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Diary
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October
5 October - Morning
The Isle of Wight Big Day Out became the Isle of Wight Big Day In or the Isle of Wight Big Blow Out. Alas, this festival of children's activities held at the West Wight Leisure Centre in Freshwater was a victim of overnight gales and torrential rain and the 6,000 folk who normally come were held at bay by announcements on Isle of Wight radio and word of mouth. The outside activities were cancelled, but there was still plenty to do inside, from swimming and fencing to trampolining and playing in a steel band. I didn't realised it was so easy to learn 'When the Saints Go Marching In'! (Even if Southampton are not…) The best part of the event was presenting ten Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold level to a group of enthusiastic children (though at 25 the oldest would probably bridle at the description). The D of E awards are not exactly given away so it's always a real treat to present them.
4 October - Evening
Around a hundred members of the Bentley Drivers' Club Mid-Western Region descended on the island this weekend - going to a vineyard, to Osborne and to the Havenstreet Railway, among other places, and I was their after dinner evening treat at the Royal Hotel in Ventnor. In spite of being asked what sort of gearbox I had, and whether my wheels were 19in or 21in I seemed to manage to pull it off - and anyway the meal was great! I just felt for them driving off the following morning in torrential rain. Tough these Bentley drivers. (Delighted to discover that most of the wives preferred gardening to gearboxes…)
4 October - Morning
To the Royal Yacht Squadron to start races for the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) where young folk from all kinds of backgrounds are taken out on sailing boats and given what is often their first experience of the sea. They are a varied bunch.
'Where do you come from?' asked the President of ASTO of one of the youths.
'Bradford' was the answer.
'And what do you do?'
'I nick cars' he replied.
'Oh' said the President.
'Well, I did. But this is great. Nobody's ever done anything for me before.'
The next person (a girl), replied when asked what she did: 'I'm doing a PhD
in disposing of nuclear waste.'
I think that rather says it all.
3 October - Evening
Sandown In Bloom has been going a few years now and encourages all the residents of that seaside town to do their bit in brightening their own lives and those of visiting tourists. I presented all kinds of certificates - for large gardens and small gardens, to pubs and hotels and ordinary households. Mr Lupton won the prize as best newcomer. I asked him how long he had been gardening. 'Since I was ten' he replied.
'And how old are you now?'
'Eighty-one.'
They'll probably give him a lifetime achievement award when he's 250.
3 October - Lunchtime
To Barton Primary School to present them with their certificate for becoming an accredited Eco-school and to raise their Green Flag. Like many local schools the work that Barton Primary does is amazing - their artwork shows tremendous talent and industry - and their achievement of the Green Flag is a feather in their cap. The area surrounding the school shows just what can be done with energy and enthusiasm and the kids reflect the ethos of this really dynamic group of teachers. Good for them!
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September
28 September - Morning
To the garden of Ilona Kumar in Newport to answer 'Cash For Questions' in aid of Independent Arts - a great island organisation that offers art therapy (including music and movement) to those with special needs who benefit hugely from it. Answered queries about leeks, badgers, horse chestnuts, bottle brush flowers, salvias, slugs, bees and clematis wilt and made over £100. I think some of the questioners were rather more generous than they need have been. Might give up the day job and just answer questions, holding out a bucket for the cash (which Rupert, aged 11, did very successfully). Agreed to become patrons of this organisation which has now been going for over 20 years and which really needs to raise its profile to gain more funds to continue its valuable work, bringing stimulation to the lives of those who are disabled or who have learning difficulties. Hope we will be able to help it do so.
27 September - Evening
Back to Ventnor, having smartened up, to open the Landscape Paintings of the Isle of Wight Exhibition 2008 at the Winter Gardens. This is the 24th year that Robin McInnes has organized this superb art exhibition with work from artists on the island and on the mainland. Toured the exhibition and then presented prizes to the winners. Bought an oil painting of the IOW Festival Rock Concert that featured the Rolling Stones - a wonderful scene across the River Medina at night with spotlights, boats and crowds highlighted by light. Afterwards to supper at the Royal Hotel Ventnor which I can now recommend. Waistband getting tighter.
27 September - Lunchtime
Twenty-three years ago I opened the new temperate house at Ventnor Botanic Garden. It is now in need of replacement, so I turned up to rally the garden's 'friends' to continue doing their bit. They are a great bunch of folk and it was good to be among them on a wonderfully sunny afternoon. This really is a stupendous garden - sheltered by the Undercliff and capable of growing plants that, hitherto, I have only seen growing outdoors in the UK on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly. There are Mediterranean areas, waterfalls and Australian plants, palms and tree ferns, cacti and succulents all growing outdoors, and the greenhouse itself now contains an 'Indiana Jones'-like tropical set with jungle plants that kinds find thrilling. Simon Goodeneough deserves high praise for his ingenuity and the fact that the garden is kept in such good shape with just a handful of staff. It is the jewel in the island's crown.
27 September - Morning
Opened the new Samaritans shop in Newport by cutting a ribbon and allowing in the masses. The Samaritans is a great charity that is in even more need than most charities in that it can claim few allowances on account of the fact that its work is confidential. Intrigued and heartened to discover that the 'listeners' are themselves listened to after each counselling session (whether on the telephone or in person) to enable them to cope with the strain. One is constantly struck, in this job, by the numbers of people 'doing their bit' without fuss and publicity. They deserve all the help we can give them.
26 September - Evening
Members of 23 different police forces gathered at the Folly Inn on the Medina river in advance of their Round the Island Race tomorrow in aid of Crimestoppers. Already the Met have raised in excess of £70,000 for Crimestoppers and other forces have done well, too, even though the charity is in no way connected with the force. Felt this was a great opportunity to ingratiate myself with half the police forces of the UK (there are 43 in total) but doubt that it will do anything to avoid points on my license should I choose to go over the limit. However, it was great fun to get 200 members of the force to sing happy birthday to Sir Paul Stephenson, Deputy Commissioner of the Met. Then he and his wife made a request for music on my Sunday evening radio programme. Hard to refuse really. Bet I still get the points…
26 September - Afternoon
Opened the café 'thirtyfour' for Ventnor Together - a drop-in centre for 13-17-year-olds, which the High Sheriff's Trust has helped to fund. A great transformation of the building next to the Baptist church in Ventnor, which caters for kids who are too old for youth club and too young for pubs. There is a fabulous kitchen area and two rooms in which the kids can meet and chat between 4pm and 9pm Monday to Saturday. A great buzz about the place, and the kids who were there seem excited at the prospect of having somewhere to go.
26 September - Morning
To Shanklin Conservative Club for a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Nurses. Never seen so many luscious cakes - cakes with cherries on, cakes surrounded by milk flakes, Bakewell tarts and shortbread, ginger cakes and coffee cakes, scones and jam and cream. Auctioned two china dolls and bought a jar of marrow and ginger jam. Took various requests for music for my Sunday evening programme.
25 September - Evening
The Island's Best Kept Village presentations at Arreton Village Hall - a gathering of folk from all over the island (43 villages were judged in this competition organized by the W.I.). I was asked to present around a dozen awards, which ranged from Best Kept Small Village to Middle Sized Village and Extra Large Village (a bit like packets of washing powder, except that there was no Jumbo-sized Village - Carisbrooke being the largest.) The first award went to Niton Primary School for collecting dog poo (after which things could only get more savoury). This award was sponsored (rather appropriately) by Island Waste, who explained that 170 tonnes of dog waste are cleared by them from special bins each year. (A handy dinner party fact). The man from Calbourne collecting the prize for the best War Memorial was on crutches. (I hesitated to ask, and he did not volunteer the information…) Good refreshments as one would expect from the W.I., and a great sense of pride in their achievements - and rightly so.
14 September - Lunch time
To the High Sheriff of Hampshire's luncheon reception and a superb meal under
canvas (rather better canvas, I suspect, than that afforded to the 165 Port
Regiment earlier in the week.) A steel band played and the sun shone. (That
is not a typographical error. The sun did shine.) Managed to avoid answering
any gardening questions at all, and had good conversations about sailing,
about the Isle of Wight, about being High Sheriff and about the different
atmosphere on different parts of the island. Oh, and one lady thanked me for
a valuable piece of advice I gave her some years ago. It involved sowing sweet
peas in toilet roll tubes. Always glad to help...
12 September - Evening
165 Port Regiment is part of the Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers) which is responsible for the transportation and movement of troops. This week saw them under canvas in Hampshire and they very kindly invited me to the Officers' Mess Dinner at Marchwood (under bricks and mortar). It was a superb evening - I think there were 26 men and 2 women seated around a fine mahogany table, glittering in the candlelight with the regimental silver to the fore - but my recollection may be a shade hazy. The volunteer forces are now extraordinarily well integrated with the regular army and frequently find themselves posted to Iraq and Afghanistan alongside the regulars. These are men and women who have full time jobs in all walks of life, and yet who in their spare time undergo training so that they can be deployed confidently in all kinds of military circumstances, from logistical exercises to theatres of war. Their dedication and commitment is immensely impressive and their company both stimulating and good humoured. Their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Ian Hurley MBE, made a grand master of ceremonies and an even finer host. I have never before seen champagne corks removed with a cutlass, but it is a technique I am prepared to practice...
11 September - Evening
The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Michael Campbell MBE, has been a fine 'running mate' since April when we took up our respective offices in the same week. This was his reception - held in his garden in the smartest marquee I have ever set foot in - and packed with several hundred Hampshire folk. Good fun, good company and wonderful refreshment. The apple and ginger cordial looked wonderful. But, well, the champagne was very tempting. In short - the perfect celebration of a Shrieval year.
