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The Islander - Thursday 8^th April 1999

ISLANDER TO REMAIN A WEEKLY'

FAREWELL TO THE HUNT FAMILY

	After 2 ½ years, it's time for us to leave. We've made lots of friends who we will miss. We would like to thank Angela, Delphia and Carolyn for looking after Jamie at playschool and Doris for baby sitting.
Jamie would like to say goodbye to all the friends he has made. We won't be painting the Lizard. Hope to see you all again some day. Take care, Sheryl, Geoff, Jamie (and Bump!).

APRIL FOOLS DAY TURTLE ARTICLE!

For those expecting photographs from the on-shell cameras installed on the Ascension Turtles, please forgive us but this was an April fool by last week's editor (All complaints to Tony Jenkins (Tony.Jenkins@atlantis.co.ac) please!). The satellite space photographs were also phoney........For those that send e-mails to The Islander asking for more details, we thank you and hope you're not too upset with us!

LETTERS

SCHOOL NEWS
From the Headteacher - Mrs Betty Joshua

 

Two Boats School was privileged to welcome Captain Neil Lovesy and officials from the Maersk Shipping Division to a presentation assembly on Wednesday 31st March. The occasion gave recognition to the winners of the Poster Competition held during the first term of this academic year when all senior pupils participate in a Health & Safety Programme. Gina Williams and Verena Benjamin, both Year 9 students, received prizes from Captain Lovesy after a letter was read out praising all who had entered posters for their fine efforts. The girl's posters are featured in the Maersk Company Review and all other posters have been displayed on board the Maersk Ascension. To everyone else's delight, there will be some Maersk tokens (cap or key ring) sent to the school for all children at a later date.

The staff and pupils are appreciative of the input by the Maersk Ascension company over the years and trust that these links with our school will continue for a long while yet. Thank very much.

And that's not all………. Arriving at our school after the Easter break was none other than captain Lovesy bearing a very acceptable gift of a computer!! Our thanks, indeed, Captain!

We wish Maersk Ascension all the best for the future!

Betty Joshua
Headteacher.

Father Keith Writes:

PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN.  ASCENSION ISLAND (Diocese of St. Helena) Parish Priest: Fr. Keith James - 6431 Church Warden: Marvyn Isaacs Church Warden: Cheryl Anthony

Dear Friends,

It is always nice to be able to begin with a ‘Thankyou’

Here we were on the evening of Good Friday, the organ out of action and still no-one to play the piano for our Easter Sunday Service. I had heard that John Haslam had played for the church when he was last on the island, and that he was due to arrive on the Tristar on the Friday morning. I had sent a letter to await his arrival, but now it was evening and I had received no reply. In desperation I went to our Police Station to see if they knew where this incomer could be contacted - they know everthing - and thanks to their kind help I was soon talking to John. He hadn’t got my letter, he had been working all day - and still was - but yes, he could ‘come and have a look’
And so he did.
Within minutes the organ was in pieces and John putting right the faults that had put it out of action. Luckily we had some superglue at the Vicarage to help stick things back together - yes, it really is that bad - and within half an hour John was away, producing lovely sounds, not only in time for Easter Day, but also for the Memorial Service held on Saturday morning.
So our thanks to John for his enthusiasm and his energy; we look forward to hearing him play during the short time that he is on Ascension.
We are hoping to replace the organ, originally built from a kit in 1982 - and through the efforts of one member of the congregation our hopes may soon be realised, but more about that later.

In the meantime I couldn’t help thinking how easily we write things off as being beyond repair and not worth bothering about.
And we do it with people to.
If you take the trouble to find out what the problem is it’s often amazing what a little tender loving care can sometimes produce.

God Bless You and Keep You,
Fr Keith & Ginny.

NEWS FROM ASCENSION AUXILIARY AIRFIELD By Maj Jeff Lowdermilk

It is good to be back on island after a short trip to the States. I attended the Range Technical Services Award Fee Board to help determine the amount of award fee Computer Sciences/ Raytheon (CSR) would be given for the prior six-month period. While the 45th Space Wing Commander is the final determination authority on the percentage of award, I can state the 45th Space Wing is generally pleased with the services provided by CSR.

During the recent launch of a C-5 aircraft from Ascension AAF, it was noticed there were several vehicles parked within 100 meters of the west side of the airfield. Our Fire/Security personnel responded and removed the personnel and vehicles. Please note that the airfield is off-limits except for picking up/dropping off passengers and official business only. Aircraft operations are inherently dangerous and by remaining in close proximity to these operations, you are placing yourself and your passengers at risk.

While I was off the island, the base supported a successful US Navy missile launch operation. As always, I would like to thank everyone who cooperated with us in this high visibility effort.

It was recently announced the Maersk Ascension will be replaced by the Maersk Gannet. I would like to express my thanks to the Maersk Ascension and her crew for their 15 years of superb support. Your efforts have enabled us to support a multitude of aircraft missions and missile launch operations. Good luck to the crew who will be departing.

The softball season is in full swing on Ascension AAF. Results thusfar have been as follows:

*Games may be delayed for operational reasons.

Lastly, I have been notified I will be reassigned in July to the Air National Guard Readiness Center at Andrews Air Force Base, just outside of Washington DC. My replacement will be a Major Larry Martin who is currently assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

Major Jeff Lowdermilk

Army News Article -
Submitted by Cyril Leo

We welcomed home Shaun and David Leo and hope they enjoyed the sun, rain and short Easter break from trade training in the UK.

Just on a year ago The Craftsman, a REME magazine, carried the following article.

Army Recruits From The South Atlantic

Wednesday 29 April 1998 was a very special day for five young men from the British Dependent Territory of St Helena, as they enlisted in to the British Army.

Late last year a joint service recruiting team visited the island at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. All three services attracted a great deal of interest and these are the first five Army Recruits to make the long journey here.

There are two joining the Royal Artillery, one the Light infantry and two REME. The two joining REME are brothers from Ascension Island.

(Pictured right is Pte David Leo - see 17 Dec 1998 article for more details)

The Met Office Weather Report

Statistics for the week ending Sunday 4^th March 1999.

ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST ( based on data available on Monday afternoon) :

Sea temperature around Ascension Island : PS 28 C

ASCENSION ISLAND: The first half of the week was mainly dry with good sunny spells and low humidities. The temperature reached 31.C on Wednesday which is the highest temperature so far this year. From Friday onwards, much more humid air spread across the island with heavy downpours occurring during the afternoon and evenings.

ST HELENA: Gary Thomas reports - Light showers and fog on Tuesday. The remainder of the week was warm and sunny, particularly the Easter weekend which saw at times a cloudless sky and a gentle breeze - enjoyed by the many campers around the island. Mean temp 21.2 C. Sunshine 53.4 hrs. Mean wind speed 10.9 kts.
A fair swell running this week and very few clould be landed by boat for the customary Maundy Thursday fishing.

U.K: The week started wet and windy as Atlantic frontal systems slowly moved east across the UK on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday the wind direction changed from a westerly to a southerly and very warm air was sucked up from Spain and North Africa. Many places basked in warm sunshine on Thursday and Friday with temperatures reaching 20 C over Eastern England and Scotland. The air became very moist and slack over the weekend with widespread mist and fog, and near normal temperatures.

FALKLAND ISLANDS: The winds have been mostly from the west to south-west throughout the whole week with no respite. There has been a fair amount of sunshine with little rain. Monday seemed to be the best day with a small ridge of high pressure just to the north of the islands. Although the temperatures were down at the beginning of the week, they slowly recovered as moister warmer air pushed across.

METCHAT

How much chocolate can you eat on a night shift? About one medium bar of Fruit and Nut, a Cadbury’s Caramel, and a handful of Jaffa Cakes plus a non chocolate bag of Jelly Babies. A whole big month without indulging in the sanctuary of chocolate and I consumed half a sweet shop before 2.00 am on Ist April. An absolute disgrace and I should feel wholly ashamed but I don’t. I ‘ll never get to Chocolate Heaven. I’ll be condemned to an eternity of green salads and Ryvita with side orders of cottage cheese. It’s moderation that I have a problem with. If I have any plans to live beyond 31 I guess I’ll just have to get the hang of it, or the thin veil of an exercise routine I have will have to be beefed up a bit more.

It’s been a busy week up at Snob’s Hill. Firstly, Nigel’s pet sheep escaped into the compound. It obviously was fed up with living in Nige’s sock drawer, only coming out when Nige had a bad day at work. It went walkabout to see what the big wide world had to offer. After a quick look around at the other Turner Chappies it decided that perhaps Nigel was its best bet and returned to the safety of the en-suite facility. George’s party trick still needs some polishing up. It’s the one where a fellow Scots man throws him a can of beer and he’s supposed to catch it in his teeth, pull the ringpull and drink it, all without using his hands. Unfortunately George’s attention was taken for a split second by the sight of Nige’s sheep, George needs a holiday home, and the flying beer can bounced off his chin into the adoring crowd. The can made some indent on George’s chin and he now has a knit one pearl one holding his face together. He looks even meaner.

This week it has been mostly Scotsmen that have hit the headlines. George’s chin to start and now Alex’s new hobby, skydiving in the Commcen Gifty. Alex is now Asi’s very own Flying Scotsman. Reports say it was, in fact, an attempt to end it all, as life was simply not worth living without Lee.

