Isle of Wight News- #IW NEWS Isle of Wight Gazette

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Cllr Edward Giles, Peter Hayward and Stuart Love

Congratulations to the Isle of Wight Council officers responsible for highways who have brought total chaos to the Island roads.

Surely, they must have won the award for the most naive and short-sighted decisions of 2010!

It’s half term, it’s the Christmas shopping season – so what do they do? Close virtually every route in and out of Newport – that’s what!

Binstead Hill is closed, so traffic from Ryde is being forced towards Robin Hill Island, and then down Long Lane towards Staplers. Then they decide to close the road from Arreton Cross to Blackwater for resurfacing.

So where does traffic from Sandown and Shanklin, heading towards Newport go? You’ve guessed it – towards Robin Hill and down Long Lane. Queues there today stretched back nearly to the Robin Hill island.

Of course there is the alternative route – through Godshill, where temporary traffic lights have caused chaos for weeks. Earlier this week, the traffic coming out of Newport towards Godshill stretched back nearly to Rookley.

Of course there is always the route out of Newport via Carisbrooke. But, oh no. Guess what? The roads have been closed because of road works.

The Gazette specifically approached the IW Council last week about the possibility of such chaos, and they dismissed it out of hand, saying there would be no knock-on effect. Have they ventured out of their ivory tower this week, and seen what’s going on around Coppins Bridge and beyond?

Steve Beynon hard at work

Today the Council issued a statement about the chaotic conditions. It read: “The council received reports of large traffic build-ups around the Blackwater and Godshill areas between 4 – 7pm last night (25 October). One of the main causes was the volume of traffic which normally uses the Blackwater Road being diverted due to resurfacing works on the A3056 between Blackwater Junction and Arreton Cross. These resurfacing works are due to be completed at 5pm on Wednesday 27 October and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We understand there was a road accident around 6pm at Blackwater Hollow which may have contributed to the traffic congestion.

”We are also aware of concerns relating to a set of temporary lights that are in place outside the Godshill Cider Barns. These traffic lights were put in place by a private contractor as a result of building works. We have taken this up with the contractor to ensure that the issue is addressed. We have been assured the lights will be working properly today which should help reduce congestion.

“With the increased traffic flow due to the diversion and the problems with the temporary lights, this would have resulted in increased congestion at peak times. However, with the problem with the temporary lights remedied, and the resurfacing work due to finish tomorrow, traffic should flow more smoothly.”

Someone wants their backside kicking from Bembridge to Freshwater – the trouble is you would never find a clear route to do it!

CHRIST THE KING College Year 6 girls were the worthy winners of the Island under-11 seven-a- side competition.

They did not lose a single match or concede a goal with the exception of the penalty shoot out in the final against Lake. They worked particularly hard as they did not have any subs. They demonstrated great sportsmanship, good teamwork and played excellent throughout the tournament.

Pictured: Top Row (left to right): Georgia Bolland, Olivia Taylor, Emelia Matthews. Bottom Row (left to right): Joella Maddin, Eden Crumplin, Alisha Robinson, Emily Aldridge-Snell.

THREE members of the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club Veterans Squad attended the Wallingford Long Distance Sculling.

The race is held over a 4,250m course from the Railway Bridge to the Oxford University Boat Club boat house at Wallingford Marina, and is of a very high standard with many international oarsman and women competing over the years. Entries have included Sir Steve Redgrave and James Cracknell. This year was no exception with a very high standard and over 400 crews and scullers competing.

Unfortunately Ryde sculler Russell Page suffered a recurrence of a recent back injury and was forced to withdraw. However, Ian Hayden and Simon Saunders were able to compete, both in the Master B Single Sculls and both acquitted themselves well with Ian finishing in second place and Simon in fourth in their event.

Ian’s time of 19mins 14 secs was less than two minutes behind the winning time. Simon completed the course in 21mins 6secs.

ISLE OF WIGHT Thunder under-16 ice hockey team played their first home game of the season, and continued the impressive form shown at Lee Valley with a thumping 10-0 victory over Streatham.

