Your Local Community Magazine
January 2021
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Sandown & Shanklin Area
How Could I Resist that Face? Island Magazines is continuing with true tradition and bringing you some great front cover stars and to kick off the start of the New Year I just couldn’t resist this super cute photo which was taken by local Wroxall resident Lianne Vine. Lianne is a full-time mum and when she is not running around after her 4 children, 3 Labradors, a pug, a French bulldog, the cat and finally her 4 guinea pigs she can indulge in her passion of photography. She has lived in Wroxall for 6 years and loves nothing more than being in the countryside, she has previously had her own horses and for the past 2 years she has been training her puppy to become her first ever working dog.
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Lianne originally started out taking photos with her camera phone and quickly became hooked and last year she upgraded to a Canon camera and hasn’t looked back. With “An excellent team all this countryside offering an on her doorstep and invaluable service” knowing many of the local farmers, it’s no NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk surprise that Lianne Stress-free Islandwide “Friendly & reliable is a regular visitor professional yet Home Visits & to photograph the very caring” Central Vet Surgery Highland Cattle and her photos are being shared across social media and websites. If you would like to Keyhole CT see the great collection Surgery Scans of photos Lianne has Watergate Rd, Newport, PO30 1XP 01983 212999 accumulated, you can follow her on Instagram @countrylife_and_labradors. 2
Welcome to the January issue of Island Magazines. I hope you all had a great Christmas and although you shouldn’t wish your life away, I know I am not alone in saying goodbye 2020 and hello 2021. I know the current Covid problems aren’t going to disappear just because it’s a new year, but I hope that 2021 is kinder to us and we can hopefully see some light at the end of the tunnel, with the possibility that life may just return back to normal... This month’s issue is packed with news and information and we have some great advertisers offering a variety of services, and they will all be pleased to hear from you. Do you like this month’s front cover? When I first saw this photo, I just knew that this was going to be our front cover star. I mean how often can you get up this close to highland cattle. Find out more on page 2.
text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ
The puzzle section on pages 10 and 11 will keep you busy and keep your brain active. I find January is usually one of the worst months of the years and seems to last for about 60+ days. I hope it stays dry so we can at least get out and about for some fresh air. Have you made any new resolutions this year? I haven’t bothered as I know I won’t stick to them. I think the first couple of months of each year are hard enough as it is.
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I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and I look forward to catching up with you next month.
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Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre. Tel 07948 757977 Email:- debbieandre4sandown@gmail.com Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown I think it’s fair to say that we are all glad to say goodbye to 2020 and look forward to the fresh start that 2021 will bring and I’m happy to update you on the projects that I’m going to be working on in the coming months. As many of you will know, I have called on the owners of The Savoy Site and The Grand Hotel and also Tarvic2 to engage in positive discussions with planning officers to agree ways forward to bring these sites back into use. We have opportunities now to plan for the future as we start this new year and implement plans for our recovery. I’m grateful for the support that I’ve been offered by residents in moving this forward and will update you as to any progress.
will need lots of community involvement. I’m thankful for the continued work of Sandown Green Town Volunteers in creating the beautiful plantings around our town for us all to enjoy. I know that these displays are much appreciated by residents and visitors alike and I’m especially looking forward to the spring flower displays.
I’m pleased to see work progressing on the former Esplanade Hotel and look forward to seeing future plans come to fruition. I consider this a major part of the regeneration of our town after many years of neglect.
I know that this has been a difficult time both for individuals, families and for our local businesses. Thank you to everyone who is helping by shopping locally and to all our local businesses who have continued to loyally serve us, always with a smile and going the extra mile.
Following on from my last report, I will be continuing to progress plans for an “Eden Community Project” in the area around Dinosaur Isle and Brown’s and will be looking to recruit community support at a later stage. This is an exciting project that
A reminder that the Island Line will be out of action from Monday 4th January to Wednesday 31st March while works are carried out on the track to enable the new trains to run smoothly. There will be a replacement bus service, but it will
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Report from Councillor Debbie Andre run along the main road as per previous occasions, so will not call directly at Lake, Sandown or Brading stations.
Get in touch today
Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk
www.maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 620
maggie
I will resume my councillor surgery at Have your priorities changed recently? Yaverland Sailing Club on Saturday Are you considering changing direction February 6th from 11am until 12am, in your work and/or personal life? restrictions permitting, although I’m hoping that we will be well into the recovery phase Are your many thoughts overwhelming? Work with me to gather your scattered by then. thoughts and pinpoint what it is you Please be reassured that I am available to be really want. contacted via any of the usual means. I will always try to respond in a timely manner and, if you prefer, am happy to meet with you either “virtually” or in a Covid secure way, socially-distanced. Cllr Heather Humby is looking forward to resuming her weekly Councillor Surgery, every Saturday from 11am until midday, when the restrictions at Sandown Library are lifted. Watch this space! She is still available on 402024 or at heatherhumby@ sandowntowncouncil.gov.uk
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Then and Now
Then
Isn’t it great looking at old photographs of places on the Island and then comparing them to how they look now. Thanks to Adam Thompson who has happily shared some ‘Then and Now’ photos with us. Do you recognise these locations in Sandown and Shanklin? Adam has been sent many photos from local residents and he goes out to match the location, or in some cases when he can’t get to it he uses the help of Google Maps. If you have any old photos feel free to email them to Adam at Tadam388@gmail.com and hopefully we can show you some more locations in future issues.
Then
Now
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Now
Then
Now
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Monthly News Report for Shanklin. Richard 07471 471960 Jon 07973 860086 Email. priest.gilbey@live.co.uk Vulnerable residents are encouraged to contact the IW Council helpline (01983 823600) if they need support shopping or with collecting medications, and many residents have had help buying groceries online and many chemists are providing home delivery services – volunteers in the Shanklin Community Library, with its team Bay have maintained support since the start of the pandemic. of volunteers, continue to provide a safe range of services for local residents and Shanklin Football Club are able to play readers – all involved wish to implement football again, at weekends, and are the plans made for the new library at still awaiting details of the rearranged Landguard Road and hope to see the benefit of this major investment during the Hampshire Cup Final against Brading FC, the first time 2 island clubs have played next 12 months and beyond. each other in the final of this competition. The Town Council will be considering Residents have commented positively on options to improve Chine Bluff Public the series of ‘Growing Up in The Bay’ Conveniences in the next 12 months, films available, freely, on YouTube, most recognising the need to ensure any new recently a film about Archibald Patrick facilities include better accessibility, changing facilities and long-term viability Lyall presented by Retired Air Vice-Marshal – the heritage of the site and amenities is a Tony Stables – telling the sad story of events 80 years ago and part of the Battle of factor in the discussions to be had. Britain over the skies of the Isle of Wight. Hopefully, thanks to the efforts of the Commuters will be aware of the disruption volunteers at Shanklin Theatre, the to the rail service, due to the ageing stock, public will be able to see Theatretrain’s with the positive news that the new stock Summertime Special (Saturday 23rd and has arrived and the improvements in Sunday 24th January), followed by a rearranged Comedian Rich Hall’s Hoedown the line, and stations along the line, is scheduled for 2021, with replacement bus Delux (Saturday 30th January). services planned to mitigate the impact of the disruption. Local Churches are continuing to hold services following updated Covid Guidance The Town Council are still awaiting details and have maintained an online presence of the impact of any funding reductions during the lockdown – guidance is also on the Isle of Wight Council, and what being followed by those groups that use church facilities and details are available on services the Town Council may need to consider funding. Church websites. We’d like to wish all residents a Happy New Year, and that 2021 is a year of hope and optimism: the community needs to continue to follow the guidance, look after our vulnerable neighbours, and shop locally to support local businesses.
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Monthly News Report for Shanklin
Shanklin currently funds all public toilets in the Town, the Community Library, much grounds maintenance, the school crossing patrol at St Blasius, and a range of other services previously provided by the Local Authority – any changes could impact on the local precept. The Town Council have already funded the new Community Library, new Toilets at Falcon Cross and Tower Cottage Gardens, the Clock at the URC, renovation of the War Memorial, the flowers beds at the Town Square, Falcon Cross Hall, CCTV and initiatives across the Town in partnership with Community Groups and Organisations – all within budget and financed over a phased and planned timescale.
