The Isle of Wight Council have recently shared the link below at their ‘Environment and Sustainability Forum’:
https://www.solarsim.co.uk › faqs
By following the link, you will be able to enter your postcode and receive an assessment of whether your home would be suitable for Solar Panels or not… unfortunately, here on the ‘Hill’ we are told we are not but it may suit some properties!
Thanks to the efforts of local resident Lara Sussman (who is keen to point out that it was a joint community effort with funding coming from both private individuals and the Seaview Regatta) there is now a defibrillator situated on the toilet block – managed by the parish council – at Seagrove Bay.
Defibrillator In Situ at Seagrove Bay
Lara approached the council with the proposal of having a defibrillator situated at the popular spot and the council happily resolved to have the device on the block and keep it maintained on an ongoing basis. Thanks also to Clean Wight Cleaning http://www.cleanwightcleaning.co.uk/ who have agreed to perform the daily visual inspections to ensure that the device is ready for use. The defibrillator has been registered with ‘The Circuit’ https://www.thecircuit.uk/ and as a result the ambulance service will be able to direct people to it in an emergency.
Defibrillator Box In Cabinet
If you find yourself in an emergency situation at Seagrove Bay where the defibrillator could help, dial 999 or 112 and follow the instructions provided.
| Isle of Wight Council libraries will appear a bit more like their old selves from Monday (19 July).
Opening hours are going to be extended and there will no longer be limits on the number of people who can be in the building at any one time. Other changes will see the return of comfortable seating in the adult and children’s libraries, study tables will be available and people will be able to read the day’s newspapers. Computers will be available for free use and Islanders can once again look forward to the start of library events and activities for groups, families and children later in the year. Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet lead for libraries, said: “When you visit your local library, please follow a few sensible COVID-19 precautions to keep yourself and other customers safe. “Sanitise your hands on arrival, zap the NHS Test and Trace app or fill in a very small contact details form, and please continue to wear a face covering for your own safety and the safety of people around you.” The council is reintroducing the 60p reservation charge on books from 19 July, but is extending the fines amnesty until the autumn. |
Cowes Library – Mon/Tues/Fri, 10am until12.30pm / 1.30pm until5pm, Sat 10am until 4.30pm. Freshwater Library – Tues/Weds/Fri, 9.30am until 12.30pm / 1.30pm until 4.30pm, Sat 9.30am until 12.30pm. Lord Louis Library, Newport – Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri, 9am until 5.30pm, Sat 9am until 5pm. Ryde Library – Mon/Tues/Fri, 9am until 5.30pm, Weds 10.30am until 7pm, Sat 9am until 5pm. Sandown Library – Tues/Thurs/Fri, 9am until 12.30pm / 1.30pm until 5pm, Sat 9am until 12.30pm / 1.30pm until 4.30pm. Ventnor Library – Tues/Fri, 9.30am until 12.30pm / 1.30pm until 5pm, Weds 1pm until 6pm, Sat 9.30am until 12.30pm / 1.30pm until 4.30pm. |
Most of the anticipated easing of restrictions are delayed until 19 July. This is to monitor infections and hospitalisation data and continue the vaccination rollout.
The exceptions are for weddings and funerals, which can still go ahead with more than 30 guests, but social distancing must remain in place. Some pilot events (e.g. Euro 2020; some theatrical performances) will still take place
Read more about the current restrictions on the government website.
It is vital to keep following the rules of hands, face, space and fresh air – this will help keep the Island safe.
If you’re going out, keep a safe distance from people who aren’t friends and family.
Wear a face covering when required or where social distancing is difficult.
Meet outside where possible. Stick to six people or two households when meeting indoors and let fresh air in.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Vaccinations are now being offered to UK adults age 18 and over. Please book via the NHS UK website or by calling 119.
The government aim by 19 July is:
Vaccines have been shown to be effective against all variants. It is important to have both doses for full protection.
It is not too late for older people to get their first dose. Please encourage friends, family and colleagues to get vaccinated.
Weekly data is published on Isle of Wight Council’s Facebook page on a Tuesday.
Data published on Tuesday 15 June 2021: https://www.facebook.com/isleofwightcouncil/posts/4087192324669634
If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms please take a twice weekly rapid response Lateral Flow Test (LFT). Tests are free and can be taken in store or collected from pharmacies. Use your postcode and this map to find your nearest participating pharmacy. Please report test results whether negative or positive.
If you have symptoms you must self-isolate and book a PCR test. The ZOE COVID symptom study suggests that Delta variant symptoms may also include headaches, a sore throat, and a runny nose.
Self-isolation can be very difficult especially if you have financial, work, family or mental health worries. Help is available via the Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline on 01983 823600 or by emailing [email protected]
If you’re worried about money because you’ve been asked to self-isolate, or you need to look after a child who is self-isolating, financial support is available via the Isle of Wight Council website.
Self-isolation is a legal requirement If you test positive for coronavirus or have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
More online information about self-isolation is available.
The Accessible/Baby changing toilet cubicle at Seagrove Bay is temporarily locked due to vandalism – the alternative cubicle remains open.
Engineers are already engaged with assessing the damage and the best course of action for re-opening the cubicle safely. We will re-open the cubicle as soon as possible.
N&S PC – 15.06.21
Following a safety inspection, the play area is closed on Health & Safety grounds whilst repairs are carried out.
We apologise for the temporary loss of this facility and we aim to have it open again by the weekend or as soon as it is safe to do so.
N&S PC – 07/06/2021
Order and collect will resume at Isle of Wight Council libraries from next week.
The service has always been popular but it is now providing the means to safely get more library books into the hands of readers.
From Monday (29 March), residents can order books by emailing their requests to [email protected] or by calling one of the six libraries directly.
You must provide your library card number, a contact telephone number and a description of the item/s you wish to order.
Residents can still request items via the online library catalogue in the usual way. Charges have been suspended for this service while library buildings remain closed.
Rob Jones, library service manager, said: “Once we have received your order we will try our best to get the items you want, whether this be books by a particular author or on a subject or genre.
“When we have selected the items you will receive a telephone call to arrange a mutually convenient time to come and collect them.”
Staff will quarantine returned items as recommended for 72 hours before they are returned to the shelves, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Staff will also be cleaning their hands regularly while selecting items and packing them to ensure customers are protected as much as possible.
Rob added: “Losing yourself in a book is great way of escaping from all the stresses and strains of the present situation. For children, reading is essential for their continuing development and education — and a wonderful way to keep them occupied.
“Order and collect is just the first step on the road to recovery for our libraries and we will monitor and review its success as we look to bring more services back to our libraries over the next few months.
“We look forward to welcoming you back.”
For more details, please ring library headquarters on (01983) 823824 or email: [email protected]
In response to multiple instances of trees being felled in the local area, a group of like-minded individuals are forming a group of ‘Tree Guardians’ to keep an eye on the trees in their area of the villages – if you would like to become part of the collective, please contact the clerk here: [email protected] and your details can be passed onto fellow members.
Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks?
Walking in the Isle of Wight www.walkinginengland.co.uk/wight is the website for you!
With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.
John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in the Isle of Wight (part of the Walking in England suite of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk) – one for each county in England) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.
With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.
So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!
John Harris
email: [email protected]
