Style of Wight Issue 82 May / June 2023

NITON

£695,000

A particularly light and spacious unique new home built to a high standard with excellent energy performance situated within this sought after village.

BEMBRIDGE

£3,000,000

A spectacular and substantial family home on the prestigious and sought after Swains Lane. Extending to 7 bedrooms this luxurious property has stunning gardens extending to a pool complex with gymnasium changing facilities and heated swimming pool. EPC C

GURNARD

£675,000

A modern coastal home built in 2014, providing stunning panoramic sea views with the benefit of a south facing rear garden. EPC C

Guide Price £485,000 Cowes, Isle of Wight

A gorgeous 4 bedroom detached home located in a desirable residential area of Cowes, this home has bags of character and a wealth of interesting features such as a cellar accessed from the rear garden, a summer house/ workshop with power and lighting and a large loft room. With two reception rooms, fabulous kitchen and two bath/ shower rooms and additional downstairs cloakroom, this versatile home is perfect for a family or those with extended family that stay over. Immaculate throughout, viewing is essential. DETACHED

Guide Price £425,000

Brading, Isle of Wight

A fabulous three bedroom detached character property. This quaint cottage is part of the history of Brading and has some great period features. Close to all amenities with the bonus of a secluded garden and off road parking for several vehicles.

Guide price £1,475,000

Gurnard, Isle of Wight

An incredible 3 bedroom apartment with open plan living area spanning over 44ft and bi-fold doors onto the wrap around balcony which is in excess of 750 sq ft. Enjoy breath-taking views across the Solent and relax with the Gurnard sunsets. Immaculate throughout, a dream property that must be viewed.

SPACIOUS CHARACTER COTTAGE

Guide price £725,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight

A beautiful 2-bedroom seafront apartment with amazing sea views. Immaculate throughout and in the perfect position on the Esplanade adjacent to Prince’s Green, a stone’s throw away from The Royal Yacht Squadron, the beach and an easy walk into Cowes.

Guide Price £430,000

Gurnard, Isle of Wight

A great opportunity to buy a bungalow in desirable Gurnard with three bedrooms, separate living area and open plan kitchen/dining room with glass extension overlooking the garden. Set back from the road this home has uninterrupted vista overlooking the countryside and the Solent. Off road parking. Chain free.

STUNNING KITCHEN WITH SEA VIEWS

Gosport Farm AMPFIELD, ROMSEY

■ An attractive Grade II listed, Queen Anne farmhouse with an excellent courtyard of traditional and modern farm buildings.

■ Being offered to the market for the first time since 1931.

SITUATION

■ Available as a whole or in two lots. Lot 1 The farmhouse (19.44 acres), Lot 2 The land (113 acres)

■ Extensive courtyard of traditional and modern farm buildings. Garaging and car port. Gardens and tennis court. Pasture and woodland

The farm buildings and land would appeal to a wide range of farming, lifestyle or investor purchasers.

Adjacent to the farmhouse and forming part of Lot 1 are the collection of farm buildings.

Gosport Farm enjoys a rural environment between Romsey and the cathedral city of Winchester, the latter benefiting from excellent amenities and main line railway station to London Waterloo. The property is also within an easy commute to the M27, M3 motorway links and Southampton Airport.

The buildings are made up of the traditional farmyard, which features attractive, original red brick buildings with a slate roof. This includes the garage and workshop and a range of stables. These buildings also have a first floor. There are further stables adjoining the first building, linked to the large black timber framed barn and further red brick buildings to the east, enclosing the yard. These buildings are an attractive feature and offer a great deal of potential for alternative uses (subject to planning). There is separate access to Pound Lane from the farmyard.

Behind the traditional buildings are a set of four modern, steel framed agricultural buildings which provide excellent storage space. There is separate access to both Pound Lane and to the land behind.

GOSPORT FARMHOUSE

Approached over a gravel drive is the attractive Grade II listed farmhouse which has been in the same family ownership since it was purchased in 1931. Constructed of mellow red brick under a tile roof and arranged over three floors. It offers spacious accommodation, now requiring modernisation. The property sits in predominantly lawned gardens with a variety of mature specimen trees, creating a fine country house feel. There is also an all weather tennis court.

The house and farm buildings are surrounded by around 20 acres of stock fenced pasture which is good quality grazing land.

Whole Guide Price

£3,850,000

EPC: N/A

Council Tax Band: H

EPC: F

Gosport Farm

Gosport Farm Gosport Farm

Proposed

Note from the Editor

The importance of saying “YES”

It could really be this simple: saying yes can open you to new opportunities. It can encourage new ideas, prompt innovative thinking and push your own self-set boundaries in a powerful, life-changing way. Sounds profound, that 3 letters can potentially achieve so much. Of course, when appropriate saying no is fine, but it often is associated with negativity. “Yes” is a powerfully positive way to at least start out with. Saying yes to a friend’s invite for a cup of tea – in fact, saying yes to lots of little things that will bring happiness and pleasure. Keeping you busy and spending out on lots of small expenses rather than pursuing one big hit offers a much steadier ride.

As an editor, choosing to say yes acts as affirmation to others and their ideas. It tells you that I hear what you’ve said, I’m paying attention, and your opinion matters. Giving the green light signals trust, which empowers others – if I’m honest Style of Wight could not exist any other way; you’ll see the breadth, depth, and inspired content is vast and it is certainly vaster than any one person. Often, at our production meetings, we all agree and say yes even though we don’t yet quite know how we will achieve the goal. Once we’re committed, we can start to move forward, and the end result can often be a surprise.

In this edition, we’re exploring the decisions we all make around our Island, our planet, and the sustainability of life on earth. By saying “yes” to changes – some large, some small – we are affirming how we value earth’s natural resources and opening ourselves to the possibility of powerful change.

“I’m a great believer that saying yes is a lot more fun than saying no

- Richard Branson

“Everything in the world once began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born.”

- Clarice Lispector

“There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.”

“The oldest, shortest words ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ – are those which require

Christian Warren

8 Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1EJ 01983 861007

www.styleofwight.co.uk

Issue 82: May and June 2023

REGULARS

16 Style Picks: Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or find your next statement piece, the Isle of Wight has got you covered

18 The Style Scoop: Warmer months are upon us, which also means festival season is in sight

20 Lead interview: The meditating DJ – An Interview with Rob Da Bank

114 Style speaks: To poet and former theatre director – Mimi Khalvati

ART

24 The Art of the Island: Cowes Gallery – displaying paintings by a local artist whose work celebrates the Island in it’s own unique way

26 Tataki Zone: with Lauren Fry – The Japanese art of flower pounding

28 Meet the Illustrator: Thea Welsford – Talented Island-born creative

35 Style Spectrum: Emma Wilkinson – Sheer Pink Photography

FEATURES

32 Dimbola: Experience – The Isle of Wight Festival 2002-2023

FOOD

40 Meet the Hoteliers: Sara Curran and Peter Sussman – Foresters Hall

46 Review: Chewton Glen – An Idyllic, Five-Star, New Forest Escape

51 Plant-Based Plates: From Quesadillas to Kaleido Rolls

61 Making the most of your Veggies: With Will Steward, Living Larder

62 Style Kitchen Masterclass: Nettle and Ricotta Ravioli – Anna Sacchini at Michelangelo

65 Crystal Clear – Unveiling Wight Crystal’s New Range of Glass Bottles

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

67 Work Smarter Not Harder: Dr Luther Moss – Osborne Chiropractic

67 Testosterone Deficiency: Dr Margarita Kitova-John – The Lantern Clinic

69 Biodiverse Skincare: Caroline Hurley – BeCalmed, Cowes

73 An Expert’s Guide to Anti-Ageing: Dr Hayley Elsmore – The Courtyard Aesthetic Clinic

FASHION

75 Conscious Fashion – Exploring the latest looks with Visual Impact

HOME AND GARDEN

77 Wellbeing at Home: With Studio Jute Interior Design

79 Flowers by Ellie: How to make your Wedding Blooms more Eco

80 Embrace Garden Living: With Ventnor Botanic Gardens

83 A Room of One’s Own: With Holly Joliffe Photography & Studio Jute Interior Design

89 Property Profiles: Hand-Picked Luxury Homes on the Isle of Wight

109 The Fungus Among us: With BCM – Rural Property Specialists

BUSINESS

97 Making a Gift to Someone: By Matt Jones – Rouse Limited

107 Meet April and Lauren: Part of the growing team at Glanvilles Damant

110 Spring has Sprung on Biosphere Island: By Hannah Lisseter – Churchers Solicitors

111 Shiny New Thing: By Dale Howarth, Business Mentor and Consultant

Not finding quite what she was looking for on the high street, Chloe Sissons took matters into her own hands and began designing clothes for herself and her children back in 2020. Now Mint & Wight offers a range of super soft garments in an array of tasteful tones, including these children’s beanie hats — with the dusty pink and airforce blue options being our firm favourites at Style H.Q.

Visit mintandwight.co.uk to get yours for £15

Style picks

Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or find your next statement piece, the Isle of Wight has got you covered. Here, we’ve rounded up a sophisticated selection of garments and accessories — with each and every one either made on the Island or designed by Island people. Plus, from organic cotton to reclaimed material and recycled polyester drawstrings, many of them are pretty impressive on the eco front too.

As seen on the runway of Copenhagen Fashion Week, this subtle relaxed-fit hoodie is the work of Charlotte Elliott — a talented menswear designer born and raised on the Isle of Wight. Just one of her many pieces created for London fashion brand RÆBURN, it’s made in Portugal and features organic cotton jersey and a recycled polyester drawcord. Catch Charlotte’s designs while you can, as she’ll soon be moving over to Germany to take up a role as Senior Menswear Designer at Hugo Boss. Available from raeburndesign.co.uk for £225

Nothing says summer like a crisp white t-shirt and we couldn’t resist this eye-catching design from local clothing pioneers Rapanui. Made from organic cotton and printed using renewable energy in their Freshwater factory, it also conveys an important environmental message if you look a little closer — hinting at the current state of runaway global warming and the estimated 30% increase in wildfires predicted by 2050. £20 each. Fancy one for yourself?

Click ‘add to basket’ at rapanuiclothing.com

Over in Ventnor, we’re big fans of the ladies behind Roake Studio who cut and stitch their considered, small-batch womenswear right here on the Island — often using sustainable, organic, or recycled materials.

As the weather warms up, try these floaty casual-fit Amber Shorts, designed for practicality and comfort as well as a touch of seaside stylishness too.

Prices start from £60. To see all the fabric and style combinations, head over to their studio in Ventnor’s Church Street, or look online at roake.studio.

Pared-back, sturdy, and surprisingly roomy — you can never have too many tote bags. And if you’re looking for a new addition, look no further than Island-based brand For the Love of Totes, founded by Katherine Pelosi in 2023. Individually hand-printed in Newport, they’re just the beginning for this local label, with big plans in the pipeline which we can’t wait to see unfold.

Snap up this maxi tote for £16.99 at etsy.com/shop/FortheLoveofTotes

After studying fashion promotion at Ravensbourne University in London (then working and travelling around the world for six years) Poppy Janella returned to her hometown of Ventnor in 2021. Re-inspired by the Island’s natural beauty, she founded her sea-themed label Chalk Blue and created a range of totes, t-shirts, and socks made from natural fibres and dyed via traditional methods.

Items from £5.50 - £15.00, stockists include Nervous Wreck Designs in Cowes or Blue Labelle Boutique in Ventnor. Plus keep an eye out for Poppy’s reclaimed textile beach throws, launching very soon.

Designed and developed from her home studio in Nettlestone, this 100% linen Slacks Jumpsuit is one of the first finely crafted pieces to be released by fashion designer Cee, and her label Cece Studio. Established in 2021, after moving back to Island shores, the brand was set up to offer ‘slow fashion’ pieces with the environment front and centre in the decision-making process. With another small collection on the way soon, you can expect long-life, British-made clothing, and using all-natural materials too (meaning each piece is totally biodegradable, from fabric to thread).

£200. Order yours online at cece.studio

the Style scoop

Something fun to kickstart the summer anyone? The warmer months are upon us, which also means festival season is in sight…

Walk The Wight

14th May, Island-Wide

Walk the Wight is the Island’s largest and most iconic fundraising event, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to help Mountbatten deliver expert care and support to Islanders when they need it most. An epic walk across the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside, Walk the Wight features multiple routes to suit all ages and abilities.

For full information & how to register, visit: mountbatten.org

Balloon Festival

27th-29th May, Robin Hill — Newport Industry specialists Exclusive Ballooning will return to Robin Hill for an exciting weekend of balloon tethering, talks from award-winning pilots, and internationally renowned Night Glow performances for this year’s official Isle of Wight Balloon Festival. Indulge in the sights and sounds of this utterly unique festivalscape with the range of special shaped hot air balloons complete with live music, street performers, and delicious street food.

For full information & tickets visit: robin-hill.com/event

Isle of Wight Festival

15th-18th June, Seaclose — Newport

The award-winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest upand-coming acts. Year on year, 55,000 stylish, free-spirited festival-goers come together in a beautiful location for one of the most distinctive events of the season.

For full information & tickets visit: isleofwightfestival.com

Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair

13th May, Wolverton Manor — Shorwell

This family-friendly festival is a popular fixture on the Isle of Wight events calendar with fantastic bands and artists each year along with locally produced food and children’s activities. The full schedule of Live music with UK-wide artists as well as top Island bands will be announced soon.

For full information & where to purchase advance tickets visit: facebook.com/WolvertonFolkandBlues

Camp Bestival

27th-30th July, Lulworth Castle — Dorset

Camp Bestival combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action-packed camping holiday to create a Festi-Holiday! Taking place over the summer holidays at Lulworth Castle on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, Camp Bestival offers hundreds of things for families to do from circus skills, science explorations, bushcrafts and immersive theatre journeys through to amazing live acts and DJs, family raves, comedy, cocktails, award-winning street food, and flamboyant evening cabaret, all shared with likeminded people. For full information & tickets visit: dorset.campbestival.net

Smoked and Uncut 8th July, Lime Wood — New Forest

This summer, Smoked & Uncut will be celebrating 10 years, and boy oh boy will they be throwing a hooley in July. Make the most of a sunshinesoaked Saturday in the fields surrounding Lime Wood in the New Forest; this is an open air party for everyone! Grab your party pals, dig into some seriously good field food, sip on something chilled, and dance the day away. Classic festi-food is the order of the day across the festival, but, if you fancy tucking into something a little heartier, why not try feasting with Chef Angela Hartnett in the restaurant or booking a table at “The Apprentice” Tent? For full information & tickets visit: smokedanduncut.com

Ventnor Fringe

21st-30th July, Various Locations — Ventnor

The Island’s multi-award winning arts festival, which features gigs, comedy and performances in unusual spaces around Ventnor, is set to return! Over more than a decade the event has grown from a handful of performances to hosting well over 100 different shows each hosting performances in venues especially created for the event, alongside hundreds more who participate in the ‘Free Fringe’ ensuring there truly is something for everyone!

For full information & tickets visit: isleofwightfestival.com

The Meditating DJ: An Interview with Rob Da Bank

By: James Rayner

We didn’t really need much of an excuse to interview DJ, radio show host and festival curator Rob da Bank. However, with his latest Camp Bestival in Dorset set to be the greenest show yet and with Style of Wight’s Issue 82 conveniently coalescing around an environmental theme, it seemed the perfect opportunity to snatch a few minutes from Rob’s busy schedule to chat. From cold-water swimming to biodegradable glitter and the satisfaction of feeding your own pygmy goats, we find out more about Rob’s nature-loving side and how he and wife Josie have made their festivals as low-impact as possible.

When did you first decide to make the Isle of Wight your home? And what is it that you love about the place?

I’ve been coming since I was a kid, so it wasn’t totally new to me, but when I came with my wife Josie to do Bestival we fell in love with it more and more. It also made us increasingly realise that we’d outgrown our house in London with its postage-stamp-sized garden, so we made the move to the Island and have been here for about ten years now. I love everything about it really and I’m sure there must be some ley lines or something running through it. I get the same feeling of peace and calmness that I get at Glastonbury or Ibiza. That might sound a bit hippydippy but there seems to be some sort of connection, even visitors here seem to notice it. Also, an amazing thing for me has been to see the changing demographic in the past five years, as more people in their thirties choose to settle or move back here, it’s definitely brought more diversity and some different characters to the Island too. You first lived in a former beekeeper’s cottage in West Wight, before moving to a quiet coastal home on the edge of Bouldnor Forest. That must feel a million miles away from your DJ sets at festivals across the world. Do you enjoy the contrast?

Yes, it’s a brilliant place to live, with its dark skies and country walks through to Newtown Creek or Cowes. The contrast from the day job is great but saying that, I’m more of a stay-at-home dad these days. Less rock-and-roll guy whizzing around the world on private jets, more someone who mows the lawn and feeds the chickens and six pygmy goats we’ve got living in the garden.

From 2004 to 2016, the Isle of Wight was lucky enough to host Bestival in the wooded parkland of Robin Hill. During that time, you invested a lot back into local musical talent. Are you seeing the results now with the increasing prominence of Isle of Wight bands?

100%. When we started Bestival I was a music journalist and already aware of the Isle of Wight music scene; the

raves at Golden Hill Fort and bands like The Bees from Ventnor were starting to come through. Actually, we got The Bees to headline our first festival, which was just the start, our way of helping to support them. Then we began Rob da Bank’s Music Club, and I became a patron of the Platform One College of Music in Newport. I got the sense from a lot of young Islanders that they weren’t getting heard or given the opportunities to help them grow but I think that’s starting to change now. Obviously, Wet Leg are amazing and to see the members of Coach Party serving at Peach Vegan Kitchen during the day and performing their songs at night is fantastic. It’s great to have some world-class acts here.

You grew up over the Solent, in the Hampshire village of Warsash. Do you think your upbringing influenced the way you see nature and the environment?

I loved the freedom of growing up in the country, I was always going out with mates on our BMXs, cycling out to disused quarries and I spent a lot of time out on the water too as part of the England Sailing Team. It was quite a village-y upbringing; we were surrounded by strawberry fields, and I played in my dad’s brass band — quite different from being a Radio One DJ in later life! I moved away as soon as I could, then realised in later years that it was actually quite nice. Now I have such a strong yearning for the sea if I’m ever far away from it, even just for a day.

Festivals can create a huge amount of waste, from single-use cups to disposable plastic ponchos, but we’ve seen that you’ve been working very hard to make Camp Bestival as green as possible. Tell us more.

When we started out in the beautiful countryside at Robin Hill we felt really strongly that we shouldn’t be leaving a trace, so we’ve been working on our environmental impact since day one. We’ve been really hot on reducing waste and last year’s festival in Dorset sent nothing to landfill at all. 62% of waste was recycled or composted, whilst the rest was used to create energy. We were also a pioneer in

banning single-use plastics at our events, our generators now run on biofuel, and our glitter is completely biodegradable. Something else I’m really proud of is that any surplus food from our traders is donated to charities like the Trussell Trust to give to those who really need it — and at the 2022 Camp Bestival that saved 1.3 tonnes of food from being wasted. Every year we try to step it up a notch further, not as a box-ticking exercise but because it feels like the right thing to do. I can definitely see a green future for festivals in this country.

This summer, Camp Bestival Dorset has an ‘Animal Snap’ theme and has partnered up with the World Wildlife Fund as its chosen charity. How did that come about and what will it involve?

We chose an ‘Animal Snap’ theme this year, so you can come dressed as a wild animal and find your pairing when you arrive. All the zebras or rhinos can get together and do some yoga or enjoy some music for example. Once the theme was chosen, I have some friends who work with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), so a partnership with them just made sense. We’ll be helping to raise awareness of their work and supporting them with donations too. On top of that, we support fifty local charities per festival, including the Isle of Wight-based Ellen McArthur Foundation which works to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

We’ve noticed a bit of a running theme around meditation and ice baths in your festivals — are these personal passions too?

My favourite things in the world are saunas, meditating, and jumping into ice. I’ve been doing meditation on and off for thirty years and started cold water swimming just before lockdown. Since doing my daily cold showers or cold-water swims, my patience levels and mental wellbeing have improved a lot. It’s not a posh, elitist thing to do at all; anyone can have a cold shower, no need to find an unspoilt lake or anything like that. Start by trying ten to fifteen seconds of cold water at the end of a warm shower, soon you’ll

be up to a minute or two and within a few weeks and you’ll notice the rush of endorphins. I also do retreats from home with ice baths and it’s so interesting to see people arrive tense and petrified, but by 4pm, after six hours of breath coaching, they take the plunge and come out of the ice bath with the biggest smiles on their faces. You can’t beat it.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Camp Bestival Dorset? Are there any acts you can’t wait to see or any interesting outfits you’ll be wearing for your set on the HMS Camp Bestival stage?

We’ve got a few surprises up our sleeve for the 15th birthday party which will be really exciting. I’m also DJing backto-back with Gok Wan which could be quite interesting because he’s quite high energy and I’m not. The circus finale will certainly be something to see and of course the bands, too. I always like to watch the families enjoying themselves as well, some coming for the first time, some as seasoned professionals. Sometimes the parents tell me I’ve ruined the summer because it’s in July and for the rest of the school holidays nothing will be able to beat the experience of Camp Bestival.

Finally, have you got any exciting projects or plans for the future that you might be able to divulge?

Well, obviously we’ve got Camp Bestival Shropshire in August and we’re soon to launch a new sauna experience on wheels, here on the Isle of Wight. It’ll be called the Slow Motion Sauna, made from stunning Lithuanian wood. It fits up to eight people and will be moving around the Island, setting up in different locations. Of course, we’ve still got the record label too, our retreats, and Josie is teaching lots of yoga. It might sound a bit square maybe but wellness is our biggest passion now and we absolutely love it!

Coming Soon: Camp Bestival Dorset 2023

27th - 30th July

Set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle, on the magnificent Jurassic Coast, Rob’s latest family-friendly festival — Camp Bestival Dorset — returns this July to celebrate 15 years of the Bestival brand with a spectacular birthday weekender. Headline acts including Ella Henderson, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Grace Jones, and The Kooks will be hitting the stage, whilst award-winning street food traders set up their stalls and all manner of immersive activities kick off, from ice baths and roller disco, to drag storytime and African drumming.

This year, the castle’s grounds will be transformed into a magical menagerie for the whole family to let their inner animals shine with an all-new ‘Animal Snap’ theme. To tie in with this, Camp Bestival has partnered up with the

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as their chosen charity, to raise awareness of the rapid decline in global wildlife and support their valuable work with donations.

The nautical-themed HMS Camp Bestival stage will also be docking at Lulworth this year, hosting back-to-back DJ sets with Gok Wan and Rob da Bank himself. As if that wasn’t enough, there will be circus spectacles, immersive theatre journeys and a firework finale — as well as a dedicated wellness area too. Taking place in the summer holidays, mixing camping and an unbeatable festival line-up to create a unique ‘festi–holiday’, it’s no wonder Camp Bestival has been voted the UK’s Best Family Friendly Festival.

campbestival.net

The Art of the Island

By Rebecca Lawson

The Isle of Wight is a muse for many artists, and sweeping interpretations of its coastlines adorn the walls of homes and galleries Island-wide. Cowes Gallery, however, is displaying paintings by a local artist whose work celebrates the Island in its own unique way.

Interested in seeing more of Polly’s work? Cowes Gallery is the place to visit. Here, you will find Polly’s whimsical watercolours on display, clearly showcasing her love of the Island and the inspiration she gets from the coast. Pieces such as Sea Dragon, Beach Trail, and Into the Blue also show a side of the Island completely unlike the seascapes and sailing scenes more often found in Island artwork.

Polly’s Island pieces are perfectly showcased along the

snow-white walls of Cowes Gallery, but they are far from the only Island treasures you’ll find there. They sit proudly alongside depictions of the Needles by artists such as Ben Goymer and Simon Wright. Expressionist Hettie Pittman’s rugged, windswept coastlines are also featured in all their stark beauty, as are the colourful pointed sails of guest artist Maria Cortes.

Cowes Gallery is not only about paintings, however. The

display branches into other styles by also featuring stunning ceramics and glasswork. Glass artist Colin Hawkins has also clearly been inspired by the nature of the Island — the blue and gold pigments and sweeping lines of his elegant vases perfectly capture the wild beauty of the coast on a temperamental spring day.

What sets this beautiful gallery apart from others in Cowes is the diversity of the display. It not only champions local artists and others who depict the Island, but a plethora of global inspiration can be found as well. Contemporary Aboriginal Australian artists are displayed next to cityscapes of London and Phil Atrill’s Japaneseinfluenced Wabi glass vases — walking through Cowes Gallery is nothing less than a journey around the world, with the Isle of Wight at its centre.

Profile of an Artist: Polly Zanardi

Part of being an artist is finding your own original style, and Polly Zanardi, an Island-based artist, has found several. After completing her degree in Surface Decoration at De Montfort University in Leicester, Polly gained experience working in the textile industry. Evidence of this is clear in her soft, fluid watercolours which are inspired by the Island’s natural offerings. Pebbles, feathers, seaweed, and driftwood all feature in a seamless pastel flow, presenting our flora and fauna in a unique palette.

Like many artists before her, Polly finds the Island “infinitely inspiring”. She says, “My abstract work is almost exclusively inspired by the shifting colours of the water or the colours, textures, and shapes of things I collect on beach walks. I paint intuitively, so I never plan or draw anything out. When something catches my eye like a stone or shell or even a wave pattern, that might be my starting point and the rest of the painting kind of emerges from there.”

Cowes Gallery

75 High St, Cowes, PO31 7AJ Tel: 07775 875790

www.aalondongallery.com

In contrast to her abstract watercolours, which she describes as her “passion project”, much of Polly’s work is in commissioned pen and ink portraits and sketches bursting with humour and chaos; “I have two strands to my artwork. The drawings of people have been my bread and butter for a number of years, and my watercolours are an antidote to the tightness of drawing people and the challenge of finding the perfect likeness to a face.”

Tataki Zome

The Japanese art of flower pounding

With Lauren Fry, Arts Educator

Tataki Zome is the Japanese art of transferring botanical dyes from flowers and leaves onto fabric by simply hammering them onto the surface. This fantastic flora craft combines beautiful blooms, stress relief, and unexpected results — a perfect combo for a sunny afternoon of creativity.

Regular readers and their mini makers will know that I am a big fan of process art — letting young minds explore and experiment with art materials and techniques without a predetermined outcome, an artistic adventure to an unknown destination. The process of flower hammering is free from rules and strict guidelines; it encourages trial and error.

I started my botanical experiment with a bunch of spring blooms that had been brightening my home. However, you could venture out into nature and pick some wild flowers of your own; just remember to only pick flowers that are growing wild and not to uproot the whole plant.

If all that flora and colour wasn’t enough to get you picking posies, this Japanese art form includes the pleasure of pounding the flowers and leaves with a hammer. What better way to release some stress and let go of some tension than with this botanical beauty of a make?

Materials:

Flowers and leaves

White cotton/linen fabric or Watercolour paper

Hammer

Kitchen roll/tracing paper (optional)

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

For my foray into Tataki Zome, I used a bunch of spring flowers and white cotton napkins to explore two different styles and outcomes:

Pattern and Composition: thoughtfully arrange leaves and single petals across the surface of the napkin, cover them carefully with a sheet of kitchen roll, and then lightly hammer the whole surface. You can take the occasional peek to judge how hard you need to hammer to get your desired result. Peel away the botanical material and leave to dry.

The Maximalist Approach: haphazardly pile whole blooms and leaves in an abstract way before laying tracing paper over the top and hammering. The tracing paper allows you to watch the magic happen.

Tataki Zome Top Tips

• Single petals will give a more defined shape and darker colour; whole blooms release more liquid and allow colours to blur and blend.

• The coloured dyes released from the petals and leaves may not be as you expect, this is part of the magic of Tataki Zome, embracing the unknown.

• If you do not have any fabric available, try using a heavy watercolour paper that will absorb the floral dyes.

• If you are printing onto a napkin, t-shirt, or scrap of fabric why not fold the fabric over the botanicals to double your print?

Your patterns and prints will fade over time and are not waterproof however ironing them once dry will help prolong their vibrancy.

Meet the Illustrator

Thea Welsford

Words by James Rayner

“

For many a year, we’ve seen the distinctive and playful designs of local illustrator and designer Thea Welsford springing up all over the place — from the stylish Ventnor Fringe programme to printed materials for London’s biggest independent beer maker: Forest Road Brewery. Working under the ‘pencil name’ of Ada May, whatever the topic, her sketchy style never fails to impress, with its vibrant colours and magical ability to make you feel more cheerful. Now a resident of the artistic and multicultural neighbourhood of St

…creating work around important issues like climate change, equality and human rights comes from wanting to make a difference and wanting to feel and create more hope.”

Pauls in Bristol, we thought it was high time to get better acquainted with this talented Island-born creative.

“I grew up in Ventnor, the eldest of four siblings, actually in a house just opposite the Style of Wight office, with a breath-taking sea view from the windows! My dad’s mum was Swiss, the daughter of Swiss hoteliers. She met my grandfather in London before moving to the Island in the 60s when my dad was very young, and they ran The Hollies Tea Room in

Godshill. Growing up, we always had a lot of beautiful Swiss homeware and knick-knacks like fondue pots and embroidered linens, which inspired one of my more personal illustrations.”

Leafing through Thea’s work, we soon find her Swiss-themed design, featuring Alpine cows, Swiss army knives, and the national flower of Switzerland: the edelweiss. Laid out in a satisfying repeat pattern, it’s no surprise this design ended up on a cushion. Asked about her motivation,

Thea explains: “I created it for my parents, who both love the country, and I wanted to create a pattern that was typical of the kind of thing you’d see on their traditional linen, but with my own twist too.”

“I’ve always had a love for drawing and craft ever since I was very little, but I didn’t really think about it as a career path until later on in school. My high school art teacher Karen Sunderland was a big influence, taking us on trips to London galleries. I also

had an early love for fashion, getting Vogue magazine and looking at the couture pieces as art. It inspired me to begin writing and illustrating the style pages for our school magazine, also sparking my interest in magazines and publishing.”

Following on from school, Thea’s journey to becoming an illustrator took a few twists and turns along the way. With a view to doing something fashion-focused, she enrolled for a foundation year at the University of

the Creative Arts in Surrey, but soon realised that illustration and design were a bigger passion. That same year, she would also co-found the firstever Ventnor Fringe festival (planning the event over pints at the Crab and Lobster Tap alongside Mhairi Macaulay and Jack Whitewood), giving her the opportunity to sharpen her pencils and design both the posters and the

festival programme. “I applied to a few unis to do illustration but actually didn’t get into any of the ones I wanted, so I ended up applying to do a BA in Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Arts through clearing, getting offered a place based on the designs I’d made for Ventnor Fringe.”

“Camberwell was great, the course

was very creative and not what you’d typically think of for a graphic design degree. It was rooted in fine art and creative thinking rather than overly commercial design. Living in South London was really exciting, and I loved being around all the different cultures and trying all sorts of foods.” After donning her mortar board and graduating from the course, Thea

returned to the Isle of Wight in 2015, soon finding her first professional position as a commercial designer at creative agency Solent in Newport.

“I worked with Tim, Dave, and the team for five years, over time progressing to become Senior Designer. I learned so much there and being able to design both Wightlife Magazine and the Taste of the Wight food and drink guide definitely reignited my passion for publishing. Taste of the Wight was a particular favourite as I got to introduce my illustrations to the brand and even created my own handwritten typeface — ‘Tasty’. During the pandemic though, I decided to take the leap to freelance because I wanted to focus more on my illustration work.”

For Thea, starting a new illustration often starts with a quick sketch on pen and paper, which she digitises later, usually on an iPad using the Procreate app. Values are important to her, particularly the environment (see her illustration for “Don’t Drill the Wight”) as well as equality and feminism, and being a freelancer she can now ensure that every project and every client aligns with her own moral compass. “I also have ADHD which can be a blessing and a curse - as a result, I think I look at the world differently. For me, creating work around important issues like climate change, equality and human rights comes from wanting to make a difference and wanting to feel and create more hope”.

Now, designing and illustrating for a range of businesses (including a brewery and a circus company), Thea calls Bristol home, where you can often find her sipping speciality coffee at Full Court Press, or helping her partner Isaac with his new street food business. “The Island will always be home but I missed the multiculturalism and cosmopolitan aspects of city life. I didn’t fancy returning to London, and Bristol offered a little of both worlds.”

@ada__may | adamay.co.uk

Experience - The Isle of Wight Festival 2002-2023

27th May – 17th September 2023

Dimbola’s summer show is a celebration of 21 years of the Isle of Wight Festival, since it was relaunched by John Giddings in 2002.

This will be the first retrospective exhibition of the Isle of Wight Festival, which has featured great artists such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Paul McCartney, Blondie, and many more.

Sponsored by Solo, Barclaycard, The Daisy Rich Trust, The Price is Wight, Wightlink, Briddlesford Farm, The Isle of Wight County Press, Signpost Express, Isle of Wight Distillery, Goddards Brewery, and Wight Karting, ‘Experience – the Isle of Wight Festival 2002 to 2023’ will feature photographs and footage from all years – you might even spot yourselves!

John Giddings is clearing out his IW Festival cupboard and loaning photographs, artifacts, and footage. Dimbola Chairman Brian Hinton’s extensive archive of the Festival will also feature.

“If you had told me in 2002 that we would still be doing it in 21 years, I would have laughed,” said John Giddings.

“We managed to lose a million pounds in the first two years but broke even with The Who and David [Bowie] in 2004. Thankfully it has gone from strength to strength, year after year, and is now one of the top five UK festivals. I would never have done it if I hadn’t been there in 1970 — it was the Woodstock of Europe, bringing the island to a standstill with 600,000 people watching Jimi Hendrix, and then getting banned for 32 years…

“Looking back on it, I think I had blind faith; people were talking behind my back asking, “how can you have a festival on an island you can only get to by boat.” I believed that was one of the attractions — it is like going on holiday (and has the most sunshine in the UK…)

“Thanks to everyone who has helped create it over the years, and thanks

to the people on the Isle of Wight for welcoming us…

“I can sincerely say it is the best thing I have done in my career — long may it continue.

“This exhibition is to celebrate what we have achieved, and to get some money for Dimbola – a cause close to my heart – enjoy!!”

Dr Brian Hinton MBE said: “Dimbola, which commemorates the 1970 Festival, held within sight and sound of the house, is so pleased and proud to celebrate 21 years, and counting, of the revival of that earth-shattering event. Solo allows us to host a marquee every year on-site showing the work of Julia Margaret Cameron, images from the Afton 1970 festival and the new Festival, which continue the spirit and good-natured character of the original event.”

‘Experience – the Isle of Wight Festival 2002 to 2023’ will run from May 27th to September 17th 2023 at Dimbola.

”If you had told me in 2002 that we would still be doing it in 21 years, I would have laughed…”

John Giddings

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Film:

Developer:

Style spectrum Emma Wilkinson – Sheer Pink Photography

Whilst studying for a music degree in the Cornish town of Falmouth, Islander Emma Wilkinson started using disposable and point-and-shoot cameras to complement her songwriting project ‘Sheer Pink’ — and has never looked back. “I love the accessibility of film. I’m not techsavvy at all and the cameras I began learning with were simple to use and inexpensive but led to exciting and unpredictable results”.

Later Emma discovered her dad’s vintage Cosina CT-1 35mm camera in the loft of her family home and has since started using a range of other

manual cameras from the 1980s and 1990s, including the Olympus OM20, Nikon F5, and Mamiya RZ67. Once local punk band Grade2 found out that Emma was using film, they asked for her to take their promotional photos in Ryde for an upcoming album release, with iconic landmarks such as the Royal York Hotel as the backdrop.

The shoot sparked an interest in portraiture, leading to new projects for Emma with local band Reminders and (more recently) the cast of the Apollo Theatre’s production of Oliver — recreating a Dickensian feel using black and white film which was

developed with Roger Lowe (@shootfilmlikeaboss) at his darkroom in Adgestone.

From Monday to Friday (when not behind the lens) Emma can be found at her speciality coffee shop (also called Sheer Pink) located at 24b Holyrood Street, Newport, where you can sample her earthy matcha lattes or plump for a freshly frothed americano, made with full-bodied coffee beans from Winchester-based brand The Roasting Party.

@sheer_pink_photography

Emma Wilkinson - photo by Roger Lowe Camera: Nikon F6

Orwo UN54 pushed to 800iso

LAB (Zone Imaging) 510 Pyro

Stop and fix: Ilford/Fotospeed

Above:

Ryde-based punk group Grade2

Camera: Olympus OM-20

Film: 35mm Portra 400

Right:

Overlooking the rooftops of Ryde on a photoshoot with Grade2

Camera: Olympus OM-20

Film: 35mm Portra 400

Above:

Leo, Theo and Harry from Reminders

Camera: Olympus OM-20

Film: 35mm Portra 400

Left:

Plastic Mermaids Recording New Music at Canopy Skatepark in Ventnor

Camera: Nikon F5

Film: Kodak 200

Above: Paris

Camera: Olympus OM-20

Right: Sheer Pink, Newport, Isle of Wight. Emma’s speciality coffee shop.

Camera: Mamiya RZ67

Film: 120mm Portra 400

Meet the Hoteliers

Sara Curran and Peter Sussman – Foresters Hall

By James Rayner Photos by Julian Winslow & Kira Turnball

Today, we’re amongst the colourful cottages and shiny brass door knockers of Cowes, weaving our way through the winding streets of the oldest part of town. Our destination is Foresters Hall, an impressive pair of white-washed buildings, perched at the top of Sun Hill.

Heading through the front door, down the corridor and out into the brick-paved courtyard we find owners, Dublin-born Sara Curran and Toronto native Peter Sussman, soaking up the sun and sipping a mid-morning tea.

Formerly known as North House, the couple took over the historic premises in April 2022, later renaming it Foresters Hall in a nod to its past use as a meeting hall for the Ancient Order of Foresters (one the UK’s oldest friendly societies). Now, following the rebrand, an interior spruce up and the opening of an exciting in-house Mediterranean inspired restaurant (in partnership with The Smoking Lobster Group), it’s fast becoming a must-visit Isle of Wight destination. Pretty impressive, considering neither have a hospitality background, instead building successful careers in TV, film, and talent management.

Sitting down alongside them, as an extra Earl Grey is kindly brought forward, we ask Sara about how

she and Peter first crossed paths. “Actually, we met in Melbourne. Peter was over there for the annual gathering of the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) and I was in town visiting my sister. Peter’s company had already financed a few films in the UK that I’d worked on, so we’d already been on a few group emails and conference calls together but never had the chance to meet in person. I reached out to the head of Peter’s office in London and we managed to pin down a 30-minute slot we were both free. Now we’ve been together for ten years.”

Originally the pair were crisscrossing the world, moving from one film project to the next, spending up to 200 nights a year in hotel rooms as they travelled

between Toronto, L.A., London, and Dublin. However, in 2020, as the pandemic began to emerge, plans changed and the couple eventually chose to make Sara’s home — the Isle of Wight — their permanent base. “I moved here fifteen years ago,” Sara tells us. “Originally, I was looking at Hampshire but the estate agent there asked if I’d ever thought about the Isle of Wight. It reminded me of some good memories I’d had on the Island over the years, including a weekend sailing course at Cowes and a chance to drive a reproduction Austin Healy Sprite car around the Island’s undulating country roads back in 1995. I’d just fallen in love with the place and was so happy to be able to move into our new home in Fishbourne.”

Described as a country house by the sea - the sophisticated interior of Foresters Hall

Just as the first lockdown was announced, Sara and Peter relocated to a pink-painted four-storey Georgian townhouse on The Parade at Cowes. It was from here (through the open window) that they met the locals, walking up and down the seafront, taking their daily dose of permitted exercise. As things began to open up, they got to know the town’s businesses too — including North House which soon became a frequent haunt, with Peter’s son even doing his hotel quarantine in Room Number 6.

“In October 2021 we suddenly found out that North House had closed,” Sara explains, “and all the staff let go. Whilst a mystery to begin with, we later bumped into a former staff member who told us it was going on the market with interest already to convert it into residential use. We thought it would be such a shame for the local community to lose this fantastic place, so with just a bit

of bravery, we made a deal with the owners to take it over, finally getting the keys on April Fool’s Day 2022.”

Within twenty-eight days, Sara and Peter had ticked off all the most urgent things from their hotel to-do list, assembled a team, and opened the doors to the freshly rebranded Foresters Hall. Today, it’s a restful and stylish destination, with newly painted rooms, recently reupholstered armchairs (all twenty-four of them), and a tasteful collection of artworks hanging from the walls — including a piece from the recently opened Cowes Gallery.

In the background, we can hear the gentle clink of cutlery emanating from The Sun Room, which prompts us to ask about Foresters Hall’s latest development. Since the 7th of April, the hotel’s kitchens have been taken over by local pan-Asian restauranteurs Smoking Lobster.

However, this time they’re drawing on the Italian side of the family’s ancestry to offer a Mediterranean inspired menu to guests and Islanders alike. Known as The Brasserie, the menu features seasonal products and freshly made pasta, including fish (five days a week) caught on head chef GC Giancovich’s very own commercial fishing boat.

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an impressively long and well-curated wine list, thanks to Sara — “the best amateur sommelier I’ve ever met” — Peter tells us. Through an exclusive arrangement with Cowes-based specialists Wine Therapy, Foresters Hall can offer a unique selection of wines from across the globe, twenty-four of which are available by the glass — thanks to the hotel’s new state-of-the-art Bermar Wine Preservation System. “We don’t want guests to stick to the safe option of their usual Chardonnay because they’re nervous about

Pork Belly and Cured Belly Bon Bon from The Brasserie

Freshly plumped pillows, all part of the service

opening a whole new bottle of wine. Instead, by the glass, we can help them find their new favourite wines or wine-growing regions, and try something new like our wonderful Hungarian Tokaji Dry

Furmint.” With that thought, and lunch service imminent, we take our leave of Sara and Peter, feeling pretty sure we’ll be heading back through their door again sometime very soon.

Tables laid for dinner service

Drinks on the lawn - it would be rude not to

Slippers at the ready, it’s time to bathe

A newly revamped room, complete with fresh upholstery

Palourde Clams with Pinot Grigio and Garlic Butter

A Style of Wight review

Welcome to Chewton Glen

An idyllic, Five-Star, New Forest escape

Are you ready to feel wholly indulged? Then let us introduce to you Chewton Glen, our personal recommendation for a five-star weekend escape on the edge of the enchanting New Forest.

This 18th Century, 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa is a luxurious country house hotel just a very short distance from our Isle of Wight doorstep! Hop on the car ferry From Yarmouth to Lymington and after a

fifteen-minute drive, you’ll be entering the gates of the Chewton Glen estate.

As staff swiftly greeted us on arrival to carry luggage, ensure a smooth check-in and give a hotel tour… we knew we were going to be very well looked after. With our bags heading up to the room we took the opportunity to lose ourselves in the surroundings of the Hotel and beyond. A twenty-minute stroll through the hotel’s gardens,

nine-hole golf course, pretty stream, and ancient woodland, takes you to Highcliffe beach, where you can take in the glorious views of the Island with the Needles rising from the sea.

Back at the main house, we made our way to the Masterman Suite – one of three individually designed, beautifully appointed master suites. It offered an artful combination of antique and contemporary furniture and our very

own sun deck (imagine enjoying an aperitif as dusk falls over the panoramic views of the impressive estate grounds).

With an afternoon at our leisure, we adorned our fluffy, soft white robes and headed for the award-winning world-class spa for the ultimate in relaxation and unwinding. The Chewton Glen Health Spa features a 17m indoor swimming pool, a large hydrotherapy spa pool, outdoor whirlpool, aromatherapy sauna, and crystal steam room. When you’re ready for refreshments, there’s even a spa café to enjoy that glass of champagne as well as a selection of healthy buffet options where you can eat in your robe and slippers.

Feeling truly relaxed and rejuvenated, we opted for dinner reservations at The Kitchen, being chauffeur-driven in the Chewton Glen white buggies through the grounds straight to the Kitchen’s front doors (and collected again afterward).

The Kitchen is a relaxed, open-plan, informal dining experience offering you the ability to watch the masters at work. Headed-up by James Martin and his brigade of talented chefs, you’ll find a carefully curated seasonal menu featuring seafood and fish dishes, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, superfood salads and — to finish — desserts selected by the man himself. Set within the hotel grounds, surrounded by

raised beds and a greenhouse where herbs and vegetables are grown all year round, the Kitchen also features a glass wall separating diners from the cookery school – which guests can also book into.

Following on from a dreamy night’s sleep in our master suite and a delicious, cooked breakfast, we were looking forward to our final reservations before checking out; an estate lunch in the dining room curated by Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews. The estate lunch menu offers finely crafted, deliciously wholesome dishes with a simple focus on fresh,

locally sourced produce (lots of which is straight from the hotel’s Kitchen Garden). A particular highlight for us was the Iced Chewton Glen Honeycomb Parfait — we were delighted to hear the honey came straight from the hotel’s own bee colony which was introduced in 2007. There are more than 50 working beehives (of very well-behaved bees), overseen by Estate Manager Darren Venables. The bonus is they pollinate the beautiful wildflowers and blossom surrounding the house – the honey they produce is exceptional; used in the hotel and sold in the boutique.

Chewton Glen

We’ve enjoyed one of the best country-house hotels in the world – how could we not share the experience with you, our readers?

To book a stay at Chewton Glen for yourselves visit chewtonglen.com, call 01425 282212, or email reservations@chewtonglen.com.

We are a family-run store in Shanklin, specialising in Eastern European produce. Through our newly-opened bakery, we supply our store with traditional Polish sourdough breads, Polish doughnuts, cakes and more.

From

Quesadillas to Kaleido Rolls: A Journey Through The Island’s Plant-Based Plates

Veganism is here — and it’s here to stay. Whilst the v-word might seem daunting to some, it shouldn’t be, we can all dip in and out of the world of plant-based cooking as much or as little as we like — and it’ll still make a difference to the planet. According to recently published research, if the entire adult population of the UK swapped to vegan meals just twice a week, it would save 291 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. Plus, with such appetising plant-based plates on offer from independent Isle of Wight establishments, you’d really be missing out if you didn’t try them. So, unfurl that napkin and order some water for that table while you’re at it, as we take you on a tour of some of our favourite local vegan dishes.

Living La Vida Vegana

Taking a seat on the bouncy banquettes of Gastronomy in Cowes, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a plant-based listing from their ever-changing international inspired menu. We spy a Hawaiian burger made from rum-roasted pineapple topped with smoked vegan cheese, as well as a tempting tofu and tenderstem miso ramen. However, on the recommendation of manager Christianne, we go for a new Latin American creation that is the handiwork of chef (and restaurant director) Charlie — the wild mushroom and vegan ‘Nduja quesadilla with jalapeño crema. Taking inspiration from the classic Mexican cheese and meat stuffed tortilla dish known as quesadilla, Gastronomy has stripped back the meat and dairy, replacing them with tasty vegan alternatives and creating something truly delicioso.

gastronomycowes.co.uk

Roll up, roll up

Over at that appetising emporium that is the Yarmouth Food Lovers Market and Deli, chef Kevin has been impressing the local community with his inventive vegan lunch options. Driven by a passion for making creative dishes and finding varied and unusual ingredient combinations, he recently unveiled his Vietnamese-inspired kaleido rolls, involving fresh and flavoursome fillings, wrapped up in delicate Asian rice paper. Our personal soft spot, the aubergine tamari kaleido roll, combines aubergine purée with thick home-made tamarind paste and fresh, crisp local salad leaves, as well as carrot, rice noodles, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. For those looking for something a bit different, there’s also a roasted sweet potato and vegan cheese version, with local savoy cabbage, green and red leaves, all seasoned with a pinch of fresh rosemary before being rolled up into another enticing kaleido.

yarmouthfoodlovers.co.uk

A South Asian Speciality

Whilst walking through the lush green interior of Ventnor Botanic Gardens, the aroma of fresh curry leaves would inspire a brand-new plant-based dish. Soon, the head chef of the garden’s on-site restaurant edulis was gathering his ingredients and sharpening up his knives to create a vegan South Asian speciality that has since been a hit with both restaurant diners and customers of their artisan frozen meal service edulis@HOME. A Sri Lankan-inspired curry, it combines creamy coconut milk with a spice mix of turmeric, cinnamon, mustard seeds, and cumin, along with locally sourced sweet potato and as many garden-grown ingredients as possible. Depending on the season, this could include fresh chillis, butternut squash, or red onions, all lovingly grown in Ventnor’s warm microclimate. To try it yourself, either pick one up on your next visit to the garden or order by phone on 01983 855397. botanic.co.uk

Plant-based Primavera

Walking down Yarmouth’s Quay Street, it’s hard not to be drawn into the snug interior of Salty’s Bar and Restaurant, to see what head chef (and AA Rosette winner) Tom Axford is up to. Requesting something vegan and taking a seat near the balcony, he certainly didn’t disappoint, as a fresh and vibrant risotto primavera was soon brought to the table. Rich and impressive, this Mediterranean-themed plant-based plate featured perfectly simmered risotto with tender, locally grown West Wight asparagus, mixed with mint, fresh peas, and a squeeze of zesty lemon. Seasonal, healthy, and totally vegan, it’s worth the trip to Yarmouth just for this. saltysrestaurant.co.uk

Ingredients:

MERMAID SPICED RUM

Mermaid Spiced Rum is crafted from a carefully selected blend of sugar cane and molasses rum from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, distilled in column stills and aged between two and five years in oak bourbon whiskey barrels, before being infused on the Isle of Wight with local fruits and spices.

20ml Mermaid Spiced Rum

140ml Pineapple Juice

25ml Coconut Syrup

25ml Coconut Milk

35ml Lime Juice

10ml Vanilla Extract

2ml Cocoa Bitters

Garnish:

Pineapple leaves

Method:

To clarify: Add all ingredients apart from the rum into a vessel and stir well. Place a coffee filter over a second vessel and pour the ingredients into it. Repeat until the desired transparency is achieved.

To build the cocktail, combine Mermaid Spiced Rum with 75ml of the clarified mixture and stir well. Pour into an iced highball and garnish.

New Horizons for Wild Island

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Newchurch, with simmering pans gently clinking and the appetising aroma of spiced fig in the air, you’ll find the unassuming production kitchen of Wild Island. Behind these doors, chief blender and infuser, Natasha Wilson, is hard at work, creating small batches of the brand’s signature oils, dressings and vinegars. From blackberry-infused balsamic to cherryflavoured vinegar and rich, fiery chilli oil, Wild Island’s creations have won fans both near and far with their locally made creations, each one produced, bottled, labelled and despatched from their Isle of Wight H.Q. It all began for Wild Island over ten years ago, when Gurnard-based foodie Nuala Grandcourt started making salad dressing from her cottage kitchen. As her range increased, venturing into oils and vinegars, the orders started coming in from farm shops and retailers all over the South Coast and Natasha was soon brought on board to be her culinary apprentice. Fast forward to 2022 and Nuala teamed up with The Garlic Farm to start an exciting new chapter for the Wild Island brand, with Natasha taking over in the kitchen.

Today, the Wild Island range includes ten tempting options, including a fair few that have won Great Taste Awards too. The Spiced Fig Balsamic is a firm favourite, offering a luxuriously rich and dark flavour with a warm spicy note in the background — it’s perfect for drizzling on salads or serving alongside cheese. Another option is the Chilli Oil with Lemongrass and Ginger, made using local rapeseed oil from Oil of Wight, grown and pressed just a stone’s throw from Wild Island’s front door. Combining fresh flavours and a bit of heat, this vegan-friendly oil matches perfectly with crab cakes or Asian-inspired stir-fries. For those new to the brand and unsure which flavour to first plump for, there’s also a gift pack of mini bottles, featuring their four Great Taste award winners — Spiced Fig Balsamic, Cherry Vinegar, Blackberry Balsamic and Raspberry Vinegar — each in a handy 60ml taster size.

Over the years, Wild Island has built up a strong and supportive network of Isle of Wight retailers, from farm shops to delis and boutiques to gift shops. You can now find their shining bottles of artisan oil, delicious dressing, and finely crafted vinegar on the shelves of Quarr Abbey, Harvey Brown’s, and Osborne House to name just a few. Plus, thanks to their new partnership with The Garlic Farm, Wild Island is increasingly making its way into independent food retailers up and down the country. With Natasha at the helm, and this exciting new chapter only just beginning, we’re expecting big things for Wild Island in the not-too-distant future.

wildislandstore.co.uk

We All Scream... For the IOW Ice Cream Co.

By Rebecca Lawson

2023 marks the ‘coolest’ anniversary on the Isle of Wight — 10 years of production of delicious creamy goodness made lovingly by the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Co. in over 35 flavours.

Nothing says summer on the Isle of Wight beaches quite like a smooth, velvety ice cream, and the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Co. has been serving up delicious coned creations since 2013. This year, ice cream parlours island-wide will be decorated with birthday bunting and serving up a brand new flavour created specifically to celebrate this 10th birthday — Lemon & Raspberry.

The past 10 years have seen the company firmly establish itself as leaders in the Island’s local produce industry. Created by authentic Caulkheads and dairy aficionados Louise Hart and Jenny Simmons, the company represents everything local produce should — high-quality products made lovingly by the hands of local residents.

Louise and Jenny are both passionate about three things: ice cream, the Isle of Wight, and the Island’s dairy industry. Originally established as a project funded by a Rural Development Grant, the company has been working for 10 years to support the Island dairy industry — as well as making extraordinarily good ice cream.

“The objective of the grant was to add value to Isle of Wight Milk and support production and dairy farming on the Island. In the 1970s, there were over 350 dairy farms on the Island, so it’s a shocking statistic that now there’s fewer than 10,” says Louise. “Isle of Wight Ice Cream Co. has only ever used IOW milk, so we are proud to say that we’ve been supporting IOW cows, IOW agriculture, and employing IOW people for over 10 years now.”

The company has obviously gone from strength to strength and back in 2017 they acquired another iconic Isle of Wight brand — Minghella — which has been manufacturing ice cream on the island for over 70 years. “This was an interesting purchase for us because Minghella is known for Italian artisan ice cream, which is a completely different recipe and texture to our original IOW Ice Cream flavours. They have such a rich Italian heritage that we felt it hugely important not to adjust the recipes constructed by Eddie Minghella. Instead, we continue to develop the Minghella suite of double cream-based flavours to restore their famous brand in our state-of-the-art semi-industrial ice cream factory in Newport,” says Louise.

How does this Italian gelato-style differ from the IOW Ice Cream Co’s recipe? Louise explains; “Isle of Wight ice cream has been carefully

crafted to offer a soft scoop texture and exciting, colourful tastes. All our early recipes have been reviewed and rebalanced and we now offer an extensive portfolio of highly tuned, delicious flavours, ranging from Unicorn, Bubblegum, or Candifloss, to Salted Caramel, Triple Chocolate Fudge and White Chocolate & Raspberry. But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten those traditional favourites of Vanilla, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Rum & Raisin!”

The IOW Ice Cream Co. manages to keep creating unique, exciting flavours each year. 2023’s new flavour is a delicious Cola, but they have also developed a strong Vegan range over the past few years. Banana & Honeycomb, Salted Caramel, and Wild Berries are all there, as are several delicious sorbet flavours that are both gluten and dairy free — you’ll find Lemon, Blackcurrant and Mango among others.

So, whether you’re lucky enough to be an Island resident, or you’re just here enjoying your summer holidays, make sure you keep an eye out for the colourful birthday bunting and delicious new Raspberry & Lemon flavour. Treat yourself to a double scoop and help celebrate the ‘coolest’ anniversary on the Island!

isleofwighticecream.co.uk

Making the most of your veggies

With Will Steward, Living Larder

One of the best things about supporting your local organic veg box scheme are the bonus veggies that you will receive. In our veg boxes our customers will often get the greens such as beetroot and carrot tops, and fennel fronds, still attached. These are the first parts of a picked vegetable that will show signs of age, and supermarkets will almost always remove these rather than display a vegetable with wilting leaves. By supporting your local organic farm, you know that your vegetables will have been picked and delivered within hours. You will often find bonus greens still intact with no pesticide residue – delicious, nutritious and low waste.

No waste Pea Pod soup

Ingredients:

Olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Pea pods from 1kg fresh green peas, stems and strings removed, discard any old or brown pods as these will be tough.

2 sprigs of mint

1 litre chicken/vegetable stock

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Add a splash of olive oil to a heavy bottomed pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, stirring regularly.

Add the pea pods, season with salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes.

Add the mint sprigs and stock. Cover and bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes – until the pods are soft.

Using a blender process the mixture in short pulses until well broken down.

Strain through a sieve – press down on the purée to extract as much juice as you can. Discard anything left in the sieve. Delicious served warm with sourdough or, if it’s a hot summer’s day, chill and enjoy cold in a dainty vintage tea cup.

Veggie Top Green Goddess Dressing

Ingredients:

Fennel fronds from 1 bulb of organic fennel or dill

Green Onion, aka Grelot tops, from 1 bunch of organic grelots or spring onion

Carrot tops from 1 bunch of organic carrots or parsley

1 tablespoon of chopped tarragon

2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 tablespoon of greek yogurt

2 anchovy fillets in olive oil drained (optional)

Half a lemon – juiced

Method

In a food processor whizz the greens and anchovy fillets until finely chopped; add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt and process again. Taste, and add the lemon juice, taste again season well with salt and pepper.

Serve as a crudité platter using carrots, fennel, grelots, cucumber, pepper and my favourite – wedges of crunchy little gem lettuce.

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

Nettle and Ricotta Ravioli

Style Kitchen Masterclass

Anna Sacchini at Ristorante Michelangelo

After a recent trip to Ryde’s Ristorante Michelangelo, we were absolutely captivated by co-owner Anna Sacchini’s description of making pasta with her mum back in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. So, we asked if she could share an exclusive recipe, just for us, and let us in on the magical world of rustic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!

When I was a child in Italy, my mum’s larder was always filled with basic but essential ingredients: flour, olive oil, eggs, salt and Parmesan cheese, which meant the family always had different kinds of bread and pasta assured. Filled pasta offered the most creative opportunity, as the filling changed with the seasons. In springtime, I remember going foraging with my mum. If we found chives or wild garlic we’d make a frittata, but if we found nettles, my mum was ready with her willow basket, gloves, and scissors to pick the freshest and most tender leaves to make ravioli for me and my four siblings.

When I moved to the Isle of Wight with my husband and friend Rosy, we opened Michelangelo Restaurant with no culinary school background, only genuine family cooking traditions, which is what I’d like to share with you here in this recipe.

Ingredients:

FOR THE PASTA:

200g pasta flour, 00 grade

2 whole eggs

1 tbsp olive oil

A little warm water (to soften the dough)

FOR THE FILLING:

Fresh nettles (young leaves)

Ricotta cheese

A little Parmesan cheese

One clove of garlic

A pinch of salt

TO FINISH: Butter

Sage leaves

Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Firstly, go for a country walk to your favourite place on the Island and find some nettles (this is the perfect time of year to pick the fresh leaves). Put on some gloves and cut the youngest leaves using a pair of scissors. Once at home wash them and drain them (still wearing gloves), then put them in boiling water for 10 minutes.

2. Once boiled, the nettles will no longer sting you, so you can now drain and chop them. In a pan add a little butter, followed by the nettles and gently fry, adding chopped garlic and salt. Next, reduce the heat and add ricotta and parmesan, to taste. Stir until you obtain a smooth filling, then leave to cool.

3. To make the pasta dough, turn your flour out onto the table and then make a well in the middle (which is known as ‘la fontana’ in Italian - the fountain). Beat your eggs together with a fork and pour into the well, followed by a tablespoon of olive oil. Start to knead with your hands until you obtain a solid dough.

4. Roll the pasta dough out thinly with a rolling pin (or pasta machine). It has to become very thin. The way Italians know if the consistency is right is that they put a checkered tablecloth under the dough, and if you can see the pattern through the dough, then it’s thin enough.

5. Now to make the ravioli. Lay balls of filling in a line on the dough equally spaced apart. Cover with another layer of the dough and use a fork to press the two layers of pasta together around each of the balls of filling. With a wheel, cut out the ravioli in square shapes.

6. Prepare a pan with salted water and bring it to the boil. Immerse the ravioli in the water and leave to boil for five to six minutes. Drain using a slotted spoon and transfer to a frying pan where you can finish them off with melted butter, sage leaves, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Anna’s Top Tips

1. Spring is the best time of year to forage for nettles. Try to find the youngest and freshest leaves from the tops of the plant as they taste the best. If the nettle is too bitter you can mix it with a few spinach leaves when making the filling.

2. For a more rustic (and traditional) Italian method to serve the ravioli remove them from the boiling water and plate straight away. Then cut a slice of butter, stick a fork into it and rub the butter over the still-warm ravioli to coat them. I hope you enjoy not only the dish, but the whole process, from foraging to cooking.

With love, Anna, Dante, and Rosy from Ristorante Michelangelo

Photos by Christian Warren

Victoria Antiques & Collectables

UK and world coins and banknotes Gold and silver items such as, jewellery, pocket watches, snuff boxes etc.

Quality Bronzes, glass and ceramics Scrap gold/silver (best prices paid)

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Unveiling Wight Crystal’s New Range of Glass Bottles

Over on the Wight Crystal production line, a new sound fills the air of the bottling department — the gentle clink of glass — hinting at an exciting new development. In their drive to become more planet-friendly and to give their customers more choice, Wight Crystal has unveiled a brand new (and rather stylish) range of plastic-free, shiny, recycled glass content bottles for their still and sparkling waters, helping reduce plastic waste and offering a sleeklooking product that wouldn’t be out of place on a Michelin-starred dining table. Since 1988, the company has been bottling fresh Isle of Wight spring water

from a natural water source in the woody environs of Knighton, a hamlet of Newchurch, nestled just underneath the Downs. Their water, once bottled and packed, makes its way to over five hundred Island businesses, as well as homes, farm shops, and a few suppliers across the Solent too. Over time, Wight Crystal’s range has expanded to include water coolers and refills, carbonated drinks (including red apple and elderflower, as well as traditional lemonade and ginger beer), and no-added-sugar, vegan-friendly Juice Bursts (with flavours including raspberry and watermelon, apple, or a

Wight Crystal - Changing Lives with Every Bottle

Unknown to some, Wight Crystal is actually a rather remarkable charity — employing disabled Islanders in their bottling plant, giving them skills, training, and a boost of confidence too. All profits are diverted towards another enterprise of the company — The Way Forward Programme — which provides support and activities to those living locally with learning disabilities and/or autism, including scavenger hunt, allotment, farming, swimming, bowling, cooking, creative, choir, dance and drama sessions at their outstanding centre in Newport, or in the community.

As if that wasn’t enough, they also support NHS referrals back into work through their Working Towards Wellbeing enterprise, providing CV writing, job searches, and in-work support. It’s all part of the plan of parent company OSEL Enterprises, who, thanks to a recent funding boost from the local branch of NFU Mutual and Tesco Help to Grow Fund, hope to do much, much more in the future.

zesty, refreshing orange).

The team at Wight Crystal has already been busy shaking up their operations to make their products as sustainable as possible, ensuring all packaging is recyclable and investing in a new, larger water tanker that can transport twenty thousand litres of crystal-clear water at a time — meaning fewer trips to the spring! Now, their new range of sophisticated glass bottles (with recyclable bottle and aluminium caps) is the next step in their move to an eco-friendlier future.

wightcrystal.org.uk

Fitness: Work Smarter Not

Gym work is obviously beneficial to your health. However, a balanced approach is essential. Men tend to focus on training already dominant muscles such as the pecs and the biceps — the results of which are often visually motivating. Overworking these areas, however, can cause rounding of the shoulders and hunching of the spine. This posture will increase your risk of shoulder and spinal injuries such as impingements, neck pain or even headaches. Poor posture can also increase stress. Stress causes tension in muscle groups including the traps and pecs as the body prepares for ‘fight or flight.’ The tension in these muscles then acts to further strengthen the stress response. If these muscles are already tight from excessive exercise, then the body is more primed for stress.

A consideration, for both men and women, is that if you use exercise as an escape from a stressful and busy lifestyle then including periods of rest and relaxation is important. Whilst exercise is hugely beneficial for health, exercise itself is a stressor, increasing circulating cortisol levels (aka ‘the stress hormone’). This is beneficial if you have regular periods of recovery allowing levels of circulating stress hormones to drop. Working in a highly stressful job and using hard exercise to switch off day after day without rest/recovery can, over a prolonged period of time, lead to stress overload or ‘burnout’ — a condition which is on the rise.

Exercise is essential, but consider working on different muscle groups, doing varied exercise types (including yoga, Pilates, swimming, etc), being conscious of your posture, and ensuring that you regularly give yourself time to switch off. That might be reading a book, meditation, or a calm walk on one of our beautiful beaches.

If you’re concerned about your posture, an injury from exercise, or would like advice, feel free to get in touch.

Low testosterone can be a problem for men of any age, and is becoming more common. Symptoms include decreased libido, energy, stamina, muscle mass, and strength. It is associated with an increase in tiredness, lethargy, lack of motivation, loss of initiative and self-confidence, and weight gain. How many men do you know that suffer with these symptoms?

Testosterone deficiency is epidemic. A recent study of over 7,000 men’s blood tests found that more than 80% had lower than optimal testosterone blood levels.

Many otherwise healthy men have low testosterone levels due to a combination of factors. These include lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol consumption and stress, obesity, smoking, and environmental toxins. Men with low serum total testosterone concentrations are at greater risk for death from any cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

To ensure testosterone levels remain balanced, there are four primary switches to consider. First, cortisol peaks during periods of stress can suppress testosterone production. Second, type 2 diabetes and obesity can cause high insulin levels which inhibit the body’s ability to produce testosterone. Third, excess oestrogen produced by fat cells in the tummy area can block testosterone production.

Finally, oxidative stress caused by free radicals and toxins can damage the cells responsible for producing testosterone. When it comes to testosterone, there is a lot of information online that can lead to confusion. Low testosterone should not be treated with a one-size-fits-all solution; it is important to seek the help of a qualified medical practitioner. Unsupervised testosterone replacement therapy could do more harm than good as it can have serious side effects if done without professional guidance. Instead, lifestyle improvements such as proper diet and exercise, combined with personalised treatment plans, are the best way to reverse testosterone deficiency.

Know anyone who might be interested in “switching on their testosterone”?

Share this information and encourage them to book a free consultation with a functional doctor.

Email: info@lanternclinic.com

Web: www.lanternclinic.com

Tel: 01983 685667

Dr Luther Moss, Osborne Chiropractic

Dr Margarita Kitova-John, The Lantern Clinic

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Biodiverse Skincare

With Caroline Hurley WELLBEING PRACTITIONER AT BECALMED AND HEALTHWELL SOLUTIONS

Many of us are aware of the importance of looking after our gut bacteria. Our bodies contain more cells belonging to microbes, such as bacteria and yeasts, than human ones; we live in a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Our microbes form protective barriers, and they also programme our immune systems.

To feed your gut flora, eat a more varied diet rich in plant food and lots of high fibre. Supplementing with probiotics can have some benefits but not all will survive the journey through your digestive tract, so it is more effective to change your diet. Kefir yogurt and pickles such as sauerkraut and kimchi are among the fermented delicacies now fashionable thanks to our increasing knowledge of the

microbiome. For vegans or dairyintolerant people, why not try homegrown water kefir, a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains?

But what about our skin? It too has a protective layer of microbiome that is the first line of defence against the damaging effects of modern life. This microbial world is the gateway to slowing the visible ageing process and achieving healthier, rejuvenated skin. The science is complicated, but the plan of action is simple. Re-boot your skin microbiome: get stronger, more beautiful skin.

The skin’s microbiome is constantly exposed to attack from UV, cortisol, blue light, diet, hormones, and more. It is constantly struggling to protect your skin against damage, breakouts, inflammation, and premature ageing.

Just as with our digestive system, we need to work in harmony with our skin and not against it. As pioneers of a holistic approach to skincare therapy, ESPA brings a fresh perspective to cultivating youthful-looking skin, with radical formulations to nurture and support the microbiome. ESPA’s TriActive™ blend of plant extracts, marine extracts, and essential oils with pre and probiotic technology, enhances the power of their formulas. The cuttingedge microbiome technology reduces visible signs of stress and ageing and strengthens skin.

By helping to protect your microbiome inside and out, you can overcome the challenges of internal and external life stressors. Doing this on a daily basis, you will not only feel healthier, but it will show in your skin.

Jewellery creations from Serendipity Diamonds

Gemstone Bubble Ring. A bespoke version of a Diamond bubble ring created for one of our clients with a variation of coloured gemstones including Aquamarine, Peridot, Amethyst, Diamond and Sapphire.

Emerald and Diamond Halo Earrings. Encircled with Diamonds, this simple pair of stud earrings feature May’s birthstone, Emerald, surrounded by Diamonds crafted in Yellow and White Gold.

Pearl and Diamond Necklace. Representing one of June’s birthstones, this beautiful Pearl and Diamond necklace comes from our ready-made showroom collection and features a cultured Pearl accented with a flush-set Diamond.

Diamond Wave Ring. The Diamond Wave ring features 0.85-carats of Diamonds, styled across a three-band wave design, available set with natural or lab-grown Diamonds.

Alexandrite Solitaire Ring. Alexandrite is the alternative birthstone for June, shown here set into a bespoke version of our Unity ring design, styled in 950 Platinum.

Tree of Life Necklace. May’s birthstone, Emerald is represented again in this elegant Tree of Life necklace which features an arrangement of Diamonds and Marquise cut Emeralds in Yellow and White Gold.

An Expert’s Guide to Anti-Ageing

By Doctor Hayley Elsmore THE COURTYARD AESTHETIC CLINIC

Most of us have looked in the mirror at some point and not recognised the person staring back at us. The general stresses of daily life — late nights, work-related stress, fatigue, alcohol, smoking, and sun damage all take their toll on your skin and body. Ageing happens to us all, there is nothing to stop the clock but, with a few helpful tweaks, we can age in a way that keeps us feeling confident and happy with our reflection.

Dr Hayley Elsmore has created an expert’s guide to anti-ageing which highlights the most important things to consider on a decade-by-decade basis.

20s

Most 20-somethings still have the beauty of youth, but skin starts to look tired, and dullness can occur. These can be caused by sun damage that has accumulated over time, lack of sleep, stress, and even genetics can play a part.

The most important thing to start in your 20s is a good skincare regime which includes a daily high factor SPF, to protect your skin from not only UV light but also the blue light from our screens. In your late 20s, it is really helpful to add active ingredients like retinol and AHA / BHAs to address skin dullness and encourage gentle exfoliation.

30s

This is the time when you start to show the early signs of ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles start to form and early volume loss in the cheeks occurs. Pigmentation and superficial blood vessels can develop as the skin’s natural repair systems slow down and collagen loss starts.

It is important to maintain an excellent skincare routine, ensuring the use of active ingredients such as retinols and antioxidants. These will help to repair sun damage, brighten dull skin, and help to rejuvenate collagen.

Now is the time to consider more interventional procedures. Chemical peels, microneedling and radiofrequency can encourage cell turnover and collagen production. Intense Pulsed Light can combat

pigmentation and redness, whilst those early lines and wrinkles can be tackled with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

40s

Significant ageing changes appear in this decade. Volume loss and reduced elasticity results in skin sagging. Lips start to thin; lines and wrinkles deepen, and the definition in the lower face reduces. Hormonal changes result in even greater collagen loss, so it’s time to get more proactive with the antiageing regime!

Skincare is a priority, focusing on active ingredients and hydration. Dermal fillers are really valuable in returning some volume and definition to the face. Treatments that hydrate your skin from within, like Profhilo, can give you back your glow whilst improving skin firmness and bounce. Botulinum toxin can keep those frown lines at bay and soften crow’s feet. The combination treatment Morpheus8 can really tighten and resurface the lower face and neck for that ultimate 40s rejuvenation.

50s

This decade has a huge impact for women’s skin as menopausal changes mean that skin gets dryer, thinner, less elastic with an increased tendency to sagging, and more uneven in tone and texture. Don’t despair, as we can add into our tweakments from the 40s with more hydrating and gentle treatments such as Hydrafacials and our bespoke Oxygen facials. Exciting developments in regenerative medicine mean that we now have the NEW polynucleotide injectables which instruct our cells to

behave younger and produce more collagen and elastin, improving natural repair processes and rejuvenating skin to look more youthful. Skin boosters and collagen supplements are also very useful in this decade.

60s and beyond

Even if you have never had cosmetic treatments before, it is not too late to start. It’s all about restorative balance in your 60s and the use of treatments to keep harmonious proportions in your face. Lifting and smoothing can be achieved through non-surgical face lifts using fillers and collagen-boosting microneedling treatments. Hybrid treatments such as HArmonyCa® combine lifting hyaluronic acid fillers with collagen-stimulating calcium hydroxyapatite which can gradually remodel your skin.

Hydration is key in this decade and the use of rich night creams that contain glycerin, ceramides, and or fatty lipids to help encourage skin barrier repair can make a big difference. Additional active ingredients such as growth factor serums are luxuriously gentle big hitters for tighter and firmer skin.

Most of us just want to age well and feel good about ourselves. Keeping cosmetic outcomes looking beautiful and natural can boost self-confidence.

Dr Hayley and her highly skilled team are able to guide you to healthier skin and a happier you, whatever age you are.

We are an independent florist in the centre of Newport with island wide delivery. We offer a wide selection of stunning fresh flowers, indoor and outdoor plants and a beautiful range of homeware, all available online or instore.

Flowergardeniow.co.uk

Telephone: (01983) 524 061

CONSCIOUS FASHION

There’s more than just style to consider when exploring the latest looks. We can think about the planet’s perspective, too. Sustainable fashion brands use materials from natural or recycled fabrics that require less chemical treatment, less water, and less energy.

At Visual Impact, we continue to make conscious decisions when introducing new brands and buying stock for our next season’s collections. These are some of the ethical brands we stock, and why:

Tread lightly… 23 billion pairs of shoes are made around the world every year.

Too many shoes are being produced and too many end up in landfill. This is why we’re stocking CAMPER. CAMPER shoes are high quality, long-lasting, and consider the planet by trying to use better materials, and when you can’t use them anymore, you can send them back to their ReWorn scheme. Shoes are repaired, inspected, and quality-checked before being donated to communities in need.

Circularity makes our world go round…

LEVIS has joined Fashion for Good, which supports sustainable initiatives, working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Jeans Redesign project to help reduce consumption and advance circularity in denim.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is setting guidelines for brands and suppliers to make jeans that can be used more, are designed to be made again, and are made of safe, recycled, and renewable inputs. This brings the fashion industry one step closer to achieving circularity at scale.

TIMBERLAND has always been a front runner when it comes to sustainability. Since 1952 they have been committed to preserving the planet. Timberland is following nature’s lead by focusing on circularity and regeneration. Goals for 2030 include: 100% of products to be designed for circularity; 100% of natural materials to be sourced from regenerative agriculture.

Save the rainforests with style…

Cotton on to natural materials…

Choosing natural materials reduces the footprint of our clothes and we can make good choices by examining labels. PART TWO, for example, labels items with a WE CARE tag, to show that they are made from responsibly sourced fibres.

At GANT, as much as 85% of the materials used come from natural fibres. Cotton is the company’s most-used fibre, amounting to 76% of their total material use. Natural materials are renewable and don’t emit microplastics, whilst simultaneously maintaining the quality and durability GANT is renowned for.

Clean dry denim fabric is one of the cornerstones of NUDIE JEANS, so why would they use anything but clean cotton to produce it? All their cotton garments originate from certified organic farming.

FARAH has developed a soft, comfortable, and sustainable edit of men’s 100% cotton clothing.

TRAFFIC PEOPLE and One Tribe are working together to protect rainforests with every purchase you make. When you purchase from Traffic People you automatically save trees in the rainforest and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Wellbeing at home

with Studio Jute

Our homes provide the backdrop to our lives, a space where we can truly be ourselves. We can become frustrated with our homes if they are not supporting our needs. Whether that’s on a practical level — for example, not enough functional storage — or on an emotional level when our home is not embodying our values. Our home should reflect and reinforce who we are and who we would like to become.

1. Make the most of natural light

The virtues of natural light are well documented. Try placing your desk, or a comfortable chair, near a window to boost your creativity and energy levels. Consider how light moves across your space throughout the day and carefully position mirrors to maximise the effect.

2. Engage the senses

Materials introduce a tactile element; they can be used to tell a story within a scheme. Rich velvets lend a sumptuous, cocooning feel; while sheer linens remind us of carefree, breezy summer days.

3. Add Colour

Colour plays a huge role in our perception of a space. Adding uplifting, stimulating colours such as blue tones can increase productivity, while greens create a sense of balance and harmony. Think about the mood you want to create

4. Curate your space

Create the space to facilitate change. Would you like to entertain more, or spend less time tidying and more time relaxing or enjoying hobbies? Carving within your home that functions well will support and encourage new routines.

5. Surround yourself with happy memories

Whether you are drinking from a glass picked up on your last family holiday, or looking at a beautifully framed picture of your children whilst you work, these small connections to our values have a positive impact on our wellbeing.

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.

Get in touch: Kayleigh@studiojute.co.uk / studiojute.co.uk / @studio_jute

How to make your wedding blooms more eco

Here at Bembridge Flowershop, nothing gets our secateurs snipping quite like a wedding. From bespoke flower archways to tasteful table arrangements, we absolutely love creating floral fairytales for happy couples across the Island, each one overflowing with natural grace and wild romance. In recent years, (just like everyone else) our team of florists have become increasingly aware of the environmental challenges facing the planet, so we’ve decided to use this issue’s column to share a few botanical hints and tips to make your wedding a more eco-friendly affair.

First things first — the bouquets. Whether for the bride’s wonderfully wild showstopper or the bridesmaids’ posies, we suggest a seasonal selection of garden-inspired blooms, tied together with biodegradable jute twine, or a stream of hand-dyed silk ribbon. Plus, once the rings are exchanged, speeches made and the big day has finished, you could give these all-important

flowers a second life by taking a few home to dry or press, creating an elegant memento for years to come.

Next, the table decorations. At our family-run florists, we’re big on repurposing wedding flowers and can recommend using pre-potted plants (such as seasonal herbs like rosemary or lavender) for the table centres. Not only do they look great, but guests can take them home to plant them in their gardens later, helping to reduce waste and provide a deliciously fragrant wedding favour too.

For other styles of floral arrangements, made with our finest cut flowers, we’re always happy to use natural moss or chicken wire to keep your blooms happy and hydrated instead of the traditional option of oasis (which uses microplastics and is currently non-recyclable).

When it comes to wreathing church pillars, festooning doorways, or decorating floral

archways, we also like to opt for seasonal buds and foliage, including delicate pink and white roses or pastel-hued hydrangeas. If a couple would like us to include foliage from their garden, we’re more than happy to do that too, as it helps keep those carbon emissions to a minimum.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to think about what will happen to all your wedding flowers after the event. Some brides and grooms choose to give their floral arrangements to local hospices or care homes, extending the life of the flowers and spreading joy at the same time — personally, we think it’s a fantastic idea!

So, whether your big day takes place in the local village church, a rustic barn, or the grounds of Osborne House, at Bembridge Flowershop we’re always on hand to make your special day a sustainable one — as well as a memorable one.

bembridgeflowershop.co.uk

EMBRACE GARDEN LIVING

Long balmy days and warm evenings are now here, and this means our gardens start to fulfil their role for our leisure rather than as a hard work hobby.

Outdoor living is becoming increasingly popular and rooms out of doors are something we can all aspire to, even with a small garden. The proximity to the kitchen is often a bonus in a small garden as the two become extensions of each other. Houseplants often benefit from being outdoors in summer, their presence blending the boundary between home and garden, and with larger gardens you can move a dining area further from the house, to take in views or seek quiet contemplation with the help of a gin and tonic perhaps?

Kitchen gardens and small patio areas next to the house

Grow herbs near the kitchen – in borders or pots these abundant plants can be decorative or structural and have the added joy of their scents mingling in the air, reminding you to add them to your summer dishes. Remember that very bright sun-facing gardens close to kitchens or walls can be overpoweringly hot, so consider trellis and arches, or loose-leafed trees to give dappled shade.

Garden ‘rooms’ for dining and relaxing

Enclosing the area, or patio, with plants gives a subconscious feeling

of security. Avoid overlooking as well as being overlooked as much as possible, and remember one exceptional plant can be a talking point over a dozen humdrum also-rans from the garden centre. A garden ‘room’ will only be inhabited at its furthest reaches during the hours of daylight; we tend to withdraw towards the house as evenings pull in. Place night-scented annuals, shrubs, and climbers at strategic points for that extra sensory angle. Use these plants to line your route from house to outdoor dining area. This journey should be relaxing; no fandangotrotting over badly spaced steps or stones with a finely balanced tray.

Your oasis of calm

Remember the little things that make a huge difference to the enjoyment of your garden. Take time to critically appraise where you’ll be enjoying the afternoon sunshine and evening glow and move the dustbins elsewhere. Cover that drain with a pot on pebble feet, decommission the washing-line from its labour, and remove all those gaily-pictured plant labels from sight. Then… pour a large one, pick a lemon and add a slice, sit back, and relax.

Ventnor Botanic Garden Curator Chris Kidd

Since graduating with Honours from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Chris has managed botanic gardens on three continents. He has undertaken fieldwork within natural floras from the boreal tundra to the tropical rainforest. He is published, from scientific journals to popular periodicals. A former President of the Kew Guild he is chair of the Kew Guild Award Scheme. He was Head Gardener at Ventnor Botanic Garden from 2000-2009 before becoming its Curator in 2013, where he oversees 22 acres of subtropical plant collections and two National Collections. He consults nationally and internationally.

A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

STYLING: STUDIO JUTE INTERIOR DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY JOLLIFFE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THANKS TO LUSHINGTON GARDEN ROOMS FOR THE LOCATION AND ASSISTANCE

Garden room, summer house, studio, or simply a potting shed. Rather than extending our homes many of us are now opting for a separate room in the garden as a cost-effective way of adding valuable extra space.

Traditionally an area to store outdoor equipment, garden structures have come a long way and are now designed for various uses. Not only are they perfect as an office or studio space, adding a degree of separation between work and home, they also work really well for summer entertaining and teen hangouts — guaranteeing their place in many of our gardens.

Garden rooms offer an opportunity to design a space completely separate from your home. From bold and botanical, to cool and coastal; you can be as creative as you wish. For the ultimate in longevity and comfort, invest in permanent solid pieces that will work year-round, and add plenty of plants — hanging, climbing or potted, botanical prints, and natural finishes, as shown here at Lushington.

Enjoy long summer evenings on the veranda, bring out your favourite glassware, and don’t forget the cosy layers and lanterns for when the sun goes down.

Bistro

Tennyson Garden Room from £4669 Lushington Garden Rooms

set £95 Dig For Vintage, Rattan lampshade £185, Lantern £200, Vintage kilim rug £325 All Acacia Bay. Wooden tray £39.99, Small goblets £7.50 each, Sheepskin throw £49 All Bayliss & Booth. Zinc pots from £5, White pots from £9.50, Plants: String of hearts £14, Rubber plant 9.50, Raven ZZ plant £25.00, String of beads £14, crassula £3 All Flower Garden.

Make yourself comfortable with a table for tea and a relaxing armchair, leave the door ajar to allow the scent of flowers to drift in. Add cushions, curtains, a tablecloth, and your best china to elevate afternoon tea.

Armchair £975, Side table £375, Flower Hunter book £30 All Bayliss & Booth. Minack check cushion, Colefax & Fowler; Embroidered cushion, Harlequin; Kumo Seaglass; Green gingham cushion, Charlotte Gaisford; Minack check tablecloth, Colefax & Fowler All Anne Ginger. Potted eucalyptus £175, Botanical artwork £98, Modern artwork £150, Tea pot £40, Cup and saucer set £15.50 All Acacia Bay. Blue & green rug, Long Lane Flooring. Green fluted vase £13.50, Flower Garden Sky blue and white rope oxford cushion £60, XV Stripes

Tennyson Garden Room from £4669 Lushington Garden Rooms

Everything you’ll need to create a stylish summer house.

Hulverstone Summer House from £4543 Lushington Garden Rooms

Broom £14.99, Willow tray side table £59, Throwover £46, Heart-shaped trowel £28.50, Zinc seed organiser £26.99 All Bayliss & Booth. Shopper basket bag £45 Acacia Bay. Yellow cotton oxford cushion, Romo Linara goldfinch; Floral rectangle cushion, Designers Guild Pensthorpe Meadow All Anne Ginger. Zinc pots from £5, White pot range from £9.50. Plants: Sempervivum planter £30, Sedum £8.50, Sanseveria ‘moonshine’ -£16.50, Artificial asparagus fern £16.50, Artificial succulent £16.50 All Flower Garden.

Get your working day off to a great start with greenery galore. This zinc-topped table doubles up as the perfect garden room desk. Position it by the window for a motivating outlook and plenty of natural light.

Square café zinc table £425, Woven back chair £165, Plant stand £65, Green glassware from £7.99, Clear glassware from £7.99 All Bayliss & Booth. Vintage kilim rug £250, Basket £25 All Acacia Bay. Ca’ Pietra tile as plant stand £97.50 m2, Long Lane Flooring. Blue herringbone throw £55, XV Stripes Zinc pots from £5, White pot range from £9.50 Plants: Golden cane palm £75, Spathiphyllum £25 All Flower Garden.

Tennyson Garden Room from £4669 Lushington Garden Rooms

Breakwaters CULVER PARADE, SANDOWN

Breakwaters is a brand-new development of apartments, duplexes and townhouses that has graced the seafront location of Sandown Bay. Occupying a prime position opposite an awardwinning beach, the properties benefit from panoramic sea views across the bay, far reaching views to Culver Cliffs coastline plus the countryside. You can find your desired property within this development of luxury homes that are stylish and modern.

The luxurious feel continues throughout this complex with the properties being built to a high standard, you can choose from a range of fitted kitchens and work tops to suit your style. Appliances will be integrated in the kitchens and underfloor heating comes as standard throughout. As well as this the properties have security entry systems, allocated spaces and visitor parking bays. The apartments boast space with a variety of sizes ranging from 72 square meters to 140 square meters Gross Internal Area within and benefit from Balconies and/or Terraces for al fresco dining. For peace of mind, these properties also benefit from a 10-year Q Assure Warranty.

Sandown Bay was voted the Best British Beach and described as a ‘traditional bucket and spade beach on the east coast of the island with miles of golden sand, pier and eclectic seafront – and just a short walk to peace, fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife’ in BBC’s Countryfile online poll.

In 2021 and 2022 this prestigious coastline was awarded ‘Blue Flag’ status meaning it can fly a flag to show it is recognised regarding its safety, facilities, cleanliness and environmental considerations. Although three other beaches on the Isle of Wight won a seaside award Sandown was the only beach to win ‘Blue Flag’ Status as well as winning a seaside award and only one of 17 beaches across the Southeast region to hold the status in the 2022. Just half of a mile along the seafront is Yaverland beach which allows dogs all year round, the perfect place if you have a pet that needs to stretch their legs, whereas Sandown Beach directly in front of the development is dog friendly in the winter months.

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

HAND-PICKED LUXURY HOMES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

This edition we bring to you four properties carefully selected by our local Island agents. From a stunning Lake House, to a three-storey townhouse with panoramic Solent views.

Admirals Wharf - Cowes

Agent: McCarthy & Booker

There are phenomenal views of the harbour and across the Solent from all levels of this three-storey townhouse, with its three bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms. Alongside its two outside terraces, on two separate levels, and with off-road parking for several cars, this property is undoubtedly one of the best in this desirable area of Old Town Cowes. Discreetly set back off the High Street, this property is initially deceptive in both its size and the wonderful sea views beyond. The blockpaved drive has room for several cars and a path runs along the left-hand side of the building, giving direct access to the rear of the property.

An immaculate property, redecorated in soft neutral tones at the end of 2022, with bespoke carpentry throughout. An oak staircase curls up the three floors and there are oak doors to all rooms. Fabulous views can be had on every floor of this beautifully maintained home. A bright entrance hallway with contrast dark stone flooring with underfloor heating flows through the corridor, the downstairs wet room, and sun room/ reception area at the rear of the property. This fully glazed, sunny space has two sliding patio doors and gives access to the outside paved terrace from which you can enjoy the superb sea views.

Climbing to the top of the building you reach a fully glazed conservatory, which allows the light to flood through to the lower floors. With two access doors, one each to the fore and aft of the property, and a main door entry phone for convenience. The large rear decked area has beautiful views across the Cowes waterfront and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunrises/sunsets, boat watching, and the tranquillity this spot has to offer.

Mccarthyandbooker.co.uk

Located in a popular semi-rural area on the fringe of Newport the home is ideally positioned to offer easy access to both the extensive amenities locally and the open countryside it borders. The Shide nature reserve is close to the home, with beautiful walks to be enjoyed on the popular Red Squirrel Trail which runs from Cowes to Sandown. For purchasers seeking a central location with easy access to the whole Island, this property is perfectly positioned.

Due to the topography of the area, the house is much larger and more secluded than it appears from the front, with a stunning open plan lower ground floor that has two sets of bi-fold doors providing an abundance of light and allowing access to the rear garden. This attractive triple-aspect living space is the heart of this stunning home and leads to the extensive Indian sandstone terrace, making for a fabulous entertaining space in the spring and summer months, allowing the indoor and outdoor spaces to flow into one another.

The home is approached via a low-maintenance tarmac drive, providing plenty of off-road parking and a paved pathway to the front door. The entrance hall is vast and has an attractive oak staircase leading to both the first floor and the lower ground floor and offers access to all the rooms on this level including the attractive sitting/cinema room with its modern raised wood burning stove, and superb master bedroom suite.

The home has a large rear garden with a separate brick outbuilding, which has been recently refurbished and fitted with double-glazed French doors and windows, as well as power and lighting; currently used as a home gym. It has multi-purpose use potential such as a home office and subject to the necessary permissions, an annexe.

Spencewillard.co.uk

The Lakehouse – Sandown

Agent: Hose Rhodes Dickson

Surrounded by countryside and sitting in almost 4 acres of gardens, The Lakehouse overlooks the well-stocked gardens and lake from a slightly elevated position. The house itself has been renovated throughout; boasting some green credentials with water-fed underfloor heating to the ground floor and electric underfloor heating to the bathrooms, which can be programmed separately. The layout is traditional, with 4 bedrooms to the first floor but in addition it could accommodate an annexe including the 5th bedroom and adjoining rooms on the ground floor. There are many possibilities for those buyers wishing to explore the concept of creating a revenue stream from the land, subject to the usual permissions.

Electric secure gates give access to the sweeping tarmac driveway where there is parking for several cars, plus two garages with power and light and a large built log store.

The gardens wrap around the front of the property and extend lengthways away from the house. Divided into flowing segments, the gardens take you on a journey across lawns, around a well-stocked and unfished lake, past the chicken coop, through a woodland and finally to a secluded clearing. The immediate garden is mainly laid to lawn with a large patio that is sheltered by trees. This is the ideal spot for dozing with a book, taking afternoon tea, or simply dining outdoors with family and friends.

Hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk

The Acorns – Newport

Agent: Spence Willard

Grove Cottage – Brighstone

Agent: BCM

Grove Cottage is a delightful, Grade II listed cottage with the benefit of a separate holiday let (Brixton Barn) with adjoining workshop, office, bedroom, gym, and jacuzzi room. Grove Cottage and Brixton Barn have been well maintained by the current vendors, including various upgrades to the properties; Grove Cottage had a new thatch installed in 2016 as well being re-wired, re-plumbed and a brand-new central heating system installed. Brixton Barn thatch roof benefited from a new ridge in 2019.

Grove Cottage and Brixton Barn are both served by a private

driveway with plenty of parking. Grove Cottage enjoys a well-landscaped front and rear garden including a vegetable garden, greenhouses, and orchard. Additionally, Brixton Barn has its own enclosed private patio.

There are several outbuildings situated off the driveway. This includes a large building set across two floors, currently being used as a workshop with space for car storage, a home office and living facilities. A recent extension adjoining the workshop showcases a gym with spa facilities, and two useful sheds for storage. All the buildings are connected to mains electric, some with private drainage, broadband, and water.

Bcm.co.uk

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.

This

with the

centre

on the topics of wildlife, environmentalism, and

The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway Charles Scribner, 1952

Signed First Edition, £7000

By 1951 Ernest Hemingway was

seen by many as a spent force as a writer, after the disappointment of recent works. But this novella, the last to be published in his lifetime, saw him launch to international success and won him both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for Literature. In the book, our hero Santiago is pitted against nature when he struggles to catch a giant marlin after 84 barren days of fishing.

This beautifully written tale reads as a parable of man’s life on earth, of human struggle, through triumph and disaster and what sustains us, hope.

The Hawk in the Rain Ted Hughes

Faber & Faber,

First Edition, £330

From Cover to Cover with Babushka Books

1957

Hughes’ wife, Sylvia Plath spoke of her husband’s poetry as “...the most rich and powerful since that of Yeats and Dylan Thomas”. Upon publication, “The Hawk in the Rain”, his debut collection, was met with universal critical acclaim and established his reputation as a “nature poet”. The poems are vivid, primaeval, with a mixture of the beauty, violence, and struggle that detail the lives of animals, both real and symbolic.

Living Planet David Attenborough Collins, 2021

Signed Copies £50, limited availability

“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfilment.” It is with Attenborough’s searching eye, unfailing curiosity, and infectious enthusiasm for nature that this book explores the delicate web of how life lives on earth. In this beautiful and wide-ranging work, he takes us on a journey showing the complexity of life from the lofty heights of the Himalayas to the dark depths of the oceans and that most recent of environments, the city.

Feral George Monbiot Penguin, 2013

£10.99

Rewilding was still something of a fringe subject when Monbiot wrote what many see as his most complete book. Pulling on his own adventures and experiences of living in the Brazilian rainforest reporting on illegal gold miners, his lyrical and romantic prose weaves the case for a “richer, rawer life” for us all with a new, hopeful environmentalism, where nature takes centre stage. Monbiot’s dedication is as untamed as the environment he wishes we lived in. Feral sparked debate and conversation which led to the foundation of the charity, Rewilding Britain.

Returning to the Island’s most stylish bookseller — Babushka Books in Shanklin — we pull up a sturdy leather armchair as owner and bibliophile Reuben Simpson-Little talks us through his latest hand-picked assortment of recommended reads.

time,

climate emergency taking

stage as our issue’s overall theme, Reuben’s selection suitably touches

the concept of rewilding.

By Matt Jones ROUSE

MAKING A GIFT TO SOMEONE, WHATEVER THE REASON, NEEDS TO BE PLANNED OTHERWISE THE RECIPIENT COULD GET AN UNWELCOME SURPRISE

Tax efficient gifting

For many, making a gift, whether of money or an asset, can be a way to address the size of their estate and potentially reduce their Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability.

Whether gifting is a suitable route for you can be tested with cash flow modelling as this can give you a projection of what your future financial needs might be. It can allow you to consider whether you would have enough income and/or capital to maintain your usual standard of living and cover any future liabilities while making gifts from any surplus.

Some gifts are immediately exempt for IHT purposes, such as ‘gifts from normal expenditure out of income’ and there is an annual gift exemption of £3,000 per person.

Some recipients are known as ‘exempt beneficiaries’: there is no IHT to pay on gifts between spouses or civil partners (as long as you are legally married or in a civil partnership and they’re UK residents), or to charities or political parties.

If, however, you give away a gift that you’ll still benefit from, it will count towards the value of your estate. Known as ‘gifts with reservation’, this could include giving a home to a relative whilst you still live there.

Timing is everything

What and how much you give to children or other relatives is entirely up to you but timing is everything.

Unless a gift is immediately IHT-free because of one the exemptions, most gifts are called Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs). No tax is paid up front, irrespective of the size of the gift, as at this stage it assumes you will live for another seven years and the gift will become exempt.

If you don’t live for seven years after making the gift, the recipient might have to pay IHT. But, importantly, you are in no worse a position if you don’t survive the seven years for the gift to be exempt – the IHT position is just the same it was before.

Get your records straight

Although it’s important to keep accurate records of all gifts made, it’s extremely important to do so with gifts you believe may be exempt, otherwise IHT might become due when you die.

As with all things financial, it is a great idea to check with your Financial Planner if you are thinking about making gifts.

But it’s not just keeping records of gifts that can benefit you. Getting your financial assets in order generally can give you greater control over your money and hopefully greater motivation to keep matters in check.

Knowing your income and expenditure will help you see where you could make changes that allow you to save money. Amending your Will when there’s a change in your life circumstances (or making one in the first place!) will mean your money and assets will go to those for whom it’s intended.

One of the quickest financial housekeeping wins is to make sure the key people know where all your important information is – and remember to include an inventory of your digital assets too. Having details written down and stored safely (with at least one trusted person knowing where it is) will help save a lot of time and anxiety.

It’s important to keep a record of any gifts you make – give your Financial Planner the detail so they can keep all your records in one place. This means that when the time comes, probate could be quicker.

DESTINATION SHANKLIN

The Island’s most historic visitor attraction, Shanklin Chine, is open daily from 10am, throughout the spring/ summer season. While you can expect amazing scenery, stunning waterfalls, and delightful walkways, the team has been busy over the winter welcoming some new residents for the year ahead. Dinosaurs can now be found lurking in the undergrowth, alongside nearly a dozen eggs that keen hunters can find by following a trail around the Chine. Be on the lookout for a two-metre tall Brontosaurus and one-and-a-half metre tall Triceratops and T-Rex. What better setting for these prehistoric characters? It’s like you’re being transported back in time.

ANCHORING IN NATURE

By Emma Roberts

Photos by Sam Scadgell

One of our top holiday destinations on the Island and everything you would expect from a proper seaside town, Shanklin boasts all you need for a memorable staycation, or a lovely spot to visit with friends or as a couple. From the stunning, long sandy beach to the towering waterfalls and lush undergrowth at Shanklin Chine, and the picturesque Old Village with traditional pubs and plenty of incredible independent shops, you won’t be short of something to do.

The Chine’s stunning tearooms are open, serving some of the more scrumptious homemade cakes, cream teas, and light lunches — all while enjoying views out across the extraordinary landscape. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the sea from the outside seating area.

If you are looking for something a little more substantial, make your way to The Fisherman’s Cottage Inn at the base of the Chine. The Island’s ‘pub on the beach’ has a new menu and the team is dishing up favourites from gourmet burgers, classic fish and chips, and fresh salads alongside fresh seafood dishes from sea bass to mussels. If you’re enjoying a stroll along the esplanade, drop in for a drink and enjoy the views out across the channel.

The team at the Chine is really investing in the attraction as they, like us, want to ensure it stays as an attractive offer for years to come. 2023 is a busy year, with events such as live summer music shindigs as well the popular Halloween Spooktacular, aimed at little ones. New events include an Adults Only Halloween Party; an after dark event with DJ, drinks, and dancing. Plus… as we head towards the end of the year the Chine will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Nestled in Shanklin Old Village, with its pretty thatched cottages and history, you’ll find The Village Inn, an independent family-run

Shanklin Chine offers a glimpse of prehistory with lush vegetation and some new residents...

pub serving traditional homemade food and real ales. Dishes you can expect to see on the menu include Slow Roasted Belly of Pork in an apple, cider and thyme sauce, and the 10oz Flame grilled Homemade Beef Burger with herbs and spices, in a toasted gourmet bun. There is a lovely courtyard garden to the rear of the pub, which is perfect for enjoying the famous seafood platter for two with a crisp glass of Sauvignon or refreshing ale.

The Village Inn is open daily for lunch and dinner, plus keep an eye out for when they have live music from local talent to enjoy. Upstairs, you’ll find their restaurant with table service,

which can also be booked for private functions.

With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that Shanklin has a variety of great places to stay and has a reputation for high-quality B&Bs and guesthouses as well as hotels and self-catering options.

The Luccombe Hall Hotel, Winner of the ‘Best Hotel Experience on the Isle of Wight 2022’, is undoubtedly the Island’s most beautifully located cliff-top hotel, situated on the edge of Shanklin Old Village. Wake up slow, listen to the sounds of the sea and early morning birdsong as the sun gently rises and floods the hotel with its soft golden light. Take your time to savour the delicious freshly prepared meals in the Grand View restaurant as you admire the mesmerising vista of the sea and watch the boats pass by.

In partnership with Shanklin Chine, the hotel offers residents unlimited free access through the historic and beautiful chine to Shanklin seafront during the months of April to October.

The hotel is open to non-residents too, for lunches and indulgent afternoon teas, which can be enjoyed in the grand view gardens with panoramic sea views. Cream teas are from £8.95 per person or, if you want to enjoy the full afternoon tea experience, you can

opt for a ‘Sparkling Afternoon Tea’ at £20 per person. Gift vouchers are available and can be used towards lunches and afternoon teas – a perfect way to treat that special somebody. Moving into the town and heading down the High Street you’ll find plenty of independent shops, a fabulous deli, a butchery, a gallery… and so much more.

You must stop at Deli-cious delicatessen when shopping in Shanklin to pick up a coffee and a typical Polish pastry. You’ll be sure to find a tempting selection of cakes, doughnuts, custard-filled delicacies, and fruit-stuffed pastries. You’ll see their shelves filled with Eastern

From hearty British favourites...

The Fisherman’s Cottage Inn boasts its own beach

Relax and indulge at Luccombe Hall Hotel...

European specialities including Polish cheeses, fruit teas, Romanian chocolate, and jars of Sauerkraut.

Typically, customers come from the Hungarian, Polish, Bulgarian and Romanian communities, however many locals visit regularly for their bread, cakes and pastries. Owners, Piotr Banachowski and wife Justyna also have a bakery unit nearby, which allows them to supply the Deli as well as other local businesses and farm shops, including butchery & deli ‘It’s About Thyme’

Paul Murphy from It’s About Thyme has been Shanklin’s butcher for over eight years and it’s easy to see that the butchery and deli work closely together

to come up with fabulous new ideas. We love the lamb and mushroom croquette, also the Jalepeno poppers, which are a perfect appetiser to throw on the BBQ. With in-house dry-aged local meats, handmade sausages and ready-to-cook foods it’s easy to see why the butchers are proud of their produce.

The deli offers a fabulous selection of local produce, and it really is hard not to be tempted inside by the wonderful fresh vegetables decorating the entrance. When visiting Shanklin be sure to pick up one of their homemade antipasti picnic box selections to take away; we had the pleasure of trying one and will most definitely be back!

If homeware shopping is on the cards, a visit to Acacia Bay must be our top recommendation — a true emporium of high-quality, boutique home furnishings and accessories. With stunning new spring/summer ranges flowing throughout the store, you’ll find everything you need to give your home a seasonal refresh!

We particularly loved the stunning Costa Nova Portuguese pearl plates, made by the hands of skilled artisans. Each piece is unique and sustainable, made from the best natural resources in Portugal. You can’t miss the

beautiful Au Maison cushions and bedspreads either, all high-quality liberty-inspired cotton from Denmark and crafted with attention to detail.

A little further along the High Street you’ll find Victoria Antiques, which has been based in Shanklin for 20 years and maintained a high standard throughout. This remarkable antique store buys and sells collections of UK and world coins, bank notes, jewellery, gold, silver, small collectibles, oriental antiques, and more.

John Wright, owner of Victoria Antiques, has been in the Antique trade for many years and has remarkable knowledge, with his favourite subject being rare coins. This

A touch of the modern...

...or try a Polish pastry at Deli-cious Refuel with homemade goodies at It’s About Thyme...

...then choose boutique homewares from Acacia Bay

...or a sense of the past

started as a hobby and has grown from there.

You’ll often find Sally Bullard behind the counter too, who has worked with John for many years and become an integral part of Victoria Antiques. Sally took pleasure in telling us the shop has been featured several times on national television in the BBC’s ‘Antiques Road Trip’.

If you’re looking to sell your old treasures or are interested in finding fascinating items, then Victoria Antiques is the place to go.

Cross the road and you’ll find Babushka Books, a true haven for any reading enthusiast. The shop is

stacked from floor to ceiling with a remarkable selection of books, from old to new, including signed copies and first editions. This bookshop even has a popular bespoke picture framing service too.

Take the winding wooden staircase upstairs to find the most charming area with hand-built bookcases and a comfy chair to sit and relax whilst looking through some of your favourite finds. The upstairs area hosts small, intimate events, from story-telling to poetry — be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates.

Our final top pick in Shanklin is the Steamer Gallery, a unique art gallery decorated in graphic ‘dazzle’ artwork located just off Regent Street.

The dazzle items at the gallery include constructions, reliefs, screen prints, and graphic art influenced by ships with a contemporary multi-colour dazzle camouflage theme.

You’ll find an impressive selection of paintings including works by Ken Howard, Fred Cuming, Mary Fedden, Deryck Foster, Mervyn Pearson, Cavendish Morton, Frank WatsonWood, Norman Wilkinson, Martin Swan, Richard Grant, Malcolm Winter, and Hugh Boycott-Brown. Limited edition, out of print and rare art books

on 20th Century British artists adorn the gallery shelves, including Elisabeth Frink, Mary Fedden, Mary Newcomb, Winifred Nicholson, Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick, Terry Frost, and many more.

Make sure you browse the interesting range of collectibles too, including trench art and vintage items.

Explore unique finds...

...and artistic inspiration

...while the Steamer Gallery is sure to Dazzle

Sally Bullard offers antiques expertise...

...and Babushka Books helps you while away the hours.

SHALL WE CALL IT A DRAW DAVE?

Our dedicated, approachable and hardworking team come from professional and creative backgrounds across publishing, photography, and graphic design. We love what we do – if you have an upcoming project then please do say hello.

Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.

- Albert Einstein.

MEET APRIL AND LAUREN Part of the growing team at Glanvilles Damant

The team at Glanvilles Damant continues to grow in number and experience. Solicitors April Newton and Lauren Elliott give us an insight into life in the law and what inspires them in their work.

What is your role at Glanvilles Damant?

Lauren Elliott: I’m a Partner in the Property Department at Glanvilles Damant Limited.

April Newton: I’m a Partner in the Private Client Department at Glanvilles Damant Limited.

How long have you been with Glanvilles Damant and what was your position within the company previously?

Lauren: I joined Glanvilles LLP as a Trainee Solicitor in 2011 and progressed at the firm through qualification as a Solicitor in 2013, all the way up to Partner level this year.

April: I joined Glanvilles in February 2017 as a Solicitor in the Private Client team

What do you love about your particular department?

Lauren: I thoroughly enjoy working within our Property Department as we have a wonderful team full of experience and knowledge. No one day is the same and the fast-paced nature of the work certainly keeps you on your toes.

April: I love the variety of my role. I can shift from assisting those recently bereaved, to drafting Wills and Trusts,

to administering complex estates involving lengthy tax calculations. Most of all I enjoy working with my team. Everyone brings a different skill set, but all are committed to providing a great service to clients with empathy and understanding.

Have you ever come across a legal case or element of law which has surprised you?

Lauren: All property transactions are different, despite mainly following the same procedural format. The recent case law on Rent Charge Deeds, in particular, has caused several issues for modern build developments. Rent Charge Deeds are commonly found on titles to properties which were built in the last 20 years as part of large developments. The ramifications of not having these Deeds varied to be brought up to currently accepted mortgage lender standards could leave a property unmortgageable in the future, due to the enforcement provisions which are available to rent charge owners.

April: Whilst training I was really surprised to learn that if you die without a Will your estate may not pass wholly to your spouse. This is a common misconception and can cause a lot of problems in families at a time when emotions are running high.

Tell us something about yourself that people don’t know about you.

Lauren: I am a keen sports enthusiast — in particular football. I played for Brighton and Hove Albion when studying at University, and for our local Isle of Wight team, Shanklin Ladies, since the age of 14. I have also represented the Isle of Wight at the international Island Games Event as part of the Ladies Football team; it’s a real passion.

April: In 2020 I was appointed as the Under Sheriff for the Isle of Wight. This is a very special role which involves deputising for the High Sheriff when required and providing advice and guidance to them during their shrieval year. I don’t get a fancy outfit, but I do have an Under Sheriff’s staff which James Attrill DL kindly presented me with at the end of his year as High Sheriff.

What’s your favourite place on the Island to escape to for some relaxation and to unwind?

Lauren: Colwell Bay on a summer’s day. You could easily mistake yourself for being in the Mediterranean. Nothing beats the Island’s coastline on a summer’s day.

April: I love to walk and the view from Brighstone Down across the English Channel is breathtaking.

Lauren Elliott April Newton

EMBRACING CHALLENGES AND CHANGE

By Emma Roberts

Awhile ago I read a book that embedded itself deeply into my mind. The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, was a powerful reminder to me of how one single decision can change the entire course of your life. The Midnight Library is an infinite library of all the various stories of the character’s life if she had taken the other fork or said ‘yes’. The people she didn’t meet, the places she never saw, the opportunities she didn’t take, the lives she never lived.

The reality that a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can completely shunt us in one or another direction can be scary or exhilarating, depending on your

mindset. A ‘yes’ can often be the option that takes us out of our comfort zone, a ‘no’ is arguably often the easier or safer option. In fact, putting your brain outside its comfort zone and developing skills you may find challenging can actually help the brain to become more flexible and resilient. The island is abundant with challenging activities and events throughout the whole year that can help you step outside your usual boundaries and, perhaps, change your life and that of those around you. For example, Walk the Wight on May 14th raises huge funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight. With multiple routes that suit all ages and abilities with epic views

it sounds like the perfect adventure! The event happens every year, so if you missed it this year, there’s always 2024!

We often think that important or famous people create great historical events or create shifts and changes in our lives, and they do, as the history books tell us. However, we are all capable of it too. So, instead of avoiding taking a path in life you have always been interested in for fear of failure, put yourself out of your comfort zone and take the chance. As they say, if not now, then when? If not you, then who? You never know where your story may lead or how you could positively change your or other people’s lives.

THE FUNGUS AMONG US

What do you see when you think of fungus? A red cap with white spots; or perhaps your mind has wandered down the vegetable aisle of the supermarket? Well, there’s much more to fungus than what you see above ground.

The majority of fungal life happens below ground, through vast networks called mycelium. These networks connect to tree roots and enable individual plants to communicate and transfer water, nitrogen, carbon, and other minerals to each other — a bit like borrowing from a neighbour when you run out of sugar.

Mycelia have a number of important uses, including in agriculture. The quality of the soil is almost wholly dependent upon mycelia. If there is no fungal activity in the soil, the crops won’t grow as well. They are also used to break down toxic substances like pesticides and petroleum.

Mushrooms and fungi are the fruit of these networks. They come in as many shapes and colours as you can imagine. You don’t even have to be anywhere exotic to see something spectacular!

BCM Team Member, Stacey, rather enjoys looking out for the weird and wonderful and even forages for the

more common varieties. Stacey says, “Field mushrooms are relatively easy to identify although there are a couple of imposters that try and catch you out. One such is the ‘yellow stainer’, which looks and smells exactly like a common field mushroom — that is until it gets damaged. It bruises almost instantly, with a distinct yellow colouring. When it comes to anything weird and wonderful though, it’s best not to touch and maybe just take a photo. Much better to come away with a nice image than a raging stomach ache…or worse!

Feature By BCM Rural property specialists IOW office: 01983 828800 bcm.co.uk

Yellow Stags Horn

Green Egg Cup Fungus

Amethyst Deceiver

Fly Agaric

ASSOCIATE, CHURCHERS SOLICITORS

SPRING HAS SPRUNG ON BIOSPHERE ISLAND

By Hannah Lisseter, TEP

The Easter eggs have been eaten, the sun has come out, and the cherry blossom is in full bloom. The Island comes to life at this time of year, both with increased visitor numbers and nature bursting forth in all its glory. Those of us who live here know how unique the Island is and it is great that, in 2019, UNESCO also recognised how internationally important our natural and cultural environment is by awarding the Island Biosphere Status.

Protecting our home and our local environment is more important now than ever before as we are constantly reminded of the impacts of climate change and the risk of natural disasters. Many of us on the Island have suffered from adverse weather events such as flooding and coastal erosion, and across the world people have lost their homes, possessions, and even sadly their lives as a direct consequence. As a result, we are seeing a rapid increase in climate-related migration. With ever-increasing demands on dwindling resources such as water and the consequent impact on crop production, we can

all do more to live more sustainably and preserve our heritage in our little corner of the world. Protecting our environment goes hand in hand with protecting our home, whether it be general maintenance, security systems such as video doorbells, switching to greener energy sources, or installing water-saving devices like water butts. There are plenty of local organisations that are able to give advice and guidance to help us in our efforts.

In my line of work, I am seeing an increase in people asking me about protecting their home from care fees. There are several options available in later life planning, but the simple truth is that you cannot give away your money or your home if the intention is to avoid paying care fees as this is called ‘Deliberate Deprivation of Assets’. There is no time limit on how far back the Local Authority can look at your finances, so when considering any sort of gifting or later life planning, it is best to speak to an expert solicitor to ensure you and your home are protected and there aren’t any nasty surprises later on.

Contact Churchers Solicitors on 01983 562201

By Dale Howarth BUSINESS MENTOR AND CONSULTANT

SHINY NEW THING

Shiny object syndrome is a phenomenon that affects many entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is reflected in a tendency to get easily distracted and infatuated by new and exciting ideas, projects, or opportunities that aren’t part of the business plan. And in doing so, lose focus on current goals and priorities, to the detriment of the main business. It’s the entrepreneurial equivalent of a small child chasing shiny objects which they lose interest in the second they catch them and start to chase the next shiny new thing. Getting a business off the ground and sustaining any level of success requires focus, effort, and persistence. Succumbing to shiny object syndrome is a problem for many as it takes energy, focus, and commitment away from the core strategy and plan.

Unfortunately, it’s never been harder to avoid shiny object syndrome because there have never been more shiny new things to chase after. All present themselves as new and exciting, with a promise of great success for those who jump on them quickly.

You only have to look at social media or attend a business event to see what other people are apparently achieving. Never forget that most seemingly overnight successes took years, rather than someone simply spending a few hours on the latest technology and becoming a billionaire.

The problem with succumbing to shiny object syndrome is that it’s never over. As soon as you move focus from your core strategy and plan

to that shiny new thing, another one will appear. You will forever be chasing the next shiny thing, never committing to one plan, and never seeing anything through.

Remember, spreading your effort and resources across multiple strategies and plans because you’re trying out every new idea that pops up is really bad for business and will only serve to confuse both you and your customers. Confused customers don’t buy!

Experiencing shiny object syndrome doesn’t mean your existing plan or business is failing. It simply means you’re human, and at least recognising when a shiny object is and isn’t useful may help you stay focussed on what you already have. As Sheryl Crow sang: “It’s not knowing what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”

When you become hooked on the possibility of a shiny new thing, remind yourself about the potential of your current thing. Think about what you’re already working so hard towards and how much progress you’re already making. Consider the impact on your current business and where the time would come from to devote to this new thing. It has to come from somewhere. If it’s not your existing business then it’s your sleep, leisure, or family time.

You may then understand that in this fast-moving world, with so many possibilities, doubling down on one thing, your current thing, is the surest way to achieving success.

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

Have You Any Gipsies in the Isle?

A Short History of Romani People on the Isle of Wight

Words: James Rayner llustration: Julie Sajous

Back in 1891, if you followed the woody fern-fringed edges of Parkhurst Forest to the quiet hamlet of Marks Corner, amongst the dappled light and young saplings, you might have caught sight of a collection of rounded tents, made from bent hazel sticks and sheets of dark cloth. Walking closer through the rustling leaves, you may catch sight of the occupants too — whittling wood with their knives, stoking their campfire, and speaking a language you didn’t understand. These people were members of the Island’s gypsy minority — many of whom were ethnic Romani — a significant but often overlooked group on the Victorian Isle of Wight.

Originating from Northern India, the Romani people left their homeland many centuries ago, travelling across Central Asia and Europe before reaching British shores as early as 1505. Living a nomadic lifestyle, they ventured into every corner of the UK, potentially reaching the Isle of Wight soon after their first arrival. Some sources even claim that Egypt Point near Cowes was named after a 16th-century gypsy encampment (with gypsies at the time often being called “Egyptians” from the mistaken belief that their origins lay in Egypt instead of India). Whilst these early days are still pretty hazy, by the reign of Queen Victoria gypsies and travellers had become a permanent feature of local life, with plenty of records still existing today to help recreate their lives here.

Gypsies camped at sites across the Island, particularly around Newport, often living in hand-made tents or brightly decorated wooden caravans known as ‘vardoes’. Temporary communities appeared on St Helens Green in 1891, outside Cowes in 1898, and on Bleak Down in 1900. With landowners sometimes giving

permission to settle, more permanent camps established themselves too, such as those at Rowborough near Brading and at Marks Corner on the edge of Parkhurst forest. They were likely to have been an ethnically mixed group of people, but many (especially the men) had distinctly Romani first names including Dantisful, Vandelo, and Dangerfell (sometimes spelled Dangerfield) — all of which can be traced back to the Romani language. Some of the community were born and raised on the Island, whilst others came from Hampshire, Sussex, Bedfordshire, and Yorkshire — with records even showing that one Romani harp player from Wales briefly made his way to the Island in the 1830s.

To make their money they used the natural materials around them to make buttons, wooden clothes pegs, and wicker baskets which were sold by the women in the towns. Kate Barney, of Marks Corner, walked down through the woods to Cowes to sell her clothes pegs made from sticks of ash, and Patience Hughes would drive her horse and van, loaded with wickerwork, to park up and trade at Pomona Road in Shanklin. Some of the men were musicians and at least one — Joe Willett — was a boxer, taking on Harry Nobbs at a middleweight tournament in Newport in 1896. The Island’s travellers cooked over open fires, often eating rabbits poached from the local fields and copses — unless they got caught in the act, as Sampson Light was on Chillerton Down in the 1890s. They also ate turnips, watercress, and fresh wild garlic — a plant not usually eaten by other people on the Island. By 1842, for this exact

reason, wild garlic had even become known as “gipsy onion” in the local Isle of Wight dialect — a fact reported in The Phytologist magazine by Ryde-based botanist William Arnold Bromfield.

Victorian visitors to the Isle of Wight occasionally crossed paths with the local travellers, too. In his semifictionalised account of his 1840s tour of the Island, writer and poet George Mogridge mentioned that “within a mile or less of Alum Bay, a gipsy-girl opened a gate for us that led to a beautiful common covered with furze and fern”. Similarly, the artist Alfred Vickers created a picturesque painting entitled “A Gypsy Encampment in the Isle of Wight” detailing a typical Romani ‘bender tent’ set up on the banks of a river — one of his many landscapes painted during his time on the Island. However, not all visitors were so lucky. London-born novelist James Redding Ware asked at Newport “have you any gipsies in the isle?” and was told, “well, sir, gipsies have come, but somehow they have gone away again, almost as soon as they got here”.

Whether they were visible or not, the Isle of Wight’s Romani community was a permanent presence well into the Edwardian era, by which time many had started to abandon their nomadic lifestyle and opt for bricks and mortar instead. Dantisful Lee and his family moved from their tents at Rowborough to 5 John Street in Barton Village, just east of Newport. Other gypsy families from the Smith and Willett families also moved to Barton and by the 1930s a few final references are made to gypsies living at Littletown, a hamlet just off Briddlesford Road. Today, fewer than a hundred people on the Isle of Wight still identify as gypsy, Romani, or Irish Traveller, however, many, many more of us have gypsy ancestry locked into our DNA — whether we know it, or not.

Archive images - Public Domain from the British Library & Wikimedia Commons

Style speaks

to poet and former theatre director Mimi Khalvati

This issue, we sit down with poet, lecturer, and co-founder of London’s Poetry School, Mimi Khalvati, to talk writing, inspirational teachers, and growing up in an all-girls school in Shanklin.

You were born in the Iranian capital city of Tehran and spent the first six years of your life there. What do you remember about those early years in 1940s Iran?

Well, strangely, I don’t have any memories of that time at all. Coming to Britain only speaking Farsi I had to learn English pretty quickly. As I lost my mother tongue, I think I lost the memories that were embedded with it too. My father was a civil engineer who’d studied in Germany after a scholarship from the shah. My mother started out as a P.A. to a manager at one of the big Iranian banks. She later did a fine art degree at Central Saint Martins in London before going into interior design and starting a flower arranging business.

Aged six you began your ten-year stint at Upper Chine boarding school in Shanklin. How did you end up studying over 3,000 miles from home, on the tranquil Isle of Wight?

I think Upper Chine school was quite popular amongst Iranians at the time. When I arrived in 1950, there were already a few older Iranian pupils and a girl around the same age as me too. Like a lot of boarding schools back then, Upper Chine had a strong contingent of international pupils. My best friend was from Thailand and I found out years later that she became one of the country’s first female barristers and later headed up a big corporation in Bangkok.

We’ve heard that your English teacher at Upper Chine was the renowned writer and classical scholar Aubrey de Sélincourt, who took classes on the downs, reading poetry aloud. Is this where your love for the written word first began?

It was wonderful. We called him ‘strawberry’, and of course, we all had a crush on him. When we were studying the Romantic poets, he’d take us up to the downs and read reams of their poetry in his wonderful murmuring voice while we daydreamed around him. It was a great introduction to the subject.

You started your career as an actor and theatre director, before becoming a poet and later a poetry lecturer and tutor too. Which role have you enjoyed the most?

When I, by mistake, started writing poetry in my 40s, it felt the right fit. Poetry allows you to live in the present moment, without much sense of your history or past. I liked drama but not the public side of it — I never wanted to be an actor; I wanted to be a theatre director. When I played one of the nuns in Ken Russell’s film ‘The Devils’ I remember spending most of it trying to hide behind a pillar!

You were 47 when your first poetry book ‘In White Ink’ was published. What prompted that change in direction?

At the time I was a single parent. A friend suggested I do a writing course to earn some money, so I signed up to an Arvon course in script writing and poetry… but the

teachers were much more keen on the poetry than the script writing. My first poetry pamphlet ‘Persian Miniatures’ won an award, and one of the judges, Michael Schmidt from Carcanet Press, wanted to publish a full collection of my work. So it all happened rather quickly.

Do you find any particular places or moments help to get those words flowing?

What I like best is writing first thing in the morning, sometimes before I’ve even got dressed properly. I also like to write outdoors, especially in bright sunlight and warmth. I find the Mediterranean quite conducive for that.

You’ve written poems about Shanklin Chine and the landscape of the Isle of Wight. What particularly inspires you about the place?

For me, the Isle of Wight certainly has a magical, fairytale-like quality, especially Shanklin and the Chine. I named one of my poetry collections ‘The Chine’ and, being a local term, I enjoyed the fact that even many native speakers of English didn’t know what the word meant.

Your home is now the London Borough of Hackney. Do you ever revisit the Island or have you ever been tempted to move back here?

Being in a boarding school, I only ever really saw a small part of the Island and revisiting in later years I realised I didn’t really know it. I’ve been to Cowes, held a workshop at the hospital, and have fond memories of Ryde too. The last time I visited must have been about ten years ago now, I’m always planning to come down with my friends but we haven’t quite got round to it yet!

A selection of Mimi’s books is available to buy from Medina Books in Cowes and Babushka Books in Shanklin