Island Magazines December 2022 Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

Welcome to the Christmas/December issue and here we are heading straight into the festive season, which I must admit feels like it has snuck up on me when I wasn’t looking. Do you feel the same?

This year there are lots of Christmas events happening in the lead up to the big day and some even after, such as the Boxing Day swims. I’ve never known so many Christmas Fayres and events to take place across the Island and this is great to see after the last couple of years. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section is on pages 10 and 11. For even more events visit our website www.islandmagazines.co.uk and go to the events tab. On page 8 you will find details about Santa Sleigh and the date he will be visiting this area. At the time of going to print the final routes and times hadn’t been finalised but as soon as they become available I will update the events page on our website.

This year I will be baking some Christmas cookies and savoury snacks for both myself and to give as gifts and you can find the recipes on Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature on page 19. These are the basic recipes to get you going and you can easily add different toppings, herbs, spices and flavours.

In this month’s issue you will find a great variety of local businesses advertising their services and their support through advertising keeps this community magazine going, so please use their services and let them know you saw their advert here.

I’ve had a wonderful year catching up with you every month and I want to thank you for taking the time to read this community magazine and I hope to catch up with you again in 2023... but until then I hope you have a Happy Christmas, however you are celebrating and please look out for those on their own and any elderly neighbours.

Best wishes to you all.

Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines.

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For DIGITAL subscriptions please email cowesmagazine@gmail. com and include the words ‘subscribe digital’ in the email, then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox.

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Report from

Cllr Richard Quigley - Cowes North

Email: richard.quigley@iow.gov.uk

Despite the wet weather, some of us experienced a loss of water for about 8 hours. Southern Water has a priority register for people that may be vulnerable when water is cut off. Please register at www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/ join-our-priority-services-register

Sub-standard rental properties continue to be an issue. With the support of Cllr Peacey-Wilcox and Cllr Stephens, we have a plan to start the private tenant’s forum. We are also looking at ways of counteracting the negative aspect Airbnb has had on availability and rental prices. However, this requires government action.

Along with Paul Fuller, I am asked by residents what can be done over the sewage outflows. Gurnard beach had more than anywhere else in the country last year.

Road signage – some of the signage in Cowes is confusing or not explicit enough, I have brought this up with IR again

And again, I have had too many residents approach me with concerns over “heating or eating”. I have qualified as a citizen’s advice first aider and urge us all to point people in their direction. www. citizensadviceiw.org. uk 08001448848

Residents of Castle Road continue (quite rightly) to highlight the state of the land on Market Hill and the proposed development for the land. I am assisting as best I can, but happy to take any offers of further assistance.

Please remember that the Footprint Trust offers practical help and action on how to stay warm without it costing a fortune. www.footprint-trust.co.uk

Christmas Pudding

Is Christmas Pudding like marmite? Do you either love it or hate it? I remember always having this at Christmas as a child and I never enjoyed it and they say that tastes change as you get older but in my case it still the same and a big fat NO from me! But am I in the minority as it seems Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas Pudding for some. Whatever you feel about it here are some interesting pudding facts.

• Christmas pudding originated in medieval England in the 1420s.

• It is also known as plum pudding or plum duff.

• A typical Christmas pudding contains sugar, treacle, suet, raisins and spices.

• Christmas pudding traditions had a Roman Catholic influence, with puddings made with 13 ingredients, representing the 12 apostles plus Christ and was stirred from East to West to remember the Three Wise Men

• The pudding is traditionally cooked on a Sunday, 4-5 weeks before Christmas.

• It was traditionally steamed in a cloth, although pudding basins are now often used.

• Christmas pudding is often hooked on a hook to dry after steaming, until Christmas day.

• Even though the Christmas pudding is known as a ‘plum pudding’, the pudding has no plums, instead it has raisins, which in old Victorian times were called plums.

• Coins (and sometimes other trinkets) were commonly cooked in the pudding mix, and whoever was lucky enough to have a coin in their slice of pudding got to keep the coin.

dates for your diary

Thursday 1st December – Kick start your Christmas shopping with Ryde Late Night Shopping event from 4 – 8pm. Entertainment with in store competitions and offers, Christmas Light switch on and much more.

Friday 2nd December – Totland Parish Council’s Christmas Fair at Colwell Common from 1.45pm – 6pm in the big marquee. There will be lots of entertainment, magic, gifts, stalls, festive food and drinks including the switch on of the Christmas Tree Lights.

Friday 2nd December – Coffee Morning at Friends of Northwood Cemetery. Come along and join in their monthly catch up anytime between 10.30 and 12.30. This month there will be a Christmas Tombola. Hot and cold drinks and biscuits all free of charge.

Saturday 3rd December – Newport Carnival Christmas Parade starting from Church Litten from 4.30pm. Floats, bands, lanterns, Santa Claus, Young Farmers, schools and much more. Lots going on in the town during the day.

Saturday 3rd and Thursday 8th December

– Christmas Wreath Making Drop-in workshops at Gift to Nature Shop, 12 Holyrood St, Newport. Saturday from 11am - 3pm and 10.30am – 2pm on Thursday. All material provided. Pop in and make a wreath. Tuition on hand if required. Suggested donation £6 per wreath with all proceeds to Gift to Nature. Contact rachael.ardley@naturalenterprises.co.uk for more information.

Saturday 3rd December – Christmas Bazaar at Cowes Yacht Haven in aid of Mountbatten. From 10.30am – 4.30pm. Craft and trade

tables, sweets, games, music, choir and meet Father Christmas.

Saturday 3rd December – East Cowes Christmas Market from 11am – 4pm in the Red Funnel Car Park, Well Road. Free entertainment and festive stalls.

Saturday 3rd December – The Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market at Ryde Fire Station from 10am – 4.30pm. Magical Grotto, kids craft corner, inflatable snow globe, live entertainment, seasonal stalls, refreshments and the Ryde Fire’s Christmas Lights turn on at 4pm.

Thursday 8th December – Late Night Christmas Shopping in Cowes – Cowes retailers invite you to join them and enjoy an evening of shopping, food and drink from 5pm until late.

Thursday 8th December – Light up a Heart Christmas Celebration at Cowes Baptist Church, Moorgreen Road, Cowes with Wessex Heartbeat. Celebrate the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. Come along, enjoy some Christmas refreshments, including mince pies and share the evening with the community. You are welcome to dedicate a ‘Heart’, where you can write a message to a loved one which will then be hung on the Christmas Tree during the evening. This community event is free, but we do ask you to let them know if you are attending, via www.heartbeat.co.uk, as space is limited in the Church.

Friday 9th December – Outdoor Christmas Market at Hunnyhill Primary School from 5pm – 7pm.

All event information was correct at time of print but could be subject to change at any time.

dates for your diary

Saturday 10th December – Ventnor Christmas Community Day and Carols in the Park. There will be live music, a lantern parade and Carols in Ventnor Park as well as Christmas Fayres at St Catherine’s and Ventnor Baptist Churches and a Christmas Market at Ventnor Winter Gardens. Santa and his helpers will be at the grotto during the day. Fun for all the family. From 10.30am

Saturday 10th December – Roving Nativity Play organised by Wootton Bridge Parish Council – it will commence at 4pm from The Cedars, Wootton Bridge and make its way to Brannon Way, via Station Road and Mary Rose Avenue finishing at the Community Centre for Carol Singing, refreshments, charity, and craft stall from 4.30pm - 8pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday 14th December – Ryde Castle Hotel Christmas Fair from 6pm – 9pm.

Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December –Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Cowes between 10am and 4pm. Free entry and light refreshments will be available.

Friday 16th December – Ryde Merry and Bright. Join in the celebration in the town from 5 – 8pm. Lantern Parade at 5.30pm (starting Dover Street and ending in Vernon square) illuminations in the Garden at St Thomas Rest and Vernon Square. Music, entertainment and food stalls.

Saturday 17th December – Sandown Christmas Day from 10.30am – 3.30 pm. A day of Christmas fun for all the family. Lots to see and do.

