Island Magazines February 23 Sandown and Shanklin area

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

Slow cookers make light work at dinner time and are energy efficient - great on the pocket as well! Assemble your dish and allow the gorgeous flavours to come together over a low heat. Here are a couple of recipes including a vegetarian stew - All recipes can be batch cooked, shared and frozen for another day.

SLOW COOKED SAUSAGE

CASSEROLE

serves 4 - 6

1lb/450g sausages • variety of vegetables 1 tsp mixed herbs and 2 garlic cloves crushed 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 400ml beef stock Method

1. Fry the sausages in a little oil - drain - add to the slow cooker.

2. Add any choice of diced vegetables, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 1 celery stick, 1 red pepper, 1 courgette, a bit of butternut or leek, plus the herbs, garlic and tin tomatoes

3. Pour over the beef stock - mix well together. Cook for 4 hours, take out sausages and slice - return to slow cooker. Add gravy granules to thicken if desired about half an hour before end of cook time. Great with mash!

SLOW COOKED CHICKEN CURRY SERVES 4

SLOW COOKED VEGETARIAN DUMPLING STEW

2 tbsp oil • 1 lge onion - diced

2 garlic cloves - crushed 2 carrots - 1cm rounds 300g mushrooms - sliced

3 tbsp plain flour

1 tbsp tomato puree

2 x 400g tins green lentils - drained 700ml veg. stock 150ml red wine thyme plus 1 tbsp marmite - opt. Method

1. Heat oil, gently fry the onion for 10 minutes. Add garlic and tomato puree

2. Add the flour to coat the onion mix - season

3. Add red wine, stir well to prevent lumps forming - transfer to slow cooker

8 skinless chicken thighs • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion - diced • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 2 tsp curry powder • 2 tsp tandoori masala • 1 tbsp curry paste • 400g coconut milk • 245g low fat plain yogurt. Method

1. Heat butter and olive oil over low heat. Add the chicken, onion, garlic and curry seasoning and stir fry gently for 10 mins.

2. Put mix into a slow cooker, add the tomato puree, coconut milk and yogurt and mix well together. Cook on ‘auto’ for 4 - 6 hours or on ‘low’ for 6 - 8 hours Serve with basmati rice and warmed naan bread

4. Add carrots, mushrooms, lentils, stock, thyme & seasoning. Slow cook ‘auto’ for 4 hours.

DUMPLINGS - 100g SR flour • 40g butter or vegan spread • 1 tsp thyme. In a bowl rub the flour, butter/vegan spread, until you have breadcrumbs using finger tips. Add thyme and seasoning. Sprinkle 2-3 tbsp. cold water and mix until it comes together - make 8 balls. Add dumplings 1 hour before end of cook time.

Isle of Wight Piano Tuition

Over 20 years’ experience Beginners & Intermediate All ages including adults

www.iowpiano.co.uk

Moira Moseley-Brown L.T.C.L G.T.C.L (Hons) P.G.C.E Piano & Theory of Music Teacher

Isle of Wight Piano Tuition by Moira Moseley-Brown

The phone rings. It is an unknown number. Many people expect cold callers trying to sell something. I don’t. For me, it can be the beginning of another adventure with a new person into the world of music. The questions are often the same: adults worry about their age and lack of musical knowledge; how much I charge; how flexible I am; whether a keyboard is okay to learn on. What isn’t said is: “I really want to learn the piano, but I have learnt to be afraid of teachers, and I am terrified that you will tell me off!”

When it comes to learning, adults often revert to their childhood experiences. I remember my first lesson with one of the most highly respected piano teachers in England. I was nervous. My hands felt slightly sweaty and shaky. When asked to play one of my favourite scales I panicked and froze. But he was so kind and surprised at my reaction. His attitude soon calmed me down. He saw his work as “getting out the oily rag to fix the problem in the engine room.” What he taught me really worked and I love to pass that knowledge and kindness on to my pupils!

To answer all the real, unspoken questions, I offer a free session to any potential pupil. The time is not limited to half an hour. It is our time together to enjoy the piano. What happens afterwards is down to you.

Wow... we’ve made it past the worst month of the year! January seems to have 485 days in it so I am glad that we are now in February. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels like this.

Weather wise there isn’t much difference between the two months - they are both usually wet, cold and windy. (sorry I tried to think of something positive to say here but I couldn’t find the words!).

This month I am looking forward to two events, the first being St Valentine’s Day, I will leave the obligatory reminders around the house for my hubby to remember. I never feel guilty eating the chocolates he buys as we all know when chocolates are a gift they are calorie free!!

The second event is on Tuesday 21st February and is of course Pancake Day... ahh pancakes, what’s not to love about them. I am a traditionalist when it comes to them, and I am very easy to keep happy with just some lemon and sugar. However, you like yours, savoury or sweet, I hope you enjoy them.

You will find this issue once again packed with information and news, local businesses advertising their services and of course the puzzle page and special features.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to catching up with you again next month when Spring will definitely be on the horizon.

I hope you all have a great February and enjoy your pancakes!

Debbie

• Conservatories • Windows • Fascias Email: orangewindowcleaning@gmail.com FREE QUOTES www.facebook.com/OrangeWindows 07563 627577 • Gutters

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We meet monthly and have eight Guilds at various locations and times across the island

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

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

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

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

The Townswomen’s Guild could well be for you and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and like-minded ladies in your area.

Community News for The Bay

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

Welcome Bay Residents

We hope the New Year is going well, and events, such as the Rotary Sale a success and reflecting the hard work that countless volunteers put in to making these events the success that they are and benefiting the local community.

The Bay provides Warm Spaces for vulnerable people at Age Concern Shanklin who are open 10-4 daily with refreshments and social activities; Shanklin Lake Methodist Church (07817154147) offer a community lunch on the 1st Thursday of the month, with a community cafe on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays; and on Mondays at Christ Church, Sandown, between 11am and 3pm – help is also available at Sandown Library.

Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre have increased their menu of activity, with TC’s on the 3rd Friday of the month for younger members, the Thursday Morning activity club for older members, with Table Tennis (Tuesday’s and Fridays), Judo (Mondays) and Aikido (Wednesdays), alongside exercise groups and drama clubs with Spotlight.

Shanklin Theatre continue to offer a diverse mix of entertainment, with the rescheduled ‘Who Killed Agatha Christie’ on 7 and 8 February; Curtain Call Creative’s production of the musical 9-5 on between 15 and 16 February’; One Night in Dublin with the Wild Murphy’s on 17 February; Jack Up, rounding off the month, .

presenting a night of 1,000 Freddies on 25 February

Shanklin FC see their Ladies and Men’s sides at the top of their respective divisions, and plans to develop the clubhouse well advanced, including outside fixture board and renovated changing rooms, to benefit their growing number of players and youth sides; and the Wednesday art group looking to develop its programme of activities. Sandown Library launches its Literary lottery on 2nd February and a chance to win a £50 book voucher, and their February film is to be shown on Friday 10th, and It is ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’ certificate PG, running time 2 hours, starring Leslie Manville and Jason Isaacs.

The Living Well Community Support Service (CAMEO) can be contacted on 01983 240732, and provides a regular safe space (Thursdays 1pm3pm at Caulkheads) to get support and information.

Many local organisations have been in touch about events for the King’s Coronation and we’ll cover these in future editions.

Best wishes

Jon Gilbey BEM & Richard Priest OBE DL

Report from IW Councillor Ian Ward for Sandown South

Email: ian.ward@iow.gov.uk

Telephone: 01983 403193 Mobile: 07772559093

HIGH STREET REGENERATION – OLD KEBAB SHOP – AGAINST THE SYSTEM

You may have noticed on Facebook recently that there has been a number of positive comments about the refurbishment of the old Kebab shop on the corner of the Sandown High Street and St Johns Road. It was quite difficult to get planning permission to allow this development. The Planning Department recommended that permission be refused as the building sits in the Conservation Zone and there were objections from a few local residents. I carefully explained to the Planning Committee that this would be beneficial for Sandown’s High Street and was very pleased when they unanimously agreed with me. The owner has told me that he estimates the building, including the retail unit, will be completed in three months.

WHY THE DELAYS IN IW COUNCIL PROJECTS FOR SANDOWN?

At the recent Neighbourhoods & Regeneration Committee meeting I formally asked for updates on the progress and targets dates for following IW Council projects in Sandown:

1. The old Sandown Town Hall.

2. Pier Street toilets.

3. Dinosaur Island Museum.

4. High Street Regeneration Task Force.

These projects are important to Sandown, and I feel warrant more effort from the IW Council in getting them completed. Most of these projects have been dragging on for years. I regularly ask for updates and inevitably the answers are inconclusive. By asking formally, I expect to get clear and definitive answers.

