Island Magazines December 2022 Sandown and Shanklin

Welcome to the Christmas/December issue and here we are heading straight into the festive season, which I must admit feels like it has snuck up on me when I wasn’t looking. Do you feel the same?

This year there are lots of Christmas events happening in the lead up to the big day and some even after, such as the Boxing Day swims. I’ve never known so many Christmas Fayres and events to take place across the Island and this is great to see after the last couple of years. Our ‘Dates for your Diary’ section is on pages 10 and 11. For even more events visit our website www.islandmagazines.co.uk and go to the events tab. On page 3 you will find details about Santa Sleigh and the date he will be visiting this area. At the time of going to print the final routes and times hadn’t been finalised but as soon as they become available I will update the events page on our website.

This year I will be baking some Christmas cookies and savoury snacks for both myself and to give as gifts and you can find the recipes on Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature on page 16. These are the basic recipes to get you going and you can easily add different toppings, herbs, spices and flavours.

In this month’s issue you will find a great variety of local businesses advertising their services and their support through advertising keeps this community magazine going, so please use their services and let them know you saw their advert here.

I’ve had a wonderful year catching up with you every month and I want to thank you for taking the time to read this community magazine and I hope to catch up with you again in 2023... but until then I hope you have a Happy Christmas, however you are celebrating and please look out for those on their own and any elderly neighbours.

Best wishes to you all.

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Island Magazines, Mailbox No 6, Store it Self Storage Ryde, Unit 1 Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1BE

All information is correct at time of printing

T:- 400744/07948 757977 E:- debbieandre4sandown@gmail.com Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown

As we come to the end of another year, we reflect on everything that has happened to bring us to where we are now. With the cost of living rising at an alarming rate, energy prices rapidly increasing and the war in Ukraine far from over, it’s understandable that we might feel anxious about the months ahead. As your Councillor, I am driven to working harder for you and urge you to contact me before your situation escalates as there is help available. The IOW Council has set up a help page beta.iow.gov. uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living

Thank you to everyone who came to the meeting with Two Saints regarding the accommodation provision in Avenue Road. A reminder of the IOW Council number to ring to report any concerns is Wightcare on 821105, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I attended the Sandown Forum this month where voluntary groups in Sandown come together to share information and support each other. Sandown Football Club, Sandown Hub, Sandown Carnival Association, Green Town Volunteers, Sandown 50+ Club and Christ Church, Sandown were all represented. Don’t forget the Sandown Carnival Association fireworks on Sunday 1st Jan at 6pm along the seafront. It was suggested that there could be a “Sandown Showcase” of voluntary groups over a weekend. Further details to follow.

Once again, flooding seems to be an ongoing issue across the island with heavy rain a frequent feature. The Floodline number is 0345 988 1188. Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies. Avoid walking,

cycling or driving through flood water. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with flood water. Please check on neighbours and offer help.

There are several “warm spaces” that have been set up by voluntary groups in the area. They offer not just somewhere to be warm, but an opportunity to socialise and make new friends. The IOW Council has compiled a list of known warm spaces so far: beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/ cost-of-living/warm-spaces/ If you know of any more that aren’t on the list, please let me know and I’ll get them added.

Despite the difficulties that we face, there will be many free events happening over the Christmas period which reminds us what a truly wonderful place we live in. I’m looking forward to joining you all to celebrate this special season. The carol service at the beautiful Yaverland Church is one that I’m particularly looking forward to as well as other events planned. Please remember our local businesses when buying Christmas presents and shop local.

I’ll be continuing with my monthly Councillor surgeries in the café at the Wildheart Sanctuary on the first Saturday of the month from 11 until 12. Please come and see me and perhaps pay a visit to the animals at the same time? Cllr Heather Humby continues to hold her weekly surgery every Thursday at 11am at Sandown Library and is available on 402024 or heatherhumby@sandowntowncouncil. gov.uk

Happy Christmas everyone and a Peaceful New Year.

Shanklin Performing Arts Centre Update

The practice and performance mirrors have now been fitted and completed at the arts centre. The mirrors provide dancers with immediate visual feedback and are helpful in selfcorrection. It also allows them to evaluate the height, shape, and line of their movement, and to adjust their placement. The dancers see themselves in the mirror as the audience would see them. Needless to say, our dance and ballet groups were extremely pleased with the installation. Our thanks go to Paul and the

Carp return to Big Mead Pond

Work on the water sources for the Big Mead Pond has now been completed, and with the recent inclement weather, water is circulating through the pond and flowing on into the stream and onto Shanklin Chine. The very heavy rainfall meant the out-flows from the pond required attention. Ducks and Moorhens have returned to the pond, and the vegetation planted as part of the restoration has become well established. During November the volunteer team that has been helping with the restoration of the historic pond started to return carp previously relocated to an alternative nearby pond to Big Mead Pond.

Shanklin

Remembrance Service 2022

The Ceremony of Remembrance at Shanklin War Memorial on Sunday 13th November was well attended and conducted with due reverence and solemnity. Cllr Michael Beston laid the wreath on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, and the Deputy Mayor Cllr - Robert May laid the wreath for Shanklin Town Council on behalf of the Town. Cllr Chris Quirk, The Mayor of Shanklin, laid a wreath on behalf of the Town at the Island Remembrance Ceremony at St. Thomas’ Square and the Minster. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all that attended the services and thank everyone who was involved in making the morning such a poignant and memorable event.

Shanklin Theatre Architectural Lighting

Some of you may have already seen the new lighting system to the front of Shanklin Theatre. The two old fashioned sodium

lighting units that were sited on the lower front roof over the theatre’s foyer were in a poor condition and needed replacing. Upon consulting with a local lighting company that the theatre has used before, it was agreed that 6 LED multi coloured up-lighter units would be purchased along with a mode lighting colour controller that can produce many different colour combinations to replace the failing sodium lights. Further consultation with the IW Council planning conservation officer and English Heritage to seek permission for the placement of the up lighters was applied for, and subsequently granted.

The 6 light units consist of two flood light units sited at both end bays of the theatre, and when illuminated accentuate the stone pilasters and oval medallions architecture. The four other light units are spotlights, these are beamed up to the three central bays highlighting the four engaged stone columns and pediment above. The lighting effect now totally transforms the front of the iconic Shanklin Theatre for all to see and enjoy.

From Cllr Debbie Andre Sandown North Ward

dates for your diary

Every Tuesday – Walk and Talk Sandown starts on the 29th November and then every Tuesday. Come rain or shine, join in for a gentle walk and talk along the seafront and back again. Meet outside Sandown Pier at 10.30am. Brought to you by Living Well and Early Help Service. Call 01983 240732 for more information.

Thursday 1st December – Kick start your Christmas shopping with Ryde Late Night Shopping event from 4 – 8pm. Entertainment with in store competitions and offers, Christmas Light switch on and much more.

Friday 2nd December – St Mary’s Church Brading Christmas Music Concert at 7pm. Scottish Fiddlers, The Wight Ukers and Brading Community Choir. Enjoy some mulled wine, mince pies, cake and refreshments. Admission free with a retiring collection.

Saturday 3rd December – Lights of Love Parade in Bembridge from 5pm. Meet at Lane End shops. Lantern procession to Holy Trinity Church (arrive approx. 5.30pm). Afterwards to the Village Inn for mince pies and mulled wine/juice.

Saturday 3rd December – 1st Sandown & Lake Scout Group Christmas Fayre at Lake Lions Community Centre from 10am – 2pm.

Saturday 3rd December – Newport

Carnival Christmas Parade starting from Church Litten from 4.30pm. Floats, bands, lanterns, Santa Claus, Young Farmers, schools and much more. Lots going on in the town during the day.

Saturday 3rd December – Newport Carnival Christmas Parade starting from Church Litten from 4.30pm. Floats, bands, lanterns, Santa Claus, Young Farmers, schools and much more. Lots going on in the town during the day.

