The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

2014 Edition of a guide to Bembridge & St Helens on the Isle of Wight

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by Bembridge Business Association, 2017-05-24 10:44:08

Bembridge & St Helens Guide 2014

2014 Edition of a guide to Bembridge & St Helens on the Isle of Wight

Keywords: St helens,Isle of Wight,Bembridge

BEMBRIDGE &
ST HELENS
GUIDE
2014

Published by the Bembridge Business Association 1

www.bembridge.org

Perfect for a relaxing
breakfast, lunch & evening meal... by the waters edge
and only a 5 minute stroll along the shore from the marina

2

BEMBRIDGE & ST HELENS GUIDE 2014

Acknowledgements Welcome & the BBA 3/5
Visiting & Walking in our Area 7
The Bembridge Business Association would like to Palmer Memorial
thank everyone who has contributed to this venture. Diary 11
Particular thanks are due to all the companies and Map 12
organisations that have supported the Guide by Recycled Materials! 16
advertising and granting permission to use their Solar Farm 19
material including photographs and illustrations by Bembridge 21
John Board, Brian Langford, Sue McLagan, Old Mill Blackberry Festival 23
Holiday Park, Carol Pearce, Gerry Price, Carol and Canon Andrew Menniss 29
Chris Turvey, Ben Wood (Island Images) and many of World War I & Flying Stations 30
our members and others. St Helens 33
Treasure Hunt 37
BBA website: www.bembridge.org Britten-Norman Islander 39
Published by: Windmills Preschool 43
Bembridge Business Association © 2014 Culver and Bembridge Downs 44
Typeset and designed by: The Harbour 45
Desktop Studio Ltd MFV "My Way" 50
Woodnutts, The Duver, St Helens. PO33 1YB Fishing 53
and printed by: On the Water 54
Island Printers Ltd Tide Tables 56
Tides – How they work? 58
Every care has been taken in compiling this Our Beaches 60
publication and its contents which were believed Bembridge CE Primary – WW2 61
to be correct at the time of printing. Accommodation 64
No responsibility can be accepted for any The Old Mill Holiday Park 65
inaccuracies. Views or opinions expressed in this Members' Directory 68
guide are those of its contributors and authors and Local & Emergency Numbers 72
do not necessarily represent BBA policy. Advertisers Index 77
For additional copies of this guide please contact 79

desktop studio

email: [email protected]
or telephone: 01983 872225

Are you thinking of buying or selling a house?
Making or updating a Will? Arranging Power of Attorney?
Needing advice on Inheritance Tax or assistance with Probate?

A J Careless Solicitors

(Incorporating Christina A. Pay and Careless & Kemp Solicitors)
Come and see us at the

Bembridge Methodist Church Hall, Foreland Road
On 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month between 2pm – 4pm
Please phone 873188 to book a time or for other appointments

(Home Visits available)

REMOVALS & STORAGE

Experienced
Since 1924

www.laceysremovals.co.uk

Home & Office
Removals & Storage
Over 80 years
experience within the
same family

Island ¾ Mainland ¾ Worldwide
Please call for a free estimate
or advice

01983 872663

42 High Street, Bembridge
Project2:ILsaleyoouftW1igh1t8,/P1O0/31535S1F1:23 Page 1

Bembridge 01983 875000

Sherbourne House
email: [email protected] Street
fax 01983 875111 Bembridge
hrdiwTe.cl o01.u98k3 875000 · Fax PO35 5RZ
01983 875111
BSheemrbboriudrghneoesPeH-Obrohe3oum5dse5besR-r,[email protected]·.Shctordr.eiuwek.tc,o.uk

4

Welcome

to the 2014 edition of the Bembridge & St Helens Guide

Hi – I would like to introduce myself, I am Chairman of the BBA (Bembridge
Business Association) and my name is Gail Wade, I run the Barbers shop – right
in the centre of Bembridge and also live here with Simon Cooper, his two
children and two dogs and I mustn't forget 'Granny in the Annexe'!
Just to share with you what our area means to me, can be summarised in a few
words "it is all my home" – we are (or try to be) a big family working together
to benefit us all and always look forward to welcoming visitors and guests.
In coming to Bembridge and St Helens there's no need to bring anything with you, we have a
plethora of shops – over six miles of sandy beaches and rocky ledges and with direct access to the
Solent, we can offer you powerboat and fishing trips, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and all manner
of other entertainment on the water. On the land, there's horse riding, sand yachting, kites, zumba,
archery and many other sports or just the opportunity to cycle or walk through our leafy lanes.
Time for food: there's takeaways, amazing beach cafés, pubs and restaurants and delicious seafood
direct from the fishing boats. Our area is seeped in history with one of the few remaining K1 phone
boxes, the only Windmill on the Isle of Wight, we have many memorials and Blue Plaques that
adorn the area, in Bembridge there is a Heritage Centre and St Helens has an active Historical
Society. Bembridge is also home to a state of the art RNLI Lifeboat – both Simon and myself are
members of the volunteer crew.
There's so much to do you really need not venture further than Bembridge and St Helens.

Gail Wade,
Chairman, Bembridge Business Association

Website Design Print & Office Services

Promote your business Woodnutts • The Duver • St Helens • PO33 1YB
Attract new customers and keep existing ones Est. 1998

A well designed website is probably the most For all your typing, printing and
cost effective way of promoting your business. desktop publishing needs ...

Whether you need a simple one or two page site, Very short print runs are our speciality
or something more complex, we are here to help. From small booklets to full size magazines
Business and personal stationery,
We can also review and redesign your existing Brochures, flyers, posters and more
site to ensure it meets your current needs, and Colour and mono photocopying
the expectations of users of your website. Document scanning & binding
Large format Giclée Fine Art & photo printing
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Call us today to discuss your project ...
www.vectis-webdesign.com
01983 873853 01983 872225
[email protected]

Production & Typesetting of the Bembridge & St Helens Guide

5

Grove Mews, Sherbourne Street, Bembridge

Telephone: 01983 875859

Contact
Mark Willey
(Solicitor)

Full members of:
SOLICITORS FOR THE ELDERLY

‘In the heart of the village for the heart of the people’

The Bembridge
Law Practice

2 Offices in Ryde
always friendly and approachable

Specialising in:
• All Property matters
• Probate
• Wills & Trusts
• Affairs of the Elderly
• Lasting Powers of Attorney

Your Local Village Lawyers & Commissioners for Oaths
www.terencewilley.co.uk

email: [email protected]

6

Bembridge Business Association (BBA)

representing businesses in Bembridge and St Helens

The BBA is a thriving and vibrant Business Association in the EastWight – with a current membership
of close on 150 – we are one of the largest Business Associations on the Island.

The Association was formed in 1997 by a group of Bembridge businesses, members were required
to have premises in the parish of Bembridge, now that has been extended to include the parish
of St Helens – so as to include the whole of Bembridge Harbour. Our members range in size from
sole traders through to larger internationally operating businesses and are engaged in business
within a wide variety of sectors.

The Association gives an opportunity to network with other local business; we normally hold
four 'Socials' a year including the AGM, a Christmas Party and a summer and autumn event. We
undertake various projects and campaigns to help business in our two villages.

Annually the BBA provide the Christmas Lights in the Bembridge including the Lights of Love.

We produce 20,000 copies of this Guide which are distributed, locally and 'far and wide'!

Each year we support 'needs' in the village, including recently £1,000 to Windmills Preschool to
assist with the refurbishment of their new premises.

Some years ago we undertook the campaign to keep Lloyds Bank in Bembridge, we still have the
bank.
Amongst others we have recently donated to Bembridge & St Helens Guide
causes of the local Scouts, BYCC and the Library. Compared to other similar publications
our, advertising costs in this Guide are
We have a Facebook page, members are welcome over 50% cheaper! The Guide is produced
to promote their events and special offers, do by a sub-committee with much of the
make use of it (Bembridge & St Helens Guide). work undertaken for 'free' or at reduced
Coming shortly is our new upgraded website – costs through our members. To advertise
now well underway with lots of local info and links, in this guide or if you wish to joint the
Association contact any committee member
members will also be able to upload information. or visit our website: www.bembridge.org

The Committee at our excellent Christmas Party: Tim Woodcock (Hon Treasurer), Heather Wilson, Jon Guy,
David Groom (Hon Sec & M'ship Sec), Gail Wade (Chairman), Gerry Price, Caroline Scott-Jackson, Sue McLagan,

Jim Robinson, Robin Maconchy; not present: Lynsey Burden and Carol Pearce
7

Bembridge Lifeboats

ILB – D class (Inflatable) Beam: 5.3m​
D-649 "Dorothy Beatrice May Gorman" Draught: 1.4m
Displacement: 32 tonnes
Commenced operations in Bembridge 2005 Max speed: 25 knots
Launched with tractor trolley combination Fuel capacity: 4,600 litres​

Engine: single 50hp outboard R​ ange: 250 nautical miles​
Crew: 2-3​
Length:​ 5m​ E​ ngines: 2 x Caterpillar C18, diesel
& hydraulic bow thruster
Beam/width: ​2m Extra capacity: Self-righting – 44
Displacement:​ 463kg
Max speed:​ 25 knots Non self-righting – 118

