Your magazine from the Council Issue thirteen March 2008 LKB'PI>KA www.iwight.com

Carnival celebrations! UK’s first carnival centre to open at Your magazine from the Issue thirteen LKB March 2008 One Island is published each month, except for September and January – 'PI>KA www.iwight.com 5BI@LJB these editions are combined with those of the previous month. If you haveve community news to share with other readers or would like to advertise in One Island, we would like to hear from you. We also welcome your letters – you can contact us by post, email or telephone. Post One Island, Communications, County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD Email [email protected] Telephone 823105 CarnivalCaCar celebrations! J>HFKD@LKQ>@Q NewNNe carnival centre to open at Ryde USEFUL CONTACTS Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, @LRK@FI@LRK@L FIJBBQFKDPJBBQFKDP Welcome to the March issue Newport PO30 1UD of the Isle of Wight Council’s Fax 823333 magazine, which this month Email [email protected] looks ahead to several key Website www.iwight.com events in the Island’s calendar. Next week the council and TELEPHONE SERVICES its partners will be staging Call centre 821000 the Eco Island conference at Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm Unless otherwise stated, all meetings Yacht Haven, launching Saturday: 9am to 1pm FACEFACE TOTO are in public at County Hall. Call For telephone assistance we FACEFACE SSERVICESERVICES 823200 24-hours before a meeting to the Island’s new sustainable recommend you contact the call ensure it is going ahead and to check community strategy and Eco centre directly where we aim to NewportNewport HelHelpp Centre if any items are likely to be held in answer as many enquiries as possible private session. Island vision. This event is for TlTel 821000 at this first point of contact. Council the business community and County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD Popular numbers (council chamber) will be followed in May with Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm Automated telephone payments 559310 16 April (6pm) another event, the Big Green Sat: 9am to 1pm Council tax 823901 Cabinet Picnic, for all Island residents, Education 823455 Ryde Help Centre (council chamber) to be held at Newport. 1 April (6pm) Environmental health 823000 Tel 812678 Meanwhile, in April we will Housing benefits 823950 188 High Street, Ryde PO33 2PN Planning Committee be celebrating the opening (council chamber) Libraries 203880 Mon to Fri: 8.45am to 5pm of the UK’s first dedicated 22 April (4pm) Licensing 823159 Sat: 9.30am to 12.30pm Licensing Sub-committee carnival learning centre at Planning 823552 Help Centre Ryde. (committee room one) Refuse collection 823777 Tel 401770 14 April (4pm) By now you will have read Roads and highways 823777 West Street, Brading PO36 0DR Licensing (Determinations) Sub- of the decision made by Tourism 813818 Mon and Fri: 9am to 12 noon, Tues, committee (committee room one) councillors on which option Trading standards 823396 Wed, Thur: 9am to 4.30pm 26 March (6pm) 31 March (10am) for change to the Island’s Consumer Direct 08454 040506 Help Centre 14 April (10am) education system has been Leisure services 823828 Falcon Cross Hall, Falcon Road, Shanklin General Purposes (Appeals) Sub- preferred. At the time of going Wightbus 823782 Mon only: 10am to 4pm committee to print, however, the decision Dial-a-bus 522226 West Wight Information Centre 7 April (1pm) had not been made, and so we Adult and children’s services Tel 821000 Scrutiny Committee will bring you an update in our Adult services 823340 (committee room one) Freshwater Library, School Green Road, next issue. Children’s services 525790 10 April (6pm) Freshwater PO40 9AP As with the paramount Local centres: Cowes 291144 Mon: 9am to 5.15pm, Policy Commission for Business issue of education, we remain Newport 823340 and Infrastructure (committee room Tues and Wed: 9.30am to 5.15pm, Thur: committed to achieving and Ryde 566011 one) 408448 (closed), Fri: 9.30am to 4.45pm. Closed for 3 April (6pm) maintaining improvements Headquarters 520600 lunch (1pm to 2pm each day) in your council services. At Policy Commission for Care, Health Housing 823040 Wootton Bridge Centre and Housing (committee room one) the heart of these are the Eco 9 April (6pm) Island vision and many One Tel 884361 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Joanne’s Walk, Brannon Way, Policy Commission for Children Island projects we plan to In an emergency dial 999 Wootton Bridge PO33 4NU and School Results (committee room one) make a reality over the coming IW Council desk – Mon, Tues, Fire and rescue 2 April (6pm) months. control centre (24hrs) 525121 Thurs, Fri: 9.15am to 1pm Policy Commission for Safer Out of hours: Cowes Help Centre Councillor David Pugh, Highways 525121 Communities (committee room one) 27 March (6pm) Leader, Isle of Wight Council Waste disposal 0800 3283851 Beckford Court, Beckford Road, Cowes Wightcare 821105 Fri (mornings): 9am to 12 noon

South Central Connexions sponsors One Island South Central Connexions is a government initiative, funded by the Department for Education and Skills. It supports all young people aged 13 to 19 years (or up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities). Connexions provides impartial and independent advice on a range of issues affecting young people.

 LKB'PI>KA 'KQEFPFPPRB NEWS DESK 4-9 Council and community news 'PI>KAFJ>DB FEATURES 12 Carnival pacesetters The UK’s first dedicated centre 14 At your leisure! Outdoor fun at council centres 16 Eco Island conference Countdown to big event 18 Under scrutiny Keeping an eye on council decisions

REGULARS 19 Coast and country Rural and coastal news 20 Trailers Events and activities

Cover picture: Junkanoo carnival performers from The Bahamas, who will be the first users of the Island’s new carnival centre at Ryde

ONE ISLAND is published by the Isle of Wight Council. The council does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers. Additional copies are available from the Customer Service Centre at County Hall, libraries and other council facilities. Typetalk calls welcome. Written, designed and produced by Corporate Communications, Isle of Wight Council. ISSN 1752-8038 © COPYRIGHT 2008 Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD. Printed on recycled paper by Engage Group.

