Summer of Success the Island Celebrates

Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council Issue nine October 2007 oneIsland www.iwight.com Summer of success The Island celebrates

Also inside: Search for a sporting star Countdown for new-look Pan Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council LKB Issue nine P' > I K A October 2007 www.iwight.co One Island is published each month, except for September and January – m Welcome Summer of these editions are combined with those of the previous month. If you have success community news to share with other readers or would like to advertise in The Island celebrates 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] Also inside: Search for a sporting star

Telephone 823105 Countdown for new-look Pan

Welcome to the October edition makingcontact councilmeetings of the council’s magazine, USEFUL CONTACTS marking a year since we Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, launched the publication to keep Newport PO30 1UD you up to date with our quest to Fax 823333 deliver high quality and cost- Email [email protected] effective services. This issue is also the first to Website www.iwight.com be published since I was elected council leader in September, a position through which I pledge TELEPHONE SERVICES Unless otherwise stated, all meetings are in public at County Hall. Call 823200 Call centre 821000 to work tirelessly and with 24-hours before a meeting to ensure it dedication on behalf of Island Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm is going ahead and to check if any items residents. Saturday: 9am to 1pm are likely to be held in private session. For telephone assistance we recommend It is appropriate I also take you contact the call centre directly where Council this opportunity to thank my we aim to answer as many enquiries as (council chamber) predecessor Councillor Andy possible at this first point of contact. 21 November (6pm) FACE TO FACE SERVICES Sutton for his significant Popular numbers Cabinet Newport Help Centre (to be confirmed) contribution over the past two- Automated telephone payments 559310 Tel 821000 20 November (6pm) and-a-half years. Council tax 823901 In this edition we continue to County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD Planning Committee Education 823455 Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm (council chamber) bring you updates on the various Environmental health 823000 Sat: 9am to 1pm 23 October (4pm) projects forming part of our One Housing benefits 823950 Ryde Help Centre 27 November (4pm) Island programme of initiatives, Licensing Committee Libraries 203880 Tel 812678 with information about the (committee room one) Licensing 823159 188 High Street, Ryde PO33 2PN Pan development project, town 12 November (4pm) Planning 823552 Mon to Fri: 8.45am to 5pm managers, free swimming for Sat: 9.30am to 12.30pm Audit and Performance Committee Refuse collection 823777 (committee room one) schoolchildren, free homecare Brading Help Centre Roads and highways 823777 30 October (6pm) for the over 80s, and how we are Tel 405873 4 December (6pm) Tourism 813818 tackling speed on the roads. West Street, Brading PO36 0DR Scrutiny Committee Trading standards 823396 We also underline our ongoing IW Council desk – Tues: 9am to 1pm (committee room one) commitment to partnership Leisure services 823828 Shanklin Help Centre 25 October (6pm) 6 December (6pm) working, with key information Adult and children’s services Falcon Cross Hall, Falcon Road, Shanklin about the Island’s safer Adult services 823340 Mon only: 10am to 4.30pm Standards Committee neighbourhood teams, and a Children’s services 525790 (committee room one) West Wight Information Centre 19 November (6pm) special four-page supplement Local centres: Cowes 291144 Tel 756140 Newport 823340 Policy Commission for Business and from the Island’s NHS Primary Freshwater Library, School Green Road, Infrastructure Care Trust. Ryde 566011 Freshwater PO40 9AP Sandown 408448 (committee room one) We hope in its first year the Mon: 9am to 5.15pm, 14 November (6pm) Headquarters 520600 magazine has helped to keep Tues and Wed: 9.30am to 5.15pm, Thur: Policy Commission for Care, Health Housing 823040 (closed), Fri: 9.30am to 4.45pm. Closed for and Housing you informed about much of the lunch (1.30pm to 2pm each day) important work we are carrying (committee room one) Wootton Bridge Centre 31 October (6pm) out. We remain committed to 5 December making progress on behalf of EMERGENCY NUMBERS Tel 884361 In an emergency dial 999 Joanne’s Walk, Brannon Way, Policy Commission for Children and all Islanders, and through the Wootton Bridge PO33 4NU School Results Fire and rescue magazine will keep you fully up IW Council desk – Mon, Tues, (committee room one) control centre (24hrs) 525121 to date. Thurs, Fri: 9.15am to 1pm 28 November (6pm) Out of hours: Policy Commission for Safer Highways 525121 Cowes Help Centre Councillor David Pugh Communities Waste disposal 0800 3283851 Beckford Court, Beckford Road, Cowes (committee room one) Leader, Isle of Wight Council Wightcare 821105 Fri (mornings): 9am to 12 noon 22 November (6pm)

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.

2 oneIsland In this issue NEWS DESK 4-10 Council and community news Islandimage FEATURES 11 Sporting stars of the future The Talented and Gifted Programme 12 Summer of success Events that put the Island on the map 22 Countdown for new-look Pan Focus on Pan development project 24 Representing the eastern Wight Special area focus 26 Making a real difference The Supporting People programme 28 How do we compare? A look at best value REGULARS 29 Coast and country Rural and coastal news 30 Trailers Events and activities Cover picture: Madness lead singer, Suggs, performing at the Bestival in September

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 2007 Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD. Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Engage Group.

Picture: St Helens, by Oliver Parsons

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

October 2007 3 newsdesk The One Island programme New cabinet team

The council’s One Island programme was launched in February this year in response to the findings of last summer’s residents’ survey. The programme consists of 24 projects for 2007/2008, based around the themes of respect, pride and value. Many of the projects are now underway and we will be bringing you regular updates on the progress of the One Island programme. The projects that make up the programme are:

Respect (covering social and community services) • Care packages for young people • Free personal home care for over 80s PICTURED: Back (left to right) Barry Abraham, George Brown, Alan Wells, Tim Hunter-Henderson; • Developing 14 to 19 education provision front (left to right) Diana Tuson, David Pugh, Dawn Cousins • Low cost homes for Island people The new leader of the Isle of Wight Cabinet Responsibility • Pan area development Council, Councillor David Pugh, has member • Free swims for young people during holidays appointed a streamlined cabinet for • Raising standards in Island schools George Brown Economy, planning and the remainder of 2007/2008. (deputy leader) property • Policies to meet the needs of young people The cabinet, reduced from ten to seven portfolio holders, is Alan Wells Children and young people Pride (covering environmental areas) responsible for the detailed, day- Diana Tuson Safer communities • One Million Blooms to-day direction of the council’s Tim Hunter- • Free parking for environmentally friendly vehicles Environment and transport policies and operation. As well as Henderson • Island Games and sports development Councillor Pugh – who is additionally • Public conveniences (refurbishment and rebuild) responsible for housing, leisure and Dawn Cousins Health and wellbeing • Public realm improvements in West Wight, The governance – the cabinet includes: Barry Abraham Residents and resources Bay and East Cowes (improving public facilities such as litter bins, signposts, bus shelters, railings and bollards and street nameplates) • SMS bus information (allows travellers to receive Town centre text information on mobile phones about bus services) managers take • Speed management and road safety • Town centre managers up their posts • Anti-dog fouling campaign • Improving Island roads PICTURED: Ryde is just one of the towns on the Island to benefit from town centre managers Value (corporate issues) Eleven new town centre managers are now working to ensure communities across • Boundary review (council electoral divisions) the Island are kept neat and tidy. • One Council (to ensure the council is fit for Having completed their initial training, two town centre managers per town purpose to deliver major improvements) have been assigned to bring about improvements in Ryde and in Newport while • Getting it right for the customer individual managers will be raising the street scene standards in Cowes, East • Town and parish council partnership (to increase Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, Freshwater and Ventnor. A further town centre the number of services delivered direct by quality manager will act in a supervisory capacity. town and parish councils) A key role of the managers will be to ensure the various public realm contracts • Joining up public services across the Island are carried out – including making sure all litter bins are taken away on time, • Improving the way we work with the voluntary highways swept to the required standard and litter is picked up. sector They will also be the council’s eyes and ears in town centres, and will report acts of vandalism and graffiti so they can be quickly remedied. More information on some of these projects is In addition, the town centre managers will have powers to issue fixed penalty provided at www.iwight.com and through special tickets for offences like dropping litter, fly-tipping, fly-posting and allowing dogs to articles in this edition of the magazine. These are foul pavements. labelled with the One Island symbol, shown at the • The town centre managers are contactable via the public realm co-ordinator, Dan top of the page. Rowling on 550980 or [email protected]

4 oneIsland Council and community news

Sports Peter is club and volunteer elected conference Newport North councillor A new councillor has been elected for the Isle of Wight Council’s Newport North ward. Education Peter Humber, the Conservative candidate, was elected at a by-election on 30 August. The by-election was required following the decision resignation of Councillor Julian Whittaker, who had represented the ward since 2005. deferred Turnout for the by-election was 30.04 per cent. The cabinet of the Isle of Wight in November. A special confer- Council has decided to slightly Cabinet member for children ence to support alter the timetable concerning and young people, Councillor Alan New standards sports clubs in proposals for the future of Island Wells, said: “We recognise that developing and committee members education – putting back its this is a major issue for the Island training their vol- consideration of the plans from and it is crucial that we get this unteers is being October to November. right. We value all the feedback staged at Ryde The decision is to provide that we have received and we Theatre on 30 time to reflect on the different want to ensure we have had October. representations made to the time to look at all the different The event, which council about the proposals. The views put forward and listen takes place from proposals will be brought before to the advice of officers and 6pm to 9pm, will both the cabinet and full council government representatives.” provide informa- PICTURED: (left to right) Peter Tautz, Susan Tudor-Smith and tion on funding Captain Anthony Brindle for sports from Reactive signs Three new independent members have been local, regional appointed by the council to fill vacancies and national on the Island’s standards committee, which sources, as well to help monitors the standards of those in public as guidance on office. accreditation for cut speed The three, who are all members of the public volunteers. Eleven new speed-reactive signs living on the Island, are former barrister Susan If you are inter- designed to cut traffic accidents by Tudor-Smith, Captain Anthony Brindle who ested in vol- reminding drivers they are travelling too was formerly in the Royal Navy and Merchant unteering, the fast are to be installed during November. Navy, and retired policeman Peter Tautz. council’s sports The new signs are due to be located Their appointment takes the total number unit can encour- in: Bembridge, Embankment Road; of committee members to ten. age and help you Carisbrooke, Clatterford Road and via the confer- Gunville Road; Gurnard, Tuttons Hill; ence – and give Formal complaints to Havenstreet, Main Road; Nettlestone, you a steer about Calthorpe Road/Nettlestone Hill; Winford, different roles Standards Board of England Alverstone Road; Whitwell, Ventnor Road; and sports. Sandown, Culver Parade and Esplanade; The Island’s standards committee has made formal complaints to the The conference Shanklin, Whitecross Lane; St Helens, Standards Board of England over possible breaches of the Isle of Wight will also include a Station Road and Carpenters Road; Council’s members’ code of conduct. national govern- Wroxall, High Street. It follows issues raised in a report submitted to the council’s planning ing body fair. A speed reactive sign remains blank committee on 25 September in connection with a specific planning • To book your until excessive vehicle speed is detected. application. free place at the The sign then displays an appropriate Standards committee chairman, Mark Southwell, said: “It was clear to the conference please message for up to four seconds or until committee that the report raised serious ethical issues for the council and contact the sports the vehicle slows sufficiently. that the public need to see that issues of probity are addressed promptly.” unit on 823818, Similar signs erected throughout the Council chief executive, Joe Duckworth said: “Our actions must be or email: vicki. country have produced consistently lower honest, open, accountable and objective. We must show absolute integrity [email protected] vehicle speeds and fewer accidents. in the decisions we make, advice we offer and the way we deliver services.”

