Island Magazines November 2022 Ryde and Wootton Area

Ryde &

Wootton Area

2022

you new to the Island, recently retired or just interested in fun, laughter, lunches, walking, outings or something different? Then TG could well be for you and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and like-minded ladies in your area.

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

We welcome you to come along to a no obligation meeting, to find out more. A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. If you would like to talk to someone before coming along, please ring 01983 759350 and we can chat and even meet with you before you come to a guild.

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

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

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

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

Sandown - Broadway Centre, 3rd Wednesday at 2.00pm

Sandown - Broadway Centre, 2nd Tuesday at 7.00pm

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

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

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

Contact Lui Tel: 520522 Mob: 07795 363 534

www.primotechnical.co.uk

It’s May 1940, when 10 year old Lindy is evacuated to a village on the Isle of Wight leaving her father, a fireman in Portsmouth.

She befriends her neighbour Reggie who is the same age. Despite the air raids and planes flying overhead the children have many adventures.

in

Welcome to the November issue or as I like to refer to it.... the last one before the Christmas issue!!! I feel it’s safe for me to now mention Christmas, especially as the shops already have their shelves packed with decorations and presents for the festive season.

For information on events happening across the island including details of Christmas Fairs please go to our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on pages 14 and 15. Remember to let us know if you are holding any community events in December and we can help promote them for you.

This month’s front cover is a little different for many reasons, firstly as it was taken by myself on my phone and I’m not normally very good with photos and secondly, you might be wondering where on the Island I took this, but if you look closely you will see that the Isle of Wight is actually in the background as at the time I was visiting Hayling Island. This ideal photo opportunity appeared, and it made me think that although the planets aren’t aligned it’s always good to have your seagulls all lined up... except there is always the one that won’t do as it should.

Firework season is upon us, although in some areas on the Island this strangely seems to be something that happens more than once a year. If you are a pet owner like me, you too probably dread this time of year. Please make sure you have your pets safely indoors as soon as it turns dark in the few days leading up to and after the 5th November. If you are having your own display, please do the right thing and just drop a note through your neighbour’s doors and even share the details on social media so all animals can be secured and kept safe so the stress to our pets is kept to a minimum.

for

up and reading this issue and I hope you all have a great November and see you next month when Christmas will be one step closer!!

East Wight Photographic Group

A friendly local group meeting twice a month for photographic outings, lunch, presentations, workshops & socialising. We welcome all levels from first timers to experienced. Yearly membership £10. For more information on joining go to www.ewpg.org.uk or call 01983 872164

Decor Perfection

houseproud

‘solutions by Angela’ quality cleaning & ironing services

and support that works for you

WENDY DEBENHAM

WENDY DEBENHAM Soft Furnishings

pelmets - blinds loose covers - cushions and all types of home furnishings. Made to order measuring service & free quotes

and see us at our showroom in Brading for all your soft furnishing needs.

Please help support this great cause to get filled shoe boxes to the Ukrainian Soldiers.

Nigel Watson from Sandown is going to Ukraine before Christmas and he will deliver shoe boxes to Ukrainian Soldiers, reminding them that we have not forgotten them. Gifts can be left at All Saint Church Gurnard, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard, Cowes PO31 8JA between 10:30AM - 4PM or give to a parishioner. Closing date 25 November 22. For more information ring Joan on 298643

New thick socks, T-shirts, vests [possibly thermal], new underpants, neck warmers

Ryde’s Community Spirit is a Strong Flame of Hope! - Ryde is continuing to buzz with activities, inspiration, creativity, and hope although we live in challenging times. The reality for many in the Town and on the Island is this is going to be a hard winter due to cost-of-living and energy crisis. I have been working with others to make sure there is a network of accessible support in Ryde this winter.

Cost-of-Living Crisis and Help this winter! - Ryde Library will be a central warm place in the Town to get support and help from advice to reduce energy bills to debt counselling, access to food, a warm meal, breakdown isolation and where to get practical help. This central hub will be supported by a network of accessible warm places around the Town. For example, Ryde Aspire on Dover Street is offering free hot meals 4 days a week, Oakfield School has a Community Food Pantry and helps with families in eastside of Ryde and St. John’s Church Hall is planning at least one warm meal a week. Ryde Town Council and Ryde Aspire have appointed a new Community Development Worker who will be coordinating with voluntary groups, RTC, Network Ryde, IW Council and Ryde Aspire to make sure anyone who needs help this winter gets support. Please contact Ryde Library or Ryde Town Council offices for further information.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Ryde - There has been some sadness with the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11. Queen Elizabeth came to Ryde in 1965, 1968, 1987, 2004 and 2012. In 1987, Queen Elizabeth came to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the sailing of the first fleet to Australia. She visited an exhibition at St

Thomas’ Church in the Town Centre. It is now fitting that St. Thomas’s is being renovated and restored for community use as a youth and community centre. Network Ryde, Ryde’s youth service, is awaiting the final decision of a possible funding application of over £500,000 investment into St. Thomas’.

Sad death of Ray Allen (aka Frank Spencer) - There has also been the sad death of Ray Allen, the writer and creator of the iconic 1970’s comedy “Some Mothers Do Hav’em” and the character of Frank Spencer. In March 2023, this TV programme viewed by over 26 Million viewers at the time will have its 50th anniversary. I strongly feel Ryde should celebrate this event as Ray created “Frank” and the whole of programme from his personal life in Ryde. Even roads mentioned in the programme come from Ryde. It was an honour to present him with the Freedom of Ryde this year in June as part of the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations. A weekend or week in Ryde, does not go by without an art exhibition, a creative workshop, musical and theatrical events.

Future of Churches in Ryde! - The Church of England has three churches in Ryde, All Saints, St. Michael’s (Haylands) and St. John’s (Elmfield). The Portsmouth Diocese has engaged a community and architectural team to work with congregations and local communities to explore the future sustainability of these buildings as community resources. An initial report has been produced and consultation is on-going.

The above is only a snapshot of what is happening in the Town and my Ward, Ryde Appley and Elmfield, but it does show Ryde is such an active, kind, caring and beautiful place.

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Some of you will be aware of the future surrounding the Draft Island Planning Strategy (DIPS) and the recent meeting of the Isle of Wight Council that was meant to mark it moving on to the next stage of the approvals process. I think it is fair to say that matters are even less clear after the meeting than they were before it. There is now no clear path to either redrafting the plan or continuing with the one we already have. This is a serious problem because whatever side you may be sitting on, having a new plan is vital for protecting the island from opportunistic, ill-thought-out development that will blight our countryside, towns and villages. At the moment we are in a sort of “special measures” situation where we have been told by London that we must approve all planning applications except in extreme circumstances. The new DIPS was supposed to take us out of this situation and restore control to the island. Instead, we now have another period of delay before anything will happen. In all likelihood the DIPS won’t return to Full Council until the New Year and more months will have been added to an already long process. I was made aware in 2017 that the island already desperately needed a new planning strategy and here we are five years later with it still over a year away. In my view this issue is too important to play politics with and action should therefore be taken to ensure the DIPS is delayed no further.

In my speech to the Full Council regarding the DIPS and why I was supporting it I also mentioned the lack of an up-to-date minerals policy. This policy is one of several supporting documents that go along with the main plan and advise on various

from

Daryll Pitcher

matters. This minerals policy much like the planning strategy is woefully out of date. With a major minerals application in it would make sense to update this policy to make it relevant, otherwise how can we make the right decision? It may even take into account things like airborne silicates that can be generated when sand and gravel are extracted, a major potential health hazard. Since the council meeting, I have had informal meetings about this issue and hope that it can be pushed forward as a matter of urgency.

I have also held meetings regarding several road issues around the village. I don’t want to announce anything prematurely, but I believe that progress is being made on some of our more intractable problems. When I have an update, I will share it with the residents concerned directly first.

November is the month of Remembrance where we take a moment to think about those that lay down their lives so that we could live in freedom and security. This year I am also turning my thoughts to the Ukrainians defending their country from an act of supreme aggression and recklessness. We should support them as much as we can because no matter the rights and wrongs of what has happened there previously, nothing gives one country the right to invade another. Look out for updates regarding times and dates of ceremonies at the War Memorial at St. Edmund’s Church over the Remembrance weekend.

Don’t get caught out with the many scams that are doing the rounds. Here are some tips for you.

Call Blocking

•

If you are a WightFibre, Sky or TalkTalk customer they all offer a free call blocking service – you just need to contact them to set this up.

• You can purchase phones that block scam calls and allow through calls from friends and family that are stored in the memory.

• Call Blocking Units can be purchased online or from reputable traders. What to do with Scams

• Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk

• If you receive a scam call purporting to be your bank you can call 159 to verify if it really was your bank or a scammer.

• If you receive a scam text this can be forwarded to 7726.

• If you receive a call and are unsure of the caller you can go to the Who Called Me website and put the number in and it will tell you if this is a trusted number or a scam.

Warning signs it might be a scam

•

If it sounds too good to be true: Beware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

• You are contacted out of the blue: You may get a phone call, email or letter from someone you’ve never heard of.

• You have to make a quick decision: Scammers don’t like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by saying things like ‘If you don’t act now, you’ll miss out.’

• You have to give away bank account details: Trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.

• Banks will never ask you to click on a link.

If you see any of the warning signs in a letter, phone call, text message or email, it could well be a scam.

Staying safe from scams Take Five

Stop - Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge - Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect - Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

A lz he im e r C a fé IOW

Tel: 01983 220200

Email: info@alzheimercafeiow. org. uk Website: www. alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

East Cowes Alzheimer Café

East Cowes Town Hall York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6RU First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF First Friday of the month

Totland Alzheimer CaféCowes Alzheimer Café

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

Sandown Alzheimer Café

The Broadway Centre 1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG Fourth Wednesday of the month

2pm 4pm

St Saviours Holy Family Centre

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

11am 1pm 2pm 4pm

Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE Third Wednesday of the month

Newport Methodist Church Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month

Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm

Newcomers very welcome No booking required

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

Charity Number CIO 1171437

It’s a Café with a difference!

Alzheimer Café IOW is an Isle of Wight charity that is a lifeline for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Alzheimer Café IOW started in 2009 and has 6 cafés across the island but is not like your conventional café as they have the role of providing accurate and appropriate information relating to dementia in a stress-free environment.

Anybody can go along to these ‘meet ups’ so I went to the East Cowes Alzheimer Café to find out what it’s all about. As I walked through the doors I was met with a smile and friendly greeting from the volunteers, which immediately put me at ease. I explained that I had come along just to find out more about it all, and this wasn’t questioned, and I was offered a seat. It was lovely to watch the interaction between visitors and volunteers – name tags were given, and tea and coffee was served.

All the cafes are overseen by different co-ordinators, and I met Lizzie and Barry the coordinators of this particular café. I also met with Anna Roberts (Charity Liaison Officer) and Floss (volunteer at East Cowes, Cowes & Newport), who made sure everyone was catered for, tea and coffee wise. All the café’s follow a rolling programme which enables them to touch on key topics throughout the year as there is no ‘one-size fits all’ and Barry who gave this month’s presentation on ‘Why Life Stores Matter’, is co-ordinator for the Dementia Awareness Partnership IW, the training arm of the Alzheimer Café IOW.

All the café’s use the same format and language while still having their own distinctive characteristics and they all work with various agencies across the island including Memory Service and Carers IW to ensure the best support is available for everyone.

The whole dementia area is new to me and I was shocked at some of the statistics I found out especially that a probable diagnosis of dementia requires confirmation from a Memory Service psychiatrist before accessing government support, however the IW Trust has been unable to appoint replacements for many months and the number of referrals have been averaging 60+ per month with a waiting time in excess of 12 months and growing and this is why the Alzheimers Café is such an important part of the community offering informal dementia education and information and signposting to other services.

Alzheimer Cafés welcome anyone who is worried about their memory, has a diagnosis of dementia, or would like to find out more about dementia. It is clear that families come to an Alzheimer Café because they are seeking support and looking for answers and for many, diagnosis is a mixed blessing… An illness is given a probable diagnosis, but no onward care is currently available. The future isn’t just uncertain it’s fearful!

There are currently 2,655 people over the age of 65 living with dementia on the Island and this number is likely to increase to 3,920 by 2030 – Isle of Wight Dementia Strategy.

You can find details of all the Alzheimer Cafés on the opposite page.

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Wordsearch ‘Phobias’

One Careful Owner

It’s been that time of year where I pack away spring and summer clothes and bring out my autumn and winter wardrobe. I like having a clear out at the same time and then I donate to local charities either via the shops or recycling bins in the area. All the clothes I donate are clean and in good condition and have basically had one careful owner (me).

I recently read an article about the severe environmental impacts of the fashion industry and what is termed as ‘fast fashion’ and according to the UN Environment Programme, the fast fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The term refers to ‘cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest catwalk styles and get pumped quickly through stores in order to maximise on current trends.

The fast fashion model is so-called because it involves the rapid design, production, distribution, and marketing of clothing, which means that retailers are able to pull large quantities of greater product variety and allow consumers to get more fashion and product differentiation at a low price.

This information alone was enough to get me thinking and then I thought about how much money I spend on new clothes, and like everyone I should be looking to save money. It was time to be a recycling consumer rather than just a donator!!!

In my hunt for some pre-loved clothes, I have been visiting the many different charity shops on the island. I like the ones set up like a boutique, all the dresses together in size order, the tops all neatly in one section and coats kept together. I am not a rummager by nature, but I know some people enjoy it. I like to go to my size and see what is available and that’s me done. I have found some great items, dresses for £3 or £4 pounds, I got a new skirt for £7 which still had the original tag on at £34.99. I picked myself up a lovely Gisela Graham bag for £4.99 and last week I got myself a Per Una casual winter jacket for £4.99 saving myself at least £50. But… and I have saved the best to last, I have been wanting a faux fur gilet for a while, what I was looking for was quite specific and I have been searching online. I found one but it was £39.99, and I had held off buying it and now you probably won’t believe this, but this is a true story. I popped into my favourite charity shop and there like a shining beacon was the gilet of my dreams… I went from 0 - 60 in 2.1 seconds to get my hands on it and lo and behold it was the perfect fit and it only cost me £4.49.

What I do love about shopping like this is if you buy something for a couple of pounds and you get it home and it doesn’t look quite right you can just donate it again as you know the money has gone to a good cause. We all love a bargain and for me this is the perfect way to make a difference to the world we live in while at the same time looking forward to some new outfits.

dates for your diary

Friday 4th November - Bembridge

Fireworks Night from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Steyne Park. This year we have stalls in the hall, food stalls outside, DJ and the bar will be open all night with fireworks at 7:30pm. Please don’t bring any sparklers or fireworks into Steyne Park on the night and remember the car park will be closed and there will be ‘no waiting’ cones along Steyne Road. It’s free entry but we are asking if everyone would be kind enough to make a donation on the night, all monies raised will go to the BYCC and this great village event.

Saturday 5th November – Yarmouth

Fireworks are back! Join us in the town square from 6pm, where there will be food and drink outlets open. A procession will then lead to the lit beacon and display. Display to start approx. 7pm.

Saturday 5th November – Vectis Radio

Coffee Morning is from 10am to midday in the studio at the Riverside Centre. Maybe you would like to join our team of volunteers, whether that is presenting, marketing, collating news or something else. Come and have a general chat. We will have tea and coffee for you, and some biscuits, plus we have been promised homemade cakes. All we ask is for a donation in the bucket to help us keep going. Or we have a card machine if you have no cash.

Saturday 19th November – Day of Christmas from 9am – 6pm in Newport Town Centre and The Quay. This year, the event organised by NCCC alongside Market Days CIC and SKATES promises to be even bigger than last year, which was one of the busiest days in Newport’s history. The Quay will host an ice rink as well as inflatable assault course and snow globe (weather permitting), a circus workshop and food stalls. A bustling Christmas market will bring festive sights and smells to St Thomas’s Square once again this year. Characters including the Grinch, will be walking around throughout the day and local school and community choirs will be performing. A large stage will be in St James’s Square providing a variety of entertainment throughout the day until 5.45pm when a magical circusthemed show ‘The Greatest Snowman’ will switch on the town’s Christmas lights!

