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MERRY
CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2000 TO ALL OUR READERSFrom all of us at The Islander
ST HELENA POLICE FORCE
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It is customary at this time of year for the police to offer advice for the festive season. Here on Ascension Island things are completely different to what you would normally expect elsewhere. There is only one store for the purchase of provisions and a couple of small gift shops. Whilst there have been no reported incidents in any of the shops it is advisable during this busy season to secure your valuables and to not let your wallets or purses out of your sight. Ascension is not a crime free island. During the season there will no doubt be a lot of parties and increased alcohol consumption as a result. It may seem a sore subject but it is worth reminding you to take care. Whilst drinking and driving is not in itself an offence (unless you are over the prescribed limit) even small amounts of alcohol can impair your driving ability. Thus if you are planning to drive it is advisable not to drink at all. If you are involved in an accident it is highly likely that you will be breath tested.
1999 has been a successful year for the police. We have worked in partnership with the public and certainly, without your support, our job would have been much more difficult. We hope that your support will continue into the year 2000. On behalf of the Detachment I would like to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year 2000.
The millenium celebrations, planned for 31st December in Georgetown, are fast approaching. This will be a busy time for all concerned. On the day of the celebrations the road between the Saints Club and the upper junction to Chinatown will be closed to all vehicular traffic. You are advised to drive around the town with extreme care as there will be plenty of people about especially young children. There will ample parking space and we will be on duty to provide assistance. We very much hope that the festive season will be smooth and trouble free.
FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRINK AND DRIVE
Reginald M Williams
Insp of Police
The programme for the day runs as follows:-
| 3.30pm | the Georgetown Town Square is officially opened for the Millennium Party by our Little Miss Millennium winner Lisa Lawrence. |
| 3.40pm | There will be a short Christian Service led by Father Keith, to mark the religious significance of the day. The words to the two hymns will be available, and we ask for everyone who can to mark this past of the day. |
| 3.55pm | The stalls will open. It is intended to have a Street Fair type of event in the afternoon portion of the day. There will be no charge for stalls, if any organisation, or individual should wish to operate a stall on the day please contact Tony Jenkins, Avril Morgan or Penny Peters, to arrange a pitch. |
| 5.00pm | The parade of floats will take place, beginning at Cuba, past the tennis courts, along the Queensway to the church, round the sports track, and park up in the middle of the field for judging. |
| 5.30pm | The judging of the Floats. We are hoping to have HH, the Chief of Police, and as many of the JP's as possible to pick the winner. |
| 7.30pm | the live music will begin. There will be four live bands appearing during the course of the evening. The names will appear on posters, in the clubs and around town when these are confirmed. The stage will be in the town square in front of the shop. |
| Midnight | The firework display will begin on Cross Hill. The display will be set from the area around the former "Guvnor's Lodge", and is watchable from the Square. |
| 00.20am | The bands will play Auld Lang Syne, the words of which are in the paper somewhere (Not to be confused with the Sir Cliff version) |
| 00.30am | Disco music will begin, or perhaps the bands will wish to continue, into
the wee small hours. |
THE Intention is to have a relaxed and happy event. The Exiles Club will provide
bar facilities during the day until 8.00pm. The Saint's Club and an outside
bar will be open during the evenings event.
OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR SOME PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.
DO YOU WISH TO HAVE A STALL ON THE DAY AT THE FAIR? DO YOU WISH TO OPERATE A
FOOD SERVICE AT THE NIGHT-TIME EVENT?
PITCHES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE, ARRANGE IN ADVANCE WITH ONE OF THE COMMITTEE.
MAKE A MILLENNIUM STATEMENT FOR FREE ENTERPRISE.
THE
BOOK OF THE CENTURY
It was over two years ago that the Citizenship Commission promised a definitive edition of the Royal Charter of 1673. These three large sheets of vellum, with their picture of King Charles II, their heraldic crests and close-packed, formal script, are the founding document of the Island of St Helena.
Yet, until now, no correct version of this text existed in print, and no one knew how many hand-written copies existed from the seventeenth century. Which is pretty embarrassing when you think about it. No wonder the little Foreign and Colonial mandarins don't take it seriously enough.
Some of you may remember Jeff Cant, who worked on Ascension for the BBC in the early 90s. With enormous patience and great skill, he has been working his way through the Public Record Office, the British Library, the Bodleian Library and many others besides. So that now we have five full versions of the Charter.
