Island Magazines May 2020 Sandown and Shanklin Area by Island Magazines

May 2020

Sandown and Shanklin Area

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Foot Care by

Julie Larner MCFHP MAFHP IIHHT

Are you a member of the Shanklin Falcon Cross Tuesday Group?

Join our ‘virtual’ group via Zoom during these unusual times for continued support. For more information call Julie on 07813 635202 or email joolsmarj@btinternet.com

For all your foot problems book your home visit today • • • • • •

Foot/toe pain or discomfort Corns • Bunions • Ingrowing toe nail Verrucas • Callus • Toe nail cutting Fungal infections • Reflexology Diabetic assessment and advice Nail Reconstruction

Walk, run, skip, hop, dance and live life. Take care of your feet & they will take you miles...

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PAUL WALSH

Independent Funeral Directors ‘A traditional family business’

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Telephone: 01983 864498

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Welcome to the May issue. Since the last issue everything has changed with our way of life and in a way that is new to us all. Government Guidelines came into force and isolation, social distancing and staying home has become the new normal.

text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931

A BIG thank you to the nurses, carers, drivers, shop assistants, posties, refuse collectors, police and many more keyworkers who are out there every day working selflessly for the good of others. Communities have come together, setting up systems where those in isolation, the elderly and the most vulnerable are a top priority, where they are collecting food, prescriptions, providing hot meals and so much more to make their daily life that bit easier. There are many instances where individuals and groups are going above and beyond to help others. Online groups have formed bringing strangers together (safe distancing at all times) whilst sharing knowledge and enjoying a new hobby. Following Government Guidelines this issue is online only but we hope it won’t be long before we are back to full print and you will be able to pick up a copy from local businesses. Inside this issue you will find local news from Councillors, a bumper puzzle section, some great articles and information and of course our advertisers who once ‘lockdown’ is over will need your help in using their services so their businesses can once again get back on track. I look forward to catching up with you next month, until then please stay safe.

Debbie

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

Call 01983 216121 or 07590 277298

For all your external cleaning needs... Soft Washing & Pressure Washing of Render, Roofs, Driveways, Gutters, Cladding, Awnings, Patios and virtually any other external surface.

info@dazzleexternalcleaning.com 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. Tel 07948 757977 Email:- debbieandre4sandown@gmail.com Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown Who would have thought that since I wrote my article last month our world would have changed so drastically for all of us? I now find myself at the sharp end of the call for action, not only as a County Councillor, but as a neighbour, a friend, a mother and a grandmother. This was not a position that I would have envisaged myself to be in even a few weeks ago. We now have several new words and phrases added to our vocabulary. “new normal”, “lockdown”, “lockdown fatigue” and “contact tracing” amongst others. Without exception, we are all facing challenges just living through each day like we have never before experienced. The Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate, it affects every one of us either directly through contracting the virus or by affecting those we love. It has affected us through the changes that we have had to make to our everyday lives, to the way that we work, play and live. It has also seen us face tough restrictions on our interactions with others that for many have meant being separated from friends and family. We all have a desire to interpret the rules according to our individual needs and circumstances, and there does need to be an element of common sense and flexibility, but we must all accept the gravity of the situation and think of

the bigger picture. We need to protect ourselves to protect others. I’m mindful that there will be many people grieving for lost loved ones before we are through this. Inevitably, there has already been a rise nationally in the number of domestic abuse cases and this is perhaps to be expected from the living conditions that have been imposed on us. If you, or anyone that you are aware of, are being subjected to any kind of abuse, help is available so please don’t suffer in silence. My main concern was that I would not be able to help residents to the full, but I’m pleased to say that being part of the team effort has kept me busier than ever. You won’t be aware, but the team at County Hall, headed up by our chief executive, John Metcalfe, together with the Leader, Dave Stewart, have worked tirelessly to implement support services for island residents and businesses and to do everything possible to stop people from falling through the gaps in being able to access those services. At times like this, leaders must step up to the plate and act with a calm assurance, implementing the right measures at the right time in a fast changing environment. Continued over the page

Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre. Our British spirit that serves us so well in times of difficulty is multiplied amongst our island community. My thanks go out to all the frontline workers, nurses, doctors, carers, ambulance crews, our fire service, post workers, waste collection service, and all of our volunteers. We are also fortunate to have such a dedicated Sandown Town Council team of Richard, Jenn and Viv who have worked tirelessly to coordinate the volunteer workforce across As someone who is used to feeling totally the whole Bay area, without whom, many would be struggling. We have also seen connected to the community in which many acts of kindness in these troubled I live and serve, it has meant adapting times. The free food shelf at Sandown to a rapidly developing situation. There Station has been stocked up daily by Dot are many positives to the strange new and her team and often supplemented world in which we are all coping from day to day. We have had the technology with homemade goodies from caring neighbours. There are many unsung to hold meetings virtually, significantly heroes that are quietly supporting those reducing polluting forms of travel, but people who are having to self-isolate, have been reluctant to embrace these neighbours helping neighbours. Thank you new technologies. We are not meant to to all of you. live in isolation and most have turned to alternative forms of communication in Please call the council helpline number, the need to still be able to connect with 01983 823600, if you need support with family and friends. Already our planet shopping, collecting a prescription, or if is beginning to breathe again without you are struggling to cope. Alternatively, industrial pollutants being pumped into please call me or email me using the the atmosphere on such a large scale. above contact details if you need help or Working from home and only leaving support in any way. the house once a day for a dog walk has made me appreciate everything that living on the island contributes to my wellbeing Sadly, I’m not able to meet with you and daily life. Even in lockdown, I can walk personally at my monthly Councillor surgery, but will reinstate this as soon as to places of outstanding natural beauty it’s safe to do so. Also, Cllr Heather Humby within minutes of leaving my house for is available on 01983 402024 or at my daily exercise. It feels very much like someone has pressed the “reset” button, heatherhumby@sandowntowncouncil. gov.uk and will also resume her weekly and in doing so, has not only stripped Councillor Surgery at Sandown Library away all the material trappings that we convince ourselves that we need, but also when the restrictions are lifted. the freedom to socialise with friends and family which we are now perhaps realising Stay safe and well everyone and we will get through this together that we need even more. 5 In a situation that has never been experienced before in such global proportions there are very little guidelines to follow, but the principles of both protecting and supporting our island communities in the best way possible as a local authority remain and it’s been rewarding working with council colleagues so positively, when we all have the same single-minded focus and purpose.

Monthly News Report for Shanklin. Richard 07471 471960 Jon 07973 860086 Email. priest.gilbey@live.co.uk

Coronavirus (COVID-19) The Shanklin Town Council are keen to support our local Community at this extremely difficult and challenging time, particularly with the situation literally changing on a daily basis.

with the Island’s voluntary networks, including Community Action Isle of Wight, Citizens Advice Isle of Wight and Age UK Isle of Wight, to support those who meet the coronavirus ‘vulnerable’ criteria.

First and foremost, we would remind everyone of the Government’s advice regarding COVID-19, which is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus.

Government Contacts and Guidance https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Find out how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help on the NHS website. Links to other information can be found below:

Guidance for Household and Individuals https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolationadvice/

Island Helpline for those at risk: A new helpline number is now available to support the Island’s most vulnerable residents affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) self-isolation measures. People who do not have a local network of friends or family to support them while they are self-isolating or social distancing can call (01983) 823600 (seven days a week, 9am-5pm) for support. The helpline has been put in place by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership

https://www.gov.uk/government/ collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-ofguidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/covid-19guidance-on-social-distancingand-for-vulnerable-people/ guidance-on-social-distancing-foreveryone-in-the-uk-and-protectingolder-people-and-vulnerable-adults Guidance for employers and businesses https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/guidance-to-employersand-businesses-about-covid-19 Continued over the page

Monthly News Report for Shanklin Local Authority https://www.iow.gov.uk/council/ OtherServices/Public-HealthCoronavirus-COVID-19/Advice1 Business and Employees https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/ OtherServices/Public-HealthCoronavirus-COVID-19/Businesses-andemployers https://www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/ bussupc19 Local Information Volunteering https://www. communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/ volunteer-form/ Other information: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ health/coronavirus-what-it-means-foryou/

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Firbank

Residential Carehome

22 well furnished comfortable rooms in a detached stone building villa which stands in a prominent position overlooking Sandown Bay 8 Crescent Road, Shanklin PO37 6DH Tel: 01983 862522 Email: info@firbankresidential.co.uk www.firbankresidential.co.uk 7

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 current Coronavirus situation is genuinely concerning for all of us and it is important that we abide by the Government and Medical advisors who tell that we must isolate ourselves if we possibly can. Naturally, our NHS staff, medical staff, care workers and many other people who we now realise are crucial to our community do have to go to work and we send them our grateful thanks. IW COUNCIL – STILL VERY BUSY Instructions to self-isolate also applies to Councillors and Council Officers but the need for them to continue working is just as important now than during normal times. The Cabinet is meeting twice a week via Skype and our meeting often include the Chief Executive and other senior officers. SANDOWN REGENERATION – MOSTLY ON HOLD In addition to helping Sandown residents with issues they may have, I sure you know I consider the regeneration of Sandown as one of my main priorities. To promote that I was meeting regularly with Planners, Empty Homes Officers, Developers, commercial companies, and Property Owners to keep up to date on the progress of the various property issues in Sandown South. Unfortunately, many of these projects are now suspended for the foreseeable future. Here is the latest situation with some of these properties:

a. Corner Building - Fitzroy Street / Station Avenue – Compulsory Purchase - The IW Council has previously negotiated with the owner of the derelict white building on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Station Avenue, asking him to show that he was taking active steps to refurbish the building by the end of February. Unfortunately, there has been no evidence of progress, so the IW Council is now taking action to initiate compulsory purchase of the property. b. Planning Application Submitted for Sandown Town Hall - The planning application for Sandown Town Hall has now been submitted. The redevelopment will comprise eleven accommodation units of six 1-bedroom flats, two 2bedroom houses, two 3-bedroom houses and one 4-bedroom maisonette. The rear extensions at the rear of the Town Hall will be demolished to make room for the houses. In addition, the main hall will be retained for community use. c. Planning Application Submitted for Empty Site on Beachfield Road The site of the old Belgrave Hotel on Beachfield Road has been bought by a developer who has just submitted a planning application for 10 semidetached houses on the site. d. Update on The Ocean Hotel I am pleased to report that progress is being made to address the problem of the Ocean Hotel. The site has been surveyed by the Receiver’s contractors to Continued over the page

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 determine the cost of work specified by the IW Council Planning Dept to make the site safe. This cost has now been calculated and the Receivers are seeking the funding to get the work done. In the meantime, the Receivers are seeking buyers for the site and were hopeful that the hotel will be sold in around 12 months’ time. However, this aspiration may not be achieved due to COVID19 e. Update on the Shop on Corner of the High Street and York Road (Old Kebab Shop) - Residents may be concerned that despite being granted planning permission the owner of the site may not be progressing its redevelopment. However, this is not the case, the architect working on the refurbishment of the old Kebab shop has told me that he has finished the plans which are now awaiting approval and the owner is engaging with structural engineer. OTHER ISLAND ISSUES IW Council Parking Charges Suspended – Except on Esplanades As many people are not using their cars to go to work on-street spaces could be at a premium in some areas. To ease this problem all charges in both Long and Short Stay car parks that are open have been suspended without any time restrictions. On-Street charges are also suspended, but the specified time limitations still apply.

Newport Traffic Plan – Going Well The reconfiguration of the St Mary’s junction into a traffic-light controlled junction is well under way and currently on schedule. An alteration to the traffic flow towards the Coppins Bridge roundabout is being trialled which is designed to reduce the tailback queues in the inside lane of Medina Way by directing the Sandown/Shanklin/Town Centre traffic into the outside lane. The reconfiguration does seem to be working but it is hard to declare it a success because of the huge reduction in traffic. We will have to wait until levels of traffic return to normal before deciding whether to continue with the new lane layout. Island Roads Re-Surfacing Programme - Suspended Due to COVID19 issue the Island Roads resurfacing programme for roads and footpaths has been suspended. However, normal maintenance work i.e. Pot Holes etc is still being carried out. If you want to report a defect ring Tel: 822440 or email: info@islandroads.com Floating Bridge 6 The Floating Bridge is still providing a regular and reliable service. Since last year it has met around 95% of its schedule (which is better than cross Solent ferries!) Last month it achieved 99.1% of its schedule. Plans are underway to deal with the occasional strong tide.

G. I. V. E by Holly Maslen

I am based on the Isle of Wight and, on the 28th of March this year, I set up a group on Facebook (for easy accessibility) called Green Island Veg Economy Group, or G.I.V.E for short. The concept is very simple; If you have surplus fruit or veg, which you have grown yourself, then place it on a table outside your house on your Linda Stone has set up her free collect driveway for others to take for free. Having and swap station in Gunville started this group in the Spring there have been lots of seeds and seedlings shared between people living on the Island. In just three weeks G.I.V.E already has over 2000 members, and many people have put seeds and seedlings out for others to use. Being an island, the environment is selfcontained, and I would love for it to become largely self-sufficient too. I have a dream of baskets and boxes of fresh produce on every street around the Island, so that food is available for everyone at no cost. So far, the response has been overwhelming and it has become more than an idea or a dream, it is becoming a reality. My background is in art and, after setting up and running Art Galleries from disused and abandoned buildings here on the Island, I found the art world to be less than satisfying, so in 2018/19 I undertook a large project to combine art with something more meaningful. I collected plastic rubbish from the beaches around the Island, culminating in an exhibition (called Pick Up The Pieces) which displayed my findings, along with documentation on what I had found. G.I.V.E is a follow on from my background in art and wanting to work more closely with the environment in the sense that the idea of beautiful stalls dotted around the Island would not only be visually appealing, but also good for the environment by reducing plastic waste. I am hoping that people will enjoy the concept of G.I.V.E so much that when we all return to work, and food is (possibly) more readily available, everyone will already have directly experienced the benefit of such a system and will work hard to maintain it. Everyone is welcome to join the group. Green Island Veg Economy The Isle of Wight was awarded a UNESCO Biosphere Award in 2019, and I can only see that this will add to the Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status as a special environment on the World Map.

SANDOWN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION. With people in lockdown at home, the Sandown Community Association is starting a virtual online quiz event, to help relieve the boredom some are experiencing, and raise funds for good causes on the island. The quiz will take place every Thursday evening at 8.30. We hope people will join in at 8pm for the nationwide â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clap for Carersâ&#x20AC;? before logging in a few minutes early to take part in the 15-minute general knowledge quiz. The quiz is open to anyone in the world wishing to enter. There will be cash prizes for the 3 best quiz scores, but in the event of Do you want to make some changes in tied scores the shortest total time taken your life? Not sure where to start? to answer will decide. To take part one needs to pre-register at https://www.virtualquizevents.com/ player-registration For further information please contact Alan Jones, Chair, Sandown Community Association on 01983 472923 or sandownca@gmail.com

Work with me, Maggie Currie, Professional Transformational Coach. Learn how to live life like YOU and not how you think other people want you to be. This will bring you more freedom, more fun and less stress. I BELIEVE IN YOU Get in touch today 01983 754 666 Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk

Sunnybrow, Winford Rd, Newchurch, Sandown, IW, PO36 0JX

www.islandmagazines.co.uk PUZZLE PAGE

www.islandmagazines.co.uk Sudoku

5 9

Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty square so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats.

2 8

QUOTE MAZE Change one letter at a time to make a new word on each rung, move from the top word to the bottom using the exact number of letters and rungs provided.

H E A D

8 2 3 1

6 4 3 7 7 1 2

2 5

4 8 6 7

6 9 9 1 9 4 2 7 6

Build A List How many words of four letters or more can you list. You must use the centre letter in the box in each word and each letter only once.

F T M A N I R N O F O O T

A list of 39 is brilliant, 34 excellent and 26 good. You will find one nine letter word. Last months answer:- Build a list nine letter word : Exporting

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Can you spot the eight differences

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QUOTE MAZE The letters of a quote is inside this maze and it will form a continuous link, no cross over and it can go right, left, up and down. The puzzle starts from the top left corner. Can you find the hidden quote in this puzzle?

Wordsearch - ‘Bugs & Insects’

G N V B R J R O G I R H 14

R W P U H U W T J R S R

A A Q M L O V B Z X S T

S U L B C Y A V O B I S

S B D L R B T U C Y X C

H E W E I H L S L L P C

O B B B C P U F T F X Z

P M E E K J R M A N M L

P N O E E E G E N O O P

E D R S T V C I T G A P

R C A T Q L Z H W A S P

L B U K I U E U I R C S

L B L O D R I B Y D A L

T G V B H M V T F R W E

W Y Z Z O Z V M O K H U

ANT BEETLE BUMBLEBEE BUTTERFLY CATERPILLAR CRICKET DRAGONFLY EARWIG FLY GRASSHOPPER LADYBIRD MOSQUITO MOTH WASP

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KRISS KROSS Can you work out where each word goes in the grid to complete a crossword style puzzle?

3 LETTERS AWE BAD DUE EMU EYE PUT RAY RED SEA TOO YOU

4 LETTERS LOAD LOUD OVAL RIPE SAME STAR YOUR

5 LETTERS ARGUE AVAIL CLASS EVERY GLOOM IRONY LYRIC RUSTY YIELD

6 LETTERS COARSE CREDIT DAHLIA ENTERS GUESTS

7 LETTERS ASSUMED SUMMARY TREASON

8 LETTERS RHYTHMIC SYMPATHY

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Watch the Birdie - Front Cover Star This month’s front cover picture is all thanks to Maria Yule who has a love for photography, and she likes nothing more than to be in her garden in Carisbrooke taking pictures of the many species of birds that visit. This little blue tit is a regular visitor to Maria’s garden along with many other common garden birds. Her garden is filled with trees, flowers and bushes that attract all kinds of wildlife including butterflies and squirrels and she even gets to see birds of prey as they are flying overhead. Maria shares her wonderful photos across various Facebook groups and like me we never get bored of seeing them.

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If Maria must venture away from her garden, then you will probably see her down the beach taking photos of magnificent landscapes here on the Island. Sometimes she does take a break from photography and likes to spend time collecting fossils on the beach, but even then, she will have her camera with her, just in case.

The Mobile Vets would like to say a very big thank you to all their clients for their understanding during these unprecedented times while they adjusted their services, sometimes on a daily basis. They really appreciate your support as they endeavour to look after your pets and abide by the restrictions setup by the government to help protect the NHS and save Lives. Their reception team are working harder than ever providing their usual efficient service. Their team of dedicated vets and nurses are working together to continue to provide consultations and home visits for essential care, as well as medications, food and out of hours emergency cover to registered clients. Working within the current pandemic restrictions, they are now offering telephone and video consultations and can deliver medication, parasite treatments and food right to your front door. Being mobile just happens to be what they do best! Both the BVA (British Veterinary Association) and RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) have advised vaccinations and neutering can be carried out - where there is a significant benefit to animal welfare over the next 2 months. Therefore, they will be selectively carrying out vaccinations and neutering. Please give them a call to discuss your concerns and they will guide you as to the best course of action. Please bear in mind they will only be carrying out vaccination and neutering after an assessment of risk to both animal/human health and welfare and restrictions under strict social distancing. They are asking all owners to respect their professional judgement and be patient during these unprecedented times. Preventative healthcare is more important than ever so should still be given regularly. Orders can be taken over the phone and delivered direct to your home. Whilst routine procedures have been temporarily postponed, their vets remain committed to providing their usual 24/7 out of hours emergency service for registered clients. Clients can still call: 01983 212999 for emergency assistance.

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Support for Island Businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Samantha Smitheram of SFS Accounting Ltd Tel: 01983 653145 There are various schemes to support businesses during this time. I have compiled a list of the main options and a short summary of each. • Business rates - There will be a one-year business rates holiday for all businesses in England in the retail, hospitality & leisure sector. Changes will apply automatically. • £25,000 cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure - Businesses must have a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Local authorities will write to businesses that meet the criteria. • £10,000 grant for the smallest businesses - Any businesses currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR) or Rural Rate Relief will qualify. Apply for the emergency funding direct from Isle of Wight Council. • Self-employed Income Support - The Government is to pay self-employed people across the UK a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profit. This will be calculated from up to three years of tax filings (if available), and be capped at £2,500 per month. HMRC will contact eligible taxpayers and tell them how to apply. This will not be available until June 2020. • Tax and VAT bills delayed - Payment of key taxes will be automatically deferred to provide businesses with a further potential source of working capital. You may need to cancel direct debit instructions with your bank if direct debits have been set up to pay taxes. • HMRC Time to Pay service - Struggling businesses and self-employed people can ask HMRC for more time to settle tax bills. Decisions will be made case by case. Call the HMRC dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559. • Hardship fund - A £500 million hardship fund is to be made available through local authorities.

• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - Individual businesses will be able to apply for loans up to a maximum of £5 million. The Government will pay the interest for 12 months and will guarantee 80% of the loan. Any company with a turnover of up to £45 million can apply. • Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – The Government will cover 80% of the salaries of workers who remain on payroll but are temporarily not working during the coronavirus outbreak, up to a total of £2,500 a month. Employers will submit claims via an online portal. • Statutory sick pay - Any business with fewer than 250 employees will have the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay (per employee) refunded by the government in full. It will also apply from day one rather than the usual day four of illness — even if individuals have no symptoms. • Universal Credit - Self-employed workers can claim income support if they need to self-isolate. • Pay it Forward Crowdfunder and match-funding by Solent LEP - If you are a micro or small business you could access to up to £2,000 in match funding through the Solent LEP’s Crowdfunder’s Pay it Forward scheme. • New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business - businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days. Loans will be interest free for the first 12 months, and businesses can apply online through a short and simple form. For further information: www.gov.uk/government/collections/ financial-support-for-businesses-duringcoronavirus-covid-19 and solentlep.org.uk/crowdfundingprogramme-pay-it-forward

SFS Accounting Samantha Smitheram FMAAT AAT Licensed Accountant

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Samantha Smitheram is licensed and regulated by AAT under licence number 1000835. AAT is recognised by HM Treasury to supervise compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations and SFS Accounting is supervised by AAT in this respect.

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