Island Magazines March 23 - Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS AT COWES LIBRARY

Mondays

Weekly Rhyme Time for babies & toddlers 11.00 - 11.30am. A fun session of songs and rhymes! It’s free and there is no need to book. Cowes Library Games Club for Adults every first and third Monday of the month 10.00am - 12.00pm. Play an assortment of board games or cards with a friendly group. Refreshments provided. It’s free so just pop along.

Tuesdays

Tuesday Chess 2 - 5pm. For all ages, if you are interested in playing or want to learn, contact Cowes Library for more information on 01983 293341 or just come along. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday 28th March PA market Drop-in 10.30am - 12.30pm. Looking for a career as a Personal Assistant, supporting people in their own home or in the community? Come along and speak to an advisor or contact: pamarket@iow.gov.uk

Wednesdays

Philo Café. Philosophical discussion group held on the 1st Wednesday of the month 7.00 - 9.00pm. No need to book, just go along.

Thursday 30th March

‘Our Anglo-Saxon Island’ Illustrated talk by archaeologist Dr Ruth Waller 7 - 8.30pm. “From the arrival of the Jutes to Caedwalla’s slaying of the pagan population, learn about what the archaeological evidence shows of our Anglo-Saxon Island and about the myths of our Island heritage after the Romans left. The talk is free but booking is recommended. To book a place tel: 01983 293341 or email coweslibrary@iow.gov.uk

Fridays

Drop-in Café every 2nd Friday of the month 10.30am - 12.00pm. Enjoy some tea/coffee and cake and a friendly chat. You don’t have to be a library member to come along. It’s free and all are welcome.

A Multiply tutor will be at Cowes Library Friday 3rd March between 10 and 12pm offering free maths workshops for adult learners who want to improve their numeracy skills. Providing free courses that are flexibly delivered around people’s lives, whether at their workplace, in the evening, online, or through personalised support. Find out more about courses available at www.iow.gov.uk/ACLcourses or contact Adult Community Learning on 01983 817280 or email: lisa.mcginty@iow.gov.uk

Saturdays

Children’s Games Club: First Saturday of the month 10.30am - 12.00pm

Lego Club: Last Saturday of the month 10.00am - 12.00pm

Junior Colouring Club: Third Saturday of the month with colouring, drawing and being creative. 2 - 4pm. All materials provided. With all children’s activities, children need to be accompanied by an adult throughout.

Vectis Historical and Heritage Wargaming Group meet monthly on Saturdays at Cowes Library usually between 10.00am and 4.00pm with a break for lunch. The next meeting is on 4th March. Any level of interest or experience welcome. Models are provided and it’s free to attend. Recommended age 16+. Contact Cowes Library on 01983 293341 or email Will Bossman at: wdbossman@gmail.com for more information.

Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines.

If you can’t get out to pick up a copy from local distributors you can subscribe to either our ‘DIGITAL’ or ‘PRINTED’ edition each month.

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.

islandmagazines@gmail.com with your name, address and which area you would like or call us on 07880 587931.

Welcome and thank you for picking up a copy of your local community magazine.

The March issue signifies that Spring is on the way and the ‘spring equinox’ and official first day of Spring is Monday 20th March.

The Island is already showing us that warmer weather is coming with the unmistakable signs of daffodils and crocus emerging on hedges, gardens and local parks.

The days will start getting longer and the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the 26th March. There is a lot to look forward to as the island will slowly start emerging from it’s winter cocoon and our dates for your diary section on page 19 will keep you updated on local events happening across the Island.

Another important date to remember is of course Mothering Sunday on the 19th March.

Inside this issue you will find your regular news updates and this month Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature has some great air fryer recipes for you to try and on page 14 you will find a handy ‘what goes where’ waste and recycling guide.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please get in touch by any means below if you have any information you would like to share or would like to advertise your business in the next issue.

Have a great month and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

As Mad as a March Hare

A BIG thank you TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight for providing us with this month’s front cover picture.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight is the making of two well know local photographers – Tramp Woods and Warren Mason and if you’re on Facebook or Instagram you will probably have seen some of their wildlife pictures already.

Warren Mason is a very accomplished professional photographer with many years of experience! Having pictures in major magazines and publications. Tramp Woods is a very keen wildlife photographer, with published content in papers and magazines, and achieving many awards.

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

They have teamed up and started wildlife photography workshops, for those who struggle with this very difficult genre of photography, from complete novices and upwards. They have been giving up their time to teach others new skills in obtaining better pictures through understanding how to not only set up their equipment but understanding how to use their cameras in a better way, giving people tips and ideas on how to improve their photography.

77687 20034 0

They’ve had a massive response and held a few workshops in let’s say difficult conditions. The response from those who have attended has been amazing and they have now set up a dedicated Facebook group, not only for them to give out information, but it’s there for anyone to join, and post pictures or leave comments, or just look at the fantastic pictures posted.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight

News Report from

Cllr Richard Quigley - Cowes North

Email: richard.quigley@iow.gov.uk

It does feel like Spring is waiting to start, after all the heavy rain in January.

The resident’s parking survey was put to residents to vote on whether or not they wanted permit parking in the roads affected. All areas rejected the proposal, so the situation stays as it is. Thank you to all that responded, democracy needs people to respond to function.

Following the meeting with Southern Water to go through the help they can offer to vulnerable and low-income households, they are holding two drop-in sessions on Thursday 9th March in Ryde 3.30 to 6.30 at the Royal Esplanade Hotel and Friday 10th March between 11 am and 2 pm at the Riverside centre in Newport. Please go along and share your dismay at sewage pollution in the sea. The Island has 5 of the top 10 worst beaches for sewage outflows in the country.

The council budget for the next 12 months is set to be agreed, I’m not part of the administration, but out of courtesy, they consult with the rest of us. For those that have seen some of the proposals in the local press, it makes grim reading. Due to government funding cuts, the council needs between £8 and 10m extra to stand still. It’s not a position we should be in. Croydon council declared itself bankrupt and the government has imposed a 15% increase in council tax for Croydon residents.

As the milder weather looks like it is here, that will be good news for all of our energy bills. www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk

And please feel free to stop me in town if you have any concerns to raise. My dogs will be glad of the company.

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For more info email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587931

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

All Electrical Work Undertaken

Domestic and Commercial

Design / Installation / Improvements

Home Automation

Inspection & Reports

Fault finding & Repairs

All Types of Lighting

Computer Network Cabling

Your Hair is your Crowning Glory

Having a good hair day can boost your confidence as well as your mood and nothing makes a good hair day easier to achieve than a good style, cut or colour.

Local mobile hairdresser Sharon M. has been in the business for over 25 years and she offers a quality service in the comfort of your own home for easy convenience to yourself and can cut, colour and style ladies, men’s and children’s hair.

If you are looking for a complete restyle, tidy up or a new colour Sharon can discuss with you the best options available to ensure the best results.

She has kept her prices affordable and is offering a 15% discount off your first appointment with this advert. So, whether you have long flowing hair, a precision bob or a trendy pixie cut then please give Sharon a call on 07967 056227 and see her main advert.

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.

Award Winning Music Classes for Babies and Young Children

Monkey Music baby and toddler classes offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, where parents, carers and children meet in small groups to enjoy interactive musical activities. They have been running nationally for 30 years and the classes here on the Island are run by Katherine Green who recently relocated to the island and brought her classes with her ensuring all children have the opportunity to experience Monkey Music.

All classes are tailored specifically to support families with babies, toddlers and pre-school children aged between 3 months and 4 years of age. The classes are based around 4 stages - time to sing, time to move, time to play and time to sleep, and are designed to keep babies stimulated from start to end through the exploration of music, movement and instruments.

Rock ‘n’ Roll classes (from 3 months) gentle songs and lullabies for you both to share precious moments and songs are linked to rhythmic body movements. Sensory props to stimulate visual experience and friendly percussion instruments for those rock ‘n’ roll moments.

Heigh-Ho classes (from 12 months) they will learn action songs, catchy sounds with up beat tunes to allow them to dance freely and to practise fine motor skills using hand held percussion instruments. These classes help toddlers need for active time and quieter time for calmer activities.

Jiggety-Jig classes (2 & 3 year olds) these older toddlers have fun with their friends and develop a strong musical foundation with some songs for dressing up and telling stories to help build self-confidence. Whilst dancing and partnering with friends help the toddlers to get to know each other. Composing comes naturally to the JiggetyJiggers so with the use of props, images, music, stories and poems help inspire our little monkeys as they create and perform their own special music.

Ding – Dong classes (3 & 4 year olds) children are now ready to learn to read music - this is a huge milestone and paves the way for a bright musical future!

For more information, please see their main advert and don’t forget the FIRST CLASS IS FREE.

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

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

We are still working on ideas to help make the budget go that bit further, last month was slow cooker recipes, this month using an air fryer that enables the air to circulate to help cook the food quickly while retaining crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.

COURGETTE FRITTERS - Children will love these!

2 medium courgettes - grated - hand squeeze the liquid out

60g seasoned flour • 100g cheddar grated • 1 egg

2 cloves garlic - optional • ½ onion grated - optional.

* Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

* Make 8 patties with the mixture. (place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes) to keep the shape.

* Put courgette patties in the air fryer at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, leaving space between each then flip the patties over for an additional 5-10 minutes or until brown.

Use as part of a meal, a side dish or on its own with a dipping sauce.

CRUMBED CHICKEN FILLETS - 4 servings - Air fryer 180 °C

640g mini chicken fillets • 1 large egg • 150g dry bread crumbs

2 tbsp veg. oil • seasoning

* Whisk the egg in a small bowl

* In a second bowl mix the breadcrumbs and drizzle oil over - mix to together and season

* dip each fillet into the egg, then dip into crumb mixture until evenly covered.

* lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes

STUFFED PEPPERS 4 servings - 180 °C

4 large bell peppers • 500g mince beef • 1 tsp. oil • 1 small diced onion

2 cloves garlic - grated • 1 tin chopped tomato - drained

good squeeze tomato sauce • 1 tbsp - oregano • 200g cooked rice

100g grated cheddar - or parmesan or a mix of both.

* Cut the peppers in half - scoop out seeds

* Stir fry the mince, onion, garlic in a little oil (cook until mince is no longer pink). * Remove from heat - add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning and oregano - add the cooked rice - mix well together

* Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket

* Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Top the peppers with the cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (until the cheese has melted)

Swap the beef mince for minced turkey or chicken.

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

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

Dogs

Last month I received the sad news that a dog not on a lead bit another in Gurnard. Following this, I was made aware that similar incidents had arisen both in Northwood Park and at the Recreation Ground. According to our Environment Officer, such incidents have increased since the lockdown. Please be aware and ensure that when your dog is being walked it is under control at all times!

Southern Water Pathfinder Presentation

Thank you to everybody who attended Southern Water’s session at Gurnard Village Hall. Although concerns continue regarding water quality, it was fantastic to speak with residents and find out about the plans Southern Water have to address bathing water and concerns over storm water.

Although the company has plans to contend with misconnections and water flow, it was again highlighted some of the issues that make the problem worse… On this, I had a long discussion over the impact that front driveways, paving over of gardens and artificial grass has upon the issue.

In the coming weeks eligible households in Solent View Road, Albert Road, Worsley Road, Church Road, Hilton Road, Baring Road, Woodvale Road, Woodvale Close, Jordan Close, Shore Road, Solent Lawns and Gurnard Pines will be contacted face to face to discuss having their free Water Butts connected.

Post Box Update.

Good news for followers of the Cockleton Lane Post Box. Following its base

corroding Royal Mail will replace this much-loved post box. If necessary, I will continue to chase this!

Unadopted Roads. Because of incidents that have caused injuries to ‘Bin men’, there is a threat that where unadopted roads are deemed hazardous residents may be asked to leave bins in a safe location nearby.

Apparently, under legislation it is the responsibility of the homeowner behind dangerous sections of road to ensure this is kept safe. Mindful of this, I am assured this will only be actioned as a last resort following discussion with residents. Roads of most concern to me are Hilton Road and Debourne Manor Drive.

Council Tax Support for families on low incomes.

One of my commitments on re-election was to campaign to offer support for those working families on low incomes. In previous years this level of support through Council Tax has fallen from 100% to 65%, this followed the government prioritising support only to those of pensionable age.

Noting that entitled pensioners are entitled to a 100%, at Full Council, I supported proposals to raise support from 65% to 70% given the impact Council Tax debt has upon low income working families.

Planning Applications.

• Gurnard Pines: Application for 36 zero carbon Holiday Lodges. Ref: 22/02279/FUL

continued over the page

Further to last years’ public meeting, proposals to redevelop a vacated part of Gurnard Pines was consulted upon last month.

• Bucklers View, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Because the timeframe to commence on this application has lapsed, it is now necessary (should development be required) to submit a revised proposal. Because of this, I have requested Southern Housing clarify their position.

• Former Poultry Farm, Place Road, Cowes. Proposal for 14 dwellings.

Ref: 20/02229/OUT

Following concerns raised over highway access and affordable housing this proposal has been approved with conditions.

Military Road.

The life of Military Road could prove limited following the extent of landfalls following the cold spells this winter. At present road’s life could be as little as less than 5 years. Because of this, there is ongoing dialogue on whether the road should be left, or whether a short-term scheme to barrier and pile the road to safeguard its short-term future. The IW Council are working with stakeholders to find a solution whereby any structure would not impact upon the setting of the road and AONB. Please let me know your views!

Gurnard Pines.

A number of residents have contacted me concerning the recent closure of the Gurnard Pines complex.

Gurnard Pines have stated ‘it is anticipated

Cllr Paul Fuller

that we will reopen at the beginning of March, with a fresh look and ready to invite all Gym members and visitors alike.’

To note, The Pavilion café continues to operate through the closure.

Highways Issues.

• Bucklers View junction. Following complaints concerning impeded sight lines, Island Roads have reduced the height of foliage outside Bucklers View. This has been necessary at this time to avoid the bird nesting season which restarts this month.

• Gurnard Green.

Following the above Gurnard Sailing Club will be doing the same to trees adjacent to Gurnard Green. On this, I have requested before works commence that the IW Council’s Tree Officer has his overview of necessary works.

• Abandoned Vehicles.

These continue to be reported. For details see: www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle

• Pot Holes.

Following sub-zero temperatures this winter, our Island is currently rife with pot-holes. For everything you wish to know about pot holes call 01983 822440, or visit: www.islandroads.com

• Waste Bins.

The IW Council has taken over responsibility for waste bins from Island Roads. Following complaints over the delay replacing bins, I have been in touch with the IW Council who have now replaced lost bins.

Jim Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

The warm spell in mid-February was a great tonic to us all, with the first signs of spring accompanying it. Crucially, for me, it coincided with the first appearance of my beloved butterflies from hibernation. Four species of butterfly hibernate during the winter as an adult: Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Red Admiral also overwinters as an adult but does not enter a dormant state and can be seen on sunny days throughout the winter. Of all the butterflies, it is the Brimstone which is synonymous with early spring. Keen butterfly observers note the date of their first Brimstone sighting and this year on the Island, it coincided with Valentine’s Day.

The male Brimstone matches the colour of sulphur perfectly and emerges from its slumbers dashing off in search of females. However, the paler female emerges later so its early pursuit is in vain. They can survive until the end of May, having the longest adult stage of the UK’s butterflies. Brimstone is among the oldest butterfly names, being established in the 17th century. Because of its colour, there is even the suggestion that the Brimstone was the original butterfly but this has yet to be proven.

Brimstone can be seen anywhere although the early records come predominantly from woodlands. Firestone Copse and Parkhurst Forest are two sites where you are likely to see one. If there is a cold spell in March, Brimstone will return to its wintering quarters and hibernate until the warm weather returns.

With butterflies starting to appear, now is a good time to register with Butterfly Conservation’s Garden Butterfly Survey. If you do not have a garden, you can still take part at an allotment or community space. You can survey your site throughout the year recording the species you see and enter your sightings online. You can find out how to take part at www. gardenbutterflysurvey.org

Recording butterflies is so important. The recent State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report has just been published and revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Don’t forget to record the butterflies you see out on your walks. There is an excellent iRecord free app which you can download to your phone. Enjoy your butterflies and let me know what you have seen.

‘Brimstone’

‘Brimstone’ Male chasing a female mid flight

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

NHS HELP AND SUPPORT and much more:

Mr Rudi Hendon-John is a Social Prescriber, which is a free service provided through Cowes Medical Centre, where he is based. His role is to support patients over the age of 18 with non-medical needs affecting their health and wellbeing i.e. lonely or isolated; bereavement support; lifestyle changes; anxiety and stress; improve confidence; debt / money worries; to support independence; any mobility or equipment needs; how to access support; carer support; getting out and about. Patients are referred by the GP to Rudi who has been given the time to help patients and listen to what is important to them and what their needs are. He liaises closely with Social Services, the Police, the Fire Service and the hospital teams on behalf of the patients. He can also help those patients who are terminally ill by liaising with the Hospice. Patients can make self-referrals to Rudi if they have a need to see him and discuss any problems. I think you would agree that this is a VERY important role, so thanks Rudi! X

PERMITS: Following on from last month’s update; I can confirm that not enough people responded (or not enough support) and so the areas of Arctic, Bernard and parts of Belle Vue will NOT be installing resident parking permits.

RECYCLING: I know I’m an anorak about recycling, but seriously the waste we create is enormous for our small Island. Over Christmas a massive 712,880kg of mixed recycling, glass, metals plastics was recycled (that the same weight as 450 family cars!!) Can you believe this used to go into our soil!!!

Food waste 222,230kg the same as two blue whales! It’s scandalous that 40% of the food we purchase we THROW away!

All that paper wrapping, and cards weighed in at 171,430kg - 30 elephants!! It’s so scary to think for years this sort of waste has gone to landfill.

BLACK BAG WASTE:PLEASE, please do not put FOOD waste in your black bag. This costs the council a lot of money to dispose of. PLEASE use your small caddy for ALL food waste, no matter how small.

