Feb/Mar 2019 Island Life magazine

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

A STABLE FUTURE

GILTEN DINNER

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February / March 2019

ISLAND LIFE Donna and Leon on their journey to Crufts

The transformation of Osborne Stable Block

Celebrating the Gilten Market

Major General Sir Martin White set to retire as Lord Lieutenant

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Check out our website

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR There’s nothing more welcome at this time of year than the sight of snowdrops – whether it’s just a little clump you find nestling under the shade of a tree, or a great, milky swathe of them along a hedgerow or fringing a forest path. Or perhaps just the ones you’ve lovingly tended in your own garden.

These lovely harbingers of Spring have been prized for centuries as tiny lightbringers. Their Greek-derived name Galanthus means ‘milk flower’, but in earlier centuries they were also known as Candlemas bells, because they would begin flowering around February 2, the date celebrated by pagans and Christians alike as the ‘returning of the light’.

CONTENTS ISLAND LIFE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

INTERVIEWS p40

p54

White

p53

“Jack Up” re-mixed!

It’s a dog’s life and they love

p60

Celebrity five have fun on the Isle of Wight!

it! p74

Building a stable future

PROPERTY p12

Featured Property: Eastridge House Let there be lights

p29

Clear the clutter

p31

Voluptuous velvet

You’ll also find details of lots of events to look forward to, as we move into the longer, warmer days of Spring.

p35

Deck the walls!

Our interviewees this issue include Island businessman Tony Harrison, who tells us about the ongoing labour of love that has brought back light into the previously-neglected historic stables at Osborne House.

FEATURES p37

p62

New Island music festival

p62

Island band’s new album released

p63

Featured Property: The Hardies

p18

Locally made: crafted by Island people

End of an era for Sir Martin

p27

In this first issue of Island Life for 2019, we’re also looking at bringing back some light, with ideas for de-cluttering, de-toxing and refreshing the home and garden.

p38

Big names line up for IW

Island engineers are reunited with Black Arrow

p72

Record breaker for iconic race

p86

Countdown to Walk the Wight

p126

New post on the Isle of Wight for Canon

LOCAL SCENE p48

Celebrating the Gilten Market

p58

Burns Night at the Winter Gardens

Festival

And we also talk to Crufts regulars Leon and Donna Sayer, about their caninecentred lifestyle - and their hopes for big national dog show of the year.

We hope you’ll enjoy these and all your regular features, and would just ask that you continue to support our advertisers, who are crucial in the process of producing your quality free magazine.

Jackie McCarrick, Editor

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GARDENING p88

Gardens popping with potential

p91

Matt Noyce: Springtime tasks

COUNTRYSIDE p92

Who’s whoo?

p95

10 things you didn’t know about hares

p96

Tony Ridd: Countryside news

p98

Hedgehogs are waking up

EQUESTRIAN p100

Equestrian goodies: Froghill of Sandford

p101

Robert Booth: Training horses

p102

High entries at jumping show

FOOD & DRINK p111

p113

Recipe: Smoked salmon roulade

p115

Vegan goes mainstream

p117

Recipe: Asparagus, sundried tomato and olive loaf

p121

Recipe: Banoffee profiteroles

AND MORE... p8

Island life contributors

p10

Notebook

p67

Accommodation

p68

Travel: Idaho: The jewel in the US crown

p80

Motoring

p85

Auctions: HRD auction rooms

p104

Fashion, health and beauty

p125

Education

p127

Obituary: Anthony Churchill

p129

Legal: Trust me, I’m a lawyer?

Local producers

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Fashion, health & beauty

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Island Life Magazine Suite 2, 17 St Thomas Square, Newport, PO30 1SL

01983 216111

ISLAND LIFE

Contributors

email: islandlife@me.com

THE ISLAND LIFE TEAM Editor: Jackie McCarrick

Contributors: Tony Ridd, Terence Willey, Robert Booth, Matt Noyce, Warren Riches, Peter White

Terence Willey

Warren Riches

Tony Ridd

Robert Booth

Matt Noyce

Peter White

Legal & travel

Antiques

Head of Sales: Natalie Labelle 07814 723610

Accounts: Carina Farrer 07933 360321

Design: Colin Clarke

Distribution: Steve Read 07894 738246

Photography: Jonathon Sheath

Countryside

Equestrian

Front Cover: Major General Sir Martin White

View all our back issues from the last fourteen years... www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Gardening

Writer

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notebook Events from across the Island

Spirit of the Orient Until the 23rd February, at 6 - 10pm each day, Robin Hill will explode in a riot of colour during their award winning Electric Woods event: Spirit of the Orient, one of the UK’s biggest festivals celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Featuring a dazzling fusion of sound, colour, illuminations and oriental flavours, the 88 acre woodland will capture the spirit of the event. Showing off impressive new light exhibits, a 12-metre long dragon procession, new interactive woodland light shows, traditional lion dances, Chinese street food, entertainment and crafts, the festival marks the year of the Earth Pig. Visit the Electric Woods website, www.electricwoods.co.uk, for more information.

Isle of Wight Walking Festival Running from the 4th - 19th May 2019, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival features around about 100 walks for you to choose from, from short, flat walks, to hills, beaches, forests and everything inbetween. With over half the walks being new this year, there is something for everyone.

All the walks are guided by passionate Walk Leaders who just want to share their favourite places with you. The walks vary in length with some taking only an hour or so

and are a gentle ramble. For the more adventurous there is a three day round the Island walk, the famous Walk the Wight and the 24hr Isle of Wight Challenge.

The majority of the walks in the festival are free to join. You can download the walks directory, review all the walks on offer and reserve your place on a walk from the dedicated website: www. isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Events at the Monkey Haven The Monkey Haven at Staplers Road, Newport will be hosting a ‘Love Week’ from the 14th - 24th February. There will be plenty of rescue stories to warm the heart and all the daily keeper talks will focus on the topic of love. You can give a gift with a difference and book a keeper for the day experience for you and a loved one.

On Mother’s Day, which is the 31st March this year, Monkey 10

Haven are offering free admission to every mum who comes with a paying child. The keeper talks will be all about the mothers at the Haven, from Rasmaya, the long suffering Lar Gibbon, and her naughty daughter, Somer to Lulu, who’s just popped out the sweetest baby Capuchin, to everyone’s surprise and delight.

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Celebrating St Patricks Day If you want to enjoy an evening of Irish entertainment this St Patrick’s Day, pop on down to Wootton Community Centre on Saturday 16th March.

Starting at 7pm, the entertainment includes Wight Hot Pipes, The Crew

and guest Irish dancers from the Lynnette Bailey Academy of Irish Dance.

Tickets are £5 and are available by calling 01983 527026 or email info@ challengeandadventure.org.uk.

Huge challenging spring quiz Challenge and Advenuture are organising two quizzes this year, the first is their Huge Challenging Spring Quiz!

Join in the fun on Friday 8th March, 7pm, at Gurnard Pines. You need to enter as a team of four. The entry cost is £20, with all money raised going to the charity Challenge & Adventure. There will be a giant raffle with lots of prizes including a £50 Wightlink voucher. The Question Master will be Tom Stroud, asking questions that have been set by Malcolm Randall.

Some amazing prizes are ready to be won with the 1st prize being £100 cash, which has been kindly donated by Co-operative Funeral Directors. There will also be runner-up prizes of chocolate & wine hampers. Drinks will be served at your table and bar food will be available to keep you quizzing!

Events at the Ventnor Botanic Gardens March sees Ventnor Botanic Gardens hold a wedding fair. On Sunday 3rd March, from 11am - 4pm is the perfect opportunity to explore the Botanic Garden as a wedding venue and talk all things wedding.

On the 31st March, celebrate Mother’s Day at the gardens with a 3 course lunch and a small gift for mothers. Mums are also treated with free entry to our

garden. Vegan and gluten free options are available. In April Easter Sunday (21st April) is celebrated with a roast lamb lunch. It’s a chance to bring all the family to the southern side of the Island and soak up the Undercliff microclimate and beautiful scenes. Again vegan and gluten free options are available. Additional children’s activities will also be taking place at the garden.

Upcoming exhibitions at Seaview Gallery

The Memorial Ploughing Match 2019 This year the match will be held at Kingston (by kind permission of Professor and Mrs Williams), on Sunday 7th April 2019. This will be the 11th year of the event, which was originally organised to remember four tractor ploughmen who sadly all passed away in 2008. The money raised from the event will be given to

local charities on the Isle of Wight with the main beneficiary being Challenge & Adventure.

Entrance to the field is from Kingston Road, PO38 2JY – please follow the signs.

For more information email Karen@ memorialploughingmatch.co.uk or telephone: 01983 551208.

Seaview Art Gallery will be holding their annual month long exhibition and February Promotion from February 1st - Mon 4th March 2019 .

Most paintings exhibited will be at reduced promotional prices, with the artists taking part to prepare for the new season ahead. Its a great opportunity to get a birthday, anniversary or wedding gift, treat yourself, especially if you need a show stopper to finish a room.

From Monday March 11th the Gallery will be showing the exhibition ‘Inspirational’. It’s all about new works and inspirations for the new season, with a selection of the Gallery’s artists submitting works. It promises to be an exciting view.

See the website seaviewart.co.uk for open hours, preview art works, and all of their contact details. You can find Seaview Art Gallery at 4 High Street, Seaview. www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Prestige property

FEATURED PROPERTY:

THE HARDIES A characterful stone property standing in mature gardens, in a delightful rural setting, with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Situated in a rural lane, on the outskirts of the village, this characterful detached house was originally stables to the neighbouring farmhouse, later extended to provide an attractive stone property, surrounded by open countryside, enjoying far reaching views to Bleak Down in the distance.

Standing in good size mature gardens with access onto the Worsley Trail bridleway, this lovely rural home is just a fifteen minute drive from the County Town of Newport and within easy reach of the scenic coastline of South West Wight. The popular village of Chillerton has a thriving community with village hall and local primary school. The very well presented accommodation

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“Exposed beams and open stone work enhance the character of this delightful home.�

features a sitting room with attractive fireplace and log burning stove, a spacious dining room with, french doors to a 29ft garden room/ conservatory, a kitchen/breakfast room with oil fired Aga, a separate utility room and boot room.

A ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower room has been utilised as a study with a fitted desk and bookshelves, but could easily provide a guest bedroom.

On the first floor are two double bedrooms, both en-suite, plus a single bedroom. Exposed beams and open stone work enhance the character of this delightful home.

Outside is a double garage, a large gravelled parking area and a useful timber store.

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Prestige Property

The grounds From Roslin Lane a gravelled driveway leads to a large gravelled parking area and double garage with twin electronic doors, power and light. A large timber store provides excellent storage for garden equipment.

The good sized gardens are laid mostly to lawn with several mature trees, a paved terrace, pathways, herbaceous borders and feature pond. There is a Summer House sited to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and evening sunsets plus a greenhouse.

A gateway within the grounds allows access to the Worsley Trail bridleway and walks through the surrounding open countryside.

Where: Chillerton Agent: Hose Rhodes Dickson, Country Homes (01983 538090) Asking Price: ÂŁ675,000 EPC: TBC

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Seaview £435,000 A luxurious penthouse apartment in this exclusive development just yards from the beach, enjoying stunning views across the Solent to the mainland beyond. Set in eight acres of communal grounds this two bedroom apartment has a wraparound balcony with fabulous sea views.

EPC B

www.hrdcountryhomes.co.uk

Whitwell

£595,000

Nestled beneath St Catherine’s Down, Appletree barn is a beautifully constructed oak and stone stylish holiday home set within large gardens of approximately a third of an acre, in a tranquil Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Oak flooring throughout, triple glazing, open plan living area. EPC C

Bembridge

£699,950

An impressive fully renovated six bedroom residence in a sought after village location. The accommodation provides flexible living space with the potential for an annexe on the ground floor. 180ft south facing rear garden. Easy to reach shops, beach and sailing club. EPC C

Newport £795,000 A substantial, detached residence in a lovely rural setting on the outskirts of town enjoying wonderful views. Kendal House offers versatile five/six bedroom accommodation with generous living accommodation. Large gravel driveway and double garage plus good size gardens. EPC E

Newport 01983 538090 Bembridge 01983 875000 16

London Office 020 3368 8764

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Prestige property

FEATURED PROPERTY:

EASTRIDGE HOUSE Inspired by glorious Georgian architecture, Eastridge House is the flagship of a sophisticated and luxurious five-home development that reflects a magical merging of traditional light and space with ultra-modern design, construction and the highest quality, magazine standard interior finishes. bedroom detached home arranged over three floors, with a formal entrance via an attractive bridge to the front aspect.

Uniquely located in the celebrated and quiet Ryde conservation area, with an enviable combination of convenience and tranquillity, the large expanses of glass and balconies to the sea side of the building make the most of the Solent views.

This brand new home represents an unrepeatable masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, featuring Georgian inspired façade complete with railings and formal planting, high specification hardwood double glazed sash windows, contemporary layout, designed for modern luxury living, beautiful Italian kitchen, an abundance of glass and stunning wrap-around balconies on the upper two floors, energy efficient central heating, and offers the highest quality floor coverings and interior finishes throughout. Another fabulous attribute are the low-maintenance outside spaces, which include plenty of private parking.

Eastridge House is a magnificent five

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“Eastridge House is a magnificent five bedroom detached home arranged over three floors, with a formal entrance via an attractive bridge to the front aspect. ”

The accommodation comprises of a stunning, light and open entrance vestibule, with a magnificent glass balustrade giving way to stairs down to the ground floor and up to the first. This upper ground floor also features a beautifully light, expansive lounge with a wrap around balcony, a cloakroom and the fifth bedroom, which would also make a fabulous study.

The stairwell leads to the ground floor which features a spectacular open plan Italian design kitchen diner, with the added benefit of a separate utility room and additional cloakroom. On the first floor, the traditional landing gives way to the superb master bedroom, with a luxury en-suite and further panoramic balcony, the stunning family bathroom, bedroom two, which also has an en-suite, bedroom three and bedroom four.

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Prestige Property

The grounds From the formal borders and attractive façade, the grounds wrap around the property with vehicle access to the east side.

With visitor parking available next to the entrance, the gravel drive leads down to the north side of the building, and provides plenty of parking, next to the residents lawn which forms part of the property.

