Island Magazines February 23 Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

Email: wightmoths@gmail.com

Tel: 07528 586683

Following on from last month’s article, I hope as many of you managed to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January. I am continuing the bird theme in February while the majority of our insects are still in hibernation, although you are likely to see a butterfly on a sunny day towards the end of the month. I would love to hear from you if you see one, especially if you get a photo.

As the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Regional Representative, my role includes organising the national bird surveys on the Island and promoting the organisation’s events. We have a great event in February for you, the National Nest Box Week which runs from 1421 February.

Many of us are aware of how vital it is to feed our garden birds, but it’s also just as important that they have a suitable shelter and site for breeding. With natural habitats such as trees and hedgerows being lost to development and the increase in urban housing, some of our garden birds struggle to find a safe shelter to rear their young.

However, we can all do our bit to help so why not site a nest box in your garden or outdoor area, which will provide them with a clean, warm environment to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. You may find that birds use the box to roost in the winter.

There are some excellent bird boxes produced by CJ Wildlife who also have some great tips about where to install them and what type of box is best. www.nestboxweek.com

I am pleased to announce I have my first event of the year. The New Carnival Company are staging the IOW Dark Skies Festival at Isle of Wight Pearl on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th February from 3-8pm. The festival will feature, among other things, astronomy while I will be talking about moths, in my role as County Moth Recorder, and how the Island is a great place to see them with over 900 different species recorded here each year! Hope to see some of you there.

Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534 www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com

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Wow... we’ve made it past the worst month of the year! January seems to have 485 days in it so I am glad that we are now in February. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels like this.

Weather wise there isn’t much difference between the two months - they are both usually wet, cold and windy. (sorry I tried to think of something positive to say here but I couldn’t find the words!).

This month I am looking forward to two events, the first being St Valentine’s Day, I will leave the obligatory reminders around the house for my hubby to remember. I never feel guilty eating the chocolates he buys as we all know when chocolates are a gift they are calorie free!!

The second event is on Tuesday 21st February and is of course Pancake Day... ahh pancakes, what’s not to love about them. I am a traditionalist when it comes to them, and I am very easy to keep happy with just some lemon and sugar. However, you like yours, savoury or sweet, I hope you enjoy them.

You will find this issue once again packed with information and news, local businesses advertising their services and of course the puzzle page and special features.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to catching up with you again next month when Spring will definitely be on the horizon.

I hope you all have a great February and enjoy your pancakes!

Things to look forward to...

February is the last month of winter and is usually still very cold and wet but it’s not all doom and gloom as it has two special days to celebrate, Pancake Day and St Valentine’s day. Here are a few interesting facts about both these events.

Shrove Tuesday – more commonly known as Pancake Day, or Pancake Tuesday, is celebrated every year to mark the first day of Lent. This year this flippin’ tasty day is on Tuesday, 21 February 2023

The largest ever pancake was made in the UK and had to be flipped using a crane! The largest pancake was created in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, in 1994, by the Co-Operative Union, Ltd. It was 49 foot (ft) wide and one inch (in) thick. The pancake weighed three tonnes.

In the US, Pancake Day is commonly known as “Mardi Gras,” which is French for “Fat Tuesday.”

The second side of a pancake takes half the amount of time to cook as the first – a good tip to remember.

Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14

Ikea Australia gave away a coupon for a free crib for babies born on the 14th November, which is exactly 9 months after Valentine’s Day. The coupon & proof of birth has to be shown.

Teddy Roosevelt’s diary entry for the 14th February 1884 reads: ‘The light has gone out of my life’. His mother and wife both passed away within hours of each other on that day.

Valentine’s Day is said to be the second most popular day to send cards, after Christmas!

St. Valentine’s holy duties are not limited to interceding in loving couples and marriages. He is also the patron saint of beekeepers, epilepsy, plague, fainting and travelling.