Saturday 3rd and Thursday 8th December – Christmas Wreath Making Drop-in workshops at Gift to Nature Shop, 12 Holyrood St, Newport. Saturday from 11am - 3pm and 10.30am – 2pm on Thursday. All material provided. Pop in and make a wreath. Tuition on hand if required. Suggested donation £6 per wreath with all proceeds to Gift to Nature. Contact rachael.ardley@naturalenterprises.co.uk for more information.

Saturday 3rd December – Christmas Craft Market at the Better Days Café in Ventnor from 11am – 3pm.

Saturday 3rd December – Christmas Fayre & Local Crafters at The Broadway Centre, Sandown from 9.30am – 3pm. Free parking, tea, coffee and cakes available. Christmas Fundraiser for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.

Thursday 8th December – Light up a Heart Christmas Celebration at Cowes Baptist Church, Moorgreen Road, Cowes with Wessex Heartbeat. Celebrate the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. Come along, enjoy some Christmas refreshments, including mince pies and share the evening with the community. You are welcome to dedicate a ‘Heart’, where you can write a message to a loved one which will then be hung on the Christmas Tree during the 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

evening. This community event is free but we do ask you to let them know if you are attending, via www.heartbeat.co.uk, as space is limited in the Church.

Saturday 10th December – Ventnor Christmas Community Day and Carols in the Park. There will be live music, a lantern parade and Carols in Ventnor Park as well as Christmas Fayres at St Catherine’s and Ventnor Baptist Churches and a Christmas Market at Ventnor Winter Gardens. Santa and his helpers will be at the grotto during the day. Fun for all the family. From 10.30am

Saturday 10th December – Roving Nativity Play organised by Wootton Bridge Parish Council – it will commence at 4pm from The Cedars, Wootton Bridge and make its way to Brannon Way via Station Road and Mary Rose Avenue finishing at the Community Centre for Carol Singing, refreshments, charity and craft stall from 4.30pm-8pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday 14th December – Ryde Castle Hotel Christmas Fair from 6pm – 9pm.

Friday 16th December – Ryde Merry and Bright. Join in the celebration in the town from 5 – 8pm. Lantern Parade at 5.30pm (starting Dover Street and ending in Vernon Square) illuminations in the Garden at St Thomas Rest and Vernon Square. Music, entertainment and food stalls.

Saturday 17th December – Sandown Christmas Day from 10.30am – 3.30 pm. A day of Christmas fun for all the family. Lots to see and do.

Saturday 17th December – Yarmouth Late Night Shopping, Santa Grotto and Carols in the Square. The grotto is open 12 until 6pm in The Bugle, Carols in the Square with the Salvation Army starts at 6pm and late-night opening until 7pm.

Monday 26th December – Ventnor Boxing Day Swim at Ventnor Beach at 12 noon. Join 100’s of people who brave the cold winter waters for a dip in the sea this Boxing Day!

Monday 26th December – Ryde Boxing Day Swim at The Big Kahuna/Ryde Beach Lifeguard Station at 12 noon. Refresh ments and hot showers available after at the Waterside Pool.

Sunday 1st January – New Years Day Dip in Sandown raising funds for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. Meet at the Royal Pier Hotel at 11am then head down to the beach next to the pier for the dip.

Sunday 1st January – Sandown New Years Day Firework Celebrations – This spectacu lar fireworks display will be from Sandown Pier at 6pm. FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated, friendly volunteers will be positioned around the espla nade with collection buckets. Road closures will be in place before, during and after the display for crowd safety. This event may be subject to last minute changes or cancella tion due to weather conditions.

For more events happening across the Island and to find out what time Santa is visiting your town go to the events page at www.islandmagazines.co.uk

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

Community News for The Bay

From Richard & Jon Email. priest.gilbey@live.co.uk

Hopefully, residents will be able to participate in the range of Christmas activities and events across the Bay this month.

Thanks to the many organisations offering Warm Spaces for the winter, with Christ Church in Sandown, Lake Methodist Church and Shanklin’s Age Concern part of the network of support and social activity available to residents.

Shanklin Theatre continues to offer a rich variety of entertainment with a Frankie Valli Tribute and Big Girls Don’t Cry on 1st, Eagles tribute Talon on 3rd, followed by an evening with star of Broadway and the West-End John Owen-Jones on Sunday 4th.

Ventnor Rock perform their Rock Nativity on 7th and 8th, Theatre Train’s World of Colour is on 10th and 11th, followed by the traditional Spotlight Panto Cinderella starting on 17th and running until 1st January 2023 – the Theatre then has a ‘breather’ until a full programme restarts in February.

TC’s at Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre, in Victoria Avenue, continues its post-covid re-opening with another Friday evening of disco and games from 7pm on 16 December for Christmas, and then 20 January in the New Year.

Shanklin Town Brass Band have organised their traditional Christmas Carol Concerts on 14th (7.30pm) and 24th at Shanklin

Con Club (12.30pm), and at the URC on 10th from 7.30pm – thanks to Malcolm and Karen, and all the band for maintaining the tradition.

Lake Lions Club presents Captain Barnacles and the Adventures of The Saucy Sal on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th, with details from Steve on 07834 680374; and there’s a fun day in Sandown on Saturday 17th between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Lake Methodist Church provides a lunch club on the first Thursday of the month, a cafe/library (10-noon) on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, with a Tuesday afternoon craft and chatter group alternating with the Tuesday group programme of talks.

Shanklin Age Concern’s programme of activity includes Lunch & Bingo (Mondays), Soup and Chess (Tuesdays), Lunch (Wednesdays), Thursday afternoon Social and Bingo, Friday lunch and the fortnightly flyer trip out – there are Sunday roasts on 3rd Sunday of the month, please contact tel 241019 for more details.

Lake Art Group continues to meet on Wednesday’s 10-12 at the Community Centre (please contact June on 718398 or Chris on 401530); and learn Ukulele on Fridays at Shanklin Age Concern (contact Tracy 07791 390707).

Have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2023

Jon Gilbey & Richard Priest

Are You Scams Savvy?

Join the Age UK Isle of Wight Digital Support Service for our gently paced workshops and a chance for a chat with our digital staff and volunteers. This month we are focusing on how to avoid scams and stay safe online. Sally Ash from Trading Standards and Philip Bonser from Daniel Burns Wealth Management are working with us to provide expert advice and guidance.

Date Time Venue Details

Thurs 1st Dec 10.00 12.15 Brighstone Methodist Church Hall

Tues 6th Dec 10.00 12.00

East Cowes Community Hub

Weds 7th Dec 10.30-12.45 Ryde Library

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Feeling safe at home. Discussion with Age UKIW and Sally Ash

Mon 12th Dec 10.00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Sally Ash

Tues 13th Dec 10.00 12.15

Better Days Café, Ventnor

Feeling safe at home with Age UKIW

Thurs 15th Dec 10 00 12.00 Newport Library Scams awareness with Phil Bonser

Sally Ash Works for the Isle of Wight Council as a Fair-Trading Officer.

Phil Bonser is a former bank manager who now works for Daniel Burns Wealth Management.

All events are free of charge and refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited, so please book your place by contacting Age UK Isle of Wight on (01983) 301693 or email digital@ageukiw.org.uk

As well as digital workshops, Age UK Isle of Wight also host drop in sessions across the island and one to one home support where needed. Get in touch with us to find out how to access these or go to www.ageukiw.org.uk

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

With the festive season upon us our recipe suggestions for this month are for sweet and savoury treats for yourself or you can share with family and friends or even make as Christmas gifts. The children and grandchildren can get involved in making these tasty biscuits to give as gifts... just pop them in cellophane packets and add a ribbon and message.

CHEESE STRAWS

100g cheddar cheese grated

50g parmesan cheese grated

100g plain flour

100g butter - chilled & cut into cubes

1 egg yolk plus a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper.

• Place the grated cheese into a large bowl - sift the flour and add the cubed butter. Add cayenne and black pepper.

