Your Local Community Magazine
December 2020
Ryde & Wootton Area
FREE
Merry Christmas
Home Grown and Open for Business
OPEN FOR BUSINESS APRICOTS M ED L AR RA S SPB ERR ST RA WB I E S ER RIE S
Deacon’s Nursery INES TAR NEC ES CH PEA ES RI ER CH
What Deacon’s Nursery don’t know about fruit trees... just isn’t worth knowing. Having been established on the Island for 44 years, since 1976, owner Grahame Deacon has grown the family business to be one of the largest mail order fruit tree nurseries in the UK and in Europe.
PLU
MS
PEA
RS
APPLES FAMILY TREES
S RIE ER KB S C ANT A URR BL CKC BLA IES R R E ANB LOG BERRIES GOOSE
HYBRID BERRIES
MULBERRIES HOPS GRAPES NUTS Grahame wants to let islanders know that Deacon’s National Fruit Tree Specialists Nursery, located in Moor View in Godshill is open for 20% off Apple Trees business and he can personally assist everyone with what they require. Moor View•Godshill•PO38 3HW
Pop in or call us for a
They have hundreds of varieties of trees on offer; apples, catalogue & price list pears, peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry to name just a Tel 01983 840750 / 522243 few… Deacon’s Nursery is your one stop shop. Fax: 01983 523575 Although it might seem an unusual gift for Christmas, and let’s be honest it’s been an unusual year… a fruit tree is the gift that keeps giving year after year and if you have that one person who is difficult to buy for then this could be the answer!!! You can call into the nursery in Moor View, Godshill, PO38 3HW to pick up a catalogue and price list or if you prefer call 840750 or 522243 and leave a message with your name and address and Grahame will post them to you.
Mrs C. A. Wright Podiatrist/Chiropodist FSSCh Dip. Pod. Med. FBChA FRIPH
Please see the main advert for further information.
Merry Christmas to all my customers, old and new.
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All aspects of foot health and care, provided in your own home. HPC Registered, with 34 years of experience. Full PPE worn. For more information call Carolyn on
Tel 01983 884467 Mobile 07815 922 160
Welcome to the December issue. Christmas is just around the corner and we are fast approaching the end of one year and moving steadily into the next. This year has been a year with a difference, which I don’t think any of us saw coming, even Mystic Meg didn’t see this in her crystal ball!
islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk
It’s been a challenging year for us all and one way or another Covid-19 has had an impact on our lives, but we must remain positive.
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On a cheerier note and as I have already mentioned Christmas is imminent and I hope it’s going to be a magical time for everyone. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces you can find information on page 15 for your little ones to send a letter and get a reply from Santa. Inside you will also find our puzzle section which will keep you busy and you can find details on page 5 on how to subscribe to both digital and printed copies of Island Magazines, should you not be able to get out and pick up a copy. We have some great advertisers offering their services and wares and now even more than ever they need your support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all readers, advertisers, contributors and Councillors/parish councils for their continued support and I look forward to continuing to deliver ‘your local community magazine’ throughout 2021. Lastly, I hope you enjoy this issue and a Merry Christmas to you all. Best wishes Debbie
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931
twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
Adrian Kensit
South Coast Tree Surgeons Garden Maintenance
• Maintenance & pruning of shrubs • Cultivation & cleaning of borders • Grass & Hedge cutting • Plants, shrubs & trees supplied & planted
Tree Surgery
• Crown lifting & thinning, reduction & shaping • Dead wooding and tree felling
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• Fencing erected, repaired and painted/stained • Sheds painted/stained and bases installed • Pressue washing patios and drives • Overgrown gardens cleared
Tree Stump Removal
• Hydraulic Powered Stump Grinder • 36 inch access required • All waste removed • Awkward stumps can be chemically treated
Full Island Coverage
For further info call 07850 489754 or 404720, or email adrian.kensit@btinternet.com 3
News Report from Wootton Bridge Councillor Barry Abraham 07800736557 | Email:- barry.abraham@iow.gov.uk Another month and as I write, another lockdown is in place and I get the sense that people are getting weary of it and crave normality. I know that is how I feel and I will certainly miss the usual get-togethers that happen at this time of year which lighten up our winter nights. Because of lockdown the council has once again mobilised itself to deliver its services to residents and businesses that keep both residents and staff as safe as possible. Older residents are particularly vulnerable to the virus and are being helped by neighbours and community groups. Again at this time of year it is important to keep eyes open for older neighbours and anyone living alone who might be vulnerable. A friendly word can mean so much, even a chat on the phone. Lockdown does not mean we cannot watch out for others. If you have concerns or know of a person who needs help, let the parish council, the Isle of Wight Council or me know and help will be forthcoming. It has been decided that the parish will again have a Christmas tree for Brannon Way this year, to brighten up the village square. It has been suggested that an alternative to a tree be used but that has been put on hold for another year. I for one always like the tree despite the cost. There are no planning applications to report on. There are small applications, should you have any issues with any please let me know.
Red Road, quotes for the works are being sought and hopefully by the New Year work will start on its makeover, again thanks to the residents who have had to pay for the work. I have spoken to the owner of the part of Church Road, at the end by Palmers Road, about the state of the road and the water that lays across the road and he has agreed to do works on it to level it and bring it up to a usable state. Because of the amount of rain recently I have dealt with a number of drainage issues around the village. Blocked gullies and ditches, mainly leaves of course but sadly a lot of plastic, even dog poop bags, it really is disgusting that some people have a habit of picking the poop up, taking the trouble to put it in a bag then either hanging it on a branch of a tree like some sort of Christmas ornament or throwing it down into a ditch for others to clear up. Some people just do not deserve the privilege of owning a dog or any animal, come to that. But on a lighter note it is nearly Christmas once again. I have lived in Wootton Bridge all my life and I have never seen a White Christmas. I did see a White Boxing Day in 1963. From Kite Hill into Firestone Copse Road it was completely blocked, not that it was a busy road back then, fortunately my father took some photos. Also the Mill Pond was frozen over and locals could walk out on it. With global warming I wonder if that will ever happen again?
Gravel Pit Road has now had a makeover thanks to the residents. I am now working Can I wish everyone a happy Christmas with the residents for some road signage to and New Year and hopefully the try and reduce the through traffic which the vaccination will make 2021 a good year. road is not suitable for.
Ashes into Angels Shop in store or online for our home delivery service. Don’t forget to order your Christmas fruit and veg. Christmas trees now available. 154-155 High Street, Ryde - 01983 566636 www.barrowboysiw.co.uk Follow us on
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Never miss out on reading a copy of Island Magazines. If you can’t get out to pick up a copy from local distributors you can subscribe to either our ‘DIGITAL’ or ‘PRINTED’ edition each month. For DIGITAL subscriptions please email rydemagazine@gmail.com and include the words ‘subscribe digital’ in the email, then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox. For PRINTED subscriptions there will be a small charge of £1.20 per month payable 6 months in advance. Email islandmagazines@gmail.com with your name, address and which area you would like or call us on 07880 587 931.
A sacred service where the ashes of a loved one are encapsulated forever into one of our beautiful creations. Celebrating the life of those we have loved and lost. Inspired by Angels, our sculptures are truly blessed - simply holding one can be a deeply healing and moving experience. Come and meet Marco and Catherine at 152, High Street, Ryde, PO33 2HT or call on 07967 106454 or visit www.AshesIntoAngels.co.uk
We’ve got Christmas covered...
Our selection of handmade chocolates beautifully presented in decorative boxes start at just £3 with over 25 flavours to choose from. Stocking fillers include florentine boxes, chocolate raisins, hot chocolate bags, turkish delight & more. order via our Facebook page or pop in and see us www.facebook.com/ChocolateApothecary 7, Esplanade, Ryde 01983 718292
A chocolate lovers dream come true!
Fully Covid compliant Open Tues - Sat 9am - 4pm Dog friendly 01983 618899 HOMEMADE CAKES, HEARTY SOUPS, SPECIALS, FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST AND MUCH MORE...
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During the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to get warm and stay warm without turning up the thermostat and in turn incurring a high utility bill. Here are 7 simple and cost-effective ways to stay warm. 1. Dress in layers – it sounds simple, but it really is effective. Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove layers as needed. Keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. If need be, wear 2 pairs of socks. 2. Use the oven - the oven generates heat in your kitchen when you are cooking and you can use the heat afterwards to heat the home by leaving the oven door open. Be careful if you have children or pets; make sure they can’t reach the hot oven door or get inside. 3. Microwaveable heating pads – heating pads are fairly inexpensive and they can make a huge difference if you’re cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you’re sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100% cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments. 4. Clear heat vents and radiators - It’s recommended to have your heating system inspected annually, ideally before the cold weather arrives and you’ll be relying on it to heat your home. It’s also important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents and radiators. If they’re blocked, the heat won’t be able to circulate. 5. Don’t run the bathroom fan after showering - because humidity can make a space feel warmer, skip using the bathroom fan when you shower. Leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. However, if mould tends to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity, you might want to consider using the fan at least for a few minutes. 6. Spend more time upstairs - hot air rises. So, if you have multiple levels to your home, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there. You could even move your home office or TV from downstairs to upstairs over the colder months to have a cosier setting. 7. Do something active - movement generates body heat. There are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn’t become so cold and stiff that you don’t feel like being active. 6
Get your gutters, driveways and windows Dazzling again! This is the time of year when gutters need some extra care. There may be a build-up of leaves, moss and other debris that has collected over the summer and autumn months. Keeping your gutters clear of debris guarantees free flowing drainage during these wet winter months. Dazzle External Cleaning has the knowledge and the machinery to tackle any hard to reach problem areas. In a relatively short time, Rhys can have your gutters free flowing ensuring no long-term problems.
Call 01983 216121 or 07590 277298
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It is also that time of year when algae and moss can invade driveways and patios making them slippery and dangerous. With a range of techniques, almost any surface can be made safe and regain its appeal. Dazzle External Cleaning can cater for all your external cleaning needs, whether it be driveways, patios, gutters, cladding, windows, render or roofing. They offer a reliable, friendly 5-star service. For a free quote give Rhys a call on 216121 or 07590 277298 or email him at info@dazzleexternalcleaning.com
Looking to sell your car? All makes & models wanted Call Kevin on 07545 560916
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.
(leave a message and he will call you back) 7
News Report from Cllr Wayne Whittle. Tel 07768 118766 Twitter @RydeAbide E wayne.whittle@iow.gov.uk Christmas is coming and a great gift idea is now available via the Isle of Wight Gift Card. You can purchase the Gift Card online at www.townandcitygiftcards.com and put a cash amount on it as a gift for your friends and family to spend at any participating Island retail store, this will not only give a wide range of choice but will also keep the money spent within our Islands economy. I was pleased to vote in support of Ryde Town Council leasing the Theatre with a view to purchase and the purchase of the Vectis Hall. With our dedicated Historic England officer now in post it’s important for us to have application ready projects to put forward for future funding bids and I know of no other more worthy historic Ryde decaying landmarks deserving this opportunity for future refurbishment. There is an Isle of Wight Care and Support helpline for anyone that needs support in accessing medication delivery, online shopping delivery services or just signposting partner agencies for support with issues arising from isolation including welfare, finance, mental health, childcare issues, crisis advice and support or other caring responsibilities call 01983 823600 or email contact.centre@iow.gov.uk
tasked, once again, with processing and distributing the Business Grants and I would like to take this opportunity to signpost several Government Grants that are available. Firstly, I would like to make you aware of 2 new business grants for Businesses that were impacted by the national lockdown that started in November. So, if you’re a business that has not already applied, details of the grant schemes and links to further guidance are set out below Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) The LRSG is a property related grant for businesses required to close by the Government. This includes non-essential retail, leisure, hospitality, sports clubs and personal care such as hairdressing and beauty. The grants payable are mandatory and based on the business rates of the property as follows: • Properties with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under will receive £1,334 for the 4-week lockdown • Properties with a rateable value above £15,000 but below £51,000 will receive £2,000 for the 4-week lockdown.
The IW Council has also committed extra money to the “Help Through Crisis’ scheme • Properties with a rateable value of exactly that is already operating to help Islanders £51,000 or over will receive £3,000 for the struggling to afford food and essentials 4-week lockdown. during the pandemic. If your business has had to close, please Sitting here writing this during the second apply for the LRSG via www.iow.gov. lockdown my thoughts are also with all uk/Council/OtherServices/Business-Ratesour struggling Island businesses, as it’s my Reductions/Reliefs portfolios Regeneration Team that has been continued over the page
News Report from Cllr Wayne Whittle continued You will need your contact details, property business rates reference number and bank account details to complete the form. Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) The government has provided funds to each local authority for use as a discretionary grant fund.
Successful business applicants will need to complete their projects and claim the final instalment of their allocated grant as soon as possible but not later than 30 September 2021 and create the agreed jobs, by 31 December 2022.
If you believe you have the potential to grow your business or safeguard jobs, This grant will help businesses impacted but require some extra funding to do so, by the restrictions imposed by the national you may be able to benefit from the fund lockdown. It includes businesses that do not – for more information and an Expression have to close but are severely affected. This of Interest Form please email emma. could include businesses which supply retail, bloomfield@naturalenterprise.co.uk or call leisure, hospitality businesses. Natural Enterprise on 01983 296244. Read the guidance before applying for the ARG grant via www.iow.gov. uk/documentlibrary/view/additionalrestrictions-grant-arg-discretionary-guidance
If you have difficulty accessing any of the links I’ve provided you can call me on 07765118766 or email wayne.whittle@iow.gov.uk
There are also further grants available via the Isle of Wight Rural SME fund, it has around £100,000 remaining, available to applicants until March 2021. It is a two staged approach with a full application to follow an approved expression of interest. The next deadline for full applications is 12th January 2021 so applicants are urged to register their interest as soon as possible.
Please try to take the time to keep in contact with your neighbour’s over the holidays
Fund details: - Grants are available between £2,500 and £50,000 for capital expenditure - Grants must be matched with private funds (at least 50% of total costs) - All projects need to create and / or safeguard jobs - Those projects creating a higher number of jobs will be prioritised. - Projects must also demonstrate how they will benefit the Isle of Wight’s rural economy.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.
Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534 www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com 9
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News Report from Councillor Charles Chapman for Ryde South Email:- Charles.Chapman@iow.gov.uk | Mobile number 07970 009608 Christmas and the New Year are nearly on us and perhaps it’s a time for us all to re-evaluate what is really important. Health is obviously at the top of this list, together with family and home. With ‘home’ comes our immediate environment. Our local environment is especially more important now and probably will remain so, long after Covid-19 has gone. Did you notice in ‘lockdown’ how the birds seem to be more visible, less afraid, more vocal? How on our exercise walks, people were more cheerful, the roads less congested? Sometimes it felt as though the clock had been turned back 50 years. What I’m leading on to is that we had very little time to appreciate our immediate environment, prior to it being enforced upon us by the pandemic, nevertheless, we then did have time to ‘stop and stare’. In order to protect our green pastures, we need, as a society, to do more than ‘stop and stare’, we need to Act. Our Island is being invaded by new housing developments. We are not an urban development area! We have housed people from off the Island, ahead of local people, who have been on our housing lists for years. Building more houses which are being advertised or ‘sold’ to us, to meet the needs of local families, is just not true. They are for sale, often beyond the reach of local people! We need good quality social housing for our young people to be able to stay locally. Islanders need to raise their ‘voices’ if we are to stop, farms being taken over, prevent string developments joining village to village, area to area.
The only people who can stop the greed is YOU. You need to contact your local councillors, email our MP with copies to all other MPs in Parliament. You would be surprised how interested other MP’s can be, those with an interest in the environment, about the building on agricultural fields. They need to be informed and get everyone involved in protecting our green fields and prevent them being concreted over; and yes, email our Prime Minister and the leaders of all the other Parties. It is up to us all to protect our Island from developers. To do this we must make our Voices heard and heard loudly. Back to my Ward, as you know I walk my Ward regularly and take on board irritants, repairs, cleanliness which if left unattended, grow and become a real nuisance. Graffiti is a problem, and within budget, we do our best to keep on top of it and clean it up. Planting trees and creating green areas are essential to residents and to the view that Ryde is the garden gateway to the Island. The ‘Ark’ project has proved to be its worth in gold, providing managed open space, activities and walks for local people and children. By providing such sites by our social housing providers, not only have they provided good housing for local people, but contribute to the mental and physical welfare of all our citizens. Mental Welfare is, at last, higher on the priority list and a good local green environment is essential to good mental health and wellbeing. In a small way, where we live, with well-maintained roads, pathways and green areas and good housing helps us all. Our Ward is fortunate with Island Roads refurbishing many of the very continued over the page
News Report from Councillor Charles Chapman continued old roadways and pavement and the green areas and plantings along the Esplanade give us all a sense of wellbeing.
Could you help support the British Red Cross in an emergency?
I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the notice of the residents and users of Meaders Road that there will be no waiting on Tuesdays 7am to 11am to allow access for the refuse collection truck. This is so important as we need the dustbins emptied. All other restriction will remain the same.
The Red Cross are looking for volunteers who can support the local community in the event of flooding, snow, fires or other emergencies, providing practical and emotional support. Volunteers should be able to commit to 2 x 12 hour on call shifts per month and attend an evening team meeting once a month.