October 2007 5 newsdesk

Home Information Packs Get your Local list to mark new public – advice on historic transport and traditional buildings distinctiveness handbook Since January this year the The latest ver- council’s conservation and sion of the design team has been running Island’s only com- a project to produce the prehensive public Island’s first local list of buildings, transport handbook structures, parks and gardens of is now available. architectural or historic interest. The free guide, The local list – produced in published by the partnership with parish councils council, includes and local history groups – identifies timetable informa- buildings, structures, parks and tion on bus, rail and gardens that contribute to the ferry services to, distinctiveness of the Island’s built from and within environment. the Island. It also To be included on the local list a includes informa- building, structure, park or garden tion on the busiest must satisfy set criteria. For National Express example: routes from Ports- • is it closely associated with mouth and South- famous local people/historic events? ampton, some train Key guidance on how the new Home Information Packs • is it the work of a particular information and also will affect historic and traditional buildings on the Island is architect or designer which details of travel to now available from the council’s conservation team. illustrates local or regional mainland hospitals. More than 25 per cent of the Island’s building stock is architectural history or design? Other information made up of historic and traditional buildings – mainly those • does it relate to an important includes details of listed, in a conservation area or pre-dating cavity wall aspect of local social, cultural, the new One Island construction. religious, political or economic SMS scheme that Home Information Packs (HIPs) were introduced into the history? will enable bus time- housing market on a phased basis from 1 August this year. • does it retain its historic features table information to Homes with three or more bedrooms marketed for sale and layouts? be texted to passen- from 10 September require a HIP, and the pack includes • does it provide an important visual gers’ mobile phones an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that provides an amenity locally? and also details of energy rating for a property. • does it show qualities of age, style or chain ferry sailings. Historic and traditional homes are not exempt from distinctive characteristics relative to the area? The new public Energy Performance Certificates, but do require special At present inclusion on the local list does not give transport handbook consideration since they have been built very differently protection in the way that statutory listing does, but it covers the autumn/ from modern housing. does recognise distinctiveness. winter season from The certificates grade the likely energy performance To become involved in the project or to nominate a 30 September to of homes and are generated from survey data and a building, structure, park or garden for inclusion on the first 5 January. standardised model of how the building was constructed. local list you should contact the council’s conservation and The handbook is The ratings, from A to G, are accompanied by advice design team on 823552. and suggestions about how to cut carbon emissions and available from coun- reduce fuel consumption. cil customer help Standard measures to improve energy efficiency in Eight hundred benefit centres, libraries, modern buildings may be expensive, ineffective and tourist information harmful in traditional buildings. They could also be illegal if from free home care centres, and from carried out without the appropriate statutory consents. Wightbus drivers. English Heritage advises that while almost every Around 800 elderly and vulnerable people are now benefiting from the council’s groundbreaking Free traditional and historic home can accommodate some )SLEOF7IGHT Home Care Scheme. 0UBLIC4RANSPORT energy improvements without harming its special (ANDBOOK Your comprehensive guide to Public Transport character, it is important work is planned and carried out The initiative, introduced on the Island in April this year, on the Isle of Wight entitles people, aged 80 and over, free personal care from carefully. Timetables • The council’s conservation team is available to give the council’s social services department – regardless of income or savings. advice to assessors and home owners, and can be Routes contacted on 823552, email: [email protected]. Funding to pay for the new approach is coming from Guidance notes can be downloaded from the website at savings created by having fewer people moving into Information residential care homes. www.iwight.com/conservation ! U TU M N 7 IN TE R 3 E P T E M B E R T O * A N U A R Y

6 oneIsland "53%3 42!).3 &%22)%3 -!).,!.$#/..%#4)/.3

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17/09/2007 15:40:02 Council and community news

Island residents wanting information Transitional period for planning policies or support in connection with About one third of the policies in the the sensitive issue Island’s existing Unitary Development of self-harming are Plan (UDP) are being phased out as part able to contact the of the transition towards the new “Island group, Isle of Wight Plan”. Insight into Self- The government has required the Harm (IWISH), which phasing out in accordance with its has been running in timetable for the progression of the its current form since Local Development Framework and the 2004. Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act Since it was 2004 – which introduced new planning Special set-up, the group guidelines for councils. has sought to The UDP was adopted in 2001, and support provide a supportive drafted to ensure planning decisions environment for were made in the best interests of the work is underway and the first round of those who self-harm. Island and its residents at that time. consultation with residents on the draft group People with personal Its phased out policies, which expired plan will begin in February 2008. experience of self- at the end of September, cover a range of Head of planning, Bill Murphy, harming are involved in the running of the group. areas from mineral extraction to leisure said: “We need to ensure we create a Self-harm is described as any act of harm a person facilities and services. They are listed in comprehensive document that takes into deliberately causes to their own body, such as scratching, full at www.iwight.com/planningpolicy/udp account the Island’s development needs cutting, burning, bruising etc. People who self-harm In the interim, before the new Island both now and into the future, as well as tend to go out of their way to hide their problem. It can Plan is completed, the council will be recent changes in planning legislation.” be a way of dealing with overwhelming thoughts and guided by the remaining “saved” policies in By March next year the council will emotions, often to stop those feelings getting out of the UDP, together with national guidelines also produce a Sustainable Community control. and planning policy statements. Strategy for the future of the Island to • If you suspect someone in your life may be self-harming, The new Island Plan is being developed 2020. This will identify a blueprint for or if you yourself are self-harming, contact IWISH for according to a timetable – including how the council and its partners will help information – Kathy Groves (self-harm liaison nurse), tel: consultation – agreed between the the Island develop and thrive into the 522214, Steve Whorwood or Len Harverson, tel: 532943. council and the Government Office of the future. The Island Plan will have a crucial IWISH is linked to the Wight Access Group, a consortium South East. role in implementing this strategy. of service users and professionals who meet regularly to It will enable the council to define • You can follow the progress of the monitor the Island’s Disability Equality Scheme. The full policies reflecting how the Island’s needs Island Plan on the council’s website at scheme and the action plans can be viewed at iwight.com have changed since 2001. Much of this www.iwight.com/islandplan Iwight.com’s wedding cam Extended alcohol reaches afar A special wedding cam service provided through control order for iwight.com at Northwood House, Cowes, is proving increasingly popular. Newport? Four web cameras cover the register A new measure to help prevent alcohol-related office and three marriage rooms at the anti-social behaviour could be extended grade II listed venue – which is the HQ throughout Newport. for the council’s register office. Following the success of declaring Church If a couple give permission, the Litten a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO), camera in their room can be switched there is now a proposal to cover the majority on just before their ceremony starts, of Newport with the order. with a photograph captured every 30 The DPPO gives the police powers to tackle seconds and instantly published on alcohol related crime, disorder and nuisance iwight.com, uploaded to the wedding by making it an offence to drink alcohol in the room homepage at www.iwight.com/ designated area after being required by a police weddingcam. officer not to do so. Failure to comply may result in an arrest. Once designation is Last year more than 300 made, the police will also have the powers to remove alcohol from persons. wedding ceremonies were This does not mean that drinking alcohol in these areas is banned, however. If conducted at Northwood House, you are drinking alcohol sensibly and responsibly the designated area order will not and the web cam service provided affect you. a valuable link for those who The new proposed area encompasses most of Newport and is some 50 times were unable to attend. larger than the existing Church Litten designated area.

October 2007 7 newsdesk

Support network helps couple towards big day Support for top youth Support services on the Island have played a major role in helping a local couple with learning disabilities set out on their new cricket event married life together. Scott Watkin and Stephany Cunningham (pictured) were recently married at Northwood House, Cowes, and were able to plan for their big day and future life thanks to the support of a range of organisations and individuals. Scott and Stephany have been able to develop skills and confidence through People First (the Island’s self-advocacy group) and working for the Learning Disability Partnership Board (the body that shapes Island policy for learning disability services). A forward-looking residential home, and staff from Supporting People, had initially helped the couple set up home together when they became engaged two years ago, and they were then able to prepare for their wedding with the help of friends from People First, Supporting People staff, and family. All the back-up help – through a process called Person- Centred Planning – meant the couple were able to achieve Special funding more independence with their own flat and garden, could save was given by some money, enjoy a memorable wedding day and experience a the council to honeymoon in Tunisia. the annual Isle • If you would like to volunteer to help people with learning of Wight Youth disabilities plan their lives and achieve their dreams, please Cricket Festival contact Pat Ready on 823099 (ext. 2955). held at the end of August – an event in which the Sporting activities for people in Pan Island’s under-16 team triumphed The council’s sports unit has been for the first time. working with the Pan Neighbourhood The council’s Partnership to provide more chances contribution was for local residents to take part in towards various sports and physical activities. administrative costs for the The sports unit recently recruited five-day festival, a new sports development officer, which was played Tom Lyons, whose role will include at club grounds supporting initiatives for Pan. around the As well as encouraging Island. The Island participation in sports, he will be entered two sides promoting existing activities such in the festival, as aerobics and badminton clubs and with the under- those at Medina Leisure Centre. 16 first team He is also keen for Pan residents to topping the table ACTIVITY LOCATION DAY TIME train and qualify as volunteers and ahead of other Tuesday & 6pm – 8pm coaches to help sustain activities in Aerobics Barton Primary county under-16 Thursday 6.30pm – 7.30pm the long-term. teams including Activities already set-up (listed Badminton (juniors) Downside Middle Thursday 4pm – 6pm Buckinghamshire, Devon, opposite) include a six-week boxing Badminton (adults) Downside Middle Thursday 6pm - 8pm Herefordshire and course for teenagers and a new Teenage Youth Medina Leisure Hertfordshire. Newport Dog Training Club. A walking Saturday 12 noon – 2pm Gym Centre Council vice- club and mother and toddler yoga are Six-week Boxing chairman Arthur Downside Middle Thursday 8pm – 9pm next on the agenda. Basics Course Taylor joined • Anyone keen to take part in any Island MP Andrew Newport Dog physical activities or to volunteer to Downside Middle Sunday 10am – 12 noon Turner to present Training Club assist in the Pan area, please contact prizes at the Pan Sports Pan Recreation Tom Lyons at the sports unit on Tuesday 6pm – 7.30pm conclusion of the 823819. Football Club Ground festival.

8 oneIsland Council and community news

Arts Away brings top Busy summer performers to local venues for lifeguards The Arts Away touring scheme will soon be bringing a range of top quality performers to local venues around the Island – thanks to a partnership between the council’s arts unit and voluntary promoters. Performances in October, November and December include: An Evening with Gordon Giltrap – one of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in the UK, at St John’s Church, Ryde, on Friday 19 October (8pm), tickets cost £8.50, tel: 611913. La Bohème – the Mid Wales Opera perform Puccini’s opera at Medina Theatre, Newport on Friday 19 October and Saturday 20 October, both at 7.30pm, tickets cost £15/£13, tel: 527020. A Komedy of Errors – Circus Berzercus return with their chaotic clowning and dazzling juggling, as well as unicycling and magic, at Brighstone’s Wilberforce Hall, on Friday 9 November (7.30pm) and Nettlestone Primary School on Saturday 10 November (6.30pm), tickets cost £5/£3, tel: 740295 (Brighstone) or 613911 (Nettlestone).

