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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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RMS BACK ON STATION
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The RMS St Helena called off Ascension today 22nd February on her first visit from St Helena since October 1999. She will return on 29th February and then depart for Capetown, for only the second cargo trip to Ascension since September 1999.
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Dear Friends,
Much of the history of our Island, like the Ten Commandments
which you remember were given to Moses on the mountain top, is
engraved in stone.
In our cemetaries, which go back to the early 19th century, we
find tombstones that tell of the hardships that men and women
faced in the bleak environment of Ascension.
Memorials vary. The oldest legible inscription I have come across
is deeply incised in wood at Redpole; it is in Memory of Richard
Venner, Quartermaster of His M.S.Heron who departed this life 180
years ago this week, February 23rd 1820. He was 35 years old.
Other memorials are inscribed in slate or brass, some simply
painted on cheap sheet metal; a few are glazed with a heavy metal
frame, yet others are in marble and are affixed to the walls of
St Mary's Church.
Since coming here I have been working on a complete photographic
record of all the graves on the island, together with drawing up
graveyard plans and making a detailed record of the inscriptions
as far as they can be read. With the help of registers and
records of births, marriages, deaths and baptisms it should be
possible to piece together a great deal of fascinating history.
A few memorials I have been able to restore, but many plaques
have 'gone missing', due to the ravages of the elements or simply
through the passage of time.
This past week I was especially pleased to receive a brass which
was found in the back of a garage. It reads
Sacred to the Memory of Emily Jane, the beloved daughter of Robert and Jane Richards who departed this life on the 4th day of may 1846 aged 10 months and 19 days.
Farewell, farewell my baby dear
My beloved babe lies resting here.
Thy Mother's hope, thy Father's pride,
We asked for Thee - but were denied.
But why should we grieve thy loss and Death's alarms?
It is the Voice that Jesus sends to call thee to his arms.
A cheerful smile upon her face
Was always seen to play,
She envied not the rich or great.
More happy far than they.
Robert was a cooper with the Garrison, and on March 6th 1847
Jane gave birth to another daughter, named Jane. She was baptised
on 28th March by William Bell, the R.N.Chaplain
If by any chance you have a piece of our island history picked up
from one of our graveyards do please let me have it; with a
little research I may well be able to place it where it belongs.
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| FROM
THE ADMINISTRATOR |
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My article two weeks ago produced a few replies. It also attracted the attention of the BBC World Service Radio - such is the power of the Islander. The responses so far indicate indifference to the fate of the donkeys - with a slight lead for castration. Is there anyone else who wishes to comment on what should be done about the donkeys?
Continuing the animal theme again, I remind everyone that the export of crayfish is prohibited. For other fish the maximum that can be exported is 50 pounds weight - and an export permit is required.
Good news for our young people. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have approved a grant of £8,000 for equipment for the Youth Club. They have also agreed to purchase a new bus for the Brownies/Guides and Saturday Club (the power of the Islander again?) Clearly Mr Cook could not bear the thought of Cheryl Anthony sitting around with nothing to do! More seriously, it's an indication that the FCO believe that it is worthwhile investing in our young people. Well done, to them and their leaders.
Geoffrey Fairhurst
21 February 2000
LETTERS| From the Editor:- Good news
this week for the island youth organisations, the FCO is
supplying a bus for the Guides, Brownies and the Saturday
Club to use. I am am sure we all share the Administrator's
thoughts of well done to all at the FCO and their leaders.This
on top of money for new computer equipment for the school,
new printers for the 'Islander' and various other
projects. The purse strings have been loosened for us,
long may it continue. T.J. |
To Editor, The Chief Engineer Mike Larkins and I hosted a Bar-B-Que this past Saturday night at the Scouts Beach Hut. Norbert "Johnny" Hobson was kind enough to offer the use of the Beach Hut. I feel the BBQ was a great success and I want to thank everyone for coming. In particular, I would like to thank Norbert for his invaluable help in planning and transporting of material. John White was also of great assistance in helping transport all the beer and softdrinks for the pierhead. Norbert , Maj. Martin, Larry Francis and Dave Rayney helped spread the word of the BBQ. I am glad that everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We had plenty of food to go around and I trust everyone that wanted received a nice juicy T-Bone steak I still am amazed at the quantity of beer that was consumed, I know that I was thirsty after my very first Hash. The Hash started and ended at the Beach Hut. As it would take me 6 months to run the required 3 Hashes, I was given special dispensation and included in the Naming Ceremony after my first Hash. I would like all the Hashers to know that in my dictionary "SEAMAN" is spelt with two A's, but at least they go the "SIR" part right! When the vessel departs the island this time we will be taking up to five turtles with us. They are to be dropped over the side at 32 miles south, 32 miles North East and 32 miles North West of the Island. I believe the idea behind this experiment is to determined how large of a factor the wind-born odor of the Island plays in the turtles ability to find the nesting grounds. I understand from the December turtle deployment we did to the South West that three turtles came back almost immediately while the fourth turtle is still out there trying to home-in on the Island. We will return on our next voyage around April 20-21, the entire crew of the M/V Ascension will be looking forward to meeting our Ascension Island friends again. Best Regards, Dana Haff
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The Met Office Weather Report
Statistics for the week ending 29th January 2000.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD | 29.9 | 23.6 | 7.0 |
GEORGETOWN |
32.0 |
23.0 |
2.2 |
RESIDENCY |
25.5 |
19.7 |
32.1 |
| ST. HELENA | 26.5 |
16.7 |
6.2 |
| FALKLANDS | 20.7 |
4.4 |
1.4 |
| BRIZE NORTON | 10.8 | -2.3 | 9.0 |
ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST ( based on data available on Monday afternoon:) Mostly southerly, around 1 metre.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island : 27 degrees Celsius.
ASCENSION ISLAND: The remnants of the heavy rains continued through until Thursday, but from Friday on it was mostly dry and sunny, though temperatures were still a little below the normal for February.
ST HELENA: A very warm and sunny week with most of the rainfall occurring on Wednesday morning. The hottest day was Sunday, with just a light breeze.
U.K: An unsettled and, in the south at least, mild first half of the week. It became colder towards the weekend with some sleet and snow in places, especially the hills of Scotland.
FALKLAND ISLANDS: A mostly dry week, windy for the first few days but much less so by the weekend, and becoming pleasantly warm.
The word you should have come up with last week was PICTURE.
For the next week ponder over these,
The clues below will give you a series of words which are anagrams of each other. The number in the brackets is the number of letters in the words you are looking for. For example, 'this instrument emits a cry of pain. (5)' would give you ORGAN and GROAN.
a) Peril in Eden. (6)
b) Gaze at local tax demand. (5)
c) Dog on the road startles examiner. (6, three words)
d) Call someone with an average amount of hair. (4, three words)
e) Cad may answer back. (6)
f) Poet eats this for a bet. (5, three words)good luck
NEWS FROM THE
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It was'nt until the late 1500's that the wheel-lock made its appearance and had some effect on the military tactics of the time.
As the traditional way of achieving ignition was by striking flint or iron pyrites against steel, it was natural that the same system should be applied to new gunlocks. It only requires me to say that it worked in much the same way as a modern wheel and flint cigarette lighter. Because it was much larger and its wheel had to be spun mechanically, which made it a very complex piece of kit, it was first produced by clock-makers. The wheel lock was obviously an expensive arm to manufacture and at first became a status symbol until techniques improved and cheaper and more practical models became available.
The main military significance of the wheel lock, was that now a gun could be used by a mounted man for the first time. By the 16th century cavalry were becoming impotent when pitted against infantry armed with matchlock muskets in ranks with pikemen interspersed between them. For a time they abandoned shock tactics (the charge) and hope that by advancing in successive ranks and firing volleys of pistol bullets they would demoralise their opponents. It was thought that this would cause the enemy to break ranks and so give the cavalry a chance to use their swords and lances. But long range pistol volleys from restless horses could never prove a match for steady fire from the muskets of infantry and the use of a pike, so the cavalry had to seek other meands of re-establishing its traditional domination of the battlefield.
