Island Magazines December 2022 Newport & Carisbrooke 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 18 and 19. 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.

Refresh and

a Tired Looking House Inside and Out

Are there rooms in your house which are looking a bit drab, dated and could do with a new a ‘facelift’? If so, then Tanya of Décor Perfection is the lady to call. Whether it’s painting or wallpapering, a re-fresh or a complete makeover Tanya will be able to help.

Maybe you need the spare room decorated for guests coming to stay at Christmas or perhaps 2023 is the year to update and make your home look like new again.

Many of her customers have asked for advice for complementing colours and how best to update their rooms and hallways and Tanya is always happy to offer this service or be led by the customers, needs. She works cleanly, efficiently and is reliable and affordable.

Tanya can also update fences, garden buildings and furniture so when Spring is heading our way consider giving her a call to get your garden ready so all you have to do is relax and enjoy it when the weather warms up.

You can contact Tanya at Decor Perfection for a free quote on 07500 298070 and see her main advert for further details.

News Report by Julie Jones-Evans. Tel 521068 or 07886 437688 E: julie.jones-evans@iow.gov.uk

I can hardly believe I am writing the final Island Magazines piece for 2022, it’s been an extraordinary year and I sincerely hope that 2023 is less turbulent.

T: @juliejonesevans F: Julie Jones-Evans (modular units) and a temporary outdoor event space - The Steel Yard - creating a venue by the use of steel shipping containers. This will go to planning in early 2023. These uses are really helpful in testing the principle of developing the harbour as a place for leisure and living.

Despite the general malaise affecting our country we have some things to celebrate locally. The big news I have been involved with is the new film studio on the River Medina. It’s been a Regeneration project for a few months now and due to commercial sensitivity, I haven’t been able to discuss it until now. The IW Council’s land at Kingston Marine Park will be going forward to planning for a film studio, the first one on the island. Since I have been the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, I have had 3 different organisations speaking to me about the need for a studio to enable us to capitalise on the opportunities that the island has as a premier location. The studio allows productions to use downtime for editing, use of interior lots and rehearsing etc. The benefits to the Island economy are huge. All the trades will be required to support and create the studio and the company wants to train local people to be able to work. It also brings benefits to accommodation providers, food suppliers and others such as costume makers, which we already have high quality providers on the Island.

Further down the river at the harbour, the Harbour Users group meets regularly every quarter and in November we had a very informative presentation from the IW Council’s Regeneration team, laying out the immediate, medium and long term aspirations for the area. This includes using one of the car parks for temporary housing

A quick update on the Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone - we have one property just passed through planning and another 2 going through the process at the moment. These are for shopfront improvements, and they have been successful in attracting some of the available funding. We have also had the Design Guide now become an official IW Council planning document which means our planners can assist developers when doing alterations to town centre properties, to do them in keeping with the heritage of the area. This is such a helpful document and can protect our town centre from unsympathetic development.

Just a quick note on Lord Louis Library - we agreed that repairs to the roof be carried out and the Library will be closed from 23rd January for a few weeks.

Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council have agreed to appoint a builder for 64 High Street, enabling the works to be carried out to create the Council’s base and community spaces. It’s expected the work will be completed by the Spring.

We have many warm spaces in Newport this winter such as Congregational

Church, Salvation Army, The Living Room and Church on the Roundabout - surplus food is also available from the Congregational Church in Pyle St.

For any more information on getting through the cost-of-living crisis please visit this website beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/costof-living/

MURAL IN POST OFFICE

LANE

Alice Malia and her team are painting a new mural next to the new toilets in Post Of fice Lane! The mural will have a theme based on the lifecycle of the White Letter Hairstreak butterfly which we are lucky to have in Newport. I wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Julie

News report from Cllr Andrew Garratt for Parkhurst & Hunnyhill

Email: andrew.garratt@iow.gov.uk - Tel: 01983 524623

As we approach the festive period, I hope that you will be able to have a restful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

These are very difficult, even desperate, times for many people with the cost-ofliving and energy crisis.

A new section on the Isle of Wight Council website has been set up to provide advice and guidance to residents struggling with the cost of living. The link is www.iow.gov.uk/costofliving

It provides information on:

• benefits and government support

- information about government support including an online benefits calculator

• money worries — where to get help if you are worried about money

• support with energy bills — for people who are struggling to pay utilities and other household expenses

• food — information on community pantries, food banks and access to healthy food

• health and wellbeing — mental health support and advice on keeping healthy

The site also has a list of warm and welcoming spaces where residents can meet others, take part in activities, get a warm drink or meal, or spend some quiet time away from home can also be found on the website at beta.iow.gov.uk/keepthe-island-safe/cost-of-living/warm-spaces

If you don’t have access to the website, please get in touch and I can print out any information that you may need.

If there is any way you think I could help as your councillor, please don’t hesitate

to get in touch.

An ongoing theme of this year’s reports has been the council’s draft planning strategy. I reported last time that it was in limbo. Thankfully, at the full council meeting this month, councillors agreed a way forward sending a list of concerns back to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration.

I spoke again about the importance of protecting Parkhurst Forest and of minimising the impact on local services and roads that the targeted figure of 1,025 new homes would have. I will continue to lobby the Cabinet to reduce this number and to draw boundaries that better protect the forest and fields bordering it.

I was very pleased to hear that an order has now been placed for play equipment for the Hookes Way green space. This has come about through joint work by Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council and Sovereign Housing, with support from the Isle of Wight Council.

November is a month when we remember those who have fallen in service to our country. As vice-chair of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, it was an honour to deputise for our chair in laying a wreath on behalf of the council at the memorial in St Thomas’ Square. I also laid wreaths in my capacity as ward councillor at the memorials in Parkhurst Military Cemetery and outside Camp Hill prison.

Another civic event I attended in continued over

News report from Cllr Andrew Garratt for Parkhurst & Hunnyhill

November was the formal renaming of our police force from Hampshire Constabulary to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary recognising our Island as a county area.

In February next year, both Isle of Wight Council and Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council will be setting budgets. I am keen to hear the views of residents on how we should prioritise our very limited funds, particularly as council tax rises will put further strain on household budgets.

Finally, as ever, please get in touch with issues that I may be able to help with – however ‘big’ or ‘small’. My contact details are above. You can also follow my work as a councillor through my website at https://andrewgarratt.mycouncillor. org.uk/

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.

PARMESAN BITES

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.

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.

EVENTS AT LORD LOUIS LIBRARY

Friends of Lord Louis Library Book Sale

– Saturday 3rd 9am-4pm

Reading Group – Thursday 1st 5.15pm

Jane Austen Reading Group – Thursday 22nd 3-4pm

Tea and Chat for the Over 60s - Monday 12th 10.30am-12pm.

Dying Matters Café – Tuesday 4th 1011.30am

Knit and Natter - Thursday 1st at 10am12pm & Thursday 15th at 2-4pm

Digital Support Sessions with Age UK IW, drop in Thursday 8th & 22nd at 10.3012.00pm

Digital Support workshop about scams awareness with Age UK, Thursday 15th, 10am-12pm to book your place phone 01983 301693

Find out about working as a PA – drop in Friday 16th December, 10am-12pm.

Enter the Friends of Lord Louis Library Christmas raffle to win a hamper – only £1 for 5 entries, pop in and buy your tickets!

Children

Rhymetime – every Friday (except 30th) 10am and 11am

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

Duplo group – every Tuesday (except 27th) 10.30-11.30am

Lego Club – for age 5+ Tuesday 6th and 20th, 3.30-4.30pm

Home Ed Lego Club – Monday 12th 10.30-11.30am

Christmas story and craft with Jules Marriner – Saturday 10th 2.15pm Get your child a free ticket from the library The library will closed during the week after Christmas until 3rd January.

Mobile - 07736 663 657 Email - joe.lever@iow.gov.uk Facebook - @CllrJoeLever

Hello,

It’s December! So season’s greetings and happy holidays to all celebrating.

We now know that the two applications for development off Forest Hills/Arthur Moody Drive (and now Ash Lane) were approved at last month’s planning committee meeting. This is despite good representation from myself, Cllr Ambrosini, the NCCC and residents speaking against. The decision was far from unanimous but unfortunately the planning committee still doesn’t have the best ‘tools’ (i.e. a usable Island Planning Strategy) to push back on unsuitable developments. It’s something which the council is trying to pass but unfortunately efforts have been delayed by a number of councillors.

At the time of writing this we are also waiting on a decision for another development in Gunville opposite the Methodist Church. This appears to be less contentious than the previously mentioned - as I’ve had almost no correspondence from residents on this development - but it could still have a significant impact on the local highway network, particularly now the Forest Hills development has been approved. I’ll have more of an update next time.

The Council are still in review of the Expressions of Interest received regarding Thompson House so am still awaiting further update. I’ve since had confirmation

though that any acceptance of an EoI will then still need to go through the usual planning processes, so I wouldn’t expect much movement on this for some time. I’m not just sitting on my hands though and am regularly feeding in to the council what I’m hearing from you, the residents.

I’ve also been speaking to residents of Whitecroft Park regarding various ongoing and historical issues they’ve been having with the site and apparent enforcement issues. I’m chasing this up with council officers and I am also reaching out to the developer of the site to see if we can come to some agreements.

Aside from that, as we go into the festive period, I hope everyone can enjoy some time with family and/or friends but appreciate that this winter may be more difficult than usual. The Council has launched a new guidance directory on its website to help find information related to the cost-of-living crisis, which can be found at: www.iow.gov.uk/costofliving

There’s lots of useful information regarding warm spaces, health and wellbeing, money worries, food, benefits, etc… So if you think that would be helpful, please do take a look.

The Island also have some other great services and information regarding the cost of living and energy crises, which I’ve listed below:

News Report from Cllr Joe Lever - Carisbrooke & Gunville

‘IsleFindIt’ by Citizens Advice www.islefindit.org.uk

An online directory for Island-based advice, services and events. For those that aren’t online, Citizens Advice run a free advice line on 0800 144 8848.

Help Through Crisis 01983 823959

A limited fund to provide immediate emergency help with food, gas and electricity. Bear in mind, this can only be offered to those in the most need and as a last resort.

Footprint Trust 01983 822282 or info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

As always, if you need to get in touch, please use the contact details at the top of this page. Otherwise, I’ll see you in 2023!

subscribe

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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.

Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534

www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com

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.

News Report from Cllr Joe LeverCarisbrooke & Gunville

dates for your diary

Thursday 1st December – Kick start your Christmas shopping with Ryde Late Night Shopping event from 4 – 8pm. Entertainment with in store competitions and offers, Christmas Light switch on and much more.

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 – Christmas Bazaar at Cowes Yacht Haven in aid of Mountbatten. From 10.30am – 4.30pm. Craft and trade

tables, sweets, games, music, choir and meet Father Christmas.

Saturday 3rd December – East Cowes Christmas Market from 11am – 4pm in the Red Funnel Car Park, Well Road. Free entertainment and festive stalls.

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.

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.

Saturday 10th December – Christmas Coffee Morning and Raffle at Bembridge Community Library from 9.30am onwards (raffle tickets on sale now - £1 each or £5 book) Raffle drawn at noon.

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.

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

dates for your diary

Friday 9th December – Outdoor Christmas Market at Hunnyhill Primary School from 5pm – 7pm.

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 10th December – Roving Nativity Play organised by Wootton Bridge Parish Council – it will commence at 4pm from The Cedars, Wootton Bridge and make its way to Brannon Way via Station Road and Mary Rose Avenue finishing at the Community Centre for Carol Singing, refreshments, charity and craft stall from 4.30pm-8pm. Everyone welcome.

Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December –Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Cowes between 10am and 4pm. Free entry and light refreshments will be available.

Friday 16th December – Ryde Merry and Bright. Join in the celebration in the town from 5 – 8pm. Lantern Parade at 5.30pm (starting Dover Street and ending in Vernon Square) illuminations in the Garden at St Thomas Rest and Vernon Square. Music, entertainment and food stalls.

Saturday 17th December – Sandown Christmas Day from 10.30am – 3.30 pm. A day of Christmas fun for all the family. Lots to see and do.

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 Years 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 Years 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.

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