From the gravel, an attractive resin quartz path and zero-maintenance lawn lead up to the terrace and on to the French doors. The terrace has attractive, high quality paving in complementary grey, elegant outside lighting and useful external power. A resin quartz path leads to the side of the home, and gives further access to the courtyard and rear door into the kitchen.

Accessed by a pedestrian gate, between attractive planting, the communal lawn is a fabulous addition to the property. Terraced lawns and mature trees are bordered by a stone wall and high quality fencing, giving a luxurious ambience to this additional green space.

Where: Ryde Agent: Susan Payne (01983 566244).

Guide Price: ÂŁ595,000 EPC: B

Photos by Jessica Dobbs

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Prestige Property

Gifts with a good conscience There’s a definite ‘feelgood’ factor about buying goods that are fairly traded – but what does that Fair Trade tag actually mean?

It’s a question often asked by customers at Godshill giftshop Daisy Daisy, a member of BAFTS, the British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers.

To qualify for its yearly membership, the shop must, among other things, source at least 70% of its stock from suppliers who are members of either BAFTS or the World Fair Trade Organistaion (WFTO).

These embody ethical principles such as fair prices, no child or forced labour, good working conditions and respect for the

environment.

With around 150 BAFTS members in the UK, Daisy Daisy is still the only one here on the Island.

“We feel that membership adds to the transparency of what we do and reassures people that our products really are genuinely Fair Trade” says co-owner Annabel, who buys from around 20 accredited suppliers.

Most of these are small family-run businesses with strong links to a particular part of the world.

Annabel is currently busy previewing lots of new designs and products from suppliers and

planning what to have in the shop this year.

“To be honest, this is an absolute joy and I never get tired of it” she says. “The creativity and craftsmanship never fails to surprise me. Nick is also busy working on new designs for his Little Red Robin handmade jewellery so we’ve got quite a bit to look forward to in 2019”.

Find Daisy Daisy on the High Street, Godshill or on the web at www.daisydaisyethicalgifts.co.uk.

Call them on 01983 840913.

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Prestige Property

Let there be lights!

Lighting can totally make or break a room – but ironically, it’s one of those things that’s probably the easiest and least expensive to change, even if you happen to be renting your property.

A basic overhead light as installed by your average builder is rarely going to make the best of your living space – so how might you choose to improve things?

Arc floor lamps have become uber-popular, and can add an arty, visual feature to a room as well as throwing out extra light.

There’s been a particular trend for floor and table lamps featuring a dramatic marble base, particularly in cool greys and white. But with the current shift away from neutral interiors to pops of bright colour, there are more coloured stone options coming into the market for lamp bases.

Another good way to lift your lighting is to ditch those traditional drop lights for linear fixtures that hug the ceiling and span the whole width of the room. There are plenty of these simple, cleanlined fixtures with exposed bulbs that really showcase the trend, as well as really revving up your lighting levels.

If you love golden colours around the home, then you’ll love some of the latest lighting designs, which feature classic brass fittings. Not that fake-looking shiny kind though – the new look is for unlacquered brass that will age and acquire a soft patina over time. This works particularly well with the currently popular petal-shaped chandelier lights, which are popping up

everwhere this year.

By far the easiest way to switch up your lighting look is with ontrend shades – and one of the hottest looks on the High Street is for wicker, rattan and woven grass designs, which are appearing everywhere.

These natural fibre light shades are available in a wide range of shapes and colours, and can give a light and airy look that’s definitely not just for beach homes. In fact, they’ll add a distinctly casual, bohemian vibe to any room in the house.

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Prestige Property

Clear the clutter Father of the Arts and Crafts movement William Morris had a famous golden rule when it came to home-making: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”.

For many of us that can be quite a challenge, as we build up piles of books we might read one day, stash away gifts and ornaments we were given but don’t really like, and stuff our wardrobes with clothes that don’t quite fit our bodies or our lifestyles.

But all that clutter really can become a problem – and not just to look at. Anything we have around us that we don’t use or don’t enjoy looking at will become a constant source of irritation or stress.

So as part of the spring cleaning season this year, it might be worth sitting down for half an hour and looking around your living space with a clear and critical eye.

Anything that sits gathering dust – either because you don’t use it or never look at it, probably needs

to go. Done on a room-by-room basis, this kind or purge can be quite therapeutic. In the kitchen, start by checking cupboards and throwing out any food past its expiry date, getting rid of unused gadgets and sorting out those messy kitchen drawers.

File all those random recipes you’ve amassed into plastic pockets, and organise those bitty things like batteries, lightbulbs, candles and screws into little boxes so you know where to find them. It’s also worth doing a stocktake on the freezer.

In the living room, do you really need to keep all those CDs and videos and books that you’ve read? If not, pack a bag for the charity shop. Then look at all your ornaments and keep out just a few of the ones you love. A shelf with

a few lovely things is far nicer and easier to appreciate than a mass of them - not to mention easier to clean!

In the dining room, keep the table free of papers and other clutter and reward yourself with a little jug of fresh flowers on there instead.

In the bedroom, put any out-ofseason clothes into storage bags – and if it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in the last year or two then donate or recycle it. Prune down your jewellery and accessories too, and organise them in boxes and hangers.

Compartmentalising is the key to success, so Invest in a few pretty baskets or storage boxes and enjoy creating a neat and tidy storage system that looks good as well as clearing your space.

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Prestige Property

Voluptuous Velvet Maybe it’s down to a yearning for softness and comfort in these current harsh times – but whatever the reason, there’s been an amazing revival in the fortunes of velvet for furniture and upholstery since 2018.

In recent decades, while sleek leather and smooth cottons were ruling the roost in our living rooms, this throwback from the 1970s was seen as distinctly scruffy, dusty and old-fashioned.

But the new generation of velvet sofas, chairs and curtains is a world away from those dowdy, drab and invariably brown versions we probably remember from our parents’ and grandparents’ sitting rooms.

In fact, with advanced technology, velvet fabrics have come on in such leaps and bounds

that the new versions of the material are far less likely to stain, and much softer to the touch than the old style velvets and velours.

Currently available in more rich and vibrant colours than ever, the luxuriously tactile fabric makes a bold statement in any room. A teal green or fuchsia pink plush sofa certainly creates a centre of attention in a room – although the trend can just as easily be captured on a smaller budget, using an existing sofa and dressing it generously with velvet throws and cushions.

It seems as if we are only at the start of this trend, if online searches are anything to go by.

In fact, online searches for velvet increased by a huge 400% over the past year, making it now the most searched-for fabric out there.

There’s certainly nothing like it for creating a feeling of opulence, and as a distinctly vintage-inspired material, velvet contrasts perfectly with vintage lighting, so check out some brass, pewter and copper lighting fixtures to perfectly enhance this soft and subtle look.

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Prestige Property

Deck the walls!

Wallpaper has rarely been more popular on the home décor front – and thanks to advanced new materials and print techniques the choice of styles, patterns and colours is practically endless.

One online specialist Wallpaperdirect offers a mind-boggling choice of over 15,000 papers, featuring an A-Z of companies that includes everything from familiar Anaglypta to classic Sanderson and Morris, edgy Jean-Paul Gaultier and designer brands such as Joules, Laura Ashley and Orla Kiely.

On the high street, a similar expansion has happened at most DiY and home decorating stores, where you’ll find stacks of sample books to fire your inspiration with ideas of what you can achieve in your own four walls.

There’s no doubt that a well-

chosen wallpaper can transform a room, and one of the easiest ways to venture into the world of wallpaper is to go for a feature wall or two.

For those who might have been living with plain magnolia walls for years, this is by far the least scary approach.

Start extra small with a single alcove or even a panel in wallpaper, or go for the classic chimney breast wall treatment.

If your wallpapering skills are a bit rusty or simply not up to scratch, a nice square area such as this should also present less of a challenge. Of course if you

are going for a wallpaper design with a repeating pattern, you’ll still need to match up – in which case, be sure to buy a bit more paper than you think you’ll need!

And any paper you happen to have left over needn’t be thrown away. As well as keeping some spare bits for any future repairs, there are also some great creative ways you can use those offcuts and leftovers.

In a bedroom, they can be used to cover a wooden headboard or a plain lampshade, or to create a pretty lining in chests of drawers or wardrobes.

And for craft projects, wallpapers can make the perfect luxury gift wrapping – or can be cut into triangles and strung together with ribbon to make a colourful string of bunting for a celebration event or a child’s bedroom.

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Feature

Big names line up for IW Festival Early bird tickets for the 2019 Isle of Wight Festival sold out as early as last November – and that was even before the exciting line-up of top performers was unveiled ahead of the summer’s big music event.

Now the wraps have come off, festival devotees and newbies alike are sure to be clamouring for tickets to see the eclectic range of top performers who are set to take to the stage over the weekend of June 13-16.

As well as headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, chart-topping British singersongwriter George Ezra and Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro, the summer extravaganza has lined up a huge range of artists to appeal to all tastes. Special guest Fatboy Slim will be making his Isle of Wight Festival debut, and other acts include Bastille, Courteeners, Jess Glynne, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, Madness, Rick Astley, Sam Fender,

Noel Gallagher

George Ezra

Sigala, Sigrid, The Coral, Tom Walker and Wild Front.

George Ezra’s top billing marks his first-ever major UK festival headline performance, while Noel Gallagher returns to the Isle of Wight for a first performance at the festival since 2012.

Since his last appearance on the Island, Ezra, currently one of British music’s top and most popular performers, has released his second album Staying At Tamara’s, and performed around the world.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will take to the Main Stage on the Friday evening, closing the first day of the Festival in style.

Since going solo in 2011, Noel has released three studio albums, all debuting at number one in the UK Album charts.

Biffy Clyro will bring their passionate and rousing live show to the Main Stage on the Sunday, closing the Festival in what is sure to be an epic headline performance.

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Locally made

Items crafted by Island people

Yarmouth Gallery

Hare gazing hanger by Linda Lovatt of Beastie Assemblages

High Street, Yarmouth, PO41 0PL www.yarmouthgallery.com

Rabbits in a wood dish

Life size ceramic hare by Karen Fawcett

Bonchurch Pottery

Cat sculpture

Shore Road, Bonchurch, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1NR 01983 854445 www.bonchurchpottery.co.uk

Lamp base

Fish dish

Isle of Wight Métier Accessories M: 07769 953040 Find us on Facebook

Spring floral studs

Abaca earrings Personalised resin bracelet , “Wear your memory”

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End of an era for Sir Martin White Major General Sir Martin White’s tenure as Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight comes to an end on March 25. That is the day when he reaches his 75th birthday, and must retire the prestigious position, with former Island High Sheriff Susie Sheldon taking over as his successor. Written by Peter White.

During the 13 years Sir Martin has been Lord Lieutenant, he has overseen more than 50 Royal visits to the Island, including all the senior members of the Royal Family. Other duties as The Queen’s representative on the Isle of Wight include encouraging nominations for the Queen’s Birthday and New Year’s Honours, and presenting British Empire Medals, and sometimes other awards such as MBEs.

In October last year, he became the recipient when he was invited to Windsor Castle for the ultimate accolade, to be knighted by Her Majesty the Queen.

But his role of Lord Lieutenant, and for seven years prior to that in the position of Vice Lord Lieutenant, are just small but important parts of a remarkable life of the man who was born in Seaview, and attended Nettlestone

Primary School, Ryde School and Sandown Grammar School, where he was always a keen sportsman.

It was while he was at Sandown Grammar School, in Grove Road, that he joined the Army Cadets, and decided he would like to pursue a military career. It was a journey which took him through the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major General, and playing a hugely important role in the suppression

of Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein when his troops invaded Kuwait in the Second Gulf War. Virtually everywhere Sir Martin travelled in the world, Fiona, his devoted wife since 1966, was at his side. The couple still live in Seaview, proud parents of four children and equally proud grandparents of 13.

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Martin as a raw recruit at Sandhurst, 1962

Sir Martin’s life in the British Army Sir Martin takes up the story of his military career and how it came about. He said: “While at Sandown Grammar School, one of my teachers was Dick Maybe, he ran the Sandown Cadet Unit at the old barracks, where the Heights Fitness Centre and Sandown Medical Centre now stand.

“He persuaded me to join the Cadets and until that point my aspiration when I left school was to become a farmer. But I absolutely loved the Cadets, polishing my boots and pressing my battle dress.

We wore our uniforms with pride.”

That was when he decided an Army life should be his career path. He attended Welbeck College, a sixth form college in Nottinghamshire, which provided a course of A-Level education for candidates to the technical branches of the British Armed Forces. Completing the course and passing the necessary exams would lead to an automatic place at Sandhurst Military Academy.

“My careers’ master at Sandown

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wasn’t that much help, to be honest, but I spoke to my father, for whom I had a great deal of respect and admiration, and he said it was fine if that was what I wanted to do. Prior to my joining, we had no military connections in the family.”

Before going to Welbeck in September 1960, Sir Martin recalls how he went for a medical at Netley Military Hospital to see if he was fit for a military career, and it was only then that he learned he should be wearing spectacles.

“Until the medical I just thought everyone’s eyesight was the same as mine, but in fact I was very short-sighted,” he smiled. “When I went to Welbeck, I never had any

doubts whatsoever about whether I was doing the right thing.”

After two years at Welbeck, Sir Martin went to Sandhurst as an Officer Cadet. He said: “Sandhurst brings together a whole range of people from all walks of life, from all over the world and turns them into Second Lieutenants in two years.

“Those two years were essential to me because I matured and grew up. I couldn’t have commanded 40-odd soldiers when I started, but I could when I left. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to take my place in the Army.”

Sir Martin was then commissioned into the Royal Army Service Corps and was running

“He persuaded me to join the Cadets and until that point my aspiration when I left school was to become a farmer. But I absolutely loved the Cadets, polishing my boots and pressing my battle dress.

We wore our uniforms with pride.”

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Interview transport for the army in Germany, supporting the fighting elements of the army by supplying them with ammunition, vehicle spares, food, equipment and so on - everything to support an army brigade.

He said: “This was right at the height of the Cold War, and the Berlin Wall was going up, and we had over 50,000 troops in Germany. In all, Fiona, who was also in the army, and I spent about 15 years in Germany in various appointments. We were married in 1966, and Fiona decided to leave the army, because I did not want to be posted in one place and her in another.”

