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2013 Edition of a guide to Bembridge & St Helens on the Isle of Wight

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Published by Bembridge Business Association, 2017-05-24 10:40:41

Bembridge & St Helens Guide 2013

2013 Edition of a guide to Bembridge & St Helens on the Isle of Wight

Keywords: bembridge,st helens,isle of wight

BEMBRIDGE
& ST HELENS
GUIDE 2013

Published by the
Bembridge Business Association

www.bembridge.org



BEMBRIDGE & ST HELENS GUIDE 2013

Acknowledgements Welcome - the BBA 5

The Bembridge Business Association would like On the Water & Boats 6
to thank everyone who has contributed to this
venture. Coastal Gardening 10
Particular thanks are due to all the companies and
organisations that have supported the Guide by Staying in our Area 12
advertising and granting permission to use their
material including photographs and illustrations by Beaches 16
Carol Pearce, Sue McLagan, Gerry Price, Deborah
Taylor, Carol Turvey, Ben Wood (Island Images) and Wildlife 18
others.
Front cover: Carol Turvey St Helens Green 20
BBA website: www.bembridge.org
Published by: Local Dogs 22
Bembridge Business Association © 2013
Typeset and designed by Desktop Studio Ltd, Diary 20
Woodnutts, The Duver, St Helens. PO33 1YB
Printed in the UK by: Maps and other info 34
Halcyon Print Management
www.halcyonline.co.uk Bembridge Branch Line 40
Every care has been taken in compiling this
publication and its contents which were believed Steyne Park – BYCC 48
to be correct at the time of printing.
No responsibility can be accepted for any 50 Years of the Harbour 50
inaccuracies. Views or opinions expressed in this
guide are those of its contributors and authors Quiz 52
and do not necessarily represent BBA policy.
For additional copies of this guide please contact Members Directory 58
Desktop Studio, [email protected] or
telephone: 01983 872225. Advertisers Index 64

For all your printing needs:

• Invitations, greetings cards and posters
• Newsletters, brochures, programmes
· Large format printing
• Business stationery

[email protected] 01983 872225

Fax: 01983 875912
woodnutts · the duver · st helens · isle of wight · po33 1yb
· typesetting and design of the Bembridge and St Helens Guide ·

3

Independent Estate Agents

‘Selling not just homes but a lifestyle as well’

For Sale

www.jennyturnbull.co.uk

Centrally located in Bembridge Village
Members of www.rightmove.co.uk

Residential Lettings & Property Management R. M. ASSOCIATES

Member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents • Architectural Consultants
• Planning Applications
view all our properties on • Building Regulations
• Extensions and Conversions
Full referencing service
Secure deposit protection Tel: 01983 873100

Inventory service Fax: 01983 873743
Legal & rent protection cover
www.rmassociates.org.uk
Telephone: 01983 868844
www.keyviewproperties.co.uk 44 High Street Bembridge PO35 5SF

Sherbourne House
Sherbourne Street

Bembridge
PO35 5RZ
Tel 01983 875000 · Fax 01983 875111

hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk · hrdiw.co.uk

[email protected]

4

Welcome

to the 2013 edition of the Bembridge & St Helens Guide.

I thought it would be a good idea to see how our publication has grown since it’s
first inception in 1998 with some 16 pages of information. Over the years, the
Association has grown and now includes St Helens in our coverage. This year’s
Guide runs to 68 pages with a distribution of 20,000 copies.
I was lucky enough to be Chairman at the start of the Bembridge Business
Association and will be finally retiring in 2013 so am handing over the reins to
a vibrant Committee who are looking to promote the Village as never before.

Our new maps of the area will be seen at vantage points around the village
together with our now long established events such as ‘The Lights of Love’ at
Christmas and social get togethers throughout the year. We will be participating
in the Harbour 50 year Celebration weekend in the summer.

May I wish all residents and visitors a wonderful time in our truly unique village
that is not only full of history with it’s famous Windmill and Bembridge Fort to
name just two excellent visitor attractions, but our shopping is still one of the best
on the Island, in that virtually all one's daily needs are provided for. Our Pubs and
Restaurants are well known for good food and drink Islandwide.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their support of the BBA over these
past years and look forward to seeing it grow even bigger and better in the future.

Robin Maconchy
Chairman, Bembridge Business Association

Website Design The Bembridge Business Association
(The "BBA")
Promote your business
Attract new customers and keep existing ones The BBA founded in 1997, is a thriving voluntary
organisation now representing over 130 businesses
A well designed website is probably the most in the parishes of Bembridge and St Helens. Our
cost effective way of promoting your business. members range in size from sole traders through
Whether you need a simple one or two page site, to larger internationally operating businesses and
or something more complex, we are here to help. are engaged in business within a wide variety of
We can also review and redesign your existing sectors.
site to ensure it meets your current needs, and Besides supporting the businesses of the area we
the expectations of users of your website. also organise meetings, events, and visits of special
Contact us today to discuss your requirements. interest to members and we are actively involved in
the local community.
www.vectis-webdesign.com If you run a business located within the parishes
01983 873853 of Bembridge and St Helens and are not already a
member, please visit our website www.bembridge.
org for more information and an application form.
The Committee as at 1 January 2013

Robin Maconchy - (Chairman)
Penny Watts - (Vice Chairman)
Chris Perkis - (Hon Secretary)
David Tarry - (Memership Secretary)

Tim Woodcock - (Treasurer)
David Groom, Mabel Mallinson, Sue McLagan,
Di Oxford, Martin Pay, Carol Pearce, Gail Wade

5

ON THE WATER …

The history of of the villages of Bembridge and St Helens is of communities that have developed
due to their proximity to the sea with the added benefit of a natural harbour, indeed until the
construction of Yar Bridge, Bembridge was itself an Island. The harbour was again reduced in size
in Victorian times with the construction of the railway to Bembridge. The coastline of our parishes
measures approx 6.5 miles and extends from Whitecliff in the south to Nodes Point in the North – as
the 'crow flies' a distance of only 2.5 miles!

BRADING HAVEN KAYAKS DELIVERED TO YOU
YACHT CLUB
FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE
Welcomes visiting Yachtsmen throughout the year
Bar Snacks - Lunches - Evening Meals INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS
GROUP BOOKINGS
(Reduced availability during the winter months) FAMILY PACKAGES
Club Rallies by prior arrangement
Explore our beautiful coastline....
Please phone Bar Manager for availability and bookings

Easy access via Harbour Water Taxi or Tender FOR MORE INFORMATION OR
New Members are always welcome upon TO BOOK PLEASE CALL
application to the Honorary Secretary
07527 667 495
Embankment Road, St Helens, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 1XQ
[email protected]
www.bhyc.org.uk

Tel: 01983 872289

BEMBRIDGE SAILING CLUB

Visiting yachtsmen from RYA affiliated
clubs always welcome

Lunch available every weekend
(Rallies by prior arrangement)
01983 872237

email: [email protected]
www.bembridgesailingclub.org

6

It is natural that almost all residents and visitors to our beautiful villages are attracted to the sea and
getting out on the water, whether in their own boats and yachts or with the various commercial
enterprises in the area. A multitude of marine business are located around the harbour including
boat builders, marine engineers, chandlery, kayak hire, commercial fishermen and fishing trips, boats
for hire, powerboat training and charter and rib rides. We have two Yacht Clubs and an Angling Club.

for great Rib Rides

from the beach and harbour...

01983 778077

[email protected]
www.powerboat-training.com

also Day Charters and RYA Training
woodnutts · the duver · st helens · po33 1yb

"Sooty Shearwater" – 10 metre Shearwater Venture
built by Bembridge Marine and available for charter through Bembridge Powerboat Training

7

Marine Engineers

· SALES · SERVICE · REPAIRS

A high tech service with traditional values....

Embankment Road
Bembridge
Isle of Wight
PO35 5NR

Motorbike MOT testing 01983 873744 www.bms-iow.co.uk

A.A. COOMBES WILL SQUIBB

Proprietors W F T & C J Mitchell BOATBUILDERS & MARINE SURVEYORS

YACHT BUILDERS – boatbuilding . refitting . haul out & storage
MARINE ENGINEERS grp, wood, paint, varnish, antifoul . rib tubes

MAINTENANCE electrical & mechanical engineering
SLIPPING rigging design manufacture & alterations
STORAGE
MOORINGS yacht & small craft surveys
www.willsquibb.net
BUILDERS OF GRP SCOWS Tel: 01983 874629
Mob: 07855 017560
EMBANKMENT ROAD BEMBRIDGE
ISLE OF WIGHT PO35 5NR
Tel/Fax 01983 872296 · Email [email protected]

Tel: 01983 872817
Fax: 01983 875047

Email: [email protected] · Websites: www.bembridgemarine.com • www.shearwaterribs.com
Specialist Marine Engineers

Hire RIBs

Manufacturers of Shearwater RIBs
Fuel injection • Specialist rigging • Electronics • GRP work • Custom installations

Storage inside & outside for up to 11m • Pontoon facilities
All at competitive rates

8

New Boats from our Boatyards

In the first half of the 20th Century and up to the later 1960's Bembridge Boatyards were ‘Boat Builders’;
since then our boatyards have generally only stored and maintained a variety of boats from small dingies,
through Ribs and sports boats, class yachts and motor cruisers. However, 2011/12 saw two of our
members' yards really 'Building Boats' once again.

Bembridge Marine Ltd have started complete production of their Shearwater Ribs. During the last
year they have built and launched three brand new designs – including a 10 metre Shearwater Venture
with inboard 315hp Yanmar engine – "Sooty Shearwater" (pictured elsewhere in this Guide) and is available
to Charter for longer or shorter trips through Bembridge Powerboat Training. Their second all new
Shearwater was the 5.5 metre Shearwater Vis pictured below, constructed specifically for the Superyacht

Industry 'as a Toy and Tender'.
Although only 5.5m it is fitted
with an inboard diesel engine to
comply with the requirements
of the Yacht, that there is no
'petrol' fuel stored on the yacht.
More recently their third new
Shearwater has been constructed,
this 6.8 metre Shearwater Cutter
is fitted with a 150hp 4-stroke
Mercury outboard. These ribs are
all capable of speeds of around
40 knots and are built entirely in
Bembridge.

Will Squibb Ltd has also recently built, from 'the
keel up', an addition to the Seaview Mermaid fleet.
This was the first time that one yard has been
responsible for the complete build of one of these
yachts. The hulls are 7.85m long with a beam of
1.83m and a draught of 1.04m. The Mermaid class
of now, 13 GRP hulls and a couple of wooden ones,
are all different colours – as being able to distinguish
between the boats from the shore is ‘a must’.
'Mimosa' is pictured here on the right.

AA Coombes have built yet more Scows in 2012;
these 11 ft sailing dinghies have continued to be
produced by the yard since the 1950s.

Both AA Coombes and Will Squibb undertake
annual maintenance and restoration of all
types of craft including yachts, dinghies, ribs
and sportsboats. These yards, together with
Bembridge Motor Services (BMS) and
Bembridge Marine, service and maintain all types
of marine engines. Bembridge Boat Storage
and the above provide winter and all year round
storage of a variety of craft.

9

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside – plants that
grow on our shoreline

The plants that grow on our shoreline, and in our coastal
gardens, have to be tough cookies. They have to survive in an
environment that would finish off many a plant in no time at all.
Imagine some of our pampered garden plants trying to survive
the salt-laden winds that batter our shores and shift the very
ground beneath their roots. Then there are the periods of heat
and drought (not much of an issue in recent years!) And to cap
it all, nutrients quickly leach out of sandy soils leaving little to
sustain our native coastal plants.

Despite such a hostile environment many plants thrive.The
stabilised dunes that form St Helen’s Duver provide a habitat
for more than two hundred and fifty flowering plants. Of these,
thirteen are nationally scarce with a further fifteen species
recognised as being rare on the Isle of Wight.

Looking closely at some of these plants gives clues to how
they have adapted to maritime environments. The thorny Sea
Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) filters the wind through its
stiff, dense branches. Its waxy leaves lose little moisture whilst
its roots fix nitrogen in the soil for the benefit of surrounding plants. Thrift (Armeria maritime) grows in
tussocks close to the ground carpeting the Duver in May and June with mats of pink and white flowers.
Other plants that thrive here include Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella),
White Campion (Silene latifolia) and Haresfoot Clover (Trifolium arvense).

Around the Duver’s mill ponds, plants like Sea
Beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritime) Sea Lavender
(Limonium vulgare) and Sea Asters (Aster tripolium)
thrive in the wet, salty surroundings.

From June to October the dunes on the Bembridge
side of the harbour glow with masses of yellow
Evening Primroses (Oenothera biennis) and are
dotted with delicately scented yellow tree lupins
(Lupinus arboreus). Along the shoreline native
plants mingle with plants that have escaped from
the confines of the garden. Spikey leaved Red hot
pokers thrive, flowering for much of the year whilst

(01983) 872241 The Beach Hut, Fabulous food
Forelands Field Road, by the sea
10 Bembridge,
Isle of Wight, PO35 5TR • Fri & Sat eve by reservation
For reservations call • Cosy inside seating
07832 127737 • Fabulous views
• Seafood specialities
for more info visit
thebeachhutbembridge.co.uk

alyssum tumbles down the cliff face. The cliffs near the
Coast Guard Station at Forelands are a riot of colour, with
a springtime show of naturalised daffodils followed by
an impressive exotic-looking display which includes Tree
Echiums (Echium pininana) and Jersey Lillies (Nerines).
Not all invaders should be welcomed with open arms.
Hottentot Fig and Himalayan Balsam may provide stunning
displays but are so invasive that they are listed under
Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. This
means that it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause
these plants to grow in the wild.
The migration of plants from garden to shore need not
be one-way. Many native coastal plants make spectacular
additions to the garden and have the added benefit of
thriving in poor soils and require little care or attention

The architectural form of Sea Holly (Eryngium
maritimum) with its purple thistle like flowers and
spikey leaves deserves a place in any garden. As do
the glaucous blue leaves and honey scented white
flowers of Sea Kale.
Many native coastal plants are a forager’s delight.
Sea Beet, the ancestor of perpetual spinach and
chard), grows in abundance along much of our
shoreline. The blanched shoots of Sea Kale are
considered by some to be a culinary delicacy, which
is certainly true of Samphire. The bitter orange
berries of Sea Buckthorn are in the “super food”
category reputedly alleviating a range of conditions.
Steamed Alexanders taste like celery with a hint of
parsley and wild watercress grows in the water running off the land to the sea. Needless to say, never eat
anything growing in the wild unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe to do so.
The law on collecting from the wild (the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981) makes it clear that uprooting
any plant from the wild is an offence. Foragers should tread lightly, pick only sparingly from plants which
are plentiful and never uproot a plant.
If you feel inspired to grow some coastal plants in your garden, as ornamentals or edibles, try Chiltern Seeds
(www.chilternseeds.co.uk) or The Coastal Gardener in Bembridge for plants (www.thecoastalgardener.
co.uk). For local and coastal fruits, vegetables and herbs visit The Farm Shop in Bembridge.

11

Our Holiday Parks … entertainment or even something in between, you
will have no trouble finding exactly what you are
The Isle of Wight provides a unique holiday looking for in one of the Holiday Parks in this area.
experience. There is so much on offer from Their location on the Island places them in the
exploring the breathtaking coastline and enviable position of being able to boast of access
countryside, enjoying many of the sporting to the many glorious beaches as well.
activities, visiting local attractions and adventure
parks to immersing yourself in historical buildings. Staying on the Isle of Wight and in a setting which
Staying on a Holiday Park can make an ideal base Holiday Parks in Bembridge and St Helens can
from which to enjoy all of this. offer is the perfect way to enjoy your well earned
There is a freedom which comes from self rest. Of course for those who really fall for this
catering, and Holiday Parks have a large variety style of break, there is often the option to invest
of accommodation on offer, ranging from static and buy your own holiday home on some Parks,
caravans, lodges, cabins to staying in your own tent providing an idyllic location for your second home
or motor home. Whatever break you are after, to return to time and time again.

whether it be relaxing with family and friends, Deborah Taylor
spending time with the children, or something with pictures from Sandhills Holiday Park
active, this type of accommodation allows you to
come and go as you choose and make your stay
feel like a home from home.
Everybody looks for and needs something different
when taking time off from their busy lives, and
by staying in one of the many Holiday Parks in
the Bembridge and St Helens area the choice of
location, and in turn the style of holiday is endless.
Whether your ideal setting be a small countryside
park with a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere or
perhaps a larger busier park with amenities such
as restaurants, bars, swimming pools and live

Each of our advertised Holiday Parks give something special to suit everyone – they cater for all ages,
whether you are a retired couple holidaying out of season, a large family group or just some friends
looking for a break in their busy lives.

Sandhills on the beach with a sandy bay below and The Old Mill (see page 18) overlooking Bembridge
Harbour are family-run parks and Whitecliff Bay is part of a national chain, each with its own particular
charm.

12

T r g & Camp g Escape a

Pitches from £4 per night The best of the Island... with our own secluded sandy beach
and boasting indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you want
S f-c g a holiday home or base to explore, there’s a wide choice of
accommodation from luxury lodges to value chalets.
Short breaks from £99

Holiday Hom

From £19,995

S lt s y b ch Check our our latest o ers:
Family ac v i facebook/familyholidays
On-s e B & R taur t
I r & td r p ls
Adv tu p ygr

Call 01983 872671

www.whitecli -bay.com

AN EXCLUSIVE, FAMILY-RUN HOLIDAY
PARK NESTLED IN WHITECLIFF BAY

PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS Sandhills
WITH A TRANQUIL ATMOSPHERE
holiday park
Direct access to sandy beach - One of the Island’s best-kept secrets
A family-run holiday park with an emphasis on quality of service W H I T E C L I F F B AY

A peaceful, relaxing retreat, affordably yours to own

Holiday Bookings 01983 87 22 77 Holiday Home Sales 01983 87 28 98

[email protected] www.sandhillsholidaypark.com

13

Rijnstroom IV - Historic 90ft Dutch Barge … or maybe B & B or
Self-Catering?
Bed & Breakfast
or Self-Catering If a Holiday Park isn’t for you perhaps a B & B or
accomodation in self-catering cottage fits the bill.
Bembridge Harbour
There are numerous reasons to come to
 We have 5 fully furnished cabins available, Bembridge and St Helens, many families come for
with prices from £29 per person per night multiple weeks in the summer for their children to
take part in the 'sailing weeks' at the Yacht Clubs
 Self-Catering available for July & August and continue to 'year on year' as indeed they did as
 Self-Catering Long-Weekends throughout the children, some will end up owning second homes
here but others rent self catering, Alternatively
year except July & August visitors come just to enjoy our beaches and
countryside many homes accept pets and all
www.rijnstroomiv.co.uk 07563 722846 provide your 'home from home' needs!
[email protected]
Our Self-catering homes come in all sizes, from
Breakfast at the luxury ‘Chicken Shed’ at Seachange for ‘two’
TIFFANY’S to Hill Farm (see page 19), giving an opportunity
for 18 ‘plus’ in their three 5-Star units. There are
Traditional Bed & Breakfast units ‘on the beach’, those with views, or others
in the heart of Bembridge Village in the village and harbour area. There are modern
homes including Solent Landing, Harbour Strand
40 Foreland Road, Bembridge,
Isle of Wight. PO35 5XW
Contact
Richard & Tiffany
on 01983 874665
for enquiries and bookings
www.tiffanysbandb.com

All rooms en-suite
Fresh local produce

14

or Port St Helens, ideal for those wishing to be wight
close to the harbour, others 'down Lane End' for holidaylettings
the annual Beach Hut weeks, the choice is almost
endless! for self catering holidays
on the East Wight
There is also a plethora of holiday letting agents in
the area offering all sorts of accommodation both tel: 01983 874430
in Bembridge and St Helens as well as across the
entire Island. fax: 01983 875912
[email protected]
Alternatively there are many B & Bs, ideal for a bembridge.com/holidayhomes
short-stay/weekend break or a stay-over for a
business meeting or dinner, such as Breakfast at
Tiffany’s or Mulberry Cottage, convenient for the
village pubs and restaurants. Perhaps a ‘houseboat’
on the harbour, at Xoron Foatel or aboard
Rijnstroom IV or just in a Pub that looks like a boat
– The Pilot Boat Inn, recently featured in ‘4 in a
bed’ on TV! All are equally comfortable but each
with their individual features!

If you're a visitor and not staying in our area this
year perhaps you may in the future, we look
forward to seeing you.

Bed & Breakfast

Open all year

Embankment Rd, Bembridge PO35 5NS
Telephone: (01983) 874596
www.xoronfloatel.co.uk

15

Telephone: 872742

16

The Beaches of Bembridge and St Helens

Our 6.5 miles of coastline provides varied shores, Ducie
from sand, mud!, shingle, rocks and pools. North facing, gently shelving sandy beach to rocks
Many are ideal for paddling and swimming at on low water mark, stones above high water
varying states of the tide with particularly the mark, ideal for swimming.
exception of the channel into the Harbour where
currents can be very strong and large boats Ducie Beach is accessed down Ducie Avenue
are navigating. Tide times and heights may be where parking is available, there are no other
found in all the marine related business premises facilities on the beach and is not accessible to
including the Harbour Office, chandlery and yacht wheelchair users.
clubs. Watch out on low spring tides that you are
not cut off at the waters edge on the incoming Under Tyne and Swains
tide. There is a parking charge in the carparks North/NE-facing beach with stones above the
adjoing the beaches but parking on the roadside high water mark, a narrow sandy belt and rocky
in Bembridge and St Helens is free. pools and ledges on the low-water mark.

Sandy Cove (St Helens) Accessed through Swains Road, parking on the
To the north of our area below Nodes Point is a roadside is possible further up on Swains Road,
small sandy cove accessible from Old Church in there are no facilities on the beach and is not
all but the highest tides at low tide it extends to accessible to wheelchair users.
rocks and rock pools.
Lane End (Lifeboat beach)
Facilities: same as Duver (below) North-easterly facing, sea wall promenade, short
sandy belt above the rocky pools and ledges to low
Duver (St Helens) water mark.
An East-facing beach sheltered from the
prevailing South westerly winds by the Duver. Facilities: Public toilets adjacent to public car
The beach which is sandy gently shelves to the park (accessible). Lifeboat Station and Shop open
stoney harbour channel is protected by a new to visitors.
seawall promenade. The Duver’s vegetated sand
dunes are usable at high tide and sheltered from the Foreland
east. East/South-east facing is a more exposed beach
with wide areas of sandy beach and rocky ledges.
Facilities: Public toilets (accessible). Stones above high water mark.
Licensed Baywatch beach café (see page 66/7)
serves hot and cold meals throughout the day. Facilities: The Beach Hut café and restaurant
Two car parks, on the Duver, and on sea front. (see page 10). Crab and Lobster Inn - pub
overlooking the beach.
The Point (Harbour and channel)
West-facing, sheltered from easterly winds, Whitecliff Bay
sandy/muddy beach between high and low water, South-east facing but sheltered from Culver
sand dunes usable at high water. Down. A sandy bay with public access through
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park.
Facilities: Public toilets (not accessible to
wheelchair users) in Station Road. Tollgate Café Facilities: Beach café. No public car park.
– traditional beach café with light meals, etc. Car
park available. Dogs (under control) are
generally welcome on the
Silversands Beach (Beach Road, The Point) beaches off Bembridge and
North facing is sheltered from prevailing south- St Helens with the exception
westerly winds, long shallow shelving sandy beach of Whitecliff Bay during the
between high and low water marks. Stony beach summer months. Full details of
above high water mark.
the Isle of Wight Council Byelaws
Facilities: same as the Point (above)
are available at Council offices.

17

Wildlife and the Unusual

We're lucky to have access to so much open countryside around our villages, with the National Trust or
RSPB owning many acres to the west of us we are almost an island within a nature reserve. Whilst we
don't have 'the big 5 of Africa' we do have a multitude of wild and unusual animals such as these below
amongst many others!

Alpacas and Hebridean Sheep

These are two of our
'more unusual' rather
than wild animals.

Rabbit or Hare? Alpacas can be seen
near the Windmill in
The bottom one's the hare with bigger ears and Bembridge - these
completely different back legs. A hare is capable animals are a species of
of running at speeds of over 30 mph, a hare gives camelid domesticated
birth to a leveret in a 'form' (flattened grass nest thousands of years ago primarily for their wool.
above the ground) – hares will more often be Another wool-providing animal is the flock of
solitary. Hebridean Sheep, owned by the NT. They are
grazed either on St Helens Common or by the
Windmill in Bembridge. These sheep are relatively
small and fine boned and both sexes commonly have
two, or more, horns. They are a hardy breed and
able to thrive on rough grazing, so as is the case here,
used for conservation grazing. The ewes are excellent
mothers and commonly produce and raise twins.

Our rabbits on the Duver and particularly on
Culver Down may be a variety of shades of
browny/grey and even black – no they are not just
pets let out in the wild! A male rabbitis a 'buck', a
female a 'doe' and a young a 'kitten' or 'kit'. Rabbits
live in burrows and a collection of burrows known
as a warren!

