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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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ON BEHALF OF THE ISLANDER TEAM
WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY
AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
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Dear Editor,
I don't think I had the pleasure of meeting you during my
recent visit to your beautiful island. All those I did meet, I deem it
an utter privilege to call them my friends. I think the St Helena people
are fantastic. ALL on the island, without exception showed total kindness
and warm, friendly hospitality. My brother Tom and myself are profusely
grateful and totally humbled at such a privege which was afforded to us
both. |
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Dear Friends,
"In the bleak mid Winte, frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.
Snow has fallen snow on snow ...."
We don't get winters like that in Ascension.
In fact although this will be our fourth Christmas on the Island, we have to
admit that it is not easy to shake off the expectation of my previous fifty
nine Christmases that it wil be cold, and we might even have some snow.
So for us, along with many others from around the world on this semi-tropical little island in the middle of the South Atlantic, it is hard to imagine that in a few days time we shall be celebrating the birth of Christ.
It is a time when tradition, and atmosphere are important.
One way that we can perhaps catch that atmosphere, that sense of mystery and wonder that we remember from our childhood, is by attending Church at Christmas.
We would hope that in our carol service we might take a short time to seekthe babe 'lying in a manger'.
That at our Midnight Mass we might experience the living Christ as we receive the Holy Sacraments of bread and wine.
And that on Christmas morning we might sing 'with choirs of angels' in our joy that once again the God of love and compassion may come to us, abide with us, Emmanuel.
God Bless you and keep you and all those you love this Christmas Time and always.
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Fr Keith & Ginny. |
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| FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR Mr Geoffrey Fairhurst |
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TAXATION
I attach the rates of taxation, which have now been approved by the Governor. We are in a position to advise these rates now that all the information, including the valuation of properties on the Island, is available to give us the complete picture. The rates have also been amended from those previously published to take into account views expressed by employers and members of the public, following the issuing of previous drafts of the ordinances and tax rates.
All people who will be liable for income tax should have received a letter enclosing a Claim for Allowances Form (IT1) and a Benefits in Kind form. If you have not done so already, it is essential that these forms are completed and returned to enable the correct amount of tax to be collected.
If for any reason, you have not received the letter and forms and you may be liable to pay income tax, please contact Amelia Knipe, Income Tax Officer on 6212.
PUBLIC MEETING - 17 DECEMBER
At the meeting held on Monday evening we distributed copies of the final tax rates.
I confirmed that the Income Tax and Customs Ordinances have been enacted. The Property Tax ordinance will be issued in the New Year. If anyone has any queries on the taxation system please contact Amelia Knipe or Adam Henshaw on 6319.
I also used the opportunity to make the following points regarding progress
made on the constitution:
Geoffrey Fairhurst
18 December 2001
| Income Tax | ||
| Allowances | ||
| Personal Allowances | £3500.00 | |
| Child Allowance | First Child | £300.00 |
| Second Child | £200.00 | |
| Subsequent Children | £75.00 | |
| Dependant's Allowance | £200.00 | |
| Life Assurance | £100.00 | |
| Lower Tax Rate | 15% | |
| Higher Tax Rate | 27% | |
| Lower Tax Band | £4000.00 | |
| Benefits in Kind | ||
| Accommodation | single/barracks | £1200.00 |
| Bungalow Band A | £2400.00 | |
| Bunglaow Band B | £3000.00 | |
| Food/Meals | £2090.00 (variable by employer) | |
| Property Tax | ||
| Rate in the pound | 3p | |
| Custom Duties | ||
| Alcohol | ||
| Wine | per litre | £3.11 |
| Spirits | per litre | £7.51 |
| Beer | per litre | £0.75 |
| Tobacco | per pack of 20 | £0.75 |
| Fuel | ||
| petrol | per litre | £0.25 |
| diesel | per litre | £0.25 |
| per litre (electricity) | £0 .046 |
| To: Editors, The Islander From: Garron (PRIO)
Press Release - 12 December 2001 Details: Public Relations/Information Office |
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PRESS RELEASE
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| Dear Editor,
I hope you can find accommodation in your magazine for the enclosed poem. It is for the Americans on Ascension and elsewhere. I think it is important that they know that they have our support and backing. I only hope that they can find some solace in the poem. They are not alone in the present action. I like many others will help where and when we can. Yours sincerely The darkness faded, the day dawned and there was light A benevolent sun rose majestically from its eastern bed To grace the sky o'er this free land and proud nation And the never empty streets were crowded once again A Brooklyn child waved goodbye her ever-caring mother In Manhattan a young woman looked in her bathroom mirror And adorning the crowded skyline were two majestic towers
This proud land of caring concerned souls and generous ways |
Watching from a window she felt fear as
the evil dawned Her last agonising thought was for her child now safe in school Then came the thunder of violent death and mass destruction Bringing anguish and sorrow as death claimed its sinful toll Good men denied the ravaged scene foreign to their knowing The valiant rushed to save those facing peril from this dark deed Brave men died that day where lesser men would have lived Then as awareness and anger of this outraged and unmerited attack For these evil ones did not follow the dictates of their creed The fires now are all out and the cared victims are at rest This cancerous growth within the hearts of wilful shadowed men So let this gentle sleeping giant arouse itself from its slumbers For each man and nation must learn to dwell in contented harmony Bobby Robertson |
On Wednesday 11th December we saw the arrival of Royce Hipgrave (Former Chief of Police) who is currently in the role of Service Development Officer with the St Helena Police. He gave training to the Detachment in Personal Development Profiles and Investors In People. We are also in the process of writing Disaster Management Plans for the Island, for which he gave an input in this field.Over the weekend we dealt with a report of theft of masonry paint that was allegedly stolen from a work site at Travellers Hill. Also a report of Criminal Damage to the audio speakers of a vehicle that was parked outside of Turners Complex at Travellers Hill. Both reports are now under investigation. From a crime prevention point of view you are advised to secured your vehicle or remove any valuables when left unattended. In relation to the missing paint and working in partnership we have spoken with Bell Decorating Group offering them advised on security measures they should take to prevent a reoccurrence. On Monday of this week a Road Traffic Accident occurred on the road junction to English Bay involving a Mini Moke. The driver and passenger were seriously injured and hospitalised. The driver was breath tested and found to be free from alcohol.
It is customary at this time of the year to remind drivers of their responsibilities and not to drink and drive. As we move into the festive season their will no doubt be a lot of entertainment and we do not want to dampen the sprits of those who intends enjoying themselves. If you are going to drive your vehicle than you are advised not to consume alcohol. Get someone else to drive you who have not been drinking. If you are involved in a Road Traffic Accident and working towards our Business Plan you will be breath tested.
From the Ascension Police Detachment we sends out seasons greetings and wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.
R M Williams
Insp. of Police
LETTERS|
From the Editors:- Penny Peters & Marie Anthony Hi Guys! Unfortunately this is our last paper for this year ...But will see you again in 2002! Hope you are all well stocked with your Christmas goodies and don't forget the turkey! We hope Santa brings you just what you want for Christmas and let's hope that it isn't something out of a cracker!!! Hope you have a great Cristmas and a fantastic New Year come what may! Happy Reading
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I am Susanne and I am phonecard collector from Germany. I collect phonecards worldwide. But until now I was enabled to get into contact with people from Ascension who collect phonecards too, so that we could exchange. I can offer a lot of German phonecards. Do you know a collector club or private persons in your island who wants to write to me? All the best and have a merry Christmas S. Klug Auf Den Haidchen 26 THANKS Thanks are extended to Midwife Shirley, Nurse Hazel, Angie, Derek & Scott |
| Letters
to the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
The Met Office Weather Report |
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Statistics for the week ending {date}.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD | 29.0 | 22.3 | Trace |
| TRAVELLERS | 28.3 | 20.9 | 0.2 |
| GEORGETOWN | 30.0 | 23.0 | nil |
| RESIDENCY | 24.2 | 17.8 | 1.5 |
| ST. HELENA | N/A | ||
| FALKLANDS | 19.1 | 3.5 | Trace |
| BRIZE NORTON | 7.6 | -1.6 | Trace |
ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST: Around 2.0 to 2.2 Metres from the North or Northwest at first, but easing down to around 1.3 Metres during Friday.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island: 26 Celsius
ASCENSION ISLAND: Although there were a few showers, most days saw good sunny spells. Thursday and Friday were both quite windy, with gusts of 30 Knots being recorded at the Airhead.
