the Michael West Gallery – The Art of Travel by Bembridge-based artist Stewart Orr.
Invited guests included Lord Lieutenant Martin White and his wife, the High Sheriff, Peter Kingston and his wife, David Pugh IW Council, Dawn Cousins Cabinet and Child Services, Ian Stephens Chair of Council, Nina Cullinane Arts Dev. Officer, Caroline Bastion Archdeacon, Debbie Lavin Principal IoW College,Clare Mitchell Sch Gov St George’s, CarolAnne Eades Arts Co-ordinator, Guy Eades Healing Arts and Justine Turner Chair of Governors.
Financed and arranged by the local branch of the NADFAS (National Association of Fine Arts Societies) it was Judith Hook, chair of the Vectis branch who gave the opening address.
Chris Jenkins, the talented young artist who took the workshops with the children to produce their wonderful response, was then able to explain the process by which the work was executed.
Then NADFAS National Chairman, Gri Harrison said a few words about their Young Arts projects, chaired by Penny Livermore, and was presented with a photograph of the artwork done by the St George’s School pupils by pupil Christopher Ayres who painted three of the canvases in the display.
Head of St George’s School, Sue Holman spoke of the great privilege it is to work in a school like St George’s.
“Art within the school is a passion and what makes us incredibly proud is when we can exhibit to a larger community,” said Mrs Holman before thanking NADFAS, Quay Arts and Chris Jenkins. “You’re a huge inspiration to the people in the school,” she added referring to Chris.
“Thank you to the students,” she stressed. “You are our stars – you make every day different. And thanks to Carol Ann Eades, “ said Mrs Holman to her Head of Art.
Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White was suitably impressed and gave a heartwarming speech about the work and the school.
Looking around the Michael West Gallery, the assembled crowd was able to view Stewart Orr’s work before moving across to the Learning Curve to see the children’s inspired canvases and wall frieze.
Stewart Orr was particularly impressed with the black and white depiction of the buildings the children had ‘travelled to’ during the project – mainly the Quay Arts building and others around Newport.
After the speeches and presentation guests mingled in the galleries, sipping Pimms, soft drinks and tasty nibbles. The exhibitions run until October 16 and are well worth a visit – the responses from the children are quite astounding.
If you would like some more information about NADFAS you can get it at www.nadfas.org.uk
AT A TIME when most seaside towns are shutting up shop sunny Ventnor will be throwing the town open for the second V Bay festival.
Stretching over four days this year from October 21 to 24, the festival will run along the seafront and up into the town. Don’t miss the rare treat to see internationally acclaimed local band the Bees on the Thursday night at the Winter Gardens before they embark on a tour with Paul Weller.
Also at this venue will be a fun packed party night on the Friday (October 22) for only £5. Host DJ Tim Boogaloo will bring his eclectic mix of Mowtown and Northern Soul and local comedienne Hannah George will be raising many laughs in the main hall while the Hillmans play in the bar.
But it is the Big Speakeasy evening on Saturday (October 23) that will have everyone out in 20s, 30s and 40s fancy dress to try their luck at the traditional roulette tables. Entrance is only £12 and includes ‘£50 worth’ of chips with the person with the most chips by the end of the evening winning a prize.
Aaron Isted will be working his mysterious table magic on the fluttering guests and the evening will play out to the music of a traditional jazz band.
Over the weekend music will play a large part in the proceedings with venues for live artists all over the town. The Met Bar will have more jazz on offer and the Spyglass will feature local bands. You may have seen the films made by the Spyglass and Met Bar featuring V Bay last year – you might be in the one they make this year!
Live music will also be on the menu at the Ale and Oyster, Rios, the Ventnor Bay Café, the Beach Hut Diner, the Rose, the Blenheim, the Crab and Lobster and the St Boniface Arms and more venues may join in.
The Youth Club will be staging a concert late afternoon on Saturday, a steel band will be playing on the seafront near the Spyglass and there will also be people busking around the town and seafront.
Make sure that you visit the local businesses while you’re in Ventnor for V-Bay – you’ll be surprised by the variety and quality the town has on offer. The Ventnorian is a super shop full of eco ‘green’ items for the home, traditional gifts and toys made from natural and recycled materials and lovely local crafts.
Tilly’s café is a legend in the town, particularly its breakfasts, the specials board and the doorstep sized slabs of delicious sponge cakes. Owner Jackie Tiller is one of the V Bay organisers and will doubtless have something festive up her sleeve.
Marianne in Inspirations is a wizard with her sewing machine, making curtains, cushions and other soft furnishings and she also has a very reasonable and tasteful range of bed linen and other made to measure items such as quilts and throws.
On Friday nights throughout the winter, Malcolm will be giving Salsa lessons in the winter Gardens, and ideal way to beat off those winter blues, get fit and meet new friends.
And if you’re feeling a bit fragile after all that dancing you might like to call upon the services of Mary King the local McTimony Chiropractor for her healing hands.
A ‘Treasure Trail’ features on the flyer for the festival – answer all ten questions correctly and you could win a three day break for five in Ventnor, a return short break ticket with Wightlink, a voucher for dinner at the Ale and Oyster or an English breakfast at Tilly’s bistro.
‘Open the Safe’ will be a game you’ll want to play – guess the four number combination to open the safe and you win the £50 within.
Gallybagger pirates will be swarming all over the town, making nuisances of themselves, picking sword fights and blowing things up with real gunpowder on the seafront. “Press Gangs will be around and arrests will be made!” says the V Bay announcement.
The pirates may even join forces with the Ventnor Comic Jazz Band for a parade to remember and at 7pm on Saturday the seafront there will host a large skirmish by Wight Pirates when fireworks will fly.
For more frightening experiences, Mark Tuckey will be running Ghost Walks in the evenings.
On the beach will be a treasure hunt, a tug of war and the boxing club will be putting on a display. The Angling Club at Wheelers Bay will be offering free tuition and there’s a fishing competition on Ventnor Beach.
Magician Randini will be hosting a picnic at the Seabreeze playground on Saturday afternoon – bring your own picnic – and there will be a fun area for kids around the paddling pool. On Sunday Randini will be staging a Punch and Judy show on the beach.
Saturday afternoon will herald the arrival of the Coastguard Air Sea Rescue Helicopter and Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat (SSIL) for a death defying display of their life saving skills.
On Sunday there will be an Antique and Collectors Fayre in the Winter Gardens form 10am till 3pm including valuations by Rex Gully of Hose Rhodes and Dixon Auction Rooms between 10am and midday for a £1 fee per item.
For more details see www.ventnorbay.co.uk as more activities are being added daily. See you there!
BUSINESSES, schools, services and individuals all took on a decidedly yellow hue last Friday (October 1) for the Hospice’s annual ‘Go Yellow’ day.
The rain did not deter play as people descended upon St Thomas’s Square in crazy yellow themed fancy dress outfits to accost passers by in their efforts to raise money for the Hospice.
Over 60 businesses contacted the hospice to join in the Go Yellow fundraising marathon, but many more joined in on the day.
At Fairlee Service Station the Fire Service were washing cars, and although the rain was pouring down they still had queues of customers. The police force brought many of their vehicles to be washed and the total raised here was £412.94.
Drivers were also throwing money into buckets from their car windows as they passed by and hooting their horns in solidarity.
In Newport two scantily clad yellow fairies were asking for money at Morrisons, collecting £448.78, there were bunches of bananas from WP Recruitment in St Thomas’s Square and RJR Solicitors raised a total of £786.50.
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlour in Cowes were giving away Free Yellow Ice Cream in return for a donations to the hospice and some ladies from St Mary’s Church, Cowes also held a book stall.
“Due to the weather we only managed to raise £34 but that does take the total that The Plaza Ices has raised for the hospice this year £872,” said Gary Hall of Plaza Ices.
The target for the Plaza Fundraising Challenge was £1000 for the hospice and they hope to reach this target when Gary completes The Great South Run on Sunday October 24.
Anyone can sponsor Gary by going into either Beresford’s Barber Shop Cowes or The Plaza Ice Cream Parlour, Cowes and signing the sponsor form or sponsoring online on at www.justgiving.com/gary-hall or clicking the link on www.theplazaices.co.uk
On Saturday September 25, the Plaza ice cream van gave away free pink ice creams for The Breast Cancer Appeal in St James Square, Newport and raised £299.
ON A GLORIOUS Saturday, in a rural environment, nearly 300 people attended PostFest, a private musical festival, held on the Isle of Wight, in the back garden on Fairlee Road known as The Last Post.
Robert Carr, who is part of the Sweetchuck Promotions group, hosted the musical event, which raised £150 for the Isle of Wight Hospice.
PostFest hosted a variety of Island bands, along with some famous singers and attracted a variety of enthusiasts, and musical spectators.
It featured famous singers such as Carrie Hope Fletcher, who has performed in the UK in many occasions, and has acted in many theatrical events such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Les Misérables.
In the line up, we saw; Claydon, Carrie and Charlie Yang, Dr Jones, The Weather Kings, The Scores, The Moby Dicks, Headfunk, Guy Page Trio, Vanzatti, Dirty Habit and Gweido.
During the event, the many spectators enjoyed watching and joining in with Isle of Hula, a replica of the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, a Bouncy Castle and numerous food vans.