Source thefactsite.com and historyhit.com

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

Missing Post Box: Cockleton Lane - This month, I was hoping to have news on what has happened to the Post Box which has been taken from the top of the road, leading to Gurnard Pines at the junction with Cockleton Lane. Despite policy suggesting post boxes cannot be removed without good reason (and consultation), emails and calls to the Royal Mail, I am none the wiser. Please let me know if you are aware of what has happened?

Precept Consultation, Gurnard Parish Council. - Thank you to all 90+ residents who fed back their views of parish priorities in the recent consultation in advance of the Council setting its precept for residents. In response to the engagement, most residents seemed in general support of priorities. Fuller details will be shared once the feedback has been digested.

Waste and Recycling - Last month a resident left a marine flare out for ‘recycling’. The consequences of doing this could of course have been catastrophic. If you have dangerous items which need disposal of, please contact the IW Council’s Waste Team on 01983 823777.

Island Planning Strategy - Because of suggested changes being made by the Government regarding Planning Policy, the IPS’s progress has again been paused, given the fact Government is consulting on national policy. For details, visit: www.gov. uk/government/consultations/levellingup-and-regeneration-bill-reforms-tonational-planning-policy

Pavement Parking - I have received a number of complaints concerning

off-road parking on front driveways, where access to footways is impassable because of the size of vehicles. To note, jurisdiction for enforcement remains with the police. Please, if this applies to you, ensure your vehicle/s are parked safely and pavements outside your home remain accessible to pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Cowes Town Central Post Office - I have been in liaison with Island Roads and the IW Council concerning a complaint made regarding access to the Post Office in Cowes High Street. I have emphasised the overwhelming importance of this service and have requested that a resolution is found, given the post office and its position in the town.

Memorial Benches - A request was received regarding adoption of Memorial Benches. Until now this tends to be discouraged due to complaints regularly received regarding ongoing maintenance and issues relating to the sensitivity of family members and benches in public use.

Cowes Golf Club - A very big thank you to Cowes Golf Club who are working with their members following complaints by Baring Road residents made regarding access and distance to toilet facilities.

Rew Street Pond - Many thanks to the local resident who continues to look after Rew Street pond. I am currently in dialogue with Island Roads over the drainage issues in Rew Street and have requested that drains, ditches and gullies are annually kept clear. This follows instances of black ice during the cold spell in December.

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

Southern Vectis: £2 Fare Cap - Following feedback from passengers, Go Ahead who own Southern Vectis has agreed to the £2 single fare price cap. This provides where previously the minimum fare on the Isle of Wight was £2.50.

The scheme runs through to 31st March, and it is worth noting that if you do transfer buses, you are required to pay the maximum of £2 for each leg of your journey.

Hedgehogs! - Typically hedgehogs hibernate from late December until March. If you accidentally disturb a hibernation nest, cover it back over with a thick layer of dry leaves, leaving water nearby, so if the hedgehog does wake up he can easily find something to eat before returning to hibernation.

Benefits and Government Support. Check if you can claim extra benefits from the government. Please make sure you are claiming all government support you can. It’s worth checking even if you are already getting benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

• Contact Citizens Advice IW Tel: 0800 144 88 48 or visit Isle Help Advice Centre, County Hall, Newport.

• You may be able to get Pension Credit if you have an income of less than £182.60 or £278.70 per week

• The Warm Home Discount scheme provides a discount of £150 off electricity bills for low-income households this winter. Households will receive the discount automatically. For details call: 0800 107 8002

• Details about government support with the cost of living at: helpforhouseholds. campaign.gov.uk Rather unhelpfully there is no telephone number…

.Check if you can claim extra benefits from a local Isle of Wight scheme.

• If you are eligible, you can apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax reduction. Tel: 01983 823950.

• If you are struggling to pay your council tax or received a reminder notice or summons call 01983 823901.

