This document is a magazine from Red Funnel promoting summer events and activities on the Isle of Wight. It includes articles about organizing major sporting events like Skandia Cowes Week and the Powerboat P1 races, highlighting the challenges of coordinating large numbers of participants and spectators. It also features ideas for family activities during the summer holidays, days out on the island, and prizes to be won by solving puzzles in the magazine.

1. Red Funnel Customer Magazine
School’s
out!
Weird and
wonderful
Wight
Issue 2 July/August/September 2007
Win
a VIP family
day out at The Isle
of Wight
Zoo
SpeedJunkies
Meet the movers and shakers behind
this summer’s all-action events
On the case with TV’s Trisha, Red Funnel news, Island events and more...
Plus
Great ideas for
the summer holidays
Days out with
a difference
Official Skincare Sponsor
Skandia Cowes Week 2007
lizearle.com 01983 813913
Come and visit us on The Parade in Cowes or at our shop, Union in
Ryde to stock up on all of your skincare essentials, learn more from
our team about sun protection or pick up some pampering treats.
Union
22 Union Street
Ryde
Isle of Wight PO33 2DT
Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm
Skandia Cowes Week
The Parade
Cowes Isle of Wight
Sat 4th Aug - Sat 11th Aug
10.00am - 8.00pm

2. Welcome to the second issue of Connect – the new
onboard magazine for all Red Funnel customers
A very warm welcome to this latest edition
of Connect which is packed to bursting
with fun things to see and do on the Isle
of Wight over the summer. Catch up
with the movers and shakers behind this
summer’s all-action events, find out about
life behind the scenes at the Isle of Wight
Zoo and read all about TV’s Trisha’s hot
spots. From alternative days out to holiday
activities for kids, we’ve got it covered.
Red Funnel also has its own big
news story with the recent sale of
the Company to Prudential under its
investment arm Infracapital Partners LP;
hear about what this means for the
future. And while you’re sitting back and
enjoying your crossing with us today,
don’t forget to have a go at our puzzle
pages where we have some great prizes
up for grabs.
We look forward to welcoming you
onboard again soon.
Tom Docherty
Managing Director
Red Funnel
04 Red Funnel news
Red Funnel Worldwide Holidays opens
for business.
06 Speed junkies
The key players behind this summer’s
big sporting events.
10 School’s out!
Hands-on fun across the Island for children.
12 A walk on the wild side
A day in the life of Isle of Wight zookeeper Lisa Britton.
14 Weird and wonderful Wight
Three unusual ways to make you look at the Island in
a whole different light.
16 What’s on?
Great ideas for summer days and nights.
18 Puzzle pages
Prize crossword, sudoku and puzzles galore to keep
the kids and adults occupied!
In this issue
of Connect win…
A VIP family visit to the award-winning
Isle of Wight Zoo
see page 13
A ‘Weekender’ travel bag
see page 18
A month’s supply of ice cream!
see page 19
win
Welcome/Contents Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 03
Copyright 2007 © Southampton, South of England and Isle of Wight Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited trading as Red Funnel Group. All rights
reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission of the publishers. We welcome comments,
contributions, photographs, stories etc.
IMPORTANT NOTICE We have done our best to ensure that all information is correct and accurate, but would emphasise that we, the publishers, accept
no responsibility for any mistake or omissions. Please note that the opinions expressed in the articles are strictly those of the authors. All advertisers have
submitted their own copy, therefore the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers.
ADVERTISING WITH US If you are interested in the advertising opportunities in this publication or our range of outdoor opportunities please contact our
Media Sales Team on 023 8024 8547 or email advertising@redfunnel.co.uk
This magazine is CarbonNeutral. To find out more visit www.carbonneutral.com
Printed on paper which is 75% recycled, 25% Forest Stewardship Council Certified
LA863107/07
Isle of Wight –
the brightest place in Britain
www.redfunnel.co.uk
0844 844 9988
Fun family events
every day in August
at Carisbrooke
Castle!
From treasure hunts to jousting
knights, there’s something for everyone
at Carisbrooke Castle this summer:
The Great CastleTreasure Hunt
Everyday,Wed 1 – Fri 24 August
Follow the clues on your free treasure map and find the hidden
treasure chest for your golden key, hand it in to receive your prize.
Heroes andVillains
Sun 5 Mon 6 August
Join us for a weekend of your favourite heroes and villains; dress up
and take part in plays, circus workshops and have-a-go archery.
The Creative Castle
Sun 12 Mon 13 August
Children will love creating their own delightful characters
by decorating princess and wizard hats, shields, masks, crowns
and tiaras at this magical castle.
The Worst Days out in History!
Sun 19 Mon 20 August
Experience a horrible weekend out as you witness the smelliest
and most gruesome aspects of history.
Grand Medieval Joust
Sat 25 – Mon 27 August
Watch in awe as fearless knights collide at speeds of up to
60mph in this real life battle, laugh at the antics of Peterkin the
fool and join a jester workshop.
Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
10am – 5pm
Call 01983 522107 for details or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
Days out worth
talking about.
CoverimagecourtesyofIsleofWightTourismwww.islandbreaks.co.uk

3. Red Funnel news
Red Funnel
announces major
investment in IT
Over the next 18 months,
Red Funnel is investing over £2m
in information technology,
starting with a new ticketing
and reservation system for 2008
bookings. The new system,
supplied by Hogia of Finland,
will increase Red Funnel’s product
portfolio and enable more
flexible ticketing and fare options
for the travel trade, business
partners and the public.
Steam Coffee Company
launches loyalty scheme
Steam Coffee Company is launching a new loyalty
card scheme to reward regular customers. Simply
buy 10 hot drinks and receive a free hot beverage of
your choice. Steam outlets are located on all vehicle
ferries, in West Cowes, and from August two more
outlets will be opening in the Southampton terminals.