Saturday 17th December – Yarmouth Late Night Shopping, Santa Grotto and Carols in the Square. The grotto is open 12 until 6pm in The Bugle, Carols in the Square with the Salvation Army starts at 6pm and late-night opening until 7pm.

Monday 26th December – Ventnor Boxing Day Swim at Ventnor Beach at 12 noon. Join 100’s of people who brave the cold winter waters for a dip in the sea this Boxing Day!

Monday 26th December – Ryde Boxing Day Swim at The Big Kahuna/Ryde Beach Lifeguard Station at 12 noon. Refreshments and hot showers available after at the Waterside Pool.

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s Day Dip in Sandown raising funds for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. Meet at the Royal Pier Hotel at 11am then head down to the beach next to the pier for the dip.

Sunday 1st January – Sandown New Year’s Day Firework Celebrations – This spectacular fireworks display will be from Sandown Pier at 6pm. FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated. Friendly volunteers will be positioned around the esplanade with collection buckets. Road closures will be in place before, during and after the display for crowd safety. This event may be subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to weather conditions.

more events happening across the Island and to find out what time Santa is visiting your town go to the events page at www.islandmagazines.co.uk

All event information was correct at time of print but could be subject to change at any time.

For

Tel: 01983 289595/07935 090835 - Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Planning Applications

If you are intending to submit a Planning Application, please talk first to your neighbours beforehand. Understanding the views of those affected can be so important when processing applications. In my time as Councillor, I know of many instances where an early discussion with neighbours could have resolved issues, saved money, time and upset to all parties involved.

• Somerton Farm, Newport Road, Northwood. (Ref: 22/01720/OUT)

A major planning application has been submitted to develop adjoining Somerton Farm in Northwood. The proposal is for 163 dwellings with employment use. For details please visit: https://publicaccess. iow.gov.uk/online-applications/

• Gurnard Pines Eco Chalets. Proposals for Eco-chalets at Gurnard Pines, are due to go out for consultation.

In recent months in preparation for the new application there has continued to be work behind the scenes with dangerous trees and brambles being treated. In addition, Ecology Reports have been completed and there has been liaison with tree and environment officers.

Phone Messages

In the last month, I’ve received a number of answerphone messages. If you leave a message, please let me know your telephone number! If you forget to let me know who you are, or how I make contact I cannot report back directly!

Parking

Parental parking in the Crossfield Estate

and Baring Road continues to be an issue. Parking Enforcement will take place outside schools during the winter period. In the meantime, I am in contact with Headteachers on concerns being raised.

I’ve also received complaints of collisions to parked vehicles in Worsley Road. Please note driving away from a traffic incident and not leaving details is illegal under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act.

Cost of Living Support

A few months ago, I requested that the IW Council pools national and local information available to support residents through the cost-of-Living crisis. This information has been gathered and can be found at: https://beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-theisland-safe/cost-of-living/

Because this information is not accessible to those ‘not online’, I am collating details for a paper version, to feature telephone numbers! In the meantime, if you’re struggling, please let me know, and with some of the contacts that I have built up over time and I can do my very best to support residents.

Cowes Floating Bridge

An agreement was met by mediators on behalf of all parties regarding the Floating Bridge.

As a consequence, it was agreed by all parties in coming to an out of court settlement on the proviso terms remain confidential. Although I’m not entirely happy with this outcome, this has meant that the matter is resolved and avoids taking this through the high court with a high risk of adding time and costs.

News Report from Cllr Paul Fuller - for Cowes West & Gurnard

Local Shops

I’ve been asked to support local shopping and encourage people to shop local and try to avoid the internet for this year’s Festive shopping. Please note once lost, businesses can be lost forever!

Beach Safety

I attended the protest staged due to concerns on bathing water quality at Gurnard Beach. In response, the Parish Council’s Beach Working Party is seeking to address concerns and priorities in the pending Beach Action Plan for Gurnard. Following its second meeting, members of the Group will meet again in December. Please let me know if you can contribute support!

Energy Price Increases

For up to date support visit: www. moneysavingexpert.co/ and www.uswitch. com/ Tel: 0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

English Coastal Path

The IW section of the Coastal Path lengths 2-10 has been supported by the Secretary of State and is currently with the Planning Inspectorate who act as arbiters on issues raised. To note, the trail tends to follow the course of the current Coastal Path, whilst avoiding road walking. In addition, the Path will follow the Estuary of the River Medina.

In the meantime, negotiations continue in length between East Cowes and Wootton.

Also this month.

At the Solent Forum a presentation was given on Invasive Species that enter the Solent from cargo vessels and leisure craft entering ports and marinas. It was reported that around 10% of invasive species entering the Solent can cause problems. Most notable ‘characters’ are the Asian Date Mussel and Sea Squirts. For details visit: www.apemltd.com/service/invasive-nonnative-species-inns

•

• Last month, I reported on the mystery of the concrete blocks at Gurnard Seafront. Following this, Council Officers confirmed that the blocks exposure was as a consequence of beach levels falling. Since then, locals reported that the blocks were remnants of replacement groynes created to replace Victorian sea defences. At the Solent Forum it was reported that the former defences were much better and robust than those created after the war.

• A very big thank you to all who attended this year’s Remembrance Services. As an aside, following questions as to why the Gurnard Service differs from elsewhere, this apparently was due to the late Jenny Thomas as Guide Leader years ago requesting an afternoon service, as she took children horse riding in the morning.. Whether this is true or not, I am unsure- but nevertheless it is a lovely rural story of a lady many residents have fond memories of.

Wishing Everybody a Very Happy Christmas and Fantastic New Year

Paul Fuller

Refresh

Update a Tired Looking House Inside and Out

Are there rooms in your house which are looking a bit drab, dated and could do with a new a ‘facelift’? If so, then Tanya of Décor Perfection is the lady to call. Whether it’s painting or wallpapering, a re-fresh or a complete makeover Tanya will be able to help.

Maybe you need the spare room decorated for guests coming to stay at Christmas or perhaps 2023 is the year to update and make your home look like new again.

Many of her customers have asked for advice for complementing colours and how best to update their rooms and hallways and Tanya is always happy to offer this service or be led by the customers, needs. She works cleanly, efficiently and is reliable and affordable.

Tanya can also update fences, garden buildings and furniture so when Spring is heading our way consider giving her a call to get your garden ready so all you have to do is relax and enjoy it when the weather warms up.

You can contact Tanya at Decor Perfection for a free quote on 07500 298070 and see her main advert for further details.

What’s happening in our area by ‘Local and Vocal’ Lora Peacey-Wilcox

WISHING YOU LAUGHTER, GOOD HEALTH FOR THE FESTIVE PERIOD AND PROSPERITY(!!) FOR 2023.

I can never thank you all enough for your unstinting support of me as your local representative. I have for over 51 years put the people of Cowes Medina top in all I think and do. Ask my poor family who appear to come way down on the pecking order. I hope to have at least a few days to spend with family, I hope you are all supported and not alone during this time.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: In aid of hospice. Saturday 3rd Dec. Cowes Yacht Haven 10.30-4.30 lots of crafts and local gifts! See you there!

PAVEMENT PARKING: I have been contacted over this issue; particularly an issue in parts of Bellevue Road; but also, other roads. Residents choosing to have large cars which then overhang their front gardens taking up half the pavement. I have stated on here before, the last legal advice I had around this issue, was that enough room MUST be kept to allow a double buggy (side by side) to fit through. I have asked the police to patrol the area.

WARM SPACES: Connecting, support, companionship.

Every Monday 10-12: Baptist Church, Victoria Road. A warm welcome for all.

First Wednesday of each month 10-12 Beckford Centre, Beckford Rd.

Second Wednesday of each month 2-4pm Alzheimer cafe. Football club off Park Road. 01983 220200

Every Thursday 10-12 Apex Church (St. Faiths!) is open and a warm welcome to you all.

Cowes Library: Open for help and support, and a lovely warm spot. Superb welcoming staff.

