Island Magazines October 22 Newport and Carisbrooke area

Teen Epilepsy Cafe

Being a teenager and a young adult can be one of the hardest and most challenging times in your life. This can be made particularly difficult if you are also dealing with epilepsy.

This is the age when young people are starting to find their identity and gain some independence. Socialising with peers, being out and about on their own, going to parties, staying up late, building up work experience, basically all the ‘normal’ things teenagers negotiate, have to be risk assessed if you have Unfortunately,epilepsy.

this can affect their self-esteem and confidence, even if the condition is well managed with treatments and even more so if it isn’t. Young people with epilepsy can feel trapped, isolated, and frustrated at the world and potentially it holds them back. There is also still a stigma attached to the condition which can add to the teens anxiety about having a seizure in public.

This is the situation Caroline and Ian Harrison found themselves in with their 17-yearold daughter. They searched the Island for somewhere she could go to meet other teens with epilepsy, but it soon became apparent that there isn’t anywhere. Rather than give up at the first hurdle they went the next step and set up their own ‘Teen Epilepsy Café’.

To date they have had a couple of meet ups, which have been small but lively and they are now meeting regularly on the first Thursday of every month at Richmonds, Bath Road, Cowes at 6.30pm.

They are spreading the word to reach out to other teens and young adults to come along, meet other people, chat, have a drink (and maybe some cake too) and share experiences. There are very limited outlets for specialised mental health support for young people dealing with epilepsy and this needs to be changed. Young people with epilepsy are 4 times more likely to suffer with mental health issues than their peers and 77% say that it has an impact on their mental health and how they cope with everyday life.

The cafe is hopefully a small step towards addressing some of these issues and offering the young people who come a sounding board and a place to get information, support and make new friends.

If you are interested in going along to the next ‘Teen Epilepsy Café’ feel free to just turn up or if you prefer you can call Caroline on 07808860952.

Welcome to the October issue and thank you for picking up a copy.

What a month it’s been... it started with some heavy rain, flooding and then a couple of nights of thunder and lightning. The gardens definitely needed the rain and now the water butts are full again. More recently the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II and of course we now have a new King.

A BIG apology to fans of the puzzle page. I am sure you noticed that last month’s puzzles were a little confusing... I myself was puzzled to work out how mistakes had appeared in them! Maybe it was the hot weather? Whatever the reason I wish to reassure you that I have given myself a strong talking to and I promise no more impossible puzzles will appear in the magazine.

Autumn is definitely on the way now and this is one of my favourite seasons, as well as the days and nights being cooler, the island is also a lovely place to be this time of year. With so much countryside around us and lovely walks we are very lucky to have this on our doorsteps.

The clocks go back on the 30th October and we get an extra hour of sleep and the 31st is Halloween so it’s time to think about getting your pumpkin ready to carve.

I hope you enjoy this issue and have a great October and I look forward to catching up with you again next month. www.islandmagazines.co.uk

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Firstly, I think it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the news and events of mid-September. My condolences to those who mourned the death of the Queen.

As many of you will have noticed - as a result of that news - the Tour of Britain never quite made it to the Isle of Wight. I understand the decisions given by the Tour organisers but it’s still a difficult pill to swallow. A lot of hard work went into planning and prepping to welcome the world’s most elite cyclists and I just hope that we see the Island finally play host next Theyear!nights

are drawing in now and the weather has started to dip. I know many will be anxious about the upcoming winter, given the energy and cost of living crisis. Therefore, I just wanted to take an opportunity to signpost a few local organisations that may be able to help, even if just offering advice and information for your own personal situation:

‘IsleFindIt’ by Citizens Advice Anwww.islefindit.org.ukonlinedirectoryfor

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.

Newport & Carisbrooke Council have also secured funding to help those through the pressures of the coming months. I hope to have more information to share in the next update.

Footprint Trust

They’ll be running (in partnership with Utilita Energy Hub and Isle of Wight Council) a free help and information session cutting energy and water bills, benefits and money, and grants and allowances. This will be 9:30am-1:30pm on 13 October at the Riverside Centre.

You can also join online from 2pm-4pm via the Footprint Trusts Facebook page. Of course, you can always call or email the Footprint Trust outside of this event on 01983 822282 or info@footprint-trust.

Andco.uk.finally,

your regular reminder that Nelly’s tea & coffee afternoons continue to run each Wednesday, 2-4pm at Gunville Methodist Church. So, if you’re available and would like to get to know some of your neighbours a bit better, do join a lovely bunch of people for a good chin wag and some biscuits! Organisers just ask for a small donation, to cover costs of Asrefreshments.always,if

you need to get in touch, please use the contact details at the top of this page.

A lz he im e r Ca fé IOW

Tel: 01983 220200

Email: info@alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

Website: www. alzheimercafeiow. org.

East Cowes Alzheimer Café

East Cowes Town Hall

York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6RU

First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Football Club, Reynolds Close off Park Road, Cowes PO31 7NT Second Wednesday of the month

Sandown Alzheimer Café

The Broadway Centre

1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG

Fourth Wednesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall

Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF

Cowes Alzheimer Café 1171437

Totland Alzheimer Café

St Saviours Holy Family Centre Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE

If you are worried or concerned about memory loss, please come along to an Alzheimers Café for information and informal education about memory loss and dementia. You do not need to have a diagnosis to attend, everyone with an interest in dementia or memory loss is welcome. 2pm 4pm

First Friday of the month 11am 1pm 2pm 4pm

Third Wednesday of the month

Newportuk

Methodist Church

Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm

Newcomers very

An Alzheimer Café is a meeting place giving informal education about dementia, guidance and signposting to other services. We welcome people with dementia, their families, carers, professionals and anyone with an interest in dementia.

I was hoping to report back on the Tour of Britain we would have celebrated but sadly due to the death of our sovereign Queen the TOB was cancelled. I hope to be able to let you know when it will return, as soon as Itpossible.waslovely to see the Victoria Monument in St James’s Square being decorated and used as a place for floral tributes, a big thank you to Newport and

There’s a lot to think about and of course finances to be about

the new seating. I am bringing up the subject at NCCC that perhaps the HSHAZ could start to think about incorporating a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II as part of the new designs.

Quay(Valentine’sofrecreationChild.Newport’sweAsmonument.someThisgetbefoundChurch(notofonplacewasahispartpeoplesubscriptionsbyGraythemonumentanotherinNewport,onetoValentinewhichwasraisedpublic“penny”bytheofNewport.Asofthebicentenaryoftragicdeathin1822planningapplicationmadebyNCCCtoanewinscriptiononeoftheblankfacesthestonemonumenthisgravesite)onLitten.Ihavejustoutthatthiswillapproved,andwecantheprojectcompleted.willalsoincludeminorrepairstotheatributetoValentine,named2022,YearoftheWesponsoredaofthetrialBenjaminEvansboss),atArtsandare working with Newport based youth charity, The Youth Trust. Through funding from NCCC a post has been created for a youth worker specialising in mental health. A survey carried out last year highlighted the

News Report by Julie Jones-Evans.

growing levels of anxiety - exacerbated by Covid lockdowns - and the huge lack of resources to help young people. The new post has now been filled and I will report back soon.

The Newport HSHAZ is currently working with the owners of 5 buildings in the town centre for shop front improvements and unused space development. Hopefully the planning permission is going to be granted any day soon on the first one and we should see work commence soon. One issue that faces most projects these days is the increasing costs of materials, labour and power, so our original estimates back in 2019 when we put the application in won’t cover the level of our ambition. We will however get the money spent and we will all see a positive difference, so that’s the main thing.

Finally, a date for your diary 19th November 2022 for Newport’s Day of Christmas, fun day and light switch on.

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.

Are you new to the Island, recently retired or just interested in fun, laughter, lunches, walking, outings or something different?

Then TG could well be for you and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and like-minded ladies in your area.

We meet monthly and have nine Townswomen’s Guilds at various locations and times across the island

We welcome you to come along to a no obligation meeting, to find out more. A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed.

If you would like to talk to someone before coming along, please ring 01983 759350 and we can chat and even meet with you before you come to a guild.

Newport - Parish Centre, Town Lane, 2nd Monday at 2.00pm

Wootton Methodist Church, Station Rd, 3rd Friday at 2.00pm

Bembridge - Methodist Church Hall, 1st Tuesday at 7.30pm

Freshwater - Methodist Church Hall, 1st Wednesday at 2.00pm

Sandown - Broadway Centre, 3rd Wednesday at 2.00pm

Sandown - Broadway Centre, 2nd Tuesday at 7.00pm

Shanklin - Falcon Cross Hall, 3rd Wednesday at 10.30am

Lake - Lions Community Centre, 2nd Thursday at 10.30am

Ventnor - St Catherine’s Church, 3rd Wednesday at 2.15pm

BSc. DipCFHP, MPSPract ITEC Dip Fully Insured. Member of the Accredited Registry of Foot Health Practitioners Callus

DIANA’S SHOWCASE 61 Pyle Street, Mon - Sat 9.30am

Offering 20 years of healthcare experience

Trading Standards have sent us the following information about a scam from Action Fraud that is doing the rounds.

• Action Fraud is warning the public about a sharp rise in reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. The emails claim that the recipient is due a rebate payment as part of a government scheme and provides links for the recipient to follow in order to apply for the rebate. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information

All the emails display the email subject header “Claim your bill rebate now”. Offenders are using the Ofgem brand logo and colours to make the emails look as authentic as possible. However, the emails ask recipients to “apply for an energy bill rebate before September 2020”, which is what prompted many recipients to realise the emails weren’t

struggling at the moment and it might be tempting to try to claim a rebate but DON’T engage this is a SCAM

• We have also been told that delivery scam texts are doing the rounds again they are requesting a shipping fee and asking you to click on a link – these are phishing scams designed to take your details which will be sold on to scammers around the world.

Vectis Radio Outside Broadcasts

– The Story of OB-1

Even before Vectis Radio went on FM in 2017 they were doing outside broadcasts (OBs) using whatever equipment was available. Over the years technology has moved on and it became even easier as long as there was a reasonable WiFi signal or mobile broadband. The exact method of doing these broadcasts from remote sites was honed to a fine skill when lockdown struck, and it became necessary to broadcast from presenters’ Justhomes.before

the pandemic there had been conversations about getting some kind of mobile studio and just prior to lockdown Vectis Radio was donated an old caravan to re-purpose as a mobile studio. Sadly, it sat around during lockdown and when the team started work on it, the floor had rotted through.

The impetus was there though, and the team was raring to go. Money was found to purchase another caravan and work started to convert it from a mobile holiday home to a mobile radio studio. Stripping out one bench seat and replacing it with a broadcast mixing desk, microphone and a computer and router for linking back to the main studio in Newport, the first trials of OB-1 began. These proved the value of the idea and helped the team make the necessary adjustments both technically & physically based on the experiences of the presenters and how it all went from an engineering point of view.

Just lately OB-1, as it has been named, has been “wrapped” in Vectis Radio logos and colours which has transformed it from a tired caravan to a real beacon of Vectis Radio. Now the station has a self-contained unit, the cooker, fridge & toilet were retained from the original caravan. Setting up an OB is now a matter of arriving on site, securing OB-1 and plugging in. No more tables and connecting up wires and gazebos for shelter, the studio can be up and running in 20 minutes or less.

OB-1 will be officially “opened” by the High Sheriff at a short ceremony on 1st October.

Fancy something a little different?

Why not try your local communitystation.radio Radio on FM 104.6 and

dates for your diary

Every Wednesday – Mountbatten Community Choir is meeting again at the hospice from 6pm – 7.45pm for a weekly uplifting sing. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. No need to be able to read music and no previous experience necessary. For more information contact Fraser Simpson (choir director) on 07834 322316 or email fraser.simpson@ Secondmountbatten.org.ukTuesdayof every month – Learn to Sew at the Salvation Army Hall, 72 Pyle Street, Newport, PO30 1UJ from 10am – 1pm. Beginners welcome.

Saturday 1st October –Vectis Radio Coffee Morning is from 10am to midday in the studio at the Riverside Centre. Plus, we shall have the official ‘Opening’ ceremony of our brand-new outside broadcast unit - OB-1by the High Sheriff Kay Marriott at 11am. Come and see OB-1 and meet some of the presenters and other listeners. Maybe you would like to join our team of volunteers, whether that is presenting, marketing, collating news or something else. Come and have a general chat. We will have tea and coffee for you, and some biscuits, plus we have been promised homemade cakes. All we ask is for a donation in the bucket to help us keep going.

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th October. Isle of Wight Literatr Festival at Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ. The festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and will once again be providing a varied and exciting programme with something for everyone - from politics and history to science, fiction and current affairs. Everyone will find something to

enjoy in the festival’s varied programme covering history, politics, science, psychology and a raft of other subjects. The café, bar, bookshop, and book signings will be available to enjoy too. For more info and ticket prices go to isleofwightliteraryfestival.

Saturdaycom

8th and Sunday 9th October – Wightrider at Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, Park Road, Ryde, Brand new for autumn 2022 - Wightrider will feature classic buses and coaches operating local routes linking into various attractions. There will be numerous visiting vehicles as well as the bus museum collection. Travel on all numbered bus services shown in the programme is free of charge and offered on a first come, first served basis. You do not have to be in possession of an event Programme to travel on any of these services, but all proceeds from the sale of programmes go towards both maintaining the buses in our museum and the fabric of the building itself. For more information go to Fridaywightrider.co.uk14thOctober–

The Vectis Radio’s Great Big Massive Enormous Variety Night at Strings Bar & Venue. After being postponed from its original date of the 10th September, this event is now back on. There will be a revised list of performers as some of the originally booked acts are not available on the revised date. Doors open 7pm – Show begins 7.30pm Tickets are £10 each from tickets@vectisradio.fm. All profits will go to the 4Ps charity.

Saturday 15th October - Isle of Wight Vegan Lifestyle Show at Cowes Yacht Haven

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

dates for your diary

Centre, Vectis Yard, Cowes, PO31 7BD from 10am – 4pm. Featuring over 50 stands showcasing plant-based hot and cold foods, eco-friendly home and lifestyle products, wellness treatments, bodycare, bags, crafts and much more! With a fantastic programme of speakers – including Chris Packham CBE – cookery demonstrations and yoga classes, there will be plenty to enjoy whether you’re vegan, vegan-curious or just trying to be more environmentallyminded. Free goody bag for the first 50 people. Entry £4 (free for under 16s)

EVENTS AT LORD LOUIS LIBRARY

Friends of Lord Louis Library Book Sale

– Saturday 1st October 9am-4pm

Reading Group – Thursday 6th 5.15pm Jane Austen Reading Group – Thursday 27th 3pm

Tea and Chat for the Over 60s - Monday 3rd and 17th 10.30am-12pm.

Dying Matters Café – Tuesday 4th 1011.30am

Knit and Natter - Thursday 6th at 10am12pm & Thursday 20th at 2-4pm

Libraries Week – 3rd - 8th October, look out for information in the library about one-to-one computer help this week

Drop in Thursday 6th 10am-12pm and view art and craft work by our Library Art and Knit & Natter Groups

People’s Library – Talk to a human book! Book your slot at the library – Monday 10th 10am-12pm

RCS support drop in for unemployed people looking for help to retrain and find work Tuesday 18th at 10.30am-12.30pm

Digital Support Sessions with Age UK IW, drop in Thursday 8th & 27th at 10.3012.00pm

RhymetimeChildren

- Every Friday 10am and 11am

Lego Club (age 5+) - Tuesday 4th & 18th at 3.30-4.30pm

Duplo Group for toddlers - Every Tuesday at 10.30-11.30am

Home Ed Lego Club (age 5+) – Monday 10th 10.30-11.30am

Half Term – check out the noticeboard in the library for activities!

THIS SIZE

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

News for Parkhurst &

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

This report was published just a few days after the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. There have been many moving and beautiful tributes paid to her. I have been particularly struck by the sheer diversity of people who gathered and queued to pay their respects. The Queen mattered so much to so many people, and for so many reasons.

