 |
The Ascension Island Newspaper |
|||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
The Ascension Island Newspaper |
|||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
|
 |
|
Dear Friends,
As I write this we are looking forward to a day off tomorrow. Monday is usually our day off with a good walk in the morning, but this week it is a public holiday, and so quite a few people on the island will be enjoying a lie-in or a barbecue up at the old Nasa site or where ever.
We seem to be doing quite well for days off at the moment.
First there was March 26th to mark the Quincentennial Celebrations, then Good
Friday and Easter Monday in April, Ascension Day in May, Whit Monday this week,
and then some get another day off in lieu of the Queen's Birthday and then at
the end of August on the 27th there is another Holiday . And no doubt the Americans
will celebrate July 4th, so it's a day off for somebody every month with a break
then till the fourth Thursday in November which is Thanksgiving Day.
But this is where we get "out of step".
Letters in the UK papers have pointed out that the UK is "out of step" with
our European partners. They have Labour Day on May 1st and Ascension Day. Great
Britain has the first and last Mondays in May but everyone works on Ascension
Day.
The argument is put forward that if we all had the same days it would be less
disruptive for international trade.
I suppose there is some sense in that. But it reminds me that there are times
when it is good to be "out of step".
Times when it is good to keep to one's own traditions, not simply to go along
with all the rest. You could argue that Jesus ended up on the Cross because
he was "out of step.
" He didn't fit in.
He didn't conform.
He stood up for what was right. He showed love and mercy and compassion, and
befriended the outcasts of society.
Being a Christian often means being "out of step."
Not just on Public Holidays, but every day.
|
God Bless you and keep you, Fr Keith & Ginny. |
 |
|
LETTERS
| From the Editors:- Mel
Flanagan & Diane King
Hello Again! We have been allowed to do the Islander again due to lack of response to the out cry for new EDITORS!! Apparentley we have a posse of fans mainly Met Men (any single ones?) and Scarborough CSO employees. P.C mean anything? A good night at the VC on Friday was had by all. Dancing untill the wee hours, under the stars and moon, compliments to the DJ. We must also think of our fellow Islanders on Tristen Da Cunha at this traumatic time following the aftermath of a hurricane. Tonight we have managed to sink two bottles of wine with the compliments of Norman at the Saints club. Do you think this makes the Islander any better? Yours Luscious Liz and Meaty Mariah
|
Question: What do you get if you cross a indulgence flight and Ascension Island? Answer: Two stranded wives, 2 active kids and a guest house in Georgetown As you are aware, we could not get on our planned journey home until 5th June 2001. After the initial shock, we realised we were in the best place on earth to be stranded. We would like to say a very big thank you to the whole of the Island for putting us up (or putting up with us!!). A special thank you is to go out to Shirley, Julie, Raymond and Barry for your endless kindness that will never be forgotten. To all the staff at the VC for feeding us ( and the mixed grill??!!). A thank you also goes to Ceril at the Saints, you did a great service plying Bev with G&T's. Also a big thanks from Raye to everyone who helped entertain Jack and Jessica, I couldn't have stayed sane without you (Fiona, Tony, Norman and Bev). Lets just hope we are on that plane on Tuesday. Load of love to you all. Bev, Raye, Jack and J |
| Letters to
the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
Ed ChatWell, here we are again, I can't believe we are editing again. It has come round so quickly, even though we are a week earlier this time. We kindly offered to do Ian's shift due to his work commitments and both myself and Diane are going off Island next week. Mind you, if we don't find some more editors then we will be doing this more often - so here's to the hope of finding some new editors!!!!! I must admit that prior to arriving on Island I had serious doubts as to wether I would have enough to do. This was mainly due to friends (who have only passed through briefly) mocking me and saying that Ascension was great for a holiday, but for 2 years………?? What was I going to do? But much to my amazement and to the annoyance of the fore mentioned 'friends' I haven't been busier (or should I say - been out on the razz more often!!). Usually the Two Boats Posse go out on a once a month basis to the VC. But for some strange reason we have been going out to various places weekly. We have explained this away to our respective partners that due to each of us going on leave at different times, we were not able to go out as a group between June and September. So, therefore, we were making up for the lost months of socializing by getting the 'occasions' out of the way in a 'oner'. Can't believe my hubby fell for that one!! But knowing Bud he will make up for my outings by organizing some nights out for himself. Our nights out has given rise to some fantastic chat-up lines and stories. I feel we could of got some from "Drip" but he left early claiming that he had to get back to his room before the hoards of girls started knocking on his door. Mmmmmm…… feel a new Hash name coming on!! One night, a young man approached Liz and told her that she had the best tan he had ever seen - had she been to the Carribean?……..think not - but nice try!! Needless to say we all found that funny and Gloria went straight for the jugular. One thing is for sure - you can always tell if your date is embarrassed and doesn't want anyone to know they are actually with you. It's the little things…. like, when you open the door for them and they give you a tip!!. In my younger days (pre-Bud) I sometimes never had the heart to dump a guy and went out with him a lot longer that I intended. So much so that my mum had to do it for me!! I met one such man who was decent enough, however, there was something strange about him which neither my mum or myself could put our fingers on. He called round our house in Stratford-on-Avon one Boxing Day. My mum knew I couldn't end it, so she did for me (politely of course). It wasn't until a few months later that we found out that this guy's mum and dad owned the largest hotel in Stratford and was rolling in money. Now I don't think I am a materialist person, but my mum…….. well she checked all my boyfriends out prior to me giving them the boot. We have never forgotten that day when we said 'goodbye' to a small fortune. The other day I felt 'brave' and decided to walk to the Airhead to pickup my mail. As usual all the friendly people on the Island, stopped and asked if I wanted a lift. Unfortunately for me I sometimes didn't hear them due to my walkman being set at a high volume. So I must apologise to those drivers for failing to acknowledge them and also for subjecting them to my singing. None the less one kind driver stopped and asked if I wanted a lift. I politely refused his offer stating that I was trying to get fit. He drove off shouting 'You look fit to me!!' Until next time………. Melanie |
Press ReleaseOPENING OF WIDEAWAKE TO CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT The second round of talks between the US and UK authorities took place in Washington between 22 and 24 May. There was a full review of the draft treaty text. Further talks are planned to take place in London, in July. Administrator's Office
|
The Met Office Weather Report |
 |
Statistics for the week ending Monday 04th June 2001.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD | 29.8 | 24.2 | Trace |
| TRAVELLERS | 27.5 | 22.1 | 0.5 |
| RESIDENCY | 27.2 | 18.7 | 0.5 |
| GEORGETOWN | Public Holiday | ||
| ST. HELENA | Public Holiday | ||
| FALKLANDS | 7.5 | -2.8 | 22.8 |
| BRIZE NORTON | 22.7 | 5.1 | 0.4 |
ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST:
Southerly at around 1m increasing 1.5 by Thursday.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island:
27.0ºC.
ASCENSION ISLAND:
A few light showers to keep the island green, and plenty of sunshine to help
the thorn bushes grow.
UK:
High pressure has tried to keep its summery grasp on the British weather this
week past but has had to give way on several occasions as weak weather fonts
have pushed across the country from the Atlantic. Cold northerly winds on
Saturday, especially in the east, have again been replaced by milder westerlies
with some rain in northwest Scotland and sunny periods elsewhere.
FALKLAND ISLANDS:
A cold week with wintry showers and three nights of frost. By Saturday a deep
low was crossing with strong or gale westerly winds, these settling into the
south later on Sunday as the low passed to the south of the islands
Well we had another failure to make it into print last week caused by a lack of emailing skills on our part (you just cant get the staff!). Here's last weeks offering for all you avid readers out there, plus a taster of what we've been up to this week:
"Met Office Team Missing Without Trace" headlines were narrowly averted this week when the Highlander suggested an early evening stroll to see a small ravine he had found. Off we set down the road, across the rocks, through the thorn bushes and finally found what would be a small, but pretty impressive waterfall in a rainstorm and all with the backdrop of a very nice sunset. It then began to get pretty dark pretty quickly and what with rocks and thorns (to say nothing of the ravine!) the journey back was full of unseen hazards. Donald claimed to be confident of the way although later admitted to having been a bit worried for a while. All was well in the end though, with very few scratches and no stealth attacks by over amorous donkeys (which is what he was really worried about).
And talking of wildlife, this week has seen several mouse invasions around the airhead. We now have a resident mouse in the met office*, probably attracted by the mysterious off-cheese type smell coming from the vicinity of the fridge**. Met mouse is keeping a fairly low profile at the moment*** and has caused much shifting of cupboards and cries of "there it is, no over there, oh its gone"****. Its no doubt scouting out the area, looking for the most expensive or important thing around to chew through. Lets hope it doesn't take tips from the trail of destruction left in the post office where another mouse has been making good work of the mail.
