The Earl Mountbatten Hospice 2012 Calendar

The Earl Mountbatten Hospice is the only Hospice on the Island caring for

over 1300 patients a year. In order to give this special care to our patients

we have to raise over £2 million each year. We are continually fundraising

and one way is by selling a Hospice Isle of Wight Calendar.

The Isle of Wight Photographic Calendar 2012 is now available, with

stunning Island views taken by acclaimed local photographer Chris

Boynton. Chris has worked with the Hospice for many years raising

thousands of pounds for our patient care by producing a yearly calendar

and donations from the sale of his Photo cards. This year’s calendar has

been redesigned for 2012 with larger photos and a lot more writing space.

These beautiful calendars are priced at just £4.50 each and are available

at many retail outlets across the Island including the Hospice Charity

Shops in Newport, Cowes, Wootton, Ryde, Freshwater and Ventnor and the

Hospice fundraising office on 528989.

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The Earl Mountbatten Hospice 2012 Calendar is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Personalised letter from Father Christmas or Santa is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Made on the Isle of Wight is the only one-stop shop for all Island products.  With a focus on quality, the shop stocks produce and products from more than 130 different suppliers working on the Island. Nothing in the shop travels more than 21.5 miles from supplier to shelf.  There is a good range of wholesome local food, including Dunsbury Lamb and the Island Bacon Company’s bacon and sausages; free-range Brownrigg eggs and a freezer full of Island made ice cream and puddings.

As well as feeding the family, Made on the Isle of Wight is a brilliant place to buy presents, with gifts starting at £2.25 for a decorated notebook.  Ideas include scented candles, bags, ceramic bowls, chopping boards, jewellery, paintings and photographic prints.  Very popular in the children’s range are the Isle of Wight colouring maps, £1.95 and Rooby’s colouring skirts, £14.95.  There are seasonal items, for instance hand-made nesting boxes, £17.95 and locally grown plants will be on sale from the spring, together with planters, trugs and obelisks.

Most of the products are also available in Made on the Isle of Wight’s online shop: www.madeonisleofwight.com <http://www.madeonisleofwight.com>

Made on the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Made on the Isle of Wight

A new company, Made on the Isle of Wight, has brought together the work of about 80 growers, producers and craftsmen under one roof.

“We have created the Island’s first one-stop-shop selling the best of absolutely everything that is grown or made here,” says the company’s founder and managing director, Robin Courage.

“Our stock will come from all corners of the Island and will range from fresh vegetables to sculpture. There are areas of the shop dedicated to food, cosmetics, wood-work, textiles, ceramics and jewellery.”

The Made on the Isle of Wight shop is in Bullen Road, outside Ryde. It is a stunning space with a nautical feel to it, created by talented local builder and yachtsman, Richard Parr.

The shelves are stocked with some of the Island’s best known names, among them The Isle of Wight Cheese Company and Molly Attrill. But suppliers also include craftsmen working on a smaller scale, like Frank Heap who whittles decorative pencils, dibbers and bird-feeders from wood coppiced on his own land. And there will also be products made by young Islanders just starting out in business, including Ruby Jane who set up her company making colouring-in skirts and retro-inspired cushions earlier this year, and Tracy Stockdale of The Isle of Wight Truffle Company who will be delivering her first handmade chocolates to Made on the Isle of Wight at the beginning of December.

“I believe we are the only outlet on the Island that is solely devoted to selling Island produce and products,” says Courage who will also be launching an online shop.

“And I hope it will become a favourite with local people and a new and inspiring destination for visitors.”

www.madeonisleofwight.com

Made on the Isle of Wight new shop opened in time for Christmas! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Elfmade’s Father Christmas letters are so magical and authentic that there will be no doubt in your child’s mind that Father Christmas is real and watching over their every move. Each letter is uniquely hand written and illustrated using traditional inks on a beautifully authentic parchment. The letter comes in a luxury ivory envelope addressed to your child.

The envelope bears a unique hand illustrated stamp and the authentic “Santa’s Post Office – North Pole” postage stamp. On the reverse the envelope is sealed with Santa’s own monogram red wax seal. The letter will be written to your specifications, illustrated, sealed in its envelope and then packaged in a padded envelope and posted to yourself, so that you may place the letter in the appropriate place to fit your family stories and traditions. Upon ordering a Father Christmas letter, Elfmade will email you some questions that you can answer and define the details to be included in your child’s letter. please contact us on www.elfmade.co.uk Tel: 07585508220 or 01983 754387

Father Christmas letters is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Victorian Festival of Christmas

The Victorian era is considered the golden age for Christmas as well as children’s literature and book illustration and with this in mind Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is inviting visitors to step into the magical world of the Victorian Festival of Christmas, taking place on Friday 26^th – Sunday 28^th November, and explore their very own Wonderland.Entering its 11^th Chapter, the ‘Victorian Festival of Christmas’ will not only celebrate 150 years since the launch of HMS Warrior 1860, but also the colourful characters of childhood memories and in true ‘Christmas Carol’ tradition the past can become an extra special Christmas present with a saving of 10% if booking before the end of October 2010.

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself – Extract from A Christmas Carol

Organisers invite visitors to relive the magic of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, but beware the pirate ships; enter the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter’s illustrations and venture into The Secret Garden – complete with farm!

The playful can jump into scenes from the film classic, Mary Poppins, complete with chimney sweeps, chalk paintings, a carousel and beautiful display of kites souring above HMS Victory.

It is advised that you don’t arrive late to join Alice and the March Hare at The Mad Hatters Tea Party; you can always follow the Pied Piper and his merry tunes to get there! Or for those who enjoy their characters to be more sensible they can gather around for classic readings of Dickens and Sherlock Holmes.

There will be snow in the air and underfoot to recreate the festive spirit of times gone-by as visitors stroll down the Victorian Street to where they will find rest and merriment (and maybe a real ale) at Fagin’s Tavern and enjoy a sing-a-long and bawdy Music Hall-style entertainment.

No-one is too old to visit Father Christmas and he is waiting, complete in green dress, to find out those who’ve been naughty or nice and give gifts from his grotto aboard HMS Warrior 1860.

The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will fill the air, as will the sounds of carol singers, music and performances at every turn, bringing the Victorian age to life.

The story is brought up-to-date with a glorious bazaar of arts, crafts, festive food and drink and unique Christmas gifts for loved ones at the European-style Christmas shopping markets.

Tickets include entrance to the world-class attractions, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and also included this year; a boat tour around Portsmouth Harbour.

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside and his quiet home!

Excerpt from The Pickwick Papers, Chapter 28

If booking before the end of October visitors can save 10%. Tickets are priced at: adult £12.15 (advance), £13.50 thereafter, senior and child £10.35 advance, £11.50 thereafter, family £37.35, £41.50 thereafter.

Further information and ticket booking can be found on the website www.christmasfestival.co.uk

A Victorian Festival of Christmas is supported by Wave 105.

Victorian Festival of Christmas Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Welcome to Preview Boutique Newport. Women’s Clothing Boutique. A little of what you need … A lot of what you want. Sam and her staff welcome you into a warm and friendly atmosphere, offering a personalised service and honest advice.Step inside Preview Boutique and you are surrounded by a stunning selection of unusual day and evening wear for the woman that wants to stand out from the crowd.

The new Autumn/winter collection ranges from casual knitwear, denim and shirts to party and evening dresses. Chic, classic and cool, be on trend this season. You may also want Indulge yourself in our exquisite costume jewellery range, unusual handbags and pashmina’s. They also make the perfect Christmas gift. Can’t find that perfect present ? Treat someone you love to one of our gift vouchers this Christmas. If you have any questions, queries or special requests, send us an email at shop@preview-boutique.co.uk. Or why not drop in and enter your details in our visitors book and receive updates on collections and discounted evenings. www.preview-boutique.co.uk Preview Boutique at 60 The High Street, Newport & 53 Marmion Road, Southsea

Preview Boutique Newport is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

THREE LUCKY SHOPPERS WILL WIN NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

BARGAIN-DASH, THIS WEEKEND

Saturday 9 October sees the return of the NCT’s Autumn Nearly New Sale…with a twist.

The Island branch of the parenting charity is running a competition for three lucky shoppers to win free entry to the sale of pre-loved baby, children’s and maternity clothes and equipment.

The prize will also offer an exclusive 5 minute bargain dash.  Before everyone else is allowed through the doors, the three winners will be given 5 minutes to pick out the best of the sale items (Please note: Winners will be able to continue shopping after their 5 minutes is up. Winners will still need to buy their bargains in the normal way – but they’ll be able to do that at the end of their 5 minute dash).

To be in with a chance of winning, you’ll need to arrive before 11am.  Raffle tickets will be handed out to the first 30 people in the queue.  The draw will be made by ISLE OF WIGHT RADIO’S PAUL TOPPING before the bargain dash gets underway, at 11.25am.

Only three people can win the prize – winners won’t be allowed the help of their family and friends during the 5 minute bargain dash!

The NCT’s Nearly New Sale takes place on Saturday 9 October, at the Riverside Centre in Newport, between 11.30am-1:30pm.  You don’t have to be an NCT member to bag a bargain. visit their Facebook page, or visit www.wightnct.org.uk.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

FLEX DANCEWEAR, SHANKLIN The opening of a new dancewear shop in Shanklin means that specialist dance clothing,shoes and accessories are now available right here on the Island. Dancing, whether it’s for exercise, competition, performance or just for fun has never beenmore popular but until recently, people looking for a well stocked, specialist dancewearoutlet have had to travel to the mainland or shop mail order. That all changed when FlexDancewear of 43, High Street, Shanklin (near the pet shop) opened it’s doors in April2010. When deciding what to stock, shop owner Charlotte Back spoke to the experts, includingdance teachers, professional performers and of course the many keen young dancers onthe Island. Flex is now an authorised stockist for Bloch, Capezio, Freed and Pineapple. If you pop into the shop you’ll normally be greeted by Michelle or Sammie, bothexperienced dancers with a wealth of knowledge, they’re always willing to offer help andadvice. For more information see www.flexdance.co.uk or find them on Facebookwww.facebook.com/FlexDancewear. All in all a welcome addition to Shanklin’s HighStreet.

FLEX DANCEWEAR, SHANKLIN is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Is there another iPhone glitch? Users charged £100s for ‘surfing web’ overseas when internet switched OFF

Consumer revenge website MoneySavingExpert.com is warning iPhone users to beware a possible glitch that could see them returning from their summer holidays with a shock bill for surfing the web on their handset, even if they’ve turned off that facility.

The site has been flooded this week with complaints from consumers, after we highlighted the problem on Wednesday, who say they’ve followed all the necessary steps to avoid charges on various versions of the iPhone but have still come home to sky-high bills.

Many who have complained to their network have got a refund.

In the worst case we’ve seen, one user says she was charged almost £1,500 even though she’d turned off data roaming on her phone throughout her trip to the US.

Turning off data roaming means you can’t download internet data on a handset overseas using a mobile network, but you can search the web on wifi, though this shouldn’t trigger charges from your network.

MoneySavingExpert.com is calling on iPhone manufacturer Apple and the UK mobile industry to investigate this problem and work to prevent further charges.

Despite numerous calls and emails to Apple it has failed to offer an explanation or a solution.

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, comments:

“Those who have paid when they shouldn’t have, should contact their network immediately and demand a refund.

“In some cases, we’re hearing the networks are paying out without too much argument, which could indicate this is a known problem. Let’s hope it does not get brushed under the carpet.”

Complaints flooding in

We first uncovered the data roaming problem in April after a member of the MSE team was wrongly billed while overseas despite following all the steps to prevent charges on his iPhone (see the iPhone charges MSE news story).

Since that story, we have received many more complaints from users who have experienced similar charges, culminating in a massive spike this week.

O2, which has more iPhone customers than any other network, admits there was a fault with software last summer that led to erroneous charges, but it says this has now been fixed for those with updated software.

However, complaints are still coming in from its customers and those on other networks.

Three steps to avoid mobile internet charges abroad

You should take three steps before you leave the UK, though if this problem is not rectified or you’ve downloaded unauthorised software you could still be charged.

• Ensure your software is up-to-date. When you plug your phone into iTunes you will be alerted to any new software updates. Then follow the on-screen prompts. O2 says a fault in a previous iPhone software version led to erroneous charges, though it has now been fixed, we’re told.
• Switch off the data roaming function on your handset BEFORE you leave the UK and keep it off. While it is on, some apps trigger data downloading even when you’re not browsing the web. You may also be downloading emails inadvertently.
When you buy an iPhone, data roaming should be ‘off’ by default. You can check by going to settings ? general ? network.
• Ensure your emails are set to manually retrieve message. This will stop it happening by surprise in case you turn data roaming on.

Information sent to us by www.moneysavingexpert.com

Is there another iPhone glitch? is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures – children’s picture book

Isle of Wight based publisher Beachy Books have published their first children’s picture book called Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures, following the adventures of two children collecting found treasures washed ashore by the sea. The book also includes a beach spotter guide and family seaside ideas.

Island residents, author and illustrator, Philip and Eleanor Bell, wrote the book to celebrate family beach trips in the Isle of Wight and the Sussex coast over the years. Philip says, “The story is inspired by my own observations of our children and my memories of happy days on the beach as a child.”

Eleanor says, “The visual style is very unique and came to us while looking back through our own family photos. I drew Jack and Boo using our children as a reference to give a realistic feel.”

The book has already had a successful book signing at Waterstones and more are planned this year, and the council have also just ordered copies to sell in all of the island’s tourist information centres.

The book is available to buy in local Waterstones and Tourist Information Centres, and via on-line bookshops. To find out more about Jack and Boo please visit www.beachybooks.com.

Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

An unprecedented demand for FISH’s (www.fishcowes.co.uk) fresh crab and lobsters today resulted in several of the creatures taking a taxi ride from Cowes to Shalfleet. FISH currently offer fresh, local and sustainably caught fish and shell fish from The Dairy Deli Farm Shop in Shalfleet as well as their main outlet in Cowes High Street. As both the Cowes and the Shalfleet FISH staff were up to their eyes in customers neither had time to go and restock.  Therefore TJ Taxi’s stepped into the fishy breach and drove several crabs and lobsters safely to their Farm Shop destination.

Andrew Pink owner of FISH commented ‘My main concern was the rules about seat belts and shell fish, but the priority is to keep our customers happy in both Cowes and our West Wight branch ‘The Dairy Deli’’

For further info call Andrew 07817 339959 or Louise 07872 835353

Lobsters Won’t Wear Seatbelts is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

90% happy to deal in black economy – huge challenge for new govt Poll of over 10,000 shows most will pay in cash to help others evade tax

In a massive poll on consumer revenge site MoneySavingExpert.com, 87% of people said they would happily pay in cash to get a discount, even if the person told them it was for criminal tax evasion.

Among that group, around a quarter said they would use it as an opportunity to haggle for an even larger discount.

This comes at a time when the new administration faces a huge job to cut the £156 billion budget deficit. Earlier this week, the coalition announced £6.2 billion of cuts to public spending.

The question asked was: “What would you do if a builder / masseuse / cleaner / plumber / market stall holder or anyone else offered you a 15% discount because ‘it’s better in my pocket than in the taxman’s'?”

Of the 11,285 who responded…

• 65% would take the discount
• 22% would haggle and ask for a bigger discount
• 10% would refuse it
• 3% would report it as tax fraud

Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert.com creator, says:

“Mention the black economy and people think of countries like Greece or the developing world – yet this is proof illicit transactions probably worth billions happen in the UK too. This is a real challenge for the new government’s austerity drive. While increasing tax take is important, most don’t see putting some cash in a back pocket as too bad, so a crackdown is likely to be highly unpopular.

“Even amongst the small number who’d refuse to take part in the transaction, some commented it was because they’d explicitly been told it was for tax evasion, and had it been left unsaid it wouldn’t have been a problem. It’s interesting to note, as a society, there seems to be an acceptable historic tradition of paying someone ‘tax-free’ while coming down hard on those who play with the benefits system. Actually, they’re two sides of the same coin.

Take a look at www.moneysavingexpert.com

MoneySavingExpert.com is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Off Peak? Travel to the mainland for lots to do with all the family. Travel for less at Weekends with Hovertravel.From £6.00 per Adult from Ryde ,From £4.50 per Child from Ryde Terms & Conditions apply: Off Peak offer available any time at weekends up to 31st March. Prices stated here are the lowest prices available and may vary during the period of the offer. Day Return only. Non-refundable. Offer not to be used in conjuction with any other offer, discount or concession. check outwww.hovertravel.com for the lowest fares available.

Hovertravel -travel for less at Weekends is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

When VAT was temporarily reduced to 15%, the Chancellor added 2% duty to fuel to offset the reduction in tax collected from motorists.

Now that VAT has been increased back to 17.5% again this hidden tax has not been removed – hence recent rises in your fuel costs.

Sign the petition at the link below to have this stealth tax removed !

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/DutyReduction/

Please pass this on to your friends

VAT is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hello, my name is Anne and I work in the Shanklin shop of Goodyears Outdoors. I’ve been living on the Island for over 30 years and I’ve seen some changes.

Steve and Ruth (my brother and his wife) opened up a small shop in Lake (if anyone remembers it was the old Buckett’s Train shop) in 1995. They started out with wet weather clothing and a few camping bits and pieces. They realised that the shop wasn’t big enough so they moved to Shanklin where they expanded into more clothing, walking boots, stoves, lights, army surplus and more.

The shop was at bursting point so they opened up a unit at Lake Industrial Way and introduced more camping and caravan equipment – from tents, tables, air-beds to caravan ramps, taps, water pumps and much more.

Last October we moved our camping and caravan equipment from Lake Industrial Way to the bottom of Sandown, in College Close (past Wight Motors). Here we have more storage and a much bigger shop. We are in the process of planning our new outside tent display which will be available for our customers to view from Easter. We will also be expanding our range of furniture and caravan spares.

Our shop in Shanklin, now in it’s 10th year, has a selection of outdoor clothing, walking boots, rucksacks, Army Surplus and survival gear. We will also be having a great selection of Weird Fish clothing coming in for the Spring.

In 2007 we invested in a brand new website and now we are in the process of developing it to feature all the stock – www.goodyears.co.uk. We aim to get orders out within 48 hours of being paid for (many are dispatched within 24 hours). We only charge £4.95 for delivery, however many items you order. You can even sign up for our newsletter with all special offers.

At the moment we have a sale of tents and sleeping bags, so come and pay us a visit and have a look….

I love my job and the nice people that come into Goodyears Outdoors, we are here to help people with big or small problems and if we can’t help we might even know of someone that can.

If you live on the Island or you are on holiday why not come and pay us a visit…

Or if you can’t manage to visit us you can contact us by phone – College Close on 01983 408181 or Shanklin on 01983 861212 or on the above website. Anne.

Get ready for the warmer weather to come! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk