Island Magazines March 23 - East Cowes & Whippingham

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As Mad as a March Hare

A BIG thank you TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight for providing us with this month’s front cover picture.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight is the making of two well know local photographers – Tramp Woods and Warren Mason and if you’re on Facebook or Instagram you will probably have seen some of their wildlife pictures already.

Warren Mason is a very accomplished professional photographer with many years of experience! Having pictures in major magazines and publications. Tramp Woods is a very keen wildlife photographer, with published content in papers and magazines, and achieving many awards.

They have teamed up and started wildlife photography workshops, for those who struggle with this very difficult genre of photography, from complete novices and upwards. They have been giving up their time to teach others new skills in obtaining better pictures through understanding how to not only set up their equipment but understanding how to use their cameras in a better way, giving people tips and ideas on how to improve their photography.

They’ve had a massive response and held a few workshops in let’s say difficult conditions. The response from those who have attended has been amazing and they have now set up a dedicated Facebook group, not only for them to give out information, but it’s there for anyone to join, and post pictures or leave comments, or just look at the fantastic pictures posted.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight

Welcome and thank you for picking up a copy of your local community magazine.

The March issue signifies that Spring is on the way and the ‘spring equinox’ and official first day of Spring is Monday 20th March.

The Island is already showing us that warmer weather is coming with the unmistakable signs of daffodils and crocus emerging on hedges, gardens and local parks.

The days will start getting longer and the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the 26th March. There is a lot to look forward to as the island will slowly start emerging from it’s winter cocoon and our dates for your diary section on page 11 will keep you updated on local events happening across the Island.

Another important date to remember is of course Mothering Sunday on the 19th March.

Inside this issue you will find your regular news updates and this month Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature has some great air fryer recipes for you to try and on page 18 you will find a handy ‘what goes where’ waste and recycling guide.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please get in touch by any means below if you have any information you would like to share or would like to advertise your business in the next issue.

Have a great month and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

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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 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.

‘Walkabout’ with Michael Paler

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

G’Day I hope that you are all well and looking forward to the spring weather. Plenty of things happening around and about for you to see and do.

CANCER AWARENESS DAYS

Stevo & Kai Magic and Illusions at Parkside Pavilion, Vectis Road. East Cowes

Saturday 11th March 2023 (Dedicated to women)

Saturday 18th March 2023 (Dedicated to Men)

Both days are 11 am - 3pm. Food & refreshments included! They will have people who have recovered and those that work within the Care Sector there. They will also be providing entertainment so pop on over to Parkside Pavilion. Remember early diagnosis can only happen if we notice changes and go to screening when we are called to.

This is a FREE event. Register your interest please contact Parkside Pavilion East Cowes on 01983 296592

EAST COWES Food Pantry

Has now reached 250+ members who have signed up for the service and well done to all the team working so well for the community.

A new higher education digital centre and expansion of CECAMM will be starting to take place at the Whippingham. Island Technology Park, Whippingham Rd, East Cowes

Wights Shipyards new hoists are being used for the Red Jet servicing in the yard.

It was good to see new businesses opening up in East Cowes and hope that you all support them. Seams Sew Special in York Avenue, good luck.

Columbine building has Shademakers who made the Queen’s Jubilee costumes for the parade. They will soon be bringing plans for local involvement in their projects which will be great for all the community, look forward to their plans ahead.

with Michael Paler

I have also recently witnessed some rude and bad-tempered behaviour in Lloyds Chemist in the Medical Centre. This was from members of the public and aimed at the staff.

At the time the chemist was left with only one member of staff and a pharmacist for many days due to staff leaving and being off sick - they are doing their best, so please be patient and kind just as everyone did when the Chemist worked all through the pandemic.

Take care and be safe.

houseproud !

‘solutions by Angela’

quality cleaning & ironing services

help and support that works for you (further assistance readily available)

Call 07912 432 835

Monkey Music

Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

Sharing precious time together

Age specific interactive music educational classes for babies and toddlers aged 3 months- 4 years with a progressive curricula. Classes to help development and confidence whilst having lots of fun.

For more information and to book your first FREE class please visit: www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/isle-wight-portsmouth alternatively call Katherine on 01983 240352 or email iow.portsmouth@monkeymusic.co.uk

‘Walkabout’

The Blue Lamp Trust helps protect vulnerable residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from becoming victims of crime - as part of their crime prevention advisory service.

