Your Local Community Magazine
December 2020
Bembridge & St Helens Area
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Merry Christmas
Deacon’s Nursery INES TAR NEC ES CH PEA ES RI ER CH
What Deacon’s Nursery don’t know about fruit trees... just isn’t worth knowing. Having been established on the Island for 44 years, since 1976, owner Grahame Deacon has grown the family business to be one of the largest mail order fruit tree nurseries in the UK and in Europe.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS APRICOTS M ED L AR RA S SPB ERR ST RA WB I E S ER RIE S
Home Grown and Open for Business
PLU
MS
PEA
RS
APPLES FAMILY TREES GRAPES NUTS
S RIE ER KB S C ANT A URR BL CKC BLA IES R R E ANB LOG BERRIES GOOSE
HYBRID BERRIES
MULBERRIES HOPS
National Fruit Tree Specialists Grahame wants to let islanders know that Deacon’s 20% off Apple Trees Nursery, located in Moor View in Godshill is open for business and he can personally assist everyone with what Moor View•Godshill•PO38 3HW they require.
Pop in or call us for a catalogue & price list
They have hundreds of varieties of trees on offer; apples, Tel 01983 840750 / 522243 pears, peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry to name just a Fax: 01983 523575 few… Deacon’s Nursery is your one stop shop. Although it might seem an unusual gift for Christmas, and let’s be honest it’s been an unusual year… a fruit tree is the gift that keeps giving year after year and if you have that one person who is difficult to buy for then this could be the answer!!! You can call into the nursery in Moor View, Godshill, PO38 3HW to pick up a catalogue and price list or if you prefer call 840750 or 522243 and leave a message with your name and address and Grahame will post them to you. Please see the main advert for further information.
Professional, personal & caring service Private Chapel of Rest Pre-paid funeral plans Call Richard or Caroline day or night on 872598
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing)
• Domestic & Commercial • Competitive Rates • All Island Coverage
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Call: 01983 754666 for a quote or email: info@westwightaudio.co.uk www.westwightaudio.co.uk
Weaver Brothers Ltd Weavers Yard, Lane End Road, Bembridge, IW, PO35 5UE email: info@weaverbros.co.uk www.weaverbros.co.uk
Telephone: (01983) 872598
Welcome to the December issue. Christmas is just around the corner and we are fast approaching the end of one year and moving steadily into the next. This year has been a year with a difference, which I don’t think any of us saw coming, even Mystic Meg didn’t see this in her crystal ball! It’s been a challenging year for us all and one way or another Covid-19 has had an impact on our lives, but we must remain positive. On a cheerier note and as I have already mentioned Christmas is imminent and I hope it’s going to be a magical time for everyone. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces you can find information on page 11 for your little ones to send a letter and get a reply from Santa. Inside you will also find our puzzle section which will keep you busy and you can find details on page 4 on how to subscribe to both digital and printed copies of Island Magazines, should you not be able to get out and pick up a copy. We have some great advertisers offering their services and wares and now even more than ever they need your support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all readers, advertisers, contributors and Councillors/parish councils for their continued support and I look forward to continuing to deliver ‘your local community magazine’ throughout 2021. Lastly, I hope you enjoy this issue and a Merry Christmas to you all. Best wishes Debbie
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
Conveyancing O Wills & Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney “You kept us fully and clearly informed throughout. You were exceptionally responsive and very proactive on our behalf. The best experience we have ever had from a lawyer when buying a property.” Mr and Mrs A.
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Tel: 01983 533938 143 High Street, Newport, IOW, PO30 1TY www.wheelers-solicitors.com
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subscribe Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines. If you can’t get out to pick up a copy from local distributors you can subscribe to either our ‘DIGITAL’ or ‘PRINTED’ edition each month.
Merry Christmas to all my customers, old and new.
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For DIGITAL subscriptions please denyerplumbingservices@hotmail.com email bembridgemagazine@gmail.com and include the “An excellent team words ‘subscribe offering an digital’ in the invaluable service” email, then sit NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk back, relax and Stress-free Islandwide “Friendly & reliable wait for the next professional yet Home Visits & issue to drop into very caring” Central Vet Surgery your email inbox. For PRINTED subscriptions Keyhole CT there will be a Surgery Scans small charge of Watergate Rd, Newport, PO30 1XP £1.20 per month 01983 212999 payable 6 months in advance. Email islandmagazines@gmail.com with your name, address and which THIS SIZE ADVERT area you would like or call us on COULD BE 07880587931. YOURS FOR JUST £13 The views and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are their own and do not reflect the views of the Editor or Island Magazines unless stated otherwise. Island Magazines reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary.
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For more info email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587931
Anyone for a Cuppa? The teabag‌ this little pocket of flavour, always there for us in a crisis and our time of need then dumped in the food waste caddy or compost heap without a second thought‌ but wait, there is still life after the first brew! Here are some great ways to reuse them: • • • • •
Protect house plants from fungal disease by re-brewing a used tea bag and using the weak tea (cooled) to water your plants. Neutralise odours naturally. Spread dried tea leaves in stinky spots like the cat litter box or in the bottom of your garbage bags. Make cleaning the fireplace safer and easier. Dump the damp contents of tea bags onto the ash to weigh it down before sweeping out the fireplace. De-grease pots and pans. Soak hard-to-clean dishes in water with a used tea bag tossed in. The tea will help loosen stuck-on food and break up grease. Add them to your bath. The antioxidants in tea are good for your skin and the gentle scent will add some aromatherapy to your soak. C L E A N I N G S E RV I C E S Make a hair rinse. Remove product Reliable Local Flexible build-up without using another product. Soak 3-4 used tea bags in warm Pre-Christmas water and pour it over your head after shampooing and conditioning as usual. Offers Available Don’t rinse. Pro tip: Chamomile brightens blondes and black tea adds a coppery shimmer to brunettes, according Professional Luxury Cleaning 10 Years Exp to Housewife How-Tos. 07582454507 Deodorise carpets. Scatter the dried info@fineanddandycleaning.co.uk contents of several teabags over your rugs before you vacuum. Revive tired eyes. Place cool tea bags over your eyes, cucumber style. The tannins in the tea leaves may reduce bags and dark circles. Clean leather shoes by buffing with a damp tea bag. Wash stinky hands - using a tea bag as you would a bar of soap to help eradicate garlic, onion, or fish odours.
Fine & Dandy
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BEMBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL Tel: 01983 874160 E: clerk@bembridgepc.org.uk
Remembrance Day 2020 As per many events this year changes were made and there was no official service around the War Memorial on Sunday 8th November. The Chairman laid the Parish Council’s Remembrance Wreath on 11th November at 11am alongside the Bembridge Scout Leaders, Peter Swallow and IW Cllr Murwill and then a cross at the Andrew Swallow Memorial, Steyne Park. Bembridge Christmas Star Competition Let’s make Bembridge Twinkle this Christmas by displaying a STAR in your window or garden. To enter the village competition, hang a handmade star in your home/business window or garden, complete a form and return to the Parish Office by 11th December and judging will take place on 17th December.
Heritage Society – Christmas cards and bookmarks Holy Trinity Church – Christmas face masks Office open Monday to Friday 9.30am12.30pm
THIS SIZE ADVERT COULD BE YOURS FOR JUST £16 For more info email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587931
Categories Family Home: 1st Prize £50 Voucher Business: 1st Prize Full Page advert in Annual Report Forms available from the Parish Office, clerk@bembridgepc.org.uk or www. bembridgepc.org.uk/community/villagepartnership Parish Office - The Parish Office is supporting local charities by selling goods on their behalf. Friendship Circle – bags and tea towels 6
Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666
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Winter Solstice With just a few weeks left before 2021 dawns, we’re not very far from the shortest day of the year – when you have the shortest amount of daylight and the longest amount of night-time – which falls just before Christmas. This day also marks the start of the Winter Solstice. Here’s what you need to know…
This year the shortest day of the year – in the northern hemisphere that is – will be on Monday 21st December. The day occurs when the Earth’s axis rotates leaving the North Pole at its furthest possible tilt from the sun – resulting in the reduced hours of daylight. While it marks the start of the astronomical winter in this part of the world, the southern hemisphere will get to experience summer, with longer days and shorter nights. The shortest day will see us getting just seven hours, 49 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight in London – although this will vary depending on where you are in the country (only by a matter of minutes though!) However, it’s not all bad news – as the days do start getting a little longer and the nights a little shorter from then on, not that you will notice much difference for a good few months. The astronomical winter lasts until the Spring Equinox, which next year will be on Saturday 20th March 2021
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News Report from Cllr Michael Murwill - Member for Brading, St Helens and Bembridge. T: 07754 463040 E: michael.murwill@iow.gov.uk Councillor Michael Murwill @cllrmurwill As the winter evenings draw in, I hope you are all keeping safe and warm. At the time of writing, the country is in a second lockdown, remember, if you need help, please telephone the IWC Coronavirus helpline 01983 823 600 or, for the latest advice, please visit the IWC Coronavirus website: www.iow.gov. uk/news/Council-ramps-up-remindersfor-Covid-19 Island residents can access mental health support and advice online at www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk Covid-19 support continues to be available and grants have been reintroduced to businesses and the self-employed. If this applies to you, find out what support you may be eligible to via this link; www.iow.gov.uk/ covid19_businessadvice Prior to the lockdown I was very pleased to attend the socially distanced opening of the new Bembridge Heritage Visitor Centre located in Weavers Yard, Lane End, Bembridge (behind the shops), with the High Sheriff, Caroline Peel (pictured). Entry is free to all visitors (although donations are gratefully welcome).
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The Bembridge Heritage Society that runs the centre was formed in 1996 with the goal of recording the history and heritage of Bembridge and its surrounding areas. The centre does not only have information about the village, but the wider industrial and archaeological interest within the Parish such as Bembridge Fort (which has an impressive model made by one of the Society members). For more information and to join as a member please visit www. bembridgeheritage.org.uk Although Remembrance Day this year was not in its usual form; I proudly laid a wreath at the Bembridge war memorial on behalf of myself and the Isle of Wight Council. Despite the lockdown situation, I am keeping busy continuing to deal with many council matters on behalf of the ward. At the time of writing I have been seeking resolution on behalf of residents following a letter issued to a number of addresses within the ward regarding waste collections on unadopted roads. Whilst the Council sees this work as a continued over the page
News Report from Cllr Michael Murwill
necessity, the timing of this for residents during a pandemic, lockdown and just before Christmas, is questionable, to say the least. I refused to accept the response of “no time is a good time for this” by the responsible Cabinet member and an extension to the timescales has now been agreed by the Council.
8th December 16:00 Planning Committee
I am always available to assist with residents’ matters so please do not hesitate to contact me.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and hoping that 2021 brings a better year for us all.
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us and one major change has not received the amount of press exposure that it should have. Brexit takes place on 1st January 2021 and will bring new rules for businesses and citizens from 1 January 2021. For further information visit www. gov.uk/transition
9th December 10:00 Isle of Wight Pension Board 16th December 16:00 Harbour Committee
Meetings To ensure safety, meetings continue to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Agendas for forthcoming meetings will be available for public viewing 5 working days before the meeting. December IWC dates for your diary: 3rd December 17:00 Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services, Education and Skills 7th December 17:00 Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Health and Social Care
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During the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to get warm and stay warm without turning up the thermostat and in turn incurring a high utility bill. Here are 7 simple and cost-effective ways to stay warm. 1. Dress in layers – it sounds simple, but it really is effective. Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove layers as needed. Keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. If need be, wear 2 pairs of socks. 2. Use the oven - the oven generates heat in your kitchen when you are cooking and you can use the heat afterwards to heat the home by leaving the oven door open. Be careful if you have children or pets; make sure they can’t reach the hot oven door or get inside. 3. Microwaveable heating pads – heating pads are fairly inexpensive and they can make a huge difference if you’re cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you’re sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100% cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments. 4. Clear heat vents and radiators - It’s recommended to have your heating system inspected annually, ideally before the cold weather arrives and you’ll be relying on it to heat your home. It’s also important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents and radiators. If they’re blocked, the heat won’t be able to circulate. 5. Don’t run the bathroom fan after showering - because humidity can make a space feel warmer, skip using the bathroom fan when you shower. Leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. However, if mould tends to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity, you might want to consider using the fan at least for a few minutes. 6. Spend more time upstairs - hot air rises. So, if you have multiple levels to your home, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there. You could even move your home office or TV from downstairs to upstairs over the colder months to have a cosier setting. 7. Do something active - movement generates body heat. There are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn’t become so cold and stiff that you don’t feel like being active. 10
Call 01983 216121 or 07590 277298
Letters to Santa Christmas is coming and Royal Mail are working extra hard delivering letters to Father Christmas at his Grotto while he prepares for the big day. Father Christmas promises that, between wrapping presents and keeping an eye on the elves, he will reply to everyone who writes in as long as you include your full name and address in your letter and post it by the deadline of Friday 11th December.
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Please send your letters to: Santa/Father Christmas Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ Remember to:• Write Santa’s address carefully on the envelope • Put a stamp on the envelope • Include your full name and address in your letter
Santa has also been in contact and has sent this message.
Dear boys and girls, Christmas is a very exciting but busy time for me. The elves are making toys and the reindeer are practising their sleigh runs. I’m busy preparing my list of who’s been good this year. I will be getting my sleigh ready for the long journey on Christmas Eve and in between I will reply to as many of you as possible. I’m looking forward to delivering your presents on Christmas Eve. Make sure you remember my mince pie and Rudolph’s carrot! 11
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St Helens Parish Council
Phone: 07563 130185 | E-mail: clerk@sthelensiw.org.uk St Helens Parish Council continue to thank businesses and residents for their ongoing observance of the current Covid19 guidance, and for the support of the community for the helpline service provided via the Isle of Wight Council Hub (phone 823600), and Community Action website. The Parish Council are also in discussions to support a couple of local Covid-19 related projects, supporting local vulnerable people and families – working with the local primary school and other agencies. Thanks also to all involved within the local school, for the efforts of all students to mark Remembrance and Armistice Days in November – working with the Church, we were able to lay wreaths at the memorial, which was 100 years old this year, and students made special commemorative poppies, as well as planting poppies in the school grounds. The Island’s High Sheriff, Mrs Caroline Peel, together with a piper Stuart Kent, and Parish Chairman John Coleman, were able to lay wreaths at the Lych Gate and at the Priory Memorial prior to the lockdown. The Parish have also supported discussions with the Church, to help with some minor work in the Church grounds – this is still in the early stage and will develop over the coming months. Work on the Heritage Trail is continuing, with links to the Parish website – there has been changes to the website and, although 14
very time consuming, it is hoped the site will be more accessible and able to reflect the activities of the Council more immediately. This includes recent submissions regarding Planning applications, especially Guildford Parks’ referral to the Planning Inspector, and our contribution to recent consultations on proposals to increase house building numbers on the Island. The Parish have undertaken repairs to the Duver Toilets, prior to the planned Winter closure of all but accessible toilets, and funding is in place to prepare the amenity in advance of the Easter holiday in 2021. Plans are also being developed for the Church Green, following the ‘loss’ of the information plaque on the Old Church wall – hopefully, this will link to the heritage trail and historic project (delayed by the Covid-19 guidance). Hopefully, you will see the Parish Councils Christmas Tree on the Village Green which we hope will generate some festive spirit during these difficult times. Thank you again, have as good a Christmas and New Year as you can, and take care and stay safe. St Helens Parish Council
Could you help respond to emergencies in your local area? In 2020 the British Red Cross turns 150. It is thanks to all our supporters and volunteers that we have been able to help people during emergencies since 1870. Our volunteers have been providing emotional and practical support to those affected during emergencies such as Aberfan, the London 7/7 bombings and more recently the Manchester Arena bombings and Grenfell fire. The Red Cross doesn’t only respond to large-scale emergencies, we respond to an emergency on average every four hours ranging from house fires and floods to power cuts and water shortages. Help us continue our story by applying to volunteer with us today. What would I be doing? You will be helping people prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Every individual affected by an emergency will need different support from us to help them recover, below are some examples of what you might support with:
Looking to sell your car? All makes & models wanted Call Kevin on 07545 560916 (leave a message and he will call you back)
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South Coast Tree Surgeons Garden Maintenance
• Maintenance & pruning of shrubs • Cultivation & cleaning of borders • Grass & Hedge cutting • Plants, shrubs & trees supplied & planted
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