PICTURED: Members of the council’s beach lifeguards teams PICTURED: Circus Berzercus The council’s lifeguards proved their worth during a busy summer season – assisting in hundreds of incidents including some dramatic rescues. As well as overseeing beaches at Sandown, Shanklin, and Ryde, for the first time the council funded a full-time professional lifeguard team at Ventnor from a purpose-built HQ. It is hoped their presence will help qualify the beach for a coveted Blue Flag award next year. Islandwide the beach lifeguards in 2007 helped re-unite 11 lost children with their families or guardians and gave advice or helped prevent an incident in 86 cases. They issued warnings to beach users in danger of getting into trouble in 45 cases and applied minor first aid to 153 patients. They gave major first aid to 15 accident victims and logged a further 23 instances in which they provided assistance to beach users. Ten Funny Business – Circus Berzercus perform Funny Business, at rescues were also carried out. Totland Church Hall on Thursday 8 November (7pm), tickets cost Matthew Chatfield, parks and countryside manager, said: “The work £5/£3, tel: 823813. the lifeguards have done at each of the beaches this year fully justifies The No Hall Too Small Tour – Country and Western parodies the council’s decision to invest in improving this service. The presence with Hank Wangford and Reg Meuross, at Ryde High School’s Studio of lifeguards is a considerable re-assurance to beach users.” Theatre on Friday 30 November (7.30pm) and Forelands Middle School, Bembridge on Saturday 1 December (7.30pm), tickets cost £6/£3, tel: 611705 (for Ryde), or 823813 (for Bembridge). Two more councils An Evening with Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby – American singer-songwriter Cathryn Craig and guitarist Brian achieve quality status Willoughby of Strawbs fame, appearing at St John’s Church, Ryde, on Cowes Town Council and local residents. The aim of the Friday 7 December (8pm), tickets cost £7.50, tel: 611913. neighbouring Gurnard Parish council is to provide support and Rags to Witches – Josh Elwell and Company present a show based Council are celebrating achieving development opportunities to all on the magical folklore of the New Forest, with puppetry and clowning, Quality Town and Parish status. local councils wishing to attain at Chale Primary School on Saturday 8 December (6.30pm), and It means the Island now has quality status by 2010. Bembridge and Youth and Community Centre on Sunday 9 December eight town and parish councils that To become a quality body, parish (2pm), tickets cost £5/£3, tel: 730328 (Chale) or 873311 (Bembridge). have achieved the status – or 28 and town councils must pass a Further performances, ranging from the London Philharmonic Skiffle per cent of the Island’s 29 parish number of tests. These include Orchestra to The Juniper Tree, will be taking place as part of the Arts and town councils. Nationally only having a qualified clerk, holding Away programme from January to May. three per cent of such councils at least four meetings a year and The arts unit supports venue promoters with a grant towards have achieved accreditation. providing evidence on engaging performance fees, as well as publicity and tickets, advice and guidance, The Isle of Wight Council is a with their community. The Quality with the aim of helping them become self-sufficient in the long-term. major supporter of the scheme, Parish and Town Council Scheme • For more details please call Nina Cullinane at the arts unit on which it views as a way of giving is run by the Department for 823813, or check the website at: www.isleofwight-arts.co.uk. more responsibility to local Environment, Food and Rural Arts Away programmes are available at local libraries. councils to improve services for Affairs.

October 2007 9 newsdesk Council and community news

Accolade Big increase in free for Island Trend-setting centres swimming take-up The conveniences! Island’s tourist information centres have been suc- cessfully chosen as official partners to the national PICTURED: Artist’s impression Enjoy England of the new toilets at Ventnor programme. Four new public conveniences It follows a on the Island are set to be among rigorous selection the most environmentally-friendly process in which toilets in the country. the centres had Features in the new facilities at to show proven Yaverland, Brading, Wootton and Ventnor commitment to will include: promoting the UK • wind turbines to generate electricity; as a holiday des- • roofs made of drought-resistant plants; tination, as well • roofs made of photo-voltaic cells to as to sustainable create electricity from sunshine; Thousands of young people on the Island have taken advantage of the tourism, and full • mini-hydro-electric generators; council’s popular free swimming initiative this year. use of a destina- • using harvested rainwater to flush and The scheme saw 9,763 more junior swims take place in 2007 than tion management clean the toilets; for the same period in 2006 – a rise of around 45 per cent. system. • energy efficient light fittings; Free swims took place at The Heights in Sandown, Waterside Pool in The Enjoy • low maintenance materials; Ryde and Medina Leisure Centre in Newport. West Wight Sports Centre England Pro- • water saving flush devices. Pool, which is run independently, also joined the initiative during the gramme was set The four super loos, costing close to summer months. up to highlight the £1 million, will also combine striking designs The scheme is open to young Island residents aged four to 15 important service and even public art. (swimming is free at all times for under fours). tourist information The investment is part of the council’s The biggest rise this year was recorded in the summer months, when centres provide. One Island programme, after residents 17,240 free swims took place, compared to 13,732 in 2006. Gillian Burnett, identified the need for better public tourist information conveniences. centre manager The work is in addition to other One Businesses on the Island are for the council’s Island schemes to refurbish conveniences Make sure you being reminded of the regulations tourism serv- in Devonia and Eastern Gardens, Sandown for employing children and young ices, said: “Our and Post Office Lane, Newport, a new-build know the job people. centres are now in The Cut, Cowes, and the recruitment of Anyone employing a young recognised by five toilet attendants. regulations person (under 16) must have a VisitBritain as am- permit, which can be obtained by bassadors of the submitting a form to education England project welfare services at the council. Affordable housing and will be at the The form (WM8) is available from forefront of all County Hall, Newport or via the at Nettlestone relevant VisitBri- council’s website at iwight.com Work has started on the first rural affordable tain marketing Information is also available at housing scheme on the Island in more than campaigns.” the www.eduwight.iow.gov.uk five years. The new Enjoy website on those areas in which The scheme at Nettlestone will provide five England Official under-16s cannot be employed affordable homes for rent and five affordable Partner quality and the hours restrictions for homes for shared ownership. marque sign and employment. The project, overseen by Medina Housing window stickers Young people cannot be Association, involves council housing officers will appear at employed if aged under-13 working with the local parish council to Island tourist in- (except in approved specified identify local people who have a priority for formation centres. circumstances). housing.

10 oneIsland Talentedand Gifted Programme Feature

“The Search for a Star project is a fantastic opportunity for young people on the Isle of Wight who have taken little or no part in sport before to find out if they have the potential to become a star Are you a sporting star of the future.” Councillor David Pugh, of the future? council leader Spotlight on the Isle of Wight council’s Search Talented Athlete for a Star project… Programme Young Island sportsmen and women who have reached county, regional or national level are being encouraged to apply to a special programme to help improve their performance levels. The Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Programme works at three levels – gold, silver and bronze – and supports Young Islanders are progression through grants, free access being given the chance to become Island Games to training facilities, fast track access to sporting stars of the future – physiotherapy and sports sciences, free or thanks to a groundbreaking new The Nat West International Island reduced-cost public transport and coach scheme launched by the council. Games will be hosted on the Isle of development support. Youngsters across the Island Wight in 2011. This event will present a unique chance Applicants must be residents of the are being invited to take part for the Island to showcase its sporting prowess on an Island, with priority going to those sports in the Search for a Star project, international stage, and is seen by both contested at the which forms part of the council’s the Island Games Association and the Island Games. They Talented and Gifted programmes. council (who are partners in the games) can apply once every The initiative aims to unearth as a key event in the lead up to the 2012 Supporting financial year (April previouslyHow areunrecognised applications made?talented London Olympics. to end of March), Isle of Wight young Applicationspeople – for some the Isle ofwho Wight mayTalented Athlete The council has pledged to spend £1.3 success in using application Programme should be made on the application forms. Talented Athlete Program forms available not realiseBoth the they individual have applicant a talent and an ofﬁcer for of the million to maximiseIsle of Wight the Council benefits Sports Unit, to the a particularnational governingsport. body must complete the relevant Island when it holdsGuildhall, the games. Part of sport from: The Isle of parts of the application form. High Street, The hope is to find those who this pledge willNewport, be enhancing a range of Wight Council sports developmentIsle of Wight initiatives to support Sports Unit, will followWhen in are the awards footsteps given? of PO30 1TY previousApplications Islanders will be who accepted have throughout the year. increasing participation and performance. Guildhall, High enjoyed Awardstop sporting are made twice success, yearly, in March and September.The council alsoTelephone: sees the 01983 games 823818 as a major Street, Newport, Deadlines for submission are 20 February and 20 such as athleteAugust respectively. Kelly Sotherton contributor to its policies for developing Isle of Wight PO30 and swimmer Darren Mew. sport and attacking the issues of poor 1TY, tel: 823818. Around 1,500 Year Four health and obesity. Application children are due to be assessed forms will be by sports development officers bodies will add their support. available from during the autumn term, across a Lee Matthews, community development November and range of multi-skill disciplines. manager, said the council and its partners will be accepted The assessments focus on are committed to increasing both the throughout the skill-levels, strength, agility and quality and opportunity of sporting year and awards co-ordination.What do I do once I receive activities within and outside schools. This made twice The bestmy 80 Isle children of Wight Talentedwill project builds on the excellent work of yearly. then be invitedAthlete to Programme take part award?in the school sports partnership, clubs and As part of the application form, you are asked to sign a further multi-skilldeclaration that and states coaching that you have read andgoverning agreed bodies as they look to identify, Isle of Wight Talented Athlete to the terms and conditions of the Isle of Wight Talented academies inAthlete the Programme. New Year, This includes where items suchsupport as and develop young stars of the Programme – grants for individuals clubs, coachesagreeing and to referencegoverning the Isle of Wight Council’sfuture. support in any press releases or interviews you undertake. Applicants must also agree to annual reviews and www.iwight.com progress reports. The council will highlight key success October 2007 11 stories through it’s communications team. Details of terms and conditions can be found on the application form. Summer 2007 SUMMER OF SUCCESS! May: Walk the Wight Scores of events of all sizes and descriptions across the Island made the summer of 2007 one to remember and celebrate. From the Isle of Wight Festival to Skandia Cowes Week, and from the garlic festival to the Bestival, the summer of 2007 was a great example of how the people of the Island can work together to bring pleasure to many and firmly put the Island on the map. June: Round the Island Race

Wet conditions didn’t deter more than 5,000 people from walking across the Island. It was expected that almost £250,000 would be raised for Island charities

June: Isle of Wight Festival © www.rick-tomlinson.com Close to 1,800 boats and 14,500 competitors took part in the 55-mile course around the Isle of Wight in a race that saw some of the biggest names in the sailing world competing alongside weekend sailors and family crews July: Ryde Arts Festival PICTURED: Mick Jagger BELOW: Muse © Debs Allan and Simon Wells, www.isleofwightfestival.com