Sir Martin was promoted to Captain, and in the following years, amid numerous postings in this country and abroad, his army stature grew. He even had a staff job with the Military Defence in London, smiling: “Nobody in the Military Defence expects Captains to do anything, and I didn’t disappoint them. But I did learn a hell of a lot.”

After passing his Staff College exams at Camberley, and being promoted to Major, Sir Martin and his young family spent two years in Cyprus, before he went to command a squadron of 200 in Germany, carrying specialist weapons and nuclear warheads around. He commanded the Logistic Support Group between 1987 and 1989.

A move to a staff job at the HQ of the First British Corps in Bielefeld, Germany, gave Sir Martin one of the jobs he liked most. He said: “I was a key major logistics staff planner, and I had a huge amount of responsibility. I worked with some real able people, I was ‘pinklisted’ to be promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel within the next year.”

Moves continued and responsibilities grew, with Sir Martin commanding regiments of close to 1,000 soldiers in three

Welbeck College, 1960 fighting brigades, running the transport operations; returning to the Staff College at Camberley as an instructor, and teaching operating logistics to young students to become Army Officers.

Promoted to Colonel, he worked with Danish Forces and NATO, commanding a logistic formation of 12,000 regular, mixed and territorial army soldiers to prevent Soviet and Polish incursions around Zealand and other Danish islands, as the Cold War continued, and the Berlin War still stood tall.

Sir Martin then experienced a ‘life-changing’ period as he became an integral part of the UK’s role in the Gulf War, commanding the Force Maintenance Area. He said: “In 1990 Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait, and it was clear we were going to get involved. I had the experience and knowledge to put together a Force to support the First Armoured Division going into Kuwait.

“The US had already deployed and we went out on reconnaissance in August, 1990, then went back to Germany to put together the Force to provide all the logistical equipment ammunition, fuel, rations etc. I didn’t really have any staff, and it was seriously manic. I had to pull in staff from elsewhere before we could deploy.”

Based in the port Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and waiting to support the counter-attack in Kuwait 80 kilometres away, Sir Martin and his troops often had scud missiles falling around them, although he said: “I never felt under any real threat. But sometimes when we

Martin as a lieutenant colonel on exercise in Germany, 1984

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Interview “The Cabinet Office rang me one day and said they proposed to put my name forward to The Queen to become the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, and I had 24 hours to think about it.”

drove along the Tap Line Road moving equipment, including 80 tons of ammunition nearer to Kuwait, you realised ‘just over there, if the Iraqis knew what we were doing, they would try to do something about it’. And they didn’t know what we would do to them.

“It was a moment in my life when I thought ‘what’s this all about’.

But if you go into the Army you expect to go on operations you are professionally trained for. So this was a special feeling in my life. It was high pressure, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Following the six-week Gulf ‘Air War’, the ‘Ground War’ against Iraq lasted just 100 hours. A total of 147 British ships were in the area,

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supporting troops with all types of equipment and supplies, and the Logistics Corps, under Sir Martin’s command, unloaded it all and transported it to the key areas.

After Margaret Thatcher’s reign as Prime Minister ended, her successor John Major travelled to Saudi to speak to troops. With Sir Martin present, Mr. Major was handed a note addressed to ‘The Prime Minister’ from a chef which read “I know you’re a Chelsea supporter, what can we do about life at Stamford Bridge?” The Prime Minister asked the senior officers ‘anything else going on?’ and then wrote the chef a reply!

With the combined forces of Britain, the US, Arab Coalition Forces, France, and support in kind

from other countries, the Gulf War was won. But the British Forces suffered 47 casualties, with all the coffins returned to this country on one flight. Sir Martin recalls: “It was a very emotional experience just watching the coffins leave, and one I will never forget.”

He returned home in March, 1991, having been promoted to Brigadier just before the war began, and during the conflict was the third-ranked British Officer in the Gulf. He said: “While there it was like being in a bubble, but difficult to describe. I didn’t see Fiona, because I was in that bubble, I was doing a job, and I had no other focus. Of course I missed my family, and I was apprehensive about what might or might not happen.

“But you deal with that. It was an amazing experience - life changing really -because you are never quite the same again.

There had been a clear breach of international rule of law, with Hussein having invaded a Sovereign nation. Most people said he had to be thrown out, so there was a general support of what we were doing, and it was fabulous to be part of it.”

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Interview Sir Martin remained in the Army until 1998, taking further high profile roles in this country and Germany, including Head of the Royal Logistics Corps, incorporating 14,000 regular soldiers and 20,000 TA members.

He was ultimately promoted to Major General, before leaving the military to take up a position with Ernst & Young a multinational professional services firm.

Life as the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Sir Martin succeeded Christopher Bland as the Isle of Wight’s Lord Lieutenant in 2006, having been Deputy and then Vice Lord Lieutenant for seven years.

He is one of 98 Lord Lieutenants nationwide, with the office dating from Tudor times when LordLieutenants were first appointed to a number of English historic counties by Henry VIII to control the increasing power of High Sheriffs.

He recalls: “The Cabinet Office rang me one day and said they proposed to put my name forward to The Queen to become the Lord

Isle of Wight Day Service at Christ the King Cowes, 2017 Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, and I had 24 hours to think about it.

“Of course it is a huge honour and privilege; of course I would love to do it, but I had my wife Fiona, four children and 13 grandchildren, plus I have a range of other interests to consider.”

However, he has managed to combine all the privileges and the potential pitfalls with military precision, to emerge a highly-respected, popular and successful Lord Lieutenant, who will be missed by many after his retirement, even though Susie

With HRH at Osborne House visiting RDA Isle of Wight

Sheldon is the perfect successor.

Sir Martin has many happy memories, especially the visit of the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He said: “I think that visit in 2012 has to be the stand-out one, to have Her Majesty here as part of her celebrations. It was a busy schedule, but I think it ran smoothly, and parts were extremely amusing.

“That occasion is closely followed by the 2015 bi-centenary of the Royal Yacht Squadron, because of the number of Royal families on the Island on one day. There were 13 members of European Royal Families altogether, arriving and departing at different times. It was a challenge, but it worked.

“They included the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Royal, Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Michael, and from abroad, King Harold of Norway, the Crown Prince of Denmark, the Aga Khan, King Juan Carlos, the former King of Spain, and King Constantine of Greece. That was certainly my busiest day for Royal visits.”

That event also brought Sir Martin one of the most amusing moments of his tenure. He said: “A member of my staff was checking people into Holy Trinity Church,

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With HRH Prince Charles at Ventnor Botanic Gardens , 2013 Cowes for the evening service as part of the celebrations. She was sitting there, and said to one person ‘can I have your name please sir?’

“The reply was ‘Harold’ and when my staff member asked ‘Harold what?’ the answer was ‘King Harold of Norway’! It took the lady several weeks to admit to me she said it, and I replied: “Don’t worry, it won’t go beyond me, I won’t tell anybody.

“The Island still benefits from a legacy of the bi-centenary, because as as result of it the Royal Yacht Squadron Foundation was set up, which has subsequently helped some 55 youngsters to do various work in the marine industry.”

Back to the lighter moments, and on another occasion, when the Duke of Edinburgh made another visit to the Island, chef Robert Thompson put together a bag of goodies. Sir Martin said: “It included some elephant garlic

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from the Garlic Farm. When the Duke was shown the elephant garlic, he said ‘I didn’t know we had any elephants on the Isle of Wight’.”

Looking back on his time as Lord Lieutenant, Sir Martin says: “I have met a huge cross-section on the Isle of Wight, and there are some truly wonderful people here.

Obviously there are some who have their moans about certain things, but for me there are far more pluses than minuses.

“We have a lot to be proud of, and I think the important thing about my role has been to make sure people who visit us see that, understand it and give us credit for it. We still have our challenges, but things continue to get better.

“I hope I’ve done my duty by this community, and there is nothing I can say ‘I wish I had done that’.

There are things that haven’t quite worked out as I would have wanted, but they have probably

worked out for the better anyway.

I think I can say it has been a job reasonably well done.

“It has been a huge privilege, and I have enjoyed 99.9 per cent of it. I am not particularly sorry it is coming to an end, because as one door closes another one opens.

Fiona and I have lots of things we still want to do, including hopefully seeing more of our 13 grandchildren.

“I am also going to keep chickens, something I have always wanted to do. But the one thing I will never forget is being knighted

by Her Majesty at Windsor Castle in November. It was a wonderful occasion, as I didn’t think Her Majesty did many ceremonies these days. But when I saw the Royal Standard flag flying over Windsor Castle, I knew she was there, and it was just a fabulous occasion. To be knighted by your Sovereign has to be the pinnacle for anyone - it was for me.”

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Local Scene

Celebrating the Gilten Market The annual Gilten Market dinner was held at the Chequers Inn, on the 26th January. The dinner is held in celebration of the pre Christmas show and sale, hosted by the Holmes and Vanassche family, at Lake Farm, at the end of November.

The show and sale had seen farmers competing to claim the ribbons for the Islands prime beef animals and lambs.

65 members of the farming community, including sponsors, exhibitors, auctioneers and buyers, gathered to enjoy a fabulous meal, followed by the presentation of the awards from the market.

The awards were presented by former High Sheriff, Ron Holland, under the stewardship of Iain Soutar, of Southern Counties Auctioneers.

The event Chairman, Mr Laurie Calloway, gave a vote of thanks to the market hosts along with the High Sheriff, sponsors, auctioneers, exhibitors and buyers, commenting that the Gilten Market is a fantastic representation of Island farming tradition and its success is a credit to all the hard work that goes into it from all involved.

A raffle was held, with the proceeds going to the High Sheriff’s charitable trust fund.

Pictures by Jonathon Sheath More pictures available to buy online from our website: www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Feature

“Jack Up” – re-mixed!

It made its name and its reputation as an allsinging, all-dancing, great big Summer party – and that’s exactly what everybody loved about Jack Up The 80s.

This year, though, the event is broadening its appeal and bringing in a wider variety of music, and when it returns in August for its seventh year, it will be under the title of ‘Jack Up The Summer’.

Despite the name change,

organisers say the family-friendly festival will still carry on with the tradition of celebrating the music of yesteryear, all centred around party hits and feel-good music from the 80s and 90s, but this time just featuring a richer variety of music.

The change is aimed at allowing the festival to evolve naturally, rather than following in the wake of other festivals that have fallen by the wayside after sticking to the same old formula.

Lovers of 80s music have no need to fear though, because organisers promise that the 80s

spirit will remain at the heart of Jack Up The Summer, with the 2019 event guaranteeing to have 100% 1980s chart acts on one of the two days.

Audience feedback has also led to a new location for the event, with a move from its former home at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde to North Fairlee Farm, alongside the River Medina just outside Newport.

Regulars are now eagerly anticipating the release of the first wave of artists to be announced for Jack Up The Summer, which takes place over the weekend of 10 and 11 August.

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Donna and Jimmy

It’s a dog’s life – and they love it!

The world-famous dog show Crufts has beome an annual date on the calendar for Shanklin couple Leon and Donna Sayer – and they’ll be back on the trophy-hunting trail again this year from March 7-10, travelling to Birmingham’s NEC with their prized Yorkshire Terriers, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. For these dog owners, though, canines are more than just a hobby – they’re a complete way of life.

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Leon and Gucci

When they’re not grooming their own dogs to perfection for a constant round of local, regional and national shows, you’ll usually find Leon and Donna showering loving care on other people’s pooches, at their Shanklin dog grooming salon K9 Cutz.

Otherwise, Leon is busy in his role as Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight Canine Association, which involves him in the running of three local shows a year.

It’s not exactly a career path that he planned – but as he wryly observes: “You never know what’s around the corner - life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will.”

In fact, sometimes it turns out better! It was a devastating sporting injury that indirectly led Leon to change course, meet Donna – and then, together, to carve out the

uniquely dog-centred life that suits them perfectly.

Life changer Leon had previously worked as a fibreglassing specialist, doing intricate automotive work on luxury car marques including Mercedes and Aston Martin – until a snowboarding accident in 2005 left him with a smashed wrist, and meant he had to be medically retired from his former trade.

Then in 2006, he met Donna, a long-time animal-lover who was doing a dog grooming course in Portsmouth. She had already become a regular at Crufts and other dog shows along with her mum Jenny Wood and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Leon had a long-time love of Yorkshire Terriers because his

“Yes I suppose we are a bit competitive with each other, but we also help each other and it spurs us both on to do well”.

mum and dad had always kept them when he was growing up – so this shared interest in canines was certainly part of what brought him and Donna together.

After qualifying as a dog groomer Donna set up in business from home, with Leon helping – and within a year, they opened up their shop. Later that same year – 2007, they married and

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Interview “You never know what’s around the corner - life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will.”

Jenny and Sasha at Crufts threw themselves into building the business, studying and gaining further qualifications. Leon qualified after taking a course in Dudley in 2011, and then in 2017 both he and Donna passed their Level 3 City and Guilds in Dog Grooming - both achieving a Distinction.

“Yes I suppose we are a bit competitive with each other” he laughed “but we also help each other and it spurs us both on to do well”.

and earned himself a lifetime qualification for Crufts. However he had to be retired when he started losing teeth – which in the world of the show ring, is a no-no.

Now Leon and Donna have high hopes for their other two “designer

named” show Yorkies, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. They’ll travel to Crufts as usual with Donna’s mum, whose Yorkshire Terrier Sasha has a lifetime qualification for the show.

“Donna and her mum have done the shows for years and are best

Doing the shows After they became a couple, Leon had acquired his own Yorkie, Mr George, who he began showing and then later bred from. This special little Yorkie was to give them their one big Crufts win in 2015, when he came First in the Veteran Dogs category – having also clocked up many ‘firsts’ at shows all over the country.

Sadly, Mr George died last year at the age of 11, but he lives on in his son Radley (named after the wellknown handbag brand). Radley also did well on the show circuit

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Donna with Polly and Charm

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Donna and Leon with baby Esme

mates” says Leon. In fact, when the mum and daughter aren’t walking, talking and planning around dogs, they can probably be found mucking out at the stables with their three horses!

Back home, Donna and Leon also have their ‘pack’ to look after: as well as their two current show dogs Gucci and Jimmy Choo, there’s also the two retired show dogs, Radley and his mum Bella – plus Bobby, their pet Jack Russell.

All of which makes for a pretty hectic way of life – but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

And in fact there’s another member of the family who’s gradually getting used to the canine-centred lifestyle – and

that’s Leon and Donna’s baby daughter Esme, born last August.

