Island Magazines November 2022 Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Area

2022

Welcome to the November issue or as I like to refer to it.... the last one before the Christmas issue!!! I feel it’s safe for me to now mention Christmas, especially as the shops already have their shelves packed with decorations and presents for the festive season.

For information on events happening across the island including details of Christmas Fairs please go to our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on pages 18 and 19. Remember to let us know if you are holding any community events in December and we can help promote them for you.

This month’s front cover is a little different for many reasons, firstly as it was taken by myself on my phone and I’m not normally very good with photos and secondly, you might be wondering where on the Island I took this, but if you look closely you will see that the Isle of Wight is actually in the background as at the time I was visiting Hayling Island. This ideal photo opportunity appeared, and it made me think that although the planets aren’t aligned it’s always good to have your seagulls all lined up... except there is always the one that won’t do as it should.

Firework season is upon us, although in some areas on the Island this strangely seems to be something that happens more than once a year. If you are a pet owner like me, you too probably dread this time of year. Please make sure you have your pets safely indoors as soon as it turns dark in the few days leading up to and after the 5th November. If you are having your own display, please do the right thing and just drop a note through your neighbour’s doors and even share the details on social media so all animals can be secured and kept safe so the stress to our pets is kept to a minimum.

up and reading this issue and I hope you all have a great November and see you next month when Christmas will be one step closer!!

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. Email

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

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

TREES, HEDGES: While I’m very much a ’tree hugger’……try and keep your trees, hedges and bushes under control. I see too often trees that are so large they become unmanageable and costly to have dealt with.

I always kept my screening trees to a height we could manage to maintain. I see people pulling out into the road due to lack of not being able to see up the road. Now is a good time to have a look, maybe from your neighbour’s perspective!!

MASKS: I asked my Chinese relatives about this. In China they wear masks to PREVENT SPREADING infection. So, if they feel unwell, they are ‘encouraged’ to wear masks. However, if you feel wearing one will prevent you catching germs, then go ahead; Over MANY years I have been obsessed with the hand gel; years ago, it was called First Defence. Superb. I shall gel, gel, gel…! Oh, and have my flu jab and booster when I’m called too!

MEDINA YARD: As promised, but too late for many as now in the media; Diverse Marine has purchased the freehold of the site from Harrisons Trust. I have asked for a meeting with Ben (the new owner) to find out their future plans for the site.

PELHAM/THETIS: As many of you will know this has some alleyways to enable greater and emergency access. Once again, people are dumping rubbish and leaving buildings in a dangerous state. I have reported to enforcement and others to get the area cleaned up; and notices issued to owners who are not looking after their properties as they should.

BRIDGE ROAD: Concerns over speeding traffic.

STEPHENSONS: Still no date on resurfacing!

HOUSING: There continues to be a shortage of ’social housing’; Its far easier to say ‘build more council houses’ than it is to achieve. (Let’s not forget when we go for planning many get turned down due to local objections) We are constantly trying to work with the 3 big providers, sovereign, southern and Vectis to provide more of these. They also have to ‘balance the books’ and rising cost of materials and shortage of all trades exacerbates the situation. We are in desperate need of 1 bed properties; but few people see a return on these and so they are just not out there.

JACK: Do you love seeing our homage to shipbuilding in Cowes on the main Newport Road? I absolutely do, as I worked very hard to save the large Oak. Anyhow, hindsight in a great thing; and I wish that I had put some form of protective oil or spray on him. I fear he needs a bit of support. Your thoughts welcome please?

DATE FOR DIARY: Christmas Bazaar, FREE ENTRY: Cowes Yacht Haven sat. 3rd Dec., 10.30-4.30pm In aid of Mountbatten. Choirs, Father Christmas, drinks, many stalls, crafts and trade tables, SEE YOU THERE!! x

BILLS: I am tracking my bills with an App. (Get me!) Its useful to know costs as I go. Not had the heating on yet… I’m south facing so I still get all the sun to warm the house through, on sunny days. Don’t forget thick curtains and vertical blinds to keep heat in once the sun goes down. Gas still cheaper than electric. If you’re using a real fire, get your chimney swept.

