Island Magazines December 2022 Ryde & Wootton Area

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Welcome to the Christmas/December issue and here we are heading straight into the festive season, which I must admit feels like it has snuck up on me when I wasn’t looking. Do you feel the same?

This year there are lots of Christmas events happening in the lead up to the big day and some even after, such as the Boxing Day swims. I’ve never known so many Christmas Fayres and events to take place across the Island and this is great to see after the last couple of years. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section is on pages 8 and 9. For even more events visit our website www.islandmagazines.co.uk and go to the events tab. On page 5 you will find details about Santa Sleigh and the date he will be visiting this area. At the time of going to print the final routes and times hadn’t been finalised but as soon as they become available I will update the events page on our website.

This year I will be baking some Christmas cookies and savoury snacks for both myself and to give as gifts and you can find the recipes on Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature on page 7. These are the basic recipes to get you going and you can easily add different toppings, herbs, spices and flavours.

In this month’s issue you will find a great variety of local businesses advertising their services and their support through advertising keeps this community magazine going, so please use their services and let them know you saw their advert here.

I’ve had a wonderful year catching up with you every month and I want to thank you for taking the time to read this community magazine and I hope to catch up with you again in 2023... but until then I hope you have a Happy Christmas, however you are celebrating and please look out for those on their own and any elderly neighbours.

Best wishes to you all.

News Report from Cllr Phil Jordan - Ryde North West.

Tel: 07929 376375 | Email: phil.jordan@iow.gov.uk

The year races towards the end of 2022 which has been an extraordinary year in many senses. The war in Ukraine and the turmoil at Westminster, just two of the events that have impacted us all and continue to impact our daily lives on the Island and in our communities like Ryde.

Mindful of pressures on costs of energy and heating, the Town Council have committed funding to safe, warm spaces and to community initiatives across the town to support those least able to look after themselves. I am pleased that grant funding has been re-directed this year to help with these schemes and only hope we experience a mild winter that would reduce the impact of the astonishing energy price increases we have seen.

I attended the Remembrance Day service held in Lind Street on the 13th November where the community came out in good numbers to pay their respects to those that had given so much during past conflicts that allow us to have the freedom we, perhaps, take for granted. I am always moved by these events and the roll call of those from Ryde, brothers alongside brothers, who went to war but never returned reminded me why these wars must never happen again. Sadly, not so far away in Eastern Europe, it is happening all over again. Can we ever learn?

On a positive note, Ryde continues its positive journey with success after success and a real feeling that Ryde is on the up, so to speak. Perhaps a first for Ryde Town Council, two significant grant funding applications have delivered fantastic sums of money into Ryde to enable two specific schemes to push ahead. In partnership with Natural Enterprises, over £400,000 has been secured to restore Appley Tower for future

community benefit and ensure the building can endure for generations to come. A wonderful success story.

In addition, RTC have been granted a substantial sum of money for their youth service which will see nearly £600,000 invested into both St Thomas’s church where the youth service is going to be re-housed and in the service itself, adding to equipment and activities on offer for our youth of Ryde.

Work has already begun on the church that has already seen over £80,000 of grant money given to the project and we are looking forward to the final completion of the works in 2023 with this additional £600,000 providing an exceptional youth centre and giving this heritage building a bright purposeful future for generations to come. That’s over £1m in grant funding alone on two projects bringing much needed funds into Ryde and investing them in our community. A great testament to the forward-thinking town council who continue to deliver great services in Ryde and are an example of how a Town Council can be effective, proactive, and creative, as well as providing good community leadership.

Finally, a welcome to Tom Hanley who was elected as a town councillor for the Appley and Elmfield ward in November securing a massive majority of 77% on the voting. Tom was standing as an Our Ryde candidate and we are proud and pleased to have him with us and to thank all those that voted for him, supporting the great work Our Ryde are doing in our community. Here’s to bigger and better things in 2023!

My seasons best wishes to you all and hopes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With the festive season upon us our recipe suggestions for this month are for sweet and savoury treats for yourself or you can share with family and friends or even make as Christmas gifts. The children and grandchildren can get involved in making these tasty biscuits to give as gifts... just pop them in cellophane packets and add a ribbon and message.

CHEESE STRAWS

100g cheddar cheese grated

50g parmesan cheese grated

100g plain flour

100g butter - chilled & cut into cubes

1 egg yolk plus a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper.

• Place the grated cheese into a large bowl - sift the flour and add the cubed butter. Add cayenne and black pepper.

• Rub together using your fingertips until mix resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

• Add the egg yolk. Stir together with a knife then bring the dough together to form a firm dough using hands. Tip onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a rectangle and roll until 5mm thick. Trim the edges and cut into 2cm strips.

• Lay on a lightly oiled baking trayleave a space between them as they will spread. Bake at 220 degree for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.

• Leave for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

CHOC CHIP COOKIES

120g butter - softened

75g light brown sugar

75g caster sugar

180g plain flour

1 medium egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp bicarb of soda

150g dark or milk chocolate, cut into small chunks.

• Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla, sift the flour, bicarb, salt - mix well and add the chocolate bits.

• Scoop 10 large tbsp of the mixture onto parchment lined trays or lightly oiled trays, leaving good spaces between to allow for spreading.

• Bake at 180 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden and firm at the edges but still soft in the middle (they will harden as they cool). Leave to rest for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

PARMESAN BITES

100g plain flour, 100g butter - chilled & cubed 100g parmesan cheese - finely grated These are lovely on their own or you can customise with finely chopped herbs, thyme and rosemary work well.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until crumbly then bring together to form into a 3cm diameter log - if too dry add a spoonful of warm water • divide log in half, wrap each in cling film and rest in refrigerator • slice the dough into 1cm round cookies, sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top and bake at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

dates for your diary

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

Friday 2nd December – St Mary’s Church Brading Christmas Music Concert at 7pm. Scottish Fiddlers, The Wight Ukers and Brading Community Choir. Enjoy some mulled wine, mince pies, cake and refreshments. Admission free with a retiring collection.

Saturday 3rd December – Lights of Love Parade in Bembridge from 5pm. Meet at Lane End shops. Lantern procession to Holy Trinity Church (arrive approx. 5.30pm). Afterwards to the Village Inn for mince pies and mulled wine/juice.

Saturday 3rd December – Newport

Carnival Christmas Parade starting from Church Litten from 4.30pm. Floats, bands, lanterns, Santa Claus, Young Farmers, schools and much more. Lots going on in the town during the day.

Saturday 3rd and Thursday 8th December

– Christmas Wreath Making Drop-in workshops at Gift to Nature Shop, 12 Holyrood St, Newport. Saturday from 11am - 3pm and 10.30am – 2pm on Thursday. All material provided. Pop in and make a wreath. Tuition on hand if required. Suggested donation £6 per wreath with all proceeds to Gift to Nature. Contact rachael.ardley@naturalenterprises.co.uk for more information.

Saturday 3rd December – The Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market at Ryde Fire Station from 10am – 4.30pm. Magical Grotto, kids craft corner, inflatable snow globe, live entertainment, seasonal stalls, refreshments and the Ryde Fire’s Christmas Lights turn on at 4pm.

Thursday 8th December – Late Night Christmas Shopping in Cowes – Cowes retailers invite you to join them and enjoy an evening of shopping, food and drink from 5pm until late.

Thursday 8th December – Light up a Heart Christmas Celebration at Cowes Baptist Church, Moorgreen Road, Cowes with Wessex Heartbeat. Celebrate the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. Come along, enjoy some Christmas refreshments, including mince pies and share the evening with the community. You are welcome to dedicate a ‘Heart’, where you can write a message to a loved one which will then be hung on the Christmas Tree during the evening. This community event is free, but we do ask you to let them know if you are attending, via www.heartbeat.co.uk, as space is limited in the Church.

Saturday 10th December – Ventnor Christmas Community Day and Carols in the Park. There will be live music, a lantern parade and Carols in Ventnor Park as well as Christmas Fayres at St Catherine’s and Ventnor Baptist Churches and a Christmas

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

dates for your diary

Market at Ventnor Winter Gardens. Santa and his helpers will be at the grotto during the day. Fun for all the family. From 10.30am

Saturday 10th December – Roving Nativity

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

Monday 12th December – Ryde School

Christmas Market from 4.30pm – 6.30pm at 7 Queens Road, Ryde. Plenty of stalls with locally made gifts to delicious food and festive refreshments. There will be a charity raffle, carol singers and Santa’s Grotto.

Wednesday 14th December – Ryde Castle Hotel Christmas Fair from 6pm – 9pm.

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

Saturday 17th December – Community

Christmas Fair at Ryde Depository in Nelson Street, Ryde from 1 – 4pm.

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

Monday 26th December – Ryde Boxing Day Swim at The Big Kahuna/Ryde Beach Lifeguard Station at 12 noon. Refreshments and hot showers available after at the Waterside Pool.

Monday 26th December – Ventnor Boxing Day Swim at Ventnor Beach at 12 noon. Join 100’s of people who brave the cold winter waters for a dip in the sea this Boxing Day!

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s Day Dip in Sandown raising funds for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. Meet at the Royal Pier Hotel at 11am then head down to the beach next to the pier for the dip.

Sunday 1st January – Sandown New Year’s Day Firework Celebrations – This spectacular fireworks display will be from Sandown Pier at 6pm. FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated. Friendly volunteers will be positioned around the esplanade with collection buckets. Road closures will be in place before, during and after the display for crowd safety. This event may be subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to weather conditions.

For more events happening across the Island and to find out what time Santa is visiting your town go to the events page at www.islandmagazines.co.uk

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

RYDE LIBRARY EVENTS

In our Junior Library Rhyme Time every Monday starting at 10.30 Storytime every Saturday starting at 11 Every Tuesday afternoon starting at 3.30 until 4.30 we will get our Lego out, be prepared to build something amazing! We also have a fine assortment of family board games available, Saturday afternoons from 2pm.

Artist Katie Stone will be hosting a Christmas Printing Workshop for children on Saturday 3rd December. There will be two free sessions in the morning; it will be a ticketed event with limited spaces – so pop into the library to get details!

Special Events

‘Musical Tea’ Wednesday 21st December at 2pm. Come along to celebrate the connection between music & memories. Please join us for tea & cake and some great music. Call 07570 674166 to say you are coming or for more information or just turn up or visit - playlistforlife.org.uk for even more information. This event is free!

Friday 2nd December is a Printing Workshop for adults run by Katie Stone. This will be a ticketed, costed event with limited spaces so please come into the library for details.

Sunday 11th December will be a Green Garlands Wreath Making session. There will be a fee for this workshop and limited places, so please come into the library to find out more!

Regular Events

Sewing Saturday - Saturday 17th December 10 – 4 for a special Christmas session. Turn up and enjoy a day of sewing, all materials and equipment provided even the sewing machines. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! Come for good company and sewing advice

Colouring Club Christmas special! Wednesday 14th December 2.30pm – 5pm. All high-quality materials are provided. Why not come along there is no need to book - just turn up. Many people come on their own it is a great way to make new friends, so don’t sit at home on your own come to the library and join this group! All this with lovely refreshments for a suggested donation of £1.

Wednesday 21st December Knit & Natter 5pm to 7pm. Come along to this friendly group for a chat whilst you knit or crochet, light refreshments and knitting advice always available.

We now have a jigsaw out in the middle room of the library come in and help us complete it!! We will even give you a cup of tea!

Book Groups - there are spaces available on most of our book groups if you see one that interests you give us a call or pop in, and we can give you more details. We also have a large collection of book groups sets available (over 270!) to borrow should you wish to form your own book group if this is something that interests you come into the library for a chat.

Classic Book Group – Wednesday 14th December at 11am The book being discussed will be ‘Jeeves’ by PG Wodehouse.

Murder on Monday Crime Book Group - Monday 5th December at 5pm discussing ‘From Doon With Death’ by Ruth Rendell.

3pm Readers - Tuesday 20th December at 3pm

Friday 2nd December at 11am is our Audio Book group. Please call the library for more details. Books are provided by the library on USB sticks or MP3 discs.

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

Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534 www.primotechnical.co.uk primotechnical@gmail.com

Refresh and Update a Tired Looking House Inside and Out

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

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

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

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

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

I would like to start this edition with some good news. It was confirmed at the November meeting of Wootton Bridge Parish Council that there will be a proper Christmas tree for the village this year. The long term aim is still to site a permanent tree in the usual position on the corner of Brannon Way but due to several issues beyond the control of the Parish Council it was not possible to achieve this in time for this year. Instead it was agreed that the usual tree would be procured and erected.

I continue to work on plans to return the Church Close Community Centre to use. I have been in negotiations with Places for People and with residents to come to an agreement on how this should proceed. My preferred route is for the residents to once again run the community centre themselves, albeit with support from Wootton Bridge Parish Council and myself, and in a more formal way that was previously the case. This should satisfy all parties and allow the reopening to take place.

I am aware of localised flooding taking place in different locations around the village. Where needed these are being reported to the authorities but I would ask for patience as there are many parts of the island suffering similar and in some cases worse flooding. In this situation the authorities have to prioritise those most dangerous situations. I feel that the situation has been made worse by the fairly late dropping of leaves meaning that there was not sufficient time to clear them before the heavy rains started.

For those who have not noticed yet the sign next to the entrance for the steam railway has been replaced by the Parish Council. This was one of those tasks that required action which I have mentioned previously so I am very pleased that the new sign is in place. I am also pleased to be able to say that the sign and the village map displayed on it were manufactured on the island by AJ Wells of Newport. This means that our enamel sign comes from the same place as the ones used on London Underground which I suppose is fitting given the railway theme. There is also another enamel map waiting to be installed to replace the one at Joannes Walk which has faded.

The Isle of Wight Council has debated the cost of living crisis and asked for more government support to help with the impact. One of the important points is that almost anyone can find themselves in a difficult situation, there is no “typical” person that needs support. The Council has already set up a very useful website designed to help those struggling. It can be found at www.iow.gov.uk/costofliving I realise that not everyone has access to the internet or perhaps does not wish to use it in this case so if you do find yourself in a predicament please get in contact with me and I will try and help. You can rest assured that any conversation that we may have will remain confidential.