The Rolling Stones closed a weekend that saw A carnival parade was just one of the highlights of internationally-famous acts such as Muse, Snow the Ryde Arts Festival, that saw performers, poets, Patrol, Donovan, Amy Winehouse and The Feeling photographers, musicians, artists, schools, community groups perform and art experts join together to celebrate their creativity

12 oneIsland Walk the Wight, Ryde Arts Festival, Skandia Cowes Week, Chale Show, County Show and Garlic Festival pictures by Sarah Moss and Matthew Pattinson Feature

Island shows Through the summer the Island hosted several shows – here are a selection of images from them SUMMER OF SUCCESS! Chale Show August: Skandia Cowes Week

A motorcycle stunt display was just one of the attractions at the Chale Show this year County Show

Equestrian activities are still a major part of the Isle of Wight County Show This year’s Skandia Cowes Week took place from 4 to 11 August, involving 8,500 competitors per Garlic Festival day taking part in 35 races and an influx of more than 1,000 yachts

August: White Air Images © White Air

The White Air Extreme Sports Festival has fast become the UK’s A wet weekend didn’t deter premier extreme sports festival. The festival offers world-class people from getting up action including 18 sports on the water, beach and land and has and dancing to Mungo Jerry expanded into art, ‘have a go’ activities and a full live music stage (bottom) on the beach

October 2007 13 Summer 2007 Feature SUMMER OF SUCCESS! September: Bestival More than 30,000 music fans flocked to Robin Hill Country Park near Newport over the weekend of the 7, 8 and 9 of September for the fourth annual Bestival. The musical extravaganza was bigger than ever and sold out in May, despite provision being made for the site to Fancy Dress accommodate an additional 5,000 festival-goers. More than 300 One of the big attractions of musicians and DJs performed to crowds at 14 different locations, the Bestival was the variety including the main stage, a Big Top, Club Dada and a bandstand. of fancy dress on show

ABOVE: Night of 100 Ukeleles BELOW: Kitty, Daisy and Lewis

TOP RIGHT: Primal Scream ABOVE RIGHT: The Beastie Boys RIGHT: The Go! Team

RIGHT: Billy Bragg BELOW: The Chemical Brothers

LEFT: Comedians Phill Jupitus and Ed Byrne (below left) were two of the acts who performed in the Jestival tent BELOW: The Levellers You can read in-depth reviews about all the events featured here and many others by going to iwight.com and clicking on the ‘Events reviews’ section. If you are responsible for organising an event and would like to have it promoted online, why not add it to www.iwight.com What’s on database

14 oneIsland Island Health Services supplement Happy, healthy birthday! It’s just one year since the Isle of Wight NHS Primary In true Oscar-night style, we also need to thank many Care Trust came into being – and quite a year it has been. other people. With this special supplement we show some of We could not have achieved our results without the the many changes and improvements our staff have active support and involvement of the Island’s GPs, dentists, introduced during the past year. pharmacists and opticians. Nor could we have achieved We’ve also taken the opportunity to look at some of them without the close working links we have established the other changes we want to make – not least cutting with the Isle of Wight Council, the Island’s voluntary groups, waiting times for treatment to an all-time low. and a host of other partners. We’re proud of what the PCT has done in its first year, To all of them, and to the thousands of local people who and proud of the skill and commitment shown by our staff. have supported our services and staff in many different They deserve credit and praise for all they have done. ways, we offer our heartfelt thanks. £1 million investment helps Island go Beating the bugs further, faster on waiting times Waiting times for hospital clinic or admitted to hospital. treatment on the Island are already Taken together with other at an all time low – and they’re changes such as new booking about to get even shorter! systems which make it easier to get A national target for the NHS says convenient appointment times, that by December 2008 no-one the waiting time target signals a should wait more than 18 weeks revolution in NHS services. from GP referral to the start of “Waiting times have been cut treatment. dramatically in recent years and We’re intending to go even faster Ed Macalister-Smith: better, faster care thousands of people on the Island by meeting the 18-week target clinics and operating sessions, have benefited from better, faster months ahead of schedule for and any extra medical supplies care,” said PCT chief executive, Ed Island patients. needed. Services getting Macalister-Smith. Island health services already extra investment include “Now it’s time to make the final meet that standard for more than ophthalmology, the chronic pain step so that no-one has to wait any half of all patients who need service, speech and language longer than absolutely necessary hospital admission, and for seven therapy, occupational therapy, for their treatment.” out of ten outpatients. dermatology, endoscopy, and • You can help achieve 18 weeks We’re now gearing up to meet psychological therapies. by keeping GP, clinic and hospital the standard for every patient – and Every stage of the process is being appointments or giving us plenty of Nothing’s safe from the march of investing more than £1 million extra streamlined – from seeing your GP notice if you cannot. Every wasted technology these days – not even this year to make it happen. to having any diagnostic tests and appointment makes it harder for the humble mop! The money will pay for more then being treated in an outpatient everyone to meet the target. Cleanliness assistant Sheila Kirby is pictured at St Mary’s Hospital Extra year of life is PCT target wielding the latest weapon in the battle against superbugs – the Cancer, circulatory diseases, respiratory problems • Ageing - by 2012 one in four residents will be 65 or microfibre mop. and mental health have been named as top targets older. Its ultra fine head cleans at a for the next five years by Island health staff as they aim • Inequality - people in the most deprived wards live microscopic level, leaving nothing to add an extra year to Islanders’ average lifespan. eight years less than those in the least deprived. behind but tiny water droplets. The ‘big four’ have been chosen on advice from • Mental health – suicide rates are high and our mental Microfibre mops also reduce the public health doctors who say that tackling them will health is below average. risk of slips and trips as floors dry make the biggest difference to health. • Chronic health problems – around 26,000 Islanders more quickly; reduce the need to The first three account for three quarters of all say they have a long-term illness or health problem vacuum (now seen as a potential deaths on the Island, while mental health problems that affects their daily life. contamination hazard in hospitals), are a significant cause of illness locally. • Smoking – around 26,000 Islanders smoke, although and lessen the risk of back injuries While our residents are generally healthier than most say they’d like to quit. and strains as staff no longer need average, public health experts say the Island faces a • Obesity – more than half our population is to rinse or wring out mops, or carry number of challenges: overweight or clinically obese. heavy buckets of water.

October 2007 15 Island Health Services supplement

Robot picks up pharmacy praise Five more community matrons Ask Island patients about community matrons Sharon Silvester and Chris Richards, and words such as “brilliant”, “excellent” and “wonderful” abound. They’ll also tell you the Island should have more community matrons – and we can report that their wish is about to come true. Chief nurse Carol Alstrom Five more community matrons – highly experienced nurses who make sure patients with complex, long-term health needs get the best possible care – will take up post around the Island at the end of October. Each will be linked to one or more GP practices and will The St Mary’s robot in action, watched by pharmacy technician Daniel Hinchley work with around 40 patients, aiming to keep them well and Thanks to TV adverts we’re used to robots beavering away in car factories and the living at home as far as possible. like – but you may not have known that since March, one has been hard at work in the Different backrooms of the St Mary’s Hospital pharmacy. Linked to our pharmacy computer system, it can automatically put away, store, pick Their patients will typically have multiple long-term and dispense medicines quickly and efficiently. conditions, take at least four different medicines, regularly Chief pharmacist at St Mary’s, Gillian Honeywell, says that installing the robot has see several different health and social care professionals, brought significant benefits. and be at risk of sudden hospital admission if their care isn’t “It has reduced the risk of dispensing errors, reduced the time people wait for managed carefully. medicines before they are discharged from hospital, and improved stock control,” she “Our experience to date is that by providing hands-on said. care and co-ordinating the work of other professionals, “Time saved on routine tasks and dispensing has allowed our staff to spend more community matrons make a real difference,” says chief nurse time on the wards improving the safety and efficiency of the way we manage for the PCT, Carol Alstrom. medicines. “We spend £4 million a year on drugs and dispense 600,000 packs of medicines, so Your money – your NHS there is a lot of work involved in managing medicines safely and making sure patients Last year your PCT spent £205 million on health services understand how to take their medicine.” - more than £1,450 for every man, woman and child on the Once a prescription has been logged, pharmacy staff order the medication and Island. generate the patient’s label from their computers. The robot then retrieves the drugs Most of the money – almost £159 million – was used to from storage and delivers them to the dispenser’s workstation by conveyors and buy healthcare for local people. This included all the services chutes in a matter of seconds. at St Mary’s Hospital, specialist services from NHS hospitals on the mainland, and some non-NHS healthcare services. Eczema research Thanks? Thanks! Just over £21 million was used to pay for primary care services, including payments to GPs and dentists for their Do you have a child who suffers from Last year the Isle of Wight NHS services. eczema? Primary Care Trust received 147 written Almost as much (£20.8 million) was spent on prescribing If so, he or she could help researchers complaints – and more than 1,750 costs. This includes prescribing by GPs, and paying at the Island’s David Hide Asthma and complimentary cards and letters. pharmacists to dispense prescriptions. Allergy Research Centre. It’s great for our staff to get a Another £5 million was used to pay for the management Professor Tara Dean, deputy director of ‘thank you’, and every card or letter and administration of our organisation. the centre, hopes to recruit 80 eczema is welcomed. But we also take every sufferers aged between six months and comment or complaint just as seriously, Where your 16 years for a national study of the effects and make every effort to sort out money went of softened water. anything that didn’t go as well as it Eczema is more common in hard water should. Buying health- areas such as the Isle of Wight. This study Sometimes all we can do is say sorry. care services – will examine whether it can be improved At other times we may be able to change £159 million in children by softening all the water in the way we do things, or remind staff Primary care the home apart from a single tap in the about the correct procedures, to try to services – kitchen for drinking. make sure problems don’t happen again. £21 million If you would like to help with the If you have a concern or question Prescribing – trial or want more information, please about Island health services and want £20 million contact the team at the David Hide to talk to someone, contact our PALS Asthma and Allergy Research Centre (tel: (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) team Management/ 534178). There is also more information at on 534850. Last year the service helped administration www.swet-trial.co.uk more than 900 people. – £5 million

16 oneIsland Ambulance drive for Drugs: GPs Blitz on sex bug ever-better service give VFM Sexual health staff have Ambulance services on the Island are looking to cement launched a new website for Getting value their reputation as England’s top-performers by investing Island youngsters as part for money is close heavily in their staff. of a determined blitz on to most people’s Today’s ambulance service is much more than a transport chlamydia, the commonest heart – and few can provider. sexually transmitted demonstrate success That’s still an important part of its work but alongside infection in the UK. better than the it is a stronger emphasis on providing direct patient care An estimated one in Island’s GPs. through skilled staff who can perform tasks that were once ten sexually active young Thanks to Screening co-ordinator the preserve of doctors. people in the UK are their efforts, and Sarah Stringer Around one in ten members of front line Island infected with chlamydia. support from the ambulance staff are being trained to the highest levels Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems – but PCT’s medicines as emergency care practitioners who can even prescribe the good news is that the infection is easy to diagnose and management team, medicines for patients. easy to treat with antibiotics. prescribing costs on Another two thirds are trained paramedics and many The Island’s chlamydia screening service launched on the Island have fallen others are emergency vehicle operators – skilled drivers 1 September with the express aim of reducing infection faster than anywhere who also have clinical training so they can support rates. By April next year it will have tested around one in in England for the past paramedics. seven 15 to 25 year olds on the Island, and raised awareness three years. “Ambulance services are helping to deliver care close of the infection among many more. In March 2004 to home and moving away from automatically taking the Island spent Frank every patient to hospital,” explains director of ambulance six per cent more operations for the Island, David Arnold. Screening co-ordinator Sarah Stringer is using every means than the average “There will always be some patients who need to go at her disposal to reach youngsters (including posters, bus on prescriptions per straight to the emergency department but that’s certainly adverts, and giveaways) but believes that the new website head of population. not true of everyone. Some may need to go to their GP (www.ruthe1.co.uk) will attract most interest because of its Three years later it surgery, and ambulance crews may be able to treat others attractive design and frank approach. has turned that on its on the spot. “It is a matter of constantly chipping away to raise people’s head, and now spends “We are giving our staff the skills and knowledge to make awareness,” she says. “Persuading young people to talk six per cent less than those decisions and deliver care where they can.” openly about sex, and then be tested, isn’t something you the average. The Island’s ambulance service is one of only two services can just do overnight.” In hard cash terms nationwide to meet the latest target (arriving on the scene As well as providing screening and background that’s £6 million saved of a life-threatening situation within eight minutes of the information about chlamydia the website also points young in three years! phone first ringing). people towards the Island’s condom distribution scheme. The scheme, which offers free condoms as protection against sexually transmitted infections and a means of Chemotherapy unit brings comfort tackling teenage pregnancy, enables sexual health staff to have one-to-one discussions with young people about safe Patients need comfort in sex. every sense of that word – and You can phone the chlamydia screening service on 0845 that’s just what patients get in 050 9530 or email [email protected]. All calls/emails are dealt the refurbished chemotherapy with in confidence. unit that opened last autumn in St Mary’s Hospital. Faster physiotherapy Every detail has been Fracture patients are getting faster physiotherapy thanks carefully considered – from to a new scheme at St Mary’s Hospital. the etched windows for Twice a week orthopaedic physiotherapist Louise added privacy, the most Carrington spends her morning in the fracture clinic at St comfortable chairs the unit Mary’s, using her specialist knowledge to identify patients could buy, a creative colour who’ll benefit from physiotherapy. scheme to bring a calming Some simply need – and get – on the spot advice from feel, and extras such as fish Louise. Others are referred for rehabilitation sessions in their tanks, artwork, plants, music local physiotherapy clinic. and large screen televisions. “Identifying physiotherapy needs in the fracture clinic The new unit allows means people don’t need to wait for an assessment and more patients to be treated, then wait again for a physio appointment,” explained Louise. including a number of “We can offer them more timely, effective treatment.” patients who would She’ll see up to 15 patients per session, most of them otherwise have had to travel young and relatively fit. Common problems include broken to Southampton for their Sitting comfortably: chemotherapy patient John wrists, ankles and the like – often the result of sporting chemotherapy. Wells with nurse Simone Wells injuries.

October 2007 17 Island Health Services supplement

Praise be! Thumbs-up for quality of Island health care A national study says Island An earlier survey by the hospital patients are being fed national Healthcare Commission Local NHS services have also well, treated with dignity, and also shows Island patients are scored well in other quality looked after in good surroundings. generally happy with local surveys this year. The National Patient Safety hospital services. Services for people with Agency – which rates food, • Ninety-five of every 100 patients diabetes on the Isle of privacy and dignity, and the rated their care as good, very Wight are among the best in overall environment in every good or excellent. England, says the Healthcare English hospital – gave St Mary’s • Ambulance staff won 100 per Commission, which has Hospital a four star ‘good’ rating in cent praise for their ‘reassuring’ given the Isle of Wight NHS all three categories this year. attitude. Primary Care Trust one of White Lodge treatment and • Emergency department seven top ‘excellent’ ratings assessment centre for people patients were happy with their in the commission’s review of with learning disabilities went privacy during examinations or diabetes services. one better, scoring a five star treatment. Island patients are also at less ‘excellent’ rating for privacy • Virtually every patient had risk of acquiring the Clostridium and dignity and four stars for its confidence and trust in the Difficile (C. Diff.) infection in environment (it is not scored for Reassuring: Island ambulance staff won doctors and nurses treating hospital than people in almost widespread praise last year food as it is self catering). them. any other part of England. • Ninety-five out of 100 patients Health Protection Agency It’s not just our hospital and community services that get a public said rooms and wards were very (HPA) figures show that last thumbs-up. Island patients rated their GPs as above average in every or fairly clean. year only seven out of every category in the first-ever national survey of general practice. The survey also identified some ten thousand people admitted The survey, conducted between January and March this year, shows areas where St Mary’s needs to do to hospital on the Island that it is easier for Island patients to: better. contracted C. Diff (a bacteria • see a GP within 48 hours; They include more information that causes diarrhoea and fever) • specify which GP they wish to see; and for patients about their condition, during their stay. • contact their GP practice easily by phone. treatment and medicines; HPA figures also show that Practices on the Island have worked hard to improve their admission processes; making sure MRSA infection rates on the Isle of Wight are almost half 9 appointments systems and the survey shows patients are clearly patients know who to contact 10 pleased with the results. if they were worried about their the national average, with only 13 cases in the year from April 11 Around one patient in five, though, reported difficulty in making condition; and reducing delayed 8 2006 to March 2007. 16 appointments more than two days in advance. discharges. 12 14 15 6

7 5 13 Mod cons at St Mary’s New MRI scanner on way 17

1 4 “It is an absolute pleasure to be A replacement Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 2 18 able to offer our patients their scanner will be up and running at St Mary’s Hospital within care in modern surroundings.” the next couple of months. 19 3 So says Siobhan Robertson, The state of the art machine will allow 20 patients a day 20 who runs the new dialysis unit to be scanned – twice as many as the original machine. It at St Mary’s Hospital, and who will reduce waiting times and means St Mary’s can now 21

would disagree with her? provide some scans that were previously only available on 22 The new unit, which opened the mainland. last year, is operated for the Island The new scanner replaces a nine year old machine 23 by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS bought through the generosity of local people, but which Miracles of modern medicine: Roy Vine and ward sister Trust. It has ten dialysis stations has been superseded by new technology. Nikki Pacy in the new dialysis suite at St Mary’s plus one single room – enough for all the Island residents who need dialysis three times a week, and for visitors too. It’s spacious, light and modern – and infinitely better for patients who can spend Annual report four hours or longer in the unit on each visit. Extra comforts, including plasma TVs Would you like to know more about the work of Isle of for each dialysis station, have been provided thanks to the generosity of the Kidney Wight NHS Primary Care Trust? Patients’ Association. We have just published our Annual Report and Modern and spacious are also the words used to describe our new respiratory Accounts for 2006/2007. You’ll find it on our website department which opened at St Mary’s late last year. (www.iow.nhs.uk) or you can request a printed copy by Its facilities include a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation area with a gym, treatment phoning 552003. rooms and a central area for diagnostic tests and therapies. Its ground floor location Our website also contains lots of other useful also make it easier for breathless patients to reach – a key request in a survey of patient information about health and health services on the satisfaction. Island, and details of the primary care trust and its work.

18 oneIsland 1

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Safer Neighbourhoods 2 3 4 5 Feature

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1 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 Access to 8 9 10 11 4 5 community safety 11 12 13 14 15 6 7 12 13 14 15 16 Introducing your Safer Neighbourhood policing 1 8 9 10 16 17 18 19 teams… 1 2 3 Acting11 Insp Jason Bolwell Sgt17 Penny18 19 Deacon Sgt20 Julie21 Cocks Email: westwight.snt@ Safer Neighbourhoods is the term chosen by Hampshire Email:2 3 newportnorth.snt@ Email4 5: cowes.snt@ hampshire.pnn.police.uk12 13 14 15 Constabulary for neighbourhood-style policing, and has been hampshire.pnn.police.uk20 21 hampshire.pnn.police.uk22 23 Tel: 0845 045 45 45 Tel:4 08455 045 45 45 Tel:6 08457 045 45 45 16 operating on the Island since April 2006. 22 23 In person: Yarmouth The term reflects the ethos of achieving neighbourhood In6 person:7 Newport police In8 person:9 10 Cowes police police17 18 station19 improvement through communities, the police and their partners station station 1 (council, health and fire services) working together. 8 9 10 11 20 21 Every police service in England and Wales is required to bring in 2 3 11 12 13 14 15 22 23 neighbourhood-style policing by April 2008 – and on the Island the 4 5 Safer Neighbourhood policing teams have been established over the 12 13 14 15 16 past year-and-a-half. 1 6 7 A key aim of Safer Neighbourhoods is to provide the community 16 17 18 19 1 2 3 8 9 10 with access to policing or community safety services through a named 17 18 19 20 21 point of contact. 2 3 4 5 11 On the Island, there are 11 sergeants who oversee the Safer 20 21 22 23 Neighbourhood policing teams. 4 5 Sgt Mark Lyth Sgt Ged Armitage Sgt6 Terry7 Clarkson 12 13 14 15 The neighbourhood teams are also made up of police constables, 22 23 Email: ruralwest.snt@ Email: eastcowes.snt@ Email: ruraleast.snt@ police community support officers (PCSOs) and special constables. The 6 7 8 9 10 hampshire.pnn.police.uk16 hampshire.pnn.police.uk hampshire.pnn.police.uk teams are overseen by Inspector Paul Savill. Tel: 0845 045 45 45 Tel:8 08459 04510 45 45 Tel:11 0845 045 45 45 17 18 19 Neighbourhood officers address the problems and issues directly In person: Yarmouth In person: Cowes police In person: Ryde police affecting their areas. They provide a highly visible service and 11 12 13 14 15 police20 21 station station station 12 13 14 15 16 22 23 9 1 1 Freshwater Norton and 10 16 17 18 19 Afton, and Totland 11 1 2 3 2 Yarmouth, Brighstone 8 17 18 19 20 21 16 12 and Calbourne 14 2 3 4 5 15 20 21 3 Mountjoy and Central 6 22 23 Rural 7 4 5 6 7 5 13 22 23 4 Carisbrooke 17 6 7 8 9 10 5 Newport 1 4 2 18 Sgt8 Steve9 10 Goodier Acting11 Insp Rick Davidson 19 Email:11 ryde.snt@ Email:12 13 eastwight.snt@14 15 6 Parkhurst 3 20 hampshire.pnn.police.uk hampshire.pnn.police.uk 7 Pan and Fairlee Tel:12 084513 04514 4515 45 Tel:16 0845 045 45 45 8 Gurnard and Northwood 21 In person: Ryde police In person: Shanklin police 9 Cowes Castle 1 16 17 18 19 22 station station 10 Cowes Central and Medina 2 3 17 18 19 20 21 23 11 East Cowes and Osborne 4 5 20 21 22 23 12 Wootton and Binstead 13 Ashey and Newchurch 6 7 22 23 14 Ryde South hold public forums to give residents 8 9 10 15 Ryde St John’s the opportunity to influence how their 16 Ryde North community is policed. 11 17 Brading, St Helens, Above all, the teams aim to reduce and Seaview and Nettlestone prevent crime, maintaining the Island as a 12 13 14 15 18 Bembridge safe and secure place to live, work and visit. Sgt16 Amanda Longyear* Sgt Rachael Roscoe Sgt Richard Stapleton 19 Sandown For more information about your team Email: newportsouth.snt@ Email: sandownbay.snt@ Email: southwight.snt@ 20 Lake and how you can influence policing in your hampshire.pnn.police.uk17 18 19 hampshire.pnn.police.uk hampshire.pnn.police.uk 21 Shanklin community, visit www.hampshire.police.uk Tel: 0845 045 45 45 Tel: 0845 045 45 45 Tel: 0845 045 45 45 20 21 22 Wroxall, Godshill, Chale, • As well as Safer Neighbourhoods policing In person: Newport police In person: Shanklin police In person: Ventnor police Niton and Whitwell teams, the Island continues to be served by a station22 23 station station 23 Ventnor 24-hour, emergency response team. * Picture unavailable at time of going to print

October 2007 19 one island 2 page oct 07.qxp 21/09/2007 12:44 Page 2

Sponsor’s supplement Isle of Wight

Connexions information, advice, Newport Connexions Centre guidance and support for 29 High Street, Newport, PO30 1SS young people, parents, Telephone: 01983 525927 Email: [email protected] 10 07 news carers and employers Opening Times: 9.30am-4.30pm Mon to Wed 9.30am-6.00pm Thu 9.30am-4.00pm Fri 10.00am-1.00pm Sat Happy Birthday Apprenticeships Online Apprenticeships Online, the interactive website for young Creative people, celebrated its first birthday in September. The site, which was launched by Careers Continue Connexions in September 2006, has Saturday 1 September saw the grand re-launch of the Isle of Wight already exceeded Connexions Centre. The occasion was marked with the launch of a series Workshops confirmed: targets. To date 3800 of creative careers workshops, the first being creative writing and healthy local apprenticeship Another Connexions eating. Sessions that followed included cake decorating; carnival arts; 6 October: Creative Woodwork opportunities have been advertised on beauty and stage make up, and creative hair. More workshops are planned 13 October: Floral Art for October and November too. the site, 1300 more event to look forward to! than Connexions had anticipated. Over 8000 young people 20 October: Creative Art We are working with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce The new-look centre is certainly attracting more young people; on the have registered on the site and nearly 600 young people have and the College to provide the biggest careers event on the Monday after the re-launch 50 young people who had never been to the 27 October: Jewellery Making been offered an apprenticeship. Visit Island in 2008. centre before paid us a visit. We have broken our record for number of For more information and to book a www.apprenticeshipsonline.org for more details on visitors to the centre on a Saturday too! Young people are now able to Apprenticeships and how to apply. Our new Apprenticeship place, phone the Connexions Centre The Learning and Guidance event will take place in February at access a range of services covering everything from debt counselling and brochure is now available. For your copy, call the Connexions on 525927 or email Medina Leisure Centre and will showcase a variety of creative and smoking cessation to substance misuse counselling and pregnancy testing. Centre on 525927. junehockley@connexions- new careers. Planning is still in the early stages but we aim to Connexions staff based at the centre also continue to support young people southcentral.org offer workshops, demonstrations, and advice and guidance on a moving into education, employment or training. In August alone we variety of learning options, including the new Diplomas. With provided advice to nearly 1000 young people about their options after school. Let's talk about your exhibitors and organisations already expressing an interest to take part, the Choices at 14+ event promises to be a lively ‘Let's talk about your options at 14+’ is now available. The and fun day for all the brochure details learning and training options for young family. people aged 14 -19 on the Island. For your copy, call the Connexions Centre on 525927. You can also check out your Watch this space for more options on the Island’s online area prospectus. Visit information! www.futures4me.com/iw

Sponsor’s supplement Isle of Wight

For the chance to win £25 in South Central Connexions working in partnership with: high-street vouchers, tell us what you think of Choices Live acoustic music was provided by Jack Whitewood and Gemma Bayluon who attended the creative Michelle from Smart Training creates 14+ by completing the talented duo from Platform One, writing workshop on 1 September. a smoothie. Guy Page and Claydon Connor. feedback form at the back of the brochure. October 2007 21 Pan development Countdown for new-look Pan The countdown is fully underway for the largest housing development seen on the Island for many years. Here we look at the scheme planned for Pan at Newport, as well as some of the activities that have been breathing new vitality into the Pan community in recent years

April 2009 has been earmarked Discussions are also taking place with residents for a start to be made on the about ensuring the natural environment is retained biggest housing project the Island as much as possible within the new development. has seen for many years – an As part of a “Walk and Talk” initiative 50 local exemplar sustainable community people have volunteered to discuss the design of the at Pan created by the council and development, including maximising the eco-friendly its partner Spectrum Housing nature of the design. Group (through Medina Housing Children from Downside Extended Middle Association). School, meanwhile have joined the council and its PICTURED: Pan old and new – the red line shows the Both the council and housing partners on a “Walk and Talk”, leading to a design current boundary, the yellow shows the extent of the proposed expansion association will be working with competition focusing on “what I see through my Pan Neighbourhood Partnership to window”. deliver the development on land next to the existing Once a developer is appointed for the project, community at Pan. they will become the fourth partner, and will work “This is an exciting project The project will create 800 new homes for Island with the other partners to develop an integrated which will be a showcase residents, 240 of which will be affordable and low community between the current and the new Pan. for the Isle of Wight’s new cost homes. These will be prioritised for people on housing policy and we the housing register and for those living on Pan. are determined to get it The partners will work with the developer to Key dates for the Pan right by listening to local ensure the needs of Island people are considered residents’ views.” when marketing the homes for sale. development Councillor David Pugh, A sum of £11 million in Housing Corporation • Deadline for tender submission: council leader grant has been secured by the council and Spectrum 29 November 2007 “This development will not to help build the homes. • Presentation of proposals/interviews: only have a profound affect In preparation for the project the council and December 2007 on the lives of people living Spectrum have been talking to the residents of Pan • Cabinet meeting to select a development in Pan but will also have to find out what they think of the development and partner: 19 February 2008 wide reaching implications what community facilities they would like to see. • Community consultation over planning for Newport residents living The highest priority residents identified was application: March – August 2008 close to the area.” recreation facilities for the children and young • Planning application: August 2008 Fairlee ward councillor, people in the area – and in response to this a new • Planning application decision: Dawn Cousins multi-use games area is planned for the grounds of November 2008 Downside Extended Middle School. • Developer starts on site: April 2009

22 oneIsland Feature

Pan Neighbourhood Partnership

Residents in Pan have seen A new multi-use games Countdown for new-look Pan urhood P o b ar gh tn improvements to their area (Muga) is planned for i e e r N s quality of life, thanks h the grounds of Downside n i a p to the work of the Extended Middle School, P Pan Neighbourhood with consultation on design Partnership. The currently taking place. partnership board is Other recent initiatives supported, include: resident-led, and its • the Soap Box Derby (pictured here) – an exciting membership includes carting event that attracts young people and representatives from the Island Strategic organisations such as the police and fire service. Partnership, the Isle of Wight Council, Medina • mini-moto club – a club with support from local Housing Association, Hampshire Constabulary, parents, with membership now standing at 80 the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, and a display team formed. the Government Office for the South East, • fashion show – an event, organised by resident the councillor for Pan ward, local community Helen Osbourne, with all generations represented group representatives, and business and faith on the catwalk, modelling clothes by Matalan, representatives. Bon Marche and Age Concern shops. More than The aim of the board is to empower the local 200 residents attended. community and work with other organisations, to • youth workers – two youth workers based at tackle local issues, improve local services and bring Downside Extended Middle School, who also help a better quality of life to Pan residents. run youth club evenings at the Isobel Centre. Priorities of the board include: • to provide recreational facilities and activities for PICTURED: Members of the Pan younger people; Neighbourhood Partnership team • to make Pan a safer place; • to build a stronger local community; • to create the conditions to support an Pan Pathfinder improvement in educational standards; project leads the • to develop a health strategy and associated health way programme; • to improve the image of Pan; A recent Mori poll survey • to influence the planned new housing has shown that the work development to enable the existing and new of the Pan Neighbourhood communities to become integrated. Partnership and its partners, made possible by government Pathfinder funding, is really making a difference to the Making Pan a safer place quality of life of Pan residents. Strong working relationships have been established A comparison with the between the police, Pan Neighbourhood previous survey, carried out in Partnership and Medina Housing Association. This 2004, reveals some dramatic approach has led to various initiatives (listed below) improvements: that have had a significant impact on perceptions of • The level of satisfaction public safety in Pan: with the police service has • Increased police presence. increased by 25 per cent, • The allocation of a Police Community Support from 39 per cent in 2004 to Officer (PCSO) for Pan. 64 per cent in 2007. • The work of the Pan community wardens. Pan Neighbourhood Partnership staff work hard • 41 per cent of residents • Improvements to, and extension of, the CCTV to put in place and support a wide range of projects report that Pan has improved system. in each of the priority areas. in the last three years. • The setting up of the Ground Workers’ Group to The detail of this work can be illustrated by • 88 per cent of residents are solve local problems. taking a closer look at work carried out in the top now satisfied with Pan as • The setting up of multi-agency groups to tackle two priority areas: a place to live. The number specific issues. of residents who feel that • Medina Housing Association’s anti-social they can influence decisions Providing recreational facilities and neighbour policy. by local organisations has activities for younger people • The introduction of the Crimestoppers scheme. increased from 24 per cent to A long-standing priority for Pan has been the need • The youth workers. 34 per cent. for recreational facilities and activities for young • Increasing the amount of activities available for people. young people.

October 2007 23 Eastern Wight focus Representing eastern Wight We continue our focus on how residents’ affairs are represented in areas across the Island, with a special look at the eastern and north eastern part of the county* * With the exception of Ryde which was featured in a previous issue

PICTURED: Bembridge Windmill OPPOSITE: (top to bottom) Wootton Bridge, St Helen’s Green and Bembridge Harbour

From creekside Wootton and Brading Town Council Nettlestone and Seaview Fishbourne through the countryside Members: Louis Brand (mayor), Daniel Lamb, south of Ryde to Brading and around to Marianne Sullivan, John Pewsey, Paul Morris, Parish Council Members: Diane Foxley, Dale Beasley, Sarah the coastal locations of Bembridge, St Julie Smith, Phillip Tuck, Tony Toogood. Doran, Janet Foreman (chairman), Peggy Helens and Seaview, the eastern part of the Parish clerk: Rebecca Tuck Jarman, David Thompson, Diana Tuson, Peter Island contains some of the Island’s most Tel: 401770 Tuson, Julie Shepherd, Reg Barry. picturesque rural and seaside scenery. Email: [email protected] Parish clerk: Mike Parsley In this feature we give details of the five Website: www.brading.gov.uk Tel: 562257 Isle of Wight councillors who represent the Email: [email protected] eastern belt, as well as the parish and town councils for these areas*. Fishbourne Parish Council (* We include Fishbourne Parish Council Members: Ronald Cawdell, Anthony Cooper, St Helens Parish Council Michael Anderson, Christopher and Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council Thomas Denoon, Peter Johnson (chairman), Members: Drewery, Jonathan Bacon, Abigail Parsons, – although the Isle of Wight councillors for Heather Mill, Christopher Walshe. Priscilla Williams (chairman), Lila Willers, Binstead and Ashey were both separately Parish clerk: Patrick de Peyer David Cleaver, Michael Castle. featured in our Ryde area focus earlier this Tel: 882560 Parish clerk: Valentina Bailey year.) Email: [email protected] Tel: 857547 Email: [email protected] Bembridge Parish Council Havenstreet and Ashey Members: Lady Sarah Pigot, David Wootton Parish Council Woodford, Gillian Rogers (chairman), Mary Parish Council Members: Kenneth Morris (chairman), Brian Larkin, William Bartlett, Geoffrey Giles, Members: Elizabeth Bell, David Goodey, Reeves, Steve Porter, Harry Murphy, Keith Denise Grannum, Andrew Maley, John Heidi Marshall (chairman), Malcolm Ross, Varcoe, Albert Laws, Edna Jacobs, Barry Elliott, Lorraine Whelan, Christine Coombe, Graham Wyatt, Kirstie Ferris. Abraham, Elizabeth Loughlin, Brian Ballard. Jason Moore. Parish clerk: Rebecca Tuck Parish clerk: Lynda Smith Parish clerk: Liz Murray Tel: 402867 Tel: 884555 Tel: 874160 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.havenstreetandasheypc.co.uk Website: www.woottonbridge.com

24 oneIsland Feature EASTERN TIMELINE Eastern Wight area councillors 50 Roman presence at Brading. (Isle of Wight Council) 80 Brading Roman Bembridge North villa site in existence.