Serving a range of
premium coffees
made from the finest roasted beans and a
selection of indulgent cakes and delicious
pastries, why not treat yourself? Additionally,
our shore based outlets will be serving a range
of fresh sandwiches and tasty paninis.
04 Red Funnel news Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk Red Funnel news Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 05
Red Funnel secures
long-term future
Red Funnel’s institutional
shareholders have sold
their investment in the
Company to Infracapital
Partners LP – the
infrastructure fund of the
Prudential Group.
Tom Docherty, Red Funnel’s
Managing Director discusses the future.
Why did your institutional shareholders sell?
We were approached by a number of parties
after announcing plans to refinance the business.
It’s like remortgaging your home – borrowing
money at a cheaper, more competitive rate.
The culture and aspirations of Infracapital
Partners LP are extremely compatible with our
own and they were the chosen bidder. With a
renewed focus on our long-term future, this
is extremely good news for the business, its
customers and the communities of the Isle of
Wight and Southampton.
What are the plans for the future?
Given the essential nature of the infrastructure
owned and operated by Red Funnel, the
continuing provision of a reliable high quality
service to commuters and other ferry passengers
between the Isle of Wight and Southampton is
central to the long term vision.
Will fares go up as result of the sale?
No, our pricing structure will continue to be
reviewed annually. It allows for a reasonable
return on investment and reflects the costs of
operating a high quality, high frequency service
which runs throughout the year. We will continue
to offer year round, attractive, value for money
fares which encourage customers to book online
and in advance, particularly at peak times.
Regular customers know that the business is
highly seasonal and the summer traffic helps
secure the service through the winter and
overnight when very few people are travelling.
We have come under some criticism for our fares
but unlike some other UK short sea routes we are
not subsidised in any way and we have invested
heavily in our fleet and facilities.
Despite huge increases in fuel and insurance
costs, the average Hi-Speed season ticket has
risen less than inflation, and is cheaper now than
it was in 1991. Similarly, our lead-in vehicle rates
are the same as they were in the mid-1990s.
What are the benefits for customers?
As long-term stable owners, the Prudential
can only be good news for our business and
customers. Customers will continue to see
‘added value’ improvements in our products
and services such as the recently introduced
ReFuel food concept and the Steam Coffee
Company and Bar1861 brands.
In recent years we have built Red Jet 4,
refurbished Red Jet 3, stretched our vehicle
ferries and increased the frequency of our
services. We will now be able to build on our
programme of investment, introducing new
flexible ticketing and booking systems for
example, and renewing the entire fleet over
the next 30 years.
For the full interview please visit
www.redfunnel.co.uk/infracapital
Taking you further…
New season ticket design
Red Funnel Island Club members will shortly be receiving a new season
ticket card, which has been redesigned with a sleek, contemporary look.
Members will continue to enjoy discounts at Steam Coffee Company
outlets and Refuel, as well as at a selection of restaurants, bars and
clothing stores in both Cowes and Southampton. For more information on
how you could save with Island Club membership visit www.islandclub.co.uk
T O
Cowes
Cancun
T r av e l A G E N C Y
now open
Red Funnel’s newest venture
in Cowes is a travel agency
looking to take you from
Cowes to Canada, Crete,
Cancun and beyond!
Situated in The Arcade
in Cowes, Red Funnel
Worldwide Holidays
has brought a whole
new world of travel to
Isle of Wight residents
since opening in mid-
July, and for one lucky
Islander a £2000 holiday
of a lifetime.
A member of the
Global Travel Group,
Red Funnel Worldwide Holidays has
access to thousands of deals across the
Global Travel network.
As the only travel agent in Cowes,
Red Funnel Wordwide Holidays has
opened up a whole world of possibilities
for residents, and to celebrate is offering
free return ferry travel with bookings
made before the end of August 2007
which include an overnight stay.
Providing long haul and short haul breaks,
romantic city getaways, cruise packages
and much more, Red Funnel Worldwide’s
holidays come with the reassurance of
ATOL and Global Travel Group protection.
To celebrate the opening of Red Funnel
Worldwide, Isle of Wight County Press
readers were invited to write a travel
review of a favourite destination beginning
with the same letter as their home town or
village. Run in partnership with the County
Press, Debby Robinson of Ventnor, won a
£2000 holiday, and her review will be seen
on adverts all over the Island.
The Red Funnel Worldwide Holidays shop
has been designed to provide customers
with a relaxed and welcoming setting in
which to shop or browse for inspiration.
A team of experienced travel consultants are
on hand to help customers explore their travel
options with a complementary hot beverage
from Steam Coffee Company next door.
Branch Manager Ruth Morgan-Owen, who
brings 20 years of travel industry experience
to the development and running of the
agency, explains: “Red Funnel Worldwide
offered me the opportunity to get involved
in a new business from the start. I felt there
was a need for a travel agency which could
provide a stylish yet friendly environment
in which to shop, whilst still providing
a full range of competitively priced and
inspirational holidays”.
Tel: 01983 539 203
www.redfunnelworldwide.com
Visit the Arcade in Cowes
Taking you further
T O
O p e n i n g
14 July
Rome
Ryde
Call 01983 539 203Taking you further
www.redfunnelworldwide.comVisit the Arcade in Cowes

4. SpeedJunkies
Skandia Cowes Week, Powerboat P1, the White Air Festival… The Isle of
Wight is buzzing with international sport at this time of year. Connect
talks to the movers and shakers behind this summer’s all action events
What are the greatest challenges of
organising Skandia Cowes Week?
The sheer scale of the event. With over 1,000
boats, 8,500 competitors and 35 separate
classes there are a lot of things to manage. In
addition, we’re also responsible for coordinating
shore-side activities where 100,000 spectators
enjoy the festival each year.
The greatest challenge is trying to keep as many
of our competitors as possible happy at all
times. This is sometimes difficult to manage and
occasionally impossible or, for the sake of the
majority, impossible!
How do you logistically manage such a
huge event?
