Island Magazines May 23 Newport and Carisbrooke area

WelcometotheMayissue–Ihopewhen youarereadingthisthattheweatherhas improveddrasticallybecauseasIsithere writingthisit’sraining,coldand miserableoutside.

ThismonthwehavesomemoreBank Holidaysandanextraoneforthe CoronationofKingCharlesIII.Please feelfreetosendphotosofyourstreet partiesorgrouppicnics.However,you decideordecidenottocelebrate,Ihope youhavefun.

Ifyouwouldliketogetinvolvedina coupleof‘nature’typeevents,pleaseturn topage2andreadJim’sarticle.Iam particularlyinterestedintheGarden ButterflySurveywhichisavaluablesurveyanddoesn’ttakeupmuchtime.Itwassad toreadthatlastyearonly9householdsontheIslandtookpartinthiseventandIwould liketoappealtoallofyoutogivethisatryandcomeon,let’sdobetterthisyear.You neverknowyoumightenjoyyourself.

Maytimeisthebest(wellaslongaswehavesomesunshine),tomeit’saboutpicnics, outdooractivitiesandprobablythefirstbarbecueoftheyear.Youcan’tbeatthesmellof asausagesizzlingawayontheoldBBQ.

IfyouareorganisinganyeventsinJuneorthecomingmonths,pleasesendmethe detailsandIcanincludethemintherelevantissue.Mycontactdetailsarebelow.

Pleaseremembertokeepusingtheservicesofourlocaladvertisersandsupportthem whereyoucanandpleaseremembertotellthemyousawthemadvertisedhereandif youarealocalbusinessandwouldliketogetyourdetailsoutintothelocalcommunity thenpleasegetintouchwithme.

IhopeyouallhaveagreatMayandIlookforwardtocatchingupwithyounextmonth.

TheLittleOwl

Thismonth’sfrontcoverphotoofalittle owlwastakenbyTrampWoodsofTWM WildlifeandNatureIsleofWight.

Thisbeautifullittleowlwasintroducedto theUKinthe19thcentury.Itcanbeseen inthedaylight,usuallyperchingonatree branch,telegraphpoleorrock.Itwillbob itsheadupanddownwhenalarmed.In flightithaslong,roundedwings,rapid wingbeatsandflieswithaslight undulation.

TWMWildlifeandNatureIsleofWight isalocalgroupformedbyTrampWoods andWarrenMasonandtheyare currentlyworkingonmanylocalprojects, fromholdingwildlifephotography sessionsforthosewhoneedhelpin understandingandsettinguptheir cameras,totipsandtricksintogetting betterphotosofthewildlifeonthe island.Thesesessionsarepublished throughtheirFacebookgroupandhave becomeverypopularandarebeing enjoyedbymany.

TheTrampwas recentlyaskedbythe Hampshire&IOW WildlifeTrusttodoa talkforthem,showing anarrayofhispictures plustalkingabout relevantstories.The eveningwasasuccess thatTWMWildlifeand NatureIsleofWight arenowsettinguptheir owntalksabout photographyandtelling theirstories.These eventscanbeheldin venuesorbroughtdirect toyou!Asmanypeople areunabletoventureoutintothecountryside,duetovariousreasons,thisistheirway ofraisingpeople'sspirits,soifanyoneisinterestedthendocontactthemviatheir FacebookpageorforthosenotonFacebook,youcangetintouchwithmyself(Debbie, TheEditor)andIwillpassonthedetails.

AbigthankyoutoTheTrampforthisfantasticfrontcover–Ican’twaittoseewhat theywillshowusnext.

NewsreportfromCllr.AndrewGarrattforParkhurst&Hunnyhill

Email:andrew.garratt@iow.gov.uk|Tel:01983524623

Forpoliticiansandthoseinterestedin politics,Mayisanimportantmonthas therearealwayslocalcouncilelections somewhereorotherintheUK–although notontheIslandtillMay2025.

Politicalcommentatorswillbelooking hardatthisyear’sresultsforcluestowhat mayhappeninthenextgeneralelection. Thecost-of-livingcrisis,theNHSat breakingpoint,sewagebeingdumpedin thesea,andmanyotherissuesare commonconcernstolocalpeopleon eithersideoftheSolent.

Onethingthatwillbeparticularly scrutinisedistheimpactofthe Conservativegovernment’sdecisionto imposeanewrequirementonelectorsto showphoto-IDatthepollingstation.

Otherthanpossibleby-elections,thenext electionwherethiswillaffectIslandersis thegeneralelection.Althoughthisdoesn’t havetotakeplacetillJanuary2025,it’s verylikelytobesooner.Manypeoplehave passportsanddrivinglicencesbut, althoughotherformsareacceptable,it’s beenreportedthatasmanyasamillion peopledonothaveappropriatephoto-ID. Forthosewhodon’t,theycanapplyfora VoterAuthorityCertificate.Detailsareon: www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youllneed

TheAnnualParishMeetingforNewport &Carisbrookewillbeat6pmonMonday, 15May,andheldatthenewlyopened communitycouncilofficesat64High Street.

Thismeetingisdifferentfroma communitycouncilmeetinginthatall residentswhoareregisteredaslocal governmentelectorsareentitledtospeak andvoteonissuesbeingconsidered.This yearwillhaveapresentationonthework oftheHeritageActionZoneinNewport.

Forinformationonthis worksee:www.iwhaz.uk/ about-the-newport-project

Animportantpartofthisworkisthe developmentofa“PeopleFirstZone”, aimingtoimprovetheenvironmentfor pedestriansandgenerallymaketheHigh Streetamorepleasantplacetoshopand visit.Newtrafficregulationswillbeneeded aspartofthis.Aconsultationontheseis takingplacetill12May2023.Information ontheseisathttps://iwc.iow.gov.uk/ consultations/

AkeydatecomingupforParkhurst& Hunnyhillwardis17Maywithadecision ontheIslandPlanningStrategybyIsleof Wightcouncillors.Readersofmyreports lastyearmayrecallthatthedraftstrategy proposedover1,000newhousesforthe northoftheward,withthevastmajority onMinistryofJusticelandatCampHill. Theplaniscomingbackfordecision, takingintoaccountnewgovernment planningguidance.Icontinuetothinkthat thenumbersproposedaretoohighandwill haveadetrimentalenvironmentalimpact (particularlyonParkhurstForest),andon localroadsandservices.

AmongthelocalissuesI’vetakenup recentlywasthedrasticcutbackofhedges alongForestRoad,whichanumberof residentsraisedwithme.Thecouncil explainedthatworkwasparticularly neededtoremovediseasedanddeadash andelmtrees.Theplanistoallowthe hedgetoregrowandthickensothatit provideshabitatsforbirdsandother wildlife.

Atthetimeofwriting,therehadbeena burstwatermainonHunnyhill.Thiswas thesecondtimeinrecentweeksthatwater supplieshadbeencutofflocally,soI’m raisingresidents’concernswithSouthern Water.

Weofferarangeofservices,fromhelpingseniorsand peoplewithdisabilitiestodevelopandstayindependent, toadviceandsupportforparents,carers,andbusinesses.

Weprovideasafeplacetotalkthroughanyissuesyou maybefacing.Thereisnojudgement,wefocusonseeing peoples'abilities,notdisabilities,andweareheretohelp youachieveyourfullpotential.

Schooldramaworkshopsareavailabletoprovidestudentswithanawareness ofdisabilities.

SessionsareavailableinpersonandviaZoom.Tofindoutmorepleasevisit www.coachindependence.ukoremailinfo@coachindependence.uk

SUBSCRIBE

Nevermissoutonreadingacopy ofIslandMagazines.

Ifyoucan’tgetouttopickupa copyfromlocaldistributorsyou cansubscribetoeitherour ‘PRINTED’or‘DIGITAL’edition eachmonth.

For printedsubscriptions there willbeasmallchargefor£1.20 permonthpayable6monthsin advance.Tosubscribeemail islandmagazines@gmail.comwith yournameandaddressandwhich areayouwouldlikeorcalluson 07880587931.

For digitalsubscriptions please emailislandmagazines@gmail.com andincludethewords‘subscribe newportdigital’intheemail, thensitback,relaxandwaitfor thenextissuetodropintoyour inbox.

Theviewsandopinionsexpressedby contributorsandadvertisersaretheirown anddonoreflecttheviewsoftheeditor orIslandMagazinesunlessstated otherwise.IslandMagazineshastheright torefuseoraltermaterialwhere necessary.

Hello, YourMayupdatefromme…

Sincelastmonth’supdate,itwasconfirmed thedemolitionofThompsonHousewas setfor17thofApril,sobynowthatshould bewellunderway.Iunderstandthatthe agreedcontractorhascontractual obligationstoclearthesiteassensitivelyas possiblewithregardstothesurrounding communityandenvironment.They’vealso beeninstructedtosalvageanyandall reusablematerial,sowastageisminimal. I’malsoassuredthatthecontractoris qualifiedfortheremovalofhazardous materialsuchasasbestos.Ifyouhaveany additionalconcernsorcomplaints regardingthedemolition,pleasedogetin touchandIraisethemwiththerelevant councilteam.

Inrelationtothesite(post-demolition)no finaldecisionhasbeenmadebytheIW councilwithregardtoasuccessfulbidfor theuseoftheland.Thebiddersandtheir bidsarestillconfidentialuntilthetimea decisionismadebutI’mhopingI’llhave moreinformationonthisreadyforthenext update.

OnVictoriaRec,we’relookingtoallowa relativelyunusedsectionoftherecreation ground(thenorth-mostpoint)togrowout intowildflowermeadow.Thiswillcreatea lotofinterestinanotherwiseblandsection ofthegroundsandshouldbringmany benefitstothelocalecologyand community.We’rehopingtohave involvementfromlocalschoolsinhelping spreadthewildflowerseed,whichwill bringagreatcommunityaspecttothe project.Thelocalchildrenwillthenbeable toseetheirworkbloomandfeelthey’veleft apositivemarkontheirlocalarea.That said,don’texpectthewildflowermeadow tojustpopupovernight,therealbeauty willgetbetterandbettereachyear!

GunvilleCommunity Associationarestillbusy organisingtheFunDay,currently scheduledforthe10thofJune. Confirmedsofar,we’vegotfood,kid’s activities,tombola,raffles,andmore.All elsewillbeconfirmedinmynextupdate!

Lastly,theIsleofWightCouncilare lookingtomakesomeimprovementstoa sectionofNewportHighStreet,andyou canhaveyoursayontheproposal.I, personally,feelreallypositiveaboutthe proposalasitshoulddeliverabetter experienceforpeopleinthetown. CurrentlyNewportcentrefeelsdominated bythecarandIbelievethiswillgosome waytoaddressingthebalance.Youcan haveyoursayhere:www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/NewportTownCentreTRO

Asalways,ifyouneedtogetintouch withme,pleaseusethecontactdetailsat thetopofthispage.

TheQuirkyTeapot

Newport, United Kingdom 01983 71

Quirky Teapot is Reopening on Thursday 6th April. Bring this advert for 10% off. We can't wait to see you there, Natalie and the Team.

TheQuirkyTeapotreopenedtheirdoors inearlyAprilfortheirsecondyearof tradingandmuchtothedelightoftheir regularcustomerswhohavemissedthem overthewintermonths.OwnerNatalie, hasrechargedherbatteriesandtakenon anewcookandtogethertheyhavebeen planningsomemouth-wateringmenus andupdatestotheiralreadypopular lunchesandafternoonteas.Theyare renownedfortheircakesandtheseare definitelystayingonthemenu.

Normal opening hours Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Staplehurst Grange, Staplers Road, Newport, PO30 2LU. 01983

Natalie & The Team are pleased to announce that The Quirky Teapot is reopening on Thursday 6th April and they can’t wait to see you there. Bring this advert with you for 10% discount (valid until 31/5/23)

Normal opening hours

Wed - Sat from 10am - 4pm

Stapleshurst Grange, Staplers Road, Newport, PO30 2LU

TheQuirkyTeapotisavintagetearoom withquirkinessandalovely,relaxed feelingmakingittheperfectplacefora morningcoffee,lunchandafternoontea withcakes.Theyarelocatedonthe outskirtofNewportwithinafarmsetinabeautifulcourtyardwithsurrounding countrysideviewsandinthesunshine,youreallycouldn’taskforanythingmore.