The first period started with both teams playing some attractive hockey, but neither penetrating enough to cause any major problems to either netminder. It was however very evident that the home team were full of confidence and they showed it by gradually grinding down the visitors.

Thunder needed a goal to set the winning wheels in motion and it duly came from Altermate captain Archie Bicknell who broke free down the left and placed shot into the top left corner.

As always the goal allowed the whole team to relax and take the upper hand. A few minutes later Bicknell doubled both his and the team’s tally with another well placed goal.

There was time for one more goal before the interval when Sean Molloy finished a sublime move by again beating the Streatham goalie.

The second period was totally dominated by the Thunder who had a comfortable goal cushion which allowed them to dictate all areas of the ice. Further goals were added by Alex Trendall and Aidan Doughty, the pick coming from Trendall who drove up centre ice whilst Doughty found a cross ice pass which fell perfectly on the stick of Trendall who placed an exquisite low shot into the back of the net.

The final period was about all the players getting good ice time and keeping a clean sheet for Aaron Craft between the pipes. Further goals were added by Eden Holton and Doughty to end the game with a superb ten goals to nil win.

Once again the all round team performance and attitude was spot on. There were also three new players in Alistair Copping, Lee Tyers and Jesse Scott-Donagh who all did themselves proud in their first ever game.

So after their first two games of the season against good opposition the Thunder have scored 16 and have yet to concede.

Man of the match: Alexander Trendall. Spirit of the game: Lee Tyers.

Points: Aidan Doughty 5+1, Archie Bicknnell 2+1, Sean Molloy 1+1, Eden Holton 1+1, Alexander Trendall 1+0, Andrew McCloskey 0+1, Jordan Jacobs 0+1, Connor Price 0+1.

Team: Aaron Craft, Ross Beale, Lee Tyers, Alistair Copping, Jesse Scott-Donagh, Andrew McCloskey, Sean Molloy, Eden Holton, Jordan Jacobs, Alexander Trendall, Aidan Doughty, Ollie Bennett, Archie Bicknell, Connor Price, Jake Bontoft, Harrison Brown, Paedar Ives.

NEWPORT are through to the second round of the FA Vase after a convincing 3-0 win over Shoreham at St George’s Park.

The Island side were always in control and built a two-goal lead before half time through Tom Dunford and Charlie Smeeton. Then in-form Iain Seabrook rattled home a free kick in the second period to ensure a safe passage to the next stage.

Brading Town were comfortable 4-2 winners over St Francis Rangers thanks to a well-taken hat-trick by Kyle Levrier. Scott Jones scored the other goal for the Romans to secure victory.

Cowes Sports were also in goods form in their Sydenhams Wessex League, Division One clash with Pewsey Vale, taking the points with a 4-1 success. Darren Williams scored twice, and the other Sports marksmen were Gareth Bricknell and Dominic Burbidge.

East Cowes Vics completed a fine day for the Island’s top teams by defeating Tadley Calleva 4-0. The goalscorers by Alex Harvey, Kai Barnes, Joe Tigwell and Freddie Knowles.

DAVE VALE scored a gross 75 to win Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s Monthly Medal. He finished one shot ahead of Gary Meszynski, with Aggy Iona (78) third.

The Division 1 nett winner was Alan Evans, who carded a 66, two ahead of John Liddelow, George Beardsmore and Aggy Iona 68.

Division 2 honours were taken by Mark Linington (66) from Peter Rush (70), David Buckman (71) and Dave Warrick (71).

Other recent results: Ladies Monthly Stableford: Winner Julie Miller 33. Ladies Monthly Stableford & Autumn Trophy: Winner Jan Hill 42. 2nd Christine Smith 40. 3rd Judy Richardson 37. 4th Debbie Berry 37. 5th Sheryl Jackson 36.

Open Stableford Division 1: Winner Alex Messing 40. 2nd Miles Oldershaw 39. Division 2:

Winner Ken Barr 37. 2nd Adrian Sothcott 37.