And sincere thanks to our superb bin men and girls, and the team up at the plant that have to ‘hand pick’ through our rubbish if its contaminated. Please recycle carefully.

Lots of info on the council’s website. Cut back your hedges and brambles, fill in potholes, all dangerous on dark mornings trying to empty the homes on the island, every week!!

GARDEN GREEN WASTE: If you’re not already subscribed, they opened on 23rd Feb. I have renewed mine. One of the best things I did! No more struggling at tip; no more thorns sticking out of bags……superb service for about £8.00 a month!

This month has seen a number of losses in Cowes Medina, I am deeply saddened by the death of 3 very incredible men in my ward. I am hoping to attend their funerals. Thinking of you, David, Ken and Bob. XX much love and strength to your families.

As always you are my extra eyes and ears, keep me posted: lora08@sky.com (no longer have land line as gone fibre)

The Blue Lamp Trust helps protect vulnerable residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from becoming victims of crime - as part of their crime prevention advisory service.

The scheme offers FREE home visits providing both general and specific crime and fire prevention advice to improve home safety.

They visit residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who are:

• Vulnerable due to age (over 65) • Disabled • A victim of crime

• A victim of burglary • A victim of domestic abuse

THE BOBBY SCHEME provides FREE home security visits, long-life smoke alarms and advice to vulnerable people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, particularly the elderly and victims of burglary and domestic abuse. Their trained, police vetted, Bobby Scheme Fitters will visit and carry out a full survey and, as appropriate fit items free of charge, such as:

• Locks • Spy Holes • Door Chains • Smoke Alarms • Carbon Monoxide Alarms

All of the Blue Lamp Trust advisors are police vetted and carry ID cards to reassure local residents that they are genuine – and please remember, they will not be offended if you ask to see their ID to validate their identity.

Referrals

The Bobby Scheme is free to those who are vulnerable due to age (over 65), circumstance, disabled, or a victim of household crime. Anyone can make a referral including individuals, friends, family, doctors, social workers, etc. Please enquire via the Blue Lamp Trust website at www. bluelamptrust.org.uk/ bobby-scheme-choice

Alternatively, you can make an enquiry by calling the Blue Lamp Trust directly on 0300 777 0157.

Word Ladder

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time. Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

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 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.

Every second Thursday of the month – coffee and chat at Northwood Scout Hut, Wyatts Lane, Cowes from 2pm – 4pm. An ideal opportunity to meet new friends. Pop in for a free drink and cake. Everyone welcome.

Friday 3rd March – Coffee Morning at Northwood Cemetery between 10.30am –12.30pm. This months theme is Handbags & Holdalls. 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.

Monday 6th March - Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting. The history of tuberculosis on the Isle of Wight – talk by Dr Paul Bingham at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. Doors open 2pm talk starts 2:15pm. Members of the Isle of Wight FHS £1; non-members £2.

Tuesday 7th March – Cowes W.I. Coffee Morning at Northwood Cemetery Chapel, Newport Rd, Cowes from 10.30am – 12 noon.

Sunday 12th March - Charity Antiques and Collectors Fair (in support of the MNDA) at Northwood House, Cowes from 10am – 4pm. Visitors can expect to find a great variety

of local antique and collectable traders in the function rooms of Northwood House. Refreshments, tea, cakes and sandwiches available all through the day for exhibitors and visitors. Admission is £3 per adult or £5.00 per couple on the gate, with accompanied children free.

Friday 17th March – St Patrick’s Party Night at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. Tickets £5 members and £7.50 non-members. Over 18’s only. 7pm til late. Live music from Irish folk/punk band. Green lager and Irish themed cocktails, photo wall and props, optional fancy dress, find a lucky shamrock and much more. Call 01983 292238 for tickets.

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th March - The Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint will return to Culver Parade. The Sandown Sprint will involve 100 cars competing on a specially constructed circuit, at Sandown’s Culver Parade, with the start in Fort Street and finishing in Yaverland. Spectator numbers will be limited, so motor racing fans are advised to book early. The cost of admission has been held at £10 per adult, with concessions. Further details on the Sandown Sprint and tickets for the event can be found via the website isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk

Sunday 26th March – Isle of Wight Spring Boat Jumble at Northwood Park, Cowes from 10am – 3pm. Entry is free for buyers on foot, but a parking fee of £2 per car will be requested for buyers using the event field to park. Tea, coffee, cakes and hot refreshments will be available on the show field, with toilets available in the Northwood Park next to the tennis courts. All proceeds go to Northwood House Charitable Trust for ongoing restoration works and community projects in Northwood Park.

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