Fuel capacity:​ 68 litres Fitted with AIS and an integrated electronic
Range: ​3 hours (at max. speed) SIMS so the crew can monitor, operate and
Extra capacity: ​ 5 control many of the boat’s systems from their
shock-mitigating seats via a joystick/trackball.
Equipment includes VHF DSC, chart plotter,
night-vision equipment and first aid kit The Tamar carries an Inflatable 'Y boat'
including oxygen.
Length: 3.0m (9.8 ft)
ALB – Tamar Class Propulsion: 15hp outboard
"Alfred Albert Williams" Range: Within visual range of ALB
Complement: 2
Commenced operations in Bembridge 2010
Slipway launched from the new Boat House Comprehensive first aid equipment includes
stretchers, oxygen and Entonox and other
Crew:​ 7 equipment.
Length: 16.3m​

Bembridge Lifeboat Station

Boathouse & Shop
Open Every Day

2.00pm – 4.00pm
* 11.00am – 4.00pm

* School Holidays,
Half-terms & 1st July

– 28th September

For latest information and details of training launches, follow us on bembridgelifeboat.org.uk

@BembridgeRNLI www.tinyurl.com/ Bembridge
BembridgeRNLI Lifeboat Station

8

Just some of the reasons for visiting Bembridge

Browse through the pages of this Guide for so
much to do whilst you're in our area.
Gail, our chairman has already given you an
insight to what's on offer, being located on
the Eastern tip of the IW, our long coastline
is sheltered from the prevailing winds and
we have many opportunities of enjoying the
Solent, whether on the water in a boat, on
waterskis or a kayak, on the beach, fishing, just
relaxing, building sandcastles, exploring rock
pools and even sand yachting.
Equally for those less keen on sand and water
we have miles of lanes and paths for walking,
cycling, Segways, horse riding, dog-walking,
children's play parks and all sorts else. Our
Heritage Centre is well worth a visit, ourWindmill
(see below), there's blue plaque buildings and
monuments – particularly in 2014 our War
Memorial in Bembridge remembering those
who gave their life in WW1. Accommodation
in the area includes B & Bs, houseboats, self-
catering, hotel and holiday parks.

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846. Bembridge Windmill

windmills Bembridge Bembridge Windmill, on the outskirts of the
Windmill village, commands panoramic views of Culver
and Bembridge Downs.
Open 15 Mar-2 Nov Built in the early 1700s from local island stone,
10.30am-5pm (last entry the mill is known as a 'Cap' or 'Tower' mill
4.30pm) which means that the whole of the cap and the
Four floors to explore, 'sweeps' (sails) could be turned into the wind.
children's trails, gift & The mill produced flour and animal feeds
refreshment kiosk up until 1913 and still contains much of the
original wooden machinery. Since then the
01983 873945 windmill has been used as a store, a base for the
nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight Home Guard and as a 'lookout post'.
The mill was given to the National Trust by
Mrs E Smith of Mill Farm in the late 1950s.
Following major renovations, it was eventually
opened to the public in the early 1960s allowing
visitors at the time to climb to the top and
descend the four floors seeing the workings on
the way.
This is the only windmill remaining on the
Island, is a Grade I listed building and one of the
island's most iconic images – it is well worth a
visit whilst you are in Bembridge.

9

Isle of Wight Walking Festival

3–18 May and Autumn weekend 24–27 October

Now in its 16th year the IW Walking Festival includes nearly 300 walks on the Island over the two
weeks in May and an Autumn weekend in October. Below is a list of some of the walks in our
area, there is a contact for all walks, for further details – see www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
or to obtain hard copy of the programme email [email protected].

Sat 3rd The Barnsley Trail: a circular walk through
open countryside, delightful views and historic
connections – Seaview/Nettlestone area
Sat 3rd Challenge the Wight: a nighttime walk
across the Island – starts Bembridge
Wed 7th Discover Culver Downs: a circular walk
exploring some of the local history and the island
heritage, stunning views along the way
Thur 8th Nordic walk Seaview to St Helens: an
evening Nordic walk inland and returning tide
permitting via the beach
Fri 9th Causeway Caper: a lovely walk from Brading
to Ryde Pier, via St Helens Duver
Sat 10th Rockpool Magic: not so much a walk as a
safari! Looking and searching in the many rock pools
by the Lifeboat Pier in Bembridge
Sun 11th Walk the Wight: starts Bembridge finishes
at the Needles organised by the Earl Mountbatten
Hospice

St Helens Causeway with the Duver behind

Tue 13th East Wight History & Wildlife: a
linear walk from St Helens Duver to Bembridge
Windmill, discover history, see the developments
of the area and spot wildlife
Tue 13th Time and Tide wait for No Man:
through fields to Seagrove Bay and along the
beach to St Helens across the causeway to
Bembridge
Wed 14th Marshes and a Windmill: Bembridge
windmill along the old sea wall across the
marshes to Brading returning via the old railway
line
Fri 16th DLW themed exploration No.9:
'Holystoning' and the vanished pier (Seaview)

Autumn Walking Weekend Steyne Woods
Fri 24th Oct Discover Culver Downs: a circular
walk exploring some of the local history and the
island heritage, stunning views along the way
Sat 26th Oct The Barnsley Trail: a circular walk
through open countryside, delightful views and
historic connections – Seaview/Nettlestone area

10

Bembridge & St Helens – Fantastic Walking

Whether winter or summer there's no better way to explore our area than 'on your own two feet'.
The Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL29 covers the Isle of Wight and even the smallest paths in
our area can be found. Bembridge Parish Council has leaflets of a few of the local walks, including
'Bembridge Village Stroll', the 'Yarbridge Stomp', 'Bembridge Fort Climb', 'Longlands Farm Trek' to
name a few. The IW Coastal path trails over Culver Down from Sandown and along the coastline
from Whitecliff Bay via the Lifeboat Station to Bembridge Harbour around the Embankment across
the Mill Wall to St Helens Duver, then via Nodes Point/Priory Bay to Seaview a fantastic scenic route
for those who love the coast.

Consider cycling, a number of
the paths are suitable, however
study the routes as some cross
county paths may not be
suitable for bikes, with stiles etc.
Dogs are currently welcome on
most of our beaches and across
most of the area, however please
do keep them under control
and on leads where necessary
particularly where there is
farmers stock and around the
RSPB Reserve… locals will be
happy to suggest walks you
may enjoy and suitable for
pushchairs, dogs, etc. Please ask!
St Helens & Bembridge from Bembridge Down

Crab and Lobster Inn

This award winning family friendly pub enjoys a superb location with
unequalled sea views over Bembridge Ledge with direct access to the
beach and boasts five AA 4 Star B&B Rooms. Relax and enjoy the exten-
sive menu of pub favourites and seafood specialities in the traditional
beamed interior or on the patio overlooking the beach. Open all year.
Dogs welcome in the bar. Free Wi-Fi Access. Booking advisable.

32 Forelands Field Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5TR
Tel: 01983 872244 [email protected]
www.crabandlobsterinn.co.uk

11

For Your FREE Entry Aaron Rogers
Please Either Call
Garden & Grounds Contractor
(01983) 875151
For a FREE quotation call
or go to
07980 123374
www.MiniOr10k.co.uk 01983 872020

Glenista Hillway Road Bembridge PO35 5PJ

Gail
Force
Catering is now
at The Brading
Haven Yacht Club,
hosted by Tara and Greg. We
invite you to sample the cuisine
whilst enjoying the relaxed and
welcoming atmosphere

01983 872289

Embankment Road, St Helens, Isle of Wight, PO33 1XQ
12

PALMER MEMORIAL

These days as you come into Bembridge along Embankment Road it is easy to miss the Palmer
Memorial, but early photographs (there is a particularly good one inside The Village Inn) show it
being in a much more prominent position.
The memorial was erected in 1910 in memory of the Reverend James Nelson Palmer M.A Oxford
(1832 – 1908). In the 1880s he was the Curate, and then Rector, of the church at Yaverland which
he restored at his own personal cost. When he retired in 1891 he moved to a house in the High
Street in Bembridge.
He was a prominent Freemason, having joined that organisation in 1859, then holding a number
of offices in various Lodges; on the memorial it is stated he was a past Grand Chaplain of England,
United Grand Lodge of Freemasons.
Amongst other things the Reverend Palmer was one of the first members of Bembridge Sailing
Club, the Honorary Secretary of the Lifeboat Institution in Bembridge, a Ruling Councillor of
the Primrose League Bembridge (an organisation for spreading Conservative principles in Great
Britain), and he was instrumental in the building of the new village hall in 1905.
The memorial itself (a Grade II listed structure) is made of granite and other stone, and is
topped by a wind vane in the shape of a yacht. There are two plaques bearing inscriptions, one
of which is now badly weathered. On
each of the four wing trusses there
can be seen Masonic emblems. In the
base are two circular carved drinking
fountains, and two quarter circle animal
water troughs.
In 1910 the area around the memorial
would have been quite different to how
it is today. The memorial stood in the
centre of the road, the railway station
was just opposite, and steamships
would have docked at the nearby quay.
Many visitors arriving in the village,
if they were not staying at the Royal
Spithead Hotel, would undoubtedly have
transferred to horse-drawn vehicles.
The whole area must have been quite
busy, and the provision of a drinking
supply for humans and horses in the
memorial would no doubt have been
welcome.
The memorial was unveiled by Lord
Alverstone, Lord Chief Justice of England,
at a ceremony on 11 August 1910;
photographs of the event show a large
gathering and at that time where the
wind vane is now positioned there was
a lamp.
Today the memorial is in need of some
renovation, a task which is being
coordinated by Bembridge Parish
Council.

David Groom

13

BEMBRIDGE & ST HELENS Island Diary
Regular Events
March
Bembridge Fort & Windmill
National Trust Bembridge Heritage Soc, Village Hall Thu 27
Film "Restoration of Bembridge Fort"
Bembridge Heritage Centre
Bembridge RNLI Station Art Exhibition, Lockslane Bistro Thu 27 - Sun 30
Charlotte Hodge Thomas
Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter
Cachalot Charters • Marine Kayaks BST begins and Mothering Sunday Sun 30
Sally's Riding • Tackt-Isle Adventures
Coastal Gardener for IW Grand National & Ashey Scurry Sun 30

Beach schools, foraging and walks and much April
more on our beaches and in our villages
Bembridge Heritage Centre opens Wed 2
Robin Hill
IW Memorial Ploughing Match, Shorwell Sun 6
adventure park & gardens
See www.robin-hill.com/events Art Exhibition, Quarr Abbey Thu 10 - Tue 15
Charlotte Hodge Thomas
for lots of Cool Events
Bembridge Heritage Society, Village Hall Fri 11
Carnivals... Grand Spring Coffee Morning

Many villages and towns have Easter Exhibition, Brading Thu 17 - Tue 22
Carnivals and Fireworks Roman Villa, Becky Samuelson
during the summer
Check out local websites Bembridge Art Society Fri 18 - Sun 20
Spring Exhibition, Village Hall
Kids go free Easter and August
Special days and Services Good Friday Fri 18

see: www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk Yarmouth Duck Race Sat 19

Easter Monday Mon 21

Cowes Food Show Sun 27

Beaulieu Boat Jumble Sun 27

Isle of Wight Garden Show TBC

May

Isle of Arts Festival, Ventnor Fri 2 - Mon 5

Isle of Wight Walking Festival Sat 3 - Sun 18

IW Randonnee Sun 4

Bank Holiday Monday Mon 5

Walk the Wight Sun 11

Riverfest, Newport Quay Sat 17

RYA Push the Boat out Weekend Sat 17 - Sun 18

Bank Holiday Monday Mon 26

Bembridge Street Fair Mon 26

Old Gaffers Festival, Yarmouth Fri 30 - Sun 1 June

NG Open Garden Sat 31
Blue Haze, Beachfield Road

01983 779 337

sound : lighting : staging : ground support : two-way radios
complete event management...

www.spyderuk.com

The best kit and largest stage here on the Island 10m x 8m

Island: Chamber Awards : Cowes Week : Needles Park : IW Festival : Dance on the Duver : and more...
National/International: Alton Towers : Cold Play : Southall Park : One Direction : X Factor : and more ..

Events : Concerts : Weddings : Parties
Head Office: Attrills Yard, The Duver, St Helens PO33 1YB

14

Copyright: www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

June

Isle of Wight Festival Thu 12 - Sun 15 Bembridge
Seaclose Park, Newport Community
Library
Green Buoy Arts Cowes Thu 19
Becky Samuelson Fine Arts Fri 20 - Mon 23 Mon 9.30 – 12.30 &
Festival of the Sea 13.30 – 16.30
Round the Island Race (sailing) Sat 21
24hr Round the Island Walk Sat 21 Wed 9.30 – 12.30
Isle of Wight County Show Sat 28 Fri 9.30 – 12.30 &
St Helens Village Fayre Sun 29
July 13.30 – 16.30
"Panerai Classic Week", Cowes Sat 12 - Sat 19 Sat 9.30 – 12.30
(Classic yachts) Tue and Thu – Closed
NG Open Garden Sun 13
Blue Haze, Beachfield Road Fri 18 - Sun 20 01983 873102
Rhythmtree Festival, Shalfleet Fri 18 - Sun 20
IW Jazz Weekend, Newport Mon 21 - Fri 25 www.bembridgelibrary.com
Cowes Classic Week
(Classic yachts) Fri 25 - Sun 27
Bembridge Sailing Club
Art Exhibition Fri 25 - Sun 27
Bembridge Harbour Family Fun
Weekend Fri 25 - Mon 28
Open Studios (East Wight) Sat 26
Art Exhibitions Sat 26
Bembridge Village Regatta
Dance on the Duver

Barbeque – Licensed Bar

Live Music with and

Saturday 26 July 2014

Further details and tickets: www.danceontheduver.co.uk

15

PERSONAL TRAINING
also available

01983 874665 BY6CK.0CE0TT–-TU7SL.EtE0eRS0yDCpnImAeSYEPark [email protected]

07730 770417

August October

Cowes Week (yachting) Sat 2 - Sat 9 Art Exhibition Sun 5 - Sun 12
Bembridge Art Society 30th Landscapes of IW
Summer Exhibition, Village Hall Sun 3 - Sat 9
Cowes Fireworks IW Literary Festival Thu 16 - Sun 19
Jack Up the 80s Fri 8
BHYC Sail Training Week Sat 9 - Sun 10 Bembridge Arts Fri 24 - Sun 26
Isle of Wight Film Festival Sun 10 - Sat 16 Autumn Exhibition
Ventnor Fringe Festival Tue 12 - Sat 16
V-Dub Island Tue 12 - Sun 17 IW Autumn Walking Festival Fri 24 - Mon 27
BSC Sailing Regatta Fri 14 - Mon 18
IW Garlic Festival, Newchurch Fri 15 - Sat 16 BYCC, Halloween Horror Sat 25
Beaux Arts, Village Hall Sat 16 - Sun 17
SVYC Sailing Regatta BST ends Sun 26
Seaview Village Regatta TBC
Art Exhibition, Quarr Abbey Sun 17 - Mon 18 Bembridge Heritage Society, Thu 30
Charlotte Hodge Thomas Tue 19 - Thu 21 Peter Jenness "Flying Long-haul with BA"
Seaview Fireworks
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally Thu 21 - Tue 26 Heritage Centre closes end of season Fri 31
BHYC Sailing Regatta
Bank Holiday Monday Thu 21 November
St Helens Sports & Carnival Fri 22 - Mon 25
Wolverton Manor Garden Fair Sat 23 - Sun 24 Bembridge Heritage Society Thu 20
September AGM & Film Show, Village Hall
Bestival (Robin Hill) Mon 25
Little Britain Regatta - Cowes Mon 25 Bembridge Lights of Love TBC
Southampton Boat Show Sat 30 - Sun 31
International Classic Car Show December
IW Cycling Festival Thu 4 - Sun 8
Wight Challenge Thu 4 - Sun 8 Cowes Christmas Festival Sat 13 - Sun 14
Bembridge Heritage Society Fri 12 - Sun 21
Noel Stimson, "WW1 Submarines" Sat 13 - Sun 14 Christmas Day Thur 25
Sweet Corn Fayre Sat 13 - Sun 18
West Wight Triathlon Boxing Day Fri 26
Sat 20
New Years Day Thu 1
Thu 25

Sat 27 - Sun 28
Sun 28

All events are based on information supplied.
Neither the BBA nor this Guide is responsible for the accuracy of information, which may be subject to change or cancellation.

For latest information and details of all events please contact the appropriate organisers directly.
Tell us of an upcoming event at [email protected], tel: 01983 771123 or by contacting any Committee member.
16

National Trust – Bembridge – 2014

Normal admission charges apply NT Members Free Dogs on leads welcome

Spring Nature Trail ~ Sat 5-Mon 21 Apr 10.30am-4.30pm
Make the most of your visit to the windmill with our free family nature trail.

Egg-cellent Fun ~ Sun 20 Apr 10.30am-4.00pm
Find answers to the clues hidden around the windmill. Eggs to win! Easter Trail sheet £1.50

Discover Culver Downs ~ Wed 7 May 1.30-4.30pm
An interesting circular walk exploring some of the local history and Island heritage, with some
stunning views along the way. Meet at the windmill (part of the IW Walking Festival).

East Wight History and Wildlife ~ Tues 13 May 10.30am-1.00pm
A linear walk looking at the historical and physical changes in the area, spotting wildlife en-route and
finishing at the windmill. Meet at St Helens Duver NT car park (IW Walking Festival).

Butterfly ID Trail ~ Sat 24 May-Sun 1 Jun 10.30am-4.30pm
Make the most of your visit to the windmill and learn about butterflies with our free family ID trail.

Telling Tales ~ Wed 28 May 2.30-3.30pm
Bring the children along for an hours storytelling around the windmill.

Summer Nature Trail ~ Thu 24 Jul-Mon 1 Sep 10.30am-4.30pm
Make the most of your visit to the windmill with our family nature trail.

Walking in the Steps of Turner ~ Wed 30 Jul 2.00-4.00pm
Join us for this children’s sketching session following in the footsteps of Turner. Paper and pencils
provided. Prizes for over and under 10s.

If You Go Down To The Woods Today ~ Wed 6 Aug 2.00-4.00pm
A ‘Bear Hunt’ in Steyne Woods, then an invitation to a teddy bear’s picnic in the grounds of the
windmill with songs and games (children must be accompanied). Bring your own picnic.

Sails and Tales ~ Wed 13 Aug 2.00-3.30pm
Bring the children along for a tour of the windmill, then sit down and enjoy a Miller’s Tale.

Discovering Wind Power ~ Wed 20 Aug 2.00-4.00pm
How do windmills work, why do kites fly? Come along, make your own and discover for yourself.

Bug Bonanza ~ Wed 27 Aug 2.00-4.00pm
Discover what bugs and insects are lurking in the grounds of the Windmill – ‘50 Things’.

Have a go at Orienteering ~ Sun 7 Sept 10.00am-3.00pm
Have a go at orienteering with Wight Orienteers. Various grades of course will be available,
including competition. Beginners welcome, instruction provided and a special line course will be set
up for practise. Bring a compass if you have one. £4 per map. Meet on Bembridge Down.

Discover Culver Downs ~ Fri 24 Oct 10.30am-1.30pm
Interesting circular walk exploring some of the local history and Island heritage, some stunning
views along the way. Meet at the windmill (IW Walking Festival).

Autumn Nature Trail ~ Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 10.30am-4.30pm
Make the most of a visit to the windmill – our family ID trail, learn to identify fruits, seeds & berries.

A Wild Walk ~ Wed 29 Oct 2.00-3.30pm
Discover autumn on this wild walk for families as part of the Great British walk. Meet at the windmill.

17

Nettlestone The Duver
Seaview & Ryde

Medical Centre

A

B

The Green BSC
BHYC Bembridge Harbour
St Helens

Brading & C
Ryde
He
C

THE DUVER Shops RSPB
Accommodation Brading Marshes
A Activity Centre • Boat Trips Wine & Dine
Harbour Office • The Duver Community facilities
Boatyards • Beach
inc. Churches • Library
ST HELENS GREENS Halls • Recreation Ground

B Shops • Cricket / Football Information
Car boot sales • Play area
Post Office • Cash Point Bembridge PC
Medical Centre

EMBANKMENT

C Sailing Clubs • Boatyards
Beaches at the Point

BEMBRIDGE ‘CBD’

D Shops • businesses
Chemist • Bank
Cash Point • Vet

LANE END Brading &
Sandown
E Shops • businesses
Post Office • Cash Point Culver &
Bembridge Downs
F FORELANDS

Beaches

ALL AREAS

Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants
Artists Studios

18

St Helens & Bembridge

Not to Scale – Illustrative purposes only
Produced by Penny Watts MMX111

exclusively for Bembridge Business Association
edited by desktop studio 01983 872225

C Bembridge
C of E
D

eritage Vet
Centre

Methodist E

Steyne RC Hotel
Park
F Coastguard
Station

Steyne Forelands
Woods

Whitecliff Bay 19

Pallets Salvaged by:

From computer stands to bike
racks, wood stores and storage
bins to tables and vertical gardens.
Even our Christmas tree was re-
cycled… pallets again!

20

SALVAGED!! by Gerry Price, The Coastal Gardener

Living on an island has historically encouraged a robust
attitude towards self-reliance. Make do and mend was
at one time an economic necessity for many. In more
recent times environmental concerns and fashion have
led to a re-branding and now we have up-cycling!
Whatever it’s called, it makes sense for the environment
and for our wallets.

As a coastal community we have a history of salvaging
materials from our shoreline. The flotsam and jetsam
washed ashore can be both useful and inspirational.
Oars, buckets, ground anchors, beach toys, wooden
pallets, a windbreak and a tennis racket are just a few
of the objects collected from our local beaches in the
last year or so. Skips (always ask permission from the
hirer of the skip before taking anything or you could
be accused of theft!) and salvage yards are also good
sources for interesting materials.
By taking a creative approach a kerb stone can be transformed
into a garden path, an old pallet can become a planter, a bench
or a table. Driftwood can be used to create fences whilst ground
anchors make beautiful plant supports and an old window is ideal
as a cold frame cover.
Many local artists and craftspeople use salvaged materials
to create wonderful works of art. They see the potential in
objects as diverse as bottle tops, plastic toys and salvaged
clothing to make mobiles, sculptures and banners.

If you need a little help in realising your recycling dreams
visit the village library which has a good selection of craft
and DIY books or have a look on-line; there are lots of
sites with step-by-step instructions and advice. Find
what you want, but don’t have the time or inclination
to do-it-yourself, then there's many artists and artisans
of Bembridge and St Helens who can make your ideas
become a recycled reality.
Ideas from the web for the more ambitious:

21

Energy RICHARD BUCKLEY
Performance
Certificates quality painting & decorating
Local6Energy6u6Green6Deal6Assessor6
Tel:60198368752626 dry-lining, tiling, artexing,
Email:[email protected]
coving & skimming
ceiling & wall repairs

telephone:

(01983) 874665
07866 197 430

Bob Brain Services Total Fabrication
STEEL WORK · BALUSTRADES · WELDING & REPAIRS
EXTENSION, ROOFING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Est. 1982 Tel: 01983 875205
Mobile: 07831 660 667

www.totalfabrication.co.uk
Mobile:- 07714 059327
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]

81 Howgate Rd, Bembridge, I.O.W. PO35 5QY

CHALLEN

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD
All Trades

Telephone/Fax:
01983 872808
Mobile 07815551119
Email: [email protected]

22

Solar Farm, providing power for 3,500 homes…

As any visitor to the Island will know, we are of property owners whose views of once
blessed with having one of the highest number uninterrupted farmland now include fields
of hours of sunshine anywhere in the UK. Taking of shimmering black panels in the distance.
advantage of this, the Isle of Wight already has The site is bordered on three sides by public
a number of Solar Power generating sites, but rights of way, and I was surprised how even in
in 2014, on land to the west of St Helens, one winter, when the foliage on hedges was less
of the larger ones so far constructed will come dense, the existing hedgerows on the western
on line. and northern boundary provided quite a lot of
In the autumn of 2013 over 42,000 solar screening of the panels. The eastern boundary
panels were installed on approximately 55 is a different matter, currently no hedge exists
acres of land at Hill Farm, and when the site is between the public footpath and the site,
operational these panels will have a generating though the developers have now planted
capacity of over 10MW, in theory enough to some 3,000 native trees and hedgerow saplings
power all the homes in Bembridge & St Helens. which hopefully in time will prove an effective
It is estimated that this will save nearly 6,000 screen, and provide shelter and food for
tonnes of carbon emissions each year. wildlife. Compared to an equivalent generating
There can be no getting away from the fact capacity from wind turbines, it seems to me
that an installation of such scale does have a that there is far less visual impact, and of course
visual impact, and I am sure there are a number there is no noise, associated with the solar
panels.

Trivia – Solar panel cells are manufactured with Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Silicon

23

S. S. J. COLNTTDRACTORS
For Building Works

87-89 High Street, Tel/Fax: (01983) 875050
Bembridge, www.ssjcontractors.co.uk

Isle of Wight. PO35 5SF

BPHS

Bembridge Plumbing & Heating Services

Plumbing & Heating Contractors

Heating, Bathrooms, Gas appliances
Servicing & maintenance

Tom Mobile: 07792420921
Mark Mobile: 07934682161

Email: [email protected]

Building Contractors

Tel: 875340 Fax: 875892 N.H.B.C registered

Harbourside Plumbing & Heating BEMBRIDGE BARBERS

arboursi 4 Port St Helens,
de Embankment Road,
Plum
H St Helens, Ryde,
ting Isle of Wight. PO33 1XG

bing Hea Tel: 01983 873195 Gail Wade
Mob: 07939 498 171 Closed Mondays · Appts. Thurs afternoon
&
9 High Street 07511 164801

24

Bembridge Village

In days gone by Bembridge was an Island Street and Foreland Road and Lane End Court
split from the rest of the Isle of Wight towards the Lifeboat Station.
by the River Yar & Brading Haven and During the summer months many other visitors
indeed up until the Victorian era there come to Bembridge. To many families it has
were only a small number of residents, become a tradition, generation follow generation
mainly fisherman and farmers; legend coming for the beaches, to sail or explore, there's
has it that smuggling was rife! always something new to find and these holiday
However, with the arrival of the Railway makers often end up retiring to the Village.
Branch Line from St Helens in the Bembridge holds a number of community
1880s, all was set to change. Bembridge and visitor days during the year – a Street Fair,
developed quickly becoming a fashionable annually on the second Bank Holiday in May,
Victorian holiday destination, steamers came Fireworks in November (over the last couple
into the harbour bringing visitors and the Royal of years we've had 2,000 attending this event),
Spithead Hotel and many others were built. there's a Walk to the Fort (no organisers just
One only needs to look at the architecture on 'word of mouth').
the Island to see how popularity grew during In 2014 Kieran Norris is hosting the first
Queen Victoria's reign with her choice to build Blackberry Festival and the National Trust,
her holiday home, Osborne House, here on the
Island. RNLI, Sailing Clubs and other
Now Bembridge has a population of over associations run sailing
3,500 and is probably the largest village in the regattas, Easter Egg hunts,
UK, some even say Europe! A number of our Halloween and Christmas
'residents' are second home owners and over parties, our Village Hall is a busy
35% are 65 plus and this helps to support our venue with regular markets
local shops and services. There are two bustling and local Art Exhibitions.
business / retail nodes in Bembridge, the main If you are a visitor to our area,
Village centre of Sherbourne Street, the High we hope you enjoy your time
here and if we can help with
anything about our village, do
please pop into our Council
Offices in Foreland Road – we
always look forward to meeting
new faces.

25

For all your homemade pies,
pasties, quiches, paté's, soups,
frozen meals, cakes, scones &
florentines
Sandwiches made to order
Either take away or relax in
our friendly deli-café which
is a short walk up from the
lifeboat station.
All of our homemade produce
is available to order for any
occasion

Lane End Road,
Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Telephone: 01983 873951

with everything the Majors offer...
Go Green, Save Fuel ~ Shop with us!

‘Home shopping’ with Free local delivery –
email: [email protected]

before 2.00pm and your order will be
delivered FREE before the end of the day!

Visit our shop with easy Free parking

Fresh Baked Bread, Fresh Meat,
Fresh Produce, Island products

and an abundance more...

and in store Open til
11 pm
Co-op Franchise Store of the Year 7 Days
a Week
4 Lane End Court · Lane End · Bembridge · PO35 5UE · Tel 872627

26

Sara’s Dog Grooming Lane End Court

IN BEMBRIDGE Lane End Court opened in 1967 and over
4 Weavers Yard · Lane End · Bembridge the years the retail 'Court' and 'Weavers
Yard' have become a vibrant community
Sara Kennedy centre. You'll find a good variety of
businesses from an excellent supermarket,
Fully Qualified Dog Beautician delicious deli-food & coffee shop, supplies
City and Guild Institute and repairs of TV/radio/PCs, beauty
treatments, a chiropractor, a hairdresser for
Tel: 0 1 9 8 3 8 7 5 3 9 6 or both you and your Dog and plenty more.....
07794 463016

[email protected]

indulge yourself TJA Chiropractic Clinic
with my individual
BEAUTY TREATMENTS Teresa Jones-Arnold BSc(Hons) MMCA
MASSAGE McTimoney Chiropractor
WEDDING PACKAGES
PAMPER PARTIES (01983) 874123 or 07790 745898
[email protected]
call Katie on www.chiropractor-iw.com

07974 643241 Unit 10b Weavers Yard, Lane End Rd,Bembridge

Lane End Court, Lane End, Bembridge

Stephen’s
HAIRDRESSING
Paul Mitchell Stockist
Friendly relaxed atmosphere

Telephone: 01983 872692
1a Lane End Court

Lane End, Bembridge PO35 5UE

D & H ELECTRONICS

WE SUPPLY:
All sizes of Television, Freesat and Freeview Recorders

also Hi-Fi equipment – DVD, Blu-Ray, etc

No extra costs for delivery, setting up and instructions on use of the equipment
We repair most makes of TV, old VCR’s, Digiboxes of all types and also repair Marine Equipment and Hi-Fi

FREE advice given on any of the above without any obligation

Talk to: DAVID HUDSON

Unit 1B, Lane End Court, Lane End Road, Bembridge

Tel: 01983 874577 – Fax: 01983 872726 – Mob: 07860 434243

27

Providing a first class service for all your Civil, Independent Estate Agents
Structural & Environmental Engineering needs ‘Selling homes and a lifestyle’

Can we help? Centrally located in Bembridge Village
‘Specialising in East Wight Properties’
Covering the Isle of Wight
and Portsmouth areas

Contact us on:

01983 875743
or 02392 704260
email: [email protected]
website: www.dm-assoc.com

87-89 High St • Bembridge • PO35 5SF

Building 1000 • Lakeside Nth Harbour
Western Rd • Portsmouth • PO36 3EZ

Chi ~ Chi
Hair & Beauty
Tel: (01983) 873666

1 Forelands Road, Bembridge, IoW PO35 5XN
www.chichihairandbeauty.co.uk

28

The Farm Shop W.W. Woodford
& Sons Ltd
Fresh Produce Daily
Seasonal, local and the more unusual Quality Butchers & Delicatessen

Free Local Delivery 26 High Street, Bembridge
Milk · Bread · Butter · Veggies
01983 872717
Whole & Health Foods
8 High Street - Bembridge - PO35 5SE • Famous Sausages
• Black & Gold Beef & Lamb
01983 874236 • Selection of Cheeses
or • Beef, Lamb & Pork
07590 376998 • Home-made pie-in-a-box,
including Chicken, Steak
POMEGRANATE and lots, lots more ....

For inspiration, decoration and beautiful gifts Free delivery service to
Bembridge, Seaview & St Helens

Mon – Fri: 4pm– 6pm,
Saturdays: 9am – 12 noon

Tel: 01983 875500

www.bembridgeflowershop.co.uk

37 HIGH STREET BEMBRIDGE Tel: 01983 875009 6 HiGH STReeT
ISLE OF WIGHT PO35 5SD BeMBRiDGe PO35 5SD

BEVERLEYS HAIRDRESSING Tel: 01983 874565

@ Tricia’s Hair salon Mob: 07929 390242

friendly Hairdressing for all the family
early & late appointments available

27 High Street
Bembridge
IW PO35 5SD

29

Eating in Bembridge
Village....

Just spoilt for choice –
Whether you're looking for a take-away,
contemporary bistro, traditional English,
tappas and networking, Chinese or a pub –
Bembridge has it all. Entertainment, there's
pub quiz nights, live music and even dancing,
pubs on the coast and just normal pubs, cafés
and delis – all our locals have their favourites,
if you're unable to make a decision, just ask…

11 Foreland Road Telephone:
Bembridge (01983) 873334
Isle of Wight
PO35 5XN

11 High Street · Bembridge Coffee Wine Bistro Tapas

(In the High Street opposite Lloyds Bank) Contemporary relaxed dining in a
welcoming casual setting
Family run restaurant
using local produce when available Continental Breakfast
Fabulous robust coffee
Frequently changing menus
to reflect seasonal foods Enticing Bistro lunches
snacks & sandwiches
Open for Coffee & Breakfast,
lunch & dinner & Sunday lunches Flavoursome Tapas
& Pintxo (Pinchos)
Please call for opening times,
menu details and special offers. Fully licensed + Wine garden
+ Free Wifi
01983 872626
01983 873555
30
Bookings advised

Europe’s First Ever Blackberry Festival 2014

In late August 2014 Bembridge will host Europe’s
first ever Blackberry Festival, this will be a celebration
of the natural evolution of nature from summer to
autumn, into winter. Before we move into winter
we will celebrate the year that was with the humble
blackberry.

The idea of a festival was borne out of a desire to bring
communities back to nature, with a trip down memory lane into
the forgotten art of simple blackberry picking.
This will be a community festival to celebrate the end of the
summer and the beginning of autumn.
It celebrates Bembridge, one of the most beautiful villages in
England, but more importantly it celebrates us rediscovering
nature and appreciating the surroundings we have.
It enables old and young to collect blackberries and to compete
for trophies. This competition will be an annual event, competed
for by all parishes on the Isle of Wight.
The significance is that this festival will be the first in Europe of its
kind, and it has been invented here on the Isle of Wight.
Many UK counties in England have expressed interest in the
festival so it will be a well attended event.
There will be many events including:
1 Auction of Arts and crafts
2 Blackberry products judging
3 Redwing display and blessings
4 Folk music
5 Guest lecturers
6 Island made craft stalls
7 Foraged display
Most important is that all proceeds raised will be distributed
among charities on the Island, and the organisation supporting
this unique and amazing event is not for profit.
However we do need volunteers, so please call Kieran Norris on
07775 830803 or email him at [email protected] if you think
you can help.
A temporary website has been set up
www.bembridgeblackberryfestival.org.uk

Bembridge Blackberry Festival August 30th & 31st

2014

31

Canon Andrew Menniss

The Extra Mile

by Associate Priest Linda Bushell

Andrew arrived in Bembridge 25 years ago Andrew has loved serving in Bembridge and
accompanied by wife Mary and their lively remaining here so long has allowed him
family, who soon became part of the community. to find great pleasure in providing families
Since then, as Vicar of Holy Trinity, Andrew has with continuity of service. He has baptised,
conducted approximately 350 baptisms, 250 confirmed and then conducted marriage
weddings and over 1,500 funerals in addition
to officiating at the weekly services, caring ceremonies for those children. He
for those in special need, looking after the has visited when sick and consoled
church buildings and finances, and promoting the bereaved. He knows families and
ecumenical and social events. So many people takes pleasure in their nurture and
have said, “Andrew goes the extra mile, he just growth.
is there when you need him.” Mary too served the community and
I often found her practicing piano
Andrew has also served the East Wight Deanery pieces for the village pantomime
as Area Dean. or organising the kitchen for the
Despite over twenty five years of ministerial Street Fair. Sadly, Andrew lost Mary a
experience, before any service Andrew can be number of years ago; she was a great
found in a quiet place praying and meditating loss not only for Andrew but also for
on what he is to say and how he will conduct the parish and the community.
the service. He has been fanatical about the Although numbed by Mary’s
setting up of the church for services and can, death, after a short period, Andrew
in a split second, see if anything is not quite returned to his work in the parish
right. He does this as every service must be the showing greater insight into life
very best for God and for those who will attend and giving even more support to those who
it. This attention to detail has earned him the needed it.
respect of all who work with him. As a mark
of respect a number of years ago Andrew was
invited to be an honorary Canon of Portsmouth
Cathedral.

32

As the last in a line of curates that Andrew
has trained, I can say that I feel lucky to have
served with him. He has been understanding
and supportive. Life has not been dull; there
has been variety in service and a great many
laughs. There have been the pet services, when
we prayed for good weather and wondered
what would happen if it rained and we all had
to meet inside the church. There were the Palm
Sunday parades when the donkey once walked
right through the back of church. Andrew
loves working with children and our ‘All Age
Services’ and his regular school assembly visits
have given him so much pleasure. He has also
enjoyed being chaplain to the sailing club and
delighted in an afternoon’s peaceful dingy
sailing. He loves the sea and takes much of his
inspiration from his daily morning beach walks.
Andrew also loves music and has been an avid
member of the Bembridge Singers.
Lately Andrew’s life has taken on two new
dimensions. Last year he was absolutely thrilled
to become a Granddad and loves babysitting.
Alice has already shared the delights of
watching cricket with him. A couple of years
ago Andrew met Helen and their relationship
quickly grew into love. This spring they are to
be married. We are all delighted for Andrew
but also truly sorry that he plans to retire in
September and move away to Sutton Coldfield
where he will make his home with Helen.

So Andrew, we give you our thanks for twenty
five years of friendship and care; we offer our
congratulations on your marriage and we ask
God’s blessing on your new life with Helen.

33

Chinese Restaurant and Bar

01983 87 55 59

Eat In or Takeaway
Delicious food, friendly staff
Sherbourne Street, Bembridge

The Pilot Boat Inn

Station Road
Bembridge PO35 5NN
The pub that looks like a boat!
Now with 5 en-suite B & B cabins

Telephone: (01983) 872077

www.thepilotboatinn.com

34

WORLD WAR 1

Bembridge and St Helens like so many other villages, did their 'bit' for King and Country in the
First World War. In 1914 the population of Bembridge was just 1,432 and no less than 251 men and
women answered the call, of those alas, 43 were killed.
Along with our residents going to war, Bembridge was home to a number of servicemen at our two
Airbases. Most will know of our Seaplane base on The Point, but perhaps not so well known was
the Foreland base which was located on the eastern side of Lane End Road to Forelands itself, now
developed; the airfield included Walls Road, Crossway, Egerton Road Brooks Close, Sandpipers,
Willowdene Court etc.

Bembridge Sea Plane Base The base was requisitioned in 1915 however
Almost 100 years ago as part of the Solent only became operational in the latter part of
Defence Scheme (protecting shipping in World War 1, commencing operations on 1
Britians coastal waters) a sub-station of the January 1917 with No 253 Squadron being
Calshot Seaplane base was set up on The disbanded in May 1919 and final disposal of the
Point at Bembridge on the area now used base in 1920.
by H J Bennett and the carpark, at the time a The facilities at the base were spartan, initially
village recreation area. consisting of two seaplane sheds, a few huts
and some hardstanding with the later addition
of a slipway. The base also had a pigeon coop
(airmen would take with them on a flight and
then release them with a messages!).
For accommodation, the officers were billeted
in the Spithead Hotel with the ratings living in
the adapted Coastguard Station and adjoining
cottages on Beach Road. The Wrens stayed
separately in Howgate Lane – the other end of
the village!

The pigeon loft at the base, on Beach Road behind the Spithead Hotel near the Coastguard station

35

The Planes Painting by John Board

During the autumn of 1916, the Admiralty
decided to base four Short 184 floatplanes
permanently at Bembridge so that a patrol
could reach out 60 miles from the island.
The planes were usually moored in the
harbour (this would have been around the
'BSC, club boat pool'), they were required to
taxi out of the harbour and only take-off and
alight in the open water to the north-west of
St Helens Fort, operations could be decidedly
tricky in adverse weather! Other planes at
the station over the years included the Wight
840s (built in East Cowes), Fairey Hamble
Baby, Sopworth Schniedel and others.

Capt. Barnes (died in accident 1918) Sopworth Schniedel

Whilst initially, news that a seaplane base was Bembridge was considered a good base to be
to be formed was met with a little apprehension stationed at during WWI, some coming back
from some villagers, as things turned out the here in later life and others whose families still
men and women at the base settled into Village live in the area.
Life very well. They joined in as sportsmen, Sadly, there were a number of deaths through
playing football and boxing, performed concert accidents, but the Award for the most accidents
parties and shows and generally helped the went to Lt Leslie Poulter who had 4 crashes
people of Bembridge through a difficult War. writing off 4 planes between 23/6/18 and
Some of the men met their wives in Bembridge, 18/7/18! – neither he nor his crew were hurt.
such as Flight Commander Clarence MacLaurin
who married Pitita Goodall and Capt. Tidey
married Pitita's cousin Luisa.

Pilots – Tidey, Barnes and MacLaurin An unusual photo from this time of the young officers
36 Tidey, Barnes and Willows 'larking around' at the base!

Foreland / New Bembridge Land Plane Base

In the Spring of 1918 the U-Boat offensive close inshore around the British Isles reached a new
peak and it was decided to supplement Seaplanes with Landplane 'scare patrols'.

These Landplanes were based on
51 acres of 'quite level' ground
at Lane End, Bembridge, known
as 'Foreland' or 'New Bembridge'.
There were no permanent
buildings, the aircraft were housed
in Bessoneaux hangers and the
personnel lived in 'Town'.

The Planes:

DH 6 two-seat biplanes arrived
at the base in August 1918 co-
operating with float-planes long
established in Brading (now
Bembridge) Harbour. These planes
universally known as 'Clutching
Hands', were unsuitable for over-water flying but they were all that was available to the Marine
Groups of the newly formed RAF.
There was little action at the base, the planes plodded monotonously up and down their patrol
lines just off the coast, with little to report, but the measures introduced to combat the submarine
menace did work, for shipping losses were soon showing a significant decrease.
Foreland or New Bembridge was similar to the Seaplane base relinquished early in 1920.
Within 50 years the land was almost completely developed showing no signs of the Airbase.

An advert for the Bessoneaux hangers!

Thanks to John Woodford for making his
research and information available for
use in this Guide and to John Board for
allowing use of his paintings.

John Board's impression of 'New Forelands'

The Britten Norman Aircraft Preservation Society (BNAPS)

www.ivanberrymandirect.com/bnaps.htm
For further details about BNAPS and to register your interest please contact us:

Tel: 01329 315561 · email: [email protected]
or post: BNAPS (BG2014) c/o The Propeller Inn, Sandown Rd, Bembridge. PO35 5PW

37

DANS KITCHEN
DAN AND CARLA MASKELL
01983 872303

Come in, sit down, relax
Enjoy the local produce, great food & fine wines

Open Tuesday evening to Saturday evening

(closed, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday lunchtime)

LOWER GREEN ROAD ST HELENS
ISLE OF WIGHT PO33 ITS

wwwww.daannsskkititcchheennioioww.c.oc.ou.kuk

GANDERS RESTAURANT David & Christine
Upper Green Road, St Helens PO33 1UQ
Tel 0 1 9 8 3 8 7 2 0 1 4 Welcome you to...
www.ganders.co.uk
ST HELENS
Light lunches from £5.20 POST OFFICE
Traditional Sunday Lunch from £8.95
& STORE
Blackboard Specials
• Fresh bread daily
2 Courses from £17.75 • Croissants, pain au chocolat & pastries
3 Courses from £21.95 • Handmade pies
• Brownrigg free range meat & eggs
Local produce • Fresh fruit & veg
Varied a la Carte Menu • Calbourne ice cream
• Lots of Isle of Wight produce
Mother Goose Bookshop • Buckets & spades, etc
Antiquarian & Modern First Editions • Newspapers, cigarettes & alcohol

Specialists in Nautical, Travel, Children’s Illustrated, etc 01983 872710
The best-kept secret on the Isle of Wight
Open 6 days 06.00 ~ 20.00
Browsers Welcome and Sundays 06.30 ~ 19.30

Shop: 01983 874063 5 minutes from Duver Marina
Out of Hours: 01983 873897 Well worth a visit…

E-Mail: [email protected]

Lower Green, St Helens, Isle of Wight
also at The Bookroom, Jireh Place, Yarmouth

38

St Helens

Very much a traditional English village centred
around the second largest village green in the
country with both a cricket pitch and a football
field, St Helens also has a pétanque terrain and a
children’s playground. Popular car boot sales are
held on the West Green on a Sunday during the
summer.
St Helens has played its part in history, particularly
on the sea; it is a well known safe anchorage and
since early days fleets have gathered there before
going to war, including Admiral Lord Nelson's
in 1805 before the Battle of Trafalgar. The Navy
would also collect water from St Helens as it
was known for its purity and would remain fresh
for longer than any other! Stones from the Old
Church were taken to be used to clean the decks
of old sailing ships, giving rise to the practice
known as ‘holy-stoning’ the decks. St Helens Fort
was built between 1867 and 1880 to protect
Portsmouth from French invasion; this fort is now
in private ownership – once a year, at the lowest
tide of the summer, there is a mass walk from
the beach out to the fort and back – there is no
organisation as such, ask a 'local' they'll be able
to advise on the best day! The Royal Isle of Wight
Golf Club was situated on the Duver from 1882
post WW2; it was passed to the National Trust in
1961 to be kept as an open space for all time.
Visitors to St Helens will find all they need
including a post office, newsagent, three
restaurants and an excellent pub as well as many
scenic walks and a superb family friendly beach.
Many events take place in the Village throughout
the year including a Village Fayre (June) and the
Carnival and Sports Day on August Bank Holiday
Monday which has been taking place for over a
hundred years.

39

www. CHARLOTTE HODGE THOMAS .co.uk
AWARD WINNING PAINTINGS & PRINTS
Exhibition Dates for 2014 include:
27 – 30 March @ Lockslane Bistro, Bembridge
10 – 15 April Solo Exhibition @ Quarr Abbey
25 – 28 July Open Studios
16 – 22 August Beaux Arts @ Bembridge Village Hall
21 – 26 August Solo Exhibition @ Quarr Abbey
Check Website for further dates, details and opening times
Private viewing appointments welcome. Call 875727 / 07967 093315

carol pearce

artist
pen & ink, oil, watercolour
Commissions welcome!

tel: 01983 872285

[email protected]
www.carolpearce.net
lantern court
ducie avenue
bembridge iow
po35 5rt

WOODWORKER & TURNER

Maker of small items of furniture
including oak stools

Wooden boxes, nut and bolt peppermills,
enormous salad bowls (and smaller ones!)

- all ideal special presents
Commissions and

antique furniture repairs undertaken
01983 873202 [email protected]

40

Explore our area.... do our TREASURE HUNT

It's for fun, it's not difficult and gives you a tour through Bembridge, sometimes down unknown
paths and shows you just some of Bembridge's great features. Many of the answers can be
found in this Guide or from local shops or businesses. Either walk or cycle but before you start
check out all pages here for other things to find along the way. Join in, enjoy and maybe get a
prize at the end! Don't worry if you don't get all the answers, it's not a test, it's for fun....

Let's get going …

We’re going to start at the End of the Lane with
a boat that’s a friend, so tell me its name?
...........................................................................................

To get to this house you walk up a pier
supported by columns, how many here?
...........................................................................................

Moving on, back up the road to a lane a farmer
knows. Take this left and keep on going till a
What's this? Somethings wrong.............................! Farmhouse name is showing

Name the farm ............................................................

Whilst we’re here let’s look around, a funny roof,
it’s not brown, what colour is it ?

...........................................................................................

Now from here let’s keep on going to a Poplar
Close that should be showing. At the end there
is a track, keep on going on the path straight
ahead, what are the number of the houses, left
and right

.........................................................................

but not this one! You're nearly here..... On we go to the road, turning left a 'Look Out'
we will find, what is this ..............................................
And then a pub, what will we eat here? (clue in its name!)

.........................................................................................................................................................
Up the road and round the corners a little horse we spy, where are we?

..........................................................................................................................................................
Keep to the Coastal Path on the road – take no
turnings – then you'll find a small Royal box
beside a path not to bike. What time would
this get emptied Mon-Fri
.........................................................................................
On down the little cut through, keep on
going and on your left you will find a place
of learning opposite they help to stop things
burning. Who is the head who makes the
bread?
.........................................................................................

41

TREASURE HUNT

Now take a left and take a right – going to find Beken of Cowes
Bembridge Village.
Pass a place of peace you'll find and later on the 'Horatia'
'Lollypops' glowing and a Royal road 1969 Cowes–Torquay–Cowes
What’s its name .............................................................. These motor boats were designed and built in
Bembridge and this one still regularly visits the
nearly there to find a place where Royalty fry? harbour. Can you find out the design name?
.................................................................................................
Who was the owner that raced her in 1969?

.............................................................................................. ..................................................................................................
Here you’ll also find a restaurant with this road’s and what purpose were a number of this design used
original name? as (like the boat on the land)

..................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Take a left – and spy 'The Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick
maker' What's the name?
........................................................................................................................
On we go along the left passing a refreshing stop of years
gone by:

Ye ..................................................................................................................
Past the road to our DIY and find a path on your right for a
downhill trail to the Point, at the bottom, where are we?
........................................................................................................................
Take a right and keep on going....... are we right? (picture right)

At the end before the cars a secret path to
the left takes us over a little bridge and up
some steps to a Boat Shop that’s a Sail.
What is it called ......................................................

Right on the pavement opposite by the
white wall at the end – a flag mast what is
the red flag?
......................................................................................
Ok, okay, we can’t pass here without an ice
cream – what’s the cafés name?
......................................................................................

42

TREASURE HUNT

Do you know why the café is named this?
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Take a short break and look out over the harbour to the St Helens beach – what is the green object
in the harbour entrance?
..................................................................................... and why is it there? .....................................................................
Time to go again back to the road towards the village and try and find a Memory surrounded by
baths nearby, what is it called? .....................................................................................................................................
a little further and a boat on dry land is to be found: what’s its name? .........................................................
Now back up that hill by road to climb, another Royal road, what’s it called? ...........................................
On the corner an old converted chapel, what year was it built? ......................................................................

Now those who know the highway
code, we're not right you know –
can you see a place of worship?
What's its name?
.................................................................................................
and who’s the man in charge?
.................................................................................................
Now we're nearly there, at the end turn left
What is the 'fruit' Shop on the right hand side?
.................................................................................................
On the left a 'Church Hall' – what year was it built and do you know what the Latin motto says?
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
Now here’s something you don’t see now and not used now we are mobile?
What colour am I ?..................... How old am I................. and can you find out what type I am? .............
At last, if you need a trim and you wear the trousers in the house, where would you go from here?
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
This is where our search will end, look overleaf, fill the gaps and your name and lets hope you win
a prize ... if you need a map to get back.... ask the Barber.......

43

and lastly ... What day is commemorated
by these flowers
What is this: .............................................
............................................
and what type? What is this ?
............................................. ............................................
Clue:
Name the bird: Horseshoes are lucky?
............................................
what is its distinctive feature What does this mean:
............................................. .............................................
Where would it be used:
What are these: .............................................
..........................................
and 'where' are they used: What type of fish is this:
............................................. ..............................................
when are they caught:
What is the correct name summer or winter
for this:
........................................... What is this
.............................................
What type is this: Clue:
............................................. Visit the Heritage Centre
Name of Bembridge one:
.............................................

Win a Prize

Drop your completed Treasure Hunt into Gail at Bembridge Barbers
(next door to the village phone box – you're there now) and enter our
'big draw' to be made when the clocks change at the end of summer.
A suggested donation of £1.00 per entry would be appreciated this
will be put towards our 2015 competition and prizes. Copies are
acceptable and may be downloaded from www.bembridge.org

Name: .......................................................................................................... Age if
Address: .......................................................................................................... under 12
email: .......................................................................................................... ..............
Tel. No: ..........................................................................................................

If you would rather not be contacted further after the 'big draw' please tick here
otherwise the BBA will add you to our database and keep you up to date with the
occasional newsletter and offers from Bembridge & St Helens businesses.

“Next year a Scavenger hunt…. Around the harbour and St Helens….”?

44

The Britten Norman
Aircraft Preservation Society (BNAPS)

From the story in the Bembridge & St Helens Guide 2011, the
Britten Norman Aircraft Preservation Society (BNAPS) is now well
into the restoration of the oldest Britten Norman Islander aircraft in existence. This
aircraft will be a permanent memorial to the enterprise of John Britten and Desmond
Norman and all that has been achieved by the company they founded over the past
60 plus years at Bembridge and elsewhere.

The restoration workshop alongside Bembridge
Harbour was set up in 2011 by BNAPS and is a
hive of activity as the restoration team makes
steady progress towards the goal of having the
historic B-N Islander aircraft G-AVCN or "Charlie
November" ready for "roll out" in time for the
"Islander 50" celebration event in June 2015. This
event will mark the importance of the first flight
of the prototype B-N Islander on 13 June 1965 as
a highly successful example of "Island Enterprise".

Above: Working on the Islanders fuselage
Keith Winter & Guy Palmer and right: Bob Ward
Below: Proptech's MD Andy Dare (centre)
with Engineer Ali Mant (right) handing over cosmetically refurbished
second propeller to BNAPS' Trustee, Bob Wealthy – 27 November 2013

For further information about BNAPS and the project:

www.ivanberrymandirect.com/bnaps.htm

To obtain further details about BNAPS and to register your
interest please contact us:

The propeller was kindly donated by Tel: 01329 315561
Cormack Islander Aircraft email: [email protected]
or post: BNAPS, (BG2014),
c/o The Propeller Inn, Sandown Rd,
Bembridge. PO35 5PW

THE PROPELLER INN
overlooking the airport - PO35 5PW

Lunch • Evening Meals • Sunday Roasts • Real Ales • Quiz Nights
Parties • Wakes • Live Music • Weddings • Birthdays
Families Welcome • Business Meetings, etc
Military Museum
Tel: 01983 873611

45

Windmills Preschool –

Encouraging children to thrive

It has been two years since Windmills set Children are children for such a short time and
about the challenging task of raising £20,000 at Windmills they encourage uninterrupted
to enable their move to new premises. With play focusing on how we learn not just what
the help of members of the village, the BBA, we learn. Their children feel confident and
local architect Beth Laitt & Vectis Builders the very prepared for their next steps in learning
children are now enjoying their new specially as they move on to Reception class and new
designed inside-outside space. challenges.
The move enabled Windmills to continue its
legacy of approaching 20 years of service to the Open 8.45am-3pm Mon – Fri, during term time
local community; children from 2 to 5 years of For further information, please contact:
age benefit from a safe, happy and stimulating
educational environment, in which children The Manager, Susan Blissettt 01983 873575
are valued as individuals supported by caring, [email protected]
experienced and qualified staff. This is reflected www.windmillspreschool.co.uk
in their consistent “Good” with outstanding
features from OFSTED who observed

“A rich and inviting play environment, both inside
and out, means that children are enthusiastic
learners”

Over 1,000 copies sold.
Now back by popular
demand a Special edition for
2014, the novel, ‘the story of
Four Islands’.
On sale at Bembridge
Jewellers and Bembridge
Heritage Centre.
£7.99

Featuring the P.L.U.T.O. Pipe Line

46

Culver and Bembridge Downs

Bembridge and Culver Downs form a dramatic promontory at the east end of the Isle of Wight.
These chalk downs are an extension of the ridge from the Needles and Tennyson Down in the west
and includes Arreton, Mersley, Ashey, Brading as well as Bembridge and Culver Downs.
From here there are spectacular views through Sandown Bay and of the English Channel to the
south and Bembridge, Portsmouth and Southampton to the north.
The area has particular historic interest and was for many years classified as a 'Military Zone' and
not open to the public. However, since it is now generally under control of the National Trust the
area is open. There is easy access, by road from the B3395 (Bembridge to Brading & Sandown
Road) and there is plenty of car parking on top of the down. Alternatively there are many paths and
tracks from both Bembridge, Brading and Sandown which transverse the downs. The path from
Peacock Hill / Hillway, Bembridge is steep in places through a disused quarry, but when on the top

there is fairly level walking between the various
features and lookouts.
Local farmers graze cattle and sheep on the land and
there's an abundance of smaller wildlife, particularly rabbits!
The cliffs are important nesting places for seabirds and are
known for breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons.

Peregrine Falcons are not common on the Isle of Wight,
however there are pairs who nest on our Solent Forts
and cliffs annually. They raise 2 to 4 young after 4 weeks
incubation with the young flying in 5–6 weeks.

The Lord Yarborough Monument

This obelisk is dedicated to one man, In 1846 Lord Yarborough died suddenly
Charles Anderson-Pelham, born on 8 on board the ‘Kestrel’ whilst in Virgo, a sad
August 1781 in Brocklesby, Lincolnshire. occurrence as he was unaccompanied by
Later to become Lord Yarborough his any of his family. The Royal Yacht Squadron
summer residence was Appledurcombe Committee put up £200 towards a
and, after his family, his first love
was the sea. Lord Yarborough’s most Nautical Monument or Sea Mark at some
famous ship was the ‘Falcon’, a full-rigged appropriate spot in the Isle of Wight to
ship reported to look like a twenty gun perpetuate his memory. The Memorial
ship-of-war, which was launched in which was erected as a result of their
June 1826. subscription, stands boldly to this day on
In 1825 he was appointed Commodore
of the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes Bembridge Downs to remind yachtsmen
and during his time as Commodore of the first Commodore of the Royal
cruising and yachting flourished, Yacht Squadron to whom they all owe
and the club grew in reputation and so much.
in numbers. In 1835 whilst on the
‘Falcon’ he was badly during a gale Initially the monument was sited
and was further disabled by a bout further to the west on the downs but
of influenza. After this he decided was moved to its present position
to sell his pride and joy and buy a to allow the moated fort to be built
smaller vessel, the ‘Kestrel’.
in 1867 by Prime Minister Palmerston
as part of the defence system
of the Solent.

47

Military History of Culver and Bembridge Downs

Bembridge and Culver Downs are seeped in on a summers evening is unrivalled. Some
history with several military features as well as though may find the cottages rather remote
some dwellings (old Coastguard cottages), a during the winter!
pub and the Yarborough Monument (page 45). The pub – the Culver Haven is again a great
The old Coastguard Cottages are now private location for a lunchtime or summer's evenings
dwellings, when they change hands prices are stop, there is also an ice cream and tea kiosk
quite high due to their fantastic location which open during the summer months.

Culver Battery

Proposals for a battery at
Culver Cliff were made in
1887, however was only
completed in 1906.
During WW1 the battery's
main role was to defend
the Isle of Wight's torpedo
boats' anchorage; there
were two 9.2 Mark V breach-loading
coastal guns and a 6-pound Hotchkiss that
was used as an anti-aircraft weapon. The battery had
facilities, stores, a workshop and telephone room and the off-duty crew lived in the
barracks at Bembridge Fort.
In the 1920s the guns were replaced, these new guns made such a thunderous noise and vibrations
that nearby residents were warned before they were fired! During this inter-war period the battery
had an important function as a test site; the Fortress Plotting system of range finding was tried out
in 1927 and in 1934 and trials took place of three 6" guns with 45° mountings.
At the outbreak of WW2 Culver Down was manned by 118th Battery from the 527th Coast
Regiment – the guns now had ranges of up to 17,000 yards meaning they could assist Nodes Point
to prevent long-range bombardments of Spithead or Portsmouth Dockyard. By 1942 the battery

was stood down from full-time night alerts, however it remained in use for
testing and artillery practice until it was decommissioned by the MOD in
1956. Now a ruin it is a viewing point and public picnic area.

Culver Signal Station

Until the advent of wireless telegraphy in 1899, a ship
beyond optical range of the shore was lost until it
reached its next port. In 1899 Marconi sent the first
wireless telegraph message across the English
Channel and the system was adopted by
the Admiralty the same year.

Culver Signal Station was the first of a
series of wireless stations built along
the South Coast in 1900 it stood until
the 1950s – today there are only the
boundary stones!

A few records have been found... these llustrations are artist's impressions of the Battery & Signal Station

48

Bembridge Fort

A view of Bembridge Fort looking towards the south east

Details of The National Trust Memorial:

Bembridge Fort was a part of the extensive defence system built by
Palmerston administration against possible invasion by French forces
of Napoleon III.

Constructed 1862–1867, at a cost of £48,925 as the main stronghold for
the south coast of the Isle of Wight, with an establishment of 3 officers
and 100 other ranks and ordnance of 2 x 4" breechloading and 6 muzzle-
loading guns mounted on parapet slides.

1880–1900 Experimental base for anti-submarine devices
1900–1914 Training camp and Garrison duties
1914–1920 Heavy Artillery coastal defence
1920–1939 Territorial Army observation post for artillery
based at Yaverland Battery
1939–1945 Command Post for anti-aircraft regiments and
HQ local Home Guard
1948 The War Department relinquished control
1965 Purchased by IW County Council scheduled as
an Ancient Monument
1967 Acquired through Enterprise Neptune together
with surrounding downland for The National Trust

1940 – 1945

A Memorial (currently removed) This Plaque is in honour of the men and women of the Royal Artillery,
giving history of the Fort Royal Navy, Women's Royal Naval Service, the Royal Air Force and
Women's Auxiliary Air Force who served their country at
Bembridge Fort and Culver during World War Two

49

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846. Bembridge Fort

views Bembridge Fort Post World War Two, the fort was looked after
by a resident caretaker until 1948, when it
Enjoy guided tours and was abandoned by the War Department. For
terrific views from this nearly 20 years the property was left empty
unrestored Victorian Fort. and open to the elements and it started to fall
Tours on Tuesdays from into a state of decay until it was acquired by
April to October. Call The National Trust in 1967.
01983 741020 to book. In 1968 it was leased as an industrial site to
Micronair, a crop-spraying company. It is
01983 741020 only recently that a group of volunteers have
nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight started clearing and restoring part of the
property and now visitors may take organised
tours of Bembridge Fort through The National
Trust.
A film of the restoration work done so far has
also been undertaken. The film is due to be
shown for the first time on:

Thursday 27 March
in Bembridge Village Hall
by The Bembridge Heritage Society

The Bembridge Heritage Society

The Bembridge Heritage Society was formed in 1996 to record and present
the rich history and heritage of Bembridge and its surrounding areas.

The exhibition covers many aspects of Village including a large collection of photographs depicting life over the
years. Our cabinets show many intriguing articles from war time to a collection of 1950s stationery and toys. Our
models include Bembridge Station, the restored Pill Box at Yar Bridge and Bembridge Fort. Our original PLUTO
pump creates a lot of interest as do our own publications and videos which are on sale at the Centre.

Do come and visit us and help keep our Heritage for future generations.

Robin Maconchy (Chairman)

Situated off the High Street/Church Street, behind the Library adjoining the Cloisters and Holy Trinity Church
Open 3 April – end of October, Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 10am to 4pm

Saturdays 10 am to 12 noon

Admission: Adults £1, Children under 16 FREE

50


Click to View FlipBook Version