This year as President of the Ryde Branch of the Royal British Legion we were still able to go ahead with both the Sunday Remembrance laying of wreaths and the You can find out more and apply here: Remembrance Service on Remembrance Day, November 11. The Wednesday service www.bit.ly/EmergencyIOW or email was curtailed because of compliance with the ILCRVolRecruitment@redcross.org.uk for more information. Covid-19 but nevertheless was all the more poignant because of the lockdown and its meaning to the day. I would personally like to thank all those involved in its organisation, especially Deputy Lord Lieutenant, without “An excellent team whom it would not have offering an been possible for such a invaluable service” moving and memorable day. NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk Wishing all readers, a happy and joyful Christmas and a better New Year. Christmas decorations will, we hope, be going up as usual. Lastly for many of us this year has been an incredibly difficult one which hopefully will not be repeated.
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The teabag… this little pocket of flavour, always there for us in a crisis and our time of need then dumped in the food waste caddy or compost heap without a second thought… but wait, there is still life after the first brew! Here are some great ways to reuse them: • • • • • •
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Protect house plants from fungal disease by re-brewing a used tea bag and using the weak tea (cooled) to water your plants. Neutralise odours naturally. Spread dried tea leaves in stinky spots like the cat litter box or in the bottom of your garbage bags. Make cleaning the fireplace safer and easier. Dump the damp contents of tea bags onto the ash to weigh it down before sweeping out the fireplace. De-grease pots and pans. Soak hard-to-clean dishes in water with a used tea bag tossed in. The tea will help loosen stuck-on food and break up grease. Add them to your bath. The antioxidants in tea are good for your skin and the gentle scent will add some aromatherapy to your soak. Make a hair rinse. Remove product build-up without using another product. Soak 3-4 used tea bags in warm water and pour it over your head after shampooing and conditioning as usual. Don’t rinse. Pro tip: Chamomile brightens blondes and black tea adds a coppery shimmer to brunettes, according to Housewife How-Tos. Deodorise carpets. Scatter the dried contents of several teabags over your rugs before you vacuum. Revive tired eyes. Place cool tea bags over your eyes, cucumber style. The tannins in the tea leaves may reduce bags and dark circles. Clean leather shoes by buffing with a damp tea bag. Wash stinky hands - using a tea bag as you would a bar of soap to help eradicate garlic, onion, or fish odours.
Letters to Santa Christmas is coming and Royal Mail are working extra hard delivering letters to Father Christmas at his Grotto while he prepares for the big day. Father Christmas promises that, between wrapping presents and keeping an eye on the elves, he will reply to everyone who writes in as long as you include your full name and address in your letter and post it by the deadline of Friday 11th December. Remember to:• Write Santa’s address on the envelope • Put a stamp on the envelope • Include your full name and address in your letter
Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666
maggie
Have your priorities changed recently? Are you considering changing direction in your work and/or personal life? Are your many thoughts overwhelming? Work with me to gather your scattered thoughts and pinpoint what it is you really want.
Please send your letters to: Santa/Father Christmas Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ Santa has also been in contact and has sent this message.
Dear Boys and Girls, Christmas is a very exciting but busy time for me. The elves are making toys and the reindeer are practising their sleigh runs and I’m busy preparing my list of who’s been good this year. I will be getting my sleigh ready for the long journey on Christmas Eve and in between I will reply to as many of you as possible.
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I’m looking forward to delivering your presents on Christmas Eve. Make sure you remember my mince pie and Rudolph’s carrot!
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“IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL WORRYING TIME OF THE YEAR” We have all had much to worry about this year, let’s hope December can bring some Christmas cheer. We were really hoping to be able to let you know about a whole host of things planned on the lead up to Christmas – but unfortunately the current lockdown and ongoing uncertainty has made that very difficult. Working in partnership with the New Carnival Company, and other organisations we still hope to bring you ‘Ryde – Merry & Bright’ on the 17th December. A chance for some late night shopping and some festive merriment – goodness knows we all need it! For businesses, the lock down throughout November has been incredibly worrying, and as I write we are still uncertain if we will be able to re-open come the 3rd December. The Christmas trade is crucial to many businesses to help get through the much quieter times of January and February. Over the coming weeks we are asking people to join the ‘GIFT ME LOCAL’ campaign. This simple message tells people that if they are buying a present for you this year – make it something that is bought at a local independent shop. Thankfully in Ryde, we have such a great range of shops, many providing an online service so you can get something for everyone. We would like to thank everyone who has shopped local this year. Every pound spent at the small independent shops and services, always means something, but this year more than ever. We would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and hope that 2021 is a much happier, healthier, and fun one for all. Ryde Business Association. #WeLoveRyde Find us on: FaceBook @RBAIsleofWight Instagram: @ryde_b_a Twitter: @RBASSOCIATION1