Brook Church, picture by Steve Gutteridge

One Island is available on request as an audiotape, in large print, in Braille and in other languages. For further details, please contact One Island on 823105. The magazine is also available online at www.iwight.com

+>O@E  KBTPABPH Schools’ reorganisationon update... At the time of One Island going to press, a information decision on which of the three options for on the schools’ reorganisation to take forward, had council’s not yet been made. website But news of a decision on the way ahead, at www. will have been published in the local media. iwight.com Tell us your views During the consultation process, which Now January 2008 ended on 22 February, the council held ten that a well-attended public meetings and also decision Charter mark accolade received many emails and letters about the has been which way forward.indd 1 reorganisation proposals. made, formal for environmental More than 3,000 questionnaires were consultation will be held with individual sent to an independent research firm schools, pre-schools and nurseries over the health commissioned by the council. If you want next few months. The level of customer service provided by to see a detailed breakdown of the findings No major changes will be brought in before the council’s environmental health and office from the questionnaires, you can find the September 2010. services team has seen it retain its coveted charter mark. The Cabinet Office award acknowledges Support for green the team’s commitment to customer services, Event offers special including: listening to customer needs; acting energy schemes upon their views; and effectively delivering Three green energy schemes costing almost needs advice services. £40,000 have been supported by the council. Parents of children The charter mark was retained following a The schemes, project managed by with special re-assessment in January this year. Lightworks Engineering, are at the Brading educational needs Assessor David White said the department Centre, Yarmouth harbour office and Shorwell attended an had made excellent progress in its first year Village Hall. information day of charter mark. Cash generated from an energy saving earlier this month to “The team is excellent in consulting with scheme has allowed the Brading Centre to find out more about customers, partners and staff on many sell power it generates back to the National services available to different issues.” Grid. Ten solar panels costing £7,988 have them. Council director of environment and been mounted on the roof of the centre and The tenth annual neighbourhoods, Stuart Love, said: “The connected to the electricity grid. Special Educational particularly pleasing thing about this charter Surplus electricity generated is sold back to Needs Information mark is that it reflects the excellent service power companies and income credited to the Day took place at being offered to Island residents.” centre. Half the cost of the panels was paid the Isle of Wight for by the Low Carbon Buildings programme. part in a series of College, Newport, Isle1 of Wight2 Council 3 At Yarmouth, the harbour commissioners and featured a range workshops. A to Z of services A simple and easy to use guide have supplemented their heating system with of displays from the Speakers at the to your local services solar panels costing £20,180. council’s children’s event included the 4 5 6 And at Shorwell Village Hall, with the services section, council’s director Your new additional assistance of Area of Outstanding schools, voluntary of children’s 7 8 9 Natural Beauty Partnership funding, a system organisations and services, Steve council Including information about your council tax has been installed which uses a heat pump Incorporating Police2008-2009 Authority health services. Beynon, and Sally policing budget and priorities to extract low grade heat from the ground to The event was Bunday (pictured), A to Z of * 0 # warm the hall. The system cost £10,805. organised by the the founder of services Each system was supported by a grant of Parent Partnership, the Hyperactive £4,000 from EU Leader+, managed by the Isle a council-supported Children’s Support This month a copy of Wight Economic Partnership. group. Group – a registered of the council’s new for 2008/2009, as Staff from groups charity which has A to Z of services well as information The One Island programme who took part been successfully should have been on the Hampshire You will see the One Island were on hand to helping children dropping through Police Authority. badge shown here attached answer questions with Attention- letterboxes across The booklet is to various articles throughout and provide advice Deficit Hyperactivity the Island. designed to make it the magazine. This signifies on a wide range of Disorder and their The A to Z booklet easier for residents projects forming part of the council’s One subjects. Visitors families for nearly 30 also includes details to access council Island programme of improvements. were also able take years. of your council tax services.

 LKB'PI>KA Council and community news

Caring for West Wight Ryde autistic librarian leads the children Crew Week field If you feel you can is big success make a difference to the lives of children with autism, the council would like to hear from you. Earlier this month Share the Care Week took place, a national initiative run by the Shared Care Network (SCN), with the aim of recruiting people to become carers for children with autism. Such carers are known as Family Link The Island’s latest Crime Reduction and were electronically “chipped” during the week Ryde librarian carers, looking after Environment Week (Crew), held in the West in a scheme designed to help people trace Selina Smith a disabled child on a Wight, has been hailed a great success by the their missing pets. (pictured) has regular basis, from one council and its partners. Around 200 people also attended a become the evening a week to a Crew weeks are a well-established initiative hard hitting mocked-up crash scene event only person in weekend every month. in the Island and Hampshire, with the council in central Freshwater (pictured) where the country to A national report working with the police and other partners. emergency crews rescued trapped victims complete an shows that regular They balance enforcement and positive from vehicles and dealt with casualties. advanced modern short breaks help projects such as truancy sweeps and licensing Community support officers from the apprenticeship in overcome some of the issues and are a chance for the whole council were on hand throughout the week library work. difficulties faced by community to take part in a number of events. with a special trailer parked in Moa Place. Selina, 25, children with autism In the West Wight initiative, council trading Community work was also carried out with undertook her and their families. standards officers test purchased at nine young offenders. apprenticeship shops selling alcohol and tobacco in Yarmouth, Simon Dennis, of the Safer Neigh- ~5^a\^aT between 2003 information, contact Freshwater and , and were pleased bourhoods Partnership, said: “The Freshwater and 2006 – Matthew Penney at to find no premises sold age restricted and Totland Crew has been really successful and was then the council's fostering products to under aged people trying to test – particularly the crash scene event which taken on by the service on 566011. procedures on behalf of the council. attracted more than 200 residents and had a council’s library Along with the test purchasing, ten dogs great impact on the community.” service as a full time library and information Increasing fitness and assistant based at Ryde. reducing emissions She was presented with a While thousands of people use the improvements have included: special certificate Isle of Wight Council leisure installing high efficiency electric to mark her centres to get healthy, the motors and improving heating achievement, buildings themselves have been and ventilation systems; and new by Gina Lane, shedding tonnes from their electric control panels and timing director of carbon footprints. clocks. Lifelong Learning After a year operating under The cost of installing the new UK. a new environmentally-friendly technology has already been Selina regime, The Heights at Sandown offset by the reduction of energy originally joined has reduced its carbon dioxide bills in the first year. the council’s emissions by a staggering 60 Meanwhile a new combined library service tonnes and its electrical energy heat and power unit at Medina as a Saturday consumption by 13 per cent. Leisure Centre, Newport, saved assistant at The changes have meant an 51 tonnes of carbon dioxide in Sandown Library. £11,000 reduction in fuel bills. 2007, the equivalent to a forest Measures which have led to of 7,912 mature trees.

