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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Dean of Monmouth writes:-
Dear Friends,
Voice offstage left: "who? Never heard of him! OK, OK, so what's he doing here?"
Me: Well, I wasn't going to be. It was just going to be a quick visit through on transit to St Helena. But then, as the RMS went down towards Ascension from Portland she had engine problems. This meant a delay with a short visit into Dacca for repairs; so as I was already waiting here it was my privilege to celebrate the Family Eucharist on Sunday 1st September. During the service, as always we prayed for God's people all over the world. This week, we especially remembered Holly and Jessica, the young girls from Soham who were cruelly murdered. One of our own young church people, Sophie Crowie, said a special prayer for them, which she had written herself.
It has been lovely to be back on the Island. I have seen many old friends again and I have also had a chance to see some of the places that we, as a family, had enjoyed so much before. The last time was three years back when I had been able to do a month's voluntary duty for the diocese. Then before that I came six years ago, on my way to do a 3 month "sabbatical" as locum Vicar of Jamestown.
The first thing that strikes me over these last 6 years is the inevitable changes - not just the obvious things like the former farm up on Green Mountain, or the changes in Administration, but the people. I think of Saints who have either moved to the U.K., or to the Falklands to work, or who have moved back home to St Helena. There are also one or two who have passed away. But as you go into the wonderfully cool interior of our old parish church of St Mary's, and you see the memorials around the walls from early days you realise that everyone who comes here helps to make the life of a remarkable community. Everyone contributes. And OUR job, whether we are here for a long time or just passing through is to get on with the work to be done, and to do what we can for our community.
Voice offstage left: " 'Remarkable' you say"?
Me: Yep! That's what I said! After all, there can't be many tiny volcanic
Islands stuck right in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean just below the
Equator - packed with a history going back 500 years, AND with a community hailing
from St Helena, Britain, South Africa, all parts of the USA - and others too.
That's one "remarkable" bit. Another is in the fact that the churches of the
Island (here at St Mary's, and at the Grotto of Our Lady of Ascension) gather
all these different people together to work at the whole business of WORSHIP.
After all, prayer is what helps the world go round. It helps cure our griefs,
it eases our sorrow. It is simply what we are called by God to do as his people.
So, we worship together, we pray together for people all over the world, and
we talk, laugh, and sometimes weep together. But, TOGETHER we are a part of
the world-wide family of God, and it's this which gives us strength.
So, come Tuesday I shall be on my way. But as before, I take the memories with me - the sights: the moon landscape with the lushness of Green mountain looking down on it: the sounds… the minah birds and the wild donkeys wandering through Georgetown: and the smells… the frangipani blossom, the Burger Bar, and the fresh air brought by the Trade Winds… somewhat different for someone brought up in industrial South Wales. See you again soon, I hope.
Thank you for your welcome - friends old and new
Fr. Richard Fenwick
LETTERS| From the
Editors:- Julia Henshaw, (Adam & Steve)
Hope you enjoy this weeks issue. Apologies on behalf of the Islander for the oversight in omitting Andrew Bennett's surname from the article in last week's paper. This was a printing error between the computer screen and the printer. Have a good week. Bye for now Julia
Julia has left me to finish off so nothing else to say except: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JULIA(For Thursday) |
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| Letters to
the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
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1st ASCENSION GIRL GUIDES1ST ASCENSION GUIDES TRIP 2002 IN THE UK - PART 2 |
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Second day of camp - 29th July. During the early hours it was freezing in the sleeping bag, knees doubled up to the chest and going to the toilet umpteen times between the hours of 4 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. woke up with joints hurting. Thawed out after a shower at 5:40 a.m. Once our lunches were prepared for our trip of sailing and wind-surfing we set off on the coaches to Carsington, Derbyshire. Nirella was looking 'grey' at the end of the drive - feeling 'queasy'! But all was well once she was in the water.
The wind decided not to 'blow' this day so the sailing and wind surfing was more off paddling and races. The girls sure enjoyed themselves as much as we did watching them from the bank and on the camera fitted in the bird watchers hut!!! Some great antics were performed!! Great fun! During our lunch, two children came skipping by and I recognised them as Alex and Ellie Reade. Their dad Simon worked for the RAF here and mum Alison worked as the school's secretary. They were out with their Gran for the day. What a small world!
Tuesday 30 July. Continental breakfast on the Village Green with all Cheddleton Guides, then we practised our dance The Boson. During the day there were activities taking place for all girls to join in. I forgot to mention while at camp we were having SIX meals per day - Phew! The Asc Guides had an extra point for cleaning up after tea. Our dance went off really well and the girls made us proud. When the tune comes on at Asc they are always saying that is for the 'old people' but after doing it they said they will join in now! The Japanese had a lovely piece of dance routine, stretching here, there and everywhere! A disco followed much to the delights of the U.K. girls. The Asc girls enjoyed it but would have liked the music to be more modernised!! Or perhaps having Freddy Maggott there would have made that bit of difference!!
Wednesday 31 July. I woke at 3:15 a.m. thinking it was 6:15 a.m. it was so bright outside!! Activities on the camp again today as I helped at that moment I was roped in to playing Rounders in the drizzling rain. Kirsty & Penny were in this group. The girls explained the game as if we didn't know. When we batted Kirsty and myself made 3 rounders each much to the amazement and delight of the girls. I told them we play this all the time on Ascension - well use to!! How shocked they were. Carly was off at volleyball (which I join as well), Bessie went off singing with Mashay. Teri, Vetannie, Nirella & Dayna were at the craft tent. Roberta and Betty went wall climbing! Each day we did different activities. Kirsty, Vetannie, Teri, Dayna, Penny & myself went to Line Dancing as well. The lady showed us two dances, which we already do here and we taught them one of ours much to their surprise. They admitted they did felt we must have done it somewhere because of our rhythm.
On the Village Green the Mexicans and USA did their dance routines. We settled in the marquee at 8:00 p.m. to watch Harry Potter film and we felt so coooold!!!, as it rained all day. Even so, we did scoffed the choc ices which were given to us!
Thursday 1st Aug. Our day trip to Llandudno (North Wales). What a beautiful place to be! Although it was a very dismal day with rain pouring the whole of the time we managed to take snaps and video, visited the shops and ate at Burger King. A presentation by Betty was made to Mrs. Lesley Knighton the County Commissioner on behalf of the 1st Ascension Guides and Leaders. The present was an Ascension shell display made by Carly (Dover).
Friday 2 Aug was the tour at Lord Lichfield's Mansion and once back at the camp there was sports on the Village Green at 7:00 p.m. The closing ceremony was at 10:00 p.m. when it became dark. All the camp helpers stood with lighted fire torches that lined the roads on both sides. Natasha, Mashay and Carly lowered the Union Jack. After which a magnificent display of fireworks filled the sky to end the ceremony. Tears welled our eyes at such a well organised ceremony and coming from such a tiny Island and been asked to do such important roles really filled our hearts with great memories and sadness too because we were to leave such great 'friends' behind. Another disco and a dedicated song for the Ascension Guides was announced. At this stage we all 'just let our hair down'!
Next week Back to Kinver.......................
On Thursday, 29 August 2002 the Annual General Meeting of the Saints Members Club was held in the Cinema, Georgetown. This was the second attempt to hold this meeting. The attendance was poorer then the first attempt with just eleven members present. However, despite this situation it was agreed that the meeting should proceed to try and form a new committee from those few members present.
The Chairman, Mr Lawson Henry in his report stated that the Committee had been successful in taking out various insurance policies to cover the risks that were identified and which the Club would be responsible for. He explained how there was a period of some anxiety for the full time staff but that the transfer from AICS to the Committee as the employer of these staff was a smooth one. The Cinema and manager's bungalow were handed over from AIG and forms part of the Club's assets.
The chairman thanked the Manager and his staff for their hard work over the past 12 - 18 months giving due recognition to their unstinting commitment even when morale was low. He also thanked the Committee members especially those remaining few who had stayed the full term of office.
The audited accounts were presented and showed that the Club remained in a healthy financial position. It was suggested that in future the fixed assets (Buildings - club, cinema and manager's bungalow) be shown on the balance sheet. Following a brief discussion the accounts were accepted.
The election of officers then took place and the new committee now stands as follows:
Chairperson - Mrs Iva Henry
Secretary - Mrs Betty Joshua
Treasuer - Mrs Kitty George
Members - Mr Carl Peters & Mr Micheal George
A vote of thanks was extended to the outgoing committee and in particular to the Chairman for his valuable input since taking office some 18 months ago.
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The Met Office Weather Report |
Statistics for the week ending Monday
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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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27.0
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20.7
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1.1
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TRAVELLERS
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26.2
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19.0
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0.9
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RESIDENCY
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24.0
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15.8
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5.6
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GEORGETOWN
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29.0
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21.0
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0.0
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| ST. HELENA | 18.5 | 12.9 | 15.8 |
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FALKLANDS
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4.1
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-1.0
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27.2
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ASCENSION ISLAND:: A few showers around, but also a lot of dry and sunny weather.
UK: Southern parts were warm and quite settled, with the highest temperature of 26 Celsius being recorded at Lowestoft. The Borders area was far more unsettled with Eskdalemuir (Dumfries and Galloway) seeing temperatures dip to only 1 Celsius on Sunday and Spadeadam (North Cumbria) recording 1.5 inches of rain on Friday.
FALKLANDS: After a cold, wintry start, it became a little milder but rather windy and quite wet later in the week.
A fairly quite week all round on the Mettie front, with no major (or minor) parties to attend. Chris has nipped home for a few days to attend an interview, but he should be back at work by the middle of the week. Meanwhile Neil and Makem hold the fort until his return.
The early part of the week saw the return from leave of Woolley and also the return to the island of Grahame Bold (he worked for the Office here about 15 Years ago, but recently retired from our Manchester Office). He and his family are only here for a fleeting visit, before they sail off on the RMS to visit St Helena for a few weeks.
Saturday saw Makem and Old Boldy meet in the mess for a few beers where we were joined by Dangerous Dave, Falling Phil, Dave Cornish, Jonesey and later in the evening by Boggey, Sleepwalking Stan, Mark the Plod and Martin. A good night was had by all in attendance. Rob the Postie has been leading lots of people off on walks around the island again this week, with Sunday seeing an assault on Letter Box, Louis Ledge and Whitehorse. The latter he advises was a little on the slippery side after a shower, but fortunately they were nearly finished the walk by that point.
Doug is now into full panic tanning mode, with a little over a month left to go, he is trying to spend as much of his spare time as possible soaking up the sunshine.
Makem.
 Splendid Angelfish one of the endemic fish on Ascension |
Since I have been here for 6 weeks and many of you may have seen me carrying strange objects around down at the pier head, I thought I would take this opportunity to let you all know what I have been getting up to. I am working with the Ascension Conservation Officer setting up underwater surveys for two main fished species grouper and crayfish. Sites around the island have been chosen at approximately the same depth and surveys carried out. A line is laid at each site and grouper are counted along with their length estimated. |
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Presence or absence of the endemic fish and 10 most common fish are also recorded to give some idea about the distribution of these species around the island. 1m grids are used to measure percentage cover of the bottom data such as coral, algae, etc so you can tell the distribution of certain types. It could also be possible to relate some form of bottom data to fish populations. From now on, these surveys will be carried out every six months so that over time any changes can be observed and population structure can be measured. These changes can then be seen if they relate to other factors such as temperature, salinity, etc.. |
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I would like to express thanks to all those who helped me during my time here especially Jimmy Young, Paul Fuller and Malcolm Greentree and Cheryl Herne who aided me with carrying out the surveys without whom I would have been diving in sand all the time!!! Thanks Emma George |
 Ascension Goby one of the endemic fish on Ascension |
Hash number: 916
31 Aug 02
Hash Hare: Rusty Head & Rat Boy
Hash Hounds: Skipper,Uncle Fester,Billy Graham,Buzz Lightyear,Fido, Lights Out,Fido,Pvt Benjamin,Rug Rat,Yeti,Eeyore,Fit Guy, Thunderthighs,Wannabe,Crystal Tips,Lara Croft,Fluffy Bunnykins,Grim Reaper,Hong Kong Phooey,Bug Boy,Batman, Spiderman,Bart Simpson,60 Watt,Mr. Bubbles,Barry Tone,Island Boy,Tuff Cookie,Bootless,Betty Boop,Baywatch Babe,Life Preserver,Twin Peaks,Emily,Sophie
With confusion starting this hash as some hounds arrive at one beach hut and others at another, Pvt B does the sand march to inform all where the starting point was. Now with all gathered at one place, the hazards are listed. On-on and off the pack goes to find the first of many false starts then back to the other hut for our first circle check. Here we loose Peaks and the little bumps as would rather play in the sand then run in it. Off again the pack goes to find…. YES, another false start.(me thinks Rusty Head is VERY sneaky ) Once the true trail is found, the hounds zoom across the sands and the small pack discovers The Great Puddle and venture to check it out.
The words "TRUST ME" come out of Rat Boy's mouth, however, there is no conviction to them as he shouts On-on and all stay behind him. We follow the big white metal snake towards a strange settlement of stranded boats to find a bar check. On-on front and off the pack goes leaving Fit Guy wandering the bush looking for markings of hash. Wannabe tries to push past HKP and gets bumped around not only by the Hash Tigger but by Yeti & Eeyore too. Across roads and thru the big city to the base of a large hill no one wishes to climb except Island Boy who shouts " Give me more up".(me thinks he needs a doctor ) On-on and Up-up to the old fort and a lovely view of where we SHOULD be. Along the road and down the hill, over the side, and across The Gallows where the pack makes their own trails.
Cross another paved highway and a verbal home arrow back to the beach hut. The fires are set and the drinks are consumed. This hash sees sad points and happy moments. Wannabe & Fit Guy leave us for good this time and we all wish them well over the Puddle. Spiderman is taken back to his Mum over the water by Fluffy and we say farewell and hopes of a return. We all smile as Betty Boop returns from afar. Also we greet Bootless, who is out of costume, and Tuff Cookie back into the fold. HKP gathers all around the Anointing Circle and brings two Sorry Souls forward for rebuking and heckling. After the jeering and anointing fluids are thrown around, we welcome Life Preserver and Baywatch Babe into the pack.
Next week's hares: Yeti & Chief Longpole from Red Lion park area.
Hash scribe - Hong Kong Phooey
Hash Bash - Hash Formal
13 Sept 1930hrs (7:30pm)
Mexican Dinner
Farewell to HKP
Adults only - need 30+ people
Obsidian Hotel - Natile's
The lads, Oliver, George and Elliot on Saturdays Hash, Its a stroll in the park!
EDITORS : Julia Henshaw (Adam & Steve)
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327
E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac
Internet Team: Richard Thomas, Laura & Mark Handley, Richard White and Gavin
Yon
Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday
All articles © copyright 2000 The Islander Newspaper. All rights reserved. |
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