UPDATE FROM SWASIE TURNER

Swasie Turner's, who 'did the Dewpond' last year recently abseilled down a 135ft Lighthouse to raise money for the blind in Britain. Below follows of an update from the man himself.

Just a few lines to let you wonderful islanders know the update re my 300 mile wheelchair push from Washington to 'Ground Zero' New York. I am scheduled to meet the President on Friday, 22nd Feb at the White House (world pressures permitting?). The following day, Sat 23rd Feb, I will be setting off to push my chair the 300 miles from The White House to the Pentagon then on to Ground Zero. I anticipate pushing 25 miles per day and am due to arrive New York on Tuesday, 5th March. I and the seven British members of my team, (Fire-fighters and police officers) are very proud and privileged at being able to do this to raise funds for the members of the American 'Emergency Services' who suffered such trauma during and after the Sept 11th atrocities. I will keep you posted as to how things will be going and I look forward very much to hopefully being allowed to visit you all again in January 2003. May I send everyone my sincere best wishes and thank you all once again for your wonderfully warm and generous hospitality during my recent fantastic stay on your beautiful island paradise. I thank His Honour Mr, and Mrs, Fairhurst, the Police, RAF Commander and USAF Commander and all who made mine and my brother Tom's stay an unforgettable memory. I love you all, each and every one of you, and I can't wait to see you all again. God bless all on Ascension. I attach picture of me and the British lads who are to accompany me during my American push. I look forward to your reply is you would be so kind. Sincere regards, Swasie Turner.

Join the Saints who Sail!!

The chance of a lifetime to become a sailor/yacht skipper

The facts
· 4 young Saints (Tara, Elizabeth, Donna, Helen) are in Cape Town learning to sail Hobbi Cats and crew yachts;
· 4 (Andrew, James, Leroy, Georgie) others have finished Sail Training to Coastal Day Skipper level
· 1 (Malcolm Maggot) is delivering yachts across the Atlantic.
· 16 Saints will compete in the Cape - St. Helena Yacht Race in December 2002

1 of them could be you.

The next group of people (approx 4) to go to Cape Town for the training programme will be in April/May - You will learn to sail yachts and hobbi cats, all expenses paid. Another group will go in September
If you are interested in taking part in the Sail Training Programme, or if you would like more information, please contact Tara George on 6359 (work) or 6403 (home)

DUKE OF YORK TO VISIT FALKLANDS IN NOVEMBERBy J. Brock (FINN)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that HRH the Duke of York will be visiting the Falkland Islands in November 2002. The Falkland Islands 2002 Committee will give further information and dates, including the itinerary for the visit of the Duke of York in due course. That programme is likely to include time with Islanders, Service Personnel and ex Service Personnel and will also include Remembrance Sunday. More information will be forthcoming.

ARMED FORCESS MINISTER TO REPRESENT BRITISH GOVERNMENT AT FALKLAND ISLANDS COMMEMORATION IN JUNE

By J. Brock (FINN)

The Falkland Islands 2002 committee are pleased to announce that the Armed Forces Minister, the Rt. Hon. Adam Ingram MP, will represent the British Government at the 14th of June Commemoration. A party of sixteen Military Personnel and Civilians who were involved in 1982 and who are returning for the Islands for the first time will accompany the Minister. Those Military and civilian Personnel along with their partners are guests of the Falkland Islands Government. Their names were put forward by residents of the Falkland Islands.
"The Islands are united in their wish to remember all those who fought for our freedom and the principle of self-determination in 1982, said a press statement. "We will remember, too, all those Argentine soldiers who lost their lives under orders," the statement concluded.
A church service followed by wreaths being laid at the Liberation Monument will begin the special day. Then, H. E. the Governor Mr. Donald Lamont, in accordance with the decision of the Falklands Legislative Council, will then bestow the Freedom of the Falkland Islands on all components of the British Forces serving in the Falklands and the waters around the Islands. Commander British Forces Falkland Islands, Commodore R. J. Ibbotson DSC MSc RN, will accept the Freedom witnessed by the Minister. Following this acceptance, contingents of Her Majesty's forces currently serving in the Islands will march through the Streets of Stanley with bayonets fixed. Said Lewis Clifton, Chairman of the Falkland Islands 2002 Committee, "We will always remember those who defended our Islands and we will remain forever thankful for their bravery and professionalism. We hold in highest regard those who continue to serve here."

In 1982 I was working in the Ministry of Defence when Sir John Nolt introduced a 10% staff cut. Since the Directorate of Naval Warfare was never going to carry out an opposed landing again, we sacrificed our Royal Marine Staff Officer. The Date? - the 31st March 1982. Two days later we were planning an opposed landing on the Falkland Islands!

Ascension Island immediately became important, but I was the only member of staff who knew the Island. In 1979 I had been a member of a Joint Services Expedition studying the marine environment. I quickly disillusioned the Naval Staff about Ascension's Harbor! It was my slide of the Pier-head, which was used to brief the First Sea Lord.

Initially we had a number of setbacks. Admiral Lord Lewin, the Chief of Defence Staff brought Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher into the Operations Room where I was on duty. I was most impressed by her complete composure speaking encouragingly whilst knowing, like we, the risks involved.

One of our tasks was requisitioning ships known as STUFT (Ships taken up from trade). By the end of the war we had requisitioned 48. Roars of laughter greeted the suggestion that we should requisition the QEII! The next day it happened!

I was responsible for fire-fighting and damage control. For ten years we had wanted to replace the flammable £10 ships mattresses with £48 fireproof ones. After the disaster of HMS Sheffield, immediate approval was given replace all mattresses - but too late for this war. Another shortsighted policy was the provision of ELSA (breathing apparatus for individual escape); frigates were allocated only16 sets. In future all ships would carry one for each crew member plus 20%. The day after the Argentineans surrended, our spending bonanza stopped!

One sequel to the war was a Parliamentary Question (PQ) asked just before I went off duty for the weekend, my immediate boss having just left. PQs must be answered immediately. "Had Prince Andrew committed a crime by giving his identity disc to his girlfriend Koo Stark?" To be honest I hadn't a clue, but answered that it wasn't encouraged and perhaps the Prince should be charged £1.50 for the loss of Naval property. The gift certainly hit the headlines in the tabloid press.

John Bingeman

Some Memories of the Falklands War Days by an American Living on Ascension Is.

"The Beginning Sounds of War"

I awakened suddenly to what I thought was the sound of jet engines flying overhead. In a my sluggish haze, I rolled over and looked at the clock, it was 2:30am. Being previously stationed at a fighter base in Germany, I was very familiar with the sound of jet-fighter engines. I'm thinking to myself , as I lay in bed, "what the hell is going on ? "Something just isn't right". I had been on Ascension for close to a year now and had never seen or heard of a fighter plane on or around the Island at all.

I jumped up and began to shake my roommate for him to wake up. I knew that for the past several weeks the UK government and Argentina were in opposition over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. The BBC had previously reported that armed Argentinean troops had escorted civilian workers to South Georgia Island, and they were also reporting that Argentina had been flexing it's muscles and making serious signals that they were indeed going to wage war over this issue. Then all at once it hit me.! I said to my roommate "This is it…, "it has started".

We went outside and looked into the dimly lit sky to try and see what type of fighter planes we were hearing (and if they were friendly or not). We both just happened to catch a glimpse of two fighters circling overhead that looked to be RAF "Sea-Harriers" (sigh of relief!) Since these types of aircraft are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, they must have come in from an aircraft carrier somewhere nearby. The harrier pilots were either looking for something or they definitely wanted the Island to know that they had officially arrived. The aircraft circled overhead several times with their engines in half throttle before eventually landing at the airfield.

Wow! I said to my roommate "Something is definitely in the works, guess we'll just have to wait and see".