Sunday 20th November - IW Donkey Sanctuary Winter Market. Again, we will have plenty of stalls to look round with a wide variety of products. There will be live music on the day to get you into the festive spirit, as well as a festive menu in Grazers Café! Santa will also be making a special visit to see our donkeys and also all of our visitors. This year our on-site car park is restricted to disabled badge holders only. Instead of general parking being on site, we are going to have a number of park and ride services available. There will be a park and ride service from The Old Smithy in Godshill, The Free School in Ventnor, and St. Francis school across the road in Ventnor as well. These will have regular services, and both are under 10 minutes from us.

19th November – 23rd December – I Love Wight Artisan Christmas Pop-Up Shop and Mini Market at The Garlic Farm, Mersley Lane, Newchuch from 9.30 – 4.30pm. Local handmade products from Isle of Wight artisans along with some great musicians and performers. continued over the page

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

dates for your diary

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November

– The Wildheart Trust Christmas Market from 10am – 4pm. We have lined up a beautiful, bespoke collection of stalls selling perfect gifts and decorations from local Isle of Wight designer makers and artists. With Father Christmas launching his wonderland grotto plus carols, festive food and mulled wine, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is the perfect place to kick off your Christmas shopping and find that perfect gift. It is a wonderful weekend to meet our animals and start feeling those first flutters of Christmas magic. Normal admission prices have been held for the weekend so either book ahead or turn up on the day.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November

- The Northwood House Christmas Fair from 10am – 4pm. Featuring a selection of over 40 of the best Island gift exhibitors in art, craft and produce, it’s the perfect inspiration for unique Christmas present buying for those seeking something unique and original for their friends and loved ones! Free entry to Fair. The Christmas tea room will be open with mince pies and seasonal fair, along with the House bar serving mulled wine. Children can have a meet and greet with Father Christmas in the snow cave and write him a letter to give to him in person, with a chance for parents to take photos. There will also be the return of Santa Paws…the father Christmas for dogs, who’ll be delighted to wish your four-legged friends a Merry Christmas and have a photo for a charitable donation to Northwood House. This will take place in a marquee in the rotunda car park.

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

Lego Club Every Tuesday afternoon starting at 3.30 until 4.30 we will get our Lego out be prepared to build something amazing!

Games Club Every Saturday 2pm – 4pm Games adults & children can enjoy together

Did you know there are many activities available? Mostly they are free or with a small voluntary donation. Look at the list below to see the activities on during November

Wednesday 30th November Knit & Natter 5pm to 7pm. Come a long to this friendly group for a chat whilst you knit or crochet, light refreshments and knitting advice always available.

Colouring Club Wednesday 2nd, 16th & 30th November 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 suggested donation of £1.

Sewing Saturday - Saturday 26th November 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! Come for good company and sewing advice if you need it. 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!

Classic Book Group – Wednesday 9th November at 11am. This month’s title is ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne.

Murder on Monday Crime Book Group - Monday 7th November at 5pm will be discussing ‘The Moving Toyshop’ by Edmund Crispin.

3pm Readers - Tuesday 29th November at 3pm. Book is The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

Friday 4th November 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.

On Saturday 5th November we will be holding a Book Sale from 10am -4pm. Always a favourite, come in and get yourself some bargain books!

Mountbatten Hospice will be here 2.30pm – 4pm for one of their regular sessions on Tuesday 15th November to answer your questions and recruit for volunteers.

The NHS are going to be using the Library for Winter Vaccinations look out for more information in the Library.

In the Gallery for the whole of Novemberview work produced by the IOW Photographic Society

We are hosting a ‘Musical Tea’ Wednesday 23rd November 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. This event is free!

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

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

Now that autumn is with us there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot home-made soup. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Serve with croutons, naan, crusty bread, flatbreads, a sprinkle of grated cheese, even a toasted cheese sandwich will add another level of indulgence! Use what you need and then freeze the rest for another day.

ROOT VEGETABLE SOUP serves 4

2 tbsp olive oil

800g/ 1lb 12oz of mixed root vegetables - any kind - peeled and cut into even smallish chunks

2 garlic cloves - crushed 2 chicken or veg. stock cubes. Fry the onions until soft - add the vegetable chunks - stir fry for 5 minutes.

Crumble the stock cubes and add 1 litre/1¾ pints of water to the pan - simmer for 20 minutes. Blitz until smooth, season.