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August
26 August - Morning
Haddon Lake House at St Lawrence opened its gates to fifty paying guests in aid of the Ellen Macarthur Trust, dedicated to helping children with cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses though sailing. I was asked along by the owners Phillippa and Steve Lambert as High Sheriff and gardening expert (well, I suppose there can’t be many combinations of the two.) Made over the last five years (unbelievably) the garden is wonderfully sheltered and the microclimate allows all kinds of normally tender plants to be grown outside, from echiums and astelias to bananas and pelargoniums. A wonderful garden with great vitality and a great atmosphere, and a new house built in a slightly Japanese style that seems to hover over the lake itself. We went on a tour with Phillippa and Steve and I came home determined to try more new plants - always the sign of a good garden.
14 August - Afternoon
The Yarmouth Carnival is an annual fixture and always includes an afternoon of water sports - i.e. silly races in boats in part of the harbour. I am not being derogatory. There are classes for a blindfolded oarsman with a child cox and another for as many people in a boat as possible, paddling the circular course using only their hands. All in all, far more entertaining than the Olympics. I am persuaded to take part in the 'single oarsman over 50' class. (I lied about my age.) Discover that fair play is a stranger to some of the competitors who are not above sabotage. I came fourth (the dignity of the office intact) after dodging the flailing oars of a particularly competitive grey-haired lady of indeterminate years who seemed determined to capsize me as we rowed out of sight around the back of the 'Salvation Jane' - an appropriately named big white boat that divided the course in two. Escaped only slightly dampened. Then presented prizes in a small marquee and gave my support to the Ocean Youth Trust which arranges trips on the 'John Laing' for those between the ages of 12 and 25, all who benefit hugely from the camaraderie, comradeship and seafaring skills of the others on board. I can think of one grey-haired lady in particular who would have benefited from this in her earlier years…
14 August - Afternoon
To Yarmouth to present a cheque from the High Sheriff's Trust to the Girl Guides. A Jolly bunch of Brownies turned up and we had our giggly photo taken in the sun at the head of the pier.
14 August - Lunchtime
Lunch with Christopher Scott to talk about the Isle of Wight's Eco-Island Project.
I offer to help in whatever way I can, and fear I ask too much about the housing market and the credit crunch, about which I am curious! (CS is an estate agent.)
13 August - Morning
Variety and contrast on a daily basis. Sat in court in Portsmouth with HHJ Hetherington on an accusation of assault and double rape. Sitting in on one day of a case is rather like being allowed to see episode 4 of a six-part series - fascinating and frustrating in equal measure. But judges are capable of condensing the events of the previous few days so skilfully that one can go into a courtroom fully apprised of the situation after a fifteen-minute briefing beforehand. Everyone should go to court and watch from the public gallery at some point. Most people will discover several things. 1) Their own lives are pleasantly uneventful. 2) There are lots of pauses while counsel and judges take notes. 3) Every effort is made on the part of the judiciary to ensure fair play. 4) Judges are not nearly as out-of-touch as most members of the public. They see the sordid side of life on a daily basis and still manage to be human and humane. I toured the court offices after sitting in on the trial - the cells, the children' and domestic divisions and bankruptcy. Whereas a few years ago there were three bankruptcy appointments every day - which usually took a deal of filling - the department no longer makes appointments - there are so many that they just cram as many as they can into a day - often up to seven. It is not always firms that go under - more frequently they are dealing with individuals who have gone so deeply into debt that they need to be declared insolvent. Credit cards, mortgages and even catalogue buying can result in bankruptcy. As my mother once said, when she heard the slogan for American Express: 'Frees you from pre-set spending limits' - 'Doesn't that mean: 'Allows you to live beyond your means?'
Just so. Apparently, the stigma of bankruptcy is accepted by the young as a way of life. The elderly are still deeply shocked by it, and it occurs far more frequently than I had imagined.
10 August - Morning
St Agnes church Freshwater celebrates its centenary over the next few days. It is a beautiful little church, recently re-thatched and now looking simply beautiful. In the same way that Sir John Betjeman championed St Enedoc in Cornwall, St Agnes, Freshwater Bay, deserves to be championed by islanders. A packed morning service and then a fine lunch in the church hall. This is one of the most welcoming churches I have ever attended - not remotely intimidating in its architecture, but redolent of the arts and crafts movement and with a great warmth. The congregation were welcoming, too.
9 August - Evening
To dinner with His Honour Judge Richard Price in Seaview. Part of the High Sheriff's responsibility is to entertain judges. Very pleasant when it happens the other way round. A good time was had by all. (Well by us anyway.) I am now beholden…
8 August - Evening
The Cowes Town Mayor's reception at Northwood House, followed by a display from the Red Arrows on The Parade. Across and over us they flew, with their astonishing aerobatics - trailing red, white and blue smoke as they did so. Their skill is matchless, and watching them is a moving experience - so special, so British, so emotional. The crowd on The Parade thought so, too. Several thousand of them, ooh-ing, aah-ing and cheering at the manoeuvres. Odd how fast-moving aircraft working together can have such an emotional effect - but they do, and I hope they continue to do so for many years. We need a bit of 'special' in our lives. I counted nine of them. Pretty sure I got that right after only one glass of champagne in the Royal London Yacht Club where a curry supper followed. Then the fireworks at 9.30 - viewed from Twin Wakes - the Cowes Combined Clubs vessel on Trinity Landing. An astonishing display and a literally brilliant ending to a great Cowes Week. I now need to become tee-total and lose three stone...
7 August - Evening
Liz Earle's Ladies' Day reception at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club where a group of intrepid women's achievements were celebrated in the company of Dame Ellen Macarthur, and then on to the Isle of Wight Council's Chairman's reception at the Yacht Haven. Drinks, dinner, dancing and conversation with all kinds of people. Even managed a little dance with Mrs T. Am now drinking quite a lot of orange juice.
6 August - Evening
An interview with Meridian television about my experiences in yacht racing, High Sheriffing, and television - all in one minute forty-five seconds. Try to spend most of it singing the praises of the Island as a place to visit. Then to the Cowes Harbour Commissioners' cocktail party......
6 August - Morning and afternoon
Invited by Michael Campbell, High Sheriff of Hampshire, to race on board a
Clipper generously donated for the day to help support the Hampshire and Isle
of Wight Community Foundation. Light airs make it a slow race, but we have
in Ricky a sharp-witted South African skipper (fitting since our vessel is
named Durban) and the time flies by. I am now a dab hand on the winch
and the coffee grinder. We came seventh. Number of yachts racing? Seven. Bad
luck really. We weren't a bad crew. At least, Ricky said we weren't. I declined
the champagne afterwards.
5 August - Evening
A reception on THV Galatea to which around 100 people are invited. We are taken out in a larger boat this time and have to make our way up and across the stern of the vessel (lower at the back than at the front where we were winched up) through a maze of corridors and passageways to the foredeck where an awning has been erected. The Duke, once again, greets everyone as they come aboard. We are given tours of the bridge which looks like the Starship Enterprise and are hugely impressed by the Dynamic Positioning System - with the aid of satellites and assorted propulsion devices this keeps the vessel in exactly the same position on the water - it does not even roll and our drinks remain in their glasses regardless of sea state. Mayors and worthies, yacht club commodores and Elder and Younger Brethren of Trinity House all mingle and chat, and the Duke circulates. When he arrives at our group - a former Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron and his wife, along with Rev. Canon Richard Emblin and his wife - the conversation turns first to the church. Am I a lay reader, he asks, seeing as I read the lesson? I confess that I am not, but admit that I was a choir boy and am now bellringer. Then we talk about Yarmouth Pier and his plank. He is astonished that they got all his letters on it - KG, KT etc. Is also rather amused by the fact that I got my name on the plaque when I officially opened the pier and all he got was a plank. He shakes hands with us all individually as we leave, and does not appear to hold the plaque against me.
5 August - Morning
The Duke of Edinburgh is to officially open Yarmouth Pier by unveiling a plank that bears his name. We stand in the pouring rain as part of the welcoming party at the entrance to the pier protected by macs and brollies which we ditch at the first sight of the Duke's car. Mercifully he is early. He emerges, smiling, and wearing his own trademark mac. He shakes hands with us all, saying 'Hello again', pointedly but good-humouredly and then marches off down the pier. We go home and it stops raining.
4 August - Evening
The Royal London Yacht Club reception. Plied with champarhgene yt again.
4 August - Morning
Brading Roman Villa is a fascinating excavation dating back 2000 years. Was invited there to 'cut the sod' for 'The Big Dig' which is being undertaken over the next three weeks under the direction of the country's leading archaeologist, Sir Barry Cunliffe. Met Sir Barry - an enthusiastic, elfin-like man - who chatted about how he had developed the passion for archaeology as a child, and had come to Brading under his own steam, aged ten, to look at the excavations and been hooked on Roman archaeology ever since. After just 24 hours the amount of spoil removed was huge. I took a stainless steel spade and ceremonially stabbed it into a lump of as yet uncut turf. It hit a rock just a couple of inches below the surface, making a loud 'clang' and I was immediately discouraged from digging any more for fear of damaging any valuable 'finds'. By way of compensation I was offered a cup of tea and a bun in the splendid restaurant. At least one of those present (not Sir Barry who was well stuck into another part of the dig) had to be calmed down after my enthusiastic spadework. I slipped away slightly embarrassed.
3 August - Evening
Ferried out to THV (Trinity House Vessel) Galatea moored in Cowes Roads. The launch took us from the Squadron Haven to the side of the ship out in The Solent and we wondered how we were going to scale the vertiginous steel wall that loomed alongside us. Then we started to rise up - on a winch - and one minute later simply stepped aboard to be greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh and given a very welcome drink. (It was a while since lunchtime.) A dozen of us dined with the Duke (the Master of Trinity House) around a shiny new table. I apologise to HRH for the fact that over the next few days he will see rather a lot of me. Superb food - lobster, lamb, a chocolate confection and then cheese. Port and Madiera to follow. It is rather special to hear the Duke of Edinburgh make the loyal toast. Just two words - 'The Queen'; but special all the same. Smart man, the Duke, only eats half of what is on his plate. (Note to self - worth emulating.) Pleasant conversation with my neighbours at the table - the wife of the Second Sea Lord and wife of the Deputy Master, then at 10.45 we make our goodbyes. It is odd to wave to the Duke of Edinburgh, almost as though he were your mother standing at the front door, as you are lowered from view in a little boat, but that is what we did.
3 August - Evening
The Cowes Regatta Service in Holy Trinity Church, presided over by my chaplain Rev.Canon Richard Emblin, a wonderfully supportive and gentle man. Good hymns - Eternal Father, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer and suchlike. Lessons read by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the Lord Lieutenant Martin White, MP Andrew Turner and Yours Truly. A moving sermon by Kenneth Stephenson, the Bishop of Portsmouth, who is suffering from leukaemia, and managed, very skilfully, to relate his own tests of faith with those in the four readings. Saddened a little that the church was not fuller than it was, but those of us who were there gave it our all.
3 August - Lunchtime
The second of the cocktail parties at the Island Sailing Club. Jerry volley. Trying hard to pace myself.
2 August - Evening
The start of Cowes Week and potential liver damage. The first of the cocktail parties this evening at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. Very jolly. Trying to pace myself.
2 August - Morning
Chale Show celebrates 82 years this year and I was delighted to be able to stand in the middle of its grassy arena and hand over a cheque from the Chale Horticultural Society for £45,000 which will assure its future on the piece of land that it occupies. It will now be owned by a board of trustees. What a spot this is! The southern part of the island with the downs to one side and the sea to the other. The day started with fine rain and mist, but by the time we had emerged from the marquee where the judges were pondering over 27 Victoria sponges in the novice class, fruit and veg, jams and wines, the sun had come out and the day was as perfect as can be on the Isle of Wight. We looked at old tractors, watched steam traction engines doing their stuff, admired the work of the island's photographers, painters, wood turners and jewellery makers before reluctantly leaving, along with the gift of a loquat to plant at home! A really memorable show with a fine spirit. When others are dying on their feet, it is heartening to learn that the entries at Chale Show are growing in number. It deserves all the support it can get.
1 August - Evening
To St Mary's Parish Hall in Northwood to open the Cowes Summer Art Exhibition - a varied and inspiring bunch of folk with an astonishing range of skills (my own 'O' level in art qualifies me to be a judge in such matters). Everything from water colours of the Royal Yacht Squadron (to be expected) to oils of nude women standing up in greenhouses (not quite what I expected). A lovely man called Frank Jacobs offered to give me lessons in watercolour. I was heartened that he had painted the Royal Yacht Squadron, rather than the lady in the greenhouse. If I had a fraction of Frank's talent I'd be a happy man (and he was very jolly, too.)
1 August - Afternoon
The Foyer in Ryde is one of several hostels in the country which aims to re-integrate young people into the community and help to find them employment and a way forward. The High Sheriff's Trust has given funds to make awards to four young people each year who have become shining examples of turning round their lives and enriching those of others. Alison and I were given a tour of the purpose-built building which houses groups of young people who cater for themselves and join in with many activities. It was great to present the first award to Daniel O'Reilly who has been resident at The Foyer since April and who has, since then, attended Life Skills Training, put his name forward to be a resident representative, helped with The Foyer Newsletter, joined in with arts and crafts and participated in art projects - he wants to become a graphic designer. Daniel's positive outlook on life, and his willingness to get stuck in made him a worthy winner. (And the scones at The Foyer are HUGE…)
1 August - Morning
To Westover Park, the home of William and Susie Smith to advise on their 70 acres of garden and parkland. (They bid for me in an auction to help raise funds for the two Olympic sailing hopefuls, Leigh McMillan and Will Howden .) A landscape with huge potential, we had a good look round - accompanied by their fine gardener Mark - and then a fine lunch. I am now envious of their rolling parkland and trying to work out how I can make mine look more like the work of 'Capability' Brown.
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July
31 July - Evening
The Isle of Wight firefighters are an amazing lot - they intend to cycle from St Thomas's Square, Newport, to St Peter's Square in the Vatican in September. There were a couple of hundred of us gathered in the Shanklin Conservative Club (v. smart) to help them raise funds for the Wessex Cancer Trust which they are supporting. So far they have raised over £50,000, all of which will be used to purchase equipment that will be used on the Island in St Mary's Hospital to, hopefully, prevent cancer patients having to travel to the mainland for treatment. Such treatment is daunting at the best of times, but to have to undergo it at a distance from your family is often very upsetting. The lads themselves were wonderfully enthusiastic, as was Councillor David Williams, whose idea the fundraiser was. David is a passionate Cornishman (passionate about his causes, that is) and he did a wonderful job at the microphone (get it off him someone!) rallying us all in the longest raffle ever (half an hour by my reckoning) and then an auction. I came away with two embroidered guest towels (raffle) and a bottle of House of Commons whisky (auction.) Well, I'd run out, and it wasn't that expensive…
31 July - Afternoon
Annie Dawes opened her garden at Coombe Farm, Brighstone, in aid of the Island Youth Trust which offers 'an open, non-judgemental service to children and young people who are struggling with parental break-ups, bereavement, low self-esteem, bullying, abuse, uncalculated pregnancies, eating disorders and self-harming to name but a few. It has been delivering free counselling services for the past 24 years and relies mainly on donations and fund raising for its financial wellbeing. It is totally independent from social services and completely confidential.' Annies garden surrounds a wonderful old stone farmhouse and, having had a good look round, I talked to a group of around 100 folk gathered in the barn (which was lucky - it started raining soon after I arrived) about my interest in gardening - how it started, how I learned my trade and a bit about TV programmes. They laughed in all the right places and we hopefully raised a few bob for the charity. A pile of my Kitchen Gardener books went like hot cakes, but then they were being sold, signed, with £5 off. Neat that. Unsigned copies are now worth more than signed ones….
28 July - Afternoon
To Cowes High School to hand on a cheque for £13,000 raised by the school's Combined Cadet Force whose sponsored climb of the Atlas Mountains was in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. Watched a short powerpoint presentation of the trip and sympathised with the group (many of whom have now just left school) who were prevented from making the final ascent by an overnight snowfall. But base-camp itself was at around 2,000 metres! A tremendous achievement both physically and financially; and the kids even seemed to like Moroccan food - even goat!
28 July - Morning
Avenues Support Centre in Freshwater caters for many of those in the community who suffer from a range of disabilities - mainly emotional. Dozens of volunteers and clients sat under parasols in the sunshine and enjoyed a fine buffet lunch. Great cheese scones and lemon drizzle cake! Shown the garden they have established from weed-infested ground, and presented certificates to many of the volunteers to recognise their achievements. What a great bunch of folk!
25 July - Morning and afternoon
A guest of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, at 'Meet Your Navy' in Portsmouth - along with a hundred-odd others Great to be shown over HMS Illustrious, after a buffet lunch in the wardroom. Shown the bridge (liked the black leather Rolls-Royce helming seat given to the Captain by R-R - apparently the previous example was a hard wooden job), the flight control area and the captain's bridge (admired the rowing machine he uses to keep fit). The Ops room was scarily impressive - banks of monitors and swivelling chairs arranged around and across the darkened room in the bowels of the ship. Astonishing to think that the two aircraft carriers that will replace HMS Illustrious, at 20,000 tonnes, will be three times as big at 65,000 tonnes. A bright and sunny day with demonstrations of Field Gun operations (as they used to have at the Royal Tournament) and all manner of ships on show from our own navy and others such as the Japanese and the Danes. A great day out in bright sunshine. 15,000 expected today, and 24,000 tomorrow and Sunday. They deserve to get them.
24 July - Evening
To Cowes Yacht Haven for a dinner to celebrate 100 years of Olympic Yacht Racing. Rather a daunting audience of competitive yachties. Three speakers before dinner and three after - I am the penultimate one. They seem to listen quietly and laugh at most of my jokes. I think I just about got away with it, even if, to me, sheets are what I sleep under and warps are bent planks. Still, they did express amusement at my line: 'And as to Uffa Fox; I thought it could only result in a custodial sentence.'
Phew……!
24 July - Morning
Planted a shrub in Shanklin Primary School's wonderful garden, made by keen volunteers and kept up by them and the children. There's a goldfish pool, a veg patch, a conservation area and a quiet area where the children can read. Today it is all bathed in bright sunshine. I sign autographs and eventually manage to convince them that I really am 'Gordon the Garden Gnome'. Sent away with a wonderful array for 'thank you' cards painted by the children, and a school badge - every bit as prized by me as one from 'Blue Peter'
24 July - Morning
Presenting a cheque on behalf of the Shanklin Nursery School to Sister Pam George for the Barely Born charity at St Mary's Hospital which will help fund their new natal unit. Around £1600 handed over - a great achievement.
24 July - Morning
To Shanklin - the Furze Hill Children's Centre - to hand over a High Sheriff's Trust cheque to Home Start, the voluntary organisation that offers help to young families. A wonderful centre where parents and small children are encouraged to mix and share their experiences in the interests of being better parents. I think we could have done with it! A joyous place with a great atmosphere and which is achieving great things at local level.
23 July - Evening
Cowes High School prizegiving at Cowes Yacht Haven. The Court Dress goes down well with the assembled company and Alison and I manage to hand out several hundred certificates (or so it seems) for GCSE's and 'A' Levels, along with special prizes, to a great bunch of pupils. One of them plays a superb recorder piece, and we are given a fine painting and a bunch of flowers as a thank you. This school has really come on in the last few years, from being one that was causing concern to one that is now officially classed as 'good'.
