Following her work experience with On The Wight in the summer, journalism student Rosie Saban, returns for our 2012 recap. Ed
February strolled along, bringing a dousing of some brisk weather, and a good dose of fascinating news and articles:
On the council front, the Conservatives budget proposal beat opposition and was voted through after a lengthy five hour full council session.
The council’s parking report revealed that a fifth of all Isle of Wight parking tickets are issued in error.
Inspirational stuff
A truly inspiring Phil Packer, a man told he would never walk again after horrific spinal injuries in 2008, completed the Isle of Wight stretch of his 2012 mile walk in aid of his organisation British Inspiration Trust.
Another sporting feat, this time in the cricketing realm, young Island bowler Danny Briggs was selected for the England cricket team.
The future of the press
On The Wight (then still VentnorBlog) hit the nationals when their opinion was sought for an article in the Guardian about Daily Mail Editor Paul Dacre’s suggestion of a press card. On The Wight were concerned about the impact it would have on hyperlocal news sites.
It was a leap year! So many happy returns were wished to those who only got to celebrate their birthday every four years.
Community activities
Sandown Zoo had an influx of guides, of the girlguiding variety, when the Girlguiding South West Region Roadshow was held there in February, with 100 members and parents taking part in the day of activities.
In an incident believe to be the first of its kind on the Island, an ambulance attending the Air Ambulance had items stolen from within when parked on a playing field in Newport. Amongst the taken items was a syringe with a controlled drug.
In another unusual occurrence, a counterfeit note warning was issued by Hursts in Ventnor after receiving two counterfeit £50 notes in quick succession.
Last, but not least, trimming the end of February, the 2012 Hedgelaying Contest took place, with onlookers watching as competitors were each given five hours to attempt to tame their section of hedge that had been 21 years in the growing. Tom Murphy (pictured) took first place.
