May 2020
Bembridge & St Helens Area
FREE
Your Local Community Magazine
G. I. V. E by Holly Maslen
I am based on the Isle of Wight and, on the 28th of March this year, I set up a group on Facebook (for easy accessibility) called Green Island Veg Economy Group, or G.I.V.E for short. The concept is very simple; If you have surplus fruit or veg, which you have grown yourself, then place it on a table outside your house on your Linda Stone has set up her free collect driveway for others to take for free. Having and swap station in Gunville started this group in the Spring there have been lots of seeds and seedlings shared between people living on the Island. In just three weeks G.I.V.E already has over 2000 members, and many people have put seeds and seedlings out for others to use. Being an island, the environment is selfcontained, and I would love for it to become largely self-sufficient too. I have a dream of baskets and boxes of fresh produce on every street around the Island, so that food is available for everyone at no cost. So far, the response has been overwhelming and it has become more than an idea or a dream, it is becoming a reality. My background is in art and, after setting up and running Art Galleries from disused and abandoned buildings here on the Island, I found the art world to be less than satisfying, so in 2018/19 I undertook a large project to combine art with something more meaningful. I collected plastic rubbish from the beaches around the Island, culminating in an exhibition (called Pick Up The Pieces) which displayed my findings, along with documentation on what I had found. G.I.V.E is a follow on from my background in art and wanting to work more closely with the environment in the sense that the idea of beautiful stalls dotted around the Island would not only be visually appealing, but also good for the environment by reducing plastic waste. I am hoping that people will enjoy the concept of G.I.V.E so much that when we all return to work, and food is (possibly) more readily available, everyone will already have directly experienced the benefit of such a system and will work hard to maintain it. Everyone is welcome to join the group. Green Island Veg Economy The Isle of Wight was awarded a UNESCO Biosphere Award in 2019, and I can only see that this will add to the Island’s status as a special environment on the World Map.
Welcome to the May issue. Since the last issue everything has changed with our way of life and in a way that is new to us all. Government Guidelines came into force and isolation, social distancing and staying home has become the new normal. A BIG thank you to the nurses, carers, drivers, shop assistants, posties, refuse collectors, police and many more keyworkers who are out there every day working selflessly for the good of others. Communities have come together, setting up systems where those in isolation, the elderly and the most vulnerable are a top priority, where they are collecting food, prescriptions, providing hot meals and so much more to make their daily life that bit easier. There are many instances where individuals and groups are going above and beyond to help others.
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
Online groups have formed bringing strangers together (safe distancing at all times) whilst sharing knowledge and enjoying a new hobby. Following Government Guidelines this issue is online only but we hope it won’t be long before we are back to full print and you will be able to pick up a copy from local businesses. Inside this issue you will find local news from Councillors, a bumper puzzle section, some great articles and information and of course our advertisers who once ‘lockdown’ is over will need your help in using their services so their businesses can once again get back on track. I look forward to catching up with you next month, until then please stay safe.
Debbie
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BEMBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL 5 Foreland Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5XN Tel: 01983 874160
Email: clerk@bembridgepc.org.uk
At this difficult time the Parish Office is still open between 9.30am and 12.30pm every morning or can be contacted on 01983 874160. The Lengthsmen are working individually making sure grounds maintenance is kept tidy, especially the Park, Cemetery and War Memorial Gardens. Reluctantly all projects and events have been put on hold for the time being, but as soon as lock down restrictions have been lifted, they will start again. We have postponed the Dragons Den Event and hopefully this will take place in the Autumn along with the Community Awards. The Street Fair has also been postponed and a new date will be agreed in May. There are numerous ‘Scams’ doing the rounds, information is available on our website www.bembridgepc.org.uk . If you are not sure about a document, please check it out before supplying any personal details. Some useful telephone numbers: Holy Trinity Church Support Line 07724 401 443 ‘Hello’ help slips are available from the Parish Office Isle of Wight Council Helpline for Vulnerable Islanders 01983 823600 9am to 5pm 7 days Lots of information on their website https://www.iow.gov.uk/ Amey Waste
01983 823777
Stay at home, stay safe and help the NHS Jacqui McDade & Mark Pink Parish Clerks to Bembridge Parish Council
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Isle of Wight
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Watch the Birdie - Front Cover Star This month’s front cover picture is all thanks to Maria Yule who has a love for photography, and she likes nothing more than to be in her garden in Carisbrooke taking pictures of the many species of birds that visit. This little blue tit is a regular visitor to Maria’s garden along with many other common garden birds. Her garden is filled with trees, flowers and bushes that attract all kinds of wildlife including butterflies and squirrels and she even gets to see birds of prey as they are flying overhead.
