Island Magazines
February Newport & 2016 Carisbrooke Area
FREE Your Local Community Magazine
Stephen Hatherall
Dear Readers Welcome to the February issue and I hope your 2016 is going well so far and you haven’t fallen victim to the germs going around which are causing colds, coughs and fevers and generally making people fell unwell. At the time of writing this there is no snow... but there has been plenty of rain!!!! and the temperature has dropped considerably. I’m every hopeful though that we will get a nice splattering of the white stuff. I know many of you don’t like it but I have a sledge in my shed which is just collecting dust. I need to give it a good airing!!!! This months issue is packed with news and information and you can find out the story of the front cover picture on page 7 and there are a few events happening in February, and you will find the ‘Dates for your Diary’ on page 8. The law is changing in April regarding microchipping dogs and you will find an article regarding this on page 12. Please keep using the service of the advertisers and a big thank you again to the contributors who do a great job of supplying the latest news. Until next month...
Debbie text or call 07880 587 931 email: islandmagazines@gmail.com twitter @islandmagazines www.islandmagazines.co.uk The editor does not necessarily hold the same views as those expressed by contributors and advertisers and reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary. 2
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Do Something Amazing... Become A Blood Donor
There are 2 sessions available over the next couple of months in Cowes and Newport as detailed below. On Tuesday 2nd February between 1.15pm and 5.15pm at Cowes Yacht Haven Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes, PO31 7BD or Tuesday 1st March between 1.30pm and 5.30pm at Church of Latter Day Saints, 44 Shide Road, Newport, PO30 1YE If you’ve never given blood before you’ll probably wonder what the Blood Donation Sessions are and what happens there. They can take place at regular intervals at your local community centre, church or sports club. You can book an appointment to attend by booking online using the venue finder on the website www.blood.co.uk or by calling their Helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
Call: 0800 1182484
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Newport
Parish Council
Worsley Road Playing Field, Parkhurst The Parish Council are currently negotiating with Newport Grammar School Trust to secure a 15 year lease for Worsley Road Playing field. Residents will be consulted in the near future about possible uses and improvements. Newport Victoria Recreation Ground Those that use the Recreation Ground will be pleased to note that the car park will be resurfaced in the near future and a new litterbin is being installed. CCTV will also be in place and it is hoped this will help alleviate the minor anti social behaviour that has occurred recently. Report from Safer Neighbourhood Team on current priorities
Shoplifting - the initiative this year has been one of the most successful for years, with 32 resolutions to 39 incidents, including two custodial sentences. This took place over seven weeks with plain clothes officers patrolling the shops and working closely with the retail sector. The patrols will continue until the end of January. Meetings The Parish Council next full council meeting is on 8th February, at the Riverside Centre, Newport. Planning and Licensing Committee meet fortnightly, 6.30pm at the Riverside Centre, the meetings in February are on 4th and 18th. A full list of all meetings are available on our website.
Social Media Our Facebook page At the January NPC meeting, Police Sergeant is a great source of Stuart Ross gave an update on the three information for all parish priorities set for Newport during the last and community matters. quarter. Please like and share our posts as well as sharing your information with us. Anti social behaviour in Church Litten – a small alcove has been identified that is not All full council meetings are now digitally covered by CCTV and this is in the process recorded and copies are available on of being blocked off. The SNT are continuing application to the Clerk or can be listened to to target the area vigorously for anti social on the website behaviour and drinking. www.newportwight.org.uk AB Cooke building – there has been a good Contact the Clerk, Maxine Yule by email deal of partnership working which has maxyule@gmail.com or telephone 559119 resolved the majority of the issues. New security fencing has been put in place and approval granted for demolition of areas that do not have listed status. 4
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Unscramble the letters to see what the words are, ‘Tis the Season’
Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty square so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats
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H C T A M G R E D A C R A O G
N U U K E S L O T T C A S H M
Last Months Answers:- ANAGRAMS - Julia, Debbie, Shirley, Rosemary, Catherine. MISSING LINKS - ARMCHAIR, arch, root, mint, chip, hair, air, imp, rose.
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Tuesday the 9th of February is Shrove Tuesday which always falls exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday and the date can be anything between 3 February and 9 March inclusive
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In the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia, primotech@vodafoneemail.co.uk the day is known as “Pancake Day” as it Mob: 07795 363 534 is a common custom to eat pancakes as a www.primotechnical.co.uk meal. Pancakes are associated with the day primotech@vodafoneemail.co.uk preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days SPECIAL SPRING OFFER of Lent. The fasting emphasised eating plainer 25% off block paving cleaning food and refraining from food that would give now until 30th April. (call for a FREE no obligation quote) pleasure: in many cultures, this means no WE ALSO OFFER meat, dairy products, or eggs. SKYVAC GUTTER CLEARING - the latest technology to get your Gutters clear of debris. Prices start from just £20 External Surface Cleaning Decking, fence and garden structure treatments Domestic & Commercial
Shrove Tuesday was once known as a “halfholiday” in Britain. It started at 11:00am with the ringing of a church bell. On Pancake Day, “pancake races” are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom. The tradition Call 01983 216121 or 07590 277298 is said to have originated in 1445 when a @IslandGTC housewife from Olney, Buckinghamshire, was Email info.igtc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/islandgardentimbercare so busy making pancakes that she forgot the www.islandgardentimbercare.co.uk time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake, tossing it to prevent it from burning. The pancake race remains a relatively common festive tradition in the UK, even today. Participants with frying pans race through the streets tossing pancakes into the air and catching them in the pan while running.
The traditional pancake is flavoured with sugar and lemon but over the years this has evolved and the filling/topping varieties are endless and are no longer just thought of as a sweet as many people make pancakes with savoury filling on Shrove Tuesday and other days of the year.
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The Isle of Wight is home to many different species of wildlife and we are especially lucky to be home to the red squirrel.
available within the organisation and you can find out more by calling Helen on 611003 or email wightsquirrels@hotmail.com
The Wight Squirrel Project and The IOW Red Squirrel Trust both work together playing an important role in the conservation of the squirrels. Founded and currently voluntarily managed, by Helen Butler BSc MBE, the Isle of Wight’s leading Red Squirrel expert. The project is run throughout by volunteers.
Another vital part that the Wight Squirrel Project is responsible for and for which needs your help is reporting a red squirrel sighting. This can easily be done by going to their website www.wightsquirrels.co.uk and filling in the squirrel sighting form. This information is vital in helping to monitor changes in squirrel behaviour and in planning conservation work.
More recently The IOW Red Squirrel Trust have opened a shop in Ryde High Street, (opposite the Catholic Church Garden, just up from Iceland) where they sell animal themed products along with items made from wood. IOW driftwood products are very popular and they also sell firewood from a woodland they have leased and another they manage for the conservation of red squirrels. The shop is manned by volunteers and the project desperately needs more volunteers in order for them to open for longer. No experience is necessary and you can choose your times. All that is required are 2 references. If you would like to join the team either pop into the shop for an application form or email redsquirrelshop@hotmail.com for more info. There are also other situation vacant posts
You can also become a friend of the Red Squirrel via a small donation of ÂŁ5 or more and you will find details of this on their website The Wight Squirrel Project does a wonderful job in protecting the squirrels and you can find out more information about the project and also The IOW Red Squirrel Trust by visiting their websites www.iowredsquirreltrust.co.uk and www.wightsquirrels.co.uk where you can also download the latest newsletter and learn about these wonderful animals and details of future events including woodlands visits and tips on how to see red squirrels in the wild. I hope you also like the front cover which shows just how adorable and inquisitive the squirrels are and was sent in by Helen Butler. 7
Dates For Your Diary Friday 5th February (and every Friday thereafter) Baby and Toddler Group @ YMCA Nursery Newport. 1.30 – 3pm . For children aged 0 – 2 years old. Only £1 per family. First visit free. Friday 5th February – Charity Race Night at The Sun Inn. Fun and friendly night with Greyhound racing videos – starts at 7.30pm. Make a night of it with meals at just £10 each. All proceeds from the evening including food and entertainment go to Ability Dogs 4 Young People IOW.
Saturday 13th February – Charity General Knowledge Quiz Night at Newport Football Club. 7.30pm – 10.30pm. In aid of Cats Protection Isle of Wight Teams of up to 6 people and costs £2 per person entry. There will be a raffle, licensed bar and plenty of free car parking available. Come and help raise the kitty for the kitties
Sunday 21st February – Sandman Snowman Come to Small Hope Beach, Shanklin and build a sandman / snowman. Whatever the weather! We bring hot chocolate, carrots and coal, you bring a spade and your silly ideas! Suitable for adults and children. Saturday 6th February – Charity Auction in aid of The Joe Ellis Fund. At Newport Football Suggested £2 per person donation to Gift To Nature. More details 01983 201565 Club at 7pm. The auction will be held in 2 parts, the first part will be the fun part Sunday 28th February – 12th Annual ‘Mum’s where we auction people. But these people have to provide a service such as gardening, Memory Day’ Antiques and Collectors Fair at Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes DIY, cooking, car cleaning, dog walking etc 10.30am – 3pm Over 25 stalls selling a range or even teaching a hobby or skill they may of goods from quality furniture, books, have. (they are still looking for volunteers) The second part will be auctioning items that silver, jewellery, vintage items, vinyl records, have been donated from various sources for garden antiques, china, glass, militaria and much more. Tea/Coffee and delicious light cash. snacks available to purchase. Entrance £2 per person. Children Free. In aid of the Tuesday 9th February – Pancake racing IOW Branch Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Kings Square, East Cowes (outside Waitrose) ECBA has organised this event in Association conjunction with Holy Cross Primary School and Queensgate. Starting at 2pm Races are being held for Reception and Years 1 through to 6, with a trophy being awarded to the school with the biggest medal haul! In addition to this, it would be great if as many people as possible could come along and cheer the children on … and take part in the adult races afterwards! We’re looking to make this as fun as possible, so don’t be shy, just bring a frying pan and we’ll supply the rest! 8
Friday 4th March – Women’s World Day of Prayer is at 11am at All Saints Church, Gurnard. The theme is ‘Receive Children. Receive me’. This will be followed by refreshments – Cuba style! (service lasts approximately one hour). Drop in for as long or as little as you like. All welcome, men, women and children of any age.
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Monthly News Report for Carisbrooke by John Hobart. South Farm, Sandy Lane, Whitecroft. E-Mail: john.hobart@iow.gov.uk Mobile: 07717 716 663 We are already into the second month of the year, doesn’t time fly? The awful weather that we experienced over the Christmas and New Year period has fortunately, so far, left us relatively unscathed and this must be thanks to the pro-active stance of Southern Water, Environment Agency and those with riparian ownership (rivers running through their gardens) who have been conscientious about keeping ‘their stretch’ clean. Hopefully with spring around the corner we will see better weather and the threat will pass.
in a viable state. I can see much greater co-operation with Hampshire, but more locally the distribution of the control of discretionary services is very much on the cards, particularly of assets such as public toilets.
Discussions continue with regards to the management of the toilet block in Carisbrooke and I am still hopeful that the Parish Council may, in due course, take this over. (along with other Newport facilities) Another area that will suffer from funding The government has started to look towards cuts is the IOW Council’s Countryside sites farmers and landowners to minimize their around Newport. Management of this surface water run-off by encouraging them has been handed over (1st Feb, for the to plant more trees, and to create small foreseeable future) to ‘Gift to Nature’ and reservoirs to slow up the flow of water, will be financially supported in part by the which undoubtedly with global warming will Newport Parish Council. It will fall under become more serious in future years. There the management of the, very experienced, is even the possibility of allowing their fields Matthew Chatfield who has managed the to be deliberately flooded with a controlled estate on behalf of the council for many drainage system. There would obviously have years. to be a compensation scheme to accompany this as farmers would lose crops, but the cost Finally, following many enquiries, I have of flooding 100 acres of wheat would be tiny discovered why the 8 Bells Pond has been in proportion of the monies needed to repair closed off from the public. Southern Water, properties in urban residential areas and the who own the property and have generously consequent increase in insurance premiums, made it available to the public, have told me not to mention the angst and heartbreak for that they have had problems on the site as it families who find themselves homeless. is being used by drunks and rough sleepers and that they have had to secure the area This stance is very important to us as we are for safety reasons. They hope to re-open it looking to build 520 houses per year on the during daylight hours again in the Spring to Island alone from now to 2030, increasing allow the public to enjoy the area as before. our residential areas and the resulting surface water run-off into our rivers and streams. If you would like to receive an electronic version of Island Magazines in your email 2016 sees the start of yet another difficult inbox each month send an email to financial year for our council, there will be islandmagazines@gmail.com and type in much ‘belt tightening’ if we are to reach 2017 the words SUBSCRIBE NEWPORT 10
Men In Sheds What is a shed? It can be a man cave, A refuge from ‘er indoors, A place of creativity and innovation or perhaps a spider infested gathering of tools rusted past their best before date. A shed is also a community space where men can meet others and provide the opportunity for men to use their skills in a positive way and often for the wider community benefit. The idea behind Sheds is to promote mental and physical health and well-being through Shed activities. The ‘Shed’ can be located anywhere and be open to all. Newport has a shed at Age UK IOW every Wednesday afternoon (1pm-4pm) at 147 High Street, Newport (to the immediate left of County Hall). There is also one in Ventnor. Lois Prior is Age UK IOW Men in Sheds Coordinator. “The Men in Sheds Project is a great way of engaging people in the local community, particularly older men, who might otherwise find themselves at a loss most days. The shed is the coming together of men who can work side by side on community projects or to develop their own interests. We are always looking for new members and donations of tools to help resource the Shed. If you are interested in finding out more, please call me on 525282”. Men’s Shed is part of the Age Friendly Island initiative, an exciting partnership funded by the National Lottery through the BIG Lottery fund, making the Isle of Wight a great place to grow old while tackling social isolation. Encouraging older adults to take an active role in their communities, and enabling their voices to be heard.
NEWPORT MEN IN SHEDS Every Wednesday afternoon 1pm—4pm At Age UK IOW, 147 High Street, Newport (to the left of County Hall)
Be connected
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The chance to potter about with a favourite hobby in the company of others, whether it’s model making, wood turning or bread-making. If you already have a hobby you enjoy, or are looking to start a new one, join the shed and turn a hobby into a social activity. For more information call Lois at Age UK IOW on 525282 or email lois.prior@ageukiw.org.uk
iowsheds.weebly.com 11
The New Microchipping Law From 6 April 2016 all dogs in England will be legally required to be microchipped and their details registered on one of the authorised databases.
Shockingly the National Dog Warden Association advises that around 40% of dogs it deals with that are already chipped have missing or inaccurate information. People must be encouraged and be reminded to Under the law you are obliged to keep your keep their details up to date to give this law details up to date on the database. Police and some force to do what it is intended for. local authority employees will be issued with microchip reader scanners so that instant To get ready for the 6th April 2016 if you enforcement of the law can be carried out. A have not already had your pet microchipped time window will be allowed for the owner you can easily get this done by your vet and to get the chipping done if their pet is caught many organisation. There is a FREE dog without a chip. After which a £500 fine for microchipping event on Sunday 14th failing to comply will be issued. February 2016 between 10am and If you sell or otherwise pass the dog on, you as the previous keeper are required to register the new keeper (the wording used is ‘keeper’ rather than ‘owner’ with regard to microchips). Similarly if your dog dies, you must inform the database that holds your pet’s details. Puppies must be chipped at their second set of vaccinations – and around the time they are weaned - at 8 plus weeks.
12noon at Avenue Road Car Park, Freshwater. This event is open to all Island residents. There is no limit to the amount of dogs you bring.
Of course cats and other animals that are large enough to take the chip can be microchipped too, in case they get lost or stolen, and this is recommended by welfare charities. There will though be no legal obligation to have your cat - or rabbit or guinea pig - microchipped.
With microchipping, keepers and their dogs will have an official relationship, rather as they did under the old dog licence. Additionally, the modern technology of microchipping will not only help lost dogs “Be the best you can be” be re-united with their families, it will also connect liable human beings to abused animals. Mistreatment of animals will still Classes for children & adults from the age of 4 in Newport happen even if dogs are micrcochipped, but Bookings taken for exhibitions & events now there will be some redress against the perpetrator on behalf of society and – equally For further info call 07507536164 or go to www.baileyacademy.co.uk importantly - on behalf of the dog. Follow us via facebook and Twitter
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Wheelers Solicitors Buying or Selling Property Wills - Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney
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Monthly Report for Newport by Julie Jones-Evans. 53 Victoria Road, Newport, IoW, PO30 2HB Tel 521068 or 07792672198 E: Julie.Jones-Evans@iow.gov.uk T: @juliejonesevans F: Julie Jones-Evans The new year has begun with It is our intention is to provide a better in earnest, no such thing as a gentle start for service than is currently on offer especially with regard to Post Office Lane toilets which 2016. leave a lot to be desired! One option is to rebuild them with a shop or kiosk in one Newport Parish Council has taken the decision to take over the total responsibility half and modern toilets in the other half. This way the shop manager can keep an eye for the public toilets in Newport and on the toilets and ensure high standards are Carisbrooke. The IW Council is taking the decision to no longer provide non essential maintained , plus having an income for the parish council from the shop. or statutory services due to the reduction in grant funding from central government. The Island has a large population of retired people which means it has the duty of care to many more people than other places in the country.
Statistically the IW is 20 years ahead in terms of the proportion of older people that live here. This means that the council’s resources need to be spent on looking after older people and also on Children’s Services too. The reality is that the nice things that the Council did like maintain our beaches, parks and Country parks to a high standard will now be down to local town and parish councils to take responsibility for. The IW Council is only able to raise council tax by a certain amount whereas local town and parish councils do not have a limit. Across the Island there are great differences, Ventnor residents pay an average of about £80 a year where Newport residents will probably be paying £35 for the new financial year. We hope that in Newport we have been financially responsible in providing a value for money service that reflects the needs of our residents. 14
Shide Chalk Pit could be one of the areas to benefit from funding from Newport residents. It was agreed at the January meeting that up to £5000 be put towards the upkeep of 4 country side sites in our area that are popular with the public. This time of year we look towards projects for the upcoming financial year. One aspiration we have is to take over the running of St Thomas’ and St James’ Street so we can improve our markets and manage the many people that use them. The areas are very popular with shoppers and visitors and we are lucky to have these people friendly spaces. The Parish Council will be only looking to enhance them. Look out for our planning application for the information sign that will be going up at the top of Holyrood Street and the chance for many more businesses to advertise on it and not have to clutter that area with advertising boards.
Revamp your wardrobe – live in the present By Maggie Currie – Life Coach Change how you feel about yourself with the practical task of revamping your wardrobe. This can really help to get rid of those winter blues and the aftermath of Christmas and the New Year By ridding yourself of the unwearable rubbish, paradoxically you will find you have more of everything. • • • • •
More wearable, worthy clothes More time - you’ll get dressed so much quicker! More money - no more impulse buys More confidence More control
To totally revamp your wardrobe, you will need: • Best part of a day, uninterrupted • Bin bags, boxes • Coat hangers • Good, uplifting music (anything you like that motivates you) • Loads of energy and a positive attitude First, take every single thing out of your wardrobe. Make sure the whole thing is empty. Put everything on the floor or bed. You need to clear the decks. Next, create a reject pile and cast aside EVERYTHING that is: • Broken • Stained • Doesn’t fit and never will. • Baggy and shapeless • You have not worn for a year at least (be honest) • Does it still fit? • Is it flattering? • Totally not you. Take a step back and have a really good look at what is left. What are your clothes REALLY saying about you? Do you like what you hear? Is there anything not reflecting your true personality? If there is, add it to the reject pile. Be ruthless. Resolve now to live in the present. Let go of these clothes and make room for your new life. Bag up your rejects right now and take them away. No regrets. Look to the future! Go and buy a few items that reflect the new you and you feel comfortable in. Add to these as and when you can afford to.
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