HOVERTRAVEL ADDS TO MORNING PEAK SERVICES

Hovertravel is adding the 8:30am hovercraft service from Ryde to Portsmouth due to popular commuter demand.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said:  “We are always listening to the needs of customers so we can ensure that our services suit their schedules. Feedback over the last month has revealed that an extra service during the morning commuter peak period would make a big difference to our Island commuters.”

Hovertravel has seen growth over the last 6 months in travel from the Island. In particular the morning commuter period has a more concentrated flow of passengers during 7:15 and 8:45.

Neil Chapman continues, “Currently, Hovertravel has the biggest market share in our history. One of the areas of steady growth for us has been from regular travellers and commuters. This is why we have put in place initiatives for us to listen better to their needs through channels such as the Hovertravel User Group. The addition of the 8:30am hovercraft service is a great example of where we have listened and responded quickly.”

To ensure that Hovertravel develops in a way that benefits our customers, Hovertravel has been running a Hovertravel User Group (HUG). This group, made up of a small number of regular travellers, meets for quarterly meetings to voice issues and improvements direct with Hovertravel’s management.

Hovertravel has also launched a new appreciation voucher scheme as a small way of thanking their loyal customers. Those who purchase an Adult 6 month season card, Adult 250 travel card or Triple Term card can claim for 20 single appreciation vouchers that are valid for one single journey and can be transferred to friends & family. Customers that purchase an Adult 12 month season card can claim for 40 Appreciation vouchers.

For more information visit http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/

HOVERTRAVEL ADDS TO MORNING PEAK SERVICES is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Small business confidence crashes at end of 2011

Small business confidence plummeted in 2011 as businesses were hit by high inflation, rising utilities bills and reduced consumer spending power according to the latest findings from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) ‘Voice of Small Business’ Index. The Index, comprising some 1,600 responses from businesses across the UK, recorded a score of -24.5 – the lowest level since the Index started in 2010 and is a fall of some 15.2 points over the quarter. Given that economic recovery is relying on business investment to create jobs and support the recovery, the ongoing weak sentiment is worrying.

And, with one in eight (12.6%) firms expecting a worsening economic situation in the coming three months, the FSB is calling on the Government to act on policies and initiatives already announced to help boost small business confidence so that they can invest and grow. While the short term prospects look weak, an improving inflation outlook will certainly help confidence over the year.  Inflation is expected to fall back sharply this year as the impact of 2011’s VAT rise lessens, with recent energy price cuts an encouraging sign inflationary pressures are finally easing.

Falling inflation should help cash-strapped consumers and give more room for discretionary spending. Businesses will benefit too as the cost pressures they faced in 2011 fade, which should feed into better margins and improved profitability. Reforms announced by the Government should help too.  The FSB has supported many of the policies outlined in the Growth Reviews and the Autumn Statement, such as measures to encourage bank lending to small businesses and boost investment through the seed enterprise investment scheme.  Proposed reforms to the planning system and government procurement contracts to increase small firms’ access were steps in the right direction too. However, many of these measures will take time to feed-in.  The key now for all levels of government is to focus on implementation: small firms need to see action to match the rhetoric and to see tangible actions that will benefit their businesses and permanently change the business environment for the better.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said: “The message is clear – things are going to get worse before they get better. But, we are hopeful that as the inflationary pressures lessen in 2012, that businesses will become more confident. There are some good policy proposals in the pipeline too.  However, the Government needs to quickly put in place the actions that it has promised. Small firms have heard what the Government has to say but are still waiting to see implementation. We believe that must be the Government’s priority: to make 2012 the year of doing, with the aim of creating a dynamic business landscape in which our entrepreneurs can grow and flourish.”

Charles Davis, Managing Economist, cebr, said: “The Q4 survey shows that small businesses are fighting a tough battle against a worsening economy. On the upside, falling inflation should ease the pressure on margins and should allow interest and mortgage rates to stay low for at least the next two years.”

Small business confidence crashes at end of 2011 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

High street banks price war is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel operations remain suspended today and tomorrow morning.   Hovertravel has arranged alternative travel for all of their customers.  All passengers with Season or Travel Cards and those with pre-paid tickets will be provided with a free of charge voucher from Hovertravel, which will enable them to travel on Wightlink services.  Hovertravel staff will be at both Portsmouth Harbour and Pier Head terminals.  A further update will be provided by Hovertravel by 12:00 hrs tomorrow.

The suspension of services follows an issue with a propeller on the Solent Express Hovercraft on 30th October. Hovertravel is working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure full safety checks are completed on its hovercraft fleet and to ensure the integrity of all our operating systems in conjunction with the MCA.   Hovertravel hopes to resume service shortly.  Ongoing safety checks and investigations into the blade and propellers on all hovercraft are in progress.

The safety of customers, crew and hovercraft is of paramount importance and Hovertravel has been working with the MCA continually throughout the weekend to ensure the capability of the craft before they are returned to service.

Hovertravel confirms that all passengers holding reservations and Season or Travel Card holders will be looked after and transferred on to alternative travel arrangements.  We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused, and are grateful for our passengers’ understanding. We are confident that, with the support of the entire Hovertravel team, and the MCA, we will complete this process as quickly as we can.

Further updates will be available in the Service Status section of Hovertravel’s websitewww.hovertravel.com (under the Travel Info heading). We will update the website and our terminal staff will be on duty as normal throughout the weekend and Monday to assist and update this situation. It must be stressed that we will only commence operations when Hovertravel and the MCA are entirely satisfied.

Update for Hovertravel is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel can confirm that they have suspended hovercraft services with effect from 18:00 today Friday 18th November.

Following an issue with a propeller on the Solent Express Hovercraft on 30th October, further safety checks are to be undertaken to ensure the continued safety of Hovertravel’s fleet.

Hovertravel is working with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), the regulatory authority, and hopes to restore a full service as soon as possible.

It is important to stress that the current fleet of hovercraft are different models to the one in service on 30th October.  As a mandatory measure we are required to ensure the integrity of all our operating systems in conjunction with the MCA.

The entire matter revolves around ensuring the safety of our operation.   The safety of customers, crew & hovercraft are of paramount importance and Hovertravel are working with the MCA continually throughout this evening and the weekend to ensure the capability of the craft before they are returned to service.

This will involve working through a number of further checks now being implemented to ensure that not only the MCA, but Hovertravel are fully satisfied that our craft are safe to operate. We are confident that with the support of the entire Hovertravel team, and the MCA we will complete this process as quickly as we can.

We are currently working with Wightlink to accommodate our passengers who are already booked, to ensure they are able to cross the Solent this evening.

We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience this matter has caused our passengers, and are grateful for their understanding.

We will update our website www.hovertravel.com, and our terminal staff will be on duty as normal throughout the weekend to assist and update this situation. It must be stressed we will only commence operations when Hovertravel and the MCA are entirely satisfied.

Hovertravel have suspended hovercraft services is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

HOVERTRAVEL’S BOOK SIGNING SUCCESS

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, hosted the first ever book signing on 27 October onboard their hovercraft and in terminals with motoring journalist Ashley Hollebone, author of The Hovercraft Story.

Ashley Hollebone travelled to and from Ryde and Southsea signing books and talking to passengers and fans of the book. There was a lot of interest from all ages with some hovercraft enthusiasts as young as ten wanting a signed copy. The Hovercraft Story details the history of the hovercraft right back to its invention in 1965, supported by a great selection of photos.

Ashley Hollebone, author of The Hovercraft Story, said: “I have always had an interest in hovercrafts and decided to write The Hovercraft Story because although it is such a unique method of transport there is very little written about them. I currently have a hovercraft which I keep at The Hovercraft Museum in Gosport and it was here that I sourced many of the pictures and information for my book. Hovertravel has been very helpful and supportive ever since I first met with them to discuss the idea of the book. To be a part of having the first ever book signing onboard a hovercraft with Hovertravel was a fantastic experience, it was great meeting with fans and hovercraft enthusiasts alike.”

Pick up a special signed copy of The Hovercraft Story by Ashley Hollebone in either the Ryde or Southsea Hovertravel terminal.

HOVERTRAVEL’S BOOK SIGNING SUCCESS is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

RF Engines nominated for Made By Britain Project is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Family Directory has new ways in which to keep up to date with what’s going on The Isle of Wight. As well as our and magazine, we are on Facebook and Twitter. So please do Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ Familydirectory and you will be updated with local offers and services on and off the Island. If you have any events you would like us to add to our online calender please just email over all the details.To add your business or service into the winter issue please contact us on 01983 872191 or email us for a media packpolly@thefamilydirectory.co.uk . The copy date is the 21st October 2011. As our directory is widely read and used by parents and carers across the island and has a very targeted audience this winter issue will cover November to March 2012. So if you have any other news please do let us know. Unlike some other publications, our directory is kept by the parents and carers and doesn’t get thrown away.

The Family Directory has new ways in which to keep up to date with what’s going on The Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, yesterday made representations in Westminster on behalf of one of the largest private employers on the Isle of Wight, BAE Systems.  Mr Turner called for the debate after concerns were raised with him jointly by BAE management and unions about the future of the British radar industry, and specifically BAE’s part in it.

Speaking about the history of radar production and the role played by BAE, Mr Turner outlined how they remain a key player in the defence of the UK.  The company is also a significant contributor to the British economy and that of the Isle of Wight; neither can afford to lose their continued participation in the radar industry.  As a result, BAE’s continuing relationship with the MOD is one of vital importance to their credibility in the global export market.

Mr Turner also told the Minister:

“Radar has defended our country definitively at least once, in 1940. It is likely that it has done so on many other occasions that are not in the public domain and it is more than likely that it will do so again in the future. I pose this question: is it not essential that the radar technology our military are asked to use should be of British origin, in research, design and manufacture? It makes perfect sense to me that the company that we use to develop such sensitive technology should be British-based, like most of its employees.”

The debate was answered by the Minister responsible for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff MP who said :

“I think I can assure the whole House that we remain committed to supporting the future of the UK radar industry and to me, Mr Chairman, the future of the industry looks exceptionally bright.  I’m sure that Mr Turner has every reason to be confident about the industry and I’m sure for his own constituents as well.”

Speaking after the debate Mr Turner said:

“The Minister outlined huge opportunities abroad for British radar.  I wanted to point out that our own Government needs to show faith in the British radar industry in order to support credibility for that export market.  In collaboration with the British Government BAE have delivered world-leading technology; in order to make the most of that investment and protect jobs in Cowes and elsewhere, they also need to win export orders.  I am very glad the Minister confirmed that the Government will support them in doing that.”

Island MP Andrew Turner raises Radar is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Two MPs for the Island – Have Your Say

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, is encouraging Islanders to respond to the Boundary Commission’s proposals on how the Island will be split into two constituencies following the next election in 2015.  This morning the Commission published the electoral divisions that will be included in the two new seats of Isle of Wight North and Isle of Wight South.  The Island is to be allocated two parliamentary seats following the successful cross-party campaign led by Mr Turner to fight the suggestion that there should be a cross-Solent seat.

It is proposed that the Isle of Wight North seat will include Cowes and East Cowes, Gurnard, Northwood, Parkhurst, Whippingham and Osborne, the five Newport electoral divisions, Wootton Bridge, Binstead and Fishbourne,  Ryde’s five electoral divisions and Seaview and Nettlestone.  The rest of the Island is to form a new seat named Isle of Wight South.

Andrew Turner said:

“Some people will think this is the correct division, others will disagree.  I urge Islanders to look at the proposals and make representations to the Boundary Commission to let them know what they think.  There is a period of 12 weeks from today to respond to the Commission.