In an interview with Arthur Reeder, the owner of the land where PostFest was hosted, he said, “I was very happy to see so many people enjoying the best of local Island music, and I am proud to have had so much talent in my own back garden. If people want it, I am only too pleased to offer my garden to accommodate them, providing they bring me some doughnuts!”
Robert Carr, the event’s host, said, “The event was a celebration for all the top IW bands and artists to come together and appreciate each of our unique qualities. My aim is to give individuals the facility to showcase their original ideas, to inspire local talent, and also to build a community around us. It was a PostFest success! We are already planning a bigger and brighter festival for next year.”
IT WAS A FUN filled morning for the launch of the Island’s annual cycling festival on Saturday September 18 with a host of two-wheeled activities for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The nine-day festival was officially launched at County Hall car park in Newport with bike stunts from the MAD display team, magic shows and fun for all the family.
A collection of bikes through the ages from Solent Veteran Cycling Club made a wonderful spectacle, and included visiting bikes from around the country.
Valerie Pears from Peterborough Vintage Cycle Club had brought her 1887 Clement tricycle and her husband Alan Whitnee brought their 1884 Ordinary Penny Farthing, which was made by the Harrington Engineering Company that was founded on the Isle of Wight.
Val purchased her Clement from Holland, although it is French Racing Tricycle, and she was in Victorian costume to match her machine.
“It’s a hobby that you get addicted to and it’s very sociable too,” said Val.
The following day around 80 of the veteran, vintage and classic bikes rallied at Arreton to ride the cycle path to Sandown and the coastal path to Shanklin and then back again. All on their lovingly restored mounts.
Also at the launch was an obstacle course and cycling safety information, along with Headway brain injury association.
The crazy sink or swim challenge nearby was a great crowd puller with Raymond Belson, 70, from Queens Bower first across the River Medina in his pedal powered watercraft called ‘Rift Raft’.
Crowds cheered as Raymond crossed the river ahead of two other craft competing in this year’s event.
The Festival’s first weekend was a great success with many people taking to the saddle. Around 40 children attended a Teddy Bears Picnic at Nettlecombe Farm on Sunday 19 September, the same day as the gruelling Hills Killer event and West Wight Triathlon, both of which were well attended.
Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “This year’s festival got off to a great start with an action packed launch event in Newport. I was at the launch and it was great to see so many people getting involved and finding out about the rides on offer.
“Whether you are an occasional rider or seasoned in the saddle, the cycling festival offers a great opportunity to get outdoors and explore the Island.”
Details of all the rides can be found online at www.sunseaandcycling.com or in the festival programme which can be picked up in bike shops, tourist information centres and libraries.
THE GOOD natured and responsible behaviour among the vast majority of visitors to this year’s Bestival music festival was seen by Island police.
Around 50,000 people enjoyed four days of live music and entertainment at Robin Hill Country Park, with organisations from the
Island’s Community Safety
Partnership, including Hampshire Constabulary, IW
Council and NHS Isle of Wight worked closely alongside Bestival event organisers and their security staff.
Hampshire Constabulary Isle of Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Terry Clawson said: “Months of planning and joint working with event organisers and other agencies go into this operation. Our approach is based on tried and tested principles of neighbourhood policing as the Bestival forms a temporary community, which presents similar challenges to policing any town or village.”
Extra police officers and staff were on duty to provide reassurance and support to event organisers if required. Uniform police officers from Hampshire Constabulary and other police forces worked at the Bestival campsite entrances to stop supplies of illegal drugs at the event.
There were 36 investigations into the supply of drugs, an increase compared to the 24 investigations last year. There were 79 arrests and street bails for the possession of drugs, and 71 people received cannabis warnings. The total value of drugs seized for all four days was in the region of £102,000. This was a reduction on the £157,941 seized at the Bestival in 2009. The overall number of drug related crimes fell from 292 in 2009 to 186 this year.
A total of 52 people were seen by counsellors from the independent drugs treatment charity ‘Cranstoun’ who were part of the police operation to prevent the risks of drugs use at the Bestival.
Inspector Terry Clawson said: “We’re pleased that crime levels remained low among an audience that was 10 per cent larger than last year. The good atmosphere within the event is as a result of the planning and co-operation that takes place between organisers and partner agencies. Every year we have visitors from other police forces who see Bestival as a real example of good practice in the policing of festivals.”
Security stewards and police carried out joint patrols on the campsites where crime prevention advice and lanyards were given to Bestival goers. Inspector Clawson added: “Our crime prevention lanyards again proved popular in response to national warnings about pick pockets at festivals across the UK.