• Rub together using your fingertips until mix resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

• Add the egg yolk. Stir together with a knife then bring the dough together to form a firm dough using hands. Tip onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a rectangle and roll until 5mm thick. Trim the edges and cut into 2cm strips.

• Lay on a lightly oiled baking trayleave a space between them as they will spread. Bake at 220 degree for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.

• Leave for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

CHOC CHIP COOKIES

120g butter - softened

75g light brown sugar

75g caster sugar

180g plain flour

1 medium egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp bicarb of soda

150g dark or milk chocolate, cut into small chunks.

• Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla, sift the flour, bicarb, salt - mix well and add the chocolate bits.

• Scoop 10 large tbsp of the mixture onto parchment lined trays or lightly oiled trays, leaving good spaces between to allow for spreading.

• Bake at 180 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden and firm at the edges but still soft in the middle (they will harden as they cool). Leave to rest for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

PARMESAN BITES

100g plain flour, 100g butter - chilled & cubed 100g parmesan cheese - finely grated These are lovely on their own or you can customise with finely chopped herbs, thyme and rosemary work well.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until crumbly then bring together to form into a 3cm diameter log - if too dry add a spoonful of warm water • divide log in half, wrap each in cling film and rest in refrigerator • slice the dough into 1cm round cookies, sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top and bake at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

Are there rooms in your house which are looking a bit drab, dated and could do with a new a ‘facelift’? If so, then Tanya of Décor Perfection is the lady to call. Whether it’s painting or wallpapering, a re-fresh or a complete makeover Tanya will be able to help.

Maybe you need the spare room decorated for guests coming to stay at Christmas or perhaps 2023 is the year to update and make your home look like new again.

Many of her customers have asked for advice for complementing colours and how best to update their rooms and hallways and Tanya is always happy to offer this service or be led by the customers, needs. She works cleanly, efficiently and is reliable and affordable. Tanya can also update fences, garden buildings

furniture so when Spring is heading our way consider giving her a call to get your garden ready so all

have to do is relax and enjoy it when the weather warms up.

You can contact Tanya at Decor Perfection

for further details.

Report from IW Councillor Ian Ward for Sandown South

Email: ian.ward@iow.gov.uk

Telephone: 01983 403193 Mobile: 07772559093

Facebook: Cllr Ian Ward BEM – Sandown South

WISHING ALL SANDOWN RESIDENTS, A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

I think we all hoped that 2022 was going to be a better year than 2021 with Covid and then lockdown. Depending upon your personal circumstances perhaps your 2022 was better or perhaps it was not! However, let’s all hope 2023 will be a better year for all of us. My very best wishes to you all.

SOME HOPEFUL NEWS ABOUT THE OCEAN HOTEL

Last month I reported that the next Court Hearing would be heard in Durham on 4th November. It did take place and legal representation from Phoenix Commercial Property Development (PCPD) did attend to appeal against the IW Council’s Improvement Order. However, the Judge rejected the evidence presented by PCPD because of its inadequate quality and directed them to go away and improve their Case.

The hopeful news is that a member of the management PCPD contacted me and said they now intend to carry out the work ordered and wish to discuss future plans with the IW Council. In view of the previous promises made by PCPD I have a degree of scepticism but let’s cross our fingers and be positive!

POLICE BRIEFING – POSITIVE NEWS

I am very pleased to report that I was invited by our Police & Crime Commissioner (P&CC), Donna Jones, to attend the amalgamation ceremony officially renaming our Police Force as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. Previously it was only the Hampshire Police, previous P&CC have tried to achieve the renaming and now Donna has achieved it.

We recently had a comprehensive briefing from our Island police team and we learnt some reassuring facts. The Island has the second lowest crime level, and the highest detection rate of other local Forces in Hampshire, only Havant has a lower crime rate. We also have a comparatively high number of Police Officers apart from Southampton and Portsmouth.

Because of our relative isolation, we also have a number of specialist units that a community our size would not normally have so while we sometimes bemoan our lack of Officers, we are in fact comparatively well served.

Have a great Christmas and New Year, See you in 2023

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