“She was our fourth time lucky” says the proud dad, after the couple suffered the pain of two miscarriages and the loss of an early baby.

Little Esme is naturally the apple of her parents’ eye and will be accompanying mum and dad to Crufts in March, for her first sight of the show ring.

Probably the first of many!

Leon jokes that they have other plans for this long-awaited little daughter: “We love skiing and snowboarding so when she’s three we’ll have her on a snowboard – and at five we can start her in the shop!” he laughs.

Radley

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Burns Night at the Winter Gardens The annual Burns Night supper, held at Ventnor Winter Gardens was organised by Jamie Macaulay and was dedicated to the memory of Anthony Churchill who had been the organiser of this event for the past eight years.

Stepping into Anthony’s shoes as the Master of ceremonies for the evening was Ventnor’s former mayor Jason Mack and the Immortal Memory was given by Stewart Blackmore the current mayor.

Some sixty guests were entertained with the works of Robert Burns, but also keyboard music played (and composed) by Hugh Verey, flute from Anne Millar, Trumpet from Ted Chance, and piano from Simon Davis.

The Selkirk Grace was recited by Elizabeth Summers, the address to the haggis was given by Jamie Macaulay, the toast to the lassies was given

by Jason Mack and the reply from the lassies was given by Sally Verey.

Guests dined on Cock a Leekie soup, haggis with ‘neeps and tatties’ and traditional Scottish desert of Cranachan, washed down with a dram (or two) of whisky.

Pictures by Jonathon Sheath More pictures available to buy online from our website: www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Feature

Comedian Stephen Bailey, former Bucks Fizz singer, and Eurovision song contest winner Cheryl Baker, TV actress Michelle Collins, former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent, and comedian Bobby Davro pictured on the ferry over.

Celebrity five have fun on the Isle of Wight!

The magnificence and mystique of the Isle of Wight has been showcased in a travelogue programme screened by Channel 5. Five well-known TV personalities took part in ‘Celebrity 5 Go Camping’.

TV actress Michelle Collins, former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent, comedians Bobby Davro and Stephen Bailey, and former Bucks Fizz singer, and Eurovision song contest winner Cheryl Baker, are the celeb campers who combined glamping with ghouls on the Island, along with several more adventures.

Based at the unique, family-run Windmill Campersite at Frogmill Lane, near Carisbrooke, with its amazing array of glamping options, the ‘Famous Five’ made their way around many of the interesting sites on the Island in the

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opening episode. Their ports of call included Carisbrooke Castle, The Botanic Gardens, The Garlic Farm, Adgestone Vineyards, the Spyglass and Hare and Hounds pubs in Ventnor and Arreton respectively.

There was also a ghostly chat and walk with ghost hunter Marc Tuckey on what is described as the world’s most haunted Island.

Another episode saw the Celebrity Five engaging themselves with beer, beef and lobsters!

Windmill Campersite owner Stewart Dungey said: “The programme has taken us by surprise, and the sheer response has been great. All the celebrities were so down to earth and lovely.”

Garlic Farm owner Colin Boswell enjoyed their visit, saying: “You are always a bit apprehensive having high-profile guests around. They are all well established and very

nice people.”

Colin also revealed what the programme didn’t show. He said: “While Bobby Davro was fishing he pulled out a 10lb carp. As far as the cameras were concerned it was the one that got away!”

If you missed the episodes they can be downloaded on the My5 app.

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Feature Pictured left: Former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent, Stephen Bailey, and Windmill Campersite owner Stewart Dungey Pictured middle: The Shack Pictured below: The team pictured with Ghost man Marc Tuckey.

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Festive fun at the 41st annual Christmas charity party With a great time enjoyed by all, and the grand sum of over £3,000 being raised for local youngsters facing health challenges, Terry Willey’s annual charity event has been hailed as another resounding success.

The evening at Haseley Manor featured unlimited fine wine, good food and a lively programme of entertainment lasting over seven hours.

Guests were entertained by Dynamix, Kieron Cooney (bagpipes), Two Wight Guys, Helena Mace and Grant James (vocals), Company B and Vectis Brass Band – while All About Catering provided the delicious festive food.

The menu of fine fare was presented beautifully over seven courses, with specially chosen wines from Tim Flint of Eurovines, and as is customary at this unique fundraiser, guests were invited to join in the party fun at each table.

The final total of over £3,000 was raised for children with life-threatening illness at Naomi House and Jacks Place in Winchester, whose specialist facilities are regularly used by children and families from the Isle of Wight.

Afterwards, Terry Willey, who originated and organises the event, said: “It means so much to everyone that this occasion allows them to think of others, whilst at the same time enjoying the festive party”.

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We would like to thank everyone who rallied round and kindly supplied us these photos, at the last minute...

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Charity News

Hats on for charity The latest fundraising idea by Mountbatten is one that everybody can go to town with – just so long as they put on a hat to do it!

Hats for the Hospice with Mountbatten takes place on March 1, and the simple idea is for people to don their favourite, funniest, biggest, smallest, most colourful or wackiest hat, in exchange for a £2 donation to support Island people who are facing death, dying and bereavement.

Whether at work, at school, doing the shopping or meeting friends for lunch or the weekly game of footy, you just wear a hat – simple as that!

With ever-increasing need for its end of life care and support, Mountbatten is hoping as many people as possible will be inspired to get behind this quirky fundraising initiative.

Every year, the charity needs around £8million to continue providing services to Islanders and their families. Without Mountbatten’s services, there would be limited choices about how and where people are cared for at the end of their lives, or through bereavement, and many more people would die on their own or be left alone with their grief.

To get involved, visit www.mountbatten.org.uk/ Event/hats-for-the-hospice to say what you’ll be doing for the event, and if you need any yellow collection boxes or sunflowers to sell.

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ACCOMMODATION

WIGHTBAY HOTEL

An excellent venue for your next event. With 40 en-suite Guest Bedrooms, the Hotel features a large restaurant and lounge, with a 100 guest capacity.

INGLEWOOD GUEST HOUSE

THE LECONFIELD

T: 01983 402518 2 Royal St, Sandown, PO36 8LP www.wightbayhotel.com Friendly family run guesthouse in prime location 200m from Sandown beach. OPEN ALL YEAR. Delicious breakfasts. Eight comfortable guestrooms. Call for our best prices and winter offers.

We are an idyllic base for walks on coastal paths or St Boniface Down without the need to use the car.

Contact us or book online via: T: 01983 852196 85 Leeson Road, Upper Bonchurch, Ventnor, PO38 1PU Facebook/Theleconfieldhotel www.leconfieldhotel.com

T: 01983 403485 15 Avenue Rd, Sandown, PO36 8BN www.inglewoodsandown.co.uk

MEDEHAMSTEDE HOTEL

GRACELLIE HOTEL

THE WHEATSHEAF

A warm welcome awaits you, only minutes from Shanklin town centre, sea front and ‘Old Village’.

On-site restaurant and bar with entertainment most evenings, Wi-Fi throughout. Call for discounted ferry tickets with your room.

Receive a warm welcome at the Gracellie Hotel, with modern en-suite rooms and plenty of amenities. Start the day with a traditional English breakfast, and enjoy a varied dinner menu in the evening. Free Wi-Fi access.

The Wheatsheaf can be found in St Thomas Square, Newport.

Original features. A top-notch dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cosy en-suite rooms and a very warm welcome.

T: 01983 862101 9 Queens Road Shanklin, PO37 6AR www.medehamstede.co.uk

T: 01983 863243 25-27 Hope Rd, Shanklin, PO37 6ED www.gracelliehotel.com

GRANGE FARM BED AND BREAKFAST

T: 01983 530777 16 St Thomas Square, Newport, PO30 1SG www.thewheatsheafhotel.com

HEWITT’S HOUSE

Grange Farm sleeps eight, with two ensuite bedrooms and family suite. Includes two sitting rooms and large kitchen diner.

Large garden & 50 acres woodland.

Red Squirrel Lodge is a new three bedroom build with facilities for the less mobile, kitchen / living area & covered veranda.

Please visit the website for more information and booking.

Offers contemporary dining and a bar with free Wi-Fi. The rooms are festooned with period charm and each benefits from either an en-suite or private external bathroom.

T: 01983 882147 Grange Farm, Staplers Road, Wootton Bridge, PO33 4RW www.grange-farm-holidays.co.uk

T: 01983 822994 33 Lugley St, Newport, PO30 5ET www.hewittshouse.com info@hewittshouse.com

Amenities include off road parking, a cycle store and drying facilities.

Evening meals available to non-residents.

2019 dates available. Contact us now for full details.

Situated in a rural location one mile from Ventnor and two miles from Shanklin with a stop on the main No 3 bus route outside.

You can enjoy panoramic sea views from most rooms, the breakfast room and conservatory.

Full catering, bar, free Wi-Fi. Parking available for 20 vehicles.

THE CALEDON GUEST HOUSE

The Caledon Guest House in Cowes, is a peaceful, welcoming B&B. It is beautifully decorated with spacious rooms and amazing views.

Enjoy a great breakfast with locally sourced produce and friendly, helpful service with a smile.

The Caledon is conveniently located only a short walk from the heart of West Cowes and the Red Jet ferry, but far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet during your stay.

A real home away from home.

T: 01983 293599 59 Mill Hill Road, Cowes, PO31 7EG www.the-caledon.co.uk stay@the-caledon.co.uk

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Travel

Idaho: The

jewel in the

US crown

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Travel

By Terry Willey

Some two years ago I was delighted to be invited by friends to stay at their home town of Boise, Idaho and during the few weeks we spent there, we were treated by them and experienced the real beauty of the State.

Idaho attracts many Americans both in retirement and as a place to work and live - for its sheer natural beauty and to experience seasonal temperature variances that can range widely from more than 40 degrees Celsius in the Summer to minus 10 degrees in Winter.

The landscape of the County offers the most magical colours in all seasons. The County also offers the most wonderful wildlife from bears, Buffalo and Bull Moose, to birds of prey, and the most beautiful small birds - one being

the Mountain Bluebird, which is known as the Idaho State bird and has the most beautiful bright blue colouration and is somewhat tame.

In a place called Blackfoot each year, there is what is known as the Eastern Idaho State Fair, where big-name musicians from across America draw many visitors both locally and from far and wide. The setting is considered a special nationally-recognised location for this event, and is similar to our music festivals in the UK. Meanwhile, the City of Rocks

National Reserve has the most wonderful granite formations evidencing millions of years of erosion that have naturally carved extraordinary forms in hard stone and are some of the oldest exposed on earth.

In the Winter, night skiing takes place at the Bogus Bason Ski Area and one of the sights to behold is the bear grass area on a ridge in Coeur d’alene National Forest, which simply glows at sunrise.

The County is landscaped by the 1,300ft spires of the Titon Mountains known as the Titon

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Travel

Valley. The trappers who visit this area call it the Pierre’s Hole. It offers great scope for filming, with its granite formation rocks and the famous Oregon Trail.

I think what struck me as among the most beautiful sights were the stunning waterfalls which seemed to just suddenly appear between the granite formations with the various rivers running through the forests and the wildlife ever present.

Whilst in the Boise region, our friends surprised us with a visit to the infamous Snake River Water Rafting. I was expecting a short trip down a river but after our check-in at the centre it quickly unfolded that we were about to experience a Grade 3 course which we were advised was suitable for us and didn’t require helmets!

Apparently the two higher grades are for the real professionals and undertake real challenges that attract people from all over the world to train for competition. As the oldest individual in the raft I was placed at the back with a young experienced guide. I was concerned about capsizing but

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was assured that whilst this was a distinct possibility and if I held tightly on to the side ropes I would roll over with the boat. Ultimately all was well - but what an experience! Perhaps I should have heeded the warning signs as there were several medical exclusions for participants but there again it was all the more exciting for the challenge!

There was always a moment to stop and take in the most magnificent scenery and

whatever time of day the light reflecting through the mountains to the lakes beneath made it a spectacular location for simply sitting and taking it all in or preparing a painting of the most wonderful dimensions.

The Americans living here appear much more laid back and very mindful of the environment in which they live and for me represented a real ‘gem in the crown’ of American States!

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Travel

Snapshot

“I think what struck me as among the most beautiful sights were the stunning waterfalls which seemed to just suddenly appear between the granite formations�

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Feature

Photos by Paul Wyeth

Record-breaker for iconic race It seems that people simply can’t wait to get onto the water for this year’s iconic Round the Island Race on June 29th!

Entries for the world-famous race opened at midnight on January 25th, and quickly exceeded the record first-day entry total, with 151 boats having taken advantage of an early-bird discount by the end of the day. That broke the previous record by nearly 30 per cent.

The Round the Island Race is popular with everyone from worldrenowned, professional sailors to families and first-time racers, and boasts a range of classes including

monohulls, multihulls, Gaffers, Classics and dayboats.

Organised by the Isle of Wight’s Island Sailing Club since 1931, it’s one of the UK’s largest participation sporting events and is expected to attract over 1,500 boats and thousands of sailors from all over Great Britain, mainland Europe and from as far away as the USA. It will begin and end in Cowes, and as in previous years, will be

supporting The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as the official race charity.

As always, spectators will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the racing boats from vantage points at St Catherine’s Point, Ventnor, Bonchurch, Culver Down and Ryde Pier. * Sailors wanting to take part in the event can enter online at rtir. me/entries with early-bird entries still available until 28th February.

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Interview

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Interview

Building a stable future It started life as horse stabling for royalty, enjoyed another incarnation as the Royal Naval College – and in the 21st century the Osborne Stable Block is experiencing a new lease of life as a thriving business park. We discover the story behind a remarkable transformation.

When local businessman ‘Tony’ Harrison was looking for new premises for his expanding East Cowes removals and storage business in the late 90s, the old stables at Osborne House were hardly the most obvious of places to look.

Empty and poorly maintained since the departure of its last occupant, a pine furniture making business, the premises back in 1998 were virtually derelict, blighted by vandalism and wildly

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overgrown – and yet something about them sparked Tony’s curiosity.

He recalls that he and his wife Marion had been driving home from their former premises at the old water pumping station in Victoria Grove when they passed Osborne Garage, and happened to notice the old stable block buildings lying just to the left, on the Osborne House Estate.

Driven by the pressing need to find more space for his removals

business, Tony impulsively arranged a meeting with the manager of Osborne House Mick Poole, but was told that the Stable Block site was actually the domain of The Crown Estates.

Royal connection Ultimately, thanks to Mick’s intervention, Tony did hear back from Crown Estates, who agreed to grant him an initial six-month lease on the Belfast building

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Interview “Today we look back at it, and still can’t believe why we even thought about taking them on!”

– being one out of the eight buildings on site that was at least potentially dry!

So, the Harrisons promptly relocated their business, and after the initial six months, were granted a further six months tenure.

During that time, in 1999, there was a Royal visit to Osborne House by the Prince of Wales, who was offically opening the refurbished Durbar Room, and asked afterwards to see the Stable Block.

He briefly entered the courtyard area - much of which had been enclosed by Saunders Roe for their design office - and one can only imagine the reaction when the architecturally-sensitive royal eyes fell upon what must have appeared to be a view of devastation and decay.

Just two weeks later, Crown Estates telephoned Marion Harrison and asked if Tony and Marion would be interested in taking out a 50-year repairing lease on the whole of the site!

It certainly wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly, as the site covered a sprawling five acres of land, and most of its eight buildings were in what he describes as “a very bad state of repair and dereliction”.

Despite the massive scale of the task, though Tony says: “I decided it was worth taking the risk, and so with a new long lease from The Crown Estates, we took the plunge!”

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The site during restoration

April Fool?

Perhaps appropriately the date on which the Harrisons officially took on the repairing lease of the Stable Block was April Fool’s Day, 2000 - but the undertaking certainly wasn’t a joke!

Vectis Storage was formed that year, and the Harrisons gave up the removals side of the business in order to better concentrate on their storage facility, together with the restoration of the Stable Block.

Their old friend Colin Bedford became a partner both in the storage business and the restoration project, having previously been involved with Tony and Marion’s Antique Market and other enterprises. Colin had a wealth of knowledge and experience in building restoration, which made him an invaluable partner in such an ambitious and incredibly demanding project. His

unpaid building skill, knowledge and labour were invaluable – quite apart from the financial assistance he gave to allow the project to keep on track.

As a way of capturing the overwhelming scale of the task ahead of them when they started out, Tony and Colin made a film of the buildings as they were, for posterity.

“Today we look back at it, and still can’t believe why we even thought about taking them on!” he says now.

The transformers As the former stable buildings are of Listed status and the main building is Grade 2* it means that all the restoration has to be done according to Listed regulations.

Tony’s vision was always to restore and develop each building as the family gradually built up

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Interview their business – a labour of love that has now taken them 19 years, and still continues to this day, with areas being developed all the time.

The Harrisons’ business is now well established as a small business park and a new generation of the family is involved. Son Richard is now managing operations, his sister Poppy has recently joined the business – and dad Tony says “We hope and believe the business will continue successfully over the next 50 years!”

Meanwhile, as an ex-Royal Marine who’s been in business on the Isle of Wight since 1976, Tony has become increasingly absorbed by the chequered history of the Stable Block. In fact he says that since taking on the site, he has constantly been learning just how remarkable and varied it is.

“From Queen Victoria to Saunders Roe, and particularly the Royal Naval College – it’s all been fascinating to discover” he says.

His passion for oil painting has also inspired him to paint a series of Twelve-foot square ceiling murals depicting the various stages in the life of the historic site.

He’s now keen to get his hands

on a new book that’s due to be published this year on the history of the Osborne House Stable Block, written by husband and wife founder members of the East Cowes Heritage Centre, David and Sarah Burdett.

“I am sure it will be appreciated by anyone interested in Queen Victoria and her family, The Royal Navy College Osborne, The

Winslow Boy, The VADs, Military Aircraft, Black Arrow Rocket, Hovercraft design and East Cowes in general” says Tony.

Indeed, these buildings have witnessed such a wealth and variety of history since they were built by Victoria and Albert in the mid 1800s, that they certainly deserved to be preserved by future generations.

The painstaking process David and Sarah Burdett’s upcoming book on the multi-layered history of the Osborne House Stable Block is due for publication this year, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth year of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – both of whom were born in 1819.

Originally built as a relatively plain and modest stable block to accommodate the Royal family’s own riding and carriage horses, the buildings subsequently evolved through a series of incarnations, with uses by the Royal Naval College, rocket inventors, commercial enterprises and transport.

Says David: “It seems somehow apt that the buildings started life to serve the transport needs of the Royal family and in our own times

we have seen transport companies such as DHL and Island Oils being based there”.

He added that the vision and hard work of Tony Harrison and Colin Bedford had probably saved the buildings, which had previously been under serious threat of demolition.

The book’s chapter on Vectis Storage’s role in restoring the stable block describes some of the painstaking work that the two men have undertaken over the years:

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Interview “Tony and Colin started by removing all the “temporary” buildings that filled the courtyard which had been erected by Saunders Roe. The next stage was to repair the roof and then the roof-lights in the main classroom block – the old libraries – and the room above the archway. Years of water ingress had severely damaged the parquet flooring, the remainder of which was lifted and dried out carefully.

The parquet flooring in the top room over the archway has been lovingly replaced and the rest was stored until a suitable time for replacement occurs.

The Cochrane Building – the old classroom block – was in a similar state. It had been built specifically for the Naval College.

In 2003 Tony was told it could be demolished! but it had so much character that we decided to restore it. thus preserving one of the buildings built specifically for the Naval College. So Tony lifted all the roof tiles, replaced rafters where necessary, repaired the cupolas that vented the rooms, and any window frames that were suffering, bringing the building back to excellent condition. “Old buildings need new uses ” is a catch phrase from English Heritage – storage and office space were provided in the Cochrane building. English Heritage later decided that it should be preserved, and it was then Listed Grade II. Other rooms around the quadrangle courtyard received similar restoration. On the south side, the original tack and harness rooms had been turned into classrooms by the addition of large windows to the south.

The slate roof had survived the wartime bombing but, by 2004, needed complete overhaul, which it received.

The rendered external walls needed attention in many places.

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Lime render was used to match the original. Signs relating to the Naval College have been preserved as they were, and there are still some hitching rings remaining from the Victorian stable.

At one stage Tony hoped to set up a proper display space in the two main classroom blocks, the site of the original stables.

This would have shown the numerous uses the Stable Block had experienced. To enable this display, a new purpose-built storage shed would need to be constructed and a suitable access to the main road achieved. These criteria were difficult to meet, so a book about the Stable Block was proposed instead.

In 2014 Cottage Industry Business Park was established for small businesses needing space to set up in starter units within the Stable Block. Vectis Storage provides the public with individual lock-up storage facilities, large or small spaces as required.

For the first time since WWII, people began to see the stable block and subsequent Naval

College in a new light. Many people had worked for Saunders Roe and British Hovercraft without realising what type of building they were working in.

Tony’s work and enthusiasm for the Stable Block has resulted in interpretation boards being put on display, and even some minor archaeology. Recent concrete flooring in the courtyard had to be removed to discover the whereabouts of the drainage system installed in 1860. This has now been left visible for the public.

He also excavated the remains of one of the white tiled plunge pools that were at the ends of each of the dormitory blocks. Restoration of this pool awaits the time and money as it is lower down on the list of restoration priorities.

East Cowes now has a muchused storage facility and business space. Constant restoration work has been carried out over the ensuing years. Thanks to Vectis Storage the building and heritage of the Stable Block and subsequent Naval College additions have been saved”.

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Motoring

Auto business shifts up a gear An auto mechanic business that launched in Newport less than three years ago has been so successful that it’s already moved into new premises and effectively doubled its space.

Paul Nixon - who launched out with his own-name business after 20 years of working for others in the auto trade - says the new

garage at Daish Way benefits from three workshops instead of one, cutting down on waiting time, as well as offering customers more parking and easier access.

But the expansion won’t affect the personal service that customers seem to like so much about Nixon Automotive, because they’ll still deal directly with the

person who works on their vehicle, whether that’s Paul or one of his two other professional mechanics.

“People like the fact that they speak to us personally rather than going through a reception desk” says Paul.

The garage is kitted out with all the latest diagnostic equipment, and as well as doing all the usual servicing and MoT work, it also offers air conditioning re-charges and DPF cleaning for diesel vehicles.

As the reputation of the service has grown, more and more customers now find their way to Paul’s door by word-of-mouth recommendations, or the glowing testimonials on its Facebook page.

Call Paul on 01983 522033 or visit them at 2 Daish Way, Newport, PO30 5XB.

Don’t chance it – check it!

If your car develops a tyre problem, it usually needs a fast fix – because without a good set of wheels, you’re going nowhere!

Fast is certainly the kind of service that customers get at Newport-based Barneys Tyres – but the speedy work comes along with a careful, professional approach and good expert advice whenever it’s needed.

One happy customer of the family-run business enthused: “To be honest I’ve seen slower Formula 1 pit stops! I was being jacked up into the air before I’d even switched off the engine and

all four tyres were replaced with the new ones balanced and fitted within six minutes. To be fair I had called ahead and booked a time but even so that’s damn fine work”.

Barneys supplies a wide range of tyre brands from Bridgestone, Goodrich, Continental and Dunlop to Michelin and Pirelli, and as well

as an expert fitting service, it also offers tyre repairs, pressure monitoring, wheel balancing and tracking.

If customers know what they want, they can book tyres ahead via the website, or if advice is needed, just pop into the garage and talk to one of the staff. Barneys also has mobile fitting units that can prove a godsend if you’re stranded with a flat tyre.

Call Barneys Tyres now on 01983 529061 or 07788 817511. You can find them at Unit 4 Albany Centre, Forest Rd, Newport, PO30 5NB.

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AUCTION ROUND UP January saw the new sale format of Monday viewing into the evening, followed by the Tuesday Fine Art & Antique sale and Wednesday Vintage & Modern.

Viewing was the busiest it’s been in a long time, and the sales were as busy as ever. Online bidding was very strong, with over 330 live bidders sitting in their arm chairs joining in.

ASK THE EXPERTS: SPORTING MEMORABILIA The market for sporting memorabilia is a diverse area of the antiques market, not just because the range of sports covered – from boxing to bowls – but also due to the vast spread of objects – from fishing tackle to football trophies.

Almost every sporting activity you can think of is represented in the memorabilia market and numerous sectors of the antiques industry have their own sporting sub-sector: silver, ceramics, paintings, works of art and books, to name but a few.

The items that command the most attention are those that relate to either the early history of a particular sport, or an iconic player, special match or competition. The field is so vast that most collectors focus on one area. There are those who collect all memorabilia relating to their chosen sport, but there are also people who collect items only relating to their favourite team. Others favour particular items like match programmes or cigarette cards. In November 2010, Graham Budd Auctions (in association with Sotheby’s) offered what was believed to be the earliest programme for an England home international match, a game against Ireland on March 2, 1889 held in Liverpool which England won 6-1. Estimated at £6000-8000, it was knocked down at £8400.

Managing Director Warren Riches says “the activity in the room, on the telephones and live bidding on the internet give us the audience all auction rooms crave.

“Even if a particular item is suffering in this country from being out of fashion it may not be in China, Russia or America – just a few of the countries we end up posting to after each sale.

Warren Riches

“The days when you thought you needed to send items to London for specialist sales is well and truly over if you embrace the latest technology, indeed with the costs of selling in the London Rooms you may well be throwing money away!

In effect the internet means we are selling to the same buyers, just our costs to clients are considerably less.”

RECENTLY SOLD ITEMS

Liberty & co mirror Sold for £4,300

Brass carriage clock Sold for £2,000

Mother of Pearl shells Sold for £800

Georgian silver tankard Sold for £2,300

One arm bandit Sold for £1,350

Georgian silver teapot Sold for £550

With our internet technology specialist buyers from around the world get automatically informed if we have lots coming up which may be of interest to them. Please feel free to call us on 402222 for a home visit or walk in appointment if you have any items you may wish to consider for auction

Antiques & Collectables Modern & Vintage Brading Auction Rooms Quay Lane, Brading, Sandown Isle of Wight, PO36 0AT T: 01983 402222 E: brading@hrdauctionrooms.co.uk

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Feature

Countdown to Walk the Wight It’s probably the Island’s most famous fundraising event, and certainly the biggest, attracting walkers from far and wide and of all ages and fitness levels.

Walk the Wight with Mountbatten - which is scheduled this year for Sunday May 12 – has literally become world-famous, attracting thousands of people from all over the globe to undertake the walk across miles of unspoilt Isle of Wight countryside, villages and coast paths.

Now in its 29th year, the unique event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help those faced with death, dying and bereavement.

The amazing thing is that it started out just as a little company team-building exercise for staff at Morey’s (now Jewson) – and has since mushroomed to the stage where it’s officially been declared the largest sponsored walk of its kind in Europe, as well as the Island’s biggest by miles.

The walk is designed to appeal to everybody and anybody, with its choice of full or half walks, or the flat walk that’s accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The full, 26.5-mile walk from Bembridge to Alum Bay typically takes 8-12 hours, while the first half to Carisbrooke takes 4-6 hours and the second half to Alum Bay

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around 5-8 hours. The flat walk runs from Sandown to Shide and takes 2-4 hours.

Walkers can register online, but unfortunately no longer at a Mountbatten shop because of growing pressures on recordkeeping. However, Mountbatten is also offering registration over the phone to those who may not have an email address, or access to the internet.

On registration, walkers can

choose to donate £25, pledge to raise £100 in sponsorship, or simply go their own way with a free fundraising pack. And a keepsake bonus for completing the walk, all finishers will receive the new Island-shaped Walk the Wight with Mountbatten 2019 medal when they cross the finish line. * To register, visit the website at www.mountbatten.org.uk or contact the fundraising team on 01983 217300.

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Successful first year for new vet practice To celebrate their first ‘birthday’, Island VetCare and Island Referrals will be throwing open their doors for an Open Day on Saturday 2nd March – and inviting along anyone who would like to know more about the practice and its staff.

Animal welfare is at the heart of the Ryde-based practice, which has been awarded Gold Cat Friendly and Silver Rabbit Friendly status – both ‘firsts’ for the Island. Clients and their pets are welcomed into a bright, low- stress environment by staff who are passionate about animal care. Island Vetcare offers a

convenient location with plenty of parking and provision for on-site emergency care.

Head vet Matt commented, “Looking back, it’s amazing how far we have come in the last 12 months. I’m so proud of our team and have been overwhelmed by the unbelievable

support we have had from our clients. Starting from scratch, we have built up a practice that offers a level of service that exceeds anything else available on the Island. Not only do our clients and patients benefit from our great facilities, they also have direct access to the expertise of recognised veterinary specialists in both medicine and surgery”.

Based at the same site, Island Referrals offers specialist care to pets from all of the Island’s vet practices, and regularly performs orthopaedic (including cruciate ligament), and soft tissue surgeries, which might previously have required multiple trips to specialists on the mainland.

Island VetCare is available on (01983) 214747 for advice 24/7.

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Gardening

Gardens popping with potential It’s the time of year when our gardens might not be showing at their fulsome best - but look just a little more closely and its easy to spot plenty of budding as trees, shrubs and perennial plants begin to pop with potential.

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Gardening Those who remembered to plant hyacinth and tulip bulbs back in the winter should also be enjoying the rewards of those gorgeously coloured and scented blooms about now – but if you missed out on planting your spring bulbs, you can make up for it now by planting ones that will flower from early summer.

Go for some striking architectural-looking Alliums or dramatic Oriental Lilies, or choose smaller blooms like Ranunculus (a showy member of the buttercup family that comes in loads of candy colours) or Anemones in rich reds, blues, pinks and purples. For scent, nothing beats charming little Freesias, which are easy to grow and will provide cut flowers for the house as well as outdoor colour in beds, borders or pots.

February and March are also prime pruning time, so cut back on those colourful-stemmed winter shrubs such as Cornus and Salix, taking them down to their base.

Summer-flowering Clematis should also be pruned before active growth begins again, as should Wisteria, whose summer side-shoots should be cut back to two or three buds.

Winter-flowering shrubs like Mahonia and Viburnum can also be pruned once their colourful display of flowers is finished, and Heathers should be trimmed back when their flowers have disappeared.

To get the most value from your Winter pansies, dead-head them regularly to stop them going to seed, and you’ll probably be rewarded with a flush of new flowers once the weather warms up. If you are dreaming of summer rose gardens, the time to plant bare root roses is now. Find a sunny position, and stand by for

the show in a few months. You can also plant some fragrant winter-flowering shrubs to fill in any gaps in the garden for later in the year, such as Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) Chimonanthus (Wintersweet) and Viburnum.

If your gardening at this inbetween time of year is still being done strictly from the comfort of your armchair, then it’s a good time to browse the nursery catalogues or websites, order your seeds and plug plants online, and perhaps draw up a garden plan to work out what you’ll need to create that amazing summer garden.

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Gardening

SPRINGTIME TASKS...

by Matt Noyce, Head Gardener at Quarr Abbey This is the period when things begin to stir in the garden. Late winter turns to spring and the dormant season starts to break.

Young shoots push their way through the warming soil and trees begin to bud. Time is ticking for seasonal jobs to be done: have those secateurs and spades at the ready and start planting.

I feel that there is something so rewarding in planting trees and shrubs for future enjoyment. I get a huge amount of satisfaction seeing the benefit that a tree can give as it grows, especially if it bears fruit or nuts.

Some of the more recent plantings at Quarr Abbey are now at that stage. With care, they’ve grown strong and have adapted to their new surroundings well. Now is a great time to plant out potted trees and shrubs and if the weather is still favourable, ‘bare root’ trees. We have more pear trees to plant along the walled garden walls to train into espalier trees. This is a great way to

maximise top fruit growing in smaller spaces.

Another hugely appealing task for me is to review and choose the seeds for the next growing season.

We have been tailoring the growing plan somewhat to accommodate the needs of the tea shop and this year we are again turning more of our Quarr Abbey produce into delicious jams and chutneys and are creating a wider range of homemade products to sell in our farm shop.

In other areas of the gardens we have been cutting back last year’s ornamental grasses to make way for lush new growth, pruning the orchard trees ready for this year’s growing season and also pruning the roses that had been left with their rose hips on to help feed the resident birds. Once pruning has taken place, a feed and/or a mulch is advisable to nourish the roots as the soil starts to warm as spring temperatures rise.

Here’s hoping that the temperature rises sooner rather than later...

Pictures by Matt Noyce.

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Country Life

w Photo: Tawny Owl by Ha mpshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Who’s Whoo?

By the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Step out into the gloaming this winter and you may hear some unusual sounds... but t’woo is making all the noise? Owls are at their most vocal during the winter. They are serenading potential mates and warning off intruders, and for many species, the noisier they are the better they perform. Here are some species to listen out for…

Photo: Short Eared Owl by John Hilton

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Barn Owl

The best time to look out for barn owls is just after sunset when they’re out hunting for small mammals like voles and shrews.

It can be tricky to spot them in the winter, but if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of one flying silently over a grassy field. Listen out for their unmistakable, blood curdling screech – it’ll make your hair stand on end!

Tawny Owl

Tawny owls are not only our largest owl, they are also the most common – there are 50,000 pairs in Britain! Their famous t’wit t’woo call is very distinctive, but it is a little known fact that it takes two owls to make the sound. The well-known call is made my two owls talking to each other. Usually, a male will t’woo, and a female t’wits in response. Tawny owls like woodland habitats, so if you’re

Photo: Barn Owl by Danny Green of 2020VISION

hoping to hear one, head for a thick cluster of trees.

Short-Eared Owl

This is the owl you’re most likely to see in the daytime. They fly slowly and close to the ground on creamy brown and white wings,

Photo: Little Owl by HIWWT

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island.

Phone: 01489 774 400

E-mail: feedback@hwt.org.uk Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP

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usually over marshy areas on the coast. Some of them fly all the way from Russia to spend their winters in the UK, and a few cheeky owls hop aboard passing ships and hitch a ride across the sea!

Farlington Marshes nature reserve near Portsmouth is a great place to see them.

Little Owl Britain’s smallest owl was introduced to the UK in Victorian times by wealthy landowners who thought they would be a useful addition to our native fauna. This pocket predator can be spotted during the day, hunting in fields for tasty creepy-crawlies - they run along the grass chasing after beetles, and often topple over when trying to pull worms from the soil. These comical little birds have a mewling call, and if you heard one without seeing it you could be forgiven for thinking it was a cat stuck up a tree!

Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide.

• A welcome pack when you join.

• Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you three times a year.

• The chance to take part in local group and community activities, offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties.

• Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Country Life

Photo: Hare by David Tipling 2020VISION

10 things you didn’t know about

Hares

1. The brown hare is goldenbrown, with a pale belly and a white tail. It is larger than the Rabbit, with longer legs and longer ears with distinctive black tips.

2. Reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour at full pelt, the brown hare is one of our great athletes, and its great speed can make it a tricky character to get a good look at.

3. Luckily, “mad March hares” choose a different sport in the spring, taking up boxing instead of sprinting.

The fighters are actually the females, spurning the advances of males by boxing prospective partners.

Their activity is much more noticeable before the grass and crops have grown up to their full height.

4. If a fight does happen, the two hares will stand on their hind legs and attack each other with their front paws, pulling out fur. This gives the impression of two boxers in a ring.

5. Thought to have been introduced into the UK in Roman Times (or even earlier), the brown hare is now considered naturalised.

6.

It is most common in grassland habitats and at woodland edges, favouring a mosaic of arable fields, grasses and hedgerows. It grazes on

vegetation and the bark of young trees and bushes.

7. Brown hares do not dig burrows, but shelter in ‘forms’, which are shallow depressions in the ground or grass.

8. When disturbed, they can be seen bounding across the fields, using their powerful hind legs to propel themselves forwards, often in a zigzag pattern.

9. Young hares are known as leverets.

10. Females can produce three to four litters a year.

Discover more with your local Wildlife Trust: www.hiwwt.org.uk

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Countryside news

By Tony Ridd

Are red squirrels having a housing crisis?

Wight Squirrel Project has been looking after red squirrels for many years, and this includes sick and injured as well as babies (kittens).

Often the animals are too ill or injured to recover, but those who do are released back into the wild. Red squirrels are an arboreal species, living high up in the trees and building their home there... normally, at least.

In 2018, three dreys (nests), each containing kittens were accidently cut down and they were not at the top of a tree! The first was in a thick

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conifer hedge of no more than 2.5 metres, the second in a low tree hollow and the third in a garden shrub. Concerned for the kittens, upset homeowners rang Wight Squirrel Project for help. Mother red squirrels are frantic when their babies ‘go missing’ so whenever possible mum and babies are re-united. The babies with their own bedding were put in a wooden nestbox which is attached to a nearby tree, (in one case a telegraph pole). Mother squirrel came to retrieve the kittens as soon as people were out of the way.

The family of squirrels don’t stay in the box; mum takes the kittens, one at a time, to another drey. The

dreys mentioned were unusually low, hence homeowners were not expecting them to be there. Dreys built high up in trees seem to be less frequent now. Of course a tree hollow is always a very desirable home, as is dense vegetation such as thick ivy, both giving good protection from avian predators and the weather.

The squirrel mothers therefore thought they were safe. With a rise in avian predators having a taste for squirrels, could it be that the squirrels are adapting and getting better at hiding their homes to keep themselves safe? Let’s hope so...adaptation is key to survival! www.wightsquirrels.co.uk

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Country Life IW Hedgelaying IWHG are sorry to announce they won’t be holding a hedgelaying competition this year, after struggling to find a suitable location. They are still committed to promoting good hedge management on the Island and with the support from competitors and spectators, plan to be back next year. If you have a suitable hedge; 150m+, 3 - 6m tall, with good access, they’d be delighted to hear from you. tony@landscapetherapy. co.uk, tel: 07966 292334, www.iwhg.org.

Wild about Wight Dodnor rediscovered If you happen to have been strolling or cycling along the Cowes to Newport cycle track in the last year you will have noticed some very large structures gradually emerging out of the vegetation at Dodnor. These are the remains of historic cement kilns – the Island was at the forefront of Victorian cement production, even producing its own variety, ‘Medina Cement’.

Local Charity, Gift to Nature has been working with over 90 volunteers to reveal and record the structures, and also to discover amazing, and sometimes frightening stories about life at the Cement Works.

The site history can be found on four interpretation boards dotted around the site, which is generally closed to the public, but can be viewed from the paths and is opened for special events. Dodnor Creek and Dickson Copse have been given a new, dry nature trail, where if you are lucky you will spot red squirrels, as well as the amazing wading birds that give the site its international designations. This can be visited anytime. Carol Flux will be leading a walk around the historic site and local nature reserve as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival on 14th May – see isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/return-to-themummies-caves/ for more details and to book.

Wild About Wight is a Vectis Housing community project exploring the natural and built heritage of East Wight. Each month throughout 2018, a team of artists delivered a package of activities and events, all designed to raise awareness of landscape issues, engage people of all ages and abilities with their built and natural heritage, as well as in practical conservation work, and reinforcing their sense of community and place on the Isle of Wight. The project runs until March 2020. The exhibition will open in the West Gallery at Quay Arts on Saturday 16th Feb. An opening event with all of the partners and artists will take place on Sat 16th February between 2-4pm. All are welcome to attend and it’s completely free.

LANDSCAPE THERAPY Bare-rooted tree and shrub nursery. Fruit trees, tree guards, canes and stakes. Woodland and hedgerow planting and management.

LANDSCAPE & COUNTRYSIDE SPECIALIST Tel: 01983 760011 Mob: 07966 292334

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Photo: Hedgehog by Tom Marshall

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Hedgehogs are waking up

Let’s get their year off to a good start

By Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Once common in our gardens, hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% over the last 10 years, and there are now thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK. They are disappearing from our countryside as fast as tigers are worldwide.

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There are lots of reasons why our prickly garden friends are disappearing; their natural habitat is being lost to increased development, and broken up by fencing, walls and, of course, roads.

But, the good news is that there is so much you can do to help these charismatic characters in your neighbourhood. Why not give your local hogs a helping hand and prepare your garden for when they wake up?

To make your garden hedgehogfriendly try making a log or leaf pile, avoid using slug pellets and let the grass grow a little wilder to attract hedgehogs’ favourite food – insects and worms! Even better, join forces with your neighbours to make a ‘hedgehog highway’ by creating small holes in your fence so your prickly friends can snuffle from garden-to-garden.

Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but are quite curious, meaning

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island.

Phone: 01489 774 400

E-mail: feedback@hwt.org.uk Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP

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they sometimes fall into holes and get stuck, so make sure you cover up any open drains and gullies. If you have a pond, make sure you provide an access point so any hedgehogs that fall in can climb

back out - this can be achieved by using a ramp or placing some stones at one end.

You could also set up a feeding station by cutting a clear hole in a plastic storage box and weighing down the lid with bricks: this will stop cats and foxes taking the food. If you are worried about attracting rats, don’t put out grainbased foods on the floor and take in any excess food when your hedgehog has been for a visit.

If you find an underweight hedgehog and you’re concerned about its welfare, provide tinned cat or dog meat and fresh water.

Contact your local rescue centre for advice before intervening.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can offer advice and help you find your nearest rescue centre – you can email them on info@ britishhedgehogs.org.uk.

Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide.

• A welcome pack when you join.

• Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you three times a year.

• The chance to take part in local group and community activities, offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties.

• Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. www.islandlifemagazine.co.uk

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Equestrian goodies LeMieux Loire Satin Close Contact Square

Lemieux ActiveWear Full Seat Riding Tights The LeMieux ActiveWear Full Seat Riding Tights offer comfort and practicality for an active lifestyle on and off your horse.

The soft technical stretch fabric allows for a high degree of comfort whilst the silicone seat pattern gives added security in the saddle.

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The LeMieux Loire Satin Close Contact Square is a truly elegant design which has been crafted with an eye-catching satin fabric which has a beautiful sheen to it. Crafted to combine comfort with performance and style, this saddlecloth features a soft memory foam suede collar to support the front of the saddle, adding stability. Matching ears and bandages also available.

Shires Aubrion Alverstone Cross Country Shirt Shires Aubrion Alverstone Hat Cover The Shires Alverstone

The stretchy Shires Aubrion Alverstone Hat Covers come in three colours & topped with a faux fut pom pom. Co-ordinate with the Alverstone Cross Country Shirts.

Cross Country Shirts promise to make you stand out on the cross country course, coming in 3 colours with pretty decorative print. These quick-drying performance tops feature a contrast 1/4 zip neck, flatlock seams and are stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and freedom of movement.

All this and more is available in a variety of colours from Froghill of Sandford, Godshill, PO38 3AN. Tel: 01983 840205. www.froghillofsandford.co.uk

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Equestrian

TRAINING HORSES with Robert Booth BHSI

After nearly 35 years in business on the Island and with me approaching my 60th birthday, we have slowly had to change our way of doing things.

Over the years we have started many horses and the numbers must run into many hundreds. It’s a very rewarding job watching youngster’s gain trust and confidence in you as a handler and rider and seeing them progress with their owners.

be very fit and agile. You have to read and understand the horses reaction to each new thing you ask him to do. Some people call it “Horse Whispering” but I call it a combination of understanding, education and horsemanship.

If I had the knowledge of now and the body of thirty five years ago all would be good, but youngsters can be unpredictable

Starting young horses is a very skilled job and all of the horses have taught me something new. It can be a very demanding job, they have to be worked nearly every day for them to learn each stage and the rider has to

and quick to react so our breaking system has to change. I will be helping and advising people with their horses but passing on the riding of the breaking horses.

The horse pictured here is our latest four year old, we have just broken him and we will continue to start our own homebred youngsters. I am not giving up and never will, but have to delegate some of the younger person’s jobs.

Besides, there is plenty to keep me busy, with the lessons and training clinics, and our own horses, liveries and stud work.

Thank you to all that have trusted us with your horses and we hope you are still enjoying them.

Robert Booth is an equine trainer for Rodgebrook Horses.

Visit www.rodgebrookhorses.co.uk or telephone 01983 521870.

Training: What a young horse needs to know There are a few basic things a young horse has to know before you can start to back him. Firstly and most importantly he needs to be used to people and respect them.

He needs to be well handled, be able to be tied up, touched and groomed all over and have his feet picked up, standing still with no fuss. I also like them to have worn a rug as I find this helps them accept the saddle when it comes to it.

RODGEBROOK HORSES Excellent purpose built facilities, Newport area for full, breaking, schooling, sale and competition preparation livery.

Tuition by Robert Booth BHSI experienced Accredited Professional Coach. Group or individual lessons on your own horses here or your home, all levels and disciplines.

Regular courses throughout the year

Tel: 01983 521870 www.rodgebrookhorses.co.uk

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Equestrian

High entries at jumping show Earlier this year Lake Farm Equestrian Centre hosted its first jumping show of 2019, which was well supported with high entries in every class. Some of the Island’s younger riders dominated the first class, the youngest rider being Isla Robinson, only four years old.

Ruby-Mae Clayton and Iris finished third in Class 3 (18 inches). Iris was bought for the Island’s Riding For the Disabled Group (RDA) from donations received at a charity show, held in memory of Mick Jones, a well loved member of the Lake Farm family. She is a popular pony with the riders of the RDA, and has proved to be worth her weight in gold.

Riders placed between first and fourth in each of the classes all achieved their qualification for the Sunshine Tour, which is an exciting championship series for novice, amateur and unaffiliated riders, handlers, horses and ponies. The Tour features dressage, showjumping, showing & eventers’ challenges for juniors and seniors, and is held at the most famous UK showground, the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead on September 12th to 15th.

Island riders wanting to achieve their qualifications can do so at each of Lake Farm’s jumping shows.

Pictures by Keith Pollard

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Fashion, health & beauty

Let’s talk feminine health and wellness Childbirth, menopause or simply the natural process of ageing can significantly change the overall wellbeing of the vagina. Many women suffer from weakening of the vaginal muscles, resulting in vaginal laxity, leakage of urine, low level of sexual interest as well as vaginal dryness, low blood flow and sensitivity.

Until now there have been very few solutions available, but now Dr Hayley Elsmore at the Orchard Cosmetic Clinic in Newport is delighted to offer Votiva, a revolutionary new treatment.

What is Votiva?

Votiva is a non-surgical treatment by Inmode to help transform your vaginal health. It is a radiofrequency wand device which can be used comfortably on internal and external tissues. It is effective, easy and painless.

The Votiva wand is inserted into the vagina and gently remodels the tissue with thermal heat. Results can be felt and seen immediately, but continue to develop for months after the treatment. New collagen and elastin are formed, as well as increased blood flow and lubrication.

The total procedure is typically 20-30 minutes with no discomfort or downtime. Dr Elsmore determines the best treatment plan for each individual. The majority of women have 2-3 sessions.

Dr Elsmore has over 15 years experience as a GP dealing with women’s health issues. She also holds a diploma in gynaecology.

Scientific studies have shown a significant improvement in both vaginal and urinary symptoms following Votiva.

“Dr Elsmore completely put me at ease. I’ve had a 50% improvement in tightness and much less dryness after just two Votiva treatments.”

Dr Elsmore

Her focus is for all her clients to receive the best possible advice and expert care, before, during and after treatment.

Do you or someone you know have these common feminine health concerns? For your complimentary confidential consultation with Dr Elsmore contact Orchard Cosmetic Clinic on 01983 719772 or email orchardcosmeticskin@gmail.com.

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Fashion, health & beauty

No more suffering in silence It’s estimated that at least one in seven women suffers from urinary incontinence — often the result of stress or injury to the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth, or sometimes linked to fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that can cause muscle problems.

So a revolutionary new treatment that simply involves sitting in a chair is offering hope to thousands of people with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – and it's now available on the Isle of Wight.

The EMSella from global medical device manufacturer BTL uses focussed magnetic fields to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. It's not a new technology from BTL - just a new

application that targets the pelvic floor. The treatment consists of six half hour sessions.

Already well-proven in extensive clinical trials, the system is being adopted across the globe to revolutionise the way women are treated with Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and relieve the silent suffering it can cause, mainly after childbirth or through natural ageing.

A company spokesperson said: “This treatment is already revolutionising the treatment pathway for females is the USA and we look forward to delivering the same life-changing therapies to females in the UK and now especially on the Isle of Wight”

For more information email Jackie on jackie@emsellaiow.com, call 07388 076000 or visit the website at www.emsellaiow.com.

Chiropractic – treats more than just your back

By Roger Marino, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic How often have you asked ‘what is chiropractic?’. Chiropractic has been around for over 100 years; however, people are still sometimes afraid or embarrassed to enquire about it. The common belief is that only backs are treated.

McTimoney chiropractors use their hands to apply gentle, specific adjustments where necessary, to improve alignment of the spine and function of the nervous system.

Modern life makes us very busy people, the nature of our everyday activities and lifestyle can put extra stresses and strains on our bodies. Pain and discomfort usually appear when the nervous

system is no longer functioning to its full potential, which affects our everyday lives.

So, chiropractic is not just for backs! Still not sure? Come and see us for a free assessment and help

your body heal itself.

Contact Cowes Chiropractic Clinic on 282810 or find them at 24-26 Birmingham Road, Cowes, PO31 7BH.

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Fashion, health & beauty

How what’s ‘in the past’ can still be our present Some people say, “it’s no good dwelling on the past”, however, that is often exactly what we do. When things happen that we are unable to cope with at the time (parents arguing a lot, or being bullied at school), we hide them away as best we can, so that we are able to function and carry on with our lives. Although this ‘forgetting’ is a good strategy for short term survival, if not addressed, it often causes symptoms such as depression and anxiety later in life.

The original pain will be locked inside of us and gets triggered

example. In regression therapy, we identify when the pain was caused, we gain understanding and resolve the issue, so you can truly move on in life without being triggered by events that happened a long time ago.

when we are reminded of it.

The little girl whose mum never had time for her, may grow up to severely berate her own daughter for her ‘needyness’, for

Ellemiek offers reiki, hypnotherapy and regression therapy in a homely and secure healing environment in Ventnor and offers free initial consultations. Contact Ellemiek on 01983 856381 or ellemiek@ lighthouse-therapies.org.

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LOCAL PRODUCERS J. WILKINSON’S PIES Various pies, pasties and slices made by hand on the premises and sold in our shop to the public as well as to various restaurants, cafes and other shops. Orders taken please phone for details.

Tel: 07716 106926 Address: 1 High Street, Sandown, PO36 8JW

TIPSY WIGHT Tipsy Wight is an award winning producer of quirky and delicious vodka liqueurs made entirely from natural ingredients grown on the Isle of Wight.

THE BORNEO PANTRY

We harvest fruits, flowers and berries that each season provides and now have nineteen flavours all beautifully presented to capture the English countryside in a bottle.

Est 2011 in Brunei, Borneo, now handmade on the Isle of Wight.

Specialising in Chutneys and Pickles, producing an extensive range to suit all taste buds. Uses are only limited by your imagination.

To find out more visit www.tipsywight.com

Tel: 07809 707837 Address: Unit 19, Faulkner Lane, Sandown, PO36 9AZ Web: www.borneopantry.com E: theborneopantry@gmail.com

Tel: 01983 299088 @tipsywight

#tipsywight

WIGHT SALT Wight Salt comes from the mineral rich waters around Wheelers Bay, Ventnor, then naturally evaporated in shallow tanks inside polytunnels using just the sun and wind as nature intended creating a strikingly individual flavour, distinctive from sea salt from other regions.

Well rounded and not at all sharp with a hint of sweetness, Wight Salt, in just 9 months, is attracting a growing number of chefs and food enthusiasts.

The Wight Salt Seasoning Sprays are cool, innovative and exciting.

Applying them just before eating gives a wonderful evenness of tantalising flavour to invigorate and jazz up any meal you like.

Tel: 07786 095439 Web: www.wightsalt.co.uk E: hello@wightsalt.co.uk

VENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN The Plantation Room Café is a wonderful venue to relax, read or catch up with friends whilst enjoying a Barista coffee, an elegant loose leaf tea or a light ultra-fresh lunch. edulis restaurant serves fresh cuisine from the Garden alongside other locally-sourced product created by master chef, Brad Roe.

BROWNRIGG’S

Open daily from 10am and free parking.

Restaurant open on Sunday from 12 noon.

Selling our own free-range eggs and quality meat all reared on our family farm. Well stocked with Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan and local produce. Café open daily from 9am till 2pm serving our Farmers’ Breakfast and hot home-made food.

Tel: 01983 855397 Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, PO38 1UL www.botanic.co.uk Facebook: /ventnorbotanicCIC

Tel: 01983 840191 Address: Brownrigg’s, Newport Road, Godshill, PO38 3LY www.brownriggfarmmeats.co.uk

The Puya Boutique Shopping offers a great range of stylish quality gifts including home and garden ware, accessories, books.

FARMHOUSE FAYRE Farmhouse Fayre, growing on the Island for the Island. We are now the third generation farming at Ash Hill farm. Locally sourced produce wherever possible.

We stock IOW free range eggs, cheese, milk, garlic, tomatoes and vegetables.

Also in the shop we have the finest fruits from all around the world.

Visit our shop and be welcomed with our personal touch.

Tel: 01983 525836 Address: 85-86 Upper St James St, Newport, PO30 1LG farmhouse.fayre@btconnect.com

ISLAND ROASTED Island Roasted have been producing the Island’s finest hand roasted artisan coffee for wholesale and retail since 2010, sourcing direct trade coffees where possible ensuring ethical and sustainable trade. Winner of IW Radio Best Business Award 2018.

Tel: 01983 857670 info@islandroasted.co.uk Website: www.islandroasted.co.uk

BEAU’S ICE CREAM Beau’s Ice Cream handcrafts luxurious vegan artisan ice cream using only the best natural ingredients.

We have a full menu of exciting flavours which provide the delicious, creamy taste of traditional ice cream without the dairy, all made locally in our 100% vegan facility.

All our ice cream is lovingly made to order, and we also offer bespoke guest ice creams for any occasion.

Tel: 07507 814458 Email: info@beaus-icecream.com www.beaus-icecream.com

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Food & Drink

SMOKED SALMON ROULADE Recipe by The Bandstand, Sandown

Ingredients 750g sliced smoked salmon 1 bunch of asparagus 400g of cream cheese 75g baby spinach 2tbs of fresh chopped herbs (chive, parsley, dill) 1 leaf gelatine or 1tsp of gelatine powder Cracked black pepper & sea salt

Method 7. Then lift the cling film using drop the spinach in for 30 1. Lay out two pieces of cling both of your hands from the seconds. Drain, then put in ice film 30cm wide by 50cm long. bottom and roll it over, tucking water, then drain again, pat Start at the bottom, 5cm in, in the salmon as you go. Pull dry chop and add to the cream and lay the salmon overlapping the cling film off as the salmon cheese mix. until you get to the other side. is rolled into the asparagus and Remembering to leave the 5. Place the gelatine into cold cream cheese at the start, then same gap, carry on overlapping water to soften or, if you are use the cling film to roll up until until you have covered the cling using powder, dissolve in a you reach the top. film and there is a gap at the tablespoon of hot water. Once top. This may vary, but will not the gelatine has softened drain 8. Lay two more pieces of cling effect the roulade . film larger than the first two, off the cold water and add a using the cling film that is tablespoon of hot water and let 2. Mix together in a bowl the around the roulade to lift and it dissolve. Make sure that it has cream cheese and herbs. place on to the new cling film fully dissolved and there are no 3. Set aside the asparagus and at the bottom. Now you can roll lumps. Add this to the cream blanch for two minutes, then again, but tighter. cheese mixture mixing all the plunge into ice cold water. Dry time to evenly incorporate the 9. Tie off each end and refrigerate the asparagus on a tea towel gelatine into the mix . for at least two hours or more and put on a seasoned tray, preferably overnight. Remove 6. Spread the cream mixture over drizzling with a little oil. Place from the cling film and cut the salmon evenly then lay your under a hot grill or on a hot into 3cm slices, serving with a asparagus end to end, starting griddle until slightly coloured. crisp salad, sweet balsamic and at the bottom and going up to Set aside to cool. crusty artisan bread. the middle. It doesn’t matter if 4. Using the hot asparagus water, you just go over the middle.

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Food & Drink

Vegan goes mainstream With burger empire McDonald’s introducing its meat-free McVegan option and the UK’s best-known bakery Gregg’s launching a vegan sausage roll, there’s certainly a massive change being cooked up in our kitchens.

In fact, according to The Economist, 2019 is set to be the year veganism goes mainstream, with sales of meat and dairy-free options booming in supermarkets, restaurants and cafes up and down the land.

As is often the case, we Brits are following the Americans, who saw their sales of vegan foods in the year to June 2018 rise a whopping 10 times faster than food sales as a whole.

Hardly surprising then, that giant food firms are now climbing on the bandwagon, creating vegan lines of their own, and buying start-up businesses.

The charity Veganuary - which promotes the idea of trying out a vegan diet throughout January – said 2019 has been its biggest year yet, with an estimated 300,000 people taking part.

No longer seen as the preserve of hippies and eccentrics, veganism is a word we’re all now seeing and hearing everywhere - in shops and restaurants, in people’s conversations on the streets, and in newspapers and magazines.

The reasons for embracing a vegan diet are as varied as the people who do it, but most will point to health reasons, concern over the environment, or issues over animal suffering.

PETA, a long-time campaign group for the ethical treatment of animals, says that the big vegan food trends to watch out for during 2019 include creamy oat milk as an alternative to almond and soy milks, and green protein sourced from peas.

Of course the first question most vegans are always asked is ‘how do you get your protein?’ and their answer could now be peas, as new ranges of vegan pea-based products from sausages to milks come on stream.

There are also growing varieties of “meat-free meat” and even “fishless seafood”, which can be found in supermarkets as well as on restaurant menus from big-namers like TGI Fridays to many of our small independent high street eateries.

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Food & Drink

Asparagus, sundried tomato & olive loaf Makes 10 slices

Ingredients 100ml olive oil, plus extra for greasing 250g asparagus spears, each cut into 3 pieces 200g self-raising flour 1 tbsp thyme leaves 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 100ml milk handful pitted black olives 100g sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped 100g gruyère or Beaufort, grated

Method 1. Heat oven to 190ÂşC/fan 170ÂşC/gas 5. Oil and line the base of a loaf tin (approx 22 x 10 x 5cm) with baking paper.

2. Cook the asparagus in boiling, salted water for 2 mins, drain, then cool quickly under cold running water. Pat dry.

3. Mix the flour and thyme with seasoning in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre, then add the eggs, milk and oil, stirring all the time to draw the flour into the centre. Beat for 1 minute to make a smooth batter.

4. Reserve five asparagus tips and a few olives. Add the remaining asparagus, tomatoes, olives and two-thirds of the cheese to the batter.

5. Pour into the tin, then put the reserved asparagus and olives on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

6. Bake for 35-40 mins until the cake feels firm to the touch and is golden and crusty on top.

7. Cool in the tin for 5 mins, then turn out and cool on a wire rack.

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Food & Drink Ingredients For the choux pastry: 60g butter 75g plain flour 2 medium eggs For the toffee sauce: 30g unsalted butter 90g light muscovado sugar 142-150ml carton double cream Few drops vanilla extract For the filling: 3 ripe bananas 2tbsp caster sugar Juice of 1 lemon 300ml carton whipping cream You will need: Large piping bag fitted with 1cm plain piping tube Baking sheet, lined with baking parchment or non-stick liner

Banoffee profiteroles

Method 1. Set the oven to 220°C/425°F/ Gas 7.

To make the pastry: 2. Pour 150ml water into a pan and add the butter. Place the pan on a low heat until the butter melts, increase the heat and bring to a rapid boil.

3. Working quickly, remove the pan from the heat and tip in the flour. Use a wooden spoon to beat the mixture well until it forms a ball. Leave mixture to cool for at least 10 mins.

4. Gradually beat in eggs, beating well between each addition, to give a smooth, glossy paste.

5. Fill the piping bag with the mixture and pipe 16-20

walnut-sized balls on to the baking sheet.

6. Place the sheet above the centre of the oven and bake for 15-20 mins until the buns have risen and are golden.

Increase the heat and simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency, it will thicken more on cooling. Remove from the heat and leave the sauce to cool.

10. Cut the buns almost in half.

Remove any soft mixture from the centres.

7. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to To make the filling: Gas Mark 4 or 180°C. 8. Pierce each bun with a skewer to allow the steam to escape, then return to the oven for a further 5-10 mins until crisp.

Cool buns on a wire rack.

To make the sauce: 9. Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the sugar and cream. Add the vanilla. Stir the mixture over a low heat until sugar dissolves.

11. Mash the bananas with the sugar and lemon juice. Whisk the cream until it forms soft peaks and fold in the banana mixture. Fill the piping bag with the mixture and pipe into the buns.

12. Stack the buns on a serving plate and pour some of the sauce over them and the rest into a jug.

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Inside Business

The wonder of wood It’s one of the most versatile natural materials known to man – not to mention one of the most beautiful – and for Chessell Woodyard, home-grown timber is a speciality product.

As the Island’s largest timber-processing company, the woodyard supplies everything from everyday logs for the fire right up to its own expertly-crafted garden buildings, summer houses and barns, plus practical structures such as fencing and decking, kennels and log stores, and decorative timber.

Backed up by its own timber mill and an expert in-house carpentry

department, the busy woodyard works with beautiful, locallysourced Cedars, Douglas Fir and English Oak, custom-making a whole range of products, including bespoke furniture.

As owner Pete Barnes says: “If

the customer can think of it, then we can make it!”

The woodyard can also offer hardened seasoned firewood, feather edge and waney edge cladding, as well as posts in all sizes and bespoke gates. If you need woodchip, that too is ready to be supplied.

The business says it is proud to source as much of its FSC-certified timber as possible from the Isle of Wight and South coast.

Chessell Woodyard can be found on the Newport Road, Chessell, PO30 4JP or call 01983 555068. www.chessellwoodyard.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Cyber Survival Cyber security is becoming increasingly important to all of us, especially in the workplace.

According to a UK Government commissioned survey between October 2016 and February 2017, 46% of all UK businesses identified at least one cyber security breach or attack in the previous twelve months.

This increased to 68% for large firms, with the average cost of these attacks rising from £1,380 to £19,600.

While cyber attacks are a fact of life, there is much you can do to mitigate their impact – 1. Have the right insurance in place for your business – meaning you have the support of cyber experts

2. Mobilise your incident response team – include all relevant stakeholders 3. Secure systems and ensure business continuity – isolate or suspend compromised systems 4. Conduct a thorough investigation – establish the facts 5. Manage public relations – a well handled response can boost your reputation 6. Address legal and regulatory requirements – GDPR imposes strict limits on the timeliness of reporting incidents 7. Incur liability – regulatory and non-legal liability

To read the full article please visit www.nfumutual.co.uk or contact the local office on 01983 52290 for a printed copy.

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Education

UKSA’s gateway to maritime careers If you have ever considered training in the maritime industry, the good news is that there’s a solution right here on the Isle of Wight.

Cowes-based UKSA offers industry-endorsed training programmes in watersports, yachting and superyacht hospitality – potentially opening the door to an amazing career with the chance to work all over the world.

With its recent acquisition of Cowes Youth Centre, UKSA’s facilities will soon include a sports hall and gym, as well as superyacht galley and simulation suite.

For those aged 16+, courses are fully funded – and UKSA offers a two-year BTEC Sport and Physical Activities Level 3. Alternatively, its one-year Watersports Instructor Traineeship could be a gateway to employment in the watersports industry.

UKSA also caters for those aged 18+, and its Superyacht Interior Foundation could see students working in hospitality in the world’s most prestigious locations, while for those looking to work on deck, there are multiple options

to train for a career in yachting and superyachting.

The 18+ courses also include residential accommodation and industry guidance.

All UKSA’s courses are designed to allow students to simultaneously gain hands-on experience along with valuable qualifications.

The next Open Day will be happening on Saturday 13th March and is a great opportunity to find out more. To book a place, call UKSA on 01983 203038.

Fall in love at Monkey Haven Swing on by to Monkey Haven – and fall in love with the rescued monkeys, owls, meerkats and other exotic creatures. The awardwinning sanctuary, just outside Newport, is hosting a Love Week during half term (14th-24th February).

There will be rescue stories to warm your heart, plus the daily Keeper talks will focus on love.

You’ll hear about romances, bromances, monkeys who’ve found happiness with other monkeys – and in one case, with a squeaky toy pig! You’ll meet the latest arrival, an adorable baby Capuchin.

On Sunday 31st March, it’s Mother’s Day – and it’s free entry for every mum with a paying child.

There will be treats in the Tea

Room and talks about primate mothers. You’ll meet them too.

Monkey Haven is open every day from 10am on Staplers Road, Newport, with a gift shop, Wifi, free App, play areas, trails and free

return within seven days.

All proceeds from your visit will help to support the animals you’ll meet. So have fun and monkey around! Visit www.monkeyhaven. org for more details.

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Feature

New post on the Isle of Wight for Canon The Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed Canon Peter Leonard to be the next Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight.

Peter is currently Canon Chancellor at Portsmouth Cathedral, and has been acting dean there since the retirement of the Very Rev David Brindley last summer.

He will take up his new post on the Isle of Wight soon after Easter, by which time Canon Anthony Cane will have started his role as Dean of Portsmouth.

Peter previously served as a priest in Guildford diocese, then became a teacher and a headteacher before coming to Portsmouth Cathedral as a residentiary canon nearly five years ago. Among other responsibilities, he is an elected representative of diocesan clergy on the Church’s national decisionmaking body, the General Synod.

He will succeed the Ven. Peter Sutton as Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight. Peter Sutton moved on to become priest-in-charge of four Hampshire villages – Greatham, Empshott, Hawkley and Priors Dean – last summer after six years on the Island.

The bishop, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, said: “Peter Leonard has been an outstanding Canon of our cathedral, bringing flair and imagination to his role developing links with the wider community, and acting as dean in the past few months. I’m sure

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Canon Peter Leonard he will be missed there, and I’m confident that he will bring energy and commitment to his role on the Island.

“I’d like to express my thanks, and those of everyone on the Island, to the Rev Allie Kerr, who has taken on extra responsibility and oversight in the time that the Island has been between Archdeacons. With the support of the mainland Archdeacons Gavin and Joanne, she has generously served the churches, parishes and communities of the Island and I am deeply grateful to her.

“Please hold Peter, with Mark his

civil partner, in your prayers as he prepares to move into this new ministry.”

Canon Peter Leonard said: “Since arriving at the Cathedral five years ago I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Island better.

“I’ve been particularly impressed by those in the churches, both lay and ordained, and their enthusiasm for sharing the love of Christ and building God’s kingdom of justice and peace.

I am thrilled and excited about moving to the Island and working alongside the community in such a beautiful setting.”

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OBITUARY

Anthony Churchill: sportsman, sailor & champion of the arts

Anthony Churchill, author, yachtsman and publisher, sadly passed away on Wednesday, January 9th, on the Isle of Wight.

He was 83 years old.

Anthony was a scholar at Cambridge University in history, and his early jobs included financial journalism. He founded a publishing company with titles including: Ski, Tennis, Subaqua Scene, and publications on horses, powerboats, canoeing, windsurfing, mountains, films, and plays. His own sport was ocean racing, and the magazine Seahorse is that sport’s bible even today.

Studying at Cambridge, he attended Moscow and its university defending the open market, as Chair of the University Explorers and Travellers Club, and as a representative of the Ballet Club. He was captain of College Squash. He also visited St Petersburg and the Chopin Festivals in Poland.

Anthony Churchill happened to notice the 140th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s parents’ first meeting at a Royal Gala party off Cowes fell in 2013. To commemorate this event, he invited Winston’s descendants, and twenty of them came for several days to renew the family’s close ties with the Island.

As trustee of Dimbola Museum, and the World Ship Trust, he chaired the ASTO Cowes Race

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meant for the handicapped and young who have not sailed before, and held events for Shakespeare, Omar Khayyam, Burns, Betjeman and Elgar. He started the Ventnor Piano Fund, was Trustee of Island Concerts and helped fund the Sea Scout’s RIB ‘Grom’ (named after the destroyer, sister to the Cowesbuilt ‘Blyskawica’, renowned for saving Cowes from enemy bombing in the war).

Anthony initiated the world’s first true Round the World Race, the

Whitbread – now Volvo – race, and others such as the Financial Times Clipper Race. Racing for UK, Swiss, and Hong Kong teams, he sailed with many Olympic medallists. He helped finance an America’s Cup bid, and raced for a decade on Sir Edward Heath’s Morning Cloud, winning the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as a navigator.

Before his death, Anthony lived in the far south of the Island at Ventnor, “where seas are splendidly rough or beautifully calm.”

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Legal

TRUST ME, I’M A LAWYER?

By Anthony Freelove, Qualified Estates and Trusts Practitioner, Terence Willey & Co The Trust is a concept in English law that dates back to the time of the Crusades. They were originally used to transfer the legal title of property to another person, or persons, for the duration of absence.

This was usually for management purposes, whilst ensuring that the original owner retained an interest in the property that could be transferred back to them on their return.

Obviously, transfers of legal ownership for such purposes are now unnecessary but the Trust as a vehicle has evolved over the centuries and serves a diverse set of purposes today.

These include: • Estate Planning • Business Protection • Asset Protection Perhaps the most familiar of these will be the last, in respect of the home, in relation to Inheritance Tax planning.

Prior to 9th October 2007, it was not possible to transfer an Inheritance Tax (IHT) Nil Rate Band (NRB) to one’s spouse, and, given that transfers between spouses are exempt from IHT, the NRB of a deceased spouse was often lost if the surviving spouse inherited all of their Estate. To prevent this, it was very common to use a Discretionary Trust to receive a half-share of a property, using as much of a deceased spouses IHT

Nil Rate Band as possible, whilst the Trust effectively allowed the surviving spouse the enjoyment of the whole property.

This arrangement is now not necessary for IHT planning, as since 9th October 2007 the IHT NRB is transferrable between spouses (and also civil partners) on death. So does this mean that any Will pre-dating 9th October 2007 which includes such a Trust should be revoked and a new Will made?

Not necessarily. Such Trusts can legally be brought to an end within two years of a death. There might also be other reasons why such, or similar, Trusts should be in existence.

One of these is Residential Care Fee planning. It is quite possible to use a form of Trust which, in the usual course of events, will protect a half-share of a property from such liability.

Finally a word of warning; I am aware that arrangements involving Trusts for such specific purpose are being intensively marketed, by various providers, using impressive names, at not insignificant cost. If you are interested in creating such a Trust, please do ensure that you seek appropriate legal advice before taking any action.

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