Island Magazines November 2020 Sandown and Shanklin Area

Your Local Community Magazine

FREE November 2020

Sandown & Shanklin Area

‘Bits & Blogs’ As the nights draw in nothing beats sitting down with a good book, but one better than that is a book written by a fellow Isle of Wighter…

‘Bits and Blogs’ is the work of Poppy Fields who moved to the Island permanently after being made redundant from her job of 25 years. Before that she lived between the Island and the mainland and her book follows the ups and downs of life, many of which we will all be able to relate to. Written as a collection of blogs her funny, light-hearted, emotive, and touching anecdotes about her life can be enjoyed and they also make it easy for the reader to dip in and out of this entertaining book.

Poppy is just a typical wife and grandmother who now works part time in Morrisons.

She shares colourful stories about several weird and wonderful episodes in her life – from the day-to-day quandaries of a Portable Appliance Testing middle-aged, bingo-loving, accident-prone, hot-tub-dipping, sweet-fanatic mother, (PAT Testing) her continuous battle with her weight • Domestic & Commercial (and frustrations with Fat Clubs!), and • Competitive Rates • All Island Coverage a very Sober October to raise money for Call: 01983 754666 for a quote or Macmillan in memory of her dear late friend. Along with her love and pride for email: info@westwightaudio.co.uk her close-knit family, and an abundance of www.westwightaudio.co.uk hilarious moments that will literally have you laughing out loud, the author also reflects “An excellent team on some poignant offering an and sad times in her invaluable service” life that will resonate with anyone who has NEW! Book online www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk ever been in a similar Stress-free Islandwide “Friendly & reliable position. professional yet Home Visits & very caring” Central Vet Surgery This book is the perfect gift for yourself or as a Christmas present that will just keep giving and giving. Available Keyhole CT Surgery Scans to buy from Amazon as a paperback or kindle Watergate Rd, Newport, PO30 1XP 01983 212999 edition.

Welcome to the November issue.

The clocks have gone back an hour and that extra time in bed was gratefully received.

Autumn is in full swing and Winter is just around the corner. There has been a definite drop in the temperature but there have still been some lovely sunny days. For me it’s the simple things in life like still getting the washing dry outside!

This month’s issue is packed with news, information and a range of interesting articles which I hope you will all enjoy reading. As usual we have some great advertisers offering a range of services including Christmas gifts and ideas.

Our puzzles on pages 14 and 15 will keep you busy and if you see yourself as a budding writer there is a great competition being run by Sight for Wight and you can find more details on page 8.

It’s been a very difficult year for everyone, and many local businesses have been and still are struggling, so please use their services whenever you can.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please let any business owners know about us and how they can advertise and promote themselves in this monthly community magazine.

If you have any news or information you would like to share, please get in touch with me and I will always help in any way that I can.

Enjoy your November and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

Best wishes

Debbie

text or call Island Magazines on 07880 587 931 islandmagazines@gmail.com www.islandmagazines.co.uk facebook.com/islandmagazines twitter.com/islandmagazines Island Magazines Mailbox No 4, Unit B1 Whitecross Business Centre Whitecross Lane Shanklin, IOW, PO37 7EJ

FREE Sanitisation FREE Carpet Protection FULL Money back guarantee The ONLY way to clean carpets, upholstery, curtains and rugs is the ChemDry way Call 295518 or visit www.chemdryfirst.co.uk for your free quote.

First Covid-19 Compliant - Following all Government Guidelines 3

Report from IW Councillor Ian Ward for Sandown South & Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Transport Email: ian.ward@iow.gov.uk Telephone: 01983 403193 Mobile: 07772559093 You can use it to report any faults or problems that are the responsibility of Island Roads. The system is quite easy to use, just go to their website: islandroads. com. Click on the yellow box marked ‘Report it Online’ at the top of the page.

Then just SANDOWN CHEMIST – I’VE follow the CONTACTED THE COMPANY HQ - Many of us have endured the long queues instructions and insert when going to collect our prescriptions the details from our Sandown High Street Chemist. of the One person complained to me that they problem. It is simple and fast to use and waited over an hour only to find her medication wasn’t available anyway. While you will get an acknowledgement straight away. this may be an extreme case the waiting time does seem excessive, despite the THE GOVERNMENTS NEW HOUSING Covid problems. Anyway, I wrote to the PROPOSALS FOR THE ISLAND company’s HQ and I have been contacted – REJECTED BY IW COUNCIL AND by the Area Manager who has explained that the closure of the other smaller Branch MP - The Governments proposals to increase house building nationally will in the High Street and the Covid situation have a significant effect on the Island if it had increased the workload beyond all is adopted. Currently the Government expectations. However, efforts are being made to rectify the situation and hopefully quota for the Island is 650 homes per year, the proposed plan increases that quota to service will be back to normal as soon as 1045. We already struggle and fail to meet possible. the current quota for several reasons, so we have little hope of meeting the new quota.

NEW ISLAND ROADS PROBLEM The Leader of the Council and our MP are REPORTING SYSTEM – ‘FIX MY scheduled to meet the Minister to explain STREET’ - Island Roads have introduced why this is an impossible quota for the a new online fault reporting system that Island. anybody can use called: Fix My Street.

OCEAN HOTEL UPDATE – POSITIVE NEWS - I am in regular contact with the Receivers Agent who is dealing with the Ocean Hotel. He reports that they have managed to contact 53 of the current leaseholders so negotiations with them are ongoing. However, the really positive news is that there are two investors who are negotiating with the receivers and he expects to have a clearer view of the negotiations by the end of November. I am also working with the owner of the Tarvic 2 to help him engage with interested developers.

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

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In her capacity as a Sessional Registrar with our local authority Elaine has attended and officiated at over 350 wedding ceremonies and for the past 3 years Elaine has also been the Hospitality Event Manager at Osborne House, and has a wide range of experience in event management ensuring your day runs smoothly.

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Elaine is also available for baby naming ceremonies, special anniversaries, renewal of vows and many other personal and milestone celebrations. As an independent funeral celebrant, she can help co-ordinate and deliver a personalised funeral, celebration of life memorial service, and interment of ashes, to reflect the life of your loved one. This can include religious, non-religious or spiritual elements. You can discuss your own personal requirements, to make it a unique and appropriate service, reflecting the love, laughter, humour and memories in a dignified manner.

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There will be many ‘moments in time’ throughout our lives, whether it’s a wedding, civil partnership, renewing of vows, baby naming, celebration of life, memorial service, funeral, or interment of ashes. All of these events are unique and personal to those involved and local Celebrant Elaine Cesar has gained a reputation for working with clients to make their wishes come true.

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Are you a budding writer?

If there is an author inside you that is just waiting to be noticed... then now is the time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and enter the Sight for Wight Short Story Writing Competition 2020.

This amazing competition is not only your chance to have your story published and recorded by a celebrity but it also for Charity and all funds raised go towards helping this dedicated charity provide information and support to visually impaired Islanders, their families, friends and carers.

This year’s celebrity readers are: Ray Allen, Jo Brand, Melvyn Hayes and Edana Minghella and the theme is ‘The Wish’ Entry forms are available from Dress for Less, 114 St James’ Street, Newport, Sight for Wight, Millbrooke House, 137 Carisbrooke Road, Newport or you can download at: www.sightforwight.org.uk or email your request to enquiries@iwsb.org.uk The entry fee is £6.00 for adults per story (1500—2000 words) and £3.00 for under 18s per story (up to 750 words).

Entry forms along with your completed story must be returned by 4pm on Friday 13th November. You can either drop them into Dress for Less in Newport, Sight for Wight in Carisbrooke or email it to enquiries@iwsb.org.uk For more information visit: www.sightforwight.org.uk

8

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The views and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are their own and do not reflect the views of the Editor or Island Magazines unless stated otherwise.

Island Magazines reserves the right to refuse or alter material where necessary.

He’s small but he is mighty…

I had no trouble thinking of this month’s front cover. All I had to do was look out my window for inspiration as I have been befriended by a little robin who lives in the hawthorn at the bottom of the garden. I decided to name him and to be honest I decided to keep it simple and he is now known as Mr Robin… he is here all day, every day and has been for the last 5 weeks or so. Most mornings you can hear his high pitched singing and some particular mornings if he has got out of bed on the wrong side (which happens to us all) he can be very vocal and almost aggressive in his tune. This also happens if I have been a bit slack and not filled the feeders to the standard he likes.

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The hawthorn bush is home to at least 20+ little sparrows and a blackbird but it is clear to see that Mr Robin is the leader and has no trouble keeping everyone in line.

