Style of Wight Issue 63_March April 2020

T H E I S L E O F W I G H T ’ S I N S P I R AT I O N A L L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E ISSUE 63 MARCH / APRIL 2020

ISLAND IDENTITY W H AT D O E S I T MEAN TO YOU?

lifestyle

|

fashion

|

health

|

beauty

|

food

|

home

|

events

|

art

HAND-CRAFTED ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

FREE•YOUR•SPIRIT I S L E O F W I G H T D I S T I L L E R Y.C O M | +4 4 (0) 1 9 8 3 61 3 6 5 3

Cowes

New Price

£399,950

Freshwater Bay

From

£250,000

A modern 4 bedroom town house located in the heart of Cowes Town with superb views. Three balconies, open plan kitchen/breakfast room and parking. Chain free!

Cowes

Guide Price

£495,000

Detached 3 bedroom chalet bungalow situated in a popular area in Cowes. Open plan living/dining room, parking, large rear garden backing onto the golf course and front terrace.

Cowes

Guide Price

£185,000

Cliff top apartments with 2 bedrooms, stunning sea views, balconies, parking, underfloor heating and use of the communal leisure facilities including sauna and heated swimming pool.

Island Harbour

Coming Soon

Superbly located top floor apartment situated in the heart of Cowes Old town. Amazing views of the Solent. Open plan living area with terrace to fully enjoy those sea views.

Gurnard

Guide Price

£405,000

Beautiful 3 bedroom Edwardian cottage set in Gurnard village. 3 reception rooms, enclosed garden with 2 terraces and an extra long garage with additional parking space.

www.watersideproperties.com

A selection of properties set in the popular Island Harbour on the River Medina all including 10-12 meter moorings.

Lynda Blenkinsop

Paul Booker

Georgie McCarthy

Cowes

Park Road | £475,000

This 1930s detached home in a sought-after location of Cowes really needs to be viewed to appreciate what this property has to offer.

This home is close to local schools, park, both Gurnard Village and Cowes town. It is conveniently located next to transport links by bus to local amenities, marinas, the Red Funnel ferry and foot passenger services to the mainland, making it an appealing option for families, couples and lucky retirees!

There is plenty of off-road parking and an EV charging facility.

This 3-bedroom, 3 reception, 2-bathroom home has been stylishly and sympathetically renovated with an impressive extension to the rear, making an open plan kitchen with dining space and utility room.

Bi fold doors, running across the full width of the extension can be

opened in the warmer months to appreciate a sheltered south facing, professionally designed garden with unique, creative features for relaxing or entertaining – it feels like a trip to the Mediterranean.

An outside office/garden room benefits from underfloor heating and Wi-Fi – it is a fantastic commute to work through the garden.

Viewing is strongly recommended for these superior homes. To make an appointment to view, please ring the sole agents Waterside Isle of Wight on 01983 300111

101 reasons to be SOLD on Spence Willard

A stunningly contemporary home

Cowes | Yarmouth | Bembridge | Freshwater | London

located in a quiet location with sea hello@spencewillard.co.uk views, a short walk from the beach 01983 200880 and sailing club.

With offices in key locations across the Island and in London with affiliate agencies across the country

Marketing the Island’s best properties to a global audience

www.spencewillard.co.uk

Associated with

Bowcombe ÂŁ899,950 Rowborough Barn

Occupying a rural location within the rolling countryside of the Bowcombe Valley, Rowborough Barn is a beautifully presented home offering substantial accommodation which could easily be adapted to suit a variety of living requirements. An attractive outbuilding has been converted to form a charming holiday cottage, with potential for more accommodation, subject to planning. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

St Lawrence ÂŁ600,000 Fishers

6 | EPC F

4 | EPC E

Individually designed and constructed in 1977, this attractive home has flexible accommodation arranged over three floors with the living rooms located at first floor level to make the most of the sea views. The property enjoys three balconies including a large one off the main reception room with ample space for outside entertaining. Outside there are well kept gardens to the sides and rear with driveway parking to the front and a large integral garage.

Our London office is at 21 Park Lane, Mayfair and guarantees our properties are exposed to a vibrant national and international markets.

More available on Rightmove, OnTheMarket.com and hrdcountryhomes.co.uk

Totland from £725,000 Fern Bank Development

Fern Bank Close is an exclusive development of four brand new traditional block and brick built individually designed detached houses, by reputable Isle of Wight builders, Shurmer Developments Limited. Situated in a private cul-de-sac, and set well back from the road, these beautiful homes stands on generous sized plots and offer extremely spacious accommodation with quality fixtures and fittings.

Bembridge £799,950 Windy Ridge

6 | EPC G

Situated in the sought after Swains Road, within a short walk of village centre, shops and the beach, Windy Ridge is a substantial Edwardian detached house of over 3000 sq. ft,. standing on a good sized plot. The spacious accommodation is arranged over three floors incorporating some ‘Arts & Crafts Style’ features. Requiring upgrading and refurbishment.

Newport 01983 538090 Ryde 01983 617640 Bembridge 01983 875000

SPRING MORE THAN JUST A PUB

NEW THIS SPRING N E W M E NUS ~ NEW W IN E & DRIN K S LISTS N EW & E XC I T IN G ISLA N D PRODU C E

thefishbourne.co.uk 01983 882823



newinniow.co.uk 01983 531314

Visit our websites www.innsofdistinction.co.uk

thespinnakeriow.co.uk 01983 872840

theboathouseiow.co.uk 01983 810616

Accommodation Reservations Book Now 01983 873572



The Island’s largest independent department store www.tryHURSTfirst.co.uk

Find us at: 33 Holyrood Street, Newport 523636 |Cowes 296341 Shanklin 862564 |Ventnor 852139 |Ryde 562379 | Freshwater 755254 Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30am to 5:15pm

NEW FRAGRANCE now in store at Gibbs and Gurnell

Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm 34, Union Street, Ryde PO33 2LE Tel. 1983 562570 Chemist & Perfumery

www.gibbsandgurnell.co.uk

Cover Island Identity: See page 24

Editor Christian Warren editor@styleofwight.co.uk Editorial Assistant Hannah Wilson office@styleofwight.co.uk Sub Editor Helen Hopper Features Roz Whistance, Jo Macaulay features@styleofwight.co.uk Contributors Tracy Curtis, Bryony Rust, Dale Howarth, Emma Elobeid, Jo Richardson, Amy Shephard Design Laura Craven Photography Christian Warren, Gary Wallis, Tom Pratt, Holly Jolliffe, Timi Eross, Megan Clarke Sales Christian Warren sales@styleofwight.co.uk Distribution Steve Read 07894 738246

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of Style of Wight Magazine, but legal responsibility cannot be accepted for errors, omissions or misleading statements.

Winners at the IW Chamber Awards 2016

This magazine uses Zappar

Note from the Editor What makes an Island?

Well, not just any Island, ‘the’ Island, this Island….The Isle of Wight.

In evolutionary and geographical terms islands often give rise to unique habitats and inhabitants, separated from the mainland, life can evolve differently. Today our cultural and social life habits mean it can sometimes feel like we are indeed a separate community where all of our problems are our own.

Whilst it’s paramount we do not lose our identity, I also feel that if we become too isolated and introspective, we cannot truly thrive. Yes, we are an Island but so too we are part of Hampshire, England and our planet Earth. Yes - the Isle of Wight is a relatively small body of land on a global scale, yet our potential is huge.

We were recently awarded biosphere status - an internationally recognised achievement; we’re fast becoming a renowned destination for foodies - not only dining but the food we produce and export. Our physical properties make us a destination for experience seekers in walking, cycling and water sports - with ‘well-being’ a growing trend we are surely in a prime position.

John Donne wrote a poem around 400 years ago – his meaning was more personal, about isolation and solitude, but it sums up well my feelings.

‘No Man is an Island’ by John Donne, originally published 1624 No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Christian Warren

Get in touch 8 Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1EJ 01983 861007 www.styleofwight.co.uk March and April 2020

13

To s p e a k t o o n e o f o u r e x p e r t s p l e a s e c a l l u s o n 0 1 9 8 3 5 2 7 8 7 8

Island knowledge, national expertise At Glanvilles Damant, we are committed to achieving the highest standards and the best results for our clients. We pride ourselves on putting the needs of our clients at the heart of

t: 01983 527878 f: 01983 821629

DX 56352 Newport IW e: hello@gdlegalservices.co.uk

www.gdlegalservices.co.uk

G IN

LY

N O

R

HOVERSHOPPER

THE

O

N

LI

N

E

O

F

F

E

O

V

SA

E

V

R

35 %

*

The Courtyard, St Cross Business Park Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5BF

ÂŁ15.00 ÂŁ7.50 P E R A D U LT

Just 18 mins from Ryde to Gunwharf Quays

PER CHILD

(10 mins by hover and max 8 mins connecting Hoverbus)

Bookings must be made online a minimum of 48 hours ahead of travel.

Hoverbus Return included in ticket price

See www.hovertravel.co.uk for details

Free Gunwharf Quays day discount card on production of the Hovershopper ticket

hovertravel.co.uk

100

Contents

73

Regulars

Fashion

Issue 63: March and April 2020

18

People with style: Bags of Passion. We get to know Molly Linton from Lintons Home

98

20

Style picks: Get ready for spring’s awakening with our carefully selected activities to celebrate the new season

Art

22

24

Charity and community: Northwood House – Island heritage brought back to life Interview: Island Identity We ask a cross-section of people about their opinions on Island identity

90

Rusty rambles: Bryony and Tom take us on another outdoor adventure

120

Events: Find out what’s going on around the Island

Men’s Makeover: Take a look at our competition winner’s makeover experience

37

Craft notebook: Origami hearts with Bryony Rust

40

The art of gardening: Roz Whistance talks to renowned artist, gardener and amateur botanist Emma Tennant

44

Photography competition: See the winners of last edition’s ‘Island Identity’ theme — and find out how you can get involved too

Food 49

New spring menus: We take a look at a selection of mouthwatering spring dishes available at some of the best Island eateries

56

Frankie & Ella’s Kitchen: Easter Egg Breakfast Pops – Fun and healthy Easter treats for children

Features 32

The Style of Wight Children’s Writing Competition – Top tips for creative writing

33

Mountbatten – Celebrating 30 years of Walk the Wight

58

73

The Style of Wight Family Guide – Ideas and inspiration for things to see and do

Your Daily Bread: Artisan sourdough baking with Blue Skies Bakehouse

60

Review: Michelangelo – Celebrating twenty years

64

Review: 33 St Helens

67

Living Larder: Seasonal vegetable – Baby leek

20

Health and Beauty 95

Identify as an “Exerciser” for lifelong fitness: With Kim Murray

96

Springtime at Cosmedica: With Kieron Cooney

97

Island Living – The benefits: With Caroline Hurley

Home 100

Stylish simplicity: By Tanya Goodwin

109

In with the new – Kitchen Workshop

112

Renew, Reinvent & Relax: Spring cleaning and freshening up your home

Business 126

Unlocking business potential, your future depends on it: With Dale Howarth

128

No more Mr Niche Guy – The rise of ethical investing: With Ben Silk

40 March and April 2020

15

18

styleofwight.co.uk

People with style

BAGS OF PASSION A chance opportunity to spend a day in charge of a handbag shop in Italy at just 10 years old set Molly Linton on a path which led to where she is today

By A my Shepha rd Pictu re Ch r istia n Wa r ren

Now the founding owner of eco-conscious brand ‘My Funky Bags’ is fulfilling her dream — and making a huge contribution to the environment at the same time.

Australian-born Molly has spent most of her working life in media sales for companies such as Virgin Radio International, Microsoft and Christian Dior. Despite incredible successes in the industry, an underlying desire to do something more creative was always there.

Molly’s work took her to countries all over the world, living and working in Africa, Thailand, Australia and Paris, to name a few. But it was a holiday to the Isle of Wight to see family during Cowes Sailing Regatta that led to Molly and her husband, Eren, relocating from their home in Thailand, with plans to set up a business together.

“While researching new business ideas, we came across the concept of these bags, made from packing straps, in a wet market in Bangkok,” says Molly.

“Eren, who worked in shipping, knew these packing straps were just floating everywhere in Asia. The plastic from these will never break down, so we found an amazing family in Indonesia who collect and clean it all up and turn it into new straps, which they then hand weave into bags.”

The bags, which come in many beautiful colours and sizes, have taken the Island by storm, particularly in Yarmouth where Molly and Eren have now set up shop. The couple’s passion for homeware and interiors was also realised through the creation of sister brand, Lintons Home, where they now sell beautiful hand-woven baskets, cushions and other soft furnishings.

The entrepreneur has recently been invited to appear at a fashion event in London and now also provides a bespoke range for a London fashion store.

“We’ve sold more than 5,000 bags all over the world,” says Molly. “But 70% of those sales have come from the Island.”

Style is?...

I think style is to be confident, to be passionate, to look your best... and to be fabulous!

What does Island living mean to you?

It’s one of the most unique places in the world. It’s clean, it’s friendly, it’s safe. It’s just wonderful.

Icons or Inspirations?

My biggest icon in the world is Sir Richard Branson, who I was lucky to work for and with. I learnt a lot from his business ethos and the way he treats his staff.

Blunders and what you learned?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take one day at a time.

Top tips?

Love what you do. Go towards your dreams. Work hard and like people, you will get success. I think people buy from me because they see how passionate I am.

Facing the future?

The high street isn’t dead, service is dead. And our success is based on offering such a good service and experience.

March and April 2020

19

Take a walk in the rain – If April showers bring May flowers we may as well enjoy the drizzle. Grab an umbrella, pop on your wellies and go for a walk. We found these essentials at Hurst, Newport – the Island’s independent department store.

Pamper yourself with pastel shades and let your nails do the talking with the fabulous new Jessica spring collection available at Finishing Touches, Cowes.

Briers spotty rubber wellington boots

Style picks

Walking umbrella with straight handle

Get ready for spring’s awakening with our carefully selected activities to celebrate the new season

Update your wardrobe and pick up some new season must-haves from Visual Impact, Newport - one of the Island’s leading independent clothing boutiques.

To re-spin Miranda Priestly’s famous put-down, polka dots for spring are hardly ground-breaking.

But try a pop of colour like this yellow shirt with white polka dots for a fresher take on this trend.

20

styleofwight.co.uk

Leather was one of the key fabrics for A/W 19, and this is continuing into summer, showing that the boundaries between seasons are becoming much less defined - try this boxy cropped leather jacket.

Sunset shades are a major look for the season ahead.

Naturally the fashion elite are already championing it by way of yellow, orange, rust and red hues. Try colour combos of these bold colours mixed with sandy tones as with this shirt dress over a staple knitted tank.

Start a new reading list – Make a new book list to kick off Spring, then find your favourite Island spot to relax and unwind. Here are the top 5 seasonal recommendations from Medina Books, Cowes:

Redecorate your space – Spring inspires an air of renewal, which means this is a perfect time to revamp your space, whether it’s a revitalizing new scent for the home such as these Maison Berger sets available at Bayliss & Booth, Newport or picking up a fabulous new Annie Sloan shade for that piece of furniture needing a new life at Dig for Vintage, Ryde. We also love these amazing Voyage Maison Hare and Highland Cow stools and cushions, also spotted at Bayliss & Booth.

1.Salt on Your Tongue by Charlotte Runcie It’s an ode to our oceans - to the sailors who brave their treacherous waters, to the women who lost their loved ones to the waves, to the creatures that dwell in their depths, to beachcombers, swimmers, seabirds and mermaids. Navigating through ancient Greek myths, poetry, shipwrecks and Scottish folktales, Salt On Your Tongue is about how the wild untameable waves can help us understand what it means to be human.

2.Grown Ups by Marian Keyes There are few writers as capable of skewering the contradictions, frustrations and frictions of family life with as much humour and piercing accuracy as Marian Keyes and her latest sees her on sparkling form. When one woman’s concussion leads to an outpouring of long-contained gripes and secrets, it calls into question just how civilised and ‘grown-up’ any of us actually are.

3.Roaring Girls: The Forgotten Feminists of British History by Holly Kyte A Roaring Girl was loud when she should be quiet, disruptive when she should be submissive, sexual when she should be pure, ‘masculine’ when she should be ‘feminine’.

Meet the unsung heroines of British history who refused to play by the rules. Roaring Girls tells the game-changing life stories of

eight formidable women whose grit, determination and radical unconventionality saw them defy the odds to forge their own paths.

4.The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn (30th April 2020) Pre-order Raynor Winn’s magical and life-affirming new book, The Wild Silence - the follow-up to the uplifting, internationally bestselling The Salt Path. In The Salt Path, Raynor and Moth go out to find the sea, the windswept and wild coastline, to find a way through homelessness, to find themselves again. Now, in The Wild Silence, they come back to what should be home, but four walls no longer feel that way.

For Raynor, recovering self-esteem and trust in herself, and in others, is harder than she expected. She continues to face Moth’s debilitating illness and struggles to find a way to adjust to a life in one place, unmoving. Until an incredible gesture by someone who read their story changes everything…

5. Middle England by Jonathan Coe - WINNER OF THE COSTA NOVEL AWARD 2019 Set in the Midlands and London over the last eight years, Jonathan Coe follows a brilliantly vivid cast of characters through a time of immense change and disruption in Britain. The story of England itself: a story of nostalgia and irony; of friendship and rage, humour and intense bewilderment. As acutely alert to the absurdity of the political classes as he is compassionate about those who have been left behind, this is a novel Jonathan Coe was born to write.

March and April 2020

21

STYLE | Community

ISLAND HERITAGE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE Our Island is blessed with a wealth of historically significant buildings, but they need to remain relevant to life today, to safeguard their future. The Northwood House Charitable Trust is working hard to cement its place at the heart of the community

Above: The house and grounds make a stunning setting for community events like the Big Lunch Opposite: Plenty of Pomp and Circumstance for the Isle of Wight Proms

22

styleofwight.co.uk

S

teeped in history and heritage and rising majestically from ornate gardens that are themselves rooted in the opulence and quirkiness of a bygone era, Northwood House in Cowes is a glorious and iconic example of the Isle of Wight and its charm.

Standing in around 20 acres of open and publicly accessible parkland, the house, extensively rebuilt in 1799 to a John Nash design, has over the years been a stately home, a venue for extravagant aristocratic parties and a Red Cross Military Hospital.

Now run by Northwood House Charitable Trust Company Ltd, who took over the estate from the Isle of Wight Council in 2010 after a period of municipal ownership and use,

the charity trustees are keen to both respect its rich history and ensure it remains relevant for those who seek to use it now.

As such, the house has undergone a renaissance with investments to maintain and improve the property to maximise its potential as a versatile and high-class venue, making it attractive for both private events such as weddings and conferences as well as nationally renowned events like the Isle of Wight Literary Festival and Isle of Wight Proms.

Such an undertaking requires both volunteer help and financial support in equal measures. Fortunately, between the work of the trust and the assistance of a dedicated band of volunteers, the past is being preserved and the future is looking bright. This

Community | STYLE

‘The idea is to build on the estate’s historic significance and splendour and to create a place that people want to use and be part of’ approach is enshrined in a ten-year strategy so there is science and process around the labour of love.

“The idea is to build on the estate’s historic significance and splendour and to create a place that people want to use and be part of,” says Roseleen Cullen, Chair of Northwood House Charitable Trust Co. Ltd. “This approach has seen us develop both the house and its grounds as a venue for all to enjoy, whether that is by strolling through the parkland, playing tennis or basketball on the refurbished courts or using the house

itself as an event venue. Plus, we now have a year-round programme of activities and entertainment for the community, as well as bookings for weddings and other social functions which in turn help us invest further in the building and the facilities we offer.”

The Trust’s success in attracting grant funding has also played a key part and among the financial assistance have been grants from the WightAid Foundation – a not for profit organisation channelling funding support from businesses on the Island to a host of charities working to improve the lives of those living

on the Island. Their financial support has helped purchase gardening equipment for the volunteers who tend the grounds twice weekly and funding to help make the tennis courts accessible for wheelchair users.

Cowes Mayor Lora Peacey-Wilcox said: “Northwood House is a wonderful example of the Island’s rich history and the work that the Trust and its volunteers have done has ensured that it remains at the heart of not just the Cowes community, but the wider Island community as well.”

Charity number 1150641 . t. 01983 293642 e. administrator@northwoodhouse.org www.northwoodhouse.org If you would like to make a difference to charities on the Island, contact admin@wightaid.org or call 01983 555915. www.wightaid.org

March and April 2020

23

STYLE | Interview nterview

What does Island Identity mean to you?

Have you got strong feelings about what it means to be an Islander, and do you feel passionately about the way things are going here on our beautiful Island? Are there things you’d like to change? Are there things that you think we need here to move forward into the future, and are there others that you definitely don’t want for the Island? We are asking a cross-section of people about their opinions on Island identity over the next two issues of Style of Wight. It’s been a real eye opener for us, and we hope you enjoy reading the results

What’s your day job?

I’m retired, but I own Shanklin Chine, the Island’s earliest tourist attraction, together with Fisherman’s Cottage pub.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

I love reading and learning more of the history of the Island. My ancestors are associated with most of the Island’s history.

Your earliest IOW memory?

A visit to Shanklin in 1947 with my mother and two sisters. We stayed at Holliers Hotel and walked down the Chine. It was then only a path, swept by the farm worker. I remember a rug being laid out for a picnic

by Sam Genge, the retired Shanklin Manor coachman/ footman.

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

The restoration and discovery of Shanklin Chine.

It was in a terrible state after the war as it had been taken over by the military. It’s the Island’s earliest tourist attraction and has been much loved by the millions who have been through it.

Anne Springman 24

styleofwight.co.uk .co.uk

What is your favourite thing about IOW living?

I feel I’ve come home to roost.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

A link to the mainland would be disastrous. People who want a link to the mainland don’t live in the East Wight during the season. All those

enormous buses and lorries: the Island can’t cope.

What do you think the future is for the Island?

I think it all depends on climate change. We’re in a very fragile state. The Fisherman’s Cottage, which I own, is right on the beach.

We need to attract more talent to the Island or look after the talent we have; we need more skills, more apprenticeships and better mathematics education.

Currently there’s no future for a lot of Island children.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

We need a better education system on the Island – that’s the secret of it all.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

By investment in education and training. At present we are a superb market for retirement.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

Cheap fares on the ferries for Island residents. Some people can’t even afford to get off the Island. Certain areas of the Island are among the most deprived in Britain.

What does Island identity mean to you?

It’s just part of my genes.

Sarah Chatwin What’s your day job?

I’m a Chartered Surveyor and Director of ERMC & Rainey Petrie Architecture: a multi-disciplinary Design Practice based in Newport, Portsmouth and Salisbury. We formed the business in 2002 and have been huge supporters of developing young professionals since then. It has been a challenge running a business with its main office on the Island, but nevertheless important to maintain that real connection and loyalty to local industry and our Island workforce.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

I enjoy getting out and about. The Island’s unspoilt beauty and southerly geography offers an amazing place to work, rest and play!

Your earliest IOW memory?

Like many local kids, I have fond memories from my childhood. Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine were ‘oncea-year’ highlights; I was a big fan of Judith the pig who lived at Robin Hill in the 70s! My earliest memories are picnic boat trips to Burnt Wood with family. Launching from Gurnard in an old clinker-built day boat, called Carousel. I remember sleeping in the sunshine to the melodic drone of the old seagull engine.

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

I not sure that I really have any to note but I have been a keen sportsperson and have been lucky to have represented the Island in various sports. I loved taking part in the Island Games in ’93. It is great to see the Island Games Movement continuing and that volunteers & businesses continue to give that opportunity to our talented sportspeople.

What is your favourite thing about IOW living?

Sense of space… We lead busy lives,

and many operate within a global business community. Crossing the Solent back after a trip away is a great feeling. I hear many Island dwellers and visitors explaining the same. The speed of life here is a great thing in a crazy busy world.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

I enjoy travelling and like to understand the cultural identity behind any place. I value meeting people who are proud of where they live and enjoy hearing folk sharing pride in ‘their place’. I fear us losing our Island pride or failing to protect our cultural heritage. Places that explain themselves intrinsically work!

What do you think the future is for the Island?

That’s a big question… I think that the future is actually bright. I subscribe to the view that we ‘home grow’ fantastic engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs, either necessity is the mother of invention or there is something in the water! I think that the Island offers the perfect spot to create exceptional work/life balance through lifestyle choices. It offers entrepreneurs a unique and costeffective location to succeed. I meet many interesting people and am proud to live in a community where such talent and opportunity is in plain sight.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

I’m not good with ‘no-sayers’ and ‘can’t-doers’. Change is sometimes challenging, but I hope that cultural investments can make huge differences to how we define our Island values. The Island’s many distinctions are its assets. Sure, some can equally be its challenges - I get that - but as someone who lives and works here I am ‘Wight’ positive. I hope that fellow Vectis dwellers and Wight’s many friends feel the same.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

Keep talking, keep trying and be active in protecting communities while encouraging positive change.

With our UNESCO Biosphere status, the opportunities available through UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme are important when awareness of global challenges grow.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

Is anything missing? It might just be a question of nurturing some bits and being more careful with others. Public and active transport is a vital part of any area’s functional infrastructure.

My husband always compares placemaking to the computer game, Sim City; to create a winning place you can’t neglect its infrastructure!

A transport system offering clean, effective and cheap services will emerge as a fantastic asset to a low carbon community. We have an ageing population who rely on public transport, with young people and families trying to make decisions to reduce carbon footprint or save money. Transport plays a large part in that progressive decision-making.

What does Island identity mean to you?

Green in a sea of blue, bathed in warm sunlight; local produce; dark skies; a welcoming smile.

Botanists, explorers, artists and writers have been drawn to the Island over many years. Sir Richard Worsley’s words in his History of the Isle of Wight (1781) still stand the test of time when he talks about ‘The Garden Isle’: “In general, such is the purity of the air, the fertility of the soil, and the beauty and variety of the landscapes, that this island has often been styled the Garden of England”.

March and April 2020

25

STYLE | Interview nterview

Xavier Baker What’s your day job?

Co-Founder/ Partner in the Isle of Wight Distillery and Managing Director of Goddards Brewery.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

Spending time with the tribe; trying to find some waves and then often some pints in a fine local establishment!

Your earliest IOW memory?

Playing on the beach at Steephill Cove in the sun!

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

Being a part of creating Island history, the Island’s first and only distillery. The first Gin - ‘Mermaid’ - is hugely exciting.

But the Island’s first single malt whisky (with Island Barley) is really something that myself and Conrad are hugely proud of.

Currently 4 ½ years old and not released yet.

What is your favourite thing about IW living?

The people and way of life! Can’t beat Island life! There is definitely a relaxed vibe here, we operate on ‘Island time’ and it’s a really appealing, calm way of life.

With all the exciting things the Island has to offer, like festivals and events, we have the perfect balance.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

Going backwards on our responsibilities. We each have a responsibility to preserve our home - the planet!

26

styleofwight.co.uk

What do you think the future is for the Island?

Exciting. We have so much to offer to a wide variety of people.

We just need to tell them!

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

We don’t do change! I think Island folks are naturally creative, tend to be laid back and friendly. This is part of the character and in itself is an attraction to the Island.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

More investment in our infrastructure would be hugely helpful. We could be self-sufficient with solar and wind power, which would be fantastic for the Island.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

A university. This would encourage the Island’s young people to stay and others to travel here. It would give more opportunities for study and jobs, both of which are very much needed.

What does Island identity mean to you?

A beautiful, peaceful Island that offers so much for all.

An exciting, quality, food and beverage offering, quiet rural and beach walks, adventure activities, stunning views, an array of art and music. Just a fun place to relax and enjoy.

The Island has always been referred to as behind the times… now that is what people seek.

Places with no phone signal and a slower pace of life.

Interview | STYLE

Fran Collins What’s your day job?

As CEO of Red Funnel, I am responsible for overseeing the wider running of the whole business, from day-to-day passenger operations, vessels and terminals through to finance and risk management. I always have the longer-term strategy of the company in mind, but none of it would come to fruition without the whole business being involved in delivering operational excellence day in and day out. The best feeling in the world is getting customer feedback complimenting our colleagues and being able to let them know that their efforts are recognised and appreciated.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

I spend a great deal of my spare time with my horses, and compete in local and national show jumping competitions. It would be great to bring one of them to the Island to ride along the beach and enjoy the fantastic coastline! I’m at my happiest when I’m outside in the fresh air and the Island has some amazing countryside whatever time of year.

Your earliest IOW memory?

I first visited the Island on a trip with the Brownies when I was around 7 years old – I remember two things about the trip; the first being the Red Funnel ferry we took to get here and the second was carefully arranging different coloured sands into a glass jar, which I still have somewhere!

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

At Red Funnel we are proud of our long heritage of serving the Island

since 1820. As well as providing a service to our customers travelling to and from the mainland, we also take great pride in our commitment to support British shipbuilding. I am particularly proud of the fleet that has been built on the Island, for the Island, utilising the skills of more than 85 Island-based expert craftsmen.

Our latest Island-built ship, Red Jet 7, joined the fleet in 2018 and was built

by Wight Shipyard Co. representing a £7m investment by Red Funnel.

Your worst fear on where the Island could go?

My worst fear for the Island is that, notwithstanding maintaining its unique character, it fails to move with the times in a holistic and sympathetic manner. The Isle of Wight is ideally placed to be an early adopter of many emerging technologies, but it is essential that these are established in a considered manner with the focus firmly on ensuring the best for the Island’s wider future.

What do you think the future is for the Island?

The Island has incredible prospects but we do need to make sure that it is particularly recognised and supported in light of its specific and endearing characteristics – ensuring that we have the right amount of appropriate housing, supported by developments in infrastructure, including roads, hospitals and schools is essential.

The Island is also well placed to take advantage of many of the advancing technologies and again, making sure that this is done sympathetically and with the Island’s best interests in mind is paramount.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

There’s a reason that almost half of the Isle of Wight has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the entire Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We can all do our bit to promote the 57 miles of beautiful coastline, 200 miles of cycling routes, and 500 miles of footpaths to encourage visitors and day-trippers to enjoy all it has to offer.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

Ensuring that we continue to support appropriate growth for the Island, be it extolling its virtues as a holiday destination, showcasing its many talents and small businesses, or demonstrating its technological abilities to the wider UK should be a priority – I think one of the Island’s biggest challenges is its perception to those who have never had the privilege of getting to know it, and that has to be something we should all be focused on improving.

What does Island identity mean to you?

Island identity is unique, and we all see and feel it. It is that inherent and intangible culture that makes the Island different and it is reflected in so many areas such as the coastline, Heritage Sites, scenic drives, towns and villages across the Island.

March and April 2020

27

STYLE | Interview nterview

Rob and Mart Drake Knight What’s your day job?

We’re the founders and run Rapanui

What is your favourite thing about IOW living?

What is your favourite weekend thing?

We’re pretty varied hobbies-wise.

There’s everything from wingsuits to drum kits. There’s quite a lot of surfing and fishing going on in Summer that we do together. Whatever it is it’s generally a competitive duel, like a 20-year light sabre battle but with different weapons. Downhill go karting was one iteration that was pretty good fun for the Isle of Wight hills.

You can go surfing or mountain biking or paragliding or SUPing or fishing or whatever you want every single day.

If you’re into outdoors adventures, it’s a dreamland. Where else in the world can you build a tech business, in an AONB, and by the beach?

Your earliest IOW memory?

This little note is a funny one. Mart was walking round near Shanklin train station and saw a bin overflowing, then started crying. So our mum helped him write a letter to the bin man. Now we both work in sustainability. It’s aged pretty well.

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

We won the Queen’s Award recently for our work on the circular economy that means making stuff using natural materials, renewable energy and designed to come back to us when worn out and be remade, so there’s no waste. The thing we’re most proud of though is probably the team at work - nearly 100 Islanders working with brands like National Geographic, BBC, doing everything from building robots to printing t-shirts. We have a great team and that keeps us going.

Hopefully our best achievements are yet to come.

28

styleofwight.co.uk

Your worst fear on where we could go?

We’ve always been optimistic about the Island. Nothing good will happen unless we do good stuff, so we’re a get-on-with-it type of bunch and try to work on stuff we think will be positive for our business, our customers and the environment.

What do you think the future is for the Island?

Really great because for the first time - due to the internet - Islanders are connected to the world. Young people can learn anything, businesses can trade with anyone, and people can buy whatever. When it comes to tomorrow’s economy, which is online, we have equal access. That’s a great opportunity for us all.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

If Islanders want companies to grow and invest here, let’s support and champion them - Freshwater is a great example. The community really gets behind the local businesses here and you can see the results in the new Pizza joint, coffee house, the cake place, the expanded gym,

there was even a tuk tuk the other day driving around - and we’re doubling the capacity of our factory here too.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

Any conversation about a better future has to start with what we are doing to support young people - they are the future. As long as we help, support and encourage young people things will be good. Maybe we could pedestrianise part of Sandown and turn it into Europe’s first Uni-by-thebeach, with old shops for classrooms old hotels for halls, then let the talent spill out into the bay. Or maybe we could encourage more young people to consider starting an online business, so they can build their own companies here and invest in the future that they want to see.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

Perhaps a little less Winter and a bit more Summer. If someone could arrange that we’d be really stoked.

What does Island identity mean to you?

For us it’s a mentality. We might not have what London has but Islanders are innovative, and maybe because we’re not exposed to the big cities the average Islander seems to be earthy and practical. Combined with modern technology it’s a good mix for creating new products and businesses. And so, when you think about where the next Microsoft or AirB&B will come from, why not here?

Interview | STYLE

Mhairi Macaulay Spelt with an MH said with a V (It’s Scottish)

What’s your day job?

Running Ventnor Exchange as a venue and bar day to day; organising the Ventnor Fringe Festival and producing creative projects through Ventnor Exchange.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

Sea swimming ...all year round. I find it helps a lot with stress. I’ve been a mermaid since 2017 and will be swimming the Solent for the second time this summer in aid of West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

Your earliest IOW memory?

I moved to the Island when I was 10 but my Mum was from here, so we’d often visit. We used to have a competition on the long car journeys, whoever sees the sea first wins. My grandparents owned Ralphs Garden Centre and when we were very little me and my siblings and cousins used to sneak over the road, and under the fence, so we could look at all the animals and talk to Brolly the cockatoo.

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

Creating the Ventnor Fringe Festival with a bunch of friends, to make positive changes to where we live, and growing it to what it is now. Last year we smashed our ticket sales record with 6,500 sold – that’s the population of Ventnor! The festival takes place all over the town and brings it to life.

Tickets for this year go on sale on March 6th by the way.

What is your favourite thing about IW living?

The natural landscape is a treasure we are lucky to have; walking out there in the wild is just the best. I obviously love all our festivals and events too, especially if I get to enjoy one and

not be the organiser. The people are brilliant with a joy for life – it’s why I stayed.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

Small mindedness, it doesn’t suit us - we have the potential to think big. I would like more people to move to the Island and I feel sometimes there are too many barriers in place in terms of settling here. It needs to be easier and more of a draw to become an Islander.

What do you think the future is for the Island?

On my fantasy Island our main source of energy is renewable, independent businesses thrive and more young people decide to make their lives here.

Let’s do it! Hopefully the Isle of Wight can become better known across the UK and even beyond.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

A university, a train to Ventnor and some more alternative nightlife offers. Oh - you said one – oops! The university would be the best addition because it will keep a demographic of young people on the Island.

What does Island identity mean to you?

Resilience, affinity with nature, innovation, community and people who know how to have a damn good time!

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

Travel across the Island more, it just isn’t that far from one side to the other. You know what they say: ‘use it or lose it’, and nowhere on the Island is ‘too far’. Working in events I have seen so many projects disappear because the audience were willing but just didn’t turn up. Just turn off Netflix for the evening and do something different.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

Intergenerational conversations.

There should be more dialogue between the different generations to see the different issues everyone faces so they can help support each other because assumptions can be made from all sides. Our audience at Ventnor Fringe and the Exchange is made up from people of all ages, which has really helped us understand different points of view.

March and April 2020

29

Tom Turney What’s your day job?

Managing Partner at Tapnell and East Afton Farm. Now that we have such great managers at the farms, I’ve been promoted to general facilitator, planning and new projects.

What is your favourite weekend thing?

I’m lucky to have a great group of friends and family, which we try to spend lots of time with over the weekend. The summertime normally means cricket, festivals, weddings, tennis and playing in the water as much as possible.

Your earliest IOW memory?

Growing up at East Afton, my earliest memories are charging around the farm playing in all the areas we weren’t meant to; much like the kids at Tapnell Farm Park these days. Also, the amazing summer days spent on the numerous stunning beaches in the West Wight.

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

I would have to say starting the diversification at Tapnell and East Afton, which has now blossomed into an incredible and established destination for food, drink, staying, playing and renewable energy. I can’t take credit for it all because I’ve only played a small part, but I did kick start it with Tom’s Eco Lodge and renewable energy systems, which was a great start.

My brother-in-law, also Tom, the rest of the family and our great team, take most of the credit. When we started there were few who thought that we could achieve much in such a remote and unknown location. Now, the farm is known by most, visited by many, lived at by the lucky few of us, run by a great team and has become an established destination on the Island.

30

styleofwight.co.uk

What is your favourite thing about IW living?

Living in the rural West Wight at Tapnell Farm, I love the views, open spaces and general sense of freedom.

Having The Cow on our doorstep is also pretty tasty. There’s so much to love about the Island, it’s truly a great place and has wonderfully interesting people, too.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

The Island - while we are so lucky to be ‘disconnected’ from the mainland in many ways, I do worry about the ‘disconnection’ getting too great.

I would hate to see the education, transport, healthcare and the economy, as a whole, suffer because of our poor access to the mainland.

We need to embrace the positives about the Island status but we should not isolate ourselves from the wide and wonderful world out there.

Working together with those close and overseas is fundamentally important to a great future.

What do you think the future is for the Island?

I touched on it in the previous question and I do believe that how we choose to engage with those off the Island will have a huge impact on our future. Yes, we are a great Island, but we rely on others in so many ways. This needs to be understood and embraced positively. The ability to get on and off the Island will have a huge bearing on the future. The better the access, the better we will do financially, but that needs to be balanced against the environment and landscape. We need good reliable movement of food, people and services; with this the majority of the Island will become relatively better off; without the opposite will be true.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

If you want to support the Island, use your local butcher, baker, fishmonger, grocer, newsagent. Holiday local, eat at local restaurants, drink at local free houses, shop at local independents.

Use your local service providers, take the bus and plant a tree! I know it can often appear more expensive to do so, but the long-term benefits of using and buying local are massive.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

The Island is a great place and to encourage a great future we should sing and dance about all the greatness that we have on offer. Focus on what makes us great and not getting bogged down in our shortfalls. We have world class festivals, clothing brands, sport, food, landscape, design and people. Let’s celebrate that and inspire everyone to believe the Island can be, and is, a base for greatness.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

We are missing a greater level of higher education and subsequent opportunities for those leaving school.

There are pockets of wonderful opportunity, but it’s currently not enough.

What does Island identity mean to you?

The Island is home. I only really get a sense of Island identity when I go away. I feel happy to be an Islander wherever I visit and talk fondly of it to all. The Island has allowed me a great upbringing and a wonderful life, for which I’m very grateful. I love to take the Island with me when I leave and I love returning back inspired by other wonderful places I visited, often taking inspiration for future projects and ideas.

Interview | STYLE

Jenny Stewart What’s your day job?

Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Yoga Teacher, Co-Founder of Balance + Glo Wellness Retreats + Events What is your favourite weekend thing?

An early yoga session and a leisurely brunch (either at The Piano Café or The George Hotel) then heading out to find one of the many beautiful walks along the coast. One of my favourites is a walk along Compton Beach (if the tide is low) or a cliff walk to Tennyson Monument and along to the Needles.

Those views are just one of a kind.

The expanse of sea and cliffs just puts everything into perspective.

Your earliest IOW memory?

As a young child about eight years old on a day trip heading to the Needles Attraction to build my very own glass ornament made of multi-coloured sand and ride the chair lift. The thrill of heading over the cliff edge was so exciting, I remember my mum hugging me in to keep me safe!

What is your greatest achievement in relation to the Island?

Having only moved to the Island just over two years ago and set up my own business here, I think the greatest achievement has to be the collaborations with all the amazing Island businesses and all the yoga classes, events and retreats that we have worked together on to show what the Island has to offer. It’s such an incredible place to live, and I think it’s becoming especially inspiring for young people setting up their own businesses here, which is exciting.

The beauty of the Island is that it’s a totally supportive community and you get to know people very quickly.

What is your favourite thing about IW living?

The ability to step out of my door and be just a few steps from the ocean.

Allowing me to do loads of amazing activities like Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga, Surfing, Hiking, Beach Yoga to name a few. It’s been amazing to be able to combine my love for the outdoors with my job! The Island is also full of super interesting and creative people, where else would your friends be entrepreneurs, artists, prokitesurfers, sailors and pilots.

Your worst fear on where we could go?

That we don’t support each other or are less supportive of each other.

That people move away, businesses close and then the Island becomes desolate! It’s so important to continue this sense of a supportive community and circular economy here to keep businesses going. For example, I buy a coffee and food at a local café and then the owners come to yoga, so the money circulates to support each other!

What do you think the future is for the Island?

I think the future is really exciting.

Even over the last few years that I’ve been here I have noticed the new businesses that have arrived, new people moving to the Island for all sorts of reasons, and the age of those people also being younger, which is creating an exciting buzz of new and innovative start-ups and activities being set up here to cater for them. I think it’s important to think sustainably as we move forward as an island, to ensure the beauty and nature that lives here doesn’t decline and we don’t lose that.

How can Island people change to support the Island or do more?

Keep supporting the small independent businesses and each other! I think it’s really important that as business owners we keep innovating, creating and learning to ensure the quality of the businesses on the Island is comparative to anywhere else in the world. I also think it’s important to keep spreading the word about the Island to those who don’t live here, keep buying Island produce and really look after the green spaces and the beautiful beaches as much as we can.

How can we encourage a better future for the Island?

To sustain the Island, I think it’s really important to keep showing the world what it has to offer. Encouraging younger generations to come here, to stay here and to educate them that it is possible to live and work here, be happy and be really successful.

What’s the one thing you feel we are missing on the Island?

A dynamic wellness space that combines a flexible work space similar to ‘we work’ for entrepreneurs, a fitness space, a yoga studio, healthy café and much more. (We’re working on this! Get in touch for more details!)

What does Island identity mean to you?

As a relative newcomer, it’s always really exciting to introduce yourself to those who don’t live here as an ‘Islander’ and start the conversation about Island life and how it has affected and changed our way of living. It feels pretty special to say that you live here.

March and April 2020

31

Children’s

Writing Competition

Our Top Tips For Creative Writing Ch i ldren have limitless imag inations and harnessing th is into creative w riting needs a little g uided input from both parents and teachers. Here are some top tips for supporting them.

Read up

Regular reading is a stepping stone to better writing and helps Children strengthen their writing skills. It helps expand children’s vocabulary and shows them different ways of using words. This also makes it easier for them to use these words in their own writing. Start reading early—many children who devour books grow up to become strong writers themselves.

Make it fun!

Play games and activities that encourage writing. Crossword puzzles and word games are great for everyone. Little ones will especially like the “write the word” game: where they search for items and write down the word when they find each item.

Encourage journaling

Keeping a journal is a great way to express thoughts and ideas while also working on improving children’s writing skills. Plan an outing to pick a fun journal with your child and encourage them to write in it as much as possible. Make it a part of his or her daily routine.

Create a writing space

Set aside a corner in your house that is completely devoted to writing. An area dedicated solely to writing will help free your child from distractions so they can focus on practicing writing skills.

Create time

Reading and writing take a lot of time and mental energy, so you cannot expect your child to write a story in between soccer practice and piano lessons. Let your child explore the world of words during times when they can relax, breathe, contemplate and think freely.

To enter the Style of Wight Children’s Writing Competition please email: office@styleofwight.co.uk or visit: styleofwight.co.uk

Sponsored by:

ROBIN MCINNES OBE

C E L E B R AT I N G 3 0 Y E A R S O F

WA L K T H E W I G H T It’s as sure as the waft of wild garlic sprouting on Island verges and the purple haze of bluebells that creep across our woodland floors; the annual launch of Walk the Wight with Mountbatten is firmly woven into the seasonality of our Island – a sort of calendar reminder that we, too, should spring into action

F

or 30 years, Walk the Wight has been a staple of both the Island hospice’s and community’s fundraising efforts. Renowned for its multiple opportunities to get in amongst our rich and varied countryside, the event also holds a very important role in supporting us to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Every year, we are encouraged to step out in remembrance, with many taking the opportunity to display the names and photos of those who have died on their backpacks or T-shirts. There are many stories told along the route, many happy moments remembered, and many new memories made.

To celebrate 30 years of Walk the Wight, as well as asking you to sign up to walk and support its work and developments, Mountbatten is asking you to recall your memories of past walks, as well as the stories of the loved ones you will be remembering.

You can share your special memories on social media using #iremember, or email comms@mountbatten.org.uk Your story may be shared at www. mountbatten.org.uk as they build a collective memory of this iconic event.

Walk the Wight with Mountbatten takes place on Sunday 10 May 2020.

Register now at www.mountbatten.org. uk where you can also find out more information about the different routes available, which include child-friendly and accessible routes.

Earl Mountbatten Hospice is a registered charity no. 10139086

March and April 2020

33

Quality & Style Since 1985

Celebrating 35 years of Style Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Ted Baker, Part Two, LEVIS French Connection, Nudie Jeans, Lyle & Scott, Pretty Green, Yaya, NYDJ, Fred Perry, Scotch and Soda, NICCE, Tamaris, UGG, Hudson. Shoe The Bear, Loakes Showmakers Ladieswear

Menswear

21 Holyrood Street Newport I.O.W. PO30 5AZ telephone 01983 821908

www.visualimpact.co.uk

3/4 Watchbell Lane Newport I.O.W. PO30 5XU telephone 01983 525665

new wardrobe...new season...new you

ryde newport cowes ryde 63 union street 01983 810581

63 union street tel. 810581 20 st. thomas sq tel. 523253 123 high street tel. 292966

newport 20 st. thomas square 01983 523253

A | STYLE Art

Craft Notebook

Origami hearts

By Bryony Rust Photos Tom Pratt

In the original days of origami, paper was a rare luxury and this folding into shapes was a sacred ritual. Now paper is all around us, origami is a little easier to practise and there’s no excuse not to have a go. I’d love to be one of those people who can rustle up a miraculous tiny crane from a till receipt, but so far, no luck.

March and April 2020

37

STYLE | Art A

Origami may have roots in Zen, but it’s hard to feel calm when grappling with all those tiny folds. They require an accuracy and precision that just isn’t my crafting style. But this, right here, is a super simple project that even I can wrap my head around. Just a few quick folds and, before you know it, you have a little heart to slip into a pocket, a notebook or an envelope.

Even at a simple level, there’s plenty of appeal to an origami project: nothing but paper and your hands, forming new shapes from flat squares and neat creases. I’m sure with a little patience I could muster up an origami crane. And perhaps that’s the point. It’s more about mindset than materials. If we had more moments for quiet focus, just imagine the things we could create!

38

styleofwight.co.uk

’Even at a simple level, there’s plenty of appeal to an origami project: nothing but paper and your hands, forming new shapes from flat squares and neat creases.’

A | STYLE Art

We used square origami paper, but any paper cut into a square will serve you well. Follow the picture steps below, or check out the simple video tutorial with this link: http://bit.ly/SoWheart ep Follow these st

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

s:

rfect square 1: Start w ith a pe agonal 2: Fold on the di al opposite diagon 3: Repeat on the re nt er into the ce 4: Fold one corn ss site corner acro 5: Fold the oppo the centre hand side up 6: Fold the right e left hand side 7: Repeat w ith th d fold the points 8: Turn over an dow n points inward to 9: Fold the side ami heart create your orig

If we had more moments for quiet focus, just imagine the things we could create!

9 March and April 2020

39

STYLE | Art

The art of gardening A f i l m about renow ned a rtist , ga rdener a nd a mateu r bota n ist Em ma Ten na nt

by Isla nd photog rapher Ben Wood is to be show n at Ventnor Bota n ic Ga rden.

R oz W h ista nce ta l ks to the a rtist as she prepa res to v isit the Isla nd

T

here are botanical paintings that are admirable for their detailed, near-photographic portrayal of a flower. Then there are the watercolours of Emma Tennant, who captures not only the accuracy of her subject but its movement, its freedom, somehow its soul.

“Because I know plants so well, I know they grow at different angles,” she says. “They’re not neat and tidy like they are in illustrations, they go all over the place.”

Emma Tennant is a gardener, an amateur botanist and an artist, and the combination of the three forms the essence of her botanical watercolours. “I started as a gardener and have been drawing flowers since I was five,” she says. “It’s a bit like horse artists. The best ones are those who

ride and really know horses’ moods and how their muscles work.”

The documentary, Emma Tennant, Artist and Gardener, made by Island photographer and film maker Ben Wood, to be shown at Ventnor Botanic Garden, follows Emma’s painting year and her early and ongoing influences.

The film draws out contrasts – perceptive praise heaped on her work by fellow artists juxtaposed with her own down-to-earth approach to her subject, and not least her love of vibrant colour in the, often grey, climate of the Scottish Borders, where she lives. “We wanted to subtitle the film ‘A Film about Rain,’” she laughs.

Emma barely remembers a time before she began gardening. She and her brother grew up near to the family estate of Chatsworth, Derbyshire, where, under the guidance of an

inspiring nanny who took them out in all weathers, they were largely home educated, using the Parents’ National Education Union syllabus developed in the 1920s. “It encouraged you to get out and observe, and for someone like me, who liked working with my hands, and drawing, it was brilliant.”

Emma studied history at Oxford where she met her husband, Toby, and in the film he describes walks to find plants that he’d never even heard of. Indeed, finding out everything about a plant is all part of Emma’s art. Her exhibition catalogues are far from the usual name, date and number: Emma’s are mini botany lessons, the notes accompanying the exquisite paintings written with the infectious enthusiasm that is at the very heart of what she does.

When Emma and Toby first married,

Above: Telling the story: Emma Tennant works only in natural light

40

styleofwight.co.uk

A | STYLE Art

‘It’s a bit like horse artists. The best ones are those who ride and really know horses’ moods and how their muscles work’ they lived in the tropics. “There were no real seasons. Seasonal progression – spring colours, fruit in summer, autumn colours and fungi – is very stimulating to an artist.”

Seeing herself as an artist – as opposed to a gardener who paints – took a while, she says. “There is a lot of tightly controlled, rather pedantic botanical illustration around, and I knew I could do that but that’s boring.

I needed something different.”

It was coming across the work of Scottish artist Elizabeth Blackadder that enabled her to set her botanical paintings free. “She does big splashy

things with a terrific free line. That was quite an inspiration to me.”

greenhouse in Holland – and that’s not much of a story.”

Emma paints subjects that take her fancy: “It can be a wildflower 200 yards from my house to exotic things I’ve found on the other side of the world.” She will not, however, paint flowers from flower shops. “I like the story of the flower – who grew it, where, why, whether they brought it back from holiday or grew it from seed, or had it been growing for hundreds of years in the same place, like the orchids at Chatsworth?

If you buy something from a shop the story is it was grown in a factory

That story is conveyed through subtlety of detail but also vibrancy.

“Wishy-washy colours are what give watercolour painting a bad name.”

Emma uses a highly absorbent Japanese paper that enables great depth of hue: “I painted a chanterelle mushroom and thought I’d finished it but, when it dried, I thought ‘crikey, that looks like a chanterelle’s ghost!’

So I put on more orangey-yellow paint.”

Her paper also enables colour to flow beyond the boundary of the

Above left: Capturing the essence: Gentiana sino-ornata.

Above right: Beauty escaping dogmatic lines: Acacia dealbata.

March and April 2020

41

STYLE | Art

Tulip: Japanese rice paper enables great depth of hue

Emma Tennant on film

Wandering about: a study of Auriculas

Emma’s flowers wander about, they’re not tied to the traditional page with all its restrictions line, so capturing the freedom that distinguishes her art. Emma’s flowers “wander about, they’re not tied to the traditional page with all its restrictions.” She works in natural, never artificial light, often holding the flower in her free hand. She adds: “I have worked in all sorts of places such as airports – but I like silence best.”

Her home in the Scottish Borders clearly suits her. Here Toby breeds cattle and Emma grows flowers and vegetables (in a particularly weather-resistant greenhouse). She laughs when asked if she doesn’t

find Scotland a bit of a challenge: “It’s a small price to pay for living in a beautiful place.”

The final touch that sets Emma’s work apart is the frame. “I collect old frames and my daughter is a gilder. Framing is an underrated art.”

When she comes to Ventnor Botanic Garden Emma Tennant is hoping to paint something that flowers due to Ventnor’s unique microclimate.

“Ventnor is super sheltered with the Undercliff, like somewhere in France.

It’s a fascinating place.”

Emma Tennant, Artist and Gardener will be shown at Ventnor Botanic Garden on March 18th at 6pm.

There will be a Q&A session after the film screening and a small selling exhibition of her work on show too. Tickets £20 from sallye.peake@btinternet.com

42

styleofwight.co.uk

Ben Wood has been photographing Emma Tennant’s art sales catalogues for some 20 years, but it was when Emma’s art dealer / agent Katie Pertwee saw a film Ben had made that the idea for this film came about. The result is a 55 minute documentary Emma Tennant, Artist and Gardener, which was launched in London in 2018.

“Emma is a very interesting person,” says Ben. “The film was shot in the Scottish Borders, where she lives; at Chatsworth in Derbyshire near to where she was brought up; and at Great Glemham in Suffolk where Emma paints every year in the walled garden. Some plant images were shot on the Isle of Wight.”

The film took three years to complete and follows her painting and gardening life through the seasons.

“Emma is an experienced gardener, as well as an extraordinary painter. It’s a potent combination,” says Ben.

Art | STYLE

T H E G R E AT L E A P F O R WA R D

By Georg ia New ma n QUAY A RTS

I

West Ga l ler y, Quay A rts - ex h ibition conti nues u nti l Satu rday 18th Apri l

n late 2017 (six weeks after having my first-born) I placed my biggest Arts Council funding application to date, supporting a major 2-year project instigated by the IW Cultural Education Partnership titled Lift the Lid on Island Culture. The project was to create four new public art commissions, to reignite a sense of pride and passion for the Island’s unique cultural heritage. It invited artists, schools, community groups and arts & heritage organisations to explore the Island’s unique environment, history and mythology.

Now, returning after a second round of maternity leave, I can present the final chapter of this incredible project – a celebratory exhibition titled The Great Leap Forward by artists Ian Whitmore and Chris Jenkins in collaboration with six Island schools and over 250 children.

The Great Leap Forward exhibition at Quay Arts is a response to the four public art commissions and broad themes of ‘Culture’ and ‘Future’.

The schools involved were Barton Primary School, Nine Acres Primary School, Queensgate Foundation Primary School, St. Catherine’s School, St. Saviour’s Primary School and The Island Free School. Workshops focused on legends, place, maritime industry, architecture and technology, and resulted in clay golems, an enormous caped giant, drawings and murals.

large-scale wall mural in Ventnor known as The Ventnor Giant by Street Artist Phlegm, depicting one of the artist’s signature characters carrying the town on its back; a collaborative community event in Totland led by artist Julie Myers titled The Great Light and Dark Show; and a film titled Back and Forth by Dmitri Galitzine about the community of East Cowes and its position as a ferry port, which is screened in the gallery as part of the exhibition.

Visitors can use an interactive touchscreen display showing how the artists created the commissions and see the results from our interactive Great Leap Day event in the Clayden Gallery.

Thank you to everyone that took part in making this project happen and partners and funders for their support, especially Arts Council England, IWAONB, IW Council and Artswork and Sarah Girling, for her superb project management for the Lift the Lid project.

The four artworks, commissioned by guest curators Jo Bushnell, Stephen Foster and Lucy Day, resulted in a live theatre production We That Breathe by BearFace Theatre on real and imagined histories of Newport and Pan; a Next exhibition: Dazzle & Disrupt | Sat 25 Apr – Sat 27 Jun 2020 | Opening event: Sat 25 Jun. Gallery opening times: Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 4pm. Free entry. Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BD. quayarts.org March and April 2020

43

STYLE | Art

Photography competition

ISLAND IDENTITY

The winner: Geometric v iew, by Pau l Lucas 44

styleofwight.co.uk

Art | STYLE

The winner’s photograph is not on ly featured in this edition of Style of Wight Magazine, but wi l l be displayed on the wa l ls of the prestigious Quay A r ts Ga l ler y, in New port and the winner wi l l receive a 20”x16” mounted print from Ava i lable Light Ga l ler y a nd Gi f ts — the Island’s main stock ist for Avai lable Light Photography, by Steve Gascoigne.

Second place: Footprints in the sand, by Gordon Thomas

To be one of our next photography competition winners, simply interpret the theme however you wish and send it in to us at office@styleofwight. co.uk, along with your full name, contact telephone number, email address and a name for your image.

Images must be 300dpi and larger than 2MB in file size. Entries should be submitted by Thursday 23rd April.

For full competition details see our website www.styleofwight.co.uk Judging Panel Gary Wallis Esteemed Portrait Photographer Ian Whitmore Visual Arts Project Manager, Quay Arts Christian Warren Editor, Style of Wight Magazine Laura Craven Graphic Designer, Style of Wight Magazine Hannah Wilson Editorial Assistant, Style of Wight Magazine Third place: Unnamed, by Victoria Wilkins

Next edition’s theme: Eat the Wight

March and April 2020

45

STYLE | Food

Food for thought w ith seasona l food g uru Jo Richa rdson

FEEDING THE SOUL So much of our food focus these days is, understandably, on what we should be eating in relation to our health as well as ecological and ethical concerns. Yet many studies in recent years have shown that how we eat can have a significant impact not only on our psychological and physical wellbeing but that of our society and the environment, too when and where we want and, more to the point, whatever we fancy, without compromise? I remember relishing interludes home alone, precious oases of ‘me time’ when I would lovingly prepare my favourite foods – seafood pasta, or lumpfish caviar with mayo and chopped boiled egg, onion and red pepper (weird, I know). And nowadays, at long last, a warm welcome awaits the lone diner in any self-respecting restaurant, rather than embarrassment or pity.

But beware sacrificing these pleasures when the heat is on and being reduced to functional refuelling, with the risk of wolfing down processed readymeals or grabbing junk food on the run. And let’s not kid ourselves that a smartphone is a substitute for a human dining companion.

Let’s break bread Singular pleasures Eating as a group has been the mainstay of everyday life since forever, born of practicality in terms of pooling resources and divvying up labour certainly, but also driven by our basic human need to connect with others. Until now, that is, when eating has become a lot less social – it is estimated almost a third of British adults eat on their own most, or all of, the time. Hardly surprising when more people are living alone than ever before (c. 29%), and yet, even within family households, individual members are eating separately,

46

styleofwight.co.uk

perhaps in part due to the increase in young adults living with their parents.

And then there’s the increasingly fragmented, multi-task-demanding and time-pressured nature of modern existence to compound the issue.

We may look back longingly to a golden age before this seismic shift in lifestyles took place, but more productively we can look for ways to maximise the benefits of our new eating habits while avoiding the pitfalls.

Take eating solo. Is it such a bad thing when it offers us the flexibility to eat

The workplace may seem the least promising context for a meaningful meal, with reportedly half of all Brit office workers lunching ‘aldesko’, while our American cousins are busy munching some 20% of all meals in their cars! But what’s stopping us plotting a quick-escape plan with a work colleague or friend to somewhere scenic through the seasons – especially here where you can take your pick of downs, sea or river – for a catch-up over your lunchboxes.

If back home it’s like herding cats getting the family together for a meal, book it in as an unmissable date in

Food | STYLE

S E A S O N A L S WA P S

Swap plastic-packaged early British (but especially Peruvian!) asparagus for packaging-free bundles of Island asparagus Instead of the usual supermarket fish selection, check out your local sustainable fish supplier for something different, such as red gurnard, ideal for easy roasting whole Swap supermarket, grain-fed, immature lamb for local grassfed lamb, richer in flavour and omega-3 fatty acids and sold properly matured Use local new-season rhubarb in place of imported pineapple for cakes (e.g. upside-down cake) and muffins or with pork and duck Try using foraged tender young (well-washed) leaves of sea beet, to be found along the foreshore, in place of bagged spinach

advance. Get everybody, including children or young adults, involved in planning what to cook (no, not a takeaway!), choosing recipes, shopping and food prep, not only to secure their engagement but also to learn together about making healthy and ethical food choices, sustainable sourcing, budgeting and avoiding excess or single-use packaging and food waste. Or make a pledge to share a home-cooked meal with friends on a regular rota basis, keeping the food simple as opposed to MasterCheffy to liberate everyone from competitive stress and nurture good conversation, communication and laughter.

Eating together is not just for Mother’s Day or Easter!

Food high lights:

49

New spring menus: mouthwatering dishes from some of the Island’s best eateries

65

Review: 33 St Helens, culinary delights in stylish decor make for a special dinner reservation

March and April 2020

47

Food | STYLE

New spring menus Spri ng has f i na l ly a rrived a nd now we ca n move away from the com fort foods of w i nter to embra ce the fresher, l ig hter f lavou rs a nd colou rs of th is season. T he Isla nd’s f i nest chefs a re a l l excited at the prospect of showcasi ng a selection of new a nd del icious seasona l produce on thei r menus. Here’s just a taste of the mouth-wateri ng spri ng d ishes you ca n sit dow n to savou r at some of the best loca l eateries th is spri ng

Tronçon of Tu rbot w ith f ried potato spaghetti, watercress a nd Béa rna ise sauce

T he Ha mbroug h’s chef Ash ley Ra nd le has a dded th is si mple a nd del icious classic to the menu for spri ng. T he T u rbot is caug ht i n Isle of Wig ht waters a nd is a rea l k i ng of the ocea n for chefs. Ash ley says, “It’s fa r too easy to overcompl icate th is d ish a nd lose the tu rbot a mong too ma ny other f lavou rs, but it’s best to let its qua l ity sh i ne th roug h.”

Out of respect for th is mag n i f icent f ish, Ash ley even uti l ises a l l the tri m a nd bones i n a tomato a nd sa ffron bisque-style soup, ser ved as a n a muse-bouche.

T he Ha mbrou g h 01983 856333 theha mbroug h.com

Seabass f i l let en papi l lote, rad ish, fen nel a nd sauce v ierge T he Fishbou rne’s hea d chef Sea n Wa rren presents a d ish uti l isi ng fresh IOW produce wh ich captu res th is season perfectly. T he bass is complemented by the tasty ra d ish a nd fen nel com i ng i nto season a nd f i n ished w ith a tomato a nd herb -i n f used sauce v ierge ma de w ith Isle of Wig ht ex tra v i rg i n rapeseed oi l. T y pica l ly, v ierge is ma de w ith sk i n ned a nd deseeded tomatoes, but Sea n leaves them whole, for a n a ma zi ng, sweet f lavou r.

Ing red ients a re stea m-ba ked i n a sea led paper pa rcel, lock i ng i n the f lavou rs a nd moistu re of the del icate wh ite f ish. W hen that bag is opened, the a roma screa ms spri ng.

T he Fi shbou r ne 01983 882823 thef ishbou rne.co.u k

March and April 2020

49

STYLE | Food

Pea , eda ma me a nd mi nt soup

At Ventnor Bota n ic Ga rden, chef Dav id Hol ley’s favou rite spri ng soup is a must. Fresh ga rden peas, eda ma me bea ns, on ions a nd other i ng red ients a re blended w ith lemon ju ice a nd m i nt leaves before cooked brow n rice is a dded. T he soup is topped w ith cru mbled feta , or w ithout for vega ns, a long w ith a dd itiona l cra cked bla ck pepper i f desi red. T he colou r of th is soup m i rrors a beauti f u l su n ny spri ng a f ternoon. It’s fresh, l ig ht a nd perfect for lu nch on the ga rden’s terra ce.

edu l is R est au ra nt at Ventnor Bot a n ic Ga rden 01983 858047 bota n ic.co.u k

T w ice ba ked Ga l lybagger cheese sou f f lé

At North House i n Cowes, th is tempti ng sta rter of tw ice ba ked Ga l lybagger cheese sou ff lé is one of the most popu la r d ishes for spri ng. T he trick is to use a l ittle more egg wh ite a nd ensu re the crea m is seasoned wel l. T h is resu lts i n a wel l-risen sou ff lé, wh ich is f i rm a rou nd the edges a nd as l ig ht as a i r. T he sou ff lé is a ccompa n ied w ith a n apple a nd wa l nut sa la d, wh ich rea l ly complements the f lavou rs of the Isle of Wig ht Ga l lybagger cheese.

Nor t h House 01983 209453 north housecowes.co.u k

50

styleofwight.co.uk

Food | STYLE

Rack of la mb w ith w i ld ga rl ic, wh ite a nd g reen aspa rag us w ith cr ushed Jersey Roya ls

T he best th i ng about spri ng is that i ng red ients a re at thei r f i nest , a nd just need ca re to bri ng them to the plate. T he tea m at T he Taverners i n G odsh i l l enjoy forag i ng loca l ly for the w i ld ga rl ic that complements th is seasona l d ish. T he ra ck of la mb is succu lent , f lavou rf u l a nd looks beauti f u l ly elega nt on the plate. T he a ccompa ny i ng spri ng ti me m i x of loca l wh ite a nd g reen aspa rag us a long w ith crushed potatoes wou ld prov ide the perfect end i ng to a fresh spri ng wa l k .

T he Taver ners 01983 840707 thetavernersgodsh i l l.co.u k

Pa n-sea red sca l lops w ith pea pu rée a nd crisp pa ncetta

T he most popu la r spri ng sta rter at T he Coast Ba r a nd Di n i ng Room i n Cowes is its moist a nd tender pa n-sea red sca l lops. Loca l ly sou rced from the Solent , these del icious shel l f ish a re ser ved to you r table i n pretty sca l lop shel ls. A ca ra mel ised sea red crust locks i n the sca l lops’ m i ld ly sweet f lavou r, wh ich is perfectly complemented by the sa lty pa ncetta . T he pea pu rée bri ngs a fresh, l ig ht taste as wel l as a dd i ng a splash of seasona l colou r.

T he Coa st Ba r a nd Di n i n g R oom 01983 298574 thecoastba r.co.u k

March and April 2020

51

sk i

e s bakeh

AK

EHOUS

e lu

ou

B

•

SOURDOUGH

E

•

ww

An introduction to

m

THE GIFT OF GARLIC

co

w

e.

.b

Blue Skies

s

• 1 day hands on course • Learn to bake in the comfort of my family home Includes; • A tasty Sourdough lunch, and complimentary starter kit.

• Ingredients, recipes and online follow up support.

GARLIC GIFTS AVAILABLE NOW AT THE FARM & ONLINE WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-5PM Visit the farm and find perfect gifts

for them and a delicious lunch for you.

A great way to spend a day with family or friends in a relaxed atmosphere with expert tuition.

Email us to find out about our tailor made packages.

Visit website to see course dates or email blueskiesbake@gmail.com to book your own class (min4) www.

blueskiesbakehouse.com

Celebrate the Coming of Spring!

With Godshill Park Lamb from Farmer Jack’s butchery.

w w w.farmerjacks.co.uk | 01983 527530

Arreton Old Village Main Road Arreton Isle of Wight PO30 3AA OPEN: Monday to Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm

ventnor

NEW

BRASSERIE MENU MENU Soups

5/8 8 / 12

Hillside Garden - seasonal Seafood Chowder

Terrin e

Pate with Pickles & Crostini Crostini Potted Meat, Piccalilli &

Pie’s and Pastr y

Pie of the Day salad Quiche with seasonal garden

Pot’s / Dishe s

9 / 12 9 / 12 10 8

12 12 12

Kirsty’s Fish Pie Coq au vin Vegetable Lasagne

Platte rs or Sharin g

12 / 18

Cheese platter crackers, chutney Selection of the locals – Antipasti Hummus Sun dried Toms. Peppers, Salami, Parma Ham, Olives,

7 / 12

Salads

Seasonal, not winter Green as the colour

Sides

s Seasonal garden vegetable Potatoes with butter sauce Hillside daily bread herbs Nuts, Hillside honey +

Some thing Sweet Brownie & ice cream Fruit crumble & custard Cake of the day Lemon tart Muffin Biscuit

3 3 3 3

5 5 3 5 2 1

SERVING BREAKFAST MENU from 8am til 9.30am - everyday BRASSERIE MENU from 3pm til 8pm - everyday

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL To Eat

01983 852271

To Stay

01983 852271

www.hillsideventnor.co.uk

STYLE | Food

ISLE OF WIGHT ICE CREAM: A FRESH NEW ICE CREAM YEAR BEGINS…

Joanna Tosdevin and her team have been busy making ice cream all winter in anticipation for their eighth year of sales

2020 sees exciting developments, not least their exciting new cookie dough flavour. Feedback has been especially good on their delicious Vegan range too. In addition to this, 2020 will also see the roll out of the incredibly popular ‘Unicorn’ range.

Initially designed for Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill to celebrate their 150 year anniversary, it is now featuring within Isle of Wight Ice Cream’s list of over 35 flavours available for the summer season ahead. Unicorn is especially popular with children - the Candyfloss flavour with Marshmallow & Bubblegum ripple never fails to delight!

Isle of Wight Ice Cream is only ever made with Isle of Wight Milk, supporting local cows and farmers.

54

styleofwight.co.uk

Based at Riverway, Newport, the milk only travels a few miles before it is magically transformed into this delicious gelato-style ice cream, especially good for scooping.

Isle of Wight Ice Cream continues to grow in popularity and is quickly becoming a signature product representing our beautiful Island. It is available in many establishments Island-wide, including Bliss in Cowes, Colwell Beach Shop, Gossips in Yarmouth and along Sandown and Shanklin Beach fronts.

Food | STYLE

Pulled pork buns This is a firm favourite in our house. Great to drop into the midd le of a fami ly gathering and let everyone get stuck in. Ser ve w ith homemade coleslaw, plenty of brioche buns and maybe a side of sweet potato fries

By Ch r istia n Wa r ren

Ingredients 4lb boneless pork shoulder 3tbsp brown sugar 1tbsp salt 1tbsp smoked paprika 1tsp garlic powder 1tsp onion powder 1tsp ground cumin Freshly ground black pepper 2tbsp vegetable oil 12oz lager Method Preheat oven to 150˚C. Trim excess fat from pork and cut into large pieces to fit in a large cast iron pot.

In a small bowl combine brown sugar,

salt, paprika, garlic, onion and cumin, then season with black pepper. Rub all over the pork (this can be done the night before).

In the cast iron pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and sear on all sides quickly to prevent spices from burning.

Pour beer around pork and cover with lid. Transfer to oven and cook until pork turns tender, about 2 ½ to 3 hours. Remove lid and cook until meat pulls apart easily with a fork.

Remove pork from the pot and let it rest. Shred pork using two forks. Toss meat with bbq sauce. Serve warm with buns and more bbq sauce.

Create the perfect dish w ith delicious loca l produce Farmer Jacks, a local farm shop in the heart of the Isle of Wight, is proud of its great choice of fresh vegetables and fruit grown in Arreton and Godshill, and its locally sourced meat selection.

Supporting Isle of Wight farmers and choosing only antibiotic-free and grassfed animals, Farmer Jacks provides its customers with the best the Island can offer.

Farmer Jacks butcher team can help you choose the perfect cut of meat for your recipe and hand cut it to your requirements. They also have a wide selection of pre-made dinners like chicken kievs, lamb truffles, faggots, rissoles and pork battenburg.

You can choose among a variety of delicious awardwinning sausages, with different flavours and great gluten-free options too.

The shop’s Deli offers a wide range of hand- selected cheeses from across Europe that you can pair with the perfect crackers and wine.

Visit w w w.fa rmerja cks.co.u k for recipes suggestions a nd fol low Fa rmer Ja cks on Instag ra m, Fa cebook a nd Pi nterest.

March and April 2020

55

STYLE | Food

Frankie & Ella’s Kitchen

Frankie and Ella would like to welcome you to their kitchen – a place where messy worktops, laughter and spoon licking is absolutely essential

Getting chi ldren involved in the k itchen is such a great way to boost confidence, not to mention introducing so many va luable life sk i l ls that w i l l stay w ith them forever. Fol low the new ‘Fran k ie & El la’s K itchen’ series and try out their creative, easy-to-fol low recipes w ith your ow n chi ldren – let’s face it, watching them taste the food they have prepared for the first time is nothing short of a joy.

56

styleofwight.co.uk

Food | STYLE

Ingredients

Easter Egg Breakfast Pops Fun and healthy Easter treats for children

500g Yoghurt (Frankie & Ella used Homemade Briddlesford Farm summer fruit posset) 1 handful blueberries 1 handful raspberries (strawberries are a winner too!)

1 handful granola Egg-shaped silicone mould or muffin cups Lollipop or cake pop sticks Method Don’t forget to wash your hands first!

Place a small dollop of yoghurt into each egg in your silicone mould, filling each egg to roughly a third. Push chunks of granola into the yoghurt, then add a few raspberries and blueberries to each egg too.

Place a lolly stick into each compartment, laying it down as flat as possible.

Fill each egg to the top with yoghurt, making sure it covers all of the fruit and the lolly stick.

Place the mould in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight, until the eggs are solid throughout.

Once frozen, pop out of the moulds, leave on a plate at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften, then serve immediately.

Store any extra breakfast pops in an air-tight container or bag in the freezer until ready to eat.

For a really healthy treat, natural or Greek yoghurt is perfect because it doesn’t have any added sugar. Dairyfree yoghurt alternatives such as soya yoghurt would also work for this recipe.

Kitchen products featured available from Hursts – Newport; Kitchen Craft pack of 50 cake pop sticks £1.99, Scion Living by dexam silicone child’s spatula £2.50, FSC beech child’s wooden spoon 90p, Homemade Stoneware mixing bowl 1.5ltr £8.95.

Egg-shaped silicone mould available from Etsy £2.57.

Spend t i me w it h you r ow n l itt le cook s, creat i n g t hose h appy memor ies i n t he k itchen t h at w i l l st ay w it h t hem for l i fe. F ra n k ie & El la wou ld love to see pictu res of you r ow n brea k fa st pops – send you r snaps to of f ice@styleof w i g ht.co.u k.

March and April 2020

57

STYLE | Food

your daily

bread Artisan Sourdough Bak ing with Blue Sk ies Ba kehouse

As we come into wi ld garlic season it’s time to find your favourite spring time wood land wa l k and ta ke home some wi ld garlic leaves – one of nature’s gif ts and one of the most foraged wi ld foods. Wi ld garlic is abundant in certain wood land areas on the Isle of Wight and the perfect ingredient for this seasona l sourdough sharing delight.

58

styleofwight.co.uk

Wi ld Ga rlic Tea r a nd Sha re Sourdough Ingredients For one 25cm diameter dish containing 19 pieces 2.5kg bread dough of your choice (see recommendation below).

300g young wild garlic leaves, washed thoroughly and dried of surplus water 50g olive oil Pinch coarse salt 100g hard cheese such as goats’ cheese or parmesan Optional extras: walnuts or pine nuts Recommendation Our sourdough version uses two batches of dough, each made in the usual way with 650g flour, 13g salt, 130g leaven and 455g water. One uses only Flourish Strong White Bread flour and the other uses white blended with Flourish Coarse Golden. If you use 2 different kinds of dough like this (i.e approx 1.2kg of each), you can use one kind for an alternative contrasting filling (black olives or sun-dried tomato) or to provide a vegan version use nuts instead of cheese, but all within the same bake.

T u rn to page 82 for tips on where to forage loca l w i ld ga rl ic

Food | STYLE

Method Make the bread dough according to your chosen recipe(s). Using our sourdough method, these can be made all in one day, but perhaps more conveniently with an overnight retard of the dough OR the filled dough balls. e.g to make this for an evening meal you could mix the dough in the evening of the day before and refrigerate it overnight, after the bulk fermentation stage until scaling, shaping and filling during the morning of the next day.

When your dough is almost ready, blitz the wild garlic leaves into a paste with the olive oil and pinch of coarse salt, using a blender.

Prepare a 25cm baking dish or cake tin by lining it with oiled waxed paper so that it extends generously beyond the edges.

Divide the dough into pieces of about 60g, ending up with about 20 in all (there’s one spare!). Shape these into balls, flatten, spread with paste (sprinkle with cheese if preferred) then roll up like a Swiss roll, one way, then the other, before pinching to seal.

Arrange them in a pleasing pattern in your dish, smooth side uppermost, 12 around the outside, then 6 in an inner ring then a final central one. Brush the surface with olive oil and place inside a plastic bag. Allow the dough balls to prove, this will take up to 6 hours.

Preheat a cloche or baking stone to at least 220ËšC. Use the paper to transfer the rolls to your baking surface. Bake for 40 minutes (taking the lid off the cloche after 20 minutes). Steam will improve the rise if you have used a stone.

Transfer to a cooling rack for 10 minutes, and serve whilst still warm.

To practice every step under expert guidance visit blueskiesbakehouse.com or email info@ blueskiesbakehouse.com and book your place on one of the courses available.

March and April 2020

59

STYLE | Food

Review

MICHELANGELO Celebrating twenty years of Michelangelo’s by sampling premium Italian wines from the finest wineries of Italy, combined with an exceptional four course traditional menu of gastronomic delights

By Ha n na h Wi lson Pictu res Ch r istia n Wa r ren

T

wenty years ago Michelangelo Restaurant in Ryde opened its doors for the first time. A traditional, authentic Italian eatery specialising in dishes from EmiliaRomagna, the region famed as the heart of north Italian food.

Style of Wight were honoured to be invited to the 20th anniversary celebrations which consisted of an exceptional four course dinner, perfectly paired with fine Italian wines.

We also experienced live Italian harp music from internationally renowned harpist, Adriano Sangineto.

Following a beautiful greeting and welcome talk from owner Anna Sacchini, a selection of rustic Italian bread swiftly arrived at the table, served with marinated green and

60

styleofwight.co.uk

black olives. Our arrival drink was a crisp, light glass of Prosecco di Conegliano from Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy.

For our starters, we enjoyed the ‘Torre di Pesce’ - layers of fresh mozzarella, smoked salmon and orange slices. This starter was topped with succulent tiger prawns sautéed in brandy. Not forgetting the Parma a Tavola – a superb quality Parma ham traditionally served with authentic parmesan cheese shavings and drops of balsamic vinegar from Modena.

The balsamic itself is truly remarkable, aged for 30 years in oak barrels and, at £145 a bottle, it took just a few drops to change the aroma of the dish. Our starters were paired with the full-flavoured Chiaretto Rosé from Piemonte, Italy – a delightful rosé bursting with strawberry notes.

Main courses consisted of fresh crab and lobster ravioli ‘Ravioli della Regina’, served in a creamy saffron, crayfish and courgette sauce. We also enjoyed a ‘Lasagne ai carciofi, Pecorino e noci’ – a homemade artichoke, Pecorino cheese and walnut lasagne. This vegetarian lasagne is one of Michelangelo’s signature dishes and also a firm Style of Wight Recommendation. Wine for our main courses was paired by the talented James from Eurovines, who was a superb sommelier for the evening.

We enjoyed the light, easy drinking Verdicchio Classico from Marche, Italy – a lovely white with hints of lemongrass. We also sampled the rich and deep Barbaresco DOCG from Piemonte, Italy.

To finish, we enjoyed a Tiramisu – sponges soaked in Frangelico liqueur,

Food | STYLE

Clockwise from top left: Authentic Parma a Tavola servide with Parmesan and balsamic vinegar di Modena; Ravioli della Regina was indeed fit for royalty; Tempting Tiramisu topped off our celebratory meal.

interlaid with marscarpone cream and topped with toasted hazelnuts (the creamiest, naughtiest dessert we’d tried in a long time!) There was also an Italian twist on the classic English Trifle ‘Zuppa Inglese’ – two layers of chocolate and vanilla cream coated with sponges soaked in cherry liqueur, served with a cherry soaked in syrup.

Our dessert wine was a carefully selected glass of Rupe Re DOCG, bursting with beautiful honeysuckle flavours, from Cavit, Trentino, Italy.

‘The vegetarian lasagne is one of Michelangelo’s signature dishes and also a firm Style of Wight Recommendation.’

This truly was a remarkable evening and if you’re a fan of traditional, fine-quality Italian food - all served with beaming Italian smiles - a visit to Michelangelo’s simply must be on your agenda.

To book a table contact 01983 811966 or visit ristorantemichelangelo.co.uk for more information, Michelangelo Restaurant, 30 St. Thomas Street – Ryde PO33 QDL.

The Michelangelo’s team celebrate twenty years serving the finest Italian food and wine

March and April 2020

61

Food w h a view!

URA T L U C A

L

e c n e i r e p x e OOD

IAN I N I TA L

LUNCH FROM 12noon DINNER FROM 6pm OR JU ST P IN FO OP RA COFF EE OR COC KTAIL

F

F T IO N S O C O M B IN A L ED A K R O U O T C A FOODS U S IN G N N IA L A N A L IT IA N WAY T R A D IT IO T H E ITA L IN D E V R AND SE AT: FIND US T H I RT Y MAS’ S T. T H O | RY D E STREET 1 966 01983 81

n te m ic w w w .r is to r a

Opening

times...

to 5pm fe 10am 3pm a c li e D o 12pm t Lunch 5pm to 10pm Dinner

h e la n g e lo .c

o .u k

01983 811212 • t hreebu o ys.co.uk Appley Lane, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1ND

ce

al

on eas

, s

al loc

SH GOD

Z

8 3H

O3 ILL, P

du pro

7 4070 8 3 0198

STYLE | Food

64

styleofwight.co.uk

Food | STYLE

Review

33 ST HELENS A truly unique restaurant, showcasing what wonderful food paired with exceptional service can really offer…

W

By Ha n na h Wi lson Pictu res by Ch r istia n Wa r ren

hat do you look for when choosing a venue for that special dinner reservation?

Beautifully cooked seasonal dishes? A faultless, attentive and friendly service? Or perhaps a relaxed atmosphere with stylish décor? When you find all these top qualities within one restaurant, you know you’ve found something rather special.

Upon entering 33 St Helens it is easy to see that ‘attention to detail’ is vital to owners, husband and wife duo Tom and Clare Beioley. As we walked towards the restaurant the door was thoughtfully opened for us, our coats were taken and a selection of table choices offered to us.

As we sat at our chosen table, we enjoyed a selection of mixed olives and feta cheese paired with freshly baked sourdough and focaccia from The Island Bakery. We also sampled the whitebait served with a pea shoot salad, tartare sauce and a grilled wedge of lemon. To drink we enjoyed a refreshing peach bellini and a Mermaid Gin & Fever Tree tonic featuring sliced apple and juniper berries.

After enjoying our appetisers, we were served two delicious starters: an incredibly flavoursome Isle of Wight mushroom bruschetta with parmesan

cheese, and a salt and pepper squid dish, paired with garlic aioli, smoked paprika and lime. The recommended wine – a carafe of New Zealand Sauvignon – proved to be the ideal accompaniment.

The two main courses we simply had to try were the Hake Fillet and the Chicken Breast. The fillet of Hake was soft and beautifully cooked with a herb and truffle crust, served with creamy chive mash and kale from Delysia Farm Shop. The chicken breast topped with a slice of crispy chicken skin was served with delicious honey-glazed carrots, roasted vegetable couscous and slaw.

For dessert we tried the truly divine salted caramel semifreddo with chocolate soil, toffee popcorn and a hazelnut tuile. Not forgetting the spring delight – vanilla sponge, lemon curd, honeycomb and Prosecco gel served with a refreshingly zesty scoop of lemon sorbet. With its bright golden colour and flavour of honey, apricots, and almonds, a glass of the Cadillac dessert wine was a perfect pairing to end with.

This unique restaurant truly showcases what wonderful food paired with exceptional service can really offer. We will definitely be re-visiting and would absolutely recommend that you give them a try too.

Opposite top right: Whitebait, pea shoot salad, tartare sauce. Centre left: Chicken breast, crispy chicken skin, heritage carrots, roasted vegetable couscous, slaw. Centre right: Hake fillet, herb and truffle crust, chive mash, kale. Bottom right: Salted caramel semifreddo, chocolate soil, popcorn, hazelnut tuile.

Style recommendation Try the ‘posh chips’ as a side order, they’re topped w ith parmesan and truff le oi l

To book a table call 01983 872303 or visit www.33-st-helens.co.uk for more information.

33 St. Helens Restaurant, Lower Green Rd, St. Helens, PO33 1TS.

March and April 2020

65

EATING, MEETING, STAYING, RESTING...

Bar Open Daily from 10:30am Serving Amazing Cocktails Over 20 Wines by the Glass

Lunch Wed to Sat 12:30 to 2:30 Lunch on Sunday 12:30 to 2:30 Serving IoW Prime Rib of Beef

Dinner Tues to Sat 6:30 to 9:00 ...A RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Hambrough Road, Ventnor, PO38 1SQ

Tel. 01983 856333

www.thehambrough.com

Food | STYLE

Seasonal vegetable

BABY LEEK

By Wi l l Stewa rd L I V I NG L A RDER

Pay homage to St David with delicious baby leek, packed full of vitamins and fibre for a tasty spring feast

B

aby leeks are sweet, tender and a joy of late winter and early spring. Time consuming in their harvest, they are deserving of their higher value.

Baby leeks are either planted in late summer so as not to reach maturity or are the smaller siblings left behind in the main crop bed - either way, they are equally delicious. Cooked whole in stock, grilled or thrown into a stir fry, these guys are incredibly versatile. The green tops are as tender as the bright white shanks so cook whole when possible. Look for baby leeks between the width of your thumb and little finger, if slightly larger cut length ways.

B A B Y L E E K TA RT Ingredients 375g all butter puff pastry - or make your own rough puff 250g baby leeks - keep the leeks whole, but slice off the very top green part and chop small 3 large eggs 2 tbsp crème fraîche 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 75g gruyère, grated Method Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/ gas 5. Roll out the pastry to fit a 20cm x 20cm tart tin, with some pastry overhanging. Prick the base and chill for 20 minutes. Half-fill a pan with water, bring to the boil and cook the leeks for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Beat the eggs with the crème fraîche, mustard and gruyère, then stir in the chopped green leek tops. Season well. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Remove the baking beans and paper and bake for 2 minutes more., at this point you might need to pat down the pastry. Arrange the leeks in the baked pastry case and pour over the egg mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, until the filling has set and the top is golden. Stand for 10 minutes before serving. Also delicious served cold.

March and April 2020

67

Happy Easter...

Experience a Traditional Family Farm on the Isle of Wight

Fresh, Local and Fast Spring into

Franks Froyo Yoghurt Shakes

Now with compostable cups and straws #plastic-smart

DOUBLE CREAM

SEMI SKIMMED

WHOLE MILK

MILK

CHEDDAR CHEESE

HALLOUMI STYLE CHEESE

FETA CHEESE

Try our Award-Winning Dairy Products

DAIRY SHOP CAFÉ FARM TOURS HERITAGE CENTRE NEWPORT Town Centre NEWPORT St. Cross Business Park COWES Red Jet Terminal RYDE Town Centre www.FRENCHFRANKS.co.uk

Open 7 days a week Find us at Briddlesford Road, Wootton PO33 4RY Call us on 01983 882885 Follow us on Twitter

and Facebook

www.briddlesford.co.uk

m pm p -5 m-6 m a 0 9a n t 7.3 u s a -s on m

Caffe Isola &

The

Chapel STreet

Roastery artisan cafe, roastery & independant retail 85a St James St, Newport

info@caffe-isola.co.uk Tel: 01983 524800 the home of

island roasted artisan coffee from the isle of wight

www.islandroasted.co.uk

P E N I

M A

NEW

Y

2 0 2

N G

THE ISLAND’S ONLY OUTDOOR, FLOATING AQUA PARK!

O

0

JOIN IN THE FUN Open May - September Great fun for families, adults and children (age 8+) Perfect for birthday parties, groups and team building events too!

For details and to book online visit: Tapnell Farm, Newport Road, Yarmouth PO41 OYJ

www.isleofwightaquapark.com

WHY NOT MAKE A DAY OF IT!

TAPNELL FARM IS ALSO HOME TO: TAPNELL FARM PARK, THE COW RESTAURANT & BAR AND TOM’S ECO LODGE.

Food | STYLE

C B D C O F F E E S AT T H E KITCHEN@LONDON HOUSE CBD - the vog uish cannabis derivative that's finding its way into every thing from bath bombs to dog treats - is fast becoming the dai ly essentia l to add to your coffee

C

BD oil isn’t new - it’s been around for over half a century - but in recent years it has started to be recognised as a food supplement for health and wellbeing.

While there is still little evidence that CBD oil is an effective medical treatment, more and more users swear by its ability to relieve the symptoms of all manner of ailments – from joint pain and inflammation to anxiety and insomnia.

Is it legal? Yes, because it doesn’t contain any THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, if you want to get technical, is the psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. That’s the part that gets you “high”, and that’s the part that’s still illegal in the UK. While CBD has become wildly popular, only a fraction of users understand its properties. It’s completely natural, extracted from the cannabis/hemp plant, it works in harmony with our

bodies and has been referred to as “A gem from Mother Nature” to help you relax and restore balance.

The product is completely safe to use, as recently verified by the World Health Organisation.

CBD coffee is a trend that’s catching on fast in London and other big cities.

So has it arrived on the Isle of Wight?

It has at The Kitchen@London House on the High Street in Ventnor. The Kitchen is the only coffee shop on the Island offering CBD oil-infused coffees and they are going down a storm.

They use medical grade full spectrum oil. That means not only does it have a high percentage of CBD, it also contains more of the nutrients obtained from the plant that our bodies need to stay healthy. Other CBD oils lose these during the extraction process.

Customers are returning daily and giving some amazing feedback about

their experiences. Christian from Ventnor, who suffers from insomnia, says that when she has a CBD coffee she sleeps right through the night without the frustrating bouts of sleeplessness. Jill, who pops in regularly for a CBD cappuccino, says she feels less anxious and copes better with the everyday stresses of life once she’s had her coffee. Sally, who has an on-going knee condition, has noticeably less pain now she takes CBD oil regularly and has found she needs to take less artificial pain relief in order to cope.

So why combine CBD oil with coffee?

Caffeine creates a nearly immediate increase of alertness and energy but can have jittery side effects. By adding a few drops of oil, you still get a surge of energy but it’s easier to maintain your focus. You feel a nice, natural peacefulness, while still feeling alert.

You could say it acts as the Yin to coffee’s Yang!

CBD Coffee is now available at The Kitchen@London House, Ventnor PO38 1JA

March and April 2020

71

TRIBE AND TIDE’S

family guide As spring unfolds and the Island comes alive, it’s time to get the family out and about enjoying everything it has to offer. The Style of Wight Family Guide is packed full of ideas and inspiration for things to see and do, from old favourites to new adventures. So gather your tribe and get ready to explore!

By Emma Elobeid

March and April 2020

73

STYLE | Family Guide

trees

For the love of

P

roviding shelter (meteorologically and metaphorically) from rainy days, trees give parents space to think and children room to grow. Trees have seen it all before; within their living structures are memories of childhoods long since outgrown. Whether small or mighty, trees have the power to soothe overtired toddlers and recalibrate overworked teens. They tell the time of our lives, but also support life – a single tree can produce enough oxygen to support a family of four for a year. Somehow, trees give us exactly what we need: helping kids level up through resilience and adults to level down through play. When we spend time together amongst them, we meet in the middle.

And yet, we are slowly losing the language and imagery of trees. When we ask children to describe or draw one, we get a one-word answer and a two-point picture. Much is made of childhood’s widespread nature deficit;

nationally, four out of five children struggle to identify an oak leaf. But while that statistic must surely be higher for children of the Biosphere, the term-time rush can still reduce our everyday reference points to a blur of greenery as we drive to and from something more immediately pressing.

Because a tree is so much more than ‘just’ a tree: it’s a complex, living organism. Trunks aren’t singularly brown, but thin and papery, thick and gnarly, covered in moss and lichens, or chalky and white. There are an almost infinite variety of leaf structures and arrangements. They can talk: to each other – via mycorrhizal social networks, like a supportive parenttribe group chat – and to us, if we listen carefully enough. The official term for the sound of the wind rustling through the trees – psithurism – makes itself heard in different ways on different days. Ever the Faraway Tree fan, my eldest is often convinced he can hear the wisha-wisha of the

Enchanted Wood itself; others might notice a whistle, purr, beat or howl.

Me? I hear the sea.

While the right words can sometimes be elusive, the physical language of trees is far less easily forgotten.

Let loose in the woods, children instinctively return to the games and activities enjoyed for generations: climbing, balancing, taking bark rubbings, collecting catkins, making dens (and dams) and flying helicopter seed pods in the spring breeze. As parents, we need do nothing but simply facilitate this connective relationship – all the better if there’s a log to perch on and a flask of coffee to sip from.

We know that children value the natural world when it has personal meaning and practical magic. This spring, I’ll be taking my two on a tour of some of the island’s most iconic trees, learning about their ancient backstories and hopefully weaving our own family memories into the common ground that they stand on.

Island trees in numbers This woodland wisdom will have you marvelling at the magnificence of our trees

5,000

hectares of woodland on the Isle of Wight

74

styleofwight.co.uk

32%

percentage of Island woodland that is classed as ‘ancient’

16

Juniper trees in Godshill model village

2 times an Island tree has been nominated for ‘Tree of the Year’ – third time lucky?

15

metres high for those who scale the Goodleaf Oak tree in Appley Park

11

times a sprig of myrtle from Osborne House has been used in a Royal wedding bouquet

3,500

native red squirrels that rely on the Island’s tree population for food and shelter

Family Guide | STYLE

TRIBE AND TIDE’S

top 10 trees The Umbrella Tree East Cowes Planted by Queen Victoria’s groundsmen over 100 years ago, this much-loved Weeping Ash tree was saved last year, thanks to a local campaign group and following support from wildlife presenter Chris Packham.

Look out for its springtime show of purple flowers and tie a ribbon of support around its fencing.

The Quarr Abbey Oak Ryde Shortlisted for the 2018 Tree of the Year award, this magnificent tree is found growing in amongst – and all around – the stone ruins of Quarr’s original medieval abbey.

Check out its three-pronged trunk which forms a natural archway, mirroring the old abbey window.

Weeping Willow Carisbrooke pond One of several Weeping (not whomping) Willows on the Island, this cascading beauty is the most impressive.

Listen out for the wind in the willows and the quack of the ducks with a pond-side picnic at this Roman site.

Cork Oaks These world-weary looking (but remarkably light and bouncy) trees contain 40 million air cells in each centimetre; find them at Osborne House, Ventnor Botanic Gardens, and Northwood Park.

Cork bark is also super sensory – not only will kids love exploring its deep ridges and crevices, but it is also noticeably warmer to the touch than other trees.

The Chilean Acorn Ventnor Botanic Gardens This rare pair of trees have an ancient lineage and can be traced back to prehistoric times.

Scientists are currently studying these living specimens to better understand the speed of climate change.

Yoda’s Swamp Afton Marsh, Freshwater Not one you’ll find in the guide books, but I’ve been assured (by one very excited young Padawan and his Daddy) that this is as close to the swamp planet of Dagobah as it’s possible to get.

Star Wars aside, this wetland walk is great for spotting moorhens and water voles – so bring the binoculars.

The Beech ‘Cathedral’, Borthwood Copse No matter which way you enter, you can’t miss this ancient woodland’s grand central clearing of beech trees.

Listen out for the drum of woodpeckers echoing through the fantastic acoustics of this cathedrallike space.

Forest den-building is a pastime that never pales

The Island Redwoods California can wait: marvel at the scale of our very own gentle giants, from Robin Hill to Rylstone Gardens The Island’s largest redwood was planted by Prince Albert at Osborne House in 1855 for Queen Victoria’s 36th birthday; the youngest at Blackgang Chine in 2013 to celebrate the Island’s 50 years as an AONB. The Dragon Tree Buddle Brook, Brighstone Legend has it this mythical tree was once a fearsome dragon, slain by a knight and turned to wood (or, less romantically, fell down in a storm and reanchored itself across the brook).

Climbing this great tree’s snaking boughs is somewhat of a rite of passage for local children.

The Black Peppermint Tree, Ventnor Botanic Gardens This record-breaking Rockstar of a Gum Tree is the tallest and widest of its kind.

Unlike most trees, its leaves fall in the spring, forming a red carpet worthy of its star status.

Nature’s playground: taking a leap from a gnarly tree stump

For more local tree trails and tales, follow: @hantsiwwildlife @iwatchwildlife @wildaboutwight @ntisleofwight @hottest_garden

March and April 2020

75

STYLE | Family Guide

MANDY MEADOWS P H O T O G R A P H Y: W H E R E TRADITION MEETS TRUTH In our instant culture of snap-and-share, there’s something wonderfully permanent about commissioning a classical family portrait. Following a recent move to the rolling countryside of Three Gates Farm outside Newport – Island photographer Mandy Meadows is refocusing her established business with an emphasis on what really matters.

From her new light and airy rural studio – a quirky converted milking parlour – Mandy has come creatively full circle. Her evolved style adds depth and warmth, marking a departure from the ‘white backdrop look’ and emphasising the authentic connections between family groups – whether a cosy mother-and-daughter unit or a four-generational dynasty.

Mandy’s portraits are casually ceremonial; the process relaxed enough to feel real, the finished product formal enough to display pride-of-place.

Having a family photo taken in a studio can feel daunting when there are potentially wriggly children to factor in.

Mum-of-three Mandy understands this all too well and is a relaxed presence throughout. Gentle guidance is given on everything from what to wear (for a complementary colour palette that highlights the strength of your bonds rather than detracting from them) to the common questions: “what will I do with my hands?” and “where do I look?”

...run by t wo local Isle of Wight mums

With the knowledge accumulated in photographing Island families for over twelve years, Mandy helps everyone from grandparents to newborns through a series of careful positions, understanding that often the smallest gestures (a fingertip touch or a shoulder turn) make all the difference between a for-now picture and a keep-forever one.

When you book a session with Mandy Meadows Photography, the finished product isn’t just a ‘moment in time’ but will stand the test of time too. To book, visit. mandymeadowsphotography.co.uk To celebrate Style of Wight’s first tribe & tide family events guide, Mandy has kindly donated one family studio photoshoot package – worth £150 – for one lucky reader.

For your chance to win, visit page 85.

76

styleofwight.co.uk

55 Manners View NEWPORT PO30 5FA telephone 01983 559272 www.jrzone.co.uk

Family Guide | STYLE

What children have taught me about

communication

Have you ever had one of those sore throats where you lose your voice almost entirely? Suddenly all the little comments and contributions you‘d normally make with ease become laden with effort. You tell yourself that the thing you wanted to say wasn’t that important after all and you quickly stop trying

By Bryony Rust I support as a Speech and Language Therapist. How much they want to contribute and be a part of things, how eager their smiles. For them, speaking up is hard. Perhaps harder than we can imagine. The communication chain can break down at any number of points, but there’s lots we can all do to help knit it back together.

1. *Be curious* When we approach a situation with open curiosity, rather than holding on to our idea of the ‘right way’ we create more opportunities to explore and learn together. If a child creates a long line of train track, instead of a nice neat round loop, it’s tempting for us to dive in and ‘fix it’. But, if we hold back for a moment and think ‘I wonder what will happen next,’ some of the best problem-solving and conversations emerge.

around us. How many of us can say that we give our full attention to every conversation? We fly a mile a minute and so much of modernday life expects this from us. So the challenges that children have in paying attention is something we can surely relate to. In therapy sessions we focus on giving a child our best quality attention, being truly present.

When we do this we create a space that really allows for the best attention from all of us.

2. *Embrace the silence*

W

hen I lost my voice last winter it really affected my confidence. ‘If I can’t join in, why am I here?’ I found myself smiling all the wider, in an effort to show that I was present, despite my lack of contribution. /Hey! It’s me here! I can’t possibly speak, but I’m still thinking about everything that’s going on and I want to be a part of it!/ It brought to mind the many children

Often the most important ideas need time before we’re brave enough to say them out loud. In my work we often describe this quiet as ‘busy thinking time’. When we embrace the awkward silence, we give room for these ideas to flourish. Communication is about so much more than talking. Allowing a little more quiet is a hugely powerful strategy we can use to give children time to form their ideas and figure out how to share them with us.

3. *Give attention to gain attention* There’s a reason we call it ‘paying’ attention. It requires focus and effort, ignoring the many distractions all

Find out more about Bryony and her work over at saltbythesea.com March and April 2020

77

STYLE | Family Guide

FA M I LY

destinations Tapnell Farm - Isle of Wight Aqua Park

O

ne of the (many) curiously wonderful things about the Isle of Wight is that – laidback lifestyle aside – it often comes into its own seasonally, botanically, and creatively ahead of schedule; a microclimate in more ways than one. Not only are the magnolia trees at Ventnor Botanic Garden among the earliest to flower in the country, but our famed visitor destinations leap back into life quicker (and with more enthusiasm) than anywhere else.

As the buds burst in the Island’s foreground, behind the scenes changes too are afoot at many of the Isle of Wight’s best-loved family attractions.

Take Tapnell Farm Park; in its four short years since opening, this national award-winning attraction has gone from strength to strength in a process of near-constant evolution, with locals and visitors alike coming to expect and anticipate each seasonal iteration. But as excited

78

styleofwight.co.uk

as we were (and continue to be!) when the go-karts, jumping pillows, wallaby walkabout and straw bale adventure barn made their respective first appearances, its new for 2020 announcement is a real gamechanger. Because, from May, Tapnell Farm will also open the doors to the Isle of Wight’s first outdoor Aqua Park.

Featuring over twenty obstacles – joined together to create a series of fun challenges and designed to suit the varying abilities of families, adults and children (age 8+) – this latest addition is guaranteed to provide plenty of splashing fun for many, many, summers to come. Honestly, we can barely contain our excitement.

Thankfully, we’ve got a pretty sizeable ‘Easter holiday To-Do list’ taking shape to distract us while we wait: from seabird spotting at Newtown to seafrontscooting in Ryde. One place that always features highly on any outdoorrequest list is Quarr Abbey. Here, no spring welly-wander through the gardens and woodland grounds – not forgetting the old Abbey ruins to catch

a glimpse of the famed Quarr Abbey Oak – would be complete without feeding the resident piggies and watching the hens before swinging by the tea room (parental priorities).

Spring isn’t all sunshine and flowers; and when the rain descends there are only so many family bake-offs we can stomach. Children have a built-in need to leap and launch; only preferably not off the sofas. Newport’s JR Zone has been a firm family favourite on the indoor adventure circuit for many years, boasting multi-level soft play with sky-glides, rope bridges, and four-lane wavy slides galore. About to embark on a new chapter in its 15-year history, the JR Zone is now under the new ownership of two Isle of Wight mums – Kate Holbrook and Sandra Knowles – who bring with them a flood of fresh energy and first-hand experience. Taking inspiration from the world-class city-of-play experiences of Dubai (where Kate raised her two girls) and an understanding of the need to appeal as much to parents as to their

Family Guide | STYLE

Robin Hill

Discover Robin Hill in a new light this year…88 acres of rolling parkland, natural woodland and countryside gardens for exploration, adventure and entertainment.

Explore

Beautiful open parkland leads to woodland trails that meander through curated gardens featuring sculptures, tumbling water features, ponds, bridges and an extensive botanic collection. A tranquil stroll wouldn’t be complete without spotting one of the colourful tails of its resident peacocks. The birds are accustomed to the park’s many guests, as well as visiting four-legged friends; dogs are welcomed throughout the open season, with the Lower Valley being a particularly popular spot for a game of catch.

Adventure Sandra Knowles and Kate Holbrook the new owners of JR Zone, Newport

children, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this iconic Island venue.

Between secret gardens (uncover the hidden spaces of Ventnor Botanic Garden with their latest off-the-path trails) and secret tunnels, with all manner of slippy, splashy fun ahead, we feel four-leaved clover kind of giddy with the possibility of it all. The island really is our playground – make sure you get out there and experience it all this Easter.

Burn off some energy on the treetop canopy walkways, adrenalininducing Jungle Heights adventure nets, epic rides, 4D cinema and plenty more outdoor play options for the whole family including Africa Adventure playground and Hill Billy Slides. You won’t want to miss the exhilarating quarter mile downhill toboggan ride either!

Be entertained

As well as the daily falconry displays at the park, Robin Hill plays host to an incredible calendar of events throughout the year. From cultural evenings such as the Chinese New Year celebrations which feature beautifully lit woodland walkthroughs and traditional activities; to high-energy summer events with party vibes to keep the whole family entertained. The park is also home to an 800 seat Woodland Amphitheatre which sits amidst towering trees in the heart of the woodland!

Robin Hill offers such a variety of experiences that there truly is something for everyone, and always something new to discover.

March and April 2020

79

STYLE | Family Guide

Rocking all over the Island Most people happen upon the (quite literally) ‘hidden’ world of pebble painting entirely by accident: in an alcove on the way to the dentist; nestled in between the slats on a park bench; perched atop a stile, groyne, or seawall; or underfoot on an otherwise ordinary morning walk. Whether it’s a ladybird, love heart, or lettering that catches your eye, the shock of colour multiplied by the power of the surprise factor often reawakens a long-forgotten thrill of finding treasure where you least expect it ‘Rocking’ – as it’s known in social circles – first took off in a coastal community not entirely unlike our own, straight across the (big) pond in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Here, the ‘Kindness Rocks Project’ sparked a global pebble-painting movement spreading messages of empathy, love and kindness, one stone at a time.

With nature as its medium and community as its method, it’s no wonder the Isle of Wight has taken

80

styleofwight.co.uk

this creative hobby to its heart; beginning several summers ago, when one local teacher spent her school holidays hiding pebbles painted with kindness-inspired slogans – including those in support of initiatives such as Anti-Bullying Week and 30 Days Wild. Four years on, and the Island’s ‘rocking’ community is still going strong, with children and grandparents alike delighting in the simple pleasures of painting, hiding (and seeking) pebbles right across the Island.

Family Guide | STYLE

Rules of rocking Though the basic premise is simple enough – find rock, paint rock, hide rock – there are a few important points to remember whenever natural resources (pebbles, yes – but this includes seashells, driftwood, and seaglass) are used in artwork, to ensure that you’re rocking responsibly.

Over the past few years, we’ve been lucky enough to happen upon all sorts of pebbles in all sorts of places: from a ‘Wight mouse’ resting casually on top of the garden wishing well at Chessell Pottery Café, to a beautifully intricate fairy house underneath the ‘fairy tree’ at St. Helens Duver. Somewhat predictably, no stone has ever been found when we’ve actually been looking for it; as anyone who has ever ‘tried’ to hunt for seaglass will know, seeking requires a certain mindset (or, rather, absence of mindset – a bit like reading an alethiometer!)

Children make the best ‘finders’ – the human brain is extremely sensitive to contrast, and babies as young as three

months can recognise a different pattern in a sea of sameness. As we get older, we develop a daily glaze preventing us from noticing the little things hiding in plain sight; opening our eyes to the possibility of treasure is, I always think, a little like foraging for the soul.

Though ‘rocking’ is an all-weather activity, there’s something about the first flushes of spring – and our seasonal predisposition towards scavenging for brightly coloured things – that makes the Easter holidays a great time to give pebblepainting a go; a family activity suitable for everyone from the tiddliest of tots to the techiest of teenagers.

Choosing the perfect pebble for your canvas is part of the fun; there are all sorts of considerations to be made regarding shape, weight, and texture. But here on the Island, stones also provide important stability to our much-loved sandy beaches, and are an important defence against flooding on our pebbly ones.

Stick to a ‘one perfect rock’ each rule, and where possible, rehide in the place that you first found it; bags of sustainable stones can also be bought from craft and DIY shops.

Perfect rock at the ready, all you need now is some paint (acrylic works best) and your imagination – and perhaps, if you’re anything like me, Pinterest. Despite the grandest of ambitions for mandalas and meaningful quotes, in the end it’s as much as I can manage to inscribe a one-word message while trying to keep the peace between one paintbrush-happy toddler and his bug-loving brother trying to accurately replicate his favourite Colorado Potato Beetle.

If you plan to leave them out and about for others to find, you’ll also want to seal the finished pebbles with a clear lacquer to protect against March winds and April showers.

This year will be our first time parting with our creations, and I must admit it’s quite exciting not knowing when, or by whom, they will be found – perhaps it will be you?

March and April 2020

81

STYLE | Family Guide Guide

Family foraging Foraging has gone from ‘annual blackberrying jaunt’ to a fashionably addictive (and highly instagrammable) hobby, with everyone from cocktail bars to cupcake connoisseurs getting in on the act. But family foraging isn’t about serving twelvemonth-matured hedgerow jus with the Sunday Roast; it’s about discovering the wild food growing across our island’s coastline and countryside – from harbour walls to woodland floors – and cooking it up together in the simplest way possible

in season: wild garlic Wild garlic is the perfect starter find; not just because it grows particularly abundantly here on the Island, but also because you’ll smell it before you see it! Trust your nose; its fragrant garlicky scent will rule out any mistaken identity with the poisonous Lily-of-theValley. And what a sight it is – a dense carpet of spring greenery, adorned later on in the season with delicate white star-shaped flowers (which are just as edible, and make a very pretty garnish).

Thanks to the Garlic Farm’s legendary black garlic ice cream sundaes, Island

82

styleofwight.co.uk

families perhaps have a head start convincing less-than-adventurous children to give wild garlic a go.

Luckily, it has a much milder flavour than cultivated bulb varieties which, combined with the triumphant sense of pick-your-own achievement, should be enough to win over even the pickiest of eaters.

There are many things you can theoretically do with wild garlic, but cooking with younger children might not be the time to attempt a twicebaked soufflé. Instead, for an easy midweek ‘pasta pesto’, simply add your wild garlic leaves (washed), some hazelnuts (a handful), olive oil (a glug),

Family Guide | STYLE

and lemon juice (a squeeze) to a food processor – bickering over whose turn it is to press the button optional – and whizz together before stirring through their pasta shape du jour.

Tell me where: Wild garlic can be found in almost every wooded area across the Island – guaranteed spots include Shorwell Shute and Briddlesford Copse. For a more ambitious (code: buggy free) foraging expedition, the Devil’s Chimney between Luccombe and Bonchurch has a particularly impressive display in its secret woodland walk.

in season: seaweed Technically edible all year round, the morning after a spring storm offers up a freshness-guaranteed time to forage for this seaside superfood.

With so many varieties, deciding what to pick and how to prepare it can be overwhelming, so here are just two of our favourites.

Sea lettuce – easily identifiable as a rather limp-looking but very bright green lettuce leaf – can be found mostly attached to rocks or in rockpools, and makes an excellent colourful topping on homemade pizza.

Sugar kelp – when baked into crinkly crisps on a very low heat and seasoned with some Isle of Wight sea salt and rosemary from the garden – makes a viable (and packaging free!) Pom-Bear alternative.

And if that all sounds a little too wild, you can always bring a few fronds home for the mud kitchen: since no seaweed around UK shores is inedible, kids can experiment with their own foraged concoctions to their heart’s content.

Tell me where: Any beach that has exposed rockpools exposed at low tide – think Bembridge rather than Ryde, and Colwell Bay rather than Sandown.

in season: sea beet Sea beet is, in fact, not a ‘beet’ at all, but more like a sturdier and shinier wild spinach that grows robustly along our coastal paths, on saltmarshes and near shingle beaches. A bit tough for kids to eat as a standalone vegetable, sea beet deserves a special mention for making the perfect spring green soup when simmered together with vegetable stock and coconut milk.

Tell me where: For me, sea beet means St. Helens; though it can be found on, around, and above most of our coastal haunts – from Freshwater Bay to Newtown.

in season: dandelions Dandelions really are the superheroes of spring: bursting with cheer, boisterously blooming all over the place the second winter is behind us.

And best of all? Completely edible, from stalk to flower. Of course, all the normal rules apply – never eat anything grown where it might have been sprayed with pesticides – but dandelions are so plentiful that parents don’t have to worry about over-enthusiastic pickers depleting nature’s own stocks. In our house, we save the leaves for the pet guinea pigs, and scatter the saffronyellow petals for an almost Holi-like decoration on spring-veg risotto.

Tell me where: No map needed (in fact, it’s probably more helpful to say where NOT to find dandelions; go wild in fields, gardens and nature reserves – but preferably not the pavement).

When we learn (or, rather, teach ourselves to remember) to forage, the seasons aren’t just punctuated by school terms and birthday parties, but by first buds and last flowerings.

It’s this connection to the land – and to each other – that makes foraging such a feelgood family activity.

Golden rules of foraging • Foraging is fun, not a free-for-all: take only what you really need – from plentiful populations – and leave plenty behind for the birds and other wildlife.

• Pick sparingly from public spaces or common ground; the Woodland Trust, for example, allows foraging for personal use, but always check to make sure you’re not on privately owned land.

• Steer clear of well-trodden dog-walking paths (for obvious reasons), roadsides and houseboat-populated harbours – many plants absorb pollutants from the surrounding earth, air and water.

• If in any doubt, take a picture and consult an illustrated guide (or download a plant identification app) before eating – aim for 101% certainty.

Find out more Nationally, the Woodland Trust is an excellent source of foraging tips and recipes. Should you catch the foraging bug, Richard Mabey’s classic (and, in my case, battered) ‘Food for Free’ offers detailed species identification, though ‘Food You Can Forage’ by nature writer Tiffany Francis-Baker (@tiffany. francis) is my personal favourite.

Closer to home, local foraging experts @islandwildfood and @fruitoftheland provide a wealth of island-specific finds and feasts.

March and April 2020

83

STYLE | Family Guide

READER OFFER W E H AV E A R A T H E R A M A Z I N G O F F E R F O R O N E L U C K Y R E A D E R .

Y O U C O U L D W I N A L L T H E S E E S P E C I A L L Y C U R AT E D FA M I L Y P R I Z E S

Kit & Kin Bunny Hat and Cardigan Have your own reallife bunny this Easter with the Kit & Kin hat and cardigan. Both made from super soft sustainable 100% organic cotton to be gentle on delicate skin, they will keep your little one warm and cosy all day long. Breathable, durable and stylish, the subtle unisex tone will go perfectly with any outfit, while the adorable bunny ears provide the cutest finishing touch!

RRP: Bunny Hat ÂŁ16.99 Bunny Cardigan ÂŁ34.99 Stockist: kitandkin.com

84

styleofwight.co.uk

Family Guide | STYLE

Infantino In Season Carrier The team at Infantino, the brand famous for creating smartly designed products for happy parenting, are thrilled to unveil the all-new In Season Carrier. The unique ergonomic carrier supports 4 carrying positions and has been thoughtfully designed with 5 integrated layers to allow families to carry throughout the whole year. The revolutionary all-weather carrier will keep you and your little one prepared to brave the elements - from frosty winter days through to sizzling summer RRP: £74.99 Stockist: Smyths Toys & Argos

Family Portrait with Mandy Meadows Photography Mandy’s portraits are casually ceremonial; the process relaxed enough to feel real, the finished product formal enough to display in pride-of-place and hand down to the grandchildren. This is your chance to capture a moment in time that will be handed down through generations. Shot in Mandy’s new studio this package worth £150 is up for grabs.

RRP: £150 Visit mandymeadowsphotography.co.uk

SmartGames IQ XOXO Discover hugs and kisses by filling the grid with 10 colourful, doublesided pentomino pieces, leaving X’s and O’s in sequence. Featuring 120 challenges this will keep the man in your family occupied with endless, brain-teasing fun!

RRP: £9.99 smarttoysandgames.co.uk

F O R A C H A N C E T O W I N V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E S T Y L E O F W I G H T. C O . U K A N D E N T E R O U R READER OFFER ‘STYLE OF WIGHT TRIBE AND TIDE PRIZE’

March and April 2020

85

STYLE | Family Guide

Your one-stop seasonal guide of things to do with your tribe on the Isle of Wight this Easter Tickety Boo Club

Where: Tapnell Farm Park When: Tuesdays (term-time only) 10.30am – 12 midday The perfect intergenerational pre-school club: explore vintage childhood games, hobbies, crafts, and songs together. £4.50 per child: grandparents/parents/carers/babies under 1 free, booking essential. @tapnellfarmpark

Mill Copse Tots

Where: Mill Copse, Yarmouth When: 25th March and 1st April Regular outdoor play sessions for under 6’s in beautiful ancient woodland: with plenty of bug-hunting, hammock-swinging, den-building, mud-pie-mixing fun. £3 per person, under 2’s play free. Sessions run by @kglearningwild.

Wildbeach Tots

Where: St. Helens Beach When: 31st March and 7th April Hosted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s @ IWBeachSchool, these regular playand-explore sessions allow under 5’s to discover the coast through games and activities. £5 donation, email Kelly. wetherrick@hiwwt.org.uk to book.

Hoppy Easter

Where: Tapnell Farm Park When: 4th – 19th April An array of eggcellent Easter activities await: from feeding the baby lambs to decorating and hanging your very own Easter egg on the Tapnell Easter Tree, in aid of ‘Trees for Life Australia’. @tapnellfarmpark

86

styleofwight.co.uk

Spring Trail

Where: Mottistone Gardens When: 4th – 19th April Follow the spring nature trail around the beautiful gardens of Mottistone – from deep in the gully to high on the banks – with your little (and larger) explorers. FREE event (admission applies). @ntisleofwight

Yaverland to Sandown Monthly Beach Clean

Where: Meet at Yaverland car park When: Sunday 5th April, 11am – 1pm Help clean up Sandown Bay’s Marine Conservation Zone, hosted by Blue Seas Protection (litterpickers and bags provided, or bring your own). @weareneveroutofourdepth

Dream Catcher Creation Workshop

Where: Ventnor Botanic Garden When: Sunday 5th April, 11am – 1pm

Rockpooling with Fruit of the Land

Where: Bembridge Beach When: 5th and 19th April, 2-4pm Join foraging expert Paul Noakes on a child-friendly experience exploring the island’s rock pool life and foraging for edible seaweeds. £10 per child, £15 per adult. @fruitofthelandiow

Welly Wednesdays

Where: Bluebells at Briddlesford When: 8th and 15th April, 2-4 pm Don’t miss the return of this everpopular event: take a tour of Briddlesford’s working dairy farm and see the cows being milked – wellies essential! Adults £6, children £3, under 3s go free. @bluebellsbriddlesford

Colour Catcher

Where: Bembridge Windmill When: 4th – 19th April

Make your own dream catcher using fallen springtime treasures from Ventnor’s magical gardens. £5 per child, booking essential. @hottest_garden

Hunt for spring colours in the windmill’s hedges, trees and surrounding grounds of this iconic windmill – and then take your colourful nature bookmark home. @ntisleofwight

Dusty Threads Kids Sale

Dawn of the Dinos

Quality pre-loved and vintage children’s clothes from the @dusty_threads duo. Support the island’s slow and sustainable fashion movement as a buyer or seller – now is the perfect time for a spring clear out!

New for 2020. Head to Jurassic Hunt; journeying through the Lost Temple on an explorer’s eggs-pedition, take to the wheel of an off-road Dino Safari, and uncover treasures as a palaeontologist at an ancient archeological dig site. @blackgangchine

Where: Newclose County Cricket Club When: Sunday 5th April, 1– 3pm

Where: Blackgang Chine When: 10th – 13th April

Family Guide | STYLE

Easter Saturday Duck Race

Easter Adventure Quest

Yarmouth Carnival Committee presents the famous annual duck race – featuring over 1500 little ducks!

Follow the adventure trails through the grounds of Osborne House and Carisbrooke castle on the hunt for dragon eggs – Hotel Chocolat treats for intrepid explorers! @englishheritage

Where: Yarmouth – Yar Bridge When: 11th April, 4pm

The Enchanted Garden Easter Adventure

Where: Ventnor Botanic Garden When: 12th April Join your favourite Enchanted Isle characters in a giant family Easter egg hunt through the secret hideaways of Ventnor Botanic Garden, with prizes, crafts, and eggs galore. @hottest_garden

Beach, Bugs & Bones

Where: Science Beach and the Lost Duver, Sandown Bay When: April, depending on the tide This FREE family event is a 6th annual celebration of all things wild – including the Big Fossil Dig and Big Bug Hunt. Follow @shapingthebay for tide and time updates.

Farm Fest

Where: Robin Hill Country Park When: 4th – 18th April Hop on board the Big Red Tractor for a rumbling ride through @ robinhillcountrypark, make friends with farmyard animals at the Touring Petting Farm, and race around the pedal tractor course before sampling some local Farmers’ Market delights.

Where: Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle When: 4th – 19th April

Easter Fun

Where: Isle of Wight Steam Railway When: 9th – 13th April Take in the springtime sights on a steam train ride through the island’s countryside; with plenty to entertain back at the station – from treasure hunts to children’s entertainment, and daily Easter Bonnet Parades. @isleofwightsteamrailway

Spectrum – The Autism Festival

Where: Cowes Enterprise College When: 25th April Combining live music and entertainment with sensory and quiet areas, Spectrum’s first Autism Festival – aimed at celebrating neurodiversity and suitable for the whole family. @spectrumfestivaliow

History Detectives – Spring Festivals

Where: Brighstone Scout Hut When: 26th April These free-flowing, fun and interactive workshops are perfect for 4-11 year olds. £5 per child, younger siblings go free. To book and for more info follow @unravelledlearning

Just a perfect (Mother’s) day The ‘perfect’ Mother’s Day looks a little different for each of us depending on our stage of motherhood; what we need (and what we want) seems to change chimerically year-on-year.

Luckily – whether we’re mothers ‘in utero’, in the thick of it, or looking back on it – there’s something on the island for everyone; from crafting and candle-making to rolling in a hay barn.

Here’s our round-up of the best Big Day happenings: As well as enjoying half-price entry to the park itself, Mums go FREE at Tapnell Farm Park’s Roller Rink, where they’ll be blasting out the mum ballads With sheltered seating and snuggly blankets, the tranquil tea gardens at Mottistone Gardens are the perfect place for an outdoor slice of cake (or two) Animal-loving mamas head to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for special grooming and adoption events Take a relaxing trip through the countryside at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway; all mums receive a pretty posy of spring flowers Feel like a queen with a gloriously elegant afternoon tea (with or without the fizz) at The Royal in Ventnor Or take your afternoon tea in the 1940s surroundings of the Needles Old Battery – pillar box red lipstick optional Enrol in a ChilliWinter candle-making workshop at The Garlic Farm; using sustainable materials and high-grade essential oils, this 3-hour workshop is suitable for ages 12+ For the ultimate cream tea and creativity combination, book in a pottery painting session at Chessell Pottery

March and April 2020

87

STYLE | Family Guide

TRIBE AND TIDE

directory

All in one place: people you need to follow, places you need to visit, plans you need to make.

Blackgang Chine www.blackgangchine.com Facebook @BlackgangChine / Instagram @blackgangchine

JR Zone www.jrzone.co.uk Facebook @jrzone.newport / Instagram @jrzoneiow

Bluebells of Briddlesford www.briddlesford.co.uk Facebook @bluebellsbriddlesford

Mandy Meadows Photography www.mandymeadowsphotography.co.uk Facebook @MandyMeadowsPhotography / Instagram @mandymeadowsphotography_

Chessell Pottery www.chessellpotterycafe.co.uk Facebook @ChessellPotteryCafe / Instagram @chessellpotterycafe ChilliWinter Candles www.chilliwinter.co.uk Facebook @ChilliWinter / Instagram @chilliwinteriow Dusty Threads Facebook @dustythreads / Instagram @dusty_threads English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk Facebook @englishheritage / Instagram @englishheritage Fruit of the Land www.fruitoftheland.wordpress.com Facebook @fruitofthelandiow / Instagram @fruit_of_the_land Godshill Model Village www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk Facebook @godshillmodelvillage / Instagram @modelvillagegodshill

We hope you’ve enjoyed this first tribe and tide family guide.

Whether this is your first or twenty-first time visiting the Isle of Wight; whether you were born here, raised here, or are a more recent convert to the joy of island family life; with a bit of luck we’ve planted a few seeds of inspiration for places to go, creatures to meet, and landscapes to explore with your tribe this spring.

We will be producing another guide later in the year and would love to hear from you if you have any ideas, stories or features we should consider please email office@styleofwight.co.uk If you have a business and would like to be profiled please email sales@styleofwight.co.uk

88

styleofwight.co.uk

National Trust Isle of Wight www.nationaltrust.org.uk Facebook @IsleofWightNT / Instagram @ntisleofwight Quay Arts www.quayarts.org Facebook @QuayArtsCentre / Instagram @quayarts Quarr Abbey www.quarrabbey.org Facebook @quarrabbeyiow Robin Hill Country Park www.robin-hill.com Facebook @RobinHill.IW / Instagram @robinhillcountrypark Tapnell Farm Park www.tapnellfarmpark.com Facebook @tapnellfarm / Instagram @tapnellfarmpark The Autism Festival Facebook @spectrumfestivaliow / Instagram @spectrumfestivaliow

Goodleaf Tree Climbing www.goodleaf.co.uk Facebook @goodleafiw / Instagram @ goodleafiw

The Garlic Farm www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk Facebook @TheGarlicFarm / Instagram @garlic_farm

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust www.hiwwt.org.uk Facebook @ HampshireandIsleofWightWildlifeTrust

The Royal, Ventnor www.royalhoteliow.co.uk Facebook @TheRoyalIOW / Instagram @theroyalhotel

Island Wild Food www.islandwildfood.co.uk Instagram @islandwildfood

Unravelled Learning www.unravelledlearning.com Facebook @unravelledlearning / Instagram @unravelled_learning

Isle of Wight Beach School Facebook @IWbeachschool Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org Facebook @iowdonkeysanctuary.org / Instagram @iowdonkeys Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society www.iwnhas.org Isle of Wight Wild Learning (public Facebook group promoting outdoor learning) Isle of Wight Steam Railway www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk Facebook @iwsteamrailway / Instagram @isleofwightsteamrailway

Ventnor Botanic Garden www.botanic.co.uk Facebook @HottestGarden / Instagram @hottest_garden West Wight Sports & Community Centre www.westwight.org.uk Facebook @www.westwightsportscentre/ Instagram @westwight_sportscentre Wild about Wight – Down to the Coast www.downtothecoast.co.uk Facebook @Downtothecoast / Instagram @down_to_the_coast Wild on Wight www.wildonwight.co.uk

March and April 2020

89

Rusty rambles

By Br yony Rust Photos Tom P ratt

Bryony Rust: mini-adventurer. Full of fresh air and covered in dirt is an Islander in search of adventure amongst the small corners and hidden stretches of our coastal county 90

styleofwight.co.uk

Out and About | STYLE

W

hat’s the difference between a litterbug and a guerrilla artist?

Perhaps nothing more than intention.

Keri Smith defines guerrilla art as ‘anonymous work installed, performed or attached in public spaces, with the distinct purpose of affecting the world in a creative or thought-provoking way.’

It all sounds very grand. Really, we just wanted to send some love notes to our community and practise some random acts of kindness. To thank the place we’ve called home for the last twelve years and put out the kind of encouragement and reassurance that

we so often need ourselves. Everyone needs an occasional reminder to give themselves a little grace. How can we be kind to others if we beat ourselves up over the smallest of things?

On the day we folded our paper and scribbled our notes, it just so happened to be National Random Acts of Kindness Day. But I think we’re agreed that every day could and should inspire us towards random acts of kindness, right? I bet there are times you can recall helping someone with a heavy suitcase, stopping to say hello to someone sitting on the pavement, or giving a heartfelt smile to someone in tears.

March and April 2020

91

STYLE | Out and About

‘Everyone needs an occasional reminder to give themselves a little grace‘

This project was heartfelt, but we could only imagine who we were sending our love to, because we were leaving them for anyone to find. Our little note-smuggling safari took us to some favourite spots in our town, in search of small places to hide them.

Like an easter egg hunt in reverse.

It was fun to think about who might pick up our notes and we hoped they might land somewhere they could give someone a lift. Kinda nice how kindness makes the giver feel good too, no?! It seemed appropriate when our sandwich server paused in the making of my baguette to point out

92

styleofwight.co.uk

how the avocado she’d scooped out was in the shape of a heart.

Leaving love notes for strangers felt rather freeing. So different from those carefully constructed schoolday valentines, where so much is riding on how they’re received. We’ll never know what happens to these little paper hearts. We’re not attached to the outcome. They’re just little transient gifts of imperfection.

Modern life is hard and it feels good to spread tiny ripples of loving support, to be playful and irreverent. Perhaps some might class this as littering. But when so much of our visual landscape

Out and About | STYLE

is filled with corporate messaging, I’d like to tip the balance just a notch in the other direction. I ain’t selling anything. I just want to tell you I love you.

So, this spring, perhaps we can all be on the lookout for ways to extend a helping hand. Whether it’s a heavy suitcase or a seat on the bus, I hope more of my days present the opportunity for random acts of kindness and a few more shared smiles along the way.

March and April 2020

93

Isle of Wight Feet Chiropody, podiatry, bespoke orthotic insoles made in-house, shoe making and modification, reflexology and Thai foot massage, pedicures using healthy varnish, specialist foot measuring, footwear, hoisery and socks.

Home visits and mobile footwear available

Bespoke orthotics

, y h t l a e h k l a W walk active

Caring for feet for over 18 years

Licensed suppliers of Maxx4 CBD oil

Realigns your feet and body. For heel, knee, hip, lower back, tendon and ligament pain. Plantar faciitis, metatarsaligia, shin splints and much more.

Joya footwear The Joya technology gives you a comfortable, unique feeling as you walk. The core feature is the soft, supple sole, which supports the natural sequence of movements and promotes active walking. With Joya shoes, walking becomes a true experience.

Surgery and Shop at:

6 Cross St, Shanklin PO37 6AT

01983

864444

www.iwfeet.co.uk Wednesday

We stock:

Late Nights now available

IDENTIFY AS AN “EXERCISER” FOR LIFELONG FITNESS

I

am writing this off the back of a couple of successful weeks of racing. I had my best World Cup finish of the year (8th) in Austria, setting a track record in the process and followed it up by winning an Inter-Continental race in Lake Placid! Interestingly, my win came on the same track that in December I failed to make the cut for a second run in another race.

This got me thinking about what changed to improve my result so drastically. Part of being an athlete is losing or failing or falling short.

Another part is working hard to identify where it went wrong and improving for next time. Being an athlete is a big part of my identity, and my values support my goal of becoming an Olympian. Therefore, when things are disappointing quitting is not an option.

By K i m Mu r ray EX ERCISE PH YSIOLOGIST A N D ATH L ET E

Changing your mindset to focus on the outcome, not the process, of fitness can be a powerful motivator...

This idea of identity can apply to health and fitness too. Hopefully you are striving for a long life and a strong body which can support and enable you to do the things you love. We know regular exercise and a balanced diet is good for our health, however the discipline required to develop and sustain these habits can be elusive. I categorically do not jump out of bed every morning excited to be sliding in -10 degrees; the reason I do is because I am striving for the outcome that all those days will hopefully lead to.

‘Exercise can be a gateway to being able to do the things you love for longer ’.

Exercise can be a gateway to being able to do the things you love for longer. For example, gardening, dancing, hiking, sea swimming, cycling, playing with your kids or travelling. So, my advice would be to embrace that identity as an ‘exerciser’, build the discipline and enjoy the aftermath knowing it is supporting all the stuff that brings you joy!

Facebook: KimFitSkeleton, Twitter: @kimfitbath, Instagram: @kimfitbath www.thekimfitway.com

March and April 2020

95

S P R I N G T I M E AT COSMEDICA

By K ieron Cooney COSM EDICA CL I N ICS

At last the days are getting longer again and there is a hint of springtime with daffodils blooming and lighter evenings to enjoy.

This is our favourite season at Cosmedica, when we see many people looking to make facial skin and body care choices to enhance and rejuvenate after the dark days of winter months. Cold, damp, winter weather with the need for multiple layers of clothing can lead to a variety of skin problems including dryness, flakiness, increased wrinkles and blemishes and a lack of colour and tone.

Hopefully you have managed some protection against these common causes of skin ‘tiredness’ over the past few months. Vicky has plenty of options for you to further rejuvenate and help restore life into your skin.

Have you tried the famous Hydrafacial treatment? For a complete skin care package why not consider this celebrity famous HydraFacial treatment. The Hydrafacial process not only improves the appearance of skin but can restore youthful tone and texture to lacklustre, aged and winter- or sun-damaged skin.

HydraFacial uses advanced vortex technology and consists of a six stage treatment which detoxifies, removes dead skin cells, physically extracts any debris including blackheads and blocked pore debris plus it provides long lasting hydration and essential nutrient support to protect the skin all through the winter months.

If your acne or rosacea has flared up with increased redness and skin irritation then try our award-winning Dermalux LED - the Leading Light in LED Phototherapy treatment. Ideal to help settle inflammatory skin conditions and calm the skin’s surface with specific wavelength light therapy What’s new?

Cosmedica is marking the new season with new ideas and treatments to supplement our current medical services.

• Vicky has developed a new clinic for the medical management of weight loss to supplement your efforts with diet and exercise and provide an evidence based, licensed medical option.

• Alongside Vicky, Dr Kieron offers a variety of skin aesthetic treatments including thread lift procedures and other options to manage facial wrinkles.

• Look out for the new private GP clinical service coming soon, being offered by Dr Kieron and Nurse Vicky!

For more information visit our website www.cosmedicaclinics.co.uk, email enquiries@cosmedicaclinics.co.uk or telephone 01983566680 and ask to speak to Vicky.

96

styleofwight.co.uk

WELLBEING & MEDI SPA

ISLAND LIVING – THE BENEFITS

By Ca rol i ne Hu rley I.I.H.H.T. A RT( R eg) BECA L M ED W EL L BEI NG A N D M EDI SPA

Time to Revive and Refocus We can help improve your Health and Wellbeing.

Our experts will focus on restoring you to optimum skin health and body wellness.

To help with the signs of ageing, hair removal, red veins, pigmentation, acne, scars, tattoo removal, nail fungus and skin tags we use IPL, Laser, Microcurrent Glycolic Skin Peels and Dermapen.

Other treatments available include: ESPA Face & Body treatments • Sports Massage Holistic & Beauty Therapy • Pre-natal Massage Wellbeing & Mindful Treatments

0 1 98 3 2 9 6 6 5 5 8 Birmingham Road • Cowes • P031 7BH info@becalmedincowes.co.uk • www.becalmedincowes.co.uk

Spending time by the sea has long been associated with health benefits and a sense of wellbeing. There is something about this natural environment that allows you to feel as though you are at one with nature. They say that living near the beach can improve your focus and concentration and, for me, there is nothing more soothing than the sound of waves crashing along the shoreline.

The draw of the sea and the lifestyle it attracts is one of the reasons that I made the Isle of Wight my home; it is a beautiful place to live and work. To be able to see the beauty of the sun rising and setting over the sea makes me feel at home and at peace with the world.

There are added health benefits from being by the sea: Stress release Stress and anxiety are not good for your health, so what better way to help de-stress than spending some time by the sea. The breeze and the splash of the waves combine to make it a serene, relaxing destination. Nothing beats some free beachfront therapy.

Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential mineral to help build stronger bones, healthier teeth and a stronger immune system. It is widely believed that spending just an hour outside on a sunny day can supply a human with their daily dose of Vitamin D, so simply head outdoors and feel the benefits.

Exercise Nature can provide the perfect natural fitness centre. Use the many beautiful coastal paths that we have on the Isle of Wight and enjoy a walk or a jog. To improve lower body strength, try running on the sand. Many love to take a swim and, for the less brave, even a paddle along the seashore has health benefits.

Natural exfoliant Sand is a natural exfoliant, so a barefoot walk along the beach will do wonders to help get rid of unwanted dry skin.

Sleep well

Therapy Rooms Available Fully-equipped and professional therapy rooms are now available to hire by the hour or on a regular basis.

The clinic is within the leisure centre at Gurnard Pines.

Call Bryan Hurley on 01983 243183 for more info.

Cockleton Lane

•

Gurnard

•

PO31 8QE

Sea air is full of healthy negative ions which help to accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Combining this with the relaxing effects of being by the sea will lead to a better quality of sleep.

Life can be chaotic, always running from place to place.

Sometimes we need to slow down, appreciate our surroundings and take a deep breath.

E: bryan@healthwellsolutions.co.uk • M: 07957869167 March and April 2020

97

STYLE | Fashion

Men’s makeover W hen you t h i n k of a ped icu re, ma ssa ge a nd a ma n icu re, what pictu re spr i n gs to you r m i nd? T he pr isti ne woma n cha n nel l i n g t hat ‘sa lon-f resh’ feel i n g, or t he bea rded ma n i n chef wh ites? Si nce sk i n is u n iversa l a nd feel i n g good ha s no gender, we lau nched ou r ‘Men’s Ma keover’ competition, wh ich wa s won by isla nd resident Jon Cha rlo. We spent t he day w it h h i m wh i lst he i ndu l ged i n a fa sh ion reva mp at Visua l I mpa ct New por t, a sel f-ca re session at BeCa l med i n Cowes a nd a complete ha i r restyle at Ja k s New por t

This is a twenty-first century man’s world.

“I really enjoyed the experience, it was a fantastic day!” Exclaimed Jon, who normally works as head chef at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor. In between a driven work environment and being a parent to young children, Jon lets me know that a makeover isn’t something he’s ever thought about doing before. “My girlfriend applied for me,” comments Jon, whose previous experience of a pamper day has only ever been to accompany his partner. “I only had my first massage last year - at forty years old! This makeover came at a perfect time. I had already come to the conclusion that I needed to spend some more time and effort on myself and not just other people.”

98

styleofwight.co.uk

Jon’s realisation echoes a common predicament for many, particularly those with dependants. However, 2020 provides us with a clearer understanding of the importance of mental health and being able to be more open about needing time to care for ourselves.

It’s often obvious to those around us when we are feeling good on the inside, and Jon tells me that his friends and family certainly noticed the difference.

“They all thought I looked a lot younger - especially my work colleagues,” who naturally see Jon mostly under pressured conditions. Giving a nod back to reality however (and of course

the innocence of childhood) he does admit “…I don’t think my kids even noticed!”

Reflecting on the experience, Jon discusses with me the generational perspective on male grooming. “I think that it’s already becoming more mainstream with younger men, it just hasn’t been as common for the older generation – especially when you have kids and work long hours; finding the time to be ‘selfish’ often proves really difficult. I learnt last year that [being selfish] isn’t such a bad thing to be sometimes.” Hear, hear, Jon!

Fashion | STYLE

BeCa l med, Cowes

BeCalmed in Cowes indulged Jon with their ‘Men’s Purifying Facial’ in addition to a ‘Scalp and Shoulder Massage’. Despite pamper days commonly having a female reputation, BeCalmed have a vast array of specialist men’s treatments available. The BeCalmed team says, “we see a lot of men, especially for massage and pedicures. We have a chiropodist who offers a Mani-Pedi, which is really popular.” Giving a nod to the growth of male grooming in the 21st Century they note “we have seen men for massage for many years, but other aspects of male treatments are on the increase. It’s good to see the Isle of Wight catching up, as it has been popular on the mainland for a long time!”

Ja k s, New por t

Jaks, based in Newport, are also passionate about providing equally high-level services to men. These can range from cutting to having a complete re-design by the salon owner.

They also provide advice on hair care, styling and aftercare as standard. Jon had a joyful experience that involved a wash and complete restyle, whilst incorporating his beard to refine the look. Jon said one of his favourite parts of the day was talking to the staff at Jaks about their work.

Visua l I mpa ct, New por t

Visual Impact’s experienced stylists were on hand to deliver a complete restyle for Jon, who spends the majority of his time in his work uniform. With separate male and female shops within a stone’s throw of each other, Visual Impact offers premium fashion brands from a huge number of designers. The small team means a personal shopping experience is guaranteed and Jon was styled completely to reflect his tastes.

March and April 2020

99

STYLE | Home

STYLISH SIMPLICITY Sometimes less is more. A clean, pared-back approach with a minimal colour palette produces relaxed, understated style. Add natural textures and use plants and blossom branches (faux is fine) to create focal points. Visit our Island interiors specialists for inspiration…

Cast shell, The Corn Exchange £9.99; Ceramic vase, Studio Long Lane £15; Candle (in ceramic pot), The Corn Exchange £14.99; Green ceramic candle holder , Studio Long Lane £14; Tall white vase, Wooldridge Interiors £23.99; Faux Pussy Willow stems, Wooldridge Interiors 6.99 each; Green glass vase, Bayliss & Booth £20.

Styl i ng Ta nya Goodw i n Photog raphy Hol ly Jol l i f fe

100

styleofwight.co.uk

Home | STYLE

Antique engraving, Dig for Vintage £49; Large Rattan basket, Lintons Home £55; Grey/Cream blanket, Wooldridge Interiors £29.00; Cream wool blanket, The Corn Exchange £55; Linen throw, Bayliss & Booth £34.50; Linen apron, Bayliss & Booth £32.95; Solid wood side table, Dig for Vintage £59.

March and April 2020

101

STYLE | Home

Vintage school chair, Studio Long Lane £40; Vintage linen, Dig for Vintage £25; Bell jar and stand, Bayliss & Booth £85; Urn vase, The Corn Exchange £19.99; Scissors, Bayliss & Booth £22.95.

102

styleofwight.co.uk

Home | STYLE

Large basket (hanging), Studio Long Lane £40; White/Black ceramic plant holder, Bayliss & Booth £9.50; White/Black ceramic jug, Bayliss & Booth £20; Oval rattan bowl, Lintons Home £25; Vintage corner unit (whole piece is double height, only half shown), Dig for Vintage £175; Vintage cheese mould (one from set of 3), Bayliss & Booth £60; Candle, Bayliss & Booth £8.50; Stool, The Corn Exchange £99.

March and April 2020

103

STYLE | Home

Metal lampshade, Hursts £44; Rattan bowl, Lintons Home £35; Small string, Hursts £8.60; Large string, Hursts £16.99; Cylinder vase, Studio Long Lane £15.

104

styleofwight.co.uk

Home | STYLE

Vintage canvas fishing bag, Dig for Vintage £27.50; Faux Rose stem, Wooldridge Interiors £7.49; Ruffle cushion, Bayliss & Booth £65; Grey linen cushion, Lintons Home £45; Velvet cushion, Studio Long Lane £35.

March and April 2020

105

Project1:Layout 1

26/2/20

08:37

Page 1

AnneToms’

a short stroll from the harbour

WE’RE MOVING TO OUR NEW HOME ON THE HILL

ORIGINAL ART

OPEN DAILY

Artists from the Island and around UK

DISCOVER MORE OF YOUR BEST BRANDS IN OUR NEW STORE ON LUSHINGTON HILL. OPENING MID-MARCH! B A Y L I S S

B O O T H

NEWPORT STORE STILL OPEN UNTIL MAY 2020

& a brilliant li�le card shop

01983 761424

www.yarmouthgallery.com

YARMOUTH GALLERY find us in the High Street Po41 0PL

Mulberry Tree Wood Turnery • Bespoke Service • Handcrafted Wood Turnery • Woodturning Tutor

Anne Ginger soft furnishings

Anne Ginger Soft Furnishings have been supplying Bespoke Soft Furnishings for over 30 years. Offering a complete service starting with advice and guidance right through to supply, manufacture and fitting.

Our service is based around giving excellent advice combined with quality products.

Visit our showroom in Lake and speak with a friendly and knowledgable member of our staff

www.anneginger.co.uk

R DO !

TE NLY T I F O LLY Y FU PL

P

SU

tel. 01983 407730

THE

Andy Fortune RPT Maker of bowls, platters and hollow forms from locally sourced Isle of Wight timber

www.andyfortunewoodturner.com www.andyfortunewoodturner.com Tel: 01983 472696

Mob: 07974 240870

Unit 20/21 Porchfield Business Park Newtown Isle of Wight PO30 4QB

KITCHEN WORKSHOP

...from traditional to contemporary - we have the styles and ranges to suit Project Management Employed Fitters All Cabinets are Made in our Island Workshop No Obligation Design & Quotations ...and a dedicated

Designer / Project Manager to help you every step of the way

Kitchens, Designed & Tailor-made for you!

01983 559333 w w w.i ow k i tc hens . co . u k VISIT OUR SHOWROOM on Long Lane, Newport. PO30 2NW

Mon - Fri 9:00am - 4:30pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm

HERRINGBONE RENAISSANCE AT A B B O T T ’ S C A R P E T S & F L O O R I N G

The return of parquet flooring brings back memories to some of their old school gymnasium or their Auntie’s house in southern France. However, this once dated style has soared in popularity in recent years, exuding elegance and class

E

Parquet Laurel - Parquet adds a statement effect to any room

specially as a vinyl tile floor covering, a Herringbone installation is an excellent option for adding a timeless, individual touch to your home.

Not only does it evoke a traditional feel, but by bringing various shades and details together in beautiful patterns, it’s the perfect way to add character and style to any room.

Abbott’s Carpets & Flooring are no strangers to Herringbone flooring.

Based on Lake Industrial Way, this family-run business has over 35 years of industry experience. Headed

by Darren and Sam Abbott, their showroom offers a vast range of the latest flooring styles from carpet to vinyl, laminate to luxury vinyl tiles,

engineered wood and safety flooring. ‘’After refurbishing our showroom in January last year and featuring a Project Floors Herringbone show floor, we have seen more and more customers opt for this type of design.

It offers a stunning replication of real wood but creates more of a statement than traditional wood effect flooring,” says Darren Abbott.

Visit the Abbott’s Carpets & Flooring showroom to browse their full range of competitively priced Herringbone and Parquet flooring options. Their friendly and honest team are on hand to provide all the information you need to make choosing new flooring that little bit easier.

14A, Lake Industrial Way, Sandown, PO36 9PL. t. 01983 401012 e. info@abbottsflooring.com abbotts-flooring.co.uk

108

styleofwight.co.uk

Herringbone Rockingham Oak: Classic yet contemporary – herringbone floors complete a modern look

Stunning contemporary elegance on show at The Kitchen Workshop

IN WITH THE NEW At The Kitchen Workshop there are big changes afoot

T

he Kitchen Workshop are currently undertaking a complete showroom refurbishment, including an increase of kitchen display space by almost double. The new displays will bring with them more door ranges, more colours more design options, new brands, along with the latest in innovation.

One of these changes is the introduction of the Siemens brand of appliances, to complement their existing range of Bosch and Neff (all part of the BSH Home Appliance Group). By now offering all three brands, The Kitchen Workshop is set to become the Island’s biggest showroom of these three brands. Not only that, but they have also become the Island’s only Siemens studioLine Premium Partner, offering an exclusive range that you will not find elsewhere on the Island or online from the big retailers.

The inspiring studioLine range combines extraordinary design and a unique style. studioLine appliances are more than just highly functional equipment – they form part of an ambitious lifestyle and an expression of individuality.

Siemens studioLine appliances are created for those who are not satisfied with the ordinary and want to turn every day into something extraordinary. With uniform lines that result in architectural clarity, studioLine appliances are designed to work with cutting-edge kitchen designs and materials. All studioLine appliances are crafted from state-ofthe-art materials and build techniques, and feature incredible innovations that boost functionality and satisfaction.

It’s no surprise that studioLine’s expressive design has led to prestigious design awards. studioLine is defined by exceptional features and details, which are only available in this exclusive range of built-in appliances. studioLine’s cutting-edge, high-quality built-in appliances combine innovative technology and unmistakable design. studioLine’s aim is to make everyday life as simple yet as extraordinary as possible. Discover how innovative, intelligent Siemens built-in appliances will help you save time, experience great taste, and enjoy cooking every day.

Other brands and items that will also feature within The Kitchen Workshop’s new displays are… Bora Hobs, Quooker Hot Taps, 1909

Kitchens, various storage solutions, lighting, along with a large selection of worktops, including Laminate, Ultra Compact, Timber Quarts, Silestone, Dekton, Granite, Minerva and Corian Solid Surface.

The full refit is planned to be completed in March, however it is still business as usual and their showroom on Long Lane is still open for you to browse and to chat with one of their knowledgeable and passionate designers, Chris or Elizabeth. You can also find out more information and inspiration at www.sncollection.co.uk or www.iowkitchens.co.uk.

The Kitchen Workshop now offers an unrivalled range of appliances

March and April 2020

109

STYLE | Home

H E R I TA G E + T E C H N O L O G Y = S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y The Island boasts some incredible heritage architecture. With Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Roman Villas and examples from John Nash, heritage architecture plays a big part in Island identity. Technology could be the key to retaining our heritage and being sustainable

W

hen it comes to the built environment, the term BIM (Business Information Modelling) has been bandied around for a good few years now.

Its inception and introduction was intended to enable anyone involved in developing a new building to share a design platform and fully integrate the design in a 3D environment; the model would live on to capture ‘as built’ information and remain a useful source of data for the building’s lifetime. Buildings are now being asked to perform in very different ways in order to be regarded as sustainable and the evolution of BIM has made that infinitely more accurate and helps to realise sustainability goals whilst still in the design stages.

So, this has helped all new buildings tick the green boxes, but what about older buildings, ones that have stood the test of time, but whose original use is no longer relevant? These are buildings that we often hold in the highest regard because of the heritage they represent, the cultural impact they’ve had on an area and how they still manage to bring communities together.

110

styleofwight.co.uk

Those buildings were not part of the original theory of BIM, but the clever people of the world have developed technology to provide solutions to this, and one of those solutions is Point Cloud.

Point Cloud is a piece of scanning equipment that uses a 3D laser scan to capture millions of ‘points’ and piece them together like pixels in a photograph to capture reality.

No longer is an old building reliant upon what even the most talented of surveyors can achieve with a laser disto, tape measure, plumb bob and maybe a camera. The data captured

by Point Cloud can be millimetreaccurate and capture every nook and cranny of these wonderful buildings.

The benefit of the data provided

by Point Cloud is that it can be transferred into a BIM environment and none of it is guesswork. Designers can work with accurate information about the building and use this data to ensure that the modifications being sought are practical and able to meet modern regulations.

The sustainability credentials of being able to reimagine an existing building are hard to beat: extending the useful

life of a building supports the key concepts of sustainability by lowering materials, energy consumption and pollution. Their embodied carbon is incredibly low, with many having been built from stone or brick sourced from a nearby quarry, transported by horse and cart and held together with natural mortar. They do often lack what might be needed for modern comfort, but there is technology that can solve that problem too.

So now that we can marry heritage and technology in this way, perhaps we ought to start reimagining all existing buildings, not just the really old or really beautiful; in our drive to be more sustainable, even some of the less appealing buildings need to be considered for reuse too.

Home | STYLE

MY FUNKY BAGS… E C O - F R I E N D LY FA S H I O N Where did it begin?

PROTECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT Mum of three Sandra Knowles took over Hillbans Pest Control four years ago with her husband Patrick, turning it into an Isle of Wight family business. Having had a career in education, Sandra now finds herself educating the Island in the particulars of pest control.

In years gone by, pests were controlled by a Jack Russell terrier or perhaps a ferret, but nowadays, through painstaking education of both the public and businesses, a very modern approach is taking place.

“I used to cry if I broke a nail,” says Sandra laughing, “I was such a girly girl and now look at me! Our mission at Hillbans is to emphasise that pest control isn’t dirty or nasty, but a service based on best advice and trust - I consider myself to be a pest control educator! I’ve been to some wonderful places on the Island including stately homes, National Trust properties and have seen the parts of them that no one really ever sees, so it’s also a real privilege to be doing this job. And we can now count lots of those customers as friends as well.”

Coupling running a business with raising three rumbustious boys is no easy feat, but Sandra and Patrick have worked out a system which enables them to be at school events as well as keeping their customers and employees happy. 2019 also saw Hillbans win the Customer Service Award at the IOW Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, having been chosen as Member of the Year in 2018.

Hillbans provide the broadest range of pest control on the Island and you know you’re in safe hands because they maintain the highest industry standards. As the only pest control company on the Island to hold both CEPA certification and SALSA accreditation, as well as being members of the British Pest Control Association, Hillbans have also recently opened up an online store, helping customers to help themselves by purchasing tried and tested products.

Molly Linton and husband Eren Baslar had been living and working in Asia for over 10 years when they discovered an old lady who was sitting on a chair weaving a shopping basket out of an old piece of plastic packing tape that she had taken out of the rubbish.

How can we do this?

Eren found an Asian family business, which was collecting rubbish from the streets and waterways and recycling it into new plastic tape.

The process: Once single-use plastics, such as water bottles, packing tapes, single-use plastic bags, cups, lids and straws, get collected they are bound and squashed into a large plastic cube.They are cleaned and chopped into pellets which are melted and naturally coloured, before being made into long tapes.

How do they weave the bags?

Dried and rolled tapes are delivered to our weaver gallery where they are measured, cut and woven by our lovely team of talented full-time weavers.

From bamboo to recycled plastic One of the nicest parts of our journey was finding these amazing ladies and hearing their story. For hundreds of years basket weaving has been part of the Asian culture and, up to the late 1980s, bamboo was still very fashionable, until it became an expensive commodity and also, as a natural fibre, wasn’t sustainable. The weavers discovered they could still use their craft by adapting it to recycled plastic tapes. The ladies say it is much easier to weave as it’s softer, doesn’t break and isn’t sharp like bamboo. Now, producing this product, so many ladies are in full time work and the younger generation is learning the art of weaving. We have an ethical practice and children are not used to make any of our products.

Sandra is hugely proud of what she and Patrick have achieved in a short time and still lives by her mantra ‘you only get one opportunity in life, don’t turn it down’!

If you require any assistance visit the Hillbans website www.hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk or give them a call on 01983 406999.

March and April 2020

111

STYLE | Home

R E N E W, R E I N V E N T & R E L A X Annie Sloan’s Wall Paint Annie Sloan’s tough, waterbased Wall Paint takes whatever life throws its way. Everyday spills and marks are cleaned off with ease, making this an exceptionally practical, high performance paint for walls and ceilings.

The range includes sixteen of the most popular colours from the Annie Sloan Palette, from soothing tranquil neutrals to exciting vivid statements.

Spring cleaning and freshening up your home is an easy way to gain a fresh perspective on life. Move the furniture in the house, paint and brighten up an old family piece, paint a room a fresh new colour, or hang some new photos or artwork to brighten up a drab corner

A

nnie Sloan Chalk Paint® is the easy way to revitalise your home. From walls to floors, ceilings and casements, balconies to doors, furniture and picture frames, staircases and fireplaces, upholstery and lampshades; if it has started to fade, then just choose a shade.

Now a global phenomenon, Annie Sloan first developed the Chalk Paint® range in 1990 to answer the need she had for a versatile paint that would work beautifully on furniture without priming or sanding; that would be easy to use and quick to dry; and that could be used for a number of different paint techniques.

Unloved but useful furniture can be

112

styleofwight.co.uk

transformed quickly and easily. Just roll up your sleeves, pop open the tin and get cracking - saving you money and helping to save the planet at the same time!

The paint is extremely versatile and can be used on kitchen cupboards, floors, metal and plastic - and with the lowest V.O.C on the market, it is perfect for children’s bedrooms and furniture.

Paint with ease: no fuss, no bother, no sanding, no prep - choosing your colour is the hardest step.

For supplies and to book your course contact Dig For Vintage, The Collande Ryde. Telephone 01983 719433.

Meet Arron, a talented hairdresser and stylist who has a passion for style. He joined one of the monthly Dig For Vintage introductory paint workshops and to say he never looked back is an understatement. Before we knew it, he had opened up a dialogue with Annie Sloan herself and in no time they were sharing social media posts!

Home | STYLE

B R E AT H I N G N E W L I F E INTO OLD PIECES Don't throw that old chair or sofa away. Think what it would look like with a face-lift and some beautiful new fabric. A clever upholsterer can work miracles with even the most battered and care-worn piece. So, instead of taking it to landfill, make it into something you can love and be proud of again instead

O

ver almost 40 years Anne Ginger Soft Furnishings has grown into the Island's premier retailer for bespoke curtains and blinds. New collections are always arriving so there is always something new and up-to-date to peruse, from the most beautiful and inspirational fabrics from Designers Guild to something more retro and contemporary from Harlequin & Scion. Or perhaps you prefer the traditional and country styles designed by Sanderson and William Morris.

The dedicated and expert team at Anne Ginger Soft Furnishings is always open to challenges. Often, when people move house, they have some great and much-loved pieces already, but find they won't fit in their new ‘house style’. However, with a bit of ingenuity and imagination it is amazing what can be accomplished, meaning you don’t need to say goodbye to your favourite furniture.

Anne Ginger herself is passionate about interiors and ecology as she explains her philosophy: “Along with a love for fabrics and design, I have always had a great love for nature, so the current state of our planet and what we are doing to it is a constant

worry. In our own small way we are trying to help with recycling and upcycling as much as we can.”

She continues “We never throw fabrics away – we donate all our old pattern books and off-cuts to schools or charities. You would be surprised at what can be made from scraps of fabric. We have a group of ladies from the hospice and Ryde Library who have made some amazing things which they sell to raise money. We donated a lot of remnants to Quarr Abbey and they raised a substantial amount of money for their wall fund.

Even our tiny scraps are now dropped off to the Oxfam shop for recycling.

We have a box of larger remnants you can buy to perhaps make some cushions or a doorstop. We reuse and recycle as much of our packaging as possible, but we are always striving to do more.”

So, before you consign your tired old pieces to landfill, take a fresh look at how they could be brought back to life with new covers, or by adding accents such as new cushions. The team at Anne Ginger Soft Furnishings will be delighted to help you. Call in for some friendly advice and to peruse the wonderful samples and fabrics available.

Anne Ginger, 6B Lake Industrial Way, Sandown PO36 9PL t: 01983 407730

March and April 2020

113

the

Corn Exchange...

Discover a diverse range of items for you or your home and shop for gifts as unique as the person you are buying for.

N7 OPE WEEK A S DAY

E E R F & ON ISSI !

ADM RKING PA

MAIN ROAD, ARRETON, PO30 3AA | 01983 539365 | ARRETONBARNS.CO.UK

Hillbans Pest Control

rainey petrie

Award Winning Service & Expertise.

• Commercial & Domestic contracts, ad hoc and emergency services.

• Highly experienced technicians, qualified and registered with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

• Certified by The Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA), an international industry standard, gained through regular audit.

• SALSA accredited, allowing us to work with you in the food and drinks sector to obtain your own SALSA standard.

A R C H I T E C T U R E

The onl y stom ee T ph nlay CE P mea nCaEg A certifed preosvtid rn P provide oang eAmceenrtifed r o tehm n e eIsnltand. th e Islan d .

01983 406999 | info@hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk 01983 406999 | info@hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk

hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk

IW Chamber Multi-Award IW Chamber Winners Multi-Award Winners

DIG FOR VINTAGE

R

Delivering quality architecture defining the Island identity since 1990

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint the easy way to revitalise your home - Dig For Vintage the Islands home to Annie Sloan.

The Colonnade RYDE PO33 2NE T E T. 01983 719433 E. info@digforvintage.co.uk

Granary Court 128 Pyle Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1JW T: 01983 242500 info@raineypetrie.co.uk

www.raineypetrie.co.uk

STYLE | Property

An imposing façade hints at the style inside

Cowes Classic

WESTBOURNE HOUSE, COWES Be the envy of Cowes with this Grade II-listed waterfront property including its own slipway

B

uilt in 1752 by Stephen Day, it formed one half of Birmingham Hall, the other part being known as Medina House. A plaque on the outside wall records the birth of Thomas Arnold in June 1795, who later became the Headmaster of Rugby School, an institution noted as one of the best amongst English public schools of the day. The home later became a private school for girls in the 1920s which is when it became known as Westbourne House.

Today the property retains the elegance of the Georgian period, with features that include an imposing façade of neoclassical style with stucco columns and an original front door that opens to an impressive hallway. Large sash windows allow the south-facing front of the home a beautiful quality of light. Arranged over

four storeys, Westbourne House has rooms that offer versatility of use, and include four double bedrooms, three with en-suites; a large office; a snug that opens to a full width terrace; a large formal drawing room; an artist’s studio and a welcoming kitchen/ breakfast room which is truly the heart of the home. All the rooms at the rear of the property enjoy superb views of Cowes Harbour across to Portsmouth and the mainland.

The slipway is a huge and sought-after asset to this property. It is large and recently refurbished, offering a home for watercraft, secure parking for your cars and a place to sit and enjoy the comings and goings on the water. The property has all the amenities that Cowes Town has to offer right on its doorstep, including Sailing and Yacht Clubs, restaurants, bars and shops.

Viewings with Waterside Properties, Cowes on 01983 300111

116

styleofwight.co.uk

Georgian elegance abounds in the sitting room

The Solent’s most sought-after views – from your own home

Property | STYLE

Heavenly home

THE HOUSE OF ST FRANCIS – WHITWELL

Follow in the footsteps of the nuns of St Francis in this traditional home

Enjoy divine living in this imposing stone-built character residence

T

Cook up a storm in the spacious kitchen

This property comes complete with good income potential

he light and airy accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard and is beautifully presented throughout. There are two spacious sitting rooms, one with a multi-fuel stove, and a large open plan kitchen dining room with an excellent range of units and granite work surfaces.

with its own balcony and hot tub, providing a lucrative income. The House of St Francis is screened from the road by a tall hedge and approached via a five-bar gate, over a gravelled driveway leading to a garage and brick built potting shed plus ample parking. The large gardens incorporate paddocks and stables, together with a heated swimming pool.

Named after the order of nuns which once occupied the property, The House of St Francis is believed to date back to the 1750s and offers versatile accommodation arranged over two floors with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathroom/shower rooms and lots of useful storage. There is oil-fired central heating via radiators, and double glazing. Solar panels reduce the energy bills and provide an annual income.

Whitwell is an attractive South Wight village with a popular country inn, The White Horse, garage, and church. Local shops, doctor’s surgery and primary school are available in the next village, Niton. The Victorian resort town of Ventnor with its crescent-shaped beach and interesting architecture is three miles distant. Access to footpaths and bridleways provide wonderful walking and riding opportunities in the beautiful countryside.

In the grounds of the property is Red Squirrel Cottage, a recently built, detached three-bedroom property, currently a successful 5* holiday let

Viewings with Hose Rhodes Dickson Country Homes, Newport on 01983 538090

March and April 2020

117

telephone email website

01983 874777 info@turnbullandmaton.co.uk turnbullandmaton.co.uk

CHARMING COTTAGES

ST.HELENS

£295,000

BEMBRIDGE £300,000

This delightful 3 bedroom period cottage is ideally set with stunning views towards Bembridge Downs and the marshes. It is evident as soon as one walks through the front door that the house has been loved over the years.

Merryweather is a beautiful semi-detached thatched cottage, located on the outskir ts of Bembridge village, benefiting from countryside views and access to way marked trails and with coastal walks.

ST.HELENS

ST.HELENS

£230,000

Beautifully presented throughout, this period cottage is located on the outskir ts of St Helens village with far reaching countryside views from all aspects. The cottage has been sympathetically upgraded to provide a home full of character and charm which provides all the needs of modern living.

£250,000

Located just off the Village Green in St Helens, this 3 bedroom modern home is ideally situated for easy access to the village shops and amenities as well as being just a shor t stroll to both the Marina and the beach at The Duver.

BEMBRIDGE OFFICE 3 Foreland Road, Bembridge PO35 5XN

Property | STYLE

Coastal paradise G R E Y S T O N E C O T TA G E , B R O O K Beachside bliss is in store at this unique family home

G

reystoke Cottage is located in Brook, a small hamlet on the Island’s south-west coast. A popular and safe beach lies just a five minute walk from the property and surfer’s paradise Compton Bay is just a short drive away, as is beautiful Freshwater Bay.

Bright and open living space makes for a sociable atmosphere

Greystone Cottage is a truly unique property that ticks all the boxes, with an unrivalled location and a high standard of decorative finish throughout.

Excellent family accommodation includes a large, sociable living space downstairs along with a double bedroom, currently being used as a snug, with en-suite shower room. There are three further good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

Features like stripped floorboards create a country feel

The property has a successful track record within the holiday lettings market but would suit either a main or second family home equally well, with its close proximity to beaches and many picturesque walks.

The rustic dining area exudes cottage charm

Viewings with Spence Willard, Freshwater on 01983 756575

Stunning sea views set off this unique home

March and April 2020

119

STYLE | Events

Wedding Showcase Date: 15th March Venue: Osborne House, East Cowes

An opportunity to see the former royal household dressed for a wedding – meet accredited suppliers and dedicated hospitality event coordinators. To book your place visit english-heritage.org.uk or call 01983 203055.

Gin Tasting Date: 19th March Venue: The Boathouse, Seaview

Taste a range of gins and complimentary mixers alongside nibbles from award winning chefs.

Local gin gurus from the Isle of Wight Distillery will be on hand to give you the lowdown on the production of their gin selection. Pre-reserved places only, visit theboathouseiow.co.uk for bookings and further details.

Island events The Great Leap Forward

Discovery Bay, British Science Week

Date: 8th February – 18th April Venue: Quay Arts, Newport

Date: 15th March Venue: Dinosaur Isle, Sandown

A group exhibition of work created by local school children from across the Island reflecting upon the heritage of the Isle of Wight and theme of ‘The Future’, drawing inspiration from, and celebrating the Lift The Lid project and commissions. Visit quayarts.org for full details.

Celebrate British Science Week in Sandown Bay with a day of scientific discovery and natural history! Dropin laboratories and pop-up displays featuring natural wonders from pickled worms to pond life, moths, moss and poo. The Bay science team from The Common Space, Arc, Artecology, Dinosaur Isle and The National Poo Museum will all be there.

Visit dinosaurisle.com for full details.

The Wight Book Exhibition Date: 29th February – 29th March Venue: Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Freshwater Bay

An exhibition of photographs taken from the Wight Book, a publication that celebrates the unique, innovative and dazzling Isle of Wight. Visit dimbola.co.uk for full details.

120

styleofwight.co.uk

Annie Sloan’s Essential Techniques Workshop Date: 21st March Venue: Dig for Vintage, Ryde

Annie Sloan Essential Painting Techniques Workshop is perfect for beginners or those with a bit more self-taught experience. Learn the main foundation techniques used and enjoy some delicious cake! Contact Dig For Vintage on 01983 719433 for bookings and further details.

Events | STYLE

Introduction to Beekeeping – with BeesMAX Date: 16th April Venue: The Garlic Farm, Newchurch

Are you concerned about bees and would like to know how you can help?

Or perhaps you would like to set up your own beehive? The Garlic Farm have partnered with BeesMAX to bring you an introductory course to answer those questions and acquire a basic knowledge of this ancient craft. Visit thegarlicfarm.co.uk for bookings and further details.

Mothering Sunday

A Hoppy Easter

Date: 22nd March Venue: All good Island eateries

Date: 4th – 19th April Venue: Tapnell Farm Park, Yarmouth

Nothing says ‘I love you Mum’ more than spending time together and sitting down to a delicious Mother’s Day Lunch. Be sure to take a look at the Mothering Sunday menus on offer around the Island and book early to avoid disappointment.

Company B Date: 28th March Venue: The Spinnaker, Bembridge

Allow yourself to be transported back in time to the 1940s by the beautiful vocal harmonies created by the delightful Company B, suitably paired with a vintage 3 course menu. Visit thespinnakeriow.co.uk for bookings and further details.

Farm Fest Date: 4th – 18th April Venue: Robin Hill Country Park, Newport

Visit Farm Fest at Robin Hill and hop on board their Big Red Tractor for a rumbling ride through the park to the lower valley. Spend some time making friends with the farmyard animals in the ‘Touring Petting Farm’; watch the kids race around the pedal tractor course and then sample some local delights at the Farmers’ Market! For further details and admission prices visit robin-hill.com.

Easter activities include lamb feeding, paddock safari, meet the chicks, hand feed the wallabies, meet the meerkats, face painting and more. Throughout Easter there will also be an Easter Tree at the park raising money for ‘Trees for Life Australia – Bushfire Recovery’. For further details and admission prices visit tapnellfarmpark.com

Easter Adventure Quest Date: 4th – 19th April Venue: Carisbrooke Castle

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday.

Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the castle.

Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and delicious treats from Hotel Chocolat! You can get questing at Carisbrooke Castle every day of the school holidays. For further details and admission prices visit englishheritage.org.uk.

Introduction to Sourdough Date: 18th April Venue: Blue Skies Bakehouse, Totland

Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking bread in your own home. This course will give you the confidence to bake delicious-tasting sourdough bread in your own kitchen. Visit blueskiesbakehouse.com for bookings and further details.

Tai Chi Date: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Venue: Ventnor Botanic Garden

A beautiful and peaceful place to practice Tai Chi with Tony. A series of slow body movements combined as a flowing exercise. Helpful in achieving a state of physical and mental relaxation while also strengthening cardiovascular and immune systems.

Suitable for all fitness levels and proficiency. Visit botanic.co.uk for full details.

If you would like to feature your event, please contact us by email to office@styleofwight.co.uk

March and April 2020

121

GET READY FOR L O N G E R WA L K S IN THE SUN

IS SPRING R E A L LY O N T H E WAY ?

By Pau l Ja mes Ma rsha l l COTTAGE CA N I N ES

By Sha ron a nd Dav id Groves PETS W ITH H A RT

I’m sure you all feel like I do and really wonder when this weather is going to get better and hopefully spring will arrive.

As spring brings out the sunshine, our walks around the island tend to get longer and be more varied again as the paths begin to dry.

This change of pace often leads us to look at the fitness of our dogs.

Even with this weather our dogs still need walking, albeit some are pretty unwilling! There are some great coats available to dry them on the way home as well as some great pot-like things that can clean their feet before you go back in the house. They also help you to see any injuries your dog might have got hidden under all the dirt. One last comment for dog owners and handlers: please be considerate to others if they have their dog on a lead and yours likes to run up, that dog might have an issue or be in training; not all dogs go off lead or play nicely!

Diet and exercise are both very important in the welfare of a dog as both can affect behaviour as well as fitness, so it is important to get this right.

Cats are getting even less willing to go out in this unpleasant weather and would benefit from being encouraged to play more to ensure they keep their lovely svelte figures; there’s a huge range of great toys available for them, too.

Nowadays there are many food alternatives. If choosing a dry complete dog food (kibble), finding a hypoallergenic brand is often suggested. Most hypoallergenic dog foods are designed to avoid the use of ingredients most likely to provoke an allergic reaction or intolerance.

It has been a blowy old winter and your fencing may well need some TLC to keep them secure so your animals can safely roam. In the case of rabbits and guinea pigs who have been indoors or in sheds over the winter, now could be an opportunity to update the old accommodation. How about a big run with enough space for them to play, run and jump – this is so good for their wellbeing and joints. Just make sure they have some shade to get under as well.

Wet food (tins/packets) offers another alternative. These can be a complete meal or given in conjunction with kibble.

For those choosing to feed Raw, it is very important to take advice to ensure that your dog receives a good balanced diet. However, there are many varieties of frozen Raw food now available, some of which are complete diets, which makes this another good choice.

To keep your dog healthy and trim it is necessary to balance diet with exercise, of course. As well as good walks, playing games around the house and training are excellent ways to stimulate and exercise your dog.

With longer and more varied walks, however, we often find out just how much our dog is listening to us! For top-up training or to discuss any behaviour issues just give Paul a call.

The wild birds still need feeding with this awful weather and young soon being born. Ensure their water dishes are always clean and available. Hedgehogs are starting to move around a bit now and will need access to suitable food and water, there are some great hedgehog homes available now.

Enjoy all your wonderful pets this spring and if you need any information, advice or goods there are great independent pet shops that are always pleased to help in any way.

Paul James Marshall Qualified Dog Behaviourist Home Visits for Relaxed Assessments with written reports and follow-up training.

Hands-on work with your dog. Positive methods used.

Separation anxiety - Lead pulling - Recall - Unsociability Mouthing and nipping - Not listening - Jumping up and more Plus one-to-one Puppy Training

Visit - www.cottagecanines.co.uk Or call Cottage Canines on 01983 731282 122

styleofwight.co.uk

* Where the Comecome First * first ...where theAnimals animals

The Islands only National Award Winning Pet Shop Experienced, qualified * Where the Animals Comestaff First * Huge selection of pet foods & accessories Huge selection of pet Award foods &Winning accessories The Islands only National Pet Shop Experienced, qualified staff | FREE Island-wide Delivery FREE Island-wide Delivery Huge selection of pet foods & accessories Experienced, qualified staff | FREE Island-wide Delivery The Island’s only National Award Winning Pet Shop

T: 01983 522019

17 Holyrood NEWPORT PO30 5AU T: Street, 01983 522019 17 Holyrood Street, NEWPORT PO30 5AU

WIGHTSIGHT

HIGH QUALITY SPECTACLES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE SINCE 1986

Massive savings against traditiona l opticians prices.

Complete specta cles from only

£25.00

Proud to announce over 1000 happy customers for our first year in the Cowes Boutique.

6 Shooters Hill Cowes 01983 300035 www.wightsight.eu

Abbott's Carpets & Flooring

Give your home the flooring it deserves.

CARPET | VINYL | LAMINATE LUXURY VINYL TILES

| ENGINEERED

WOOD & MORE 14A Lake Industrial Way, Sandown, PO36 9PL Info@abbottsflooring.com | 01983 401012

STYLE | Business

UNLOCKING BUSINESS POTENTIAL, YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT

achieve if they dug a little deeper and looked a little harder.

T

here are three figures that every business owner should know. The first is ‘need’ – how much money you need to see each week, month and year to simply remain in business and keep the lights on. This figure is essential, incorporating core overheads, but no profit, re-investment, dividends or contingency. It is the base amount you need to open the doors each day. To be fair, most in business know this figure; if not on paper, in their gut. They know that if they don’t achieve this with regularity, it has to come from reserves, overdrafts, loans, paying their creditors on extended terms or, heaven forbid, staff late.

The next figure is ‘target’, for many this is simply ‘Need’ plus a percentage to allow for inflation, general increases in overheads, more marketing activity, modest investment back into the business, the occasional bonus etc. Simple, often ineffective and where most businesses stop. The reality is you can only truly set a target that represents achieving the best result for you and your business if you do this in the context of your business ‘potential’. This is a figure most fail to identify that highlights what they could

This article is not about how you identify ‘Potential’, that’s something for another issue, but it is about highlighting the importance of knowing it. Roger Bannister set a target to run a mile in under 4 minutes, which he did in three minutes 59.4 seconds. Since then the record has been re-set 18 times, the current record of 3 mins 43 set by Hicham El Guerrouj.

Some scientists predict the absolute limit to be nearer 3 minutes. Clearly, that indicates a lot of potential and is very different from the original target.

Importantly, knowing the potential of your business can add significant value to it. One client I worked with had the simple aim of rapidly building up value in their business and then selling it for as much as possible.

With this firmly in mind, I developed and ran a strategy with them that, in under three years, doubled turnover to £1 million, saw just two new employees and produced very modest profits from only 12 new customers. Yet the business sold for £6 million. The strategy was never about turnover or profit or gaining hundreds of customers – it was all about establishing the foundations that reflected the potential to achieve amazing results in the future (for someone else). That was the true value of the business.

Knowing the potential of your business can skyrocket its success. It is one of the most important, but often least considered, questions.

There is more hidden potential in your business than you can imagine. So, are you simply setting targets, or are you going to start considering your business potential?

Dale Howarth is an acclaimed business speaker, mentor and writer; working with individuals and companies to make the business leaders and businesses successes of tomorrow. To find out more visit www.dalehowarth.com

126

styleofwight.co.uk

By Da le Howa r t h BUSI N ESS M EN TOR , SPEA K ER A N D W RIT ER

Defining and then working towards a target is something we thrive on as human beings. It helps us to establish the most effective route to get there and how best to focus our resources. Without this, the destination becomes unclear, we waste time and miss opportunities as we meander our way to something we envisaged at the start. Within this, many base their targets on factors that fail to identify the true potential for greatness.

Let me explain.

STYLE | Business

N O M O R E M R N I C H E G U Y: T H E RISE OF ETHICAL INVESTING

Y

ou would have to have been asleep for the past couple of years not to have heard the term ‘climate crisis’.

The good news is, we don’t have to be David Attenborough or Greta Thunberg to make a difference. Whether it’s reducing your use of plastic, eating less meat, or not using your car for short journeys – every little helps.

increasingly popular. Now the scope of the sector has broadened, as a blend of morals and money, to offer a wide range of opportunities for anyone wanting their investment strategy to consider both financial return and social good.

More funds are adopting environmental, social and governance criteria (ESG). These three key factors measure the sustainability and ethical impact of a company’s investments.

But did you know it is also possible to invest your money in a socially responsible way?

As you might imagine, 2019 was a pivotal year, particularly for weather fears. A collective awakening meant that ethical investments in UK companies trebled last year with many investors targeting firms with a good record on the climate crisis.

Perhaps you are thinking that investing has no relevance to you - but if you have a stocks and shares ISA or pension savings (personal or workplace), then it is relevant. Many people are unaware they can stipulate where their money is invested. So, if you would rather avoid your money going to companies that are involved in fossil fuels, tobacco, animal testing or anything that doesn’t align with your own ethics, you can.

The concept of investing with a conscience is not new but in the past an investor had to make the decision between having a conscience or having decent returns.

As investors become more concerned about climate change, ethical investing has become

The trend is likely to continue as a younger, more socially conscious generation makes us all stand up and take notice. But age is not a deciding factor. As financial planners, we are meeting an increasing number of older investors who want to take a socially responsible attitude to investing, particularly those who are looking to set up investments for their children or grandchildren.

Being money mindful is another way to show a little love to our planet and future generations.

For more information on socially responsible investing and our ethical portfolios, call Rouse Limited on 01983 535740 or email admin@rouseltd.co.uk. Rouse Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

128

styleofwight.co.uk

By Ben Si l k ROUSE LTD

Climate change is currently top of the agenda – even your financial decisions can make a difference

TRUSTED FINANCIAL ADVICE THE NFU MUTUAL WAY For a real conversation call the Newport office on 01983 522290 or pop in and see us at Agriculture House, 2 Langley Court, Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1LA NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. We’ll explain the advice services and the charges. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Ltd.

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

Applications for Suppliers Now Being Accepted

hannah@blackswanevent.co.uk www.blackswanevent.co.uk

STYLE | Feature

Lady Penelope Always to the point, the practically perfect Lady Penelope resolves readers’ issues, problems and general ignorance… with style

Driving Me Mad What is it about Island drivers?

They drive at 10mph along national speed limit roads and then speed up to 40mph in the 30mph areas. And then they slow down if a bus or lorry approaches in the opposite direction, when they’re not even on a single track road. Or at the other extreme they drive up behind you, far too close, and overtake on blind corners.

I’m at a loss!

Helpful notices at the car ferry terminals used to say: Beware, Island Roads Are Different. But as you have discovered, what they actually ought to have said is “Beware, Island Drivers Are Different.” And some of them are decidedly odd. Try to keep your temper and your sense of humour would be my advice. On the plus side, Island driving tales always go down well at dinner parties.

Walk on Bye Why do people walk in the road and pay no heed to motorists on the Isle of Wight? The other day I came across a whole family walking hand in hand, five abreast, across the left hand lane of the road that I was trying to drive up. Are they trying to get killed?

No, they’re trying to have a walking holiday. Some bright spark decided to market the Island as a walker’s

paradise, and now they wander at will around the place, thinking that the country roads are just wide pathways that have been tarmacked especially for them. There was a points system for this sort of situation, but I’m pretty sure it’s against the law…

Spud Conundrum I’m told that my potatoes should be planted when there is a full moon from late March until mid-April.

But I’m worried that my neighbours will think I’m mad, gardening in the middle of the night, or that there might be badgers or foxes prowling in my garden.

The moon is handily still full during the daytime, even if you can’t see it, so you don’t have to plant those potatoes in the dark. Or you could always plant them at night in the nude, and start a new Isle of Wight custom.

Moaning Mainlander I have a work colleague who is always moaning about the Island.

He says the people here are narrow minded, the cost of living is higher, the ferry fares are astronomical and the weather is unpredictable. I get quite upset because I love the Island and Islanders. What can I say to him?

I had a teacher who kept moaning on about Islanders and saying how much better it was on the mainland, and so one day when he was mid flow I put up my hand and said. “If you hate it here so much, why don’t you move back?” He then banned me from his classes and blanked me in corridors.

You could try this tactic…it worked for me.

Fashion Passion

I’ve been living on the Island for three years now, but I’m not sure if I’m an Islander yet. How will I know?

I like to be on trend with my clothing and accessories, but I feel very out of place at social gatherings on the Island, as nobody else appears to have a clue about this season’s fashions. Am I just going to the wrong parties?

When you’re on the ferry from the mainland and you see the coastline of the Island coming into focus and a warm feeling that at last you’re home infuses you, then you’re an Islander.

If you only get a warm feeling then you’ve probably spilt your coffee in your lap…or worse.

No darling, you are just on the Isle of Wight. You’ll be lucky to find someone in last year’s fashions around these parts. When I moved back from London I was a bit sad for a while, and then I realised that I was free to wear whatever I liked - as long as I could walk the dog in it, of course.

Am I an Islander?

To pose your problems to Lady Penelope please email office@styleofwight.co.uk 130

styleofwight.co.uk

Affordable luxury for everyone at...

THE ISLAND’S HOME DEPT. STORE®

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • FREE PARKING • ISLANDWIDE DELIVERY

The minimalist way to wear pearls. So chic. Sterling silver, yellow and rose gold plated sterling silver with Freshwater pearl, single ring from £45.

CHILTON CHINE, MILITARY ROAD, BRIGHSTONE, PO30 4DD | TEL 01983 740352 | iowpearl.com