The week we have all been waiting for - at least those of us who remember past years here and have been invited.

Yes, it's Thanksgiving Day.
The best known thanksgiving in the United States was held by the Pilgrims in the Autumn of 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Their first winter in the new country had been very harsh; half of the pilgrims had died.
But the next year there was an abundant harvest and the Governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving.
We are told that great preparations were made for the feast. Indian friends who had taught the colonists to hunt and fish and plant crops were invited to attend, and they brought with them wild turkeys and venison for all to share.
For three days, we are told, the feasting went on, Pilgrims and Indians together.
Thanking God for his goodness, their deliverance, and one another.
As our American friends on the Island offer us the chance to share in their "Thanksgiving Day" meal here on Ascension let us thank God for His goodness and the friendship that exists between us.
There is another form of Thanksgiving that takes place on this Island.
It has been my privilege and pleasure to have been able to offer the services of the church at Memorial Services, thanking God for the lives of loved ones recently departed.
These services often take place at the same time as the funeral on St Helena; often we have the same hymns and readings. It is a chance to offer support and show that we care.
It was quite a new experience for me when we first arrived to be asked "can we have a service tomorrow?" Memorial Services in the UK are far less frequent, often several weeks after the funeral, and with plenty of time for preparation.
However we have adapted and I thank you for allowing me into your lives in this way.

The Met Office Weather Report

Statistics for the week ending Monday 19th November 2001

	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)
AIRHEAD	29.0	21.7	0.8
TRAVELLERS	27.0	20.7	4.0
RESIDENCY	25.7	16.8	15.1
GEORGETOWN	30.0	23.0	0.5
ST. HELENA	20.4	14.7	3.8
FALKLANDS	N/A	N/A	N/A
BRIZE NORTON	N/A	N/A	N/A

ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST:
Around 1 Metre, mainly from the northwest.

Sea temperature around Ascension Island: 26 Celsius

ASCENSION ISLAND: A rather mixed week, with some showers, but also some sunny spells. Temperatures were again near to the normal for midNovember.

ST. HELENA:: Cloud and showers continued to affect St Helena through the past week.

UK: After a damp start to the week, the weather became fairly settled though rain still affected parts of northern Scotland. High pressure dominated much of the countries weather, giving frosty nights and mist and fog patches. Highest temperature was 15 Celsius at Boulmer on the Northumberland coast, with Benson in Oxfordshire the coldest on Tuesday morning at minus 5 Celsius.

FALKLANDS: A fairly settled week, though there were a few showers around during Wednesday and Thursday.

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

It has been a really quiet week as far as the Metties are concerned, Makem confined himself to his room for nearly a week in an attempt to recover from too much partying, Tractor Boy is still suffering with his elbow problems and Fifer and Cornish took it rather easy.
The early part of the week saw various sojourns to the beach by the various metties, though the swell was a little too high on Monday to allow any swimming. By Wednesday however the swell had eased sufficiently to allow the more intrepid amongst us to venture forth into King Neptune's domain.

Tuesday evening saw Tractor Boy, Cornish, Fifer and Gary spend an evening on the veranda, quaffing Castle (the difference between drinking and quaffing is that you spill more), while practising their beer can throwing skills. This all stems from Castaways, the Met/ATC bar in MPA, where you had to get rid of your empties by lobbing the can into a large bin from a set distance, usually in a manner proscribed by the barman.

Wednesday evening Saw Tractor Boy, Cornish, Gary and Nige visit reflections for the Thai Night. All had a very good evening, Fifer collected them at throwing out time and described them as having been wined, dined and looking very happy.(and there was no singing by Nige)

Thursday morning saw a rather intriguing conversation between Tractor Boy, Makem and the Nematode about Pixies. (No you did not misread that, Pixies) The Nematode asked the question as to whether any of the Metties had been plagued by pixies or elves. He claims to have awoken during the early hours of Wednesday morning to find all the lights on and to his surprise a very small, thin, naked person with pointy ears standing in the middle of his room.
On being spotted said pixie attempted to cover his important bits, (apparently they are very shy) before running away through the connecting bathroom and disappearing. The Nematode insists that over the past few weeks he has seen neat piles of clothes (I guess they were most likely green in colour) in the adjoining basha, but to his knowledge no-one lives there. This all sounds a lot like he had partaken of far too much alcohol, but he does not drink. All I can say is "could I have some of whatever he is on please".

