Island Magazines March 23 - Ryde & Wootton Area

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Welcome and thank you for picking up a copy of your local community magazine.

The March issue signifies that Spring is on the way and the ‘spring equinox’ and official first day of Spring is Monday 20th March.

The Island is already showing us that warmer weather is coming with the unmistakable signs of daffodils and crocus emerging on hedges, gardens and local parks.

The days will start getting longer and the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the 26th March. There is a lot to look forward to as the island will slowly start emerging from it’s winter cocoon and our dates for your diary section on pages 10 and 11 will keep you updated on local events happening across the Island.

Another important date to remember is of course Mothering Sunday on the 19th March.

Inside this issue you will find your regular news updates and this month on page 15, Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature has some great air fryer recipes for you to try.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please get in touch by any means below if you have any information you would like to share or would like to advertise your business in the next issue.

Have a great month and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

Wootton Bridge News Update

There are some very bad potholes at the moment particularly on St Edmunds Walk and at the end of Church Road. These have been reported and if you look closely you will see that they have been marked to indicate to the workers what needs doing. Island Roads are struggling as the weather during the cold snap was perfect for creating defects leading to a backlog. They have assured that they have allocated extra resources to catching up so hopefully these and others will be done soon.

WAGE the group set up to oppose gravel extraction in the village have been active recently. They are planning on contacting people soon and will have new garden boards available shortly. These boards are for anyone who wishes to display one and will also be available to replace those older boards that have started to fade. The original ones have been up some considerable time.

The Blue Lamp Trust helps protect vulnerable residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from becoming victims of crime - as part of their crime prevention advisory service.

The scheme offers FREE home visits providing both general and specific crime and fire prevention advice to improve home safety.

They visit residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who are:

• Vulnerable due to age (over 65) • Disabled • A victim of crime

• A victim of burglary • A victim of domestic abuse

THE BOBBY SCHEME provides FREE home security visits, long-life smoke alarms and advice to vulnerable people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, particularly the elderly and victims of burglary and domestic abuse. Their trained, police vetted, Bobby Scheme Fitters will visit and carry out a full survey and, as appropriate fit items free of charge, such as:

• Locks • Spy Holes • Door Chains

• Smoke Alarms • Carbon Monoxide Alarms

All of the Blue Lamp Trust advisors are police vetted and carry ID cards to reassure local residents that they are genuine – and please remember, they will not be offended if you ask to see their ID to validate their identity.

Referrals

The Bobby Scheme is free to those who are vulnerable due to age (over 65), circumstance, disabled, or a victim of household crime. Anyone can make a referral including individuals, friends, family, doctors, social workers, etc. Please enquire via the Blue Lamp Trust website at www.bluelamptrust.org.uk/bobby-scheme-choice

Alternatively, you can make an enquiry by calling the Blue Lamp Trust directly on 0300 777 0157.

Award Winning Music Classes for Babies and Young Children

Monkey Music baby and toddler classes offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, where parents, carers and children meet in small groups to enjoy interactive musical activities. They have been running nationally for 30 years and the classes here on the Island are run by Katherine Green who recently relocated to the island and brought her classes with her ensuring all children have the opportunity to experience Monkey Music.

All classes are tailored specifically to support families with babies, toddlers and pre-school children aged between 3 months and 4 years of age. The classes are based around 4 stages - time to sing, time to move, time to play and time to sleep, and are designed to keep babies stimulated from start to end through the exploration of music, movement and instruments.

Rock ‘n’ Roll classes (from 3 months) gentle songs and lullabies for you both to share precious moments and songs are linked to rhythmic body movements. Sensory props to stimulate visual experience and friendly percussion instruments for those rock ‘n’ roll moments.

Monkey Music

Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

Sharing precious time together

Age specific interactive music educational classes for babies and toddlers aged 3 months- 4 years with a progressive curricula. Classes to help development and confidence whilst having lots of fun.

