I was reading the islander today, as I regularly do, to see how things aare going on the island and to hopefully read about my friends and people that I met whilst I was amoung you working for Merlin at the Transmitting Station.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Victor Spencer Bennett had passed away and I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I am sure he will be greatly missed.
Liam McSweeney

Last week we welcomed into our parish Rev'd. Adrian Gatrill who led our Eucharist and in the evening he conducted the Battle of Britain Commemoration Service assisted by Fr. Tony. Rev'd Adrian filled the post here in 1989 when the late Fr. Ron went to the U.K. How lovely it was to meet a familiar face again and to have a very short choir practice before the service started. We all wish you a safe journey back to the U.K. on 20th September.

Rev'd Adrian's sermon was based on how sad all must have felt over the tragedy that happened in America last Tuesday. We also had a one-minute silence before the Peace was exchanged in respect of what had happened. Just a bat of an eyelid can change a life through no particular reason. It may have been through hatred - no one knows at the moment.

A friend said the other evening he just couldn't think why this sort of thing happens, that these people who has caused such sorrow among families and friends were born innocent little babies and why or how does one's life change to become so aggressive.

Fr. Keith & Ginny sent their condolences to Major Fisher and to all the Americans and said, "The great tragedy that had inflicted on their country had only just began to sunk in". I think this goes for us too after seeing the service taking place at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on the TV, it just brings it 'home' to us that this is in reality. This was a service that must have touched all of our hearts as it did when Lady Di died. It seems strange that we have these emotional feelings for those we do not know but at a time like this we pray and come together as one.

On a final note - On behalf of the Church Council and congregation of St. Mary's Church I would just like to say:-
" Major Fisher and all the Americans, on the U.S. Base and in America you will all be remembered in our thoughts and prayers and of those whose lives were lost and those in bereavement"

The Met Office Weather Report

Statistics for the week ending Monday 17th September 2001

	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)
AIRHEAD	27.1	21.0	7.8
TRAVELLERS	26.0	19.2	10.5
RESIDENCY	23.0	N/A	20.7
GEORGETOWN	28.0	21.5	Trace
ST. HELENA	17.1	12.9	38.0
FALKLANDS	7.2	-1.5	4.5
BRIZE NORTON	18.6	8.2	6.8

ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST:
South to southwest 1 - 1.25m dying down to 0.5m by the weekend.

Sea temperature around Ascension Island: 24.0 Celsius

ASCENSION ISLAND: It's been drier than recent weeks with the main rain falling just as the tristar was coming in. There's been plenty of sunshine too though along with one or two cloudy days.

ST. HELENA:: Mean Temp 14.8 deg C Wind Speed 17.9 kts Sunshine 3.5 hrs

UK: High pressure at the start of the week gave settled and mainly dry conditions. Things became more unsettled midweek with rain and showers, giving way to mainly dry conditions by the weekend with just isolated showers.

FALKLANDS: After a cold start to the week with snow showers it became milder on Wednesday with some rain later. The cold moved back in for the weekend though with more snow.

“METCHAT” ************************ “METCHAT” ************************ “METCHAT” ************************ “METCHAT”

The Staff of The Met Office RAF Ascension send condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the terrible events of last Tuesday, the 11th of September.

It's been a fairly quiet week on the met front, still some of those pesky showers around to dampen things, but hey! I've also seen at least three consecutive fine afternoons, Thursday seeing McNick and myself diligently observing the weather horizontally from very comfy chairs outside the office. OK so an observation shouldn't take over an hour to do, (and usually would only take one person) but at least my legs are not the scary blue/white colour they were. (those of us from up north are naturally a blueish colour and it can take several weeks in the sun for us to turn white.)

Party's have been a bit scarce this week, but at least we managed a three mettie turn out at the my basha on Monday evening, along with Paul (the man who is going to make the legendary "Whitey" go again), the chief movers and my (adopted) daughter Tommy. Several rounds of gin/pernod/boddies/castle were consumed during a rather pleasant evening of bon hommie.

The hair cutting/trimming thing mentioned in last weeks edition has raised its shaggy head again, what with myself, McNick and Rambling Roger all suffering from (or succumbing to) trims (some much more severe than others). Scary part for me was being told three quarters of the way through mine that it was the first time for the trimmer. (A hairdressing 'deb' no longer). I'm more than happy with the result, albeit a little short for my liking, but then again it's now many years since my mane extended to the bottom of my back. In years gone by I have been known to complete a whole 5 month Falklands tour without once getting a trim, resulting in some interesting (and at times rather ripe) comments from some uniformed sources. However the latest news we have indicates that "I need a haircut" is also been used as a chat-up line by other sections on the camp. Come on now guys, can't you manage to come up with something original for yourselves, its not as if it's that good anyway, (but it does seem to work).

One of this week's biggest faux pas so far was Dave the Plod's attempted miss-appropriation of a vehicle. Yes its true - nabbed red-handed, a fair cop for the lad with the red stripe. There was Dave, straight out of the Gym and too exhausted to be able to identify the correct landie, he just climbed into the first available. It was quite an embarrassing (or should that be arresting) moment when he realised that the key, funnily enough, didn't fit. Well done Dave! Maybe we should start a weekly award for the best of those little embarrassing moments. Oops!! On the other hand maybe us metties should steer well clear, we have our reputations to uphold. (or should that read play down)

Both Friday and Saturday nights saw Lee the Commcen supervisor diligently waiting for a little nibble, no not from a paramour, at least I hope not, as he was armed with rat trap and sledge-hammer. (but then again, maybe he hankers after the stone-age). The little (but not so nice) critter finally succumbed to Lee's wily ways thanks to a bit of pear and a crisp (don't they all), having already had an apple starter that had been left on another trap. The cries of joy that rang forth on succeeding in his conquest nearly caused the Ops and Met staff to wake up. The beastie was duly despatched to ratty heaven with a little tap from said sledge-hammer. Had he had the sense to bait the trap with a piece of Toblerone dipped in strawberry jam, the catch could easily have been young Tommy from Ops.

It was Battle of Britain night in the Combined Mess on Friday and a jolly good time was had by all, got to say it … WIZZARD PRANG. Congrats. to all who had a hand. The PMC for gavelling with such aplomb and what about that rather fetching car park marker. It's a positively lovely pink jobbie. The DOR for his new members welcome, although some of us are, unfortunately, a fair whack nearer to leaving than arriving. But thanks for the welcome anyway. To the GES - don't give up the day job, but if you do you'll need a barrow to carry away the lolly should you keep 'em rolling in the isles as you did us. And all without a note or script, he just dived in with lots of good humour and equal helpings of good sense. It was a blast. The aforementioned Plod (ironically Mr.Vice of the evening) with his poetic scribblings (another in the wrong job, laureate is a word that springs to mind) was left the time honoured task of keeping the lesser spirits up whilst the toppers aimed for the bar. Rhymes about hills and spills and walking and and …. and other poetic gems, and a bit about the weather. Hang on there laddie that's our territory; but, on the subject , why has it rained every day since you arrived? Is there a cause and effect here that we don't know about?

And who was last to leave the Mess? Well The Laird kept going pretty late, mettie honour and all that, but he gave up eventually and accepted a lift up the road from our new USAF Major. Good to meet you Jim. The Laird's efforts sink into insignificance beside some of the die hard party goers however, including a couple of seamen who seemed to have lost their ship (and one of the crew!) and rolled home with the dawn.

Oh yes, and good-show from our very own Peter O'Toole lookey likey. While we dined, Bill sat at the bar (as is his way) in full kit, enjoying the soft evening air. Good on yer Bill.

After last weeks rather woolly comments, the question surfaced this week as to who is the most beautiful woman on the island. Obviously several of them are not long arrived, but we (showing no favouritism whatsoever) are saying nothing more. Look around you guys, they are all the best looking girls on the island, every last one of them. Now ladies, is that charm! - or possibly smarm!!

And finally, at the time of writing names have still not been forthcoming for the two people seen walking "au naturelle" up the road last weekend, but maybe it's best we don't know!

The Makem & The Laird

Wildflowers come up through the leafy floor,
The bee of the heart stays deep inside the flower
And cares for no other thing.
Don't go outside your house to see flowers;
Sitting there you will have a glimpse of beauty
Inside the body and out of it,
Before gardens and after gardens.

Kabir

School Page

New School Year - Spring Return

School's back in spring(ing) fashion - new ideas, new trends, new lines - the lot - and by the time you read this page, the new academic year is already a week old! Staff, having shaken off the (tiring!) holiday mood, returned to a day of preparation and planning on Monday, 10 September, and did everything necessary in readiness for the children the following day. Before we knew it, the day was through and having 'cat-winked' through the night in anticipation of the term start, we rose bright and early to face a new school year with renewed strength and eagerness!! (oh yes, we did!!).

