Style of Wight Issue 80 January / February

Guide Price £385,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight

An attractive end of terrace cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, fabulous open plan kitchen/dining area and separate cosy living room. With a large ‘L-shaped’ garden and off road parking for three vehicles, this centrally located cottage in Cowes is an ideal family or starter home.

Guide price £270,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight

A delightful Victorian semi-detached cottage with two bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms. In a quiet residential road in central Cowes. Extremely well presented and upgraded during the past few years. Great starter home or suit an owner that is downsizing.

From £397,500

Island Harbour, Isle of Wight

A selection of homes set in a beautiful and secluded valley, yet in a central location, Island Harbour is the perfect base from which to explore the Island and the Solent. All homes come with parking and mooring.

Guide Price £340,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight

A semi-detached home that has been recently renovated throughout with the right blend of period and modern. Three bedrooms, wet room, shower room, sitting room and dining room with open access to the kitchen.

Guide Price £825,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight

This stunning detached home certainly boasts the ‘wow factor’ with its immaculate presentation running throughout its two storeys together with an idyllic woodland backdrop. The light and spacious accommodation gives generous room proportions starting with a large entrance hall with galleried landing and double doors opening to a fabulous kitchen / family room. A set of double doors and additional bi-folding doors open on to the large deck and long garden. Additionally, on the ground floor there are two further versatile reception rooms, currently presented as two luxurious double bedrooms. A useful utility room and gorgeous bathroom complete the ground floor. The first floor offers three bedrooms - the generously proportioned principal bedroom is particularly impressive with an en-suite and a large inset balcony with views across the long lawn to the woodland beyond. Outside there is ample parking to the front and secure garden to the rear. A large covered decked area adjacent to the kitchen / family room has plenty of space to relax and dine al-fresco. Viewing is essential to appreciate just how unique this deceptively spacious property really is. Offered Chain Free.

WOW FACTOR HOME WITH LIGHT AND SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION

VENTNOR £1,950,000 A charming country house set within its own expansive and mature grounds, with garden studio and self-contained annex in a picturesque rural setting. EPC D

YARMOUTH £995,000

A truly unusual opportunity to acquire a house on the seaward side of the highly sought-after High Street in a prime, elevated position offering commanding views across most of the Western Solent. EPC D

RYDE £1,050,000

Cover Pic: Cover illustration by Kathy Pilcher - see page 26

Editor and Creative Director

Christian Warren christian@styleofwight.co.uk

Sub Editor Helen Hopper

Production Assistant Hannah Wilson office@styleofwight.co.uk

Contributors

Features: James Rayner, Rebecca Lawson

Contributors: Lauren Fry, Dale Howarth, Kayleigh Trott Design Tim Mander

Photography

Christian Warren, Julian Winslow, Gary Wallis, Holly Jolliffe Sales

Christian Warren christian@styleofwight.co.uk

Distribution office@styleofwight.co.uk 01983 861007

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

Note from the Editor

New Year is a time to reflect in the year just gone, but even more so it’s a moment to look forward, make our plans, and set our intentions for the days and months ahead…

This year I hope you make mistakes.

If you’re making mistakes, then it is likely that you’re trying new things, learning, pushing yourself forward, changing yourself, changing your world… living. You’re exploring paths you have never before trodden, discovering inner ideas and thoughts.

Life never follows a straight path, and if we set our intentions and follow them too rigidly, then I’m not sure we are truly living. Life is better when we explore; by fumbling in the dark, wandering into new places, and meeting new people. Without the lens of familiarity, the world offers a pure sense of joy that opens our eyes to see the amazing in the most ordinary places.

I trust that our first edition of 2023 will offer a few surprises and revelations as we discover some truly wonderful talent and explore the Island’s strong link to photography, the art of drawing with light. It is a discipline that’s been a passion of mine for over 25 years. It means this edition has been a complete joy and it sets our intentions, as we often find that simply stumbling and bumping into strangers is often where we have the richest and most wonderful encounters.

“I had a French professor who once said if you just did something like going to the supermarket and experienced it fully without the goggles of habit and categories you would go crazy with pure senses and joy. I think about it all the time. In a way this is all for him.”

- Tania @boywaif (twitter)

It’s not often that the media gives us female role models who actually make us look forward to getting older, but in the late and very great Vivienne Westwood we saw that each of our unique lights can grow brighter and more vivid as we age.

“You’ve got to invest in the world, you’ve got to read, you’ve got to find out the names of plants. You’ve got to start to love the world and know about the whole genius of the human race. We’re amazing people.”

- Vivienne Westwood

Christian Warren

Get in touch

8 Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1EJ 01983 861007 www.styleofwight.co.uk

Issue 80: January and February 2023

REGULARS

14 Style Picks: Get your New Year off to a flying start with this handpicked basket of local products, chosen with wellness, motivation, and wellbeing in mind

16 The Style Scoop: The very latest dates for your diaries to help beat the winter blues

18 Lead interview: Skye’s Shutters –UK-based fashion photographer originating from the Isle of Wight

114 Style speaks: To author and journalist Hunter Davies OBE

ART

26

DIY Worry Monsters: with Lauren Fry

35 Style Spectrum: Dimbola Takeover – Images from Dimbola’s past exhibitions

37 IW Creative Network: Island Artists and Creatives Smashing it in Business

FEATURES

22 Behind the Lens: Get to know the talented people who take our photos

23

Mountbatten & Me: Celebrating 45 years of the Hospice through photography

28 Meet the Photographer: Of Salt and Clay – Maria Bell

40 Cover to Cover: A closer look at the Isle of Wight Book Awards

88 Main Feature: Style of Wight Brides – A plethora of local businesses, waiting to help you plan your big day

110 Barnett Meyers: The Walking Stick and Umbrella maker with grand plans for Ventnor

FOOD

44 Meet the Brewers: Ash and Tom from Island Ales 49 Sip, Swirl and Savour: A guide to the Island’s best wines and spirits

55 A New Era at the New Inn: Shalfleet’s re-opened 18th-century pub 57 Chicory: with Will Steward of Living Larder 58 An exciting experience like no other: In the Kitchen with Matt Egan

FASHION 69 Winter Wardrobe Inspiration: Let Ladies Visual Impact inspire you to stay stylish this season

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

61 Skincare Goals for 2023: Dr Hayley Elsmore – The Courtyard Aesthetic Clinic 63 Declutter your Mind: Caroline Hurley – BeCalmed, Cowes 65 Getting the most from your body in 2023: Dr Luther Moss – Osborne Chiropractic 66 Cleanse and Rest for the New Year: Dr Margarita Kitova-John – The Lantern Clinic

HOME AND GARDEN

71 Flowers by Ellie: Valentine’s Day inspiration 72 Storage Solutions: With Studio Jute

75 The Art of Illumination: Holly Jolliffe Photography and Studio Jute Interior

80 Charnwood Stoves: Kindling More Than Just a Warm Feeling

84 Property Profiles: From House to Home – A trio of impressive properties, hand-picked by our trusty local agents

BUSINESS

109 The Importance of Making a Will: By April Newton, Glanvilles Damant

110 B Corp Status: Isle of Wight Distillery – First business on the Isle of Wight to gain accreditation

111 Work on it, Not just in it: By Dale Howarth, Business Mentor and Consultant

Get back into reading…

If your brain took a sabbatical over the festive period, re-engage it with some well-crafted words. Get lost in literature or learn something new from recently released non-fiction, like this feminist reimagining of the life of Joan of Arc.

Available from Babushka Books, Shanklin

Style picks

Find a shiny new mirror for those affirmations. Whether it’s to promote confidence, happiness, or a feeling of fulfilment, telling yourself positive affirmations in the mirror can be a really powerful tool.

And what better way to do them than in a shiny new mirror? Pop round to This&That in Seaview to see their gold-rimmed designs or head over to Acacia Bay in Shankin for high-end South-African versions, framed with recycled metal roof tiles. acaciabayiow.co.uk | thisandthatseaview.co.uk

Image:

Get your New Year off to a flying start with this handpicked basket of local products, chosen with wellness, motivation, and wellbeing in mind.

Hydrate daily

Have a little detox… Fancy a healthy start to the New Year but want to ease yourself in gently? Then stock up on Wight Label’s rich, malty, and caffeinefree Rooibos. If that’s not quite your cup of tea, there’s also a zingy Red Berry Infusion as well as a refreshing Peppermint Tisane made from pungent Polish mint leaves.

Try for yourself at Caffè Isola or click ‘Add to Basket’ on islandroasted.co.uk

Image: Unsplash

If you’re one of those people who just doesn’t drink enough water then pick up one of these vibrant Chilly’s water bottles. Stylish and eye-catching, they’ll be a constant reminder you need to stay hydrated and with such attractive designs, you won’t want to be seen without it.

View the full range at Shorelines of Cowes

Unsplash

Keep a gratitude journal.

Cultivate an attitude for gratitude by paying attention to the good things in life you might otherwise take for granted. Use a crisp, new book like this one to make positivity a bigger part of your life… and with just one line a day needed, there’s really no excuse not to!

Available at Waterstone’s in Newport

Focus on your skin.

Pencil in some self-care at this blustery time of year with a little bottle of Glow Facial Oil from Ventnor’s Blue Labelle. This award-winning mixture combines organic orange, hemp seed, moringa, and geranium in a light and nourishing oil that will leave your face replenished, revived, and rejuvenated.

Find it at Blue Labelle in Ventnor or online at bluelabelle.co.uk

Do more for the planet.

Looking for New Year’s resolution ideas? How about pushing yourself to find new ways to become as eco as possible (especially as the climate emergency isn’t going away anytime soon)? From wooden dish brushes to compostable sponges and peppermint-scented shower blocks (the plastic-free alternative to shower gels) our local independent retailers have got you covered.

Visit Peach or The Leafy Hive in Newport or shop online at peach-veganzerowaste.co.uk

Inspire Yourself…

If you need a motivational boost or a New Year nudge in the right direction, have a listen to the Island Stories podcasts. Hosted by Sky News correspondent and freelance journalist Harriet Hadfield, the series speaks to a range of inspiring Islanders, including Lisa Henry, founder of local film locations business, Lobster Locations. Find out more on Instagram @islandstoriespodcast or listen for free now at shows.acast.com/islandstoriespodcast

Work on your talents…

With a year of possibilities ahead, it’s a great time to revive forgotten talents or refine those rusty skills. If writing is something you fancy working on, why not acquire a quill and dip it in some of this natural, plant-based ink made by local children’s book writer and illustrator Zoe Sadler? Created from foraged wild privet berries, it would certainly make for an atmospheric writing session.

Find at Babushka Books, Shanklin or buy online at zoesadler.com

the Style scoop

Wellness Retreat

3rd - 5th February, Tapnell Farm -

Yarmouth

An Evening with Kevin Armstrong

27th January, Anthony Minghella Theatre - Newport

Kevin Armstrong is the guitarist you may never have heard of but have most certainly heard. He has had a stellar journey since the early 1980s as sideman for David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Sinéad O’Connor, and more. His one-man show ‘Absolute Beginner’ is a highly entertaining look behind the scenes at some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll and his experiences of working, playing, and travelling with them.

“Kevin does what I pretend to do, Kevin’s a proper musician” David Bowie

Full information & tickets: quayarts.org

Escape the demands of a busy life and enjoy a weekend of wellness, fitness, and relaxation in the beautiful countryside setting of Tapnell Farm. The two-night break includes daily energising and relaxing yoga sessions, strength-building fitness, guided walks or runs, and a fun archery session – with free time to explore the local area, enjoy nature walks in the beautiful countryside (including the Tapnell Trail) or simply unwind and enjoy some time out.

Full information & bookings: tapnellfarm.com

2023 Wedding & Events Show

12th February, Cowes Yacht Haven - Cowes

Back for its second year running, Black Swan Events & Promotions are once again taking over Cowes Yacht Haven for one day only and transforming it into a stunning bridal show! With a full-length catwalk display, hand-picked quality exhibitors, a new and exclusive area for the men, and so much more – this show is an absolute must for those new 2023 diaries if you’re looking for wedding inspiration.

Full information & exhibitor enquiries: blackswanevent.co.uk

The very latest dates for your diaries to help beat the winter blues…

IW Story Festival

16th - 18th February, Quay Arts - Newport

It’s a special place for children and families to have fun together; where we can all CREATE, INSPIRE and IMAGINE. Stories are all around us; not just in books and poems and plays and songs, but also in the news and history and the places we live. Over two days, the IW Story Festival lets you get lost in stories of all kinds.

Full information & tickets: iwstoryfestival.com

Jack up the 60s with the Zoots

4th March, Shanklin Theatre - Shanklin

A chance to escape back to the sixties! Jack Up The 60s will bring back memories of the golden age of music brought to life live on stage by multi-talented five-piece band THE ZOOTS. Discover why national critics call THE ZOOTS ʽʽimpossible not to like!”

Full information & tickets: shanklintheatre.com

Cowes Fringe

26th

- 28th May, Cowes

Save the date — the quirky and creative collision is coming! This dynamic event will deliver an explosion of art and culture through performances and workshops. Hosted in unique venues throughout the town, Cowes Fringe will assure a memorable weekend of entertainment for all.

Full information & tickets: cowesfringe.com

A Photographic Portfolio SKYE’S SHUTTERS

Skye is a UK-based fashion photographer originating from the Isle of Wight. We first heard about her through her lecturer, Gary Wallis, who was blown away by the powerful imagery in her final project. Armed with a Canon R5 as her camera, using fellow students as models and locations that include West Wight’s Military Road, Skye has assembled a stunning selection of images that uniquely express her take on life and modern society. She has since graduated with a First Class Honours in Fashion Photography and continues to stay as an artist in residence at Southampton’s Solent University. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to reproduce a curated collection of Skye’s work here, as she, in her own words, talks us through her final project: ‘Being Alive is Weird’.

I grew up on the Isle of Wight, a very artsy kid, which gave me a sense of purpose from a young age. I was very driven by that, especially at school. I always did the arty subjects, including photography when that became an option and I realised it was an art form. Then, when it came to choosing a uni, I saw there were fashion photography courses; I had no idea they existed and

after seeing amazing fashion photos myself I found it really inspiring.

My final project is called ‘Being Alive is Weird’. To me, this project is a personal expression using the language of fashion and photography to create art and tell stories. It came about because it’s a transformational time for me; I’m coming into my womanhood. It’s a creative outlet, inspired by life

experience, the whole thing just organically arising to process my experience and emotions.

Nobody seems to be talking about how weird human experience is, or questioning why we’re alive; everyone just carries on like it’s normal. With this project, I’m expressing my experience of this through mediums that resonate with me. It embraces vulnerability,

individuality, confidence, and authenticity, whilst simultaneously critiquing social norms and preconceived societal labels. My favourite photo from the project is called ‘Searching for Stillness’. The process behind creating that image was very long; it was a very cold day and there were a lot of emotions behind that photo.

I took my self-portrait in the middle of the project. At the time I was relying on a lot of other people, many were cancelling, so I went into the studio to set some time aside for myself. Originally, I was trying to run around half-naked, I wanted a vulnerable shot, but it wasn’t working. So, I set up a one-light studio, sat on a stool holding a trigger, and took about 200 photos trying to get to an image where I’m comfortable capturing myself. I know it wouldn’t have come out like that if there had been loads of people there. I painted on top of it to give it that punky look and truly show how

I see myself. I love to hear people’s interpretations of it because it’s something I can’t control.