I have just gone over the second-last set of proofs from the printer, and will be working through the final, final set with Jeff over the Christmas holiday. It will not be an exciting book to read (in fact it will be a major challenge to read it cover to cover). But it will be important.
It should also look rather impressive. A large sized hardback, with gold-leaf on the cover. Good quality paper and printing and presentation. It is costing over £30 a copy to produce. Worth it? Certainly it will present the Royal Charter to the rest of the United Kingdom, with a seriousness and an authority it has not previously received.
A few copies will be on sale on St Helena and Ascension at a reduced pre-publication price, but the main purpose of this little note is to tell you that it will soon be here (well, March perhaps, if that is soon) and to commend it to you. It is one of those books you need to know exists, even if you never open it. For within it lies that immortal and legally binding promise from the English Sovereign to his British Subjects of St Helena, on which all our work has been based, since we began in 1992.
Canon Nicholas Turner
Citizenship Commission
| FROM THE
ADMINISTRATOR |
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Lay Advocates
Most people know that with Jill Johnson's departure we had only one remaining Lay Advocate (Dave Rayney). I have consulted the Justices of the Peace and we have now appointed Robert Frauenstein as a "Lay Advocate" as well. I use the inverted commas because our researches reveal that the position of lay advocate is not covered by Ordinance on Ascension. The Bench have therefore agreed that either David or Robert may ask the Bench for leave to speak on someone's behalf. Leave will invariably be granted. So if you have the misfortune to appear before the Magistrate's Court, do consult Dave or Robert who will do there best to assist you.
To have two "lay advocates" is nice, four would be better. Any more volunteers please? It is an invaluable service to the community and the administration of justice on the Island would be the poorer without them.
Ascension Island Management Group (AIMG) and the Advisory Forum
If you would like to see the minutes of either of these meetings, copies can be obtained from the members of those groups or from my Office.
Millennium Bug
We'll soon know if the bug bites. The British Government are setting up one comprehensive source of information about all Y2K-related developments both in the UK and overseas. This will be done through a central website managed by the Cabinet Office. It will be www.millenium-centre.gov.uk which will go live on 29 December. Travellers should also check out www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Christmas Presents
I have just delivered to the Islander two new printers for their use, paid for by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). As long as there's an instruction manual, they'll be brought into use in the New Year. The FCO have also agreed to provide a baggage x-ray machine and metal detector arch for use at the Airhead. These will enhance flight safety and improve passenger processing. The equipment is being ordered now.
Geoffrey Fairhurst
www.ascension-island.gov.ac
LETTERS|
From the Editor (Tony Jenkins). Lots of Christmas messages this edition, it would appear that the custom of giving Christmas cards to friends and colleagues that one runs into each day is on the wain. And perhaps no bad thing in our greener and more caring world of today. At this time of year it is customary to look back at all that has
happened over the past twelve months, I would like to thank, on behalf
of all our readers, wherever in the world you may be, our dedecated
band of volunteers whose sterling efforts bring this publication to
you. In no particular order and no names mentioned, the printers,
collators, distributors, sellers, cleaners, treasurers, editors, contributors,
advertisers, and sponsors. If I have missed a job out I do apologise. On behalf of everyone involved, have a merry and safe Christmas, a prosperous and happy start to the new millennium. TJ From: Srbin Serb <ALL4VOCM@webtv.net> |
From: JUDY CONLIN <judycon@iafrica.com> From: <JBow299146@aol.com>
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E-Mail:-
Administrator@atlantis.co.ac |
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OFFICE
OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ASCENSION ISLAND SOUTH ATLANTIC ASCN 1ZZ |
| Editor The Islander GEORGETOWN |
Ref: 13 December 1999 |
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Dear Editor, I was interested to see Mrs Catherine Thomas's letter (Islander 1463, 9 December) about a bus or taxi service for Ascension. An excellent idea! I have been told that in the past there may have been some official disapproval for such an initiative. If that were true, it is not now. Providing the organiser meets any legal obligation for operating a fare paying service, I would be glad to take the first ride! Inspector Williams and I will be glad to offer advice on legal requirements. I am not sure whether the second paragraph of Mrs Thomas's letter was in jest but she raises a serious point. The Police derive no pleasure in bringing people before the Court; quite the contrary because it involves a deal of extra work. Our society has devised a series of laws for the better order of the lives of us all. If we break those laws, society expect the guilty to be punished in some way, to try to ensure that the offence is not repeated. If we only slightly dent rather than break the law, wherever possible the police will look to give Oral Warnings. But if it's a flagrant breach of the law, we as a society have given the Police the duty of bringing a prosecution. The courts will then decide the matter in the light of all the evidence. Yours sincerely, [Signed] GEOFFREY FAIRHURST |
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Well, it finally happened. The Space Shuttle Discover, mission STS-103, with a crew of 7, launched at 00:50 local time, 20 Dec 99 (19:50, Dec 19 Florida time), from pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Unfortunately, for NASA, the launch was delayed nine times for a multitude of equipment concerns including damaged wiring, contaminated engine, dented fuel pipe, and welding problems. Once all the problems were corrected, the launch was scrubbed twice due to bad weather. All the patience paid off, as there were no anomalies reported during the launch. Because of Y2K concerns, NASA did not want the shuttle in orbit on New Year's Eve. Even though NASA is confident all its computers are Y2K compliant, they are simply not taking any chances. Of course, Y2K concerns are not the only reason why the shuttle needed to launch as soon as possible. On this mission, the shuttle crew will repair the crippled Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble has six gyroscopes and needs three to operate. The failure of the fourth gyroscope on Nov 13 forced the Hubble into a "non-gyro safe hold." Basically, the Hubble has its aperture door closed and is non-functional. The Hubble has other problems that the shuttle crew will repair. During its 97-minute orbits of the Earth, the Hubble encounters temperatures ranging from 180F to -130F as it moves into and out of sunlight. The temperature swings plus the intense solar radiation over the past 9 years have caused some serious cracking and peeling to the Hubble's insulation layers. The shuttle crew will make repairs to the insulation layers as well as install six new gyroscopes, a new computer, data recorder, radio transmitter, as well as other miscellaneous equipment. This mission will hopefully help keep the telescope functioning for another ten years. Discovery is currently scheduled to land at 22:24 local time, 27 Dec 99 (18:24, Florida time), at KSC. To make the Dec 27 landing, NASA had to cut two days off the 10-day mission and cancel one of four planned spacewalks. Ascension Auxiliary Air Field will provide radar support during the shuttle's encounter with the Hubble Space Telescope.
The next launch from Cape Canaveral that Ascension Auxiliary Air Field will support probably won't occur until 21 January 2000 or later. That mission will be an Atlas 2A with a Defense Satellite Communications Systems (DSCS) satellite on board.
As you may have noticed the wind turbines are all working again. The wind turbines were shut down while we were working on some power plant problems. In November, we discovered that several of our large generators would not operate at peak performance. We called in support from Patrick AFB during November and, working with the original contractors who designed and built the power plant, we were able to make the necessary modifications. Once the modifications were made we were able to bring generator number one up to peak performance. Once the holiday season is over, we will begin work on generators 2 and 3; thus, the wind turbines will be shut down for a few more days in January.
On 17 December (Friday), our cargo ship, the MV Ascension arrived. Due to its late arrival in the afternoon, we didn't start unloading operations until Saturday morning. We completed at total of 78 lifts over the weekend and have about 50 more to go before we are finished. If all goes well we may be finished by Monday evening. As you all know, the green turtles are nesting again. Mr. Brendan Godley is back on the island doing his research. Knowing how the green turtles find a small island like Ascension is an important part of that research effort. Over the past few days, Brendan has managed to capture several green turtles. These turtles will be equipped with monitoring equipment and loaded on the MV Ascension on Monday. The crew of the MV Ascension will deliver the turtles about 200 miles off the coast of Ascension Island. Brendan will then be able to collect data as the turtles make the trip back to Ascension Island. Hopefully, the data collected will provide some clues that will help solve the mystery. I would like to personally thank all those involved in making this effort possible. Well Done!
We will also conduct a fuel pump-over on 23 December. This pump-over will "top off" our fuel tanks prior to the Y2K event. We are extremely confident that our systems will work properly after the new year; however, our contingency plans require that we take all prudent steps to reduce the risks associated with Y2K related problems.
