Island Magazines December 2022 East Cowes & Whippingham

Brought to you by Times and routes are being finalised. Follow @IWROUNDTABLE on Facebook for more information or check for updates on the events page at www.islandmagazines.co.uk

Welcome to the Christmas/December issue and here we are heading straight into the festive season, which I must admit feels like it has snuck up on me when I wasn’t looking. Do you feel the same?

This year there are lots of Christmas events happening in the lead up to the big day and some even after, such as the Boxing Day swims. I’ve never known so many Christmas Fayres and events to take place across the Island and this is great to see after the last couple of years. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section is on pages 10 and 11. For even more events visit our website www.islandmagazines.co.uk and go to the events tab. On page 3 you will find details about Santa Sleigh and the date he will be visiting this area. At the time of going to print the final routes and times hadn’t been finalised but as soon as they become available I will update the events page on our website.

This year I will be baking some Christmas cookies and savoury snacks for both myself and to give as gifts and you can find the recipes on Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature on page 12. These are the basic recipes to get you going and you can easily add different toppings, herbs, spices and flavours.

In this month’s issue you will find a great variety of local businesses advertising their services and their support through advertising keeps this community magazine going, so please use their services and let them know you saw their advert here.

I’ve had a wonderful year catching up with you every month and I want to thank you for taking the time to read this community magazine and I hope to catch up with you again in 2023... but until then I hope you have a Happy Christmas, however you are celebrating and please look out for those on their own and any elderly neighbours.

Best wishes to you all.

Are there rooms in your house which are looking a bit drab, dated and could do with a new a ‘facelift’?

If so, then Tanya of Décor Perfection is the lady to call. Whether it’s painting or wallpapering, a re-fresh or a complete makeover Tanya will be able to help.

Maybe you need the spare room decorated for guests coming to stay at Christmas or perhaps 2023 is the year to update and make your home look like new again.

Many of her customers have asked for advice for complementing colours and how best to update their rooms and hallways and Tanya is always happy to offer this service or be led by the customers, needs. She works cleanly, efficiently and is reliable and affordable.

Tanya can also update fences, garden buildings and furniture so when Spring is heading our way consider giving her a call to get your garden ready so all you have to do is relax and enjoy it when the weather warms up.

You can contact Tanya at Decor Perfection for a free quote on 07500 298070 and see her main advert for further details.

News Report from Town & County Cllr Karl Love - East Cowes.

Email: karl.love@iow.gov.uk

I wanted to start this news update by thanking you all for your encouragement and support during this very testing year. Christmas is a time of joy and families despite the bleak economic outlook. Our community has pulled together in so many wonderful ways this year. Supporting the people of Ukraine through community giving and the opening of new facilities in our town demonstrates the spirit of our community which makes us all feel so proud of our town and its people. We might only be a small town, but we have a giant heart. We have two new community facilities in East Cowes supporting people at home and overseas. The East Side Curve is open for people to drop in and have a coffee and the Mad-Aid Dot facilities at the former post office are now taking on a much wider community role. It will take time for these facilities to come into their own right and be fully operational. MAD-aid still welcomes your donations and especially with collecting winter clothing to be shipped overseas to those escaping the tyranny of war or continuing to live in Ukraine. Please continue to support them with your kind donations.

You will have read the good news about the exciting developments for the Kingston Marine Park. The creation of the film studios will bring more jobs to the island over time and support local town businesses. It will further enhance our town’s reputation for innovation and creative arts. The intention is for the construction of four film studio stages which amounts to the original footprint proposition which is equivalent to the building of marine facilities. I anticipate the use of the buildings after construction will have less noise impacts than the boat building industries. The intention is to provide facilities which enable big movie

Facebook: Cllr Karl Love

production companies the flexibility to shoot movies outdoors and create the finished productions indoors in one location. They can take advantage and benefit from our ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and historic buildings of our Island. It will eventually bring many benefits to a wide range of island businesses including scaffolders, hotels, painters of sets, costumeries, creative arts, education, tourism and other local community interests. It’s not going to happen overnight, and we wait for the planning proposals and applications to be brought forward. I have asked about local issues such as onsite parking, tree screening, design and highway use. For residents who live in the area you will have noticed how the Saunders Way Link Road is taking shape and not very far away from being completed. You will of course see that a road access has been created to the lands adjoining the power station just along from St Wilfred’s Drive. While nothing has been identified to be built there at this time, the fact that an access point has been created is a sign of things to come. This area is inside the development envelope that was created at the outset of the Hawthorn Meadows development many years ago. I don’t have any concept of what is to be built in this area but there is likely to be a move to build on it in the coming years and I will keep you informed of any matters or discussions I hear in this. The opening of Saunders Way as a through route is going to create new issues for both residents in Kingston Rd, Minerva Rd and Clarence Rd. Myself and Cllr Hendry are raising these issues with the Local Authority and Island Roads. Not only are these roads narrow and twisty they are not, in places in good condition. I’m concerned that the connection will create a Rat Run and the safety issues of both speed and highway crossings need to be

discussed. I will ask for this to be placed on the East Cowes Town Council agenda.

