Island Magazines October 22 Ryde & Wootton Area

The ongoing efforts to bring the Town Hall back into community use continues to make Theheadway.working group of Ryde Town Council, of which I am a member, has stepped up their activity to try to save the building from further decline and to prevent the building from being possibly turned into residential Weapartments.havealready

met with the Arts Council England and Historic England, both of whom have visited the inside of the building and we are in the process of contacting the Lottery Heritage Fund for guidance on their grant funding opportunities. In recent discussions with professionals in this field we have identified the need for a valuation of the building that considers the social and heritage deficit and for creating a conservation management plan for the building which are essential for grant funding applications which will be needed to restore the building as a project and return it to community use.

In addition to this work, discussions have been taking place with two high profile individuals, well known nationally, that have engaged with us and have an interest in the project to bring it back into community use. They have also both visited the building in recent months. The project is complex, costly, and not without difficulties, but we are pressing on trying to find the key to save this building and to restore it to some degree of former glory. I am always reminded when I visit this building of the history and relevance to Ryde. The mayor’s chamber is still intact within the building and apart from some vandalised damage to a beautiful chandelier it remains as a testament to our

history. The mayor’s board is still on the wall of the chamber, and I note that with a sense of my own journey as a Councillor that the first entry on the board dates to 1869 and that those public servants at the time were very much part of building the town and community and have left us with a legacy and heritage we also must try to preserve. Let’s protect our buildings and heritage as best we can, for I fear we shall not see the likes of buildings such as the Town Hall ever constructed

I’magain.pleased

to say that after a first summer of owning the Marina, Ryde Town Council have started to invest in the area as the first stages of improving the community offer and enhance the services of the Marina. Apart from the sand removal already undertaken – but an ongoing requirement – the pontoons timber has been ordered and a new electric provision services on its way so that berths and pontoons have electric and illuminated bollards for safe passage. An inaugural meeting of a Marina community group of mainly Marina users and Council staff were enthusiastic and supportive of the ongoing improvements being made and plans for the new harbour office and facilities are under way along with the transfer of the land to the west side of the Marina wall between the Marina and the Quay Road car park. And it’s just the start. Just recently, the mayor and I met with senior Directors at the Isle of Wight Council and opened discussions about the future of the entire canoe lake area, which is sadly becoming neglected, being overtaken by wildlife, and falling into disrepair. Perhaps another asset of Ryde that the town Council could engage and become involved in subject to ownership issues being resolved.

Welcome to the October issue and thank you for picking up a copy.

What a month it’s been... it started with some heavy rain, flooding and then a couple of nights of thunder and lightning. The gardens definitely needed the rain and now the water butts are full again. More recently the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II and of course we now have a new King.

A BIG apology to fans of the puzzle page. I am sure you noticed that last month’s puzzles were a little confusing... I myself was puzzled to work out how mistakes had appeared in them! Maybe it was the hot weather? Whatever the reason I wish to reassure you that I have given myself a strong talking to and I promise no more impossible puzzles will appear in the magazine.

Autumn is definitely on the way now and this is one of my favourite seasons, as well as the days and nights being cooler, the island is also a lovely place to be this time of year. With so much countryside around us and lovely walks we are very lucky to have this on our doorsteps.

The clocks go back on the 30th October and we get an extra hour of sleep and the 31st is Halloween so it’s time to think about getting your pumpkin ready to carve.

I hope you enjoy this issue and have a great October and I look forward to catching up with you again next month. Ryde, Isle Wight,

Island Décor :

IntroductionAn

Hello, my name is John Lines, and my business is Island Décor. I have been in the decorating business for 30 plus years and I am very fortunate to have recently moved to the beautiful Isle of Wight where I bring my knowledge for all aspects of decorating along with my five-star service. I am dependable and professional and work to a tidy manner.

I am happy to discuss with any potential new customers any work that they wish to have completed. I work on residential and commercial properties and can decorate holiday lets and Airbnb’s.

Because I offer such a high standard of work and believe in complete customer satisfaction, I do not accept payment in

advance – only once the work is completed and the customer is 100% happy with the service. References are available upon request.

Since moving to the Island, I have enjoyed meeting some lovely Island people and if you are considering having work completed, please do not hesitate to contact me, let me help you achieve your plans for your home, as after all “home is where the heart is”.

Please see my main advert for contact details and I look forward to meeting many more island residents. Lui Tel: 520522 07795

Ryde’s Community Spirit Shines!

We are faced this winter with the cost-ofliving crisis and many of you will be worried about your energy and other bills. Be assured that Ryde Town Council is thinking strongly about this issue and at its September meeting voted to put in place a cost-of-living strategy in place for 2022/23 winter months. The proposal is to have a network of warm and welcoming places throughout the Town that you can go to during the day for a warm drink and help and advice.

Cost-of-Living Crisis Support in Ryde.

There will be energy advice and support through the Footprint Trust and access to food for those in need through a range of local agencies to the Community Pantry scheme at Oakfield School to Ryde Food Bank at Grace’s Church on Marlborough Road. Ryde Library will be the main hub for support based in the Town Centre with a network of other places dotted around the Town. This will be linked to an Island-wide network working alongside IW Council, Town, Community and Parish Councils, voluntary organisations, and faith groups. Ryde Town Council has appointed a new Ryde Community Development worker who will be coordinating support for the most vulnerable in the Town.

Further information will be on Ryde Town Council’s website www.rydetowncouncil. gov.uk or telephone 811105 or visit Ryde Town Council offices on Lind street.

Glorious Summer in Ryde!

The weather in Ryde over the Summer has been glorious and the Town came alive with events in the Town, along the Esplanade and on the Beaches. Ryde Carnival comprised of three events including Children’s Carnival,

Main Carnival and Illuminated. They were all fantastic and showed what amazing community spirit there is in Ryde. In the Illuminated Carnival I was decked in 300 lights and a fully illuminated Mayor! Island Event next year will be at Ryde School and on Ryde Appley Beach. This will build on the success of the Annual Beach Sports Festival. It is anticipated between 1000-2000 sports men and women will be involved.

Appley Day – 8th October 2022 Appley Day celebrates Appley Park and Beach and there will be a range of activities. The Appley Tower Players will be on at 12pm at Appley Tower performing their play “Where there is Will, there is a Way”. I will be performing as Sir William Hutt, the original owner of the Tower and local thespian, Maureen Sullivan, as Miss Brigstock. It is 1878, and Sir William has organised scenes from Shakespeare Plays to entertain Miss Brigstock. The Tower will be open. In the park, there will be treeclimbing and a range of activities. The final application for funding to renovate and refurbish the Tower should be announced in October with work starting late 2022 with completion late 2023.

Muddie, my Westie, has sadly died! On a sad note, my trusted companion Muddie, died in September aged nearly 16 of liver failure. She was always with me as I walked around the town and was often at events or in photos. She was very much part of me as an elected representative. She is sadly missed and created a gap in my life. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of condolence.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With many more people living on their own, many on tight budgets and now in these stressful economic times, we are suggesting ideas for SINGLE serve batch pasta cooking ideas with four different sauces to choose from, which can all be individually frozen. Defrost both the pasta and chosen mix the night before. Mix pasta with your chosen mix, heat gently until piping hot adding extra grated cheese where needed before serving. All meals can be served with vegetables.

PASTA Allow 100g of short pasta per person per serving. (e.g. macaroni, penne, fusilli etc) 500g pkt. pasta will give you 5 servings METHOD. Cook according to pkt. Instructions but remove/drain in a colander 2 minutes before end of cooking time (al dente). Run boiled water from kettle though the pasta. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze. EACH SAUCE RECIPE BELOW IS ENOUGH FOR 5 SERVINGS

PASTA Mac & CHEESE - 25g/1oz butter, 25g/1oz flour, 400-500ml/14-18fl oz milk, 80g/3oz grated cheddar cheese any cooked bacon bits or thinly sliced cooked sausage or a few peas can also be added - METHOD: In a pan stir together the butter + flour and cook gently for a few minutes adding the milk slowly, mixing all the time until it thickens. Cook for a few minutes. Add the cheese, seasoning & extras. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with MUSHROOM sauce - METHOD: Same as above but omit cheese add approx. 6oz/170g of thinly sliced mushrooms. One teaspoon of curry powder will add another layer of flavour. (omit if not a fan) Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with TUNA - 1 onion – chopped, 2 tins chopped tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves – chopped, 2 tsp. dried oregano, 3 tins (110g) of tuna in olive oil – drained, splash of white wine. METHOD: Fry the onion and garlic gently for 3 mins, add the tins of chopped tomatoes + splash of white wine, mix adding the oregano, cook for 20 mins, stirring from time to time, add the drained tuna, mix well and season. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

PASTA with COURGETTE/BROCOLLI & SAUSAGE - 8 sausages, 2 courgettes – thinly sliced, head of broccoli – florets thinly sliced, 2 tins chopped tomatoes, 1 large onion – chopped, 2 garlic cloves – chopped, 1tsp chilli flakes optional. METHOD: Heat a little oil in the frying pan and squeeze the sausage meat out of the skins – break up and fry gently for 8 mins with the chopped onion until golden. Add broccoli, courgettes, garlic + chilli flakes. Cook together for a few minutes then add the tins of chopped tomato. (add a splash of water if mix is looking too thick) Cook gently together for 10 mins and season. Allow to cool, bag 5 portions and freeze.

dates for your diary

Every Monday - Scrabble at Wootton Community Centre, Brannon Way, Wootton Bridge from 2pm – 5pm. Everyone welcome. For more information call Saturday079635299821stOctober

–Vectis Radio Coffee

Morning is from 10am to midday in the studio at the Riverside Centre. Plus, we shall have the official ‘Opening’ ceremony of our brand-new outside broadcast unitOB-1 - by the High Sheriff Kay Marriott at 11am. Come and see OB-1 and meet some of the presenters and other listeners. 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.

Saturday 1st October – Craft Fayre at Brading Youth & Community Centre, High Street, Brading from 10am – 2pm. Come and support crafters in the run up to Christmas - raffle, games, lucky dip and crafters. Refreshments available from the old school café.

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th October. Isle of Wight Literary Festival at Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ. The festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and will once again be providing a varied and exciting programme with something for everyone - from politics and history to science, fiction and current affairs. The café, bar, bookshop, and book signings will be available to enjoy too. For more info and ticket prices go to isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October – Wightrider at Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, Park Road, Ryde, Brand new for autumn 2022 - Wightrider will feature classic buses and coaches operating local routes linking into various attractions. There will be numerous visiting vehicles as well as the bus museum collection. Travel on all numbered bus services shown in the programme is free of charge and offered on a first come, first served basis. For more information go to wightrider.co.uk

Friday 14th October – The Vectis Radio’s Great Big Massive Enormous Variety Night at Strings Bar & Venue. After being postponed from its original date of the 10th September, this event is now back on. There will be a revised list of performers as some of the originally booked acts are not available on the revised date. Doors open 7pm – Show begins 7.30pm Tickets are £10 each from tickets@vectisradio.fm. All profits will go to the 4Ps charity.

Saturday 15th October - Isle of Wight Vegan Lifestyle Show at Cowes Yacht Haven Events Centre, Vectis Yard, Cowes, PO31 7BD from 10am – 4pm. Featuring over 50 stands showcasing plant-based hot and cold foods, eco-friendly home and lifestyle products, wellness treatments, bodycare, bags, crafts and much more! With a fantastic programme of speakers – including Chris Packham CBE – cookery demonstrations and yoga classes, there will be plenty to enjoy whether you’re vegan, vegan-curious or just trying to be more environmentally-minded. Free goody bag for the first 50 people. Entry £4 (free for under 16s)

8

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

RYDE LIBRARY EVENTS

Wednesday 26th October - Knit & Natter 5pm to 7pm. Come a long to this friendly group, light refreshments and knitting advice always available.

Colouring Club Wednesday 5th & 19th October. 2.30pm – 5pm. All high-quality materials are provided. There is no need to book - just turn up. Many people come on their own it is a great way to make new friends. Suggested donation of £1.

Sewing Saturday - Saturday 29th October 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.

Classic Book Group – Wednesday 12th October at 11am

Murder on Monday Crime Book GroupMonday 3rd October at 5pm

3pm Readers - Tuesday 25th October at 3pm

Audio Book Group on Friday 7th October at 11am. Please call the library for more details. Books are provided by the library on USB sticks or MP3 discs.

Make a beautiful Autumn Wreath completely form recycled materials. Tuesday 18th October 2 - 4.30pm. This event is free pick up a free ticket from the Library counter this is for adult’s craft session.

National Libraries Week Event. Wednesday 5th October 5-7pm. Book Tasting! Sample a variety of books and genres at this fun and original event. Light refreshments will be available including a glass of wine. This

event is free, pick up a ticket from the Library desk.

Our 17th Quiz & Chips – Thursday 20th October starting at 6pm, all tickets £12 which includes a fabulous fish & chip supper. Tickets are limited so get yours soon as they sell out very quickly.

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 October view art produced by local artist Donna Jones.

