cliff fall Brook

It was mobbed – well by Brook in February standards it was. Quite a few people with dogs and children were on the beach and a lot of them were looking at stuff on it – maybe they’d seen Ray’s recent programme too.

It became apparent as I walked further towards Hanover Point that the cliffs here have taken quite a few tumbles this winter. Bits of grass hang in mid air at the top of the cliff where once land would have held them up and fresh screes of orange earth have appeared here and there.

In a few places on the sand there are larger rocks that have been loosened from the earth and fallen from the cliff sides, distinctive from the older rocks that have the green tinge of a regular sea washing and algae growth.

The dinosaur casts are still there though…quite a few of them. Most seem to be the larger ones (too heavy for relic hunters) and those that are missing a toe or so. I counted at least half a dozen and took photos of them.

The tide was in so we couldn’t venture out to the dinosaur footprints that you can see on the rock ledge at Hanover Point at low tide – made by at least two different sizes and types of dinosaur they say. One print was even cut out of the sandstone platform with an angle grinder when Jurassic Park fever was at its height.

These enormous three-toed imprints are a must-see for visitors to the Island, especially if they have kids. I always make a pilgrimage to them if visitors are game – but the rocks are very slippery. It’s best in the summer months when it doesn’t really matter if you fall over and get wet through…

The new chine halfway along the beach, that has cut into the road above and necessitated the imposition of traffic lights, now has a fast flowing river running down it to the sea and you have to pick your way across the stream that runs from the cliff to the water’s edge.

More bits of cliff seem to have fallen nearby, and kids were playing at being palaeontologists with little hammers in the recently exposed cliff areas. Someone had obviously recently taken a hammer to one of the toes of a dinosaur cast and there was a big chip out of it. Duh? Ray Mears would have had something to say about that I’m sure.

Yarmouth Harbour Sports is a challenging and fun event for all ages and this was no exception. I introduced some DFT’s (down from towners’) to the festivities and they all loved it – it’s the very high level of competitiveness that is always present on the water. The dirty shirt (first race) was not entered by team HULVERSTONE as we arrived too late, but after securing a couple of skiffs form the Chairman of the Carnival committee and retrieving them from the other side of the Harbour we were ready in all respects for sea.

The sculling race has always been my forte as my Father didn’t let me have an outboard until I had mastered the skill. There are only a few of us about now so I suggest to you youth out there – it’s a sic thing to do as you only need one oar (like).

I came a close second to the lead and next year the Wife has promised to buy me the winning boat!

Team HULVERSTONE efforts:

Skiff race around the Harbour – 1st

Single Oarsman – 1st

Blind fold race (coxed by a child) – 1st

Hand paddling – 1st

2 Ladies, 2 gents paddle – 3rd

Paired gents Oarsman – 3rd

Single ladies – 2^nd, 3^rd

Paired ladies – 2^nd

Not bad, not bad at all!

The duck race at Brook, however was not as successful! Due to the poor weather we had earlier in the summer the Brook fete was postponed and in its place – a series of highly competitive duck races. You may be forgiven that the scene looks something more Easter oriented but the organiser did have a plethora of duck related prizes.

My daughter got a second and the rest of us had to watch ours come through all but last…..It was a little quackers but a top bill event for a lovely summers afternoon.

With all manner of bric-a-brac and curios, there’s something for everyone from a trombone to a tea set, a saxophone to a Samsung digital camera.

 There are over 150 items to be sold and all proceeds go to the Seely Hall fund. Viewing is from 11.00 AM and the bidding will start at 2.00PM.

The event offers the perfect opportunity to take in the rural surrounds of this picturesque village in the south west wight, while enjoying tea and homemade cakes in The Seely Hall opposite the Green where the races will be taking place.

There will be a series of races from 2pm – 4.30pm with quacking great prizes up for grabs, for adults and kiddies alike!

Children can choose from the assortment of little yellow plastic ducks for their races, while Scottish piper ducks or fancy flashing pretty ducks are available to buy for the adult races.

The ducks are released into the stream by the Green and in a rubber ducky version of poo sticks, the first one past the finish post wins.

Great fun for all the family.

About Brook

Brook village is just inland from the Isle of Wight’s beautiful south west heritage coastline and the Green is in a leafy dell, nestling beneath the downs.

The Seely Hall was given to the village as a reading room in the late 1800s by the Seely family who lived at nearby Brook House. The village church of St Mary the Virgin, perched on the hill to the north of the village is one of the best preserved Victorian churches on the Island.

Horse lovers might be interested to hear that the recent film ‘War Horse’ was based on the book ‘My Warrior Horse’ by General Jack Seely and his horse Warrior lived in the fields around Brook, including those opposite the church. Jack Seely claimed that the proudest achievement of his early life was to row in the lifeboat at Brook next to his family’s home in the Isle of Wight.

Being surrounded by water, means that no matter what the tide or wind direction there will always be a spot perfect for you to get out on the waves. It is exactly this reason that makes it so popular with professionals, that and the good waves and the fact that you can always find a beach that is ideal for your sport.

Whatever watersport takes your fancy  -  there are loads of places across the Island where you can learn safely, with instructors who can impart that important Islander info on the best places to give it a go.

We’ve complied a guide to the top places to learn to get very wet this season…

ISURF

iSurf mobile surf school provide quality tuition for anyone wanting to learn to surf and can take their equipment to locations around the Isle of Wight according to what the weather dictates for the best conditions for learning.

iSurf is run by BSA qualified surf coach Chris Mannion, who has been surfing for over 17 years. Chris has a great passion for the ocean, having travelled the world extensively in search of the perfect waves. He’s been teaching surfing on the Isle of Wight since the age of 16 and is very familiar with the best surfing spots the Island has to offer.

Lessons can be taught as one to one, in groups and females only. Tel: 07968 609169.

WIGHT WATERS

Wight Waters on Dunroamin Beach at Lake, between Sandown and Shanklin, offer surfing and body boarding, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing along with sailing too. This is a lovely sandy beach with a gentle slope giving shallow waters for beginners to practice.

Over the past 28 years Wight Waters Adventure Watersports has developed into a thriving centre, boasting a stable of top quality instructors. They also have a popular social scene, with a café on the beach and barbecues in the evenings.

They’re fully recognised by all the National Governing Bodies and work closely with them to develop the centre. Wight Waters stock all the latest equipment from Starboard and Tushingham and also ensure that their safety boats are modern and equipped to the highest standard.

WINDSTALKER ISLAND KITESPORTS 

Windstalker Island Kitesports is an official Cabrinha school and they aim to teach you all aspects of kitesurfing in a safe and enjoyable way.

“All you need is a towel and swimsuit we provide the rest,” said Jane Harris.

“We also offer kite equipment for supervised hire so if your visiting the Island and fancy a kitesurfing session you can. We can repair all kites and boards and are a Cabrinha kite and associated products distributor.

“Here on the Island we are lucky as whichever direction the wind blows we have great beaches and water to kite from, all within 30 minutes of Newport. It’s fun,exciting and a great way to keep fit.”

PEDAL N PADDLE

Ben Donald launched his company Pedal n Paddle in 2011 to teach stand up paddle boarding and teaches two-hour lessons to individuals, groups or families at a location of your choosing from Gurnard to Shanklin, Newtown, Colwell and Totland to the River Yar. “The Island lends itself very well to many different locations – you can surf on the boards or paddle on flat water. And it’s great for keeping up your fitness if you are a surfer or anyone wanting to keep fit while enjoying the water, so SUP has masses of appeal,” says Ben. “ It might be a craze now, but it’s a fashion that is here to stay.”.

Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing board sport in the world. There are two divisions of the sport: beginners and those doing fitness training, who tend to ride small waves on big wide boards measuring 12ft by 31 inches; smaller boards – between 8ft and 10ft long – are suitable for bigger waves. Ben uses ingenious inflatable boards, which you can also buy or rent directly from him. “It’s an exciting product,’ he enthuses. “They roll-up and pack down small, so they are totally portable and you can transport them around without too much hassle. They are totally soft to land on and are completely indestructible!”

UKSA

UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) offer dinghy and keelboat sailing along with kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing. A taster weekend of kitesurfing includes a basic introduction to kitesurfing enabling you to fly and launch kites safely. “Once on the water, you will experience the exhilaration of body dragging plus have the power to control the kites in a fun and safe environment,” says their website.

MEDINA VALLEY CENTRE

Medina Valley Centre is a Christian charity located on the sheltered banks of the Medina river and they have a fleet of open canoes as well as a fleet of sit-on kayaks and so can offer “taster” sessions in both canoeing and kayaking. “The canoes can be rafted together which produces a very stable ‘catamaran’, which is virtually impossible to capsize,” they say. Sessions are run with a ratio of one qualified instructor to a maximum of eight students- minimum age of eight. Tel 01983 522195.

There are very few truly English village events surviving on the Isle of Wight but Brook Village and Church Fete on July 14^th really fits the bill. Just like the annual cricket match that takes place between the neighbouring villages of Hulverstone and Brook every year, this wonderful event harks back to a time when children were happy playing poo sticks and splat the rat and everything was washed down with lashings of tea and a towering slice of homemade sponge.

With bunting, traditional stalls and homemade cakes, the fete takes place right in the centre of the village on the Green that skirts the stream and all the proceeds go back into the village.

Some might say it’s perfectly formed; not too big and not too small with everyone welcome to attend from 2pm till 4.30pm, entry just £2 per person with under 14s free and free parking.  It is organised by the Seely Hall Committee with teas, coffees and homemade cakes and scones served from the Hall, which is right opposite the Green.

Around 20 stalls fill the Green and are all old favourites such as ‘Grannie’s Attic and Grandpa’s Shed’ vintage and pre-loved bric a brac, the old bookstall, the cake stall full of home-made goodies and the popular tombola. There are traditional children’s games such as skittles and splat the rat and in the stream that runs alongside the green there will be a Rubber Duck Derby with heats throughout the afternoon that will culminate in a Grand Final.

A duo called Easy Listening will be playing as you wander around the fete, chatting with stallholders and, if you’re a local, catching up with old friends and acquaintances. All of the stalls are run by local people and none are commercial – you can be sure that all the money you spend is going straight into the Church and Village Hall for their upkeep and support.

The Seely Hall was given to the village as a reading room in the late 1800s by the Seely family who lived at nearby Brook House. The village church of St Mary the Virgin, perched on the hill to the north of the village that is covered in flowers in the spring is one of the best preserved Victorian churches on the Island.

Horse lovers might be interested to hear that the recent film ‘War Horse’ was based on the book ‘My Warrior Horse’ by General Jack Seely and his horse Warrior lived in the fields around Brook, including those opposite the church. Jack Seely claimed that the proudest achievement of his early life was to row in the lifeboat at Brook next to his family’s home in the Isle of Wight.

Brook village is just inland from the Isle of Wight’s beautiful south west heritage coastline and the Green is in a leafy dell, nestling beneath the downs. If it’s a sunny day you might like to buy some provisions at the fete and take a picnic down to nearby Brook Beach. Or you could wander up onto the downs for food with a view – a walk with fantastic views of the surrounding area.

You just ring Jane and Eric Harris at Windstalker to book a lesson and they’ll tell you where to be and meet you there with all the kit. The beauty of the Island is that there is always somewhere you can kitesurf as we have a beach for practically every wind direction.

Favourable wind to kitesurf is cross onshore/side shore, so it’s Compton or Brook for the south westerly winds, Colwell or Totland for the north westerlies, Ryde for any north winds or Yaverland for any southerly winds. But Windstalker tend to teach at Yaverland, Ryde, Thorness Bay and Bembridge because the beaches are easily accessible, safer and the water is flat and shallow.

Lessons can be one to one or in a group and the only stipulation is that you have to weigh at least 45 kilos to have a go. Equipment is matched to your weight and ability – larger kites for lighter winds but relatively smaller kites for higher winds.

Eric Harris started off as a land-boarder and then took up kitesurfing around nine years ago and is now a very experienced teacher of both sports. He’s especially good with more advanced students, teaching tricks and different moves in serious one to one sessions, but equally good with new students.

Jane has been kite surfing for over three years and great with newcomers. “Women and youngsters can feel more comfortable with me,” explained Jane. “We hope to cater for everyone out there.” Other experienced instructors join the team during the busy summer months. There is, of course, always a safety boat on the water with the students and you wear helmets and float vests while you are kitesurfing. “Safety is absolutely paramount for us,” added Jane.

Windstalkers are now based at Tideways, Bluett Avenue, Seaview, PO34 5HE and their phone number has changed to 01983 613358. Once you’ve got the bug you can pop over to their premises at Seaview and buy your own kit or buy from their online store

through manager Alex Norville – you’ll probably want to after you’ve completed the course. Windstalker are Cabrinha stockists and a Cabrinha registered school and they can do all kite repairs too. Windstalker can also store your equipment for you if you’re and Island visitor and can bring it to the beach for you when you come down, which is really handy.

The beauty of kite surfing, apart from the thrill of flying through the air as you leap from the waves, is that the kit is completely portable. You don’t even need a car: the kite packs into its own backpack and you can carry the relatively small board under your arm.

Kite surfing is to be included in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and currently Windstalker are liaising with a couple of south coast clubs to arrange course racing in the Solent, so if you get really proficient the sky’s the limit!

Oh all right then, we’ll share…

Sandy…

Compton & Brook – I know – such favourites and forever will be. There is nothing as stunning as Compton at low tide with all the rivers and pools of sun-warmed water to run and splash through.

Ryde – great for riding, kiting, and just about everything else really. The sand here is endless when the tide is out. Perfect for a day with the children building sandcastles.

Bembridge Beach – lovely sandy beach great for kayaking, sailing and kitesurfing and on the opposite side of the entrance to Bembridge Harbour is the wonderful sand dunes of the Duver at St Helen’s. Well worth a wander.

Adventurous & secret…

Chilton Chine – This has steep access down on to the beach but once there it is all sand and Jurassic style coastline. Walk right and you’ll come across some amazing rocks scattered on the beach that are so worn by the sea they look like a dinosaur has just laid down and died leaving his skeleton strewn along the sand.

Rocken End – a real gem this beach requires descent by rope and at the bottom comprises tiny shingle and sometimes crashing waves as the waters from the east and west collide at this most southerly point.

The Sandhard – this tiny beach is often completely overlooked. Hidden behind Yarmouth Harbour, the quickest way to get there is to grab a harbour taxi across the water and walk along the jetty to a lovely little spot with small sand dunes, BBQ and picnic area and pebbled beach directly out onto the Solent.

Retro…

Sandown & Shanklin – a must for arcades, stripy deckchairs, the pier and even donkey rides. The sand at Sandown is such a treat too.

Ventnor – vintage charm itself with the esplanade, framing a picturesque beach perfect for flying a kite or lazing in the sun.

By boat…

Scratchell’s Bay – only accessible by boat this tiny pebble beach sits hidden just the other side of The Needles below towering stacks of chalk cliffs going up to the Needle Old Battery above. With turquoise water that shelves deeply, perfect for swimming, you could be in the med…

New territory – the northern shore of the Island from Yarmouth to Newtown (along the Solent side) is a myriad of tiny private bits of beach that were made for exploring and having a good Barbie. Best approached by boat and beach anchored, they are also fantastic for collecting driftwood!

Stripped bare…

Yes – there are even beaches here on the Island where it is OK to get back to nature. As promoted by British Naturism there are naturist beaches at Culver Beach near Sandown, beneath Blackgang Chine and between Atherfield Point and Shepherds Chine. Go on I dare you…

The Wight Riviera Sportive covers the best of the Isle of Wight’s quiet roads and spectacular views, with options from 62km to 154km, racking up over 2200m of climbing across the Islands steep downland profile. By combining a classic sportive route with a closed road lead out, the new event format provides the perfect challenge for the widest possible range of cyclists.

But it’s the starting loop of approximately 25k that will provide the excitement and spectacle associated with marathon events and there are at least 700 riders expected at the mass start in Yarmouth at 10am on Sunday May 20th.

After a short, controlled rollout, you will be released to enjoy the traffic free Avant loop, taking you through Totland, close to the iconic Needles and back past pretty Freshwater Bay before the steep coast road climb of Compton Down cranks up to separate the men from the boys.

You climb up over the military road, past Compton and then turn inland and northwards at Brook. Up to the junction at Chessell and the route crosses the ‘middle road’ and into Broad Lane. This leg has fantastic views across the fields and the Solent as you head back to the start at Yarmouth.

The loop concludes with a quick circuit back at the event centre in Yarmouth and then heads straight back out on the open roads for the rest of the sportive if you choose to take it.

The rolling road closure means that the roads are closed as the riders reach them and opened again once they have gone through, resulting in closures of between 15 and at most 50 minutes, according to the organisers who have tested the route. As the riders complete the loop they will either finish in Yarmouth or head off straight back out on the open roads for the rest of the sportive.

The Isle of Wight opens up to you from here, with a low lying north western leg concluding at Carisbrooke Castle, before the long, straight climb over into Shorwell  in the heart of the Island hills. Steep chalk downs rise across most of the Island, and are criss-crossed by miles of beautiful, quiet country lanes and the route uses these to full effect, leading you on a grand tour of our south coast gem.

A classic downland profile racks up the climbing to give you a proper test, while the scenery provides classic English countryside, villages and sea view after sea view to lift your spirits and spur you on. This is a small island with a big heart, and wealth of opportunities to offer the cyclist; discover it at its best on the Wight Riviera Sportive!

The little lambs are beginning to gambol in the 430 acres of grass that stretch from the downs to the coast at this picturesque part of the Island. Many of these are North of England Mules that have speckly faces but there are also the traditional Isle of Wight breed, the Pol Dorsets, which are white with white faces.

Dunsbury Lamb was established in 2005 by Suzannah Seely, whose husband Patrick was returning to his roots when the couple purchased the farm. The land was once part of the estate owned by his by great grandfather Sir Charles Seely’s during the late 19^th and early 20^th century.

Dunsbury’s very experienced shepherd Steve Fruin, who has worked as a shepherd since 1980, has his hands full at this time of the year. “All the ewes are scanned and separated into fields according to the number of lambs they are carrying. Singles don’t need so much as the triplets,” said Steve. “We keep them close to the farm when they’re lambing and they come down into the yard to lamb indoors in a big shed.”

To see the all of the lambs with their mums is quite a sight, and if you venture down to the farm on Saturday mornings during April, to buy your fresh lamb straight from the farm, you are likely to see them. But don’t worry as the lamb you are buying will be from the lambs that were born last year and have spent their lives happily grazing in their fields with magnificent sea views. Although all meat bought as lamb has to be less than one year old, as Steve explained.

“We still have 400 lambs from last season but they all have to be gone by 12 months because after they get their adult teeth at that age they are deemed mutton,” said Steve. “At four years they become full mouth ewes – they only have teeth at the bottom and a dental plate at the top.

“We did a taste test a few years ago and the Pol Dorsets came out the best. The lamb at Dunsbury does have a distinct taste and we’re sure the salty atmosphere does have an effect on the flavour. Our lamb has to be hung for at least ten days for it to mature nicely. It’s kept in chillers and then brought here for cutting and we sell direct from the cutting room.”

Island Foods in Ryde take the bulk of the lamb from Dunsbury Farm and it is on the menu at many good Island restaurants and hotels such as The Hambrough and The Royal Hotel in Ventnor and The Taverner’s in Godshill. It is sold at the village shop in Brighstone, Orchards at Freshwater Bay and Made on the Isle of Wight near Ryde.

That night I struck pure gold when I came across the absolute stonker of all stonkers and then some more stonkerness, vintage dream heavenliness, dribble, drool, skip with joy ……. watch out for the ladies Sunday best fashions and the lads in fetching knitted swimsuits!

FOR THE LAST TIME

This piece of film from 1933 commemorates the last time the Brook lifeboat was launched using just cart horses and men. ‘When the picturesque gave way to the practical’, as the caption has it.

I grew up just along the cliffs at Brighstone Coastguard Cottages with the stories of valiant lifeboat men and tragic ship wrecks.The Pathe clip brought the whole thing to life for me. With my addiction to all things IOW vintage, I can’t imagine how I hadn’t come across this classic before but it’s now one of my most treasured finds – a little gem of times gone by.

Brook itself really hasn’t changed that much although I don’t think it ever again saw so many people on the beach. The lifeboat station and slipway are still there and I can almost hear the men and horses straining to get the boat launched, however rough the sea.

If this has sparked an interest why not head on over to the Ship Wreck Centre at Arreton and learn about the history of the Island’s lifeboats and the men that risked their lives to save others.

‘My father was a coastguard on the Isle of Lewis and I lived in the Outer Hebrides in the late 1950s. I left school, the Nicholson Institute on Stornoway, when I was 14 and there weren’t a lot of opportunities up there in those days.

‘I always thought I was going to be an artist because I was always painting and drawing. I went back as a life model in the evenings at the art department at the Nicholson Institute. I was very envious and I used to take my paintings in to show them and they would give me tubes of paint. It wasn’t easy to get hold of paint in those days. We didn’t even have television up there at that point.

‘We moved to the Island because my father, Albert Crate, became District Coastguard at Totland. I followed them down when I was 16.

‘When I came to live down here it was a real culture shock. I couldn’t believe the sunshine, there was blossom everywhere, it was like walking into a garden and the white chalk cliffs I thought were the most wonderful things I’d ever seen. Everything down here was so light and bright compared to the dark and brooding Outer Hebrides.

‘I realised fairly early on that I couldn’t break into the art world without going to Art College so I decided I’d have to find my own way. So if someone had an empty shop I’d ask if I could borrow it for an exhibition and I used to put my paintings in and sell them directly to the public.

‘The very first gallery I had had been the WH Smith shed at the old railway station at Freshwater. Then I took over a derelict building in Yarmouth and covered the brick rubble with sheets. In the 70s I had galleries in the libraries.

‘I reckon I had the first installation exhibition ever when I built a kitchen in Ryde library complete with kitchen sink and a string of nappies across it

‘I reckon I had the first installation exhibition ever when I built a kitchen in Ryde library complete with kitchen sink and a string of nappies across it. Tights, suspender belts and all the paraphernalia for being a woman and an artist, and you had to get through all the stuff before you got to the art.

‘About that time I had my first London exhibition at the Embankment Gallery on the SS Tattershill Castle that was moored next to the House of Commons – in 1977 or 1978. I sold lots and that led to another one at Beretta’s Gallery by Holborn, frequented by Fleet Street journalists.

‘By this time I had the little shop in the square in Yarmouth (now Blue) and I had to crate all my paintings up for an exhibition in New York. They sold them all!

‘I did a bit of TV at that time too – South Today adopted me as a local character for some reason. They came and filmed me on the beach whilst painting a picture at Freshwater Bay. It was the middle of winter and freezing and they wanted me to wear something summery!

‘I lived in Yarmouth on the creek in Mill Creek Cottage in the 80s and had a little gallery on the Quay and concentrated on seascapes – I used to work out of doors in those days.

‘In about 1989 I got involved with Quay Arts. It was well established by that time but desperately short of money and it flooded every month. Ultimately I managed to get us a Lottery grant (£1.4m) and was project manager for the refurbishment and also Artistic Director.

‘We managed to open all the way through the refurb and we managed to buy the Rope Store, and Medina Borough Council gave us Jubilee Stores. We got more money to raise the roof for the theatre and to do Jubilee Stores and when it was just about finished I went back to painting full time.

‘I started my present gallery in Yarmouth in 1997. My daughter Amanda, who is a ceramicist, did a lot of the work and I took over when I left Quay Arts. Now my son David looks after the gallery.

‘I’ve also done a lot of public art: the first one was for Brookside Health Centre in Freshwater and then for the foyer at Newclose (now Seven Acres), Birmingham, Winchester and a huge amount in Southampton. I do work for the National Trust and did the murals in the education room at Newtown, and the bird recognition panels in the hides.

‘Being at Newtown was like being back in the Islands where I came from: total darkness, no street lights. I’ve always liked the dark – I think it’s because I grew up with it.

‘I’m working on a series of paintings of Hanover Point at the moment. I get fixated on a particular place. We’ve got a little boat and we go out around the coast. I like to do studies from the sea.’

It looks remarkably, uncannily like a crocodile, perhaps even a fossilised one, the most perfect ever found!

Of course it isn’t really, though there’s plenty of information on the real Island crocs here and it’s in a spot where crocodile teeth have been found too, so it’s all rather apt. And not more than a Velociraptor’s leap away are some of the most amazing dinosaur footprints around (Hanover Point), not just the rough hewn casts, impressive though they are, but the beautiful prints themselves, exposed for just a short time before being eroded away by the tide. Here’s one i was lucky enough to just happen upon out there; a week later it was all but gone.

These prints and casts may have been left behind by a therapod ( the big scary meat eaters like T-Rex and Deinonychus of Jurassic Park fame) or perhaps the gentler Iguanodon (the one with the big thumb spikes).

Good luck finding Croc Rock, but even if you don’t why not make the most of your visit to this extraordinary stretch of coast by walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

The famous snowdrops of Brook Churchyard are going for it and peoples’ gardens are bursting in to life. Displays of wild daffodils in the woods near Bembridge airfield are always worth an explore and hot on their heels come the bluebells. As we near bluebell time (only a few weeks away), visitors who are lucky enough to be here can see a fantastic display in the woods behind the Griffin pub in Godshill a public footpath passes right through this area and a veritable sea of blue is the treat to behold. If you plan to visit Osborne House, in late April go to Swiss Cottage and in an area of woodland beside the cottage great swathes of bluebells create a fabulous carpet.

Right now daffodils are becoming the happening flower, many of the Island villages have verge displays of daffodils, but I have always felt that mass plantings on verges in the countryside are too contrived, in the centres of villages is one thing but beyond their boundaries I prefer to see wildflowers reign supreme. I enjoy to see our primroses flowering and there are some wonderful clumps along the Niton – Rookley road near Shinybricks Road (what a great name that is).

Meanwhile the Island gardeners are once again getting active and many gardens of charm and beauty are being readied for another season, visitors who like gardens should consult the National Gardens Scheme yellow book and go hunting some of the hidden gems of the Isle of Wight.

As for me the pleasure of the garden although an all year round thing now explodes in to life and almost everyday new fresh flowers start to open. I am currently being charmed by my snowdrops and hellebores and the crocuses are beginning to burst forth.

Booking is essential so contact Dinosaur Isle on (01983) 404344 to reserve a place, or book at the museum shop.

March

Yaverland

On Saturday March 17^th at 1.30pm there will be a walk from Dinosaur Isle along the beach at Yaverland, with the opportunity to see how the winter storms have affected the cliffs and beach.

April

Yaverland

Meet at Dinosaur Isle to join a walk along the beach at Yaverland:

Monday 2nd at 1.30pm

Tuesday 3rd at 2pm

Friday 6th (Good Friday) 3pm

Monday 9th (Easter Monday) 10am

Tuesday 10th 10am

Brook

Join a fossil walk at Brook beach, home of the dinosaur footprints that are uncovered at low tide.  Meet at the National Trust gravel car-park, Brook Chine, Brook Bay:

Wednesday 4th 1.30pm

Thursday 5th 2.30pm

Friday 13th 11am

Shanklin

On Wednesday 11^th at 9.30am and Thursday 12^th at 10.00am there are walks arranged at Shanklin – meet at the Lazy Waves Cafe, Shanklin Esplanade.

Here we’ve pulled together our Top 10 Stargazing Stays…

Best National Trust site for Camping

Compton Farm is in an especially dark spot, far from any towns or villages and nestling beneath the downs. You can easily walk up onto the downs from here to get a panoramic view or set up your telescope on the cliff above Compton Beach or, if you’re feeling energetic, down on the beach below.

Best for luxury

Despite the lighthouse, St Catherine’s Point is a good place for star watching, or above at the car park at the end of the old Blackgang Road. On the road between these two points sits the Enchanted Manor, which has an enviable reputation for its hotel/bed and breakfast accommodation – Maggie and Ric have won many accolades including ‘Three in a Bed’ and this is a hotel that will have your head in the clouds.

Best for Lording it Up

Shorwell is a very small village and it gets very dark in this shallow dell beneath the downs that is only a few minutes’ drive from the coast. Northcourt Manor sits just outside the village in 15 acres of grounds that include a pretty stream and kitchen gardens. The largest Jacobean manor house on the Island, it offers bed and breakfast and self-catering in separate wings of this imposing manor.

Best for Breakfast

Gotten Manor is on the outskirts of Chale village and you can opt for bed and breakfast in the old cottage where we are told you get an absolutely wonderful organic spread. Or you could select self-catering in the Milk House or the Cart House. The skies here are dark and expansive, with paths to the downs or you can drive, or walk, down to the coast in just a few minutes.

Best for Groups

At Brook House, there is a choice of self-catering holiday cottages. Westbrook and Northbrook sit one above the other in the courtyard to Brook House, and the Old Coach House is just next door. Sleeping six, four and eight (plus two children) respectively you could accommodate a small stargazing party in the three houses. The nearest beach is Brook (a 10min walk) where the skies are luminescent with stars, and you’re right in the middle of dark sky country here.

Best for Camping

The Isle of Wight Star Party meets at Brighstone Holiday Camp every year so you can be sure of good star gazing conditions at this location. Take your own tent or hire one of the vintage chalets, or you could bring a camper van or hire one of the ones they have on site. Telescopes can be set up near the edge of the cliff to take advantage of the low horizon far out at sea.

Best for Eggs

Free range eggs are included in your stay at Lower Dolcoppice Farm’s Old Dairy, straight from the hens on the farm that loiter around the courtyard. Walk on up this private road to the Hoy Memorial on the downs for a panoramic view of the skies and the south west coast, or just gaze from the fields surrounding this converted stone barn – it gets very dark in these parts.

Best for Being on a Working Farm

Westcourt is an old Elizabethan Manor connected to a farm of 200 acres that has been worked by the Russell family for generations. With fine views across the fields to the sea and within easy reach of Shorwell village, it’s a quick walk to the top of the downs or a short drive down to the sea with your telescopes and binoculars, but the skies around the farm will be expansive and clear.

Best for Vintage

The Mission on Blythe Shute, just outside Chale, is between Blackgang and Whale Chine and only a few minutes’ walk down ‘The Terrace’ takes you to the cliff edge – in fact the road has already gone over it. At night darkness falls like a curtain and you can drive all the way along the Military Road to Freshwater from here, taking in the skies wherever you want to stop. Inside this converted mission hall are the most wonderful vintage touches combined with the contemporary – everyone who has stayed here raves about it.

Best myisleofwight Tip

If being on the road is more up your street then hire a vintage VW camper van from Isle of Wight Camper Van Holidays and you can drive to any star gazing location you choose – a different one every night or even several in one night if you wish. Up on the downs at Culver, in the car park at Compton Beach or deep in the countryside – just pick your spot, park up and brew up on the camper’s cooker. Then lay down a blanket and you could sleep beneath the stars.

1. Rocklands, St Lawrence

Rocklands Estate can accommodate up to 30 guests and has a large creeper-covered manor house and another large property, two acres of gardens, a private tennis court overlooked by a large pavilion and a smaller pavilion with barbecue and stunning sea views. Originally the home of Lord Pelham, there is a banquet table for everyone to dine together, 17 – 19 private bedrooms (ten en suite), large rooms for meetings or socialising, two table tennis tables, two American pool tables, a football table, croquet lawn, badminton lawn, two large hot tubs and it is in the mild, lush undercliff of St Lawrence, near Ventnor.

2. Greystone Cottage, Brook

Greystone Cottage in Brook was built as a farmhouse in 1830 and is an excellent family seaside home for up to eight people perched on the edge of the Chine overlooking the one of the Island’s most beautiful beaches. On the ground floor it has beautiful tiled floors with under-floor heating, there is a delightful spacious open plan living room with French doors opening into the garden with windows along two sides of the room giving it a wonderful light and airy feel. There is also a dining area where 10 people can dine together. On the ground floor there is a pleasant double bedroom with a small sitting area and an ensuite wet room and upstairs there are three further bedrooms including a beautiful master bedroom which is very spacious and has an attractive bay window.

3. Orchard Bay House, Ventnor

Orchard Bay House is a unique property perched on the edge of its own bay, just above the high water mark, with stunning sea views from all of the main rooms. The property has been converted into one home from three coastguard cottages which were built in the 1800’s and now provides luxurious accommodation for ten in the main house, with two further bedrooms in the garden studio. It has a marvellous feeling of light and space with large windows and French doors giving direct access to balconies and a terrace directly above the beach. A walk through the Botanic Gardens takes you to the picturesque Steephill Cove and the coastal path leads eastwards for a further mile to the seaside resort of Ventnor. The house has recently been completely renovated to an exceptionally high standard.

4. SeaGlass, Cowes

SeaGlass in Cowes is an award winning contemporary home above Gurnard bay with 180 degree views over the Solent, and has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. It is based on the Californian ‘Case Study’ houses and the layout and interior design suggest a wonderful 21st century twist on 60’s Californian chic. It was designed by The Manser practice in London and completed in 2007. The main Glass Room has an expansive teak deck on one side and the sheltered white granite courtyard and pool on the other. Behind the open fireplace at the end of the room is a semicircular infinity lawn. The grounds include a number of terraces and eating areas, with a 9m by 5m swimming pool and barbecue area set on a lower level and its own beach. The house incorporates a great deal of sustainable technology, including a ground source heat pump which heats the water and the swimming pool, a rainwater harvester supplying the loos and the garden irrigation system. There are solar panels which also supply electricity and the whole house is super insulated.

5. Ashleigh, Bonchurch

Ashleigh is located on the seaward side of the beautiful and tranquil village of Bonchurch and stands detached within an acre of gardens with large lawns and woodland and is only a ten minute walk from Ventnor. The spacious 1830s house was once the home of one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting and original architectural features include high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, eight fireplaces, wooden window shutters, stripped floors, panelled doors and elegant furnishings. Bonchurch, famous for its Victorian visitors such as Dickens, has a small sand and shingle beach, restaurants and a pottery, one of the oldest churches on the Island, a pub, a blacksmith and a brasserie. Ashleigh is also only a 10-minute walk away from the larger resort of Ventnor.

6. Westside Farmhouse, Chale

Westside Farmhouse in Chale is surrounded by countryside with distant views of St Catherine’s Oratory and the sea can be viewed from the upper level bedrooms. This detached holiday retreat has been lovingly refurbished, boasting many features such as flagstone floors, window shutters, beams and wood-burning stoves. There is a family room in addition to the main living room, and a spacious dining hall as well as separate dining/breakfast room, which leads to a conservatory. The large lawned garden has a play area for children. The charming parish of Chale lies at the foot of St Catherine’s Hill, and has a general store, a 14th-century church and a renowned pub/restaurant, about a mile distant, with the sea slightly further.

7. Marina Villa, Shanklin

Marina Villa in Shanklin was built in 1929, as a gentlemen’s residence, and offers spectacular sea views over Sandown Bay towards Culver Cliff. Noted local architect, Ernest Smith, was commissioned to take full advantage of the cliff-top location and exceptionally sunny climate and designed a grand detached house with decadently proportioned rooms reminiscent of an elegant Mediterranean villa. All the main living and bedrooms have large windows topped by stained glass detail and Art Deco influences include an upstairs sun room with huge sliding picture windows to enjoy the breathtaking sunrises and scenery by day and bay illuminations by night. Huge stained glass windows bring out the oak-panelled hallway, magnificent staircase and galleried landing. Built for entertaining, the house has an impressive triple aspect drawing room and large oak-panelled dining-room with doors into the sun room and garden for al-fresco dining.

8. Mill House, Brighstone

The Mill House in Brighstone is a beautiful detached Georgian house that dates back to the 1700s and stands elegantly within its own well maintained gardens, offering spectacular far reaching views across fields to the Downs, whilst being only 10 minutes’ walk to the sea. Still retaining many features such as stone and wood floors, ornate fireplaces and high ceilings it is ideal for families with a formal living room with open fire and grand piano and a family room with TV and a selection of games, books and toys. Across the lane is a pleasant walk beside the stream, which leads to the picturesque village of Brighstone with its thatched-roof village shops, tearoom, pub/restaurants, and NT museum. The secluded sandy bays of Compton and Brook are all within 10 minutes’ drive.

9. Downedge, Brading

Downedge on Brading Mall looks out over the RSPB reserve of Brading Marshes and on to the coast. It is approached via its own private drive and inside there are six bedrooms, four bathrooms, four reception rooms, some with open fireplaces and all with large windows filling the house with natural light. Downstairs there is a comfortable living room with an open fireplace and views of the ‘massive’ gardens. There is a music room, a children’s play room, a formal dining room and a fabulous brand new kitchen.

10. Tapnell Manor, Yarmouth

Tapnell Manor in Yarmouth is a wonderful, large, family farmhouse boasting spectacular views of Afton downs, the Channel, Yarmouth and the Solent. This delightful 10 bedroom manor house has been newly renovated and boasts a wonderful living area perfect for families or groups to holiday together. It is set between two dairy farms and is surrounded by gardens with wonderful aspects, ponds and walks.

Your Starring Role – Best for kitsch and vintage

You can join the beautiful people at a Hollywood themed pool party this New Year’s Eve at the Cygnet Hotel in Sandown. “Opt to party hard on the dance floor with top sounds and visuals and then swan around the swimming pool, disrobe and splash around or get steamy in the hot tub,” say organisers Blunt Events and Global Productions who are laying out the red carpet to present The Hollywood Pool Party.

“This is the Isle of Everywhere so shut your eyes and click your heels three times before making your grand entrance to this party of a lifetime. With the Hollywood theme you can be your hero for just one night: Marilyn Monroe, Rachel Welch, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, James Dean. You’ve all seen them in those wonderful films where the houses go on for ever and there’s always a pool to pose around or in – now you can join them. You have two bars to choose from, there’s food on offer all night and a cool chill out area if you need some time out from the dance floor.

“Hollywood theme dress means that you can dress up or down – Clint Eastwood wore a lot of ponchos and James Dean favoured jeans. Or you could go for that totally over the top F Scott Fitzgerald Great Gatsby DJs and evening gowns look. Ursula Andress was, of course, especially infamous for her swimwear in Dr. No and Jane Fonda was bordering on bondage in Flash Gordon. Be the film star you’ve always wanted to be and as outrageous or demure as you want to play it.”
The infamous Tickle me Elmo crew will be hosting the night backed up by the very talented Maxx Trax ( Bestival DJ Winner) and Sam Franklin Sam. VJ for the DJ’z will be Tim Callaghan-Martin projecting his wonderful visuals, and award winning magic man Huxley will be astounding party people with his captivating tricks

Totally Over the Top – Best for dancing and foam

Electric 80’s is back this New Year’s Eve at Cowes Yacht Haven Events Centre and this year will be seeing in the New Year not only with all the favourite Electric 80’s Tunes but some of the biggest party tunes from across the decades and a grand firework display to welcome the New Year.

The Haven Events Centre will be transformed with a light up disco dance floor, huge visuals, club lighting, dance podiums, and a giant Big Ben to chime you into 2012. Plus this year they have a bigger and better pyrotechnics fireworks display that will really start your New Year with a bang!

Fancy Dress is of course on the cards – a must according to organisers and it tends to be in an 80s theme, with quite a lot of day-glo and cross dressing. The best outfit will win a ‘Win a ‘Bottle of Sparkles’ from Style of Wight magazine.

Electric 80s’ original home was at the Venue in Ryde and for their regulars they will be laying on buses leaving from the Top of Union Street @ 8.15pm direct to Cowes, returning at 2.15am from the Yacht Haven, direct to Ryde.

Somewhat Spiffing – Best for food and sophistication

For a totally sophisticated entry to 2012 the Royal Hotel in Ventnor is the venue with a six course gala dinner and New Year’s Eve dinner dance with the ‘utterly fabulous’ Liane Carroll and Band and a Champagne reception at midnight.

Playing piano professionally since 15, Liane has won numerous awards including the Ronnie Scotts Award and is also a double BBC Jazz award  winner.

“No  one who hears Liane Carroll in person is likely to forget the experience.  It’s not just that she’s a brilliant pianist and a mesmerising singer, but  that, like Stevie Wonder, she seems in some magical way to be made out of  music.” The Observer.

Lonely Lane – Best for scaring yourself

New Year’s Eve is said to be the night when the magnificent manor house at Knighton Gorges re-appears complete with a party in full swing. Ghost hunters gather at all that now remains, the gateposts, in the hope of catching sight of an apparition – gargoyles are said to re-appear on top of the posts and ‘orbs’ are photographed in the area.

