Your Local Community Magazine
FREE November 2020
Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area
Are you a budding writer? If there is an author inside you that is just waiting to be noticed... then now is the time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and enter the Sight for Wight Short Story Writing Competition 2020.
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This amazing competition is not only your chance to have your story published and recorded by a celebrity but it also for Charity and all funds raised go towards helping this dedicated charity provide information and support to visually impaired Islanders, their families, friends and carers. This year’s celebrity readers are: Ray Allen, Jo Brand, Melvyn Hayes and Edana Minghella and the theme is ‘The Wish’ Entry forms are available from Dress for Less, 114 St James’ Street, Newport, Sight for Wight, Millbrooke House, 137 Carisbrooke Road, Newport or you can download at: www.sightforwight.org.uk or email your request to enquiries@iwsb.org. uk The entry fee is £6.00 for adults per story (1500—2000 words) and £3.00 for under 18s per story (up to 750 words). Entry forms along with your completed story must be returned by 4pm on Friday 13th November. You can either drop them into Dress for Less in Newport, Sight for Wight in Carisbrooke or email it to enquiries@ iwsb.org.uk For more information visit: www.sightforwight.org.uk
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Welcome to the November issue. The clocks have gone back an hour and that extra time in bed was gratefully received. Autumn is in full swing and Winter is just around the corner. There has been a definite drop in the temperature but there have still been some lovely sunny days. For me it’s the simple things in life like still getting the washing dry outside! This month’s issue is packed with news, information and a range of interesting article which I hope you will all enjoy reading. As usual we have some great advertisers offering a range of services including Christmas gifts and ideas. Our puzzles on pages 14 and 15 will keep you busy and if you see yourself as a budding writer there is a great competition being run by Sight for Wight and you can find more details on page 2. It’s been a very difficult year for everyone, and many local businesses have been and still are struggling, so please use their services whenever you can.
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
SOS Flat Roofing
I hope you enjoy this issue and please let any business owners know about us and how they can advertise and promote themselves in this monthly community magazine. If you have any news or information you would like to share, please get in touch with me and I will always help in any way that I can. Enjoy your November and I look forward to catching up with you again soon. Best wishes
Debbie
Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534 www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com 3
‘Bits & Blogs’ As the nights draw in nothing beats sitting down with a good book, but one better than that is a book written by a fellow Isle of Wighter… ‘Bits and Blogs’ is the work of Poppy Fields who moved to the Island permanently after being made redundant from her job of 25 years. Before that she lived between the Island and the mainland and her book follows the ups and downs of life, many of which we will all be able to relate to. Written as a collection of blogs her funny, lighthearted, emotive, and touching anecdotes about her life can be enjoyed and they also make it easy for the reader to dip in and out of this entertaining book.
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Poppy is just a typical wife and grandmother who now works part time in Morrisons. She shares colourful stories about several weird and wonderful episodes in her life – from the day-to-day quandaries of a middle-aged, bingo-loving, accident-prone, hot-tub-dipping, sweetfanatic mother, her continuous battle with her weight (and frustrations with Fat Clubs!), and a very Sober October to raise money for Macmillan in memory of her dear late friend. Along with her love and pride for For a caring and compassionate service her close-knit family, and an abundance of 40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932 hilarious moments www.geoffleather.co.uk that will literally have Client Parking you laughing out loud, Place Rd the author also reflects Newport Private Chapel of Rest s Rd Node on some poignant Newpo Personal Service rt Rd and sad times in her Pre-Paid Funeral life that will resonate Plans with anyone who has ever been in a similar position. R ate
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This book is the perfect gift for yourself or as a Christmas present that will just keep giving and giving. Available to buy from Amazon as a paperback or kindle edition. 4
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SUBSCRIBE To receive a digital copy of Island Magazines each month simply send an email saying ‘subscribe’ to cowesmagazine@gmail. com, then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox.
Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666
maggie
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News Report from Cllr Paul Fuller - 45 Oxford Street, Northwood, PO31 8PT. Telephone: 01983 289595 - Email: paulfulleriw@gmail. Seafront Car Parking charges proposals It seems likely that the decision on whether to impose car parking charges on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront will be taken by IW Councillors, rather than officers. As yet no date has been set. A big thank you to everybody who commented on this ill-conceived proposal, initially intended to raise £48,000. I am uncertain precisely how many comments were received- However, I’ve been copied into 157 objections, so I am assuming 200250 comments were made. Flu Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre - The Medical Centre is now contacting patients most at risk of flu in accordance with NHS England guidance for an appointment in October/ November. These patients will receive a text message or a letter. Most Flu vaccines will be by appointment at a drive-through centre, with some at the Practice. Patients 65 and over, who are not in the high-risk category can be added to the waiting list. If you would like your name added to this list, please call the Centre on 01983 295251 in the afternoon when phone lines are less busy If you are aged between 50 and 64 and not in a clinical at-risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is November, providing the Government provides sufficient vaccine Please check the Practice website www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk for up to date information about the flu vaccine programme.
No Cold Calling - I have been working with Trading Standards following roads being targeted by Cold Calling. In light of this, I’ve been supplied with ‘No Cold Calling’ stickers, and am working with our Local Councils to consider updating signs put in place when Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard became a No Cold Calling zone in 2009. If you experience incidents, or require stickers please let me know. Southern Gas Road Closures, Gurnard Despite a shaky start with communications, my grateful thanks to the crews working throughout weekends to ensure initially that roads in Gurnard could reopen within 10 days. Sadly, several incidents were reported with residents travelling the wrong way in the one-way system. Mobile Homes and High Sided vehicles Although mobile homes and high sided vehicles have no restrictions on parking on the roadway, can I ask for owners to ensure vehicles are safely parked, not obscuring sight lines and not restricting residents of light. Gurnard Pines, Cockleton Lane - Cockleton Lane residents have approached me concerning items inadvertently delivered to similar addresses in Gurnard Pines. On occasions ‘Gurnard Pines’ was omitted from the address. In response to the fact that packages are continued over the page
News report from Cllr Paul Fuller continued being undelivered, I am considering making an approach to Island Roads and The Post Office suggesting Gurnard Pines becomes the street address rather than Cockleton Lane. This would overcome the ambiguity delivery drivers face. From my perspective it seems perverse that an area with three separate postcodes, is not considered a street in its own right. On this please let me know your thoughts! In the short term, could I please ask that Gurnard Pines residents ensure ‘Gurnard Pines’ and your postcode is included for deliveries? Place Road: Speed Limit - In light of recent developments, I have contacted Island Roads to consider a 30mph speed limit for the entirety of Place Road (currently the section between Place Side and the Northwood sign is not included) Please let me know your thoughts! Planning for the Future: A developers Charter? - Under the Government white paper concerning planning, it is intended to increase housing numbers for the Island to 1045 dwellings per year. This figure has doubled from 520 four years ago. In response, I’ve objected as ward Councillor to both the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, and MP, Bob Seely, citing that increased housing figures are unsustainable, given how many applications are received, are approved, because of the fragility of the economy and Environmental Designation pressures.
I am continuing to work with Mr Seely who shares my views that new homes should be affordable, prioritised for local people and he feels also the proposed figure is unsustainable. As an aside, pre-Covid in 2019/20 323 permissions were granted and 261 housing units completed, of which 3 units were allocated for affordable housing. Full Council - I was one of a handful of Councillors to vote against a pay increase in Councillors Allowances. I had concerns regarding the Full Council maintaining a Chair of Corporate Scrutiny within the auspices of the Council’s ruling group. Earlier this year, I opposed the Council’s leadership taking away reverse proportionality from the Scrutiny Committee. This worked well as this gave proper challenge and a voice to those who are not members of the Conservative’s ruling group (who account for 40% of Councillors). Rosie’s Bench - I’m working with the family of Roanna Jardine, who sadly passed away earlier this year, and who has asked for a seat to be erected in her memory. To date friends and family have raised over £2600. Cowes and Northwood Place Plan - It’s not too late to provide your input into shaping the future of our community. For details please visit: www.arc-consulting.co.uk/cn-place-plan
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Face coverings must be worn at all times. 9
What’s happening in our area by ‘Local and Vocal’ Lora Peacey-Wilcox REMEMBRANCE PARADE: Will not be happening in Cowes in its usual form. There will be no march past, or outdoor service at the war memorial in Northwood Park. A small service for INVITED guests only (limited numbers due to Covid) will be held in St Marys church. I will be laying a wreath on behalf of you all. People are being asked to stand outside their homes at 11am for the 2 min silence should they wish. FENCED OFF: A number of you that know the field off the cemetery and railway track will notice new fencing and wooden access areas made. The landowners say they are going to put cattle on the area hence the fencing off. A local chap was trying to ensure we had rights of way across the land. Certainly, I used to go across the field to the copse as a 10year-old as did many friends, so we have used the area for many years. POST OFFICE Pallance: Had to shut with immediate notice. I am still trying to work out the reason - this enabled many people from Northwood and Cowes to access services. It is a huge blow to us once again. FIREWORKS: I know all kids like to see them, but please be wary of the wildlife and the dogs and cats who are utterly petrified. Please keep them to a minimum. DRIVE THROUGH FLU VACCINE: I understand this worked really well at BAE. So, hats off to those that organised it. Also, Day Lewis who spent hour after hour giving out the vaccine. Stay safe one and all. 10
ST MARYS TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM: I have received more calls and emails about this than anything else this year. I have 100’s of emails where I have asked questions. I thank those that have also been fighting on this issue. HOW do we get from Hospital back to Cowes? “We were very aware of the need to provide ‘U’ turning options for traffic emerging from the hospital and heading to Cowes during the design of the signalised solution. Generally, ‘U’ turns are banned at multi-lane traffic signal control junctions as they either conflict with the left turn form the side road or operation of a pedestrian crossing. However, the Forest Road signals have been specifically designed to allow for ‘U’ turns which can be undertaken at the same time as right turns to Forest road with no conflicting movements. Any reports of no ‘U’ turn signs appearing at that junction are simply wrong. If drivers miss that and get as far as the main junction they will be signed to ‘U’ turn using the B&Q roundabout. ‘U’ turns will be banned at the Hunnyhill / Dodnor Lane junction. Of course, most traffic (certainly staff and ambulances) leave the hospital to the rear and emerge via Dodnor Lane in any event”. Hope that is clear for you all! By the way, Island Roads are being berated, but the continued over the page
What’s happening in our area by ‘Local and Vocal’ Lora Peacey-Wilcox engineers who came up with the scheme (tested by all accounts) are the ones who should be challenged. FLOATING BRIDGE: I continue to challenge but also work with the council over solutions to the ongoing issues. Again, there are 100’s of email exchanges backwards and forwards. THREE GATES JUNCTION: Are you as fed up as me at that junction? Wouldn’t it be nice if they could widen the area so that cars could at least turn out left? In fact, there is a road already there by the bollards. I have raised this a number of times. It all comes down to funding… If people were to think of how they position themselves at junctions, that would alleviate the situation. COVID: From the number of people I have been talking with, I hear nothing but “I am now sick to the back teeth of it” (odd expression). As I said at the start, the virus (like so many we have faced over our years on earth) is here to last. SHIELD the most vulnerable (should they wish) the vast majority go about their normal business (as much as we can) but taking Hands, Face, Space, where you are able. And then there are the others…! As always, you are my eyes and ears. Please email me if you have any concerns: lora08@sky.com or 01983 645765
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Judith Didham Yoga 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.
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He’s small but he is mighty… I had no trouble thinking of this month’s front cover. All I had to do was look out my window for inspiration as I have been befriended by a little robin who lives in the hawthorn at the bottom of the garden. I decided to name him and to be honest I decided to keep it simple and he is now known as Mr Robin… he is here all day, every day and has been for the last 5 weeks or so. Most mornings you can hear his high pitched singing and some particular mornings if he has got out of bed on the wrong side (which happens to us all) he can be very vocal and almost aggressive in his tune. This also happens if I have been a bit slack and not filled the feeders to the standard he likes.
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The robin is officially Britain’s national bird and they have been associated with Christmas as postmen in Victorian Britain were nicknamed “robins” because of their red-breasted coloured uniforms. So, the robin on the Christmas card came to represent the postman who delivered the card.
IES RR BE S CK ANT A URR BL CKC A S L B IE ERR ANB LOG IES RR BE SE GOO
HYBRID BERRIES FAMILY TREES Robins are known to have spiritual and symbolic MULBERRIES HOPS GRAPES NUTS meanings and signifies loved ones are still with us National Fruit Tree Specialists after they pass away, bringing us a sign from heaven, 20% off Apple Trees encouraging us to move forward with acceptance and determination. Above all, the robin red breast symbolises Moor View•Godshill•PO38 3HW passion, a new beginning, and re-birth. Therefore, if the Pop in or call us for a bird flies into your life you will be blessed with happiness catalogue & price list and joy. Tel 01983 840750 / 522243 Fax: 01983 523575 I take a lot of pleasure from feeding the birds, and this small task means so much to them as the winter weather can have a severe impact on them and they can use up to 10% of their body weight during one cold night, and unless able to feed well every day to replenish its reserves, a prolonged cold spell can be fatal. Once they know food is available, they will be back time and time again.
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THURSDAY EVENINGS Cowes Primary School NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
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Sudoku
Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty square so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats.
6
1
4 9 2 8 5 7 3 1 2 7 6 9 7 8 6 9 2 7 4 8 1 2 5 3 3 5 2 6 14
BASH BURST CHOP CRUMBLE CRUNCH CRUSH CUT DEMOLISH DESTROY DICE DIVIDE EXPLODE FLAKE FRACTURE GRATE GRIND JUMBLE MINCE PIERCE
PULVERISE REND RUIN SEVER SHATTER SMASH SNAP SPLIT TEAR WRECK
Word Ladder Change one letter at a time to make a new word on each rung, move from the top word to the bottom using the exact number of letters and rungs provided.
F O O L
S A G E
Last month’s answers – Wordladder:- Tears, Sears, Stars, Stare, Stale, Stile, Smile
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Kriss Kross Can you work out where each word goes in the grid to complete a crossword style puzzle?
3 LETTERS CAP CHI COW INN JOY LEE TIE WAX
4 LETTERS 5 LETTERS ALOFT FINE DWELL LACK FROCK OOZE INFER SCAR KNOWS TASK MOODS UPON NIECE URIC STICK YESES
6 LETTERS BAMBOO EASIER EMPIRE JERKED MYSELF NEATLY REELED STARVE SUFFIX
8 LETTERS ABRUPTLY RESERVED
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Island Dental Services We are now open Mondays and Thursdays for all appointments.
All Electrical Work Undertaken Domestic and Commercial
Private doesn’t mean unaffordable.
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We are following Government Guidelines and have measures in place to ensure the continued safety of staff and patients.
Inspection & Reports
For appointments call
291423
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