For more information and to book your first FREE class please visit:

Heigh-Ho classes (from 12 months) they will learn action songs, catchy sounds with up beat tunes to allow them to dance freely and to practise fine motor skills using hand held percussion instruments. These classes help toddlers need for active time and quieter time for calmer activities.

www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/isle-wight-portsmouth alternatively call Katherine on 01983 240352 or email iow.portsmouth@monkeymusic.co.uk

Jiggety-Jig classes (2 & 3 year olds) these older toddlers have fun with their friends and develop a strong musical foundation with some songs for dressing up and telling stories to help build self-confidence. Whilst dancing and partnering with friends help the toddlers to get to know each other. Composing comes naturally to the Jiggety- Jiggers so with the use of props, images, music, stories and poems help inspire our little monkeys as they create and perform their own special music.

Ding – Dong classes (3 & 4 year olds) children are now ready to learn to read music - this is a huge milestone and paves the way for a bright musical future!

For more information, please see their main advert and don’t forget the FIRST CLASS IS FREE.

Word Ladder

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time. Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

Professional Coach specialising in:

Personal Growth • Career Development

Youth Conversations • Parental Transition

Restoring balance through transformational coaching

maryan@maryanhookcoaching.com

maryanhookcoaching.com

07881 942450

As Mad as a March Hare

A BIG thank you TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight for providing us with this month’s front cover picture.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight is the making of two well know local photographers – Tramp Woods and Warren Mason and if you’re on Facebook or Instagram you will probably have seen some of their wildlife pictures already.

Island Wide Coverage

Rewires and Rewiring Services

Fuseboxes / replacement consumer units

Designer lighting, extra sockets / lights

Garden / outside electrical points

Inspection & Testing (Domestic & Commercial)

CCTV installation & repair

Emergency lighting testing / repair

Fire alarm testing

Central heating installation / repair

TV / audio visual home cinema systems

Freeview and freesat installation & setup

Warren Mason is a very accomplished professional photographer with many years of experience! Having pictures in major magazines and publications. Tramp Woods is a very keen wildlife photographer, with published content in papers and magazines, and achieving many awards.

They have teamed up and started wildlife photography workshops, for those who struggle with this very difficult genre of photography, from complete novices and upwards. They have been giving up their time to teach others new skills in obtaining better pictures through understanding how to not only set up their equipment but understanding how to use their cameras in a better way, giving people tips

ideas on how to improve their photography.

They’ve had a massive response and held a few workshops in let’s say difficult conditions. The response from those who have attended has been amazing and they have now set up a dedicated Facebook group, not only for them to give out information, but it’s there for anyone to join, and post pictures or leave comments, or just look at the fantastic pictures posted.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight

RYDE LIBRARY EVENTS

In our Junior Library

Rhyme Time every Monday starting at 10.30

Every Tuesday afternoon starting at 3.30 until 4.30 we will get our Lego out. We also have a fine assortment of family board games available, Saturday afternoons from 2pm.

Wednesday 29th March Knit & Natter 5pm to 7pm. Come along to this friendly group for a chat whilst you knit or crochet.

Colouring Club Wednesday 1st and 15th March 2.30pm – 5pm. There is no need to book - just turn up. Refreshments included Suggested donation of £1.

Sewing Saturday - Saturday 25th March 10 – 4. Turn up and enjoy a day of sewing, all materials and equipment provided even the sewing machines. Don’t forget to bring your lunch!

Tuesday Crafternoons - Tuesday afternoons is ‘Crafternoon’. Turn up and craft in a friendly environment 2-4pm. 7th & 21st March.

Classic Book Group – Wednesday 8th March at 11am The book being discussed will be ‘The Red Badge of Courage’ by Stephen Crane.

Murder on Monday Crime Book Group - Monday 6th March at 5.30pm discussing ‘The Beast Must Die’ by Nicholas Blake.

3pm Readers - Tuesday 28th March at 3pm please ask for latest book!

Blokes Book Group – 1st March at 4pm.

Other Events

A Celebration of Poetry and Song will be held on Thursday 30th March from 2pm.