And see we did………

"The Horizon, As Far as you could See"

Flights were coming into Ascension's Wideawake airfield at a ferocious rate. Up until this time Ascension would have (hopefully) two MAC USAF C-141 re-supply flights, and a British Charter flight once a month or every other month, we would also see the odd and end Navy P-3 on the flight line. Anything other than those types of aircraft was uncommon. Now, there were fighter aircraft, RECON-aircraft, refulers, cargo and transport planes and helicopters, all of which were simply overwhelming the runway and taxi-ways at the tiny airfield. From the top of "Command Hill" the view of the military activity going on at the airstrip could only be summed up as follows; "Powerful and Intense".

Not only was the action heating up at the airfield, but so it was with the surrounding ocean. I remember looking out at the sea and as far as you could see from the North to South horizon were silhouettes of ships……., all kinds of ships. To this day, this is one of the most unbelievable sights I have ever witnessed. So many ships off-shore dotting across the horizon, it truly was a sight to behold. The only thing I could think of comparing this sight to, is a much scaled down version of the Allied armada that landed on the beaches of Normandy. Of course, there weren't as many ships off the coast of Ascension but it sure seemed like it at the time. As time went on some of the ships had made their way closer to the Island and some had moored for several days until finally moving South and then completely out of sight.

The ships that came in close to shore were troop transport and supply vessels. Many of the aircraft coming onto Ascension had troops and stores aboard, and the troops and stores would be processed for a few days or so, and then airlifted to the awaiting ships by helicopter. It actually became one of the things to do on the Island; sit on your own little beach and watch the helicopter pilots jockey their way onto the tossing and turning helio-pads directly above the decks of an awaiting ship. The trips back and forth from the ships to the airfield, and the airfield to the ships would last for hours upon hours.

It dawned on me while watching this activity; that what I had been witnessing for the past several days and weeks was indeed a very serious matter. This situation was for real, and soon many people and their families, from both sides of the conflict, would experience heartache for many years to come.

I also felt somewhat disturbed by it all. On one hand, I felt a lot of excitement at having a first-hand view of the goings on. Then, I found myself feeling selfish with the thought that I was now going to loose the peaceful and tranquil lifestyle that I had been tailor made for since my arrival on Ascension.

With everything that had transpired on Ascension in the last several weeks, I knew that my life, the lives of the young fighting men and their families on both sides, and the lives of each and every individual living and working on Ascension would soon be changed forever, for better or for worse.

To the South of us, the struggle hadn't really begun as yet, but we all knew that it was just a matter of time.

"Concertina City, and the Building of Camaraderie"

A C-5A cargo aircraft is indeed a very large plane. One day during the opening weeks of the war, C-5's were rolling in one behind the other. Inside the aircraft were expandable buildings that could lodge 20 or so troops, a bathroom, shower, and laundry facility. They were the initial building blocks of what would become known as "Concertina City" named after the expandable musical accordion instrument. The newly crowned city was in close proximity to the barracks housing the American civilians and St. Helenian personnel working at the US Base and NASA site. At first, you could sense that tensions were rising. The tension didn't appear to be from anything other than having "available space and leg-room to stretch". It was hard at first for all the US base personnel to endure the queuing up at the dining hall, the long beer and snack lines at the Volcano club, the use of the available basketball courts, skittle allies, fishing holes, beaches, etc. Just about everything had a queue now, and to now have to wait for a beer, come on !

Eventually, "Barracks people" would soon meet up with the "Concertina people" and relationships would begin to form. There was either fishing, SCUBA, sports of all kinds, and just the general get-togethers and parties that would eventually bring out the best in all of us. Most of the troops living in Concertina City were support personnel. Flight line, security police, supply, and every other type of military support types you could think of. These troops were not permanent, but were assigned for months at a time, and many stayed after the conflict was finally over.

I can remember waking up in my barracks room after a good night out, and having several British military personnel strewn across my floor, my sofa, and any other flat surface where one could lay their head. At one time, I think I had the best stereo system on the base and believe me, it was put to good use by the British forces.

One fellow in particular that I remember quite well was a security policemen whom will go nameless. He was from Scotland, and he was a very keen scuba-diver. We hit it off right from the get-go. His diving style was unique, and I always looked forward to going diving with him. He was the only diver on Ascension that had a twin-hose system. These are the types of SCUBA regulators that have two hoses going into the mouth-piece. At the time, this system was even considered antiquated, and we all used to poke fun at him. This guy also dressed for the dive, not like other divers having the standard gear, but dressing with the uncanny look of being an old-timer out of the old American west. He had a large orange-reddish moustache, was a big man, and he looked as if he had just came out of the mines north of San Francisco during the gold rush days.

He would carry picks and a shovel, all sorts of knifes, digging tools, a couple of bags and a tool kit around him during each and every dive. He was, putting it gently, a scavenger in every sense of the word. He loved to seek out ship wrecks, to pick, shovel and prod, bang and hit rocks, tap and unbury anything that he thought may have anything of interest or value. Of course he really never found anything of much value, but he sure was impressive while doing it. He left for Cypress after his tour of duty on Ascension, and we have never had contact since. This was just one of the many friendships that I shared with some of the troops that came to the Island. This kind of camaraderie and friendship played out many, many, times between the British forces, the St. Helenians, and the Americans at the US Base. All of us were brought together at one point in time to this tiny little spot in the middle of the S. Atlantic Ocean.

"A Sadness Fell over the Island"

You have to admit it, Maggie Thatcher was one hell of a leader. I remember watching a television show shortly after I had left the Island. On the show was Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, he was being interviewed and was asked by the host of the show to give a brief comment on names of world leaders (past and present). During the interview many names were tossed at him, and Sen. Goldwater would briefly comment on them. He really didn't have much to say about most the names that he was given, but when Margaret Thatcher's name was mentioned, he simply stated " If we had more men like her, this world wouldn't be in the mess that it's in".

The reaction to Argentina by the British forces was dazzling. You could tell by being on Ascension that the Task Force meant business, it displayed fierce and intense logistical preparation. The forces just wanted to get the infrastructure built, and get on down to the Falklands and end the conflict as soon as possible.

This plan eventually came to fruition as the conflict had ended in a matter of a few months from start to finish. To leap from the UK, to Ascension, and then on down to the Falklands with a military war machine like the one I had witnessed, took a lot of planned determination. As a witness to all this, I couldn't help but admire how it all came together.

Ascension Is. during this time did not have television, and newspapers and magazines were mostly out of date by the time they reached Ascension. Most news was spread by word of mouth, and through listening to the BBC radio broadcasts. Early in May we heard the news about the HMS Sheffield. Up until that point, you could feel that the British task force was making substantial progress at Ascension and therefore in the Falklands. But the news of the Sheffield's demise put a cloud and inkling of doubt over the Island for several days. I couldn't help but wonder whether or not I knew or had met any of it's 20 or so crew members killed in the attack. I think at this point, the true reality of the situation descended on all of us living and working on Ascension. Unfortunately in the end, the Sheffield and it's crew was just the first of several ships and crew to lose their lives during the conflict.

"The Fat Lady Finally Sings"

I think it was early June when the announcement came that the Argentinean commander surrendered to the British forces at Port Stanley. As you would think, there was much excitement and celebration around the Island. Parties were being held at the last minute on the beaches, at the various beach huts, in the clubs, and in the living quarters of some of the Island residents.

I really don't remember all the particulars during the entire conflict, nor all the battles that were fought to win this war. I really can't remember all the names of the troops that I met and had a beer or two with, or broke bread with, or SCUBA-dived with. But, I do remember while being on Ascension during this entire conflict, that it indeed had changed my outlook on life in general. In no way was this change remotely comparable to those troops and sailors that experienced combat, or to those servicemen that lived at Concertina City, or for that matter, those of the civilian merchant vessel crews participating in the war. But being on Ascension during this time taught me a great deal about being tolerant of people and to changes in sudden states of affairs. It also taught me to understand why this conflict, along with the numerous others that occur throughout the world, have to happen.

The United Kingdom didn't ask for this conflict, it was pushed upon them. The young Argentinean conscripts didn't ask for this conflict, it was also pushed upon them. The Falklanders and Ascensionites didn't ask for the conflict either.

I am not an author or a trained writer (as you can probably tell). I'm sure that many of my memories of this ordeal have faded or have become somewhat distorted over the past 20 years.

However, I will forever carry with me the memories of the pre-war days, the Falkland war days, and the post-war days on Ascension with much affection.

SCHOOL PAGE

FIRST AID

First aid is the assistance and treatment given to the casualty before the arrival of the medical professional aid.

The aims of first aid are to preserve life, prevent the condition worsening and to promote recovery. A first aider should assess the situation WITHOUT endangering his or her life. When possible they should identify the condition, give appropriate treatment/assistance and then call the pros.

WE ARE ALL POTENTIAL FIRST AIDERS

N.F.L - An EXTREME, Hardcore, neck breaking sport. BUT that's just on the bench. A famous American sport, which is not played by the weakest people. So Leroy you're out of the question.

N.F.L. TRY IT
Not you Leroy sorry!!

My general studies project last term was about dirt bikes.
To all dirt bike riders (especially Ashley Dutch)
Wear a helmet and goggles to protect your head and eyes.
Wear a shirt and pants to protect your arms and legs.
Wear boots and gloves to protect your hands and feet.
Check the battery so you do not blow your lights.
Now you are ready to ride a dirt bike.
So go out and have fun!

I worked on this in General studies.

NAME: Travis Pastrana
BIRTH DATE: 8th/October/1983
OCCUPATION: Super cross
BIKE: Suzuki RM 125cc
LONGEST JUMP: 207 feet
NUMBER: 199

It is important for students to co-operate because it will be easy in life to get on with others and to communicate and commit because if you need help, students will need to communicate with the teachers so that they know what's going on and can commit their thoughts and ideas into their work to make it easy for themselves as well as the teachers to under. Not forgetting it is better co-operating, communicating and making commitments through life because it will be easier to understand how certain things go. This does not only go to students and teachers but YOU out there as well, because face it no one can get by without communicating.
Tash-Marie

To fear love is to fear life,
And those who fear life,
Are already three parts dead.

KMAL & JRJ.

LET'S GO OUT AND PARTY
HAVE SOME FUN
IT'S VALENTINE
COME ON EVERYONE

ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE
I FEEL REALLY HUNGRY
DO YOU FEEL IT TOO!

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I love ice cream
Do you too?

Roses are red
Violets are blue
My throat is sore
' Cause I got the flu.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Go away chickens
Sho, sho, sho

LKF

LOVE
If love was a mountain,
Would you climb it with me?
If love was a river,
Would you swim it with me?
If love was a tiger,
Would you run with me?
If love was an eagle,
Would you fly high with me?
If love was life,
Would you live it with me?
If love was death,
Would you die for me?

Love many
Trust few.

CUPID
Wings fluttering high in the sky,
He sores above you and I.
Looking for that special two,
Watch out! It could be you.
With a bow and arrow in his hands,
It's Cupid, that knavish lad.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
All the pretty ladies
I'm the man for you

JS

From the Editors:- Marie and Sherilyn Anthony

Hello!

I'm back again in the Ed's chair, this time without Penny, but with Sherilyn. We won't hear from Penny for a while as she's off Island.

All at the 'Islander' would like to say a "BIG" Thankyou to Stella Burke who was very kind in lending a helping hand this week with the printing and whilst on holiday!

Again, anyone interested in helping out with the 'Islander' can do so by contacting any of the Editors.

Well, Swasie made our day by sending in some great pictures. We're very grateful for his updates.

That's a wrap!

Happy Reading………..

The Divided heart,

Reflecting on the years he spent in labour camps, Alexander Solzhenitsyn has to this to say:

I learnt one great lesson from my years in prison camps.
I learnt how a person becomes evil and how he becomes good.
Gradually I came to realise that the line which separates good from evil passes not between states, or between classes, or between political parties, but right through the human heart.
Even in hearts that are overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained.
And in the best of all hearts,
There remains an uprooted small corner of evil.

Mathil Bowden