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More recently, the Island’s High Sheriff officially opened the new Town Office on Landguard Road, completing the project that consolidated Falcon Cross Hall, Community Library and base of the Town Council – many involved with the Town Council have been a part of this project for 25 years and welcome the completion of the scheme. Thanks again to all those volunteers and key workers for all their work at this challenging time. Take care and stay safe Jon Gilbey & Richard Priest
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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 COMPULSORY PURCHASE OF CORNER BUILDING ON FITZROY After an unbelievable 2020 which has STREET & STATION AVENUE – A delayed regeneration work in Sandown because of Covid, manpower shortages and BUREAUCRATIC MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB. financial difficulties, hopefully 2021 will see projects restarting and getting back on track. Sandown has so much potential if we Although internal look forward rather than backwards. Towns all around the country are suffering Council agreement from changes in people’s shopping habits and seaside towns have to deal with this on was reached top of the changes in tourism. I believe that to compulsory Sandown will overcome these difficulties, purchase the but it will take time. So, let’s be positive and property many months ago, promote Sandown. but because this is a very UPDATE ON PROGRESS WITH difficult case the IW Council had to ensure DERELICT BUILDINGS that it was on a sound legal footing to do so. Although the IW Council has issued I keep myself updated on all the sites CPO notices previously, they had generally within Sandown South. I am in contact with the property owners, council planning not been implemented because the property owners had given in and complied and enforcement officers and do arrange with whatever they had been ordered to meetings between property owners and do, so the CPOs had never been taken to council officers to address problems. It fruition! In this case the owner was not is often extremely frustrating when I likely to comply. encounter a mountain of difficulties that delay progress. Property owners have very To enable the implementation of the strong rights and people’s misconception CPO for this building the current national that the Council can simply force owners regulations had to be verified and then the into taking action; unfortunately, it is just Council’s current policy paper amended not that simple. to comply with the current Government regulations. A Cabinet paper was then On the positive side I can say that all the written to enable the Cabinet to officially Sandown South sites are being actively managed and progressing, even the Ocean agree the CPO and commit the funds to do so. After that, the case has to go to the Hotel! Secretary of State (S of S) for permission to proceed. The Council has to prove to LET’S LOOK FORWARD TO 2021!
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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 the S of S that the owner has been correctly dealt with and given every chance to comply with the instructions they had been given. TACKLING VANDALISM I have been in discussion with the Head of Community Safety about the increase of vandalism in Sandown during the summer months, in particular the frequent damage to our public toilets which have had to shut until repairs are done; and the play park in Sandham Gardens where complete play equipment has had to be taken out of use. Graffiti is also on the increase. Other IW Councillors confirmed that this is an Island Wide problem as they had also seen such increases. After my subsequent discussions with the Head of Community Safety he agreed to undertake an action plan with the co-operation of the police.
Tuesday Falcon Cross Hall, Shanklin Group Meetings are back. Social distancing in place and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call/email Julie for more info on 07813 635202 or joolsmarj@btinternet.com
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First of all, the Friends of St Mary’s wish everyone a much better 2021. As 2021 begins, the Friends are getting used to their new retail set up, and they still live-in hope that at some time in the future they might serve drinks somewhere in the hospital and of course get their trolley service running again. In the meantime, they have been very busy serving mainly staff at St Mary’s who have been wonderfully supportive. They were delighted that the shop could remain open during the second lockdown and Lisa, the Manager continues at the helm, supported by her wonderful band of volunteers. The shop continues to provide a much-valued service to hospital staff and to the small number of the visitors to the Trust. They are receiving some lovely Facebook comments stating how much the shop is appreciated and for the service that they provide. Well done and thank you to Lisa and her team for all their work in keeping the shop going so well. Christmas seemed to start very early for the 2020 season and seeing the decorations up and Christmas merchandise about, was a real morale booster for them all. They were able to distribute over 370 gifts to patients who had found themselves in hospital for Christmas Day and for staff who were working hard looking after them. These were delivered just before the big day as they had to be ‘rested’ for 72 hours before being distributed. Moving forward the Friends of St Mary’s hope that in spring 2021 they can again start the process of helping the Trust to buy things which will make life little easier for both patients and staff. If you find yourself at St Mary’s soon please don’t forget to pop into the Friends’ shop - every purchase helps! 14
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