+>O@E  KBTPABPH

Celebrating Sports news round-up hedgelaying Helping our sports stars of the future Island Games aims to identify will be given the record holder talented young chance to hone their and international athletes. skills in a range of athlete Andy Frost Six children from sporting and multi- (pictured) went Primary skilled activities back to school School displayed – helped by a team recently to present great skill and talent of highly motivated medals to potential during Year Four coaches and young Olympic boost sports stars of the trials held at every leaders. future. Island primary school Tina Baker, for Island The hammer since September. headteacher of thrower presented More pupils from the Bembridge Primary Crowds were medals to six pupils school were selected School, said: “We leisure out in force for who have qualified for further coaching have worked hard the council- for further coaching than from any other over the last two facilities supported under the council’s primary. years to improve 16th annual Search for a Star The Bembridge our provision in Some of the world’s top athletes could be Isle of Wight programme, which youngsters will join PE. This year we preparing for the 2012 London Olympics Hedgelaying pupils from other achieved our Sports on the Isle of Wight. competition held primary schools Activemark for the Three local sporting amenities have recently. for the further second year running been chosen as potential venues for pre- The training at and are justly proud games training sessions. competition Medina of our six pupils who The London Organising Committee of was staged in a Leisure did so well in this the Olympic Games and Paralympic cauliflower field Centre. They programme.” Games (Logoc) has selected The alongside the Andy Day, Fairway Athletics Centre at Lake, main Arreton- partnership Medina Leisure Centre, Newport, Sandown road, development and Cowes as venues recommended with 15 pitches to athletes as training or acclimatisation cut and a facilities prior to the games. demonstration Fairway was selected as an athletics pitch by a centre, Medina as an indoor sports centre former national for basketball and indoor volleyball and champion. Other Cowes as a yachting and sailing centre. attractions Council leader David Pugh, also cabinet included a manager for the member for leisure, said: “It speaks volumes demonstration Sandown School for our sporting facilities that three are of hurdle- Sports Partnership, deemed of a standard suitable for Olympic making and said: “The Search for athletes.” an impressive a Star programme Stuart Quarrie, chief executive of display of is an excellent Skandia Cowes Week, said: “This is billhooks. example of fantastic news for the Island. The diverse The event was partnership working sailing and yacht clubs of Cowes and organised by between the council, Gurnard will be able to offer some great the Isle of Wight schools and local facilities, while the waters off Cowes will Hedgerow Group. sports clubs and give visiting competitors a taste of south The winners will provide a great coast tides and conditions.” were: Paul Davis opportunity for The three Island facilities will be (open class), Rob children to develop incorporated in the official guide for Richards (novice all the core skills national Olympic committees, subject to class), and Red needed to play any them completing a number of steps laid Hot Solar Panel sport.” out by the Logoc. (team class).

 LKB'PI>KA Council and community news

Keep active during the school holidays

Forensic tag for unsuspecting criminals An innovative coding system called SmartWater is being introduced on the Island to help crackdown on crime. Police and the council are bringing in the forensic system, which can be used to No excuses for being bored during the school for Island youngsters aged four to 15 at all catch criminals, identify property and deter holidays this spring! council pools during the casual sessions held burglaries. At the council’s leisure facilities there will throughout the school holidays (5 to 20 April). SmartWater is a completely non-hazardous be a wide range of activities for young people Remember to sign up for a free Junior One liquid that can be used to mark property or as and their families. Card before you take part in free swimming. a spray to shower intruders when they enter The junior sports challenge and ‘try it out’ If the weather’s good, then take the whole premises protected by the system. sessions are the most popular activities at family for a challenging game of golf or have Each batch has a unique forensic code Medina Leisure Centre, Newport, while the fun with crazy golf. Details can be found in our tying its use to a specific location or item of focus is on water activities and swimming feature on pages 14 and 15. property. lessons in the pools at The Heights at ~2^]cPRch^da[^RP[[TXbdaTRT]caTU^aSTcPX[b Once a suspect has been sprayed, the Sandown and Waterside at Ryde. of spring holiday activities or visit the council’s SmartWater will then show up when checked And don’t forget there’s free swimming website at www.leisure.iwight.com out using an ultra violet corridor at Newport police station. So sophisticated is the award-winning Smoke free awards for four businesses system that it can also identify how the suspect has come into contact with the The first four Island businesses to be to smoke in substantially enclosed public SmartWater. It can last on an offender’s skin recognised for going beyond the letter of the places or workplaces. for weeks and on clothes for even longer. The law in promoting a smoke free environment Businesses that meet the Smoke Free system is used successfully by 95 per cent of have been presented with special plaques. Award criteria will be eligible to receive an UK police forces and has led to a 100 per cent Gossips Café at Yarmouth, the Leaconfield attractive plaque to display on their premises. conviction rate. Hotel at , the Clifton Hotel at Environmental health manager Warren Stuart Love, director of environment Shanklin and engineering firm Pascall at Ryde Haynes said: “Island businesses and the public and neighbourhoods, said: “While we are had their efforts acknowledged at the recent have responded very well to the requirements fortunate to live in one of the safest places Island Expo event at Cowes Yacht Haven. of the smoke free legislation and compliance in the UK, we nevertheless need to utilise The council, Isle of Wight NHS Primary levels are very high.” every available means of making sure it stays Care Trust and the Isle of Wight Chamber ~5dacWTaX]U^a\PcX^]^]cWTB\^ZT5aTT that way. Not only is SmartWater useful in of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, are Awards is available on 823000. crime detection, it is also a proven deterrent. promoting the scheme to establish the Island PICTURED: Some of the Smoke Free award winners with SmartWater research shows you are five as a UK leader in smoke free environments. their plaques times less likely to be burgled if your property From 1 July last year it became an offence is protected by the system.” Inspector Mark Bell said: “The success of SmartWater is well known among the criminal fraternity. It is feared by criminals because they know it can be used to catch them long after a crime has been committed.” The police and the council are currently evaluating where SmartWater can best be deployed. Elsewhere in the UK it has been successfully used in homes, businesses, warehouses, offices, factories, schools, colleges and hospitals. It has also proved effective in isolated areas.