Gun makers sought to simplify the process of ignition; a search in which they were supported and encouraged by soldiers. The biggest stride forward was the development of the Flintlock which is believed to have originated or have been developed in the Spanish province of Cataluna sometime in the early 16th century. This development was to dominate basic weaponry for the next two hundred years or more.
My thanks to all who have contributed to my pyrotechnic collection and handed items in during the period. As ever, until next time keep safe.
Bryn the SERCO Armourer.
Dear Friends,
Hope you are all well. We are doing famously. I have not got a digital camera yet but I have scanned a couple of pics of Ellie. We have a short announcement.
At 7:30am on Tuesday 8th February Ellen "Ellie" was born to Annette Broderick and Brendan Godley in Singleton Hospital, Swansea. She weighed 8lb 10 oz and measured 56cm. Annette and baby are now doing well at home. We would like to thank all on Ascension for their best wishes throughout the pregnancy and since the birth of our daughter. We hope to visit Ascension again in the near future.
Dr A.C. Broderick
Dr. B.J. Godley
E-mail: MTN@swan.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1792 205 678 ext 4411
Fax: +44 1792 295 447Marine Turtle Research Group
School of Biological Sciences
University of Wales, Swansea
Swansea, UK
SA2 8PP
http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg
 Tracy & Steve preparing for the head shave |
 And we're on the way. |
| At long last I have put pen to paper,"Titter
thee not". I'm no good with computers, so thank you
Tony for putting this together for me. Last century I put myself up for having my head shaved along with Steve ( the woosss fireman) and Tony ( the woosss shop manager), thanks lads as I ended up on my own. A big thankyou to everyone who gave to the good cause, as we raised £448.00. I couldn't back out even if I wanted to as people had pledged money even before the actual; event. The monies went to the millennium fund and, I think for 90% of the population it was a fantastic party to see in the new century. Pete and I had a great time as I know our daughters, Gemma and Amy did as well. Thank yopu to the committee for all your hard work. I have been gone a week, but Pete is still there until March 1st, "I love and miss you babe". I must confess that it was I who twinned Georgetown with "Royston Vasey". Glyn, it only has one "S" in "Vasey", Hee Hee! Steve, Helen, Heartbeat had not arrived by the time I had left, best of luck and thanks Steve for keeping us entertained on a Saturday morning. Natalie and Joyce, thank you for the fat cokes and fish cakes and great meals at Reflections, I'll moss you both. Patsy, thanks for your company at Two Boats, the Malibu and coke won't taste the same in the snow. Thank you to Jim Podger and crew for the wonderful evenings we have had aboard your vessel. I remember getting on board, but never remember leaving. Thanks and good-bye to all the great people we have met over the last twelve months, you know who you are! Last, but not least, Avril and Ed, our life out here would not have been the same without you, you have been wonderful friends to Pete and I, I hope it will continue for years to come. I will be in touch very, very soon. We hope to visit again soon. Love and God bless. Pete and Tracy Stone |
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 Job completed and a little clean up |
 The new-look Tracy with Errol |
Hash number: 789
Hash Hares: A-Drain and Xena.
This weeks Hounds: Woodwrecker, Chief Longpole, Thomas the Tank Engine, Lady Like, Lollipop, Morticia, Beany Baby, Wannabe, Fit Guy, Thunderthighs, Warp Speed, Whynot?, Ma Bell, Xena, Sticks, A-drain, Roly Poly, Near Miss, Dozy Ha'P'orth, Sniffy, Small Thing, Nocturnal Emission, Urchin, Long Come, Colgate, Limp Sausage, Betty Boob, Stud Muffin, Sir Seamen Stain, Rick, James and Dave.
Shortcutters, direct to the liquid refreshments: Gilligan, Franf-n-Furter, Prambo, Stealth, New Knees and Doctor Feel Good (shame on you!).