23 July - Afternoon
Meet with Canons Stephen Palmer and Richard Emblin at Newport Minster to discuss the Legal Service in October. I explain that I'd like a good choir and a good organist. Both promise to do their best to help. We talk about Royal Marines trumpeters for a fanfare. Well, it would be grand….
23 July - Morning
Meeting with the Chief Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service offices in Newport. Nick Hawkins is a personable man, and ran me through the process of cases coming to court along with the CPS's relationship with the police and the judiciary. Met many of his staff - barristers, solicitors and clerks - and then went to lunch to discuss things further. Nowadays far more of the CPS's advocates are 'in house' rather than from independent chambers. Nick is concerned that, on occasions, cases which should be heard in the island are transferred to courts in Portsmouth and Southampton simply because there is more space there. Suggests that for many reasons - including those of economics and logistics - this is not a good idea. Wonders if I can help. I promise to try.
21 July - Morning
To Winchester Crown Court to sit with His Honour Mr Justice Royce in a trial for 'unlawful killing'. I sat alongside the scarlet-robed judge on the bench in my court dress, and felt rather sympathetic toward the accused who probably wondered what I was doing there at all - though the judge was kind enough to explain that I was High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight as well as being some bloke who gardens on TV. The experience was interesting, stimulating, informative and daunting in equal measure. Lunch in the judges' lodgings followed, and a chance to chew the fat as well as the food. Great admiration for the way the judge handled the case, and for the way he managed to distil 5 weeks' worth of evidence into the ten minutes before we went into court so that I was put in the picture. His two marshalls (both law students) seemed frighteningly young, and the Defence Council a clone of Rumpole.
19 July - Evening
Two ex-High Sheriffs and their other halves around to supper. Not quite as much red wine as on 27 June. Behaviour no better…
18 July - Evening
Launch of the Isle of Wight Community Foundation at the Royal Yacht Squadron. This is a new organisation which aims to attract funding from those who have money to give to good causes, and also to encourage those who need it to apply for grants. A touching presentation by three girls - Jessica, Christina and Bethany - from the Saturday Club for the Deaf in Ryde which has benefited from local funding. 'The most important thing', said Christina, 'is that you no longer feel you're alone.' With any luck this scheme will really make a difference to those organisations which need financial support.
18 July - Afternoon
To Chale School to open their labyrinth and to help them celebrate their 165th anniversary. A wonderful afternoon in a thriving primary school. Met families who had been taught there for four generations. We (that's me in Court Dress - all velvet and lace, doing my best not to fall over my sword - Malcolm Williams the vicar and Caroline Baston the Archdeacon, both with robes flowing - plus all the children) paraded round the labyrinth to the strains of Sibelius' Karelia Suite and then adjourned to the school hall for tea and cake. The High Sheriff's sword is great at slicing into fully iced Victoria sponge.
So effective is this school at catering for children who are not always at home in education that some come from as far afield as Cowes to be taught here. There are around 20 pupils who enjoy education tailored to their personal needs - a rarity in state education these days. Sadly it looks as though Chale School's days are numbered due to the reorganisation of Island education. It will be a sad loss. This is a very special school with a very special head teacher - Trish Wray - whose teaching methods have transformed the lives of children who were floundering in other schools. One can only hope that she is encouraged to carry on.
18 July - Morning
St John's School, Sandown, has three 'teams' or 'houses' - Minghella, Macarthur and Titchmarsh. How very flattering. I was invited to present prizes for sport and art and then the cup for the best team this year. The winner - Titchmarsh! Such pride!!!
Then asked to speak to a hundred-and-odd tinies as they sat in church and tried to pay attention. Managed to cram 'my life and times' into a ten-minute chat which they could hopefully make some sense of without either a) rioting, or b) falling asleep. Judged a competition for unusual plant containers - everything from wellies and trainers to umbrellas and electric kettles. Made sure that the dinner ladies - with their tray containing a planted-up mug and bowl - were given the recognition they deserve. (Wonder if the fruit cake and coffee we were given in the staff room afterwards was a reflection of this…)
15 July - Evening
The Lord Lieutenant's Awards are presented each year by Maj. Gen. Martin White and this year I was invited to hand out two of them at Newport's Riverside Centre. The first was to the Riverside Gardens, which I visited a few weeks ago and so knew what a help and solace this quiet area is to many folk. The second was the IT award which went to Gary Axford. This was especially fitting for me as Gary was the subject of a Ground Force garden makeover back in our first series. We made a race track in his back garden that would take both his wheelchair and his electric racing cars. For the first time in his life Gary's garden was accessible to him. Sadly Gary wasn't well enough to receive his award in person tonight, but it is hugely well deserved - as a victim of spina bifida he's done his best to make sure that those with similar disabilities are understood and that they are well catered for in the local world of Information Technology. The Riverside Centre itself, under its human dynamo Richard Priest, was the recipient of a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the equivalent of the MBE. A tremendous achievement!
15 July - Morning
I first visited Brighstone School around five years ago and was impressed then with its tremendously happy atmosphere and the commitment of Linda Cahill and her staff. Today I went back to plant a tree (Prunus 'Pink Perfection' for the horticulturally minded) and to open a new classroom - The Willow Room. We sat outdoors on a bright but breezy day and watched the children sing two songs and perform a country dance before I performed my tree planting bit. The classroom is superb and the whole school now transformed into a light and airy learning space. It's been done by dint of great effort on the part of parents and governors. Those who think this country is apathetic should take on the job of High Sheriff and they'll soon discover just how many folk are giving their time, effort and energy into improving the lives of others. It is a salutary contrast to the negative things that seem to totally preoccupy the papers and TV. I'll be going back from time to time to polish my plaque!
11 July - Evening
My High Sheriff's Reception - held by kind permission of the Flag Officers and Members of the Royal Yacht Squadron in their pavilion. This 'do' has been nine months in the planning, so it's a relief to report that it went off alright - tasty nibbles (not that I managed even one) fine wine (well, just a glass then) and great company. Aside from the worthies who are invited by virtue of their position, we also included folk who've made us feel at home on the island over the last few years - Cheryl from the chocolate shop, Jean who makes my suits, our next-door neighbours, Bill and Dora from the bungalow by Gurnard Luck and Marlene and Brian from the railway carriages along the cliff. Island guitarist Harry Verey provided soothing background music (which was very sweet of him considering he's a great artist whose music deserves to be listened to) and the ladies from the Island Flower Club made the place look like a garden. Just brilliant. Judging by the sound of conversation folk seemed to have a good time, and the Sheriff's speech was mercifully short. With any luck, 180 people were glad they came.
10 July - Lunchtime
To Newtown Town Hall to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Ferguson Gang's donation of funds to the National Trust to save this wonderful building. This group of women - well-to-do blue-stockings in the main - got together to help save buildings and threatened tracts of land for the nation. They gave themselves names like 'Bill Stickers' and 'Erb the Smasher' and - wearing masks to preserve their anonymity - dumped bags of money (quite literally) in the hands of the trust in the early part of the 20th century, explaining what it was for. Thanks to them, gems like Newtown Town Hall were saved. National Trust supremo Dame Fiona Reynolds made a fitting speech, and we were joined by children of the original gang who were pretty indomitable women themselves. I wonder if anyone would get away with that sort of charity work today. 'Bet they'd have to fill in forms….
10 July - Morning
Meeting of the High Sheriff's Trust in Newport Police Station. Me, plus the two immediate past High Sheriffs and the two inmmediate future High Sheriffs, along with John Matthews the Under-Sheriff, meet four times a year to discuss relevant matters and hand out grants to assorted charitable organisations. We usually manage to get away after two hours. Today we overran by seven minutes…
9 July - Afternoon
A meeting with Chief Superintendent Dave Thomas - the Island's chief police officer, simply to get to know one another and to chew the fat about law and order. By far the greatest problem on the island is late-night binge drinking - especially in Ryde and in Cowes. Better relationships with pub landlords will, Dave believes, help to address the matter. A useful meeting.
9 July - Morning
My first Citizenship Ceremony in the company of Council Chairman Arthur Taylor and Lord Lieutenant Maj. Gen. Martin White. Between us we presented British Citizenships to two adults and two children. It's a short but touching ceremony, carried out in front of a photograph of The Queen and a Union Flag, and at which the four new citizens sign their names in a rather impressive ledger. The National Anthem is played and we endeavour to sing to the accompaniment. Alas, the recording used is in a key that none of us can manage without changing octaves every few bars. We do our best, and then celebrate with a cup of tea and a cold collation. Very British. (Must try to find them another recording of the anthem…)
8 July - Evening
To the Sea Cadets in Cowes. I arrive at the gate and am shown where to park, then escorted from my car by a very smart cadet in uniform. I am wearing court dress, complete with sword. As we enter the hall the entire corps is brought to attention and I am invited to inspect each rank. I have never done this before, so I try to remember what the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh did when I saw them doing the same on television. I think it better not to remark on the cleanliness of their shoes (though they all sparkle) but opt instead for a few words with several of them - about how long they have been in the Sea Cadets and other such probing lines. I hoe that's what they were expecting. Once I have snaked between them all (around 20 or so of them) I am motioned to a seat in the front row and they then break ranks and look more relaxed. The High Sheriff's Trust made a donation to enable some of the cadets to visit France for a Remembrance ceremony and we are shown slides and talked through the expedition by the four cadets - two girls and two boys - who were lucky enough to go. It is moving to hear them explain what happened in that part of France on the war, and it is clear the visit affected them deeply. These are really great kids who have a sense of duty and respect but also great humour. After the presentation I am taken to the 'Wardroom' for drinks and refreshments before returning to the hall and witnessing an exchange of badges by the cadets and the officers of a Dutch ship to whom they have been playing host in Cowes over the past few days. Home with a rosy glow, not simply due to a glass of wine.