Knighton Gorges was pulled down in 1821 by George Maurice Bisset, possibly to prevent his daughter from inheriting it. Travellers have reported that their cars break down near the gateposts and one man approached a large house for help, but could get no reply from his knocks. The next day he discovered from nearby villagers in Newchurch that the house no longer existed.

Join Ghosthunters at Knighton Gorges for a spooky experience, but remember that this is private land and be careful not to block the road.

Beach Fire under the Stars – best for the real myisleofwight deal

Brave the elements and have a beach fire under the stars to welcome in the New Year – if you’re brave you could even have a quick swim at midnight.

For the darkest skies for star watching you need to pick a beach on the west coast such as Compton, Brook or Brighstone and take a strong torch to collect your driftwood for the fire. This is a great activity for kids to enjoy too – scouting around for firewood, warming up around the flames and then leaping into the waves as midnight turns.

Take something to warm you up afterwards (and before of course) and lots of blankets and towels and see the New Year in immersed in the beautiful Isle of Wight.

Here are some great dog friendly places to walk to for a pint and a sandwich…

South Wight

The walk: A meander down past St. Catherine’s lighthouse to Rocken End beach, and then back along the path that hugs the coast, with a steep climb back up to the top, is sure to whet your appetite. Or you might opt to clamber down through the landslip to Blackgang beach from the old Blackgang road that abruptly stops at the place where the landslide of 1928 broke it in two.

Either way you’ll be pleased to hear that the Buddle Inn at Niton will welcome you and your dog, either in the garden or inside the pub, and have water containers for your thirsty pooch.  A short drive to Ventnor will find you two more dog-friendly pubs: the Spyglass on the seafront and the Bonchurch Inn.

The walk: Shanklin Beach towards Luccombe is a refreshing walk when the tide is low, with the ominous dark cliffs above you and interesting finds on the beach, and on your return you can take your dog into the Fisherman’s Cottage, or sit outside in the small walled garden.

Central Wight

The walk: Meander through Brighstone Forest, then wander to the Longstone or take a brisk walk on Brook beach and you could repair to the Sun Inn at Hulverstone with your dog in tow. Lovely views here across the fields to the sea and a roaring fire in the front bar when the weather gets colder. Or you could try the Crown Inn at Shorwell, which has a pretty garden with trout swimming in the stream.

East Wight

The walk: Fantastic views are afforded from the top of Culver Cliff at the eastern end of the Island, and sunset from this vantage point is often spectacular. You can see all the way from the south of the Island to Selsey Bill, and to the north you can see across the rolling fields of the Island to Portsmouth’s spinnaker tower.

Culver Haven opposite the old coastguard cottages at the top of Culver Cliff has an extensive menu and is very dog friendly, both inside the pub and in the small garden at the back. Down by the water’s edge at Bembridge Ledge the Crab and Lobster welcome dogs as does the Pilot Boat on Bembridge Harbour.

West Wight

The walk: There’s a great flat walk from Yarmouth to Freshwater along the former railway track with a pub at each end! Start at the Bugle Coaching Inn in The Square in  Yarmouth and head up the track to the Red Lion in Freshwater, just across the Causeway that crosses the river about halfway along – both welcome dogs.

North Wight

The walk: Another waterside walk is that from the Folly Inn to Island Harbour and back, where you and your dog will have a warm welcome at the Folly on your return.  Gurnard has a lovely walk along the coastal path towards Thorness with wonderful views across the Solent and just a short drive away is the Traveller’s Joy – also a joy for dog owners.

Do you have a favourite dog friendly pub? If so post a comment and let us know!

Brook House – Westbrook, Northbrook & the Old Coach House

Situated down a quiet private lane, Brook House, once the manor of Brook mentioned in the Domesday survey, offers beautifully appointed self catering accommodation comprising the former servants quarters and coach house. Westbrook sleeps six and has its own garden, Northbrook sleeps four and has a private courtyard, and The Old Coach House can sleep eight.

Located just a 10 minute walk from the beach or the pub, all three ooze character and feel like home as soon as you arrive due to the personal touches like DVD library and pay as you go mobile phone available for hire (the signal is very tricky in this part of the Island).

Old School house

Just a short stroll up from Brook lies the picturesque hamlet of Hulverstone. Here you’ll find The Old School House, a stunning Island retreat, sleeping 8 (with 6 more in the bunk room if needed). This is the perfect spot to go off exploring the South Wight by foot or bike, and there is even a leader board in the kitchen where you can log your times on the Chale Loop – a 17 miles round trip cycle, current record 52 minutes! Other great features about the school house are the real woodburning stove,  stunning bathroom with free standing bath (the size of most peoples sitting room) and games room, oh, and The Sun Inn, which has wonderful local beers is only two doors away – a must visit!

Rose Cottage

Cycle up from Hulverstone, past the fantastic Mottistone Manor Farm Shop, where you can buy all sorts of amazing locally reared lamb, beef and pork, and you arrive in minutes few in Mottistone. Tucked behind the beautiful old church is Rose Cottage, a true chocolate box cottage with roses round the door. Owned by the National Trust, Rose Cottage sleep four and with its large enclosed gardens is perfect for anyone looking for a spot of peace and quiet.

Longstone Cottage

Directly above Mottistone nestled beneath the downs, next to a Megalithic standing stone, is Longstone Cottage. This is another National Trust property, accessed via a winding track that takes you up the side of the down and into a secluded valley, where the only house in sight is this one. Sleeping six, it has no electricity and the whole house is run off gas, so it really is the most tranquil place to escape from the constant pressures of modern day life. There is no better place to wake in the morning, drink a cup of tea and watch the wild New Forest ponies grazing just outside the garden gate.

For more details on holiday cottages on the Island take a look at Island Cottage Holidays, Isle of Wight Farm & Country Holidays,Wight Locations, Island Holiday Homes and of course the Red Funnel website.