Friday morning saw Makem make a trip to Georgetown to do a bit of shopping and lunch at Reflections, before paying a quick visit to Northeast bay to make up for nearly a week of living indoors. The evening saw Tractor Boy and Cornish attend the Ladies Guest Night in the combined mess. A good night was had by all, particularly Cornish, who decided it was time to totter off up the hill before midnight, even though it was Tractor Boy who had to get up for work the following morning. At 9 am on Saturday morning, Cornish was still wearing his (rather crumpled) dress shirt, and when asked about his trousers he commented that they were inside out, lying in a heap at the bottom of his bed. (Definitely a good night.)

Saturday morning saw Makem shut down all the equipment in the office in preparation for the planned power outage, this of course left Tractor Boy to cope with a very quiet day at work. Cornish, Fifer, Gary and Brian went to Two boats club for lunch before Fifer and myself drove down to English bay to top up the suntan. Already on the beach were RMP and Chris the medic, and we were soon joined by Mum. RMP and myself went off to do a bit of snorkelling, including a spot of underwater photography, leaving the others to catch some sunshine and do a bit of reading.
Following the power cuts that affected much of the island during the early part of the evening, Tractor Boy, Fifer and myself made our way to the mess bar (to celebrate the Makem reaching the halfway point in his tour). Tractor Boy (perhaps a former scout) was well prepared for more blackouts however as he went armed with a torch. Already in the bar were Bill and Lee, and we were joined later by Derek from 216 Squadron, an old drinking pal of mine from my first tour at MPA over 10 years ago. The evening was spent catching up on the news of all the people who were there at the time. Makem was not the last one out of the bar for a change, he actually left early claiming work the following morning as his excuse.

Sunday saw Makem having a very quiet day at work. Due to the ongoing problems with communications there was no information getting in or out of the office. Tractor Boy, Fifer, Lee and myself visited the Green Turtle in the evening for the quiz night and although the turnout was limited, a good evening entertainment was had.
Thanks go to the quiz-master for his efforts bu no thanks (or at least not many) go to Tractor Boy, as one mis-written answer saw us being pipped at the post by a mere half point by Tommy the Painter and Tony.
Other items of importance this week includes news of Alec from commcen having lost at darts, big deal I hear you say, but the important bit is that he lost to a woman!
Gary also caused a bit of a scare this week when he was heard to actually turn down a wager, yes he actually refused to take a bet from someone in the VC. (now that is scary).

HASH TRASH

Hash # 879 17 Nov 01

Hash Hares: Fido

Hash Hounds: Fugitive, A-Drain, Twin Peaks, The Major, Ivor the Engine, Thunderthighs, Yeti, Beany Baby, Hong Kong Phooey, Chief Longpole, Barley Buckeye, Tit Pecker, John, Brenda, Tiana

If I remember correctly, isn't the hare supposed to be there when you start the hash ? Well, today's hash should be interesting.
Thunderthighs shows up and announces that he has a MAP and would give directions. Can anyone remember the LAST hash that he set ? YEH, no memory of where it was and HE SET THE BLOODY THING. So today WILL be interesting !!!
After reciting the hash rules for the Newbee's, ON-ON is sounded and off the pack runs across the cattle gate and into the thorn bushes where we stay for the remainder of the hash. Up the steps and over the hill where Miss Bum shows off her dusty side. The Twidget asked if this was NORMAL, and he was reminded that this was the AHHH pack and NORMAL did not exist.
It was after the ON-ON was given that we all realized that Fido's lil' pup must have set most of this trail as the path was for someone of the short version. (where is Mighty Morty when these trails are run?) Squeakers asks if the island has any areas other then thorny bits. Tit Pecker attempts to stay in the lead but finds the down brothers of A-Drain & HKP chopping at his heels. An O check finds all but Ivor and The Bum gathered and strange sounds are heard from afar.
After a brief rest, ON-ON is sounded again and off the pack goes thru more prickles. With no sense of direction, hidden amongst the wilds of 'The Rock', another circle check gives some a place to see their location. Down and around some more before the home arrow shows all the way to the vehicles. As we arrive at the finish, we find NO nibbles, only an empty area where they should be.
Drinks are passed to calm the pack just as Fido and Lil' Pup enter with sandwiches. As thirsts are quenched, the GHM forms the naming circle and places the unfortunate soul in the center. Cheers and jeers are plentiful and another member of the pack is anointed into the fold as Tit Pecker. With the sun setting in the distance and the liquids flowing freely, the ritual of bush wetting begins.
Photos of this strange phase of hashing can be seen, on appointment, at the All Day Hash.
Great hash and sandies Fido and Lil' Pup.

Next week's hares are The Major & A-Drain from English Bay

All Day Hash is 1 Dec starting at 12noon, gather at Patio 13 no later then 11:30am for a lift to the starting point.

*NOTE - still need designs for the shirt, hard copy as well as electrically

HASH SCRIBE - HKP

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club

On Sunday 18th November we had 19 players take part in the monthly medal play competition. Weather conditions were thick cloud to start but this soon broke up to let the sun through.
We had five players return scores in the sixties Richard Joshua had 69, Lyn Leo and Paul Thomas 68. George Thomas and yours truly on 67, we decided not to do a play off for first place and did a count back over last 6 holes George had 26, to take second place and myself 23 to take the top spot.

There was also a three-way tie for the best gross, the players were Richard Joshua George Thomas and again yours truly on 71, and so we each had a ball.

There were no two's scored so there was a chip off nearest pin on 9th Green, the winner for this was Patrick O'Dean.

We rounded off the day with tasty soup prepared by Patrick Moyce. We also said farewell to Ray Yon a temporary member who will return to St Helena. Ray has been here on holiday with wife Beattie.

The next competition will be on 2nd December which is the Ray Beano Challenge Cup and is a Two Team Texas Scramble sponsored by the American Legion.
Lots of prizes on offer. Annual Chilli Cook-off will follow this. Lunch provided and there will be music to follow.
So please sign list on Club Notice Board for another great day out at One Boat Golf Club.

Members are also reminded that the Annual General meeting will take place on Sunday 9th December.

Te accounts and list for election of officers have been posted and you are encouraged to view the accounts and sign up the persons you wish to serve on the committee.

A two Team Texas Scramble will precede this, lunch will be provided, so sign list on Noticeboard.

Lawson Henry
Captain

	DEW POND RUN
				And the're Off!!
Richard White takes the GOLD!		Keith 'Dover' Thomas takes the SILVER & First Veteran
Third Place & First Scout In: Jonathan looking cool, steady & determined to a good pace. (no Sweat!)			The WOMEN'S GOLD goes to Carolyn Nicholls
And SHUB, ....GOT MUD!!
				Satisfaction and Relief from Competitors following the Award Ceremony at Garden Cottage.

WINNER - RICHARD WHITE
1ST VETERAN - KEITH DOVER
1ST LADY - CAROLYN NICHOLS

THE YOUNGEST COMPETITOR WHO TOOK PART WAS RYAN KNIPE.
AND THE OLDEST COMPETITOR WHO TOOK PART WAS ROBIN GOUGH.
ALL TOGETHER A TOTAL OF 65 COMPETITORS TOOK PART, INCLUDING A MAN IN A WHEEL CHAIR CALLED SWASIE TURNER WHO STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE MOUNTAIN AND WHEELED ALL THE WAY TO THE DEWPOND. WE LIKE TO THANK THE POLICE FOR HELPING TO GET HIM THERE.

EVERYBODY'S POSITION AND TIME IS LISTED BELOW.

