Bembridge Parish News

Transcription

1 Bembridge Parish News SERVING : THE PARISH CHURCH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE METHODIST CHURCH November 2014 Bembridge Harbour as seen from St Helens c1950s VICAR: Vacancy ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev d Linda Bushell Tel: vicar@bembridge.com curate@bembridge.com Hard copies of the Parish News are available locally, please buy a copy and support our advertisers to make continuance of this magazine possible 1 METHODIST MINISTER: Revd. Frances Watson 12 Gordon Cl. Sandown Tel: franceswatson18@hotmail.co.uk CATHOLIC PRIEST: Fr. Anthony Glaysher Tel: anthonyglysher@yahoo.com Please inform the clergy of sick persons and other needs for visiting and prayers Editor: Anna Driver 1 The Ruskins, Kings Road, PO35 5NY Tel: annadriver@talktalk.net (Copy deadline - 8th of the preceding month) Distribution Secretary: Mrs Jenny Austen 31 Beachfield Road Tel: , jennya@compcrim.demon.co.uk Advertising Manager: Mrs Olive Light 1 Trelawny Way, PO35 5YE Tel mlight1485@aol.com

2 Bembridge Parish News No. 588 Dear Friends I recently read an article in a newspaper which told of a test carried out amongst a group of 120 students and gave the results. The test was simply to give each student two choices:- 1. to remain silent and still in an empty room for 15 minutes, or 2. to receive an electric shock. I was surprised to read the results which stated that 82% of the students opted for the electric shock, and just 18% chose to remain silent and still. I m not sure if this is about a need to keep busy and moving, a desire for noise, or the fear of stillness. The definition of Silence is - a complete absence of sound. Yet the effects of silence are different for everyone. For some of us the thought of silence is very attractive and one we often crave for in the busyness of the day Oh for a bit of peace and quiet. For others it is a fearful place, one where the lack of distractions may give a chance for thoughts to come to mind which are otherwise kept under the surface or buried deep. Whatever we think of Silence, as we approach Remembrance Sunday this year please make time for the two minutes of silence and stillness, when we have an opportunity to remember those brave men and women whose lives have been lost in all acts of conflict through the years. Frances Watson Scrabble and Rummikubs Held in the Cloisters, Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge, 2.00 pm October 27 th 2014 April 27th 2015 November 24 th 2014 May No meeting December 15 th 2014 June 1 st 2015 January 26 th 2015 June 29 th February 23 rd 2015 July / August Break: March 30 th 2015 September 28 th

3 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH ALL SOULS DAY Saturday 1st November 10.00am Holy Communion with the reading of the names of the departed. If you would like a loved one remembered by name please add their name to the list at the back of the church or vicar@bembridge.com. All are most welcome to this moving service. ALL SAINTS DAY Sunday 2nd November 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday service for all ages. All are welcome. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Sunday 9th November 10.45am United Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. So that we can keep the silence at 11.00am the service will begin at 10.45am. The Parish Communion at Holy Trinity will begin an hour earlier at 9.30am. ARMISTICE DAY Tuesday 11th November 11.00am at the War Memorial. A brief Act of Remembrance and Silence. PRAYER CIRCLE Would you like us to pray for you? We are a small prayer circle in the village willing to pray for anyone who asks us. We all have times when problems weigh heavily: maybe due to bereavement, money worries, ill health or family problems to name just a few. If you would like us to pray for you in confidence then just contact either Robert Jean or Jackie (after 9am and before 7pm). They will pray for you and then pass your request to the rest of the group. 4

4 BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR 1950 s This month s picture is a view of the harbour taken soon after the end of World War II. This was at a time when those long war years were forgotten. Families came to our village to relax and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the area provided. They came in thousands and though hard to imagine now, the village was chock-ablock. There were many B&Bs and quite a few hotels and of course Bembridge Harbour as seen from St Helens c1950s Caravan sites to accommodate them all. The picture shows a family enjoying themselves on the beach at St Helens. In the background you can see Jack Baker s hut from where he hired out rowing boats and canoes by the hour. Jack had taken over the business from the Mursell family in the 1940s. The boats would all have been made locally. Also the Bembridge to St Helens ferry boat can be seen. The service was run by the Attrill brothers Mike and Gordon who lived on the Duver at St Helens, although they always regarded themselves as Bembridgers because they went to school at Bembridge. Their father would row them across the harbour in the morning and then pick them up after school. Jack was often called on to help out with the ferry service during the busy times. Behind the yacht s sail is the Royal Spithead Hotel which was always full during the season. The hotel was highly thought of and many famous people stayed there. During this period after the war all of our beaches were packed as many families came year after year, staying in the same houses every time. Many of the owners had a second home at the top of their garden. Jack Baker died in 1955 and noone took over the business after his death. I hope I have given the reader an idea of what our village was like at this period before the cheap flights to sunnier shores took many away from us. But, of course, many still come. John Woodford, A closer look at some of Jack s boats.] September

5 Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat News Lifeboat action during September: There were three incidents during September, the first occurring on the 7th when the inshore lifeboat was launched in the evening to assist a becalmed 27 foot yacht, broken down off Nettlestone point. With 6 adults and 2 children aboard needing to catch the Portsmouth ferry, the yacht was initially towed to Fisherman s pontoon in Bembridge harbour, in order that they could quickly get a taxi to Ryde. The yacht was then taken across and berthed at the Duver Marina, the lifeboat returning to station at around 8.30pm. On the 14th September, the all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams was launched at around 10pm to the assistance of a 37 foot yacht, immobilised with its propeller entangled in either a fishing net or lobster pot line, off Dunnose, near Ventnor. Using a grapple to locate the line, the lifeboat crew managed to free the vessel, but as some rope was still firmly wrapped around the propeller, a tow was set up and the yacht was taken to the entrance to Chichester harbour, where the tow was handed over to Hayling Island inshore rescue. The Alfred Albert Williams returned to station at 1.45am. The relief all-weather lifeboat Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson was launched at 1.30 am on the 28th September to assist a 17 foot outboardengined boat with an elderly skipper and two other crew who had become disorientated in the dark and unsure of their position near the entrance to Bembridge harbour. Using direction-finding equipment, they were quickly located and escorted back to their mooring in the harbour. The lifeboat was rehoused by 2.30am. Pre-Christmas Coffee Morning: On Saturday, 29th November there will be a coffee morning in support of the lifeboats from 10am to 12 midday at the Village Hall. There will be sales of cakes, books, jewellery, bric-a-brac and lifeboat souvenirs and gifts. What better place to get your last-minute Christmas cards and gifts?! There will also be a raffle. As always, all proceeds will go directly to the lifeboats and help to save lives at sea. 8

6 Accolades for enterprising pair: At the Lifeboat Station Open Day in August, two enterprising young girls, Tilly King and Ethel Maitland raised 30 for the Lifeboats by making and selling the latest craze - loom bracelets. The photograph above shows them receiving signed RNLI certificates in recognition of their efforts from John Gulliver, the Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild chairman. Opening times for November: The offshore boathouse and RNLI souvenir shop will be open from 2 4pm every day throughout November. Ken Orchard Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild Press Officer AUTUMN BAZAAR Holy Trinity would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the Combined Church Mission Bazaar. It was a happy event and our stall raised , which we will send to the Church Mission Society towards the good work they do in this country and abroad. 10

7 Soup and Scones... Warming Soup with a taste of Morocco (Serves 4) Ingredients: 2ozs washed red lentils 2ozs washed dried apricots 1 large potato peeled and cubed 2 pints of vegetable stock (cubes) Juice of half a lemon 1 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Method: Place all the ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Cool and blitz until smooth Reheat to serving temperature and adjust seasoning to taste. Freezes well Enjoy and these Cheese Scones make a delightful accompaniment... Ingredients: 8ozs self raising flour 1 level teaspoon each of baking powder and dry mustard 2ozs butter or margarine 4ozs grated cheese 1 beaten egg and milk to mix Method: Rub fat into flour until mixture is like breadcrumbs or use mixer! Add other dry ingredients, mix well, add egg and milk to make a soft dough Secret of good scones is to handle them lightly and using a 2.5inch diameter cutter cut them out to a depth of 1 inch Place on a greased baking tray and pop in oven at 200 fan for minutes Scone should be browned a little on the base / sound hollow when you tap it. When cooked, cool on a wire tray and cover with a teacloth. 12

8 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 15 th November am to 1.30pm The Cloisters ALL WELCOME! Expect to see Father Christmas at 11.30am! 13

9 MORE DANCERS WANTED FOR BEMBRIDGE PANTOMIME PUSS IN BOOTS REHEARSALS ARE NOW IN PROGRESS and we still require more girls 14 to 25 year olds for the chorus. It s lots of fun, and if you don t have any dancing experience, don t worry - we will teach you!! Dancing rehearsals are every Thursday evening in Bembridge Village hall from 6.30 pm. Pantomimes will start commencing from Sunday 11th January If interested, contact Jo Rae or Diana Stewart I S L E O F W I G H T RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL ISLAND CHARITIES Friday 28th November pm to 8pm Entrance donation 7.50 to include wine and canapés Saturday 29th November am to 4pm Entrance donation 2.50 At B E M B R I D G E S A I L I N G C L U B Free Car Parking Light Refreshments Available isleofwightgiftfair.co.uk A date for your diary The Nativity Extravaganza will take place in Holy Trinity Church Saturday 6th December 10am - 2pm More details next month WANTED NATIVITY SCENES If you have a Nativity Scene you would like to lend for The Nativity Extravaganza please phone Olive on Pianist for The Limes Pianist needed to accompany hymns for a Christian service once a month, at The Limes Residential Home Bembridge Mondays, 6.45, for 7.00 pm until 8.00pm. Very worthwhile,and much appreciated by the residents. Please call for more info, Tel Bernard Cooke, or Martin Coombes,

10 St. MICHAEL S RC WALLS ROAD, BEMBRIDGE Parish Priest: Fr. Anthony Glaysher (Catholic Parish Priest of St. Mary s Ryde with St Michael s Bembridge) Tel: (01983) anthonyglaysher@yahoo.com Parish Office stmarysryde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Parish web site: WEEKEND SERVICES ALL YEAR Saturdays: Sundays: Mondays: Tuesdays: 6.00 pm Vigil Mass at Ryde 7.45 am (said) Mass at Ryde 9.15 am (sung) Mass at Bembridge 9.15 am Mass at St Mary s Ordinariate mass Father Jonathan am Mass at both Quarr Abbey and St. Cecilia s Convent am (sung) Mass at Ryde 2.00 pm Rosary St Michaels, Bembridge 9.30 am Rosary & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament am (said) Mass at Bembridge 15

11 Report from St Michaels The Missions Bazaar of the churches in Bembridge, took place at the village hall on 11th October. This is an annual fund raising event so that all three village churches can send help to their various humanitarian projects in developing countries. It was an enjoyable morning and a reasonable amount of money was raised for each church. November is the month dedicated by the church to remembering our deceased family and friends. All seven cemeteries in the parish (including Bembridge) will be visited by Father Anthony for a blessing of the graves. It is with sadness that we learnt of the death of Father David Buckley parish priest of Ryde & Bembridge He died following a heart attack. Requiescat in pace. A requiem mass will be held at St Mary s in due course. Yvonne Rowles Used Stamps for Bible Society There is now a collecting box at the back of Holy Trinity for stamps and picture postcards, or you can still drop them off at my home, which is now Lea Cottage, 74, Meadow Drive. Many thanks to everyone who has been saving stamps for this worthwhile charity Naomi Hewlett. 16

12 HOLY TRINITY CALENDAR Associate Priest: The Reverend Linda Bushell (400261) website: Churchwardens: Mrs Sheila Low (874306) Mrs Sally Davies (872864) During the vacancy please contact any of the above for church matters 8.00am 10.30am 10.30am SUNDAY SERVICES Holy Communion at St Luke s (Book of Common Prayer) Parish Communion with STEPPING STONES for children at Holy Trinity (Common Worship) 1st SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (except January) Thank God it s Sunday! Worship for all ages NOVEMBER 2014 saturday 1st ALL SOULS DAY am Holy Communion with reading of names of the departed at Holy Trinity SUNDAY 2nd ALL SAINTS DAY (Trinity 20) 8.00am 10.30am 17 Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) Thank God it s Sunday Worship for all ages at Holy Trinity Monday 3rd 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 5th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am MU Corporate Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 9th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (Trinity 21) 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 9.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity 10.45am United Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial Monday 10th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Tuesday 11th 7.00pm Taizé Worship & Prayer in the Cloisters Wednesday 12th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s

13 Saturday 15th Christmas Fair 11.00am 1.30pm in the Cloisters SUNDAY 16th THE 2nd SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT (Trinity 22) 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones Monday 17th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 19th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 23rd CHRIST THE KING (Sunday next before Advent) 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones Monday 24th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 26th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 30th THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones BAPTISMS WEDDINGS FUNERALS 7th September 13th September 20th September 19th September 23rd Sepember THANKSGIVING SERVICE 18th September Noah Kenneth Haynes Rose Frances Hitchcock Leonard Hemming & Julie Dawn Brading Ronald Stanley Burden Winifred Bennett Henry Harris 18

14 Rev. Frances Watson Ph NOVEMBER 2014 CALENDAR MIDWEEK EVENTS AND SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday 2nd 10.30am Multi Worship, Shirley Whittingstal Sunday 9th am Morning Worship, Remembrance Service Local Arrangement with uniformed organisations and then to the Cenotaph for 10.45am Sunday 16th 10.30am Morning Worship, Eric Cary-Holt Sunday 23rd 10.30am Morning Worship Local Arrangement Sunday 30th 10.30am Morning Worship Rev. Frances Watson Sacrament of Holy Communion ACTIVITIES AND GROUPS IN THE CHURCH Every Monday in month 2.00pm Monday Prayer Hour Every Wednesday in month 10.00am Café Church 2.45pm Wednesday Welcome A pleasant time of friendly fellowship with a varied programme to which all are welcome. The community bus is available for transport. Further details from : Val Pollard Nov 12th Peter Savory, Mission Aviation Fellowship Nov 26th Visit to Oasis Every Thursday am to in term time 12 Noon Tots (During term time) Our church is situated in Foreland Road 19

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16 St Helens Medical Centre Welcome from the Medical Centre, we plan to have regular articles to help communicate useful and important information and news from the Practice for you. Our Flu Clinics at the St Helens and Bembridge surgeries in October were both well attended, however we know that, for whatever reason, not everyone entitled to their free vaccination took up the offer. Those at greatest risk from this contagious and serious infection include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes. So, if you are in any of these groups and have not yet had your vaccination, it is still not too late. Just call the Surgery on to make an appointment with the Nurse. Did you know that St Helens Medical Centre now offers some on-line services to its patients? Once registered, appointments can be managed or repeat prescriptions ordered without having to visit or call the Surgery. All that s needed is Internet access and an address and patients can register by visiting the Appointments page on the Practice website www. sthelensmedicalcentre.com. Alternatively call the Surgery if you would like to learn more about this exciting and practical scheme. Trial by Pirates In a change from their usual repertoire, the Isle of Wight Cantata Choir has titled it s next concert Trial by Pirates a concert of Gilbert and Sullivan music that will include excerpts from the Pirates of Penzance, Yeoman of the Guard, Iolanthe and Utopia Limited, finishing with a complete concert performance of Trial by Jury. This will give an unusual opportunity to hear some G&S performed by a choir of around one hundred singers accompanied by a full orchestra, all under the baton of the Choir s Musical Director, Rachel Tweddle. A number of members of the choir will be singing solo parts. This event, which will demonstrate what wonderful music Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote for these Operettas and what a masterful wordsmith Mr Gilbert was, will take place on the 29th November in the Medina Theatre, Newport at 7.30pm. Tickets at 12 may be obtained from the Medina Theatre Box Office, Tel: or online at 22

17 Bembridge Evening Townswomen s Guild The members of Bembridge Townswomen s Guild were welcomed by the chairman Phil Liddiard. We had one visitor and a good gathering of members. Our speaker was Ellen Clare from Bembridge Windmill who is now in her second year as Custodian of the Mill. She gave us a really interesting talk starting with a brief history of the area and the newly extended lawn area which proved very useful during the summer this year. A great deal of information had been gathered from old papers, books and photographs and some amazing slides were shown of census forms from years ago. I think everyone was appreciative of the amount of effort that had been put in to collecting all this information and Ellen s enthusiasm made it a lively talk. There ensued a time of refreshment and animated chatter until we settled down to the business of the month. Once the correspondence and the financial statements had been dealt with we discussed the forth coming Together Day at Shanklin Theatre which is costing only six pounds for a day of interesting speakers and choir entertainment. The activities group will be walking from Ryde to Quarr Abbey and on to Fishbourne for lunch and our supper club will be held at Foxes on October 21st. To keep in line with the food content we also re-visited the menu for our Christmas Dinner and chose our options. The ladies representing us at the Federation quiz were chosen when we hope to bring home the trophy-----no pressure team!!!! The competition winners for a windmill related object or painting were Gill Chubb, Verona Sparrow and Phil Liddiard The best bloom winners were Phil Liddiard, Juliet Roberson and Ann Gilham Our next meeting will be on Tuesday November 4th and is a talk on Dorothy O Grady WW11 spy by Adrian Searle. We meet in the Methodist Church Hall in Foreland Road at 7.30pm. Dot Harrison Press Secretary

18 Carisbrooke Priory Trust Ltd November 2014 Open Door Speakers for November November 6th Canon Alan Brown (Communion) November 13th Kath Abbott November 20th Gwen Brailsford November 27th Jenny Knight Open Door Service every Thursday at 12noon. Lunch in Dining room approx 1.00pm. The Priory and Garden is open Mon Friday 10.00am-4.00pm. Tea room open Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday am.-4.00pm. Priory Art Group. meets Mondays 9.30am-4.00.pm Carisbrooke Priory is a Member of the Quiet Garden Scheme. Prayer Ministry available by arrangement, Please ring sees the 150 anniversary of the building formally known as St. Dominic s Priory. We will be sharing the celebrations with the Isle of Wight Catholic History Society. In preparation for this, we are inviting those who would like to, to make donations of daffodil and red tulip bulbs to be planted in the front flower bed, also offers of mixed wallflower plants would be appreciated to make a splash of colour to welcome people to the Priory. Volunteers in all areas of involvement at the Priory are still needed. if you have an hour or two to spare. Please speak to Betty. All enquiries to Carisbrooke Priory Trust Phone: opendoor@carisbrookepriory.org.uk Website:- BEMBRIDGE BONFIRE & FIREWORKS NIGHT Steyne Park Saturday 8th November 2014 From 6.pm with Firework Display at 7.30pm Live music from #Hashtag Guy Competition & Raffle Food & Drink available There is no charge for the event but donations most welcome There will be no parking at Steyne Park No private fireworks or sparklers allowed 26

19 HOST HOST is looking for kind, friendly, hospitable people of all ages whose imaginations are caught by the idea of welcoming an international student at university here, far from his or her own family, to their home. This could be for a day, a weekend or at Christmas, and you don t need to live near a university, as students will travel for the privilege of meeting you, learning about real life in this country, and sharing their own culture. HOST is a voluntary activity which makes ambassadors for international goodwill of us all. Please see or or call Katherine Varden Warner Bowls Finals Day Sunday 7th September It was a beautiful Sunny day. The green which has been upgraded, was in excellent condition and all agreed it was a pleasure to play on, as it has been throughout the season. Competitors, members, friends and holday makers enjoyed the event. Thanks to Club Captain Tom Dimsdale. Tom arranged the day and presented the rophies. The results were as follows: Competition Winner Runner up Novice Cup R Randal J Vidler Mixed Triples J & J Holloway & I Phipps L & D Ireland & J Biddle Men s Singles J Blakery S Rothwell Ladies Singles P Whyte L Ireland Mixed Pairs P & R Bond L & D Ireland If you would like to join Warner Bowls, either indoor or outdoor please contact Paul Holt and ask for the Bowls Hall. Tuition available. 28

20 Ramshackle Pop-Up Cinema is Bembridge s not-for-profit monthly cinema in Bembridge Village Hall. Screenings in Bembridge are normally on a Sunday afternoon with tea and cakes provided beforehand by Ryde Lions. We are also popping up in locations all over the Isle of Wight and are available to hire for private events or fund raisings. Already in 2014 we have shown Saving Mr Banks, The Railway Man, Rush, Blue Jasmine, All Is Lost, Wreck It Ralph, Anonymous and La Boheme. For more details please visit or like us on Facebook at ramshacklecinema or follow us on Details are also on the Village Hall noticeboard, in the County Press, or you can us at info@ramshacklecinema.co.uk or call us on In 2015 we will be screening films including the acclaimed thriller Locke, and the Alan Turing biopic The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, together with special high definition productions from Shakespeare s Globe and Glyndebourne. But for the remainder of 2014 we present Belle (12A) / Bembridge Village Hall Sunday 7th December, 2.30pm tea and cakes, 3.15pm film starts. 4 on the door A beautiful Jane Austen-like story of a mixed race girl in 18th Century England It s a Wonderful Life (U) / at luxurious Lisle Combe, St Lawrence Friday 12th December, 7pm, bookings essential at info@ ramshacklecinema.co.uk, including Christmas drink and festive canapés, cash bar available Frank Capra s classic with James Stewart: the best Christmas film ever. 30

21 BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL W.I. Vice President Sarah Atkins, opened our September meeting by welcoming members and two visitors and reporting on current matters. Thanks were given to Jeanie Gully and Wanda Carey for helping at the WI Tea Tent at the Bestival and to members for baking cakes. Our Speaker this month was Emma Guy, who, with her husband, runs The Beach Hut on Foreland Beach. She gave us a potted history of growing up and going to school in Ryde and her work experiences in London and elsewhere on the Mainland before returning to the Island again (where she won the IOW Masterchef competition). She told us about the delights (and challenges) of acquiring The Beach Hut and making it into a café in which they could share their enjoyment of fresh food, especially local seafood, with their customers. We then tasted a variety of delicious canapes she had prepared and brought with her. A very enjoyable evening. Our meetings are held at 7.30pm on the third Monday of each month at The Cloisters, High Street, Bembridge. Visitors and new Members are always welcome. Contact Brenda on or visit our web site for further information: bembridgewindmillwi.atspace.com Speaker, Emma Guy of the Beach Hut, with members enjoying her food. 32

22 Meetings: Saturday November 8 th 10am 12 noon Coffee Morning Friday November 14 th at 7:15pm Bembridge Fort Friday November 21 st at 7:15pm Princess Elizabeth Stuart We have two interesting talks this month, so do come along to hear John Gulliver, a National Trust volunteer, talk about the restoration of Bembridge Fort, and Rosemary Cooper from Carisbrooke Castle Museum who will tell us about King Charles I s daughter who died at Carisbrooke Castle at the age of 14. Pick of this month s plants Garlic grows well on the Isle of Wight a visit to the Garlic Farm at Newchurch will leave you in no doubt of that. And many well known varieties such as Solent Wight and Early Purple Wight originate here. Garlic has medicinal qualities; it was used as an antiseptic in World War I and helps to heal mouth ulcers. November is a good time for planting. Space the cloves 6 apart, making sure you keep the pointy end up. Plenty of moisture in April and May and some good sunshine in June and July will ensure a good crop. Harvest when the garlic flops over and leave to dry. Try plaiting or grapping (tying into bunches), then store in a warm dry place. Things to do for wildlife in November 1) Leave fallen fruit on the lawn and put some on your bird table for birds to feast on. 2) Put out high energy foods like suet and peanuts. Birds need these to keep out the cold when their natural supply of insects dries up. 3) Leave teasel and sunflower heads they still look good in winter and birds like to snack on the seeds. 4) To prevent disease spreading, scrub seed and peanut feeders and rinse in clean water. Wash down bird tables and clean out bird baths, so that birds can drink and clean their feathers. 5) Frogs, toads and newts overwinter in log and leaf piles, or under stones. So if your garden is a bit untidy, you ll be doing them a favour. 6) Float a tennis ball in your pond to prevent it freezing over. That way, fish will still have enough oxygen to breathe if we get a cold snap. 33