For the American football addicts, here are the results of last week's National Football League scores (note: bottom team is the home team):
New Orleans 8 Detroit 10 Jacksonville 24 Baltimore 31 Chicago 28 Cleveland 14 Washington 21 San Diego 9 New England 9 Indianapolis 24 Miami 12 Philadelphia 24 NY Giants 10 Atlanta 17 Tampa Bay 0 St. Louis 31 Tennessee 30 Oakland 45
NY Jets
22 Seattle 30 Buffalo 31 Dallas 21 Denver 36 Arizona 21 Green Bay
TBA Minnesota TBA So far, three teams have clinched a playoff berth. They are the St. Louis Rams, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Indianapolis Colts.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Be safe and spend some quality time with your families and friends. Until next time,Major Larry Martin
NEWS FROM THE
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As a result of the adoption of CORNED POWDER, though at first an expensive luxury, Breach-loading took a backward step, and the MUZZLE-LOADER was universally adopted. It also searched out weaknesses in old built-up guns, and rather than run the risk of exploding guns, CAST ORDNANCE became the rule.
Cast Bronze guns appeared in France in about 1460, and as the Iron industry gradually improved, it became possible to cast guns in Iron, far cheaper than Brass or Bronze. Towards the middle of the 15th century, Gun-founding became a more understood art and some unknown Dutchman invented "TRUNIONS", short axles of metal protruding from the sides of the gun which allowed it to be held in supports and elevated.
These appeared in FIELD GUNS at first and led to improved carriages, instead of adapted "OX CARTS". At the same time it was found that a LONG GUN BARREL allowed the shot to go a greater distance. CULVERINES, for example, were some ten to eleven feet long, with a calibre of five inches (approx), and fired a seventeen-pound shot. This improved the muzzle velocity and hence, the range.
The PROJECTILES used were solid shot Cannonballs, though a large proportion were still stone rather than iron. Apart from the cost of Iron balls, Stone was lighter, developed a faster velocity, and threw less strain on the gun. Land gunners could go around the battlefield after the battle, and pick up expended balls to replenish their stocks. Sailors couldn't do this of course.
Another innovation arrived about this time - "CARTRIDGES" gunpowder wrapped in parchment and stowed away in barrels until needed.
Cheers for now, until next time
Keep Safe
Bryn
The SerCo Armourer
NEWS FROM THE
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One of the biggest problems was reloading. The usual method was to simply ladle a sufficient quantity of powder down the barrel, follow it with a stone, and a wad of straw or rag to hold it in place, sprinkle powder into the touch -hole or vent, and ignite it by applying a hot iron or flame. This sounds simple enough, but a few problems presented themselves!
Early gunpowder had drawbacks. When transported in barrels, the heavier sulphur and nitre tended to settle at the bottom, leaving only charcoal at the top. The only remedy was to tip it all out. and remix them. With the friction created, this could be a very hazardous business!!
A far safer method was: the weighing out of the charge at some convenient and quiet time, wrapping it in parchment, and stowing it away in barrels. Then when needed the, "Powder Monkeys," could run back and forth, bringing prepared cartridges from a place of reasonable safety, to the guns.
Loading was simpler, since the gunner simply thrust the prepared cartridge into the muzzle, having slashed it with his knife, so as to expose some powder, and rammed it down into the gun chamber, following it with, shot and wad, plus a sprinkling of powder into the touch-hole or vent.
The Land Soldier, arrived on the battlefield, positioned his guns, loaded, fired, and then the tide of battle rolled over him, as. either he was behind the battle, and masked from firing by his own side as they advanced, or he was a prisoner. Either way, speed of loading bothered him not!! But to the Sailor, speed in reloading was everything. When the enemy was pouring over the sides of the ship, waving swords, there was no time to start fussing about with ladles and wads etc., to get off a second shot, and to repel boarders!!
Thanks to all who have used amnesty box this week.
Cheers for now, until next time, keep safe.
Bryn
The SerCo Armourer
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Dear Friends,
It is always a privilege as a priest to be asked to include in a service special remembrance for someone who has died. Last week quite a few of you came to our ten o'clock Eucharist to commend to God's love and mercy Harold Young who had died on St Helena after a long illness - a brave man with a cheerful disposition. May he rest in peace.
Also in that service we prayed for Bishop Michael Houghton, his wife and children; I had learned earlier in the week that he had had a heart attack and was seriously ill in hospital.
The sad news is that Bishop Michael, who interviewed me in the UK to advise on my appointment here, died on Saturday. Bishop Michael was a good friend to St Helena and Ascension Island, having served in the Diocese some years ago as a parish priest and many of you will have known him and his family. I am sending a message of condolance to his wife Diana and the children from Ascension Island. There will be a Requiem Mass for Fr Michael at Bristol Cathedral on Thursday, December 30th at 12 noon. If any of you would like to join me in St Mary's at that time to offer prayers for him and his family please do so. The service will last for about 15 minutes.
