Isle of Wight News: November 2012 recap

Following her work experience with On The Wight in the summer, journalism student Rosie Saban, returns for our 2012 recap. Ed


November flew into focus with gusts of winds reaching up to 69mph one particularly blustery weekend; the highest weed speeds in the whole country that day.

Movember is now a worldwide event, having begun in Australia back in 2003. The English are particularly good at moustaches, from Charlie Chaplin style (significantly less popular after Hitler) to Freddie Mercury facial hair fashion, we can do it all. So Movember is always particularly popular over here, and the Isle of Wight was no exception as charitable ‘stache attempts flourished during the month long prostate cancer awareness campaign.

Poppies of all colours
It was Remembrance Day on the 11th November, and amongst the sea of red poppies were various other hues. White poppies were seen, serving as a symbol of hope and commitment to work towards a world without war, and this year we had purple poppies in commemoration of animal victims of human wars.

The Maternity team at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport were delivered the Maternity Unit Miracles award for the South region for their outstanding work and quality of care.

Launch of the Toy Appeal
An Island couple launched a toy appeal after learning how high child poverty is on the Isle of Wight, receiving a generous 2233 gifts which they then distributed to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds for Christmas.

Despite an incredibly low turnout of just 15% of the electorate, Simon Hayes was elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for the Isle of Wight.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Eleven young Islanders were given the Royal seal of approval when they went to a special ceremony at St James’ Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The sale announced in October of Ryde Theatre fell through.

Shock Cash Mob
Two Island business-women organised a ‘Shock Cash Mob’ in Newport where a horde of shoppers descend on retailers with a compulsory fiver in hand to spend within.

A new electric bike shop was officially opened in Ventnor by the High Sheriff for the Isle of Wight, as bikes look to be the transport of choice for green islanders and visitors alike.