‘Walkabout’ with Michael Paler

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

G’day it has been a quiet January but I have attended meetings that will be of benefit to East Cowes and the Medina Valley. Cowes Harbour Commission is taking part in a new joint venture with UKSA to start a small test nursery for native oysters in the harbour. The reported benefits to the harbour, including improvements to water quality and biodiversity, are well documented and CHC has agreed to fund the nursery cages. The Ministry of Fisheries will be inspecting the site later this month to hopefully agree to the viability of the project and award an aquaculture licence to proceed.

Cowes Harbour Commission recently secured outline planning permission for phase one; the proposed improvement of Kingston Wharf East Cowes. Now the hard work commences creating detailed plans for final approval of the first phase prior to work commencing later in 2023.

Last month to celebrate the start of their 125th anniversary they launched a set of bursaries and a new Workboat Apprenticeship.

The bursaries are open to residents of East and West Cowes aged 15 to 19 who are in financial need, interested in a marinebased career and who may not have the funds available to discover if working on the water is for them. A number of bursaries are available for five-day UKSA’s Sea.Change Fund courses and these can include travel and lunch. Other Sea. Change Fund courses may also be suitable for bursarial support.

Cowes Harbour Commission are also looking for applicants for a new Workboat Apprenticeship scheme starting later this year. Aged 16 to 19, the successful applicant will work with CHC, supported by training through UKSA for this twoyear course.

The Island Volunteer Fair held at the Riverside Centre, Newport in January was a great success with so many opportunities for volunteering around all areas of the Island.

Optio needs more volunteer drivers! They are particularly looking for people in East Cowes and Wootton. Find out how you can help, by phoning 01983 822 226 or email optiovolunteer@ actioniw.org.uk.

The East Cowes Classic Boat Museum is also looking for new volunteers so drop by to the Columbine Building for more information.

Don’t forget to keep warm and safe as a cold few weeks ahead, take care.

If you are organising a community event please feel free to email the information to islandmagazines@ gmail.com and details will be shared in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section