Style of Wight Issue 65 July / August 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 65 JULY / AUGUST 2020

lifestyle

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fashion

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health

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beauty

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food

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home

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events

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art

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

Gurnard

Guide Price

£650,000

Beautiful 3 bedroom cottage located in the coastal village of Gurnard just a few minutes walk from the sea, with pretty gardens, superb wrap around terrace, plenty of driveway parking and sea views from many windows.

Gurnard

Guide Price

£899,950

This large family home sits close to the beachfront and has been recently improved to now form a lovely large family entertaining area. A brand new decked terrace is a fabulous sun trap overlooking the south facing garden.

www.watersideproperties.com

Cowes

Guide Price

£475,000

Beautifully presented detached home in a popular spot with professionally designed south facing gardens... completely unique and chain free.

Wootton Creek

Guide Price

£1,250,000

Beautifully situated substantial home with private jetty, mooring and slipway surrounded by woodland... This is a must view property for a buyer with a yearning to be living right by the water's edge.

Lynda Blenkinsop

Cowes

Guide Price

£850,000

An elegant and charming Grade II listed Georgian townhouse located in the heart of Cowes Old Town enjoying some SOLENT VIEWS. This home oozes with character and has been renovated throughout.

Freshwater Bay

Guide Price From

£250,000

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

Cowes

Paul Booker

Guide Price

Georgie McCarthy

£1,750,000

A Georgian townhouse located in a quiet road a few minutes level strolling distance into the sailing town of Cowes. It is one of only a handful of properties in the popular town to have unrivalled water views and a large slipway and parking.

Island Harbour

Guide Price

£375,000

Superbly presented cottage with fabulous marina views, new bathrooms and kitchen.

Private and sunny front and rear patios, parking all in a beautiful and idyllic location.

Call the Waterside Team for more information!

Rookley ÂŁ695,000 Calloways Farm

3 | EPC F

A charming country cottage tucked away amidst open countryside and enjoying some lovely rural views. The land extends to just over 11.5 acres and comprises immediate gardens, a small copse, an adjacent field and some useful outbuildings.

Shanklin ÂŁ725,000

4 | EPC E

77 Victoria Avenue An imposing detached Edwardian residence standing in large mature gardens in a prime residential area accessible to

local amenities including shops, theatre, schools and railway station. Features include high ceilings, original picture rails and cornices, plus deep skirtings, panelled doors and sash windows.

St Lawrence ÂŁ775,000 Maranatha

4 | EPC E

Nestled into the trees this detached stylish home enjoys sea views across the rugged coastline that the south of the Isle of Wight is renowned for. This superb home which has been completely refurbished and arranged to enjoy living in such a fantastic coastal location, gives access out to the gardens and making the most of the views.

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

Whitwell £1,150,000 House of St Francis

An imposing, stone, character residence, standing in large gardens, extending to approximately 1.35 acres including a paddock, stables and heated swimming pool. The House of St Francis is believed to date back to the 1750’s and offers versatile accommodation arranged over two floors. In the grounds of the property is Red Squirrel Cottage, a recently built, detached three bedroom property, currently a successful 5* holiday let with its own balcony and hot tub, providing a lucrative income.

Bowcombe Road £899,950 Rowborough Barn

6 | EPC F

Occupying a rural location within the rolling countryside of the Bowcombe Valley, Rowborough Barn is a beautifully presented 6 bedroom 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.

Bembridge £925,000 Rose Cottage

5 | EPC D

5 | EPC N/A

A very attractive, unique and elegant Regency residence standing in large secluded gardens in a prime location situated in the heart of the village overlooking the church and the village green. The Grade II Listed home has an interesting history and was once the home of the famous actor and novelist, David Niven.

Newport 01983 538090 Ryde 01983 617640 Bembridge 01983 875000

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

Inspired by the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly, this timeless collection by Mikasa sees a mix of gorgeous polka dot, floral & nautical prints over a selection of premium porcelain tableware.

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

ABBOTT'S CARPETS & FLOORING

CARPET | VINYL | LUXURY VINYL TILES LAMINATE | ENGINEERED WOOD Showroom appointments now avaliable!

01983 401012 | info@abbottsflooring.com 14a Lake Industrial Way, Lake, PO37 9PL

Cover Illustration by Bethan Stratton

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 Design Laura Craven Photography Christian Warren, Tom Pratt, Holly Jolliffe, Timi Eross Sales Christian Warren sales@styleofwight.co.uk Distribution office@styleofwight.co.uk 01983 861007

Note from the Editor In these uncertain times it now feels more vitally important than ever that we take time to breathe as we start to adapt to what, for a while at least, is our “new normal”.

Personally I have found a new rhythm to my life and whilst I’m under no illusion the essence is survival, we have also been afforded an opportunity to reflect, learn, breathe and look at the world in new light. Creating new ways to spend our time with a more considered awareness of our surroundings.

The Isle of Wight has shown me how strong its community is and a sense of local identity has ensued as we appreciate more than ever the beauty of our surroundings. This edition - and it’s great to be back in print – celebrates our identity as an island and all the businesses that support our lives here and afford us the lifestyle we lead.

So take time and enjoy this edition and enjoy this most beautiful Isle of Wight.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.

“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

From Lord of The Rings ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring’

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Christian Warren

Supported by Acclaim Logistics

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

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

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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

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Contents

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Regulars

Features

Issue 65: July and August 2020

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Style picks: Stay loyal to your local Isle of Wight food producers this summer by packing your picnic hamper with some of the Island’s award-winning produce

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Charity and community: Waterside community trust teaches life-saving skills

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Tribe and tide: Navigating Island family life

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Lady Penelope: Resolving readers’ issues…with Style

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Buy local: Some of our favourite Island producers tell their story

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Lockdown fitness…here to stay?

With Kim Murray

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Mountbatten: Surge in post lockdown donations and sales

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The power of positivity: With Caroline Hurley

32 The Style of Wight coastal celebration: From rock-pooling

to watersports; and bird watching 76 Interior inspirations: Tips on how

to romantic sunsets – read how

to re-create that beach vibe at

the Isle of Wight has it all home

Home

Fashion 26

Step into summer: Collections from Mia and Visual Impact

Art

79

Health and Beauty

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48

79

Boho beach: By Tanya Goodwin

84

Master Carpenter: Jason Heap

Business 93

Binnel Bay artists: Unlocked – the summer exhibition 95

Breakout: Ian Whitmore, Quay Arts 96

Food 50

Food for thought: With seasonal food guru Jo Richardson

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Seasonal recipes: Isle of Wight berries and cherries

58 Frankie & Ella’s kitchen: Classic

scones with jam and clotted cream 63

Review: The Terrace, Yarmouth

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Review: Tramezzini True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven, Niton

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Living Larder: Seasonal vegetable – Rainbow Chard

When the world resets: With Dale Howarth COVID-19 legal update – Wills: With Ian Bradshaw Desperate times shouldn’t mean desperate measures: With Ben Rouse

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July and August 2020

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Planet Lager The only lager in Goddards Brewery’s range, which also happens to be vegan & gluten free. A dry, crisp & clean lager with an aromatic expression of fruity and herbal notes, which provides that summer refreshment when nice and chilled.

Goddards Brewery, special offer of £20 for 12 x 330ml bottles if you call 01983 611011

Smokie Joe, Handmade Scotch Egg The all-day favourite… free range pork and bacon wrapping a whole boiled free-range egg.

Farmer Jacks Farm Shop, Arreton

Style picks

Handmade Sausage Roll You won’t regret adding a couple of these luxury handmade sausage rolls from Briddlesford Farm Shop, Wootton

Stay loyal to your local Isle of Wight food producers this summer by packing your picnic hamper with some of the Island’s award-winning produce – then get out and about and explore the stunning countryside and coastline. To give you a little inspiration, here are some of our Style favourites…

Arreton Tomato Crisps Briddlesford Cheese Cheddar – This mild Guernsey Cheddar cheese has lots of fruit up front, giving way to a rich and buttery, grassy finish.

Cream Cheese – Delicious Guernsey Cream Cheese, a perfect dip for your picnic veggie sticks.

Briddlesford Farm Shop, Wootton

A Wight Little Pickle Loaded with sweet, zingy garlic notes and a refreshingly tangy twist, this pickled delight pairs perfectly with pies or tastes sensational in sandwiches.

The Garlic Farm, Newchurch

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New to The Tomato Stall’s range is Piper’s Arreton Tomato flavoured crisps.

Made with their very own vine ripened tomatoes and packed with flavour (including that rich sharp finish) these fabulous 40g bags are a perfect lunchtime snack.

Farmer Jacks Farm Shop, Arreton

Oak Smoked Tomatoes Handmade in small batches and ideal for salads and antipasti, these vine ripened tomatoes are slowly roasted to intensify their natural flavour.

The Tomato Stall, thetomatostall.co.uk

Wight Label Tea A full selection of quality leaf teas, infusions and tisanes in plastic-free biodegradable premium pyramid bags, meaning you can take your favourite brew with you, wherever you go.

Island Leaf Tea Loose leaf tea ensures great quality teas as well as being eco-friendly and can even be easily brewed when you are out and about. From classic English Breakfast and Earl Grey blends, to zingy Red Berry Infusion and soothing Peppermint Leaf, there is a tea to suit anyone.

Briddlesford Shake

Island Roasted, islandroasted.co.uk

These heavenly milkshakes are a must-try! Made with Briddlesford’s Guernsey Milk and available in three delicious flavours, they’re a fabulous addition to a summer picnic.

Briddlesford Farm Shop, Wootton

Godshill Orchards Cherry Juice Cherries grown and picked with love on the southern slopes of the Island. This fresh bottled Isle of Wight juice is bursting with many health benefits including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Farmer Jacks Farm Shop, Arreton

Island Bakers White Bloomer Enjoy the delicious golden crust and soft, fluffy inside of a traditional bloomer from Farmer Jacks Farm Shop, Arreton. Style Tip – spread an indulgent layer of Briddlesford salted butter and simply enjoy the rich flavour of Guernsey butter.

Briddlesford Farm Shop, Wootton July and August 2020

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STYLE | Community

WATERSIDE COMMUNITY TRUST TEACHES LIFE-SAVING SKILLS As a community surrounded by water with countless sandy beaches, hidden coves and sheltered bays to explore, knowing how to enjoy the water safely is incredibly important especially for the Isle of Wight’s younger residents

O

ne organisation making sure people know just that is the Waterside Community Trust with its Rookie Lifeguard Course, designed to educate children on how to respect the water and inspire the next generation of lifeguards.

The Ryde-based charity delivers the course throughout the summer in small groups using equipment funded

by WightAID. Making use of the town’s vast sandy beach and nearby Waterside Pool, children take part in fun activities designed to equip them with valuable survival, rescue and sports skills along with a healthy respect for the water.

Todd Miller, who leads the course, says, “Living on an Island with such easy access to the sea means it’s really important for children to learn

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about and respect the water so they can keep themselves and others safe while making the most of our fantastic beaches.

“Although lifesaving is a serious business, the course is designed to be enjoyable with plenty of fun in the water, games and activities to help kids gain confidence and make new friends while learning valuable new skills.”

The scheme has three levels with children progressing from beginner bronze level to gold level where they learn to master impressive lifesaving skills.

As part of their training, children also get to meet the team at Ryde Beach Lifeguards, visit their centre and learn from real life heroes what it takes to be a lifesaver.

Community | STYLE

‘As a coastal community, courses like this are vital to inspire the next generation of lifesavers’ “Since WightAid started with our business partners we have been able to award funding to a number of charities and community projects supporting young people to learn to swim, row, dive or sail and to enjoy the water safely. These include UKSA, Cowes Sailability, Wight Dolphins, The Wave Project, Ryde Sea Cadets, Ryde Rowing Club and Sensory Swim.”

“As a coastal community, courses like this are vital to inspire the next generation of lifesavers,” Todd continues.

“We wouldn’t be able to deliver the course without the help of organisations like WightAID and the support of our friends at Ryde Inshore Rescue who freely give their time to inspire and educate our rookies.”

Geoff Underwood, WightAID Trustee, said: “Each and every business that has supported WightAID should feel proud of the part they have played in supporting this incredibly important course which is inspiring and educating children to help keep

themselves, their friends and their family safe in the water.

“We are committed to helping charities like the Waterside Community Trust, which play such an important role in Island life.

The Rookie Lifeguard Course was developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK in partnership with Swim England. Places are available in Ryde with the Waterside Pool.

Waterside Community Trust, 2 West Hill Road, Ryde, PO33 1LG www.watersidepool.co.uk

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Interview

Supporting your local producers means you get to enjoy the best seasonal produce available and also support your local economy.

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Interview | STYLE

local Island

Let’s buy and support our

Here at Style of Wight Magazine we are proud to support Island business and its circu lar economy. This is intrinsic to every thing we do – our very ethos and reason for publishing is how proud we are to live here. So when we heard about the Buy Loca l scheme it resonated deeply and we thought you, our reader, wou ld li ke to k now more. We are col laborating w ith Wight Marque and Natura l enterprise so look out for more news in the next few editions.

Y

our mission is simple: eat up for your Island, and enjoy the wonderful produce that’s on our doorstep. Natural Enterprise, in collaboration with Wight Marque, are challenging you to switch up your shopping every week and ‘try something new’. If you can eat it or drink it, and it comes from the Isle of Wight, then give it a go!

Island food is a favourite with chefs and we think your family will love it too. Swap one of your usual brands for an Island brand and we’re sure you’ll taste the difference. There’s so much to choose from, as we’re lucky enough to have easy access to the freshest food and gourmet delights from the Island’s artisan makers, bakers and brewers.

Island freshness There’s freshness… and there’s Island freshness. Our food is sent all over the country, to top restaurants and fancy stores – but we’re the lucky ones who get the first pickings. That means that the milk could be in the cow in the morning – and in your tea in the afternoon. The fruit and veg is so fresh that it practically leaps out of the field and into the farm shops.

Island quality Many of the producers have won Great Taste awards – and it takes a lot of work to make food this good.

That’s why the meat is hung for longer than usual. The coffee is roasted in small batches. The salad dressings use foraged ingredients. The cheese is made with milk that’s fresh from the cow. It takes time, effort and passion.

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Interview

Island innovators

Some of our favourite Isla nd producers tell their stor y

Image: Jonathan Cherry

“You can taste the Island freshness” – Nua la Gra ndcou r t, Wi ld Isla nd

N

uala Grandcourt is the Founder of Wild Island, based in Newchurch. Her Fine Oils, Dressings and Fruit Vinegars have won four prestigious Great Taste Awards.

She uses Island ingredients including rapeseed oil and foraged wild garlic...

“We’ve noticed that during the coronavirus crisis, people are buying more online and trying different flavours as they’re getting more experimental in their cooking.

“One of the predominant ingredients in our oils, dressings and marinades is rapeseed oil from Merstone, known as Oil of Wight, which has a distinct golden colour and slightly nutty flavour. It’s cold-pressed, and made without chemicals or heat, so you can taste the lovely fresh rapeseeds.

It really complements other local flavours. For example, try adding a little Chilli Cherry Drizzle over local

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crab fishcakes on a bed of rocket and tomato salad.

“Our Spiced Fig dressing, which has a punchy kick to it, goes really well with the delicious Halloumi from Briddlesford, Island cherry tomatoes, and Isle of Wight lamb. We use it pretty much all the time on the BBQ! Our Salad Dressing goes really well with Isle of Wight asparagus, potatoes and poached eggs – the rapeseed oil ties everything together.

you can taste the freshness – the taste is remarkable!

“Wild Island is an Island business and it’s important for us to use local suppliers, including graphic designers, printers and dispatchers.

We employ people who are also part of the community, for example, our production manager is a volunteer for the RNLI. So many people benefit when you shop locally – and the quality’s there for you too!”

“We like to play around with seasonal ingredients for our oils and dressings, like blackberries when they’re in abundance. Or at this time of year, we might go out collecting elderflowers, and wild garlic. We’re always trying new recipes and make everything ourselves.

Try something new...

“The brilliant thing about local produce is that you can see it growing, so you can be sure of its provenance. And

“Try eating asparagus just after it’s been picked – the taste is incomparable, it’s so delicious.”

Interview | STYLE

volumes of coffee and are always driven by price so have to use lower grade coffees to get some level of flavour consistency, but at the cost of quality. We can buy small batches of speciality coffee, and support smaller farms with ethical work practices and celebrate the amazing work they do. That means that we can focus on the grade and the flavour, and our customers are getting an artisan exclusive product that can’t be found elsewhere. A fine example of this is Leidy Chinchilla from Honduras who produces just 15 sacks a year of her Finca Los Mangos speciality coffee exclusively for us.

“Smaller businesses can also work more quickly, which benefits the customer. A big brand might roast their coffee and then have it with customers within 3 to 6 months. We can get it out there the next day and that makes a huge difference to the coffee’s quality in the cup. Freshly roasted coffee is more vibrant, with a nice silky crema for espresso, and a rich flavour for filter coffee.

“You’re not just buy ing coffee… you’re helping businesses to stay af loat” – Da n Bu rgess, Ca f fé Isola

D

an Burgess’ family have been supplying the Island with caffeine for over 20 years. At Caffé Isola and The I.O.W Espresso Company, they roast their own coffee and produce their own tea...

“Ours is a family business. It started out when my dad bought a catering trailer, put in an espresso machine, got a pitch on the industrial estate and started selling coffee alongside bacon rolls – we’ve come a long way since then and now have a roastery producing around 35 tonnes of coffee a year and a flagship retail café in Newport, Caffé Isola, which is also home to our smaller profiling roastery and coffee training centre.

“During the coronavirus crisis, our business has been operating at around 5%, and all our staff have been furloughed, apart from myself and my brother. It’s a strange situation

“Particularly now, it’s important for us all to support the Island, so try something new! You won’t just be buying a lovely cup of coffee or a packet of tea – you’ll be helping local businesses to stay afloat.”

but effectively our business is paused with just retail web orders for free Island doorstep delivery (post for the mainland), keeping my brother and I going.

“I’d urge Islanders to take this opportunity to shop locally, as many producers are offering free delivery right now, to keep the money going around the Island, you will really be making a difference to the livelihoods of local businesses. Maybe try a new Island product once a week? It might cost a little bit more but you’ll be getting much better quality. For example if you open a supermarket teabag, you might see dust. If you open one of our Wight Label tea bags, you’ll see tea leaves, and that makes all the difference to the depth of the flavour.

“Our Island Roasted coffee isn’t the same either. The big coffee chains and supermarkets need such large

Try something new...

“Try the milk from Briddlesford Dairy – it’s so fresh you can get it on the day it’s been milked. Their Guernsey herd produces amazing creamy milk that’s perfect for frothing micro foam and latte art.

Try Fruit Bowl Jams – they come in a wide range of flavours and use traditional fruits. At the start of the lockdown we added their jams to the Island Roasted website and they’ve been selling well.”

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Interview

“Your leg of lamb is generating jobs for your community” – A nd rew Hodgson, Isle of Wight Meat Co.

A

ndrew Hodgson owns the Isle of Wight Meat Co. which started offering meat directly to the public during the coronavirus pandemic. His 730 acre farm is based in Shorwell, up on the Downs, with spectacular views over the coast...

“I’ve always said that my animals need fresh air and sea views – and the farm is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, which I’m sure helps the meat to taste good!

“Cheverton, where we’re based, is a very public farm – some farmers’ attitude is ‘get off my land’ but that’s not us at all. There is open access through our fields and we like to come out, meet people, and talk about our animals, because we really care about their welfare and want to tell everyone what we’re doing.

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“We used to supply restaurants and pubs, but that stopped overnight when coronavirus hit. It took us two months to set up so that we could reach the public directly – we had planned to do this anyway, but had given ourselves a year! Now it’s pretty much all we’re doing. Although we can’t meet our customers right now, we like to keep connected and show people what the farm is doing through our website and Facebook.

“Our farm is all about the community and many of our customers have a personal connection with us. When they buy meat from us, they might think – ‘I know the farm, I walk my dog near it’, or maybe they know someone who works here. When you’re buying your leg of lamb, you’re generating jobs for your community. Since putting in our new meat plant, we have created seven new jobs and been able to keep the farm going. Plus you get the environmental benefits of low food miles.

“Our Island meat is good quality and good value. Our beef is hung for 40 days, whereas the standard is 14 or 21 days. We’ve also got a Himalayan

salt chamber, as well as a bespoke computerised chiller. The time it takes makes it more expensive to produce but most importantly enhances the flavour. So although you could find cheaper elsewhere, it won’t taste as good!”

Try something new...

“Buy the best meat you can afford, as close to the source as possible!”

Interview | STYLE

“Our mi l k cou ld go from cow to cup in a day!”

– Pau l Gri f f i n, Bridd lesford Lodge Fa rm & Da i r y

pizzas. We used to supply the catering trade with lots of fresh cream, but when that stopped overnight, our chefs started work in our dairy, using the cream to make more butter instead. Our café manager is now multi-tasking. She runs our home delivery service and organises PR across the business. We’ll carry on like this as long as we need to, as we’ve been getting good feedback, and we don’t know when the crisis will end.

“Local businesses are there for you when you need them and we’ve demonstrated this during the crisis.

If a shop says they’re running out of milk, then we’ll be straight over with it, if we can. We have developed strong relationships with our customers in this way, but also because they know they can rely on us for quality.

“When you shop locally, you’re supporting your rural economy and putting money back into the Isle of Wight. You’re protecting Isle of Wight jobs, and investing in the beautiful countryside. Without farming, the fields would revert to scrubland and you wouldn’t see livestock. If we don’t support our farmers, they will go out of business and we’ll need to import more food.

“A crisis like this one has shown us what can happen if our supply and distribution networks come under pressure, but local suppliers can always provide what we need when we need it. So let’s buy local – you’re supporting the Isle of Wight, you can feel good about yourself, and it tastes so good too!”

P

aul Griffin is a partner at Briddlesford Lodge Farm & Dairy. He urges Islanders to shop locally to support the Isle of Wight rural economy – and enjoy the freshest and tastiest food...

“Our milk could be in the cow in the morning – and in your tea in the afternoon! We process it on our farm, so it can be in the shops just hours after milking. The freshness comes through in the depth of flavour of our cheeses too.

“Coronavirus has had a dramatic effect on our business but we are lucky to have been able to mitigate the pressure and keep most of our

Try something new...

“Try Briddlesford Mac and Cheese!

It’s in our new ready meal range and uses all four of our cheeses: Cheddar, Gouda, Halloumi and Feta.

30 staff in work. We had to shut the café but our head chef now makes all kinds of products and ready meals for our farm shop, including custard, milkshakes, chillis, cottage pies and

Try The Fruit Bowl homemade jam range – it’s sold in the shop and used in Bluebell’s with our cream teas. It’s made in Newchurch, where nearly all of their fruit is grown.”

To register for Style of Wight exclusive local supplier offers please email us office@styleofwight.co.uk To find out more about the Let’s Buy Local initiative visit letsbuylocal.org.uk July and August 2020

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STYLE | Fashion

Summer styling with Visua l Impact

From summer staples to timeless classics, Visual Impact has everything you need to stay in style this season

Jersey Stripe Dress All you need to feel free is a dress and you're ready to dance barefoot in the summer night. Our timeless classics will quickly become your favourites. £70.00 available at Ladies Visual Impact

Printed Shirt It’s adorned with our own exotic flower print that will put you right into ‘staycation’ mood.

It features the typical camp collar and straight hem with side-seam slits.

From £85 available from our selection at Men’s Visual Impact

Check Shirt This colourful fabric is now synonymous with summer. A lightweight button-down shirt is a pastel dream, best worn as is or open over a vest top. £85 available at Ladies Visual Impact White Jeans A summer staple. These are our bestselling white jeans, with a higher rise and flattering cut. Jeans from £85 available at Ladies Visual Impact

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styleofwight.co.uk

Original Chinos This ultimate chino is perfect for any day at work and when you’re on-the-go. Just the right amount of slim with a straight leg opening.

Made with Smart 360 Flex 4-way stretch technology for comfort in all the right places.

From £85 available from our selection at Men’s Visual Impact

Fashion | STYLE

Flying the flag with Mia

Step into summer with a patriotic palette and nautical inspiration from the summer collection at Mia

Alison is wearing white silk top £38 crop trousers £35 stripe ballet pumps £35

Alison is wearing Star jumper £37

Alison is wearing Studded star tee-shirt £25 Jeans £35 Trainers £55

Leah is wearing White linen trousers £30 Tie-front cotton shirt £25 Sandals £59

Leah is wearing Red splash print jumpsuit £69 Slider sandals £25

Enjoy the new summer collection at Mia! You can now enjoy shopping at home on their new website www.mia-uk.com 123 High St, Cowes | 20 St Thomas’ Square, Newport | 24 Union St, Ryde

Alison is wearing Stripe top £27 White crop trousers £35 Stripe beach bag £18

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Community

Need to know Donations of clothes and bric-a-brac can only be dropped off at Mountbatten’s warehouse on Riverway Industrial Estate, Newport, PO30 5UZ (almost opposite the Royal Mail depot)

M O U N T B AT T E N S E E S S U R G E IN POST LOCKDOWN D O N AT I O N S A N D S A L E S Have you been having a lockdown wardrobe clear out? If so, you may be among those across the Island who have generously donated to Mountbatten

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he charity relies on high quality clothes and brica-brac to raise funds to support its work in providing end of life care for Island patients in their own homes, at the hospice and in the local hospital, as well as free bereavement support to anyone on the Island who needs it.

Since Mountbatten’s warehouse reopened on 15 June, there has been a steady influx of donations which have to be held in quarantine for 72 hours before they can be sorted and sent out to restock the ten charity shops around the Island.

Customers are also proving to be very generous; by the end of the first day of trading for Mountbatten’s Newport shop on Lugley Street, shoppers had raised double the shop’s usual takings.

In line with government guidelines, a number of changes have been

introduced in the charity’s shops, including hand sanitiser points at the entrance, perspex screens and signs to support social distancing.

Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said: “‘We understand that our new guidelines for safety can be challenging to some customers, as well as for our staff and volunteers. We ask for patience and understanding as we all come to terms with working differently, which impacts on everyone.

“We’ve really missed our customers and it feels wonderful to start welcoming shoppers back. Before the coronavirus outbreak, our shops would raise over £100,000 each month towards end of life care and bereavement support. Every penny is vital and it’s thanks once again to our Island community that we can continue to be there when Island patients and families need us most.”

For further information about what you can donate visit www.mountbatten.org.uk

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The warehouse is open for donations 7 days a week, between 10am and 4pm (closed for an hour at midday and may need to close sooner if maximum donation capacity is reached) Please don’t leave donations outside any of Mountbatten’s shops.

When does your local Mountbatten shop reopen?

Mountbatten Newport, Lugley Street - Open Mountbatten Cowes, High Street - 29 June 2020 Mountbatten Freshwater, Avenue Road - 6 July 2020 Mountbatten Ryde, High Street - 13 July 2020 Mountbatten East Cowes, Ferry Road - 20 July 2020 Mountbatten Shanklin, Regent Street & Mountbatten Ventnor, Pier Street - 27 July 2020 Mountbatten Bembridge Lane End Road & Mountbatten Wootton, High Street - 3 August 2020 Temporary volunteers needed!

Do you have some spare time between July and October? Mountbatten needs volunteers to help customers at their shop tills and to sort donations at their warehouse. Call Sally on (01983) 217368

Feature | STYLE

TRIBE AND TIDE N AV I G AT I N G I S L A N D FA M I LY L I F E

By Em ma Elobeid Pictu res Ch r istia n Wa r ren

We’re now on our sixth island-anchored lap round the sun. Over five hundred and fifty-eight days of summer – roughly the same number of sandcastles – we’ve not once felt the slightest temptation to holiday elsewhere. Is a seven-year itch to be expected? Will the backwash from this strange new stay-put world put a new orbital spin on such summer contentment?

Will our Island paradise still feel like paradise now that we’ve all embraced staycationing?

Spoiler of the summer: absolutely.

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he connection between rootedness and freedom is a curious thing. To some, becoming intimately familiar with the same place year-after-year might seem like liberty lost. Not to me. With each passing summer the Island claims a bigger share of my identity; giving a hyggelig sense of belonging and fuelling creativity. The beach is maker and keeper of our family’s summertime stories, both #blessed and gritty alike – memories that stand the test of time with all the sticking power of a mussel’s byssus threads.

In one quarter-mile strip of sand and sea alone, I can pinpoint the exact stump of driftwood where our youngest had his heart broken by the loss of an irreplaceable yellow periwinkle; and the precise coordinates where, two summers ago, my husband and our eldest were chased through the water by a tiny but particularly buoyant jumping shrimp.

Memories that are held not just in spaces, but in sayings too: I will never again look at a rocky cluster of grey molluscs without imagining them in a slow race to the sea after the year our tallest sea urchin thought limpets

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STYLE | Feature

Travel not required: precious family memories are made on our doorstep

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need to sail the seven seas in order to appreciate our own little patch of paradise. were called ‘Olympits’. Recently, our mini-merman has taken to pointing out the wobbly jelly-like ‘enemies’ while rock pooling – no bad thing, perhaps, given his partiality to a dark red juicy Godshill cherry.

You know you’ve transitioned from ‘Overner’ to ‘Islander’ when you reference your own invented place names: over the ‘pooh-stick bridge’, through the ‘prickly path’ all the way to the ‘wild beach’. And it’s here – at the Wild Beach – that we frequently begin the day on summer mornings: with Priory Woods sheltering us from behind and St. Helens Fort up ahead, it’s the very definition of pure Island happiness.

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As the heat rises, we head down to the beach earlier and earlier; drinking in the morning sun in virtual solitude.

Often, that means breakfast on the beach. Truth be told, it’s more of an eight-a.m. summer smörgåsbord of random assortments: slices of lemon loaf if they’re lucky (worthy replacement to lockdown banana bread) along with a peach or three (inhaled), peas from the garden (the podding of which offers a moment of parental peace) and obligatory summer watermelon. As they ride the wings of their watermelon sugar high, I breathe it all in.

Home again – feet cleaned under the hosepipe, towels beaten of sand

Feature | STYLE

– we fall into a freewheeling brand of summer somewhere between ‘wannabee homesteader’ and ‘eighties throwback’. On balance – given the daybed under the runner beans, my slow descent into socks-and-crocs garden attire and the recent blanket ban on space hoppers for the sake of the spinach – slightly more former than latter. Either way, the aim is the same: a life less complicated.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need to sail the seven seas in order to appreciate our own little patch of paradise. I wish summer could stay this simple forever. Maybe it can.

Beach-based breakfasts are a summer fruit feast

Follow more family adventures in this series from our Mum on an Island. If you have any questions or ideas we’d love to hear them. Please email office@styleofwight.co.uk

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STYLE | Island Living

Island living Ou r Isla nd is one of the best places i n the world to ma ke the most of the coast, w ith a stu n n i ng a rray of d i fferent coasta l choices. From rock-pool i ng to watersports; a nd bi rd watch i ng to roma ntic su nsets - the Isle of Wig ht has it a l l

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Island Living | STYLE

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iving on an island means that we are surrounded by coastline, and the Isle of Wight has a huge range of different beaches, from those with dramatically steep cliffs, to others with gentle sloping shorelines or those, like Cowes, with long promenades just above the water line.

Many of our beaches lend themselves to water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing or windsurfing – Cowes is of course best known for this but Ryde, Yaverland, Lake, Freshwater especially so too. Others are perfect for bird watching, such as the estuaries at Newtown and Bembridge. Ramblers are spoilt for choice with pathways circumnavigating our entire coastline, either around the shorelines, or across the cliffs that rise to 300ft above sea level in places.

Sunrises are spectacular in the East, at beaches such as Bembridge, St Helen’s and Yaverland; and sunsets can be savoured over a sundowner in the West at beautiful beaches such as Compton, Totland and from the iconic Needles chalk stacks.

Whether you are looking for a traditional ‘bucket and spade’ family beach with shops and amusements, such as Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin or Ventnor; a cute coast with beach huts and ice creams like Gurnard or Colwell Bay; or a wild and unspoilt beach for getting away from it all, such as Compton, Brook or Yaverland, the Isle of Wight has the answer.

See www.visitisleofwight.co.uk for a detailed list of all the Island’s beaches.

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STYLE | Island Living

An Island of renowned recognition The whole of the Isle of Wight, including the waters around the Island, became a U N ESCO Biosphere Reserve on June 19th, 2019. The award was made by the United Nations Man and Biosphere Co-ordinating Counci l in Paris and was designated by the U N agency as one of 20 new areas considered for their env ironmenta l significance.

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lmost half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The title recognises the sustainable ways in which local people work with their natural environment and UNESCO's advisory committee praised the island's "strong tradition of environmental action".

What is a Biosphere?

Biosphere is the living surface of our planet, made from the land, the sea, the air we breathe and energy from the sun. People across the world have learned about the wonderful benefits from their biosphere and how to use them sustainably. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are some of the best examples where communities have found ways to resolve the conservation of ecosystems with their ongoing sustainable use. There are

over 686 Biosphere Reserves in 120 countries including 20 transboundary sites.

What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and

Island Living | STYLE

How did the Isle of Wight become a Biosphere Reserve?

Over 50% of the Isle of Wight is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB team put forward an application to UNESCO on behalf of the UK government. A region needs to show that people and the natural environment are coexisting harmoniously, in order to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In spite of the modern-day pressures brought about by the progress of human beings, the Isle of Wight can demonstrate to the highest level that there is a balanced relationship between people and their natural surroundings, which continue to thrive here.

What does it mean for us?

There hasn’t been any difference to us, although we hope it will help us to keep it that way. We know that the Isle of Wight is a beautiful place with a dramatic undulating landscape, beautiful beaches and friendly people, and that isn’t going to change.

Becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means that other people have also recognised what an amazing place the Island is.

Image: visitisleofwight.co.uk

ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity.

They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges.

Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

Biosphere Reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.

Biosphere Reserves are designated under the intergovernmental MAB Programme by the Director-General of UNESCO following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC). Their status is internationally recognised. Member States can submit sites through the designation process on the UNESCO website.

Biosphere Reserves involve local communities and all interested stakeholders in planning and management. They integrate three main "functions": • Conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity • Economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable

The Isle of Wight is now in an elite group of regions, being only the 6th region in the UK to be awarded the UNESCO accolade.

Will the Island change?

The Isle of Wight will remain its wonderful self, the only difference being that when you’re enjoying a walk on Tennyson Down or taking the kids to Blackgang Chine, you'll have an even greater sense of satisfaction that you live on, or are visiting, one of the most remarkable Islands in the world!

• Logistic support, underpinning development through research, monitoring, education and training These three functions are pursued through the Biosphere Reserves' three main zones. More than 680 sites in 122 countries now have the UNESCO designation, including Uluru in Australia, Mount Kenya, Yellowstone National Park in the US and County Kerry in the Republic of Ireland.

ht.co.uk

tisleofwig

Image: visi

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STYLE | Island Living

A tuk tuk

adventure Photog raphy Ch r i st i a n Wa r ren

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tyle of Wight were recently invited to experience a guided West Wight Tuk Tuk tour in a beautiful bianco white Piaggio Ape Calessino 200.

A business established in 2019 by Island resident and entrepreneur, Scout, and his wife Kayleigh, The Isle of Wight Tuk Tuk Co offers a variety of open-air experiences from tours and taxi services to weddings and events.

We began our experience at the picturesque Yarmouth Harbour and travelled west towards the iconic former military fort, Fort Victoria.

Here we took the opportunity to enjoy a morning coffee and pastry overlooking the beach and listening to a brief history of the fort.

With the sun shining and the wind blowing our hair, we enjoyed the ride further west, stopping at Colwell Bay. Here we had spectacular views across The Solent to Hurst Castle. After a stroll along the beach wall taking in the seaside atmosphere, we then stopped for a crisp chilled glass of white wine at the popular beachfront restaurant, The Hut. Setting off from Colwell Bay with an Isle of Wight Ice Cream from The Beach Shop, we travelled in style further along the coast

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Island Living | STYLE

“Experience the novelty a nd explore the Isla nd in a tota lly dif ferent way”

stopping at the tranquil Totland Bay. Here we had incredible far reaching views out to sea and enjoyed watching families taking advantage of the clear turquoise waters.

Our next stop was the beautiful Freshwater Bay and, with it being the hottest day of the year, we absolutely had to join in with running off the sea wall into the cool glistening waters.

A refreshing swim was the perfect end to our West Wight summer Tuk Tuk tour.

Heading back to Yarmouth we were recommended freshly prepared baguettes from Gossips Café for lunch before waving off our friendly tour guide. With Scout’s excellent local knowledge, paired with the romance of an Italian Tuk Tuk ride, this fabulous experience, with prices starting from £35 for two people, is something we would definitely recommend trying out this summer.

Gossips Café

To book a guided tour or for full information on The Isle of Wight Tuk Tuk Co services visit www.theiowtuktuk.co.uk, call 01983 329241, or email info@theiowtuktuk.co.uk.

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STYLE | Island Living

Inspired by a calling of the sea

Designer Mon ique Lucas draws much of her inspiration from the coastline of the Isle of Wight, where she works in her atmospheric studio, surrounded by reminders of her intrig uing heritage

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Island Living | STYLE

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slands are in Monique’s blood.

Her father and his forebears lived on Jamaica in a stylish fashion, and her grandmother painted the coastline as a hobby. Half American and half British on both her mother and her father’s side of the family, sailing was a massive part of Monique’s childhood.

“I spent a lot of my life on the Isle of Wight and travelling around a variety of other islands,” explained Monique.

“I was fortunate enough to live in both Hong Kong and Singapore in my childhood and travelled to many other tropical islands. I have also spent much time in Florida, visiting my grandmother over the years.”

Monique recently launched her Marine table setting collection, which includes both coasters and napkins.

They come in matching prints, such as the lobster print that you see in our photos.

“I loved designing and drawing this print, it reminds me of summers here on the coast on the Isle of Wight,” she said.

“As well as creating my fabric designs, I do love setting a table,” she laughed.

“It’s all about creating a lifestyle brand and placing my designs in settings that my customers might create themselves.”

This June Monique celebrated the

launch of her new Marine napkin range with a photo shoot on one of her favourite beaches on the Isle of Wight - Priory Bay. “Its rocky cliff-side forest and rustic beach shack makes you feel as if you're almost on a tropical island abroad. At points, you forget you are in the UK at all. That's the beauty of this untouched peace of paradise,” said Monique.

Shop Monique’s new beach bags with the lobster design at Seaview Deli, High Street, Seaview. Sign up to Monique’s monthly newsletter to receive promotions, styling tips and more at www.moniquelucas.co.uk

For a cha nce to w i n a set of Mon ique’s beauti f u l lobster napk i ns v isit ou r reader of fers page at w w w.styleof w ight.co.u k July and August 2020

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STYLE | Island Living

Clif fs and creativity Lovers of the cliffs and coast of the West Wight between Brook and Freshwater wi l l want to see a new ex hibition of ceramics at Yarmouth Ga l lery by owner A nne Toms’ daughter A ma nda Rachel

Photog raphy Ch r i st i a n Wa r ren

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ll the new work created by Amanda Rachel Toms has been inspired by the cliffs with their different colours and textures.

In fact, Amanda has collected material from the cliffs and beach to use in the glazes she makes for her ceramic pieces. Some glazes are crusty like the rocks and others are smooth like the sea.

Amanda’s earlier work featured sculptural boat forms and lidded boxes, slab-built, and these newer bottles and vases are thrown and then altered to include areas of added textural interest. Amanda has a fascination with layers and edges created by erosion, and the points at which different materials overlap and meet.

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The work is made with different clays including paper clay, terracotta, black clay and porcelain. One-off pieces combine layers of clays, oxide, slip and glaze to build up a depth of colour and texture reminiscent of weathered and aged surfaces from the landscape. This includes boats that have been left to the elements, and ancient artifacts.

Born and bred on the Isle of Wight in 1970, and currently living and working in Hertfordshire, near the chalk landscape of the Chilterns, Amanda, her husband and two children often come to stay at their house in Anne’s garden. Only a stone’s throw from Freshwater Bay, she loves the walk across the cliffs to Compton, and down onto the beach.

“At the moment, Amanda is completely obsessed with the cliffs and their strata,” added Anne. “How wonderful the cliffs are. When most people are looking at the sea, Amanda is looking back at the cliffs.”

Amanda’s work will be on display and for sale at Yarmouth Gallery throughout the summer where there are greetings cards made from her photographs. Yarmouth Gallery is just a few minutes stroll away from the ferry terminal, between the harbour and the Common, in the High Street and is open from 10am to 4pm (possibly to 5pm in high season) from Wednesday to Monday.

Check out Amanda’s work at www.instagram. com/amanda.toms or on her website at www. amandatomsceramics.com

Island Living | STYLE

Designer driftwood

By Bryony Rust Photos Tom Pratt

A f ter a big storm, it’s a lways f un to see what new treasures have washed up on the loca l beaches. One of my favourite finds is an interesting twist of drif twood. It holds beautif u l variety with the added mystery of how far it’s travel led or how long it’s lain there

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riftwood always reminds me of my Humboldt County roots, where driftwood art is positively synonymous with the region. After a recent storm here on the Island we seized the opportunity to gather some driftwood.

For creative projects it’s useful to gather a variety of sizes and, of course, take no more than you need.

Armed with our beach treasures, we set to construction with saw and glue gun. I truly don’t know how we’ve gone this long without a glue gun. Did you know they cost barely more than a tenner? And oh, the potential!

The driftwood mirror project simply involved finding a mirror with a broad frame and then experimenting with different driftwood combinations before sealing the deal with a few dollops of hot glue.

The bookends took a little more prep, though it was still a fairly relaxed activity. Playing with how the twisted wood fits together is like a pleasing puzzle with no ‘right answer’. After balancing and fitting our favourite pieces together, we drew pencil marks and sawed each piece down for a flat base. The pencil also comes in handy for marking where you want to glue each piece. It can be a little fiddly to make sure the glue goes where it should, especially with the uneven surfaces of a twig, so a quick pencil mark is a useful guide. Once your pieces are glued together, leave to set overnight.

Now all that’s left to do is choose some of your favourite books.

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STYLE | Island Living

Sir Ben Ainslie – the Isle of Wight is my home Q: You’ve chosen to make the Island your home and Portsmouth the base for the team, why did you do that?

A: We looked at a number of sites for our set up of the America’s Cup team back in 2014 and Portsmouth were really accommodating. The Camber is a fantastic site as it provides great deep-water access to operate our boats and our team, that was our key reasoning for the specific site.

For my family and I, moving to the Isle of Wight was a great adventure really, moving off the mainland. It obviously also has close connections with Portsmouth, and we fell in love with a home on the Island. We’ve been really happy living there.

Q: Similiar to Formula 1, the America’s Cup is very much a sail event but also a design race. Can you explain how technology helps the team and what difference it makes to the race?

A: Yes, the America’s Cup is commonly referred to as Formula 1 on water and for a very good reason, in that the fastest boat in the history of the Cup pretty much has always won and therefore huge emphasis goes into the design and development of the boats.

That’s fascinating for the teams themselves and it’s one of the big drivers for people in the America’s Cup because they’re fascinated by the technology and that technological race. Also, as you see in Formula 1, there are a lot of fans of the sport that are really into the technology and that’s what draws them into following the different teams and the developments as you go through an America’s Cup cycle.

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Q: What are you most looking forward to and what are you most worried about in the next America’s Cup? A: I’m really looking forward to seeing how the different teams develop with this new AC75 class of boat through to the racing in New Zealand when we will all most probably be in our second generation boats. That development will be fascinating. I’m most worried about the dangers of racing these boats with their power, their speed, and the foils acting as they do when the wing foils are out of the water. As a helmsman, as a team principal, it is something that I am conscious of and I want to make sure that we can operate and race flat out but also in a safe manner.

Q: Aside from bringing the America’s Cup home, in which we all wish you well, are there any other sailing goals left that you hope to achieve?

A: Yes, probably the Jules Verne. I’d love to sail around the world. My dad did that (Whitbread Round the World Race, 1973), so growing up that was always an inspiration. The Jules Verne has been a challenge which I’ve followed for many years and I am always in awe of those boats and those teams that have been able to sail around the world in such record times. It’s also an area of the sport where Britain hasn’t traditionally performed that well, so I think that would be a great challenge to try and get the British breaking some records.

Q: What is it about sailing that has kept your love for it so constant?

A: The diversity of the sport. There are so many different challenges. If

you master one element of the sport there is always another design of boat, another type of race, be that offshore or inshore, a different team, many different fantastic personalities to try and work with and learn from. It’s just a change in dynamic which means that it’s never dull. There’s always a new challenge and it’s always exciting.

Q: What’s your professional sailing highlight of the Isle of Wight?

A: My highlight is Round the Island Race in 2013, when we took the race record for a period of time in an AC45 catamaran with JP Morgan. We raced in memory of our dear friend Andrew Simpson which made it that extra bit special.

Q: Have you got any top tips or recommendations for visitors of the Island, any places to go?

A: Yes, particularly for families there are many great attractions on the Island such as the Needles Theme park, Tapnell Farm (a particular favourite of our family!), the Garlic Farm, the amazing Robin Hill, and The Hut restaurant on a nice summer afternoon is hard to beat.

Island Living | STYLE

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STYLE | Island Living

Enjoying our coastline this

summer

The Island has a beach for every activity, and one of them will be just perfect for you, your family and your friends. Or perhaps you prefer a solitary beach visit – naturally the Isle of Wight can offer blissful alone time, too

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he beaches from Brighstone to Blackgang are inaccessible and wild, with pathways to scrabble down at your own risk, but the reward will be a primordial piece of coastline that will take your breath away. Atherfield has a very steep pathway down, a large pebbled beach and the sea has an undertow that can take you unawares – don’t swim alone and not at all if you’re not a good swimmer.

Whale Chine’s two hundred-foot red cliffs tower over you as you search for the fossils of ammonites and other sea creatures, but the sea can again be treacherous and getting down to the beach is a trial. You can get to it from Blackgang, but the way down to this beach involves walking through woodland and climbing down a rope at one point. Oh, and Blackgang’s a naturist beach, as you may know!

Steephill Cove was said to be a secret beach, but the secret is now out, although nonetheless loved and cherished by those who visit this pretty, sheltered bay. You can walk from Ventnor esplanade, or walk down from Undercliff Drive – but walk you must as there is no access for cars.

There are other hidden coves along the coast from Ventnor to St Catherine’s Point, where the walk down to the lighthouse and Rocken End beach is a lovely one – although the beach is comprised of huge stones. Woody Bay, about halfway between the two, is beautiful and usually deserted, although again there

are stones to negotiate and it can only reached via the coastal path.

On the northern side of the island there are other hidden beaches to discover but be aware that these can have clay beneath the sand - Players Beach at Ryde, Woodside and, further west, those west of Gurnard Marsh and at Bouldnor. Priory Bay beach has been likened to a Caribbean beach and is accessed around the headland from the west or via a woodland path and steps from the Duver beach.

Colwell Bay now has a Caribbean feel too, with many motor boats/gin palaces travelling over for lunch and mooring in the bay. You can even have a picnic hamper delivered to your boat by rib. Totland, around the headland, is heading in this direction, and both beaches have turquoise seas and safe bathing.

Sandown Bay won 'Beach of the Year' in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019, with the magazine calling it a “traditional bucket and spade beach on the east coast of the island with miles of golden sand, pier and eclectic seafront – and just a short walk to peace, fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife”. Eleven of the Island’s 14 main beaches have the highest rating for bathing water quality. Having introduced a new standard 4 years ago, the Environment Agency gave their stamp of approval of ‘excellent’ to 11 beaches with the other three receiving a rating of ‘good’ so you can paddle, swim and enjoy water-sports knowing that you’re doing so in safe water.

Beach Safety From the RNLI

What are the dangers for kids at the beach?

Without you by their side, children are vulnerable at the beach. They need you to protect them from the sea's unpredictable waves, rip currents and cold water. And, this summer, fewer lifeguard patrols will be on hand to supervise or rescue your family.

How to keep your family safe at the beach Don't use inflatables - they get swept out to sea, with you or your child on them. And watch out for rip currents. Every beach is different, so make a point of reading any safety signs.

What if you do get into danger?

If you have your mobile phone, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, and they will send help. Leave difficult rescues to the lifesavers. If there are lifeguards nearby, alert them. If you or your children are struggling in the water, remember: FLOAT TO LIVE.

Image visitisleofwight.co.uk

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Island Living | STYLE

Safe in the sun Gibbs a nd Gu rnel l i n Ryde’s Un ion Street a re the most wonderf u l, trad itiona l d ispensi ng chem ist, but a re rig ht up to date w ith the l i nes that they stock , tha n ks to Lisa Ga rth.

One of the ranges they have, which is incredibly good for you, especially when your skin is punished by the sun, is Avène.

This French skincare range is especially good for sensitive skin, is reasonably priced and is a beautiful brand in its stylish white and coral packaging.

It is one of Gibbs and Gurnell’s best sellers. “It’s very popular,” said Lisa. “And with all ages.”

Avène’s hydrating moisturisers, come with a 30 SPF, or not as you require. If you do opt for the skin protection factor this can give you a barrier against the sun at times

when you might not apply a sun cream. These come in a light or rich crème and both are for day and night wear.

Of course, Avène do also have their own sun-screen range, which has a unique twofold commitment: to offer the best photoprotection to sensitive skin while minimising environmental impact.

Their Cleanance range for oily and blemish-prone skin is especially good for teenagers, and those who might be affected adversely by the sun. The Avène range is suitable for all ages, however, and is very popular with customers at Gibbs and Gurnell.

Their Thermal Spring Water Spray can be used as a toner but is equally refreshing to use to cool the skin down in hot weather.

This spray has a powerful active ingredient, with natural soothing

and anti-irritating properties, which soothes sensitive skin and reduces skin reactivity.

Avène also have a line of creams especially for those suffering from rosacea – a cleaning lotion, a moisturiser and a ‘Relief Concentrate’ for chronic redness.

Not only do Avène make face creams, but products for your whole body. Their Cold Cream Body range is formulated to support the hydrolipidic film in sensitive dry to very dry skin, and these creams intensely nourish and soothe. The cleanser in this range is a lipid-replenishing cleansing oil. Especially good for dry to very dry sensitive skin prone to atopic eczema and itching.

Whether you have skin issues or not, the Avène range will have products to suit your skin. Gibbs and Gurnell, 34 Union St, Ryde PO33 2LE.

Image visitisleofwight.co.uk

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STYLE | Art

Unlocked: Binnel and Bunker Summer Exhibition

By R oz W h ista nce

They are calling their summer exhibition Unlocked.

For the artist enclave at Binnel Bay and The Bunker, that’s not simply an announcement of the return to near-normality. It sums up the space given by the weeks of lockdown in which to think, reflect, experiment, even to change

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“When lockdown happened I felt I could breathe again,” says Celia Wilkinson, hinting that the demand on successful artists to fulfill commissions and exhibition commitments can be relentless.

Binnel Studios is a colony of seven artists: three painters and four ceramicists. Once a year they open their studios – and themselves – to the visiting public. This year the Summer Exhibition is a double hander, as Binnel’s near neighbour, The Bunker, is also opening its doors. This little outpost in St Lawrence is awash with artistic innovation.

New Binnel resident Sue Paraskeva has long been followed for her fine porcelain work. At Binnel she intends to build a kiln to explore wood ash glazing. “The root of the flame carries the ash around the whole kiln and the effect is magical.” She adds: “It’s very exciting to be part of this gang of creative spirits.”

Jane Cox agrees, describing how fellow-ceramicists Molly Attrill and Matthew Chambers stepped in to help fire her largest shape to date, on show at Unlocked. Jane’s work is all about

Art | STYLE

the glaze, the limpid sea-colours of her exuberant bowls and vases so deep they seem almost liquid. “Lockdown has been a chance to explore more murky sea tones,” she says.

Matthew Chambers has also welcomed the pause in his busy schedule of sending his exquisite sculptures to exhibitors and customers worldwide. Away from Binnel he set up a makeshift studio: “Doing what I was doing before didn’t seem normal. So I experimented a little bit.” There may be a hint of his new direction at the Open Weekend.

Molly Attrill has secretly enjoyed the quietude, and while carrying on her work throughout she has, she says enigmatically, been “playing”.

Collectors of her earthenware and majolica ware will doubtless be watching for any lockdown-induced innovation in months to come.

goes beyond the simple portrayal of a place.

Amanda Wheeler’s semi-abstract paintings are inspired by the sea and coast. She has been venturing beyond the shaggy beauty of St Lawrence to paint obscure Island bays, the colours and movement somehow portraying the thrill of being immersed in the cold freedom of the ocean, or battered by bracing winds.

While ‘the father of the house’, award-winning watercolourist David Firmstone, will be away for the Summer Exhibition he will be previewing a brand new work in the central foyer. Expect something extraordinary.

Celia Wilkinson was jolted by the pandemic. “Because I paint from my subconscious the strange new world caused me to paint strange landscapes. But once into the rhythm, it was bliss.” Her colour-rich, textural landscapes invite an instinctive recognition in the viewer, a feeling that

A brief walk away is The Bunker, a wartime structure restored by architectural designer Lincoln Miles as a studio. He and partner Lisa Traxler also designed and live in the adjacent house. Lincoln will be showing some of his ever-inventive designs, while Lisa will display wartime-inspired Dazzle work, alongside her threedimensional ‘exploded paintings’.

“Time stood still during lockdown. I could go backwards and forwards between paintings and my threedimensional work.”

The Binnel Studios artists have said goodbye to two of their number since last year, but welcomed new custodians of the studio who will ensure the creative community can continue.

Unlocked takes place from Sat 29th to Monday 31st Aug, 11am – 4pm. Covid-avoidance guidelines will be in place. Binnel Studio, Old Park Road, St Lawrence, PO38 1XR

From left: Artwork by Amanda Wheeler, Matthew Chambers, Sue Paraskeva, Celia Wilkinson, Lisa Traxler, Molly Attrill, Jane Cox, Lincoln Miles and inset David Firmstone

July and August 2020

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BREAKOUT!

Once the family and I could progress from circumnavigating our local boundaries (every which way around our estate) and travel further afield, we went up the Downs, down to the sea and into the woods.

Ryde’s Millennium Wood with its small but lovely natural pond, in May full of newts and tadpoles edged by yellow and purple iris, was a shady oasis. Steephill Cove’s super-fine shingle and spacious sky was refreshing and early morning rummages along East Cowes beach collecting sea glass and pretty stones kept the family engaged and balanced.

A further four display boxes are planned for the ‘Natural Wonders of the Isle Wight’ project.

Remote interaction can be more than a means to an end then. As a member of Quay Arts, the team and I looked to our archives for inspiration for ways to engage residents in these unusual times.

Turns out we set a Guinness World record in 2000 for the most self-portraits in a gallery amassing a colossal 13,000 portraits (exclusively by children) for the ‘My Millennium’ exhibition.

Today, twenty years on, we are asking Islanders to create self-portraits for a group exhibition titled Breakout! Portraits can be in any medium (except selfies) but no more than 10cm Square.

To be part of the show you’ll need to upload a digital image of your portrait via quayarts.org (Take part / Breakout! Exhibition) so that we can add you to the online gallery, and then post or drop in the original to us to include in the physical exhibition.

What we have so far are fascinating and demonstrate a great sense of humour.

Steephill Cove by Ian Whitmore

The shore of East Cowes also provided inspiration and free materials to work with key worker children at Queensgate Foundation Primary on an Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society project.

Via the magic of live video, the students and I discussed local wildlife, examined natural specimens and worked together (whilst apart) with clay to create a tiny flock of Turnstones, hardworking shore birds found close to the school. After a school car park pick up, the birds were taken home and painted with help from my youngest, then combined with students’ shell drawings and displayed in a glass box rescued from the old Floating Bridge No4.

The Island’s resident creatives have delivered some excellent, entertaining and inspiring content recently, with the likes of the Isolation Row folk festival and Hullabaloo at Home, for which I ran a live participatory art activity, to name but a few.

One for all and all for one then.

Hullabaloo IOW Biosphere collage © Ian Whitmore

Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BD. quayarts.org

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By Ia n W h itmore QUAY A RTS

I

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STYLE | Food

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

PICNIC PERFECT Enjoying a glass or two and a bite to eat outdoors has become the new normal as a focus for sharing precious time with family and friends. But now let’s seize the chance to up our al fresco game and stage some picnics to remember, making the most of our stellar produce, such as sumptuous seafood, in our sensational setting while the sun still shines.

Airtight jars are not only securely portable single-serving containers but visually appealing with their contents invitingly displayed, especially so where you can arrange the ingredients in colourful layers. Seafood stars again here – lobster, white crabmeat or prawns – in an orzo (or rice) salad with chopped local apricots and salad leaves, with a vinaigrette added to the jar first ready to shake and mix before diving in, or toss pan-fried freshly caught mackerel fillets with potato salad featuring waxy pots (like local Harlequins) dressed with The Garlic Farm mayo and chopped boiled egg.

Fine and faff-free dining The key to a joyful picnicking experience is to minimise fuss, mess and hygiene safety concerns, so think neatly packaged individual servings rather than something that needs portioning up onto plates. Pastry parcels always punch above their weight and are as easy as pie to knock up using ready-made pastry, whether filo, puff or shortcrust (many being suitable for vegans), for oven baking and serving warm or cold. Filling options are almost endless, but for a touch of high summer decadence, try Island lobster meat mixed with double

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cream, a little grated Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped tarragon and parsley and a pinch of cayenne à la thermidor, or Thai-style with chopped spring onion, chilli, coriander and lime. Or go for white and brown crabmeat combined either with charred fresh sweetcorn kernels, diced onion and red pepper flavoured with smoked paprika and cumin. And for a reinterpreted veggie Greek holiday special, make filo parcels stuffed with crumbled Briddlesford feta-style cheese and local rainbow chard wilted in a dash of olive oil with crushed garlic.

And for dessert, layer toasted Calbourne Water Mill muesli with New Forest raspberries drizzled with Island honey (or agave) and whipped cream (or dairy-free alternative) for a southern take on cranachan, or crushed IOW Biscuits’ Chocolate Crumbles, Godshill cherries and cream/dairy-free yogurt for a taste of the Black Forest – fitting for a foray to Bouldnor, Brighstone, or Parkhurst Forest!

Chilling out Dust down the Thermos and put it to work in keeping a classy chilled soup just that, such as a classic gazpacho using super-sweet IOW toms and Wild Island’s raspberry vinegar instead of the traditional sherry vinegar, or blend locally grown cantaloupe melon with cucumber, avocado and lime, and top with a little seafood for a finishing

Food | STYLE

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

Stockpile wide-necked screwtop glass food jars once they are empty ready to sterilise and use for picnic foods, rather than buying jars specially.

For wrapping picnic food, use beeswax or vegan plant wax wraps in place of clingfilm.

Instead of disposable or plastic picnic ware, use long-lasting reusable alternatives such as enamelware or wooden or bamboo plates and bowls, including sporks – a handy mini spoon and fork in one.

If barbecuing outdoors (always be sure to grill safely and responsibly), in place of standard disposable barbecues, look for 100% biodegradable Eco Grills made from alder (birch), including the charcoal.

Food high lights:

flourish. Pre-mixed cocktails using Mermaid Gin or Tipsy Wight vodkas and liqueurs can be kept ice-cold in the same way, or chilled Wight Crystal spring water infused with New Forest blueberries and lemon or hedgerow blackberries and orange.

But if you just need to cut to the chill, look no further than the Island’s top-notch delis and farm shops, butchers and bakeries and other artisan food suppliers for handcrafted pies, pastries and other picnic treats, as well as entire spreads and bespoke hampers.

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Berries and cherries: Delicious summer recipes using Isle of Wight strawberries and cherries

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Review: Tramezzinis True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven, stunning location and exquisite food

July and August 2020

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THE GIFT OF GARLIC

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.

Food | STYLE

Berries & Cherries Nothing says summer quite like the heavenly taste of strawberries and cherries. Sweet and succulent, Isle of Wight strawberries and cherries are a treat whether served simply, with a good dollop of cream, or taking centre stage in these delicious recipes.

Strawberry and pistachio tarts Strawberry breakfast smoothie Strawberry cream cheese danish Godshill sweet cherry pie

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Strawberry and pistachio tarts These gorgeous strawberry tarts are the perfect summer dessert Time: 1 hour to make, 20 mins to cook plus chilling | Serves: 6 Ingredients For the sweet pastry…

30g shelled unsalted pistachios 110g unsalted butter, at room temperature, diced 1 large free-range egg 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 90g icing sugar 18g cornflour For the tarts…

300ml double cream 2 vanilla pods, split lengthways and seeds scraped with a knife 100g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 300g strawberries 3tbsp caster sugar 50g shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped (You will also need 6 individual tart tins 8cmx1.5cm deep) Method To make the pastry, pulse the pistachios in a food processor until very finely chopped, then set aside.

Whizz the butter and egg in a food processor until creamy. Add the dry ingredients gradually until the dough comes together, then add the chopped pistachios and pulse a few times.

Transfer the pastry to a lightly floured

board, knead briefly until just smooth, then shape into a thick disc, wrap in cling film and chill for at least an hour.

Pour the cream into a large bowl, add the vanilla seeds (keep the pods to flavour bags of sugar or to add flavour to custard) and sift in the icing sugar, then whip with a whisk or electric hand mixer until it forms soft peaks – if you lift the whisk out, the peak that forms will curl over a little. Chill until needed.

Remove the pastry from the fridge and leave to sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, hull and quarter the strawberries, put in a bowl and sprinkle with the caster sugar. Set aside so the sugar dissolves and gives them a sweet glaze.

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/ gas 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to the thickness of a one-pound coin. Use a pastry case tin as a guide and cut out 6 discs about 12-13cm in diameter. Carefully line each mould with pastry, pressing the pastry into the fluted edges. Roll the rolling pin over the top of each case to remove the excess pastry and leave a clean edge. Re-roll the pastry trimmings as needed.

for 15 minutes, then line with foil, fill with baking beans or rice and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and beans/rice and bake for a further 5 minutes until sandy-coloured and crisp all over. Leave the cases to cool completely.

To assemble, take the whipped cream from the fridge and whip it briefly again to firm it up. Fill each tart one-third full with the cream, smoothing the top until even. Drain the strawberries of any excess juice, then arrange them standing up neatly in the tart cases. The cream will rise as you push the strawberries in. Scatter over the chopped nuts and dust with icing sugar. Once assembled, these will keep for 2 hours.

Perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert

Chill the pastry cases in the freezer

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STYLE | Food

Strawberry breakfast smoothie This strawberry smoothie is thick, creamy, and loaded with flavour. We’ve thrown in some oats for added texture and thickness, making this smoothie a wonderful quick breakfast or snack Time: 10mins | Serves: 2 Ingredients ½ cup (45g) rolled oats 1 cup (240ml) almond milk (or you can use whichever milk you prefer) 1 large banana, sliced and frozen 14 strawberries, frozen 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (you can leave out if you find the smoothie already sweet enough) Method Add the oats to a blender or food processor and pulse a few times to grind them up slightly. Add the milk, banana, strawberries, honey, and blend until smooth and combined. Pour into glasses, serve, and enjoy!

Strawberry cream cheese danish This easy strawberry cream cheese Danish uses puff pastry and fresh strawberries, making it the ultimate quick summer treat!

Time: 30mins | Serves: 8 Ingredients 4oz cream cheese, room temperature (½ package) 3 tbsp sugar 1 egg yolk 1 sheet puff pastry ½ 450g box, cold 1 egg white 1 tbsp water 16 strawberries very thinly sliced 3 tbsp strawberry jam, warmed

Method Preheat oven to 400˚F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg yolk until smooth.

Roll out puff pastry into a rough 12″ by 12″ square. Cut in half down the middle and cut each side into 4 rectangular pieces. Divide cream cheese mixture between 8 pieces of puff pastry and spread to within ½” of the outside.

With a fork, beat egg white and water until combined. Brush around the exposed edges of the puff pastry.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool 20-30 minutes.

Top with a layer of strawberries and brush with jam. Serve immediately.

Cover leftovers loosely with plastic wrap and serve within 6-8 hours.

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Godshill sweet cherry pie This culinary classic tastes all the better with delicious local cherries playing the starring role!

By Fa r mer Ja ck s, A r reton

Ingredients For the filling…

3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 11/2 pounds Godshill Orchard fresh sweet cherries, stemmed and pitted 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt For the pie…

1 package shortcrust pastry 1 large egg 1 tsp water 1 tbsp demerara sugar Method Whisk the sugar and cornstarch together in a large saucepan. Add the cherries, vanilla, and salt and toss to coat in the sugar-cornstarch mixture.

Cook over medium-high heat until the cherries begin to break down and the mixture begins to simmer and thicken slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

Heat the oven to 190˚C. Unroll the shortcrust and transfer it to a 9-inch standard pie pan. Press the dough into the bottom and along the sides of the pie plate, being careful not to puncture the dough. Keep the extra dough for the top of the pie. Whisk the egg and water together with a fork, in a small bowl, to make an egg wash. Brush the inside of the pie crust with the egg wash (save some for brushing the top crust).

Pour the cooled filling into the crust.

Cut 1-inch wide strips out of the remaining dough. Transfer every other strip to the top of the pie, spacing them evenly. Create a criss-cross pattern by alternating the strips. Brush the top crust and edges of the pie dough with the egg wash, then sprinkle generously with the coarse sugar.

Visit fa rmerja cks.co.u k for a n easy shortcrust recipe

Bake until the filling is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool before slicing. Serve your cherry pie warm with a scoop of your favourite vanilla bean ice cream.

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STYLE | Food

Frankie & Ella’s Kitchen

A place where messy worktops, laughter and spoon-licking are absolutely essential

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Food | STYLE

Classic scones with jam & clotted cream The little Style of Wight ba kers have been busy in the k itchen again and wou ld li ke to present to you their tasty scone recipe – a great treat for af ternoon tea . They’re deliciously light and sof t, just li ke any good scone shou ld be.

Scones are really easy to make so they’re a great bake for young children and beginner bakers. What makes this recipe even better is that you just need to mix everything together in a mixing bowl.

Children can help measure the ingredients out and mix them all together with their hands, or wooden spoons. Once you’ve made the scone dough, your children can help cut the scones out, which is a task even the youngest bakers can help with.

Brushing the tops of the scones with a beaten egg not only helps to turn them a nice golden brown, but also is a fun job for little chefs to do.

Ingredients 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 85g butter, cut into cubes 3 tbsp caster sugar 175ml milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Squeeze lemon juice Beaten egg to glaze Method Don’t forget to wash your hands first!

Ask an adult to heat the oven to 220˚C/fan 200˚C/gas 7. Tip 350g selfraising flour into a large bowl with ¼ tsp salt and 1tsp baking powder, then mix. Add 85g butter cubes, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs, stir in 3tbsp caster sugar.

Put 175ml milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm, but not hot. Add 1tsp vanilla extract and a squeeze of lemon juice, then set aside for a moment.

Ask an adult to put a baking sheet in the oven. Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and combine it quickly with a cutlery knife – it will seem pretty wet at first. Scatter some flour onto the work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over 2-3 times until it’s a

Kitchen products featured from Hursts, Newport; Homemade Stoneware mixing bowl 1.5ltr £8.95, FSC beech child’s wooden spoon 90p, Mary Berry signature milk jug 220ml and side plate 20cm £7.49 each, Mary Berry signature serving bowl 16cm £16.50, Mary Berry signature 16 piece cutlery set grey £45, Chatsworth floral tea towel 3 piece £7.50, Chefaid pastry cutters £1.80.

Local food products featured; Fresh IOW strawberries and The Island Jam Company Raspberry Jam, Farmer Jacks Farm Shop, Arreton. Clotted Cream – Briddlesford Farm Shop, Wootton.

little smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.

Take a 5cm cutter (smooth-edged cutters tend to cut more cleanly, giving a better rise) and dip it into some flour.

Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. You may need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out another four. Brush the tops with a beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray. Bake for 10mins until risen and golden on the top. Eat warm or cold on the day of baking, generously topped with jam and clotted cream.

If freezing, freeze once cool. Defrost, then put in a low oven (about 160˚C/ fan 140˚C/gas 3) for a few minutes to refresh.

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 scones – send you r snaps to of f ice@styleof w i g ht.co.u k.

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Food

Pure bliss

How does crushed strawberries and cream or honey and stem ginger sound? These are just two of our favourites from a huge selection of mouth-watering local flavours you’ll find at Bliss Ice Cream Parlour, Cowes

E

njoying an ice cream at the seaside is just as British as the traditional ‘fish & chips’ and Bliss, close to the seafront in Cowes, is one of those places you simply must try out for yourself. This ice cream parlour is showcasing not one, but three award-winning Isle of Wight Ice cream brands – Minghella, Calbourne Classics and The Isle of Wight Ice Cream Co. Whether you’re visiting to indulge in one of the original luxury Italian recipes Minghella Ice Cream offers, a Calbourne Classics clotted cream

treat, or a delicious gelato style Ice Cream Co flavour – this parlour has it all when it comes to ice cream. That’s without mentioning the fresh ground coffee, ice cream sundaes, fresh fruit smoothies, warm Belgium waffles and much more!

New owners Jenny Simmons and Louise Hart, experts in the ice cream industry, are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Bliss.

Take the children, grandchildren, or just yourselves for a stroll from Gurnard seafront to Cowes for an ice cream and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

For more information please visit www.blissicecreamparlour.com, email blissicecreamparlour@gmail.com or even better take a look for yourself Bliss Ice Cream Parlour, 12 Bath Road, Cowes.

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Food | STYLE

Guess who’s back w ith a bra nd-new app?

French Franks reopened its doors on 27th May and has since come back even stronger with its fresh off the web click ‘n’ collect service.

The click ‘n’ collect app offers all your usual favourites and is already proving to be popular with its customers. The app is available for orders in both the St Cross Business Park and Ryde Town Centre shops, with there being hopes to introduce the service to its Newport Town Centre and Cowes shops once it is deemed safe to do so.

Not only has the app launched for click ‘n’ collect but now offers a delivery service to recognised businesses within the Newport and Cowes area, all of which can be ordered within the app.

Owner Mark Horton told us how he sees the app working to benefit his customers “As we are all hopefully seeing the end of these uncertain times, the launch of the app is aiming to make customers feel as though they can get their French Franks fix faster as well as remain careful during the coronavirus crisis.”

All French Franks shops are now open and are welcoming its customers with (socially distanced) open arms.

The app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, just type in French Franks and download.

Visit www.frenchfranks.co.uk or the French Franks Facebook page for further information.

St Cross Business Park | Ryde Town Centre | Newport Town Centre | Cowes Red Jet Terminal

July and August 2020

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Food | STYLE

Dream team take on

THE TERRACE You might think it’s all about the food. But the team behind the newly opened The Terrace in Yarmouth know that going out to eat is far, far more than that

By R oz W h ista nce Photog raphy Hol ly Jol l i f fe

“On the deck there’s nothing to interrupt your view out to sea. Inside, the lighting creates different moods in each area. The wine is there to drink – but also part of the design,” says Alan Short of Acorn Interiors.

Interior architectural designer Tanya Lippuner and building contractor Alan were given virtually free rein, with the budget to match. It has been the perfect collaboration. “We’ve been able to give the owners quality items, whether that be glass and timber finishes, Corian tops or handmade joinery. This, and Tanya’s design, make it a unique restaurant.”

Unique in that the flooring is from the oldest flooring company in Sweden; the decking, hand-moulded from original timber, is non-slip and nonfade; the glass surround free-hanging for uninterrupted gazing at those Yarmouth sunsets. No part of The Terrace is off the peg.

“It was designed to be flexible,” adds Tanya. “Banquette seating means we can add and take away tables which is useful with the social distancing measures that are now in place. In time we may be able to add tables.” The colours, subtle sea turquoise accents, reflect Yarmouth’s

translucent Solent shoreline.

Their changes to the premises were total. Walls removed, stairs well-lit and hung with Danish globe lights, and washrooms – the final touch to cosset a customer – in muted colours and fitted with dominant taps and iroko basin surrounds.

“Now we’re ready to hand it back to the owners.” They exchange rueful smiles. “When you put your heart and soul into a project as we have here, that can be quite a wrench.”

Tanya Lippuner of TML Creative Alan Short of Acorn Interiors. Follow them on Instagram @t_m_l_creative @acorn.interiors

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STYLE | Food

Review

TRAMEZZINI’S TRUE F O O D K I T C H E N AT C A S T L E H AV E N Combining artful living with food that feeds the body and soul in a beautiful location

Tramezzini’s True Food Kitchen offers the perfect combination of a stunning setting and exquisite food

D

oors to restaurants, businesses and companies all over the country being shut with a slam has been a shock for owners, to say the least. For Adam and Bethan of Tramezzini, the lockdown offered valuable time to rethink their business and form an exciting new venture.

Adam and Bethan

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Fusing Adam’s passion for creating stunning cuisine and Bethan’s love of crafting beautiful lifestyles, Tramezzini’s True Food Kitchen Delicious food that delights the mouth and unlocks the doorway into simpler living - was born.

An impressive example is the True Food Kitchen Poke Bowl. Poke (pronounced POH-Key) is a simple Hawaiian dish Adam and Bethan discovered in Portugal. Described by some as deconstructed sushi, it’s a bowl that is packed full of vitamins, minerals, exciting flavours and definitely holds the wow-factor.

Plant-rich and versatile, Poke can be customized for meat-eaters, vegans and vegetarians. It’s the sort of food you can eat and become obsessed by. The Poke Bowl illustrates exactly what Adam and Bethan want to offer: cuisine that is beautiful to eat, makes

Food | STYLE

you feel amazing, and is good for you.

It’s wellbeing and true living in a bowl!

As the concept for Tramezzini’s True Food Kitchen took shape, the perfect moment of serendipity occurred in the form of an invitation to the Beach Café at Castlehaven, Niton. Simon Rodley and his family have been running the gorgeous caravan park in the unspoilt bay of Castlehaven for many years and for a long time have been waiting to offer food as exquisite as the location. “When Simon invited us to bring Tramezzini’s True Food Kitchen to Castlehaven, it was a no brainer” says Adam. “This beautiful location for alfresco dining was exactly what we needed for the True Food Kitchen to really come to life.”

At Castlehaven, a dining experience has been created the very moment you step out of your car on St Catherine’s Road. Take a meandering stroll down the lane with beautiful views of the sea and lighthouse, then find yourself before a beautiful vista whilst eating food that transports your taste buds and nourishes your wellbeing. If the bubbles have flowed or you would like a quicker option back to the car, there’s also a quirky ride back up the lane on offer – a reclaimed festival buggy called The Villager.

Tramezzini, Ventnor are also continuing to treat the local community with their incredible global fusion themed menus Thursday to Saturday, available to collect and enjoy in your own home or on your picnic blanket under the stars. We’ve seen show stopping dishes such as ‘Yuzu and ginger smoked salmon, seaweed salad and sushi rice, crispy shallots’ and ‘Honey and soy glazed chicken, Shiitake mushroom, water chestnut and spring risotto finished with mint and coriander salsa’.

Marrying a love of travel and street food, the kitchen at Castlehaven are excited to be serving a variety of bao buns; soft fluffy buns stuffed with sticky, tender pork or a variety of meat free and vegan alternatives.

‘This beautiful location for alfresco dining was exactly what we needed for the True Food Kitchen to really come to life’

To reserve a Tramezzini Dine Away Meal, call 07980134943 -menus updated weekly via Facebook and Instagram. Full details on The True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven, Niton including upcoming ticketed events via social channels – Facebook: @Tramezzini.ventnor | Instagram: @tramezzini.iow The Tramezzini True Food Kitchen @ 14 High Street, Ventnor The Tramezzini True Food Kitchen @ Castlehaven Beach Café, Niton

From left to right: Adam Fendyke, Bethan Christopher, Morgen Pike, Simon and Helen Rodley welcome you to this exciting new adventure

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Wednesday

Friday

Sunday

Curry Night (6-8pm)

Fish & Chips Night (6-8pm)

Lunch (12-3pm)

Visit our website to view our takeaway menus To place your order and arrange a pickup time from the restaurant, please call or email and we will get in touch.

01983 872303 / 07759310558 / info@33-st-helens.co.uk Pre-order only. Pay upon collection with either cash or card.

Lower Green Rd, St. Helens, PO33 1TS

Food | STYLE

Seasonal vegetable

Brighten your bowl and pack in the nutrients with a beautiful bunch of rainbow chard

A

A ‘nutritional powerhouse’, chard is rich in iron, magnesium, potassium and A, C and K vitamins. Its distinctive flavour makes for a love-hate relationship and it is often underestimated. Simply braise it in a little stock or try the recipe below and you can’t go wrong.

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

RAINBOW CHARD

close relative of the beetroot and also known as beet leaf, chard dates back to the ancient Egyptian times. Available for most of the year but at its best in early summer when the new growth is growing at its fastest and is most succulent.

Rainbow chard has thinner stalks and mid rib than its cousin the Swiss chard and its unmistakable colours look great across a dish.

This is a great tapas dish for these warm summer nights, it can also be eaten cold.

S U M M E R TA PA S Ingredients 80ml olive oil 1 bunch rainbow chard – stalks removed and thinly sliced lengthways 1 slice of good bread – torn into chunks.

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp ground cumin Pinch of dried chilli flakes A good handful of thyme, leaves picked 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Salt to taste Method Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chard stalks and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, scoop out and then add another tbsp of oil, heat and then add the chard leaves, season and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender, remove from the pan. Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan and cook the bread for 3-4 minutes until golden.

Add garlic, cumin, chilli flakes and thyme and cook for another minute. Transfer to a food processor and whiz until mixture resembles crumbs – you can also do this in the frying pan by breaking up the bread with a spoon. Return the crumbs to the frying pan with chickpeas and paprika. Stir until chickpeas are hot, finally add the chard and stir to warm through, then serve immediately.

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

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Experience a Traditional Family Farm on the Isle of Wight

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STYLE | Advertisement Feature

MEDINA FOODSERVICE: A HARSH REALITY

F

or Medina Foodservice’s new household customers it’s been a joy. For the first time they have had access to a service previously only open to businesses. But the transition from business to domestic customers is a story about how a wellestablished and respected company has been forced to adapt to survive – and barely, with no financial help.

This is the tough consequence of comprehensive lockdown.

When lockdown was announced on 20th March, 95 per cent of Medina’s customers ceased trading overnight.

“Our first thought was how we could

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continue to supply our care home customers, schools for the key workers and the local authority with the food to make up care packages for the most vulnerable,” said Stephen Ross, Managing Director of Medina Foodservice.

Next thought was simply how to keep the business going to respond to those needs – and, worse, how the company was going to survive.

“With a company set to run at 80 per cent plus, we have been running at 25 per cent,” says Stephen. “Yet the overheads are still the same.”

The past few months have been

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‘Our first thought was how we could continue to supply our care home customers, schools for the key workers and the local authority with the food to make up care packages for the most vulnerable’ very much about supporting the community and surviving, particularly at the time when supermarkets just couldn’t cope and households were left panicked by a lack of supplies, because in terms of a business Medina Foodservice, who employ 90 local people, have had to furlough over half of their staff. Stock has been binned and despite what on the face of it seems like a busy and successful home delivery service, compared to their normal trade it has not even covered costs. Whilst a lot of businesses have received some form of business rates relief and/or grants, their previous success has worked

against them. With no relief (not even the first £51,000 relief that most other businesses are entitled to with their rates) and no financial support by way of grants from both government or otherwise, their overheads have remained the same with a fraction of the income. Their turnover is unfortunately not reflected in the profit due to the costs involved in running the business, but this does not seem to be a taken into account when pleading for help.

The furlough scheme is the only thing that has kept them running – without which the outcome would likely be very different. The support from

households across the Island has kept the skeleton team of staff in high spirits, with excellent and unrivalled feedback not just about the quality of products but also the service. If anything comes out of this, it’s that many more people can now access the benefits of ordering from Medina that our local hospitality trade loves.

“Now that hospitality has opened again we are raring to get back to supplying our business customers – but our home deliveries will continue too.” Stephen adds: “We’re really grateful that our customers are prompt payers. We all need to help each other in times of crisis.”

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STYLE | Health and Beauty

LOCKDOWN FITNESS… H E R E T O S TAY ?

Having jumped on this trend too, I have to admit I love the accessibility and ease of the virtual environment.

There is no travel time, I can work with people who live all over the world and, despite it being virtual, it still provides a sense of connection and community. And I say this as both a provider and a consumer.

As lockdown eases, I hope we hold on to the cherished ‘one hour of exercise a day’ that has kept so many of us sane. Can we live life in a slower lane, prioritising our health and wellbeing and still return to some sort of normality?

If time is our most precious commodity, then sticking to your virtual workouts might be a win-win.

If you’ve put in the hard work to build a habit over the past three months, don’t stop now and let it go to waste.

Here are my three top tips for sticking to your plan as lockdown eases: 1. Block out one hour a day for exercise and make it a priority in your mind. Struggling to justify this?

Remember how vital it has been to your wellbeing the past three months.

2. Mix it up. Keep routine by continuing with virtual workouts, but enjoy the freedom and exercise ‘in real life’ too.

3. Make a commitment and sign up in advance or buy a block of classes.

You’re far more likely to attend the classes if you’ve already paid.

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

There is really no need to get ‘back to normal’; if normal meant tired, stressed and frantic. Before you dive back in, think about what habits you want to retain from lockdown.

I’d highly recommend making daily exercise one of them.

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

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

How many of you have started working out ‘virtually’ over lockdown?

WELLBEING & MEDI SPA

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY

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

Reset - Restart - Restore Enjoy one of our treatments in a relaxed and safe environment. Our experts will focus on restoring you, helping to restart your health and skincare needs.

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

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.

In this issue I want to discuss the power of positivity and how, by using a few simple techniques, we can retrain our brain to be more positive, happy, and successful. The Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to live and work, but even so it is extremely easy at the moment to become negative, especially when surrounded by the daily news. Lack of self-belief can also creep in on us. Our brains are very quick to pick up on the negative. If we only see and hear about negative events, then that will be our view on the world.

However, we have the power to change our view which will impact on our state of happiness, in effect re-wiring our brain into a more positive pattern.

1. Three Gratitudes If you think about, or write down, three new things that you are grateful for each day, your brain will start to retain a pattern of looking for positives, rather than negatives. Until this becomes a habit, set the same time each day, perhaps attached to another regular activity such as brushing your teeth, or making your first cup of coffee. You can even set a reminder in your phone. Once this becomes a habit, you will naturally begin to think of the things you are grateful for rather than the negative, stressful things. I have been practicing this during lockdown and now when I wake up, I think about something good about the day before or the day ahead and it helps me feel so much more positive.

2. Journaling

0 19 8 3 2 9 6 6 5 5 8 Birmingham Road • Cowes • P031 7BH info@becalmedincowes.co.uk • www.becalmedincowes.co.uk

Writing down a positive experience each day helps your brain to relive it. Journaling your positive experiences also allows you to look back on the week/month etc and feel good about something, even when going through a stressful or unhappy time.

3. Exercise Exercise teaches your brain that your behaviour matters.

Your body also releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain which triggers a positive feeling in the body. So just at a time when you feel like curling up in a ball, get moving. Even if this is only in a small way, it will help to lift your mood.

4. Meditation/Mindfulness

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

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Gurnard

•

PO31 8QE

E: bryan@healthwellsolutions.co.uk • M: 07957869167

Meditation and mindfulness will allow your brain to overcome our chronic multitasking culture and focus on the task at hand. Just allowing some time to reflect each day will boost your mood. Again, put a reminder in your diary and give yourself just 10 minutes of mindful practice, eventually this will become a daily habit.

These techniques are free and easy to fit into your life, they just take some practice.

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Isle of Wight event suppliers now being accepted For applications please email hannah@blackswanevent.co.uk or visit www.blackswanevent.co.uk

COSMEDICA CLINICS‌NEW TIMES AHEAD

By Dr K ieron Cooney, M BBC h i r F R CGP MSc Aest het ic Med ici ne

COSM EDICA CL I N ICS

What amazing challenges there have been over the past few months with the coronavirus lockdown. In particular, congratulations to the NHS and all frontline workers for doing such an amazing job.

Isle of Wight NHS services have proved able to organise and prepare quickly for the possibility of a massive influx of sick people, and remain on alert for future action in the event of a surge of the virus.

These challenges have caused considerable cost to regular medical services. Hospital clinics have been closed for routine appointments and routine surgery has been postponed. GP services have been strained by their commitment to support community and hospital services with the management of COVID-19-affected patients in the community.

General practice processes have been modified to avoid unnecessary face-to-face consultations, and you may now be directed to electronic systems such as web-based eConsult, telephone or even video GP consultations.

Cosmedica Clinics have been closed to all aesthetic services during the pandemic, but the Government is suggesting that we might open from early July, and we are preparing to welcome back clients and patients. There will be some obvious changes in our clinic to keep you safe.

Dr Kieron and Nurse Vicky have made considerable changes to clinic services to include video and telephone consultations to reduce face-to-face contacts in the clinic.

COVID-19 preparations are in hand to reduce infection risks according to guidelines and risk assessments, whilst maintaining the high standards of the CQC inspectorate of quality control.

Cosmedica Clinics is also expanding private GP medical services with the launch of IsleDoc, our new GP-led medical service, running alongside our successful aesthetic clinics as an alternative provider for your medical needs. IsleDoc offers reduced waiting times and more convenient access to medical advice through the clinic GP. Services include private GP appointments (telephone, video or face-toface) and other GP health clinics: private prescriptions, joint injections, minor surgery for skin lesions, Phlebotomy service for NHS or private blood test requests, DVLA and other private medicals including Taxi, HGV and PSV, well woman and well man checks, prostate checks, diabetes advice and screening, menopause management, weight loss (diet and medical management with weight loss injections).

For further information about Cosmedica Clinics and IsleDoc contact Vicky on 01983 566680, email cosmedicaclinics.co.uk or check out the website www.cosmedicaclinics.co.uk

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STYLE | Home

Interior inspirations

C O A S TA L R E T R E AT

Coastal-inspired home dĂŠcor is the ultimate way to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can chill and unwind. Here are some tips on how to re-create that beach vibe at home

By Ta m Gh id i n i I N T ERIOR DESIGN ER , CA SA V ECTIS

Use dark, white and reclaimed wood in the same room The key to a good beach dĂŠcor is wood furniture, distressed and reclaimed, even better! Avoid matchy-matchy though. Consider mixing darker and lighter pieces, and even reclaimed wood for a balanced composition.

Choose light and breezy linens White and light-coloured bedding or textiles such as cushions and curtains are mandatory when re-creating a cosy beach cottage feel. Thin, light and breezy fabrics such as linen and voile give you a laidback atmosphere that will look relaxing and effortless.

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Home | STYLE

Collect and display your coastal finds Wandered down to the beach last weekend for a stroll and found some amazing seashells? Show them off! Display them on your console table, in your living room and even dining room. Don’t rush it, find pieces that speak to you and place them throughout your space.

Plants Adding plants is a must for any beach-inspired space.

Bring the freshness of the outdoors inside with palm trees, ferns or your favourite foliage. Display them in a wicker, straw or rope pot and you’ve got yourself a beach vibe!

Artwork Add a picture of your favourite beach, maybe a picture you’ve taken with your phone that means something to you. Or there are plenty of local artists and photographers that capture the Island’s picturesque beaches and coastlines.

Image: visitisleofwight.co.uk

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DIG FOR VINTAGE

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Anne Ginger Annie Sloan Chalk Paint the easy way to revitalise your home at Dig For Vintage Offering Vintage lifestyle through . monthly painting technique the Islands home to Annie Sloan the decades, fashion, iconic furniture, ceramics, Visit our fabrics, new look website art and classic books.

workshops. Find out more in-store and on our Facebook page.

WWW.DIGFORVINTAGE.CO.UK

Everything you need to create a gorgeous vintage look for your home.

The Colonnade RYDE PO33 2NE

T. 07527 078856 E. info@digforvintage.co.uk

The Colonnade Ryde PO33 2NE

Book a painting experience with us today!

T 01983 719433 E info@digforvintage.co.uk

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

tel. 01983 407730

Home | STYLE

BOHO BEACH

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

Leave lockdown behind and liberate your inner flower child to express your bohemian side. Natural textures and materials, monochrome geometric patterns, earthy orange and heavenly blue hues bring together a style that is relaxed and free Painted stool, Dig 4 Vintage £24; Cactus vase, Studio Long Lane £10; Amber glass vase, Studio Long Lane £6

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STYLE | Home

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Home | STYLE

Black and White fabric, Anne Ginger £55 p/m; Faux olive tree, Bayliss & Booth £27.95; Melamine plates, Hurst £2.40 each; Melamine bowls, Hurst £2.20 each; Wooden bread board, Hurst £11.99; Green plastic jug, Hurst £6.95; Green plastic glasses, Hurst £1.99 each; Black and white geo rug, Bayliss & Booth £45; Wooden chair with hand woven rope seat, Bayliss & Booth £590; Blue linen cushion, Bayliss & Booth £39; Rust velvet cushion, Bayliss & Booth £35; Vintage sunglasses, Dig For Vintage £26; Cane picnic basket, Dig 4 Vintage £15; Vintage bowls, Dig For Vintage £16.50; Soft white napkins, Bayliss & Booth £14.95 for 4; Black and white bobble cushion, Bayliss & Booth £75; Basket (shown without lid), Bayliss & Booth £39.95; Stripe throw, Studio Long Lane £45; Stoneware patterned bowl, Hurst £4.20; Stoneware patterned plate, Hurst £4.60; Large circular rug, Studio Long Lane £130

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STYLE | Home

Palm fronds, Studio Long Lane £22 each; Monochrome cushion, Bayliss & Booth £75; Large cane basket, Studio Long Lane £40; Velvet cushions, Studio Long Lane £35 each; Wooden stool with handwoven rope top, Bayliss & Booth £165; Tea cups, Studio Long Lane £9; Tea pot, Studio Long Lane £25; Bamboo platter, Hurst £8.99; Wooden salad servers, Hurst £11.99; Linen table cloth, Bayliss & Booth £36.95

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Home | STYLE

Water bottle, Hurst £12.95; Large Lilypad tray, Bayliss & Booth £39.95; Jade linen fabric, Anne Ginger £66 p/m; Bamboo screen, Dig For Vintage £85; Orange geometric fabric, Anne Ginger £77 p/m; 1960s straw hat, Dig For Vintage £19.50

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STYLE | Home

MASTER CARPENTER JASON HEAP Jason Heap makes stunning furniture on the Isle of Wight and we, Style of Wight Magazine, are the proud owners of a stunning yet perfectly functional office table

J The design

ason arranged an initial consultation with us, taking into consideration our requirements for a practical and stylish working table which would complement the room. It was hard to visualise what the finished product would look like, but the results were extraordinary – every request had been considered to within an inch of its life.

The table is made from American Black Walnut with tapered chamfers on the edges to ensure extra comfort when resting our arms whilst working.

Timber ‘In stick’ ready to start machining

Routing the shape of the desk top

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The overall shape was determined by the functionality of the room as a whole to facilitate easy movement through the removal of sharp corners.

The design of the legs continued the theme with their heavy bull nosed edges which transforms their square shape to circular as the leg tapers to the floor.

Every piece hand-produced by Jason is numbered and signed to add provenance and lasting value.

This particular piece of beautiful craftsmanship will be a treasured feature in our office for years to come.

For more information visit www.jasonheap.com email jason@jasonheap.com or call 07966 889 656

Final sanding is done by hand

The oil finish is applied

YARMOUTH

GALLERY

nd us in the High Street Po41 0PL a short stroll from the harbour in Forresters Hall

ART & CRAFT FROM THE ISLAND & AROUND THE UK

we are back and looking forward to seeing all our much appreciated supporters returning . . . & hoping for many new friends too . . .

rainey petrie A R C H I T E C T U R E

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we have a new layout designed to keep everyone safe but what hasn’t changed is the quality and originality of the art and craft work

www.yarmouthgallery.com

& our brilliant little card 19/6/20 11:43 Pageshop 1

Project1:Layout 1

VISIT OUR NEW HOME ON THE HILL I N T E R I O R S 01983 528600

baylissandbooth.co.uk

Follow us @baylissandbooth TOP OF LUSHINGTON HILL, WOOTTON, IOW PO33 4RD

here to help you create space that supports your wellbeing established 1990 Granary Court 128 Pyle Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1JW T: 01983 242500 info@raineypetrie.co.uk

www.raineypetrie.co.uk

STYLE | Property

Coastal sanctuary BRU NA MARA, COWES Surviving lockdown might have proved an endurance challenge to many but not for the owners of this unique home 86

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I

nstead, ‘Bru na Mara’, Gaelic for ‘Sanctuary by Sea’ offered up all that a coastal retreat promises when escaping to the sea. Being forced into slowing down gave the owners a chance to relax and enjoy the views…from every room! This unique home nestles on an elevated spot between Cowes and Gurnard, from which a short walk along a woodland path brings you out onto the esplanade.

Property | STYLE

Achieving a contemporary design while keeping it comfy is important for any stylish but livable home, and this property has achieved the balance that is not always the norm when going ‘modern’.

The ground floor has 4/5 double bedrooms, three of which are en-suite.

A family room with terraced walkway links them to the landscaped garden while the entire first floor space is a

light-filled atrium with kitchen, living /dining area and indoor/ outdoor terrace.

Superlative 180-degree views put the seal of perfection on this unique and serene coastal sanctuary.

Main: Spectacular sunsets come as standard with this very special home Above top: Wake to the water and fuel your wellbeing Above middle: The airy atrium is designed to take maximum advantage of the sea views Above bottom: There’s plenty of space to relax in the landscaped garden

Contact Waterside Properties on 01983 300111 or www.watersideisleofwight.com

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STYLE | Property

Peace and seclusion TA N G L E W O O D , YA R M O U T H

Tanglewood is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty not far from the coast in the hamlet of Cranmore. This comfortable home is ideally located to enjoy the best of the peace and seclusion of West Wight

The single storey accommodation is attractive and spacious

S

A light and comfortable interior offers views of the garden beyond

Generous grounds are perfect to relax in

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pacious accommodation opens out from a welcoming hallway and offers 3-bedroom single-story living with a large sitting room and generous open plan family room/diner and sociable kitchen to the rear. All principal rooms enjoy views across the established private gardens, which are host to an everchanging scene of birds and wildlife.

patch and walnut tree. The central garden slopes downwards to the west with a tree-lined backdrop that is home to red squirrels. It is designed for easy care and gardened to nodig (permaculture) principles, and organically managed. The two pony paddocks are both about one third shaded (mainly oak) and the rest full sun. Tanglewood is self-sufficient for seasoned wood.

Approached over a long driveway with 2 adjacent garages and 2 stables there is ample parking. The extensive gardens have a wealth of mature trees and shrubs. Camellias and rhododendrons in the spring give way to clematis and roses. Fruit trees include eating and cooking apples, Perry and Conference pears, Victoria and yellow plums. There is a large raspberry bed, an attractive vegetable

There are plentiful walks with the harbour town of Yarmouth a short drive away or a Coastal Path walk through Bouldnor Forest. Yarmouth enjoys boutique shops, quality eateries, harbour and mooring facilities. The frequent vehicle ferry offers access to the New Forest and the mainland beyond.

Viewings with Hose Rhodes Dickson Country Homes, Newport on 01983 538090

Property | STYLE

A contemporary classic kitchen complements the comfortable living space

Seafront sensation

PRINCE’S ESPLANADE, GURNARD

The property enjoys a prime location on the waterfront in popular Gurnard

Set in a prime location on Gurnard seafront, this surprisingly spacious property has been recently refurbished to a high standard with contemporary accommodation intelligently arranged to take full advantage of the breath-taking panoramic views across The Solent

T

here is easy access to the popular sailing club, beach cafĂŠ and pub whilst the village shop is within walking distance.

Cowes can easily be accessed along the seafront, with its wide range of shops, restaurants, sailing facilities and frequent passenger ferries to Southampton, plus onward train connections to London. This waterfront home also benefits from a garden and parking.

In 2014/15 the property underwent substantial renovation undertaken by well-regarded Island builders, JR Buckett & Son, which included, reroofing, installation of powder coated aluminium double glazed windows throughout and new electrical, plumbing and heating systems.

Substantial quantities of insulation were incorporated into the ground floor, walls and ceiling making it a highly efficient home.

Viewings with Spence Willard, Cowes on 01983 200880

Wake up to the waterscape

Dine in style with Solent views

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STYLE | Property

HELP TO BUY IN ENGLAND IS CHANGING. ARE YOU READY? There are so many reasons for putting down roots in Newport. Surrounded by rolling fields, country walks, and within walking distance of supermarkets, local schools and cafes, this is a beautiful place to call home

M

any potential buyers are seeking new homes here and low maintenance, energy efficient new-build properties are a particular favourite.

With competitive mortgage rates becoming available, and special schemes to help people enter the property market or move further up the ladder, David Wilson Homes’ head of sales Tammy Bishop believes this is a great time to upgrade your home.

“We’re seeing a significant rise in the number of buyers seeking moves to our attractive St George’s Gate development in Newport,” she says.

“People are using Help to Buy again to secure a bigger family home, stretching their money further to fund a dream move.”

The Government’s current Help to Buy scheme in England ends in March 2021. A new one, only for first-time buyers, starts on 1 April 2021.

The Government could lend first-time buyers up to 20% of the cost of a new David Wilson home, with just a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage.

Existing homeowners could still be eligible to use the current Help to Buy scheme, if they complete on their new David Wilson home by 31 March 2021.

“Many buyers are upsizing, having previously used Help to Buy to secure their existing homes. They’re finding mortgage rates low as lenders come back into the market and they don’t have to wait the full five years before moving, so they’re upgrading now.

“Our team is ready to talk buyers through the process and explain the changes coming into force next year - giving them the perfect opportunity to acquire a wonderful new home in 2020.”

If you’re looking for a semi-rural location with a great sense of community, then St George’s Gate is the place to be.

To find out more about new homes at St George’s Gate, call 0333 355 8494 or visit www.dwh.co.uk.

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Events | STYLE

NEW

exclusive dining experiences FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Discover a hidden Island venue and sample a unique fine dining experience like no other

B

rought to you by Black Swan promotions this exclusive food lovers event reveals a fine dining experience as chefs imbue their own culinary background into the dishes they create sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients.

These immersive dining experiences are part of Black Swan’s prestigious signature events, meaning you will be treated to an evening like no other. Welcomed personally with VIP

treatment and a promise to indulge and entice your senses with exclusive venues and the most exotic of dining experiences.

Guest chefs and plush venues await with a launch event planned for 28th August, however numbers are strictly limited and by prior application only.

To be a part of this launch event please send your correspondence and expression of interest to hannah@blackswanevent.co.uk.

For more information and updates visit www.blackswanevent.co.uk IG: blackswaneventsandpromotions

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PUPPIES AND S O C I A L I S AT I O N

BACK TO NORMAL?

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

If you have recently purchased a new puppy or are thinking of getting one soon, you will no doubt will be reading all about socialisation. So, what is socialisation and how do we socialise a puppy?

All animals, puppies included, have a special sensitive period at the start of their lives where socialisation takes place. This is the time when they learn to accept things and situations around them, so they are not afraid of them in later life.

The period of socialisation has a short window – up until around 17 weeks of age in dogs, which makes this period very important. It is also important that we buy our puppies from a breeder who understands this and who offers their puppies a good start in life. By law now you cannot sell a puppy less than 8 weeks of age and when viewing your new puppy you must see the puppy in their home environment, with their mother.

Once home, to help our puppies grow into well-balanced dogs we must introduce them to the world. Make a list of new things to introduce your puppy to every day – these will include places, sounds, textures and people and, once puppy is inoculated, dogs.

It is important that experiences are positive ones so don’t rush your puppy if he or she appears a little nervous.

Socialisation isn’t about meeting ten dogs or ten people at the same time, but about meeting people and dogs individually so our puppy can learn in a calm manner.

If you would like to know more about puppy training (for puppies of all ages) call Paul.

I hope you’ve all got through ‘Lockdown’ and are now getting back to a vague sense of normality. It’s fantastic to see all the shops opening again now, especially all our amazing Independent Stores, it had seemed most strange with ours being the only shop open in Holyrood Street!

Your wonderful pets will have very much enjoyed all the extra time they’ve spent with you, but now most of you are back at work it’s a case of finding all the extra enrichment toys that will occupy them for longer. Hiding treats in things and in different places is a great idea and/or getting someone to pop round to check on them. You could even employ a licensed, insured walker or leave them at licensed daycare places, there are some really good ones available.

You might find to start with they are quite anxious and worried with you leaving them but, if you’ve taken the opportunity to gradually stretch the time and made use of things such as Pet Remedy or Adaptil to help chill them out, they will soon settle back into the old routine.

You could of course take advantage of these longer days and enjoy our amazing countryside and the beaches that we are allowed on. There have been some stunning sunrises and sunsets to enjoy with your dogs - just remember to keep picking up and disposing of the poo bags responsibly.

Cats and birds will have also thoroughly enjoyed your company and again will need extra toys and treats when it’s time to leave them for longer. If they get too upset Pet Remedy is brilliant or, just for cats, Adaptil. Why not get a new house for the cat or birds so they’ve something new to explore? And rabbits and guinea pigs will appreciate some of the great chew things such as carrot cottages and hay ‘n’ hides, all of which are available at your local Independent Pet stores, where you can also get great help and advice.

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 92

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WHEN THE WORLD RESETS

Priorities and personal values have been reset.

Long before the pandemic struck, customers had already started to mistrust big brands and large corporations. Recent events have accelerated this, with values such as family, friendship and local heritage now more important than ever before.

Customers have changed how, when and where they shop, using local delivery and multiple digital channels on a greater scale – many for the first time. These are behaviours which will stick when the world resets.

W

Tom Grunbauer

e’ll see businesses redefining purpose, embedding sustainability and embracing innovation as sources of competitive advantage on a previously unseen scale.

It will be a time of opportunity for many, where winning companies double-down to differentiate themselves from the pack and improve their business performance, in both pace and scale to ensure long-term competitiveness in this new business landscape as they prepare for better times.

Whilst some froze on the spot or undertook knee-jerk reactions (that rarely end well) others are using this time to review their customers’ needs, wants and expectations and how a customer’s purchasing and delivery decisions have evolved as we move towards what is being referred to as ‘the new norm’. The opportunity is one of recalibrating your business to find a better message and new ways of engaging with your audience.

By Da le Howa r t h BUSI N ESS M EN TOR , SPEA K ER A N D TR A I N ER

Recent events have cruelly highlighted the unpredictability of our times and presented unique challenges to almost every business. Challenges that will result in a permanent shift in business behaviour. They will initiate a drive to create more resilient business development models that adapt to new customer needs and work to accelerate growth like never before.

The pandemic has also driven customers to rethink and has raised their expectations of how companies should behave in a crisis. Those responding in a positive way and openly sharing what they are doing are more likely to come out ahead, with customers more sensitive to how their values translate into actions.

This is a rare opportunity for businesses to reflect on these changes, to focus on new customer priorities and values, changes in habit and the use of multiple channels to communicate increasingly customer-centric messages. These should be supported by more authentic, human-centred customer engagement, built on integrity and trust.

The epochal changes that have occurred throughout this time of crisis have not led to the ‘end of the world’ but to the ‘end of a world’, from which some outstanding businesses will emerge. Better prepared. Better able to adapt and ready at the start - when the world is able to reset.

Dale Howarth is an acclaimed business speaker, mentor and trainer; working with individuals and companies to make the business leaders and businesses successes of tomorrow. To find out more visit www.dalehowarth.com.

July and August 2020

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C O V I D - 1 9 L E G A L U P D AT E : W I L L S

T

he execution of Wills is governed by section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 which provides that the testator must sign in the presence of two witnesses at the same time. Accordingly, there needs to be three people present, the testator and two witnesses who cannot be beneficiaries of the Will (or the spouse of a beneficiary). It is unlikely, for this reason, that a testator will be able to have people they live with act as witnesses due to the probability that they will benefit. Where independent witnesses are required, more often than not they will come from outside the household and this presents a challenge in complying with social distancing while also adhering to the formalities required to legally execute a Will.

At present it is not possible to act as a witness remotely through video link, as the witnesses must be present when the Will is signed.

Further, there is no current mechanism for the remote execution of Wills by electronic signature, in other words the Will has to be actually signed in person with the witnesses present.

The government currently has no plans to relax the formalities under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. This is under review, but until new

By Ia n Bra dshaw DI RECTOR , ROACH PITTIS

The current social distancing requirements are particularly problematic when it comes to dealing with the formalities for completing Wills

legislation is passed the position with regards to the formalities required to execute Wills remains the same.

At present Roach Pittis are executing Wills through the window of our reception that adjoins our private car park, thereby preserving as far as possible the social distancing requirements while also complying with the formalities required under the Wills Act. Going forward we are adapting our offices to make them ‘Covid Secure’. This will allow us again to see clients inside the building to comply with the legal formalities needed to complete the Will.

In order to make the offices ‘Covid Secure’ we are taking steps that include the installation of Perspex screens in our reception area. We are also equipping the premises with hand sanitizer stations and maintaining a sanitary clean environment including the use of disposable gloves. Our rooms will mainly be single occupancy, thereby limiting contact as far as possible between staff members with a view to keeping both our clients and our staff safe.

This is a challenging time for everyone, but we will adapt so that we can continue to serve our clients in a professional and safe way.

Lee Peckham is a director of Roach Pittis Solicitors.

July and August 2020

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STYLE | Business

D E S P E R AT E T I M E S S H O U L D N ’ T M E A N D E S P E R AT E M E A S U R E S

T

he shrinking of the UK economy and the volatility of the markets have made headlines, which has undoubtedly increased our collective anxiety about the effect of COVID-19 and how it will all be resolved – particularly regarding our jobs and incomes and how to ensure we survive the storm. As we take those tentative steps towards re-engaging with the world, it’s important to remain calm and not let panic take over, even if there are missteps along the way.

It might well be tempting to look at market volatility and think all it takes is buying in when prices are low. But the risk to investors who are not advised is huge: if your money is tight now and you’re thinking you might ‘play’ the market to help boost your coffers, then it’s almost odds-on you’ll lose. It’s simply impossible to successfully second-guess, or ‘time’ the market.

The parallel between gambling and investing is often made but, as we’ve explained, there are actually huge differences. Individuals jumping into volatile markets at times such as this is an example of when ‘investing’ gets put in the ‘gambling’ column. This is a world away from those investors who have taken qualified advice and a long-term view of their money management.

A key finding in a 2018 survey by Legg Mason Global Investment was that ‘combining their own personal knowledge with professional advice gives investors a significant advantage’.

The 2018 Legg Mason survey was conducted between July and August and across 17 countries and involved 16,810 investors. It also found that advised investors have clear long-term goals because they have a financial plan that reflects their attitude to risk. Planning helps ensure they stay invested through volatile periods rather than being frightened out of their investments as a result of short-term market turbulence.

As well as giving the investor confidence in their approach, a qualified financial planner can help an investor see the wider picture. Being given the tools to take a measured approach means an advised investor is better able to remove emotion from their investment decisions and are therefore more likely to stay on track to reach their investment goals.

These are very strange times so it’s more important than ever to take a calm approach to decisions regarding your money.

This will pass – and we’re with you every step of the way.

Rouse Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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styleofwight.co.uk

By Ben R ouse ROUSE LTD

When our lives are disrupted, desperation can make its way into our thought process. While this is a perfectly normal behaviour pattern, it’s not the route to guaranteed success, particularly where our money is concerned.

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.

CCTV Fire Alarms

Belongings can be replaced, memories can’t Working with you to look after your individual fire and security needs. Solutions available with 24 hour monitoring, remote viewing and control through smartphones and tablets, with Police, Fire & Keyholder response.

The Island Security Centre, Riverway, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5UX 01983 521621 info@lifeline-security.co.uk lifeline-security.co.uk

Access Control Intruder Alarms Fire Protection Keyholding

STYLE | Feature

Lady Penelope Always to the point, the practically perfect Lady Penelope resolves readers’ issues, problems and general ignorance… with style

Herbal essences?

I’m sure that my neighbour is growing something illegal in his greenhouse.

What should I do?

Ask him for some? Failing that, ask him for some growing tips for your dahlias and watch him bluster his way around common or garden advice on normal plants – chances are he won’t know a petunia from a hollyhock.

Hours of fun.

Changing it up I’ve been in a soul-searching period for the last few months and I think I want to make some big changes to my life. How do I start? And do I begin right now?

We’ve all HAD to make big changes to our lives over the last few months, and many of us want to make other changes – not only to ourselves, but to society in general. My advice would be to wait at least a year, plotting and planning and saving up money, contacts and goodwill to use when you make your big change. That way, if you change your mind, you can always use the money to go on a Caribbean holiday.

Rainforest refurb...

Vexing vegetables

I’ve just had a mural painted in my spare bedroom to cheer me up.

Tropical leaves beneath the dado rail.

Will it make things difficult when I come to sell the house next year?

I’ve been growing vegetables and fruit this summer, but the potatoes got blight, the runner beans had black fly and the strawberries were eaten by birds. What can I do?

This sounds like the ideal way to go on holiday in your own home – a rain forest in your spare bedroom. Put on some ambient forest sounds and lie back with a mojito. New owners always change the décor when they buy a house. Your ‘kerb appeal’ might be compromised, but who wants kerb appeal anyway, apart from sex workers?

You could leave it to the professionals.

Growing your own veg is a rosy pink cloud dream that rarely turns out well, unless you have years of experience or a full-time gardener. The Island’s local produce is in the shops right now, and it’s delicious. Buy some from a local greengrocers’ shop, or better still, the farm. Then pretend it’s yours.

Simples darling.

Clearout conundrum

Weighty concern

I have to clear my space! I’m being swallowed by my stuff. Being surrounded by it has helped me to sort it all out, but I still find it hard to physically transport it to charity shops, or the dump.

I’ve put on so much weight during lockdown that I’m scared to put on a swimsuit, let alone a bikini. What can I do?

There are companies who will come and pick up your unwanted stuff – some charities will do it, especially if it includes furniture. A household clearance company might take away all your stuff for a small fee, or if there are some nice ‘pieces’ they might do it for free. Just make sure to check pockets, and down the sides of sofas.

Many an heirloom/embarrassment has been saved this way.

Stay at home? It’s much safer anyway. Failing that, join all the other overweight blobs on the beach, myself included, at a safe social distance of course. Who hasn’t put on the ‘Covid Stone’ during lockdown? Only people who have been madly cycling and power walking about our country roads, like deranged parrots. Sunshine is good for you. Get out in it.

To pose your problems to Lady Penelope please email office@styleofwight.co.uk 98

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