LIGHTLY CURRIED CARROT SOUP

1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter

serves 6

2 onions - chopped and 2 garlic cloves - crushed

500g /1lb 2oz carrots - peeled and chopped into small pieces

300ml/half pint chicken or veg stock

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp curry powder (m) thyme and seasoning.

Melt the butter - add the oil and gently sweat the onions, carrots and garlic until softened (5-6 minutes) - season.

Add the cumin and curry powder - cook for a further 2 minutes

Add the stock, thyme - Add ½ litre/1 pint water - bring to boil. Simmer for 20 - 25 minutes. Take off heat. Blitz until smooth.

LENTIL & BACON SOUP Serves 6

a little olive oil

3 - 4 good rashers of smoked back bacon - finely chop

1 red pepper and 1 onion - finely chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and finely chopped

1 garlic clove - crushed

1 chicken/veg. stock pot

1½ ltr/ 2½ pt water

200g/7oz red lentils or use 2 tins lentils - well drained a little thyme and seasoning. Fry the bacon, onion, red pepper, sweet potato and garlic on a low heat until softened. Add the red lentils or the drained lentils to the pan. Pour in the stock, thyme and seasoning. Return to boil - simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Either serve the soup with ‘bits’ or blitz if preferred.

CAULIFLOWER SOUP serves 4

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 onion - finely chopped

1 garlic clove - finely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander 800g/ 1¾ quarters lb. cauliflower florets, roughly chopped

1 ltr./1¾ pints chicken or veg. stock 150ml/5fl. oz creme fraiche or cream. Fry the onion and garlic gently for 2-3 minutes. Add the cumin and coriander and stir fry together for a further 1-2 minutes. Add the cauliflower and chicken stock. Bring to boil then simmer for 8-12 minutes until cauliflower is tender. Take the pan off heat. Blitz until smooth. Add the cream - season. Return to pan and gently heat through.

How much more are we going to have to endure? I remember writing in this very magazine around February of this year that the Police had invested in a specific team to address the problems of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour across the Island. I was pleased to see that and thought perhaps their actions might extend to Ryde itself. I am now not so sure as we witness an almost daily occurrence of mindless vandalism around the town. Recently, vandals managed to bring trains to a halt for an extended period after they caused dangerous damage on the Island Line network which affected many people who use the service as a method of travel for work and play.

To add to the more recent events, as well as the continued and ferocious attacks on the temporary toilets situated on Western Gardens, a battle that has been lost despite new cameras being installed, we have had the men’s toilets close to the Marina and Esplanade area destroyed internally with levels of damage hard to understand. It is as though heavy club hammers were used to smash walls and internal fittings in such a way that the toilets remain out of action at the time of writing this article. The costs are mounting as well. This year alone, Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council have spent thousands of pounds on repairs to our toilets on the seafront area of Ryde.

With the long periods that the toilets are then out of service for visitors and residents alike the problem has become intolerable. When one looks further afield to actions of vandalism such as smashing to pieces the statue that once resided on top of the fountain on Western Gardens, still not replaced, and the numerous and extensive attacks of vandalism by youths inside Ryde

Town Hall we are seemingly fighting a battle in our community that cannot be won.

So, when I heard that the Police were going to address these kinds of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage I was pleased. Six months on I’m not so sure. We have had little Police support in trying to deal with these incidents and my guess is that this sends the wrong message to those carrying out these crimes. I am therefore renewing my efforts through community safety channels at the Isle of Wight Council to get both the local Island Police Superintendent to visit and meet with all Ryde Councillors on the ground in Ryde and to also through other channels get the Police and Crime Commissioner to visit and meet with Ryde Councillors and Ryde Town Council to see at first hand the problems we face. I will update as soon as I have more news on this.

As the current energy crisis unfolds, I am working with fellow councillors to create initiatives in Ryde for safe warm spaces and food kitchens to bring support and help to those that could be facing a winter of fuel poverty and all that brings. We have a network of organisations that are already working towards a structure and support plan, and these will publicise once final details are known. Ryde Town Council have made some small adjustments to their event grant scheme for the remainder of this financial year and that will provide some extra revenue to support the muchneeded safe warm spaces and food kitchens approach that many vulnerable people may be needing. Let’s hope that our winter period is less harsh than it sometimes can be and that we do not have any, or prolonged periods, of severe cold weather bouts.

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