We have a great team – small but dedicated and
highly skilled. As Cowes Week approaches it
increases dramatically with many of our temporary
staff loyal ‘repeats’ from previous years.
What has been your most hairy moment?
Two years ago, new software that we had
commissioned to help race officers plan the
courses each day was delivered so late that the
designer of the programme was still trying to
make it work properly the evening before
racing started.
On another occasion, our race officers
misjudged how fast the multihulls were going
to complete their course and the leading boats
from the fleet came through the finish line just
as the XODs (the last class to start) were getting
underway – that was not in our risk assessment!
How much is the event’s success down
to good weather?
Obviously good weather helps enormously, but
as long as there is decent, sailable breeze then all
is well. The worst scenario would be rain and no
wind, but with so much going on even a couple
of grotty days do little to dampen enthusiasm.
What have been your most memorable
moments of Skandia Cowes Week?
The best moments of each year’s regatta are when
I stand outside the regatta centre and see the
happy smiling faces of contented competitors who
have just enjoyed a great day of racing.
What do you think Skandia Cowes Week
brings to the Isle of Wight’s local economy?
Cowes Week brings tens of millions to the
economy of the Island. It is over five years since
the last economic impact survey was done
but even then it was estimated that the event
brought over £60 million to the Island in both
direct and indirect income.
How can businesses find out more
about becoming associated with Skandia
Cowes Week?
We are always keen to talk to businesses, especially
local ones. Visit www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk
for full details.
What are the greatest challenges of
organising Powerboat P1?
Powerboat racing was once considered a niche
sport, a preserve of the ultra rich. Powerboat P1
has been designed to overcome these barriers,
offering greater accessibility to the sport for
both spectators and competitors. This in turn
has increased competition and heightened the
commercial appeal of offshore powerboat racing.
With the success of the P1 World Championship
has come the difficulty of finding suitable
locations. As well as booking up hundreds of hotel
rooms, we also need space for boats and their
trailers, cranes, wet and dry pits, a tented village,
live music stage and exhibition zones. Another
big challenge is adapting to the weather and sea
conditions but unfortunately we can do nothing
to influence these except of course, pray!
The event is part of Cowes Powerboat
Festival. What can visitors to the festival
expect to see and do?
Centred around world class powerboat
racing and events, the Powerboat P1 World
Championship kicks off with the traditional
round the island race on Friday, with the
conclusion to the Grand Prix weekend taking
place on Sunday when the winners of the British
Grand Prix will be decided.
Supporting the Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the
Sea will be an exciting line-up of entertainment
both on and off the water including an action-
packed support race and activities on the shore.
How do you maintain the safety of those
who compete?
Any motor sport presents potentially risky
situations and Powerboat P1 is no exception.
We place a high emphasis on the safety of both
our competitors and spectators. Safety rules are
firmly enforced.
What have been the most memorable
moments of Powerboat P1?
Watching the start of the first race of this season
in Malta and reflecting that when we took over
the World Championship in 2002 we had just a
handful of boats and little media interest.
This season we performed to a worldwide TV
audience in a top European location with an
international field of 18 boats. It felt like all our
hard work to build P1 had finally been recognised.
What do you think Powerboat P1 brings to
The Isle of Wight’s local economy?
Every year the event sees tens of thousands
of fans flock to the Island’s shores along with
an international line-up of competing teams,
sponsors and media, which naturally increases the
potential for tourism growth on the island and in
the surrounding areas. It is also an excellent way
for the Isle of Wight to promote itself worldwide.
How can businesses find out more about
becoming associated with Powerboat P1?
Powerboat P1 is the fastest growing motor
sport in Europe. As such, it offers sponsors and
partners an ideal platform to promote their
brands and services at a multi-national level. For
more information on hospitality and partnership
opportunities call the sales and marketing team on
020 7101 7600 or visit www.powerboatp1.com
What are the greatest challenges of
organising White Air?
Funding the festival due to its very fast
expansion and large number of sports, as well
as predicting the problems that will occur each
year, and finding ongoing solutions.
Logistically, how do you manage such a
huge event?
By myself for the majority of the year! I have the
help of over 100 staff and race crews during the
set-up and festival period itself.
What has been your most hairy moment?
We’ve been lucky that we haven’t had many
hairy moments although 100mph winds one
year nearly blew our party marquee over and
tore another clean apart!
How much of the event’s success is down
to good weather?
It’s more down to good planning. There are so
many events going on during White Air – from
arts and music to extreme sports taster sessions
that whatever the weather, there’s plenty
of entertainment on offer. As White Air is a
summer event, there’s a reasonable chance of
good weather and with that we can offer more
outdoor entertainment. We have an outdoor
music stage and Red Arrows displays this year so
we are hoping for clear sunny days. That said,
we’d also like there to be plenty of wind for the
World Championship Windsurfing.
What has been your most memorable
moment at White Air?
After not competing for ten years and simply
doing sport for fun, last year I won the Pro Kite
Surfing Championship. To become the 06/07 UK
champion at my own event was quite something!
What do you think White Air brings to
The Isle of Wight’s local economy?
White Air will host 35,000 spectators at the
main village and 70,000 during the seven-
day festival. It attracts a great deal of media
coverage and promotes the natural outdoor
resources that the Island has to offer.
How can businesses find out more about
becoming associated with White Air?
White Air is the biggest multi-sport land,
beach, urban, water and music based festival
in Europe. The festival offers sponsors the
ideal opportunity to promote their brands at
top level through the 14 sports on offer. For
more information on partner, event headline
and general sponsorship opportunities contact
White Air on 01983 760553 or visit the
web site sponsorship and download links at
www.whiteair.co.uk
Stuart Quarrie
CEO,
Skandia Cowes Week
Nigel Howell
Managing Director
White Air
Barry McGovern
General Manager
Powerboat P1
06 Speed Junkies Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk Speed Junkies Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 07
Skandia Cowes Week
4 – 11 August
White Air Extreme Sports Festival
27 August – 2 September
Cowes Powerboat Festival
24 – 26 August

5. Speed Junkies Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 09
WWW.COWESBROADBAND.COM
With 2006 Powerboat P1
SuperSport Class World
Champion Jackie Hunt.
Where are your favourite places to eat and drink
on the Island?
Saffron Indian Restaurant, Mojacs and The Fountain
Hotel bar.
Where is the best place to rub shoulders with the
stars of the show?
In the pits down by the seafront.
What for you is the highlight of Powerboat P1?
The start of the P1 race. The sight and sound of
20 ‘big muscle’ boats hurtling along at 70mph
plus is incredible!
Where is the best place to view the action?
The Yacht Haven is a great place to see boats in the
wet pits and watch the preparation before a race.
For most of the lap action in the Round The Island Race
and the second leg of The British Grand Prix it has to be
somewhere between The Esplanade and Egypt Point.
Why, apart from the power boating, do you like
coming to the Isle of Wight?
I love shopping in Cowes. My favourite shop is
Fat Face where I always buy a bikini in the sale, which
just happens to be during Powerboat P1 weekend!
Where is your
favourite place to
eat and drink on
the Island?
My Mum’s roast is
unbeatable so I’d have to
say at home with her!
Where is the best place
to rub shoulders with
the stars of White Air?
In the event village or on the water competing. Most are very
approachable and enjoy meeting with fans, especially at the end
of event party.
What for you is the highlight of White Air?
The chance to watch some of the other extreme sports in action.
Where is the best place to view the action?
From Sandown bay in front of the village. Starts from there can be
quite spectacular.
Why, apart from windsurfing, do you like coming to the
Isle of Wight?
I was born in Ventnor; many of the people I grew up with are still
there and although I now travel all over the world, the Island is
still my spiritual home.
Insider’s White Air
Insider’s Powerboat P1
Where are your favourite places to eat and drink on the Island?
I like to drink at Pier View where I often catch up with old mates during
Cowes Week. My favourite restaurants are db’s and Lugley’s.
Where is the best place to rub shoulders with the stars of Skandia
Cowes week?
The beer tent! You never know who you might bump into.
What for you is the highlight of Skandia Cowes Week?
The racing. The Solent is such an interesting place to race, it’s impossible
to get bored of it. Avoiding all of the other boats is a challenge in itself.
Where is the best place to view
the action?
The Yacht Squadron would give
you the best view of all the action
especially the finish line.
Why, apart from sailing, do you
like coming to the Isle of Wight?
I’m often over on the Island to
visit friends who live there.
There’s always a good vibe and
a friendly atmosphere.
World
windsurfing
champion
Ross Williams
With Ben Ainslie,
double Olympic
gold and silver
sailing medallist
Insider’s Cowes Week
Images courtesy of Skandia Cowes Week, Wight Air and Powerboat P1

6. With Trisha Goddard
You started your career as an air
hostess. What was the best and worst
thing about the job?
The best thing was that after working a long
hard shift, you’d end up in a completely
different part of the world from where you
started from. The worst thing was getting a
wake-up call at 2am and not being able to
remember where you were!
What do you look forward to most
about summer holidays?
Having non-stress time with my family.
Where is your favourite holiday
destination and why?
I love the States because of the shopping and
experiences but I also loved the wildness of South
Africa’s game reserves, the quiet of the island of
Nevis and Sydney, Australia because I lived there
for so long it’s a home from home.
What are your favourite kinds of
holiday and why?
Adventure holidays because beach holidays are
boring. After all, why would I need a tan! I love
trekking, going on safari, rollerblading in Santa
Monica and running anywhere in the world!
Have you ever been to the
Isle of Wight and what memories
do you have of the Island?
Not yet, but The Isle of Wight Festival is on my
‘to do’ list before I get too old to boogie!
What would you never leave home
without on a holiday?
Factor 40 sunblock. I wear sunscreen every day
of my life, come rain or shine. It’s the secret to
looking young. Oh, and my iPod and running
gear which also help me keep a healthy mind!
What will you be taking to read this year?
Harlan Coben’s new book, ‘The Woods’ and
anything by Tess Gerritsen or John Connolly.
What is your favourite holiday
wardrobe item?
As we’re going on a luxury cruise this year
and need to dress for dinner, I’m taking an
assortment of Karen Millen cocktail dresses.
They’re elegant, don’t crease and don’t take up
much room in my bulging suitcases!
Are you a bikini babe
or a one-piece wonder?
I’ve just bought one of those 1950s-style high-
waisted bikinis at the moment, but to be honest
I’m not massively into water unless it’s in a
canoe or whizzing around on a jet ski.
On the case Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 11
On the case…
Trisha appears daily at 10.30am in Trisha Goddard on Five.
If you’ve got inquisitive and energetic kids to
entertain, the Isle of Wight is the place to go.
From golf to ghosts, we’ve dug out some great
places to keep your little terrors busy
Get active
this summer
with our great
ideas for fun
with children
School’s out!


              
              
          
        
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  
50%
SOLD!
The Needles rocks and lighthouse at Alum Bay are landmarks synonymous with
the Isle of Wight. Ride in the spectacular chair-lift down the side of the
cliff and take a picturesque stroll on the pebble beach below. See the
pinks, mauves and yellows in the cliff face and visit the sand shop to
fill up glass models and bottles with the trademark coloured sand.
Call 0870 458 0022 or visit www.theneedles.co.uk
Get your children into golf at The Provision Golf Academy at Brown’s Golf
Course in Sandown. Lessons are given by PGA qualified instructors, using fun
and easy to learn methods. Summer courses include pitch and putt and short par
three holes. Call 01983 408000 or visit www.provisiongolf.co.uk
Take a spooky night time stroll through the darkened streets and passageways of
Old Newport. Gather with other curious souls to hear haunting tales of ghosts, witness the
scenes of spooky hauntings and imagine the dastardly deeds of yesteryear. Wednesday night
mystery tours run throughout the summer and start from outside The Wheatsheaf Hotel in
St. Thomas Square. Tours are suitable for children over three. Call 01983 813813 for details.