Lady Pigot 897 King Alfred’s Tel: 872732 forces battle with Email: [email protected] Viking ships off Brading Haven.

Bembridge South 1087 Church of St Edmund, Wootton Win McRobert Tel: 875677 built. Email: [email protected] 1340 A French raid gains ground at St Brading and St Helens Helens before being repulsed. Patrick Joyce Tel: 872098 1346 Edward III sets Email: [email protected] sail from St Helens to invade Normandy.

Seaview and Nettlestone 1580 Nettlestone Manor built. Diana Tuson Tel: 614401 1620 Ten-year-old Email: [email protected] Brading Haven dam is irretrievably breached.

Wootton 1643 Sir John Oglander of Nunwell Barry Abraham arrested as a Royalist. Tel: 883261 Email: [email protected] 1700 Bembridge windmill in operation. Courtesy of information drawn from the online Isle of Wight History Centre at www.iwhistory.org.uk at Centre History Wight Isle of online the from drawn information of Courtesy 1735 Ashey Down Eastern connections seamark built. 1759 Oyster fishery • Brading Roman villa (pictured) can be dated back to between AD 80 and AD 100, and particularly flourishing in thrived during the prosperous years of the early fourth century AD. The site, rediscovered in 1880, has Bembridge harbour. internationally-important mosaics, and is now housed in a magnificent new centre. • St Helen’s Duver was home until 1961 to the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club. In its heyday, from the late 1765 Existing 19th century to the 1930s, members ranged from the sons of Queen Victoria and other society figures, frontage of Nunwell to actor David Niven (who had a family House built. home in Bembridge). Over the years the club also boasted 11 international players. 1801 Seaview harbour Isle of Wight-born Horace Rawlins, who becomes major sea won the first official US Open in 1895, saltworks centre. developed his skills at St Helen’s Duver. 1865 Bembridge fort • Bob Dylan topped the bill at the 1969 built. Isle of Wight Festival of Music, attended by an estimated 200,000 people at 1881 Seaview pier Woodside Bay, Wootton. Dylan stayed at built. Forelands Farm, Bembridge, along with Beatle George Harrison and his wife 1882 Railway built Patti. Other performers at Woodside for linking Bembridge the festival from 29 to 31 August 1969, and Brading included The Who, Moody Blues, and Joe over completed Cocker. embankment.

October 2007 25 SupportingPeople Helping to make a real difference The Supporting People programme provides vital help for some of the most vulnerable people on the Island. Here we look at how it is making a real difference…

“Scores of the Island’s vulnerable adults and young people are given crucially-important help and advice by the Supporting People programme. This work helps protect many of our most marginalised residents.” Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for health and well-being

26 oneIsland Feature

Supporting People provides assistance for many of the most vulnerable members of the Island’s community – assisting them with those every day skills that are the key to living independent lives. This help can include guidance with tasks such as: money management, claiming the correct benefits, accessing help with housing, health issues, or even tackling problems with noisy or unruly neighbours – the type of problems that can be particularly difficult for the most in need. The programme, administered by the council, works with a wide range of clients including older people, young and adult offenders, people with a mental health problem, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Probation Service. people with learning disabilities and teenage parents. The government grant provided to run the programme The support is delivered to around 1,800 clients by 30 on the Island this year (2007/2008) is £6.38 million organisations through 80 services across the Island. – equivalent to £17,500 a day. Although the grant has Nationally, Supporting People was introduced by the decreased since 2003 from £7.18 million, the partnership, government in 2003, with the aim of helping vulnerable with the support and co-operation of providers, has people to live independently in their own homes. maintained and in some cases increased the level of The Supporting People team on the Island manages services on the Island. contracts with a range of providers who deliver services Over the last year, there have been many improvements helping clients to claim benefits, learn domestic or social made, including the launch of new literature and web- skills, obtain advice on home improvements, and budget based services to boost awareness of the programme. effectively. The Supporting People partnership has commissioned The team can also point the way to a range of a number of new or remodelled services since the start alternative help – in conjunction with other agencies on of the programme, one of which will be a handyperson the Island – to address issues such as fuel poverty and service by the end of 2007. anti-social behaviour. The partnership will also be reviewing the best ways The programme is run in partnership between the to involve clients and workers in the future design and council, the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust and the delivery of services. How Supporting People has helped some Islanders Case study – Mr X to secure and maintain accommodation. Assistance was Mr X suffers from multiple health needed to claim benefits, with budgeting, liaising with problems, and has been reliant on both professionals and to gain confidence and independence means-tested and disability benefits within the community. for a number of years. With support she secured temporary accommodation He was referred to Supporting through the council and went on to permanent People by the council’s housing department because accommodation within five months of referral. he had been living in his car for close to two weeks. It transpired he had been evicted from his housing Case study – Mrs Y association flat for non-payment of rent. Mrs Y was referred to Supporting He was evicted simply because he failed to renew People for support with homelessness, his housing benefit claim, then “buried his head in the debt management, claiming sand” and failed to deal with any correspondence. appropriate benefits and liaising with Supporting People were successful in getting his agencies. At the time she was living in bed and breakfast benefit backdated and discharging all his arrears. accommodation and facing the likelihood of being re- The housing association then withdrew the warrant housed. of eviction, and enabled him to re-occupy his property, Supporting People helped to postpone the move until and a support worker worked with him to address any after the birth of her baby and with the help of the underlying issues. housing services team re-housed the family into more Mr X’s mental health has now been stabilised, and he appropriate accommodation, where she remains. has a safe environment in which to live. She was also referred to Frontline for help managing her debts and then to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which Case study – Miss X is currently liaising with her creditors. At the start of her support, Miss X was a 25 year old, pregnant single woman If you want more information on the Supporting facing eviction. She has a history of People programme, you should telephone 550477 or severe depression and panic attacks. visit www.iwight.com/supportingpeople On referral she was in need of support

October 2007 27 Best Value Performance Indicators Feature How do we compare?

Ever wondered how the Isle of Wight Council rates when compared to its counterparts “The latest figures show a around the country? Here we look at special significant number of the best value indicators for our services data that reveals how it is doing are heading in the right direction.” Each year the Isle of Wight Council Indicators where the Councillor Barry Abraham, cabinet measures its performance against all the council has performed member for residents and resources other unitary authorities in the country. exceptionally well, within the This is done through Best Value top 25 per cent of councils in Performance Indicators that show how well the country, include: the council is delivering its services for Island residents. • footpaths and other rights of way that were The council has to collect data for 169 easy to use by members of the public, 97 indicators, and although the 2006/2007 per cent (top quarter 89.8 per cent-plus); results have not yet been audited (this will • household waste sent for composting, 21.39 happen in January 2008), first impressions per cent (top quarter 10.42 per cent-plus); targets. are encouraging. • waste that has been landfilled, 60.92 per These Compared to the data for previous year cent (top quarter 62.68 per cent-minus); indicators include: (2005/2006), the number of Isle of Wight • planning applications determined within Council indicators in the top quarter statutory guidelines, 84.95 per cent of • planning nationally in 2006/2007 has risen from 36.8 major, 94.55 per cent of minor and 97.74 applications per cent to 43.3 per cent. And the number per cent other (major top quarter 72.22 determined within of indicators in the bottom quarter has per cent-plus, minor top quarter 80.79 per targets, major 84.95 decreased from 23.6 per cent to 14.4 per cent. cent-plus, other top quarter 89.21 per cent- per cent (target 75 per This improvement in general performance plus); cent), minor 94.55 per will positively affect the council’s Direction of • abandoned vehicles investigated within 24 cent (target 85 per cent) Travel Statement from the Audit Commission. hours of notification, 95.99 per cent (top and other 97.74 per cent In 2006 this was “improving well”. quarter 95.78 per cent-plus); (target 90 per cent); • number of days taken to repair street • empty houses brought lights, 2.39 (top quarter 3.72 minus); back into occupation or • invoices paid to suppliers within 30 days, demolished, 56 (target 32); 96.64 per cent (top quarter 93.18 per cent- • local bus journeys, 7,284,482 plus); (target 6,129,000); • council tax collected, 98.98 per cent (top • people escaping unharmed quarter 97.63 per cent-plus). from accidental fires in dwellings, 98 per cent The council also sets its own targets for 169 (target 90 per cent). indicators every year to monitor how well it is performing. The results of the locally set indicators for 2006/2007 confirm the council is moving in the right direction, with 69 per cent of those indicators having reached or exceeded their PICTURED: Public rights of way and recycling are just two of the areas where the council has performed well

28 oneIsland coast and country Our Island, our environment Protecting our coastline’s long- term future

