Island Magazines March 23 - Sandown and Shanklin area

Jim Baldwin

Tel: 07528 586683

The warm spell in mid-February was a great tonic to us all, with the first signs of spring accompanying it. Crucially, for me, it coincided with the first appearance of my beloved butterflies from hibernation. Four species of butterfly hibernate during the winter as an adult: Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Red Admiral also overwinters as an adult but does not enter a dormant state and can be seen on sunny days throughout the winter. Of all the butterflies, it is the Brimstone which is synonymous with early spring. Keen butterfly observers note the date of their first Brimstone sighting and this year on the Island, it coincided with Valentine’s Day.

The male Brimstone matches the colour of sulphur perfectly and emerges from its slumbers dashing off in search of females. However, the paler female emerges later so its early pursuit is in vain. They can survive until the end of May, having the longest adult stage of the UK’s butterflies. Brimstone is among the oldest butterfly names, being established in the 17th century. Because of its colour, there is even the suggestion that the Brimstone was the original butterfly but this has yet to be proven.

Brimstone can be seen anywhere although the early records come predominantly from woodlands. Firestone Copse and Parkhurst Forest are two sites where you are likely to see one. If there is a cold spell in March, Brimstone will return to its wintering quarters and hibernate until the warm weather returns.

With butterflies starting to appear, now is a good time to register with Butterfly Conservation’s Garden Butterfly Survey. If you do not have a garden, you can still take part at an allotment or community space. You can survey your site throughout the year recording the species you see and enter your sightings online. You can find out how to take part at www. gardenbutterflysurvey.org

Recording butterflies is so important. The recent State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report has just been published and revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Don’t forget to record the butterflies you see out on your walks. There is an excellent iRecord free app which you can download to your phone. Enjoy your butterflies and let me know what you have seen.

‘Brimstone’

‘Brimstone’ Male chasing a female mid flight

Welcome and thank you for picking up a copy of your local community magazine.

The March issue signifies that Spring is on the way and the ‘spring equinox’ and official first day of Spring is Monday 20th March.

The Island is already showing us that warmer weather is coming with the unmistakable signs of daffodils and crocus emerging on hedges, gardens and local parks.

The days will start getting longer and the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the 26th March. There is a lot to look forward to as the island will slowly start emerging from it’s winter cocoon and our dates for your diary section on pages 16 and 17 will keep you updated on local events happening across the Island.

Another important date to remember is of course Mothering Sunday on the 19th March.

Inside this issue you will find your regular news updates and this month on page 8, Joy’s Humble Crumble Kitchen feature has some great air fryer recipes for you to try.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please get in touch by any means below if you have any information you would like to share or would like to advertise your business in the next issue.

Have a great month and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

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Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre

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

Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown

Once again, the Sandown Sprint is coming to our lovely bay on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March. I have contacted Southern Vectis and asked them to confirm the arrangements for the number 8 bus both before and during the event weekend and will make sure that residents are aware in good time so that they can plan ahead. I have also applied for a Southern Vectis Community Grant to part fund a noticeboard for the estate.

A meeting took place last month to discuss issues affecting the Revetment between Sandown and Shanklin. During the busier summer months when the beach huts are in full use, children playing and “traffic” such as cyclists and scooters all using the same space, there is some concern that safety of users is compromised. Suggestions have been put forward by beach hut owners, affected businesses and residents that certain measures could be implemented such as banning cyclists, scooters, etc. and making the revetment pedestrian only either for part of the year during the summer when it’s busiest, or all year round. Please let me know your thoughts.

The Cost-of-Living Crisis is affecting us all. I was therefore disappointed when the alternatives to the proposed Sandown Town Council budget that were put forward by myself and Cllr Emily Brothers, were defeated in favour of an amendment by Cllr Alex Lightfoot that proposed an additional increase resulting in a rise in the precept of nearly 50%! It’s hard to understand how neglecting to include any income and borrowing £500,000 to fund the renovation of one toilet block and the purchase of one that’s not currently available can be justified. Nothing was included in the budget to tackle

the derelict properties, despite Cllr Brothers and I including in our submission the provision for a Planning Enforcement Officer. Please let me know your thoughts. I will continue to listen to you, our residents and stand for your priorities. A range of services and information can be found at www.iow.gov.uk/costofliving

I’m grateful to local resident Bill Wyke for organising a petition to get Island Roads to do something about the potholes on the estate. I have sent countless photos and raised complaints many times but am told that the roads are up to the required standard. This just isn’t good enough. Working together we can put the pressure on to get action. Please sign Bill’s petition if you agree.

It was disappointing to hear that the current lessees of Brown’s were unable to continue this summer due to the rising costs of utilities. Geoff and Kate have done a fantastic job in bringing Brown’s back to its former glory both as a golf course and a community hub. I have previously been outspoken about maintaining Brown’s as a public space, preserving its fabulous heritage. The only development that I feel is appropriate is of an ecological, environmental nature, keeping the open space for residents. My position hasn’t changed, and I am working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the views of over 3500 residents who signed the petition to save Brown’s are respected.

I hold my Councillor surgeries on the first Saturday in the month from 11am to midday in The Wildheart Sanctuary cafe and Cllr Heather Humby holds her weekly surgery every Thursday at 11am at Sandown Library and is also available on 402024.

Award Winning Music Classes for Babies and Young Children

Monkey Music baby and toddler classes offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, where parents, carers and children meet in small groups to enjoy interactive musical activities. They have been running nationally for 30 years and the classes here on the Island are run by Katherine Green who recently relocated to the island and brought her classes with her ensuring all children have the opportunity to experience Monkey Music.

All classes are tailored specifically to support families with babies, toddlers and pre-school children aged between 3 months and 4 years of age. The classes are based around 4 stages - time to sing, time to move, time to play and time to sleep, and are designed to keep babies stimulated from start to end through the exploration of music, movement and instruments.

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

Rock ‘n’ Roll classes (from 3 months) gentle songs and lullabies for you both to share precious moments and songs are linked to rhythmic body movements. Sensory props to stimulate visual experience and friendly percussion instruments for those rock ‘n’ roll moments.

Heigh-Ho classes (from 12 months) they will learn action songs, catchy sounds with up beat tunes to allow them to dance freely and to practise fine motor skills using hand held percussion instruments. These classes help toddlers need for active time and quieter time for calmer activities.

Jiggety-Jig classes (2 & 3 year olds) these older toddlers have fun with their friends and develop a strong musical foundation with some songs for dressing up and telling stories to help build self-confidence. Whilst dancing and partnering with friends help the toddlers to get to know each other. Composing comes naturally to the Jiggety- Jiggers so with the use of props, images, music, stories and poems help inspire our little monkeys as they create and perform their own special music.

Ding – Dong classes (3 & 4 year olds) children are now ready to learn to read music - this is a huge milestone and paves the way for a bright musical future!

For more information, please see their main advert and don’t forget the FIRST CLASS IS FREE.

From joy’s humble crumble kitchen

We are still working on ideas to help make the budget go that bit further, last month was slow cooker recipes, this month using an air fryer that enables the air to circulate to help cook the food quickly while retaining crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.

COURGETTE FRITTERS - Children will love these!

2 medium courgettes - grated - hand squeeze the liquid out

60g seasoned flour • 100g cheddar grated • 1 egg

2 cloves garlic - optional

• ½ onion grated - optional.

* Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

* Make 8 patties with the mixture. (place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes) to keep the shape.

* Put courgette patties in the air fryer at 180 °C for 5-10 minutes, leaving space between each then flip the patties over for an additional 5-10 minutes or until brown.

Use as part of a meal, a side dish or on its own with a dipping sauce.

CRUMBED CHICKEN FILLETS - 4 servings - Air fryer 180 °C

640g mini chicken fillets • 1 large egg • 150g dry bread crumbs

2 tbsp veg. oil • seasoning

* Whisk the egg in a small bowl

* In a second bowl mix the breadcrumbs and drizzle oil over - mix to together and season

* dip each fillet into the egg, then dip into crumb mixture until evenly covered.

* lay the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes

STUFFED PEPPERS 4 servings - 180 °C

4 large bell peppers • 500g mince beef • 1 tsp. oil • 1 small diced onion

2 cloves garlic - grated • 1 tin chopped tomato - drained

good squeeze tomato sauce • 1 tbsp - oregano • 200g cooked rice

100g grated cheddar - or parmesan or a mix of both.

* Cut the peppers in half - scoop out seeds

* Stir fry the mince, onion, garlic in a little oil (cook until mince is no longer pink). * Remove from heat - add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning and oregano - add the cooked rice - mix well together

* Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket

* Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Top the peppers with the cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (until the cheese has melted)

Swap the beef mince for minced turkey or chicken.

Regent Pharmacy

59 Regent Street

Shanklin PO37 7AE

Tel: 863677

Your Local Independent Pharmacy

Opening Hours

Monday 8.30am 6.00pm

Tuesday 8.30am—6.00pm

Wednesday 8.30am—6.00pm

Thursday 8.30am—6.00pm

Friday 8.30am—6.00pm

Saturday 9.00am—5.30pm

Sunday Closed

Please note that we are closed every day between 1pm-2pm

Community News for The Bay

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

Welcome Bay Residents

Congratulations to all involved with the Grammy and Brit Double-Award winning Wet Leg, the British Indie Rock Band, with members from the Bay - founded in 2019 by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, with band members Henry Holmes ( drums, percussion), Ellis Durand (bass, backing vocals) and Josh Mobaraki (additional guitars, synthesizer, backing vocals).

Friday 17 March see next TC’s evening at Shanklin Voluntary Youth & Community Centre, from 7pm to 9pm, for years 5, 6, 7 and 8 – more details on the website.

Shanklin VYCC has also helped produce a further ‘Growing Up In The Bay’ film, on YouTube, covering the bombing raids in Shanklin in January and February 1943 – the 80th anniversary of these tragic events include interviews with those living in Shanklin at the time, as well as the commemorative service at Shanklin Cemetery last month.

Shanklin Theatre continues to offer a comprehensive programme of entertainment with Saturday 4 seeing Jack Up The 60’s with the Zoots; Sunday 5 has Beyond the Barricade, the UK’s longest running musical; Poet Pam Ayre performs on Friday 10; with the Ukrainian National Opera presenting Madame Butterfly on 30 March.

Queens Award for Voluntary Service winning Shanklin Town Brass Band have published their summer programme of performances, starting on Sunday 14 May

2023 at 3pm at Rylstone Bandstand – starting their 30th season.

The Bay continues to provide Warm Spaces for vulnerable people at Age Concern Shanklin are open 10-4 daily with refreshments and social activities; 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.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Cyber Crime Unit have collaborated with The Blue Lamp Trust to prepare a 10 step guide to helping you protect yourself online. Simple changes such as using strong passwords, backing up your data and most importantly turning on Two-Step Verification (sometimes called 2SV, 2FA or MFA) can really help you and your online accounts remain safe; and The guide can be downloaded via the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Website or via Police Cyber Protect LinkedIn Page. With Football and Rugby nearing the end of their respective seasons, Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes are competing for a top 3 place in Counties Division 2, and Shanklin Football Club men and women’s sides at the top of their divisions, as well as being in the final stages of cup competitions, such as Hants Invitation Cup on Sundays; this month also see IW Sports Awards with many local Teams and sportspeople being shortlisted for recognition.

Best wishes

Jon Gilbey BEM & Richard Priest OBE

Word Ladder

A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time. Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

‘Board Games’

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

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION - HEARTBEAT HOUSESOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL

Did you know that family or friends of cardiology patients in Southampton hospital can stay at a hostel just across the road in Tremona Road. You can stay there for as long as you need to for just a one-off payment of £25 per room; single or double. (Yes! that is just one £25 payment for your whole stay; although additional donations are very welcome!). The hostel is funded by Wessex Trust and Wessex Rotary. There are 20 rooms, but more might be available if necessary. Occupancy is on a first come, first served basis, but people from the Island can enquire about a room one week before the patient is admitted to hospital. The hostel’s phone number is: 023 8070 609.

PEROWNE WAY ESTATE RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN SANDOWN GREEN TOWN VOLUNTEERS (SGTV)

A few weeks ago, I did some litter picking around the Stower Place Car Park area on the Perowne Way estate as it is prone to fly tipping. I informed our Community Police and Southern Housing and asked them to monitor the area as it is their land.

I was very pleased when two local residents contacted me who are prepared to help. I raised the issue at the next SGTV meeting and members recognised that they could also help. So, if any local residents would like to volunteer, please do contact me and please leave a message if necessary.

COUNCIL TAX CONCERNS? – SEE IF YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A DISCOUNT

This year’s round of Council Tax and Precept increases is understandably of concern to many residents. However, there are many types of discounts or reductions for which residents may be entitled such as; Single Persons, Disabled Persons Reduction, Students Discount & Exemption, Dependent Relative Care and Empty Properties

To find out more please go on-line to the IW Council’s website or contact IW Council Revenue Services, PO Box 238, Newport, PO30 9FP. Tel: 01983 823901

As Mad as a March Hare

A BIG thank you TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight for providing us with this month’s front cover picture.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight is the making of two well know local photographers – Tramp Woods and Warren Mason and if you’re on Facebook or Instagram you will probably have seen some of their wildlife pictures already.

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Warren Mason is a very accomplished professional photographer with many years of experience! Having pictures in major magazines and publications. Tramp Woods is a very keen wildlife photographer, with published content in papers and magazines, and achieving many awards.

They have teamed up and started wildlife photography workshops, for those who struggle with this very difficult genre of photography, from complete novices and upwards. They have been giving up their time to teach others new skills in obtaining better pictures through understanding how to not only set up their equipment but understanding how to use their cameras in a better way, giving people tips and ideas on how to improve their photography.

They’ve had a massive response and held a few workshops in let’s say difficult conditions. The response from those who have attended has been amazing and they have now set up a dedicated Facebook group, not only for them to give out information, but it’s there for anyone to join, and post pictures or leave comments, or just look at the fantastic pictures posted.

TWM Wildlife & Nature Isle of Wight

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 Wednesday – The South Minibus Social Group go out and discover places across the island. There’s usually a stop off for tea, cake or lunch whilst out exploring. We can pick you up from home. To find out where we are going next and to book a space, please get in touch on 01983 240732 or email reception@lweh.org.uk

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.

Brought to you by Living Well and Early Help Service

Third Friday every month – C.A.M.E.O (come and meet each other) Community Café at Sandown Library from 10am – 12 noon. A friendly space for you to meet new people and try new things; bingo, colouring, quizzes and games. Bring a friend or come and meet new ones. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday 4th March – Craft Fayre at Brading Youth & Community Centre, High Street from 10am – 2pm. Free parking at rear. Refreshments available from the old school café.

Sunday 5th March – Preloved Indoor Market at Binstead Community Centre, from 1pm – 2.30pm. Preloved sale for everything you need from pregnancy to 5 yrs. lothes, equipment, toys, books and more. Free entry for buyers.

Monday 6th March - Isle of Wight Family History Society open meeting. The history of tuberculosis on the Isle of Wight – talk by Dr Paul Bingham at Arreton Community Hall, Main Road, Arreton. Doors open 2pm talk starts 2:15pm. Members of the Isle of Wight FHS £1; non-members £2. Everyone welcome.

Saturday 11th March – Newchurch Drama Group Spring Quiz at All Saints Church Hall, Newport from 7pm – 10pm. £6 per person. Maximum of 4 in a team. This is a fun, friendly quiz with prizes for the winning team. Raffle on the night but bring your own refreshments. Call 07811 690462 to book your table.

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

dates for your diary

Sunday 12th March - Charity Antiques and Collectors Fair (in support of the MNDA) at Northwood House, Cowes from 10am – 4pm. Visitors can expect to find a great variety of local antique and collectable traders in the function rooms of Northwood House. Refreshments, tea, cakes and sandwiches all through the day for exhibitors and visitors. Admission is £3 per adult or £5.00 per couple on the gate, with accompanied children free.

Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th March - The Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint will return to Culver Parade. The Sandown Sprint will involve 100 cars competing on a specially constructed circuit, at Sandown’s Culver Parade, with the start in Fort Street and finishing in Yaverland. Once again, overall spectator numbers will be limited, so motor racing fans are advised to book early. The cost of admission has been held at £10 per adult, with concessions. Further details on the Sandown Sprint and tickets for the event can be found via the website isleofwightspeedtrials. co.uk

Sunday 26th March – Isle of Wight Spring Boat Jumble at Northwood Park, Cowes from 10am – 3pm. Entry is free for buyers on foot, but a parking fee of £2 per car will be requested for buyers using the event field to park. Tea, coffee, cakes and hot refreshments will be available on the show field, with toilets available in the Northwood Park next to the tennis courts. All proceeds go to Northwood House Charitable Trust for ongoing restoration works and community projects in Northwood Park.

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.

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

Shanklin Coastal Defence Scheme Update - We were invited to meet the Volker Stevin team & IWC Coastal Defence Environmental Agency advisor along Shanklin Esplanade to get an update on the current ground investigation surveys.

This work involves looking beneath the ground surface to obtain vital information about ground conditions and below ground structures, including the foundations of the existing sea defences. The work ranges from hand dug excavation pits to the use of drilling machinery for taking borehole samples. This is essential to enable the team to assess the possible options for future sea wall and groyne refurbishment, and to minimise the risk of below ground hazards causing delays later in the project. The work is expected to be completed in early March. Each exploratory location will be closed off to the public for a few days at a time, and work will take place between 8am and 5pm. No road closures are anticipated, but footpath diversions and some temporary parking bay suspensions will be in place for safety reasons. Storage and welfare facilities will be located in a section of the Spa car park for the duration of the works.

Cliff Falls & Revetment Update

The IW Council are pleased to let us all know that the revetment, from Shanklin to Sandown has now been re-opened. All the litter and dog waste bins that were removed have now been put back in place. 170 tons of cliff fall material were completely removed from the site, with a further 270 tons relocated to low locations behind the catch fencing. In recent times, seven major cliff falls have been cleared by the IW Council and a sixth fall cleared by Southern Water.

Island Roads Update Highway

Improvements – Island Roads continue work to improve the footways and highway across all districts. Below is a list of planned activities in the Shanklin district. Please be aware that this is subject to change for various factors including the weather and other utility works.

Highway improvement: Atherley Road.

Footways: Salem Road & Popham Road.

continued over the page

Highway trees - Trees on or affecting the highway remain a focus. Many incidents involving trees or branches falling onto the highway occur at this time of the year as the ground can be softer due to rain and the wind can also be more severe. Following the annual tree survey, a programme of action is continuing to remove dangerous branches or, where absolutely necessary, whole trees. Wilton Park Road has just undergone a programme of low branch removal. Any loss of trees is offset by a replanting programme using species as agreed with the IW Council’s tree officer.

Island Roads has produced information in a leaflet called Inspect and Protect. The

leaflet can be views by the following link: www.islandroads.com/inspect-and-protect

Potholes - Unfortunately, the recent prolonged freeze coupled with the ongoing wet weather has created the perfect conditions in which potholes form. Additional resources have been deployed to tackle these and keep the network safe. Potholes are a source of interest to our residents and you can learn more via the following link: www.islandroads.com/ourhighway-service/maintenance- activities/ potholes

You can report potholes or any other highway defect via www.fms.islandroads. com