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The Islander - Thursday 17th may 2001

CONGRATULATIONS

TO SHAUN LEO ON HIS PROMOTION TO LANCE CORPORAL

WO1 (ASM) Cutler, the senior military person in REME Wing and responsible for managing LCpl Leo stated: "LCpl Leo has made a very good start to his Army career, he has shown all the attributes that will make him a good tradesmen and a valued member of REME. I think he has a good future in the British Army and should progress well in his chosen career".

MY TIME IN THE ARMY

By LCpl SHAUN LEO

I enlisted in the British Army in May 1998 as a Craftsman in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). My first posting was to the Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Pirbright, Hampshire. It is here that new recruits into REME complete their phase 1 training. This involves13 weeks of arduous training including foot drill, rifle drill, weapon handling, basic infantry skills and lots of physical training. The highlight of the basic training was the week long infantry exercise in which I had the opportunity to put into practice the skills that I had been taught. Although the 13 weeks is testing both physically and mentally, I did get the chance to enjoy myself with a week long adventure training exercise in Wales, during which I was able to try out new experiences like rock climbing, canoeing, hill walking
and sailing.

On completion of my phase 1 training, I was posted to the School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering at Arborfield, Berkshire to undergo phase 2 training as a Radar Technician. Phase 2 training lasts 18 months and involves learning engineering skills such as metalwork, soldering skills and building circuit boards as well as gaining academic qualifications in maths, science, basic electronics and radar techniques. Although phase 2 training involves a lot of studying both during the day and in the evenings the 18 months is broken up with several infantry skills exercises in various locations in England and Wales (at the time, the wettest and coldest place on earth). I also had a week adventure training in Cornwall.

The 18 months soon passes and having completed all the training and passed all the tests I was ready to be posted to a working unit. However before I could be posted I had to learn to drive. I was sent on a course to the Defence School of Transport where I learnt how to drive Army vehicles ranging from a Landrover to a heavy goods vehicle with a 12-meter trailer.

In July 2000 I was posted to REME Wing, The Royal School of Artillery (RSA), Larkhill, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. RSA carries out the phase 2 training for all recruits in the Royal Artillery (RA) and career courses for other members of the RA. RSA is supported by 14 Regiment RA who provides all the equipment for training. 14 Regiment RA is one of the busiest units in the British Army, firing more artillery rounds in 1 month than the rest of the British Army does in a year. Because 14 Regiment is a training unit it has a wide range of equipment ranging from AS 90, the British Army's latest self propelled howitzer, to High Velocity Missile (HVM), the British Army's latest air defence missile system. It is REME Wing's job to support all of this equipment, I was employed in the Rapier section to carry out first line repairs and maintenance on Rapier FSB2, a medium range anti aircraft defence system.

In September 2000 I was selected to take part in an adventure training exercise organised by 14 Regiment RA. The exercise involved several crews sailing around Britain in Victoria 34 yacht. REME Wing had to provide a crew for the first leg, Gosport to Newcastle. However due to the fuel crisis on the mainland the relief crew were unable to get to Newcastle and we had to complete the second leg of the expedition as well, from Newcastle to Fort William in Scotland. I had to leave the yacht at Peterhead in Scotland as I was due to go on exercise the following week.

After eventually getting back to Larkhill I had the weekend to sort out my kit before joining 22 Regiment RA at Kirton in Lindsey, in Lincolnshire. 22 Regiment RA were deploying on their annual firing camp in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland and I was attached to them for 3 weeks to gain some experience on the Rapier system during live firing. The annual firing camp is the one time in the year that the Rapier crews get the chance to fire live missiles from their equipment at motorised flying targets. Because of this it is an extremely important and busy time for them, it is also a very busy time for the REME tradesmen who repair and maintain their equipment to ensure it is fully operational. The three weeks were exhausting yet a thoroughly enjoyable experience during which I learnt a lot about my trade and the equipment I support.

In January this year I was transferred from the Rapier section to the Field Radar section to broaden my knowledge of Radar equipment. I am now working on HMV, javelin (a short range anti aircraft missile system) and Cymbeline (a mortar locating radar). Since moving to the Field Radar section I have been promote to Lance Corporal. In a few months I hope to attend a Junior Military Certificate Course which will qualify me to become a Corporal.