Bring out your kids’ artistic talents at Fired Arts in
Ryde where they can design and paint plates, pots
and ornaments, transforming them into masterpieces
to treasure forever. With stunning views of the
Solent from the shop’s windows they certainly
won’t be stuck for inspiration. Call 01983 614455
or visit www.firedartceramics.co.uk
Give animal-mad children a day to remember at
Appuldurcombe Falconry Centre at Wroxall where
they can become a junior falconer and learn to fly
a mighty hawk or magnificent owl. One-day courses
run throughout the summer for children aged
between 7 and 16 and include training from the
centre’s head falconer, a photo certificate and
free gift. Call 01983 852484 or visit
www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
10 School’s Out Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk

7. 12 A walk on the wild side Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk A walk on the wild side Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 13
Meet Lisa Britton, the primate supervisor
at The Isle of Wight Zoo whose job it is
to look after the primates, reptiles and
invertebrates. So close is Lisa to the Zoo’s
22 lemurs that she knows each of them by
name and even hand-reared one of them
at home. In fact, when Lisa’s in the lemurs’
pens they treat her as one of their group and
will groom and communicate with her just
like they do with each other.
A walk on
the wild sideA day in the life of a zookeeper
In the know:
What types of lemurs do you have
at the zoo?
The Isle of Wight Zoo has four species of
lemurs: Black Lemurs, White-Fronted Brown
Lemurs, Black and White Ruffed Lemur and
Ring-Tailed Lemurs.
Is it fair to keep lemurs in captivity?
No British zoo is allowed to take animals from
the wild unless in exceptional circumstances
for breeding programmes. All of our lemurs
have grown up in a zoo. Their wellbeing is
strictly controlled by British and worldwide
animal welfare laws and the zoo also follows
an enrichment programme for all of its animals
which encourages natural behaviours found in
the wild. Naturally lemurs are prone to risk of
disease and hunting from predators. In the zoo
they are given the best possible quality of life, a
balanced diet and constant care.
Tell me us more about your
enrichment programme?
In the wild lemurs have to forage for food and
use their natural instincts to find it. To prevent
them from getting lazy, we have a range of ways
of hiding their food – from sealing it within boxes
to scattering it through long grass. In the zoo,
their pens mirror their natural habitats as far as
possible, with long grass, tall trees and specialist
plants. Old logs are brought in for them to strip
and search for bugs in and baskets of hay give
them the opportunity to pad out their bedding.
How long does it take for a lemur to get
used to a new keeper?
About three months. Just like any animal, you
have to earn their trust. Keepers try to spend
as much time as possible with the lemurs to
further their knowledge and understanding of
them. Obviously food is a key attraction, but
lemurs also like to touch, smell and groom their
keepers as part of their group.
Get behind the scenes at The Isle of Wight Zoo with your family for a
VIP day where you’ll be able to meet the keepers and see the animals
being fed and cared for up-close.
Our lucky winner and their family will be given free entry to the zoo, lunch and
a fabulous souvenir gift of their special day.
To be in with a chance to win, SIMPLY TELL US WHERE IN THE WORLD LEMURS COME FROM?
and send us your answer on a postcard to: Connect Competitions, Red Funnel, 12 Bugle Street,
Southampton SO14 2JY. Alternatively, email connect@redfunnel.co.uk with “Zoo” in the subject line
- don’t forget to include your full contact details! Closing date is 15 August.
The prize is valid for a family of four and must be taken by the end of 2007. The prize visit may exclude certain
dates. Usual competition rules apply. Free return ferry travel is available for mainland residents. Not transferable
or refundable. Prize to be drawn at random on 16 August 2007. Judges decision is final.
8.30am
Check lemurs are all safe
and well and have had a good
night. Clean pens and check
fences to make sure they
are secure.
9.30am
Prepare lemurs’ breakfast:
banana, pear, carrot, melon
and grapes and a handful
of grubs.
10am
Feed lemurs and spend time
socialising with them. Monitor
Mangoky’s behaviour which
has been more domineering
towards other keepers in the
last week.
11am
Give talk to Zoo visitors about
lemurs, their natural habitat and
their feeding/breeding habits.
12 noon
A quick stop for lunch.
1pm
Make a new behavioural
enrichment device for the
lemurs. Perhaps a sealed box
full of food, a chain of yoghurt
pots containing banana pieces
to hang up from the pen roof
a handful of raisins thrown in
the long grass? If hot, make
fruit ice-lollies for lemurs to
chew on.
2pm
In with the lemurs watching
them interact and play.
2.30pm
Prepare lemurs’ second meal:
baked beans and apple juice.
4pm
Feed lemurs.
5pm
Help other zookeepers with
zoo maintenance.
6pm
Zoo closing time. Check
lemurs are happy and that
pens are secure and tidy up.
7pm
Home to look after my own
collection of animals – a cat,
a scorpion, a snake, six lizards
and four tarantulas.
Fact file:
• Lemurs come from the island of
Madagascar off the African coast.
• Lemurs are ancient primates and
evolved before monkeys and apes.
• They have small heads, pointed
muzzles and wet, dog-like noses.
• They use their bottom teeth as a
dental comb for grooming their fur
as well as scraping gum off the bark
of trees.
• Lemurs are the only primates that
can purr, sounding just like kittens
when contented.
• Females are dominant to the males.
• Lemurs sunbathe sitting up and sleep
for up to 16 hours a day!
• Lemurs eat flowers, leaves, ripe fruit,
nectar and some insects.
The Isle of Wight Zoo is based at Yaverland
Seafront, Sandown. Tel. 01983 403 883.
www.isleofwightzoo.com
We take a look at Lisa’s busy schedule
Isle of Wight Zoo General Manager Greg Hailes
reveals what we can expect next series
Filming has just started for the second series of ITV Meridian’s Tiger
Island which follows the lives of the Zoo’s big cats and the keepers
that care for them.
Last series our Indian tigers Diamond and Aysha settled in to a new enclosure while two of our
other tigers Chandru, Shan, Dru and Lola were integrated for the first time. White Tiger Zena
had her eye removed after being diagnosed with glaucoma and I went to India with our Education
Officer, Tracy Dove, to find out more about the essential conservation work the Zoo supports there.
The new series is expected to be every bit as exciting with new arrival Rambo, a former circus tiger
coming from America. We’ll be highlighting the problems of animal welfare in the US where tigers are
sold as pets and will also be meeting an animal training specialist back at the Zoo who will show the
team how to maximise their care of the animals through positive communication techniques.
Visit us over the summer and who knows, you may be caught on camera too!
Red Funnel offers Ferry inclusive packages to the Isle of Wight Zoo from just £48.50.
Visit www.redfunnel.co.uk for more details.
Tiger Island update
Win a VIP visit to
The Isle of Wight Zoo for all the family!

8. 14 Alternative Isle of Wight Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk Alternative Isle of Wight Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 15
Soaring high
If you’ve always fancied a go at gliding, Vectis
Gliding Club at Bembridge Airport offers an
experience like no other. Experience the thrill of
silent flight 2000 feet up, taking in views of local
hills, cliffs and beaches.
Tell me more…
Trial flights include a briefing with a qualified
instructor before you take to the skies in a two-
seater glider. Your instructor will show you how
the glider is controlled and if you’re feeling brave,
you’ll even be able to fly and control it yourself.
Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and
jeans/trousers are required, and the club also
recommends taking a camera to record the
experience for your photo album.
Essential info
Trial flights cost from £55 per
person. Call 07870 165044 or visit
www.vectisglidingclub.co.uk
Back to nature
Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers tree
climbing for all ages and abilities. Whilst scaling
the treetops, you’ll be able to enjoy views across
the Island and The Solent with the exact location
of the trees kept secret until a booking is made.
Tell me more…
Climbers are given a health and safety
briefing before being fitted with a comfy
harness and hard hat.
You are then clipped on to a rope fitted with a
safety harness and after a demonstration and
practice can start your ascent, closely supervised
and instructed throughout. Hang out in the
Weird and
wonderful
Isle of Wight
canopy, enjoy a spot of
branch walking or relax in
the tree hammock before
abseiling to the ground
through the branches.
Back on the ground, a picnic
blanket awaits with home-
made refreshments and a
cup of tea to celebrate
your achievement.
Essential info
Tree climbing costs £35 for adults and £25 for children aged eight
to 16. Call 01983 563573 or visit www.goodleaf.co.uk
Fabulously furry
Walk the Isle of Wight in the company of your very own llama.
Wight Llama Treks in Brightstone offer a range of options
including family treks and sunset romance packages taking in
the chalk downs of West Wight, with views of the Island, the
sea, and the Needles.
Tell me more…
Llamas are pack animals distantly related to camels and were
domesticated by the people of the Andes for transporting
goods up and down the treacherous mountain terrain.
Wight Llamas are specially trained and extremely docile and
can be walked on a lead rope. Small groups are guaranteed as
a maximum of four llamas are taken out per trek.
As well as enjoying the
company of a furry friend, on
some expeditions you’ll also
be treated to refreshments,
ranging from coffee and
home-made cakes to
champagne, strawberries
and cream.
No specialist equipment is required, just stout shoes and the
ability to walk over uneven ground.
Essential info
Family Treks for two adults and their children cost £60
per family and last for an hour and a half. Standard treks
(2.5hrs) cost £40 for adults and £10 for children while sunset
champagne treks cost £80 per couple. Call 01983 551128 or
visit www.wightllamatreks.co.uk
Take in the sights of the Isle of Wight in a
brand new way with our guide to three of
the best alternative days out New international developerThe Pimento Group have
set the bar for innovative, yet sympathetic regeneration
of the Cowes waterfront with the completion of Number
OneThe Parade in West Cowes.
The 25 unit development boasts an unbeatable
location right on the start line for Cowes week.
Incorporating sustainable materials and built with
the intention of blending with its surroundings and
community, rather than a wish to dominate it, the
structure has become a benchmark for this local
developer’s international ambitions.
The Group has already commenced work on its second,
third and fourth builds on the island of Barbados.“We
believe that we have found our place in the world of
property development” comments Christopher Scott, one
of the four partners that make up the Pimento Group, and
well known locally as a popular estate agent;“The Pimento
Group is dedicated to developing luxurious, yet sensibly
priced apartments for both local people and those wishing
to achieve a slice of our wonderful island lifestyle”. For
further information on the Pimento Group’s developments
visit www.pimentogroup.com
Worldwide
Island Living

9. The Island’s diverse landscape and coastline makes it the ideal setting for a
wide range of events this summer.
From the magnificence of the Summer Fireworks prom, and the exhilaration of
watching world class sailors at Skandia Cowes Week to the tasty treats on offer
at the Food and Drink festival and the aural delights of the Folk and Blues festival,
there’s something for everyone on the Island this summer!
IOW events
July
The Canterbury Tales
13-15 July
Appuldurcombe
House, Nr Wroxall
The Isle of Wight’s Ad Lib
Theatre Company presents
The Canterbury Tales in an
outdoor production. Pack up
a picnic and prepare for some
medieval fun.
Call 01983 840188
www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
Summer Fireworks Prom
21 July
Osborne House,
East Cowes
Bournemouth Symphony
Orchestra offers all the pomp
and circumstance of the last
night at the proms with a
spectacular classical firework
evening in the beautiful
grounds of Osborne House.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Mottistone Jazz
28 July
Mottistone Manor,
Mottistone
Bring a picnic, enjoy the jazz
and dance the night away in
the gardens with spectacular
views of the sea.
Call 01983 741302
www.nationaltrust.org.
uk/isleofwight
Medieval Spectacular
28-29 July
Appuldurcombe
House, Nr Wroxall
See medieval seige societies
recreate battlefield action and
meet living history archers and
men at arms.
Call 01983 840188
www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
August
Summer events at
Carisbrooke Castle
1-31 August
Carisbrooke Castle,
Newport
A feast of medieval fun is to
be had at Carisbrooke Castle
this August. Please see page
17 for further details.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Skandia Cowes Week
4-11 August
Cowes/Solent
Skandia Cowes Week is the
longest-running, largest and
most prestigious annual sailing
event in the world. Whilst the
crews race by day and party
at night, spectators enjoy the
shore side entertainment and
unique festival atmosphere.
Don’t miss the spectacular
firework display which closes
the event.
www.redfunnel.co.uk/
cowesweek
Play On The Lawn
9-12 August
Arreton Manor,
Arreton
Enjoy a performance of
Servant of Two Masters
in the magnificent
historical surroundings
of Arreton Manor.
Call 01983 522604
www.arretonmanor.co.uk
Isle of Wight Jazz/
Latin/Blues Concert
17 August
Nunwell House,
Brading
Nunwell House provides
a backdrop for sexy sultry
vocalist Judy Shire and her
band who will play a mix of
jazz, latin and blues.
Call 08700 600100
www.judyshire.co.uk
Isle of Wight
Garlic Festival
18-19 August
Nr Newchurch
A weekend of garlic-
fuelled food, drink, fun and
entertainment featuring
Mungo Jerry and
Brotherhood Of Man.
Call 01983 863566
www.garlic-festival.co.uk
Cowes
Powerboat Festival
24-26 August
Cowes/Solent
Exhilarating, dramatic, action-
packed and one of the fastest
growing motorsports in Europe,
the U.I.M Powerboat P1 World
Championship comes to the
Cowes shoreline, combining
breathtaking action for
spectators with all the
glamour and prestige of
international motorsport.
www.redfunnel.co.uk/
powerboat
Sandown Illuminated
Carnival Parade
29 August
Town centre, Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival
Parade is one of the biggest on
the island. It features spectacular
costumes, amazing floats
and bands parading through
the town’s streets, all lit with
thousands of colourful lights.
Call 01983 402334
www.sandowncarnival.com
White Air Extreme
Sports Festival
27 August -
2 September
Yaverland
For the first time, Wight Air
will host the 2007 World
Windsurfing Formula
Championships with some 100
racers from 40 countries. The
festival also features the usual
mix of extreme sports and great
shore side parties for competitors
and spectators alike.
www.redfunnel.co.uk/whiteair
September
Wolverton Manor
Garden Fair
1-2 September
Shorwell
With Wolverton Manor acting
as a backdrop, the traditional
garden fair provides a glimpse
of the 16th century whilst
entertaining the whole family
with stalls, demonstrations
and activities.
www.wolvertonmanor.com
Bestival
7-9 September
Robin Hill, Nr Newport
The multi-award winning
Bestival is the funkiest festival
of the year. With acts including
the Beastie Boys, The Chemical
Brothers, Primal Scream and
Gossip, there is no better way
to round off the summer.
www.redfunnel.co.uk/bestival
Isle of Wight
Cycling Festival
15-23 September
Island Wide
This festival offers something
for all abilities and cycle
disciplines. There is a wide
range of cycle events rated
from easy to strenuous,
including the famous Hills Killer
Mountain Bike Challenge.
www.redfunnel.co.uk/cycling
Isle of Wight Folk
Blues Festival
21-23 September
Ventnor
Returning the island’s festivals
to the iconic roots that Bob
Dylan’s performance in 1969
created, the IW Folk Blues
Festival features a range of
folk and blues acts including
Fairport Convention and
Salsa Celtica.
Call 01983 856200
www.iwfolkblues.co.uk
Apple Days Festival
22-23 September
Afton Park,
Nr Freshwater
The picturesque setting of
Afton Park in West Wight plays
host to the annual Apple Days
Festival. Help out and enjoy
with the age-old traditions of
apple harvesting and pressing,
apple and parsnip soup and
freshly baked apple cake as
well as great entertainment!
www.appledays.com
Isle of Wight Food
Drink Festival
22-30 September
Newport
Celebrating the Island’s
booming organic food and
drink industry, the festival gives
visitors the chance to sip, taste
and savour award-winning
beer, wine, asparagus, garlic,
sweet corn and tomatoes as
well as sausages championed
by Jamie Oliver
www.islandbreaks.co.uk
What Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
Where Island wide
When 15 - 23 September
16 Events Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk Events Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 17
Medieval tales
This August head over to Carisbrooke Castle for a feast of
medieval fun. Get the kids dressed up for the Heroes and
Villains event and take part in plays such as ‘Tales from Robin
Hood’ and ‘Horatio’s Last Hurrah’ or clown around in the
circus workshops.
Turn ‘The worst days out in history’ into one of your best days
of the summer, with Carisbrooke Castle’s grisly event bringing
you face to face with a 17th century surgeon complete with live
leeches. Or hear the horrors of Milly Molly Manky and the
long-nosed Nostridamus, the Singing Plague Victims.
The month draws to a close with a grand jousting event on
August Bank Holiday weekend. Watch in awe as fearless
knights collide at high speeds in this real life battle of skills.
Laugh at the antics of Peterkin the fool and have a go yourself
in the jester’s workshop.
On your bike!
With over 200 miles of bridleways and 60 miles of heritage
coast the Island has plenty for the cycling enthusiast, and
provides the perfect location for a festival devoted to the sport.
A highlight of the festival is the annual Cycle The Wight
Challenge, with a choice of 65 or 45 mile circuits starting
from the Red Funnel terminal in East Cowes on 16 September.