We are hosting a ‘Musical Tea’ Wednesday 26th October 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!

Half Term Lego session Tuesday 25th October 2 – 4.30. Build a spooky castle or haunted house, we are giving away a FREE Lego mini figure to all children taking part! Friday 28th October 10 -12am Make a Spooky Ghost, craft drop-in, just turn up! Suitable for 5 upwards. Our friends from Planet Aware will be here on Saturday 22nd October from 10am they will be holding a special children’s session with games and stories, more details available from the Library or look out for posters.

We also have an assortment of family board games available, Saturday afternoons from 2pm and if it is raining, we will get them out for extra fun!

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

Vectis Radio Outside Broadcasts

– The Story of OB-1

Even before Vectis Radio went on FM in 2017 they were doing outside broadcasts (OBs) using whatever equipment was available. Over the years technology has moved on and it became even easier as long as there was a reasonable WiFi signal or mobile broadband. The exact method of doing these broadcasts from remote sites was honed to a fine skill when lockdown struck, and it became necessary to broadcast from presenters’ homes.

Just before the pandemic there had been conversations about getting some kind of mobile studio and just prior to lockdown Vectis Radio was donated an old caravan to re-purpose as a mobile studio. Sadly, it sat around during lockdown and when the team started work on it, the floor had rotted

Thethrough.impetus

was there though, and the team was raring to go. Money was found to purchase another caravan and work started to convert it from a mobile holiday home to a mobile radio studio. Stripping out one bench seat and replacing it with a broadcast mixing desk, microphone and a computer and router for linking back to the main studio in Newport, the first trials of OB-1 began. These proved the value of the idea and helped the team make the necessary adjustments both technically & physically based on the experiences of the presenters and how it all went from an engineering point of view.

Just lately OB-1, as it has been named, has been “wrapped” in Vectis Radio logos and colours which has transformed it from a tired caravan to a real beacon of Vectis Radio. Now the station has a self-contained unit, the cooker, fridge & toilet were retained from the original caravan. Setting up an OB is now a matter of arriving on site, securing OB-1 and plugging in. No more tables and connecting up wires and gazebos for shelter, the studio can be up and running in 20 minutes or less.

OB-1 will be officially “opened” by the High Sheriff at a short ceremony on 1st October.

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 your or on 07880 587

As I write this the nation is in mourning at the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. My thoughts at this time are obviously with her family and in particular His Majesty King Charles III who must be under great strain at the moment.

Queen Elizabeth II dedicated herself to public service, something her son has declared to do in his first speech to the nation. She really did give a lifetime of service, shaking hands with and asking the new Prime Minister Liz Truss to form a government only two days before the end.

The Isle of Wight has many links with royalty going back many centuries, many of them good, some of them not so good. For instance, the first King Charles found himself being locked up in Carisbrooke Castle. Another royal Elizabeth, Elizabeth Stuart who was King Charles I daughter is buried in Newport Minster having died at Carisbrooke Castle. Her marble tomb was paid for by the other notable royal who had perhaps the greatest impact on the island, Queen Victoria. It is fascinating for me now watching the events in Scotland to think that on the passing of Victoria at Osborne the island was similarly in the spotlight.

Of course, interest in the island by royalty goes back much further than even Charles I. It was Edward I in 1293 who finally brought the Isle of Wight under the control of the Crown. Until then it had been an independent Lordship much like the Isle of Man. The final Lord, Isabella de Fortibus was fiercely independent and refused to sign the island over to the Crown until a somewhat disputed

agreement was reached on her deathbed.

On matters more local the Full Council meeting of September was cancelled. This is perhaps a blessing as there were some disappointing proposals regarding the Draft Island Planning Strategy being put forward. Housing allocation (i.e., where people can build new houses) is a sensitive subject. I am aware that there are moves to change this allocation and to put yet more strain on Ryde and Newport and give Bembridge and Freshwater a free pass. This is not fair on anybody as with fewer houses Bembridge will be less affordable for locals and Ryde is already facing massive expansion on green fields. Perhaps this cancellation will allow cooler heads to Woottonprevail.

Bridge Parish Council are negotiating with Places for People over the future of Church Close Club. WBPC and I are committed to ensuring this hall reopens and we are working very hard to make this Workhappen.has

also started to put in place transport for people needing to access the temporary surgery when it is relocated to the industrial estate. This is at an early stage, but we are hoping to be able to go into partnership with an existing voluntary organization that provides a similar service. If we can come to an agreement, then help will be available for those that need it. Any such service will rely on volunteer drivers so if you own a car and are able to spare some time to help others in the community, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Trading Standards have sent us the following information about a scam from Action Fraud that is doing the rounds.

