Your Local Community Magazine
December 2020
East Cowes & Whippingham Area
FREE
Merry Christmas
JONES
TAXI SERVICE 07970 778 053
28 28 22
Island Dental Services We are now open Mondays and Thursdays for all appointments.
Private doesn’t mean unaffordable. We are following Government Guidelines and have measures in place to ensure the continued safety of staff and patients.
Could you help support the British Red Cross in an emergency?
For appointments call
291423
The Red Cross are looking for volunteers 34 Castle Street, East Cowes who can support the local community in the event of “An excellent team flooding, snow, fires offering an or other emergencies, invaluable service” providing practical and emotional NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk support. “Friendly & reliable Volunteers should be able to commit to 2 x 12 hour on call shifts per month and attend an evening team meeting once a month.
Stress-free Islandwide professional yet Home Visits & very caring” Central Vet Surgery
Keyhole Surgery
CT Scans
Watergate Rd, Newport, PO30 1XP 01983 212999 You can find out more and apply here: The views and opinions expressed by contributors www.bit.ly/EmergencyIOW or email and advertisers are their own and do not reflect the ILCRVolRecruitment@redcross.org.uk views of the Editor or Island Magazines unless stated for more information. otherwise. Island Magazines reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary.
2
Welcome to the December issue. Christmas is just around the corner and we are fast approaching the end of one year and moving steadily into the next. This year has been a year with a difference, which I don’t think any of us saw coming, even Mystic Meg didn’t see this in her crystal ball! It’s been a challenging year for us all and one way or another Covid-19 has had an impact on our lives, but we must remain positive. On a cheerier note and as I have already mentioned Christmas is imminent and I hope it’s going to be a magical time for everyone. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces you can find information on page 14 for your little ones to send a letter and get a reply from Santa. Inside you will also find our puzzle section which will keep you busy and you can find details on page 15 on how to subscribe to both digital and printed copies of Island Magazines, should you not be able to get out and pick up a copy.
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
We have some great advertisers offering their services and wares and now even more than ever they need your support.
‘virtual’ group I would like to take this opportunity to thank all readers, advertisers, contributors and Councillors/parish councils for their continued support. continued support and I look forward to continuing to deliver ‘your local community magazine’ throughout 2021. Lastly, I hope you enjoy this issue and a Merry Christmas to you all. Best wishes Debbie
Wednesday
East Cowes Town Hall
Group Meetings are back. Social distancing in place and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call/email Julie for more info on 07813 635202 or joolsmarj@btinternet.com 3
Community Spirited Care Agency
Please call or email and ask for a comprehensive information pack.
GOOD NEWS We are now offering a ‘Sit-in Service’ to anyone suffering with dementia, to allow their carers to have a well deserved break. The cost will be part funded by the Council. Please contact the office for more info.
Giving you the warmth and care of a family, with the trust and support of a friend...
We are the only care agency based in East Cowes and we are celebrating our 13th year in business. We offer support packages to suit your needs and designed to be flexible to keep you independent in your own home.
Our regular groups are on hold for now following the latest Goverment guidelines. Keep watching this space for dates when we start again. Tuesday 1.30-3.30 Mental Wellness (1:1 sessions available by appointment)
Wednesday 10.30-12.30 Crafty Knit & Natter Thursday 10.30-12.30 Games (with a bacon sandwich for £1)
All groups are FREE the first time and £2 thereafter. Refreshments, laughter and good company are included in all groups!
We are based at the newly renovated & recently decorated Parkside Pavilion, Vectis Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HN. On the number 5 bus route.
01983 296592 or 07747046202
E: communityspirited@hotmail.co.uk www.communityspirited.com
Be part of the Big Book Project Community Spirited is in its thirteenth year of trading and although the number thirteen might by unlucky for some, owner Jane believes this is the year great things are going to happen for the business, local residents and the community as a whole as the chance to work together on one project moves forward.
Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666
maggie
Have your priorities changed recently? Are you considering changing direction in your work and/or personal life? Are your many thoughts overwhelming?
Work with me to gather your scattered Jane is currently working on the thoughts and pinpoint what it is you ‘Community Spirited Book’ which is all really want. about how she and her team have worked amongst the community, bringing care, love and friendship to those that needed it and meeting some charming and unforgettable characters along the way, who will always hold a place in her heart. Although Jane has many great stories to tell about how CS started and how they have weathered the storms and overcome obstacles along the way she would also like you to have your input included in the book to make it a real community experience. 2020 has certainly been a year no-one will forget in a hurry and Jane would like to hear your stories on how lockdown affected you. Was it all negatives or did some positives come out of it? Did you find new ways to keep your mind busy? Have you learnt a new skill? How did the local East Cowes community support you or were you left alone and isolated with no-one to reach out too? Jane would love to hear from you, whether it’s via a story, poem or letter with a maximum word count of 500. If you have photos you can send these along too. Please email them to communityspirited@hotmail.co.uk or post them to Community Spirited, Parkside Pavilion, Vectis Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HN. Once the book is completed it will be available to purchase and enjoy. More details will 5 follow in future issues.
News Report from Town & County Cllr Karl Love - East Cowes. Email: karl.love@iow.gov.uk Facebook: Cllr Karl Love You will be pleased to see the town Christmas trees in place and the umbrella tree decorated as usual. The Business Association is making efforts to help improve this year’s lighting display and the Town crafters have been busy too. This year’s festivities have been limited but that does not stop our town spirit from shining through. The goodwill of our community has certainly been inspirational this year. I’d like to reiterate if you are finding things difficult at the moment, the Town Council does have a number of food parcels that we can make available to you. All you have to do is contact the Town Hall or ask one of your local Councillors for confidential help. Just message me and I will do what I can to help.
have the unsightly fencing removed in the first round of the Esplanade Regeneration Project. I have been surveying the area and seeking quotations for materials and loudly and proudly stating that we can and will regenerate our Esplanade and take action for ourselves as our forefathers did in creating the Esplanade during the 1930’s Great Depression.
The floating bridge debacle continues to rumble on from one day to the next. Whilst there is discussion about building a bridge over the Medina, we also need to recognise the significant cost involved and the environmental impact. Our floating bridge is more than just a means to crossing the river it is a tourist attraction and one of only I also want to welcome Cameron Palin, our a handful of floating bridges in the UK. new town councillor. I hope his enthusiasm It’s a vital element of a working port which spans both sides of the river and in order will bring a freshness to our town meetings to attract new business investment to our and inspire others to stand in next year’s island we need a bridge that is operational local elections. and reliable. ‘The Beast Must Die’, a BBC drama has I received a number of concerns expressed been recording in several East Cowes by people who use the Dover Road slipway locations including the Barracks on the in East Cowes for launching their boats sea front and at Spring Hill, the former into the river and are no longer able to convent. There was great concern from use it because a gate has been fitted across some residents across the water in Cowes it. The Dover Road slipway is a public as they gazed over the Medina to see slipway and safety concerns were raised by bright orange glowing at the convent and prompting them to call the fire brigade who a number of organisations and reported to Cowes Harbour Commission and Isle of arrived at the convent with sirens going to Wight Council. The concerns are about discover a film set brightly lit. The filming is certainly causing a lot of interest and has the proximity of the slipway to the Red been a welcome distraction from the current Funnel ship birth, the terminal traffic and pedestrian access and high drop into the national emergency which Covid-19 has sea. It was also suggested that the slipway created. was not in it’s best condition which is the responsibility of Isle of Wight Council to The East Cowes Landslip Group are making progress in presenting their plans to maintain. A risk assessment resulted in 6
continued over the page
News Report from Cllr Karl Love continued the need to implement additional control measures. These being to prevent injury whilst vehicles are moving on and off the ferry and another was to protect against falling off the side of the slipway. lsle of Wight Council arranged to install a bespoke gate with a 6-metre section of railing at the top of the slipway. The fence substantially reduces the likelihood of a vehicle or person falling off the slipway, the gate which will be closed during the ferry loading and unloading times, will significantly lessen the risk of an accident. As the slipway will be within the confines of the ferry terminal, the gate will be operated by the Red Funnel Marshalling staff. Whilst there may be a padlock on the gate, it has been agreed that this will be left unlocked at all times. I would also confirm that the necessary signage is in situ advising the public what to do. The town council and I recently met a manager from the East Cowes Medical Centre where we expressed our concerns about the call centre and appointments booking system. I am very aware how stressful it can be waiting on the telephone for the Medical Centre number to be answered (01983 284333) or if you have registered for the online service you can book an appointment that way. To book online you must first obtain a login and password and register it at the medical centre. I want to assure you that I am in contact with them and I do pass on your concerns to them whilst maintaining your confidentiality in communicating with me. All in all, I’m looking forward to 2021 as we can see some of our local community initiatives positively moving forward and hopefully a solution to this virus is on the horizon. Of course, there are many challenges ahead, but our community will ensure that its voice is at the centre of all
developments. The local elections in May will provide opportunity for the people to voice their individual opinions and collectively elect both a new town council and county council. I would always encourage you to use your vote in whatever politics or individual you chose to vote. Democracy is a very important part of our lives. Finally, I want to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. Might I ask you to spend just a few moments of your time on Christmas Day and at New Year chatting to those who may not have any family to share Christmas with. As I said the spirit of our community is strong and together we live a more enjoyable life, Merry Christmas to you all Karl
The island's longest established independent family funeral directors are proud to open in East Cowes to serve the local community Professional, personal & caring service Call Richard or Caroline day or night on 872598 Weaver Brothers Ltd Link Road, East Cowes, IW, PO32 6RN email: info@weaverbros.co.uk www.weaverbros.co.uk
Telephone: (01983) 872598
7
Coast To Castle Local Property Services
01983 200 007 ƐĂůĞƐΛĐŽĂƐƩŽĐĂƐƚůĞ͘ĐŽŵ 9 York Avenue, East Cowes. PO32 6QY
YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENT
SELL YOUR HOME - MORTGAGE ADVICE - EQUITY RELEASE NO PERCENTAGES - NO HIDDEN CHARGES - FIXED FEE ONLY
WE ARE HERE! ANY QUESTIONS? ǁǁǁ͘ĐŽĂƐƩŽĐĂƐƚůĞ͘ĐŽŵ Anyone for a Cuppa? The teabag… this little pocket of flavour, always there for us in a crisis and our time of need then dumped in the food waste caddy or compost heap without a second thought… but wait, there is still life after the first brew! Here are some great ways to reuse them: • • • • • •
• • • • 8
DOMESTIC CLEANING & IRONING SERVICES PRACTICAL HELP & SUPPORT FULLY INSURED. NO AGENCY FEES
PLEASE CALL ANGELA
07912 432835
Protect house plants from fungal disease by re-brewing a used tea bag and using the weak tea (cooled) to water your plants. Neutralise odours naturally. Spread dried tea leaves in stinky spots like the cat litter box or in the bottom of your garbage bags. Make cleaning the fireplace safer and easier. Dump the damp contents of tea bags onto the ash to weigh it down before sweeping out the fireplace. De-grease pots and pans. Soak hard-to-clean dishes in water with a used tea bag tossed in. The tea will help loosen stuck-on food and break up grease. Add them to your bath. The antioxidants in tea are good for your skin and the gentle scent will add some aromatherapy to your soak. Make a hair rinse. Remove product build-up without using another product. Soak 3-4 used tea bags in warm water and pour it over your head after shampooing and conditioning as usual. Don’t rinse. Pro tip: Chamomile brightens blondes and black tea adds a coppery shimmer to brunettes, according to Housewife How-Tos. Deodorise carpets. Scatter the dried contents of several teabags over your rugs before you vacuum. Revive tired eyes. Place cool tea bags over your eyes, cucumber style. The tannins in the tea leaves may reduce bags and dark circles. Clean leather shoes by buffing with a damp tea bag. Wash stinky hands - using a tea bag as you would a bar of soap to help eradicate garlic, onion, or fish odours.
Call 01983 216121 or 07590 277298
For all your external cleaning needs... Soft Washing & Pressure Washing of Render, Roofs, Driveways, Gutters, Cladding, Awnings, Patios and virtually any other external surface.
info@dazzleexternalcleaning.com
Get your gutters, driveways and windows Dazzling again! This is the time of year when gutters need some extra care. There may be a build-up of leaves, moss and other debris that has collected over the summer and autumn months. Keeping your gutters clear of debris guarantees free flowing drainage during these wet winter months. Dazzle External Cleaning has the knowledge and the machinery to tackle any hard to reach problem areas. In a relatively short time, Rhys can have your gutters free flowing ensuring no long-term problems. It is also that time of year when algae and moss can invade driveways and patios making them slippery and dangerous. With a range of techniques, almost any surface can be made safe and regain its appeal.
A J Careless Solicitors
Making or updating your Will? Arranging Power of Attorney? Need advice on Inheritance tax? Require assistance with Probate? Then we can help. Come and see Ian Clark at
East Cowes Town Hall on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month between 3pm – 5pm Please telephone 852626 to guarantee an appointment www.ajcareless.co.uk enquiries@ajcareless.co.uk Merry Christmas to all my customers, old and new.
DENYER PLUMBING SERVICES Normal service with social distancing
Qualified, Professional, Reliable & Friendly Service. Free Quotes - No Job Too Small DISCOUNT SCHEME for Ex-Forces, NHS and OAP’s
07780 700 214
denyerplumbingservices@hotmail.com
Dazzle External Cleaning can cater for all your external cleaning needs, whether it be driveways, patios, gutters, cladding, windows, render or roofing. They offer a reliable, friendly 5-star service. For a free quote give Rhys a call on 216121 or 07590 277298 or email him at info@dazzleexternalcleaning.com
9
www.islandmagazines.co.uk PUZZLE PAGE
www.islandmagazines.co.uk ATTACHE CASE BASKET BOTTLE BOWL BOX BRIEFCASE CARTON CASKET CHEST CRATE DUFFLE BAG EVENING BAG EWER HAMPER HANDBAG HOD JUG PAIL PANNIER POUCH PUNNET PURSE SACK SPORRAN TRUG, TRUNK VANITY BAG WALLET
T S T Q E V N A N N U I P T Z Y X B C A H G andmagazines.co.uk O U D P P E R A
3
Sudoku
Wordsearch ‘Carry It’ E W E R F D E S A C F E I R B
H W N Q U A K C A F T N N G I
9 5 7 2 8 1 4 3 9 7 9 6 8 2 6 8 3 2 4 6 6 7 9 1 5 3 5 2 9 10
Follow us on
C A I H U E C R L C N R A U I
K L N C T Z T E O A K R R R T
N L G U J O B E P T E Y R T E
U E B O N A C A K P E B O W L
R T A P G A I R M S U K P L T
T O G K A L S A A X A R S Y T
Word Ladder
G A B D N A H S C T O C S A O
A T T A C H E C A S E B X E B
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.
G R A S S
G R E E N
PUZZLE PAGE
www.islandmagazines.co.uk
Follow us on
Kriss Kross
Can you work out where each word goes in the grid to complete a crossword style puzzle?
3 LETTERS ASK SAC CRY TEA EGO YEW ERR FIG HOW ILL IMP ONE RAW
4 LETTERS ECRU EVES FEEL FLAT FLEW GREY MINI ONES TYPE YOGI
5 LETTERS
6 LETTERS
CIGAR DEEDS LOVED MUSIC NEEDS RECTA SHELF SIGHT WHEAT
CLAUSE GEWGAW MARINE SQUIRE
Last month’s answer for Wordladder - Fool, Pool, Poll, Pole, Pale, Sale, Sage
11
East Cowes Town Council - Clerks Report The Full Council meeting for this month will be held remotely by Zoom on Thursday 17th December at 6pm. The agenda, including joining instructions, will be published on the Town Council noticeboards, on the website and the Facebook page on the Friday before. The Town Hall closed to the public due to lockdown and this meant the library drop off and collection service had to be suspended and the hirers who had started to return were sadly unable to continue. Unlike the first lockdown, play areas and public toilets were able to remain open. Hopefully, the situation will ease a little as we go into December. The Town Council is very pleased to welcome a new councillor to their ranks. Following the co-option process. Cameron Palin was the successful candidate and the council officially welcomed him at their Full Council meeting on the 19th November. At just 18 years of age he will be amongst the youngest town and parish councillors in the country and has a wide variety of skills and interests which will be beneficial to the town council. The Community Hub and Library project continues to gather pace. Conditional Building Regulation approval is awaited. The Town Council meets regularly with the architect and interior designer to move forward with all aspects. Construction companies will be invited to tender for the contract before the end of the year. Following demolition of the public toilets and old library room the building work will commence in the spring. The Town Council is continually looking to improve facilities in the town. At their Facilities, Projects and Events Committee
meeting in November, it was agreed to put in motion a consultation on upgrading the Vectis Road Skatepark. The Facilities Officer and Assistant have been undertaking a Condition Survey of the play areas and other assets run by the Town Council which will allow planning for maintenance and improvements in the year ahead. As the Town Council has recently taken on a 130-year lease from Isle of Wight Council for additional areas of the Esplanade, they will be undertaking a review of the whole area and developing a plan, in conjunction with the Regeneration Group. Some suggestions have already been put forward by members of the public for more picnic benches and a boules pitch. The Town and Neighbourhood Plan Survey report has been completed and the Town Plan Forum group will be meeting soon to consider the results. Thank you to the 698 households who responded. Looking forward to 2021 the Council has a busy and exciting time ahead. On 6th May there will be Ward and Town and Parish Council elections. The new Community Hub and Library will bring opportunities for various volunteering roles, as well as providing a space for community groups and activities. East Cowes will see an Annual Elephant Festival launched – watch this space - and a special Romanov exhibition and book launch. After a year of social and community activities being very limited, let us hope that 2021 can see a return to something of the life we have all missed. The Town Council wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all residents. Stay safe and well.
• Domestic & Commercial • Competitive Rates • All Island Coverage
Call: 01983 754666 for a quote or email: info@westwightaudio.co.uk www.westwightaudio.co.uk
All makes & models wanted Call Kevin on 07545 560916 (leave a message and he will call you back)
Home Grown and Open for Business
Grahame wants to let islanders know that Deacon’s Nursery, located in Moor View in Godshill is open for business and he can personally assist everyone with what they require. They have hundreds of varieties of trees on offer; apples, pears, peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry to name just a few… Deacon’s Nursery is your one stop shop. Although it might seem an unusual gift for Christmas, and let’s be honest it’s been an unusual year… a fruit tree is the gift that keeps giving year after year and if you have that one person who is difficult to buy for then this could be the answer!!!
Deacon’s Nursery INES TAR NEC ES CH PEA ES RI ER CH
What Deacon’s Nursery don’t know about fruit trees... just isn’t worth knowing. Having been established on the Island for 44 years, since 1976, owner Grahame Deacon has grown the family business to be one of the largest mail order fruit tree nurseries in the UK and in Europe.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS APRICOTS MED L AR RA S SPB ERR ST RA WB IES ER RIE S
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing)
Looking to sell your car?
