Island Magazines April 2022 East Cowes & Whippingham area by Island Magazines

FREE East Cowes & Whippingham Area

April 2022

Your Local Community Magazine

Some reminders from Trading Standards • We are seeing increasing reports about rogue traders knocking on doors and trying to carry out work. We suspect this is following on from the storms last month and rogue traders are coming over from the mainland to prey on vulnerable residents. It might seem very handy to have someone knock on your door and offer to do repairs however ask yourself why are they free to be able to work on yours and your neighbours property – reputable businesses will have to look at the job, price it up and provide you with a quote and then book you in and will generally be too busy to drop everything to do your job right now! Rogue traders will offer to do work for what seems like a reasonable price but will invariably find problems halfway through the job and the price will escalate. They will rarely be trained or qualified in carrying out the services they offer which means a poor job - you will then have to pay more to a reputable trader to correct the problem. They will quickly turn from being very nice to using intimidation and threats. Remember • If you have a flier through the door this may not be a genuine company – these are cheap and easy for rogue trader to produce • Talk it over with a friend or family member first • If you receive lots of scam calls Sky, Talk Talk and Wightfibre all provide a free call blocking service that will block around 98% of scam calls, alternatively you could purchase a call blocking phone

Wednesday

East Cowes Town Hall 4pm & 5pm

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Julie 07813 635202 or joolsmarj@btinternet.com

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Welcome to the April issue of ‘your local community magazine’. Our aim each month is to bring you the latest news and information for your area along with interesting articles and features. We have some great local businesses offering a variety of services and products, there is hopefully something for everyone. Like many others, I am extremely proud to live here, and it is amazing watching our communities pull together as one when another part of the world has been torn apart by war. The Isle of Wight, stepped up to the mark and rallied together donating items to be taken to the border of war-torn Ukraine and going one step further by opening their homes and offering shelter. When we all work together so much more can be achieved. Whilst writing this the weather outside is not feeling very Spring like, in fact it’s quite wet and cold. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sunshine is on its way, that over the Easter period we will be able to soak up some vitamin D, enjoy some picnics, and dare I say it get the BBQ out ready for the season! There are events happening in both the local area and across the island and our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on page 16 has a variety of events listed. If you have an event happening in May, please be sure to email the information so we can include it in the next issue. I hope you all have a great Easter, whether it’s the time off or the chocolate you are most looking forward to. I hope it’s a great one and I look forward to catching up with you again next month.

Debbie 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 6 Store it Self Storage Ryde Unit 1 Nicholson Road Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1BE All information is correct at time of printing

THE ISLE OF WIGHT PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Are you interested in volunteering to help our Support Group? We need a Secretary to work with our team of volunteer Trustees starting from April. You will need some word processing skills and be able to take the Minutes of our Trustee meetings once a month. If you would like more details, please contact our Chair, Alan Taylor by email at iwpcsg@gmail.com or call 075682 45124 3

Quick Tips to Save Energy and Money For months we have been warned that energy prices are going to increase dramatically on the 1st April and although Painting Walls & Ceilings Flattened Wall Papering General Repairs we are moving towards the warmer months, Tiling Coving meaning the heating will be turned off there are still many ways in which we can Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken / Fully Insured References Available / Islandwide make little changes around the house to save a few pounds here and there. We must CONTACT DAN FOR YOUR FREE QUOTATION Telephone: 01983 408716 Mobile: 07816 545283 also take into account that inflation seems Email: td.decors@hotmail.co.uk www.tddecors.co.uk to be everywhere except on our wages, so hopefully we can continue to bring you some money saving tips each month. 1. Do full laundry loads - Half-load settings save very little energy, so a full load is much more energy efficient. Do fewer (but fuller) – wash loads instead and with the warmer weather heading our way put the washing outside on the line or on airers and say goodbye to the energy guzzling tumble dryer. Go one step further… with today’s effective washing machine detergents, there’s often no need to run your washing machine any higher than 30°C – clean clothes, energy saved, job done! 2. Use the eco setting - On your dishwasher or boiler, the eco setting heats water more slowly, using less energy. You get the same results; it just takes a little longer. 3. Don’t use standby mode - Unless switched off at the wall, appliances like your TV continue to use energy. The same goes for the kettle, coffee maker, and food processors which are all easy to unplug. The digital clock on your microwave is using energy. 4. Careful with that kettle - When making tea or coffee, most of us fill the kettle right up. By filling your kettle just to the level you need, it could save you up to a third of the energy you have been using. 5. Switch to LED bulbs - Traditional bulbs are extremely inefficient. Modern LEDs are the opposite, and also last longer so are less wasteful too. 6. Use your microwave more - You’ll save energy because it’s quicker than using the oven or stove. It’s worth considering a slow cooker too, as they’re one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances. 7. Unplug all your chargers - Across the country, people are unnecessarily overcharging their mobile phones, MP3 players, and laptops. Instead, as soon as your device is fully charged, try to get into the habit of unplugging it. Not only will this save energy, but it also prolongs battery life.