It’s the Foxy Chicks leaving do this Sunday and I’m stealing an inch or two of Metchat to remind everyone to be there. Whether you’ve been lucky/unlucky enough to be examined by the trusty Station Nursie Sonia or had a welcome/unwelcome delivery from Iron Brew Postie Sarah or a good/bad forecast from me. (Yes there have been some good ones, it was Nov 3 rd, I remember!), you’re expected at Turtle Shell on Sunday afternoon. Transport from MVC AT 3.00 pm. See posters for details. I’m rostered for a night shift that night, what a surprise, but I’m going AWOL if no one swaps with me! Hope to see you there.

W

Prizes for: 1st, 2nd & 3rd 1st Veteran Male & Female 1st Team of Four Merlin Communications 1999 DEW POND RUN Sunday 18th April Starting at 0800 hrs ENTRY FEE £5.00 (to be donated to charity) Presentation at M.V.C. Bar opens 5:00pm Presentation 5:15pm Followed by Food and a DISCO

ADF BULLETIN No. 3

OUR THANKS TO

• NIDDY HUXLEY for the LADIES LUNCH which raised £150.
• MAERSK ASCENSION CREW for BAGS & BAGS of BOOKS for the BOOKSTALL
• MAERSK SHIPPING CO for a DONATION of £1000.
• RICHARD JAMES INTERNATIONAL for a DONATION of £100.
• A PRIVATE 'LENT SPONSORSHIP' DONATION of £100.
• THE GIFT OF A BRAND NEW MICROWAVE for the AUCTION value £180.
• THE SCHOOL'S VERY GENEROUS OFFER TO SPLIT THE PROCEEDS OF THEIR EASTER FAIR ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 14th 1:15 TO 2:45 (Please Support This)

NEXT EVENT: DINNER DANCE, TWO BOATS CLUB 1st MAY.

ADF COMMITTEE meets THIS WEEK, Friday 9th April at 5:15pm Junior Church.

FURTHER OFFERS OF HELP etc. URGENTLY NEEDED, BUT IT IS COMING TOGETHER.

(ps: What do you call a man who puts all the ADF correspondence on one disc which later dies on him - and no back-up made? Answer: The Vicar!!)

Further Activities of Darwin Initiative Turtle Project

The project has moved on leaps and bounds since our last update. One theme which has run through all the ventures undertaken as part of this Darwin Initiative Turtle Project has been the tremendous help we have received and the large degree of community participation. All the Island organisations and many individuals (too numerous the mention here) have contributed to what is shaping up to be a highly successful season, allowing us to accomplish all our required objectives for the first of this two season project.

Nesting

Many beaches have been raked by even more individuals, contributing to a very intensive and thorough track count. In a clockwise direction: the beaches in the PanAm region have been covered by a small number of US Base Personnel; the vicinities of Georgetown and English Bay have been surveyed by Project Staff; the beaches of the NE Bay area have been monitored by a dedicated team of Scouts, RAF personnel, the well known "Ladies of the Rake" and the Turton Family. We are sure that those who know any of the beach rakers will have heard about it in detail, however, suffice to say, we have now passed the peak in nesting for this season and will be in an excellent position to generate a highly reliable population estimate come June. It will be fascinating to see what effect so many years of near absolute protection on Ascension has had on the population. The last reliable population estimates were generated in the mid 70's by Dr. Jeanne Mortimer.

A View From Space!

Despite last week's excellent bogus article, please be assured that Tom Clancy-esque technology has not yet become available to turtle biologists. However we have been involved in a recent series of experiments which have utilised satellite tracking of five turtles which were displaced offshore from Ascension by the MV Ascension (3 turtles) and RMS St Helena (2 turtles). At our last uplink, all turtles had either reached Ascension or are making their way towards their homes in Brazil. We are learning a great deal about the navigational ability of these ancient mariners from these individuals and we will have further updates on this in the future. This leading edge investigation would not have been possible had it not been for the kind help of both Capt. Dana Haff and Capt. David Roberts, and their crews who took great care and attention over their charges. Shore-side, this effort would not have gone ahead without the help from personnel from CSR, RAF, AIS and Merlin. In addition, many volunteers helped with weighing, crating and transporting the turtles.

Zig-Zagging Along Long Beach

Some of you may have noticed a number of large lengths of plastic pipe on the sand towards the Saints Club end of Long Beach. This is pipe kindly lent to the Turtle Project by the RAF and is the rather unlikely equipment for an additional project being undertaken by Fiona Glen, a recently arrived graduate volunteer from the UK who has had some of her costs sponsored by the British Chelonia Group and the British Ecological Society. Over the next few weeks she will be analysing the emergence pattern of hatchlings by placing the pipes in a zig-zag pattern which catches the hatchlings as they crawl to the sea. Once the babies are counted, and a subsample measured, they will be released. Patterns of emergence will then be compared to temperature profiles recorded at different depths in the sand by small computers. This work is very time consuming, as we must monitor the pipes non-stop from dusk till dawn. If you are a bit of a night owl and think you might like to "walk the line" for a few hours and keep one of us company then please get in touch. Thanks to those who have helped us so far including the Read Family, the Huxley family and Alexander.