First Friday of each month 10.30 - 12.30: Northwood Cemetery. Free tea, coffee and biscuits! 2nd Dec. Tombola!

ROAD ISSUES: I was contacted by a number of residents following BT putting up roadblocks on Cowes to Newport Rd. It caused utter chaos, and it was not planned works. Following my complaints, I can confirm BT was fined for causing this issue. Result!

MEDINA YARD: I have managed to meet with one of the shareholders of the site. I have grave concerns about the future of this incredibly critical marine and employment site. I was reassured that in the immediate future NO HOUSING will be built on site. They intend to open up the offices on Bridge Road as soon as possible to use as small rental business units. They also are very keen to build more suitable units for boat building. I hope to have good contact with the new owners.

Websites for help and support: www.iow. gov.uk/costofliving and www.islefindit.org. uk

Please look out for one another during the coming months. It’s going to be a very rough ride for us all.

As always, the best way of making contact is: lora08@sky.com

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With the festive season upon us our recipe suggestions for this month are for sweet and savoury treats for yourself or you can share with family and friends or even make as Christmas gifts. The children and grandchildren can get involved in making these tasty biscuits to give as gifts... just pop them in cellophane packets and add a ribbon and message.

CHEESE STRAWS

100g cheddar cheese grated

50g parmesan cheese grated

100g plain flour

100g butter - chilled & cut into cubes

1 egg yolk plus a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper.

• Place the grated cheese into a large bowl - sift the flour and add the cubed butter. Add cayenne and black pepper.

• Rub together using your fingertips until mix resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

• Add the egg yolk. Stir together with a knife then bring the dough together to form a firm dough using hands. Tip onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a rectangle and roll until 5mm thick. Trim the edges and cut into 2cm strips.

• Lay on a lightly oiled baking trayleave a space between them as they will spread. Bake at 220 degree for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.

• Leave for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

CHOC CHIP COOKIES

120g butter - softened

75g light brown sugar

75g caster sugar

180g plain flour

1 medium egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp bicarb of soda

150g dark or milk chocolate, cut into small chunks.

• Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla, sift the flour, bicarb, salt - mix well and add the chocolate bits.

• Scoop 10 large tbsp of the mixture onto parchment lined trays or lightly oiled trays, leaving good spaces between to allow for spreading.

• Bake at 180 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden and firm at the edges but still soft in the middle (they will harden as they cool). Leave to rest for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

PARMESAN BITES

100g plain flour, 100g butter - chilled & cubed 100g parmesan cheese - finely grated These are lovely on their own or you can customise with finely chopped herbs, thyme and rosemary work well.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until crumbly then bring together to form into a 3cm diameter log - if too dry add a spoonful of warm water • divide log in half, wrap each in cling film and rest in refrigerator • slice the dough into 1cm round cookies, sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top and bake at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

Are You Scams Savvy?

Join the Age UK Isle of Wight Digital Support Service for our gently paced workshops and a chance for a chat with our digital staff and volunteers. This month we are focusing on how to avoid scams and stay safe online. Sally Ash from Trading Standards and Philip Bonser from Daniel Burns Wealth Management are working with us to provide expert advice and guidance.

Date Time Venue Details

Thurs 1st Dec 10.00 12.15 Brighstone Methodist Church Hall

Tues 6th Dec 10.00 12.00

East Cowes Community Hub

Weds 7th Dec 10.30-12.45 Ryde Library

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Mon 12th Dec 10.00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Sally Ash

Tues 13th Dec 10.00 12.15

Better Days Café, Ventnor

Feeling safe at home with Age UKIW

Thurs 15th Dec 10 00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Sally Ash Works for the Isle of Wight Council as a Fair-Trading Officer.

Phil Bonser is a former bank manager who now works for Daniel Burns Wealth Management.

All events are free of charge and refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited, so please book your place by contacting Age UK Isle of Wight on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk

As well as digital workshops, Age UK Isle of Wight also host drop in sessions across the island and one to one home support where needed. Get in touch with us to find out how to access these or go to www.ageukiw.org.uk