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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Maria shares her wonderful photos across various Facebook groups and like me we never get bored of seeing them. If Maria must venture away from her garden, then you will probably see her down the beach taking photos of magnificent landscapes here on the Island. Sometimes she does take a break from photography and likes to spend time collecting fossils on the beach, but even then, she will have her camera with her, just in case. 5
Support for Island Businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Samantha Smitheram of SFS Accounting Ltd Tel: 01983 653145 There are various schemes to support businesses during this time. I have compiled a list of the main options and a short summary of each. • Business rates - There will be a one-year business rates holiday for all businesses in England in the retail, hospitality & leisure sector. Changes will apply automatically. • £25,000 cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure - Businesses must have a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Local authorities will write to businesses that meet the criteria. • £10,000 grant for the smallest businesses - Any businesses currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR) or Rural Rate Relief will qualify. Apply for the emergency funding direct from Isle of Wight Council. • Self-employed Income Support - The Government is to pay self-employed people across the UK a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profit. This will be calculated from up to three years of tax filings (if available), and be capped at £2,500 per month. HMRC will contact eligible taxpayers and tell them how to apply. This will not be available until June 2020. • Tax and VAT bills delayed - Payment of key taxes will be automatically deferred to provide businesses with a further potential source of working capital. You may need to cancel direct debit instructions with your bank if direct debits have been set up to pay taxes. • HMRC Time to Pay service - Struggling businesses and self-employed people can ask HMRC for more time to settle tax bills. Decisions will be made case by case. Call the HMRC dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559. • Hardship fund - A £500 million hardship fund is to be made available through local authorities.
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - Individual businesses will be able to apply for loans up to a maximum of £5 million. The Government will pay the interest for 12 months and will guarantee 80% of the loan. Any company with a turnover of up to £45 million can apply. • Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – The Government will cover 80% of the salaries of workers who remain on payroll but are temporarily not working during the coronavirus outbreak, up to a total of £2,500 a month. Employers will submit claims via an online portal. • Statutory sick pay - Any business with fewer than 250 employees will have the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay (per employee) refunded by the government in full. It will also apply from day one rather than the usual day four of illness — even if individuals have no symptoms. • Universal Credit - Self-employed workers can claim income support if they need to self-isolate. • Pay it Forward Crowdfunder and match-funding by Solent LEP - If you are a micro or small business you could access to up to £2,000 in match funding through the Solent LEP’s Crowdfunder’s Pay it Forward scheme. • New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business - businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days. Loans will be interest free for the first 12 months, and businesses can apply online through a short and simple form. For further information: www.gov.uk/government/collections/ financial-support-for-businesses-duringcoronavirus-covid-19 and solentlep.org.uk/crowdfundingprogramme-pay-it-forward
The Mobile Vets would like to say a very big thank you to all their clients for their understanding during these unprecedented times while they adjusted their services, sometimes on a daily basis. They really appreciate your support as they endeavour to look after your pets and abide by the restrictions setup by the government to help protect the NHS and save Lives. Their reception team are working harder than ever providing their usual efficient service. Their team of dedicated vets and nurses are working together to continue to provide consultations and home visits for essential care, as well as medications, food and out of hours emergency cover to registered clients. Working within the current pandemic restrictions, they are now offering telephone and video consultations and can deliver medication, parasite treatments and food right to your front door. Being mobile just happens to be what they do best! Both the BVA (British Veterinary Association) and RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) have advised vaccinations and neutering can be carried out - where there is a significant benefit to animal welfare over the next 2 months. Therefore, they will be selectively carrying out vaccinations and neutering. Please give them a call to discuss your concerns and they will guide you as to the best course of action. Please bear in mind they will only be carrying out vaccination and neutering after an assessment of risk to both animal/human health and welfare and restrictions under strict social distancing. They are asking all owners to respect their professional judgement and be patient during these unprecedented times. Preventative healthcare is more important than ever so should still be given regularly. Orders can be taken over the phone and delivered direct to your home. Whilst routine procedures have been temporarily postponed, their vets remain committed to providing their usual 24/7 out of hours emergency service for registered clients. Clients can still call: 01983 212999 for emergency assistance.
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They are constantly 01983 212999 Watergate Rd, Newport, PO30 1XP reviewing the latest BVA guidelines and are dedicated to providing as full a service as possible in these difficult times. If you have any further queries, please do call: 01983 212999.
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Grab a drink, nibbles, get comfortable & join in the fun live on our Facebook page @TheOldVillageInn
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South Coast Tree Surgeons Garden Maintenance
Professional, personal & caring service Private Chapel of Rest Pre-paid funeral plans Call Richard or Caroline day or night on 872598 Weaver Brothers Ltd Weavers Yard, Lane End Road, Bembridge, IW, PO35 5UE email: info@weaverbros.co.uk www.weaverbros.co.uk
Telephone: (01983) 872598
• Maintenance & pruning of shrubs • Cultivation & cleaning of borders • Grass & Hedge cutting • Plants, shrubs & trees supplied & planted
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To receive a digital copy of Island Magazines each month simply send an email saying ‘subscribe’ to bembridgemagazine@gmail.com then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox. 9
News Report from Cllr Michael Murwill - Member for Brading, St Helens and Bembridge. T: 07754 463040 E: michael.murwill@iow.gov.uk Firstly, and most importantly I hope that you and your family are safe and healthy. Last months news report was written before the impact and restrictions of the Coronavirus were fully known and how things have changed in such a short time; we are all now living in a much different manner. This pandemic has been the largest challenge for the world, since the Second World War. It is a time to put political allegiances to one side and concentrate on what is best for the whole of the Island (and further). Key to this is the need to maintain our social distancing, be mindful of others and look after our neighbours, friends and strangers. Despite the lockdown, where possible, Council matters still continue and I have been busy every day answering ward residents’ questions and queries regarding the Coronavirus and other matters. If you do have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me direct. After the Prime Minister’s statement on 23rd March 2020, local communities throughout the Island came together to help those who are vulnerable. Over the last few weeks I have seen a community spirit that has not been seen for many years certainly within Bembridge, local businesses have worked together by providing home food delivery for those who needed it and there was tremendous support through Holy 10
Trinity Church and by village volunteers to operate a helpline. Such initiatives indicate that we are now all looking at our lives in a different way and going forward, both our social and business lives, will undoubtedly change. These changes can allow the opportunities for how day to day life can be improved. I hope that community groups continue to grow and be well supported in the future. We have a tremendous group of heroes who are used to defending us from daily challenges: this list has certainly increased during the lockdown period and even the most experienced in their field are being tested. We must continue to show our gratitude by keeping safe and adhering to the Government guidance. The island’s domestic violence and abuse support provider has seen a 20% rise in calls during the coronavirus crisis. The Government has launched a public awareness campaign #YouAreNotAlone aims to reassure that, despite the Covid19 lockdown, help is still available for anyone in this situation. For more information on the Island’s domestic abuse support services visit www.iwight.com/domesticabuse For those who need help, please telephone the Council Coronavirus helpline 01983 823 600 available between 09:00 – 17:00, 7 days a week Tel: 07754 463 040 continued over the page
News Report from Cllr Michael Murwill Dates for meetings in May – At the current time meetings are not taking place. Please contact me for any further information or go to the Isle of Wight Council Coronavirus website, which also outlines the Government current restrictions: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/ OtherServices/Public-HealthCoronavirus-COVID-19/Advice1 I hope it won’t be too long before I see you, but in the meantime keep safe.
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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. 11
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Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty square so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats.
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8 2 3 1
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Build A List How many words of four letters or more can you list. You must use the centre letter in the box in each word and each letter only once.
F T M A N I R N O F O O T
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A list of 39 is brilliant, 34 excellent and 26 good. You will find one nine letter word. Last months answer:- Build a list nine letter word : Exporting
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Wordsearch - ‘Bugs & Insects’
G N V B R J R O G I R H 14
R W P U H U W T J R S R
A A Q M L O V B Z X S T
S U L B C Y A V O B I S
S B D L R B T U C Y X C
H E W E I H L S L L P C
O B B B C P U F T F X Z
P M E E K J R M A N M L
P N O E E E G E N O O P
E D R S T V C I T G A P
R C A T Q L Z H W A S P
L B U K I U E U I R C S
L B L O D R I B Y D A L
T G V B H M V T F R W E
W Y Z Z O Z V M O K H U
ANT BEETLE BUMBLEBEE BUTTERFLY CATERPILLAR CRICKET DRAGONFLY EARWIG FLY GRASSHOPPER LADYBIRD MOSQUITO MOTH WASP
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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 AWE BAD DUE EMU EYE PUT RAY RED SEA TOO YOU
4 LETTERS LOAD LOUD OVAL RIPE SAME STAR YOUR
5 LETTERS ARGUE AVAIL CLASS EVERY GLOOM IRONY LYRIC RUSTY YIELD
6 LETTERS COARSE CREDIT DAHLIA ENTERS GUESTS
7 LETTERS ASSUMED SUMMARY TREASON
8 LETTERS RHYTHMIC SYMPATHY
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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.
Bembridge, St Helens, Seaview, Shanklin, Sandown, Cowes and Totland Bay Call us on 01983 873163 or visit our website; wightcoastholidays.com or visit us at our Bembridge office on the corner of High Street and Foreland Road, opposite the Mulberry B&B.