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

The Price Is Wight Offer A Wonderful Family Photoshoot Package is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Cowes Chiropractic Clinic Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP – Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy

The recent publication of the Government’s Tourism Strategy will free up local businesses from red tape and ensure the tourism industry is central to helping rebuild the UK economy according to Island MP Andrew Turner.

The Government’s proposals include a consultation on moving the first Bank Holiday in May to create a new St George’s Day holiday in England or a Trafalgar Day Bank Holiday in the autumn half term. Either of these proposals would have the effect of extending the holiday season.

The Government is also embarking on a £100m marketing campaign to attract visitors to the UK, co-funded by the private sector. This is designed to attract 4 million extra visitors to Britain over the next 4 years, leading to £2bn more spending in the economy and creating thousands of new jobs. The

campaign will build on events such as the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and theCommonwealth Games – when the eyes of the world will be on Britain.

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Commenting on the new strategy, Andrew Turner said,

“The new Tourism Strategy will have a huge impact on the local

economy on the Isle of Wight, encouraging visitors all year round to experience the Island’s natural beauty and everything we haveto offer. The importance of tourism to the country’s economy has been ignored for too long and the industry has been stifled withred tape. The Government recognises that this needs to change.“I particularly welcome the idea of consulting on moving the Mayday Bank Holiday to extend the season. I hope that Island tourism businesses will consider the strategy carefullyto make sure we make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Andrew Turner Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

40th Anniversary event At The Isle of Wight Steam Railway. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Elfmade’s Father Christmas letters are so magical and authentic that there will be no doubt in your child’s mind that Father Christmas is real and watching over their every move. Each letter is uniquely hand written and illustrated using traditional inks on a beautifully authentic parchment. The letter comes in a luxury ivory envelope addressed to your child.

The envelope bears a unique hand illustrated stamp and the authentic “Santa’s Post Office – North Pole” postage stamp. On the reverse the envelope is sealed with Santa’s own monogram red wax seal. The letter will be written to your specifications, illustrated, sealed in its envelope and then packaged in a padded envelope and posted to yourself, so that you may place the letter in the appropriate place to fit your family stories and traditions. Upon ordering a Father Christmas letter, Elfmade will email you some questions that you can answer and define the details to be included in your child’s letter. please contact us on www.elfmade.co.uk Tel: 07585508220 or 01983 754387

Father Christmas letters is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Best Tourism Experience of the Year 2010

Seaview Wildlife Encounter wins the highest accolade! The Park has been awarded Gold in the category ‘ Best Tourism Experience of the Year’ at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence held at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey on Thursday October 21^st, 2010.

The annual awards, organised by Tourism South East, are now in their 20^th year and recognise exceptional levels of customer service and dedication to raising standards in the tourism industry.  A record number of entries to the prestigious awards led to an impressive shortlist with winners announced by guest host Nicholas Owen and Tourism South East Chairman, John Williams.

‘We offer our congratulations to all of the winners’, said Mike Bedingfield, Chief Executive of Tourism South East.  ‘ Our industry’s commitment to providing the best possible customer service and exceeding customer expectations is outstanding.  The Award Winners have shown that they are truly the best-in-class and we look forward to seeing them on the national stage at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next April’.

Park Director Lorraine Adams said ‘ We are so thrilled to have been shortlisted for a second year in a row and to win Gold is fantastic.  This could not have been achieved without a strong cohesive team who have worked extremely hard in maintaining high standards across all sectors of the business. The Park is going from strength to strength and what a positive lead in to our 40^th anniversary year in 2011 – this is the icing on the cake of a fantastic business year!’. http://www.seaviewwildlife.com http://seaviewwildlife.blogspot.com

Seaview Wildlife Encounter wins the highest accolade! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Quay Arts is delighted to welcome the Nigel Price Organ Trio to November’s Jazz Cafe, withthe skilful Price playing homage to Montgomery’s languid, bluesy style in the Anthony MinghellaTheatre on Fri 12 Nov at 8pm.