+>O@E  KBTPABPH

England Frogspawn advice to Company to Italy – fight disease profiles on iwight.com fund raising for Island nature enthusiasts are being urged by pond experts vital equipment not to move frogspawn around for fear of Island firefighters have raised The challenge was spreading disease and pests from pond to pond. more than £23,000 towards announced in August last year, Ray Harrington-Vail of the Island’s Pond a Wessex Cancer Trust appeal and ongoing fund raising will Warden scheme said: “Diseases of amphibians to fund new equipment for take place until the cyclists appear to have increased in the last few years, Island cancer patients. undertake their trek in and research is underway involving Froglife and The fund raising is part September this year. other conservation bodies. We can help stop the of the Square to Square The aim of the appeal is to spread of disease by not moving creatures and Challenge, launched last year, raise enough money to buy spawn from one body of water to another. in which a team of firefighters a thorascope for St Mary’s “It is fine to move spawn around within your garden and to place some in an aquarium so will cycle 1,400 miles over 14 Hospital, Newport, helping If you are wanting you can observe it but don’t pass it around your days from St Thomas Square, Island cancer patients and their to publicise the neighbourhood or the rest of the UK. Newport to the Vatican families, who might otherwise work of your Square in Vatican City. have to travel to the mainland. “Excess spawn should be left for the birds. That’s nature’s way. Most spawn is not destined business, the to survive.” council’s iwight. ~AT_^acb^UUa^VP]Sc^PS]d\QTab^]cWT com website has a Island can be reported to Wight Wildlife, section devoted to tel: 533180, or email [email protected] company profiles. Esplanade Listed under benefits from the ‘Working’ A special section are details offenders’ of a range of insight into businesses, from graft leading edge our firms in aerospace engineering and historic technology to Ryde Esplanade is currently Alex Hicks, Safer medium-sized being brightened up under the Neighbourhoods service manager, sites and small firms Unpaid Work scheme, which was said: “The use of offenders in The council is working knowledge. manufacturing previously known as community this project has fulfilled several with the Civic Trust, Last year 19 products as service. important aims of Unpaid Work. local businesses and organisations across diverse as Groups of individuals who are “It has benefited the groups to promote the Island took part fine glass and undergoing punishment and community, been a punishment Heritage Open Days, in the event, opening greetings cards. rehabilitation under the scheme because offenders have had to which celebrate the a range of venues, To include your have been undertaking projects give up their leisure time and it nation’s architecture and providing guided business, all you including painting benches on the has taught them valuable lessons and culture. walks in some areas. need to do is to esplanade. in being better citizens, such as The open days – draw up a profile working in a team to achieve The work has been identified held over four days ~8Uh^dPaTPWXbc^aXR similar to those and co-ordinated by Ryde town something that others will each September, this property owner and already on the site centre managers in partnership appreciate. year from 11 to 14 would like to open (approximately with the Probation Service and “It has also introduced the September – give free your door to visitors one A4 page the council’s parks and beaches offenders to new skills which access to properties for this year’s open including contact section. could improve their job prospects. that are usually days, or if you would details should be The project is one of many It is a fact that offenders in a closed to the public like to run a guided sufficient). Then resulting from a partnership steady job are at least three or which normally tour or activity linked email this through between the Hampshire times less likely to re-offend than charge for admission. to the event, you to the webteam@ Probation Service and the their unemployed counterparts.” Nationally, buildings should contact Stuart iow.gov.uk with council’s Environment and The Island currently benefits of all ages and van Cuylenburg at the accompanying from an average of 18,700 hours Neighbourhoods directorate. styles throw their council’s conservation photographs of Unpaid Work a year, 30 per Other projects include the doors open, from and design team (where relevant) cent of which is carried out in removal of graffiti and the castles to cottages, on 823552 or and a logo to individual placements. Often cutting back of undergrowth on and thousands of email stuart.van- feature on the public footpaths in areas of the these offenders have skills that volunteers give their [email protected]. main menu. Island where crime and fear of can be utilised to help meet an time to share their uk crime are a problem. organisation’s specific needs.

 LKB'PI>KA Council and community news

Apprentice-style challenge Teams of students (pictured left) took part in a special challenge based on television show The Apprentice at County Hall, Newport earlier this month. For the event organised by the Isle of Wight Young Chamber of Commerce, 30 students were split into teams of five and set tasks organised by the council and companies such as and Liz Earle. The council task involved a fictional Italian furniture company looking at setting up a factory in the UK. It had three locations to choose from, one being the Isle of Wight. The teams’ challenge was to come up with a presentation within 90 minutes that would sell the Island to the Italian firm’s managers and convince them they should set up on the Island. Council Leader, Councillor David Pugh, said: “Although this was a fictional challenge, it gave young people the chance to learn how important attracting investors to the Island is.”

Youngsters have their say at annual event More than 200 young people One of the main parts of the Grant help for young attended the popular Wight conference was to give Island 2B Heard annual conference at youngsters the chance to people Bembridge recently – a multi- question a panel of Island leaders. Youth groups, organisations and promising young sports stars on agency event managed by the This year the panel included the Island are being invited to apply for grant help from the Youth council and Connexions. council leader, Councillor David Opportunities Fund. The main theme for this year Pugh, and director of children’s Funds for 2008 become available from 1 April, and it is hoped will was ‘Taking Down Barriers’, with services, Steve Beynon. help many young people across the Island. topics for discussion including Among the conference Over the past two years more than 80 projects and almost 3,000 bullying, drug abuse, and the speakers was equality and young people have benefited from the council-supported annual property ladder. diversity expert, Trevor Gordon. funding scheme. Close to £170,000 was handed out in 2007. The funds are managed and distributed by a panel of young people, and previous grants have helped a wide range of people and groups, from young athletes with training and travel to youth music Easter refuse collection groups with new equipment. Some exciting long-term projects have also been supported with arrangements the Youth Capital Fund. These include the Freshwater Multi Use Refuse normally collected on: Will be collected on: Games Area (Muga) and Skate Park. Friday 21 March Saturday 22 March Fund coordinator Matthew Bell said: “The Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds have helped young people on the Island to Monday 24 March Tuesday 25 March access new experiences, equipment, training and facilities.” Tuesday 25 March Wednesday 26 March Wednesday 26 March Thursday 27 March ~?T^_[TPVTS "c^ ( Thursday 27 March Friday 28 March (up to 25 with additional Friday 28 March Saturday 29 March needs), youth groups and organisations are being Recycling services for the kitchen waste bucket and the kerbside invited to send in recycling box will change in line with the dates given above. applications for grants ranging Remember that the recycling box is a fortnightly collection and must from £500 up to be kerbside by 7am. If you are not sure of your week of collection £10,000 from please use any of the contact details given below. 1 April. For more information, Isle of Wight Council, tel: 821000, website: www.iwight.com applicants should contact Island Waste Services, tel: 821234, website: www.islandwaste.co.uk Matthew Bell on 529790 or email: [email protected]

+>O@E  Sponsor’s supplement Isle of Wight

Connexions information, advice, guidance and support for young people, parents, 03 08 news carers and employers Transition This is the last edition of One Island that will be sponsored by South Central Connexions. As from 1 April 2008, the responsibility for delivering the Connexions Service will pass to the local authority.