717363. Valid until 31/05/2023

TheyarecurrentlyopenWednesdaytoSaturdayfrom10am–4pmandtheyare definitelyworthavisitandremembertotakethisadvertwithyoufora10%discount. Theyoftenhaveeventsaccompaniedwithlivemusicandtheywillonceagainbe availableforprivatepartiesandcelebrationsandNataliewillcontinueopeningthe tearoomforpopupevents,workshopsandmuchmore.FollowTheQuirkyTeapoton Facebookformoredetailsoftheirevents.

Don’tjusttakemywordforit…headoverthereandseeforyourself.Youwillfind moredetailsonhermainadvertabove.

Sudoku WordLadder

Awordladderisasequenceofwords formedbychangingjustonelettereach time.Canyoufindthemissingword? Usethecluesifyougetstuck.

BIRDCAGE COCKATOO

EGRET

FLAMINGO

FLOCK

HEN

NIGHTHAWK

OWL PARAKEET REDWING SWAN

SYRINX

TAIL

WATERTHRUSH

Birds

Lastmonth'sanswersforWordLadder:-cross,crops,coops,corps,carps,parts,party,parry,harry,harpy,happy

FIND AN ALZHEIMER CAFÉ near you

An Alzheimer Café is a meeting place that give ion and advice about dementia and offers guidanc g p g to other services. We welcome people with dementia, their families, carers, professionals, and people with an interest in dementia

EAST COWES

1st Tuesday of the month

RYDE

1st Friday of the month

2pm - 4pm 11am - 1pm

All Saints’ Hall

TOTLAND

3rd Wed of the month

2pm - 4pm

Town Hall, York Avenue, East Cowes

PO32 6RU

SANDOWN

4th Wed of the month

2pm - 4pm

The Broadway Centre

1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG

Queens Road

Ryde PO33 3AF

NEWPORT

Last Wed of the month 6pm - 8pm

Newport Methodist Church

Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA

St Saviour’s, Holy Family Centre

Weston Lane

Totland, PO39 0HE

COWES

2nd Wed of the month

2pm - 4pm

Football Club

Reynolds Close (off Park Road) PO31 7NT

Newcomers very welcome No booking required

Website: www. alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

Email: info@alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

alzheimerscafeisleofwight

Tel: 01983 220200 (please leave a message)

DATESFORYOURDIARY

EveryMonday,WednesdayandFriday–TableTennisatSmallbrookTableTennis Centre,AsheyRoad,Ryde.Mon&Wed 9am–12noon.Mon&Fri6.45pm–9pm. Everyonewelcome.

Tuesday2nd May–Friday5th May.St Mary’sChurch,ChurchRoad,Cowesis holdingaJigsawFestivalfrom10a.m.to4 p.m.daily.ForSale-new,completeand usedjigsaws,booksandclothing.Free Entry.Lightrefreshmentswillbeavailable, andthechurchwillbeopentolookround. Creditanddebitcardpaymentsaccepted, andproceedshelptomaintainthis beautifuloldchurch.

Sunday7thMay-ArretonCoronation CelebrationfromMiddayatHaseley ManorBarn.Picniclunch,smallgames, cakeandcreamtea.Scavengerwalk startingat11amfromArretonCricket Clubfinishingatthebarn

Sunday7th May–FreshwaterBay CoronationBigLunch.Joininand celebrateKingCharlesIIICoronation frommiddayuntil6pm.Bringapicnicor enjoyahogroastandcreamteasandcakes fromDimbolateaRoom.Livemusicall dayandchildren’sactivities.

Sunday7th May–CowesTownCouncil andCommunityPartnersinviteyouto TheOfficialCowesCoronation Celebration“PicnicinthePark”from12–5pminNorthwoodPark.AFREE communityeventforCowes.

Sunday7th May–Antiquesand CollectablesFairfrom10am–3pmat RoyalVictoriaArcade,UnionStreet, Ryde.Books,jewellery,vintageitems, furniture,silverandmuchmore.Free admissionandlocatedinawonderfullocal Rydeattractionwithacaféonsite.

Thursday11th May-TheMusicPlayhouse atFreshwaterMethodist,BrooksideRoad.

2pmto3:30pm.Livevocalsandmusicians. LyricsheetsprovidedforFilmMusical& 1950/60’sPopCulturesongs.Tea/coffee& biscuitsinterlude.Eventdonationstowards BreatheEasyIW.

Wednesday17th May-Blokes,Bacon Butties&BanteratFreshwaterMethodist, BrooksideRoad.From10:30amto12pm. Localmenfromallwalksoflifehaving theirownmonthlychitchat.Turnupand joinin.

Wednesday17thMay-MeninShedsOpen DayandTableTopSale.Freeentrytoall10amto2pmattheYMCA,Winchester House,ShanklinPO376HU.Viewthe WorkshopandGardens.BBQand refreshmentsavailable.Limitedfree parkingonsiteorpayatBlueberriescar park.Formoreinformationphone645604 oremailmis.shanklin@gmail.com

Saturday20th&Sunday21stMay–RydabusVintageBusesWeekend2023. Withawiderangeofvintagebuseson routesfromthe60's,70's&80's.Rydabus involvelocalattractionsandeventsand provideatimetableoffreevintageservices toservethesepartners.Mostofthevehicles usedarefromtheMuseum’scollection, supplementedbyasmallnumberof visitingbuses.Buyaprogrammefrom www.rydabus.co.uk.Includestimetables, routemapandlotsofoffersanddiscounts atparticipatingattractions,cafesand shops!Funforthewholefamily.

Friday26th May–Monday29th May–YarmouthSeaSongsFestival.Alongwith oneoflargestannualgatheringsofgaffriggedboatsintheUK,withupto100 boatsattending,the‘ YarmouthSeaSongs Festival’ willbetakingplaceonceagainon TheGreen,oppositeYarmouthHarbour. Someoftheactswillalsobeappearingat variousvenuesaroundYarmouthoverthe weekendinadditiontoonthemainstagein themarqueeonYarmouthGreen.

Alleventinformationwascorrectattimeofprintbutcouldbesubjecttochangeatanytime.

DATESFORYOURDIARY

Saturday27thMayShanklinandDistrictHistorySociety–TwentiethAnniversaryOpen DayExhibition.10.00–3.00pmattheFalconCrossHall,Shanklin.Freeentryandthe launchofournewbooklet–EdwardianShanklin–whichwillbeonsalefor£5.00(cash only)

EventsatLordLouis Library

BereavementGroupfacilitatedbyMountbattenIW-Tuesday2ndMay10.30am-12pm

KnitandNatter–Thursday4thMay10am-12pmandThursday18thMay2-4pm

TeaandChat(Over60s)–Monday15thMay10.30am-12pm

ReadingGroup–Thursday4thMay5.15pm

JaneAustenReadinggroup–25thMay3-4pm

DigitalDropinwithAgeUKIW–Thursday11th&25thMay10.30am-12pm.Don’t forgetyourdevice

Children’sstorytime(age3-8)–Saturday27thMay11-11.30am

Thelibraryisstillopen–pleasecometotheChurchLittenside,thedoorisnearthe ValentineGraymemorial.

TheLibrarywillbeclosedonMonday1,8and29MayfortheMayBankHolidaysand alsoonSaturday6MayfortheCoronation.

Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534

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

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

Bloom Hairdressing

Salon Style in the comfort of your own home. Fully qualified. Over 30 years experience in all areas of hairdressing.

Please call Kirsty for all enquiries 01983 539975 or 07773 571187

Fully Covid-19 compliant

Bloom Hairdressing

www.bloomhairdressing.co.uk

FREE DIGITAL SUPPORT

Are you struggling with your smart phone or tablet?

Are you aged 50+?

Technical Services Ltd

Why not come along to your local free Age UK IOW Digital Support drop-in at Newport Library and speak to one of our digital support volunteers.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10.30am to 12 noon at Newport Library.

For more information, call the Age UK IOW digital team on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk

WENDY DEBENHAM Soft Furnishings

WENDY DEBENHAM

curtains- pelmets - blinds loose covers - cushions and all types of home furnishings. Made to order measuring service & free quotes

call 07870 915 824 or 401411

email: wendydebenham@gmail.com

Come and see us at our showroom in Brading for all your soft furnishing needs.

houseproud !

‘solutions by Angela’ quality cleaning & ironing services help and support that works for you

(further assistance readily available)

Call 07912 432 835

THIS SIZE ADVERT COULD BE YOURS FOR JUST £14

For more information email islandmagazines@gmail.com or call 07880 587 931

All Electrical Work Undertaken

Domestic and Commercial Design / Installation / Improvements

Home Automation

Inspection & Reports

Fault finding & Repairs

All Types of Lighting

Computer Network Cabling

‘solutions by Angela’ quality cleaning and ironing services help and support that works for you

(further assistance readily available)

Ester’s F t Health Clinic

Call 07912 432 835

Professional foot health treatments in your home.

Nail cut and file

Cracked Heels

Thickened Nails

Ingrowing Nails

Removal of Corns and Callus

Diabetic Foot Care

Reflexology massage

Contact Ester on 07789750307 or esterchunter@gmail.com

Offering 20 years of healthcare experience

ESTER CAMPBELL-HUNTER BSc. DipCFHP, MPSPract ITEC Dip Fully Insured. Member of the Accredited Registry of Foot Health Practitioners

Somemorescamwarningsfrom

TradingStandards

� ActionFraudarereceivinglarge numbersofreportsrelatingtoascamthatsteals accesstoavictim’s#whatsappaccount.The scambeginswhenacriminalgetsaccessto anotherWhatsAppaccountwhichhasyoulisted asacontact.Thecriminal,posingasyourfriendorsomeonethat’samemberofa WhatsAppgroupyou’rein,willthensendyouseeminglynormalmessagestotryand startaconversationwithyou.However,aroundthesametimeyouwillreceiveatext messagefromWhatsAppwithasix-digitcode.

ThisisbecausethecriminalhasbeentryingtologintoWhatsAppusingyourmobile number.

Thecriminalwillclaimthattheysentyoutheircodebyaccidentandaskyoutohelp thembysendingittothem.Oncethecriminalhasthiscode,theycanlogintoyour WhatsAppaccountandlockyouout.

ThecriminalwillthenusethesametacticwithyourWhatsAppcontactsinaneffortto stealmoreaccountsandusethemtoperpetratefraud.

Whatcanyoudo?

Setuptwo-stepverification togiveanextralayerofprotectiontoyouraccount.Tap Settings>Account>Two-stepverification>Enable.

STOP.THINK.CALL. Ifafamilymemberorfriendmakesanunusualrequeston WhatsApp,alwayscallthepersontoconfirmtheiridentity.

Nevershareyouraccount’sactivationcode (that’sthe6-digitcodeyoureceivevia SMS)

Youcan reportspammessages orblockasenderwithinWhatsApp.Pressandholdon themessagebubble,select‘Report’andthenfollowtheinstructions

� Aresidenthasreportedreceivingaphonecallstatingthattherehadbeen2 transferrequeststhroughtheInternationalMonetaryFundfromtheirbankaccount–andtoldthemtopress1todiscuss–DON’Tthisisascamandwillinvolvealongand exhaustingconversationwithascammerwhowilltrytoconvinceyouthattheyneedto “refund”moneytoyouandobtainingyourdetailstodoso.

� ArecentreportonITV’sThisMorningshowedtheharmcausedbyfallingfora Clairvoyantscamandincludedaninterviewwithacarerwhofortunatelyrealisedthat thepersonshecaredforwassendingcashtoascammerhowevernotbeforethisperson hadsentover£48,000.Ifyoucareforanyone,whetherasacareerorasafamily memberorfriendbeawareofscamsandhowtheyoperate.GototheNationalTrading Standardsscamteam“FriendsAgainstScams”awarenesssessionandlearnhowtospot ascamandhowtosupportavictim.

I'mpleasedtosaythatalthoughweweren't successfulingettingLotteryFundingfor theCoronationeventon6thMay,weare stillhavingacelebrationinStJames's Square.

ThankstoPlatformOne,Historic England,NewportBusinessAssociation, NewportandCarisbrookeCommunity Council,MarketDaysandIndependent Arts,ShapingNewportisabletogoahead withafreedayofentertainmentfor everyone.

