Island Magazines December 2022 Freshwater, Totland & Yarmouth area

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 12 and 13. For even more events visit our website www.islandmagazines.co.uk and go to the events tab. On page 8 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 14. 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.

Debbie xx

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Tel: 07905 002834/Email ChrisJarmanforTotland@gmail.com

Maintaining contact with the residents in one’s Electoral Ward is an essential component in fulfilling the trust placed in any elected official. Almost every Thursday at 9am I hold my Ward Surgery at the Parish Office in Totland - few book appointments in advance and hence it’s rather like where Tom Hanks remarks “Life is like a box of Chocolates” and I never know what I will get until the day. If no one turns up then it becomes an opportunity to catch up on local events with our excellent Parish Clerk Helen Gibbs; if there are too many to be seen then we reschedule to continue on Saturday morning or by phone. Either way it always keeps me posted on the details of local problems and on the real day-to-day issues faced in our present financial crisis.

We have two “Warm Spaces” now underway in the West Wight - One at Freshwater Library and the second at the Methodist Church Hall. More are actively being discussed and I keep my “Chris Jarman for Totland and Colwell” Facebook page up-to-date with details, knowing that others will share the information throughout our community. These essential services not only provide a warm place and some refreshments, but also company and support though the cold and often lonely winter days.

The annual Remembrance Sunday was hosted in Yarmouth this year and I attended in my role as IOW Councillor for Totland and Colwell. The sun shone brightly and the turnout was spectacular - the most I can ever recall. None could help but to be moved by the ceremony and the bugler echoing around the square.

The independent nature of our Island was recognised by a ceremony to proclaim the renaming of our police force - now returning to its previous name of “Hampshire and Isle of Wight” to correct the injustice of being described as simply Hampshire. Attending the unveiling of the new signage was an honour and all local residents can keep an eye out for the newly emblazoned police cars with their “Hampshire and Isle of Wight” logos.

The West Wight has long been at the forefront in pushing for a revised Island Planning Strategy that provides homes Islanders need and can afford, whilst at the same time prioritising use of the available ‘brownfield’ land rather than consuming endless stretches of our beautiful countryside. Both Totland and Freshwater Parish Councils and a host of local groups like Sustainable Freshwater have supported this direction and my personal endeavour to secure these criteria in a revised strategy. I was pleased to be able to rally sufficient support to ensure that the recent draft document, which failed to deliver what our Parish Councils sought and what residents need, was rejected at the October IOW Full Council meeting. Again, at the November meeting I was again able to rally that support and to ensure the document was sent back to be reviewed, and we trust revised, with a lengthy list of key issues. We do need an Island Planning Strategy, but it must be the right one to both protect the countryside which we are passionate about and deliver the types of affordable homes to rent needed by local residents rather than expanses of second homes empty most of the year.

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Report from George Cameron - Freshwater

I would like to thank all those who wrote to me in response to my last report and the Wightlink issue that I mentioned. I have had some good suggestions and will definitely use them.

My intention is to start a petition for island residents to sign, in particular West Wight residents who are mostly affected by the cavalier service on the Yarmouth to Lymington route. I hope that this will receive the support it deserves. I will give you another example of the way Wightlink operates. A while ago I attended a meeting with Wightlink and it was pointed out that when the ferry berths, the passengers do not know which level to exit the ferry. The Wightlink manager assured us that the captain will inform passengers which level to use. This never happened and at the next meeting the request was made again, and again we were assured that the message will be passed on. No need to tell you that after all this time nothing has changed and passengers still struggle with their baggage to get to the right exit level.

On the 25th January 2023 Freshwater Parish Council will be hosting their annual consultation at The Memorial Hall. I will remind you again in next month’s issue, please save this date and take part in the consultation. It is important to engage with our residents and get their feedback and suggestions on how and where to spend their money which, let’s face it, is in very short supply as everywhere else at the moment.

Of course, we have our larger grants such as the FYT Bus, West Wight Sports and Community Centre and the Heritage Centre. There are smaller grants for other services and assets which we need to upkeep and maintain. The same time we pride ourselves in keeping good relations with these individual entities because they are doing a fantastic job.

Now, I must tell you, we have always tried to keep good relations with Totland Parish Council, we share the skate park and MUGA with them as well as our treasured Memorial Hall. But I sense trouble ahead because Totland pulled out of our relationship with the skate park and MUGA. This shared facility is important to our youth and we fought hard to get these in place, however Freshwater Parish Council took it on and it is well looked after by our office staff. But this story is to continue, Totland recently approached us with the news that they wish to withdraw their interest in our shared Memorial Hall. I am not sure if they consulted their community about it.

The Hall has always been viewed as a community asset appreciated by both communities for many years. Watch this space I say but meanwhile while you plan to come to our consultation day you may be asked if you would agree for Freshwater to take over this facility on their own, we definitely need to consult with our residents before we make such a big decision.

Lastly, I am still getting complaints about the parking problem outside Sainsbury, mainly from people who are using disabled buggies. People park on the pavement which is cracking up because of the problem but apparently nothing can be done about it. I have written about this before and I think we should remember this at the next elections. Not that it will make people more considerate.

I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New year, enjoy yourself and stay safe and please look after your neighbours.

All the best, George

dates for your diary

Every Tuesday Morning – Coffee Morning at the Community Hall of Yarmouth and District (CHOYD), St James Street from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Every Wednesday. Mahjong at Freshwater Library. From 10am to 12pm. Turn up and give it a whirl. Participants are beginners and intermediate players who ultimately have fun together.

Every Wednesday. Social Bridge at West Wight Sports & Community Centre. From 2pm to 4pm. Turn up and play for £2. Participants are learners, intermediate and experienced players who play noncompetitively.

Every Friday - Freshwater Market from 8.30am-12noon at the Memorial Hall.

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 – The Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market at Ryde Fire Station from 10am – 4.30pm. Magical Grotto, kids craft corner, inflatable snow globe, live entertainment, seasonal stalls, refreshments and the Ryde Fire’s Christmas Lights turn on at 4pm.

Tuesday 6th December – Christmas Coffee Morning at Yarmouth Community Hall, St James Street from 10am – 1pm. School children singing Carols, stalls, raffle, ukulele players.

Tuesday 6th December – Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch at The Memorial Hall, Avenue Road, freshwater at 12.30pm (Doors open at 12). Roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and a choice of desserts. Vegetarian options availableplease request on booking. There will be a bar, entertainment, and a raffle. Tickets £5 per person and available from the Memorial Hall office Mon to Fri 9am – 12pm or by calling 01983 752956.

Wednesday 7th and Saturday 17th December – Freshwater Bay Resident’s Association Community Beach Clean. Meet at 11am at

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

dates for your diary

the shelter on the prom. Bring gloves and something to collect litter in.

Thursday 8th December – Late Night Christmas Shopping in Cowes – Cowes retailers invite you to join them and enjoy an evening of shopping, food and drink from 5pm until late.

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

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 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 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.

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

Totland Parish Council News

Councillors would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Christmas Opening: The Parish Office will close on Wednesday 21st December at 12.30pm and reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 9.30am.

We have again supplied the school children at St Saviours Christmas baubles for them to decorate for our Christmas tree on Cokes Green. Once finished we will ask them to display on the tree before the lights are switched on. Year 5 and 6 decorate these big baubles and they all are beautiful, a big thank you to the teachers who help to make this happen, we all enjoy this moment.

NEW Emailing List

Councillors are building an emailing list for Totland residents in order that we can communicate with you quicker. Information will only ever come from Totland Parish Council and no junk email will be involved. If this is something you would be interested in joining, please email totlandmail@gmail. com with your name, address and postcode.

Warm Spaces

Totland Parish Council have been working with the Memorial Hall and during January and February we will be holding a Friday morning event in the Small Hall between 9am and 12 noon, free tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. The Friday Market will be in the main hall as well and volunteers will be happy to help you if they can. More details about this will follow but the first one will be Friday 6th January 2023.

Play builder Equipment

This remains taped and fenced off. There are sections of the play builder in the Recreation Ground that require major works and

although we are working on this it is possible that this will be closed until the Spring. Signs stating to stay off have also been replaced several times and we ask that you adhere to this request.

Church Hall Consultation

The consultation has ended, however, if you would still like to have your say please contact the Parish Clerk who will be happy to help.

Recreation Ground Consultation

This will be happening over the next couple of months. Planning this has taken more time than expected however, the Parish Council have considered all comments shared and have done their best to resolve them. A dog agility area has now been included and we have spoken with the Youth Football Club and they want to be able to use this pitch again. With some work on this the Parish Council believes this can all be achieved. All details will be available for you to view.

Remembrance Sunday: Thank you to the West Wight Men in Sheds for putting up the lamp post poppies this year along The Broadway, many good comments had been received. This year the Royal British Legion West Wight Branch Annual Service of Remembrance was held at the Yarmouth War Memorial, next year, 2023, it will be in Freshwater and then 2024 Totland.

CONTACT DETAILS: Parish Clerk – Mrs Helen Gibbs - Telephone 01983 756028

Totland Parish Council, Winchester House, The Broadway, Totland Bay, PO39 0AX.

Your Parish Councillors are Chairman Jan Cave, Vince Fennell, John Howe, Steve Blamire, Helen Wood, Gareth Wyre, Hilary Benns and Chris Jarman

Volunteer for FYTbus

Evenifyoucan’tdriveyoucanmakearealdifferenceasavolunteer PassengerAssistant.PAsarethe“cabin crew”for FYTbusonour scheduledweek-dayservicesandtheirroleincludeswelcoming passengerstothebusandhelpingwiththeirseatbeltsandanyluggage (orshopping).Theonlythingmissing isthatthere’snodrinksservice onboard! PAsalsocollectfaresanddonationsandassistthedriver withpick upanddropoffpoints.

FYTbus Community Bus Services

Our scheduled weekday morning services can be used by anyone. The standard adult fare is £2.50 but travel is free if you have a concessionary bus pass and if you have a FYTpass , available at our office, your fare will be just £1.00. We will help you on and off the bus with your shopping.

Medical Trips are available to help you reach appointments in Newport (£15.00) or at Brookside Health Centre, (£7.50) and can be booked via our website or by phoning the office. Our wheelchair accessible car can convey a disabled passenger, and their carer if required, on medical trips in their own wheelchair.

Saturday shopping trips to Newport are available at two weekly intervals to the Newport shops and Waitrose at East Cowes. This month’s door to door shopping trips will be on December 3 rd, 17th and 31st. The return fare is £7.50.

Busy Bee Garden Centre and the Isle of Wight Pearl Christmas trip 10 th and 17th of December these are available to book now, pick up will be at Moa place at 9am. We will visit Busy Bee and then arrive at the Pearl at 2.30 on the way home for a hot drink . Return fare of £10 per adult & £5 per child

To Volunteer or to book medical or shopping trips call us on 01983 752917 on weekday mornings.

Wight Community Access - FYTbus, Winchester House, The Broadway, Totland Bay. PO39 0AX Web: www.fytbus.org.uk Email: info@fytbus.org.uk