ST. HELENA: No information Available.
UK: High pressure dominated the weather over the UK during the past week, with fairly settled conditions for most places. Temperatures peaked at 15 Celsius in the south and west during the early part of the week, but by Thursday Aviemore struggled to reach 0 Celsius during the day after the overnight temperatures had fallen to Minus 8 Celsius. Rainfall amounts were fairly small, but it was quite sunny with many places recording around 7 hours of sunshine each day.
FALKLANDS: A fairly unsettled week, with several frontal systems crossing the islands. Midweek was also rather windy with gusts reported close to 50 knots at times
Monday got off to a rather slow start, Makem trundling into Georgetown to pay some bills, then it was off to Northeast Bay for a spot of sunbathing. The evening was spent in the bar celebrating Sleepwalking Stan's birthday, the usual crew being present. The walk back to Snob Hill was interupted by the movers, Makem joining Muttley and Co for a beer or two, finally getting back to his basha at around 1-30 am.
Tuesday was a very quiet day, with all metties staying well
away from all forms of alcohol, in fact all were tucked away in bed by 10
pm. A Christmas outing to the Mearsk was well attended, with Mum, Chris
and Killer, joining Nematode, Martin and Dave (MT) and Incendiary Ian among
others for the trip across the bay. No mishaps occurred on either the outbound
or return journeys, even though the sea was a bit on the choppy side, but
then mishaps on the Mearsk are usually a metties forte.
(remember McNick headbutting the boat on his only trip out there).
Wednesday saw Tractor Boy and Makem, both in smarts and wearing ties, drive up to the Residency for the carol service. A good evening was enjoyed by all, thanks to Rambling Roger and the Band providing a good set. It was a great shame that the new drum kit was delayed in it's arrival thanks to an over zealous mover at Brize Norton. The idea that a set of drums ordered from the UK on Tuesday could have been in use atop Green Mountain on Wednesday evening would have been some achievement. Thanks also go to The Administrator and his wife for hosting the evening and making Metchat Cont/d… everyone welcome. On returning from the hill the still well attired pair were accompanied to the mess bar by Fifer and Sleepwalking Stan for a few beers. Makem had planned to have only a few quiet beers and was back in his room by midnight, but alas more alcohol was consumed when Brian (telemech) arrived for a few beers shortly afterwards.
Thursday saw Makem attend the penultimate launch of the met rockets from the CSR launch site. Thanks to Russ for arranging the trip and to George for showing me around the launch site. For a rocket that only burns for a couple of seconds, it still manages to propel the probe to four times the speed of sound and up to a height of 230,000 feet. The evening saw another very quiet evening with the metties again staying out of the bar. Congratulations go out to Sleepwalking Stan, who became a grandfather for the first time, with much ribbing taking place by his co-workers and drinking pals, along with several (poor) renditions of that infamous Clive Dunn hit "Grandad".
Friday saw the Christmas draw in the Combined Mess, though only Tractor Boy and Cornish could attend as the rest of us were working the delayed Tristar. A good evening was had by all, especially those who won prizes. Makem was one of the lucky ones, picking up a ladies purse, much to the amusement of many of those in attendance, but the nicest surprise for Makem was the beer chits that were inside. The partying continued well into Saturday, with some of the participants seeing in the dawn up at Snob Hill.