I was very surprised to receive a phone call the other night from someone in Canada who had been reading my weekly letter to the Islander via the Web! I was asked if I had a message for him to put in his village newsletter along with others he had been gathering from around the world (which seems to be shrinking all the time). The message I gave is a quote from St Paul's letter to the Romans:-
"I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
It is our message to you all this Christmas.
Christina Rossetti wrote
" Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine
Love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.
Come and celebrate that love with us at St Mary's over Christmas.
It is the greatest gift of all.
Happy Christmas!
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AISPCA NEWSJust a quick reminder that there will be no further clinics until Saturday 8th January. I will be available for emergencies only throughout the holiday season. If you call and I'm out then please do leave a message on the voice mail. I do check it regularly and will call you back as soon as I can. The number to call is 6836.
A last minute plea to all pet owners. Please don't forget that your cats and dogs don't understand what all the fuss is about. If you have small children or are planning large parties it can be advisable to give your pets a quiet room where they can get away from all the excitement. Your pets will still expect their meals at the usual times and if you have a dog taking it for a walk will help shift all that Christmas Turkey!
Part of the millenium celebrations in Georgetown will be a firework display. If any Georgetown residents are concerned that their pets may be affected then please give me a call on the above number and I'll give you some mild sedatives for them. Alternatively, locking them in a room with the TV or radio on fairly loud will also help. If you have any worries at all then please do get in touch.
At the time of going to press today, there has been no further news regarding dog licences. I will personally contact all dog owners by the end of this week to let you know if you have to renew them or not.
Thanks and have a good Christmas,
| Caz |  |
| Puss In Boots! The Primary Production this year at the Two Boats School Theatre! The 'house' was packed, the wine was flowing, and the audiences were charged ready for a first class production! They were not disappointed! These actors were first class. |  |
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The children provided over an hour's worth of entertainment, having the audience in stitches periodically. Those who could still remember the story (you must remember that most of these people left school long ago!) followed it along with the show. It was a great performance, which was praised by all at the end of it. Well done children! |
| The second production at Two Boats School Theatre was Ali Baba! This was the Senior School Production. Once again, with the 'house' packed on both nights, the audiences were in high spirits (could be the wine)! Another first class production! |  |
Once again the audience were straining the 'old grey matter' to remember the story and follow along with the show. There were excellent performances by the children, some great looking animals…. With a good sense of humour! The audiences had an extra treat of being entertained between scenes by the best jokes this side of the universe! Thanks to Johnny and Brendan.
Mrs Betty Joshua thanked all involved for helping and organising the shows, as usual to many people to name individually.
We all know how much work goes into producing something like this, so I think that I speak for all the audiences in saying a BIG Thank You for some great performances, and Well Done to all involved!
The Met Office Weather Report
Statistics for the week ending 5th December 1999.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD | 28.7 | 21.6 | 1.5 |
| TRAVELLERS | 27.1 | 20.7 | 7.9 |
| GEORGETOWN | 30.0 | 22.0 | 0.3 |
| RESIDENCY | - | - | 16.7 |
| ST. HELENA | 20.7 | 14.8 | 13.2 |
| FALKLANDS |
16.9 |
0.7 |
3.5 |
| BRIZE NORTON | 12.2 | -0.9 | 2.6 |
ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST ( based on data available on Monday afternoon) : NW'ly 1.0 metre.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island : 25 degrees Celsius.ASCENSION ISLAND: A mostly dry week with plenty of sunshine, though rather windy at times.
ST HELENA: A relatively dry/warm week with plenty of sunshine and a gentle breeze. Friday was the sunniest with 10.5 hours and the bulk of the rainfall fell on Sunday night. We hope this sunny weather will continue through the holiday and into the Millenium. Marcus, Gary and Ian wish all their readers "A merry Christmas and all the best for the Millenium."
U.K: A rather cold week, though mild for a time on Friday. Some sharp frosts and snow, especially over the weekend with snow showers in Scotland and more persistent snow form Wales to London. Very wet in the southwest of England and Wales on Saturday with nearly 50mm falling at St. Mawgan.
FALKLAND ISLANDS: A windy week, especially on Thursday and Friday, but with temperatures near normal. It became colder over the weekend with some wintry showers.
