FREE Bembridge & St Helens Area
April 2022
Your Local Community Magazine
Some reminders from Trading Standards • We are seeing increasing reports about rogue traders knocking on doors and trying to carry out work. We suspect this is following on from the storms last month and rogue traders are coming over from the mainland to prey on vulnerable residents. It might seem very handy to have someone knock on your door and offer to do repairs however ask yourself why are they free to be able to work on yours and your neighbours property – reputable businesses will have to look at the job, price it up and provide you with a quote and then book you in and will generally be too busy to drop everything to do your job right now! Rogue traders will offer to do work for what seems like a reasonable price but will invariably find problems halfway through the job and the price will escalate. They will rarely be trained or qualified in TRUSTED CARE IN YOUR OWN carrying out the services Making a difference every day they offer which means a poor job - you will then have to pay more Our services include: to a reputable trader • Companionship • Respite care to correct the problem. • Shopping • Personal care They will quickly turn • Dementia care • Meal preparation from being very nice to • Medication support • Running errands using intimidation and threats. Contact Vicky or Katie for more information:
HOME
Or pop in for a cuppa and a chat:
Remember 7 High Street, 01983 218318 • If you have a flier Bembridge, iow@rightathome.co.uk Isle of Wight through the door this www.rightathome.co.uk/isleofwight PO35 5SD may not be a genuine company – these are cheap and easy for rogue trader to produce • Talk it over with a friend or family member first • If you receive lots of scam calls Sky, Talk Talk and Wightfibre all provide a free call blocking service that will block around 98% of scam calls, alternatively you could purchase a call blocking phone
Welcome to the April issue of ‘your local community magazine’. Our aim each month is to bring you the latest news and information for your area along with interesting articles and features. We have some great local businesses offering a variety of services and products, there is hopefully something for everyone. Like many others, I am extremely proud to live here, and it is amazing watching our communities pull together as one when another part of the world has been torn apart by war. The Isle of Wight, stepped up to the mark and rallied together donating items to be taken to the border of war-torn Ukraine and going one step further by opening their homes and offering shelter. When we all work together so much more can be achieved. Whilst writing this the weather outside is not feeling very Spring like, in fact it’s quite wet and cold. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sunshine is on its way, that over the Easter period we will be able to soak up some vitamin D, enjoy some picnics, and dare I say it get the BBQ out ready for the season! There are events happening in both the local area and across the island and our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on page 14 has a variety of events listed. If you have an event happening in May, please be sure to email the information so we can include it in the next issue. I hope you all have a great Easter, whether it’s the time off or the chocolate you are most looking forward to. I hope it’s a great one and I look forward to catching up with you again next month.
Debbie 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 6 Store it Self Storage Ryde Unit 1 Nicholson Road Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1BE All information is correct at time of printing
My role is to hold space for you, to encourage, listen & align. You win, I win. I love my clients & adore coaching. Award Winning Transformational Coach
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April Facts and Historical Events. We know it is the fourth month of the year, but that’s only by the Gregorian calendar that we adhere to now. It was previously the fifth month in the earlier Julian calendar. April also only had 29 days, but a 30th day was added when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open.” It’s commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers begin to “open” or bloom. Those who were born in April have a diamond as their birthstone, which represents innocence. Their birth flower is either a Daisy or a Sweet Pea. There are two zodiac signs in April. Aries, which is until April 19th, and Taurus, which is April 20th and onwards. April is a great month for meteor showers. One of which is the Lyrids meteor shower, which appears from April 16th to April 26th each year. There are quite a few notable historical people born in April, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, and Queen Elizabeth II. On April 14, 1912, the famous Titanic ship hit an iceberg and sunk on her first and only voyage. George Washington was inaugurated as the First President of the United States on April 30, 1789. Of course, one of the most well-known dates of April, is April Fools’ Day on the 1st of the month. No one is sure where this originated from, but some believe it to be inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s story in “Canterbury Tales” called “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.” On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 was launched and ran into difficulties about two days later. It was then that the famous line “Houston, we’ve had a problem here” was said, and is today usually misquoted. After a 1,500 year break, the first Olympics of the modern era took place on April 6, 1896, in Athens. The explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine occurred on April 26, 1986, which forced everyone within a 300-mile radius to be evacuated. And of course, as we all know, “April showers bring May flowers,” so if the rain of April ever gets you down, never forget the silver lining! 4
Source: thefactsite.com
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BEMBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL Tel: 01983 874160 E: clerk@bembridgepc.org.uk
Adrian Kensit
SOUTH COAST TREE SURGEONS • •
Beach Clean - There will be a beach clean in Bembridge every month throughout 2022. The beach clean in April will take place on Saturday 23rd April, meeting at either Lane End Car Park or the Point at 10am. Please check notice boards and website for details. Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan - Bembridge Parish Council has joined with St Helens Parish Council and Brading Town Council on an application for funding to create a Cycling and Walking infrastructure plan. Match funding from the IW Council has now been agreed and the consultation process is due to commence in April 2022 Friendship Circle Coffee Mornings - Coffee mornings are held in the Village Hall on the first Saturday of every month. The next one is planned for Saturday 2nd April 2022. All proceeds to the running of the Community Minibus. 150 Club numbers for 2022 can be purchased at the coffee mornings or from the Parish Office. Parish Meetings The Queens’ Platinum Jubilee Update Meeting on Monday 4th April 2022 at 5.30pm in the Village Hall Planning Committee on Wednesday 6th April 2022 at 5.30pm in the Village Hall
• • • • • • •
All aspects of tree surgery Crown reductions and crown thinning Deadwood removal and crown lifting Sectional felling Tree stump grinding and treatment Hedge cutting Fully insured to £10million Commercial and domestic grounds maintenance Free estimates
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www.adriankensit.co.uk adrian.kensit@btinternet.com
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Staffing and Finance Committee on Tuesday 12th April 2022 at 5.30pm in the Village Hall Planning Committee on Wednesday 20th April 2022 at 5.30pm in the Village Hall Full Council on Wednesday 20th April 2022 at 7pm in the Village Hall 6
Alexandra’s Africa By Alexandra Gillies “Alexandra’s Africa was established in 2012 as a sustainable, hosted safari and retreat tour operating company…we have never been anything else…” Alexandra’s lifelong passion for Southern Africa and the conservation of its wildlife, culture and local communities is the driving force behind ‘Alexandra’s Africa’. For 10 years we have been hosting eco-cultural safaris and retreats across some of the most beautiful regions of South Africa including the Limpopo province, Botswana, Southern Cape, and Namaqualand. Our trips promise to tread lightly on the environment and create local opportunity, whilst providing guests with a unique ‘Out of Africa’ experience. Alexandra is committed to delivering a safe and inclusive experience for mature travellers to enjoy, ensuring you are guided throughout the entire process from booking until you arrive back home. We offer a selection of carefully handcrafted Safaris or Retreats to suit your pace, interests and sense of adventure, the choice is yours! Our small group Hosted Safaris: The Classic and The Explorer, take you on a longer journey combining wildlife, art, culture, legacies, and landscapes to create a unique experience that is personal, meaningful, and memorable. If you have limited time… our Getaway range offers a slightly shorter option.
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Kriss Kross - Can you work out where each word goes in the grid to complete a crossword style puzzle? 3 LETTERS ASP GYM PEA PIG VIA 4 LETTERS AGUE DARE DASH EATS FLOW OVER SEND SIGN 5 LETTERS DITTO GRAIN PATCH SIXTH 6 LETTERS
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Lest month’s anagrams answwers:- 1. AUSTRALIA 2. BELGIUM 3. SCOTLAND 4. GERMANY 5. ICELAND 6. NETHERLANDS 7. NORWAY 8. SPAIN 9. ARGENTINA 10. SWITZERLAND
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News Report from Jonathan Bacon - IW Councillor for Brading & St Helens. Tel 07973 872150 | Email: jonathan.bacon@iow.gov.uk sthelenscouncillor@gmail.com Cllr Jonathan Bacon The Isle of Wight was awarded the status of UNESCO Biosphere on 19th June 2019. The pandemic got in the way but in January of this year the Isle of Wight Council voted to take steps to integrate the principles of UNESCO Biosphere status into all of the policies and decisions of the Council. However, people are still understandably asking what actually is a Biosphere? The definition of a Biosphere Reserves and their purpose is ‘sites of excellence to foster harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participation, knowledge, well-being, cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change.’ Put simply, the 717 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves around the world are places where local communities have found a way to live sustainably within their local ecosystems. UNESCO Biospheres form part of an international network of areas that share three integrated features, namely: a high level of biological diversity; a high level of cultural diversity, and an institutional, regulatory and political framework that recognises these diversities. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. The Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere designation therefore directly connects the Island to the work of the United Nations (UN) and most especially to the delivery of the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals. This means that our Biosphere is about much more than the environment. 10
It is useful to list what the UNESCO goals actually are: 1. No Poverty 2. Zero Hunger 3. Good Health and Wellbeing 4. Quality Education 5. Gender Equality 6. Clean Water and Sanitation 7. Affordable and Clean Energy 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10. Reduced Inequalities 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 12. Responsible Consumption & Production 13. Climate Action 14. Life Below Water 15. Life on Land 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 17. Partnerships to achieve these goals So, these are the principles that will now become the key drivers to how the Isle of Wight Council operates. The Biosphere accreditation is there because we have so many good things to celebrate on the Island. However, what we don’t do, and what I hope the work we are now doing will achieve, is to ensure we not only celebrate these features of our Island but actively develop and benefit from them by driving forward and being driven by the Biosphere accreditation and the UN Development goals. As your Isle of Wight Councillor, I can be contacted at any time, and I will always respond to messages. My contact details are above or you can speak to me at one of my regular surgeries, the next couple of which take place as follows: Brading Community Centre, April 19th and May 17th at 10am St Helens Pavilion April 5th and May 3rd at 10am
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Admire Your Floor Some parts of your house get more use than others and probably the most used area in any house or business is the floor. They certainly take a battering and can often show signs of wear and tear especially tiled, stone and vinyl floors. Everyday life has an effect of these surfaces and even if you have a good cleaning routine the natural sparkle and shine is often hard to bring back over time. This is when you need to call in the professional and, in this case, Admire Your Floor… They are a family run business on the Island with over 15 years’ experience in domestic and commercial areas. They specialise is deep cleaning, restoration and polishing and can redress vinyl flooring such as Amtico and Karndean. They work wonders on the tile and grout on tiled and stone floors. They are so good at what they do they promise that your floor will be so clean you will be able to eat your dinner off it!!!
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An additional service they offer is deep cleaning worktops and vanity units. Basically, Admire Your Floor, will bring the shine back into any of your home of business surfaces. For more information see their main advert, check out their website www.admireyourfloor.com or call them on 01983 493893 or 07786 927819 11
News Report from Cllr Joe Robertson - Bembridge joe.robertson@iow.gov.uk
During the last month, the Isle of Wight Council approved a budget for 2022/23. I was pleased to have been able to put forward a set of budget proposals to amend what the Alliance administration were putting forward. Those amendments were accepted in full with some cross-party support. The amendments mean there will be money in the budget for commissioning an Islandwide report into the viability of Council owned brownfield land for redevelopment. I want to shift the focus on to brownfield development in order to protect green spaces in rural areas from speculative development. There will be money for planting trees and hedgerows on Council land unsuitable for building, which will help deliver carbon net zero and mitigate the effects of flood water run-off.
robust discussion and some good questions put to both Southern Water and Island Roads by members of the public. We were able to deal with general Island wide themes as well as detailed problems in specific locations in Bembridge. I followed up with residents after the meeting and have facilitated direct contact between Island Roads and Southern Water. I look forward to arranging a follow up public meeting in a few months’ time.
When the S19 Flood Investigation report is published in the next few weeks I will be going through it carefully with the Parish Council and approaching the Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance for funding to carry out the recommendations. He has approved this principle by allocating money for Binstead which also flooded badly, so I The proposals I put forward will also look forward to dealing with the underlying mean the Council has a £40 million problems for Bembridge. It should present borrowing facility to build affordable rental another opportunity to engage with accommodation for Islanders who need it Island Roads, Southern Water and the most. It is up to the Council’s cabinet to Environment Agency with more meaningful spend this money and I will be urging them to evidence in front of us. bring forward brownfield land in and around the Island’s larger urban centres where there Looking further afield I have received a is the infrastructure to support it. House number of offers of support for the Ukraine prices, including private rent, have risen so crisis including residents who are happy sharply during Covid the need for affordable to accommodate refugees. The Council housing is more acute than ever. currently has no formal role in organising accommodation for refugees within My other proposals which were adopted will people’s homes which is being dealt with see £500,000 in the next year for restoring centrally by the Government. For the time footpaths and bridleways, and where possible, being “sponsors” who are willing to house extending them. Access to beaches can refugees will need to register to provide benefit from this money too. for named individuals. There will be an optional “thank you” payment of £350. In February I was pleased to host a flood The best advice is for people to visit the group meeting in the Village Hall. Southern Government website which will contain up Water attended in person and Island Roads to date information: www.gov.uk/homesrepresentatives were on screen. There was a for-ukraine
For months we have been warned that energy prices are going to increase dramatically on the 1st April and although we are moving towards the warmer months, meaning the heating will be turned off there are still many ways in which we can make little changes around the house to save a few pounds here and there. We must also take into account that inflation seems to be everywhere except on our wages, so hopefully we can continue to bring you some money saving tips each month.
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1. Do full laundry loads - Half-load settings save very little energy, so a full load is much more energy efficient. Do fewer (but fuller) – wash loads instead and with the warmer weather heading our way put the washing outside on the line or on airers and say goodbye to the energy guzzling tumble dryer. Go one step further… with today’s effective washing machine detergents, there’s often no need to run your washing machine any higher than 30°C – clean clothes, energy saved, job done! 2. Use the eco setting - On your dishwasher or boiler, the eco setting heats water more slowly, using less energy. You get the same results; it just takes a little longer. 3. Don’t use standby mode - Unless switched off at the wall, appliances like your TV continue to use energy. The same goes for the kettle, coffee maker, and food processors which are all easy to unplug. The digital clock on your microwave is using energy. 4. Careful with that kettle - When making tea or coffee, most of us fill the kettle right up. By filling your kettle just to the level you need, it could save you up to a third of the energy you have been using. 5. Switch to LED bulbs - Traditional bulbs are extremely inefficient. Modern LEDs are the opposite, and also last longer so are less wasteful too. 6. Use your microwave more - You’ll save energy because it’s quicker than using the oven or stove. It’s worth considering a slow cooker too, as they’re one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances. 7. Unplug all your chargers - Across the country, people are unnecessarily overcharging their mobile phones, MP3 players, and laptops. Instead, as soon as your device is fully charged, try to get into the habit of unplugging it. Not only will this save energy, but it also prolongs battery life. 13
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Every Wednesday – Mountbatten Community Choir is meeting again at the hospice from 6pm – 7.45pm for a weekly uplifting sing. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. No need to be able to read music and no previous experience necessary. For more information contact Fraser Simpson (choir director) on 07834 322316 or email fraser.simpson@mountbatten.org.uk
Monday 4th April – Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. A talk by Kier Foss “Newtown Stories”. Doors open 2pm and talk starts 2.15pm and lasts for 45 minutes. Everyone welcome. Admission for members £1, non-members £2. Parking on site available. For more information go to www.isle-of-wight-fhs.co.uk
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April – Isle of Wight Speed Trials – Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint at Culver Parade, Sandown from 9am – 5.30pm. Solent, a local events and marketing company has teamed up with the Isle of Wight Car Club. This car sprint will be one of the first speed events run on closed public roads in England under the new UK regulations. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Bembridge Down and Culver Cliff in Sandown, spectators will be able to view the track along Culver Parade from an elevated spectator viewing area. There are a 100 cars entered for the Sprint. For more information and tickets go to ww.isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk
Wednesday 6th April – I love Wight and Caffe Isola, Newport are raising money for Ukraine with a quality pre-loved clothing sale from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Cocktails, coffee and cake. Donations on the door in aid of the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Saturday 2nd April – Coffee Morning at Vectis Radio, The Riverside Centre, Newport from 10am – midday. Meet some of the presenters and other listeners. Find out more about volunteering. All visitors must have a negative lateral flow test before entering the studio and if you are not drinking or eating please wear a face mask. Tea, coffee, biscuits and homemade cake available for a small donation. Saturday 2nd April - Easter Fun & Craft Market at Ryde Masonic Lodge, John Street, Ryde from 10am – 4pm. Craft fun for kids and families, craft stalls and much more. 14
Saturday 9th April – Brading Town Spring Litter Pick. Meet at the Brading Centre at 10am. All equipment will be provided along with refreshments. Everyone welcome. Saturday 16th April – Easter Egg Hunt at Brading Roman Villa from 11.30am – 3.30pm. Egg hunt £3 a child. Lots to see and do. Tombola, free balloon models, bonnet and egg competition, face painting, huxley magic, stalls, vintage rides and much more. Proceeds in aid of Daisy Chains IW. Sunday 17th April – Easter Antics at Seaview Yacht Clubm, Esplanade, Seaview from 2.30pm. Crazy egg throwing will take place on the Yacht Club Deck. Entry is £2 with £1 going to the Food Bank. Alongside will be the creative Easter Bonnet Parade .... all ages are welcome. Lovely prizes, a raffle and fun for all the family. Wednesday 20th April – Craft Market at Bembridge Village Hall. Variety of stalls and free entry. 9.15am – 12.15pm
All event information was correct at time of print but could be subject to change at any time.
Out with the old…
WENDY DEBENHAM Soft Furnishings curtains- pelmets - blinds With Spring now upon us the weather should loose covers - cushions and start getting warmer and it’s time to start all types of home furnishings. thinking about spring cleaning and declutterMade to order measuring ing. I’m by no means a fanatic but I do like service & free quotes this time of year when I can have a good clear out and a good purge. A tidy house is a tidy mind… or so they say.
call 07870 915 824 or 401411 email: wendydebenham@gmail.com
Come and see us at our showroom in Brading for all your soft furnishing needs.
I like changing over my winter clothes for some spring/summer outfits. The main point to remember is when packing away the winter clothes if you haven’t worn it this season then put it in the donate pile, there is no point in keeping it and when lovingly unfolding the spring outfits, if it doesn’t feel like catching up with an old friend again it’s got to go and if you are hanging on to an item in the hope that you will lose weight let me give you one piece of advice… get rid of it… you’re never going to lose that weight. It’s harsh but fair!! Remember to keep a couple of jumpers and cardigans out as some days and evenings are still a bit chilly. Sorting out the wardrobe and shoes is no simple task and will probably take twice as long as you expect it to take but it will be worth it.
The next area I work on is the kitchen cupboards, again you must be harsh but fair here. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have to remove the contents of a cupboard just to get to the pile of mixing bowls at the back. Get everything out on the counter and make a decision. Do you need it? Have you used it recently? Would your life fall apart if it was gone? For instance, how many frying pans, saucepans, baking trays and mixing bowls do you really need. Have you got utensils at the back of the cupboard you have never used? Once the clutter is gone you will feel much better… although you might regret it for a day or two, but life goes on. I love sorting the food cupboard and stacking the tins and cartons in order, so I know what I have of everything at a quick glance. I bet you could easily live off the contents of your pantry for a few weeks. If you are anything like me, every time you do a supermarket shop you buy a tin of tomatoes, baked beans, soup, pasta sauce and other staples that just get added to the cupboard. The next time you go shopping you will know exactly what you have and haven’t got. Although it seems boring, decluttering is very therapeutic. Don’t just stop at these, you probably have the contents of an airing cupboard or underbed storage that could do with some TLC and don’t get me started on the shed and garage. Remember it doesn’t all have to be done in a day or weekend. Do one job at a time and feel good for doing it. Happy decluttering and remember to sell, give away, donate, upcycle, or throw away. 15
Holiday homes from one bedroom to six, some with sea views and some with a pool, others in the towns and villages for a great holiday on the island.
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