Nigel is a well established member of the jazz community with a preference for the organ/drums/guitar combo, but his versatility stretches to a variety of musical scenarios. His blend of flowingbebop lines, bluesy style and easy swing is the perfect combination for great jazz. Nigel performed with the legendary David Axelrod, performed as the regular guitarist with theSheena Davis Group. In 2005 he returned to his jazz funk roots and played with the UK’s leadingjazz funk band, JTQ and The Nigel Price Organ Trio won “best jazz ensemble” in the 2010Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The trio – comprised of Nigel on guitar, Matt Home on drums and Pete Whittaker on Hammondorgan will be playing material from his forthcoming album “Nigel Price Organ Trio – Live!” (Jazzizitrecords). Expect great guitar playing, smooth transitions and funky jazzy numbers all night long played withskill and verve. This is the perfect opportunity to savour a special Jazz Café Meal in Quay Arts’award-winning Café Bar, a glass of wine and enjoy inspiring, melodious and driving jazz. More about the musicians:Please visit: http://www.nigelprice.biz/page9/page9.html

Quay Arts is delighted to welcome the Nigel Price Organ Trio is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR HOVERING

Walkers heading for the UK’s largest autumn walking weekend (Isle of Wight Walking Weekend 23-24 October) should step forward to Hovertravel. The hovercraft’s fast and frequent foot passenger service is ideal for serious ramblers as well as the more casual stroller, especially as the journey is less than 10 minutes from Portsmouth to Ryde.

The weekend offers over fifty walks suitable for all ages and abilities all spread over the four days including the Full Moon Story, a family story walk along Appley beach, which is adjacent to the Hovertravel terminal, with plenty of stops to gaze at the full moon and hear lunar, and looney tales and Tree Identification for beginners which takes place in the coastal parkland along the beach from Ryde.

Starting directly from the Hovertravel terminal at Ryde you can also get close up and personal with nature with the Hover around Wildlife walk.  An unguided gentle scenic walk along the seafront from Ryde to the Seaview Wildlife Encounter which can be taken anytime during the Autumn Walking Weekend.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel explains, “Hovertravel offers an eco-friendly option for walking enthusiasts visiting the Isle of Wight Walking Weekend. As the most environmentally friendly and fastest foot passenger service across the Solent we are the best choice to experience the Island’s natural beauty in all its autumnal glory.”

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR HOVERING is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

THREE LUCKY SHOPPERS WILL WIN NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

BARGAIN-DASH, THIS WEEKEND

Saturday 9 October sees the return of the NCT’s Autumn Nearly New Sale…with a twist.

The Island branch of the parenting charity is running a competition for three lucky shoppers to win free entry to the sale of pre-loved baby, children’s and maternity clothes and equipment.

The prize will also offer an exclusive 5 minute bargain dash.  Before everyone else is allowed through the doors, the three winners will be given 5 minutes to pick out the best of the sale items (Please note: Winners will be able to continue shopping after their 5 minutes is up. Winners will still need to buy their bargains in the normal way – but they’ll be able to do that at the end of their 5 minute dash).

To be in with a chance of winning, you’ll need to arrive before 11am.  Raffle tickets will be handed out to the first 30 people in the queue.  The draw will be made by ISLE OF WIGHT RADIO’S PAUL TOPPING before the bargain dash gets underway, at 11.25am.

Only three people can win the prize – winners won’t be allowed the help of their family and friends during the 5 minute bargain dash!

