Island Magazines January 2023 East Cowes and Whippingham area

Some Slimming World Firsts

Slimming World is the first weight-loss organisation to recognise the importance of psychological and emotional support in weight management and address the emotional barriers to change through compassion and understanding using unique strategies such as IMAGE (Individual Motivation And Group Experience) Therapy to boost self-esteem, and Free Foods to relieve the burdens of hunger and guilt.

Slimming World is the first weight loss organisation to recognise how the nature and composition of the foods we eat impact on our sense of satisfaction and fullness (satiety) and have been actively involved in funding research in this area for over 25 years. Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan is based on these principles.

Slimming World is the first to encourage members to set their own target weight. When a member reaches their Personal Achievement Target, they can attend a Slimming World group for free. Members can alter their target at any time. Slimming World has lowest acceptable target weights, below which a target weight cannot be set so members don’t risk falling into the ‘underweight’ BMI category.

Slimming World is the first to offer a money-back

of total confidence in the fact that members

guaranteed to lose weight. We have never had to pay out.

In 2015 Slimming World developed and launched

support members to be able to continue to

the time to cook from scratch. It quickly became

Call Julie on 07813 635202

Welcome to the first edition of 2023... I’ve got everything crossed that this year is going to be a great year for us all!

Here at Island Magazines HQ, we are going to continue bringing you a monthly community magazine packed with news, information, advertising, articles, puzzles and much more and I would like to personally thank everyone that picks up a copy to read, all contributors and to the many wonderful local businesses that advertise.

This year I have the pleasure of working with local nature and wildlife expert, Jim Baldwin. Jim is known by many for his outstanding contribution to this field and even calls himself a ‘Nature Nerd’ (his words not mine!), personally I think of him more as a local Isle of Wight David Attenborough!!

Jim will be writing fascinating articles each month which are both informative and are ways to get you involved in nature and projects throughout the year. You can read his first article on page 17.

January is a very quiet month especially after such a busy Christmas period. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on page 18 has details of the few community events happening and if you are planning any future events please let me know and I can include them in the next issue.

In this cold weather we have been having please keep warm, keep safe and please check on others, especially if you have elderly neighbours.

As always, thank you for picking up a copy and I hope you have a great first month of the New Year and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

STAMPS ARE CHANGING AFTER 31st JANUARY 2023

We’re adding barcodes to our regular stamps. After 31 January 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid. You can either use up these stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.

The stamps that are changing are the stamps (pictured below) that will be very familiar to you. They feature the profile of Her Late Majesty The Queen on a plain coloured background.

Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of our Stamp Swap Out forms and send it back to us along with your non-barcoded stamps. The step-by-step process for doing this is explained below.

How to get a ‘Stamp Swap Out’ form

• If you have a printer, you can swap out up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps by printing out and completing the online form. Go to www.royalmail.com and search for ‘Stamp Swap Out’ form. You can send this back to us free of charge, along with your stamps, by writing on the envelope Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details or postcode are needed.

• If you don’t have access to a printer you can request a Stamp Swap Out form to be posted to you at www.royalmail.com or pick one up from the Customer Service Point at your local Delivery, or you can call our Customer Experience Team on 03457 740740.

Note: Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out.

G’day all I hope you all had a good Christmas and Happy New Year.

As you all know it has been a busy few months and I’m looking forward to a good year ahead. There are many places offering a warm welcome and chance to have a chat. If you know of anyone or family who need help check with Councillors who will send you to the people who can help. East Cowes and Whippingham have a very good community who work together. There is a Living Well website to signpost people for help as part of the Winter Partnership which is an Island wide network to help all communities for the New Year.

St Mildred’s Christmas Tree Festival, Whippingham was well attended and with 25 decorated trees from many organisations and charities and well done to everyone who attended. Money raised was split between the East Cowes Food Pantry run by Community Spirited and Salvation Army Christmas Day lunch. The Christmas Tree lighting in King’s Square had a large crowd and the Holy Cross school choir sang carols. The Christmas Market also in Kings Square and Red Funnel car park was also very well attended and supported the local shops.

MAD-Aid DOT at 11 York Avenue, East Cowes is getting more popular as a venue for different groups to use for parties and youth groups. There have been a few changes with the shops Coast to Castle

Estate Agents and Joker Jack Tattoo have swapped locations. The East Cowes Town crafters did an excellent job on decorating the town with festive colour.

The Melodic Choir from East Cowes had a good few concerts at Northwood House Christmas Fair and East Cowes Town Hall, they are always looking for new members to join them.

The planning application for The Barracks has been submitted and comments can be made on the application. UKSA plans show a good use of the building that has stood empty for many years. This will be the 2nd part of the levelling up fund for East Cowes.