Have torches to hand and a battery pack for your mobile.(not candles!) Please stay safe.

YOU: Please look after yourselves and each other. Just stop and think before you criticise… everyone has much going on in their lives. From reception staff, shop staff, hospital, chefs, waiting staff, Drs, police, fire, prison, volunteers, all trying hard to keep our island going and facing enormous difficulties. Much love ,and strength to all those who are struggling.

FINALLY….Apologies, to all those who email and call me, it does take some time for me to get back to you. (Not helped when quite a bit goes into my junk box!). Don’t be afraid to get in touch more than once if I haven’t got back to you within a week or two! If only I had a magic wand to make everything better for everyone……!X

The best way to get in touch is definitely via email: lora08@sky.com

Ester’s F t Health Clinic

Professional foot health treatments in your home.

file

of Corns and Callus

Foot Care

massage

Contact Ester on 07789750307 or esterchunter@gmail.com

Offering 20 years of healthcare experience

ESTER CAMPBELL-HUNTER

BSc. DipCFHP, MPSPract ITEC Dip Fully Insured. Member of the Accredited Registry of Foot Health Practitioners

Look after your feet and they’ll look after you…

The foot is a complex part of the human anatomy, and it is important that it is not neglected as it not only keeps us independent, but it is also a major factor in our physical and mental wellbeing.

Ester Campbell-Hunter moved to the Island 3 years ago and with her she brought a wealth of knowledge having worked within the NHS for several years both on the hospital ward and within the community. Her most rewarding achievement was working with Marie Curie Cancer Care, and she has also worked within clinics for the over 75s health checks.

She is a qualified Foot Health Practitioner and her business Ester’s Foot Health Clinic is a mobile service and she visits clients across the island for a range of treatments in their own home. She is particularly passionate about diabetic foot care as she understands how important it is for anyone with diabetes to look after their feet. She can offer advice on many areas and can deal with ingrown nails, corns, thickened nails and much more. Ester has gained a degree and is a qualified aromatherapist and reflexologist and offers a great reflexology massage to totally relax and realign your mind and body.

With over 20 years’ experience and as a member of the Accredited Register of Foot Health Practitioner we are very lucky that Ester chose to move to the Island and open a professional foot health clinic.

For more information, please see her main advert or call Ester on 07789750307 or email on esterchunter@gmail.com.

Don’t get caught out with the many scams that are doing the rounds. Here are some tips for you.

Call Blocking

• If you are a WightFibre, Sky or TalkTalk customer they all offer a free call blocking service – you just need to contact them to set this up.

• You can purchase phones that block scam calls and allow through calls from friends and family that are stored in the memory.

• Call Blocking Units can be purchased online or from reputable traders.

What to do with Scams

• Scam emails can be forwarded to report@ phishing.gov.uk

• If you receive a scam call purporting to be your bank you can call 159 to verify if it really was your bank or a scammer.

All Electrical Work Undertaken

Domestic and Commercial

/ Installation / Improvements

Home Automation

Inspection & Reports

Fault finding & Repairs

All Types of Lighting

Computer Network Cabling

• If you receive a scam text this can be forwarded to 7726.

• If you receive a call and are unsure of the caller you can go to the Who Called Me website and put the number in and it will tell you if this is a trusted number or a scam.

Warning signs it might be a scam

• If it sounds too good to be true: Beware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

• You are contacted out of the blue: You may get a phone call, email or letter from someone you’ve never heard of.

• You have to make a quick decision: Scammers don’t like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by saying things like ‘If you don’t act now, you’ll miss out.’

• You have to give away bank account details: Trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.

• Banks will never ask you to click on a link.

Staying safe from scams

Take Five -

Stop - Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge - Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect - Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

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

First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF

First Friday of the month

Totland Alzheimer CaféCowes 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

2pm 4pm

St Saviours Holy Family Centre

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

11am 1pm 2pm 4pm

Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE Third Wednesday of the month

Newport Methodist Church Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month

Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm

Newcomers very welcome No booking required

An Alzheimer Café is a meeting place giving informal education about dementia, guidance and signposting to other services. We welcome people with dementia, their families, carers, professionals and anyone with an interest in dementia.

