Thursday, August 28, 2008
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Isle of Wight:

Can you fly flag for Isle of Wight?

By County Press Reporter - Thursday, July 24, 2008
Can you fly flag for Isle of Wight?
Derek Bean, of Bembridge.
THE hunt is on to find a new flag for the Island.
Most British counties and regions have flags and a Bembridge man, Derek Bean, believes the Isle of Wight should be no exception.
So Mr Bean contacted the County Press and after months of researching the subject with the Flag Institute and other local bodies, the search is beginning for a design Islanders can identify with.
A committee has been formed comprising Mr Bean, businessman David Green, former Cowes harbourmaster Henry Wrigley and County Press editor Alan Marriott, to administer a competition to unearth a suitable people’s flag for the Island.
The committee has been in contact with the Flag Institute, which has given its support to the plan, as has Island MP Andrew Turner.
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed its own flag is a council flag not a county flag, so there was no obstacle there, according to Mr Bean.
A flag manufacturer is being sought and a competition will be launched in the County Press at the beginning of September for Islanders to choose a design.
The competition will be open to all Islanders and after scrutiny by a panel of judges, a shortlist will be opened up for voting through the County Press.
Mr Marriott said: “I am delighted the paper is getting involved in this plan. Hopefully we will find commercial partners who will turn the flag into a range of products, which I believe would be a boost to the tourist identity of the Island.”
Mr Bean said: “Our Island has an identity, which is important in giving people a sense of being part of the community and having a respect for it.
“We have a natural sea border, which separates us from the mainland and therefore helps us to retain this identity. It is important for the Island to retain this identity, which we are in danger of losing, and having a flag will help in this.
“It can be flown on public buildings, by the boating community, at Island events, such as the Island Games and organisations will act as overseas ambassadors, showing the flag around the world during overseas sports and sailing events.
“There are many people on the Island who fly the Cross of St George and we are sure they would be only too pleased to fly an Island flag alongside.”