The NCT’s Nearly New Sale takes place on Saturday 9 October, at the Riverside Centre in Newport, between 11.30am-1:30pm.  You don’t have to be an NCT member to bag a bargain. visit their Facebook page, or visit www.wightnct.org.uk.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

With the recent changes to education on the Isle of Wight, it’s time to see how you can support your child’s learning. And with a Kumon Free Trial round the corner, what could be a better way? Leading supplementary education provider Kumon can help your child to excel in maths and English by offering a unique study programme tailored to their age and ability. Our maths and English programmes complement the school curriculum, supporting classroom learning and ensuring that progression is built on strong foundations. Focusing on each child as an individual, Kumon provides them with fundamental learning skills such as speed, accuracy, time management, concentration and independence in study. Through working at their own pace every day, children are given not only a strong grounding in maths and English, but the self- assurance to succeed at school and throughout life. Enrol your child at a Kumon study centre until 20 October 2010 to take advantage of our Free Trial and see how the Kumon method can benefit your child. Your first two weeks will be free of charge, but to make a lasting difference your child will need to make a long term commitment to the programme. For further information or to enrol, call ex Sandown High School mathematics teacher Harry Vernon on 01983 853643, email sandown@kumoncentre.co.uk. or visit http://www.kumon.co.uk/Sandown/index.htm

Kumon maths and English: Free Trial until – 20 October is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

FLEX DANCEWEAR, SHANKLIN The opening of a new dancewear shop in Shanklin means that specialist dance clothing,shoes and accessories are now available right here on the Island. Dancing, whether it’s for exercise, competition, performance or just for fun has never beenmore popular but until recently, people looking for a well stocked, specialist dancewearoutlet have had to travel to the mainland or shop mail order. That all changed when FlexDancewear of 43, High Street, Shanklin (near the pet shop) opened it’s doors in April2010. When deciding what to stock, shop owner Charlotte Back spoke to the experts, includingdance teachers, professional performers and of course the many keen young dancers onthe Island. Flex is now an authorised stockist for Bloch, Capezio, Freed and Pineapple. If you pop into the shop you’ll normally be greeted by Michelle or Sammie, bothexperienced dancers with a wealth of knowledge, they’re always willing to offer help andadvice. For more information see www.flexdance.co.uk or find them on Facebookwww.facebook.com/FlexDancewear. All in all a welcome addition to Shanklin’s HighStreet.

FLEX DANCEWEAR, SHANKLIN is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Owl and Monkey Haven nr Newport have had a good summer and the development continues with Several animal organisations throughout the UK getting in touch to see if theycan home more and more primates and owls.

The Haven are now looking for Corporate Sponsorship to aid us meet the demand of animals in need of help. The first goal is to build a purpose built Rainforest recreation which would house up to fifty primates, simulating their indigenous surroundings. Then they would like the building to be designed using 100% renewable energy and include a walk through enabling visitors to get even closer to these wonderful animals in their natural environment.

Conservation is a huge part of what the haven aim to achieve. What with the depletion of Rainforests and new species becoming endangered every year they look to set targets to become as Green as we can in the years to come. The haven have already started to grow and harvest their own Salad & Vegetables for  primates nutrition, and would like to lower  Carbon footprint by investing in Solar and other sustainable energy sources whilst simply providing a home for these animals. All of the buildings and enclosures have been constructed using wood where possible, and the roofs have been fitted with cedar shingles.  Wood is by far the most environmentally friendly construction material. Not only is it a renewable resource, it is a recyclable one. Buildings constructed of wood benefit from wood’s superior  insulating properties. They are more efficient than concrete or steel, which translates into long-term energy savings and a reduced load on our environment. Cedar Shingles maximize the yield from the forest.Their production can use parts of the log that would be unsuitable for sawn timber and otherwise wasted or scrapped. Cedar Shingles have a good thermal quality and therefore help contribute towards keeping the animal enclosures warm which in turn conserves energy. Water butts - Where possible they use water butts to collect rainwater which we then use to water plants and vegetation throughout the Haven.   Due to endless enquiries the Haven is also proud to be introducing Children’s b’day parties for the Autumn.  Keep an eye on their website for more details and packages available. The Haven is now looking to invite Schools and community groups to visit throughout the Winter and into the New Year for a Fun and Informative day out. Programs include: Keeper Tours, an insightful and interactive learning experience whilst exploring the grounds – Animal related Arts/Crafts and learning activities in the newly opened ‘Wise Owl’ Lodge, Keeper for the Day, Monkey Picnic Boxes and much more.