In the mess, Fridays cheese and wine evening was cancelled due to a lack of cheese, although some did suggest that we could have just had the wine. Instead a meet and greet was organised for the visiting aircrew, an upmarket version of happy hour with more money and more food. A hoard of thirsty aircrew duly descended on the bar, only to find the electricity was off and no drinks were being served! There were a few teasing flickers of the lights just to keep people hoping but to no avail. The crowds were getting restless and things were reaching crisis point when the problem was finally fixed just in time to avoid a riot.
Well the week wouldn't be complete without giving Nick a mention - he has had some disappointments sadly. Firstly the palm tree outside our basha had a sudden trim with the trailing branches removed. Nick was gutted - he would have done it for free, he even has his own axe! Secondly he was playing squash with head of MT section and the bet was continued use of the car. Stupidly, Nick deliberately let Phil win 3 points in total and enraged by this patronising attitude, Nick had his driving rights swiftly revoked. Opportunity knocked for the rest of us however, and we sold him part of our share, reminding him of how far it is to walk. He is taking an enforced rest from vandalising the palm tree, (although he is still on the lookout for things to burn) and has = now moved on to experimenting with the wildlife. Current favourite being jousting with crabs, trying to make them grab sticks in their claws. For some reason the crabs don't seem too keen on playing.
One other honourable mention this week goes to Rudy the medic and his impromptu anatomy lesson when passing the scene of a sheep hit-and-run on the way to the VC. I think I could have lived without knowing exactly which bits were which, although the spare liver might have proved useful for some of our more pickled residents.
And finally a true first - Highlander actually volunteered to stay stone cold sober as designated driver on Friday night, visiting the Exiles Club (specially opened for Steve's birthday) then the VC. Reportedly a novel experience and highly amusing watching all the inebriated antics, especially Tequila Girl smearing her makeup after a hands free attempt at drinking a slammer. An added benefit was then waking up with a clear head for once, and the ability to enjoy a full day off on Saturday, which of course was the Ascension Day Fair. Sadly the Liquor Roulette wheel didn't pay out, the penalty shoot out claimed a shut out (after 25 shots!) and amongst other failures, the same bag of sweets was won 3 times at the darts game. It was good fun however, particularly the auction and apparently he spent more money at the Fair than in the previous 3 trips to the pub - now that's what I call public spirited!
Hey! Why don't One Boats Golf Course install floodlights at the Greens, Browns or is it Oilies. Highlander and the Laird of Montrose tried to have an evening round but were eventually defeated by lack of light and as it turned out lack of balls, round white ones. They have decided to invest in luminous paint before giving it another try. ??? You guess!
STOP PRESS - UPDATE ON MOUSE STORY - STOP PRESS.
* Found dead (natural causes) 28 May. **More accurately an "off mouse" type smell. *** Extremely low - its dead.
**** They were chasing its ghost ! * * * * * *
As for this week, we are still feeling, or rather smelling, the presence of the departed mouse with the strange niff in the kitchen lingering on. Hopefully there are no other corpses in there where we cant see them.
Nicks liking for destruction has this week turned to construction with the digging of a golf hole outside the bashas. As I write, the metmen are foregoing and evenings karaoke and are getting in some golf practice, chipping into the newly created hole from the veranda. Harder than it sounds after a few whiskies, especially when the club keeps getting caught in the floorboards, I don't think Tiger Woods has much to worry about just yet!
Other highlights this week have been mainly food oriented with a Cajun meal at reflections and a gourmet barbecue experience courtesy of the guys from comcen. Also, a huge shoal of fish was spotted at English Bay which was amazing to watch, but later sparked fears of shark attack as it was pointed out that where there are lots of small fish there is more than likely some bigger fish around too.
The placing of metchat in the Islander 2 weeks ago right opposite the dangers of alcohol advice page did not go unnoticed! Could this be a coincidence? We'll be looking closely at what we are featured next to this week!
Mystic Meg
 By the Headteacher - Mrs Betty Joshua |
SCHOOL PAGE |
 www.ais.co.ac/school/ |
Hello from TBS
Success depends on teamwork!
As our page goes to print this week we are on a short half-term break in the
middle of Term Three. Thinking back on the events of the first half of this
term, we realize just how busy we have all been and with one member of our staff
away on medical in the U.K., there has had to be extra duties placed on some
members of staff, but in the day to day running of the school, everyone has
pulled together to try and bring about a smooth operation! Well done staff and
students and welcome back Tania!
