PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE SCHOOL YEAR ARE OUT:
A programme has been sent out to parents, outlining the proposed changes to the extra term of the school year. This will be for the pupils who are not quite 16 and will be required to stay on. Director of Education, Sylvia Cole (SC), sums up the proposals:
SC: Within the next few days all parents of children in year 1 upwards should receive a draft programme and a questionnaire in relation to what has become known as proposal 4. This refers to the extra term, which will be compulsory from September 2004 onwards. For those pupils who have just finished Year 11 but who will be too young to leave school because they will be not quite 16 years of age. There will be a 12-week programme for those pupils and we anticipate low numbers but we are setting up a full core curriculum of 36 periods per week. In addition, there will be self-study, distance learning and work placement options. And, alongside these, to add some fun for the pupils staying in school, there will be packages of challenge, leisure and wider interest activities. These are all given in detail in the paper, which has gone out to parents for comment. If anyone is not a parent wishes to comment, I would encourage those to do so. Copies of the consultation paper and questionnaires are available at the bank and in the post office in Stanley, or by e-mail from the Education Office. Please respond. The closing date for replies is Friday, 18 October 2002. One important thing for people to notice is that this programme has been worked out with the staff at FICS. It’s a full programme that is intended to fill the whole of the 12 weeks. Some of the concerns initially were that the programme seemed like half education and half something else. But because it’s important to make this attractive as well, we do have activities. For example, there is a survival course that the FIDF have offered to run for us. There is a road safety/basic-driving course that the Police have offered help on and there are other courses in relation to first aid and lifeguard training that we are looking at. We did one core programme so it could be looked at and we need something that can be flexible to individual children. Because the needs of one won’t be the same as the needs of the other. One thing I haven’t stressed because we aren’t talking about individuals, but if children have special needs, there will be a special needs programme for them. The programme is basic literacy, numeracy and basic skills on each day that they are in school.
PRINCE ANDREW TO VISIT URUGUAY ON HIS WAY TO THE ISLANDS:
Prior to his visit to the Falklands, Prince Andrew will be stopping off in Uruguay. This is according to information released by the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The release also talks about the fact that the Duke of York now heads the British Trade International, which is a Government organisation that promotes trade and investments overseas. Also mentioned was his role in the 1982 conflict as a helicopter pilot.
GLAM UP:
If you feel like getting glammed up for a good cause this Friday, you will need to move quickly. Tickets for the Falklands Conservation Ball are selling fast. They cost £10.00 each and the event starts at 2000 this Friday evening. Presenter, Helen Blades will be creating a party atmosphere from the FIBS Studio between 2000 and 2300. This will also be broadcast islands-wide. A leaflet showing pictures of the artwork for auction on the night have been distributed to people in Camp. And, to stop the riots outside the Jetty Centre for all those eager people trying to view the paintings, Falklands Conservation will be opening until 1800 on Wednesday.
WESTMINSTER:
HMS WESTMINSTER has arrived in the Falklands for a month-long visit. The Captain of the ship, CDR David Rhinedork (DR) came into the studio yesterday.
LH: What will you be doing in the time that you will be here?
DR: The highlight is a trip to South Georgia. I am going to take team people down there and take part in an exercise to practice search and rescue procedures mainly. For us on board the highlight will be to actually see the wildlife.
LH: Have you been to South Georgia before?
DR: No.
LH: Have you been to the Falklands before?
DR: I have flown down to the Islands twice before and I have only ever seen MPA and that road to East Cove. I have never seen anywhere else so I am looking forward to seeing some of the countryside. Yesterday we went for a walk along Burtha’s Beach and it was fantastic. And, we found 15 penguins.
LH: What do you think of the place so far?
DR: I like it a lot to be honest. It’s very different from home, everybody’s extremely friendly and very British. That’s not always the case in some of the ports you visit in the UK. I like the fresh air, clean beaches and magnificent countryside. As a somewhat retired mountaineer, I really do like the scenery.
LH: While the WESTMINSTER ’s here, I guess you will be spending the rest of that at sea.
DR: A fair proportion of it. We are alongside for briefings at the moment and we sail on Wednesday. We are going out to the Sound and doing settlement visits to Port San Carlos, Ajax Bay, fox Bay and anchoring overnight in San Carlos. Friday we are off to Saunders Island and, if the weather conditions are good, and the wind is not from the North, I actually hope to take the ship into Saunders Island Sound.
LH: And you can’t come into Stanley because there is not enough water.