Now turning my attention to the letter many of you will have received from Mr Wellington of Norris Castle who has exercised his right to reply. I have made no libellous statements and I have referred the comments to our legal team as have ECTC for legal advice. The Town Council has received another letter in this matter warning me about being sued, from Mr Wellington, along with another councillor. I do not support their planning proposals to create access from the Esplanade. Naturally the developers do not agree with me. I am entitled to express this in representing our community and constituents as are those who wish to support the application. I will continue to express and make comments about the proposed development in line with my responsibilities as ward councillor for East Cowes and through the legally invited public consultation process. It is for the Planning Authority to deliberate and make the decision. East Cowes Town council is a consultee and lease holder for lands given to the people of East Cowes but in the ownership of IWC. This land forms a part of the town’s green heritage spaces and a part of the road itself, over which the Developers have expressed a desire to create access over. This is evidenced in the Land registries and council documentation. The community do not want a major access point along our leisure esplanade recreational area and have expressed this to all 8 town councillors representing their wards. We have clearly stated our positions and objection reasons. I have received no notification of any variation to the developers planning application to prompt a reconsideration. The developers are perfectly entitled to organise

Karl Love

continued

their own public meetings and have always been able to do so if they so choose. I and other councillors can demonstrate a full engagement with the planning process and the Developers of Norris Castle, planning team. ECTC submitted their comments to the Planning Authority long ago. They are posted on the planning portal for your review. It is unlikely that the planning application will now be heard before Christmas, as I understand it. I am not able to make any other comments and I think I have provided a proper response here with the best of intentions.

Adult Social Care has become gridlocked all across the UK resulting from years of ineffective government governance and the failing to provide proper reforms and investment. It has been a testing time for all the teams at St Mary’s Hospital where shortages in staffing and sickness has resulted in the rationing of the services available. They have all done an amazing job to keep services going and we thank them for their dedication.

Thank you to all those who joined together on Remembrance Day, and it was so lovely to see our town’s youth group all in attendance. Thank you to all youth activity leaders for your dedication. Thank you to those who participate in the creation of our wonderful community events and artworks. Town markets and events don’t just happen they are created for our enjoyment by volunteers and together we all benefit from their work. We are so lucky to live in such a special place, our town our home of East Cowes

David and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and look forward to supporting the creation, wherever we can, hope and new friendships in the new year

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dates for your diary

Every Tuesday until the end of March 2023 – Warm Hub at Whippingham Community Centre from 11am – 3.30pm. If you are an ‘over 60’ and living locally drop in for a light lunch of homemade soup and roll followed by tea/coffee and biscuits for just £2. After lunch you can either just sit and chat, play cards or other board games. You’ll be in a warm place with likeminded people. Call Dawn on 07717018131 for more information.

Thursday 1st December – Kick start your Christmas shopping with Ryde Late Night Shopping event from 4 – 8pm. Entertainment with in store competitions and offers, Christmas Light switch on and much more.

Friday 2nd December – Totland Parish Council’s Christmas Fair at Colwell Common from 1.45pm – 6pm in the big marquee. There will be lots of entertainment, magic, gifts, stalls, festive food and drinks including the switch on of the Christmas Tree Lights.

Friday 2nd December – Coffee Morning at Friends of Northwood Cemetery. Come along and join in their monthly catch up anytime between 10.30 and 12.30. This month there will be a Christmas Tombola. Hot and cold drinks and biscuits all free of charge.

Saturday 3rd December – Newport Carnival Christmas Parade starting from Church Litten from 4.30pm. Floats, bands, lanterns, Santa Claus, Young Farmers, schools and much more. Lots going on in the town during the day.

Saturday 3rd and Thursday 8th December – Christmas Wreath Making Drop-in workshops at Gift to Nature Shop, 12 Holyrood St, Newport. Saturday from 11am - 3pm and 10.30am – 2pm on Thursday. All material provided. Pop in and make a wreath. Tuition on hand if required. Suggested donation £6 per wreath with all proceeds to Gift to Nature. Contact rachael.ardley@naturalenterprises.co.uk for more information.

Saturday 3rd December – East Cowes Christmas Market from 11am – 4pm in the Red Funnel Car Park, Well Road. Free entertainment and festive stalls.

Thursday 8th December – Light up a Heart Christmas Celebration at Cowes Baptist Church, Moorgreen Road, Cowes with Wessex Heartbeat. Celebrate the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. Come along, enjoy some Christmas refreshments, including mince pies and share the evening with the community. You are welcome to dedicate a ‘Heart’, where you can write a message to a loved one which will then be hung on the Christmas Tree during the evening. This community event is free but we do ask you to let them know if you are attending, via www.heartbeat.co.uk, as space is limited in the Church.

Saturday 10th December – Ventnor Christmas Community Day and Carols in the Park. There will be live music, a lantern parade and Carols in Ventnor Park as well as Christmas Fayres at St Catherine’s and Ventnor Baptist Churches and a Christmas Market at Ventnor Winter Gardens. Santa

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

dates for your diary

and his helpers will be at the grotto during the day. Fun for all the family. From 10.30am

Saturday 10th December – Roving Nativity Play organised by Wootton Bridge Parish Council – it will commence at 4pm from The Cedars, Wootton Bridge and make its way to Brannon Way via Station Road and Mary Rose Avenue finishing at the Community Centre for Carol Singing, refreshments, charity and craft stall from 4.30pm-8pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday 14th December – Ryde Castle Hotel Christmas Fair from 6pm – 9pm.

Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December

– Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Cowes between 10am and 4pm. Free entry and light refreshments will be available.

Friday 16th December – Ryde Merry and Bright. Join in the celebration in the town from 5 – 8pm. Lantern Parade at 5.30pm (starting Dover Street and ending in Vernon Square) illuminations in the Garden at St Thomas Rest and Vernon Square. Music, entertainment and food stalls.

Saturday 17th December – Community Christmas Fair at Ryde Depository in Nelson Street, Ryde from 1 – 4pm.

Saturday 17th December – Sandown Christmas Day from 10.30am – 3.30 pm. A day of Christmas fun for all the family. Lots to see and do.

Saturday 17th December – Yarmouth Late Night Shopping, Santa Grotto and Carols

in the Square. The grotto is open 12 until 6pm in The Bugle, Carols in the Square with the Salvation Army starts at 6pm and late-night opening until 7pm.

Monday 26th December – Ventnor Boxing Day Swim at Ventnor Beach at 12 noon. Join 100’s of people who brave the cold winter waters for a dip in the sea this Boxing Day!

Monday 26th December – Ryde Boxing Day Swim at The Big Kahuna/Ryde Beach Lifeguard Station at 12 noon. Refreshments and hot showers available after at the Waterside Pool.

Sunday 1st January – New Years Day Dip in Sandown raising funds for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. Meet at the Royal Pier Hotel at 11am then head down to the beach next to the pier for the dip.

Sunday 1st January – Sandown New Year’s Day Firework Celebrations – This spectacular fireworks display will be from Sandown Pier at 6pm. FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated. Friendly volunteers will be positioned around the esplanade with collection buckets. Road closures will be in place before, during and after the display for crowd safety. This event may be subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to weather conditions.

For more events happening across the Island and to find out what time Santa is visiting your town go to the events page at www.islandmagazines.co.uk

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

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With the festive season upon us our recipe suggestions for this month are for sweet and savoury treats for yourself or you can share with family and friends or even make as Christmas gifts. The children and grandchildren can get involved in making these tasty biscuits to give as gifts... just pop them in cellophane packets and add a ribbon and message.

CHEESE STRAWS

100g cheddar cheese grated

50g parmesan cheese grated

100g plain flour

100g butter - chilled & cut into cubes

1 egg yolk plus a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper.

• Place the grated cheese into a large bowl - sift the flour and add the cubed butter. Add cayenne and black pepper.

• Rub together using your fingertips until mix resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

• Add the egg yolk. Stir together with a knife then bring the dough together to form a firm dough using hands. Tip onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a rectangle and roll until 5mm thick. Trim the edges and cut into 2cm strips.

• Lay on a lightly oiled baking trayleave a space between them as they will spread. Bake at 220 degree for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.

• Leave for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

CHOC CHIP COOKIES

120g butter - softened

75g light brown sugar

75g caster sugar

180g plain flour

1 medium egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp bicarb of soda

150g dark or milk chocolate, cut into small chunks.

• Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla, sift the flour, bicarb, salt - mix well and add the chocolate bits.

• Scoop 10 large tbsp of the mixture onto parchment lined trays or lightly oiled trays, leaving good spaces between to allow for spreading.

• Bake at 180 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden and firm at the edges but still soft in the middle (they will harden as they cool). Leave to rest for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

PARMESAN BITES

100g plain flour, 100g butter - chilled & cubed 100g parmesan cheese - finely grated These are lovely on their own or you can customise with finely chopped herbs, thyme and rosemary work well.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until crumbly then bring together to form into a 3cm diameter log - if too dry add a spoonful of warm water • divide log in half, wrap each in cling film and rest in refrigerator • slice the dough into 1cm round cookies, sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top and bake at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

‘Walkabout’ with Michael Paler

Contact Details:- 07483251960 or email michaelpaler@btinternet.com

G’day hope you are all well and looking forward to a better year ahead. Last month was the opening of 11 York Avenue as the MAD-Aid Dot brought the building back into being the place that the community can use. The opening had a large number of people at the official opening and this is a place that can be used by a large selection of groups.

Good to see that Betty’s Door Cafe in Clarence Road and Artisan Cafe, Garage Inc York Avenue, are all getting people into new places.

The Curve (the hub) will be used for the East Cowes Town Council warm spaces when the weather gets colder and a place to keep warm and enjoy people’s company.

Whippingham Community Hall is also a warm space on Tuesdays 11 - 3.30.

Remembrance Sunday was well attended at St Mildred’s Whippingham and St James’s, East Cowes members of the ORP Blyskawica our society’s representatives attended Remembrance Sunday in London. The East Cowes Town Crafters decorated the town with poppies and decoration boards and flags.

The Red Funnel Island Awards night was held at Northwood House, Cowes. The Shademakers provided the backdrop to the event, which was very spectacular, they are one of the groups in the Columbine Building in East Cowes. Local winners at the event were Albert Cottage Hotel and John Cattle Skate park. Well done to them.

Clarries Club in Clarence Road asked me to be a guest speaker on a recent Friday morning and my talk was about the East Cowes and Whippingham covid support hub and how it was set

Christmas events will be at the Red Funnel car park Christmas Fair and Garage Inc, York Avenue, the Curve (hub) on 4th December and on the 5th Mad Aid Dot craft fair. St Mildred’s Christmas tree festival is being held on Tuesday 20th - Friday 23rd, 11-3pm. I

Is Christmas Pudding like marmite? Do you either love it or hate it? I remember always having this at Christmas as a child and I never enjoyed it and they say that tastes change as you get older but in my case it still the same and a big fat NO from me! But am I in the minority as it seems Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas Pudding for some. Whatever you feel about it here are some interesting pudding facts.

• Christmas pudding originated in medieval England in the 1420s.

• It is also known as plum pudding or plum duff.

• A typical Christmas pudding contains sugar, treacle, suet, raisins and spices.

• Christmas pudding traditions had a Roman Catholic influence, with puddings made with 13 ingredients, representing the 12 apostles plus Christ and was stirred from East to West to remember the Three Wise Men.

• The pudding is traditionally cooked on a Sunday, 4-5 weeks before Christmas.

• It was traditionally steamed in a cloth, although pudding basins are now often used.

• Christmas pudding is often hooked on a hook to dry after steaming, until Christmas day.

• Even though the Christmas pudding is known as a ‘plum pudding’, the pudding has no plums, instead it has raisins, which in old Victorian times were called plums.

• Coins (and sometimes other trinkets) were commonly cooked in the pudding mix, and whoever was lucky enough to have a coin in their slice of pudding got to keep the coin.

Are You Scams Savvy?

Join the Age UK Isle of Wight Digital Support Service for our gently paced workshops and a chance for a chat with our digital staff and volunteers. This month we are focusing on how to avoid scams and stay safe online. Sally Ash from Trading Standards and Philip Bonser from Daniel Burns Wealth Management are working with us to provide expert advice and guidance.

Date Time Venue Details

Thurs 1st Dec 10.00 12.15 Brighstone Methodist Church Hall

Tues 6th Dec 10.00 12.00

East Cowes Community Hub

Weds 7th Dec 10.30-12.45 Ryde Library

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Mon 12th Dec 10.00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Sally Ash

Tues 13th Dec 10.00 12.15

Better Days Café, Ventnor

Feeling safe at home with Age UKIW

Thurs 15th Dec 10 00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Sally Ash Works for the Isle of Wight Council as a Fair-Trading Officer.

Phil Bonser is a former bank manager who now works for Daniel Burns Wealth Management.

All events are free of charge and refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited, so please book your place by contacting Age UK Isle of Wight on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk

As well as digital workshops, Age UK Isle of Wight also host drop in sessions across the island and one to one home support where needed. Get in touch with us to find out how to access these or go to www.ageukiw.org.uk