Ladies Invitation (Pts) Winners Pat Metcalf, Elaine Hunter, Lillian Bushby, Jackie Thow 88. 2nd Lynn Aylott, Pat Long, Joy Jenkins, Anne Rogers 87. 3rd Joyce Petrie, Sarah Hopcroft, Lorrie Hawkins, Liz Cunningham 87.

Seniors - Handley Veterans Trophy Nett: Winner John Salter 61. 2nd Barry Groves 66. 3rd Gwynn White 66.

Open Medal Nett: Winner Darren Robertson 65. 2nd James Summers 66. 3rd Dave Vale 66.

Open Stableford Division 1: Winner Richard Scoble 41. 2nd Colin Wilkins 38. 3rd Mike Jones 38. 4th Elliot Jones 37. Division 2: Winner Mike Baker 41. 2nd Tony Cole 38. 3rd David Kiely 37. 4th Tim Ellis 37.

Members of Camphill Golf Society enjoyed sunny conditions at Freshwater Bay Golf Club.

The morning medal for the Rapid Fit trophy was won by Alison Wren with a score of nett 72 beating John Stafford also with 72 on countback. In third place with 73 was Brian Gilbert.

The afternoon 10-hole stableford was won by Rex Ringer with 21 points beating his brother George into second place with 20, third with 19 points was Kev Phelps. The two nearest the pin prizes were awarded to John Lee and Kev Thompson.

ISLAND cricketer Danny Briggs has taken another huge step towards international stardom.

Briggs has been selected to travel to Australia with the England Performance Squad. The 19-year-old spin bowler, who had a sensational season for Hampshire this summer, is among 16 players in the squad.

They will leave for Down Under early next month, and return shortly before Christmas, their trip coinciding with the first part of England’s trip to defend the Ashes against the Aussies.

Briggs, who comes from Ryde, played regularly for Ventnor before making the big step up to the County scene, and his bowling has earned him plaudits from many big names in the game.

He was particularly impressive in helping Hampshire to the Twenty20 title against Somerset at Southampton Rose Bowl Stadium. Throughout the tournament he took 24 wickets for 357 runs, at an average of 14.87, and was then names man of the match in the thrilling final.

He will spend two weeks in Brisbane, and two weeks in Perth during his trip to Australia.

Newport Colts 6 - Rew Valley 5

NEWPORT Colts conceded two early goals against a lively and improved Rew Valley side. Then they got into the game with great goals from Olly McCloughlin, C J Margallo and Ben Holdsworth.

Rew Valley responded, and with the help of Harry Cantania and Cairan Gibson they brought the scores level at 5-5, before Colts got the winner through Tyler Greenslade.

Rew Valley 1 Gurnard Gladiators 4

GURNARD GLADIATORS faced early pressure but scored two counter-attacking goals through Toby Cousins and Dan Pearson before Anthony Kettell got one back for Rew Valley.

But Gurnard rounded off an excellent all round performance with two more goals in the second half from Toby Cousins and man of the match Tom Stone to record back to back wins! Rew Valley’s man of the match was Declan Morgan-Phillips.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT rugby club’s second team suffered a comprehensive 51-7 defeat at Wootton Rec. against United Services Portsmouth.

The hastily arranged friendly pitted the Island against opposition two leagues higher than them, and the final score mirrored the gulf in class. Nevertheless, the home side were competitive for most of the game, starting very well and forcing a penalty opportunity inside three minutes. Kieran Leahy failed with the kick, and shortly afterwards the Navy side landed three points of their own.

The game was closely fought in the opening half hour, the visitors scoring a try to lead 8-0, though the Island also mounted promising attacks. Josh Sayers was at the heart of many of these, ably supported by Ollie Boulter and Brandon Frost-Jones. A chip through by Sam Tyson was almost touched down by Ryan Leal, but opportunities came and went. Scrums and lineouts were also evenly contested at this stage, Josh Wright impressing in his first game at prop. It was turnovers that cost the Islanders another penalty followed by a controversial try, as the US winger appeared to have both feet in touch before racing away to score. Another turnover and converted try left the half-time score at 25-0.