Father Keith Writes:

PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN.  ASCENSION ISLAND (Diocese of St. Helena) Parish Priest: Fr. Keith James - +247 6431 Church Warden: Mervyn Isaacs Church Warden: Cheryl Anthony

Dear Friends,

Now, as they say, for something completely different!!

MR BIGG

1. This is the tale of Mr Bigg who really couldn't care a fig about the world and what was in it All he cared about was himself 3. Seventeen bedrooms on the top floor, all with bathrooms with taps galore. Loos being flushed as if water came free. All he cared about was himself. 5. All of the furniture made of best wood, but nothing got planted where trees once stood; for he wanted the cheapest, did our Mr Bigg - All he cared about was himself. 7. One day Mr Bigg in his car had a crash but he didn't worry, he had lots of cash. He phoned up the garage and ordered a new one, All he cared about was himself.

2.Mr Bigg had lots of money. "Build me a house for me and my honey" He said to the builder, make it huge All he cared about was himself 4.The air conditioning cost a packet his wife complained it made a racket! The electric they used was quite ginormous All he cared about was himself 6. When the fridge stopped working Mr Bigg wasn't stumped he just bought a new one, the old one was dumped; Not disposed of correctly, that might have cost money All he cared about was himself 8. The car was the biggest you've ever seen the engine made all the others look mean it only did eight miles to the gallon All he cared about was himself

9. When Mr Bigg was ninety eight he died - and knocked on Heaven's gate. St Peter said "You can't come in, all you cared about was yourself!"

God Bless you and keep you, Fr Keith & Ginny.

Health Tip of the Week

What is stress?
You are walking in a dark place, a figure appears in front of you, blocking your way. Could it be a mugger?….
AUTOMATICALLY YOUR BODY SWITCHES TO 'RED ALERT'. You feel fear…. Your senses sharpen. Hormones flood into your blood stream, causing you to breathe more deeply and making your heart rate soar. Your muscles tense in anticipation.
You are ready for action - be it to tackle this person - or turn and run like mad
Your body is in tune with the threat you sensed and instinctive reactions primed you for self survival.
This is an extreme case, but some stress is a part of everyday life. In fact, it is essential - it keeps us on our toes and out of danger, after all we need to be alert when crossing a busy road
Unfortunately there are times when we feel we can no longer cope with our stress and it becomes DISTRESS. It is as if we develop a 'hair trigger' and become tense in everyday situations. Even simple things make us 'blow a fuse'. Frequent surges of hormones prime our bodies to run from things we can never escape. Pent up feelings can push up blood pressure and put a strain on the whole body including the heart.
If you think you are a stress sufferer, DON'T PANIC! Medical problems are not evitable and there are many ways you can get your stress responses back in tune.

Who is prone to stress?
You are probably hard working, have a lot of drive and enjoy a challenge. The sort of personality that some doctors call 'Type A'. they call the other side of the personality coin 'Type B'. These people have an easy going manner, they are relaxed , calm and wont make a drama out of a crises. Like all attempts to categorise, splitting people into two types are a bit unrealistic - we all exhibit a mixture of both behaviours. The key thing is to try and modify your behaviour so that it becomes more B than A - basically trying to take a more relaxed attitude to life and its problems.
A good way to start is to list all the things that cause you stress. Is it the neighbours dog that barks constantly, complications at work, the rude receptionist, the search for a new home. Make a list and try to recognise your stress triggers. Once you have identified your 'triggers' consciously try to relax in these situations and learn to tackle the source of the problem, where possible

What can you do to avoid stress?
· Remember your 'stress situations', and when you get caught up in one, use it as a cue to relax. When something or someone is making you 'tense up', do the opposite. Give your arms and neck a stretch - try smiling at someone.
· When the phone is engaged, or someone annoys you, take a deep breath and exhale slowly - think how silly it seems that minor hassles like these made you uptight
· How much exercise do you get? Cycling, jogging or swimming are ideal ways of reducing the tension caused by stress. Yoga or relaxation techniques may also be helpful
· Try to cut down on drinking and smoking, If you use these to 'unwind' the relief can only be temporary. They will not solve the problems that make you tense
· Stop trying to do more than one thing at a time. Take jobs in order of importance and try to plan ahead
· Instead of talking at other people, try having conversations with them and listen to what they say. Eat more slowly, savour your food, forget work problems and have a good look around.

The tell tale signs of stress
-Do your feel guilty when relaxing - uneasy if not 'on the go'?
-Do you lie awake worrying about tomorrow?
-Are you tense … does your neck feel 'knotted up'?
-Are you impatient or irritable - do you interrupt when others are talking?
-Do you feel that you have a lot on your mind - have difficulty concentrating?
-Are you smoking or drinking more - do you eat in a hurry?
-Does life feel full of crises - are you having rows?
-Do you find it difficult to make decisions?
-Do you feel frustrated when people don't do what you want?
-Do you experience a butterfly stomach, a dry mouth, sweaty palms or thumping heart?

If you have said yes to some of these, read on……

Risk factors - the big 6
Remember that stress is one of several factors causing heart disease - there are five others to bear in mind. Your best bet for minimising the risk of heart disease is to tackle all six together.
Help your heart by making healthier food choices
Excess weight put a strain on your heart
Avoid a high blood pressure
Relax and reduce your stress levels
Take regular exercise
You should try to give up smoking

THE QUEEN WHO KEPT CHANGING HER MIND

(FULL STORY)

Many of you may still have memories of the highlight in the Georgetown Cinema on Friday 4th & Saturday 5th May, which was the above, named Pantomime. Thirty children from the Guides and Saturday Club with some very keen Scouts showing their skills as well performed this very colourful Pantomime. The reason for this was to raise money for the mini bus, which needs a tremendous amount of money, kept in the 'kitty' for the annual upkeep, maintenance and insurance.

Every individual was auditioned and every Saturday morning without fail rehearsals went underway. Although this was the start of the children's weekend holiday from school they were still very much enthusiastic about it all. Having to deal with 30 children might have seemed chaotic but we did get on and everything came together just before the Quincentennial - or this is what I thought. Having this celebration and the AIS farewell party also the Easter camps stepping in our way of the stage etc… it did put a dampened spot on the children. On the return to the stage after all this excitement I almost had to have hair transplant after nearly pulling my hair out due the lack of spirit in the 'actors'. What made it worse was having only 3 weeks to go before the real thing would be happening.

Desperate, I rang Natalie (who earlier said if helped was needed to give her a call!) to come to the rescue having once been an ex-teacher to the majority of these children she got them moving again (very gently!) - and they sure did move!! Aaron and his workers' knees were nearly touching their chests, the false moustaches nearly got swallowed and even Stephen (Kimbo Junior) sneezed his off and had it stuffed up his nostrils in panic!! With these entire happenings I came to a conclusion that false moustaches were out of the question, so thanks to the backstage crew they were pencilled on. With five days to go Rosa came to the rescue to finish some ballroom gowns off with all the lace curtains donated to us, and what lovely gowns they were too. I bet if Lyn Legg had seen the Queen's gown she would have wanted her curtains back to make one for New Year's Eve!!! Even the Accommodation Services (Johnny Hobs) cut some curtain material (that we do not use anymore!) to make the King's Cloak and Herald's Tunic. I had to make wigs for the Footmen - what with? Well thanks to Joyce Benjamin and her grey tights I managed to make three lovely wigs out of pleated cotton wool (all the way from Safeway courtesy of Raxa) stitched unto the tights! They did look the real thing too!

We had laughs along the way too especially when the Queen was in a muddle not having her head put through all four petticoats at the same time - No worries Clare no one noticed the first layer was tucked under her armpit!! Clayton (Blockey) Yon (Lady Pump) had a size 30A chest one night and 40D the other but no one noticed! For the amount of flour I used for the so-called porridge and bread I had to burn for the props I prayed for the next MOD ship to arrive because at this rate I would have been out of stock!

So you can see we had a great time working together and the children did a magnificent job in getting this show on the road to entertain you. They enjoyed it as much as you did in watching it. They performed in front of 64 audiences on the Friday and over 200 on the Saturday - and they were so confident about it all. All the moves and speeches were accurate. The singing was beautiful - who would think these same children are the ones who I sometimes listen to in the School's assembly, thinking I should not sing too loud as I will drown the hall full of children. Well, I guess on stage with a PA system set up does make that bit of difference…. ahem! Has anyone else got anymore-bright ideas to put in use on the stage - let's hear from you - it will be a shame to let the stage deteriorate again.

