A child was treated for shock after a collision with a motorcycle this morning (Monday Janaury 31).
A 51-year-old motorcyclist collided with the 6-year-old child at low speed in Weston Road, Shanklin, shortly after 8.25am.
No one was seriously injured in the collision; however the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service treated the child for shock and took him to St Mary’s Hospital as a precaution.
A Newport inquest heard this week how an 87-year-old dog lover from Whippingham ended her life after her pet was taken away by an animal rescue centre.
Former veterinary nurse Joan Mary Crowhurst was found dead on her livingroom floor, having taken an overdose. Crowhurst left a handwritten note on her mantelpiece that read: “You stole my dog, you stole my life”.
Crowhurst had adopted a Dalmatian named Gemma six years ago from Pets at Rest, Pan Lane, Newport.
In June last year, the nurse was taken to hospital after collapsing at her home, and the dog was taken back to the centre, the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court heard.
Crowhurst, who kept dogs throughout her life, was in hospital and then transferred to a care home for around a month before she was allowed back to her house in Campfield Road, Whippingham.
Crowhurst took her own life two weeks later.
Read this week’s eGazette for the full story.
An unmanned sailing catamaran was at the centre of a rescue operation this morning off the Shanklin sealine, Isle of Wight.
The owner and his vessel had made passage from France to Shanklin, however in the shallows of the Shanklin shoreline the sailor was thrown from the vessel, sparking a rescue drama.
A large wave took hold of the unmanned sailing Catamaran and swept it out to sea.
The man, who was uninjured, raised the alarm shortly after 9am.
Solent Coastguard ordered the launch of the Independent lifeboat from Sandown and Shanklin, as it became a high risk to shipping in the area.
Sandown and Shanklin Independent lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Birch said: “We faced a bit of a challenge as the Catamaran was making with some speed. By the time we had caught up with it, it had sailed 3.5 miles off shore.
“Carefully manoeuvring the lifeboat into place, we put a crew member aboard who managed to drop the main sail. We then attached a tow line to the vessel and recovered it back to our boat house, to a very happy owner”.
Issue 80 - 28th January 2011
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Issue 80 - 28th January 2011
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STRAY sparks from controlled burning are being blamed for a garage fire which gutted the outbuilding in the early hours of this morning (Sunday January 30).
Firecrews from East Cowes and Newport tackled the blaze at the disused garage on Osbourne Road, as thick black clouds swept across the town in the early hours.
The empty building, 5 metres square, is to be demolished to make way for an extension, it is believed.
The fire was spotted by neighbours in the road, who raised the alarm at just after 12.37pm on Sunday, January 30.
Firefighters fought the flames with a high pressure hose reel, stopping the fire from spreading to a nearby attached property.
It took crews two hours to extinguish the blaze and fire crews believe the sparks are at fault, but an investigation will take place.
An Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The cause of the fire is thought to be been caused by a stray spark from controlled burning that had taken place hours earlier”.
Residents from across the Island are set battle it out in a pickled onion competition for charity, which is due to take place at the end of the month.
The event began when two regulars from an Island pub took on the unique challenge of seeing who could make the best jar of pickled onions.
Now, over 10 years since the first competition, around 40 varieties of onion are entered, with the winner being crowned the Pickle King or Queen.
The competition is held to raise much-needed donations for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), and has risen over £27,000 for the charity to date.
Last year's Pickle King
A spokesman for the competition, Mr. Ashdown, explained how the first two years of the pickle wars were just for fun, but after the onion war founder Terry Ashdown’s grandson, Daniel, was born with a rare, life threatening liver disease, the event became a fundraiser for CLDF.
Mr. Ashdown went on to say: “We want to raise as much as we can, so that they can continue to support other families and fund vital research into the causes of childhood liver disease.”
The competition is to be held in the bar of the Woodvale Hotel in Cowes on Sunday 30th January from 12.00pm, and is open to everyone.
The Pickle King or Queen is crowned by customers who mark each entry out of 10, with the winner being awarded half a pint of lager and their new royal pickle title.
Organiser of the event, Lee Taylor said: “Some people have pickled onion recipes that have been passed down through generations and are very protective over their ingredients.”
“You have to be very brave to try every single one. We have to test some of them and put warnings on the bowls because they are so full of chilli. Some of them are very, very hot indeed.”
Money is raised for the charity from a raffle, auction and donations from every pint of beer sold at the bar.
A Newport family are this morning coming to terms with the loss of their popular son, Jamie Rolfe.
Officers broke the tragic news to Jamie’s parents of the death of their 27-year-old son, after his body was recovered by French authorities.
It is believed he plunged 320ft down a ravine to his death after becoming confused whilst returning to his accommodation.
Pals of the man reported him missing and a full scale search swung into operation.
To read the full story, read today’s eGazette. You can view the latest edition by clicking here.
The victim of an alleged gang attack has spoken out in hope that people will come forward with information.
Mum of two 26 year old Maria Sexton was attacked by a group of 20 people as she walked home through the Spring Hill area of Ventnor on January 15.
You can read more about Maria’s attack in today’s eGazette, which is now available here.
Isle of Wight Fire crews from Newport and Freshwater, including the rescue tender, were called shortly after 9.15am this morning to Tapnells Farm on the Middle Road near Freshwater, Isle of Wight, after a women lost control of her vehicle and ended up in a ditch.
Firefighters freed the women by cutting away bushes after the women became entrapped.
The woman suffered minor injures, she was treated at the scene by a Solo Paramedic.
Police were called to Slade Road, Oakfield, shortly after 8am this morning after a 70-year-old man was found deceased in his garage.
The father of two is believed to have gone into the garage block in Slade Road to start his car and found that his battery was flat.
A neighbours made the grim discovery and called the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Paramedics were unable to revive former milkman who had moved back to the island.
A relative of the former milkman paid tribute at the scene and said “He was a caring family man who always put others first. He will be greatly missed”.
Police have cordoned off a large area of Slade Road,with scene tapes. Scene of crime officers carried out forensic examinations and took photographs.
A police source confirmed to ‘The Gazette’ that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police confirmed that the Isle of wight coroner John Matthews has been informed of the death, and a post-mortem is due to be held today at St Mary’s hospital.
Remember where you read it first
Listed as one of the one of the largest villages in Europe, it could be left with nowhere for anyone to spend a penny, if proposals, that were announced last month by the Isle of Wight Council, go ahead.
The Council intended to close every public convenience in the village of Bembridge, Isle of Wight. This will leave residents and visitors with nowhere to go to spend a penny.
Bembridge is not the only area to be affected by the proposed cuts, but Chair of the Business association said “To lose all five loos seems a bit harsh.”
“When we first heard of these proposals we were shocked. It is beyond belief that any rational appraisal of the needs of this area would lead to all of the toilets being closed.
“Throughout the year, but particularly in the summer months, we have large numbers of visitors who come to enjoy the beaches and sights of Bembridge. We are extremely concerned about the impact the closures will have on these visitors. The effect of the closures will also be felt by the residents of the village, a high proportion of whom are elderly.”
The Business Association has carried out an appraisal of the Council’s basis for their decision making and have identified a number of problems with the analysis. Mr Groom commented “the so called ‘detailed study’ carried out by the Council is incredibly flawed. I am appalled that anyone would remotely consider basing any decision making upon it – the reports’ production has just been a waste of scarce council resources.
One particular concern is the inbuilt bias given to toilets located in towns irrespective of actual usage. Surely council tax payers in the villages have aright to expect a level playing field in any analysis, yet we have been disadvantaged,nd will end up supporting the residents of the towns by paying for their toilets.”
The business association is not the only organisation to be concerned about these proposals, Bembridge Parish Council has expressed concerns, as have many local residents in the Bembridge area.
Isle of Wight Council Head of Highways and Transport Peter Hayward said “The council carried out a review of public convenience provision on the Island, including frequency of use, location and proximity of other facilities.
“This applied to toilets in both rural and urban locations. While we do appreciate that the Bembridge Business Association has concerns over the future of toilet provision in the village, the public consultation is still active until the end of the month and no final decisions have been made.
“I would encourage anyone who has not yet done so to send in their comments to the council and share their views and these will be considered before any final decisions are made.”
A scene out of a Starsky and Hutch film was played out on the island yesterday(Wednesday January 26) as police officers where put through their paces during a high speed driver training exercise on the Isle of Wight.
The Police convey of three Volvo XC90 and two BMW’s were spotted by an number of islanders who contacted The Gazette believed that something serious was unfolding on the Island.
Mum of Two Claire Musdale was driving home to Shanklin after tending to her horses when she saw the convey with blue lights and sirens sounding, which she likened to something out of a Starsky and Hutch film.
She said: “I was driving in Shanklin on Victoria Avenue, when a Police car flew past me in the middle of the road, it was screaming down the road and was followed by four police cars. “I really believed it was a proper police chase, but to think that it was a police exercise it really looked like the real thing.
A spokesman for Hampshire police said that the drivers of the cars would have been under the supervision one of the forces best trained instructors, with safety being a key priority. He added: “Training is regularly carried out on roads in the country, in real conditions, to ensure police drivers are used to and qualified in safe and effective driving techniques. “Pursuit training is an important part of this, to ensure drivers are adequately prepared to deal with criminals who use out roads. “Public safety is our priority at all times. All our drivers are highly trained in full accordance with national police driver training guidelines, and the utmost is done to minimise any risk.”
Island Police have renewed their appeal for further witnesses following a crash on Medina Way in Newport on Tuesday January 25, that brought rush hour traffic to a stand still.
Police Officers were called to the dual carriageway at 3.29pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 to a report of a collision involving a BMW and a Morris Minor.
Both lanes of the carriageway where close for over five hours whilst forensic crash scene investigators from the collision investigation unit where called in to recover evidence to help build a picture of how the collision occurred.
Police have now released details of the five people involved and the extent of their injuries.
The front seat passenger in the BMW, a 17-year-old woman from Newport, Isle of Wight received shock and whiplash. She went to hospital and was later discharged.
The Morris Minor driver, a 66-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight, was taken to hospital to be treated for serious internal injuries.
A passenger in the Morris Minor, a 69-year-old man from Newport, was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries, including multiple broken bones to the mans face.
Another passenger in the Morris Minor, a 64-year-old woman from Newport, was taken to hospital and later discharged.
A Piaggio Vespa scooter stopped at the scene shortly after the collision. The rider, an 18-year-old woman from Ryde, suffered shock. She went to hospital as a precaution and was later discharged.
Initial police enquiries show the scooter made no contact with the BMW or the Morris Minor.
The BMW driver, a 25-year-old man from Cowes, Isle of Wight, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was taken to Newport Police Station for questioning, and later bailed until March 26, 2011 pending further enquiries. It is believed he was not injured in the collision.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Some of the injuries were
initially classed as potentially life threatening at the collision scene, but after several hours it became apparent that none of the injured motorists or passengers were at risk of dying.
“This was a serious collision that meant one of the island¹s main roads had to be closed completely for several hours. This caused considerable disruption to traffic in Newport and other parts of the island. Police would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience while emergency services helped the casualties and carried out enquiries at the scene”.
Sergeant Paul Bailey from the RPU said “We’re also grateful to all those people who’ve provided information to the police so far. Officers remain keen to hear from anyone else who saw the collision or the BMW and Morris Minor in the moments beforehand at approximately 3.20pm on Tuesday”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Quoting operation : Vogue
Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000.
Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on
0800 555 111.
A 25-year-old man from Cowes, Isle of Wight, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a road traffic collision, which caused traffic chaos in Newport yesterday (Tuesday January 25).
The 25-year-old driver of a BMW 3-series was taken to Newport Police Station for questioning, and later bailed until March 26, 2011 pending further enquiries, after his car left the northbound carriageway and collided with a Morris Minor, head-on, on the southbound carriageway. It is believed he was not injured in the collision.
Emergency services were called to Medina Way shortly before 3.30pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 to a report of a collision involving a BMW and a Morris Minor. A motorcycle was also involved in the collision; however the rider was not seriously injured.
Two people remain in hospital today (Wednesday January 26) with serious injuries. One of the passengers in the Morris Minor, a 71-year-old man is suffering from internal injuries. The driver of the Morris Minor sustained serious facial injuries.
Road closures and diversions were in place on Medina Way until shortly before 8.40pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 so a detailed investigation of the collision scene could be completed.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Some of the injuries were initially classed as potentially life threatening at the collision scene, but after several hours it became apparent that none of the injured motorists or passengers were at risk of dying.
“This was a serious collision that meant one of the Island’s main roads had to be closed completely for several hours. This caused considerable disruption to traffic in Newport and other parts of the island. Police would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience while emergency services helped the casualties and carried out enquiries at the scene.
“We’re also grateful to all those people who’ve provided information to the police so far. Officers remain keen to hear from anyone else who saw the collision or the BMW and Morris Minor in the moments beforehand at approximately 3.20pm on Tuesday.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Geoff Turner of the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) at Shanklin 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.
Remember where you read it first…
Wightlink Islanders has announced the resigning of Nick Simmons on to the team for 2011.
Simmons, who first rode for the Islanders in 1997, is the first rider to put pen to paper after what seems a very long winter.
Simmons is a very popular figure at Smallbrook Club and if he can maintain last season form which featured several breath taking out side swoop passing, the fans will continue to love him said Ken Burnett.
We are in the process of putting together a very strong team for the new season.
We want to start 2011 the way we finished 2010, picking up points and silverware on our travels.
The £1.2 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital was officially opened by the Island’s High Sheriff, Peter Kingston, on Friday January,21 2011.
A ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Hospital to celebrate the completion of the relocation and acknowledge the hard work and generosity of all those who have supported the unit over the years and contributed to the Barely Born fundraising appeal which was launched by Former High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh in April 2008.
All those who attended the opening were able to meet the staff and take a tour of the facilities followed by afternoon tea on the unit.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gill Kennett, Associate Director for Community, Family and Therapy Services, said: “The staff have waited a long time for these great facilities and we are thrilled to be able to provide our staff, mothers and babies with the space they need. No longer are mothers isolated from their babies in a ‘downstairs’ unit. Mothers can now be close to their babies on a new unit that also links directly with the Maternity Ward. We acknowledge and appreciate all the wonderful contributions to the appeal from staff, sponsors and particularly Isle of Wight residents.”
The unit is spacious and modern and accommodates the needs of mothers, babies and their families. There are play facilities to entertain brothers and sisters whilst parents take care of the new baby and overnight accommodation for parents wanting to spend time on the unit near to their baby. For families who need a quiet space in which to come to terms with their baby’s illness a quiet/counselling room has been provided to offer support.
The unit also gives doctors and nurses the space they need to work alongside each other to provide specialist and family centred care for up to 11 babies.
Sister Pamela George of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, said: “Since we have moved to the new unit we have looked after 314 babies. The new location has made a huge difference in the way we can care for some of the Island’s premature and unwell babies. Figures since June 2010 have shown that the neonatal staff have been able to work closely with the midwives and nurse 139 babies next to their mothers bedside.”
Anyone wishing to support the unit can still contribute to the Barely Born Appeal by visiting www.barelyborn.co.uk or telephoning 552264. The ‘Windows of Life’ project continues to provide additional funds for the Unit. The concept of the project is around growth and the cycle of life. Those wishing to donate to the appeal can purchase leaves, apples or doves and have either their names or family member names inscribed on them. The windows will be a permanent part of the Neonatal Unit.
In October 2011 the Island’s Fire Service will be setting off on The Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge 2011 which will see a Team cycle an estimated 1,600 miles in 14 consecutive days from St Thomas’ Square, Newport, Isle of Wight, Great Britain to Casemates Square, Gibraltar in support of the Barely Born Appeal and the Isle of Wight Young Carers Project, YMCA.
A Totland couple escaped serious injury after their 4×4 left the road and ploughed into a tree over the weekend.
The pair, both in their seventies, where travelling along Tennyson Road towards Yarmouth when the man lost control of a Mitsubishi Space Star.
The 78-year-old driver was uninjured. The passenger, believed to be the man’s wife, was treated at the scene by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service’s paramedics. She was taken to St Mary’s Hospital suffering minor injuries.
Inspector Parks for Hampshire at Isle of Wight Police said: “Officers were called on Saturday (January,22) just after 1.40pm. It is believed that the Mitsubishi left the carriage way and came to rest in a tree. We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident”.
An East Cowes man is facing court on robbery and assault charges, ‘The Gazette’ can reveal.
The 18 year old is alleged to have attacked a bus passenger and then stolen cash and a mobile phone from his female victim, whilst she was travelling on a Southern Vectis bus last Friday (January 14).
Island Police are appealing for further witnesses who may have been on the bus, or witnessed an argument between the pair, that happened between 1.20pm and 1.40pm on Friday, near to the Prince of Wales public house and the floating bridge in East Cowes.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact officers at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or 08450454545.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Callous thieves attempted to break in and steal life saving equipment from a lifeboat station in Sandown, Isle of Wight over the weekend.
Burglars attempted the raid on Sandown and Shanklin’s independent station by forcing the metal doors that is home to the station’s all weather lifeboat.
The attempted burglary is believed to have happened sometime between Friday evening (21 January 2011) and Saturday morning (22 January 2011).
Lifeboat operations manager for Sandown and Shanklin’s Independent Lifeboat, Mark Birch, said: “The attempted burglary cost an estimated pounds £900 in damage, that could have been put to better use.
“As a charity, we are shocked and saddened that the lifeboat station was targeted in such a way.
“We rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income and are frustrated that money which should have been spent on saving lives at sea, had to be spent on repairing mindless damage.”
Apart from the cost implications, Sandown’s all-weather lifeboat had to be put on restricted service for most of the day, while the volunteer crew cleared up and attempted to repair damage.
“This could have put lives at risk, as the lifeboat may well have been needed to save someone’s life,” Mr Birch added.
Mr Birch urged anyone with information to contact police.
A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said: “Police can confirm they received a report at 11.36am on Saturday, January 22, 2011 of an attempted burglary at the lifeboat station in Sandown”
Anyone with information can contact police by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.
Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