The robin is officially Britain’s national bird and they have been associated with Christmas as postmen in Victorian Britain were nicknamed “robins” because of their red-breasted coloured uniforms. So, the robin on the Christmas card came to represent the postman who delivered the card.

Robins are known to have spiritual and symbolic meanings and signifies loved ones are still with us after they pass away, bringing us a sign from heaven, encouraging us to move forward with acceptance and determination. Above all, the robin red breast symbolises passion, a new beginning, and re-birth. Therefore, if the bird flies into your life you will be blessed with happiness and joy.

I take a lot of pleasure from feeding the birds, and this small task means so much to them as the winter weather can have a severe impact on them and they can use up to 10% of their body weight during one cold night, and unless able to feed well every day to replenish its reserves, a prolonged cold spell can be fatal. Once they know food is available, they will be back time and time again.

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Report from Sandown Town & County Councillor Debbie Andre.

Tel 07948 757977 Email:- debbieandre4sandown@gmail.com Facebook:- debbieandre4sandown At the time of writing, cases of Covid-19 are once again rising on the island, although our infection rate remains the lowest in the UK. The support services that were set up initially by various groups are still available and will be stepped up again if the need arises.

The call centre on the island can be reached by calling 823600. Please use this number if you need help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or just want someone to talk to. Alternatively, I’m always happy for you to get in contact with me if you need support or further information about any of the available services.

As many of you will know, the Free Food For Sandown shelf has now moved to new premises in the parade at Lake. A huge thanks to Dot and Dave and the team for this wonderful provision for our community.

I know that they work tirelessly to make sure that the shelf is stocked and then restocked throughout the day 6 days a week.

The businesses in our town have been hit hard by the pandemic. Wherever possible, please try to buy local and support our local businesses. You may just find that hidden gem that you wouldn’t have found anywhere else and the service received is second to none.

It’s great to see Boojum and Snark, the micro-brewery in the lower high street, becoming so popular. Tracy and Julie are working hard to create a great atmosphere and some very tasty ciders and beers too!

It was lovely to see the “Friends of the Animals” shop open. The staff are so friendly and the shop is well organised, spacious and easy to get around, even for those less able. They have a rail of fabulous ball gowns at very low prices for when we can all get together and party again.

Hopefully that time won’t be too far away.

I would like to thank everyone from our community who has been involved in any way in helping others to stay safe and well.

We’re all in this together.

Cllr Heather Humby misses seeing residents at Sandown library and will resume her weekly Councillor Surgery every Saturday from 11am until midday when the restrictions are lifted. She is still available on 402024 or at heatherhumby@ sandowntowncouncil.gov.uk

Don’t forget my monthly Councillor surgeries on the first Saturday of each month at Yaverland Sailing Club, from 11am until midday, at the outside area, to enable social distancing. I’m happy to hold At the time of writing, Premier Inn have surgeries more frequently if residents feel said that due to the evolving Covid-19 crisis, that would be of value? I’m grateful for they have not yet decided upon a date for the support of you, my residents. Please the opening of “Sandown Cliffs”, but they continue to contact me with your issues. will let everyone know once a date has What matters to you, matters to me. been fixed. The new hotel is now finished and looking fabulous and this will be a real Stay safe and well everyone. boost to the economy of our town.

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SUBSCRIBE To receive a digital copy of Island Magazines each month simply send an email saying ‘subscribe’ to shanklinmagazine@ gmail.com, then sit back, relax and wait for the next issue to drop into your email inbox.

Get in touch today Email: hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk 01983 754 666

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11

Monthly News Report for Shanklin.

Richard 07471 471960 Jon 07973 860086 Email. priest.gilbey@live.co.uk We’d like to thank all residents and visitors for continuing to follow the changing Covid-19 guidance, and for the efforts of local businesses and organisations to maintain services under increasingly difficult conditions – we remain grateful for all of the work of the NHS, Social Care and key workers, and we will continue to do all we can in the coming months to contribute to the Island’s response to the pandemic.

We have been able to re-open the community library, much needed by vulnerable local residents, and we hope the new Town Office will be open this month, together with other additions, such as a specially commissioned planter (donated by Mayoress Esther Knight), a commemorative window designed and donated, by Julie North, from Nova Construction, and other features that reflect the commitment the Town Council has had to delivering significant Capital projects.

These projects include the installation of new Public Toilets at Falcon Cross and Tower Cottage Gardens; investment in Esplanade Toilets; the new Town Clock at the URC; the renovation of the War Memorial and Commemorative Seating; maintenance of the CCTV system; and other initiatives within the limited resources of the Town Council.

Shanklin’s public toilets have again received national recognition in the National Loo of the Year Awards – and the positive comments submitted by visitors highlight the value of the investment made, and that many other 12

local Town & Parish Councils are following – we also hope to have good news about the charging of Business Rates in the coming weeks.

The Town Council have committed funds to the local Town Band, and Carnival Association, recognising that their costs have continued in 2020, but Covid-19 has deprived them of revenue, and we know that they are planning a full programme for 2021 subject to the guidance that will be in place at the time.

Funds have also been allocated to commemorate the centenary of the unveiling of the Town’s War Memorial – it was unveiled at 11am on 11th November 1920 by Mrs White Popham, who also donated the land where it stands, and it is made of Portland Stone (the same time and date as the Cenotaph in London).

Plans include a special film of the history of the memorial, and the others in Shanklin, and the siting of an information panel when possible – residents are advised to follow the guidance being provided by the Royal British Legion and to commemorate Remembrance and Armistice Days safely, observing the 2 minutes silence: wearing a poppy, laying a wreath safely, or similar appropriate commemoration.

Thanks again to Terry Carpenter, our Curator, and Green Town Volunteers for their efforts to ensure the memorial and the gardens are maintained to the highest standards – and local churches for trying to arrange commemorative services in accordance with the guidance.

continued over the page

Monthly News Report for Shanklin

Residents have also been in touch about the filming of the Britbox series ‘The Beast Must Die’ in locations across the Bay, including Los Altos Park and The Heights – the 5 part series is due to be screened in 2021, and will star Jared Harris, Geraldine James and Nathaniel Parker.

We are also really grateful to local residents for getting touch regarding plans for 2021 – we appreciate the recent Covid-19 guidance highlights that we need to continue to work together, including maintaining the support network and volunteer hub, over the coming months and follow the guidance that is being provided.

Thanks again to all those volunteers and key workers for all of their work at this challenging time.

Take care and stay safe Jon Gilbey & Richard Priest

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Sudoku

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

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1

4 9 2 8 5 7 3 1 2 7 6 9 7 8 6 9 2 7 4 8 1 2 5 3 3 5 2 6 14

BASH BURST CHOP CRUMBLE CRUNCH CRUSH CUT DEMOLISH DESTROY DICE DIVIDE EXPLODE FLAKE FRACTURE GRATE GRIND JUMBLE MINCE PIERCE

PULVERISE REND RUIN SEVER SHATTER SMASH SNAP SPLIT TEAR WRECK

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

F O O L

S A G E

Last month’s answers – Wordladder:- Tears, Sears, Stars, Stare, Stale, Stile, Smile

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

3 LETTERS CAP CHI COW INN JOY LEE TIE WAX

4 LETTERS 5 LETTERS ALOFT FINE DWELL LACK FROCK OOZE INFER SCAR KNOWS TASK MOODS UPON NIECE URIC STICK YESES

6 LETTERS BAMBOO EASIER EMPIRE JERKED MYSELF NEATLY REELED STARVE SUFFIX

8 LETTERS ABRUPTLY RESERVED

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SHANKLIN SLIMMERS COME BACK TOGETHER AFTER MONTHS OF VIRTUAL SLIMMING Slimmers from Shanklin are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World group reopened, with local Consultant Julie Benson saying she’s excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

Tuesday Falcon Cross Hall, Shanklin Group Meetings are back. Social distancing in place and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call/email Julie for more info on 07813 635202 or joolsmarj@btinternet.com

Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community groups. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, real-life groups are beginning to reopen step-by-step.

Julie has put measures in place to ensure her groups in Shanklin comply fully with government and local guidance and that members can return safely to their much-

loved Slimming World.

Julie says: “I’m delighted to finally be back together with my members! Our virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support and I’m so, so proud of how my members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active. There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.”

There are a few changes in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can. This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book in to before attending. What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being ‘in it together’ week on week.

We can’t wait to welcome new members in Shanklin to our groups too. Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19. We know many people’s routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices.”