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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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Marriage of Gavin Knipe and Madria HerneOn Saturday 24th October 1998, at St Mary's Church, Georgetown, Gavin Knipe and Madria Herne were married.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Father Keith James.
Gavin's father Gordon acted as best man and Madria was given away by her father, Raymond. Renee Thomas, wearing a long satin burgundy dress, made a lovely bridesmaid and although too young to stand with Renee, Gavin and Madria's daughter, Kyla Jade, was their flower girl. Madria wore a white satin dress with a 'sweetheart' neckline with a sequin and pearl detail on the bodice, sleeves and train. The veil was borrowed from Madria's mum, being the one that she wore at her own wedding.
The groom, best man and bride's father
all wore black suits, white shirts and burgundy ties.
Photographs were taken at No 9 and followed with a reception at the Volcano Club Gazebo.
Gavin works for the CSR Fire Security Department as a Crew
Chief and although now living on St. Helena, Madria used to work
there also. Unfortunately Madria's mum, Jocelyn, and her
brothers, Leighton and Alister weren't able to join them from St.
Helena for this special occasion. Gavin's sister, Sandi, however
managed to make the trip from England for her brother's Big Day.
The family group pictured at No 9.
FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK
As many of your know, "she-who-must-be-obeyed" has been in the UK for the last couple of weeks on family business. Although by the time you read this, Niddy will have returned - albeit rather lighter in the pocket I confidently predict. Whilst there she has been shopping and has purchased several things on behalf of her friends here. But I was intrigued to hear that she is returning with 37 brassieres for various customers. Do they wear out quickly here? Or is there a bra-eating bug that we men should know about? Very strange.
Courtesy of Nathan Prince, the genius of the web, my office now has a web site (address: www.ascension-island.gov.ac) and lots of people have been in touch. Some are old friends who have asked me to pass on their regards to their pals here. These include Karen and Duncan Smith (ex CSO), Andrew Marshall (US correspondent for the Independent who came here last April) and Brenda and Denys Williams (ex CBFASI - now serving in Winnipeg).
In case you have missed it, at the AIMG meeting last week (see full report elsewhere in this issue), Major Jeff Lowdermilk explained that because of some new arrangements recently introduced, the postal service to and from the United States is likely to experience delays during the period leading up to Christmas. So Jeff's strong advice to those of your ordering goods from the US for Christmas is to do so soon or you may be disappointed.
With increasingly more demanding legislation being introduced, the subject of Health and Safety is increasingly occupying senior mangers' minds. We are concerned that unless we tighten up procedures at the pierhead during ships operations, there will be a nasty accident. So I shall shortly issue a public notice limiting access to the pier (but only whilst ships are being. worked) to staff directly involved in the operation and to fishing boat crews (but not to their families, friends or clients). I am sorry to have to introduce yet another restriction, but I hope you will agree that it is all in a good cause. And it will only affect a few people for a couple of days each month.
I had a very nice letter from Kerry Benjamin now studying at an East End of London sixth form college. She is settling down nicely but really misses her friends and family back here. She asked to be remembered to you all. She, along with our other sixth form student Andrea Peters, will be here for Christmas along with our recent military recruits Sean and David Leo and Julie Arms. Should be some party ...!
Next week Niddy and I will visit St. Helena on the RMS shuttle. Most of my time will be spent discussing tourism, the environment and our heritage. I also hope to meet some ex-Ascensionites. But if any reader has anything they would like me to raise on their behalf with the Governor, with SHG councillors or civil servants, please let me know.
Finally, we all inured to our friends and colleagues leaving Ascension on their retirement or on completion of their contracts. But I shall be particularly sorry to see Brian Joshua of CSR leave. "BJ" has been here for many years and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his tireless efforts in feeding the thousands of service people based here during the Falklands Conflict. He is a wise and generous man and he will be sorely missed. I shall always fondly remember him for his regular Sunday morning litter clean-ups along the roadsides. I am sure you will all want to join me in wishing him a long and contented retirement in St. Helena.
Roger Huxley
26 October 1998
NEWS FROM ASCENSION AUXILIARY AIRFIELDWhile they will obviously be on the island for a short time longer, I would like to express the United State Air Force's most sincere appreciation to Graham and Chris Avis. Their professional partnership with Ascension Auxiliary Airfield over the years has been exceptional. Additionally, their friendship has truly touched everyone on the island. While I have seen several personnel depart the island even in my short time here, I have yet to see such universal praise for work done on the island and sadness at losing two of the island's true cornerstones.
During the previous week, we supported two successful rocket launches. On Tuesday, 20 October, we provided radar and telemetry coverage for an Atlas II rocket carrying two communications satellites. One day later, we provided radar and telemetry coverage for an Ariane V rocket carrying a dummy load.
During our on-going modification of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) facility, we discovered a bad antenna bearing. This is the antenna which is not protected by a dome on Cat Hill. Unfortunately, the antenna dish will have to be removed to facilitate this replacement. As Cat Hill is currently covered with equipment for the modification, we are facing a special challenge as to where to place the antenna dish temporarily once removed. We have several engineers studying several options. The good news is we cut over to the temporary SATCOM facility during the evening hours of 20 October.
During 20-21 October, we were visited by two VIPS, Mr Phil Gardiner and Mr Bill Brennan. Mr Gardiner is a CSR employee in charge of both Antigua Air Station and Ascension Auxiliary Airfield. As we enter into a contract year, Mr Gardiner will be working CSR's new proposal to the United States Air Force. In his absence, Mr Brennan will take over this key position. Unfortunately, Mr Fran Shill, President of CSR was scheduled to attend, but had to cancel his plans at the last minute due to an unanticipated professional commitment. The visit by Mr Gardiner and Mr Brennan was very successful as we were able to elevate several key issues regarding the station.
On 22 October, we held a preconstruction meeting for construction on dormitory 8, The Gulch. As it stands now, this dormitory will be vacated by 9 November and construction will begin shortly thereafter. This is part of our two-year five dormitory renovation project. Dormitory 8 is the second of these five facilities to enter into this renovation.
While I try to keep this article focused on professional topics, I couldn't resist in expressing my interest ii reading The Observer's Book of British Awards and Medals provided to me by Mr Mike Dougherty. I am amazed at the conscious integrity that has gone into the issuance of these awards and medals. I am also intrigued by the controversy that surrounds some of them such as the claim that the Order of the Thistle may have been founded in 787. If proven to be true, it would become more prestigious than the Order of the Garter.
Major Jeff Lowdermilk
Most of our contributors will have noticed that their hard efforts have been somewhat tampered with. Apologies but this was very necessary in order that I could get everything to fit in this week's publication. As it is, I fear that the collators are going to be very unimpressed and have to work their stapling machines a tad too hard.
Anyway I had to make sure that there was just enough room left to make an important Public Announcement. Steve 'Rude Not To' Fowler has left the Island. Speaking as one who has had to work with him for the last two years I would just like to say that my liver is very happy about this. Seriously ... ish on behalf of all who have worked with him, drank with him and suffered hangovers with him, thanks for a great laugh. Steve has been involved in quite a lot in the time that he's been here, editing this publication, football correspondent (in Jeff Jones' absence), part time bar member of the Exiles, occasional bar staff at Two Boats club and fisherman extraordinaire. Cheers geyser and enjoy your holidays in Spain and Japan. (By the way Steve has let on that his ticket to Japan only cost £350 return. Amazing that, twice the distance for half the price when compared to flights here).
It's sad to see "one of the boys" leave the island. Steve Fowler was the inspiration behind the on-line edition. Little did I know what I'd let myself in for when he persuaded me to do it!!!
I know Steve will be reading the On-Line edition so from all of us left here - good luck for the future mate.
Steve Fowler's Gone!
Last updated: 31/10/98
All articles © copyright 1998 The Islander Newspaper.
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