16 28 14 Specialists in Jaguar, Land Rover and Porsche servicing and diagnostics MOTs, servicing and factory level diagnostics for most makes and models Genuine parts supplied for Jaguar, Landrover and Porsche Lower Green Road, St Helens Tel: 01983 872332 or 07920 224181 26 Contents John 4, 8, 10, 13 Ryde East News 6 Top of the Class 12 Island Games 2015 Taking a closer look at the sailing team 14 The John Hannam Interview John interviews John Howe 16 - 17 Alan Stroud’s Island Story We all know it’s called Alum Bay, but why? 18 - 19 Feature Celebrating National Pet Month 22 - 23 Legal & Financial 26 Eating & Drinking 28 - 30 Health & Wellbeing 31 - 33 Homes & Gardens 35 Spot the Difference competition! Follow us on twitter.com/iwbeaconmag facebook.com/IWBeacon Small island. Big sporting achievers. Abigail Lacey Harrison Smith Swimming Athletics Amber Backhouse Haydn Sewell Swimming Sailing Squash Shooting Athletics Swimming Amelie Haworth Imogen Moss Lucy Wells Triathlon Luke Hurbert Swimming Matthew Reed Shooting Ariela Richardson Izabella Blacklock Megan King Becky Cook Jack Hobbins Motorcycle Badminton Ben Duggan Jake Williams Cricket Swimming Ben Herridge James Haggerty Cricket n Howe Note from the Editor Welcome to the April edition of the Beacon! It’s been another busy month and we have a packed issue full of great stories and features about our Island. This month I was lucky enough to be asked to be a judge at the Isle of Wight College Hair Show and I can honestly say the hard work put in by all the staff and students involved is a credit to the Island. The show was fantastic and the standard of entries was incredibly high. You can read more about the Hair Show and find out this year’s winners in our Health and Wellbeing section. Swimming DESIGNERS Tracey Watt, Rachel Dangerfield ACCOUNTS Cherrill Cuthbert Trampolining Mia Ross Football Mitch Young Motorcycle Molly Fennimore Swimming Nicholas Matthews Golf Oliver Evans Sailing Peter Newlands Blokart Racing Richard Wilson Charlotte James Joseph Franks Swimming Swimming Shooting Conor Richards Joshua Oddy Golf Golf Sailing Cory Swinfield Katherine Bright Daniel Atherton Keegan Brown Daniel Cox Kerry Miller Freddie Boyce Lewis London George Faulkner Lewis Ridett Grace Crumplin Liz Dunlop Grace Poynter Louis Herbert Shooting Karate Golf Swimming Darts Trampolining Cricket Athletics SALES CONSULTANTS Kelly Knox; [email protected] Lou Scott-Attrill and Lou Harris Hockey Merle Clevett Equestrian Rugby EDITOR Sarah Griffin; [email protected] Athletics John Buckman Callum Kotsapas Cricket Rugby Jordan Sundborg Charlie Button Golf Athletics Joseph Doyle Charlotte Dupey Have a great month! IW Beacon Media Centre, 8-10 Dodnor Park Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5XE. Tel: 01983 522123 Joe Wade Sailing Sailing “The Beacon, all that’s good about the Island” Shooting Bradley McLaughlin This month we are also looking at National Pet Month, John Hannam interviews John Howe and Alan Stroud’s Island Story looks at Alum Bay. Sarah Athletics Benjamin Curliss Jemma Toms Swimming Sophie Heritage Steve Dines Triathlon Steve Gratton Triathlon Stuart Dyer Triathlon Toby Atherton Motorcycle Sailing Weightlifting Bowls Triathlon Athletics Swimming Sailing Travis Meller Wallis Canning William Heritage To the athletes from the Isle of Wight dedicated to being the best in their sporting genre. Wightlink is proud and passionate in helping them reach their goals with the Wightlink Talented Athletes Scheme. We wish them every success in 2015/16 seasons. Find out more at wightlink.co.uk/athletes LOCAL news Ryde Homeless Centre Manager Recognised in Community Heroes Awards. George Mitchell is centre manager who works with people who are experiencing homelessness in Ryde and is just one of the people The Salvation Army has recognised at its annual social services awards ceremony. George heads up a centre for people who are homeless called Fellowship House. He won the award for Homelessness Services Manager of The Year for his passion, leadership and motivation for his team which has seen the centre achieve impressive results in independent inspections such as from the Independent Quality Inspectorate. George is also the elected chair of the Police Local Action Group – a community partnership changing the face of homelessness on the Isle of Wight. He has focused on ensuring that the people who stay at the centre in Green Street, have control and choice over the shape of the support they receive, and this work is seen as an example of best practice. George said, “This is my 20th year working for The Salvation Army and I’m obviously doing something right. We set ourselves high standards and it’s great to be recognised for that. My staff are second to none.” 4 Arts Project to Bring New Family to Ryde A new family will be moving to Ryde this summer as part of an arts project organised by Ryde Library. Using a grant from Arts Council England, Ryde Library is working with Island artist Teresa Grimaldi to create a life-size family of ‘under cover’ textile/fabric characters. This family was in-spired by the recently republished Mennyms novels by Sylvia Waugh, who was winner of the 1994 Guardian Children’s Fiction Award. This family will be created by a variety of local groups, and will emerge from cover to inhabit the town in late June 2015, for the period of Ryde Arts Festival. Ryde Library will play an active role in the town’s 2015 arts festival and will include regular highquality art and crafts workshops in the library schedules, to link with groups who have little history of arts participation. Library staff will be involved in the activities, leading to a legacy of skills and equipment for the future. To find out more about the ‘Under Cover’ project, please visit Ryde Library or call (01983) 562170. News from Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild Guild members attending the Annual General Meeting were informed that it had been a successful year for the Guild and the Bembridge lifeboat. The RNLI souvenir shop also had a successful year in terms of sales, being placed 22nd out of a table of 584 shops and branches nationally. The station is now well-established and growing as a tourist attraction with a total of around 50,000 visitors to the boathouse over the past year. In addition to that were 1,123 children and 203 adults in organised educational visit groups. Warners Bembridge Coast Hotel continues to support the lifeboat with the weekly raffles and tour groups to the station with approximately £10,000 raised over the last year. Sybil Snelling retired as President of the Guild and took the post of Vice-President. John Margetson was unanimously elected as President. 25th Anniversary Celebration for Local Foster Carers Over 25 years Five Rivers Child Care, a local social enterprise with a strong family focus has, successfully helped many vulnerable children recover from experiences of abuse, neglect, family breakdown and trauma. Five Rivers was founded in 1989 to provide local authorities with a specialised therapeutic service for disadvantaged children in the local community. To mark the anniversary, Five Rivers held an event for local foster carers and their families at the Bargeman’s Rest in Newport which included an inspiring talk from the founder of Five Rivers, Pam McConnell. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by children of all ages and carers that have fostered with Five Rivers for many years from the start until the present day. Easter Antics on the Prom Nettlestone and Seaview Community Partnership invite you to join in the fun on 5th April - Easter Sunday. Easter Antics are being held on the Prom (outside the Old Fort and Seaview Yacht Club on Seaview Esplanade) and start at 2.30 pm. There will be an Easter bonnet parade, an egg throwing competition (entry is £1, please supply your own eggs), and a raffle to raise funds for future events for the whole community. All are welcome, no need to book, just turn up on the day. YOUR ONE STOP CRAFT STORE For all your crafting needs! Workshops, demonstrations, held weekly! Patchwork material and felting wool now in stock! (If we can’t do it, we won’t sell it) 64 Union Street, Ryde. Call (01983) 613562 Cheap Day to Portsmouth EVERY Saturday throughout April - Leaves 0930 arrives back approximately 1800 FREE car parking on a first come first serve basis Visit Portsmouth City, G unwharf Q uays or the Historic Dockyard. Departs Thetis Wharf in C owes (next to chain ferry) Adults £7 – OAPs £6 – Children £5 Fre e Parking available on a first come first serve basis. Pric e does not include admission to attractions. Telephone for more details 01983 564602 or visit www.solentcruises.co.uk For All Your ElectriCall Needs Tel. 01983 616961 www.electricalliow.co.uk info@ electricalliow.co.uk Electrical Installations Pre-planned Maintenance Domestic Testing and Inspection Commercial LED Lighting Industrial Fuseboard Upgrades Reactive Maintenance Heating Installations Your local, reliable, professional electricians 5 TOP of the class The Isle of Wight Studio School recently visited Hovertravel for a tour as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programme. to h e ar fro m We wo uld love ie s e s an d a c a d e m g lle o c , ls o o s ch n d with yo ur a cro ss th e Isla l ts . Ple as e e m ai en ev d an s ew n om d @ iw b e a c o n .c a e st en .b h ra sa Ten students visited Hovertravel for a tour of a hovercraft and workshop and to learn more about Hovertravel’s heritage and engineering roles. Loretta Lale, from Hovertravel said, “We are proud to help educate students about our unique service. Our engineers are able to provide an interesting insight into the day-to-day operation as well as explaining the theory behind the hovercraft. We support STEM as we want to help inspire young people to have a future in science and engineering.” STEM aims to change the way young people think about maths and science by raising awareness of the careers that studying these subjects can lead to. For more information about STEM visit www.yourlife.org.uk. thepriceiswight Job O pportunity We are currently looking for a full-time, highly motivated sales person to help with the magazine’s expansion plans. The successful candidate will generate sales through both Telesales and Field Sales. This is a performance based position with monthly revenue goals and you will be responsible for generating new business as well as account managing relationships with existing local businesses. The chosen candidate will be professional, organised, able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team, have excellent communication and time management skills. Own car is essential. In return you will be offered a competitive salary with a structured bonus scheme. To apply, send your CV and a covering letter to: Claire Willis (Managing Director), Beacon Magazine, 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5XE C L O SI N G D AT E : F RI D AY 1 0 A P RIL 2 0 1 5 6 WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? SAVE UP TO 90% AT TOP RESTAURANTS, SPAS, ATTRACTIONS, FESTIVALS, SALONS, BOUTIQUES WITH THE PRICE IS WIGHT We bring unbeatable money-saving offers direct to your inbox - on everything from Isle of Wight Festival Tickets & Island Attractions to Champagne Afternoon Teas & Luxury Spa Days…and so much more! *APRIL SPECIAL DEAL SMILE MAKEOVER PACKAGE R.R.P £3450 deal price £1450* Sign-up for FREE @ www.thepriceiswight.