POSITION	TIME	NAME
1	1:17:53	RICHARD WHITE
2	1:24:33	KEITH THOMAS
3	1:27:06	JON STAMP
4	1:28:35	WAYNE CARTER
5	1:29:18	MALENKO GRADINSKI
6	1:30:28	SIMON CRUSE
7	1:32:46	PHIL LAKE
8	1:33:33	CAROLYN NICHOLS
9	1:39:11	ANDREW HERNE
10	1:39:12	MARK JOHNSON
11	1:42:10	AARON PETERS
12	1:44:11	BRIAN MILNE
13	1:45:56	MALCOLM LAWSON
14	1:48:14	GEORDIE PETERS
15	1:48:19	ALEX GRADINSKI
16	1:52:11	DIANE ROGERS
17	1:52:20	COLIN SNAPE
18	1:52:28	LEAL GRIFFEN
19	1:59:39	ORD(NIGEL)
20	2:00:40	RON HUNT
21	2:00:59	BEN LEO
22	2:02:30	MERVYN WRIDE
23	2:02:30	DASS MILEHAM
24	2:03:44	JACKIE ELLICK
25	2:03:50	JULIA HENSHAW
26	2:05:18	PRUDY PETERS
27	2:05:24	NICK SINCLAIR-FORD
28	2:06:30	DAVE TARKTON-HODGSON
29	2:07:33	ANJALI SUKHTANKER
30	2:07:49	ADAM HENSHAW
31	2:08:46	SHUB SUKHTANKER
32	2:08:50	JIM FISHER
33	2:08:51	VIV NEARY-PHILLIPS
34	2:11:12	BARBARA REILLY
35	2:11:18	KELLY SQUIBB
36	2:11:38	ROBIN GOUGH
37	2:12:24	RICHARD WISEMAN
38	2:12:24	RAXA SUKHTANKER
39	2:15:42	EMMA THAIN
40	2:17:02	SHARON ANDREWS
41	2:17:44	BUD FLANAGAN
42	2:20:22	RYAN KNIPE
43	2:21:00	GRIMBLEY
44	2:22:03	MUFF
45	2:22:12	DEBBIE HART
46	2:24:13	MERIEL MILNE
47	2:24:27	DAVE PINNER
48	2:24:29	PETER DUNNE
49	2:24:29	JANE DUNNE
50	2:31:53	DIANE KING
51	2:32:05	CHRISTINE WALKER
52	2:32:39	LAURA HANDLEY
53	2:32:46	ROBERT STEPHENSON
54	2:34:20	SYLVIA HENRY
55	2:41:13	DONNA TRENHOLM
56	2:41:19	TONY GODDARD
57	2:41:22	BABI GODDARD
58	2:41:36	DAVID OWEN
59	2:41:40	JOHN FERRELL
60	2:54:03	MAI LYN LEO
61	2:54:19	ROB VAUGHAN
62	2:57:59	TINA LEO
63	2:58:56	KEVIN McNEILLY
64	2:58:52	WHATY CAMPBELL
65	3:02:50	ELAINE BISHOP

WELL DONE TO ALL THOSE WHO TOOK PART. SORRY FOR ANY SPELLING MISTAKES BUT THIS IS THE WAY WE GOT IT.
BLAME GLEN

SPONSORED BY THE ASCENSION ISLAND SCOUT TROOP

School Page

Year seven has decided to share with you briefly what they have been learning in seniors and their general feelings about being a senior.

ART
Our teacher for art is Mrs Leo. The best thing about art is that it teaches how to be a good artist. One good thing about being in the seniors is that it has air conditioning. If I went into middle 2 on a hot day now I will die. By Shane

I.T
I like I.T because we get to work on the computers and its not boring. The teacher is nice. We have learnt how to use Publisher and a lot more. My best teacher is Mrs Maggott she is nice and funny. I like senior school because we have nice lessons. By Shonray

ENGLISH
For English we have done work based on Harry Potter and now we are working on a book called Buddy. Our English teacher is Mrs B Joshua. English is not my favourite subject. We have a lot of different subjects and we move around a lot. By Laura

GENERAL STUDIES
We have been doing a project based on Islands. An island is a place that is totally surrounded by sea. My project is about Australia, (yes, it is an island). I like being in seniors because we cook and have lots more subjects. I dislike walking up and down all the time, but it is still O.K. By Nathan

HOME ECONOMICS
So far in HE we have learnt about safety in the kitchen, and about all the kitchen tools. We have also cooked and learnt about the cooker. My favourite teachers are Mrs Andrews, Mrs Maggott and Mrs Leo and a couple more. I have found the seniors to be pretty fun and hopefully I will enjoy it all the way to year 11. By William

PSHE
Since I have been in the seniors, for PSHE I have learnt about "peer pressure" and "feelings". I've learnt that there is nothing wrong with boys crying, and everybody has feelings. I like in the seniors because we have so many different lessons and lots of different teachers. My favourite subject is science, because we have lots of fun. I Just love it in the seniors. By Penny

HISTORY
In history I've learnt about the Romans. At the end of the Romans we had a test, it was a bit tricky. History isn't my favourite subject but since I've been a senior I've learnt that it can be fun. My history teacher is quiet, doesn't take any nonsense, and likes to tell a story about two cats, and also teaches technology. My favourite Teachers are Mrs Andrews and Mrs Maggott, and my favourite subjects are geography, general studies, science and maths. I like in the seniors a lot because we move around and don't stay in the same room all the time. I've mixed better with the older students. UNJUMBLE THE WORDS TO FINISH THE SENTENCE. The history teacher is …. RM NCLOI UNDCNA By Nirella.