PLU
MS
IES RR BE K S ANT AC URR BL CKC S BLA IE ERR ANB LOG BERRIES SE O O G HYBRID BERRIES
PEA
RS
APPLES FAMILY TREES GRAPES NUTS
MULBERRIES HOPS
National Fruit Tree Specialists
20% off Apple Trees Moor View•Godshill•PO38 3HW
Pop in or call us for a catalogue & price list Tel 01983 840750 / 522243 Fax: 01983 523575
For a caring and compassionate service
40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932 www.geoffleather.co.uk Place Rd
des R
d
re Th
Newport
Client Parking Private Chapel of Rest Personal Service Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
eG
No You can call into the Newpo rt Rd nursery in Moor View, Godshill, PO38 3HW to pick up a catalogue and price list or if you prefer call 840750 or 522243 and leave a message with your name and address and Grahame will post them to you. Please see the main advert for further information.
R ate
d
13
Letters to Santa Christmas is coming and Royal Mail are working extra hard delivering letters to Father Christmas at his Grotto while he prepares for the big day. Father Christmas promises that, between wrapping presents and keeping an eye on the elves, he will reply to everyone who writes in as long as you include your full name and address in your letter and post it by the deadline of Friday 11th December. Remember to:• Write Santa’s address on the envelope • Put a stamp on the envelope Please send your letters to: Santa/Father Christmas Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ Santa has also been in contact and has sent this message.
Dear Boys and Girls,
May the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family hope, happiness and love.
Merry Christmas Cllr Karl Love
Christmas is a very exciting but busy time for me. The elves are making toys and the reindeer are practising their sleigh runs and I’m busy preparing my list of who’s been good this year. I will be getting my sleigh ready for the long journey on Christmas Eve and in between I will reply to as many of you as possible. I’m looking forward to delivering your presents on Christmas Eve. Make sure you remember my mince pie and Rudolph’s carrot! 14
Traditional Painter & Decorator
SIMON MAC
“a professional, reliable & high quality tradesman” Specialist in painting/staining kitchen doors, a much cheaper alternative to replacing.
Fully Insured | References | Free Estimates
Tel: 294020 or 07769 967 140 Email: si.mcm@hotmail.co.uk
subscribe Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines.
Adrian Kensit
South Coast Tree Surgeons Garden Maintenance
• Maintenance & pruning of shrubs • Cultivation & cleaning of borders • Grass & Hedge cutting • Plants, shrubs & trees supplied & planted
Tree Surgery
• Crown lifting & thinning, reduction & shaping • Dead wooding and tree felling
General
• Fencing erected, repaired and painted/stained • Sheds painted/stained and bases installed • Pressue washing patios and drives • Overgrown gardens cleared
Tree Stump Removal
• Hydraulic Powered Stump Grinder • 36 inch access required • All waste removed • Awkward stumps can be chemically treated
If you can’t get out to pick up a copy from local distributors Full Island Coverage you can subscribe to either our For further info call 07850 489754 or 404720, or ‘DIGITAL’ or ‘PRINTED’ edition each email adrian.kensit@btinternet.com month. For DIGITAL subscriptions please email eastcowesmagazine@gmail.com and include the words ‘subscribe digital’ in the email, then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox. For PRINTED subscriptions there will be a small charge of £1.20 per month payable 6 months in advance. Email islandmagazines@gmail.com with your name, address and which area you would like or call us on 07880 587 931.
Conveyancing O Wills & Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney “You kept us fully and clearly informed throughout. You were exceptionally responsive and very proactive on our behalf. The best experience we have ever had from a lawyer when buying a property.” Mr and Mrs A.
Home visits & evening appointments available
Tel: 01983 533938 143 High Street, Newport, IOW, PO30 1TY www.wheelers-solicitors.com
15