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePriceIsWight Twitter: @ ThePriceIsWight Westridge Golf Centre is the Island’s only public golf facility with a pay as you play golf course, with no booking of tee times required. They currently have a nine hole Par 31 golf course measuring 1980 yards,which is currently under expansion to become an 18 hole Par 64 course. The nine hole course is suitable for all ages and standards. The golf course is available to play all year round and also boasts a flood lit, all weather driving range. Once you become a member you are entitled to unlimited golf throughout the membership year, as well as the chance to gain a CONGU handicap and play in their club competitions. You can also sign in guests to play at a reduced rate and will get concessions when you play at other golf clubs on the Isle of Wight. Membership of the club also entitles you to a discount when purchasing a loyalty card for the golf range. Westridge Golf Centre have the Island’s largest golf store and custom fit centre. They are open 364 days a year with a PGA Qualified professional always on hand to provide honest and friendly advice. With their price match promise you are sure to get the best in customer service as well as value for money. They are stockists of all the major clothing, footwear and equipment brands Westridge Golf Centre have the Island’s largest golf store and custom fit centre. in golf so you’ll be sure to find the perfect outfit or that new club for your bag. The Golf Centre offers custom fitting on all major brands at no extra charge and they also cater for the new golfer with individual clubs available from £20 and package sets from £99. Custom fitting is great for every club in your bag, even the putter. Westridge Golf Centre use Trackman technology as it’s the industry’s most accurate way to measure the golf swing and entire flight of the ball from impact to landing. It is the first of its kind to measure the complete path of any shot, ranging from short pitches to 400-yard drives, TrackMan Pro pinpoints the landing position with an accuracy of 1 foot at 100 yards. All clubface, swing and ball flight data, from club speed to ball speed and smash factor, is illustrated and delivered in easy to understand, scalable data. This technology enables them to find the most accurate and best performing club head and shaft for each individual, all at no extra cost to you. They have three full time PGA qualified golf coaches at the centre and can offer lessons from 9am through to 7pm all week, 364 days a year. Individual lessons start at £35 and a six week learn to play course costs just £20. Westridge Golf Centre | Brading Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1QS Tel: 01983 613131 [email protected] 7 Ryde Town Council Town Clerk: Saskia Kiernan/Ady White, Town Hall Chambers, 10 Lind Street, Ryde, PO33 2NQ; Tel: 01983 811105/811196 Email: [email protected] or visit our website at www.rydetowncouncil.gov.uk Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting for the electors of Ryde will be held at 6pm on 13th April 2015 at the Methodist Church in Garfield Road. This meeting is an opportunity for electors to hear from the Town Council about what has happened in the town over the last year and to ask the Council and other local organisations questions about their future plans for the town. The Annual Parish Meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Full Town Council at 7pm. Events at the Waterside Pool New evening classes for Water Workout Sessions will be held at the pool on Wednesdays and Fridays, see the Price is Wight for special offers or ring the pool on 563656 for more details. Another of the Pool’s ever popular quiz nights will be held at the Captain’s Table at 7.30pm on 20th April. Please book at the restaurant in person or ring to book on 716545. Open Day at Ryde Marina Bowls Club Ryde Marina Bowls Club is holding an Open Day on Sunday 3rd May 10am-4pm at The Esplanade, Ryde. All equipment provided, no experience necessary, come and have a go at flat green bowling. Club Coaches will be there to help and advise. Community Grants Applications are welcomed from community groups and organisations for the only round of community grant funding that will be available from the Town Council in 2015/16. Please email the Town Council on [email protected] to register your interest and to be sent an application pack when the round is open. Because a new application process has been adopted by the Town Council please do not use forms you might have used before, as these cannot be accepted. In addition please note that any group wishing to apply for funding support towards an event will need to wait for a separate application process to be announced later this year. Councillors Contact Details Details of how to contact your local town councillors can be found on the Town Council’s website at www. rydetowncouncil.gov.uk - click on the ‘The Town Council’ section from the homepage. Alternatively please ring or email the Town Council offices and we will be pleased to provide you with this information. April Town Council meetings and dates for your diary Planning Committee • 7pm • 7th April • Lind Street Meeting Room Full Council • 7pm • 13th April Garfield Rd Methodist Church Planning Committee • 7pm 28th April • Garfield Rd Methodist Church Finance Committee • 7pm • 29th April • Lind Street Meeting Room All meetings are open to the public; agendas are available to collect from the Town Council offices or to download from the Town Council’s website at www.rydetowncouncil. gov.uk. The Town Council Office is at Town Hall Chambers, 10 Lind Street, Ryde (opposite Ryde Theatre) and is open to the public Monday to Thursday between 9am and 2pm and on a Friday between 9am and 1pm. Enquiries may still be made at any time to the above telephone numbers or email address. If you have a local community event coming up which you would like to publicise free of charge on this page and/or on the Town Council’s noticeboards please do get in touch using any of the contact details at the top of the page. Making Luxury Affordable! For all your flooring needs... LONG LANE carpets & flooring 8 l Carpets, Sisal, Seagrass l Cork Flooring l Vinyls and Luxury Vinyl tiles l Safety Flooring l Free no obligation site visits and quotations Acorn Barn, Long Lane, N ewport, IW PO30 2N W Telephone: 01983 716717 www.longlanecarpetsandflooring.co.uk IAN STEPHENS Independent Parliamentary Candidate It’s hard to find someone more passionate about the Island than Ian Stephens. “I was born and grew up here and I will be buried here but in the meantime I am determined to make this Island a better place for all of us. That will take a lot of hard work. I was elected as a Councillor in 2001 and more recently as Leader of the Isle of Wight Council I have promoted this Island in and around Westminster through my Chairmanship of the Local Government Association Board for Sport, Culture and Tourism. The past 15 years have shown that having an MP from one of the large political parties does not give the Island any special benefit if the MP is unable to work closely with the Council administration and therefore we should consider that things must change. I’m offering that change. A change of vision and views, a change of opinion, a change of emphasis, and a change to the fortunes of this Island and its people. We are a unique and special place and that requires a unique and special approach... not one confined and constricted by party politics but one that can freely adapt and drive our real needs, our aspirations and our hopes. 15 years have been long enough to make those changes. I am asking that you allow me to take on the task and represent this Island by voting for me on May 7th. I will put the Island and its people first, foremost and above all else. Let’s make that change together” Visit Ian at Campaign HQ, 12 Cross Street, Ryde, PO33 2AD. Appointments can be booked anytime with prior arrangement. Please contact us for further details: Phone: 07415 747869 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ianstephens.iow Change has to come. Currently, it is not working for this Island and Vote IAN STEPHENS on 7th May 2015 Promoted by Ian Stephens - Lantern Cottage, The Orchard, Ryde, PO33 3DU ON OUR EXCLUSIVE 100% PERMALON easy care CARPETS* and In our Spring offer we’ll upgrade the carpet you chose to the next ON OUR WOOL RICH CARPETS Lots more choice, colours, styles and designs available in-store along with all the friendly and experienced advice you need so call or visit today available weight - at no extra cost! For example choose a 40oz and we’ll upgrade it to a 50oz. Dabell’s Flooring and Rugs 19 Holyrood Street, Newport PO30 5AZ (opposite Hurst’s main entrance) Tel: 01983 521818 www.dabellsflooring.co.uk All the friendly advice you need, so call now for a free no obligation quote 9 BEMBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Emma Goldring - Clerk to the Council, 5 Foreland Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5XN Tel: 01983 874160 Email: [email protected] STEYNE PARK PROJECT Phase one is complete. Please visit Steyne Park to have a go on the outdoor gym and newly resurfaced children’s play areas. The bark chippings have been removed and replaced with bright red and blue wetpour surfaces which are really vibrant. New bins and benches have also been installed. SPRING LITTER PICK Bembridge Spring litter pick will take place on Saturday 18th April 10.00am from Steyne Park. Are you free to help litter pick local footpaths? If yes, please register your interest. Equipment and bags will be provided along with disposal of the litter collected. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Tuesday 5th May 7.00pm in the Village Hall. Refreshments will be available and the Parish Councillors will be in attendance to chat through anything you wish to discuss. BEMBRIDGE STREET FAIR The annual street fair will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May with an extended opening time 12.0016.00. If you are available to volunteer as an assistant on the day please contact Mike Tarrant on miketarrant@ btinternet.com DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Youth Football Tournament Steyne Park/BYCC - 12.00 Sunday 7th June 2015 Bembridge Summer Festival Steyne Park/BYCC - 14.00 Saturday 11th July 2015 Festival of Sport Steyne Park/BYCC - 13.00 Sunday 23rd August 2015 Bembridge Harbour Family Fun Weekend - 31st July - 2nd August 2015 Bembridge Harbour Food Festival - 25th- 27th September 2015 Bonfire and Fireworks Event Steyne Park - Saturday 7th November 2015 COUNCILLORS DETAILS Cllr M Tarrant, 01983 872994, miketarrantbtinternet. com. Cllr G Kendall, 01983 874426, gordon.kendall@ tiscali.co.uk. Cllr D Grannum, 01983 873996, [email protected]. Cllr J Marr, 07944 466292, [email protected]. Cllr S Pigot, 01983 872732, [email protected]. Cllr M Humphray, 07802 253407, [email protected]. Cllr C Doe, 01983 874156, [email protected]. Cllr A Woodford, 01983 874050, [email protected]. Cllr A Lee, 07891 114948, aliceleith@ gmail.com. Cllr P Pugh, 07966 285379, pp@peterpugh. org. Cllr B Bristow, 07905 155670, billbristow1@mac. com. Cllr B Dyer, 01983 872362, [email protected] FULL COUNCIL MEETINGS Tues 21st April 7.00pm Village Hall Tues 19th May 7.00pm Village Hall PLANNING MEETINGS Tues 7th April 6.00pm Village Hall Tues 21st April 6.30pm Village Hall Tues 5th May 6.00pm Village Hall Tues 19th May 6.30pm Village Hall 10 The Needles View Pitch and Putt The Needles View Pitch and Putt is blessed with stunning views over The Needles, the purple heather clad hill, Headon Warren and the Downs as far as Tennyson monument. It has 9 holes, 5 fairly level, 2 downhill and 2 uphill so a good challenge! Drainage is good so wet weather play - no problem. For newcomers Pitch and Putt is ‘short distance’ golf and suits any age. Clubs and balls are provided so why not come and try it... You are also welcome to just come along and enjoy the lovely cream teas with strawberries, cakes, rolls and even home made ice cream. With quaint outdoor seating there’s even a blanket here for chilly days. Groups are welcomed but asked to call first. Groups can even host competitions and children’s parties can be booked along with a BBQ. The Needles View Pitch & Putt Course Off Alum Bay Road PO39 0JD Luxurious Cream Teas, Home-made ice cream Local photographs & crafts Open Easter Holidays to end of September - Open 11am-5pm (6pm August) Stunning holiday cottage & apartment to rent Call 756771 for more details Five years ago, the electorate had to decide which party to entrust the country’s financial mess to, and the verdict was none of the above. So for once, the politicians had to work not in their self-interest, but in the country’s best interest. The choice was between unstable government or a coalition. Now five years on, time for the verdict and the answer to the question, has it been better to have the Liberal Democrats in government? I believe the Liberal Democrats have been a positive influence anchoring the coalition in the centre ground and stopping the extremes. Liberal Democrats in government have delivered:l Big increases in the personal tax allowance l Extra funding for disadvantaged school pupils l Triple lock protected pensions l Tripling of renewable energy l Near doubling of apprenticeships etc. The main achievement has been a steady recovery in the country’s finances and in the economy. Past Tory only governments have cut too fast and too deep, and followed by a housing boom & bust. It’s your choice - elect me or have 5 more years of Cameron’s Conservative. Nationally I will help steer the country away from excessive Tory cuts & excessive Labour borrowing. Locally I will move back to the Island and work hard to help improve a place I really care about. The Island I grew up on, the Island of my children’s birth and the Island the rest of my family still live. Vote Liberal Democrat for a stronger economy and a fairer society VOTE DAVID GOODALL 07904 991598 @digoodall [email protected] /DIGoodall.IsleofWight www.davidgoodall.org.uk Published and promoted by R Blezzard on behalf of David Goodall and Liberal Democrats all at 105 Perowne Way, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 9DT Here’s a good plan £100 towards your fully pre-paid funeral For more details visit or call Ryde 45 St John’s Road, Isle of Wight, PO33 2RN 01983 615746 Exclusive offer for Ryde £100 OFF our Pre-paid Funeral Plan www.funeralcare.co.uk Terms & Conditions: 1. This discount is solely redeemable by the presenter of the voucher, who may use it to purchase a plan for themselves or an immediate family member, but must be the person paying for the Plan. The voucher may not be exchanged for cash. 2. The discount will be deducted from the retail price of the Funeral Plan purchased at time of sale. 3. Only one discount is available per transaction. 4. This voucher has no cash value and may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotion. 5. The decision of Southern Co-operative Funerals Limited in relation to each discount is final and binding. 6. Voucher will be void if reproduced or photocopied. 7. Southern Co-operative Funerals Limited reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time. 8. This voucher is valid until 12.08.2015 BEA/RYDE/15/01 Part of The Southern Co-operative 11 Taking a closer look at the sailing team… PHOTO COURTESY OF NATASHA COVENTRY Over the winter, the Natwest Island Games sailing team have been training and racing hard to earn their place in the team. The team is made up of Sophie Heritage, Markus Bettum, Ted Blowers and Harry Blowers, all of whom hail from Gurnard Sailing Club. Sophie Heritage is the the first woman to be chosen to represent the Isle of Wight in sailing at the Island Games, and what a choice! Sophie learnt to sail at the age of eight at IYWAC and continued her progress at Gurnard Sailing Club. Sophie represented the Isle of Wight at the World Youth Island Games, aged just nine, sailing her Optimist. Sophie will be racing on her Radial in June and told the Beacon, “I am delighted to have been selected to represent the Isle of Wight at the NatWest Island Games. After competing at the World Youth Island Games I know what a great experience it will be”. Markus Bettum started sailing aged 11 at Gurnard Sailing Club, racing on Sundays in different boats. He then moved into a Laser 4.7 in 2011, aged 14, and has been sailing Lasers competitively for four years. Since 2011, Markus has competed at events around the 12 country in the Laser 4.7, Radial and Laser Standard rigs. Markus has competed at an international level, competing at the U21 Europeans in Lake Garda, Italy, and the Island Games in Bermuda in 2013. Markus is working hard to improve on his performance in the last Island Games. Like Markus, Harry is looking to improve on his performance in Bermuda two years ago. “I’m two years older now and have come a long way since then and I can’t wait to get racing in Jersey.” Harry has been racing Lasers competitively all around the country since he was 14. He is in the second year of the Laser Standard Youth Squad and has got a big summer lined up. Meanwhile, Ted Blowers has been racing competitively for about 3 years at a local and national level. Ted told us more: “I enjoy racing, and to be picked to race on Jersey, representing the Isle of Wight, will be a great experience”. The team is in intense training, both on and off the water, being trained by their own personal trainer, Peter Bradley of PB fitness, and team coach Jon Evans. Jon sums it nicely, “I am very proud of the team we have chosen, and think we have a very good chance of getting great results.” The Beacon wish the sailing team the very best of luck in June! A Vision for Ryde – A Vision Shared Ryde Town Council are proud to be a listening council and are committed to engaging with local stakeholders on changes and developments within Ryde. The Town Council’s Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Tim Wakeley, are currently undertaking a series of public consultations on proposals for the future development of our town. The Masterplan One such proposal is a new and exciting vision for Ryde called the Masterplan, which is being developed by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce to establish a vision for the future development and economic well-being of Ryde. As part of this vision, Ryde’s public realm will be improved and enhanced including an iconic multi purpose venue and a town square. The masses of concrete that are currently a barrier to the beach and seascape could be removed to enable a beautiful garden linking the town to the beach. Unlike previous schemes, the Town Council believe that this vision is achievable. The Isle of Wight Council are committed to the regeneration of Ryde and have indicated that their portfolio of assets can be available for redevelopment to enhance our existing infrastructure and create a legacy to be proud of. The planners will also support this change with a policy framework which supports our shared vision and ensures that key design principles are followed. The Ryde Area Action Plan (RAAP) The vision needs to fit into the planning policy framework to enable it to be realised and the Ryde AAP is the formal planning policy document for Ryde. This document is currently being written by the Isle of Wight Council in consultation with key stakeholders. An informal discussion document was available for comment last year but the formal consultation will commence later this year when the draft is published. Pedestrianisation of the High Street Other proposed consultations included pedestrianisation of the High Street to improve safety and encourage shoppers and business into Ryde. For a long time Ryde Town Council has been concerned abut the conflict between cars and pedestrians in this part of the town and the difficulties faced by some of its residents. The emergency services have also expressed concern and therefore the Town Council will be consulting on proposals to fully pedestrianise this part of the town. The Town Council believes that it may bring greater economic prosperity to this part of the town as shoppers will be encouraged to stay and shop. Planning and Licence Applications In addition to the above consultations the planning committee meet every three weeks to discuss and comment upon planning applications, licensing applications and other relevant matters that affect Ryde. The planning committee meetings are open to the public and the committee welcome the views of all interested parties. Where a planning application will impact widely on the public or there is a great amount of interest for other reasons, the Town Council do their utmost to ensure that all those who want to express a view can do so. A recent example of this is when the Town Council convened an additional planning committee meeting at Ryde Methodist Church to consider the planning application at the Pennyfeathers site. The meeting was extremely well attended and members of the public had the opportunity to hear the agent for the applicant detail the proposal and could ask questions and seek clarification. It is important for the Planning Committee to hear the views of the residents impacted by any application and they welcome this input. For more information on any of the above or on how you can be involved please contact Ryde Town Council on (01983) 81105/96 or email: Clerk@ rydetowncouncil.gov.uk 13 THE JO H N HAN NAM IN TERVIEW John Howe Photographs from left to right: John today, Pat and John on their 1970 wedding day, John and Pat on the Queen Mary 2, Marty Wilde and his son Ricky being interviewed at a Talk of the Wight gig. Back in 2005 Totland’s Island councillor John Howe lost his seat by just over a dozen votes. He suffered at the hands of the public’s mass cull of the liberals, who were the unpopular controlling party. He was shattered for about a week and then suddenly realised there was no point in being angry because no-one really cared; he just got on with his life and devotion to Totland parish council, for whom he has served for the past forty years. Sanity resumed in 2009 when he won back his seat on the IW Council. John Howe is not a publicity motivated councillor and does not seek local paper headlines or controversial radio sound bites. He just gets on with the job and enjoys every minute. He can look back on such a varied life that includes hovercraft, driving an ambulance, pulling pints, being a coastguard and school governor and mixing with stars like Roy Castle, Marty Wilde and Acker Bilk. John was born in Shanklin during the Second World War, where his grandparents had owned the seafront Broadclyst Hotel. When his father returned from RAF service the family moved to the West Wight. Following the usual summer holiday jobs he spent five years in London as an electrical apprentice before returning to his beloved Totland Bay. Then came spells at a Carisbrooke electrical firm, Thorneycroft’s at Southampton and famous Island printers J. Arthur Dixon. Whilst working at Dixon’s in Forest Road, John also had an evening job at the Totland Chalet Hotel and their Lanes Inn. It was just as well he did, as he met his lovely wife Pat at Lanes. They had so many happy years together and were a real team until her untimely death in 2012. John realised a dream when he finally joined the British Hovercraft Corporation in East Cowes. He was in his element working on their various SRN craft and the cross channel N4. “I loved it at BHC and the people I worked with were so good to be with. We also had very good management,” said John. Recently he was privileged to go back and talk about apprenticeships and discovered a few of his old pals were still there. 14 Away from the day job, John has always been prepared to work voluntarily for the community. For many years he was one of the drivers for the West Wight’s Tennyson ambulance and he also found time for coastguard shifts, until they were upped to six hours, which made it impossible with his work commitments. Forming the Talk of the Wight group, with his wife Pat, to present star shows at the Freshwater Memorial Hall, on behalf of South Wight Council, was a time he will never forget. Pat was the secretary of the hall and they booked the acts through a top mainland agent, Tony Barrie, who managed to find them star names at a bargain price. John looked after the lights and was stage manager. “I loved meeting the stars we had and most of them were so nice to deal with. Roy Castle was one of the most genuine people we ever had. He even signed many posters that we sold for charity.” I was writing a Stagetalk column for the IW Weekly Post at the time and worked closely with John and Pat. I will never forget the night they had booked The Tremeloes. Who would turn up? Would it just be the drummer or bass player left in the current band? It turned out to be a real coup and the complete original line-up turned up for the gig. The Searchers were booked to play for 45 minutes and ended up doing 90. The lights went out on Frank Ifield, nothing to do with J. Howe the electrician, and he came back to sing with a lightsaber torch. Other top acts included Joe Brown, the Beverley Sisters, Roy Walker, Helen Shapiro and Tom O’Connor. “Our audiences were like a large family and they came time and time again. On occasions they even booked tickets before they knew who was in the show. They just trusted us.” John has loved his work with the Totland parish council and one of their greatest achievements, thanks to him and many others like John Honeychurch, John Awty and Clare Griffin, the West Wight swimming pool finally came to fruition. “From various grants and money provided by Ranks, following the sale of Fort Warden, we provided a £3 million plus project with no cost to the Totland parish council.” John Howe is still as active as ever and this is real therapy to help overcome the sad loss of his wife Pat. Being immersed in his work has helped him pull through. Currently he is the chairman of the IW Council’s Select Committee for Children and Young People and is also involved with planning and the fostering panel. He’s also very keen on the West Wight archives and readily admits: “I like to know what’s going on, mainly because of my nosiness.” John likes visiting his son, Paul, who is doing so well in America within the the hotel industry. I can still vividly remember him helping dad, as a young schoolboy, at those Memorial Hall shows. Now, through work, he meets world famous stars. I have known John Howe for over 40 years and have admired his love for his family, his work ethic, his unassuming attitude and genuine care for other people. I think he has more than earned this moment in the spotlight. I loved his parting thought. “I’ve never had the time to be in a bad mood.” 15 ISLAN D ST ORY by Alan Stroud Yes – We All Know It’s Called Alum Bay – But Why? Well, luckily the Oxford English Dictionary is at hand to clear the matter up for us. It helpfully explains “Alum is known by the chemical formula KAl(SO4)2·12(H2O). It is a colourless astringent compound which is a hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium.” If only it was that simple . . . Hundreds of years ago alum was highly sought after. It fixed dyes in materials; it was used as a glue in paper making and the tanning trade used it to make leather supple. The problem was it had to be imported so local sources were sought. Worsley’s ‘History of the Isle of Wight,’ published in 1781, says, “Alum Bay derives its name from the alum found there.” Well, not really – there’s no evidence that alum has ever been found there. The fact is, and whisper this quietly, Alum Bay is the geological pub with no beer – a trade descriptions nightmare. In fact it is safe to say Alum Bay is alumless - and it might always have been. A licence was granted to a Flemish businessman in the 17th century to mine alum there and it is known that he and his family moved to the Island but there is no A quiet afternoon at the pier in about 1910. A glass plate taken by Ryde photographer W.R. Hogg. 16 evidence that he ever found any. What Alum Bay does have is sand – coloured sand. Worsley wrote, “The cliffs are beautifully variegated with a diversity of colours arising from sands of different hues. The white sand is used at London and Bristol in the composition of the finer sorts of glass and porcelain,” and so they were - but not today - imports are cheaper. The coloured sands played a big part in the fortunes of Alum Bay The cliffs and the pier missing its middle section following the storms of 1928. A glass plate taken by the Freshwater photographer Toogood in the 1930s. but they weren’t the only attraction – for Alum Bay had a pier. Piers were all the rage from the 1870s onwards and no self-respecting resort on the Island was without one. Alum Bay got its first one, a wooden affair, in 1869 and it was so successful that it was replaced by a metal one in 1887. Paddle-steamers from all across the south called at the pier and trippers in their thousands would make their way to the teashop halfway up the chine and after tea and cake they would pick blackberries on Headon Warren. Then it was over to the cliff edge to gather some coloured sands which they could then take down to the ‘sand hut’ on the beach where they could buy glass ornaments to put their sand in. All went well for the next thirty years until the outbreak of war in 1914. The steamers no longer called, most of them being taken for war use, and the trade never picked up when the war finished. The decline of the pier was rapid; the last steamer called in 1920 and by 1925 the pier was so dilapidated it was declared unsafe and was closed to the public. It lingered on a few more years until in February 1928 nature stepped in to put it out of its agony. “Alum Bay Pier Wrecked” said the County Press, declaring, “The pier at Alum Bay, which has been allowed to get into a bad state of disrepair during the last few years was almost completely destroyed in the gale on Thursday. At about midday the central portion gave way under the strain of the wind and heavy seas, and was swept on the beach…The succession of heavy storms of late had weakened the piling, and the pier suddenly sagged in the middle during a particularly strong gust of wind and, with a roar, both piling and decking were torn away from the rest of the structure, and it quickly disappeared in the raging seas… Until about four years ago it was regularly used in the summer by pleasure steamers landing trippers to see the famous coloured sand cliffs, but since that time it has been considered unsafe, and steamers have not called.” And that, unfortunately, was that - the pier was beyond repair. Today, there is no trace of it, nor the chine which has long since eroded; the easiest way to get to the beach nowadays is by using the chairlift installed in 1973. And no more do tourists risk life and limb gathering hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium. Scrambling over the cliffs is strictly forbidden and today the sand is gathered nature’s way. Heritage Great Britain, the operators of the Needles Pleasure Park and owner of the cliffs, get their supplies of sand by using the much safer method of waiting for the cliff falls that occur during the winter months delivering the sand to the beach untouched by human hand. Some promenaders on the pier in the early 1900s. On the far right is the sand hut and on the beach outside, four women sit at a table filling glass ornaments with sand. 17 Welcome to National Pet Month, running from 1 April - 4 May April is National Pet Month and we are celebrating life with our pets! We are very lucky here on the Island to have a wealth of businesses that can help you with every aspect of pet ownership. From those first steps of deciding what pet you would like, to caring and grooming your beloved pet, we have it covered! THE VINTAGE GRO OMING EMPORIUM Professional mobile dog grooming service including bathing, clipping, handstripping, scissoring, teeth cleaning, claw clipping, ears and eyes and also anal glands. Based at Fakenham Farm, St Helens, but they can come to you too. Specialist care in nervous, rescue and old dogs with over 25 year’s experience. Call Karen on 07714351472. PETS AT REST Pets at Rest are the Island’s only independent professional pet cemetery and crematorium. Your beloved pet will be treated with dignity and respect and will remain on the Island. They offer a pet hearse, chapel of rest, garden of remembrance and cemetery. Call Sue on (01983) 525335. www.petsatrestisleofwight.co.uk 18 Maidenhead Aquatics Tropical Fish Bring the beauty of nature into your home or office with an aquarium! With the largest and healthiest selection of tropical fishes and shrimps on the Island they aim to inspire beginners and experienced customers alike in your pursuit of a relaxing, attractive hobby aquarium. They pride themselves on offering science based advice and practical support to ensure your hobby is successful and enjoyable. Marine Livestock The most vibrant colours and fascinating reef backdrops put marine fishkeeping at the top of everyone’s wish list. Call in and be inspired by their regular deliveries of fishes and corals and their resident marine biologist’s knowledge. Pond Fish The Island’s balmy climate is ideal for keeping colourful, active pond fishes. They offer good quality, UK bred and reared Koi, pond fishes and marginal plants and lilies from April to September. Dalverton Garden Centre, Newport Road, Sandown PO36 9PJ. Tel: 01983 863381 PET D O CTORS EX OTIC PETS & SUPPLIES Join their Healthy Pet Club Scheme and your pet is covered for annual vaccinations; a whole year of flea and worming treatment; nail clipping and one six month health check. Benefits also include 20% off neutering, 20% discount on selected lifetime medication, plus fixed prices for dental treatment. Nurse clinic appointments are available. Pet Doctors are based in Newport, Ryde, Lake and Cowes providing 24/7 veterinary care for the ones you love. www.petdoctors.co.uk. (01983) 522804. A fully licensed pet shop on Fairlee Road, Newport selling livestock ranging from corn snakes to rarer collectors’ species with the best selection of reptile products on the Island. Display vivariums house their own collection of reptiles including a 9ft Burmese Python and Caiman crocodiles. Open 7 days a week. (01983) 209700. www.livefoodsbypost.co.uk. PETS WITH HART Visit the Island’s only National Customer Care Award winning pet shop, where animals come first. Pets with Hart offer a huge selection of pet food and accessories (with free Islandwide delivery) and if they haven’t got it in stock, they’ll do their best to get it for your pet! The experienced, friendly, qualified staff are there for all your pet requirements. (01983) 522019. LITTLE DOGS GRO OMING ANIMALS AT HOME Little Dogs Grooming is a mobile service that will come to your home for a one on one grooming session anywhere on the Island. Essential if you have an elderly dog or you don’t drive. Full grooming service, including nails and dematting. Call Nicola on 07743 241 144. littledogs.iow.co.uk. Register for those times you need someone to look after your pet at home. Caring for your pet at home is often less stressful for your pet and for you! We have fully trained; CBS checked and insured carers Island wide. All pet care requirements considered from medication to grooming and cuddles! info@iow. animalsathome.co.uk (01983) 242 999. 19 iwra dio.co.uk 20 @ iwightra dio isleofwightra dio @ iwightra dio Volume 2 BY ALAN STROUD Over 130 colour photographs of Newport, Cowes and the Island in the 60s, 70s and 80s From town centres to backstreets to countryside. Only £19.95 Thinking of advertising in the Beacon? Our clients find it really does work for them... “ “ OUT OF TIME We’ve had lots of people into the shop saying they saw us in the Beacon, so we love the fact it really works! A huge amount of credit to the quality of the magazine you and the team produce each month. Emma - Isle of Wight Flowers, Freshwater Call our friendly sales team on (01983) 522123 to see what we can do for YOU! 21 This month’s news sponsored by Paul Wilks & Co Ltd - 01983 614657 Legal What to do when someone dies You may feel on the death of a loved one as if your world has fallen apart. There may be dramatic changes with no-one to share your life and cope with the every day tasks you never had to face before. Your income may drop and now you have the added burden of thinking about the practical realties of what needs to be done. Here is just a guideline of the action you should take immediately and in the following few days. Depending on where your loved one has died, be it at home, in hospital or elsewhere the most important issue is to be able to register the death. Either your own GP or a Doctor attending your loved one will issue the necessary certificates and advise you how to proceed to register the death. Deaths need to be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages and you should make an appointment to see them by telephoning 01983 812000. ‘Tell us once’ is a very useful service offered by many local Registrars of Birth Deaths and Marriages where notification of death is given to various government departments and local authorities saving the chore of notifying each in turn. Did your loved one leave a Will? A Will contains the wishes of a person as to what is to happen after their death. One of the main parts of a Will is to state who will see to the administration of their property and money etc. after their death by appointing Executors to do this for them. The Will may also contain statements as to how the person wished to have their funeral conducted. If you do not know if there is a Will trying to discover the details of the family lawyer and the whereabouts of the Will can be a considerable challenge. This is where the national register known as ‘Certainty’ comes in useful. Ever increasing numbers of law firms up and down the country are using Certainty either to log with it the existence of a Will or to ask it to make enquiries of other firms. Instructing a funeral director can remove a considerable burden as they will guide you through the process and 22 Financial Paul Wilks & Co. Licensed Conveyancer ensure all aspects of what needs to be done have been thought about. Instructing a specialist probate lawyer may become necessary particularly if there are assets to be cashed which require a grant of probate. However your initial concerns must be ‘Is there a Will?’ and ‘Who are the executors?’ for it is the executors who make the decisions. If you are not one then you must step back. Of course if you have any concerns regarding the validity of a Will then take legal advice immediately. If there is no Will then you may be able to apply to become an administrator but again take legal advice. Protecting the estate – If you are the executor you must take action to protect the assets of the estate. This could require you to notify any Banks, change the locks of the house, remove valuable items and inform the insurers. ‘Of your own free Will’ – give us a ring to find out more about our Will making schemes for the over 60’s’ For more information please contact Paul Wilks at 3 Garfield Road, Ryde. Telephone: 01983 614657 or e-mail: [email protected]. Paul Wilks LL.B. (Hons) Paul Wilks & Co Ltd, Specialist Property and Probate Lawyers and Commissioner for Oaths Member of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’ and ‘Certainty’. Shoppers warned to be vigilant after distraction thefts at supermarket car parks People across the Island are being urged to be vigilant when out shopping after several distraction thefts have been reported to police. People have been approached in supermarket car parks by groups or individuals using a variety of distraction techniques. They can pretty much take any form, but the favourites are people asking for directions – usually using a map, feigning injury or illness, or people asking for change for car parking. In some cases, the victim was asked for a plaster from their car’s first aid kit for a child that is also present. Whilst you’re busy doing your best to help these people, your wallet or handbag can go missing. The debit and credit cards taken are often used to withdraw cash very soon afterwards – sometimes even at the cashpoint machines in the supermarket car park. Hopefully, few of us keep our PIN numbers written down in our wallets (be honest!). However, people who have fallen victim to this crime have reported seeing people behaving suspiciously in supermarkets as they have been paying for their shopping. The criminals are hanging around in the checkout area to see you put your number into the CHIP and PIN device, and then only need to get hold of your card to be on a spending spree with your cash. When using a cashpoint machine, or paying for your shopping, always cover up your PIN so that beady eyes nearby don’t get that information. If you notice people acting suspiciously inside supermarkets or you are approached by someone in a car park, please report it to the security team in the store and to the police as soon as possible. When you are out shopping, never leave your bag on the trolley unattended and always ensure your bag is zipped up. When putting your shopping away in the boot of your vehicle always ensure your handbag/wallet is with you. If you are approached by anyone, keep your handbag with you or lock it in the vehicle before speaking to them or helping. Likewise, if you are asked for directions or to look at maps, make sure you have safely stashed your personal items out of harm’s way first. We can all do our bit to make the Island an even safer and better place to be, so if you have information about ANY crime, please do not hesitate to give Crimestoppers a call on 0800 555 111. You can also log on to www.crimestoppers-uk.org to give information online anonymously. For those of you Twittered up, please follow me @IOWCrimestopp for regular updates. Ashey Associates TAX CONSULTANTS Tax Returns completed and submitted for fixed fee of £75.00 includes set of accounts Call (01983) 638317 www.taxreturnsonlineasheyassociatesuk.co.uk Carolyn Ward, Family La w Execu tive leg a v c t m ac “My divorce has been dealt with in a professional, compassionate and informed manner — essential during an emotionally confusing time.” M rs H – N e w p or t WALTER GRAY & CO SOLICITORS An efficient and friendly service for: • Wills and Probate • Elder Client Issues • Conveyancing Ryd e N e w p or t Fresh w a t er Sh a n klin Be m brid g e 18 M elville St PO33 2AP 20 Q uay St PO30 5BA Q ueens Rd PO40 9EN 27a High St PO37 6JW 5 Foreland Rd PO35 5XN 01983 617559 01983 617551 01983 562201 01983 526924 01983 752115 [email protected] w w w.rjr.co.uk • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Property Disputes WALTER GRAY & CO SOLICITORS COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS Appointments available at our offices in Cowes and Ryde as well as use of premises on request in Ventnor High Street and Shanklin Regent Street. Home visits available Islandwide for the disabled and elderly at no extra cost. Please telephone: 563765 for more information. [email protected] www.waltergray.co.uk *Our Cowes office is now located at 13 Denmark Road, Cowes. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, number 515176 23 Unique sporting sponsorship gives Island athletes the edge Over 60 of the Isle of Wight’s most promising athletes are putting their best foot forward this season, thanks to a scheme that helps them achieve their sporting goals. The Talented Athlete Scheme, run by the Isle of Wight Council, supports gifted sports people the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through a number of local sponsors, such as Wightlink, they are able to stay, train, compete and stay fit throughout the year. During 2015, 62 athletes who represent 19 different sports are being given the opportunity to benefit from the Talented Athlete scheme. Alec Broome, Sports Development Officer at the Isle of Wight Council, said, “Wightlink’s involvement is vital in the success of many athletes enrolled on the scheme, as to compete at the highest level they must travel off the Island weekly for competition and to train with coaches from across the UK.” Among those to benefit from the scheme is Becky Cook - currently world number two at Women’s Moto Trials - and England Squad Member in Golf, Conor Richards, whose parents are in no doubt as to the value of the scheme. They commented: “The sponsorship has been absolutely vital in another successful golfing year for Conor. The Wightlink travel sponsorship, One Card and bus travel are all invaluable - thank you!” develop every time they cross the Solent with us. Each crossing to the mainland represents another step forward in their journey and it’s a privilege to be part of their exciting futures! We’ll all be rooting for them as this year’s competitions get underway.” Wighlink’s Mark Persad told the Beacon, “We are really proud to support the Talented Athlete scheme and we’re really looking forward to seeing the latest recruits grow and Take part in our survey and be in with a chance of winning £50 cash! Just tell us what you think about the Beacon and send the survey back to us at the address below. Gender: Male Female Age group: 16-24 25-40 41-60 60 + What do you like best about the Beacon? Please select a maximum of three: Island Story John Hannam Interview Spot the Difference Local News Top of the Class Health and Wellbeing Legal and Financial Eating and Drinking Homes and Gardens Other Do you receive a Beacon through the door, or do you pick up a copy? Delivered through door Pick up copy (where?) Did you know there are four local Beacons on the Island? (Ryde East, Bay South, Newport and Cowes West Wight) YES NO If you have any more thoughts on the Beacon, please email [email protected] and she will be happy to hear from you. Closing date for survey: April 30th Send to IW Beacon Media Centre, 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5XE The £50 prize winning entry will be drawn at random and notified by the Beacon team. 24 Continued independence for a loved one with all the support of Assisted Living More and more of us are living longer, which is why our Assisted Living apartments, in the beautiful development of Somers Brook Court in Newport, are becoming increasingly popular. There’s continued independence with home ownership, alongside access to a whole range of on-site benefits, including a 24 hour Estate Management team and a table service restaurant, or bistro, serving delicious freshly prepared meals everyday. Typical Bedroom Attention to detail All Assisted Living apartments are stylish and comfortable, with lots of smart features that make life easier on a practical day-to-day level. This attention to detail is continued throughout our developments, with friendly staff always on hand to help. Key benefits Table service restaurant - Enjoy freshly prepared lunch meals with friends and family◊. ! YourLife - Our care and management company, regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the care regulator in Scotland and Wales, are on-site 24 hours a day. ! Flexible care and support One of the key additional benefits of Assisted Living is the flexible care and support that’s built around each individual need. Available in 15-minute increments, that can be dialled up or down depending on personal circumstance, we can help with everything from everyday domestic chores to tailored personal care – giving all our homeowners total peace of mind. “My relative has got a new lease of life since she has joined the community. She has more confidence and copes better with everyday things” Relative of McCarthy & Stone Homeowner, Care Service Inspection Report, December 2013. ! Domestic assistance - Your service charge includes an hour to use as you wish which can be increased or decreased! . Flexible care - Support when you need it, so you only pay for the services you require. ! 24 hour security - With a camera entry system linked to the TV in your apartment and emergency call points if you need help. ! Guest suite - Perfect for when friends and family come to visit◊. ! Your move - We’ve got extensive experience in helping people move, so we can help every step of the way. ! We’re nationwide - We have properties for sale at over 100 locations across the UK. ! Foxes Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5UN 1 bedroom from £159,950 to £220,500# 2 bedroom from £199,950 to £299,500# Please call us on 01983 533 180 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk Additional charge applies. Some services vary by development. # Subject to availability. ◊ LP-SW-OTH-AL-1177-ZZ 25 & Eating Drinking The Mess Bar at CHARM - The family friendly venue at the heart of the community. The Mess Bar at CHARM 490 Newport Road, Cowes PO31 8QU 07983997714 From April 26th, in the Mess Bar garden, there will be a BBQ and live music each Sunday from 1pm4pm. There is also live music and a BBQ in the fully licensed bar and a meat raffle every Friday night. Every Tuesday and Thursday there is dance tuition. Patric Keen is their guest speaker on Friday 17th April. The evening includes museum tours from 5.30pm, a curry supper from 7pm and a talk at 8.15pm. The Mess Bar is also available for hire for your event with full bar and catering facilities. Find out what’s happening by visiting their Facebook page: facebook.com/TheMess-Bar-at-CHARM. The Mess Bar is open from10am-4pm everyday. RECIPE OF THE MONTH How to make the perfect crab cakes April heralds the beginning of the season for crab. The most commonly eaten crab is the common edible or brown crab that weighs up to 3kg and contains plenty of sweet, succulent flesh. Female crabs have sweeter flesh than males. Choose the best crabs by selecting the ones that feel heavy and don’t have liquid sloshing around inside them. If you like white meat buy a cock or male crab. Crab cakes are a classic recipe that are best served with a fresh salad, a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise. Ingredients Method • 40g breadcrumbs • ½ tsp mustard powder • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp white pepper • Pinch of nutmeg • Pinch of paprika • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped • 250g white crabmeat, in chunks • 1 egg, beaten • Flour, to coat • Vegetable oil, to cook • Lemon wedges and a fresh salad, to serve 1. Put the breadcrumbs, mustard powder, seasoning and parsley in a bowl and stir well to combine. Add the crab and stir gently to distribute, being careful not to break up the chunks. Add the egg, a little at a time, until you have a firm mixture that you can form into cakes. 26 2. Divide into four, and shape into flat cakes. Put a little flour in a flat dish, season lightly and turn the fishcakes in it to coat. Chill for 30 minutes. 3. Coat the bottom of a frying pan with a shallow layer of oil and cook the crab cakes over a medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until crisp and golden. Serve immediately. Hippity Hoppity... Gingerbread Easter bunny biscuits Ingredients • 50g butter or margarine • 100g brown sugar • 120ml treacle • 500g plain flour Method: 1. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and creamy then add the treacle and beat thoroughly into the mixture. Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and ginger into a bowl. 2. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed ingredients a third at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition (alternating with the water each time). Bring together as a stiff dough (work in the last part of the flour mix with your hands) then turn onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out to about 3mm in thickness. 3. Use a pastry cutter to cut out rabbit shapes and transfer these to a lightly greased baking tray. Transfer to an oven pre-heated to 180°C and bake for about 8 minutes, or until cooked through and golden (you can tell they’re cooked as the top of the biscuit will spring back when pressed). 4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool and then decorate with pink icing and sprinkles. • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp ground cloves • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp salt • 60ml water 27 Isle of Wight College Hair Show 2015 ‘ C O N ST E LL ATI O N S’ There was standing room only at Medina Theatre on March 11th as family, friends and the great and good of the Island’s hairdressing world came to see the work of the Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing students. PHOTO: Level 3 Total Look winner Millie Cooke’s ‘Hydra Sea Serpent’ The Hair Show was held as a tribute to Martin Farrell, a graphic design lecturer at the College who sadly died in June. All money raised at the Hair Show, through ticket sales and the raffle, will be given to Martin’s family’s chosen charity: Isle of Wight Association for Spina Bifida. Compere Paul Buckland opened the show with these touching words, “Martin was funny and outspoken and always wanted the best for his students, as he had high expectations. He was a college man through and through.” This year, 23 Level 3 students and 38 Level 2 students took part in the competition and had begun planning and researching the theme of ‘constellations’ in December of last year. The students drew on inspiration from both mythology and astrology and then started the process of creating mood boards on their chosen constellation. The mood boards provided the foundations for the students to then go on to create hairstyles and costumes for their models to wear. The panel of judges then examined the hair creations, judging the entries against the Level 2 and 3 criteria. Judges included Robyn Kristad from The Hair Centre in Ryde; Hollie Young, winner of the 2014 Hair Show Level 3 Total Look; Keiron LeVine, who is a guest lecturer at Southampton Solent University and creates unusual hair pieces for photoshoots; former student Alice Rayner who now studying Specialist Hair and Make-up at Birmingham University. Finally, Beacon editor Sarah Griffin was asked to judge the students’ work. Once the judging was complete, the catwalk style show began with a dazzling array of lighting effect, glitter balls, constellations and smoke! With rapturous applause each model walked the stage and the full effect of the hair, makeup and costumes could then be fully appreciated. The winning students were then presented with certificates, flowers and hair products. To see all the photos of the Hair Show 2015 head to Facebook.com/ IWBeacon. All photos courtesy of Ian Pacey and Carlos Carubia PHOTO: Level 2 winner Adele Lay’s ‘The Phoenix’ 28 PHOTO: Level 3 Hair winner Katie Munn with her ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ FREE HEARING TEST IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME We use the very latest custom-made digital hearing aids. Available in small and discreet designs. Tel: 568929 3 High Park Road, Ryde www.fairhavencarehome.co.uk Residential Home • Respite Care • Day Care Specialising in the care of the elderly with mental illness Call to arrange a FREE home visit 01983 562119 Medical Eye Centre Ryde, 4 Cross Stre et, Ryd e book you r F r eE Orthodontic CONSULTATION ƚtŽŽƩŽŶƌŝĚŐĞĞŶƚĂůWƌĂĐƟĐĞ͕ǁĞŽīĞƌĂ ǁŝĚĞƌĂŶŐĞŽĨĚĞŶƚĂůƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚƐ͘tŚĞƚŚĞƌŝƚ͛Ɛ ƚŽ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ LJŽƵƌ ĚĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ͕ ŐĂŝŶ ƐŵŝůĞ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞ͕ Žƌ ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ƌĞŐƵůĂƌ͕ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ŐĞŶĞƌĂůŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ͕ƚŚĞŶĐŽŵĞĂŶĚŵĞĞƚŽƵƌ ĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJƚĞĂŵĂŶĚĮŶĚŽƵƚŚŽǁǁĞĂƌĞďƌŝŶŐŝŶŐ ĂĨƌĞƐŚĂƉƉƌŽĂĐŚƚŽĚĞŶƚĂůĐĂƌĞ͘ Our Services include ĞŶƚĂů/ŵƉůĂŶƚƐ dŽŽƚŚtŚŝƚĞŶŝŶŐ ƌŽǁŶƐΘƌŝĚŐĞƐ 'ĞŶĞƌĂůĞŶƟƐƚƌLJ ůĞĂƌƌĂĐĞƐ ĞŶƚƵƌĞƐ ŽƐŵĞƟĐĞŶƟƐƚƌLJ WƌŝǀĂƚĞĞŶƚĂůWůĂŶ /ŵƉůĂŶƚ^ĞĐƵƌĞĚĞŶƚƵƌĞƐ &ĂĐŝĂůĞƐƚŚĞƟĐƐ We are now accepting &ƌĞĞŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶƐĂůƐŽĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌǁƌŝŶŬůĞƌĞůĂdžŝŶŐŝŶũĞĐƟŽŶƐĂŶĚĨĂĐŝĂůĮůůĞƌƐ ǁǁǁ͘tŽŽƩŽŶƌŝĚŐĞĞŶƚĂůWƌĂĐƟĐĞ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ new patients Cal l us on 01983 882 111 ϮZĞĐƚŽƌLJƌŝǀĞ tŽŽƩŽŶƌŝĚŐĞ͕ZLJĚĞ͕WKϯϯϰYY dĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞϬϭϵϴϯϴϴϮϭϭϭ ŵĂŝůŝŶĨŽΛǁŽŽƩŽŶďƌŝĚŐĞĚĞŶƚĂůƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ 29 Jeremy Marrs Personal Training Helping Islanders to Reduce Stress Jeremy Marrs Personal Training is helping Islanders to reduce their stress and anxiety through exercise, as the East Cowes based firm marks international "Stress Awareness" month, this April. In its twenty third year, the month-long initiative is about raising the awareness of stress, which is the biggest cause of sickness in the UK and reducing this through exercise. Workplace worries, money issues, health concerns and lack of sleep are all factors known to cause stress. With April being Stress Awareness month, Jeremy Marrs is launching their "April Stress Buster" program “Regular exercise has been scientifically proven to reduce stress. And so will our April Stress Buster program. We evaluate people for free and set them up on a week’s free trial of our Group Training program," Jeremy owner of Jeremy Marrs Personal Training. Jeremy points out five additional ways getting more exercise can reduce anxiety and stress. Exercise... 1. Pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity bumps up your body's production of feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins. Endorphins reduce your perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling within. 2. Improves your focus. A May 2013 study by Harvard's Men's Health Watch found that regular exercise releases brain chemicals key for memory, concentration and mental sharpness. 3. Improves your mood. Exercise has been linked with increased self-confidence and lowering of symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. 4. Increases your self-esteem. The more self-confident you are the less likely you are to stress about upcoming situations and events in your life. 5. Improves your sleep. A well-rested person is more likely to be able to handle stress better. "Nobody enjoys being stressed out. Life is too short for that. We're inviting people who are looking for a release valve from the pressures of everyday life. Anyone who wants to experience first-hand how much better they'll feel through regular exercise is welcome to give this a try," said Jeremy Redeem your FREE paid in full week of small group training or £50 off private training. Limited places, new customers only! Simply call 01983 580008 Expires 31/4/2015 Doctor’s Appointments are not always necessary – speak to your local Pharmacy Did you know you can arrange to have a private NHS consultation with your local pharmacist to talk about treatment for common illnesses, in confidence, with no appointment needed? Pharmacists are highly qualified professionals and experts in medicines and can be a great source of help and advice for things such as a bad cough, wheezing, eye infections, skin rashes, earache and managing long-term conditions. Speaking to a healthcare professional about your health problems and seeking advice early is important. If left untreated, you may find your symptoms get much worse which can result in an overall deterioration in your health. This is particularly important for the elderly and those with long-term conditions. Pharmacists are medically trained so if your pharmacist thinks your health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when you need to see a doctor. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area where you can discuss issues in a separate room and without being overheard by other members of the public. Local pharmacies have recently introduced a Pharmacy First scheme on the Island. If you, or your children, are exempt from prescription charges then you are able to get treatment for the conditions listed below for FREE, all you will need to do is a have a quick, confidential chat with the pharmacist. The minor ailments the pharmacist can advise you on and provide treatments for include: Headlice Threadworms Earache Teething Diarrhoea Eye Infections Sore Throat Blocked Nose Cold Mouth Ulcers Cough Fever Athletes foot Hayfever Emergency contraception Stop smoking services Minor Ailments HIV and Hepatitis testing Flu Vaccination – NHS and private services Hepatitis B Vaccination Stop smoking services Pregnancy testing and more… For more information or to arrange a consultation visit your local Pharmacy today. 30 Homes & Gardens The garden this month will begin to look green and vibrant, and the slightly warmer days will gladden the heart of any gardener! In April, the pace of activity in the garden begins to increase and there is lots to do this month; there are plenty of seeds to sow and even the odd few vegetables to harvest. The garden will now be awash with brightly coloured Spring flowers and all the plants will seem to grow a lot faster now, thanks to the traditional April showers and warmer soil providing ideal growing conditions. However, don’t be Actions fo r APRIL ves, radishes, s outside - salad lea Sow vegetable seed put in now. d broad beans can be salad onions, peas an t a glut of often, so you don’t ge Sow seeds little and time. produce at just one n be treated outdoors now and ca e ov m e th on e ar Pests garden, riety of plants in the va de wi a up ing ild by bu Leave the odd encourage wildlife. ich wh e os th lly cia espe eatures like disturbed to allow cr un en rd ga e th of er corn ey will become to inhabit them. Th s ad to d an s og eh hedg nted pests! usade against unwa cr in y all l ra tu na your e flowers are daffodils now that th Deadhead the last of th , e plant’s oving the old flowers going over. By rem tion of next er ted into the produc energy is instead div ver, for this to thin the bulb. Howe year’s flower bud wi plant. must be left on the happen, the foliage used for d pots that are to be Clean containers an weak solution a e us n ca plays. You dis ing dd be er m m su trouble from and this will reduce h ac ble old eh us ho of pests and diseases. s should be ore regularly - blade m n law e th ing ow ing again. Star t m when you start mow ng tti se t es gh hi eir set at th lawns and novate established re d an ir pa re to e Continu this month on lawns can be sown remove moss. New prepared ground. tempted to put young plants out now, as there is still the potential for cold nights with sharp frosts. Very tender plants will still need protection with cloches and any bedding plants you buy will benefit from staying in the greenhouse for now. Plant of the mon th Japanese Cherry Prunus ‘Accolade’ This small flowering cherry tree is gracefully spreading in form. During April the Prunus ‘Accolade’ is covered in a mass of large, light pink semi-double flowers, with a beautiful fragrance. The foliage of this ornamental tree turns attractive orange in the autumn before falling. ‘Accolade’ is a resilient tree that grows well in most conditions, except very wet or chalky, shallow soils. Minimal pruning of this ornamental tree is required, simply remove badly placed or crossing branches in winter, or in summer if silverleaf disease becomes a problem. 31 H ARD LA N DS C A PIN G SPE C IALISTS Greenen Chris Gre enen est.1984 Your photos Thanks to Lesley for sending in this beautiful photo of a busy bee! BRICK PAVIN G l C O N CRETE PATIOS l DRIVEWAYS l FEN CIN G Te l e p h o n e : 01983 520380 Send your photos to [email protected]. IST Does your house suffer from DAMP or MOULD? If so you may be in need of a Cavity Wall Extraction or Rubble Clearance. Call 01489 588052 / 07914480630 for further advice or quote. www.vac-xtract.co.uk [email protected] Call our friendly sales team to advertise your business 522123 01983 525211 l 01983 524211 01983 524218 l 01983 402282 01983 562360 Drivew a ys Pa ths Fe n cing Pa tios A c c essories W Su a p f o lk T p o r r 2 h e ti n 5 W g Ye i g a r ht s Q u a ilty Pro du cts To Enh a n c e Your O utd o or Are as 32 We no longer have the mould problem and my wife’s health has markedly improved with a reduction in medication. In May 2010 you installed the Schrijver system at our bungalow in Thorpe. We had some damp patches in parts of our walls and these attracted moulds. This in turn affected my wife’s asthma. We proceeded with the work as it seemed that your system would greatly improve the situation. Two of your staff completed the installation with the minimum of inconvenience to ourselves. Over the following months we found the great improvement that we had hoped for. On May 31 2011 Mr. Schrijver visited our property and took various readings around the house. We are pleased to say that they confirmed what we had believed and that there had been a great improvement with the Damp Meter Readings. We believe that it was a good investment in our property and would have no hesitation in recommending the Schrijver System to others, as in our case we no longer have the mould problem and my wife’s health has markedly improved with a reduction in medication. Frank Schrijver engineers are on the island for 1 week every month. To arrange a free visit call 01689 800101. SOLVE SOLVE THE THE DAMP DAMP PROBLEM PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME WITH IN YOUR HOME WITH THE THE Schrijver System Schrijver System R R Effective Effective for: for: Rising Damp Penetrative Rising Damp Penetrative Damp Damp Condensation Condensation Installed Installed entirely entirely from from the the outside outside N NO O Replastering! Replastering! N NO O Redecorating! Redecorating! 01689 01689 800 800 101 101 www.schrijverdampcontrol.co.uk www.schrijverdampcontrol.co.uk A&E BUILDERS BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES No job too big or small! TEL. 07525700980/883787 EMAIL. a-ebuilders @ orangehome.co.uk • DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • SPECIALIST BRICKWORK • EXTENSIONS • ORANGERIES • PORCHES • DRAINAGE & HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE C all for a no obligation fre e quote from a builder with over 20 years experienc e. Public liability insure d. • B S 5837 Tree Surveys • Tree reports for Planning Applications • TP O Applications and Appeals • Pest and Disease Diagnosis • Tree reports for Mortgage and Insurance • Safety and C ondition Assessments 01983 760669 07714 460269 wayne @ wayneisaacson.co.uk www.wayneisaacson.co.uk G LE N RA E, M AIN R O A D, W ELLO W P O 41 0TE Trinity IOW 54 A W ELL STREET, RYDE PO33 2RZ TEL. 869 021 MOB. 07912 934679 FAX. 568915 Sup pliers & installers of: • W indows (uPVC & Aluminium) • Doors • Conservatories • Fascias • Guttering • So ts • Porches • Sealed unit replacements Family run business of glass and glazing UPGRADE TO TRIPLE GLAZING IN ALL WINDOWS - FREE OF CHARGE 15% 15% discount discount quote quote ‘Beacon ‘Beacon 4’ 4’ Manager’s specials: See in store Open 7 days a week • RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL FLOORING AVAILABLE • LARGE REMNANT SELECTION • FREE ESTIMATES • NO EXTRA SURCHARGES* *There is a fitting service charge (We are next to Jollyes) 12 HURSTAKE ROAD, RIVERWAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT PO30 5UU Telephone: (01983) 533150 SAVE 10% *with this ad vert Prices from £4.99 per SQM www.dscarpets.co.uk Find us on Facebook 33 FREE Unlimited 7 day returns! new for 2015 NEW C A NOP Y FOR 2 0 15 Dinos a Restri ur arrivals and Cocted Area 5in bigger wboy Town an than ed better ver! SKYWALK Toboggan Run A full day’s fun for all the family Falconry Shows WWW.BLACKGANGCHINE.COM 01983 730330 | FOR SAT NAV USE PO38 2HN www.robin-hill.com tel. 01983 527352 See website for details of additional school holiday activities See website for school holiday activity for kids. For Sat Nav use PO30 2NU ...w ith ou r amazing Frequent Visitor Ticket... ...from £27.50 Enjoy over 200 days of fun... NEW CARPET & VINYL RANGES VIN NEW YL STO ROL CK L ICE PR NT 2 / A 1 MN RE FERS OF MORRISONS NEWPORT Call: 01983 406055 choiceiow.co.uk Island furniture & flooring solutions 34 MERRIE GARDENS PUB ATS SPITHEAD BUSINESS PARK HOWDENS N DOW SAN IN Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sun 10am - 4pm ISLANDWIDE DELIVERY KL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AN SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS IN STORE Available in 2, 3 & 4 metre widths SH Fitting service available FIND US HERE Unit D8/D9 Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Lake, PO36 9PH SPOTthe difference Spot the six differences, fill in the form below and send this page in to us for the chance to win one of this month’s prizes C OMPETITIO N PAGE Brought to you by www.wightkarting.co.uk Congratulations to our February winners: Mothers Day Bouquet to the value of £30, Courtesy of Isle of Wight Flowers - Freshwater Paul Burton - Ryde Three Course Sunday Lunch for two at The Seaview Hotel Seaview Jill Beioley - Thorley £50 Voucher from Wightlink Mandy Metcalf - Niton 85 minute Body Massage at Warners Bembridge Coast Hotel Rachel Lilly - Gurnard The March winners will be announced on 2nd April on the island’s favourite 107 & 102 Send your entries to: IW Beacon Competition, 8-10 Dodnor Park, N ewport, Isle of Wight PO30 5XE CLOSIN G DATE: 30th April 2015 Prizes available are: When sending your entry to us you MUST ensure that you use the correct postage. Terms and conditions available on request. Prizes must be redeemed within 30 days of the draw date. Two under 16's 'drive once' and a membership courtesy of Wight Karting. T & Cs apply. www.wightkarting.co.uk. Westridge, Brading Road, Ryde PO33 1QS. Tel: 01983 565366 Three course meal for two in the Pines Restaurant courtesy of Cowes Club, Gurnard Pines. T & Cs apply. Tel: 01983 300066. £50 Voucher to be used on any booking to and from the Island For Wightlink's catamaran service from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour. T & Cs apply. I am happy to be contacted by sponsors: Prize Preference: ................................................. .......................(choose one only) Cream tea for four people courtesy of Warren Farm. T & Cs apply. Warren Farm, Alum Bay. Tel: 01983 753200 Name: ................................................................................ Telephone: ............................................................................................ Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: ................................................................................... Email: ........................................................................................... 35
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