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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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Visit Of The RSS James Clark Ross
Extract from the Diary of the RRS James Clark Ross which called at Ascension on Sunday 7 October 2001 under the command of Chris Elliott. Position at 1200: At anchor off Georgetown, Ascension Island This week in brief As we write this we have departed Ascension Island and are heading for Montevideo, with just the ship's company and two scientists embarked for this next leg of our voyage south. We spent the last week completing the seabed survey of the mid-Atlantic ridge around Ascension Island and carrying out experiments at chosen sites. The results discovered so far indicate the presence of hydrothermal vents (black smokers) in the vicinity of one particular site, but whether other sites also have positive results will have to wait for chemical analysis to be completed back at Southampton Oceanography Centre. We arrived in Clarence Bay this morning and anchored off Georgetown, the capital, to enable our scientific party to depart along with Lt Cmdr George Taerbet. All will be flying home early next week on the completion of their work onboard and we wish them all the best. During our stay the Captain extended a invitation to the British Administrator, Head of British Forces and the USAF Base Commander along with their guests to be entertained onboard for lunch which we hope they enjoyed. JCR in Education Mode In addition to other activities a visit had been organised for fifteen school children and their teacher to come onboard the ship for a look around and find out about the work we have been doing just off their shores. They must have been keen to come to "school" on a Sunday, though it was now or never as we were only in the bay for a few hours. We hoped they enjoyed themselves onboard and as promised they are all pictured below enjoying the pop and crisps in the lounge at the end of their tour.
Article reproduced from the British Antartic Survey's website at www.antartica.ac.uk.
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From the Editors:- Adam & Julia Henshaw Hello Again We're back after a nice relaxing (sort of) leave. For anyone who was around in Georgetown late on Saturday night you weren't seeing things - it was a ghost and a witch walking up the road! Thanks to Johnny for a good night. True to form Julia has flown off on her broomstick and left me to finish off the Islander. So I can say what I want tonight. Julia if you're reading this it's eleven o'clock, I'm still here and I definitely haven't gone to the Saints with Steve Fowler. On a more serious note, the world did become a different place when we were away. We sometimes forget the big things in life and it takes events such as the recent terrorist attacks in America to put it back in perspective. Let's all realise how lucky we are to live in a safe and friendly place. Adam (& Julia) |
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the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
LETTERS TO THE ISLANDER
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Dear Friends,
We read in the Bible that the prophet Habakkuk is dismayed by the state of
the world;
In answer to his pleading for justice God says "There is still a vision
for the appointed time"
On Sunday morning in my sermon I said, "When we still have in our minds
eye that second plane being swallowed up in o the World Trade Centre Tower and
the devastation that followed. When we hear of the millions of refugees desperate
to flee from Afghanistan and the oppression of the Taliban government. As we
are told of the atrocities they are committing to eliminate opposition, how
can we believe that "There is still a vision for the appointed time"
"How long," I continued, quoting scripture, "shall we cry 'Violence'
and God odes not save, shall the wicked surround the righteous, and justice
be crushed by the deeds of Satan in our midst. Chaos seems waiting to be unleashed."
By Sunday evening the waiting was over.
And then, this morning, Monday, Psalm 10 was the set psalm for Morning Prayer.
"Why do you stand far off O Lord, why do you hide your face in the time
of need?
The ungodly man boasts of his heart's desire;
He grasps at profit, he spurns and blasphemes the Lord.
He says in his arrogance 'God will not avenge'. There is no God is all his thought.
He is settled in all his ways, your statues O Lord are far above him and he
does not see.
He snorts defiance at his enemies, he says in the heart 'I shall never be shaken;
I shall walk secure from any man's curse.
His mouth is full of oppression and deceit
Mischief and wickedness lie under his tongue......
The upright are crushed and humbled before him and the helpless fall into his
power
He says in his heart 'God has forgotten, he has covered his face and sees nothing.'
Arise O Lord God, lift up your hand, forget not the poor forever.
Why should the wicked man spurn God, Why should he say 'He will not avenge'
Surely you see the trouble and sorrow. You look on, and will take it into your
own hands
Break the power of the ungodly. Search out his wickedness till it is found no
more."
Pray the Psalm with me. All we can do is pray for justice and for peace.
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God Bless you and keep you, Father Keith & Ginny |
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Visit by Michael Bradley, Constitutional Adviser
His terms of reference are to: (i) identify the desires and wants of the individuals, Users and AIG in Ascension Island; (ii) suggest possible options that might be appropriate for a democratic structure for Ascension Island; In achieving this objective the FCO Constitutional Adviser will 1. Obtain the views of all the individuals, Users and AIG on the democratic framework for Ascension Island; 2. Use his constitutional expertise to discuss with key decision makers on the appropriateness of the desires and wants identified at 1 above. 3. Discuss locally and make recommendations to HMG
consistent with international law and international standards
on human rights on specific constitutional issues including: A public meeting had been arranged for 1900 on
Saturday 20 October at the Saints Club. On Monday 22 October Michael has offered to visit any of the organisations whose employees would like to meet with him. He will also meet with members of my Advisory Forum at 1630 on 22 October and with AIMG at 0900 on 23 October. This will be followed by a meeting with my Strategic Planning team and anyone who still has matters to raise. He leaves on the Tristar that evening. There are lots of opportunities for everyone to hear what he has to say and to put points of view. Don't miss this opportunity! (Just one caveat: the timetable above depends on the arrival of the RMS). Taxation TAXATION - POSITION STATEMENT AT 26 SEPTEMBER 2001 From 1 April 2002, Ascension Island Government will
raise revenue from three forms of taxation: Legislation is currently being drafted and it is intended that it will be enacted by the end of October/early November. At this stage it is only possible to supply information about what the legislation will contain with a caveat that the rates of tax and duty quoted in this document may change. Actual rates for 2002/03 will not be known until late November/December 2001. Income Tax There will be no company taxation. It is AIG's wish that no individual currently working and earning on Ascension should be worse off as a result of the introduction of Income Tax and this has been communicated to employers. The burden associated with the introduction of Income Tax will, therefore, be borne by employers. No assumption is made about how the impact of rate changes will be handled in the years after 2002/03. The tax rates and allowances proposed for 2002/03 are as follows - 17% on the first £3000 of chargeable income Personal allowance - £2000 (where married or common law partners are part of the same household any unused personal allowances, or parts thereof of one partner may may be claimed by the other) Child allowance - £300 for first child £200 for second child £75 for each subsequent child Life Assurance - the actual amount of the premium paid on qualifying policies up to a maximum of £100 per annum, or the sum of £100 if the amount of the premium paid exceeds £100 per annum. Superannuation - Contributions to a superannuation scheme subject to the amount and nature of scheme being approved by the Commissioner. Gratuity lump sums accruing over the long term will not be taxable. Those accruing over the short term will be taxable. Details are currently being considered. Extra - Statutory Concessions will provide inter
alia for tax holidays for approved new businesses and current
businesses subject to sale by Ascension Island Commercial Services
Ltd. Any profits arising shall not be considered to be part of
the persons taxable income ( ie the person starting a business
or purchasing one from AICS) - Approval of the Governor will be required and he must be satisfied that the business is new to Ascension and that it is likely to be continued after the period of the tax exemption. A review system will be implemented. Customs Duty The following rates are those which apply on St Helena and are provided purely as a guide - Fuel: Petrol - 129% of Value Property Tax -0- Legislation Thank you to Katie Kettlewell Geoffrey Fairhurst
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Statistics for the week ending Monday 8th October 2001
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Max
(deg C)
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Min
(deg C)
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Rainfall
(mm)
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AIRHEAD
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27.7
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21.0
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3.8
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TRAVELLERS
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26.9
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19.5
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19.1
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RESIDENCY
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23.2
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16.1
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27.8
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| GEORGETOWN |
29.5
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21.5
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Nil
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| ST. HELENA |
19.2
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14.0
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40.0
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FALKLANDS
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13.8
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-2.4
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1.4
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BRIZE
NORTON
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18.8
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10.9
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20.0
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ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST:
Around 1 metre throughout, mainly southerly but with a cross north-west
swell becoming significant at times.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island: 25.0 Celsius
ASCENSION ISLAND: A fairly mixed bag of weather really, fairly frequent showers, but there were also one or two sunny afternoons..
ST. HELENA:: Broken cloud and outbreaks of rain
but with six hours of sunshine in short periods between the rain. Windy
with fresh or strong winds for much of the time.
UK: Stormy.A rather windy and unsettled week, with showers or longer periods of rain.
FALKLANDS: High pressure at the beginning of the week gradually slipped away eastwards, allowing weather fronts to move across the islands bringing outbreaks of rain and a return to a fresh gusty north-westerly wind.
The old order changeth. By the end of next week the turn-around of the Metties will be complete.
The new Met Boss, Mr Nick Baylie Will then be here to have his try. His crew will be Tom, Al and Rob To them we hand the MetChat job.
Thursday saw the departure of McNick the human gazelle, but not before a session of golf "racket abuse", (Rock on Nige). His one wayward shot of the day saw club following ball, almost as far. But if he can play that well on his first outing, with a little practice, who knows?
As for the Laird his golf continued on its downward spiral. Before ASI he could hit the odd ball fairly well, now all shots seem doomed in the One Boat dust. For him though the links beckon and by this time next week proper divots should be flying; although not on the links of home for him it will be leafy parkland Surrey. The hat-trick will be completed a few short days later as our little Mystic takes her leave. She's off to wild, west Wales where no doubt the walking and beaches will be greatly to her liking.
We, the departees say thanks for all the good times and hope you will welcome the new Nick along with Tom and Alan as they join Rob for their all too brief sojourn on Ascension's sun-kissed showers, sorry shores.
Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote in his poem Ulysses
All life is an arch where-through gleams that untravelled world whose
margin fades for ever when I move. There are new horizons beckoning,
my untravelled world is gleaming and it is time to move. But one last
thought from the same poem.
A.L.T also says …. "I am a part of all that I have met". The people,
the friends and acquaintances I have made here, you will all go with
me, you are all part of me now. Thank you for all the companionship
and kindness.
My final words are those of THE Bard - The Twa Dogs
"When up they gat and shook their lugs, Rejoiced they were na men but dugs; And each took off his several way, Resolved to meet some ither day".
It's time for me to shake my lugs! I hear music. Is it Rhythm and Blues?
Yes, YES, it's that old two-eleven tune….
The Fat ladies are singing!
See ya!
Peter, The Laird of Montrose.
What happens when five metties get together for a barbecue?…..It rains,
BIG TIME.
Yes the farewell do for McNick, The Laird and Mystic was nearly a wash
out, but the party animals that attended more than made up for the night's
dampness. (We think the inclement weather was probably due to the "RMP"
turning up (Rain Man Plod). The Laird looked rather dashing in his designer
bin bag waiters waterproof, (never let it be said that us metties are
not inventive), while Gary (Ops) was somewhat damp, due to the fact
that he played an absolute blinder in being chief cook, which of course
left him standing out in the rain all evening (us metties are not daft
either).
One strange sight on the night was the Makem armed with only diet coke,
very unusual you may think, but he was the duty forecaster that night,
and had been given time off for good behaviour.
One major concern for all there on the night was the Heath Robinson
lighting the Laird and Makem had lashed together, but the blackout when
they fused (naughty naughty, it was the lights which fused) was only
temporary. Many thanks go to Nigel and Ian for averting what could well
have been a complete disaster, i.e. at 5 o'clock we didn't have anything
to barbecue. (barbies by committee are not to be recommended). Much
rushing around ensued, but by 8pm all was well and there was a warm
glow outside the basha's.
Tuesday morning saw the clean up begin, even though Tom and Gary had done a good job clearing up after the event. The Laird and myself where still trying to wash the mud off the veranda on Friday, plus I had to perform several hooverings of the carpet in my basha, but failed to remove the trails of muddy footprints to the bathroom.(Rumour has since reached us that a tome is circulating the island about those that attended the above barbie, but as yet it hasn't been seen by any of the metties?)
Tuesday also saw another "elusive cow" hunt by the Laird and Rambling Roger, off they went armed with cameras, a plastic bag and a piece of board. I must admit that the thought of Rambling Roger walking into the Mess and plonking a fresh, steaming, cow pat down on the table brought a wry smile to the face. But sense prevailed and that evening there was no imported mess in the Mess.
Thursday saw the departures of some of the Movers to greener pastures (or in Mark's case, Australia), those remaining follow later this week. A big welcome to the new guys on the block, hope you enjoy your holiday here and manage to keep up the very high standards (for drinking) set by your predecessors. (So far, so mystically good)
Friday evening saw a rather packed mess bar for the happy hour/barbecue, then it was on to the VC for the usual Friday night revelry, where late in the evening we were all treated to (or should that be tortured by) the "Cats Chorus". On returning to T Hill, we were once again waylaid by the movers, where Mystic was spotted boogying while being force fed vodka (what no gin!), by all accounts she was a bit miffed when it ran out. Thanks guys. But oh and woe. Saturday morning saw the Laird left in the lurch again by an overtired forecaster, no not Mystic this week but the Makem.
Saturday evening saw all the off-duty metties visit the Green Turtle for the TKD club fund-raising disco, with the Makem frantically treading water - he stuck to Coke and volunteered to drive. By the time us older metties were getting into the swing Makem decided it was time to retire to blanket cove. The place was just beginning to liven up, but Makem the sober kill-joy insisted that it was time to go. Sunday saw the Laird with the gun-toteing gang round behind the windmills. Well they blasted lots shot towards Devils Riding School and saw off a flock of ASI Sheep, and yes they did hit a few bits of red clay as well. Jings crivens and help-ma-bob the Laird got 12 hits out of 25 at his first go at the butts. Fair Dinkum. Thanks to Hensil at the range, it was a good afternoon. Put it in your diary - Sunday afternoon at 2pm, everyone welcome.
The Makem.
A few words in tribute to the Laird, soon to cross the water for the
last time (the Atlantic that is, not the Styx).
A connoisseur of walking, wildlife, uplifting conversation and other
things beginning with W (but not whelks, wishful thinking or walking
in wellingtons in wet and windy weather).
Solving the world's problems while exploring the island in small groups,
armed only with a canny wit, stout boots, tuna roll and his trusty hip
flask. (which he claims to be filled with water, but see below), being
his way of combining all of these. He will be missed by those who have
accompanied him, along with many of those who did not.
The day after the recent tragedy in the USA, I had occasion to represent
Grounds Maintainence at Jane and Terry Randell's twentieth wedding anniversary
celebration in the quiet room. Because of the events of the previous
day, bubbly beverages were not in order, but the Laird arrived prepared
for any eventuality, as we would expect from a Mettie. Out came the
hip flask and a few sips of rare malt from the Met cellars were enjoyed
by all. Good luck Laird, may you continue to sparkle where'ere you gae
(as Robbie Burns may have said) and I hope to meet you in the Mill Tavern
in Haslemere soon.
The Nematode.
Thanks for that, certainly all of us who have had the pleasure of working with Peter here, echo your sentiments, he will be missed, both as a boss and neighbour.
Late breaking news from our roving reporters inform us that George from the visiting EWC team got more than he bargained for on Saturday night. Not content with getting naked, he also got severely graffittied. (and yes there are lots of photo's) Hope the leg is feeling better George.
The Makem.
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Twenty-four players turned out to take part in the monthly medal play competition on Sunday 14th October 2001. The weather conditions were ideal with plenty of cloud cover making it a cool morning.
Starting with the two ball we had three players holed out in two to share the two ball they were Patrick O'Dean and Mervyn Crowie on par 3, 6th, and yours truly with an eagle on par 4, 5th hole.
We had some reasonably good scores return and worthy of mention on net 71 were Paul Thomas and Raymond Cranfield, Mervyn Crowie on net 70 and Fiona Bennett on 69. This was however, not good enough for the top spots.
In second place on good net 68 was Lyn Leo, who plays off a handicap of 6. In the top spot was Norman Thomas with net 67, he play to a handicap of 2. Norman also took best gross of 69. Congratulations to all the winners.
We rounded off the day again with an excellent fish fry from Patrick Moyce assisted by George (Dover) Thomas.
The draw for the first qualifying round of the open took place and the groups and times appears elsewhere in this paper and is posted around the island.
Members should be aware that the competition starts at 8am next Sunday 14th October and players must report to the starter at the Captain's Desk ten minutes before their schedule tee off time. This rule must be strictly adhered to and players coming late will be in danger of being penalised two strokes.
The field will be led on the front nine by Fiona Bennett defending champion and on the back nine by the Club President George Thomas.
I wish all players Good Luck and hope you hit them long and straight.
Lawson Henry
Captain
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ONE BOAT GOLF CLUB 2001 OPEN
CHAMPIONSHIP
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FIRST
QUALIFYING ROUND
SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER 8AM START
| Front Nine | Back Nine |
| 1st Tee | 10th Tee |
| Group 1. 8am | Group 1. 8am |
| Fiona Bennett | George Thomas |
| Patrick Moyce | Brian Henry |
| Ray Cranfield | John Joshua |
| Group 2 . 8.10am | Group 2. 8.10am |
| Eric Crowie | Paul Thomas |
| Martin Cranfield | James Bennett |
| David Beard | Patrick O'dean |
| Group 3. 8.20am | Group 4. 8.20am |
| Lawson Henry | Alex Turner |
| Ian Thomas | Lyn Leo |
| Brian Legg | Kenny Wensel |
| Group 4. 8.30am | Group 4. 8.30am |
| Douglas Augustus | Fred Bennett |
| John Billingsly | Tony Joshua |
| Gilbert Peters | Richard Joshua |
| Group 5. 8.40am | Group 5. 8.40am |
| Andrew Bennett | Kathleen Stevens |
| Melvyn Moyce | Reg Stevens |
| Gary Thomas | Ollie O'Dean |
| Group 6. 8.50am | Group 6. 8.50am |
| Dodley Bowling | Mervyn Crowie |
| Martin Joshua | Jeffrey Joshua |
| Raymond Crowie | Tony Green |
| Norman Thomas |
Players must report to the starter at the Captain's Desk
ten minutes before their schedule Tee off time.
Failure to do so may result in a two stroke penalty.
Sunday 7th October 2001
Job Opportunities
Something different?
Want a change?
Fancy a challenge?
Aircraft Handler/Ground Equipment Fitter (Mechanical)
Serco Aerospace is looking to employ suitable persons to train as both an Aircraft Handler and Ground Equipment Fitter at the RAF Base on Ascension Island. Full and comprehensive instruction will be given and, on completion of training, the successful applicant will be qualified to undertake both jobs.
We will: ·
Pay you an annual salary of £5,000 to £5,750 (depending on previous mechanical experience), increasing in increments to a maximum of £6,500 per year on satisfactory completion of training. · Provide free food and accommodation · Give you 20 working days paid holiday and 8 days public holiday per year · Pay for 1 trip to St Helena per year (2 trips after 2 years service)Interested candidates will need to :
· Possess a sound mechanical aptitude
· Be confident, willing and flexible in attitude
· Demonstrate first-class team working skills
· Possess a good standard of education
· Be physically fit
· Hold a full driving licenceWhat about the future:
We will openly discuss our intentions for the future, our policy on wages to offset personal taxation and our proposed improvements to terms and conditions.
So, if you think you fit the bill, want to try something different and relish a challenge, then why not apply to:
Jacquelene Bennett Phil Sharp Administrator Engineering Manager Serco Aerospace Serco Aerospace T: 3356 T: 3303 F: 6832 F: 6832 E: Serco.Aerospace@atlantis.co.ac
EDITORS : - Adam & Julia Henshaw
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
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