8 July - Afternoon
Judging 'Pan In Bloom' on the Pan Estate in Newport. Twenty-three entries with pretty front gardens, back gardens, pots, baskets and containers, all to be judged in just over two hours. I am taken through hallways past yapping dogs, around the side of houses dripping with flower-filled baskets. I gaze at a pool of Koi carp that almost fill one garden, and marvel at the achievements of Barton Primary School which has an allotment, a nature area and countless other bits of greenery that have turned it into a kind of oasis. The infectious enthusiasm of residents is spreading, and more and more folk seem keen to brighten their lives with flowers. My fellow judge Barry and I swap notes and seem, most of the time, to agree on marks, which is something of a relief. One thing is clear - those who have joined the competition are cheerful folk who realise what a difference a garden can make to their lives. And I did manage to avoid being savaged by a particularly vocal Chihuahua.
8 July - Morning
A Crimestoppers meeting in Newport - the High Sheriff attends while in office. Assorted discussions and also heartening news that the Island is more successful in its battle against crime than most other counties. Each year more and more people are using this service which assures anonymity but gives everyone a chance to play their part in reducing the level of crime on the streets. Details on www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.
3 July - Morning
To Carisbrooke Priory to open their Flower Festival - lots of elaborate arrangements in window niches and arches, created by ladies from Isle of Wight churches. The theme was 'Peace' - rather appropriate considering that the Priory is one of the most tranquil places in and around Newport. Wonderful arrangements with pale blue being the predominant colour. A tour of the festival followed by an outdoor church service underneath the trees behind the priory. Bright sunshine but a stiff breeze rustling the leaves above us. Around a hundred folk attended, singing 'Morning has broken' with a real blackbird singing above. A simple lunch of soup and fruit followed. All rather fitting really…
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June
27 June - Evening
To the Lord Lieutenant's for supper. A good time was had by all, but must make mental note that too much red wine turns me into something resembling a bolshie MP.
27 June - Afternoon
National Veterans' Day parade at Northwood House, Cowes. In Court Dress to attend this nationwide service of remembrance for those who fought and those who are still fighting for their country. It was a 'Drumhead' service conducted by my chaplain, Rev. Canon Richard Emblin, and with prayers and a blessing by Canon Stephen Palmer from Newport who has just been appointed a Chaplain to the Queen and so wore, for the first time, his scarlet cassock. 'Drumhead' services are a tradition dating back centuries, when troops in the field would stack their drums together and drape their standards over them to consecrate them before using them as an altar. Standard bearers from the three services and from the British Legion processed on to the lawn outside Northwood House and we - the Lord Lieutenant, the High Court Judge, the High Sheriff and council dignitaries - followed them and took part in a short but moving service with the standard laid over a symmetrical altar of drums. There followed a march past to the Isle of Wight Marching Band - clad in scarlet tunics. The crowd was relatively small, but that did not prevent this from being a moving tribute to those who are still serving, and a thoughtful reminder that we are still losing soldiers out in Afghanistan and Iraq. Met up with a group of Isle of Wight Suez veterans who have amazing stories to tell about the time in the 1950s when we fought to keep the canal open. I think I've been booked to speak at their Christmas dinner.
We followed the parade with a cream tea. Velvet breeches now only just large enough around the waist after about three months of wear.
27 June - Noon
St Catherine's in Ventnor is an amazing place. Originally founded by nuns, it is now run as a special school for those with speech and communication difficulties. I was there to open their summer fair. St Catherine's occupies a rambling site that straddles Grove Road in Ventnor - there is a lower and an upper school, catering in all for almost a hundred children from all over the U.K., including the Island. Wonderful staff and a great spirit. The previous evening had seen a reunion dinner when past pupils from all over the country had come together to celebrate. I met a woman of 96 who was there in the 1920s and still had fond memories of escaping the TB epidemic in London. Two men who were at St Catherine's in the 1950s invited me to race Dinky Toy racing cars down a concrete gully that ran from the top of the hill to the bottom (there are 27 different levels on this site - amazing what you learn when you're out on a visit…) I won, in spite of some attempted sabotage, but decided that it was such good fun that we should make it the best of three. Stalls selling everything from silk screen prints and greetings cards to Welsh cakes and buns. Bought a tea loaf and enjoyed a fruit smoothie made by some of the lads who had opened a (non-alcoholic) cocktail bar for the afternoon. Looked at a garden made by some of the pupils, and met lots more who had come back just for the day. They brought a smile to the faces of the staff who were genuinely thrilled to see them. An enriching visit. I'd like to go back to St Catherine's.
26 June - Evening
To the Royal Yacht Squadron to present prizes to schools who had won grants of up to £500 for their gardens from the Isle of Wight Gardens Trust. Delighted to discover that Wootton Primary was one of them. Hopefully next year even more schools will enter - it's vital that children have a connection with the great outdoors, not only for the future custodianship of the landscape but also for the spiritual enrichment it brings them. They can't spend all their time glued to a screen can they…?
26 June - Afternoon
Time off! Spent four hours with Ian Pratt - a Ryde solicitor and member of Butterfly Conservation (of which I'm a Vice President) - and his pal Paul Millward on a hunt for butterflies at various sites all over the island. Sunny (which butterflies like) but windy (which they don't). Saw silver-washed fritillaries and white admirals, small pearl-bordered fritillaries and blues, along with the finest stand of pyramidal orchids I've ever seen up on the downs - around a hundred of them in four square yards. Magical. Our butterfly total at the end of the afternoon was 14. Britain only has 58 species, so that's not a bad tally for four hours.
26 June - Morning
To Wootton Primary School to talk to around 100 pupils (all sitting cross-legged and beautifully still) in the school hall. Talking about your life and times to 5 to 8-year-olds is something of a challenge. I glossed over a lot of it and spoke for around 20 minutes before asking for questions. Wonderfully varied, from 'What is your favourite colour? (blue) to 'What's it like to be famous?' (a mixed blessing, basically) to 'How many pence have you?' I thought it a little personal to have to answer questions on my finances, until a teacher interpreted: 'How many pets have you?' Much safer ground. Told them about the cats and the chickens and the goldfish, then listened as they told me about their rabbits and their worries about ants. It seems the little critturs have infested the school computer room. I suggested surrounding their computers with double-sided sticky tape; ant powder probably not being suited to the internal workings of computers. Will I ever know if it worked?
22 June - Afternoon
Barton Manor I first visited around 30 years ago when Anthony Goddard (of Goddard's Isle of Wight Brewery fame) resided there. It was owned a century ago by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) and stayed in even earlier by Queen Victoria when Osborne (next door) was being built. It was then, I think, used for overspill when entertaining. There are still photos on show of the ill-fated Tzar of Russia and his family sitting in front of the Manor. Quite eerie. It is a stunning house, and I last visited it about seven years ago for a Gardeners' World programme when I went to look at their National Collection of red-hot pokers. Then it was owned by impresario Robert Stigwood who took exception to my arrival by helicopter. Alas, it was essential, since I was visiting the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man and St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, all in one day for a programme about gardens on islands. I think Mr Stigwood had his own helicopter and might have been uneasy at the prospect of rivalry. He needn't have been - mine was sent back at the end of the day. Shame. There are days when it would be quite handy. Today I am here for one of four Earl Mountbatten Hospice garden open days, where the owners of Barton kindly give permission for the Island's hospice to use the grounds to raise essential funds. It is a wonderfully sunny but very windy afternoon - many of the stallholders have to abandon plans to pitch their canvas awnings outside and come into the range of barns. Others grit their teeth and in true British style battle on, clinging to tent poles, guy ropes, lacy pillows and greetings cards. We are taken round to meet an amazingly dedicated bunch of around 300 volunteers who are responsible for the charity chop and for helping out at the hospice all year round. Some of them have been doing so for thirty years. We are stopped every few minutes to answer gardening problems (well, it is a garden) or just to say hello. There must be around a thousand folk swarming over the gardens, the grounds that run down to the glittering lake, the barnyard and the stalls selling everything from hand-made handbags to garden plants, as-new clothing to household furniture, garden antiques to wooden bowls and pottery. Come away with two pots of honey, one lavender cushion, one succulent, one 'lucky dip tin', and a small quilt. Say to Alison as we wend our way home that I think there were perhaps a couple of people whose hands we did not shake…
22 June - Morning
To the Pan Estate, Newport, to judge an assortment of vehicles in their Soap-box Derby. A bright and sunny morning with a stiff breeze. The field behind Downside Middle School is now a jolly tented village that has been equipped with a ramp made out of boards and scaffolding that looks like an Olympic ski slope. There are 23 carts in all, made by island kids who, in teams of three, will preside over their hurtling down the slope and along a short but winding course to see which is fastest. We watch their practice runs from behind our hands. Some of them come to grief at the foot of the slope to shrieks from the crowd. There are buckled wheels and bent chassis, but these are swiftly repaired for the afternoon's serious competition. The ingenuity is staggering. These are not simply 'soap boxes' on wheels. There are wonderfully constructed contraptions that look as though the Wright Brothers might have used them as prototypes for the first flight. 8th Newport Scouts have something called 'The Wooden Bullet' which is a finely crafted cylinder with a nervous scout strapped inside. We give them first prize for construction, wondering if the scout will emerge in one piece. At least they'll have £25 to make him feel better about his ordeal. Other teams are clad in livery - black T-shirts with orange lettering saying 'Roadkill 3' (they have a battered cuddly toy on their front bumper) - and yet more in white overalls with a sleek white-painted vehicle carrying the legend 'Wight Lightening.' Meet all the kids - a great bunch who have a fun day in this part of the island which is not always thought highly of. The locals are hugely friendly and welcoming and rather weary of a reputation that has, in their eyes, lasted far too long. Certainly my own experiences on the estate have been nothing but pleasant. The police are here with their own vehicle - a home-made wooden 'Black Maria' (complete with cuddly toy prisoner) on very tiny wheels into which a WPC is strapped. They replace her with a constable in a pointy hat before pushing it over the edge, where it lurches for a few seconds before wobbling down the slope (H.M. Constabulary may need to recalculate their ground clearance). Last year they competed with the Fire Service who this year seem to have pulled out. The police suspect cowardice. Meet Mr Price who is showing about ten vintage cars - from a 1960s Morris Oxford to a couple of 1950s Wolseleys. He tells me he has 42 in all, as well as several hundred model aircraft, two and a half thousand Dinky toys and ten children. I tell Alison I have never seen a happier looking man. She looks nervous. Reluctantly we leave before the final to go on to Barton Manor. I hope the Soap-box Derby continues to get its funding. It is an annual event with great heart that builds many bridges in the community and deserves to succeed.
21 June - Evening
To the Youngs in Hamstead to meet the locals and have a glass overlooking the Solent. The views are simply stunning and we chew the fat with folk from all over the Island on a sunny summer evening. Great fun
18 June - Evening
Commodore David Steel is the Commander of the Naval Base at Portsmouth and invites us for dinner in his home - Spithead House - the company of an eclectic mix of people from the Second Sea Lord and the Managing Director of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to the Chief Executive of Portsmouth Football Club Peter Storrie and his wife. The entire gathering is bowled over by the fact that the F.A. Cup - Portsmouth F.C.'s latest prize - sits on a side table while we have drinks. It's just there. The real thing! Like Bisto-kids, we each have our snap taken with this iconic lump of silver before we leave. 'And this, children, is when daddy won the F.A. Cup…..!'
15 June - Lunchtime
The Isle of Wight Stroke Association does valuable work on the Island in helping stroke victims and in raising awareness generally of how strokes can be prevented and treated. We gather for lunch in a secluded private garden Bembridge with its supporters. A touching speech by Andrew Turner, the Island's M.P. on his own experiences, and a good lunch in good company while the Chale Players tootle away at Gilbert and Sullivan in a smaller tent outside the marquee in which we dine. Only in Britain. Only on the Isle of Wight - bliss!
7 June - Afternoon
Ex-High Sheriff Judith Hammer has just published a wonderful guide to the wild flowers of the Isle of Wight and held a party in her garden to launch the book. Her paintings were on display in her dining room - page after page of painstakingly crafted watercolours that give the Rev. W. Keble Martin (he of Concise British Flora fame) a run for his money. The detail of the miniature paintings is breathtaking and every home on the Island should have a copy of this lovingly created paperback - a superb celebration of the island's riches and a tribute to a remarkable woman's artistry and her years of dedication. I'd feel thrilled to have painted just one of them - Judith has created hundreds.
6 June - Evening
The British Red Cross Awards Celebration at their headquarters in Newport, attended by the national Chairman of the Red Cross, James Cochrane, and South East area representative Mike Boocock. Listened to the present 'State of the Union', and then Martin White, the Lord Lieutenant, and I handed out awards and long-service badges. Many of those present had put in fifteen years of service to the Red Cross, one had achieved 30 years. All of them are volunteers and happy to be doing their bit. A heart-warming evening and a relief that in spite of drinking a pint of Goddard's Best earlier in the afternoon I was not in need of their services - unlike one of their number who, in preparing the room, fell up the steps and broke her toe. She was unable to stay for the ceremony…
6 June - Afternoon
Goddards Brewery in Ryde are celebrating the opening of their new brewhouse, so Martin White (Lord Lieutenant) and I were there to officiate, following in the steps of earlier brewery openers - the Governor of the Island, Lord Mottistone, the previous Lord Lieutenant and the Bishop of Portsmouth. We endeavoured to keep up the standard. Sampled the brew (but cautiously, being reluctant to be breathalysed on the way to my next appointment) - quite delicious - and then managed to speak coherently before, with Martin, opening the massive twin doors of the brewery to dramatic music and clouds of back-lit smoke - very Star Wars. Taken on a tour and shown how to make beer. Very complicated. Decided to stick to drinking Goddards - couldn't do better
2 June - Afternoon
To the Riverside Centre in Newport to present awards on behalf of Hampshire Constabulary to volunteers who have worked with young officers in the community and shown them the ropes. Some were from drug rehabilitation centres, others from mental health care, and all of them had allowed the young police officers (many of whom are straight from college or school) to work alongside them and gain a better understanding of their jobs. A really worthwhile scheme, and one with enormous practical benefits, both from the police and the community point of view.
1 June - Afternoon
To Tyne Hall, ex-High Sheriff Peter Grimaldi's garden, which is being opened on behalf of the Girl Guides, who celebrate their centenary in 2010. A glorious afternoon spent walking round and, for the best part of an hour, undertaking a gardeners' question time. There were questions on everything from ground elder and marestail to climbing roses and goji berries. (Must bone up on goji berries). But a goodly sum raised and a jolly bunch of folk.
1 June - Morning
Wight Salads open day. This massive nursery (I still like to use that word) at Arreton, near Newport, grows an enormous proportion of Britain's tomatoes (they go to supermarkets all over the UK) and exports them, too - both organic and 'conventionally grown'. Including those that are on trial they grow around 350 different varieties, and we were allowed to sample them. Absolutely delicious! Red ones, green ones, dark brown and almost black ones, striped ones and pretty pink ones. Each plant can produce around 40 trusses of fruit - being planted very early and pulled out very late. The secret lies in the compost - the largest heap in the UK which I was happy to officially open! It's a modern system of composting using special sheds with air percolating through the floor. This means that the compost gets neither too wet nor too hot. The entire process, which uses up all the organic waste from the site, plus more from external sources, makes sure that nothing is wasted. Pulverised wooden pallets, cardboard, straw, green waste and manure are all incorporated and sheeted over. With regular turning, the compost is ready to use in 12 weeks and is then incorporated in the greenhouse soil. I am happy to have my name engraved upon it!
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May
31 May - Lunchtime
Lunch at the Royal Yacht Squadron in aid of The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Sun shining on the lawn and glinting on the Solent; Pimm's on the terrace. Hardly work at all. But then I did have the arduous and unenviable task of judging the decorated welly boot competition, won by a fine pair of boots decorated with sand, seashells and assorted marine life. We cut an odd spectacle on the lawns of the Squadron, but the members seemed to take it all in their stride. The meal and the auction raised a fair amount for this charity which cares for deep sea fishermen who are in need of help in retirement or illness. The seafood buffet was, not surprisingly, the best I have ever tasted.
30 May - Evening
Supper with the retired Lord Lieutenant and his wife and a couple of friends at home in Cowes. A fun evening - great to watch the sun set across the water - a change from all the rain…and a lot of intelligence work undertaken about the island!
25 May
Home at last and back into the swing of things - writing, arranging meetings, cross-referencing diaries, and generally getting back into the swing of being High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight. There is one slight worry, and that is that on the journey from the Island to Hampshire, the key to the box that holds the High Sheriff's badge has somehow become separated from the box itself. It has a wooden acorn attached to it. I have tried every bag…….nothing. The badge is locked in the box. I could force it open with a screwdriver, but my predecessor would be appalled, and my successor rather disappointed to inherit a box that looks as though it has been tackled by a safe breaker. I could go to a locksmith, but I'd feel a bit daft. Hang on though. The clock in the sitting room has a key that locks its door. Nope. But it has another key at the back. Yes! I am now torn between winding my clock and wearing my badge. I do hope the original turns up soon…
23 May - Morning
Met Simon Goodenough of Ventnor Botanic Garden and Mike Fitt of the Royal Parks Guild, of which I am patron, for a photocall. There will hopefully be a liaison between The Royal Parks and Ventnor Botanic Garden in the future and our meeting was to launch the initiative. All of us grateful that the weather at this year's Chelsea Flower Show was at least dry, even if it had been bitterly cold earlier in the week. By the end it was pleasantly summery.
19 May - Morning
Chelsea Flower Show - presenting coverage for BBC. Manage to say hello to the growers from Isle of Wight Lavender and congratulate them on their Silver Flora Medal. At the centre of their display of lavenders in full flower - a sea of purple - is an elaborately carved throne with a red carpet leading to it. It's a pity that court dress is not worn outside the High Sheriff's own county - it would have made a good photo-opportunity…
12 May - Morning
Portsmouth Legal Service. We arrive early and so have half an hour to spend on the seafront at Southsea, listening to the waves lap on the shore on a balmy, sunny morning. The hovercraft's roar is the only thing that breaks the calm as the water glints around the forts. Occasional sideways looks from morning joggers at this man in black velvet knee breeches, patent buckle shoes, black stockings, white shirt and red braces leaning on the sea wall. I look no odder than they do. Then to Cathedral House to fully robe up and process. A long crocodile of judges and barristers, sprinkled with clergy wends its way in spectacular costume from Cathedral House right around the Cathedral and into the west door; the stopped traffic silent and gazing in disbelief on this ancient procession. The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Michael Campbell, and I sit in the centre of the cathedral with the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan. The choir begin the service by singing the anthem Steal Away - a nice touch, very considerate of the assembled judiciary. Fine singing from the choir and a thoughtful sermon on the nature of changing social values. School children serve us with shortbread, flapjack and small chunks of cake afterwards, along with fizzy grape juice (presumably we're all driving home…)
11 May - Lunchtime
A curry lunch at the Royal Yacht Squadron in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. A cracking curry on a perfect summer's afternoon (it is the warmest May so far since seventeen-seventy-something). 'This must be the finest view in the world' says the Lord Lieutenant Martin White, looking across the lawns of the Squadron to the Solent. No-one feels like disagreeing. The Solent sparkles. Come away with a Beken photograph of Shamrock III from the auction.
11 May - Morning
Newport Civic Service - the first attended by the new Chairman Arthur Taylor. A good turn-out - Alison and I sit in the front pew. Sermon from Canon Stephen Palmer who has a go at most things from the IOW County Press to public attitudes to those in public service. Never short on opinions this man, and never afraid to express them. He even remarks on the raciness of my novels. Can't think what that has to do with anything, and wonder if he has bothered to read one or is just going on hearsay. He quotes from the autobiography of Oppenheimer, inventor of the A-bomb and I suspect that my fictional offerings are not his first choice of bedtime reading.
10 May - Morning
To Havenstreet Station to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Territorial Army by welcoming nineteen members of 165 Port company who have walked all the way from the Needles to Wootton in stifling heat and were then delivered to Havenstreet by steam train. They look a bit weary but in good spirits as they alight on to the platform and march in formation into the station yard - the scene could be direct from a wartime movie or the Titfield Thunderbolt. Based on the Island they are involved with port logistics and the photographic record of the sort of work they undertake - with landing craft and portable bridges - is impressive. The Lord Lieutenant and I are photographed with them and their commanding officers. The RSM requests a piece of music on my Sunday evening Radio 2 programme. Happy to oblige, so long as he doesn't shout at me! A cheerful event all round.
9 May - Evening
Fund raising ball at the Royal Yacht Squadron for Leigh Macmillan and Will Howden who are our Olympic hopefuls in Beijing in the Tornado sailing class. Two great guys who seemed overwhelmed by the support. (Later discover that the evening has raised over £60,000 which should help them on their way.) Am cajoled into being auctioned for a garden advisory visit. A lady bids £2,000 for the benefit of my wisdom. (Muse on the fact that it might be worth doing this job professionally.)
7 May - Afternoon
To Newport Football Ground to judge a scarecrow competition organised by Early Interventions which offers help and support to families, especially in terms of parent/child relationships. The excellent Rosie Rae presiding. A superb competition - around thirty entries, including a scary portrayal of Charlie Dimmock, with all her attributes on show. Along with ex High Sheriff Peter Grimaldi, and two other sponsors, I managed to pick out a first, second and third. The winner was 'Scary Crow' made by two young lads, and their mum. A real cracker - a proper crow with feathers, a papier-mache head and wonderful black fabric and bin-liner wings and cardboard feet. Second prize went to a straw-stuffed tramp who even had a bird's nest in his jacket, and third to James Bond complete with dinner jacket, Beretta and bow tie. Somebody's dad is in for a surprise when he next goes to his wardrobe.
7 May - Lunchtime
The Abbeyfield home in Yarmouth is celebrating its tenth anniversary and this sunny afternoon was perfect for the garden party lunch. There are ten residents, who all seem to be nigh on a hundred (well, not far off) - eight women and two men. (The men did look a bit tired.) All in high spirits and surrounded by friends, relations and volunteers. Shown over the home by boss lady Peronnelle. I think I want to live here (well, maybe a little later on). Great atmosphere and wonderful facilities. Superb lunch - especially good puddings. Clearly the secret of a long and happy life is an ample supply of creamy dessert. Short speech by the Mayor of Yarmouth, and by me, and by the founder of Abbeyfield, a venerable gentleman called Richard Carr-Gomm. There are now 750 Abbeyfield homes, 7,500 residents and 7,500 volunteers. Not all of them are in Yarmouth, but they do seem to have plenty of support. A really jolly afternoon.
7 May - Morning
To Downside Middle School in Newport to present a High Sheriff's Trust cheque to the Soapbox Derby team. Met several pupils and was walked by them to the school allotments across the playing field, the journey being taken up by the filling in of a questionnaire about my life and times (two pupils, each with a clip board, taking it in turns to do the Spanish inquisition bit) . What is my favourite plant? It rather depends on the time of year, so I said tulips. (Next week it will be alliums.) Asked how they could improve their allotments. I suggested intercropping between their onions, which seemed to satisfy. A merry wave from the Mazda and off to Abbeyfield in Yarmouth.
4 May - Lunchtime
To the bandstand in Cowes for the 66th Anniversary of the saving of the town
from German bombardment by the officers and crew of the Polish ship Bliscavitza.
(I've spelled it phonetically - it's easier to say that way.) It was 66 years
ago to the day that the Polish sailors (whose ship was in Cowes for a refit)
sent up smoke screens and retaliated against the bombers who had left Southampton
and attempted to blitz Cowes. One or two of the original crew were there,
along with the Polish Military Attache form London, civic dignitaries, self
included, who stood for the best part of an hour while hymns were sung and
prayers were said in honour of the day. Then we repaired to the British Legion
for a glass and a buffet lunch. I still don't know if I won anything in the
raffle...
3 May - Evening
The Isle of Wight Savoyards invite us to 'Iolanthe' at Shanklin Theatre. Wonderfully
hospitable - met at the car park by the Musical Director in gold-trimmed cape.
Feel underdressed in my suit, but anxious not to upstage the Lord Chancellor
during the performance. Managed to crush two fairies behind a door as we went
backstage to meet the cast before curtain up. Fine chorus singing from Peers
and Faries. Back to see the principals in the interval - swapped notes on
playing Gilbert & Sullivan. I tried not to boast about my Sir Joseph Porter
in 'Pinafore' and my Ko-Ko in 'The Mikado' at Richomond Theatre but it might
just have slipped out. A really jolly evening, and the warmth of the company
shone out from the stage. Went home humming 'every one is now a fairy'...
3 May - Morning
Officially opened the Isle of Wight walking Festival at Newport Town Quay, having been ferried up the Medina as far as Island Harbour by RIB and then from Island Harbour on by 'The Monarch' - the smallest working paddle steamer. A sort of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang of the waves. A wonderful experience, and crowds gathered on the quay as we poop-pooped our way up river. A lovely sunny morning. Launched the festival, then went to the Riverside Centre to open a small garden with a memorial seat to Rachel Bast, who tragically died in her teens. Many of her friends and family there which made it an especially moving occasion. Moving for me, too, as I also met Gary Axford of Ryde, for whom we built a Ground Force garden eleven years ago. Gary is confined to a wheelchair and so the garden was out of bounds for him and he had to go out in the street to race his model electric car with friends. We built him a race track round the garden, which he could then also negotiate in his wheelchair. He tells me it is now a bit overgrown. I recommend pruning. The greatest news of all is that Gary has just become a town councillor in Ryde - a tremendous achievement. (Of course, he owes it all to Dimmock and Walsh).
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April
27 April - Evening
To Shanklin Rifle Club to present trophies at their AGM. The tiniest room
filled with forty jovial members whom I presented with cups and shields dating
back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1903 this was their 105th AGM and
the Chairman and Secretary got through it at record speed before I handed
over the silverware and medals awarded at the Island Games in Rhodes last
year. Felt like the Queen, presenting 'neck orders', or else the chairman
of the International Olympic committee hanging them on the recipients. Alas
did not have my sword with me to 'knight' them. A lovely bunch of people,
keen to promote the safe recreational use of guns and rifles. Had a group
photograph in their shooting range, and then they let me have a go with a
pistol. Fired ten shots - two of them in the central 'black bit' and seven
of them in the outer white area. Not at all sure where the tenth one went...
27 April - Afternoon
Opened the St Lawrence Peace Garden - the inspiration of the St Lawrence PCC. A wonderful spot. Last year it was overgrown with bay laurel, but Dave Trevan (a fellow student with me at Kew who now lectures in horticulture at the Isle of Wight College) has masterminded its clearance and replanting by IOW College students and it is now open for use by all passers by. An inspirational spot overlooking the sea. Peaceful as it should be, disturbed only by the lapping of waves beneath the Undercliffe and the singing of birds. Two benches at the far end have a wonderful view of the ocean (and of a newly built bungalow just underneath them; 'bet that was a surprise!) The garden is raw at present, but will soon fill out and turn into a place for reflection. Read W.H. Davies's poem 'Leisure' - 'What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?' Seemed to strike the right note. The retired Bishop of Worcester gave the garden a blessing and then we both planted a tree in regal fashion (i.e. throwing a bit of mulch at it). Sam Twining (ex-High Sheriff) is one of the movers and shakers here, which probably explains the wonderful selection of tea and buns.
25 April - Evening
To the Priory Bay Hotel for dinner with the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers. Not a sextant in sight, but a fine speech by the Lord Lieutenant Maj.Gen Martin White, CBE, CB, which left us all in no doubt what a Lord Lieutenant does, and in even less doubt of his necessity. What a man! A welcome meal (and a glass or two) at the end of a pretty full day. Home at midnight and….zzzzzzzzzzz.
25 April - Afternoon
To St Thomas's Newport for the Thanksgiving Service for the life of Anthony Minghella. Packed to the rafters with family, friends, celebrities, the great and the good. Wonderful music - Matthew Sharp on cello and Ann Gardner on piano - soprano Mary Plazas singing 'One Fine Day' from Madame Butterfly and readings by Alan Rickman and Jude Law (who sat just behind us and was clearly very upset). The event took an hour and a half. Fine local choir especially good in Mozart's Ave Verum, and Rutter's Gaelic Blessing. Anthony's brother Dominic especially read a fine eulogy - amusing and touching without being too sentimental - and his godson a poem he had composed which reduced many to tears - a talent far beyond his years. A fine tribute to the Isle of Wight's most revered son.