Asked about his own future Mr Turner said :

“I will be the MP for the whole of the Island until the next election and I do not think it would be helpful to speculate about whether I will stand for one seat or the other.  I can confirm that I do intend to stand at the next election, but I will not be making any further plans until the selection processes begin; that will probably be towards the end of 2013 because the proposals will not go before Parliament until then.   Until the next election I will continue to serve the whole of the Island to the best of my ability.

Two MPs for the Island – Have Your Say is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The biggest ever Cross Solent Swim takes place from Hurst Castle on the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Commenting on inflation figures released today, relating to the increase in CPI inflation in July from 4.2 to 4.4 per cent, Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:

“Household budgets are set to be further squeezed by increased energy costs and increases in the cost of rail travel. With inflation expected to hit five per cent before the end of the year, small businesses will be concerned that it will have a further impact on consumer spending and production costs. Until economic growth is more robust, increasing interest rates to tackle inflation could stall the recovery and so the Monetary Policy Committee must stand firm and keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent until the recovery is on a firmer footing.”  

More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk

FSB reaction to inflation figures is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

10 year Celebrations for Island MP

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has recently completed 10 years as the Island’s MP and two separate celebration events are planned to mark the anniversary.

The first event will be held at the Riverside Centre in Newport on Saturday 3^rd September from 4pm until 6pm.  Tickets must be purchased in advance at a cost of £5 per head.  The ticket price includes food, first drink and entry into a prize draw.  Tickets can be purchased from Mr Turner’s office at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR.  For more information please e-mail mail@islandmp.com or call 530808.

The second event will be a dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron at 7pm on Friday 21^st October.  The after-dinner speaker will be Steve Norris, successful businessman and former MP and Cabinet Minister. The ticket price of £45 includes a welcome drink, three course dinner and coffee.  Tickets for this event are available from the Isle of Wight Conservative Association at 58 The Mall, Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1BW.  More information is available on 522404 or e-mail isleofwight@tory.org.

Andrew Turner said:

“I am really looking forward to getting together with familiar faces and hopefully some new ones as well.  I am very proud to represent all Islanders and  the Island is certainly one of the most beautiful constituencies in the country – these two events are celebrations of that.  Neither event will consist of boring political speeches so I hope people of all political persuasions – and of none – will come along to these celebrations.

“I am really grateful to Richard Priest and other staff at the Riverside for all their support in organising the event at the Riverside Centre, we are hoping for good weather so that we can be outside in the garden, otherwise it will be held indoors.

Richard Priest, Manager of the Riverside Centre said :

“Andrew and his office have fitted in very well to the Riverside Centre and into the ethos of the Centre as a community hub.  We are very pleased to be able to host a party to celebrate him serving ten years as the Island’s MP.”

Mr Turner added :

“I have known Steve Norris for almost 30 years.  He is an excellent and very amusing speaker so I was delighted when he agreed to come along and speak for me at the dinner.  However, I am not at all sure what anecdotes he will come out with – perhaps I should be a little worried!”

10 year Celebrations for Island MP is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Death Penalty ‘Should be Debated’

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, is supporting calls for a full debate in Parliament about whether the death penalty should be re-introduced for those who kill children or policemen acting in the line of duty.  The issue is being raised in advance of the launch of a Government petition website designed to give parliamentary time to matters that the public want to be raised.  Leading political blogger Paul Staines (who writes as Guido Fawkes) will launch a campaign at the end of this week calling for a review of all existing treaties which prevents the death penalty being used in the UK, followed by a full debate and vote in Parliament.

The Conservative manifesto in 2010 set out plans to enable the public to initiate proceedings in Parliament.  This was taken forward in the Coalition Agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrats, which confirmed that petitions securing 100,000 signatures would be eligible for debate in the House of Commons.  The topics for debate will be selected by the Backbench Business Committee.

Mr Turner said :

“My instinct is that some crimes are so horrific that the proper punishment is the death penalty.  A few people commit acts so evil they are beyond understanding, for example Ian Brady, the Moors Murderer, Roy Whiting who abducted and killed 8 year old Sarah Payne and, more recently, those who tortured and were then responsible for the death of Baby P, Peter Connolly.