PICTURED: Seaview Early autumn mornings are often damp, cool coastal and misty with dew hanging heavy on the defences grass until there is enough warmth in the sun to allow it to evaporate. At this time of Studies are currently being carried out by the council’s centre for the coastal environment at year spiders’ webs are more visible, bejewelled Ventnor to help plan policies for the Island’s coastal defences for the next 100 years. by drops of dew, which sparkle in the low These strategic studies include: light. The extent and intricacy of these webs • the North-East Coastal Defence Strategy Study – from the Shrape Breakwater at East Cowes to becomes apparent and we can see how far Culver Cliff (study completed in 2005), and possibly including further works at Seagrove Bay, they stretch, suspended from overhanging Seaview, and beach management for Bembridge frontage; tree branches to the leaves of shrubs below. • Sandown Bay and Undercliff Coastal Defence Strategy Study – the study has also been extended Every species of spider uses fine silken to include the Undercliff frontage from Monk’s Bay, Bonchurch to Chale Terrace; threads, produced from glands in their • West Wight Coastal Defence Strategy Study – along the south-west coast of the Island from abdomen, for catching prey in various ways, Chale Terrace to the Needles and along the north-west coast from the Needles to the Shrape though not all produce webs. These gossamer Breakwater, East Cowes; the study will integrate with management plans for the Western Yar and filaments have remarkable properties. The the River Medina; strand is a few thousandths of a millimetre • the Eastern Yar River and Coastal Defence Strategy Study thick – much finer than human hair. Its – assessing flood risks and coastal erosion and flooding, strength is comparable size-for-size with a including Bembridge Harbour. nylon thread, but it is more elastic. By late 2008 the overall strategic management of the The simplest food traps are little more than Island’s coast will be provided through a document called fishing lines strung across the crevice where the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Round Two, which the spider is hiding. The familiar orb web will be supported by the four strategy studies. of the garden spider may have the creature Senior coastal scientist, Claire Marriott, said: ”This will sitting near its centre or ‘signal thread’ provide the detail of precisely how the management of leading to the cranny where the spider our coastal defences will be achieved over the next 100 conceals itself. A passing insect touching this years, in a technically sound, economically viable and thread sets up vibrations, alerting the spider environmentally sustainable way.” to dart out and secure its meal by wrapping it Seasonal guide • The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) will provide a in more silk and stunning it by biting. summary of the geology, geomorphology, coastal processes, Other designs of webs look like funnels to wildlife in the land use, local economy, recreational issues, historic or hammocks, or a lacy mesh – the latter garden environment and natural environment around the whole often appearing as an untidy tangle behind coastline. furniture! We may remove them without a In October, when you are The Round Two SMP will provide a longer term view, second thought but spiders make good use over 100 years, than the previous plan, as well as a more of their resources; before building a new web tidying the garden, try to leave some seed heads on lavender comprehensive consideration of coastal evolution, climate they eat the old one and recycle the silk into change and sea level rises. the new structure. bushes. Goldfinches will feed on them later in the year when Anne Marston, other food becomes scarce. Further information is available by calling 857220 or from assistant ecology officer www.coastalwight.co.uk

October 2007 29 trailersIsland Sailing Club, ACTIVITIES Cowes, with cakes, book stalls, raffle and Annual Pet Blessing souvenirs, 10.30am to Service 12 noon. (28 October) A family worship Newchurch service dedicated to all Horticultural our pets (all will receive Society, Flower a blessing), coffee after, Demonstration at Holy Trinity Church, (12 November) Cowes, 9.45am. A demonstration by Marlene Irving, at the Sandown November pavilion, Watery Lane, 5 Carnival and Newchurch, 7.30pm, Kekele Celebrations members free, visitors will be (5 November) £1.50. performing Parade assembles at Huge Hospice Quiz at Quay Grafton Street at 6pm, (15 November) moving off at 6.30pm, Arts on 25 Major charity quiz October featuring bands, floats, in aid of the Earl colourful costumes Mountbatten Hospice, and hundreds of Newport, at Lower 7.30pm, tel: 291334 for Arts, Newport, 7.30pm, harvesting on the medium today, Quay lanterns made in local Hyde, Shanklin, 6.45pm, reservations. tickets £4, tel: box foothills of Mount Etna, Arts, Newport. schools, finishes on teams of four to office 822490. Rope Store Gallery, The Light of the Esplanade at about register with Parlex, Quay Arts, Newport. One Week Creation, Melanie 7.15pm, with grand £20 per team, contact CINEMA with Jhelisa – Fishbourne Art Swan firework finale at 8pm, Ian Taylor of Parlex, tel: Rediscovering Group (24 November – 12 www.sandowncarnival. 526535. Dickens Before com America (23 October – 26 January) RNLI Wine Tasting Sound (6 December) November) Mosaics, iconography RNLI Coffee (22 November) (8 November) A film of Jhelisa in A variety of mediums and traditionally- Morning Wine tasting and A collection of films of New Orleans in 2005 and subjects from an painted icons by local (8 November) canapés in aid of the Dickens’ works made as she works on her art group formed five artist Melanie Swan, A coffee morning in RNLI, at The Prospect, before the advent of forthcoming album, years ago, Quay Arts Quay Arts, Newport. aid of the RNLI at the High Street, Cowes, sound in movies, Quay Quay Arts, Newport, Café Wall, Newport. 7.30pm, tickets £4, tel: box office 822490. Zone Life – Life MUSIC Zones Trailers (1 November) Newchurch Male An exhibition of acrylic EXHIBITIONS Voice Choir Wootton These listings are provided free, as a public information service. Details must paintings and collage Concert be submitted either by: created by members East Weaves West, (19 October) of the Learning Zone, filling out this form, or emailing your details to Basketry from Japan Charity concert by a group for home [email protected] and Britain Newchurch Male Voice educating families on Please conform to the format shown. Entries are included at the editorial (8 September – Choir, at St Mark’s the Island, at Ryde team’s discretion. 10 November) A Church, Station Road, Library, library opening comprehensive insight Wootton, 7.30pm, Deadline for the next issue: 22 October (23 November publication times. into basketry on proceeds to help with date). opposite sides of the Art Room, Osborne church funds. world, Michael West Middle School Title of event/activity: Marylebone Trio Gallery, Quay Arts, (10 November – 8 (20 October) Newport. December) Date: A mixed programme Celebrating the school’s Cowes at Play featuring works by creative talents, Brief description: (6-28 October) Mozart and Beethoven, featuring illustrated The history of past Quay Arts, Newport, stories, war images, leisure activities in the 8pm, tickets £7/£6, tel: sculpture and much town, including sports, box office 822490. musicals, scouts’ events more, Quay Arts, and carnivals, staged Newport. Kekele (25 October) by Cowes Heritage, at The Royal Cowes Combined Clubs Rumba Congolaise Watercolour Society Venue: HQ, Bath Road, Cowes, music from the 60s, Group Exhibition 10am to 4pm daily, combining Cuban (19 November – 12 Time: admission free. and African music, January) enchanting vocals and Contact name: Alfredo Basile, An exhibition curated spellbinding guitar, Photography from by David Firmstone, Quay Arts, Newport, Telephone: Sicily vice-president of the 8pm, tickets £12/£11, (6 October – 17 society and an Isle of tel: box office 822490. Please return to: November) Wight artist, with works Trailers, One Island, Publications Unit, An Italian photographer by society members Real Live presents County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD passionate about his who are some of the Sam Brown or email to [email protected] no later than 22 October 2007 land and traditions, most distinguished (26 October) with images of workers artists working in the The renowned vocalist

30 oneIsland What’s on: 19 October to 7 December

with Jools Holland’s £12/£11, tel: box office Rhythm and Blues 822490. Orchestra, The Venue, Ryde Theatre, doors A Life in the open at 7.30pm, Year: Celebrating tickets £12.50, from Seasonal Traditional Waterstones, Newport English Custom (cash only), box (25 November) office tel: 568099, A romp through the www.rydetheatre.co.uk wealth of music, song and dance that marks Jill Crossland the English seasons, (30 October) presented by Quay British pianist whose Arts in association with recordings include Vaguely Sunny, Quay Bach’s Goldberg Arts, Newport, 8pm, Variations, Sts Thomas tickets £12/£11, tel: box Church, Newport, 8pm, tickets £7/£6, tel: box office 822490. office 822490. Orpheus Singers POETRY (3 November) 150 years’ celebration Lynne Truss concert, includes presents Otcenas (Our Father) by Tennyson’s Gift Janacek, Mass in D Major (30 November) by Dvorak, and Songs A comical peek into of Love and Nature Victorian Freshwater by Schubert, Brahms, presented by top comic Dvorak and Martinu, writer and presenter Gonzo Moose, You don’t need to know that... at Sts Thomas Church, Lynne Truss, Quay Arts, Newport, 7pm, tickets Newport, 6pm, tickets Comedy, drama, slapstick and puppetry at Quay Arts on 2 November £6, students £2, at £6/£5, tel: box office the door or from choir 822490. Valentine Grey; and association with the horror play, at Whitwell the songs of Ivor members. The True Story of Rondo Theatre, Quay Village Hall (2-3 Nov) Novello, along with a Errol Linton’s Blues TALKS the Titanic Arts, Newport, 8pm, and Niton Village Hall performance of Glibert Vibe (5 December) tickets £10/£9, tel: box (7, 10 Nov), 7.45pm. and Sullivan’s Trial by (3 November) Two talks to the Isle office 822490. Jury, Shanklin Theatre, I am feeling A Night with Eclectic Brit blues with of Wight branch of the 7.30pm, Saturday depressed about The House of Novello reggae and jazz, from Historical Association, matinee 2.30pm, hospitals; and The Frankenstein (7-10 November) Errol Linton, carrying firstly Roger Fruen on tickets £10 from the Norfolk Nurse Edith (2-3, 7, 10 November) The Island Savoyards the legacy of Little the famous chimney box office, tel: 868000. Walter and Sonny Boy Cavell sweep boy, and The Pepperpot Players present a new Williamson into the 21st (7 November) secondly Noel Stimson present a comedy- musical play featuring century, plus support Two talks to the Isle with some little known from The Amen Boogie of Wight branch of the facts on the Titanic Blues Band, at The Historical Association, disaster, at Nodehill Future issues: Venue, Ryde Theatre, firstly Richard Smout Middle School, Newport, Issue date Listings period covered Deadline for submission 8pm, tickets £10/£12, on the Red Cross 7.30pm, visitors 23 November 23 November to 4 January 22 October tel: box office 568099. and medical care for welcome, contact Terry troops on the Isle of 21 December 21 December to 14 March 26 November Kaz Simmons Blunden, tel: 524410. Wight 1914 to 1918, 29 February 29 February to 4 April 4 February (9 November) and secondly Jane A performance of Keene’s dramatised THEATRE classy individual presentation of the Advertisement compositions on story of war heroine vocals and guitar, and The Odd Couple nurse Edith Cavell breathing new life into (18-20 October) Buy your family a new (1865 to 1915), at Curtain Up Amateur jazz classics, Quay Arts, AGA Cooker Newport, 8pm, tickets Nodehill Middle School, Dramatic Society Newport, 7.30pm, £10/£9, tel: box office present a female Better food, a warm 822490. visitors welcome, version of the play by contact Terry Blunden, Neil Simon, at Totland kitchen and happy Robert Mitchell and tel: 524410. Church Hall, 7.30pm, Omar Puente tickets in local shops. meal times Klimpt and the (16 November) Why not drive in and see us ? Brilliant pianist Viennese Secession Gonzo Moose, You Robert Mitchell and (15 November) Don’t Need to Know Also Bathrooms, Calor Gas and Cuban violin virtuoso Vectis NADFAS That… Heating and Plumbing Supplies Omar Puente, who presents an illustrated (2 November) gave a celebrated talk (National An exhilarating collision 523041 performance at the Association of the of comedy, drama, Havana International Decorative and Fine slapstick and puppetry 28 Daish Way Newport ( off the St Mary’s Roundabout ) Jazz Festival, Quay Arts, Arts Society), Medina inspired by Kafka’s Newport, 8pm, tickets Theatre, Newport, 8pm. The Trial, presented in

October 2007 31 Advertisement

SCHOOL PLACES Don’t miss the deadline

If you are applying for a school place for your child next September, you must do so by 4.30pm 30 November 2007 Don’t forget you can now apply online at www.eduwight.iow.gov.uk/admissions For help or advice, please call 823455, or email [email protected]

Please note: The admission round to high schools for September 2008 WILL NOT be affected by the council’s proposals for possible changes in the organisation of schools. Whichever choice is made, pupils entering Year 9 in September 2008 WILL be able to complete their GCSE course on the same site, as will pupils entering Year 11 for A-levels.