Gurnard Film Society Little Voice Friday 7Th March 7.30 P.M

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LETTER FROM ALL SAINTS’ 27

Most of us can find the first three months of the year slightly depressing. The colour and excitement of Christmas is behind us and before the coming of spring we could be faced with at least three months of grim weather. The poet John Clare however, in his book the Shepherd’s Calendar, found the months of February and March to be a time of looking forward to spring and a time of inspiration. He did however spend periods of time in various asylums in the Northampton area! In his poem February he writes;-

A calm of pleasure listens round And almost whispers winter bye While fancy dreams of summer sounds And quiet rapture fills the eye

This year March will be when the season of Lent begins. Christians use this period of time to prepare for the season of Easter, which for many marks the season of spring. Having just spent the last week in January accompanying my wife whilst she photographed various birds and animals on the Island I know the signs of spring are all around us. We were surprised to find a squirrel looking for food down a track in the West Wight and although we returned to the same point several times we didn’t see it again. He must have eaten, seen the rain and gone back to sleep. The ducks show every sign that spring isn’t far away and are preparing for a future generation of birds. But for all the spring signs, the colour in the countryside has that pastel quality that is found only in winter. But as Clare said in his poem we can still dream about the better weather to come and if we are gardeners plan for the coming months. Lent is associated with giving up something that we like or we count as an indulgence. I know people who give up chocolate, wine, cake and even meat in the Lent period. Many Christians use this time to follow a particular study or take extra time out to meditate or pray and prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. To all of our readers, even if you do not attend one of our local churches, can I urge you to use the Lent period to think about the rest of the year, to plan for the coming spring and summer and think about your life and all the possibilities that are available to you. It may help to put the winter months behind you and give you hope and anticipation for what might happen in the future. For his March poem Clare wrote;-

While from the hill side freshing forest drops As one might walk upon there thickening tops And buds wi young hopes promise seemly swells Where woodman that in wild seclusion dwells.

I hope that wherever you find yourself in life’s journey, that your plans will bud and bear fruit as the grey days fade from our memories. You will find yourselves able to celebrate the rebirth of nature, witness the emergence of the first flowers, the return of birds, insects and animals to our gardens and parks. Enjoy the warmth of the sun again and be invigorated by the energy it brings to us all.

Rev ‘d Roger Whately 3 26 FROM THE REGISTERS OF ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH

In our thoughts and prayers we remember : Jack Lloyd, who passed away recently, our thoughts are also with his family and friends.

For Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals please contact Rev’d Amanda Collinson 294913

Junior Church News We would like to welcome Nicky Pattimore as a new leader to our team. Nicky's focus will be on Mission. Already we have had a wonderful session on the basics of mission in the World. On the 2nd March the Junior Church will be giving the All Age Worship Service on the theme of Love in the context of World mission – Wow ! Come along and see for yourselves

Junior church meets during the service (in school term time) at 0945 hrs. We use the fresh and inviting Garden room and the garden for our activities. Those activities include painting and crafts, drama and story telling, singing and music, games and experiments ! When there is not a session there is a new area of the church that has been made over for the youngsters with games and activities in a colourful environment.

Please call me if you need any more information: Terrie Burland tel 293940, mob 07745809965, or email [email protected]

FLOWERS at EASTER at ALL SAINTS’ If anyone would like to give donations towards flowers in memory of loved ones, please contact B Richardson on 297881

Dates for your diary

April 26th – Children’s Society Coffee Morning in the Garden Room., All Saints’ Church. All welcome! More details next month.

All Saints will be holding a Jumble Sale in May (details later). If and when you have any Jumble, please contact Wendy Peskett (292145). Collection can be arranged. 4 CHURCH SERVICES FOR ALL SAINTS’ 25 March 2014

2nd Sunday next before Lent 8.00am Holy Communion 9.45am All age worship Exodus 24:12-end 2 Peter 1:16-end Matthew 17:1-9

5th ASH WEDNESDAY – SERVICE AT 7.30PM

6th Thursday services 9.00am Morning Prayer 9.30am Holy Communion (said)

9th 1st Sunday of Lent 9.45am Holy Communion 4.00pm Evensong with Bishop of Portsmouth AT NORTHWOOD Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

13th Thursday services 9.00am Morning Prayer 9.30am Holy Communion (said)

16th 2nd Sunday of Lent 9.45am Holy Communion Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17

20th Thursday services 9.00am Morning Prayer 9.30am Holy Communion (said)

23rd 3rd Sunday of Lent 9.45am Holy Communion Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42

27th Thursday services 9.00am Morning Prayer 9.30am Holy Communion (said)

30th MOTHERING SUNDAY 9.45am Informal Holy Communion Exodus 2:1-10 Colossians 3:12-17 John 19:25b-27 5 24 COWES METHODIST CHURCH, Birmingham Road, Cowes

SERVICES FOR MARCH 2014 Sunday 2nd 10.30am Mr John Yates

Sunday 9th 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION Revd Malcolm Stinton

Sunday 16th 10.30am Mrs Heather Dicker

Sunday 23rd 10.30am Revd Kelvin Burke

Sunday 30th 10.30am Local Arrangement

Tea and coffee is served after the services

On Monday 3rd March 10am-12noon there will be a DROP IN CENTRE at the Church for company and a chat. Free tea/coffee and a biscuit.

The Fellowship Group will meet at 2.30pm on Mondays3rd and 24th March at 8 Pallance Road, Northwood. All welcome.

The LADIES' SISTERHOOD meets every Tuesday at 2.30pm All ladies are very welcome to join in our fellowship.

This year the "WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE" entitled "STREAMS IN THE DESERT" will be on Friday 7th March at 11am at Holy Trinity Church, Queen's Road, Cowes. The Service is open to everyone, not just women and will be followed by a bring and share lunch. The speaker is Rev'd Amanda Collinson.

Scout Report I would like to mention the Scouts who went on a 28 mile Cycle tour on one of the very wet Sundays of this Year. Louis Ambridge, Thomas Gibbs and Thomas Prince went out via Rew Street,Porchfield, Shalfleet, Calbourne, Shalcombe, Thorley, Wellow, Shalfleet and back to Gurnard via Porchfield and Rew Street. Lauren Bell and Treeve White went part of the way on a practice run and hope to complete the course later in the year. This is all part of the Cyclist Badge. It is good to see that Richard Bunday and Ella Symons are progressing well in Scout Leader training and have confidently run sections of our Tuesday evening meetings. Peter Harris. Group Scout Leader. tel. 825959 6 23 FROM LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR, PAUL FULLER 74, Wyatts Lane, Cowes PO31 8QA Tel:289595 (24 hrs)/ 07935 090 835 (mobile); Email: [email protected]; Blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com; Twitter: @paulfullercc Surgeries: I am happy to meet residents at their convenience to discuss any issues. If I can’t assist I’ll try to find somebody who can. Alternatively I hold surgeries on the following occasions (no appointment is required): Surgeries: 4-4:30pm, Monday 3rd March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes 5-6pm, Monday 3rd March, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes (HIGHWAYS ISSUES). 1-1:30pm, Thursday 13th March, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 3-3:30pm, Wednesday 19th March, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes. 6-6:30pm Thursday 27th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

IW Council Budget 2014/5. As I write this article, members are evaluating the outcome from initial proposals to create savings in budgets for the coming years. The intention of the IW Council remains to keep as many frontline and important services it can, in light of the requirement to find £28m of savings. For this reason over the last few weeks myself and other members have met with representatives from the Commercial Sector, the Vol- untary Sector, Council employees and local Councillors to look at ways of transferring services in a smarter and potentially more efficient way.

Assisted Area Status. The Government is currently reviewing the designation of areas entitled to Assisted Area Status, and although this has been widely welcomed, only the northern half of the Island is being considered. The stumbling point for the Island accessing funds for Economic Regeneration in the past, was made more difficult due to the Island’s position in the South East and its proximity to Hampshire. Since outlining these draft proposals, there has been a cross party delegation of Councillors who have met with Ministers. Subsequently, the final bid was presented to Vince Cable by Council leader, Cllr. Ian Stephens. If status is confirmed this will enable Island Businesses to apply for EU grants to expand and create new jobs. As elected member for one of the areas included, I have joined other community representatives and business leaders in endorsing that the Island (albeit a part) is included.

Recycled Computers. Digital Recycle, part of Computer Express (IW) has teamed up with the Footprint Trust to encourage the reclamation and recycling of computers, laptops and mobile phones. Digital Recycle is ‘Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment registered. Individuals and organisations can support this scheme by donating old devices which will be reclaimed and recycled. All data will be securely erased for free. Computer Express, also offers reclaimed computer for students, schools and households. For further information telephone 01983 537322; Email: [email protected] or visit www.digitalrecycle.co.uk 22 7

Telephone Preference Service. I continue to receive calls from residents that are getting fed up from unwanted telephone calls from call centres. The TPS can block a large number of speculative calls, although not all. This service is free. For further information, please visit: http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/; or telephone: 0845 070 0707

Improving School Attainment. I attended a Training Event, which was focused upon the statement from the Director of Chil- dren’s Services for Hampshire & Isle of Wight to improve standards in education. The statement acknowledges that despite improvements in school attendance and small improvements in results, there continues to be a huge amount of work still required. The aim for the Isle of Wight is to ensure GCSE passes are 2% higher than National Average (rather than 4% below, as it stands currently). It is fully understood that until standards are raised, this will remain a disincentive for families and industry relocating to the Island. The statement is available via the following link:http://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/cabinet/9-1-14/Paper%20D%20-% 20Appendix.pdf

PFI Update. Following some delays being caused due to the weather, I’m advised footway and road resurfacing for Shore Road, Gurnard and Park Road and Ward Avenue remains high priority. In the last month resurfacing has taken place in Cockleton Lane, Princes Esplanade and Woodvale Road. Concerns were expressed by the Isle of Wight Bridleway Group, over use of the Fibrovia asphalt material in Cockleton Lane. It is alleged this can make the surface slippery for horses. Despite reassurances given, I’ve requested additional signage to warn riders Given the level of complaints we are currently receiving with regards to Highways Matters, myself and Cllr John Nicholson, Councillor for Cowes South and Northwood are holding a Highways Surgery. This will be held at 5-6pm, Monday 3rd March at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. Representatives of the IW Council and Island Roads will be in attendance.

In the last month: Following the IW Council becoming lead Flood Authority, I attended a members briefing with Southern Water and a public meeting held by Andrew Turner MP. Questions were put to the MP, Southern Water, the Environment Agency over recent f loodi ng issues. Since the meeting, I’ve suggested the importance of resurrecting the local Flood Defence Committee, which would help prioritise where Flood Protection grants are distributed. At Full Council, I suggested fellow councillors considered reducing their allowances- In line with proposed ‘savings’, which are necessary within the Council’s budget. Following the Planning Inspectorate upholding the Planning Committee’s decision for a wind turbine off Forest Road, I’ve asked whether Planning Policy for renewable energy is sustainable and whether greater focus should be considered for other renewables. 8 21 Report continued I’ve made a number of random phone calls to local residents, when it was pointed out refuse bags were not being received. From the calls made, I discovered this problem is not widespread. However, I continue to monitor this. widespread. However, I continue to monitor this. I’ve held discussions with Natural Enterprise, following concerns raised over the perceived interference with a badger sett. At Planning Committee, a proposed roof terrace for Cliff Road, Cowes was approved. I attended a meeting with Councillors, officers and staff to investigate options to sustain Cowes’ Floating Bridge. …and I continue to report a huge amount of pot holes…

GURNARD WI REPORT

Judith Westbrook President, welcomed 46 members and 3 visitors to our January meeting so these reports seems to be working, visitors are so precious we hope we gave them the welcome we always promise…We sang our way through Jerusalem accompanied by a CD this evening, we sounded like the rendition at the Annual Meetings at the Albert Hall. Everyone agreed the Christmas meeting / party was a great success, we will be repeating the event next December, join now and be included. The village lunch will be on February 18th all seats have to be booked. Some of us will be joining Newchurch WI on a snowdrop walk in February. We are off to play bowls at the Community Club in March. We are trembling with excitement at the thought of being on a float for the May Queen celebrations…and we will be making the tea and cakes of course. At the December meeting we gave 10.7klgs to the food bank. A board was passed to members for volunteers at our events, very rewarding jobs and you don’t have to be on committee. Our speaker in January was Rosemary Stewart. Her pictures on the big screen of her Adventure in Namibia were awesome, she gave a fascinating description of her experiences.. Our 2014 programmes are now ready. We have a really interesting list of speakers…. You must join us at the meetings.. The Competition winners for a Holiday Souvenir 1st Joan Hall, 2nd Jeanette Bizzle, 3rd Kate Kidd Best Garden Bloom 1st Marie Hunter 2nd Wendy Peskett, 3rd Ann Oakly On February 19th by special request we had Mark Southwell talking about the RNLI.

March meeting Wednesday 19th Phillip Fryer “Music and Memory” Mr Fryer is a member of Ryde Chorus he has sung all over the world he is very friendly , cracks jokes, there may be some ‘interacting’ Please come 7.30pm at the Village Hall

20 9 10 19 Gurnard Film Society Little Voice Friday 7th March 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall Doors open 7.00 p.m. for refreshments

The screening this month is a gritty comedy set in Northern England in 1999. Michael Caine stars as Ray Say a sleazy talent scout, whose latest girlfriend played by Brenda Blethyn is the overpowering mother of painfully shy daughter Laura (Jane Horrocks). Ray hopes to reap rewards from Laura’s talent for singing songs of the great divas such as Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey. Jim Broadbent and Ewan McGregor also star to deliver an acclaimed performance of a moving story. This small independent film is based on Jim Cartwright’s stage play written for Jane Horrocks who sings all her own songs. Classification 15 and it lasts for 97 minutes. Admission £5. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and cushions Gurnard Village Hall, 50 Worsley Road, Gurnard. E mail [email protected] or tel. 240615 See also www.events.onthewight.com and facebook

Gurnard Village Cottage Garden Society Apologies for the lack of notes in the February edition of Gurnard News. In February we had an extremely interesting talk by Terry Nigh on the subject of postcards. This was illustrated by lots of different slides. I don’t think any of us realised the extent of the postcard industry on the Isle of Wight which is actually covered by the Nigh business.

At the March meeting, which will be on Wednesday March 5th at 7 30 pm, we will be hosting the postponed Annual Carrot Trophy evening between us and the Northwood Village Produce Association. This will be followed by an American Supper. The competition that evening will be the bulbs which we planted last year. Please bring yours along, remember, points mean prizes. Please come along and support us, members and visitors always very welcome.

The April meeting will be on Wednesday April 2nd at 7 30pm in the Village Hall. The subject is Birds in the Garden by James Gloyn and the competition a garden flower. 18 11 The Village Diary is up and running at the Newsagents. . USEFUL NAMES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS Organisers of events in the village can add their forthcoming events as soon as possible to prevent several activities occurring Age Concern 525282 Health centre (appointments) 294902 on the same day Ambulance (Transport) 825111 Health Centre (general) 295251 Citizens Advice Bureau 0845 1202959 Hospital (St Mary's) 524081 Electricity (Emergencies) 0845 7708090 Library (24hr renewal line) 822123 Gas (Emergencies) 0800 111999 Police 0845 0454545 Water (Emergencies) 0845 2720845 Out of Hours GP & Dentist 0845 0508345 Flood-line (Mon -Fri 8am - 8pm W/ends 10am - 4pm) 0845 9881188

“THANKS TO ALL OUR ADVERTISERS.” Local Neighbourhood Watch Mrs Pat Clayton 296072 THE NEW ADVERTISING YEAR STARTS FROM APRIL, IF All Saints’ Vicar Rev’d Amanda Collinson 294913 YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THE GURNARD Email [email protected] All Saints’ Associate Priest Rev’d Roger Whatley 825938 NEWS PLEASE CONTACT GRAHAM LLOYD TEL. 299051 All Saints’ Church, Curate Rev’d Diana Netherway 298505 OR EMAIL mailto:[email protected] RATES START FROM All Saints’ Churchwardens Mr Graham Lloyd 299051 £22 FOR THE YEAR. Mrs Sandie Munt 295258 All Saints’ Churchwarden Emeritus Mr Paul Rock All Saints’ Church, Secretary Mrs Pauline Lloyd 299051 All Saints’ Church, Treasurer Mrs Wendy Peskett 292145 All Saints’ Church, Organist Mrs Yvonne Mills 292256 Junior Church (Sunday School) Mrs Terrie Burland 293940

Cowes Methodist Church, Minister Rev’d Malcolm Stinton 884205 Cowes Methodist Church, Contact Mrs Pat Chessell 295898

Gurnard Primary School (website) www.gurnardprimaryschool.co.uk 295713 Gurnard Bay Evening W. I. Mrs Ann Spall 282664 CAMEO Group Mrs Carolyn Sibley 297154 Gurnard Village Hall Bookings Mrs Liz Downer 295550 Gurnard Village Hall Assoc. Chairman Mrs Carolyn Sibley 297154 Gurnard Village Cottage Garden Society Mrs Emma Glasbey 293130 Gurnard in Bloom Mrs Emma Glasbey 293130 Gurnard Sailing Club Membership Secretary Mr Mark Southwell 299104

IOW Councillor Mr Paul Fuller 289595 Island Member of Parliament Mr Andrew Turner MP. 530808 Gurnard Parish Council Mr Rusty Adams 567522 Email [email protected] Parish Council website www.gurnardpc.co.uk

1st Gurnard Brownies Miss Jessica Coleman 506254 Gurnard Scouts Mr Paul Savill 293481 1st Gurnard Guides Mrs Helen Coleman 506254

Gurnard News Editor Mrs Alyson Jacobs 292496 Email [email protected] 12 17 GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL Mr Alan Jacobs 23, Cockleton Lane Tel: 292496 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COORDINATOR [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8JE A huge vote of thanks has to go to Pat Clayton for her sterling work in fulfilling this role of Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator in the Village, in Mr Sean Harrison ( Chairman) 57, Hilton Road Tel: 200848 fact for two terms of office over the years! She has indicated that come the [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8JB end of April she wishes to step down from the position, so the Parish Council is urgently seeking someone else from the Village. Please get in touch with Rusty Mr Mark McNeil 47, Osborne Court Tel: 299928 if you’d like to take this on (567522), or if first you’d like to get a flavor for what’s [email protected] COWES PO31 7QS involved, which is NOT an onerous role, please call Pat directly on 296072.

Mrs Vicky Spencer 1, Hilton Road Tel 295581 COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS 2014 accounts@spencerrigging,co,uk GURNARD PO31 8JD The 2014 community action awards programme has just been launched, and the aim is to

Mrs Marie Bugden Glen View 19, Cockleton Lane Tel 296721 encourage and reward the dedication of the voluntary sector with a special focus on local GURNARD PO31 8JE achievement and self help. If any local group feels up to having a crack at this there are 8 categories in the competition ranging from local community, young people and older Mr Aslam Javaid (Vice-Chairman) 222, Gurnard Pines Tel: 240792 people through to village halls, arts & heritage and sport - plus more. The application [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8RL deadline is 4pm on 28/3/14 and if you require more details give Philippa Daley a call at Community Action (IW) on 539374 - there are prizes, with £1,500 being allocate to the Mrs Jane McKean 1, Brooklyn Cottage, Worsley Lane : Tel 240756 overall winner. [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8JS FUTURE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS Mr Terry Nolan 2, Shore Road Tel: 298331 The full Parish Council meets next at 7pm on Thursday 13th March and there may also [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8LB be committee meetings during March - residents are welcome to attend all meetings,

which are usually held at Gurnard Village Hall in Worsley Road. Check the Parish Mr Paul Fuller 74, Wyatts Lane Tel: 289595 [email protected] NORTHWOOD PO31 8QA notice board and/or the Parish Council’s website for meeting confirmation and the agendas. To remind you again the address is www.gurnardpc.co.uk. CLERK: Mr J Rusty Adams 20, Tennyson Close Tel: 567522 [email protected] RYDE PO33 3QB GURNARD SAILING CLUB

PARISH TREE WARDENS: Winter work at the club continues throughout the off-season. Mr Richard Bolwell 53, Worsley Road, Tel: 298559 Members have pitched in on two Sundays so far this year to help with [email protected] GURNARD PO31 8JX club maintenance. We’ve repainted the changing rooms, repaired parts of the building, had a good clear out and worked on the Mr Richard Day 20, Magdalen Crescent Tel: 295927 dinghy park. As a club that relies 100% on volunteers, it is heartening to see so many [email protected] COWES PO31 8EP willing members doing their bit. And we mustn’t forget the kitchen crew who spent the morning cooking a delicious curry for the outside workers to enjoy! The final club maintenance day is on Sunday 2 March which is the week before we start Gurnard Village Hall Association sailing again. Do come along and help if you can. The 7 volunteers who manage the Village Hall for Our final quiz night of the winter is on Friday 21 February and all are welcome. Gurnard Parish Council have been in post for 7 years and The long awaited start of the sailing season is almost upon us. We kick-off on Sunday some would like a chance to do other things before they 9th March with the first gun at 1020. Early season sailing is not for the faint hearted but grow too old! Would you consider stepping up and taking turn? ontact as long as you kit yourself out properly you will have great fun on the water. And for any current member of the GVHA (list in Village hall) or come along to the next meeting in those who are new to the sport or who are thinking about joining the club, please visit the Village Hall Thursday April 3rd from 7 p.m - our website www.gurnardsc.org.uk to find out more. Alternatively, drop in on any You will be most welcome. Sunday morning and chat to the regulars – you will be most welcome. Thank you Carolyn 16 13

officers and elected members at the IW Council on the sticky issue of how GURNARD VILLAGE HALL the 2 land parcels could be transferred. There is some uncertainty still as to (charity number XT 6178) what the criteria are here, and until the Parish Council knows this for certain there is unlikely to be any further progress. It is highly likely, now, that the The Village Hall at 50 Worsley Road is fully accessible for those with Parish Council’s Community Projects Committee will be asked to go out to disabilities including some parking outside the hall. The hall is equipped the local community again to consult on a couple of issues, so watch this space. with furniture and crockery for groups up to 100 with a small well equipped kitchen for

food service and an enclosed garden. It has an overhead projector, and a large ISLAND ROADS PFI WORKS IN GURNARD pull-down screen, P.A. system, and blue-ray player, for power-point presentations, home Looking on the Island Roads website for works in 2014 there are still only plans for day- videos etc. time work in Cockleton Lane, Woodvale Road and Princes Esplanade during the period The hall may be rented at £10 per hour, to see full T&C's go to gvhall.org.uk To book the January to March. Much, if not all, of this work is now completed - the website doesn’t hall call Liz Downer on 01983 295550 to report faults/damage or to donate time/money give times for any of the work but Island Roads states 3 weeks’ notice will be given on goods for sale on donations table telephone Carolyn Sibley 01983297154 or local notices for the works. They have been very busy with all the flooding problems and email [email protected] so the programme is now behind schedule.

MONDAY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF GURNARD ELECTORS 2014 1.30 – 3.30 p.m Art Group As mentioned last month the Annual Parish Meeting has been set for Thursday 24th April 5.30 - 6.30 Adult Tae Kwando Martial Arts at 7.30pm, at the Village Hall, and this is a great opportunity find out what your Parish Council has been up to the past year – please put this date in your diaries! Malcolm Smith, 7.00 – 9.00 p.m Art Group accompanied by either Rebecca Tuck or Louise Watson, will be coming to the meeting to TUESDAY give an update on the whole Island Roads PFI project, and will certainly be able to answer 10.AM. – 12 noon Spinney Quilters any queries you may have about how the work will impact, or has already impacted, upon 7.30 – 9.00 p.m International Dance Gurnard – do come along with some questions PLEASE! Refreshments will be served and nd th all Gurnard electors are welcome. (2 and 4 ) 1.45 - 3.45 Age Concern Social Group WEDNESDAY PARISH AWARD SCHEME 2014 10-12 noon Art Group The Parish Council has agreed to run the Parish Award Scheme again this year, and so it (1st And 3rd ) 2 - 4 p.m Cyber Cafe would be pleased to hear from residents who know of someone in the Village who is de- st !1 ) 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. Gurnard Cottage Garden Society serving of recognition in one way or another, particularly in ways of sacrificially serving rd others and the Gurnard community in some specific or general way – you may recall that 3 Wednesday Gurnard Bay W.I 6.30 – 9.30 p.m. Paul Savill was recognised in this way last year for his efforts above and beyond in many THURSDAY areas including his work in scouting. Please send your nominations in writing by e-mail or 9.30 – 11.a.m Yoga “snail-mail” to Rusty Adams ([email protected] or 20, Tennyson Close, RYDE, 12 - 1.30 Keep Active PO33 3QB, with as much detail as possible on the person and why he/she should be given 2ND Thursday C.A.M.E.O. 2 – 4 p.m. the award a.s.a.p., but by 31st March at the latest. 4.30 - 5.30 Juniors Tae Kwando Martial Arts AGE (UK) – FULFILLING LIVES LOTTERY BID Gurnard Parish Council 2nd and last Thursday 6.15 - 10p.m The Island has been shortlisted as one of 32 authorities to submit a bid to the National Lot- FRIDAY tery for funding of between £2M and £6M, to help tackle isolation and loneliness amongst First Friday in each month Gurnard Film Society 7.30 our more senior citizens, which can be a huge issue in communities. Age (UK) on the Is- 9.30 - 11.30 Parents and Toddlers land is looking for support for the bid, which can be shown by completing an on-line questionnaire survey. 2-4P.M. Ladies Choir Solent Singers There are 2 links for you, firstly for information about the bid: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/ isleofwight/isle-engage-share-ideas-change-lives/ and for the questionnaire to support the bid: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Isle-EngAGE. Paper copies are also available directly from Age UK in Newport – do call them on 525282. PLEASE DO HELP WITH THIS IF YOU CAN. 14 15 GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL any photos you have to [email protected]. GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL – CLERK TO THE COUNCIL The aim is to have an enhanced and varied gallery that all can be proud of 13 applications for the post of Clerk to the Council were received, which was and which gives a true flavour of what Gurnard is all about to all the website narrowed down to a short list of 4 candidates. Interviews were set for Friday 21st visitors. Some contributions have also been made on Twitter through the February and details of the person who will be Rusty’s successor will be pub- Neighbourhood Plan website so it is hoped all will share what they have - lished as soon as possible. many thanks in advance.

GURNARD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – VACANCY GREEN SLOT rd th The Gurnard Community Association is a charity set up by the Parish Council about 4 years To repeat last month’s notice, the annual “Climate Week” will run from 3 to 9 March, ago, specifically to fundraise for project work where a funding source may not be available to which has in past years attracted over 500,000 people to some 3,000 events planned the Parish Council, but where it is available to charities. This only meets once a year, until it across the country by communities, schools, businesses and charities. There is a chal- takes on a project when the frequency will increase slightly. lenge each year, and in 2013 it was to design the ultimate eco-home on paper, on screen Due to us losing a member from the association in May last year there is at least one vacancy, or in 3D and 200,000 people from 2,000 organisations took part! There is a choice of a but 2 could easily be accommodated. one-hour or a one-day challenge, and details of what these are will be e-mailed to groups If you have any interest in helping out in what is NOT a burdensome role, please do make con- that register intent to participate and awards are made for best business, best new product tact with Rusty Adams on 567522 or [email protected] to find out more. Many thanks or technology, best education or campaign initiative, best initiative from government or – Please help us with this. public services, best community initiative, best artistic response & most inspirational person. Check out the Climate Week website for more details: http:// NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN www.climateweek.com/challenge/ The Steering Group met on 23/1/14 & 11/2/14 and, at the time of writing, was due to meet again on 20/2/14. As most of you will know a great deal of work and con- SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICER AND ENVIRONMENT & NEIGHBOUR- sultation has been carried out over the 2 year period this project has been ongoing, HOODS OFFICER (ENO) but the Steering Group is feeling a little less than capable of using all the infor- PCSO Derek Howard was unable to attend the February meeting but he sent a short re- mation it has to feed into a document in a format that will pass scrutiny and examination. port which included crimes remaining low, with 4 being reported for January and total Accordingly the Steering Group has asked the Parish Council for some extra resources and sup- crimes have reduced by 9% from 63 to 57 for the year. The next surgery at Cowes Police port to finish this work off, which the Parish Council has agreed to do and has set some funds Station takes place on 6/3/14 from 6pm to 8pm. aside for this purpose in its budget for 2014/2015. Speedwatch operations in Rew Street have resulted in 2 warning letters being written, More details later on, but efforts are now underway to cost this project, before deciding how to and a demonstration of how the system worked took place at the bottom of Hilton Road proceed. Meanwhile attempts are being made to produce some visions, aims and objectives for on 17/2/14. the policy writing exercise, which is being undertaken by the Focus Groups. You can also join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GurnardNeighbourhoodPlan or twitter COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SCHEME @GurnardPlan (follow it on www.twitter.com/GurnardPlan) The No 32 service continues to operate, and thanks go to the regulars who donate to the running of the service and figures at the end of 2013 showed a 7% increase in passengers LITTER PICK EXERCISES and a 27% increase in donations. This money helps the local forum cover some associat- The next event will take place during the morning of Saturday 22nd March 2014, so please do ed costs such as driver travelling, medicals, licensing etc and also helps to fund the Satur- consider if you’d like to help out – the plan is to meet at the Village Hall in time for a 10am day service so many thanks again to those of you have been so generous. It is still start, and the areas to be worked upon will be decided on the day. DO come along and join in planned to run the service past the Aldi store, and Southern Vectis has undertaken to PLEASE! Bags etc will be provided. Equally PLEASE do continue to consider if you’d be pre- erect a bus stop sign outside the store soon. pared to have your name added to our list – it would be great to have a bank of people who we PLEASE NOTE: DRIVERS ARE STILL NEEDED ON A CONTINUING BASIS know would like to be of help in principle! Please let Rusty Adams know (567522) if you’d like FROM COWES, NORTHWOOD & GURNARD, so if anyone wants to put their your name adding to the list. name forward as a volunteer driver to be added to the waiting list, please call Rusty on 567522. WITHOUT DRIVERS, OUR BUS SCHEME WILL STOP! There are currently still not enough drivers to cover the Island’s 6 community bus schemes. GURNARD PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE – PHOTOS NEEDED PLEASE Just to repeat the plea from last month, the intention is to complement the photo galleries on the OPEN SPACES PROJECT website within the next few months – it is believed that there are some professional and enthusi- The new site plan is still on our website - go to www.gurnardpc.co.uk – click on astic amateur photographers amongst the Village residents, and so the plea is for you to email “projects” and then “school open spaces”. There has been no progress on this project during the past month, save to say that the Parish Council is still in dialogue with