Your Local Community Magazine
February 2021
Sandown & Shanklin Area
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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. 2
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.
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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 2.
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 7 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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Report from IW Councillor Ian Ward for Sandown South & Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Transport Email: ian.ward@iow.gov.uk Telephone: 01983 403193 Mobile: 07772559093 A WORRYING START FOR 2021 There is much speculation why our Covid infection rates have increased so dramatically on the Island and in the Bay area in particular, but it is incumbent upon us all to keep ourselves safe and abide by the rules. Sadly, some members of our community have succumbed to the virus and I am sure we all send our sincere condolences to their families. Let’s hope that the situation improves very quickly, and I send my best wishes to you all. REGENERATION UPDATE Pier Street Toilets – Good Progress - A Development Partner Selected The redevelopment scheme for Pier Street Toilets have got off to a good start. The IW Council were delighted with the level of interest shown by the business community. A known local Island developer has been selected who intends to abide with the current planning scheme and are happy to manage the new public toilets. The developer wants to start the rebuild as soon as possible. Let’s hope the Covid Lockdown does not delay work as it has for other sites in Sandown. Fitzroy Street & Station Avenue Corner Building – Good Progress - Compulsory Purchase Order Initiated & Enforcement Order Issued After several years of complaints from me and negotiations with officers and the owner, at long last the IW Council has taken decisive action to tackle the derelict building on the corner of Station Avenue and Fitzroy Street. The IW Council has initiated a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) that will have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (MHLGH). Parallel to the Compulsory Purchase Order, the owner has been issued with an enforcement order to clear up the building and make it safe. The order is effective from 26 January 2021. 4
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SOUTH COAST TREE SURGEONS Grants available for local businesses 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.
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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
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Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre. Tel 07948 757977/400744 Email:- debbieandre4sandown@gmail.com Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown Twitter@debbieandre4sa1 As we move into yet another month where this virus seems to be ever present, I thought it might be useful to give details of help that’s still available to keep us all going. As before, the central hub number for support is 823600. This can be for a variety of reasons such as shopping, collection of prescriptions or just to hear a friendly voice. We have a wonderful volunteer team working within The Bay and this is the best route to be referred to them for practical help.
If you require help buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication ask friends or relatives to help. Consider local suppliers for home delivery.
The vaccination programme is now well underway and I would urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination if offered. In cases where people would struggle to get to the vaccination centre, transport may be available so please mention this when booking. Also, a roving service is planned soon to be operating out of the Riverside Centre to be able to administer home vaccinations where people are shielding or vulnerable and unable to leave their homes. Sadly, there have been reports of several scams operating in our area. These take a variety of forms through phone calls, emails, etc. Please look after family, friends and neighbours by reassuring them that it’s ok to ignore these approaches if they are unsure. You can find a list of the current known scams on the IWASP page: www. iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/ IWASP/Current-Scams
If you cannot go out to work and cannot work from home, you can get an isolation note to send to your employer to prove you can’t work. You do not need to contact your GP.
The rise of cases since Christmas has seen many people having to self-isolate at short notice. Here are a few preparations that you might like to consider: Make plans for food shopping and medicines.
Think about how you can exercise at home or in your garden. Walking your dog: If you cannot leave your home to walk your dog. You will need to ask others to assist you.
Contact the Isle of Wight Coronavirus helpline on 823600 if you’re self-isolating and don’t have a local network of friends, family or neighbours to support you. Cllr Heather Humby would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping our community to stay strong. She’s still very much available on 402024 or heatherhumby@sandowntowncouncil.gov. uk to support anyone at this difficult time. As always, but perhaps now more than ever, I’m here to offer my help and support. Please continue to contact me if there are any issues that you would like to discuss. Whilst face to face meetings are suspended, you can contact me by phone, email, or I’m happy to set up an online chat. Now, more than ever, we all need to: STAY AT HOME and KEEP THE ISLAND SAFE, wherever possible.
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Monthly News Report for Shanklin. Richard 07471 471960 Jon 07973 860086 Email. priest.gilbey@live.co.uk We’d like to thank local residents for continuing to follow the Covid 19 Guidance and respect the restrictions that have been put in place – these are difficult times, for all, and the efforts of all are appreciated. We are mindful that many shops and businesses, in the Town, have been affected by the pandemic and are not currently open – we would again ask residents to shop locally and support local businesses where possible. Also, we’d like to thank all of the volunteers that have maintained support for vulnerable neighbours and residents, collecting medication and delivering shopping safely – many of the volunteers have also come forward to offer to help with the vaccination programme in the Bay, which has already started (alongside the annual Flu programme) and many local residents have already received their jabs. We’ve been contacted by local residents and asked to highlight (and thank) the often-overlooked efforts of our posties, refuse collectors, school crossing patrol, shop workers, road workers, and other occupations that have maintained services, safely, to ensure the community can function as best it can under the circumstances. Shanklin Community Library, with Maria and a committed team of volunteers, are working on options to maintain a safe service, if possible, under the new guidance – we have secured a grant to
provide some PPE and other items, but we need to ensure the safety of all involved (readers, volunteers, and not make unnecessary journeys). Unfortunately, the programme of entertainment planned by Vic and all at Shanklin Theatre, has not been able to go ahead under the guidance, and the team has been working to contact all that have booked tickets for shows – an incredible amount of work had gone into making the venue Covid safe and details of rescheduled shows are available on the website. Works have already commenced on the upgrade to the local Railway, and infrastructure, with a replacement bus service available for commuters – this has also coincided with improvements at Skew Bridge and Alresford Road Bridge (and many of us can remember the sad history behind the installation of the footbridge in the 1960’s). The Town Council are planning a budget setting meeting (virtually) this month and are awaiting details of any cuts in IW Council service provision, as well as take account of the scheduled County and Town Council elections in May – as residents will appreciate the local polling stations (Falcon Cross, Youth Club, and Football Club) will all need to be Covid safe to accommodate the staff, ballot boxes and voters. Due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, it is likely the budget will be a rollover from continued over the page
Monthly News Report for Shanklin 2020/21, allowing the new Town Council to inherit a strong financial base and established projects for the next 4 years. And finally, we would like to pay tribute to Bridget Biddlecombe, a friend and inspirational community leader who sadly passed away just before Christmas. As many residents will know, Bridget was involved with Shanklin Youth Club in the 1970’s and early 1980’s; and spearheaded the renovation of the Community Centre in 1996 – and over this time countless thousands of local children, and older residents benefitted by Bridget’s selfless commitment and dedication. Bridget also helped organise Town Fayres (at St Blasius), the Youth Club float at Carnivals, and was actively involved with Green Town Volunteers (litter picks and the display at the Railway Station), as well as countless other community initiatives and activities. Thanks to all residents that have been in touch and we know the family have taken comfort in the cards and comments that they have received. Take care and stay safe. Jon Gilbey & Richard Priest
Get in touch today
Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk
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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 “An excellent team rescue centre, maybe offering an walking one of the invaluable service” dogs there or giving a little bit of your NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk time to the cats at the Stress-free Islandwide “Friendly & reliable cattery. professional yet Home Visits & very caring” Central Vet Surgery
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