Team-work is vitally important and at TBS we are very aware that it takes a whole staff to make a successful school. Every member of staff, full-time or part-time, voluntary or otherwise, plays their part and contributes to this success, be it in the classroom, the office, the playground, on the buses or in cleaning and caring for the premises, inside and out. The workings of the school fit together like a jigsaw, and when one part goes missing, the picture becomes incomplete until the missing part is replaced and it becomes a complete unit again - a whole. This culture is conveyed to our pupils in many different forms within the everyday life of the school and is evidenced in the way they are organized and encouraged to work together in small groups, in individual classes or year groups, in houses and as an all-through school when both sectors come together as a whole. Coupled with this chain of active participation and co-operation is the support given by parents and friends of our school in their willingness to assist in numerous ways depending on the event or the situation. Our voluntary helpers with reading, swimming and outings are a tremendous asset to our children's development and well-being and help make a difference to the demanding roles of the teachers - so a huge thank-you to you all.
Pulling together!
Forthcoming events within the second half of this term will test the combined
efforts of everybody concerned when Middle Two present a Special Assembly (on
Monday, June 12) with a particular focus on the theme of 'Strength'; our Sports
Day (on Sunday, 17 June) at LongBeach Sports Field; our Senior School entertainment
on Tuesday, 3 July (one night only) and the Annual Fete planned for the afternoon
of Saturday, 7 July. There is an awful lot of work to be done before each of
these events can take place, but we have already had indications of community
spirit and individual support in the responses to our pleas for help in various
ways on the different occasions. Thank you.
Finally, we said goodbye and thank you to two members of our part-time staff on Friday: Mrs. Stella Burke and Mrs. Tracey Duncan ended their supervisory roles in the playgrounds and on the buses having carried out these duties for quite some time. Thank you ladies.
We return to school on Thursday, 7 June and the term continues until Friday, 20 July when the academic year finally comes to an end and we all take a nice long holiday! Until then, we have a lot more to do - TOGETHER!
That's it for now ………
Betty Joshua
Headteacher
THANK YOU
|
CONGRATULATIONS
|
|
Jake and Aiden would like to say thankyou to everyone who joined them at their joint Birthday Party at Two Boats Club on Sunday 3rd June 2001. They would also like to say thankyou for all the lovely presents and generous gifts they received from their friends. We would also like to say thank you to Delphia for preparing the scrumptious food. |
To all our family and friends on Ascension. Many thanks for the flowers, cards and good wishes on the birth of our Son, KIERAN RICHARD. Born in Bath Hospital, Friday 25th May at 7:02pm,
Usha & Mark Griffiths |
TWO BOATS PLAYGROUP
 |
|
On Thursday the 30th May the children put on a show of rhymes and song for their parents. And as expected they where wonderful, but then again I'm very biased. I would like to thank all the children for their wonderful performance and to their parents for coming, I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks also to Kim and Karen for going along with my ideas and to everyone who helped me usher the children into their right places during the show. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted me in the last 15 months with everything to do with playgroup, how ever small, and to the parents who have let me look after their children, it has been a pleasure. But it is now time for Auntie Sharon to have a break before she starts packing later in the year. So if anyone would like to take over and run the playgroup I would love to hear from you. If you get half as much enjoyment from it as I have you will be very lucky. Thanks again to everyone Sharon |
Hash number:855
2nd June 01
Hash Hare: The Major Hash
Hounds: Fruit Bat, Skipper, Colgate, Ivor the Engine, Twin Peaks, Mrs Bonehead, Frank-n-Furter, Fido, Corrine.
Unfortunately a rather late nite at the VC has reduced TP's ability to scribe this week. So although I was there in body (and not a very good one at that) I was not there in mind and therefore cannot perform my task this week as scribe. I can however, remember that it was Mrs Boneheads first appearance at the Hash since being on the Island and that The Major set the hash which I assume was a good one so thank you for that and the food.
Next Weeks Hash: Bonehead - Devils Riding School
Hash Scribe: TP
 |
|
 |
Lawson Henry
Captain
EDITORS : Mel Flanagan & Diane King
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327
E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac
Internet Team: Adrian Fowler, Laura Handley, Gavin Yon
Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday
All articles © copyright 2000 The Islander Newspaper. All rights reserved. |
Please visit our sponsor:  |