The Isle of Wight Council has The Isle of Wight RON programme decided to take the service The Isle of Wight Connexions team has been involved in running a new pre-e2e “in-house” and so existing engagement programme, called RON - Real Opportunities Now! The project is staff will transfer to them on funded by the LSC and aims to engage young people who are not in employment, 1 April 2008. We are education or training (NEET) in a short programme of confidence building and currently working with the motivational activities. Council and our staff to try The first roll-out of the RON programme ran from 15 - 25 January, and 8 young and ensure that there is as people took part. The programme was delivered over a two-week period: the first little disruption as possible. week focused on team building activities to allow the young people to explore their motivations and interests in a fun way, and the second week offered education and The Connexions Centre in training taster sessions. Newport will remain open, During the first week the young people had the opportunity to offering all kinds of support experience mountain biking, climbing and power for young people - from boating. These activities helped many to careers guidance and improve their confidence and self-esteem, as coaching on job search well as teaching them essential team techniques to placing into building skills. During the second week training or employment and young people were introduced to some of the Island's training from pregnancy testing to providers, and had the opportunity specialist help in money to taste training with the College, management. Connexions IWIGTS, HTP and Smart Training. Personal Advisers will also continue to offer services to After the January programme two young people were interviewed by young people through the HTP, two young people had interviews local schools, college and with Smart Training, and two applied to training providers. the Isle of Wight College.

 LKB'PI>KA Sponsor’s supplement

Newport Connexions Centre 29 High Street, Newport, PO30 1SS Telephone: 01983 525927 Opening Times: 9.30am-4.30pm Mon to Wed 9.30am-6.00pm Thu 9.30am-4.00pm Fri 10.00am-1.00pm Sat Floristry, pottery, sailing, fashion - so many creative careers to choose from at the Careers 4 All event! It was billed as the biggest Over 90 exhibitors, including workshops, a fashion show, delivered by Jim Davies, careers event on the Island employers, training providers, and live music and guitarist for The Prodigy; this year, and that is exactly universities, other education entertainment for all the music sessions led by Drum ‘n’ what Careers 4 All was! establishments and small family. Some of the Bass star MC $pyder and DJ More than 1300 people of all businesses, answered highlights included a creative Krooks, Platform One’s ages flocked to the Medina questions about creative writing conference led by resident DJ; and our very own Leisure Centre on Thursday opportunities and career well known writers, Creative Village - showcasing 21 February to take part in paths. publishers and editors; the talents of local people the day. introductory workshops on who have used their creativity The venue was buzzing with floristry, photography, sailing to make a living. hands-on demonstrations, and setting up your own interactive and informative business; guitar workshops

A local artist. Jim Davies leads the guitar workshop. Some of the art competition entries. Power FM Thunders.

Winners 0-12yrs Careers 4 All art competition Ethan Mitchell Charlie Marshall We received an overwhelming number of entries for the art ‘All about me’ ‘Batik Unicorn’ competition - thanks to all of you who entered your work! All St George’s School The Clatterford Centre entries were of such high quality that we short listed 23 pieces of work. Congratulations to the entrants (see left), who won vouchers Winners 13-19yrs and the opportunity to exhibit at Quay Arts for two weeks. Liam Stuart Fraser ‘Self Portrait’ ‘Moon sisters’ St George’s School Independent South Central Connexions working in partnership with:

Winner 20+ John Steggles ‘Full English Breakfast’ Independent +>O@E  !>OKFS>I@BKQOB

carnivalA centre for excellenc Looking ahead to thehe oopeningpening of the UK’s first dedicated carnival centre

A NATIONAL MILESTONE of £450,000, has been funded The centre’s staff will have will be achieved by the Isle externally by the LSC and Arts use of the office facilities on the of Wight on 25 April – with Council . It is located at mezzanine floor of the building. the opening of the UK’s the Isle of Wight Council-owned “We are very proud of the first dedicated carnival and Westridge Centre, with the council reputation we have already celebratory arts centre at Ryde. supporting the centre through its established nationally for carnival The Carnival Learning Centre adult learning and arts budgets. work on the Island, and are at Westridge has been funded by Chris said the facilities at the confident the new centre will really the Learning and Skills Council centre provided extensive scope for build upon this,” said Chris. (LSC) and Arts Council England, learning about, and working in, a As well as having strong links and will be formally opened by range of carnival-related activities. with other carnival activities up The Bahamas Minister of State for “We are very excited about its and down the country, the Island Culture, Charles Maynard. potential and what it will provide has built international connections The first users of the specially- for many people. The range of with carnivals in Italy, France, and designed centre will be Junkanoo opportunities is vast.” The Bahamas. artists from The Bahamas, who will The major part of the new Recently a group of 33 people be conducting workshops and a centre is a huge teaching area that from the Island took part in series of masterclasses (see panel). will offer many carnival-related carnival performances in Nice in Arts development officer Chris courses, taking in all aspects of the south of France, and Chris and Slann said the creation of the costume and prop making. This his colleague Frankie Goldspink, centre was the result of much is connected to areas that offer the carnival arts development planning and a lot of hard work. informal teaching, as well as officer, will soon be speaking “This will be a phenomenal instruction in specialist skills such at conferences in Liverpool, facility for the Island and will as metal and woodworking. Birmingham and London about the help the Island to be recognised There is also a fully-equipped IT Island’s pacesetting carnival work. nationally as a centre for carnival suite which can be used by up to 16 Although the new centre is based excellence.” people, and will allow the centre to at Ryde, Chris stresses that its The centre’s creation, at a cost teach a range of creative work. role is to serve the whole Island

 LKB'PI>KA FeatureFeF ature Celebrations Bahamas-style

The first users of the Island’s new carnival learning centre will be Junkanoo artists from The Bahamas. Junkanoo is a celebration unique to The Bahamas which features highly colourful hand-made costumes as well as the distinctive music of the islands. Representatives from the National Junkanoo Museum of The Bahamas recently visited the new centre at Ryde, and an all-star Junkanoo Troupe will take part in Ryde Arts Parade on Saturday 5 July. The carnival relationship between the Island and The Bahamas was formally recognised earlier this year when staff from the Island’s new centre met The Bahamas’ High ce Commissioner in London.

PICTURED: At work in the IT suite at the new carnival centre (opposite top left); Chris Slann and Frankie Goldspink (opposite top right); Junkanoo performers (main and above right)

through an extensive outreach England also view the new centre service. as very much a regional resource “The Island has an incredibly and an engine room for carnival strong carnival tradition, and work across the south east,” said in recent years there has been a Chris. series of projects to build upon A major role the centre is set this tradition. With the new centre to play over the next few years is we will be better placed than ever towards the cultural aspect of the to support carnivals and carnival- build-up to the 2012 Olympics at related activities across the Island.” London. The centre has a special carnival “From when the Beijing outreach truck to help it provide a Olympics finish this year and right service across the Island. through to 2012, this country will “Although the linking theme of be involved in what is known as what happens at the centre will the Cultural Olympiad. The LSC be carnivals, the skills that will and Arts Council England see us as be learned here and the activities playing a role in this national build- that will take place will have a far up to the Olympics, and we will wider-reaching positive effect on also be supporting the 2011 Island individuals and groups across the Games here on the Isle of Wight. Island,” said Chris. “These are exciting times for us Over recent years, the work all, and we hope the Island’s new carried out by Chris and his carnival learning centre will play colleagues with schools and other a major part in putting the Isle of groups has shown the benefits that Wight on the map,” said Chris. carnival-related skills and learning tɥFOFXDBSOJWBMMFBSOJOHDFOUSF can have. can be contacted on 817280, or by “The LSC and Arts Council emailing [email protected]

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Pitch and putt, water slide and dinosaurs!

With spring in the air, many of the council’s leisure services are gearing up for some busy months ahead. Here we take a look at what some of the facilities have to offer

OPEN FROM Easter for the Grounds just along the seafront waterslide – a 25 metre twisting summer season, the council’s from Browns. chute taking you right into the outdoor leisure facilities are The nine-hole pitch and putt largest of the centre’s two indoor offering a wide range of activities course in Ryde’s Appley Park pools. for Island residents and visitors to presents more of a challenge The Heights leisure centre at enjoy. but it’s worth taking on for the Sandown is another multi-purpose One of the major activities location itself – a lovely wooded leisure centre with two indoor which people of all ages can take park with panoramic views of the pools, and Ryde’s Waterside Pool part in is golf. The council offers Solent plus Ryde’s famous sandy on the seafront has a unique pitch and putt courses at Sandown beaches just a short walk away. retractable roof so when the sun’s and Ryde, both located just a Visitors can combine their visit shining you can have the best of stone’s throw from the sea shore to Browns with some time on both worlds. and bathing beaches. the glorious beach nearby or at At the eastern end of Sandown’s neighbouring Dinosaur Isle, the Live entertainment seafront, Browns family golf has UK’s first purpose-built dinosaur In the evenings, you can head been a popular venue since it was museum. Its displays of fossils and for Medina Theatre at Newport opened 75 years ago by famous life-size replicas of some of the or Shanklin Theatre, with golfers Henry Cotton and Joe dinosaurs that roamed the Earth their varied programmes of Kirkwood. There’s a choice of two million of years ago will amaze entertainment to suit all tastes, 12-hole pitch and putt courses, a and fascinate you. from concerts to musicals and live 15-hole long-shot putting course entertainment. and 18-hole bantam putting, with Fun on the water If you want something more different challenges for all the The picturesque boating lake next lively, The Venue @ Ryde Theatre family. to Waterside Pool in Ryde is a great is the premier venue for live music Browns is rich with local history place to take the family out on the on the Island, with everything and is popular with customers water in a swan pedalo or you can from local bands to international attracted by its traditional service paddle your way round the lake in cover groups. and activities. a canoe. For a less demanding game with If the weather lets you down t0VUEPPSGBDJMJUJFTSFNBJOPQFO plenty of fun, there is the crazy and you want to make a splash, until the end of October half term, golf and putting on Shanklin Medina Leisure Centre at Newport while indoor facilities are open all Esplanade and at Sandham has the Island’s only public year.

 LKB'PI>KA Feature

Browns Medina pool Dinosaur Isle Ryde Theatre Ryde boating lake

+>O@E  #@L'PI>KA

PROFESSOR SIR PROFESSOR BILL THE RIGHT REV DR DAME ELLEN DAVID TAYLOR SIR TERRY FARRELL GHILLEAN PRANCE WAKEHAM KENNETH STEVENSON MACARTHUR An Island of eco excellence

Next week, businesses from across the Island will be attending a major conference to launch and promote the Eco Island vision. Here we look ahead to the event and the Big Green Picnic in May

COWES YACHT Haven on Wednesday 26 Rt Rev Dr Kenneth Stevenson, Bishop of said: “We have all been extremely encouraged March is the venue for a landmark conference Portsmouth; David Taylor, chief executive with the momentum that has quickly built up in the Island’s ambitious journey towards of Sustainable Energy Ireland; Professor Sir around Eco Island. This conference is a means becoming the UK’s leading sustainable Ghillean Prance, scientific director of the of harnessing that positively and channelling community. Eden Project; Sir Terry Farrell, renowned it in a way that allows us all to move forward The conference will attract businesses and international architect and Isle of Wight together. organisations with the aim of embracing a design champion; and Professor Bill “The council has set out where it wants to shared long-term vision of creating a world- Wakeham, vice-chancellor, University of be in terms of reducing its carbon emission renowned Eco Island. Southampton. – four percent a year over the next 20 years A key part in the Eco Island conference will Council leader David Pugh said: “A key – but we are all in this together and need be the unveiling of a Sustainable Community strand of Eco Island is about creating to know how we are all faring in terms of Strategy by the Island Strategic Partnership wealth and opportunity for all, boosting making our individual contributions as – which lays out the vision and how its goals the economy so everyone can benefit from businesses or organisations.” might be achieved. a greener, healthier, dynamic and inspiring l More information about the conference is The event has attracted top speakers, Island.” available from the website at www.eco-island. including: Dame Ellen MacArthur; the Council chief executive Joe Duckworth, org.uk/conference

 LKB'PI>KA Feature

Big Green Picnic Involving the whole of the Isle of Wight in Eco Island

While the Eco Island conference is aimed chiefly at ~ P@dPh0acbcT]cUTPcdaX]VbcaPfQP[TW^dbX]V businesses, the wider community will have its chance P]ScWTU^^c_aX]c_[TSVT_a^YTRc* to get involved through the Big Green Picnic event at ~ X]U^a\PcX^]^]\PZX]VTR^UaXT]S[hQPVbP]S Church Litten, Newport on 24 and 25 May. _a^_^bP[bc^QP]_[PbcXRQPVb* The Big Green Picnic will be designed to encourage ~ P\^QX[T_W^]TaTRhR[X]Vd]Xc* families and individuals to do their bit towards the Eco ~ PRX]T\PcT]cbW^fX]VVaTT]eXST^b* Island vision. The event will take place from 10am to ~ PWTP[cWP]SQTPdchPaTP* 7pm each day, with free entry to the public. ~ P1TbcXeP[QP]SbcP]SfXcW[^RP[_TaU^a\TabP]S The event aims to inspire people to adopt a green VaTT]bc^ahcT[[X]V* lifestyle, providing practical examples of sustainability ~ VP\Tbf^aZbW^_bP]SP_XR]XRPaTP and to help residents, visitors and businesses act in ways that minimise their environmental impact. It is also planned that the event will practice what The Big Green Picnic will also provide the chance it preaches by minimising the use of resources. It’s for businesses and voluntary groups to highlight hoped the central location will reduce travelling, and their green credentials and activities. Existing green on-site there will be recycling and healthy food. A organisations will also be invited to explain the work biodiesel generator provided by a local company will they are involved in. also provide power for the site. Attractions at the event will include: ~ P]T[TRcaXReTWXR[TTgWXQXcX^]* ~ [XQaPahTgWXQXcX^]b* For more information go to the event website ~ PR^d]RX[cT]cfXcWX]U^a\PcX^]PQ^dcR^\_^bcX]V at www.thebiggreenpicnic.com, send an email to b^[PaRPaWTPcTabP]S^cWTa4R^8b[P]SXbbdTb* [email protected] or call Claire Critchison on ~ X]U^a\PcX^]Ua^\8b[P]SFPbcTBTaeXRTb^] 203891. aTRhR[X]V*

+>O@E  1@ORQFKVCL@RP Feature

Keeping a close watch on the decisions of the Isle of Wight Council is its scrutiny committee. Here we look at how it carries out its work

“It is vital the council adopts a rigorous and fair system of reviewing its decisions to ensure we maintain the confidence of those who elect us.” Councillor Muriel Miller, scrutiny committee chairman

ITS TITLE should say it all. Yet many people are still unsure what the precise role of the council’s scrutiny committee is. New legislation introduced by the government in 2000 replaced the old committee structure with alternatives including a cabinet style system that was adopted by the Isle of Wight Council. Under this system the elected council leader appoints a cabinet of no more than ten councillors, who are responsible for the detailed day-to-day direction of the council’s policies and direction. But how do other councillors check on how the cabinet is performing? That’s where scrutiny comes in. The scrutiny committee can hold decision-makers to account and challenge their performance. Importantly the committee can also “call in” decisions made by the cabinet. In practice this means that a temporary halt can be made to the implementation of a decision to enable the committee to raise concerns about its effect on residents or resources. The cabinet may take these concerns into account. It can also scrutinise how certain partner organisations, such as the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, are assisting in the delivery of key services. To ensure the committee exercises its functions properly the Church of England diocese. its chairman is a member of a political group which is not In addition there is one non-voting member who is the majority group on the council. nominated by the Association of Island Town and Parish Other members of the committee comprise members of Councils to represent a town or parish council perspective. the council on a politically proportional basis. There are At its best then, the scrutiny committee functions as two independent voting co-optees drawn from the Isle the “eyes and ears” of the council – ensuring that the of Wight generally. For education matters there are two decisions of the cabinet, and indeed other partners, which members representing parent governors with two from the affect the lives of Island citizens are subjected to rigorous faiths, one from the Roman Catholic diocese and one from examination and public debate.

 LKB'PI>KA @L>PQ>KA@LRKQOV Our Island, our environment

Have you seen any ‘mad March hares’– full of the joys of spring? Males vying with each other for mates chase rivals; ‘boxing’ is usually a female rebuffing an over- amorous male! They have tawny brown fur and black tips to their very long ears and are more likely to be seen in spring when crops are still low. They bound at speed across fields or sit tight to the ground, when from the distance they look Keeping like boulders strewn across the countryside. They do not live in burrows but make depressions an eye on our called ‘forms’ in long grass, where they spend most of the day before moving to feed in open ground at night. coastal defences Members of the public are being maximise the life of coastal defence encouraged to contact the council if structures owned or maintained by they spot any defects in the Island’s the council. These structures include coastal defences. seawalls, railings, revetments, groynes, The council’s centre for the coastal slipways, navigation aids, steps and environment at Ventnor is responsible breakwaters. for inspecting and monitoring council- t*GZPVIBWFBOZDPODFSOTPSRVFTUJPOT owned coastal defences. relating to coastal defences you should The centre also carries out repairs to call the council on 821000.

Tree buds are swelling and bursting; the white GPS monitoring in Ventnor blossom of blackthorn and silky grey willow catkins were The council’s coastal which uses satellites out early. The velvety dull black buds of ash open soon management section to locate a point to after to reveal bunches of purplish anthers. The pollen is has been conducting an accuracy of about wind-borne and fruit – like bunches of keys – will form Global Positioning seven millimetres. later in the season. System (GPS) surveys Repeat surveys were On bright sunny days skylark song floats high above in Ventnor to help conducted in 2005 and the countryside. The birds rise almost vertically with accurately monitor 2006. rapid wing beats; after reaching a considerable height, ground movement So far the surveys they hover for several minutes, mere specks in the sky, over a long time- have not detected any declaring their territories in song. scale. significant movement Then they drop back to their nests which are in Fifty permanent of the ground markers hollows in the ground lined with grass and leaves. They ground markers were over this short period, are at risk from being trampled, so keeping to the paths installed around the but further surveys over and having your dog on a lead will help skylarks breed town in 2003 and the coming years and PICTURED: James Houghton from the successfully and their exultant song to be heard next accurately surveyed decades may reveal coastal centre, sets up the GPS system in year too. using differential GPS, important information. Ventnor Anne Marston, assistant ecology officer Advertisement Seasonal hint for garden Buy your family a new AGA Cooker wildlife Birds are nesting now, Better food, a warm and bits and pieces left kitchen and happy after tidying the garden meal times – moss raked from the Why not drive in and see us ? lawn or long grass with some dead stems – Also Bathrooms, Calor Gas and will be a great help to Heating and Plumbing Supplies several species. Mud 523041 from the edge of the pond can be used by 28 Daish Way Newport ( off the St Mary’s Roundabout ) song thrushes to hold their nests together.

+>O@E  What’s on: 20 March to 25 April

ACTIVITIESQO>FIBOPfilm of suspense in Los Carnival Magic! The church funds. Angeles following a Carnival Learning Fossil Walk car wreck in winding Centre TALKS (21 March) A guided Mulholland Drive, Quay (15 March – 26 April) fossil walk led by a Arts, Newport, 7.30pm, A showcase of work Striking it Rich – the member of staff from tickets £4, tel: box by adult learners on Californian Gold Dinosaur Isle, meet at office 822490. a carnival-learning Rush 1849 Dinosaur Isle, Sandown, programme, Learning (3 April) A talk to the Isle 2pm, for approximately EXHIBITIONS Curve Gallery, Quay Arts, of Wight Branch of the two hours, contact Newport. Historical Association Trevor Price, tel: Mad as Mustard by Professor Margaret Four Artists in the Walsh, University of 404344, cost adults (19 February – 24 Picture £3.60, children £2.20, March) Showcasing Nottingham, at Nodehill (21-24 March) An Middle School, Newport, family (two plus two) illustrations, stories, eclectic combination of £11, booking essential. abstracted thought and 7.30pm, contact Terry styles and media from Blunden, tel: 524410. Easter Egg Trail poetry within handmade four professional artists, (23 March) At books by local artist, Edna Coatsworth, Sandy Ryde Waterworks Mottistone Manor Holly Maslen, Café Wall, Medany, Sarah Marsh (12 April) A talk by Fred Garden, 11am to 1pm, Quay Arts, Newport. and Becky Samuelson, Caws to Ryde Social normal admission plus Rituals featuring marine, Heritage Group, George £1 per trail sheet. (1 March – 5 April) landscape, figurative Vicki Fong will be showing Street Centre, Ryde, and floral pieces, at 10.30am to 12.30pm. Table Top Sale and Textile designer Vicki Fong draws inspiration Ventnor Botanic Garden, some of her vibrant textiles Coffee Morning 10am to 4pm. THEATRE (5 April) An event from her upbringing, at Quay Arts, Newport st Chinese culture set in staged by 1 Wootton Wall of Art Art rural Yorkshire, Rope Beaver Scouts, (1-30 April) An exhibition of paintings (9 April) A selection (27-29 March, 3-5 Store Gallery, Quay Arts, with bargains and exhibition of paintings in all media, Echium of choral, solo and April) Trinity Theatre, Newport. refreshments, at by the Wednesday Terrace, Ventnor instrumental seasonal Cowes presents the Wootton Scout Hut, Kolzwerk Art Group, Ventnor, at Botanic Garden, 10am music, Holy Trinity hit comedy by Yasmin Wootton Recreation (3-29 March) An exhib– the Troubadour Café, to 4pm. Church, Bembridge, Reza, focusing on how Ventnor, during café Ground, 11am to 2pm. ition titled Once I Was 7.30pm, entrance the purchase of an opening hours, free Bembridge Art a Papa, photographic £5, proceeds to local unusual painting affects admission. Society Open Days charities. CINEMA works highlighting the (12-13 April) Exhibition a group of friends, at issues of fatherhood, St Lawrence Art of paintings and Corinne West Trinity Theatre, Cowes, 7.30pm, tickets £5/£6 Mulholland Drive Ryde Library, library Society demonstrations by (9 April) Part of a (three for the price of (17 April) David Lynch’s opening times. (5-11 April) Spring members, Bembridge UK tour, combining two on opening night), Village Hall, 10am to Bluegrass and available from the box 5pm. progressive folk music, 2O>FIBOP Quay Arts, Newport, office (open 11am to All that Glisters 8pm, tickets £10/£9, 2pm daily, not Sunday) from 21 March, tel: These listings are provided free, as a public information service. Details must (12 April – 17 May) tel: box office 822490. be submitted either by: filling out this form, or emailing your details Works by Island artist 295229. Pat Clarke, featuring John Renbourn to [email protected] The Juniper Tree her paintings which (11 April) Vaguely (29 March) Goat and Please conform to the format shown. Entries are included at the editorial combine illumination, Sunny in partnership Monkey present live fantasy and abstract with the Farringford team’s discretion. music, storytelling Hotel present guitarist imagery, Quay Arts, and magic in an Deadline for the next issue: 26 March (11 April publication date). and songwriter John Newport. unforgettable theatrical Renbourn and Scottish adventure, Quay Arts, Title of event/activity: musician, singer and MUSIC Newport, 8pm, tickets Date: songwriter Robin £7/£6 (£4 for under- Get on with it Williamson, in concert at 16s), tel: box office Brief description: Chumbawamba the Farringford Hotel, 822490. (22 March) A mix of Freshwater, 8pm, tickets An Inspector Calls skewed pop, traditional £15, tel: 752500, also English folk and from Waterstone’s, (4-5, 12 April) Ventnor Theatre Group present acappella song, Quay Newport and Crafty Arts, Newport, 8pm, Caulkhead, Ryde. the play by J.B. Priestley, tickets £12/£11, tel: Whitwell Village Hall, Beck Sian box office 822490. Ventnor Road, Whitwell, (19 April) The singer/ 7.30pm, contact Bill Venue: Haydn’s Creation songwriter cousin of King, tel: 854560. (25 March) Turn up Kate Bush performs at Time: and sing classical Quay Arts, Newport, Funny Girl music at Sts Thomas 8pm, tickets £8/£7, tel: (16-19 April) Curtain Contact name: Up Dramatic Society Church, Newport, box office 822490. presents the popular singers 7pm, audience Telephone: Newchurch Male musical that follows 7.30pm, performance Voice Choir Ryde the story of Fanny at 8pm, proceeds to Please return to: Concert Brice and her rise to Cancer Care, donations (25 April) A charity stardom, Memorial Hall, Trailers, One Island, Publications Unit, County Hall, Newport, Isle welcome. concert, St John’s Freshwater, 7.30pm, of Wight PO30 1UD Bembridge Singers’ Church, Ryde, 7.30pm, tickets £5, first night or email to [email protected] no later than 26 March Spring Concert retiring collection to £3.50, tel: 752956.