Charity Number CIO 1171437

It’s a Café with a difference!

Alzheimer Café IOW is an Isle of Wight charity that is a lifeline for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Alzheimer Café IOW started in 2009 and has 6 cafés across the island but is not like your conventional café as they have the role of providing accurate and appropriate information relating to dementia in a stress-free environment.

Anybody can go along to these ‘meet ups’ so I went to the East Cowes Alzheimer Café to find out what it’s all about. As I walked through the doors I was met with a smile and friendly greeting from the volunteers, which immediately put me at ease. I explained that I had come along just to find out more about it all, and this wasn’t questioned, and I was offered a seat. It was lovely to watch the interaction between visitors and volunteers – name tags were given, and tea and coffee was served.

All the cafes are overseen by different co-ordinators, and I met Lizzie and Barry the coordinators of this particular café. I also met with Anna Roberts (Charity Liaison Officer) and Floss (volunteer at East Cowes, Cowes & Newport), who made sure everyone was catered for, tea and coffee wise. All the café’s follow a rolling programme which enables them to touch on key topics throughout the year as there is no ‘one-size fits all’ and Barry who gave this month’s presentation on ‘Why Life Stores Matter’, is co-ordinator for the Dementia Awareness Partnership IW, the training arm of the Alzheimer Café IOW.

All the café’s use the same format and language while still having their own distinctive characteristics and they all work with various agencies across the island including Memory Service and Carers IW to ensure the best support is available for everyone.

The whole dementia area is new to me and I was shocked at some of the statistics I found out especially that a probable diagnosis of dementia requires confirmation from a Memory Service psychiatrist before accessing government support, however the IW Trust has been unable to appoint replacements for many months and the number of referrals have been averaging 60+ per month with a waiting time in excess of 12 months and growing and this is why the Alzheimers Café is such an important part of the community offering informal dementia education and information and signposting to other services.

Alzheimer Cafés welcome anyone who is worried about their memory, has a diagnosis of dementia, or would like to find out more about dementia. It is clear that families come to an Alzheimer Café because they are seeking support and looking for answers and for many, diagnosis is a mixed blessing… An illness is given a probable diagnosis, but no onward care is currently available. The future isn’t just uncertain it’s fearful!

There are currently 2,655 people over the age of 65 living with dementia on the Island and this number is likely to increase to 3,920 by 2030 – Isle of Wight Dementia Strategy.

You can find details of all the Alzheimer Cafés on the opposite page.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

Now that autumn is with us there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot home-made soup. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Serve with croutons, naan, crusty bread, flatbreads, a sprinkle of grated cheese, even a toasted cheese sandwich will add another level of indulgence! Use what you need and then freeze the rest for another day.

ROOT VEGETABLE SOUP serves 4

2 tbsp olive oil

800g/ 1lb 12oz of mixed root vegetables - any kind - peeled and cut into even smallish chunks

2 garlic cloves - crushed 2 chicken or veg. stock cubes. Fry the onions until soft - add the vegetable chunks - stir fry for 5 minutes.

Crumble the stock cubes and add 1 litre/1¾ pints of water to the pan - simmer for 20 minutes. Blitz until smooth, season.

LIGHTLY CURRIED CARROT SOUP

1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter

serves 6

2 onions - chopped and 2 garlic cloves - crushed

500g /1lb 2oz carrots - peeled and chopped into small pieces

300ml/half pint chicken or veg stock

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp curry powder (m) thyme and seasoning.

Melt the butter - add the oil and gently sweat the onions, carrots and garlic until softened (5-6 minutes) - season.

Add the cumin and curry powder - cook for a further 2 minutes

Add the stock, thyme - Add ½ litre/1 pint water - bring to boil. Simmer for 20 - 25 minutes. Take off heat. Blitz until smooth.

LENTIL & BACON SOUP Serves 6

a little olive oil

3 - 4 good rashers of smoked back bacon - finely chop

1 red pepper and 1 onion - finely chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and finely chopped

1 garlic clove - crushed

1 chicken/veg. stock pot

1½ ltr/ 2½ pt water 200g/7oz red lentils or use 2 tins lentils - well drained a little thyme and seasoning. Fry the bacon, onion, red pepper, sweet potato and garlic on a low heat until softened. Add the red lentils or the drained lentils to the pan. Pour in the stock, thyme and seasoning. Return to boil - simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Either serve the soup with ‘bits’ or blitz if preferred.

CAULIFLOWER SOUP serves 4

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 onion - finely chopped

1 garlic clove - finely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander 800g/ 1¾ quarters lb. cauliflower florets, roughly chopped

1 ltr./1¾ pints chicken or veg. stock 150ml/5fl. oz creme fraiche or cream. Fry the onion and garlic gently for 2-3 minutes. Add the cumin and coriander and stir fry together for a further 1-2 minutes. Add the cauliflower and chicken stock. Bring to boil then simmer for 8-12 minutes until cauliflower is tender. Take the pan off heat. Blitz until smooth. Add the cream - season. Return to pan and gently heat through.

Please help support this great cause to get filled shoe boxes to the Ukrainian Soldiers.

Nigel Watson from Sandown is going to Ukraine before Christmas and he will deliver shoe boxes to Ukrainian Soldiers, reminding them that we have not forgotten them.

Gifts can be left at All Saint Church Gurnard, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard, Cowes PO31 8JA between 10:30AM - 4PM or give to a parishioner. Closing date 25 November 22. For more information ring Joan on 298643

New thick socks, T shirts, vests [possibly thermal], new underpants, neck warmers scarves, warm pull-on hats, balaclavas and men’s thick gloves ALL CLOTHING ITEMS TO BE DARK COLOURS PLEASE – BLACK, NAVY, BOTTLE GREEN

Paracetamol, throat sweets, plasters/bandage + safety pins, toothbrush/paste, shaving foam, razors and deodorant.

Playing cards/games, chewing gum, sweets/chocolate, biscuits/small cakes, nuts/dried apricots/tropical mix/nibble, pot noodles, savoury biscuits and a Christmas card

If you can spare £2 which will help towards transport costs.

Sudoku

Follow us on

Word Ladder

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

Wordsearch ‘Phobias’

One Careful Owner

It’s been that time of year where I pack away spring and summer clothes and bring out my autumn and winter wardrobe. I like having a clear out at the same time and then I donate to local charities either via the shops or recycling bins in the area. All the clothes I donate are clean and in good condition and have basically had one careful owner (me).

I recently read an article about the severe environmental impacts of the fashion industry and what is termed as ‘fast fashion’ and according to the UN Environment Programme, the fast fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The term refers to ‘cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest catwalk styles and get pumped quickly through stores in order to maximise on current trends.

The fast fashion model is so-called because it involves the rapid design, production, distribution, and marketing of clothing, which means that retailers are able to pull large quantities of greater product variety and allow consumers to get more fashion and product differentiation at a low price.

This information alone was enough to get me thinking and then I thought about how much money I spend on new clothes, and like everyone I should be looking to save money. It was time to be a recycling consumer rather than just a donator!!!

In my hunt for some pre-loved clothes, I have been visiting the many different charity shops on the island. I like the ones set up like a boutique, all the dresses together in size order, the tops all neatly in one section and coats kept together. I am not a rummager by nature, but I know some people enjoy it. I like to go to my size and see what is available and that’s me done. I have found some great items, dresses for £3 or £4 pounds, I got a new skirt for £7 which still had the original tag on at £34.99. I picked myself up a lovely Gisela Graham bag for £4.99 and last week I got myself a Per Una casual winter jacket for £4.99 saving myself at least £50. But… and I have saved the best to last, I have been wanting a faux fur gilet for a while, what I was looking for was quite specific and I have been searching online. I found one but it was £39.99, and I had held off buying it and now you probably won’t believe this, but this is a true story. I popped into my favourite charity shop and there like a shining beacon was the gilet of my dreams… I went from 0 - 60 in 2.1 seconds to get my hands on it and lo and behold it was the perfect fit and it only cost me £4.49.

What I do love about shopping like this is if you buy something for a couple of pounds and you get it home and it doesn’t look quite right you can just donate it again as you know the money has gone to a good cause. We all love a bargain and for me this is the perfect way to make a difference to the world we live in while at the same time looking forward to some new outfits.

News Report from Cllr Paul Fuller - for Cowes West & Gurnard Tel: 01983 289595/07935 090835 - Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Beryl E-Scooters - With the E-Scooter formal trial set to end in November, Beryl has announced that bays will cease to exist at: Egypt Hill, Reynolds Close, the Portland Inn and Church Road.

Beryl has requested to extend the E-Scooter trial to March 2024 to include the E-Bike roll-out. This scheme is supported as part of the Solent Future Transport Zones initiative.

Covid and Flu vaccinations: News from Cowes Medical Centre (dated 5th October 2022) - We are now offering the autumn Covid vaccination and annual flu vaccination to our eligible patients.

In line with Government guidelines, we are working through the age groups and currently taking vaccination bookings for those aged 65 and over.

Please look out for text messages which enable easy direct appointment booking.

If you do not have a smartphone, call the Practice and select option 4 to make a booking. For up-to-date information, please visit: https://www.cowesmedicalcentre. co.uk/

Energy Price Increases - Visit: www. moneysavingexpert.com andwww.uswitch. com Tel: 0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

The local Footprint Trust charity are recruiting volunteers to help it cope with unprecedented levels of enquiries, as Islanders struggle with energy price hikes.

Register for Priority Services - If you, or somebody that you know is classed as

vulnerable you can apply to SSEN/ Southern Water to be supported during water and energy outages.

This applies to those over 60, those living with children under 5, those with a disability, sight or hearing loss, chronic illness, reliant upon electrical aids and water, those with dementia or mental health needs.

For details call SSEN on 0800 294 3294, www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices; Southern Water on 0800 027 0800 www.southernwater.co.uk/priority-services. Alternatively, I’ve left application forms in Cowes Library.

Street Clutter - A few years ago, Island Roads were seeking to reduce and remove unnecessary signage and other street clutter. Several years on, I know there remains signage still in place that is no longer in use. If you know of any signs, please let me know.

Fireworks - If you’re having your own firework display, please drop a note in to your neighbours as you won’t believe the amount of correspondence I receive about petrified pets at this time of the year.

Anti-Social Parking, Gurnard SchoolPlease don’t block accesses and driveways when collecting children from Gurnard School. Sadly, this has resulted in altercations with residents unable to leave and access properties in Baring Road, Battery Road, Woodvale Road and The Dottens. Please note obstructing accesses can result in police action and was the reason that parking restrictions became more onerous for motorists last year.

News report from Cllr Paul Fuller

Island Planning Strategy - The new Planning Bible for the Island was not accepted by Councillors at Full Council in October. The reason for this being that many IW Councillors are unhappy with outdated data which Planning Authorities are obliged by Government to use when assessing annual housing figures.

In light of this vote, I continue to work with Councillors to find solutions. I am taking advantage of the time to see whether more can be done to focus more on prioritising social housing, which is of real concern to some members.

Old School Meadow - Following calls of anti-social behaviour, I met some youngsters at Old School Meadow. When I visited them in fairness, I saw no evidence of anything of concern. To note this open space is available to all and it is important that all residents respect this area which is set aside for the community!

Trees and Hedgerows.

• Concerns were raised to the extent landowners cut overgrowth on the paths adjoining Gurnard Heights.

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (SIFCA) - One of the organisations that as an IW Councillor I am a member of is SIFCA.

SIFCA is funded by the Government and Councils to police, monitor fishing and its impact upon the marine environment. The organisation also has a responsibility to introduce byelaws to support conservation and fisheries.

At its meeting the fishing community raised concerns over commercial fishing’s impact. In addition, divers expressed concern over discarded nets and their impact.

Also, this month:

• This month the IW Foodbank, based at Love Lane, Cowes are requesting 500g/ 1KG bags of Rice, Sponge Puddings, Long Life Milk, Coffee, Custard, Rice Puddings, deodorant and biscuits.

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

• I received a complaint concerning garden waste being deposited in roadside bins. If you, or somebody you know have issues getting rid of waste let me know or call 823777. If you receive payment for undertaking this work the punishment can be more extreme!

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.

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.

Friday 4th November - Bembridge Fireworks Night from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Steyne Park. This year we have stalls in the hall, food stalls outside, DJ and the bar will be open all night with fireworks at 7:30pm. Please don’t bring any sparklers or fireworks into Steyne Park on the night and remember the car park will be closed and there will be ‘no waiting’ cones along Steyne Road. It’s free entry but we are asking if everyone would be kind enough to make a donation on the night, all monies raised will go to the BYCC and this great village event.

Friday 4th November - Monthly coffee morning hosted by the Friends of Northwood Cemetery in the Heritage Resource Centre at 10.30am. Refreshments free but donations welcome. November theme Cards & Gifts.

Saturday 5th November – Yarmouth Fireworks are back! Join us in the town square from 6pm, where there will be food and drink outlets open. A procession will then lead to the lit beacon and display. Display to start approx. 7pm.

Saturday 5th November – Vectis Radio Coffee Morning is from 10am to midday in the studio at the Riverside Centre. Maybe you would like to join our team of volunteers, whether that is presenting, marketing, collating news or something else. Come and have a general chat. We will have tea and coffee for you, and some biscuits, plus we have been promised homemade cakes. All we ask is for a donation in the bucket to help us keep going. Or we have a card machine if you have no cash.

Saturday 19th November – Day of Christmas from 9am – 6pm in Newport Town Centre and The Quay. This year, the event organised by NCCC alongside Market Days CIC and SKATES promises to be even bigger than last year, which was one of the busiest days in Newport’s history. The Quay will host an ice rink as well as inflatable assault course and snow globe (weather permitting), a circus workshop and food stalls. A bustling Christmas market will bring festive sights and smells to St Thomas’s Square once again this year. Characters including the Grinch, will be walking around throughout the day and local school and community choirs will be performing. A large stage will be in St James’s Square providing a variety of entertainment throughout the day until 5.45pm when a magical circus-themed show ‘The Greatest Snowman’ will switch on the town’s Christmas lights!

19th November – 23rd December – I Love Wight Artisan Christmas Pop-Up Shop and Mini Market at The Garlic Farm, Mersley Lane, Newchuch from 9.30 – 4.30pm. Local handmade products from Isle of Wight artisans along with some great musicians and performers.

continued over the page

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

Sunday 20th November - IW Donkey Sanctuary Winter Market. Again, we will have plenty of stalls to look round with a wide variety of products. There will be live music on the day to get you into the festive spirit, as well as a festive menu in Grazers Café! Santa will also be making a special visit to see our donkeys and also all of our visitors. This year our on-site car park is restricted to disabled badge holders only. Instead of general parking being on site, we are going to have a number of park and ride services available. There will be a park and ride service from The Old Smithy in Godshill, The Free School in Ventnor, and St. Francis school across the road in Ventnor as well. These will have regular services, and both are under 10 minutes from us.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November – The Wildheart Trust Christmas Market from 10am – 4pm. We have lined up a beautiful, bespoke collection of stalls selling perfect gifts and decorations from local Isle of Wight designer makers and artists. With Father Christmas launching his wonderland grotto plus carols, festive food and mulled wine, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is the perfect place to kick off your Christmas shopping and find that perfect gift. It is a wonderful weekend to meet our animals and start feeling those first flutters of Christmas magic. Normal admission prices have been held for the weekend so either book ahead or turn up on the day.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November - The Northwood House Christmas Fair from 10am – 4pm. Featuring a selection of over 40 of the best Island gift exhibitors in art, craft and produce, it’s the perfect inspiration for unique Christmas present buying for those seeking something unique and original for their friends and loved ones! Free entry to Fair. The Christmas tea room will be open with mince pies and seasonal fair, along with the House bar serving mulled wine. Children can have a meet and greet with Father Christmas in the snow cave and write him a letter to give to him in person, with a chance for parents to take photos. There will also be the return of Santa Paws…the father Christmas for dogs, who’ll be delighted to wish your four-legged friends a Merry Christmas and have a photo for a charitable donation to Northwood House. This will take place in a marquee in the rotunda car park.

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

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