“Like many people I have concerns about the possibility of wrongful convictions, so perhaps we should consider whether before a death sentence could be passed, a higher standard of evidence would be needed than ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ which is used to secure a criminal conviction.  Some people have suggested that there should be proof ‘beyond the shadow of a doubt’ before a death sentence could be passed.

“I have put up a short survey on my own website www.islandmp.org so that Islanders can let me know their views.  I think it is high time that this issue is debated.  Since my election 10 years ago a great many Islanders have raised this issue with me – but we have never debated the subject in Parliament.  I welcome this new petitions initiative which will enable people to have some input into the work that Parliament does.”

Death Penalty ‘Should be Debated’ Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

First Steps Nursery is July to closed this August is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Songs From Singing Islanders Solent Records SLTD123

A CD compilation of 10 digitally re-mastered songs bridging 30 years of fun music highlighting the environment, events and institutions of the Isle of Wight. from Lauri Say, Toni Malo, Robin Holbrook and Chris Mackett Now re-released in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Isle of Wight.

It all started in 1968 at the famous IW Folk Club at the back of the Sloop Inn at Wootton Bridge when Lauri Say applied his sharp wit to writing the 4 songs comprising “Songs For Singing Islanders” which took in observations about the local bus service, the new transport invention The Hovercraft, the IW social scene and the possibility of the Isle of Wight declaring independence from the UK a la Ian Smith in Rhodesia. Recorded direct to 1 track tape in a Newport House and issued on a 33rpm 7″ vinyl EP, it sold out its initial 99 copies in a single night at the folk club and went on to sell thousands of copies over many years. This was John Waterman’s first commercial recording from which sprung Solent Records, one of the first independent labels in the country, two years later.

In 1976, the star of the Island Folk scene was Toni Malo and he came up with a great song about Cowes Week and backed it up with a tongue in cheek go at the ferries, which were well due for an upgrade at the time. The 7″ single was recorded in John Waterman’s front room in STEREO! and was the summer hit of the Isle of Wight that year achieving many column inches in the national newspapers including the Daily Mirror and Daily Express.

1984 saw Island singer/songwriter, Robin Holbrook come up with a couple of great touristy songs which were recorded in the Brightstone bungalow studio of musician/producer, Rod Gammons who is these days a internationally known producer and music biz mover and shaker who has had many chart hits and written feature film scores. The 7″ single with full colour jacket was marketed through many Island hotels becoming a treasured souvenir to thousands of visitors.

In 1991 John Waterman thought is was time for another take on Cowes Week with a more modern feel and Robin Holbrook again came up with the goods immortalizing the Grotty Yotties in song. To complete the set another Island music stalwart, Chris Mackett, came up with the Rap/Pop/Rock sound of The Spinnaker Rap. This time the recording credits were split between Volker Kaczinsky’s Music Pool Studio in Northwood and Martin White’s Combley Wood Studio, on the downs at Downend. Meridian TV put together a great video for the song which was played out a couple of times on the local news programme

Sadly, all the performers except Chris Mackett are no longer with us and it was the suggestion by Lauri Say’s widow, Marie, that his songs should be sold in aid of the IW hospice that led to John Waterman putting all his IW songs into the project to create a comprehensive history of IW songwriting on Solent Records.

Solent Records would like to acknowledge the help of Jamie Griffin of Flyte Studios, Brightstone, who gave a day of his time and facilities to help John re-master all the tracks so as to optimise the sound of all these recordings made over many years and with vastly different equipment.

The CD will be available from all Hospice shops and outlets, The Dairyman’s Daughter Arreton and from the Solent Records web-site www.solentrecords.co.uk/hospice

CONTACTS HOSPICE FUNDRAISING Karen Eeles 01983 528989 karen.eeles@iwhospice.org John Waterman Solent Records 01983 524110 md@solentrecords.co.uk

New CD just released by my Solent Records in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk