Bembridge Parish News SERVING THE PARISH CHURCH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE METHODIST CHURCH November 2015 1279 RIFLEMAN R. A. WEAVER, 8TH BN HAMPSHIRE REGT. 4TH SEPTEMBER 1915. AGE 18 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery VICAR: Vacancy ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev d Linda Bushell Tel: 400261 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: 404804 franceswatson18@hotmail.co.uk CATHOLIC PRIEST: Fr. Anthony Glaysher Tel: 812127 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: 873283 annadriver@talktalk.net (Copy deadline - 8th of the preceding month) Distribution Secretary: Mrs Jenny Austen 31 Beachfield Road Tel: 872701, jennya@compcrim.demon.co.uk Advertising Manager: Mrs Olive Light 1 Trelawny Way, PO35 5YE Tel 874218 mlight1485@aol.com
Bembridge Parish News No. 600 Rest, Relax, Recharge the Batteries... Crossing the Solent in the fast-cat the other day we watched the Television showing some early pictures of people crossing the water in the 1800 s the crossing took 4-5 hours, and some were towed in a boat with horses, cattle, cars and all sorts. Nowadays if we were delayed on the Solent and we found the crossing took 4-5 hours instead of 10 minutes can you imagine the comments I could have done all my shopping, by now; I ll never get everything done now; I ve missed my meeting already and I ll be late for the second. Many people say I haven t stopped all day and yet to stop for just 5 minutes a day, to be still, quiet, and rest is so good to do, it can get everything back into perspective, relax us, recharge our batteries, put us in a whole new frame of mind for the day. So go on treat yourself to a 5 minute break every day specifically to do nothing you deserve it. God bless Frances PARISH NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS 2016 From January next year the cover price of a copy of the Parish News will rise to 50p. The annual subscription is increased to 5. Cheques, payable to Bembridge Parish News will be collected as usual by our volunteers. Subscribers will continue to receive 12 copies, delivered monthly, for the price of 10. Mike Kirk Treasurer 2
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH ALL SAINTS DAY Sunday 1st November 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday Service for all ages. All are welcome ALL SOULS DAY Monday 2nd 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 email vicar@bembridge.com. All are most welcome to this moving service. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Sunday 8th 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 Wednesday 11th November 11.00am at the War Memorial. A brief Act of Remembrance and Silence. 4
Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild news Lifeboat action during September: September proved to be a fairly busy time for the Bembridge lifeboats with six calls to action. The first occurring on the 6th, when the inshore lifeboat Norman Harvey was launched just before 6pm to assist a broken down RIB (rigid inflatable boat) in Priory Bay with two persons aboard. Not being able to effect a repair at sea, the RIB was towed back to its berth in Bembridge harbour, with the lifeboat returning to station at 6.45 pm. The relief all-weather lifeboat Frank and Anne Wilkinson was launched at 12.30pm on the 10th September at the request of Solent Coastguard to evacuate an injured person from No Man s Land fort after sustaining a back injury whilst on a RIB ride in the Solent. The casualty having initially been lifted with the RIB on to the fort, was transferred to the lifeboat together with two other crew members and taken to an ambulance at Portsmouth s Camber dock. The lifeboat was back on station by 2.25pm. The following day just before 8pm, the Frank and Anne Wilkinson was tasked by Solent Coastguard to assist, together with local Coastguard teams, the Coastguard helicopter, the Police, and the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Rescue boat in the search for, and subsequent removal of the body of a kayaker from the beach at Yaverland. The lifeboat returned to station just after 9.30pm. At 6pm on the evening of 19th September, the Frank and Anne Wilkinson was launched to assist a 24 foot angling boat from Gosport with a crew of two aboard, having lost her propeller blades whilst fishing, around 4 miles south of the Nab Tower. Once on the scene a tow was set up and the vessel taken to Gosport Marina, arriving at 8.45pm. The lifeboat was back on station by 9.45pm. Two days later, on the 21st the Frank and Anne Wilkinson was in action again, this time to the aid of the 10 metre angling boat Shaca II with eight persons aboard, anchored in St Helens Roads, having suffered mechanical failure. With the lifeboat mechanic unable to resolve the problem, the Shaca II was taken under tow to the Hayling Ferry pontoon at Langstone harbour, arriving at 5pm. The lifeboat arrived back at station at 5.45pm. The final shout came on the 27th, at 1.30am when the Frank and Anne Wilkinson responded to an emergency call via mobile phone to Solent 6 continued page 7
continued from page 5 Coastguard from the Revenge a former motor fishing boat converted into a tall ship, that they were around 5 miles SSW of St Catherines Point and taking in water. The lifeboat was at the scene 40 minutes later, the mechanic going aboard to discover the vessel s stern gland leaking. As the leakage was being contained by the vessel s own pump and the skipper wishing to continue on his original planned passage to Brighton, a handheld VHF radio was left with the vessel (as their on-board VHF radio was not working), the Revenge was able to continue on her way. The lifeboat arrived back at station at around 4.15 am. Lifeboat Guild coffee morning 12th September The coffee morning on the 12th September at the Village Hall raised 457 towards helping the lifeboats. Thanks go to all those who came and supported the event. Coffee morning Saturday, 28th November: The Lifeboat Guild will be holding a pre-christmas coffee morning at the Village Hall on Saturday, 28th November from 10am to 12midday. There will be sales of cakes, books, jewellery, bric-a-brac and lifeboat gifts and souvenirs, as well as a raffle and tombola. As always, all proceeds will go directly towards the lifeboats, helping to save lives at sea. Opening times for November: The RNLI souvenir shop and offshore boathouse will be open from 2pm to 4pm throughout November. Ken Orchard Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild Press Officer 01983 873139 8
RONNIE WEAVER Ronnie was the son of Alf & Alice Weaver of Fernholm, Dennett Road. Alf, being one of the Brothers, he was thus my father s first cousin. Born in 1897 he joined up in the Isle of Wight Rifles part of the 8th Battalion Hampshire Regiment. He was sent to Gallipoli where he was killed on 4th September 1915 aged only 18. Being on holiday in the area and having previously obtained details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission I was able to visit the grave 100 years & 24 days after his death and place flowers on it. It is in the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery and was 1279 RIFLEMAN R. A. WEAVER 8TH BN HAMPSHIRE REGT. 4TH SEPTEMBER 1915. AGE 18 a rather emotional experience. Looking around the area it was obviously very dangerous as the Turkish troops were on higher ground and thus able to see and shoot the oncoming soldiers easily. The Cemetery was very well kept all credit to the War Graves Commission. 10
November at Carisbrooke Priory Open Door Speakers: 5th November 12th November 19th Nobember 26th November Dennis Lloyd (Communion) Helen Millward Graham Morris Anne Linington Open Door Service every Thursday at 12 noon followed by lunch in the Dining room approx 1.00pm Priory Art Every Monday 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Group is currently full, however if you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please contact George Goddard Prayer Ministry available by arrangement All enquiries to Carisbrooke Priory Trust Phone: 01983 523354 Email: opendoor@carisbrookepriory.org.uk Website: www.carisbrookepriory.org.uk 11
PRAYER CONCERT FRIDAY 30th OCTOBER and FRIDAY 27th NOVEMBER - 2 MORE EVENINGS OF CONCERTED PRAYER On Friday 30th October and 27th November 7.30-9pm at Bembridge Methodist there will be two more Prayer Concerts: the last of 2015! The previous evenings held in April, May, June, July and September were a great encouragement and an uplifting way of praying together corporately. The evening consists of times of open prayer, led prayers, silence, singing (unaccompanied) interceding, watching, waiting and listening to the word of God. Each section lasts approx 6 or 7 minutes and we use creative ways to pray e.g. using a huge floor map of the world or the Isle of Wight to intercede for different areas of our diamond Island or focussing upon organisations and agencies that need our prayers. Further prayer concerts are planned for 2016. Andrew Hough avdlhough@hotmail.com Scrabble and Rummikub We hold Scrabble and Rummikub for all at the Cloisters just off the High Street Bembridge on the last Monday of the month All are welcome Time: 2-4pm Cost: 2.50 to include Tea and cake: Dates as follows: October 26th 2015 November 30th 2015 December 14th 2015 January 25th 2016 February 29th 2016 March 21st 2016 April 25th 2016 May 23rd 2016 June 27th 2016 July/August Summer Break Next date: September 26th 2016 12
Fancy making some music...? Husband and wife team, Amy and Alastair, having recently moved to the village, are offering music tuition to the residents of Bembridge in singing, piano and music theory. Alastair, an experienced director of music and his soprano wife, Amy, originally from Bembridge, are professional teachers in their respective fields and incorporate most music genres within their teaching, encouraging correct technique and posture. Music reading is not essential and they are happy to help all abilities and ages. We teach from our music room at home but we are more than happy to come to you. Why not rekindle your love for playing or singing? It s never too late to learn something new! For more information about tuition or to arrange a lesson, please telephone Amy and Alastair on: (01983) 872011 or E-mail: anyeteacher@gmail.com Alastair Nye BA Hons Mus. QTS - Piano, Keyboard & Music Theory Tuition Amy Bottriell-Nye DipABRSM (Dist.) - Singing Tuition Bembridge Little Theatre Club will be presenting Watcher in the Shadow by Norman Holland in Bembridge Village Hall from 19th to 21st November. Tickets 7 are available from Welcome Stores, Lane End, Bembridge or Splash, Union Street, Ryde or telephone BLTC box office 07971724767 or 718739. Doors open 7:00 p.m for 7:30 p.m start. 14
St. MICHAEL S CATHOLIC CHURCH WALLS ROAD, BEMBRIDGE Joint Parish of St Mary s Ryde with St Michael s, Bembridge Parish Priest for both churches: Father Anthony Glaysher Tel: (01983) 812127 Parish Office: E-mail: stmarysryde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Parish web site: www.stmarysryde.org WEEKEND SERVICES ALL YEAR Saturdays: 6.00 pm Vigil Mass at Ryde Sundays: 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 10.00 am Mass at both at both Quarr Abbey and St. Cecilia s Convent 11.00 am (sung) Mass at Ryde Mondays: 2.00 pm Rosary St Michaels, Bembridge Tuesdays: 9.30 am Rosary & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.00 am (said) Mass at Bembridge 15
Report from St Michaels St. Michael s 50th anniversary celebration September It was a pleasure to welcome Bishop Philip Egan to St Michael s to say Mass. A buffet lunch at the Spinnaker was enjoyed by all after the service. After Benediction at 3pm, tea was served outside in the garden. Fortunately, the weather was sunny! We now have a brass plaque in the church to commemorate the event. Blessing of graves by Father Anthony November is the month when the church remembers the family and friends of those who have died. Prayers at the graveside will take place in cemeteries across the parish during the month. Date of visit to Bembridge at Lane End cemetery to be announced. Remember that the celebration of Hallowe en on 31st October has a religious origin. It means All Hallows Eve that is that eve of the feast of All Saints. On the night before All Saints (1st November), the forces of darkness are thought to be abroad. This tradition goes back to pre- Christian Celtic times. Yvonne Rowles Parish Christmas Fayre Saturday morning 21st November at St Mary s hall Usual stalls - bottle stall, cake stall, toiletries, books etc Please take items for sale to parish office in Ryde 16
HOLY TRINITY CALENDAR Associate Priest: The Reverend Linda Bushell (400261) E-Mail: curate@bembridge.com website: www.bembridgeholytrinity.org.uk Churchwardens: Mrs Sheila Low (874306) Mrs Sally Davies (872864) During the vacancy please contact any of the above for church matters SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (Book of Common Prayer) 10.30am parish Communion with STEPPING stones for children at Holy Trinity (Common Worship) 1st SUNDAY OF each MONTH (except January & Easter Day) 10.30am thank God it s Sunday! Worship for all ages SUNDAY 1st ALL SAINTS DAY 8.00am 10.30am Monday 2nd ALL SOULS DAY 10.00am NOVEMBER 2015 17 Holy Communion at St Luke s(bcp) Thank God it s Sunday worship for all ages at Holy Trinity Holy Communion, with the reading of the names of the Departed, at Holy Trinity Wednesday 4th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am MU Holy Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 8th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 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 9th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Tuesday 10th 7.00pm Taizé worship & prayer at The Cloisters Wednesday 11th ARMISTICE DAY 9.30am 10.00am 11.00am Matins at St Luke s Holy Communion at St Luke s A brief Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial
SUNDAY 15th THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 16th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 18th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s 3.00pm Bereavement Triangle Group meets in the Cloisters Saturday 21st 11.00am 1.00pm Christmas Fayre SUNDAY 22nd CHRIST THE KING 8.00am 10.30am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 23rd 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 25th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Lukes SUNDAY 29th THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity. This is a joint service with St Helen s and Seaview Monday 30th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity 27th September BAPTISM Kylan John Martin Hallett FUNERALS 1st September Jonathan Noyes WEDDING 19th September William Amery and Rosemary Drake-Knight 18
Rev. Frances Watson Ph. 01983 404804 NOVEMBER 2015 CALENDAR midweek events and sunday worship Sunday 1st 10.30am Morning Worship, Shirley Whittingstall, Local Preacher Sunday 8th 10.30am Remembrance Service with uniformed organisations, Malcolm Dyer, Local Preacher. A short service due to commemoration at the War Memorial Sunday 15th 10.30am morning worship marion challoner, Local preacher Sunday 22nd 10.30am Morning Worship, Rev. Frances Watson, Sacrament of Holy Communion Sunday 29th 10.30 am Morning Worship, Local Arrangement activities and groups in the church Every Wednesday in month 10.00am Café Church discussing the previous Sunday s sermon and a look at the chosen Bible readings in more detail. An informal time learning from our joint experiences and different opinions. All Welcome 2.45pm Wednesday Welcome A pleasant time of friendly fellowship with a varied programme to which all are welcome. Further details from : Val Pollard 718740 First Tuesday 2.30pm to Craft Group, Ladies of the in month 4.30pm village knit or sew for charity Every Wednesday 6.30pm to rock solid in term time 7.45pm Activities nd Fun for School Years 5, 6 & 7 Every Thursday 10.00 am to tots in term time 12 Noon CRAFT GROUP Ladies of the village we have started up a Craft Group in Bembridge Methodist Church Pudding Room on the first Tuesday of each month from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The object is to knit or sew for charity. i.e. Teddies for Shoe Boxes, Items needed by hospital wards, Worldwide disasters etc. For more details contact Brenda Trembath on 872179 19
Our church is situated in Foreland Road 20
A message from the Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Service DOORSTEP CRIME As winter approaches and we all think about making sure our homes and gardens ready for the colder months be aware that rogue traders have the same thoughts. During the Summer and Autumn this year the Island has been visited by traders calling at residents homes offering various services loft insulation, drains inspection, double glazing, solar panels, tree lopping, tarmac-ing, jet washing, mattress sellers, roof repairs etc BEWARE. PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING: STOP CHAIN CHECK If you are not expecting anyone to call look out of a window to see who is calling before opening the door. Make sure the back door is locked if it is accessible. Please use your door chain when answering the door to strangers. This is your best form of protection. If you do not have a door chain think about getting one fitted. The Bobby Scheme run by the Blue Lamp Trust provides free home safety and security for the vulnerable and elderly in our communities. To contact them call 0300 7770157 or complete the online referral form at www.bluelamptrust.org.uk. Always ask for some form of identification. Do not accept a mobile telephone number and please phone the number and check who they are. In case you do not have a Door Sticker they are available from your Parish Offices warning callers that you do not buy on the doorstep. If you are suspicious of anyone in your area because they are strangers or they are calling on homes: Please ring the Trading Standards Service on 823371. If you can help by being our eyes and ears we will help protect you. 22
Bembridge in Bloom 2015 It has been another successful year for Bembridge village with several Awards and achievements to its credit. In October it became Joint winners with Enham Alamein as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Village of the Year 2015. Just cause for celebration! Restocking the War Memorial Garden flower beds, after the major removal of the overpowering New Zealand Flax in March by the Parish Council, has been an exciting challenge for the Bembridge Weeders. We have aimed to choose plants and shrubs that will give year round interest. It has been gratifying to receive many complimentary remarks which are much appreciated. We were pleased to be shortlisted for the Wight in Bloom Awards and delighted to receive Highly Commended in the Best Community Project category for the War Memorial Garden. Christine Grant and I represented the Weeders and were presented with the Award by Alan Titchmarsh. Bembridge did extremely well gaining five Awards overall. Hilary Wellsted won 1 st in the Best Front Garden category, Bembridge Coast Hotel gained 2 nd in the Best Tourist Accommodation category, Bembridge C E Primary School Garden Club gained 1 st and the Montessori Preschool gained 2 nd in the Best Initiative involving Children or Young People. Most entrants are represented in the accompanying group photo. The Bembridge in Bloom Competition took place again this summer and the Awards presentation, sponsored by Hose Rhodes Dickson, was held on 30 th July with Partner Mr Philip Weeks presenting Trophies, Garden Gift tokens and Certificates to successful entrants. We were pleased to have twice as many entries, with a welcome increase of three entries in the Children and Young People s category. Both the Montessori and Windmills Preschools entered and the Bembridge C E Primary School Garden Club which had previously gained Silver Gilt in the South and South East in Bloom competition. Very encouraging for our horticultural future! Doreen Thomas, helper with the organisation of the Competition, made delicious strawberry and cream scones and cakes for refreshments. The Parish Clerk Emma Goldring and Asst.Clerk Jacqui McDade gave invaluable assistance throughout the competition and a pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all. Our grateful thanks goes to Hose Rhodes Dickson for their continued sponsorship. 24 continued p.25
continued from p. 23 Currently, the Weeders number 10-12 so we can usually muster about 6-8 per session. Quite a difference can be achieved in two hours. Resident s help with dead heading plants when passing by is very welcome. It encourages repeat blooming and keeps the village bright and cheerful. Absence of litter is always focused on by Judges so please take extra care. Did you know we have a couple of rare trees in the corner of the War Memorial Garden beside the High Street? Recently resident Ann Proudfoot asked RHS Wisley to identify a leaf. She was informed it was Koelreuteria paniculata or Pride of India, which is quite rare and will not thrive below 10 degrees. The attractive trees have been there more than 17 years as I have a photo dated 1998 when a small band of Weeders were developing that corner. Does anyone know when they were planted and by whom? We d love to know. A big thank you goes to the Parish Council, the Village Partnership, the Lengthsmen and all who contribute and maintain our lovely village in any way. Barbara Clough Bembridge in Bloom Co-ordinator 26
BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL WI Despite the fact that the WI does not have a meeting in August it has been a busy summer for the members of Bembridge Windmill WI. In addition to taking part in the Bembridge Street Fair members took plants, craft items and cakes to St Helen Village Fair. Many thanks must be given to our loyal band of members who provide goods for sale and to those who give up their time to (wo)man the stalls. Several members enjoyed a visit to Ryde Cemetery where they were guided by a member of Ryde Social History Group. The emphasis was on the period of the Great War and the guide shared a wealth of information and stories associated with the graves. By way on contrast a group visited Rosemary Vineyard, where they were shown the processes that go to producing all types of wine. Starting at the harvesting of the grapes, through to bottling. It was interesting to see the wide range of products available, including the Country Wines that have various garden and hedgerow fruits included. The extended and specific process for producing a sparkling wine was also demonstrated. Then to the tasting! It was good to have to opportunity to sample the varieties of wine produced including some of the Country wines. It was helpful to understand what had gone before in the production process. The Country wines were quite different to the homemade wines remembered from the 70s! The September meeting was to have been My Life with a Guide Dog, but unfortunately our speaker s guide dog had to have an emergency operation and would be unable to come on the day. Everyone sent their very best wishes for an early recovery to Opal the dog. It was decided to have an evening of quizzes and games. This started with a quiz on television sit coms. Members were asked to identify television programmes, some dating back to the days of black and white. It was uncertain if the winners had a good memory or had spent many hours in front of their televisions over the years! As members pondered the answers to the second quiz a muted humming could be heard around the room. The aim was to give the title of 1960s hit songs, from only the first line. It was decided that whilst the words and tune were known (hence the humming and in some cases singing) the titles of many just would not come back into the forefront of memories. continued p.29 28
continued from p. 27 After that excitement the evening continued with the ever competitive games of Beetle. The noise of the dice hitting the tables, the shouted Yes and the palpable levels of excitement are difficult to describe! All highly competitive - especially when there were the prizes of mini mars bars at stake! So, games played and quizzes complete, news exchanged and tea drunk, notices heard. Plans made for the Birthday Lunch in early October and the next meeting. If you would like to be part of this fun loving WI then why not come to the next meeting to see what happens. It will take place on Monday November 16 at 7.30pm at the Cloisters, High Street Bembridge. This will be the Annual Meeting, the Business Meeting of the year. However there is always the opportunity for chatting and meeting people and general fun and enjoyment. Contact Brenda Reynolds 811022 for more information or simply come on the day. HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 21st November 11.00am to 1.00pm See Father Christmas at 12 noon! ALL WELCOME in the Cloisters 30
DO YOU WEAR HEARING AIDS? Do you wear NHS hearing aids? Come to our FREE drop-in hearing aid clinic for: New batteries and new ear mould tubing Advice on how to use and clean your hearing aids Invormation on hearing loss and all the services that can help you. We re the charity taking action on hearing loss since 1911. We can t do this without your help Local Drop-in Clinics take place as follows: There are others in Brighstone, Cowes, East Cowes, Freshwater, Godshill, Lake, Newport, Shanklin, Ventnor and Wooton Bridge for details of these or further information: Contact: 17b River Way, Newport, IW PO30 5UX Tel: 01983 529533 or Textphone 18002 01983 529998 When? What time? Where? 1st Monday 2.00pm 3.30pm Tower House Surgery of the month Rink Road RYDE 3rd Tuesday of the month 3rd Friday of the Month Last Friday of the month 10.00am 12.00noon 10.00am 11.30am 10.00am 12.00noon Action on Hearing Loss is the trading name of The Royal National Institute for Deaf People A registered charity in England and Wales (207720) and Scotland (SCO 38926) A0016/0511 The Methodist Church Forelands Road BEMBRIDGE The Methodist Church Garfield Road RYDE Sandown Medical Centre The Heights SANDOWN FREE TIME? Can you? Fix things make a good cuppa or just listen and chat? Are you? Interested in learning new skills? Glad to spend between two and four hours a month (or more if you wish) supporting one of our drop in Clinics across the Island, where we clean and retube hearing aids? Or you can join our befriending service, chatting, listening and sharing some laughter Do you? Care about the quality of life for the thousands of Islanders who live with hearing loss? Yes? Then contact us for more information about joining our dedicated, friendly team of volunteers and staff who support hearing aid users across the Island E mail iow@hearingloss.org.uk or call 01983 529533 32
Meetings: Friday November 13th at 7:15pm Osborne House Saturday November 14th at 10.00am Coffee Morning Friday November 27th at 7.15pm A New Slant on Walking This month we welcome Jill Green who has a fascinating background of rambling and long distance walking. She s a very entertaining speaker and will no doubt have plenty of amusing anecdotes to share so do come and listen Jobs to do in November 1. Plant tulips. If planted before November, there is a risk of tulip fire, a fungal disease which causes mal-formed foliage and brown scorch mark. Bulbs rot and the disease can spread rapidly. There is no treatment and affected plants should be burned, not composted. Don t replant tulips in the same area for at least three years. The monkey-puzzle tree is a real eyecatcher and I m always envious when I see one in somebody s garden as I ve never managed to grow one myself. It was popular as a centrepiece in Victorian parks and gardens and there are still some majestic examples around today. The monkey-puzzle comes from South America where it grows in forests in the Andes. It bears a prolific crop of protein-rich seeds which are one of the staple foods of the indigenous people of Chile and Argentina (who are known as Araucano from which the tree gets its botanical name). The seeds can be boiled or roasted, used in breadbaking or in brewing beer. The timber is used for firewood and the resin in traditional medicine. It also features in local folklore and religious ceremonies. 2. Plant trees. Dig a square planting hole to encourage the roots to grow out into the surrounding soil. The hole should be the same depth as the container but three times its diameter. Don t add extra organic matter or fertiliser, but do water it well during its first season. 3. Plant garlic. Late autumn is the best time for this, as garlic needs a period of cold to develop. The best place to buy garlic bulbs is, of course, the Garlic Farm at Newchurch which has a wide range of home-produced varieties. Break the bulbs into cloves and plant them 1.5-2 inches deep, pointed end up. Water well in the growing season and you should have a good crop. 33