Your Local Community Magazine
December 2020
Newport & Carisbrooke Area
FREE
Merry Christmas
Letters to Santa Christmas is coming and Royal Mail are working extra hard delivering letters to Father Christmas at his Grotto while he prepares for the big day.
Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666
maggie
Have your priorities changed recently?
Are you considering changing direction Father Christmas promises that, between wrapping presents and keeping an eye on the in your work and/or personal life? elves, he will reply to everyone who writes Are your many thoughts overwhelming? in as long as you include your full name Work with me to gather your scattered and address in your letter and post it by the thoughts and pinpoint what it is you deadline of Friday 11th December. really want.
Remember to:• Write Santa’s address on the envelope • Put a stamp on the envelope • Include your full name and address in your letter Please send your letters to: Santa/Father Christmas Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ Santa has also been in contact and has sent this message.
Dear Boys and Girls, Christmas is a very exciting but busy time for me. The elves are making toys and the reindeer are practising their sleigh runs and I’m busy preparing my list of who’s been good this year. I will be getting my sleigh ready for the long journey on Christmas Eve and in between I will reply to as many of you as possible. I’m looking forward to delivering your presents on Christmas Eve. Make sure you remember my mince pie and Rudolph’s carrot! 2
Welcome to the December issue. Christmas is just around the corner and we are fast approaching the end of one year and moving steadily into the next. This year has been a year with a difference, which I don’t think any of us saw coming, even Mystic Meg didn’t see this in her crystal ball! It’s been a challenging year for us all and one way or another Covid-19 has had an impact on our lives, but we must remain positive. On a cheerier note and as I have already mentioned Christmas is imminent and I hope it’s going to be a magical time for everyone. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces you can find information on page 2 for your little ones to send a letter and get a reply from Santa. Inside you will also find our puzzle section which will keep you busy and you can find details on page 13 on how to subscribe to both digital and printed copies of Island Magazines, should you not be able to get out and pick up a copy.
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
We have some great advertisers offering their services and wares and now even more than ever they need your support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all readers, advertisers, contributors and Councillors/parish councils for their continued support and I look forward to continuing to deliver ‘your local community magazine’ throughout 2021. Lastly, I hope you enjoy this issue and a Merry Christmas to you all. Best wishes Debbie 3
Winter Solstice With just a few weeks left before 2021 dawns, we’re not very far from the shortest day of the year – when you have the shortest amount of daylight and the longest amount of night-time – which falls just before Christmas. This day also marks the start of the Winter solstice. Here’s what you need to know…
This year the shortest day of the year – in the northern hemisphere that is – will be on Monday 21st December. The day occurs when the Earth’s axis rotates leaving the North Pole at its furthest possible tilt from the sun – resulting in the reduced hours of daylight. While it marks the start of the astronomical winter in this part of the world, the southern hemisphere will get to experience summer, with longer days and shorter nights. The shortest day will see us getting just seven hours, 49 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight in London – although this will vary depending on where you are in the country (only by a matter of minutes though!) However, it’s not all bad news – as the days do start getting a little longer and the nights a little shorter from then on, not that you will notice much difference for a good few months. The astronomical winter lasts until the Spring Equinox, which next year will be on Saturday 20th March 2021
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News Report from Cllr John Hobart for Carisbrooke and Gunville. Email: john.hobart@iow.gov.uk Mobile: 07717 716 663 By the time you read this we will, hopefully, have come out of the second lockdown and be preparing for Christmas. I hope for everyone this is a time of being with family again after what seems like an age. I wish you all the best, and hopefully, with the new vaccine looking likely, a healthy and more normal 2021. During November we remembered those fallen in both wars. I laid a wreath at St Mary’s church on Sunday 8th on behalf of the IOW council, all correctly socially distanced and with a small gathering. It was nice to meet our new curate Hannah Barraclough, who conducted a short service. There was also a service attended by the Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries at St Nicolas in Castro at Carisbrooke Castle Garden of Remembrance earlier in the week. I also attended, with members of NCCC, a wreath laying at the memorial on Simeon Green on 11th November. Carisbrooke and Gunville gave many of their young for us and we will be eternally grateful. “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today”- known as The Kohima Epitaph, and inscribed on the memorial to the 2nd British Division in the city of Kohima, north west India, to commemorate the battle which took place there. It was in fact composed at the end of WW1 by Cambridge classicist and code breaker John Maxwell Edmunds. The Parish has altered and grown. It now includes St Marys Carisbrooke, St Olaves Gatcombe, St Johns and the Minster Church of St Thomas’ in Newport. This is now known as the Parish of Newport and Carisbrooke.
I’m pleased to say that the play area at Clatterford Recreation Ground has now been completed. New fencing has been erected, it has been resurfaced and a piece of new play equipment added. This will hopefully be well used even though the weather at present is not very inviting. It’s at times like this that having good outdoor areas is so important as recreation is hard to organise for youngsters with so many of their usual outdoor activities being cancelled.
I can report that the defibrillator planned for Gunville has now been fixed to the foyer wall at the Gunville Methodist Chapel. Many contributed to the installation of this, including amongst others the Gunville Community Association who assisted with the installation expenses. Whilst hoping to get a number of people trained to use this anyone can use it in an emergency by following the instructions on the box and then by following the instructions given by the defibrillator itself. This is a great addition to the community.
Call 01983 216121 “It’s never been so important to stay or fit and well, and running is a great way 07590 277298 to do it!”
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Get your gutters, driveways and windows Dazzling again! This is the time of year when gutters need some extra care. There may be a build-up of leaves, moss and other debris that has collected over the summer and autumn months. Keeping your gutters clear of debris guarantees free flowing drainage during these wet winter months. Dazzle External Cleaning has the knowledge and the machinery to tackle any hard to reach problem areas. In a relatively short time, Rhys can have your gutters free flowing ensuring no long-term problems.
We are Simon & Jo Randall, come and see us at the Isle of Wight’s only shop dedicated to running. 52 Upper St James Street, Newport. T: 01983 718191 E: mail@love-running.com www.love-running.com “stay fit and healthy during Covid”
Free Island delivery on all orders over £15
The Island’s largest selection of Fabrics, Wool, Haberdashery and Foam. Shop instore at 3-5 Lugley Street, Newport. (behind Boots) or online at www.hellerslea.co.uk or by phone on 01983 526104
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It is also that time of year when algae and moss can invade driveways and patios making them slippery and dangerous. With a range of techniques, almost any surface can be made safe and regain its appeal.
Dazzle External Cleaning can cater for all your external cleaning needs, whether it be driveways, patios, gutters, cladding, windows, render or roofing. They offer a reliable, friendly 5-star service. For a free quote give Rhys a call on 216121 or 07590 277298 or email him at info@dazzleexternalcleaning.com 7
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News Report by Julie Jones-Evans. Tel 521068 or 07886 437688 E: julie.jones-evans@iow.gov.uk T: @juliejonesevans F: Julie Jones-Evans I truly hope as you read this magazine we have been lifted out of the current restrictions, C19 rates are decreasing and we are able to enjoy this special time of year with our nearest and dearest. The Christmas Lights in town look great, so thanks need to go to the residents of Newport whose contribution via the Parish Precept pays for the display each year. Another round of applause to Colin from Caffe Isola in Nodehill, who organises the Christmas trees that the businesses have on their buildings. Everyone is doing their bit to make this season as joyful as possible. Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council continue to meet using video conferencing and moving forward on various projects and keeping our public spaces up together. I had some disappointing news regarding creating a safer crossing point on Hunnycross Way, near Lidl. I’ve been campaigning for years to improve the pedestrian environment here and was told that part of the funding from the Department of Transport to improve Newport Junctions, included this one, which would result in a signalised crossing point. It’s been confirmed that the junction improvement 10
is unfeasible now and thus the signalised crossing too. However, I understand that it’s possible to “depart from standard” and a zebra crossing could be viable. Rest assured that I (and Cllrs Garratt and Price) won’t give up on resolving this issue, which affects hundreds of people every day. I was honoured to lay the wreath on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council on Remembrance Sunday. Despite the lockdown members of our community turned out to honour the fallen, it was possibly more moving this year, because so many more were absent. The announcement of the Post Office closing is a huge blow for the town. I’ve already been in touch with the PO regarding a new location and NCCC will do all it can to assist in relocating the PO in the town centre. Post Office Lane is now reopened, and we are just waiting for the enamelled panelling to be installed before we can get the new toilets opened. I’m sure everyone will be
continued over the page
News Report by Julie Jones-Evans continued
pleased with the modern and clean facilities and the memory of the old ones will soon fade! I had a meeting just before lockdown with Island Roads and IWC Highways to observe the huge problem that we have in Mill Street, especially at the junction of Crocker Street, the junction at Old Westminster Lane and the junction at Foxes Road. It was obvious from the amount of traffic that comes off the High Street, using Mill Street as a through route, much to the detriment of the living conditions of local residents. It was good that the officers got to also hear from people using the road while we were there, so they are in no doubt of the real problems faced on a daily basis. They are going to look at some solutions, such as a raised table and possibly speed humps. I’ll keep you updated.