Visitors
We were pleased to have two visitors to the school to share the Staff Day programme with us: Mr. Andrew Kettlewell, the (then) Acting Administrator met to talk with staff and Mrs. Jenny Shaw, a Maths consultant from the UK, gave a short presentation to Primary staff. Mrs. Shaw was in transit to St. Helena. Both sessions were interesting and we thank our visitors for their time and input.

New Pupils and Staff
With the exception of a few children who are still on leave, our starting attendance on the first day was excellent and boosted by the admittance of 10 new pupils. We were delighted to welcome to BIG SCHOOL Callum John, Tiffany Ellick, Rachel Fraunstein, Daniel Andrews, Tyler Legg, Joseph Bowden, Dayna Henry, Aiden King and Cody Harris. Eight of the new Reception Class had moved on from Nursery, so were no strangers to the school, but for Cody it was a new experience entirely as he had arrived from St. Helena during the long holidays and had not set foot in the school until his first official day. We're pleased to say that our new pupils have settled well although they may be worn out and dozing on the way home after their 'long, hard' day! Alexi Leo was the only new entrant for the Senior School, and she had picked up where she left off in class with peers in Year 10 that she had met as a temporary student about three years ago. We were pleased to welcome as new staff starting out Mrs. Laura Handley who is settling in our Reception Class and will continue with them until Ms. Tammy Yon returns from leave, Miss Marie Anthony who took over the reins in the School office on a temporary basis as Clerical Assistant and Mrs. Lyn Reynolds and Mrs. Wendy Thomas as our new Playground Supervisors. We welcome all new pupils and staff and wish them a happy time at TBS.

Planning for the term
Our staff meeting agenda on Staff Day included the planning of special events for the term and we note these for your early information: Parents' Evening for Reception and Year 7 - Thursday, 25 October Open Day/Harvest Celebration - Friday, 26 October. Half Term Holiday - Monday 29 October - Friday, 2 November Nativity/Carol Service - Wednesday, 19 December End of Term 1 - Wednesday, 19 December. (Parents will note the correction to the term (1 not 2) and day (Wednesday not Friday) as stated in their Newsletter of 11 September ).

Further Education Classes
The following GCSE classes will be offered and we welcome names for registration for these at our School Office on tele. 4432:

English Language	English Literature	Geography
Child Development	Science	Maths	Art

A new Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT - Stage 2) will be on offer in October. We look forward to hearing from any interested candidates for any of the above courses.

And that's it for this time …….

Betty Joshua, Headteacher.

HASH TRASH

Hash # 870 15 Sep 01

Hash Hares: Yeti and Gilligan

Hash Hounds: The Fugitive, Skipper, Boots, Frank n Furter, Limp Sausage, Rat Boy, Thunder Thighs, Crystal Tips, Beany Baby, Mama 3 Bones, Chief Longpole, The Vamp, Elma Fudd, Jim

The entrance to the Old Nasa site lay harbour to the insane, shivering in the bleakest conditions with temperature well below…well, below normal.

The brief was given. Ninety- percent 'flat', ten percent 'hill' the Yeti stated. Yeah right!! On on. Frank n Furter arrived at the first circle fourth, is this a disguise for next week? Five minutes down hill and then the vertical climb to Weather Post of the side of the cliff, not the normal route as of course we are not normal people. Victorious on conquering Everest, at least that's how it felt, confusion reigned in the thin layer of oxygen at the top, coursing the group to split in two unintentionally. As the FRB's waited for the regroup, Frank n Furter attempted pole vaulting, Limp Sauasge did a rolling thing on the ground and the Vamp 'flattened' cans of ollies. Boots and Beany Baby soon sniffed out the pack and the rest followed. Rested Gilligan attempted a live hare back arrow, 'lost of memory' is more correct. The real trail was found, and the ON ON was down and then up to the old collimation tower. It was then the skies opened up and chucked down buckets of the wet stuff. Seeking shelter, comments were passed on about 'nice running in the rain', 'after all, the rain is warm'…the things we say to convince ourselves, of course we would rather the sunshine! On on. Fugitive, after cancelling his leave in prep for next week, learnt never to follow Rat Boy. Rat Boy realised never to follow himself again, after a 'long' shortcut was attempted through the thick and prickly stuff, The Vamp stranded in the wilderness shouting pleas for directions while on a can collecting mission. Back at the car park, Limp Sausage produced a hash wound to be proud of. Gilligan did us all proud with much need sarnies and snacks and the tales of the day began.

Welcome back to the Ryans, Vamp and Chief Longpole. An excellent hash and a lot of effort put into laying it. A great day for all.

Next Week: 22nd September - Live Hare Bone Head and Rat Boy from the Green Mountain Car Park.
Hmmmmm

Hash Scribe - Rat Boy

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club

Twenty-six players turned out for the Two Team Texas Scramble on Sunday 16th September, the weather was ideal again with plenty of cloud cover.

No less than six players holed out in two to share the two-ball pool, one team namely Patrick Moyce and Kenny Wensel had two two's. Other teams were Alex Turner and Reg Stevens, Martin Joshua and David Beard, Fiona Bennett and Raymond Cranfield and Richard Joshua and Paul Thomas.

Four teams came in with 39 points each; they were Melvyn Moyce and Ian Thomas, Alex and Reg, Freddie Bennett and Ollie O'Dean and Roy Drinkwater and Lawson Henry. This was not however, good enough for the two top spots. In second place on 42 stapleford points were Mervyn Crowie and Kenny Everett, in first place on a very good 44 points were Patrick and Kenny. Congratulations to all winners.

The day was rounded off with tasty soup by our up and coming Celebrity Chef Patrick Moyce. The next competition will be on Sunday 23rd September, this will be an 18 hole Medalford, 9 holes medal play over front 9 and 9 holes stapleford over back nine.

Please sign list on Club notice board. Members are also reminded that list for 2001 Open is now posted and will close on 7th October 2001,
please sign up early in particular meal list.

Lawson Henry
Captain

Swarm Taekwondo

2nd Grading

On the Sunday 9th September 2001 the Swarm Taekwondo Club, Ascension Island, held its' second grading for the year. A total of 26 students took part, including juniors and seniors who were successful at passing various coloured belt gradings including yellow, green and blue.

Taekwondo is Korea's national sport, and focuses on powerful and spectacular kicking techniques as well as self-discipline and self-defence. The grading gave students an opportunity to demonstrate, and be assessed on the various techniques that they have been learning.

Techniques demonstrated included self-defense against grabs, self-defense against knife attack, free sparring, power breaking, various kicks and punches and also patterns. Patterns are set pieces consisting of various strikes, kicks and blocks. It was the first time for most senior students to demonstrate the outstanding power of Taekwondo techniques by breaking solid mahogany wooden boards with bare foot kicks. Students were also required to answer questions about Taekwondo in general, such as the origins of Taekwondo, theory behind techniques and meaning of the various colored belts etc.

Congratulations to all the students who took part, there were some exceptional performances at all levels, but especially from those achieving blue belt which is the 6th Grade out of 10 Grades leading up to coveted black belt.

The Swarm Taekwondo Club, Ascension Island, would like to thank Turner FM, Turner GCMS, SATEC, Bell, CSR, Eurest and SERCo for their generous donations and/or support to the club. Your support is greatly appreciated and has helped to make the club a success.

Upcoming Events: Sponsored Taekwondo Competition…Fund-raising disco….…..WATCH THIS SPACE!

Swarm Students pose for the Camera!
Chris & Robert	'Chocolate' & Kenny	Jonathan & Leroy
'Mouse' & Christabell	*Some of the Action seen during the Day.*	Judith & Teri

Job Opportunities

AIWSA
Ascension Island Works and Services Agency
Georgetown
Ascension Island
ASCN 1ZZ

ACENSION ISLAND WORKS AND SERVICES AGENCY

The Agency requires a Plumber to work within their Works & Services Department. The Agency provides a wide range of services to a number of organisations working on the Island. Its services include, Estate Maintenance and New Works, Marine Services, Mechanical & Electrical Services, Public Works Services, Transport and I.T. Services.

The Plumber's post is within the New Works & Maintenance Section and reports directly to the Section Leader.

In addition to having the ability to undertake a wide range of Plumbing duties, the successful applicant will also be required to assist in the loading and unloading of ships and with other duties as directed by the New Works & Maintenance Section Leader.