It only leaves me to sign off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope the season brings everything you wish for.

News Report from Cllr. Michael Lilley for Ryde Appley and Elmfield 07769 551 578 | Michael.lilley@iow.gov.uk www.michaellilley.uk

Seasons’ Greetings to you!

The year has disappeared fast, and we are already in December 2022. Where has the time gone! I do wish you all my warmest greetings over the festive season.

Help and Support this winter!

My first message to you is that if you need help and support during December and January, there is HELP in Ryde this winter. Ryde Library is the central WARM SPACE in Ryde where you can seek advice, information, and practical help. If you are worried about your energy bills, need urgent help regarding debt, need access to food, and other human issues you are faced over the next few months. Every Wednesday 5-6.30pm at Ryde Library, there will be a Ryde Town Councillor available to help you. There is a website: Isle Find It: Help Through a Crisis www.islefindit.org.uk or Free Advice line 08001448848 Monday to Friday (9am-5pm).

Ryde Aspire is organising free Christmas meals (delivered to home or in person at Dover Street), Xmas food hampers and toys, so if you are going to struggle this Xmas and need support, please contact Ryde Aspire 716020

Late Night Shopping in Ryde

Ryde Business Association is organising late night shopping on Thursday, 1st December with Xmas lights being turned on at 4.30/5.00pm.

Merry and Bright in Ryde The New Carnival Company (NCC) in collaboration with Ryde Town Council is bringing some joyous seasonal cheer to Ryde town centre on Friday 16th December with a fantastic family free night out!

Merry and Bright will be bringing together lanterns, street entertainment, costumed walkabouts, late night shopping and the Official Christmas Lights Switch on, to make an unforgettable dark night’s celebration.

The evening kicks off at 5pm with roving entertainments at various sites across the town including Town Square, St Thomas’s Square, Vernon Square and Minghella Square and down and along Union Street, Cross Street, and the High Street. There will be static lantern displays made by schools and local groups on street corners and a special lights interactive space at Vernon Square and at St Thomas churchyard.

Ryde Appley and Elmfield By-Election

I wish to give thanks to Lisa Carter for her time on RTC (she contributed so much) and it is sad that as a working single parent couldn’t continue as a councillor. I believe RTC has to work on diversity, inclusion and equity and make sure that councillors do come from all parts of the community in age, gender, and diversity so we are truly representative of the residents we serve. We do need to look at ways to sustain all councillors, especially those working and with children. I do welcome Cllr Tom Hanley and congratulate him on his successful win in Ryde Appley and Elmfield, taking over from Lisa. He brings some amazing enthusiasm and skills to the Ryde Team.

Reflection on 2022

The last 12 months have been traumatic, and we simply moved from Covid19 crisis now to a Cost-of-Living crisis and to gloss

over the reality of the stress that we all face. However, within the context of a difficult year, Ryde Town Council has worked hard to create opportunities for residents and for me the highlights for me were the revitalisation of Ryde Marina, getting deckchairs and beach equipment on Ryde beaches, securing the finance for Appley Tower, development of St. Thomas’s Church into youth and community centre for the Town, the many colourful events in the Town such as Mardi Gras, IW Pride, Scooter Rally, Classic Car Extravaganza and Ryde Carnival. Ryde is coming alive for residents and visitors alike. 2023 will be a good year in that Ryde will have more events and more opportunities, so watch this space.

Are You Scams Savvy?

Join the Age UK Isle of Wight Digital Support Service for our gently paced workshops and a chance for a chat with our digital staff and volunteers. This month we are focusing on how to avoid scams and stay safe online. Sally Ash from Trading Standards and Philip Bonser from Daniel Burns Wealth Management are working with us to provide expert advice and guidance.

Date Time Venue Details

Thurs 1st Dec 10.00 12.15 Brighstone Methodist Church Hall

Tues 6th Dec 10.00 12.00 East Cowes Community Hub

Weds 7th Dec 10.30 12.45 Ryde Library

Mon 12th Dec 10.00 12.00 Newport Library

Tues 13th Dec 10.00-12.15

Better Days Café, Ventnor

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Scams awareness with Sally Ash

Feeling safe at home with Age UKIW

Thurs 15th Dec 10-00-12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Sally Ash Works for the Isle of Wight Council as a Fair Trading Officer.

Phil Bonser is a former bank manager who now works for Daniel Burns Wealth Management.

All events are free of charge and refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited, so please book your place by contacting Age UK Isle of Wight on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk

As well as digital workshops, Age UK Isle of Wight also host drop in sessions across the island and one to one home support where needed. Get in touch with us to find out how to access these or go to www.ageukiw.org.uk