UK CHARITIES RECEIVE DONATION FROM

RAF ASCENSION & SERCO

L-R: Sqn Ldr Menage, Tim Mortimer & WO Billingsley

To commemorate the recent departure of both the Stn Cdr, Sqn Ldr Colin Menage and the Serco manager, Tim Mortimer, both seen here with WO John Billingsley, the RAF Air Movements have made donations to two well known charities.

Serco selected the UK Cancer Research and the RAF chose the British Heart Foundation, both charities have received a cheque for £1500. These monies have been raised in the Air Terminal building from transiting Passengers requesting an Ascension Island passport Stamp and kindly making a charitable donations.

Sgt Cliff Robins, RAF Police, collected the monies and paid them into the Airhead Charity account and the RAF and Serco decided which charities would benefit on a 50;50 basis. The OIC, WO Billingsley, will continue the collection, then once again another two chosen charities will benefit from the fund.

News From St. Mary's:

Here I am taking the greatest of pleasure of been in the seat this week. My last for the time been. Jane will do her page next week then Fr. Birchmore will take over once he arrives on 27th September.

Although this will be our last service as having to conduct services at St. Mary's we do pray that Fr. Birchmore will use us in his services in the future. Fr. Birchmore's first service here on 29th September, will be the date he was Ordained - so this will be a very special day for him.

Last Sunday's Gospel Matthew 18:21-35 was about 'Forgiveness'. How many times do we ask for forgiveness? Forgiveness is an act of generosity, freely given because it has been freely received. It is not a single act, but a dyamic process, a direction in which we live our lives. It comes from a common kinship, the fact that we are all children of the one, loving God. We forgive because we are constantly aware of our own need for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a restoration of people and relationships to the way God means them to be. A few points to remember from this Gospel reading:

LETTERS

Our first morning at Baden-Powell House and a full English breakfast was been served. Also staying here were the Japanese Guides from Unity Camp and Cubs & Scouts from the UK. The London tour started at 9:00 when together with the 1st Primrose Guides we walked for 55 minutes to the Guide Headquarters in Buckingham Palace Street. Once reaching it we met Rosemary Mills our Guide correspondent for Ascension who took us on a Guided tour of the place. We were too late to go in through Buckingham Palace Gates to watch the Change of Guards. We were told we had to be at the gates by 11:00 that Wednesday morning to be able to go through the gates. We were in luck for our pass to stand in front of No 10 Downing Street. Unfortunately Tony Blair was not home but we had photographs taken with a very kind Policeman! We then made our way to the nearest park and had our lunch in the drizzling rain, much to the delight of the pigeons and crows!!

From here we continued by foot to the London Eye. We all posed at the right moment for our photo to be taken by the stationed cameras on the outside of the Eye. Great fun and also a few tears from Bessie who only realised at the very top that she was afraid of heights!! On the ground once more, kind-hearted Betty, quickly gave me money and whispered to buy a souvenir phamplet for her so she could give to Bessie for been so brave. I, of all people who should have shown support, just could not stop laughing!!!

From here we continued to the Bungy Jumping near the London Eye ticket office. Nirella, Teri and Carly did flips like professionals. Dayna, poor thing, just could not get the spring to take her over. When Vetannie did manage to flip, her screams echoed London!! Roberta attempted but decided against it - wise move!

The walk continued to Westminster Abbey Cathedral - what a beautiful place. In a moment of silence I lit a candle to remember my late nephew, Andrew. Such a touching moment for me.

A bus tour took over from here - taking us over London Bridge and Tower Bridge and saw the Tower of London, the Dungeon and passes Westminster Bridge. After this we got off the bus and just walked and walked and walked back to Baden-Powell House. Arriving at 21:10 hrs we were met by David and Suzanne Higgins and their friends who they knew in the Falklands. They even knew Helena & Andrew when Andrew was working there for C&W PLC.