Mark the Gardener Horticultural Consultant Advice on the following:

• How to carry out DIY garden projects. • Preparation of soil and planting schemes. • Help with creation of soft landscaping schemes. • Available for friendly lessons to get you started on garden makeovers. Email - markthegardener13@gmail.com Telephone - 07753 202379 Website - markthegardener.org

Mark the Gardener Horticultural Consultant After working for 40 years as a professional gardener, local East Cowes resident Mark decided it was time to down tools and think about another aspect of gardening and consider partial retirement. During his 40 years of service, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience which he is sharing with his customers via his new role as a Horticultural Consultant.

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He is available to guide you through all aspects of garden work and soft landscaping enabling you to carry out your own projects. He is making ideas become reality, whether it is small friendly lessons to get you started through to solid advice on garden projects, soil preparation and planting. For more information about the services available feel free to contact Mark by phone or email and have a look at his website. All contact details are on his advert above. 55

Alzheimer Alzheimer Cafés Cafés

Tel: 01983220200 220200 Tel: 01983 Email: info@alzheimercafeiow.org.uk Email: info@alzheimercafeiow.org.uk Website: www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk Website: www.info@alzheimercafeiow.org.uk East Cowes Café East CowesAlzheimer Alzheimer Café

Ryde Alzheimer Cowes AlzheimerCafé Café

East Cowes Town Hall York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6RU First Tuesday of the month 2pm—4pm 2pm 4pm

Football Club, Church Reynolds Close All Saints’ Hall Queens’s Road,Cowes Ryde, PO31 PO33 7NT 3AF off Park Road, First Friday of the Second Wednesday of month the month

Cowes TotlandAlzheimer Alzheimer Café Café

Totland Alzheimer Sandown AlzheimerCafé Café

The Close StFootball SavioursClub, HolyReynolds Family Centre off Park Road, Cowes PO31 Weston Lane, Totland PO397NT 0HE Second Wednesdayof of the the month month Third Wednesday

2pm 4pm 2pm—4pm

Ventnor NewportAlzheimer Alzheimer Café Café IOW College, Medina Gardens, Way The Green Room, Salisbury (Conference Rm, PINK Building) Dudley Rd, Ventnor PO38 1EJ Newport PO30 5TA Third Wednesday of the month

Last Thursday of the month 6pm 8pm 6pm—8pm

Newport Alzheimer Café Newport Methodist All Saints’ Church Church Hall Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA Queen’s Road, Ryde PO33 3AF Last Wednesday of the month First Friday of the month 6pm 8pm 11.30am—2pm

2pm—4pm 11am 1pm

St Saviours Holy Family Centre The Broadway Centre Weston Lane, Totland PO39 1 Broadway, Sandown PO360HE 9GG Third Wednesday month Fourth Wednesdayofofthe the month

2pm 4pm 2pm 4pm 2pm—4pm

Sandown Alzheimer Café ACE7 Alzheimer Café

The Broadway Centre Carers IW, Riverside Centre 1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 Newport PO30 2QR 9GG Fourth of of thethe month 2nd and Wednesday 4th Tuesdays month

2pm 4pm o’clock 10.30am—12.00

ACE7 Alzheimer Café Newcomers very welcome

for people with early onset dementia aged 45-65 yrs

Riverside Centre Booking only necessary Newport PO30 2QR when Covid-19 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month restrictions apply 10.30am 12.00 o’clock

verygiving welcome An Alzheimer Café Newcomers is a meeting place informal education about Booking only necessary when Covid-19 restrictions apply dementia, guidance and signposting to other services. An Alzheimer Café is a meeting place giving informal education about dementia, We welcome people with dementia, their families, carers, guidance and signposting to other services. We welcome people with dementia, professionals and anyone with an interest in dementia. their families, carers, professionals and anyone with an interest in dementia.

What is an Alzheimer Café? An Alzheimer Café is a meeting place that provides informal education and information about the issues surrounding dementia.

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Alzheimer Cafés provide an informal, safe, and sensitive environment for, sharing feelings, giving, and receiving support and guidance, and provides the opportunity to make new friends with people in similar situations.

TAXI SERVICE

Alzheimer Cafés have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Each month there is a speaker who presents information on a dementia related subject, sometimes from another service, and welcomes professionals and visitors’ who provide updates and information on their areas of expertise. The Alzheimer Café Team will give you a warm welcome, ‘a listening ear’, provide refreshments and signpost people to other services and agencies, where appropriate, to access information and services. There is no need to book to attend an Alzheimer Café, you are welcome to come along to any of the Cafés across the Island (ACE7 is for younger people with dementia aged 45-65 years). There is no charge – but we welcome donations in the orange collection boxes. (Booking is only necessary when Covid-19 restrictions apply.) For further information, please leave a message on the message service – 01983 220200; or email: info@alzheimercafeiow.org.uk

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News Report from Town & County Cllr Karl Love - East Cowes. Email: karl.love@iow.gov.uk Facebook: Cllr Karl Love Firstly, I would like to thank all the Volunteers of our Town and Island who turned out to help with the Ukraine Appeal. On behalf of our town, Mayor Tracy Reardon and myself we wanted to say just how amazing all your donations and physical hard work in sorting through the donations have been. This resulted in 4 articulated vehicles being loaded with your donations and shipped to Moldova where they will be distributed to those escaping this dreadful war. We are all devastated by the suffering we see, and your kind gifts and donations reflect this.

environmental impacts. It proposes a significantly high number (150ish) of housing and development constructions. It is not just a proposal about saving an Historic Castle, it’s about a significant construction of housing on the Greenfields of Spring Hill and the Grade 1 listed protected landscapes of Norris Castle. The extent to which the proposal harms the significance of the Grade 1 listed Castle, Farm and Landscape is important and this proposal does make a lot of changes to the area in so many different ways. In my view, the Castle Crescent and Terrace proposals Work has commenced on the Esplanade to are totally out of keeping with the protected have the unsightly barriers removed and we status of the Castle. The modern barn houses are grateful to Cllr Sharon Lake for her efforts in point 10 are out of character for the and look forward to its completion before environment in which they are proposed to moving on to the next phase of the Esplanade sit. They are better placed in a town centre. rejuvenation project Mr squirrel and Mr Rabbit are concerned NORRIS CASTLE - I want to devote with the loss of important wildlife assets the majority of this report to the proposed and preserved environments. Those old trees planning application for Norris Castle in my matter, says Mrs Woodpecker, who uses them capacity as Ward Councillor. I am not on to raise her young. Mr Owl is not a friend the planning Committee, and this means I of Mr Mouse, but they unite in that less tree can explore the issue and should do so with cover and intrusion from humans will put my residents, as the representative of the them all in danger. The heritage and listing communities who elected me. This proposal of the castle protect them, or so we thought is complex to explain and of a significant size. until now. What is the point of having the You may agree with some of my comments highest listing protections possible in the and disagree with others. It’s important to UK if many elements of the surrounding hear your voice and this is the purpose of this landscape protection are to be disturbed and communication. destroyed for nothing more than people with high incomes, leisure use, living in gated There are 186 planning documents contained communities which are effectively Timeshare within the application and page after page housing for second home use? None of this of pictures which may distract you from proposed housing will be affordable to many the reports where the important details are Island people or the amenities of a 5* Luxury located. There will be some elements you hotel with supporting residences. I question like and others which are not liked. I wanted it being sustainable in a declining economy to provide you with some thoughts as it has however that is for the developer to quantify. many impacts and consequences for us all to consider as a town. Highways, access, If it fails, the entire landscape will fall into esplanade, heritage, ecology and continued over the page

News Report from Cllr Karl Love continued conflicting additional needs with yet more housing requirements to prop it up. In fact, no hotelier has been identified and, in my eyes, if this is to be developed, a guarantor hotel of reputation must be identified for the project in advance. The whole landscape of Norris and Spring Hill is a very rare environment because humans have not entered it in large numbers and any intrusions of humans that enter it, as will be the case, will destroy its beauty. Norris Castle is protected by the highest listing protection awarded in England and the UK. It has more protection placed in its Heritage value than the landscape of Osborne House whose landscape is a Grade 2 listing. A key question to be noted is, if one could never be allowed to build in front or underneath the terraces of Osborne House, why would one think this possible to build a subterranean accommodation block and create a terrace directly in front of Norris Castle on its grade one listed Landscape? When you respond to the development proposals, your comments must be based on the facts of the application and material concerns. You need to state if you are for or against the application and comment on things like, the 150ish home dwelling types, materials used, proposed second home use, road widths, pavements, traffic impacts and cycle and sustainable travel plans. Esplanade access and safety features, the design of the buildings, their relevance to our Island plan and local needs. Building on greenfield full of ecology, environment, light pollution, the materials used during construction and environmental impacts. Local amenities like more doctors are not material considerations and will not count. Safety issues do count. You can view some of the Plans at the Council Officers In East Cowes. The council will be discussing the issues at its meeting on the 31st March at 6 pm and you are welcome

to attend. Island Roads has already reported online, giving it a thumbs down to their highways plans but you also need to comment as individuals to strengthen their assertion. Signing a chain letter and submitting it does not have any impact. Individual comments matter very much as do organisations. An example might be; Its reported there will be a 50% increase in local traffic for Old Road, Cambridge Road and the Esplanade with construction traffic also impacting significantly. I estimate the build will take over 5 years. Norris Castle is considered a National Treasure and is virtually untouched by development. The Castle will be a gated complex restricted to those who have the deepest of pockets as will be much of the housing development proposals. All owners and strategic partners within the proposed development will be tied by a covenant on their title. This will require them to contribute (by service charges) to the maintenance and management costs across the estate. Therefore, the estate is being carved up into smaller ownership parcels and the integrity of the estate lost forever. There is no proposal to involve local people on the Management Board. This development is not really intended for island people, and I suspect will accommodate very few within its housing. It therefore does not conform to the Island Strategy. The walled garden proposal does have some merit in my view. It could bring some jobs but that all depends on who the leaseholders are. The water frontage is likely to be used by increased leisure activity putting the wildlife and sail training activities under pressure. The developers don’t appear to have listened to the local voice during the consultations. As County Councillor for this ward, I do not believe that this is a suitable proposition.

April Facts and Historical Events. We know it is the fourth month of the year, but that’s only by the Gregorian calendar that we adhere to now. It was previously the fifth month in the earlier Julian calendar. April also only had 29 days, but a 30th day was added when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open.” It’s commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers begin to “open” or bloom. Those who were born in April have a diamond as their birthstone, which represents innocence. Their birth flower is either a Daisy or a Sweet Pea. There are two zodiac signs in April. Aries, which is until April 19th, and Taurus, which is April 20th and onwards. April is a great month for meteor showers. One of which is the Lyrids meteor shower, which appears from April 16th to April 26th each year. There are quite a few notable historical people born in April, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, and Queen Elizabeth II. On April 14, 1912, the famous Titanic ship hit an iceberg and sunk on her first and only voyage. George Washington was inaugurated as the First President of the United States on April 30, 1789. Of course, one of the most well-known dates of April, is April Fools’ Day on the 1st of the month. No one is sure where this originated from, but some believe it to be inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s story in “Canterbury Tales” called “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.” On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 was launched and ran into difficulties about two days later. It was then that the famous line “Houston, we’ve had a problem here” was said, and is today usually misquoted. After a 1,500 year break, the first Olympics of the modern era took place on April 6, 1896, in Athens. The explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine occurred on April 26, 1986, which forced everyone within a 300-mile radius to be evacuated. And of course, as we all know, “April showers bring May flowers,” so if the rain of April ever gets you down, never forget the silver lining! 10

Source: thefactsite.com

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‘Walkabout’ with Michael Paler Contact Details:- 07483251960 or email michaelpaler@btinternet.com G’day hope you are all well. Well done to Victoria and Lisa for getting the ball rolling for the Ukrainian relief centre at 11 York Avenue. MAD-Aid, York Avenue, East Cowes. The Isle of Wight charity that sends medical aid into Moldova has opened its Phoenix Complex in Northern Moldova to refugee mothers and children from Ukraine. Victoria Dunford returned early March, talking to Victoria she explained what happened for the first two days of the conflict in Ukraine” we concentrated on accommodating as many refugees as possible at our centre in Moldova. We have created accommodation at Phoenix and locally for 70 mothers and children. We have nurses and counsellors on site, trained at our centre by UK specialists, and their contribution will be vital now” If you wish to make any donations, please take this to Mad-Aid in York Avenue. East Cowes. Plans for the 80th Anniversary of Cowes and East Cowes by Polish Navy destroyer ORP Blyskawica. The events will take place on on these dates. 30th April, 1st May and 2nd May 2022 10 am - 4 pm- exhibition on ORP Blyskawica in East Cowes Town Hall organised by East Cowes Heritage Centre WEDNESDAY - 4th May 2022 6.30 pm Blitz talk in East Cowes Town Hall organised by East Cowes Heritage Centre 5 pm - 9 pm - arrival of Polish warship ORP Wodnik to Cowes Roads, Trinity Buoy THURSDAY - 5th May 2022 2 pm - unveiling of a commemorative plaque in King’s Square, East Cowes 2.30 - Guided Blitz Walk East Cowes, leaving from King’s Square leading to Kingston Cemetery 4 pm - memorial service at Kingston Cemetery 7.30 pm - Piano concert by Eva Maria Doroszkowska at Royal Yacht Squadron (tickets available to the public) 14

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‘Walkabout’ with Michael Paler SATURDAY - 7th May 2022 All day (10 am - 6 pm) East Cowes Town Hall: Exhibition on Blitz, school art, stalls. 1 pm - 4 pm East Cowes King’s Square: performances by local schools, Karpaty Dancers, music by DJ, Polish cuisine, Polish shops 2.30 pm - Cowes Blitz walk leaving from war memorial at Northwood Park, arriving at Northwood Cemetery at 4.00 pm 4 pm - Re-dedication ceremony of the refurbished communal war grave at Northwood Cemetery, Cowes 7 pm - 1940’s Dance at East Cowes Town Hall (tickets available East Cowes Heritage Centre) SUNDAY - 8th of May 2022 12 noon - Short Remembrance Ceremony at Francki Place, Cowes 1.30 pm - Main anniversary celebrations at Bandstand, Cowes Parade 6 pm -Polish Navy training ORP Wodnik will be departing from Cowes Roads. Visiting from Australia members of the family of Captain Wojciech Francki. They will be here for the week. St Mildred’s Church Whippingham is opening on 4th April Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm. The cafe will be open for tea and cake and a good chat for all ages and they look forward to seeing you. Keep well, stay safe and look forward to seeing you on my walkabouts.

dates for your diary Every Wednesday – Mountbatten Community Choir is meeting again at the hospice from 6pm – 7.45pm for a weekly uplifting sing. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. No need to be able to read music and no previous experience necessary. For more information contact Fraser Simpson (choir director) on 07834 322316 or email fraser.simpson@mountbatten.org.uk Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April – Isle of Wight Speed Trials – Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint at Culver Parade, Sandown from 9am – 5.30pm. This car sprint will be one of the first speed events run on closed public roads in England under the new UK regulations. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Bembridge Down and Culver Cliff in Sandown, spectators will be able to view the track along Culver Parade from an elevated spectator viewing area. There are a 100 cars entered for the Sprint. For more information and tickets go to ww.isleofwigh tspeedtrials.co.uk Saturday 2nd April – Coffee Morning at Vectis Radio, The Riverside Centre, Newport from 10am – midday. Meet some of the presenters and other listeners. Find out more about volunteering. All visitors must have a negative lateral flow test before entering the studio and if you are not drinking or eating please wear a face mask. Tea, coffee, biscuits and homemade cake available for a small donation. Saturday 2nd April - Easter Fun & Craft Market at Ryde Masonic Lodge, John Street, Ryde from 10am – 4pm. Craft fun for kids and families, craft stalls and much more. Monday 4th April – Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. 16

A talk by Kier Foss “Newtown Stories”. Doors open 2pm and talk starts 2.15pm and lasts for 45 minutes. Everyone welcome. Admission for members £1, non-members £2. Parking on site available. Wednesday 6th April – I love Wight and Caffe Isola, Newport are raising money for Ukraine with a quality pre-loved clothing sale from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Cocktails, coffee and cake. Donations on the door in aid of the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal Sunday 10th April – Table Top Sale at Whippingham Community Centre, Alverstone Road, Whippingham from 10.30 – 2.30 pm. Retro, Vintage, Militaria, Collectables, Art, Craft and much more. Phone 296810 for more details Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April – Isle of Wight Spring Art & Garden Fair at Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes from 10am – 5pm. Tickets are £3 per person or £5 per couple with children under 16 free. Proceeds from the event will go to Northwood House Charitable Trust. Saturday 16th April – Easter Egg Hunt at Brading Roman Villa from 11.30am – 3.30pm. Egg hunt £3 a child. Lots to see and do. Tombola, free balloon models, bonnet and egg competition, face painting, huxley magic, stalls, vintage rides and much more. Proceeds in aid of Daisy Chains IW. Saturday 16th April – Come and enjoy dancing to the sounds of the 50s and 60s and The Lonesome Valley Boys at Wootton Community Centre, Brannon Way, Wootton. Bring your dance shoes and partner. 8pm – 11pm. Free entry

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

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BUSHEL EASILY ENGAGE RECENT

HIMSELF MADNESS PURSUED

LAST MONTHS ANSWER

Lest month’s anagrams answwers:- 1. AUSTRALIA 2. BELGIUM 3. SCOTLAND 4. GERMANY 5. ICELAND 6. NETHERLANDS 7. NORWAY 8. SPAIN 9. ARGENTINA 10. SWITZERLAND