The 12 mile Sunshine Trail is ideal for families and begins at
Shanklin station, while for those with a hankering for hills, the
Hills Killer Challenge is an orienteering ride where participants
are given the chance to pit their bike and stamina against
routes incorporating three, seven or 14 hills. These tough
off-road endurance courses cover some of the most gruelling
territory on the Island.
The festival launches at Seaclose Park, Newport, where visitors
can look forward to displays of vintage, electric, wild and
wacky cycles, a Sink Or Swim competition across the river, an
obstacle course and activity packs for children.
For further information call 01983 203891 or visit
www.sunseaandcycling.com
Red Funnel has teamed up with Carisbrooke Castle
to offer return day trip packages for a car and four
people from just £44.48. For more details of this
event visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.
For more fantastic day out offers to the Island
and the mainland see www.redfunnel.co.uk
What Summer events at Carisbrooke Castle
Where Carisbrooke Castle, Newport
When August
Red Funnel are proud to be sponsoring this
event for the first time this year.
Travel to the festival with Red Funnel. Foot
passenger rates start from just £11.30 for a
day return, and bikes go free of charge on
vehicle ferries.

10. 18 Puzzle page Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk Puzzle page Connect www.redfunnel.co.uk 19
Puzzle pageTake time out on your journey to try our Sudoku or prize winning Crossword.
Don’t worry if your journey’s nearly over – please feel free to keep me for
your next coffee break.
Sudoku
tech air®, manufacturers of business, casual and sports bags is offering Connect readers the chance
to win a Weekender bag. Extremely practical with a pull-out trolley arm, the Weekender has three
roomy compartments making it ideal for an overnight or weekend away.
Compact and high capacity, the Weekender includes a removable laptop slipcase designed to hold
laptops up to 15.4 inches, a 12 month i-TRAK™ subscription covering both a laptop, and the bag itself.
The Weekender also features a luggage tracking tag which provides instant SMS notification when the
bag is found and a Wet Skinn® removable spill-proof sleeve.
To be in with a chance of winning a weekender bag, simply complete the crossword
and rearrange the yellow squares to reveal a weird and wonderful island activity.
Send your answer on a postcard to: Connect Crossword Competition, Red Funnel, 12 Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2JY.
Alternatively, email connect@redfunnel.co.uk with “Weekender” in the subject line - don’t forget to include your full contact details!
Closing date 30 September. Not transferable or refundable. Prize to be drawn at random on 1 October 2007. Judges decision is final.
Win a
Weekender
bag!
Across
4 Baffling questions (6)
7 Food fish (8)
8 Amongst (6)
10 Lacking taste, vulgar (5)
13 Single entity (4)
14 Flying toy (4)
15 Social insects (4)
16 Fold or thickness (3)
17 Polishing pad (4)
19 Worry (4)
21 Military unit (9)
23 Brave man (4)
24 Sixth Greek letter (4)
26 Mesh (3)
27 Entreaty (4)
29 Counterfoil (4)
32 Told fibs (4)
33 Stock, keep (5)
34 Small river (6)
35 Salve (8)
36 Jail (6)
Answers will be published
in the next edition.
Down
1 Artist’s garment (5)
2 Outrider (5)
3 Mr Hackman, actor (4)
4 Set in the ground
to grow (5)
5 Long narrow cut (4)
6 Outcome (6)
9 Unsuitable person (6)
11 Raised edge (3)
12 Exclude (5)
13 Not disconcerted,
unperturbed (7)
15 Towards the stern (3)
16 Female swan (3)
18 Ideal society (6)
20 Cook in an oven (5)
21 Wager (3)
22 Meadow (3)
23 Blustering bully (6)
25 Tyke (3)
28 Type of fruit (5)
30 Drying cloth (5)
31 Ship’s mooring place (5)
32 Permits, allows (4)
33 Badger’s burrow (4)
Kids’puzzles
Q E Y A C H T S S D F G H J
Z D E R B N J P P T F I S H
C W A V E S A W A E F G I L
W T Y U O V D S S C A G P S
A U O A I O U C S G W A H R
T A S D F G H J E L M L N B
E W E R T Y S R N L A F A E
R C E C A R S E G H S G U Y
T I O C D S W S E A S W S V
A X E L E A T S R C H I T P
B O I T O A H Q S R I Y A R
L L H E O L O U P E P H E O
O C I C E C R E A M S R S V
S D S U F U A P D A D F I S
S E A G U L L A H F X W L C
Yachts
Ice Creams
Flag
Ships
Water
Cars
Fish
Passengers
Waves
Seats
Seagull
Wordsearch
Just for fun
Last issue’s answers
Across:
7 Menagerie, 8 Ferry, 10 Pretzels, 11 Ridgil, 12 Ryde,
13 Arbalest, 15 Peccant, 17 Stowing, 20 Girosols, 22 Alan,
25 Red Jet, 26 Bad actor, 27 Scuzz, 28 Untrodden.
Down:
1 Pears, 2 Pastry, 3 Renege on, 4 Fiestas, 5 Dead slow,
6 Croissant, 9 Crab, 14 Residence, 16 Cool jazz, 18 To and fro,
19 Ash-bins, 21 Oats, 23 Arcade, 24 Cowes.
Spot the difference Can you find the six differences
in these two pictures?
Dot-to-dot
Connect has teamed up
with Wall’s to offer one
lucky reader a month’s
supply of ice cream. To be
in with a chance to win, simply
send us your best lolly stick joke.
The writer of the joke judged to be the
funniest will win.
Send your joke on a postcard to: Connect Joke Competition,
Red Funnel, 12 Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2JY. Alternatively,
email connect@redfunnel.co.uk with “joke” in the subject line - don’t
forget to include your full contact details! Closing date is 30 August
and usual competition rules apply. Not transferable or refundable.
Prize to be drawn on 1 September 2007.
Judges decision is final.
Wina month’s
supply of ice
cream!
Connect prize-wining crossword