Your Local Community Magazine
February 2021
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Island businesses eligible for government grant support under the latest national lockdown can now apply via the council’s website. The application forms and details of the grant help can be accessed via: www.iow.gov.uk/covid19_businessadvice Under the national lockdown there are rolling payments and top up grants for eligible ratepaying businesses in certain categories. Some businesses may also qualify for grant support relating to the brief period around Christmas when the Island was under Tier 3 and then Tier 4 restrictions. There is also support for ‘wet’ led pubs for late December. In addition, the council is offering government-funded discretionary grant help to businesses which may fall outside these schemes, and has created a Winter Business Support Grant scheme.
As I put pen to paper or rather fingers to keyboard, I feel a great sense of relief that we are moving into February and coming out of January which is always a difficult month and made even worse by being in lockdown. I have no crystal ball to see what is ahead (and maybe that is a good thing) but I think we will be in battle with this virus for a while longer. Although lockdown is difficult and frustrating it’s important that we follow the rules in an attempt to try and get our lives back on track.
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines
Here at Island Magazines, we are animal lovers, so we just had to reach out and help a local attraction that is suffering during these troubling times. You can read all about how we can all help the animals on page 16.
Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
We have also been working with a local Community Interest Company which is dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse and you can read more about this on page 6. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue which is packed with news and information. A big thank you to all our wonderful advertisers and contributors who make it possible to publish each month. Please tell your family and friends that we are a free local community magazine packed with news and information. If you are a local business, please consider advertising with us. I hope you all have a great February and I look forward to catching up with you again next month.
Debbie
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News Report from Cllr Wayne Whittle. Tel 07768 118766 Twitter @RydeAbide E wayne.whittle@iow.gov.uk There has been much change since I wrote my last report in early December for publication in the January issue, not only did we find ourselves in lockdown number 3 and quickly put in the highest tier we also discovered that the South of England Avian Flu had reached Ryde affecting our waterfowl on Canoe Lake.
fatalities in birds that have been overfed with dry food would most likely to occur).
Our Covid infection numbers have risen exponentially throughout late December and January taking the island from one of the lowest UK areas of infection to one of the highest, after hearing the chief executive Apologies if my last report asking residents of the Council stating that the main cause who feed dry food to consider reducing of the Islands increased spread was people the portions confused matters (I wrote ignoring the lockdown rules, I’ve kept my it because I remembered that after I family indoors apart from my wife’s weekly had previously reported the demise of 6 visit to the supermarket and our local walk swans around 4 years ago to Defra their to keep fit and get some fresh air now and examination confirmed death was caused by again. over feeding) but had written and submitted the report before the December 2020 Defra When we go out, we wear face coverings test results were issued confirming Avian and keep over 2 meters away from everyone Flu (Bird Flu) had been found in one of to help prevent this ferocious new variant our Swans and once discovered the Canoe spreading to the islands most vulnerable and Lake was fenced off with notices posted further impacting our already overworked instructing residents not to go near the lake NHS, care staff and key workers who are for fear of spreading the disease (on shoes) already running ragged under the strain and to wider parts of Ryde. losing members of their own organisations to the virus whilst looking after our Obviously I don’t want to come over as community. mister miserable killjoy here but since the access to the lake was prohibited by Defra After reading an Environment Agency flood I’ve had residents contact me who are warning for Ryde during the holidays, I worried about the remaining Waterfowl went to Simeon Street recreation ground to starving and knowing many mums like to check if the Monkton Mead trash screens take children to feed the birds etc, I made were cleared and that the floodgates were enquiries and after speaking to professionals up. it was explained to me that the natural diet of Waterfowl is Algae from the bottom of On arriving I noticed that although the the lake or river beds (sometimes grass) and flood warning had asked for cars to be that in normal circumstances outside of moved from roads around the Monkton an Avian flu epidemic, if you wish to feed Street area, the floodgates were still not the best food is soft wet sweetcorn niblets in place, so I immediately notified the EA or soft wet peas, as they tend to float to the who sent out their local team to erect the 3 bottom of the lake and can be eaten with floodgates (this being the first time they had the algae and cannot swell in the stomachs been put up and an opportunity to test the of waterfowl after eating (as this is how continued over the page
News Report from Cllr Wayne Whittle continued effectiveness to stop our community flooding) as the river was running high due to tide being in and heavy rain. Needless to say once the tide went out the river level dropped considerably with any high excess water going out to sea via the island line rail tunnel, so thankfully no flooding, but there shouldn’t be when you think of the millions of pounds that have been spent by the Environment Agency and Southern Water over the years providing our community with the huge attenuation tank in the Memorial Gardens, (to be honest we’ve never had floods since that went in) the outfall pipe diversion into the Harbour, Monkton Mead riverbank wall extensions and our flood wall/tank in the Recreation Ground. The Islands Regeneration team worked throughout the holidays researching and preparing the new Government business Grant forms that constantly needed revising as the island swiftly changed through tiers 2, 3, 4 to where we now find ourselves. The new forms have been available to access on the IWC website since the 11th of January. If you haven’t already applied, Island businesses eligible for government grant support under the latest national lockdown can still apply. The application forms and details of the grant can be accessed via: www.iow.gov.uk/covid19_businessadvice Under the national lockdown there are rolling payments and top up grants for eligible rate paying businesses in certain categories.
Some businesses may also qualify for grant support relating to the brief period around Christmas when the Island was under Tier 3 and then Tier 4 restrictions. There is also support for ‘wet’ led pubs for late December. In addition, the council is offering government-funded discretionary grant help to businesses which may fall outside these schemes and has created a Winter Business Support Grant scheme. There is also extra financial help available for island residents in crisis, the money can be accessed through Citizens Advice IW You or anyone you know who needs help can call 01953 823859 or email helpthroughcrisis@iwcab.org.uk It’s been explained to me that now the new Oxford Zeneca vaccine is available on the Island and because it can be stored at far lower temperatures, can now begin to be rolled out via home visits to our most vulnerable, who have been unable to attend vaccination centres. If you need help with your shopping if your self-isolating or vulnerable you can call for assistance on 01983 823600 or email contact.centre@iow.gov.uk Stay home safe and keep in contact by phone or sight with your neighbour’s during this cold winter! If any Ryde North East residents need my assistance you can call me on 07768118766 or email waynecwhittle@iow.gov.uk 5
It’s time to stop being a victim and start living. It can happen to both men and women, there is no preference to age or nationality. It is no longer just physical! Just because a person doesn’t put their hands on you, that doesn’t mean they aren’t abusive. ABUSE is control, blatant disrespect and hurtful words. Domestic Abuse has dramatically increased during the coronavirus crisis and lockdown. Abusers feel they are stronger than ever, they make their victims believe they have taken away all safety nets and any chances of getting help... but this just isn’t the case, there is support and help for all victims, whether you have already escaped or want to escape then help is here in the form of Break the Cycle (CIC). Their FREE ‘Mind the Gap’ course is able to create and deliver courses, coaching, mentoring and support to women and men who are suffering from abuse in any form. The 10-week course is for everyone to learn how to rebuild their confidence and move forward positively in their lives. The sessions help build support networks, learn new skills and increase self-belief. They help individuals and groups to gain the courage and confidence to stand up against oppression, control, abuse etc. They have changed the thinking of some people in such a way as they have made the decision not to commit suicide. Others have discovered they are valuable members of society after continuously being told how worthless they were and some have gone on to start their own businesses, gone back into education or, just as importantly, escaped from their abusive relationship and now live confidently on their own terms. The ‘Mind the Gap’ course is versatile in its approach to each client, and they can adapt to the needs of any client. Having written this course specifically to help people who have suffered domestic abuse, whether that is recently or historically, the results achieved by those who have attended have been truly remarkable. Break the Cycle CIC has been running since 2016 and was founded by Maggie Currie after she realised there was a gap in the support needed by people who had suffered domestic abuse. The new courses are beginning again this February, for women on 1st at 10am and for men on 3rd at 10am via Zoom. Their pilot Zoom based course was very successful so they are sure you will learn more about yourself, how you think and how you can move forward in your life more confidently. To book your place on this course please email hello@breakthecycle.org.uk or call/text 07779 189 305 www.breakthecycle.org.uk 6
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News Report from Councillor Charles Chapman for Ryde South Email:- Charles.Chapman@iow.gov.uk | Mobile number 07970 009608 as the most expensive strip of Our gratitude to our health workers over water in Europe, should support the past months cannot be emphasised the Island economy more enough. positively and therefore collecting revenue Vaccinations are being done throughout the for parking needs further discussion and Island and many residents have commented is a good idea. Several thought that it is on how well it has been organised and run, time to rethink the place of shops to the island economy with overall agreement and especially to the team spirit, shown that a multi-tasking group of locals and by all the people involved, be it NHS volunteers (IOW residents) should, under staff, volunteers, carers and participants. the auspice of the Council, look into it. This is solely down to the organisation Almost all thought that parking meters look and distribution by our National Health Service. Despite incredible pressures upon clumsy, unwelcoming and a blight on the landscape. Not my words! this service to look after and care for our population it has still managed to contact, trace and offer vaccinations to our residents Island Roads: Harding Road had a dangerous front boundary wall structure. and follow up where necessary. This was reported, removed and the pavement re-opened. This was done A benefit, if it can be so called, of this virus, is that we, the public are more aware very quickly as it could have caused an of the need and scope of a National Health accident. We do rely on residents, reporting vandalism and graffiti, I then report it to Service and the need to be vigilant against get it removed as quickly as possible. Just it being sold to private organisations; a reminder, we can only remove graffiti which then can sell on, making even more distant ownership and with new ownership etc. on public space. Which is a bit of a becoming confused and with no guarantees nuisance, as we are not allowed to assist removal in other areas. I have identified as to its future or development. We must look after our service and its employees and several large potholes, which I have reported. I have asked for them to be dealt then it/ they will be able to look after us. with as soon as possible. In more normal times I would accompany the officer in I have had a number of very positive charge and get them marked and repaired. comments on parking and its effect on our town centres and beach fronts, as published I am making Great Preston Road a priority, it needs updating and resurfacing, it’s a bus in January’s issue. One concern that was route and a major route from Tesco’s to raised, was that without parking meters Ryde. I would like to reassure residents that people would overstay their welcome in popular areas, another was that it would be I am doing everything I can to get these works completed as soon as possible. In used overnight by tourists when booking my opinion it needs major works done on into local B&B or hotels and would it! therefore use up parking places meant for shoppers. Several very positive comments Looking forward to the Spring when we that the ferry companies whose profits can, hopefully, get out and about. come, from what several of you described, 8
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We have managed to crawl our way through to February and have survived January which is (in my opinion) the worst month of the year. But what is February about, is there anything to look forward to? I have been looking into what is happening across the globe during this extra short month. Some events can be celebrated without breaking lockdown rules and others can be attended remotely. Some are traditional and some I have never heard of.
National Sickie Day 2021 - Monday 1st February - Under normal
circumstances and certainly not through a lockdown pandemic, statistics have shown that the first Monday in February is the day when people are most likely to pull a sickie. One of the factors attributed to this is the first payday since Christmas, meaning people have been out celebrating all weekend with a particularly heavy one. Another theory is that people tend to reevaluate their career path in January, meaning that a lot of these sickies are actually to attend interviews.
Candlemas Day - Tuesday 2nd February – The Christian Festival of
lights. The day marks the midpoint of Winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. Candlemas also commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son. It is also the day when all the candles, that are used in the church during the coming year, are brought into the church and a blessing is said over them. On Candlemas night, many people place lighted candles in their windows at home. While in many countries Christmas decorations are
traditionally removed on the twelfth night (January 5) for other countries it is customary to remove them on Candlemas.
Send a Card to a Friend Day Sunday 7th February - Everyone loves and appreciates their friends, and we all just assume that they know how much we care and that we are always thinking about them. Sadly, many of our friends will experience loneliness and feel under appreciated from time to time. That’s just how life goes. That’s why Send a Card to a Friend Day exists, and why year after year it is so popular!
A small gesture that we may not think makes any difference could actually make our friends’ day. All it takes is a cute little card with a nice personal message in it to put a smile on their face. This could be an e-card that you send to them online, a store-bought card, or better yet, a home made one that oozes thoughtfulness, ideal for your extra special besties. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on celebrating your friendships on this special day!
St Valentine’s Day – Sunday 14th February - also called the Feast of
Saint Valentine, and is recognised as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. It’s the day when people show their affection for another person or people by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. continued over the page
Pancake Day – Tuesday 16th February – also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a
day in February or March preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes, and also the last day of fat eating or gorging before the fasting period of Lent. This moveable festival is determined by Easter. Whether you are a savoury or sweet pancake lover or a traditionalist with just lemon and sugar, enjoy it and have that extra one or two. Life’s too short not to.
Random Acts of Kindness Day - Wednesday 17th February - This international celebration has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organisations, nationwide, to encourage acts of kindness. It is a favourite day to many, as people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness.
National Love Your Pet Day - Saturday 20th February
- Love Your Pet Day is a great day to show your love for our little furry friends. Whether you’re a cat lover, a dog lover or you’ve got a family of chimpanzees sharing your home with you, today’s the day to spoil them even more than you normally do and show them how much they mean to your family. If you love pets but don’t have any you could still get involved by calling by your local Cats Protection, Feline Welfare, RSPCA or pet rescue centres and make a donation of food or treats. You could also look into how to volunteer to spend a little time at your local pet rescue centre, maybe walking one of the dogs there or giving a little bit of your time to the cats at the cattery.
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News Report from Wootton Bridge Councillor Barry Abraham 07800736557 | Email:- barry.abraham@iow.gov.uk As we come to February it is almost a year since the cursed Covid 19 Virus turned our lives upside down and as I write, we are yet again in another lockdown. Schools have been closed to all but vulnerable children and those of frontline workers. Some parents who I have spoken to are finding it difficult to work from home and trying to keep their children involved with homeschooling at the same time. The council has been providing laptops to some children where a need exists, the money comes from central government. Hopefully by half term the virus might be slowing down, and the schools might be able to re-open and as we move through February more of us will receive the vaccine. So hopefully by spring the future will be more certain. I have been approached by local businesses about the effect of the lockdown on their trade and I have helped where I can, the government has made grants available again, advice on these is available on the council website. Should anyone require more advice about the grants, please give me a call and I will point you in the right direction. I have no update on the Post Office relocation. Hopefully by the time of my next report something might be forthcoming. Sadly I have heard that our village pet supplies shop, Creature Comforts, is closing which is a great shame. Mrs Abraham bought all our pet provisions as well as the bird seed, nuts and sunflower hearts for the wild birds, from them. The good news is that they will be still doing home deliveries. Writing of wild bird seed, over the last year we have had a noticeable increase in the number of sparrows in the garden. I
assume this is because as I have got older, I am not so enthusiastic about cutting the shrubs and hedges in the autumn as I once was. At the same time during the day their sparrow cheeping sounds as though they are having a heated argument. In a way, a bit like county hall council chamber, everybody has an opinion but nobody listens! I have nothing to report on planning issues at the moment, only two small applications are coming in for the village. Central government are consulting with councils on retail premises and whether shops should be able to change to residential without the need for planning permission. The view of the Isle of Wight councillors is one of concern, whilst it may be possible to change some small shops, it is felt such a change in planning legislation would have a huge impact on our Island towns and many small communities losing their only shop. The council will comment on the consultation setting out the council’s concerns how such a major change in planning law will impact on towns and villages, but are sympathetic to some change such as change from one use to another in retail terms. The one good thing with this time of the year is that the days are starting to get longer and in Wootton we do get some lovely sunsets as the sun disappears over the horizon. The birds that live around the creek and Mill Pond, many of them migrating, make the most of the extra time to fill up on the critters living in the mud. The geese eating off the grass and the curlews plunging their long beaks into the mud and soft earth for worms, life goes on and is wonderful to watch. Even when there is a mass pandemic.
Trading Standards are receiving increasing reports of a worrying scam that appears to be targeting anyone and everyone. The scammers are again using the coronavirus to con us into parting with money and details. The latest scam is an official looking text purporting to be from the NHS saying that you need to book a vaccination appointment. This will then take you to a fake NHS form which will ask for bank details to prove your identity. This is a SCAM The NHS will never ask for a person’s banking information so please do not provide it The second comes in the form of a survey scam on social media. This has been reported from the mainland however social media has no geographical boundaries! The scam purports to be authorised by the local authority and alleges to find out how residents are coping with the Covid-19 situation. Participants are requested to provide their personal details and are offered a payment of £25 for taking part. It is believed that by giving bank details for the payment the scammers will have access to their bank accounts and can take money from them. Be very wary of any links you click on social media and never give information in this way. There are still the following scams: •
Email from the Royal Mail that says due to incomplete address they are unable to deliver a parcel – asking you to click on the link to complete the information required – DON’T
•
Email from EE to say that your payment couldn’t be taken and asking you to click on a link to verify your details – DON’T
•
Text message allegedly from the DVLA to say that your payment couldn’t be taken and asking you to click on a link to make the payment due – DON’T
•
Calls from Amazon Prime stating that the annual membership of £79.99 is due for renewal – HANG UP
Remember any unsolicited communication is likely to be a scam so treat them with suspicion 15
Do you like this month’s front cover star? This is Bert the Red Panda and he is a resident of Amazon World Zoo Park and Bert and all the other residents and keepers are sending out a plea for your help. Amazon World Zoo Park are continuing the daily fight for survival, the pandemic and Avian flu has hit them really hard and once again their doors have had to remain closed to the public. The work continues to carry on behind closed doors as the animals still need to be fed, tended to and looked after and on average running costs per day amount to approximately £1,000. Heating, lighting, medication, feed and keeper wages are just some of the daily running costs. We as an island are known for our love of animals and Amazon World Zoo Park and the animals really need our help. They have a varied diet of vegetables and fruit and they are running low on many of the following items:Mixed Herbs - (Basil, Spinach, parsley, coriander), cabbage, chicory, collards, peppers, carrots, broccoli, courgettes, kale, spring greens, spinach, brussel sprouts, asparagus, okra, radishes, artichoke, swede, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, turnips, beetroot, celeriac, aubergine, corn on the cob or mini corn or frozen sweet corn and frozen peas. Fine beans and runner beans, cucumber, cauliflower, celery, fennel, leek, mixed salad leaves romaine lettuce, parsnip, fruit, nuts and seeds. When you are next doing your weekly shop please pop a few extra items into your trolley for the animals. Although the park is closed you can deliver and leave your donations in the container by the main gates. This is manned throughout the day and will be picked up by the keepers. If you are a Tree Surgeon or know of one and are able to donate fresh woodchip for their Sloth and Tamandua enclosures in the Twilight area. They can accept any of the following types of woodchip; Alder, Birch, Hazel, Pine, Poplar and Willow. If you can help please leave a message on 01983 867122 or message them via Facebook. You can also help them by gifting items on the Amazon Wish List. The link can be found on their Facebook page.