Old Mill Holiday Park
     ETC

Beautiful position overlooking the
harbour. Small, quiet and relaxed family park.

Choice of quality centrally heated
accommodation. Pine cabins, caravans &

apartments.

Open all year - please call in

Mill Road, St Helens, Nr Ryde PO331UE
Tel: 01983 872507 • www.oldmill.co.uk

18

Foxes A Stoat or a Weasel?
In the 'true wild' the fox will kill his food, including Both Stoats and Weasels are very similar, however
birds and small mammals – there are plenty of the Stoat is slightly larger and the particular
both around our area, however as we all know distinguising feature is the longer tail and black tip.
foxes have become quite urbanised and will often They are hard to spot but can be seen scurrying
be seen in Bembridge, particularly around Station across the Duver Road from time to time and of
Road and the Harbour Strand area, don't put your course on the marshes , etc. They are regarded
rubbish out early in black bags of there will be as pests by gamekeepers and poultry farmers for
plenty to clear up in the morning! killing birds and eating the eggs. They will live

Seals anywhere as long as there is food available!

Common Seals also known as Harbour Seals are Red Squirrel
seen in Bembridge Harbour. They can grow to Red Squirrels are found in all our woodland – on the
quite a size but more often we see the 'pups' here. Duver, Steyne Woods, on the Marshes etc. If one
In 2012 one pup who had lost his mum spent a looks up in the trees you can sometimes see their
couple of days playing in the harbour but being 'dreys' – nests made out of twigs and lined with
lonely then thought he would join the dogs on the leaves, moss, grass, etc. these squirrels also make
Duver. He was picked up by the RSPCA from the use of Woodpecker holes as homes then called
middle of the Duver having encountered various 'Dens'. Private gardens adjoining woodland are often
visited by our bushy tailed
dogs and owners and friend particularly if feeding
crossed a road. There boxes are available! Grey
are many sightings off Squirrels are not welcome
Seaview and the Harbour on the Isle of Wight which
entrance, often mistaken has become a Red Squirrel
as a Black Labrador out Sanctuary.
for a swim!

Badgers

Badgers live in burrows called 'setts' they are nocturnal animals with a very keen sense of smell. The best time

to see badgers is as they are coming out of their sett at dusk, but make sure you are 'down wind' else they will

smell you and stay in their home! Badgers are seen in car headlights crossing roads when out foraging at night.

Hill Farm
St Helens

www.hillfarmbrading.co.uk

Be autifully restored accommodation Sheila Lovegrove

Hill Farm Barn ~ 4 bedrooms Tel: 01983 875184 ~ Mob: 07929 044 205
Hill Farm Lodge & Little Black Barn ~ 2 bedrooms [email protected]

19

ST HELENS – The Green

REGSATNADUERRASNT St Helens is famous for its Village Green,
Upper Green Road, St Helens PO33 1UQ considered to be the second largest in England.
The Green, although split into three or perhaps
Tel 0 1 9 8 3 8 7 2 0 1 4 four or indeed five if the Old Church Green on the
Duver is included, forms the hub of St Helens; it
www.ganders.co.uk is the centre of our village life and there is always
something going on. Ganders Restaurant, Dan's
Light lunches from £5.20 Traditional Kitchen, The Green and the Vine Inn are situated
Sunday Lunch from £8.25 around the Green and are ideal locations to watch
Seasonal Specials Menu the happenings of our daily activities.
2 Courses from £17.75
The Greens are 'aptly' named:
3 Courses from £21.95 Local produce
Varied a la Carte Menu West Green – to the west of the village used
during the summer for Sunday morning Car Boot
Sales, busy trading takes place from a variety of
stalls from 7.00 am until lunchtime. Up until the
Millenium it was also the site of the annual Bonfire
on 5 November, where all the village helped to
build a 'bigger and better' fire each year.

The Cricket Green, in the centre – a tradition in
so many villages, overlooked by the village pub –

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

www.danskitcheniow.co.uk

20

where cricket is played both in the evenings and
over the weekends throughout the summer. There
are a few teams including an Under 11 & 13.
Practice nets can be found on the outer green area
close to the public conveniences.

The Football Green – the largest with naturally
the football pitch as well as the newly built Sports
Pavilion, a Memorial Shelter, Pétanque piste
and childrens playground – again St Helens is a
competitive sporting village and a Sunday morning
will see Dads and boys playing football with
grandparents on the Pétaque piste, children in the
playground and Mums organising in the Pavillion.

The Memorial Shelter is in memory of Dr Wilfred
Metcalfe Chambers and Mark Chappell.

Various annual events are held, including the St
Helens Sports and Carnival which has been held on
August Bank Holiday Monday for over 100 years,
a Fun Fair attends each year and a Village Fayre at
the end of June amongst others.

Mother Goose Bookshop
Antiquarian & Modern First Editions

Specialists in Nautical, Travel, Children’s Illustrated, etc
The best-kept secret on the Isle of Wight

Browsers Welcome

Shop: 01983 874063
Out of Hours: 01983 873897

E-Mail: [email protected]

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

21

Just some of our local pets !

Our area is a mecca for dogs, with miles of beach - just about all open to dogs throughout the year as
well as plenty of open countryside we have some fantastic walks. If you're a visitor do stop and have
a chat. We really are a friendly bunch and would love to share some of our favourite walks with you.
Perhaps pop into our local vet or their shop for lots of excellent toys and food or our dog grooming
parlour for a quick spruce up after a day in the sand! We hope you will share some of your experiences
with us, perhaps over a coffee in the village or a drink at one of our 'dog friendly pubs!

22

Sara’s Dog Grooming

NOW OPEN IN BEMBRIDGE
4 Weavers Yard · Lane End · Bembridge

Sara Kennedy

Fully Qualified Dog Beautician
City and Guild Institute

Tel: 0 1 9 8 3 8 7 5 3 9 6 or
07794 463016

[email protected]

MEDINA veterinary GROUP

email: [email protected]

2 & 4 Foreland Road, Bembridge

with Pets@Medina Vets

Shop Times: Winter: Monday to Friday 10.00am-4.00pm & Saturdays 10.00am-1.00pm
Summer: Monday to Friday 10.00am-4.30pm & Saturdays 10.00am-1.00pm
Surgery Times: Please telephone for appointments

Tel: 883955 / 875901

23

Dance Shoes For all your homemade pies, pas�es, quiches,
soups and cakes.

Sandwiches made to order.

Either take away or relax in our friendly deli‐ cafe.

We sell delicious Isle of Wight produce and local
cra�s at very affordable prices.

All of our homemade produce is available to order
for any occasion.

Lane End Road Bembridge Isle of Wight
Telephone 01983 873951

Co-op Franchise Store of the Year

Free Local Delivery · Free Parking
Post Office

Fresh Baked Bread, Fresh Meat, Fresh Produce
Open til 11 pm · 7 Days a Week

4 Lane End Court · Lane End · Bembridge · PO35 5UE · Tel 872627
24

Bembridge Walks

There are many varied and interesting walks around Bembridge and the surrounding
area, some longer, some shorter, some more ardeous, some just flat gentle strolls
and some hikes over rough and hilly terain. If you have large dogs with you it may be
worth asking 'a local' for information on styles and access, sometimes is not so easy
for larger dogs! The following are just some ideas:

The Bembridge Trail – from 'Newport to Bembridge' – A walk from the heart of the Island to its
eastern tip, over downland, beside marshes at the mouth of the River Yar, passing historic houses and the
tranquil village of Brading. There are several steep sections both up and down where the trail traverses
the downs. Later stages of the walk are fairly flat the walk is some 11 miles.

The Culver Trail - a more local trail across farmland approximately 4 miles with some steep gradiants
and difficult styles for large dogs!

The Bembridge Village Stroll from the Pilot
Boat – Crab & Lobster and return via different route
(approx 1.5 hours)

Others include:
The Yarbridge Stomp & Bembridge Fort Climb (both
approx 2.5 hrs), Longlands Farm Trek & Seaview
Stroll (3 hourse) and Brading Marsh Trek taking a
route all around Bembridge Harbour and marshes
nearer 4 hours.

Many of these walks have been put together by the
Bembridge Village Partnership and all and more are
available in printed form from the Bembridge Parish
Council office in Forelands Road.

Past and Present Walks by Colin Fyrth

Colin has taken the Bembridge past and present walks for several years now. Twice a week for
the Bembridge Coast Hotel and occasionally groups for Churches and Private Parties and as part of
the Walk the Wight. The walk is about 2.5 miles and is taken at a gentle stroll. Colin was born in
Dennett Road and has lived in Bembridge all his life, the last '62' in the same house!

Colin has an incredible knowledge of 'Bembridge' whether it be History, Nature or just 'his home
area' and from every walk he picks up a little more.... He has so many amazing stories to tell of both
the village and the folk who have lived here, he gets a thrill when pointing out places of interest and
how things have changed over the years. He tries to make each walk bespoke and interesting to
the particular people with him with both factual information and amusing memories although says
it is sometimes difficult to talk about events that happened three or four hundred years ago when
many do not know what happened yesterday!

St Helens has always seemed to be more aware of the their heritage by putting up plaques
hightlighting places of interest etc. The more interesting you make a place it follows that more
people will visit therefore it has to be good for business and that is what Colin is endeavouring to do
for Bembridge... to join one of Colin's strolls around our area, contact:

Tel: 01983 872727 · Mob: 07929 006 137 · email: [email protected]

25

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

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

26

Coffee Wine Bistro Tapas

Contemporary relaxed dining in a
welcoming casual setting

Continental Breakfast
Fabulous robust coffee

Enticing Bistro lunches
snacks & sandwiches

Flavoursome Tapas
& Pintxo (Pinchos)

Fully licensed + Wine garden
+ Free Wifi

01983 873555

Bookings advised

11 High Street · Bembridge 11 Foreland Road Telephone:
Bembridge (01983) 873334
(In the High Street opposite Lloyds Bank) Isle of Wight
PO35 5XN
Family run restaurant
using local produce when available LU
SHAN
Frequently changing menus
to reflect seasonal foods 87 55 59

Open for Coffee & Breakfast, Chinese Restaurant and Bar
lunch & dinner & Sunday lunches
Eat In or Takeaway
Please call for opening times, Delicious food, friendly staff
menu details and special offers.
Sherbourne Street, Bembridge
01983 872626

27

www. CHARLOTTE HODGE THOMAS .co.uk
AWARD WINNING PAINTINGS & PRINTS
Exhibition Dates for 2013 include:
30th April – 30th June @ The Garlic Farm
May 27th & 28th @ Lockslane Bistro, Bembridge
July (24th – 28th) @ Bembridge Sailing Club
July (26th – 29th) Open Studio
& Bembridge Harbour Celebration Exhibition
Check Website for further dates, details and opening times

Private viewing appointments welcome. Call 875727 / 07967 093315

carol pearce POMEGRANATE

artist For inspiration, decoration and beautiful gifts
pen & ink, oil, watercolour
Commissions welcome! 37 HIGH STREET BEMBRIDGE ISLE OF WIGHT PO35 5SD

Tel: 01983 872285 Tel: 01983 875009

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

silverpoint fine art
Modern British Paintings, Prints & Drawings

Sailing off Bembridge by Martin Swan RSMA
www.silverpoint-ARTS.CO.UK

Bembridge Jewellers

For all your Jewellery, Watch & Gift requirements and Repairs,
including Ring Sizing/Alterations/Stones replace/Pearl Stringing, etc.

Guaranteed Repairs to all makes of Watches

Estimates Free

Watch Batteries and Straps fitted While You Wait Old Gold & Silver purchased

The Old Bank, Sherbourne Street, Bembridge. PO35 5SB

Tel: 875333 Open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 1pm

28

The Farm Shop & W.W. Woodford & Sons Ltd
The Farm Shop on the Duver
Quality Butchers & Delicatessen
Fresh Produce Daily
Seasonal, local and the more unusual 26 High Street, Bembridge
Telephone: 872717
Free Local Delivery
Milk · Bread · Butter · Veggies · Famous Sausages
· Black & Gold Beef & Lamb
Whole & Health Foods
8 High Street - Bembridge - PO35 5SE · Selection of Cheeses
· Beef, Lamb & Pork
Tel: 01983 874236 · Home-made pie-in-a-box,
including Chicken, Steak
Bembridge Marina (during Sailing Season) and lots, lots more ....

Tel: 07590 376998 Free delivery service to
Bembridge, Seaview & St Helens

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

The Fishermans Wharf, Embankment Road, Tel: 01983 875500
Bembridge, Isle of Wight. PO35 5NS
www.bembridgeflowershop.co.uk

6 HiGH STReeT

BeMBRiDGe PO35 5SD

Vinyl signs & boards, boat
names/vehicle stickers
Lettering, graphics and
striping tape

Shop & Window signage
Health & Safety notices, etc and DIY kits

01983 774467 (7 signs)

part of Will Squibb Ltd.
www.willsquibb.net / 01983 874629

[email protected]

29

Bembridge Harbour Celebration Weekend

Friday 26 · Saturday 27 · Sunday 28 July 2013

Village Sailing Regatta ~ Model Boat Racing
Historical Photography Exhibition

Street Market ~ Hog Roast and Beer Tent
Beach Activities and Tug of War
Bembridge Great Paper Boat Race

Dance on the Duver ~ Firework Display
A full programme of events to be published in May

see: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk
Tel no. 01983 872828

Saturday 27 July 2013

Live Music – Barbeque – Licensed Bar

For further details and tickets, go to:

www.danceontheduver.co.uk

30

Island Diary

March June Sat 1
IW Musical Competition Festival Round the Island Race

(Various locations) Mon 4 - Sat 23 Isle of Wight Festival (Seaclose Park)
Thu 13 - Sun 16
IW Grand National & Ashey Scurry Sun 24

Good Friday Fri 29 Brading 10k Race (Ryde Harriers) Sun 16

Bembridge Art Society Fri 29 - Sun 31 July
Spring Exhibition Childrens Fun Day & Childrens Carnival
Sandown
Newport to Ryde Race (Ryde Harriers) Sat 30 Fri 26

Duck Race Yarmouth Sun 31 Isle of Wight Open Studios(East Wight)
Fri 26 - Sun 28
April Mon 1 Bembridge Harbour Celebration weekend
Easter Monday Fri 26 - Sun 28

West Wight 3 Hills Race (Ryde Hariers) Mon 1 Sandown Main Carnival Sat 27

Bembridge Heritage Centre opens Wed 3 Cowes Dinghy Week - Gurnard Sat 27

Atherfield Ploughing Match Sun 7 Dance on the Duver Sat 27

Isle of Arts Festival (Ventnor) Fri 19 - Sun 21 August
Cowes Week
May Sat 4 - Sun 19 Bembridge Art Society Sat 3 - Sat 10
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Summer Exhibition Sun 4 - Sat 10
IW Randonnee Sun 5 Cowes Fireworks Fri 9
V-Dub Island (Northwood)
Bank Holiday Mon 6 Ryde Children’s Carnival 15 -19
Ryde Main Carnival Tue 16
Walk the Wight Sun 12 Garlic Festival Wed 17
Isle of Wight Half Marathon Sat 17 - Sun 18
RYA Push the Boat out Weekend Sat 18 - Sun 19 Seaview Regatta Sun 18
Tue 20 -Thur 22
Bank Holiday Mon 27

Bembridge Street Fair Mon 27

Old Gaffers Festival Fri 31 - Sun 2 June
(Yarmouth)

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 about an upcoming event at www.bembridge.org, or by contacting any Committee member.

01983 779 337

sound : lighting : staging : ground support : two-way radios

complete event management...

with the best kit and the 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

www.spyderuk.comHead Office: Attrills Yard, The Duver, St Helens

31

Island Diary

Seaview Fireworks Thur 22 Regular Events

National Scooter Rally Fri 23 - Mon 26 Bembridge Fort Tours
Every Tuesday in the month from Apr to Oct.
Bank Holiday Mon 26 Pre booking essential on (01983) 741020 or
email [email protected]. Cost
St Helens Sports & Carnival Mon 26 £3.50 pp including National Trust members.
Bembridge Heritage Centre
Sandown Illuminated Carnival Wed 28 Open between 3 Apr & end Oct - Mondays,
Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00am - 4:00pm ;
Ryde Illuminated Carnival Sat 31 Saturdays 10:00am - 12:00 noon;

September Bembridge RNLI Station
Open: Every day 11:00am - 4:00pm (Jul –
Bestival (Robin Hill) Thurs 5 -Sun 8 Sept);
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Little Britain regatta - Cowes Thu 5 - Sun 8 (Apr – Jun & Oct - Mar 2013)
Tues Evening Crew Training often with
Southampton Boat Show Fri 13 - Sun 22 Lifeboat Launch

IW Cycling Festival Sat 21 - Sun 29 Bembridge Windmill
Open 11am – 5pm every day Apr – Oct
October