DR: It’s just too shallow to get a type 23 in here. It’s a shame but we need normally a minimum of 9 metres of water.
LH: So what other places have you been? What is the most interesting?
DR: I’ve been to many fascinating places and they are all fascinating for different reasons. It would be hard to say which one. I have enjoyed most and especially the African ports because you can see a completely different way of life. We stopped off in Rio on our way down here for a 4-day diplomatic R & R visit. That was a fantastic city. And, I am looking forward to going to Montevideo on the way back again. I enjoy every place and they are all what you make them.
LH: Why only a month? It isn’t long.
DR: It’s really not all that long but for operational reasons, we are here for a shorter period of time. We are required somewhere else next year. We will be home in time for Christmas. We will have a bit of leave over December, a bit of maintenance in January and then we are required to sail again.
SAMA’82 LOGO:
It seems people are proud to wear the SAMA’82 logo. Reflections report that sales of the official November Pilgrimage clothing are going well. The shop has been selling specially designed polo shirts, sweatshirts, rugby shirts and V neck sweaters. Also on sale are lapel badges which double as tie-tacks. You can even complete the look with a Pilgrimage Logo Tie, a number of which are expected to arrive soon.
POLICE SERVICE:
After serving 13.5 and 15 years respectively, Graham Didlick and Pauline Sacket are leaving the Royal Falkland Islands Police. But Graham has served a total of 36 years in the police force between here and the UK. There is to be a short presentation tonight at Government House (to which media may or may not have been invited – FINN did ask but got no reply).
SATURDAY NIGHT:
The luminaries of the Stanley darts scene will be rewarded on Saturday night. The Darts prize giving and party takes place in the Town Hall. Doors will open at 2000 and the prizes will be handed out from 2100. Each player has been allocated two tickets, which cost £2.00 from Leif’s and the Globe. For all others who don’t play darts, don’t despair. Tickets will be made available on Friday. After the presentation on the night, there will be a bar extension to 0100.
NOT GUILTY FOR MILITARY MAN:
A Military man was found not guilty of speeding yesterday. PTE Matthew Lee appeared before JPs Tim Blake, Marj McPhee and Mario Zuvic. PTE Lee had been recorded by two Police Officers, allegedly driving a Land-rover at 55 MPH on the MPA Road. Defence Council, Richard Marlor, questioned the accuracy of the measurement taken by the Police speed gun., suggesting that the police vehicle was moving at the time, which would have created a false reading. The two Police Officers denied this. Mr. Marlor also suggested the possibility of a fault in the speed gun itself, which had been tested 10 minutes before the reading was taken but not immediately before. JP, Tim Blake said that as the |Police had not measured the stretch of road on which the defendant was accused of speeding. It was impossible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the reading was correct. Therefore, PTE Lee was acquitted of the charge.
STRUT YOUR STUFF:
Time is running out if you want to strut your stuff at the Town Hall on Friday night. Doors open at 2000. Tickets are still available from Falklands Conservation and at FIBS.
SHEEP-CHILL FACTOR ARRIVES BACK FOR THE NEW SEASON:
It’s a bit earlier this year but it is back. A return of the sheep-chill factor to the weather forecast begins on the 1st of October. The service normally starts on the 1st of November and runs through until the end of February. But why a month early? It’s so those farmers who are doing pre-lamb shearing can have easy access to the information. As usual, you will be able to hear everything you will want to know throughout the day on FIBS and BFBS.
KIWI TO COACH THE KELPERS:
A former New Zealand Cricketer is to come to the Islands in December. Warren Stott, who represented new Zealand internationally, will be providing coaching for anyone interested in Cricket. Mr. Stott will be running sessions for both children and adults, the programme for which will be produced soon. The Veteran Cricket Association was instrumental in finding Mr. Stott, whose visit will be funded by the Shackleton fund.
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE FLU VACCINE:
The World Health Organisation announced yesterday that the composition of next year’s flu vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere has been decided. The disease killed an estimated 22,000 people in the USA last year, with the elderly diabetics and those with heart or respiratory problems most at risk. Director of Health and Social Services, Norman McGregor Edwards, explained that the Falklands flu vaccines for these people are usually ordered in November or December. This is due to the amount of people travelling to the UK in the northern winter. On average, 300 people in the high risk groups receive the jab in the Islands every year. Mr. McGregor Edwards added that the only people for whom the vaccine is not safe are those with a dangerous hypersensitivity to eggs.
FALKLANDS RUN:
A platoon of Paras are planning to row the equivalent of the distance around the Falklands this Sunday to raise money for SAMA’82 and a special baby care unit in the UK. 2Platoon the Parachute Regiment will be rowing a total of 640 km, which is just under 400 miles on indoor concept rowing machines. Each man will row 22 km – just over 13.5 miles. The distance must be completed in 5.5 hours or the Platoon will be subjected to forefits.
MISSIONARY CEO:
The man who will be conducting interviews for Rev. Alistair McHaffie’s replacement is in the Islands. Canon Ian Watson, who is the Chief Executive of the Intercontinental Church Society, will be carrying out interviews on the 10th of October. He will be present at a "Bring and Share" Luncheon at the Parish Hall on Sunday at 1200.
DIESEL LEAK:
A small amount of diesel has leaked into the harbour from FIPASS. It is thought that it could be coming from one of the trawlers that was transhipping. A tank on the stern of the ship has been emptied just in case.
COUNCILLORS ARRIVE BACK:
The first of the Councillors are due to arrive back in the Islands on Saturday. Cllr Mike Summers has been attending an EU conference. Jan Cheek will arrive back on the Islands on Tuesday from the Overseas Territories Consultative Council. Richard Cockwell is in Alaska at the moment with Director of Fisheries, John Barton and Stuart Wallace. They are looking at a port development there.
TRIPS AROUND THE HARBOUR:
There’s a few more things yet to happen in the fund raising efforts for Dennis Middleton. The Golf Club has come up with a donation of £224.00 as a result of a competition they held a week last Sunday. The Brasserie made a donation of £89.93 after their afternoon tea session.
There are a few up and coming events. The Stanley boating fraternity will be doing a trip around the harbour commencing at 1300 from the Public Jetty next Saturday. The trip will last an hour. The people will be able to see wrecks, passing dolphins, seals, and a photo opportunity to see Stanley from a different perspective. The cost will be £8.00 each. People must wear a life jacket and if there are no fitting life jackets, the person won’t go. You must book the trip on 22950 and make your booking with June at the Dolphin Guest House. At the end of the week we will be able to see how many boats will be required. Boats will be on the hour, every hour from 1300. If the weather is bad then the trips will take place on Sunday.
Another event is the dance in the Parish Hall on Friday, 11 October with live music from 1800 to 2200. Admission is £1.50
SUCCESSFUL SLIMMERS:
The final results from the slimmers are out. Losing a total of 59 lbs. between tem, Gail Miller, Gwynne Clarke and Lisa Lowe have been raising money for Dennis. They had their final weigh-in this morning. Gail lost a total of 30 lbs. Gwynne lost 22 lbs. and Lisa lost 7 lbs. They don’t know yet what the final total raised will be but we will let you all know when they do.
CONSERVATION BALL:
A grand total of £6180.00 was raised at Friday’s Falklands Conservation auction. Due to the skillfulness and badgering of the auctioneer, Barry Elsby, all items went for more than £100.00 and some went for extraordinary amounts. The largest bidding rivalry was for a painting by John Smith. Head teacher of the Primary School was in the Town Hall and Police Officer, Jock Elliot, on the phone, battled it to around £600.00. This was until John Farrow bit the bullet and raised the stakes to £700.00. Jock then bowed out gracefully. A similar bidding war was for a painting from Becky Ingham between Drew Irvine and Steve Johnstone. Steve lost his nerve at £500.00. And, another town hall Vs phone bidder was between Norman McGregor Edwards and Marilyn Grimmer, Marilyn ending up with a sepia tinted artwork by Veronica Fowler, of 2 sheep shearers for over £400.00. And, Maggy Battersby’s painting was nearly the cause of marital strife when the auctioneer’s wife, Bernadette Paver, bid £350.00 for the paintin, which, for a while, Barry Elsby ignored. It wasn’t until Helen Blades in the studio intervened that Barry capitulated and Bernadette got her painting.
DARTS PRIZE GIVING:
Saturday saw the Darts Prize-giving take place but there wasn’t such a good turn out this year. In fact, it was quite poor. But that didn’t stop everyone who did go from having a great night. There were trophies galore doing the rounds of the hall with many different concoctions and then the dancing started. Prizes picked up on the night included those for the Kendall Cup, highest ladies team, Pale Maidens, and the team with the least amount of points, Media Morsels, were awarded the wooden spoon. Julie Clarke and Keith Alazia were announced as top players of the year.
TUSSAC PLANTING:
With the excellent weekend weather and people’s spirits soaring, 15 to 20 vehicles left Stanley and headed off to Port Harriet point on Sunday for the tussac planting day. Around 50 people turned out and they planted 2000 plants. Sarah Clement from Falklands Conservation said that it was a fantastic turn-out. Along with Joe and Trudy Neal, they would like to say thank-you to everyone who took time out to help.
WARNING:
With the new season of road-building underway, drivers are being warned to be careful when driving along the San Carlos Track between the junction of Darwin Road and the Sussex Hills. This is because several cattle grids have been installed and the approaches are not quite finished.
HARBOUR NEWS:
Tamar FI arrived in Stanley on Sunday night and moved to FIPASS on Monday morning to discharge cargo. Korean trawler, Aurora II was in Berkley Sound transshipping as was Costello, which is now gone. On Sunday the Playa da Galicia transshipped to Sierra Guenerro and was taken over by the Playa da Marin.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO HOST THE NEXT SAMA FUNDRAISER:
The latest in the SAMA ’82 fundraisers to be a fundraiser at Government House. It’s taking place on Friday the 13th and costs £25.00 a ticket. The price includes dinner, drinks, and entertainment. There is also going to be a raffle with some excellent prizes, including 2 nights for two at Sea-lion Lodge with flights included paintings by Sarah Baker, dinner and champagne for two at the Brasserie, and many more. There will also be live music on the night. But, you’ll have to hurry, though, as there are only 60 tickets. To reserve your seat, give Tina a ring at Government House.
OVER £8,000.00 RAISED AT CONSERVATION BALL:
There’s been a change to the total money raised at the Falklands Conservation Ball. Sarah Clement (SC) and Becky Ingham (BI) came in to tell us more about that and the tussac planting on Sunday.
SC: It was an absolutely brilliant success – more than we ever expected it to be. That is down to the support of the Falkland Islands people, really. We have a total of £6180.00 raised from the paintings that were donated to us and we think the overall total is going to be around £8,000.00. That’s absolutely tremendous.
LH: It all goes to Conservation, which is a charity.
SC: Exactly. Without these funds, we wouldn’t be able to operate as we do. It will go towards all sorts of projects and back into the community.
LH: Like the Marine Mammal Medics course, for example.
SC: Definitely – tussac planting, anything like that.
LH: And, that happened on Sunday, too.
SC: It did. That was also a great success.
LH: Did you go, Becky?
BI: Yes. I did. I was deeply impressed. There was a good 50 people there, I would think, with the watch group. There were 15 or 20 rovers and 15 or 20 boggings, one of which was Sarah’s and one of which was mine because I followed her. The kids had a great day out. Joe and Trudy Newell were absolutely thrilled to bits and they actually asked us to pass on their thanks to everyone who was involved. We filled in an area of tussac between two existing stands so there were around 2,000 to 2500 plants.
SC: It was over in about three hours. It was hardly any time at all for that type of planting. Everybody just pulled out all the stops and just went for it. The sun was out and that was a great help. And there was a light breeze.
SPRING HOLIDAY:
There seems to be some confusion over the spring holiday that used to be known as Peat Cutting Monday. The holiday takes place on the first Monday of October, after it was put back into the calendar. It was moved for a little while to Falkland Day but that was found not to be appropriate, so was returned to its rightful place. This means that it will be on Monday, 07 October and not today as some people thought.
POLICE NEWS:
On Friday afternoon, a person reported a possible theft of a Panasonic Digital camcorder from the Victory Bar. If anyone has picked it up by accident, would they please let the Police know. Later on in the evening, there was a report of a chimney fire on Ross Road West. The fire brigade was tasked and everything was in order just over 10 minutes later. On Saturday, a young man reported that he had found some live ammunition at Cape Pembroke. The EOD were dispatched and the matter was dealt with. On Sunday, the Police received a call that somebody had struck and mortally wounded a sheep by Estancia. The Police contacted the owner and he sorted it out.
GAZETTE:
In this month’s Gazette, there were 5 resignations from Government – Paul Robertson from FIGAS, Denis Humphreys, from the Education Department, Alison Dodd, from the Taxation Office, Emma Reid, from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and Graham Didlick from the Royal Falkland Islands Police. There were two appointments – Brenda Bone to Police Constable, and Jenny Smith as Clerk. Tysson Smith, Zac Stephenson, Tim Bone and Tanya Lee were all promoted and Pauline Sackett transferred from the Police to the Printing Office.
(100X Transcription Service)