Personally, I feel it comes down to how she so completely honoured a pledge made on her twenty-first birthday: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”.

Above all, my thoughts have been with her family and friends, who have lost a loved

Aone.consequence of the death of Her Majesty was the cancellation of the Isle of Wight Council meeting on 21 September. This would have considered the council’s Cabinet recommendations on the draft planning strategy. These include proposals for a housing target in the north part of Parkhurst & Hunnyhill ward of 1,025 homes.

Although lower than the figure of over 1,800 proposed in 2018, and of over 1,400 in 2021, I still think that 1,025 is too much given the impact that development would have on the local environment and local infrastructure. So, I won’t be able to support the draft strategy when it finally comes to a decision by Isle of Wight councillors.

Another issue considered by Cabinet in September with potentially a much more local impact was a proposal for double yellow lines on Horsebridge Hill near its junction with Hogan Road taking away existing parking. I spoke at the Cabinet meeting – via video link as I was on holiday at the time – setting out a case to refuse the

proposal. Although the junction has issues, particularly when turning out from Hogan Road, my view and that of many of the residents who objected is that reducing the speed limit on Horsebridge Hill should be considered first.

The council is currently completing its Island-wide speed review, and I believe that reducing the limit on Horsebridge Hill should again be considered. Indeed, in 2010 there was a proposal for the limit to be reduced to 30mph but that wasn’t adopted at the time. I welcome views on this from residents who live locally or who otherwise use the road – not just as vehicle drivers but as pedestrians and cyclists.

In my reports, I have often commented on the work to install new streetlights on the prison estates. I have been really pleased to see the last few going in recently at Rooke Street and Prior Crescent. With nights now drawing in, I hope that residents will really notice the difference. My thanks go to everyone for their patience and co-operation with the council and Island Roads whilst this work took place.

As a Newport & Carisbrooke community councillor, over the summer I have helped take forward the project for new play equipment on the green space in Hookes Way. We are close to being able to take forward the actual installation and I will report on this in the next issue.

Finally, as ever, please get in touch with issues that I may be able to help with. My contact details are above. I’m also on Twitter at @ AndrewCWGarratt and am happy to take up issues via tweets or direct messages. You can also follow my work as a councillor through my website at andrewgarratt.mycouncillor. org.uk

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With many more people living on their own, many on tight budgets and now in these stressful economic times, we are suggesting ideas for SINGLE serve batch pasta cooking ideas with four different sauces to choose from, which can all be individually frozen. Defrost both the pasta and chosen mix the night before. Mix pasta with your chosen mix, heat gently until piping hot adding extra grated cheese where needed before serving. All meals can be served with vegetables.

PASTA Allow 100g of short pasta per person per serving. (e.g. macaroni, penne, fusilli etc) 500g pkt. pasta will give you 5 servings METHOD. Cook according to pkt. Instructions but remove/drain in a colander 2 minutes before end of cooking time (al dente). Run boiled water from kettle though the pasta. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze. EACH SAUCE RECIPE BELOW IS ENOUGH FOR 5 SERVINGS

PASTA Mac & CHEESE - 25g/1oz butter, 25g/1oz flour, 400-500ml/14-18fl oz milk, 80g/3oz grated cheddar cheese any cooked bacon bits or thinly sliced cooked sausage or a few peas can also be added - METHOD: In a pan stir together the butter + flour and cook gently for a few minutes adding the milk slowly, mixing all the time until it thickens. Cook for a few minutes. Add the cheese, seasoning & extras. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with MUSHROOM sauce - METHOD: Same as above but omit cheese add approx. 6oz/170g of thinly sliced mushrooms. One teaspoon of curry powder will add another layer of flavour. (omit if not a fan) Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with TUNA - 1 onion – chopped, 2 tins chopped tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves – chopped, 2 tsp. dried oregano, 3 tins (110g) of tuna in olive oil – drained, splash of white wine. METHOD: Fry the onion and garlic gently for 3 mins, add the tins of chopped tomatoes + splash of white wine, mix adding the oregano, cook for 20 mins, stirring from time to time, add the drained tuna, mix well and season. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with COURGETTE/BROCOLLI & SAUSAGE - 8 sausages, 2 courgettes – thinly sliced, head of broccoli – florets thinly sliced, 2 tins chopped tomatoes, 1 large onion – chopped, 2 garlic cloves – chopped, 1tsp chilli flakes optional. METHOD: Heat a little oil in the frying pan and squeeze the sausage meat out of the skins – break up and fry gently for 8 mins with the chopped onion until golden. Add broccoli, courgettes, garlic + chilli flakes. Cook together for a few minutes then add the tins of chopped tomato. (add a splash of water if mix is looking too thick) Cook gently together for 10 mins and season. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time eg CAT - COT - DOT - DOG.

Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

Island Décor : An Introduction

Hello, my name is John Lines, and my business is Island Décor. I have been in the decorating business for 30 plus years and I am very fortunate to have recently moved to the beautiful Isle of Wight where I bring my knowledge for all aspects of decorating along with my five-star service. I am dependable and professional and work to a tidy

Imanner.amhappy

to discuss with any potential new customers any work that they wish to have completed. I work on residential and commercial properties and can decorate holiday lets and Airbnb’s.

Because I offer such a high standard of work and believe in complete customer satisfaction, I do not accept payment in advance – only once the work is completed and the customer is 100% happy with the service. References are available upon request.

Since moving to the Island, I have enjoyed meeting some lovely Island people and if you are considering having work completed, please do not hesitate to contact me, let me help you achieve your plans for your home, as after all “home is where the heart is”.

Please see my main advert for contact details and I look forward to meeting many more island residents.

October Facts & Historical Events

October is seen by many to be a time of real seasonal change.

The meaning behind October’s name is far from accurate these days. The ancient Roman calendar was based on the lunar cycles, as opposed to our current calendar which is based on the solar cycles. This meant that there were originally 10 months in their calendar, and October was the eighth month. Its name literally translated into “the eighth month” in Latin. In 451 BC the two months of Lanuarius and Februarius were added to the beginning of the calendar, making October the 10th month.

The Saxons name for October was Wyn Monath, which translated into “wine month” because it was the time of the year for making wine!

The Twyford church in Hampshire, UK has a tradition of ringing its bells every year on October 7th. The origin of this tradition goes back to the 18th Century when a local resident called William David became lost in heavy fog while riding home at night. Much to his luck, he heard the church bells toll and from this, he managed to find his way home. As a form of thanks, he left some money to the church when he died so that the church could continue to ring their bells on October 7th every year, just in case there were any other lost travellers.

The world-famous Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. His worldwide renown is attributed to the nonviolent way in which he resisted the colonial British rule of India.

It wouldn’t be October without Halloween. The celebration’s origins go all the way back to the Gaelic people of modern-day England, Scotland, and Ireland, who celebrated the festival of Samhain. Among other activities, the original celebrants of Samhain would dress in costumes or disguises and go door-to-door receiving gifts of food.

Keep your eyes to the skies in October, as the Draconid Meteor Shower will peak around 8-9 October.

An even more impressive meteor shower is the Orionid meteor shower, which runs from October 2nd until early November. In 2022 the Orionid meteor shower will peak on the night of 21-22 October between midnight and dawn. At the peak of the meteor shower, as many as 20 meteors are visible every hour.

October’s birthstone is the Opal, which was valued by the Ancient Romans as the most priceless of all. The opal comes in a myriad of striking colours that often seem to swirl together and is a symbol of both faithfulness, purity, and hope.

October has two strikingly different birth flowers, the pastel-hued cosmos, and the radiant marigold flowers. The cosmos flower is representative of the joy one finds in peace and love, as well as representing peace. The marigold, otherwise known as the calendula, is said to be a symbol of tranquillity, grace, and grief.

If you’re born before October 23rd, then you have the sign of Libra. Those born on October 23rd or later have the sign of Scorpio. Libras are said to value harmony and diplomacy and are said to be both intelligent and kind. Scorpios are quite different, valuing trust and honesty above other things, as well as being quite intense yet imaginative people.

The very first McDonald’s restaurant in the UK opened its doors on October 1, 1974. The restaurant is still operational today and is located in Woolwich, in the south of London.