57th Isle of Wight Marathon Sun 6
(Ryde Harriers)

Bembridge Arts Autumn Exhib. Fri 25 - Sun 27

Weekend IW Walking Festival Fri 25 - Mon 28

December

Bembridge Lights of Love Sat 7

Christmas Craft Fair (Steyne Park) Sun 22

Christmas Eve Funday (Sandown) Tues 24 Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Don't forget all the fun things IW Grand National & Ashey Scurry 24 Mar
to do in Bembridge & St Helens
Kids Go FREE 29 Mar – 1 Apr
Powerboating
Fishing trips Real Ale Festival 4 - 6 May
Kayak paddling
and just lazing around on our beaches! Festival of Transport 26 May

Mid Summer Jazz Sat 23 Jun

The 1940's Experience 6 & 7 July

Steam Show 23 - 26 Aug

32

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Registered charity number 205846. oonn nnuummbbeerr bbeellooww oorr eemmaaiill::
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National Trust @ Bembridge Windmill
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Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June
Summer Nature Trail CCaallll ((0011998833)) 774411002200
Thurs 25 July to Tues 3 September wwwwww..nnaattiioonnaallttrruusstt..oorrgg..uukk//iisslleeooffwwiigghhtt
Autumn Nature Trail
Sat 26 October to Sun 3 November Registered charity number 205846.

NT@ Bembridge Fort, Bembridge Down Robin Hill

Community Day adventure park & gardens
Sun 14 July (11 am – 4 pm) See www.robin-hill.com/events
for lots of Cool Events including

Mad Easter Egg Dash Sun 31 Mar/Mon 1 Apr
Spring Garden Show Sat 27 & Sun 28 Apr
Highland Gathering Sun Aug 11

Cinema Under the Stars Fri 23 – Sun 25 Aug
Woodland Illuminations – on lots of Evenings

- check out the website
www.robin-hill.com

Bembridge Community Library
Phone no: 01983 873102

Opening Hours
Monday 9.30 - 12.30 & 1.30 - 4.30

Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9.30 - 12.30

Thursday Closed
Friday 9.30 - 12.30 & 1.30 - 4.30

Saturday 9.30 - 12.30

33

34

35

Grove Mews, Sherbourne Street, Bembridge

Telephone: 01983 875859

Contact Full members of:
Mark Willey SOLICITORS FOR THE ELDERLY
(Solicitor)

‘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]

36

The Bembridge Law Practice

The Bembridge Law Practice has now been established in the centre of Bembridge Village for

over a decade.
The Practice has two other offices in Ryde and a wealth of experience in their specialisation of Property,
Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Affairs of the Elderly. The Practice is one of the
few in the South of England that holds the kite mark of Investors in People together with a Charter Mark
nomination for the level of excellence of service.
"It has always been my priority to preserve the family Practice with three generations
having served it since its inception over 20 years ago" commented Terence Willey.
Their Special care to the elderly both at home and in residential and care homes has been widely
acknowledged together with assisting both the residents of the village and those from the mainland with
holiday homes in their specialisation of law has proved to be a valuable aset to the village.

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 ofVillage including a large collection of photographs
depicting life over the years. Our cabinets show many intriguing articles from war time
to a collection of 1950’s 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
37

Harbour Users’ Guide

Tides & Navigation 2.2m and it is recommended to check the tide
gauge carefully. On spring tides the depth in the
Bembridge Harbour is tidal, with access channel can exceed 3.5m.
dependant on tidal height and vessel draft.
No 1 and 2 buoys are lit, Fl.G(2)5s and Fl.R(2)5s
When approaching from seaward, the outer respectively. Other buoys are marked with
Harbour limit is marked by the Tide Gauge reflective numbers and tape.
(Topmark X Fl.Y2s) situated NW of St Helens
Fort indicating the minimum depth of water in Full details and a pictorial navigation guide can be
the approach channel in metres. From there, a found on the Harbour website and downloaded
course of approximately 240 degrees brings you for printing.
to the start of the buoyed channel.
Speed Limit
The channel has 0.2m at chart datum, hence
the depth shown on the tide gauge plus 0.2m is The speed limit of 6 knots must be observed
the depth of water in the channel. On spring/ within the entrance channel and Harbour at
medium tides, 1.5m draft vessels can enter all times. Vessels must not proceed in such a
approximately 3 hours +/- HW. On neap tides manner as to cause damage or annoyance to
with a HW height of less than 4m at Portsmouth, other vessels, or excessive wash on the shore.
the channel depth sometimes does not exceed

38

Harbour Master Chris Turvey:

Over the past 12 months, under the new ownership of Fiona and Malcolm
Thorpe, the Harbour has undergone a vast range of improvements – new
navigation buoys – Visitors’ pontoon 70m extension and dredged both
sides to a minimum of 2m – commercial Fishermans’ pontoon completely
rebuilt. Plans for 2013 include replacing pontoons and dredging
Bembridge Marina, refurbishment of our Berthing Office and a separate
staff room – additional showers / toilets at The Duver – upgraded finger
pontoons to Selwyn and Fishermans’ pontoons.

Bembridge Boat Storage is now established at The Duver providing storage in dry racking, with a
separate shed for owners to work on their own boats, with or without nominated labour.

Bembridge Farm Shop trialled a service at The Duver during 2012 which proved popular, so for
2013 we are providing a dedicated unit.

26th to 28th July will be a celebratory weekend to mark a 50 year milestone for the Harbour. We
hope lots of visitors will join the local community to enjoy the many events planned. Further details
elsewhere in this guide and on our website.

The Harbour Authority welcomes all visitors and rallies. Weekend rallies over 5 boats attract
discounted prices with bigger discounts available during the week!

Please enjoy your visit to the Harbour, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Bembridge Harbour Authority
www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk
[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1983 872828

Anchoring is not permitted in the entrance channel. Water Taxis

Communication Operated 3 hours +/- HW during office hours
and by prior arrangement after 1900 –
The Berthing Office, based at The Duver, keeps telephone +44 (0)7582 806017.
watch on Channel 80 (call sign “Bembridge
Marina”) or you can telephone on Shoreside facilities
+44 (0)1983 872828.
Coin operated laundry facilities are available
Visitors’ Moorings at Bembridge Marina. Disposal for domestic
rubbish is available at all pontoons and the beach.
Visitor berths are available at the Duver Marina.
Boats can also moor, anchored fore and aft, on Fuel
the beach which dries out. Visitors have free Fuel is currently not available from the harbour
use of the shower/toilet facilities at The Duver – only in cans from local garages.
entry code is supplied by our Berthing Office.
Slipways
Charges
Use of a slipway may be arranged with the
A list of berthing charges is available from the harbour staff.
Berthing Office and on the Harbour website.

39

Bembridge Branch Railway by Dr Alan Doe

Although the closing of the Bembridge branch railway There were many plans to construct a railway from

on 21 September 1953 was a matter of great local Brading to Bembridge. The Bembridge Railway,

importance there was added interest because of the Tramway and Pier Act 1864 received royal assent on

gigantic engineering feat that was necessary to bring 29 July 1864 to build a railway from a junction with

about its construction in the first place. There can the IWR at Yarbridge along the south side of Brading

be few railway tracks in the British Isles that run over Haven to a terminal at the eastern end of Ducie Walk

what was previously the sea bed; yet for practically at Bembridge. However, no construction work took

the whole of the 2¾ miles length this is true of the place and little more was heard of the scheme.

Bembridge branch. It was left to the Brading Harbour Improvement and

From about 1840 the mainland had undergone Railway Company (BHI&RC) to actually build the line

railway fervour and this process eventually reached to Bembridge. The BHI&RC was incorporated in April

the Island. On 23 July 1860 the Isle of Wight (Eastern 1874 to build a line from Bembridge to connect with

Section) Railway, later to become the Isle of Wight the IWR's Brading Quay spur.

Railway (IWR), was incorporated to build a 11¼ mile The Brading Harbour Improvement, Railway and
railway from Ryde St John’s Road to Ventnor with Works Act 1874 authorised the company to construct
intermediate stations at Brading, Sandown, Shanklin an embankment from St Helens to Bembridge and
and Wroxall along with a spur or siding from Brading to reclaim all the land upstream towards Brading; to
station to Brading Quay, the main port in the area. construct a port at St Helens and to build a railway
This siding was later to become part of the Bembridge 1 mile seven furlongs and four chains from the IWR
branch. The IWR mainline was opened in steps; to Brading Quay spur via St Helens to Bembridge. The
Shanklin on 23 August 1864 and to Ventnor on 10 scheme, along with the construction of the Spithead.
September 1866. Hotel, was financed by Jabez Belfour’s Liberator

This late 1880s view of Bembridge station illustrates the position of the Royal Spithead Hotel. At the station is the branch
locomotive Bembridge and the Golden Valley carriages. The time is 11.35am and the train has arrived from Brading and has yet
to run-round using the sector turntable. William Weeks, station master is seen to the right of the locomotive.

40

Building Society at a
cost of £420,000. The
line opened with due
ceremony on Saturday 27
May 1882, the locomotive
Bembridge, pulling the
first train, was driven by
Mr George Toogood
from Ryde. The new
railway would have made
a considerable difference
to lives of people living in
St Helens and Bembridge;
Bembridge growing into a One of the Beyer Peacock 2-4-0 tank locomotives passing Bembridge lagoon towards St
major tourist village and St Helens around 1920 with four small ex-North London Railway carriages. The Embankment
Helens into a major port. road and harbour are to the left.

From its opening the Bembridge branch was worked made the requisite number of round trips during the
under contract by the IWR. The BHI&RC was never day, shunted the yard at St Helens Quay and brought
financially sound and was in receivership from its an air of permanence to the eastern end of the Island.
earliest days. In 1895 the Liberator Building Society However, during the late 1920s and 1930s the SR
failed; Jabez Belfour MP, eventually being sentenced made improvements to the branch. St Helens Quay
to a long term of penal servitude in Parkhurst prison was rebuilt as was the bridge at St Helens carrying
on the Island. The BHI&RC changed its name to the the road and railway over the River Eastern Yar.
Brading Harbour and Railway Company under the New engines, Class O2 tanks, and carriages were
terms of the Isle of Wight (Brading Harbour Railway) introduced to the Island and the branch was re-railed
Act of 1898 which also authorised the IWR to take and upgraded.
over the company lock, stock and barrel for £16,500
on 31 July 1898. The General Strike in spring 1926 was a serious affair.
The SR endeavoured to maintain essential services
The IWR ran the Bembridge branch up until the and by the second week, starting on Monday 10 May,
grouping of the railways of the British Isles on 1 had instituted four return workings between Ryde Pier
January 1923. Frank O'Brien Adams remembers the Head and Ventnor between 8.00am and 6.20pm.
village and railway at about the turn of the century; Connecting with these trains were five services
in the years 1900-1902. He recalls that the station from Brading to Bembridge and four in the opposite
master was a Mr Beech and that Bill Vallender was still direction. The branch could claim considerable
the engine driver. The guard was Mr Henry Wheeler. distinction during the strike as Lord Herschell, Lord
in Waiting to King George V, volunteered to become
Close to the station were three public houses; the engine driver on the branch. His home was in
Pilot Boat, landlord Mr J Collins; the Marine Hotel, Bembridge and he had as his fireman Mr A Vernet,
Mr H Weaver and the Prince of Wales, Mr W Cock. his chauffeur, who had driven, by car, virtually every
Five minutes before the train was due to leave, the crowned head in Europe at that time.
station master or porter would ring a bell which could
be heard away up in the village. The engine driver When war came in 1939 the tourist trade collapsed
and fireman could then generally be seen emerging and the railways came under the control of the
from the Pilot Boat, opposite the station yard, having Railway Executive Committee. When war ended in
had their half pint. Driving and firing a locomotive was 1945 there was an immediate post-war boom. The
hot work! locomotives were quickly painted bright malachite
green and worked hard all through the summer
From 1 January 1923 the Bembridge branch was season. After the 1945 General Election, when the
operated by the Southern Railway (SR). This had little Labour Party swept to power, the government were
immediate effect on the branch. The branch train still committed to nationalising the railways. This occurred

41

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)

Tim Woodcock TREVASKIS

Bookkeeping for the small business ACCOUNTING & BOOK-KEEPING

T. 01983 872519 • Bookkeeping Self Assessment • Payroll • VAT
M. 07737 315116 Construction Industry
E. [email protected] • Payroll Pubs, Restaurants, Retail

• VAT For small business by small business
Tel/Fax: 01983 872387
• Charity Accounts
[email protected]
The Old Cottage, Upper Green Road, St Helens PO33 1UQ 67 High Street, Bembridge, I.W.

Jude’s ACCOuNTANCy seRVICes

Are you fed up with professional jargon and receiving
a blinkered approach with your business finances?

Then Jude’s Accountancy Services could be the Whether you’re a sole trader or a large Limited
new accountancy practice to fulfil your actual Liability Company we have experience and
business needs. knowledge of your business sector. We can
• We offer a commercially based approach provide for all of your accounting needs such
as payroll, book keeping, statutory accounts,
to accounting business plan preparation and anything that
• We understand how it works in the real world falls in between.
• We qualified whilst working for successful Our clients come from all walks of life
however, we have considerable experience
businesses, not whilst working in practice with tradesmen, public houses, restaurants,
• We’ve lived and breathed difficult trading retail based businesses, event organisers,
marketing and design agencies amongst many
times having been owner managers ourselves other business sectors.
• We are not just academically qualified (ACMA

& AAT) we are qualified through working at
the coal face.

So visit www.judesaccountancy.com for a full, but not exhaustive list of services offered
or e-mail [email protected] or call 01983 727 024 to have a chat about

your businesses financial management needs.

42

on 1 January 1948. Ryde Works immediately painted The last train ran on the day before, Sunday, leaving
out the words ‘SOUTHERN RAILWAYS’ on the side Bembridge at 9.14pm. Large numbers of villagers
tanks of the engines replacing them with ‘BRITISH turned out to ride on the last train including Mr
RAILWAYS’. It is perhaps sad to say that from that day Herbert Occomore, who for many years Bembridge
the Bembridge branch, along with other lines, was Harbour Master and Pilot and who had travelled on
under financial scrutiny for closure. In the early 1950s the first train ever to run from Brading to St Helens
car ownership was becoming more widespread and in 1881.
bus services more flexible and competitive. The days
of the branch were numbered. After closure many changes have taken place. Up
until the late 1950s carriages were stored and broken
The first closure of the Bembridge branch was in up on St Helens Quay. The quay gradually closed to
February 1951 when there was a national coal commercial shipping. The harbour was sold to the
strike; the closure lasted just six weeks. The branch newly formed Bembridge Harbour Improvement
continued for just another season before final closure. Company under the terms of the Pier and Harbour
John Howard Whitehouse, Warden and founder of Order (Bembridge Harbour) Confirmation Act of
Bembridge school, proclaimed ‘I never thought that it 31 July 1963. The toll road along the embankment
would fall to me to make an announcement of a piece was still owned and controlled by the British Railways
of folly unequalled in my experience … the proposals Board until taken over, and abolished, by the Isle
of British Railways are going to increase considerably of Wight County Council on 25 October 1971.
the dangers on the Island roads’. Nevertheless, and Bembridge station was demolished in the 1970s and
with considerable Island disgust and debate, the the Royal Spithead Hotel in 1989. However, there
Bembridge branch closed on Monday 21 September is still much to see of the original track bed that once
1953. crossed the sea bed.

All pictures – Isle of Wight Steam Railway Collection

A sad view of Bembridge station in 1975. The last train arrived at Bembridge in September 1953 when the branch closed to
passenger traffic. The date on the gable end of 1877 indicates when the station building was constructed some five years before
the first train arrived.

43

WEAVERest.B18R29OS LTD Assisted Living Cottages for the Elderly

Building Contractors courtdrift
and Independent
Funeral Directors ASSISTED LIVING

Lane End Road Our Assisted Living cottages are available
Bembridge on a leasehold basis allowing you to have
your own home whilst offering independent
Isle of Wight PO35 5UE living. At those times when support is
required you can have peace of mind that
Telephone: (01983) 872598 our on-site Nursing Home offers 24 hour
Fax: (01983) 872981 assistance. Other amenities available
include cooked meals, weekly Doctor’s
E-Mail: [email protected] surgery, hairdressing, chiropody, assistance
with shopping to name but a few.
www.weaverbros.co.uk
To come and see what our cottages can offer you
please arrange a viewing by calling 01983 872248

www.courtdrift.co.uk

[email protected]

CHALLEN

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD
All Trades

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

44

RICHARD BUCKLEY lick of paint

quality painting & decorating Painting & Decorating · Wall & Floor tiling
Skimming & Wall repairs
dry-lining, tiling, artexing,
Carpentry: first & second fixing
coving & skimming NO JOB TOO SMALL
ceiling & wall repairs
Fast and friendly services at reasonable rates
telephone:
Call Alex on 07729 712 701
(01983) 874665 or 01983 875210
07866 197 430

S. S. J. CONTRACTORS
LTD
For Building Works
Unit 3, Marine Works,
Embankment Road,
Bembridge, Tel/Fax: (01983) 875050
www.ssjcontractors.co.uk
Isle of Wight. PO35 5NR

house cleaning – holiday home changeovers
spring cleaning – carpet & window cleaning

linen service, laundry & hire
key holders & regular inspections

home repairs & maintenance
gardening, lawn mowing, etc.
rubbish removal / recycling & ‘tip runs’

Jim: 07732 189 837
[email protected]

Energy Bob Brain Services
Performance
Certificates EXTENSION, ROOFING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Local6Energy6u6Green6Deal6Assessor6 Est. 1982.
Tel:60198368752626
Email:[email protected]

Mobile:- 07714 059327

[email protected]

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

45

BPHS

Bembridge Plumbing & Heating Services

Plumbing & Heating Contractors

Heating, Bathrooms, Gas appliances
Servicing & maintenance

Tom Mobile: 07792420921
Mark Mobile: 07934682161

Email: [email protected]

Harbourside Plumbing & Heating I. MANN

arboursi 4 Port St Helens, PLUMBING and HEATING
de Embankment Road,
Plum Domestic and Commercial
H St Helens, Ryde, Gas Boiler Servicing
ting Isle of Wight. PO33 1XG
Repairs and Replacements
bing & Hea Tel: 01983 873195 Bathrooms
Mob: 07939 498 171
(01983) 874224
07813906182

Bembridge Business Association Membership Application

Business Name: ...............................................................................................................................................
Business Address* ............................................................................................................................................
(incl Postcode) .................................................................................................................................................
Tel No. ............................................................................................. Fax No. ..................................................
E-mail address ..................................................................................................................................................
Web Site address ..............................................................................................................................................
Please return the completed form and a cheque for £20.00 made out to“Bembridge Business Association”
to David Tarry, BBA Membership Secretary, Sweet Briars, Preston Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5UN
NOTE - Subscriptions are due on 1st April each year but first subscriptions paid on or after the 1st of January
in any one year will run through to the 31st March of the following year.
*Business must be based in Bembridge or St Helens

46

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
Isle of Wight, PO35 5SF

Telephone: 01983 875917
Mobile: 07970 922 598

The BBA represents businesses
in Bembridge and St Helens IW

www.bembridge.org

47

Bembridge Youth & Community Centre, Steyne Park

Great future planned for revamped Youth and Community Centre

Following its £290,000 lottery-funded refurbishment in 2006, Bembridge Youth and Community
Centre (BYCC) celebrates its 50th birthday this year, and is once again becoming an increasingly
popular multi-purpose venue fit for a wide range of uses, from receptions and exhibitions to
education and leisure classes. Light, airy, comfortable and with full disabled access, the facility’s
central Steyne Park setting and adjacent car park make it the perfect venue of choice.

Originally founded in 1963, the the Lonesome Valley Boys. Other special nights
youth club, which eventually include darts, social, quizzes and games events.
became the BYCC, suffered a The main hall already hosts a wide range of
period of decline in the 1990s activities including weekly dance classes covering
until the Steyne Park building everything from Street and Adult Dance, to Tap
was reinvigorated in the last and Zumba, with sports activities including table
decade after being awarded tennis, badminton and Pilates. There’s even a
a Big Lottery grant and was weekly art class.
rebuilt to include a hall,
refreshment areas and a large The Centre also extends hospitality to local
terrace ideal for watching local football and cricket clubs as well as providing
football and cricket matches. facilities for local schools and the local youth club.
Retired village policeman Ray This year it hopes to add pétanque to its extensive
Rowsell, who was responsible range of activities. The bar area is becoming
for starting the youth club in increasingly popular, and is open to all every Friday
1963, opened the refurbished and Saturday night as well as Sunday lunchtime,
Centre in 2006. which is particularly popular with football teams
and spectators.
Licensed for up to120
people, the Centre has three As the Centre gains more popularity with locals
versatile spaces, all of which can be hired by and as more bookings come in for evening
private individuals, groups and clubs. Leading events, it hopes to extend its opening hours. One
off the spacious main hall accommodating up to
100 people, is a small 40-seater lounge with a
licensed bar and snack bar, offering teas/coffees
and alcoholic drinks at very reasonable prices.
The Centre also boasts a newly-installed catering
quality kitchen, with stainless steel working
surfaces, six-ring cooker and fridge freezer.

Warm days and balmy summer evenings make the
venue particularly attractive, as the snack bar leads
to a spacious outside balcony area and nearby
children’s play area. All in all, the Centre is a
versatile WiFi-enabled location, ideal for corporate
events, private and children’s parties, receptions,
charity events, awards and presentation evenings,
sports and social events, discos, exhibitions, fairs
and workshops. Music nights are particularly
popular and recent events include Northern Soul
Disco and bands including The Mechanix and

48

example has been the success
of hosting the village firework
display and entertainment, a
popular event suitable for all
the family. Many people in
Bembridge are still unaware of
what the Centre offers and the
committee hopes it will once
again become the integral
vibrant social establishment
that it was 40 years ago. As
one of the trustees explains:
“People of my generation
worked hard to raise the
funds to build the Bembridge
Youth and Community Centre.
We would all love to see it
being used as it was originally
intended – young and old
alike!”

For more information, you can contact the BYCC:

Post: BYCC, c/o Bembridge PC, 5 Foreland Road, PO35 5XN

Phone: 07756 296249.

Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.bycc.org.uk & Facebook.com/BembridgeYCC

The Britten Norman Aircraft Preservation Society
(BNAPS)

The Britten Norman Aircraft Preservation Society
(BNAPS) is at present engaged on a project to
restore the oldest B-N 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 + years at Bembridge and elsewhere.

BNAPS also has a keen interest in all aspects of local aviation heritage and regularly holds talks
and meetings together with organising and supporting related events.

To register your interest and for more information about BNAPS, the Supporters Club and the
Islander restoration project please contact us:

by telephone on 01329 315561
by e mail: [email protected]
or by post at: BNAPS, (BG2012), c/o The Propeller Inn, Sandown Road,
Bembridge. PO35 5PW

49

The history of Bembridge Harbour …

The Early Days
The construction of the Embankment which forms
Bembridge Harbour within what was the far larger
Brading Harbour, was to provide protection to the
Railway line which brought the railway to Bembridge in
the Victorian heyday of the Island. Its promoter was Jabeez
Balfour something of a Victorian rogue who embezzled
funds from his own Savings and Loan Company and
served a prison sentence as a result. He was extradited
from Argentina by the simple expedient of abducting him,
bringing him aboard a British ship and not releasing him
until the ship was well at sea and outside local jurisdiction.
Bembridge Harbour was once the main Island entry
port for bulk cargoes brought in small coasting vessels
and barges to the quays running alongside the railway –
now Bembridge Marina. With the decline of the railways
and the more modern and efficient means of handling
goods by road and ferry the Harbour became somewhat
neglected and served as a haven for leisure sailing and
angling and a small inshore fishing fleet.

The Harbour was operated under the authority of various
generic and specific Acts of Parliament and in 1963 an Act
promoted by interested sailors and residents was passed,
The Bembridge Harbour Confirmation Act 1963 which has
been the main statutory framework under which the
Harbour has been and is managed to this day.

The owners over the last 50 years have been many and
varied ranging from Property Companies, International
Dredging Companies, Individuals and at times falling
under the control of Banks and Administrators!

1963 – Bembridge Harbour Improvements Company
Ltd incorporated however it wasn't until 1968 that it was
bought by a syndicate of like minded entrepreneurs for, it
is understood, £30,000. Two members of this syndicate
are well known, one MP Mark Woodnutt and the other
who remained involved until his death some 40 years later
local hotelier and Chairman of the Council, Major Charles
Selwyn. Immediately they set about development firstly
of Harbour Strand, followed by Port St Helens at the top
of the Harbour. The 'water' part of the harbour did not
change, the few commercial fishermen, pilot cutters and
leisure boaters continued to come and go as before.

The Bembridge Harbour Users Group (BHUG)

A sub committee of BASHHA, created in 2005 to represent Harbour Users in negotiations with the Harbour Owners and
other regulatory bodies. BHUG maintains a BLOG giving up to date Notices to Mariners and other information

Visit: bembridgeharbourusergroup.blogspot.co.uk

50


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