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.

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.