• If you are struggling because your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs do not cover your full rent, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment. For details call 01983 821000

• If you are struggling to pay your council tax because of financial hardship, you may be eligible for a hardship fund payment. For details call 01983 821000.

Monkey Music

Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

Sharing precious time together

Age specific interactive music educational classes for babies and toddlers aged 3 months- 4 years with a progressive curricula. Classes to help development and confidence whilst having lots of fun.

For more information and to book your first FREE class please visit: www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/isle-wight-portsmouth alternatively call Katherine on 01983 240352 or email iow.portsmouth@monkeymusic.co.uk

News report from Cllr Paul Fuller

Open your doors to staycations, all year round

Isle of Wight Hideaways is looking to expand its portfolio of self-catering holiday properties.

Our portfolio is made up of properties with something a little bit ‘special’, whether it’s a breathtaking location, centuries of history or a touch of luxury. From stylish hideaways oozing with coastal chic to real-life lighthouse cottages; from pretty bungalows to stately homes, and everything in between – we pride ourselves on offering some of the very best quality holiday accommodation available.

To meet the ever-increasing demand from our guests for characterful holiday homes, we’re always looking for new properties to join our portfolio – and letting your holiday home has never been easier. As a local, friendly and enthusiastic team based on Ventnor High Street, Isle of Wight Hideaways are well placed to make the process of sharing your holiday home easy and enjoyable. We are passionate about the island and pride ourselves on the services we can offer to meet your individual needs at competitive rates, be it a Marketing or Marketing and Managed service; and we offer flexibility to our owners on the use of their properties.

With tailored services to suit your needs, you can be involved as much or as little as you like, knowing that you and your guests are well looked after. We can take care of the day-to-day things for you, or if you’d prefer to look after things yourself, that’s fine too.

Perhaps you’re starting from scratch and looking to buy, already own a property or maybe you’re with another agency and are looking for a change? Whatever the reason, with Isle of Wight Hideaways, you can relax in the knowledge that we deliver excellent occupancy levels and manage all of our properties with the same care and attention as if they were our own, so you know you’re in safe hands.

We are part of the Hideaways Holidays Group Ltd, which not only includes eight regional brands but also runs alongside Rural Retreats, a long-established luxury holiday letting agency with a nationwide portfolio. Being a part of this family means there is the potential to market your property not only through Isle of Wight Hideaways, but also to a much wider audience via our other brands.

With no joining or annual fee and competitive commission rates, we have so much to offer our valued homeowners and we delight in providing the very best service to both guests and owners. We’d love to hear from you, so, don’t miss the opportunity – find out more about letting with us today.

And, as a special offer to Island Magazines readers, we are offering a £250 M&S gift card as a thank you if you join our portfolio by 30th April 2023 for a minimum of one calendar year.

To request your Free Property Letting Guide or to talk to one of our Property Managers, please call us on 01983 897 604 or email newowners@isleofwighthideaways.co.uk

dates for

First Tuesday of every month – coffee morning with raffle in the Church Hall of St. Mary’s Church, Cowes from 10.30am. Costs £3 per person for tea, coffee and cakes. A warm welcome to all. Proceeds to maintain church

First Thursday of the month – Coffee, Craft and Cake from 10am – 12pm at Northwood Scout Hut, Wyatts Lane, Northwood. Bring your own projects to finish, share hints, tips and ideas and craft magazine swap available tool. Free entry and refreshments. A great way to make new friends.

Friday 3rd February – Coffee Morning at Northwood Cemetery between 10.30am –12.30pm. This months theme is Books and Music. Hot and cold drinks and biscuits are available, free of charge. Everyone welcome – just come through the cemetery gates and you will be given a warm welcome.

Friday 3rd February – Movie Night at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. Join in for an evening of singing and dancing with the blockbuster hit Grease being shown on the club’s large screen. Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. All ages – family event. This is a free entry event. Bar and snacks available.

Friday 24th February – Fun bingo Evening with a meal. Tickets £7 to include your food at Newport golf Club, St Georges Lane, Newport at 6.30pm. £2 per card to play. Raising funds for Vectis Radio. Tickets from tickets@vectisradio.fm

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

Peacey-Wilcox

RESIDENT PARKING ZONES: Due to residents’ concerns over on street parking (or rather lack of!) another consultation has gone out at the PD Wharf end of Arctic Road and on part of Bellevue Road.

I have had a number of residents email me with concerns.

As someone who has lived in an area with parking zones; it did not help our situation. However, fortunately we live in a democracy hence the consultation. PLEASE respond. The amount of work that goes into these requests is enormous. The last one yielded a very poor and inconclusive response.

HEDGES: Now is a good time to really trim the hedges right back before nesting season starts. Especially at entry and exits to your home. Think about a real prune back or redesign of the area. We know how quickly they grow. Don’t forget the council’s green collection service…….gosh I find it so easy (especially brambles and rose bushes).

BUDGET: The IW council will be voting soon on its budget for the coming year. They have to produce a balanced budget by law. This will be heart wrenching for many of us making decisions. Like everyone else, the cost of running premises has gone up dramatically - And that is despite us searching and locking in the best rates we could, some time ago.

My thanks to all of you who completed the IWC budget consultation. YOUR views

DO make a difference. We DO listen, YOUR voice helps us decide YOUR priorities.

As always our largest monies are spent on adult social care and children’s services. Again, everything we do is governed by law, and boy, is that complex!!

DEBT: Please don’t hide the bills in a drawer, bury your head in the sand. GET help and support. www.islefindit.org.uk

GRIEF: You are not alone. Many of us are grieving in many ways. GET help. www.cruse.org.uk 0808 808 1677 or helpline@cruse.org.uk also help at: www. islefindit.org.uk

ALL SORTS OF HELP: www.islefindit. org.uk www.islefindit.org.uk/advice-pages/ advice-directory

As always, please keep in touch via email. I no longer have a house phone due to moving to fibre and not the old copper cable. lora08@sky.com

If you are organising a community event please feel free to email the information to islandmagazines@ gmail.com and details will be shared in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section

St Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Cowes

Mon: 10am & 5.30pm (improvers/intermediate)

Wed: 5.45pm (beginners/improvers)

Fri: 10am (improvers/intermediate) 11am (beginners/improvers)

Northwood Village Hall, 364 Newport Rd, Cowes

Wed: 11am (mixed abilities)

For info and to book call 07539 544865 email: dawn.e.middleton@gmail.com dawn.pilates.iow

My name is Dawn and I run Pilates classes locally in Cowes & Northwood.

As with many people in the fitness industry, I see such an influx of new people at the start of a new year. Some people ‘stick’ to their new resolutions, but some don’t manage it. The trick is to keep your goals small to start then any achievement is positive and don’t worry if you ‘let go’ now and then, be kind and patient with yourself. Whether you want to start a new hobby, meet new friends, or get fitter now is a very good time to start as January is out the way and Spring (hopefully) is fast approaching.

Pilates is suitable for everyone and ticks a lot of ‘resolution’ boxes - group classes are super friendly where you can meet people, improve your fitness and relax.

I am a Level 3 Mat Pilates instructor and hold certificates in Pilates with Small Equipment, Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Problems and Pre and Post Natal exercise. I am registered with CIMSPA, fully insured, DBS checked and have completed a Covid Awareness course.

Please see my main advert for details of my classes. I also offer private 1:1 or 2:1 tuition in your own home should you feel you aren’t quite ready to join a group yet.

So, if you fancy a try, come along and join us, you can call me on 07539 544865 or send me an email.

Report from

Cllr Richard Quigley - Cowes North

Email: richard.quigley@iow.gov.uk

After several requests to look at residents parking in Cowes North, the parking team undertook a survey of Albert Rd, Arctic Rd, Bellevue Rd, Bernard Rd, Fellows Rd, Grove Rd, Mill Hill Rd, Moorgreen Rd and Victoria Rd. Following the survey, the roads that met the criteria for a residents parking vote were Albert St, Arctic Rd ( between Smithards Lane and the roundabout at P.D Ports), Bellevue Rd (upper section only), Bernard Road, Moorgreen Rd and Victoria Rd. Letters have been sent out with details of how to support or oppose the proposals.

After the cold spell before Christmas, it has been much milder (but wetter), which will be a relief for keeping energy costs down. Gas prices are falling back to their previous levels too. I would still encourage anyone that is worried about their bills to contact the citizens advice on 0800 144 8848 or the Footprint Trust on 01983 82 22 82 For a caring and compassionate service 40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932 www.geoffleather.co.uk

I met with Southern Water just before Christmas, to see how they can help residents with their bills (I’m still pushing them to stop pumping sewage into the sea too). They offer several ways to get assistance with bills, Essentials offers a 45% discount on your bill if your household income is less than £21k per year, Watersure caps your bill in cases where you need to use more water for a medical condition, or if you are on means tested benefits and you receive child benefit for 3 or more children. It’s worth calling to see if you are eligible 0800 027 0363 or southernwater.co.uk/ payless.

07880 587931

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

Slow cookers make light work at dinner time and are energy efficient - great on the pocket as well! Assemble your dish and allow the gorgeous flavours to come together over a low heat. Here are a couple of recipes including a vegetarian stew - All recipes can be batch cooked, shared and frozen for another day.

SLOW COOKED SAUSAGE

CASSEROLE

serves 4 - 6

1lb/450g sausages • variety of vegetables 1 tsp mixed herbs and 2 garlic cloves crushed 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 400ml beef stock Method

1. Fry the sausages in a little oil - drain - add to the slow cooker.

2. Add any choice of diced vegetables, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 1 celery stick, 1 red pepper, 1 courgette, a bit of butternut or leek, plus the herbs, garlic and tin tomatoes

3. Pour over the beef stock - mix well together. Cook for 4 hours, take out sausages and slice - return to slow cooker. Add gravy granules to thicken if desired about half an hour before end of cook time. Great with mash!

SLOW COOKED CHICKEN CURRY SERVES 4

SLOW COOKED VEGETARIAN DUMPLING STEW

2 tbsp oil • 1 lge onion - diced

2 garlic cloves - crushed

2 carrots - 1cm rounds 300g mushrooms - sliced

3 tbsp plain flour

1 tbsp tomato puree

2 x 400g tins green lentils - drained 700ml veg. stock 150ml red wine thyme plus 1 tbsp marmite - opt. Method

1. Heat oil, gently fry the onion for 10 minutes. Add garlic and tomato puree

2. Add the flour to coat the onion mix - season

3. Add red wine, stir well to prevent lumps forming - transfer to slow cooker

8 skinless chicken thighs • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion - diced • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 2 tsp curry powder • 2 tsp tandoori masala • 1 tbsp curry paste • 400g coconut milk • 245g low fat plain yogurt. Method

1. Heat butter and olive oil over low heat. Add the chicken, onion, garlic and curry seasoning and stir fry gently for 10 mins.

2. Put mix into a slow cooker, add the tomato puree, coconut milk and yogurt and mix well together. Cook on ‘auto’ for 4 - 6 hours or on ‘low’ for 6 - 8 hours Serve with basmati rice and warmed naan bread

4. Add carrots, mushrooms, lentils, stock, thyme & seasoning. Slow cook ‘auto’ for 4 hours.

DUMPLINGS - 100g SR flour • 40g butter or vegan spread • 1 tsp thyme. In a bowl rub the flour, butter/vegan spread, until you have breadcrumbs using finger tips. Add thyme and seasoning. Sprinkle 2-3 tbsp. cold water and mix until it comes together - make 8 balls. Add dumplings 1 hour before end of cook time.