• Action Fraud is warning the public about a sharp rise in reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. The emails claim that the recipient is due a rebate payment as part of a government scheme and provides links for the recipient to follow in order to apply for the rebate. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information

All the emails display the email subject header “Claim your bill rebate now”. Offenders are using the Ofgem brand logo and colours to make the emails look as authentic as possible. However, the emails ask recipients to “apply for an energy bill rebate before September 2020”, which is what prompted many recipients to realise the emails weren’t genuine.

We are all struggling at the moment and it might be tempting to try to claim a rebate but DON’T engage this is a SCAM

• We have also been told that delivery scam texts are doing the rounds again they are requesting a shipping fee and asking you to click on a link – these are phishing designed to take your details which will be sold on to scammers around the world.

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time eg CAT - COT - DOT - DOG.

Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

October Facts & Historical Events

October is seen by many to be a time of real seasonal change.

The meaning behind October’s name is far from accurate these days. The ancient Roman calendar was based on the lunar cycles, as opposed to our current calendar which is based on the solar cycles. This meant that there were originally 10 months in their calendar, and October was the eighth month. Its name literally translated into “the eighth month” in Latin. In 451 BC the two months of Lanuarius and Februarius were added to the beginning of the calendar, making October the 10th month.

The Saxons name for October was Wyn Monath, which translated into “wine month” because it was the time of the year for making wine!

The Twyford church in Hampshire, UK has a tradition of ringing its bells every year on October 7th. The origin of this tradition goes back to the 18th Century when a local resident called William David became lost in heavy fog while riding home at night. Much to his luck, he heard the church bells toll and from this, he managed to find his way home. As a form of thanks, he left some money to the church when he died so that the church could continue to ring their bells on October 7th every year, just in case there were any other lost travellers.

The world-famous Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. His worldwide renown is attributed to the nonviolent way in which he resisted the colonial British rule of India.

It wouldn’t be October without Halloween. The celebration’s origins go all the way back to the Gaelic people of modern-day England, Scotland, and Ireland, who celebrated the festival of Samhain. Among other activities, the original celebrants of Samhain would dress in costumes or disguises and go door-to-door receiving gifts of food.

Keep your eyes to the skies in October, as the Draconid Meteor Shower will peak around 8-9 October.

An even more impressive meteor shower is the Orionid meteor shower, which runs from October 2nd until early November. In 2022 the Orionid meteor shower will peak on the night of 21-22 October between midnight and dawn. At the peak of the meteor shower, as many as 20 meteors are visible every hour.

October’s birthstone is the Opal, which was valued by the Ancient Romans as the most priceless of all. The opal comes in a myriad of striking colours that often seem to swirl together and is a symbol of both faithfulness, purity, and hope.

October has two strikingly different birth flowers, the pastel-hued cosmos, and the radiant marigold flowers. The cosmos flower is representative of the joy one finds in peace and love, as well as representing peace. The marigold, otherwise known as the calendula, is said to be a symbol of tranquillity, grace, and grief.

If you’re born before October 23rd, then you have the sign of Libra. Those born on October 23rd or later have the sign of Scorpio. Libras are said to value harmony and diplomacy and are said to be both intelligent and kind. Scorpios are quite different, valuing trust and honesty above other things, as well as being quite intense yet imaginative people.

The very first McDonald’s restaurant in the UK opened its doors on October 1, 1974. The restaurant is still operational today and is located in Woolwich, in the south of London.

A lz he im e r Ca fé IOW

Tel: 01983 220200

Email: info@alzheimercafeiow. org. uk

Website: www. alzheimercafeiow. org.

East Cowes Alzheimer Café

East Cowes Town Hall

York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6RU

First Tuesday of the month

2pm 4pm

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

Ryde Alzheimer Café

All Saints’ Church Hall

Queens’s Road, Ryde, PO33 3AF

Cowes Alzheimer Café 1171437

Totland Alzheimer Café

St Saviours Holy Family Centre Weston Lane, Totland PO39 0HE

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

First Friday of the month 11am 1pm 2pm 4pm

Third Wednesday of the month

Newportuk

Methodist Church

Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA

Last Wednesday of the month Newport Alzheimer Café 6pm 8pm

Newcomers very

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.