Island Magazines January 2023 Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

Welcome to the first edition of 2023... I’ve got everything crossed that this year is going to be a great year for us all!

Here at Island Magazines HQ, we are going to continue bringing you a monthly community magazine packed with news, information, advertising, articles, puzzles and much more and I would like to personally thank everyone that picks up a copy to read, all contributors and to the many wonderful local businesses that advertise.

This year I have the pleasure of working with local nature and wildlife expert, Jim Baldwin. Jim is known by many for his outstanding contribution to this field and even calls himself a ‘Nature Nerd’ (his words not mine!), personally I think of him more as a local Isle of Wight David Attenborough!!

Jim will be writing fascinating articles each month which are both informative and are ways to get you involved in nature and projects throughout the year. You can read his first article on page 17.

January is a very quiet month especially after such a busy Christmas period. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on page 18 has details of the few community events happening and if you are planning any future events please let me know and I can include them in the next issue.

In this cold weather we have been having please keep warm, keep safe and please check on others, especially if you have elderly neighbours.

As always, thank you for picking up a copy and I hope you have a great first month of the New Year and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

STAMPS ARE CHANGING AFTER 31st JANUARY 2023

We’re adding barcodes to our regular stamps. After 31 January 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid. You can either use up these stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.

The stamps that are changing are the stamps (pictured below) that will be very familiar to you. They feature the profile of Her Late Majesty The Queen on a plain coloured background.

Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of our Stamp Swap Out forms and send it back to us along with your non-barcoded stamps. The step-by-step process for doing this is explained below.

How to get a ‘Stamp Swap Out’ form

• If you have a printer, you can swap out up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps by printing out and completing the online form. Go to www.royalmail.com and search for ‘Stamp Swap Out’ form. You can send this back to us free of charge, along with your stamps, by writing on the envelope Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details or postcode are needed.

• If you don’t have access to a printer you can request a Stamp Swap Out form to be posted to you at www.royalmail.com or pick one up from the Customer Service Point at your local Delivery, or you can call our Customer Experience Team on 03457 740740.

Note: Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out.

What’s happening in our area

by ‘Local and Vocal’ Lora Peacey-Wilcox

I do hope you all managed to stay safe and well during the festivities and I wish you good health and prosperity for 2023.

Can you believe its 2023 - is it just me, or are the years flying by? Or is it that as we get older the years go quicker?

HOUSING: I am being contacted weekly over housing allocation and need for housing. I am frustrated at how long everything takes at IWC with regards to housing. NOTHING, simply nothing is either easy or straightforward. Although a number of houses have been built recently, it is nowhere near enough for the demand we are seeing. We have many families living in bed and breakfast or in temporary accommodation. It weighs heavily on my mind daily. I will continue to raise concerns and fight for you.

EMPTY HOMES: Thanks to those of you that have contacted me about empty or derelict homes. We have a new person starting at the council in the new year, so hope they can chase these.

SUPPORT with cost of Living: Citizens advice: 0800 144 8848 - citizensadviceiw.org.uk

FOOTRPINT TRUST: Can help with energy saving: 01983 822282 - footprint-trust. co.uk

ISLAND SUPPORT: www.islefindit.org.uk

UK GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

MENTAL HEALTH: iwmentalhealth.co.uk

YOUTH TRUST: iowyouthtrust.co.uk - tremendous website support for our Youth. (And parents/carers too!)

SCAMS/FRAUD: 0300 123 2040. Please do not feel foolish for falling for these scams. Get them reported.

I have no house phone now, due to moving to fibre. So the quickest and easiest way to contact me is via email: lora08@sky.com again, you may need to contact me a couple of times before I reply…….sorry! I’m swamped with emails.

Alexandra’s Africa

Eco-Cultural Safaris

“Alexandra’s Africa was established in 2012 as a sustainable safari 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 across some of the most beautiful regions, including South Africa (Limpopo, Namaqualand and Southern Cape), Botswana (Chobe, Okavango), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Namibia.

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, inclusive experience for travellers of all ages to enjoy, providing guidance from your first contact with us until you return safely home.

Our small group Hosted Safaris: The Classic and The Explorer, take you on journeys combining wildlife, art, culture, legacies, and landscapes to create an experience that is personal, meaningful, and memorable. Our carefully handcrafted Southern African Tailored Safaris are designed to suit your pace, interests and sense of adventure, the choice is yours on dates, budgets and locations. We also offer a very unique Kalahari Conservation Safari where you contribute to the conservation and ecological needs on one of Southern Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. The latest addition to our exciting portfolio is our ‘Women on Safari’ range.

Why wait?

The journey is the destination.…Invest in memories!

Limited spaces available for 2023, and 2024 trips.

Alexandra’s Africa is a New Forest Based Safari Tour Operating Company, offering a range of eco-cultural safaris and conservation experiences in Southern Africa. Tel: +44 (0) 238 235 4488. W: www.alexandrasafrica.com.

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

The cold weather is upon us and although many are experiencing the increase in energy prices the most important factor is that you are running your boiler and home heating efficiently and safely. Ensuring your boiler is serviced and maintained to keep it running at 100% is the best top tip you can benefit from this winter.

Primo Technical Services Ltd is a local trusted family business who have been in the industry for over 25 years and offer a range of services including all aspects of domestic gas services, safety checks and installations, power flushing, heating and ventilation, plumbing, unvented systems and electrical work. They are Gas Safe Registered, so you are safe in the knowledge that they are fully qualified.

They provide regular maintenance as well as emergency breakdowns and they always turn up when they say they will! Now more than ever it makes sense to ensure your boiler is working efficiently and all their new boiler installations come with a ten-year warranty so that alone is something worth looking into to ensure you aren’t throwing money down the drain.

They offer free quotations on all installations and alteration work. For more information, phone 520522 or 07795 363 534, email: primotechnical@gmail. com and see their main advert.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

A slight change from our usual recipe page this month but still staying with suggestions to make the most of our available resources and looking after our wellbeing. We are starting the year with some energy saving ideas and tips. Enormous respect to our forefathers who had even less than we have today – no central heating – bigger families – no financial help, probably wasn’t great but they just got on with it - AND so shall we!

HOW TO MAKE A DENIM DRAUGHT EXCLUDER.

* measure the width of your door (or window)

* turn the jeans inside out and cut the leg to required length

* laying the leg flat, you will need to mark, approx. 5 – 6 inches width from top to bottom and stitch along the ‘leg’ length, by hand or machine.

* If making window excluder, follow the same method but make it half the width of the door excluder. (You can also use the sleeves of unwanted garments.)

* turn the jean leg right side out. Stuff with shredded old T shirts, fibre fill from old cushions, tights, old towels etc. Finish off by sewing up the ends.

* You can use any ‘trouser’ leg, or a no longer used towel, old curtain – just roll up and sew to above method. Charity shops are an excellent place to look for these items.

* for the window excluders, add rice or lentils (uncooked) to give weight plus you can squish them into odd corners.

* for the more creative among us, try knitting one using left over balls of wool, or perhaps the excluder becomes a long sausage dog, a snake/crocodile or a ‘whatever you want it to be’!

• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use – try heating the living room for as much of the day as you can, (suggested temperature 18 degrees) and heat your bedroom just before you go to bed.

• wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer.

• don’t delay treating minor winter ailments – ask your pharmacist for advice or treatment.

• if bad weather is forecast, it may be harder to leave the house - check you have enough medication and food.

Report from

Cllr Richard Quigley - Cowes North

Email: richard.quigley@iow.gov.uk

I hope you all had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas. The cold weather at the beginning of December has caused a lot of worries about energy costs. I urge people to contact the citizens advice bureau and the footprint trust. (details below)

The availability of rental properties is still a major concern. The recent announcement that the Government will not enforce housing targets, they will be advisory, will do nothing to help the housing crisis. It may well put us in the position of the worst of both worlds, as developers pick and choose where they want to build. Believe it or not, some developers want to help provide social and affordable housing, the change in policy won’t help this.

Cowes saw the highest number of “sewage spills” in the Southern Water region. 224 spills in November. I am meeting with Southern Water in December and January to see what can be done and what help is available for communities.

An important development at Cowes Medical Centre ( and other medical centres) is the introduction of other specialists to meet the needs of patients where doctors can’t. There is due to be an update from the medical centre to explain the best way to get the help you need, so look out for that.

Parking issues have also been raised, especially streets that get filled with commuters cars (and abandoned cars). There is never an easy answer, but I have taken the concerns to council officers.

I also met with the organisers of a “fringe” event planned for May 2023, with acts including theatre, children’s entertainment and comedy. More information as I get it.

www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk 08001448848

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

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year

For a caring and compassionate service 40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932 www.geoffleather.co.uk

Newport Nodes Rd Newport Rd

Place Rd Three GateRd

Client Parking Private

Chapel

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Rest Personal Service

Pre-Paid Funeral

Plans

Word

A lz he im e r C a fé IOW

Tel: 01983 220200

Email: info@alzheimercafeiow. org. uk Website: www. alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

East Cowes Alzheimer Café

East Cowes Town Hall

York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6RU

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall

Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF

First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Cowes Alzheimer Café

Football Club, Reynolds Close off Park Road, Cowes PO31 7NT

Second Wednesday of the month

Sandown Alzheimer Café

The Broadway Centre

1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG

Fourth Wednesday of the month

First Friday of the month 11am 1pm 2pm 4pm An Alzheimer Café

Totland Alzheimer Café

St Saviours Holy Family Centre

Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE

Third Wednesday of the month

If you are worried or concerned about memory loss, please come along to an Alzheimers Café for information and informal education about memory loss and dementia. You do not need to have a diagnosis to attend, everyone with an interest in dementia or memory loss is welcome. 2pm 4pm

Newport Methodist Church Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month

Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm

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

Boundary Commission Parliamentary Ward Changes for 2 MP’s. Following feedback received, I’ve responded to support proposals for two MP’s representing the Island. The Two Constituencies consist of Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor in Isle of Wight East and Cowes, East Cowes, Newport and Freshwater in Isle of Wight West.

Gurnard Press. I would like to say a huge thank you for the support of the owners of Gurnard Press due to close at the end of December. Over seven years, I’ve seen the old newsagents grow and grow in popularity as not only a café, but also a community hub for Gurnard. I remain ever hopeful that new owners can be found and take the facility from strength to strength.

The Pavilion, Gurnard Pines. In the meantime, it is excellent to see the café at Gurnard Pines has reopened. I have hosted a number of surgeries to support residents looking for assistance during the Cost-of-Living crisis. I am looking forward in 2023 to maintain surgeries at the ‘Pines.

Cost of Living Crisis.

• Holiday Parks. Because there are issues for Holiday Park residents, most are exempt from the same support given to those living in standard accommodation. Because current legislation is so unfair, I’ve approached MP’s regarding this. In the meantime there is both a campaign and a petition to Government, which can be found here: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk/news/letsget-park-home-owners-energy-bills-justice.

Because support is different depending upon categories of householder and individual needs please contact the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 to have a one to one with an energy advisor. In the meantime let me know of success (or not) you have as this will let me know where I can campaign next.

• Cost of living website.

The IW Council launched their website beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/costof-living to support residents that are struggling. In response, I have copied and transferred this as a hard copy which has been updated and features in my IW Councillors Report for January, available from Cowes Library.

Bathing Water: Dry Spills- Cowes and Gurnard.

Last month in various reports, the group Surfers Against Sewage highlighted to the local media concerns they had over the number of ‘dry spills’ from coastal outfalls in Cowes and Gurnard. To note, ‘dry spills’ are when outfalls discharge waste water in dry weather. On this, I have shared concerns with Southern Water, their response and explanation to these features on my website.

In the meantime, bathing water quality remains a priority for Gurnard Parish Council.

English Coastal Path: Length 8 Thorness Bay - Gurnard Luck and Length 9 Gurnard Luck – Cowes.

At the Local Access Forum meeting, Natural England reported on length 8,

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

Paul Fuller

the major issue requiring redress was high tide access over the bridge that crosses the Thorness stream. On length 9, it was reported that agreement was made to routing the trail (as residents had requested) through Spencer’s Copse following negotiating the route through the woodland with grateful thanks to the landowner. In addition the old slipway leading from the beach to Shore Path would be made safe.

Because of landowners support, it was anticipated (if approved) this section of the trail could open late 2023/ early 2024. With respect to finalising the complete trail, discussions remain ongoing with landowners between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.

Island Planning Strategy.

At Full Council the Planning Strategy was referred to Cabinet to consider Affordable Housing, use of IW Council sites, housing reductions/ realignment of settlement boundaries and Zero Carbon. An update will be provided on issues raised.

Last month, Government Ministers highlighted a roadmap to Councils as to how they envision new housing will take place. However, until discussions are concluded, consulted upon and embedded in legislative policy, and the Governments commitment to build 300,000 homes per year (730 locally) remains.

Council Tax.

Work is underway to set next year’s Council Tax. Because of increased costs, this is likely to prove really challenging without substantial extra financial support to keep services in place.

This follows high profile representations being made by Councils to Government for extra support to maintain services across the UK, particularly given rising pressures in adult and children’s social care.

Gurnard Parish Council Consultation Consultation with Gurnard residents is underway on Parish Council priorities and services the Council provides to residents. For details visit: forms.gle/ fE23wdu5BzXbt9zp8.

Brighstone and Calbourne Bi-election. New IW Councillor, Nick Stuart was elected to replace Steve Hastings as Ward Councillor.

The votes cast were: Nick Stuart (LibDem) 526; Carol Bryan (Conservative) 239; Doug Alldred (Green) 153; Stephen Parkes (Vectis Party) 36; Gary Clarke (Labour) 31.

I look forward to building upon the positive relationship with Nick as neighbouring councillor, who I worked closely with through the Island Plan, the AONB Partnership and the Association of Local Councils.

Winter Gritting Routes. I am pleased to report Winter Gritting Routes will remain in place for Place Road, Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Shore Road, Woodvale Road, Baring Road, Crossfield Avenue, Ward Avenue and Park Road. When and if the need arises, I will further request that one off treatment to take place in Egypt Hill.

Here are some sensible tips from the Footprint Trust for keeping warm and making savings this winter. I hope they are helpful.

● ‘Buddy up’ with a nearby friendly neighbour during the day, share cooking and company – it’s cheaper to cook in one oven and keep one room warm

● Zone your home - just heat the room you are in at 18 to 21 degrees, depending on how fit and mobile you are

● Get a rechargeable torch and make sure it is working, do not use candles as they are potentially dangerous

● Have blankets, duvets or sleeping bags ready for extra warmthmake sure you move them out of the way before you get up

● Close your curtains or thermal blinds at dusk to keep out the cold and draughts

● Have a supply of food that does not need cooking, such as tins, cereals and biscuits.

● A thermos flask and a container for drinking water is also a good idea

● Make sure you have a supply of your medicine

● Keep a list of useful phone numbers to hand on a sheet of paper, stick it on the fridge or by your landline. Your neighbour, nearby relative, carer and doctor are good ones to have written down

● Register today on the free Priority Services Register with your utility companies, help will then come in a power or water outage

● Do not use camping stoves or BBQs indoors, or stand-alone portable gas heaters – these can lead to you being poisoned by their fumes

● Only have an open fire or use a wood-burning stove etc if the chimney has been swept and inspected, at least once a year

● If you have not had your home insulated then talk to the Footprint Trust, as you may be able to get a grant

● Have your heating system serviced to make sure it will see you through the winter

Jim Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

Email: wightmoths@gmail.com

Well, here we are at the start of a New Year and I have been given this great opportunity to write a regular article for Island Magazines.

As a nature nerd, I get equal enjoyment from watching the smallest insect to viewing our brilliant White-tailed Eagles. My hope is this monthly article will get you enthused enough to go out and experience and enjoy nature, perhaps even taking part in some of the projects I will be highlighting during the year.

Getting involved with nature has been proven to be beneficial for our mental health and as we found out during the Covid lockdowns, you can enjoy nature in your own garden or local green space, you don’t need to travel miles!

Among my various nature-based roles, I am the British Trust for Ornithology Regional Representative, County Moth & Dragonfly Recorder and Butterfly Conservation’s Isle of Wight Group Leader.

We start the year with the largest garden-based “citizen science” event in the UK – the RSPB Big Garden BirdWatch 2023. Big Garden Birdwatch is a great community event; it is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping the RSPB understand how UK birds are doing. We have lost 38 million birds in the UK during the last 50 years; House Sparrow and Starling have suffered severe declines and are red listed.

Big Garden BirdWatch takes place on 27-29 January. Choose the date of your choice, watch the birds around you for one hour (you can invite your friends round and make it a social event!). Count how many of each species of bird lands on your patch. When you have finished, go online and enter your results. Not sure of the ID of the birds? The RSPB have produced an ID guide of the common garden birds which you can download. You can register for Big Garden BirdWatch and your free guide now at www.rspb. org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch

Don’t forget if you’re a teacher, your school can take part in the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch which runs from 6 January to 20 February 2023. See www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/forteachers/schools-birdwatch

Good luck with the BirdWatch and, most of all, enjoy it.

House Sparrow Photo: Jim Baldwin

dates for your diary

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 every month – Teen Epilepsy Café at Richmonds, Bath Road, Cowes from 6.30pm. It’s an opportunity for teenagers with epilepsy to meet those in the same boat, to chat and listen to music in a safe and supportive space.

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 maybe subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to weather conditions.

Friday 6th January – Coffee Morning at Northwood Cemetery between 10.30am – 12.30pm. This months theme is Bring & Buy. 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.

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

If you are organising a community event either for February or the coming months please feel free to email us the information at islandmagazines@gmail.com or call us on 07880587931 and we can share the details in the next issue.

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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.

For PRINTED subscriptions there will be a small charge of £1.20 per month payable 6 months in advance. Email islandmagazines@gmail.com with your name, address and which area you would like or call us on 07880 587931.

When a New Year comes along, so does the urge to believe this is a fresh start in your life and by setting resolutions/goals you can start on the path to a new and improved version of yourself! But did you know you can set yourself goals anytime of the year… and to be honest you might be more likely to stick to it if it isn’t set for the start of the New Year.

I’ve been there myself on the 1st of January and like many of us the first goal is to lose weight but I won’t be making that mistake again this year because I have learnt from my previous ways. If you are anything like me, Christmas has just passed but there are still mince pies, Christmas cake, chocolate, biscuits, sweets… need I go on… still lurking in the house which inevitably need to be eaten. You can’t throw them out as that is just wasteful and wrong on every level.

My next point is with the constant rise in energy prices isn’t it better to keep that extra layer of fat around the midriff? It’s like an extra layer of clothing, a weighted blanket of warmth. I mean at least wait until Spring when it will be a bit warmer.

Research shows that on average, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. The main reasons for failure include goals not being specific enough, goals are unreasonable and low accountability. While the intention behind the resolution is good, we need to train our “new actions” into habits so that it becomes an automatic action.

On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And how long it takes a new habit to form can vary widely depending on the behavior, the person, and the circumstances. In Lally’s study, it took anywhere from 18 days to 254 days for people to form a new habit.

Based on this information it’s no surprise that so many resolutions and goals fail, the stress we are putting on ourselves doesn’t help matters either, so this year I am not going to set myself up for a fall and instead I am going to wait until, these cold, miserable, uninspiring months have passed and then I will have a think about what I really want the end product to be and how can it be cut down into bite size chunks to become achievable and only then will I start to attempt to form a new habit. And on that note of bite size chunks, I’m off to get a bar of chocolate from my selection box.