Not knowing the time Bessie and myself went to ask the Receptionist for soap powder as we wanted to wash clothes. He looked gobsmacked and said it will take some time to finish. Realising he meant it was nearly 11 p.m. we said we weren't feeling sleeping so we will wait. When he explained that the washing and tumble-drying would take up to 2 a.m. We just dumped the clothes in the wash and waited for an hour then transferred it to the tumble dryer and left it until the morning.

The next day Tuesday 6th August, we took the bus to Madame Tussauds and to the delights of the girls we made our way to all the famous wax models. Photographs were taken with almost every handsome male model. I even came across the lady, whom I met last year holding her video camera and said, "Excuse me" to only to find she was a wax model. The heat crept up my neck and I felt so foolish. Once the tour had ended we needed our lunch. A Burger Bar owned by three Italians was parked outside Madame Tussauds. I approached them and politely asked how much was their food. He kindly said that for my group of girls we would have the food for £2.00 each including the drink. What a lovely man, as his prices was from £4.50!! Wearing our Guide uniform at all times really made us the highlights of our whole trip.

We picked up the Bus Tour from here to get to London Tower Bridge, in time for the River Thames cruise, which was enjoyed by all.

Back at Baden-Powell House we waited for our friends and families to arrive. The first was Betty's Nephew David J, and then it was cousins Deborah & Zara, Friend Splinter, Natasha's mum & brother Sharon & Ricco, Teri's Aunts and Alexi and Fr. Birchmore & Daphne. The lounge was filled with laughter and chatting.

Once all the visitors had left, we made our way to our bedroom only to find it full with all of our girls watching TV. Booting them gently out the door we then fell asleep exhausted.

Wednesday 7th Aug. With our provided packed lunches we departed Baden-Powell House for the Guide Headquarters. This time we were not going to miss the Change of Guards. Leaving our bags etc. at the Headquarters we made our way to Buckingham Palace. Much to the envy of the hundreds of onlookers we were shown our place inside the gates. It was only us, about 12 Special Needs persons and a class of children. At 12:30 we were back at the train station at Victoria. Here Fiona's Guides returned to West Midlands with their Young Leaders. Teri's ticket would not work so she was left outside while we all stood and looked at her from the other side. Eventually, she came through, but we only had two minutes to catch the train. Bessie couldn't speak for a few minutes inside the train due to her speeding along the train platform!! Again Betty was to the rescue with comforting words!

The train departed for Foxlease (Lyndhurst) our next destination. We arrived Foxlease Guide Association, New Forest, Hants at 14:45. Here we chilled out. Something we needed to do after our hectic experience of walking almost the entire central London. Such lovely rooms - two girls to each room with bathroom and toilet and hot drinks facilities. We were only there for 20 minutes when Dayna, Teri, Vetannie & Carly came rushing in to say they were locked out of their rooms!! There were Brownies and other Guides staying there as well.

This time Bessie and I were in the one room which had been opened by Princess Margaret many years ago and Betty shared room with Fiona. Theirs was a room for the elderly persons because all the other rooms were full!!! Even had screens around the bed and a special bathroom!! In the evening there was a karoke but it was much too noisy - or is it the age creeping up!!

09/03/02 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The following is a joint Sept. 11 Patriot Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:

"One year ago, our nation and the world suffered a shocking and tragic attack. Thousands died, many were injured and still more lives were forever altered with the loss of loved ones and friends. Today, we pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the attack, and we pay tribute to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure events like these never happen again. On America's first Patriot Day, we pause and reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen countrymen. Remember them in your thoughts and your prayers."

"While we've suffered a great loss, the vivid memory of Sept. 11 has unified our nation and intensified our resolve to win the fight against international terrorism. As airmen, you can be especially proud of your contributions to this cause. When our nation needed its Air Force most, our magnificent team of active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian airmen responded with pride and the utmost professionalism. From deploying troops and defending our skies at home, to building expeditionary bases and engaging adversaries' abroad, you've demonstrated again and again why the American people trust and admire its men and women in uniform. They appreciate your service and know you pledge your lives to fight our battles -- at home and around the world -- so Americans can live free. Simply put thank you."

"As we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made, we remain engaged in a fight against a determined and resilient enemy. Our mission has never been clearer. Our best defence against future attacks, hostile anti-American regimes, weapons of mass destruction and terrorist organisations is a strong offence. Our Air Force and our nation must vigorously prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Make no mistake -- we will be challenged. International terrorists should harbor no illusion that Americans will sit idly by and wait for the next attack. We will not. We will take the initiative and take the fight to them wherever they hide, before they strike. Ultimately, we best honour those lost on Sept.11 by rededicating ourselves to the obligations of military service and by ensuring we have the capability, training and resolve to win those fights wherever and whenever they occur. "

"A year ago, some of our enemies believed the principles of our nation -- liberty and equality -- were somehow tenuous symbols that could be attacked and destroyed. They were wrong. The United States of America is more than a place; it is a glorious idea that will endure as long as people who seek freedom exist around the world. We will prevail in this fight. The character of the American people and our willingness to bear any burden in the name of liberty will not allow an outcome to the contrary."

"As President Bush unequivocally stated, 'We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.' The road ahead is clear, your efforts tremendous, and America's future is shining brightly. May God bless you and may God bless America."

Major Jeffrey Fason
Commander Det 2, 45 LG/CC
Ascension Auxiliary Airfield

Swell Forecast: Around 1.2 metres of swell can be expected, mostly from a west or northwesterly direction

ASCENSION ISLAND:Although there were some showers around, most days saw some sunshine, with the run up to last weekend seeing three fine and sunny days.

UK: After a rather overcast and wet start to the week, when Swanage in Dorset recorded 4.5 inches of rain, high pressure settled over the UK, allowing some fine spells to develop. Temperatures peaked at 26 Celsius in Cardiff on Friday, but one or two spots in the Scottish Highland saw overnight temperatures to dip to only 2 Celsius.

FALKLANDS: High pressure dominated the weeks weather over the Falklands, though there was a fair amount of cloud around. It also remained quite cold with overnight temperatures dipping close to or below freezing on most nights.

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

The week got off to a fairly quiet start after last weekends birthday bash, but by the end of the week things were back to normal for the metties.

Wednesday afternoon saw Makem catching up on his chores, lots of washing and ironing being done as well as a little gardening. The evening saw Stan Vesta (post circuits), Doug and Makem visit the VC for tea and a few quiet drinks before returning to the mess bar for some noisy ones.

On Thursday afternoon Makem accompanied Rob the Postie (hereafter knows as Billy Britain) and Sarah on one of Billy's famous easy walks…….Boatswain Bird View from the Arianne site. To say we metties had managed to get the weather right for this walk was an understatement, blazing sunshine, only a light wind, what more could we want. The walk went well until Makem's knees started to feel the strain, and unfortunately had to give up and rest about half way up the ascent, leaving Billy and Sarah to complete the walk. Makem however made the most of the rest and managed to get some quite good photos of the island and Letterbox, with Spire rock in the foreground. The intrepid twosome returned after an hour looking like they had just finished a shift at a coalface, except instead of being black they were orange. The most astounding revelation on the day was that in nearly 11 months here, Sarah had never managed to visit Northeast Bay or anywhere along the Northeast coast. Her face was a picture when she rounded the hill from the tracking station to be confronted by the blowhole and the rock pool.

Friday's happy hour set the scene for Friday evening, Makem joining Arfur Jones(ey), Boggey, Martin, Pete and Jane in the bar, where Jane was jealously guarding what could perhaps be the only two remaining cans of tonic water on the island. For a time there were more females in the bar than males, (possibly something the people from Guinness may want to investigate) thanks to the ladies from the messes and the housekeeping staff popping in for a birthday drink with Elaine. Of course those present managed a rousing, if rather drunken, rendition of "happy birthday", before all of the ladies quickly disappeared and took off to the VC for a night of singing and dancing, leaving Pete wearing a blouse that was way too small for him!!!. Boggey, who looked to have possibly had one too many during happy hour, got into full flow over his favourite subject, Manchester United. It was a good job there were no Leeds fans present that evening, otherwise Jonesey and myself would have had to cover their ears.

Saturday evening saw the usual suspects (minus Stan Vesta, who was working) visit the mess again, but not until quite late in the evening. We joined Falling Phil, Dave and Ken at the bar and were briefly visited by Tom, who was on the healthy version of his favourite tipple (vodka with fresh orange). Arfur, also obviously on a health kick, has come up with a novel way to maintain his fitness without going anywhere near the gym, though he claims he did visit it once, albeit very briefly. While drinking at the bar he was performing what can only be described as limbering exercises followed by press-ups against the bar. When asked if this was a new keep fit method he looked blankly at us and frowned (or should that read blushed). A possible name for this new and entertaining form of fitness regime could be "bar work-out" as it is similar to the bar work that ballet dancers use…..but then again maybe not. It was however noted that this may well be the new "in" way to maintain bodily health as Doug, Boggey, Makem and Derek were also seen in similar postures later that evening.

Makem was up with the minahs on Sunday morning, to take Chris along to the pierhead for his fishing trip. Picture the scene, Chris and Makem leaning against the rail, waiting for someone to appear, when the launch pulls away from the steps minus Chris. A quick shout saw an even quicker turn and they motored off happily towards the boat. Makem, awake by this stage, decided on a quick trip to Comfortless Cove, where he had a quick scout round Bonetta Cemetery. Doug spent the day panic tanning, as his days to do are getting few, also he wants to be at his brownest when his good lady visits us next week. The afternoon saw Makem setting up Stan Vesta's webcam, and but for the fact that Boggey is a lot bigger than me we could well have had some interesting/scary/ possibly illegal pictures to add to this tome. Sunday afternoon also saw a rather unpleasant accident at the Airhead (of interest is that a place or is it an insult). The crew chief of a visiting aircraft was definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time when the waste hose managed to come loose from the aircraft. It could be said "that the brown, smelly stuff hit the man". A long, hot shower and complete change of kit however allowed the flight to depart with all of the crew aboard.

The coming week will see the equinox, that's when the sun is overhead at the equator and is when the day and night will be of equal length (21st). This may not be too obvious here in Ascension where the days and nights are similar in length throughout the year, but in more temperate parts (i.e. the UK and the Falkland Islands), where 18 hour days or nights can occur, it is viewed as the first day of Spring (South of the equator) and Autumn (to the north). It will however be another month before Ascension gets it second midsummer's day of the year

DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

Legislation is currently being prepared to create an Island Council and for elections to the Council to take place prior to the end of October.

The Island Council is the means by which people on Ascension can have a say in all the matters for which Ascension Island Government is responsible. Matters to be dealt with will range from things which affect the day to day lives of people through to important strategic issues. Examples of the former are the provision of education and health services, future of the farm, housing and so on. Strategic issues include such things as immigration, fishing rights, planning and land and property ownership.

During the next three weeks or so it is hoped that everyone will give a great deal of thought to whether they themselves would like to participate in the development of the Island or whether they simply want to encourage others to participate. There is nothing to be afraid of; it will be a learning process for everyone, members and officials alike.

The Island Council will consist of -

a) the Governor as the President or in his absence, the Administrator;
b) 7 elected members;
c) up to 2 appointed members; and
d) 2 ex-officio members - the Attorney General and the Director of Financial Services

To qualify for election as a member you must -

a) have attained the age of 21 years; and
b) be a British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen or British Citizen; and
c) have resided on Ascension for a period of at least one year prior to the date of nomination.

The nomination of any person qualified to be an elected member of the Council must be made in writing to the Presiding Officer by two electors and must bear the signature of the person nominated as consent to nomination. No elector may nominate more than seven candidates.

The exact dates for the receipt of nominations have yet to be determined but the middle of October is the likely deadline.

The Island Council will meet at intervals of not less than once in every month and it is expected that meetings will be held in the evening.

The Island Council will have a wide range of responsibilities and powers. These were set out in Option 1 as follows -

As far as finance is concerned, there will be a Finance Committee which will consider draft estimates and other matters pertaining to finance and make recommendations to the Island Council.

There will be public consultation before the Island Council Ordinance is enacted but the decision as to whether or not to go for nomination is a personal one. Please start thinking about it now. Anyone who would like further information should feel free to come and talk to me, the new Administrator, Andrew Kettlewell, who arrives on the Island on 22 September or Adam Henshaw. We will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

Matt Young
Acting Administrator

SCHOOL PAGE

www.ais.co.ac/school/

Hello from Two Boats School

New Faces

We are now into the second week of the new school year and we have half a dozen new pupils, Sophie Bray, Grace and Raiy Pattinson, Alex Simon and Elliot and George Tasker. We hope that their time at the school will be enjoyable for them.

There has been one change in the staff this year and we are pleased that Laura Handley has joined the school on a permanent basis. Laura will be responsible for teaching Mathematics and PE in the Secondary School.

Unfortunately Tania Maggott will not be with us in school for a number of weeks as she is having medical treatment in the UK. We are currently seeking a temporary replacement and at the moment Sarah Bennett is kindly helping us out.

Examination Results

During the holiday the GCSE results arrived in school. The five school leavers, Mark Francis, Oliver O'Dean, Chantelle Henry, Renee Thomas and Sara Thomas gained 20 grades at C or above between them.

Leroy Fowler, Jodi Joshua, Jamie Maggott, Alexi Yon and Justine Yon entered the GCSE English examination a year early and all gained a Grade C or above.

In addition four members of the wider community also gained a C grade or above, two in Mathematics, one in English and one in Home Economics.

We are very pleased with these results and send our congratulations to all those who achieved so well.

Evening Classes

I would like to remind everyone that there is a wide range of evening classes available for those who may wish to add to their qualifications. The classes start next week in English, Mathematics, Business Studies, Art, Food and Nutrition, Child Development, Geography. These are all GCSE courses. The evening class for IT will begin when the materials for the new CLAIT Plus course are finally published.

There will not be an opportunity for start in the courses after this month.

If you are interested in any course please contact the school.

David Higgins

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club

Firstly I would like to congratulate Norman Thomas and Gary Thomas who both achieved a Hole in One recently. Well done guys. On Sunday 15 Sept, 21 Golfers took part in the monthly medal, thank you all for a very good turn out.

The two ball pool was shared by Augie Augustus and Patrick Odean,well done.In second place this month was Augie Augustus with a nett 69, and our September winner was Martin Cranfield with a nett 67.

On 29 Sept there will be a three Team Texas Scramble starting at 0830 and immediately after the game there will be the Annual Chilli Cook-off competition. The Chilli contest this will start 1400Z so you need to be at the Club with your Chilli by 1345 at the latest.

Come along and make this a good fun Hot Chilli day.

O.B.CAPT
MC

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EDITORS : Marie & Sherilyn Anthony
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

	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)
AIRHEAD	27.8	21.1	0.8
TRAVELLERS	26.7	18.0	6.9
RESIDENCY	25.6	15.6	10.5
GEORGETOWN	N/A
ST. HELENA	21.5	13.1	7.8
FALKLANDS	6.9	-1.8	0.8

The Islander - Thursday 19th September 2002

UK CHARITIES RECEIVE DONATION FROM

RAF ASCENSION & SERCO

To commemorate the recent departure of both the Stn Cdr, Sqn Ldr Colin Menage and the Serco manager, Tim Mortimer, both seen here with WO John Billingsley, the RAF Air Movements have made donations to two well known charities.

News From St. Mary's:

LETTERS

1st ASCENSION GIRL GUIDES

1ST ASCENSION GUIDES TRIP 2002 IN THE UK - PART 4

The Met Office Weather Report

DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

SCHOOL PAGE

Hello from Two Boats School

Golf News - From One Boat Golf Club

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