“Bestival goers visited the police’s campsite office to ask for extra lanyards during the weekend. The numbers of thefts from people reported so far is 13, which is in line with last year’s numbers. Thefts from tents reported so far have risen slightly from 63 in 2009 to 84 in 2010, but these levels are still low when you consider the campsite was at least 20 per cent larger this year.
“Joint working between security and police to prevent sexual offences worked well, in particular the use of the Isle of Wight Youth Trust welfare tent where volunteers helped people who felt or were deemed vulnerable. Four people were taken to hospital over the whole of Bestival because of overdoses. This is the same figure as 2009.
“Issues surrounding’ legal highs’ were managed effectively with only one seizure of a substance during the event. Police welcome the zero tolerance attitude of Bestival organisers towards ‘legal highs’, which were prohibited at the event again this year, with anyone found in possession being asked to leave if they did not hand over the substances voluntarily. We are pleased that the majority of people appear to have taken notice of the health warnings during fresh national concerns about these substances.”
Inspector Martin Goodall of Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Police are continuing to investigate the fatal road collision near the Bestival production entrance on Mersley Down Road shortly after midnight on Sunday morning. We would like to thank event organisers and security staff for their considerable co-operation and support. We are also grateful to members of the public who assisted with looking after the injured at the collision scene, and those have come forward with information so far.”
SUMMER MADNESS descended onto Carisbrooke Castle field for the second year running and over 5,000 music fans made their way to the unique location for a day of fun.
Luckily the rain held off and the sun even put in an appearance for most of the afternoon, arriving just before the end of a stunning set by last minute guests Saint Jude.
Tiny Rock’n’Soul diva Lynne Jackaman, of Saint Jude, wowed the crowds with her big voice – giving echos of 60s legend Janis Joplin, amongst her powerful vocals. Apparently Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has been known to get up on stage and jam with the band at gigs in London.
Prior to this the Moons had given a brilliant performance of their neo mod rock style of music. With influences such as The Jam, The Small Faces and, not surprisingly given their name, the Who, the lads got the party started in style.
Next up, and very well received by the crowd, were the Island’s very own Bees, who were on sparkling form and played a far too short set for many of their fans.
Playing a selection of their well known hits such as ‘Who Cares What the Question Is?’, ‘Listening Man’, ‘Wash in the Rain’, ‘Chicken Payback’ and the catchy ‘A Minha Menina’ the boys managed to also squeeze in the lovely new single ‘I Really Need Love (Now)’.
This single is released on October 4, the album comes out on October 11, and The Bees will be supporting Paul Weller on his forthcoming tour.
Imelda May was another small lady with a very big voice, and she wowed the crowd with her rockabilly style. A band that might not have shared the stage with mod bands back in the day, the young Irish songstress had the crowd in the pal of her hand after telling us that she had donned her black and white striped dress in honour of the occasion.
Singles ‘Big Bad Handsome Man’ and ‘Johnny Got A Boom Boom’ couldn’t fail to get people on their feet.
The Brand New Heavies transported everyone back to the eighties with their funky numbers. Lead guitarist Simon Bartholemew was really getting into the groove with his shirt unbuttoned to the waist and a feather robe.
Scouse band The Coral with their mop topped blonde frontman James Skelly gave a distinctly sixties feel to the proceedings. A few of their old hits and numbers from their new album Butterfly House got everyone in the mood for the big man himself.
And ‘the legend that is Paul Weller’ did not disappoint. “He won’t play well unless he decides that he likes the audience,” said someone who knows a little bit about Weller. I suggest he decided that we were okay.
But he did not like the VIP bar one little bit. “Get out from behind that fence!” he demanded, dedicating his song ‘From the Floorboards Up’ to those who were watching from the bar to the right of the stage.
I think he must be the first artist to practically clear the VIP area at any concert I’ve attended. And, after all, you can’t get down and boogie if you’re not in front of the stage.
‘Pretty Green’ was practically spat at the audience in true Jam fashion and there was more early magic with ‘That’s Entertainment’ and ‘Start!’ Here was a man who still remembered his rebellious days. Smoking on stage – surely not!
Slower, more melodious numbers such as the beautiful ‘Wild Wood’ were saved for later on into his set. The mixture of old and newer numbers was ideal for older Jam and Style Council fans as well as his newer younger followers who knew every word of his latest album ‘Wake Up The Nation’. His final ‘You do Something To Me’ left the crowd wanting more.
Paul Weller still has it – whatever it is. He maybe the modfather but he has re-established himself as a successful solo artist, and continues to remain a respected singer, lyricist and guitarist. A fact that was reaffirmed by his awarding of the 2009 BRIT award for Best Male Solo Artist.
Now who could top this next year? The Who? Ray Davis? And what happened to Noel Gallagher?