Adrian Kensit
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Could you help support the British Red Cross in an emergency? Merry Christmas to all my customers, old and new.
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The Red Cross are looking for volunteers who can support the local community in the event of flooding, snow, fires or other emergencies, providing practical and emotional support. Volunteers should be able to commit to 2 x 12 hour on call shifts per month and attend an evening team meeting once a month. You can find out more and apply here: www.bit.ly/EmergencyIOW or email ILCRVolRecruitment@redcross.org.uk for more information. 11
Anyone for a Cuppa? The teabag… this little pocket of flavour, always there for us in a crisis and our time of need then dumped in the food waste caddy or compost heap without a second thought… but wait, there is still life after the first brew! Here are some great ways to reuse them: •
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• • • •
Fancy something a little different? Why not try your local community radio station. Vectis Radio on FM 104.6 and online
www.vectisradio.com/listen
Protect house plants from fungal disease by re-brewing a used tea bag and using the weak tea (cooled) to water your plants. Neutralise odours naturally. Spread dried tea leaves in stinky spots like the cat litter box or in the bottom of your garbage bags. Make cleaning the fireplace safer and easier. Dump the damp contents of tea Conveyancing O Wills & Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney bags onto the ash to weigh it down before sweeping out the fireplace. “You kept us fully and clearly informed throughout. De-grease pots and pans. Soak hard-toYou were exceptionally responsive and very proactive on our behalf. The best experience we have ever had from clean dishes in water with a used tea bag a lawyer when buying a property.” tossed in. The tea will help loosen stuckMr and Mrs A. on food and break up grease. Add them to your bath. The Home visits & evening appointments available antioxidants in tea are good for your skin and the gentle scent will add some Tel: 01983 533938 aromatherapy to your soak. 143 High Street, Newport, IOW, PO30 1TY Make a hair rinse. Remove product www.wheelers-solicitors.com build-up without using another product. Soak 3-4 used tea bags in warm water and pour it over your head after shampooing and conditioning as usual. Don’t rinse. Pro tip: Chamomile brightens blondes and black tea adds a coppery shimmer to brunettes, according to Housewife How-Tos. Deodorise carpets. Scatter the dried contents of several teabags over your rugs before you vacuum. Revive tired eyes. Place cool tea bags over your eyes, cucumber style. The tannins in the tea leaves may reduce bags and dark circles. Clean leather shoes by buffing with a damp tea bag. Wash stinky hands - using a tea bag as you would a bar of soap to help eradicate garlic, onion, or fish odours.
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Carisbrooke Groups
MONDAYS and SATURDAYS Group Meetings are back. Social distancing in place and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call Kim on 07855 747893
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The views and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are their own and do not reflect the views of the Editor or Island Magazines unless stated otherwise. Island Magazines reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary.
subscribe 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 islandmgazines@gmail.com and include the words ‘subscribe Newport 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 include the words ‘Subscribe Newport Print’ or call us on 07880 587 931. 13
News report from Cllr Steve Hastings. Mobile: 07870127024 E-mail: steve.hastings@iow.gov.uk Twitter - @cllr_hastings Recycling on the Island is very good and I would like to thank residents for their efforts to achieve the 56%. The collection crews work in what we now refer to as ‘bubbles’, to minimise their contact with other staff, arrival times are staggered at the depot and loaders were encouraged to drive to meet vehicles at the start of each round. All crews have masks, gloves and full PPE available, as well as radar keys for public toilets and additional soap; wipes and hand gel so that they could ensure they were frequently washing hands during this period. Kerbside Household Recycling Collections in lockdown • Paper and Card up 0.7% • Mixed Recycling up 26% • Food Waste up 28% • Garden Waste up 53% All Recycling and Composting from the Kerbside – We collected 27 per cent more recycling and composting at the kerbside General Waste – We collected 11.8 per cent more general waste at the kerbside Our Collection Fleet: • Drove 128,498.98 miles in lockdown to maintain a full collection service to all residents • Vehicles spent 83,732 hours on the road
Household Waste recycling Centres Our two Household Waste Recycling Centres have been through a transition over recent months due to COVID-19 and I am pleased to report that most residents are happy with our new booking system which permits an allotted time for entry to the tip without queuing out onto the road . The booking system times are steadily increasing. The number of vehicles allowed through the site since opening has doubled and are targeting increasing the number slowly up to a safe maximum throughout that does not create a queue on the road. The council is opening bookings in 2 to 3 weeks batches to: • Ensure everyone has a fair chance to book • Ensure slots are not booked speculatively over repeating weeks thus blocking others • Allow for gradual increase in numbers whilst ensuring safety on site & outside • Ensure unauthorised commercial waste is not entering the site Energy from Waste Plant, Forest Road As you might imagine our new Energy from the Waste Plant at Forest Road has been held up due to COVID-19. The plant was due to be finished and working fully by summer 2020 but that of course was before Covid came along to spoil the party.
Our loaders have walked on average 30,000 steps per day
I am pleased to report that thanks to the contract we have in place this plant will be completed and we are now looking towards the spring of 2021 for completion providing there is not much more disruption from Covid.
Maintained assisted collections from the back-door of 2190 residents who cannot present their waste at the kerbside.
The plant is about two thirds complete and is very impressive when you stand in front of it, the boiler seems the size of a small bungalow.
glm Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534 www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com
Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council
accounting service
Gina Marshall, MAAT • Book-Keeping • VAT Returns • Accounts Preparation • Tax Returns • Payroll
Gina is your local friendly accountant working with individuals and self employed sole traders and partnerships across the Island. Tel: 01983 531857 Mob: 07788 596714 glm.accounting@btopenworld.com Trading for over 20 years
The Charity of Tom Woolgar Helping with heating bills
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The Charity of Tom Woolgar was established in 1929 and is in a position to give relief in the form of an additional winter fuel allowance to those in need, aged 65 or over and who reside in the area of the former Borough of Newport.
For more info email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587931
If you feel that you or someone you know may qualify for this support, please request an application form from Newport & Carisbrooke “An excellent team Community Council offering an either via email clerk@ invaluable service” newportwight.org.uk or telephone 559119. NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk The application form will need to be returned to Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Granary Court, 128 Pyle Street, Newport, PO30 1JW by Friday, 8th January 2021.
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During the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to get warm and stay warm without turning up the thermostat and in turn incurring a high utility bill. Here are 7 simple and cost-effective ways to stay warm. 1. Dress in layers – it sounds simple, but it really is effective. Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove layers as needed. Keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. If need be, wear 2 pairs of socks. 2. Use the oven - the oven generates heat in your kitchen when you are cooking and you can use the heat afterwards to heat the home by leaving the oven door open. Be careful if you have children or pets; make sure they can’t reach the hot oven door or get inside. 3. Microwaveable heating pads – heating pads are fairly inexpensive and they can make a huge difference if you’re cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you’re sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100% cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments. 4. Clear heat vents and radiators - It’s recommended to have your heating system inspected annually, ideally before the cold weather arrives and you’ll be relying on it to heat your home. It’s also important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents and radiators. If they’re blocked, the heat won’t be able to circulate. 5. Don’t run the bathroom fan after showering - because humidity can make a space feel warmer, skip using the bathroom fan when you shower. Leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. However, if mould tends to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity, you might want to consider using the fan at least for a few minutes. 6. Spend more time upstairs - hot air rises. So, if you have multiple levels to your home, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there. You could even move your home office or TV from downstairs to upstairs over the colder months to have a cosier setting. 7. Do something active - movement generates body heat. There are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn’t become so cold and stiff that you don’t feel like being active.