Despite the recent cold, and in places snowy, weather in both the UK and the Falkland Islands, the chances of a White Christmas are looking remote for both. The current cold spell in Britain looks set to end by midweek, with Christmas Eve being mild, wet and windy. Christmas Day will probably be showery, and a little colder, but the only places with the chance of seeing any snow will by the mountain tops. The same goes for the Falklands, with the recent cool spell soon ending and the rest of the week looking unsettled and milder. The chances of snow in St. Helena and Ascension are, I'm pleased to say, nil!
The solution to the triangle puzzle last week first. The largest equal sum you can have along each side is 23 - achieved like this:-72 36 48 5 1 9
A nice simple problem this week. How can you tell, without any means of measurement, if an open cylindrical glass containing water is more than half full? (Or less than half empty, I suppose, if your mind works that way!)
 By the Headteacher - Mrs Betty Joshua |
SCHOOL PAGE |
 www.ais.co.ac/school/ |
Hello Again,
It's closing down time for the School and I would like to round off term One with a summary of events that took place as class or whole school activities. Here goes….
1) Curriculum
a) Year 11 went on visits to English Bay and Shelley Beaches and Green Mountain to undertake studies in landscape and terrain for GCSE coursework. They have come up with some very interesting findings.
b) Middle Two went bird-watching with our visitor from the RSPB down at North-East Bay and observed the birds, including the frigate, with great interest.
Middle One worked on interesting environmental aspects with a view to setting up a 'museum corner'.
Senior pupils produced a questionnaire on recycling for a cross-section of the public to fill in. This came about from their discussions on conservation matters.
c) Reception and Nursery went to visit Johnny at the Dental Clinic where they learnt more about taking care of their teeth. They were learning all about 'Ourselves' at the time.
d) Years 1&2 went beach-combing and observed the different types of sand and shells. These visits were connected with their topic work on Materials and applied a number of different textures to artistic creations.
e) Mock Exams were sat by Year 10 and 11 in November. It was felt that this was a better time rather than after the Christmas holidays. Results have revealed that three of our Year 10 students will sit some of their exams with Year 11 in June '00 which is a year earlier than normal. We wish all our exam students a hardworking term ahead into the new millennium!
f) External examinations were sat in GCSE Accounting and Word Processing (Pitman's) in November.
g) Further Education courses were offered in Science, English Literature and Language and Computer studies. All but Science has been taken up by adults for evening classes.
h) Special Assemblies were held to highlight Ascension's Birds and Harvest. The latter consisted of a playlet, poems, prayers and songs.
i) Open Morning was held and parents and friends were given the opportunity to visit classrooms and see teachers and pupils at work.2. Competitions
a) The senior school participated in a Maersk Gannet naming-the-boat competition. The successful winner and peers from Year 10 were then treated to a trip in the 'Rubber Baby' out to the ship where they had lunch and an afternoon of fun on board.
b) To help Cable and Wireless celebrate their centenary, 48 poster entries were submitted from school which publicised the celebratory events throughout the Island. Winners in three age categories were presented with money prizes and these were given to the children at our Awards Assembly by Mr. R. Ellick, the Manager.3. Whole school activities
a) Smile Day with Dental staff Johnny and Desiree prepared everyone for the second Smile Day when Mark Giles and Donk undertook the painstaking task of individual/group photographs. There were smiles all round!
b) All pupils were given an explosives demonstration by the MOD armoury team in
Two Boats. This event strongly emphasised the dangers of explosives and the extent of damage caused by the different types.4. Visitors to School
Mrs. Hollamby, the Governor's wife, and Mrs. Hipgrave, the Chief of Police's wife from St. Helena, visited us with Mrs. Fairhurst, our Administrator's wife.
Ms. Margaret Crosson from BBC Bush House Administration paid us a visit and at the same time so did the ex-Cable and Wireless visitors who were so taken with the changes in education since the 'early' years.
Mr. Roy Figg from Orlando brought all the school little Disney Land gifts and we learnt that Disney World covers an area of 47 square miles which is the size of St. Helena!!
Miss Rachel Sharp from the RSPB spent a week in School and looked at environmental education with us.
The Ficsal team paid visits and talked with staff and students on matters pertaining to Ascension Island's future.
5. Festive Events
a) The making of Christingles took place in School in advance of the lovely Christingle Service held at St. Mary's Church. Father Keith and Ginny's brilliant organisation allowed the school to produce 100 christingles in no time at all. We re-echo thanks for the generous donations (over £400.00) to the Children's Society in Great Britain . Well done everyone!
b) Christmas entertainment took the form of separate presentations of 'Puss-in-Boots' by Primary and 'Ali Baba' by Secondary. The staff and pupils did a marvellous job in producing both shows over two nights each and, we're pleased to say, to very appreciative audiences. The School takes this opportunity to thank all parents, clubs and organisations for the many ways in which they helped to make the shows the successes they were. There are far too many people to thank individually but you know who you are. Thank you everybody!
c) School parties were in order for all three sectors and Middle School started the trend with a day at Klinka Klub, followed by Lower School's day at Green Mountain and the annual Senior Disco at school. These were much looked forward to events and made for a nice treat after a hard term.
d) Our Carol Service was an open-air affair this year held outside the Saints Club in Georgetown where parents and friends joined us in a programme of carols and readings which told the Christmas Story. This event ended the term and children went off to start their holidays at lunchtime.
e) Sports participation gave opportunities for school teams entering the C&W Rounders event and the Boxing Day Raft competition which is still to happen. The latter is a joint affair between School and the Scouts. So good luck to the muscle men on the day!That's about it for this time. It has been a very busy and worthwhile term for all and we look for ward to continuing to bring you our weekly news through the pages of the Islander as we move into the new millennium. A big THANKYOU to everybody for their support during 1999!
And it just leaves me now, on behalf of TBS, to wish all of you A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS YEAR 2000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With all good wishes
Betty Joshua
Headteacher.Visit Two Boats School at: www.ais.co.ac/school/
St Helenian RAF member gains award.
(Article taken from the RAF News dated 10/12/99)
Gunners graduateA GRADUATION parade took place at RAF Honington when 15 airmen graduated as leading aircraftsmen gunners. The reviewing officer, Honington's station commander Gp Capt Stephen Anderton, presented St Helenian, LAC Keith Ellick with the physical development cup. |
 LAC Keith Ellick - awarded the physical development cup. |
PUBLIC NOTICE
No. 37/99
INSTALLATION OF AN INTERNET WEB CAMERA AT THE PIERHEADWe have received an application to install a web camera at the Pierhead.
Pictures will be taken approximately every 5 minutes and will be available on the Internet.
An example of the image that will be transmitted is available at the Administrator's Office.
Any objections to the siting or operation of the camera should be lodged within two weeks of this notice.
Geoffrey Fairhurst
Administrator
Administrator's Office
Georgetown
20 December 1999
BRITAIN'S OLDEST TA REGIMENT ON EXERCISE IN
ASCENSION ISLANDThe Royal Monmouthshire Engineers (Militia) were deployed on Exercise Greenpole
on the Island with a troop of 10 sappers & signallers led by WO II Whyte and Lt
Glyn-Roche between 2nd and 9th December 99. The troop being drawn from the
Regiment's Four Squadrons, namely 101 Sqn (Monmouth), 100 Sqn (Cumbran),
108 Sqn (Swansea) & 225 Sqn Birmingham.The Exercise mission was to carry out signals training and establish comms with the
regiment back in the UK, which resulted in partial success. The troop were very
active throughout their short time on the Island and were also able to complete a
MACC task, clearing Elliott's Path on Green Mountain; hillwalking and navigation
training; snorkelling, a visit to the BBC World Service and turtle watching at night.
It was not all work, however, and the exercise was completed with a BBQ on
Turtleshell Beach.The exercise was a great success and provided valuable signals training, a MACE
task and as well as adventurous training.It is very much hoped that the Regiment will return to Ascension Island in the near
future as it provides excellent opportunities for military training.Thanks to Flt Lt Simon Reade and Cpl Steve Tookey for acting as our Liaison Officer
during our exercise.
Hash Trash
Hash Number: 780
This weeks Hares: Gilligan, Near Miss and Fugitive.
This weeks Hounds: Lucky Dog, Chief Longpole, Lollipop, P J's, Ma Bell, Xena, Frank'n'Furter, Dozy Ha'p'orth, Sniffy, A-drain, Captain Clingon, Ian and Graham, Pa Giles, Arsonist, Occasional, Smallthing, Lady Like, Thomas the Tank Engine, Morticia, Don, Roly Poly and Why Not.
Transport and welcoming home committee: H.K.P. and Ivor the Engine.The assembly of a motley bunch waited at the foot of the track to the Pines. Once Ma Bell and Arsonist had found enough room to park their little vehicle, Gilligan began his spiel on the hazards of this Hash.