It is essential that the applicant has a previous experience of plumbing work and has gained an appropriate qualification or competency certificate. A valid drivers licence from Classes A and above is also required.

SALARY
The salary is circa £4,990.00 per annum (currently tax-free status).

CONTRACT LENGTH
The post is offered as a single or married status contract for one or two years in the first instance, comprising of free accommodation and full board.

For further details concerning the post, please contact the Operations Manager on telephone number 6797 or e-mail OpsManager.aiwsa@atlantis.co.ac

Application forms can be obtained from the Agency Administration Office or from the Employment Office, Essex House Jamestown St. Helena.
The closing date for applications will be on 3 October, 2001 and will be expected to be in post by 20 October, 2001.

ASCENSION ISLAND GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE NO 20 /2001

VACANCY FOR TRAINEE CLERK, ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE, GEORGETOWN

Applications are invited from young people to fill the post of Trainee Clerk in the Administrator's Office in Georgetown.

The salary for the post is £3530 and is offered as a household contract for one year in the first instance.

The main duties of the post include: Filing, Word processing, basic spreadsheet duties and any other general office duties
Assisting the Postmistress with general duties such as the preparation of First Day Covers Assisting Finance with filing and any other general duties Providing a customer service to visitors and the public

The successful applicant should
Be in possession of GCSE English and Maths or equivalent qualifications in Grades A, B or C.
Have good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Be computer literate

For further details about the duties of the post please contact Mrs Cathy Cranfield on telephone 6311.
Application forms can be obtained from the Administrator's Office, Georgetown and the closing date for applications will be 26th September 2001. The successful applicant will be expected to be in post by 1st October 2001.

Geoffrey Fairhurst
ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator's office
Georgetown 13th September

ASCENSION ISLAND GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE NO 19 /2001

VACANCY FOR CLERICAL ASSISTANT TWO BOATS SCHOOL ASCENSION ISLAND

The Ascension Island Government requires the service of a Clerical Assistant to work at the School at Two Boats.

The duties of the post will basically include the following :
· To maintain the good order of the school office and the control of the office area when the Head teacher is teaching
· Receiving and dealing with local and overseas enquiries as far as possible
· Dealing with incoming mail, Typing and filing
· Compiling the Month/Term statistical returns as required by various departments
· Keeping and maintaining a record of a petty cash account
· Liaison with schools in St Helena and contacting parents when necessary
· Dealing with minor first aid during playtime/lunchtime · Escorting children to and from school, including Nursery children.

The successful applicant should
· Be in possession of GCSE English and Maths or equivalent qualifications in Grades A, B or C.
· Have at least two years office experience.
· An aptitude for figures · Good communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
· Be computer literate

The post, which reports to the Head teacher, is offered as a household contract for one year in the first instance.
The salary for the post is £4370 per annum paid monthly in arrears, but will depend on qualifications.

For further details about the duties of the post please contact Mrs Betty Joshua on telephone 6155 or 4432 at work.

Application forms can be obtained from the Administrator's Office, Georgetown and the closing date for applications will be 26th September 2001. The successful applicant will be expected to be in post by 1st October 2001.

Geoffrey Fairhurst
ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator's office
Georgetown
13th September 2001

SERCo AEROSPACE

RAF ASCENSION ISLAND ACCOUNTS

CLERK/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A position for a clerk within our Accounts and Administrative Section is shortly to become available.

The ideal applicant must be numerate, computer literate (including experience with Word and Excel), and have experience of working in an office environment. A working knowledge of SAGE would be an advantage.

Responsible to the Accounts Supervisor the range of duties would include:
· Completion of both manual and computer based ledger accounts.
· Production of monthly and annual Statement of Accounts.
· Maintenance of a variety of registers.
· Typing.

There is a requirement for the candidate to be cross-trained to provide cover for both Accounts positions and that of the typist within the section. Applicants should be aware that a basic numeracy and typing skills test may form part of the application process.

A letter of application together with CV should be forwarded to:
Jacquelene Bennett
The Administrator
Serco Aerospace
The Airhead
Ascension Island
Fax number: 00 247 6832
Tel number 00 247 3356 for further enquiries.

EDITORS : - Penny Peters & Marie Anthony
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327

E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac

Internet Team: Laura & Mark Handley, Gavin Yon, Richard Thomas

Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday

The Islander - Thursday 20th September 2001

The Met Office Weather Report

HASH TRASH

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club