GAMES/PE
Our teachers for games are Mr D and Miss Abe. I love to play games in school because we have so much work to do that PE is my 2nd favourite subject. My favourite game so far is softball. When we have games some of the warm ups are a bit strange; sometimes we have to swim, for example we would have to do backstroke with our hands. The best part of games is that we have it twice a week. By Ben.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RE; talking about god, earth, Jesus, the bible and living creatures on the earth. A very interesting subject. How did we get here? Who made us? These questions we will be able to answer as this is what we are doing for RE in year seven. We are finding out about how we got here, who made the earth etc. How did it all start? Some people believe there was a massive explosion. Here is a question for you - Who is the RE teacher? By Michael

TECHNOLOGY
In technology we have been making key tags out of plastic. Our task was to make them attractive and colourful. The technology teacher is very quiet and doesn't like a lot of nonsense. This teacher tells a story about two cats and gets us to swim on dry land in games. I like the senior school and I enjoy technology. By Mashay

GEOGRAPHY
Since I have been in seniors in geography we have learnt the difference between physical, human and environmental geography. We are now learning the different skills needed to read maps. Some are direction, scale and symbols. The geography teacher does not take any nonsense. I like in the seniors because we have so many teachers to go to. The geography teacher is Mrs I----- A------. By Roberta

MATHS
For maths in the seniors we have been learning about graphs and making graphs of daytime activities. We have also worked on Algebra, Co-ordinates, scales and lines and circles. My maths teacher is fun and I find some of the work easy, shhhh, don't say anything or it will get hard. We have maths four times each week and on Thursdays we have a special task called SMP. I find that fun. By Ryan

SCIENCE
In the seniors for science we have been learning about the reproductive system, and we have been experimenting on plants. My science teacher is nice but she doesn't take any nonsense. Sometimes she dances around the room. I find that now I am a senior I have been learning a lot better. I like being able to move around to different classes. One problem with the seniors is homework. All you want to do when you go home is lay on the settee and watch TV but we have to do homework. By Charlene

Swarm Taekwondo

FORTHCOMING EVENTS BOARD BREAKING COMPETITION/DEMOSTRATION

On Monday 26th November 2001, the Swarm Taekwondo Club Ascension Island will be holding a sponsored board breaking Competition/Demonstration at the Travellers Hill Gym from 8pm until 10pm. Anyone is wecome to come along and support this event.

GRADING
On Saturday 1st December 2001 the club will be holding it's 3rd grading for this year. This will take place in the Travellers Hill Gym at 10am, followed by a presentation at 1:30pm. Since the last grading 5 new students have joined the club. Anyone wishing to join after the grading on the 1st December is encouraged to come and watch a lesson before taking part. Students who join after a grading will be given introductory training. However, anyone wishing to join at a later date may do so but will be expected to keep up with the class as best they can. Anyone 12 years of age or older may join. The Monthly Training Fee is currently £7.50 for children and £10 for adults.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Swarm Taekwondo Club will also be holding their Christmas Party on the 1st December 2001 starting at 8:00pm at the Green Turtle. The disco will be open to the public from 10:30pm onwards. Cash bar will be available and your DJ for the night will be Freddie Maggott.

ANY OTHER NEWS
Master Paul Straker and student Russell Peters has returned from their vacation in the UK. Classes will now resume at their normal times: Monday: 8:00 - 10:00pm Thursdays: 8:00 - 10:00pm Saturdays: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Well done to Christabel, Gary and Helena for keeping the class running in Paul's absence.
Thanks to all the Students for their support and co-operation during Master Straker's absence.

Visit of the MV Hanseatic The cruise ship MV Hanseatic arrived at Ascension from the Cape Verde Islands on 16 November.
The vessel is currently on a repositioning cruise travelling from the Arctic where she spent the northern summer to the Antarctic where she will be based for the southern summer season.
Thirty four passengers came ashore for a minibus tour of the island organised by AIWSA and a walk along Long Beach in the evening.
An additional 19 passengers joined the vessel in Ascension to travel to St Helena. After visiting St Helena the Hanseatic will visit Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Ceddy and Sylvia Henry, Adam and Julia Henshaw and Richard White visited the vessel in the evening to take part in a question and answer session with the passengers about life on Ascension, the turtles and seabirds of the island.

EDITORS : - Tony Jenkins, Jonathan Stamp and Julian Moyce.
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

	Wedding Bells.
Lynn Joshua and Bradley Corker on the occasion of the marriage at the residency on Saturday 17th November 2001 at 4pm. Mr Geoffrey Fairhurst, the Administrator conducted the ceremony in front of family and friends. The day concluded with a reception at the green turtle in Georgetown with music supplied by Love Affair. Picture by Colin lawrence.

The Islander - Thursday 22nd November 2001

The Met Office Weather Report

HASH TRASH

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club