On on was up towards the Pines, with a circle check to let the younger ones catch up and then on up again towards the Weather Gardens. With several more circle checks to allow all to appreciate the wonderful views, the hoard arrived at a rocky out-crop overlooking the saddle between Green Mountain and Mountain Red Hill. It was here that A-Drain took up rock sculpting; obviously there was just too much rock for his liking and decided to do some serious redesign work.
From here the big decent took us down the ridge and through part of the Bullock Ponds valley. At this point Chief Longpole became just Chief after being a good Samaritan and giving his walking pole (bamboo) to Why Not who was feeling the after effects of his forty days in the wilderness. The trail then took the pack round the Sugar Lumps to a very welcome sight at the base of Grazing Valley. Thank goodness for HKP and Ivor who were waiting with the amber nectar, other refreshments and the transport.
Having regained lost liquids we welcomed Lucky Dog from the Antigua H3 and then promptly gave him a down down for not bringing the rest of the Antigua Hash with him. Seriously, it was good to see him as it brought back good memories of many a fine Hash on AntiguaMany thank to the Hares for a great Hash.
Next weeks Hash will be a special Boxing Day Hash on Sunday 26th starting at 16.30, at Booby Turn (Lower Piggery) with Sniffy and Dozy leading the meet.
GHM
| The Grand Hash Master Headquarters, Hash House Harriers Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Ascension
Island
20 December 1999 |
Dear Grand Hash Master of all Hashers,
On On!
I write to alert you to a serious situation that is so intolerable that it must be corrected
immediately. In brief, down-downs are optional for the Hashers at the Ascension Island H.H.H.
I'll explain what happened.This past weekend, I enjoyed a truly brilliant run/scramble/walk of unimaginable vistas
with a fun-loving bunch that ranged from jocks to the lame, from grandpas to grandkids, from
foxes to hogs (more about that later!). At the conclusion, we enjoyed the world-famous Hash
commaderie that always follows such runs, after we were sure that most of those who had started,-
had Finished.Before the celebrations got out of hand - as they usually do - Sniffy, the Hash Master
who earned his stripes at one of your best-run HHH's (Antigua), made the usual announcements,
and then started to administer punishments to those who failed to follow the Rules.As I was a visitor, 1 was awarded the first down-down. I smartly drank some putrid, fowl-
tasting, warm concoction that purportedly was one of Australia's finest. I should have known that
something was amiss when only one or two labored through the Hash Song while others appeared
to wonder what 1 was doing pouring beer on my head.Sniffy then awarded one or two other down-downs — but not one Hasher came forward
for the punishment! I couldn't believe it either, Mr. Grand Hash Master! It's incredible, but
punishments are OPTIONAL at Ascension! And as I noted, there were only a couple that were
even given down-downs.The actual list should have been as follows:
1. Gilligan, Near Miss, and the Fugitive, for setting a Hash that had only four drop-dead
gorgeous Kodak moments, not counting Hash Fox (see below).2. Morticia, for wearing new shoes. Since she doesn't drink beer, Frank-n-Furter will
substitute for her, drinking the down-down from one of her shoes.3. Hash Hogs: Hong Kong Phooey and Ivor the Engine, for showing up just for the
food and drinks and not running the Hash.4. Hash Fox: Lady Like, for wearing tight, stretch shorts, causing many to miss the
Kodak moments we were passing through.5. Hash Heresy: Ivor the Engine, for grabbing a can of Fosters and proclaiming that
Fosters was the Australian word for _____ (I cannot mention the actual word, Mr.
Grand Hash Master. I did note however, that he drank it anyway.)6. Short-cutting: A-Drain and Zena.
7. Questionable Conduct: A-Drain and Zena. In spite of short-cutting, they showed
up late and the truth was not in them.8. Lack of Judgement: Captain Klingon's Dad, for destroying a perfectly good, very
expensive, Marks and Spencer walking stick when a perfectly good, very cheap,
Green Mountain bamboo pole would have served most admirably.9. No Poofters: Small Thing, for wearing pink and purple shorts.
10. AWOL: Warp Speed, for being otherwise engaged with a turtle at English Bay.
Occasional will substitute for him, just because.May I respectfully suggest that you direct the entire Ascension HHH have a down-down
with the above miscreants having a second one. And ask them to send the bill to me, in partial
repayment for having shown me a truly memorable, fabulous time.Thank you for your consideration in this urgent matter. Happy Holidays!
On In!
Lucky Dog
Antigua HHHcc: The Editor, The Islander
ASCENSION PREMIERSHIP 1999/2000 
ARMOURER