25 April - Afternoon
To Robin Hill Garden Show - crammed in because of the unexpected Thanksgiving Service (see above), so the organisers had niftily shoe-horned my visit to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, presenting a trophy to the best exhibit (Mendip Bonsai), unveiling of a mosaic and judging of the best 'dragon made out of recycled waste materials' into about an hour. Competition fiendishly difficult to judge - splendid dragons made from old bikes and Coke cans, egg boxes and Tesco carrier bags - each one a real work of art. Eventually Mrs T and I came up with two winners and presented very glamorous engraved glass trophies courtesy of the IOW County Press. Recycled glass? Hare off to Newport to change into Court Dress in County Hall for thanksgiving service in St Thomas's. Front door of County Hall locked and no sign of life inside. Run across road to Police Station with half an hour before service starts (see above) and change in male officers' loo with WPC guarding entrance (lest discovery of High Sheriff pulling on stockings in police officers' lavatory should result in unfortunate arrest by surprised constable.) Emerge from Police Station with 15 minutes to spare and walk to Minster Church in black velvet and white lace as though nothing had happened. The dignity of the office preserved for all except the WPC.
25 April - Morning
Re-opened Yarmouth Pier after the replacement of 54 piles eaten away by gribble worms. Delighted to discover that the project manager was a Mr Gribble. He obviously has a vested interest. The replacement of piles will have to be undertaken regularly. The pier was built in 1875 and continues to be prized as the country's longest working wooden pier. Unveiled a plaque on the round pavilion at the end of the pier which shows the names of all those who have contributed more than £100, having walked over all the planks on the way there that are engraved with the names of their sponsors - individuals as well as companies who want to see this beautiful example of Victorian engineering keep going. Delighted that I now have my name on a plaque on a pier. I shall take my grand children to see it one day (if I ever have any and if the gribble worms are kept at bay.) Superb buffet lunch at the newly extended George Hotel in Yarmouth. Very smart, but alas only time for a couple of chicken satays before we dash off to Robin Hill.
21 April - Evening
To the Isle of Wight College to present certificates as part of their COOLspot
campaign – Centre for Open and On-line Learning. Now hugely successful
and has won them a Beacon Award which is some achievement for a college which,
a few years ago, was struggling. Several presentations by students and staff
explaining the need for such wide-ranging courses – from basic literacy
and numeracy to IT skills. Included a performance by a student who was billed
as ‘Sandie the topless tour guide’. Arthur Taylor and I very excited
at the prospect. When she appears it turns out that she is playing the part
of a tour guide on a topless bus. Interesting but not quite as exciting as
the initial prospect. Leave early (not because she is not topless) but to
go next door to St Mary’s Hospital to help launch an appeal for a new
Neo-natal Wing. Tour the existing wing and find rooms little bigger than cupboards
housing the weeniest of premature babies in incubators. Taken round by Sister
Pamela and her staff who are simply astonishing in their dedication and good
humour. They need around £1 million and hope to be able to start converting
part of the building in July if funding is successful. Come away feeling both
humbled and hugely impressed by their commitment and vowing to do anything
we can to help them achieve their goal. Alison in seventh heaven having seen
so many small babies. I am happy that our two have reached their twenties.
19 April - Evening
Dinner with two past High Sheriffs of the Isle of Wight – and their wives.
Compare more notes.
18 April - Evening
Write to all six County Press correspondents – thanking the one and commiserating
with the five – then into court dress – buckle shoes, black stockings,
black velvet and lace; hat and gloves under arm, sword in belt – off
to the British Legion Big Band Concert at Cowes Yacht Haven. Front row seats
(will have to get used to this), though the lady behind me did say in the
interval ‘Your sword’s been up my husband’s trouser leg twice
already’. Make note to practice sitting with sword and not invading personal
space of others. Smashing evening of lively music, with a brilliant musical
director – David Cole, leaping about on his red and black mess kit like
a demented elf. Infectious enthusiasm. Film music, brilliant solo trumpet
from a Louis Armstrong lookalike who played every bit as well – Albert
Witter - and even a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ section. Had to make
a short speech at the start of the second half and both surprised and relieved
at my reception. Very warm – lots of laughs and clapping. Then off to
the Royal London Yacht Club for a post-show supper. Home by midnight.
18 April - Lunchtime
Lunch with my Under Sheriff John Matthews at Lugley’s in Cowes –
a restaurant flushed with success after being visited by Princes William and
Harry at the weekend for Peter Phillips’ stag night. (They had Thai fishcakes
followed by steak. John and I have fish and chips – just about the best
I’ve ever tasted – and that includes Harry Ramsden’s. Someone
should have told the princes. Come to think of it, someone should have told
the princess, she’d have enjoyed it more than the sausage rolls and quiche.
But maybe they don’t give her that.) An interesting lunch; John is an
old hand (and the local coroner) and knows all the pitfalls. So do I –
now. John advises that I ignore the letters in the County Press (negative
– 5, positive – 1) and soldier on. A little old lady sitting next
door to us offers her congratulations and says she would love to buy us a
liqueur. I explain I’ve already had half a lager but she says the liqueurs
are very small. I have a Cointreau and John has an Amaretto. We find the rest
of the conversation particularly enjoyable. The old lady leaves just before
we do. ‘A word of advice’, she says. I wait for the expected lecture.
‘Just be yourself’ she says. I thank her and give her a kiss.
18 April - Morning
The Princess Royal visits the island. Stand in a line with Fiona White (L.L’s
wife) Arthur Taylor and Doreen (we’ll be seeing a lot of each other this
year), Andrew Turner MP and assorted others at Artigiano – an island-based
company specilising in women’s Italian clothes (as opposed to Italian
women’s clothes). HRH lands in her helicopter in the field next door
and dodges the pouring rain. Very nice green tweed coat (not very Italian,
more Scottish) and very shiny black boots. Asks me if it is my first engagement.
Confess to her that she is my fourth, which she accepts with good grace, remarking
that they don’t give you much time to settle in. Ten minutes later and
she’s moved on into the factory and I am free to go for lunch.
16 April - Evening
Installation of the new Isle of Wight Council Chairman in the Council Chamber
in Newport. The outgoing Chairman Roger Mazillius (very supportive to me in
my earlier local difficulties, and very jolly) highly praised by both sides
of the chamber before being replaced by Arthur Taylor who is, unbelievably,
almost 80. Has a delightful wife, Doreen. Sit there in my black velvet and
lace, next to the Lord Lieutenant, Major General Martin White, wondering if
I’ll have the energy and enthusiasm that Arthur has in 20-odd years’
time. The part of the meeting to elect a new chairman goes off without incident,
but then there is a bit of a barney about the appointment (or not) of a new
chief executive. Spices up what might otherwise have been a rather staid affair.
Afterwards, my first experience of civic sausage rolls, quiche and Chardonnay.
There is not much leeway in my black velvet breeches. Need to be careful.
16 April - Morning
High Sheriff’s Trust meeting at Newport Police Station. Past and future
High Sheriffs meet to discuss the activities of the High Sheriff and to approve
donations to charitable causes such as IYWAC – the Island Youth Water
Activities Centre and other organisations aimed particularly at the young.
The current High Sheriff acts as Chairman. It occurs to me that this is the
first time I have ever chaired a meeting. Think I got away with it. Well,
anyway, we made the decisions that needed to be made and laughed quite a lot
in the process.
15 April - Morning
Crimestoppers meeting in Newport. The Isle of Wight is now just about the
most successful country in the UK when it comes to the effectiveness of Crimestoppers
– the confidential telephone line that can be rung to report criminal
activity. More people are now realising that this is not a ‘snitch on
your neighbour’ exercise, but a way in which every member of the community
can do their bit to help stamp out crime. Impressive figures on the number
of arrests on the Island as a result of anonymous tip-offs. A mixed bag of
attendees – representatives of Parish Councils, Neighbourhood Watch,
Early Intervention and Youth Clubs all keen to see Crimestoppers succeed.
11 April - Evening
Dinner with two past High Sheriff’s of Hampshire and their other halves.
Compare notes.
8 April - Lunchtime
To Carisbrooke Castle for the presentation of a watercolour by J.M.W. Turner
of the Castle itself. The Lord Lieutenant officiated and the High Sheriff
was happy to watch and chat. He does both quite well. The Castle is administered
by English Heritage but the museum within it is independently run by a charming
group of trustees and aficionados. Well worth a visit – not just to see
the painting, which came as a result of death duties (the Castle won the bid
to display it in preference to larger London Galleries – hurrah!) but
also for masses of other interesting artefacts including the Newtown Mace
– small, silver and beautifully formed, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Carisbrooke Castle makes a great day out – and today the sun shone brightly.
7 April - Morning
The day of the Declaration – swearing in – of the High Sheriff in
the Crown Court at Newport. The first appearance in court dress – black
velvet coat and breeches, much lace, a sword, hat, white gloves and assorted
medals. In spite of various comments in the press about Islanders revolting
there were no demonstrations outside the County Court. The two people quoted
were clearly busy that day and the new High Sheriff was much heartened by
the packed court (standing room only), the fact that he managed to read the
declaration without stumbling over the archaic language, and the way in which
his speech was applauded. Great relief all round. All went well and there
was much encouragement from the islanders present. The ceremony itself lasted
around half an hour – with the strangely worded declaration being signed
by the High Court Judge Richard Price, the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of
Wight, Major-General Martin White, CB, CBE, JP, the new High Sheriff and the
Chairman of the bench. The assembled company of ninety-odd then adjourned
to the Quay Arts Centre (decorated with flowers by the Isle of Wight branch
of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) for necessary
refreshment, followed by a luncheon party at the Royal London Yacht Club in
Cowes for family and friends. Phew!
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