When I shoot fashion photography, I’m always involved in the fashion choices. I often work with a stylist, but I like to have a lot of control over the colour palette. Sometimes I find the garments, usually sustainable clothing, vintage pieces, items from student designers or people that re-work clothing. It’s important to me as fast fashion is a big contributor to climate change and modern-day slavery. I’m always looking for locations too. Most of the time I come up with a concept first, I can envision it, then I need to find the settings and situations to reproduce that vision. Finally, when I edit my photos, I never retouch skin or bodies as I want to capture humanness.

I moved away from the Island three years ago to do my degree. There are so many positives about the place, how you can get anywhere quickly, how nature is all around you, it’s great for creatives and so grounding. The energy is quite potent; I’m not sure if it’s just

something I notice because I grew up there. The Island has huge potential for people to be creative and immersed in nature. I grew up just a two-minute walk from the beach, which I really took for granted. It’s only when you move to the city that you realise how much you need the slow pace.

I graduated last summer and right now I’m continuing my project, building on what I’ve started to create, as well as

meeting new people and travelling. I am also open to commercial work and trying to widen my connections in the creative industries. Doing an artist’s residency at uni has allowed me to do more work, use their space for the next year and speak to students who are so excited about what they’re doing. Hopefully, by this summer, I’ll have double the work, be able to exhibit somewhere and just have something I’m really proud of.

BEHIND THE LENS AT STYLE OF WIGHT GET TO KNOW THE TALENTED PEOPLE WHO TAKE OUR

PHOTOS

Photos… we’ve got them in every issue and they’re always a source of pride for us, thanks to the skilled people who take them. To coincide with this photography-themed edition, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to introduce a few of our most regular photographic contributors — alongside some of their images from our recent magazines (so you might well recognise a few!)

Christian Warren might be more familiar to you as the Editor and Creative Director of Style of Wight but he’s also a dab hand behind the camera too. Whether it’s for one of our destination food reviews or an exclusive interview, you’ll often find him taking the shots (usually roping in the rest of the team to hold his light reflectors or rearrange the table settings!)

Gary Wallis is a renowned name in photographic circles, perhaps best known for his backstage photographs of Alexander McQueen’s early fashion shows. The Bembridge-based creative also teaches photography at London’s Central Saint Martins and Southampton’s Solent University. Luckily for us, he’ll also squeeze in a portrait here and there for Style of Wight’s interview-based editorials.

Holly Jolliffe started her career with a degree in Editorial Photography at the University of Brighton before moving to London and becoming a full-time freelance photographer. Now splitting her time between the capital and her home town on the Isle of Wight, she specialises in interiors and still life, shooting imagery for our Studio Jute column and capturing the work of local interior design firm Vivus.

Julian Winslow was a horticulturist before he rediscovered his childhood passion for photography, and we’re certainly glad that he did. The Ventnor-based photographer recently completed a stunning project called ‘Mountbatten and Me’ which captures the special connection between the hospice and local community through a series of black and white portraits. At Style of Wight, we’ve always been massive fans of Julian’s portraiture, which is why you’ll often see his snaps in our ‘Meet the Chef’ interviews.

...or pick up a toy for your furbaby.

Renowned Island photographer Julian Winslow has credited the Mountbatten and Me project for restoring his faith in humanity. Political issues, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have all made the world a challenging place in recent times, but Julian’s involvement in the photographic exhibition, which launched in September last year, has left a lasting impression.

Sharon Hart looks after your precious pets... ...while Hursts takes care of (literally) everything else!

“

Julian collaborated with Mountbatten to create a selection of portraits of staff, volunteers, patients, families, and supporters – anyone with a connection to the charity was invited to take part. More than 1,600 images were captured – taken while people shared their stories of Mountbatten – and 300 were selected for the exhibition.

“Everyone I met was so beautifully human, showing humility and honesty while sharing their experiences,” said Julian. “I found, even though I heard some sad stories, come the end of the day I felt happy. There was a kindness and a warmth to everyone I met and a great sense of community and togetherness. There was lots of fun and strength shown in people – it was all very inspiring. Despite everything we

are facing in the world, it gave me hope for the human race, and how people are decent and kind, even in difficult times.”

The exhibition was made possible thanks to a special donation given to Mountbatten towards celebrating 45 years of hospice care on the Isle of Wight. The portraits are on display around the hospice building in Newport and anyone can visit to view them.

Discover the (not so secret) flower garden... ...where we will create for you a floral masterpiece.

It was one of the most honest pieces of work I have ever done – I laughed and cried in equal measure.

Lee Robinson, 57, has been supported by Mountbatten for nearly a year, mostly attending day care services and benefitting from 24/7 support at home. He spent a short time on the inpatient unit, which coincided with the photoshoot for the exhibition. “I was incredibly proud to have the chance to be part of the exhibition,” said Lee. “Mountbatten has changed my life – I have never experienced care like it

and despite being under the palliative care umbrella, I’ve been made to feel like I do matter. I’ve been appreciated, respected, and valued and for me, Mountbatten and Me has been a very powerful way of showing my gratitude.”

Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, who was photographed for the exhibition, described the collection as a tribute to the Mountbatten family. “It brings together our communities and reflects

on what living, dying, and remembering means to us all,” he said. We live death through life, and life is full of many different experiences, which we really wanted to capture visually. Sometimes the stories are sad, often they can be hilarious, they can be fun, and they can be full of achievement. The portraits reflect all these experiences, and we are proud to showcase them throughout our hospice building.”

Seasonal arrangements will set the tone for a natural Christmas.

For more information about Mountbatten, please visit mountbatten.org.uk

Service with a smile never goes out of style.

DIY Worry Monsters

With Lauren Fry, Arts Educator

For generations, the people of Guatemala have crafted wire, wool and textiles into tiny figures that hold the power to bestow upon children the wisdom and knowledge to overcome their worries.

Worry dolls or worry people represent the legend of a Mayan princess named ‘Ixmucane’. The princess received a special gift from the sun god that allowed her to solve any problem a human could worry about. According to folklore, when you whisper worrisome thoughts, fears or sorrows to the little worry people, and tuck them under your pillow at night, by morning they will have worked their magic and taken away your worries.

In contemporary children’s literature worry dolls have transformed into a wide array of creatures and monsters, in this mindful and relaxing make we play with pipe-cleaners and wind wool to create our very own worry monsters, who love nothing more than gobbling up children’s troubles and concerns.

Don’t fancy a worry monster as your kind-hearted friend? The critter options

Step One:

The first thing we need to do is create the shape of our monster using pipe-cleaners wrapped around the peg, will your monster have horns? Long arms? Lots of arms? A tail?

Step Two:

It’s time to wrap your creature in wool. You can combine multiple colours in layers or stripes, use a little glue to secure the ends of the wool so your monster won’t unravel.

Step Three:

We all know everything is better with googly eyes and a monster can have as few or as many as you like. I’ve used neon tape to add feet and glowing cheeks to finish off my new thoughtful friend but your monster can look however you like, you could use sequins, feathers or fabric to bring your new worry-eating buddy to life.

Find out more about Lauren’s illustration work at studiowren.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @studio_wren

Of Salt and Clay

Meet the Photographer – Maria Bell

Words by James Rayner

It’s dawn, on a tranquil Isle of Wight farm, as the first golden rays of early morning sunlight stretch over the hill and illuminate the landscape. It’s a magical moment, with dramatic silhouettes, deep dark shadows and the black and white cattle creating clouds of steam as they breathe in the new day’s air.

Walking gently through the tufts of undulating grassland, camera swinging from one shoulder, is photographer Maria Bell, ready to get to work at her favourite time of day. Whilst today’s conditions are perfect for her signature style of atmospheric imagery, for someone deeply interested and involved in the environment, Maria is already noticing that predicting weather patterns in a rapidly changing climate is becoming increasingly difficult. “Getting wintery shots in October or November would’ve been fairly easy six years ago but this year has been so mild. We’ve had such intense, unpredictable weather, especially in the last couple of years. Things are changing fast, unnervingly so.”

As the shutter begins to click, you can’t imagine a time when Maria wasn’t behind the lens, but it was actually only in 2016 that she decided to pursue photography as a pro. “I learnt photography at Sandown High School, studying for an AS Level, using film and developing it in their dark rooms, but I never imagined it as a career.” Instead, Maria studied English Literature and worked in digital publishing in London until a shift towards the food industry meant imagery became a bigger part of her daily work.

First came a job as a content creator for celebrity chef Rachel Khoo, followed by another at wonky vegetable subscription service ODDBOX. “Around this time I did a course with the London School of Photography. I’d learnt on film, but everything was now digital, so I studied to learn the basics. I suppose I was always trying to get there without really knowing it, everything just kept coming back to photography.”

Maria now works as a full-time freelance photographer, with photos regularly appearing in The Guardian, Observer, and Olive Magazine. She’s been commissioned by Michelinstarred chef Angela Hartnett and was a shortlisted entrant in the 2021 Food Photographer of the Year awards. She’s also provided imagery for a string of food books, including most recently, Modern South Asian Kitchen by Great British Menu contestant Sabrina Gidda (released March 2023), a recipe-led

book focusing on heritage, identity, and food as well as the stories that come from it. “Sabrina’s a fantastic chef and it was a massive privilege to work with her on her first cookbook, especially since it covered a lot of the themes that I’m most passionate about — and her recipes are incredible!”

Looking through Maria’s portfolio you’ll soon see that food, agriculture, and rural life are a big part of her work these days, in part due to her personal interest in the subjects, stemming all the way back to her Isle of Wight upbringing. “I used to harvest food from my grandfather’s garden for as long as I can remember. He came from a background of Welsh hill-top farmers and always knew how to grow his own food and make his own wine — though from all accounts it was pretty potent. His garden wasn’t big, but he was able to grow raspberries, melons, even vines using all the space he had. My grandmother was an excellent gardener and my other grandparents lived opposite a farm in Ashey; growing up with them all around me definitely had a big impact on the way I view

food, the countryside, and the people who live in it.”

Today, amongst the Belted Galloway cows, we’re here to see Maria work on one of her own projects; one with the environment at the forefront. Of Salt and Clay focuses on the human stories of ecological, cultural, and community initiatives taking place on the Island since becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s already seen her visiting Nunwell Home Farm to photograph their rewilding and regenerative farming, as well as documenting Nick Jeffries’ newly planted woodland in Seaview, and the women behind Grazed Knee Cider as they harvest from their cider apple orchard.

“The biosphere is such an incredible opportunity to showcase the amazing things Islanders are doing for nature and the community. Being able to explore what the Biosphere looks like through this project as well as with the ACE-funded Creative Biosphere Project with the Cultural Education Partnership & Isle of Wight AONB, has been such a huge highlight of the last year.”

Whilst we’d love to speak to Maria all day, we realise time is ticking and she’s a very busy woman. Next on her agenda, she’s pencilled in for a slot at Water Lane — a restored Victorian walled garden and vinery in Kent using a farm-to-fork ethos in their enticinglooking on-site restaurant. As the lens cap goes back on, Maria hints at some big announcements on the way later in 2023, as Of Salt and Clay reaches a new stage, and we can’t wait to see what develops (literally).

Of Salt and Clay focuses on the human stories of ecological, cultural, and community initiatives taking place on the Island since becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Style spectrum

Dimbola Takeover

In a change from our usual style, we’ve given these pages to the talented people at Dimbola Museum & Galleries in Freshwater, which was once home to pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Here, four team members share their favourite image from Dimbola’s past exhibitions, telling us what inspires them and why.

“My Dimbola journey started in 2011 when I undertook a week’s work experience in the office. This led to me beginning an apprenticeship in business and admin and eventually becoming a full-time employee. The Sky Traveller exhibition is memorable for me as it was one of the first I worked on and one of the rare occasions where we were able to showcase the original images. It was astonishing to learn that even after

nine crashes that resulted in Alfred Buckham being completely disabled, he would still risk his life by continuing to capture aerial photos, in flight, using a heavy plate camera. I was particularly drawn to this photograph as I am fond of Edinburgh, having visited many times, and I have since discovered this is one of Alfred Buckham’s favourite pictures as well.”

Elissa Blizzard, Administrative Coordinator

Aerial View of Edinburgh by Alfred G Buckham, About 1920 (The Sky Traveller, 2018)

I was first introduced to Dimbola as a teenager by my then girlfriend who was a fan of interiors – we went along to see some original ‘William Morris’ wallpaper that I found quite uninspiring. However I was fascinated by the showing at the time of a ‘BBC Wildlife of the Year’ exhibition. From that day forward I personally recognised the importance of Dimbola and still now am humbled by its global status of a venue for the art of photography.

Fast forward 25 years later ‘Iconic Bowie’ a show featuring intimate and stunning works by some of the world greatest photographers visits Dimbola. David Bowie. The icon. The influencer. Not only in music but fashion, culture and life. His nonchalant pose that still holds a sense of importance capturs it all. A daper suit. Hands dropped as he wraps fingers around a pair of tailors scissors. Those eyes. Hair that emanates a flame – and compliments our own brand ‘style red’.

Whilst Mr Bowie holds the viewer in awe I do feel this pose still has a sense of humanity and an understated sense that only a true master of photography can capture. For me this image shows a hero behind and in front of the lens.

Christian Warren, Editor , (lifelong supporter of Dimbola)

Yellow Suit and Scissors

By Terry O’Neill

‘Iconic Bowie’ June/August 2019

“I’ve been a volunteer at Dimbola for a number of years and have seen many beautiful exhibitions, but the Chris Packham show from 2014 particularly stands out for me.

“I love the natural world and I find this image of a young tiger to be full of movement and beauty. All the photos in this exhibition were stunning, but this one I thought was exceptional. I am artistic myself and I really like the

colour of the tiger against the snowwhite background. Chris has captured the speed and energy of the cub and you can almost hear the crunch of the snow when you look at the image.”

Pat Laube, Front Desk Volunteer

Siberian Tiger Cub by Chris Packham (Wildlife Photography, 2014)

“In 1992 I was one of a small group of people who fought plans to demolish Dimbola and replace it with a characterless block of concrete flats. We found ourselves in combat with council “high ups”, but with a large body of support both locally and in the international photographic world. Thus, it was with huge satisfaction that we eventually saved the house in 1994, and turned it into a museum, arts

centre, and café. Koo Stark cut the red ribbon and declared the house open.

“Koo was one of Olympus’s star photographers and has shown her luminous portraits in-house. My personal favourite is John Hurt, cigarette defiantly in hand, tough and yet fragile. He was all set to play Tennyson to Brenda Blethyn’s Julia Margaret Cameron in a movie, The

Glass House, to be set at Dimbola and Farringford, and dark spaces between (the writers imagined a love affair between Poet Laureate and celebrity Photographer).

“John has now passed away, but somehow in Koo’s marvellous image, he is eternal.”

Dr Brian Hinton, Chairman

John Hurt by Koo Stark, 1986 (Stark Images, 2001)

IW Artists and Creatives Smashing it in Business!

By Georgia Newman, Creative Producer

Since its launch in March 2022, the IW Creative Network now has a membership of over 90 individuals. The network brings IW artists, makers and creative professionals together and helps develop their business and creative skills.

In 2022, its talent development programme included away days to Southampton and Portsmouth visiting creative spaces, studios and galleries, networking events at cultural venues on the IW and creative Zoom sessions which included training on: Aligned Business Planning; Social Media & Branding; an Arts Funding panel discussion; how to Develop Workshops; Artist Networks & DIY practices; Creative Collaborations in the Biosphere; and a mindset session on understanding your worth and building confidence.

Members also got the opportunity to apply for 1-2-1 portfolio advice, mentoring sessions, photoshoots of their work and bursary grants!

“Joining the IWCN has been useful in so many ways within my creative practice. I received some excellent professional mentoring which helped me focus and plan for future goals. I was also extremely grateful to receive the bursary which helped to fund an exhibition of drawing research practice as part of my PhD. Most importantly though it has been a fantastic source of support as both an artist and a relative newcomer to the island; I have learnt so much about all the exciting creative practice that is happening here and have connected with many interesting people.”

The new website includes a Creative Directory of members, as well as news, opportunities and resources. Through joining the network, creatives have become more resilient in finding out about funding avenues and making successful grant applications. It has boosted their business skills as well as creatively developed their practice. Coming together at special events, in person and online, has forged new relationships, partnerships and collaborations.

“Georgia launched IWCN at exactly the right time for me – I wanted to show my Sewing Memories interactive work at a major museum space and to be funded. I was lucky to get 1-2-1 mentoring from Mick Smith who gave me invaluable insights, encouragement and helped shape my overall approach. As a result, I achieved Art Council England funding and successfully ran my project during October 2022 at award-winning museum The D-Day Story. Via the IWCN I have also made some brilliant professional art friendships and I am really looking forward to IWCN 2023!”

Jan Frith, Visual Artist.

In 2023, the network will aim to grow and support more creatives on the Island to thrive. You might have just graduated and returned to the Island but are not sure who to connect with, or maybe you’re making work but lacking a bit of confidence in closing down sales, or you might want to connect with other creatives and find out what else is going on culturally on the IW and across the Solent.

Whatever stage you’re at, there will be something for you to help develop your talent, grow your creative business and refine your artistic voice! Just go to the website to join and start applying for special opportunities throughout the year.

Kay McCrann, Visual Artist.

Visit: www.iwcreativenetwork.com or search ‘IW Creative Network’ on Instagram & Facebook.

Jan Frith with SM 7 by 5 ratio

Image of singer Nina Ross taken by Julian Winslow

Kay McCrann’s exhibition

Portsmouth away day group photo with IWCN members

COVER TO COVER –

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT BOOK AWARDS

By James Rayner

The Isle of Wight has long been known as a literary location, with authors from Keats and Dickens to Turgenev and Hardy all crossing the Solent to find some creative inspiration here. Furthermore, Carisbrooke Castle famously featured in the 19th-century novel Moonfleet and Tennyson supposedly wrote the poem Crossing the Bar on a sailing to Freshwater.

So, with all these book-based connections, it’s not surprising that the Island also has a successful literary festival (running since 2012) and, as of last October, a local book awards too. The idea of author, journalist, and broadcaster Hunter Davies (who recently swapped North London for Ryde), the first-ever Isle of Wight Book Awards proved to be a great success with 71 books entered for judging.

Supported by Medina Books of Cowes, the competition saw the entries (each with an Isle of Wight connection) put in front of a judging panel that included Hunter Davies, Alan Titchmarsh, and Joanna Trollope, before winners in each category (non-fiction, fiction, and children’s) were announced at a Grand Literary Lunch at the Island Sailing Club.

The awards aimed to promote the writing, reading, and publishing of books about the Isle of Wight, with self-published titles especially encouraged. For this inaugural year, books printed in the past five years were accepted for judging and the panel was suitably surprised at the impressive number of entries. Judge Alan Titchmarsh explained: “It’s great to have the Isle of Wight Book Awards and hopefully it’ll carry on year after year. We’ve had some amazing authors here who are thrilled to bits to be recognised.”

Keen to find out more, we’ve taken a closer look at the winners’ books and spoken to Meg L. Hewison, author and illustrator of the winning children’s entry ‘My Friends By The Beach’.

Published in 2017, An Island Legacy provides a record of the Island’s towns, villages, land, and seascapes across two hundred years of history. Over the last five decades, author Ken (who is also president of the Isle of Wight branch of the Historical Association) has collected over 120 original engravings of the Island by 19th-century topographical draughtsman George Brannon and his sons Alfred and Philip.

Reprinting these engravings in An Island Legacy, alongside modern photographs of the same scenes today, Ken’s book provides a unique insight into the Island’s evolution over time. One thousand copies were printed but with orders coming in from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, India, and Sweden, the book sold out within 18 months. Winning both the best non-fiction category and the title of overall winner at the 2022 Isle of Wight Book Awards, Ken received a £500 prize which he donated to the Mountbatten Hospice.

Marion Carmichael’s 2019 collection of poetry — Grass Green Stockings — took the title in this year’s fiction category. A former teacher, Marion has written for many years, both alone and in writing groups, with a number of her poems and stories making their way into magazines and publications. The Ventnor-based writer also appeared at the 2022 Isle of Wight Literary Festival event ‘Four Poets and a Harpist’ (reciting some of her latest verses) and continues to work on a novel about her grandmother’s life. Since winning at the Isle of Wight Book Awards, Grass Green Stockings has been reprinted and is available from local retailers including Isle of Wight Traders in Newport.

An Island Legacy: The Isle of Wight Through the Eyes of the Brannon Family 1817 - 2017 - Kenneth Hicks MBE

Grass Green Stockings - Marion Carmichael

Best Non-Fiction and Overall Winner: Best Fiction

Friends By The Beach - Meg L. Hewison

21-year-old Meg L. Hewison from Ryde won over the judges with her nature-themed children’s book My Friends By The Beach. Filled with Meg’s own illustrations, it offers young readers an engaging guide to the furry, flippered, and feathered inhabitants of the UK’s coastline; packed with fun facts and tips on how to spot them. The second book in her “My Friends” series, Meg has also created a range of animé-style comics and is training to be a tattooist. Intrigued, we interviewed Meg to learn more about her.

KIDS, COMICS & COASTAL ANIMALS

For those of us who don’t know yet, can you tell us a bit more about your winning children’s book: My Friends By The Beach?

Targeted at children aged six years and up, it focuses on learning about the common and less common seaside animals you can find across the UK and how to respect them. It also has a handy spotting guide for the readers to mark off which they’ve seen. I wrote and illustrated the whole book myself over about four months.

What inspired you to start writing your ‘My Friends’ series of books?

I started writing properly when I was about 14; I’ve always been making up stories though! My inspiration to write is just a love for sharing stories and sharing knowledge about our world, different species, and their battle for survival. It’s important to share them because often people don’t know how vulnerable our wildlife is. I feel like now more than ever, this is the most important thing to foster in young people.

How does the Isle of Wight feature in your book?

I love the nature here and the scenery on the Island inspired me to illustrate some of the animals around me, which then made their way into the book. There are also a few pages for the Sea Eagles we’re lucky enough to share our home with. I adore our natural areas and the animals in them, so naturally, that love has to be shared!

How was the awards ceremony? What was your favourite part?

I feel like I should say my favourite part was winning, but that’s a bit cliché! The atmosphere and being there was just incredible, I almost can’t choose! Meeting Alan Titchmarsh was amazing though, he has such a love for this island and was so kind!

Did you expect to win and how did you feel when you did?

Honestly, no! I totally didn’t expect to win, I was amazed I even made the shortlist!

When Alan called my name I just couldn’t believe it, I was just so shocked the excitement only kicked in when I gave my speech. The certificate has pride of place next to my degree now.

So what’s next? Have you made any plans for the future?

I love comics and recently published my debut comic, ‘Dancing With Lights’, which is available from Medina Books and Heroes Comics in Scarrots Lane. I’m working on another comic called ‘Twin Embers’ while I work on some more kid’s books too! I want to keep working on what I love and sharing it with people of all ages. My comic work is for older audiences, but being able to share my love of nature with young people is so rewarding. There are definitely more ‘My Friends’ books in the future!

My

Best Children’s Book

- An Interview with Meg L. Hewison

MEET THE BREWERS

ASH AND TOM FROM ISLAND ALES

By James Rayner

Photos by Julian Winslow

It’s morning, and we’ve followed a faint beer-based aroma to the green fields west of Newport and an unassuming factory unit just off Yarmouth Road. This is the home of Island Ales (a family firm of drinks wholesalers in its 30th year of business) and the site of their state-of-the-art brewery, producing an award-winning range of ales since the year 2010. As we step through the door to meet Head Brewer Ash and Assistant Brewer Tom, it’s clear we’re just in time to see a new brew commence.

The process began last night when Ash climbed the white wooden stairs to a platform raised high above the brewery floor and emptied between ten and thirteen bags of malt (depending on the recipe) into the shining silver grist case below. Earlier this morning, at 7 a.m., the malt made its way into the mash tun, ready for “the mash” — a process that helps release the sugars and enzymes which produce the alcohol later on. Since then, it has passed through a number of other technically named bits and pieces but now sits inside a big, sturdy cylinder known as a copper, which is just starting to boil.

With the steam rising and everything under control, Ash shows us the different types of malts, still in their sacks, that make up the base for every Island Ale creation. British-grown, they source them from Warminster Maltings, a Wiltshire-based company in operation since 1855. “The pale Marris Otter malt is often used as a base malt, Munich adds a copper colour, Crystal makes ales quite red and Chocolate malt is used for dark beers,” says Ash. “Often we add in torrefied wheat too, which helps the ale retain a frothy head. Different malts also contain different amounts of sugar, which in turn determines the alcohol strength of the finished product. A higher sugar content will create more alcohol during fermentation.”

Once boiling in the copper, it’s time to add in the hops, four kilos to be precise, which give more flavour as well as that distinctive bitterness. Whilst Tom prepares to drop in the bright green heads of Bramling Cross hops, Sales Director Chris walks into the brewery to talk us through the company’s journey so far.

“Founded by Tom Minshull, we began as a drinks distributor in 1993, soon establishing ourselves as the Island’s leading beer and wine wholesaler. Our same-day delivery has always given us the edge, especially over mainland companies, as does our membership of the Society of Vintners. Together with 25 other family businesses we can stand together and negotiate better rates direct from the vineyard gates.”

“Suppliers were always asking us why we didn’t do any brewing ourselves and actually it had always been a dream of Tom’s. Soon, we’d taken on Chris Coleman, a renowned brewer in his own right (who is actually Ash’s dad) and worked together to create The Island Brewery with bespoke equipment manufactured in Bolton. Before even brewing our first batch in 2010 we’d already sold out; the demand was that high.”

With Tom retiring, and Island Ales now in the hands of his son Steve and son-in-law Chris, they produce a range of eight different and distinctive ales (three of which have won gold at the World Beer Awards). They range from the 3.8% straw-coloured Nipper Bitter, to the 5.0% Earl’s R.D.A. — a rich ale with a cappuccino aftertaste that also raises money for the hospice. Their mini brewing system allows for bespoke ales to be created too, whether it’s for a beer festival, sailing regatta, or the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 2022 proved to be Island Ales’s most successful year yet and their kegs and bottles now make their way all across the South Coast from Bournemouth and Salisbury to Chichester and Bognor (with some even heading north to Yorkshire and Lancashire thanks to reciprocal product swaps with other independent brewers).

Another kilogram of hops has just been added to today’s brew, one of the final stages before yeast is added and the whole thing is left to ferment for a week. After that, Ash and Tom will fill 48 nine-gallon kegs with the aromatic ale, ready for dispatch. As we prepare to go, we quickly ask about their bestsellers. Ash tells us that Yachtsman’s Ale (a 4.2% rich, brown beer) and Wight Gold (a 4.0% golden ale with characteristic afterbite) are by far the favourites, and if you’re looking for somewhere local to

try them he’d recommend

The Traveller’s Joy in Northwood, The Blacksmith’s Arms at Calbourne, or, his personal favourite, Newport Ale House in Holyrood Street.

Sip,Swirl&Savour

A Guide to the Island’s Best Wines & Spirits

From expert gin producers to eco-friendly vineyards and cocktail entrepreneurs, the Island is home to an impressive array of distillers and drinks makers. Add to that our trusty and knowledgeable wine wholesalers who source the best of home and abroad to fill their shelves and supply our cellars. With that, we thought it was high time to turn the spotlight on them and celebrate what they do best. So, chill those glasses and zest that lemon as we explore some of the best wines and spirits the Island has to offer. Chin-chin!

Pinkmead Estate and Vineyard

Stretching along the western bank of the River Medina (just as the waterway reaches a kink on its way from Newport to Cowes), you’ll find the Pinkmead Estate — 24 acres of unspoilt country on the marshy fringes of the Island’s biggest river. Since 2019, hundreds of young vines have called this place home, and whilst it’s still early days, their first mini-harvest has already taken place.

The estate aims to offer English sparkling, white, and rosé wines, grown biodynamically, pesticide-free, and completely organically (making it one of only twenty organic vineyards in the entire UK). Pressed grape skins will be used to create skincare products and the 6,000 on-site honey bees will pollinate the wildflowers of Pinkmead and beyond.

In the meantime, while the vines reach maturity, you can book yourself a stay in the estate’s luxury accommodation, with bicycles and an electric buggy on standby to whizz you around the grounds and a complimentary bottle of gin in each room — made with botanicals foraged from Pinkmead itself. pinkmeadestate.co.uk

Isle of Wight Cocktail Company

Shake, pour, enjoy — that’s just how simple it is with the award-winning drinks from the Isle of Wight Cocktail Company. Their classy, brown, screen-printed bottles have been springing up in pubs and farm shops across the Island (and across the water too), and it’s really no surprise. ’Handmade for badasses’ (as their website explains) the Ryde-based business creates these ready-to-go cocktails in small batches, with the best ingredients, testing at every step of the way. Their growing range includes everything from a Winter Cosmopolitan, to a Cherry Wood Rum Punch and even a Wild Berry Bramble (based on the blackberry-flavoured cocktail invented by bartender and former Islander Dick Bradsell).

Online orders are delivered free across the Island, and if you’re thinking of placing one, we’d recommend the (vegan) Espresso Martini, made using a unique blend of hand-roasted coffee beans, created especially for the Isle of Wight Cocktail Co. by local caffeine connoisseurs Island Roasted. There’s also the Wight Lady Martini, a refreshing cocktail mixing premium gin, orange liqueur, sugar, and citrus — with an option for a 3-litre ’party pouch’ your nights in should be well and truly sorted for the foreseeable future.

isleofwightcocktail.co.uk

Liqueurs from Adgestone Vineyard

If you follow the faint aroma of almonds across the undulating grassy slopes of Brading Down, you should end up at the gates of Adgestone Vineyard (with a bit of luck), where Russ, Philippa, and the rest of the team are busy making a new batch of their flavoured liqueurs. Not just a one-trick drink-maker, Adgestone handcrafts a range of five sweet and punchy spirit-based liqueurs, alongside the local wines that they’re better known for. Options include almond (described as ‘liquid marzipan in a bottle’), lemon, coffee, and a very smooth chocolate. There’s also a cherry version, rich and sweet, which can be mixed with the almond liqueur to make a delicious Cherry Bakewell flavoured after-dinner sipper.