Saturday evening saw Makem, Cornish, Fifer and Rambling Roger make the trip down to Long Beach to check if the Turtles were coming ashore. We managed to find four as we strolled along the strand, including one which had just completed laying her clutch of eggs. On returning to Travellers, all but Cornish made it into the mess bar, where we were joined by Andy the Chef. Two of the R'N'Rers also paid a fleeting visit to the bar, and caused great hilarity when they asked if it was possible to get a taxi to Two Boats. Had we had our wits about us we could have sent them off to await the bus from outside Turners Yard. All four of us then retired to Makems basha for several more beers and a singsong, completely murdering several Christmas tunes in the process. RR had the best idea of all, he managed to fall asleep, beer still in hand, but unfortunately for him the mossies didn't. Things gradually wound down at around 4 am, Andy claiming he had to get up for work a mere three hours later.
Sunday morning saw some sore heads up at Snob Hill, RR, Makem
and Fifer in particular looking rather worse for wear. The afternoon saw
Makem and Sleepwalking Stan (who had already done a GROGS walk that morning),
take a trip to the Arianne Site. Makem actually took Stan along the beach
for a walk (Yes, Makem actually doing some walking), making it as far to
Coronation Rocks where we found Gordon Mchugh, Bob Bennett and Dave Cornish
fishing (the attendance of a large number of Frigate Birds gave away their
position). To say that the sea was a little choppy would be an understatement
somewhat, what with the waves managing to throw spray higher than the spout
from the Blowhole. We both decided that swimming in the rockpool would not
be a clever thing to do, as did the Nematode who we ran into on the way
back. The band practice at Sea Breezes was quite well attended too, even
the Station Commander turning out with ironing board and Organ (the ironing
board making a good stand for said musical instrument, not to practice his
surfing on). Andy the Chef was still looking a bit sorry for himself at
tea-time, claiming that it was a bad idea for him to have joined us the
previous evening. The evening saw a small social gathering outside of RR's
basha, with Scribbly, RMP, Incendiary Ian, Sleepwalking Stan, Falling Phil
and Dave Cornish attending along with the off duty Metties (plus Chris the
medic who jo
ined in later). Much of the conversation revolved around proposals (by whom
we do not know) for a by-pass for Georgetown, supposedly planned to take
in much of the Golf Course at One Boat, plus a rather ambitious (donkey
powered) cable car link to the top of Green Mountain. (who says some of
the above group are not imaginative). Makem also came in for a lot of flak
from Falling Phil about the evil rumour that he had been out walking, Phil
being convinced that Makem will Metchat Cont/d… not or can not do this
walking thing. The evening gradually ground to a halt as people drifted
away to prepare for work the following morning.
Below is the latest offering from our GROGS correspondent. Makem insists that he does not qualify as Geriatric (yet)
GROG REPORT - STILL ALIVE AND WITH NEW BLOOD
Over the past few weeks there has been little of major interest
to report except that GROG fame, but unfortunately not fortune, has spread.
Various visitors to the Island, civilian and Service have asked to accompany
the stalwarts on their rambles. Many a photograph has been taken as usually
the well known and more interesting walks have been chosen, e.g. Bishop,
Elliots as well as some of the lesser known, Cronk, Rupert. Well, it passes
the time!
What has been gratifying is that three out of four Met men have decided
to join the explorations when they can. After all, the three more than qualify
under the first "g" in GROG (standing as it does for geriatric).
There have even been some occasions when Chris the Medic has joined, even
though she claims pressure of work gives her little free time! Dave Cornish
has bounced along with strides more in keeping with the giant in Jack and
the Beanstalk while the Spotter can usually be relied on to range far and
wide in the lead and blaze a path though any overgrown areas.
Speaking of overgrown areas the Island authority are to be congratulated
on the work undertaken by their "path clearers" - Elliots is now
a stroll and it is virtually possible to emulate the lady in a photograph
in the museum pushing a child in a pushchair around the path. Bishop, which
offers some of the best views on the Island, has also been vastly improved.
Estimated times taken to complete chosen walks have now become a matter
of pride.
On a recent Sunday afternoon a 6 person GROG party started by going up Convalescent,
through the Residency garden - with apologies to Geoffrey and Wendy for
disturbing their peace - taking a look around Monkey Rock cemetery (can
you imagine paying a sight seeing visit to such a place on a Sunday anywhere
else!) - up the mountain road to the Red Lion, through the tunnel, down
Breakneck Pass, through the Pines and back to the NASA road. All completed
no more than fifteen minutes over the estimate and that because Monkey Rock
was a spur of the moment add-on.
The very latest escapade took in the War Path. Another interesting stroll
although the views are not so spectacular as other walks. As is usual the
"Hashers" have inevitably been there before the GROGs and are
doing much to help keep such paths open for all to use. With Rambling Roger
and Incendiary Ian now back on Island further adventure beckons!
Now on to more serious matters.
A visit was recently made to the Museum and the photographic comparisons
of paths and views on display closely studied. With those photographs in
mind the GROG wanderings has shown us that the changes to the scenery are
even more apparent and just how quickly nature re-claims the land. From
these photographs - not that many years ago - the Green Mountain farm grounds
had virtually a park-like quality. Neatly trimmed lawns and trees, crop
fields, animals grazing - all very rural and peaceful. The farm presumably
supplied the Island population with fresh vegetables, milk and meat. There
was also the employment and accommodation the farm generated. Now all the
farm grounds and surrounds have reverted to overgrown "jungle"
and gone to rack and ruin. All produce is imported at great expense and
relies totally on regular arrival of boats and aeroplanes. And this is called
progress!
Falling Phil.
Ascension Island Christmas Forecast.
Unfortunately, we can guarantee that it will definitely not be a white Christmas
on the island this year (or any other year for that matter) and getting
a met man to say "definitely" is a great rarity. Instead it is
likely to be warm and sunny so enjoy the big day on the beaches.
All the staff in the Met Office would like to take the opportunity
to wish all readers a Merry Christmas along with a Happy and Prosperous
New Year.
The Makem
It must be getting close to Christmas me thinks!!! Even some of the most ardent hashers were missing, either gone on leave or getting wasted up at the residency Christmas lunch. Okay, leave is excusable but non-attendance as a result of over indulgence is another…. could be a legitimate case for punishment…those that are guilty know who they are ….I'll leave it at that for now but expect more on this matter when HKP returns!!!!!
Hashers gathered within the hallowed ground of the Command Hill Luxury Penthouse Apartments, expectations were running high… alas we were dismayed to find no private swimming pool to bask in after the days exercise. Rat Boy started rattling on about his two favourite subjects …computer networks and safety…. I politely listened (showing just enough interest so as not to be rumbled) even though it meant missing the all important hash briefing. This was no real problem for me as I could hardly be classed as an FRB but for RB it could have been a disaster as he's always out front and nearly always lost or following the wrong trail.
What follows is a short Fly-on-the-wall description of the route……
"They started out and around the accommodation building then headed up
to a beacon on a ridge, then they traversed down a steep slope and stopped
at a circle check, then they climbed halfway up a steep hill only to turn
round and climb back down again. Then they assembled at another circle check
only to cross the road and follow a dusty track to a munitions store. Then
they climbed another steep hill and assembled at another circle check. Then
they climbed down the far side of this hill and crossed some rough terrain
that led to another hill. TT started winging because he didn't want to carry
lots of lovely stones that BB wanted to take home and paint. Then they climbed
and descended more hills…..what a waste of time….how did these creatures
ever get to the top of the food chain!!!!! Finally, they all got back to where
we started and emptied the stones from their boots. Then they ate sandwiches
and drank fizzy drinks. Then they all went home."
If you're still reading this you must be one of those sad individuals that
reads every page and every word of the Islander….save yourself whilst
you can and before it gets too late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you to Chief Longpole and Barley Buckeye for a great route… unfortunately
BB didn't have enough horsepower to complete that final ascent.
This week's HASHERS -Skipper, Yeti, Ivor the Engine, Thunderthighs, Crystal
Tips, Beany Baby, Fit Guy, Wanabe, Rat Boy, Chief Longpole and Barley Buckeye.
Next week's HASH: Skipper and The Major from the road to "The Pines".
TT
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