 |
The Ascension Island Newspaper |
|
|
|
The Ascension Island Newspaper |
|
|
 |
On Saturday 28th November
1998, at St Mary's Church, Georgetown, Gavin John Youde
and Patricia June Peters were married. The service was conducted by the Reverend Father Keith James. Gavin's father Sid acted as best man and Patricia was given away by her son Jamie Maggott. The lovely bridesmaids, dressed in peach, were Gavin's daughter Alexi Leo and Natasha Williams. Patricia wore a western style outfit complete with boots and white stetson.. The groom and best man were both dressed in tuxedos, white shirts and black bow ties. The weather was perfect sunshine and very hot. |
| Gavin works for Merlin Communications at
English Bay and Patricia works as a nurse at the
Georgetown Hospital. The picture above was taken at Number 9 before the official party joined the rest of the guests for the reception at the Exiles Club. Pictured right is the family group with, brothers, sisters and proud parents Sid & Doris Youde and Cecil & Edith Maggott. |
 |
|
||||
The following letter is the latest Home Office reply regarding the Citizenship issue. The government have stated their White Paper will be published by Christmas.
Dear Lord Iveagh, Thank you for your letter of 4 November to Jack Straw about the forthcoming White Paper on the Overseas Territories. I have been asked to respond in view of my responsibility for nationality and immigration matters. Ministers are keenly aware of the sense of expectation created in the Territories by Robin Cook's speech to the Dependent Territories Association earlier this year, and the particular importance which many attach to improved access to the United Kingdom and other parts of the EU. My officials have been meeting regularly with their counterparts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, most recently on 3 November, to discuss the mechanics of a possible scheme which would allow those who at present are British Dependent Territories citizens to acquire British citizenship and thereby the right of abode in this country. We shall publish our proposals at the earliest possible opportunity. Yours sincerely, (Signed) Mike O'Brien |
|||
ASCENSION ISLAND HERITAGE SOCIETY
A committee meeting was held on 18th November at the Museum, and the following items were discussed
1. Appointment of Society
Secretary
Gill Johnson was
proposed as Secretary, and this was accepted
2. Matters arising from last meeting
a. Walks Book. A suitable quotation for printing the covers had been received from UK, and it was agreed that these should be ordered as soon as suitable photographs had been identified
b. Letterboxes and Stamps. Mike Kelter reported that all the new stamps have been distributed where necessary.
c. Archives Building. Graham Biggar was invited to join the meeting to discuss the requirements for completing the building [After the meeting Graham, Roger, Gabrielle and Pete discussed the work required to complete the building, and Graham will submit quotations for each job]
d. Junk. Iain and Dave to investigate to see who is actually using the "Two Boats" area so that they can be individually requested to clear the junk.
e. Treasurers Report. Dave submitted a report giving the position of the Society's accounts
f. New Sign. AIS have been asked to erect the sign. Gabrielle Cavana to process.
g. Devil's Riding School. There is no information whether this work has been completed. Gabrielle will visit and report
h. Extra Museum Space. It was suggested that if a suitable alternative accommodation could be found for the Islander Newspaper, it may be worth AIHS paying for any alterations etc. The search continues ......
I. Postcards. A sub-committee was agreed to pursue this subject, comprising of Gabrielle, plus two others
3. Membership of the Society It was agreed that people both on Ascension and overseas, should be encouraged to join the Society (at a nominal fee of £l). Pete and Gill to formulate a plan that will be circulated to all committee members for approval.
4. Allocation of Responsibilities
A number of tasks have been identified, and
people are being sought to take responsibility to organise them.
Examples:
a. Re-organising the Museum (Gabrielle &
Pete + Andre)
b. Organising exhibitions in Fort Hayes
(future project)
c. Putting information onto computer (Kyla +
all help welcome)
d. Identification of work on Archive Building
(Gabrielle, Roger, Pete)
e. Identification of fittings for Archive
Building (Gabrielle, Roger, Pete)
f. Archiving paperwork into new building (all
help welcome)
g. Co-ordination with AISPCA (Sue McEwan)
h. Rewriting booklets (Roger, Gabrielle inter
alia)
i. labelling (Kyla)
j. Update Membership (Gill and Pete)
k. Sales (T-shirts, books etc) (Dave & Ben
to do Stocktake)
It was suggested that we look to organisations outside the Society, such as the School, for additional help
5. Open Evening. This will be organised for December Action Gabrielle Cavana
6. AOB
a. The gift of two display cases by the American legion was
gratefully acknowledged, and the formal acceptance will be
incorporated in the open evening in December
b. The Administrator reported that the money donated by the
FCO had been spent on the new Archive Building. The meeting
acknowledged this significant contribution to the future of the
Society, and asked that thanks be forwarded to the FCO The formal
opening and inauguration will be next year
c. We have received some requests to open the Museum one
evening during the week. It was decided to open Tuesday evenings
for a short time to gauge the response
d. New letterbox books have been requested. The Treasurer has
agreed to buy them and pass them on to the Walks Members
(Anyone overseas persons who would like to join the Heritage Society should contact Gill Johnson for further details).
Ascension Island Diving Expedition
Residents of the island may have noticed a group of strangers travelling round the island with a trailer full of diving equipment a few weeks ago. This was the Ex-University of London Diving Club (ie those too old to be student members!) on, as far as we know, the first all civilian expedition to Ascension. The trip was a great success, largely due to the extraordinary amount of help and encouragement that we received from all those we met on the island.
The group of 8 people included underwater photographers, a cameraman with the latest digital underwater video camera, an underwater archaeologist, and a naval architect. The divers on the trip had previously completed several thousand dives in locations as diverse as the Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Norway, Truk Lagoon, California, Mexico, The Caribbean, The Great Barrier Reef, the Azores, St Kilda, the Shetland Islands, the Netherlands and not least, round the shores of mainland Britain and Ireland. Many of the divers are members of the Marine Conservation Society, and the British Society of Underwater Photographers. All except one of the group (we had a Dutch member of the party) are British.
The expedition was completely self funded, without any form of commercial sponsorship. The purpose was to see somewhere unique for those who had already travelled extensively, and to add to existing comprehensive underwater photographic library material. Specialist libraries are independently run by two of the expedition members, one for stills and one video. We returned with nearly 80 rolls of underwater film between us and 40 rolls taken on land. We have 5 hours of video footage from which to edit a sequence to show the principal sea life of the island. One section, already seen by some of the people who helped us, shows no less than 15 dolphins surrounding one diver, all trying to play! This is extremely unusual- we are trying to see if any other professional cameramen have ever achieved the same, anywhere in the world!
Why did we choose Ascension Island? The main attraction is that it is an isolated rock, without any developed commercial fishing. We have all found that such blobs in an ocean tend to attract fish, particularly large pelagic ones. We came with the intention of looking at the diversity of species in the ocean round the island; the life is varied indeed. We saw Manta, Tuna, Wahoo, Shark, and Turtles (of course!), and several of the rare Chocolate butterfly fish, apart from the profusion of more common varieties such as Grouper, Jack and several different Moray eel. The only species that we thought we might see was Whale Shark. Many resident divers have seen them- we did not. This gives us an excuse, if one was needed, to come back for another visit!
Our feeling was that the island has a unique resource in terms of the density and variety of fish. We hope that its character can be left untouched without some of the appalling over-exploitation, which has now ruined most European fishing areas and many diving sites. We all intend to return sooner rather than later, to experience more of the extraordinary diving as well as the inexplicable attraction of the unique island. We enjoyed many of the fascinating walks - during the course of which we collected some <<stamps>>, muddy feet, dusty feet, more photographs, and saw some extraordinary views. A group of us, with extensive Hash experience in Europe and elsewhere, even managed an <<Ascension Hash>> run! The historic constructions around the island be they tunnels, fumeroles, stone or brick buildings, would be worth a visit by themselves.
Thank you everyone who made our visit so enjoyable, in particular, Johnny Hobson, Mark, Jerry, lan, Tim, Donk, Jimmy, Julie, Donald, David and Melanie and our skippers, Peter and Buffalo. See you again soon!!
RG
ASCENSION'S WONDERFUL RAILWAYJust recently I have been examining the war-time history of the 895th Aviation Engineer Company. These redoubtable fellows were the replacements for the 898th Engineers who were themselves volunteers from the renowned 38th Engineers, constructors of the air strip. By the time the 895th arrived at the end of 1943, Ascension had settled down to its routine duties of supplying ferry aircraft and their crews. Ascension also saw many operational flights to seek out enemy submarines and sink them. All this work needed fuel and plenty of it. By 1944 the island's consumption of aviation spirit was about 1 million US gallons every month.
In February 1944, the pipeline under the sea, from the buoy in Clarence Bay to the pumping stations on Long Beach, developed a leak. Some 17,000 gallons of fuel were lost, pumping was stopped and a temporary repair made. It was clear that the pipeline needed replacement. The aforesaid 895th Engineers were given the job and work began to make ready the project. The pipeline was 8 inches in diameter and some 2400 feet long in three sections. It was quite a difficult job moving such large pieces of pipe about. However someone had noticed the lengths of rails and rolling stock at English Bay. Some thirty of the little flat cars, previously used by the English Bay Guano Company, were brought across the island to Long Beach. The track was laid on the sand and provided a means of edging the giant pipe sections, complete with flotation rafts, into the sea. The pipe also had a number of heavy weights fitted in order to ensure that it finally rested on the sea bottom.
The first attempt took place very early on 16th March when the men assembled on the beach to launch the first 800-foot section. Unfortunately the heavy seas made it too hazardous on that morning and the attempt was postponed. By 20th March the sea was much calmer and the men again assembled. They began to push the cars carrying the pipe down the track until the first raft of empty drums hit the sea and became buoyant. The pipe was gradually pushed further and further until a naval tug was able to get a hook onto the pipe and assist in the movement. The three pieces of pipe were welded together and eventually the whole pipeline was in position. The drums were punctured and the pipe dropped onto the seabed.
When the first pipeline was laid in 1942, it took almost 1000 men to manipulate the pipe. With the aid of the little rail cars from English Bay, it was possible for just 120 men to perform the same feat. It shows the fine ingenuity of the Engineers and how good use can be made of disused and discarded equipment.
Cyclops
SCHOOL PAGE - From the Headteacher: Mrs Betty Joshua.
THE INTERNET
I am pleased to inform you that the school is now connected to the internet. If anyone wishes to contact us our email address is TBS.Education@atlantis.co.ac
 |
|
 |
On Wednesday, 25 November, the final game of the softball double elimination knockout tournament was held. Georgetown was victorious over Admin. The Awards Presentation followed in the club. I would like to personally thank Mr Melvin Moyce, Mr Don Powell, Mr Tony Joshua and his staff, and the Roads and Grounds crew for all of their work to make this a very successful tournament.
The following Thursday evening, the Commissary staff put on the annual gala Thanksgiving Day dinner. I must say I have never attended such a professional event. The food was impeccable, and the décor was even more brilliant. The Commissary staff can be certainly be proud of the 638 dinners they served. Congratulations to Mr Brian Joshua and his entire staff.
On Monday, 30 November, an airfield exercise was conducted with a number of island organizations participating. This was the first exercise conducted in quite a while; therefore, its intent was to get new personnel and organizations involved. The RAF took the lead on developing the scenario and timing. The scenario included a Tornado and KC-1 crash. While I observed the exercise, I was impressed how organizational lines are not impediments. Additionally, a "sense of urgency" was demonstrated by all exercise players. After observing the exercise, I am convinced that outside of the isolation of the island and some of its small infrastructure, the individual and collective efforts of personnel involved in Red Bird contingencies will most certainly minimize damage and loss of life should an actual emergency occur.
In the early hours of Wednesday, we say farewell to Mr Don Coffey. Don has been a part of the island off and on since 1957. His accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but highlights of his career include being assigned as the station manager and he received a commendation during the Falklands War. Don plans to travel some in the US, but he will settle in Ireland where he owns a home.
Major Jeff Lowdermilk
FISHY TAILSNo boats out at the start of the week as we all thought about where the fish could be. Blue fin was the first out with the idea "lets go down to Red dirt". Off they set and came home with four Tuna and one sharky one (with bite marks) they told fishy tails of two big line runs that they could not stop, one fish straightening out the hook. Thursday she left again with "lets go down to Red dirt". Place of big sea and big fish. Skipper and crew telling tails of the big run and the Marlin tail they had seen. The fishing steady and waves just nice. Then came the big run, 300 yards of line gone in 20 seconds. Time to fight the big fight. Helpful comments like "time to buy more line" and "lets see the fish then". 1 hour and 38 minutes and the gaffs went in. My biggest fish of 195 lb. Still only a baby! We came home with six Tuna. Thanks Pete and Darell. Skip and crew of Ascension Frigate on seeing the beast raced off down to Red dirt at AAAAH miles an hour. She took five Tuna when she anchored up at the Pipe line. The same day and Mary Jane went for a quick around the Mersk and home with two Darado. Barracuda out and sadly lost fish but save a nice Tuna for the lose of three. Saturday came and with the crickets cricketing Fish Hawk slipped out in the darkness. To the place of big fish and big waves. She took three Tuna and two good Skip jack tuna. She was followed out by the good dingy Piranha. Not able to go down to the lumpy stuff she took eight tuna. Ian Thomas fighting six and his catch included a nice yellow fin of 90 lb. Sea Spray took six Tuna on a trip, a catch to keep anyone happy. Mary Jane went the other way, through the lumps and past Boatswain bird island. She came home with seven, yes seven Wahoo. Hoo time. A bit more fuel and clean the fish she was back out again. She took the grand slam. Four Darado, four Tuna and three Wahoo. Nice going. Sunday Mary Jane did it again. Off to Whale point. Four Darado, three Tuna, three Wahoo and one Rainbow runner. That's a grand slam and one over! Sea Spray out again and cruised home with four Tuna, I could see Jeffrey standing at the stern and bobbing the bob, Sonia catching her first Tuna (easy isn't it). Ocean Wave made up for the disappointment of the previous Sunday by taking six Tuna for her delighted trip that sat in a boat and rocked last time. A good week. No one took NOWT.
David, Angie and Jerry Lee Peters took a good catch of our spotty pal the Grouper from some secret place off the rocks some where. The catches of Grouper seem to have gone back up. Buffalo was out on Friday night and he and his crew took a dustbin full of Grouper. Eel too have come back in force for anyone who knows how to clean them. Don't look at me, I can't do it with an Eel. I had some five finger off English bay and there are some good Old wives to be had at night. The fishing at the pier head seems to have picked up and access is now open on one side so I'm down there mid week. Silver fish are still in good numbers and the Solider fish are steady too. The fishing at the pier head being easy with lights and not far to the Saints club or Exiles club. They don't mind a bit of a fishy smell relay. Get on down there and do it with a fish.
Tight lines
Darell the Darado.
OPEN
NIGHT
|
CHANGE OF ADDRESSThe Office of the UK representative of the Govt of St Helena has moved. From 1 December 1998 the new address is;
There will be a redirection of mail operating for any
correspondence posted to the old address. Mrs M A C Hopkins |
|
|
The RMS "St Helena" is due in on Tuesday 15 December and will depart for St Helena on Wednesday 16 December.
Baggage will be accepted at the Pierhead Warehouse on Thurday 10 December between the hours of 0800 and 1630. The package service will also be open at this time.
Freezer packages will be accepted at 1000 hrs on Tuesday 15 December.
Please note that baggage and packages arriving from St Helen will not be issued until 1030 hrs on Wednesday 16 December.
For all shipping information including passenger embarkation times please call our answering service on 6300.
A thought occurred to "Buffalo" one day whilst working on the "RMS". The transport of passengers to and from the ship would be quicker if we had larger transport. The Marine section looked at various options, and finally plumped with "Ferry Ascension".
This new service will commence from the next visit of the "RMS". See the pictures below taken on the first test run
| Date: Wed,
02 Dec 1998 15:30:35 -0800 From: Eric/Kristin Fetters-Walp <fettwalp@ucinet.com> To: editors@the-islander.org.ac Subject: Just a newspaper hello Just a quick e-note to say how much I enjoyed viewing your interesting newspaper on the Internet. I am a newspaper reporter working for the East Oregonian daily newspaper in Hermiston, Oregon, USA. I cover a wide variety of things, including local politics and the nearby military base, which contains one of the world's largest stockpiles of chemical weapons. When I'm not engrossed at work, I listen to shortwave
radio and after hearing a Radio Japan broadcast recently
from the Ascension Island relay station, I became
interested in your chunk of the world. I wish your
publication future success. |
Name:
Rob
Shipley Website: Jersey Evening Post From: Jersey, Channel Islands Time: 1998-11-26 15:03:00 Comments: Congratulations! Ours is a small island, too, so it's good to see that, like us, you are letting the wider world know that you exist. Best of luck with your site. PS: I'm deeply envious of the weather you get down there. Ours is standard wet and miserable English Channel at this time of year. |
| All letters/e-mails welcome: Send your letters to Editors@the-islander.org.ac | |
Last
updated: 04/12/98 |
Visit our sponsor:  |
The Caledonians