There was a suspiciously large number of Hashers this week…how many of them were there for just the Hash I wonder? The Hash began as most Hashes do (Utter Chaos - even without HKP! - where was that T-i-gg-er?) and, after a quick briefing from A-Drain, we were off. Down the road and over the rocks, and at this point many Hashers noticed that some apparently legal shortcutting was going on; was that a Hare leading the knitting circle (Xena you should be ashamed!). After a quick stop, on on again onto a coastal path which led to a back check (more short cutting) then down a bit, over the beach and up a bit and a big loop that went nowhere. Now that the Hares had succeeded in getting themselves confused (navigating by smell again!) we found our way back on the track which leads from the submarine-cable beach to the pipeline, then back along the pipeline to the liquid refreshments.
Once back at base the Hash had been very kindly invited to join the bar-b-que and party, laid on by Capt. Dana Haff and some of his officers and crew. A big Hash thank-you for that Dana.
However all was not done, as a certain lady Hasher (acting Royal Adviser?) insisted there were too many virgin Hashers and too many Hashers without appropriate Hash names. So disorder was called and the virgins were cajoled into the circle for punishment, but as the amber nectar was chilled to perfection, the punishment wasn't so bad. Next came the nameless, which led to much discussion and hilarity, until Mike became Limp Sausage, Jene became Betty Boob, Cameron became Stud Muffin and our host Dana became Sir Seamen Stain. The naming was carried out with great gusto, with more than just the namees being splooshed.Thanks to the Hares, Dana, Johnny and all helpers for
a very enjoyable afternoon and evening with good food
and good company.
Next weeks Hash: Red Lion car park on Saturday 26th
at 16.30, laid by Thunderthighs and Limp Sausage.
All newcomers are very welcome
Visit the Ascension Island Hash Web Site
| ASCENSION HASH
HOUSE HARRIERS Need volunteers to market and design T - Shirts for the Ascension Island Hash House Harriers Don't have to be a 'Hasher' to design the T - Shirts Call Maj Martin, USAF Base at 2200 |
DEW POND RUN American Legion Post #363 is sponsoring the next Dew Pond Run Get involed and help plan the event!!! Help us decide the date. Right now we are looking at the last week in April. Want to help out? Want to design T - Shirts? Call Maj Martin, USAF Base at 2200 |
We were in a new time zone yet again on Sunday to play the mysterious November monthly medal from last year. It was also a chance for another qualifying slot for the forthcoming champions of champions
With the customary hot sun but no breeze 14 of Ascensions finest, did battle, there was some very hurried players zipping around the course. was it anything to do with all day football on the box? I think so.
There was a clear winner on the day Martin Cranfield putting a lovely round together, hardly missing the fairways, browns or puts to produce a gross 75 net 66, and go one better that last weeks 2nd place.
After a little controversy second place was awarded to Richie Joshua who hit gross 73 net 69. Other worthy scores were:
1st place Martin Cranfield Gross 75 - 07 = 66 2nd place Richie Joshua Gross 73 - 04 = 69 Jeff Joshua Gross 89 - 18 = 71 Cross Country is postponed for one week due to the RMS and will now be played on Sunday 5th March
Monthly Medal: Sunday 12th March
Captains Day A.G.M Sunday 26th March Texas Scramble.
Sandbagger - 23rd Feb 2000
ASCENSION
PREMIERSHIP 1999/2000
Results from the Weekends Action
| Sat 19th Feb | US Base | 3 | Two Boats | 3 | ||
| 5pm | S. Williams, R. Joshua, K. Bennett |
T. Reynolds(pen), A. Williams, C. George |
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| Referee: Dean Collis | MOM: Greg Plato (US Base) | |||||
| Sun 20th Feb | Travellers | 0 | Georgetown | 3 | ||
| 5pm | E. Robinson(2), G. Yon | |||||
| Referee S. Williams | MOM: Wayne Yon (Travellers) |
Georgetown is in a good position for the District cup with
their win over Travellers. That puts them on top of the Table.
It seemed that age and experience overcame youth and enthusiasm
with this match on Sunday. Who would have bet against Travellers
with their star filled line-up? But Eddie Robinson put Georgetown
ahead in the first half. Travellers fought back but failed to
capitalise on any of their numerous attempts at goal. In the
closing stages of the second half, Eddie Robinson followed up
with another slammer, proving his first was not a fluke. Then
just to finish Travellers off, Gavin 'Chocolate' Yon put in his
second for the season, and netted Georgetowns third.
Two Boats and Base started of the District with their clash on
Saturday.
The first half saw a tight fight for supremacy. This was only
decided in the dying minutes before the break when Chris 'Guvenor'
George was brought down in the Goalkeepers area. Up stepped Tony
'Sommersault' Reynolds who easily put Two Boats ahead. But this
lead in the second half was short lived as Simon Williams, now as
midfield maestro, equalised with his dash at goal.
The game was deadlocked again for ages before Richard Joshua put
US Base ahead. But Andrew 'Papa' Williams came to Two Boats
rescue and put the teams on even footings again. It seemed all
over when Two Boats went ahead with a header from top goalscorer
' Guvenor'. Two Boats must have felt it was three points in the
bag. But US Base was not about to give up and soon equalised when
they made a corner count in the last seconds of extra time. Great
calls from both captains as Supersubs Andrew 'Papa' Williams and
Kurt Bennett both netted their goals after coming on in the
second half.
| League Table | Teams | Pld | Won | Lost | DW | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
| Georgetown | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | ||
| US Base | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | ||
| Two Boats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | ||
| Travellers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
9 M Joshua(Gtn) C George(MRdrs) 6 J Deacon(Gtn) A Bennett(Hts)
4 C Warburton(Gtn) L Peters,R Joshua (Hrts), T Reynolds(MRdrs) ,
R Benjamin(TBR) 3 N Lawrence(Hrts) A Henry, T Reynolds(MRdrs) B
Minto, D Henry(Rgrs) 2 G Yon, M Cranfield, N John(Gtn) G Peters(MRdrs)
E Robinson, McLaughlin (Rgrs) R Thomas(TBR) 1 A Williams, T Moyce(Gtn)
G Robinson, G Youde, N Yon, S Yon, T Loker(Hts) A Williams, C
Duncan, I Wade, M Andrews(MRdrs) Alfie, G Plato, I Lawrence(Rgrs)
C Young, K Bennett(TBR)
Martin 'Jazzy' Joshua and Chris 'Guvenor' George are 'even
Stevens' again following the weekend District matches. Those who
add themselves to the elite this week are Eddie Robinson, Andrew
Williams and Kurt Bennett. More over, Simon Williams who would
normally stop goals at one end, this week put in one at the other
end for US Base.
| Saturday 11th March | 1st Round | 4.30pm | Two Boats Rowdies v Georgetown | |||
| Saturday 18th March | Semi-Final 1 | 4.30pm | Winners of 1st round v Rangers | |||
| Sunday 19th March | Semi-Final 2 | 4.30pm | Merlin Raiders v Harts | |||
| Sunday 26 March | Final | 4.30pm | Winner of Semi 1 v Winner of Semi 2 |
Notice that games start early at 4.30pm. This is to allow extra time and penalties if necessary.
We are now accepting votes for these prestigious awards. Every player who has taken part in the 1999/2000 Season is eligible for a vote. Phone in your vote to any member of the Committee. Darrin on 4538, Chris on 4459 or Crocky on 4587.
In the event of a points draw in the District, team positions
will be decided by a goal difference. If goal difference is level,
then the team with the most goals scored will go ahead in the
table. Only if goals scored is drawn also, will there be a play-off.
Saturday 26th Feb - 5pm - Two Boats v Travellers (Ref: Martin Cranfield)
Sunday 27th Feb - 5pm - US Base v Georgetown (Ref: Darrin Henry)
Second week of International duties. They continue at
Travellers Stadium. Although Georgetown is on the top of the
District table, the winner is by no means decided.
See the best from each District team up against each other. Come
down and support your District.
EDITORS - Tony Jenkins
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
Internet compilers - Paul Bennett, Nathan Prince & Gavin Yon
Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday
All articles © copyright 2000 The Islander Newspaper. All rights reserved. |
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