TOURISM IS VITAL TO SANDOWN AND THE ISLAND

Tourism is very important to Sandown and its future as it is the Island’s premier seaside resort. Our hotels have struggled, and some have closed so we must do our best to safeguard these hotels and the economy of the town. However, the recent pandemic restrictions illustrated that there still is much interest in UK holidays. Fortunately, Visit IOW is doing a great job by taking part in many tourism exhibitions around the UK this spring to promote tourism on the Island; some are listed below for your interest.

Vakantiebeurs in Holland 11-15 Jan

Excursions: London - 28 Jan 2023

Caravan, Camping,Motorhome show: NEC 21-26 Feb

Explore GB Virtual ‘23: 27 Feb-2 Mar

British Tourism & Travel show: NEC 22-23 Mar

National Outdoor Expo: NEC 18-19 Mar

The Cycle Show: Alexandra Palace 21-23 Apr

New Forest Show 25-27 Jul

Email: wightmoths@gmail.com

Tel: 07528 586683

Following on from last month’s article, I hope as many of you managed to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January. I am continuing the bird theme in February while the majority of our insects are still in hibernation, although you are likely to see a butterfly on a sunny day towards the end of the month. I would love to hear from you if you see one, especially if you get a photo.

As the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Regional Representative, my role includes organising the national bird surveys on the Island and promoting the organisation’s events. We have a great event in February for you, the National Nest Box Week which runs from 1421 February.

Many of us are aware of how vital it is to feed our garden birds, but it’s also just as important that they have a suitable shelter and site for breeding. With natural habitats such as trees and hedgerows being lost to development and the increase in urban housing, some of our garden birds struggle to find a safe shelter to rear their young.

However, we can all do our bit to help so why not site a nest box in your garden or outdoor area, which will provide them with a clean, warm environment to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. You may find that birds use the box to roost in the winter.

There are some excellent bird boxes produced by CJ Wildlife who also have some great tips about where to install them and what type of box is best. www.nestboxweek.com

I am pleased to announce I have my first event of the year. The New Carnival Company are staging the IOW Dark Skies Festival at Isle of Wight Pearl on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th February from 3-8pm. The festival will feature, among other things, astronomy while I will be talking about moths, in my role as County Moth Recorder, and how the Island is a great place to see them with over 900 different species recorded here each year! Hope to see some of you there.

Open your doors to staycations, all year round

Isle of Wight Hideaways is looking to expand its portfolio of self-catering holiday properties.

Our portfolio is made up of properties with something a little bit ‘special’, whether it’s a breathtaking location, centuries of history or a touch of luxury. From stylish hideaways oozing with coastal chic to real-life lighthouse cottages; from pretty bungalows to stately homes, and everything in between – we pride ourselves on offering some of the very best quality holiday accommodation available.

To meet the ever-increasing demand from our guests for characterful holiday homes, we’re always looking for new properties to join our portfolio – and letting your holiday home has never been easier. As a local, friendly and enthusiastic team based on Ventnor High Street, Isle of Wight Hideaways are well placed to make the process of sharing your holiday home easy and enjoyable. We are passionate about the island and pride ourselves on the services we can offer to meet your individual needs at competitive rates, be it a Marketing or Marketing and Managed service; and we offer flexibility to our owners on the use of their properties.

With tailored services to suit your needs, you can be involved as much or as little as you like, knowing that you and your guests are well looked after. We can take care of the day-to-day things for you, or if you’d prefer to look after things yourself, that’s fine too.

Perhaps you’re starting from scratch and looking to buy, already own a property or maybe you’re with another agency and are looking for a change? Whatever the reason, with Isle of Wight Hideaways, you can relax in the knowledge that we deliver excellent occupancy levels and manage all of our properties with the same care and attention as if they were our own, so you know you’re in safe hands.

We are part of the Hideaways Holidays Group Ltd, which not only includes eight regional brands but also runs alongside Rural Retreats, a long-established luxury holiday letting agency with a nationwide portfolio. Being a part of this family means there is the potential to market your property not only through Isle of Wight Hideaways, but also to a much wider audience via our other brands.

With no joining or annual fee and competitive commission rates, we have so much to offer our valued homeowners and we delight in providing the very best service to both guests and owners. We’d love to hear from you, so, don’t miss the opportunity – find out more about letting with us today.

And, as a special offer to Island Magazines readers, we are offering a £250 M&S gift card as a thank you if you join our portfolio by 30th April 2023 for a minimum of one calendar year.

To request your Free Property Letting Guide or to talk to one of our Property Managers, please call us on 01983 897 604 or email newowners@isleofwighthideaways.co.uk

dates for your diary

Every Monday - come and join the Monday Group from 2-4pm at Falcon Cross Hall, Shanklin. For silly and sensible board games, colouring (materials provided to give it a try it!), dominos, cards, jigsaws or bring your own craft project or just come along for company and a chat. £2.00 a session including refreshments. For more details call Shanklin Library 717184

Every Monday – Warm Space at Christ Church, The Broadway, Sandown from 11am – 3pm. Warm spaces are heated, safe, friendly, neutral places totally free to use and provide a warm welcome to all, where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others or just enjoy a hot drink and some company.

Every Tuesday – Walk and Talk Sandown. 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.

Every Thursday – C.A.M.E.O (come and meet each other) Community Café at Caulkheads, Avenue Road, Sandown, from 1pm – 3pm. A friendly space for you to meet new people. Everyone is welcome.

First Thursday of every month – Teen Epilepsy Café at Richmonds, Bath Road, Cowes from 6.30pm. It’s an opportunity for teenagers with epilepsy to meet those in the same boat, to chat and listen to music in a safe and supportive space.

Friday 10th February – Film Night at Sandown Library. Showing Mrs Harris goes to Paris. Certificate PG, running time 2 hrs. Tickets now on sale at the usual price of £3 per person. On the night, doors will open at 6.40pm and close promptly at 7.00pm when the film starts.

Saturday 18th February – Indoor Car Boot Sale from 10am – 2pm at Brading Youth and Community Centre, Brading High Street.

Friday 24th February – Fun bingo Evening with a meal. Tickets £7 to include your food at Newport golf Club, St Georges Lane, Newport at 6.30pm. £2 per card to play. Raising funds for Vectis Radio. Tickets from tickets@vectisradio.fm

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

News report from Michael Beston & Chris Quirk IOW & Shanklin Town Councillors. michael.beston@iow.gov.uk or christopher.quirk@iow.gov.uk Michael 07885 644426 |Chris 07802 705831

Green Garden Waste Collection Subscription Renewal

Households that have previously signedup to receive the IW Council’s Green Garden Waste collection service will now be able to renew their subscription. Current customers are being given priority to renew their garden waste subscription which runs from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. If you pay by direct debit, this should automatically renew, and you will receive an email confirming your payment details for 2023. If you pay annually by card, you will receive an email with details on how to re-subscribe. The optional fortnightly scheme lets customers subscribe online for a 240-litre wheeled bin or three reusable hessian sacks to be picked up from the kerbside for a total cost of £96 per year, working out at £8 a month. All garden waste that is collected by the council is composted locally here on the Island. The IW Council will be accepting new customers from 23rd February. Information on your subscription and how to renew: www.iow. gov.uk/gardenwastesubscriptions. For full details on the service: www.iow.gov. uk/greengardenwaste

We Love Dogs, but we don’t love dog mess….

It is recognised that most dog owners are responsible dog owners, but we have been approached by residents and business owners expressing their concern with regards to continuing dog fouling in the local area. The majority of dog faeces we see locally appear to be found on the same footpath route that would suggest the

owner and dog reside locally. There have been occasions where defecation has also taken place in private car parks, driveways and gardens. Working in conjunction with the IWC Environmental Health Officer, nine posters have been attached to various lamp posts around the area highlighted as a ‘dog fouling’ hotspot area. The EH Officer will continue to monitor the area to try and witness the perpetrator failing to pick up. Dog poo can be placed in public litter bins, dog bins and the black waste bins at home, but it must be bagged before binning it. During the year 2021-2022, the IW Council sent around 20 tonnes of dog poo a month to landfill, all gathered from dedicated dog bins across the Island. However, dog poo bags dangling from trees, fences, dog-fouling on pathways and where to put dog poo are issues the council takes very seriously. If you wish to report an incident, please contact IWC Commercial Services on – 01983 821000 or email: commercial.services@iow.gov.uk

Resident Support and Advice with the Cost of Living

For people that are finding it difficult to make ends meet, or need help, advice and information, there are a number of contact points that may assist you. Please see the ‘Cost of Living Support Pages’ here: beta. iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-ofliving

• The IW Citizens Advice can provide free, independent and confidential advice about housing, relationships, debt, tax credits, welfare benefits, employment,

report from Michael Beston & Chris Quirk

immigration and health and community care. Please see the link here: www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk - Call Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48 – email: enquiries@iwcab.org.uk

• The Footprint Trust can help with energy and water efficiency info, general money saving, benefits and debt. 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk

• Please check your benefits. Use a benefits calculator to check you’re getting the benefits you’re entitled to. There’s a list on the government website. It’s free and anonymous: www.gov.uk/benefitscalculators

• Check for Government support. The ‘Help for Households’ website has information about many different types of support, including: Energy saving tips - Support with energy bills - Help with childcare - Transport costs - Discounts and offers. The government’s energy saving campaign, ‘It All Adds Up’, recommends actions to help households save money on their energy bills. Please see here: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

Monkey Music

Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

Sharing precious time together

Age specific interactive music educational classes for babies and toddlers aged 3 months- 4 years with a progressive curricula. Classes to help development and confidence whilst having lots of fun.

For more information and to book your first FREE class please visit: www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/isle-wight-portsmouth alternatively call Katherine on 01983 240352 or email iow.portsmouth@monkeymusic.co.uk

The views and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are their own and do not reflect the views of the Editor or Island Magazines unless stated otherwise. Island Magazines reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary.

Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre

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

Already we are in February and the days are getting longer. Soon it will be spring! My tulip bulbs are already starting to grow. The planters in the high street are still looking fabulous with their winter displays of pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages. A huge thank you to Sandown Green Town Volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

As many of you will know, once again, we are in danger of losing our Post Office in Sandown. I know that this is a vital service for many residents. In light of this, I have put in a motion for the meeting of Sandown Town Council on Monday 6th February. I am asking for a business case to be drawn up by the clerk for Sandown Town Council to take on the Post Office franchise and will be looking to my councillor colleagues for support.

I recently attended the Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users Group. There were representatives from Island Line, Southern Vectis and the IOW Council highways department there. It was a very informative meeting with the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session. The current £2 cap on bus fares, subsidised by the Govt, was highlighted, although it doesn’t apply to through journeys where a change of bus is needed (£2 per sector). The long awaited and promised half hourly service on Island Line is expected to start in April. I was delighted to see a representative from our Youth Council at the meeting who asked what each service is doing to ensure that services meet the needs of our young people. An offer was made by all three services to liaise with the Youth Council and a meeting is to be arranged. I asked about the option for the purchase of

Island Line term time season tickets directly online from SWR, but was told that they have to be purchased through the school. Finally, I asked about the provision of community noticeboards at key bus stops, particularly Yaverland. Apparently, this is already being done in some areas, as part of improvements to bus stops, jointly between SV and the IOW Council. I suggested that the Council work with IWALC on this and have asked for consideration of a noticeboard for the Yaverland bus shelter near the Sailing Club.

I have once again raised the issue of parking in Meadow Way and the first part of Culver Way. As some of you will know, a plan was drawn up a couple of years ago which was approved in principle by the IOW Council after I presented the findings of the resident survey that I carried out to Island Roads. However, the review of Island Roads District 4 which could have seen this plan brought forward for implementation keeps being delayed. After speaking to the IW Council’s Highways and Transport Client Manager, it has now been agreed to make this plan public and to go out to an informal consultation with residents. It’s one step closer and I’ll continue to push hard on this until we have a satisfactory resolution.

After closing for winter refurbishment, the Wildheart Sanctuary will reopen on Saturday Feb 4th and I will be in the café from 11am until noon to meet with you and listen to your issues. 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 Keep warm, keep safe.

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photo by pexels.com

Dementia Afternoon Tea Club

Right at Home are based in Bembridge and provide domiciliary care and support to people who wish to live independently in their own homes.

In July they introduced Dementia Afternoon Tea Club, everyone is welcome with or without a diagnosis! The Afternoon Tea Club is a non-profit event held every second Thursday of the month at Bembridge Methodist Hall. The aim of the club is to provide a safe and welcoming place for people living with dementia, their loved ones and their support network.

During the club some light entertainment is provided through music groups, talks, crafts and wellness and more. By teaming up with Graces Bakery there is a selection of cakes, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks. A private space is also available should anyone want advice and support regarding a dementia diagnosis.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. Each type of dementia stops a person’s brain cells (neurones) working properly in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.

If you would like to have a chat about the services that Right at Home offer, please ring their office on 01983 218318 or email iow.info@rightathome.co.uk

Dementia Afternoon Tea Club: Every Second Thursday of the month 2-4pm. £5 per person (carers go free) Bembridge Methodist Hall, 73 Forelands Road, Bembridge