USP started the second half confidently, doing the basics well and putting the Island under pressure. Defence was stout in this period, but USP managed a further try before the IW got on the scoresheet. Industrious scrum-half Colman Cotter moved quick ball along the line, where Sayers broke a tackle on halfway and went clear for a fine try, which Leahy converted.

The last ten minutes were disappointing for the Islanders, as they accumulated injuries and mistakes, and the efficient visitors ran in three further tries to embellish the scoreline.

IWRFC 0 US Portsmouth 16

The Island side edged the scrum at the start, but both sides took a little time to settle. It was an early USP penalty that resulted in the only score of the first half, but both sides were focused on attack. The Island had several opportunities to score, but turned over ball at vital times.

The second half followed much the same way, with both sides forcing the other back, with defence winning out. However, a succession of penalties on the Island line finally paid as USP scored and converted.

The Island fought back and even thought a score was on the cards, but for an offside call. USP took the only opportunities on offer, two penalties, to shut the game out.

The Island now face a tough few weeks, chasing that first win, but with injured players due to return and the attitude and determination of Saturday, that should not be far off. Saturday sees the 1st XV away to Romsey while the 2nd XV play Portsmouth 4ths at home.

IWRFC: G Warville, C Williams, N Brading, D Taylor, D Gilpin, P Baldwin, B Evans, N Puckett, E Lynch, J Nicholls, A White, A Thomas, D Metcalfe, M Newnham, I Puzey, K Scovell, S Lock.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT under-18s open bowls championship proved to be one of the most closely contested competitions ever held among the Island’s junior bowlers.

Young bowlers, aged between 12 and 17 years of age, from clubs all over the Island, converged on Shanklin BC and played some of the finest bowls by this age group on the island for many years.

Spectators were treated to some very close competitive games in which all the players supported each other. Winners and losers all showed a great deal of composure and etiquette which was a great credit to their coaches and clubs.

The competition was played on a Round Robin basis over 7 ends per game, with the top two going through to contest the final which was played over 10 ends.

The first round games were closely contested with Lucas Trigg, Ryan Trigg, Josh Berry and Jack Berry winning their first games. The second round saw Jack continue his winning ways with a 7 shot to 2 win over Josh and Travis Meller coming into the frame with a win over Peter Wheeler by 8 shots to 6.

In the third round Travis and Jack met, and with Travis losing his first round match he had to win this game to have a chance of being in the frame for the final. This was a close encounter and Travis managed to win by 7 shots to 4. Josh Berry had a convincing win over Liam Westmore as did Ryan Trigg over his younger brother Lucas. Josh then went on to beat Lucas in the fourth round to keep himself in the hunt for a place in the final however, both Travis and Jack continued their winning ways and although Josh played well he ended up in third place behind Jack and Travis who both had equal points at the end of the Round Robin section.

The final between Jack and Travis proved to be a close affair between two very good competitive young bowlers. Jack took an early two-shot lead and Travis hit back with three shots on the second end. The score was all square at five shots each at five ends and Travis then took the lead at the seventh end to lead by seven shots to six.

Jack played a superb eighth end to pick up a full count of 4 shots and then a single shot on the ninth end to have a 4 shot leading into the final end. Travis tried everything in his armoury to try to pick up the four shots he needed to take the game into an extra end, but Jack, playing some good positional bowls restricted Travis to two shots and won the match by 11 shots to nine, and the title of Bowls Isle of Wight U18’s Champion 2010.

By the end of the day both Travis and Jack had played 52 ends of bowls over five hours proving that fitness, stamina and concentration has a major part to play in this type of competition and it was a credit to both players how well they performed throughout the day.

Mrs. Maureen Hastings, the Lady President of Bowls Isle of Wight presented Travis with his runners up trophy and Jack with the Kompan Cup.

FOUR OUTBOARD engines have been stolen from Whippingham near East Cowes.

Now police are asking Islanders to be vigilant, and take care of their own property because of the threat of further thefts.