For an in School talk & Presentation or to make a Group booking please call 01983 530885. Winter Special Group and School bookings discount now available. Please ask for details. www.owlandmonkeyhaven.co.uk

The Owl and Monkey Haven is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The ONEWIGHT campaign is still out and about in force! This Saturday the campaign will be out and about in Lake, Sandown and Shanklin where campaigners will be obtaining signatures on paper petitions as well as on the banners that will be attached to the OneWight Campaign Bus!

On Sunday, the campaign will be heading to Havenstreet Steam Show and on Monday 30th  the campaign complete with the OneWight Campaign Bus will feature at The Grand Donkey Day Out at The Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall.

The ONEWIGHT campaign is a cross-party campaign to keep the Isle of Wight united as a single Parliamentary constituency, opposing Whitehall plans to divide the Island.

More than 13,000 people have now signed the ONEWIGHT petition. We are collecting signatures until the end of the month and urge all paper petitions to be sent into over the next few days. The paper petitions will be presented formally to Parliament by Andrew Turner MP on the 6th September and the online petition will be delivered to Downing Street on the same day.

Please send petitions to:

OneWight Campaign

c/o Andrew Turner MP

24 The Mall

Carisbrooke Road

Newport

PO301BW

OneWight Campaign

ian@onewight.org.uk

www.onewight.org.uk

01983 244 244

www.onewight.org.uk

facebook: onewight

twitter: onewight

The ONEWIGHT campaign is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, saw an 8% increase in the number of passengers using their hovercraft, whilst putting on a HoverFest for people travelling to the Isle of Wight Festival.

Neil Chapman, Managing Director of Hovertravel, said: “Hovertravel is a firm favourite with festival goers. This year we launched the first ever HoverFest which saw local DJ’s entertain hundreds of festival goers as they queued to board the hovercraft from the Southsea terminal. We helped get the party started for customers and staff worked hard to put on extra services to transport over thousands of bags, thousands of tents and  10,000 wellies.

Hovertravel is the fastest way to the Isle of Wight, as well as being the most entertaining, with specially prepared DJ mixes being broadcast on our hovercraft during the trip across the Solent.”

HOVERTRAVEL ENJOYS RECORD NUMBERS DURING THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

LAUNCH OF FSB’s SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY AWARDS 2010

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has launched this year’s bid to find the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the region’s local authorities. The Small Business Friendly Awards 2010 has three categories and councils are being encouraged to enter as many categories as they wish.

The launch took place at Botleigh Grange Hotel, Botley with representatives from Councils across  the region attending. Introducing the awards Regional Chairman, Ken Moon, told the mix of Council Leaders and Economic Development Officers that the inaugural awards in 2009 had been a resounding success and had uncovered some excellent work undertaken by local councils to support small businesses in their areas.

Mr Moon said: “The FSB looks to the region’s local authorities to help create the environment for small businesses to survive and thrive. We are keen to recognise any organisation that has gone above and beyond to achieve this. The Small Business Friendly Awards scheme shows all local authorities in the UK the best examples of services and high levels of support that this region’s small businesses receive from their councils.”

The three categories are:

• Best Small Business Friendly Procurement Policy
• Best Small Business Friendly Programme or Campaign
• Best All Round Small Business Friendliness

The Councils have until 2 August to submit their entries and the winners will be announced in late September.

“The FSB has worked very hard to create and maintain a good working relationship with local authorities and these awards are a further initiative to recognise in public, the efforts made to encourage and improve local economic regeneration within the small business sector,” added Mr Moon

More information is available at http://www.fsb.org.uk.

LAUNCH OF FSB’s SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY AWARDS 2010 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk