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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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Pictured
above are AIG staff in the middle of their move into their newly refurbished
offices in Georgetown, formerly the Islander Hostel. The new offices
will contain the Administrator's Office, Finance Department, Cashier,
Savings Bank and Council Chamber. The move will be completed at the
weekend when the Cashier and Savings Bank transfer from their current
location.
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Down on Long Beach, turtle watching, someone said to us what a privilege it was to see such vast creatures taking such pains to lay their eggs so deep down in the sand. There is a great silence too as people watch and wonder at this miracle of nature, sitting for hours sometimes beneath a vast silent sky with only the sound of the surf breaking on the beach.
The world is full of contrasts and people can move from one experience to another so quickly. We live in a world of noise, where there is always something happening - the Scout Beach was somewhat different to Long Beach on Sunday where SeaLift 's generosity was enjoyed by so many people. This was a noisy beach - a place of laughter and music, partying and chatter - all part of life and our Island's culture.
It seems amazing sometimes that although we live in a whirl of noise, bombarded by the sounds of TV and videos, radio and stereo, yet we also value those odd moments of silence which make us look at ourselves in a different light - moments that open us up to consider who we really are and what we are doing here. I am always intrigued by the comments made in the visitors' book at the back of our church: "lovely - it's so peaceful", "it's calm and quiet", "very restful", "quiet", "calming and inspiring", "very peaceful and thought provoking" …….. Peaceful and quiet seem to be so important to people because there are few places where it can be found - few places where you can be yourself without pretending!
We were talking about listening in church on Sunday - about the need to listen to one another and make time to listen. Without listening, we miss so much and we close the door on sharing with others; without listening to others it is possible to cut yourself off from their care or interest; without listening, we lose the ability to grow into mature people. Without first listening, we cannot be quiet and we cannot experience peace of mind.
Learning to be still and quiet with yourself allows you to listen more carefully
to others and offer them some sense of value and worth …..
Perhaps turtle watching is a valuable exercise in our busy, noisy world.
What an opportunity we have here on Ascension Island!
Have a peaceful week
Fr Brian
Lessons next week: Revelation 19, 6-10 and John 2, 1-11
Confirmation
I believe there are people who wish to be confirmed out there! Contact me as
soon as possible!
Ascension Day Fair 2003Saturday the 31st MayAt St Mary's Church, GeorgetownThe planning for this year's Ascension Day Fair has started. The committee are once again hoping to organise a fun day out for everyone in order to raise funds for St Mary's Church and other groups on Ascension. We would greatly appreciate offers of help, so if you would like to be involved this year, perhaps with stalls, selling raffle tickets or would like to contribute in any other way then please contact the secretary of the committee, Phil Hall 4427 (work) or 4527 (home). EVERYONE IS WELCOME…please put this date in your diary, come along, have some fun and help make this day a huge success. |
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From the Editors:- Ed Jones & Jon Black Hi again from the Ariane team, Plenty has happened around the island what with the MV Ascension BBQ and fireworks display and the move from the old Administrators building to the new Government Building. Also important news regarding the export of fish when travelling back to the UK….. Also the Islander are always on the look out for volunteers, so if you are interested then give us a call. Have a good week, P.S. The cute toddler in last weeks paper was none other than one of our editor colleagues, Adam! (Julia finished the paper) |
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| Letters to
the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
IMPORTANT NOTICEWith effect from 1st Jan 03, HM Customs and Excise together with the
Dept. for Food, Fisheries and Agriculture in the UK have restricted the
importation of meat and dairy products. All persons travelling to the UK aboard the RAF Tri-Star to RAF Brize Norton are to be aware that they will only be permitted the allowance of 1kg per person.As this is a directive it is not open to interpretation or discretion. It has to be stressed that this restriction has not been introduced or influenced in any way by any party at Ascension Island but it has been imposed by the authorities in the UK. Enquiries are in hand to see whether there can be any waiver for the island and if there are any changes then they will notified as they occur. If there are any questions then please contact Serco security on 3378 or RAF Air movements on 3375.' |
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Dear Sir, I am writing to thank all those who made me feel so welcome and part of the Christmas/New Year fun. Special thanks to Mum and Dad, John & Gill, Brendan & Sue, Tony & Babs, Thomas & David, Mark and Lisa, Rich, Mark & Yvonne, Andrew, Bernadette & Katie, Mark and family, Cedi and Family and many many more. You were all so very kind, Thankyou. I would also just like to say how nice it was to have so many people
tell me how great Mum and Dad are - their not bad! David Birchmore |
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Dear Editor, |
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Dear friend, Giorgio Conforti |
M.V. ASCENSION BBQ.Editor, The 3rd annual M/V ASCENSION BBQ Beach Party was quite a success by everyone's standards this past Sunday night. Mass quantities of food and drink were consumed were consumed by an estimated ¾ of the island's population (Cedric Henry's accounting skills figured 600 persons attended). The BBQ officially started at 3PM. Johnny Hobson assured
me no-one would show up until 5PM. Last Year's BBQ went through 15 cases of beer in the first 3 hrs and I had to go to the U.S. Base Package store for 15 more. I felt safe this time when I figured on bringing 30 cases from the start. This year's 30 cases of beer and 10 cases soda was almost gone within 3 hrs by 6PM !!. Following my annual migration I again went to the U.S. Base Package store and purchased an additional 20 cases of beer and 10 more cases of soda. I felt safe that this surely would be enough. Silly me… by 8:30 pm I was at the Exiles cleaning them out of their beer as well… This year we enjoyed a small fireworks show at 9PM. To my great relief it wasn't a dud. It actually was better than I hoped. The BBQ started winding down around 10 PM with the final tally being all the food consumed with 57 cases beer and 20 cases soda. Special thanks go out to: Johnny Hobson for providing the location and much material support, CSR guys for bringing the goodies ashore, VC club "Ice Men" & Package Store, The Exiles, Sgt. Jim and all the Islanders that attended. Next year, if our contract is re-newed…. Kegs & 2.5" Mortar launched fireworks????? Capt. Dana Haff
Enjoying the hospitality of Captain Dana Haff and the crew of the MV Ascension. |
Five Bills Proposed by SHGFive Bills have been put forward by SHG for discussion at the sitting of Legislative Council commencing Monday 20 January in the Court House, Jamestown. The Bills are completely different in nature ranging from policing to environmental matters and SHG feels that if made into law, they will be of benefit to St Helena's people. The Police and Criminal Evidence Bill The Bulk Fuel Agency Bill Burial Grounds (Amendment) Bill Savings Bank (Amendment) Bill The Endangered Species Protection Bill The sitting of Legislative Council is always an exciting time for St Helena and in addition to discussing Bills, many questions will be asked and a number of motions will be brought to the house by the Elected Members. Public Relations/Information OfficeOffice of the Chief Secretary 16 January 2003 |
Talks UnderwayDiscussions
on the thirteen draft strategic objectives for St Helena are well underway
by courtesy of Radio St Helena who has been recording and relaying these
talks.
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After a number of weeks of fierce competition, the day had finally arrived when the Serco v RAF Golf Tournament could be decided. The competition had been contested well and knew no bounds, additionally it had the potential to end friendships. That aside there was work to be done.
As the parties entered the fray at the One Boat Golf Club here was an air of expectancy of the part of the 'Serco Duo' of Super Stan and Brilliant Boggy. They knew that victory was within their grasp, leading the series of 5 by 2 to 1. Their opponents representing the RAF were Just John and Terrible Tony. The heat of the competition was matched only by the intense blistering, heat of the day.
To the first tee then and the match was underway. The Serco duo almost took the series by default, but Terrible managed to make on time this week. Super teed off and went slightly adrift, but Boggy managed a fairly respectable tee shot, for a change. Just John managed to just clear the Ladies Tee and Terrible ended up on the fairway. The only initial problem to encounter was that it was the wrong fairway!!!!!!! So the scene was set and the noble game commenced.
As the match progressed the Serco Duo began to edge in front and by the fourth were 3 holes up. This despite the best efforts of Just and Terrible, who were both at their best in the gamesmanship stakes. If the match had been played and scored on gamesmanship they would have been well in front. At least the duo were grateful that the barracking took the form of coughing and discussing tactics and they didn't have to tee off to the sound of someone being ill!!!!
As the game reached it's climax, the Duo maintained their lead and the RAF pair couldn't catch up. Terrible was heard to say, "Don't worry John, they're not getting any further ahead." Which was just as well, because if that had been the case the Duo could have retired to the Clubhouse long ago! On the 9th and final hole a tremendous drive by Super gave the Duo an upperhand, again. Boggy had driven onto the fairway also, but as with Terrible's first drive, it was unfortunately the wrong one!! Terrible and Just both had equal drive's and the contest, at this hole at least, was at last neck and neck. A magnificent second shot by Boggy left the Duo just short of the river. They were in sight of the 'brown' and they could now sense and smell victory. A good second shot by Terrible and the Pair were also instriking distance of the 'brown'. Chip and a putt, chip and a putt. Super stan again came into his own with a majestic stroke which left the Duo within feet of the hole. Victory would be sweet indeed. Both parties now nearing the end of a grueling tournament and the Pairwere about to lose their previously unblemished record, (mainly due to the fact that this was the first competition of it's kind). Up steps Super Stan to sink the putt to take the competition and without flinching he sinks it with aplomb. Terrible finished off for the Pair but the Duo took the game, the match and the series by 3 to 1. A resounding victory .
How sweet victory tasted to the Duo, whose only reward was a can of pop from each of the Pair. Was it worth it for this thought the intrepid Duo? Of course it was. Terrible and Just sat downcast and forlorn in the Clubhouse bar, for once silent, no reflecting on this momentous occasion and replaying every stroke, over and over again. Take heart both and look on the bright side, there's always another day and things can only improve. After all defeat can only be bettered by victory. John was quoted as saying that "A day out of uniform was a day wasted", perhaps John you should adopt the phrase 'Serco Rise Above The RAF'.
Thanks for the entertainment guys and we look forward to the re-match. Oh by the way - where's the trophy???
Brilliant Boggy and Super Stan
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The Met Office Weather Report |
Statistics for the week ending Monday 20th January 2003
|
Max (deg
C)
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Min (deg
C)
|
Rainfall
(mm)
|
|
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AIRHEAD
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29.7
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23.7
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Tr
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TRAVELLERS
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29.0
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20.5
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Tr
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RESIDENCY
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26.0
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18.2
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3.6
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GEORGETOWN
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31.0
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22.0
|
NIL
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| ST. HELENA | |||
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FALKLANDS
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21.1
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2.8
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16.4
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UK
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21.0
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-5.0
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30.2
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ASCENSION ISLAND: Dry, sunny and very warm with few if any showers over most of the Island.
UK: It has been a breezy but relatively mild week for mid - January with rain at times. Several places reached 12 Deg C during the week. Scotland had the majority of the rain but the largest fall was on the isle of Wight on Sunday. The lowest temperature was at the well known frost hollow of Redhill in Surrey.
FALKLANDS: Changeable. Quite windy at the start of the week. Mainly dry on Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures exceeded 20 Deg. Celsius on both days, but it was cooler again by Sunday.
St Helena Air Access
Acting Governor John Styles has announced that following discussions with DFID a firm of specialists have been appointed to finalise the prospectus for air access.
The prospectus will be placed in the International development market place to seek innovative proposals for air access and associated development on St Helena from the private sector and SHG hopes that we receive significant interest.
The prospectus will include the sensitive issues, identified by all Members of Legislative Council following the extensive round of public consultation that was conducted last year.
Intense activity continues on the provision of air access.
SHG is also reviewing current shipping arrangements including the RMS scheduling, so that economic development opportunities can be maximised prior to the introduction of air access.
Commenting on where St Helena is at this stage with plans of improved access, Acting Governor John Styles said: "I know that some members of the public have been concerned as to whether progress is still being made on the access issue. Significant progress is being made on both air and sea access and I would ask for patience on this matter. When finalised, we will place a copy of this prospectus in the Public Library for all to see, and we hope to attract widespread interest from people who want to invest in this beautiful Island."
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
16 January 2003
Cervical cancer and the smear test
On a worldwide basis,
cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women.
This disease is probably entirely preventable
By having a simple and painless test periodically - the cervical smear or pap test as it is also called - any abnormal cells can be identified at an early stage.
These cells, if not found, or left untreated, might eventually progress into cancer. Fortunately, cervical cancer is usually slow to develop. Early identification therefore means that abnormal cells can be removed and the cervix will be left healthy.
Unfortunately, many women are still reluctant to have a cervical smear
taken. This is generally due to fear or lack of understanding of what is
actually involved.
A cervical smear test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix,
and examining them under a microscope.
Having a cervical smear is necessary, because it is possible to identify
cells which are absolutely normal and show early changes.
Any changes can be observed, and successfully and easily treated if necessary.
In this way cervical cancer can be prevented.
It is important to remember that whether your smear result is mildly or
severely abnormal, it is still a pre-cancerous condition, and can be treated
successfully. It does not mean that you have got cancer. It is only if these
early cell changes are not recognised and treated that cancer might eventually
develop.
Although there is still a lot to discover about the causes of cervical cancer, there is no doubt about the value of having a regular smear test.
Identifying and treating abnormal cell changes at an early stage before cancer develops saves lives.
If you wish to have a smear test, book an appointment with Shirley at the hospital.
Did you know……… BREAST IS BEST
Adults who were breastfed have lower cholesterol levels than those
given formula milk, according to a study done at St George's Hospital Medical
School in London.
One theory is that the high cholesterol content of breast milk may help
the body to metabolise fat in later life, reducing the risk of heart disease
Do you have small bottles suitable for liquid medicine? We would
appreciate having some at the hospital
Thanks
EDITORS : Ed Jones & Jon Black
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327
E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac
Internet Team: Alan George, Rob Dunstan, 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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