This just leaves me to say for once I was "speechless" when I was presented with the lovely flower arrangement of 'Blue & Yellow' from all my 'little darlings'. THANKS A BUNCH. Now I know the reason for everyone agreeing that I should go to watch the show from the back of the cinema. Clever or What?

You may think my tiring days are over but I promised the Saturday Club 'actors' as we didn't got together for the Easter and if they did extremely well in the Pantomime I would take them for a camp. Now, that is all I am hearing - I guess I cannot break my promise - BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY!!

The grand total of takings was £363.

PHOTOS OF THE NIGHT

 

THANKS ONCE AGAIN EVERYONE. HERE'S TO THE NEXT ONE!!

C.E.A.

LETTERS

The Met Office Weather Report

Well, the Mystery of the Missing Metchat was solved earlier this week when we realised that last weeks episode failed to make it due to a technical breakdown - we hadn't been snubbed after all! We even had special requests for personal printouts after last weeks no-show (I never knew we were so popular!) so were planning to issue a double bill this week. Due to a string of computer disasters however, it looks like last weeks happenings may have to go unpublished, although some of you will have seen the bootleg copy currently in circulation.

We have had more than our share of PC misery at the office recently, and the final straw was when our email refused point blank to work after a surprise power cut on Friday. We are email junkies here in Met Office Ascension and it is very unsettling to be suddenly cut off from our dependency. There are cold sweats and withdrawal symptoms all round and it won't be long before tetchiness creeps in, then downright hostility towards each other. On the plusside however, it does mean my credit card company can't get in touch, they recently gave up trying to find me using snail mail. The social side it has been rather quiet of late, although I did fall off the wagon midweek when Gary from ops was buying beer on his birthday. Let's just say he won't see 35 again and there was a good crowd in the MVC to help him commiserate. He never learns about playing pool for money, despite his advancing years, and every time I show up to watch the master at work he completely blows it, loosing the match no matter how far ahead he is. There was more excitement at the end of the night as it looked as though my mountain bike had been stolen. It did turn up after a brief search, but in the shrubbery! It had moved from beside the pavement into the bushes, almost as though it had been deliberately hidden - so it looks like there are some 'anti drink cycling' vigilantes out there.

So instead of going to the pub recently there has been much stargazing going on; Nick, Pete and I are all keen on heavenly bodies, we also enjoy the spectacular night sky down here. The telescope has been a worthwhile investment, especially on quiet night shifts and the Milky Way, Mars on high power together with the "Alien Moon Cities" are proving big hits with anyone that sees them. The other non alcoholic evening pursuit is Tae Kwon Doe, although Nick has dropped out of classes for some reason, the Big Jessie. He prefers squash and has the cheek to complain about the noise we make doing our sequences. I must say a quick hello to the class and Paul our instructor. Sorry to anyone who ends up as my sparring partner this week, my poor memory will let me down after being taken through some new moves so you will need
to repeat the instructions over and over before it finally sinks in.

I enjoyed Judiths first Metchat, but she still has to find a pseudonym. She was also rather quiet on her antics since arriving,
what has she really been up to? And another thing, I do resemble that remark about having hair like a rosette guinea pig! I prefer to think of it as Greek God like curls, which naturally take more time to cut with shears than scissors. Talking of go faster haircuts, Nick has been enjoying our new car more and more and still hasn't hit anything. Amazingly there were witnesses (human) that saw him curb his natural enthusiasm to get to work early one evening when he slowed to 30mph, just to prove he could do it. This was on the A1 and someone actually overtook him !!!. We can't take the mickey too much this week (normal service resumes next week) as he cured our email problem single handed.

Down at English Bay midweek, there was an invasion of stinging Jellyfish and this curtailed snorkelling somewhat. You could pick your way through them for short periods but Brian, a visiting Padre, fell victim in only around a foot of water. What has the world come to when marine life gets particular about who they attack, singling out a man of God for special treatment? Could it be they are religious zealots targeting other faiths? Fundamentalist jellyfish around our shores!

After writing the above on Sunday it was pointed out that there was still a whole 24 hours to go before the publication deadline, plenty of time for gathering more material. I'm running out of space though, so I'll leave you to imagine just how you chip a tooth during karaoke…..

Ascension Highlander

A major component of the reform process on Ascension Island is the development of a private sector. Ascension Island Commercial Services Ltd. (AICS), a private limited company, has been established to manage and prepare for sale those business units which are commercial in nature and which were formerly operated by Ascension Island Services. AICS as currently constituted will exist until 31 March 2002 by which time it is hoped that the businesses will have been taken on by private sector operators.

AICS has three shareholders, Ascension Island Government (AIG), BBC and Cable & Wireless and each has appointed a Director. Board decisions must be agreed by all three Directors and will be taken in the context of one fundamental guiding principle which is to ensure that the long term interest of the Island is uppermost.

The businesses involved are -

Accommodation Services
Car Hire
Petrol Station
Shop
Laundry
Cleaning
Galley

To manage these businesses and prepare them for privatisation the Board has appointed John Cavana as Chief Executive Officer. John is well known on Ascension
and St Helena having worked on both
islands with Cable & Wireless. His many years of experience with that company in various parts of the world will be invaluable for what has to be done on Ascension. In the early 1990's, for example, he was heavily involved in a tender process and contract management for a multi-million pound project in Saudi Arabia. This had to be done in what was sometimes a hostile environment. The scale of things on Ascension is smaller and the environment is not likely to be hostile but the skills which John has developed over the years are very relevant.

John will be based on Ascension and will be responsible to the Directors of AICS. There is a great deal to be done in a short period of time but one of his first tasks will be to communicate with local people and organisations and ensure that there is a full awareness of the potential business opportunities. To further this objective John plans to visit St Helena in July.

Ascension Island Commercial Services Ltd
15 May 2001

Islanders are invited to participate in a competition to design a logo for the Agency.

The objects of the Agency are set out in section 12 of the Ordinance are as follows:

To Maintain
a) Public roads of Ascension including street lighting and traffic control signs and devices
b) Cargo and passenger handling facilities.
c) An efficient Hygiene system for the disposal of domestic refuse; including the One Boat or other public refuse tip.
d) The system for disposal of sewage.
e) Public recreational facilities.
f) Existing cemeteries.
g) To operate the works department facilities that were in operation before the creation of the Agency for the repair of motor vehicles, the provision of electrical services and air-conditioning repair and installation services.

The theme for the design of the logo should be orientated to future prosperity for all who live on Ascension.

The winning design will be chosen by the Agency Board and will become the property of the Agency.

A £25 cash prize will be awarded to the person with the winning design.

Entries are to be submitted to the AISWA Board Secretary, Mrs Marilyn Caswell, Georgetown, by Friday 25 May 2001.

A windy afternoon at Two Boats football field saw the start of this week's Hash. Two New-bees this week (TP didn't send the scratch pad - so AD forgot the other name….) would have had HKP's mouth watering, but as he is not here they were safe…… Human Mattress was spotted in the distance hitching a lift - we thinks he thought the Hash was going up the mountain and decided to get a head start! After the briefing was given by the Hares, the On On was given towards the Sheep Pound, and after a few devious meanders and checks, up Thistle Hill the pack went - brilliant views today! Then there was the usual physics - 'what goes up must come down!' - and down towards Two Boats the pack goes like mountain goats on steroids! A quick check, and then surprise surprise! Up Travellers Hill we go - another brilliant view point! Some more physics lessons…… a few more checks, and a Green Cross Code lesson from the Hares - back to the cars for the usual refreshments! (PS - Does anyone know what happened to TP this week?)

ASCENSION PREMIERSHIP 2001

Results from the Weekends Action
(By Chris George this week)

Golf News With SANDBAGGER

We had eight ladies competing in the Ladies choice two team Texas Scramble on Saturday 12th May 2001.

This was a nine hold Stapleford on the front 9, there were some good scores return. In second place on 21 points were Christine Scipio and Tony Green. In first place Muriel Williams and John Joshua with 24. There were two two's scored this went to Betty and Martin Joshua, also Muriel and John. Congratulations to the winners.

We enjoyed a nice chilli and rice meal after by our own celebrity Chef Brian Legg (who was fresh from his leave). The Maersk Team Lead by Alex Turner join us having played on the back nine.

The next competition is the three team Texas Scramble on Sunday 20th May (shotgun start). This is in aid of the Ascension Day Fair, where each player will bring a bottle of booze towards the Fair Bottle stall. Please come and support this important event in the Island Calendar. Sign list on Noticeboard.

Lawson Henry
Captain

.

Sandbagger

www.the-islander.org.ac

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The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
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