Pay your taxes!

by wighteye

Some of today’s Occupy IOW protestors took to the High Street today to highlight the fact that some retailers are avoiding paying UK taxes. The avoidance of such taxes has led to the savage cuts to services that we’ve experienced here on the Isle of Wight and throughout the UK generally. Protesters visited the Vodafone shop in Newport, Isle of Wight and left messages on many of the phones and tablets. The shop manager asked the protestors to leave, which they did, protesting outside the shop. Ventnorblog have tweeted that the protest then moved on to British Home Stores, although by that stage Wighteye had left the area.

Occupy IOW

by wighteye

In sympathy with the global occupy camps, including those in London and New York, a group of about 30 concerned individuals met in St Thomas’ Square, Newport to show solidarity with other protestors and outrage at the situation where the top 1% of the population, bankers included, have been getting richer at the expense of the 99%. Local Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, arrived and informally engaged several protesters in debate prior to speeches by Mark Chiverton (Labour candidate at the last General Election and UNISON shop steward) , Geoff Lumley (only Labour Councillor on IW Council). Robin Sivapalan spoke passionately about the scandal of the UK Arms Trade peddling misery and war in the Middle East and beyond and Tanja Rebel encouraged those present to seize the opportunity to create a more equitable system for all.

First arrivals

by wighteye

Dog walking along the Medina by the Folly Lake today, Wighteye spotted eleven Brent Geese, the first of this winter’s arrivals, certainly not there two days ago. It’s nature’s way of telling us that changes in weather are again on their way.

Reduction in Library Opening Hours

by wighteye

With the Isle of Wight Council having chosen East Cowes Library as one of the five for closure as from the end of September 2011, Wighteye thought it useful to review the local provision. Of course, the Council will claim that the library has not closed and that it will be run by local volunteers, but why are they still appealing for volunteers both within the library itself and on boards outside the town hall?

Back in January of this year, Wighteye wrote of proposed cuts to the local service; at that time provision was 30 hours per week, with trained library staff. That was cut to 20 hours per week from April 2011 and as from October 1st 2011 will reduce to just 12 hours per week, presumably with no experienced/trained library staff.

So, lets be clear, a 60% cut in opening hours, and the the local precept for East Cowes has risen due to taking on the local library! Marvellous!!!!!!

Fun and frolics at Firestone Copse

by wighteye

Personal trainer Sandy encouraged a walk around Firestone Copse yesterday; once her lead was attached a circuitous route resulted in a mud bath for Sandy and the discovery of some exotic clothing, draped from a pile of logs. Wighteye didn’t get close enough to check the size label, but was of the opinion that it might be rather on the large side, possibly a ‘drag’ to wear!

Spiders rampant

by wighteye

Having heard that it was a good year for Spiders, Wighteye decided to have a look in our own tiny courtyard garden. Plenty of webs to be seen, hidden in corners and stretching across from rotary drier to gate, fence to bird feeders. Most specimens were the humble garden spider, but one more exotic and beautiful specimen was located. It’s a wasp spider, originally from the continent and now to be found in Southern England; known for it’s aggressive behaviour, it also builds it’s web with a zigzag stabilising system. I had wondered why the birds had stopped visiting the feeder! However, that could be due to the arrival of personal trainer Sandy about whom more another time.

Faith in nature

by wighteye

Humble sparrows have today brought light to Wighteye’s little world by appearing in the tiny back garden, feeding on a collection of seeds that have been hanging unattended for months! Could it be the damp weather today? Or is it the appearance of a water feature in the garden? Or the disappearance of next door’s near feral cats?

NatWest Island Games 2011: Kids show how to score

by wighteye

After extra time at the final of the men’s football in the NatWest Island Games, the kids obviously decided to show the adults just how easy it is to score, courtesy of HoverTravel, sponsors of the football events, and their oversize ball. Great team play!

NatWest Island Games 2011 Men’s Football Final Guernsey v Isle of Wight

by wighteye

The final started well for Guernsey, with an early goal following a defensive failure to clear a high bouncing ball;  it was a hot and sunny afternoon and part way through the second half, Wighteye sought the shade behind the goal just in time to see two Isle of Wight goals within a few minutes of each other, following good teamwork.  Confidence was then high amongst the Isle of Wight team, only to see Guernsey draw level  a few minutes before the end of the second half.  Extra time must have been very hard for both teams in the sweltering conditions, but Isle of Wight fought strongly to score another two goals and narrowly missed with a couple of other efforts.  So, Isle of Wight were winners of the competition by 4 goals to 2.  The match was held at St George’s Park, home of Newport FC, and was very well attended.  Full credit to those slaving away cooking burgers and chips in all the heat!

NatWest Island Games 2011 Women’s Football Semi-Final Åland v Greenland

by wighteye

This was Wighteye’s first experience of women’s football at this Island Games;  having previously coached a girl’s team and seen a women’s FA Cup Final, it was interesting to see the performance of these two teams and to contrast their performance with that of the men’s teams.  There was some nice skilful play exhibited at times and Åland used the space on the pitch very well, but the big difference in comparison with the men’s teams was comparative lack of aggression and speed.  By half time, Wighteye was wondering whether either team would score, both had chances, but at the break it was 0-0.  The second half found Åland making their dominance count, resulting in a final score of 6-1, three of the goals coming from penalty kicks (2 for Åland, 1 for Greenland).  Credit should go to Greenland who never let their heads drop, but continued to play to the end.  The match took place at East Cowes Vics.