Whether you fancy drizzling them over ice cream or adding a glug to your latte, Adgestone’s 18% ABV liqueurs are available from the shelves of local farm shops, including Quarr Abbey, or from the vineyard’s very own website.

adgestonevineyard.co.uk

The Winebulance

Matt Rogers is often described as a man with an uncanny ability to find wines that offer plenty of bang for their buck. So, who better to curate a doorstep delivery of handpicked wines, dropped off by their ’Winebulance’ (a.k.a. company van) which you may have seen weaving around the Island’s streets (no sirens, just delicious deliveries of wine).

Founded during the pandemic, the Winebulance was thought up by Matt and business partner Mike Shorrock when their parent brand, Wight and Wessex Wines, temporarily lost its wholesale trade as a result of the many waves of lockdowns shutting their bar and restaurant customers. However, utilising their combined 39 years in the wine trade, the idea was an instant success and with 10% of profits going to the hospice, it does some good at the same time too.

Ordering online, each box contains between three and six bottles, grouped by type, country of origin, or region — to make life a little easier. Sud France Sippers is made up of French white wines, Rioja N’Roll contains a trio of Spanish reds, and Strictly New Zealand includes a selection of Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs. Other options (from the current 57 choices available) include British Bubbles, Loire Lovers, Merlot Madness or Rhôneing Around... but whichever you go for, you can be sure Matt has included something extra special.

Mermaid Salt Vodka

Smooth, subtle and likened to a mermaid’s kiss. That’s how the experts describe the Isle of Wight Distillery’s sophisticated Mermaid Salt Vodka. Heading onto the distillery floor we see the next batch bubbling away, just awaiting a pinch of locally sourced sea salt before it’s blended with pure Isle of Wight spring water and bottled in cloudy white glassware. Handcrafted in small batches, this 40% ABV graindistilled vodka is especially enticing shaken into a Vesper Martini… and with an in-house recipe too good to keep to ourselves we’ve kindly shared it below.

VESPER MARTINI

Wine Therapy

If you can’t stop yourself from buying the same bottle of red every single time, then step into Wine Therapy, an inviting, plum-coloured emporium at 28 High Street, Cowes, established (as it says above the door) “through the love of wine”. Inside you’ll find a sophisticated selection of wines from around the world, including from many lesser-known wine-producing nations, and with specialist sampling machines on standby, you can whet your whistle as you browse.

Catching our eye on a quick sweep round the shelves is a bottle of Armenian ArmAs Karmrahyut (a red wine with notes of cranberry, cherries and plums). There’s also an Oumsiyat Soupir Rosé from the stunning Bekaa Valley of Lebanon and a tempting Tikveš Smederevka made by a Macedonian vineyard which first began in 1885.

Heading out into the secluded courtyard wine garden, owners Terence and Nichola tell us more. “We always keep an eye out for the unusual, although never for its own sake. Being such a small shop, every wine really has to earn its place on our shelves and is tried and tested by us before we suggest our customers jump in there! Not all pretty or eye-catching labels and good price points make the grade, we’re not snobby about the wines we sell, but we are super-selective!” winetherapy.co.uk

The Short Story of Sir Richard Worsley’s Vineyard at Steephill

In 1792, Sir Richard Worsley of Appuldurcombe House made plans for a vineyard, possibly one of the earliest the Island had ever seen. It would be in the grounds of his newly built house in the Undercliff, known as Sea Cottage — a grand seaside home close to Steephill Cove, with small classical temples constructed in the garden.

He began with an acre of land, later growing to three, where he planted 700 vines both in rows across the ground and along stone-walled terraces. The grapes were from two varieties native to Brittany in the North West of France and supposedly produced a light white wine. Along with the vines, a French vinedresser was brought over too (some say he came from Brittany, others from neighbouring Anjou) and he was entrusted to oversee proceedings and supervise the experiment. Initial signs were promising, fruit even appeared on some plants earlier than anticipated and the vinedresser assured interested visitors “that he had never before seen such strong and prosperous young plants in any vineyard”.

By the first years of the 1800s, when agricultural writer Charles Vancouver dropped by to see the vines he’d heard so much about, he was surprised to find the whole experiment abandoned. The vineyard had been turned to lawns and nothing more than a stretch of wall, five foot high, remained. Tracking down a former employee, it soon turned out that the vineyard had never been successful, even in its best years only producing small quantities of wine, described as having a “rough, inferior nature”.

Many reasons were given for the project’s failure, including the vines being planted too close together, too close to the sea, or being too late a variety for the climate of the Isle of Wight.

We also know Sir Richard himself was often absent, being appointed British ambassador to the Republic of Venice from 1794 to 1797, which can’t have helped during the vineyard’s first, crucial years.

A New Era at the New Inn

Seating yourself in this quintessential village inn, you will be aware that something has changed. This pub, which for decades headed up the Island’s seafood dining scene, has re-opened and is bringing back the old charm. The New Inn started with oysters on the bar from the Newtown Oyster beds in the 1970s and went on to enjoy recognition from Egon Ronay in the 1980s.It is that level of freshness and home cooking from scratch that the team now wants to reintroduce.

The New Inn is uniquely positioned to take advantage of Shalfleet Quay and the breath-taking Newtown Estuary, with easy day mooring and a gentle stroll to the pub. Already sailors are back using the pub and the staff are more than aware of the need to ‘catch the tide’. In addition, the pub is on the Round Island Cycle Trail, the Coastal footpath, and the number 7 bus stops right outside. The newly redesigned garden offers space of groups for sailors, walkers, and cyclists to take advantage of the exciting menu, and rest before the next leg of their adventures.

The new owner used to use the pub, back in its ‘glory days’, and is sure that the home-cooked-from-scratch approach is what people want from eating out. To this end the Head Chef,

Tom Atherton, has joined the team having recently relocating from Frome in Somerset. He moved here in 2022 with his wife and family, to join other family already based on the Island. Tom started cooking in kitchens as a teenager but later decided to hang up his apron and become a glass blower instead. Returning to the kitchen five years ago, he has since run his own wood-fired pizza company, provided pop-up Sunday roasts, and worked as catering manager for The Cheese and Grain — a corporate event catering firm (where he cooked for Tom Jones, Wolf Alice, and even Paul McCartney before his headline slot at Glastonbury). “I had noticed the pub when I first moved here, and just had the feeling it could be something interesting says Tom “When the opportunity came to join the team, I was very happy to help make that happen”. When asked how he would described the style of cooking he brings Tom says, “Locally sourced seasonal produce, original takes on pub classics, an abundance of fresh seafood, generous portions, non- pretentious honest food”.

Options include fish goujon ciabatta, scallops wrapped in bacon, and ‘surf and turf’ — rump steak served with very large and juicy tiger prawns. The New Inn’s famous seafood sharing platters are also making a comeback,

featuring lobsters, prawns, mussels, and shrimps. If you’re not feeling the fish, there are locally sourced steaks and homemade burgers too, as well as Sunday lunches that include giant Yorkshire puddings and next-level cauliflower cheese (described by one recent customer as ‘banging’).

The menu is due to expand as summer approaches and we are expecting big things from Tom. Bringing his delicious food, ample portions and down-to-earth style with him, he aims to make the New Inn an Isle of Wight food destination.

Chicory

With Will Steward, Living Larder

Native to Europe, chicory is a heritage vegetable that comes in many forms from root vegetable, to cover crop, to winter salad or in its rarest form… Puntarelle.

We love chicory and its sharp, bitter taste needs to be dealt with carefully. We often leave our chicory in iced water once

Ingredients

prepared, or dress it with salt and anchovies. Best of all, though, we simply griddle and dress it with olive oil. In the field, chicory is incredibly hardy and with careful planning it can provide a novel winter salad from October to

2 heads of chicory – we’ve used red and white endive 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, plus extra to serve About 5 tbsp olive oil

1 squash, cut into wedges no more than 2cm wide – we’ve kept the skin on ours

Leaves from a small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 100g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 150g of hard salty cheese – we used Gruyère

Salt and black pepper

March when its soft outer leaves break down to blanch the inner leaves, known as ‘chicons’. In this blanched form, chicory takes on its better-known names of Radicchio or Endive.

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5 and heat a cast-iron griddle pan until really hot. Cut each radicchio head into quarters lengthways, keeping the root end intact. In a shallow bowl mix together the olive oil and vinegar – add the chicory quarters to the bowl and let it soak in the mixture – make sure all edges are well oiled and then season with salt.

Put the squash wedges in a roasting tin and gently toss with salt, pepper and just enough oil to lightly coat. Roast for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Meanwhile, griddle the chicory in batches – just a minute or two on each side to give the wedges colour. As each piece is done, lay it in the oil and vinegar in the bowl so it can soak up more of the dressing. Add the griddled chicory to the roasting pan along with the squash for the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Put even amounts of squash and chicory on individual plates, sprinkle over the chopped parsley and hazelnuts. Finally, use a vegetable peeler to add shavings of the Gruyère to each dish.

Living Larder is a family-owned, Soil Association certified Organic farm. supplying local fruit and vegetable boxes. livinglarder.co.uk | Instagram: @livinglarder

Se7en: An Enticing Experience Like No Other

In

the kitchen

A few weeks ago, we headed back up The Royal’s curving palm-fringed driveway to see Head Chef Matt Egan — who was right in the middle of launching something rather exciting. Together with Sous Chef Jacob Gough, he’s been working on a new contemporary dining concept (named Se7en) featuring a uniquely curated seven-course tasting menu.

At the exciting, superbly received, Se7en launch evening, Matt tells us what to expect.

Combining global influences and the best-sourced ingredients, each of Se7en’s courses will include “enticing, sleek and vibrant plates, each one fulfilling my personal philosophy that food has no rules”. Matt’s playful and inventive style has already won him a legion of fans from local foodie connoisseurs to the AA Rosette inspectors and even celebrity chef visitors Ainsley Harriott and Angela Hartnett — and with endorsements like these piling up, we’re sure to be in for a treat.

Ushered into a newly revamped dining room, featuring teal-painted panelling and sophisticated table settings, we take a seat. On hand is The Royal’s front-of-house manager, Stefan Dobre, who offers the added bonus of expertly paired wines from home and abroad to complement each dish. Soon enticing fragrances emanate from the kitchen and the evening’s experience begins.

With this intimate dining experience in full flow, the room is bursting with chatter and more than a few gasps of delight as each connected course is brought through. The artistry

on the plate is exquisite and the aromas are enhanced through the immersive experience delivered in person by Matt and Sous Chef, Jacob. Every course challenged (such as the surprising but rather divine pig’s blood macaron canapé) and delighted — the Koji Sorbet being highly acclaimed by the room of Se7en diners.

Sitting close by is Sally Perry, from OnTheWight, who declares that, “all the dishes were a gastronomic delight”. On another table, we see local food reviewers Matt and Cat from the Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide, who described the sorbet as “unlike any sweet we’d ever tasted”.

As the night draws to a close we catch up with Head Chef Matt, who tells us how pleased he is with the way the new experience has turned out. “The first evening was really special and for it to be so well received makes me excited for the future of Se7en, and for what is next to come in The Royal’s culinary journey.”

The Se7en tasting menu is regularly updated and there’s a new menu for the New Year – unleashed, uncompromising, unequivocally exquisite!

with Matt Egan, Head Chef at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor For your enticing Se7en tasting experience at The Royal, please call our fabulously friendly team on 01983 852186.

Salt aged island fillet

Hand-dived scallop

Chalk stream trout

Se7en tasting at The Royal

Carefully curated wine pairings

Skincare Goals for 2023: Say Hello to Better Skin

By Doctor Hayley Elsmore THE COURTYARD AESTHETIC CLINIC

It’s a New Year and the time we set ourselves resolutions. Whether it is something big or small, a resolution can help you to focus on a change that will benefit your selfconfidence and wellbeing.

If the festive season has brought on some unwanted skin problems such as breakouts, uneven skin texture and clogged pores, it is now the perfect time to prioritize looking after your skin. A small change like drinking more water and getting more hours of beauty sleep will make a positive impact on your skin’s health. A high-quality skincare regime is also important to protect and hydrate the skin to maintain its skins natural glow.

Whilst quality skincare products work wonders for your skin, they can have their limitations. So, if you have been dealing

with the same skin concern for some time, we recommend seeing a skincare professional.

At The Courtyard Aesthetic Clinic, we have several non-surgical aesthetic treatments to achieve those dreams of radiant, glowing, healthy skin. Perhaps you want to lose those fine lines and wrinkles? Or combat pigmentation? We have answers to a wide variety of concerns.

N eed help identifying & setting a goal?

The Courtyard Aesthetic Clinic offers FREE consultations to discuss your skin concerns. One of our friendly team will be able to give you advice and guidance on what treatments and products will work best to meet your skin goals.

GOT A SPECIAL DAY COMING UP THIS YEAR?

Get your big day glow! Do you have a big family wedding to attend this year? or perhaps it is your very own big day! The Courtyard Aesthetic Clinic offer a variety of bridal packages for the ultimate skin glowup. It has never been a better time to start focusing on your skincare to get flawless skin just in time for the special day. Whether you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, combat facial redness and veins, or to tighten and hydrate ready for those photos. We have the answers for you!

Declutter Your Mind

With Caroline Hurley WELLBEING PRACTITIONER AT BECALMED AND HEALTHWELL SOLUTIONS

When we think of clutter, we tend to think of our physical spaces, but clutter also involves what we keep inside our minds. If you never threw out any of your old clothes how long would it take for your overstuffed wardrobe to stop being useful and start being a source of irritation? This can also happen to your mind. Without a regular clear out it can become cluttered and that takes its toll on your mental wellbeing.

It is normal to worry from time to time, however going over and over the same worries can clutter your mind, leaving little space for anything else. It lowers your mood, leaving you feeling tired and less creative.

• Get some sleep.

Sleep has numerous benefits, including helping with your mental state. Sleep deprivation can lead to brain fog and temporary mental lapses.

• Get outside.

Make the most of our beautiful Isle of Wight; get outside and enjoy nature. Nothing beats a walk by the sea or in the woods to clear your mind.

• Limit Your Screen Time.

How many times are you replying to an email, when you get a text that needs replying to and then you stray onto social media? Monitor your usage and if you start to notice your mind getting cluttered then it is time to take a break.

• Talk to someone.

It can sometimes be harder to find a solution to a problem if you keep it to yourself. We often find at BeCalmed that, as therapists, our clients make the most of their time with us to share in a confidential and safe environment how they are feeling.

Unloading your thoughts and feelings can help you gain perspective and clarity, break the cycle, and lighten the burden of carrying everything in your head.

• Meditate.

Meditation can help reduce confusion by getting you clear on your priorities. Try and build it into your daily routine to help declutter your mind.

• Transfer Thoughts to Paper. Take all those thoughts that are floating around in your brain and write them down. This takes them out of your head, removing the need to remember them. When you are ready, you can pick up your list and work on it.

• Set and Complete Priorities.

Take your list and, after prioritising it, you can set about tackling it. Nothing is more satisfying than ticking things off your ‘to do’ list.

• Take some time out for yourself. Multitasking and being busy may at times seem efficient, but if you have too many plates spinning you are at risk of dropping them all. Think about something that you enjoy and make time for it. Whether it is having a coffee with a friend, enjoying a relaxing massage, getting your nails done, taking a walk, or enjoying the benefits of your favourite ESPA oil in a bath. Taking time for yourself is essential for your wellbeing and will help you be more efficient in the long run.

With 2023 now under way, take some time to declutter your brain. This will help you have a happy and healthier year ahead.

Here are some tips on ways that can help declutter your mind:

The new year is a time when I see a rush of patients trying to resolve long-standing injuries before they embark on a new year’s fitness regime, or who have become injured during their new routine. I’m passionate about helping people not only to recover from injury or ailment but also helping them get the most out of their bodies, whether that be improving sporting performance or helping them towards a specific health goal.

As a qualified Doctor of Chiropractic, I utilise a wide range of treatments to achieve this from deep tissue muscle release, vibration therapy, rehabilitation, and balance training to, of course, chiropractic adjustments at my practice Osborne Chiropractic in Shanklin.

A chiropractic adjustment focusses on restoring normal motion and alignment to joints (normally within the spine). Misalignment and restriction of joints is the root cause behind many problems, it creates pressure and adaption in the surrounding nerves, muscles, ligaments, and discs and over time this causes damage. This can present as low back pain, sciatic pain, headaches, loss of flexibility, and generalised fatigue among many other symptoms.

To address this underlying cause a chiropractic adjustment/ manipulation, which is normally done by hand (though specific instrumentation can be used), places a very specific, fast, and gentle force through the affected joint to restore normal alignment and mobility. Some patients require adjustments that result in an audible ‘click’ or ‘pop’ whereas others are more suited (due to health reasons or preference) to much more gentle techniques. The adjustment restores motion and alignment to the joint, reducing pain, improving nerve function, and reducing strain on nearby tissues, allowing for an injury to recover more rapidly. It is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions.

Joint problems can exist for some time before symptoms are felt, so whether you have an existing injury or are interested in preventing problems and improving performance I always perform a thorough examination, determine a diagnosis, and establish a treatment plan to meet your personal needs. If you have any questions or think you may need an assessment, feel free to get in touch at info@osborne-chiro.com and I will be happy to discuss your options.

Getting the most from your body in 2023 Osborne Chiropractic,

6A Cross St, Shanklin, PO37 6AT

Cleanse & Reset for the New Year

With Dr Margarita Kitova-John, Functional GP on the Isle of Wight.

Start 2023 by investing in your most valuable asset: your health!

Dr Margarita Kitova-John is an Isle of Wight resident and founder of The Lantern Clinic, based in Cowes. Her practice is specialised as she is both a GP and a Functional Medicine practitioner.

Dr Margarita has a particular interest in gut health, women’s health, hormone balancing, the autoimmune system and

chronic conditions. Her ultimate aim is to empower patients into achieving optimum health and uncovering the root cause of their symptoms.

You can book a FREE discovery call with Dr Margarita to discover how functional medicine can benefit your health and wellbeing. Go to www.lanternclinic.com to book.

“At the Lantern Clinic, we focus on discovering the root of the problem and treating the cause of the disease. Functional Medicine is a remarkable practice and gaining in popularity as it’s patient-centred and involves understanding the origins of illness and the prevention and treatment of complex symptoms.”

Five Ways to Improve your health:

Functional medicine determines how and why disease occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. Gaining small but consistent improvements in key lifestyle areas can have transformative effects.

1) Sleep:

Gain awareness of your current state of sleep. Don’t accept suffering from insomnia or waking up non-refreshed. This could have negative long-term effects on your health. Aim to go to bed early, reduce exposure to blue light from electronic devices and seek advice if these simple steps don’t help.

2) Exercise:

Daily exercise has a range of demonstrated health benefits. Aim for 30 min of brisk walking at least five times a week. If you prefer to run or go to the gym, this could be in addition to daily walking. The key is to keep your body moving to combat long hours of sitting down. If you work from home, consider a standing desk.

3) Nutrition:

No single factor has more impact on health and disease than what we eat. In functional medicine treatment, we often start addressing chronic disease with a targeted nutritional plan. Remember to ‘eat the rainbow’ and challenge yourself to eat a range of brightly-coloured plant-based foods every day such as fruit, vegetables, nuts/seeds, whole grains, beans, herbs and spices. Some of the most potent benefits of food come from phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals responsible for the taste, colour and smell of the food).

4) Stress:

Chronic stress impacts health in a myriad of ways. Stress management is a powerful way to improve physical and mental health. Try to take 24 hours every week, completely disconnected from work. This includes work-related emails, chats or messages! It’s tricky but the effect on your productivity and overall energy is going to be amazing. I call them free days!

5) Relationships:

It’s scientifically proven that social isolation can increase the risk of several chronic diseases. Having a robust network of healthy, dependable relationships improves health outcomes for all ages. Start the year by writing down the 5-10 most important people in your life (family, friends, colleagues, partners). Against each name write what action you could take to improve, reconnect and grow your relationship. Be specific, set a timeframe and set an intention to focus on these relationships.

Wardrobe detox

First

WINTER

WARDROBE INSPIRATION

What to wear in January when you’re bored of your wardrobe? Let Ladies Visual Impact inspire you to stay stylish this season.

It’s still freezing, so you need to stay warm and cosy, but it’s also a fresh start. We’ve all likely made a resolution of some kind and have our eyes firmly fixed on moving forward, so it’s understandable if stepping back into 2020’s largely loungewear wardrobe feels a little, well, stale. Instead, shake things up with a clear out and capsule refresh — you’ll soon be cutting a dash through 2023…

Build your capsule wardrobe

Forget having a thousand things you never wear jamming up your wardrobe. It’s time to streamline. Here is exactly what you need:

1) New jeans. Are you still squeezing into your old skinnies? Try some new shapes… classic 501s, wide legs and kick flares are definitely shapes for 2023.

2) Quilted…quilted coats

Quilted waistcoats even quilted accessories.They go over anything and add that touch of chic. Too hot, too cold… waistcoats can solve all your temperature problems.

3) Colour.

We all need some colour in the world. Brights shouldn’t just be saved for the Summer; adding a pop of colour can completely transform an outfit as well as your mood.

4) Cardigans.

Super on-trend and colourful cardigans will arrive to stay in the year 2023. They are the ultimate layering piece.

5) Chunky boots.

Get out of your trainers and add some chunky socks paired with chunky boots. Boots can be styled with anything: dresses, jeans, or skirts…easy chic.

Worried that the chunky trend is too heavy? Check out Timberland’s GREYFIELDs; these boots are made of 50% recycled plastic making the boot fully waterproof, while the foam cushioning and breathable footbed help with overall comfort and make these boots extremely lightweight.

Flowers by Ellie

and waiting to give you a floral nudge in the right direction, ensuring your Valentine’s bouquet is as beautiful and heart-warming as physically possible. So read on to discover Ellie’s exclusive tips for personal (and affordable) flower-based gifting this 14th of February.

Often, we find ourselves in a bit of a predicament after the expensive festive period once we realise Valentine’s Day is on its way. However, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s presents don’t have to break the bank and there are plenty of options to choose from that can suit any budget, big or small.

When it comes to flowers, local florists can often be cheaper than online rivals, usually giving you more flowers for your money, too. While red roses are a classic (and certainly make a bold statement) mixed flower bouquets can be cheaper and also offer you a chance to personalise. Actually, having asked a number of our loyal customers what they’d prefer to receive on February the 14th, nine times out of ten they say they’d prefer a mixed flower bouquet over the traditional option of a dozen red roses.

If you decide to plump for a customised, more personal, arrangement it’s worth spending some time thinking about what could make your choices more meaningful. Does your significant other have a favourite flower? Maybe a favourite colour? Or, if you’re married, perhaps a certain bloom or assortment will remind them of their wedding bouquet?

Finally, when it comes to arranging delivery of that bouquet, I always say: plan early! Avoid the stress and pressure of last-minute arrangements. We will be delivering on the days leading up to the big day, and also on Valentine’s Day itself, so book your slot with us and you can rest easy knowing we’ll be there to hand-deliver your beautiful flowers at exactly the right time.

Of course, big bouquets and grand gestures aren’t for everyone. If you’re planning a cosy home-cooked meal by

candlelight instead, why not opt for a smaller hand-tied posy to sit on your tabletop, perhaps in one of our bud vases or glass milk bottles? Even a new houseplant could be just as thoughtful for the right person. Remember, it’s not the time or effort that matters the most; the point is to show that special person in your life just how much they mean to you.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve made a return visit to the deliciously botanical-smelling Bembridge Flowershop to see the ever-helpful owner Ellie Tuffrey. An expert on blooms, buds, and foliage, she’s ready

Studio Jute is an Isle of Wight based Interior Design practice specialising in creating timeless interiors. Their holistic approach covers concept to completion, with designs that support the client’s lifestyle and have a positive impact on wellbeing.

www.studiojute.co.uk | @studio_jute

Storage Solutions

with Studio Jute

We can never have enough of the right kind of storage.

If you’ve got a cupboard or drawer bursting at the seams with clutter, it might be time to give your storage solutions an overhaul.

Here are some clever ways to incorporate simple storage into your daily routine – ensuring a place for everything.

1. Make it accessible

Firstly, you need a place to store those everyday items. This can be as simple as a bowl and a few hooks by the front door to hold keys and small items, to adding some hangers and hooks to your under-stair cupboard. Baskets, decorative boxes, or tins around the house keep things organised and easy to find, and you’re much more likely to keep using the storage if it’s within easy reach.

2. Edit your possessions

You may not need as much storage as you think. Seriously look at what you own and consider whether you could donate or sell it to free up some space. We promise the feeling of lightness after a good clear-out is worth the hours of being surrounded by piles of your old things!

3. Embrace subtle storage

A coffee table with drawers, console tables and media units, banquette seating with a lifting lid, drawers under divan beds — these are all great integrated storage options. It’s something to think about when you’re looking to buy furniture.

4. Use interior design tricks

Sliding doors, curtains, and room dividers can all be utilised to turn that small unused space into a storage area, and by concealing the clutter, you keep your home streamlined. Mix things up by rotating your favourite display items; creating some shelf space and regularly refreshing what’s on show will keep your space interesting and engaging.

5. Add in some vintage

Vintage furniture looks good in almost all interior styles, and adding a well-loved piece to your home adds character and individuality. The benefit is that these pieces are well made and stand the test of time, perfect for some stylish storage.

THE ART OF ILLUMINATION

STYLING AND WORDS: STUDIO JUTE INTERIOR

PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY JOLLIFFE

Lighting plays a fundamental role in any well-considered interior, but it can often be overlooked or underplayed, resulting in too little light, overly bright light, or not enough light in the right places.

Thinking of lighting as a whole by using a combination of lighting sources, known as layering light, allows emphasis to be placed on different areas for different purposes. Throughout the darker months, this approach comes into its own, lighting up darker corners, creating an inviting atmosphere, and allowing spaces to be lit for practical tasks.

There are three commonly used types of lighting: ambient lighting, which is the general illumination of a room; task lighting, which is practical, and accent lighting, which is used to highlight chosen areas or features. The most successful lighting schemes use a combination of all three. This can be as simple as a pendant that casts a warm glow, a directional table lamp for detailed work, and a floor lamp to brighten a gloomy corner.

Choosing the right colour temperature bulb can make a huge difference to how well a lighting scheme works and feels. Cool light is great for practical tasks, but too much can feel uncomfortable and overexposed. Warm light creates an inviting atmosphere and is great for relaxing, but can be frustrating when trying to concentrate on tasks. Using a layered lighting scheme, we are able to meet all of our needs at different times of the day.

To inspire your lighting plans, we have hand-picked a selection of lamps and shades all available locally.

Overhead lighting provides a broad sweep of light, perfect for illuminating a whole area. When using decorative shades consider the material; rattan ones such as these won’t diffuse light like a linen or velvet shade would, so it can be helpful to fit a dimmer switch to give more control.

Ceramic pendant £45 ACACIA BAY, The Modern Painter and Decorator volume I & II £22 DIG FOR VINTAGE, Terracotta pitcher £22.99, Terracotta bowl £19.99 BAYLISS & BOOTH.

Small rattan shades £85, Hanging fern £85, Rattan shade with flex and rose £170, Large rattan shade £165, faux hanging plant £35. ALL ACACIA BAY

Table lamps are ideal for adding atmosphere, they create a flattering, comfortable glow. Place several around each room at eye level for an immediately inviting feel. These Dennis Fairweather lamps are beautiful decorative objects in themselves and will add depth and interest to a space.

Dennis Fairweather geometric table lamp £356, Dennis Fairweather Sea Urchin lamp £266, Susan Spencer Hayter original framed print £165 ALL YARMOUTH GALLERY, Rattan tray £45 ACACIA BAY, Carafe £29.99, Glass £4.99, Marble coaster set £7.99, Water hyacinth table runner £22.99 ALL BAYLISS & BOOTH

Hang a piece of design history with these Coolicon shades. An icon designed in the 1930s, their unique vented top gallery helpfully casts an upward ambient light and downward task light.

Coolicon utility shades small from £99 large from £175 BAYLISS & BOOTH, Goose neck desk lamp £39.50, Tillie Lamp £35 DIG FOR VINTAGE, Adam Lafosse wooden bud vases £16.95 each YARMOUTH GALLERY

Charnwood Stoves

Kindling More Than Just a Warm Feeling

When it comes to stoves, you’d be hard pushed to find anyone more knowledgeable than the team at A. J. Wells & Sons in Newport (after all, they’re Britain’s oldest manufacturer of wood-burning stoves!) Not only do they know their flues from their flames, but they’re even conducting ground-breaking research into how having a wood-burner in the home can positively impact mental health too. Intrigued, we caught up with Ced Wells to find out more.

How did the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey come about?

During the pandemic, sales of our Charnwood stoves rose sharply and from speaking to customers it was clear that there was a strong link between owning a stove and having a happier home. Mental health and wellbeing are areas we’re strong supporters of at A.J. Wells, so we decided to conduct this survey (the first of its kind that we know of) and asked 1,227 customers about their experiences to see if we could prove a link between stove ownership and happiness.

So, are Charnwood Stove owners happier?

93 percent of our survey respondents said that having a Charnwood Stove in their home had a positive impact on their wellbeing, which is a huge number! Asked for their reasons why, many told us they liked the homely atmosphere it created as well as the way a stove can help with relaxation and stress relief. We also discovered that 31 percent of buyers even mentioned wellbeing

as one of their main motivations for buying a wood-burner in the first place, alongside 62 percent who bought one for interior design reasons and 85 percent for heating.

Did your research reveal any unexpected surprises?

Yes! Alongside what we thought we’d see in terms of cosiness and homeliness, there were a surprising number of answers we hadn’t expected. Some customers told us that having one of our stoves in their homes helped them have quality time with their family, whether it was creating a special ambience or toasting marshmallows with the grandchildren. Others said their Charnwood helped them switch off from electric devices, with one couple even saying that they cancelled their Netflix subscription because they enjoyed watching the flames so much!

And why do you think this survey is so important?

I think it brings real weight to the argument in favour of clean, efficient wood-burning stoves beyond their

heating and environmental credentials. When having a debate on the viability of various home heating solutions, we should all recognise the powerful effects wood-burning has on wellbeing; effects no other heat source can replicate. We shouldn’t downplay or underestimate the important role wood-burning stoves play in people’s lives and the positive knock-on effect to society as a whole.

BLANCHARD FIELDS is a brand-new development located within the picturesque village of Brighstone.

Currently available for reservation is Plot 28, a detached four bedroom house with garage. Plot 28 benefits from a fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances including hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and fridge/freezer as well as underfloor heating to the ground floor. The property also has o road parking, a patio and turfed garden and a 10-year LABC warranty.

Viewings of the site are available however this property is under construction. Site visits are to be strictly by appointment only, please contact Hose Rhodes Dickson New Homes to arrange.

Top image depicts Plot 6, a fully constructed property of the same house type. Plot 28 current progress is shown in the smaller image.

A-RATED Countryside Homes

Bramble Drive is a beautiful and picturesque new development located right on the edge of Niton village. It is unique in its design and appeal, offering new homes set amongst attractive landscaping. Upon turning into the development, a flowering meadow is seen to the left and a feature pond to the right, with the River Yar running along the border of these which is crossed to reach the development beyond. This location truly offers that close to nature feel, countryside views and rural living we all dream about, together with the convenience of a well-equipped village right on your doorstep.

With 9 well designed detached homes available this opportunity offers something for everyone. If you’re thinking of downsizing or needing more room then each home has that bespoke, stylish and practical space that make for happy living to enhance day to day life.

All homes are detached and set within spacious plots with private gardens, driveway parking for two cars and impressive open plan living/kitchen spaces. The two-bedroom bungalows have separate cloakroom WC’s and fully fitted bathrooms with separate baths and showers. Whilst the three-bedroom bungalows have en-suite

shower rooms to the master and separate family bathrooms. Both homes also benefit from great storage along with generous entrance hallways to provide a real sense of luxury.

Offering more space with attached garages the four-bedroom chalet style homes offer the same sensible storage and practical touches but have a heightened sense of luxury. With front doors opening into a double height entrance hall with a galleried landing above these homes really have the wow-factor. The ground floor offers a WC, utility room and separate home office. In addition to a flexible fourth bedroom which could serve as a snug or playroom. The open plan kitchen, living and dining space is over 30ft wide running the entire width of the property, offering an expansive room, ideal for entertaining. Kitchens will be finished with quartz worktops, a wine cooler, and the much-loved kitchen island. This is ideal for casual dining or just sitting with a glass of wine.

All homes at Bramble Drive have been designed with energy efficiency, style, and convenience in mind. Hot water and heating are provided by air source heat pumps. The homes are heated by underfloor heating, and all have solar PV panels neatly inset into the roof. Together, these details mean all homes

at Bramble Drive are A-rated for energy use, providing reassurance of their future running costs.

Niton as a location has many wonderful attributes, the village has two popular countryside pubs, a pottery workshop/ shop, a library which is run by volunteers, a recreation ground, churches, a primary school with a pre-school incorporated, a village hall, a local supermarket, a pharmacy, even a post office which also doubles up as a quirky restaurant, a garage, and a medical centre. The outskirts of the village offer some wonderful countryside and coastal walks and the beaches at Castlehaven and Reeth Bay are within walking distance. The village is steeped in history and can lead you to picturesque views of either the countryside or coast. All in all, a wonderful place to spend your days with everything you need to call home.

The 9 homes at Bramble Drive are being built by Foreland Homes, a privately owned developer based on the Isle of Wight with over 22 years’ experience. With a strong focus on great design, quality materials and stylish spaces they offer premium properties aimed at enhancing living for the homeowner and creating spaces that are beneficial to family life now and in the future.

*Imagery shown is computer generated, final build may differ.

FROM HOUSE

TO HOME

House hunting? But not sure what to view next? Then take a look at this trio of impressive properties, hand-picked by our trusty local agents. There’s rural, urban, historic, and contemporary… and all with sea views! You can’t say we don’t spoil you.

3 Solent Heights

Location: Cowes

Bedrooms: 5

Asking Price: £1,299,950

Heading up Egypt Hill from the wave-lapped shores of the Esplanade, somewhere near the top you’ll spot an invitinglooking cul-de-sac, home to just three properties. It’s in this exclusive nook that Number 3 Solent Heights is located — a contemporary five-bedroom home with a striking grey and white exterior.

Stepping through the door (at this time of year) you’ll first notice the toasty underfloor heating — powered, like the rest of the house, by an eco-friendly heat pump. Across all three storeys décor is simple, rooms are spacious and light floods in throughout. To make the most of the magnificent sea views, living spaces (and adjoining balconies) can be found sensibly located on the second and third floors. Meanwhile, at ground level, there’s a handy self-contained en-suite bedroom with its very own external access — ideal for use as an Airbnb.

Once you’ve inspected every room, you might want to take a look outside at the generously proportioned garden too. Amongst the lawns and mature trees, 3 Solent Heights offers an al fresco patio, bespoke raised beds (including an established rhubarb patch), and a recently constructed arbour looking out to sea; perfect for watching sunsets over Gurnard.

mccarthyandbooker.co.uk

Wish House

Location: Brighstone

Bedrooms: 4

Asking Price: £1,200,000

Next, we’re off to Brighstone, where just off Hunny Hill you’ll find Wish House. Surrounded by just over an acre of mature gardens and with stunning views over farmers’ fields to the English Channel beyond, it certainly scores highly on the location front.

Architecturally unusual, the heart of Wish House is a circular building, containing two bedrooms and a spacious, curving living room (where double doors open onto a raised terrace with views of the sea in the distance). From here, one wing of

the building branches off, housing the kitchen inside with granite worksurfaces and creamy Shaker-style units. The other wing, split over two floors, is home to another three bedrooms (one being en-suite) as well as the family bathroom. Whilst you might naturally gravitate towards the 5-person hot tub (again, with views of the English Channel) there are plenty of other things to see in the lush, secluded garden too. Taking a peek around the grounds, highlights include the oak-framed open garage (with adjoining workshop), a greenhouse, vegetable plots, and a modern garden chalet. What more could you possibly wish for?

hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk

Mariners

Location: Cowes

Bedrooms: 6

Asking Price: £1,795,000

If period properties tick more of your boxes, then turn in through the gates of Mariners at 13 Queen’s Road, Cowes, and pull up alongside the property’s handy double garage. This Grade II listed home, in the heart of the town’s conservation area, was supposedly constructed around 1824 and built especially for King George IV’s Surgeon General. Today, its distinctive pink frontage is an unmissable feature of the local landscape.

As floorplans go, Mariners boasts a generous one, covering over 5,000 square metres thanks, in part, to a 2001 extension that provides extra versatile accommodation (as well as the potential to make an annexe too). Period features can be found at every turn, from marble fire surrounds to historic fan lights and hardwood handrails. On top of that, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to uninterrupted views across the Solent to the Hampshire coast, experienced from many of the property’s windows, French doors, and even one of the garden terraces.

Starting on the ground floor, you’ll discover a drawing room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room, leading on to a southwesterly facing Amdega conservatory. The first floor houses six bedrooms (four ensuite) and following the winding staircase to the very top floor you’ll find the three attic rooms, complete with sloping ceilings and plenty of potential to function as extra accommodation.

spencewillard.co.uk

DIG FOR VINTAGE R

the decades, fashion, iconic furniture, fabrics, ceramics, art and classic books.

DIGFORVINTAGE.CO.UK

Offering monthly painting technique workshops. Find out more in-store and on our Facebook page.

The Colonnade, Lind Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2NE Tel. 01983 719433

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

Book a painting experience with us today!

Anne Ginger soft furnishings

With 40 years experience Anne Ginger and her dedicated team are happy to assist in making the right choice of soft furnishings for you, from helping you choose the perfect product through to installation. Our service is based around giving excellent advice combined with quality products. Come and see us and turn your dream into reality. Due to Covid-19 the showroom is operating Monday-Friday on an appointment service so please call to book info@anneginger.co.uk

www.anneginger.co.uk

tel. 01983 407730

STYLE OF WIGHT

Brides

Whether you’re planning a huge celebration with hundreds of guests and lots of glitz or a more intimate affair with just a few witnesses, your wedding is a day you won’t want to forget. Luckily for Island residents, there is a plethora of world-class businesses just waiting to help you plan your big day.

The Perfect Bouquet

BEMBRIDGE FLOWER SHOP

If it’s the icing that makes the cake then it’s the flowers that make the wedding, and no one does flowers quite like Bembridge Flower Shop.

If you’re looking for spectacular blooms with a personal touch, Bembridge Flower Shop is the place to find them. From rustic bouquets to impressive floral archways, bridesmaid bunches, men’s buttonhole flowers, table dressings, and the all-important bridal bouquet — all creations are made with attention to detail and an understanding of the bridal party. Don’t know what you want from your flowers? Or do you have the entire array perfectly planned? Not a problem! The family-owned business will guide you through your options to ensure each creation is unique and perfectly suited to the day.

Although based in Bembridge, the team works island-wide, as well as with clients who are not island-based.

Communication is conducted through online chats and phone calls to ensure no important detail is missed. The team creates a mood board for all clients that can be amended or added to until you find the perfect combination of colours and blooms. With such a professional approach and high standards, it is no wonder Bembridge Flower Shop has been selected as one of the preferred wedding suppliers to English Heritage’s Osborne House.

So, if you want your wedding brought to life with huge traditional creations, or you’d rather celebrate with the simplicity of a ‘just-picked’ style, Bembridge Flower Shop is the place to help you create the perfect arrangements.

Gastronomy For Everyone

GASTRONOMY

Local produce, fine dining, classy cocktails, and a Bao Bun Truck — they’ve got everything you need for the perfect wedding day at Gastronomy.

If you prefer your meals loaded with flavour and created especially for you, then Gastronomy is the venue for your big day. Their sophisticated location in the sailing mecca of Cowes will provide a distinctive backdrop for your reception and the chef will make sure all meals go out perfectly presented and prepared, no matter how large the event.

Christianne and Charlie are the masterminds behind the award-winning events at Gastronomy. They have a passion for sustainable, locally sourced produce that appeals to every palate. Dairy-free? No problem. Gluten-intolerant? Sure. Vegan? Absolutely. If dishes such as Persian pomegranate meatballs, Mermaid Gin-cured salmon blini, or Dukkahcrusted cauliflower steaks sound like your jam, then Gastronomy is for you. Got something more laid back and rustic in mind? Rather have your

party outdoors than in? Why not try Gastronomy’s Bao Bun Truck for a unique spin on formal dining? Or order a selection of grazing platters and let your guests dig in as they like, because really, who’s got time for à la carte dining when there’s dancing to be done?

It’s not just food that Gastronomy provides, however. Cocktail connoisseurs, fine wine sommeliers, and boutique beer aficionados are all catered for here. The team makes sure the drinks selection on your big day is tailored to you, so you can include that sentimental cocktail or the groom’s favourite beer. They also offer various drinks packages — either a cash bar where guests pay pub prices or a naked bar where you stock it and they run it.

So, when your mouth stops watering, check out their website at gastronomycowes.co.uk for more details.

Oceans of Promise

THOMAS P COCHRAN JEWELLERY

A signature piece of jewellery is the traditional way to remember your wedding day, so whether it’s a gift for your bridal party or the perfect wedding ring, you’ll find it at Thomas P Cochran Jewellery.

If it’s whimsical, nature-inspired pieces you’re looking for, look no further than Thomas P Cochran Jewellery. With a gorgeous shop located at the entrance to the rustic Arreton Barns, choosing your pieces will be as lovely an experience as wearing them — you can even watch the jewellery being created as you browse in-store.

With collections inspired mainly by the stunning ocean life found off the shores of the Isle of Wight, a piece from Thomas P Cochran is sure to add a personal touch that will help you remember your special day forever.

‘Thank you’ gifts for the bridesmaids or

groomsmen, age-appropriate jewellery for the flower girls or page boys, recognition pieces for the parents of the happy couple — all are available with the signature seaside style found only in Thomas P Cochran pieces. Urchin or spirula shell cufflinks, sea star drop earrings, or a sand dollar paperweight are just some of the unique designs on offer.

But it’s not just gifts you can purchase here — the star pieces of jewellery at any marriage ceremony will surely be the wedding rings, so if you’re dreaming of distinctive creations that embody the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight, you’ll find them here.

For more information visit thomaspcochran.com

Grooming for Groomsmen

YARMOUTH BARBERS AND CONNOISSEURS

Leather chairs, a hot towel shave, the finest wines and whiskeys, and a warm cigar — now that’s how to treat your groomsmen at Yarmouth Barbers and Connoisseurs.

Wedding days shouldn’t just be about the bride and bridesmaids, so Yarmouth Barbers and Connoisseurs are here to make sure the men are pampered too! Their beautiful vintage store sets a luxurious and sophisticated scene, perfect for a day of grooming before the big event.

Invite just the groomsmen for some male bonding, or the entire bridal party — the girls can savour delicious wines and whiskies or peruse the unique gifts while the men enjoy a selection of bespoke grooming experiences — a uniquely memorable way to celebrate, either on or before that unforgettable day.

Master barbers offer guests a choice of experiences, from a traditional clipper and scissor cut to a luxurious wet shave and beard shaping, hot facial waxing, deep-cleanse facial, hot towel

treatments or a total restyle; and if you can’t choose between them, book whatever combination you like.

All that grooming is thirsty work, so fine wine tastings are available in an intimate shop setting, great for celebratory drinks before the event or to select the perfect wine for the day.

If spirits are more your thing, enjoy a single malt whisky-tasting experience, where you can sample some of the rarest drops on the south coast, and you can even request a cigar bar to add a smoky air to your celebrations.

Leather barbers’ chairs, foaming shaves, and the delicious scent of topquality cigars — the biggest problem will be getting the groom and his men to the church on time!

For more information, visit theyarmouthbarbersandconnoisseurs.com.

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A Spot of Beauty BEAUTY

SPOT

Gel manicures, lash extensions, IPL hair removal — all the usual products are available, as well as more permanent treatments such as semi-permanent cosmetics, lip fillers, or tattoo removal. Lip fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are also part of the service, and a host of medical-grade skincare options will give you that gorgeous glow.

Treatments are always more fun in groups, though, so celebrate the day in advance with your closest friends enjoying one of our hen party packages. You can choose from several treatments as part of your package, all of which are designed to enhance your natural beauty. Throw in celebratory champagne, some laughs and nibbles and you’ve got yourself a party. Bubbles and beauty — what more could you need?

For more information or to book, visit isalononline.com/TheBeautySpotNewport

All brides deserve to be pampered on the big day, but if you really want to look your best you need to enlist the help of experts. The Beauty Spot in Newport offers all the treatments you need to make sure you look your gorgeous best on the big day.

Captured in a Flash

REUBEN MOWLE PHOTOGRAPHY

It started as a hobby and turned into a passion — photography and filmography are Reuben Mowle’s driving force, and capturing your treasured memories is what he does best.

Focusing on intimate details highlighted by romantic plays of light and natural angles, Reuben knows just how to use the Island’s stunning scenery as a backdrop to all the special moments of your day. With a smile and a joke, his candid, relaxed approach will get the best out of all members of your

bridal party, even those shy of the camera.

With six years’ experience, Reuben limits his bridal bookings to 10 per year, so they remain unique and personal. From regal interior spaces to rustic outdoor landscapes, both his still images and film are shot in cinematic style, with a drone used to capture aerial views — and when you’ve got a backdrop as spectacular as this one and packages starting from only £1500, what more do you need?

Find out more at reubenmowle.co.uk.

You’re making memories to treasure forever, and you need a photographer who can capture those unique personal details — well, you’ve found one with Reuben Mowle.

Make it a Marquee

SDC MARQUEES

Bring the beautiful Isle of Wight outdoors in on your big day with SDC Marquees — versatile and pristine, their marquees come in multiple styles to suit any wedding.

It is undeniable; the Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to live. From sweeping beaches to dramatic cliff faces, cute and cosy pubs to grand mansions, we really do have it all. So, on an Island as beautiful as this one, why not incorporate that breathtaking scenery into the backdrop for your big day? Rain or shine, SDC Marquees has a huge range of marquees suitable for any event that will allow you to do just that. Dreaming of a huge fairy-tale wedding amidst the stunning gardens of a stately home? Or perhaps a fun and friendly get-together in the beer garden of your favourite pub? Got a beautiful area on your own property? Or always dreamed of getting hitched near the beach? Well, read on…

Using a marquee for weddings is not a new development, but the pristine

white tents have a timelessness that goes with any theme. They offer couples the freedom to create a space perfectly suited to them in a way that other venues do not. With a marquee your colour scheme, style, size, and even the location itself are completely versatile and can be tailored to make your day unique and personal. Dance floors, luxury restrooms, and all the furniture you need can also be hired through SDC Marquees.

Stefan and the team will do a free site survey of your intended location and offer all the advice you need on how to make your event shine. They will then give you an itemised quote and explain how you can tailor the layout of your marquee to meet the size of your event and the needs of your guests.

You’ll find more information at sdcmarquees.com

Adding the Professional Touch

THE EVENTS CO.

The perfect wedding doesn’t just happen — it requires organisation, exquisite style, and that personal touch. If you’re hoping for a small intimate ceremony or a large traditional event with all the trimmings, the best way to make the day stress free is to call in the professionals. Look no further than The Events Co.

With masterful planning and discrete attention to detail, the team at The Events Co can organise as little or as much of the event as you like. If you’d like to arrange the big day yourself with just a little support to make sure all bases are covered, that’s fine. Or maybe you want the whole event taken care of so you can just sit back and enjoy? Either way, the team knows you want the champagne chilled perfectly and the starters on time with as little stress as possible. So let The Events Co’s head chef and expert bartenders

create your culinary dream or leave it to the staff at your chosen venue — whatever works best for you.

Khia and her team have experience working with some of the leading wedding venues on the island, including New Barn Farm, Appuldurcombe House, and Kingston Manor. They’ve also created beautiful festival-style weddings that are perfectly situated to take in the stunning scenery of the Isle of Wight. Vintage additions to outdoor weddings are also available including the Noble Steed Cocktail Wagon, the Ice Cream Bike, and luxury toilets.

So, whether you’d like your wedding day small or large, indoors or outdoors, traditionally luxurious or with rustic charm, the team at The Events Co has the experience and professional touch that will make your day perfect.

For more information, visit their website at theeventsco.co.uk

Perfect planning, years of experience, and that personal touch — The Events Co know exactly what’s needed to make your wedding magical.

Land a Landy on your Big Day

LITTLE WIGHT LANDY

If you agree that nothing says rural countryside wedding quite like a vintage Land Rover, it’s time to meet Winston. He is a pastel green 1971 Land Rover ‘88 and he’s at your service. Winston boasts limestone wheels with a classic tan leather interior and canvas soft top, which opens at the sides for those balmy summer nuptials. With seating for up to five passengers and always decked out in his wedding finery, this very British Landy will add to your day beautifully.

He’s available for flexible hire. Trips from the ceremony to the reception are his forte, and he loves a good photo

shoot. Clifftops are Winston’s favourite backdrop because he knows they catch his good side, but he is happy to pose in any setting you like — in the front of the church, beachside, or with the entire wedding party!

With this bespoke wedding service, the Little Wight Landy vehicle hire has hit on the perfect combination of rustic and luxury to top off your Island wedding. You will be driven around the island on your big day by a smartly dressed female chauffeur, who, along with Winston, is sure to add a unique rustic charm to your wedding day.

For more information and to book, visit littlewightlandy.co.uk

Looking for a unique luxe addition to top off your perfect rural celebration? Look no further than the Little Wight Landy…

Manhattan diamond bubble ring.

Our latest addition to the bubble ring collection features a scattered arrangement of diamonds across a classic three-band design, set with 0.50 carats of diamonds.

Bespoke blue sapphire engagement ring.

Bespoke blue sapphire diamond engagement ring featuring talon claws around a deep blue sapphire with diamond under-bezel and interwoven diamond-set shoulders.

Eternal engagement ring.

Shown here in 18ct rose gold, this brandnew design features an eternity symbol of accent diamonds below a classic four-claw solitaire diamond setting.

Voice pattern wedding rings.

This unique pair of engraved wedding rings featured a graphic of a voice recording engraved around each band. Just one of our unique engraved wedding ring services.

1-carat diamond half-eternity ring. A bezel-set half-eternity ring featuring a matching set of round brilliant cut diamonds.

Lab-grown fancy blue diamond earrings. Classic round brilliant cut solitaire earrings set with a pair of lab-grown fancy colour blue diamonds held within four talon claws.

Celeste princess cut diamond necklace. Available in a choice of different diamond sizes, the Celeste necklace features a squared bar setting crafted in a wide choice of precious metals.

The

designs are just a few of our recent additions available to view online

Visual Impact brings you Christopher’s of Newport, our new concept Suit Store. Combining our decades of styling expertise with our Head of Menswear, Stephen Buckley’s, extensive tailoring experience we have brought the Savile Row experience to the Isle of Wight.

Stocking the latest in contemporary formal menswear from Marc Darcy to Ted Baker we offer a full service, from finding your perfect fit to completing your look with a dapper tie or a sharp pair of Loakes.

Whether it’s for your rustic beach wedding, a black-tie event, or simply returning to the office, we will have the suit for you.

It’s not just the bride who should enjoy the experience.

Creating a dedicated store offers the opportunity to provide an appointment-only service, ensuring each groom receives the attention and time they deserve.

You will have the showroom to yourself — so sit back and relax... and then the fun begins!

There’s no denying that a bride’s dress takes centre stage when it comes to the wedding, and it can sometimes take months of hunting to find “the one”. A men’s suit, on the other hand, is easy to pin down, right? Wrong!

There are so many suits on the market today, varying in style and shape, colour and pattern. You’ll be amazed at all the choices in front of you and perhaps just as overwhelmed as your fiancée feels when seeking the dress!

We will have your back every step of the way.

Stand out from the crowd in our latest collection – Visual Impact

Trends in Groomswear

Tweed

This classic fabric will continue to be popular for those rustic, outdoor weddings. It’s a timeless material that adds some real charm to a wedding and it comes in a huge variety of colours. If an entire tweed suit sounds like a little too much for you, keep things simple by introducing tweed in just the waistcoat or even the tie and perhaps the pocket square. Otherwise, a statement plaid jacket can be such an amazing look if your groom is up for the challenge.

Double-breasted

The 80s favourite has been growing in popularity recently and it’s set to be a trend that sticks around for a while now. These boxy jackets feature two rows of buttons and generally have wider lapels. However, for a modern 2021 look, take the classic double-breasted style and update it with a tailored and tight fit, paired with skinny or straight-leg suit pants. Similarly, we will also be seeing a lot of double-breasted waistcoats this year, but I’d suggest pairing these with a single-breasted button suit.

Tailored and fitted suits

This brings us nicely to trend number three! Suits for the past few seasons, and the year ahead, have had a tailored and fitted look. While I spotted Harry Styles rocking a pair of exaggerated flared pants to a wedding recently in the gossip mags, this is a trend yet to take off (well, in this era at least!). Right now, nothing beats a fitted suit and skinny tie – it’s a great starting point and foundation for any fabric or colour of your choice.

Colourful fabrics

A black or navy suit is always a solid option, but have you thought about playing with colour? Blue is still by far the most popular colour for wedding suits, but now there are a lot more options on the market to choose from. Last year we saw a lot of green tones and burgundy creeping into wedding suits.

Find your perfect style and fit for any occasion at our one-to-one suit consultation, available in-store now.

Appointments are free and booking is easy. Phone us on 01983 821908 or pop into the store.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Christopher’s of Newport, Visual Impact’s Suit Store 6/7 Watchbell Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XU

Whatever type of party you imagine, that’s the type of party we’ll create. Whether it is a wedding or fund raiser, baby shower or birthday party, we’ll attend to every detail so that your dream event becomes a reality worth remembering. We take care of the details, so you can enjoy the rest!

A WEDDING CAR AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOUR BIG DAY

If your looking for something different for your wedding, you have just found it. Our brilliantly British vintage land rover provides a tailored service to your exact needs and we are fully insured including public liability.

email: hello@littlewightlandy.co.uk

Bring the beautiful Isle of Wight outdoors in on your big day with SDC Marquees — versatile and pristine, our marquees come in multiple styles to suit any wedding.

Using our marquees, you can host your wedding almost anywhere! Many couples dream of a unique wedding at home, or in the grounds of a historic venue, or at a local beauty spot or a place that holds special memories. A wedding marquee gives you a totally blank canvas to which you can add your own theme and decorating scheme.

SDC Marquees offer you an outstanding first class service. With our exemplary Customer Service we are confident that we can beat any written or verbal quotation. Please do not hesitate to contact us on: 07983 373 373 or 01983 406499

EAST AFTON FARM HOUSE

With a history of epic celebrations, East Afton Farmhouse is the ideal setting for a country wedding, where celebrating the joining of two families can last more than just a day.

Wedding packages offer various options including our special ‘allinclusive based on 100 guests’ –allowing you plenty of time to create your bespoke special day and make memories with family and friends in beautiful, relaxed surroundings.

The main Farmhouse oozes character and comfortably accommodates up to 13 guests, with ample living space, private cinema room and roof terrace. The Country Annex offers accommodation for six more guests or makes the perfect retreat for the newlyweds. The Piglets & Snug in the Paddock are also great for staying guests.

Close by, three event barns enclose a private stone courtyard. The barn adjoining the main farmhouse offers superb flexibility for small receptions with practical amenities including its own bar, restrooms and catering areas, underfloor heating and lighting

for parties that stretch from day into night. Large bi-folding doors welcome in light and country air to a space that comfortably accommodates 60 seated guests.

East Afton’s latest addition, a beautiful large wedding and events barn with vaulted ceiling and glass windows and doors opening onto the stone courtyard, has a commercial kitchen, underfloor heating, mezzanine and an 8-metre long bar.

Across the courtyard, another more rustic stone barns offers an alternative venue and is a favourite ceremony and party space. All three barns are licensed for ceremonies.

Picturesque and peaceful, East Afton is surrounded by landscaped gardens and arable farmland. Managed and owned by the same team as Tapnell Farm, the venue also offers discounts for ferry travel and further accommodation for up to 100 people close by.

Venue only, all-inclusive and midweek wedding options available. East Afton can be seen by appointment only, please contact our Wedding Coordinator.

East Afton Farmhouse, Newport Road, Freshwater, PO40 9UF t. 01983 758729 | e. weddings@tapnellfarm.com | eastaftonfarmhouse.com/weddings/

At a glance

Civil ceremony license yes

Ceremony capacity 170

Sit-down reception capacity 170

Evening party capacity 250

Outdoor facilities yes

Option of outdoor ceremony yes

Marquee available no

Fireworks allowed no

Parking available yes

Option of exclusive use yes

Outside caterers allowed yes

Vegetarian options yes

Bridal suite available yes

Guest accommodation yes

Wedding coordinator yes

Music license yes

Option for band/DJ yes

Dancefloor available yes

Venue available until midnight

Wheelchair access yes

Price range £3,000 - £22,800

VENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN

At a glance

Civil ceremony license yes

Ceremony capacity 300

Sit-down reception capacity 300

Evening party capacity 300

Outdoor facilities yes

Option of outdoor ceremony yes

Marquee available yes

Fireworks allowed no

Parking available yes

Option of exclusive use some areas

Outside caterers allowed yes

Vegetarian options yes

Bridal suite available yes

Guest accommodation yes

Wedding coordinator yes

Music license yes

Option for band/DJ yes

Dancefloor available yes

Venue available until midnight

Wheelchair access yes

Price range £250 - £12,000+

Imagine your wedding in an exclusive sub-tropical garden paradise nestled beneath the balmy undercliff in Ventnor.

Not only do you have the beautiful Garden, but also elegant indoor spaces with garden views. The palm garden, with its huge trees, is the ideal location for your ceremony and/or drinks reception. The Edulis restaurant, overlooking the courtyard garden and pond, is perfect for a small- to mediumsized wedding and reception, come rain or shine. Or choose a ceremony in the New Zealand Garden with a marquee for up to 200 guests, for a wedding with real wow factor.

Hire the entire 22-acre garden for the weekend if you really want to push the boat out. It’s all possible at Ventnor Botanic Garden.

Ventnor Botanic Garden gives you complete flexibility over creating exactly the day that you want. As they say: “We are a venue like no other… no limitations and no boundaries… just here to make your day perfect. So let us make your dreams come true.”

From elaborate three-course menus to simple buffets or BBQs, Ventnor Botanic Garden showcases superb local produce and ingredients grown and picked freshly from the Garden. With such great fresh garden and Island produce available, from delicious Ventnor crab to ultra-fresh garden salads, you can blow everyone away with a stunning wedding menu. Their chef will help you plan your menu in the finest detail from welcome drinks and canapés to the main culinary event itself.

You might want a location to get ready, to stay in the night before or even for your wedding night. Signal Point is a beautifully restored Victorian cottage nestled amongst the plants overlooking the Garden.

VBG also have the one-bedroom Smugglers Lodge and three studio cabins.

You won’t find a venue locally that offers quite such an original setting to create a wedding day to remember.

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, PO38 1UL t. 01983 855397 | e. weddings@botanic.co.uk | botanicdreamweddings.com

NEWCLOSE CRICKET GROUND

Newclose boasts acres of beautiful unspoilt countryside on the outskirts of Newport and offers a backdrop to your special day like no other. With the ability to create weddings that suit all tastes from a grand summer wedding in The Marquee to a very intimate wedding in The Pavilion; Newclose has got it covered for all your event needs.

The Marquee, which is situated on the grounds, is available to hire AprilSeptember and which seats up to 300 people comfortably, is perfect for your bigger weddings or if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, we also have The Pavilion, which can be hired all year round, seats 80 people and offers our beautiful cricket ground as the backdrop to your top table.

You might want a location to get ready, to stay the night before or somewhere for guests to stay…our sister venue The Seaview Hotel is the perfect place for you. Based in the East of the island, transport can be arranged for you to

get from the hotel to the cricket ground giving you the opportunity to soak in the picturesque views the island has to offer on the way to your special day.

Our catering team, based at SVH will help you create the wedding menu of your dreams, from an elaborate sit down 3 course wedding breakfast to simple buffets. Whatever your needs, we can cater them for using the best ingredients and produce that the Isle of Wight can offer.

At a glance

Civil ceremony license no

Ceremony capacity /

Sit-down reception capacity 250

Evening party capacity 250

Outdoor facilities yes

Option of outdoor ceremony yes

Marquee available yes

Fireworks allowed no

Parking available yes

Option of exclusive use yes

Outside caterers allowed no

Vegetarian/Vegan options yes

Bridal suite available no

Guest accommodation no

Wedding coordinator yes

Music license yes

Option for band/DJ yes

Dancefloor available yes

Venue available until midnight

Wheelchair access yes

Price range £750

BOAT HOUSE

At a glance

Civil ceremony license no

Ceremony capacity /

Sit-down reception capacity 70

Evening party capacity 120

Outdoor facilities yes

Option of outdoor ceremony no

Marquee available yes

Fireworks allowed no

Parking available yes

Option of exclusive use yes

Outside caterers allowed no

Vegetarian/Vegan options yes

Bridal suite available yes

Guest accommodation yes

Wedding coordinator yes

Music license yes

Option for band/DJ yes

Dancefloor available yes

Venue available until midnight

Wheelchair access yes

Price range £9995

If you are seeking a unique wedding venue then look no further. With its one of a kind beachside location and unrivalled Solent views, The Boathouse could be the perfect place to celebrate your special day.

Weddings enjoy exclusive use of The Boathouse and our four beautifully decorated bedrooms and includes everything needed for an occasion to remember.

Your celebrations will take place in our bespoke patio marquee and our service include all tables, chairs and white linen, glassware, crockery and cutlery. Your food will be prepared with care using the finest produce available from our garden isle and beyond and our team will cater for any dietary requirement without fuss. Our bar will be for the exclusive use of you and your guests, in fact our entire team will dedicate themselves solely to ensuring your celebration creates lifelong memories.

Please see our menus along with a guide to the individual elements of The Boathouse wedding package.

Our package includes exclusive use of The Boathouse and grounds. Enjoy exclusive use of our four bedrooms for the night before and the night of the celebration and full breakfast on both mornings.

Make your choice from our wedding breakfast menu, which caters for up to 70 guests with a three-course meal. You’ll also have access to our fully lined and lit marquee. Tables and chairs. White linen tablecloths and napkins. Crockery, cutlery and glassware. A cake table with stand and . A glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative per guest with the wedding breakfast. A glass of fizz or nonalcoholic alternative per guest to toast the bride and groom. An evening finger buffet for up to 120 guests. We can also arrange a host of extra items to enhance your day such as a DJ, dancefloor, table centrepieces, chair covers, and many more through our trusted, local, suppliers

The Boathouse, Springvale Road, Seaview, PO345AW t. 01983810616 | e. info@theboathouseiow.co.uk | theboathouseiow.co.uk

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A WILL

By April Newton, ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR, GLANVILLES DAMANT

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? If so, was making a Will one of them? Only four in ten UK adults have a Will. But why is it so important to have one?

A Will is a legal document that allows you to pass on your possessions to benefit others after your death, giving you control over what happens to your money, possessions, and property after you die.

Many people often assume their possessions will simply pass automatically to their spouse or children and consequently don’t make any plans for the future after they are gone.

If you die without having made a Will, the intestacy rules apply and may not reflect your wishes. Therefore, the only certain way to ensure that your wishes are put into effect is by making a Will.

Under the intestacy rules your whole estate will not necessarily all pass to your spouse.

Although it is increasingly common for partners to live together without marrying or entering into a Civil Partnership, at present the intestacy rules do not recognise these arrangements. Therefore, if you live with your partner and die without having made a Will, your partner will not automatically inherit any of your estate, and would have to make a claim on your estate.

Family arrangements are also becoming more complex. If you have children from a previous relationship, you can use a Will to protect assets for those children.

A Will can also be used to protect assets against future care fees. A trust can protect your capital for

your children or other beneficiaries whilst allowing your spouse to remain in the family home and benefit from the income from any other capital. What if you wish to leave gifts to charities or other organisations? Again, under the intestacy rules, this will not happen, and so the only way to make sure your chosen causes do benefit is to make a Will.

Everyone’s situation is unique, and the best way to ensure your wishes are in place is to seek professional legal advice.

The Isle of Wight Distillery, producers of high quality and hand-crafted spirits, Mermaid Gin, and Mermaid Salt Vodka, has recently received B Corp certification from non-profit organisation B Lab. The distillery is the first business on the Isle of Wight to achieve B Corp status and earned an overall score of 88.6, ranking it the highest-scoring gin distillery in England to date.

The distillery achieved B Corp Certification by meeting and exceeding rigorous benchmarks across five categories of the B Impact Assessment: Community, Customers, Environment, Governance and Workers. The distillery met these criteria independently and, unusually, without guidance from external consultants.

“Since our inception in 2014, the team at the Isle of Wight Distillery has been committed to the environmentally friendly production of spirits and the preservation of our island and marine environment,” comments Xavier Baker, co-founder of Mermaid Gin. “We want to use our brand as a force for good within the local community and are delighted to join a community of B Corp businesses that have been recognised for their commitment to operate in a way that has a positive impact on the planet.”

One of the key efforts recognised as part of the scoring and certification is the dedication of the distillery to reducing its impact on the environment by minimising waste and preserving resources. The Isle of Wight Distillery has engaged in a number of local and global initiatives that reinforce its commitment to sustainability including:

• Seagrass restoration: Mermaid Gin is working with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to monitor and restore seagrass meadows in the waters surrounding their island home. It is estimated that 92% of these seagrass meadows have been lost over the last 100 years.

• Mermaid Gin is working with Surfers against Sewage (SAS), a national marine conservation and campaigning charity tackling plastic pollution and protecting the UK’s coastline for people to enjoy safely and sustainably.

• The iconic Mermaid bottle is crafted from 100% natural materials, designed to be reused, and plasticfree. The glass bottle is decorated with biodegradable paint and features an all-natural cork with a wooden top. The neck tag is recyclable, and the tamperproof seal is crafted from corn and potato starch, which composts in food waste in 6-12 weeks. The cases of Mermaid Gin fit six bottles that do not require bubble wrap for protection.

As well as putting environmental sustainability at the core of its operation, the distillery has a strong focus on the community. The majority of employees live locally, and it uses local suppliers where possible.

“Our mission when we founded Mermaid Gin and Vodka was not only to create great quality spirits but also to instil responsible practices in everything we do. We are a small team, the majority of whom live and work on the island, and I am so proud of what we have all achieved. To be considered as a company that holds some of the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability in the world of business, is a great honour. Not only are we passionate about making people’s lives better and considering the well-being of our planet, we are proud of our Isle of Wight heritage and hope this achievement will give other local businesses the inspiration to become B Corp companies as well,” adds Xavier.

The first business on Isle of Wight to gain accreditation

Isle of Wight Distillery in high spirits after achieving B Corp status

By Dale Howarth BUSINESS MENTOR AND CONSULTANT

WORK ON IT, NOT JUST IN IT!

Working ‘in’ and ‘on’ the business has been part of business vernacular ever since Michael Gerber coined the phrase in his book The E-Myth Revisited. This is a principle that is arguably more important today than it was when the book was first published back in 1985. Experts suggest that business owners should regularly spend 20% of their time working on their business rather than in it. The Pareto Principle supports this, suggesting that 20% of our activity generates 80% of our results. Research also confirms that not spending sufficient time working on the business is one of the underlying reasons for business failure.

In simple terms, working in your business is spending time managing your business day-to-day, often undertaking tasks that could be assigned to someone else. Whereas working on your business is investing your time to develop the strategies, plans, and activities that will help grow and develop the business to be more successful in the future. When was the last time you dedicated time to working on rather than just in your business?

Caterina Fake, the co-founder of Flickr said: “So often people are working hard at the wrong thing. Working on the right thing is probably more important than working hard.”

How many times throughout the day do you hear yourself saying, “If you want a job done right, do it yourself”? When running a business, it can often seem that you have no other option but to take on a mountain of tasks to just keep the business moving. Unfortunately, taking on too much can prove to be a major distraction from the important job of growing a business.

To grow a business, you need to know where you are going, why, and how you get there, so you can make the important strategic decisions and create the high-level plans to get there and overcome the barriers you will face along the way. The fact is, whatever business you are in you need time to focus on the business, learn how to delegate non-critical tasks, and eliminate tasks that are simply low or no-value distractions.

It may sound simple but, as everyone in business will know, it’s not easy when you are on the merry-go-round of being busy, rushing from one task to the next with little time to consider the bigger picture. It forces you to spend considerable time and long hours working as an hourly employee in your business instead of acting as the CEO - just to have a business at all. Does that sound familiar to you?

Dale Howarth is a Business Mentor and Business Growth Consultant. Working with individuals and companies to make the business leaders and businesses successes of tomorrow. To find out more visit www.dalehowarth.com

Working on, not just in, the business is about how you spend your time and about working hard on the right things. It’s about creating a business that doesn’t depend solely on you to get things done, a business that can generate results without you having to make things happen personally. It’s about a shift in perspective.

Dale Howarth is a Business Mentor and Business Growth Consultant. Working with individuals and companies to make the business leaders and businesses successes of tomorrow. To find out more visit www.dalehowarth.com

Photography by Dean Drobot

Barnett Meyers

The moment Barnett Meyers stepped aboard a ship bound for the Isle of Wight in the early 1850s, the future of Ventnor would change forever. This wealthy Jewish entrepreneur would fall in love with the town, soon buying up huge swathes of land sloping down to the sea and formulating grand plans for its development.

Over the following decades, he helped transform Ventnor into one of the finest and most fashionable summer resorts of its time, though today you’d be hard pushed to find someone who has ever heard his name.

Born around 1814 in London’s East End, Barnett was the son of Kaufman Meyers — an umbrella and parasol maker from Germany. Initially working with his father at a Whitechapel warehouse, he began to forge his own path at the age of 25, setting up a new (but similar) enterprise and marrying Isabella Solomons at London’s Great Synagogue in 1839.

Whilst his early days in business remain hard to uncover, it seems success came quickly, with Barnett soon styling himself as a ‘cane and walking-stick manufacturer’, moving his premises westwards to London Bridge. He invented a new and improved ‘walkingstick gun’ in 1854 (apparently with a less ‘inconvenient change’ between walking aid and firearm) and, together with Isabella, the couple relocated their home from the gritty East End to 17 Crutched Friars, in a wealthier neighbourhood close to the Tower of London.

It was around this time that Barnett and Isabella first made their way to the Isle of Wight, checking into The Royal Hotel and finding themselves so captivated by Ventnor that they decided to invest in it. Overnight they became one of the largest landowners in the town, their property stretching from the heady heights of Gill’s Cliff Road, right down to the salty sea air of the Esplanade and Undercliff House (now the Spyglass Inn).

Spades and pickaxes were soon breaking new ground as Barnett laid out the winding curves of the recently renamed Zigzag Road. He marked out the building plots, installed benches in ‘convenient recesses’, and constructed the flights of public steps that still climb up between the houses today.

In 1864, work began on four villas in Zigzag Road and a number of houses in Newport Road, though building was halted briefly after workmen discovered a complete male skeleton whilst digging foundations (the victim supposedly killed by a boulder which was still sat on his broken ribcage).

Back in London, the couple’s main residence, business continued to boom. Barnett’s company now manufactured everything from walking sticks to sword sticks, fencing foils to gold-mounted riding whips. His premises moved yet

The Walking Stick & Umbrella Maker with Grand Plans for Ventnor

Words & Research by James Rayner With Special Thanks to Lesley Telford

Some of Barnett Meyer’s elaborate designs for Zigzag Road, which never quite materialised

again to Southwark Street, and he was now wealthy enough to donate 6 acres of land at Lower Norwood to build a new ‘Jew’s Hospital’. By the 1870s he had become one of the city’s most respected Jewish businessmen, rubbing shoulders with the Rothschild family and hosting the President of Brazil on a visit to the Central Synagogue. Home for Barnett and Isabella was now 9 Chester Terrace in Regents Park, their most lavish yet, set in a string of magnificent Regency houses (which today can sell for up to £15 million).

Returning to Ventnor, often staying at the Marine Hotel, Barnett worked on a new phase of his plans, including the construction of Alpine Road. Initially a private street with its own lighting, Barnett later offered it to the town in 1885, on the condition that the council finished the road surface. When they refused, he blocked the street with a barrier, causing quite ‘some excitement’ amongst the inhabitants of Ventnor.

By this time Mr. Meyers was ill, a throat condition preventing him from making his usual visits to the Island; his benches were disintegrating, and his streetlamps remained unlit. When he passed away in 1889, he was thanked for the roads, paths and steps he’d built as well as the thousands of trees and shrubs he’d planted, giving the west end of town a scenic leafy character. His land, now known as ‘the Meyer Estate’, had been transformed almost beyond recognition and locals understood his attractive alterations had helped the town become the popular destination that it was.

Isabella continued to donate six guineas every Christmas to the ‘aged poor’ of Ventnor but could no longer visit as regularly as before. When she died in 1898, having no children, the estate passed to Mr. Meyers’s niece and by 1900 all the land, properties, and remaining plots had been auctioned off in lots by local estate agents Sir Francis Pittis & Son.

The ‘West End’ of Ventnor c.1875 - where Barnett planted thousands of trees and shrubs to give the area a ‘scenic, leafy character’

A New House on Alpine Road - Mr Meyer’s ‘New Road’ which he offered to the town in 1885

Alpine Road - Seemingly after the road surfacing disagreement had ended

All photos reproduced with kind permission from Ventnor Heritage Centre

Style speaks

to author and journalist Hunter Davies OBE

a new love, a new house, a new island. The house and Island turned out to be ten out of ten. My lady friend alas scored fewer marks and we have now parted.

You swapped your “battered Victorian house” near Hampstead Heath in North London for a Grade 2-listed Regency cottage just a stone’s throw from the beach in Ryde. What do you like most about living in the town?

I can’t see the sea, alas, from my Ryde house but I am only a three-minute walk on the flat to Ryde Sands, which are stunning. So much to do and see and smell and touch and wonder at. The Solent is always alive and every day every tide is different.

ago and they are still going strong. It was to encourage people to write and possibly self-publish their own story connected with the Island. The response was incredible. I did not realise there was such talent on the Island. And also enterprise.

And finally, what are your plans for the future? Have you got any new books on the horizon that you can tell us about yet?

I am now working on ‘Letters To Margaret’, involving letters to my wife Margaret telling her what has happened to the world, to me, to my family, and to my tortoise since she scarpered off in 2016. She adroitly missed Boris, Trump, Truss, Covid, and the economy collapsing. Very smart of her. I will tell her about my love life which will amuse and entertain her. My daughters will be appalled but she will be fascinated. She loved gossip…

With the inaugural Isle of Wight Book Awards wrapped up and the winners crowned, we caught up with co-founder and judge, Hunter Davies, to talk about relocating, writing, and promoting creativity.

Before your house-hunting holiday to the Isle of Wight in summer 2020, you’d only been here once before (in 1966) to interview the governor of Parkhurst Prison whilst the Great Train Robbers were inmates. What brought you back?

I was looking for a holiday home in a place neither myself nor my girlfriend at the time knew.

My wife had died seven years earlier, after 55 years of marriage, and for thirty years we had had a home in Lakeland, near where we were both brought up.

I wanted something totally different. I suppose the Island is about the furthest you can get in England from Cumbria. So it was

New love, a new house and a new life on the Isle of Wight inspired your latest book ‘Love in Old Age: My Year in the Wight House’, which was released last September. Can you tell us a bit more about it?

It is a year in the life of those three loves. What happened. How we got on.

As we’re sure you know, the Island has inspired many writers including Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and poet Mimi Khalvati. Do you think there’s something about the place that promotes creativity?

Creativity comes from within. You can write anywhere but to live your life you need stimulation, activity, experience, love, and a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

Last year, you set up the Isle of Wight Book Awards with Peter Harrigan and Medina Books. What was your motivation?

It was to give something back to the Island, as I had so much out of it. I began the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 38 years