Boats moored at a pontoon near the Folly Inn were targeted by thieves during the early hours of Thursday, September 23. The thefts may be linked to a similar report from Shalfleet on July 2 when a number of men were suspected of trying to steal an outboard motor from a boat. On that occasion, three men, aged in their 20s from the Island, were arrested, but later released with no further action because of insufficient evidence.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “We would like to thank boat owners who have contacted the police so far. Your information is being used to pursue several lines of enquiry. Specialist scenes of crime officers are looking for forensic evidence, and we are continuing to appeal for more information about people acting suspiciously near pontoons and boat yards on the island recently.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Newport Police Station on 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45.

Police have also reminded harbour masters and boat owners of techniques and technology to protect their property. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman added: “Take a moment to consider how you would get into your boat if you were locked out. This is probably the way the thief will try, so improve your security with effective locks, which will last in the marine environment. Look at the equipment stored on your boat such as outboard motors and dinghies and use appropriate security devices to secure them.

“Many items are already marked with some sort of serial number, hull identification numbers on dinghies, engine numbers on outboards, serial numbers on electronics and life rafts; make sure that you record these details somewhere that you can find them again if we need them.

“We strongly recommend additional means of marking. We acknowledge that this will not stop your things being stolen but it increases the chances of us being able to return them to you. The important thing is to use a system which will allow the finder to identify you, such as a house or club post code or phone number but they must be current so remember to update them. Ensure that the marks are clearly visible and difficult to remove. Support this by marking them out of sight, so that there is still something to check if the obvious marks are removed.”

ISLANDERS are being asked to do something different this Christmas and support Canine Partners in their quest to change the lives of more people with disabilities, by signing a loved one up to their Adopt a Puppy campaign for just £1 a week.

The Charity Canine Partners provides specially trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities and your gift will allow them to put more puppies through the training required to become an assistance dog.

By signing up to the Charity’s Adopt a Puppy scheme, supported by Purina PetCare, your gift recipient will receive an introduction letter, adoption certificate, glossy photos and a soft toy puppy. They will also enjoy regular ‘pupdates’ with photos and news on how their puppy is doing.

Once the trained puppies graduate as canine partners, they will go on to assist people with disabilities in a huge range of everyday tasks able-bodied people take for granted. This can include picking up dropped items, opening doors, taking washing from the machine, operating pedestrian crossings and much more.

Lorna Marsh has Cerebral Palsy Quadraplegia and has this to say about her canine partner Eli, “In just one year Eli can do so much, it’s difficult to believe unless you can see it for yourself. I knew that having a canine partner would help my independence, but I truly didn’t realise quite how much. Every time Eli does something for me I feel like it’s me doing it for myself, so I’m not so dependent on people anymore which is the best feeling.”

Isabel Campbell, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Canine Partners said: “An Adopt a Puppy gift is perfect for Christmas, or any other occasion, and lasts all year, as well as being a way to give regularly to Canine Partners. We need to train more dogs to help the hundreds of people with disabilities currently on the waiting list for a canine partner. We thank Purina PetCare for working together with us to increase awareness of this programme.”

Canine Partners also has a range of Christmas cards featuring images such as puppies in the snow, garden robin and sparkling festive forest, priced from £2.99 for a pack of ten. These and other Christmas gift ideas can be found by visiting www.caninepartners.org.uk/shop-1

AROUND 3,000 people made their way to the Botanic Gardens in Ventnor for the first ever ‘Hop Festival and Traditional Skills Fayre’.

The festival was organised by the West Wight Landscape Partnership and featured Botanic Ale ‘Hoppiness’ brewed form hops grown in the gardens.

There was entertainment in the beer tent from various local musicians such as Dr Jones and the Blunt Instruments and former Quay Arts director Mick Smith. Two Morris troupes, including the Border Bloodstone Morris dancers livened things upon the central green.

Several Island food stalls were selling local produce including the Garlic Farm, Mary Case Honey and Heritage Potatoes from Lee Farm, which are on the menu at the Hambrough Hotel, Briddlesford Farm Shop and the Quay Arts amongst others.

Rearing rarer varieties of potato has grown from a hobby to a business over the last year for farmer Steve Cowley, with names such as Kestrel, Vivaldi, Witchill 1881 and Ladychristl

Traditional skills were being demonstrated by local craftspeople. Tim Johnson was making a scran lunch bag that would have been carried over the shoulder on a stick by men working in the fields. John Navin of Wight Woodturners was demonstrating the art of woodturning on a large hand lathe and selling examples of his work.

A tasty barbecue run by the Royal Hotel’s Garden Café at the Botanic Gardens was grilling meat from Chapel Furlong Farm and the fresh donut stall was particularly popular.

Eccelston George began creating two large stone hop flowers to commemorate the event.

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.

HELLO READERS I’m back after a summer of sickness. It began at the beginning of April and culminated in three quite nasty infections throughout September, the latter two requiring increasingly strong anti-biotics.

I’m not one to dwell on my ailments, but I’ve chosen to share them with you because help came under a most serendipitous set of circumstances and I thought you might be interested to hear about how I’ve been healed.

Homeopathy, in a nutshell, was the answer. And I was a complete atheist as far as this field was concerned until ten days ago.

But an inspiring day with Maeve Smith, the Cowes based homeopathist, brought help in more ways than one.

Firstly it transpired that we have a similar taste in tea (Joliffe’s), essential accessories (Live Like This) second hand clothing and the lovely new garb in Pat’s wonderful ‘Angels’ emporium.

Talking at length, as only us girlies can, we discovered that we both had been badly let down by close friends over the past summer months – something that cuts to the quick whenever it happens.

It had been a salutary lesson for both of us that reminded me of that old adage ‘Don’t mix business with pleasure’. I now have no ‘alternative’ therapist and Maeve had lost a website designer.

However it seems that there’s a happy ending to this story for me. I’d sort of forgotten that Maeve was a homeopathist – and to tell the truth I’d always been in the Jack Naylor (Holby) camp of denying its efficacy. How could a miniscule amount of something on a tiny sugar pill have any effect?

But I dutifully took the two pills she prescribed: one at lunchtime and one in the evening, and I am now beginning to feel human again. After two days the itching stopped (you don’t want to know, believe me) and now the offending squatter has all but disappeared. This after the doctors at the hospital told me that I “might need a small procedure under general anesthetic” two weeks ago.

“Doctors will say it was the anti-biotics, but I’d like to think that I kick started your immune system,” said Maeve modestly. I think it was the little pills – but hey who knows?

I’m going back to Maeve for help with my insomnia soon. I can’t tell you how difficult I find the periods of sleeplessness that I go through, and my husband suffers them with me of course. Sleeping draughts can become a crutch that beats me over the head – that groggy feeling in the morning and the need to take more and more. Not a good solution.

So Good Morning Gazette Readers! Jo Macaulay has re-entered the building. And there are so many injustices on the horizon to be vanquished!

Watch this space and READ OUR PAPER. And if you’ve got a business then start advertising with us too – you do want us to go on entertaining and informing you, don’t you? WE NEED YOU – and you know you need us too…

You can contact Maeve on 07966247884 or on 559006 - she now has a new website designer by the way and her website will be live soon.

BEMBRIDGE RNLI volunteer crew have finally sailed their long awaited new lifeboat to its new home.

The new Tamar class lifeboat, Alfred Albert Williams, arrived at the lifeboat station last Sunday following the completion of a week’s training at the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset.

The £2.7m boat has been the subject of much anticipation for the crew and fundraisers in Bembridge as the lifeboat, and the replacement boathouse that will be her new home, has been the subject of a £1m public appeal for funds.

Bembridge is the first RNLI station in the south east region to receive a Tamar, the new generation of RNLI lifeboats. The fact she has been assigned to a station which has been saving lives at sea since 1867 is a source of great excitement for the crew and the whole RNLI community.

The RNLI volunteers nationwide provide a 24-hour search and rescue service. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives.

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