Enjoy an afternoon music event with Devon folk singer Jim Causley. Tickets will be limited and £8 each. Come to the library to book and secure your place.

Tea and Talk on Tuesday March 14th, Sheila Caws will be giving a Ryde Heritage talk with photos of old Ryde. Tickets will be £4 and there will be limited numbers so call in to the library to book your place!

Oddfellows will be holding a coffee morning on Tuesday 21st March. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some friendly company. No need to book.

Chess Club. Every Wednesday evening 5 till 7. Come along to this new group grandmaster or beginner everyone welcome, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 3rd March at 11am is our Audio Book group which is suitable for people with print disabilities and visual impairments. Please call the library for more details. Books are provided by the library on USB sticks or MP3 discs.

We will be hosting one of our regular ‘Playlist for Life’ Musical Tea events on 22nd March from 2 – 3.30pm celebrating the connection between music and memories, please call in to the library if you’d like more details.

Footprint Trust Monergy drop-in session will be happening of Tuesday 7th March from 1 – 2.30 pm. Call in if you’re worried about energy bills and would like help saving money.

Come and meet the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 8th March from 10.30am – 12.30pm They are happy to discuss any local policing concerns you may have.

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

dates for your diary

Saturday 4th March – Craft Fayre at Brading Youth & Community Centre, High Street from 10am – 2pm. Free parking at rear. Refreshments available from the old school café.

Sunday 5th March – Preloved Indoor Market at Binstead Community Centre, from 1pm – 2.30pm. Preloved sale for everything you need from pregnancy to 5 yrs. Clothes, equipment, toys, books and more. Free entry for buyers.

Monday 6th March - Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting. The history of tuberculosis on the Isle of Wight – talk by Dr Paul Bingham at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. Doors open 2pm talk starts 2:15pm. Members of the Isle of Wight FHS £1; non-members £2. Everyone welcome.

Saturday 11th March – Newchurch Drama Group Spring Quiz at All Saints Church Hall, Newport from 7pm – 10pm. £6 per person. Maximum of 4 in a team. This is a fun, friendly quiz with prizes for the winning team. Raffle on the night but bring your own refreshments. Call 07811 690462 to book your table.

Sunday 12th March - Charity Antiques and Collectors Fair (in support of the MNDA) at Northwood House, Cowes from 10am – 4pm. Visitors can expect to find a great variety of local antique and collectable traders in the function rooms of Northwood House. Refreshments are available via the Northwood House Charitable Trust awardwinning events team, who will be supplying tea, cakes and sandwiches all through the day for exhibitors and visitors. Admission is £3 per adult or £5.00 per couple on the gate, with accompanied children free.

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th March - The Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint will return to Culver Parade. The Sandown Sprint will involve 100 cars competing on a specially constructed circuit, at Sandown’s Culver Parade, with the start in Fort Street and finishing in Yaverland. Once again, overall spectator numbers will be limited, so motor racing fans are advised to book early. The cost of admission has been held at £10 per adult, with concessions. Further details on the Sandown Sprint and tickets for the event can be found via the website isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk

Sunday 26th March – Isle of Wight Spring Boat Jumble at Northwood Park, Cowes from 10am – 3pm. Entry is free for buyers on foot, but a parking fee of £2 per car will be requested for buyers using the event field to park. Tea, coffee, cakes and hot refreshments will be available on the show field, with toilets available in the Northwood Park next to the tennis courts. All proceeds go to Northwood House Charitable Trust for ongoing restoration works and community projects in Northwood Park.

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

Good news on the Marina as we see the initial investments in the pontoons to improve facilities taking shape. The work to bring electric and water to the berths and pontoons is under way and we also now have wi-fi available to the Marina and berth holders.

Work continues to transfer the land alongside the Marina from the IWC to Ryde Town Council which is part of the original agreement when the Marina was transferred to Ryde Town Council.

The plans for the land are to provide a purpose-built Marina office facility together with new shower and toilet facilities and part of the longer-term project to improve the area and facilities.

I read with interest a recent report carried out by the Isle of Wight Council that outlines ideas for the regeneration of Ryde seafront. Stretching from the pier along to Appley park it contains some interesting ideas for the town and I’m sure will be out for public consultation in the coming months. More on that in future editions of this magazine.

I am told that the Interchange project is just about on time to be finished around April or May.

The work on the pier is well underway, work delivered by Wight Link and the bus station and public space is approaching the final stages with plans for planting and trees being considered currently.

The final piece of the jigsaw will be the station itself which has been subject to a number of issues and adjustments though that will be finished in stages until the

overall completion. The floor finish should match the rest of the project and it is hoped to get toilets open to the public at the very earliest opportunity whilst the commercial units are being fitted out.

It is worth saying that the train operator has had direct input into the design of the building, and we have had to comply with their own corporate requirements in bringing forward a design that is acceptable to them.

Further up in the High Street I am involved in trying to finally get the pedestrianisation of the High Street into effect. There have been a number of difficult problems to overcome, and we are working hard through the HAZ programme to deliver the best outcome on surfacing – likely to be a tile type surface rather than tarmac. Potentially the same as being used at the Interchange. I’m pleased also that a number of shop owners have taken advantage of the grants to improve their shopfronts and I am aware of at least ten premises that are either starting work or intending to start work shortly.

With the vehicles finally prevented from using the High Street we are hopeful that a different type of community can evolve which might see more outside space being used for tables and chairs and café type premises taking advantage.

Finally, the Town Council are looking again at their corporate and Place plan so that it can be refreshed to match an ever-changing town and meet the hopes and aspirations of all of our residents. There will be public consultations of course as we try to capture what the residents of Ryde truly want their Council to be doing on their behalf.

Jim Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

The warm spell in mid-February was a great tonic to us all, with the first signs of spring accompanying it. Crucially, for me, it coincided with the first appearance of my beloved butterflies from hibernation. Four species of butterfly hibernate during the winter as an adult: Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Red Admiral also overwinters as an adult but does not enter a dormant state and can be seen on sunny days throughout the winter. Of all the butterflies, it is the Brimstone which is synonymous with early spring. Keen butterfly observers note the date of their first Brimstone sighting and this year on the Island, it coincided with Valentine’s Day.

The male Brimstone matches the colour of sulphur perfectly and emerges from its slumbers dashing off in search of females. However, the paler female emerges later so its early pursuit is in vain. They can survive until the end of May, having the longest adult stage of the UK’s butterflies. Brimstone is among the oldest butterfly names, being established in the 17th century. Because of its colour, there is even the suggestion that the Brimstone was the original butterfly but this has yet to be proven.

Brimstone can be seen anywhere although the early records come predominantly from woodlands. Firestone Copse and Parkhurst Forest are two sites where you are likely to see one. If there is a cold spell in March, Brimstone will return to its wintering quarters and hibernate until the warm weather returns.

With butterflies starting to appear, now is a good time to register with Butterfly Conservation’s Garden Butterfly Survey. If you do not have a garden, you can still take part at an allotment or community space. You can survey your site throughout the year recording the species you see and enter your sightings online. You can find out how to take part at www. gardenbutterflysurvey.org

Recording butterflies is so important. The recent State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report has just been published and revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Don’t forget to record the butterflies you see out on your walks. There is an excellent iRecord free app which you can download to your phone. Enjoy your butterflies and let me know what you have seen.

‘Brimstone’

‘Brimstone’ Male chasing a female mid flight

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

Spring is here, and the Daffodils are out in Ryde!

www.michaellilley.uk access to locally produced food and locally grown vegetables brings me on to my 2nd cause.

This is my favourite time of year and whatever the difficulties we face, just seeing the spring flowers gives me something to smile about.

Save the Curlew as well as Westridge Farmland and Local Food Production!

On the 21st July 2021, IWC Planning Committee controversially approved 472 houses being built. Local residents started a campaign and employed the services of a specialist solicitor to take the matter to Judicial Review. However, until a legal agreement was signed by the developer with all the landowners involved and IW Council, consent could not be given. Natural England at this point in 2022 after not objecting to the application, raised concerns the houses were being built on the protected feeding grounds of Solent Waders and Migration Birds including the Curlew. This has meant that the original conditions of the planning application have to be changed and the application has to come back to the IWC Planning Committee on 21st March or 24th April 2023. I am concerned that whatever is agreed between IW Council, the developer and Natural England, residents and Ryde Town Council and other stakeholders have not been consulted let alone asking the Curlew. The Curlew and other birds such as Brent Geese who have been travelling to the protected Ryde Sands have been feeding on these fields for 100 of years, possibly thousands. Why should they lose their home as the tenant farmers who farmed Westridge since the 1960s have lost theirs? I will continue to object and fight this development as unjust, unfair and not needed. This farmland was productive and environmentally friendly and with Barrow Boys closed the issue of

Child Poverty and Food Insecurity in Ryde and Isle of Wight

Every year since 2016, I have campaigned, raised awareness and funding for food poverty in Ryde. In January 2019, I successfully put a motion to IW Council for the IW Council to commit reducing child poverty in 5 years on the Island.

The Ryde Annual Pancake Day event held on the 21st February 2023 raises funds for 4 Ryde food project all in or near my ward. These are Oakfield Primary School Community Pantry, Ryde Food Bank, Oakvale Food Share and Ryde Aspire. Since 2016, over £10,000 has been raised and I am hoping further funds are raised as this money is desperately needed and the food it finances. I have raised questions at Corporate Scrutiny and Cabinet Committee’s, and I intend to put forward a Motion on Child Poverty to the IWC Full Council meeting in March 2023. The reality is child poverty has risen in Ryde in the last 4 years not reduced and I am going to ask that IW Council recognises this and commits to a new 5-year commitment to reduce it radically. It is totally unacceptable to me that over 2000 children in Ryde are not only on free school meals (there has been a 63% rise in children eligible for free school meals on the IW over the last 4 years and this is an indicator in rise in child food poverty) but over 69% of these children live in deep poverty. Our children and grandchildren are literally going hungry. Please support me and donate to my Mayor’s Charity Fund - www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/mayorscharityfund

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

We are still working on ideas to help make the budget go that bit further, last month was slow cooker recipes, this month using an air fryer that enables the air to circulate to help cook the food quickly while retaining crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.

COURGETTE FRITTERS - Children will love these!

2 medium courgettes - grated - hand squeeze the liquid out

60g seasoned flour • 100g cheddar grated • 1 egg

2 cloves garlic - optional • ½ onion grated - optional.

* Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

* Make 8 patties with the mixture. (place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes) to keep the shape.

* Put courgette patties in the air fryer at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, leaving space between each then flip the patties over for an additional 5-10 minutes or until brown.

Use as part of a meal, a side dish or on its own with a dipping sauce.

CRUMBED CHICKEN FILLETS - 4 servings - Air fryer 180 °C

640g mini chicken fillets • 1 large egg • 150g dry bread crumbs

2 tbsp veg. oil • seasoning

* Whisk the egg in a small bowl

* In a second bowl mix the breadcrumbs and drizzle oil over - mix to together and season

* dip each fillet into the egg, then dip into crumb mixture until evenly covered.

* lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes

STUFFED PEPPERS 4 servings - 180 °C

4 large bell peppers • 500g mince beef • 1 tsp. oil • 1 small diced onion

2 cloves garlic - grated • 1 tin chopped tomato - drained

good squeeze tomato sauce • 1 tbsp - oregano • 200g cooked rice

100g grated cheddar - or parmesan or a mix of both.

* Cut the peppers in half - scoop out seeds

* Stir fry the mince, onion, garlic in a little oil (cook until mince is no longer pink). * Remove from heat - add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning and oregano - add the cooked rice - mix well together

* Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket

* Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Top the peppers with the cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (until the cheese has melted)

Swap the beef mince for minced turkey or chicken.