Startingat11am,thescreeninStJames's Squareadjacenttothemonumentwillbe showingtheliveactionoftheCoronation inLondonandfrom12till6PlatformOne willstageadayofmusicontheotherside ofthemonument.ThewholeSquarewill beavehiclefreeareafortheday,whichwe knowisverypopularwithpeople. IndependentArtswillalsobeopenand showingtheCoronation. Feelfreetobringachairandsitandenjoy theday.Let'shopewehaveabeautifulday forit.

TheHighStreetHeritageActionZone (HAZ)isenteringthelaststageofthe pedestrianimprovementsforthesectionof HighStreetbetweenStJames'sandSt Thomas'sSquares,theTrafficRegulation Ordertochangesomeoftheparking layoutisoutforconsultationtill12thMay.

Thesenewtrafficregulationsareamajor elementofthePeopleFirstZoneproject, andthisincludesmoreusablepavement spacetomakewalkingaroundthetown easier,willalsofeaturenewplanting, seatingandcycleparking.Declutteringthe pavementwillgiveusspacewithout

technicallyvery challenginggiventhe numberofutilitiesunder theroad).Theschemehasalimited budgetandrecenthugepricerisesof labourandmaterialshavealready constrainedthis.

Therewaspublicconsultationlastyear andthishadledtodesignchangesin responsetothefeedback,suchas; Introductionofmoreplanting,inlarger blocks,togivethetowncentreagreener feel.

Improvementstoparkingfordisabled people,withparkingonbothsidesofthe roadandoneextra-longparkingbayto allowrearrampstobeusedmoreeasily. Retentionofsomegeneralparking,to provideextraprovisionfordisabled peoplewhodonotneeddedicatedbays andshort-termparkingforothers.

TheHAZ(fundedbyHistoricEngland, NewportandCarisbrookeCommunity CouncilandIsleofWightCouncil)is workinginpartnershipwithSouthern WatertointroducenewSustainable DrainageSystemstothestreet.Theaim ofthisistoreducecombinedsewer overflowsintotheMedinaEstuary.

Thelinkisheretorespondonline,oryou candropaletterintoCountyHallmarked NewportHighStreetTRO.

www.iow.gov.uk/transport-and-parking/ highways/traffic-regulation-orders

Finally,theworkatNCCC'snewbuilding at64HighStreetisalmostcompleteand weshouldbeopensometimethismonth. Wewelcome3newtenantstotheshoplet units,CareintheGarden,FutureIsleof WightandAliceMalia.

TheFriendsofStMary’sHospitalCharityhascome thoroughsometurbulenttimesinthelastfewyears,but thegoodnewsisthattheyhavesurvivedtotellthetale.

Inspiteofbeingasmalleroperationwithjusttheshop onthegroundfloorfoyer,theyhavemadeitto2023ina healthystateandarecontinuingtosupportand supplementtheexcellentserviceattheIsland’sNHS Trust,withtheirmissiontoraisemoneytoprovide equipmentandfacilitiestohelpmaketheexperience betterforpatientsandstaff.

LesleyMyland,ChairofTrusteesofFriendsofSt Mary’sHospital,said“thankyoutothosewhohelpedus withtheirkinddonationsand fundraisingefforts,andathank youtootothosestaff,volunteers andtrusteeswhohaveworked sohardtokeeptheretailservice andtheCharitygoingin difficulttimes.Weshouldalso thankthestaffatStMary’swho havegoneoutoftheirwayto useourshopandkeepus profitableenoughtochannel fundstotheCharity.

Wewereabletoprovide

£49,000worthofequipmentlast yearincludingnewwheelchairs atboththemainandnorth receptiondesksforvolunteersto usewhensupportingvisitorstothetrustwhomayhavemobilityproblems.Wewere abletosupplykeyrapidresponseequipmentknown asanEMMAdevicetotherapidresponsekitthatis heldbytheon-callODPteamandfinallywewere abletosupplyresourcessuchasgames,booksand sensorytoysforthePaediatricsOccupational TherapyDepartment.Wearealsoveryexcited aboutfundingaveryspecialimmersivetraining experienceinthenewambulancecentre.Thisis focusedonimprovingimmediatecareontheIsland tosavelivesincriticalsituationsbothforindividuals andthoseinvolvedinamajorincident”.

PleasekeeponsupportingtheFriendsofStMary’s intheirworkforyourhospital.