The scheme offers FREE home visits providing both general and specific crime and fire prevention advice to improve home safety.

They visit residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who are:

• Vulnerable due to age (over 65)

• Disabled • A victim of crime

• A victim of burglary • A victim of domestic abuse

THE BOBBY SCHEME provides FREE home security visits, long-life smoke alarms and advice to vulnerable people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, particularly the elderly and victims of burglary and domestic abuse. Their trained, police vetted, Bobby Scheme Fitters will visit and carry out a full survey and, as appropriate fit items free of charge, such as:

• Locks • Spy Holes

Door Chains • Smoke Alarms • Carbon Monoxide Alarms

All of the Blue Lamp Trust advisors are police vetted and carry ID cards to reassure local residents that they are genuine – and please remember, they will not be offended if you ask to see their ID to validate their identity.

Referrals

The Bobby Scheme is free to those who are vulnerable due to age (over 65), circumstance, disabled, or a victim of household crime. Anyone can make a referral including individuals, friends, family, doctors, social workers, etc. Please enquire via the Blue Lamp Trust website at www.bluelamptrust.org.uk/bobby-scheme-choice

Alternatively, you can make an enquiry by calling the Blue Lamp Trust directly on 0300 777 0157.

For a caring and compassionate service

40 Place Road, Cowes. Tel: 292932

www.geoffleather.co.uk

Jim Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

The warm spell in mid-February was a great tonic to us all, with the first signs of spring accompanying it. Crucially, for me, it coincided with the first appearance of my beloved butterflies from hibernation. Four species of butterfly hibernate during the winter as an adult: Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Red Admiral also overwinters as an adult but does not enter a dormant state and can be seen on sunny days throughout the winter. Of all the butterflies, it is the Brimstone which is synonymous with early spring. Keen butterfly observers note the date of their first Brimstone sighting and this year on the Island, it coincided with Valentine’s Day.

The male Brimstone matches the colour of sulphur perfectly and emerges from its slumbers dashing off in search of females. However, the paler female emerges later so its early pursuit is in vain. They can survive until the end of May, having the longest adult stage of the UK’s butterflies. Brimstone is among the oldest butterfly names, being established in the 17th century. Because of its colour, there is even the suggestion that the Brimstone was the original butterfly but this has yet to be proven.

Brimstone can be seen anywhere although the early records come predominantly from woodlands. Firestone Copse and Parkhurst Forest are two sites where you are likely to see one. If there is a cold spell in March, Brimstone will return to its wintering quarters and hibernate until the warm weather returns.

With butterflies starting to appear, now is a good time to register with Butterfly Conservation’s Garden Butterfly Survey. If you do not have a garden, you can still take part at an allotment or community space. You can survey your site throughout the year recording the species you see and enter your sightings online. You can find out how to take part at www. gardenbutterflysurvey.org

Recording butterflies is so important. The recent State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report has just been published and revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Don’t forget to record the butterflies you see out on your walks. There is an excellent iRecord free app which you can download to your phone. Enjoy your butterflies and let me know what you have seen.

‘Brimstone’

‘Brimstone’ Male chasing a female mid flight

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.

Sunday 5th March – Preloved Indoor Market at Binstead Community Centre, from 1pm – 2.30pm. Preloved sale for everything you need from pregnancy to 5 yrs. Clothes, equipment, toys, books and more. Free entry for buyers.

Monday 6th March - Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting. The history of tuberculosis on the Isle of Wight – talk by Dr Paul Bingham at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. Doors open 2pm talk starts 2:15pm. Members of the Isle of Wight FHS £1; non-members £2. Everyone welcome.

Saturday 11th March – Newchurch Drama Group Spring Quiz at All Saints Church Hall, Newport from 7pm – 10pm. £6 per person. Maximum of 4 in a team. This is a fun, friendly quiz with prizes for the winning team. Raffle on the night but bring your own refreshments. Call 07811 690462 to book your table.

Sunday 12th March - Charity Antiques and Collectors Fair (in support of the MNDA) at Northwood House, Cowes from 10am – 4pm. Visitors can expect to find a great variety of local antique and collectable traders in the function rooms of Northwood House. Refreshments, tea, cakes and

sandwiches available all through the day for exhibitors and visitors. Admission is £3 per adult or £5.00 per couple on the gate, with accompanied children free.

Saturday 25th March – Spring Coffee Morning at East Cowes Methodist Church at 10am. Various stalls and raffle. 12 noon soup and pudding lunch.

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th March - The Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint will return to Culver Parade. The Sandown Sprint will involve 100 cars competing on a specially constructed circuit, at Sandown’s Culver Parade, with the start in Fort Street and finishing in Yaverland. Once again, overall spectator numbers will be limited, so motor racing fans are advised to book early. The cost of admission has been held at £10 per adult, with concessions. Further details on the Sandown Sprint and tickets for the event can be found via the website isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk

Sunday 26th March – Isle of Wight Spring Boat Jumble at Northwood Park, Cowes from 10am – 3pm. Entry is free for buyers on foot, but a parking fee of £2 per car will be requested for buyers using the event field to park. Tea, coffee, cakes and hot refreshments will be available on the show field, with toilets available in the Northwood Park next to the tennis courts. All proceeds go to Northwood House Charitable Trust for ongoing restoration works and community projects in Northwood Park.

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

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

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

This month I met with Terry Norton Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner for our Island to discuss areas of Island issues including the arsonist incidents which occurred recently in East Cowes. We talked about the levels of policing, officers on the ground, and the use of the police precept increases to our tax. I communicated that I would expect to see more police on our streets and PCSO as the tax increase amounts to 50 additional Officers across the area. Mr Norton informed me that a new Police Station was to be opened on the High Street in Cowes and he hoped that would help provide increased access to the public and some reassurance. I wanted Mr Norton to understand that Island people were generally paid less in wages than people on the mainland and that Island people experienced additional costs because of the water which separates us from the mainland. I also expressed that a previous Police and Crime Commissioner had their deputy based on the Island which was helpful and reassuring. Was this not a positive thing for the commissioner to consider so to reassure our local people and reengage in positive discussions with the police? It was a helpful discussion, and I was able to raise several issues with him but only time will tell if any changes occur.

Red Funnel are in regular communication with the Town Council, and we are still waiting, at this time of writing, confirmation of their yard plans and the times scales for them to make good on their promises to develop the vehicle yard and the new terminal building. It’s been quite a long time now since they first submitted and were granted their planning permissions and we are all getting tired of waiting for their proposed actions. I and other councillors have engaged with Red Funnel and as the summer approaches I am concerned about the Highway issues and all the current delays for breakdowns of the ferries.

Planning news. There have been a number of Planning Applications made in recent weeks for our town of East Cowes. The 5G mast application for York Avenue adjacent to the road and Play area has been recommended for refusal by IWC Planning Service after many objections were received about it. We understand that the developers of Norris Castle have submitted an amendment to their highway’s application leading from the esplanade. They simply press ahead in the face of huge opposition to their plans. However, there are so many unpalatable things listed in the online objections and contained in their application it’s difficult to know where to start in commenting about it. East Cowes Town Council took professional advice about the planning application, and nothing has changed in their application. As time marches on and no action takes place in bringing the application forward, one wonders if it will ever be resolved.

Not to be confused with the Norris Castle application, but just as important, is another controversial application involving a part of the historic landscapes and green open spaces of East Cowes. This Application is brought forward on behalf of the Sisters Of Christ at the former Convent on land adjacent to the Holy Cross School. The Application is for 25 houses in a green field. This is the last remaining parcel of land which the Sisters maintain control over having moved out some 6 years ago. The field is locally known as the ‘snake field’ for that reason. It is full of incredibly rare creatures including stoats, red squirrels, snakes, owls, bats and newts and used by badgers. It also contains a commemoration tree. The application would reduce the size of the school parking area and is located on Millfield Avenue directly in sight of the Grade two listed buildings of the

News Report from Cllr Karl Love continued

Castle Cow and Millfield House. All the new development plan has done is create a tiny bit of extra green to appease the Millfield House heritage aspect, which it does not in my view. It’s the destruction of a green field full of rare creatures and that is one of the most important elements in my view. Access is proposed via the incredibly dangerous narrow twisty corner of Old Road which has no pavements. The previous application was rejected by both the Town Council and Planning Authority. There were 8 listed reasons. I am bitterly disappointed with the Sisters Of Christ and their compassion for the residents who they lived side by side for many years and the ecology and environment which they cared for so lovingly. It seems they have forgotten the importance of their parishioners and there has been no attempt to accommodate or even engage with the people of our town and community. They are clearly looking at the land values as opposed to the spirit of the community. I also note how the application of Norris Castle developers, seeks to rip away by separating the beautiful Spring Hill House from its outstanding landscapes overlooking the Solent and West Cowes from the Spring Hill House former convent. They now form a part of the plan for Norris Castle no longer being attached to the Convent house and we have no idea what the developers intend to do with the Spring Hill House. In my view nothing has changed with the application to build these 25 houses or for the Norris Castle application. You can find the details for applications for Millfield Ave (22/01051/OUT) comments to be submitted by 17th March to Stuart VanCuylenburg. And Norris Castle (21/02437/ FUL) to Sarah Wilkinson. You can also write to the Planning Officer at Sea Close with your comments quoting the reference numbers here.

One might be interested to learn that the owner of the former derelict doctor’s

surgery in York Avenue is in fact Robin Hamilton. The ‘Overage’ of this building, which was a condition of the sale of the property, runs out in 2026. An ‘Overage’ is a condition placed on its sale and basically requires the Buyer of the property to pay extra, if and when certain events happen. I’m hoping that this building might be developed very soon and cleaned up. In the meantime, I will make a request to our Planning Team that the building be cleaned up as it is not a welcoming attraction to our Island for arriving holiday visitors or our town residents.

In other News the town council.

The Town Council has agreed to invest in our young people by placing a new football pitch with goal posts and pitch markings on the Victoria Recreation Ground. This will help promote competitive sports and encourage young peoples personal development. While those using the pitch learn and develop sporting interest, we can all enjoy the sporting successes they achieve. It’s a new facility for local young people which can be developed and be extended for the better use of the open green spaces.

Planning is taking place to celebrate the Coronation and East Cowes never fails to deliver on matters of our heritage connections to Royalty. Let’s just hope the weather is kind to us. There will be more news in the next edition of the planned events.

There is a small landslip developing in the esplanade woodland area, but it looks like it will not impact on the works recently undertaken along the Esplanade regeneration. Please take great care when walking in that area.

I’m looking forward to the improving weather and wish you all well for a busy year.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

We are still working on ideas to help make the budget go that bit further, last month was slow cooker recipes, this month using an air fryer that enables the air to circulate to help cook the food quickly while retaining crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.

COURGETTE FRITTERS - Children will love these!

2 medium courgettes - grated - hand squeeze the liquid out

60g seasoned flour • 100g cheddar grated • 1 egg

2 cloves garlic - optional

• ½ onion grated - optional.

* Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

* Make 8 patties with the mixture. (place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes) to keep the shape.

* Put courgette patties in the air fryer at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, leaving space between each then flip the patties over for an additional 5-10 minutes or until brown.

Use as part of a meal, a side dish or on its own with a dipping sauce.

CRUMBED CHICKEN FILLETS - 4 servings - Air fryer 180 °C

640g mini chicken fillets • 1 large egg • 150g dry bread crumbs

2 tbsp veg. oil • seasoning

* Whisk the egg in a small bowl

* In a second bowl mix the breadcrumbs and drizzle oil over - mix to together and season

* dip each fillet into the egg, then dip into crumb mixture until evenly covered.

* lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes

STUFFED PEPPERS 4 servings - 180 °C

4 large bell peppers • 500g mince beef • 1 tsp. oil • 1 small diced onion

2 cloves garlic - grated • 1 tin chopped tomato - drained

good squeeze tomato sauce • 1 tbsp - oregano • 200g cooked rice

100g grated cheddar - or parmesan or a mix of both.

* Cut the peppers in half - scoop out seeds

* Stir fry the mince, onion, garlic in a little oil (cook until mince is no longer pink). * Remove from heat - add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning and oregano - add the cooked rice - mix well together

* Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket

* Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Top the peppers with the cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (until the cheese has melted)

Swap the beef mince for minced turkey or chicken.

FREE DIGITAL SUPPORT SERVICE FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS AGED 50+

Age UK Isle of Wight is providing digital support in your area. We provide help for those who are new to accessing digital services, as well as helping people get on-line who currently do not have any internet access.

We can loan you a smart tablet or phone (with data included) and provide one to one tuition to get you started online, safely and confidently.

If you are interested in finding out more about our digital loans scheme, please contact our Digital Support Office on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk.

Word Ladder

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time. Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

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Wednesday East Cowes Town Hall 4.30pm

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For more info email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587931

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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 2pm – 5pm

Please telephone 852626 to guarantee an appointment

www.ajcareless.co.uk enquiries@ajcareless.co.uk

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