As every Island resident will know the Festival returned in 2002 after a 32-year layoff. The Who, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, REM, The Kaiser Chiefs, Neil Young and Razorlight are just a few of the names who have crossed the water to play.
For those who don't appreciate the music the whole experience is just a whole lot of noise and a whole lot of inconvenience, with closed roads, congestion, queues for everything and full ferries. Those who do don't really mind the noise, but the inconvenience caused by some 50,000 visitors arriving from the mainland all at once remains the same.
Residents of the Island who actually attend the Festival get hit twice. Not only do they have to fight their way through the invading hordes but when they arrive at the event they find themselves at least £130 lighter - £150 if they intend to pitch a tent. That is the adult price and for the purposes of the Festival it would seem an adult is anybody over the age of twelve.
Perhaps not surprisingly, an enterprising group of young people from the Island have set up a Facebook group called Join if you think Isle of Wighters should get cheaper festival tickets.
So, should they?
Not everybody who has posted on the group's page agrees. Tickets are even more expensive at Glastonbury, it would seem, and there are no local discounts there. On the other hand the Rugby Football Union routinely makes 1,100 discounted tickets available to local residents for summer concerts held at Twickenham Stadium.
Personally I admire anybody who makes a stand against the rip-off culture which seems to predominate these days. I wish the campaign every success.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Message from New Zealand
Hi from New Zealand
Here's a photo of my car and it's personal plate. It's "world famous in New Zealand".
You wouldn't believe the number of people who come up to me and ask - and then they launch into a blurb about going on holiday to Shanklin several years ago!
I keep "IOW" going from car to car - fond memories, etc., lived on the Island for 15 super years (1974-1989), the kids were born there and it's only the winter climate that keeps us from returning.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers
David H
Here's a photo of my car and it's personal plate. It's "world famous in New Zealand".
You wouldn't believe the number of people who come up to me and ask - and then they launch into a blurb about going on holiday to Shanklin several years ago!
I keep "IOW" going from car to car - fond memories, etc., lived on the Island for 15 super years (1974-1989), the kids were born there and it's only the winter climate that keeps us from returning.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers
David H
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Campaigning for equal access on the Island
By Alan Davies
I regularly hear, I regret to say, of inadequate provision made by suppliers of goods and services here on the Isle of Wight.
As a person with a disability it is important to get the most out of local services you use most often. It is a good idea to talk to the service providers you use most often, like your local doctor's surgery or a shop you use a lot, and explain exactly what your needs are. This will help them understand what adjustments they might need to make to the way they provide their services.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gave disabled people important rights of access to everyday services. Service providers have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to premises or to the way they provide a service. Sometimes it just takes minor changes to make a service accessible.
Under the DDA, it is against the law for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability. Service providers have to make "reasonable adjustments" to the way they deliver their services so that disabled people can use them. Examples of reasonable adjustments include: installing an induction loop for people who are hearing impaired, giving the option to book tickets by email as well as by phone, providing disability awareness training for staff who have contact with the public, providing larger well-defined signage for people with impaired vision, putting in a ramp at the entrance to a building as well as steps.
What is considered a "reasonable adjustment" for a large organisation like a bank may be different to a reasonable adjustment for a small local shop. It is about what is practical in the service provider's individual situation and what resources the business may have. They will not be required to make changes which are impractical or beyond their means. Failure or refusal to provide a service that is offered to other people to a disabled person is discrimination unless it can be justified.
If you find it difficult to access a local service - for example, you cannot use a local takeaway or sandwich shop because the counter is too high - you should contact the organisation and let them know. It is in their interest to make sure everyone can use their service. It is best to offer constructive suggestions as to how the service provider could improve the way their services are provided. Explain the difficulty you have in accessing their service and give examples of how other businesses have solved the problem, if you know of any. If the service provider agrees to make an adjustment, ask if they can put it in writing. This will help you follow up your request if the service provider does not keep their promise.
You may find it useful to refer service providers to the Equality and Human Rights Commission website for more information about making their services accessible to disabled customers. You could also tell them that the Equality and Human Rights Commission can advise service providers about their responsibilities under the DDA and how they can meet them. The document "Making access to goods and services easier for disabled customers" is a useful guide for service providers to their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. It was published by the Disability Rights Commission, which was replaced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 1 October 2007.
Please join Alan's Facebook group Diversi-TIES. Or visit the group's Diversti-TIES website.
I regularly hear, I regret to say, of inadequate provision made by suppliers of goods and services here on the Isle of Wight.
As a person with a disability it is important to get the most out of local services you use most often. It is a good idea to talk to the service providers you use most often, like your local doctor's surgery or a shop you use a lot, and explain exactly what your needs are. This will help them understand what adjustments they might need to make to the way they provide their services.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gave disabled people important rights of access to everyday services. Service providers have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to premises or to the way they provide a service. Sometimes it just takes minor changes to make a service accessible.
Under the DDA, it is against the law for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability. Service providers have to make "reasonable adjustments" to the way they deliver their services so that disabled people can use them. Examples of reasonable adjustments include: installing an induction loop for people who are hearing impaired, giving the option to book tickets by email as well as by phone, providing disability awareness training for staff who have contact with the public, providing larger well-defined signage for people with impaired vision, putting in a ramp at the entrance to a building as well as steps.
What is considered a "reasonable adjustment" for a large organisation like a bank may be different to a reasonable adjustment for a small local shop. It is about what is practical in the service provider's individual situation and what resources the business may have. They will not be required to make changes which are impractical or beyond their means. Failure or refusal to provide a service that is offered to other people to a disabled person is discrimination unless it can be justified.
If you find it difficult to access a local service - for example, you cannot use a local takeaway or sandwich shop because the counter is too high - you should contact the organisation and let them know. It is in their interest to make sure everyone can use their service. It is best to offer constructive suggestions as to how the service provider could improve the way their services are provided. Explain the difficulty you have in accessing their service and give examples of how other businesses have solved the problem, if you know of any. If the service provider agrees to make an adjustment, ask if they can put it in writing. This will help you follow up your request if the service provider does not keep their promise.
You may find it useful to refer service providers to the Equality and Human Rights Commission website for more information about making their services accessible to disabled customers. You could also tell them that the Equality and Human Rights Commission can advise service providers about their responsibilities under the DDA and how they can meet them. The document "Making access to goods and services easier for disabled customers" is a useful guide for service providers to their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. It was published by the Disability Rights Commission, which was replaced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 1 October 2007.
Please join Alan's Facebook group Diversi-TIES. Or visit the group's Diversti-TIES website.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Isle of Wight Review - it's here for you!
Sorry we've been a bit inactive over here lately but recently I've been working on the blog's Facebook account in the hope of bringing IOW Review to the attention of a wider audience.
I want this blog to become a resource for businesses and individuals based on the Island, to tell us what's going on over there right now and let us know if there is any activity going down that ought to be reported.
If you are from the Island and would like to contribute to these fine columns, please e-mail us at isleofwightreview@live.co.uk and let us know.
To link up with us at Facebook, please click here. We are also on Twitter and would love you to follow us.
I want this blog to become a resource for businesses and individuals based on the Island, to tell us what's going on over there right now and let us know if there is any activity going down that ought to be reported.
If you are from the Island and would like to contribute to these fine columns, please e-mail us at isleofwightreview@live.co.uk and let us know.
To link up with us at Facebook, please click here. We are also on Twitter and would love you to follow us.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Anyone for darts?
If you take a look down the right-hand column you'll see I've introduced a little online darts gaming thing.
Why? No particular reason, other than for the fact that I found it pleasingly addictive and I hope you might enjoy it also.
Simply maximise it to full screen and follow the instructions. I managed to beat the "very easy" guy - eventually. See whether you can improve on that!
Why? No particular reason, other than for the fact that I found it pleasingly addictive and I hope you might enjoy it also.
Simply maximise it to full screen and follow the instructions. I managed to beat the "very easy" guy - eventually. See whether you can improve on that!
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Waxworks resident ghost won't be homeless
By David Newble
When Brading’s famous wax museum shut its doors for the final time — one spooky exhibit was still promised a permanent home.
The skeletal remains of Frenchman Louis de Rochefort, who was murdered by Puritans at the former Crown Inn site, are set to remain in-situ, in his glass-topped coffin, whoever occupies the building.
And they had better not be scared of the dark, as people say Louis’s ghost is regularly seen in one of the upstairs bedrooms.
There are also rumours Louis’s dying screams and the sound of a coach rattling along the street outside can still be heard at night.
Last week, the County Press reported how the attraction, renamed Brading the Experience, had closed, with its collection set to be broken up and sold off.
Val Monger, of Daniel Street, Ryde, contacted the paper, anxious to find out what would happen to Louis’s remains, which was her favourite exhibit when she was a child.
The skeleton was unearthed by workmen in the 1960s, when they were putting in a water main.
They were found to be the remains of Loius de Rochefort, who was assassinated while trying to get a message to Charles I, when he was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle.
Efforts to track down Louis’s relatives failed, with nobody claiming the bones and he is set to remain interred on the IW.
Robert Ball, director of Brading Trading, the operating company for Brading the Experience, said he remained sceptical the skeleton was actually that of Louis.
He said: "There is a skull there but I would not suggest the skull is original. There is a little bit of artistic licence going on there."
Acknowledgements Isle of Wight County Press. Reporter davidm@iwcpmail.co.uk.
When Brading’s famous wax museum shut its doors for the final time — one spooky exhibit was still promised a permanent home.
The skeletal remains of Frenchman Louis de Rochefort, who was murdered by Puritans at the former Crown Inn site, are set to remain in-situ, in his glass-topped coffin, whoever occupies the building.
And they had better not be scared of the dark, as people say Louis’s ghost is regularly seen in one of the upstairs bedrooms.
There are also rumours Louis’s dying screams and the sound of a coach rattling along the street outside can still be heard at night.
Last week, the County Press reported how the attraction, renamed Brading the Experience, had closed, with its collection set to be broken up and sold off.
Val Monger, of Daniel Street, Ryde, contacted the paper, anxious to find out what would happen to Louis’s remains, which was her favourite exhibit when she was a child.
The skeleton was unearthed by workmen in the 1960s, when they were putting in a water main.
They were found to be the remains of Loius de Rochefort, who was assassinated while trying to get a message to Charles I, when he was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle.
Efforts to track down Louis’s relatives failed, with nobody claiming the bones and he is set to remain interred on the IW.
Robert Ball, director of Brading Trading, the operating company for Brading the Experience, said he remained sceptical the skeleton was actually that of Louis.
He said: "There is a skull there but I would not suggest the skull is original. There is a little bit of artistic licence going on there."
Acknowledgements Isle of Wight County Press. Reporter davidm@iwcpmail.co.uk.
Friday, 1 January 2010
About Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park
This popular venue is set in 88 acres of wonderful country and woodland on the Arreton Downs.
It offers fun attractions and some really fun activities for people of all ages as well as lots of open space for walking and leisure. The Island's native red squirrels can often be seen whilst one is enjoying a walk around the Park, and carp so tame that they eat from your hand are to be found in abundance at Carp Quay.
At the top of the hill the famous Colossus swinging galleon is not for the faint hearted. The Toboggan Run, Maze, Play Village, Time Machine and (new as from last year) Children's Train Ride are just some of the attractions to be enjoyed, not to mention the highly entertaining and informative twice-daily falconry display (weather permitting).
Visitors also have the opportunity to relax at the café where drinks and warm and cold food can be purchased and consumed either inside or out.
This year the Adventure Park opens on March 30th. As always visitors can return free of charge within 7 days of their first visit.
The Park (Sat Nav PO30 2NU) is located at Downend, near Arreton which is just outside Newport and boasts a large, free car park. Opening times are from 10am till late afternoon.
It offers fun attractions and some really fun activities for people of all ages as well as lots of open space for walking and leisure. The Island's native red squirrels can often be seen whilst one is enjoying a walk around the Park, and carp so tame that they eat from your hand are to be found in abundance at Carp Quay.
At the top of the hill the famous Colossus swinging galleon is not for the faint hearted. The Toboggan Run, Maze, Play Village, Time Machine and (new as from last year) Children's Train Ride are just some of the attractions to be enjoyed, not to mention the highly entertaining and informative twice-daily falconry display (weather permitting).
Visitors also have the opportunity to relax at the café where drinks and warm and cold food can be purchased and consumed either inside or out.
This year the Adventure Park opens on March 30th. As always visitors can return free of charge within 7 days of their first visit.
The Park (Sat Nav PO30 2NU) is located at Downend, near Arreton which is just outside Newport and boasts a large, free car park. Opening times are from 10am till late afternoon.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
A winter's weekend at Gurnard Pines
We've just spent our first weekend at Gurnard Pines, on the north coast of the Island near Cowes.
A week before Christmas the weather was never going to be good, but as the snow began to fall over London we feared the worst. However we arrived on the Island to discover that the snow clearly hadn't, and it remained that way until we left. Indeed on the Saturday and Sunday the sun was shining and there was a distinctly summery feeling in spite of the crisp cold outside of our our well-heated pine cabin.
Unlike many of the sites at which we've stayed, Gurnard Pines majors on leisure rather than nightlife. It boasts an amazingly spacious and well-equipped gym and a large and (at time of year anyway) very uncrowded swimming pool. The ladies' changing rooms have been refurbished to the point of luxury, and I was told the men's will follow suit shortly. After a workout or a swim one can relax at The Brasserie, at which one can buy coffee, alcoholic beverages and some quite classy food.
We were fortunate to be allocated one of the pine lodges, which are modern, spacious and extremely comfortable. We noticed some more basic chalets on site, but no caravans.
For those who like to relax over a beer in the evening it means a short walk into town once The Brasserie closes at 9.00pm. We found a nice little free house called The Portland Inn, where on the Friday night a local two-piece band entertained.
Gurnard Pines enjoys a good reputation, and we left resolving to return and see what it is like in the warmer months.
A week before Christmas the weather was never going to be good, but as the snow began to fall over London we feared the worst. However we arrived on the Island to discover that the snow clearly hadn't, and it remained that way until we left. Indeed on the Saturday and Sunday the sun was shining and there was a distinctly summery feeling in spite of the crisp cold outside of our our well-heated pine cabin.
Unlike many of the sites at which we've stayed, Gurnard Pines majors on leisure rather than nightlife. It boasts an amazingly spacious and well-equipped gym and a large and (at time of year anyway) very uncrowded swimming pool. The ladies' changing rooms have been refurbished to the point of luxury, and I was told the men's will follow suit shortly. After a workout or a swim one can relax at The Brasserie, at which one can buy coffee, alcoholic beverages and some quite classy food.
We were fortunate to be allocated one of the pine lodges, which are modern, spacious and extremely comfortable. We noticed some more basic chalets on site, but no caravans.
For those who like to relax over a beer in the evening it means a short walk into town once The Brasserie closes at 9.00pm. We found a nice little free house called The Portland Inn, where on the Friday night a local two-piece band entertained.
Gurnard Pines enjoys a good reputation, and we left resolving to return and see what it is like in the warmer months.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Buying your own Caravan - Park Resorts offering up to 30% off all stock!
Holiday park leader Park Resorts has announced its "Blue X Sale", with up to 30% off all its holiday homes.
New caravans are available from £12,995 with pre-owned stock going for as little as £7,995 and deposits starting from a mere £750. Guaranteed finance is also on offer.
The Isle of Wight plays host to four Park Resorts parks - Thorness Bay (near Cowes), Nodes Point (near Ryde), and Lower Hyde and Landguard (both in Shanklin).
Click here to see what is on offer, to view the terms and conditions and to arrange a visit online.
New caravans are available from £12,995 with pre-owned stock going for as little as £7,995 and deposits starting from a mere £750. Guaranteed finance is also on offer.
The Isle of Wight plays host to four Park Resorts parks - Thorness Bay (near Cowes), Nodes Point (near Ryde), and Lower Hyde and Landguard (both in Shanklin).
Click here to see what is on offer, to view the terms and conditions and to arrange a visit online.
Encountering Wildlife in Seaview
Formerly known as Flamingo Park, Seaview Wildlife Encounter is an award-winning family-run attraction a few minutes' drive from the popular Island resort of Ryde.
The visitor can see otters, meerkats, wallabies, penguins, flamingos, a wide variety of fowl and water birds and even interact with the animals at feeding time. Indeed open a bag of bird feed at the wrong time and you'll spend all day in the company of friends you never knew you had.
As well as providing a good opportunity to see wildlife, Seaview Wildlife Encounter provides a valuable learning opportunity for children and adults alike. With quizzes and competitions, photography days, birthday parties and a chance to meet the keepers, the Park is a unique experience for the visitor and has a "come again" factor all of its own.
Follow the B3330 from Ryde if you are driving, or take the Road Train along the Esplanade to combine an educational outing with a bit of fun and fresh air. Alternatively, the 16 bus route from Ryde runs fairly close by - ask to be dropped off at the bottom of Oakhill Road and follow the signposts from there.
Seaview (Sat Nav PO34 5AP) has a large car park overlooking the sea with ample space for all comers.
The visitor can see otters, meerkats, wallabies, penguins, flamingos, a wide variety of fowl and water birds and even interact with the animals at feeding time. Indeed open a bag of bird feed at the wrong time and you'll spend all day in the company of friends you never knew you had.
As well as providing a good opportunity to see wildlife, Seaview Wildlife Encounter provides a valuable learning opportunity for children and adults alike. With quizzes and competitions, photography days, birthday parties and a chance to meet the keepers, the Park is a unique experience for the visitor and has a "come again" factor all of its own.
Follow the B3330 from Ryde if you are driving, or take the Road Train along the Esplanade to combine an educational outing with a bit of fun and fresh air. Alternatively, the 16 bus route from Ryde runs fairly close by - ask to be dropped off at the bottom of Oakhill Road and follow the signposts from there.
Seaview (Sat Nav PO34 5AP) has a large car park overlooking the sea with ample space for all comers.
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