Early Morning Beach Walks

Sadly, a number of nesting females have become trapped in rocks over the season and although many individuals especially AIS Pier Head Staff, Cable and Wireless (Arianne) Personnel and individuals from the RAF have informed or assisted Project staff rescuing a minimum of 30 turtles, at least 6 have died on inaccessible beaches. We will be taking steps to try and remedy this situation at major trouble-spots but would ask individuals to be vigilant when they are out and about, especially in the early morning.

Finally, a word on hatchlings, during any hours of daylight, if you come across any hatchling turtles on a beach, please place them in a bucket, keep them moist and either release them the following night or contact us. Baby turtles released by day are unlikely to escape predation by fish and Frigate birds.

More Information

We are happy to answer any questions readers may have about turtles. Feel free to contact us:

"The Turtle People"
Brendan and Annette
Bungalow 22, Two Boats
Tel: 4547

E-mail: mtn@atlantis.co.ac
Turtle Project Web Site: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/biosci/turtl/index.htm

Hash Trash
Hash No.743

Saturday 3 April was the start for Hash # 743 at the NASA site . The turnout was excellent in the neighborhood of 32 people. First Timers consisted of the 4 C5 crew, Liz, Mike and Maureen. Despite the inclimate weather and the possibilities of a very torturous run capable of that area everyone was in good spirits.

The Hares for the week were Lollipop, Peacock ,& Dozy Ha’P’orth . At the NASA site we set off in our 4-wheel drive pickups down the dirt road (Northeast Cottage Rd) to the starting point and all we were missing was the rebel battle flags and our hound dogs in the pickup bed. Location of the start was just west of the Collimation Tower and just southeast of the Cricket valley area. The initial on-on in the timber was struck and off we went and almost immediately the rabbits were running back into the crowd with much confusion till we were given more guidance to the new on-on. Down the rocky, pebbly or bouldery hill into the gully we traveled. The track was straight as a snake’s back with lots of false trails as FRB’s and MRB’s were getting a quick look back at Milli to see which way she was heading. A trip through the bramble bushes was next in store for this weeks hashers leavings many scratches and flowery adjectives. Making it up to the top of the hill we had a circle check and well deserved rest/water. On-on from here was down further into the gully with more rocky terrain and at this point Coffemate decided to take a trail of his own ( who knows). Our last circle check was at the top of the hill and seeing the faces on the ascent up it was probably good planing to have some medical personnel coming along for the hash. The dash down the home straight through the scout camp with numerous campers watching in wonder at these supposedly sane people scamper by (with a occasional Yee-Haw from Chief Long Pole). "DONE"

A few refreshments and some activity update from the head hasher himself. We were treated to a semi-concert from Lance-a-little (he needs to retain his day employment) and back to the vehicles.

A Bravo Zulu and Well done to the Hares with a hash of 4 circle checks, 3 Bar checks and at least one reverse trail.

Next Week Hashers-Stealth and New Knees, Georgetown.

17 April- Fugitive & A-drain, to be announced. See-Ya There.

ASCENSION PREMIERSHIP 1998/99

THE RAINS & THE PLANES FALL
MAINLY ON CUP FINAL DAY!!

If you had decided to take a nap at 1 o’clock and woke at 3 to be told the game was cancelled because of a flooded pitch, you would have to think it was a late April Fools day wind up. But 2 hours of heavy downpour was all it took to leave one side of the pitch flooded from end to end and completely un-playable. These pictures were taken at 5.30pm when of course the skies were blue and the sun was beaming down. That’s Ascension for you.

So for the third time, let’s try again…

ASCENSION ISLAND FOOTBALL PREMIERSHIP 1998/99

KNOCKOUT

CUP FINAL

TRAVELLERS

vs

GEORGETOWN

Saturday April 9th

3^pm Georgetown Football pitch

Presentation of trophies to follow at the Saint’s Beach Hut

EDITORS - Penny Peters & Adrian Fowler
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327
E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac
Deadline: 12 pm Tuesdays

Contributors: Gwen Roberts, Penny Peters, Nathan Prince, Father Keith, Betty Joshua, Darrin Henry, Sharon Andrews, Jeff Lowdermilk, Caz Parker, Cheryl Anthony, Graham Biggar, Lance, Cyril Leo, Carolyn Nicholls

Printers: RAXA
The Islander post-box is situated in the entrance to the Administrator's Office.
Deadline for all contributions is 12.00 on Tuesday

All articles © copyright 1999 The Islander Newspaper. All rights reserved.

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