Take care and remember there is help for you if needed.

See you out and about.

Word

design by pinkeyegraphics.co.uk

photo by pexels.com

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

Email: karl.love@iow.gov.uk Facebook: Cllr Karl

I hope you all enjoyed the festivity of Christmas and the merriment of families and loved ones. There have been some pretty wonderful Christmas decorations this year and the town’s Christmas tree’s and town centre looked amazing, thanks to the town council, the town Crafters and to the contractors who put up the trees. Whilst I wasn’t able to attend the Pantomime Mother Goose myself, I have heard such wonderful comments about it and the stage sets which were created for your entertainment. The Panto was a big hit and has become quite the talk of Island entertainment and theatrical communities. In East Cowes there are many talented groups and individuals performing all kinds of music and creating lasting memories of entertainment. You will have seen Mark and his Ukulele from Jukebox Jazz playing performing in the town square on many occasions. We have dancers, town comedians, poets and many more. In 2023 we hope to bring to our community new entertainment and the joy of performance through their creative performing arts. We are blessed to have a town hall which seats 260 people and is an amazing venue which has provided lots of fun and entertainment over the years. We look forward to it being used in the years to come remembering its history and carrying our entertainment hopes and children’s dreams into the future.

The weather has become very cold and while the snow creates the most beautiful landscapes and of course snowmen, it poses risks and dangers to those who are less mobile and unsteady on their feet. I have always enjoyed the snow and as many children hope to play in it as us adults once did, one cannot help remembering how we hoped it would close our schools so we might play. The cold weather traps some

Love

people indoors and I ask that you support those who are not able to get out in cold weather by checking that they have sufficient provisions available to them and that they are keeping warm.

I for one am glad to see the end of 2022 and looking forward to 2023, hoping it will bring us many exciting developments including the Coronation of our King and Queen Consort. Work is also starting on the regeneration of the iconic Victoria Barracks, the regeneration of the Albany Green and the presentation of planning proposals for the building of a world class Film Studio in East Cowes. We also hope for the second phase of the Esplanade landslip area to receive approval for the creation of woodland walks and perhaps even the Island Coastal Path to be connected along the esplanade.

It will also be a year in which the Developers of Norris Castle will finally bring their plans to committee for consideration. I do not have any news about the Frank James Building, The Studio Schools or the Former Doctors Surgery, Downs House. I continue to be frustrated by these empty buildings when they could be put to good use. We continue to all be impacted by government cuts and increasing economic impacts. We must not turn our heads away from those people in need whose circumstances have been exacerbated by the current economic meltdown which we hope will diminish soon. I know what a strong supportive community East Cowes is, and our community can be relied upon. I will always try hard to be transparent with you all in the communications I have about finances and other community issues. The Economics we face as an Island council are stretching us all to the limits of what is

possible but I do assure you that in Adult Social Care we will continue to provide support to our most vulnerable and needy communities whatever the outcome of the Isle of Wight Council budget setting. I have no doubt that our government expects that every local Authority in the UK will have to increase its council tax to the full 5% while many of us, including IWC, will be in reality cutting public services at the same time. With inflation running at more than 10% we simply cannot keep pace with it and our government has not provided its local Government Authorities with the necessary inflationary uplift equivalents. We are legally and duty bound to cut services as we are legally required to set a budget which does not spend beyond our income. I feel incredibly powerless and frustrated by not being able to influence our governments attitudes and spending plans. I have been in contact with our MP and other Local Authorities and the Chairperson of the Local Government Association, to express my concerns about the situation we find ourselves in today. However I am aware that our Town Council is doing everything in its power to hold down our town precepts to a minimum for the 23/24 year.

If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer there are opportunities available. Doing something that contrasts with work or simply wanting to join in to have fun there are lots of opportunities available. A volunteer fair is taking place at the Riverside Centre Newport Saturday 14th January 2023 from 11am until 3pm. 40 organisations from across the Island have signed up to promote volunteering across our island. You are invited and most welcome to pop along and take a look around.

The General Manager of Southern Vectis has stated that the government backed scheme to cap single bus fares at £2 will commence in January and run for 3months. I will keep you informed of the scheme once we have more information.

I have received a number of enquiries about Regeneration, specifically the East Cowes waterfront scheme, highways and levelling up funding. The levelling up funding was provided for a specific project which I and East Cowes Town Council supported. This funding can only be used for this scheme and no other element. If we do not spend the funds on this area the funding has to be returned to the government. The areas it is to be spent are on the Columbine Building to promote employment, improve the Albany green which our town council is involved with and the former Victoria Barracks. 5.5 million was awarded to this scheme. The town highways scheme is still in discussion, and it seems to me that it will never come to fruition as it’s been in discussion for many years. The reality is there is no funding whatever plan is developed. I am very concerned about the imminent connection of Saunders Way as it will have impacts for those people living along the route and I am having discussions about it with the council. Again, there is very little funding available for highway improvements but I will continue to seek proper safety resolutions.

Finally, I wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and I will do my very best to keep you informed of town matters and I apologise for not being able to cover every issue.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

A slight change from our usual recipe page this month but still staying with suggestions to make the most of our available resources and looking after our wellbeing. We are starting the year with some energy saving ideas and tips. Enormous respect to our forefathers who had even less than we have today – no central heating – bigger families – no financial help, probably wasn’t great but they just got on with it - AND so shall we!

HOW TO MAKE A DENIM DRAUGHT EXCLUDER.

* measure the width of your door (or window)

* turn the jeans inside out and cut the leg to required length

* laying the leg flat, you will need to mark, approx. 5 – 6 inches width from top to bottom and stitch along the ‘leg’ length, by hand or machine.

* If making window excluder, follow the same method but make it half the width of the door excluder. (You can also use the sleeves of unwanted garments.)

* turn the jean leg right side out. Stuff with shredded old T shirts, fibre fill from old cushions, tights, old towels etc. Finish off by sewing up the ends.

* You can use any ‘trouser’ leg, or a no longer used towel, old curtain – just roll up and sew to above method. Charity shops are an excellent place to look for these items.

* for the window excluders, add rice or lentils (uncooked) to give weight plus you can squish them into odd corners.

* for the more creative among us, try knitting one using left over balls of wool, or perhaps the excluder becomes a long sausage dog, a snake/crocodile or a ‘whatever you want it to be’!

• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use – try heating the living room for as much of the day as you can, (suggested temperature 18 degrees) and heat your bedroom just before you go to bed.

• wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer.

• don’t delay treating minor winter ailments – ask your pharmacist for advice or treatment.

• if bad weather is forecast, it may be harder to leave the house - check you have enough medication and food.

Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines. If you can’t get out to pick up a copy from local distributors you can subscribe to either our ‘DIGITAL’ or ‘PRINTED’ edition each month.

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

would like or call us on 07880 587 931. For DIGITAL subscriptions please email

and include the words ‘subscribe

and wait for the next issue to drop into

Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

Well, here we are at the start of a New Year and I have been given this great opportunity to write a regular article for Island Magazines.

As a nature nerd, I get equal enjoyment from watching the smallest insect to viewing our brilliant White-tailed Eagles. My hope is this monthly article will get you enthused enough to go out and experience and enjoy nature, perhaps even taking part in some of the projects I will be highlighting during the year.

Getting involved with nature has been proven to be beneficial for our mental health and as we found out during the Covid lockdowns, you can enjoy nature in your own garden or local green space, you don’t need to travel miles!

Among my various nature-based roles, I am the British Trust for Ornithology Regional Representative, County Moth & Dragonfly Recorder and Butterfly Conservation’s Isle of Wight Group Leader.

We start the year with the largest garden-based “citizen science” event in the UK – the RSPB Big Garden BirdWatch 2023. Big Garden Birdwatch is a great community event; it is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping the RSPB understand how UK birds are doing. We have lost 38 million birds in the UK during the last 50 years; House Sparrow and Starling have suffered severe declines and are red listed.

Big Garden BirdWatch takes place on 27-29 January. Choose the date of your choice, watch the birds around you for one hour (you can invite your friends round and make it a social event!). Count how many of each species of bird lands on your patch. When you have finished, go online and enter your results. Not sure of the ID of the birds? The RSPB have produced an ID guide of the common garden birds which you can download. You can register for Big Garden BirdWatch and your free guide now at www.rspb. org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch

Don’t forget if you’re a teacher, your school can take part in the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch which runs from 6 January to 20 February 2023. See www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/forteachers/schools-birdwatch

Good luck with the BirdWatch and, most of all, enjoy it.

House Sparrow

Photo: Jim Baldwin

dates for your diary

Every Monday - Scrabble at Wootton Community Centre, Brannon Way, Wootton Bridge from 2pm – 5pm. Everyone welcome. For more information call 07963529982

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 like minded people. Call Dawn on 07717018131 for more information.

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.

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s 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 maybe subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to weather conditions.

If you are organising a community event either for February or the coming months please feel free to email us the information at islandmagazines@gmail.com or call us on 07880587931 and we can share the details in the next issue.

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

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

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall

Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF

First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Cowes 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

First Friday of the month 11am 1pm 2pm 4pm An Alzheimer Café

Totland Alzheimer Café

St Saviours Holy Family Centre

Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE

Third Wednesday of the month

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

Newport Methodist Church Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month

Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm